Hyping The Unhyped: 5 Games That Require Your Attention
Brutal LegendWe all recognize the big names: God of War III, Modern Warfare 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Gran Turismo 5, Final Fantasy XIII, Assassin's Creed II, MAG, Alan Wake, The Last Guardian, Guitar Hero 5, etc, etc, etc. These are titles that will remain in the limelight until they arrive and will always garner plenty of attention.
But wherever there are powerful blockbusters there are quality titles that get overlooked. And as we roll onwards in 2009 and looking forward to the first part of 2010, we've found five titles that really need more attention from both journalists and gamers alike. We turn your attention to them now:
1. Brutal Legend
Tim Schafer must be the brunt of some massive cosmic joke: he continually produces original, engaging, and even memorable video games that almost never make a big splash on the sales charts. And as much as we'd like to think that Brutal Legend will be his defining moment and rightly elevate his Double Fine studio to a lofty position in the industry, we see it laboring beneath the aforementioned blockbusters. But really, that won't stop us from promoting its potential greatness. Perhaps it's limiting its sales potential due to the emphasis on the metal music culture (and not everyone likes that), but if you're questioning its appeal on these grounds, we beseech you...please, don't. Just give it a chance even if you're not into metal. This is gonna be kooky, zany, quirky and above all else, fun as hell.
Well, at least we think it'll be all those things.
2. Resonance of Fate
Some things never change. If you're a role-playing game and the words "Final Fantasy" aren't in the title, it's very unlikely that you'll see any hype or publicity whatsoever. White Knight Chronicles is doing well in terms of widespread recognition thus far, but remember, it has been bouncing around since it first showed up at the Tokyo Game Show almost three years ago. Resonance of Fate is the latest effort from tri-Ace, who very rarely lets RPG fans down, and it appears to be both stylish and an absolute blast to play. At first, we had nothing but a gorgeous cinematic video that didn't show anything in the way of gameplay, but then, a Tri-Attack Battle Trailer really opened our eyes. It almost looks like "The Matrix" only with heavy Japanese overtones, and we really can't wait to see more of this game. It seems someone finally decided to make a JRPG based around guns and not swords, and while we all have our personal preferences, you gotta love this idea.
3. Bayonetta
Platinum Games is working on a true-blue action gem for us, and it should be getting almost as much hype as a new Devil May Cry. Of course, that won't happen as Hideki Kamiya's new title is an IP and DMC is an established franchise, but the sultry heroine who reminds us of a gothic supermodel needs your attention. There's an awesome gameplay trailer up on the PlayStation Store; it won't take more than a few minutes to download and view, and it's well worth your time. Fast, furious, loaded with that patented Kamiya flair, and absolutely appealing in every possible way. You should also visit the Platinum Games website, which features frequently updated articles concerning the development and design process. Everything we've seen thus far has excited us and it remains near the top of our "most anticipated" list. Yeah, you can have your Modern Warfare 2, but we wanna beat on demons with that leather-clad minx. Just remember, though: we have been warned that this attitude-laden adventure will be tough.
4. Demon's Souls
Mostly due to the fact that it launched in Japan first, Demon's Souls is a game that garnered unbelievable reviews. And when we say "unbelievable," we're not really exaggerating; some of the quotes we've seen have been along the lines of, "the most innovative action/RPG ever." PSW Magazine and Eurogamer have already awarded it 9s, RPG Fan gave it a 8.4, and it has recently been confirmed that it will most certainly be coming to North America later this year. Again, much like Bayonetta, this won't be for the faint of heart; it has been rumored to be one of the most challenging RPGs ever made, and one of the hardest games of the generation. But that won't stop us from giving it a whirl, and if you're looking for a ton of fantasy-based immersion in a truly atmospheric virtual world, you can't ignore Demon's Souls. We just gotta give some love to the upcoming RPGs, although we should probably point out that this one is a PlayStation 3 exclusive, unlike Resonance of Fate. Not that it really matters.
5. Katamari Forever
It's kinda like the cult classic franchise in video games. Each and every installment got great reviews and sales were decent, but of course, none could compete with the giant mega-releases that always stole the show. And now, after Beautiful Katamari was exclusive to the Xbox 360, Namco is returning to its home base where the series began; Katamari Forever will be a PS3 exclusive. But really, I don't care where it goes; I'd even buy a Wii if it was exclusive to that system (no kidding). There's just something about rolling around that sticky ball and picking up everything that is of the appropriate size; it's just so damn addicting. Perhaps it's useless to try to stir up some hype for this game, but I don't care; this needs to be said. And if you haven't ever tried a Katamari game before, you are hereby ordered to play this one. I'm all serious and stuff.
7/9/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (Beta)
Xra897
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:52:03 PM
1 up, 0 down
Qubex
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:16:19 AM
Q!
"i am home"
0 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:41:35 PM
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Don't hate. I'm just giving my opinion. I'm not jabbing at your jive.
Last edited by fluffer nutter on 7/9/2009 10:41:52 PM
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Kangasfwa
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 11:16:34 PM
Schafer is also the perfect developer for those "there's no originality" whiners.
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:44:45 PM
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Brutal legend will have to be a pass as I'm not into zany games and while katamari is always good for a lark I've got too much hardcore shiznit to roll with.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 7/9/2009 10:46:58 PM
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tes37
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:45:27 PM
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HeXeN
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:47:03 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:48:03 PM
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2 up, 1 down
LegendaryWolfeh
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:33:15 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:15:37 AM
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 7/10/2009 4:26:45 AM
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kevinater321
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 9:23:46 AM
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bearbobby
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:58:05 PM
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:51:55 PM
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SHADOW [Moderator]
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:50:30 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
Evilincarnate
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 8:33:41 AM
Last edited by Evilincarnate on 7/10/2009 8:46:24 AM
2 up, 0 down
King James
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:45:48 PM
Last edited by King James on 7/10/2009 3:48:12 PM
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Riku994
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:50:46 PM
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ThePearlJamer
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 11:05:32 PM
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Last edited by ThePearlJamer on 7/9/2009 11:05:44 PM
1 up, 2 down
Jiggy
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:34:46 AM
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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:52:54 AM
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ThePearlJamer
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 11:59:17 AM
and I busted it because it was a real guitar, not a crappy videogame controller if thats what you're asking...
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mastiffchild
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 5:39:32 AM
As for the games I'm a bit bored of Bayonetta as I feel it's just OTT for the sake of it and to differentiate it from, erm , his previous work. Which, lets be honest it's REALLY like.
BL would be ok if Jack Black was n't already EVERYWHERE.
RoF looks really interesting but we need to know much more with Tri Ace's recent history.
Katamari will be more of the same deserving, fun idiocy-and if you never played it you should try-it's weirdly addictive too.
DS, however, is the real deal. A granite hard gem of a broad rpg with something for everyone PLUS innovations galore esp from the online elements. I've already been stung over an import copy and it doesn't look like ever coming to the EU so it'll be the US version for me to try next(hopefully this time with the right game in the right box!). I would usually get my mates from him but he finds it so hard I doubt he'll actually finish the game within the next eighteen months!
One thing, though, My Dutka. Do you really think Brutal Legend is under hyped? Anything to do with old JB gets plenty of attention and this has been no differeent, imo.
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MadKatBebop
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 11:18:04 PM
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sticklife
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 11:20:37 PM
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Kangasfwa
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 11:25:27 PM
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Demon's Souls should have Galactus as a hidden boss.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:08:11 AM
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tlpn99
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 6:49:28 AM
I just wanna know what it is lol
Any ideas anyone, any suggestions ? Just hope it's not something lame as it is a PS3 exclusive but just cos it is exclusive does not mean it is going to be great but fingers crossed it will be :)
Last edited by tlpn99 on 7/10/2009 6:50:20 AM
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kevinater321
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 9:26:00 AM
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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:29:24 AM
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BigBoss4ever
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:04:23 AM
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Reccaman18
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:28:09 AM
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slayerkillemall
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:59:46 AM
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although would play brutal legend if it was free..
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ZubraZap
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 2:55:52 AM
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___________
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:04:27 AM
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my 2 most wanted titles for this year after R&C.
but bayonetta is a day 1 purchase for me DMC is one of my favorite series and cant wait for it.
and assassins creed 2 im playing through the first one now and loving it.
just 2 things i hope they add besides more gadgets which are their, 1 make it easier to loose the guards give us more options besides hay and benches, and make it harder for them to chase you.
seriously i just walk past them and they chase me.
i stand in front of them they chase me.
i blow them a kiss they chase me.
no matter what i do they bloody chase me.
its driving me insane.
2 give us more opportunities to use the hidden blade.
i walking on a roof top i hang down select my hidden blade auto target a guard he cant see me but i cant assassinate them.
you basicly can only use it when they cant see you and your 3cm away from them.
i want to be able to leap across the sky and stab him in the neck.
and with the assassinations why do they allways have to break out into a fight?
why do i have to chalange him and his gards why cant i hide up on the roof jump down and stab him in the neck.
that would be alot more fun instead of taking out every single enemy exactly the same way.
once they change those things assassins creed 2 could be game of the year because its the only one thats unique its the only of its kind.
theres no game out there like assassins creed and thats what makes it so great.
1 up, 4 down
SHADOW [Moderator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:22:30 AM
0 up, 0 down
Mornelithe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 5:28:25 AM
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___________
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:08:52 AM
Reply
assassins creed 2 for this year.
heavy rain for next.
but 50 bucks says neither will get goty even if they turn out to be 10/10 games.
50 bucks says either MW2 or bioshock 2 will get it this year.
and next probably alan wake or half life 2 epp 3 or diablo 3 or doom 4 if any of those are out then.
0 up, 5 down
Dancemachine55
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:36:50 AM
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jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:49:40 AM
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0 up, 8 down
kevyd09
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:55:53 AM
1 up, 0 down
The Stig
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 6:44:45 AM
Why the new account?
1 up, 1 down
kevyd09
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:55:03 AM
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2 up, 2 down
jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:59:01 AM
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0 up, 6 down
bearbobby
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:05:36 PM
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:54:05 PM
2 up, 0 down
ffrulez
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:48:29 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Mornelithe
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 5:27:17 AM
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4 up, 1 down
Ricochet
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 7:20:10 AM
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Bayonetta doesn't seem to be deserved to be on that list as there's are whole lot of talk about it in the fan community but I agree on the others. Hot witch with superb skills (just saw the trailer in PSN and she has a daughter? Lucky bastard).
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:45:46 AM
You're living too much in the gaming community that checks game websites every day. ;)
1 up, 0 down
ThePearlJamer
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:00:43 PM
1 up, 0 down
Ricochet
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 9:43:31 PM
Isn't that how gamers get regular updates to begin with? Secondly, aren't the game sales reflecting the fact that 90% of the sales are due to hardcore gamers? Otherwise, inFamous, LittleBigPlanet and other AAA will be selling like hotcakes.
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Alienange
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:09:55 PM
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Ricochet
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 2:12:48 PM
Basically, what I'm trying to point out is that MOST of sales made by exclusives are the "hardcore" gamers out there. Tell me exactly how, LittleBigPlanet, Killzone 2, and even MGS4 does not reach the level of sales that Halo 3 and Gears of War bring even though I personally believe the said games are superior in both gameplay AND graphics. In other words, the "hardcore" fanbase (I believe) is the majority of the selling numbers of these exclusives. But let us go back to the main issue at hand.
Using the Wiifit argument has no context here. I can assuredly say that most of the Wii's sales are non-gamers than gamers and that's an entirely different story all together.
What Ben is trying to point out is that Demon's Souls is being underhyped. Implying that it may not have the so-called recognition as the other games I have mentioned thus affecting sales. I just happened to not agree with his point as every site I've been to has some topics pointing interest towards Demon's souls, and there has been a lot of online orders in Hong Kong since. Do you really think that an "official" english version on release will be left unnoticed?
In closing, what Ben said:
"Not a single solitary soul who isn't a hardcore gamer has even heard about Demon's Souls. Nor does anyone know about Bayonetta."
The keywords here are "hardcore gamers". Tell me right now that MOST of the exclusive sales are not from the hardcore gamers. That's what I've been trying to point out. The HARDCORE gamers ARE the majority of sales I believe (you can prove me wrong if you'd like).
In other words, the very SAME hardcore gamers are already aware of Demon's Souls, which is not underhyped as he had pointed. So by his logic, LittleBigPlanet, Killzone 2 and Uncharted would be considered in the underhyped category. Don't you agree????
Last edited by Ricochet on 7/11/2009 2:14:05 PM
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timster118
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 7:58:52 AM
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Side Note: Prince of Persia Warrior Within was persecuted because of it's use of Heavy Metal type music......that was actually what made PoP:WW the best one for me....loved it!
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Robochic
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 8:33:02 AM
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Evilincarnate
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 8:55:39 AM
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The game on the list I'm looking forward to playing most is Bayonetta, because I felt DMC4 was a let down. I really hope Bayonetta can give me the fix DMC4 couldn't.
0 up, 1 down
ADAM WEST
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:05:49 AM
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Evilincarnate
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:04:39 PM
It just feels like your always under powered compared to the bosses and some of the enemies you face. It seems to really work your reaction time through out the game. I just beat the Dragon God and that was a sweet ass moment in gaming for me!
Last edited by Evilincarnate on 7/10/2009 12:09:29 PM
1 up, 0 down
JofaMang
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 9:59:01 AM
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0 up, 0 down
ADAM WEST
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:04:20 AM
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Random_Steve
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:31:31 AM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:44:29 AM
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I'm well aware of what his last post was. If he does it again, he'll be gone for good. Don't worry about it.
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Karosso
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:58:01 AM
I did not mean to go over your head but, after all the hate and foul language he used against all of us and directly to you, I kind of took offense at seeing him posting here again.
It feels like walking into your house and finding that somebody laid a pile of sh** right in the middle of the living room.
I will just ignore him completely from here on...
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:59:04 AM
1 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:46:30 AM
Reply
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 7/10/2009 10:47:20 AM
5 up, 0 down
bearbobby
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:07:05 PM
Glad I wasn't the only one smelling that.
1 up, 0 down
jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:47:12 PM
0 up, 2 down
bearbobby
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 2:18:20 PM
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 2:37:14 PM
But I really don't care about adolescent posturing around here. And as that seems to be the only thing you're capable of, maybe you should just leave.
3 up, 0 down
PS3addict
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 2:39:33 PM
We are not trying to attack you or call you immature, but alot of us are over twice your age, have been there, and done that and know what can and can not be done with our favorite gaming systems.
When you come across and claim that you are playing PS3 Bluray games off of a hard drive on a PS3, I am sorry but that is BS!
Sure, it is possible that your uncle worked for linux for 15 years... I work with unix and linux every day for the last 12 years... The PS3 has not been hacked this way. Linux does not have the ability to use all of the cell processor to replicate gameplay, Period!
There is no Linux emulator to run the games from the hard drive, and there are no programs to run a game from within the XMB from a PS3 hard drive, If you are so sure there is one out there, and you are using it, what is it called????
Not trying to knock you, but your facts have no logic to back them up. I hope your brother enjoys unemployment for releasing internal Intellectual Property without permission...
If you do have that game, give it back or it will be noticed. Don't tel me that it is a copy either. It has to be a pressed PS3 Bluray in order to play on anything besides a Dev PS3. I am not trying to piss you off, but please prove me wrong on all points above using facts and logic..
Thnak you!
2 up, 0 down
jmo_INDY_Repub1
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 2:42:21 PM
0 up, 2 down
Frenchy17
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:11:02 PM
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Mista
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 12:46:47 PM
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bearbobby
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 1:14:00 PM
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Brutal Legends looks like it could be humorous, but from some of the gameplay vids it looks like a typical hack n slash, repetitive animations and all. But I'll wait and see what the concensus is before actually making a judgement call. There's got to be something more to it if it's getting relatively big names for the cast and soundtrack. I just hope that the voiceover cast and the games soundtrack aren't ALL it has to offer.
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Jalex
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:36:10 PM
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Last edited by Jalex on 7/10/2009 3:37:12 PM
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King James
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 3:54:31 PM
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PS3addict
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:02:04 PM
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I did not get a reply to the Brutal Legends party, but I hopefully am on the list.
Cool thing that I did not catch until last night is the event is at 4th & B. It is a hole in the wall with a 165 person max. If Jack and Tim show up, great chance to see them there. Oh, and open bar too!!
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Scarecrow
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 4:04:02 PM
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Alienange
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:24:44 PM
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cadpig
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:47:39 PM
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slackernz
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 1:13:49 AM
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ffrulez
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 4:11:44 AM
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Skatejimmy5
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 6:05:07 AM
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12aIIvIIoN
Reply
Thursday, July 09, 2009 @ 10:38:48 PM