Okay, no I've not been on holiday, and yes I have played games:
God Hand - what a superb game this is! It's essentially a Streets Of Rage-style brawler but in 3D. Silly sense of humour, daft plot involving some fella who has a special arm. Graphics are a bit ropey but the deep, involving gameplay more than makes up for it. It's one of those games where, when you fail, you know you can do better next time.
It was the last game from developer Clover Studio who also did Okami amongst other things. It's a shame they had to go.
Borderlands - still a superb game but I was flagging. I'd recommend people play it in co-op as the single-player is a bit ofa grind after a while.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Monday, 16 November 2009
A Trip Through The Borderlands
This last week or so I've mainly been playing Borderlands, a sort of post-apocalyptic FPS RPG with definite nods to Phantasy Star Online (although I know some people will beg to differ).
Verdict: surprisingly good.
You basically go about doing quests, gaining experience, levelling up, picking up loot, all the stuff you'd expect to be doing in a game like this, except it's a first-person shooter. Now regular readers will know how bloody useless I am at FPSs, but this one isn't too bad as far as difficulty goes. For a while I was really dominating the opposition until I discovered aim assist was on by default, but I turned it off and it got better, much better.
The devs claim there are thousands of guns in this game, basically they all have varying stats and effects (and often puke-inducing colours) and it's great when you come across a new more powerful weapon to try out.
The drawbacks? The menu system is rather akward, it takes ages to get at inventory items and they're not organised in a logical way, plus you have to press a button to compare the relative merits of new equipment which just makes things even more akward.
I had the pleasure of playing with a couple of people in co-op and it was very entertaining. Depending on the levels of the players and who is hosting it alters the enemy levels accordingly, so it is possible for lower-level players to speed-level as long as the other players are able to keep them alive - this is where good teamwork comes into play.
Generally it's a good game, lots to do, although the environment do become rather drab and repetitive after a while.
I need to step away from it for a short while as I've played nothing else all week and it's in danger of becoming a bit played-out, but rest assured I'll be striving to get to the end of at least one playthrough, despite my ineptitude!
Verdict: surprisingly good.
You basically go about doing quests, gaining experience, levelling up, picking up loot, all the stuff you'd expect to be doing in a game like this, except it's a first-person shooter. Now regular readers will know how bloody useless I am at FPSs, but this one isn't too bad as far as difficulty goes. For a while I was really dominating the opposition until I discovered aim assist was on by default, but I turned it off and it got better, much better.
The devs claim there are thousands of guns in this game, basically they all have varying stats and effects (and often puke-inducing colours) and it's great when you come across a new more powerful weapon to try out.
The drawbacks? The menu system is rather akward, it takes ages to get at inventory items and they're not organised in a logical way, plus you have to press a button to compare the relative merits of new equipment which just makes things even more akward.
I had the pleasure of playing with a couple of people in co-op and it was very entertaining. Depending on the levels of the players and who is hosting it alters the enemy levels accordingly, so it is possible for lower-level players to speed-level as long as the other players are able to keep them alive - this is where good teamwork comes into play.
Generally it's a good game, lots to do, although the environment do become rather drab and repetitive after a while.
I need to step away from it for a short while as I've played nothing else all week and it's in danger of becoming a bit played-out, but rest assured I'll be striving to get to the end of at least one playthrough, despite my ineptitude!
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Stop Buying Games!
So, yes, I apologise, I'm slipping again, as far as the blog goes. However I have been playing some games:
Call Of Duty 4 - it's strange, as I think about it I've had no compulsion to go back to this. Whilst I could see why the multiplayer was so popular I found it a real chore and never felt I was in control. The best thing about games is when you feel you're improving, something happens that makes you realise you are getting better and that spurs you on. With CoD4 though I am not feeling that.
Beatles Rock Band - after a day out with my friend Michelle I was persuaded to pick this up. HMV had it for £25, about as low as it's likely to get this side of Christmas. I ploughed through the story mode in a couple of hours although I need to 5-star all the songs. As I've said before the presentation is stunning.
Fallout 3 Game Of The Year - I wanted to play this since it came out, and was pleased to see the Game Of The Year edition come out with all the DLC. Unfortunately it doesn't agree with my PC, at one point a reset borked my BIOS! I will keep the PC one for when I next build a PC, but if it gets cheap in the new year I'll try the 360 version. There really needs to be more SF RPGs.
I'm such a slut when it comes to games, I don't like it. I really need to stop buying games and complete the damn things first.
Call Of Duty 4 - it's strange, as I think about it I've had no compulsion to go back to this. Whilst I could see why the multiplayer was so popular I found it a real chore and never felt I was in control. The best thing about games is when you feel you're improving, something happens that makes you realise you are getting better and that spurs you on. With CoD4 though I am not feeling that.
Beatles Rock Band - after a day out with my friend Michelle I was persuaded to pick this up. HMV had it for £25, about as low as it's likely to get this side of Christmas. I ploughed through the story mode in a couple of hours although I need to 5-star all the songs. As I've said before the presentation is stunning.
Fallout 3 Game Of The Year - I wanted to play this since it came out, and was pleased to see the Game Of The Year edition come out with all the DLC. Unfortunately it doesn't agree with my PC, at one point a reset borked my BIOS! I will keep the PC one for when I next build a PC, but if it gets cheap in the new year I'll try the 360 version. There really needs to be more SF RPGs.
I'm such a slut when it comes to games, I don't like it. I really need to stop buying games and complete the damn things first.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
The Week In Games
It's been a varied week as far as games have gone:
Call Of Duty 4 - I have tried to keep on at this despite my ineptitude. It really is incredibly tough to get into still. I switched to Team Deathmatch so, as someone said to me, only half the players are out to kill you, and whilst it makes finding enemies a little easier I still keep getting killed because I cannot see them.
To explain, I don't have 100% eyesight, it's good enough for most things but you could say I'm slow at picking up detail. So when I turn a corner and don't see anything, then get fragged by someone I can't see, I have to ask myself am I bad at the game, is it my eyesight, was it just plain bad luck? Compared to other FPSs the enemy on this are pretty hard to spot.
Quake Live - such a convenient game to have as it just sits in a tab in my browser and within seconds I can be running about having fun. In contrast to CoD 4 the enemy in this are much easier to spot, although I did enter a couple of console commands to make the enemy bright green - I can spot them a mile off. Cheating? Not really, but it makes me wonder would I be any good if they weren't green?
Gran Turismo 4 - not totally sure why I am playing this again. I bought this on pre-order in 2005, played the hell out of it but never got past the Beginner Stadium. It's such a grind. But something drew me back, nostalgia? Who knows.
Painkiller Overdose - I bought this on Steam when they had their massive sale last Christmas, thought I'd install this and give it a go. It's a Doom-style FPS, no pretentions, just straight-up blasting. Very arcadey and no bad thing for it. However I'm finding it a bit of a pain. There's little or no damage feedback so you don't know when you're being hit, it has these awful voice samples that get very tiresome very quickly. Plus it has some technical issues that stop me playing more. Might have to uninstall this as it's not working right.
When I reflect on it I'm not sure if any of this was really satisfying. CoD 4 was frustrating, I'm not really my best on Quake Live of late, GT4 is still a grind, and Painkiller Overdose, well, a bit of a let-down.
I need that boost of fun you get when a game is going right, when you can feel you're getting into it and can't really stop. I've not felt that in a good while, sadly.
Call Of Duty 4 - I have tried to keep on at this despite my ineptitude. It really is incredibly tough to get into still. I switched to Team Deathmatch so, as someone said to me, only half the players are out to kill you, and whilst it makes finding enemies a little easier I still keep getting killed because I cannot see them.
To explain, I don't have 100% eyesight, it's good enough for most things but you could say I'm slow at picking up detail. So when I turn a corner and don't see anything, then get fragged by someone I can't see, I have to ask myself am I bad at the game, is it my eyesight, was it just plain bad luck? Compared to other FPSs the enemy on this are pretty hard to spot.
Quake Live - such a convenient game to have as it just sits in a tab in my browser and within seconds I can be running about having fun. In contrast to CoD 4 the enemy in this are much easier to spot, although I did enter a couple of console commands to make the enemy bright green - I can spot them a mile off. Cheating? Not really, but it makes me wonder would I be any good if they weren't green?
Gran Turismo 4 - not totally sure why I am playing this again. I bought this on pre-order in 2005, played the hell out of it but never got past the Beginner Stadium. It's such a grind. But something drew me back, nostalgia? Who knows.
Painkiller Overdose - I bought this on Steam when they had their massive sale last Christmas, thought I'd install this and give it a go. It's a Doom-style FPS, no pretentions, just straight-up blasting. Very arcadey and no bad thing for it. However I'm finding it a bit of a pain. There's little or no damage feedback so you don't know when you're being hit, it has these awful voice samples that get very tiresome very quickly. Plus it has some technical issues that stop me playing more. Might have to uninstall this as it's not working right.
When I reflect on it I'm not sure if any of this was really satisfying. CoD 4 was frustrating, I'm not really my best on Quake Live of late, GT4 is still a grind, and Painkiller Overdose, well, a bit of a let-down.
I need that boost of fun you get when a game is going right, when you can feel you're getting into it and can't really stop. I've not felt that in a good while, sadly.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Dead Again
Sometimes I don't know why I bother. Am I complete masochist?
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer, grrr! That's the best thing I can say at this point in time. It says I've spent just under 2 hours on the multiplayer although it feels much, much longer.
Each round is a dictionary definition of 'futility', constantly being caught out by the other players, not being able to track down said players, being killed as soon as I respawn, finding one victim only to be killed by another player. With each death my mood sinks and I have to kid myself I'm actually enjoying it.
It's fair to say that, like most online shooters probably, coming into something like this so late on is not exactly going to make things easy, in fact it's about the least-accessible online game I've ever played (bar Counterstrike). I had resigned myself to this, yet it doesn't make it any easier.
Just when I think I'm doing okay, making some progress, I'll have a couple of rounds where I don't even score. Every kill I get feels like Christmas: they come once a year, on average.
Should I keep on with it? Will I improve? Will I ever be able to compete? Am I doing it wrong? How are you supposed to find your opposition? These and other questions will have to wait until my mood improves.
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer, grrr! That's the best thing I can say at this point in time. It says I've spent just under 2 hours on the multiplayer although it feels much, much longer.
Each round is a dictionary definition of 'futility', constantly being caught out by the other players, not being able to track down said players, being killed as soon as I respawn, finding one victim only to be killed by another player. With each death my mood sinks and I have to kid myself I'm actually enjoying it.
It's fair to say that, like most online shooters probably, coming into something like this so late on is not exactly going to make things easy, in fact it's about the least-accessible online game I've ever played (bar Counterstrike). I had resigned myself to this, yet it doesn't make it any easier.
Just when I think I'm doing okay, making some progress, I'll have a couple of rounds where I don't even score. Every kill I get feels like Christmas: they come once a year, on average.
Should I keep on with it? Will I improve? Will I ever be able to compete? Am I doing it wrong? How are you supposed to find your opposition? These and other questions will have to wait until my mood improves.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Duty Calls
After much um'ing and ah'ing, and a little encouragement from fellow rllmuk forum members, I caved in and purchased Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the 360.
Everyone I know who has experienced it bangs on about how great it is, which usually means I'll hate it. So it was with some skepticism I booted up the game.
Starting up the single-player portion of the game I couldn't fail to notice how good it looked. A pretty-solid 60 frames persecond - ie lovely and smooth and fast - very pleasing on the eye. So many games today choose eye-candy over a fast frame rate, so it was good to see someone make the effort.
And this wasn't the only area where effort had clearly been made. The story is pretty good for a game like this, although I find the SAS missions more interesting and have more character than the US ones. I'm not going to spoil it, suffice to say it's non-stop intense action all the way.
The main draw of CoD4 seems to be the multiplayer. I hear of people sinking hours and hours per week into it, unlocking equipment and 'perks' (special abilities), yet I was fearful. This blog isn't titled inept gamer for nowt!
With trepidation I opted for a game in Deathmatch mode with randoms. The headset was muted so I didn't have to listen to American teens reminding me how rubbish I was. The round started, I stumbled forward. I didn't have a clue where I was going, so attempted to use the radar in the corner to find an opponent. Movement infront of me and the next thing I know I'm dead. This repeated itself several times, my total ineptitude replayed from the killer's point of view.
With morale dropping I hung about for a second round, this time actually managing to get a kill. There were a few occasions where the other person was, like myself, having trouble getting a bead on me, though they would win eventually. This and only this made me think that, with some practice, I could improve enough to enjoy the experience. My time with Quake Live has taught me that whilst I am rubbish at first, with a little perseverence I can improve.
Despite this, seeing myself at the bottom of the table, lagging way behind the next person up, didn't inspire me to carry on. Maybe tomorrow, I thought, although an internet outage stopped me trying again.
Tonight is my usual Team Fortress 2 night but I'll try and get a couple more rounds of CoD4 multiplayer in and report back. This is the true test for the inept gamer.
Everyone I know who has experienced it bangs on about how great it is, which usually means I'll hate it. So it was with some skepticism I booted up the game.
Starting up the single-player portion of the game I couldn't fail to notice how good it looked. A pretty-solid 60 frames persecond - ie lovely and smooth and fast - very pleasing on the eye. So many games today choose eye-candy over a fast frame rate, so it was good to see someone make the effort.
And this wasn't the only area where effort had clearly been made. The story is pretty good for a game like this, although I find the SAS missions more interesting and have more character than the US ones. I'm not going to spoil it, suffice to say it's non-stop intense action all the way.
The main draw of CoD4 seems to be the multiplayer. I hear of people sinking hours and hours per week into it, unlocking equipment and 'perks' (special abilities), yet I was fearful. This blog isn't titled inept gamer for nowt!
With trepidation I opted for a game in Deathmatch mode with randoms. The headset was muted so I didn't have to listen to American teens reminding me how rubbish I was. The round started, I stumbled forward. I didn't have a clue where I was going, so attempted to use the radar in the corner to find an opponent. Movement infront of me and the next thing I know I'm dead. This repeated itself several times, my total ineptitude replayed from the killer's point of view.
With morale dropping I hung about for a second round, this time actually managing to get a kill. There were a few occasions where the other person was, like myself, having trouble getting a bead on me, though they would win eventually. This and only this made me think that, with some practice, I could improve enough to enjoy the experience. My time with Quake Live has taught me that whilst I am rubbish at first, with a little perseverence I can improve.
Despite this, seeing myself at the bottom of the table, lagging way behind the next person up, didn't inspire me to carry on. Maybe tomorrow, I thought, although an internet outage stopped me trying again.
Tonight is my usual Team Fortress 2 night but I'll try and get a couple more rounds of CoD4 multiplayer in and report back. This is the true test for the inept gamer.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
You Know When You've Been Tango'd
As an update to my last post I put Rainbow Six Vegas 2 into the 360 for a quick spin of Terrorist Hunt mode.
Starting the game for the first time scored me some experience points (you earn xp and level up your character in 2) and gear as I'd played R6V 1 already - handy.
I fired up the Kill House level on Normal with the default weapons. The target was to defeat 25 terrorists or 'tangos' as they seem to be known here. The first few attempts saw me die almost instantly. So I switched tack, rather than going into the building I headed for the roof. This netted me a few tangos but I was soon picked off as I was too busy looking one way.
At this point I did what all good inept gamers do: headed for Youtube. I watched this video of some fella cleaning up on Realistic difficulty. Emulating this chap got me results, after a couple of goes I got down to 5 tangos left before getting wasted. I got some sort of award but I was too busy 'taking out the trash' to see what it was, it netted me big xp though.
However I failed to capitalise on this, the next couple of goes seeing me fail. My problem is when there are too many people coming from too many directions my fingers go all over the shop, I'm crouching and standing up, reloading, going into the scope mode, all the while those damn tangos are closing in.
I've only played about an hour of it so I must be making some progress. Anything with levelling involved is instantly addictive to me, so hopefully it will keep me playing.
Starting the game for the first time scored me some experience points (you earn xp and level up your character in 2) and gear as I'd played R6V 1 already - handy.
I fired up the Kill House level on Normal with the default weapons. The target was to defeat 25 terrorists or 'tangos' as they seem to be known here. The first few attempts saw me die almost instantly. So I switched tack, rather than going into the building I headed for the roof. This netted me a few tangos but I was soon picked off as I was too busy looking one way.
At this point I did what all good inept gamers do: headed for Youtube. I watched this video of some fella cleaning up on Realistic difficulty. Emulating this chap got me results, after a couple of goes I got down to 5 tangos left before getting wasted. I got some sort of award but I was too busy 'taking out the trash' to see what it was, it netted me big xp though.
However I failed to capitalise on this, the next couple of goes seeing me fail. My problem is when there are too many people coming from too many directions my fingers go all over the shop, I'm crouching and standing up, reloading, going into the scope mode, all the while those damn tangos are closing in.
I've only played about an hour of it so I must be making some progress. Anything with levelling involved is instantly addictive to me, so hopefully it will keep me playing.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Bagged n Tagged
I had some time off for the first time in six weeks this past couple of days, some of which would naturally be devoted to playing games.
I say 'games' but one in particular has caught my interest: Rainbow Six Vegas on the 360.
Originally I picked this up to play the Terrorist Hunt mode with a friend, but found it almost impossible, not really getting the way the game played. If you're not familiar with it the game is a first-person shooter involving counter-terrorist types and has something to do with Tom Clancy (never try and read the Rainbow Six novel of his, it really is awful). The focus is more on squad-based tactical combat rather than running about waving a gun about. In fact if you spend more than about 4 seconds in the open it is GAME OVER.
You have two computer-controlled team-mates who, thankfully for me, can take care of themselves when it matters. In fact there are times I can just tell them to go into a room and clear out the bad guys, although it is reaching a point in the game where doing this means having to go in after them and heal them up.
After failing the first part of the game, set in a Mexican border town, I gave it up. The enemy are hard to see, they pop out from cover and fire at you, so more often than not you're firing at a head 50 feet away. I didn't think I'd be able to get on with it but came back to it recently, for no good reason.
I'm glad I did as it's now clicked. Once you get out of the run-and-gun mindset and start thinking tactically it's actually really absorbing.
The game is very Tom Clandy, that is near-future military action with a big dose of full-fat America on top. Not exactly my bag but I will admit this game is much better than I expected.
I say 'games' but one in particular has caught my interest: Rainbow Six Vegas on the 360.
Originally I picked this up to play the Terrorist Hunt mode with a friend, but found it almost impossible, not really getting the way the game played. If you're not familiar with it the game is a first-person shooter involving counter-terrorist types and has something to do with Tom Clancy (never try and read the Rainbow Six novel of his, it really is awful). The focus is more on squad-based tactical combat rather than running about waving a gun about. In fact if you spend more than about 4 seconds in the open it is GAME OVER.
You have two computer-controlled team-mates who, thankfully for me, can take care of themselves when it matters. In fact there are times I can just tell them to go into a room and clear out the bad guys, although it is reaching a point in the game where doing this means having to go in after them and heal them up.
After failing the first part of the game, set in a Mexican border town, I gave it up. The enemy are hard to see, they pop out from cover and fire at you, so more often than not you're firing at a head 50 feet away. I didn't think I'd be able to get on with it but came back to it recently, for no good reason.
I'm glad I did as it's now clicked. Once you get out of the run-and-gun mindset and start thinking tactically it's actually really absorbing.
The game is very Tom Clandy, that is near-future military action with a big dose of full-fat America on top. Not exactly my bag but I will admit this game is much better than I expected.
Monday, 21 September 2009
An Expensive Autumn
Anyone who has even a slight interest in games knows that the last few months of the year are the busiest as far as big game releases goes. Publishers seem to save their big guns to coincide with 'the holidays' (it's all about pleasing Americans, or so it seems), that lucrative Christmas market.
Which leaves skinflints like me with a dilema: shell out big money now on thos big new games or wait six months when they'll be at most half the price.
There are a few games I want to get in on whilst they're still hot:
Modern Warfare 2 - or Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or whatever they want to 'brand' it. Despite my moaning about online games I really want to give this a go. After watching the following interview I felt Infinity Ward, the bods responsible for this, were genuine in their intention to make the game accessible to all kinds of players, what with the inclusion of 'Deathstreaks' - ie if you get killed 5 times in a row without scoring you get some temporary boost. With me being the epitome of an inept gamer this appeals.
Here's the video
I'll doubtless play it without a headset so as to avoid the rabble. It ought to be fun, but the publisher, Activision, are taking the proverbial by charging more for the game than normal, thinking they can clean up - this game had better deliver!
Beatles Rock Band - I want to pick this up whilst my friends are still playing it, yet you can't find it for less than £35 at the moment, and it certainly won't come down in price before Christmas at the very least.
There are a few in the 'not quite, but maybe later' category like Halo ODST, Left 4 Dead 2 and Guitar Hero 5, but when money is tight you really have to think carefully.
I regularly pick up cheap games but sometimes you have to be in there whilst they're new, and to be honest I feel like an idiot sometimes. I've been burned before.
Anyway, I get paid next week, so which games will get my attention?
Which leaves skinflints like me with a dilema: shell out big money now on thos big new games or wait six months when they'll be at most half the price.
There are a few games I want to get in on whilst they're still hot:
Modern Warfare 2 - or Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or whatever they want to 'brand' it. Despite my moaning about online games I really want to give this a go. After watching the following interview I felt Infinity Ward, the bods responsible for this, were genuine in their intention to make the game accessible to all kinds of players, what with the inclusion of 'Deathstreaks' - ie if you get killed 5 times in a row without scoring you get some temporary boost. With me being the epitome of an inept gamer this appeals.
Here's the video
I'll doubtless play it without a headset so as to avoid the rabble. It ought to be fun, but the publisher, Activision, are taking the proverbial by charging more for the game than normal, thinking they can clean up - this game had better deliver!
Beatles Rock Band - I want to pick this up whilst my friends are still playing it, yet you can't find it for less than £35 at the moment, and it certainly won't come down in price before Christmas at the very least.
There are a few in the 'not quite, but maybe later' category like Halo ODST, Left 4 Dead 2 and Guitar Hero 5, but when money is tight you really have to think carefully.
I regularly pick up cheap games but sometimes you have to be in there whilst they're new, and to be honest I feel like an idiot sometimes. I've been burned before.
Anyway, I get paid next week, so which games will get my attention?
Friday, 18 September 2009
Just A Quickie
Just a quick update really.
It's been a hard week at work so I've been trying to relax with a few games, the main one being Saints Row 2 on the Xbox 360. It's essentially a homage to the GTA games and an alternative to GTA IV which I found a bit too realistic. SR2 puts the emphasis firmly on fun, everything you do is a bit silly and slapstick. I feel that I can actually do missions rather than getting flattened like in the GTA games.
The game may not look as funky as some recent games but it makes up for it with pure gameplay and pure enjoyment. It'll doubtless get frustrating later on but right now I'm loving it, albeit in small doses, although that's how I tend to play games these days, sadly.
Other than that there was a spot of Team Fortress 2 on the PC as well as the usual bout of Quake Live.
It's been a hard week at work so I've been trying to relax with a few games, the main one being Saints Row 2 on the Xbox 360. It's essentially a homage to the GTA games and an alternative to GTA IV which I found a bit too realistic. SR2 puts the emphasis firmly on fun, everything you do is a bit silly and slapstick. I feel that I can actually do missions rather than getting flattened like in the GTA games.
The game may not look as funky as some recent games but it makes up for it with pure gameplay and pure enjoyment. It'll doubtless get frustrating later on but right now I'm loving it, albeit in small doses, although that's how I tend to play games these days, sadly.
Other than that there was a spot of Team Fortress 2 on the PC as well as the usual bout of Quake Live.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
The Fab Four
Readers of this occasional blog may know I do like a bit of Rock Band 2 now and again, so today I experienced the latest and most-hyped incarnation of the game: Beatles Rock band or whatever they want to call it.
I hosted a bit of a party of sorts with Michelle, her friend Fi, and Dan. After a saunter around town where I picked up Conker: Live & Reloaded on the original Xbox for a stupidly-low £4, we headed back to mine and got the game going.
The presentation is amazing. It's clearly not just a Rock Band cash-in. Whilst the core RB gameplay is the same the menus, stage scenes and whatnot are all lovingly-recreated scenes from the Beatles' career.
Now I'm not the biggest Beatles fan, in fact I'd say they're a bit overrated in my book, but playing along with all the hits was really good fun, especially as a full band. We shifted about and played all the instruments, I managed to get 100% on Paperback Writer on Hard vocals - it helped I knew the song pretty well.
Something I have to mention is how ace the bass part in this is. On normal Rock band bass can be pretty dull, even on Expert, but here most songs are pretty tough which makes a pleasant change.
I'll probably pick this up when it comes down in price a bit. It exceeded my expectations, certainly.
Cheers to Dan, Fi and Mish for coming over, was a great way to experience the game.
I hosted a bit of a party of sorts with Michelle, her friend Fi, and Dan. After a saunter around town where I picked up Conker: Live & Reloaded on the original Xbox for a stupidly-low £4, we headed back to mine and got the game going.
The presentation is amazing. It's clearly not just a Rock Band cash-in. Whilst the core RB gameplay is the same the menus, stage scenes and whatnot are all lovingly-recreated scenes from the Beatles' career.
Now I'm not the biggest Beatles fan, in fact I'd say they're a bit overrated in my book, but playing along with all the hits was really good fun, especially as a full band. We shifted about and played all the instruments, I managed to get 100% on Paperback Writer on Hard vocals - it helped I knew the song pretty well.
Something I have to mention is how ace the bass part in this is. On normal Rock band bass can be pretty dull, even on Expert, but here most songs are pretty tough which makes a pleasant change.
I'll probably pick this up when it comes down in price a bit. It exceeded my expectations, certainly.
Cheers to Dan, Fi and Mish for coming over, was a great way to experience the game.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
It's Been A Long Time
Hello! Yes, I apologise for not being abot these past few months. If I did have an excuse it would be 'the summer' - it's really hard to sit in playing games when it is lovely and warm outside, plus I don't thing the 360 would have been able to cope.
September is here and with it the cooler weather and darker evenings. This will hopefully draw me back into playing more games.
I've not been totally absent from gaming though, what have I been playing?
Quake Live - really been getting into this, and despite my bitching and moaning earlier in the year I have to say I've improved a great deal. Not only can I die less than I frag but my accuracy has improved too. It is so convenient, I can jump into a game on an evening quickly and feel the rush.
Trials HD - I got hold of some cheapo MS moon-bucks and picked this up. It's basically Kikstart II for the Noughties with some excellent level design. I had the previous game in this series on the PC and couldn't even get past the tutorial, it was that rock-hard, but I'm glad to say this is much more approachable and very addictive.
Rainbow Six Vegas - the first one. I started playing this about a year ago but couldn't get on with it, but for some reason I thought I'd give it another go, and have found myself enjoying it much more. Yes, it is rock-hard and my crap eyesight isn't really ideal, seeing as you're mainly firing at bits of targets miles away. Picked up R6V2 recently and am hoping to do a bit of the Terrorist Hunt mode with that.
Team Fortress 2 - the Thursday games of this have moved from the 360 to the PC now. We all got fed up waiting for the much-needed update and jumped over to play on a hired server. It really is amazing stuff, simple as that really.
Anything else? Hmm, bits and bobs really, nothing worth going on about here.
September is here and with it the cooler weather and darker evenings. This will hopefully draw me back into playing more games.
I've not been totally absent from gaming though, what have I been playing?
Quake Live - really been getting into this, and despite my bitching and moaning earlier in the year I have to say I've improved a great deal. Not only can I die less than I frag but my accuracy has improved too. It is so convenient, I can jump into a game on an evening quickly and feel the rush.
Trials HD - I got hold of some cheapo MS moon-bucks and picked this up. It's basically Kikstart II for the Noughties with some excellent level design. I had the previous game in this series on the PC and couldn't even get past the tutorial, it was that rock-hard, but I'm glad to say this is much more approachable and very addictive.
Rainbow Six Vegas - the first one. I started playing this about a year ago but couldn't get on with it, but for some reason I thought I'd give it another go, and have found myself enjoying it much more. Yes, it is rock-hard and my crap eyesight isn't really ideal, seeing as you're mainly firing at bits of targets miles away. Picked up R6V2 recently and am hoping to do a bit of the Terrorist Hunt mode with that.
Team Fortress 2 - the Thursday games of this have moved from the 360 to the PC now. We all got fed up waiting for the much-needed update and jumped over to play on a hired server. It really is amazing stuff, simple as that really.
Anything else? Hmm, bits and bobs really, nothing worth going on about here.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Arcade Barn
I recently enjoyed a top weekend in Devon at the Arcade Barn in Woodbury, just outside Exeter.
Essentially it's this fella's collection of old arcade machines, It was situated on an old farm that had been turned into some industrial units just outside Exeter. There were about 30-40 machines in various states of repair, and a repair section full of hardware being worked on. In the working section the only lighting came from the machines themselves, so when we emerged into the evening light after 7 hours on the machines it was a real shock.
Most of the people who came along were arcade collectors. I was only there for the games but the collectors were constatnly talking about PCBs, JAMMA cabs, various versions of games etc - it was all a bit over my head but facinating stuff.
Once all the machines were turned on the place really came alive. All the sounds and colours of a classic arcade were there - it brought back memories of playing in arcade in the 80s and 90s. It was a bit warm and got a bit sweaty, it needed a bit of ventilation. Generally though the atmosphere was great.
Games I played:
Daytona USA - sadly this was one-player only as the 3D hardware was all scrambled on the other screen, but it was still great to take this for a spin. I don't remember the pop-in being that bad (mountains would just appear 20 feet infront of you), stiil, really smooth, fast and fun.
Hyper Olympics/Hyper Sports - I well remember playing these in the mid-80s. You may remember them as the ones where you have to bash two buttons realy fast to make your little man run. I played Hyper Olympics to death this weekend.
Starblade - superb cockpit space shooter from 1991 that used flat-shaded polygons. It was brilliant fun, especially since the vibrating seat wasn't quite right so every time a missile hit your ship it felt like someone was repeatedly punching you in the back; you'd thing this was a bad thing but no, in this case it felt great!
Pacman - it's been played to death down the years but actually playing real Pacman on a real machine just feels great. The classic sounds, the classic graphics. It was a very popular machine.
Outrunners - this was the twin seat version but one screen had the blue missing, but it was still very playable. Very hard though. Classic sunny SEGA goodness.
Rage Racer - the monitor was a bit wonky but it played really well. Lovely smooth racing, big drifts, proper arcade thrills.
Marble Madness - used to play this in Taunton Dean services on the M5 in the 80s. I was determined to get through level 3 but despite my best efforts couldn't manage it.
Chase HQ - proper arcade driving excellence from the late-80s. Fast, slick, chunky graphics, driving music. Exciting and brilliant.
Also played Robotron, Puzzle Bobble, Gunbird and a couple of others. Some games I didn't manage to play were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which broke down, Afterburner (the hydraulics on the cab were a bit wonky and it had to be turned off), Star Wars (really wanted to play this but a cog in the joystick was knackered, apparently), and a few more which needed to be "credited up" ie having a poke about in the coin box.
After checking in at the hotel we got a cab and had a nice evening in a country pub including a meal (scampi for me). The four of us who were in the hotel stayed on with this fella Bruce, a massive arcade hardware afficionado. He was coming up with some great stories about finding rare games, the main people on the scene, all sorts. He even bought me a drink! Top fella.
All in all a very interesting weekend. 7 straight hours of playing the games was a little much for me, although that's probably down to my withering attention span more than anything else. I met a decent bunch of people and came away feeling their enthusiasm for arcade machines, although there's no way I'll be able to get into all that.
Essentially it's this fella's collection of old arcade machines, It was situated on an old farm that had been turned into some industrial units just outside Exeter. There were about 30-40 machines in various states of repair, and a repair section full of hardware being worked on. In the working section the only lighting came from the machines themselves, so when we emerged into the evening light after 7 hours on the machines it was a real shock.
Most of the people who came along were arcade collectors. I was only there for the games but the collectors were constatnly talking about PCBs, JAMMA cabs, various versions of games etc - it was all a bit over my head but facinating stuff.
Once all the machines were turned on the place really came alive. All the sounds and colours of a classic arcade were there - it brought back memories of playing in arcade in the 80s and 90s. It was a bit warm and got a bit sweaty, it needed a bit of ventilation. Generally though the atmosphere was great.
Games I played:
Daytona USA - sadly this was one-player only as the 3D hardware was all scrambled on the other screen, but it was still great to take this for a spin. I don't remember the pop-in being that bad (mountains would just appear 20 feet infront of you), stiil, really smooth, fast and fun.
Hyper Olympics/Hyper Sports - I well remember playing these in the mid-80s. You may remember them as the ones where you have to bash two buttons realy fast to make your little man run. I played Hyper Olympics to death this weekend.
Starblade - superb cockpit space shooter from 1991 that used flat-shaded polygons. It was brilliant fun, especially since the vibrating seat wasn't quite right so every time a missile hit your ship it felt like someone was repeatedly punching you in the back; you'd thing this was a bad thing but no, in this case it felt great!
Pacman - it's been played to death down the years but actually playing real Pacman on a real machine just feels great. The classic sounds, the classic graphics. It was a very popular machine.
Outrunners - this was the twin seat version but one screen had the blue missing, but it was still very playable. Very hard though. Classic sunny SEGA goodness.
Rage Racer - the monitor was a bit wonky but it played really well. Lovely smooth racing, big drifts, proper arcade thrills.
Marble Madness - used to play this in Taunton Dean services on the M5 in the 80s. I was determined to get through level 3 but despite my best efforts couldn't manage it.
Chase HQ - proper arcade driving excellence from the late-80s. Fast, slick, chunky graphics, driving music. Exciting and brilliant.
Also played Robotron, Puzzle Bobble, Gunbird and a couple of others. Some games I didn't manage to play were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which broke down, Afterburner (the hydraulics on the cab were a bit wonky and it had to be turned off), Star Wars (really wanted to play this but a cog in the joystick was knackered, apparently), and a few more which needed to be "credited up" ie having a poke about in the coin box.
After checking in at the hotel we got a cab and had a nice evening in a country pub including a meal (scampi for me). The four of us who were in the hotel stayed on with this fella Bruce, a massive arcade hardware afficionado. He was coming up with some great stories about finding rare games, the main people on the scene, all sorts. He even bought me a drink! Top fella.
All in all a very interesting weekend. 7 straight hours of playing the games was a little much for me, although that's probably down to my withering attention span more than anything else. I met a decent bunch of people and came away feeling their enthusiasm for arcade machines, although there's no way I'll be able to get into all that.
Friday, 12 June 2009
Inept Gamer Adventures
Yes, I know I'm slacking, I know it's been a long time, and frankly this games lull continues. More Quake Live, more TF2, some Crysis, that's about it really.
However I'm about to head off to Devon to visit the Arcade Barn, a place as near to an olden days arcade as you're likely to find these days. I'm looking forward to having a go on such ace games as Star Wars, Chase HQ and Daytona - ah the memories.
Your inept blogger will have a full account of the weekend when I get back - here's hoping my camera is charged up. Have a top weekend.
However I'm about to head off to Devon to visit the Arcade Barn, a place as near to an olden days arcade as you're likely to find these days. I'm looking forward to having a go on such ace games as Star Wars, Chase HQ and Daytona - ah the memories.
Your inept blogger will have a full account of the weekend when I get back - here's hoping my camera is charged up. Have a top weekend.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Excuses, Excuses
For various reasons I've not really been playing much. Other than a bit of Quake Live and the new update for Team Fortress 2 on the PC I haven't played much else.
Honestly I cannot fathom why I've not been playing. Is it because I'm getting older, or is it merely the fact when I get home I am usually knackered and just like to sit there watching crap on Youtube - usually reviews of games, ironically.
It's the hot weather, I'll blame that, yes, that'll do.
Honestly I cannot fathom why I've not been playing. Is it because I'm getting older, or is it merely the fact when I get home I am usually knackered and just like to sit there watching crap on Youtube - usually reviews of games, ironically.
It's the hot weather, I'll blame that, yes, that'll do.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Uninspired Again
It pains me to write this but my recent experience with games hasn't been an inspring one.
I played some Team Fortress 2 on the PC last night, a rarity as I tend to play it mostly on the weekend when I've had a drink or two, so I thought perhaps I'd be a bit better and score higher being sober and all that. No chance. In fact it didn't matter what class I chose, it just didn't happen.
Halo 3 next. I thought I'd complete the game properly seeing as it didn't count the chapter I did co-op as counting, the bloody thing. So I had a go but got so cheesed off I packed that in.
In other Halo 3 news I had another crack at it online with a few friends, and whilst I wasn't absolutely awful I was still knocking around the bottom of the table again, seemingly waiting to respawn more than actually playing it. My rank did go up a few notches, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Apart from that I really can't be bothered to play much more. Despite a great start I find myself not being drawn back to Far Cry 2, and Quake Live doesn't draw me in either.
It's all a bit stale really. Hopefully this is the lull before the great resurgence.
I played some Team Fortress 2 on the PC last night, a rarity as I tend to play it mostly on the weekend when I've had a drink or two, so I thought perhaps I'd be a bit better and score higher being sober and all that. No chance. In fact it didn't matter what class I chose, it just didn't happen.
Halo 3 next. I thought I'd complete the game properly seeing as it didn't count the chapter I did co-op as counting, the bloody thing. So I had a go but got so cheesed off I packed that in.
In other Halo 3 news I had another crack at it online with a few friends, and whilst I wasn't absolutely awful I was still knocking around the bottom of the table again, seemingly waiting to respawn more than actually playing it. My rank did go up a few notches, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Apart from that I really can't be bothered to play much more. Despite a great start I find myself not being drawn back to Far Cry 2, and Quake Live doesn't draw me in either.
It's all a bit stale really. Hopefully this is the lull before the great resurgence.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
"Right, it's on!"
Once again it's been a fair while since I posted, although I have a good excuse: I've been playing computer games. Yes, those timewasters.
The most-played game recently has to be Far Cry 2 on the PC. I saw it on Play.com for a tenner with the DLC included (that's downloadable content for those who probably didn't need to know). The first Far Cry didn't really click with me, at least on the PC. Here though for some reason it has grabbed me, albeit in a non-aggressive fashion.
Essentially you're a mercenary in some war-torn African country doing various tasks, although they all involve you driving somewhere (which takes bloody ages) then killing people. The landscape looks amazing, maybe not quite on Oblivion levels of gorgeousness but close. The day/night cycle is particularly impressive, nothing can beat driving along some dusty road into the sunset, except maybe the hugely-irritating roadblocks
They keep remanning these checkpoints with mouthy South Africans who drive straight at you shouting abuse. It really does hamper progress, having to keep stopping every 2 minutes to clean up these fools.
It's strange that at times I feel useless, I'll die and try again, yet if I push on it gets more enjoyable, like each death makes me think how I could approach that mission differently. It does a great job of letting you approach objectives in whatever way you like, although sniping is pretty much mandatory, which suits me down to the ground.
So yes, a tenner well spent there.
What else have I been playing? Let's see: more QuakeLive and Battlefield Heroes, more Halo 3 online - I'm still utterly useless. I even managed to get in a bit of Left 4 Dead seeing as theer is the new Survival Pack DLC just out. It's not bad although it didn't pull me back to that game as much as I thought it would, sadly.
The most-played game recently has to be Far Cry 2 on the PC. I saw it on Play.com for a tenner with the DLC included (that's downloadable content for those who probably didn't need to know). The first Far Cry didn't really click with me, at least on the PC. Here though for some reason it has grabbed me, albeit in a non-aggressive fashion.
Essentially you're a mercenary in some war-torn African country doing various tasks, although they all involve you driving somewhere (which takes bloody ages) then killing people. The landscape looks amazing, maybe not quite on Oblivion levels of gorgeousness but close. The day/night cycle is particularly impressive, nothing can beat driving along some dusty road into the sunset, except maybe the hugely-irritating roadblocks
They keep remanning these checkpoints with mouthy South Africans who drive straight at you shouting abuse. It really does hamper progress, having to keep stopping every 2 minutes to clean up these fools.
It's strange that at times I feel useless, I'll die and try again, yet if I push on it gets more enjoyable, like each death makes me think how I could approach that mission differently. It does a great job of letting you approach objectives in whatever way you like, although sniping is pretty much mandatory, which suits me down to the ground.
So yes, a tenner well spent there.
What else have I been playing? Let's see: more QuakeLive and Battlefield Heroes, more Halo 3 online - I'm still utterly useless. I even managed to get in a bit of Left 4 Dead seeing as theer is the new Survival Pack DLC just out. It's not bad although it didn't pull me back to that game as much as I thought it would, sadly.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Final Fantasy XII
Sad to say the Easter weekend is about to end, back to the grind. However I've had a few decent hours playing games, most notably Final Fantasy XII on the PS2.
This was a Christmas present in 2007 from my good friend Michelle. Naughty me openned it early as I was eager to give it a go. I was playing that thing right over Christmas.
About six months has passed since I played this last. I've been meaning to get back into it but was worried I'd have lost the plot, so I was pleasantly surprised to find I got reaquainted with my party and the story faster than anticipated, and am now fully back.
With games like this I pray I'll get sucked in, feel that I'm in control and able to cope with the complexities of things. Some games haven't grabbed me (Neverwinter Nights), others certainly have (Wasteland, Ultima V). FFXII certainly got me, fair and square. It has depth and character, yet it never gets confusing. Some purists poo-poo FFXII as a pale shadow of earlier games, specifically Final Fantasy VII, but I'll leave them to it - if a game is enjoyable I won't knock it.
I'll be sat at work tomorrow, answering calls from the public and wishing I was at home playing FFXII instead.
This was a Christmas present in 2007 from my good friend Michelle. Naughty me openned it early as I was eager to give it a go. I was playing that thing right over Christmas.
About six months has passed since I played this last. I've been meaning to get back into it but was worried I'd have lost the plot, so I was pleasantly surprised to find I got reaquainted with my party and the story faster than anticipated, and am now fully back.
With games like this I pray I'll get sucked in, feel that I'm in control and able to cope with the complexities of things. Some games haven't grabbed me (Neverwinter Nights), others certainly have (Wasteland, Ultima V). FFXII certainly got me, fair and square. It has depth and character, yet it never gets confusing. Some purists poo-poo FFXII as a pale shadow of earlier games, specifically Final Fantasy VII, but I'll leave them to it - if a game is enjoyable I won't knock it.
I'll be sat at work tomorrow, answering calls from the public and wishing I was at home playing FFXII instead.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Random Easy
Easter weekend and I had Good Friday off work, so managed to get a bit of gaming in. As I listened to the cast of Red Dwarf sans Craig Charles on FiveLive I played a bit of Half-Life 2 on the 360. This was a pre-order for me on the PC in 2004. My dad had to help me decipher the CD-key when I got it, and once we had it sorted I was immersed in the world of City 17.
It's a tad different on 360, there are a few tangible differences but it's all coming back. There are bits I'm not looking forward to, but generally it's a superb game worthy of anyone's time.
Played some more Team Fortress 2 on the 360 Thursday. The lads want to get serious, but I'm still as useless as ever, although it's still great fun. We were down in numbers so grouped up and played a team of randoms for most of the evening. Lukily they were utter balls and at one point I was top of our table - made me feel great. We would deliberately let them take the first point just so we could build up defences on the last point - we had some great defences that way.
Maybe I'll play some on the PC tonight. There's an update coming for the Sniper class, new maps and modes will accompany this so I'm looking forward to it. It's just a shame they aren't updating the 360 one, it is gettng somewhat stale.
Right then, let's see what crap I can roll back to on the Ps2 as I'm having a drink.
It's a tad different on 360, there are a few tangible differences but it's all coming back. There are bits I'm not looking forward to, but generally it's a superb game worthy of anyone's time.
Played some more Team Fortress 2 on the 360 Thursday. The lads want to get serious, but I'm still as useless as ever, although it's still great fun. We were down in numbers so grouped up and played a team of randoms for most of the evening. Lukily they were utter balls and at one point I was top of our table - made me feel great. We would deliberately let them take the first point just so we could build up defences on the last point - we had some great defences that way.
Maybe I'll play some on the PC tonight. There's an update coming for the Sniper class, new maps and modes will accompany this so I'm looking forward to it. It's just a shame they aren't updating the 360 one, it is gettng somewhat stale.
Right then, let's see what crap I can roll back to on the Ps2 as I'm having a drink.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Infinite What?
I've not posted in a wee while, mainly because I've not been playing much that has inspired me.
Since completing Resident Evil 5 I've been trying to upgrade weapons and all that malarky. I must have done something wrong because I'm the only person on the planet who has completed it yet not unlocked infinite ammo. It's things like this that make me wonder why I play games sometimes: you think you're doing really well then everyone else comes along and says "what, you didn't get this?" - frustrating.
Anyway, maybe one day the planets will allign and it will be available. You get points for completing chapters in the game, and I'm led to believe unlocking infinite ammo on a weapon costs 15,000 - I have 24,600 saved up, not bothering to unlock the figurines and all that crap, saving it for the good stuff.
Now going through it trying to find the medalions that apparently unlock more stuff, although thusfar it's just been more figures. They're not as noticeable as in Resident Evil 4, the blue used there you could see miles off.
Other games played recently include The Club, nearly unlocked all areas there, albeit on Casual, and Team Fortress 2, although when comparing world ranking with the Thursday night crowd I play with mine was embarrassingly low. I did play about 20 minutes of Trackmania United although it was 2.30am and I wasn't really feeling it.
Since completing Resident Evil 5 I've been trying to upgrade weapons and all that malarky. I must have done something wrong because I'm the only person on the planet who has completed it yet not unlocked infinite ammo. It's things like this that make me wonder why I play games sometimes: you think you're doing really well then everyone else comes along and says "what, you didn't get this?" - frustrating.
Anyway, maybe one day the planets will allign and it will be available. You get points for completing chapters in the game, and I'm led to believe unlocking infinite ammo on a weapon costs 15,000 - I have 24,600 saved up, not bothering to unlock the figurines and all that crap, saving it for the good stuff.
Now going through it trying to find the medalions that apparently unlock more stuff, although thusfar it's just been more figures. They're not as noticeable as in Resident Evil 4, the blue used there you could see miles off.
Other games played recently include The Club, nearly unlocked all areas there, albeit on Casual, and Team Fortress 2, although when comparing world ranking with the Thursday night crowd I play with mine was embarrassingly low. I did play about 20 minutes of Trackmania United although it was 2.30am and I wasn't really feeling it.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Frustrating Isn't The Word
Finally!
Yes, somehow managed to get to the end of Resident Evil 5, and generally-speaking it was rather good, apart from the final encounter. I won't spoil it, suffice to say compared to the rest of the game it was awful. In the end my good friend Michelle agreed to join me in co-op to finish it off. Even that took several attempts as we battled not so much against the final enemy, more the baffling design that meant serious trial and error was called for. Not good.
It was blessed relief when the credits rolled. Going back to replay chapters in order to make money and upgrade my weapons, it just feels more relaxed, like I can stop stressing and just enjoy myself again.
I'm yet to try out Mercenary mode - basically an arcade-style game where you run through the various levels shooting baddies for a high score - but am told it bears a strong resembelnce to The Club, a game I did enjoy, at least until my 360 died with it in the drive.
So there you have it: two games completed in 2009! What will be next, I wonder?
Yes, somehow managed to get to the end of Resident Evil 5, and generally-speaking it was rather good, apart from the final encounter. I won't spoil it, suffice to say compared to the rest of the game it was awful. In the end my good friend Michelle agreed to join me in co-op to finish it off. Even that took several attempts as we battled not so much against the final enemy, more the baffling design that meant serious trial and error was called for. Not good.
It was blessed relief when the credits rolled. Going back to replay chapters in order to make money and upgrade my weapons, it just feels more relaxed, like I can stop stressing and just enjoy myself again.
I'm yet to try out Mercenary mode - basically an arcade-style game where you run through the various levels shooting baddies for a high score - but am told it bears a strong resembelnce to The Club, a game I did enjoy, at least until my 360 died with it in the drive.
So there you have it: two games completed in 2009! What will be next, I wonder?
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Chris!
It has been a while since I last posted. No good excuse for this, to be honest.
Anyway, spent most of last week and today playing Resident Evil 5, and pretty good it is too! I did play some RE4 on the PS2 but after leaving it too long between sessions I loaded my save and didn't know wha the hell I was doing. At the very least I knew what sort of gameplay to expect from the 'new' RE.
As I write I've just completed chapter 6-1, amazing really considering, as some may already know, I never complete games. Hopefully the last couple of chapters won't be too offputting, then I can add that to Gears Of War 2 for my list of completed games in 2009 - that's twice what I managed last year.
Generally the game has been very entertaining with a good variety of locations and enemies. Plenty of bosses to tackle, some better than others. Playing on Normal difficulty hasn't proved too tricky - yet. Hopefully it won't end up like Half-Life 2 Episode 2 where it was great until the final fight.
Other than that just more Team Fortress 2 - had my best round ever, scored 11 points as a Heavy, even came top of the board! Sadly this didn't last the whole session but it was a rush, to say the least - so easily pleased.
Anyway, spent most of last week and today playing Resident Evil 5, and pretty good it is too! I did play some RE4 on the PS2 but after leaving it too long between sessions I loaded my save and didn't know wha the hell I was doing. At the very least I knew what sort of gameplay to expect from the 'new' RE.
As I write I've just completed chapter 6-1, amazing really considering, as some may already know, I never complete games. Hopefully the last couple of chapters won't be too offputting, then I can add that to Gears Of War 2 for my list of completed games in 2009 - that's twice what I managed last year.
Generally the game has been very entertaining with a good variety of locations and enemies. Plenty of bosses to tackle, some better than others. Playing on Normal difficulty hasn't proved too tricky - yet. Hopefully it won't end up like Half-Life 2 Episode 2 where it was great until the final fight.
Other than that just more Team Fortress 2 - had my best round ever, scored 11 points as a Heavy, even came top of the board! Sadly this didn't last the whole session but it was a rush, to say the least - so easily pleased.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Rant Alert
I wanted to do a seperate entry about why I'm going through all these online shooters as it's been on my mind alot recently.
Since playing Doom 2 on my mate Richard's work PC in 1994 I've loved the first-person shooter. Down the years I've played stacks, though never online until I got a broadband connection in 2002 and played some Quake III with people on an IRC channel I frequented at the time.
Here are a few of the online games I've tried:
Okay so why am I putting myself through all this pain? Basically I've found that, despite periods of total humiliation at the hands of online players I find that after a drink and with some decent tunes backed up on the MP3 player online shooters are really absorbing, when they're going well. Settling down for a couple of hours of TF2 is really satisfying.
I mentioned in my last entry that the Unreal Tournament 3 reviews I'd read were next to useless as they weren't written with new players in mind. It's something of a bugbear of mine that new players really aren't catered for. It's almost like developers have forgotten there are people out there who have been playing online FPSs for over a decade day in, day out. You'd think they'd be doing more to encourage new players, help them ease into the flow of the game rather than drop them in the deep end.
I'm not saying as a noob I need my hand held, but it would certainly be more encouraging if, when I go on a server, I know I won't get the shit kicked out of me the moment I hit 'ready'. Yes, I know it's a dilema that has faced various developers, some have tackled it better than others. Gears Of War 2 on the 360 has training rooms to help you prepare for online, Halo 3 has the beginner areas.
And the reviewers, whilst I don't need an online FPS explained to me it would be nice for them to acknowledge some people are coming to a game fresh, and not just pandering to the hardcore. Okay, I'm having a whine but again it's the attitude that discourages more people from playing.
You could come back to me and say well all these experts started somewhere, you didn't hear them moan about being a noob, true but as I said we've had a generation of rabid online players who could wipe the floor with new players with both arms tied behind their backs.
Right, rant over, make of it what you will. Maybe I should stop writing and start playing.
Since playing Doom 2 on my mate Richard's work PC in 1994 I've loved the first-person shooter. Down the years I've played stacks, though never online until I got a broadband connection in 2002 and played some Quake III with people on an IRC channel I frequented at the time.
Here are a few of the online games I've tried:
- Counterstrike - first tried to play this on dial-up in 2001 but a thunderstorm cut the power. Never really bothered again until the release of Half-Life 2 in November 2004 when I thought it would be a good time to get into CS:Source. Played several unsatisfying games with randoms on public servers. With one-or-two-shot kills I spent more time waiting for the next round than actually playing. Great game, great concept, just not for my slack skills.
- Quake III Arena - mainly played with people I knew online, with the occasional random person joining in. I'd always end up at the bottom of the table although being fragged by friends is somehow less galling than being shot by strangers. Tried to carry on but it simply wasn't as enjoyable with strangers, something I've found to be the case with most games online.
- Quake Live - I managed to get an invite to the closed beta. It is essentially Quake III via a web browser, fast, simple fun, well that's the theory. I was totally slaughtered the moment I stepped on there, and what was worse - as I'm sure most people who've played online will atest - was being remind how crap I was by other players. Perseverence saw me get somewhere eventually - don't go near me when I have a shotgun - but I have a long way to go before I can comfortably say I'm okay at it.
- Battlefield 2 - see my last entry.
- Team Fortress 2 - now this is a little different. Was intrigued by this when it was first announced, but going by my previous experience thought I'd never get into it - I was wrong. Maybe it's the pace, or the wide variety of classes, or the comic violence, but it just somehow clicked with me. As has been mentioned here before I play on 360 with online friends and on the PC with randoms late Saturday nights (when I've had a few).
Okay so why am I putting myself through all this pain? Basically I've found that, despite periods of total humiliation at the hands of online players I find that after a drink and with some decent tunes backed up on the MP3 player online shooters are really absorbing, when they're going well. Settling down for a couple of hours of TF2 is really satisfying.
I mentioned in my last entry that the Unreal Tournament 3 reviews I'd read were next to useless as they weren't written with new players in mind. It's something of a bugbear of mine that new players really aren't catered for. It's almost like developers have forgotten there are people out there who have been playing online FPSs for over a decade day in, day out. You'd think they'd be doing more to encourage new players, help them ease into the flow of the game rather than drop them in the deep end.
I'm not saying as a noob I need my hand held, but it would certainly be more encouraging if, when I go on a server, I know I won't get the shit kicked out of me the moment I hit 'ready'. Yes, I know it's a dilema that has faced various developers, some have tackled it better than others. Gears Of War 2 on the 360 has training rooms to help you prepare for online, Halo 3 has the beginner areas.
And the reviewers, whilst I don't need an online FPS explained to me it would be nice for them to acknowledge some people are coming to a game fresh, and not just pandering to the hardcore. Okay, I'm having a whine but again it's the attitude that discourages more people from playing.
You could come back to me and say well all these experts started somewhere, you didn't hear them moan about being a noob, true but as I said we've had a generation of rabid online players who could wipe the floor with new players with both arms tied behind their backs.
Right, rant over, make of it what you will. Maybe I should stop writing and start playing.
Bye-Bye BF2
Right, I've had it with Battlefield 2. Goodness knows I've tried to get into it, but it really isn't happening.
Just now I thought I'd settle down and do as my good friend Michelle suggested: play a bit of single-player BF2 on Easy just to get to know the maps and the flow of play. However, it soon became apparent that even on Easy I wasn't having any luck. For all the reasons stated in my first post, plus that sinking feeling that this really wasn't my thing.
A real shame. I've only heard good things about this and really wanted to give it a real go, was prepared to take the blows as a learning experience, then earn my stripes with continued play - it wasn't to be.
I'll keep it installed on my PC for a while, see how I feel later, but it really didn't take long for me to realise perhaps I wasn't cut out for this sort of game, rather like me and Counterstrike.
So it probably isn't the best time to say that, thanks to a deal on Steam, and having some spare money on Paypal, I picked up Unreal Tournament 3 at the weekend for about £8. 8gb download! Having to get a bit every day - is this our bright digitally-distributed future?
Looking at reviews - most of which are uttely useless because they're written by people who have played every iteration of the game to death and give no insight into how the game would be for someone coming at it anew - it looks like a cross between BF2 and Quake, twitch warfare with vehicles. It remains to be seen if I'll be similarly useless at that too, but I'll give it a go.
Just now I thought I'd settle down and do as my good friend Michelle suggested: play a bit of single-player BF2 on Easy just to get to know the maps and the flow of play. However, it soon became apparent that even on Easy I wasn't having any luck. For all the reasons stated in my first post, plus that sinking feeling that this really wasn't my thing.
A real shame. I've only heard good things about this and really wanted to give it a real go, was prepared to take the blows as a learning experience, then earn my stripes with continued play - it wasn't to be.
I'll keep it installed on my PC for a while, see how I feel later, but it really didn't take long for me to realise perhaps I wasn't cut out for this sort of game, rather like me and Counterstrike.
So it probably isn't the best time to say that, thanks to a deal on Steam, and having some spare money on Paypal, I picked up Unreal Tournament 3 at the weekend for about £8. 8gb download! Having to get a bit every day - is this our bright digitally-distributed future?
Looking at reviews - most of which are uttely useless because they're written by people who have played every iteration of the game to death and give no insight into how the game would be for someone coming at it anew - it looks like a cross between BF2 and Quake, twitch warfare with vehicles. It remains to be seen if I'll be similarly useless at that too, but I'll give it a go.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Another Weekend
Another weekend, more games played.
The highlight of the weekend was World Of Goo, a puzzle game of sorts on the PC (also available on Wii, I believe). It was 75% off on offer for £4.74 on Steam so snapped that up. It is superb! You create structures that look like 2D molecule diagrams from balls of goo, the aim to get them near the pipe at the end of the level where a certain number of blobs have to be sucked up.
It's one of those games that leaves you with a big smile on your face as each new element is introduced. The presentation is top-notch, the puzzles thusfar have been the sort where you don't see the obvious solution but when you do you get a real 'eureka' moment, very satisfying.
Is it a casual game? Maybe a lightweight like myself should be playing more of this sort of thing, but I get the feeling later chapters will have puzzles fit to make your brain fizz.
Apart from that I played more Team Fortress 2, and also a spot of Forza Motorsport 2 - crikey, it was like driving on ice. I was sliding all over the shop, smashing into cars, braking too hard. I really need to get out of the arcade driving habit in order to get any further in this.
The highlight of the weekend was World Of Goo, a puzzle game of sorts on the PC (also available on Wii, I believe). It was 75% off on offer for £4.74 on Steam so snapped that up. It is superb! You create structures that look like 2D molecule diagrams from balls of goo, the aim to get them near the pipe at the end of the level where a certain number of blobs have to be sucked up.
It's one of those games that leaves you with a big smile on your face as each new element is introduced. The presentation is top-notch, the puzzles thusfar have been the sort where you don't see the obvious solution but when you do you get a real 'eureka' moment, very satisfying.
Is it a casual game? Maybe a lightweight like myself should be playing more of this sort of thing, but I get the feeling later chapters will have puzzles fit to make your brain fizz.
Apart from that I played more Team Fortress 2, and also a spot of Forza Motorsport 2 - crikey, it was like driving on ice. I was sliding all over the shop, smashing into cars, braking too hard. I really need to get out of the arcade driving habit in order to get any further in this.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Being Distracted
It feels like an eternity but I've had no internet since Wednesday last. Your net-addicted writer spent a couple of hours wondering how the hell to fill his time before settling down to actually playing games.
Without the constant desire to check email and engage in IM chat my mind was free to concentrate on a game for once. The game in question was 2005 FPS Black on the old Xbox, a game notorious for its stingy save points. You have to go a fair while before you reach a checkpoint and even then it doesn't save your position, it merely allows you to go back there if you die.
So I knuckled down and tackled the second mission. The (unskippable) cutscene before it made absolutely no sense and was ultimately pointless. You just move forward, shoot and try not to die. There are also lots of tankers, fuel dumps and the like that you can blow up, gives you a buzz.
Without the constant pull of the internet I managed to get through the lengthy second mission which, on the third try, I managed to complete on Normal. If the net had been there I'd have not stuck at it, if I'm being honest. That isn't something I'm proud to say, and it actually does worry me - how much else could I achieve if I wasn't sat on the internet all evening?
I'm not saying I want to lose my net connection, it's great to have, but it just goes to show how much it has affected how I play games.
Without the constant desire to check email and engage in IM chat my mind was free to concentrate on a game for once. The game in question was 2005 FPS Black on the old Xbox, a game notorious for its stingy save points. You have to go a fair while before you reach a checkpoint and even then it doesn't save your position, it merely allows you to go back there if you die.
So I knuckled down and tackled the second mission. The (unskippable) cutscene before it made absolutely no sense and was ultimately pointless. You just move forward, shoot and try not to die. There are also lots of tankers, fuel dumps and the like that you can blow up, gives you a buzz.
Without the constant pull of the internet I managed to get through the lengthy second mission which, on the third try, I managed to complete on Normal. If the net had been there I'd have not stuck at it, if I'm being honest. That isn't something I'm proud to say, and it actually does worry me - how much else could I achieve if I wasn't sat on the internet all evening?
I'm not saying I want to lose my net connection, it's great to have, but it just goes to show how much it has affected how I play games.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Headshot!
Another Saturday evening in. The combination of wine and games stop me me getting totally bored. Typically I play more arcade-style games at this time as I just want to relax.
So whilst I enjoyed a packet of Sainsbury's Salt & Vinegar Twists I decided to fire up Urban Chaos: Riot Response, an arcade-style first-person shooter that came out towards the end of the original Xbox' life.
Basically you go around and bring the pain to a city full of masked rioters. It's simple fun, not a classic, but it's very replayable as you try and get medals for completing various goals in each section. And never has the headshot been more satisfying in a game than it is here.
As I said, it's no Halo or Half-Life 2, but for me it was very playable, even if it is pretty cheesy.
Bear in mind I am playing on Rookie difficulty. Not sure how the settings differ but even a dullard like me is finding Rookie a tad easy. It says something about my resolve that I haven't got to the point where everything has to be really easy for me to enjoy it - I still like a challenge.
Consolevania's review sums it up well.
So whilst I enjoyed a packet of Sainsbury's Salt & Vinegar Twists I decided to fire up Urban Chaos: Riot Response, an arcade-style first-person shooter that came out towards the end of the original Xbox' life.
Basically you go around and bring the pain to a city full of masked rioters. It's simple fun, not a classic, but it's very replayable as you try and get medals for completing various goals in each section. And never has the headshot been more satisfying in a game than it is here.
As I said, it's no Halo or Half-Life 2, but for me it was very playable, even if it is pretty cheesy.
Bear in mind I am playing on Rookie difficulty. Not sure how the settings differ but even a dullard like me is finding Rookie a tad easy. It says something about my resolve that I haven't got to the point where everything has to be really easy for me to enjoy it - I still like a challenge.
Consolevania's review sums it up well.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Silent Hill 2 - Completed!
Good gracious me! It's hard to believe but on this cold and grey Saturday afternoon I managed to break the habit of a lifetime and complete a game!
The game in question was PS2 spookfest Silent Hill 2, a game I purchased in 2003 but only got around to starting last November thanks to the cajoling of Michelle.
Here's the evidence:
It actually took me about 15 hours to complete as at one point near the start I couldn't find a save point and had to leave the PS2 on for a couple of hours whilst I did something else.
It's certainly an interesting game, much more psychologically-disturbing than Resident Evil. The gameplay was slow and concentrated more on puzzle-solving than combat, no bad thing. The atmosphere was superb, a deserted town shrouded in fog, abandonded locations, lots of rusty things.
The story was a bit confusing, not sure if it lost something in translation from the Japanese, though it was coherent enough to actually get something from it - either that or I'm thick.
It's certainly a game well worth playing if you haven't already. I'm not sure I'll be going for all the endings just yet, maybe in the future.
Right now I'm just enjoying the fact I completed a game, what a feeling.
The game in question was PS2 spookfest Silent Hill 2, a game I purchased in 2003 but only got around to starting last November thanks to the cajoling of Michelle.
Here's the evidence:
It actually took me about 15 hours to complete as at one point near the start I couldn't find a save point and had to leave the PS2 on for a couple of hours whilst I did something else.
It's certainly an interesting game, much more psychologically-disturbing than Resident Evil. The gameplay was slow and concentrated more on puzzle-solving than combat, no bad thing. The atmosphere was superb, a deserted town shrouded in fog, abandonded locations, lots of rusty things.
The story was a bit confusing, not sure if it lost something in translation from the Japanese, though it was coherent enough to actually get something from it - either that or I'm thick.
It's certainly a game well worth playing if you haven't already. I'm not sure I'll be going for all the endings just yet, maybe in the future.
Right now I'm just enjoying the fact I completed a game, what a feeling.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Scout's Honour
As I type I'm looking forward to a long weekend as I have Thursday and Friday off, and I don't doubt games will be involved at some point.
Since the weekend I've mainly been playing Rock Band 2, both Tour mode on my own and Band Quick Play with Michelle and Dan. Not much has changed, it's still good fun and I'm yet to tire of it.
Today saw the release of the Scout update for Team Fortress 2 on the PC, the latest in the on-going class updates. They tend to breathe a bit of life back into the game, although it's far from dead. So I thought I'd jump on and have a go, release some tension.
Servers were mainly full, but I managed to squeeze onto one and hold on. As you'd expect there were plenty of Scouts about trying to get the new weapons - a bit rubbish but it'll calm back down again soon enough, said he sounding like he is some TF2 vetteran.
This is the thing with me: I sort of know about games, what's going on, how they're played, etc, but I can't really back it up with stacks of experience. It does make me feel a bit of a fraud sometimes - more of that another time.
I may play some more TF2 before I go to bed, I don't have to be up desperately early in the morning.
Since the weekend I've mainly been playing Rock Band 2, both Tour mode on my own and Band Quick Play with Michelle and Dan. Not much has changed, it's still good fun and I'm yet to tire of it.
Today saw the release of the Scout update for Team Fortress 2 on the PC, the latest in the on-going class updates. They tend to breathe a bit of life back into the game, although it's far from dead. So I thought I'd jump on and have a go, release some tension.
Servers were mainly full, but I managed to squeeze onto one and hold on. As you'd expect there were plenty of Scouts about trying to get the new weapons - a bit rubbish but it'll calm back down again soon enough, said he sounding like he is some TF2 vetteran.
This is the thing with me: I sort of know about games, what's going on, how they're played, etc, but I can't really back it up with stacks of experience. It does make me feel a bit of a fraud sometimes - more of that another time.
I may play some more TF2 before I go to bed, I don't have to be up desperately early in the morning.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Weekend Blanks
Another weekend almost over, far too quickly as per usual. Wasn't the best for games, it has to be said. Not really felt it, the pull wasn't there. I can't put my finger on why.
What did I attempt to play?
Rock Band 2 - spent a few hours in Tour mode ploughing on through. Call me thick but I don't understand the setup, I much prefered the old Guitar Hero career, it was a list of songs, you played them, more came along, you played those. You didn't get all that nonsense about hiring staff or 'spice' like Quadruple Or Nothing.
Project Gotham Racing 4 - it's one of those games I can keep going back to for a quick burn, even though I'm shocking at racing games. It's so satisfying, at least when I'm not bouncing off the corners.
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - on the old Xbox, fancied some uncomplicated fun as I was downing a bottle of wine. Classic mode is still the best, throwing your boarder or skater or whatever about. Reminds me of a few years back when this sort of thing kept me rapt for hours.
Team Fortress 2 - on the PC this time, the game that keeps on giving. I put a few drum & bass mixes into Foobar2000, fired up TF2 and settled down for an hour or two. Next weekend I might just cut my losses and spend Saturday evening doing it, really go for it.
No great insights into the inept gamer this episode, I'm afraid. My twin brother is still here and it would be rude to spend more time than I do playing games.
What did I attempt to play?
Rock Band 2 - spent a few hours in Tour mode ploughing on through. Call me thick but I don't understand the setup, I much prefered the old Guitar Hero career, it was a list of songs, you played them, more came along, you played those. You didn't get all that nonsense about hiring staff or 'spice' like Quadruple Or Nothing.
Project Gotham Racing 4 - it's one of those games I can keep going back to for a quick burn, even though I'm shocking at racing games. It's so satisfying, at least when I'm not bouncing off the corners.
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - on the old Xbox, fancied some uncomplicated fun as I was downing a bottle of wine. Classic mode is still the best, throwing your boarder or skater or whatever about. Reminds me of a few years back when this sort of thing kept me rapt for hours.
Team Fortress 2 - on the PC this time, the game that keeps on giving. I put a few drum & bass mixes into Foobar2000, fired up TF2 and settled down for an hour or two. Next weekend I might just cut my losses and spend Saturday evening doing it, really go for it.
No great insights into the inept gamer this episode, I'm afraid. My twin brother is still here and it would be rude to spend more time than I do playing games.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Move Along Now
My twin brother is visiting me from California, so I've not been playing a great deal, not that I play a great deal generally these days, but certainly less.
What I have been playing though has been Rock Band 2, with Dan and Michelle. The last couple of nights we've managed to get through quite a few songs in Quick Play, me tackling Expert bass with gusto, and not dropping out that much, surprisingly.
Tonight I was torn between Rock Band 2 with my two cohorts and Team Fortress 2 on the 360. Over the last 7 or 8 months I've managed to play this every Thursday with some like-minded people on the RLLMUK forum, and it's been very enjoyable, with none of the bullshit you usually associate with online gaming.
So I interrupted rocking out and went off to char-grill some Heavies (yes, I love being a pyro).
And that's it really, no great shakes, move along.
What I have been playing though has been Rock Band 2, with Dan and Michelle. The last couple of nights we've managed to get through quite a few songs in Quick Play, me tackling Expert bass with gusto, and not dropping out that much, surprisingly.
Tonight I was torn between Rock Band 2 with my two cohorts and Team Fortress 2 on the 360. Over the last 7 or 8 months I've managed to play this every Thursday with some like-minded people on the RLLMUK forum, and it's been very enjoyable, with none of the bullshit you usually associate with online gaming.
So I interrupted rocking out and went off to char-grill some Heavies (yes, I love being a pyro).
And that's it really, no great shakes, move along.
Monday, 16 February 2009
More Rock Band 2
Got in from work and relaxed playing some Rock Band 2 with my friends Dan and Michelle. Below is our greatest moment this evening (I'm vimster by the way; click for the full pic):
Ah what great fun this game is. It works well online, I kept forgetting to turn my mic off, but it was generally enjoyable, mainly because I was managing to finish songs on Hard (bass) I'd not touched before. With some practice I'll be mashing away on Expert soon enough.
Ah what great fun this game is. It works well online, I kept forgetting to turn my mic off, but it was generally enjoyable, mainly because I was managing to finish songs on Hard (bass) I'd not touched before. With some practice I'll be mashing away on Expert soon enough.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Saturday In a Nutshell
Okay, so it's very early Sunday morning, I've had a bottle of rather good rose wine, and just finished a session on Team Fortress 2 on the PC. The server I was on was slightly odd. They had a nuke that would go off at random points on the map and wipe anyone out nearby, plus when people got shot or died balloons and streamers would fly everywhere - I believe they like to call these party servers. In fact lots of the players were wearing party hats.
This rounded off a not-really-that-bad day of gaming. In the afternoon I played some more Rock Band 2, including a bit of online quick play with my friend Dan who is very very good on guitar. That was enjoyable, I even managed to play more guitar on Hard - satisfying.
In the evening I played a little Earth Defence Force 2017, a gift from a lovely friend of mine (thanks, Michelle). I had the PS2 version on import - yes, I actually imported stuff - and found it the most fun I'd had in years. So he 360 version was almost as much fun, blowing away giant ants and whatnot.
Anyway, it's very late and I need my bed. Goodnight, all.
This rounded off a not-really-that-bad day of gaming. In the afternoon I played some more Rock Band 2, including a bit of online quick play with my friend Dan who is very very good on guitar. That was enjoyable, I even managed to play more guitar on Hard - satisfying.
In the evening I played a little Earth Defence Force 2017, a gift from a lovely friend of mine (thanks, Michelle). I had the PS2 version on import - yes, I actually imported stuff - and found it the most fun I'd had in years. So he 360 version was almost as much fun, blowing away giant ants and whatnot.
Anyway, it's very late and I need my bed. Goodnight, all.
Friday, 13 February 2009
Give the 360 a Rest
Just finished a marathon session (by my standards) of Rock Band 2, mainly drumming. Still trying to get the kit in the right place, get comfortable, but generally it was much fun indeed.
One problem I'm having is the cymbal on the Guitar Hero kit isn't registering every hit. It acts as the yellow pad in RB2. As I'm just playing on Easy difficulty at the moment it's not big deal, but unless I can sort this out it'll be a right pain on Hard and Expert.
All that aside it was very enjoyable. Giving the 360 a rest for a bit and will probably play some guitar later (the drums do make a noise).
And there's a new version of the online web-based shooter Quake Live out so I'll download and give that a go. I'm useless at it but the simplicity and immediacy of it make it good for just dipping into. And if I turn the chat off I can easily ignore the calls of "n00b" etc, and can pretend everyone who plays online games are thoroughly decent
One problem I'm having is the cymbal on the Guitar Hero kit isn't registering every hit. It acts as the yellow pad in RB2. As I'm just playing on Easy difficulty at the moment it's not big deal, but unless I can sort this out it'll be a right pain on Hard and Expert.
All that aside it was very enjoyable. Giving the 360 a rest for a bit and will probably play some guitar later (the drums do make a noise).
And there's a new version of the online web-based shooter Quake Live out so I'll download and give that a go. I'm useless at it but the simplicity and immediacy of it make it good for just dipping into. And if I turn the chat off I can easily ignore the calls of "n00b" etc, and can pretend everyone who plays online games are thoroughly decent
A Little Positivity
Thusfar this blog has been me whining about being crap at shooters, so let's have a moment of positive thinking.
It was my 37th birthday recently and I thought I'd treat myself to Guitar Hero World Tour, the complete band pack. Actually I bought this so I could play Rock Band 2, but couldn't be bothered to wait for EA to get their act together - there you go, EA, another customer lost.
Anyway, I have the day off work today, and with excellent timing this huge box turns up full of rhythm-action-gaming goodness.
I put the guitar together and fired up RB2 (GH:WT can wait) and was instantly in games heaven, well, once I'd calibrated the guitar. I got 100% on Should I Stay Or Should I Go? by The Clash, on Medium though, didn't drop a note!
The drums are now set up so will be having a go on those presently, but just thought I'd say right now it's nice to be playing something I'm actualy not too bad at for a change - very enjoyable.
It was my 37th birthday recently and I thought I'd treat myself to Guitar Hero World Tour, the complete band pack. Actually I bought this so I could play Rock Band 2, but couldn't be bothered to wait for EA to get their act together - there you go, EA, another customer lost.
Anyway, I have the day off work today, and with excellent timing this huge box turns up full of rhythm-action-gaming goodness.
I put the guitar together and fired up RB2 (GH:WT can wait) and was instantly in games heaven, well, once I'd calibrated the guitar. I got 100% on Should I Stay Or Should I Go? by The Clash, on Medium though, didn't drop a note!
The drums are now set up so will be having a go on those presently, but just thought I'd say right now it's nice to be playing something I'm actualy not too bad at for a change - very enjoyable.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
An Evening Of Mixed Fortunes
Firstly I had my now-weekly session of Team Fortress 2 on the 360. Technical issues marred this week's games but generally it was enjoyable, no messing about, scored points, wasn't at the bottom of the list (unless I picked a class I wasn't comfortable with), and came away feeling good.
I then agreed to join a game of Left 4 Dead, also on the 360. Haven't played this since before Christmas and was a tad rusty, but the game doesn't demand too much of you, not on Normal difficulty anyway, and whilst I was the only one not to make it onto the chopper at the end (got caught on the edge of the ramp by a Tank) it was all good clean fun and we worked well together.
At this point I should point out I was playing with people from the RLLMUK forums, and a decent bunch they are, generally.
Bouyed up by my enjoyment thus far I thought I'd round off the evening with another go on Battlefield 2 - third time unlucky. I found a server that only let low-ranking players on, and I thought this would make things easier, it didn't. Once again I was lost, couldn't locate my team-mates, would get killed by people I couldn't see - generally frustrating.
I'll stick with this server though and hopefully this will enable me to at least have a go without getting too annoyed. The main problem was whilst everything else has a massive glowing marker above it, enemy stuff doesn't, so although I managed to 'spot' an enemy tank (you use a key to warn other players of it), I'd never see enemy troops coming at me.
Right, I'm tired, it's very very late, I'm off to bed.
I then agreed to join a game of Left 4 Dead, also on the 360. Haven't played this since before Christmas and was a tad rusty, but the game doesn't demand too much of you, not on Normal difficulty anyway, and whilst I was the only one not to make it onto the chopper at the end (got caught on the edge of the ramp by a Tank) it was all good clean fun and we worked well together.
At this point I should point out I was playing with people from the RLLMUK forums, and a decent bunch they are, generally.
Bouyed up by my enjoyment thus far I thought I'd round off the evening with another go on Battlefield 2 - third time unlucky. I found a server that only let low-ranking players on, and I thought this would make things easier, it didn't. Once again I was lost, couldn't locate my team-mates, would get killed by people I couldn't see - generally frustrating.
I'll stick with this server though and hopefully this will enable me to at least have a go without getting too annoyed. The main problem was whilst everything else has a massive glowing marker above it, enemy stuff doesn't, so although I managed to 'spot' an enemy tank (you use a key to warn other players of it), I'd never see enemy troops coming at me.
Right, I'm tired, it's very very late, I'm off to bed.
Punked and Busted
Thought I'd take the plunge and try Battlefield 2 online.
Firstly it kept kicking me off servers because my Punkbuster wasn't up-to-date or something, PB being some anti-cheat doo-dah. After messing about trying to get that sorted I eventually found a game with more than 1 person on it.
I chose to be a Medic as that would probably be the easiest to start with, and perhaps people would be more grateful for my healing skills. As I gathered I died rather alot, at times I'd be shot as soon as I spawned. Once again finding my troops was a hassle and I'd frequently get taken out as I tried to cross a street. More frustrating was when I'd get within a couple of feet of a fallen team-mate, ready to revive them, only to get shot. This happened several times and was extremely frustrating.
After a while I'd managed to get my score into double figures, then I was kicked from the server for no good reason - 'Admin decision', whatever that means.
Not the best start to a game, to be honest. Right now I can't really see me itching to play this every night.
Back to Team Fortess 2 then, i guess.
Firstly it kept kicking me off servers because my Punkbuster wasn't up-to-date or something, PB being some anti-cheat doo-dah. After messing about trying to get that sorted I eventually found a game with more than 1 person on it.
I chose to be a Medic as that would probably be the easiest to start with, and perhaps people would be more grateful for my healing skills. As I gathered I died rather alot, at times I'd be shot as soon as I spawned. Once again finding my troops was a hassle and I'd frequently get taken out as I tried to cross a street. More frustrating was when I'd get within a couple of feet of a fallen team-mate, ready to revive them, only to get shot. This happened several times and was extremely frustrating.
After a while I'd managed to get my score into double figures, then I was kicked from the server for no good reason - 'Admin decision', whatever that means.
Not the best start to a game, to be honest. Right now I can't really see me itching to play this every night.
Back to Team Fortess 2 then, i guess.
Battlefield 2
Battlefield 2, a game I've always fancied playing but never thought I was good enough - and by my initial experiences I was right.
Bought the Complete Collection off Amazon Marketplace for about £13 delivered, not too shabby. Spent an absolute age installing everything, well over 90 minutes of entering CD keys and applying patches, all the while thinking is this all to be in vain?
At about 12.30am I finally had the game running. My just-over-a-year-old PC handles it a max settings easily, so it looks fantastic.
To get used to controls and how it plays I started with the single-player mode, which I'm sure seasoned BF2 players would say wasn't a sufficient grounding in the game. I was woeful!
Okay let's see
Hmm, I'm yet to take this online and looking at my current ability level I feel I'm not ready. But for the hell of it I should at least attempt it.
Bought the Complete Collection off Amazon Marketplace for about £13 delivered, not too shabby. Spent an absolute age installing everything, well over 90 minutes of entering CD keys and applying patches, all the while thinking is this all to be in vain?
At about 12.30am I finally had the game running. My just-over-a-year-old PC handles it a max settings easily, so it looks fantastic.
To get used to controls and how it plays I started with the single-player mode, which I'm sure seasoned BF2 players would say wasn't a sufficient grounding in the game. I was woeful!
Okay let's see
- Kept getting lost - I'd frequently lose my AI squadmates and end up getting picked off by the enemy. Plus not knowing the map well I didn't know where to attack and in what order, something that I'm sure frequent play would remedy.
- Dying before realising it - despite trying to use cover, keeping low and avoiding open spaces whenever possible, frequently I'd hear a shot then die. You never get to see who killed you and from where, which I'm sure is how war works, but it was disconcerting to say the least.
- Confused - apart from losing my squadmates I'd also find all he icons all over the place confusing. Do I run towards that blue flashing one, or the purple shield one? Is the point I'm defending likely to be attacked or is it safe?
Hmm, I'm yet to take this online and looking at my current ability level I feel I'm not ready. But for the hell of it I should at least attempt it.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
An Inept Introduction
Hello, dear reader. I'm Keith and I'm an inept gamer.
The main purpose of this blog is, as it says in the description, to document the everyday experiences of someone who loves games, maybe even has a passion for them at times, but whose ineptitude and general lack of focus stops him being truly hardcore.
I was 8 in 1980 and have had the good fortune to see games on various systems evolve and grow to become what they are today. When I was a teenager in the 1980s I had a variety of computers, most notably an Amstrad CPC464, but also including a ZX Spectrum 48k and a Commodore 64 (though that came later). During the 90s computers were more my thing over consoles, my main machine being the mighty Amiga, though I did own a SNES and GameBoy too.
Through all this several things remained consistant: I never completed games, would get frustrated at not progressing, almost always lost out when playing against other people.
Yet I carried on!
I very much hope you get something from this blog, even if it's a regular dose of laughing at the noob.
The main purpose of this blog is, as it says in the description, to document the everyday experiences of someone who loves games, maybe even has a passion for them at times, but whose ineptitude and general lack of focus stops him being truly hardcore.
I was 8 in 1980 and have had the good fortune to see games on various systems evolve and grow to become what they are today. When I was a teenager in the 1980s I had a variety of computers, most notably an Amstrad CPC464, but also including a ZX Spectrum 48k and a Commodore 64 (though that came later). During the 90s computers were more my thing over consoles, my main machine being the mighty Amiga, though I did own a SNES and GameBoy too.
Through all this several things remained consistant: I never completed games, would get frustrated at not progressing, almost always lost out when playing against other people.
Yet I carried on!
I very much hope you get something from this blog, even if it's a regular dose of laughing at the noob.
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