NBA 2K14 ReVisited

    Well today another short update on another game out there that I love. NBA 2K14 on PS3. First I just want to say yes I am getting the PS4 version as well. The same basketball game on two different systems? Yes! First off, NBA 2K14 next gen looks freaking awesome. But we are not talking about that one, we are speaking on 2K14 current gen. Anytime I play my PS3, I get in a game of basket ball. I don't know why, maybe because I am a basketball nut or I just really love 2K games (PLEASE COME BACK NFL 2K, ENOUGH WITH THE MADDEN!!!).

     If you were wondering on how you should rate NBA 2K14, think about it like this. NBA 2k14 is "S" series in the iPhone line up. So 2K13 is equal to the iPhone 4 or the iPhone 5. 2K14 is the iPhone 4s or the iPhone 5s, same product but different internals and functions. Now if you hung in there with me, then you can understand what I am saying and know that I am not saying more than what it sounds like. Anyway, 2K14 is basically the same 2K13 game that I loved, but the look and the feel of the game is just a tad bit different and the updated the rosters, controls and the overall presentation. Not saying that this is a bad thing, but it just almost feels like you have done this once before.

     A few questions I got was should a person run out and get this? Well when it first came out, I would have told you "Hell Yeah!" (in the Stone Cold Steve Austin voice). But if you asked me that same question again today, well you might get a different answer. My answer today would come back to you as..."well are you getting a next gen system?" And the question right there will tell all. For those of you who are getting a next gen system, there are a couple of ways of doing this.

1. Have a PS3 and getting PS4: Get the NBA 2K14 Super Fan Pack from the PSN store. It's $99.99 but hear me out. This is the bundle I got. You get the PS3 version of the game (digital download version) and then when you get the PS4, you can just download it from there and have the new NBA 2k14 next gen version as well. So instead of paying $60 for current and then $60 for the next gen version, that is $120 so you wind up saving $20. The good thing about this is, you can have your PS3 version on your system or your child's system and you can play the new version on your PS4.
2. If your not getting a PS4 (or not just yet) and you have a a PS3, then I would say yes, pick this up whenever you can. It is not a game that you JUST HAVE to run out and get unless your a die hard NBA fan and then in that case you probably would have it already.
3. If you want 2K but don't have either system, go with the next gen version, unless you are on a budget and then if that is the case, get PS3 and a used copy of NBA 2K14. 
4. Lastly, for the Xbox 360/One fans, if you don't have 2K14, don't get the current gen version, get the next gen version. 

I don't know what the frame rate or hd quality the game runs at on X1 (because not all games on the X1 run at 60 frames and or 1080p), but I know on the PS4 its 60 FPS (frames per second) and at 1080p, that I can not pass up and neither should you. 

     But this current gen version is starting to show its age on current gen systems......to me. Its like seeing a blu-ray movie and then going back to see a dvd movie of that same movie. My eyes have been opened to the next gen and I will admit I am a bit spoiled by the look of it. Looks are not everything and I got that, but it also looks like it plays well, well at least better than this gen's version. I don't have a problem with recommending this game to anybody though. I will play this game up until I open my PS4 and my copy on next gen finishes downloading. Probably later tonight, I will take in a game of basketball because I love the My Player mode (I think its My Carer now) and that is what I always play. I didn't do the Lebron Path to Greatness mode and I will not. No knock on Lebron, but just not a mode I am interested in, I am more focused on myself. I also dabble in the Association mode. Its nice to go make a trade you think your favorite team should make and then play it out how you want it to.

     Overall, the game is still solid as ever. The updates for the game come pretty quick, the online part of this game is still terrible and lags, but it is a good game that you would not be upset at spending $60 for. I wish the developers would stop taking short cuts in this game (like with the shoes!!! and things like All Star Break, my game was still in Houston) because those were things I thought they would change in this years edition, but sadly they did not. I still love the game and because of that, I say you should still go out and pick it up. It is still one of the better sports games out there and thank goodness no Jay-Z soundtrack this year (YES!!). Still go out and pick this up on this gen or next, you won't be upset overall.

Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA V) ReVisited

     Here is the honest to goodness truth, I haven't played GTA V since maybe the end of October, maybe the first week of November. Here is the thing, the game itself is a great game and it keeps you going.....that is until you beat it or your run out of things to do with your favorite character. I was talking with a friend the other day and he simply stated that he hasn't even beat the game yet. Before I was set to laugh or show a face of awe, he simply stated that the game didn't interest him long enough to make him keep playing over and over again. This is a guy who posed with the games box on social media, heck he was the one who basically got me on board to get the game in the first place. But to laugh him off and call him crazy, well he may be on to something.

     Grand Theft Auto 5 is a great and fantastic game that pushes the boundaries on what a game should be and what a game should include in it. GTA 5 is also one of those games that for some (like myself and my friend) that just kind of came out at the wrong time to keep our interest high. This week is the of the PS4 and next week is the week of the Xbox One. What if Rockstar decides to put out downloadable content between now and anywhere in the near future? I sorry but I am just not getting it. I don't care what's included. This is around the time where developers start to put out that extra content rather it is free or not and people rush to download and talk about later. For me, my conversation over the next few weeks and maybe until early 2014 will be all next gen based.

     I bought the downloaded version so I cannot sell my version (legally) to anyone and get money back for it. So when I spent $60 for the game it's mine forever. Not a bad thing, but now it just I can't turn it in and put money towards another game and all that jazz. However you want to look at it, downloading is a good thing or a bad thing, the end of this month is here and we are looking at next gen right in the face and sorry people, but GTA 5 is an after thought right now. Especially with it not coming to next gen systems (as far as we know). I play about three games right now, Hotline Miami, NBA 2K14, and Battlefield 4. I should be playing Battlefield more, but I am paying the $10 to upgrade to the PS4 and my version of 2K14 is the version that comes with the PS4 version, so the only real game that I am playing on this generations systems is Hotline Miami.

     But for those of you who have not purchased the game yet or are on the fence about getting it, all I can say is, if you are not worried about going to the next gen yet, then absolutely you must get this game. But if you have not gotten this game yet and you are getting a next gen system as well, it might just be time to skip a GTA game. MAYBE. GTA may be the last great game of this current generations life cycles (that is those that are made for both systems; Batman Origins as well) (Beyond Two Souls, The Last of Us are games that you also need as well but only on PlayStation). I know Watch Dogs maybe a game like that as well, but its coming to next gen, so why would I buy it for PS3 or 360?

     But why I said my friend may not be as crazy as you think is because, the game captivates your interest for about a few days or so and then, I don't know what it is, but it just kind of leaves without warning. GTA V Online is awesome. And if your one of the people when the last time I played, got shot or "trolled" by The_D_O_P_E_69, sorry but it was me and in that world there is no right or wrong! I would hear friends team up to do something good or do a mission and then there I am drive by, or setting people up with bombs. I really had a great time with it. But again, my commitment to this game just happen to come at a bad time. Since September, (well really since they announced it) I have been gearing up physically and mentally for these next gen systems and maybe that is why he has lost interest in the game, I can totally understand.

     For those of you who think that this logic sounds crazy, and yell and say GTA is one of the best games ever (as I said so in a earlier post and I stick by that) but the timing of the game and to capitalize even more on the games success, is an opportunity missed or screwed up. I know it beat out Call of Duty as far as game sales and all of that (thank God), but I believe Rockstar could have put the bar higher for, not for themselves but for as far as capitalizing on a great thing. Maybe they have a strategy going in who knows, maybe this is just the beginning of something more to come. All I know is, GTA is one of the best games I have ever played and (could be top 5 best games ever) has been sitting on my hard drive taking up space and whenever the last time I played it, may be just that, the last time i'll ever play it.

   

DualShock 4 (PS4 Controller)

Guess what day is around the corner? If you you said Thanksgiving, you would be right, but I was thinking of something just a little bit better. What could it be? How about the launch of Sony's 4th generation console, the Sony PlayStation 4 or as we all call it The PS4. That is right, the PS4 is right around the corner (November 15th if you forgot) and I have gotten my hands on a very necessary accessory, as in an extra controller. But since, I don't have the console in home yet, the closest thing I have to the actual PS4 is this new form DualShock 4 controller. So how does Sony's newest DualShock stack up? Let's find out. 

Well first thing is first, you can now pick up this controller at GameStop and Amazon. I also believe you can pick up the camera accessory as well and both will run you about $60 American. So the controller really feels good in the hand. It is slightly heavier than the current DualShock 3 and it follows the PS4's new two tone color scheme. So the one I have is black on black or a plastic black on a matte charcoal grey/black. There are rumors of other colors coming our way in America, but when is anybodies guess.

This Would Be A Day 1 Purchase!!

This Looks Good Too!! One Of My Buddy's Favorite Color.

The one problem that I think a person may encounter with the button placement is the share button. Maybe because I was used to start and select in the middle but I didn't press it often on accident but remembering that it is there when you need to press it may be uncomfortable at first. I am also going out to grab the PS4 camera and have that ready as well. There are a few PS4 titles rolling out slowly now. I know at our Best Buy you can get Call of Duty Ghosts now on PS4 and I think Assassins Creed 4 as well. The controller is responsive to input and after several hours of play, your hand (at least mine) didn't get sweaty from playing so long. That is why the Air Flow controllers are so popular, but with this controller, I didn't have that problem.

I have been playing with this for awhile now (well at least 5 days) and really all I play is Hotline Miami and Battlefield 4 with it. I have a list of games that is compatible with it right out the box here. Overall, the controller is stellar and a nice/big change for DualShock fans like myself. So until the real system drops in a few days here in America, this is the best I have to go on. Also want everyone to be aware that this controller is reportedly working with Mac/PC's right out the box as well.

So overall, since the controller is a must for the PS4 and you have no choice but to use it early on in the PS4 release, you'll just have to get used to it. Not saying that it is a terrible controller or feels funny, but it is a mid-major change to a controller that has been around for years (PS1 days) and if your one of the many people coming from Xbox to PS4, then it is a wake up call from what you are used to as well. But it feels good in the hand, and your hands wrap around the controller as if you two need each other (which in essence you do).

So that's it. That's my review of the PS4 DualShock 4 Controller for the PlayStation 4. If I had to grade it, I would say, 9/10 (8.5 at the least and a 9.5/10 at the max). It's not a 10/10, but its damn sure close.

Coming Soon: AOC 23" I2367FH Monitor; I run down my week so far with the Nexus 5. Also we are going to be looking at one of my new favorite things lately, and that is the Philips Hue. And once again we check out some of the most popular PS3 games to come out since 2006 until 2013 as we revisit the Sony PS3. If there are any games you wanted mentioned, send me a message and I will put it in there.

Twittwr.com/TitosTech
Raptr.com/TitosTech
PSN:The_D_O_P_E_69
XBL:Shawn Starr
WiiU: Shawn Starr

POWER A FUS1ON Tournament Controller (PS3 Version)

The FUS1ON

Not thinking about upgrading to the PS4 or Xbox1 just yet? Need a new controller to handle all of the games and new games for the current generation systems? Well look no further than the FUS1ON Tournament controller by PowerA. This is the same company that makes those great air flow controllers and who also has their hands on a controller I reviewed a few months back and one of my favorite mobile phone and tablet controllers; the MOGA Pro. I also have a few other things from PowerA like a few WiiU accessories and Xbox 360 as well. But today, we are going to look at the FUS1ON PS3 edition.

First thing I want to say about this controller is that the presentation of this controller once you unbox it is top notch! Just unboxing it makes you feel like you are getting a very premium controller that you are not upset about spending your hard earned dollars for. The other thing that I want to say early on is that this controller is a corded controller, not a fan of cords but this controller is the exception. One of the main things you feel about the controller early on is the feel of the plastic and the smooth curves that hug this controller. The controller comes with a set of decals and other reading material like product information and warranty info. The box itself houses the kit. The kit contains the reading material, decals, and 4 soft grip handles for the controller and a small screwdriver. The controller out of the box has a unibody hard plastic feel to it. But where the handles are to grip the controller, you can unscrew those pieces and replace them with the included soft grip covers. I played a whole two days with the hard cover (playing GTA V and Battlefield 3) and then replaced them with the soft covers (playing NBA 2K14 and Battlefield 4) which I seemed to like a little better. If anyone out there owns a MOGA Pro controller, then you know what this controller feels like, they feel very similar and the button layout is almost the same.

The Controller also lights up in 6 different colors that are placed behind the two analog sticks and the four buttons (square, circle, X and triangle). The best feature that I like is that, the R2 and L2 buttons are more like "triggers" whereas the original PS3 controller has the buttons going inward. When playing games like Battlefield 3/4, I noticed my fingers didn't slip off the triggers or my thumbs didn't need to be repositioned every few shots because of the intensity. Maybe that is why the PS4 controller went this route as well (and I will talk about that soon as well). As you can tell the controller is set up like the Xbox 360. Which honestly is not a bad thing. The controls are tight and fluid. I didn't notice any "noticeable lag"and I thought the analogs were real responsive to movement and trying to target enemies real quickly. Other than that, there is not much else to say about this controller. It doesn't feel cheap, and other than the cord, which is a special tangle free braided cord, there is nothing real negative about the controller. Since my other controller has finally started to die out on me (well normal wear and tear), it was time to get another controller. But with the PS4 right around the corner, I had to pick up a controller to keep me gaming until November 15th. Thank goodness for PowerA and this wonderful yet lightweight controller. This controller is a keeper and if you are not jumping ship to the new kid on the block just yet this November, then picking up this controller will make sure that those future releases on the PS3 will ensure your most quality control.

Coming Soon: AOC 23" I2367FH Monitor; PlayStation Dualshock 4 (PS4 Controller); I know I said the review of the iPhone 5s was coming, but I decided to go with the Nexus 5 instead. And as soon as that comes in (about 2 weeks) I will have it up for all of you to check out. Lastly, well we check out some of the most popular PS3 games to come out since 2006 until 2013 as we revisit the Sony PS3. If there are any games you wanted mentioned, send me a message and I will put it in there. Also we are going to be looking at one of my new favorite things lately, and that is the Philips Hue.

Remember to circle me on Google+
PSN: The_D_O_P_E_69
XBL: Shawn Starr
WiiU: Shawn Starr
twiter.com/titostech
raptr.com/titostech