Title: Mass Effect Format: Xbox 360
Genre: 3rd person action adventure/ RPG
Basic plot: You are Commander Sheppard, kick ass space marine or whatever you choose him to be. It s your job to stop the return of Evil machines from destroying all organic life in the galaxy. Hows it play: Amazing, the combats great, even though your teamates can be retarded sometimes, the speech is fantastic and makes you feel as though your in a movie. Massive galaxy to explore with loads of side quests.
Graphics: True next gen, fantastic
Fun factor: I love every second of it, except the parts where you keep dying, autosave can be a pain in the ass. length: Epic storyline and you can spent weeks just travelling the galaxy looking for stuff to do.
Deaths: A lot, evil geth mostly but there is a shock later on.
Soundtrack: epic sci-fi score, love it.
Highlight: Being evil to aliens always makes me chuckle, and the exploration aspects are great. Lowlight: annoying auto-save, and the graphics do glitch a bit but nothing ruining.
My Score: Excellent the true heir to knights of the old republic ( the first one). 9/10
cgm
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
Review: Assasins Creed
With so many new games out lately CGM has changed its review system to allow us to cram in as many reviews as possible.
Title: Assasins creed
Format: Xbox 360
Genre: 3rd person action adventure Basic plot: er well your an assasin and you take people out as in kill em.
Hows it play: Really well, similar to the prince of persia series but far better executed, combats a bit easy though.
Graphics: True next gen, amazing on an HD tv Fun factor: This lets it down as it quickly gets repetitive, not very exciting side missions and a bit predictable.
length: Lenghty story mode with loads of things to find and side quests... there just not that exciting.
Deaths: Thousands, your like superman on steroids but with a sword. Soundtrack: Mostly medieval sounds and Arabic music, pretty good though
Highlight: Riding the horses and mounted combat, and swan diving from the top of huuuge towers.
Lowlight: repetitive, and a bit dull CGMScore: 7/10
Title: Assasins creed
Format: Xbox 360
Genre: 3rd person action adventure Basic plot: er well your an assasin and you take people out as in kill em.
Hows it play: Really well, similar to the prince of persia series but far better executed, combats a bit easy though.
Graphics: True next gen, amazing on an HD tv Fun factor: This lets it down as it quickly gets repetitive, not very exciting side missions and a bit predictable.
length: Lenghty story mode with loads of things to find and side quests... there just not that exciting.
Deaths: Thousands, your like superman on steroids but with a sword. Soundtrack: Mostly medieval sounds and Arabic music, pretty good though
Highlight: Riding the horses and mounted combat, and swan diving from the top of huuuge towers.
Lowlight: repetitive, and a bit dull CGMScore: 7/10
Friday, 6 July 2007
Microsoft Admits Their Crap!!
In a statement released today Microsoft has finally admitted that their is a problem with the Xbox 360 console.
The following is frm the BBC website:
Microsoft has said that it is facing a bill of more than $1bn to cover the cost of offering extended warranties, after failings with its Xbox 360.
The company admitted it had been forced to make "an unacceptable number of repairs" to the consoles after key hardware failed.
Customers who suffer the problems will now be given a free three-year warranty, the company said. The failures are indicated by three red flashing lights on the console.
Microsoft, has not revealed how many of its machines have suffered the problem, but said the number was "bigger than we are comfortable with."
It added that the move - which will also see some people reimbursed for postage and repairs on consoles which were out of warranty - was aimed at keeping the loyalty of its customers.
"The majority of Xbox 360 owners are having a great experience with their console and have from day one," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division.
"But this problem has caused frustration for some of our customers and for that, we sincerely apologise."
It added its Xbox division was still expected to make a profit during the financial year beginning 1 July 2007.
The following is frm the BBC website:
Microsoft has said that it is facing a bill of more than $1bn to cover the cost of offering extended warranties, after failings with its Xbox 360.
The company admitted it had been forced to make "an unacceptable number of repairs" to the consoles after key hardware failed.
Customers who suffer the problems will now be given a free three-year warranty, the company said. The failures are indicated by three red flashing lights on the console.
Microsoft, has not revealed how many of its machines have suffered the problem, but said the number was "bigger than we are comfortable with."
It added that the move - which will also see some people reimbursed for postage and repairs on consoles which were out of warranty - was aimed at keeping the loyalty of its customers.
"The majority of Xbox 360 owners are having a great experience with their console and have from day one," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division.
"But this problem has caused frustration for some of our customers and for that, we sincerely apologise."
It added its Xbox division was still expected to make a profit during the financial year beginning 1 July 2007.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
More Rockstar controversy
British censors have banned a violent video game from the UK for the first time in a decade.
The video game Manhunt 2 was rejected for its "unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying", the British Board of Film Classification said.
It means the Manhunt sequel cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.
The parents of a Leicester schoolboy who blamed the original game for the murder of their 14-year-old son said they were "absolutely elated".
'There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed' said BBFC director David Cooke
The original Manhunt game was given an 18 classification in 2003.
Manhunt 2, for PS2 and Nintendo Wii consoles, is made by Rockstar Games.
The company has six weeks to submit an appeal.
The last game to be refused classification was Carmageddon in 1997. That decision was overturned on appeal. David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone.
"There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game." 'Morally irresponsible'
The original Manhunt game caused huge controversy and was blamed for the murder of Stefan Pakeerah. The boy was stabbed and beaten to death in Leicester in February 2004.
Stefan Pakeerah was murdered in 2004 his parents believe the killer, Warren LeBlanc, 17, was inspired by the game. Stefan's mother, Giselle Pakeerah, had condemned the sequel, branding the gaming industry "morally irresponsible". "We have been campaigning against these games for a long time and the BBFC made the right decision," she said. Police said robbery was the motive behind the attack on Stefan in Stokes Wood Park on 26 February 2004 - and not the video game blamed by Stefan's parents. Manhunt's maker Rockstar North has always insisted its games are geared towards mature audiences and are marketed responsibly.
Leicester MP Keith Vaz, who campaigned with the Pakeerahs against the original version of Manhunt, praised the decision to ban Manhunt 2. He said: "This is an excellent decision by the British Board of Film Classification, showing that game publishers cannot expect to get interactive games where players take the part of killers engaged in 'casual sadism' and murder."
Once again the twerp Keith Vaz gets involved. He must be trying to emulate Jack Thompson the prolific game banner from the states.
The video game Manhunt 2 was rejected for its "unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying", the British Board of Film Classification said.
It means the Manhunt sequel cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.
The parents of a Leicester schoolboy who blamed the original game for the murder of their 14-year-old son said they were "absolutely elated".
'There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed' said BBFC director David Cooke
The original Manhunt game was given an 18 classification in 2003.
Manhunt 2, for PS2 and Nintendo Wii consoles, is made by Rockstar Games.
The company has six weeks to submit an appeal.
The last game to be refused classification was Carmageddon in 1997. That decision was overturned on appeal. David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone.
"There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game." 'Morally irresponsible'
The original Manhunt game caused huge controversy and was blamed for the murder of Stefan Pakeerah. The boy was stabbed and beaten to death in Leicester in February 2004.
Stefan Pakeerah was murdered in 2004 his parents believe the killer, Warren LeBlanc, 17, was inspired by the game. Stefan's mother, Giselle Pakeerah, had condemned the sequel, branding the gaming industry "morally irresponsible". "We have been campaigning against these games for a long time and the BBFC made the right decision," she said. Police said robbery was the motive behind the attack on Stefan in Stokes Wood Park on 26 February 2004 - and not the video game blamed by Stefan's parents. Manhunt's maker Rockstar North has always insisted its games are geared towards mature audiences and are marketed responsibly.
Leicester MP Keith Vaz, who campaigned with the Pakeerahs against the original version of Manhunt, praised the decision to ban Manhunt 2. He said: "This is an excellent decision by the British Board of Film Classification, showing that game publishers cannot expect to get interactive games where players take the part of killers engaged in 'casual sadism' and murder."
Once again the twerp Keith Vaz gets involved. He must be trying to emulate Jack Thompson the prolific game banner from the states.
Monday, 11 June 2007
Sony in God Bother!
The Church of England may sue electronics giant Sony in the latest video game-related row, reports the BBC. The Church claims that the PlayStation maker did not obtain proper permission to use the interior of Manchester Cathedral in its first-person PS3 shooter Resistance: Fall of Man.
The game is set in an alternative 1950s where World War II never happened, and follows army ranger Nathan Hale as he fights against an invasion by alien creatures called Chimeras. The game is set in the UK, the last European stronghold against the Chimeran invasion. One of the scenes involves Hale battling against the aliens inside Manchester Cathedral.
The Church is demanding that Sony apologises and removes the game in its current form from store shelves, or face legal action.
Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch said, "For a global manufacturer to re-create one of our great cathedrals with photo-realistic quality and then encourage people to have gun battles in the building is beyond belief and highly irresponsible." The Bishop added that in light of Manchester's gun crime problems, the scene was especially inappropriate. The church even went as far as to call Sony's actions "desecration" according to a report in The Sunday Times.
Sony said in a statement that it was taking the Church's concerns very seriously, and would be contacting cathedral authorities today to discuss their concerns. The statement read, "Resistance: Fall of Man is a fantasy science fiction game and is not based on reality. We believe we have sought and received all permissions necessary for the creation of the game."
Sony's UK head of PR, David Wilson, added in an interview with The Sunday Times, "It is game-created footage, it is not video or photography. It is entertainment, like Doctor Who or any other science fiction." A recent episode of Doctor Who, "The Lazarus Experiment," featured a climactic battle in Somerset's Wells Cathedral.
The game is set in an alternative 1950s where World War II never happened, and follows army ranger Nathan Hale as he fights against an invasion by alien creatures called Chimeras. The game is set in the UK, the last European stronghold against the Chimeran invasion. One of the scenes involves Hale battling against the aliens inside Manchester Cathedral.
The Church is demanding that Sony apologises and removes the game in its current form from store shelves, or face legal action.
Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch said, "For a global manufacturer to re-create one of our great cathedrals with photo-realistic quality and then encourage people to have gun battles in the building is beyond belief and highly irresponsible." The Bishop added that in light of Manchester's gun crime problems, the scene was especially inappropriate. The church even went as far as to call Sony's actions "desecration" according to a report in The Sunday Times.
Sony said in a statement that it was taking the Church's concerns very seriously, and would be contacting cathedral authorities today to discuss their concerns. The statement read, "Resistance: Fall of Man is a fantasy science fiction game and is not based on reality. We believe we have sought and received all permissions necessary for the creation of the game."
Sony's UK head of PR, David Wilson, added in an interview with The Sunday Times, "It is game-created footage, it is not video or photography. It is entertainment, like Doctor Who or any other science fiction." A recent episode of Doctor Who, "The Lazarus Experiment," featured a climactic battle in Somerset's Wells Cathedral.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Mass Effect Delayed Again!! ARGH
According to the online retailer amazon, mass effects release date has been put back yet again, this time the date listed is October. After suffering several delays in the past, ( which I covered on CGM a while back) it seems that one of the most eagerly anticipated titles wont be out in the shops until after the September release of Halo3. With Halos release in September and GTA4s release in October it seems that Mass effect may be lost in the hype and wake of the other two huge titles. It seems the Autumns going to be a pretty expensive month for 360 owners, and in the mean time the summer games drought seems to have grown larger. Whats to look forward to except maybe Forza 2? Sort it out Microsoft, your release dates are starting to be something of a joke.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
CGM Movie review, Spiderman 3
Where to start i ask myself. Well lets get the positives out of the way first shall we. The SFX are impressive, the soundtracks good and Bruce Campball makes a cameo appearance in one of the only funny scenes in the whole film. Right that's the good stuff mentioned, prepare yourselves now its time for the list of negatives. The plot was well crap it didn't make much sense, it was too long and yet at the same time felt rushed especially the ending. The enemies were boring and shallow with no background or anything to provide any real interest to the audience. The Sandman was poorly acted and the highly co-incidental plot about him killing peter Parker's uncle felt tacked on. The highly anticipated appearance of Venom proved to be a huge disappointment with him only appearing in the last half hour and once again being poorly acted, the plot involving Venom is also never explained such as were does the suit come from and why does it take a liking t Peter Parker. The main theme throughout the film is that of vengeance and unleashing the darkness that is inside every one of us, but for some reason when Parker turns evil he turns into John Travolta from Saturday night fever and is quite frankly embarrassing to watch rather funny as it must of been intended. I really wanted to like this film as i greatly enjoyed the first two movies, but this proved to be a massive disappointment which is a shame. Its bound to be a summer blockbuster but its a title it doesn't deserve.
CGM rating 5/10
CGM rating 5/10
Monday, 30 April 2007
Prepare to serve once again,Call of Duty 4
So the new trailer of all of duty 4 was released on the Internet this week and confirmed what many gamers had predicted. Instead of being set in World war 2 the game which is subtitled Modern Warfare is erm well set in the present day (ahem, bit obvious really). The graphics look absolutely breathtaking and look as though they will easily surpass the impressive call of duty 3s. Lets just hope the game play goes more back to number 2's style and miss out the annoying characters and limp plot and story lines. With the market being literally swamped with War based shooters this will have to be pretty impressive to stand out from the crowd. With competition from Medal of honour and countless other WW2 shooters the new present day setting may prove to be the factor that does just that. The game is bound to be a success, just
on the series famous Xbox live game modes, with thousands of gamers still waging war online via COD2 and 3 the multi player will prove to be the main factor for its success.Call of duty 4 is out at the end of the year.
on the series famous Xbox live game modes, with thousands of gamers still waging war online via COD2 and 3 the multi player will prove to be the main factor for its success.Call of duty 4 is out at the end of the year.
Monday, 23 April 2007
Spiderman swings into London
The Spider-Man 3 premiere will be swinging celebrity stars into London tonight. Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire, who once again star in the film of the arachnid superhero, will greet fans at Leicester Square's Odeon cinema on April 23rd.If the London event mirrors the New York premiere, the red carpet will be replaced with a black one in honour of the change in Spidey's outfit.Just as the superhero and his alter ego Peter Parker have found a work-life balance, the new suit comes along and enhances his powers while fuelling his dark side.While trying to curb the uglier elements of his own psyche, Spider-man also has to deal with two new super-villains, Sandman and Venom.Venom, Spider-Man's arch enemy, is the body of Peter Parker's journalist rival and a body snatching alien.
Friday, 20 April 2007
Prepare to command and conquer on 360
Last week, Electronic Arts revealed what many gamers were anticipating--a demo of the Xbox 360 edition of Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars was in the works. Today, the publisher pulled the curtain back on the demo and released it to the public over Xbox Live Marketplace.
The file weighs in at 1GB, which apparently has clogged some Internet pipes and made downloading fairly sluggish. Though EA hasn't come forward to explain what is in the demo, message board users have. The file allegedly features a pair of single-player missions, a tutorial, and Xbox Live multiplayer support. The Xbox 360 version of Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars is scheduled for release on May 10. If the 360 version is the same as the PC version (reviewed earlier this month) then 360 users should be in for a treat. Prepare for epic online battles via xbox live and wage war with gamers from across the globe. I can hardly wait.
The file weighs in at 1GB, which apparently has clogged some Internet pipes and made downloading fairly sluggish. Though EA hasn't come forward to explain what is in the demo, message board users have. The file allegedly features a pair of single-player missions, a tutorial, and Xbox Live multiplayer support. The Xbox 360 version of Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars is scheduled for release on May 10. If the 360 version is the same as the PC version (reviewed earlier this month) then 360 users should be in for a treat. Prepare for epic online battles via xbox live and wage war with gamers from across the globe. I can hardly wait.
Thursday, 19 April 2007
Tarantino up for Canne award
Quentin Tarantino and Gus Van Sant are among the directors vying for the top prize at the 60th Cannes Film Festival. Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai, who headed last year's Cannes jury, is also in the running with his first English language film, My Blueberry Nights.
The prestigious event has unveiled the line-up ahead of its opening on 16 May.
Tarantino's Death Proof, half of his double bill Grind house, and Van Sant's Paranoid Park join 20 other entries in competition for the Palme d'Or.
The prestigious event has unveiled the line-up ahead of its opening on 16 May.
Tarantino's Death Proof, half of his double bill Grind house, and Van Sant's Paranoid Park join 20 other entries in competition for the Palme d'Or.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Prince of Persia movie 2008?
Another video game series is being eyed for a film adaptation franchise, this time the Prince of Persia games from Ubisoft. The game has taken off in recent years with at least 3 recent sequels and become a huge hit for Ubisoft. The series has been in discussion for a while with Disney, since Hollywood mogul Jerry Bruckheimer bought the rights in 2004. The Jim Hill Media blog talked about it briefly, stating that “in theory Prince of Persia will be Disney's big action-adventure release for the Summer of 2008.” Which afterwards “could then lead to a new hit series of movies for the studio.”Although nothing is officially confirmed for a 2008 release, it does sound like the project is moving along and they're waiting to use the Prince of Persia series as the new successor to Pirates of the Caribbean. Little is known as to whether the movie will follow the games storyline ( I for one would like to see that as the story for the game was pretty good) and lets hope the films director doesnt take the same route with the persian prince as has been done to the Resident Evil series of movies. (i.e crappified). Rumours abound that Michael Bay will take the directors chair and after his transformers film it'll be interesting to see what direction he decides to take. Lets hope there will be a decent movie of a game for once.
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Gere burnt
Angry crowds in several Indian cities burned effigies of Richard Gere, a day after he swept up Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty in his arms and kissed her several times during an Aids-awareness event. In Mumbai, members of the right-wing Hindu nationalist group Shiv Sena set fire to glamour shots of Shetty and beat burning effigies of Gere with sticks.
Similar protests broke out in other cities, including Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, and in the northern town of Meerut, where crowds chanted "Down with Shilpa Shetty."
In a country where sex and public displays of affection are largely taboo, photographs of Gere embracing Shetty and kissing her on the cheek were printed on newspapers' front pages.
The two appeared at a press conference on Sunday in New Delhi to highlight the HIV and Aids epidemic among India's truck drivers. In front of a cheering crowd, Gere kissed Shetty on the hand, then kissed her on both cheeks before embracing her to kiss her more. If this is all it takes for these people to riot then they really need to lighten up, their crazy!
Similar protests broke out in other cities, including Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, and in the northern town of Meerut, where crowds chanted "Down with Shilpa Shetty."
In a country where sex and public displays of affection are largely taboo, photographs of Gere embracing Shetty and kissing her on the cheek were printed on newspapers' front pages.
The two appeared at a press conference on Sunday in New Delhi to highlight the HIV and Aids epidemic among India's truck drivers. In front of a cheering crowd, Gere kissed Shetty on the hand, then kissed her on both cheeks before embracing her to kiss her more. If this is all it takes for these people to riot then they really need to lighten up, their crazy!
Monday, 16 April 2007
Release list
The biggest and best titles scheduled for released this week.
Final Fantasy III (DS)Some 17 years after it was released in Japan, final fantasists get the chance to complete their back catalogue at long last. With a total overhaul to match the DS’s capabilities rather than a simple graphical update, it is certain to be an enrapturing experience.
FEAR - First Encounter Assault and Reconnaissance (PS3)A solid port of one of the best FPS’ doing the rounds at the moment, which kept us nervously clutching the pad throughout. Exclusives for the PS3 version include an extra mission, some new multi player maps and a very tasty rapid fire shotgun. Sweet.
Diddy Kong Racing DS (DS)Remastered from the classic N64 title of the same name, this colourful racer has more than enough substance to hold its own against the likes of Mario Kart. Pumped with new characters, four new tracks and a sparkling six person multi player – this is all you’ll need for weeks.
Also out this week:Aces of War (PSP) Ancient Wars - Sparta (PC)Dawn Of Magic (PC)Exit 2 (PSP)Final Fantasy V (GBA)Free Running (PS2/ PSP)Gurumin (PSP)Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (PC)Red Star (PS2)Stacked (PC) World Championship Poker 2 (PS2/PC)Zendoku (PSP/DS)
Coming Soon (27 April 2007)Burnout Dominator (PSP)Buzz: The Mega Quiz (PS2)Coded Arms Contagion (PSP)Dancing Stage Super Nova (PS2)Dead Head Fred (PSP)Death Junior 2 - Root of Evil (PSP)Demon Chaos (PS2)Driver - Parallel Lines (PC)Earthworm Jim (PSP)Frontlines - Fuel of War (Xbox 360)God of War II (PS2)Mercury Meltdown Revolution (Wii)Monster Madness - Battle for Suburbia (Xbox 360/PC)NBA 2K7 (PS3)Playwize Poker and Casino (PSP)Pocket Pool (PSP)Rainbow Six Vegas (PSP/PS3)SingStar Pop Hits (PS2)Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner - Kuzunoha Raido vs. The Soulless Army (PS2)The Cube (PSP)The Elder Scrolls - Oblivion (PS3)The Godfather - The Dons Edition (PS3)Top Trumps - Horrors and Predators (PS2/DS/PC)Valkyrie Profile - Lenneth (PSP)World Series of Poker - Tournament Champions (PC)Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007 (DS)
Final Fantasy III (DS)Some 17 years after it was released in Japan, final fantasists get the chance to complete their back catalogue at long last. With a total overhaul to match the DS’s capabilities rather than a simple graphical update, it is certain to be an enrapturing experience.
FEAR - First Encounter Assault and Reconnaissance (PS3)A solid port of one of the best FPS’ doing the rounds at the moment, which kept us nervously clutching the pad throughout. Exclusives for the PS3 version include an extra mission, some new multi player maps and a very tasty rapid fire shotgun. Sweet.
Diddy Kong Racing DS (DS)Remastered from the classic N64 title of the same name, this colourful racer has more than enough substance to hold its own against the likes of Mario Kart. Pumped with new characters, four new tracks and a sparkling six person multi player – this is all you’ll need for weeks.
Also out this week:Aces of War (PSP) Ancient Wars - Sparta (PC)Dawn Of Magic (PC)Exit 2 (PSP)Final Fantasy V (GBA)Free Running (PS2/ PSP)Gurumin (PSP)Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (PC)Red Star (PS2)Stacked (PC) World Championship Poker 2 (PS2/PC)Zendoku (PSP/DS)
Coming Soon (27 April 2007)Burnout Dominator (PSP)Buzz: The Mega Quiz (PS2)Coded Arms Contagion (PSP)Dancing Stage Super Nova (PS2)Dead Head Fred (PSP)Death Junior 2 - Root of Evil (PSP)Demon Chaos (PS2)Driver - Parallel Lines (PC)Earthworm Jim (PSP)Frontlines - Fuel of War (Xbox 360)God of War II (PS2)Mercury Meltdown Revolution (Wii)Monster Madness - Battle for Suburbia (Xbox 360/PC)NBA 2K7 (PS3)Playwize Poker and Casino (PSP)Pocket Pool (PSP)Rainbow Six Vegas (PSP/PS3)SingStar Pop Hits (PS2)Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner - Kuzunoha Raido vs. The Soulless Army (PS2)The Cube (PSP)The Elder Scrolls - Oblivion (PS3)The Godfather - The Dons Edition (PS3)Top Trumps - Horrors and Predators (PS2/DS/PC)Valkyrie Profile - Lenneth (PSP)World Series of Poker - Tournament Champions (PC)Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007 (DS)
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Sonys online dream
(Article from the BBC website)
Sony is hoping to replicate the success of social networks and Second Life with a feature called Home. Playstation 3 gamers will be able to meet, chat and share content with friends inside a 3D universe.
"It's about community, collaboration and customisation," said Sony's Phil Harrison at the Game Developers Conference, in San Francisco.
Gamers can buy furniture and clothes, while publishers and retailers are also expected to offer 3D spaces. Mr Harrison said the games industry had to learn from the success of the web 2.0 movement This is not just about Sony brands and Sony games - it's a much wider network of connected spaces "We want to start a movement called Game 3.0. It's about emerging entertainment, powered by the audience at the centre of the experience."
Home is similar to Second Life, the popular 3D universe for PCs and Macs. Gamers can create avatars - online versions of themselves - and buy new clothes and create their own homes.
Mr Harrison described Home as a 3D social networking service.
Dynamic advertising - including high definition video - can be pushed into the 3D universe.
The service launches in the autumn and Sony hopes it will answer critics who feel the firm has been overtaken by Microsoft in the online gaming arena.
Sony is hoping to replicate the success of social networks and Second Life with a feature called Home. Playstation 3 gamers will be able to meet, chat and share content with friends inside a 3D universe.
"It's about community, collaboration and customisation," said Sony's Phil Harrison at the Game Developers Conference, in San Francisco.
Gamers can buy furniture and clothes, while publishers and retailers are also expected to offer 3D spaces. Mr Harrison said the games industry had to learn from the success of the web 2.0 movement This is not just about Sony brands and Sony games - it's a much wider network of connected spaces "We want to start a movement called Game 3.0. It's about emerging entertainment, powered by the audience at the centre of the experience."
Home is similar to Second Life, the popular 3D universe for PCs and Macs. Gamers can create avatars - online versions of themselves - and buy new clothes and create their own homes.
Mr Harrison described Home as a 3D social networking service.
Dynamic advertising - including high definition video - can be pushed into the 3D universe.
The service launches in the autumn and Sony hopes it will answer critics who feel the firm has been overtaken by Microsoft in the online gaming arena.
Saturday, 14 April 2007
Hanks onboard for Da Vinchi prequel
Tom Hanks is in final talks to star in a Da Vinci Code prequel.
He is reported to be close to agreeing to return as Harvard professor Robert Langdon.
Ron Howard is also in final negotiations to direct Angels and Demons, according to the Hollywood Reporter.The Da Vinci Code has made a healthy $758 million at the box office.
Sources say the prequel, also based on a Dan Brown book, will start shooting as early as January.
He is reported to be close to agreeing to return as Harvard professor Robert Langdon.
Ron Howard is also in final negotiations to direct Angels and Demons, according to the Hollywood Reporter.The Da Vinci Code has made a healthy $758 million at the box office.
Sources say the prequel, also based on a Dan Brown book, will start shooting as early as January.
Thursday, 12 April 2007
China clamps down on online gaming
The Chinese government has clamped down on the amount of time youngsters can spend playing online games, according to the official news agency Xinhua.
Under-18s who play for more than three consecutive hours a day will have limits imposed on the amount of points they can score, the agency reported. Online game companies based in China have been given three months to install the so-called anti-addiction software. It is part of an on-going attempt to limit how long people are online. A recent report from the China National Children's Centre said that 13% of under-18s who used the web were addicted to online gaming. In the past several years gamers mostly from Korea and Asia have even died through marathon gaming sessions, some literally die of exhaustion after 72 hour sessions non stop.
Under-18s who play for more than three consecutive hours a day will have limits imposed on the amount of points they can score, the agency reported. Online game companies based in China have been given three months to install the so-called anti-addiction software. It is part of an on-going attempt to limit how long people are online. A recent report from the China National Children's Centre said that 13% of under-18s who used the web were addicted to online gaming. In the past several years gamers mostly from Korea and Asia have even died through marathon gaming sessions, some literally die of exhaustion after 72 hour sessions non stop.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Halo 3 Beta test confirmed
Halo 3, one of the most anticipated video games for the Xbox 360, will be released to the public in test, or beta, from 16 May. The online multi player element of the game will be made available to the public with feedback going to developers Bungie. More than 14.7m copies of Halo titles have been sold and more than 800m hours of online Halo games have been played. The beta will last for three weeks and ends on 7 June. Three multi player maps will be available - Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla. Halo 3 is expected to be released in the last quarter of 2007 and is a key weapon for Microsoft in its rivalry with Sony and Nintendo. The game has become an important franchise for Microsoft and has evolved into an industry which encompasses action figures, graphics novels, books and clothes. On the website of Halo creators Bungie, content manager Frank O'Connor said the beta would contain "quirks, a couple of rough edges".
He added: "A lot of secret features are hidden in this beta. We're keeping a lot of our powder dry for Fall."
He added: "A lot of secret features are hidden in this beta. We're keeping a lot of our powder dry for Fall."
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Gears of war updated
One week ago, Gears of War fans got in a tizzy when Epic Games vice president Mark Rein revealed that the game's next update was "almost here." Rein said the update was out of Epic's hands and in the final stages of Microsoft's certification process.
Today, Microsoft announced that it has given the update the thumbs up and will release it over Xbox Live Marketplace at 4 p.m. Not just a few tweaks to bugs, the update will add a new multiplayer mode called Annex. In Annex, two teams will battle to occupy key map locations like a standard King of the Hill or Domination match. Each map contains two to five key locations, and throughout the match the area to be controlled will move.
Also included in the update is VGA cable support, tweaks to the Boomshot and Hammer of Dawn weapons, and several bug and exploit fixes.
The update is free, unlike other Gears of War content that was recently revealed to be offered initially at a "reasonable price" before becoming free months down the line.
Today, Microsoft announced that it has given the update the thumbs up and will release it over Xbox Live Marketplace at 4 p.m. Not just a few tweaks to bugs, the update will add a new multiplayer mode called Annex. In Annex, two teams will battle to occupy key map locations like a standard King of the Hill or Domination match. Each map contains two to five key locations, and throughout the match the area to be controlled will move.
Also included in the update is VGA cable support, tweaks to the Boomshot and Hammer of Dawn weapons, and several bug and exploit fixes.
The update is free, unlike other Gears of War content that was recently revealed to be offered initially at a "reasonable price" before becoming free months down the line.
Monday, 9 April 2007
Spore release date TBC
Since it first wowed audiences at the 2005 Game Developers Conference, Spore has seen the buzz around it grow. Its expansive game play spans the entire history of life on a planet, from primordial prehistory to modern civilization. While it ends with the technological wonder of space travel, it also focuses heavily on biology, letting players create their own race of creatures and watch them evolve. Like Spore's subject creatures, its release date has undergone several stages of evolution. Initially, the game had no release date, and then it was tagged for a late-2006 launch. But when Electronic Arts, Spore's publisher, released its E3 roster this past May, the date had reverted to "TBC." At the moment the games release date is unknown but many web sites and Magazines predict a late 2007 release. With a game as potentially huge as Spore promises to be I reckon we may even see it slip back until early 2008.
Saturday, 7 April 2007
Connery undecided on Indy 4
Actor Sir Sean Connery is still deciding whether to appear in the next Indiana Jones film, according to trade magazine Variety. Directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are hoping the 76-year-old will feature in the fourth instalment.
Sir Sean, who has not appeared in any films since 2003, has apparently said he would consider returning if he liked the script. Harrison Ford has already signed up to return as the daring archaeologist.
Sir Sean, who has not appeared in any films since 2003, has apparently said he would consider returning if he liked the script. Harrison Ford has already signed up to return as the daring archaeologist.
Thursday, 5 April 2007
GTA4 Sparks controversy (already!)
Late last week, Rockstar Games showed its first trailer for its highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV. Though bare on gameplay details, the trailer did reveal one of the game's most asked questions--its setting.
Advertisements, store names, and other items in the simulated city read "Liberty City," the very same city featured in the controversial franchise's break-out hit Grand Theft Auto III and debut on the PlayStation Portable. The city's layout and character were influenced by New York City, and modeling each games' setting after a real-world city has become a bit of a tradition. Vice City from GTAIII's follow-up was a nod to Miami, Florida, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was set on turf reminiscent of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
However, this new look at Liberty City featured some landmarks that look incredibly similar to places only found in New York (which is where Rockstar Games' US headquarters are located), such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.
While most gamers were excited about going on a virtual crime spree through a next-generation Liberty City, New York officials are already voicing their disdain for the game and saying the similarities are only cosmetic, reports the Associated Press.
"The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers," New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement. Are Rockstar taking a huge gamble with the setting or will the obvious outbreak of paranoia and screaming headlines of the press create tonnes of publicity just like the other games in the series. My moneys on the latter.
Advertisements, store names, and other items in the simulated city read "Liberty City," the very same city featured in the controversial franchise's break-out hit Grand Theft Auto III and debut on the PlayStation Portable. The city's layout and character were influenced by New York City, and modeling each games' setting after a real-world city has become a bit of a tradition. Vice City from GTAIII's follow-up was a nod to Miami, Florida, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was set on turf reminiscent of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
However, this new look at Liberty City featured some landmarks that look incredibly similar to places only found in New York (which is where Rockstar Games' US headquarters are located), such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.
While most gamers were excited about going on a virtual crime spree through a next-generation Liberty City, New York officials are already voicing their disdain for the game and saying the similarities are only cosmetic, reports the Associated Press.
"The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers," New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement. Are Rockstar taking a huge gamble with the setting or will the obvious outbreak of paranoia and screaming headlines of the press create tonnes of publicity just like the other games in the series. My moneys on the latter.
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
The best one liners in movie history!
Carry On tops one-liners
The Carry On gag "Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!" has been voted the funniest film one-liner.Kenneth Williams uttered the words as Julius Caesar in the 1964 romp Carry On Cleo.It was named the best one-liner in a poll of 1,000 comedians, industry figures and film fans by Sky Movies Comedy.
The rest of the top Top 10 was made up of:
"He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy." Terry Jones as Brian's mother - Life Of Brian (1979)
"Surely you can't be serious?" "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley." Leslie Nielsen as Dr Rumack - Airplane! (1980)
"Remember you're fighting for this woman's honour, which is probably more than she ever did." Groucho Marx as Rufus T Firefly - Duck Soup (1933)
"Don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love." Woody Allen as Alvy Singer - Annie Hall (1977)
"Do you have a licence for your minkey?" Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau - The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
"Is that, is that hair gel?" Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen - There's Something About Mary (1998)
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room." Peter Sellers as President Merkin Muffley - Dr Strangelove (1963)
"Nice beaver!" "Thank you. I just had it stuffed." Leslie Nielsen as Lt Frank Drebin and Priscilla Presley as Jane Spencer - The Naked Gun (1988)
"When I met Mary I got that old-fashioned romantic feeling where I'd do anything to bone her." Jim Carrey as Lloyd Christmas - Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The Carry On gag "Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me!" has been voted the funniest film one-liner.Kenneth Williams uttered the words as Julius Caesar in the 1964 romp Carry On Cleo.It was named the best one-liner in a poll of 1,000 comedians, industry figures and film fans by Sky Movies Comedy.
The rest of the top Top 10 was made up of:
"He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy." Terry Jones as Brian's mother - Life Of Brian (1979)
"Surely you can't be serious?" "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley." Leslie Nielsen as Dr Rumack - Airplane! (1980)
"Remember you're fighting for this woman's honour, which is probably more than she ever did." Groucho Marx as Rufus T Firefly - Duck Soup (1933)
"Don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love." Woody Allen as Alvy Singer - Annie Hall (1977)
"Do you have a licence for your minkey?" Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau - The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
"Is that, is that hair gel?" Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen - There's Something About Mary (1998)
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the War Room." Peter Sellers as President Merkin Muffley - Dr Strangelove (1963)
"Nice beaver!" "Thank you. I just had it stuffed." Leslie Nielsen as Lt Frank Drebin and Priscilla Presley as Jane Spencer - The Naked Gun (1988)
"When I met Mary I got that old-fashioned romantic feeling where I'd do anything to bone her." Jim Carrey as Lloyd Christmas - Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Fable 2 (360) preview
During a recent interview with gamespot.com Peter Moleyneux talked about how he wants Fable 2 to be something other than just "more" and "better" than the first game. "I set up Lionhead to innovate and push...that's why we exist. I hope that's why Microsoft acquired us," he said at one point, before talking about his most memorable moments in gaming (his favorite being the ending of Ico) and his desire to fill Fable 2 with equally affecting content. Not simply by penning an epic story, he wants to get you so emotionally invested in other characters that their happiness and pain become your own.
We've known for some time that one of Molyneux's goals for Fable 2 is to make you experience unconditional love, but at previous presentations, the only characters cited as examples were your offspring and, to a lesser extent, your husband or wife. The pet dog that was introduced during today's demo is, perhaps, a character that you're even more likely to bond with, because while your family will welcome you back with open arms when you return home from a quest, your dog will be fighting alongside you every step of the way.
Without wishing to give too much away, you'll acquire your pet dog (or it'll acquire you, at least) early on in your Fable 2 experience when you're still a child. Like you and your in-game family, he'll age as you progress through the game, and his appearance will change to reflect the way you're playing. If you play as a good guy, you might end up with a mutt that looks like a big, fluffy Old English sheepdog, for example, while those of you with a Molyneux-like mean streak will end up with a vicious-looking Doberman or something. Lionhead's self-imposed design rules when adding the dog to the game were that it must love you unconditionally, its presence must never aggravate you, and you must never be required to look after it. The game looks set to make good on the promises made about the first Fable title, whichto be fair was a slight disapointment after all that was promised. But hopefully with Fable 2 Lionhead will come through and blow the gaming publc away.
We've known for some time that one of Molyneux's goals for Fable 2 is to make you experience unconditional love, but at previous presentations, the only characters cited as examples were your offspring and, to a lesser extent, your husband or wife. The pet dog that was introduced during today's demo is, perhaps, a character that you're even more likely to bond with, because while your family will welcome you back with open arms when you return home from a quest, your dog will be fighting alongside you every step of the way.
Without wishing to give too much away, you'll acquire your pet dog (or it'll acquire you, at least) early on in your Fable 2 experience when you're still a child. Like you and your in-game family, he'll age as you progress through the game, and his appearance will change to reflect the way you're playing. If you play as a good guy, you might end up with a mutt that looks like a big, fluffy Old English sheepdog, for example, while those of you with a Molyneux-like mean streak will end up with a vicious-looking Doberman or something. Lionhead's self-imposed design rules when adding the dog to the game were that it must love you unconditionally, its presence must never aggravate you, and you must never be required to look after it. The game looks set to make good on the promises made about the first Fable title, whichto be fair was a slight disapointment after all that was promised. But hopefully with Fable 2 Lionhead will come through and blow the gaming publc away.
Monday, 2 April 2007
Ferrell film skates to top spot
Will Ferrell's figure skating comedy, Blades of Glory, has topped the US box office, early figures show.
The film, which follows two rival ice skaters who pair up as the first ever male figure skating duo, took $33m (£16.7m) in its first three days.
The figure is more than half of the film's $60m (£30m) budget.
Last week's number one, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie TMNT, slipped to fourth place while Disney's Meet The Robinsons entered at number two.
US/CANADA BOX OFFICE
1) Blades of Glory ($33m)
2) Meet The Robinsons ($25.1m)
3) 300 ($11.2m)
4) TNMT ($9.2m)
5) Wild Hogs ($8.4m)
6) Shooter ($8m)
7) Premonition ($5.1m)
8) The Last Mimzy ($4m)
9) The Hills Have Eyes ($3.9m)
10) Reign Over Me ($3.7m)
The Robinsons, which took $25.1m (£12.7m), centres on a nerdy orphan who is whisked away to a goofy futuristic world in a time machine.
Former number one 300 took third place, adding $11.2m (£5.68m) to its takings. It has now grossed $300m (£150m) worldwide.
Mr Bean claimed the top spot at the international box office,Disney's Wild Hogs completed the top five, slipping one place with $8.4m (£4.31m).
After a month where takings were up, the North American box office was down 13% from the same weekend last year, when animated comedy Ice Age: The Adventure was at number one.
The film, which follows two rival ice skaters who pair up as the first ever male figure skating duo, took $33m (£16.7m) in its first three days.
The figure is more than half of the film's $60m (£30m) budget.
Last week's number one, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie TMNT, slipped to fourth place while Disney's Meet The Robinsons entered at number two.
US/CANADA BOX OFFICE
1) Blades of Glory ($33m)
2) Meet The Robinsons ($25.1m)
3) 300 ($11.2m)
4) TNMT ($9.2m)
5) Wild Hogs ($8.4m)
6) Shooter ($8m)
7) Premonition ($5.1m)
8) The Last Mimzy ($4m)
9) The Hills Have Eyes ($3.9m)
10) Reign Over Me ($3.7m)
The Robinsons, which took $25.1m (£12.7m), centres on a nerdy orphan who is whisked away to a goofy futuristic world in a time machine.
Former number one 300 took third place, adding $11.2m (£5.68m) to its takings. It has now grossed $300m (£150m) worldwide.
Mr Bean claimed the top spot at the international box office,Disney's Wild Hogs completed the top five, slipping one place with $8.4m (£4.31m).
After a month where takings were up, the North American box office was down 13% from the same weekend last year, when animated comedy Ice Age: The Adventure was at number one.
Saturday, 31 March 2007
Review Command and Conquer 3 (PC)
If you're a fan of the Command & Conquer series, three small words are bound to get you excited: Kane is back. Indeed, so are a good number of beloved series hallmarks, like a huge amount of full-motion video and intense strategic combat. But Tiberium Wars is a lot more than just lip service to franchise enthusiasts, and you don't need the rose-hued glasses of nostalgia to appreciate its polish and intensity. It's simply a superb game that's fun and exciting to play both online and off.
No matter which of the two main campaigns you start off with, you're rewarded with a whole lot of live-action video in between missions, featuring familiar actors getting hammy in near-future command centers. There's never been anything subtle about C&C's full-motion video, and, true to form, the campaigns are loaded with wonderfully overblown sequences filled with intrigue and suspense. Yes, Joe Kucan has returned as Nod figurehead Kane, and he's as irresistibly creepy as ever. He and other familiar actors serve up a heap of extravagant solemnity against a backdrop of flashing lights and important-looking video screens.
If you think it sounds over the top, you'd be right--but it's cheesy in the good way, and it won't take you long to get involved in the story and the characters that drive it. The narrative is structured well, with the Global Defense Initiative and Brotherhood of Nod campaigns telling the same story from opposing viewpoints. There's also a new player in the mix: the alien Scrin race. At this stage in the series, the mineral tiberium has propagated over most of the Earth, but it's more than just an environmental plight--it's a key to future technology. It'll take you a couple dozen hours to get through the campaigns, and just when you think you've finished, there are a few surprise missions in store, and they are well worth the time it takes to unlock them. There are also plenty of reasons to return to the campaign once you're done, since the game rewards you with medals based on your performance and tracks a good number of statistics for you to chew on.
Overall C&C 3 is a return to form for the series and bodes well for future releases. Go get it!
CGM score: 4/5
No matter which of the two main campaigns you start off with, you're rewarded with a whole lot of live-action video in between missions, featuring familiar actors getting hammy in near-future command centers. There's never been anything subtle about C&C's full-motion video, and, true to form, the campaigns are loaded with wonderfully overblown sequences filled with intrigue and suspense. Yes, Joe Kucan has returned as Nod figurehead Kane, and he's as irresistibly creepy as ever. He and other familiar actors serve up a heap of extravagant solemnity against a backdrop of flashing lights and important-looking video screens.
If you think it sounds over the top, you'd be right--but it's cheesy in the good way, and it won't take you long to get involved in the story and the characters that drive it. The narrative is structured well, with the Global Defense Initiative and Brotherhood of Nod campaigns telling the same story from opposing viewpoints. There's also a new player in the mix: the alien Scrin race. At this stage in the series, the mineral tiberium has propagated over most of the Earth, but it's more than just an environmental plight--it's a key to future technology. It'll take you a couple dozen hours to get through the campaigns, and just when you think you've finished, there are a few surprise missions in store, and they are well worth the time it takes to unlock them. There are also plenty of reasons to return to the campaign once you're done, since the game rewards you with medals based on your performance and tracks a good number of statistics for you to chew on.
Overall C&C 3 is a return to form for the series and bodes well for future releases. Go get it!
CGM score: 4/5
Friday, 30 March 2007
Review: Shivering Isles
This is the expansion pack to the Elder scrolls Oblivion and if you can put up with waiting for 3 hours to download the thing from Xbox live then this is for you. To be honest though it's well worth the wait as this expansion adds plenty of new quests, items and a whole land to explore.
The Shivering Isles is the home of the prince of madness Sheogorath, and he brings you to the isles to stop an apocalyptic event called the Greymarch. The Isles itself are amazing to look at and offer a far more alien and magical looking world to that of Cyrodil. The game offers an extra 30 hours of gameplay so with that added on to a game that offers well over a 100 hours is quite mind blowing. The voice acting of the characters is impressive a much better improvement than those found in Oblivion and some of the script is laugh out loud funny. Overall the shivring Isles is a great expansion adding plenty of new stuff to an already massive game. Definately worth waiting through the download time.
CGM Score: 4/5
The Shivering Isles is the home of the prince of madness Sheogorath, and he brings you to the isles to stop an apocalyptic event called the Greymarch. The Isles itself are amazing to look at and offer a far more alien and magical looking world to that of Cyrodil. The game offers an extra 30 hours of gameplay so with that added on to a game that offers well over a 100 hours is quite mind blowing. The voice acting of the characters is impressive a much better improvement than those found in Oblivion and some of the script is laugh out loud funny. Overall the shivring Isles is a great expansion adding plenty of new stuff to an already massive game. Definately worth waiting through the download time.
CGM Score: 4/5
Thursday, 29 March 2007
PS3 banned from UK prisons
The home secretary John Reid has banned PS3s from being used in prisons as the home office feels they are a security risk and could allow inmates to get in contact with he outside world. The fears come from the PS3s built in wi-fi capability that can connect to the Internet and other consoles wirelessly. Ive a question, just what the hell are the home office playing at giving games consoles to prisoners there supposed to in jail suffering and atoning for there crimes not sitting in a comfy chair playing Grand theft auto!!
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Turtles top the U.S
The mighty 300 has been knocked off the top of the U.S film charts following the release of the Teenage mutant ninja turtles movie (crap in a half shell). The film took $24.4 million on its opening weekend. 300 was pushed down to 2ND place, but seeing as the film has grossed more than $160 million in the States alone.
In third place is the action flick Bullet with $14.5 million, fourth is Wild Hogs with $14.3million, fifth is The last Mimzy with $10.2million and in sixth is the terrible (candidate for worst film of the year)Premonition which took $10.1 million taking a total of $32 million. Seriously who paid to watch that nonsense.
In third place is the action flick Bullet with $14.5 million, fourth is Wild Hogs with $14.3million, fifth is The last Mimzy with $10.2million and in sixth is the terrible (candidate for worst film of the year)Premonition which took $10.1 million taking a total of $32 million. Seriously who paid to watch that nonsense.
Monday, 26 March 2007
Review: Splinter Cell Double agent (PS3)
Sam Fisher returns to the PlayStation in Splinter cell double agent. The first thing is, this is a direct port of the 360 version with slightly better graphics. To be fair though even the graphics aren't much more noticeable. As this is the same game as the 360 version it also has the same problems. The plot is still poor with the story not making much sense, unlike the one found in the original xbox's version. The cut scenes are impressive as is the action, but for some reason Ubi soft has decided to set many of the missions during the day, most likely to show off the graphics no doubt. Because of this the difficulty is increased as now you can be spotted by the enemy a lot easier. Just why would a spec-ops soldier decided to sneak about in broad day light is any ones guess. If you compare this game to the third installment of the series the brilliant chaos theory then its flaws become obvious. Overall the single player is a fiddly and frustrating experience with a plot that most of the time doesn't make sense.
The games saving grace however is the online multi player which is fast frantic and a lot of fun, a co-op mode would've been welcome as that was one of the best things about chaos theory.
Overall Double agent is a good attempt at putting new life into the franchise, but it pails in comparison to earlier titles. For the next one lets hope Ubi-soft go back to basics.
CGM score: 3/5
The games saving grace however is the online multi player which is fast frantic and a lot of fun, a co-op mode would've been welcome as that was one of the best things about chaos theory.
Overall Double agent is a good attempt at putting new life into the franchise, but it pails in comparison to earlier titles. For the next one lets hope Ubi-soft go back to basics.
CGM score: 3/5
Sunday, 25 March 2007
CrackDown Review
Sometime after the release of Grand Theft Auto III, the popular term used in the game industry to describe open-world, mission-based games became "sandbox." It's kind of a dopey term, but it makes sense and properly conveys the sense of freedom that these games tend to have. But even with the freedom offered by this style of game, most of them tend to have a pretty rigid structure for you to follow if you want to see the game through to its storyline conclusion. Crackdown, from Microsoft and Real Time Worlds, tends to get away from that aspect. The result is an open-world game that feels more open ended than any other game of its type, but that lack of structure makes the game feel half finished and shallow in a few spots.
There's a bit of backstory to the action in Crackdown, but all you really need to know is that you're a new type of supercop that can evolve very quickly, which means your skills improve as you play. You're out to clean up the streets. There are three gangs, each with seven leaders. You can take on any gang leader at any time, but there's a logical order laid out for you that makes the progression scale as your skills increase. There isn't much difference between each individual gang leader--you just need to get to where that gang head is by either working your way through, around, or over the gangsters that surround the leader, then open fire on the boss and take him or her down. Once you eliminate all seven leaders of a gang, a "final crime" occurs, which is really just a mess of street soldiers wandering around in one specific area. When you take all of them out, the gang is vanquished and you'll no longer run into any resistance in that part of the city. Once you've repeated this process through all three parts of the city, you're done cleaning up the city. It's got an abrupt and disappointing conclusion, overall. But before you can have a plot twist, you have to have a plot, and Crackdown has neither.
The weird part is that none of the story really matters, because the whole point of the game is to provide open-ended freedom and a large, interesting city to explore. And on the gameplay side, Crackdown works. The city might not seem huge when you first start moving around, but that's more because you're not thinking vertically. As a man with superhuman abilities, you'll get stronger, faster, and more powerful as you play. The plainest representation of this is your agility rating, which you increase by collecting orbs that are hidden around the city on rooftops. As your agility increases, you can jump higher. So what initially seems like a high, but unimpressive, jump at the beginning turns to your agent flinging himself through the air, from one rooftop to the next, or scaling buildings by clinging to window ledges and jumping up the side. The range of movement you get once your agility is up is really impressive and makes moving around the world a lot of fun. Also, firing from the rooftops or jumping in on your enemies from above is a great way to clean up the opposing gangs, so it's got tactical considerations, as well.
Overall Crackdown offers a fun but often limited experience, with such a short life span its a shame that the developers didnt focus more on the games back story and varyed the gameplay a bit more.
CGM score 3/5
There's a bit of backstory to the action in Crackdown, but all you really need to know is that you're a new type of supercop that can evolve very quickly, which means your skills improve as you play. You're out to clean up the streets. There are three gangs, each with seven leaders. You can take on any gang leader at any time, but there's a logical order laid out for you that makes the progression scale as your skills increase. There isn't much difference between each individual gang leader--you just need to get to where that gang head is by either working your way through, around, or over the gangsters that surround the leader, then open fire on the boss and take him or her down. Once you eliminate all seven leaders of a gang, a "final crime" occurs, which is really just a mess of street soldiers wandering around in one specific area. When you take all of them out, the gang is vanquished and you'll no longer run into any resistance in that part of the city. Once you've repeated this process through all three parts of the city, you're done cleaning up the city. It's got an abrupt and disappointing conclusion, overall. But before you can have a plot twist, you have to have a plot, and Crackdown has neither.
The weird part is that none of the story really matters, because the whole point of the game is to provide open-ended freedom and a large, interesting city to explore. And on the gameplay side, Crackdown works. The city might not seem huge when you first start moving around, but that's more because you're not thinking vertically. As a man with superhuman abilities, you'll get stronger, faster, and more powerful as you play. The plainest representation of this is your agility rating, which you increase by collecting orbs that are hidden around the city on rooftops. As your agility increases, you can jump higher. So what initially seems like a high, but unimpressive, jump at the beginning turns to your agent flinging himself through the air, from one rooftop to the next, or scaling buildings by clinging to window ledges and jumping up the side. The range of movement you get once your agility is up is really impressive and makes moving around the world a lot of fun. Also, firing from the rooftops or jumping in on your enemies from above is a great way to clean up the opposing gangs, so it's got tactical considerations, as well.
Overall Crackdown offers a fun but often limited experience, with such a short life span its a shame that the developers didnt focus more on the games back story and varyed the gameplay a bit more.
CGM score 3/5
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Review: 300
Ive just two things to say before i start this review, 1. How the heck was this film classed as only a 15 and 2. this film is absolutely brilliant! The film tells the story of the battle of Thermopylae, an event that took place in 480BC, a battle in which the Greeks led by 300 Spartan warriors faced down the vast Persian empire and that is where the films relationship with historical accuracy ends except for the names and places used. If your expecting an historically realistic epic then you'd be disappointed, but this film never claims to be that. Its inspired the Frank Miller graphic novels and is shot in a style that makes the movie appear more as a cartoon than a regular picture, and it does this with great affect. The visuals are stunning!.
Now back to the question of its age rating, the battle scenes are brutal and when the Spartans go into battle they don't hold back on the violence, with their swords swinging limbs are lobbed off and heads go a flying, blood sprays all over the place, in a sense the director has captured the brutality of battle in all its horror. So to all those critics who say this film glamorises violence id have to say to you, you guys must be a bit sick because what is shown is by no means glamorous and as for this film supposedly being a meaning for American dominance over the east i say that is utter tosh.
This film, although more stylised and fantasy based is a tribute to the 300 who stood their ground and does a good job of showing its audience just how tough the Spartans really were.
Overall if you want to see a fantasic looking film go and see this now, you wont be disappointed.
CGM score: 4/5
Now back to the question of its age rating, the battle scenes are brutal and when the Spartans go into battle they don't hold back on the violence, with their swords swinging limbs are lobbed off and heads go a flying, blood sprays all over the place, in a sense the director has captured the brutality of battle in all its horror. So to all those critics who say this film glamorises violence id have to say to you, you guys must be a bit sick because what is shown is by no means glamorous and as for this film supposedly being a meaning for American dominance over the east i say that is utter tosh.
This film, although more stylised and fantasy based is a tribute to the 300 who stood their ground and does a good job of showing its audience just how tough the Spartans really were.
Overall if you want to see a fantasic looking film go and see this now, you wont be disappointed.
CGM score: 4/5
Friday, 23 March 2007
Shivering Isles
Shivering Isles features more than 30 hours of new gameplay and allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles adds to the existing world of Oblivion so you can continue playing with your existing save game/character, or create an all new character just to explore the new content.
“We’re thrilled with the response that Oblivion has received to date and feel that Shivering Isles will offer a whole new and different experience to anyone who played and enjoyed Oblivion,” said Todd Howard, executive producer for The Elder Scrolls.
Within the Realm of Sheogorath, players can explore the two extreme sides of the god’s madness – the sublimely creative and the completely psychotic. Something is happening to the Shivering Isles and Sheogorath himself looks to you to be his champion and defend his realm and its inhabitants from destruction. Do you have the strength to survive his trials, tame a realm fraught with paranoia and despair, and wear the mantle of a God?
The Shivering Isles features a bizarre landscape split between the two sides – Mania and Dementia –filled with vast, twisting dungeons mirroring the roots of the trees they are buried within. You’ll encounter more than a dozen new creatures including hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibious Grummites. Throughout your adventure, you will discover all new items, ingredients, spells, and more, and have the talented craftsmen of Crucible and Bliss forge new armor and weapons just for you.
Xbox gamers will be able to download the Shivering isles from the 26th of March and it will be on retail sale for the PC on the 30th.
“We’re thrilled with the response that Oblivion has received to date and feel that Shivering Isles will offer a whole new and different experience to anyone who played and enjoyed Oblivion,” said Todd Howard, executive producer for The Elder Scrolls.
Within the Realm of Sheogorath, players can explore the two extreme sides of the god’s madness – the sublimely creative and the completely psychotic. Something is happening to the Shivering Isles and Sheogorath himself looks to you to be his champion and defend his realm and its inhabitants from destruction. Do you have the strength to survive his trials, tame a realm fraught with paranoia and despair, and wear the mantle of a God?
The Shivering Isles features a bizarre landscape split between the two sides – Mania and Dementia –filled with vast, twisting dungeons mirroring the roots of the trees they are buried within. You’ll encounter more than a dozen new creatures including hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibious Grummites. Throughout your adventure, you will discover all new items, ingredients, spells, and more, and have the talented craftsmen of Crucible and Bliss forge new armor and weapons just for you.
Xbox gamers will be able to download the Shivering isles from the 26th of March and it will be on retail sale for the PC on the 30th.
Thursday, 22 March 2007
Mass Effect delayed!
The highly anticipated sci-fi RPG Mass effect has been put back once again. Originally listed for release in the middle of February by on-line retailers it has suffered a string of delays. It was pushed back to March and now according to Amazon it wont be out for general release until the end of July. Ideal for killing some time over the summer holidays, lets just hope it doesn't get put back again!
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
The Devil turns to 360
Yet another PS3 exclusive has jumped ship and landed in the lap of the Xbox 360. This time its the amazing Devil may cry series. Good news for xbox owners but a massive kick in the pants to Sony. Capcom revealed that Devil may cry 4 will now be released on the same day for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. According to Capcom "each version of the game will be maximised to take full advantage of each platforms strength". Mysteriously theres been no info on what this might entail.
The loss of DMC is not the only former exclusive Sony has now lost, at E3 last year it was confirmed that Grand theft auto 4 would also be appearing on both formats. Whats next to lose its exclusivity Metal gear solid 4 perhaps? 360 owners live in hope.
The loss of DMC is not the only former exclusive Sony has now lost, at E3 last year it was confirmed that Grand theft auto 4 would also be appearing on both formats. Whats next to lose its exclusivity Metal gear solid 4 perhaps? 360 owners live in hope.
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Halo 3 promises to be the game of 2007
