Lasombra Files: Episode 37: Doctor's Orders

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The ground kisses my body as I'm dropped on something solid. With the hood still on my head I could be in a room filled with carnivorous rats who have been famished on purpose for this very event. A slow, rhythmic, mocking clap breaks the silence as my head twists and turns to find the source and location of the sound. A hard punch cracks my jaw, and the clapping still commences in episode 37: Doctor's Orders. Another hard punch cracks my jaw the other way to balance out the pain, with the clapping still mocking me as if I were someone inept that finally finished a simple task. Silence soon befell the room again only to be broken by the sound of my own voice screaming in pain.

Name: Kyle Newman [ps3Freak18]
Age:25
Gender: Male
Occupation: Jack of all trades.
Country: USA

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming?

Freak: I have been gaming for quite a while now. I believe I was 4 years old when I played my first video game. All it took was an NES and Skate or Die and I was hooked for life! I played the game for hours, ignoring the fact that I was terrible at it. I was just consumed by how much fun interacting with the T.V. could be.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Freak: Honestly, I think I slipped up on it through a random Google search for something. I honestly can't remember what it was that I was looking for. It is a good thing though because PSU was on the first page of Google searches even back that long ago. I couldn't be happier that I stumbled upon PSU. It has given me much entertainment over the years.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Freak: I started off the current console generation with a 360. This was the first time this has ever happened for me. I've always owned Sony's consoles before adopting any other brands. I think the majority of the choice was decided by the year head start and the ludicrous price of the PS3. I eventually got a PS3 when it was dropped to $499.

At first, I played my 360 almost solely. After more games started to come to the PS3, my time slowly started to shift from the 360 to the PS3. After about a year or so, I found myself playing PS3 for all games and 360 for exclusives. I hung on to my 360 for a while but after Mass Effect jumped the exclusive ship I started contemplating trading it. Then one day Gamestop was running a trade in special on the 360, so I decided to trade it in for a 120 GB PS3 Slim. Haven't looked back since.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Freak: The people here are amazing! We have members from all across the world and all types of personalities. I have talked to many people on PSU that I would consider friends. It may be odd to think this because they are across the world, but there are some great people on here. You get to know them just like your real life friends and you realize how great they are.

Not to mention, I think the Counting Thread keeps me coming back most of all. That is where my core PSU friends are. #Countingbros4life!

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Freak: PSU has grown very much over the past few years. I've seen it grow from a smaller site, with a smaller community to a thriving source of information. One thing that has always stuck out to me is the separation of the site and the forum. Most members don't check the home page and use PSU solely for the forums.

If there is more integration with the two I believe it would bring in new members and make the site more involved. I think this would keep members involved more.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Freak: Get a PS4, earn more platinums, play more game, and have a kick ass time doing it!

Lasombra: Are you a Trophy hunter, and what do you think about Trophies overall?

Freak: Absolutely! I've been addicted to Trophies since I bought Super Stardust HD just for the Trophies. I got Trophies and an awesome game all together. I think Trophies help give a bit of extra replay value. Some gamers see it as a tack on but not me. The only issue that I have with Trophies myself is I become too focused on them. I find myself more worried about getting Trophies at times than actually playing the game. When this happens I try to pull myself away from the thought of Trophies and just let them come naturally. Although that doesn't always work!

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4.

Freak: I think first and foremost for Sony this gen should be marketing in the U.S. MS dominated the U.S. market and it helped them maintain a healthy lead for most of the generation. The U.S. has become a crucial piece in the console wars to help maintain a lead. One thing that you see more of in the U.S. is Xbox ads versus PS ads. Although I will say since the reveal of the "Greatness Awaits" ad it has been running quite a bit. So it looks like Sony might be on track to improve this from last generation.

I think another factor could be bringing back some of the great franchises from the past. Crash, Jak & Daxter, Jet Moto, and more of the classics. I think that nostalgia factor could help sell games and systems. Also they need to keep up with the exclusives. This has always been a focal point with Sony. I don't see that changing this coming generation.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the PlaySation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Freak: The PS2 days were the best gaming years for me. There were so many great games that just consumed my time. I remember that giddy feeling when I got my PS2 and Smuggler's Run for my birthday. Sony knew what they were doing by providing games in droves! I hope the PS4 can spark some of that success.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Freak: I live in a small town in Louisiana. There isn't really much around to keep gamers occupied. All we have is Gamestop and the other common players like Best Buy. The only thing that we have that is for gamers is a tournament at my Alma Mater. It is run by the Computer Programming department. It is basically a big ball room with stations set up for PCs and some console stations. They give away prizes, provide commentary for matches, and have intense tournaments for games like Unreal Tournament and Counter Strike. It is a lot of fun.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session?

Freak: I've been in a bit of a gaming funk since January. I think I'm just getting burnt out on this generation. There have been some great moments for me but I find myself forcing to play at times. I think the fact that it is coming to an end has me having a tough time playing. I will say though, The Last of Us has me completely hooked! I don't think that I've played a game quite as special as this. ND has seriously outdone themselves. I think it is a perfect swan song for the PS3!

Lasombra: What game would you buy or re-buy if it had a platinum, regardless of the system.

Freak: I think two games would hold strong here. Either GTA 3 or Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. To put it simple I believe that I could have earned the platinum five times over if they had them. Those games consumed my life!

Lasombra: Do you think Trophies have helped, hurt, or had little affect on the gaming industry and gaming as a hobby?

Freak: For me they have definitely helped me have a drive to get through some games that I get bogged down in. I think overall it can't be a bad thing. There is a massive amount of gamers that care about their trophy count and how high their rating is. I believe it has helped give fans something to be passionate about.

Lasombra: Having a high PSN level but few platinums, what was it about those games that made you not go for the plat?

Freak: This is a really tough question. Sometimes I am just driven to get a platinum at all cost and others I just want to finish the game and be done with it. My overall bane to my low platinum count has to do with online Trophies!!! I absolutely despise them for a couple reasons. Mostly they throw them in there for Trophy hunters to play their online. My issue with it is that I use mobile broadband for my primary internet because I live in a rural area. I have to cross my fingers if a game will work online due to slow speeds and latency. So sometimes I'm screwed from getting a platinum right from the start. It's very frustrating. Online trophies are the worst thing to happen to the trophy system.

If it's not the online Trophies I usually just don't feel the need to play through a game again. I have to love a game to want to play through it again just on a different difficulty. I also rent a lot of my games from Gamefly, so sometimes I'm on a time frame to get the game back before the next game I want comes out.

Lasombra: What has your greatest Trophy achievement been?

Freak: I believe the biggest had to be Beat Zico from Wipeout HD! That Trophy was insane but once I went for it I had to have it after getting close so many times. I think a runner up for that would be obtaining S Rank License in GT5. Those were a bit tough and almost cost me a controller.

Lasombra: Having started on the 360, but also having a love for trophies, what was it about achievements that didn`t keep you hooked to not jump ship? Is there a fundamental difference between them for you?

Freak: I enjoyed getting achievements but there isn't much to them. It's just a number. I know the simplification for trophies is basic but at least you can easily discern between something that took a while or was difficult by a silver or gold trophy. A 25 point achievement can sometimes be something minimal to major. In the end it is just a game of math for developers adding achievements up to equal 1000, most of the time. Not to mention that ding from earning a Trophy makes me smile inside.

Lasombra: Were there any games you bought because of Trophies that you would not have tried otherwise?

Freak: Super Stardust HD was the first game that I played with trophies. I bought it for the sole purpose of getting Trophies. Then I get this amazing game to boot. It is honestly one of my favorite PSN games this generation. I couldn't have been happier with my purchase.

The knife in my shoulder dug deep, cutting through skin, sinew, muscle and bone. Slowly it was pulled out, 1100th of the speed of impact to elongate the pain and torment. As the tip of the blade left the wound by a single millimeter it was thrust back in like an OCD-distorted savant trying to make the perfect knife wound in episode 38: Edited for TV. Anyone who says it is just a knife wound and to suck it up has never been knifed, let alone repeatedly in the same wound. Blood spurts down my shoulder and body from the gaping hole but that is the least of my worries as the blade of the knife can be felt on my neck, pressed slowly into the carotid artery.

Missed an episode? Check out the back issues.

Want to hear random thoughts about life in Japan, gaming, or want to leave your thoughts about the series and the story? Follow our intrepid reporter on Facebook,Twitter, or email him at Dane.Smith@psu.com.

View the original article here

Lasombra Files Episode 36: Maniac Mansion

Posted June 24th, 2013 at 08:19 EDT by Dane Smith1 Comments

Welcome to season 3 of the Lasombra Files, PSU’s weekly hit program. Follow the story of Lasombra and V as they try to solve an inter-dimensional murder mystery of ostentatious proportions, while at the same time shining the spotlight on gamers around the world and in our community.

Locked in a cell like a lab rat waiting to be dissected or made to run a wheel, I can't help but feel sorrow for V's unconscious form hung up on display in another cell. I know whoever is pulling Richard's strings is doing it to taunt me, torment me, and make me feel the loss of another cameraman in episode 36: Maniac Mansion. The juxtaposition of roles is not lost on me as usually it is I who is the one left half-dead. Now I need to summon the strength and courage to find a way out of this prison before both of us succumb to whatever sick, twisted, and demented fate that befell upon Richard a year ago.

Name: David
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Occupation: Civil Servant
Country: Scotland

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming? 

Gersfc: For as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are of having the Sega Master System, so 20 years easily.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Gersfc: Completely by accident lol. I downloaded Tapatalk around a year ago and I searched Playstation. PSU was at the top of the list so I signed up, joined and never looked back.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Gersfc: Mostly Sony this generation. I do have a Wii but that is sitting in it's box in the cupboard. Last generation I bought and played every console but this gen pretty much stuck with Sony.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Gersfc: I love the fact that the community is pretty laid back and doesn't take itself too seriously, so you can have a laugh with other the members. 

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Gersfc: You know it's tough as there is a lot of competition, but just promoting through the social media sites and members recommending the site would help it grow.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Gersfc: My goal this year is to try and work through my backlog of games which is massive! lol And also to play through some RPGs from the PSOne era that I missed first time around.

Lasombra: Are you a trophy hunter, and what do you think about trophies overall?

Gersfc: I start off games as a trophy hunter but I ain't really got the patience or time to keep at it lol. I do love the idea of trophies though, as it adds a replay factor to games that you may never touch again once completed.

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4.

Gersfc: I don't know if the PS2 domination can ever be replicated again but if it's to happen then this generation is Sony's best chance with all the negativity surrounding the XBO. Sony pretty much capitalized the best they could with no DRM, etc, so if they can win over the casual gamer demographic, it's possible.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the Playstation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Gersfc: Probably the PlayStation One era. I was young enough to have enough time to play games with being at school but old enough to understand gaming a lot better. Add the fact that the PSOne had some pretty kick ass games and it was good times indeed.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Gersfc: This question stumped me man, I don't really know of any.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session? 

Gersfc: Yeah, a few years back I participated in the 24 hour endurance race on Gran Turismo 5 with my dad. He started it in the afternoon whilst I was at work, I came home, went to bed around 8pm, set my alarm for 1am and drove right through to the finish! Felt pretty burned out after that, lol.

Lasombra: What genre is your favourite to play? What was it that grabbed your attention?

Gersfc: RPGs and that is down to Final Fantasy VII on the PSOne. It was my first RPG and it just sucked me right in. It's still my favourite game and it opened me up to the RPG genre as a whole.

Lasombra: Being a Sony gamer this generation, what was it about the 360 that turned you away from buying one?

Gersfc: I was put off having to pay for the XBox live subscription to play online, especially as Sony offered the PSN as a free alternative.

Lasombra: Some Americans are concerned about the potential for Big Brother because of Kinect always being on. Does the UK have the same feeling, considering there are cameras everywhere and the government is thought of differently.

Gersfc: I think we have the same feeling over here, at least I have. I think there is a major difference between having cameras out on the street that can potentially catch criminals and having one in your own living room. That definitely invades your privacy in your own home and for me personally was one of the biggest reasons I won't be buying an XBox next gen.

Lasombra: What are some of the games in your backlog, and what classic PSOne RPGs are you looking forward to playing for the first time?

Gersfc: I could be here all day, lol, still have to start Skyrim, Ni No Kuni, Bioshock Infinite and a ton of others. Some of the PSOne RPG games that I plan on replaying are Wild Arms, Grandia and Xenogears. Missed these games back in the day, and they come highly recommended by a few of the members so should be fun!

Lasombra: Are you hoping the entire PSOne and PS2 library will be released for use on the PS4? Would you re-buy games you already own to have them in digital form?

Gersfc: That would be great if there is a choice to do something like that. I have already re-bought games in digital form this generation so, yeah, I would consider re-buying games in digital form for the PS4 too, depending on the price.

Lasombra: How come the Wii fizzled out for you and didn`t have long-term viability and vitality?

Gersfc: This may be controversial but it was too gimmicky for me. Great at first, but the novelty soon wore off, for me at least.

There is no outside window, and the cell bars are as solid as the ground I was thrown across earlier. I have no choice but to wait for whatever will happen next and thankfully I don't have to wait long. Richard's hulking, monstrous form lumbers down into the cells. I try talking to him, pleading with him that if I knew he was alive I'd have tried to help him. Either he doesn't care or his mind is too far gone as he ignores my attempt to heal old wounds in episode 37: Doctor's Orders. He opens the door and immediately shoves a dirty sack over my head as if I were pre-hockey mask Jason. I thrash around due to the lack of air and the stink getting to me, but that doesn't stop him from picking me up like an insignificant rag doll and carrying me to where ever it is we're going.

Missed an episode? Check out the back issues.

Want to hear random thoughts about life in Japan, gaming, or want to leave your thoughts about the series and the story? Follow our intrepid reporter on Facebook,Twitter, or email him at Dane.Smith@psu.com.

View the original article here

Lasombra Files Episode 36: Maniac Mansion

Posted June 24th, 2013 at 08:19 EDT by Dane Smith1 Comments

Welcome to season 3 of the Lasombra Files, PSU’s weekly hit program. Follow the story of Lasombra and V as they try to solve an inter-dimensional murder mystery of ostentatious proportions, while at the same time shining the spotlight on gamers around the world and in our community.

Locked in a cell like a lab rat waiting to be dissected or made to run a wheel, I can't help but feel sorrow for V's unconscious form hung up on display in another cell. I know whoever is pulling Richard's strings is doing it to taunt me, torment me, and make me feel the loss of another cameraman in episode 36: Maniac Mansion. The juxtaposition of roles is not lost on me as usually it is I who is the one left half-dead. Now I need to summon the strength and courage to find a way out of this prison before both of us succumb to whatever sick, twisted, and demented fate that befell upon Richard a year ago.

Name: David
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Occupation: Civil Servant
Country: Scotland

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming? 

Gersfc: For as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are of having the Sega Master System, so 20 years easily.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Gersfc: Completely by accident lol. I downloaded Tapatalk around a year ago and I searched Playstation. PSU was at the top of the list so I signed up, joined and never looked back.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Gersfc: Mostly Sony this generation. I do have a Wii but that is sitting in it's box in the cupboard. Last generation I bought and played every console but this gen pretty much stuck with Sony.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Gersfc: I love the fact that the community is pretty laid back and doesn't take itself too seriously, so you can have a laugh with other the members. 

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Gersfc: You know it's tough as there is a lot of competition, but just promoting through the social media sites and members recommending the site would help it grow.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Gersfc: My goal this year is to try and work through my backlog of games which is massive! lol And also to play through some RPGs from the PSOne era that I missed first time around.

Lasombra: Are you a trophy hunter, and what do you think about trophies overall?

Gersfc: I start off games as a trophy hunter but I ain't really got the patience or time to keep at it lol. I do love the idea of trophies though, as it adds a replay factor to games that you may never touch again once completed.

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4.

Gersfc: I don't know if the PS2 domination can ever be replicated again but if it's to happen then this generation is Sony's best chance with all the negativity surrounding the XBO. Sony pretty much capitalized the best they could with no DRM, etc, so if they can win over the casual gamer demographic, it's possible.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the Playstation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Gersfc: Probably the PlayStation One era. I was young enough to have enough time to play games with being at school but old enough to understand gaming a lot better. Add the fact that the PSOne had some pretty kick ass games and it was good times indeed.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Gersfc: This question stumped me man, I don't really know of any.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session? 

Gersfc: Yeah, a few years back I participated in the 24 hour endurance race on Gran Turismo 5 with my dad. He started it in the afternoon whilst I was at work, I came home, went to bed around 8pm, set my alarm for 1am and drove right through to the finish! Felt pretty burned out after that, lol.

Lasombra: What genre is your favourite to play? What was it that grabbed your attention?

Gersfc: RPGs and that is down to Final Fantasy VII on the PSOne. It was my first RPG and it just sucked me right in. It's still my favourite game and it opened me up to the RPG genre as a whole.

Lasombra: Being a Sony gamer this generation, what was it about the 360 that turned you away from buying one?

Gersfc: I was put off having to pay for the XBox live subscription to play online, especially as Sony offered the PSN as a free alternative.

Lasombra: Some Americans are concerned about the potential for Big Brother because of Kinect always being on. Does the UK have the same feeling, considering there are cameras everywhere and the government is thought of differently.

Gersfc: I think we have the same feeling over here, at least I have. I think there is a major difference between having cameras out on the street that can potentially catch criminals and having one in your own living room. That definitely invades your privacy in your own home and for me personally was one of the biggest reasons I won't be buying an XBox next gen.

Lasombra: What are some of the games in your backlog, and what classic PSOne RPGs are you looking forward to playing for the first time?

Gersfc: I could be here all day, lol, still have to start Skyrim, Ni No Kuni, Bioshock Infinite and a ton of others. Some of the PSOne RPG games that I plan on replaying are Wild Arms, Grandia and Xenogears. Missed these games back in the day, and they come highly recommended by a few of the members so should be fun!

Lasombra: Are you hoping the entire PSOne and PS2 library will be released for use on the PS4? Would you re-buy games you already own to have them in digital form?

Gersfc: That would be great if there is a choice to do something like that. I have already re-bought games in digital form this generation so, yeah, I would consider re-buying games in digital form for the PS4 too, depending on the price.

Lasombra: How come the Wii fizzled out for you and didn`t have long-term viability and vitality?

Gersfc: This may be controversial but it was too gimmicky for me. Great at first, but the novelty soon wore off, for me at least.

There is no outside window, and the cell bars are as solid as the ground I was thrown across earlier. I have no choice but to wait for whatever will happen next and thankfully I don't have to wait long. Richard's hulking, monstrous form lumbers down into the cells. I try talking to him, pleading with him that if I knew he was alive I'd have tried to help him. Either he doesn't care or his mind is too far gone as he ignores my attempt to heal old wounds in episode 37: Doctor's Orders. He opens the door and immediately shoves a dirty sack over my head as if I were pre-hockey mask Jason. I thrash around due to the lack of air and the stink getting to me, but that doesn't stop him from picking me up like an insignificant rag doll and carrying me to where ever it is we're going.

Missed an episode? Check out the back issues.

Want to hear random thoughts about life in Japan, gaming, or want to leave your thoughts about the series and the story? Follow our intrepid reporter on Facebook,Twitter, or email him at Dane.Smith@psu.com.

View the original article here

Lasombra Files Episode 35: Past Partners

One Year Ago

Uh, hello, you okay in there Richard? Something smells burnt. You did tell him your name was Richard and not Richards, right? Oh, that does not look like a good situation. Cameraman lying dead at the feet of a maniac that wants to make Evil Cole look like a creampuff. Check. My pants suddenly wet with fear. Check. Evil Cole wannabe walking towards me and looking all zappy. Check. Legs moving to escape. Not check. Uh, we can talk about this right? Please? I don`t taste like chicken, I swear.

Name: Scott Hill
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Occupation: Corporate Drone (much easier to explain than my real title)
Country: United States

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming?

SirScud: Since I was four years old.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

SirScud: My friend used to be a member here. When I got my PS3 he told me about the site back in 2007. Before that, I wasn't really a member of any site, but I've been here ever since.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

SirScud: I originally only owned an Xbox 360 and it probably wasn't until 2008-09 that I really started to play my ps3.

At that point my time shifted primarily to the PS3. I will play just about anything but I knew I would've owned a PS3 because I am a rabid MGS fan, and there was no way I'd miss out on MGS4 on day one. Recently I purchased a Vita, and I haven't owned a handheld since the early Gameboy days.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

SirScud: Simple, it's the discussions. We have a pretty great group of people with some really interesting opinions, good debates and a friendly atmosphere. Not to mention it's pretty laid back. Don't have to worry too much about a post getting you into trouble.

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

SirScud: This is a tough one. I've noticed that there are a good amount of members that only congregate on the main page of PSU, maybe comment on an article but never go post on the forums. I've also noticed people who only post on the forums, but never seem to check out the front page articles and leave comments.

I feel there's got to be some way to better merge the two together, instantly growing the community. But I think one way for the community to grow is to have a fun, positive atmosphere where your opinion isn't shot down in two seconds for being different from the rest.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

SirScud: Beat some games in my backlog because this holiday season is going to be packed with games I want for the Vita, PS3 and PS4. Going to be an expensive year.

Lasombra: Are you a Trophy hunter, and what do you think about trophies overall?

SirScud: I used to be a big Trophy hunter, and at times I strive to platinum a game. But lately, I will get that initial rush to begin a platinum run and then I just tire out. I don't really have it in me to complete some of the tasks to get some of the more difficult Trophies in games. Personally I think they add a lot of value to games. I won't sell games if I think I might want to try a platinum run down the line.

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4?

SirScud: I don't think they can, but it's not from a lack of trying. Microsoft has a strong grip on the market, I won't be surprised if we see them go neck and neck in sales next-gen. I think where Sony was smart this time was with an easy to develop for system.

We might see a lot of developers from many different studios make some crazy good games that might translate into system sellers. I don't think we will hear about the PS4 being hard to develop on, unlike the PS3. I think that alone might be Sony's best card moving forward.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the PlayStation Reich? Hail to the NES?

SirScud: Nostalgia instantly makes things difficult to rate. I owned both a SNES and a Genesis, N64 and PS1. Those generations hold fond memories, but I was pretty young. If I had to pick, I'd say the N64/PlayStation 1 days were my favorite. It blew my mind the first time I played Mario 64. It was like nothing else. Not to mention the birth of the MGS saga, a game I played countless times.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

SirScud: Nothing really out of the ordinary. As far as I know there aren't any gaming specific conventions, but occasionally I hear of gaming tournaments. There are some locally owned used game shops.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session?

SirScud: Yeah, I used to be an MMO guy where if I played it too long one day I would take like a week break from the game.

Lasombra: As the moderator of the community reviews and opinion group what are your plans to help expand the section, and keep it as active as possible.

SirScud: At the moment I've been pretty swamped at work, but I have a few plans in the future. Going to be a little hush hush about them for now, but I think the community will like it. One thing in particular will be a give back to the community type of thing, once a few things have been settled in my personal life. I've been pretty supportive of those that have posted work but it definitely could use some fresh blood.

Lasombra: What got you hooked into being a Trophy hunter originally?

SirScud: I guess it was something different but at the same time something familiar. In my old school gaming days I loved unlocking hidden characters or cheats in games, which usually required you doing something of skill to unlock. I guess Trophies are the new version of that process.

Lasombra: Why do you think some forum members never go to the front page?

SirScud: I think it's more directed to the veterans that know this place as ps3forums. I think some of those members don't really consider PSU as a whole, instead see it as two separate entities. However, I think that perception is changing. The Community Reviews and Opinions section is just one example to get members to go to both the forums and front page. If there was a way for forum threads to directly be linked to news articles, I think there would be a higher volume of people checking out front page stuff.

Lasombra: Being a former MMO player, do you think MMOs can work on a console? DC Universe Online has a lot of traction but it has been a barren genre for an online console.

SirScud: I think they are getting much better. I bought a PS2 to play Everquest Online Adventures, so I was that guy buying the network adapter and then eventually that guy who bought the hard drive just to play Final Fantasy IX.

But I played DC Universe Online with my ps3 back when it launched, and despite its technical issues, translated well with a controller. The problem is less about consoles vs. PC and more that the genre itself is transforming. Less and less people are willing to shell out $15 a month to play a game; Free-to-Play is changing how they work and function. I think the PS4 will see more MMOs within its first few years.

Lasombra: Having had a 360 and a PS3 will you be doing the same with the PS4 and Xbox One? Is the PS4 an auto-buy or will you be waiting for the first wave of launch titles?

SirScud: Sony-only this time around. I feel like the two consoles will practically mirror each other in content, so I rather not pay to play games online, not to mention I will already have so much to play and not enough time to play them all.

Lasombra: What kind of games are in your backlog that need to be finished before the holiday season? What games are you looking forward to and hoping for during the holidays?

SirScud: Some games I need to beat before major releases are Borderlands 2, Torchlight 2, Gravity Rush, Tactics Ogre, Valkyria Chronicles, and a few others I'm forgetting. I'm really looking forward in the future to games like Tearaway, Killzone: Shadow Fall, and The Last of Us, which I probably will buy immediately.

I remembered what happened that fateful day. I thought my partner had been killed and there was nothing I could do to stop the same happening to me. Instead whoever the maniac was had another purpose. The rest of the day was filled with the screams of becoming a guinea pig, something to be toyed with in a sick experiment. If I had remembered this past year that he had been alive I would like to think I would not have left him there or at least tried to do something, anything, but the man who went into that room and the one that came out were two different people in episode 36: Maniac Mansion. Now I have to relive the past in the present. As the life is being squeezed from me, V`s lifeless body hangs out the side of the vehicle, the past teasing me with deja vu. As if fate was simply not content to let me die, life is breathed back into me as an unknown voice commands Richard to unhand me.

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Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode 2 confirmed for July launch in Japan

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Posted June 10th, 2013 at 05:09 EDT by Mike Harradence1 Comments

SEGA has confirmed a July 17 release date for Phantasy Star Online 2: Episode 2 in Japan.

The PlayStation Vita and PC title introduces a brand new race known as the Dumans, as well as a pair of new weapon categories; Katana and Bullet Bow. Lastly, the expansion also includes a new planet called Vobal.

In addition to the standard release, SEGA will also make available a special ‘Premium Package vol.2’ edition of Episode II, featuring codes for various DLC and other goodies. It’ll cost 6,279 yen.

via Siliconera

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Lasombra Files Episode 34: Sins of the Past

Welcome to season 3 of the Lasombra Files, PSU’s weekly hit program. Follow the story of Lasombra and V as they try to solve an inter-dimensional murder mystery of ostentatious proportions, while at the same time shining the spotlight on gamers around the world and in our community.

The memories of the past still flood my senses as I try to not collapse from the emotional trauma. There is so much we don`t know about the human mind and what it does to defend itself from attack. Only in time will I know if this mental barrier was a blessing or a curse. I now remember who the killer is. Whatever memories I had of the past year are now tainted with skepticism as I don`t know what is truth and what is fiction in episode 34: Sins of the Past. "Richard" is all I can say under a panted breathe. If only I had remembered what I knew now what I knew then. Torture, incarceration, and a near-complete brain wiping of the events. I thought he was dead but he is back, or was he even dead to begin with? For every question answers three more questions are asked.

Name: Doug Massie
Age: 30 (yep I am old)
Gender: Male
Occupation: Childhood education while attending school for degree
Country: USA

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming?

Yuuichi: Ever since the NES was first introduced in the USA. I recall waking up that Christmas morning to see the package there with Mario Bros/Duck Hunt. I hooked it up to my 13 inch TV and was hooked.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Yuuichi: When I first bought my PS3 I bought a theme for it and the picture changed. Not knowing if that was suppose to happen I came here, found a general question thread, registered and asked. I then browsed more of the section and started to engage in conversation. I liked the people so I stayed.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Yuuichi: I started out with an Xbox 360. I am an RPG buff and I worked for Best Buy at the time and was debating between the two. The one game that made up my mind was when I saw Eternal Sonata, which at the time was an exclusive. After reading more about that and Lost Odyssey my choice was made. Then they broke away from the RPG genre. I held hope until I saw a preview for White Knight Chronicles. I traded in my Xbox and got the PS3. I`ve been playing it ever since.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Yuuichi: They can engage in great conversation. Members post articles they find and help each other out if they get stuck even if the game is older.

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Yuuichi: I am not sure how much advertising PSU does but that is one step. I think Ghost and the rest of the Dust 514 crew are doing great in promoting not only their corporation but also PSU. After E3 I fully expect to see a surge in members and I hope many stay.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Yuuichi: My gaming goal right now is to get a PS4. Hopefully it will be priced at a good point. After that, the flood of games expected to be shipped with console will keep be occupied.

Lasombra: Are you a Trophy hunter, and what do you think about Trophies overall?

Yuuichi: I have around 3 platinum Trophies but have played well over 20 games so I would not say I am a Trophy hunter. Trophies are great, but there are a few BS Trophies I have seen that prevent many players from achieving a platinum. A good example are all the online requirements for trophies. Some Trophies seem to be there to keep you playing the game more (like collect x amount of an item that drops 1:10,000 mobs).

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4?

Yuuichi: When you look at the PS2 the one thing that sticks out for it games is variety. There where a ton of games, and many did not have sequels. JRPGs, horror, action, you name it, it had it. Now it just seems too many devs, maybe at the pressure of sales, are just sequel pumping and not taking risks. People will get bored of the same thing so if the PS4 wants success like the PS2 then they need a wide variety of games to appeal to many people.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the Playstation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Yuuichi: My favorite era was the PS2. I started with a Dreamcast then eventually got a PS2. The games that kept being released were just so good: Silent Hill 2, Final Fantasy 12, Fatal frame, Dark Cloud, Ico, they weere just so great at stories and gameplay that sucked you in. When online was introduced I played S.O.C.O.M. with some friends. I had a GameCube at the same time and thought it was a very underrated system. Eternal Darkness was one of the best games released for it. The original Xbox had no game I was interested in. That was an era where almost every other week I was playing a new game because there was so many that kept coming out.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Yuuichi: Nope, the part I live in Florida has mostly retirement people. Sure when I wear my Skyrim t-shirt I get a few people who know what it is, but overall we have no unique stores, just GameStop.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session?

Yuuichi: Many times. I keep pushing myself to get that extra level, or go after that last boss to the point my body is like enough. Sometimes I get so burned out I do not touch the game again for a while.

Lasombra: Mentioning that White Knight Chronicles got you into buying a PS3, what is your opinion of the servers being closed for the game? Do you think companies should think about how a server being shut down will affect a game and company`s legacy?

Yuuichi: The server closing is just one of those things that was bound to happen. No server stays on forever. I was actually surprised they shut them down so soon. Companies should always think about the day the server closes. For a game like WKC that relies heavily on online after you beat the main game for guild levels, normal levels, gear, and the final super awesome dungeon, there is now a wealth of players who will never see all that. Sure you can do some stuff online with the AI, but it takes double to triple the amount of time to get everything.

One good thing WKC did was its interface. It is a great groundwork for a company to come along and make a true MMO for the PS3, and I look forward to the day that happens.

Lasombra: Being an RPG buff why do you think it is so hard for the mainstream of Japan and North America to accept each others RPGs? For example a game like Skyrim sells massively here but poorly over in Japan, while a game like Persona 4 sells over in Japan but pales in comparison here in North America.

Yuuichi: It is funny because I have never seen the JRPG vs WRPG debate until this generation. Last generation JRPGs dominated and in all my searching the internet and talking to people I have never heard of this great debate. It is also a matter of what is considered "poor sales." I mean if a game does not sell 4 million copies and only sells 1mill is it truly a failure or are companies just setting high goals because of other games? Back to the question at hand it has to do with culture and how gamers have changed. JRPGs sold great and were dominate last gen, but this gen the gamer has changed and they want something different. Look at the games that sell well outside of Japan and you will see the COD, GOW, Gears of War and so on. People just want something that can relate to their culture and medieval fantasy like slaying dragons and killing big bad demons sells well in the UK and NA. While in Japan they have a completely different culture. Their games have more story depth, and character development. They have some unique games too and it is just made for their culture.

Lasombra: What was it like working at Best Buy? What are some fun stories or horror stories related to gaming you experienced there?

Yuuichi: It sucked. I wasted 7 years with that company and everything that is happening to them now they have done to themselves. I stayed on the usual lies of being promoted and all that fun stuff that I am sure we all have been told before. Eventually I got tired of it and became probably the worst employee you could ever be and then just quit.

Working the gaming section was great. People would come in and we would chat about games and I`d sell them stuff. It was interesting through the course of the PSX and PS2 how many people did not buy memory cards because they thought I was trying to sell them extra stuff. When the PSX was around $50 people would buy them by the cart loads. The ones who did this of course were tax exempt and would ship them to other countries to be sold for a stupid high amount. I recall one day when the original XBOX took a big price cut my manager said one guy was interested in buying all of them, around 200. That sent up red flags in my mind but it was all about the money to the store. Well, that guy did buy all of them. Next day we get a phone call from the FBI telling us do not do it again because apparently what the guy was doing was taking the chips out of them to be used in illegal devices.

Lasombra: With the Xbox being an English centred console why do you think there is a lack of English RPGs in comparison to the conveyor belt of Japanese ones that dominates the Japanese centred PlayStation?

Yuuichi: Because MS knows what sells on their console and it is not RPGs. Skyrim sold very well on the Xbox so I would think MS would go to one of their game devs and have them make a great RPG exclusive to their console. Sure they had the Fable games, which I am one of the few that liked all of them, but other than that they have the Witcher 2. When they released Kinect they completely switched their focus mainly to that. Next gen it is interesting to see if they do make that great RPG exclusive to them. They have everything in place to be able to do it.

Lasombra: What caused you to be burnt out from some of your sessions? What games were they?

Yuuichi: Well when I played World of Warcraft there were some 18 hour gaming days. I would just level until my body said enough. Kingdoms of Amalur is another one, that game has so many side quest and the areas are big I just get burned out easily. I still have not touched it for over two weeks. Skyrim is probably the one I get burned out with the most. I`ll get the urge and will play it for a week straight, then will realize what all I have left to do and just get burned out. It really is a big game and sometimes feels overwhelming. I still need to beat Dragonborn.

Lasombra: To paraphrase yourself, the PS2 had lots of variety while the PS3 had sequel after sequel. What do you predict the PS4 will do with developers and games?

Yuuichi: From what we have seen so far it looks to be another rinse and repeat with sequels. We saw another Killzone. We saw a new inFamous which is fine because we only have two of them so far. We did see great new games like Knack and I am hoping they saved a few more new IPs for E3. If the PS4 is as dev friendly as they say maybe we will see indie games start to gain more ground. Hopefully we will see great new games because people will get tired of the same game over and over. It just takes that one dev to take the chance.

We leave the warehouse to be welcomed by a cascading rain. Maybe if I was leaving the house for work I`d be annoyed, but after the self-inflicted beating the rain was a refreshing distraction from the pain. Each step to the van felt like hell, my head throbbing and body aching, with V not feeling any better. Getting into the van we take a moment to just rest, wordless, letting the rain`s chorus try and sooth our senses. But that tranquil peace is short lived as something crashes onto the front hood of the van in episode 35: Past Partners. For a moment tranquility was trying to make us forget, and the next moment I`m pulled through the front window and thrown like a rag doll. My body hits the ground with such force that not even the mud can prevent me from rolling into the warehouse wall. Looking up, blurry eyed, a misshapen form looks down at me. No smiles, no laughter, no anger, just stoicism as if I were trash being thrown away. "Long time no see, Richard," the words barely audible as I give a chuckle. Devoid of the strength to fight back, lifting me up to the sky was child`s play for my former cameraman.

Missed an episode? Check out the

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Lasombra Files Episode 33: Who Am I?

Posted May 28th, 2013 at 11:42 EDT by Dane Smith1 Comments

Welcome to season 3 of the Lasombra Files, PSU’s weekly hit program. Follow the story of Lasombra and V as they try to solve an inter-dimensional murder mystery of ostentatious proportions, while at the same time shining the spotlight on gamers around the world and in our community.

Standing before me is myself, my old body looking more limber than I imagined I could strut. A visceral scream breaks the tension as for a quick second I see V and herself grappling at the other side of the warehouse. That quick glance and moment of hesitation was all the time needed for my shadow to attack me. A hard kick to the solar-plexus knocks the wind out of my lungs as I grab the leg, attemping to snap his knee. As if he knew my plan, no sooner had I grabbed the first leg did his other leg kick me quickly on the side of the head. Seeing stars, the only thing I could do was roll to safety and re-evaluate my next plan of attack in episode 33: Who am I? As the stars start to fade he does not try and attack me again, only pointing to the real V standing over the body of her shadow, beating it relentlessly. He points a finger at me and starts mouthing words that go directly in my brain.

Name: Mike Watson
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Occupation: Web Interface Developer + Designer (Also a full time student, graduating soon)
Country: United States

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee except for grammar and spelling corrections. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming?

Vulgotha: I've been gaming since I could walk. My earliest memories are with DOOM and playing on my father's lap. So I guess I was practically born playing the FPS genre! After that tons of Super Mario World, Star Fox and Mega Man X on the SNES, so around 1993-1994 I suppose, possibly earlier and I just don't remember.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Vulgotha: I found PSU back prior to the PS3 launch as I was looking for information on the consoles to decide to buy. Back then it went by a different name though, seems likes ages now. There was a hardware thread by a renowned guru in the community and I found it very informative. I do not believe he's here anymore however. So January 2007. Seems longer than that to me!

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Vulgotha: Split. Initially it was only PS3 but I got a 360 later and gamed a lot on that. Then, I sold my launch PS3 three years ago due to it aging and made out like a bandit because of its backwards compatibility with PS2 titles! I never picked up another because, I reasoned, the next generation was just around the corner.

Instead I built a powerful PC rig and have grown to be an almost exclusively PC gamer with some PS Vita added to the mix. I fully plan on getting a PS4 day one though! I've lamented not playing the latest Killzone, God of War, Twisted Metal and other PS exclusives...

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Vulgotha: The people here. Thinking on it now I realize how few of the original guys there are from when I joined…But a lot of the later additions have proved to be an immeasurable boon to the atmosphere of PSU. This forum seemed very approachable to me back then, and not replete with the snobbery and elitism I'd seen elsewhere. I also liked its structure and how it worked.

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Vulgotha: PSU needs to become more relevant and user friendly. The system has obviously upgraded a lot since 2007, but it could be so much more. Part of this has been marred by the constant turn over in management and staff, it's tumultuous. PSU needs stability and a firm direction.
From a technical perspective, I can think of several forums which I think are really slick and easy to interface with. PSU should seek to emulate those while adding its own spin on things.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Vulgotha: PS4 baby.

Lasombra: Are you a Trophy hunter, and what do you think about trophies overall?

Vulgotha: I understand why people do it. It's a big source of pride as a completionist. In fact, a few of my friends are Trophy/Achievement hunters, but I need a compelling reason to really do it, something tangible to really hold on to like goals and rewards. I know that PlayStation has something like this in place now, more so than Xbox, but I want it to go even farther. Don't really pay much attention to it at the moment!

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4.

Vulgotha: Not releasing a box that is super expensive a year after the competition is a good start. They also need to work hand in hand with the developers to really flesh out the necessary tools and hardware that will make the creation cycle of games on PS4 a breeze. So far, Sony seems to have nailed those last two.

Better integration with their handheld, PS Vita, is also a must. The PS3 enjoyed some decent interaction with PSP but nothing really earth shattering. I'd love to see them really expand on that by making it a core function of the OS, like PS4 game streaming to PS Vita and soon.

Finally they need to get some competent marketing. Microsoft has the Midas touch where this is concerned and I've always been amazed at how Sony never ceases to underwhelm in this department.

In all, I think having a western touch for the development of the PS4 through Cerny was a very good call. He seems to have some very good ideas and sense of direction for the platform.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the Playstation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Vulgotha: My fondest memories were of the SNES and N64: Mario, Star Fox, Road Rage, Jet Force Gemini, Turok, Golden Eye, Starcraft64, Mega Man X…That's my childhood.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Vulgotha: There are certainly many gamers here, but the focus tends to be on PC gaming and tabletop. In particular, Starcraft, League of Legends and Warhammer 40,000 (I'm a huge W40K fan. Books, miniatures, games. Amazing).

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session?

Vulgotha: Absolutely, it's all about variety and who you're playing with. If you just keep doing the same going over and over, by yourself, it's a short lived affair. I use gaming as a medium with which to keep in touch with my disparate friends scattered across the US. Much better than simply writing emails or keeping in touch via Facebook, chat services and VoIP alone (although those certainly help too).

Lasombra: You have a very outspoken personality on the forum, and enjoy dabbling in the debates. With so many users on PSU, and other forums, why do you think a lot of people choose to remain silent rather than voice their mind in an open forum?

Vulgotha: People often have little self confidence, especially when it comes to expressing themselves on issues they deem to be “important” “deep” or “intellectual”. They are apprehensive of putting out their thoughts and worry about the responses and attention it will garner. Others simply know that they are ill equipped to comment on the topic, and instead choose to listen rather than speak.

Lasombra: Your sig and avatar are of Mega Man characters. Do you hold out hope that a new Mega Man will someday be released, or has the Blue Bomber lost his relevance in the modern day?

Vulgotha: The only Mega Man games I ever cared about were the X series and Zero. I'm not sure they'll ever properly give those two lines the attention they deserve, at least for the foreseeable future. As a kid, I grew up playing Mega Man X1, X2 and X3 on the SNES and later titles on the PlayStation, so it holds a special place in my heart.

Lasombra: Being a Starcraft and League of Legends player, why do you think professional gaming in North America is still an underground, almost shamed sport to strive towards, while in other countries like South Korea it is accepted and embraced with dedicated gaming channels on TV.

Vulgotha: America has been seemingly reluctant to really embrace gaming as a legitimate competitive sport. We view sports as something that requires physical traits, whereas in Asian cultures I think that they've given just as much credence towards non-physical skill based competitive games. Tome, Starcraft 2 (and such similar sophisticated RTS's) are the “chess” of our times. As our generation gets older and raises children, I feel its popularity will increase.

Lasombra: What made you change from being a console gamer to building a gaming PC? Will you ever go back and replay those missed PS3 games you mentioned, when the system and games are dirt cheap?

Vulgotha: A powerful PC was required for the career path I chose, so it was only logical I simply sink in the extra money to round it out into a fine gaming machine. I wanted to play games like Starcraft 2, Crysis and Dawn of War and be able to do so much more than what I could presently do.

As for the PS3, frankly, only if it becomes very easy for me to do so, such as the PS4 having PS3 titles on the cloud for streaming via Gaikai, or a friend has a PS3 and the games for me to borrow. Something like that. I just cannot justify having another entertainment center box underneath the TV.

Lasombra: Having friends who are Trophy hunters, what kind of crazy stories have they told you of their exploits?

Vulgotha: My best friend once grabbed up Avatar the Last Air Bender video game and abused its broken system for the unlocks and maxed out everything it had to offer within the span of a few minutes. I thought that was both a bit excessive and pretty funny at the time.

Lasombra: As a web developer and designer, what kind of projects do you work on? Take us in a day in the life of one, for those that might be interested in that as a future career.

Vulgotha: I work on a lot of stuff, really. The thing about web work is it really requires you to be flexible and able to do many different types of jobs. You have to understand the hardware, programming logic (and languages) as well as design and the software that goes with it all. There are many different types of work that must be done in order for all the pieces of a web site or service to really come together.

Right now I'm looking for work, since I just moved to NC. But at my old job I did all sorts of stuff. I'd write the Cold fusion for the functionality of the page (data base calls for content, logic, authentication and so on) as well as the JSJ query for that plus aesthetic work. Then of course I'd be called upon to do any sort of graphic related tasks that were necessary, like fixing up a logo or designing a toolbar. Then of course there was the HTML (5) and CSS for the pages, which is a given.

I was also expected to handle customer calls and walk them through problems they were experiencing with the web service, such as not being able to find a specific member or the system being sluggish (which required remoting in to the server and tinkering) and so on.

In the web field, it can be pretty easy to get overwhelmed due to how fast paced everything is and all of the technology that is out there that you should be familiar with. Mobile browsers and hardware have also been a real game changer.

Best advice I would give interested parties:

1. Internet Explorer is evil.
2. Work from the base up.HTML-->CSS-->JS-->JQuery-->Server Side Scripting (PHP,CF, Ruby, etc)--> Database. Meaning, if you can do it with a lower level, less intensive and more compatible language or technology than do it. HTML5 and CSS3 serve as a great example, as you can do a lot with these new technologies that previously required Javascript or Jquery. Keep it as simple and straight forward as possible with the fewest vectors for head ache or browser incompatibility.
3. Keep your images on a page light, don't go nuts, specially with .png files. Internet speeds in many parts of the world just can't deal with such a heavy load.
4. Comment your code.
5. Keep abreast of the newest stuff.
6. Don't get overwhelmed, nobody knows everything. But keeping a broad base of knowledge makes you invaluable and will prevent you from falling into a niche and getting pigeon holed.

"Your sins will always defeat you if you let them" is all the shadow said before running towards me, faster than I thought I could ever had have hoped to be. A few seconds was all that was needed to find myself backed against a wall being pummeled into submission. As my body is being turned to mush I try, I hope, I attempt to throw one punch. My fist streaks the air in slow motion in comparison to how fast the punches are assaulting me but as the fist connects with his chin suddenly everything comes back to real time in episode 34: Sins of the Past. The moment the punch landed everything switched 180 degrees. Instead of being on the defensive I was mercilessly on the offensive, beating my own shadow, as one final kick knocks him out. Exhausted, bloody, but feeling more alive than ever a sudden rush of memories floods my mind. I can only scream at the horror; the repressed memory being remembered. Panting uncontrollably, shocked at the events being witnessed, and trying to find some air to breathe, it did tell me one thing. I now knew who the killer was.

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Lasombra Files Episode 32: Duel of Fates

Posted May 21st, 2013 at 11:53 EDT by Dane Smith0 Comments

Welcome to season 3 of the Lasombra Files, PSU’s weekly hit program. Follow the story of Lasombra and V as they try to solve an inter-dimensional murder mystery of ostentatious proportions, while at the same time shining the spotlight on gamers around the world and in our community.

A hard right hand crushes my cheek bone, as V`s shadow strikes at me with that famed Soviet fury. I thought I would have been prepared for this fight but it is the real V I am fighting, not Captain Li. For some reason we are fighting our real bodies instead of our new hosts, making this beg the question who, or what, is going on in this world. Another right hand, followed by a spin kick, puts me on the defensive as she lunges at me. Despite her size her grip is like steel, squeezing the life out of me. Each passing second makes it harder to breath, harder to focus, leaving only a desperate, movie like action I could take. A swift bob of the head forward connects solidly onto her nose, her grip loosening and allowing me to roll away, as she recovers from the audible and sickening crack of bone. Blood ran down her face as it was clear that I broke her nose in episode 32: Duel of Fates. She wiped the blood off her face and rubbed it down her neck, her eyes and face looking happy as if blood were some masochistic aphrodisiac. I grab a loose pipe, flipping it up in the air with my foot, readying myself for her next attack as shadow or not, a love tap like that won`t put her down.

Name: Tristam Archer
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Occupation: Undergraduate studying economics with the goal of becoming chief economic analyst at one of the ratings agencies.
Country: (of birth?): Fiji (of residence?) New Zealand (Citizenship?) United Kingdom

Disclaimer: This interview is reproduced as written by the interviewee. Pictures copyright of their artist/photographer/owner. All likenesses used are for parody and/or satirical purposes.

Lasombra: How long have you been gaming?

Fiji: I’ve been around consoles for most of my life. I started playing with a NES that my cousin owned which is where I played all those really old classics; Duck Hunt, Contra, Excitebike etc (I wasn’t very good). I myself started when I got a PlayStation toward the end of the 90s.

Lasombra: How did you find PSU?

Fiji: That is a difficult one. I found PSU through an article, I forget which, but I didn’t actually pay attention to the site at the time. It wasn’t until I found PS3Forums and noticed it was linked to PSU that I decided to keep coming back.

Lasombra: Are you solely a Sony gamer this generation or do you split your time between multiple systems?

Fiji: I have owned and played both “next-gen” consoles. However, my PS3 is the one I play now due to it being the only one I still own. I sent my 360 to Fiji as it wasn’t being used.

That said, I do play on the PC from time to time. Fallout is a favourite but I usually play RTSs. The Total War series is a big favourite with me, so too is Company of Heroes.

Lasombra: What do you like about the community at PSU that keeps bringing you back for more?

Fiji: Everyone has their own perspective; everyone is different. There is a diversity here that is missing elsewhere on the web. Members routinely disagree yet they still get along. The forums vast scope of topics, I think, attributes to that.

Lasombra: In your opinion, what needs to be done to help the community to grow bigger and better?

Fiji: Ah, I won’t give my own feelings on the matter, but content is what is truly needed. The influx of users for the PS4 reveal shows it. Yes, articles are good, but when you have the likes of IGN and Gamespot, which offer content up to the eyeballs, the site kind of falls a bit short.

Lasombra: Do you have any gaming goals for this year?

Fiji: As a member and director of PSU’s Official Dust 514 Corporation my goals for the year are to see that particular arm of PSU become as diverse and unique as the site itself.

In that respect, I`m waiting for the Uprising build before trying to attract more of the PSU regulars onto Dust. The current build isn’t up to standard and that seems to be its biggest deterrent.

Lasombra: Are you a Trophy hunter, and what do you think about Trophies overall?

Fiji: I wouldn’t call myself a “Trophy Hunter” per se, especially with my humble PSN rank of 9, but there are a few select games that I endeavor to finish to the upmost.

Uncharted is one I particularly enjoyed. If a game has online Trophies though I tend to shy away as I feel they detract from the experience when you start pushing for no real gain. Why anguish for a trivial acknowledgement when you can just enjoy the game?

Lasombra: The PS2 dominated a console war like no other system. What tricks does Sony need to pull out of their hat to create the same magic with the PS4.

Fiji: I think they’ve done all they can do. From what I’ve seen, the console is remarkably well done. You can look to the Ipod to see where Sony was influenced.

People want things quick, and people want things to be responsive, and people want to be connected. The tone thus far sounds like just that.
I have a sore spot for game prices, though I tend to shy away from the subject, even on the forums.

Lasombra: Do you have a favourite era of gaming? The SNES/Genesis war? The reign of the Playstation Reich? Hail to the NES?

Fiji: PlayStation 1! There is no contest. That being said, the current gen has been absolutely spectacular. All three generations from Sony have been amazing in fact.

Lasombra: Is there a lot of gaming culture in your area of the world? Unique stores, conventions, etc?

Fiji: Nope, long story short! There may be some somewhere but they would be a bit too underground for my interests. There are only two 'main' video game stores but they can be found in just about any mall.

Lasombra: Have you ever been burnt out from a gaming session?

Fiji: Yes, definitely. Killzone 2. Rico. Elite difficulty....is that enough of a description?

Lasombra: What have you liked about DUST514 so far over other FPSs? What makes the game unique for those who know nothing about it?

Fiji: Its shear depth. This is a game where you create an avatar which is persistent. You decide how it should be trained. It’s not like other FPSs where you are given an apparent clone with a rigid class structure and told to fight until you die. Your avatar uses your equipment, you fund your own endeavors, you decide what role it should play on the battlefield, and you have a stake in its existence.

Its ties to EVE make it all the more greater, orbital strikes launched from ships in EVE space by PC players, and one day Dust Mercs firing at, and destroying, EVE ships. A PC vs. PS cross, between two different genres, a marriage of the two systems’ strengths.

But the most important feature is that of a persistent world. Dust 514, my Merc, his gear, his experience, and his stats, will carry over onto the PS4 and continue there. No other PS3 FPS can stake that claim.

Lasombra: What are those select few games you choose to platinum?

Fiji: Uncharted 1 and 2, both were incredibly thrilling and finishing it to that extent was simply sublime. I literally couldn’t stop playing uncharted 2. Collecting all the Trophies for Among Thieves seemed more like an obligation given its inherent quality! I believe I got Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising to platinum too, but that was one of the easy ones.

Lasombra: Which of the Total War series is your favourite? Shogun? Rome?

Fiji: Rome Total War. This game more than the others felt the most engaging! When on the battle map there were little things that made the game that little bit more impressive. If you were by the coast, your ships would be visible floating in the ocean. Monuments and far off cities were also visible on the battle map. The scale of the battles was also mind-blowing. It was the first game I ever played that required you to think ahead of time, lay traps, ambush, weigh up strengths and weaknesses. When you triumphed in a match where the odds were stacked against you the sense of accomplishment could not be described.

Naturally, I also liked the Expansions for Medieval 2. The inclusion of the Welsh army went down very well with me.

Lasombra: What were the games on the PS1 that made it your golden console?

Fiji: Oh where to stop. Crash, Spyro, Speed Freaks, Croc, I could list all day long. Though a personal favourite of mine, and a game I still play to this day, is Grandia. I’ve always maintained that the JRPG battle system in the series is second to none. The story lasts 50+ hours, there is a huge cast of characters who will join your team as well as a large cast who oppose you. Their stories move in parallel until the final crescendo and there are twists that you’d never have seen coming. I remember playing it off PSN after 6 or so years and the story still blows me away. It’s an endearing game with a cast of characters that are charming and likeable. Guido and Gadwin are two favourites who I could never forget.

Lasombra: Did Killzone 1 or 3 give you as much rage? Is the new one for the PS4 making your mouth water with excitement?

Fiji: Killzone 4, yes most definitely! I`m excited to see what they’re doing. Killzone has always had a fantastic art style. It will be interesting to see how the hardware is put to use realizing the artist`s visions. I didn’t pay much attention to Killzone 1 to be honest; a friend of mine in Fiji owned it and it really didn’t tickle my fancy. Killzone 3 on the other hand was a fantastic game. But after 2, I didn’t attempt anything beyond ‘just playing’ the game.

Lasombra: What was it about the Wii U that made you skip it?

Fiji: It's not a Wii. The Wii was/is a fantastic console to just have fun with. Slip in Mario Kart and watch the cheating begin. It's also a console in limbo. A little bit more power in a period where games are being pushed just that little bit further. Yet, the dawn of the next gen consoles, which will see a significant step forward (compared to the WiiU), is just around the corner.

One of our more prolific forum members jokingly said that the WiiU is a tremendous save on money by virtue of all the games you’d be buying for it.

For what seems like forever we do a twisted tango of attack and counter-attack, neither of us being able to hit the other. As I am pre-occupied with Shadow V I'm curious how the real V is handling me, assuming she is facing my real shadow. Dodging quickly her hand narrowly misses my chin but instead breaks a pipe attached to the wall. Swiftly swinging the pipe at her knee it connects, making her drop down to the floor in agony. The next swing was not as lucky, as despite being kneecapped she grabbed the pipe from me and used the momentum to toss me through the wall in episode 33: Who Am I? Dazed and dizzy, wood flakes caking my body, I slowly get up only to have my face kicked in by myself. It looks like we are switching dancing partners, shrugging off the pain to stand guard. You don't know who you really are, and what your true potential is until you face yourself. A flurry of punches assault my arms as I can do nothing but block the near-warp speed strikes. So long the punching bag, now the puncher as my new body tries to cope with a painful lesson.

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