Afternoon guys, I was totally going to present this entry as a VLOG, but after trying a few times I oculdnt find a good angle to get everything in and I cant be bothered to tidy my desk, so I'm not doing.
The manly wii peripheral is going to have to wait, im afraid, I'll let you all ponder a little longer (its not that exciting anyway, just cool as shit), And I'm actually going out in preperation for tomorrow's ben and jerry's festival, where I will be recording parts of my day for this life in a day documentary, which is an awesome idea.
I think I picked the wrong time to come back to this blog, what with the enourmous annual video game drought. The other day I finally got round to picking up Ratchet and Clank: tools of destruction, which is pretty cool, as well as house of the dead overkill, which is okay. Im waiting for something else to blow me away, like for example, deus ex human revolution, which cannot come soon enough.
I apologise profusely for the dull as fuck nature of this post, I've had a weird day, I guess I'll update on the bus tomorrow (thank you national express), but until then, just another interim post, I'm afraid.
-Quiff
Friday, 23 July 2010
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
22/07/2010 - Netbooks, and Why they are awesome
If anyone's been reading lately, you will Have noticed that my current implement for entertaining you guys is my new netbook, specifically, it is a Medion Akoya E1222, and it is a thing of beauty. It's more powerful than my 2 and a half year laptop, (RIP) and is a very exciting bit of kit, just typing on the thing gives me a sense of excitement. For a start, it's tiny. It has a ten inch screen, which may sound like a downgrade, but goddamn, everything looks so clear and intense, and the brightness of the thing burns my eyes when it catches me off guard, it's like seeing the love of your life for the first time, or something equally awesome.
Now, the small size has the odd drawback, for example, the first few hours had me wrestling with the keyboard like nobody's but after playing with it for a few days, I'm now seeing how it all fits together, the battery of the machine sticks out the back directly down, at first I was very put off by this, but the raised effect it gives makes typing a veritable joy, as well as that the keys are nicely spaced, and feel squishy while still giving just the right amount of feedback. It's wonderful.
And hey, I don't immediately hate windows 7 as I (rightfully) did windows vista, in fact, I find it a much smoother OS for basic needs, although if the time ever comes that I start needing to do urgent maintenance, I will be moving straight back to Ubuntu.
So yes, netbooks are awesome, and I look forward to whipping it out on the bus to london this weekend for the ben and jerry's festival, which should be jolly good fun.
Tomorrows update will focus on most likely my recent shopping for video games on an extreme budget, as well as the universe's manliest, and possibly the universe's first ever wii peripheral which doesnt suck, and actually adds something to the games it's designed for. I totally bought a wii peripheral. For real. Get excited.
-Quiff
Now, the small size has the odd drawback, for example, the first few hours had me wrestling with the keyboard like nobody's but after playing with it for a few days, I'm now seeing how it all fits together, the battery of the machine sticks out the back directly down, at first I was very put off by this, but the raised effect it gives makes typing a veritable joy, as well as that the keys are nicely spaced, and feel squishy while still giving just the right amount of feedback. It's wonderful.
And hey, I don't immediately hate windows 7 as I (rightfully) did windows vista, in fact, I find it a much smoother OS for basic needs, although if the time ever comes that I start needing to do urgent maintenance, I will be moving straight back to Ubuntu.
So yes, netbooks are awesome, and I look forward to whipping it out on the bus to london this weekend for the ben and jerry's festival, which should be jolly good fun.
Tomorrows update will focus on most likely my recent shopping for video games on an extreme budget, as well as the universe's manliest, and possibly the universe's first ever wii peripheral which doesnt suck, and actually adds something to the games it's designed for. I totally bought a wii peripheral. For real. Get excited.
-Quiff
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Brief hiatus over
Hey guys, Im finally back.
I've been off blogger for around 3 months I think, I apologise for that, because in the world of tech, three months feels like 4 years. I appreciate and understand this, and I am sorry.
Anyway, I suppose I have a little explaining to do, As you all know, I spent a lot of my savings recently on a new car, as well as that I've just sorted out a new appartment, and finally moved in. Amongst all this mass spending, my old Acer laptop broke, and after selling my desktop a few months ago for extra cash, I had nothing to write on, and no money to buy anything new to play with or write about/on.
However, my financial and mental worries are now over, I'm settled in, my consoles are nicely set up, my car is on the driveway, I have a shiny new netbook (more on that later) and overall all I really have to worry about is getting myself a goddamn job. Video games and blogging is great, but lord knows I cant make money off it, which is a huge shame. However I'm currently putting out adverts and trying to go into business in computer repairs and maintenance, which is all jolly exciting.
Anyhow, Thank you for reading this interim post, I'm sure you'll agree it was terribly dull, but these things need to be written from time to time.
Bye for now
-Quiff.
I've been off blogger for around 3 months I think, I apologise for that, because in the world of tech, three months feels like 4 years. I appreciate and understand this, and I am sorry.
Anyway, I suppose I have a little explaining to do, As you all know, I spent a lot of my savings recently on a new car, as well as that I've just sorted out a new appartment, and finally moved in. Amongst all this mass spending, my old Acer laptop broke, and after selling my desktop a few months ago for extra cash, I had nothing to write on, and no money to buy anything new to play with or write about/on.
However, my financial and mental worries are now over, I'm settled in, my consoles are nicely set up, my car is on the driveway, I have a shiny new netbook (more on that later) and overall all I really have to worry about is getting myself a goddamn job. Video games and blogging is great, but lord knows I cant make money off it, which is a huge shame. However I'm currently putting out adverts and trying to go into business in computer repairs and maintenance, which is all jolly exciting.
Anyhow, Thank you for reading this interim post, I'm sure you'll agree it was terribly dull, but these things need to be written from time to time.
Bye for now
-Quiff.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
New Car
Hey guys, wanna see what I'm collecting next month?
One of these bad boys
For real. A 1981 Delorian DMC-12
All of my savings gone on a whim. Freaking worth it though, just test drove it today, nothing quite like it.
Fuck yeah.
Quiff
One of these bad boys
For real. A 1981 Delorian DMC-12
All of my savings gone on a whim. Freaking worth it though, just test drove it today, nothing quite like it.
Fuck yeah.
Quiff
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
10/02/2010 Dante's Inferno, independent comic book store
So, Just yesterday I purchased Dante's inferno for the PS3, simply because Silent Hill: shattered memories isn't out here till next month. I have to say, I'm wildly impressed. This game is turning me into a man. What starts out as a relatively easy God of War style action platformer quickly turns into a punishing brawler/combat game.
I've only really had a chance to play for 2 or 3 hours, so full review in the next couple of days.
While mincing through town today I came across an independent comic book and memrobelia store. This place is going to be a drain on my resources, I already bought a 9 poster, and have my eyes on the judge dredd anthology, as well as some very cool MGS4 action figures.
So I guess thats all for now.
Quiff.
I've only really had a chance to play for 2 or 3 hours, so full review in the next couple of days.
While mincing through town today I came across an independent comic book and memrobelia store. This place is going to be a drain on my resources, I already bought a 9 poster, and have my eyes on the judge dredd anthology, as well as some very cool MGS4 action figures.
So I guess thats all for now.
Quiff.
Monday, 8 February 2010
08/02/2010 Why I hate Japanese Animation
So,here I am again, trying desperately to entertain you with words.
I just got home from seeing an art theater screening of Spirited Away. Yes it was all magical and whimsical but a few things about it made me remember why I hate anime so much. And not just anime, but things derivitive of anime. Sure I could bash on for hours about how much I hate JRPGs, but I'm talking more from a cinematic point of view, and in that regard, japanese anime and video games share a number of downright annoying characteristics.
Lets start with the art style. Now, anime art style can be fantastic, its dynamic, its smooth, its emotive and its beautiful when used correctly. Wanna know what I hate? well, here's a fucking clue.
You see that shit? If at any point during that video you said anything along the lines of "KAWAI ^__^" then this article isnt for you. In fact, if you did anything except simply scratch your head in confusion, you won't listen to what I have to say anyway, so you might as well leave.
Anyway, did you notice how awful the animation was? Did you notice how it juddered when characters moved? did you notice how the lip-synching was lazy? Well, it seems your modern day weaboo doesn't care about the artistic side of anime, or the side where you can appreciate the sheer scale of the work that went into it. All they care about is one thing; That its cute. Not just cute, adorable, no wait, sickeningly adorable. So long as while these pocky eating retards watch this shit they can make faces like ^__^ and >__< to their 400 gaia online friends, they will eat it up, no questions asked. Sure its poorly animated and the backgrounds are shabbily painted, but who cares when its this Kawaii? uguu.
Next up is the writing. Now Spirited away in particular is a stunning example of this. It's simply Godawful. And don't try and mail me examples, and don't even try moaning at me, its awful. Try finding one person on earth who talks to themselves as much as an anime character. Trust me, you wont. Not outside of Arkham fucking asylum. Another thing that annoys me is prominently seen in anime and japanese video games, is how characters question fucking everything. Here's a prime example for you all.
Now really, REALLY, don't get me wrong. Metal gear solid is one of my favourite series, and metal gear solid 4 is one of my favourite games this generation. But did you notice how Snake questioned fucking everything? EVERYTHING Drebin says to him is quickly parroted by snake, once again. Nobody talks like that. (like that?)
Now I'm not saying ALL anime sucks. I just really hate this recent generation of anime where everything has to be cute, and nobody is willing to create anything truly original or special. Nothing is original, every anime is based on the same themes. There's no such thing as an anime taking itself seriously any more, and even if it does, it feels like a joke.
Now It's not a favourite movie of mine, but I miss the days of Akira, or hell, even the first ghost in the shell movie. They were adult without being pornography, and both had characters who were capable of doing more than falling over, getting into sticky situations and being adorable. The way anime is now? I'd rather be watching Shin Chan, hey. It's basically the same thing.
Well, Im heading into the world tomorrow to pick up a new video game, so more on that tomorrow I suppose. Other than that, thanks for listening.
Quiff
I just got home from seeing an art theater screening of Spirited Away. Yes it was all magical and whimsical but a few things about it made me remember why I hate anime so much. And not just anime, but things derivitive of anime. Sure I could bash on for hours about how much I hate JRPGs, but I'm talking more from a cinematic point of view, and in that regard, japanese anime and video games share a number of downright annoying characteristics.
Lets start with the art style. Now, anime art style can be fantastic, its dynamic, its smooth, its emotive and its beautiful when used correctly. Wanna know what I hate? well, here's a fucking clue.
You see that shit? If at any point during that video you said anything along the lines of "KAWAI ^__^" then this article isnt for you. In fact, if you did anything except simply scratch your head in confusion, you won't listen to what I have to say anyway, so you might as well leave.
Anyway, did you notice how awful the animation was? Did you notice how it juddered when characters moved? did you notice how the lip-synching was lazy? Well, it seems your modern day weaboo doesn't care about the artistic side of anime, or the side where you can appreciate the sheer scale of the work that went into it. All they care about is one thing; That its cute. Not just cute, adorable, no wait, sickeningly adorable. So long as while these pocky eating retards watch this shit they can make faces like ^__^ and >__< to their 400 gaia online friends, they will eat it up, no questions asked. Sure its poorly animated and the backgrounds are shabbily painted, but who cares when its this Kawaii? uguu.
Next up is the writing. Now Spirited away in particular is a stunning example of this. It's simply Godawful. And don't try and mail me examples, and don't even try moaning at me, its awful. Try finding one person on earth who talks to themselves as much as an anime character. Trust me, you wont. Not outside of Arkham fucking asylum. Another thing that annoys me is prominently seen in anime and japanese video games, is how characters question fucking everything. Here's a prime example for you all.
Now really, REALLY, don't get me wrong. Metal gear solid is one of my favourite series, and metal gear solid 4 is one of my favourite games this generation. But did you notice how Snake questioned fucking everything? EVERYTHING Drebin says to him is quickly parroted by snake, once again. Nobody talks like that. (like that?)
Now I'm not saying ALL anime sucks. I just really hate this recent generation of anime where everything has to be cute, and nobody is willing to create anything truly original or special. Nothing is original, every anime is based on the same themes. There's no such thing as an anime taking itself seriously any more, and even if it does, it feels like a joke.
Now It's not a favourite movie of mine, but I miss the days of Akira, or hell, even the first ghost in the shell movie. They were adult without being pornography, and both had characters who were capable of doing more than falling over, getting into sticky situations and being adorable. The way anime is now? I'd rather be watching Shin Chan, hey. It's basically the same thing.
Well, Im heading into the world tomorrow to pick up a new video game, so more on that tomorrow I suppose. Other than that, thanks for listening.
Quiff
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Yeah...
So I just finished Dark void. Don't buy it. I have never seen a more rushed ending in all my days. I really wish I knew what the fuck the developers were thinking.
By all means, rent it, play it through, its great fun. But when the ending comes running at the 9 hour mark like an impatient puppy, you'll be done.
Now I have to spend my good time trying to convince the girl at HMV to let me swap it for something different.
Readers, consider my anus well and truly pained.
By all means, rent it, play it through, its great fun. But when the ending comes running at the 9 hour mark like an impatient puppy, you'll be done.
Now I have to spend my good time trying to convince the girl at HMV to let me swap it for something different.
Readers, consider my anus well and truly pained.
05/02/2009 Dark Void, daily life
Good morning friends, today I'd like to take a moment of your time to talk to you about something that is in many ways bothering me, its a video game, as issues in my life often are.
I am talking about Capcom's Dark void
Its a fun game, by all means, don't get me wrong. There's just something that annoys me about it, and I'm about to try and place it.
When you first start playing (barring the throwaway tutorial mission)you are without a jetpack, and the game plays as nothing more than a watered down Gears of War, with watered down versions of Uncharted characters. It doesn't play badly, by any means, I just... sort of wished I was playing Uncharted.
I think a major flaw is how the first few hours present themselves, bearing in mind the opening of a game is supposed to be the hook to draw you in, it seems odd that they would throw an escort mission AND an item hunt mission at you so early on. Its just poor form, as far as I'm concerned, although Capcom is pretty famed for its escort missions *cough* dead rising *cough* resident evil 4.
The gameplay itself, once you're up in the air, is great fun, it all plays very fluidly, Will soars through the tiniest of gaps with great ease, and I have never yet had a problem with steering or any such. The vertical cover system is great fun to play around with, and for such an innovation, it is pulled off quite well.
Let me explain the Vertical cover system, for those who have not yet read up on this game. Basically, whenever you approach a wall, or a ledge, provided it has ledges or protusions all the way up or down it, you can hang on to the bottom or top of the ledge, and shoot enemies above or below you. You can move through this cover as you would on the ground, provided it's withing flying (or falling) distance. Sounds complicated? it really isn't. It's pretty hard to describe, so here's a handy screenshot.
Understand? Okay its not the best screenshot, but it pretty much shows what i'm trying to say.
The combat mechanics are nice. Played Gears of War? nothing new here. Nice, simple, stop 'n' pop. Groovy.
So, graphics. The game uses Unreal engine 3, so obviously, it looks nice. Not incredible, although some of the lighting and draw distance effects are likely to impress. I guess this is just a slightly outdated engine now, which seems a shame considering how impressive Gears of War and Bioshock looked at the time of release. The characters all look a little... odd. Like they've blurred the lines between reality and Titan A.E. I guess you have to see it to know what I'm talking about.
So overall Dark void is good. Not amazing, its a little too derivative for that, and the plot is average at best. The game lacks multiplayer, but for some of us, that's not a bad thing. It's a good work of alternate reality steampunkish fiction, which will please most, but a lot of things are sure to annoy, and missions can be frustrating.
So that's my review of Dark Void, hope you enjoyed it, I'll probably give an update once I've actually finished the thing. But them's my thoughts so far.
Other than that, I've had to sort out some nasty business at work recently, I wont say who I work for, but I will simply say; never trust a manager with a gut bigger than his brain.
I'm excited about this whole blog prospect, I hope I get a few of you guys interested.
Anyway, I'm out
Quiff
I am talking about Capcom's Dark void
Its a fun game, by all means, don't get me wrong. There's just something that annoys me about it, and I'm about to try and place it.
When you first start playing (barring the throwaway tutorial mission)you are without a jetpack, and the game plays as nothing more than a watered down Gears of War, with watered down versions of Uncharted characters. It doesn't play badly, by any means, I just... sort of wished I was playing Uncharted.
I think a major flaw is how the first few hours present themselves, bearing in mind the opening of a game is supposed to be the hook to draw you in, it seems odd that they would throw an escort mission AND an item hunt mission at you so early on. Its just poor form, as far as I'm concerned, although Capcom is pretty famed for its escort missions *cough* dead rising *cough* resident evil 4.
The gameplay itself, once you're up in the air, is great fun, it all plays very fluidly, Will soars through the tiniest of gaps with great ease, and I have never yet had a problem with steering or any such. The vertical cover system is great fun to play around with, and for such an innovation, it is pulled off quite well.
Let me explain the Vertical cover system, for those who have not yet read up on this game. Basically, whenever you approach a wall, or a ledge, provided it has ledges or protusions all the way up or down it, you can hang on to the bottom or top of the ledge, and shoot enemies above or below you. You can move through this cover as you would on the ground, provided it's withing flying (or falling) distance. Sounds complicated? it really isn't. It's pretty hard to describe, so here's a handy screenshot.
Understand? Okay its not the best screenshot, but it pretty much shows what i'm trying to say.
The combat mechanics are nice. Played Gears of War? nothing new here. Nice, simple, stop 'n' pop. Groovy.
So, graphics. The game uses Unreal engine 3, so obviously, it looks nice. Not incredible, although some of the lighting and draw distance effects are likely to impress. I guess this is just a slightly outdated engine now, which seems a shame considering how impressive Gears of War and Bioshock looked at the time of release. The characters all look a little... odd. Like they've blurred the lines between reality and Titan A.E. I guess you have to see it to know what I'm talking about.
So overall Dark void is good. Not amazing, its a little too derivative for that, and the plot is average at best. The game lacks multiplayer, but for some of us, that's not a bad thing. It's a good work of alternate reality steampunkish fiction, which will please most, but a lot of things are sure to annoy, and missions can be frustrating.
So that's my review of Dark Void, hope you enjoyed it, I'll probably give an update once I've actually finished the thing. But them's my thoughts so far.
Other than that, I've had to sort out some nasty business at work recently, I wont say who I work for, but I will simply say; never trust a manager with a gut bigger than his brain.
I'm excited about this whole blog prospect, I hope I get a few of you guys interested.
Anyway, I'm out
Quiff
Friday, 5 February 2010
First Entry
So, I'm new to this blogging thing, but I figured I had a lot of opinions to give, and I'm more than sure my friends are sick and tired of hearing them, plus I need something to entertain myself while my girlfriend showers for nine hours a day.
So first a little about myself, and my intentions for this blog. My name is Quiff. Not what my mother calls me, obviously, but its a name I am often called, and what the hell, I like it. I am located in the midlands of England, and have pretty much everything I need. I have been playing video games all my life, so a major and regular feature of this blog is likely to be video game reviews, since I'm one of those people who tends to buy games without reading reviews in the first place. Hell, I like forming my own opinions, and hopefully, forming yours.
A little about my gaming history; at the age of six I was well accustomed to visiting my uncle, and watching him play games like Wolfenstien, and doom. I was immediately hooked. My parents bought me a sega megadrive for my next birthday, and from that moment my life was a blur of sonic the hedgehog, comix zone, and mortal kombat.
Around 1997, I was bought a ps1 by my grandparents. For the next year and a half, I was hooked on Oddworld, heart of the darkness, and some other great (and a shitload of not so great) games.
The following summer, I discovered PC RPGs, like Fallout, baldurs gate, etc. To this day fallout remains my favourite video game series of all time, just dont ask about my conflicting, contradictory and all too confusing views on bethesdas third entry.
from then on I've made an effort to buy all the major consoles, I passed through the last generation with an xbox and a gamecube, and currently sitting under my TV are my homebrew-enabled Wii, My Xbox 360 and my PS3. I love them as my Children.
I'm also a movie buff, My favourite movies of all time? Back to the future. God damn those wonderful movies.
I tend to enjoy 80s action movies an awful lot. The terminator series is obviously a favourite, as well as Robocop, Escape from New York, Star wars etc. Pretty much bread and butter, but you're sure to hear my opinions on movies from time to time.
So yeah, thats pretty much me. Im going to make my first real update later, after I get some sleep, as I just spent the last few hours playing Dark Void which I bought yesterday.
Later.
Quiff
So first a little about myself, and my intentions for this blog. My name is Quiff. Not what my mother calls me, obviously, but its a name I am often called, and what the hell, I like it. I am located in the midlands of England, and have pretty much everything I need. I have been playing video games all my life, so a major and regular feature of this blog is likely to be video game reviews, since I'm one of those people who tends to buy games without reading reviews in the first place. Hell, I like forming my own opinions, and hopefully, forming yours.
A little about my gaming history; at the age of six I was well accustomed to visiting my uncle, and watching him play games like Wolfenstien, and doom. I was immediately hooked. My parents bought me a sega megadrive for my next birthday, and from that moment my life was a blur of sonic the hedgehog, comix zone, and mortal kombat.
Around 1997, I was bought a ps1 by my grandparents. For the next year and a half, I was hooked on Oddworld, heart of the darkness, and some other great (and a shitload of not so great) games.
The following summer, I discovered PC RPGs, like Fallout, baldurs gate, etc. To this day fallout remains my favourite video game series of all time, just dont ask about my conflicting, contradictory and all too confusing views on bethesdas third entry.
from then on I've made an effort to buy all the major consoles, I passed through the last generation with an xbox and a gamecube, and currently sitting under my TV are my homebrew-enabled Wii, My Xbox 360 and my PS3. I love them as my Children.
I'm also a movie buff, My favourite movies of all time? Back to the future. God damn those wonderful movies.
I tend to enjoy 80s action movies an awful lot. The terminator series is obviously a favourite, as well as Robocop, Escape from New York, Star wars etc. Pretty much bread and butter, but you're sure to hear my opinions on movies from time to time.
So yeah, thats pretty much me. Im going to make my first real update later, after I get some sleep, as I just spent the last few hours playing Dark Void which I bought yesterday.
Later.
Quiff
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