Monday, November 29, 2010

Mr. A's review of......Splatterhouse


The Story
Rick Taylor is about to propose to his long time girlfriend Jennifer Willis. He's got it all planned out; a quiet dinner near the water, soft lights, and the most brilliant diamond Rick can afford. All Rick has to do is suffer through a quick little interview with the enigmatic Dr. West that Jen has to do for the school newspaper. Yes, Rick has plans. But like much in life, your plans don't mean dick when it comes to fate. Dr. West quickly summons demons from beyond to grab Jen and beat you to within an inch of your life. Sorry, Rick, but your plans are canceled. Or are they?
With his dying breath, Rick makes a deal with the Terror Mask, an ancient Aztec bone mask possessed by a vengeful spirit.
Armed with supernatual powers, an array of improvised weaponry, and a steadfast resolve, Rick must now traverse time and space to save the woman he loves before she is sacrificed to the elder god Cthulhu. Can Rick do it in time? And what is the Terror Mask's true intentions? Welcome, everyone. Welcome to...the Splatterhouse!

The Review
The story is sort of cheesy, but considering the original 'House didn't really have one it's works out pretty well. Overall gameplay is alright, but it does take a bit of time to get used to the combat timing. For instance, one of the lower level baddies will swipe at you and if you get hit, Rick's speed isn't good enough to throw a punch before he swipes you again. All you can do is roll out of the way and then go in for a counterattack.
The gore is SUPER over the top. I actually had to get used to all the horrific takedowns because they were so gruesome.
The voice-acting is pretty good, with a major shout-out going to the voice actor for Dr. West (who's name escapes me).
On the technical side there is the issue of long load times and choppy cut scenes because of them. Things that could have easily been taken care of with some kind of install.

The Verdict
If you're into beat-em-ups you should give this game a try. If you like games full of blood and carnage then give this a try. But if you don't like either of them then stay the hell away from this. While it is fun to unlock trophies and hidden pictures, it's not really worth getting ill every time you have to perform a takedown. I did however have fun playing the classic Splatterhouse games and trying to unlock the secret goals in survival mode. Overall, if you don't like this game, you just won't. EVER. But if you like this game you'll like the hell out of it.

8/10

Stay tuned for more reviews and our commentary for the film The Last Airbender.

Jaa mata,
Mr. A
(Executive Producer, Necrobiologist)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Otaku 5-0: Season 5 Finale

Episode 91 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

It is my sad duty to report to our growing audience that another leg of our journey has come to an. end. I am proud & humbled to present to you the finale episode to our 5th Season!

First off, I would like to thank everybody who voted in our two polls covering last week's Great Debate and Defender, with Homemade Costumes eking out a 9-7 victory against Store-bought Costumes and Team Drive-In Theaters defeating Team Conventional Theaters, 8-6. Be sure to vote in future polls we may have in the near future!

As we prepare to enter our hiatus, the staff of The Otaku 5-0 Show would like to thank our families for their continued support of our endeavors, our special guest DJ Buma for his professionalism and good cheer, but most importantly:

YOU - OUR GROWING AUDIENCE...
For taking time out of your daily lives to hang out with us for a little while.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click to download episode.


Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.16

Recording Date: November 22, 2010
Running Time: 117 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Bad Joke of the Day (Mr. A)

2. Lead-in (Jupiter)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. A Serious Conversation About... HEXXP Year 1

5. A Serious Conversation About... Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows, Part 1

6. Taking Stock (Totoro, Jupiter, Mr. A, Maka & Jam)

7. Lead-out (Totoro)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances, "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Happy Holidays from The Otaku 5-0 Show!

See you in 2011!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 15

Episode 90 out of 100

pe-nul-ti-mate (adj.) - next to the last.

Aloha everybody!

Did anyone notice that we have changed our name to The Otaku 5-0 Show? Due to recent discussions, we felt that a change was warranted in order to better incorporate our video and podcast operations. But not to worry, fellow fans: We might have changed our name, but we are STILL the same dorky people you've come to know and love!

But however, it is sad to see that that the next leg of our amazing journey will again come to an end. While we are excited for a well-deserved rest, we bring you yet another episode of entertainment-themed topic discussion, including new installments of Great Debate & Defender!

So sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.15

Recording Date: November 15, 2010
Running Time: 88 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Opening Bit: A Word From Our Sponsor (Mr. A)

2. Lead-in (Mr. A, Jupiter)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. Great Debate: Drive-In or Conventional Movie Theaters?

6. How We Would Have Done It: Batman & Robin

7. Defender: Homemade or Store-bought Cosplay?

8. Fill In The Blank - "Fly"

9. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "Subtitle" from Revolutionary Girl Utena, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger, "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 14

Episode 89 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

First off, I would like to make an apology to all our fans. At the start of this episode, I announce that this will be the penultimate episode this season. However, during our post-recording discussion, I was reminded that there are actually two more episodes remaining in the season. On one hand, it means that you can look forward to more entertainment-based discussion from us here at Otaku 5-0, but on the other it makes me look like a doofus. But I can live with that.

Secondly, let me announce the results of our polls started at the end of last week's episode, with The Walking Dead registering universal praise. However, while Michael Myers is the fan favorite to win in a head-to-head with Leatherface, a majority of voters still said that such a confrontation would end up in a draw.

Well, that's about it for now. Please sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.14

Recording Date: November 8, 2010
Running Time: 88 minutes

Co-Moderators
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Peeps (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Gypsy's Pokedex

2. Lead-in (Mr. A, Gypsy)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. Otaku 5-0's Review of... The Walking Dead

5 A Serious Conversation About... The Upcoming HEXXP Convention

6. Best Monster Movie Moment Ever!

7. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Mr. A's review of.....The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimention

The Story
Dr. Buckaroo Banzai, neurosurgeon, physicist, and underground rock star, has just successfully tested his new rocket car which is powered by an "Oscillation Overthruster." However this wondrous news attracts the attention of the Red Lectroids, a group of evil renegade aliens who have been on Earth for almost fifty years.
Aided by members of the Black Lectroids, the peace-loving enemies of the Red Lectroids, and Banzai's own think-tank/rockin' back-up band The Hong Kong Cavaliers, Buckaroo must race against the clock to stop Lord John Whorfin and the rest of the Red Lectroids from escaping Earth with the Oscillation Overthruster or risk starting a nuclear holocaust.
Can Buckaroo solve the mystery of Yoyodyne Propulsion System? And who is Penny Priddy and why does she resemble Buckaroo's late wife? With the entire world at stake, the only one who can save us all is Buckaroo Banzai!

The Review
This film hasn't exactly aged well as evident by the 80's fashion, music, and overall style. However, if you want 80's camp, this is the freakin' jackpot! Both Peter Weller and John Lithgow are awesome as Buckaroo and Whorfin respectively and the overall storyline is actually pretty cool. It does get a little convoluted at times, but you'll get the gist of it. The music is great and the pacing is solid. It does however lack some emotional involvement on the part of the characters, but that can be overlooked for the most part.

The Verdict
This movie is straight fun. Between the musical number, the gun fights, and the chase scenes, Buckaroo Banzai won't disappoint as long as you have an open mind. Check it out on Netflix or if your local Redbox has it then shell out the $2 for it.

7/10

Jaa mata,
Mr. A
(Executive Producer, Blue Blaze Irregular)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Mr. A's review of.....Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Thought I'd bring you something different than just another movie review.

The Story
While trying to escape from a mech slave ship, Monkey, a rugged loner and the game's hero, runs into a young girl named Trip. After making a break for it, Monkey soon discovers that Trip isn't exactly another young slave girl when she fits a high-tech slave headband into him. Trip's demands are simple: help her return to her village and she won't detonate the device and fry your brain.
Given no choice, Monkey must now help Trip get back home, but standing between them and it is a post-apocalyptic New York and hundreds of angry mechs left behind from a bygone era who all want to find the nearest human and rip their face off. With super-strength, high-tech weaponry, and survival know-how, our two heroes set off into in epic journey to the west.

The Review
Let's go with the good first. Visually, this game is stunning. Everything is so bright and vibrant that it makes you almost with the world would destroy itself just so it could look like it does in this game.
The voice talent is fantastic. Andy Serkis does a great job as Monkey, though the "Brooklyn" style accent can get a little grating at times.
The game's combat is a bit repetitive and the free-running portions can be a little twitchy. Walking around can also be a tad difficult due to the camera catching weird angles.

The Verdict
Though this game is rather short (about 8-10 hours), it is a very rewarding experience. I would advise that if you want to pick this up you should wait for the price to drop (around Christmas maybe?). Overall, I'll be playing this game again and possibly for a third time. Unfortunately, I need to return Enslaved to the Red Box tonight so I won't be playing it again for a while.

8/10

That's about it for now. I know the review was kind of short, but there really wasn't any more I could say about it. GO BUY THIS GAME!!!

Jaa mata,
Mr. A
(executive producer)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 13

Episode 88 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

First off, I would like to thank our fans for participating in our two polls. In no apparent surprise, Classic=style Horror clobbered Modern-style horror with a 9-2 score, while Vampires sucked the life out of Werewolves, 7-1. Please participate in the new polls in the left-hand sidebar!

We at Otaku 5-0 hope that all of our fans had a safe and happy Halloween. As you recuperate from a long weekend, please sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors as we present to you a Post-Halloween episode of our podcast!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.13

Recording Date: November 1, 2010
Running Time: 88 minutes

Moderator
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Lead-in (Mr. A)

2. Pick/Fail of the Week (including Halloween exploits/observations)

3. Duel to the Death: Michael Myers vs. Leatherface

4. Favorite & Least Favorite... Halloween Candy

5. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "I'll Do It Right!' from Naruto, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!