We Have Moved To B-TEN.com

        Bullogna is no longer limited to the free blogger account which we were once restricted to. Last week, I purchased the domain B-TEN.com and it has officially become established to a point in which bullogna.blogspot.com is no longer necessary, or relevant for that matter.

        So wait no longer! B-TEN.com is merely a click away, with all of the technology and entertainment news, as well as logically constructed opinion articles that we've always strived toward, but now with an abundance of new, yet experienced writers. Enjoy!

-Gabriel L. Carey (founder, lead-writer, and editor-in-chief of Bullogna Technologies)

Help Make Bullogna.com A Reality

        Click here to donate today

        The domain name 'Bullogna.com' is for sale, and we'd like to purchase that name, although as a non-profit organization, we're currently strapped for cash. We'd appreciate our loyal readers and listeners to please donate so we can become "Bullogna.com" (without quotes). It only requires a simple, safe PayPal transaction, and I only ask that you donate a maximum amount of about $10. Any amount is appreciated. Thank you, and have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Click here to donate today.

PlayStation Predictions: New 'Naughty Dog' Game For PS4

        A couple of days ago, massive media news hub IGN noticed that in the background of a developer diary video from Naughty Dog, first-party developer for Sony Computer Entertainment, commonly known for their work on the Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, and Uncharted game franchises along with their upcoming IP, The Last of Us, there was a glimpse of foreshadowing in sight. The blurred background image, projected on a workroom computer monitor suggested 3D models sporting some pretty attractive attire derived from what seems to be a pirate-esque earlier America, and notably not unlike Ubisoft's upcoming Assassin's Creed title, Black Flag.
        Interestingly enough, it's been known for a while now that the developer's main studio has been working on a next-gen title aside from The Last of Us for quite some time now. Some sites have even suggested that perhaps these 1800s-esque models allude to an upcoming Uncharted prequel, which could possibly be focusing in on Nathan Drake's believed ancestor, Sir Francis Drake (according to the game's fiction). I, however, believe the models could merely belong to a flash back of which the narrative examines minor details regarding the ancestry of the Drake family tree. Overall, we're truly blind to what meaning these hints could pertain to, though I can guarantee the announcement of a new Naughty Dog title for PS4 at E3, despite the fact that these models could simply reference an upcoming DLC release for The Last of Us.

The Next Xbox Is Called "Xbox Infinity"

        Rumors, rumors, rumors. One day we're being told that the Xbox Infinity will require users to always be online, the next day we're hearing the exact opposite. The "Nextbox" blocks used games--- No, nevermind, it doesn't block used games. It's backwards compatible! Nevermind. We're constantly being told rumors regarding the next generation of consoles, which gives us reason not to constantly report "news" based on rumors. But according to The International Business Times, the upcoming gaming console from Microsoft will be entitled Xbox Infinity. Whether or not the console's name is important or not is beyond me, although I'd like to think having an official name for this impending machine is, on all counts, necessary for the reporting of news surrounding it. Henceforth, we shall be referring to the beast, currently contained by Microsoft as Xbox Infinity! It may not have been confirmed by Microsoft themselves, but as Oak's words once echoed, "There's a time and place for everything, but not now". 

The time and place will be May 21st on iTunes for some post-announcement discussion in relation to Microsoft's announcement earlier that day. Subscribe to Dose of D-Pad to find out how to become part of the discussion!

Jak and Daxter Collection PS Vita To Release On June 11th

        It's been a long journey full of hope and rumors for Jak and Daxter Collection's release on Sony handheld gaming device, the PlayStation Vita, but fortunately for the few consumers the collection will actually appeal to, the collection was confirmed for Vita a couple of weeks ago. Oddly enough, the rumor in which I based my predictions episode of Dose of D-Pad (which can be found on iTunes) suggested a release date of June 19th, which, inevitably, is untrue. 
        Most major online retailers, such as Amazon and Gamestop, are advertising the trilogy with a release date of June 11th, 2013. Note that these dates are known to alter, though a change this close to the item's release date could result poorly for Sony. Luckily for them, as I mentioned earlier, the fan base will most likely be quite limited for this title, which was released in February of last year on the Vita's current-gen console counterpart, the PS3.

PlayStation Predictions: God of War Vita At E3

        This prediction may seem bold, but just this week it was revealed through a couple of job listings at Sony Santa Monica that the studio behind the God of War series is currently in the works of, interestingly enough, a new game, which makes sense seeing as how that's how the video game industry works. God of War: Ascension was released in March and it's completely understandable to see the developer producing a new title, though no one is yet aware of what this title will consist of. I'd like to think it's a God of War title for the PS Vita, as I've recently begun to play the Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta "origin" PSP titles on my Vita, and would love to see what current portable hardware would be capable of in regard to God of War, and perhaps Vita sales would increase, considering the current negativity surrounding the system's lackluster library of games. Last year, in an interview with IGN's Colin Moriarty, Santa Monica's Senior Director of Product Development, Shannon Studstill claimed that the studio was considering bringing the flagship franchise to Vita and even iOS, while the developer has also recently patched God of War Collection, the HD remasters of the original two God of War games, to stream via remote play from PS3 to PS Vita devices, which may also be alluding to something set to appear in the near future.

Obviously photoshopped God of War III for Vita.

Iron Man 3 Review

        Bullogna is proud to present yet another film review from our newest active team member, Logan Hodges! 

        IRON MAN 3 is a 2013 action-adventure film from Paramount Pictures and Marvel Comics. The film stars Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark whose life is put on edge by a terrorist known as Mandarin, and it is up to Iron Man to deal with the people involved and save humanity. Many Iron Man fans will be pleasantly surprised with this third installment in the franchise. It consists of many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning what will take place next. The film's positive elements were its humor and, of course, top-notch action and effects. 

        I found myself to be slightly skeptical in my decision to see the film, as it doesn't maintain the same director (John Favreau) as the previous two films, but don't let that stop you, as the new director (Shane Black) adds a respective amount of well-written comedy to this film that I enjoyed and I know you will too! 

       The only negative aspect regarding this film is that I often found myself easily predicting what was going to occur next, but as the film progressed I found my predictions to be false and was instead surprised at the events which took place. Overall, the film is deserving of a 9/10 and I strongly believe Iron man fans will enjoy this film as much as I did. 

        Iron Man 3 is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief suggestive content. So shell out some bucks to see this one, although I wouldn't recommend the 3D version, but that's merely my opinion.

Article written by Logan Hodges; modified by Gabriel Carey 

Circle Pad Pro XL Review

        Much like myself, I believe most reporters would admit that in early 2012, when the original Circle Pad Pro attachment released for the 3DS, they may have believed that Nintendo's right-analog-nub attachment would be the ultimate defense against the PlayStation Vita. Well, as it turns out, we were all dead wrong, and 3DS really never needed to defend itself against Sony, as it would go on to sell millions more consoles than the Vita could ever hope to (at least at the time of this writing).
        Nearly a year has past since the release of the original 3DS Circle Pad Pro, and now, for the first time ever, in the United States, the Circle Pad Pro XL for the Nintendo 3DS XL is available from Nintendo's official online store, but is it worth the $19.99 plus shipping and handling fees to control in-game camera angles more naturally? That depends. If you own or plan on owning any of the games supported by the attachment within this short list and find the games' default camera settings awkward, then perhaps you should look into buying this accessory, but otherwise be weary.
        While the "CPP XL", as the crazy kids are calling it these days, certainly gets the job done, it does so in perhaps one of the most inconvenient ways possible. First of all, after unpacking the device and attaching it to my Nipplechu 3DS XL, I realized the device wasn't pre-charged. After being slightly frustrated with that idea in my head, I then realized the device required one AAA battery in which it wasn't packaged with. So, slightly more frustrated now, I began to search for AAA batteries when, at last, I'd found what I was searching for, and *SPOILER ALERT* the experience was far from rewarding.
        Now, after undergoing all of that trouble to properly play Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, I assumed my pain was short-lived. It wasn't. The system failed to recognize the Circle Pad Pro for nearly 20 minutes, and shortly after, the game ceased to utilize the accessory whatsoever during certain areas. This caused me worry, as I bought the accessory solely to play this game with a more natural feel.
        Eventually, I reached a section of the game in which I needed to use the touch screen to continue, then realizing, once again, another shortcoming of this accessory: IT PREVENTS ACCESS TO THE STYLUS! At this point, I was a much more frustrated Gabe, a Gabe who could probably go for a few Mega Stuf Golden Oreos at this point. So I took a deep breath, held my head up high and whispered quietly, "I'm going to give this accessory a mediocre review." I then realized just how nerdy my life really is and how badly I'd wished for Dream Drop Distance to control its own camera angles.

Pros:

-Gets the job done

-It's worth it for the novelty

Cons:

-Incredibly bulky

-Requires, but doesn't include one AAA battery

-Isn't rechargeable

-Prevents access to stylus

-Limited configuration options in-game (i.e. inverse camera control)

Bullogna Score: 6.0... Meh.

Evil Dead Review

B-TEN is proud to present its first movie review from Logan Hodges! EVIL-DEAD is a 2013 remake of the 1980's cult classic by Sam Raimi. The film centers around five friends who navigate to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to discover a book of the dead that causes nothing but utter chaos. Who will survive in this bloody remake? You can discover that for yourself as the film is still being shown in theaters. The film is unlike any other remake in which it centers around the same plot. This movie is similar to that of a modern revamp of the original. Although the plot is different and new, the dialogue between the characters was a bit B-rate at the start but as the film progressed, it improved. The Evil-Dead 2013 remake is rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violence and gore as well as some sexual content and language. Interesting enough, the remake originally received an NC-17 rating for its graphic violence but was later modified to a much more suitable R rating. The Evil Dead (2013) consists of an extremely graphic nature and is deemed one of the goriest movies ever released to the public. Overall, I give the film a 10/10. It's quite thrilling as it has its frightening moments and delivers everything the horror fanbase has been searching for! Feel free to check out the trailer here, although viewer discretion is advised. You've been warned.

Article written by Logan Hodges; revised by Gabriel Carey.

Bullogna Score: 10!

AMAZING

Bullogna Is Looking For Writers, Facebook Admins, and Podcasters

The following posting has been copied directly from our listing on GameJournalismJobs.com

*Bullogna Technology & Entertainment News

*We are looking for writers who either have an interest in video games, hardware, or other technolgies o write news updates, review various technologies including video games, and/or join us on our weekly podcast, Dose of D-Pad. I also need someone who can be trusted with our Facebok page. Each individual will not have to do ALL of these things, but I AM looking for at least one person for each position. If this sounds like the job for you the contact me at the e-mail address stated below.

*Unforrunately, this is a volunteer job, but will look great on your resume when applying to larger sites such as IGN, GameSpot, Joystiq, Engadget, and more!

*Contact Gabe Carey at spiritwarstudios@yahoo.com if interested. Please sent the following information:

1) Name

2) Job of interest

3) Any writing, Facebook Admin, or Podcasting Experience

4) Resume (Optional)

How Microsoft Could Make A Return To the Next-Gen Console Race

The following article was written before Microsoft confirmed the May 21st unveiling of their next Xbox console:

  We've all heard the rumors regarding Microsoft's next Xbox, codenamed Durango, but what we've yet to hear is any confirmation that these rumors are true. Already, I've seen people use the most god-awful hyperboles in existence (and yes, I'm aware that I too just used a hyperbole) in reference to a console that has yet to be confirmed in any way whatsoever.  Many general video game consumers, in addition Sony and Nintendo fanboys as they're often called, as much as I hate to use the term, are already writing Microsoft off prior to being aware of what Microsoft's upcoming machine is even called! Don't claim that I'm "bashing" you if you're one of these people, as I've recently found myself to be a victim of this pre-announcement write-off, but there is a certain negative connotation associated with this kind of behavior when a console has yet to be announced, and certainly at this point in time Nintendo fans may not be the right group of people to partake in the criticism of Microsoft's next console, primarily because according to many sources, Nintendo most likely won't have an eight-generation console to compete alongside PS4 and Durango, and unless they can prove to consumers otherwise, I may be deeply disappointed in Nintendo in the next few years.

        But how could Microsoft combat these suspicions from the now fans of their competitors? Let's find out... Together. ;) [Laugh]

1. Say NO to always-online connectivity!: This is the most major complaint I've seen regarding the rumored next-gen Xbox, yet it's far from having been confirmed, other than the controversial remarks we saw from Adam Orth just last week.
2. Xbox-exclusive games: To me, in the current generation of consoles, I found Xbox to be irrelevant due to the fact that my PC could do the exact same things as Xbox, but without the subscription fee for online play and with much more beautiful graphics. Xbox needs something more than Halo and Gears of War in the upcoming generation; something surprising.
3. NO subscription fees!: For the brief time that I spent with my Xbox 360, I found the "silver" free subscription to be an annoyance as I couldn't take part in any internet-based services and gave me yet another reason to make the switch to PS3. It should be a no-brainer for Microsoft to discontinue subscription fees... Should be.
4. Out-of-the-box rechargeable controllers!: This is bound to happen, so I have no worries with this one.
5. Games NEED to be the focal point, not casual gimmicks!: Wii ruined Microsoft and Sony in the console games market as motion controls became necessary for both companies to succeed, but unfortunately Kinect and PlayStation Move didn't go over as well as expected.

         As most of you probably know, rumors all point to May 21st, 2013 as the announcement date for the next console from Microsoft and as that date quickly approaches, I've thrown together an event that will cover commentary of Micrsoft's event for your own disgusting plesaure. [Oh, that's right, you guys aren't familiar with me yet. That right there was called a joke. For now, I'll insert a comprehensible laugh track each time I crack one of those for your amusement.] You can join the event by clicking here, and don't worry, your browser will open the link in a new tab.

The Start Button May Make A Comeback In Windows 8.1

        According to The Verge, the start button may return in an upcoming iteration of Microsoft's touch-based home computer operating system, Windows 8. Unfortunately, the source also claims that the new start button will only act as a shortcut that will (more familiarly) access the Windows 8 "metro" styled interface.
        
        Windows 8.1 has been in the talks since earlier this month, although the actual features it will bring to the table are currently unknown other than rumors such as a boot-to-desktop feature which will bypass your mobile-styled app screen for a more familiar desktop screen your computer eyes are so accustomed to. 

        Windows 8.1 is rumored to release in June, with its announcement to be held at Microsoft's Build conference which takes place from June 26th until June 28th, 2013.
        
        Do you support Microsoft's changes to their desktop operating system? Does it matter? Let us know in the comments below.*

*Also at Bullogna, we are currently seeking volunteers interested in updating the blog, administering to the Facebook page, and/or podcasting on either Dose of D-Pad or B-TEN Official Podcast. If you're interested, click here.

        

Listen To Our 4/20 Blazin' Season Finale Extravaganza

by Gabe Carey         

        As confirmed on tonight's podcast, I will be holding a special episode of Dose of D-Pad in which I'll be discussing my Top 10 anticipated gaming events of 2013, all of which you can read about in this article if you so choose. The episode will actually release on 4/19, but will often be referred to as 4/20 due to the fact that other than being my birthday, Hitler's birthday, and the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, 4/20 also happens to fall on National Marijuana Day. (Or National Marijuana Day falls on it; I'm not sure.) In celebration of my birthday and the final episode of Dose of D-Pad in its first season, I would anticipate for this episode to be my most successful

        So,

to listen to Dose of D-Pad on either 4/19 or 4/20 (blazin') in order to support my efforts of establishing a potentially successful series of podcasts in my upcoming second season of gaming news, and not-so-gaming-news. I'd like to personally thank each and every one of you for your support, and I hope for you to continue to enjoy all of my video game-related content whether it be on Bullogna Technology & Entertainment News, VGU.TV, DigiBytes.me, FMV Magazine, or, Nintendose.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Gaming Events of 2013

        This Saturday on Dose of D-Pad I'll be hosting the Top 10 Most Anticipated Gaming Events of 2013 special episode/season finale event. Fittingly enough, Saturday also happens to be my birthday, so as assumed, I'll be crying myself to sleep praying to God that I could be 6 again. Nevertheless, I plan for this event to be a success and therefore find it suitable to promote it by publishing the outline that I'll use for Saturday morning's podcast event. If you have any ideas on how to improve this list, feel free to comment and I'll be sure to include your contribution on the show when I record on Friday night.

10) Roller Coaster Tycoon (Android, iOS)

The original Roller Coaster Tycoon is being ported for support on both Google Play and the App Store. We better see a simultaneous release on both platforms. Nostalgia, here I come!

9) Beyond: Two Souls

Quantic Dream's spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Heavy Rain may be the final PS3-exclusive worth discussing.

8) PS Vita North American Price Cut

Will PS Vita finally get a price cut in North America? Will it matter?

7) Tearaway

Speaking of PS Vita, LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule has something special tucked away in their gaming laboratories... And it releases on October 22nd in the U.S. (October 25th in Europe)  

6) Wii U Price Cut

While analyst Michael Patcher claimed today that a price could wouldn't help the Wii U, it sure wouldn't hurt, and along with a potentially large assortment of games to be announced at E3, a price cut could be Wii U's savior.

5) Pokemon X and Y

While Nintendo may be flopping in console sales, they're certainly succeeding in the handheld department, and the first fully 3D Pokemon is going to make the ride that much sweeter. Pokemon X and Y will be releasing worldwide for the Nintendo 3DS in October 2013.

4) The Last of Us

I bought a PS3 last year for the sole purpose of being able to play this game at its launch. I then played all of Naughty Dog's other titles and thrilled that I'll be able to hang out with Joel and Ellie on the same day that I'm going with my dad to see Man of Steel. The Last of Us releases June 14th.

3) PlayStation 4 Launch

This includes every launch title for PS4; hopefully Infamous: Second Son, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Knack, The Witness, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and more!

2) Next-Gen Xbox Annoucement

We've all heard the awful rumors, but I want to be able to separate truth from lies. It's rumored that Microsoft will be holding a press conference to announce the new Xbox on May 21st, 2013, but if you want to stay updated on this subject, join my Facebook event page by clicking here.

1) E3 2013

This is where we'll (hopefully) get all of the answers. This year's Electronic Entertainment Expo conference will take place from June 11th until June 13th, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention center, but is not open to the public and will be covered on most general/gaming news sites. I expect Vita games and major changes for Nintendo, but my E3 predictions will make their way into a separate article written at a later date.

Guacamelee! Review (PS3/PS Vita)

        It's been a long time coming since Drinkbox Studios, developers of the primarily PlayStation-exclusive Tales From Space series, announced their latest indie PSN addition, Guacamelee!, on May 30th, 2012. Until its release today, I was precarious as to whether I should pay the $11.99 it costs PlayStation Plus users  to receive the game. Even after seeing the gameplay trailer, I was worried as to whether the visually impressive metroidvania style action-platformer would live up to its ambitions. Let it be known that it has. I would even go as far as saying that the game has surpassed any ambitions it may has previously held.

Guacamelee! shines bright like a... Dare I say it? DIAMOND on both PS Vita's OLED screen
as well as the PlayStation 3D Display in native 1080p.

        The gameplay is meticulously designed in such a way that it feels like a personal invention of the video game artists themselves. The inclusion of humor immerses players in a world that often feels as if they are interactively taking part in a Saturday morning cartoon, specifically a cartoon which I enjoyed as a kid, commonly known as Mucha Lucha! And the visuals are so well done that I no longer feel the need to purchase Rayman Legends on PS3 when it is released, as I already own the superior product with only a $12 investment. The game is a masterpiece, justifying my purchase of both PS3 and PS Vita.

Bullogna Score: 8.7!

Pros:

-Meticulously designed gameplay

-Superb performance on both PS3 and Vita

-Cross-controller support (plays like Wii U using PS3/Vita)

-Cross-buy support (only had to pay $12 for both PS3 and Vita versions)

-Excellent co-op experience on PS3

-Brilliant inclusion of humor

Cons:

-Controls can be confusing at first

-Not able to play as Juan using Vita as controller for PS3

What Wii Want From Wii U At E3

        While this isn't a complete list of everything Nintendo would need to survive the next generation of console with their Wii U system, I have constructed an outline of points that would help Wii U achieve cult status as its predecessor did. If you can think of more advice for the video game-exclusive company to rise to the ocassion this June for E3 and blow gamers away with a changed mindset, please leave your ideas in the comments section below.

A Strong New IP

        Although Nintendo has been able to cook up some fresh new IPs over the past 10 years, the number of new Nintendo intellectual properties with strong sales has remained at an all-time low. As a publisher, Nintendo's first-party lineup has become victim to re-releasing slightly modified versions of games which already exist on an annual basis, or in other words has contracted the Call of Duty Virus! *Gasp* A well-designed fresh new take on the publisher who started it all could help Nintendo inch their way up to the starting line.

Super Smash Bros. 4, Zelda U, Mario Kart, and 3D Super Mario U

        Each of these titles have been confirmed to be shown at E3, but promises are not often kept nowadays. Nintendo needs to have gameplay for each of these games with upcoming release dates that aren't so distant in the future that the system would die off before their respective launches.

Proof of Future Third Party Support

        We've all heard rumors that Ubisoft and EA could be completely dropping support for the Wii U altogether. As much as most of us despise the latter company, it seems that a lack of EA support would harm the systems sales exponentially, and that Ubisoft is the only major publisher still continuously supporting Nintendo's home console. Without apparent proof of third party support for the future of Wii U, it may seem to consumers that Wii U is just a reiteration of the Wii's final years, and that Nintendo's first party lineup doesn't solely sell dedicated gaming consoles anymore.

Non-Existent Loading 

        While this may not be possible with Wii U's current hardware, it would indeed be impressive to see non-existent load times on Wii U games not dissimilar to the technology found in PS4. If possible, this could help disprove the theory that Wii U isn't a next generation game console.

GameCube/GBA Virtual Console

        This is yet another asset which I'm not aware is possible or not, but if Nintendo is able to pull off GameCube games on the eShop's Virtual Console, this could unanimously increase sales as older teens, and perhaps college students unaware of emulators or who oppose piracy, would buy Wii U primarily for nostalgic purposes. If they could find a way to include the option of HD upscaling in both GCN and GBA games then kudos to Nintendo because they'd be set to win!

A Clarified Marketing Campaign

        Perhaps this wouldn't be appropriate for E3 in particular (or perhaps it would), but I think it is the general consensus that poor marketing has affected Wii U's sales more than almost anything. All Nintendo would need is one commercial to air on various cable networks, explaining the differences between Wii and Wii U, and clarifying that the gamepad is NOT an accessory for the original Wii and sales numbers would increase drastically. It seems that less companies have it in them to invest in marketing recently, and without this major flaw, less major companies would be suffering as of now.

Pokemon Mystery Dugeon: Gates To Infinity Review

        It's been nearly 7 years now, but it feels like just yesterday I was scurrying through dungeons while portraying an abnormally powerful Cyndaquil who, oddly enough, somehow was once a human who doesn't remember anything with the exception of the fact that he was once human! I remember buying a Prima guide to help me get through a game with randomly generated levels and complaining that the guide just wouldn't help my constant struggle for survival. I'd pull my stylus from the rear holster of my blue original Nintendo DS and lose myself through over one hundred floors of various Pokemon-infested chaos! And although the game now holds on to a Metacritic score of only 62, it holds a score in my heart which may consist of a power level which exceeds nine thousand. That game is Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and is remembered for its simultaneous release on both the Nintendo DS and the Game Boy Advance early on in the DS' lifespan (and perhaps late in the GBA's lifespan if you're a glass half full kind of person). This game not only revolutionized the Pokemon franchise in finding new ways to milk a series, but also introduced a new gameplay aesthetic and monotonous story only to be retold over and over again.

From Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team on the

Nintendo DS.

        

        This morning I was given a choice between the purchase of either Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon or Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates To Infinity to compliment my new nipplech... I mean Pikachu 3DS XL. I went with the obvious choice as Mystery Dungeon only made sense within the context in which I refer. I bought the game only expecting a rehash of everything I've seen before, but with 3D sprites and environments. Perhaps I was right, but this 3D rehash has reminded me that originally Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games weren't as bad as they've become, and that before exploring time and darkness, there was a hint of heart and personality rushed into these games. Even now, there is a scent of redundancy in the air as I boot up my nipplech.... Pikachu 3DS XL for hours of entertainment, but beyond the worry that a prodigious franchise such as Pokemon could get milked to its limits, there is nothing harmful about Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates To Infinity, and beneath its thick get-rich-quick-scheme shell, there lies a beautifully designed world which seems to have been crafted by minds full of passion. While it would never be considered for the likes of a Game of the Year nomination, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates To Infinity will be remembered as a beautiful remake of perhaps one of the most ambitious titles I've ever played, no matter how mediocre the gameplay of the original title seemed to be. 

From Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates To Infinity on 

Nintendo 3DS.

Bullogna Score: 7.8!

 Pros:

-One of the most beautiful games on the 3DS.

-Feels like a 3D PS Vita game.

-Stays true to its franchise in both positive and negative accounts.

-A few fun new gameplay mechanics.

Cons:

-Stays too true to its franchise.

-Marketed as a cash grab.

-Feels tedious at times.

Notes:
-Makes me want a PokePark 3DS game.

       

Download the Pilot Episode of Our First-Ever Gaming Podcast, Dose of D-Pad

Click the link below to listen to the first episode of our official gaming podcast:
Dose of D-Pad Podcast - Episode 1 Feat. Music by Vanguards and Sam Hart

And if you missed last week's episode of B-TEN Official Podcast:
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 6

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Specs, Increasing Vita Sales, Nintendo Patent Infringement, and More!

Click the link below to listen to the sixth episode of our official podcast:

B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 6

And if you missed last week's episode:

B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 5

Interested In Purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S 4? Listen To Our Podcast Tomorrow To Help You Decide!

       Last night, as you may already be aware, Korean tech giant, Samsung, announced that their latest handset, the Samsung Galaxy S 4, will ship in April for retail sales. If you've been considering purchasing the Galaxy S III, you most certainly should wait for the new device to release, but what if you're undecided between the GS4 and handsets from competing companies? Well we've got the perfect solution. Check in on our site or our YouTube account (Youtube.com/SpiritWarStudios) for a download link or video stream, respectively, on which yours truly will analyze and discuss the pros and cons of buying a Sammy GS4 opposed to purchasing from the opposing competitors. Stay tuned!

Samsung Galaxy S 4 depicted above.

SimCity's Catastrophic Launch, PS Vita Price Cut, Sonic Dash, and More!

Click the link below to listen to the fifth episode of our official podcast:
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 5

And if you missed last week's episode:
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 4

Assassin's Creed IV, 4K Movies On PS4, Michael Bay's TMNT, and More!

Click the link below to listen to the fourth episode of our official podcast:
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 4

And if you missed our previous episodes:
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 3
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 2
B-TEN Official Podcast - Episode 1

What We Want From The Samsung Galaxy S IV

        It's been confirmed: the Samsung Galaxy S IV will be unveiled at an event in New York City on March 14th, although we've expected this announcement for a while now. As an owner of the current Samsung Galaxy S III model, I'm interested in what the Korean tech giant has to offer next. As Apple seems to re-release the exact same phone year after year with only a slightly skewed screen size to differentiate itself from its predecessors, Samsung tends to innovate in style and performance as each new rendition of its Galaxy lineup of smartphones and tablets release. In this article I hope to cover all of the actions Samsung will need to take in order to properly overthrow the current king who sits upon the throne of smartphones, Apple's iPhone. Let us begin.

While these may not be the official specs of Samsung's

upcoming slate-format smartphone, I sure hope they are.

No International-Exclusive CPU

        That's right. Those of you who purchased a Galaxy S III via American carrier have a downgraded version of the true Galaxy S III experience. The international unlocked, Australian, and Korean variants of the same phone, featured a 1.4 GHz Cortex A-9 quad-core CPU rather than the 1.5 GHz dual-core processor which the U.S. variants of the GS3 consisted of. If Samsung wants to appeal to newcomers, maybe they shouldn't restrict their higher-end CPU units to variants which aren't sold by U.S. carriers or retailers.

No Immense Screen Size

        We already have the Galaxy Note series of phone-tablet hybrids for our large handset desires; we don't need anything bigger, Samsung. I really hope to see innovation rather than just a buffed up screen size. Innovation is what makes Samsung unique from the "new" Apple. While I'm completely satisfied with my 4.8-inch screen size on the Galaxy S III, I wouldn't mind a full 5-inches, but any more than five is pushing it.

S-Pen Compatibility & Functionality

        I'm nearly positive that every tech journalism site in existence wants to see S-pen integration in the next Galaxy S handset, although I'm not sure how this capability would appeal to casual consumers. As you could probably imagine, the current S-Pen-compatible Galaxy Note(s) are not exactly marketed towards casual consumers, and therefore, S-Pen integration in the now-mainstream Galaxy S series could cause confusion among Samsung's current and future audiences. Although the S-Pen and all of its hovering functionality is great to a techie like myself, Samsung would, without a doubt, approach S-Pen integration with a different approach in marketing techniques, as I'm not sure consumers would buy that a Nintendo DS stylus is the "Next Big Thing". In other words, Samsung would have to clarify that S-Pen isn't an ordinary stylus, but has features that simply could not be possible with direct human touch.

Android Needs To Be Cool

        One thing I've noticed about the sheep around me who fall for Apple's products is that in the mind of the casual consumer, the operating system is everything. OSX (although many Mac users won't even be able to tell me what that is) is the selling point of Mac computers and, believe it or not, iOS is the selling point of iPhones and iPads. (Shocking, I know! :P) But let's analyze this for a moment. What makes iOS "cooler" than Android? Obviously the way Apple markets their product through commercial and viral marketing plays a vital role in making a mobile operating system seem "hip", but also a variety of exclusive apps (which, for the most part, aren't very good anyway) often create a broad line between iOS and Android. Samsung needs to clearly state the reason they've stuck with Android all this time, and they need to be bold, stating that the competition's library of applications are growing weaker, while Android is becoming stronger. The coolest thing Samsung (or even Google for that matter) could do right now is say, "Look, we know you can get a boat-load of crappy Mario knock-offs on iOS, but if you switch to Android, you can get nearly all the features of a jailbroken iPhone without voiding the warranty of your beloved handsets." Cue converting sheep.

Actual Innovation

        After the laughable announcement of the iPhone 5 last year, I was almost certain this would be the end of Apple's reign of victory in the world of mobile handsets. I was far from being right. Since its release, the iPhone 5 has been selling like hOtcake5, reclaiming its throne after the Samsung Galaxy S III became the most popular smartphone in the world. The Samsung Galaxy S III may have had some neat gimmicks and a vast variety of actual features as well, but the Apple consumer would sacrifice all of that for simplicity and a decent library of apps, which is understandable, but Samsung needs to announce a new feature that current iPhone users simply couldn't otherwise live without, like when Apple created the App Store, but it's not my job to tell them what that feature will be. ;) It's some Asian guy's job.