What's in a Vhayste?

Yakuza 4 PDF Walkthrough now available!

2011-06-14T15:42:00.004+08:00

Hi guys,

Yakuza 4 PDF guide is now up and running. You can download the file exclusively from IGN.com.

Also, I'm currently working on a guide for inFamous 2. Thank you for your support!

Ciao~
vhayste

Update at last!

2011-04-03T23:52:00.017+08:00

I honestly don't know why my previous posts were deleted since I'm pretty sure I posted as recently as December. Anyway, I am truly sorry for being mighty lazy these last few months in updating this. In case you haven't done yet, you may “like” my Facebook page since I do post recent updates there as well as not-so-important posts. It's also connected to my Twitter account so you guys can Follow me there instead.

I'll just have a quick rundown of the projects I've had since the last post on this blog. There are a LOT of contractual and exclusive projects being pulled out by the clients for the last minute so please don't wonder why some of the guides I announced I'll be working on never came to fruition.

Xbox 360
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (Supercheats exclusive)
Transformers: War for Cybertron (Supercheats exclusive)
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (Supercheats exclusive)
Fable 3 (Supercheats exclusive)
Call of Duty Black Ops (Supercheats exclusive)
Dead Space 2 (Supercheats exclusive)
Fallout New Vegas (IGN Exclusive)

PS3
Killzone 3 (Supercheats Exclusive)

PSP
Ace Combat: Joint Assault (IGN Exclusive)
Y's Seven (IGN Exclusive)

So there you have it. I have a lot of other planned projects to complete this year so I hope to still have your support, after all these months/ years. Thank you very much!

Did you enjoy my guides? Care to lend me a hand for my future projects? Donations are welcome!

1. Paypal Donations
If you can spare me a dollar or two, that will go a long way in helping buy new games to write walkthroughs for. Or even use the funds to pay for my electric bills. You may send your Paypal donations to: vhayste@gmail.com

2. Visiting/Ordering via my Play-Asia affiliate link
Yes, just by ordering stuff from them, I get a small commission - no matter what item it is. They have a variety of items, games, game/anime soundtracks, toys/ anime figures, guides and collectibles. Just simply visit the site by using my affiliate link. Don't worry if you can't order; Play-Asia is generous enough to pay for the clicks/ visits to their site based on my affiliate link.

3. Downloading this text file from here or this link.
This is just another way for me to earn a bit of cash. Please don't mind the Linkbucks ad; the text file I'm asking you to download is a non-malicious, thank you message for your support. It only takes a few seconds of your time :)

4. "Like" my Facebook Page

This is where I put most of my updates since it is linked directly to my Twitter account. This is probably where I'll post often since I don't want people that subscribed for newsletters in my blog to be spammed by my random ramblings.

5. Showing your appreciation
This is probably the simplest, and cheapest thing to do. A simple "Thank you" email means a lot to me, since it tells me that there are people out there that appreciate my hard work. Though it won't help financially, it is still a big deal by giving me "moral support". :)

Persona 3 Portable PDF released!

2010-08-24T15:06:00.003+08:00

You can download this exclusive PDF guide from IGN. As for my next project, IGN has assigned Y's Seven, a JRPG for the PSP. The game garnered positive reviews and as far as the images and gameplay videos are concerned I've seen, it looks pretty promising.

You may check out my Facebook page for real time updates regarding the progress of the guides, future projects and even exchange messages with me. :) Thanks for the support!

New Guides

2010-08-10T10:17:00.006+08:00

Hi guys,

Time flies by and yep, we're in the 8th month of 2010. I just recently started working with Supercheats.com in producing unofficial guides. My first one was Transformers: War for Cybertron which is already available and the latest one is Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4. Both guides feature screenshots and videos that will help you find secrets or obtain achievements.

My ongoing project now is the Persona 3 Portable guide for the PSP, which is exclusively available from IGN. I have another PSP title scheduled to be released this month (Wanderers from Ys (a.k.a. Ys Seven) so I hope I can finish it by then. There is another tentative project I need to work on; its a short guide for the XBLA game Castlevania: Harmony of Despair but I'm still checking my schedule for this.

I have a ton of other projects that I'll work on this year so I'm wishing for your continuous support. Have a good one everyone!

1. Paypal Donations
If you can spare me a dollar or two, that will go a long way in helping buy new games to write walkthroughs for. Or even use the funds to pay for my electric bills. You may send your Paypal donations to: vhayste@gmail.com

2. Visiting/Ordering via my Play-Asia affiliate link
Yes, just by ordering stuff from them, I get a small commission - no matter what item it is. They have a variety of items, games, game/anime soundtracks, toys/ anime figures, guides and collectibles. Just simply visit the site by using my affiliate link. Don't worry if you can't order; Play-Asia is generous enough to pay for the clicks/ visits to their site based on my affiliate link.

3. Downloading this text file from here or this link.
This is just another way for me to earn a bit of cash. Please don't mind the Linkbucks ad; the text file I'm asking you to download is a non-malicious, thank you message for your support. It only takes a few seconds of your time :)

Update

2010-07-29T23:15:00.003+08:00

Hi guys,

Just want to send this update so you'll know what's going on. I actually started writing exclusive stuff with Supercheats.com since I needed some extra funds to support my noble hobbies (gaming, figure collecting and garage kit building). Thankfully they're quite pleased with the first guide I wrote for them for the Xbox 360 game Transformers: War for Cybertron so I'll be writing more guides for them these coming months. Here is the complete list of games I'll write for them.

Tom Clancy's Hawx 2
Front Mission Evolved
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier
Vanquish
Call of Duty Black Ops

As for my IGN exclusives, my confirmed projects are the following:

Wanderers from Ys (a.k.a. Ys7)
Fallout New Vegas

I just finished the Supercheats exclusive guide for Lego Harry Potter; now I can concentrate on Persona 3 Portable. Sorry guys. Thank you for the support and understanding. Have a good one!

~vhayste

Singularity PDF Guide released!

2010-07-13T09:22:00.005+08:00

Download it here.

Welcome readers to my IGN exclusive guide for Raven Software's sci-fi, time-jumping FPS. Singularity is good in its own terms, and playing with the TMD is one of the best parts of the game. I did find some elements of the game that were derived from other titles like Bioshock and Timeshift. I did encounter some dilemna with regards to the specific blueprint locations since I found some of them on different spots in my playthrough (compared to what a friend and the players from other forums mentioned) I am playing the game on Normal Mode and I have the 360 version of the game. What you'll find in this guide are what I've found and encountered in the game after several hours of thorough searching. I hope you enjoy the guide and if you have questions, I'll try my best to answer them or at least lead to other resources. Please enjoy and I hope you'll find this guide will help you solve the mysteries of the Singularity.

The Transformers: War for Cybertron guide is still being finalized. Once its up, I'll let you guys know via blog update. Also...

Persona 3 Portable is now in progress! I'll try to get the first draft up by next week. Thanks!

Persona PSP PDF Walkthrough Released!

2010-06-29T02:48:00.003+08:00

At last I was able to get this off my pending list. I've been aching to finish this for a while now and sadly, my contractual projects for the last few months prevented me from doing so. This guide features the whole SEBEC storyline. Only the Snow Queen arc needs to be inserted. If things continue, I should be able to finish it by this week.

You can download it from IGN or from MU.

Next month I'll be covering the FPS Singularity and the third-person shooter, Transformers: War for Cybertron.

Crimson Gem Saga PDF completed!

2010-06-20T10:21:00.004+08:00

Yep, I know its been a year. But heck, I needed to finish it for the heck of it. You can download the PDF guide here. In addition, I also managed to compile some of the in-game illustrations and concept arts. You can download them from here as well.

I will immediately work on a PDF guide for Persona. This is a long due project I really need to remove from my pending list. I hope all things go according to plan and schedule so I will be free to cover Persona 3 PSP next month and Ace Combat Joint Assault later this month.

Thanks!

3D Dot Game Heroes PDF Walkthrough Completed!

2010-06-15T10:37:00.004+08:00

The guide is now complete :) You can download it by clicking on the image below.

As for my current projects, I'm finishing up the long-delayed walkthrough for Crimson Gem Saga for the PSP. I'll post the download link on another post. After that, I'll think I'll work on Lunar or Persona, both for the PSP. Please excuse the rather bland banner I made. Its hard to look for good images for the game :(

3D Dot Game Heroes PDF Walkthrough Released!

2010-06-05T19:18:00.003+08:00

Hi guys,

My very first PS3 PDF guide has been released :)
You can download the guide by clicking on the image below.

The guide covers up to the 3rd (Desert) Temple with a complete rundown on how to find all special signposts and get the Super Key as early as possible in the game.

Updates: Resonance of Fate and 3D Dot Game Heroes

2010-05-29T06:19:00.003+08:00

The download link for the Resonance of Fate PDF walkthrough has been updated. You can download it from here.

Also, I just got the game yesterday. If things go according to schedule, I may be able to put my initial draft next week. This is my first guide for a PS3 game.

My Facebook fan page is also up. I'll be using it to post updates regularly so you may want to check it out as well.

Thank you all for your continuous support!

Did you enjoy my faqs? Your support is greatly appreciated! :)

1. Paypal Donations
If you can spare me a dollar or two, that will go a long way in helping buy new games to write walkthroughs for. Or even use the funds to pay for my electric bills. You may send your Paypal donations to: vhayste@gmail.com

2. Visiting/Ordering via my Play-Asia affiliate link
Yes, just by ordering stuff from them, I get a small commission - no matter what item it is. They have a variety of items, games, game/anime soundtracks, toys/ anime figures, guides and collectibles. Just simply visit the site by using my affiliate link. Don't worry if you can't order; Play-Asia is generous enough to pay for the clicks/ visits to their site based on my affiliate link.

3. Downloading this text file from here or this link.
This is just another way for me to earn a bit of cash. Please don't mind the Linkbucks ad; the text file I'm asking you to download is a non-malicious, thank you message for your support. It only takes a few seconds of your time :)

4. Showing your appreciation
This is probably the simplest, and cheapest thing to do. A simple "Thank you" email means a lot to me, since it tells me that there are people out there that appreciate my hard work. Though it won't help financially, it is still a big deal by giving me "moral support". :)

Resonance of Fate PDF Walkthrough updated!

2010-05-11T10:44:00.004+08:00

Click the image to download the latest version of the guide. It covers up to Chapter 11. Thanks!
July is Persona 3 Portable month for me! Watch out for my planned PDF guide of the game!

Back to my regular programming

2010-05-04T14:44:00.004+08:00

Yep, that's right. Just finished my contractual projects so I'm back to my regular schedule. I am currently playing Resonance of Fate for the 360 and I honestly didn't expect that I'll enjoy it that much. The game's story is somewhat bland and empty but the gameplay and battle system makes up for it.

In any case, I got two updates for this week:

Magna Carta II PDF walkthrough completed! Download it here.

Resonance of Fate PDF walkthrough released/ updated! Download it here.

Did you enjoy my faqs? Your support is greatly appreciated! :)

1. Paypal Donations
If you can spare me a dollar or two, that will go a long way in helping buy new games to write walkthroughs for. Or even use the funds to pay for my electric bills. You may send your Paypal donations to: vhayste@gmail.com

2. Visiting/Ordering via my Play-Asia affiliate link
Yes, just by ordering stuff from them, I get a small commission - no matter what item it is. They have a variety of items, games, game/anime soundtracks, toys/ anime figures, guides and collectibles. Just simply visit the site by using my affiliate link. Don't worry if you can't order; Play-Asia is generous enough to pay for the clicks/ visits to their site based on my affiliate link.

3. Downloading this text file from here or this link.
This is just another way for me to earn a bit of cash. Please don't mind the Linkbucks ad; the text file I'm asking you to download is a non-malicious, thank you message for your support. It only takes a few seconds of your time :)

4. Showing your appreciation
This is probably the simplest, and cheapest thing to do. A simple "Thank you" email means a lot to me, since it tells me that there are people out there that appreciate my hard work. Though it won't help financially, it is still a big deal by giving me "moral support". :)

That's all for this week's update; I'll try to get either Persona (PSP) or Lunar Silver Star up this month.

Ciao!

Yo! It's been a while!

2010-04-06T22:30:00.000+08:00

First of all, I just want to say sorry for being on hiatus. I am just tying up some loose ends in my life and job. In any case, I just want to say thank you to all my readers and critics, you've all contributed in your own way for me to improve. I can only promise to work hard to deliver quality guides for you guys.

And now for the update. I am planning to do some major updates and releases this month so I can only give you a gist of what I am planning.

Upcoming Updates:
Crimson Gem Saga
Magna Carta II

Current Project:
Resonance of Fate (360)

Planned New Projects:
Persona (PSP)
Lunar Silver Star Harmony

I'll be a little busy since I'll be taking Japanese language lessons every Saturday but I'll do my best to be in synched with my personal schedules and commitments. I pray that you all have a good day and happy gaming :)

Take care everyone. CIAO.

~ Paul

Merry Xmas and Happy New year to all!

2009-12-23T22:51:00.001+08:00

Holiday greetings to you all :)

More walkthroughs and games next year so stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

~Paul

Update at last?

2009-12-03T10:11:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

How are ye? Well the holidays are coming and there are hell lot of games released and choose from. I've been on a long hiatus from writing guides because of my dragging contractual projects (which is still UNFINISHED) so to avoid getting bored, I have accepted a long due exclusive project from IGN. Thanks to our notoriously fast postal service, I received the game that was sent last 10/29 just a few days ago. In any case, let me wrap up a few stuff that happened while I was gone.

Remember my 360 that got 3RL'd for the second time? Well its alive again. Had to pay $24 for a local technician to defrib it back to life. Suck that MS, looks like I won't be buying a new 360 anytime soon.
I am getting a PS3 this afternoon so I'll get the chance that I can play online (free) with my friends through the PSN network. Its a used 320GB, Japan model.
Magna Carta 2 is my next exclusive and even if it garnered a not-so-appreciative review scores, I am willing to try it out. I've been a few hours in the game and I haven't found any major turnoffs... yet. Well I hope its not as lame and boring as The Last Remnant.

That's it for now and I hope you're all well as you read this. Ciao!

FAQ Writer of the Month: VHayste

2009-10-24T22:23:00.000+08:00

Sup guys,

Sorry for not being able to update anything. I am terribly busy and absorbed with Aion, not just by playing it but by writing 3, full-length guides for it. It's been a month now that I've been only sleeping 2-4 hours a day to play, write, go to work and other stuff.

And for the meantime, I was lucky enough to be selected as IGN's faq writer of the month for October. The prize for having such honor is any item from my game/movie wishlist. My choice? Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Here's the link for the interview.

Oh yeah. You won't see me online in XBL but you can catch me as an Elyos Chanter in Aion, Nezekan Server (Legion: Republika) or as an Asmodian Templar in Ariel. (Legion: Archons of Asmodae)

I'm planning to get my normal life back as soon as I finish those guides in Aion :) Thanks guys, and to all those who drop by my page.

Dissidia Final Fantasy PDF Walkthrough Updated!

2009-09-29T20:20:00.000+08:00

Howdy-ho friends! The latest version of the FF Dissidia Walkthrough has been released. It covers up to Destiny Odyssey VIII (Squall). You may download it here.

We've been pretty much hit hard by typhoon Ketsana but fortunately, my community only suffered power failures, water shortage and internet downtime. I want to dedicate this humble post to pay respects to the unfortunate victims of this calamity.

And as we are still recuperating from the effects of Ketsana, there is another storm brewing and possibly hit us again. Our country enters the Rainy Season starting from July to December and typhoons are just normal for us. However, for the past few years, more typhoons start to show up and with varying intensity. Ketsana is just a minor typhoon (by our standards) - something that normally won't bother us except for minor annoyances. But what it left in its wake is truly devastating and unbelievable. There are no strong winds - just an insane amount of rainfall. Imagine, even the elevated areas that never experienced flooding before went underwater in a few hours of continuous rainfall. Small creeks turned into wild rivers. Rivers turned into torrents of debris, mud, bodies, trees and even whole houses. They even overflowed over bridges - something that never happened before.

This is just the beginning and I am truly convinced that this is one obvious and horrifying proof of global warming. These freak weather behaviors are something that we can't control nor prevent. And of course, no one is safe... its generally our fault anyway.

Take care guys.

Aion starting next week!

2009-09-19T04:45:00.000+08:00

Guys, since Aion will be released next week, I just want to say that I'll be playing as myself in the Oceanic server Nezekan. I'll be an Elyos Chanter there.

In the other hand, I'll also play as an Asmodian Templar probably on any of the US servers so if you're playing the game and if you want to hang out, you can just give me a ping.

In any case, I will also get a new laptop next week. I am expecting it to help me expedite my guide writing for here on, eliminating the pen-paper-encode routine.

I will be releasing an update for Final Fantasy Dissidia by Monday. Crimson Gem Saga is currently on temporary hold since I need to prioritize contractual and exclusive projects before my indie works.

That's it for this week... stay tuned :)

Final Fantasy Dissidia Walkthrough released

2009-09-15T16:56:00.000+08:00

Ya~hoo!

Erm, sorry. Just finished watching Rosario Vampire Capu 2 while writing this blog and I can't get that bewbilicious Kurumu out of my head. Anyway, this is a rush job release so the content is fairly limited. You can download this guide exclusively from IGN. It covers Destiny Odysseys I and II (Warrior of Light and Firion's stories), including a quickstart section.

More content to be released this coming days. Thanks!

Regards,
Paul

Crimson Gem Saga PDF walkthrough released

2009-09-09T11:40:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys,

Its been a while since I've released a free guide so here's a treat for you all. You can download the PDF guide for Crimson Gem Saga from the following links:

Chaptercheats
Ziddu

It is still not yet finished but I am hoping to complete it before the month ends.

IGN has also assigned me to cover Final Fantasy Dissidia so I'll probably work on it during the weekends and release a draft early next week.

For the meantime, I am currently working heavily on the Kinah and Chanter guides for the most anticipated MMORPG of this year... Aion. Due to the some major name changes, the Kinah guide will undergo a major facelift while the Chanter guide is... well an guaranteed, extensive guide for building and powerleveling your Chanter.

Unfortunately these guides are contract projects of Killerguides.com, which means I have no right to distribute it free. You may purchase it from them though.

Ciao!

Ahoy!

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

I know its been a while so I'll just be posting to give you some new updates. First of all, I just want to be thankful that I am still alive right now after my motorcycle crashed into a Toyota Corolla when I was going home from work. Fortunately, my speed and angle of impact isn't that severe to cause too much damage to myself, my mc and the other car. I won't get into the details but at least it proves how important wearing a helmet and protective jacket or armor can do for you. I suffered no scratches nor wounds just minor beatings to certain parts of my body, particularly my left shoulder, foot, side and arm. I was thrown six feet away from my mc after the impact and my armor and helmet took most of the beating. My injuries won't be that minor if it weren't for my protective gear. This is my first accident and it is really an eye-opener for me.

And so there you have it. My advise to my fellow bikers/ riders? Don't underestimate the benefits of wearing helmets and protective gears can do for you. Even if you're just traveling a short distance, it pays to be cautious. As you can see, even if you're a safe driver, accidents happen to everybody - no exemptions.

- Just finished the kinah guide for Aion for Levels 1-20. I am now waiting for the game's full release in late September to work on the remaining levels... which will surely take a hell lot of time.

- Currently working on a free PDF guide for the PSP game "Crimson Gem Saga". I may release the first draft later this week.

- I won't be working on a Persona PSP guide for Double Jump books anymore because of the several complications:

The pre-release copy of the game requires OFW (official firmware) 5.55. As you know, my PSP has CFW (custom firmware) and it won't play the pre-release iso DJBooks sent me. Remember that all new games released will require OFW 5.55 as an anti-piracy move by Sony.
CFW 5.55 is still currently being developed by a professional team of PSP hackers and it may be inbound next week.
In order to play the game, I need an unmodded PSP Slim. Why? The screenshot plugins I use to take in-game screenshots require CFWs. To take screenshots in unmodded PSPs, you'll need the video out function of the PSP Slim and connect it to a video capture card on your PC. (Which I have, Gamebridge used originally for the PS2)
The deadline for the Persona PSP guide should be today. However, due to time constraints they're assigning the project to another author.

So there you go... I am really an unlucky guy this month. I've lost a project, got myself a broken MC, haven't paid my debts yet, need to pay my brother's college tuition and handle the monthly expenses.

Thanks to Darren B for his recent donation :)

Take care guys. Be thankful of little things... like being alive. It's priceless!

Some news... that at least made my day.

2009-08-19T03:45:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

Im almost done with the 1-month long Kinah Guide for the MMO Aion. The last closed beta has finished last Monday and expect to see me when the game has been fully released. You'll know me as the generous Chanter or Cleric that will help your sorry ass in danger in case I'm around.
And so I'll just update this blog to let you guys know that I'm still alive. I am planning to go on hiatus maybe after I win our national lottery. If I win.

As for Persona PSP, the original plan was to work on it early this month. However, things didn't go as smoothly as expected so me and my publisher (Doublejump Books) have requested Atlus for a pre-release UMD of the game. No news of it yet.

Also, as I posted on my last blog, my Xbox 360 died because of the recent XBL update. It seems that it may happen on very remote occasions only and it just happened that I am that lucky guy. Now the money I saved to buy a new laptop or PS3 will be used to buy a replacement 360. Damn it.

Here are some of the news I've seen that at the least, made my day:

Persona 3 coming to PSP with new female character

Persona/ Shin Megami Tensei is probably the series I really loved the most. The details are slim but I really hope that they incorporate some of Persona 4's features. Is there any chance that we can also play as a nameless, female lead? I wonder. In any case, one thing is for sure. Since this is a port, expect added features and extras.

PS3 SLim to be released in the first week of September

It's been a long rumor that came true. Actually, its one of the worst kept secrets that are easily leaked and smuggled. Heck, the first PS3 slim I've seen on the market is sold here in the Philippines since early June. I just don't know if its the real deal though. In any case, I personally liked the slim design, as well as the lesser amount of power it consumes and the lesser space it needs.

PS3 Price Drop Confirmed
For me that waited for a price drop since the console's launch, this is really great news. The only bad thing is that the money I saved to buy a PS3 will be used to get a replacement 360.

At that's all for the meantime folks. I promise to post something up once I've recollected my splattered thoughts because of grinding and lack of sleep. Ciao.

Note to would be critics

2009-07-25T22:01:00.000+08:00

Note to would be critics: We writers play and write what we have experienced in the game, so we may have our own tactics and approach to various situations. That means you may have your own style of playing the game. Walkthroughs are not meant to dictate your entire gameplay but to provide insights that may help you devise your own tactics or give your directions.

That said, it would be unfair to lambast our work just because you think that your style is better or superior than ours. If you have something to say, email it to us authors; not badmouth us in forums. Our walkthroughs may not be as “great” as some of the guides from certain sites but that doesn't change the fact that you, “critics”, can't dedicate hours of labor to play and write walkthroughs as we do. If you have time to criticize somebody's work from being incomplete or for having “inferior” tactics, then why don't you write your own walkthroughs and prove that you're better?

We don't have problems if you guys cite something missing or incorrect about the walkthroughs we write; it even gives us the opportunity to improve our work. What we can't accept however are those who love to reproach other's people's work mindlessly, without consideration.

Just a quick update!

2009-07-24T02:38:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

I've received emails from some caring readers that were quite worried that I'll be stopping from releasing free guides for good. Well, I am just going to clarify today that I won't quit from writing free walkthroughs and quality PDF guides you loved. It's just that I won't be able to release them as frequent as before since I will be prioritizing my contractual projects.

Thanks again for the emails and comments!

~ Paul

New offer

2009-07-17T15:12:00.000+08:00

Guys, I know you're not that many reading this humble blog post of mine but just to let you know, I got another amazing offer to become a contractual author for one of the major game guide publishers: Doublejump Books. If you haven't heard of them yet, they are the ones that sells official game guides from major titles. Also, if you can remember that last two months, I've also signed a contract with another website selling online unofficial guides. The projects they would want me to work on are Persona (PSP) and A Witch's Tale (DS). As you may know, I am really a Persona and Shin Megami Tensei fan and I am really planning to work on Persona in the first place so this is really good timing.

The good thing about this is that the pay is really good. The bad thing however is that I won't be able to work on free/ independent projects anymore. Oh well, everybody needs money right?

If you have wasted a minute of your life reading this... thank you. VERY MUCH.

Ciao.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS) PDF walkthrough, released!

2009-07-15T13:57:00.000+08:00

Ahoy guys, long time no post. The IGN-exclusive PDF walkthrough for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS) is online. You can download it only here. I am currently working on an illustrated PDF guide for Crimson Gem Saga for the PSP; first draft is expected to be released next week.

That's all for now.

Ciao!

Just a minor update

2009-07-07T14:12:00.000+08:00

Sorry for having no updates this week guys. Rest assured I am already working on SMT: Devil Survivor for the DS. It's an imageless PDF guide (like what I have been releasing recently) but at least the formatting are retained, making stuff easier to read and arrange.

I have asked to do some research and write some articles about the classes in the upcoming online game called Aion. If you are interested, you can view the articles here. It looks mighty good and might be a good WoW competitor. I am still undecided if I'll conquer the online gaming world. I'll release Devil Survivor once the content is good enough already.

Also, I have released a walkthrough for Fallout 3 DLC: Point Lookout. It will be added to the exclusive walkthrough I have written for Killerguides.com so previous costumers that purchased the guide will receive it as a free update. I may release a free version of the walkthrough but for now, I'll just keep it as an exclusive.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (PDF) walkthrough released!

2009-06-29T12:56:00.000+08:00

You may download the PDF walkthrough here. You may also download the high-resolution version of the maps featured in this guide individually here.

Currently working on:

Luminous Arc 2 Walkthrough Updated!

2009-06-18T21:11:00.000+08:00

Yep, the walkthrough has been completed. You may download it here. You can also find them in Chaptercheats and IGN. And I'm off to my next project. And NO... this is not a wedding-sim game. It is an Strategy-RPG game for the Nintendo DS. Mind you.

Currently working on...

[rant]Damn you, Philpost... my package from Hong Kong hasn't arrived yet! It's been 7 weeks already! Are you still doing your jobs?! YOU GUYS FREAKIN' SUCK!!!! DAMN YOU!![/end.rant]

Whew, thanks guys. Cya.

New Release: Luminous Arc 2 (DS)

2009-06-09T14:05:00.000+08:00

Yep, this is just a minor release - I am busy completing quick filler walkthroughs as I wait for my major projects and assignments. You can download the guide here. This is pretty much an ongoing project so I will be updating the download link once the update is released.

I am also working on Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia maps - and maybe a walkthrough if I finish LA2 quickly. I am planning on working on another illustrated walkthrough for Crimson Gem Sage for the PSP but I won't promise anything yet.

Ciao.

Resistance Retribution (PSP) PDF Walkthrough Released!

2009-06-02T17:18:00.000+08:00

Howdy folks... Just wanna announce that my PDF guide for Resistance Retribution (PSP) has been released. Thankfully, I was able to find a working screenshot plugin for my PSP after updating its firmware. You may download the guide here. I have text version available in Gamefaqs and Chaptercheats in case you guys prefer the traditional format.

Anyways, I'll be working on my next project. See ya!

~Paul

Latest Update!

2009-05-26T08:11:00.000+08:00

Yep, its been a while. I have finally finished my contractual project for Fallout 3 and I am expecting it to be released online today in Killerguides.com. So if you are looking for a comprehensive walkthrough that covers all three DLCs and dedicated sections for sidequests, miscellaneous quests, etc, you may purchase the guide for around $25.99 (if Im not mistaken) Since I can't really leave the "free guides" scene, I have written separate walkthroughs for Fallout DLCs and a Unique Weapons guide that will assist you in collecting most, if not all, unique weapons in the game. You can download them using the links provided below:

Fallout 3
Operation Anchorage Walkthrough
The Pitt Walkthrough
Broken Stell Walkthrough
Unique Weapons Guide

In the other hand, Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume for the DS is already completed, though I am still inclined to update it since, like the previous VP game for the PSP, this game also has three endings, depending on how you progressed through the plot so I am in my second playthrough verifying that.

Walkthrough

And finally, thank you to Ivar of Norway for his generous donation. (He was the *first* one that actually donated so I am quite surprised and equally thankful) - I really appreciate it. So if you guys have been stroked with a bit of kindness, your support will be greatly appreciated!

Currently working on:

~ Vhayste

17 Sexiest Video Game MILFS

2009-05-11T06:56:00.000+08:00

Since I don't have any new guides for the last weeks and the following weeks, I'll just be borrowing some articles which I personally find interesting. I do have reserved "free" projects but sorry, my priority right now is to finish my contractual project with Killerguides.com

The list below is not my personal choice. However, my top 5 will be:

1. Sophitia
2. Samus
3. Tifa
4. Sarah
5. Nina

Enjoy~
-----------------

Original article can be viewed here: www.gamepro.com

#17: Sonia Belmont (Castlevania)
Mother of the entire Belmont Clan.

Sonia Belmont's had a rough history, or rather, a complete lack of one. After her adventures on the Game Boy, the series retconned her out of existence. What a change that makes, though, since Sonia was originally billed to be the first Belmont that defeated Dracula, going on to sire the Belmont Clan, starting with little Trevor. Oh yeah, and Trevor's Dad? None other than the famous Alucard himself.

#16: Jun Kazuma (Tekken)
Mother of Tekken protagonist Jin Kazama.

Hey, Jun hasn't been in a game since Tekken Tag Tournament (and she was dead after the events of Tekken 2), but she's still looking after her kid. Every series, she shows up in some spirit form or another to guide poor Jin in his quest to topple his a**hole-ish granddad. Talk about committed parenting.

#15: Tifa (Final Fantasy)
Well, she kind of adopted some kids in the FFVII movie.

Apparently, Geostigma is code word for "infertility," since Cloud and Tifa shacked up for two years and no little Avalanche Soldiers were running around. Of course, this doesn't stop Tifa, since she just decided to adopt a couple of kids anyway. Tifa's a real trooper too, since Cloud's apparently been spending his free time brooding over some dead girl.

#14: Sarah Sisulart (Lost Odyssey)
Grandmother of the irritating Cookie and Mack.

Technically, Ms. Sisulart's the oldest MILF on the entire list, although being an immortal being make this a very unfair statistic. We would've ranked her higher on the list if she wasn't responsible for those damn grandkids of hers. We HATE Cookie and Mack. HATE. Who the Hell names their kid after a snack food anyway?

#13: The Boss (Metal Gear)
Naked Snake's adoptive mother figure. (Spoiler Alert: She's also Revolver Ocelot's mom!)

The Boss may be pushing her older years, but you can't deny that this tough-as-nails war heroine is hotter than most things you'll see on the battlefield. Despite kicking Naked Snake's ass up and down the Russian countryside, she was always looking out for her non-biological son. Yes, even when she cut out the poor guy's eyeball.

#12: Matriarch Benezia (Mass Effect)
Liara's T'Soni's mother. Well, technically. The Asaris are pretty much all women.

If Benezia's assets are any indication, Liara's in for one heck of a "growth spurt" come the events of Mass Effect 2. Taking her down this powerful space psychic was no joke, either, since she can easily kill an entire party with little effort. Maybe she stores her power in her giant thingies.

#11: Princess Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy)
Adoptive mother of the Lumas, Mom of the Galaxy.

OK, so adopting a bunch of little Lumas is a bit far-fectched but it does give Princess Rosalina one of the biggest families in this galactic group. Besides, she's definitely some serious competition in the Mushroom Princess's lovelife. Just wait until Rosalina gets kidnapped by Bowser and starts sending the Mario Bros. on more fetch quests.

#10: Princess Peach (Super Mario)
Adoptive mother of the Mushroom Kingdom & the Koopa Kids.

Well, come on. She's been getting "kidnapped" by Bowser for over 20 years. Those Koopa Kids didn't from from a freakin' stork.

#9: Sorceress Edea/Ultimecia (Ultimecia)
Moonlights as a foster mom to orphanage kids (Awwwww!).

Okay, it's kind of a roundabout story, but basically, Sorceress Edea was the kind owner of a kids shelter before big bad Ultimecia came along and made her all crazy. But, that job affiliation definitely classifies her as a mom. Besides, she's undoubtedly hotter when she's evil.

#8: Lulu (Final Fantasy)
Strangely enough, mother of Wakka's child.

This is actually the biggest twist in Final Fantasy X. No, not the whole "Tidus is the dream of a lost civilization's soul" or whatever that crap was. No, she and Wakka had a kid. Which means that they got down. And DID things. Sexually.

#7: Michelle Chang (Tekken)
Foster parent of Julia Chang.

She's hasn't been in any games since Tekken Tag, but this feisty Native-Chinese-American definitely knows how to pass on her looks and style. Rowr. Who needs genetics?

#6: Sindel (Mortal Kombat)
Mother of Kitana, Bride of (ick) Shao Khan.

You've got to hand it to Sindel. Despite dying, getting forcibly revived, then brainwashed and fooled into becoming the bride of a guy with the face of a crocodile, this old queen is still fighting her ex-hubby across Outworld and back. That's one heck of a messy marriage, but at least she got more than half the house and furniture.

#5: Samus Aran (Metroid)
Adoptive mom to the famous Metroid Hatchling.

Okay, now this is really touching. Samus's die-hard mission of extermination grinds to a halt when she discovers a little baby Metroid, and as those good 'ol maternal instincts kick in, she takes the critter with her. Unfortunately, not a day passes before Ridley brings down a space station and kidnaps the 'lil guy. Like a mother enraged, Samus essentially kills a WHOLE PLANET looking for her "baby," only to get saved by her adopted kid at the most climatic moment possible. Sniff. That's a great story.

#4: Crimson Viper (Street Fighter)
Apparently has a daughter. Who knew?

Mmm, Crimson Viper, you're so much hotter than your real-life counterpart. You know that someone's been reading their parenting book when they take the time to call their kids after kicking someone's ass in a street fight. Crimson Viper's a mom on the go, but she's still never too busy to call home.

#3: Nina Williams (Tekken)
Mother of Steve Fox, thanks to SCIENCE!

Okay, so Nina's not going to win any Mother of the Year contests, especially since she spent most of Tekken 4 trying to assassinate her own kid. Still, she didn't know that Steve was her son, and most importantly, Steve's kind of annoying anyway. Why couldn't Nina have had a younger, hotter daughter like Michelle Chang did, anyway?

#2: EVA (Metal Gear)
Mother of Solid Snake and Liquid Snake (Oh, um, Spoiler!)

Snake Eater was definitely a James Bond movie built for the PlayStation, and EVA made one Hell of a Bond Girl. Even though she's pushing 70 by the time Guns of the Patriots rolled around "Big Mama" was still busting her combat suit's bra, packing serious heat and riding motorcycles like a pro. Some things just get better with age.

#1: Sophitia (Soul Calibur)
Competed in the Soul Calibur Tournament to protect her daughter. Nevermind about that, though. Just look at the picture.

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough updated!

2009-04-28T15:21:00.000+08:00

Right... just finished and uploaded the most recent version of the PDF guide. The latest addition is the complete guide to the Cave of the Seven Stars. I find completing the Wandering Dungeon as too time consuming, considering that I already invested 100+ hours in the game so I'll just add it when I have free time.

You may download it here and the high-resolution maps here.

I will be spending the next few days catching up with the deadline of my contractual project so there could be no new free guides to be released in the coming weeks. I guess.

~~ Paul

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough completed!

2009-04-21T13:08:00.000+08:00

Yep, it's almost completed. The walkthrough covers the main game. I am still working my way on the Cave of the Seven Stars so I may update the guide once I finish a section for that. You may download the guide here and the high resolution maps here.

I'll just keep this brief since I have some deadlines to catch. Ciao.

Another year older.

2009-04-17T05:11:00.000+08:00

Yep, just turned a year older today. I will be giving away two discount coupons from Play-asia worth $5 dollars each ($50 minimum purchase). Sorry, that's only what I can afford at the moment. Kindly use my affiliate link when ordering.

The numbers below are on the first come, first serve basis. If any of these two doesn't work anymore when you use it, that means somebody already used it before you. The expiration date of these coupons will be on April 25, 2009. I will be giving away similar discount coupon numbers in the future, so watch out for those!

Thank you!

1. XZ-EZQ-CTY
2. HW-LYF-TLL

Now, to test ride my new bike. It's not your mighty beautiful and expensive big bikes... just a medium underbone to be used for medium-long travels. My Honda XRM I christened as Faragut.

Updated: Star Ocean Last Hope PDF Walkthrough

2009-04-14T12:27:00.000+08:00

Hello gang. The updated version of the guide has just been released. It now covers everything from the start to just before the clearing the Grigori from En II's Sanctuary. You may download the guide here. Don't forget to check out the new hi-res maps as featured in the guide.

* Just signed the contract *

Yep, I just signed the contract to write gaming guides for a site. Those guides are NOT free but since I am getting paid for those, I will put extra effort to make them worth it. If I don't have any assignments, I may release free IGN exclusives or even bother making independent releases. Maybe.

Thanks to those that supported me so far; just by saying simple 'Thank you's' is enough to ease the effort, time and resources I've spent on the guides.

~ CIAO.

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough updated!

2009-04-07T08:01:00.000+08:00

Ola, kids. The updated version of the PDF walkthrough is now released. It covers the story up to before you rescue Sarah in the Purgatorium and after getting a new *hottie* party member. You may download the guide exclusively here.

Like before, you can download the high-resolution maps featured in the guide here.

End of free pdf walkthroughs/guides?

I got a very interesting offer from a third party website, specializing in writing game guides. The payment they offered for my services is really generous, compared to what I am doing right now so I am inclined on accepting their offer. Since they'll be paying for my services, that means the guide I will be writing MUST be purchased by the user. Will this be the end of the free PDF guides I distribute?

Unless there are some things that will convince to stay what I am doing now, I am afraid I have no choice but to pick the obvious. Well, let's see...

New Walkthroughs released!

2009-03-31T14:38:00.000+08:00

At last folks, my first major update of the year. Please see the updates below:

Star Ocean: Last Hope PDF Walkthrough released!

The guide covers up to the entrance of the Cardianon Control Tower. A quickstart/basics section has been added as well for new players. And how about a nice cover to start it all?

You can download the PDF guide exclusively here.

Since I need to compress the images on my guide, the quality of the maps may be affected as well. They are readable but what if you can download those maps individually, in high resolution?

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume Walkthrough Released!

The walkthrough is in the conventional text format. It covers up to Chapter 3, with all branches taken. A Character Guide section has been included as well for reference. You may download the file here.

Fallout 3: Behemoth Hunting Guide, Bobblehead Locations Guide (PDF) released!

Download:

Behemoth Hunting Guide
Bobblehead Locations Guide

Persona 4 PDF Walkthrough Updated!

And finally, *probably* the last update of the SMT: Persona 4 PDF walkthrough. I have added two new sections (Fishing and TV Shopping) and made some minor corrections pointed out by readers (thanks guys.) You may download it here.

That's it folks. Till the next update!

~~Paul

Coming soon updated 3/26

2009-03-20T12:56:00.001+08:00

Update 3/26:

Yep, I just got Star Ocean: Last Hope yesterday and I am already working nonstop to get it posted by the end of the week. Yes, it's a rush job but don't worry; I assure you the quality of the guide won't be affected. You guys know how I work, right? :)

I am targeting to post a release announcement early next week, so keep your fingers crossed kiddos. Thank you for visiting :)

Coming soon:

~~ Vhayste
---------------------------------
Sorry guys for not updating anything for the past weeks. Sadly, Star Ocean 4 hasn't arrived yet even if it was shipped last Feb.26. I will posting something on Monday or Tuesday, since I will be doing some projects during the weekends. I am glad to announce that I have acquired MOST of the games listed on my wishlist, primarily for the DS so watch out for that. I've spend the past few weeks playing Fallout3 and after 3 playthroughs, I was able to get the full score (1000 pts) for the core game.

I'll keep you posted guys. See ya.

~~Vhayste®

Persona 4 PDF Walkthrough completed

2009-02-28T09:03:00.000+08:00

EDIT (03/03/09):

The link should working now. Somehow when I submitted my guide last Friday, it didn't make it to their weekly deadline. Sorry for the inconvenience.

--------------------------------------

Whew at last! This is as complete as it gets. The "True Ending" has been completed. Post-game Notes section is also added. You may download the walkthrough here. Also, as a bonus, I have uploaded a compilation of the raw scans from the P4 artbook. You may download it here.

The guide has 171 pages and 9.5MB large. Pretty compact, eh?

Also... I can't believe most of you guys have the same taste as mine... I love Yukiko. Though I would take home Margaret if ever Yukiko is not around. *smirk*

Please support me with my future projects and walkthroughs.

Writing walkthroughs is never been easy. Writers like me dedicate countless hours of our lives to play the games and write walkthroughs for them. Not to mention sleepless nights, frustrations, personal expenses and sometimes, sacrificing social times with friends and families. Our dedication and motivation comes from you, our readers. With the increasing cost in expenses (and the global financial crisis), I will have to resort to request assistance from you, kind-hearted readers. You may support my work in many ways:

1. Donations via Paypal

If you can spare me a dollar or two, that will go a long way in helping buy new games to write walkthroughs for. Or even use the funds to pay for my electric bills.

You can send your donations to: vhayste@gmail.com or simply click the donate button in the top right of this page.

2. Ordering stuff from Play-Asia

Yes, just by ordering stuff from them, I get a smallcomission - no matter what item it is. They have a variety of items, games, toys, guides and collectibles. Just simply visit the site by using my affiliate link below:

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-9ai3.html

3. Viewing my posted guides/walkthroughs @ pwnGuide.com

This is probably the easiest thing you can do to help :) Just visit the site and view/ download the walkthroughs there. I earn a little percentage for all the total views to my guides so just by spending a few seconds, you are actually helping me in your own way.

http://pwnguide.com/user/vhayste

4. Showing your appreciation

This is probably the simplest, and cheapest thing to do. A simple "Thank you" email means a lot to me, since it tells me that there are people out there that appreciate my hard work. Though it won't help financially, it is still a big deal by giving me "moral support". :)

~~Vhayste

Persona 4 Walkthrough updated!

2009-02-24T06:20:00.000+08:00

The main walkthrough is finished. The Quests and Social Link sections has been completed as well. I am still finishing the guide for the optional dungeon, as well as the post-game notes. Sorry if I haven't updated the Star Ocean guide since I dedicated my entire week to finish P4.

You may download the guide here. If you can't view the updated version, try again a little later since I just uploaded the guide a few hours ago.

Walkthrough updates (2/17)

2009-02-17T06:26:00.000+08:00

PERSONA 4 PDF WALKTHROUGH UPDATED

The guide now covers all events up to 10/27. The Quest and Social Link sections has been updated as well. You may download the guide here.

STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION PDF WALKTHROUGH completed!

The main walkthrough is finished. It also includes a guide for the secret dungeon, the Maze of Tribulations. So far I have only covered up to 7F but hopefully I can finish it within the week. You may download it here.

Walkthrough updates

2009-02-09T20:54:00.000+08:00

Here's another update guys. I'll be going on vacation for the next few days. It doesn't mean that the updates will be delayed; its just that the quantity of the content that will be added may be lessened. Anyway, even after I finish these games, I'll still do a second playthrough for both. See yah.

PERSONA 4 PDF WALKTHROUGH UPDATED

The guide now covers all events up to 9/10. The Quest and Social Link sections has been updated as well. You may download the guide here.

STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION PDF WALKTHROUGH updated!

The guide's coverage is right after defeating the 3 wise men in Phynal. It also contains additional info on how to get the following characters:

1. Noel

2. Chisato

Expect more updates in a few days' time. You may download the guide here. If you can't see the updated versions, please try again a little later since I just uploaded them after a few hours ago.

PLEASE SUPPORT GAME WRITERS

Don't ever, ever buy game e-guides from Ebay or any auction site. Most of the time, these are blatantly stolen works of hardworking authors that contribute to several gaming sites. These guides should be free, regardless of format. I have a friend and fellow game writer that has her walkthrough stolen, plagiarized and sold in Ebay for $5.99. Please report any similar incidents to the authors. We writers dedicate countless hours of our lives, energy and resources just to deliver you quality content and help for the games you love. It is infuriating to have some gutless idiot to take advantage of someone else's hard work.

Thanks,

Vhayste

Walkthrough updates

2009-02-02T23:50:00.000+08:00

Persona 4 PDF walkthrough updated!

The guide now covers all events up to 7/16. Of course the Quest and Social Link sections has been updated as well. You may download the guide here.

Star Ocean: Second Departure PDF walkthrough updated!

The guide's coverage is right before you fight the Psynard in North City. As mentioned before, the walkthrough is written with Claude as the main hero. It also contains detailed steps on how to get the following characters:

1. Ashton
2. Opera
3. Bowman
4. Precis
5. Welch
6. Ernest

Expect more updates in a few days' time. You may download the guide here. If you can't see the updated versions, please try again a little later since I just uploaded them after a few hours ago.

CiAo,
Paul

Walkthrough update and release

2009-01-26T13:23:00.001+08:00

Persona 4 Walkthrough updated!

It now covers everything till the 26th of May. Blame the intensive dungeon crawling for taking most of my time. So far it is going well. The Quests and Social Link sections are also updated.

You may download it here.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution (Claude) Walkthrough Released!

Yes, at last. The guide is pretty much rushed (think about what you can do in less than two days) so it covers the beginning of the game up until your first visit at Marze (Mars in the original version). More updates will be released in a few days' time so watch out for that!For now I am writing the guide using the male protagonist, Claude. I am planning to write a walkthrough for Rena but let's keep our fingers crossed until then..

You may download the guide here.

Subscribe (even if its temporary only) to my blog to receive timely updates about my latest releases. You may email me if you have questions and I'll help you the best I can. Just remember to always include the game title in the subject or your email otherwise, it will end up to the SPAM folder. That's it, till next time.

CIAO,
~Vhayste

Persona 4 PDF Walkthrough released!

2009-01-22T10:51:00.000+08:00

The guide covers the whole month of April and some completed data tables. I am rushing the job so expect updates in a few days time. You may download this guide exclusively in IGN.

You may download the PDF walkthrough here.

Last Remnant (PDF) Walkthrough completed

2009-01-18T11:52:00.000+08:00

Whew, at last!

The main walkthrough and the sidequests for both discs are completed. However, since I am really, really off my deadline, I am afraid I won’t be completing the Guild Tasks sections of this guide. If you wish to help me by adding the stuff I am missing, their rewards or tips how to get them, don’t hesitate to email me: vhayste@gmail.com. I will respond to your email at the soonest time I can and also update the guide as long as I have compiled enough content, which should happen in a week’s time. Of course, you’ll have your name in the Credits section for everybody that is using this guide to see.

The guide's composition are as follows:

1. Quickstart Guide
2. Main Walkthrough *complete*
3. Disc 1 Sidequests *complete*
4. Disc 2 Sidequests *complete*
5. Union of the Golden Chalice Guild Tasks
6. Sword of the Three Realms Guild Tasks
7. Ring of the Labyringth Guild Tasks
8. Achievement List
9. Credits Section

You may download the guide here.

Since its the weekend, IGN will probably have the link updated on Monday so check it out by then.

I still have at least a full day off so I'll try to get as far as I can in Persona 4.

Thanks!
Paul

The Last Remnant PDF Walkthrough updated!

2009-01-12T07:42:00.001+08:00

Version 1.1 of the guide has been released. Its coverage include the battles of the 6 bases and before going to Koenigsdorf. The Guild Tasks and Sidequest sections are udpated as well. The guide's composition is as follows:

1. Quickstart Guide
2. Main Walkthrough
3. Disc 1 Sidequests *complete*
4. Disc 2 Sidequests
5. Union of the Golden Chalice Guild Tasks
6. Sword of the Three Realms Guild Tasks
7. Ring of the Labyringth Guild Tasks

You may download the guide here.

CIAO,
Paul

First Quarter Projects

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000+08:00

Another year, another set of walkthroughs and guides. Below are the titles that I am planning to cover and write PDF walkthroughs/guides for. These may change depending on the region/language availability of the games.

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (NDS)

Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP)

Star Ocean: Last Hope (Xbox 360)

As for Last Remnant, I will be releasing a major update this weekend. I can't wait to finish it at the soonest time possible so I can move on to Persona 4. I know its long delayed but hey... its not easy to be a working gamer at all.

Regards,
Paul

The Last Remnant PDF Walkthrough released!

2009-01-02T12:08:00.000+08:00

Alright, the PDF guide for Xbox 360's The Last Remnant has been released. You can download free from IGN. It covers the main walkthrough up until before your first visit to Nagapur. The main story is disappointingly short and it seemed that the sidequests are even longer than the main plot. The guide contains the following:

1. Quickstart section
2. Main Walkthrough
3. Sidequests
4. Guild Tasks

These are still in the works so its pretty much a skeletal guide but I am sure new players will definitely appreciate the info and illustrated map the guide contains. If you want to view high-resolution and individual maps only, they can be downloaded from Chaptercheats.

More updates to follow in a few days' time.

Regards,
Paul

Update: Last Remnant PDF guide release date

2008-12-29T10:49:00.000+08:00

Sorry folks, but I have to adjust the release date of my PDF guide. I've been horribly busy these past few days... I can't even reply to some of the emailed questions. I can still promise to have something up before the year ends... I'll try Dec 31st here (GMT +8). I haven't ventured that far in the game's story yet since I am taking care of the sidequests first. Right now I haven't still entered Nagapur but I have cleared almost all of the sidequests available at the moment.

So far, I have uploaded some illustrated maps that you can use as you wait for the main guide; they are not much but will certainly be of good use for those who are just starting in the game.

And one more thing... those friggin' monslayer guild tasks are driving me nuts!?! &$#^&*Q^#@@!

A blessed new year to you all.

Paul Vhayste

Merry Xmas everyone!

2008-12-26T03:04:00.000+08:00

I hope you guys are enjoying the holidays. My christmas is pretty uneventful due to work and such. I even have to work on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Well, at least we got free food and overtime pay.

As for the guides, with only a handful of days remaining before the year ends, I won't be able to release the Persona 4 walkthrough unless I finish Last Remnant. I have started a walkthrough for the game and it is progressing fine. I will be releasing the first version during the weekends.

Thank you for all the readers, guests, fans (if there's any) and subscribers. You guys made this year a wonderful one for my game-writing "career". May you all have a blessed New Year. I got tons of future projects for next year but don't worry, you guys will know about that.

Till next time,
Paul Vhayste

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 guides released!

2008-12-15T19:26:00.000+08:00

Yes, you've read it right. GUIDES. Well, they are actually mini-guides which will be part of the main guide I'll be working on. You can view them here. I will be working on a series of mini-guides until I finally finish the main walkthrough. Please visit regularly or better yet, subscribe to receive timely updates for my releases.

The guides currently uploaded are:

1. Fusion Forecast Guide
2. Skill Inheritance Guide
3. Special Fusions List
4. Unique Fusions List
5. Yasogami High School Map

More guides to follow.

And still no Last Remnant yet. *sigh*

Still alive and kickin.

2008-12-11T18:20:00.000+08:00

Sorry for not updating this blog for over a month. I was having a self-imposed "game writing holiday" so I can play games leisurely without a pen and notebook beside me. I do that every now and then just to relax and enjoy gaming as it is meant to be.

Also, due to my recent promotion, I have less and less time for gaming not to mention, going online. Do not worry though, since I can promise that the quality of my guides won't be affected with these changes.

I have mentioned before that my country (Philippines) is probably one of those freakin countries with horrible logistics and postal service. I still haven't received Last Remnant which was sent to me during the first week of December. Persona4 is probably out but I don't know when I'll get it later. Well, maybe this is the best time to think that it is "better late than never."

See ya.

Change of Plans

2008-11-14T06:14:00.000+08:00

Due to the atrocious scores and low ratings of Legendary, it has been decided that I won't be covering it anymore. However, I shall cover this game instead:

The Last Remnant is Square-Enix's latest RPG offering for the 360. I will receive my copy of the game on Nov.20 onwards so I may be able to post an initial release of the walkthrough. I don't know if you guys will favor this decision but I certainly think I made the right choice.

More updates to follow so subscribe to my blog if you want to receive timely updates about my walkthroughs and releases. Laters.

~~Vhayste

Gears of War 2 Achievement Guide Updated (11/12)

2008-11-10T09:33:00.000+08:00

I have released my achievement guide for the game. It's not the final version of the guide yet so it is entirely open for future modifications and additions. If you want to suggest or add something, kindly contact me via email. You can download the PDF guide here.

I will work on the PDF walkthrough if I have the chance so I'll just keep you guys posted. See ya.

EDIT 11/12/08:

I just updated the achievement guide. The Youtube link mentioned in this post has been included as well as tips in clearing all 50 waves of Horde with less people - two people to be exact. No need to look for 3 more horde co-op players.

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This just in; check this Youtube vid for the "Kick 'em when they're down" achievement. Thanks to xyjar for uploading it.

Kick 'Em When They're Down Achievement

1. Rude Awakening
Lancer + B

2. Meatsnap
A, then X

3. Curbstomp
Any weapon + X

4. Triple Punch C-C-Combo
Any non-execution weapon (shotgun) + Y

5. Snixecution
Sniper Rifle + Y

6. Torque Nudge
Torque Bow + B

7. Pistolwhip Deluxe
Boltok Pistol + Y

8. Boomshield Headache
Boomshield + Y

9. Shotgun Golf
Shotgun + B

10. Torquapitation
Torque Bow + Y

11. Sniper Head Thunk
Sniper Rifle + B

~~Vhayste

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough updated! (11/9)

2008-11-09T14:01:00.000+08:00

My PDF walkthrough for the game has been updated. You may use the download link found in my previous post. It covers everything in the game, including the optional dungeon, the Cave of the Seven Stars. Puzzle solutions are included as well. This will be my final release of the guide unless there are some major changes that needs to implemented.

~~Thanks
Paul

Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360) - Review

2008-11-07T21:16:00.000+08:00

The fight is far from over. It’s been months since Delta Squad successfully delivered the Lightmass Bomb into the heart of the Locust stronghold. The Locust suffered tremendous losses but still prevailed. Now, they strike back with a more powerful army than the humans ever imagined. They have started their siege in the last bastion of mankind, the city of Jacinto. Because of the unique mineral structure underneath the city, the Locusts can’t dig beneath it. With the battle reaching its climax, the humans assembled a massive strike force, in an attempt to raid the Locust heart, strike from the inside and end the war once and for all.

Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios bring the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed title Gears of War exclusively for the 360. The game offers several new features, weapons and mechanics that will definitely make the two year wait worth it.

During the first minutes in the game, players will definitely feel the tension in the air with all the commotion around. The game will start a few seconds afterwards and they will have the option to train the new Delta rookie or head immediately to the action. The controls are pretty much the same so seasoned Gears of War players won’t feel alienated as if they’re playing an entirely new game. There are also collectibles scattered around each area (even during the training course) which are not limited to COG tags but also artifacts, magazines, newspapers, journals, etc which makes hunting them more interesting. Another thing that is noticeable is that the game will track your progress for unlocking achievements. It will occasionally display the amount of kills you need or the number of times you’ll need to do that specific action in order to unlock the corresponding achievement. Those are just some of the game’s features. Now let’s head to the details.

Gears of War 2 is definitely longer than its predecessor due to the massive stages Marcus and gang must explore (and survive). As mentioned earlier, the game’s controls are practically the same; however, there are some wonderful changes. The most notable probably is the infamous “meat shield” feature, where players can pick up a downed enemy and use it as a shield against enemy gunfire. They can retaliate only with their pistols and fortunately, grubs are very efficient bullet sponges because they last even if their limbs get torn off. If you managed to kill the opposition with the dying meat shield in your arms, you can dispose it by enjoying the crunching sound of broken neck. Players may execute downed enemies instead in a variety of ways depending on the weapon equipped. Sniper Rifles can be used as sledgehammers or torque bows as axes. You can also stomp and crush their heads like little bloody watermelons.

When injured, players won’t stay stationary and just wait haplessly for someone to revive him. They can crawl to a safe cover by tapping the A button continuously. Also, there will be a time limit on how long the player can stay in that condition. If ever the life “gauge” turns entirely red, the player will die. Fortunately, the squad AI in the game will prioritize reviving you if ever you’ll fall. Though there will be instances that they will act like dumbasses running to and fro, ignoring the bloody lump you’re becoming, they are most of the time, I can say, efficient in keeping you alive and kicking. Downed enemies will also crawl to safety but won’t be capable of doing anything. They simply wait COG deliverance by either acting as a meat shield or ending up as your personal, bloody watermelon.

There are also a variety of ways to eliminate heavily fortified foes. The game features partly destructible covers. If players keep shooting near the edge of the cover, it will be “chipped out”, exposing a body part behind it. Players will also need to use a moving (indestructible) cover later on, but I won’t be divulging any details in regard to that.

The game features a variety of new and improved weapons. Players will notice that the Lancer is a lot of more accurate than before. The Locusts’ Hammerburst rifle has a slower fire rate but packs more punch than the Lancer. Heavy machine guns like the Troika are still powerful as ever. In the first game, you can just hold the fire button, lay waste on the enemies without worrying of overheating. But in Gears of War 2, the machine guns will overheat. You can “force cool” it by pressing and holding the reload button. The same applies to the portable chain guns dropped by the larger locusts. Crowd control? That is where the portable artillery gun comes in. You can dig in, aim upward and calculate the distance where the mortars shall land. This is very effective in taking care of multiple, fortified enemies without too much of a risk. Even the dreaded boomers won’t last one or two direct hits for this rain of fire. Maulers are new types of locusts that carry impenetrable shields and deadly morning stars. If you kill these bastards, you can pick up their shield and be invulnerable against frontal fire. You can retaliate using your pistol but the most practical use of this shield is that you can “plant” it on the ground as an indestructible cover, pull out your primary weapon and fire back. You can even pull it up after the battle and carry it again. Stink grenades will be available as well, that even though lacks destructive power, release very lethal cloud of poison. Flamethrowers also make their entry in this installment of the game. Players will also have the chance to control a Centaur light tank which strongly resembles the tank from Metal Slug games.

Players will also battle Reavers face to face in most instances, giving them the chance to see the creature up close. Reavers are the flying beasts that carry locust gunners from the last part of the original game. These beasts still pose a threat even without its riders but fortunately, a full round of rifle fire can take it down. There won’t be lambent (exploding) wretches but they’ll be replaced by Tickers, volatile, ticking bugs that explode on contact. Fortunately, they don’t explode instantly; you’ll have at least 1-2 seconds to hit them with any weapon (except the Lancer) to send them flying back and you can shoot them safely at a distance. Remember the large dinosaur-like machine beast that chased Delta Squad while escaping from the Fenix Estate in the original gears? These are called Brumaks and players will have several encounters with them. Players will also have the chance to ride these beastly war machines which I won’t spill out in this review.

The achievements are toned tone a bit. More than 500 points can be acquired by playing offline alone. Though the infamous “Seriously” achievement from the original game got a remake in the form of Seriously 2.0, the requirements are toned down a bit as well since the kills will count your campaign kills as well. The game also tracks the achievements and displays the progress and the required number of times to perform or enemies to kill to unlock the achievement. Various multiplayer achievements have remained though they are not that many compared to the original. A new game mode, called Horde will put players against waves of attacking locusts and they must kill every enemy before proceeding. Like all the multiplayer game modes featured, this can be done locally with a partner via split-screen but they can’t unlock achievements where a public session is required.

The game features an upgraded multiplayer that will allow up to 10 players to connect simultaneously. You can even hold local, split-screen sessions - even when not connected to Live. Aside from the old multiplayer favorites like Warzone, Execution and Annex, new modes has been introduced like the Horde, Guardian, Wingman and Submission. Horde will pit players against wave of enemy locusts, ranging from all size and ranks. Fortunately, weapons and ammo respawn on the same locations. Guardian is like the Assassination mode where players need to protect their leader. The only difference is that players can still continue fighting even when the leader is down. Its just that they lose the ability to respawn. Wingman will allow players to form two-person team and battle it out with the other teams. Submission follows the "Capture the Map" logic but there is a catch; the flag is actually an armed stranded civilian obviously called as the "Meat Flag". Teams must race and down the meat flag then drag him to their base while protecting it. There is a tutorial for each new mode or even the old ones so veteran and new players can easily grasp the mechanics for each mode.

Another great addition in the game's multiplayer is the addition of BOTS. These AI-controlled players can be added in match if you're short on people. Don't be fooled though; the bots are really efficient fighters, especially on harder difficulties. Of course, having human squadmates is definitely better but you can't simply set the bots aside since they almost seem to act like human players when playing. New multiplayer models/skins can also be unlocked by clearing the campaign and having some specific achievements from the original game.

The multiplayer mode's battle camera has also been improved significantly. Instead of fixed views, players can activate ghost cams or simple a "free-chase" camera mode. When observing, they can freely mode around the map while waiting for the round to finish. They can even take snapshots that can be uploaded via Live. Players can also pan around the map with different views of the battle. They can even see the action in both sides.

As promised by the developers, the game does feature vividly detailed surroundings and intricately designed levels. Players will definitely feel the dread, death, destruction and the urge to survive no matter what the cost as they traverse sunken cities, Locust torture barges, beautiful subterranean cave systems and even the insides of a living leviathan. There will be instances that you’ll feel like you’re playing a different game because of the unique locations players probably never expected. Blood and gore are still there, as there remain the many ways to die in the game, in the hands of the enemy or not. The visual effects are never been better. The gun battles are always as dramatic as ever, as hordes of enemies come pouring in at the same time – without the lag. The horde will introduce new enemies which players can easily distinguish from the normal enemies they have fought before. Even COG will utilize heavy hardware that is previously unknown. Overall, the battle effects, the explosions, the dismembering – they all blend perfectly in drawing players directly in the action, demanding full attention otherwise they’ll end up dying or miss something big.

Ratings: 1-10

SOUNDS: 8.9
The sound effects of the game are great and very engaging. The character voices and dialogues are played out beautifully giving the game a cinematic feel – very much like the first game but greatly improved. The superb timing of the background scores and the battle effects are sure to keep the players worked up and engaged throughout the game.

GRAPHICS: 9.1
The game’s visual quality is definitely better than its predecessor. Vividly detailed environments and intricately designed levels deliver the sense of dread, isolation, death and destruction. Special effects and cinematics are even more appealing.

GAMEPLAY: 9.5
The game’s battle system remains almost the same with only a few tweaks including new execution styles. Gears of War veterans can immediately grasp the game controls easily while the learning curve for newbies would take around half or an hour. The effectiveness of the game’s control layout still delivers efficient and easy control for players. There is also a combat training and the default option to provide hints whenever a player acquires a new weapon. Your squad AI may have its moments, ranging from openly attacking enemies and dying or simply ignoring you while you’re already bleeding but not that severe that it will hamper your progress in the game.

DELIVERY: 9.5
The game offers hours and hours of gameplay through its long campaign missions and several multiplayer modes. Rewarding players with high scoring achievements for completing the game in higher difficulties will surely prompt achievement whores and hardcores to go through the lengthy campaign in order to get them. The new multiplayer modes also add up to the game’s depth and longevity. As mentioned, the game’s achievements are toned down a bit (except for Seriously 2.0) for most players to complete with ease. The game also features an in-game tracker that tracks your achievements and displays your progress and how far/short are you from unlocking the achievement.

Summary:
The first Gears was definitely a hit, keeping a solid multiplayer community years after its release. Gears of War 2 definitely have the strong potential to match or even surpass its predecessor’s success. The new and preserved features of the game works well with veteran and new players alike. If you’re into shooters or simply loved the first game, Gears of War should belong to your library. It is definitely worth the two year wait.

Final Score: 92
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I will write an achievement guide for the game later this morning and hopefully I can finish it within the day. I will keep you guys posted. Images will be added later.

Paul Vhayste

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough updated!

2008-11-04T16:16:00.000+08:00

The walkthrough covers everything up to Fargett, just before exploring the Revorse Tower. The quickstart section has been completed as well, including the list of all skills, specialties and super specialties. I will release new updates in a few days' time. You may download the walkthrough exclusively in IGN. If the version you get is not yet updated, then try again after a few hours or tomorrow; I just finished uploading the PDF in their FTP.

~~Vhayste

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough released!

2008-10-30T23:33:00.000+08:00

It is pretty much skeletal at the moment since there are a lot of switches in the game that needs careful attention. So far it's only 1.5MB and has 16 pages. Don't be fooled though; it covers your first 10-20 hours in the game alone. You can download it here.

Edit: (10/31/2008) Out for the 9 optional characters, you can only recruit 4 - depending on the conditions. I'll try to cover them all so replaying the game 2-3 times is inevitable. Everything is progressing fine but I still got Brothers in Arms and Gears of War 2 distracting me and forcing me to spend 1-2 hours of my daily gaming time. Don't worry, I'll be updating the guide regularly (at least weekly) so keep posted.

Gears of War 2 - First Impressions
I was able to get an advance copy of Gears of War 2. Me and my brother has finished it the other day. It was definitely bigger, badder and of course, longer than the first one. I will list some things to expect in the game and I'll try to prevent too much spoilers. Still, read at your own risk.

**SPOILER ALERT** **SPOILER ALERT** **SPOILER ALERT** **SPOILER ALERT**
- One of the Carmine brothers will return
- Wild Reaver goosechase (High-speed boss battle and escape using Reavers)
- Brumak assault (Brumaks are those large dino-like beasts with fitted weapons)
- New weapons: Yes we know about the flamethrowers, shield and hammerburst. How about a chain gun and a portable artillery launcher?
- Dom finds his wife! Happy ending or sad? You'll find out.
- Anya gets a retouch; she's a lot lovelier now compared to the first game.
- Centaur drive-in: The chance to control one of the Centaur light tanks of the COG.
- The collectibles will be in the form of magazines, artifacts, certain structures and a few COG tags - Razorhail: Falling hail shaped like broken pieces of glass; sharp as hell too!
- New enemies: That freakin mauler can be shot at the feet to bypass the shields!
- The mounted machine guns on vehicles and outposts will overheat but will have forced cooling (In Gears 1, the Troika heavy gatling/chain gun NEVER overheats)
- Sqquadmates can now REVIVE you (I never noticed them doing that all that time while I played Gears 1)
- No more Lambent (exploding) wretches; but new explosive critters will replace them. Fortunately, you can easily kill them from a distance or hit them back for a number of times for an achievement.
- No more berserkers (the blind Locusts that hunts by smell and hearing)
- The Queen's appearance is definitely a surprise!
- Improved weapons: The Hammer of Dawn seems to be more powerful since it can easily destroy large locusts with one, huge burst of energy. And the Lancer is a lot more accurate.
- New bosses and stages that you'll never expect in a Gears game.
- Meat shields are really pretty effective!

Finally the ending message. Its not the exact one but leaves a lot of room for a final, part.

"Can anyone hear me?... This is Adam Fenix... What have you done?"

Overall, the game is a blast. Now I can't wait for Gears 3. There is still too much story to tell. Gears 2 offers the same feeling with little to no modifications with the controls and combat systems but also offers entirely new experience.

Walkthrough Releases and Updates - 10/26

2008-10-26T13:34:00.000+08:00

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS) Released!
You can download the text format walkthrough for this game here.

Tales of Vesperia (360) text walkthrough Released!
The main walkthrough is still ongoing (about 80% complete). You can also download the Title and Cooking guides separate text files. I have converted this for readers that doesn't have access to high speed internet connection or those who doesn't have a PDF reader readily available.

You can download the walkthrough and the guides here.

Progress Report:
I just got Star Ocean First Departure (PSP) yesterday and I am just about to start a new game later this afternoon. I will be releasing it on PDF format as promised though I may release a text format as well if I have time.

That's it for this week. Later guys!

~Paul

New Projects - October

2008-10-16T21:42:00.000+08:00

With my PDF walkthrough for Tales of Vesperia 95% completed, Stephen Ng of IGN has assigned two new games for me to cover. The first one is the Xbox 360 game first-person shooter, Legendary.

As far as I have read and seen, Legendary will pit you against mythical beasts that have been released from the infamous Pandora's Box. We have already fought aliens, mutants, terrorists and Nazis through FPS games so this is like a breath of fresh air to me. Will humans and their technology prevail against the beasts of mythology? Me wants to shoot some griffins!

About this game:

Legendary tells the story of Charles Deckard, an art thief who is duped into stealing Pandora's Box. When he opens the box, he releases hordes of beasts thought to be fictional -- werewolves and gryphons and all means of beast and demon -- into an unprepared modern world. A full scale war between man and myth begins, and it is quickly complicated by the actions of powerful secret societies. As the person responsible for releasing this terror, Deckard's unwittingly become the only person capable of containing it once more and saving civilization from being destroyed by the terrifying creatures of the box.

The second game I'll need to write a walkthrough for is Star Ocean: First Departure. I have been a fan of the Star Ocean series. I even remembered finishing Star Ocean: 2nd Story for about 9 times back in the Playstation days. Originally, I was about to cover Valhalla Knights 2 but since I am really short on time (I am still half finished with my Tales of the Abyss walkthrough) I just declined it. I am glad that I found a working screenshot plugin for my PSP custom firmware version 4.01M33-2, so I can write up a PDF guide than the traditional text format I originally planned.

About this game:

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war.

First Departure is a remade version of the very first Star Ocean, created anew with with 3D graphics and CG cutscenes. Initially released toward the end of the Super Famicom's life cycle, and never before localized for North America, the origin of the Star Ocean series receives a total makeover for the PSP system. Additional scenarios and characters, integrated 2D and 3D graphics in the style of the PS one game console sequel, fully animated movies, and other bonus features transform the game into a completely new experience.

Progress Report
I was planning to give myself a writing "holiday" until my next projects but I can't stop writing for some reason. *sigh*. I started playing Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure for the DS early this week and I am currently writing a simple walkthrough for it. I'll be releasing it soon enough.

As for Tales of Vesperia, I am currently converting it to text format. I am only doing it during the weekends, that may explain why its taking a long time to release it.

That's all for now. Laters!

~~Paul Vhayste

Beware of stolen guides!

2008-10-12T16:12:00.000+08:00

Please Support our game writers!

Don't ever, ever buy game e-guides from Ebay or any auction site. Most of the time, these are blatantly stolen works of hardworking authors that contribute to several gaming sites. These guides should be free, regardless of format. I have a friend and fellow game writer that has her walkthrough stolen, pliagarized and sold in Ebay for $5.99. Please report any similar incidents to the authors. We writers dedicate countless hours of our lives, energy and resources just to deliver you quality content and help for the games you love. It is infuriating to have some gutless idiot to take advantage of someone else's hard work.

Tales of Vesperia PDF walkthrough updated!

2008-10-11T05:23:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the 10 day delay. I have already finished reconstructing the whole guide so its pretty organized now. As a bonus, I have taken some time to add more sections.

Titles
Achievement List
Giganto Monsters
Cooking and Recipes

I will try to add the artes and materials section if I have time but for now, this is as complete as it can be. You can download the updated guide here. Enjoy!

Paul

Tales of Vesperia PDF Walkthrough updated!

2008-10-01T21:54:00.000+08:00

Alright folks, the latest version of the guide is up. It covers everything from the main walkthrough and most of the sidequests. I am currently playing the game all over again to do all possible sidequests. I have mentioned in my last entry that I'll need to reconstruct the guide so it may take a while. I'll try to post another update within a week or so.

You can use the same download links from my previous posts to download this guide. Currently it has 136 pages and is 18.5MB. It covers up to the end of the main walkthrough, including the optional battle with Duke's third form - the Radiant Wing One.

~Paul Vhayste

Major changes in Tales of Vesperia walkthrough

2008-09-25T22:26:00.000+08:00

I just discovered that there's a lot of sidequests I have missed or haven't continued to the point that they're not doable anymore. I will just finish the main walkthrough and start a new game, hoping to sweep all possible sidequests and mini-events. There might be some major changes in the guide's layout since I'll be inserting new stuff but the main content will still stay the same.

I'll need to work on with the beastiary, artes list, titles list and many more after that. Well, let's see what happens next. Stay tuned!

If you want to hunt for the sidequests yourself, you may use these very helpful links:

Sidequests Faq (US)
Sidequests Faq (JP)

Tales of Vesperia PDF Walkthrough updated

2008-09-23T22:43:00.000+08:00

I have already submitted the updated version of my pdf guide for this wonderful game. At the moment, it contains 110 pages and is 16MB. I have found a way to crop those unwanted parts for each pic and prevent those from taking up too much space.

I have missed some of the restricted side-events but since I will be doing a second playthrough in the game, I am sure I'll be sweeping the minor events I have missed. You can download it here.

Thanks,
Paul

Tales of Vesperia PDF walkthrough released!

2008-09-15T22:36:00.000+08:00

At long last! I received the game last Sep 5 and started working on it as soon as possible. The walkthrough has 70 pages. (10MB). It covers up until the start of the Sands of Kogorh. Secret Missions and items are carefully tagged for your convenience. A comprehensive Quickstart section is included as well. You can download this free from IGN.

~~Paul

Sidenote: This is going to be a pretty long faq. I hope it doesn't go over 200 pages or even reach 40MB. 10MB is already compressed. The actual size of the guide in MS Word is 24.2MB.

Tales of the Abyss PDF guide now available!

2008-09-03T13:08:00.000+08:00

Since I'll be getting Vesperia in a few days, I've decided to write a walkthrough for the PS2 game, Tales of the Abyss. I just wanted to get a little refresher course since both titles have the same battle system and similar in depth and complexity of the storylines. You can download it free in IGN or view it online in Chaptercheats. It covers all sidequests and extra stuff up until the rescue of Natalia and Ion in Daath.

It will most likely coincide with Tales of Vesperia but I'll try my best to cover as much as I can and release the full version as well.

Progress Report:

Tales of Vesperia (X360) - I have purchased the signature guide from Brady Games so I have already started with the basics section of the walkthrough. I am also compiling all extras in one nice list; however, I will still include them during the main walkthrough so you won't miss it. I can start working on the walkthrough immediately as soon as I get the game.

Final Fantasy 4 (DS) - My partner and co-writer for this game, Mogg 13-42 has already written half of the guide. Now I am just continuing from where she left off.

Play-Asia: Marcus Fenix Action Figure

2008-08-31T22:50:00.000+08:00

I am planning to order this later. I personally think this is a must have for any Gears of War fans. It's affordable, too.

Here are some screenshots:

I'll post some pics of the actual figure once I receive it. If ever you decide to order it, please do so using the link I provided :)

~~Thanks!

Summon Night Twin Age Text Walkthrough completed!

2008-08-26T00:25:00.000+08:00

Alright, the text version of the guide is already out on major gaming sites. It still has the same content, minus the images and maps. The guide was just around 57KB so even dial-up users can download it with ease.

I am currently working on Tales of the Abyss and Final Fantasy IV so I'll see what I can come up with within a week at most.

Thanks!
~~Paul

Summon Night Twin Age PDF Walkthrough completed!

2008-08-20T00:49:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have finished the whole walkthrough at last. You can download it here and view it online here. This final version of the guide has 98 pages including the EX stages and bosses. Enjoy!

Seal of Excellence
I thought since I've been writing walkthroughs for a while now, it will be better to have a logo or something to become my trademark. I want it to be easily recognizable and since I really suck in making one, I just made it simple. From here on, you should see this logo in my PDF walkthroughs.

New walkthroughs in progress
Since Vesperia is coming up, I thought it will be nice to get a little refresher. So, I've decided to play Tales of the Abyss and write a PDF walkthrough for it. I know the game's almost or over two years old already. But when I played it yesterday, it still has the charm to draw me in and play it all over again.

Also, me and fellow writer and friend Mogg13-42 decided to write a walkthrough for Final Fantasy IV. We have planned to write up The World Ends with You together but she was given an exclusive task by IGN so it was postponed. Hopefully everything turns out okay; otherwise you'll see some partially finished walkthroughs for ToA, ToV and FFIV next month.

~~Laters!
Paul

(DS) Summon Night: Twin Age PDF walkthrough now available!

2008-08-13T13:33:00.000+08:00

The guide is still ongoing. As of the time of submission, its completed up to Chapter 7. You can download the PDF guide here or view it online here. Updates will be posted regularly so watch out for that.

In the other hand, the text versions of the walkthrough for Army of Two (Xbox 360) and The World Ends with You (Nintendo DS) have been released. It can be downloaded in any of the following sites:

Chaptercheats.com
Cheatcodes.com
Honestgamers.com
Cheathappens.com
Supercheats.com
pwnguides.com
neoseeker.com

More updates will be available soon. Thanks!

~~Paul

The World Ends with You (DS) and Army of Two PDF guides: complete versions now available

2008-08-08T05:14:00.000+08:00

Alright, I have finished what I consider the final versions of those two guides. You can download them using the same links found in the previous posts. With less than a month ahead before Tales of Vesperia, I am still thinking on what game to cover. Anyhow, I will just post once a new guide is up.

Thanks!

~~Paul

Tales of Vesperia (English language Version) delayed

2008-08-05T13:58:00.000+08:00

I hate it when Play-Asia does this; they have moved the release date for 2 weeks. So there goes my plans for an advanced walkthrough before the US release. And there goes my planned exclusive review for xbox360achievements.

So with all the delays and stuff, I am planning on writing a walkthrough for another DS game for the meantime; I am thinking of Final Fantasy IV, (omg, I can't believe I am going mainstream now) Summon Night - Twin Age or Etrian Odyssey II. These are just plans though; I have finished the World Ends with You walkthrough in less than a week anyway.

Also, its been a long delayed plan now to write a walkthrough for one of most admired and treasured games for the PS2, Xenosaga. I am planning to write up a walkthrough for Episode I-III. I don't have tentative dates though since I still need to do a lot of stuff like manually converting the PDF guides to text format so my walkthroughs can be available to most gaming sites. But of course, PDF guides still deliver the best quality in walkthroughs. And its still free.

Btw, the download links of the Army of Two PDF walkthrough is now updated. You can check my previous blog entry. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks!

~~Paul

Army of Two PDF Walkthrough now available!

2008-08-04T07:07:00.000+08:00

Alright, my first walkthrough for a shooter is out. As you know, my forte is with RPG games and Ace Combat. I am planning to expand my coverage to write walkthroughs for almost every genre (sorry, no sports or fighting games) so expect more titles to be released within the year.

The PDF guide is less than 7MB, and covers everything (including intel briefcase locations) until Aircraft Carrier (Mission 4) only. Two more missions to go and the guide will be complete. You can download it IGN or view it online on ChapterCheats.

~~Paul

The World Ends with You (PDF) Main Walkthrough complete!

2008-07-31T15:17:00.000+08:00

Alright, main walkthrough finished! I will be adding up the walkthrough for the post-game side story "Another Day" and Secret Reports sections later on. Download it free here or view it online here. Also, I will be releasing the text format for this guide once it is complete so watch out for that.

As for the Persona 3 FES text guide, its already posted on major gaming sites except Gamefaqs. I'll need to change the formatting of the guide (its funny how everybody didn't mind the formatting except them) for them to approve it.

As I've mentioned in my last blog, since the asian version of Tales of Vesperia will be released on August 14th, I will be creating an exclusive PDF guide for the game - again, courtesy of IGN. I hope I can release the initial walkthrough within a week or so.

That's all for now. Ciao!

~~Paul

Play-Asia: Tales of Vesperia (English language Version) now available!

2008-07-30T02:27:00.000+08:00

During the last few months, me and S (IGN Faqs) are trying to figure out how will I cover Tales of Vesperia. Since the game is bound to be released in the US, my main problem is that it may be incompatible with my asian Xbox 360. I even attempted to buy a bargain US console to cover the game once it is released. Thank goodness Namco will release the English language Asian version of the game on August 14. What's more delighting is that it will be available at Play-Asia.com.

That wraps it up actually. I will cover the game so expect another exclusive PDF guide on your way! You may check out my homepage or subsribe to my blog to get the latest updates about my projects and updates. For the best resources for Tales of Vesperia, you can visit IGN.com

Laters!

~~Paul

New Resident Evil movie!

2008-07-27T05:57:00.000+08:00

July 25, 2008 - Today at the San Diego Comic Con, fans were treated to the first footage from the Capcom / Sony Pictures Entertainment collaboration, Resident Evil: Degeneration. Making its theatrical debut this fall in Japan and coming to DVD and Blu-ray in North America later in 2008, this spectacular, all-CGI animated feature takes the zombie action to a whole new level with its ground-breaking visual effects and thrilling new storyline.

The "Umbrella Incident" that took place in Raccoon City ended with a missile attack ordered by the government intended to wipe out the deadly zombie virus. Following this catastrophe, the Umbrella Corporation's stock plummeted. This serious blow to the business giant resulted in its complete dissolution. Seven years later, at an airport somewhere in the United States, on an ordinary autumn afternoon, a zombie is unleashed. Now, in an airport beginning to fill with the undead, the horrific disaster is about to repeat itself... Claire Redfield, now a member of an NGO supporting victims of bioterrorism and medical disasters, happens to be in the airport while Leon S. Kennedy comes to the site on a mission to take care of the incident. Click here for the trailer.

Source: IGN

The World Ends with You (DS) PDF guide now available!

2008-07-24T03:41:00.000+08:00

Yep, my first guide for the Nintendo DS. And it's in PDF format too! Download it free using here or view it online here. Its still ongoing so the walkthrough will only cover until the 2nd day of Joshua chapter. No worries, updates will only be just days in between. Also, I will be releasing the text format for this guide once it is complete so watch out for that.

As for my Persona 3 FES walkthrough, I may be releasing a text guide for some of you guys' convenience. If time permits, it should be done during the weekends. Thanks!

Next: Army of Two (Xbox 360) PDF guide

Persona 3 FES FULL Walkthrough released! (At last)

2008-07-20T21:42:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the long delay guys, especially to those that waited for this release. So, after skipping work and going through almost 20 hours straight, I have finished the guide. Now, with 194 pages, it covers the following:

Main Walkthrough
The Answer Walkthrough
Locations
Social Links
Weapon Fusion list
Fusion Spell List
Elizabeth's Requests

With convenience in mind, I was able to make this guide compact (About 10MB) without sacrificing quality. So, grab it free at IGN.com! So I am off for my next project(s). I will be covering Persona 4 once the English version is released on December so watch out for that! Later guys.

~Paul

Note: This is an IGN Exclusive walkthrough; no other sites are allowed to post this guide and if you happen to see this anywhere else, kindly inform me.

Rumor: Next Gen DS

2008-07-11T23:48:00.000+08:00

Hirokazu Hamamura, the head of gigantic Japanese gaming mag Famitsu's parent company, made a prediction that Nintendo will unveil the next-generation DS at E3 2008 this summer. Normally we wouldn't think anything of some businessman making predictions, but if anyone knows what's going on with Nintendo, it's Famitsu (the gaming industry and gaming press are really tight over there). Kotaku says it took two years between the transition from DS to DS Lite, so a summer DS Lite to DS EXTREME transition might be possible. Our prediction is that they'll do away with the GBA port altogether, saving space and hardware costs.

Source: Gizmondo

Vhayste's Most Awaited titles for 2008 (Xbox360)

2008-07-09T01:52:00.000+08:00

8. Halo Wars
I am not a solid Halo fan but I will be a hypocrite if I denied that I didn't enjoy all three games. In this sequel, players won't take control of Master Chief, but armies, vehicles and other hardware to battle the Covenant. I am hoping that this RTS works well on the 360.

7. Left for Dead
This zombie-vs-humans shooter offers two controllable factions. Yes, players can also play as highly intelligent zombies in an attempt to get a taste fresh, struggling meat. Not to mention that Valve (Half-Life, Counterstrike) is behind this promising survival-horror-shooter title.

6. Fable 2
I haven't played Fable 1 yet but I heard from friends that the first installment was a blast. Jumping with the bandwagon, I hope I get the same craving sensation to play this game.

5. Dead Space
If you own a 360 then you must have seen the trailers and teasers of this space themed survival-horror title. The idea of attempting to survive alone in space inside an alien-infested ship is enough to give you chills and thrills to get this game.

4. Fallout 3
Like Fable, I still haven't played the first two installments of the game but the EGM article covering this has convinced me to eagerly wait and watch out for this one.

3. Resident Evil 5
I've been a casual player of Resident Evil and enjoyed it very much. A next gen installment of this popular series will be greatly accepted by its fans for sure. I am expecting more intelligent and aggressive zombies for a change!

2. Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Star Ocean: Second Story was my all-time favorite game. A Star Ocean title for the 360 is definitely a dream come true for the solid fans of the series. Go Square Enix!

1. Gears of War 2
Aha! The original Gears of War is still strong even if its already years after release. The developers have promised "bigger, better and more badass" features for multiplayer.

List based from IGN

SMT Persona 3 FES Walkthrough Updated!

2008-07-01T20:28:00.000+08:00

Download this PDF guide FREE here. The guide is still ongoing (about 90% complete). The main walkthrough is finished so the only stuff that are missing are the sections for Elizabeth's requests, Locations and Social Links. Also, the images are compressed, minimizing the file size. (The original Persona 3 PDF guide is 30MB). Enjoy!

To receive updates, you may subscribe using the provided tool on the right pane. Thanks!

~Paul

**note: You may need to download Adobe Reader to view this document.

Filipino/Tagalog to be used as a second language in New Zealand

2008-06-23T07:15:00.000+08:00

I just learned from the news this morning that our country's language (Filipino/Tagalog) will be used as a secondary language in New Zealand. It will be part of the school curriculum and aims to further broaden and deepen the cultural exchange between the two countries. I personally think this is awesome and a bit awkward as well. Its hardly a dream visiting a foreign country and discovering the nice people there conversing with you in your own language!

10 Creative Ways to Promote your Blog

2008-06-18T14:45:00.000+08:00

1. Do a live blogging YouTube nude streak onto the Superbowl arena.

2. Pretend you are a fake Walmart blog.

3. Do a series of trades to turn your house into one blue paper clip.

4. Hijack a combine harvester and cut an outline of your URL address into a corn field so it shows up on Google Earth.

5. Print off a blog post onto a very large piece of paper, hire a group of women over the age of 100 to stand in the crowd at Good Morning America holding up the sign.

6. Announce an attempt to swim around the world non-stop with your blog URL painted on your back. A shark cage is optional as a shark attack will get you a top listing on Digg.

7. Blog about bloggers who blog about bloggers who are blogging about the blogosphere. Be quick while it's still untapped niche.

8. Create a fictitious blogger and make him/her your nemesis. Constantly attack each other is an escalating cycle of criticism and hatred that ultimately turns to violence. Kill off your nemesis blogger in a live blogging ultimate kick boxing event in a mystery Asian country.

9. Stow away on the space shuttle mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. After the work on the Hubble is completed sneak out in a space suit and paint your URL in reverse onto the lens of the telescope. Make sure you use really small letters.

10. Buy a white mattress. Cut it in half. Cut holes in the sides for your arms and the bottom for your legs and leave one whole in the top for your head. Remove enough of the stuffing so you fit inside it. Print off your blog homepage onto two very large pieces of paper. Staple it to both sides of the mattress. Put the mattress on and stand on the busiest street in your home city. Leave in enough stuffing so it doesn't hurt when teenagers start beating you.

Source: Vince McBurney 11/13/2006

More RPGs for the 360!

2008-06-10T21:20:00.001+08:00

Well as we know, first person shooters, sports and action games are rampant in the X360. But how about RPGs? JRPG loving 360 owners (like me) only got a handful of good RPGS in our libraries (namely Eternal Sonata, Blue Dragon, and Lost Odyssey) The future looks good for us however, since there are new titles (thank you Square Enix) to be released to Microsoft's lean, mean, green machine. I will include some of the excerpts from the IGN article. For more information, check out the link provided below.

Infinite Undiscovery:

After a lengthy event scene, they're showing a battle. The main character grabs a sword during the event, and the game jumps instantly into battle. Seamless. The battle doesn't last too long before jumping back into the event scene. A character joins your party and you head off. He notes that the game world continues in real time even when you use items and go into menus. You have to make sure you're in safe quarters when preparing for battle, for instance.

The gameplay demonstration has the characters running around through a dungeon. He's explaining the Connect Action system. You control just Capel, the main character, but using Connect Action, you can make the other characters use their special moves and attacks. He shows how Capel makes Aya use an arrow to get past an enemy guard.

Next, an explanation of situation battle system. Alarms go off in the dungeon and a giant ogre appears to stop them. They can't possibly win, so they have to run away. As you run away, you have to face off against enemies, clear obstacles and so-forth. You're escaping by climbing a long flight of stairs. The ogre will climb up the side of the stairs to catch up to you even if you manage to get ahead of it.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope
AD 2064. Humanity made its third and most costly mistake. World War III. Weapons of mass destruction deployed with impunity, razed the land in the blink of an eye. People believed it's the end of the world. Planet earth was dying. So humanity began to search for a new home in space.

AD 2074 first contact. SD0001 first warp. SD0010 -- first official SRF mission. The ifrst official SRF mission ventures forth into the great Star Ocean. That was all narration. The CG footage shows ships warping through space. Then, presumably the main characters (a blond haired guy and a brown haired girl) on a planet walking through a green field. The trailer ends with "For Xbox 360."

Tales of Vesperia

The battle system looks extreme 3D -- beyond past Tales titles. It would be hard to tell who your character is, except for the red arrow pointing at it. They're starting midway through the story. The visuals are super crisp. This looks way better than Trusty Bell. We're watching a fully voiced cinema scene. This is a really long story sequence. You appear to have a dog in your party.

The Last Remnant

Long ago, the world was filled with Remnants - mysterious artifacts from an ancient civilization. But as time passed, the powers of the Remnants began to shift the world's balance. As the rift widened between those who ruled and those who were ruled over, a new era dawned: one of countless frays brought upon the world by those enslaved by their own lust for power. A thousand years later, the journey of one young man begins...

Imagine a vast, war-torn battlefield, scarred by years of conflict. Countless enemies surround the player, who is backed up by his own army. Threatened by numerous foes and saved in the nick of time by allies, players will feel the true tension of a soldier on the battlefield. In The Last Remnant, as many as seventy units will duke it out at once in fierce yet beautiful battles.

I can't wait for these titles. They're really good reasons for me to own a 360 :)

Source: IGN

SMT: Persona 3 FES PDF walkthrough now released

2008-06-10T03:30:00.000+08:00

Download this guide FREE here. The guide is still ongoing (about 50% complete). To receive updates, you may subscribe using the provided tool on the right pane. Thanks!

~Paul

Updated: Eternal Sonata (PDF) walkthrough

2008-06-09T21:39:00.000+08:00

What's new in this release:
* Completed Mysterious Unison walkthrough with maps!

Future release:
* Second playthrough walkthrough
*Achievement list

The updated version can be located here. The PDF guide can also be downloaded free from Cheathappens.com and Chaptercheats.com

Persona 3 FES Action Replay Codes now available!

2008-06-04T20:38:00.000+08:00

Do you have Action Replay Max? New codes has been released for the game Persona 3 FES (PS2).
You may download it here.

Watch out for my PDF guide for the game. Estimated time of release will be late this month. Happy gaming!

Lost Odyssey PDF Walkthrough released!

2008-05-27T12:39:00.000+08:00

Lost Odyssey PDF walkthrough (30mb) now available for download! Visit IGN.com to download it, free!

Thanks!
Paul

Lenten Season

2008-03-20T23:51:00.000+08:00

In our country, this week is part of what we call the "Lenten Season" or basically the "Holy Week". Catholics all over the country celebrate this by going to sacred places and churches.

Its a long weekend too, considering that Thursday and Friday are both legal holidays. Well, as for me, I am working on those days. That's twice the day's salary after all.

Later guys. :D

2008-02-12T09:11:00.000+08:00

Alright guys, sorry if I wasn't able to post a blog as promised last week. As I explained to Star, last week was pretty busy. We have preparations for our dept's 2nd year anniversary. Then came the deadlines. I am a full time reviewer for Adventure Lantern, an online magazine at the same time I was just accepted in xbox360achievements.org's review team. I did took a 3 day extended leave to catch up with my life and it did paid off.

So let's get back to business. :)

Last time I wrote about the troubles of being a faq/guide/walkthrough writer. With that said, I can only think of writing some of the good stuff I got for being a writer.

Daily fan mail

Not really those kind of fan mails but mostly questions and suggestions. I do get occasional Thank You letters from readers and I really appreciate those. Fortunately, nobody has ever sent a hate letter or something. I just hope I'll never receive those but we'll never know right?

I try to answer reader emails within a day or a week, depending on my workload at that time.

Recognition

Though I am not an online celebrity or something, it really helps a lot for people to know me since my works are posted on major gaming sites. Helping people out is what drives me to spend days of my life writing guides to help out players. And one of the things that gets me going is the recognition for all the hard work.

Just google me and you can find my name all over the place, lol.

Freebies!

Depending on the quality of the guides written, gaming sites sometimes reward writers with freebies such as gift cheques and games. IGN was the first gaming site that picked me for the Faq Writer of the Month for March award. That rewarded me with my very first *coughs* original PS2 game, Rogue Galaxy.

Mr. S from IGN Faqs team then invited me to write exclusive walkthroughs for them. First is Dawn of Mana. The game is not that good, IMO and since it was my first guide I wrote it on PDF. I don't have Gamebridge to take screenshots at that time so I used my crappy camera phone. Then came Persona 3 and Ace Combat 6.

Gamehelp.com also chose two of my faqs for their Highest Bounty award or something. Unfortunately, they can't send my prize overseas...

More Friends

When I started here in 1up early 2006 if I am not mistaken, I was also a budding writer at that time. Of course, you guys don't know my "sideline" at that time, lol. But one of things I enjoy is being able to know more people. Sometimes I make acquaintances with my readers and fellow writers.

So pretty much that's it. I don't know if I have time to write a fresh blog next week so I will just put it all on this page for the meantime.

New games!

Here are the new games I got from my last paycheck:

I am almost finished with it. Its like a generic FPS, put in some Dino Crisis and Starship Troopers elements and you got Turok.

Meh, this is an average game. Good graphics, repetitive gameplay and unexciting gameplay. The story is very confusing and the stages themselves will challenge your patience of whether continue playing the game or trade it for another title.

One of my favorites. I have played Burnout from the PS2 and the PSP and still found it amusing to watch metal shreds flying around. Paradise is the best of the series so far. ROAD RAGE!

Awesome game. I love those sick combos and Nero as the new hero is just fine. Too bad my copy freezes on Mission 6. My killing spree will have to wait until I get a replacement.

Writing and Gaming

2008-01-29T21:57:00.000+08:00

Its been almost 2 years since I started writing my first walkthrough. I always loved writing, from short stories to one unfinished novel that I started 10 years ago, since high school. During that time, I have learned a lot from pathetic mistakes to outright flaws. If you want to know how much trouble writers take to write that faq/guide or walkthrough you are using, then you may want to read below.

Patience, patience and patience.

This is the first golden rule. Don't get in this business if you can't stand completing the game at least twice, tend to skip cutscenes, doesn't care about exploring or doing the same thing over and over again.

There are certain events in the game that will need verification so you'll need to reload your game and check it again. It takes time and the readers will greatly appreciate it if you give the most accurate info you can provide. Also, reading through the conversations and treating them as clues is necessary to know what you'll do next or learn hints for some extra activities.

This virtue also applies when you can't get past a certain part of the game. If you want to overcome it, sometimes you'll need to farm experience, gold or just try it over and over until you get it right.

Sacrifice a bit of having fun to a chunk of writing down

Admitably, writers tend to sacrifice some moments of enjoying the game in exchange of pausing, writing down, taking screenshots and doing the same thing again. Unlike casual players, you'll just play through the game, wait until something happens next then continue. writers don't have that liberty. A missing info will ultimately affect the outcome of the walkthrough.

Playtime reduction

Of course, playing while writing the game is inefficient. So, writers need to cut some playing time, sit down, review their draft then type it. Also, they will still need to design the layouts of their documents and such.

This blog will be continued, next week.

========

For the meantime, I will you guys with a few questions.

1. What is the stuff you own you are most proud of because you bought it using your own money?

2. Given a chance, would you like two GFs/BFs or just prefer to stick to one?

3. Lastly, if you will be a console (any) what would you be and why?

Next blog, next week.

~~Laters guys!

Experience HD

2008-01-23T15:24:00.000+08:00

I just got a 26" LCD TV this month. Now I got the chance to experience and appreciate HD. My original gaming window is a bulky 29" SDTV (Sony Trinitron) that is almost 15 years old. I enjoyed playing my PS2 on it and basically appreciated what outstanding graphics the PS2 has to offer.

Then came my Xbox 360 last October. I plugged it in and played DOA4 for a few minutes. My first impression was '...and it was just a souped up version of the Xbox'. Although this is true, I didn't really think the graphics are that great as I read over the web.

Then I got this chance to file an appliance loan as sponsored by my company last December. I visited the store nearest to us and the first thing that caught my eye is this sleek, slim black box. It is calling to me. I was originally looking for a Samsung, Phillips or Sony LCD TV but then the black beauty has a different name.

Skyworth

I checked their official webpage and convinced myself to give this newcomer a try. And I wasn't wrong. Below are the specs:

Display Resolution: SXGA 1366 x 768 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Brightness: 500cd/㎡
Viewing Angles (H/V): 178°/ 178˚
Fast Response Time: 8ms (G to G)
Reception System: Multi-system (PAL-I/BG/DK，SECAM-BG/DK，NTSC3.58/ 4.43)
PIP Function
Support HDMI/ DVI (Optional)
3D Com. Filter (Optional)
ATSC/ DVB-T (Optional)
Audio Power: 10+10 W
Option: Wall Mount

I didn't use the wall mount so I just purchased a Denmark-made wooden rack.

After connecting my 360 and switching the video mode to HDTV, I was amazed by the actual graphics. This is what my friends are telling me. Once you go HD, you can't go back to SD (Standard Definition)

Compared to my 19"AOC widescreen LCD, you can definitely enjoy sitting all day long and playing games or watching DVDs without that much strain in the eyes. You can even use this LCD TV as your monitor for your PC. (I can't use that feature yet since my vid card is dual DVI)

Now, me and my siblings can enjoy multiplayer on a bigger better screen. Oh, don't forget to hook that 5.1 and load Guitar Hero III or Rockband!

Till next time folks!

~~Paul Vhayste

Xbox 360

2007-12-26T13:58:00.000+08:00

Even with the widespread issue of getting 3RL (3 Red Lights) or RROD (Red Ring of Death) common on Microsoft's gaming console, the Xbox 360, I still purchased one last September. It was an original, unmodded unit that came along with two games, another extra controller and Xbox Live Membership.

The experience so far is really good. I had it modified recently to be able to play "backup" games, just for practicality. It can still play original Asian version games, since I use those to play and connect to XBL (Microsoft is banning consoles that are using pirated copies of games over XBL)

I got the dreaded 3RL so far but it is due to the poor quality external fan I installed. So far, me and my 360 are very good buddies.

Here are my game current game collection (02/14/08) :

99 Nights
Ace Combat 6
Assassin's Creed
Bioshock
Blazing Angels
Blue Dragon
Bullet Witch
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 3
Chrome Hounds
Crackdown
Dead or Alive 4
Dead or Alive Extreme 2
Dead Rising
Devil May Cry 4
Eternal Sonata
Farcry Instincts Predator
Fear
Forza Motorsport 2
Gears of War
Guitar Hero 3
Halo 3
Jericho
Kameo
Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
Lost Planet
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Mass Effect
Oblivion
Over-G
Overlord
Perfect Dark Zero
Project Gotham Racing 3
Rainbow Six Vegas
Turok

=====================
Finished Games for 2008:
Mass Effect
Rainbow Six Vegas
Jericho
Burnout Paradise
Turok
Undertow (Arcade)

Finished Games for 2007:

Halo 2
Halo 3
DOA4
Bioshock
Call of Duty 3
Dead Rising
Ace Combat 6
Gears of War
Assassin's Creed
Overlord

What's in a Vhayste?

Yakuza 4 PDF Walkthrough now available!

Update at last!

Persona 3 Portable PDF released!

New Guides

Update

Singularity PDF Guide released!

Persona PSP PDF Walkthrough Released!

Crimson Gem Saga PDF completed!

3D Dot Game Heroes PDF Walkthrough Completed!

3D Dot Game Heroes PDF Walkthrough Released!

Updates: Resonance of Fate and 3D Dot Game Heroes

Resonance of Fate PDF Walkthrough updated!

Back to my regular programming

Yo! It's been a while!

Merry Xmas and Happy New year to all!

Update at last?

FAQ Writer of the Month: VHayste

Dissidia Final Fantasy PDF Walkthrough Updated!

Aion starting next week!

Final Fantasy Dissidia Walkthrough released

Crimson Gem Saga PDF walkthrough released

Ahoy!

Some news... that at least made my day.

Persona 3 coming to PSP with new female character

Note to would be critics

Just a quick update!

New offer

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS) PDF walkthrough, released!

Just a minor update

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (PDF) walkthrough released!

Luminous Arc 2 Walkthrough Updated!

New Release: Luminous Arc 2 (DS)

Resistance Retribution (PSP) PDF Walkthrough Released!

Latest Update!

17 Sexiest Video Game MILFS

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough updated!

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough completed!

Another year older.

Updated: Star Ocean Last Hope PDF Walkthrough

Star Ocean Last Hope PDF walkthrough updated!

New Walkthroughs released!

Coming soon *updated* 3/26

Persona 4 PDF Walkthrough completed

Persona 4 Walkthrough updated!

Walkthrough updates (2/17)

Walkthrough updates

Walkthrough updates

Walkthrough update and release

Persona 4 PDF Walkthrough released!

Last Remnant (PDF) Walkthrough completed

The Last Remnant PDF Walkthrough updated!

First Quarter Projects

The Last Remnant PDF Walkthrough released!

Update: Last Remnant PDF guide release date

Merry Xmas everyone!

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 guides released!

Still alive and kickin.

Change of Plans

Gears of War 2 Achievement Guide Updated (11/12)

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough updated! (11/9)

Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360) - Review

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough updated!

Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP) PDF walkthrough released!

Walkthrough Releases and Updates - 10/26

New Projects - October

Beware of stolen guides!

Tales of Vesperia PDF walkthrough updated!

Tales of Vesperia PDF Walkthrough updated!

Major changes in Tales of Vesperia walkthrough

Tales of Vesperia PDF Walkthrough updated

Tales of Vesperia PDF walkthrough released!

Tales of the Abyss PDF guide now available!

Play-Asia: Marcus Fenix Action Figure

Summon Night Twin Age Text Walkthrough completed!

Summon Night Twin Age PDF Walkthrough completed!

(DS) Summon Night: Twin Age PDF walkthrough now available!

The World Ends with You (DS) and Army of Two PDF guides: complete versions now available

Tales of Vesperia (English language Version) delayed

Army of Two PDF Walkthrough now available!

Coming soon updated 3/26