Game Night: 3 on 3 NHL Arcade - February 28

What a night!

Thoughout sports history, there have been times when the unexpected shocked us and left our jaws on the floor. The night when James "Buster" Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson, when Reggie Miller scored 8 points in about 20 seconds to steal a win against the Knicks, and when South Korea eliminated Italy from World Cup contention. Basically, in sports, anything can happen.

Well, that goes with Xbox Live gaming as well. Althought there were many games that were close and competitive, in some games, TSN Live got whooped. A humbling experience as I had all week to practice but didn't because I underestimated the competition - NEVER AGAIN. Kudos to everyone that came to play and apologies to those who couldn't get a game with me.

Shouts to:

qckabsitjin
christopher 714
Lost Control177
CBHunt18
moC4sh
Running Riot
Wollack
NyQuil99
Jiggaman
Shadowolf93

With the use of 'cheese', yet effective moves, the Most Skilled gamer award goes to: Danzerino. After a goal was scored, Danzerino was on the puck again, almost instanly to score another. Don't expect that to happen too often, pal.

Arcade type games bring a certain unique excitement level compared to simulation games - maybe catered to those who just want to have fun without referees. Something fun for everyone. - TSN Live

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Game Night: Shaun White Snowboarding - December 18

Happy New Year, folks!

I gotta admit, I'm not an amazing boarder. But after playing this game, I really want to be. The idea of using the whole (every part of) mountain as your personal playground is exciting, to say the least. Couple that with an on-demand helicopter and you got a recipe for awesome!

The mini-games were totally fun, and for me - challenging. Met so many new gamers, and here are some shout-outs:

dear qc
Death Race
cderek4
Errol69
Mattman2591
Rjg663
Honey Bobo
NyQuil99
Daddio1203
majjimo
playgamez4life20
Okimoto
Big22John2008
TwilightHigh

I think that the Most Skilled Gamer award belongs to:

The Monkey Flux

Seemed that the Shaun White gamer night ended faster than a blink of an eye - or a ninja's swing of the sword. I even dreamt of a "Shaun White Snowboarding" Christmas. Looking forward to an awesome 2009! - TSN Ninja

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Game Night: FIFA 09 - November 27

It's a funny thing, how karma helps maintain nature's harmonious balance. Last month, I bragged about the absolute destruction of my opponents on Xbox Live. Well, that came around to bite me in the @55! Seemed that everyone has been honing their skills ever since Euro 2008 - they both have similar controls and general feel of the game.

Some games were competitive and others, I admit, was OWNAGE. With that said, like last month, there will only be one award given -- Most Memorable Game:

This accolade goes to a match that was super-intense - against FUNKYCARBON1. We both had our chances and close calls, but it was fatigue and the piece of steel that holds up the net that kept the game scoreless through regulation. Then, in the second half of extra time, a good throughball -- GAME DONE!

Shoutouts:

FUNKYCARBON1
DAVE 1178
Roast Matrix
Sylvain11133
FIFAMAN1017
RERE80

Ninja Lesson: Take wins and losses in stride, a boastful winner is the same as a sore loser. - TSN Ninja

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Game Night: NBA Live 09 - October 30

I tell ya - this was the best gamer night, yet! NBA Live 09 delivered the accurate ratings and capabilities of the players and teams like it usually does. However, the addition of DNA - where team and player ratings adjust to reflect the hot and cold streaks of the real thing - made it that much more enjoyable. Practicing with individual players gives you an opportunity to get used to the players special skills and idiosyncrasies (like Michael Redd's awkward shot).

The Ninja went 5 - 1 (and the loss was in OT - because I was slacking a bit and didn't take the guy as seriously as I should've).

All my wins came with using the Lakers, my single loss, albeit in overtime, was when I used the Raps (...sad).

I think that my overall record, including non-gamer nights, is like 11 - 2. Bring it on! Because of how I demolished the competition on gamer night, it was a bit tougher to give out accolades. Here's the night's breakdown:

Most Skilled Gamer and Most Memorable Game: Toronto - 85(L) vs. Milwaukee - 88(W)

with DUBxDAxGREATx1

Mainly due to the fact that I was taken into overtime, then was beaten. The game was back and forth, bu with DUB mostly leading, until the 4th quarter, when I just turned on the heat. Up by 3 and with 1.6 seconds to go, I got a bit over confident and eased up on defense. DUB hits the 3 to tie, then carried the momentum to beat me in the end - Good Game!

Other gamers I played and destroyed:
stp710
Caliente3
brown pancake
S my D
Hokie308

Final Note: Use the DNA feature to your advantage - pick and choose teams that are hot but with good standing in the long run - TSN Ninja

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Game Night: EA NHL 09 - September 25

I have one word for this night - INTENSE! The 09 installment to this great EA NHL series did not disappoint. The new dekes and puck protection that this version had made it that much more realistic. I even thought that games were a lot closer and more competitive when compared to the ones in 08. I think The Leafs will go deep in the playoffs in simulation - Hooray! Here's the night's breakdown:

Most memorable game: Toronto - 1(L) vs. Montreal - 1(W)

with mattbonaparte

I remember this gamer from our gamer night with NHL 08. Although I don't exactly recall how the game went (let's just say I wooped that @**!), mattbonaparte (Canadiens) made a memorable impression. This time around, there was no joking. The game was the most intense game I've played so far on 09. The Canadiens had more scoring chances and the lion's share of puck possession. However, the Canadiens got sloppy at times and got in penalty trouble. Then I, The Leafs, scored early on the insuing powerplay. It was a tip-in goal through the 5-hole!. The mattbonaparte poured on relentless pressure - only to be denied by The Leafs' netminder Toskala. Then, just like a story a dad would tell his son, The Canadiens scored the tieing goal with 2 minutes left - sending the game into overtime. Mattbonaparte ended up winning in a shootout. That said, even though I didn't win, it was the best game, by far, early this season - talk about the classic Toronto/Montreal rivalry. Good job matt!

Most skilled gamer:

frankenpus

In the previous version of EA NHL, you can tell which gamers are the best by the scores. The best usually beat their oppents by 5 or more goals. Either I got better, or the game just got tougher to dominate - I'd say that I got better. The dominant dudes can no longer score at will. That said, frankenpus put on a serious clinic. I hardly got any possessions, my goalie practically saved my butt everytime. Seemed like frankenpus had been playing for months and getting familiar with the new moves already. Hold up! The score was 3 - 1...no shutout! Booya! Regardless - way to go frankenpus. You made it to the Wall of Fame.

Final Thought: I think that EA NHL 09 is more enjoyable than NHL 08 because of the better computer AI making the games a lot more interesting. I found that more people quit early before, and now gamers play till the end. Live by the sword and die by the sword - TSN Ninja

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Game Night: Madden NFL 09 - August 28

Let me tell you - and no matter how good my prose is - it could not adequately describe the level of excitement that was being radiated by all the 'TSN Live' spectators (eager onlookers from every corner of the TSN epicenter in Scarborough of all places) jockeying around the console for access to the multitude of chumps that thought they had enough bravado and skill to take on TSN...and how hard they fell - one after another after another. The A game was the order of the day! The only thing more impressive than the strategy, play making, offensive might and defensive fortitude was the game itself. I must admit that we were, as a collective whole, not prepared for the depth of the game. The visual stimulation was almost surreal, the play book options mind numbing, and the NFL experience - out of this world. This was a long anticipated title and it did not disappoint.

Most memorable game: vs. Blackluster23

Dare I say it but this guy was a real smack talker. An early offensive rush by Blackluster23 led to an undebateable touchdown. However, in defence of our initial lax effort (a direct byproduct of our getting accustomed to the awe of the game) we recovered our composure and went to town on this "pretender". The premature antagonisms that could first be heard over the headphones slowly but surely gave way to whimpers and undulating sighs of defeat as the we systematically destroyed Blackluster23's ability to complete any play, pass, or pattern.

Most skilled gamer: Budden34

By far, Budden34 did offer a higher level of competition than the rest of the pack and he did give us a run for our money - that we'll be honest and fair about. After the first few plays we could tell that he meant business. It was obvious that Budden34 knew his way around the field and he made sure to treat us to a few well-prepared offensive volleys that saw him gain some significant yardage. After a grid iron of interceptions and fumbled plays Budden34 broke the defensive line and scored a bitter sweet touchdown...adding insult to injury he put on a nice post-touchdown bust-a-move. Well, that was that! After a group huddle on strategy the flood gates opened. Through effective clock control and in-your-face stiff arming the TSN Gamer rose to higher glories and pummeled Budden 34 back to High School Ball. Nice Try "Bud" - challenge us when you make it to the big boys league. - TSN Live

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Game Night: Tiger Woods PGA Tour '08 - July 31

Okay, I've only played this game a few times before gamer night - I have one question: Does anyone ever finish a game? Getting a game started is tough as-is, but when you have gamers quitting because of frustration (or whatever) before the 3rd hole, it makes me want to quit other games myself! But, I didn't and hung in there for a genuinely fun experience. Here's the night's breakdown:

Most memorable game: Skins @ Harbour Town

with MARLEY LIVES ON & Yobinksy

Just like playing the real game, it's always nice to have players with personalities. Marley was your 'call it like you see it' type and Yob was the soft-spoken guy with a love for the game. From the get-go, Marley joked around and made everybody laugh. I had a rough start but the two players were motivating enough not to make me quit... All jokes aside, Marley cleaned house and was respectful of Yobinsky's family that walked in and observed the friendly competition.

Most skilled gamer:

HiHandicaper420

Some people may know what '420' stands for, some others may not. But this guy was no slouch! HiHand knew where to place the ball as if he plays Westchester on a regular basis - I mean, he knew the slopes, the wind, and 'grass' conditions (pun may or may not be intended). Not only was he skillful, he was also helpful and shared some tips with me and the others.

*Note: I got my first hole-in-one at Cog Hill.
Final Phrase: Finish what you started... - TSN Ninja

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