The Pioneer LaserActive

Holy crap...

I am a lover for the odd, obscure, and less popular items in movies and games. I've already talked about how much I love the FMV adventure games of the early-mid 90s. I also wrote up an entire post on laserdiscs and why I love them so much! But this... oh this is something that takes the cake of obscure. It takes my love of laserdiscs to the next level. It makes the Atari Jaguar, 3DO, and even the Phillips CD-I or Apple Pippin look like frickin Super Nintendo. I am talking about the Pioneer LaserActive!

Hello beautiful.

History: The Pioneer LaserActive was released on August 20th 1993 in Japan, and September 13th that same year in the US. The console plays laserdiscs, CDs, karaoke discs with an add on, and a couple other add ons that you would need to play the laserdisc games but would also allow you to play games for two other consoles available at the time (which I'll expand on later when I can properly gush about it). A lot of the features were only capable with said add ons so the main machine was mostly limited without them. In short it was a very expensive laserdisc player that initially played video games if you were up to spending even more than the initial, staggering price. The core machine sold at launch for just under $1,000. Then if you wanted the add ons for the full potential of the system you're looking at spending anywhere from $350 to $600 a piece! Meaning if at launch you wanted the full package you were looking at paying around $3000! Or more! And that doesn't include the cost of games or karaoke discs to play, or laserdisc movies which were very expensive at the time as well. Dang. This makes the 3DO, which came out only a month after this in the states, and sold for $700, look VERY appealing by comparison. Safe to say the machine was a commercial failure and was discontinued within a year. It still goes for an outrageously high price used online. But more on that in a bit.

Time to Discuss: This is an amazing example of how great gamers these days have it for value. Back in the 80s and 90s you had to pay a hell of a lot more to get all the best features for a gaming console. Not like this last launch where $400 got you damn near every little feature that would ever come with the console minus the expense of games or access to online play. No, this was back in the days when a $200 console may have been the norm for Sega and Nintendo, but them some of the games would cost anywhere from $40 to $100 depending on how much extra hardware had to go in the cartridge. And those were consoles that ONLY played games. Nothing extra. Then the console that were trying to be ahead of the times would be far more expensive. I already mentioned the 3DO for $700. But then other consoles like the CD-I tried to sell for the same price with a minor set of extra features, or the Neo Geo AES that was anywhere from $400-$650 depending which version you bought. A console super expensive because of how accurate the games were to the arcade versions, which also called for MASSIVE CARTRIDGES  and a retail price of $200 and higher for any of those games. Some of these problems were fixed with the era of CD based gaming (such as the Neo Geo CD with games at the standard $50 price), but still back then you didn't get as much bang for your buck like you do these days. It would have blown or friggin minds if we knew what we could get for $200-$400 in 2014, looking ahead twenty years earlier. I'm just trying to say that if I hear any of you sons of bitches complain about the high cost of gaming these days, or how the Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures is too much at $15, then just remember that I paid more for Star Fox 64 at launch than you did for the last Call of Duty game on a next gen console, and that was in 1990s money!

In 1992 if you wanted to play Street Fighter II at home you had to pay $75. Not turbo, not a remix, just straight Street Fighter II.

Much like laserdiscs themselves it is hard for me to explain exactly why I have such a fascination with this machine. I know a part of it is the obscurity. I hadn't even heard of this console until a few months ago. And it got me so excited to know it exists! I though laserdiscs games were only something that existed in the arcades, and then those same games had lessened experiences at home. Like Dragon's Lair being ported to the Sega CD for example. Now the LaserActive had a very short lifespan, about the same length as the Virtual Boy if I've got my facts straight. So VERY few games were made for it. And of those games I couldn't tell you how close they were to the arcade originals for those that apply. So knowing now that a similar experience of what was played in the arcades was being done at home is awesome. Something that was mastered a long time ago. But as the common phrase goes when looking back, at the time this was amazing. It's just such a shame that the tech cost so much.

Before I move onto my favorite part (the add ons) I want to talk about the games actually released for the LaserActive core system.

As I mentioned in my laserdisc post only so much video can go on a laserdisc until you have to flip it over or put in a new disc. This is something I made sure to consider when looking into these games. I can't quote how long these games are since some could have come on more than one disc. But I know a few that weren't that long because of the technology. It made me think about some of the games for Sega CD or even early Playstation/Saturn. So much was packed in to impress with the tech at the time that actual gameplay and length were dropped. Kinda like modern FPS shooters. Ba dum tish.

Here's a rundown of the games released in sorta alphabetical order. I bunched them together for games that are similar. Don't worry. This wont take long:

-3D Museum (Japan/US), 3D Virtual Australia (Japan), Goku (Japan/US), The Great Pyramid (Japan/US), Melon Brains (Japan/US), Quiz Econosaurus (Japan/US): The console's selection of edutainment games. From what I've seen they mostly look like interactive documentaries. Not much that's too exciting here, but you can use the 3D goggles add on for some of these games if you're into that sort of thing.

-Akuma no Shinban (Demon's Judgment) (Japan): Had a lot of trouble finding out much of anything on this game. Apparently it is a quiz game based on a popular game show at the time. That's really all I know about it.

-Angel Mate (Japan) and Dora Dora Paradise (Japan): Strip poker with some ladies! It transfers between full motion video in the cut scenes with an anime style chick in the actual gameplay. Couldn't tell you how much nudity is actually in the game. The in game gameplay only shows the lady shoulders up. Dora Dora Paradise is similar but with mahjong instead.

-Back To The Edo (Japan) and Don Quixote (US): I can't find a damn thing about these games outside of some screenshots and intro videos. No idea what kind of games they are but if I had to guess I'd say they were interactive movies, or close to something like that. LOVE the box art for Back To The Edo, though.

-Bi Ryojon Collection (Pretty Illusion - Minayo Watanabe) (Japan) and Bi Ryojon Collection II (Pretty Illusion - Yuko Sakaki) (Japan), Dr. Paolo No Tokkeoki Video (Japan), Virtual Cameraman (Japan) and Virtual Cameraman 2 (Japan): You interact with some pretty Japanese women in hopes of seeing more skin. Seem like a very very simplified version of the mega popular dating simulations over there. From what I can tell they mostly consist of collections of videos and pictures of said women. The whole thing feels very voyeuristic.

-Ghost Rush (US): From what I've seen it's like and adventure game in the same realm as D and The 7th Guest, only crappier looking. There is some interactivity with crosshairs and shooting but not much. Could be fun with it's old school visuals and quirky looking story. I love haunted houses.

-High Roller Battle (Japan/US), Hyperion (Japan/US), Pyramid Patrol (Japan/US), Space Berserker (Japan/US), Vajra (Japan/US) and Vajra 2 (Japan): All are very similar style rail shooters. There's full motion video (pre-rendered early 3D, which I adore) and a crosshair is over it to shoot things. For such a straight forward game style I know these kinds of games can vary in quality so whatever floats your boat for this category. Couldn't tell you which is the best but I've heard Vajra is one of the better ones. That and it looks to be one of the best from gameplay videos.

-I Will: The Story of London (Japan/US): Looks to be another adventure game. A much worse looking one than the next game I'll be talking about.

-J.B. Harold - Blue Chicago Blues (Japan/US) and J.B. Harold - Manhattan Requiem (Japan/US): Part of a series of murder mystery adventure games. Must be pretty popular because they have appeared on multiple formats throughout the years. Probably most popular on the TurboGrafx 16. Except these feature full motion video with live actors and voice over work. Is supposed to be pretty dang good, so good that a port of Manhattan Requiem has been released for iOS, which I may pick up after doing this research. I've come to really enjoy adventure games after diving head first into them again.

-Myst (US): The classic that some people still love and others claim is out dated was set to be released here. However it was only a prototype so it was never properly released.

-Rocket Coaster (US): A racing game where the FMV in the background speeds up or slows down depending how fast you go. Looks like it would be a sluggish experience that wouldn't be very fun.

-Road Blaster (Japan)/Road Prosecutor (US), Time Gal (Japan), and Triad Stone (aka Strahl) (Japan/US): Interactive movies in the same way as Dragon's Lair. These all had arcade releases with the exception of Triad Stone. They look really fun despite their very limited gameplay. Still it's this type of gameplay that really keeps you on the edge of your seat knowing how little control you really have and that one screw up can lead to disaster. It birthed the QTE of modern games, too, and seeing these make me think of those moments in Shenmue and how pulse pounding those got. Still I wouldn't need a LaserActive to play any of these. I can get Road Blaster/Prosecutor for Sega CD (as Road Avenger) as well as Time Gal. Lower quality video but much more affordable.

-Zapping TV Satsui (Japan): Not a game in the traditional sense. You play as the director of a movie where you can change the camera angles, edit, and basically decide how this pre-made movie comes out. Probably not as varied as it may sound or was promoted but probably pretty cool for the time.

All that innovation and still no trophy support.

As I mentioned before there were also plenty of add ons. More than the Sega Genesis! But unlike the Genesis these were ideas clearly made for the intent of adding onto the core console. The first I want to comment on is the karaoke add on.

This was one of the cheaper add ons costing a mere $350. Trust me, when I say mere, I mean mere... or you'll soon learn from the other add ons. This was exactly what it says it is, a karaoke add on. I can easily see this being a desired add on in Japan knowing how popular karaoke is over there. But over here it tends to be what your aunt does after she has just a few too many and nobody seems to enjoy it. Maybe there was something with early 1990s culture I was too young to understand. Keep in mind I was born in the late 1980s. I apologize to anyone who may find that upsetting and decide to give me a hard time for whatever reason (old people are weird).

Another add on that was only somewhat perplexing was the Computer Interface add on. I say somewhat only because this was before everyone and their dog had a computer. Not like today where just to talk on a phone you have to use some form of a computer. I would say this could have been an alternative to buying a personal computer, which I'm sure the aim was, but I just don't see it. From what I've read the whole process seems much more cumbersome than even the early days of windows. A very niche add on that I'm sure not many people bothered with outside of computer geeks. I have no idea how much this was at retail. Have been having the hardest time finding information on it.

The next two add ons were required to play the laserdisc games. Only some would work with the first, and the rest would work with the other. Meaning you would have had to buy both add ons to play all the games available. Bad enough you'd have to buy one add on just to play some of them. But this is my favorite part of the add ons!

Recognize those controllers?

Earlier I mentioned there were two add ons to play games for gaming consoles available at the time. The first of these two was the Sega Mega Drive... or the Genesis if you're American like me. With this add on you can play any cartridge based Genesis game or Sega CD games. This means, despite only having a couple dozen laserdisc games for the main console, you could now play over 1000 additional games! (Not taking into consideration of different regions and some overlap between Genesis and Sega CD but you get the idea). All of which would have improved visuals, or so I've heard. Usually stuff like video feeds and the difference of quality between RGA and Composite and S-Video, blah blah blah is a matter of opinion. Which I'm a bit of a snob with but not as intense. Anyway, this was the go to add on that most people bought with the core system. It's easy to see why. The Genesis was a great console and the Sega CD even had a small share of good games. Unfortunately for some this was not able to support 32X games. It wouldn't be for another year until the 32X came out, and the add on had the Genesis and Sega CD capabilities built in together. This add on wound up costing a whopping $600 at launch! A price I find hard to justify. Even at launch in the US the Genesis was $200, and when the Sega CD came out that was $300. So the combined cost of both consoles, brand new, on day one would be less expensive than buying this add on. And by this time the Genesis core system would have cost less because that was originally released in 1989. So while it's a nice add on to have to build a more "complete" system, it seems unnecessary for the time in terms of cost. It would be pretty slick to have it all together. But even then you could have just waited for a year to buy the Sega Multi Mega which also had a Genesis/Sega CD built in together as it's own console. Not as slick or appealing but it was still only $400. Much like the LaserActive itself, not cost efficient yet strangely appealing from a perspective like mine.

The last add on to talk about is the NEC add on. This add on is a lot like the Genesis add on. But this time it allowed the playability of games for the PC Engine, or TurboGrafx 16 for the American audience as well as the CD add on. Again, like the Genesis this added on a lot of extra games for the console. Between Japan and America, and between the card and CD format there are over 500 games. I know some of them are crossed between CD versions and card version so that number is a mega estimate. Just like the Genesis add on this went for $600 at launch. And this time around it's somewhat of a fair price. The TurboGrafx 16 was $200 at launch with the CD add on being $400. Granted there were better deals as time went on especially since the console wasn't very popular in the states. But at the time of release if you were into the TurboGrafx 16 then you may as well have gone for it. You already spent almost a grand on a specialized laserdisc gaming console, what's stopping you from dropping another 600 on another obscure console?

Buying this console nowadays is far from an easy task. Since it was only out one year not a lot of consoles were produced. Also unlike other consoles that had a very short lifespan (The Virtual Boy, Dreamcast) it had a very high price tag and wasn't made by one of the major gaming companies. With that said it is a major challenge just to find a listing for this console being sold online. When I did find something it usually started at around $600+ after shipping for the core console. Just as is. Then the add ons cost almost as much as they did when they were first released! I found a posting for the Genesis add on pack being sold for $500. But easily the most expensive I've seen listed so far was for the Japanese model (technically making it an import) that included both the Sega and NEC add on. After shipping it will cost you around 2700, but again that's for the Japanese model.

And that will just get you the console itself. You'll need some games for it. Of course Sega and Turbo games can range anywhere from a few pennies to a whopping stack of cash. But there's a lot of great games to choose from all for a reasonable price. I think pre-owned gaming stores give away cartridges of Sonic 2 with every purchase. That or the Super Mario Bros/Duck hunt combo pack. However I did a search on the laserdisc games and those are a different story. You won't be paying less than $100 each for some of these laserdisc games. Some much higher than that. One of them I found for $300! And with how limited these games are that is asking a lot of money for what is essentially bragging rights as a game collector. You could buy a brand new XBox 360 (not that I would advocate buying one) and 5 discounted older games for the price of one of some of these single games.

The other downside of this is that laserdisc players don't have the best lifespan. They have some inherit deficiencies that cause them to simply break down over time. Thankfully my old, beat up one hasn't gone through that. But can you imagine spending all this money on this console, have it testing fine at sale, take it home, then after just a little bit of game playing it craps out like the red ring of death? That would make me furious! On that note this console is so rare that I even saw a busted one on sale online for $250. Damn, this sucker is notoriously expensive.

The LaserActive is not a cheap whore and she does not put out easily.

I think the way I see this is similar to the Neo Geo. Like I mentioned much earlier the Neo Geo cost between $400-$650 at launch. And like the LaserActive it hasn't gotten much cheaper. It's still a challenge to pick up the system at a reasonable price. Sometimes going for as much as a couple hundred or more. Which is still a lot considering most old, used game consoles run between $40-$100 on average. Depending on the era, quality, etc. But then those massive cartridge games still go for as little as a budget game these days to hundred, maybe even a couple thousand dollars due to their rarity. I once heard someone say that buying a Neo Geo and it's games is not a collection, it is an investment, simply because of how much it costs. And it's for good reason that it costs so much. For what it was at the time, the rarity, it makes sense. And if you're hardcore into Neo Geo then go for it. I'm a Dreamcast man myself and I am thankful that is a much more affordable console. All this talk about the LaserActive and Neo Geo makes the $40 I plan on dropping to buy D2 again seem like petty cash.

Still the major difference here is that Neo Geo has a strong cult following. While the LaserActive was simply a commercial failure that only lasted a year. The people who love are part of an extremely small crowd. A crowd I frankly wish I was a part of. I think the system looks awesome! Mostly for the way it worked in the add ons and made the system look sleek for the time. I could be having some of the most unique video game experiences of all simply because of the rarity. But the price it would cost just to get the core console is so extreme. I recently got a new TV that cost around $500. It's 47 inches, full HD, and it's beautiful. It looks great whether it is running a state of the art PS3 game, something simple as Wii Sports with a composite out, or even a SD DVD it looks great. It was a great buy that has a variety of purposes even though it's essentially a box that displays what my machines can do. But that price would only get me the core console. With the money it would take to get the best experience possible on a LaserActive I could get one of those new 4K TVs. Even better I could expand my already growing game collection. Imagine how far I could get in collecting Dreamcast games with that cash? Even with imports I could go a long way. That or I could climb a similar tree as the LaserActive and buy a better laserdisc player (mine is pretty poor) and explode my laserdisc collection! The movies go for really cheap nowadays.

I definitely see the awesome perks of collecting a LaserActive, but upon reflection it seems like a dream that is only fun for the journey. In no way could it be as cool to own and play one as it would be searching for the best deal, the best games, the best everything for it, especially when it comes down to the cost. It's just all too much. If I were ever to get it, it would be because I just won the lottery. That or I found out I had a secret uncle who left me his millions, or I made it big doing... something... whatever it may be. This is a mega pipe dream for me. Something I know I'll never get unless I somehow stumble across it at a garage sale, surplus sale, flea market, whatever it may be. Until then I'll just fawn over how much I adore laserdiscs and how amazing it would be to own such a unique piece of hardware. But hey, at least it's not the Halcyon...

...you know what? Screw it. Let's close out talking about that!

The Halcyon was another laserdisc gaming console this time made by RDI Video Systems. But this was released way back in 1985. It of course played laserdiscs and laserdisc based games but it also had a computer attached. Both the player and computer were the size of VCRs at the time. Massive! There was promise of the console being entirely voice activated (suck it Kinect) and would have AI comparable to the HAL9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Not exactly something we would want on our hands, would we? The console sold for $2500 (or $5400 adjusted for 2013 dollars). Only two games were every released for it. The console was discontinued in no time after RDI went bankrupt. It's crazy how ambitious this RDI company was with releasing this. How much of a success did they think it would be? It's insane that they went this direction and so expensive. But that was their mistake. Still it goes down as the single most expensive gaming console ever released. Although I'm pretty sure technically speaking it isn't a game console and more of a limited computer. But hey, at least it now makes the LaserActive look cheap!

Credits: Due to my immediate lack of knowledge for this console it required a lot of digging around. Actually I would say this post had the most research of all my posts. With that said I want to give credit where credit is due.

-Game Sack is where I first heard about this game. Their LaserActive episode was very informative and gave me a great head start.

-Segagaga Domain provided me with some great info on the Genesis/Sega CD add on.

-Video Game Console Library was one of the most informed pages I found. They had a ton of general details as well as tons of photos, an overview on the product's quality, screen caps from games, old commercials and links to other websites.

-Cyber Roach was able to give me some info on the very obscure items I had trouble finding details on. Still couldn't tell me much about Back To The Edo or Don Quixote, though.

-And of course many youtube searches that gave me extended gameplay videos to find out just what the hell some of the games were all about.

2014 Movies Preview: What I'm Seeing and Why

As I grow older there's one thing I keep noticing is happening. I'm going to the movies less and less. Part of it is time, another is money, but most importantly there's interest. I'm finding myself less and less interested in what's coming out each year. Still somehow 2014 is pulling together some great looking stuff, surprisingly. Much of it I plan on seeing whether it's in theatres or via Redbox. In the end here is my "new years resolution" of new movies for the coming year.
Also these are only going to be movies with a set date. Yes there are other titles that may be set for 2014 but are still in development so it's hard to guarantee. I just want to talk about what IS set. Then at the end of the year I can do a "review" of sorts.

-The Lego Movie: I don't really watch trailers anymore. Mainly because I pretty much know what I do and don't want to see based on other means like prior knowledge to the project, buzz, opinions from friends, etc. At first I thought this was going to be a disaster waiting to happen. Looked like a cash in project from a distance. But then I saw the trailer before a screening of Despicable Me 2 (I think it was) and I was proven wrong. This looks like an excellent, animated movie being done the way it should be, in stop motion with actual Lego pieces. I'm in.

-Noah: Darren Aronofsky is one of my favorite directors. So far I have liked all of his movies on one level or another. So when he comes out with something new I'm like a Star Wars fan when a new edition comes out. Regardless of how it looks I'm gonna check it out. This one I am a little hesitant about, though. Can't say I'm much of a Russel Crowe fan, so that's a bad sign. Also I heard rumors that test screenings, while leaving an overall positive response from Christian and Jewish audiences (aka the target audience), also seemed to present Noah as a mega environmentalist. As opposed to, you know, following through with the direct message he received from God to save all the creatures of the Earth. So here's hoping with a slight worry it may turn out bad. May just wait for Redbox on this one.

-Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Easy explanation. First Captain America was good fun as were all the other recent Marvel flicks. Didn't need to see the trailer but it was shown before Thor 2 and this looks bad ass. Looks like more of the same that we saw in Iron Man, The Avengers, Thor, etc, and that is just fine. Not everything has to blow our hair back with innovation. Sometimes more of the same is a good thing. Sometimes 'fun' is enough for 2+ hours in the theatre.

-Rio 2: I have a special fondness for Rio. Something I share with my wife. And while I love the first one I can't imagine it would have been the same if I didn't watch it with her. This will definitely be a date movie for the two of us (as weird as that may sound to some, going to see a kids movie). I just hope it has the quality of a sequel like Despicable Me 2. They should have plenty of new material to work with since Blu and Jewel got together in the last one and had kids. If anything the movie will be very cute to watch and enjoy.

-Godzilla: Holy fuck I am excited! I would say this is what I'm most excited for over the rest. We've been missing out on a lot of Godzilla theatrically for over a decade. The last one to be released here in theatres was Godzilla 2000 and was very poorly received. Before that was the Matthew Broderick American version that was so bad that most fans, and Toho themselves don't even consider it a real interpretation of Godzilla (I don't and it will never hold a place in my Godzilla collection). Then there was Godzilla 1985 but was was re-edited from the Japanese film, The Return of Godzilla. Same goes for Godzilla King of the Monsters from 1956 which was re-edited for American release. What I'm trying to say is that ALL theatrical releases of Godzilla here have either been re-cut, terrible remakes, or bad examples of what can be done in Japan. So for what I hope will be an amazing Godzilla movie to be finally making it's way here is a joy. This is definitely one I plan on seeing opening weekend. Not something I do very often anymore. But for this I will as with one more on this list.

-How to Train Your Dragon 2: Pretty much same reason I'll be seeing Rio 2. A movie I share a special connection with, with my wife. However I did like Rio more than HTTYD. And I feel this one has a slightly better chance (is that the right word to use?) of not being as good as the original. But the first one was far better than I read about so I'm ready for this one to potentially surprise me again.

-The Expendables 3: The last two were fucking awesome! Most of the original cast returns with some new, old faces like Wesley Snipes and Antonio Banderas. I can't get enough of these movies and their testosterone fueled action that makes me want to go home and lift weights or do anything generally manly. Opening weekend just like the last two entries in the franchise. I will be there, I guarantee it!

-Sin City: A Dame to Kill For: A sequel we've been waiting quite a while for. The first one came out almost a decade ago. It blew my hair back in it's general amazing-ness. I have never read the comics but I thought it was great none the less. Knowing there is a lot of source material left I know A Dame to Kill For won't be just a cash in. They'll use real material right from the comics. That and it's being done by Robert Rodriguez again with further collaboration with Frank Miller, the original creator of the comics. I haven't seen a second of footage but if it's half as good as the first one was, we're in for a great sequel.

-Interstellar: Dear Christopher Nolan. I loved Memento, I thought Insomnia was pretty good, and Batman Begins blew my hair back as did Inception. While I think your ego gets stroked just a little too much by your fans and by your own hand I do have one wish to request. Please deliver with Interstellar. All I've seen is your teaser trailer and you've already got my money. Give me some old school sci-fi. Something about real space travel. Not something with crazy aliens and intergalactic trade federations. Give me something in a similar tone as 2001 and Solaris. Something long, dull, boring, and immersive as hell just like (what I'm sure) real space travel is like. Give me a reason to care about every little discovery your astronauts make. Don't make this a big budget SyFy channel movie. Make this a space drama. A drama we haven't gotten in a long time. If you can do that I will promise to keep my faith in every project you do after this. With all my love...

-The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1: Seen the first one multiple times and I did see Catching fire. Both are very entertaining and very exciting movies. While to me the ultimate fight to the death for the sake of a sick sport movie goes to Battle Royale, I still like these. I'm curious what happens next so this is on my radar for sure. I know a lot of people complain that these movies among others are being split into multiple parts, but I think it's great and should continue to be a trend. Sure it costs more but we get more of the story instead of a compact, less exciting 2 hour movie. Not always a blessing, but HP7 was a lot more exciting because of it as I'm sure Mockingjay will be.

-The Hobbit: There and Back Again: Have seen the full Lord of the Rings Trilogy as well as the two movies that came before this one. If this is anything like the last two I'm sure I'll find it to be pretty entertaining. Not a big fan of this franchise, but enough to let my butt go numb from 3 hours in the movie theatre. That and I liked the cliffhanger the last one left us with, even though it doesn't take too much thinking to figure out what happens. But it's the ride that counts, not always the ending.

And of course some commentary on other titles coming out.

The first that comes to mind is Paranormal Activity: The Mark Ones. I am not surprised a once great, short series of horror movies went down the tube faster than a pop star flies off the handle. Paranormal Activity was an astounding masterpiece in modern horror, 2 was a step down but still acceptable, 3 raised it back to a great level, and 4 fell apart so hard it almost hurt. For The Marked Ones I knew I would have to watch the trailer to see if I would even consider considering spending my time and money on it. Words cannot describe how bad it looks. The trailer itself had so many cliches not just for horror and the franchise it is in, but in the genre of 'Hood' movies. Yes. The Marked Ones could be re-labeled Paranormal Activity In Da Hood and it would be more accurate. Not to say that's why it looks bad, it's all in execution and the execution of what's available looks terrible with no new ideas.

What has me really confused is that there's a listing less than a year later for a Paranormal Activity 5. 5? I thought Marked Ones was 5? Turns out Demons In Da Hood is a spin-off of the franchise. Which I was happy to find out because that gives me reason to disregard it if Paranormal Activity 5 turns out okay. And I hope 5 turns out okay. I hope they jump back from the many mistakes they made in 4, and to explain exactly what the hell happened at the end. Here's hoping Halloween 2014 can give us an okay sequel.

Speaking of horror sequels let's talk about another horror sequel... kinda. A Haunted House was a horror comedy in the spoof style of Scary Movie. I was personally surprised on how much I laughed at it despite having moments of trying way too hard. I even wrote a review on it if you want to check that out. But this year there's going to be a sequel, something that is almost guaranteed to be terrible. Don't get me wrong, sequels can be good. Hell, sequels can be great! Evil Dead 2 was way better than the first. But in more of the same vein there's The Naken Gun 2 1/2. Not as strong as the first but still a very funny movie. But A Haunted House seems pre-destined to go down the path of Scary Movie. A franchise that got worse and worse with every new attempt they did. At least they're doing it now and not trying to re-ignite an old fire that burned a decade or two earlier...

It's funny because it should be 'Too,' but they're dumb.

...oh, yeah... that's happening. On November 14th a sequel to Dumb and Dumber will be released, 20 years after the original. Before I continue I agree there's no way it could be as bad as Dumb and Dumberer, the prequel that somehow got made back in 2003. Also this one is being done by the original creators and will feature Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels again, reprising their roles. But I have so little faith this will be any good. Does it have to be the original? No of course not. Should it be funny? Well no shit it should be funny. It just blows my mind how many studios try and re-ignite the same fire that burned years earlier and sell it to the same core fanbase that has watched the original 100 million times over. There's a reason Christmas Vacation 2 was a straight to video release, because it was not gonna be any good from the start. Will I give this a try? Sure, eventually. At least my expectations are reduced a big deal so it leaves a lot of room to make me satisfied with something that's at least okay.

Other than that I have little to say on the rest of the movies. But for fun here's a quick rundown in the order they're being released:
-Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: Will probably be to the Jack Ryan movies what The Bourne Legacy was the Bourne movies. Fine for what it is but doesn't have major impact on the franchise
-I, Frankenstein: Or as I like to call it, 'Underworld: The Frankenstein Years.' P.S. I can't stand the Underworld movies.
-RoboCop: Another remake that will piss off fans and will delight ignorant, mainstream audiences. Could have been re-labeled with an original IP and been fine.
-The Wind Rises: I'm a Ghibli Studios whore. I will definitely see this knowing they made it. That and it looks like a more mature story, which is a nice change of pace.
-Non-Stop: What could turn out to be a pretty bad ass action thriller. Would probably warrant a Redbox rental, not a full ticket price.
-Son of God: An outdated idea to re-edit a mini-series (The Bible) into a feature. Would have worked better in the 60s or 70s when the mini-series wouldn't be available on home video.
-300: Rise of an Empire: An unnecessary sequel that will probably be okay. Looks like the first one which I'm sure everyone will expect. Will probably wind up forgettable.
-The Grand Budapest Hotel: I'm sure it'll be great like all other Wes Anderson flicks. Just got a long list I'm more interested in. I'll get around to this eventually.
-Sabotage: Just try and be better than The Last Stand. That's all I ask.
-The Amazing Spider Man 2: Thought the first one was fine. No major affection for this new franchise so if I miss it I'll be okay with it.
-X-Men: Days of Future Past: See my last comment. Although I never saw First Class. Sure it's entertaining, just not interested in enough. Would rather watch other titles.
-Edge of Tomorrow: I like the concept. May Redbox if I get a rent one get one free coupon code.
-22 Jump Street: Liked the first one, we'll see what happens with this one.
-The Purge 2: The sequel to a horror movie with an amazing concept that I'm yet to see. Will have to see first one first before any real interest can go here.
-Transformers: Age of Extinction: No Shia this time? Probably because he was too busy making Lars Von Trier's new artsy erotic film, Nymphomaniac. We know what we'll see in T4. Just be more like 3 than 2.
-Planes 2: Fire and Rescue: I thought nobody liked the first one...
-Horrible Bosses 2: Never saw the first. Heard it was funny. This sequel will probably make some people laugh and others angry.
-Unbroken: Directed by Angelina Jolie, written by the Coen brothers, will probably be good objectively. Sounds more like Oscar bait to me.

More will be announced or set as the year goes on. If there's any you wanted me to comment on and I didn't then go ahead and mention it. I'd love to give an apathetic response to a movie you're looking forward to and I don't care about.

Ignorant American Gaming: Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut

Availability/History: The game's availability coincides with its history so that's why I'm explaining it that way. The game was originally released in as Red Seeds Profile for the PS3 and XBox 360 in Japan and then as Deadly Premonition in the US but only on XBox 360, both regions in early 2010. In the US it was released as a budget title, meaning it was sold as of day one for only $20. It was after it gained a strong cult following that a Director's Cut would be released on PS3 in early 2013, no longer as a budget title, but still less expensive coming in at a $40 price tag now. That is the version I am playing. It was later released on Steam for PC in late October.

Review: I believe in a previous post somewhere I did mention how I almost imported this game before the re-release. I wanted it so badly I was almost willing to spend the extra cash. I don't have an XBox 360 so for nearly three years I was left with wanting to play but I wasn't willing to buy a 360 just for this. Well... okay I didn't know about it RIGHT away but it's similar to what happened with Tokyo Jungle. I had no reason to believe I would get an American copy and I'd have to pay out the ass for an import. I put it off and I put it off and boy am I happy I did. Not only was I able to finally get it at a cheaper price but with extra stuff, too! The director's cut is an up-res from the previous version and now supports the Playstation Move... but who the hell cares about that anyway? It also includes additional scenarios, an extended ending, and a new plot element to tell the story a bit differently than before. I never knew the previous version so this will just be what I know from the start. It's not a massive upgrade to the original game but it's still something. There's also a bunch of DLC available but it's all cosmetic and doesn't effect the overall game. Sadly no additional scenes on top of what was included in this new version or anything like that. Bummer. Wait... that's not a bummer. That's a modern game putting everything intended for the core experience on the disc. That's impressive. That the Lord this wasn't an EA game.
I was so happy I could finally play through this without importing it or buying a 360. They could have released it as it was and I would have been happy but let's move on. I have the cult following to thank for this re-release mind you. It's amazing the game survived the way it did. If you read up on the game's history you'll find that this game holds the world record for the most polarizing views on a survival horror game per Guinness. Seriously! It got reviews as low as 2/10 to a perfect 10/10. It even got game of the year awards from some sources as well as best worst game. So right off the bat it's next to impossible to tell someone if it really is any good unless you know their perspective already. To those who know me best would know I would love this game from the start. But telling you if you'll like it is really is hard to say. And now I can tell you're fascinated with this game so let's get to it.

The game opens with a pair of twin boys and an old man walking through tall grass in a forest. The old man watches over them as they race ahead and play. The two boys come up on the dead woman's body hanging from a tree with arms stretched out in a Christ-like pose. The blonde woman has nearly white skin with remnants of tears streaming down her face. Her stomach is torn open and below her torso she is covered by a long read cloth. Then as the old man catches up to the boys who are to everyone's surprise standing there not losing their shit a snake comes out from behind her and slithers up her chest. Basically she looks like this (NSFW). And that's how this game is introduced.
Shortly thereafter you are introduced to your character, an FBI agent, Francis York Morgan. It appears this is part of a series of murders or has some strange connection to some that have been happening across the country. So of course you need to handle it. He's an odd duck of a character, which is stories like this tend to be the best choice. He is constantly talking to himself... or someone named Zach I guess... but really he's all alone. It's like Zach is his imaginary friend, sub-conscious, or is it you? Hard to tell from the start. And it's usually about strange, random, unexpected topics. As a matter of fact the first time he comes on screen he is talking with "Zach" about the cartoon Tom & Jerry. So it lets you know right off the bat that not only is this game gonna be intense with the violence (from the murder victim in scene one) but also that this game is out there in tone. And let me tell you, it gets VERY out there. But I will say this... he's pretty cool in my book cause he gets his premonitions from pouring milk into his coffee.
The only other thing I'll say before I get into the game ITSELF is a comment on the plot. It is very clear this game was inspired by the TV show Twin Peaks. To those who don't know Twin Peaks was a short lived (2 seasons and a movie) show that ran in the early 90s. It was very bizarre, started with the murder of a young girl in a small town where a special investigator is sent in to aid the investigation. Go watch it cause it's a pretty amazing piece of television. Albeit it dates itself just a pinch because it was made nearly 20 years ago and TV has changed a lot since. So if you're familiar with the show and you're gonna play this game all I've got to say is try and get that out of your system as soon as possible. For the first couple hours all I could think about was how much the game felt like it. As the game progresses there will be enough to keep you from thinking about it too much.

Actually this would be fucking awesome!

Once in the game itself it's a bit of an odd one. Right from the start you feel something is a bit off. I wouldn't necessarily say the game looks cheap. I also wouldn't call it lazy. But as I continued to play not only did I spot what inspired the game in theme, but how dated the execution looked and felt.
First off, this being the updated version I only wonder how the original must have felt in reference to the things I'll mention. And of course I wouldn't expect all the problems from the first time around to be fixed with this one update. I realize with the game already being fully constructed there are some things that can't be fixed unless they started again from the ground up.
The biggest giveaway is in the visuals. While at first glance the game doesn't look terrible, a lot of what happens when in motion is what gives it away. You can see fairly ahead of you so the draw distance isn't bad. But when you see enemies coming toward you and they're far away their actions are very choppy. It's like they aren't fully rendered until they get much closer to you. Because of this you may not even realize an enemy is coming up to you until it is too late and they start to attack you. Also since your enemies appear to be leftover ghosts from The Grudge they have that slow to fast to slow movement thing going. One second they're ten feet away, but a giant leap in speed brings them up in your face in no time. If you don't know what I'm talking about just youtube the climax from The Ring when Samara crawls out of the TV (watching that clip reminds me how long it's been since I've watch that Ring).
As the story continues you run into a very wild bunch of characters kinda like that TV show I mentioned earlier. With these interactions you'll of course notice the mixed levels of voice acting. That's pretty par for the course anyway since voice acting has never been the strong suit in video games. What really caught my attention were the character designs. Again not terrible. And they're not off in the uncanny sense. They just reminded me of something. To me a lot of the characters outside of the main three (you and your cop buddies Emily and George) that this bizarre look like they were high res versions of pre-rendered characters from games of the mid-90s. To explain further cause that made them sound REALLY bad, there's a female character that has a hair style similar to Anna from the Tekken series. Go back and watch some of the pre-rendered videos that feature her from the first two games. Notice how her hair never really moves? Imagine that in a higher res, modern game while in gameplay, not a cut-scene. It looks a little off especially since the Tekken games first came out in the 90s while this game came out just a few years ago. Another good example of this would be Laura from D2 on the Dreamcast (except her hair moves a little bit more, but still not realistically). It's like they're trying to create models of real people but don't have the skills to do so to modern standards within the game. Like they got an outdated copy of video game development software. On the plus side the female lead Emily has an uncanny resemblance to Naomi Watts. That was nice to see!

I really like Naomi Watts...

Another poor visual that is simply unacceptable is some of the environmental design. So many pieces look flat and uninteresting. Unusable doors look like wallpaper and tree branches look like sticks with paper cutouts of branches hanging off. I'm not saying it has to be on the Crysis level of design but they could have at least tried a little harder to make the game look a little better. It's easy to get pulled out of the immersion when so much of the environment looks so poor and bland. Not to mention the amount of clipping and glitches that happen within that said environment. One prime example is when York uses his coffee to help him with his premotions on the case. He sits and stares as the coffee with the milk swirling around. A pre-set image that doesn't change except for the fact it spins. It is hard to believe how bad it looks when launch titles for the PS3 that had better visuals than this. I mean this looks like visuals that would have been considered cheap on the Dreamcast.
I was gonna comment on the controls but from what I've read I really shouldn't. Apparently the original version had terrible tank-like controls with a very unfriendly camera that does not lend itself to third person games. This time it has the proper third person game controls, that still work pretty sluggishly, but at least sound better than the original. Almost makes me want to play the original version just to see what it was like.

Really the game as a whole, with the exception of some of the high res visuals and open ended areas, feels like something that belongs on the Dreamcast. Specifically it made me think of Illbleed and Shenmue. Illbleed was a crazy horror game and I feel like the developers took ideas from it. The sound effects, some of the stylistic choices, even the ways the different "levels" are laid out feel similar. It could just be a coincidence but that's what it made me think of. Some of the resemblances being very uncanny. At least it is easier to fight back in this game than Illbleed. For how much I love Illbleed it had a terrible fighting system. But I have a completely separate argument for why horror games should have bad controls. It's a Catch-22 type argument.
For the Shenmue comparison it is the open world. Shenmue was very cramped while this is technically more open, but bear with me. In Shenmue there was an open world where you would have to walk to ride the bus everywhere and it was partially to make the experience more immersive as a whole. I could easily see that being the case here, and you then have the option of talking with suspects separately instead of when the story tells you to. That and buy new weapons when needed or health packs, do side missions, etc. However also like Shenmue most of the open world is next to useless to you. More so in this case. With this being a small north-western town you can expect to see a lot of nature. A lot of trees with a few fields here and there. It makes it interesting with exploring when you find an old abandoned train station or other things like that. But really it is easy to get lost in this small town especially when certain key spots are so far from each other. Sometimes down long, winding paths. And if your car runs out of gas and you don't have any flares for someone to pick you up you're gonna spend a lot of time walking to the nearest area you can find a car.
I'm all for innovation and immersion. Anything to pull me into the story more. But the gasoline thing is a huge pain. Your car's gas runs out so fast you'd think it was getting only a mile a gallon. Along with this gimmick you also need to make sure you eat, sleep, and even change clothes in order to maintain in this game. But none of them run out as fast as the gas. Even in the action sequences I never had to truly worry about having enough ammo, melee weapons, or health packs. But when it came to gas it was like it was going out of style. And the main problem I have with it is that there's only one gas station. So if you need to go to the other end of town, way out in the boondocks you better make sure your tank is full or else you may not make it there and back. It's a huge hindrance that caused me more frustration than actual mainline story missions.
Yet despite some of these unique ideas, whether they're pulled off well or not, their execution still feels dated. The open world, the design, the use of these "new" ideas, they all fall fairly flat for the most part. Like I said before this game feels like it belongs on another console. That or it feels like a launch title for a new console. It found out this new system has all these neat features, but since the developers weren't familiar with the new system they did the best they could which falls a bit short. A little like the Gundam game that came out on PS3 at launch. Looked like it would be awesome. But it was a steaming pile of poo poo. But unlike that Gundam game, Deadly Premonition is far from poo poo. It is a damn good game!

Agent Francis York Morgan and Swery agree.

Yes. Despite the many paragraphs of bashing this game it is still a brilliant game. Super under-rated and easy to see why it has a cult following. The big deciding factor in that is, you guessed it, the story. It works the same as a game or movie that mechanically works but has a shit story. In this case it has shit mechanics but a killer story. Personally I'm not huge into mysteries. I like to only get into them little by little instead of watching entire franchises based around them like Law and Order. This way it can stay rich and exciting for me. And not only is this a well constructed mystery, but it's unique and out there. It's one of those bizarre stories where there's a ton of bizarre, out of this world elements mixed in. Some may look at it and think it's just weird for the sake of being weird. But much like the work of David Lynch I can tell it is there for a reason. Whether it is an innovative way of telling the story or it is a visual representation into York's mind. I don't care, it's so great!
The out there stuff starts pretty much right away. In-between chapters you find yourself visiting a room that appears to exist in another dimension, York's mind, or even the after life. This is where he speaks to the angel representations of the two young boys that found the dead body at the beginning of our story. They'll give you cryptic clues and other bizarre anecdotes. This is also a spot where you can save the game or take care of other item organizing tasks. And that's before you even wind up meeting your co-cops on the case.
Once you're in the town you find yourself making friends and non-friends quickly. There's Emily and George who pretty much hate your guts and your methods right from the start. The owner of the hotel who is a friendly old lady. The gas station workers, one who wants to hump you and the other wants to punch you. A rocker who works at the local convenient store, a weapons salesman, the dining staff, and the list goes on. It's all very Lynchian if you've ever seen the source material... umm... I mean surprisingly similar TV show. But much like that show it is very easy to get caught up in everything despite being very left of center. I can't see a lot of people getting immersed into this game as much as I was, and those that do will need to take time for it to grow on them. Because this is definitely an acquired taste.
The way the game decides to tell the story is also very unique. It's much more than just questioning suspects and putting together the clues. What I liked was the profiling. What happens is in certain sections of the game you'll start out with York taking a large drag on his cigarette wherein he'll try and piece together what happened in the location he's investigating. Since you don't have the clues yet it comes across as a distorted image and sound slideshow. Then as you collect clues you can re-watch it and see what is now clear and where things need to be filled in. Granted you have basically no control over the results as how you find the clues are very linear. But the way it presents itself and allows you to re-watch the slideshow without it being complete adds to the immersion level of the game. It's like reading a book or watching a movie. You're trying to piece it all together without ever actually having control of what will or could happen or the way it happens.
Basically the story has enough variety and excitement to it not just in the actual plot but in the way it presents itself that you always want to see what's coming next. Even if things can drag a little at first before it gets REALLY interesting. And as with many games/movies I get really into... I want to comment on specific details of the story. Basically ruining the ending. So if you don't want to be spoiled then follow the caution signs accordingly.

I can't believe it either, York. Major spoilers ahead.

END OF GAME SPOILERS START NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While building up to the climax of the story you learn a few things.
1. There are bizarre legends and folklore in the town. Including a huge genocide back in the 1950s by someone called The Raincoat Killer.
2. That genocide was also the results of the town (with the exception of RCK apparently) being hypnotized to be ruthless killers, killing each other.
3. There's a legend of a New Raincoat Killer and is believed to be the one who killed Anna, the girl found in the tree at the start.
4. Common clues have been red seeds, the victim has a torn out tongue, and a reversed peace symbol.
5. Once things really get rolling with the climax your main suspect is the most timid man on the police force. Thomas.

The beginning of the end starts with you, York, being kidnapped and tied up in an undisclosed location. At this point it is understood that Thomas appears to be the killer. While playing as Emily you find yourself at the clock tower above the theatre. There you fight and kill Thomas and York is rescued. However a new twist comes up that Thomas isn't the killer, and that it was George, the policeman you've been working with.
Before tracking down George, Emily is attacked by a victim of the serial murders just before their death. In this process Emily is badly hurt. York leaves her with Kaysen, a jolly plant salesman whose dog has been helping in the case with his keen scent, and tells him to take Emily to the hospital. York in the meantime tracks down George who confesses to the murders outright. His motives are for power and immortality which are obtained by following the ritual killings George, the "New Raincoat Killer" has been doing.
It appears to have worked because George was a beefy guy to begin with. Now he looks like a black metal fan whose into S&M and has a steroid problem. You fight him until he transforms into a creature even more powerful. Now he's a Dragonball Z character with his intensely glowing white hair, massive arms, and his ten foot tall stance. He is eventually defeated by his own axe, followed with being electrocuted. He dies right there in front of you burned to death. This is when York faints.
York wakes up a day later in the hospital only to find out Emily was never brought to the hospital. After some quick investigating you head to the theatre where Kaysen took Emily, who is now knocked out with her shirt open, suggesting gross happenings.
This is where the shit really hits the fan. Bear with me more than ever.
York has since fallen in love with Emily. He does what he can to save her but there's one major issue. Emily has a root sticking out of her stomach. Turns out the plants Kaysen sells are harvested by using live humans as fertilizer. It sucks the life out of them, literally. Emily begs for York to end her misery but he can't find the strength to do it. This is when flashbacks kick in. York flashes back to himself as a child to realize the same thing happened to his own mother. The image he re-experiences is his father pointing a gun at his mother much like this situation he's in now. But his father fails to end her misery and her life is given to the plant instead. Kaysen who is present, and somehow the same age, is pleased to see this as York's father shoots himself in the head.
This is also when we find out Zach IS York's split personality. York goes so far as transforming into Zach (York with white hair and a more sheepish personality) right before their eyes as he comes back to the present. Since York, now Zach, is unable to end Emily's misery she takes care of it herself. She pulls the root from her stomach killing her pretty much instantly. This saddens Zach (of course) and angers Kaysen because the root never got it's nourishment. This is when Kaysen transforms from the 350 pound man he already was into a fucking giant rubber beach ball of a man.
You fight him but he survives to transform into yet another creature. Still looking like himself but more so as a giant amphibian-like shape (I seriously tried looking for a pic but couldn't find one). You run from him to what looks like a completely different dimension on top of the clock tower. Kaysen re-emerges as a giant version of himself where you fight him to the death. In the end you kill him as he reveals himself as really being an alien-like creature. Never actually stated but he kept making comments like "You humans" and so forth. So I figured it was either an alien or a demon from hell. Leaning more toward alien.
Case is closed, you make your peace by saying goodbye to Emily, and there you go.

So.... pretty fucked up way to climax a mystery. Especially when so much of it (minus the Silent Hill/The Grudge style action sequences) felt based in reality. There was a lot of suggestion that it may have been a part of what's going on in York's head rather than what was REALLY happening. But in the end it turns out those creatures were very real and all the supernatural stuff was really there. In an even more fucked up way than you can imagine. Did I enjoy the ending? Holy crap it was exciting! I was not expecting something like that. And when you go that far out you may as well go the whole nine yards, which it did big time. I did like how the creator went out of the way to make his own thing instead of sticking with a more realistic style. Yet it could have been so good with more of a psychological perspective.
Yes the split personality thing was real. Zach held York inside, eventually becoming him in the real world as a coping mechanism to witnessing his mother's murder and father's suicide. How he became Zach again at the climax of the story worked so well. Even with his hair turning white works. It's a split personality transition that would have caused his body so much shock and stress it literally caused his hair to lose all color. Then having the fucked up shit be all in his head, like the rubber ball Kaysen for exaple. But since it was all credited as being very real I felt it hurt the story a little bit.
Another thing I didn't like was how York/Zach was connected to the events on a personal level the whole time. I wish it could have been a similar event, but not done in by the same person. When I saw that Kaysen was doing the exact same thing to Emily as he did to York/Zach's mother, I was disappointed. I felt it would have been far deeper an experience if there was the random chance element thrown in. Makes it more exciting that it could have happened to anyone but it happened to him. Something similar could have happened, but instead it was the exact same thing.
After everything I listed that happens at the climax you are treated to an epilogue. It gives you a chance to do some last minute stuff in town like side missions, which I did for the heck of it. I can go back and replay chapters to complete more of them (which I will because I want the platinum trophy), but some I was right at the end of so I figured I'd just go ahead and finish.
In the epilogue video after you do this it shows York/Zach leaving town. Then Zach is shown as an old man talking with his granddaughter (as he had been throughout the story technically). Once finished talking to her the video cuts to York (young with his dark hair and everything) with Emily sitting at the bar of the A&G diner. Anna is their waitress and the rest of the innocent victims are there, too. Becky, Carol, Diane, even Thomas (Technically innocent). Zach shows up still as an old man suggesting that he died in the REAL world and transported here. It was hammered into our head that Emily became the goddess of the forest but I can't tell if that's what the story was actually saying or if it was Zach's fondness for her that made him say that. Well this cutscene sorta suggests that, anyway.
The game end ends with York speaking with you about another case of bizarre occurrences down in New Orleans and that you and he should check it out. Teasing at a sequel, which has been rumored. How it would play out is hard to say since this game is sorta tightly knit with a conclusive ending. Unless it takes place in this other world that York, Emily, and all these other dead souls are living.

END OF GAME SPOILERS END NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The game overall is just such an amazing experience. Despite the major design flaws I rambled on about earlier. Despite the issues I had with parts of the ending in the last section you did or didn't read. I totally get the polarizing reviews. I know where I stand with it. I loved this game and want to share it with the world. The story is awesome even if it is reminiscent of Twin Peaks. You will quickly forget because you're so into what makes THIS story unique. I also love it even though the tone shift is so jarring I needed a seat belt. Seriously, sometimes it would go from tense thriller, to terrifying horror, to cop drama, to goofy comedy all in the matter of a few minutes. For the most part it's not like that, but there are times. At least the music that plays during those parts are all amazing! The main theme done on the acoustic guitar is balls to the wall great! The Andy Griffith style whistling tune is charming. And the horror tunes are scary. It all works out so well.
Not only does this game excite me, it also scares me. Seriously, this is the first time in a long time a game has actually terrified me. Part of it is unintentional, but others are definitely intentional. Something about how some of the characters move, act, even look feels so off that I find them freaky. Kinda in the same way people may find early CGI scary. Something is very off about it all. But then there are some of the scenes and character designs from the final sections of the game. The tone, the visuals, the way it all plays out, it's all pretty terrifying. I'm sure a part of it had to do with the fact that I was playing the last couple hours of the game in the middle of the night with most of the lights out... all alone. Still it stuck with me. I'm just glad I did it that way so I could get the right experience.
Probably one of the most unique and scary experiences is later in the game when (not really spoiling anything major in terms of story) you play as the Raincoat Killer himself in the streets during a flashback. You're hacking and slashing innocent citizens of the town to a sweet, soft voice singing Amazing Grace softly under the screams. Really unsettling.

The hard part about selling this game is most of the elements. I want you to go and play this RIGHT NOW! Give it a chance. No it's not "play for 20 hours for it to get good" like Final Fantasy XIII. It will take a few hours of play to get it rolling. But if you give it a chance you just may like it. Can't guarantee because it is such an acquired taste. But I would say it is likely you'll like it.
One hard part of the sale is the version you'll play because that will change with price and how the mechanics play. If you're an XBox 360 owner you can always get the first version released. It is currently for sale on Amazon for under $20 used. However you won't get the full experience with the extended ending and updated in-game mechanics like controls. If you're a PS3 owner you could get the director's cut like I played with all the extra stuff. But you're looking at dropping minimum $30 or more used (how I found it for $20 was a once in a great while thing!) for a physical copy. It should still be available on PSN for digital download but I believe for around the same price. Depends on when you check. Otherwise there's always Steam. Personally I'm a fan of owning a physical copy and prefer console for most games. But like I said you could always do Steam. At the time of writing this it is $12.50 during their winter sale, originally $25. Regardless any of this is a pretty reasonable price for what could be one of the best and most unique experiences you'll experience in recent gaming years. Not like I'm telling you to pay $60-$100 for a super rare import that is so niche that almost no one knows about or seems to like the game. It's worth a shot.

With that I will leave you with this.