Aliens Vs Predator

Many might watched the movies. But only a few knew that the title was actually originated from the game. AvP games (AvP1 and AvP2 and expansions) are FPSs which are crowned as the most scary FPS of all time. Especially when you are playing the marines fighting for your survival against the aliens or predators.

Now comes the good news. AvP will get a total remake and coming out some time next year. Now with today's PC technology and graphics! Enjoy the 2009 E3 AvP trailer!

Modern Warfare 2!!!

Modern Warfare 2 is coming this year! COD4 fans around the globe are surely as excited as I am right now! Can't wait! Good games are rare and 2009 is pretty much a boring year. Come on Infinity Wards! Do not disappoint!

FPS Games Sharpen Vision

Now...who said gaming is all bad? Recent research found out that gaming actually improves what they called, our eyes' contrast sensitivity. Quoted from the technical website, it is the ability to notice tiny changes in shades of grey against a uniform background, which degrades with age.

Crysis: Warhead

However, the only games that bring improvements are fast action games like first person shooters (FPSs) or the like. Not real time strategy (RTS), not role playing games (RPG)!

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

FPS games rely on your hand-eye coordination and ultra-fast reflexes to mow down enemies. This type of games usually involve rapid changing graphics and environments which our eyes have to adapt. Games to try would be Call of Duty 4, TF2, Crysis, Unreal Tournament, Quake IV, Left 4 Dead, Gears of War (not that rapid tho, its built for console noobs) and not forgetting Counter Strike series (Source preferred, personally).

Team Fortress 2

Man, those are my favorite games. FPS freak! Now I know why there's people getting slower (response) towards graphical changes around them. This could be the cause. Your sensitivity has degraded! LMAO. Fear not, there's cure! Play more FPS games will not only boost your hand-eye coordination, your reflexes and now, also your eyesight! That's another +1 benefit of FPS gaming.

Game on!

Quote:

... "What we found is that even without this correction you can help your brain make better use of whatever information is received from your retina,” she said.

For the study, Bavelier and three colleagues conducted two sets of experiments. In the first, they compared the contrast sensitivity of hard-core action game players with video game aficionados of the same age who preferred less rapid-fire fare.

In action games, players typically target and shoot figures that pop up suddenly on a computer screen.

The researchers found that the action buffs were 50 percent more efficient at detecting contrast.

But there remained a chicken-or-egg question: had their vision been improved by playing, or did they become action game players because they had better than average contrast sensitivity to start with?

To find out, Bavelier asked two groups of non-action video game players to undergo 50 hours of training. One played a popular point-and-shoot game called Call of Duty, and the other played a game that offered a rich visual experience, but one bereft of action.

”We found that the people in the first group improved by 43 percent, and the other group not at all,” she said.

More info can be found here: link



-ps: Pictures posted are mine without watermarks. Lazzz...hey, I need to keep up with my eyesight trainings!

Off the $treets...

With mah cash runnin' low these days, heavy cost savings are on. Thanks to the worst crisis of the century...thank you idiots for spending too much "future" money! Fags.

Cost saving plans you asked? Get my feet off the streets! Camp inside, and cut down unnecessary expenses. Heck, these critical moments made you think twice bout what'ya gonna spend the cold hard cash on. Plus how ridiculously underpaid we are in this freakin' industry. WTF...M@#$%s...

Anyways, I've these to keep myself busy for now. At least these could restore some portion of my happiness. Just like morale boost of some sort. Highly recommended when you have nothing better to do!

GTA IV let's you do all sorts of crimes, dirty works on the streets, where you play as Niko and work your ass up to pursue the American Dream in Liberty City. Be warned tho, this PC version is full of damn bugs, memory leak problems and you'll need the freakin' XP service pack 3 to run it. There's a hack without needing SP3 but I have not tested it out. Might revert to SP2 after completing the game. Damn Rockstar, this is a bad port ya rude boyz! seen! Gonna stick a gun up their arses.

Burnout Paradise is arcadish racing game. The damage effect is beautiful. Race online and take down others. Fun stuff. Very smooth and high quality graphics. To my surprise, it doesn't even need a killing machine to run. Cool. Fun + Cool means you must play this.

Dawn of War II, a stunning RTS with a different approach. Haven't been playing this much as the previous two occupies most of my time. This game focus more on strategically placing your units without the need of building structures like the typical RTSs.

Welp, when I'm not busy gamin' I might update the page again. It's time to jet.
Till then. Ciao.

Game Violence

When talking about video game violence, people often thought of the poor GTA (Grand Theft Auto) series. Thanks to the publicity of news and Jack *ass* Thompson that blamed bout kids learned to kill cops after playing this game. Those are bullshit. GTA series are too tame! It is the game for kids.

They ain't see nothing yet. The real art of violence does not involve guns or any sorts of firearms. It evolves from things which are already around you. I introduce you, Manhunt. Though I've finished the game decades ago, it is still the most gruesome game to date.

Now, enjoy...the art of violence. It would be fucking awesome to see this in action anywhere near you.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.



Where can I find a chainsaw? hmm...

Game of the Year 2007

Hooah! Happy new year!!! Welcome 2008 and farewell 2007.

2007 was a year of FPS bliss. We have a bunch of blockbuster titles: Team Fortress 2, Half Life 2: Episode 2, Portal, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Crysis, Bioshock, etc. Among these titles, the 2 that clashed head to head are Crysis and Call of Duty 4 (COD4). As from my earlier review of COD4 demo, it is clear that in terms of gameplay, replayability, multiplayer community; COD4 has, no doubt, won my vote for Best Game of the Year (GoTY) 2007. It was in fact awarded GoTY07 by numerous gaming sites like Gamespot and Gamespy, to name a few.

My most favourite gun, the P90 with Red Tiger camourflage (150 Headshots to unlock RT camo)
High RoF (rate of fire), high damage, low recoil. I'm a freakin' frag machine!

Crysis on the other hand, was just another graphical showcase. Make no mistake, Crysis's graphics are jaw dropping and amazingly beautiful. The trees, the foliage, water effects, etc are the most realistic eye candies in games to date. The catch: You will need a Quad core and triple SLI 8800 Ultra to run those barely smoothly in highest settings nonetheless. It is sad to say that with superior graphics (if you could get it to run smooth), the game was not backed up by good AI and realistic physic engine. In short, the AI is dumb even in hard mode, and the physic is fake.

Crash map. Left: P90 zoomed with red dot sight. Right: The golden Desert Eagle.

Okay, back to COD4. The single player is quite linear and consists of around 6-7 hours of game length. However, the gem of this game lies in its Multiplayer mode. It is by far the best online FPS I've played, successfully replaced my all time favourite, Counter Strike: Source. Be warned, it is addictive!

You won't notice a sniper in this thick foliage.

There are over 20 plus weapons to choose from an arsenal ranging from sub machine guns, assault rifles, shot guns, light machine guns to sniper rifles. Not forgetting some handguns like the M9, M1911, USP and Desert Eagle. The gameplay mode might look simple from the papers which consist of team deathmatch, free for all, domination, sabotage, etc. With a little twist by introducing a nice ranking system, where players could gain experience and level up to max of level 55 by killing enemies, completing objectives to unlock new weapons, weapon mods and perks along the way. Perks are abilities or powerups that add bonuses to your gameplay, example the Martyrdom perk enables the player who are shot dead, to drop a live grenade, killing whoever nearby. Sometimes the killer himself. A good revenge method. Or the Bandolier perk which gives you more ammunition for your spray and pray shooting habit.

Weapons & perks selection and customization.

The weapon mods once unlocked after completing certain challenges, allowing the players to customize/add attachments to their weapons. Eg., nade launcher for one shot kills, the red dot sight which increases accuracy, add a silencer that makes you a stealthy killer and the ACOG scope for long range shooting. There are also Headshot challenges for you complete in order to unlock weapon camourflage skins. Too bad the highest level you can max out is level 55. I wished more, and more weapons to unlock, but now, I play for fun and trying some other weapon challenges.

Finding a nice sniping spot with sniper's ghillie suit.

Prone and blend into the wilderness. Hunting for tangoes.

The multiplayer gameplay requires good team work if you are in hardcore mode. Whereby a single bullet from any guns in hardcore kills. And there's no radar, friendly fire on, no grenade indicator and no ammo counts on your screen. Nade spammers will find themselves frequently killing allied team mates. While in TDM (team deathmatch) with hardcore mode off, you could just run and gun all the way. I find this is the most effective method to gain kills and complete challenges for the weapons. Of course, if the team works properly, it would be even better. It is just that team work element isn't emphasized in TDM and FFA (free for all) compared to other modes which are objective based.

Bragging rights: Level 55 Max makes you a Commander.

The scoreboard: My random frag results.

GAMENiAC's Verdict:

Gameplay:
MP mode is addictive. When you are leveling up, you can't stop playing. Keep telling yourself, just one more kills and I'll get that scope! The game settings are top notch where you really feel like you are in the middle of the battlefield with AA guns and scattered gunshots in the background, enemies' grenades everywhere. You have to keep your eyes peeled every moment in the game. It is the most intensive shooters I've ever played. Once you've reached certain kill streaks, you get the ability to call in UAV scanner (no more hide & seek, you sneaky bast*rds), Air Strike and Attack Helichopter to help boost your kills further. This is indeed, a nice touch.

Graphics:
Even though it is not the best jaw dropping graphics as seen in Crysis, it isn't bad either. With every settings maxed out, the environment, gun models, dynamic lightning, effects, etc are still very convincing. The snipers' ghillie suit made them really hard to spot in "grassy" maps. Which is just as realistic in real life. I personally loved the guns' light reflections. With all these features, you don't even need a RM2K graphics card to run it smoothly. The requirements for this game is very modest for today's standard.

Sound FX:
The sound effects in the game are superb. I've yet to test the surround mode, but it has already performed very well in 2.1 systems. Constant bullets whirled by your ears, foot steps, explosions, background SFX, are of very high quality sound effects found in the game. The sound positioning is accurate and I'm able to tell where the enemies' nades have landed. I'm gonna get myself a 5.1 surround just to "hear" this game alone!

Lasting Appeal:
Is this game gonna last? With enough fast, low ping singapore servers and competitive players, I would say this game is gonna last for at least 2-3 years to come. Until Infinity Wards comes out with new COD series, the current game experience could keep most of us occupied for a long time. I just hope that IW will include more unlockables, maps and weapons in the next patch to add in more variety of gameplay styles.

Wish List:
More weapons, mods, maps and perks. Remove the huge friendly indicator icon on top of team mate's head for further realism.

Get Original. COD4 deserves it.

Last but not least,

... Marines! Pick up your puny mouse guns and hop into any servers to join the addictive fun right now! Semper Fi! Hooah!

Portal Ending

Finally, finished portal. An evolutionary puzzle solving game powered by Valve's Source engine. The only non shooting game that I liked, well technically, not shooting bullets. The only device to use in the game is the portal gun. You get to open portals by creating either blue or orange portal (entrance or exit) respectively. The cleverly designed maps full of obstacles, require fast thinkings and some puzzle solving skills (yeah, time to use some brains, at last).

However, the main point today isn't about reviewing the game. The game itself is very short and story is for you to discover. The highlight, is the game's ending. It is known as one of the best ending credits in gaming history. The ending song reveals a bit about the portal history and something related to Half Life 2 universe. I wouldn't be suprised to see the portal gun in Half Life 3. Ha!

Anyways, here's the video clip from youtube. The wordings are a little blur and small. But it doesn't hurt that much. Enjoy. (remember to pause the jukebox first).

This one the sound quality a bit off. But you could see the lyrics better.

Team Fortress 2 Review

I am a stone, I do not move. I put snow in my mouth so he won't see my breath. I take my time, I let him come closer. I have only twenty-five one bullet, I aim at his nuts head; very gently my finger presses on the trigger. I have no fear, I'm a big boy now... (*cough* Enemy at the Gates *cough*).

...*BAM!* I got his head! One more point for my achievements. The Sniper is one of my favourite among the nine classes. In TF2, the war between Reds and Blues, there are 3 groups: Offensive, Defensive and support, with 3 classes in each which made up a total of 9 classes. Below might give you a clearer picture of the classes and categories.

Offensive: Scout, Soldier & Pyro

Defensive: Engineer, Heavy & Demoman

Support: Medic, Sniper & Spy

*Classes images taken from IGN

Each of the classes is unique. They are very balanced in such a way that no single class is superior over another. Scout is the fastest moving unit in the game. Where he is mostly used in maps with points capturing. He can also double jump and even change direction mid air to avoid enemy fire. To compensate for the speed, the scout also has weakest defence a.k.a. die easily if you're not careful.

Pyro taunt with a hadouken fire.

The Soldier otherwise, is an all-rounder type of unit. Armed with RPG (rocket propelled grenade), the powerful rockets could send enemies flying sky high (and soldiers themselves too, could use rocket jump techniques to access to higher, more strategic areas). Pyro is the master of fire. Any enemies (except Heavies with higher HP) caught within the pyro's flame throwing range would most likely be dead. Even if the direct damage didn't hurt them and escaped, the burning effect would get the job done. Unless the enemy gets a medipack, get healed or jumped into water. It is suggested that when the enemies flee with flames on, it is best to finish them with a couple of blasts from pyro's secondary weapon, the shotgun. Pyro is good for detecting spies too, by toasting them. Fresh.

Poor soul got burned yelling for medic before his death.

Me as the Pyro was so happy to have a Heavy BBQ-ed.

The engineers could build ammo and health dispensers to assist allies during the battle. Engineers could also construct sentry and have it upgraded to deal more damage. It is good to catch unwary opponents around the corner, or best used for defending important key areas. Heavy is armed with a massive gattling gun which shoots hundreds of bullets and turn enemies into a beehive (a.k.a. full of holes). Demoman is best used for dealing damage around corners with their grenade launchers. Their secondary weapon, the sticky bomb is good for setting up boobytraps.

Flames of fury from a Pyro.

Medic is vital in the game. His job is to heal the team mates and enable them to fight longer on the battlefield. A team without medics will not get very far to be crushed. The sniper on the other hand, is the expert in long range shooting. Usually one shot kills especially in the head. The problem is that he has to keep the scoped view to charge the power to 100% for maximum damage. This shortcoming opens opportunity for spies to sneak behind and give snipers a good backstab. Spy is the master of disguise, and can disguise as any enemy units. The cloaking ability is nice for tight escape after a sweet backstab or used to sneak pass heavily guarded enemy territory.

Sniper and the rifle.

Scoped view. Need to have the power bar charged 100% for maximum impact.

Whew! So much for the classes! The game is powered by Source engine with a comical twist. It feels like watching a cartoon, and the experience is humorous. It will make you laugh with funny animations or voices. This is "not-that-serious" type of game, which could cater for both hardcore and casual gamers.

Six maps are included in the release. Ranging from capture-the-flag, control points and territorial control. In order to win the game, team work is the fundamental element. Unit strategies must be applied on varying map conditions. Mixture of classes is a very good start. The best part of the game is that, you could taunt your enemies with funny animations. It some sort gives you the satisfaction by owning your opponents.

Taunt from a soldier. You know what it means when it's showed to you.

This game is definitely worth every cent you pay. Priced RM175 in the local retail stores, it is considered cheap as it comes with five games in one package named The Orange Box. The "box" consists of, Half Life 2: Episode 2, Episode 1, Half Life 2, Portal and of course TF2 itself. What's more, a nice Orange Box gaming mouse mat and Team Fortress 2 poster are also included! This game is a lot of fun and addictive. Till then, hope to see you in the game!

Call of Duty 4 Demo hands on

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Demo impressions: it is as intense as previous CODs (COD2 gets a lil boring tho) and we have blood splashes when hitting the head and other un-armored body parts. A nice touch! Just too bad no blood spills.

Nice weapon models and environment settings

The game weapons, have very light recoils, especially the sniper rifle, dragunov. This made the otherwise high sense of realism FPS into some run and gun. Guess noobs will be spamming sniper rifles on multiplayer mode. Holding down the breath (shift key) made the aiming even more accurate. If they just improve or increase the recoil in the game in aiming mode...just a lil bit more, this game would not be far from perfect.

Tons of smokes and exploded chopper (left) & aiming down the hip of the rifle (right)

Wearing the NV goggles is one of the damn cool moves. I put it on and off a couple of times just to see the animation. There's also a melee attack: stabbing your enemy with a combat knife. Even though there's only one type of move (wish they implement some more, upper slash and something like that...) it is kinda cool that the whole screen shakes as if you swing your body hard enough, trying to cut through that S.O.B..

NVG (Night Vision Goggle) in action

The knife melee move (left) and shooting in the corridor (right)

With the modest system requirement to run this game, I believe people with last 1~2 years computer should have no problem with it. Here's the system requirements for the demo.

Recommended Specs:
CPU: 2.4 GHz dual core or better is recommended RAM: 1GB for XP; 2GB for Vista is recommended Harddrive: 8GB of free hard drive space Video card: 3.0 Shader Support recommended. Nvidia Geforce 7800 or better or ATI Radeon X1800 or better

Minimum Specs:
CPU: Intel® Pentium® 4 2.4 GHz or AMD® Athlon™ 64 2800+ processor or any 1.8Ghz Dual Core Processor or better supported RAM: 512MB RAM (768MB for Windows Vista) Harddrive: 8GB of free hard drive space Video card (generic): NVIDIA® Geforce™ 6600 or better or ATI® Radeon® 9800Pro or better

However, I wouldn't recommend running this game in minimum settings as it would kill off the nice eye candies. If you have less than the min specs, it is time to upgrade.

Neck shot and nice blood splash

Playing with max settings 1680x1050 resolution with my gaming rig shown in the signature (at the bottom of the page), the game performance was smooth as butter. Seeing the COD2 outdated smokes, even in full details. It seems Infinity Wards (the game developer) is using the heavily modified COD2 engine in this installment.

Got the Dragunov and aiming for a headshot

This game lives up to its hype and expectations so far. Can't wait for the full version.
COD4 will be released in early November this year. Keep your eyes peeled!