So yesterday I was going to write this, but with the Javascript error, GS posting was borked.
So I write this today.
As an update to my previous post, I bought myself a copy of Motorstorm from www.dvdcrave.com and a few hours later, the status was "In the mail" Huzzah!
So that was my birthday present to myself, and couldn't be happier. i can't wait to pick this badboy up either later today (fingers crossed) as I did pay $2 extra for Express post (1-2 day instead of 2-4 day) so feasably it could be in my mailbox later today, if not then it will be a most painful weekend waiting for Motorstorm and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. If I nab Motorstorm later today, then it will be a painless weekend.
Thats it, you can stop reading now. :)
In other news, that new interview I promised, will be up soon, more than likely it will be up before the end of next week. Stay turned!
[UPDATE] Motorstorm was in my mail box when checked the mail at 2PM today (it is now 4:45PM) I've been playing now for about 30-45mins and it's fantastic. A definate must buy for any PS3 owner and future owner. Have yet to try online yet, but expect a blog about Motorstorm online, similar to my Resistance Online blog a few posts below this one.
doolies Blog
I'm 21 today. Huzzah?
by doolies on Comments
So today I'm 21, I don't feel any different, although I never felt different when I aged in previous years (or was it just a long grind to level up?)
Going to go get my photo taken for my full drivers licence later today, so thats pretty exciting I suppose, no more P plates and cops pulling me over because they think I stole a Subaru RS.
Nothing planed for tonight, I think myself and the missus are going to a Japanese place for dinner, thats about all.
Going to go get my photo taken for my full drivers licence later today, so thats pretty exciting I suppose, no more P plates and cops pulling me over because they think I stole a Subaru RS.
Nothing planed for tonight, I think myself and the missus are going to a Japanese place for dinner, thats about all.
Viva la, Resistance. Online?
by doolies on Comments
This past week I've been delving into Resistance: Fall of Man online mulitplayer. The game plays really well even if I don't.
Maybe I'm just used to CSS and BF2/2142, or maybe its just the unnatural feel of a controller in a FPS for me, (even though I've finished Resistance SP Campaign). I can't quite keep up with the other people who have been playing longer. That said, I'm not all hopeless and lost, I have gotten my share of kills and I'm working my way out of the sub 1.00 K/D ratio.
One thing that sets this game apart from something like, HL: DM, CSS or BF2/2142 is the wide variety of weapons. I mean its like a jungle of weapons in RFoM, and its fantastic.
The sheer number of weapons available, and the variety they provide, one would think would cause game imbalances, and it's a bit true. If someone tags you with the Bullseye, you may as well just turn around and paint a target on your chest because your just gonna die in a microsecond. Otherwise the balance seems pretty well even.
Some of you would of read the article before Resistance was released, where Insomniac stated that they played some international online games from the US vs some people in Japan with 0 lag. You probably thought the same thing as me;
"Yeah well if you got OC12 internet along with the moon, stars and sun aligns perfectly and a fish jumps out of the sea at the center of the Bermuda Triangle, then you will get 0 lag."
Ok well maybe you didn't think that exactly, but you get my thought process. I'm here to set the record, Australia to US 0 lag, on my fabulous ISDN128k it's possible, and it works every time.
I was truly shocked when I tested it, because I was severely. skeptical, which is why it's taken me so long to play Resistance online.
Lobby system, I wish there was a way to browse games similar to that of BF2/2142 or CSS. The auto-find, auto-connect to server system is nice, and probably the best way for a console FPS online, but I would still like to be able to browse servers.
One other thing, I would really like to see a way to join friends/clan mates in an existing game.
Overall this game delivers on all fronts, whether it be from an online perspective or an offline, (which I didn't cover in this article for various reasons), I assure all you future AU Resistance players to not worry, because you will be able to join any game with no lag, even if you think you have a bad broadband connection.
Look forward to seeing you all in the game later this month and for those of you sneaky people who imported, or even if your a US/JPN resident and wish to kick my butt in game, buddy me up on PSN or Resistance listing: macros86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news, keep your eyes on this blog for the next installment of Interviews with the GSAU Staff.
Maybe I'm just used to CSS and BF2/2142, or maybe its just the unnatural feel of a controller in a FPS for me, (even though I've finished Resistance SP Campaign). I can't quite keep up with the other people who have been playing longer. That said, I'm not all hopeless and lost, I have gotten my share of kills and I'm working my way out of the sub 1.00 K/D ratio.
One thing that sets this game apart from something like, HL: DM, CSS or BF2/2142 is the wide variety of weapons. I mean its like a jungle of weapons in RFoM, and its fantastic.
The sheer number of weapons available, and the variety they provide, one would think would cause game imbalances, and it's a bit true. If someone tags you with the Bullseye, you may as well just turn around and paint a target on your chest because your just gonna die in a microsecond. Otherwise the balance seems pretty well even.
Some of you would of read the article before Resistance was released, where Insomniac stated that they played some international online games from the US vs some people in Japan with 0 lag. You probably thought the same thing as me;
"Yeah well if you got OC12 internet along with the moon, stars and sun aligns perfectly and a fish jumps out of the sea at the center of the Bermuda Triangle, then you will get 0 lag."
Ok well maybe you didn't think that exactly, but you get my thought process. I'm here to set the record, Australia to US 0 lag, on my fabulous ISDN128k it's possible, and it works every time.
I was truly shocked when I tested it, because I was severely. skeptical, which is why it's taken me so long to play Resistance online.
Lobby system, I wish there was a way to browse games similar to that of BF2/2142 or CSS. The auto-find, auto-connect to server system is nice, and probably the best way for a console FPS online, but I would still like to be able to browse servers.
One other thing, I would really like to see a way to join friends/clan mates in an existing game.
Overall this game delivers on all fronts, whether it be from an online perspective or an offline, (which I didn't cover in this article for various reasons), I assure all you future AU Resistance players to not worry, because you will be able to join any game with no lag, even if you think you have a bad broadband connection.
Look forward to seeing you all in the game later this month and for those of you sneaky people who imported, or even if your a US/JPN resident and wish to kick my butt in game, buddy me up on PSN or Resistance listing: macros86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news, keep your eyes on this blog for the next installment of Interviews with the GSAU Staff.
All Jazzed Up
by doolies on Comments
As you can see, I've put in some images.
Hope you like them, as I spent the entire 6 minutes in photoshop putting it together.
It took me more time to get the screen snapshot in VLC because that image is 0.000001 second before a cut to a next scene.
Leave your feedback please. Is it good, crap? Let me know!
Hope you like them, as I spent the entire 6 minutes in photoshop putting it together.
It took me more time to get the screen snapshot in VLC because that image is 0.000001 second before a cut to a next scene.
Leave your feedback please. Is it good, crap? Let me know!
Being on the Soapbox
by doolies on Comments
"So, what's it like being on the Gamespot Soapbox?"
As you can imagine, I get this question asked daily, well, daily by myself. I could only wish someone would of asked me that, but alas I'll write this blog pretending someone asked me.
Why? Well, because it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, thats why!
Being on the Soapbox, puts you in a special catagory, your profile gets hits (huzzah!) and you become semi-quazi-e-grade celebrity. (Oh yes people, there are ranks to this, you get higher the more times your on the 'box.)
Alas, nothing quite has come from the 15 second of fame I had, except a few more hits on my page, and a couple comments. (But thanks for those, I really liked people replying!)
Short and sweet one, this post is. (Oh God, is that the Yoda inside me?)
On to other news, stay tuned as I set my sights on another GSAU Editor!
As you can imagine, I get this question asked daily, well, daily by myself. I could only wish someone would of asked me that, but alas I'll write this blog pretending someone asked me.
Why? Well, because it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, thats why!
Being on the Soapbox, puts you in a special catagory, your profile gets hits (huzzah!) and you become semi-quazi-e-grade celebrity. (Oh yes people, there are ranks to this, you get higher the more times your on the 'box.)
Alas, nothing quite has come from the 15 second of fame I had, except a few more hits on my page, and a couple comments. (But thanks for those, I really liked people replying!)
Short and sweet one, this post is. (Oh God, is that the Yoda inside me?)
On to other news, stay tuned as I set my sights on another GSAU Editor!
Lord of the Rings Online NDA Lifted!
by doolies on Comments
So the NDA has been lifted from LOTRO Beta, you know what that means folks? I can tell you all about it! Too bad if you don't want to read about LOTRO either, your here reading my profile!
Go tell your friends, your family, your moogles, everyone! To come read my blog! Huzzah!
The game takes place in Middle Earth. The landmass so far in the game is quite amazingly large, and to think only one section of Middle Earth is open at the moment. Eriador. Eriador contains such locations as, The Shire, Erid Luin, Breeland, North Downs, Lone Lands, Trollshaws, Rivendell, Misty Mountians, Ettenmoors and Angmar.
Each area being as expansive and full of stuff to do as the next.
I would also like to point out that not all areas of Eriador are put in game yet, as there are plenty of areas that are "closed" and have a mystic barrier or such that prevent you from going there, and there is quite an abundance of space left on the Eriador map that don't have areas attached to it.
Another note, the map is divided up into one large full Middle Earth map. Then you click on the Eriador (As the rest, Lindon, Forodwaith, Rohan, Gondor, Rhun, Khand, Rhovanion, Enedwaith, Harad and last but not least, Mordor, you cannot click on to "zoom in" to.) You zoom into a smaller map that shows you the different areas for that large region. From this Region map, you can select different town areas, such as Breeland, The Shire, etc etc. Which then go into another map that contains different key locations and such (once you find them), then finally there are the last set of maps which are town maps.
So that being said, there is so much room for expansion and addons, along with the monthly updates in true Turbine forbidden be plenty of content to keep you playing for quite a long time.
The combat system is similar to the one found in popular MMOs such as WoW, EQ2 and the likes. Nothing like DDO combat, sorry folks if you were looking for a more action orientated combat system.
Questing is your main source of XP in LOTRO. Quest rewards are static, meaning they never change, but the XP each quest doles out is on a scale system. Got to go kill those 25 Wargs? Do it when its way too easy for you and you get a measly 50XP. Do it when those wargs are a level or 2 above you and the fighting is difficult, get yourself a whopping 1800XP.
This is not to say you can just grind it out killing monsters galore with a fellowship (party for you regular MMO fiends) but questing is where the heart of this game lies, and its a good thing it does.
Fellowships (grouping) really are fun, with up to 6 people in a Fellow. There are group combos referred to as Conjunctions, each conjuction doing something different, whether it be damage over time, big damage, healing, or restoring your power (magic) and there are a mulitude of combinations to learn and aquire.
The game never really makes you feel like your in a grind, except on the occasion where you need to get a whole bunch of crafting materials, and you don't wait to wait for that auction that ends in 2 days time.
The game is pretty much balanced in that fact, even though still in closed beta. Crafting and leveling seem just right, maybe a little on the faster side, but that might be toned down a bit due to this being a beta and all.
The game really steps it up a notch when you get to meet Strider in Bree, along with Gandalf. Meeting Perrin and Frodo and the likes up in Rivendell is quite amazing if your a fan of the books. My favourite though has to be, hands down, Tom Bombadil. They really nailed this character on the head, "Merry-ho!" As he prances around his house and outside on his lawn, Goldberry is also to be spotted in the Old Forest, but watch out for some of those trees, they may just up root and start attacking you! All of the locations have been carefully crafted straight from Tolkiens work and it really does show.
Titles will set you apart in this game, as there are titles for everything, from killing a certin amount of wolves, to crafting titles, and other notorious titles such as not dieing at all to reach levels 5, 10, 15, 20 etc.
The Trait system is set up so each different trait will aid your character further. Your a Minstrel, but want to be more of a buffer more than a healer? Then set your traits up accoringly.
Overall, although bringing nothing really new to the genre, it does give a refreshing take on the MMO line of games, and is quite exceptional in itself. I cannot see this over taking WoW, but I do believe that it should, it's quite better than WoW in my view and I think its sad that people will come out and say "meh, WoW in Middle Earth" when it really isn't. I hope you all get a chance to play in the Open Beta when April comes knocking (or March 30th if you preorder).
I'll be in LOTRO quite a bit, message me or post here if you are in the beta as well.
I am Galrandir (currently) level 20 on Brandywine server.
Untill next time, cya!
Go tell your friends, your family, your moogles, everyone! To come read my blog! Huzzah!
The game takes place in Middle Earth. The landmass so far in the game is quite amazingly large, and to think only one section of Middle Earth is open at the moment. Eriador. Eriador contains such locations as, The Shire, Erid Luin, Breeland, North Downs, Lone Lands, Trollshaws, Rivendell, Misty Mountians, Ettenmoors and Angmar.
Each area being as expansive and full of stuff to do as the next.
I would also like to point out that not all areas of Eriador are put in game yet, as there are plenty of areas that are "closed" and have a mystic barrier or such that prevent you from going there, and there is quite an abundance of space left on the Eriador map that don't have areas attached to it.
Another note, the map is divided up into one large full Middle Earth map. Then you click on the Eriador (As the rest, Lindon, Forodwaith, Rohan, Gondor, Rhun, Khand, Rhovanion, Enedwaith, Harad and last but not least, Mordor, you cannot click on to "zoom in" to.) You zoom into a smaller map that shows you the different areas for that large region. From this Region map, you can select different town areas, such as Breeland, The Shire, etc etc. Which then go into another map that contains different key locations and such (once you find them), then finally there are the last set of maps which are town maps.
So that being said, there is so much room for expansion and addons, along with the monthly updates in true Turbine forbidden be plenty of content to keep you playing for quite a long time.
The combat system is similar to the one found in popular MMOs such as WoW, EQ2 and the likes. Nothing like DDO combat, sorry folks if you were looking for a more action orientated combat system.
Questing is your main source of XP in LOTRO. Quest rewards are static, meaning they never change, but the XP each quest doles out is on a scale system. Got to go kill those 25 Wargs? Do it when its way too easy for you and you get a measly 50XP. Do it when those wargs are a level or 2 above you and the fighting is difficult, get yourself a whopping 1800XP.
This is not to say you can just grind it out killing monsters galore with a fellowship (party for you regular MMO fiends) but questing is where the heart of this game lies, and its a good thing it does.
Fellowships (grouping) really are fun, with up to 6 people in a Fellow. There are group combos referred to as Conjunctions, each conjuction doing something different, whether it be damage over time, big damage, healing, or restoring your power (magic) and there are a mulitude of combinations to learn and aquire.
The game never really makes you feel like your in a grind, except on the occasion where you need to get a whole bunch of crafting materials, and you don't wait to wait for that auction that ends in 2 days time.
The game is pretty much balanced in that fact, even though still in closed beta. Crafting and leveling seem just right, maybe a little on the faster side, but that might be toned down a bit due to this being a beta and all.
The game really steps it up a notch when you get to meet Strider in Bree, along with Gandalf. Meeting Perrin and Frodo and the likes up in Rivendell is quite amazing if your a fan of the books. My favourite though has to be, hands down, Tom Bombadil. They really nailed this character on the head, "Merry-ho!" As he prances around his house and outside on his lawn, Goldberry is also to be spotted in the Old Forest, but watch out for some of those trees, they may just up root and start attacking you! All of the locations have been carefully crafted straight from Tolkiens work and it really does show.
Titles will set you apart in this game, as there are titles for everything, from killing a certin amount of wolves, to crafting titles, and other notorious titles such as not dieing at all to reach levels 5, 10, 15, 20 etc.
The Trait system is set up so each different trait will aid your character further. Your a Minstrel, but want to be more of a buffer more than a healer? Then set your traits up accoringly.
Overall, although bringing nothing really new to the genre, it does give a refreshing take on the MMO line of games, and is quite exceptional in itself. I cannot see this over taking WoW, but I do believe that it should, it's quite better than WoW in my view and I think its sad that people will come out and say "meh, WoW in Middle Earth" when it really isn't. I hope you all get a chance to play in the Open Beta when April comes knocking (or March 30th if you preorder).
I'll be in LOTRO quite a bit, message me or post here if you are in the beta as well.
I am Galrandir (currently) level 20 on Brandywine server.
Untill next time, cya!
Out of the Hole...
by doolies on Comments
So today I finally made it out of the hole that is level 20. Quite a proud moment I suppose.
What am I? A power ranger? Sometimes these rank names annoy me, other times they are quite amusing. This level I'll be glad to get over with, much like the level 20 sink.
What am I? A power ranger? Sometimes these rank names annoy me, other times they are quite amusing. This level I'll be glad to get over with, much like the level 20 sink.
LOTRO Beta
by doolies on Comments
So today I recieved an email from Turbine stating that I had been chosen to participate in their LORTO Beta Stress Test this weekend (USA Weekend).
First thoughts was, "Wow sweet!"
Second thought was, " Geez, didn't I sign up for this thing in August?"
Anyway I'm pretty excited, and if you are to about this new MMO, stay tuned to my blog, as over the weekend I'll be blogging about my experiences and hopefully get some screenshots up.
[EDIT] Apon reading the TOS, I am not allowed to post any kinds of Screenshots of the game. Sorry fellas.
Damn, apon further reading, it seems I'm not really allowed to say anything about the game. Almost NDA, but I can say that I got invited.
First thoughts was, "Wow sweet!"
Second thought was, " Geez, didn't I sign up for this thing in August?"
Anyway I'm pretty excited, and if you are to about this new MMO, stay tuned to my blog, as over the weekend I'll be blogging about my experiences and hopefully get some screenshots up.
[EDIT] Apon reading the TOS, I am not allowed to post any kinds of Screenshots of the game. Sorry fellas.
Damn, apon further reading, it seems I'm not really allowed to say anything about the game. Almost NDA, but I can say that I got invited.
Interview with GSAU Editor, Randolph Ramsay
by doolies on Comments
Late last year I got the pleasure to interview our local GS editor, Randolph Ramsay. Without any more delay, here is the interview.
Name and job at Gamespot AU.
My name’s Randolph Ramsay and I’m the editor of GameSpot AU.
What does your job actually get you to do at GS AU?
I get to write about games and the games industry, which is pretty sweet. My particular focus is news, events and games specific to Australia. I also manage all aspects of GameSpot AU, including programming all of the lead pages, looking at forums, liaising with sales and marketing on various issues, and generally ensuring the site runs as it should.
Why did you choose to work at GS AU?
Gaming has long been one of my passions, so getting to work on something I’d do in my spare time anyway is literally a chance I couldn’t pass up.
How is the work atmosphere at GS AU? Is there excitement, or is it mellower, etc.
GameSpot AU is part of CNET Networks Australia, which also runs CNET.com.au, ZDNet and Builder AU. We’re a pretty young company compared to many others out there, and the vibe here is pretty dynamic. Running growing sites like CNET and GameSpot gives us early access to all of the latest technologies and games, so as you can imagine the vibe is pretty exciting most times.
What did you do before GS AU surfaced?
I worked for CNET.com.au, primarily running their Games channel but also doing plenty of reviews, previews and news for the Home Theatre, MP3 and PC channels.
How long did you work at (previous job)?
I was at CNET.com.au for a year and half.
How many, and what, consoles do you own?
Right now, five consoles and four handhelds (360, Wii, PS2, Xbox, GC, PS2, GBA, GBA Micro, PSP, DS). But one of my biggest regrets is giving away all of my old consoles—I owned nearly everything released after the original NES. I hanker for the old times.
How many games in your collection?
Rough guess, I’d say 150 or so. But I would have bought literally hundreds more in my gaming life that I traded years ago when I was but a poor student.
What is your all time favorite game?
That’s a tough question, as it’s difficult to compare games from different genres. Just off the top of my head, one of my fave shooters is the original Half Life, fave RPG is Fallout 2, fave platformer is Super Mario 64, fave rhythm game is the first Guitar Hero and fave action-adventure is God of War. If I had to choose one though, it’d have to be Street Fighter 2. I’m still obsessed with that game even after all these years…
What interests do you have?
Games, of course! But apart from that, sport (AFL primarily) and pop culture stuff.
What would you want to be doing if you didn't work at GS AU?
I’m a journalist by training, so if I didn’t work for GS AU I would want to work at some online publication, preferably looking at technology. Print is dead!
Finally, any hints as to what GS AU has in store for the community in the future?
Tournaments are certainly one thing we’d like to hold. We’ll also be ramping up our local content on the site. Stay tuned!
Thanks for your time.
-Julian
Thank you for reading, I do hope to interview the rest of the AU staff at a later date, if they would allow me the pleasure of doing so.
If there is anything you want me to ask in (possible) future interviews, feel free to message or reply to this blog.
EA want my resume?
by doolies on Comments
So, my GF's dad is a dentist, and it seems that dentists don't just talk about dentisty stuff while they dentist away at your teeth.
One patient he had in today was a "Key Account Manager" from Electronic Arts, Melbourne.
GF's dad mentioned I'm an avid gamer and in the 3D industry. The guy, Ross, gave my GF's dad his business card (which is quite flash) to give to me.
So now I'm left with a snazzy business card, with info so i can punch over my resume.
On another note, this may be my last blog before I head over to the US of A on the 8th. If not my 2nd last, as I do plan on posting a video of myself and my GF purchasing the Wii at 12:01AM Thursday morning.
See you there!
One patient he had in today was a "Key Account Manager" from Electronic Arts, Melbourne.
GF's dad mentioned I'm an avid gamer and in the 3D industry. The guy, Ross, gave my GF's dad his business card (which is quite flash) to give to me.
So now I'm left with a snazzy business card, with info so i can punch over my resume.
On another note, this may be my last blog before I head over to the US of A on the 8th. If not my 2nd last, as I do plan on posting a video of myself and my GF purchasing the Wii at 12:01AM Thursday morning.
See you there!
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