tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22160090428032140622024-03-13T19:12:08.652+00:00Gamer's WatchYemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-54946800283679957002012-03-26T17:53:00.002+01:002012-03-26T18:01:53.316+01:00A Look Into The Mind Of A Camper, With Professor Rushalot<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am pleased to announce that we have secured an exclusive interview with the prestigious and widely cited Professor Beastman Rushalot. Based in the internationally recognised, Shewter University, he commands a wide range of specialisations in the Video Game Psyche department where he is acting head. He is frequently invited to gaming events around the world, giving talks and lectures on the state of the industry and more importantly, the nature of gamers today.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a quick cup of tea and some crumpets, we settled down in our comfy lounge chairs and had a superb chat about camping, campers and pretty much any golden nugget we could gleam from Professor Rushalot's vexing mind.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoy!</div><a name='more'></a><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Hello! How are you today Professor Rushalot? We're pleased to have you here today.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Why thank you good sir. It is an honour meeting with such esteemed admirers of my work. A little appraisal for a lifelong commitment such as mine never goes amiss *laughs*.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>I understand you specialise in camping, specifically in the psycho-developmental aspect of things loosely speaking. Can you start by telling us what camping is?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Well, camping is an endearing term. It is a verbal derivation of the word 'camp'. Now, we all know what camping is. Up in the flaky woodlands, in and amongst the very claws of the ferocious mother nature. Where man meets wild, where primal instincts rule our neocortex, as I plunge my crusty fingernails into the young thing's hip bones and thrust! Thrust with all my God given strength!! Thrust as if the three riders of the apocalypse whip at my destrier as we cut through scorched earth and fiery clouds!!! Thrust like there's no...<br />
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<strong>Professor? Are you okay? We're talking about camping and what it is...</strong><br />
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Ah yes, I apologise. I seem to have lost my train of thought. Camping. Yes.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Camping is characterised by the phenomenon whereas the active player in a video game obsessively positions his or herself to <em>receive</em> an opponent. You see, where competitive multiplayer is concerned, any given match is like the circle of life. A closed ecosystem if you will. The flowing currents of kills and deaths from players in a lobby roughly equilibriates. It is only by introducing a skill based factorial that you inevitably disrupt the equilibrium and encapsulate what we know as <em>victory</em> and <em>defeat.</em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, I come back to what I mentioned earlier. The problem lies with the act of <em>receiving</em> an opponent, the opposing term known as <em>attacking</em> the opponent, for clarity's sake of course. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When one obsesses over receiving opponents, he is pushing the system's equilibrium to unhealthy extremes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>I think I see what you are saying professor. Everyone can't be waiting to receive everyone else right?</strong></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Precisely! It's a kin to dividing by zero if I do say so myself.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This hyper reserved style of play; although, calling it a style is lending it far too much credence, carries with it a negative impact on the flow of the game. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Why else do people like you and I play video games? To have fun. To immerse ourselves in a world that is outlandishly different to our real world. To commit acts that would be seemingly impossible to perform in the real world. That is the essence of the allure of gaming.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">However, there are those who would prefer to play in a selfish manner and deny that flux of offence and defence that is fundamental the modus operandi of competitive multiplayer.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Fascinating! I'd like to know more about why this behaviour is a problem in the "human sense", if you will.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, in order to deduce what the core of the problem is with campers is take a step back.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Look at the topic with fresh eyes, from afar. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Many critics of my studies attempt to deride my experiments and findings, despite the widely acclaimed status of said studies, as an affront to free will. They claim that this is their game and that they can play it however they like. Balderdash!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The moment you choose to enter a team based arena is the moment you forfeit all entitlements of individuality. The team must come first. Just like in the military. I ask you young man, is there "freedom of speech" in the army? It is preposterous to even ponder a response to such an inane question. Hence, I shall simply ignore the foolish claims of these few anomalies in peer-review. I'd prefer to bask in the glowing appraisal of my work, not the murky unfounded criticisms, thank you very much!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another major point i would like to point out is this. If you are camping, in a corner of a building of a shooter, you are effectively being twice the camper.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Think of it like this: what are you doing while you are holding your controller in front of your telepathic visionary matrix? You are sitting, most likely in a corner of a room, absolutely still, looking in one direction, constantly. This is exactly what you are doing in the video game! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Are you okay Professor?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">*breathes* Yes. *breathes* Its just that... *breathes* I have never been accustomed to discussing camping to the 2nd order of magnitude. It takes its toll. Believe me young man, if the blistering sphincter-based problems don't get you in old age, a nervous breakdown will. The days of my boyish young looks have long since evaporated. *laughs*</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg24q8XsXg1qzaxefo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" ida="true" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg24q8XsXg1qzaxefo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor Rushalot in 1948.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The crux of the argument lies with the camper's personality. The behaviour implicitly dictates that the camper is a selfish individual. He is incapable of understanding why he plays competitive shooter games in the first place. He refuses to allow his opponent an equal opportunity to kill him, as the opponent conversely does so himself. It is childish, immature and must be banished in order for the most important factor to rise supreme: Skill.<br />
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<strong>For the sake of brevity and your health Professor, I think it would be best if we concluded this interview prematurely.</strong><br />
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Oh come now, I'll live. I swore by Zeus himself I would never succumb to the monstrosity of camping. The way I promised I'll go is with a hot young thing in bed, her sweet and moist lips wrapped around my...<br />
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<strong>Eh eh, yeah. Well folks. There you have it. The graceful and knowledgeable professor Beastman Rushalot, sharing the nuggets of wisdom he's accumulated over his vast years in the field of Gaming Psychology.</strong><br />
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<strong>Stay tuned for more insights into gaming's wacky world.</strong>Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-65208568365574704442012-03-15T13:41:00.005+00:002012-03-16T13:34:49.397+00:00Ninja Gaiden 3 and Itagaki's Fluffing FanboysWith the rapid approach of Ninja Gaiden 3, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my thoughts about Ninja Gaiden as a reemerging franchise and where I think it is heading.<br />
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It goes without saying that Ninja Gaiden set the benchmark for brutal fantasy action adventures when it released in 2004 on the original Xbox. It brought me in to a franchise that was both familiar and fresh. As a game, it personified a developer's ability to take risks in the right places and invent something that was really adored by fans all over. The driving force behind this was of course none other than Team Ninja, spear headed by the infamous Tomonobu Itagaki. Itagaki had his greasy palms in more than one game series of course.<br />
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He vehemently defended the classy dead or alive beach volleyball spin off games (if you can even call them that). I haven't really gotten into the DoA fighting games, nor can I confidently say I've given them a chance. But hey, I'm not one to judge those disgusting perverts wobbling their rocks off digitally skimpy dominatrix females, who can most likely kick your ass in a straight fight.<br />
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Moving on, what I would really like to draw attention to is an eye opening documentary about how Team Ninja operated during the development of Ninja Gaiden 2. Its called 'Way of the Warrior', and it was available on Xbox Live for some time. I'm not sure if it's still available, but you can watch it on Youtube starting from part 1 here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxgRAuj96s0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxgRAuj96s0</a><br />
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In this documentary, your attention is largely drawn to Itagaki's opinion on things, whether that be design decisions or thoughts on Ninja Gaiden 1. This man openly states that he viewed the first Ninja Gaiden as an embarrassment. Despite its critical success, Itagaki does not see the game as a game he would be proud of. It was not his "vision" for the franchise, and that says a lot about him. After all, it's on open record how he conducted his design decisions, from bosses to enemies to levels. In short, it involved fraternising with his subordinate designers at Team Ninja over several rounds of beer. By watching the little documentary, the momentary atmosphere is vividly described as a drunken orgy where gaming professionals bend over backwards to stroke Itagaki's throbbing manhood, to include their personal designs for the game. It comes as no surprise in truth; the cohesiveness of the enemies with the game's story line was all but none existent. Let me put it you this way: what does a pair of boobs on a skeletal mutant mermaid have anything to do with a lanky cyclops wielding a chainsaw and cannon between both arms?<br />
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Answer: Nothing.<br />
The improvements in the technical side of gameplay , alongside relatively well designed greater fiends, are overshadowed by the lack of final polish and instability. Overall, the game's art designed was unoriginal and uninspired. That shows, particularly in the game critics' eyes.<br />
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Ninja Gaiden 2 was the game he really wanted to make, not the acclaimed fluke that was Ninja Gaiden 1.<br />
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His attitude, his image and his persona all bled into his productions. Even upon visiting Microsoft in the US, Itagaki was treated like royalty. Whether you think he should be given special gaming treatment, gaming royalty if you will, is beyond the point. His perception of himself as an individual in the industry speaks volumes about how he conducts his operations.<br />
I am happy to see the back of this guy as far as the Ninja Gaiden series goes. I also think the franchise will be better off for it.<br />
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Ninja Gaiden 3 launches soon, approaching the last week of March 2012.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-83142908036232114162011-12-17T13:49:00.000+00:002011-12-17T13:49:07.859+00:00The Skyrim Christmas Bubble<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think we all know of the mega hot Skyrim price plummet that ended not too long ago.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was so big that even a skeptic like myself who still loves gaming related bargains, dipped in for a second copy of the game. What harm could a spare copy do? You could easily flip it for a bit of pocket money for Christmas to brighten up a little kid's holidays.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But what people didn't bank on was the shear quantity of bulk stock that was distributed</div><a name='more'></a><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> by not just Gamestation; GAME and Amazon did it too. Yeah, I know the first two are essentially the same thing but whatever. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was so big of a deal that it even sparked its own poorly scripted, low budget in-house television advert by Gamestation. How often do you see Gamestation ads on television here in the UK, let alone it being an ad targetted towards the sale of one specific game at a ridiculously low price of £22.49?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I guess it isn't a bad thing that more people are now probably exposed to the gaming excellence that is Skyrim, as a game of course. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What it really reminded me of is a housing bubble. In fact, you can lookup any housing bubble in the history of modern economics and you wouldn't need to be an estate agent to draw parallels between the two.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez29IweuqdUT2SzterE6sgMmUQBGer655vBgoI5ol5LuwfGRAfr5_o3XQS8D5Y5uZkwZfNrmVtY2ypB-Rr_peFXnqWzsuLt1ZgWO_vik50nLnHK_nXreeKgue6JnOx66G9DYYl2GsKT8/s1600/skyrimbubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjez29IweuqdUT2SzterE6sgMmUQBGer655vBgoI5ol5LuwfGRAfr5_o3XQS8D5Y5uZkwZfNrmVtY2ypB-Rr_peFXnqWzsuLt1ZgWO_vik50nLnHK_nXreeKgue6JnOx66G9DYYl2GsKT8/s200/skyrimbubble.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akatosh was a house you know...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Skyrim is now being offloaded at prices reaching below £20 GBP, a stonking low price for a game that is not much older than 1 month into the holiday release window of the year 2011.</div><br />
It's a real shame that I didn't wait for this deal; it would've saved me %50 off the price I payed for my original copy, not to mention the less than smooth launch and current state of the game today.<br />
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With the deal now reaching a scorching 4900+ degrees of heat on Hotukdeals.com, there is one big lesson I've learned.<br />
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Never buy a game at launch. You will only end up regretting it.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-7162653415347203732011-12-13T11:59:00.002+00:002011-12-13T13:44:50.872+00:00The Season Pass Conspiracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.masoncode.com/sqcum.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="http://www.masoncode.com/sqcum.gif" width="164" /></a></div>Microsoft has already begun employing the Season Pass DLC philosophy across a host of games.<br />
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Gears of War 3, Forza Motorsport and Mortal Kombat already have this 'pay up front' tactic successfully implemented. And while it's key advertising pull is to essentially save a lump sum from the total DLC cost in the long run, there are factors that you need to consider before you dive in and sign up to this up and coming DLC marketing strategy. <br />
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I'm writing this post specifically because of something I've witnessed with RAAM's Shadow, the next DLC pack by Epic Games for Gears of War 3. <br />
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RAAM's Shadow was due to be released today. However, the launch was anything but smooth, as with even <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/majornelson/status/144061521570435072">the greatest of Microsoft related launches</a>. But what really is a kick in the teeth is the Season Pass and how it operates.<br />
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Season Pass holders are entitled to this piece of DLC for free. Reportedly, Season Pass holders are NOT able to download the DLC while non Pass holders are happily downloading and enjoying the DLC for the one off price of 1200 msp.<br />
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For me, this brought to light a critical flaw in the way the Season Pass works.<br />
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As it stands, the marketplace can not magically list a DLC that is free as part of a Season Pass for well, free..., otherwise everyone and their grandmother will just snag it.<br />
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The actual way to obtain Season Pass DLC is to go through an ingame menu system, circumventing the marketplace itself.<br />
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In Epic's case, that system has malfunctioned, rendering Season Pass user's indefinitely stuck in the mad while single purchase users can easily pay the 1200 point price and enjoy the DLC immediately.<br />
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The truth gets darker than this.<br />
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Could Epic have done this to secretly stagger the release of their DLC, reducing loads on their servers and subsequently avoiding a large scale crash?<br />
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Or maybe Epic have done this so people are tempted to still pay the non-refundable 1200 points out of a lack of patience. God knows that Season Pass holders have been known to pay the one off price through the dashboard despite their entitlement to the DLC for absolutely no extra cost. And they will continue to do this for years to come.<br />
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The jist of this is to remember that when you pay for the Season Pass, keep your eyes and ears open and critical. The corporations are in control of you and the money you payed. You'll only get what you payed for when they "make" it available for you.<br />
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The cost of savings is never free (I know that doesn't make any sense). So don't pay twice for what you already payed for. Know what you bought, and that is a full entitlement to DLC with the Season Pass, <a href="http://yemeth.blogspot.com/2011/08/unnecessary-confusion-arises-over-gears.html">not a mere discount.</a>Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-45197686943071663692011-12-10T17:05:00.001+00:002011-12-10T21:47:30.774+00:00Can Skyrim Be Too Easy At Times?Small observation here from my time with the game thus far. <br />
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I've done many quests so far in Skyrim. Already well into 100 hours and think I have a fair scope of the game to start judging it.<br />
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It was after one particular quest relating to a Daedric artifact (that shall remain unnamed), that my eyes were opened to something I just did not like.<br />
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I was accompanied by a priest into the dungeons of a troublesome quagmire. We were tasked with solving an issue plaguing a nearby hold in the northern half of Skyrim. Needless to say, we reach a key location; a scorched and desolate library with its contents in disarray.<br />
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I was then advised by the priest to look for a particular book to move forward with our quest. His descriptions of the book were quite particular; color, size and detail were all relayed to me by the priest.<br />
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I rummage through the variety of burned and ruined books strewn around the floor and amongst the half broken book shelves that remain standing. The books were all tarred in black so I thought that a gleaming tome would stand out quite well as I systematically eliminate each shelf's contents from my search.<br />
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As I completely eliminate one entire quadrant of the library and turn around only to see a large prominent waypoint, both on my compass and clipped through a few solid shelves in front of me.<br />
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I thought this was a glitch at first. That waypoint wasn't there a minute ago.<br />
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My curiosity peaks.<br />
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I step forward towards the waypoint around the corner. To my horror, I shudder and my mouth gapes widely.<br />
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That waypoint is floating on top of a large blue book. The very book I was just tasked with 'searching for'.<br />
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Is this what RPGs have come to? Why was I provided with a lengthy prose about the descriptions of said book, when the waypoint just flashed above it as soon as my task started? Can I not be trusted to actually listen and apply my knowledge in the context of a mission? <br />
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The problem goes further than that in Skyrim. Almost everything in the game according to my memory has been totally reliant on the waypoints. <br />
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For example, you could be tasked with finding a mystical ring in a cave. The game as it is, is designed to give you the exact location of the cave and a waypoint to the ring in its precise location.<br />
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I didn't quite notice this before as I was too infatuated with the combat and scenery of Skyrim's game world. But now that I've played Skyrim for so many hours, it's things like this that I actually feel are holding the game back. Every treasure hunting quest is starting to feel formulaic to me. Find location, enter crypt and fight your way to the very end.<br />
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Gone are the days where you had to thumb your way through a book to find clues to a hidden treasure. Bethesda can't even trust you to find a book in a library.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-89470690436342265362011-12-06T21:02:00.000+00:002011-12-06T21:02:32.336+00:00Workaround For Skyrim 1.2 Patch Bookshelves ProblemSince I recently acquired a house in Solitude as a result of my ongoing adventures in Skyrim, I thought it appropriate to do a little bookshelf testing.<br />
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<a href="http://yemeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/skyrims-12-patch-breaks-resistances-and.html">As previously noted</a>, bookshelves seem to glitch as a result of Bethesda's second title update for Skyrim. The shelves can swallow whatever books you just placed in them and then become unusable. I have found a workaround for it.<br />
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Shelves seem to be sensitive to placing a vast amount of books in bulk. By this I mean that if you dump in 8 or more books roughly speaking, the shelf will crash and refuse to render the books you placed as a normal shelf would normally do, when exiting your items menu.<br />
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What I did was I tried placing a single book as the first one on the shelf. Once I exited the actual item menu, the one book placed popped into existence and rested on the shelf. Then I added another single book which to my surprised worked just fine.<br />
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I proceeded to add no more than 3 books at any one activation of the actual shelf. Books were being placed healthily every time I exited until I reached the shelf's limit.<br />
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Bare in mind I did this for only the top shelf of a 2 shelf unit. I kept the test within the same unit for consistency's sake.<br />
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For the bottom shelf, I added one book then another without a problem. The 2 books appeared out of thin air and nestled on the shelf. I then proceeded to add as many books as the shelf could further take in one menu instance, which resulted in the unsurprising bookshelf glitch.<br />
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So there you go. I think it's fairly conclusive that adding only a few books at a time will help you avoid the dead shelf glitch until Bethesda hopefully fix this with their next patch. <br />
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Happy collecting.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-1852762546746448422011-12-04T12:57:00.002+00:002011-12-04T13:00:02.503+00:00Skyrim's 1.2 Patch Breaks Resistances and BookshelvesThe next patch from Bethesda has gone live for a few days and seems to have broken more than it fixed. Thankfully, they have actually fixed the <a href="http://yemeth.blogspot.com/2011/11/skyrim-s-360-hdd-install-texture.html">texture problem</a> so the game can finally be enjoyed to its fullest from the hard drive install.<br />
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However, I've noticed 2 new problems induced by the patch.<br />
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Resistance properties seem to not function properly. I have a level 41 juggernaut of a Nord with 50% frost resistance as well as a 50% resistive shield perk active at all times. I also have a 15% universal magicka resistance from some quest or something.<br />
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Despite this, I'm suddenly being chewed alive by Frost dragons, Elder dragons and ANY mage. What the hell is this shit?!<br />
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Another thing that really sucks is that I can't feed my obsessive compulsive book hoarding anymore. <br />
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After owning 3 fully decorated homes within 3 different holds in Skyrim, I've developed a hoarding disorder where I feel the need to occupy every weapon rack with the most shiny magical weaponry I find in the game. Bookshelves especially are very addictive to fill with the various multi-volume books in the game world.<br />
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I recall deciding to dedicate Vlindrel Hall in Markarth, with it's 3 adjacent book units as my go to library where I can slow the game's pace down and read The Biography of Berenziah or something. But Bethesda just didn't want me to relax by my fireplace and made it so that the shelves swallow whatever books I dump into perpetual vortexes, so that I can't use that shelf anymore nor retrieve whatever I placed in there. What the hell is this shit?!?!<br />
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Take your time Bethesda when you release patches.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-5287278140808232162011-11-13T14:08:00.004+00:002011-11-28T13:31:46.479+00:00Skyrim's 360 HDD Install Texture ProblemI have been looking forward to this game for a good chunk of the last 3-4 years and now that it's here, I am blown away by the advances Bethesda have made from Oblivion (and Fallout). The interface, the design and even the storytelling is already going from strength to strength. <br />
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But what really left a sour taste in my mouth from the start were the graphics.<br />
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Like the majority of smart Xbox 360 gamers, not installing a game to your HDD is pretty much a big no-no. I know better than to let the game run off the disc for quite a few reasons.<br />
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I've already lost one DVD drive before. The sound of the drive spinning is unbearable, particularly for those who game close to their consoles on PC monitors. The possibility of the 360 scratching up the disc if it were to be nudged is too expensive to risk.<br />
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So as I load up Skyrim, I was immediately shocked by just how lacking the graphics were. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was there. The poor quality textures; on your hands, sword, shield and pretty much an rocky surface. <br />
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Was I in denial at first? Of course I was. I would be proud to be labelled an Elder Scrolls fanboy. But it just could not be ignored, especially given that my console of choice was meant to be the 'lead platform' the game was developed on.<br />
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Lo' and behold, Bethesda finally confirm the issue and we are left dangling with one of the most anticipated games of this generation sitting on our shelves in an unplayable state (for me).<br />
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When they will fix this, I have no clue. But it better be soon. It pains to me know that Skyrim is just sitting there, not being played, even more so after having played the first significant mission in the game knowing just how nicely it plays.<br />
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I've read some comments by people saying that it doesn't matter, the gameplay is the essence etc.<br />
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I wholeheartedly disagree. <br />
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The novelty of these games for me is the immersion. To say that this texture problem barely affects the immersion is an understatement. <br />
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As it stands now, it looks worse than Oblivion in quite a few places. I can't play this game knowing I am experiencing a heavily handicapped environment. I want to play the game to it's fullest, where it is looking as good as it was advertised to me. Otherwise, what is the point of forking out RRP at release day?<br />
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Of all the bugs that Bethesda games were expected to have, if you told me a month ago that Skyrim would be sitting unplayed on its first weekend I would have laughed in your face.<br />
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I leave you with pictures of the texture difference, courtesy of an article at <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-skyrim-texture-problems-on-xbox-360">Eurogamer</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.eurogamer.net/2011/articles//a/1/4/2/0/4/3/9/2_360_Disc__Having_uninstalled_and_then_restarted_.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nda="true" src="http://images.eurogamer.net/2011/articles//a/1/4/2/0/4/3/9/2_360_Disc__Having_uninstalled_and_then_restarted_.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.eurogamer.net/2011/articles//a/1/4/2/0/4/3/9/1_360_HDD.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" nda="true" src="http://images.eurogamer.net/2011/articles//a/1/4/2/0/4/3/9/1_360_HDD.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-77393423431247508852011-10-12T15:47:00.000+01:002011-10-12T15:47:40.819+01:00A Badass Gears of War 3 Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7Z7T8cyTBMRZZ3X7Hgy6PAP4NQzy-M73ZOzlPjZLDy31bt1lFR5AAzu-zo5LbHN9s3YZtap1wxo8N1p1tq9U5bwUfCFnSTsOnIDV2KV28vpbNyMVFy5MHHEpQ5UNuVFv3_3sAu87sBM/s1600/EpicBackground_Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7Z7T8cyTBMRZZ3X7Hgy6PAP4NQzy-M73ZOzlPjZLDy31bt1lFR5AAzu-zo5LbHN9s3YZtap1wxo8N1p1tq9U5bwUfCFnSTsOnIDV2KV28vpbNyMVFy5MHHEpQ5UNuVFv3_3sAu87sBM/s320/EpicBackground_Twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Epic designer Quinn Delhoyo's <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/quinndelhoyo">twitter</a> has a pretty badass background that makes for a great wallpaper.<br />
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Although, it isn't too easy on the eyes for me.<br />
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I've taken the liberty of toning down the color saturation and brightness as well as resizing to 1080p for those 16:9 monitor users out there.<br />
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Edited version <a href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/EpicBackground1080adjust.jpg">HERE</a> for you to save and use.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-27888908520345453552011-10-11T11:49:00.006+01:002011-10-11T12:20:32.400+01:00Leaked Skyrim Map Reveals Inspiration From A Game of Thrones <a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/skyrimmap.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/skyrimmap.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 367px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
The highly anticipated Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's game map has been leaked, revealing key layouts and locations within the game's expansive world.<br />
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Upon further scrutiny, I did instantly garner a hint of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire in at least one prime location.<br />
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The town of Winterhold is visible in the far north-eastern region of the map.<br />
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If you've ever delved into the amazing and highly recommended books, you should instantly recognise the town of the freezing north, Winterfell.<br />
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What is that you say? Where is the sigil of the direwolf? Oh, it's there alright.<br />
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This makes for quite an interesting recipe for Skyrim.<br />
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There's also the Sea of Ghosts north of Winterhold. A reference to the White Walkers maybe?<br />
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Whiterun...Riverrun?<br />
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The Stag sigil is also found south of the map.<br />
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There's a lot going on that reminds of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/">A Game of Thrones</a>. Or maybe I'm just paranoid...<br />
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Interesting stuff!Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-45902725140284113492011-10-03T00:09:00.009+01:002011-10-06T13:00:38.262+01:00DICE Reward Camping In Battlefield 3 Open BetaThe BF3 Open Beta is open to incredibly mixed impressions. <br /><br />In an effort to quell the rather insane "pre-order cancelled" mantra some foolish individuals have been parading, DICE have released an incomplete preliminary <a href="http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/09/30/battlefield-3-open-beta-update-1.aspx##">changelog</a> to emphasise just how much the final game will differ to this Beta.<br /><br />Amongst the changes, one particular item stood out to me the most:<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><blockquote>Fixed a bug where shooting at a moving enemy could cause more than the intended amount of damage.</blockquote><br /><br />To know that such a bug exists in the Beta that I am playing, explains a whole lot of frustrations during the game. There are conspicuous moments where I get killed with automatic weaponry, from distance, with what seems to be one bullet or hit against me. <br /><br />This would drop me from a good 100% health state to 0% with only one hit felt and seen on my screen.<br /><br />Conversely, many times I would take pop shots at sprinting enemies across good distances with a Personal Defense Weapons (PDW) and I would surprisingly drop said enemy in what I think to myself was only one hitmarker.<br /><br />A video that illustrates exactly what happens can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGaP5wTYLtQ">here</a>.<br /><br />This also mostly happened to me while sprinting too. It felt like sprinting induced it.<br /><br />Now, you may think this is lag. But in all my lag based experiences, this genuinely stood out for me while playing.<br /><br />Do you know what this ultimately means?<br /><br />That DICE have released a Beta that punishes rushing and rewards the lack of mobility. This is a travesty in a game mode that's called 'Rush'. <br /><br />As if the Beta does not already have its fair share of bush camping, prone camping, sniper camping, spawn camping and lag. There is now a <span style="font-style:italic;">feature</span> within the game that unlocks a one bullet death/kill mode. How delightful.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-15648341131744044772011-09-26T20:59:00.023+01:002011-10-06T13:00:25.083+01:00Gears of War 3 Multiplayer Tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" 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" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here are some tips I thought I would share that will help you improve the way you play Gears of War 3. Gears 3 is the most accessible Gears yet, but that doesn't mean that newcomers won't have a hard time fitting in and nabbing those good scores. <br /><br />Getting pummeled game after game ruins the enjoyment from this game. I really think Gears is one of the deepest shooters out there and has a lot to offer.<br /><br />I'll try to keep these tips more general and not applicable to only one setup or only one game mode. Here we go...<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><strong>1) Make the most out of your rifle</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/30nkw02-1-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 475px; height: 199px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/30nkw02-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />There is a reason Epic made it so you start the game with a rifle in hand. Whatever your rifle of choice happens to be, use it and don't switch to your shotgun from the start. You will only invite death and frustration if you do so.<br /><br />The rifles in Gears 3 are more poignant than ever before. Take advantage of this by honing your targeting skills. Learn to track moving targets consistently. Practice burst firing at distance to maintain accuracy. Gears 3 functions on a hit scan system. You will register a confirmed hit by pulling the trigger when the target reticule turns red, confirmed by blood spurts on the target you are shooting. This is true for all weapons in the game. See red? Pull that trigger.<br /><br />Generally, the Lancer is the most balanced rifle in the game, functionally speaking, as well as being my personal favourite. Its hefty clip size makes it great for laying down suppressive fire, a valuable tactic and an asset to your teammates in battle. Don't be afraid to lay down continual fire just above an enemy in cover. You will pin him down to his cover allowing teammates to flank and take him out. The Hammerburst excels at long range. Feather the trigger rapidly to drop still targets in a heartbeat. The Retro Lancer dominates CQB and is regarded as a rifle counterpart to the shotguns. If you're accuracy is sub par, you can revolve your play style around getting up close and personal with it and dropping multiple enemies. Just make sure you are comfortable with its recoil.<br /><br />Whatever you choose, there is something for every play style.<br /><br /><strong>2) Shotguns and grenades are situational</strong><br /><br />Your shotgun is best thought of as a secondary weapon. Equip only as a reaction to CQB situations such as inadvertent enemy advancement, navigating tight corridors and getting up close and personal where it is warranted. Using your Gnasher for example as a replacement for your equipped rifle is a lesson in futility.<br /><br />About the shotguns, my personal preference is the Gnasher. The Sawed-off Shotgun (aka DBS) is a great weapon for beginners and those who just can't get to grips with the Gnasher. But from a skill perspective, you will hit a glass ceiling with the DBS. The Gnasher opens up a plethora of engagement styles and is easily capable of dispatching multiple enemies at once in the right hands. From up close gibbing engagements, to medium range supporting fire, getting comfortable with the Gnasher is key to improving your gameplay in Gears 3.<br /><br />The best way to learn the mechanics of the shotgun is to test where the hipfire regularly lands on a wall. You will find the shot lands slightly off centre to the left. This is where you'll want to keep your target in when engaging the enemy in both aimed fire and firing from the hip. Combining momentary aiming with a pull of trigger, pop-shotting if you will, to gain the benefits of accurate fire and the mobility of firing from the hip. This usually wins Gnasher fights if you are consistent enough.<br /><br />Below is a rough illustration of where to expect bullets to land when firing from the hip. Keep your enemy in the red box area relative to the middle of your screen to land one shot kills from the hip with your Gnasher. A good tip is to use your Crimson Omen damage indicator to indicate the center of your screen when engaged in a shotgun battle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMqcRTBwNUy2aDUYhxuNFKD-EvnpbsbmsqLs7k4F9JgSDsLNL1zbO02l4LVYErUdxpmhLs5PPhh5vkC1phyvYcCXGPzcfKtVFfcvmYXH6_qAmmrdEffwZtpgRGM25QB1fwfpDhEf_j-s/s1600/gears-of-war-3-beta-screenshot-5+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMqcRTBwNUy2aDUYhxuNFKD-EvnpbsbmsqLs7k4F9JgSDsLNL1zbO02l4LVYErUdxpmhLs5PPhh5vkC1phyvYcCXGPzcfKtVFfcvmYXH6_qAmmrdEffwZtpgRGM25QB1fwfpDhEf_j-s/s400/gears-of-war-3-beta-screenshot-5+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658219984102052146" /></a><br /><strong>3) Orientate your gameplay around the power weapons</strong><br /><br />Power weapons are being shamefully ignored more and more by Gears 3 players.<br /><br />If you look at the way all Gears multiplayer maps are designed, they all have some form of symmetry. This is how Epic structured the maps and hence structured how they wanted the game to play out. Recognise this and you will become a better player.<br /><br />The symmetry of the maps lie squarely on the location of often 2 or 3 map defining power weapons. When the round starts, every good player in the game will be rushing to obtain them as well as fending off any opponent attempting to do the same. Try to develop game plans before the round actually starts by making use of the given overhead map. Epic have included a detailed blueprint of the map you are playing that also shows where every single pickup is located.<br /><br />Once you have made your action plan, draw your route to the power weapon. Ideally, you want the quickest route possible. A good tip when doing this is to also consider an escape route. Not all power weapon skirmishes will end in your favour, so when you are outnumbered and the enemy team is showing some flanking strategies that will spell your demise, retreat and regroup. The best escape route when things get hairy is usually the exact way you came from.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/1548428-t_overhead_map_checkout_500-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/1548428-t_overhead_map_checkout_500-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>4) Offense and Defense</strong><br /><br />Recognise when to push forward and when to retreat.<br /><br />When you reach a battle zone for a power weapon, the first thing you should do is take a safe overlooking position. You don't want to be too close to the actual pickup itself that you have no time to react if the enemy overpowers you, nor do you want to be so far away from the power weapon that you won't be able to influence the outcome of the ensuing skirmish between your teammates and the enemy. Afterwards, comes the time to take action.<br /><br />The behaviour of the enemy team is a tell tale sign as to what will happen next at any given time. If 3 of 5 are fighting your team at one power zone, you are in for a real battle. If the enemy team move very aggressively, don't stay in the same spot and attempt to take them on. It is okay to fall back in Gears 3, there is no shame in retreating to a more advantageous position.<br /><br />In the case of being outnumbered/overpowered at a skirmish, as stated previously, lay down as much rifle fire as you can, particularly on high priority targets i.e. the individual who is going to pickup the power weapon. That window where he is in the animation of picking the weapon up is more than enough to accurately drop the enemy and force his teammates into a vulnerable situation. One takedown can force the enemy team to lose their tactical approach and leave them vulnerable for attacks such as crossfire, grenade throws or even rear ending by your own team mates.<br /><br />In situations where your team are successfully pushing for the power weapon, there are a few things that will prove vital in helping your team take the weapon smoothly. Make sure you make good use of your smoke grenade. Everyone spawns with one; if you can make use of yours better than the enemy team does, you automatically gain the upper hand in skirmishes. Take care to throw smoke grenades between aggressive enemy attackers and your team mates, not behind them nor at them. A smoke screen blocking the sight of an enemy is easier to handle than a temporarily stunned enemy that can still see your team's movements. Key targets will be enemies often poised to target whomever on your team will be picking up the weapon.<br /><br />Secondly, watch your flanks and rear. Often you will be fooled thinking you have little resistance to the power weapon when all the while, at least one clever enemy is reducing your numbers from behind. <br /><br />Finally, always ALWAYS make use of your Tac-Com by pressing LB. It is essential that the Tac-Com becomes a naturally incorporated part of your gameplay, by checking where your team mates are on the map at all times.<br /><br /><strong>5) General Tips</strong> <br /><br />Some general aspects of the game to consider include the use of melee. If an enemy is rushing you aggressively, use the Lancer's chainsaw without hesitation. It's very effective at surprising enemies as they often won't see it coming. If you are struggling to deliver final shots to an enemy that is too agile, smack him down with you B button. Weapon melees should only be used as finishers against damaged opponents. Melee'ing an opponent is inadvisable, allowing them to escape and giving away your position.<br /><br />If you find yourself inescapably threatened while you have the power weapon in your hand, switch it to any other weapon in your arsenal by pressing the corresponding D-pad direction. In Gears of War, the last weapon in your hand at the time of going down is the weapon you will leave behind on the floor, for anyone to come and collect. This applies to grenades as well. Keeping a grenade in your hand until the point your go down will allow you to detonate it while you're crawling on the floor. Great for baiting enemies into an explosive death.<br /><br />Another great tip to put into practice is regarding your weapon loadout. When you are picking up a main weapon from the floor, you will have to replace it with either your shotgun or your rifle. Just as your grenades and pistols swap out with the corresponding grenade or pistol you choose to pick up, so will the weapon in your hand drop to the floor. I find that it is a wiser decision to drop your rifle for the power weapon, not your shotgun. It is far more effective to force the enemy to combat you in shotgun territory after you've depleted your power weapon. Rather than being relegated to distant combat with your rifle if you dropped your shotgun, force your enemy to enter your shotgun's territory by carefully using cover to navigate the map and baiting your opponent to getting close up.<br /><br />In previous Gears games, you used to benefit from rolling in between roadie running to get from A to B slightly faster. This was useful in getting to the power weapon quicker than the other time and was widely used by good players. In Gears 3 however, that was fixed; uninterrupted roadie running is the quickest way to get to your destination so don't bother rolling when travelling. <br /><br />Escaping a combat scenario however is a different matter; rolling can save you and put off the enemie's aim. When rolling, press A to initiate the roll and then hold A alongside a desired LeftStick direction before you complete the roll to start roadie running immediately. This is a valuable mobility technique that will help you get out of thick situations.<br /><br />With a coordinating and communicative team, you can expand on these general basics and develop strategies of your own.<br /><br />Above all, practice is the best way to fine tune your strategies and have fun winning more matches than losing.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-90395145741748466482011-09-23T20:38:00.010+01:002011-10-06T13:00:13.135+01:00Jay-Z Does Battlefield 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmdg1Xybt6wy9o2SiK2QvZ1bnubzoVLvVk3A7iYHhtez3D8zcQRGPoSJx0PoUsQvkCO-S4ePlV9kRkFIqK-xh2MH3VIm5mwU4HCuBXlgC3GIWohfJmGEX1hEGnSMb949M1mZrVQUltMM/s1600/jayzbf3+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmdg1Xybt6wy9o2SiK2QvZ1bnubzoVLvVk3A7iYHhtez3D8zcQRGPoSJx0PoUsQvkCO-S4ePlV9kRkFIqK-xh2MH3VIm5mwU4HCuBXlgC3GIWohfJmGEX1hEGnSMb949M1mZrVQUltMM/s200/jayzbf3+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655643853802795986" /></a><br />In a new teaser, Jay-Z's 99 Problems track is seen to play over a 20 second clip showing some quick Battlefield 3 footage. The larger trailer is due to come soon apparently.<br /><br />The choice of music is not really ideal. It reeks too much of an attempt to mimic the equally horrid Eminem appearance on some Call of Duty: Black Ops footage.<br /><br />EA should be distinguishing itself with Battlefield from the competition, offering something new. <br /><br />As it stands, mimicking even advertising campaigns is just not boding well for EA's strategies.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />This mini trailer was a 'miss' for me. Doesn't really do anything for me, especially when I remember the grandeur of the original Battlefield themes that were iconic and representative of the Battlefield occasion.<br /><br />Even Bad Company as a spin off had some pretty good soundtracks rolling in the back. Memorable is the word I'm looking for.<br /><br />But this Jay-Z rap direction? No way. The hipsters, or whomever this is targeted at, will just move on to whatever is trendy at the time. These aren't your real fans, your core audience DICE.<br /><br />Things better pickup EA. As it stands, you're only pushing me away from the game I so want to love.<br /><br />Beta is coming soon so watch this space.<br /><br /><iframe width="489" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FEiyQCscbMo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-70399772740534080882011-09-18T02:10:00.016+01:002011-10-06T12:59:48.726+01:00Gears of War 3: The Reviews That Stick Out Get Hammered<a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/resized-image.ashx/__size/610x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-SiteFiles/imagefeed-featured-microsoft-gearsofwar-gearsofwar3/visid610.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 252px;" src="http://www.gameinformer.com/resized-image.ashx/__size/610x0/__key/CommunityServer-Components-SiteFiles/imagefeed-featured-microsoft-gearsofwar-gearsofwar3/visid610.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The reviews have been flooding in for this anticipated blockbuster as reviewers receive their review copies. As of writing this, the game is sitting on a '91' on Metacritic. Good, right? Yes, the game is looking like a critical success.<br /><br />Critical sites such as Gamespot have given the game no less than 9.5/10, where they would not shy from giving games 5, 6 or even 7 out of 10 where deserved.<br /><br />Review scores aren't really going to sway the vast majority of potential game buyers, especially those who've decided on Gears 3 ever since the beta was open. However, that really isn't the issue that bothers me. Looking at the review scores on Metacritic, what immediately stick out are the set of reviews found at the way bottom, the '80' scores.<br /><br />Allow me to entertain you with my collective semi-rant about this, seeing as though it has garnered serious interwebz activity the past few days.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The first review that sticks out among the plethora of 90's and 100's is by The Telegraph. There's not much really to be said about them and their reviews. It's a tabloid newspaper, holding a small section on games. They gave it an 8/10, a sub-standard review in my honest opinion. Moving on.<br /><br />The Escapist's review was written by Steve Butts. This was his first review as Editor in Chief for the Escapist. You can see that he had to stamp his authority and stamp his presence on his first review, as most of us probably would.<br /><br />There are two sites that really take the cake though. Eurogamer and Destructoid are both guilty of journalistic negligence and dishonesty.<br /><br />Eurogamer is a site that used to be solid. Their reviews were spot on both in writing and in the final score. When they reviewed Mortal Kombat though, I noticed that they were becoming more about the controversy and less about honesty in their game journalism. Particularly in comparison to their written undying love for the Street Fighter franchise. The MK9 review read no less than an '8' score (given a 7) in all honesty; I'm not the only one to note this according to their comments section.<br /><br />There's definitely something fishy going on with their reviewers. The guy who reviewed Gears 3 has no solid review history with hardcore titles. I don't know why such things escape many review sites. Surely its obviously sensible to allocate certain games to more pedigreed reviewers right? <br /><br />Brink also scored an 8/10. Doesn't that paint a rosy picture of what's going on with these sites?<br /><br />Destructoid's review was written by a guy called Jim Sterling, a self confessed Gears 'fan'. As if that makes his views any more valid...<br /><br />He gave Gears 3 an 8/10 score. When questioned by readers of Destructoid, he proceeded to defend his view that he had written heaps of praise upon the game. He claims <a href="http://www.gamefront.com/gears-of-war-3-perfect-review-scores-by-divine-right/">in a piece solely about developer entitlement </a>written by himself that readers and developers simply see the 8/10 score and think that the review contained nothing but criticism.<br /><br />He may have half a point, but it is congealed in a cloak of snobbery and an attitude of self entitlement. <br /><br />You see Mr. Sterling, maybe if you wanted your linguistic mirage to be gazed upon with merit, you should have discarded the score system altogether. Better yet, try writing a reflective score in your review. <br /><br />You also claim that 8/10 is not a bad score and I agree. But this is Gears of War 3, the conclusion of a trilogy that has set the bar for every third person action shooter out there. <br /><br />It is far FAR superior to any of its predecessors; Epic have listened to the community when creating this game. The beta itself had a multiplayer component vastly superior to that of Gears 2. Yet, it was the multiplayer that you griped about in your review. Any gamer will tell you how much better dedicated servers make Gears 3's multiplayer compared to anything before.<br /><br />What I found most entertaining was your belligerent hounding of a DICE developer on twitter for his unsurprising astonishment at the 8/10 you so proudly served Epic. See below and laugh at how Mr. Sterling seeks to affirm his credibility through cowardly hounding, while David Goldfarb of DICE just wants this guy off his back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5yLc8UD5XdyvZ2dKCc4voFnmJ_DkKZRpAY8BB7IpZalInfAZ3qF-JHxIgekhrFckXOEx8hKuPiXtU24NW4AAI8b1mNyIdY8mUVfs8Eb3boUpvpBUo4nwPYY0KTkX2tR5rNVU0UKr1Is/s1600/locustgearstweet.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5yLc8UD5XdyvZ2dKCc4voFnmJ_DkKZRpAY8BB7IpZalInfAZ3qF-JHxIgekhrFckXOEx8hKuPiXtU24NW4AAI8b1mNyIdY8mUVfs8Eb3boUpvpBUo4nwPYY0KTkX2tR5rNVU0UKr1Is/s320/locustgearstweet.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654168290285715554" /></a><br /><br />How does it feel Jim, that a developer of an unrelated studio could not restrain himself from astonishment at the likes of your review, joke or no joke?<br /><br />Was that separate piece ready well before your review was published in preparation for the backlash? Do you have a smile on your face at the number of hits your review will receive from this manufactured controversy? Destructoid seems to have no problem <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/fact-ps3-fanboys-are-the-worst-149259.phtml">fuelling the fanboy war</a> before for site hits. Surprise surprise, that was written by you as well.<br /><br />I can only come to one conclusion. Scores are being assigned by a few 'review' sites without any journalistic integrity. Some critics of critics claim that Gears 3 may get 8's as opposed to 9 (what Gears 3 was scored by the same sites) because the bar has been raised. I beg to differ.<br /><br />What game exactly has raised the bar in the past 3-5 years? <br /><br />I haven't seen the bar raised in the FPS genre, as saturated as it is, let alone in the TPS genre where Gears reigns supreme. If you're going to make a claim, at least illustrate it with solid examples. The bar doesn't raise itself just on your say-so. Nor does the bar arbitrarily rise with a standard passing of time. It takes an actual game to do that.<br /><br />It's not about "entitlement". It never was. The game has the merits to garner an excellent score, not an '8'. At the very least, a score equal to it's flawed predecessor is deserved. You only make it seem like entitlement because it is the only way you can sleep at night while you commit journalistic suicide for hit based controversy. <br /><br />I hope that the rest of the reviews coming in keep the likes of Destructoid and Eurogamer at the bottom of any metascore. They will be treated as anomalies, not to be taken seriously. Pathetic excuse for journalism.<br /><br />Roll on Gears 3, to hell with the haters. Well done CliffyB for standing up and telling it how it is.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-27402798269290906062011-09-10T11:30:00.003+01:002011-09-10T11:32:46.770+01:00Short Term Break, Please Stand By<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_131KRnQwTao3eocq-HQ00MkOws9Pm2Uw5HlEfS--o4joxTW4Gg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 191px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_131KRnQwTao3eocq-HQ00MkOws9Pm2Uw5HlEfS--o4joxTW4Gg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have been busy the last week or so and will continue to be so for another week.<br /><br />I have a lot of things I want to talk about so stay tuned. That and I need to synthesise a proper background for my blog.<br /><br />All in good time.<br /><br />Peace.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-23216311718682861062011-09-03T15:56:00.011+01:002011-10-06T12:54:46.402+01:00Review: Mayflash Xbox 360/PC VGA Switch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCWC5bfKTTQTF3QRqAunjP6yq8pai08Prqt6SpGHKdmNTzFUL1IQ"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 201px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCWC5bfKTTQTF3QRqAunjP6yq8pai08Prqt6SpGHKdmNTzFUL1IQ" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The Mayflash Xbox 360 and PC VGA switch is a product designed for people who share a PC monitor between their PC and their Xbox 360.<br /><br />It was something I was in desperate need for as my monitor only had one VGA connection and there was no way in hell i was going to be reaching over to unscrew and switch PC cables every time I wanted to use one or the other.<br /><br />So I placed my order and received the product in the mail after some time...<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The item came in a small box, nothing too flashy in terms of design and outer labelling. It comes with an AWFUL VGA cable that you need to replace with a quality one of your own as soon as possible. It would even help if you had the VGA cable ready before you even bought the switch. Throw the included cable away.<br /><br />The switch is small and black, very discrete in size and feels solidly built. It has a slider switch on its top surface which you flick to one side for PC and the other for your Xbox 360. All input/output and switch labels are clearly printed on the kit.<br /><br />One one side of the box you have 2 pairs of inputs. One is designated for the Xbox 360 and the other is labelled designated for your PC input. The Xbox 360 port includes a female VGA port alongside an RCA red/white stereo input. This is to complement the official Microsoft VGA Cable for the Xbox 360, which I highly recommend. Don't settle for 3rd party solutions; get the official Microsoft VGA cable. The second input is also a VGA port however, for the audio there is a 3.5mm audio jack port. All PCs have (or at least should have) a 3.5mm audio out. Use a Male/Male cable to connect your sound card on your PC to the box.<br /><br />The output side of the box is also distinctly labelled and consists of only one VGA female port. It is accompanied with BOTH RCA red/white stereo out AND 3.5mm audio jack out. This is to provide flexibility in your speaker solutions. <br /><br />What I have done is I have taken advantage of the dual audio out ports provided by connecting a pair of stereo gaming headphones, the Turtle Beach X11, as well as connecting the audio to a pair of external speakers for leisurely use. Its a fantastic inclusion by Mayflash that will allow users to make use of both audio solutions for both their PC as well as their Xbox 360.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So to summarise, this is what you will need:<br /></span><br />- The actual Mayflash switch box<br />- Three (3) quality VGA cables: One (1) for your Xbox 360, Two (2) standard PC cables.<br />- At least One (1) 3.5mm Male-Male audio cable. A second if you are outputting in 3.5mm as well.<br /><br />Setting it up is quite straightforward. The device comes with a diagram showing you what connect where; the device itself is clearly self labelled.<br /><br />The most important thing though is to <span style="font-weight:bold;">troubleshoot</span> and prepare beforehand for any connection problem.<br /><br />The ideal way to do this is to take each individual device, and make a direct connection to your monitor to test out their compatibility.<br /><br />So connect your PC, make sure it runs at your desired resolution with your monitor.<br /><br />Check that your Xbox 360 works at the desired resolution with your monitor. <br /><br />Check your VGA cables are capable of carrying the signal through both your PC-Switch and Switch-Monitor.<br /><br />If everything works, proceed to connect both of them and their appropriate audio connections to the device's inputs side.<br /><br />Now, with the switch pushed to the PC connection, connect the 2nd PC VGA cable between the Mayflash device's output port and the monitor you will be using.<br /><br />Finally, connect your audio connections on your output ports to their complimentary devices.<br /><br />I initially had problems getting the display to work with my PC on 1080p through the switch. Without the switch, my PC would display at 1080p just fine. But through the switch, I believe the monitor was not being recognised by my PC's integrated Intel Graphics. This is a major connection hurdle wth Mayflash. It may not allow the monitor's EDID to pass through. <br /><br />To remedy this, I ordered a dedicated graphics card for my PC which I was planning on doing anyway, the Sapphire HD 5570. After updating the Catalyst drivers, I tried forcing 1920x1080 resolution on my 1080p VGA monitor, and lo and behold the switch accepted it. <br /><br />Finally, both my Xbox 360 and my PC were hooked up and working, at 1080p each. Below is a picture of how it should look like after all connections are made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo81BlcCWbZIKZqzMy7OudI8lw0OTcbGM66SfQneYAJxW1R9jS4Buuc6scTis0m1QwMw0ImgQ2Bl9jwURti0zOpXhy38E1ydG1ztg53_Nly8amk5TgklyqRR6ThN24VwbuAydFYLMsryU/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo81BlcCWbZIKZqzMy7OudI8lw0OTcbGM66SfQneYAJxW1R9jS4Buuc6scTis0m1QwMw0ImgQ2Bl9jwURti0zOpXhy38E1ydG1ztg53_Nly8amk5TgklyqRR6ThN24VwbuAydFYLMsryU/s200/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648602657401466306" /></a><br /><br />The quality was superb. I could see no degrading of picture quality through the switch. The sturdy yet light build holds up really well and teh switch slider feels solid. It takes deliberate effort to slide the switcher to and from.<br /><br />The product is fantastic. It's all I could ask for in a cheap and effective video (and audio) 2 in 1 switch for both my 360 and PC. This allows me to game and work on the fly at an arms reach, no reaching for cables or anything.<br /><br />There are many other switches out there that claim to serve as a universal switch. The Mayflash may not be universally compatible with devices such as the PS3 due to the VGA connection standard. However, if you are looking for a cheap and reliable connection solution for your PC monitor, look no further than this device. It's only downfall is that it comes with a useless VGA cable that must be discarded immediately.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Rating:</span> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="data:image/jpg;base64,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"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 49px;" src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" border="0" alt="" /></a>Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-4164657270457012892011-09-02T20:54:00.010+01:002011-10-06T12:59:36.400+01:00Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection Is A Dire Disappointment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQ7vK3toL1qOl-YgnqlkjspSvF4KniTf819Lf2sJMIO72wRyPf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQ7vK3toL1qOl-YgnqlkjspSvF4KniTf819Lf2sJMIO72wRyPf" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection has finally arrived on XBLA (<a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Mortal-Kombat-Arcade/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258410b62">click to queue to your Xbox</a>).<br /><br />With my nostalgia goggles equipped, I gleefully load up the international treasures Ed Boon has resurrected. What I was met with was an absolute travesty of a port for Mortal Kombat...<br /><a name='more'></a><br />To start off, the interface isn't really that bad. You have 3 rotating arcade cabinets, each containing the respective MK title from: MK1, MK2 and UMK3. For 800 Microsoft points, it's a steal on paper. In the options, you get to turn your screen into a cabinet style screen with faux bendy screen corners. You can also add those choppy scan lines symptomatic of a 90's classic television for the full nostalgia experience.<br /><br />But dig a little deeper by actually playing and the picture starts to change.<br /><br />First of all, the AI. Ohhh, the AI. They are the most mind reading-est, rubberband-iest sons of b*t*c*es I have ever had the misfortune of playing against. There is ZERO fun factor when playing against this sorry excuse of artificial UNintelligence.<br /><br />I tore my hair out putting up with the AI in MK1. AI in that game seems to simply choose to read your mind. Whatever input and subsequent move you perform, the AI will simply counter it. Throw a projectile and the AI will instantly jump over and air kick you. Try to uppercut and the AI will quickly duck and uppercut you back. It reaches silly proportions once you hit the Endurance matches.<br /><br />This is not the version I grew up with. The SNES version was actually fun and challenging to play and come back to. I'm not sure but I believe they ported a crazy arcade cabinet version, unmastered and untweaked. I can certainly see how Ed Boon made a living back in the day. If I spent a quarter for every 'Continue' I had to continue...let's just leave it at that.<br /><br />MK2 was a headache for a different type of rubber-banding. The AI here seems to want to continuously rush (by rush, I mean walk) towards you and throw you.<br /><br />Throw, throw, throw, dead...<br /><br />Did they actually play their game before they shipped it? Did nobody say "Wait a minute, we need to fix our AI because the game just cant be shipped and sold in this state"?<br /><br />UMK3 is the only remotely playable game in this kollection. It remains largely faithful to its classic arcade iterations, with fair AI (except for Jade and Kabal, but they were never good).<br /><br />The online has a fair few features such as leaderboards and private lobbies. But the online component is in dire need of fixing. The game's framerate almost halves entirely when playing online.<br /><br />All they needed to do was port them over properly with online functionality. It seems that they couldn't even accomplish that. <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection">Even the critics took notice.</a><br /><br />For shame Ed Boon. How can you fail so hard after the superb Mortal Kombat 9 you released not too long ago?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANkOhdxz7qmyloy2EN9lbGldwYykiQPB5wMVzEMOFAkgUeTn9C2OWd_ixay1CF2aMnuipqEUIUDKyzwn51MyZMaaAidclbBrytSS7LFJslzTSjv51fPeeIQIQvS7frLlv5PHmeE04wmM/s1600/boon+copy.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANkOhdxz7qmyloy2EN9lbGldwYykiQPB5wMVzEMOFAkgUeTn9C2OWd_ixay1CF2aMnuipqEUIUDKyzwn51MyZMaaAidclbBrytSS7LFJslzTSjv51fPeeIQIQvS7frLlv5PHmeE04wmM/s320/boon+copy.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647893323216500818" /></a><br />But you got your money. You fleeced the most loyal of Mortal Kombat fans into this nostalgic rush job that did not tick any of the boxes. These weren't the MK games I grew up around and I certainly won't be revisiting them after this disaster. 800 points wasted for all I care.<br /><br />If you are reading this and already have UMK3 from XBLA, don't even bother getting this. If you still want to witness this nostalgic circus mess of a port, be my guest and waste your points. Back to the lovely MK9 I go...<br /><br />Maybe you should get your AI to predict the lottery Ed, they sure have no trouble predicting everyone's moves.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-68061392145052665952011-08-30T01:15:00.007+01:002011-10-06T12:58:33.256+01:00Unnecessary Confusion Arises Over Gears of War 3's 'Season Pass' Details<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://epicgames.com/community/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/LiquidMetalLancer2-1024x429.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 189px;" src="http://epicgames.com/community/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/LiquidMetalLancer2-1024x429.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Epic have detailed a new 'Season Pass' purchasable at the price of 2400 microsoft points starting from the launch of their AAA title Gears of War 3. The season pass guarantees free access to the first 4 chunks of released DLCs that are believed to cost a total of 3600 microsoft points when bought individually upon their release. Included with this pass is a set of exclusive Liquid Metal gun skins (pictured above). Nice!<br /><br />This is great news for Gearheads who know they will be snapping up every piece of DLC on offer in the future. A saving of 1200 microsoft points and a free set of exclusive skins. Simple right?<br /><br />If comments sections of articles on popular websites like <a href="http://www.trueachievements.com/n5214/gears-of-war-3-goes-seasonal.htm">Trueachievements</a>, <a href="http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-9417-Gears-of-War-3-s-$30-Season-Pass-Offers-DLC-Discounts.html">x360a</a> and even <a href="http://epicgames.com/community/2011/08/gears-of-war-3-season-pass-available-sept-20th/">Epic's own Blog</a> are anything to go by, this is the hardest news to comprehend since the introductory class of Nuclear Physics 101. Here are some hilarious comprehension fails plucked from such sites:<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><blockquote>Think about this for a second. You pay 30$ for 33% off what is likely to be 4 $10 map packs. Sounds great, either the map packs will be more than 10$ each or the "season pass" is less than worthless. </blockquote></span><blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">So let me get this staight, they want me to spend $30 upfront for what is essentially a glorified coupon to save 33% on upcoming dlc?? They just want you to buy it now so that you're "locked in" for future purchases. You'll feel obligated to make the 4 dlc purchases at a discount because you already paid $30 down... Don't get me wrong, i'm a huge GOW fan and have read the books. It's just the principle of it that bugs me, that is all.</span></blockquote> <blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">So You Are Spending 2400 MSP To Save 1600 MSP</span> </blockquote> <blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">People need to stop comparing this to the Rockstar pass. It says nothing about the four dlcs being free with the pass. It only says the weapon pack will be free. You are paying for discounts on the first four dlcs, NOT the dlcs. </span></blockquote><br /><br />There is PLENTY more where that came from! <br /><br />Listen up kiddos. You do not pay for discounts. EVER!<br /><br />It doesn't make any financial/economical/logical sense for any business plan to con the consumer into paying more in a bundle than would be payed for individual contents. That has never been done by any company before, let alone a multi-million global gaming company.<br /><br />It's not like season passes like this haven't been done before. Just look at Mortal Kombat's pass that gave you access to 4 fighters as soon as they launched.<br /><br />They have marketing teams for this stuff. There is no conspiracy to fleece you as a consumer with mathematical wizardry. The only wizardry out there is the wizardry that swapped your brains with mashed potatoes.<br /><br />Stay in school kids.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-31251811921273652682011-08-29T23:32:00.007+01:002011-10-06T12:58:17.435+01:00Modern Warfare 3 Deals A Blow To Its Competitors With Rumored 32 Players<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110514023153/official-mw3/images/f/fb/MW3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 103px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110514023153/official-mw3/images/f/fb/MW3.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Unofficial sources have revealed that MW3 will include game modes with player counts up to 32 players in one lobby. More focus on medium to long range combat engagements support the rumors of the increased max player count. <br /><br />If indeed this appears to be the case, alongside 60fps gameplay, MW3 has a real king of console shooters this fall and I believe that this will truly give EA and DICE the backseat this holiday season in the FPS genre.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />DICE have been criticised by console fans for failing to deliver on what they thought would be a logical progression in player count from previous Battlefield outings on the consoles. However, that did not seem feasible with the new Frostbite 2.0 engine shaping DICE's vision for a 'next-gen shooter' on current-gen hardware (PC withstanding). <br /><br />I still stand firm with the view that a proper sequel to Battlefield 2 on this generation of consoles was not an ideal direction for EA to take, but the industry wants what it wants. <br /><br />With COD featuring 32 players, it could full well mean that MW3 will have more of a 'Battlefield' atmosphere on consoles than Battlefield 3 itself will. From a casual perspective, I can easily see those looking at the labels of both games choosing MW3 over BF3 for their holiday purchase. I mean, who wouldn't want 60fps + 32 players over 30fps + 24 players? It's not like the full capabilities of the new Frostbite engine will be fully explored anyway except with top tier gaming PCs.<br /><br />The one hurdle COD as a series needs to jump is the online connection. MW3 will NOT have dedicated servers on consoles. BF3 will have dedicated servers, just as the previous two Battlefield games have enjoyed. <br /><br />Seeing as though the game often struggles with P2P connections on Ground War game modes hosting only 18 players, you have to wonder what solutions MW3 will have for an extra 14 players and whether it will be playable at all.<br /><br />I'll see just how much of a Battlefield game BF3 will be come the beta, which is due to be arriving very soon. As a gamer, personally a good Battlefield game, rather, a faithful Battlefield game that doesn't play like a bad Call of Duty game is all it takes to part with my cash. <br /><br />MW3 is shaping up to be a real heavyweight and will be unfazed by EA's effort to snag part of the market.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-17397751628325807592011-08-28T19:30:00.009+01:002011-10-06T12:58:02.949+01:00Kinect Based Achievement Has Completionists In Its Scope With Forza Motorsport 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYSPSPKfigE4WpZ3_rPCnDcMr77n5yg_0bAgnSUndyIkkWEuIa9dgDcPs5QoOGYioPRjsO-iT115-ZF6j-rLx3uYHmKitDHEpJqqDXwpaUwDtoWLcSAOhGuXOUBCj4BgKv5G7SN1wNlQ/s1600/devil+kinect.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYSPSPKfigE4WpZ3_rPCnDcMr77n5yg_0bAgnSUndyIkkWEuIa9dgDcPs5QoOGYioPRjsO-iT115-ZF6j-rLx3uYHmKitDHEpJqqDXwpaUwDtoWLcSAOhGuXOUBCj4BgKv5G7SN1wNlQ/s320/devil+kinect.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645992698439459986" /></a><br />With the recent release of the <a href="http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/forza-motorsport-4/achievements/">Forza Motorsport 4 Achievement List</a>, pockets of gaming communities have erupted in outrage over a particular achievement.<br /><br />"Look Ma, No Controller" will require you to make use of the Kinect prephiral to unlock it, which comes at a shock for many achievement enthusiasts and completionists. But is there more to this story and its implications across the gamer-verse than meets the eye? Hit the jump to find out.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Kinect as a late term addon for the Xbox 360 has enjoyed great sales and success in the gaming market, breaking world records in its sales rates to become the fastest selling consumer electronic in the world.<br /><br />Achievements have always been a staple of gaming on the Xbox 360. They have brought about a deeper element of playing games, beating them and sharing your game progress with your friends online.<br /><br />Achievement difficulty has been a source of complaints from gamers but they are often dismissed readily. Achievements are meant to be difficult and challenging, otherwise they wouldnt be achievements.<br /><br />However, I believe it is taken far too far by developers/publishers behind their design to tie any of them in to external hardware. To force consumers to purchase expensive peripherals to enjoy the maximum gamerscore out of a game is not a fair design choice at all.<br /><br />What many people seem to ignore is the fact that achievements aren't born from the elements whenever a game goes gold. Yes, there ARE people behind their design. Somone out there is actively looking at the game, assessing its playability and finally scripting the achievements to unlock within interwoven fabrics of gameplay and in-game accomplishments.<br /><br />This is where I am lead to question the integrity of said designer/s to involve external devices in the process. This isn't the first case btw. The Rainbow Six: Vegas series contained an achievement that involved the purchase and use of the Xbox Live Vision camera. Tottemball, a camera based XBLA title also fully required the use of the Vision camera to even play the game. The latter is completely understandable as it is a dedicated standalone game.<br /><br />The real problem occurs is when you have standard titles, in this case a racing simulator nonetheless, placing single achievements that require the use of Kinect to unlock. Some have replied stating that it is <span style="font-style:italic;">only</span> 5G gamerscore. As a completionist, I find no merit whatsoever in the actual score of achievements. I do however enjoy completing ALL achievements in any video game I like to play. <br /><br />A second proposal from some voices has been to change it to a 0G achievement. While this would bring some relief for gamerscore enthusiasts, it does not remedy the issue... and it IS an issue.<br /><br />You see, Forza Motorsport 4 won't be the last Xbox 360 title that will support the purple banner of 'Better With Kinect Sensor' on its game cover.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/110572-Rumor-Mass-Effect-3-Getting-Better-with-Kinect">Mass Effect 3</a> is a AAA title that will also seek to incorporate Kinect into its core gameplay. I am having less and less doubt that it will also have a Kinect based achievement.<br /><br />What I really feel sorry for are the people will most likely end up dismissing a potentially superb game in Forza 4 because of this achievement fiasco from Microsoft/Turn 10. They should be bringing the community together not splitting it apart. Sometimes I think they have lost touch just how important achievements have become and will continue to be to almost all Xbox 360 gamers. You don't have to be a completionist or even an achievement lover to understand that practices like this make many people upset. Would the dissenting voices be echoing as loudly if they were to place an achievement for driving with the Offical Xbox 360 Racing Wheel? I don't think so.<br /><br />To those reading that will be getting Forza 4, if you don't have Kinect and don't intend on getting it, find a workaround. Borrow a friend's unit if you can, or lend a VERY TRUSTWORTHY friend of yours your profile over LIVE if you want to pursue the full 1000G in Forza 4.<br /><br />Just remember, it's not the only hard achievement you will face. Looking at the list, "Unicorn Hunter" will be as common as unicorns.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-47000280551300569252011-08-05T21:28:00.006+01:002011-10-06T12:57:38.516+01:00Battlefield Fanboys Are The Worst<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/playityourwaycopy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/playityourwaycopy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Battlefield fanboys. Also known as DICE fanboys.<br /><br />They are to the FPS genre divide what PS3 fanboys have been to the console "war".<br /><br />The come in various shapes or forms.<br /><br />They may give incredulous praise to DICE as benevolent game developers who have done and can do no wrong.<br /><br />They may rabidly foam at the mouth at the mere mention of Call of Duty. Sometimes, extending their vitriol to any pages about a Call of Duty topic around the web.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It reminds me of people who listen to a mediocre unpopular rock band. Whenever a Triple-A mainstream band it mentioned, they attack people who like the mainstream band.<br /><br />DICE are not infallible. In fact, I read a <a href="http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9074296">fantastic piece</a> detailing DICE's not too distant server fiasco with Battlefield: Bad Company 2. DICE essentially designed and implemented server architecture that was a literal 'ticking time-bomb'. The more people play the game, the worse the server based experience will be for everyone, as of early 2011 I believe, not even 1 year after the release of the game in 2010.<br /><br />But no, to these fanboys, that game-breaking problem may as well have never happened. Fingers in their ears, they refuse to hear any of it.<br /><br />Another issue with these fanboys is trying to be critical of DICE's design choices while debating them about aspects of Battlefield games. They will just pass it off as 'whining' or try to fish out a hidden allegiance to another franchise you presumably have tucked away some where.<br /><br />For example, DICE's philosophy for the upcoming Battlefield 3 is "Play it your way".<br /><br />It sounds like an underground advertising partnership between DICE and McDonald's to rival Burger King's philosophy.<br /><br />"Play it your way" is not a philosophy I'm fond of. I cant count how many times in Bad Company 2 I've had to put up with people not playing the game at all. Instead, choosing to wait for that one helicopter to respawn over and over and over...<br /><br />Surprisingly, people claim that playing it your way is what Battlefield has always been all about. If playing it your way is indeed what Battlefield is about, not playing your kit to its fullest, supporting your team where they need supporting and making use of every vehicle, even if you dont find it "fun", then maybe Battlefield is just not for me as a series.<br /><br />Maybe I'll just go play Call of Duty. I'll mix it up over there playing it my way. Tomahawking one game, Ballistic Knifing the other, silenced Ghost another game and all out RPG-fest the next. I don't know about you, but Call of Duty seems like a series well suited to the individual "Play it your way" mentality. God knows you don't need 'teamwork' there to win...<br /><br />I don't want to play another game like this. For the time being, I'm still holding firm on a copy of the Xbox 360 version. But having played the PC alpha (yes, I played it, screw you NDA), I see many problems there that will be infinitesimally exacerbated in the console counterpart, particularly due to the lower player count of 24 players.<br /><br />Coupled with rumored customisable dogtags and specialisations playing a large role in combat, I think its safe to say that BF3 will be more like Bad Company 3 rather than being a proper Battlefield game.<br /><br />But as usual, Battlefield fanboys are already waiting in line ready to be milked by EA's marketing machine. Don't you dare say anything negative about Battlefield. Or you'll be hounded by the fanboys, trolled to the 4 corners of the Earth like a heathen.<br /><br />I bet you fanboys are already drooling over 'Battlefied 3: The Russian'. Yet another out of place novel attempting to cash in on the franchise. Ironically, it's these same fanboys that will say Battlefield shouldn't have a story as it was born as a multiplayer only franchise.<br /><br />Russians here, Russians there, Russian baddies everywhere... as one EAUK user so eloquently put it :DYemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-66455028533772337312011-07-30T19:41:00.007+01:002011-10-06T12:57:19.254+01:00Here's Why The Nintendo 3DS Hardware Sales Slump Is Not Surprising<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/3dsfail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/3dsfail.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Recent reports have shown that the Nintendo 3DS's hardware sales have been disappointing to say the least. Nintendo have been forced to slash the price down as a result, with a second price reduction rumored to surface in the next month.<br /><br />The 3DS just hasn't quite hit the mark to put it bluntly.<br /><br />Let's start with the basics and see why this appears to be the case.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Nintendo have always been pioneers in video gaming history. From the NES, to the SNES and the N64, mature gamers will always treasure their childhood moments with these machines.<br /><br />The Nintendo 64 itself was called the '64' to signify a new age in graphical processing, the 64-bit processor. At the time it was revolutionary, particularly with the software it spawned such as the first truly 3D iterations of the ever popular Zelda and Mario franchises. <br /><br />The Game Boy (and its later, improved iterations) changed the landscape when it came to portable gaming. Evolutionarily, the Nintendo DS was branched off of the Game Boy. Its reception was tremendously positive. The nomenclature 'DS' stood for 'Dual Screen', the defining aspect of this handheld, alongside having a touch screen for the bottom screen.<br /><br />Lets ignore the Game Cube. Its only claim to fame is an attempt to revolutionise the shape of an oven.<br /><br />Moving on to 2006, Nintendo released their next generation hardware, the Nintendo Wii. The key selling point of this piece of hardware was its revolutionary motion control. Again, Nintendo managed to change the face of gaming, bringing casual gamers into the field and subsequently raking in phenomenal profits and turnover.<br /><br />Do you notice the trend?<br /><br />It is through virtue of naming that we can see what Nintendo was doing.<br /><br />Nintendo are defining each piece of hardware on something solid. Each console released has been tailored to push something new onto the gaming platform, and it succeeded.<br /><br />The problem with the 3DS stemmed from Nintendo pushing their luck so to speak.<br /><br />In my opinion, the number of iterations the DS went through was just too crazy. First we had the original DS. Then we had a nicely improved, ergonomic DS Lite, what the DS should've been in the first place. After that, we started seeing a DSi which attempted to migrate Nintendo's software library to a Steam-like store (hence the 'i'). An odd DSi XL then appeared, absolutely ludicrously designed and stunningly pointless.<br /><br />Finally, came the latest DS, the '3'DS. Ha ha, nice play on 3D and DS because you see, the way they share a D in the middle lets you...oh never mind...<br /><br />This is how I see things. The original DS was truly an innovation. There was something about being able to play Super Mario 64, new and improved too, on a hand held that never got old. The DS Lite was SO much better. No more cramped hands, brighter and clearer screens and smaller overall size made it a delight. So much so, that when my original DS snapped in half, I leaped in joy at the fact that I can justify buying a DS Lite (still with me today BTW).<br /><br />That's all fine and dandy. But now is where the bad stuff happens...<br /><br />The DSi made the biggest mistake conceivable. It got rid of the GBA slot found on the DS and DS Lite. Foolish design decision. Especially when they offered GBA games via the Nintendo Store at ridiculously inflated prices.<br /><br />The DSi XL. Do I need to even say more about it? Are they selling condoms here or something? Was it designed for old people with bad eyesight? What's the deal?<br /><br />The 3DS. Champion of a new technology called (drum roll please)...3D!<br /><br />3D? What's that Uncle Tom? Well Timmy, its when you see things on a screen that pop out in your face! Wow Uncle Tom, sounds exciting!<br /><br />There are problems with 3D. The cinemas tried it. It didn't work and is now reportedly being shelved completely. There are other issues with 3D as a technology; it causes severe headaches, migraines and other visual abnormalities under prolonged and intense use. Nintendo knew this and added a 'slider' to adjust the effect as you like. <br /><br />I cant believe how foolish a product the 3DS was. It still has no original titles. The best title out there for it is a remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.<br /><br />Listen Nintendo, I already payed for that game two times on two of your formats. If anything, it should be made free to all those with previous physical copies. Touching up the graphics does not warrant a third full retail purchase of the same game.<br /><br />Lets assume you turn the slider down all the way all the time, for one reason or the other. What exactly do you end up paying for with the 3DS compared to the DSi? Touched up graphics which still aren't as good as a PSP? A technology that you just turned off never to be turned on again?<br /><br />What were you thinking with this product Nintendo? You shot yourselves in the foot by basing an entire hardware product and its development on a defunct technology that never deserved to take its foot step into any industry in the first place.<br /><br />The 3DS was one iteration too many, and the consumer just isn't going to be fleeced again by your poor product lineup management. Maybe if you weren't so focused on what hardware to release next, you'd do a better job at releasing new and original software as well as giving developers the third party support they need.<br /><br />I'm glad that the poor sales for the 3DS are a reality. Maybe Nintendo will learn from this lesson and come back to innovating gaming the right way, the traditional way.<br /><br />Next, I'll be reading that they made a console about 'You' not 'Wii' (sic) and they'll make a funny looking controller with a giant screen on it that can be played without a TV just in case your Mom wants to watch some soaps...<br /><br />Oh my God...Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-65036072558854262252011-07-27T18:43:00.009+01:002011-10-06T12:56:44.886+01:00How to Attain the Top Multiplayer Rank in Split/Second: VelocitySplit/Second (drop the 'Velocity' part for now) is a nice little arcade racing game by the now defunct <a href="http://www.disney.co.uk/disneyinteractivestudios/blackrockstudio/">Black Rock Studio</a>, a Disney Interactive studio. I am sorry to see this studio go as I genuinely believe it had talent and people who made games passionately.<br /><br />I like Split/Second. It reminded me of a time where people could casually enjoy the thrill of driving at blistering speeds in surreal settings. In particular, it reminded of the early days of Burnout and what made the Burnout series such a success.<br /><br />I did acquire the maximum 1000 gamerscore from this game because I enjoyed it that much. The multiplayer was tricky though; I could barely muster the ability to win a single race let alone display consistency in staying amongst the top half of the racing board to reach Rank 1. All that changed though... <a name='more'></a><br /><br />The ranking system is quite clever in Split/Second. Newcomers to the game are prescribed the initial rank of 99. This rank cannot be exceeded; you will never go to 100 or any higher than that. The adjustment factor to your skill rank goes as follows. It is calculated based on the difference between the number of opponents you beat and the number of opponents that beat you, per race.<br /><br />A simple subtraction.<br /><br />I really like the simplicity of this system for two reasons:<br /><br />1) It is a true representation of a racers ability to win and compete.<br />2) It determines your skill in a reasonable time frame.<br /><br />The often overlooked aspect of this game is drifting. Oddly enough, drifting allows you to build up phenomenal acceleration and top speeds in Split/Second. By taking advantage of the "Power Over" maneouvre, you can quite easily overtake and speed off into the sunset in every online race you participate in.<br /><br />This maneouvre involves a single hammering down of the right trigger, to sharply increase your throttle input and lose traction. By doing this, even on straights or light bends, you can in a way 'slingshot' your car at breakneck speeds through the track. With time, you can learn to handle every type of corner on every track, and you will be amazed at how much faster you will take bends compared to your opponents. The best car for this is the Ryback Firestorm; the Firestorm has a maximum drift rating.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/26-Ryback-Firestorm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 444px; height: 250px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/26-Ryback-Firestorm.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Try it out. Hammer down the right trigger (once at a time) at a slight turning angle and see how your car will slip and slide, even on straights, with the slightest of angles. You will see just how much the car magically accelerates. Couple that with braking to reduce your speed adequately for hairpins, and you will be unstoppable in races, both online and offline. Make sure you exit the turns at a skewed angle because as long as you dont gain traction too quickly out of the turn, that is precisely where you will be building up the most acceleration.<br /><br />Using the Firestorm, I was winning consecutive races in 8 person lobbies, giving me a +7 skill ranking each time.<br /><br />I have noticed people trying to race 'traditionally'; this does not work in this game and will most likely keep you at rank 99 forever. <br /><br />Dont just wait to get lucky with a certain type of n00b lobby, get on that Ryback Firestorm and leave your opponents in the dust as you drift your way to record lap times and exciting wins. Just be careful of others who are out there who know this trick. You'll have to trump them with experience and finesse on the track.<br /><br />Good luck in attaining Rank 1!Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-8037284591289298742011-07-10T13:19:00.017+01:002011-10-06T12:56:33.313+01:00The Ghillie Suit Snipers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/chewbacca-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 406px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/chewbacca-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The ghillie suit. Hallmark of stealth ops and military reconaissance. Venturing into the foray of first person shooter video games, it has mainfested itself hand in hand with the Recon/Sniper class setup. Irreplaceably effective at maintaining a low profile during tactical operations, relaying enemy positions and scouting targets for soldiers on the frontline.<br /><br />In the virtual world, it is particulary appealing to young excitable players who enjoy the fabled mystique of being the lone sniper, picking off valuable assets from a distance, sees all yet remains unseen etc. All the kids want to be the next Vassili Zaitsev and earn the praise of nations as the kill hundreds for their country.<br /><br />Popular shooter games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield have embraced the aesthetic value of the Ghillie suit to compliment its real life purpose.<br /><br />The suit however does tend to distinguish itself a little too much compared to its neighbouring class appearances. <a name='more'></a> In Bad Company 2, the ghillie suit often lends itself to those of a more "lone wolf" playstyle. This is not something that will be smiled upon within the community of such a teamwork orientated shooter. The recon kit, or more aptly named "wookie" can be the target of humiliating drill kills, frequent dogtag theft and group bullying via tracer dart decoration. It is a widely despised aesthetic in Bad Company 2, earmarking the player as a bad team player and inneffective at any objective play. DICE has taken note for the next installment Battlefield 3, presenting class aesthetics that are more streamlined and uniform which is the right direction to take.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/Battlefield-3_Classes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 429px; height: 270px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/Battlefield-3_Classes.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Now on to the Call of Duty iterations of the ghillie suits (MW2 and Black Ops). In MW2, players donned the ghillie suit upon kit selection of a sniper rifle as a primary weapon. Overall, the account of the ghillie suit here is a rather tame affair. The same cannot be said for Black Ops. In Black Ops, a foolish (imo) design decision was to link first tier perks to your avatar's aesthetic. Now, I think it goes without saying that the Ghost perk in particular carries with it a lot of controversy. It is in my opinion a very powerful perk; it is the only perk that I think a newcomer to the game would do best in. Funnily enough, the Ghost aesthetic iiissssss.....you guessed it.....Chewbacca!...erm...I mean ghillie suit. <br /><br />I never thought having the ghillie suit as an aesthetic in multiplayer based first person shooters was a particularly clever design decision. It is too distinct from its fellow class aesthetics and doesnt aid in providing a consistent experience for all players. There is a significant camouflage advantage to be gained from the suit alone. There is also something rather menacing about a shotgun wielding walking tree running at you with shells of carnage (yes, BC2 and MW2 included the ability for ghillie suit classes to wield shotguns). There are few things more comical than a frontline ghillie suited warrior; the suit itself does not lend itself to high mobility in real life with hefty weight, flammability and high internal temperatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/recon_by_hell_jim-d2xv44e.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 185px;" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t157/yemeth7/recon_by_hell_jim-d2xv44e.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />There are beacons of light coming from developers though. The BC2 expansion pack Vietnam took a step in the right direction by rendering their recon class as standard issue soldiers. I enjoyed this directive in the design department as well as the expansion itself. Battlefied 3 has relieved me of my worries as well showing a rather bad-ass recon soldier without tree branches wrapped through his every orifice.<br /><br />Special mention: Sniper: Ghost Warrior will be getting a sequel...Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2216009042803214062.post-1516040297042707002011-07-05T16:45:00.008+01:002011-10-06T12:56:14.864+01:00The Plague of Corner CampingCorner camping.<br /><br />We all know what it is. We all sense what type of player does it. We've ALL suffered from it.<br /><br />As the FPS genre grows in size, more and more gamers and casuals will fill their free time with playing Call of Duty, Battlefield, Crysis etc. However, there seems to be two distinct types of first person gamers. <br /><br />1) Those who play to have fun and know they are playing a game<br /><br />2) Those who are so feeble minded that they become immersed into the game so much, they think it's real life<br /><br />Its category 2 that are ruining the enjoyment of anyone with the misfortune of playing in the same lobby as them. <a name='more'></a><br /><br />Young and/or casual gamers are not mature enough (at times) to handle the intensity of firing weaponry at other people, albeit in the virtual environment.<br /><br />To illustrate this phenomenon, I present to you a crude illustration:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNDOPqCybIBZNUkR8y44gzkXS4j-BJBTiO5_m3EEI3lJFEsHlg1io84QaryTBTI8D5dt68K6Wc_7EULRLLWtKnGq2IMVpWZRUkgla1iUBS9I93WN5PMH6DgTRRP4N1vznj5IIXgcjzkU/s1600/corner.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNDOPqCybIBZNUkR8y44gzkXS4j-BJBTiO5_m3EEI3lJFEsHlg1io84QaryTBTI8D5dt68K6Wc_7EULRLLWtKnGq2IMVpWZRUkgla1iUBS9I93WN5PMH6DgTRRP4N1vznj5IIXgcjzkU/s320/corner.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626225766275572754" /></a><br /><br />The red circles are candidates for corner camping. As you can tell, the tactical and positional benefit of sitting in any one of these positions will overwhelm any enemy that is entering the territory. <br /><br />Dont get me wrong, there are times and situations where it is perfectly tactical to retreat to a distal corner. This can be down to a host of situations; multiple enemies overwhelm your vantage point, you are damaged and need to heal, you need to reload and gather your bearings after an engagement and other similar situations. <br /><br />However, you will find people in both Battlefield and Call of Duty that will magnetically gravitate to the nearest corner of whichever room they spawn nearest to... and stay there for the rest of the game!<br /><br />Tactics? None. Positioning? A Lottery. Awareness of the enemies directions? Zilch. Noobiness? Infinite.<br /><br />Funnily enough, it is these players precisely who sit, roast marshmallows and squat in these obscure, un-tactical positions in maps that end up killing the best players.<br /><br />It is an incredibly cheap, dirty and defecative way to play the game. More often than not, you come back to check the same corner they killed you from and they are STILL there. Unbelievable.<br /><br />As certain "beasts" would say, the game is playing YOU when you behave like this in a video game. <br /><br />Thank goodness for theatre mode in COD Black Ops; if only Battlefield employed it as well. Then again, Battlefield has destruction on its side and I cant count how many of these cretin playes I've blown up out the other side of the wall.<br /><br />Do everyone a favour. If you are going to play first person shooters like this, just sell your game and play something else. The genre just isnt for you. Accept that reality, cherish it. It'll make you a better person in real life.Yemethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11841861841535598701noreply@blogger.com0