Posted in Uncategorized with tags Video Games on April 28, 2008 by mdjasrie
It would no doubt be the biggest release in gaming history. Slated for 29th April release worldwide for both the PS3 and Xbox 360, anticipation have been running high and the amount of media coverage is running at feverish levels never seen in a long while.
Ive already decided to get my copy for the PS3 version on the 30th, after i get my pay of course. I think this is gonna be the THE game of the year hands down. Superb visuals, believable characters, compelling story, amazing game mechanics, its the perfect recipe for constructing sandbox type video games. Rockstar has once again outdone themselves. Years of hard work have been paid off and its a given that they would be raking in revenues at astronomical levels (USD400 million projected revenue on the first week alone.)
ive been keeping track of the media about the game and also metacritic.com. So far both its been perfect-score reviews in almost every review done by video game magazines and internet websites.
Posted in Uncategorized with tags Blu ray on April 27, 2008 by mdjasrie
Im steadily increasing my collection of Blu Ray movies. Right now i only have a paltry 2 titles. They are Kung Fu Hustle and Casino Royale. Both are great films and the visuals are stunning. Ever since i started watching blu ray or hi-def films, i cant stop to be amazed at the amazing clarity of Full HD visuals and sound. Its really different than standard def TV broadcasts or DVDs.
Ever since i got my PS3, ive never regretted buying it and truly it is a very hardy piece of electronic. It has really served me well, providing me with a great source of entertainment at home. From playing games, to watching hi def films.
Right now im waiting for my order to arrive from Tower.com. I purchased Curse of the Golden Flower, A Zhang Yimou film, starring Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li. Usually when making my choice of blu ray purchases, id like to go with films that have great visuals and cinematography. Secondly would obviously be the cost of the Blu ray itself. I bought the blu ray at a bargain and im still waiting for it to a arrive after 2 weeks. Those who watched the film would agree with me with all the visual eye candy the movie has to offer. Full of lush golden sets and purples. Even the costume they wear are detailed and extravagant. All captured on blu ray hi definition film. Whats even better is that i can watch and oogle at Gong Li’s boobs all in Hi Definition!!! OMG DROOL! Nah just kidding! Im not a perv…
So the past month, other than NS, ive been occupying somewhat precious time playing video games, mainly on the PS3. The past month i managed to complete Devil May Cry 4 on the PS3 and it was a thoroughly worthwhile investment, both monetary and time. Its a fantastic game, especially the in game cut scenes and cinematics. A real polished game and you can really see the developers of the game putting in a lot of effort in the gameplay and animation mechanics.
The one thing i dont quite like about this game is the amount of backtracking you have to go through. Granted its fun playing both Dante and Nero throughout the 20 chapters of the game, but at least the developers could have spent more time creating new levels for players to explore, rather than treading on old areas. And whats up with repeating boss fights. You literally have to kick certain bosses’ ass in the game multiple times throughout the game. Its fun the first time through, but not on the third time…
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ASSASSIN’S CREED <PC>
Finally the game that i have been waiting for is finally here on the PC. Got it about a week ago, and i must say the gameplay and the graphics have lived up to my expectations. But there is one huge flaw! Yep, its too darn repetitive. So here’s the deal: In the not so distant future, you play an introvert called Desmond Miles, who apparently have been kidnapped by this huge conglomerate who claimed that they can read memories off your ancestors through your DNA. What they want however are the memories of Altair, an assassin in the late 12th century. Somehow those memories are important to the organisation, and so you play through Altair on his quest to assassinate 9 prominent historical figures based on real life history. Sounds interesting? Yeap. Repetitive killing mechanic? You bet!
Ive played almost half way through and though its an interesting premise and an original idea, the variety is not there to keep the game fresh. Honestly, im trying real hard to maintain my interest in the game. Sure the game looks nice but its a bore trying to find your target and assassinate same the same way again and again 9 times. Dont get me wrong, its a truly marvelous idea to start off with and the open ended world for you to explore, its darn interesting. However the overall game play experience is much to be desired.
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BURNOUT PARADISE <PS3>
Im no fan of racing games, but Burnout Paradise might be an exception to that statement. Bought around the same time as Assassin’s Creed, this game is turning to be a stellar racing game. In fact, its more than just a racing game. Picture this: Imagine you have a huge virtual city with miles of roads and terrain and every junction (120 of them all) has a challenge waiting to be conquered. From normal street racing to ‘marked man’ where you have to get from one point to another without totaling your car, to taking down opponents car and so forth. And with an arsenal of 75 different cars to choose from and unlock as you progress, its never a dull moment in Paradise City. Every aspect of the game is truly top notch. From the music, to the gameplay mechanics, physics and crash system, this game really pumps up your adrenaline.
Ive been playing only approximately 35 percent of the game, and basically covered most of the areas allowed in Paradise City. Ive got about 30 cars in my garage and lots more to collect. This should be enough to keep me motivated to play this game. Its unlikely that ill get a full 100 percent completion because there are so many elements in this game other than the ones ive mentioned. However the great thing about this game is how easy it is to just go in, play a race or two or just explore the city itself, finding shortcuts and stuff and still be satisfied that you actually have progressed through the game. Feeling stressed after a tiring day at work? Put your skills to the test through online multiplayer modes or just crash you car with other real players around the world for 30 minutes or so and you will feel much better after that. Its a living breathing world. Paradise city is varied, from numerous underpasses and highways, to winding roads along cliffs and multiple junctions. The fun never stops.
Posted in Uncategorized with tags Life on April 19, 2008 by mdjasrie
Its been 5 months since i started my Transport Supervisor Course. Ive made a personal promise to myself not to post anything regarding my NS life, since itll be part of my life for these 2 years. Its no point reliving stuff that i do not want to relive when its already part of me 24/7. But nonetheless like I said, its been 5 months. An incredible journey.
It started out toward the end of December when i was posted to a new training center to start my Transport Supervisor course. Thinking back, it had been quite fun. Ive hanged out with alot of my buddies in the course and you wont believe me how dynamic and varied they are. Coming from all walks of life, like for example, do you know ive got a friend who is an architect, has a wife and a kid and is of the same age as us all? Or how about this person who is a Harvard University Graduate, with a Masters degree? Dont let me start by telling there is someone in my course and had a role in that anti piracy ad you see before the movie starts in theaters, you know the one that started with “Hi, my name is Eric and I’m a filesharer”. Does that ring a bell? The ‘architect’ shares the same passion as me, the Playstation 3. We have started sharing our game collection and its great to share our experiences through the games we played. On the other hand, the Harvard graduate is a very good conversationalist especially when it comes to intellectual conversations. He doesnt boast about his intellect, but when you get to know how he managed to go in to Harvard, youll be in awe. Yet on the outside he looks perfectly normal. A shining example on why you shouldnt judge a book by its cover.
In my life, ive never encountered such interesting people, that sometimes when compared to myself, im just so ordinary. Its a little dissappointing being compared to others who have such fine qualities, be it intellect or charisma.
I’ve got plenty of opportunities to get to know most of them, but how i wish i can stay with them longer. 5 months may seem long, far longer than the time spent with my BMT mates. But still we went through alot together, and even when the time gets tough, i still had a laugh or two amongst ourselves. This might be the first time where im very comfortable with my chinese AND malay counterparts. Usually it would be difficult to me to associate with my malay friends but this time its an exception. They accepted me as who I am, of someone who is of mixed blood and I always like their interest in my personal background. Somehow they are really intrigued about my unique heritage and i dont mind having them poke a few harmless banter toward me regarding my race, whichever side it is…
I still have a month to go. Till then i hope to get to know them more.
