I bought a Bio-orb fish tank the other day, and we now own goldfish... 1 for each member of my family.
My fish is gold and white and is called "Dennis"
Roz's is all black and is called "Sylvia"
Elliot's is multicoloured and is called "Pam".
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
RE3 & BAFTA's
Film Watched:
Resident Evil: Extinction
Mad Max meets Resident Evil, with additional exploding heads.
6.5/10
I note that the gaming BAFTA's were announced yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to se that Wiisports game out on top, winning a total of 5 awards. I was also pleased to note that Bioshock won best game and that Okami also walked away with an award...
Friday, October 19, 2007
Okamii & Phoenix Wright
Yep – the rumours have been confirmed. Okami is now due to be remade for the Wii, and as such, I have rather unofficially renamed the game Okamii. This is of course a no-brainer, with the heavy use of calligraphy brush strokes in the game this was always best suited to the Wii as opposed to any other platform, I’m just surprised that it has taken this long to be announced!
I have been tempted in the past to buy Okami (for the PS2), as it follows a very similar template to the Zelda games, also you cannot ignore the fact that the art style in the game is simply awesome. Well, now that it’s due on the horizon for the Wii, I thing this has jumped to a must buy status.
My only concern is that it seems like an awful lot of titles are due out now for quarter 1 2006, especially in light of several titles being delayed from the end of 2007. From memory, the titles that I’m interested in that I can think of are:
Mario Kart (Wii)
Rock Band (PS3)
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)
Fire Emblem (Wii)
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS)
Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)
Little Big Planet (PS3)
Phew!
I completed Phoenix Wright 3: Trials and Tribulations the other night. I must admit that it was rather sad, knowing that this is the last game is the series. Whilst a new Ace Attorney game is due out next year (Apollo Justice), this just won’t be the same without the same memorable characters that made the Phoenix Wright games what they are.
It has to be said that the very final case was pretty damn epic and had more twists and turns in it than an entire series of Lost. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new piece of evidence, or some new testimony completely threw everything upside down. I even found myself verbally shouting “you what” at the DS (as oppose to the mandatory “objection”).
Now it’s time for a rant…
Now I quite like EDGE magazine, I really do. I’ve collected it on and off for numerous years, but it has to be said that I think that in my opinion their reviews have become less and less reliable over the last few years. They gave Phoenix Wright 6/10 – in other words slightly above average. The main complaint seems to be that the game mechanics were a little too rigid and that there were a few typo’s in the translation. Now first off, this is based on an imported game, so the fact that it already has a translation is a blessing, secondly, I probably only notice 4-5 occasions in the entire game where there was a typo. This is out of literally thousands and thousands of lines of text, as such, I think that this point is rather petty. As for the game mechanics, they seem just fine to me for what is in reality, an old fashioned text adventure. There is no harm in that at all, after all, how many games in this genre are there left?
Let look at the game as a whole. It has an amusing story, fantastic characters (which are the most memorable and likeable that I can think of for years), is a game which rquirs you to think things through very carefully, has a fantastic soundtrack and is overall a long, memorable and extremely pleasant experience… So 6/10 seems a tad low.
I know, I know, this is all very subjective, but it got me somewhat peeved! Also, although I’m yet to play Metroid Prime 3, their review seems a tad low when compared to other reviews of this game (which have been positively glowing).
You just need to take a look at Metacritic to get a better view of these:
Phoenix Wright 3
Metroid Prime 3
I know that I’ve been rambling, but I just wanted to get it off my chest. Overall, to summarise, I still read game reviews these days, but ensure that they do not bias my view on a game (especially EDGE’s) and instead go with my gut feelings.
I have been tempted in the past to buy Okami (for the PS2), as it follows a very similar template to the Zelda games, also you cannot ignore the fact that the art style in the game is simply awesome. Well, now that it’s due on the horizon for the Wii, I thing this has jumped to a must buy status.
My only concern is that it seems like an awful lot of titles are due out now for quarter 1 2006, especially in light of several titles being delayed from the end of 2007. From memory, the titles that I’m interested in that I can think of are:
Mario Kart (Wii)
Rock Band (PS3)
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)
Fire Emblem (Wii)
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS)
Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)
Little Big Planet (PS3)
Phew!
I completed Phoenix Wright 3: Trials and Tribulations the other night. I must admit that it was rather sad, knowing that this is the last game is the series. Whilst a new Ace Attorney game is due out next year (Apollo Justice), this just won’t be the same without the same memorable characters that made the Phoenix Wright games what they are.
It has to be said that the very final case was pretty damn epic and had more twists and turns in it than an entire series of Lost. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new piece of evidence, or some new testimony completely threw everything upside down. I even found myself verbally shouting “you what” at the DS (as oppose to the mandatory “objection”).
Now it’s time for a rant…
Now I quite like EDGE magazine, I really do. I’ve collected it on and off for numerous years, but it has to be said that I think that in my opinion their reviews have become less and less reliable over the last few years. They gave Phoenix Wright 6/10 – in other words slightly above average. The main complaint seems to be that the game mechanics were a little too rigid and that there were a few typo’s in the translation. Now first off, this is based on an imported game, so the fact that it already has a translation is a blessing, secondly, I probably only notice 4-5 occasions in the entire game where there was a typo. This is out of literally thousands and thousands of lines of text, as such, I think that this point is rather petty. As for the game mechanics, they seem just fine to me for what is in reality, an old fashioned text adventure. There is no harm in that at all, after all, how many games in this genre are there left?
Let look at the game as a whole. It has an amusing story, fantastic characters (which are the most memorable and likeable that I can think of for years), is a game which rquirs you to think things through very carefully, has a fantastic soundtrack and is overall a long, memorable and extremely pleasant experience… So 6/10 seems a tad low.
I know, I know, this is all very subjective, but it got me somewhat peeved! Also, although I’m yet to play Metroid Prime 3, their review seems a tad low when compared to other reviews of this game (which have been positively glowing).
You just need to take a look at Metacritic to get a better view of these:
Phoenix Wright 3
Metroid Prime 3
I know that I’ve been rambling, but I just wanted to get it off my chest. Overall, to summarise, I still read game reviews these days, but ensure that they do not bias my view on a game (especially EDGE’s) and instead go with my gut feelings.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Metroid channel
I was pleasantly surprised to come home today to find the blue light on my Wii blinking, which is always nice to see.
The reason for this was that the Metroid Channel was available to download. After taking a look at this (which is a great idea BTW) it made me think why on earth Nintendo don’t do a similar thing for all their titles due out. It would certainly drum up a bit of interest and is probably best put to use to lesser known titles than something like Metoid which is bound to sell loads without the additional publicity.
Anyway, not long now until it’s launched… but then again I won’t be getting it until my birthday on 7th November. Definitely looking forward to it!
The reason for this was that the Metroid Channel was available to download. After taking a look at this (which is a great idea BTW) it made me think why on earth Nintendo don’t do a similar thing for all their titles due out. It would certainly drum up a bit of interest and is probably best put to use to lesser known titles than something like Metoid which is bound to sell loads without the additional publicity.
Anyway, not long now until it’s launched… but then again I won’t be getting it until my birthday on 7th November. Definitely looking forward to it!
Demos and Guitar Hero effect
The PSN (US) was graced with a couple of demos of interesting Friday, these being for Ratchet and Clank and Conan.
The Ratchet and Clank demo just goes to show how visually stunning this game is. It’s almost on par with watching a playable Pixar film. What’s more, there is just so much going on in the demo as the city around you is being attacked and is generally falling apart. Admittedly the majority of things are happening in the background and as such you are unable to interact with them, but still the effect is pretty impressive. As far as the gameplay goes, it seems a little busy and cluttered for my taste, certainly not a refined platform game like the best that Mario has to offer, however I can see it appealing to a lot of people.
The Conan demo was a bit of a surprise. I was pretty much expecting it to be rubbish, but actually found that I rather enjoyed it. At its basics, it’s an action game in the same mould as God of War and Heavenly Sword, but at the same time I found it much easier to get a feel for what your doing and most importantly, it is a game where you get nowhere fast unless you block attacks (something which is strangely lacking in most games).
I’ve noticed that since playing Guitar Hero down a friend house (I don’t own it – but plan to get Rock Band when it graces our shores early next year) that I tend to listen to music in greater detail than previously. I can now distinctly make out the different instruments and elements that make up a track, namely lead guitar, bass guitar, drums etc. This is also probably helped further by the fact that I’m currently (very slowly) trying to learn how to play a real guitar.
As a confessed Beatleholic, I must confess that I would love to see some Beatles tracks eventually end up on Rock Band (especially anything from Rubber Soul), which is a possibility since EMI are providing their back catalogue. Although it has to be said that the remaining Beatles have been very cautious when it comes to the distribution of their songs – after all you still can’t but a single Beatles track on itunes, however, I can still dream.
The only problem would be that usually for the Beatles you have the following elements: lead guitar (Harrison), rhythm guitar (Lennon), bass guitar (McCartney), drums (Strarr) and vocals (normally Lennon or McCartney). By my count that’s one Guitar too many for Rock Band!
I also notice that EA has recently acquires Bioware… Does this mean Mass Effect on the PS3 down the line? Only time will tell.
I also confessed that I’m intrigued by the looks of Everyday Shooter. Ars Technica (a great site BTW) has a good look at it here :
Everyday shooter
Not bad for a just a one man team…
The Ratchet and Clank demo just goes to show how visually stunning this game is. It’s almost on par with watching a playable Pixar film. What’s more, there is just so much going on in the demo as the city around you is being attacked and is generally falling apart. Admittedly the majority of things are happening in the background and as such you are unable to interact with them, but still the effect is pretty impressive. As far as the gameplay goes, it seems a little busy and cluttered for my taste, certainly not a refined platform game like the best that Mario has to offer, however I can see it appealing to a lot of people.
The Conan demo was a bit of a surprise. I was pretty much expecting it to be rubbish, but actually found that I rather enjoyed it. At its basics, it’s an action game in the same mould as God of War and Heavenly Sword, but at the same time I found it much easier to get a feel for what your doing and most importantly, it is a game where you get nowhere fast unless you block attacks (something which is strangely lacking in most games).
I’ve noticed that since playing Guitar Hero down a friend house (I don’t own it – but plan to get Rock Band when it graces our shores early next year) that I tend to listen to music in greater detail than previously. I can now distinctly make out the different instruments and elements that make up a track, namely lead guitar, bass guitar, drums etc. This is also probably helped further by the fact that I’m currently (very slowly) trying to learn how to play a real guitar.
As a confessed Beatleholic, I must confess that I would love to see some Beatles tracks eventually end up on Rock Band (especially anything from Rubber Soul), which is a possibility since EMI are providing their back catalogue. Although it has to be said that the remaining Beatles have been very cautious when it comes to the distribution of their songs – after all you still can’t but a single Beatles track on itunes, however, I can still dream.
The only problem would be that usually for the Beatles you have the following elements: lead guitar (Harrison), rhythm guitar (Lennon), bass guitar (McCartney), drums (Strarr) and vocals (normally Lennon or McCartney). By my count that’s one Guitar too many for Rock Band!
I also notice that EA has recently acquires Bioware… Does this mean Mass Effect on the PS3 down the line? Only time will tell.
I also confessed that I’m intrigued by the looks of Everyday Shooter. Ars Technica (a great site BTW) has a good look at it here :
Everyday shooter
Not bad for a just a one man team…
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Nintendo news
A big Nintendo news day…
There has just recently been a press conference by Nintendo in Japan which has revealed a lot of additional information about up coming games.
The games shown were as follows:
Dragon Quest IX
Fire Emblem DS (Oh yes!)
Mario Kart Wii
Battalion Wars II
Super Mario Stadium Baseball
Wii Music
Star Soldier R Wii (WiiWare)
Mojipittan Wii (WiiWare)
Doctor Mario Wii (WiiWare)
Pokemon Farm Wii (Wiiware)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Young King and the Promised Land (WiiWare title)
Monster Hunter 3 Wii
Additional information from the conference
- Nintendo plans to start a service centre to help people set up the internet at their home, in order to aid them in getting online with the Wii.
- A DS download service is coming that will allow us to download DS demos from our Wii
- Wii Fit 12/1 in Japan. 8,800 yen
- Wii Vote Channel will be updated. Rate games you’ve played, search for games that fit your likes
- Mario Kart Wii, Spring 2008 in Japan, and there will be motorcycles, steering wheel included.
- Sonic is playable in Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Sonic is shown, delayed in Japan until January 24, 2008, online co-op.
- Monster Hunter 3 was last heard to be for PS3, has now shown up for Wii. May not be exclusive, but the title is definitely coming to Wii. This series is massive seller in Japan.
Sonic in Brawl will now realise many a video game geeks greatest wet dream since the 80’s, namely the opportunity for Sonic and Mario to kick the crap out of each other!
There has just recently been a press conference by Nintendo in Japan which has revealed a lot of additional information about up coming games.
The games shown were as follows:
Dragon Quest IX
Fire Emblem DS (Oh yes!)
Mario Kart Wii
Battalion Wars II
Super Mario Stadium Baseball
Wii Music
Star Soldier R Wii (WiiWare)
Mojipittan Wii (WiiWare)
Doctor Mario Wii (WiiWare)
Pokemon Farm Wii (Wiiware)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Young King and the Promised Land (WiiWare title)
Monster Hunter 3 Wii
Additional information from the conference
- Nintendo plans to start a service centre to help people set up the internet at their home, in order to aid them in getting online with the Wii.
- A DS download service is coming that will allow us to download DS demos from our Wii
- Wii Fit 12/1 in Japan. 8,800 yen
- Wii Vote Channel will be updated. Rate games you’ve played, search for games that fit your likes
- Mario Kart Wii, Spring 2008 in Japan, and there will be motorcycles, steering wheel included.
- Sonic is playable in Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Sonic is shown, delayed in Japan until January 24, 2008, online co-op.
- Monster Hunter 3 was last heard to be for PS3, has now shown up for Wii. May not be exclusive, but the title is definitely coming to Wii. This series is massive seller in Japan.
Sonic in Brawl will now realise many a video game geeks greatest wet dream since the 80’s, namely the opportunity for Sonic and Mario to kick the crap out of each other!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Underworld Evolution
Film watched:
Underworld Evolution
Constant mediocre action. Beckinsale in cat suit / corset combo (yummie)!
6/10
Added bonus...
Gratuitous cat suit picture…
Friday, October 05, 2007
3:10, PS3 (budget) and Bungie split
Film watched:
3:10 to Yuma
A western just like the good old days. Very entertaining.
7.5/10
Well, the PS3 rumours have turned out to be true following the announcement today. Yep, now you can buy yourself a PS3 in 2 flavours as follows:
PS3 Value pack
60GB – just like the current console. 2 games (does not mention which) and one controller. All for £349.00. A saving of £75.00 – not too bad…
PS3 “entry level”
40GB. No games, only 2 USB slots (as opposed to 4), no memory card reader (no real loss), one controller and NO backwards compatibility with PS2 games. All for £299.00. Thankfully, this still keeps the Wifi…
The value pack would seem to hit the “sweet” spot of being just under £300, however the lack of backwards compatibility is a shame. I guess they’ve taken out the GS chip (PS2 graphics chip) as well as the emotion engine now, stopping even software emulation. Even still, these two price points will I’m sure, cause a large upsurge is sales, which can’t be a bad thing – especially if Sony adequately advertise the price drop.
Also, it turns out today that those other rumours are also true. Bungie have split from Microsoft.
Whilst this will mean that Bungie can now work on creating games for other consoles, this does not mean that Halo will be leaving Microsoft, as they still hold the rights to this.
All in all, an eventful day for gaming news…
Edit:
Eeek... have just read this...
“Once stocks are exhausted the new 40GB model will be the only one available in the SCEE territories.”
So those 60GB models will be a rare comodity!
3:10 to Yuma
A western just like the good old days. Very entertaining.
7.5/10
Well, the PS3 rumours have turned out to be true following the announcement today. Yep, now you can buy yourself a PS3 in 2 flavours as follows:
PS3 Value pack
60GB – just like the current console. 2 games (does not mention which) and one controller. All for £349.00. A saving of £75.00 – not too bad…
PS3 “entry level”
40GB. No games, only 2 USB slots (as opposed to 4), no memory card reader (no real loss), one controller and NO backwards compatibility with PS2 games. All for £299.00. Thankfully, this still keeps the Wifi…
The value pack would seem to hit the “sweet” spot of being just under £300, however the lack of backwards compatibility is a shame. I guess they’ve taken out the GS chip (PS2 graphics chip) as well as the emotion engine now, stopping even software emulation. Even still, these two price points will I’m sure, cause a large upsurge is sales, which can’t be a bad thing – especially if Sony adequately advertise the price drop.
Also, it turns out today that those other rumours are also true. Bungie have split from Microsoft.
Whilst this will mean that Bungie can now work on creating games for other consoles, this does not mean that Halo will be leaving Microsoft, as they still hold the rights to this.
All in all, an eventful day for gaming news…
Edit:
Eeek... have just read this...
“Once stocks are exhausted the new 40GB model will be the only one available in the SCEE territories.”
So those 60GB models will be a rare comodity!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Children of Men
Film watched:
Children of Men
A miracle amongs chaos. A moving, exceptionally crafted film.
8/10
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Play safe now!
That’s right young lad, you must remember to play safe now, always remember that if things get a little too exciting, you know erm, a little hot a sweaty, a little errr energetic…You must always get ready to use protection.
Just slip your protection over your… well you know… then you’ll be sure not to have any accidents.
That’s right, if it wasn’t bad enough that the Wii was given the name “Wii” and the fact that the Wiimote looks every so phallic, Nintendo have now announced that every Wiimote purchased from the end of the month onwards will come together with a free condom (or the Wii remote jacket if you want to be precise). Yep, Nintendo have made the sleek design of the Wiimote now look totally stupid…
I present exhibit A:
You can even go to the Nintendo website and order these for free if you already have a Wii. Alternatively you could just be sensible with your Wiimote and NOT throw it across the room and save the embarrassment of turning your Wiimote into a dildo.
Just slip your protection over your… well you know… then you’ll be sure not to have any accidents.
That’s right, if it wasn’t bad enough that the Wii was given the name “Wii” and the fact that the Wiimote looks every so phallic, Nintendo have now announced that every Wiimote purchased from the end of the month onwards will come together with a free condom (or the Wii remote jacket if you want to be precise). Yep, Nintendo have made the sleek design of the Wiimote now look totally stupid…
I present exhibit A:
You can even go to the Nintendo website and order these for free if you already have a Wii. Alternatively you could just be sensible with your Wiimote and NOT throw it across the room and save the embarrassment of turning your Wiimote into a dildo.
Alternatively, with the rumble on you get an instant vibrator...
NOOO... The images BURN my mind...
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