Avowed – Author Carlo Carrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 85

June 25, 2025June 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 The Cannonball Run revisited by GoodBadFlicks and You, Me and the Movies – Do you enjoy 1980s comedy films? How about a film that has comedy, an all-star cast, lots of cars and lots of stunts? You will find that in The Cannonball Run which was released in 1981 and became a box office hit. The film has a memorable cast including Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore (technically playing James Bond), Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Jackie Chan, Adrienne Barbeau, Tara Buckman and others. For your enjoyment, I posted below the recent reaction video by You, Me and the Movies, and a retrospective video by GoodBadFlicks. If you have not seen The Cannonball Run, watch it first (available on Blu-ray format). Otherwise, enjoy the videos below.

#2 PatmanQC examines Super Mario Bros. 3 – When it comes to picking which is the most influential platform game on the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom)/Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 are often the most popular choices as both games are really great. While the first game sold a lot more copies worldwide, the third game remains highly significant as it influenced platform game designers for a number of years. Not only that, Super Mario Bros. 3 notably was featured in the 1989 movie The Wizard. To see how Super Mario Bros. 3 was made, what the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto and teammates did and how much of an impact the game had on players, watch the in-depth video of PatmanQC below.

#3 Unsolved Mysteries examines 2001 anthrax attacks – 2001 will always be remembered as a year of uncertainty and chaos. During that year, 9/11 shocked the world which raised public fear about terrorism. Adding further to the shock and fear of the time, the 2001 anthrax attacks happened shortly after 9/11. Suddenly, a lot of people got afraid of touching pieces of mail as the anthrax attacks happened through the distribution system of the US Postal Service. Eventually, the TV series Unsolved Mysteries (hosted by the late Robert Stack) released an episode dramatizing and examining the 2001 anthrax attacks. Before watching the video below, be advised that the details can be quite disturbing.

#4 Examining the so-called success of Xbox RPG Avowed – It has been months since the Obsidian-developed Xbox fantasy role-playing game (RPG) Avowed was released. Shortly after, there were these individuals or publishers that declared the game a success even though there is no evidence to prove it was. This only reminds me of the sad reality that there are a lot of woke activists, Marxists and fake fans who have infiltrated the gaming and entertainment industries which explains the misinformation spreading around us. I played and finished Avowed and I can say that it never lived up to my expectations and the long wait since it was first announced was not worth it. Along the way, it is clear that Obsidian allowed its assigned game makers to add elements of identity politics into Avowed. Externally, there are woke nuts among game journalists, vloggers and bloggers who dedicated themselves to make Avowed look like a smash success even though reality, truth and facts are not on their side. Watch and learn from the selected videos below.

#5 James Gunn’s Superman movie to end up a huge disappointment? – Recently here in the Philippines, director James Gunn, producer Peter Safran, Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet arrived to meet the fans as part of their world tour to promote the new Superman movie. Considering how lavish the activities and promotions are, it is simply hard to ignore that Superman of 2025 is looking bound for box office disappointment based on the latest box office analysis and predictions. While RK Outpost examines the weakening Superman box office prospects, Ranting for Vengeance examines the many elements of the James Gunn-directed movie (based on the latest footage shown) that could turn off long-time and genuine Superman fans, and lead to failure. Watch the videos below and pay close attention to the details.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

The Outer Worlds 2 set for October 29 release on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Battle.net, Steam, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Game Pass (XGP)

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts and other gamers!

It is official! Following this year’s Xbox Games Showcase, Team Xbox announced that the sci-fi role-playing game (sci-fi RPG) The Outer Worlds 2 will be released on October 29, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Battle.net, Steam, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5 and also on the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service (Ultimate level).

Watch the in-depth presentation of The Outer Worlds 2 by Xbox studio Obsidian Entertainment in the video below. Also check out the game’s official trailer.

To find out what to expect when playing The Outer Worlds 2, posted below are selected excerpt from the Xbox.com post. Some parts in boldface…

From branching chaos to faction-fueled futures, everything unfolds across Arcadia: a lawless new frontier where your choices cut deeper, the stakes hit harder, and the corporations somehow got even worse. Bigger choices, weirder science, stranger weapons, and even worse decisions. Just the way we like it.

Cut off from Earth, Arcadia is a colony cracking under pressure, torn apart by space-time rifts, shifting alliances, and three power-hungry factions locked in a war for control. It’s louder, riskier, and more unpredictable than anything the Halcyon system ever threw at you.

You’ve been sent in as an Earth Directorate agent, but how you handle the mission – who you help, hinder, or exploit – is entirely your call. Build your character with expanded traits, flaws, and backgrounds that shape every decision and unlock new ways to fight, sneak, talk, or blow things up.

*Players can play the game in 3rd-person view.*

At the heart of The Outer Worlds 2 are three factions with fundamentally opposing visions of what humanity should be:

The Protectorate: A military regime powered by endless resources that believes people are happiest when they don’t have to think for themselves. Order is peace. Obedience is comfort. Truly loved by all loyal citizens – just ask them.

Auntie’s Choice: The loud, smiling merger of Auntie Cleo’s and Spacer’s Choice. They promise freedom, fulfillment, and a future where your only real choice is which Auntie’s product you’ll need next.

The Order of the Ascendant: Rogue scientists turned faith-based futurists, determined to perfect humanity by solving the Universal Equation. They worship patterns, predict the future through math, and perform rituals in labs with terrifying precision all in service of a better tomorrow.

Each faction has its own areas, followers, audio design, and propaganda. You’ll see the war in real-time as towns change hands, radio stations shift tone, and the world responds to your choices.

And thanks to Arcadia’s ever-present radio system, you won’t just hear the news – you’ll be the news. Your decisions are retold with spin, bias, and cheery jingles tailored to each faction’s agenda. One station might call you a folk hero. Another might name you public enemy number one. All of them think you should try their new line of health tonics.

RPG systems have been reimagined for this sequel to give players more freedom and more flavor. For example, Traits and flaws dynamically evolve based on how you play. Steal enough and you’ll be offered Kleptomaniac, which boosts loot sales but risks auto-theft when you so much as glance at an item.

Science weapons and armor return in full force. The Shrink Ray is back – only now, you can crush enemies underfoot once they’re bite-sized. And yes, there’s a suit of armor made from something that used to be alive. His name is Gary.

*First-person view is available for those who want it. Lots of new weapons and unique shooting experiences await gamers.*

Movement and combat also feel better across the board. Dash, leap, and parkour your way through Arcadia, or switch to third person and marvel at how cool you look while doing it.

You’ll travel with six companions, each with personal stakes in the colony’s future – and their own opinions on what you’re doing.

One might beg you to spare a faction leader. Another might ask you to murder an entire town. Sacrificing a companion could help you survive a key moment, but lock you out of their questline – and you’ll hear about it. On the radio. From the faction you just betrayed.

*This is one of the companions players will encounter in the game.*

These aren’t just followers. They’re allies, wild cards, and occasional liabilities who breathe fire (literally). And each one brings something different to the table:

Niles: Another Earth Directorate recruit torn between duty and defection.

Inez: A former experiment from Auntie’s Choice with a grafted combat edge and a moral core.

Aza: A chaos-loving Rift worshipper with a taste for violence and room to grow – maybe.

Marisol: A stoic killer from the Order of the Ascendant with calculations to settle.

Tristen: A walking tank and judge from the Protectorate, looking to dispense justice – or redefine it.

Valerie: A floating, chirping support unit with unexpected upgrades and untapped potential.

The Outer Worlds 2 will be available in two editions: Standard Edition for $79.99 USD and a Premium Edition for $99.99 USD. The Premium Edition includes up to five days early access, DLC Pass for two future expansions, Corporate Appreciation Premium Pack (Golden Moon Man armor and helmet, signature melee and long-range weapons, a loyal Golden Sprat pet), plus a digital artbook and soundtrack.

If you purchase the Standard Edition or are playing with Xbox Game Pass and decide you want the Premium Edition, you can upgrade at any time for $29.99 USD. Upgrade before launch to play up to five days early and get the pre-order bonus Commander Zane Battle Pack, in addition to all the digital extra content.

Having seen Obsidian’s video presentation and the detailed information released on Xbox.com, it looks like The Outer Worlds 2 will be a loaded and feature-rich game. The developers added new features here and there, ensured the conversation sequences have enough depth, made some adjustments on gameplay features inherited from the 2019 game, and they came up with an all-new sci-fi setting (a new colony with environments that are large and ideal for exploring personally) as well as a new cast of characters.

Instead of the “blank slate” protagonist seen in The Outer Worlds, the sequel has Earth Directorate agent as the playable protagonist and there will be ways on how gamers can play the game as they want to (within the limits set within).

Quite predictably, the upcoming game still has that anti-capitalism theme like the first game, only this time they added themes of dictatorship, propaganda, and war.

While Obsidian Entertainment’s video presentation of The Outer Worlds 2 is clearly comprehensive, they failed to emphasize the aspect of space travel in the sequel. Considering the limited budget of The Outer Worlds, it was understandable that the game’s space travel was simplistic and really limited in terms of scope and freedom of travel.

I was hoping The Outer Worlds 2 would have better space travel and more interactivity such as being able to pilot the space ship and be able to blast enemy ships similar to what Bethesda pulled off in Starfield. Perhaps Team Xbox and the developers will come up with another trailer of The Outer Worlds 2 showing space travel.

To put things in perspective, I am a fan of The Outer Worlds (2019) and I replayed it a lot – including finishing the two DLC releases – on Xbox One and on Xbox Series X over the past few years. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds was technically Fallout with space travel and some Wild West-inspired elements. The 2019 sci-fi RPG clearly does not have the high production values and epic design of Starfield, and yet it has certain elements and features that made it more enjoyable than Bethesda’s 2023 game.

*Are you ready to explore new worlds and take part in combat and intriguing tales? Obsidian Entertainment really looked like they gave it their all in The Outer Worlds 2.*

The way I look at it right now, The Outer Worlds 2 looks very promising and it could deliver the great stuff and high enjoyment that Avowed lacked. If the upcoming game really turns out great to play on October 29, 2025, I might be convinced to go back to subscribing to Xbox Game Pass again to play it. Right now, The Outer Worlds 2’s retail prices are simply too high for me and I am certain there are other Xbox fans and other gamers who feel the same way. Do you have $79.99 for the standard edition of The Outer Worlds 2? Are you satisfied with what Team Xbox prepared for the $99.99 premium edition?

If you have decided to pursue The Outer Worlds 2 and want to order it this early, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/the-outer-worlds-2

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

The unique fun of playing Zombies Ate My Neighbors on Xbox Series X

March 31, 2025March 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts and other gamers!

There is nothing like having fun with retro gaming on a modern console. With regards to my Xbox gaming experience, when Team Xbox falls short on delivering great fun with their latest releases, retro gaming fills the gap nicely. The good news here is that there are a lot of collections of old games or remastered releases available on the Xbox online store.

Right now, I am having fun playing for the first time ever Zombies Ate My Neighbors on my Xbox Series X. I recently purchased online the remastered collection Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol (fully titled as Lucasfilm Classic Games: Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol) for that 1990s, 2D adventuring gaming experience. The remastered collection was released in 2021.

Back in 1993, I was playing games on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) but I never had the opportunity to rent nor purchase Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Back then, the 2-page print ad of the game that appeared in comic books and gaming magazines really caught my attention as well as my interest.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors – the SNES version specifically – is fun, charming and has a unique type of challenge when played on my Xbox console. The game developers did a fine job remastering the game without drastically altering the 2D graphics design. The 2D sprites looked unaltered and because of the high definition visuals, I can see them looking pretty detailed. This is pixel art that was preserved and looking lively in HD. The game controls are responsive enough on the Xbox controller and you only need to use a few buttons along the way.

*There is nothing like encountering a giant ant in the local community.*

*Imagine making your way through the local grocery only to encounter a zombies and a masked man armed with a chainsaw.*

Zombies Ate My Neighbors has a creative concept that combines elements of the sci-fi, horror and adventure genres of pop culture. Don’t let the cover art and the title of the game fool you. Zombies are definitely not the only monsters you will encounter. In fact, there are werewolves, spiders, evil dolls, vampires, blobs, giant ants, mummies and even UFOs!

This is a game that puts the player in the middle of an American city (composed of suburbs, commercial joints, museums and parks to name some) filled with monsters. Your mission is not only to survive but also to save at least a few surviving neighbors in order to proceed to the next level (by means of a door appearing out of thin air near you).

*Those little ones carrying axes are mechanical dolls, not little kids.*

*You better have a lot of weapons and some med kits when encountering the giant baby.*

As this is an adventure game, there is a unique touch on the action made by the developers. The action is about attacking monsters with varied weapons such as the Uzi water gun, bazookas, explosive soda cans (makeshift grenades), ice pops, fire extinguishers and silverware to name some. Since the game was made with a wholesome audience in mind, the violence is unsurprisingly cartoony to look at.

The exploration aspect of the game involves collecting useful items for your survival and your ability to fight monsters. In fact, there is an abundance of weapons and ammunition. Getting medkits is essential and there are simply not enough of them which should remind you to be more strategic where you go and what you encounter. The game allows you to save anywhere.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors will keep gamers busy not just because of the adventure and the action, but also due to the fact that the developers created so many levels (50+) for you to explore and make your way through! Had I played this game on the SNES back in 1993, I definitely would have gotten a lot of value for my money with its content and length.

Conclusion

*If you saved at least one surviving neighbor, this door will appear for you to exit. This will end the current level.*

I can say clearly that Zombies Ate My Neighbors is pretty enjoyable. I made it through a lot of the levels and there’s not a moment of frustration as I played. This game from 1993 is a playable gem and already I’ve gotten a lot of entertainment value from my purchase of the Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol remastered collection (which also includes extra stuff and retrospective fun). I will play Ghoul Patrol as soon as I’m done with Zombies Ate My Neighbors. This is indeed retro gaming fun that Xbox gamers should check out.

If you intend to purchase Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol for your Xbox, you can do so by clicking https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/zombies-ate-my-neighbors-and-ghoul-patrol/9NQ33RF63019

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Playing the remastered Suikoden on my Xbox Series X is a lot of fun

March 12, 2025March 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG enthusiasts and other gamers!

I have been playing the remastered version of the mid-1990s Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Suikoden (Japanese title: Genso Suikoden) on my Xbox Series X as I now own the digital copy of Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars.

For the newcomers reading this, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars was released on March 6 and it contains Suikoden and Suikoden II (Japanese title: Genso Suikoden II). This is a cause for a celebration not only for fans of the Suikoden game franchise (created by the late Yoshitaka Murayama during his time at Konami) and JRPG enthusiasts but also for people who love retro gaming.

With Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars now available on multiple platforms, gamers – both the veterans as well as the younger players – now have the golden opportunities to play the first two Suikoden games.

Suikoden on Xbox

*A lot of characters got their share of the spotlight in short scenes like this in Suikoden.*

As mentioned earlier, Suikoden is my most played game on my Xbox Series X since March 6. The release of Suikoden games on Xbox platforms is highly significant given the fact that the franchise has often been identified with PlayStation for so long. What many gamers do not know is the fact that Suikoden was also released on the Sega Saturn and Windows PC in Japan in the late-1990s.

As history showed, most Suikoden RPGs released by Konami from 1995 to 2006 mainly on the original PlayStation console (the first two games) and PlayStation 2 (the third, fourth and fifth games). Spin-off games were released on PlayStation, PS2, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. That being said, there were absolutely no Suikoden games on the original Xbox console and Xbox 360.

The release of Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and the aging Xbox One is indeed a game-changer. There are lots of Xbox gamers who are fond of Japanese RPGs and there are also Suikoden fans who happen to own Xbox consoles. The Xbox ecosystem itself now has lots of role-playing games (RPGs) released in this current console generation and there are lots of Xbox players who love RPGs. As such, Konami made the right move bringing the Suikoden franchise to Xbox consoles.

Playing the first Suikoden again but in shinier form

*The group battle in the game. The remastered work includes presentation in high-definition and a variety of visual enhancements. The frame rate is also stable.*

Since the launch of Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, I have been playing the first Suikoden game a lot on my Xbox Series X. It has been a fun-filled nostalgic gaming experience on my part and I can also say that Konami – for the most part – did a good job remastering the game with high-definition visuals in mind.

Visually, this is the best the first Suikoden RPG ever looked! The in-game character sprites and creatures/monsters sprites from before have been preserved and because everything is in high-definition, the said sprites look larger and you can see the detailed pixels within them. When it comes to the visual effects to emphasize in-game magic and other spectacles, the new effects implemented resulted in a lot of pleasing eye candy.

*Mini-games like this one added fun and variety to the game. If you keep winning in this one, you can make a lot of in-game money.*

*The occasional close-ups during group battles like this added to the spectacle of playing. The enhanced visuals also made this look better.*

When it comes to the character portraits, they have been redrawn from scratch by Junko Kawano and each artwork per character looked clearer and more detailed than before. Some long-time Suikoden fans might find the new character portraits looking too clean and might make them miss the older artworks.

Suikoden’s story is about the Scarlet Moon Empire, political developments, corruption that goes beyond politics, and how they all affect the people. The playable protagonist is the son of the imperial general Teo McDohl, and through him you will witness political intrigue and unexpected twists that will compel you to stick closer with your family friends to escape the empire and form a new army of rebels by recruiting members across the land.

*Even in subtle forms, the enhanced visuals made dramatic scenes like this look more lively.*

While the storytelling is satisfactory at best, there is a wide variety of characters who collectively added colors to the narrative. This is due to the many types of personalities that the important characters have. Take for example Matthiu who is the calm and calculating strategist, Viktor is the brave and brash rebel, and Gremio is very dedicated to protecting the protagonist no matter what happens. Along the way, character development is truly limited which is not surprising because a lot of characters shared the spotlight.

In terms of game design and gameplay features, Suikoden has aged well. The battle systems – solo battle, group battle, army battle – are still functional, efficient and fun to do. While some grinding (leveling-up) is needed, it is not stressful to do because the auto-battle options make the group battles flow smoothly, especially when your characters (up to six) are collectively strong enough to overwhelm the enemies.

This is the formation of the members of your party. Those with short-range attacks should be placed on the front row but they need strong defense values to keep on fighting. Characters with long-range attacks are ideally placed in the back row.

The gameplay is just as fun to do as before. I really like the fact that up to six characters can be part of my party/group as I went adventuring and focused on story scenes. The solo and army battles are understandably few but the payoff (in return to the build-up leading to them) was worth it. I should state that the unite attacks (limited to specific characters who are present in the party) are fun to watch and the creators’ approach on presenting the battle animations and spectacle are great to see.

*A great, long border wall in the game.*

While the gameplay is clearly fun, Konami’s remaster team did not fix one old problem the game had since the start – limited spacing of items per character. Each character has his/her/its own pieces of clothing to wear, specifically for the body, head and two accessories. The game counts those clothing items as part of the overall item spacing per character. Once you have the four items for a character to wear, the remaining spaces for carrying other items (examples: medicine, ore, anti-toxin) become severely limited for the character.

Along the way, there is the constant need for you to purchase stronger pieces of clothing to increase the defense value of the newest character who joined your army. That being said, you must earn a lot of money, take time to out purchase items, and equip them on new characters while dealing with limited storage per character. The item management problem is the one thing that prevented the gameplay from achieving perfection.

My long-time experience with the Suikoden franchise

*Viktor is the brash and brave fighter who becomes part of the Liberation Army. He is an important supporting character which you will easily realize.*

In my personal gaming history, I played and finished the original game on PlayStation way back in 1996. While I really enjoyed the game and its unique gameplay features, I never replayed it as my taste on PlayStation gaming kept changing in 1997. When Wild ARMs and Final Fantasy VII landed on PlayStation, I forgot about Suikoden until its sequel was released in English in 1999.

Fortunately, Suikoden II was so much bigger and better than its predecessor and it remains the most defining game of the entire Suikoden franchise (read my retro review by clicking here). That being said, I will start playing the remastered Suikoden II on my Xbox Series X soon.

Having played the remastered first game on my Xbox console, I can say that it was a fun-filled trip on my end. At the same time, I remembered scenes and several small character moments in between that I have forgotten long ago. Although a lot of characters were presented, following the narrative was still easy to do since it was light compared to what Suikoden II told.

Conclusion

*A shot of a feast within the army of rebels with their leader Tir McDohl. The young McDohl is the playable protagonist.*

With the first Suikoden alone, I can say I got really good value and enjoyment with my purchase of the digital copy of Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars for my Xbox Series X. This is a fine example about retro gaming literally saving the day when Team Xbox failed to deliver the promised great fun with their own games.

If you are an Xbox fan who loves retro gaming as well as Japanese RPGs, and if you have decided to purchase Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, you can do so by clicking https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-gate-rune-and-dunan-unification-wars/9nrgnstzlchj

If you prefer a physical copy for your Xbox console, click https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/suikoden-i-ii-hd-remaster-gate-rune-and-dunan-unification-wars/9nrgnstzlchj

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 60

March 3, 2025February 25, 2025carlocarrasco

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Forza Motorsport (2005) revisited – The first time I ever played first-ever Forza Motorsport video game was on a rented original Xbox console in 2005. Right from the start, I was very impressed with how realistic yet accessible the game played even as it was designed by Turn 10 as a simulation. Years later, I played the succeeding Forza Motorsport games and became a fan of the series on Xbox consoles. It was delightful for me to watch the Forza Motorsport retrospective video by YouTuber Camp Xbox which you can view below.

#2 You, Me and the Movies react to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies of 1990 and 1991 – Here in the Philippines, I saw the films Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in local cinemas in 1990 and 1991 respectively. Each viewing experience was in a fully packed cinema which was not surprising because the TMNT franchise – specifically the animated series on TV – was already very popular among Filipinos and there was excitement to see the live-action versions of the popular turtles, Splinter, Shredder and April O’Neil. That being said, you should see You, Me and the Movies’ reaction videos of the two films.

#3 Israeli Air Force flies over the funeral of Hezbollah’s late leader – Several months after the successful elimination of Hezbollah leader and terrorist Nasrallah, a funeral for him was held in Lebanon and there were officials from terrorist state Iran who attended. And then something happened…fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force flew over the funeral and literally took the thunder away. The terrorist group of Hezbollah got very humiliated. Watch the analytical video of Hananya Naftali below.

#4 In-depth look back at the “DCEU” movies – Remember the DC superhero movies of the so-called DCEU (DC Extended Universe)? This year, Warner Bros., DC and director James Gunn will release an all-new Superman movie and now is a good time to look back at the previous franchise of DC superhero movies released from 2013 to 2023, and I found a very comprehensive video from YouTuber FilmyHead for you to watch.

#5 PatmanQC examines Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters – I never got to play the late-1980s game Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters in the arcade nor any of its ports. Being curious, I took time out to watch PatmanQC’s video about the game. It turns out, the game itself is an inspired piece of work and it was made by Atari. I urge you to watch the video below.

#6 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Starship Troopers – When it was first released in 1997, a lot of movie critics and moviegoers did not fully understand the themes and meaning of Starship Troopers. While many viewed it as a big-budget, loud and action-packed sci-fi flick, there was a minority of people who realized director Paul Verhoeven’s (RoboCop, Total Recall) use of irony within the narrative. Months ago, Popcorn in Bed posted her reaction video and you should see how the film affects her.

#7 Ashleigh Burton reacts to The Thomas Crown Affair – Remember watching The Thomas Crown Affair in 1999? Some people perceived it as a clever remake of the 1968 original while there were others who found it to be Pierce Brosnan’s most notable non-James Bond role of the 1990s. Recently, Ashleigh Burton saw the film and you must watch her reaction video below.

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 59

February 26, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Planet of the Apes (1968) – YouTuber Popcorn in Bed finally did it…posting a reaction video featuring the classic science fiction movie Planet of the Apes (1968). The video has both Cassie and Carly reacting to the Charlton Heston-led film. Considering how many Planet of the Apes reaction videos have been posted on YouTube, I can say that Popcorn in Bed’s video is entertaining to watch. Watch it now!

#2 Comparison video of Avowed and Oblivion – In case you missed the news, the long-awaited Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game (RPG) Avowed has been released and it is the latest game from RPG specialist Obsidian Entertainment (an Xbox game studio). Recently, someone posted a new video comparing Avowed with the 2006 RPG The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion focused on specific details. It’s clear that Obsidian still has a long way to go to truly make Avowed’s world a living and breathing realm. I encourage you all to watch it now.

#3 Slope Game Room examines the history of Zombies Ate My Neighbors – Recently, I purchased the digital collection of Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol for my Xbox Series X. As of this writing, I’m still playing Zombies Ate My Neighbors – specifically the Super NES version – and I’m enjoying it. First released in 1993, Zombies Ate My Neighbors was developed by LucasArts and published by Konami for the two 16-bit consoles of the time. It turns out, there is a lot of interesting details behind the development of the game, what led to the creation of Ghoul Patrol and more. To know more, watch the video of Slope’s Game Room below.

#4 CNN supports Hamas terrorists – I don’t trust the opinions and news publishing of CNN (originally called Cable News Network) which has turned into a propaganda machine for the corrupted Democrats, Islamo-Leftists, and woke mobs. In recent times, CNN had an entire segment defending the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and the two personalities who spoke clearly have no love for Israel. To find out what happened, watch the video below.

#5 You, Me and the Movies react to Air Force One – At last, YouTuber You, Me and the Movies posted its reaction video featuring the 1997 blockbuster Air Force One with Harrison Ford playing a tough, fictional US President. It is an entertaining reaction video to watch and the old film itself is relevant once again as Trump-led America today has toughened its stance against terrorists. If you have not seen the film, watch it first. Otherwise, enjoy the video below.

#6 Ashleigh Burton reacts to a 1999 comedy – I never saw the 1999 comedy 10 Things I Hate About You in the cinema but some friends of mind did and they found it funny and memorable. A few years later, I finally saw it on cable TV and home video and it was entertaining. Recently, Ashleigh Burton posted her reaction video and I enjoyed how she responded to it.

#7 RK Outpost explains box-office disappointment of Captain America: Brave New World – Are you aware that the woke Disney company, Marvel Studios and its wicked Hollywood media partners are lying to you and trying to manipulate you into believing that Captain America: Brave New World had a successful launch? YouTuber RK Outpost posted a video explaining in detail why the new movie (starring Anthony Mackie) is actually a box office disappointment upon launching, how the Hollywood players are lying, what facts are being ignored, and why you should not be fooled by Disney and its partners-in-crime. Watch and learn!

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Avowed now fully available for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP)

February 19, 2025February 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG enthusiasts and other gamers!

The long wait for the next Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game (RPG) experience is finally over as Avowed has officially been released for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP Ultimate) today. Five days ago, the game developed by Obsidian Entertainment was released on early access for those who paid the premium for the privilege.

For the newcomers reading this, Avowed is the newest game from RPG specialist Obsidian Entertainment and it has a fantasy setting and a unique concept for gamers who enjoy in-depth exploration, intense action, consequential decision-making, engaging role-play and strong storytelling. Avowed is set in the fictional world called Eora and is also part of the same universe as seen in Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity.

To get oriented, watch the launch trailer below.

Is it really great? Is it worth purchasing at all?

As of this writing, the critical reception remains questionable even though a lot of gaming publications posted their respective reviews resulting in a collective average that keeps on changing. As of now, the collective critical average for Avowed is mostly positive but additional reviews could change that.

For some insight, watch the video reviews of Avowed from MrMattyPlays, Colteastwood, GameSpot, XboxEra and Pure Xbox.

If you want to watch some extensive gameplay footage of Avowed that could help you decide to go for the game or not, watch the videos below.

Having waited more than four years to play Avowed (read my previous posts by clicking here, here and here), I will play it on my Xbox Series X console but not immediately. I’d rather wait for Obsidian to patch the game first to fix the bugs and other technical problems. I’d rather play an improved version over its launch version. Here is hoping that Obsidian will be listening to gamers’ feedback and improve the game accordingly.

I should mention that Obsidian is also working on its other high-profile video game The Outer Worlds 2 which is actually a multi-platform release (including PlayStation 5).

If you have decided to purchase the standard edition copy of Avowed for Xbox, click https://www.xbox.com/en-ph/games/store/avowed-standard-edition/9msvpjchhrpr

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Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

February 7, 2025February 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts, fighting game enthusiasts and other gamers!

With the current Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game Avowed coming out on February 18, I’m supposed to be excited about what Team Xbox has prepared this year. Of course, there were disappointments not only with certain Xbox first-party releases but also with the way things have been changing on the part of Team Xbox.

Times like these, retro gaming on Xbox is the answer for fans who want to experience a lot of fun and Capcom just released Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and even Xbox One users to enjoy. Watch and learn from the official Xbox trailer below.

For the newcomers reading this, the said collection comes with the following video games Capcom released long ago with an emphasis on crossovers with Marvel’s intellectual properties: X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age Of Heroes (2000) plus The Punisher (1993).

Wow! That’s a collection of very fun and popular games Capcom released from 1993 to 2000. With the exception of The Punisher arcade game (a 2D adventure game), I played them all in the arcades decades ago and I can say that having them in a single collection for the modern Xbox consoles is indeed a blessing for long-time Xbox gamers who love 2D fighting games and retro gaming. The way I feel right now, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics looks really enticing to purchase.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes is not just a lot of fun to play but also will please those who love the characters. With Wolverine, Spider-Man, Venom, Captain America from Marvel’s side included, there is something that will bring both geeks and gamers together.

I have fond memories of Capcom 2D fighting games that carried Marvel’s intellectual properties. X-Me: Children of the Atom was enjoyable to play with and it resonated with me as I was already an X-Men comic book reader back in the 1990s. Marvel Super Heroes was also fun to play and it somewhat reminded me of The Infinity Gauntlet storyline. X-Men vs. Street Fighter was the most intriguing crossover fighting game at the time of its release and it really raised the bar for fast-and-furious style gameplay complete with a quick character swap during the heat of battles. Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter was the follow-up which came with changes that were not well received by the fans.

Then came the two Marvel vs. Capcom crossover fighting games which really built upon the foundation of X-Men vs. Street Fighter for more team battles with speed and impact in mind. I could not forget the inclusion of Resident Evil characters, Mega Man and others.

*X-Men vs. Street Fighter is a classic tag-team, crossover-oriented video game! Fast and furious action ensured!*

*The Punisher arcade game is the only non-fighting game of the collection. Punisher fans should look at this.*

Adding further zest to the collection is online play that allows casual matches, ranked matches, custom matches. Think about how your skills or your scoring will compare with those of other players from around the world.

That being said, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a retro gaming package that deserves attention as it carries some of the finest video games Capcom ever made.

To purchase Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Xbox, click https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/marvel-vs-capcom-fighting-collection-arcade-classics/9nwfm3hdjc94

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Xbox Game Pass (XGP) keeps on changing for the worse

September 22, 2024September 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks and gamers!

Let’s be honest here. There are changes regarding Xbox Game Pass (XGP) that are disadvantageous to both Xbox fans and the gamers who subscribe for the best value in gaming. In fact, the said subscriber service is getting is getting worse as reported by Windows Central Gaming. You heard about the Standard tier of XGP? Are you aware that certain first-party games are not even part of the services below the Ultimate tier of XGP?

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from Windows Central Gaming’s news report. Some parts in boldface…

Xbox Game Pass has long been the key differentiator for Microsoft’s gaming business, offering an alternative subscription-based store against Steam on PC, and offering heaps of value on console against PlayStation with its day-one games pledge. That covenant has been undone now, though.

Now, only users on the $19.99 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier will get day one games on console, with PC users retaining them at $11.99. The big change is to the basic “Console” tier, which has now essentially been removed for new users. The new Standard tier will start at $14.99 for new customers, and will include the Xbox Live Gold (Game Pass Core) multiplayer paywall specifically for premium games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6. Crucially, though, it won’t actually include Call of Duty Black Ops 6.

Previously, Xbox Game Pass’ promise was to offer day-one Microsoft-owned titles into the service. Games like Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Flight Simulator, and many other heavy hitters dropped straight into Xbox Game Pass Console, PC Game Pass, and Ultimate, granting the service far better value on paper than competing options. Xbox Game Pass Standard no longer guarantees day-one access to Xbox games, meaning the hotly anticipated Call of Duty Black Ops 6 will be available only to PC Game Pass users, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Despite paying more than PC Game Pass users, Xbox Game Pass “Standard” members will not get access to said games.

To compound matters, it was discovered recently (via Forbes) that Xbox Game Pass Standard has removed access to a wide variety of games that are currently active on the deprecated Xbox Game Pass “Console” tier, which is only available for users who maintain a subscription. If you swap out your subscription to gain access to Xbox Live Gold, which isn’t available on Xbox Game Pass “Console,” then you’ll lose access to a huge list of titles.

I encourage you to read the rest of Windows Central Gaming’s article by clicking https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-game-pass-standard-is-sub-standard-games-like-starfield-diablo-4-go-retroactively-missing-from-the-consoles-game-pass-mid-tier

I hope understand what was reported. Specifically for those who own Xbox consoles, the three Xbox Game Pass services available for your choosing are Core at $9.99/month, Standard for $14.99/month and Ultimate for $19.99/month (note: only $1 will be charged for the first 14 days before the regular rate gets implemented).

If you will subscribe to Core or Standard, you will NOT be able to play Avowed and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle once they launch on XGP. Avowed will launch on February 18, 2025 while the Indiana Jones game will be released on December 9, 2024. At the same time, you won’t be able to play the other Xbox heavy hitters like Forza Motorsport (2023), Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Halo Infinite and Starfield while subscribing with Core or Standard services.

It is clear that Microsoft is trying to lure gamers to take the most expensive XGP service – Ultimate. This can be disadvantageous to not only Xbox fans but the many millions of gamers out there who have yet to discover and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass.

As for those who have been XGP subscribers since at least a year ago, they are still enjoying the access to the above-mentioned heavy hitters while paying the same old monthly rate as before. If they stop subscribing now, they will lose their privileges and if they decide to return to the service with the same experience as before, they will have to subscribe to XGP Ultimate at $19.99 a month for the Day One access as well as the access to premium games.

Indeed, Xbox Game Pass is changing for the worse. In fact, it could be the first sign of things to come. I’m talking about the future of gaming under Microsoft that could mean the end of Xbox as we know it and Team Xbox becoming a multiplatform game publisher. Microsoft’s love and care for Xbox fans is fading away, and what they’re doing could turn off potential new gamers related to the changing demographics of the world.

This screenshot from Red Dead Redemption II should remind you that Microsoft is aiming at the wrong direction with regards to its video gaming strategy. Imagine being part of Team Xbox receiving orders from Microsoft’s top management that don’t make much sense with regards to gaming and the interests of the players.

If you plan to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass at all, start doing your research carefully before deciding to subscribe. Click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass

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Note: Cover photo sourced from Xbox.com

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars coming to Xbox consoles on March 6, 2025

September 18, 2024August 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks and gamers!

If you love classic Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) or if you are passionate about retro gaming, then be aware that Konami finally confirmed that Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will be released for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on March 6, 2025.

The good news is here is that customers who proceed with their pre-orders of the game will get the following from Konami in digital form: Prosperity Orb, Fortune Orb and 57,300 potch (in-game currency to purchase in-game items).

In the remastered collection, Suikoden and Suikoden II (read my retro review) will be released with enhancements to look more presentable in high-definition with modern game consoles in mind. According to Konami, the graphical enhancements include: Pixel sprites and environment art enhanced with new screen effects including lighting, clouds, and shadow animations Flickering flames, smoldering smoke, the movement of leaves and insects, all add up to a lively in-game atmosphere!

There are also new character drawings updated in high-definition particularly with the first Suikoden RPG with the involvement of none other than Junko Kawano (the character designer of the said game’s original version from the mid-1990s).

Konami also confirmed that there are game system improvements which are as follows: dialogue log, auto-battle, double-speed battles and more.

For the newcomers reading this, Suikoden and Suikoden II were original released on the first PlayStation console in the mid and late-1990s respectively. Those games were nicely received by gamers and video game critics which resulted in a long-lasting following. I myself played both games on the PlayStation and had a lot of fun collectively. While its predecessor was good, Suikoden II turned out to be bigger, better and more enjoyable. I should state that the sequel was clearly a direct follow-up to the first Suikoden and it was special to see memorable characters from the first game return such as Flik and Viktor. In my honest opinion, Suikoden II is one of the very best JRPGs ever released in the 1990s.

As for Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars itself, the said collection was supposed to be released in 2023 but Konami ended up delaying it. The collection is coming out on March 6, 2025 and I can only hope that Konami’s team did a good job with the enhancements and other technical stuff to justify the delay. I know for a fact that there are gamers out there who are disappointed with Konami’s handling of re-releases or enhanced versions of their classic games. For Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars, I’m willing to give Konami a chance to prove that it took good care of the product with fans and JRPG enthusiasts in mind.

When it comes to RPGs on Xbox, the collection will be released over a month after that of the Xbox-exclusive RPG Avowed. Xbox fans have two promising RPG releases to look forward to in the 1^st quarter of 2025.

For more details and updates about Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars for Xbox consoles, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/Suikoden-I-II-HD-Remaster-Pre-order/9P9FM62WZXR2

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