Why Sony PS2?

In 2006, the PlayStation 2 passed the first PlayStation as the best-selling console game system of all time with more than 106 million units shipped worldwide. This is more than four times what the Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube were able to ship. Simultaneously, DVD became firmly established as the home-movie format of choice and going online became a mainstream activity.

So why did the PS2 succeed? What mattered to consumers was that it provided incredible entertainment value for the entire family. While Nintendo focused on its big-name, kid-friendly franchises and the Xbox resonated with the PC-centric acne crowd that love their games violent and bloody, the PS2 had something for everyone. Sports, action, racing, kids' products, karaoke, the EyeToy camera, and, yes, virtual bloodshed—all could be found on the PS2. This was the game system for the masses, which, in its prime years, sold in the very consumer-friendly $200 (RM800) price range.

The challenge Sony faces is that the competition is not sitting still. The goal for Sony is to keep the PlayStation 2 base happy and content for the next several years as they gradually migrate to the PlayStation 3. Microsoft (MSFT) and Nintendo (NTDOY) would like to speed up that migration pattern, not to the PS3 but to the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.

The key to selling game consoles is good games. The Xbox 360 has built a solid library of software in its first year. With the Wii, Nintendo has almost nowhere to go but up and the system may have potential to appeal to not only the loyal Nintendo base, but also to a more casual adult audience. Meanwhile, developers are just now learning the complexities of writing code to the PS3's Cell processor and its eight SPE processors.

by David Cole in Business Week

I have been playing computer games since 1986 and has developed quite a good idea on how to find games that I like and played for a long time.I started with PC games since consoles were expensive back then.I started with PSOne in 1990 and have developed quite a good 'know how' on what games are good for my interest.

Basically, I play strategy base games on a PC and action based games on a console.

How to look for good games?

1. Read game reviews
- Game reviews give a general idea of the games I like. I usually go to excellent game sites such as IGN (www.ign.com) and read reviews.The article will give a good general idea of the game and if it sounds good to me, I will buy them.The gamesites has video snippets of the games and I can see if the gameplay is fun to me.The game reviews gives a rating to each games and anything above 8 out of 10 in a given sub-genres is good.

2. Game specification.
- This is not difficult for console games but it can get tricky with PC games.You see, PC games are very reliant on the specs of your PC.I have basic AGP and RAM powered PC so I usually stick to classic games such as RTS, Strategy or simulation games.It can be quite frustrating when you have bought a PC game and it failed to install, load or faulty when you are about to get into the game.Nowadays, I stick to console games to past my time.However, console games nowadays comes in various coloured DVDs. My old PS2 machine cannot read the purple coloured ones so I have to stick to gold coloured DVD games.

3. Relevant games.
- I play games that I have a fair idea about. For example, I like submarines and so I play Silent Hunter. Or I like golf so I play Tiger Woods Golf etc.I don't like beating people so I find playing games like BEAT DOWN a total waste of time.Maybe BEAT DOWN is an alternative universe for some of those who wants to whack people but it is not for me.Some of the games resembles real life and it can be an educational tool. For example, I played a game of Brian Lara's Cricket before a friendly game of real cricket the next day.It updated me with the rules so I don't look like a fool and seems to be knowledgable in it.Cool trick, eh?

I guess those are the basic tips. I hope you will be able to enjoy gaming for a long time.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004

I love flying and I really love the chance to fly an airplane (virtually though).

I managed to acquire Microsoft latest Flight Sim.(Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight. )

(Image copyright belongs to Microsoft)

This DVD-ROM is great and I enjoy the realistic graphics it offers. The sim has a standard features of planes but I usually download extra planes from Suclaro Website . The other websites for Flight sims are in this link (http://www.worldwidetopsites.com/sites/flightsim.html)

Platform: Windows 2000 / XP / Me / 98

Key New Features
- Dynamic weather system based on realistic atmospheric physics, with true three-dimensional clouds that form and dissipate, and automatic real-world weather updates when you're connected to the Internet.
- Weather “themes” that generate a wide variety of stunning—and challenging—flying conditions with just a few clicks of a mouse
- Enhanced interactive air traffic control (ATC), including traffic at all airports around the world (including non-towered airports), altitude changes en route, pop-up IFR clearances, and precision and non-precision approaches to multiple runways
- Interactive 3D “virtual” cockpits—tune radios and operate key aircraft controls and avionics by pointing and clicking in the virtual cockpit view.
- Scenery improvements, including taxiway and runway signs, enhanced auto-gen 3D objects, more high-detail airports, and improved lighting and sky effects
- Garmin 500 and 295 series GPS with color moving maps and airport/facility information
- Improved full-color map view with terrain display
- Improved support for 3D graphics hardware acceleration in multiple windows and across multiple monitors
- Learning Center--a “Web site on the disc” available while the simulation is running that includes a Key Topics visual guide to the features in Microsoft Flight Simulator, direct links to flights and lessons, flight briefings, how-to procedures, aircraft handbooks, and more.
- New and expanded lessons and ground school topics
- Kiosk mode for unattended demonstrations

System Requirements
Windows PC
2000/XP – 128 MB Ram
98/Me – 64 MB Ram
Processor:450 MHz minimum
Available hard drive space:1.8 GB
DirectX 9 or later (included with Microsoft Flight Simulator: A Century of Flight)
Video card: 8 MB/3D with DirectX 7.0 or later drivers
Other: mouse, joystick/yoke, sound card, speakers/headphones
Online/multiplayer: 56.6 kbps modem or LAN

Until then, happy flying !!

Image copyright belongs to KONAMI.

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 5 (PES5)

I am currently playing this game now. It was introduced to me by Paul, the PS2 guy in Labuan. I was telling him about how I enjoyed Winning Eleven (W-11) v.9 when he told me PES5 is the English/US version of it. I got PES5 for my PS2 and did not stopped playing it. The PES5 official website is good.

The gameplay is great and realistic. It is played by many real-life players, including Thierry Henry and John Terry who appear on the cover. The cool thing is that I can create a player who looks like me when I have enough PES points. Brilliant.

I prefer PES5 than W-11. Mostly because I understand the menus and instructions.However, the W-11 has better gameplay. It is damn addictive and will keep on at it until the World Cup 2006 in Germany is over.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

I am currently playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted on my PS2. Started Xmas last year and made my way up until rank #6 on the Blacklist at the time of this blog. The game is unique in a sense that you need to perform and win races, collect bounty and chase by the police. The police is soft if the car has a Level 1 Heat. More police are going to get the car if the heat increases.

I like the gameplay because the speed is fast and furious. Total concentration. I should be able to be #1 and beat Razor in no time. I did not use a Steering wheel. Feel very comfortable on the PS2 gamepad. So far I have all the cars of the Blacklist drivers. You see, when you beat a blacklist guy, you have a chance to take his pinkslip if you guess the correct marker.

Until then, i got a need for Speed.