• 1Apr 08

  Advertising in Games!

  
  
  I've recently played a few games which have featured the controversial aspect of Advertising. Both Burnout: Paradise and Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 are filled with Adverts for a number of different products. Don't get me wrong, in the right areas real Adverts don't do any harm. For instance, in Rainbow Six Vegas 2 the Adverts are well handled. Some are real some are fake but they both do a good job to help you immerse yourself into Vegas and the many Mercenaries trying to take your head of with a good Shotgun, and even though I sometimes found myself more interested in the adverts then what was going on around them. They (at least in my view) helped the experience and immersion into the world Ubisoft have made. Things are a little different with Burnout: Paradise, now I'm not Burnout: Paradises biggest fan yet I'm still playing it and I'm starting to see at least some idea of why Criterion did what they did, but I don't like the Advertisment aspect to the game. Though real Adverts are less frequent in Paradise City then Vegas, there still there and even ready to smash into you. I don't know how many times I've ran into that damn Gillette Fusion van on the road. But in Paradise it feels more pushed in then anything. I know some games have been messing with Advertisements for a good few years now. Though I've never really played them, I know the NBA games and some NFL games have had advertisments to recreate the TV Experience. I actually think that aspect of Advertisment works well, although I'm sure seeing the Ford Motor Logo every few minutes will eventually get on anyones nerves. In the right contrast Adverts can work well in games, and even add something to the experience of the gamer. But the big worry now in the current Generation of both consoles and games is how far companies will take adverts within their franchises and other I.P's. I remember reading a comment some months back after GTA4 was officially announed and the topic of Adverts in games were a hot pancake again.The comment went on to talk about Rockstar North potentially adding real adverts to the world of GTA and Liberty City. Don't get me wrong, anything can happen in games nowadays but the day Rockstar North start acting like every other Developer will be a sad day in gaming, it's what makes Rockstar... well Rockstar. Thankfully thats not the case with GTA4, but the comment made me think about the possibility of Adverts flooding more games in the near future.
  
  Downloadable Content is another potential interest, yes we pay for most DLC on both XBOX LIVE and PSN. But will we ever see Advertisers offer something a little free for gamers to download as a buttering up for future Addvert deals to feature in that specific game. For example, the potential to see Harmonix release the original Metal Gear Solid theme for the PS3 version of Rock Band for users to download and play, but whats this!! we find that there are Konami logo's and advertisment in certain areas of the Rock Band game. Of course this is only an example but its worth thinking about. Its easy to see why Gamers and certain areas of the media are still caustious of Adverts finding a home in gaming for good. Playstation Networks HOME is another example of worry towards adverts in gaming, the idea of HOME I like. But it's whole Advert Push that was shown at a demonstration of the system running that worried me. Sony being Sony, they kept refering to the potential Advertising possibilities for those interested. So will HOME become a hub for Adverts, will Advert space removes the great possibilities the software as for creating a good gaming community. I have a vision for HOME in the future, the whole aspect of paying for Virtual furniture doesn't settle well with me and as much as I want HOME to be a success I do feel Sony's hunger for Advertisment and your money will hurt them a lot. It'll be very interested to see, whenever HOME is release! seems to be taking them ages.
  
  So what can be said for Adverts in games, and what will the future hold? at this current time I believe there is an ok balance between the two. But with games costing more and more every year and every hardware update I do wonder if in future years Advertisment funds will be needed to fund the expensive costs of making games for the current platforms. Games easily go into the millions, and although the gaming industry is worth Many Millions (probably Billions infact) its a possibilty we will see in the future of games development. But for the current Market things seem ok. Though frustrating, I can handle adverts in games such as Burnout: Paradise as its still the games gameplay and fun that comes streaming through and the Adverts don't block that entertainment (unless it's the damn Gillete Fusion van again, my worst enemy). Infact I kind of liked the way Adverts were put across in Vegas 2. It shows that in the right method, Adverts in games cannot just be accepted but welcomed. As they add something more real to the immersion of the game.
  
  Make what you will of what I have said, Make what you will of Adverts in games. But theres no denying there here and theres a very good chance that more games will take this method in years to come.
  
  Appriate you taking the time to read this.
  - Joseph (SaitanMar)

  • Posted Apr 1, 2008 3:21 am PT
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• 12Dec 07

  My Top 10 Games of the Year!

  
  
  Hello, As we come to the end of 2007 it's often the time of year where gamers all around the world come up with their top 10 lists. Now I've never decided to do this in the past but it's been a pretty good year of gaming this year so I thought why not! ay it doesn't hurt anyone does it! I go from top to bottom (10-1) and talk about why these are my top 10 games of 2007, you may agree with some and disagree with others. But isn't that what makes these kind of list interesting. So lets begin:
  
  10. GUITAR HERO 3 (NEVERSOFT/ACTIVISION)
  
  
  
  Dispite the fact that we Europeans had to wait a whole month until we got our sweaty guitar hero hands on the third installment in the Guitar Hero franchise, it was worth it. With Harmonix off doing Rock Band, GH3 was a solid great experience for new and old GH playersalike. In fact GH3 was probably more suited to more experienced GH players as many felt the game offered a tougher player experience then it's past brothers and sisters. A solid soundtrack helped, and the fact thatmost songs were master tracks helped a lot. There is also great credit in saying that songs were just plain more interesting and tougher to play then GH2 which helped my own personal experience with this game. Of course being able to play online was great and something that I love doing. Overall I reconmend this to any music fan, though most probably have the game anyway.
  
  9. ENTERNAL SONATA (NAMCO/ATARI)
  
  
  
  Sleeper hit of the year for me, I was surprised how much I enjoyed Enternal Sonata. Though it might not suit everyones taste (even some Final Fantasy fans might not like it) it did offer a carm enjoyable experience for fans of the RPG genre not looking for anything way to deep. As good as the Final Fantasy games have been I can't deny I have been frustrated with how much depth they go into. Enternal Sonata is a fairytale with very serious issues about real life itself. It as some touching stories and it one of the best games release on 360 this year. Great simple conbat helped, the combat was enjoyable and never boring. I'm not sure if a sequel as ever been confirmed but I would like to see one. It's soon being released on PS3 I believe and I reconmend it highly.
  
  8. COMPANY OF HEROES: OPPOSING FORCE (RELIC ENTERTAINMENT/THQ)
  
  
  
  Overall Opposing Force was a great expansion pack to a great game. I loved it, it didn't just add two superbly well made armies in the British and Panzer Elites but also came with two very interesting campaigns. The two new armies were well considered in production and both offer something new to both the Allies and the axis. Being English, it was great to see the British in the game finally and the Panzer Elite were a lot more interested then I'd expected. The Two campaigns were both real good and continued to show why COH is one of the best RTS games about on the market right now. Hopefully we will see more expansions soon.
  
  7. BIOSHOCK (IRRATIONAL GAMES/2K GAMES)
  
  
  
  Bioshock was a highly anticipated game since it's announcement and it earned it's right at being one of the greattest games of the year. Perfectly made and a truelly fasinating world that was so 'next gen' it was silly. The world was probably one of the best aspect of the game with a rich storyline dispite the ending being a little rubbish in my eyes. But the fact that theres going to be more on the way means we get to experience more Bioshock which is a great thing afterall. A Beautifully made game from top to bottom I'm pretty sure this game will go down as one of the great games of the year. I enjoyed every minute of it in PC, plus the fact that there wasn't any multiplayer wasn't a bad thing as it allowed the developers to concentrate more on the single player experience the game offered.
  
  6. ASSASSINS CREED (UBISOFT/UBISOFT)
  
  
  
  Dispite is being endlessly talked about as much as Halo 3, Assassins Creed wasn't a game that overally excited me. True it offered something unique in it's experience but I was never taken away with it. Until I played, the game was a surprise, beautiful graphics in a beautifully produced way. It helped that watching 'making of' videos was a pleasure with the delightfully cute Jade Raymond. But fair dues, dispite some unfair comments towards her and the team making the game, Assassins Creed eventually came out to be a brilliant game for the XBOX 360 and PS3 consoles. There was a lot of intrigue about the game and it had franchise written all over it. I won't tell you about the story as there are many who haven't played it but I can say that there are a lot of possibilities with this I.P for Ubisoft.
  
  5. UNCHARTED: DRAKES FORTUNE (NAUGHTY DOG/SONY)
  
  
  
  True, it wasn't a superb year for the PS3. No MGS4 or GTA. But there were some great games that either went unnoticed or unplayed. Personally my PS3 game of the year, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune (though short) represented what makes the PS3 so.... well so more interesting then the 360 often. Beautiful graphics, easily the best graphics currently on consoles at the moment Uncharted dribbled quality and care by renowned developer Naughty Dog. Dispite Sony's issues with exclusive titles this year they have a gem in Uncharted, a fresh often hilarious game with some superb moments in a short but action packed story. I loved every minute and look forward to Uncharted: Drakes Fortune 2 or whatever it will be called because it will happen. This game dribbled (not just quality) but also a franchise everywhere. If your a owner of the Black Devil Box (PS3) then I highly reconmend this game as a must buy! especially if you have a HDTV.
  
  4. CALL OF DUTY 4 (INFINITY WARDS/ ACTIVISION)
  
  
  
  Personally one of my all time favourite franchises, Call of Duty 4had a lot to live up. I've been a fan since Call of Duty PC which offered one of the greattest experiences in gaming. I have to admit I wasn't over the moon when I heard it was going Modern Warfare. Being interested in WW2 deeply I was a little caustious over this one but wasn't disapointed in anyway. Dispite it not having those 'OMFG' moments thatoften when compared to the original COD games, it was a superb game that was very well made by an experienced team at Infinity Wards. Unlike WW2 there were a lot of new toys to play with and there were some unforgettable levels. The best being the the sniper mission taking place 15 years back, the running through the forces is amazing and extremely thrilling. Thats what COD does best. I am though delighted to hear that Triarch are making another COD game set in WW2. They did a superb job with COD3. Whats next fro Infinity Wards who knows? but this is a great game.
  
  3. CRYSIS (CRYTEK/EA)
  
  
  
  I built a whole new Gaming PC for this game, I built it myself. Was all that time and money spent wisely? of course is damn well was! Crysis is a spectacular game that takes your breath away to many times to mention! beautiful not just to look at but to play. Ok I want to admit I didn't like Far Cry one bit, a overated piece of rubbish in my view. But Crytek got this game perfectly on the spot. Some amazing moments that as to be seen or played to be truelly appriated. Such as entering the battlefield with trees and explosions around you. Also the new suit the game offered was great fun and offered you many possibilities to go into combat with. Hopefully we are to see more from Crysis soon. If your PC can handle then GET this game NOW!
  
  2. MASS EFFECT (BIOWARE/MICROSOFT)
  
  
  
  In all honesty, Mass Effect probably should be number one. It didn't just offer a huge world as deep and interesting as Star Wars itself, it offered a truelly interesting story that will interest anyone. Mass Effect forced you to answer a lot of serious questions that often needed to be answered quickly. It also offered surprisingly deep combat and a well put together chat system. I enjoyed Mass Effect, being interested in it since being first announced sometime back, Bioware Corp have done a great job. As good as KOTOR you ask? well thats an hard one as KOTOR was an amazing game! I would probably say yes though. Whatever you think Mass Effect offers a truelly deep experience that NEEDS to be played now. Get this game if you a 360. Your XBOX 360 needs this game.
  
  AND MY GAME OF THE YEAR IS.............
  
  1. WORLD IN CONFLICT (MASSIVE ENTERTAINMENT/VIVENDI)
  
  
  
  What can I say about WiC that hasn't already been said. WiC is by far one of the greattest RTS experiences you can get at the moment. I wish to actually mention that in the collectors edition you got a piece of the Berlin Wall... a true piece of the Berlin Wall. What an amazing extra collectors item to add to the game. Anyway, like I said what can I say? WiC offered an amazing single player campaign only rivaled by Company of Heroes when it comes to the RTS genre. I truelly cared for the characters in the story and the cutscenes were nothing but amazing. The game itself was superb, it's just sad that the game hasn't really recieved the due respect world wideit more then deserves. The single player campaign should be played by everyone. It's also worth mentioning that in the process massive Entertainment also produced a revolutionary Multiplayer mode to WiC which is great fun. There isn't many things as amazing as dropping a virtual bomb in the middle of a town in gaming today (not in real life of course). I just hope to death to see more from WiC. The ending of the superb story left a lot of gaps, the war isn't over. I just hope we hear something soon because if we don't then we have missed out on one of the greattest RTS games yet! It's been top of my list since playing. I've completed it 4 times and it's by far the greattest game of the year. A MUST play! offering a unforgettable experience with unforgettable moments..... truelly the GAME OF THE YEAR.
  
  WORTHY OF MENTION
  
  The Orange Box, The Witcher, Halo 3, Uneal Tournament 3, Super Mario Galaxy.
  
  NOTES
  
  -There is a very good chance that Harmonix Rock Band would have possibly been in this list, yet I'm still waiting for it to be delievered from the US so can't add a game I haven't played yet can I.
  
  -Unlike most GOTY lists, Halo 3 isn't on mine.... why? well simply because I didn't enjoy it that much and was kind of disapointed by the games experienced it offered.
  
  FINAL THOUGHT
  
  Thanks for reading my GOTY list, I hope you found it the least bit interesting and decide to write up your own if you haven't. I hope when I'm writing up my 2008 list (if I'm still alive that is) that the likes of Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto will be on my list.
  
  Again Thanks for reading.
  SaitanMar.

  • Posted Dec 12, 2007 10:25 am PT
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• 28Aug 07

  Let's Talk Portable!!!

  Hello There,
  
  I haven't added a new blog for a long time, in the last blog I spoke about the football season coming to an end when as I write this we are 2-3 games into the new season. Well, let's begin!
  
  TALKING PORTABLE!!
  
  You know, a few years back I wasn't into the whole portable scene of gaming. It's been the last year and a half that I've fell in love with it. The first ever portable console I bought was the Game Boy Colour and I only ever bought one game for it. Can you guess what it was? yes shamefully I had the GB-C when Pokemon was king in our schools and streets. I had Pokemon Yellow and thorally enjoyed the game. I remember connecting Game Boy to Game Boy and battling with friends. Well since then my GB-C as been gathering a hell of a lot of dust until I ventured back into the portable console genre with the Nintendo DS. Now I want to say here that I've never been a huge Nintendo fan, My sister had a Nintendo64 some years back but I hardly played it as I was a Sonic fanboy years back. I loved the Sega Megadrive so I never really like that fat red capped Mario one bit.
  
  
  
  Things change though, when deciding between Sony's PSP (Playstation Portable) and Nintendo's DS (Dual Screen) I studied them both, in the end it was the type of games I went with and bought Nintendo's DS portable console. I in fact decided to wait 2 weeks and bought the DS Lite white version and still have it. It's seen a lot of hours of gaming and love it to bits. Great games like Mario Kart DS, Phoenix Wright and Elite Beat Agentsmakes the DS superb in my eyes. I did eventually buy a PSP and have to say I enjoyed that as much as the DS, why? well simply because there was so much I could do with the PSP. I sold my Ipod and used my PSP for music, I played great games like GTA: VCS and so much more including superb programs such as Homebrew that allowed me to play ****c PS1 games I had in my collection. I loved it!
  
  Sadly about 2 months ago my PSP was officiallyviewed as 'DEAD' it wasn't bricked or anything like that it just was dropped and got damaged. It is currently being checked to see if it can be repaired but a friend as offered to buy it off me once it's fixed! so in the end I decided to look into getting a brand spanking shiny new 'Japanese' one. I have a good friend who sell's Japanese PSP's and offered me a nice shiny silver or blue one. I have gone with the blue though I'm yet to officially buy it. I hear about the war between the DS and the PSP, well I personally think they live happily together. True the DS sells a hell of a lot better then the PSP but thats because the DS is suited a lot more for the casual gamer out there while the PSP is suiting for superb multimedia such as watching movies and listening to music. What does boil my egg though is that the PSP as great graphical power, only need to look at games like Tekken: Dark Resurection to see that and it frustrates me at the lazy development both Sony and companies have put into it. I will hopefully be discussing this matter on a video I hope to put together soon when I get the time.
  
  Well, thatsthat for Portable for now.
  
  I DID BUILD MY PC!!
  
  On my previous blog post I spoke about building my own PC, well I did and I'm using it right now, I won't get into the heavy details but herres a overview of the specs:
  
  WINDOWS VISTA ULTIMATE
  NVIDIA GEFORCE 8800GTX OC
  INTEL CORE DUO E6600
  RAPTOR 150GB 10,000 RPM HDD
  XTREME GAMER SOUNDCARD
  EVGA NFORCE 680I SLI MOTHERBOARD
  SECOND 280GB HDD
  
  I'll see about getting a video or pic up in my next Blog to show you guys and gals interested. I would have done a video but Vista is playing up and Windows Movie Maker is working right!
  
  Well for now that'll have to do, hope you found this of some interest and check out my blog again!
  
  Saitan 'Joseph' Mar!
  
  CURRENTLY PLAYING: Bioshock (PC), Trace Memory (DS).
  
  CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: Some ****cal Music.
  
  CURRENTLY READING: Still waiting for BernardCornwell's Sword Song coming outSept!
  
  
  
  • Posted Aug 28, 2007 7:25 am PT
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