Wow, it's funny. In Pidgin, one can view the Member Since information on any user on your buddy list (you might have been able to for some time, but I just noticed it). Apparently I've been on AIM since May 5th, 2002. Of course, I've been on the Internet for quite some time before that, but it's interesting to take a look back. More than half my life, I've been on the Internet, and it's impressive to see how it has grown since the original ARPANET. I distinctly remember an assignment in 5th grade where I had to track a few stocks. Back in the day, I'd have to get on AOL, a painstakingly slow process considering our Windows 95 machine. Then you had to browse for every individual stock (also slow).
Nowadays, with Google Finance, RSS, and internet enabled cell phones, that information would come to me at blazing speeds anywhere I was. There's so much more out there, and so much more to be had. Let's hope these next 6 years (and those to follow) provide similar enhancements :)
Today, the sequel to the widely-popular Super Smash Bros. Melee: Super Smash Bros Brawl, launched in the US. Getting an average of 96 out of 100 according to the major game review sites, it's quite a great game! While I do not own a Wii, I've played both the Japanese import and the English version, and Brawl takes everything that Melee had, made it better or kept it the same, and added 9 more characters, many more items, and an extensive story-arc called "The Subspace Emissary" which makes a valiant attempt to spice up the otherwise shallow single player modes.
It's an ~8 hour long game, which gives the players the opportunity to flip through almost all of the 35 characters in the game, spiced along with short and beautiful cutscenes that introduce new characters and move along the story quickly. What's more, the whole single player game can be played two-player, where players run through all the levels simultaneously (although there may be sections where only one person may be playing, I don't know for sure).
The multiplayer action is superb! The gameplay has been slowed just a tad, which may be cause for excitement or sadness, depending on how you enjoyed Melee. All the characters have definite strengths and weaknesses; My favorite new character, Sonic, for example, moves like the wind, and can juggle an opponent midair for quite some time, but has no real moves for launching an enemy offstage. The new items are a welcome addition, as well as a bunch of new assist trophies that hurt other opponents or help you. Video of all the different assister trophies below.
A completely new facet of the game, the Final Smash, provides a good mix of fun. When a Smash Ball appears on the screen, everyone in play tries to rush for the ball. The first player to strike the ball a sufficient amount will gain a 'Final Smash'. This is a powered-up super move that normally destroys any enemy it touches instantly. It's a definite crowd-pleaser, as the effects and massive damage rack up the excitement. However, those on the receiving end may not enjoy it as much :). Video of all the Final Smashes below.
This is the first of the Super Smash Bros games to be playable online, either with friends, or random people. I haven't tried this out myself, although the general jist I get from reviews is that friend play is nice and light, but random play is plagued with lag issues, although we'll see how it goes after the service matures. There's more to mention, but too long to write down, so just check out all the new features on the official site linked above, and specifically on the Game Modes page. Sadly, some Wii's have had problems reading the Dual-Layer disc that the game comes on, as the laser may be slightly dirty. Luckily, Nintendo is on the case, and has set up a free repair program to get Wii's back up and running ASAP. If it happens to you, go get it repaired!
I might have to reallllly get a Wii and Brawl now. *sigh*
*UPDATE* After completing the download of the free album, Ghosts I, I've mirrored the album for download here. Enjoy :) *UPDATE*
So Trent Reznor, lead singer of Nine Inch Nails, has released a new instrumental album called Ghosts. A 4-volume album, it's a sometimes-light, sometimes-heavy treat for NIN fans everywhere. But what's more great than the material is the distribution method. There are 5 options for listening to this album:
The first volume (9 tracks) is available FOR FREE. That's right, free. You can grab it from NIN's official site (slow right now, but should be back up in the morning), or from various downloading sites such as The Pirate Bay.
All 4 albums are available as a download in 320 kbps MP3 (The highest quality MP3 available), or FLAC or Apple Lossless (larger, but exactly the same quality as a CD). Any of these options costs you 5 dollars.
A 2-cd preorder. 10$, and shipping sometime on or before April 8th, but you also get the above mentioned download.
A 75$ deluxe package, with the CD's above, the entire album in multitrack format (for remixing to your heart's desire), a BluRay DVD of stereo recordings, and a 48-page hardcover photo book. Also shipping soim
A 300$ Ultra-Deluxe (I kid you not) package, including everything above, 4 LP 180-gram vinyls, and two limited-edition Giclee prints, and more fabric slipcovers than you could hope for.
I'm excited. I've been trying to preorder the CD for a good 45 minutes now, but the site is just getting ROCKED. We'll see if I get to order it.
I'm glad that Trent is free from a record label so he can do this stuff now. I can guarantee you that giving away an album for free is not something most record companies would allow. Let's see how well this fares for the rest of the industry.....