If you are interested in trying out Destiny before you buy it, you are in luck. Bungie has released a demo for download on XBox 360, XBox One, PS3 & PS4. A few days ago I downloaded the demo and spent a few hours playing it today. The demo contains a pretty complete version of the game and so far, I haven't made it to the end of it. So far I have played the introduction, the initial Earth mission and spent some time in the Tower interacting with people. After the first mission, "The Divide" the other missions you can play are "The Dark Within" and "The Warmind."

Destiny is one of those games that received a ton of praise and criticism. After spending time playing the game I can understand the criticism but think much of it was simply unmet player expectations. Destiny is good and I appreciate its simplicity and gameplay. The story is interesting yet vague leaving me to wonder how much more will open up over the game or if they are planning on telling the tale over the base game and DLC?

I am playing the Destiny demo on the PS3 and beyond the initial jolt of coming back to PS3 gaming after being PC bound, it's a fun ride. Sure some of the graphics don't look as great as PC titles I am playing, but that's to be expected on the PS3. That said, the overall art of the game looks great and coupled with the music the game sets a very somber tone. I applaud Bungie for doing such a good job porting to the PS3, I didn't notice any lag or bad performance while playing it. Many modern triple A games still ship on PS3 and if Destiny is any indicator, it will be a great experience.

The ultimate tell of any demo is if you get the game. More than likely I won't pick this up on PS3 right now. I am still holding out hope that Destiny will come to PC at some point and I imagine this will happen well into the lifetime of the game or beyond. For now, playing the demo here and there will do and if you have any of the consoles I seriously recommend you give the game a try.

http://www.destinythegame.com/free-trial

Cygnus Destroyer started a new YouTube series called "Innocent Until Proven Guilty." In this episode he looks over the NES classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This game is usually panned as terrible popularized by The Angry Video Game Nerd. Cygnus Destroyer covers much of the games history and his deep dive on the topic is worth checking out.

"In the Innocent Until Proven Guilty court, Matt will do what no one else has dared to: give it a fair trial/review. Will the final verdict condemn it to a hell of fire and brimstone, or will the accused be exonerated of its crimes? Find out on this controversial episode of Innocent Until Proven Guilty!"

I enjoy watching these old documentaries of video game culture. This is a episode of Showtimes What's Up America showcasing the popular arcade culture.

"This recording was discovered on an old betamax video tape, recorded in September of 1982. This upload contains fifteen minutes of uninterrupted programming from SHOWTIME including promos, bumpers, an "Mini-Doc" from the series WHAT'S UP AMERICA! (Video Warriors) and a Hollywood Close-Up with Bill Harris."

"No crying until the ending. Guaranteed masterpiece. MOTHER is finally complete."

Interesting take on a more modern style for The Last Starfighter trailer. The Last Starfighter is a 80's classic sci-fi film many of us grew up loving.

I wonder if this film deserves a remake?

Oh that sweet Hyrule board game unboxing. The game looks beautiful, I just wish it weren't Monopoly and I would actually pick it up. Like some kind of Hero Quest adventury game featuring different colored Links working together in some kind of threaded mission based game?

That said, if you are a Monopoly and Zelda fan, this seems like the right kind of Christmas gift for you.

Zero Master recently dropped a speedrun of Doom 2: Hell on Earth in 23 minutes and 3 seconds. The run is masterful and features a nice blend of map bugs and amazing shooting. I recommend you watch at least a few minutes of it.

From the video:

"This improves the previous record by Looper (30uv2325) set in Dec. 2010. by 22 seconds. Previous record before that was by Radek Pecka (30uv2609) set in Dec. 2003

So this is the second improvement in the last 10 years, though I don't think we will have to wait that long before we see the 23 minute mark broken."

YouTube sensation Rhykker released a video outlining the upcoming Diablo 3 2.1.2 patch. The new patch features 3 kinds of Treasure Goblins, two new gems and a new zone. They are also adding new legendary affixes, items and ancient items.

Blizzard is doing much to keep Diablo 3 updated and address player feedback. Will any of these changes get you to come back to Diablo?

PC Gamer has a good interview with Tim Morton about Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void. They talk about the new Archon mode as well as new game units such as the Zerg Lurker. They cover many of the details that were already discussed, but since it's fun to keep talking about Legacy of the Void and consume every bit of information it's fun watching interviews like this.

That said, Tim mentioned that they are going to launch the beta in the first half of 2015 and I image the game will come out some time thereafter. Here's to a speedy 2015 launch!

Jack and Rich are back for a new episode of Previously Recorded covering the classic NES game Zelda II: The Adventures of Link. I owned the original Legend of Zelda and played it a ton as a wee lad. I never had Zelda II but did play it quite a few times with friends.

Did you play Zelda II and if so what were your memories of it?