Saturday 23 February 2013
Thursday 21 February 2013
PS4 Reveal.. With No Reveal..
So the PS4 was officially announced in a two hour conference where they went through various different aspects of the software, developers and its current possibilities. I guess it was no surprise that the console will be more focused on being a social gamer. With the ability to share direct from the controller and considering the onslaught of social media in recent years, this seems to be a natural progression.
The controller however was the only piece of hardware that was shown. Personally, one of the most intriguing aspects of the conference was to see what the console itself would look like. Yes, yes.. you may say it doesn't matter, who cares! Well I guess I shouldn't, but it feels that when you are revealing something, its important to see its face and know what it looks like in the flesh.
Why have they not revealed it? We're they running the demos from a metal shell of a console hid in the back because they currently don't have a final design? Unlikely.. considering the console has been in development for approximately five years.. I just find it very surprising.
The controller however was the only piece of hardware that was shown. Personally, one of the most intriguing aspects of the conference was to see what the console itself would look like. Yes, yes.. you may say it doesn't matter, who cares! Well I guess I shouldn't, but it feels that when you are revealing something, its important to see its face and know what it looks like in the flesh.
Why have they not revealed it? We're they running the demos from a metal shell of a console hid in the back because they currently don't have a final design? Unlikely.. considering the console has been in development for approximately five years.. I just find it very surprising.
Elder Scrolls Online Will Be A Third Person MMO..
I know the traditional way of playing MMOs is via a third person perspective, posed high above your character and being able to see in all directions and know what is going on. With Elder Scrolls Online having been confirmed to be in this same third person perspective, although it has its obvious advantages, surely this takes away one of the main selling points of the Elder Scrolls series (from Morrowind onwards).
When I first heard about this impending MMO, my first thought, as like many others, was how good it will be to play the game in first person, a bursting flame of fire hovering in one palm, whilst a sword is held in the other. This was its unique selling point and now this isn't the case, this seems like it may just be like any other MMO and could very well go the same way as SWTOR, which originally had lofty ambitions.
Surely the disadvantages of such a view could be overcome by introducing new gaming dynamics, a small picture in picture interface or maybe just to provide the choice. If everybody has the same point of view, then there is no unfair advantage (at least in PvP).
I hope I find further reason to look forward to this game with new announcements in the future, but I can't help but feel a little deflated.
When I first heard about this impending MMO, my first thought, as like many others, was how good it will be to play the game in first person, a bursting flame of fire hovering in one palm, whilst a sword is held in the other. This was its unique selling point and now this isn't the case, this seems like it may just be like any other MMO and could very well go the same way as SWTOR, which originally had lofty ambitions.
Surely the disadvantages of such a view could be overcome by introducing new gaming dynamics, a small picture in picture interface or maybe just to provide the choice. If everybody has the same point of view, then there is no unfair advantage (at least in PvP).
I hope I find further reason to look forward to this game with new announcements in the future, but I can't help but feel a little deflated.
Sunday 17 February 2013
What Comes After Space..
From what we know, we live on a particularly lonely planet, whereby the nearest star is a mere few light years away and is likely to be a barren place with no life-supporting planets orbiting it.
Beyond this, there are billions of other stars making up The Milky Way and you would think it highly improbable that none of these have similar life sustaining characteristics like our own lonesome orb. Beyond this ofcourse, we have the inconceivable blackness found between neighbouring galaxies, each galaxy holding itself, billions of stars.
Beyond the furthest reaches of our telescopes and the distances of which light can reach and to what our mind can wonder, what do we find?
An unlimited span of black. Nothingness, a vacuum of complete darkness? I find the prospect of an infinite of something quite hard to get my head around. Yes. We can have an infinitude of numbers as they reach from the hundreds, to the thousands, to the millions and trillions. Numbers however, although being a universal constant, are man-made none the less. When considering an actual space, with width, depth or even circumference maybe, how can a physical space have infinitude mass and density.. Surely there must be an edge to space, and if there is, what would we find?
My personal thoughts with concern to this are that space may be looped or spherical, much like we find on everything else in the universe which has sufficient mass. If this is the case, when travelling through space, you are merely transversing the surface of a sphere (or loop), be it a very, very long one.
Beyond this, there are billions of other stars making up The Milky Way and you would think it highly improbable that none of these have similar life sustaining characteristics like our own lonesome orb. Beyond this ofcourse, we have the inconceivable blackness found between neighbouring galaxies, each galaxy holding itself, billions of stars.
Beyond the furthest reaches of our telescopes and the distances of which light can reach and to what our mind can wonder, what do we find?
An unlimited span of black. Nothingness, a vacuum of complete darkness? I find the prospect of an infinite of something quite hard to get my head around. Yes. We can have an infinitude of numbers as they reach from the hundreds, to the thousands, to the millions and trillions. Numbers however, although being a universal constant, are man-made none the less. When considering an actual space, with width, depth or even circumference maybe, how can a physical space have infinitude mass and density.. Surely there must be an edge to space, and if there is, what would we find?
My personal thoughts with concern to this are that space may be looped or spherical, much like we find on everything else in the universe which has sufficient mass. If this is the case, when travelling through space, you are merely transversing the surface of a sphere (or loop), be it a very, very long one.
MMOs On Consoles, Could It Work One Day?
A new game by the name of Destiny may be developed by Bungie as an open world first person shooter (or an adaptation of). This is exciting as it opens up the possibilities for the future of the genre and for gaming as a whole.
Thinking more along these lines and to varying extremes. How long do we think it will be before the MMO genre is converted (successfully) over to the console market? I know its already had its attempts (such as DC Universe on PS3 or Final Fantasy), but it isn't what could be classed as successful when comparing it against its PC counterpart.
It's not impossible ofcourse, the only restraint I can foresee is the sheer size of the files and the need for them to constantly be updated, but also the lack of buttons you have when using a controller. I think there is a market ready to be dialled into which is begging for the next big thing.. The first MMOs that will hit consoles and be the equivalent of WoW, or stand side by side with the popularity of Call Of Duty at least.
Is this just dreaming? Will we ever see this happen? Who knows, but I can't see it being too long before the console market is attempted more vigorously by the major MMO developers.
Thinking more along these lines and to varying extremes. How long do we think it will be before the MMO genre is converted (successfully) over to the console market? I know its already had its attempts (such as DC Universe on PS3 or Final Fantasy), but it isn't what could be classed as successful when comparing it against its PC counterpart.
It's not impossible ofcourse, the only restraint I can foresee is the sheer size of the files and the need for them to constantly be updated, but also the lack of buttons you have when using a controller. I think there is a market ready to be dialled into which is begging for the next big thing.. The first MMOs that will hit consoles and be the equivalent of WoW, or stand side by side with the popularity of Call Of Duty at least.
Is this just dreaming? Will we ever see this happen? Who knows, but I can't see it being too long before the console market is attempted more vigorously by the major MMO developers.
The End Of The World
The end of the world seems to be a common theme in many films and also many popular songs these days, there appears to be a fascination with the prospect of the end of the world. Is it really the case that many of us get a kick from the scenario or is it just an easy concept to be creative onto
What if the situation happened in real life and what would be the real life repercussions of such an event.. For instance, if you were told that the world was going to end, with no conceivable way of survival in one week, what would you do with that week? Would you be able to keep to together or would you accept the inevitable?
It's a hard question to answer and one that I don't truly believe we know the answer to, until the circumstance may arise.
Is it even such an improbable event to begin with? With nuclear war, asteroids hurtling around above us and to a lesser extent climate change. There are an abundance of possible scenarios that could contribute. Still, the likeliness of something so drastic in our lifetimes when humans have been around for upwards of over two million years, highly unlikely in the grand scheme of things.. I guess.
What if the situation happened in real life and what would be the real life repercussions of such an event.. For instance, if you were told that the world was going to end, with no conceivable way of survival in one week, what would you do with that week? Would you be able to keep to together or would you accept the inevitable?
It's a hard question to answer and one that I don't truly believe we know the answer to, until the circumstance may arise.
Is it even such an improbable event to begin with? With nuclear war, asteroids hurtling around above us and to a lesser extent climate change. There are an abundance of possible scenarios that could contribute. Still, the likeliness of something so drastic in our lifetimes when humans have been around for upwards of over two million years, highly unlikely in the grand scheme of things.. I guess.
Sunday 10 February 2013
Dayz Addon For ARMA 2
I have just come across the Dayz addon for ARMA 2. Although this is merely an Addon and not what you would call a fully fledged MMO, from what I can see, this is a very good attempt at the concept, and a good move in the future direction of MMOs.
Much like many thousands of others, I feel compelled to buy ARMA 2, just so I can give this Addon a try. Has anybody played this and if so, what are your thoughts?
Please see:
http://dayzmod.com/
Xbox 720 or PS4 (Names Subject To Change)
With the flurry of anticipation and speculation concerning the next-next gen of consoles. What are your thoughts and what would you like to see as standard in these consoles?
For instance, the PS4 controller is said to have a touch screen surface where the current start and select buttons are. Personally, I can't see is being of any use or any excitement to me, but you never know, is time next year I may never know how I played without it.. Somehow I doubt it.
Also, the Xbox 720 is going to be like having two PC's strapped together.. This certainly sounds powerful. Hopefully it won't be blighted by the same component issues from the original launch of the 360.
With a likely release date before Christmas 2013 and even more exciting, likely announcements before the end of February, it won't be long now under all the details come to light. Hopefully the price tag won't be too shabby either. Personally, picking between them both at the moment, I will stick to Xbox as its always been the better console in my opinion.
Saturday 9 February 2013
Saints Row vs Grand Theft Auto
Which one is for you if you could only pick one? Both games, in essence, are the same type of game. An open world environment where you are free to live it and cause havoc, to the best of your ability (whether this be getting a six star wanted level or perhaps getting involved into the gritty plot lines).
I know, I know. Although these games are 'similar', they could also not be further apart in the direction they take when creating the gameplay. Grand Theft Auto is serious (mostly) with realistic graphics, gritty backdrops and fulfilling plot lines. Saints Row however is somewhat different and takes a more laid back approach to the whole affair, making fun almost at the differing aspects of the genre, but it is definately invested in raw fun, rather than complex realism and to this end, is onto a winning formula. At the end of the day, we play games to have fun.
Which one would you want if you could only have one? I've lost count of the amount of times I have become bored with GTA and so would purposely create a four star wanted level and recreate a chase like you want see on TV. If not that, but with the use of cheats, you could fly high above the cities, invincible, with unlimited ammo and guns. A careless fun element adding fun which you find more in Saints Row. So I guess, if you couldn't input cheat codes, would it be Saints Row or GTA?
Personally, GTA will always be my choice. From playing the best in series, San Andreas, I have been a fan ever since, and await anxiously the release of GTA V.
I know, I know. Although these games are 'similar', they could also not be further apart in the direction they take when creating the gameplay. Grand Theft Auto is serious (mostly) with realistic graphics, gritty backdrops and fulfilling plot lines. Saints Row however is somewhat different and takes a more laid back approach to the whole affair, making fun almost at the differing aspects of the genre, but it is definately invested in raw fun, rather than complex realism and to this end, is onto a winning formula. At the end of the day, we play games to have fun.
Which one would you want if you could only have one? I've lost count of the amount of times I have become bored with GTA and so would purposely create a four star wanted level and recreate a chase like you want see on TV. If not that, but with the use of cheats, you could fly high above the cities, invincible, with unlimited ammo and guns. A careless fun element adding fun which you find more in Saints Row. So I guess, if you couldn't input cheat codes, would it be Saints Row or GTA?
Personally, GTA will always be my choice. From playing the best in series, San Andreas, I have been a fan ever since, and await anxiously the release of GTA V.
MMOs: What Is The Best Character Class?
Whether you want to be a Rogue, a Warrior, a Mage or choose from many other options, what is the best one to choose?
Is there actually a preferred one, or has each got its own merits and downfalls? Does it matter what game you are playing (for instance in some games, there is the option to undertake class customisation, rather than be restricted to certain elements purely because of your class.)
An experienced MMO player would of meddled with some, if not all, the classes on offer to see what each one is like. Are Warriors and Mages all there cracked up to be.. or is the priest/healer class just as riveting?
Personally, my favourite class at the moment is the rogue-like class, with the ability to deal damage from afar but still have sustainable armor and also a companion to help you in your travels (speaking from Rift).
Is there actually a preferred one, or has each got its own merits and downfalls? Does it matter what game you are playing (for instance in some games, there is the option to undertake class customisation, rather than be restricted to certain elements purely because of your class.)
An experienced MMO player would of meddled with some, if not all, the classes on offer to see what each one is like. Are Warriors and Mages all there cracked up to be.. or is the priest/healer class just as riveting?
Personally, my favourite class at the moment is the rogue-like class, with the ability to deal damage from afar but still have sustainable armor and also a companion to help you in your travels (speaking from Rift).
Friday 8 February 2013
Broken Sword vs Broken Sword 2
Firstly, I'm taking Broken Sword 3 out of the equation as it doesn't fit with the other two and personally, the move to 3D was a regrettable move with this game.
When Broken Sword was released, it was an instant classic as it was full of witty dialogue, well delivered lines and a believable, yet involved and dramatic plot line that made you want to get past the latest puzzle to find out what happens next. With its variety of different locations and unique artistic style, it was an exception for its time and a game I have played many times since.
Broken Sword 2 is a lot similar but focuses on an altogether different plot line from the first. Although this was also a great game and had all the positives of the first. I found something missing. Maybe the nostalgic quality wasn't there, maybe it was a sense of dejavu, who knows.
Ultimately, the first was the best in this instance and this is usually the case with many things. My only hope is that one day George Stobbart and Nico return for another 2D adventure sometime in the future. The genre is extremely fitting now more than ever, as the gameplay mechanic used in this game is highly adaptable to that of touch screen devices, could this be the most prominent time for a comeback? Yes, but sadly I doubt this will happen.
When Broken Sword was released, it was an instant classic as it was full of witty dialogue, well delivered lines and a believable, yet involved and dramatic plot line that made you want to get past the latest puzzle to find out what happens next. With its variety of different locations and unique artistic style, it was an exception for its time and a game I have played many times since.
Broken Sword 2 is a lot similar but focuses on an altogether different plot line from the first. Although this was also a great game and had all the positives of the first. I found something missing. Maybe the nostalgic quality wasn't there, maybe it was a sense of dejavu, who knows.
Ultimately, the first was the best in this instance and this is usually the case with many things. My only hope is that one day George Stobbart and Nico return for another 2D adventure sometime in the future. The genre is extremely fitting now more than ever, as the gameplay mechanic used in this game is highly adaptable to that of touch screen devices, could this be the most prominent time for a comeback? Yes, but sadly I doubt this will happen.
Will World Of Warcraft Always Be At The Top?
Don't get me wrong, World of Warcraft is a great game, with great support and it has an in depth world to explore, great gameplay/crafting systems etc etc.. But is it time that something else took the MMO throne.. It has been 8 years (approximately) so surely we should be crying out for something different by now?
At its peak I believe the subscriber number was around the 11 million mark, which has dropped to somewhere around the 9.5 million mark in recent times. This sounds like a large shift, but when you relate these figures to other MMOs, World of Warcraft stands clearly as the victor.
What's your stance. Is it time that World of Warcraft lost its dominance? Are there any other games out there that you think would rightfully deserve it more?
Personally, there are games like Rift, for instance. Rift is similar to WoW in a lot of ways, but in a lot of others also improves on it (graphics and randomly generated rifts in the world for instance). Maybe Elder Scrolls Online could topple it? Extremely unlikely.
Is it possible that upwards of several million people are too far invested in WoW now, with their characters maxed out and so forth, that moving on would just seem crazy? This could be a good reason why WoW would remain at the top (not to mention it is still a top performer in its genre, even 8 years on).
At its peak I believe the subscriber number was around the 11 million mark, which has dropped to somewhere around the 9.5 million mark in recent times. This sounds like a large shift, but when you relate these figures to other MMOs, World of Warcraft stands clearly as the victor.
What's your stance. Is it time that World of Warcraft lost its dominance? Are there any other games out there that you think would rightfully deserve it more?
Personally, there are games like Rift, for instance. Rift is similar to WoW in a lot of ways, but in a lot of others also improves on it (graphics and randomly generated rifts in the world for instance). Maybe Elder Scrolls Online could topple it? Extremely unlikely.
Is it possible that upwards of several million people are too far invested in WoW now, with their characters maxed out and so forth, that moving on would just seem crazy? This could be a good reason why WoW would remain at the top (not to mention it is still a top performer in its genre, even 8 years on).
Tuesday 5 February 2013
Driving Simulator 2012.
If your thinking of learning to drive or are currently in the process, please do not refer to this game. The link below is a good, hilarious summary of what makes this, in no way, what you would call an accurate simulation.
Camping, it's in-tents!
Have You Ever Seen A Ghost?
A question most of us may not be able to answer with 100% confidence. Whether this be because it was dark, we were half asleep or we just may not completely be sure what it was.
This includes myself, my only experience with a ghostly figure was from when i was much younger. It was the middle of the night but for some reason, my eyes were open and I was awake. I witnessed the emergence of a figure in the room, a figure resembling that of a woman but with a fine consistency whereby you could just about make out the outline of objects hiding behind her as she wandered around the room. The figure wore what seemed to be a polka dot dress, until she glanced across to me and spotted me watching her. She slowly moved over to the bed and in a gentle movement, her face came right up to my own as it gently passed through me; the figure was then never seen again.
I was strangely calm at witnessing this and easily fell back to sleep. Due to many factors, this could easily be part of a dream, or a trick of the light in an otherwise dark room. One thing is for sure though, I, like I've mentioned earlier, cannot be 100% confident on what happened and what I saw.
One thing to note however is that several years later when I was speaking to my mother about this, she also mentioned the fact that she also saw a woman in a poka dot dress when she was a child, just wandering about. More so, we had a friend of the family that had died before I was born, which always used to wear poka dot clothes.
This includes myself, my only experience with a ghostly figure was from when i was much younger. It was the middle of the night but for some reason, my eyes were open and I was awake. I witnessed the emergence of a figure in the room, a figure resembling that of a woman but with a fine consistency whereby you could just about make out the outline of objects hiding behind her as she wandered around the room. The figure wore what seemed to be a polka dot dress, until she glanced across to me and spotted me watching her. She slowly moved over to the bed and in a gentle movement, her face came right up to my own as it gently passed through me; the figure was then never seen again.
I was strangely calm at witnessing this and easily fell back to sleep. Due to many factors, this could easily be part of a dream, or a trick of the light in an otherwise dark room. One thing is for sure though, I, like I've mentioned earlier, cannot be 100% confident on what happened and what I saw.
One thing to note however is that several years later when I was speaking to my mother about this, she also mentioned the fact that she also saw a woman in a poka dot dress when she was a child, just wandering about. More so, we had a friend of the family that had died before I was born, which always used to wear poka dot clothes.
Strange stuff, but overall I am still left skeptical on the whole aspect of ghosts.
Games Gone By - Road Rage
Does anybody remember Road Rage? The madness in getting onto your pixelated motorbike and zooming through vast valleys and cities in a chain whipping, leg hurtling frenzy of a race.
What makes the game so memorable for me:
- The characters. Each biker has its own character, its own traits and its own personality. This fills the game with more depth and makes it somewhat more satisfying when you beat them (sometimes literally off their bikes).
- The music. The background music is very memorable and it lends well to the fast paced nature of the gameplay.
- A linear game with multiple choices. Should you take the motorway or nip through the valleys? Should you turn left or right? What seems a standard thing now, was so new back then. Ultimately a linear experience has the feel of something more, just with little additions like this.
- The locations. They are varied and each is unique. Napa valley is my favourite.
The game just didn't take itself so seriously and I think we lack that in games developed these days. Basic, straight forward fun!
What makes the game so memorable for me:
- The characters. Each biker has its own character, its own traits and its own personality. This fills the game with more depth and makes it somewhat more satisfying when you beat them (sometimes literally off their bikes).
- The music. The background music is very memorable and it lends well to the fast paced nature of the gameplay.
- A linear game with multiple choices. Should you take the motorway or nip through the valleys? Should you turn left or right? What seems a standard thing now, was so new back then. Ultimately a linear experience has the feel of something more, just with little additions like this.
- The locations. They are varied and each is unique. Napa valley is my favourite.
The game just didn't take itself so seriously and I think we lack that in games developed these days. Basic, straight forward fun!
Monday 4 February 2013
3000 Players Collide..
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-28-eve-online-when-3000-players-collide
Surely this is the point where the term Massively Multiplayer lives upto its name a bit too much?
Surely this is the point where the term Massively Multiplayer lives upto its name a bit too much?
Dreams..
Whats in a dream?
Is it just a random mixture of the things you have seen and done on that particular day or week? Is it vast memories coming together to create the most random mixture of events you could never of thought up whilst awake? Or is it something more?
My own personal opinion is that of simplicity. The brain needs rest, and while it rests it wanders and gives us dreams based upon what is happening in our lifes, and what may be topical in your mind on that particular night.
There are beliefs however that dreams can be so much more. Predictions of the future perhaps? Guidance on which path you should take in life? In this regard, certian dreams can mean particular things (for instance: running streams or falling of a cliff), symbolism plays a key role in dream interpretation. Maybe a bit far fetched in my own opinion but im open to the possibility of hidden meanings/truths.
Humans only use 10% of their brains. Are dreams just dreams or are they a chance for us to be able to access some of the other 90% of our brains we do not use when consious. The 90% we do not use may warrant physic abilities for instance, amongst many other things that we can only dream of.
Just a thought.
Is it just a random mixture of the things you have seen and done on that particular day or week? Is it vast memories coming together to create the most random mixture of events you could never of thought up whilst awake? Or is it something more?My own personal opinion is that of simplicity. The brain needs rest, and while it rests it wanders and gives us dreams based upon what is happening in our lifes, and what may be topical in your mind on that particular night.
There are beliefs however that dreams can be so much more. Predictions of the future perhaps? Guidance on which path you should take in life? In this regard, certian dreams can mean particular things (for instance: running streams or falling of a cliff), symbolism plays a key role in dream interpretation. Maybe a bit far fetched in my own opinion but im open to the possibility of hidden meanings/truths.
Humans only use 10% of their brains. Are dreams just dreams or are they a chance for us to be able to access some of the other 90% of our brains we do not use when consious. The 90% we do not use may warrant physic abilities for instance, amongst many other things that we can only dream of.Just a thought.
Catfish: The TV Show - Worth A Watch.
Just came across a new show called Catfish and I must say, its addicting to watch!
The basic premise is getting 'couples' to meet who have been having an ongoing online relationship for quite some time. Whether that be for months or years. After the background story, investigation and leap into the persons personal life, there comes the meeting and ultimately the moment of truth.
It may just be me but all of the ones I have seen, there has been a lie involved at somewhere along the line by the other party, and sometimes for no good reason. This makes you think about how easily someone can lie when in comes to online relationships. There are many ways to counter-act this and it beggars the question, Why?
- Why did they not use Skype (the other person doesnt want to use it.. theres a sign).
- Why have they only seen a handful of photos of him/her (theres a sign).
- Why, after considerable time, have they not met yet? (theres a sign).
Im all for the premise. 1 in 5 relationships are now founded on the internet. With social networking sites and specifically designed dating websites, the options available are more vast than ever before. Catfish hopefully makes people realise, although they should really be more switched on to begin with, that the online world is not always what it seems. Worth a watch!
The basic premise is getting 'couples' to meet who have been having an ongoing online relationship for quite some time. Whether that be for months or years. After the background story, investigation and leap into the persons personal life, there comes the meeting and ultimately the moment of truth.
It may just be me but all of the ones I have seen, there has been a lie involved at somewhere along the line by the other party, and sometimes for no good reason. This makes you think about how easily someone can lie when in comes to online relationships. There are many ways to counter-act this and it beggars the question, Why?
- Why did they not use Skype (the other person doesnt want to use it.. theres a sign).
- Why have they only seen a handful of photos of him/her (theres a sign).
- Why, after considerable time, have they not met yet? (theres a sign).
Im all for the premise. 1 in 5 relationships are now founded on the internet. With social networking sites and specifically designed dating websites, the options available are more vast than ever before. Catfish hopefully makes people realise, although they should really be more switched on to begin with, that the online world is not always what it seems. Worth a watch!
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