Category Archives: Reviews

Crysis 3

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A couple of weeks ago I took order of Crysis 3, the third instalment of the series. I have played the two previous titles, and this outing follows up nicely. You return to fight as Prophet who is on a quest to rediscover humanity (see my previous post).

As expected the graphics are pretty good, both in single player and multiplayer modes, there doesn’t seem to be any graphical glitches which is good. In single player mode game play is standard, it hasn’t taken me that long to get through the majority of the game, and I still have a few things left to do. However I don’t think the story is as long as Crysis 2 nor is it as in depth. I get the feeling now many games designers spend more time developing multiplayer games so that when it comes to single player, there seems to be something missing.

I have had a few goes on multiplayer although like a lot of other games the servers can be laggy and we always seem to be at a disadvantage to American players. The plus points to multiplayer mode is that it is multi-faceted, there are several new game play options including Hunter mode, where it is last man standing. Also during game play winning sees XP and weapon unlocks like other games, this I think is the general format for most multiplayer games anyway.

This is a great mid-season game, something which comes out in-between the big tittles, although to be fair Crysis is pretty big in its own right, however I find it makes a change from COD and Battlefield so if you’re getting a bit tired of those games you should check this out.
Still gotta wait for the Walking Dead game, but at least I have the TV show which is starting to crank up its pace.

Black Ops 2

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I am a creature of habit when it comes to video games; I tend to stick to the same series and generally jump to buy the latest versions. So again this year I have got the latest Call of Duty title. Out of all the games I have pre ordered this autumn, Black Ops 2 is the last one. Good really because this game takes the time and determination to play well.

You can tell the difference between those who practically play the game 24/7 and those who like to go on for a couple of hours for fun. Those who play mainly for fun tend to die quickly at the hands of those who play a lot of hours. They know every inch of the maps and where best to set up to snipe the lost lambs. I am somewhere in between, so although I am not easy pickings I still die fairly often, not as much as some of my mates though who I play online with.

This latest title does feature better graphics than previous outings, but not brilliant, however there is plenty of detail with the maps and equipment. I have been finding myself recently playing the offline version, just because unless my mates are online, getting a somewhat interesting game is impossible. I always seem to be stuck playing American kids who obviously must have more time to play and sit for players to become sitting ducks. No one really plays as a team basically it is all men for themselves, despite multiplayer being a team game.

The only good point about multiplayer is the new pick system. This time you are allowed to choose a selection of perks and weapons, so you do have more choice when out in the field. The choice does make it a bit easier I have to say, and I have also found it handy that you now have a points system rather than a kill system so you can collect points in missions without having to actually kill someone. It makes it easier especially for newbies.

I really do enjoy this game, despite some of my misgivings on multiplayer, but when my mates are online it is much better and the banter you have is funny, does actually beat a night at the pub and that’s saying something. If you are a fan I would give it a go, like many games in a range of titles, it’s better than previous versions, not perfect though, but when does that ever happen?

Halo 4

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I have the snuffles at the moment, the wife past it onto me so I thought the best course of action would be to wrap myself up in my duvet and settle down to play Halo 4 to feel better. I had a total of six hours on the game yesterday, my postie delivered it bang on 9am (nice) so after the wife prepared my breakfast I cracked on with it.

So to start, without spoiling anything thing for those not yet played, this latest instalment could have been another mediocre instalment like many other ‘story’ type games out there. However it’s not. Why you may ask? Well instead of just adding another chapter and making a tweak the developers have actually made marked improvements, to graphics plus they improved the online mode. They story is also great, it hasn’t been padded out with crap but follows well from the previous games and I think will go on for a long time to come.

It’s one first person shooter game that I can really get into, even in my cold induced state, the hours playing yesterday flew by. It is still a challenging game, can’t say I have mastered much, which is good, I need to improve, it’s one of those games where you really can’t jump in and be awesome. I would also say that although the makers stated you needn’t have played previous instalments, it could be quite challenging if you don’t know the game play. But you should persevere as its worth it, even for the technology/graphics alone.

I had a quick play of the online mode, however because my cold had slowed down my reactions, I thought it best to leave that for another day.

FIFA 13

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So I have now had this game for 7 whole days played it about five out of them so I think I have seen a lot of the good and bad to this latest FIFA offering. I do find myself wondering why every year I spend £40 at least on basically the same game. The only thing that changes is the players and strips and occasionally game play. Not much else changes really. These are the key features to the game:

Attacking Intelligence
Complete
FIFA 13 First Touch Control
Player Impact Engine
FIFA 13 Tactical Free
Skill Games
Career Mode
EA SPORTS Football Club
EA SPORTS Football Club Match Day
FIFA Ultimate Team
Seasons
Pro Clubs Seasons
Complete Authenticity
Voice Commands
On Pitch Commands
Referee Feedback

The main improvement I can see from the outset is that the graphics are better, compared to last year. Also the way the game plays is better, better continuity between players and it seems more realistic. There are still a few bugs with this game and playing online hasn’t been easy with busy servers and crashes. But that is to be expected with the first few weeks of a game coming out. Everyone wants to be online at the same time and well we have to wait for patches to come out.

I have felt that there have been some biased decisions by referees, but then again watch the Premier League games on a weekend and you see the same. Maybe EA wanted to make it as realistic as possible lol. After a while away from FIFA (six months at least) the skill games were handy to practice my moves before playing online meaning I can hone my skills quicker than before which is great when you have not played it for a while.

I feel that there is still more EA are holding back on us however like Apples philosophy why release your best technology at once, otherwise if it doesn’t get better with each yearly release people will stop buying it. The fact that FIFA games are becoming more realistic shows that they are moving forward.

The only negative I have is that when playing Ultimate Team, you can’t preview the star ranking of your opponent. I have faced some five stars when I’m only a two which has been difficult. And I still find some people leave games when they are losing which is annoying they should lose lots of points for doing that! It also is compatible with Kinect but as that involves putting it on the wife’s Kinect I won’t bother, wouldn’t get to play it then!

All in all though a great offering and glad I went for it!

F1 2012 Review

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So I spent the best part of yesterday playing F1 2012, luckily our postman is on the ball and delivered it at 9.30. Win!

Anyways the game seems on good form, they are pretty nifty with graphics these days, it looks exceptional. I was worried this version wouldn’t be better than last years, however I needn’t have, there have been some improvements and nothing has got worse!

The main thing I noticed is its does seem harder, it’s like you have to be better at it. Which I suppose makes sense; they won’t make it easier for fans. There is a number of challenging game modes, which break up some of the monotony of just track driving. Plus I find the realist weather conditions have been improved and you actually really need to change driving style during some games to counteract this which is so much more realistic. Plus you can really feel the handling which is quick and responsive and you can feel the cars, if you know what I mean.

I am a bit of a bugger for buying every version of a game yea in year out. FIFA seems to be feeling tiresome (will see next week what the game is like) and I thought maybe there isn’t much need for buying the 2012 version of the F1 franchise. But I do have to say it is worth it on game improvement alone. Plus everything else is more up to date. I don’t think there is much you can change about this game after all it does follow F1 and unless that massively changes the formula for this, the game won’t be much different.

It’s the game I stick to on a weekend, when the F1 is on or finished the missus thinks I’m mad, but then I am a huge fan!

As a side note, I am excited to watch the Singapore GP on Sunday and play the F1 game, think that’s my day sorted!

Review: Frontier Nimbus Premium 24 Program Magnetic Exercise Bike.

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So I have finished my fifth work out of the week on my new exercise bike and I’m a bit buggered! When I first got on the bike it felt study and really good quality, well worth the money. Took a little while to get around the computer and different programmes, but getting there with it now, you just need to have patience. The wife doesn’t bother with the programmes just hops on for thirty mins or so.

I have only undertake basic programmes so far, the first go I managed ten minutes before I was worn out. I am very unfit! However I have been building myself up this week and am already feeling some benefit and well some achy legs! I have to say it’s very quiet which is good because I can get up before the wife and get some exercise in without disturbing her. There are still quite a number of programmes for me to test out but I don’t fancy pushing myself too hard. Otherwise I will most likely give up.

I think we will have to wait a month or so before I see any physical results.

Ten best Android Apps

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So there are hundreds of lists out there, but I have decided to make my own of the ten best Android Apps that I like/use. Cause well my opinion counts!

This last year I only really got into using my apps, I got the Motorola Razr at Christmas but I don’t really like it anymore. However I do use many apps on it. I think the reason I don’t like it anymore is that it feels dated already and well Nokia announced a new Windows phone and plus there is a new Apple iPhone due out which just gets me excited for new technology!

Anyway going off point a bit here, these are my top ten apps:

10. Sky News, BBC News – These are together because I use both regularly. Both are quick and easy to use and not too many bugs.

 

9. Instagram, Flickr – I’ve put these together because they are picture/photo apps. Instagram is great for fun photos and Flickr for serious ones. Both are easy to use and great to follow family and friends.

8. Spotify – After a, to do with my iPod I now use Spotify. I have a premium account which means I can stream music advert free though my handset when online and I have downloaded playlists for offline.

 

7. Sky+- Great when I’m in the pub and have forgotten to record something or I’m coming home later than I thought and may miss something.

 

6. WordPress - I use the app to access this blog, which is really easy and it means I can easily update, write and alter my posts. Plus check what comments all my fans are leaving!

 

5. Cloud WiFi – Because I have Sky I can get their free WiFi and use this app to locate ‘hotspots’ need 3G first though so you can find said ‘hotpots’.

 

4. Pingit – Barclays little gem of an app, can easily check balance and transfer small amounts of money to friends through your phone book.You can also get their online banking app as well but I don’t use that often as I use my computer for online banking more.

 

3. Tripadvisor – Use for a reference when out and about especially places I haven’t been before.
2. Amazon – Just because I can’t always be arsed to switch on my computer to buy something. Like when I’m in bed and think of something.

1. Sky Sports Football, London 2012 – Both together because sports orientated, London 2012 is only while the Olympics/Paralympics are on. I like a quick way to keep track of footie scores whilst out and about or at home when on Xbox!

If you look at my wife’s apps, most of them are to do with shopping, and silly girlie stuff! I do have quite a few more apps but these are the ones I use weekly and some daily. (I haven’t included social media because those apps are a given). I do wish though I could get Sky Go on my handset but it’s not out on Motorola devices, adding to why I am going off this phone!

Olympics Fever Still Going Strong

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So, on a whim on Monday I decided to by the Olympics game for the Xbox. Bought through amazon it came yesterday through the post and for once the postie was on the ball delivering before lunch. Its Kinect compatible so I loaded it onto the wife’s console because she has Kinect on for it and there is more room in the living room than my man cave!

There aren’t that many sports which require the Kinect and the wife just can’t seem to fathom a controller, so she did the Kinect games and I did the controller ones. There are 45 events, like the Olympics and you can play in a variety of game modes. There is quite a lot to keep you occupied and it’s great that the wife and I can play together. Most of last night we played it, it’s great cause there is not much on TV at the moment and it means we aren’t doing separate things on a night.

I like the graphics; I think they are pretty good considering how much detail is needed to make it look realistic. Some of the controls however are a bit inconsistent and that’s coming from me a seasoned computer game player. The problem I find is that games have really come along in the past couple of years especially with the development of the Kinect and you would think the integration would be better and even the game play. They have known about the London Olympics for seven years and it’s been four years since Beijing I would have thought they would have developed a flawless game.

I’m not sure how long after the Paralympics are over that we will play this game; maybe if we want to do something together when the weather is a bit naff! We do have my brother coming in a couple of weeks so will probably get the game out then for the party mode. He is bring his partner who he met through Parship Dating, he really is fitting into our family quite well now as it’s the third of fourth time we have all met up.

Productive week

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So far I have had a really productive week, I FINALLY managed to have a BBQ this weekend, Sunday was a fantastic day for us and I even had another one last night too with our left over burgers. It’s a good job the wife got the burger a while ago and froze them because there was not much left in the supermarket when I went on Sunday to get some beers.

It’s actually the first time I used my Webber BBQ and it was so easy to use. Big enough for me and the wife and my brother in law luckily the missus is on a summer diet so didn’t have much to eat. It cooked everything perfectly and was really easy to clean as well. It was really nice to be able to sit out, enjoy our new patio furniture, decking and of course garden room.

We also went to the cinema on Monday night to see the Dark Night Rises. After the events over the weekend in the US there was a noted air of sadness in the cinema but it didn’t ruin the film. Again I found this film visually appealing, dark and moody but still full of detail and shot really well. Although Batman is the main character this time like the last movie really the villain takes centre stage. Heath Ledgers appearance in the last film was notable as one of the finest and this time Tom Hardy seems to have followed suit. Well the missus defiantly thought so but that was more down to his hulking, muscly body which had her salivating.

Bane or the wifes eye candy!

Bane or the wifes eye candy!

The film starts of slowly, with things from the last month being tied up and explaining Batman’s and his alter ego Bruce Wayne state of mind and his place in the world since he got rid of the Joker. While all that is going on we start to see Bane (played by Tom Hardy) recruiting soldiers for his army underground readying for an attack. I won’t go on too much more because you really need to see the film, I think I will be waiting for the DVD to be released and get a Blu-ray box set of all three to enjoy.

Time for a handset upgrade

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My two year phone contract is coming to an end soon, so I thought it was time I checked out what handsets are out there and what contract deals are available. My current phone is the HTC Hero and I have found it to be a reliable, good, solid phone which has served my needs well. So the question is do I stick with HTC or try another manufacturer???

Yesterday I read a Motorola Razr review, which perked my interest. Back in the day I had the original Motorola Razr and loved that little flip up handset with its sleek and stylish looks so I was quite interested to see what its modern day rehash is like. Motorola have still kept the sleek, slim style that made the original popular but it now also looks like a modern smart phone. It has a large 4.3-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen which is made out of Gorilla Glass. Its comes with similar specifications to most new handset and nothing that really stands out other than a few similarities to the iPhone such as the need for a micro Sim and a non-removable battery however that’s probably the only way they can get it so thin.

I think this handset is defiantly on my list however more mobile phone reviews need to be studied first and that’s before I go into (gasp) a shop to test drive them before I scour the internet for the best deals!! There really is a lot of work involved in getting a new mobile phone, good job contracts are around two years now, I couldn’t be bothered to do this every year!!

The new Motorola Razr with a modern sleek design

The new Motorola Razr with a modern sleek design