In the Beginning…

In 2005 Gamecube released its blockbuster survival horror smash hit Resident Evil 4. The game was hailed as the best in the Resident Evil series and the best in the survival horror genre; winning multiple awards including game of the year. Originally the game was exclusively a Gamecube title, but later that year it was re-released for PS2 and recently released for PC. There are glaring contrasts between the console version and the PC version of the game; such as the loss in atmosphere and ambience and the change in game controls, but the PC version is definitely worth the price for a truly great survival horror game.

The Skinny

The plot is a based on a US special agent named Leon S. Kennedy (no relation to JFK) who is sent on a mission to Europe to rescue the president’s daughter from a religious cult known as the Los Iluminados (the illuminated ones). Leon’s journey takes him to a secluded Spanish village, where a group of hostile villagers await him. The plot thickens as it becomes apparent that the villagers are highly aggressive almost to the point of madness; chasing you with axes, sickles, and my personal favorite the chain saw. As you progress through the game you eventually retrieve the President’s daughter, Ashley from the cult and soon discover that the there is a much more sinister force than the Los Iluminados (which has made an appearance in every Resident Evil Game since its conception); that’s right everyone’s favorite evil organization Umbrella is back. Your journey takes you through wonderfully dark and creepy atmospheres, dilapidated villages, musty caves, and secret research facilities. As you progress through the game the atmospheres become more and more frightening.

Console vs. PC

There are a few distinct differences between the console version and the PC version. One change is graphics; the PC version’s artwork is not as rich as the console version and with a game that is known for rich atmospheres it is a definite deterrent. Second and possibly biggest draw back is the controls; the combat system is based on using laser guided weapons to hit targets and since the game is not compatible with a mouse it takes away from the enjoyment by forcing you to use your keyboard. There are also action sequences in the game where you will have to hit a number of random buttons to escape traps and trying to remember the correct keys on your keyboard for those scenes can become complicated. You will definitely want to buy a PC controller for this game because it is really the only way to enjoy the game adequately.

The PC version has its pros as well as its cons. One is the bonus material; there are extra weapons you can acquire that are not available on the Gamecube version, such as the P.R.L. 412 laser cannon (anything with the word cannon in it has sold me). You also have an alternate version of the game in which you can play as Ada Wong, a second special agent that gets tangled in Leon’s mission. Another huge positive is the PC version was released at $20 and now sells below that mark while the console version was still selling in the $50’s.

My 2 cents

If you prefer PC games to console, RE4 is a good investment; you will be getting hours of enjoyable game play. My advice; is to be sure and buy a game pad for your PC if you purchase the game especially if you prefer console games because without it the transition will be near impossible. The bottom line is that the PC version is a remarkably fun game; despite a couple small draw backs.

The Resident Evil title almost sells itself; it is a game with an awesome plot line, a remarkably fun combat system, and lots of cool creepy atmospheres. I would recommend it to any gaming or Resident Evil fan.

PHOTOS

Since the introduction of Wii-Fit from Nintendo bloggers, readers and even doctors have criticized the brand new gaming console’s attempt in the weight loss arena as just another piece of worthless workout equipment. Even with the major continued success of Wii accessories (i.e. Guitar Hero III Wireless Bundle), and domination of the interactive gaming world, Nintendo’s controversary over the combination of gaming and exercise is clearly taking the gaming world by storm.  As time passes more and more Wii-Fit users are fighting back and sharing their experiences online. No commercials, no bias opinion, and no lies. These bloggers and video bloggers are merely trying to prove that this new Wii component IS indeed worth it’s weight (no pun intended).

The Wii-Fit was launched May 21st 2008 has already sold over 1 million units in the US alone! With so many people willing to give Wii-Fit a try we wanted to scour the internet and see just how well the Wii-Fit was working in the bloggosphere!

Results?

Wii came across (haha) this site and this site which is (you guessed it) dedicated to the Nintendo Wii-Fit and testing it’s results. While the weight loss wasn’t dramatic, nor astonishing considering the length of workout, it’s easy to conclude that the Wii-Fit really does work! Obviously keeping a healthy diet, and adding exercise to your daily regiment is still the number one way to keep healthy, the Wii-Fit is a great way to have some fun AND get additional exercise in your day.

So what can I do with Wii-Fit?
Wii-Fit has several games that are specifically designed just for it and new games are being released to work with the Wii-Fit.  Along with the standard Wii Balance Board, Wii is also going to introduce a number of new attatchments this year.  Currently the four main categories of exercise:

Yoga
Tree Pose
Warrior
Half Moon
Deep Breathing

Balance Games
Soccer Heading
Ski Slalom
Ski Jump
Table Tilt

Strength Training
Single Leg Extension
Torso Twist
Push-Up and Side Plank
Jack-Knife
Lunge

Aerobics
Hula Hoop
Basic Step
Basic Run
2 People Run

Opinion
Wii-Fit is an awesome way to combine fun and exercise. I still always suggest a healthy diet, regular exercise routine and healthy social life as a must to staying in shape, but there is no doubt that the Wii Fit is a fun way to combine gaming and exercise!  I personally would love to get a Wii Fit routine in place and test it my self, but with the warm beautiful summer here, it’s hard to resist my desire to exercise outside… I guess I will have to wait for winter for my official Wii Fit experiment!