Friday, September 20, 2002
Blizzard's StarCraft: Ghost Announced
Blizzard announces StarCraft: Ghost for consoles at the Tokyo Game Show.
Thursday September 19, 2002 | hardcore_pawn
StarCraft: Ghost is official
Blizzard has unveiled its new project - StarCraft: Ghost - today at the Tokyo Game Show 2002 which is currently underway at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, Japan. After much speculation from the gaming community, Blizzard officially answered the question on everyone's minds by issuing this press release which says the game is coming to multiple console platforms in late 2003.
"MAKUHARI, Japan � September 20, 2002 � During a press conference today at the Tokyo Game Show, Blizzard Entertainment�, a studio of the games division of Vivendi Universal Publishing, unveiled StarCraft: Ghost�, a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard�s epic StarCraft� universe. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems. The game will be co-published by Capcom and Blizzard Entertainment in Japan; further announcements regarding platform/country specifics will be announced in the months to come.
In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry.
�We�re very excited about returning to the StarCraft series,� stated Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder. �Our roots are based in console gaming, and we look forward to developing this universe for the next-generation console systems.�
Key features in StarCraft: Ghost include:
Revolutionary new style of gameplay featuring enhanced physical and psionic abilities
Hostile Environment Suit designed to magnify strength, agility, and speed
Over-the-top special effects offer stunning visuals and unparalleled tactical realism
Immersive 3D environments showcase rich textures and highly stylized character models
Unique Calldown abilities allow players to target large-scale attacks from the ground
A deeply evolving storyline set in Blizzard�s gritty sci-fi StarCraft universe
As the story unravels, players find themselves traversing uncharted terrain and battling adversaries never before seen by followers of the series. Bold 3D graphics give players a new, in-depth perspective on familiar planets and former battlefields from the legendary universe. A dynamic 3rd-person camera view displays dramatic lighting, startling detail, and a blend of realistic and fantastical design. Co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and Nihilistic Software, Inc.�, StarCraft: Ghost is scheduled for release in late 2003.
Since its debut in 1998, the #1-selling StarCraft series* has won industry acclaim and has shattered sales records worldwide with over six million copies shipped. Blizzard continued the series with the critically acclaimed StarCraft: Brood War�, which won multiple Expansion Pack of the Year awards and is still considered by many critics to be one of the best add-on products to date."
Blizzard announces StarCraft: Ghost for consoles at the Tokyo Game Show.
Thursday September 19, 2002 | hardcore_pawn
StarCraft: Ghost is official
Blizzard has unveiled its new project - StarCraft: Ghost - today at the Tokyo Game Show 2002 which is currently underway at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, Japan. After much speculation from the gaming community, Blizzard officially answered the question on everyone's minds by issuing this press release which says the game is coming to multiple console platforms in late 2003.
"MAKUHARI, Japan � September 20, 2002 � During a press conference today at the Tokyo Game Show, Blizzard Entertainment�, a studio of the games division of Vivendi Universal Publishing, unveiled StarCraft: Ghost�, a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard�s epic StarCraft� universe. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems. The game will be co-published by Capcom and Blizzard Entertainment in Japan; further announcements regarding platform/country specifics will be announced in the months to come.
In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry.
�We�re very excited about returning to the StarCraft series,� stated Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder. �Our roots are based in console gaming, and we look forward to developing this universe for the next-generation console systems.�
Key features in StarCraft: Ghost include:
Revolutionary new style of gameplay featuring enhanced physical and psionic abilities
Hostile Environment Suit designed to magnify strength, agility, and speed
Over-the-top special effects offer stunning visuals and unparalleled tactical realism
Immersive 3D environments showcase rich textures and highly stylized character models
Unique Calldown abilities allow players to target large-scale attacks from the ground
A deeply evolving storyline set in Blizzard�s gritty sci-fi StarCraft universe
As the story unravels, players find themselves traversing uncharted terrain and battling adversaries never before seen by followers of the series. Bold 3D graphics give players a new, in-depth perspective on familiar planets and former battlefields from the legendary universe. A dynamic 3rd-person camera view displays dramatic lighting, startling detail, and a blend of realistic and fantastical design. Co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and Nihilistic Software, Inc.�, StarCraft: Ghost is scheduled for release in late 2003.
Since its debut in 1998, the #1-selling StarCraft series* has won industry acclaim and has shattered sales records worldwide with over six million copies shipped. Blizzard continued the series with the critically acclaimed StarCraft: Brood War�, which won multiple Expansion Pack of the Year awards and is still considered by many critics to be one of the best add-on products to date."
Oh no.
24:Season One is out on DVD. Normally I'd be ecstatic, but while I'm very happy it's out, I'm sad because I won't have enough to get it for a few weeks :(
Oh well.
24:Season One is out on DVD. Normally I'd be ecstatic, but while I'm very happy it's out, I'm sad because I won't have enough to get it for a few weeks :(
Oh well.
Thursday, September 19, 2002
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
"Farscape TV program is cancelled
I'm hoping that the cancellation of the SciFi channel's program, Farscape, is newsworthy enough to get UF behind it. Any day now, the sets are going to be permanently destroyed (if not already... I'm not certain), and no series finale is scheduled. Filming will simply end without a resolution. "
NOOOOO!
(got that from Userfriendly.org)
I'm hoping that the cancellation of the SciFi channel's program, Farscape, is newsworthy enough to get UF behind it. Any day now, the sets are going to be permanently destroyed (if not already... I'm not certain), and no series finale is scheduled. Filming will simply end without a resolution. "
NOOOOO!
(got that from Userfriendly.org)
Monday, September 16, 2002
Kingdom Hearts is out in what, a day, maybe less (the guys at EB said it would definately be in by Thursday, even though it is slated for release tomorrow). Of course, I'm in that kind of limbo where there is a game I really want (KH) out soon, but it's not far enough away for me to justify starting another game up in the meantime. Hmm... I guess Mafia will keep me occupied for the next day or so :)
I picked up an application to work at EB today. I pretty much just would do some part time work during the day before work at the group home, but it's mainly just to get enough to supplement my gaming habit. I mean, I'm at the store more than most of the employees, and I sure know more than they do, so why not get paid for the expertise? :)
That, and just doing the 'Go to the group home, come home, play games, sleep, play more games, go to group home' cycle has begun to just make me crave doing something else, and retail is fun, in a non-brain-injuring sort of way.
That, and just doing the 'Go to the group home, come home, play games, sleep, play more games, go to group home' cycle has begun to just make me crave doing something else, and retail is fun, in a non-brain-injuring sort of way.
I finished Shenmue 2 today. Now I have to wait for the Xbox version to be released, do well and then maybe, JUST MAYBE, Yu Suzuki will decide that he wants to finish the series (I seriously think that it shouldn't go much further than 3 separate games, even though Shenmue 2 was really Shenmue 2-6 or something to that effect all in one package).
Great game though.
Great game though.
Sunday, September 15, 2002
Man, Mafia is SUCH a good game. I have been totally sucked into it. It's not as brain-liquifyingly hard as some reviews might make it out to be, and I actually enjoy the driving parts as they help to further immerse you into the game world since you don't just miraculously appear wherever the mission is.
It's like Grand Theft Auto 3 but with a VERY strong storyline (it keeps getting better and better) and AMAZING missions. For example. I just did a mission where I first had to go to this hotel/brothel and a) kill the manager (which isn't simple given the fact he's sitting in a restaurant surrounded by goons) then b) kill a prostitute who'd been squealing to the cops about my operation and then c) steal some documents and blow up the office of the manager (whom I'd just killed in the hotel restaurant moments earlier)...
And that's just the first part of the mission. I then had to flee across the rooftops from the cops and then finally wrap everything up in a huge shootout in a church in the midst of a funeral (for a guy I'd killed in an earlier mission, at that!)
That's just ONE mission... there are about 20 of them I've heard, along with the freeride and freeride extreme where you just drive around and goof off in the city.
It's like Grand Theft Auto 3 but with a VERY strong storyline (it keeps getting better and better) and AMAZING missions. For example. I just did a mission where I first had to go to this hotel/brothel and a) kill the manager (which isn't simple given the fact he's sitting in a restaurant surrounded by goons) then b) kill a prostitute who'd been squealing to the cops about my operation and then c) steal some documents and blow up the office of the manager (whom I'd just killed in the hotel restaurant moments earlier)...
And that's just the first part of the mission. I then had to flee across the rooftops from the cops and then finally wrap everything up in a huge shootout in a church in the midst of a funeral (for a guy I'd killed in an earlier mission, at that!)
That's just ONE mission... there are about 20 of them I've heard, along with the freeride and freeride extreme where you just drive around and goof off in the city.
I spent the weekend w/ James(Taka) putting my DVD player through its paces. Nicest thing about a 5-disc DVD player is that you can watch movies all day and not have to get up once you get them all loaded into the machine :)
Let's see... we watched Blade 2, Reservoir Dogs, The Legend of Zhu, The Five Deadly Venoms, Ninja Resurrection, Tampopo and Who Am I? . I think that's it. My brain hurts now.
Let's see... we watched Blade 2, Reservoir Dogs, The Legend of Zhu, The Five Deadly Venoms, Ninja Resurrection, Tampopo and Who Am I? . I think that's it. My brain hurts now.
Friday, September 13, 2002
Well, it looks like it's official. Microsoft has bought out Rare. Sigh. Granted, this may mean there will be more than 4 worthwhile titles on the Xbox, but it is still kind of sad to see a company like Rare abandon Nintendo.
Well, I just finished Onimusha 2. Pretty nice game. Same great samurai sword-swingin' action as the first one, but this time it was much longer (12 hours rather than the measly 4-5 hours the first one took to complete) and I found the multiple settings a welcome change to the lone castle of the first one.
Now Capcom just needs to hurry up and finish Onimusha 3! (Yes, there is a third one. The trailer is unlocked when you finish this one).
Now Capcom just needs to hurry up and finish Onimusha 3! (Yes, there is a third one. The trailer is unlocked when you finish this one).
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Monday, September 09, 2002
Beware of dentists.
I went into the dentist today to get a filling checked out. The next thing I know, I'm walking out of there having just experienced the wonder and joy that is a ROOT CANAL.
Sigh.
I should have just done it myself... or at least had this list to help me pass the time.
At least I get the next two days off to recouperate. I did have to go interview people right after the procedure, which was a barrel of fun, I tell you. Ah well. My DVD player arrives tomorrow. Woo!
I went into the dentist today to get a filling checked out. The next thing I know, I'm walking out of there having just experienced the wonder and joy that is a ROOT CANAL.
Sigh.
I should have just done it myself... or at least had this list to help me pass the time.
At least I get the next two days off to recouperate. I did have to go interview people right after the procedure, which was a barrel of fun, I tell you. Ah well. My DVD player arrives tomorrow. Woo!
This is an interesting interview with Dr. Henry Jenkins, the professor of comparative media at MIT. He is effectively a video game prof. Man, I'm jealous.
Sunday, September 08, 2002
PlayStation 3 not a console?
While Sony basks in the success of its PlayStation 2, expectations are rising that its successor will be out by 2005, in an entirely different form.
Sony remains tight-lipped about the timing of its next-generation product's debut, but it is dropping some hints about the PlayStation 3's likely shape--or more accurately, lack of shape.
"We're not thinking about hardware," said Kenichi Fukunaga, spokesman for Sony Computer Entertainment. "The ideal solution would be having an operating system installed in various home appliances that could run game programs."
Fueling expectations of a 2005 target date is a chip project between Sony, IBM, and Toshiba, Japan's largest chipmaker and coproducer of the PS2's complex microprocessor. The four-year project, code-named Cell and set for completion in spring 2005, aims to create a powerful processor for home electronics with ultrafast Internet connections that could, for example, transmit high-resolution moving pictures.
"It's possible PlayStation 3 would come out in 2005, since that's when Sony's Cell project will yield something," said Kazuharu Miura, an analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research. He added that, by 2005, Japan's broadband infrastructure for high-speed Internet service will be largely complete, and Sony will likely have a clearer idea of what kind of online games people want to play.
Sony said it had not decided how to integrate the Cell processor into its next game console, but the general idea is to use the chip in Internet servers and home electronics to divide computing tasks among networked machines.
This would give the devices as much processing power as a supercomputer, such as IBM's Deep Blue machine that defeated Gary Kasparov at chess, and enable them to handle everything from games to video recording to downloading data from the Internet.
"We've started with boxes--making boxes to do specific things. But if you have a chip this powerful, you can add functions to any box. It's reverse thinking," Fukunaga said.
While Sony basks in the success of its PlayStation 2, expectations are rising that its successor will be out by 2005, in an entirely different form.
Sony remains tight-lipped about the timing of its next-generation product's debut, but it is dropping some hints about the PlayStation 3's likely shape--or more accurately, lack of shape.
"We're not thinking about hardware," said Kenichi Fukunaga, spokesman for Sony Computer Entertainment. "The ideal solution would be having an operating system installed in various home appliances that could run game programs."
Fueling expectations of a 2005 target date is a chip project between Sony, IBM, and Toshiba, Japan's largest chipmaker and coproducer of the PS2's complex microprocessor. The four-year project, code-named Cell and set for completion in spring 2005, aims to create a powerful processor for home electronics with ultrafast Internet connections that could, for example, transmit high-resolution moving pictures.
"It's possible PlayStation 3 would come out in 2005, since that's when Sony's Cell project will yield something," said Kazuharu Miura, an analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research. He added that, by 2005, Japan's broadband infrastructure for high-speed Internet service will be largely complete, and Sony will likely have a clearer idea of what kind of online games people want to play.
Sony said it had not decided how to integrate the Cell processor into its next game console, but the general idea is to use the chip in Internet servers and home electronics to divide computing tasks among networked machines.
This would give the devices as much processing power as a supercomputer, such as IBM's Deep Blue machine that defeated Gary Kasparov at chess, and enable them to handle everything from games to video recording to downloading data from the Internet.
"We've started with boxes--making boxes to do specific things. But if you have a chip this powerful, you can add functions to any box. It's reverse thinking," Fukunaga said.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
This is, like, interesting. A, like, etymology of the word, "like", as it is, like, used in modern English.
While my wife thinks this is a great idea, the new law in Greece that outright bans ANY videogame or electronic game (this means Solitaire in Windows or whatever happens to be on your mobile phone) has got to be one of the stupidest laws ever.
I mean, sure, if they want to ban M-Rated games, that's fine. But to do a complete crackdown is just stupid.
People will actually have to talk, read and go outside... that's just NOT RIGHT!
I mean, sure, if they want to ban M-Rated games, that's fine. But to do a complete crackdown is just stupid.
People will actually have to talk, read and go outside... that's just NOT RIGHT!
Monday, September 02, 2002
Well, yesterday I made my first (and hopefully only) purchase from The Home Shopping Channel.
Got an LG (Zenith) 5-Disc DVD/CD/MP3 player for only $195 Canadian! Woo!
The scariest part was that Julie (my wife for those who don't know) actually went along with it, almost to the point of encouraging me. Something just isn't right about that.
Got an LG (Zenith) 5-Disc DVD/CD/MP3 player for only $195 Canadian! Woo!
The scariest part was that Julie (my wife for those who don't know) actually went along with it, almost to the point of encouraging me. Something just isn't right about that.
Friday, August 30, 2002
Finally finished watching Noir today. Amazing anime. Especially the music. Best. Music. Ever.
On the game front, Mario is absolutely amazing. I was kind of indifferent when I first started playing, but 2 days later I found myself turning on the Cube to just 'get one Shine before work."
Sigh. I'm hooked.
Onimusha 2 is also really good, but completely different from Mario :)
On the game front, Mario is absolutely amazing. I was kind of indifferent when I first started playing, but 2 days later I found myself turning on the Cube to just 'get one Shine before work."
Sigh. I'm hooked.
Onimusha 2 is also really good, but completely different from Mario :)
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Got Mario Sunshine and Onimusha 2 today... woo! And the free Mario super soaker and a Sega Sports T-Shirt (which I got mainly because I whined about not getting anything free with Onimusha 2 so they gave me the shirt to shut me up :)
Now I don't know which to play first! AH!
Also picked up the Monsternomicon for the Iron Kingdoms setting (mmm... steampunk and gothic monster designs...mmm...) and a nice big Terry Pratchett Discworld art book of sorts... "The Last Hero" to be exact.
Good day for games AND books (and free swag) if I do say so myself...
Now I don't know which to play first! AH!
Also picked up the Monsternomicon for the Iron Kingdoms setting (mmm... steampunk and gothic monster designs...mmm...) and a nice big Terry Pratchett Discworld art book of sorts... "The Last Hero" to be exact.
Good day for games AND books (and free swag) if I do say so myself...
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Was at my bro-in-law's wedding this past weekend, hence the lack of updates... the lack of sleep continued straight through pretty much to Saturday, and then I was sick as a dog Sunday/Monday and a bit today, but I was at least able to get to work and NOT GET A SPEEDING TICKET (unlike on Sunday, when I went in for a couple hours then was driving home, half-coherent, and then pulled over... at least the cop saw I was in rough shape and only gave me a minor ticket rather than the nasty one I could have received).
I also picked up Sega Soccer Slam while in Kitchener at the wedding and a nice little Spice controller for the Cube while I was at it. SSS is a very fun and crazy soccer game that was obviously thought up by crazy crack smoking Japanese programmers when they ran out of ideas for games that didn't involve placing monkeys in plastic balls.
I also picked up Sega Soccer Slam while in Kitchener at the wedding and a nice little Spice controller for the Cube while I was at it. SSS is a very fun and crazy soccer game that was obviously thought up by crazy crack smoking Japanese programmers when they ran out of ideas for games that didn't involve placing monkeys in plastic balls.
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Ok. I really need to go to bed. I only had 3-4 hours of sleep last night, and tonight is my brother-in-law's bacherlor party, so I'd best be getting some shut-eye.
If you're here and looking for something to do now that you've read about my game stuff for the last few days, go watch all the Ninjai episodes.
If you're here and looking for something to do now that you've read about my game stuff for the last few days, go watch all the Ninjai episodes.
I also picked up Red Faction for the PC. I really enjoyed it on the PS2, but traded my copy in way back when and finally found it used for the PC. I love getting used games... nothing like 4 games for just over $100 :)
I'm also really looking forward to the game adaptation of The Thing. But I think I'll wait till I've at least played Mario Sunshine and Onimusha 2 a bit before I pick it up!
Speaking of which, they're both out on the same day next week. Joy!
And Kingdom Hearts will be out on September 17th! WOOOOOT!
Speaking of which, they're both out on the same day next week. Joy!
And Kingdom Hearts will be out on September 17th! WOOOOOT!
I got a Virtual Boy for $3 yesterday... woo! Now I can have eye-splitting headaches in the comfort of my own home, and have them be of the self-inflicted kind!
I picked up Mark of Kri for the PS2 yesterday. Excellent game. It's definately going to be one of my favourite sleeper hits of the year. I can say it ranks up there with Rez and Ico in the sheer artistic beauty category. And the stealth... oh man! I was kind of leery, since most of the reviews painted the stealth in a negative light, but I absolutely love it. Nothing beats sneaking up on a guy, yanking him around the corner and smashing his head into a wall repeatedly...
Hmm... And I'm in social work...
Hmm... And I'm in social work...
Woot!
Finished Xenogears just now. Took approximately 64 hours to finish... but concidering I was 65 hours into it the first time I played it (and then had the memory card erased) that means it took me a whopping 129 hours to beat the game from the first time I started it to now. And it also took me, hmm... about 3 1/2 years too :P
It's very satisfying to have that game done and over with. It was one of the few games in my collection that I hadn't finished that I really wanted to, and now I have!
Finished Xenogears just now. Took approximately 64 hours to finish... but concidering I was 65 hours into it the first time I played it (and then had the memory card erased) that means it took me a whopping 129 hours to beat the game from the first time I started it to now. And it also took me, hmm... about 3 1/2 years too :P
It's very satisfying to have that game done and over with. It was one of the few games in my collection that I hadn't finished that I really wanted to, and now I have!
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Ok. There is a conspiracy. Every time I buy a video card, within 6 months the company that makes it must go out of business. I bought a 3DFX Voodoo 5 a few years ago, bam! It's out of business 6 months later.
I just got the news today that Visiontek, the company that made my Geforce 4, has gone bankrupt too. Sigh. At least it's not as bad as with the Voodoo 5. Nvidia, the company that makes the actual graphics chip, is still in business... it's just annoying at this moment. Hopefully this won't be a death-knell for Nvidia and they'll be able to get another of the card makers to step in and fill the void.
It is sad though... I picked Visiontek specifically because I wanted to avoid what happened w/ the Voodoo 5... Visiontek is (was?) the number 1 manufacturer of the Geforce series... sigh...
Oh well. NEXT TIME I will pick a company nobody heard of and a vid card that is not compatible with anything... that'll learn 'em!
I just got the news today that Visiontek, the company that made my Geforce 4, has gone bankrupt too. Sigh. At least it's not as bad as with the Voodoo 5. Nvidia, the company that makes the actual graphics chip, is still in business... it's just annoying at this moment. Hopefully this won't be a death-knell for Nvidia and they'll be able to get another of the card makers to step in and fill the void.
It is sad though... I picked Visiontek specifically because I wanted to avoid what happened w/ the Voodoo 5... Visiontek is (was?) the number 1 manufacturer of the Geforce series... sigh...
Oh well. NEXT TIME I will pick a company nobody heard of and a vid card that is not compatible with anything... that'll learn 'em!
Wednesday, August 14, 2002
Ah! Strong Bad has gone on vacation! At least he'll be sending postcards for at least the next week :)
Speaking of vacations, it was raining today on my drive home and I think I must have killed about 80 toads and frogs that picked that fateful time to hop across the road as I was driving along. Hop Hop Squish... Hop Hop Squish...
Speaking of vacations, it was raining today on my drive home and I think I must have killed about 80 toads and frogs that picked that fateful time to hop across the road as I was driving along. Hop Hop Squish... Hop Hop Squish...
This site is just messed up. It's more messed up because it's true, and also because the health care system in the States has led to something like this. And people up here want a true two-tier health care system...
Sorry for the lack of updates recently. I finished Eternal Darkness on Sunday night, then started working steadily on Xenogears... until today, when I was actually able to get in and play the absolutely amazing Asheron's Call 2 beta. And I can't say any more about AC2 since I agreed to a Non-Disclosure Agreement to get into the beta...
But man, when it comes out, I'm not buying or playing any other game for a month!
But man, when it comes out, I'm not buying or playing any other game for a month!
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
Monday, August 05, 2002
Check out this guy's Mechwarrior Treehouse.
That's dedication... or maybe he should just be committed.
That's dedication... or maybe he should just be committed.
I love Eternal Darkness and Super Smash Bros.:Melee. Both excellent excellent games that I played WAY to much of this weekend, even after all the visiting was done.
And the Wavebird (the Gamecube wireless controller) is unbelievable. It uses some kind of radio frequency, so I can go outside and it still works :)
And the Wavebird (the Gamecube wireless controller) is unbelievable. It uses some kind of radio frequency, so I can go outside and it still works :)
Thursday, August 01, 2002
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
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 :)
I guess that means I'm holding off till then :)
Neat little news blurb.
--------
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.
--------
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.
----
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.
----
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.
---
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 :)
Saturday, June 29, 2002
Got the house today.
Went out and cleaned it up mostly tonight.
Moving everything tomorrow and getting out of this stupid apartment!
Yay!
Must sleep now.
Oh, got Airblade & Parappa 2 for $50 total. Airblade was only $15 used at EB! Finally a used game price worth spending money for. Airblade is a very sweet looking game and has a pretty nifty Tony Hawk Light feel to it.
But I can't play it much for the next few days as I'll be in transition. Oh well. Wish us luck!
Toodles.
Man, I need to sleep. I'm not making any sense in this post.
Went out and cleaned it up mostly tonight.
Moving everything tomorrow and getting out of this stupid apartment!
Yay!
Must sleep now.
Oh, got Airblade & Parappa 2 for $50 total. Airblade was only $15 used at EB! Finally a used game price worth spending money for. Airblade is a very sweet looking game and has a pretty nifty Tony Hawk Light feel to it.
But I can't play it much for the next few days as I'll be in transition. Oh well. Wish us luck!
Toodles.
Man, I need to sleep. I'm not making any sense in this post.
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Oh, I'm glad I didn't get Stuntman the other day. It's gotten middling reviews at best. It looks kind of fun, but not $90 worth of fun. I did see some pretty sweet deals on SNES games (Earthbound for $30! Super Game Boy adapter for the SNES for $20!)... sadly I couldn't bring myself to buy them because I've been denying myself the priviledge of buying anything now until Warcraft 3 (and the move) are over and out... Sigh... I've conditioned myself too well! But it's good. If I did break down and get either of those, I'd have then run upstairs, bought Syberia (which looks amazing) and who knows what else!
Oh well.
Oh well.
Well, I'm now officially off work until July 8th. I move this weekend (yay) and Warcraft 3 is out next week. Sadly, I've seen my collector's edition already... stood within 2 feet of it... but I can't touch it and bring it home because BLIZZARD isn't letting me do that until next week! Grr...
But that's ok. I can get more NWN in between packing sessions! Man, that game is great.
Well, I'm off to play some more NWN before watching Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (sigh, I'm a sucker for bad movies :)
But that's ok. I can get more NWN in between packing sessions! Man, that game is great.
Well, I'm off to play some more NWN before watching Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (sigh, I'm a sucker for bad movies :)
.hack Volume 1 set for October release
Bandai has announced that its PlayStation 2 software, .hack Volume 1, has shipped 120,000 copies in its first four days of release. The first of four chapters was released last week. Each chapter includes the game software and an animated feature on DVD. According to the press release, the company has also announced plans to release .hack Volume 1 for the PlayStation 2 in October in North America. The game was recently shown at E3 in Los Angeles.
By Staff, GameSpot VG [POSTED: 06/26/02]
This is good because I've been watching the anime that is based on the game and it's pretty sweet. Think of a sort of typical Final Fantasy style console RPG but rather than the usual fantasy setting, it takes place inside a fantasy MMORPG that has gone haywire. It's looking pretty sweet.
Bandai has announced that its PlayStation 2 software, .hack Volume 1, has shipped 120,000 copies in its first four days of release. The first of four chapters was released last week. Each chapter includes the game software and an animated feature on DVD. According to the press release, the company has also announced plans to release .hack Volume 1 for the PlayStation 2 in October in North America. The game was recently shown at E3 in Los Angeles.
By Staff, GameSpot VG [POSTED: 06/26/02]
This is good because I've been watching the anime that is based on the game and it's pretty sweet. Think of a sort of typical Final Fantasy style console RPG but rather than the usual fantasy setting, it takes place inside a fantasy MMORPG that has gone haywire. It's looking pretty sweet.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Stuntman for the PS2 is out. It looks rather interesting, but I might just wait till I see a copy used or wait for my brother to get it. Syberia for the PC is also out (and only $40) so that might be a sooner purchase than Stuntman, which I only have cursory knowledge of.
I was also walking by Microplay today and saw XENOSAGA running on their PS2 demo unit. I almost died. I ran in and was about to plunk down the money for the game but then was informed that it was just a demo DVD of the game. Sigh. It looks amazing though. And since it won't likely be out until March 2003, I can probably beat Xenogears by then.
I am really tempted to just go out and pick up a Gamecube w/ Eternal Darkness and also an Xbox w/ Jet Set Radio Future. Sigh. But not yet. Maybe late in the summer.
I've heard that Eternal Darkness really screws around with your mind. If your sanity meter drops too low, it might even start acting like the controller is broken or put up screens saying "Disc Read Error. Please reset your system now."... but if you do that you just lose all your data... that's evil, if you ask me :)
Anyway, I'm off. Gotta get back to work... donated blood and man, it just wouldn't stop gushing... went through about 3-4 pads of gauze before they finally got the blood to stop. Which is odd. Usually I don't spill a drop after they take the needle out... must have hit a gusher today!
I was also walking by Microplay today and saw XENOSAGA running on their PS2 demo unit. I almost died. I ran in and was about to plunk down the money for the game but then was informed that it was just a demo DVD of the game. Sigh. It looks amazing though. And since it won't likely be out until March 2003, I can probably beat Xenogears by then.
I am really tempted to just go out and pick up a Gamecube w/ Eternal Darkness and also an Xbox w/ Jet Set Radio Future. Sigh. But not yet. Maybe late in the summer.
I've heard that Eternal Darkness really screws around with your mind. If your sanity meter drops too low, it might even start acting like the controller is broken or put up screens saying "Disc Read Error. Please reset your system now."... but if you do that you just lose all your data... that's evil, if you ask me :)
Anyway, I'm off. Gotta get back to work... donated blood and man, it just wouldn't stop gushing... went through about 3-4 pads of gauze before they finally got the blood to stop. Which is odd. Usually I don't spill a drop after they take the needle out... must have hit a gusher today!
Hmm... This is an interesting tidbit.
According to my local EB manager, Warcraft 3 has a "street date" of July 3. Blizzard is being VERY strict about it and will not allow retailers to sell their copies of Warcraft 3 before that time, even though EB is getting in copies of the Collector's Edition tomorrow! That's a week in advance. This is kind of annoying since most of the time retailers have to wait until after the game was due out to receive their copies of a given game. This time the stores will have them up to a week in advance but can't sell any of them.
The interesting tidbit is that IF a store does jump the gun and start selling their copies early, they can either a) face fines and possibly lose their job or b) cause Blizzard to throw up their hands and scrap the release date and let the stores with copies in now sell now.
I've been somewhat recruited by EB to watch the various stores in the area to see if they'll jump the gun, since they would like to give me (and others) their copies of the Collector's Edition, but they don't want to get spanked and/or fired. Part of me would LOVE to get my hands on Warcraft 3 tomorrow, but I'm also aware of the fact that I'm moving in 4 days and have to pack and also play the snot out of Neverwinter Nights before I pack up my system...
So I don't actually mind waiting until next week.
Ah well.
According to my local EB manager, Warcraft 3 has a "street date" of July 3. Blizzard is being VERY strict about it and will not allow retailers to sell their copies of Warcraft 3 before that time, even though EB is getting in copies of the Collector's Edition tomorrow! That's a week in advance. This is kind of annoying since most of the time retailers have to wait until after the game was due out to receive their copies of a given game. This time the stores will have them up to a week in advance but can't sell any of them.
The interesting tidbit is that IF a store does jump the gun and start selling their copies early, they can either a) face fines and possibly lose their job or b) cause Blizzard to throw up their hands and scrap the release date and let the stores with copies in now sell now.
I've been somewhat recruited by EB to watch the various stores in the area to see if they'll jump the gun, since they would like to give me (and others) their copies of the Collector's Edition, but they don't want to get spanked and/or fired. Part of me would LOVE to get my hands on Warcraft 3 tomorrow, but I'm also aware of the fact that I'm moving in 4 days and have to pack and also play the snot out of Neverwinter Nights before I pack up my system...
So I don't actually mind waiting until next week.
Ah well.
Yeep! I didn't realize I hadn't updated in a while.
I blame Neverwinter Nights. Man, that game is addictive. Think of Baldur's Gate RPG goodness wrapped up in a very pretty 3D package and then throw in the ability to make your own dungeons/cities/adventures with a relatively simple (though potentially deep and complex) editor... man... good times.
I am loving the singleplayer campaign. I was worried when I saw there were only 4 chapters, but since I've been working on chapter 1 for the last 2-3 days and am only half done it, I guess I can't complain. I've also been working on my own little module and getting more comfortable with the DM client and the Toolset features. It's great!
Well, I'm off to donate blood now. Toodles!
I blame Neverwinter Nights. Man, that game is addictive. Think of Baldur's Gate RPG goodness wrapped up in a very pretty 3D package and then throw in the ability to make your own dungeons/cities/adventures with a relatively simple (though potentially deep and complex) editor... man... good times.
I am loving the singleplayer campaign. I was worried when I saw there were only 4 chapters, but since I've been working on chapter 1 for the last 2-3 days and am only half done it, I guess I can't complain. I've also been working on my own little module and getting more comfortable with the DM client and the Toolset features. It's great!
Well, I'm off to donate blood now. Toodles!
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Kingdom Hearts Movie? - Prophet
Spong.com reports that Disney's Japanese arm has announced that a film based on Kingdom Hearts is in the works. The film will follow the storyline of the Squaresoft game currently under development and will feature all the characters, settings and plot lines featured in the game. In case you didn't know, Kingdom Hearts is an interesting role-playing game being developed by Squaresoft for the PlayStation2 that features a Disney/Square crossover storyline (and interaction between characters from both universes). No word on where this film will be released besides Japan, but it should be complete by next year, according to the report.
I hope they actually do make the film and that it will be available somehow over here.
Spong.com reports that Disney's Japanese arm has announced that a film based on Kingdom Hearts is in the works. The film will follow the storyline of the Squaresoft game currently under development and will feature all the characters, settings and plot lines featured in the game. In case you didn't know, Kingdom Hearts is an interesting role-playing game being developed by Squaresoft for the PlayStation2 that features a Disney/Square crossover storyline (and interaction between characters from both universes). No word on where this film will be released besides Japan, but it should be complete by next year, according to the report.
I hope they actually do make the film and that it will be available somehow over here.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Quarter to Three is back! Quarter to Three is back!
One of the best news sites, if only because the guys who run it are so funny and well-written. Check out the new Shoot Club article.
One of the best news sites, if only because the guys who run it are so funny and well-written. Check out the new Shoot Club article.
Monday, June 17, 2002
Oh, I'm getting The Warcraft 3 Collector's Edition in a few weeks. Woot woot! Should be in right after I get my computer set up in our new house. Less than 2 weeks to moving day! Yeehaw!
So help me if Bell thinks I'm paying for my extra gigs this month. I asked the lady on the tech line no less than 3 times if I had till July 4th before the bitcap came into effect on my line, and she said that was the date it would come into effect.
Part of me hopes that all is well and I just get my normal bill at the end of the month. Part of me almost hopes that they'll charge me for my extra bandwidth this month and then I can go on a rampage, phone-style, with the people in the billing department.
I have no problem sticking to my bitcap limit. In fact, I was planning on being a good boy this month. But if I have a grace period to download unlimited gigs, you'd better believe I'm going to abuse the hell out of it before they slam the lid shut. 5 Gigs my left butt cheek.
I wouldn't be so ticked at them if it were a reasonable amount per gig over 5 Gigs... but $8/gig? You've got to be kidding me! I could handle $2-3, even $4/gig, but $8/gig over 5GB when you're already paying $45/month for the service is sounding a little extreme.
Oh well. Enough of my railing against the system. I'm off to bed.
Part of me hopes that all is well and I just get my normal bill at the end of the month. Part of me almost hopes that they'll charge me for my extra bandwidth this month and then I can go on a rampage, phone-style, with the people in the billing department.
I have no problem sticking to my bitcap limit. In fact, I was planning on being a good boy this month. But if I have a grace period to download unlimited gigs, you'd better believe I'm going to abuse the hell out of it before they slam the lid shut. 5 Gigs my left butt cheek.
I wouldn't be so ticked at them if it were a reasonable amount per gig over 5 Gigs... but $8/gig? You've got to be kidding me! I could handle $2-3, even $4/gig, but $8/gig over 5GB when you're already paying $45/month for the service is sounding a little extreme.
Oh well. Enough of my railing against the system. I'm off to bed.
Had a great day today at work. Spent most of it barbequeing huge slabs of yummy beef at one of the guys' sister's place. Mmm...
Unfortunately, had elated bubble burst somewhat by a) watching the dillweed in the car in front of me run over a cat on the way home and not try to swerve, slow down or otherwise avoid it... b) having to swerve myself to avoid further crushing said cat as it came flying at my car... and c) having to listen to the people on the radio have a phone-in contest, the prize of which was a month's supply of bagels, and the answer to the question being SHAOLIN SOCCER, which I'd finally received on DVD from Hong Kong and had just watched the night before with the guys at work. Sigh... but then I came home and proceeded to download more anime, so it's all good.
Unfortunately, had elated bubble burst somewhat by a) watching the dillweed in the car in front of me run over a cat on the way home and not try to swerve, slow down or otherwise avoid it... b) having to swerve myself to avoid further crushing said cat as it came flying at my car... and c) having to listen to the people on the radio have a phone-in contest, the prize of which was a month's supply of bagels, and the answer to the question being SHAOLIN SOCCER, which I'd finally received on DVD from Hong Kong and had just watched the night before with the guys at work. Sigh... but then I came home and proceeded to download more anime, so it's all good.
Friday, June 14, 2002
Hee hee... Found a cool new site (well, it's actually been around for a bit) called D+Pad... it's actually run by some EB employees in the Toronto area. It's pretty funny, and sort of has the Penny Arcade feel but from the retail side rather than the gamer side (well, a bit of both actually).
I particularily liked this one.
I particularily liked this one.
Ok. Take a look at the Map picture below. See those little blacked-in spots? That's what I've explored in Morrowind so far. THAT'S IT! Yeesh. This game is just huge.
Scary thing is that it's really only one island of one province of the entire continent that the gameworld entails... the previous 2 Elder Scrolls games let you wander around the huge continent, but the scale was a little different too... If they gave me the whole continent to explore, I'd never do anything but wander around Tamriel...
Scary thing is that it's really only one island of one province of the entire continent that the gameworld entails... the previous 2 Elder Scrolls games let you wander around the huge continent, but the scale was a little different too... If they gave me the whole continent to explore, I'd never do anything but wander around Tamriel...
Stay away from the game The Watchmaker. I was hoping it would be a nice Gabriel Knight-esque Adventure game for my PC, but noooo... well, maybe, but since the graphics look like something out of the Wolfenstein 3D era and saying that the voiceacting is bad is being kind... *shudder*...
I have been jonesing for an adventure so badly that I am almost tempted to keep this thing on my hard-drive and see if it improves, but I doubt it. I think I'll just take it in and get the money towards, oh, WARCRAFT 3!!
I have been jonesing for an adventure so badly that I am almost tempted to keep this thing on my hard-drive and see if it improves, but I doubt it. I think I'll just take it in and get the money towards, oh, WARCRAFT 3!!
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Tekki, or Steel Battalions over here in North America, will probably be the game that will get me to buy an Xbox. Well, if I do that, then I also will be able to get Jet Set Radio Future.
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Man... Morrowind just sucks out your soul. Between that and an excellent anime called Noir (about a couple of assassins who are embroiled in something even they don't know about) I was able to enjoy me weekend of sickness. I just sat in front of the computer and drooled and occasionally clicked things... good fun :)
I picked up a nice shiny new Gameboy Advance Platinum Edition today. It's so shiny. They also weren't kidding when they said it had a dark screen though... yeesh! I also got Golden Sun and Castlevania: Circle Of The Moon which is a pretty nice set to start out with.
I'm trying to find a copy of Tactics Ogre for the GBA, but everywhere in Brampton seems to be sold out... sigh.
Monday, June 10, 2002
This is an excellent article comparing the music industry to the book industry back in it's heyday and how they're being supplanted by new media. Pretty neat stuff.
Saturday, June 08, 2002
This is cool. There's actually a gene called Sonic Hedgehog and it's resposible for accellerated hair growth and even cancer...
It's game related... gotta love that.
It's game related... gotta love that.
Friday, June 07, 2002
From Gamespot:
Square reveals its upcoming titles
Square plans to release games on the PC, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance this fiscal year in Japan.
In its annual earnings report, Square has revealed its upcoming Japanese titles for the 2003 fiscal year. According to the report, the company plans to release two role-playing games and an action game for the PlayStation 2 and two Game Boy Advance titles, including the handheld version of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Final Fantasy XI for the PlayStation 2, which was released May 16 in Japan, currently has more than 50,000 subscribers. Profit loss from the server troubles around the week of launch are estimated at 80 to 100 million yen ($600,000 to $800,000), though the company said the losses will not have an effect on next term's earnings. The development of the PC version is currently under way and is scheduled for release before the end of the fiscal year in Japan. The release of Final Fantasy XI in North America is currently planned for 2003.
Square expects to ship 3.6 million copies of its upcoming software this fiscal year. The company plans to ship 750,000 copies in the first half of the fiscal year with the releases of the PlayStation 2 titles Nichibeikan Pro Baseball, Final Fantasy XI, and World Fantasista and the WonderSwan version of Front Mission.
Square reveals its upcoming titles
Square plans to release games on the PC, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance this fiscal year in Japan.
In its annual earnings report, Square has revealed its upcoming Japanese titles for the 2003 fiscal year. According to the report, the company plans to release two role-playing games and an action game for the PlayStation 2 and two Game Boy Advance titles, including the handheld version of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Final Fantasy XI for the PlayStation 2, which was released May 16 in Japan, currently has more than 50,000 subscribers. Profit loss from the server troubles around the week of launch are estimated at 80 to 100 million yen ($600,000 to $800,000), though the company said the losses will not have an effect on next term's earnings. The development of the PC version is currently under way and is scheduled for release before the end of the fiscal year in Japan. The release of Final Fantasy XI in North America is currently planned for 2003.
Square expects to ship 3.6 million copies of its upcoming software this fiscal year. The company plans to ship 750,000 copies in the first half of the fiscal year with the releases of the PlayStation 2 titles Nichibeikan Pro Baseball, Final Fantasy XI, and World Fantasista and the WonderSwan version of Front Mission.
Thursday, June 06, 2002
Final Fantasy Adventure Bible - Musashi
Square is apparently releasing a 3-disc DVD set that chronicles the entire Final Fantasy saga from the beginning.
The Final Fantasy Adventure Bible will cover all the installments up to and including Final Fantasy XI and will retail for 13,000 yen ($104 USD). Disc one of the set will cover Final Fantasy I, II, II, and XI (not sure why Final Fantasy XI is covered out of order), Disc two tackles Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI and Disc three will cover Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, and X.
The Final Fantasy Bible will be published by Enterbrain on July 25th in Japan.
Me wantee...
Square is apparently releasing a 3-disc DVD set that chronicles the entire Final Fantasy saga from the beginning.
The Final Fantasy Adventure Bible will cover all the installments up to and including Final Fantasy XI and will retail for 13,000 yen ($104 USD). Disc one of the set will cover Final Fantasy I, II, II, and XI (not sure why Final Fantasy XI is covered out of order), Disc two tackles Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI and Disc three will cover Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, and X.
The Final Fantasy Bible will be published by Enterbrain on July 25th in Japan.
Me wantee...
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
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