Google, Vinegar, and Dents

I received a gift in the mail yesterday. A beautiful calendar from the Computer History Museum. I've actually been planning on creating a vintage computer calendar with the computers from the Personal Computer Museum. The gift is nice, the calendar is great, but I'm more excited about the card that came with it. It's a Google card. If you've ever received one of these cards then you know how I excited I am. Why? Well first of all, it's from Google - do I need to say more? It's also completely Google in terms of simplicity. No copyright notice, no ISBN or UPC code. Just "Google", in colour, with a little "TM" symbol. I have it at my desk. I'm showing it to co-workers like I did when I got my first 100% perfect test in grade school. I'm such a geek.

I've also been playing around with Balsamiq. Like the stuff inspired by its name, Balsamiq Mockups are intended to help improve the flavour of your designs. If you've ever designed a web page or software user interface on a napkin, then you know exactly what this tool does -- only better. I never thought anything could be better than paper but this actually trumps it. Not only that, but you don't need to go through the process of scanning your napkin or paper into the computer you simply tell it to produce a PNG file.

Yesterday I felt better after getting the Google card but not before I realized I dented my car. I was putting away my original tires after getting the snows installed and I dropped the one tire. It fell, "grazing" the back quarter panel of my car leaving a dent around the size of my fist which should soon follow anyways. Hate that.

My week of hell with the JCI Brantford Santa Claus Parade is soon coming to end - and it couldn't be soon enough.

3D Gaming, Swap Meets and Toes

I like free stuff - heck who doesn't? So that's why I was excited to find out my buddy Neil had managed to arrange some great free prizes from the likes of AMD, iZ3D and Blitz Games (among others). Of course, nothing is really free right? But all he's asking is that you fill out a survey. Call The U-Decide Initiative, the survey is catered to either regular old 2D gamers (like I used to be) or those folks that own true 3D hardware (like me now). Check it out!

So I had a few bucks to burn this past weekend and headed into Brampton for the annual (sort of) CGCC Swap Meet. This group of Canadian Gamers is quite the bunch and I blew my wad in under 15 minutes I think. Wow. It went fast. Got some great Genesis stuff - my collection is taking up more room than I have now. So sad.

And finally a note of caution. Because I'm a computer programmer and casual gamer by trade, you'd think that I'd be out of harms way for any kind of physical mishap on the job, right? Well ... running the Personal Computer Museum means lugging around old things and yep, you guessed it - I dropped a 19" CRT on my foot. The worst part? I left it to its own devices and now it's infected. Doctors, pills, bone scans and a bit of radiation later and I'll be fine ... but don't be a dolt like me and leave it. It got so bad a few weeks ago I took a drill to my toe. But you don't want to read about that here.

Tetris, Prince's, Booty, and Pee

It's been too long since I've written -- sorry about that. Just hasn't been a lot to talk about but now there is almost too much!

First off, we're planning a Guinness World Record attempt for the Most Participants in a Tetris Tournament on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Personal Computer Museum. Interested people can find out more and pre-register at TetrisTournament.ca. Where else can you be part of a World Record?

I finally got around to playing Prince of Persia. Yeah- the first one. Oh no -- that's not right. The second incarnation - on the PS2/Xbox/Gamecube. I actually played most of it on my PS3 but anyways, it was interesting. Frustrating at times-- enough to almost make me want to quit but glad I continued and finished the bugger.

I moved right onto something brand new - Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty and that was a great 4 hours.... but that was it. Now I have to wait over a year for more. :( Oh well, love that series.

Nothing to do with games but man did this morning suck. First, I go to take some letters to the post office--but the one I go to that is closer to me is not open until 9am (and it's 8:23 at this point). I take care of that, and go to drop off a 24 hour urine sample to a clinic....yeah....the thing was fine until I put it on the counter and then LEAKED all over....yeah. Talk about embarrassment. I would say I'm peed off, but that's just wrong.

Games for Windows

Microsoft loves to win in every business they are in. When they moved into the video game console space with the original Xbox they knew they weren't going to win right away, but they did manage to sell something like 24 million Xbox's. Not bad for a first outing. Then, they leapfrogged the competition to get the Xbox 360 into the hands of consumers and it has worked--despite hardware problems. The games are there, and people are loving it.

What they don't seem to be loving these days is PC gaming. We've all read articles spelling out the "Doom" (pardon the pun) of gaming on your computer, and yet many people still play games on their computers. Why not? Computers and gaming go together like marshmallows and Rice Krispies. I'm personally a console gamer, but as curator of the Personal Computer Museum I know the importance of gaming on a computer over the years and that it's still quite strong today.

When Microsoft came calling us looking for help in creating a retrospective view of gaming and computers over the years I was both surprised and honoured. So we're going to be part of the Games for Windows event occurring on June 27, 28 at Toronto's Interaccess gallery at Queen & Ossington.

Computers change quickly. Gaming is changing quickly. It's important to preserve the history as it unfolds---because before you know it, it's gone. These are your memories and your good times. We just help you remember them.

I'm through trying to help out! Incompetence wins!

If you know me, you know I'm a pretty mild mannered man. I was brought up to be polite, hold doors open for anyone and say please and thank you. Further to that, my incredible "green" personality means that I'm curious about how things work. I tend to give too much information to people at times but I have found it has helped me more than hinder. Until the last little while. By the way -- this post is NOT about games! :)

The first example is at the movie theaters. In my area, we have something called "The Scene" card. It's a loyalty program that gives you 10% off concessions and eventually, after buying 12,500 regular tickets you get a free admission. Being a person who likes to save time and is also "technology oriented" I usually use those machines to buy my tickets. I swipe my Scene card and get my tickets and I recently bought two combos and received my discount. When you present the "pre-paid" voucher at the Point of Sale (POS) the cashier has always asked me for my Scene card. Why? I think. Then I realize they need to swipe it AGAIN in order to get the transaction total down by 10% to match the value of the concession voucher. If the till says you sold $30 of crap and there is a voucher for $27.... it makes extra work for the bean counters. The first 5 times this happened to me, I had put my Scene card back into my wallet and had to bring it out to present when it was asked for. I finally wised up ... I would bring the card out AHEAD of time to save everyone the grief of me fumbling around in my George Costanza sized wedge that protrudes out of my ass.

SOOOOOOOOO the last time I'm at the theater, I present my card to the little Avril Lavigne look-a-like behind the counter and she looks back at me and says "Are you buying something else because it's too late for me to take this...". HUH? I explain to her that every other time (and I'm talking at least 20-30 times) I've used an ATM voucher I needed my card. "Nope....nope you don't". I explain about the funds not matching. "They fix that in the back". Of course they do. Just don't try and upsize your drink or add a hot dog ... because then the Scene card comes out and a look of horror, shock and confusion will come over the cashier's face as they try and figure out how to take an ATM voucher and cash. It's called SPLIT tender .... 10 years in the POS business will do this too you.

So that wasn't SO bad, only arguing with Avril was not that fun.....so now we go to my constant coffee fix: Tim Horton's. Lately I've had a thing for the Toasted Coconut donut. Don't know why -- I don't ask. As quickly as this fad came on for me, it will go away but for now I like to have one here and there. As far as I know there is only ONE Tim Horton's in the area that carries them. "I'll have a coffee and a toasted coconut donut please" I ask.....I get my coffee and some weird yeast donut with maple topping and then toasted coconut on THAT. NOT what I wanted. So the next time I specify: "and a cake toasted coconut donut". Now ... call me STUPID but I worked as a baker for Mr. Donut when I was a teenager and we made primarily two types of donuts: yeast and cake. I know the difference, why don't they? "What was that?" I heard back on the speaker. A toasted coconut cake donut. So then, I end up with a chocolate cake -- white coconut donut. GEESH!!! So the next time I go back, I get to asking for just "and a toasted coconut donut". Now I am getting "White or chocolate sir?"....ah ha...progress. However, I'm the type that wants to specify to a waitress my "sides" and choices ahead of time to save time and energy for all concerned. So now I say "coffee and a white cake toasted coconut donut". Now I'm getting "Sorry, was that a coconut donut? Filling?".

GRRRRR. I give up. This is why getting an apple fritter is easier, it's hard to screw up what you are asking for. Or skip the donuts, it's what I should be doing in the first place.

Moving on up

My blogging is changing a bit and I'm now writing for Ospreyblogs.com and also Torontothumbs.com so make sure you check me out on those sites! I am also continuing to write for Armchair Empire and Brantnow.com and each site has different content because apparently I have too much to say.

I'm currently playing the original Half-Life on the Playstation 2 and other than that, just playing some games I need to review -- nothing too exciting at the moment but there are some upcoming titles that I can't wait for so stay tuned!

Halo 3 - Finishing the Fight

Well you know that I'm a gamer. I have more video games in my house than some people have brain cells, and yet surprisingly I have never REALLY played Halo before. Sure, I own all of them ... but it wasn't until Halo 3 arrived that I finally took the plunge and decided to play the single player campaign. I had only played the first level or two of the original Halo and of course have experienced some multiplayer (even played at the Mothership-Microsoft itself when I was there a couple of years ago). So what did I think of this release? I thought it was great. I'm not sure I buy into the incredible hype about it but then again, I'm not a big first-person-shooter fan. I found the story quite interesting and I did feel immersed in the experience. The AI was good - but certainly NOT perfect. Sometimes my guys would drive backwards and I found myself stuck in one place for WAY TOO LONG. These shortcomings did not take away from a great gaming experience however. The music was amazing, the graphics were very good and the game was filled with enough "HOLY CRAP!" moments that I walked away feeling pretty darn good about it. Now the "Legendary Edition" is what I had to have ... but seriously, $150 for the Helmet? Somebody's making too much money. Oh yeah, Microsoft is really good at that. 9.0 out of 10.

Chicken Little for the PS2

So I know I'm a bit of a sucker for a good kids game ... but I usually find them entertaining and a game being a bit on the easy side doesn't bother me at all. I don't have a lot of time to play games, so if I can experience the whole world without redoing a level 20 times, I'm there. This game was quite easy until the last driving level which drove ME mad until I finally got it right ... but picky picky picky. Overall, this game was quite well done ... the graphics are not the greatest on the PS2 (and I'm scared to think of how these graphics looked on the Xbox unless they prettied them up, but I doubt it) but the experience was fun. The levels were interesting and there was actually a lot more varied gameplay (platforming, driving, shooting) then I expected. Imagine something like a Ratchet and Clank, without the graphical polish or quite the finesse, and you've still got yourself a decent game. Overall, I give this one a 7.0 out of 10 and would recommend it if you are just looking for a fun experience.

Kameo: Elements of Power

Well, it only took me around 2 years after this game (and the 360) launched to get around to playing and finishing Kameo. I am really not sure what took me so long, but I'm finally happy to report that I finished this sucker last night. First of all, I am really not sure what people's issue is when it comes to certain platformers. THIS IS NOT A KIDS GAME - not to say that it won't be enjoyed by people of all ages, but if you think it's just a dumb game for kids you are totally missing out. The various "elemental warriors" are really just a fancy way of implementing unique attacks and moves. The way this is done in the game is great, although you'll find some of the warriors pretty useless except for very specific instances in which you require their powers.

People have said this game is short - well, I didn't really find that myself. It might be because I played it in pieces, but it was definitely worth the price at launch and now that you can get it for $20 if you haven't played it, go get it! The graphics are gorgeous (even today) and other than some frustrating control issues (like most games have) and the occasional wonky camera (which ALL games of this genre have) it's a real gem. 8.0 out of 10!

Tomb Raider Anniversary

It's no secret that I loved Tomb Raider: Legend. This time, the team has taken that engine and recreated the first Tomb Raider. The first was a game I never really had a chance to play ... and after playing this version, I'm not sure I could go back to its low polygon bretheran but hey, you never know.

Anniversary is more of a "re-imagining" than a total remake, with most of the same locales intact but new ways to walk around them and the puzzles are redone as well. The game feels good, looks great, and sounds wonderful. The problem is the typical wonky camera, but more importantly - what happened to the difficulty level? The game seems to flow at a nice pace until you hit a snag where you are stumped. These are not stop points because of complicated puzzles - it's because of timing that is so closely clipped that some of the elements are close to impossible to advance beyond unless you perform your moves perfectly. Some would argue it's just a good challenge but I beg to differ. A game can be challenging without being frustrating, and I must tell you that there are several moments in this game that are utterly and completely frustrating to the point where I almost wanted to give up. Thankfully, there were video snippets out there that should you ways to get past these points, and if I didn't have those videos I wonder if I would have given up. I must say though that overall those frustrating moments are outshone by the incredible moments that do exist. The graphics are great for a PS2 game, and the controls are USUALLY decent. Overall, I'm giving this experience an 8.0 out of 10. It's at a great price, so pick it up whether you are a fan of the original are just trying it out for the first time.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Lego

OK, I admit it. When I first heard that there was an Indiana Jones Lego game coming, I kind of cringed. I don't really think I thought that this might be a recreation of Raiders of the Lost Ark, instead I envisioned some cheap cash grabbing knock off. Then, I checked out the
trailer and I must say, I'm quite impressed! There are few things I see online these days it seems that actually make me laugh out loud, but seeing a lego-ized rolling ball coming after our hero just made me bust a gut. The only downside to this thing that I can see is that I'll have to wait until summer NEXT year to give it a try. It encompasses all three movies, so I imagine they will be releasing it around the same time that the fourth Indiana Jones movie comes out. These marketing guys are slick.

Rayming Raving Rabbids Wii

So being a big Rayman fan, when I first heard that a new Rayman game was coming out, I was very excited. Then, when I heard it was going to be a collection of mini-games I was feeling a bit let down. OK, I'll be honest ... I was feeling a
lot let down. But here's the great thing ... the game is a BLAST. These rabbids will just crack you up and the games are well crafted. They range in difficulty but there is nothing wrong with that, and nothing is so frustrating that makes you want to stop playing or anything. I think they reused a lot of the mini games over and over again but for the most part they made it fresh and innovative. Good job Ubisoft, Rayman Raving Rabbids (Wii Version) gets an 8.5 out of 10 from me!

Tak 2: Staff of Dreams

When I finished Brave: The Search for Spirit Dancer, I moved quickly into Tak 2: Staff of Dreams on the Playstation 2. It was an interesting choice, but I really didn't do it on purpose. You see, I had planned on playing the second Tak game since finishing the first over a year ago. Yeah, I know, I'm way behind. It's true -- this often happens to me. I rarely play a game when it first comes out unless it's a huge blockbuster (in my mind anyways) and now that I review games professionally, it makes it a bit harder because the limited time I do have to play games now competes with the games I have to play to review. Anyways, I'm glad I got the chance to finally give Tak a go. I noticed an awful lot of similarities between Tak and Brave. Tak definitely has more polish, but the difficulty level in certain spots ramps up to the insane. Overall, the game is what you would expect from an action platformer. You run around, collect things, beat up things and solve puzzles to continue. It does the job well with lush environments and good sound. There is also a lot more variety in this version of Tak with vehicles and the types of puzzles that you are challenged with. The game is certainly long enough and the ability to become different animals (with their own distinct abilities) offers an interesting (if not sometimes frustrating) twist on the genre. There were essentially two parts of the game that I had to repeat about 6,324 times (approximately) and wanted to throw the controller. Going online, I found other people with similar frustrations. To my big surprise, the ONLY person that has written an online FAQ/walkthrough for the game stopped right about the place where I was stuck. That's right, even the people telling you how to finish the game GAVE UP or died from swallowing the controller (I'm not sure which). I even emailed the guy with no response, so I'm thinking he died a 'controlled' death. Yeah. Anyways, I finally got past the bad part and finished the game. There is a surprise at the end (no I'm not going to ruin it for you) ... you will just have to find out for yourself. If you haven't given this one a try, I'd recommend it... it's fun, but the frustrating moments make you shake your head in and whisper "WTF" to anyone that will listen. An 7.5 out of 10.

God of War II

I apologize for not getting these comments up sooner - just too much else going on! I finished God of War II awhile ago now, and yet it's still in my head. How many games can you say that about? If you've played the first one, then you are going to feel right at home here. The game definitely feels more like a straight evolution of the first one, and truly, that's what we were all looking for I think. I didn't want to have to relearn a bunch of things and feel like the developer was just trying to do something new for the sake of doing something new. That doesn't mean there aren't new things - flying on Pegasus for example is new, if not a little short. The threesome mini-game is back (though not much different) and there are more boss encounters although only the first one is what I would truly call epic. This game definitely starts out on a high note but in some ways, never quite gets back to that level of awesomeness. There are a couple of frustrating moments, but overall this game delivers what we were all expecting: one hell of a lot of fun. A 9.5 out of 10!

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

Size Matters? I thought it didn't. Apparently I (and many other delusional males out there) were WRONG. Size does matter because the latest great Ratchet & Clank game is pocket sized on the PSP. Fortunately, I bought one of those "hook up your PSP to the TV" thingy-ma-jigs (the official term) and I was able to project this game onto my 42" Plasma TV. Size matters, indeed.

Anyways, this game was pretty decent - it sure FELT like a Ratchet and Clank game that you are used to on the PS2. And until the PS3 title comes out later this year (how excited am I for that!?), this stop-gap will keep you going.

8.5 out of 10. For a more detailed review, check out what I wrote at Armchair Empire.

I'm not sure what it is about Eragon that has drawn me to the movie and to the game ... maybe it's the idea behind it. The movie was 'ok' - nothing great. I was perhaps a little let down and I knew something was wrong when I started looking for more and more Star Wars references during the film. However, I still was looking forward to playing the game.

The game is pretty much like the movie: it's nothing great but you're not going to look at it and say it's a real stinker. It's just average, like the movie. If you LIKED the movie you will probably really enjoy the game.

The 'finishing' moves had a camera that reminded me of God of War, but I'll be honest: this is no where near as fun. The levels are relatively easy and if you're just looking for a game that you can experience and get through, it's not bad. The levels that you fly around on the dragon are not that great though, I spent more time with them in some ways but that was just out of frustration.

Overall, I'd give this one a 6.5 out of 10.

Lego Star Wars II

When I first heard about Lego Star Wars, I thought it was going to be cheesy. Well, guess what? I was right. It's cheesy. Not just a medium brick kind of cheesy, but a full jar of cheezwhiz kinda cheesy. What I wasn't expecting was for it to be a good game.

Now along comes Lego Star Wars II and I'm happy to report everything that worked in the first one is here, and most of what was broken has been fixed. The ship flying modes are better than the original (and less frustrating) and the challenge is a bit higher, although overall I think the game is too easy. At the same time, sometimes it's nice to just experience a game and not get frustrated trying to get past a certain point. This game fills the bill just perfectly.

Is it game of the year? No ... but it sure is a lot of fun, especially seeing Stormtroopers in a Hot Tub!

Be careful what you wish for!

Well I feel like I finally hit the big time. Last Friday, I got home and received a free game in the mail. What's the catch? Well, I have to review it of course. At first, I was so excited....1) because I had a new game and 2) because it was free. Then, moments later, reality set in. I HAVE TO PLAY THIS GAME. Not that I wouldn't... but knowing me, it would be 2010 before I ever popped it into the machine. So now not only do I have to play this game LIKE NOW but I have to write about it too. Don't get me wrong: I am NOT complaining (honest). It's just a different feeling when you know you have to do something. Just a different sensation that's all. Look for a new review soon!

Dragon's Lair - Back into the Lair

I recently had the privilege of interviewing David Foster from Digital Leisure about the Dragon's Lair series. Dragon's Lair, the hit arcade game from 1983 has lived on over 20 years of popularity and will probably continue to do so for another 20. I was thinking about what makes Dragon's Lair so popular and I think I've come back to "the experience". I don't think anyone would disagree with me in saying that Dragon's Lair is not about the gameplay ... after all, 4 directions and a sword button all timed events? That's not much of a formula for in-depth gameplay.

What's it's all about is the experience. The experience of Dragons' Lair is immersive and somewhat magical. That's why I keep playing it and enjoying it. I think more games should consider that.

The article is on Armchair Empire and you can find it here: http://www.armchairempire.com/Interviews/dragons-lair.htm

God of War II - Release Date Confirmed

So now it's official ... on March 13, 2007 Sony will release God of War II. I have to admit: I'm both excited and cautious about this coming out. The first game was amazing, but I find myself fearing Star Wars Syndrome (ok I just made that up). Will the new one create the amazement and wonderment the first one did? Unlikely, but I'm sure I'll be happy with just "more of the same". The experience was so immersive the first time around, especially the sound which is often overlooked. I'm also a little worried since this is most likely the last PS2 title ever created with a big budget and AAA specs all the way around, something I'm a little sad over. The PS3 and 360 have yet to deliver any great platforming / adventure games (save Tomb Raider Legend on the 360, but that was more of an up-port than a true next-gen game). Is this going to be like playing Zelda, where I kept playing longer than I needed to just because I didn't want the experience to end? I hope so and I hope not. Here's to you Kratos: it's going to be bittersweet.