GOD OF WAR (Playstation 2)

I like to note here that I have finished another game last week on Playstation 2.

The game was 'God Of War'. (http://www.godofwargame.com/) It is an action adventure RPG game with beautiful graphics but with a lot of gore, blood and violence. Definitely not for the kids.

However, it was voted the Best Action Game in 2005 by www.ign.com.

The game tells a story of Kratos, a Spartan Army Commander who fought for Sparta.He is very influential commander who can ask his armies to kill without mercy any enemies of sparta.

All was good until his army met the barbarians who were too many for the Spartan Army to handle.Out of desperation, Kratos begs Ares, the God of War to help save his life. In exchange, he will be a royal servant of God Ares.

So, Ares helped him defeat the barbarians and made him wore the Chain of Chaos as a reminder that Kratos serves Ares.From then, Kratos fight for Ares and destroy anyone who do not pray to God Ares.No one can stand in the way of Kratos and his army until one day.

The fateful day was when he was burning down a village and entered into the village temple that serve a different God than Ares.Amongst those in the temple were his wife and child.Since he was slashing his way through, he accidently killed his own family members.This fate change his life and he began to hate God Ares.

So, the game starts from that point on in his quest to kill God Ares for the death of his family.

For those who has not played God Of War, get it and you will enjoy it. For those who has finished it, let us start with the next game, God of War 2.

A detailed explanation of the game is in this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_War_%28video_game%29)

Hi all,

I have just completed the game Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 last week. It was fun cos I had a buddy whom played the game with me. We used Dorn, the Barbarian to hack & slash our way through to the end of the game.

New Characters
The three characters from the original are not available in BG:DA2 because they're captured and thrown into a dungeon in the intro. The Onyx Tower is back and still causing problems as an evil vampire (is there any other kind?), Mordoc, seeks to use it to destroy Baldur's Gate. This can't happen so five new adventurers are here to save the day. That clears the way for five new adventurers to choose from. Two of these characters are essentially brawlers: a human barbarian and a dark elf monk who's best at fighting with her hands and feet. There's also a dwarven rogue is a stealthy character that can break into chests, disarm traps and lay down explosives. Rounding out the crew are a couple of magic users: a moon elf necromancer and a human cleric.

Maybe I'll use the magician instead of brute barbarian next time arounf.

(Image belongs to IGN.com)

OKAMI

I have not update this page for a long time cos I have not played serious PS2 games lately. But now it is different.Okami is 2006 PS2 game from CAPCOM and produced by Clover Studios.Clover is headed by Atsushi Hinaba.

It is a great game with unique gameplay.The main character is a wolf by the name of Amataresu (Ammy). She is accompany by a bug-artist, Innu.

The main story is Ammy is summoned to save Japan by killing Orochi, the 8 headed monster.Her main weapon is with a paint-brush.Weapons are drawn on demons and enemies.

Check out the videos here of its gameplay.

The gameplay involved puzzle solving, treasure hunting, demon killing & lots of drawing.If you like dogs/wolf and unique gameplay, get it.

Okami won IGN's Best adventure Award in 2006.Why ?

Why It Rocked: Clover Studios' cell-shaded canine adventure takes the classic Zelda setup and blurs everything together with a magic paintbrush. It has a fantastic mix of puzzle solving, interesting battles and grand adventuring, all tied together via an engaging and unique story. When we think of the best adventure games around, size and scope immediately come to mind, and Okami is anything but small. With villages abound, fields aplenty, numerous dungeons to explore and secrets around every corner, OKAMI is about as epic as they come.What really makes Okami great is its excellent art style and the gameplay mechanics that perfectly tie into it. The celestial brush is a wholly unique tool that gives gamers the power to literally shape the world around them. Whether repainting a broken bridge, connecting stars, slicing through enemies or brightening the sky by literally drawing in the sun, you're constantly interacting with the world in numerous ways. The only disappointing thing about the game is now that Clover is closed, we won't be seeing a sequel.- IGN

Sidenote: In fact, I saw this game long time ago but somehow reluctant to pick it up.Once I started the game, I cannot put it down.Its really a good game.

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.

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

PS2 is back in action. It was sent for repairs and the 'Loading Chip' and 'Controller Chip' were replaced at a cost of RM95. However, I have to get a new controller because mine were broken. Another RM40 for it. So, all in all I have to fork out RM150. Not a bad deal.

Hence, I went and start a new game that I bought long time ago.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory.
I like this one better than METAL GEAR because the gameplay is easier. The challenges are not too hard.Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory continues the trend with improved controls, graphics, a polished adversarial mode, and new co-op missions.Chaos Theory contains three unique gameplay types, but this doesn't mean the solo mode has been overlooked. The story follows a typical Tom Clancy formula of throwing as much globe-trotting and technical jargon in a person's face as possible. While Sam Fisher is a step above the typical meathead video game protagonist, he seems to have a very small emotional investment in his job. There are no Metal Gear love triangles or family disputes; Sam is simply a soldier who is doing his job.There are 10 levels of single-player international espionage and each one contains primary and secondary objectives. The levels are better designed than the other games in the series and Chaos Theory is more of a true sequel than Pandora Tomorrow. t the beginning of each level there is an equipment selection screen that gives players the choice of a stealth or assault package. There is also a third option called "Redding's Recommendation" which usually contains a mixture of items best suited to the level.

PS2 Controller Problem

Finally, my PS2 gave up on me during the weekend when it refuse to talk to the controller. I was in the middle of playing a golf game when the game froze but my controller light was still on.

I intended to send the PS2 for repairs since it cannot read some of the games properly. However, I delayed it because I just want to see how far I can stretch the machine before I have to cough out some dough to repair it.

I am crossing my fingers in the hope that the repair will not be expensive. I suspect the controller port is screwed up and the repair should not be as much as buying a new PS2.

Photo owned by http://images-eu.amazon.com

Oh boy, I just got a new PS2 game. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06. It is a briliant game that just kicks ass.

Image copyright belongs to http://games.ign.com.

I like the player feature design because I can make myself look like anyone i fancy. Then there is the Pro shop that features a lot of brands from Nike to Macgregor.

I also love the 'My Skills' setup. My initial skills were crap and I scored 18 over par for a pro tour. The pros I compete with has skills around 10 each for driving accuracy, approach, recovery, concentration, focus, luck and what not. I started with 1 so I have to play well in the small leagues before I can increase each skill.

The 'Rival Mode' is cool because that is where I can get my skills point. All oustanding shots are rewarded with points on various skills and I can use this points to add on to the current skills. If I beat a chracter in the rival mode, they will be unlocked and I can compete with them in the traditional game modes.

I can get sponsorship offers if my performance is noted by companies that want me to carry their brand.

The gameplay is cool because I use the analog stick to swing and sway the shot to make a straight, fade or draw balls. The game has 'Gamebreaker' Meter that increases after a good shot and decreases if I hit a bad shot i.e. ball landed in a bunker, rough or hazards. When the meter is full, i can use it to reduce an opponents confidence or make fantastic shots.

Overall, TWPG2006 is a must buy for golf fanatics.

I was wondering what I am going to blog here for sometime. Now i have one. The current game i am playing is called 'RADIATA STORIES'. I got the first glimpse of it in http://ps2.ign.com/.

Photo is courtesy of ps2.ign.com

Initially I have no idea the game is about because the gameplay and combat system is based on the older Squarenix games, Star Ocean's battle system & Suikoden. I haven't played those 2 games. In a way it is good because it is a fresh game experience for me.

Anyway, I was guessing my way through the game before I realised that it is a good game. The characters are cartoonish although I prefer the FFX charcters that is closer to human. The look and feel of the game needs some getting used to. I begin to get into the game when Jack Russell (the hero) was fired from his job as a Radiata Knight. From here on I managed to understand how to use the various slashes that corresponds with the sword he can carry. He can carry various weapons such as a one handed sword, two handed sword, axe & spears.

I am getting into the game and try to finish it in 3 months time.

I have been playing Playstation games for a long time now. I remembered the 1st game I finished was Vagrant Story from Squaresoft. I saw that VS was voted 4th in the show called Filter for the games voted by gamers to have a sequel.

Right now, I have started the best driving simulator of all times : Grand Turismo 4. I started with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR 1992 and it is the car that makes money to soup up my other car, the Pontiac Sunfire.

I thought of getting myself one of those PS2 driving wheels but I will wait a little while longer until the price is down to maybe RM80. For now, my 'Pantherlord' controller is doing just fine. By the way, I rather use the B-Mode to win races unles I feel like cutting corners in a race.

This one is my Mitsubishi Lancer Evoultion GTR 92. The one that makes money for my other cars. It is clocking at 411BHP now.