Let's face it. Anti virus is done for, or at least the days of buying an anti virus program. Time for big guys like Symantec to close up their antivirus divisions, and do something different. There are many reasons for the big, brand name's demise in the computing computer world..
One big reason is the lack of new features. Go to Staples and pick up the latest versions of Norton Anti virus, for example. Chances are you won't see much of a difference. Therein lies the problem. Anti virus hasn't changed much. Every anti virus program, free and otherwise, does the same thing. It scans your hard drive, comparing each and every file against a list of known viruses. They may vary in speed and dependability. A simple google search reveals a cornucopia of free anti virus, avast, AVG, etc. Why pay, when you can get comparable service for free?
Another big reason that anti virus is on the decline is the lack of viruses being created and released. A quick check of the Symantec anti virus website shows that most threats are at a low risk. These days, chances are slim that you'll catch a virus through IM, email, or file sharing. The only threat to your computer isn't even a risk of being infected with viruses! The "medium risk" these days is a vulnerability in Internet Explorer.
And not just big, brand name anti virus is on the decline. Anti virus in general is heading down the tube. Take my friend "Paul" for example. Always the risk taker, Paul disabled all anti virus software on his computer, and lived on a steady diet of firewall for a few weeks. A simple virus scan a few weeks later revealed a whopping 0 viruses.
People, thankfully, aren't stupid. Most of us have the sense not to go to random web sights with Japanese and English in the url. Everyone and their grandma knows not to click on those crazy links forwarded by Nigerian Royalty.
And it's not like anti virus is hard to find these days. Take a look under the hood of some of your most used programs. I guarantee that many of them have their own, usually crude, yet somewhat effective, implementation of virus scanner. So, the end user is bound to have their incoming data scanned multiple times before it reaches home.
Most nare-do-gooders these days don't even bother with viruses. It takes too much time and a little bit of luck to ensure a good infection. Spy ware is the new kid on the malware block, potentially sending your personal info (and passwords!) to some 16 year old kid in Sweden. Spy ware comes in all shapes and sizes these days, but viruses spend their days in the corner, obsessing about how noone likes them while listening to their new Taking Back Sunday album.
So yes, it's not a bad thing to keep the ol' antivirus program around, feeding it a few updates now and then, but it may soon become obsolete. Like Paul, it may not be long before we need not worry about those silly viruses, and those antivirus programs growing lonelier and lonelier...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
PETA and you
Wanna know one group of people that pisses me off? Probably not, but that ain't stopping me. I hate vegetarians. Sure, I bet they are nice people, but they have some of the dumbest ideas.
It's meat for cripes sake! Humans have been eating it for thousands of years now. But apparently, it's wrong to kill a lesser being on the planet to provide sustanace for you and your family. No, but if they had their way, we'd all be eating soy burgers and wheatgerm shakes,
And it's not all vegetarians either. My uncle doesn't eat meat because of his health (diabetes and the like). One of my teachers doesn't eat meat because of religious (not to hate, but what good religion doesn't allow the eating of any meat?). It's the ones out there that don't eat meat because of the animals themselves.
Yeah, animals are people too, we've head the rhetoric before. Personally, I don't see the comparison. I don't see chickens driving to work everyday, or pigs that go shopping for bargain prices at Wal-mart. Most of them don't even walk on two legs! How can any sane person make such a stupid statement?
And it's these types that run PETA. People Eat Tasty Animals they aint. These are a bunch of morons grouped together to allow the "ethical" treatment of animals. Unless I live on Mars or something, last time I checked "ethical" didn't mean "same rights as people". See, it's not cool to kill an animal. No, we must free them, allow them to move in, rent out rooms. You know, all those "ethical" ideas.
How immature and juvenile do they have to be. Instead of boycotting companies who make fur coats, they throw paint on the fur coats of others. They walk around in the nude to protest the killing of animals. I may not be on the board or something, but I fail to see how running around naked=rights for animals...
And they're allowed to do this! They have rallies every year, run their mornonic campaignes, throw paint on fur coats and not pay restitution. It's the crazies like these we should be booting out of the country, not the Mexicans.
And the cult is tax-exempt! No taxes for the paint throwing, animal killing, crazies. Tell me, do you equate killing chickens to killing jewish humans? Is eating at KFC the same as eating the cooked remains of Holocaust victims? Please say no, or I'd have to add you to the list of people to kick out when I become president. And training elephants in the circus is slavery? Please tell me they aren't serious...
Not that I'm advocating the cruel treatment of animals either. No puppy kicking or performing open-heart surgery on your still awake goldfish. Try to strike a good balance between "making fido eat dirt" and "feeding fido filet-mingion every night".
So kids, if a PETA crazy comes up to you on the street corner, what should you do? A) Spit in their eyes and kick dust on their fake fur jackets? B) Shove three cheeseburges down their throat. Or C) Wack them in the face with a stuffed beaver? That's right class, you get a cookie if you picked all of the above.
So, In closing, if they want to save the chickens,
PETA, GTFO!
It's meat for cripes sake! Humans have been eating it for thousands of years now. But apparently, it's wrong to kill a lesser being on the planet to provide sustanace for you and your family. No, but if they had their way, we'd all be eating soy burgers and wheatgerm shakes,
And it's not all vegetarians either. My uncle doesn't eat meat because of his health (diabetes and the like). One of my teachers doesn't eat meat because of religious (not to hate, but what good religion doesn't allow the eating of any meat?). It's the ones out there that don't eat meat because of the animals themselves.
Yeah, animals are people too, we've head the rhetoric before. Personally, I don't see the comparison. I don't see chickens driving to work everyday, or pigs that go shopping for bargain prices at Wal-mart. Most of them don't even walk on two legs! How can any sane person make such a stupid statement?
And it's these types that run PETA. People Eat Tasty Animals they aint. These are a bunch of morons grouped together to allow the "ethical" treatment of animals. Unless I live on Mars or something, last time I checked "ethical" didn't mean "same rights as people". See, it's not cool to kill an animal. No, we must free them, allow them to move in, rent out rooms. You know, all those "ethical" ideas.
How immature and juvenile do they have to be. Instead of boycotting companies who make fur coats, they throw paint on the fur coats of others. They walk around in the nude to protest the killing of animals. I may not be on the board or something, but I fail to see how running around naked=rights for animals...
And they're allowed to do this! They have rallies every year, run their mornonic campaignes, throw paint on fur coats and not pay restitution. It's the crazies like these we should be booting out of the country, not the Mexicans.
And the cult is tax-exempt! No taxes for the paint throwing, animal killing, crazies. Tell me, do you equate killing chickens to killing jewish humans? Is eating at KFC the same as eating the cooked remains of Holocaust victims? Please say no, or I'd have to add you to the list of people to kick out when I become president. And training elephants in the circus is slavery? Please tell me they aren't serious...
Not that I'm advocating the cruel treatment of animals either. No puppy kicking or performing open-heart surgery on your still awake goldfish. Try to strike a good balance between "making fido eat dirt" and "feeding fido filet-mingion every night".
So kids, if a PETA crazy comes up to you on the street corner, what should you do? A) Spit in their eyes and kick dust on their fake fur jackets? B) Shove three cheeseburges down their throat. Or C) Wack them in the face with a stuffed beaver? That's right class, you get a cookie if you picked all of the above.
So, In closing, if they want to save the chickens,
PETA, GTFO!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Graphicsgasim X 2
Yep, that's another big buzzword in the world of videogames. Talk to any gamer about graphics, and watch the results. Some will launch into a tizzy about the technology behind it. Others will talk about frames per second. And the less knowledgeable will tell you next gen = better graphics. And for the most part, they're right.
Graphics have marched forward with each new console generation. Bring a PS2 back in time to a gamer in the heyday on the Atari 2600 days. Watch the reaction. It's true, graphics are a big part of the game, but they aren't a make or break factor. Just go ask The King of All Cosmos.
Most games try to emulate real life in some way, weather in the past, present, or dystopian future. And newer hardware is allowing that. But there are many games out there that don't need bleeding edge graphics. Graphical funhouses like Katamari Demacy don't require 512 gagillion of video memory. They don't require 32x antialaising.
They're kitsch. They're fun. They don't try to emulate real life in any way, shape, or form. They just do their own thing. It's these types of games that really wont benefit from all the raw graphical power that the net gen consoles can put out.
There will be your Call of Duty 3's and your Splinter Cell: Double Agents, but remember those kitsch games that put a smile on your face and little dent into your wallet.
Graphics have marched forward with each new console generation. Bring a PS2 back in time to a gamer in the heyday on the Atari 2600 days. Watch the reaction. It's true, graphics are a big part of the game, but they aren't a make or break factor. Just go ask The King of All Cosmos.
Most games try to emulate real life in some way, weather in the past, present, or dystopian future. And newer hardware is allowing that. But there are many games out there that don't need bleeding edge graphics. Graphical funhouses like Katamari Demacy don't require 512 gagillion of video memory. They don't require 32x antialaising.
They're kitsch. They're fun. They don't try to emulate real life in any way, shape, or form. They just do their own thing. It's these types of games that really wont benefit from all the raw graphical power that the net gen consoles can put out.
There will be your Call of Duty 3's and your Splinter Cell: Double Agents, but remember those kitsch games that put a smile on your face and little dent into your wallet.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Artificial Stupidity
Yeah, there's a buzzword for ya. AI, or artificial intelligence. It's been a main staple in any game since ever, umm, ever. But nobody gave much of a care till games entered the third dimension. Ever since, it's been thrown around more then Paris Hilton.
Numerous games have tried to claim the AI crown. From Space Invaders and it's relatively simplistic enemy AI action, to Oblivion and its so-called "Living, breathing world", AI has seen a major leap forward. No longer will gamers tolerate allies running into walls, or kamikaze enemies that aren't normally violent.
Yes, gaming has taken a huge step forward in the AI department. But is AI, or gamers for that matter, ready to take the next step? The goal of AI is to emulate real life (or as close to real in the context of the game), right? Then why is AI so perfect all the time?
Let me explain. When it applies to games, programmers are always to make their games more realistic. Too bad life isn't always perfect. Take Halo 2 for exapmle: Sure, walking around the game, grunts would fall asleep, and act surprised when MC awoke them.
But it's not that realistic! If you were an elite, and you were bored with a tank, you wouldn't just sit there, waiting for MC to come around and you could blast him. Nope, you would probably take the tank, and have a little fun. I'm sure it would seem odd to come upon a new area, and not find the elites al lexpecting you, but that is more realistic!
Take oblivion for example. Sure, the NPC's seemed pretty real, not just standing around to offer you a quest. And for the most part, this is pretty real. But not quite enough.
See, NPC's need to have lives that extend far beyond the moment you kill them. Pretend a NPC is going through a big break up with his "wife". He might have a nervous breakdown, and decide to kill everything that moves. Place that near the character, and you'll have a villager come out of nowhere and attack you with a knife.
Or GTA. In San Andreas, I believe there were a couple of NPC's that would in a sense jump from a high place and commit suicide, kind've like lemmings. Here, I was at the local grocery store, and I decided to take a nice evening stroll through the parking lot. Now, put that into a sandbox game like GTA. It's probably look weird and feel odd to watch a NPC walk around the parking lot for no reason.
Yeah, that's the problem. AI like that doesn't fit into a videogame. Gamers are used to their enemies lying in wait around the next objective for them. Heck, I'd feel weird watching a NPC stroll around the parking lot in GTA. And not being told why a character does something unexpected like that can be frustrating for a gamer.
I dunno, maybe there will be a shift, and AI like this will become more of the norm. But I would like to be told why NPC #365 just attacked me with a knife. Who knows?
Numerous games have tried to claim the AI crown. From Space Invaders and it's relatively simplistic enemy AI action, to Oblivion and its so-called "Living, breathing world", AI has seen a major leap forward. No longer will gamers tolerate allies running into walls, or kamikaze enemies that aren't normally violent.
Yes, gaming has taken a huge step forward in the AI department. But is AI, or gamers for that matter, ready to take the next step? The goal of AI is to emulate real life (or as close to real in the context of the game), right? Then why is AI so perfect all the time?
Let me explain. When it applies to games, programmers are always to make their games more realistic. Too bad life isn't always perfect. Take Halo 2 for exapmle: Sure, walking around the game, grunts would fall asleep, and act surprised when MC awoke them.
But it's not that realistic! If you were an elite, and you were bored with a tank, you wouldn't just sit there, waiting for MC to come around and you could blast him. Nope, you would probably take the tank, and have a little fun. I'm sure it would seem odd to come upon a new area, and not find the elites al lexpecting you, but that is more realistic!
Take oblivion for example. Sure, the NPC's seemed pretty real, not just standing around to offer you a quest. And for the most part, this is pretty real. But not quite enough.
See, NPC's need to have lives that extend far beyond the moment you kill them. Pretend a NPC is going through a big break up with his "wife". He might have a nervous breakdown, and decide to kill everything that moves. Place that near the character, and you'll have a villager come out of nowhere and attack you with a knife.
Or GTA. In San Andreas, I believe there were a couple of NPC's that would in a sense jump from a high place and commit suicide, kind've like lemmings. Here, I was at the local grocery store, and I decided to take a nice evening stroll through the parking lot. Now, put that into a sandbox game like GTA. It's probably look weird and feel odd to watch a NPC walk around the parking lot for no reason.
Yeah, that's the problem. AI like that doesn't fit into a videogame. Gamers are used to their enemies lying in wait around the next objective for them. Heck, I'd feel weird watching a NPC stroll around the parking lot in GTA. And not being told why a character does something unexpected like that can be frustrating for a gamer.
I dunno, maybe there will be a shift, and AI like this will become more of the norm. But I would like to be told why NPC #365 just attacked me with a knife. Who knows?
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Real Men Play Videogames
See, this is one thing the bothers me. Apparently, the collective intelligence doesn't believe video games to be very manly. Ask my dad, video games aren't manly, mowing the lawn is manly. Ask the rednecks, NASCAR is manly. But apparently, video games are not.
But why? Is it the adrenalin rush? If NASCAR can provide a rush, then can't a racing video game? Or if Not NASCAR 06, how about a horror game? It mustn't be the rush, because video games can provide the same rush.
Is it the getting down and dirty part? Like fixing a car? Personally, I don't care about cars. I don't care wither the axel attaches to the drive shaft or the transmission. I would rather spend a day playing Halo 2 online with some buddies, then on the ground, covered in engine oil, hoping I remember how to put this damn contraption back together.
Or maybe it's the game play itself. I suppose that some men out there only have the attention span to watch a wrestling match or a 500 lap race. But, throw a couple of video gamers their way, all ones that control and play different, and they just freak out.
Maybe it's the game play in general. I mean, compared to the old atari joystick, today's controls are pretty scary looking. I guess most men out there don't have the coordination out there to handle 2 analog sticks, as well as 10 or so other buttons.
Or it may be the lack or realism. I suppose getting out on the football field and getting sacked in the chest is more "fun" or "manly" then acting it out with your XBox 360. I guess sadism and being emo is more manly then having all your body parts intact.
I dunno, I guess I'll never understand why videogames aren't considered manly. Personally, I'll keep playing them until the day I die.
Oh, Call of Duty 3 is slated to come out November 17th.
But why? Is it the adrenalin rush? If NASCAR can provide a rush, then can't a racing video game? Or if Not NASCAR 06, how about a horror game? It mustn't be the rush, because video games can provide the same rush.
Is it the getting down and dirty part? Like fixing a car? Personally, I don't care about cars. I don't care wither the axel attaches to the drive shaft or the transmission. I would rather spend a day playing Halo 2 online with some buddies, then on the ground, covered in engine oil, hoping I remember how to put this damn contraption back together.
Or maybe it's the game play itself. I suppose that some men out there only have the attention span to watch a wrestling match or a 500 lap race. But, throw a couple of video gamers their way, all ones that control and play different, and they just freak out.
Maybe it's the game play in general. I mean, compared to the old atari joystick, today's controls are pretty scary looking. I guess most men out there don't have the coordination out there to handle 2 analog sticks, as well as 10 or so other buttons.
Or it may be the lack or realism. I suppose getting out on the football field and getting sacked in the chest is more "fun" or "manly" then acting it out with your XBox 360. I guess sadism and being emo is more manly then having all your body parts intact.
I dunno, I guess I'll never understand why videogames aren't considered manly. Personally, I'll keep playing them until the day I die.
Oh, Call of Duty 3 is slated to come out November 17th.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Get me the hell outta here!
Name: Exit
Platform: PSP
Price: $39.99
Developer: Taito Corp.
Exit, interesting name, even more interesting premise. You play as Mr. Esc, an escapologist. You get paid to help otherwise helpless civilians of all ages escape from different perilous situations.
The level design is spot on. The puzzle elements are right as they should be, easy to learn, but hard to master. And with over 100 levels, master you shall.
Game play is fun, without getting to tedious. As with a good puzzle game, you will need to do most of the levels several times before it "clicks" and the pieces fall into place. But you won't be stomping on the floor and pulling your hair out.
Mr. Eschew will have to move boxes, make bridges, use ropes and ladders to reach his destination. The levels can feature anything from a simple ladder puzzle all the way up to a multi-layer building with several one way doors and small crawl spaces.
In fact, Mr. Esc will need to recruit the ones he saves. There are three types of help, the kids, the young adults, and the old adults. The kids are the most limber but require help over taller objects. The old adults can't jump over large caverns, but they can help move heavy objects. And the young adults are the best of both worlds.
The controls work just the way you would expect them to. You use the D-Pad to control Mr. Esc, and the analog nub is used as a sort of mouse to order your dimwitted help around. And there-in lies my one complaint of this game. Most of the times, the A.I. works fine. But sometimes you just want to yell at them. If I want to order an adult upstairs, I don't want them to take the long way, that is blocked in the end by some crates! Duh!
But the game is mostly pie and chips. And even as icing on the cake, there are 110 downloadable bonus levels available, giving you a total of 210 fun, challenging levels of puzzle/actiony goodness.
I give it 4 drowning Mr. Esc's out of 5.
(Word on the street is that Halo 3 comes out in 2007) :)
Platform: PSP
Price: $39.99
Developer: Taito Corp.
Exit, interesting name, even more interesting premise. You play as Mr. Esc, an escapologist. You get paid to help otherwise helpless civilians of all ages escape from different perilous situations.
The level design is spot on. The puzzle elements are right as they should be, easy to learn, but hard to master. And with over 100 levels, master you shall.
Game play is fun, without getting to tedious. As with a good puzzle game, you will need to do most of the levels several times before it "clicks" and the pieces fall into place. But you won't be stomping on the floor and pulling your hair out.
Mr. Eschew will have to move boxes, make bridges, use ropes and ladders to reach his destination. The levels can feature anything from a simple ladder puzzle all the way up to a multi-layer building with several one way doors and small crawl spaces.
In fact, Mr. Esc will need to recruit the ones he saves. There are three types of help, the kids, the young adults, and the old adults. The kids are the most limber but require help over taller objects. The old adults can't jump over large caverns, but they can help move heavy objects. And the young adults are the best of both worlds.
The controls work just the way you would expect them to. You use the D-Pad to control Mr. Esc, and the analog nub is used as a sort of mouse to order your dimwitted help around. And there-in lies my one complaint of this game. Most of the times, the A.I. works fine. But sometimes you just want to yell at them. If I want to order an adult upstairs, I don't want them to take the long way, that is blocked in the end by some crates! Duh!
But the game is mostly pie and chips. And even as icing on the cake, there are 110 downloadable bonus levels available, giving you a total of 210 fun, challenging levels of puzzle/actiony goodness.
I give it 4 drowning Mr. Esc's out of 5.
(Word on the street is that Halo 3 comes out in 2007) :)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Graphicsgasim
Modern computing is great. We can crunch numbers in a jiffy. We can play the best modern day games. We can chat with others that are several states away. But all is not well in computer paradise...
As I have said, computers are great. We are constantly moving towards more realistic graphics. With your Half Life 2's and your Oblivion's, PC gaming is constantly getting better. Every game, a step forward.
Modern computing has opened up PC gaming to a group of people that wouldn't be gaming other wise: the motion-sick. Myself included. Modern computing has enabled those who would otherwise be unable to have a good time, play.
But, therein lies the problem. If I want to play, oh say, Elder Scrolls 4, I need a top of the line computer. Nvidia 7300, 2GB of Ram, relatively current processor.
Here, come away with me. I borrowed Oblivion from my friend. I pop it in, and am utterly perplexed, and a little sick. My computer cannot handle oblivion. I even downloaded a patch to allow the game to run on lower settings, and I still couldn't play for over an hour.
See, modern computing is both a blessing and a curse. One one end, there are new games coming out, aimed at pressing the limits of technology, leaving the cheap and tech-no-how's in the dust. On the other hand, there is an ever increasing amount of technology to back up this constant evolution of gaming.
PC gaming needs to slow down, take a break, and stop trying to one-up itself. Sometimes, the greatest games out there (Counter Strike and World Of Warcraft for example) don't need an uber nice top of the line $3k plus computer. There will always be innovation, and the technology will eventually be there to support it. But motion sick and otherwise PC gamers shouldn't have to wait for the technology to support the next best game to become affordable!
As I have said, computers are great. We are constantly moving towards more realistic graphics. With your Half Life 2's and your Oblivion's, PC gaming is constantly getting better. Every game, a step forward.
Modern computing has opened up PC gaming to a group of people that wouldn't be gaming other wise: the motion-sick. Myself included. Modern computing has enabled those who would otherwise be unable to have a good time, play.
But, therein lies the problem. If I want to play, oh say, Elder Scrolls 4, I need a top of the line computer. Nvidia 7300, 2GB of Ram, relatively current processor.
Here, come away with me. I borrowed Oblivion from my friend. I pop it in, and am utterly perplexed, and a little sick. My computer cannot handle oblivion. I even downloaded a patch to allow the game to run on lower settings, and I still couldn't play for over an hour.
See, modern computing is both a blessing and a curse. One one end, there are new games coming out, aimed at pressing the limits of technology, leaving the cheap and tech-no-how's in the dust. On the other hand, there is an ever increasing amount of technology to back up this constant evolution of gaming.
PC gaming needs to slow down, take a break, and stop trying to one-up itself. Sometimes, the greatest games out there (Counter Strike and World Of Warcraft for example) don't need an uber nice top of the line $3k plus computer. There will always be innovation, and the technology will eventually be there to support it. But motion sick and otherwise PC gamers shouldn't have to wait for the technology to support the next best game to become affordable!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Daxter for PSP: I'd Hit That.
Game: Daxter
Platform: PSP
Price: $39.99
Developer: Ready at Dawn Studios
Yes, my friends. I recently received my first game for my sexy black beast (PSP). And what a doozie of a game it is! Daxter has graced my PSP with his presence, and it is one heck of a visit. I heard that it was one of the best games for the handheld, and for good reason.
Graphics: beau-ti-ful. This is one of the games that showcases the awesome power of the PSP. Half way between Jak 1 and Jak 2, they are amazing. Character models are well done, and the numerous areas throughout the game contain the little touches that make it seem "real".
The water effects a pretty standard for the PSP, nothing special, but adequate. This is one of my few gripes about the game. When you aren't out in the main square, the frame rate is silky smooth. But when you get too much action on screen (namely superfluous stuff like hovercars overhead and the like) it starts chugging. Luckily it only happens in the main square of the city, where you spend very little time.
Controls: top notch and tailored for the PSP. Analog nub to move, shoulder buttons to swivel the camera left and right, it makes sense. It didn't take me long to get into the controls, and once I did, it was like second nature.
Gameplay: Fun. Daxter becomes a bug exterminator. Throughout the game, you get an electric fly swatter (which is very handy), a spray canister, and a flamethrower (!!) and sonic grenade attatchment. The standard platforming schpiel is here. While not exactly revolutionary, it is damn fun.
Be warned, the levels aren't your standard five-minute PSP fare. Daxter is more in line with its console brethren, and the level design shows. Earlier levels only take a few minutes tom complete, but the later ones can take twenty minutes. Fret not, weary reader, as you can save halfway through a level. But, even these long levels couldn't save the gam from the handhelds one flaw. Namely, the game was too short. I would've loved to spend more time in Daxter's world, but this was not to be so.
:Spoilers begin here, so watch your step!:
Story: sensible. Taking place in the later months of the two year lull between Jak 1 and 2, Daxter manages to land a job as a bug exterminator. The Metal Heads from the second two games have released a infestation of metal head bugs into the city as a precusor to the real metal head infestation. Daxter meets several characters from the other games, as well as some new ones.
:Spoilers end here, so go ahead and breath again:
Overall, Daxter is a gem of a game, one PSP owners will be glad they picked up. While not perfect, it is a great platformer that any PSP owner should pick up. Trust me, you'll love it.
Platform: PSP
Price: $39.99
Developer: Ready at Dawn Studios
Yes, my friends. I recently received my first game for my sexy black beast (PSP). And what a doozie of a game it is! Daxter has graced my PSP with his presence, and it is one heck of a visit. I heard that it was one of the best games for the handheld, and for good reason.
Graphics: beau-ti-ful. This is one of the games that showcases the awesome power of the PSP. Half way between Jak 1 and Jak 2, they are amazing. Character models are well done, and the numerous areas throughout the game contain the little touches that make it seem "real".
The water effects a pretty standard for the PSP, nothing special, but adequate. This is one of my few gripes about the game. When you aren't out in the main square, the frame rate is silky smooth. But when you get too much action on screen (namely superfluous stuff like hovercars overhead and the like) it starts chugging. Luckily it only happens in the main square of the city, where you spend very little time.
Controls: top notch and tailored for the PSP. Analog nub to move, shoulder buttons to swivel the camera left and right, it makes sense. It didn't take me long to get into the controls, and once I did, it was like second nature.
Gameplay: Fun. Daxter becomes a bug exterminator. Throughout the game, you get an electric fly swatter (which is very handy), a spray canister, and a flamethrower (!!) and sonic grenade attatchment. The standard platforming schpiel is here. While not exactly revolutionary, it is damn fun.
Be warned, the levels aren't your standard five-minute PSP fare. Daxter is more in line with its console brethren, and the level design shows. Earlier levels only take a few minutes tom complete, but the later ones can take twenty minutes. Fret not, weary reader, as you can save halfway through a level. But, even these long levels couldn't save the gam from the handhelds one flaw. Namely, the game was too short. I would've loved to spend more time in Daxter's world, but this was not to be so.
:Spoilers begin here, so watch your step!:
Story: sensible. Taking place in the later months of the two year lull between Jak 1 and 2, Daxter manages to land a job as a bug exterminator. The Metal Heads from the second two games have released a infestation of metal head bugs into the city as a precusor to the real metal head infestation. Daxter meets several characters from the other games, as well as some new ones.
:Spoilers end here, so go ahead and breath again:
Overall, Daxter is a gem of a game, one PSP owners will be glad they picked up. While not perfect, it is a great platformer that any PSP owner should pick up. Trust me, you'll love it.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wake me up when November ends.
Why? Four Words: Half Life 2: Episode 2. (So it was three, sue me!). When Valve software announced the trio of Half Life episodes, gamers were in shock and awe. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to go back to City 17 and kick some more combine ass? Apparently, millions of PC gamers, that's who.
HL2:E1 was critically acclaimed, and sold tons of copies. While around only 6 hours of gameplay, gaming magazines everywhere consistently gave it high reviews. They praised it's action, as well as it's implementation of so-called "single player co-op".
But enough about Episode: 1. With it's announcement, Valve announced that it would be part of a trio of episodes. We all knew Episode 2 was coming, but we didn't know what a punch it would bring. Recently, Valve announced that, not one, but three games would make their way into Episode 2. Of course, the PC gamer in me nearly was giddy with glee.
Game one: The episode 2 story. Continuing where episode 1 left off, gamers are going to be treated to a new forest setting, as well as vehicles and a new enemy. Hunter synth, to be exact. Also, Gordon gets a new weapon. Apparently it's a "strider buster" that weakens a strider and lets the player take out the strider easier.
apparently, the gravity gun gets a new sort of ammunition. Don't ask me, I don't get it either. The new vehicle is a two-seater dunebuggyish vehicle. One seat drives while the other is a gunner. Sounds great to me. Just so you guys don't freak out, Alyx lives at the end of epidsode 1.
Game numero dos: Team Fortress 2. Imagine, if you will, a Pixar movie, mashed together with a plethora of classes, mixed together with some strategy. Enticing? It should be. Sequel to a Quake mod, remade into a Half Life mod, came out of left field, and smacked the gaming world in the face. Many expected this game would never some out. This game was on the list of games that would never come out , one step below Duke Nukeum Forever.
And finally, the game that has me the most excitedL Half Life 2 Portal. Take the portal system from Prey, and design a game around it. Makes me real excited. If you haven't seen the video of the game in action, you are dead to me. Check it out at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=if3Qv2tHyfA&search=portal
Found it? Good. See why I am so excited about this game? Besides the fact that this idea is revolutionary, it has so much potential for fun. Did ya see the part where the player was falling through the portals indefinitely? What about the part where he opened a portal, went through, made another one, and slingshot himself to an opposing ledge? Sound like fun?
My one concern about Episode 2 is price. Ep. 1 was $20, and came with the single player game, as well as HL2: Deathmatch, and HL: Deathmatch Source. Personally, I wouldn't bat an eye parting with $40 for this lovely package. I'm betting it'll be either $20 or $30.
Cannot' wait till December. Well, I'll be in a 6 month cryogenic stasis. Somebody wake me up when Episode 2 comes out. Later!
HL2:E1 was critically acclaimed, and sold tons of copies. While around only 6 hours of gameplay, gaming magazines everywhere consistently gave it high reviews. They praised it's action, as well as it's implementation of so-called "single player co-op".
But enough about Episode: 1. With it's announcement, Valve announced that it would be part of a trio of episodes. We all knew Episode 2 was coming, but we didn't know what a punch it would bring. Recently, Valve announced that, not one, but three games would make their way into Episode 2. Of course, the PC gamer in me nearly was giddy with glee.
Game one: The episode 2 story. Continuing where episode 1 left off, gamers are going to be treated to a new forest setting, as well as vehicles and a new enemy. Hunter synth, to be exact. Also, Gordon gets a new weapon. Apparently it's a "strider buster" that weakens a strider and lets the player take out the strider easier.
apparently, the gravity gun gets a new sort of ammunition. Don't ask me, I don't get it either. The new vehicle is a two-seater dunebuggyish vehicle. One seat drives while the other is a gunner. Sounds great to me. Just so you guys don't freak out, Alyx lives at the end of epidsode 1.
Game numero dos: Team Fortress 2. Imagine, if you will, a Pixar movie, mashed together with a plethora of classes, mixed together with some strategy. Enticing? It should be. Sequel to a Quake mod, remade into a Half Life mod, came out of left field, and smacked the gaming world in the face. Many expected this game would never some out. This game was on the list of games that would never come out , one step below Duke Nukeum Forever.
And finally, the game that has me the most excitedL Half Life 2 Portal. Take the portal system from Prey, and design a game around it. Makes me real excited. If you haven't seen the video of the game in action, you are dead to me. Check it out at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=if3Qv2tHyfA&search=portal
Found it? Good. See why I am so excited about this game? Besides the fact that this idea is revolutionary, it has so much potential for fun. Did ya see the part where the player was falling through the portals indefinitely? What about the part where he opened a portal, went through, made another one, and slingshot himself to an opposing ledge? Sound like fun?
My one concern about Episode 2 is price. Ep. 1 was $20, and came with the single player game, as well as HL2: Deathmatch, and HL: Deathmatch Source. Personally, I wouldn't bat an eye parting with $40 for this lovely package. I'm betting it'll be either $20 or $30.
Cannot' wait till December. Well, I'll be in a 6 month cryogenic stasis. Somebody wake me up when Episode 2 comes out. Later!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
I hate BitTorrent.
I officially hate BitTorrent, it's official. Put it on record. I cannot stand using it. Please just let the entire torrent system die and give me a direct download, thanks.
I don't know how people can stand BitTorrent. The whole system is just plain stupid. You download the file(s) from other "seeders" on the net who already downloaded the same file. You basically download the file over a series of days from multiple seeders.
Better hope that you have any seeders for the torrent you're trying to download. Cause if Joe Schmoe over in Australia doesn't feel like seeding for the file, don't expect to see that file, well, ever. You won't believe how many torrents I try to download, only to realize that NO ONE IS SEEDING IT! So much for ever seeing the video podcast I wanted to see, or listening to the latest installment of the YTMND Soundtrack...
Why would you want to wait around for several DAYS, waiting for the torrent to download? Why? Nobody on the internet has the patience for that. I know I can't wait that long. If I want the latest episode of Naruto, or the latest CD from System of a Down (never download illegally kiddies!), why would I download it off somebody's computer 2kb per second? I would much rather download it at 256mb per second off of a website. I like seeing things today versus a week from now.
Sure, there may be some files that would be hard to put up for direct download. Not too many file hosting sites will willingly host your CD collection you're posting on the net for others to illegally download. But there are some out there that host whatever you want, with out batting an eye (or a subpoena, for that matter). If you really want your undubed Naruto fix, or a illegal copy of Weird Al's poodle hat, you could try, oh I dunno, BUYING IT? Hop on the bus, everything isn't free. Things actually cost money.
BitTorrent just sucks. It's slow, inconvenient, and usually illegal. If I want to download something, I'll take a direct download over BitTorrent anyday.
I don't know how people can stand BitTorrent. The whole system is just plain stupid. You download the file(s) from other "seeders" on the net who already downloaded the same file. You basically download the file over a series of days from multiple seeders.
Better hope that you have any seeders for the torrent you're trying to download. Cause if Joe Schmoe over in Australia doesn't feel like seeding for the file, don't expect to see that file, well, ever. You won't believe how many torrents I try to download, only to realize that NO ONE IS SEEDING IT! So much for ever seeing the video podcast I wanted to see, or listening to the latest installment of the YTMND Soundtrack...
Why would you want to wait around for several DAYS, waiting for the torrent to download? Why? Nobody on the internet has the patience for that. I know I can't wait that long. If I want the latest episode of Naruto, or the latest CD from System of a Down (never download illegally kiddies!), why would I download it off somebody's computer 2kb per second? I would much rather download it at 256mb per second off of a website. I like seeing things today versus a week from now.
Sure, there may be some files that would be hard to put up for direct download. Not too many file hosting sites will willingly host your CD collection you're posting on the net for others to illegally download. But there are some out there that host whatever you want, with out batting an eye (or a subpoena, for that matter). If you really want your undubed Naruto fix, or a illegal copy of Weird Al's poodle hat, you could try, oh I dunno, BUYING IT? Hop on the bus, everything isn't free. Things actually cost money.
BitTorrent just sucks. It's slow, inconvenient, and usually illegal. If I want to download something, I'll take a direct download over BitTorrent anyday.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Politics and Videogames, oil and water.
Or, Why Hillary and Joe need to STFU.
Yes, what a tried and true subject, violence (and sex!) in Videogames, and what the politicians are doing about them. Thank you Jack Thompson, thank you Hillary Clinton, and you Joe Lieberman, for seriously messing things up. Travel back with me, to a simpler time. San Andreas had just been released, fans gobbled it up. Selling faster then hotcakes, it became one of the biggest games of 2005.
Then, a shock. A programmer had managed to unlock hidden content, which was never meant to be shown to the public. The Hot Coffee mod, as it would later come to be called, reopened to debate of violence and sexual content in videogames. Why, several years earlier, Mr. Lieberman led a crusade against such games as Mortal Kombat. His crusade helped to create the ESRB, and things died down for a time.
But, thanks to Rockstar (or that programmer, however you look at it) it would seem the battle for PR has begun again.
Senators Clinton and Lieberman would ban videogames if they could get away with it. Why? I think you know the answer. Videogames has become a hot-button issue lately, and those two want as much good PR they can get. If you were a politician, wouldn't you? So, instead of worrying about something important, they go on attacking vieogames, just like they did with the movies way back in the day.
M is Mature, Ao means adults only. But where does the line get drawn? The thing San Andreas has taught us, is that you can have all the blood spilling fun you want to and still maintain a M rating, but heaven forbid you add a little sexual content (bodies with out private parts dry humping each other, in this case) and you get an Ao.
That's the problem with our culture. There is a huge double standard for sexual stuff in the media.
Senators Lieberman and Clinton have begun their crusade, submitting piece after piece of legislature aimed at blocking or restricting the sale of Mature rated videogames to minors. Well, seeing as most retailers won't sell a M rated game to a minor already, there isn't much more that can be done.
And besides, if you limit a child's exposure to any sort of violence or sexual content until they turn 18, there's a little thing called culture shock. If you slowly introduce the violate content to a child (all the while building the ability to tell right from wrong and reality from virtual reality), kids are more able to cope with the world around them.
I don't have all the answers, but I do have a bunch of questions.
Yes, what a tried and true subject, violence (and sex!) in Videogames, and what the politicians are doing about them. Thank you Jack Thompson, thank you Hillary Clinton, and you Joe Lieberman, for seriously messing things up. Travel back with me, to a simpler time. San Andreas had just been released, fans gobbled it up. Selling faster then hotcakes, it became one of the biggest games of 2005.
Then, a shock. A programmer had managed to unlock hidden content, which was never meant to be shown to the public. The Hot Coffee mod, as it would later come to be called, reopened to debate of violence and sexual content in videogames. Why, several years earlier, Mr. Lieberman led a crusade against such games as Mortal Kombat. His crusade helped to create the ESRB, and things died down for a time.
But, thanks to Rockstar (or that programmer, however you look at it) it would seem the battle for PR has begun again.
Senators Clinton and Lieberman would ban videogames if they could get away with it. Why? I think you know the answer. Videogames has become a hot-button issue lately, and those two want as much good PR they can get. If you were a politician, wouldn't you? So, instead of worrying about something important, they go on attacking vieogames, just like they did with the movies way back in the day.
M is Mature, Ao means adults only. But where does the line get drawn? The thing San Andreas has taught us, is that you can have all the blood spilling fun you want to and still maintain a M rating, but heaven forbid you add a little sexual content (bodies with out private parts dry humping each other, in this case) and you get an Ao.
That's the problem with our culture. There is a huge double standard for sexual stuff in the media.
Senators Lieberman and Clinton have begun their crusade, submitting piece after piece of legislature aimed at blocking or restricting the sale of Mature rated videogames to minors. Well, seeing as most retailers won't sell a M rated game to a minor already, there isn't much more that can be done.
And besides, if you limit a child's exposure to any sort of violence or sexual content until they turn 18, there's a little thing called culture shock. If you slowly introduce the violate content to a child (all the while building the ability to tell right from wrong and reality from virtual reality), kids are more able to cope with the world around them.
I don't have all the answers, but I do have a bunch of questions.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
The One Party Game To Rule Them All
Here's one idea that I've been harboring for a long time. When I say party game, one immediately conjures up images of Mario Party games once past. With up to 4 players, one could easily waste away hours upon hours of time making ones way around the game board, obtaining items, and playing minigame after minigame.
What if I were to tell you that a new series of party games is in town? One that this blogger believes eclipses the entire Mario Party series. It's name? Halo. What, not what you were expecting? Think about it! What do you play when everything else is boring? What do you pop in the good ol' XBox if a few friends come over?
Take a deap breath, It's gonna be okay. Once you've recovered from such a bold statement, read on for why I think Halo is one of the best party games to come out in a while.
Halo is what it is. A fun, potentially challenging (try legendary and tell me it isn't damn near impossible) First Person Shooter. Bungie's knowledge of this genre served them (and Microsoft) very well. What started out as a 3rd person RTS style game, quickly grew and evolved into a flagship title for the XBox gaming console. But enough on the background. If you don't know what Halo is, you must've been living under a rock or something. Even the "real" news has done a few stories on Halo:CE and it's sequel.
It's the summer time, and nothing says summer like sitting around the house playing videogames, (sarcasm folks). But it turns out that that is what I'm spending most of my summer doing: playing videogames. Sometimes to break up the monotony of playing with myself (pun intended), I'll call up my bud Brad, and ask If I can come over.
If my buddy Brad isn't intent on showing me a new game he's recently added to his collection, we'll usually result to Halo 2. See, one part of Halo's appeal is the fun multiplayer. From assault, to CTF, to slayer, there is just tons of stuff to play! Any gamer knows that there is a huge potential for fun. Whatever your gaming style, weither stealthy Ninja type, or Rambo shoot-it-if-it-moves style, you're bound to find a custom gametype for you. If not, it's easy to create your own.
Which brings me back to my main point. Custom gametypes really helped Halo stand out from the crowd. You could customize to your hearts content. Wanna play a game of Snipers? Sure, you can do that. Wanna give everyone overshields? Fine by Bungie. Wanna just mess around and try out some glitches? If that's your cup of tea, go ahead.
See, it's this customization that makes me believe that Halo has become on of the best selling, biggest party games ever. You can see it all over XBox Live. Custom gametypes abound: zombies, tower of power, frogger, the list goes on. And you don't even have to be on Live to enjoy these custom games.
Another reason that Halo has become a party game, is the system Link aspect. Who needs to spend $50 to play with up to 15 strangers you don't know? The real joy is getting a group of guys together, hooking several XBoxes up, and fraggin' it up with 15 others. Ever want to reach through the TV and chock that spawn camper? Now you can rib your friends, and he might actually stop, unlike that ahole over Live you'll never see again.
Halo is pretty accessible too. Every XBox owner has it. Just go over to your friends and he's liable to have it. The controls are pretty sensical, and easy to learn. The shield system adds another safety net, allowing noobs a chance to get used to the game play. Easy controls, intuitive game play, custom gametypes=Halo is the best party game ever.
What if I were to tell you that a new series of party games is in town? One that this blogger believes eclipses the entire Mario Party series. It's name? Halo. What, not what you were expecting? Think about it! What do you play when everything else is boring? What do you pop in the good ol' XBox if a few friends come over?
Take a deap breath, It's gonna be okay. Once you've recovered from such a bold statement, read on for why I think Halo is one of the best party games to come out in a while.
Halo is what it is. A fun, potentially challenging (try legendary and tell me it isn't damn near impossible) First Person Shooter. Bungie's knowledge of this genre served them (and Microsoft) very well. What started out as a 3rd person RTS style game, quickly grew and evolved into a flagship title for the XBox gaming console. But enough on the background. If you don't know what Halo is, you must've been living under a rock or something. Even the "real" news has done a few stories on Halo:CE and it's sequel.
It's the summer time, and nothing says summer like sitting around the house playing videogames, (sarcasm folks). But it turns out that that is what I'm spending most of my summer doing: playing videogames. Sometimes to break up the monotony of playing with myself (pun intended), I'll call up my bud Brad, and ask If I can come over.
If my buddy Brad isn't intent on showing me a new game he's recently added to his collection, we'll usually result to Halo 2. See, one part of Halo's appeal is the fun multiplayer. From assault, to CTF, to slayer, there is just tons of stuff to play! Any gamer knows that there is a huge potential for fun. Whatever your gaming style, weither stealthy Ninja type, or Rambo shoot-it-if-it-moves style, you're bound to find a custom gametype for you. If not, it's easy to create your own.
Which brings me back to my main point. Custom gametypes really helped Halo stand out from the crowd. You could customize to your hearts content. Wanna play a game of Snipers? Sure, you can do that. Wanna give everyone overshields? Fine by Bungie. Wanna just mess around and try out some glitches? If that's your cup of tea, go ahead.
See, it's this customization that makes me believe that Halo has become on of the best selling, biggest party games ever. You can see it all over XBox Live. Custom gametypes abound: zombies, tower of power, frogger, the list goes on. And you don't even have to be on Live to enjoy these custom games.
Another reason that Halo has become a party game, is the system Link aspect. Who needs to spend $50 to play with up to 15 strangers you don't know? The real joy is getting a group of guys together, hooking several XBoxes up, and fraggin' it up with 15 others. Ever want to reach through the TV and chock that spawn camper? Now you can rib your friends, and he might actually stop, unlike that ahole over Live you'll never see again.
Halo is pretty accessible too. Every XBox owner has it. Just go over to your friends and he's liable to have it. The controls are pretty sensical, and easy to learn. The shield system adds another safety net, allowing noobs a chance to get used to the game play. Easy controls, intuitive game play, custom gametypes=Halo is the best party game ever.
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