It seems almost fitting that with the latest instalment of swashbuckling antics hitting our cinema screens that I write about pirates.
Now of course you're probably thinking to yourself 'what the hell does Johnny Depp have to do with a games and technology blog?'
Well, now I realise that it may be construed as a tedious link (and admittedly I dropped JD's name in there to attract the girlie readers) but I am of course referring to pirates as in piracy, as in people who copy DVDs/CDs etc.
Now I know that with this blog I am likely to come a cropper. All those people that believe that piracy actually does fund terrorism are probably going to want to torch my home for my outspoken thoughts.
Well, heck... what the hell.
Name me one home that you know that doesn't own a video or DVD recorder or a CD player? Name me one person that doesn't use that device to record from a terrestrial or satellite channel? Now name me one person who HASN'T lent a DVD/video or CD from time to time to a friend?
Surely recording for home use (which by law is allowed) and then lending it to a friend for their use (which by law isn't allowed) is a pretty pants ruling.
I mean, damn or be damned. Are we ALL pirates?
Personally (and here's the bottom line) I've got no problem with certain forms of piracy. Hell, when I was in Afghanistan last December with the city's commandos I picked up a pirated DVD copy of Casino Royale in an Afghan market for $2.
I don't care what that chap tells me every time I'm in the cinema staring up at the screen wondering when the 30 minutes of adverts are going to end.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but that pirated DVD's picture quality was awesome, the sound was perfect and, it's possibly the best $2 I have ever spent. Much better in fact than the £7 I paid for entry to Vue to see that film with annoying flickers on the screen.
If you want a definition of irony picture this. We are told that piracy funds terrorism right...? So imagine a bunch of Afghans (some of whom who might possibly have a brother whose uncle once shook a member of the Taliban's hand) selling COPIED (pirated) DVDs direct to the British/American and NATO forces in a market pitched next to their base.
Is that right? In the grand scale of things which is more wrong...? A bloke selling a couple of copied DVDs at Stonehouse Creek car boot? Or half the British forces making the most of cheap pirated DVDs sold by the nation we are supposedly at war with?
I'll leave it up to you.
Meanwhile, I have a new addition to the Nichols home... A Sony PlayStation 3. After all the umming and ahhing I gave up trying to convince myself that it was too much money to spend and went for it.
It looks bling it plays like a dream and I am - no doubt - soon to be a single man.
It's graphically awesome, the sound is great but it has one snag. It has convinced me that I need an HD TV to run it through to make the most of what it can do. Oh well, simple things they say...
Got a minute? Try your hand at one of these...
Title: SOCOM US Navy Seals: Combined Assault
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 5/5
Scoring highly on game title length alone, SOCOM US Navy Seals: Combined Assault is a bit of a beauty by all accounts.
Players can play as a single player, or one of four, in protecting America's shores from enemy attacks. Graphically the title rocks and its playability is pretty good and addictive. Best of all tho is the online co-op mode which sees you fighting alongside complete strangers. Brilliant!
Title: SOCOM US Navy Seals: Combined Assault
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 2/5
Looking like a cross between Monkey Island and Shadow Warriors, the outlook was not looking good for this title.
However, after playing it I couldn't help but feel sorry for my devastating preview and reckon it deserves at least a one-star rating.
It's actually quite fun. The graphics are okay but it is the gameplay that bumps it up. You can explore any number of locations across America, and meet any number of historic and mythical characters.
If you have got a few quid to lose and fancy something that might flutter away a few hours then try it. Expect less and enjoy a lot.
Title: Wario: Master of Disguise
Platform: Nintendo DS
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 1/5
Wario as a thief...? Hmmm.... Personally I'm not convinced by the series' appeal. This one sees him become a thief where players have to draw exotic locations and costumes.
A tad boring methinks.
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Thursday, 17 May 2007
May 17
"Hi, I hope you don't mind me emailing you... you seem really nice so I thought I'd stop by and say hi." Sound familiar? It should.
For the tens of millions of people all over the world with an internet connection, the likes of Myspace and Facebook are the current cool tools to play with.
I mean, why settle for chatting to your next door neighbour about the weather when you can chat on an instant messaging service with Tom from Venezuela about how to cook rice, or Jacky from Mexico about the surfing conditions in Tijuana?
Websites like the aforementioned are new social networks for all walks of life: the loner, the lover, the geek, and even the chic.
I have to admit I became sucked in about two years ago... and I've only just managed to crawl my way out.
It's like web heroin without the side affects (that is unless you count the loss of normal friends and the making of cyber friends as as downside).
Like many will tell you, it becomes addictive. So addictive that, when you wake, you begin wondering whether your new-found 'friends' in Australia, Africa or Tijuana are up and thinking the same as you.
Before you know it you've skipped breakfast, and lunch, and you're straight into a three-course conversation about nothing.
And that's the thing. When you begin making 'friends' and chatting to them on a regular basis, you don't really talk about anything.
'How's the weather in your world today?', 'When are you coming up to London?', What are you up to at the weekend?. It's all drivel really.
But that's doesn't matter in Myspace world. It's more knowing that there's someone on this planet living (possibly) on the other side of the world who wants to know a). what you're doing; and b). who you are.
It's nice to know you have friends.
Also if you're single then the likes of Myspace is the Holy Grail - it is the communicative tool that thousands (if not millions) of unlucky in love boys and girls have been waiting for.
But if reading this you are thinking 'hmmm... I might give it a go', be warned. Like every bus station and train carriage in the world, your Myspace or Facebook profile will attract the weirdos.
You know the sort, the people that come up to you and spurt off some random tosh about squirrels and jam or something.
In cyber world they multiply. They have a free roam to pop up and say hello to whoever they want no-holds-barred as whatever character or personality they wish.
A colleague mentioned in a conversation earlier that there are rumoured to be around 15,000 paedophiles that use Myspace. And I can believe it.
Many girls of all ages (and women for that matter) believe posting pictures of themselves half naked will result in them attracting more 'friends'.
Agreed it ultimately will, but everyone and I mean EVERYONE can look at them, make a comment, and pass on to other friends.
It's scary but true.
That said to the millions upon millions of us who appreciate the site and use it for its main purpose - to meet 'nice' people, love it.
Personally I love Myspace for the music. That is the social glue that holds it together for me.
A band or solo performer sends you a friend request, you click on it and bang, you can experience a whole new sound that the world's record labels haven't discovered yet.
Like the Arctic Monkeys (who used the site to spread the word and ultimately launch their career) it makes gods of mere men.
Look hard enough and you'll also find the celebrities... or at least they sound and seem like the celebrities you and I know.
Is it Will Ferrell? Is that really Madonna? Would Kate Moss REALLY post those pictures of herself and take the mickey so much...?
Only they know the answer because so many people make up profiles to make themselves popular. Weird isn't it?!
One person that I know is very real, and really very nice, is former Eastenders actress and Bend It Like Beckham star Pooja Shah.
Pooja sent me a friend request last year and we've remained 'friends' ever since discussing her career etc.
The likes of Myspace are mindless fun for the new generation of web users.
Click on, tune in, drop out...
If you can pull yourself away from your new 'friends' then why not try out these...
Title: God of War II
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
If blood, gore and violence is your bag then you're going to love the return of God of War. Full to the brim of action, the hit saga of 2005 returns in fantastic form.
The story follows Kratos looking for an escape from his ultimate fate as the latest god of war.
Will he make the journey or will he fall foul of just about every mythological creature in the creepiest of creepy books. Your call...
Title: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 5/5
Get ready for what just could be the best Ratchet & Clank game ever released - on the Sony PSP.
Sony's favourite platform duo return in portable form in fantastic form in a version which looks a thousands times different from its old PS2 format.
The humour remains, as does the playability. However this one focuses more on the two characters and their story rather than the preferred online team battles.
It's a welcome relief and one which is aided by cutesy graphics.
For the tens of millions of people all over the world with an internet connection, the likes of Myspace and Facebook are the current cool tools to play with.
I mean, why settle for chatting to your next door neighbour about the weather when you can chat on an instant messaging service with Tom from Venezuela about how to cook rice, or Jacky from Mexico about the surfing conditions in Tijuana?
Websites like the aforementioned are new social networks for all walks of life: the loner, the lover, the geek, and even the chic.
I have to admit I became sucked in about two years ago... and I've only just managed to crawl my way out.
It's like web heroin without the side affects (that is unless you count the loss of normal friends and the making of cyber friends as as downside).
Like many will tell you, it becomes addictive. So addictive that, when you wake, you begin wondering whether your new-found 'friends' in Australia, Africa or Tijuana are up and thinking the same as you.
Before you know it you've skipped breakfast, and lunch, and you're straight into a three-course conversation about nothing.
And that's the thing. When you begin making 'friends' and chatting to them on a regular basis, you don't really talk about anything.
'How's the weather in your world today?', 'When are you coming up to London?', What are you up to at the weekend?. It's all drivel really.
But that's doesn't matter in Myspace world. It's more knowing that there's someone on this planet living (possibly) on the other side of the world who wants to know a). what you're doing; and b). who you are.
It's nice to know you have friends.
Also if you're single then the likes of Myspace is the Holy Grail - it is the communicative tool that thousands (if not millions) of unlucky in love boys and girls have been waiting for.
But if reading this you are thinking 'hmmm... I might give it a go', be warned. Like every bus station and train carriage in the world, your Myspace or Facebook profile will attract the weirdos.
You know the sort, the people that come up to you and spurt off some random tosh about squirrels and jam or something.
In cyber world they multiply. They have a free roam to pop up and say hello to whoever they want no-holds-barred as whatever character or personality they wish.
A colleague mentioned in a conversation earlier that there are rumoured to be around 15,000 paedophiles that use Myspace. And I can believe it.
Many girls of all ages (and women for that matter) believe posting pictures of themselves half naked will result in them attracting more 'friends'.
Agreed it ultimately will, but everyone and I mean EVERYONE can look at them, make a comment, and pass on to other friends.
It's scary but true.
That said to the millions upon millions of us who appreciate the site and use it for its main purpose - to meet 'nice' people, love it.
Personally I love Myspace for the music. That is the social glue that holds it together for me.
A band or solo performer sends you a friend request, you click on it and bang, you can experience a whole new sound that the world's record labels haven't discovered yet.
Like the Arctic Monkeys (who used the site to spread the word and ultimately launch their career) it makes gods of mere men.
Look hard enough and you'll also find the celebrities... or at least they sound and seem like the celebrities you and I know.
Is it Will Ferrell? Is that really Madonna? Would Kate Moss REALLY post those pictures of herself and take the mickey so much...?
Only they know the answer because so many people make up profiles to make themselves popular. Weird isn't it?!
One person that I know is very real, and really very nice, is former Eastenders actress and Bend It Like Beckham star Pooja Shah.
Pooja sent me a friend request last year and we've remained 'friends' ever since discussing her career etc.
The likes of Myspace are mindless fun for the new generation of web users.
Click on, tune in, drop out...
If you can pull yourself away from your new 'friends' then why not try out these...
Title: God of War II
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5
If blood, gore and violence is your bag then you're going to love the return of God of War. Full to the brim of action, the hit saga of 2005 returns in fantastic form.
The story follows Kratos looking for an escape from his ultimate fate as the latest god of war.
Will he make the journey or will he fall foul of just about every mythological creature in the creepiest of creepy books. Your call...
Title: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Platform: Sony PSP
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 5/5
Get ready for what just could be the best Ratchet & Clank game ever released - on the Sony PSP.
Sony's favourite platform duo return in portable form in fantastic form in a version which looks a thousands times different from its old PS2 format.
The humour remains, as does the playability. However this one focuses more on the two characters and their story rather than the preferred online team battles.
It's a welcome relief and one which is aided by cutesy graphics.
Thursday, 10 May 2007
May 10
It sounds like one of the oldest jokes in the world - but there's actually truth in the fiction.
Scenario: An English businessman walks into a Japanese bar, he would like to order a drink but he doesn't know the language and the barman only speaks Japanese.
There are any number of predictable punchlines that could follow this story, however, all is not at it seems.
A few tippy taps on his phone and the phone itself speaks to the barman.
British company Echo Translator has developed the first application of its kind to deliver an instant native voice output from a convenient on screen menu, which includes 25 languages.
And it's SERIOUSLY cool.
(And here's the techie bit)... Using Echo Phraselogic technology phone customers can speak, learn and instantly interact with people of different cultures and tongues, without any prior knowledge of the foreign language.
Available for Windows Mobile or Java handsets, the Echo Translator is available to download FREE and try from www.echotranslator.com/.
Echo Travel Basics is free and Echo Travel Pro with more than 10,000 possible phrase combinations can be subscribed to weekly, monthly or purchased outright providing an on-device, personal and convenient alternative to phrase books and classical forms of language education.
Meanwhile... Want to speed up your broadband connection? Diagnose mysterious crashes? Move massive files across the Internet?
Sooner or later, you will - and you'll find step-by-step instructions for these and other common PC tasks on the website www.msn.com.
I was just browsing around the other day and discovered a whole bunch of answers to questions I didn't even know I had.
Here's the best from my desk this week:
Title: Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: £49.99
Hit count: 4/5
Review: The latest instalment in the Command & Conquer series explodes quite literally onto the scene with style.
Boasting much improved state-of-the-art graphics, voiceovers by real (apparently) Hollywood actors and quality sound effects, it is the best C&C yet.
C&C's unique Real-time Strategy approach set the standard and with this new title the developers have shown they are on a role.
Further plus points of the game are that it will not be one that you complete over night, nor will you grow bored in a few minutes.
However you have to be fairly used to the controls and storyline of the original game to feel completely immersed in it.
The fate of the planet - and indeed humanity - is in your hands... fancy a challenge?
Title: Lineage II: Interlude & 15 Day Time Card bundle
Platform: PC (DVD)
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Exotic creatures, epic battles and dramatic lands are promised in the ever-growing fantasy world of Lineage II.
Given its ingredients it might sound like your local newspaper offices but no - this is the realm of imagination.
Continuing on with the massive multi-player online role playing game, players are offered unrivalled gaming experience in a strange new world.
While it may be the coolest thing since sliced bread for many, I found it actually all too much.
Scenario: An English businessman walks into a Japanese bar, he would like to order a drink but he doesn't know the language and the barman only speaks Japanese.
There are any number of predictable punchlines that could follow this story, however, all is not at it seems.
A few tippy taps on his phone and the phone itself speaks to the barman.
British company Echo Translator has developed the first application of its kind to deliver an instant native voice output from a convenient on screen menu, which includes 25 languages.
And it's SERIOUSLY cool.
(And here's the techie bit)... Using Echo Phraselogic technology phone customers can speak, learn and instantly interact with people of different cultures and tongues, without any prior knowledge of the foreign language.
Available for Windows Mobile or Java handsets, the Echo Translator is available to download FREE and try from www.echotranslator.com/.
Echo Travel Basics is free and Echo Travel Pro with more than 10,000 possible phrase combinations can be subscribed to weekly, monthly or purchased outright providing an on-device, personal and convenient alternative to phrase books and classical forms of language education.
Meanwhile... Want to speed up your broadband connection? Diagnose mysterious crashes? Move massive files across the Internet?
Sooner or later, you will - and you'll find step-by-step instructions for these and other common PC tasks on the website www.msn.com.
I was just browsing around the other day and discovered a whole bunch of answers to questions I didn't even know I had.
Here's the best from my desk this week:
Title: Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: £49.99
Hit count: 4/5
Review: The latest instalment in the Command & Conquer series explodes quite literally onto the scene with style.
Boasting much improved state-of-the-art graphics, voiceovers by real (apparently) Hollywood actors and quality sound effects, it is the best C&C yet.
C&C's unique Real-time Strategy approach set the standard and with this new title the developers have shown they are on a role.
Further plus points of the game are that it will not be one that you complete over night, nor will you grow bored in a few minutes.
However you have to be fairly used to the controls and storyline of the original game to feel completely immersed in it.
The fate of the planet - and indeed humanity - is in your hands... fancy a challenge?
Title: Lineage II: Interlude & 15 Day Time Card bundle
Platform: PC (DVD)
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Exotic creatures, epic battles and dramatic lands are promised in the ever-growing fantasy world of Lineage II.
Given its ingredients it might sound like your local newspaper offices but no - this is the realm of imagination.
Continuing on with the massive multi-player online role playing game, players are offered unrivalled gaming experience in a strange new world.
While it may be the coolest thing since sliced bread for many, I found it actually all too much.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
May 3
Train passengers and rail staff may soon have on-board internet connections.
Train operators and service providers from all over the world will meet in London next month to discuss progress in providing passengers and rail staff with the service.
The conference, which is being organised by technology consultancy BWCS, will focus on the means and the benefits of supplying broadband signals to trains.
Train Communications 2007 will examine the ways that new technologies are dramatically altering on-board communications systems.
Despite great progress in this sector and in the face of overwhelming public demand for such services, only a handful of train companies have so far managed to supply customers with an internet connection.
The latest example of this is the Heathrow Express, which now allows passengers to hook up to the internet as they travel between Paddington and London's major airport.
The response to this conference, which builds on a similar event last year organised by BWCS, has shown that there is tremendous interest in this topic amongst transport and companies and technology suppliers around the world.
One of the major themes of this year's conference will be the uses that operators can make of on-board train access to assist in security, safety and reducing staff costs. Delegates will discuss such issues as on-board CCTV being wirelessly relayed from train to trackside and wireless ticketing services.
The speakers will provide first hand accounts of the problems and pitfalls that can befall operators and explain how these can successfully be avoided and overcome. The proponents of all the main wireless access technologies will debate their strategies and solutions as well as discuss the future development of the industry.
Among those presenting at Train Communications Systems 2007 will be: Virgin Trains, Capitol Corridors Joint Power Authority (US Train Operator), VIA Rail (Canada), Swiss Rail, NSB (Norwegian Rail), GNER, Nokia Siemens Networks, Lloyd?s Register Rail, NS Trains, Icomera, Nomad Digital, T-Systems and many more.
Over two days, a combination of interactive workshops, panel sessions, presentations and networking sessions will explore the commercial and technical issues arising from the deployment of train WiFi around the world as well as other newer applications developed as wireless broadband on trains becomes a reality.
Train Communications 2007 will be held in central London on the 6th and 7th of June 2007.
Meanwhile, news from across the pond...
A cable television company has launched an investigation after small children ended up watching hardcore porn when they tuned into their favourite cartoon on the Disney Channel.
Paul Dunleavy, a Middletown, New Jersey, subscriber to cable giant Comcast, was stunned on Tuesday morning to find his five-year-old son watching something other than Handy Manny, a cartoon show about a bilingual Latino handyman and his talking tools.
"It was two people doing their thing, it was full-on and it was disgusting," the father-of-three told The New York Daily News.
"I couldn't believe it. We try to do the right thing to protect our kids from this stuff, and then they broadcast it on children?s TV."
Comcast spokesman Fred DeAndrea said last night that the programming error had occurred at around 9.30am on Tuesday. He described it as an "isolated issue in a local New Jersey facility".
Um... anyway, got a minute this week? Try your hand at these:
Title: Guitar Hero II with X-Plorer Guitar Controller
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: £69.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Choosing to give any game top marks is a hard choice - especially when developers constantly up the stakes to outsell each other.
Thankfully though this was an easy choice given its style, look and overall fun factor.
Guitar Hero II is truly rock and roll. It's unique, tricky and ultimately MASSIVELY addictive! The cornerstone of it though is the fab guitar (ok it may not have the exact look of a Gibson or truly wail like a Strat but it works) which takes a bit of getting used to, but is paramount to fun.
Choose from a wild group of rockers and jam at concert venues that grow in size as your rock career progresses. Play with a friend and shred riffs cooperatively, or go head-to-head in multiplayer modes like Pro Face-Off.
Boasting over 70 songs (ranging from Heart-Shaped Box, Killing in the Name, Sweet Child O' Mine You Really Got Me and War Pigs to name but a few, the soundtrack is also a killer. With Xbox Live you can also grab new songs, themes, and picture packs and download exclusive songs and check where you rank on the Guitar Hero II leaderboard.
Like it, love it!
Title: ANCIENT WARS: SPARTA
Platform: PC
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Ancient Wars: Sparta is based on the history of the ancient ages and their main nations. Spartans, Persians and Egyptians are fighting for influence around Asia Minor, Europe and North Africa.
Following historical events, the action takes place with different campaigns for all three races.
Sparta represents 3D strategy in real time with the newly developed Ancient Wars Engine (AWE), where the player will have to use each nation's powers to be superior over other competitors and build up a dominant culture and civilisation.
The main emphasis is on large-scaled battles and complex tactical manoeuvres.
Players can strategically equip soldiers with weapons of choice. Warriors can be equipped with weapons and shields, can be put on horses or on chariots and be given special abilities.
The player can collect abandoned weapons after battles or import powerful weapons from other cultures to build special units.
Fire, Wind etc. will effect the whole environment. Cities can be upgraded and turned to fortresses, workers gather resources to ensure a safe economy.
Ancient Wars: Sparta offers RTS fans all their favourite gameplay with a vast variety of new features and innovative options.
Title: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs The Soulless Army Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: The Shin Megami Tensei series has been incredibly well received throughout a number of releases in Japan.
Devil Summoner heralds an exciting departure for the series with a much more action orientated gaming experience.
Featuring a brand new 3rd person viewpoint and a stunning new historical setting, this latest installment pulls out all the stops to provide gamers with an intriguingly dark and incredibly involving RPG adventure.
Set within a stunningly realized early 1900's Japan, Devil Summoner exudes class and style through incredible settings, remarkable characters and an overall atmosphere that will evoke a sense of early Victorian locales and Sherlock Holmes style detective work.
Train operators and service providers from all over the world will meet in London next month to discuss progress in providing passengers and rail staff with the service.
The conference, which is being organised by technology consultancy BWCS, will focus on the means and the benefits of supplying broadband signals to trains.
Train Communications 2007 will examine the ways that new technologies are dramatically altering on-board communications systems.
Despite great progress in this sector and in the face of overwhelming public demand for such services, only a handful of train companies have so far managed to supply customers with an internet connection.
The latest example of this is the Heathrow Express, which now allows passengers to hook up to the internet as they travel between Paddington and London's major airport.
The response to this conference, which builds on a similar event last year organised by BWCS, has shown that there is tremendous interest in this topic amongst transport and companies and technology suppliers around the world.
One of the major themes of this year's conference will be the uses that operators can make of on-board train access to assist in security, safety and reducing staff costs. Delegates will discuss such issues as on-board CCTV being wirelessly relayed from train to trackside and wireless ticketing services.
The speakers will provide first hand accounts of the problems and pitfalls that can befall operators and explain how these can successfully be avoided and overcome. The proponents of all the main wireless access technologies will debate their strategies and solutions as well as discuss the future development of the industry.
Among those presenting at Train Communications Systems 2007 will be: Virgin Trains, Capitol Corridors Joint Power Authority (US Train Operator), VIA Rail (Canada), Swiss Rail, NSB (Norwegian Rail), GNER, Nokia Siemens Networks, Lloyd?s Register Rail, NS Trains, Icomera, Nomad Digital, T-Systems and many more.
Over two days, a combination of interactive workshops, panel sessions, presentations and networking sessions will explore the commercial and technical issues arising from the deployment of train WiFi around the world as well as other newer applications developed as wireless broadband on trains becomes a reality.
Train Communications 2007 will be held in central London on the 6th and 7th of June 2007.
Meanwhile, news from across the pond...
A cable television company has launched an investigation after small children ended up watching hardcore porn when they tuned into their favourite cartoon on the Disney Channel.
Paul Dunleavy, a Middletown, New Jersey, subscriber to cable giant Comcast, was stunned on Tuesday morning to find his five-year-old son watching something other than Handy Manny, a cartoon show about a bilingual Latino handyman and his talking tools.
"It was two people doing their thing, it was full-on and it was disgusting," the father-of-three told The New York Daily News.
"I couldn't believe it. We try to do the right thing to protect our kids from this stuff, and then they broadcast it on children?s TV."
Comcast spokesman Fred DeAndrea said last night that the programming error had occurred at around 9.30am on Tuesday. He described it as an "isolated issue in a local New Jersey facility".
Um... anyway, got a minute this week? Try your hand at these:
Title: Guitar Hero II with X-Plorer Guitar Controller
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: £69.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Choosing to give any game top marks is a hard choice - especially when developers constantly up the stakes to outsell each other.
Thankfully though this was an easy choice given its style, look and overall fun factor.
Guitar Hero II is truly rock and roll. It's unique, tricky and ultimately MASSIVELY addictive! The cornerstone of it though is the fab guitar (ok it may not have the exact look of a Gibson or truly wail like a Strat but it works) which takes a bit of getting used to, but is paramount to fun.
Choose from a wild group of rockers and jam at concert venues that grow in size as your rock career progresses. Play with a friend and shred riffs cooperatively, or go head-to-head in multiplayer modes like Pro Face-Off.
Boasting over 70 songs (ranging from Heart-Shaped Box, Killing in the Name, Sweet Child O' Mine You Really Got Me and War Pigs to name but a few, the soundtrack is also a killer. With Xbox Live you can also grab new songs, themes, and picture packs and download exclusive songs and check where you rank on the Guitar Hero II leaderboard.
Like it, love it!
Title: ANCIENT WARS: SPARTA
Platform: PC
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: Ancient Wars: Sparta is based on the history of the ancient ages and their main nations. Spartans, Persians and Egyptians are fighting for influence around Asia Minor, Europe and North Africa.
Following historical events, the action takes place with different campaigns for all three races.
Sparta represents 3D strategy in real time with the newly developed Ancient Wars Engine (AWE), where the player will have to use each nation's powers to be superior over other competitors and build up a dominant culture and civilisation.
The main emphasis is on large-scaled battles and complex tactical manoeuvres.
Players can strategically equip soldiers with weapons of choice. Warriors can be equipped with weapons and shields, can be put on horses or on chariots and be given special abilities.
The player can collect abandoned weapons after battles or import powerful weapons from other cultures to build special units.
Fire, Wind etc. will effect the whole environment. Cities can be upgraded and turned to fortresses, workers gather resources to ensure a safe economy.
Ancient Wars: Sparta offers RTS fans all their favourite gameplay with a vast variety of new features and innovative options.
Title: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs The Soulless Army Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 3/5
Review: The Shin Megami Tensei series has been incredibly well received throughout a number of releases in Japan.
Devil Summoner heralds an exciting departure for the series with a much more action orientated gaming experience.
Featuring a brand new 3rd person viewpoint and a stunning new historical setting, this latest installment pulls out all the stops to provide gamers with an intriguingly dark and incredibly involving RPG adventure.
Set within a stunningly realized early 1900's Japan, Devil Summoner exudes class and style through incredible settings, remarkable characters and an overall atmosphere that will evoke a sense of early Victorian locales and Sherlock Holmes style detective work.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
April 26
Are you sick of stroppy shop assistants, automated answering services and hanging on the phone for hours on end?
Well disgruntled customers in Plymouth can now vent their frustration and get paid for it thanks to the new website www.yoursaypays.co.uk.
The website, which has been set up by customer satisfaction specialists, The Leadership Factor, pays visitors to take part in market research which is used to assess UK customer service across a variety of sectors including retail, telecommunications and local authorities.
The Leadership Factor is one of the world's leading specialists in the measurement of customer and employee satisfaction. Its services are predominantly focused on measuring and improving satisfaction levels of customers and employees of its large and growing number of blue chip clients.
After registering online, customer service panellists are rewarded between 50p and £2 per completed survey, which they can choose to keep or donate to charity.
Somehow I think the website might crash with people eager to share their experiences - especially with complaints about banks, mobile phone companies and other organisations which use mass call centre operations.
In fact, it's worth asking... Q. What's worse than calling a call centre? A. Calling a call centre and getting through to a maze-like automated service which requires you to be Ethan Hunt to navigate through. Grr.
Anyhow, Nigel Hill, founder of The Leadership Factor says of the new service: "Customers in Plymouth shouldn't have to tolerate poor service but complaining can be time consuming and stressful.
"Similarly to encourage excellent customer service we should highlight those companies whose customers are very happy.
"The Your Say Pays site makes it easy for customers to get their views noted, whilst rewarding them for their time.
"The site is interactive, featuring advice and real-life articles on customer service issues and a blog for consumers to share experiences."
Members of the panel will receive short questionnaires via email every few weeks. Panellists don't have to take part in every survey they are sent, and all information and opinions are strictly confidential.
Mr Hill adds: "It is now the norm for consumers to stand up for their rights and Your Say Pays provides the perfect platform. Businesses benefit from knowing their customers' opinions so they can make positive changes to improve levels of customer service."
For more information log on to www.yoursaypays.co.uk.
Rewards can be donated to the following charities; Red Cross, Age Concern, Cancer Research, Royal National Institute for the Blind or the World Wildlife Fund.
Meanwhile....
Customers at a top British restaurant can now listen to iPods while tucking into their food. Chef Heston Blumenthal says the Apple music players will help heighten the flavour of a new dish called Sound of the Sea.
Diners at his three Michelin-starred Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, will listen to a recording of breaking waves while they eat.
The sound of the sea dish is made of seafood and edible seaweed served on a sand-like tapioca mixture.
I'm sure the restaurant will be awash with bookings. (Soz)
Oh and news just in... Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced that PSP (PlayStationPortable) would enjoy a new, lower price point in the UK £129.99, with the new price effective from Friday (4th May).
In addition to the new price of PSP, five new Platinum titles will be launched concurrently with a new, lower price for all PSP Platinum titles of £14.99.
The new Platinum titles are: Ridge Racer 2, Tekken, Killzone, Loco Roco, and Moto GP.
Anyways, those nice people at Sierra Games UK and Sony have showered my desk with the latest games to review.
Here's the best on the desk.
Title: F.E.A.R.
Platform: Sony PS3
RRP: £39.99
Hit count: 5/5
You aren't a soldier. You are a weapon. A mysterious paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound, taking hostages but issuing no demands. A Special Forces team is sent in by the government to contain the situation, but contact is severed as an eerie signal interrupts radio communications. When the interference subsides moments later, the team has been obliterated. Live footage of the massacre shows an inexplicable wave of destruction tearing the soldiers apart before they can even react. In light of the desperate situation the F.E.A.R. team is assembled. As part of this elite classified strike force created to deal with the most unusual and shocking of threats, your mission is simple: Eliminate the intruders at any cost. Determine the origin of the signal and contain this crisis before it spirals out of control. At last a title begins to make the most of the advanced capabilities of the new Sony PlayStation 3.
Title: God of War 2
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 3/5
The story picks up where players last left off with Kratos. Sitting atop his throne on Olympus, Kratos, the once mortal warrior has become a threat far worse than his predecessor Ares, had ever been. Kratos is a ruthless God, whose wrath strikes down anyone who crosses his path or the path of his beloved Sparta. The Ghost of Sparta sets out to alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed, his fate. Kratos' journey brings him to the very edge of the Earth, facing countless beasts, monsters, and horrors from his previous life, all bent on preventing him from reaching his goal. But this is Kratos, and his defiance is filled with such arrogance and contempt that all of the Ancient World still trembles at his name: Kratos, the God of War.
Well disgruntled customers in Plymouth can now vent their frustration and get paid for it thanks to the new website www.yoursaypays.co.uk.
The website, which has been set up by customer satisfaction specialists, The Leadership Factor, pays visitors to take part in market research which is used to assess UK customer service across a variety of sectors including retail, telecommunications and local authorities.
The Leadership Factor is one of the world's leading specialists in the measurement of customer and employee satisfaction. Its services are predominantly focused on measuring and improving satisfaction levels of customers and employees of its large and growing number of blue chip clients.
After registering online, customer service panellists are rewarded between 50p and £2 per completed survey, which they can choose to keep or donate to charity.
Somehow I think the website might crash with people eager to share their experiences - especially with complaints about banks, mobile phone companies and other organisations which use mass call centre operations.
In fact, it's worth asking... Q. What's worse than calling a call centre? A. Calling a call centre and getting through to a maze-like automated service which requires you to be Ethan Hunt to navigate through. Grr.
Anyhow, Nigel Hill, founder of The Leadership Factor says of the new service: "Customers in Plymouth shouldn't have to tolerate poor service but complaining can be time consuming and stressful.
"Similarly to encourage excellent customer service we should highlight those companies whose customers are very happy.
"The Your Say Pays site makes it easy for customers to get their views noted, whilst rewarding them for their time.
"The site is interactive, featuring advice and real-life articles on customer service issues and a blog for consumers to share experiences."
Members of the panel will receive short questionnaires via email every few weeks. Panellists don't have to take part in every survey they are sent, and all information and opinions are strictly confidential.
Mr Hill adds: "It is now the norm for consumers to stand up for their rights and Your Say Pays provides the perfect platform. Businesses benefit from knowing their customers' opinions so they can make positive changes to improve levels of customer service."
For more information log on to www.yoursaypays.co.uk.
Rewards can be donated to the following charities; Red Cross, Age Concern, Cancer Research, Royal National Institute for the Blind or the World Wildlife Fund.
Meanwhile....
Customers at a top British restaurant can now listen to iPods while tucking into their food. Chef Heston Blumenthal says the Apple music players will help heighten the flavour of a new dish called Sound of the Sea.
Diners at his three Michelin-starred Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, will listen to a recording of breaking waves while they eat.
The sound of the sea dish is made of seafood and edible seaweed served on a sand-like tapioca mixture.
I'm sure the restaurant will be awash with bookings. (Soz)
Oh and news just in... Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced that PSP (PlayStationPortable) would enjoy a new, lower price point in the UK £129.99, with the new price effective from Friday (4th May).
In addition to the new price of PSP, five new Platinum titles will be launched concurrently with a new, lower price for all PSP Platinum titles of £14.99.
The new Platinum titles are: Ridge Racer 2, Tekken, Killzone, Loco Roco, and Moto GP.
Anyways, those nice people at Sierra Games UK and Sony have showered my desk with the latest games to review.
Here's the best on the desk.
Title: F.E.A.R.
Platform: Sony PS3
RRP: £39.99
Hit count: 5/5
You aren't a soldier. You are a weapon. A mysterious paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound, taking hostages but issuing no demands. A Special Forces team is sent in by the government to contain the situation, but contact is severed as an eerie signal interrupts radio communications. When the interference subsides moments later, the team has been obliterated. Live footage of the massacre shows an inexplicable wave of destruction tearing the soldiers apart before they can even react. In light of the desperate situation the F.E.A.R. team is assembled. As part of this elite classified strike force created to deal with the most unusual and shocking of threats, your mission is simple: Eliminate the intruders at any cost. Determine the origin of the signal and contain this crisis before it spirals out of control. At last a title begins to make the most of the advanced capabilities of the new Sony PlayStation 3.
Title: God of War 2
Platform: Sony PS2
RRP: £34.99
Hit count: 3/5
The story picks up where players last left off with Kratos. Sitting atop his throne on Olympus, Kratos, the once mortal warrior has become a threat far worse than his predecessor Ares, had ever been. Kratos is a ruthless God, whose wrath strikes down anyone who crosses his path or the path of his beloved Sparta. The Ghost of Sparta sets out to alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed, his fate. Kratos' journey brings him to the very edge of the Earth, facing countless beasts, monsters, and horrors from his previous life, all bent on preventing him from reaching his goal. But this is Kratos, and his defiance is filled with such arrogance and contempt that all of the Ancient World still trembles at his name: Kratos, the God of War.
Thursday, 12 April 2007
April 12
Ding ding... Round two. What's worse than the microphone going in your mobile phone handset so no-one can hear you talking...? Why having insurance with Lloyds TSB Bank's Lifestyle Services Group of course.
Not content with having four days off at Easter, the insurance department at the UK's super bank have decided (it seems) to take a little longer off thus avoiding picking up my claim form and subsequently fixing my phone.
It's now been 17 days since they received the claim form - and about that time since I last made a call.
While I don't mind missing the occasional 'I haven't seen you in ages, you don't care about us anymore' (mum) call or indeed the 'you're due for an upgrade on your bank account' call (Lloyds), it is possibly the most annoying thing I've experienced in a while.
Example: "ring ring... ring ring (in fact like most others who like to personalise their phone it my doesn't actually ring anymore - it actually plays Sweet Home Alabama, um anyways...) "hello...", "hi, it's Tristan here...", "hello...", "hello...?" Annoying.
This problem is not a new one for me though. Ask any of my mates and they'll tell you that I have the WORST luck with mobile phones.
There was the LG flip phone a couple of years ago which decided it didn't want to be a phone anymore and was more happy being used as a calculator (again a microphone problem), then there was the Motorola E1000, which again wanted a career change. (Again, a microphone problem).
After those two I decided to return to the trusty Nokia handset. "Oh, they never break," friends liked to tell me. "You could drown it, throw it against a wall and let it spend six nights in the Falklands and it would still work as good as new," they add.
Our survey says... "Eeh ehhh!!!" The Nokia N91 might look the part and act the part but when it comes down to the principle reason why it is in existence (i.e. to be a phone) it fails.
Sigh, how I dream of just owning one of the old bricks which never failed.
Anyway, I know I'm not the only one. One can only hope that Lloyds soon remember that I pay for the privilege of having mobile phone insurance and get in contact (although hopefully on a landline).
Anyhow that aside, who decided to fork out a small fortune and buy a PS3? Anyone? I'll bet not as many as Sony first thought.
Sales have been ok but knowhere near the amount they expected. I, like many others, have decided to wait for the smaller unit to come out to save... well, hundreds of pounds.
Here's the greatest of the latest games:
Title: Brian Lara Cricket 2007
Platform: PS2
RRP: ?39.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 expands the series' trademark fluid, dynamic gameplay mechanics to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and competitive game that captures all the tension, skill and intensity of world-class international cricket.
Thanks to the official ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 content, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 features licensed players, including world cricket stars Andrew Flintoff, Ricky Ponting, Mahendra Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan and of course, Brian Lara himself.
In addition to players, the game leads with a dedicated ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode featuring all the official teams, stadia, kits and equipment of the tournament. Further modes include a fully licensed ICC Champions' Trophy competition and exhibition matches including One Day Games, Test Matches and exciting 20-over run fests.
Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 adds extra depth to the series' complete batting, bowling and fielding experience whilst retaining its trademark accessible playability.
The acclaimed batting play sees the introduction of subtle edges, sweepshots and the ability to use your feet to dance down wicket and smash the ball over the boundary for six. Bowling sees a much-improved set of delivery types, thanks to changes in the way the ball swings in the air and reacts off the pitch, showcasing Shane Warne's huge variation of spinning deliveries and Steve Harmison?s raw pace and even reverse swing as the ball degrades.
In Fielding, there's a new reflex-testing slip catch system and players can now be run out at both ends and be stumped by alert wicket keepers.
A striking advancement is the photo-realistic visuals; with hundreds of real player likenesses being modelled in high detail, complete with animated facial expressions to capture the intensity and emotion of international cricket.
Stadia, including all eight official World Cup venues, have also been created with a new level of textured detail and they make use of proprietary shader technology for realistic, subtle and changing lighting effects, such as time of day and weather.
Title: Medal of Honor: Vanguard
Platform: PS2
RRP: ?39.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Medal of Honor: Vanguard is the latest video game from EA's acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise, credited with pioneering the WWII first-person shooter genre after its debut in 1999.
Join the ranks of the elite 82nd Airborne Division as Corporal Frank Keegan in Medal of Honor: Vanguard.
From Operation Husky on the shores of Sicily to your Operation Varsity airdrop inside Nazi Germany, you'll jump behind enemy lines to fight the epic WWII battles that turned America's first paratroopers into heroes of WWII.
Choose from a variety of authentic, customizable weapons at your disposal, each with distinct characteristics.
Featuring spectacular graphics and all-out combat intensity, Medal of Honor Vanguard makes you the driving force in the struggle to liberate Europe.
The Medal of Honor: Vanguard development team continues to ensure that the ideals and integrity of the prestigious congressional Medal of Honor are accurately reflected in the game.
The producers sought counsel from numerous expert sources to make certain the game is historically accurate and as true to the WWII experience as possible.
Title: Samurai Warriors 2: Empires
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: ?29.99
Hit count: 2/5
Review: The Empires games have long been regarded as the deepest most tactical installment in the Warriors' series.
Samurai Warriors 2 Empires takes these strategic foundations even further with more choices and opportunities for the player to shape policies and build an army capable of uniting all of the warring states within Japan under one ruler.
This game balances the political and tactical machinations of preparing an army for battle with the spectacular battlefield action that the Warriors games are renowned for to provide an incredibly involving tactical action experience. Samurai Warriors 2 Empires combines the most exciting aspects of Action, Fighting and Strategy games.
Japan is divided into 25 warring states and it is up to you to resurrect a nation using equal amounts of strategy and strength! Before each battle, you will meet with their war council to discuss military and political affairs; then it's time for combat.
Samurai Warriors 2 Empires is a tantalizing blend of strategy and true warrior action.
With a stylized recreation of Japan's Sengoku or Warring States era, Samurai Warriors 2 Empires is sure to captivate anyone fascinated by Samurai culture. Special events in the game chronicle major turning points in Japan's history including The HonnMji Incident where the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, met his demise, and The Battle of Kawanakajima, considered the largest and most prolonged encounter of the Warring States era.
In addition to the game's main Empire Mode, Samurai Warriors 2 Empires includes a Free Mode, which allows you to choose any stage and fight through it using any officer in the game.
The game's Archives offers an extensive gallery overflowing with rare artwork, CG sequences, and detailed information on tactics and formations, as well as visual and voice samples of all officers and troops within the game.
Not content with having four days off at Easter, the insurance department at the UK's super bank have decided (it seems) to take a little longer off thus avoiding picking up my claim form and subsequently fixing my phone.
It's now been 17 days since they received the claim form - and about that time since I last made a call.
While I don't mind missing the occasional 'I haven't seen you in ages, you don't care about us anymore' (mum) call or indeed the 'you're due for an upgrade on your bank account' call (Lloyds), it is possibly the most annoying thing I've experienced in a while.
Example: "ring ring... ring ring (in fact like most others who like to personalise their phone it my doesn't actually ring anymore - it actually plays Sweet Home Alabama, um anyways...) "hello...", "hi, it's Tristan here...", "hello...", "hello...?" Annoying.
This problem is not a new one for me though. Ask any of my mates and they'll tell you that I have the WORST luck with mobile phones.
There was the LG flip phone a couple of years ago which decided it didn't want to be a phone anymore and was more happy being used as a calculator (again a microphone problem), then there was the Motorola E1000, which again wanted a career change. (Again, a microphone problem).
After those two I decided to return to the trusty Nokia handset. "Oh, they never break," friends liked to tell me. "You could drown it, throw it against a wall and let it spend six nights in the Falklands and it would still work as good as new," they add.
Our survey says... "Eeh ehhh!!!" The Nokia N91 might look the part and act the part but when it comes down to the principle reason why it is in existence (i.e. to be a phone) it fails.
Sigh, how I dream of just owning one of the old bricks which never failed.
Anyway, I know I'm not the only one. One can only hope that Lloyds soon remember that I pay for the privilege of having mobile phone insurance and get in contact (although hopefully on a landline).
Anyhow that aside, who decided to fork out a small fortune and buy a PS3? Anyone? I'll bet not as many as Sony first thought.
Sales have been ok but knowhere near the amount they expected. I, like many others, have decided to wait for the smaller unit to come out to save... well, hundreds of pounds.
Here's the greatest of the latest games:
Title: Brian Lara Cricket 2007
Platform: PS2
RRP: ?39.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 expands the series' trademark fluid, dynamic gameplay mechanics to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and competitive game that captures all the tension, skill and intensity of world-class international cricket.
Thanks to the official ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 content, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 features licensed players, including world cricket stars Andrew Flintoff, Ricky Ponting, Mahendra Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan and of course, Brian Lara himself.
In addition to players, the game leads with a dedicated ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode featuring all the official teams, stadia, kits and equipment of the tournament. Further modes include a fully licensed ICC Champions' Trophy competition and exhibition matches including One Day Games, Test Matches and exciting 20-over run fests.
Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 adds extra depth to the series' complete batting, bowling and fielding experience whilst retaining its trademark accessible playability.
The acclaimed batting play sees the introduction of subtle edges, sweepshots and the ability to use your feet to dance down wicket and smash the ball over the boundary for six. Bowling sees a much-improved set of delivery types, thanks to changes in the way the ball swings in the air and reacts off the pitch, showcasing Shane Warne's huge variation of spinning deliveries and Steve Harmison?s raw pace and even reverse swing as the ball degrades.
In Fielding, there's a new reflex-testing slip catch system and players can now be run out at both ends and be stumped by alert wicket keepers.
A striking advancement is the photo-realistic visuals; with hundreds of real player likenesses being modelled in high detail, complete with animated facial expressions to capture the intensity and emotion of international cricket.
Stadia, including all eight official World Cup venues, have also been created with a new level of textured detail and they make use of proprietary shader technology for realistic, subtle and changing lighting effects, such as time of day and weather.
Title: Medal of Honor: Vanguard
Platform: PS2
RRP: ?39.99
Hit count: 5/5
Review: Medal of Honor: Vanguard is the latest video game from EA's acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise, credited with pioneering the WWII first-person shooter genre after its debut in 1999.
Join the ranks of the elite 82nd Airborne Division as Corporal Frank Keegan in Medal of Honor: Vanguard.
From Operation Husky on the shores of Sicily to your Operation Varsity airdrop inside Nazi Germany, you'll jump behind enemy lines to fight the epic WWII battles that turned America's first paratroopers into heroes of WWII.
Choose from a variety of authentic, customizable weapons at your disposal, each with distinct characteristics.
Featuring spectacular graphics and all-out combat intensity, Medal of Honor Vanguard makes you the driving force in the struggle to liberate Europe.
The Medal of Honor: Vanguard development team continues to ensure that the ideals and integrity of the prestigious congressional Medal of Honor are accurately reflected in the game.
The producers sought counsel from numerous expert sources to make certain the game is historically accurate and as true to the WWII experience as possible.
Title: Samurai Warriors 2: Empires
Platform: Xbox 360
RRP: ?29.99
Hit count: 2/5
Review: The Empires games have long been regarded as the deepest most tactical installment in the Warriors' series.
Samurai Warriors 2 Empires takes these strategic foundations even further with more choices and opportunities for the player to shape policies and build an army capable of uniting all of the warring states within Japan under one ruler.
This game balances the political and tactical machinations of preparing an army for battle with the spectacular battlefield action that the Warriors games are renowned for to provide an incredibly involving tactical action experience. Samurai Warriors 2 Empires combines the most exciting aspects of Action, Fighting and Strategy games.
Japan is divided into 25 warring states and it is up to you to resurrect a nation using equal amounts of strategy and strength! Before each battle, you will meet with their war council to discuss military and political affairs; then it's time for combat.
Samurai Warriors 2 Empires is a tantalizing blend of strategy and true warrior action.
With a stylized recreation of Japan's Sengoku or Warring States era, Samurai Warriors 2 Empires is sure to captivate anyone fascinated by Samurai culture. Special events in the game chronicle major turning points in Japan's history including The HonnMji Incident where the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, met his demise, and The Battle of Kawanakajima, considered the largest and most prolonged encounter of the Warring States era.
In addition to the game's main Empire Mode, Samurai Warriors 2 Empires includes a Free Mode, which allows you to choose any stage and fight through it using any officer in the game.
The game's Archives offers an extensive gallery overflowing with rare artwork, CG sequences, and detailed information on tactics and formations, as well as visual and voice samples of all officers and troops within the game.
Thursday, 22 March 2007
March 22
Should I...? Or shouldn't I? Those are the two questions which are overshadowing everything else in my mind this week.
I'm referring of course to whether or not to spend what can only be described as a sh*t load of money on a brand new all-singing all-dancing Sony PlayStation 3.
The devil inside me is saying "come on, what's ?425 anyway?" While the sensible I-want-buy-a-house part of me is telling me to "wait a couple of months and buy later for cheaper".
Now I know from chatting to mates, colleagues - and basically anyone else within ear shot - that I'm not alone in the situation.
They go on sale tomorrow - that's Friday March 23.
Like I said in an earlier blog, who really needs 60GB of memory? Do I look like Bill frikkin Gates?! I think not.
And anyway, I'm not even close to owning an HD television. So why would I want a blu ray player capable of producing crystal clear images on only HD televisions?
My 32ins Sony is not even close to being replaced.
So there you are... that should be it.
But sadly it's not is it? Every magazine, advert, television channel or computer screen has mention of the PS3. You see the graphics and hear the rumours about how good the games are in any manner of ways and wallah... you can't help but be hooked again.
My girlfriend thinks I'm mad to even consider spending the money. But then she made the fateful mistake of mentioning that when I do own my first house, I'll "never be able to afford these kind of luxuries again". Ching ching... Sold!
I seriously can't help it. I sit there watching television and my eyes avert to a space underneath on a clear shelf next to the video player.
I immediately think, the PS3's sleek black look would look awesome sitting proudly right there.
So there it is. What do you do?
Personally I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet, phone my financial advisor and just big fat do it. Now I'm not on about sleeping rough outside Game on New George Street or anything... I'll order it.
So I might be ultimately disappointed in the whole console... but hey, if I don't buy it I won't know?
The way I look at life it's better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all right? I'm destined for a summer inside!
I'm referring of course to whether or not to spend what can only be described as a sh*t load of money on a brand new all-singing all-dancing Sony PlayStation 3.
The devil inside me is saying "come on, what's ?425 anyway?" While the sensible I-want-buy-a-house part of me is telling me to "wait a couple of months and buy later for cheaper".
Now I know from chatting to mates, colleagues - and basically anyone else within ear shot - that I'm not alone in the situation.
They go on sale tomorrow - that's Friday March 23.
Like I said in an earlier blog, who really needs 60GB of memory? Do I look like Bill frikkin Gates?! I think not.
And anyway, I'm not even close to owning an HD television. So why would I want a blu ray player capable of producing crystal clear images on only HD televisions?
My 32ins Sony is not even close to being replaced.
So there you are... that should be it.
But sadly it's not is it? Every magazine, advert, television channel or computer screen has mention of the PS3. You see the graphics and hear the rumours about how good the games are in any manner of ways and wallah... you can't help but be hooked again.
My girlfriend thinks I'm mad to even consider spending the money. But then she made the fateful mistake of mentioning that when I do own my first house, I'll "never be able to afford these kind of luxuries again". Ching ching... Sold!
I seriously can't help it. I sit there watching television and my eyes avert to a space underneath on a clear shelf next to the video player.
I immediately think, the PS3's sleek black look would look awesome sitting proudly right there.
So there it is. What do you do?
Personally I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet, phone my financial advisor and just big fat do it. Now I'm not on about sleeping rough outside Game on New George Street or anything... I'll order it.
So I might be ultimately disappointed in the whole console... but hey, if I don't buy it I won't know?
The way I look at life it's better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all right? I'm destined for a summer inside!
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