What games are you looking forward to in 2015?

What games are you looking forward to this year?

The Order 1886! It's coming out very soon for PlayStation 4, and I couldn't be more pumped. What little I've seen of it, I'm completely sold. I'm ready for an amazing storyline filled with lycanthropes and fantasies, all set in the 1800's.

Kingdom Hearts 3, are we finally going to get that this year? IGN latests states yes, but their source was the voice actor for Goofy, so, anything is possible. One can only hope!

The Wolf Among Us Season 2! I haven't heard anything about this video game, but season 2 of the comics is published, maybe that means we'll get season two of the awesome video game that I adore with all of my being.

Life Is Strange. Don't know if it's out yet or not, but it has a fantastic story, made by Square Enix. Sold, am I right? 

Another Portal would be nice, Valve.

PlayStation needs to start bringing some Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter, freaking Crash Bandicoot, any random Kingdom Hearts you can, to PS4 so I can enjoy it the way it was made to be enjoyed. Convert Kingdom Hearts 2 to PS4, will ya Disney?! Square Enix?! Let's go!


    #GetItTogetherSquareEnix

Cynthia's Letters

{Pointless}

Cold fingers against her temples felt nice.

     The scene looked like one from an old novel, she thought; tall candles flickering, sending a yellowish light across the writing paper and quill spread in front of her. She enjoyed writing with a quill, even though it wasn’t the easiest form of writing. It wasn’t modern, and that fact made her drawn to it even more. She had mastered neat handwriting with it long ago, and frankly, it was her favorite. 

    Sighing, she took her hand away from her face. She began scrawling pointless words on the paper. Whenever she gave thought to it, it was pointless, but she could never attempt to stop herself from continuing. It was like something had latched on to her against her will, feeding her these words to write; alas, it was nothing like that. Knowing all too well what it was like to do things against her will, she understood it was of her own doing.

     It was baffling, though, that she wrote this at all. Why did she write all of these letters—these pointless, pointless letters? She concluded, sadistically, that there wasn’t a good explanation. It was her mind, her truly ruined mind, ruined from the years of the life she had led, proving that it was wearing down; much like her heart. She would never admit to the latter.

     The tears returned, never failing to splash on her page, creating obstacles for her to avoid. If she were to write through them in her writing haste, the paper would tear, and she would have to begin again. And she knew she wouldn’t be able to write this again.

      Leaning back, she reminded herself to sit upright. In the midst of her quick words, she had hunched over her desk, becoming consumed with her own thoughts and the process of putting them on the page. It was an awful habit, she knew, and that wasn’t usually how she went about things. But this was different. Somehow, she allowed herself to completely let go of everything else, just so she could write. That, in the depths of her ruined mind, amazed her.

      “Pointless,” she murmured, near inaudibly. Wiping the remains of the tears from her face, she looked at the finished letter, and began to read the words.

Dear You,

                I honestly do not know why I am writing you again…I know I start every letter off that way, and I apologize. Truly, this isn’t like me, as you know. But I feel like things need to be said, and I can’t say them any other way.

                I’m slipping. I’m slipping really hard, and really fast. But you know what the worst part is? I’m not done slipping. Does that make sense? Never mind, I know it doesn’t. When you slip on a wet tile floor, it’s so quick that you can’t even recall the fall; only the part where you land, hard. I’m continuously slipping, and I have no idea when I’ll finally and painfully land. Do you understand how difficult that is? Knowing something’s going to happen, something bad, but you have no idea when, where or how? Maybe I know how, or I have an idea, and maybe I have an idea of where, but when? That’s the big deal. And that’s the answer that I’m completely clueless of.    

                Goodness, I feel so childish. People look at me and they see this woman who knows how to handle these things. They put their faith in this woman, but for what? For that woman to run off and cry in a letter she never should have started writing?

                Why is it that I’m slipping? Why can’t I handle this situation? Why have I been through so much nonsense and can’t get through such a thing as this? This isn’t the first time my position has been threatened…But it is, however, the first time I feel threatened.

                The truth is, simply, I am weak. They always say to just face it and admit your weaknesses. Right? My grandmother was strong…She really was, she was the person I looked up to. In a way, I feel she gave me my strength. I guess she took the strength with her when she left. Of course I’m not blaming her…If anyone I’m blaming myself for being weak, and now filled with guilt.  All the years I wasted by not being with her, leaving her to become a trainer, not being there when she passed…She was completely alone in an empty home. I don’t want to die that way. I would want my only family with me. Now I don’t have any family left.

                That’s okay, however, because I truly have great people in my life. Rowan, Jamie, Annie, all the people downstairs working away in an office; doing what they adore…Minus Annie, who I said could leave the League if she desired to. She did. It was obvious. She had mentioned to me before, a long time ago, that it wasn’t a great feeling being demoted…And frankly that’s what she was. She once was a champion here, living in this great room, making Sinnoh a better place. And she was demoted to being an advisor. I miss her, I do, but I’m really happy for her at the same time, happy she’s back where she wants to be, in her hometown. 

                Also, I have you. You mean more to me than you will ever come to understand. You’ve been through so much with me, and I love you with all my heart. I have for the longest time, and I always will. I know I will. I’ve never felt this way for anyone else, ever.

                And now I’m crying.

                The other night I had the most vivid dream. I dreamt I lost you. I don’t know how, but it just happened. And I felt like dying. There was this pit inside of me, an unbearable pit, overflowing with horrible emotions. The emotion followed me after I woke up, and I wanted nothing but to be in your arms. You didn’t know this, of course, or else I’m sure you would’ve run to me and wrapped your arms around and embraced me like I desired so badly. I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire lifetime. Needless to repeat, I love you, so much. Maybe one day, you can wrap your arms around me and embrace me like I desire so badly. And maybe one day, you’ll help me up because I’m slipping. And maybe one day, I’ll be the one demoted. And maybe one day, I’ll see Grandmother again.

                But I have so much to worry about with the here-and-now, I can’t possibly think about ‘maybe one day’ any longer.

                Forever,

                Cynthia

To follow the story for possible future additions, check it out on Fanfiction here:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11024973/1/Cynthia-s-Letters

Best PlayStation Plus Free Games of 2014 (PS4)

There's nothing better than two free games every month for the PS4, am I right? Especially when they completely kick-butt and totally catch you by surprise! 

(And holy side-scrollers, Batman!)

We're going to talk about those games today and answer one question, are these games worth the PS+ membership subscription, and should this membership join us for 2015?


#10: Mercenary Kings

This game is a very simplistic side-scrolling arcade shooter. Period. It was very Duke Nukem, with hints of Mario minus the power-ups; yet it still managed to make this list because gosh darn, there's nothing wrong with the game, it's just simplistic. And it can't help it. The upside: It's one of the few (very few) free games that has a multi-player option. I'm sure this game could easily be enjoyed and played with friends, much like Mario, or like a multi-player Duke would be.

#9: Fez

I'm surprised this game made it on the list too, don't be alarmed, but I have to honest: This game is totally enjoyable! It's so unique and original and cute! The concept may be simple: Gather all of the orbs throughout the level, so you can unlock the door and move on to the next level. But it has an original element: You can turn the world like a 3D box, making the game have puzzle-like qualities. No, I wouldn't have paid for this game, but getting it for free? Sure! 

#8: Dust: An Elysian Tail

Let's not mention that Xbox Gold members got this game much sooner for free, okay? Instead, let's mention that this wonderful, plot-driven, side-scrolling game is lots of fun, with easy and swift controls, aaaaaand lovable characters. Bam. Done.

#7: Strider

PSN loves side-scrolling games. Because this is the third - and not the last! - side-scroller listed here. Strider is an arcade shooter, yes, but it has original elements and cool powers! Who could hate that?! It reminds me of Metroid, which makes me happy because I adore Metroid, and has a Solid Snake vibe. Don't pass up a game with Solid Snake vibes.

#6: Velocity

Another side-scrolling arcade shooter with an original element and cool powers? That reminds me of Metroid (I adore Metroid) and has Solid Snake Vibes?

Yes. And I thoroughly enjoyed this game! The only complaint I have is the controls: It takes a second to get used to. Especially because one element is driving your little ship around, and the controls for that is completely different than just running around as the person. But! I forgive it, because it's cool and worth the play. 

#5: Stick It To The Man

Oh my word did this game take me by surprise! It's weird design and concepts was questionable, but only at first. As soon as I understood the controls, and the simple tasks the game threw at you, I found myself sitting down and playing the game to completion and loving it. It's definitely unique, with humor and gameplay all of its own, and I can appreciate that. It was awesomely fun while it lasted - it only took me about three days, probably an hour of gaming each day, to beat it; but I can only compliment this game because of it's intriguing plot and how fun it was. 

#4: Trine 2

Yes. Yes. Yes. 
This was definitely one of my absolute favorites of the year. It's captivating (and side-scrolling) and beautiful style was magnificent, along with a simple yet solid plot-line in an amazing and pretty fantasy world. You played as an archer, warrior, or wizard - upgrading them and their powers all-throughout the game. You were faced with challenges that, honestly, were pretty tough to figure out at times, causing you to get creative with manipulating the physics. Yes, the physics were easily (well, easy sometimes) manipulated, which caused hilarious moments, including piling as many boxes and bridges (The only thing the wizard could craft or conjure were boxes (of all things) and bridges - and there were limitation to how many you could make, at that) as you could, trying to progress in the level and get as many orbs as you could. On top of that, it's a two player game! Me and my dad made some memories getting through this game, and it was actually lengthy and well-made. I would have paid for this game, no doubt; in fact, I want to go back and play through it again, that's how much I adored this game.

#3: Outlast

Blood, gore, nudity, sheer horror. If you haven't heard of Outlast, you might have been living under a rock in 2013-2014. This game is such an excellent game. The plot and story is divine, and even more in-depth then you may realize at first. It's well-made, and for a horror game, not cheesy at all. Maybe the insane asylum and reporter gimmick is somewhat cliched, but oh my gosh it's easily forgiven. The atmosphere makes me anxious, like any good horror game should do, and if you can play it without crapping your pants, kudos to you. I would have bought this game, but getting it for free? Uh, yes! Please! 

#2: Injustice: God's Among Us

You know that really popular arcade fighter with all the DC characters? The one that's completely addicting and insanely fun? You want it for free? Thanks, PSN! 

So much yes. 

#1: Resogun.

Let me just say it: This game was worth the membership for me. Resogun is my absolute favorite free game, and it was the first free game of 2014. It's amazingness is near unbelievable. I've put hours, and hours, and hours into this game - and I'll continue to put hours into it. It's an addiction. Once I get sucked back into Resogun, I'm all in for a long time. I'm not going to describe this game, because nothing I say will be right, so I leave you with this: 

Play it! Somehow, get your hands on it, and learn the magic that is called Resogun. 

The Uhhhhhhhhhonorable Mentions:

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth: Weird plot. Weird story. Weird controls. Wasn't feeling it.

SportsFriends: Honestly, I never even played it. However, it's supposed to be one of those purposely horrible controlled rage games, and there's nothing more fun than raging with friends. I think. 

SteamWorld Dig: This is the most simplistic game out of all the free games. It seemingly had no plot, no characters except the little miner you played as, and no real direction. Games like these are what makes me question is PlayStation+ Memberships are worth it. 

Don't Starve: Console Edition: I know this game was wickedly popular, and I'm sure there were some people who were just tickled to get it for free; but I couldn't get into it. And believe me, I put some time and effort into it. Survival games just aren't my thing. Sorrrryyy. 

Is it worth getting the membership? 

Absolutely! Even though not all the games were home-runs (and I didn't even mention all of them), there are quite a few games that make it worth it. You get your moneys worth. Plus, you get discounts and other free games randomly (or free "extra packs") in the store. 

By looking at 2014, I'd say it's definitely worth it. If you haven't already gotten your PS+ membership for 2015, do it! 

What's your opinion?