Game Reviews For Parents

Playstation 4 Release Date

2012-01-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

PS 4 Concept Prediction.

PlayStation 4 Release Date - Catch The Latest News

There is a lot of speculation online regarding the PlayStation 4 release date. Many forums are springing up all over the place, and some of the talk states that the PlayStation 4 release date is May, 2012.

Apparently, the PlayStation 3 has not even reached its full potential yet, and so there is not much rush to release the PS4. Many of the games for 3 are slated to have updated versions released to be fully compatible with PS3.

Some people are forecasting that the PlayStation 4 release date would be 6 years after the release of PS3, going on past releases. In order to remain competitive in the gaming market, many console developers continue to release newer systems with games that are much more complicated, providing a challenge to gamers. Once the gamer has master all of the games with a specific console; however, they may be looking to purchase the next generation console.

This is where markets can make or break a console. If certain gamers run out of a genre of game that goes with a specific console, they may be getting their wallets out for the next console, but if it has not been released yet, then that company may be missing out on their market share of gamer funds.

If you are a big fan of PS3, then you may already have played all of the games that are available. You may be anxiously awaiting the PlayStation 4 release date. The best way to find out that date is to go right to the main company website and look for updates. Sites that are not directly associated with the company may have some general chatter, and you might notice that there are several Facebook pages dedicated to the PS4 release date too. This does not mean that anyone knows anything for certain, but it does not stop them from talking and getting people's attention.

For now, the PlayStation 4 release date is a bit of a mystery, but that will not stop avid gamers and fans of PlayStation from speculating on that date. Rest assured, from a marketing standpoint, it will probably be released close to a time when consumers are most ready to part with their hard earned dollars, such as the Christmas season. The new module will feature updated controls with different features, and better graphics designed to compete with consoles like the Xbox.

For avid gamers around the world, and current Sony PlayStation 3 lovers there is a definite buzz in the air surrounding the PlayStation 4 Release Date. Sony is a company with consistency, and if the past has proven anything to us it is that we can expect the PS4 to hit the markets some time around Christmas 2012.

For more information and news about the PS4 release date visit www.Playstation4ReleaseDate.org

Thank you for reading.

Dance Mat Typing Level and Stage

2012-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Dance Mat Typing Games for Kids - Is It Good?

This world is moving so quickly that it is not enough for your children to be ahead of their class, but ahead of the pack in terms of all their peers.

That sounds cruel but it is increasingly becoming one big competition and it is never too early to start your children on their way to superstardom. However, kids being kids would often rebel at being told to do something that they are not interested in.

That is where the dance mat typing game comes in. Originally created by the BBC, it is actually a free typing software which gives your children the ability to learn quickly on their feet while at the same time allow them to familiarize themselves with their keyboard.

Parents might be concerned that their children are spending too much time on the computer but the crux of the matter is that the computer has become indispensable in many households.

Dance mat typing games will allow your children the freedom to explore and learn about new things while utilizing the keyboard to navigate their way through the game. Where other online games might have your children using the mouse to move around, touch typing eventually gives your children the skills needed to type out whole words and sentences without having to constantly look at their keyboard.

This might seem like an admirable skill now but wait till every kid in the class can do so - it would be more like a necessity then!

With proper guidance, dance mat typing games are a highly interactive method of helping children has fun on the computer while at the same time educating and enhancing their skills on the keyboard. Parents who are still not convinced can actually opt for the offline version. Either way, the children gain something which will definitely aid them later in life.

There are a wide variety of keyboard games for kids. One of the more popular is dance mat typing games for kids. You can check it out at http://www.typingforkids.info

Deus Ex Review : Human Revolution

2012-01-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

Getting to Know Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution was released August 2011 for computer, Xbox and Play Station 3. The reason I am interested in this game stems from it being published by Square Enix. Square Enix is a programming company famous in Japan for games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. Eidos is the developer of this role-playing game (RPG). Deus Ex: Human Revolution is not only an action based RPG, it is a first person shooter game too, which brings more excitement to the player.

Adam Jensen is the main character of the story set in 2027, 25 years before Deus Ex that was released in year 2000. Compared to Deus Ex and Deus Ex: Invisible War, Deus Ex: Human Revolution boasts better graphic and smoother transition from playing to cut scenes. In short, Deus Ex: Human Revolution has an exciting storyline, good weapon selection and a satisfying music soundtrack.

You are given three types of "pillars of gameplay" by the developers. In the beginning of the game you are assigned a weapon according to the answers you gave to your boss; but after that you can change weapons that suit your playing style. I like going for the snipe to kill, but stun guns and tranquilizer guns are available. The main reason stun and tranquilizer guns are not in my inventory is because they are useless is boss fights, while big shooters like plasma rifle can do good damage.

Playing as Adam Jensen, you can shoot your way through a situation, rob the fallen for more ammunition and save the day, talk your way in and out places, hacking into rooms and robots or go through air vents quietly. The game allows you to mix and match accordingly, and each choice you make yields a reward and more experience points. The experience points are given as praxis points, which will allow you to upgrade yourself.

Those who had played the previous Deus Ex's will know that is about augmentations- special devices implanted in the body for better strength or faster movement. In Human Revolution, Adam Jensen is the unwilling survivor who needs augmentation as his original body was damaged in a fight. Playing as the augmented Adam Jensen is interesting with cloaking enhancements and typhoon weaponry built into his body.

In summary, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an immensely fun game that pushes you to look for other routes, because life is not a straight line. Finding special pathways or air vents to crawl through yields more experience points, credits and treasures when compare with the normal shooting your way through method. This game is challenging and easy to navigate through the keys or controller, it is truly a good game to play.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6734006

Thank you foor reading.

Xbox 720 Release Date and Specs

2012-01-14T00:56:00.000-08:00

Preview Of The Forthcoming Xbox 720

The gaming world is abuzz with rumors of a new offering from Microsoft, provisionally codenamed the Xbox 720. If we examine the evidence, it does seem clear that Microsoft are gearing up to amaze consumers with a next generation games console that will make previously releases seem basic and redundant.

Though the facts are hard to come by, there is enough information available to piece together a picture of what the 720 will be like. One thing is for certain, the specs on this new console will involve a significant technological leap forward. When we look at an Xbox 360, and compare it with the latest PC's, we can see just how much progress has taken place in the years since the 360 was released. If Microsoft want to continue to hold a dominating market share of games consoles sales, they will need to come up with a product that more than matches the latest PC's.

One area in which there has been a lot of development recently is in CPU power. Various bloggers familiar with the inner workings at Microsoft predict that the 720 will come with a cutting edge AMD fusion chip, or possibly even a new Ivy Bridge Intel special. There is huge pressure from the designers of blockbuster games for console manufacturers to use the most powerful chips in their upcoming products.

Storage is another area in which we can expect to see very obvious developments. PC's with one terabyte drives are now common place, perhaps Microsoft will steal a march on their competitors by producing the 720 with a cloud storage feature, this would be the easiest way to ensure that the amount of media which can be used is not limited. Other alternatives, such as Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, will perhaps only have a short shelf life.

Whether you love it or hate it, it needs to be stated that gesture control is here to stay. The new Xbox is most likely to make use of Microsoft's Kinect hardware. Already Kinect has broken records in terms of sales of console accessories, but, veteran gamers should not be anxious, it is predicted that the 720 will also come with a traditional game pad. Let's face it, you can hardly play Gears of War 4 just by waving your arms around!

The big question is when will the new Xbox be released, those in the know suggest a Christmas 2012 release, though this may be pushed back into 2013 due to Microsoft's other commitments. In the meantime, gaming fans will just have to make to with the Xbox 360.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Walkthrough

2012-01-13T00:43:00.000-08:00

Metal Gear Solid 4 End - Find Out the Amazing Plot-Twisting Ending

Metal Gear Solid 4 games are famous for having amazing stories. They are also famous for finishing off those stories with amazing ending. Who can forget the ending of the first Metal Gear Solid, where you're flying out of Shadow Moses, across a snowy Alaska in a helicopter, after a long and epic battle with Liquid Snake. Or the end of Metal Gear Solid 3, where you fight The Boss in the a field of beautiful white flowers, before finishing her off with her own gun, and finding out the real reason why she betrayed her country.

The newest game in the series is no different, and the fantastic Metal Gear Solid 4 end does not fail to disappoint. Note that if you have not yet completed MGS4, or you do not want the ending spoiled, stop reading now. Since the Metal Gear Solid 4 end is the most dramatic, and is best experienced whilst playing the game, you should first do so.

The ending of the game sees a lot of loose ends tied up. Meryl and Johnny are seen being wed, and Meryl finally accepts Roy Campbell as her true father. After Raiden's epic fight with vamp, and continued excursions, he is seen in hospital, getting better. During this time, he is visited by Rose, and she reveals their son to him. All happy families there, then. Meanwhile, After Solid Snake's fight with Liquid Snake, having realised that Ocelot was partly controlling Liquid, and of their plan to destroy the Patriots, Snake can't accept the life that it seems he is heading towards - becoming a weapons for someone's means. After coming to terms with this, he stands in front of Big Boss' grave, about to take his own life for the good of the world. The Metal Gear Solid 4 end sequence ends on a cliff-hanger, and cuts to a new scene.

In the next cutscene we see Big Boss arrive in a wheel chair, just in time to stop Snake. Despite the rumours that Big Boss has been dead for years, he is very much alive, and the body that was seen burning was that of his clone - Solidus Snake. Snake changes his mind about death, and decides to live the rest of his life with Otacon and Sunny.

For information on how to Become a Games Tester http://www.GameGemini.com

Metal Gear Solid 4 Secrets

2012-01-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

Metal Gear Solid 4 is the best-selling game from Konami (now gone into the Platinum Best Sellers list of PS3 games). There are plenty of Metal Gear Solid 4 secrets that can be uncovered simply, just by completing the game multiple times, but there are also a lot of secrets that you might require a helping hand with finding and unlocking. Note that this guide does include spoilers, so if you haven't yet completed the game, I'd recommend you do so before reading on.

Metal Gear Solid 4

First of all, when you go back to Shadow Moses in the forth act, there is a scene where you must enter a password to open a large hanger door. However, there are three secret passwords that will unlock certain things. Entering the code '14893' will give you 100,000 Drebin Points immediately. Not bad! The codes '78925' and '13462' will both unlock bonus songs for your iPod.

These are not the only secret passwords in the game. If you go to the 'Extras' screen on the main menu, and choose the 'Password' option and enter 'mnsoymsyh', you'll receive the Mosin Nagant tranquiliser sniper rifle when you first meet up with the Mk.II. For the Desert Eagle Long Barrel, enter 'deskyhstyl'. For the 'Thor.45-70', enter 'tshsniammr'. Finally, for the Altair costume, enter 'aottrykmyn'.

As with the first game in the series, and all subsequent games, there is the expected selection of Metal Gear Solid 4 secrets. The bandanna that gives you unlimited ammunition is unlocked by completing the game without killing a single enemy (except those that you cannot avoid). All bosses must be taken down via tranquiliser. For the weapon that The Boss uses in MGS3, named the 'Patriot Future Assault Weapon', you must complete the game and be awarded the Big Boss emblem. Finally, for stealth camouflage, you must complete the game without raising a single alert.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Screenshots

2012-01-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Flight Simulator Screenshots, click to enlarge.

Is Microsoft's Flight Simulator a Simulation or a Game?

If we ask the dictionary what a simulator is it will tell us that it is "any device or system that simulates specific conditions or the characteristics of a real process for the purposes of research or operator training". A game is defined as "an amusement or pastime diversion or a contest with rules, where the result is determined by skill, strength, or chance". Using these definitions, we'll try to answer our opening question.

Microsoft's flight simulator program is used by many flight schools to teach the basic principles of flight. It also uses the simulator to familiarize the student with the various instruments and operations of an aircraft. It even allows them to learn how to communicate with air traffic controllers and create flight plans. Even though they are flying an airplane on their computer screen, they are simulating a real process. And it's this real process that makes learning to fly at your computer a simulator.

Some people take their flight simulation very seriously. It's these people who are looking for an "as close to real" experience. These people don't see it as a game mainly because there is no "chance" involved. The results of their experience will definitely depend on their skill, their knowledge and their ability to follow the rules of flight. This also means following the rules of the road, so to speak, from an air traffic controller.

Another reason why these people don't see Fight Simulator as a game is because there's no opponent. Whether they are flying a predefined mission or have created their own mission, they are usually flying solo. Their enjoyment level is most often defined by how well they fly the flight simulator and achieve the goals of their mission.

Many computer games require more than one player. In the early days of Microsoft Simulator, it was difficult to fly with someone else in multiplayer mode because the Internet was so slow. Dial-up connections weren't fast enough to provide a realistic experience. Today, with high-speed Internet, multiplayer mode can be more easily achieved. 1, 2, 3 or even more desktop pilots can get together and do a fly-in. One of the participants can act as the air traffic controller at a specified airport and manage or marshall all the other participants about safely. It's really kind of cool! And, it's as close as it gets to being a game because there are multiple participants. However, these participants aren't playing against each other. Rather, they are working individually to achieve a collective success.

And now, let's take a look from the gaming point of view.

For some, flight simulator is an amusement or pastime diversion. I can't count the number of days I would be working at my desk and have the flight simulator flying from airport to airport. I would create a flight plan, verify the flight plan with ATC, follow the ATC instructions to take off and then put the plane on autopilot. Every once in a while, just like in the real commercial airline business, I would make flight adjustments and radio frequency changes to keep the flight on course. ATC would advise me to start the aircraft descent as we approached our destination airport. By following the headings and altitude requests from ATC, I would land at the airport and taxi to the gate. If time permitted, I would make a new flight plan and do it all over again. So for me, it was a diversion from my day-to-day work and it amused and occupied me. It was great fun!

Gamesmanship is defined as the "art of winning games or defeating opponents by clever or cunning practices without actually cheating". As a gamer, flight simulator doesn't offer opponents to challenge. You are actually challenging yourself more than others. However, from a gaming point of view, you can do things over and over and not pay the price of actually crashing an airplane. When it comes to the laws of aerodynamics there is little forgiveness. If your plane is not flying, then it's like any other object that will eventually succumb to the law of gravity. And, it's much less expensive crashing a computer model than the real thing.

As for clever or cunning practices, flight simulator does allow the user to practice and refine their flying technique. Like any other skill, the more practice time you put in, the better you will become at that skill. The more time you put in on takeoffs and landings the more proficient you will become. That's why pilots in training do circuit after circuit practicing their takeoffs and landings.

I believe that flight simulation software is not a game. There are no real opponents and "chance" is not involved. In fact, it is the "as real as can be" experience that makes flight simulator so enjoyable for me. I remember when a new version was released that added jetway movement. It was so cool because when you landed and pulled up to the gate you could use a keystroke to have the jetway move to the door of the plane. It was such a simple thing and yet it was so cool.

Thanks to the Oxford dictionary for providing the definitions for today's article.

This article was written by David Browne who is an 'armchair' Flight Simulator enthusiast. His website http://www.playflightsimulator.com is a resource for people like himself to learn more about the current options for Computer Flight Simulator programs.

Metal Gear Solid 5 Release Date

2012-01-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

I am sorry, We do not yet have a release date for Metal Gear Solid 5 on PS3.

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Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns Weapons

2012-01-11T00:31:00.000-08:00

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns

Metal Gear Solid 4 is the top-selling Playstation 3 game from Konami, featuring Solid Snake. While the game is about sneaking and stealth, since you're mainly travelling through warzones, you might feel the urge to use one of the 70 available weapons that have made it into the game. Many of these weapons can also be customised, adding scopes, silencers, flashlights, and more onto them. Having so many weapons in the game can get confusing, so it's helpful that you can visit Drebin's shop at any time (once you've met him) to buy new weapons and ammo. I will not be looking at all of the Metal Gear Solid 4 weapons, but just the highlights.
Let's first have a look at the Handguns:

MK. 23 a.k.a SOCOM
Anyone that's played Metal Gear Solid 1 will remember this gun as Snake's primary pistol. Developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command, it has a 45 caliber barrel, and comes with laser aiming and a specially developed suppressor. The gun is one of the best in its class, due to the large magazine capacity compared to its size.

PSS
This is my personal favourite pistol, as I like to play a stealth game, and of all the Metal Gear Solid 4 weapons, this fits the bill perfectly. It is completely soundless, as it uses a special type of soundless ammo, eliminating the need for a suppressor. While each magazine can only carry 6 rounds, that is more than enough to take down one or two soldiers at close range, undetected.

The Race Gun
This gun is a bit special, and can only be acquired after completing the game. What is lacks in power, it makes up in the fact that it can fire rapidly. It is also the only gun that can bounce bullets off of walls, ala Revolver Ocelot in the first Metal Gear Solid. Unfortunately there are no modifications possible, but it's still a lot of fun to use.

Next, let's take a look at the Submachine Guns:

The Patriot
The Patriot is the weapon of The Boss in MGS3, and is an exceptional gun. It is the weapon of a master, and requires no reloading at all during combat. When looking at it from the front, the magazine forms the shape of an infinity symbol, which is a nice touch.

P90
The P90 is a specialised weapon that provides you with good mobility during combat, thanks to its shape. Best used at close range, it can take down large crews in seconds thanks to its impressive rate of fire. This can be found all over the first level, as it's carried by the FROG troopers.
Rifles:

M4 Custom
It is basically a shortened model of the M16, and is the mainstay of U.S. Special Forces. It includes a highly-revolutionary 'rail system', which makes it compatible with a lots o add-on parts, almost like a 'Do It Yourself' gun. This is probably the gun I used most during my first play-through, as it can be heavily customised, it is useful in nearly every situation. For example, you can fit on it a silencer, a scope, a laser sight, a grenade launcher, a shotgun, two different grips to improve accuracy, and a flashlight.

The DSR-1
No we're really talking. The DSR-1 is a no-nonsense, bolt-action sniper rifle. Billed by its manufacturer as "the most sophisticated and technologically advanced tactical precision rifle in the world", it certainly packs a punch. Its integrated bi-pod means it's always ready to go, and despite its extreme loudness, it is always guaranteed to take down your victim, should you land a direct hit.

Mosin-Nagant
If you want something a little less brash and subtle, then the Mosin-Nagant is for you. Brandished by 'The End' in MGS3, the Mosin-Nagant is a special sniper rifle, as it uses non-lethal, tranquilizer ammo. While this gun is extremely noisy, if it's used from a distance (which is what it's designed for), you won't have a problem. This is one of the Metal Gear Solid 4 weapons that is essential when trying to complete the game without killing anyone.
Other/Special:

Rail Gun
The rail gun is acquired after defeating Crying Wolf in act 4 of the game. Of all of the Metal Gear Solid 4 weapons, it might just be the most powerful, when fully charged, and is said to pack the same power as a tank turret! There are no modifications that can be made to this weapon, but realistically, there are none that are needed.

Metal Gear Solid 4

2012-01-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

Metal Gear Solid 4 Review - Stealth Action Suffers Due to Ridiculously Overdone Story.

Score: 6.0

System: PS3

Genre: Action, Stealth movie
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: 6/12/08
Length: 25 hours
Difficulty: 5

Pros
- Creative and varied sections including stealth, on-rails shooting, and hand-to-hand combat
- Outstanding graphics, sound and production values
- All movies and codec can be skipped

Cons
- Almost half of the disc (can't even call it a game anymore) involves sitting and watching movies and codec conversations
- Repetitive gameplay isn't challenging
- Several minute installation sections riddled throughout the game

Before I start, I find it necessary to mention that I love stealth games. There is such a great sense of satisfaction in sneaking up behind a large force and taking them down individually while the rest of the company is oblivious to your existence. I really loved the first Metal Gear Solid, which was a landmark title on the PS1. The Splinter Cell series has expounded on the stealth series in its own vision and is probably the most direct comparison to the Meta Gear Solid series. Alright let's get onto the review.

The Patriots are a conspiracy theory junkies' wet dream for a group that controls private armies, which wage war to support weapons building corporations. Liquid is attempting to destroy the Patriots to create chaos throughout the world. Premature aging renders Solid Snake terminally ill as he hunts down and attempts to stop his nemesis, Liquid Snake, one last time.

The million dollar real question is whether there is any gameplay on the disc. About one-half of the game's 25 hours is spent watching movies and listening to codec. John Carmack, main programmer for many famous id games, summed it up best when he said, "Story in a game is like a story in a porn movie. It's expected to be there, but it's not that important." If games are intended to involve interaction with controllers, then why aren't we allowed to use them for such prolonged sections? The answer? Hideo Kojima really likes movies. He should be making them for Hollywood to be seen in theaters rather than working on interactive media.

His stories are just too self-involved and detailed. He wastes time discussing people's relationships, who's married whom, and how they've dealt with cancer. You start to wonder if you are watching "The Young and the Restless" or playing a game. There are far too many details and dialogue to explain a plot that really isn't really that complex. While the story is somewhat interesting, humorous and attempts to pull at your emotional cords, it is just too self-involved. Get over yourself, Kojima!

His work would serve the movie audience better. Unfortunately, he has found a way to mind control a sizeable section of gamers to buy his games continually just to sit on their rears and watch movies. The CIA and FBI really should look into how he has been able to accomplish it. I think the irony is that his conspiracy theory stories are true. He's slowly gaining control over everyone through subliminal messages in his movies. We need someone to take him down pronto!

Many movie sections are like watching the end of a football game. "Just 2 more minutes and I'll take out the trash, honey!" slowly and inevitably turns into 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc. It's so ridiculous that the game's makers know it and indulge in it. One character actually asks you to put the controller down while he gives his speech. They have the audacity to show they know they aren't making a game anymore. Why do people live with this tripe?!? In exchange for pre-release review copies to larger sites, even Konami acknowledged the problematic cutscene lengths by demanding pre-reviews not mention these problems.

Thankfully you can skip all movie sections and cut straight to the action. You will miss the story, but after watching all the movies I can't recommend it to anyone who values their time. The only commendable movies are at the end of the five main stages.

What about the little action left for gamers? The actual sections involving gameplay aren't half bad. Surprisingly, there is plenty of variety with stealth, on-rails shooting sections, and updated hand-to-hand combat. There are cool weapons to customize and trade. The OctoCamo and Metal Gear MKII remote drone provide alternate ways to get through some tedious stealth sections.

The main problem is that there isn't enough gameplay and it isn't very different from previous games in the series. You can play the game as a first-person shooter, but there are already too many of those types of games. The stealth aspects to the game haven't changed much since the first MGS. The hand-to-hand combat is new but not very different from many other games already available. Even if you skip the movies, you get a sub-par game.

This final entry in the series also introduces the psyche and stress meters. I applaud new innovations, but I just didn't fully understand these features. The stress meter seems to increase when you aren't in good cover or in combat. Snake is supposed to be more mistake-prone with a high stress meter, but I never saw a difference. A lower psyche level is supposed to be a problem, but it never affected gameplay. Perhaps these meters are needed on higher difficulties. I was able to get through the game without paying them any heed by taking advantage of the game's simple AI and patterns.

Solid Snake needs more moves to deal with such advanced enemies. As noted, the most comparable game to Metal Gear is Splinter Cell. Each new addition to the Splinter Cell series adds new movements to Sam's repertoire. He can climb on poles hang upside down and break an enemy's neck. He can hang from a railing below an enemy and pull him down to his death. He swims underwater, cuts a whole in ice, and pulls enemies down. He whistles to attract a guard's attention, then dispatches of the guards one by one. What happens when Sam sees an enemy's shadow in a tent? He cuts a hole with his knife, sneaks up behind him and takes him down.

Snake may be an old dog, but he's learned a few new tricks for his final bow. He has some new close-quarters combat moves to throw, kill and knock out guards. Snake can also hold a guard hostage and search him for items (no anal probes thankfully). There is a wide array of weapons available along with several ways to customize them. It's just puzzling why more hasn't been implemented over the past decade.

While these new moves are appreciated, gamers expect more advances over a decade within a series. Why can't Snake use his environment better? Why aren't we enthralled by a wider variety of ways to dispatch enemies? Why aren't there more than 4-5 types of basic enemies (excluding bosses)? Why hasn't Kojima done this? He's spending all his time on his absurd movies and plot twists is the answer. This is a game. Add new ways to interact rather than watching everything cool happen during the movies. I'd like to perform some of the amazing action during those cutscenes. The more action I saw that I couldn't affect, the more frustrated I became.

The game is set over five main stages. The movies start you off in a battle-torn war zone in the Middle East. You are in the middle of some large combat zones where multiple forces are fighting each other. If you are patient, you can take advantage of each side's ensuing weaknesses. The setting is refreshing compared to the typical one-man army Solid Snake against a squadron of guards and vision cones, which the series has become known for. The combat environment isn't unique though, since it has been replicated many times since the inaugural Half-Life.

The second stage is set in the typical South American jungle we've all seen countless times. We get it. Producers liked Rambo 2. Please get past the hiding in jungles motif. The middle and later sections of the game provides some welcome variety in the gameplay. Various sections of the game make it clear that Kojima and his team have a ton of talent. If they only spent it filling games with more gameplay sections rather than the mundane movies, the world would be a better place.

No action game would be complete without boss battles. Snake will vanquish numerous bosses that are all unique, varied and set in cool environments. None of them will challenge you much though. The main problem is you will spend a good portion of your time manipulating your inventory and weapons in the middle of combat rather than actually fighting. It actually fits with the theme of the game. The game wants to take you away from any interaction as much as possible. Even the actual interactive sections involve many portions that are not interactive.

Of course, this is the PS3, so you must endure a several minute installation section before the game even loads. But wait there's more. Act now and we'll throw in several more multi-minute installation sections before each stage. Unfortunately, there's no money back guarantee on this one. It all comes to a slow and hopefully final conclusion with an even more overt slap in the face. The game ends with a ninety-minute movie to conclude the series. Ok, you like your characters and story. We get it.

It's not that I don't like a good compelling story. I just think it could have been executed better with voice-overs that allow simultaneous gameplay, such as in Bioshock or Splinter Cell. Games should always strive to include as much interaction as possible. Only take us away from playing for a few minutes and make it worth it. I'm not against a game including a short intense movie after every few levels to "reward" you for getting past a tense and difficult section. If the excellent movies at the end of each major level would have been the only non-gameplay sections in the game, the final product would be much better.

The graphics during gameplay and the movies are gorgeous. The only issue is an overt use of browns and grays. I know that Solid Snake is gray now, but does the world need to be also?

The music is both moving during dramatic sequences and energetic during action sequences. Things that should go boom, go boom loud with satisfying bass. Surround sound is executed very well to envelop you in the frenetic war zone and cautious, tense stealth sections. The very realistic bullet twings remind me of the beginning of Saving Private Ryan. Yes, they are that good.

Its become clear that larger sites praise Metal Gear Solid and other hyped games because their reviews are bought out by the publisher's large advertising budgets. "Give us a perfect score review or we'll take our ads away!" We know we aren't alone in recognizing these problems. Well, PoweredUpGamers isn't a biased site. Our review may differ from other sites, but we don't work from their positively-skewed scale that rarely dip below a 7. If we don't enjoy a game, it gets a low score despite the hype.

Benefits Of Gaming

2010-12-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

Health And Well Being Benefits Of Gaming

We all heard from our parents that gaming is bad for our health. This holds true in some cases, especially when a gamer spends all his day and his life sitting on the sofa playing his favorite game. However, there are games that provide more benefits. There are a lot of recreations that even promote good health, which is not impossible with all the advanced gaming equipments available to us.

Playing activities like racing, war simulation, and first-person shooting matches improves the reflexes, the ability to plan ahead, and adjust to situations instantly. These are the things that a person needs in order to successfully dominate the game, and will be improved gradually as they continue to play these kinds of schemes. Although some of these activities may promote violence, the risk will be eliminated with proper guidance from parents.

image from Howstuffworks.com

I know that no one will oppose when I say that educational games have tons of benefits. However, this is an article that discusses the benefits of playing games, so I decided to include them. Puzzles, problem solving, and academic skills of our children are enhanced with the help of these games, even adults are learning something new while playing these education exercises.

Playing games these days no longer needs a player to sit all day on the sofa. In fact, using the Motion Plus controller of Nintendo Wii requires a player to physically move in order to play games. This will not only enhance the gaming experience, but will also help them burn fat and calories.

So, before you go with the saying that games are bad for your health, think again. Some activities may be bad for you, but with these new games on board, playing pastimes are becoming more beneficial. More than a source of entertainment, gaming is slowly shifting in to becoming a source of good health, fitness and well-being.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Windhurst

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The Future of Social Gaming

2010-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

The hottest trend currently in gaming is social gaming. Social gaming is very popular because it allows you to play with your friends or complete strangers and gives you the ability to communicate via a headset. Some of the most popular social titles are games like Halo, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Little Big Planet and many more.

New innovations like Xbox 360 Kinect and the PlayStation Move are changing the way you play games. These gadgets allow you to get a group of friends together or the whole family and play a game together. The Xbox Kinect does not even require a controller, YOU are the controller. The Kinect gives you a full body gaming experience which is very cool. The PlayStation Move is not as hands free as the Kinect, as it requires a wand-like controller, similar to the Wii console. The Move is also geared for the social side of gaming and encourages the entire family to get involved.

The first person shooter games like Call of Duty and Halo have benefited greatly from this social trend. Both PlayStation and Xbox have online portals where you can sign on for any game but these titles are probably the most well-known for being social gaming titles.

Another gadget that is impacting this gaming trend is the ability to take gaming anywhere is the pico projector. Picos allow you to project up to a 60" screen which is perfect for taking your gaming to go. Multi-player titles are the perfect application for pico projectors.

According to the sales numbers reported by Sony and Microsoft, the Move is currently outperforming the Kinect. Sony is reporting that since launching in September the Move has sold 4.1 million units worldwide. This announcement came after Microsoft announced it had sold 2.5 million units in the first 25 days.

Both of these devices should be popular with the holiday season right around the corner it will be interesting to see which gadget comes out on top.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Michael

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Point Blank Shooting Game

2010-11-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

Point Blank is a popular online game. Point Blank arable Zepetto result, one of the online game developer based in Korea. Well, while operations in Indonesia, Point Blank is under the auspices of PT Kreon who previously also has online games such as Ghost, Yulgan and Air. Overall, a good quality of graphics or game system can be said a little over Counter Strike. For example, variants of the characters more. In Point Blank players can use male or female character and the character design can be quite detail.Point Blank offers two gaming modes, namely: Basic Mode: In this game mode the player will face a fast-paced battles, namely the type of game like Deat Match or Explosion Mission, unfortunately the number of maps that are provided are still very minim. Unique Mode: In this mode, each player is required to destroy a target object, while the target like a helicopter or a power plant owned by musuh.Dengan number of features and sophistication offered, whether to make Point Blank great enough to replace Counter Strike as the games that have been loved diving nearly 10 year.

DOTA Strategy

2010-04-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

DOTA stands for Defence of the Ancients. It is a mod for Warcraft 3. Since its inception, there have been a number of good DOTA Strategy guides written about it.

Here are 7 DOTA Strategy 101 tips to help you get into the game.

Tip #1 Farming

Farming means killing creeps or neutrals for gold. The more enemy creeps you kill, the more gold you'll receive. Sometimes when farming becomes difficult, player may turn to farming neutral characters for extra gold.

Tip #2 Last Hit

Last Hit means moving in close to hit the enemy creep for gold. Damaging an enemy creep does not provide gold, so its beneficial for a non-ranged character to move in for a last hit to receive this benefit. This also allows you to stay out of range of the opposing team.

Making a last hit requires a feel of the timing to deal direct damage for different characters. You can get a feel of this simply by playing the game often. A good strategy is to keep the thumb on the "ALT" key so that you can readily see the life line of the creeps, and only move in to get a last hit when its life is low.

Tip #3 Hot Key

Hot Key is an essential DOTA strategy. Different spells are tied to different buttons which when pressed will activate the spell. Since battles in DOTA last only a few seconds, clicking on the icons with the mouse is a little slow.

Tip #4 Mouse

Getting a good mouse is important for DOTA. You'll also enjoy the gaming experience more with a good mouse, skates, and mouse pad.

Tip #5 Item Build

Having the right item build will increase the power of your character. Some characters require more health or more speed, or more mana as the game progresses. Knowing the complimentary item build for your character will increase its power and direct damage.

Tip #6 Team Play

In competitive DOTA play, its necessary to play in groups. Public DOTA Strategy and Competitive DOTA strategy are different with the latter being more difficult and emphasis on team cooperation.

Tip #7 Mana Required

Always take note of the amount of mana required to cast 2 spells. 1 spell alone will normally not be sufficient to take down an opponent.

Tip #8 Item Cost

By understanding what items need to be built, you'll be able to know the cost and time your return to the fountain. Less trips back to the fountain means more time in the battle field, which translates to more gold and experience for your DOTA character.

For more DOTA Strategy & Videos, Get it from: http://sagedota.blogspot.com

Guide For DotA Players - Top Premium Strategies

2010-03-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

DotA stands for Defence of the Ancients. It is a mod for Warcraft 3. Since its inception, there have been a number of good DOTA Strategy guides written about it.

As a fan for DotA for so many years, i finally found one of best guides around the internet.

DotA Warcraft Master offers strategies that are realistic, simple and effective in dealing with my opponents. DotA Warcraft Master allows me to become what i had always dream of, becoming the best player in every game

Mind Games that kills The weak minded will always be lead to their death. Always remember to keep calm, cool and plan for your attack and also escape route ahead!

DotA Warcraft Master is the one stop guide for you.

Last Hits Strategies Last Hits is one of the more important strategy in DotA. DotA WarCraft Master will teach you how to get the important last hits in result will give you gold and experiences.

Learn to Creeps Block Find out why and how to block creeps in the game of DotA. Creeps blocking can be fun and important as well.

Understand the Game Know where are the routes to attack,routes to escape,how to back stab and what are the fastest route to save your friends!

Learn more in-depth top strategies on DotA Warcraft. Explore other proven tactics which includes individual character proficiencies.

The Ultimate Guide To Own Your Friends or Opponents
DotA Warcraft Master will bring you ... .. .

* All Heroes Details Reviews

* Tactical Strategies On Lane Control

* Why 99% Of Players Fail In Owning Their Opponents

* Deny Your Opponents Of Gold And Experiences

* Build Your Hero Fast

Your Path To Become GODLIKE Starts today.

DOTA game or Defense of the Ancients (DotA)

2010-02-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

Defense of the Ancients (DotA) is a custom scenario for the real-time strategy video game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, based on the "Aeon of Strife" map for StarCraft. The objective of the scenario is for each team to destroy the opponents' Ancients, heavily guarded structures at opposing corners of the map. Players use powerful units known as heroes, and are assisted by allied heroes and AI-controlled fighters called "creeps". As in role-playing games, players level up their hero and use gold to buy equipment during the mission.

The scenario was developed with the "World Editor" of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, and was updated upon the release of the expansion, The Frozen Throne. There have been many variations of the original concept; the most popular is DotA Allstars, which has been maintained by several authors during development. The current developer is known by his pseudonym as "IceFrog", and has been developing the game since 2005.

Since its release, Allstars has become a feature at several worldwide tournaments, including Blizzard Entertainment's BlizzCon and the Asian World Cyber Games, as well as the Cyberathlete Amateur and CyberEvolution leagues; Gamasutra declared that DotA was perhaps the most popular "free, non-supported game mod in the world"

Gameplay

Defense of the Ancients pits two teams of players against each other: the Sentinel and the Scourge. Players on the Sentinel team are based at the southwest corner of the map, and those on the Scourge team are based at the northeast corner. Each base is defended by towers and waves of units which guard the main paths leading to their base. In the center of each base is the "Ancient", a building that must be destroyed to win the game.

Each human player controls one Hero, a powerful unit with unique abilities. In Allstars, players on each side choose one of ninety-seven heroes, each with different abilities and tactical advantages over other heroes.[6] The scenario is highly team-oriented; it is difficult for one player to carry the team to victory alone.[7] Nevertheless, some heroes, given enough time, can change the outcome single-handedly, while countering the opposing team's heroes. Defense of the Ancients allows up to ten players in a five versus five format and an additional two slots for referees or observers, often with an equal number of players on each side.

Because the gameplay revolves around strengthening individual heroes, it does not require one to focus on resource management and base-building, as in most traditional real-time strategy games. Killing computer-controlled or neutral units earns the player experience points; when enough experience is accumulated, the player gains a level. Leveling up improves the hero's toughness and the damage it can inflict, and allows players to upgrade their spells or skills. In addition to accumulating experience, players also manage a single resource: gold. The typical resource gathering of Warcraft III is replaced by a combat-oriented money system; in addition to a small periodic income, heroes earn gold by killing hostile units, base structures, and enemy heroes.This gives rise to a technique called last hitting, which is when the player attacks a hostile unit when "its hit points are low enough to kill it with one blow". Using gold, players buy items to strengthen their hero and gain abilities. Certain items can be combined with recipes to create more powerful items. Buying items that suit one's hero is an important tactical element of the scenario.

Allstars offers a variety of game modes, selected by the game host at the beginning of the match. The game modes dictate the difficulty of the scenario, as well as whether people can choose their hero or are assigned one randomly. Many game modes can be combined (for example, an easy difficulty level and a random hero pick), allowing more flexible options.

Development

Warcraft III is the third title in the Warcraft series of real-time strategy games developed by Blizzard Entertainment. As with Warcraft II, Blizzard included a free "world editor" in the game that allows players to create custom scenarios or "maps" for the game, which can be played online with other players through Battle.net.[12] These custom scenarios can be simple terrain changes, which play like normal Warcraft games, or they can be entirely new game scenarios with custom objectives, units, items, and events, like Defense of the Ancients.[12]

The first version of Defense of the Ancients was released in 2003 by a mapmaker under the alias Eul,[13] who based the map on a previous StarCraft scenario known as "Aeon of Strife",[11] After the release of Warcraft's expansion The Frozen Throne, which added new features to the World Editor, Eul did not update the scenario.[14] Other mapmakers produced spinoffs that added new heroes, items, and features.[13]

Among the DotA variants created in the wake of Eul's map included Allstars, developed by modder Steve Feak (under the alias Guinsoo); this version would become the most popular version of the map.[15] Feak said when he began developing Allstars he had no idea how popular the game would eventually become; the emerging success of the gametype inspired him to design a new title around what he considered an emerging game genre.[16] Feak added a recipe system for items so that player's equipment would scale as they grew more powerful, as well as a powerful boss character called Roshan (named after his bowling ball) who required an entire team to defeat.[13]

Feak used a battle.net chat channel as a place for DotA players to congregate,[13] but DotA Allstars had no official site for discussions and hosting. The leaders of the DotA Allstars clan, TDA, proposed that a dedicated web site be created to replace the various online alternatives that were infrequently updated or improperly maintained. TDA member Steve "Pendragon" Mescon created the former official community site, dota-allstars.com, on October 14, 2004.[17]

Towards the end of his association with the map, Feak primarily worked on optimizing the map before handing over control to another developer after version 6.01. The new author, IceFrog, added new features, heroes, and fixes. Each release is accompanied with a changelog.[18] IceFrog is notoriously reclusive, refusing to give interviews; the only evidence of IceFrog's authorship was the map maker's email account on the official website and the name branded on the game's loading screen.[3] Icefrog now interacts with players through a personal blog where he answers common questions players have about him and about the game.[19] He has also posted information about upcoming map releases, including previews of new heroes and items.[20] In October 2009, Icefrog was hired by Valve Corporation, leading a team in a project that he has described as "great news for DotA fans".[21]

Defense of the Ancients is maintained via official forums. Users can post ideas for new heroes or items, some of which are added to the map. Players have contributed icons and hero descriptions and created the artwork displayed while the map loads, and suggestions for changes to existing heroes or items are taken seriously; IceFrog once changed a new hero less than two weeks after the new version of the map was released. Versions of the scenario where enemy heroes are controlled by artificial intelligences have also been released. Mescon continues to maintain dota-allstars.com, which as of April 2009 has 1.5 million registered members and receives more than a million unique visitors each month. New team members have been added to roll out visual and system improvements to the site. IceFrog announced due to conflict of interest that he would be boycotting dota-allstars.com and starting his own web site, playdota.com, while continuing game development.

Because Warcraft III custom games have none of the features designed to improve game quality (matchmaking players based on connection speed, etc.), various programs are used to maintain Defense of the Ancients. External tools ping player's locations, and games can be named to exclude geographic regions.Clans and committees such as TDA maintain their own official list of rules and regulations, and players can be kicked from matches by being placed on "banlists".

Reception and legacy

The popularity of Defense of the Ancients has increased over time. The scenario was featured by Computer Gaming World in a review of new maps and mods in Warcraft III, and was called "the ultimate RTS" by game journalist and developer Luke Smith. Allstars became an important tournament scenario, starting with its prominence at the debut of Blizzard's BlizzCon convention in 2005. Allstars was also featured in the Malaysia and Singapore World Cyber Games starting in 2005, and the World Cyber Games Asian Championships beginning with the 2006 season. Defense of the Ancients was included in the game lineup for the internationally recognized Cyberathlete Amateur League and CyberEvolution leagues. Additionally, the scenario appeared in Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) 2008; Oliver Paradis, ESWC's competition manager, noted that the high level of community support behind the scenario, as well as its worldwide appeal, were among the reasons it was chosen.

The scenario is popular in many parts of the world; in the Philippines and Thailand, it is played as much as the game Counter-Strike.It is also popular in Sweden and other Northern European countries, where the Defense of the Ancients-inspired song "Vi sitter i Ventrilo och spelar DotA" by Swedish musician Basshunter reached the European 2006 charts at #116 and cracked the top ten Singles Charts in Sweden, Norway,[33] and Finland.[34] LAN tournaments are a major part of worldwide play, including tournaments in Sweden and Russia; however, due to a lack of LAN tournaments and championships in North America, several teams disbanded. Blizzard points to DotA as an example of what dedicated mapmakers can create using developer's tools.

In June 2008, Michael Walbridge, writing for Gamasutra, stated that DotA "is likely the most popular and most-discussed free, non-supported game mod in the world". In pointing to the strong community built around the game, Walbridge stated that DotA shows it is much easier for a community game to be maintained by the community, and this is one of the maps' greatest strengths. Defense of the Ancients has been credited as one of the influences for the 2009 Gas Powered Games title Demigod, with the video game publication GameSpy noting the game's premise revolved around aspiring gods "[playing] DotA in real life". Guinsoo went on to apply many of the mechanics and lessons he learned from Defense of the Ancients to the Riot Games title League of Legends. Other "DotA clones" include S2 Games' Heroes of Newerth.

Source: Wikipedia

New Dragon Ball Z Game in Development For Playstation 3 and Xbox 360

2009-05-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

According to Namco Bandai’s fiscal report for 2008-2009, a new Dragon Ball Z game is in development for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

The unannounced title appeared under software forecasts section on the tenth page of the report. It is expected to ship in Europe and Japan in the second half of the 2009-2010 fiscal period (October 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010). Keep in mind that Atari publishes the Dragon Ball games in North America, so the new title will also arrive within the same timeframe in that region. Namco Bandai plans to sell 800,000 copies of their upcoming game in Europe and Japan for the fiscal period.

Although the new Dragon Ball Z title has yet to be revealed, it is most likely a sequel to the Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit fighting game released in 2008 on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Top 10 Best Selling Namco Bandai Games During the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year

2009-05-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the top ten best-selling titles for Namco Bandai during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The biggest omission from the list is Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360.

1. Soul Calibur IV
System(s): Playstation 3 and Xbox 360
Region(s): Asia, Europe, Japan and United States
Total Sales: 2,320,000 units

2. Active Life Outdoor Challenge
System(s): Nintendo Wii
Region(s): Europe, Japan and United States
Total Sales: 1,030,000 units

3. We Ski
System(s): Nintendo Wii
Region(s): Europe and United States
Total Sales: 960,000 units

4. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
System(s): Playstation 3 and Xbox 360
Region(s): Asia, Europe and Japan
Total Sales: 730,000 units

5. Gundam Musou 2
System(s): Playstation 2, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360
Region(s): Asia and Japan
Total Sales: 700,000 units

6. Naruto Ultimate Ninja: Storm
System(s): Playstation 3
Region(s): Europe, Japan and United States
Total Sales: 640,000 units

7. Taiko Drum Master for DS 2
System(s): Nintendo DS
Region(s): Japan
Total Sales: 580,000 units

8. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3
System(s): Playstation 2
Region(s): Europe and United States
Total Sales: 580,000 units

9. Taiko Drum Master for Wii
System(s): Nintendo Wii
Region(s): Japan
Total Sales: 570,000 units

10. Super Robot Wars Z
System(s): Playstation 2
Region(s): Japan
Total Sales: 510,000 units