I'm not used to blogging, so these first few entries may be kind of akward while I'm still getting used to it.

Armored Core Formula Front : Extreme Battle
Platform: PSP
Rating: 6.5

I've been a huge fan of Armored Core since I first got my grubby mits on it back in the days of Playstation 1. To me, there is almost nothing more relaxing then sitting down, and blowing the crap out of a few giant robots.

Normally, I loved being able to controll everything that my robot would do. Jumping, boosting, making sure the enemy is firmly locked in my crosshairs, but this game made me find a way to have fun with the genre, without having all the controll I'm used to.

I will admit, out of all of the games in the series...this is probably one of the worst, but it still captures my interest like all the others. Setting up the AI can be challanging (although I really don't notice any difference between AI sets), and the use of battle chips can give you that extra tactical edge some might want.

The creation of the armored core units is exactly the same, except you start with all the parts you'll ever need. That is kind of cool when you first turn it on, because you can create your dream mech right off the bat, but I enjoyed having to work for parts, because normally the parts you had to work for were the best ones. This game robbed me of that.

The opponents you face in the arena vary to drastically to be in the correct ranking. The guy at rank #27 was MUCH harder than the guy at rank #20. It seems that they just throw it in the mix so you'll need to retool all your mechs for just that one fight, only to find the next guy is so much easier that your mech's AI and payload are just not right. I normally rebuild my bots completely...about every 4 ranks. (Where as on the console I could keep the same one from the lowest rank to probably half way up the charts)

Also, the gameplay is COMPLETELY different then the others in the series. There are no missions, and controlling the robot yourself is nearly impossible unless you can get used to the fact you are missing two shoulding buttons. I use the game as something to play when I might not otherwise have the time or concentration to play games. (ie: while playing other games, at work, watching a movie)

Was it worth the $39.99 I paid for it? I think it was, it is a great distraction. I'd also definitely recommend it to customers and readers. I just hope if they decide to put another one out for PSP, they'll make the controlls more user friendly, so people like me who like to be in the cockpit will be able to play it without wanting to throw their PSP across the room.

Gaming is something I've always had a passion for. As long as I can remember I've been holding a controller. Many people have told me it is something I'd grow out of, because games are, "childish," or "a waste of time," but even after 20 years, I'm still going strong.

Now, working in a game store, (Gamestop) I spend all day learning about games, and talking to people about them. I have formed many opinions about games I've heard/read about, and games I've played/own. This is what the blog is for, a place for an experienced gamer to post his views about the continually growing gaming world.

Here is how the blog is going to work. When I hear/read about a game, I'm going to post my initial reaction, no matter how one sided it is. Then when I learn more or play the game, I will update it with quite possibly a more fair rating than I gave it when I first wrote about it.

Also, on occasion, seeing as I dabble in more than just video games, anime/movie postings will be made as well.

That is how the game is played, now let's start having some fun!

Let it be known, that today, the 13th of January, 2006, Gaming Geiger Counter has made it's first post.