Well, it looks like people ARE NOT smoking crack. There will be a 4 DVD Collector's Edition of Fellowship Of The Ring but it won't be out until November.
I guess that means I'm holding off till then :)
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
Neat little news blurb.
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Gamers Enter the Flow State - Dutch
According to a study by BBC World's ClickOnline, computer gamers experience an increased level of alpha brainwave activity, a phenomenon usually only associated with a state of complete rest (such as during meditation). This brain wave activity is known as the Flow State. It's common knowledge however, in scientific and sporting circles at any rate, that sports people performing at the very peak of their abilities can experience an increased level of alpha brainwave activity. Recent research has suggested that it could be possible for a person immersed in a computer game to achieve the same level of meditative concentration. Thus ClickOnline teamed up with Brunel University in London to test out the theory with the help of their Sport Psychology Research Unit.
Two test subjects, a top Virtua Fighter player and an international athlete javelin throwing, were asked to engage in their specialist area for a set period of time. It was an artificial environment for both participants, who are much more familiar with the pressures of group competition rather than individual performance in front of a TV camera. After this a self-report analysis questionnaire known as Flow State scale version II -- an established method of scientific analysis, aimed to assess nine specific factors associated with Flow State -- was administered to both men.
The findings of the study support the aforementioned theory -- the Virtual Fighter player scored an average of 17 (and we're looking for an average of 16 or above to attain Flow State), whereas the javelin thrower scored 17.44, so they both experienced Flow to some extent. Obviously there is more research to be done to validate the findings, but if initial indications are correct, there could suddenly be a lot more interest in computer gaming both as a science and as a sport.
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Gamers Enter the Flow State - Dutch
According to a study by BBC World's ClickOnline, computer gamers experience an increased level of alpha brainwave activity, a phenomenon usually only associated with a state of complete rest (such as during meditation). This brain wave activity is known as the Flow State. It's common knowledge however, in scientific and sporting circles at any rate, that sports people performing at the very peak of their abilities can experience an increased level of alpha brainwave activity. Recent research has suggested that it could be possible for a person immersed in a computer game to achieve the same level of meditative concentration. Thus ClickOnline teamed up with Brunel University in London to test out the theory with the help of their Sport Psychology Research Unit.
Two test subjects, a top Virtua Fighter player and an international athlete javelin throwing, were asked to engage in their specialist area for a set period of time. It was an artificial environment for both participants, who are much more familiar with the pressures of group competition rather than individual performance in front of a TV camera. After this a self-report analysis questionnaire known as Flow State scale version II -- an established method of scientific analysis, aimed to assess nine specific factors associated with Flow State -- was administered to both men.
The findings of the study support the aforementioned theory -- the Virtual Fighter player scored an average of 17 (and we're looking for an average of 16 or above to attain Flow State), whereas the javelin thrower scored 17.44, so they both experienced Flow to some extent. Obviously there is more research to be done to validate the findings, but if initial indications are correct, there could suddenly be a lot more interest in computer gaming both as a science and as a sport.
Monday, July 29, 2002
Oh, I finished Neverwinter Nights on Saturday. I now just cannot focus on any of my PC games. I tossed in several today and none of them held my interest for more than 30 seconds it seemed. Granted, it might just be the effect of the 21-hour shift, but I think I'm a little burnt out on the PC games at the moment (my PS2 has remained almost untouched since early June) and so I think I'm going to go back and lounge on the couch and play some PS2 :)
The imminent purchase of one or possibly two new consoles is also not helping me stay focused. Part of me thinks I should wait, but the other part can't really figure out why that would be a good idea... I have the money... May as well just go get the stupid systems and be done with it!
The imminent purchase of one or possibly two new consoles is also not helping me stay focused. Part of me thinks I should wait, but the other part can't really figure out why that would be a good idea... I have the money... May as well just go get the stupid systems and be done with it!
Well, my credit card is paid off. That means I can get it back from Julie and then go get a Gamecube & Xbox! Woo!
For some reason Julie isn't too hot on that idea though. I'm not sure why. I figure that I'm going to get them both anyway, so I may as well just go and get them at once and be done with it.
Ah well. We'll see what happens. I have to go to the dentist on Wednesday and after that I'm hitting the mall. What will I come back with? I don't know....
Oh, i did a 21 hour shift today. Went in at midnight, got off around 9pm. Stupid people and their stupid not showing up for shifts and my stupidity at sticking around all day. At least I have Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday off :)
For some reason Julie isn't too hot on that idea though. I'm not sure why. I figure that I'm going to get them both anyway, so I may as well just go and get them at once and be done with it.
Ah well. We'll see what happens. I have to go to the dentist on Wednesday and after that I'm hitting the mall. What will I come back with? I don't know....
Oh, i did a 21 hour shift today. Went in at midnight, got off around 9pm. Stupid people and their stupid not showing up for shifts and my stupidity at sticking around all day. At least I have Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday off :)
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Another great quote from Gamespot.
"...whenever I'm faced with some new gadget or program, I find myself intrigued and challenged to figure it out. I attribute this to my gaming habit (can it even be called a habit anymore?) more than anything else. Games constantly challenge me to think differently and to find ways around innumerable different challenges. No other form of entertainment does this as well as games do.
Our most widespread and accepted platform for entertainment is television, which is a passive experience through and through. Viewers sit still and absorb a steady flow of images and sound over which they have only the most basic of control. Considering the intellectual level that most popular TV shows are on, how are video games any less mature?
With games, you have much more control, as you are essentially projected into the experience by having an actual avatar that you use to navigate a game. Maybe some people are just too used to the idea of letting their television do all the work. "
"...whenever I'm faced with some new gadget or program, I find myself intrigued and challenged to figure it out. I attribute this to my gaming habit (can it even be called a habit anymore?) more than anything else. Games constantly challenge me to think differently and to find ways around innumerable different challenges. No other form of entertainment does this as well as games do.
Our most widespread and accepted platform for entertainment is television, which is a passive experience through and through. Viewers sit still and absorb a steady flow of images and sound over which they have only the most basic of control. Considering the intellectual level that most popular TV shows are on, how are video games any less mature?
With games, you have much more control, as you are essentially projected into the experience by having an actual avatar that you use to navigate a game. Maybe some people are just too used to the idea of letting their television do all the work. "
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Woo!!
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ICO team's new project?
The development team behind the stylized PS2 game is at work on a new game.
According to reports out of Japan, the development team responsible for creating ICO is currently working on a new project, but it's not yet known whether it will be a sequel or an original game. ICO was widely praised for its stylized look and its structure, which was centered on guiding a young girl through a variety of environmental puzzles. We'll have more as it becomes available.
By Staff, GameSpot VG [POSTED: 07/24/02]
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ICO team's new project?
The development team behind the stylized PS2 game is at work on a new game.
According to reports out of Japan, the development team responsible for creating ICO is currently working on a new project, but it's not yet known whether it will be a sequel or an original game. ICO was widely praised for its stylized look and its structure, which was centered on guiding a young girl through a variety of environmental puzzles. We'll have more as it becomes available.
By Staff, GameSpot VG [POSTED: 07/24/02]
This is from the news blurb of today's Penny Arcade... sigh... I agree totally. Between Panzer Dragoon, Jet Set Radio Future and the slew of cool mech games, I'll probably be getting one of these things soon too. However, I will probably get a Gamecube first as it's cheaper and has Mario and Zelda coming relatively soon.
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I must have your Panzer Dragoon Orta and so I must have an X-Box. So thanks to you, in September I will walk into EBX and purchase one of those vile machines and a copy of Panzer Dragoon. The taste of bile will fill my mouth as I sign the receipt. It will take every ounce of self control I have not to wretch as I remove it from its box. It will sit next to my other consoles like a giant black monolith, a constant reminder of your betrayal and our failed union. Then I'll play your Panzer Dragoon, and it will be great. All will be forgiven. Once again I'll be eternally grateful that there is a Sega and that I am lucky enough to play your games, no matter what system they are on.
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I must have your Panzer Dragoon Orta and so I must have an X-Box. So thanks to you, in September I will walk into EBX and purchase one of those vile machines and a copy of Panzer Dragoon. The taste of bile will fill my mouth as I sign the receipt. It will take every ounce of self control I have not to wretch as I remove it from its box. It will sit next to my other consoles like a giant black monolith, a constant reminder of your betrayal and our failed union. Then I'll play your Panzer Dragoon, and it will be great. All will be forgiven. Once again I'll be eternally grateful that there is a Sega and that I am lucky enough to play your games, no matter what system they are on.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Friday, July 19, 2002
Ok. Syberia is now finished... Now to get back to Neverwinter Nights.
Syberia was quite good. Solid story, great visuals (although a little too dark for the most part, and no gamma correction available) and excellent voice-overs. The only real problem with the game is that it is over and there still a lot of loose ends hanging out there. I've read on the official forum that the sequel is out sometime in 2003 and I can't wait. Hopefully they'll cut down on the walking back and forth bits and tighten up the puzzles. Otherwise, I highly recommend the game if you like adventure games (and not the crap-ass Dreamcatcher slide-show 'adventures' ).
I still liked The Longest Journey more... but Syberia has the room for a sequel. Which is always nice.
Syberia was quite good. Solid story, great visuals (although a little too dark for the most part, and no gamma correction available) and excellent voice-overs. The only real problem with the game is that it is over and there still a lot of loose ends hanging out there. I've read on the official forum that the sequel is out sometime in 2003 and I can't wait. Hopefully they'll cut down on the walking back and forth bits and tighten up the puzzles. Otherwise, I highly recommend the game if you like adventure games (and not the crap-ass Dreamcatcher slide-show 'adventures' ).
I still liked The Longest Journey more... but Syberia has the room for a sequel. Which is always nice.
Thursday, July 18, 2002
This is neat.
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MIPS64, The PS3 Processor? - Talon
MIPS Technology, a provider of processor architectures and cores, announced today that it licensed its MIPS64 architecture to Sony Computer Entertainment. SCEI, who�s long since used the MIPS technology in PlayStation (and was also used in PlayStation 2 with two MIPS-based processors), now has the rights to use MIPS 64.
"SCEI is a world leader in the computer entertainment market and has long recognized the value of the MIPS architecture. We are proud to be at the core of development of SCEI's outstanding products, helping to enable a rich and rewarding user experience," said Kevin Meyer, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies.
Could this turn out to be part of the PlayStation 3 processor? Stay tuned for more.
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MIPS64, The PS3 Processor? - Talon
MIPS Technology, a provider of processor architectures and cores, announced today that it licensed its MIPS64 architecture to Sony Computer Entertainment. SCEI, who�s long since used the MIPS technology in PlayStation (and was also used in PlayStation 2 with two MIPS-based processors), now has the rights to use MIPS 64.
"SCEI is a world leader in the computer entertainment market and has long recognized the value of the MIPS architecture. We are proud to be at the core of development of SCEI's outstanding products, helping to enable a rich and rewarding user experience," said Kevin Meyer, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies.
Could this turn out to be part of the PlayStation 3 processor? Stay tuned for more.
Monday, July 15, 2002
Sunday, July 14, 2002
And I blame Warcraft 3, Tactics Ogre (on the Gameboy Advance) and Syberia for the lack of updates recently (and work)...
It's been a LONG week, but thankfully there have been many good games on tap.
It's been a LONG week, but thankfully there have been many good games on tap.
Ye flippin' gods, Warcraft 3 is evil. I was up till 5am or so last night playing it. Spent from about 10pm till 5am working on the last half of the Orc campaign and the first 5 missions of the Night Elf campaign. And then I spent another 2 hours or so today working on mission 6 of the Night Elves. I think I might be almost done though. I got slaughtered on mission 7, but I think it's the last one, so it's not that bad. Hard, but not as bad as the final Protoss mission in Starcraft at least... yeesh. That thing was impossible even with cheats!
I just wish I could stay up all night and play again like last night... I'd do it tomorrow after work, but I have to be back at work at 9am... granted, this is DAY TRIP WEEK!
That means I get paid to: Go to the beach, go mini-putting, go to Niagara Falls, go to the African Lion Safari...
Unfortunately, it also means I have to go to work for 9-5, but that's not a bad thing per se... just means I can't stay up till all hours for the week.
I just wish I could stay up all night and play again like last night... I'd do it tomorrow after work, but I have to be back at work at 9am... granted, this is DAY TRIP WEEK!
That means I get paid to: Go to the beach, go mini-putting, go to Niagara Falls, go to the African Lion Safari...
Unfortunately, it also means I have to go to work for 9-5, but that's not a bad thing per se... just means I can't stay up till all hours for the week.
Friday, July 05, 2002
Found a new webcartoon today. It's pretty decent. I liked this comic about Neverwinter Nights... sadly, I know people like that guy.
Thursday, July 04, 2002
Had a VERY long last couple days. Moved a pool table from Sarnia to Acton and had to knock out a wall in my basement in order to get it down there... but now I have a pool table. Nya-nya-nya-nya-nya-nya...
Thankfully I'll have the next 2-3 days to pretty much just veg out while my wife is in Sarnia herself over the weekend... Warcraft 3, Skygunner and Neverwinter Nights. Yup. That's my weekend... oh, and I'll probably read a bit of Sum of All Fears too.
Thankfully I'll have the next 2-3 days to pretty much just veg out while my wife is in Sarnia herself over the weekend... Warcraft 3, Skygunner and Neverwinter Nights. Yup. That's my weekend... oh, and I'll probably read a bit of Sum of All Fears too.
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
Oh boy... I'm all moved in (go homeownership!) and have most of my books unpacked. And you thought I had a lot of videogames...
Getting the pool table tomorrow. Yeehaw!
And Bell was nice enough to send me a new DSL modem so I could go online... and I checked, and I won't be billed for the 800 Gigs I must have downloaded last month :)
Getting the pool table tomorrow. Yeehaw!
And Bell was nice enough to send me a new DSL modem so I could go online... and I checked, and I won't be billed for the 800 Gigs I must have downloaded last month :)
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