Things that I want

New boardgames purchased!

2011-07-22T16:13:00.009+10:00

I'm inviting several friends over in a couple of weeks so I thought it'd be appropriate for me to refresh my games collection with a few new additions. As I'm expecting a fairly large group to turn up, the primary consideration for these games is the ability to take more players.

In light of that, I picked up the following:

7 Wonders

Formula D

Space Hulk: Death Angel: The Card Game

Games for sale

2011-06-24T22:49:00.006+10:00

I'm paring down my collection of games, so there's a whole bunch of games I'm looking to get rid of. Friends get first pick from the list below, at the listed price or the next best offer. If you aren't able to help me get rid of them, then it'll be going up onto eBay. So get right in with some quality games at low low prices.

DS ($10)
~~Dragon Quest IX~~
~~Final Fantasy IV~~
Front Mission
~~Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown~~
Lego Battles
~~Puzzle de Harvest Moon~~
Scribblenauts
~~Sonic Colours~~

Wii ($15)
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Red Steel 2
Super Mario Galaxy
Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Playstation 3 ($20)
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Two Worlds 2

Xbox 360 ($20)
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
~~Bayonetta~~
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Bulletstorm
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Crackdown 2
~~Crysis 2~~
Fable 2
~~Ghostbusters~~
Ghost Recon: Advance Warfighter 2
HAWX
Smackdown vs Raw 2011
Mafia 2
~~Medal of Honor~~
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Prototype
Rainbow 6: Vegas
Rainbow 6: Vegas 2
~~Street Fighter IV~~
UFC2009: Undisputed

Playing Command & Colour: Napoleonics for the first time

2011-03-18T07:57:00.006+11:00

Playing Battles of Westeros reignited a desire to play Command & Colour: Ancients again. Though both games are nominally based on the same system, there were a number of things that I preferred in C&C. Namely, I felt that the way units moved, and were encouraged to stay in formation, was very true to era depicted.

So when Shawn brought round the latest in the series, I was interested to check it out. I was curious to see if my opinions about Ancients carried over into the Napoleonic iteration. Just as we started a game, I took a few snaps:

Unboxing Battles of Westeros

2011-03-16T17:48:00.015+11:00

It's now a habit for me to participate in Boardgamegeek's annual Secret Santa during the Christmas period. It's a great little deal: I anonymously purchase a gift for a person on Boardgamegeek, and someone else does the same for me.

The Battles of Westeros must be a popular game in 2010, because this was the game that I received AND gifted as well. It's easy to see why it'd be so popular: It's based off a well-regarded game system (same as Battlelore and C&C:Ancients), and uses a popular fantasy setting (A Song of Ice & Fire).

I was so excited when I received this game, so I took a few snaps as I unboxed the game:

Building a home

2011-01-04T08:56:00.002+11:00

It's the first day back at work. And things are looking pretty swell, I think. Work looks to be fairly rewarding, and things at home are shaping up.

Over the Christmas break, we starting dressing up the house with decorative items and photos. It's been a long time coming, but the house is starting to feel like a home. It's been a year since we've moved in, and we hadn't even put up any photos of family and friends. That's already looking to change.

The next order of business is working on the lawn, and laying down a decent bed of grass. That's a project for the tail-end of summer, I think.

Pixel Hunt Issue 12

2010-11-22T13:19:00.003+11:00

The Pixel Hunt website has been hacked, which has forced us to re-construct it. But activity is still happening with the crew. Issue 12 has just been released, with even more gaming goodness.

I've got an editorial in there, as well as a feature on Child's Play (a charity by the folks at Penny Arcade). So check out the latest issue here, and keep an eye out for the new site!

I'm also on the latest episodes of Pixel Cast, our fortnightly podcast. Episodes 24 and 25 are now available on iTunes.

What have I been up to?

2010-10-18T17:25:00.003+11:00

It has been just over a month since I last posted anything here. Which, I admit, is a dramatic drop from my regular pace. I've endeavored to maintain a minimum of a post a week, but obviously I haven't kept to that promise.

Since the last post, a new issue of Pixel Hunt had been released, with contributions from myself again. I will have a couple of items in the upcoming Issue 12 as well. The podcast front has been fairly quiet as well, though we did record another episode a few nights ago.

The Pixel Hunt site has been hacked (again), so keep an eye out for new content once the site is restored.

I've also just submitted my first review for Hyper magazine. I'm hoping that my writing is deemed strong enough to warrant future opportunities. I've got my fingers crossed.

I've also really happy to have gotten the chance to get back into boardgames on a few occasions in the past month. I played some new hotness and some old favorites, and I'm really satisfied. Now my fingers are itching again, and I should probably get something onto the table some time soon.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies - Review

2010-09-13T20:29:00.004+10:00

My review of Dragon Quest IX has gone up at Pixel Hunt. Here's some snippets from my review:

Dragon Quest IX is my first foray into the series. Given my relative inexperience with Japanese-styled RPGs, I wholeheartedly state that DQIX has been a welcome introduction to the genre.

Narrative and character are two key attractions to JRPGs, and within the opening sequence detailed above, players will be sufficiently compelled to embark on this adventure.

There is ample opportunity to maximise usage of the party, with plenty of combat for players to engage in. Thankfully the combat is actually quite fun, with a couple of mechanics that help reduce the tedium.

As each member of the team are created and customised by the player, it sadly means that there is a lack of memorable characters within the story.

You can check out the rest of my review here.

Starcraft 2 - Review by Community

2010-08-27T10:15:00.004+10:00

A community review of Starcraft 2 has just gone up at Pixel Hunt. Whilst the primary contributions were from our community members, I did do the compiling and editing for the piece. And the idea was also mine originally.

So I'm going to claim ownership of the piece, and hope you all enjoy it.

You can read the full review here.

PixelCast 22 - Pixelcraft

2010-08-22T23:04:00.002+10:00

I catch up with the boys again for our fortnightly recording of the PixelCast. 22 episodes in, and still going strong.

In this episode, we talk about Starcraft 2 (and little else) for the games we've been playing. We talk about various news piece regarding PC sales, piracy in indie gaming and engage in more R18+ discussions.

The topic of the episode looks at the stellar year in gaming so far, and the games we'll be looking forward in the remaining months.

You can listen to us here or subscribe via iTunes.

The Nintendo Basement Podcast Episode 2

2010-08-09T08:39:00.002+10:00

The boys at The Nintendo Basement invited me to join in their second episode as a special guest. It was extremely enjoyable, and I look forward to joining them again in the future.

In the episode we talk about a variety of Nintendo-related news, games that we've been playing, and express our opinions over a range of other topics.

You can listen to the episode here.

PixelCast 21 - Pixelstain

2010-08-05T17:27:00.003+10:00

Brand new episode of the PixelCast is now up. This episode, we have a special guest: Daniel Staines, from Eegra and Total Gamer. He joins the regular crew of Tim, Dylan and I as we pick his brains about morality in videogames.

We also talk about Persona 3 PSP, Limbo and 3D Dot Heroes, as well as Blizzard's RealID debacle, gaming schools and Metacritic's influence on game development.

You can listen to us here or download from iTunes.

Split Second: Velocity - Review

2010-07-26T22:27:00.003+10:00

My review for Split Second: Velocity has just gone up at Pixel Hunt. It's a game I'd highly recommend, regardless whether you're a fan of racing games or not.

Here's some snippets from my review:

Imagine a vision that is about speed, precision, split second timing (pun intended) and no margin of error. Where a car must be in the exact spot at the exact time; a second off could spell disaster. The windows of opportunity to get into that spot are ever diminishing. This is the vision of Split Second: Velocity and the way it has been implemented is truly unique. Though there may be comparisons with Blur, another arcade-style racing game released in the same time window, it is this vision that sets Split Second apart from the rest of the genre.

Deciding when to use a Powerplay and what level to unleash is crucial to prevailing. Trigger a trap too early or too late, and opponents’ cars will be nowhere near the collapsing building. Time the opening of a shortcut perfectly and it shuts the moment opponents go for it.

It is the intensity of every single fraction of a second that makes Split Second: Velocity so exciting. It is the difference between victory and defeat, and it is the game’s vision that communicates so brilliantly through the gameplay.

You can read the rest of the review here.

PixelCast 20 - Pixel to Pixel

2010-07-15T15:37:00.003+10:00

Another fortnight, another episode of the PixelCast. The regular panel of 3 are back once again to talk about games and gaming-related news.

In this episode, Dylan, Tim and I talk about Transformers: War for Cybertron, Uplink and various arcade games. In the news, we chat about internet access as a basic human right, Starcraft themed aeroplanes, and the dwindling appeal of Farmville.

We also talk about the clutter in our lives, filled with boxes, books, boardgames, instruction manuals, jewel cases and discs. And about getting rid of all that junk.

Listen to us here or subscribe via iTunes.

Red Steel 2 - Review

2010-07-14T10:07:00.004+10:00

My review of Red Steel 2 (Nintendo Wii) is now up on the Pixel Hunt website. So go on over there to read what I thought about the game. But here are some tidbits:

Red Steel 2 features cowboys and ninjas in a futuristic, Asian-themed Wild West, which is every bit as outrageous as that statement sounds. The fantastical setting allows the game to be creative in its application of the visual style, influencing the look of characters and environments.

The star attraction in Red Steel 2 is the sword wielding, and brandishing your sword can be immensely satisfying. There are a wide variety of moves, and a large number of combos to pull off, giving the fighting system a real depth.

There are moments when everything falls into place, and a truly brilliant moment of gameplay shines through.

Click here for the rest of the review.

PixelCast 19 - Three Little Pixels

2010-06-29T11:23:00.002+10:00

It's said a lot, but Tim literally fell out of bed and went straight into recording this episode. This wouldn't be so bad were it not for the fact that it was already post-1pm at this point.

Fortunately, there was a panel of three others to back him up. Michael, Dylan, and I keep the show in check and make sure that things remain (mostly) focused on gaming. Lots of gaming. Apparently we all love Nintendo again. Go figure.

You can listen to us here or subscribe via iTunes

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010

2010-06-22T11:08:00.005+10:00

E3 2010, the largest showcase of video games and other forms of electronic entertainment, has recently closed. As always, there are a whole slew of news and announcements about past performances, as well as new plans and initiatives. And always accompanying are post-expo reactions and responses.

It seems that this year's E3 is focused on the short-term, with many announcements related to this coming holiday season. Very few products break the mould, and most are retreading familiar ground.

Sequels are an accepted reality in videogames; we always want more of a good thing. But even in sequels, there are innovations. That seems lacking in the sequels we are seeing this year. Halo Reach, Gears of War 3, Killzone 3. There may be improvements in the technical aspects, but there's a general lack in bold imagination and and inspiring creativity.

I want to see more games like Journey, where the imagery is evocative, and about "singing, sand, hiking, cloth, surfing, astronauts and feeling small". My expectations for the game could ultimately go unfulfilled, but the developers have a such strong track record that I feel justified to be hopeful.

If nothing else comes of the game, at least they have given us some truly beautiful art.

PixelCast 18 - Pixel Sucker

2010-06-12T14:35:00.002+10:00

On this episode of PixelCast, Tim, Dylan and myself talk about Red Dead Redemption, MGS: Peace Walker, Auditorium and Sam & Max.

We also talk about games that evoke emotions, and answer the largest number of listener questions we've ever received: a grand total of 4!

You can listen to us here or subscribe to us via iTunes.

Super Street Figher IV - Review

2010-06-08T13:12:00.005+10:00

Michael Pincott and I have got our joint review of Super Street Fighter IV posted online at Pixel Hunt. Go on over there to see what we thought about the game.

Here's some highlights from the review:

With the 10 new additions, the roster has become so much more robust when compared to the original SFIV. Consequently, the amount of gameplay has also exponentially increased.

It’s clear that some characters have been buffed and some nerfed, though I’m not academically qualified to say whether this has resulted in a truly balanced game. Sagat, for example, is still a beast, while Dan is still… well, Dan.

Street Fighter IV was a superb game, and Super Street Fighter IV surpasses it in every way. As far as modern fighters go, there’s not much competition.

Read the rest of the review here. And while you're over at the Pixel Hunt website, read our other reviews, listen to the podcast and leave us some feedback.

PixelCast 17 - Your Pixel is Under Attack

2010-05-31T16:55:00.003+10:00

PixelCast is back with another exciting episode. This time, we talk about Super Street Fighter IV, Blur, Split/Second, Starcraft 2 Beta and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.

I'm also talk enthusiastically about a great reality TV/social experiment on the Discovery Channel: The Colony.

News and the attractions of 2D gaming round out the show.

Subscribe to us through iTunes, or download from here.

Monster Hunter Tri - Review

2010-05-17T19:34:00.006+10:00

My review for Monster Hunter Tri (Nintendo Wii) has just gone up over at Pixel Hunt. So if you wanna know what I thought about the game, click on the link, give it a read, and make a comment.

Here are some snippets of my review:

Players will need to prepare, plan and scavenge in order to become a successful hunter. Knowledge of a monster's patterns of behaviour and being able to live off the land are also factors in a hunter's ability to succeed. In other words, Monster Hunter Tri rewards attention to detail and patience.

The game's visuals are quite impressive, and no one can deny that Capcom has managed to draw a lot of power out of the Wii...

...However, seeing the game in its current form makes one wonder about the greater potential that could have been realised had it been reproduced on a more powerful console. The colours could have been more vibrant and the sense of scale could have been even more majestic and epic. The artistic potential in the game outstrips the technical capabilities of the console it was created for.

...the first time you take down a towering beast and skinned its hide to make a nice new coat, you will know whether or not you are cut out to be a hunter.

Read the rest of the review here.

It's been a long time since... / Catacombs

2010-05-11T15:23:00.002+10:00

It's been a long time since I last played a boardgame. My last recorded play was two rounds of Space Hulk earlier in January 2010. Before that, it was in August and July 2009. And before that, it was in 2008. So it's pretty clear that my boardgaming has gone down drastically since I've moved to Melbourne.

There's a number of reasons for that. 1) My games collection is back home in Singapore, and I'm not keen on re-buying most of them. 2) We've moved about from one rental home to another, and owning games would be a hassle. 3) It's a touch more troublesome getting to meetup groups.

I do still try to keep up with the newest games being released, and I've still got a couple of pre-orders still going on. And one particular game that's caught my eye is Catacombs.

And it's pretty simple why it's caught my interest. Catacombs = Descent: Journeys in the Dark + Pitchcar. It's a dungeon crawl game where playing pieces are flicked around a board.

From the reviews and session reports on Boardgamegeek, it seems like a light game with minimal strategy, but with some tactical depth. It also seems to foster collaborative group play, which appeals to me.

I'm not sure if it's available in Melbourne, but I think it'll be worth a hunt. Neither Milsims or Mindgames seem to list it on their sites, so I'm probably going to have to get to a store to physically search for it.

PixelCast 16: Time to Pixel

2010-05-03T10:20:00.007+10:00

It's a return to form, with the original 3 on the latest episode of PixelCast - Time to Pixel. It's our 16 time out together, and we reminisce about our early heady days in gaming. We also talk about the games we've been playing in the past 2 weeks.

In the news, we've got Infinity Ward/Respawned shenanigans, the impending free Mechwarrior 4 release, and the reduction of paper waste by Ubisoft in the form of game manuals.

Listen to us!!

You can download directly here, or subscribe to it via iTunes.

Iron Man 2: My thoughts and impressions

2010-04-30T11:29:00.000+10:00

After catching Iron Man 2 yesterday, I'm rating it a solid C, or 5.5/10. It's a passing grade; perfectly enjoyable and decent, but not great.

My main problems with the movie was the pacing was a bit off, and that there were missed opportunities for some of the characters.

The first quarter of the movie focused on many of the ancillary, inconsequential goings-on in Tony's life. While it is good to establish a context, it went on for far too long. The middle sections were quickly glossed over before the big battle at the end. There wasn't a sense of time to the whole sequence of events. I wasn't able to gleen whether all the events happened within days, or weeks or months, giving me a disjointed feeling by the end.

At the end of the first movie, Tony seemed so self-assured about his purpose that his actions in Iron Man 2 seemed out of step. The movie explained it as a way of coping with his gradual poisoning by the miniature arc reactor, and his way of leaving behind his possessions to his inheritors. But I felt the portrayal of Tony was a bit over the top, and turns into a caricature of himself.

Pepper Potts, once a capable strong young executive, comes off more as a overly harassed wet nurse, which is true to character. But the portrayal grates on me.

I also felt that the antagonists were a wasted opportunity. And they really lacked the level of menace and threat that Obidiah Stane presented in Iron Man. Stane was a amoral calculating,cold, cunning business man. Justin Hammer was more akin to a joke, a buffoon and a wannabe.

Ivan Vanko could have also been a far larger threat; he is supposed to be on almost equal footing with Tony in terms of intelligence. During his first monologue, where he talks about making God bleed, I was really hoping he'd be a far more interesting opponent and an antithesis to Tony.

The highlight for me was the Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff. She was deadly as her moniker suggests (the scene in which she and Happy breaks into Hammer's facility is gold), and she's smoking hot without being trashy.

I did enjoy the movie, although I was disappointed in some areas. It's not often that a sequel surpasses the original, so there's no real surprises here. I was hoping for a "Dark Knight", but instead it is more of a "Die Hard II".

PixelCast - Stopgap Episode 2

2010-04-19T08:17:00.003+10:00

We've had to make a quick stopgap episode, while Tim is away. So we got Dylan, James, Patrick and myself just talking about games we've been playing recently, and some general chatter about iPhone gaming, upcoming games, bonus materials for first-hand buyers, and James' Facebook fan page.

Games talked about: Tilt to Live (iPhone); Rainbow 6: Vegas 2 (multi); Blazblue (multi); Pokemon Heart Gold (DS); Splinter Cell: Conviction.

Download the file here. Or subscribe to iTunes.

PixelCast 15 - God of Pixel

2010-04-01T10:50:00.004+11:00

Exciting stuff for this latest episode of PixelCast. Tim and I are joined by a real-life GRRL, Lauren Headley. We talk about God of War 3, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and dead mice. We also share our opinions about videogame retailers, and their role in our gaming lives.

Download directly here.

Heavy Rain - A few thoughts, and loads of spoilers

2010-03-19T09:12:00.002+11:00

I bought Heavy Rain, played and completed it over 3 days, and promptly returned it. But that is not an indication of the quality of the game. Rather, it was because I considered my experience with it complete. And holding onto it would be akin to trying to grasp onto the last wisps of a dream. And letting it go was probably the best thing for us all.

But I'm hoping to be able to quantify my experience with it, and where I think the game truly resonated with me. And I hope that sharing my perspective will enable other games to hopefully enjoy it as much as I did.

*Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers Spoilers*

Scott Shelby is the Origami Killer.

This is an important development in the game, and not just in the narrative. It seems that for some players, this particular revelation reveals several inherent flaws in the game, and thus tainted the overall experience.

And the criticisms leveled against Heavy Rain's red herrings, and logical gaps in the narrative are fair and deserved. And the criticism against the mixed performance by the voice actors are also fair. These are lessons that should be accounted for if a sequel or successor emerges.

But the problems listed above should not be a deterrent to enjoying the game. And I believe that the game challenges our understanding of our role in the game, and this challenge may have left some gamers cold.

It seem that most players engage the game with the thought that we are the primary actor. We control Ethan, Madison, Norman and Scott. We are in control of the characters' actions, thoughts and impact in the game world. This is a commonly understood language of games, where the player is the sole determinant.

However, in Heavy Rain, we have to understand that we are not the primary actor. We are not even the director. Our role is not to determine their progression for them. They have already done that for themselves through their own independent actions. Our role in this world is far less involved, serving only as observers, as flies on the wall. And the game serves only as a window into which we glance briefly into the lives of these characters. And these characters, who exist completely independent from us, do not conform to our understanding of the world. If we were to extend the film-making analogy, we would be more akin to that of a post-production editor. We can affect the pacing of the narrative, and pick out one scene over a selection of alternatives. But ultimately, our impact is minimal.

And because we are placed in this unfamiliar position, various story elements may seem out of step with our understanding of the game. And we ask whether the reveal, or any other plot point made any sense to us. That, I believe, is the wrong question to ask. The question should instead be, "Did it make sense to them?".

Was the character of Scott Shelby internally consistent, within the confines of the world he lives in? Yes, it was.
Did Ethan truly believe that he was the killer? Yes, he did.
Did the peripheral characters also believe that Ethan was the killer? Yes, they did.

Ultimately, there are fair criticisms that can be laid against the game. But we should not diminish the game's challenge to our commonly understood role as a gamer. It may seem disempowering that we have no impact within the game. It's like picking up a snow-globe that won't work whenever we shake it. But I believe that this challenge could change our perspectives of our roles as gamers, and our expected interactions with a piece of interactive creative work.

PixelCast 14: Said One Pixel to Another

2010-03-16T16:52:00.005+11:00

We are an unstoppable podcasting juggernaut. Tim, Dylan and I are back again to talk about magazine sales, true cross-platform gaming, and how media can affect/improve/dampen your game-playing experience.

We also talk about Just Cause 2, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Starcraft 2 beta and Street Fighter IV on the iPhone.

You can download the episode directly from here.

Dear Ramly Burger,

2010-03-15T09:43:00.004+11:00

Sometimes the smallest, most insignificant object can play a pivotal role in a person's life. A trinket or a memento from long ago; a battered old souvenir or a loved toy.

The Ramly Burger would be that one thing for me. I don't remember when I ever had my first one. But its taste and aroma evokes memories that would otherwise been forgotten.

The Ramly Burger, in essence, is the lowest quality burger that one could ever find. A meat patty made from suspect ingredients, wrapped in a thin layer of egg, smothered in sauce and spice, and drenched in oil. The flavours are so strong and overbearing that one can never tell what one is exactly tasting. And truth be told, that is the one true way.

I remember late nights at a pasar malam. And that one trip to KL which I made with friends from the Army. I remember always seeking out the same Ramly Burger man because his skill on the grill cannot be imitated.

The overpowering flavours mirrors the vibrancy and life of home. It brings to fore fond remembrances of friends and family. And it is this that makes the lowly Ramly Burger transcend itself, and become an iconic food not just for myself, but for many people back home.

PixelCast 13 - Tear from a Pixel

2010-03-08T15:51:00.005+11:00

On this episode of PixelCast, Tim, Cody, Dylan and myself talk about Heavy Rain, Plants vs Zombies, Brutal Legend and Aliens vs Predator.

We also consider the utility of Ubisoft's DRM in upcoming PC games and anti-R18+ ratings sentiment. We also discuss the futility of Nintendo having a press event when there's really nothing to say.

You can download directly from here.

PixelCast 12 - Pixellent

2010-02-19T08:56:00.004+11:00

The crew is back together for another stimulating, invigorating and exhilarating conversation about videogames. This episode, we've got Michael, Tim and myself talk about the average games that somehow still gets a little love, and how a Brisbane man can afford to pay a whopping AU$1.5m piracy settlement.

Grab the podcast, and give it a listen. It'll put hairs on your chest. And that's a good thing. For everyone.

PixelCast 12. It's Pixellent.

Download directly here.

Marshmallow Head Shot; Reach out and shoot someone with sweet, delicious gooey goodness

2010-02-18T15:16:00.003+11:00

Why haven't I heard about this? And why don't I already have one? A marshmallow shooter makes so much sense I'm amazed I hadn't thought of it myself. Or sought one out.

The guys at the Marshmallow Fun Company are, and I daresay, geniuses.

Life in Melbourne: At the drive-in

2010-02-15T08:40:00.003+11:00

Audrea and I went to the drive-in for the first time over the weekend. It's been something I've wanted to go for the longest time, having only read about them in old Archie comics. For me, it sounded like a place for that old-time movie magic. And making out.

And there being a drive-in just minutes away from us, it seemed silly not to give it a try. And not knowing what to expect, going to the drive-in was quite an experience.

We drove in, bought our tickets and promptly met with a wall of cars which were parked for whatever was presently screening. I think we broke a few courtesy rules leaving the headlights on while we prowled for a suitable parking spot.

And getting the sound on was another little tale. We were told to tune our radios in to the cinema frequency, but we were both worried that leaving the radio on would drain the car's battery. Audrea and I have had some bad experience with cars whose batteries drained after about a half-hour of radio. I asked a guy in the car next to our's, who said it's never happened to him. I also posted on Twitter and Facebook to ask, and was promptly assured it wouldn't happen. Still, I think we were both nervous about the car refusing to start after the movie; Luckily those fears were unfounded.

Being in your own car whilst the movie runs definitely gives more privacy, and personal space. We could shuffle about in the car, use our mobiles, and chat with each other at our own discretion. But a car gets uncomfortable very quickly. We didn't have the right tools with us this time, which we'll remedy the next time: pillows, blankets, and finding the right angle to simultaneously stretch out while maintaining the optimum viewing angle.

Still, the drive-in was something quite memorable, and definitely worth going back to again. And something for us to do with visiting friends who may have never been before. But like I said earlier, we'll have to arm ourselves suitably the next time round.

PixelCast Episode 11: Them Old Pixels

2010-02-05T14:06:00.003+11:00

Eliot Fish, Producer on ABC's Good Game and former editor of Hyper, joins Tim, Dylan and myself as we once again gather round the fireplace reminiscing on the old games of yore.

We talk about aging games and whether they live up today's standards, as well as explore the virtues of Beyond Good & Evil.

You can download the episode here.

PixelCast Episode 10: Year of the Pixel

2010-01-29T12:20:00.004+11:00

I took a break on Episode 9, but I'm back again to talk about Bayonetta, Torchlight, Trine, Tales of Monkey Island. We also discuss about playing games all the way to the end, a task I often fail in.

You can download the episode from here.

New Year's Resolutions 2010

2010-01-20T15:58:00.002+11:00

The New Year has come and gone in a blink of an eye, and we're well into 2010; The final year of the first decade of the 21st Century. And there have been monumental changes in the past nine years, changes that have drastically shaped my life, and the person I've become. And hopefully by the close of this year, and the decade, I'll be able to mark some more notches on my belt.

Resolutions

Take a course and learn something new.
Watch more movies.
Write more.
Read more.
Ride a bicycle. Regularly.

Since leaving University, I don't believe I've applied myself vigorously to new thoughts, new ideas or new experiences. And as such, I believe I've stagnated mentally for a good period of time. I need to break out from my complacency and malaise, and try to reignite my brains once again.

Pixel Hunt Issue 10

2009-12-26T21:25:00.008+11:00

The latest issue of Pixel Hunt has just been released. It's Christmas, so why not download it and read all the in-depth features and reviews contained within.

I've got an opinion piece, and two reviews in this latest issue, so go check it out!

You can download Issue 10 from here: www.pixelhunt.com.au

Merry Christmas. Here's more lame jokes for you

2009-12-25T19:52:00.003+11:00

These are some lame jokes taken out from Christmas crackers (bon-bons).

Q: What do snowmen wear on their heads?
A: Ice caps!

Q: Why does an elephant wear sneakers?
A: So he can sneak up on the mice.

Q: Do you know how to make a bandstand?
A: Take away their chairs.

Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
A: Snowflakes

Q: Why did the apple turnover?
A: Because it saw the cheese roll.

Q: What do you call a sleeping bull?
A: A bulldozer.

Q: What insect is musical?
A: A humbug.

Q: What did the winner of the race lose?
A: His breath.

Q: Why did the scientist install a knocker on his door?
A: He wanted to win the no-bell prize.

Q: What comes up when the rain comes down?
A: An umbrella.

Q: Why is an elephant large, gray and wrinkly?
A: Because if it were small, white and smooth it would be an aspirin.

Q: What travels around the world but never leaves its corner?
A: A stamp.

Merry Christmas!

Buying a house, and lessons learnt

2009-12-23T08:38:00.005+11:00

Audrea and I moved into our new home over the weekend. The house is shaping up nicely, and aside from a few other bits of household items, we're mostly settled in.

But the entire process has been extremely trying and exhausting. And I think we're learnt a number of lessons, which will help if we ever move again in the future.

1) Making the offer, and signing the contract
We made an offer on the higher end of the price range, and perhaps that was a novice mistake. We were afraid that someone else would make a more attractive counter-offer. Making an offer of a reasonable amount to yourself is important.

I also made the mistake of not insisting on including "Subject to finance" in the terms of my offer. This would have given us an exit option, should things not work out. This is particularly pertinent when we were buying off the plan, which would take about 6 months till settlement.

Understanding the penalties is also very important. As I'll share later, we had a hard time securing the loan. And had we defaulted on settlement, we would have lost the house, forfeit our down payment, and paid the difference if the vendor was offered less on the re-sale. We didn't ask about the penalties in greater detail because we were so confident that securing a loan wouldn't be a problem, which in hindsight was a poor decision to make.

2) Not keeping an eye on the house
I think we placed too much trust on the real estate agent, the vendor and the builder to look after us. And as such, we didn't keep as close an eye on the building process as we should have. We didn't insist on being consulted with regards to the internal fixings, or even some of the larger aspects of the building (such as ducted cooling). We were lucky that the builder had a good eye, and picked the colours and materials that we otherwise would have. But we did end up with a couple of things we wished were included into the house.

3) Mortgage, brokers and lawyers
Because settlement was so far removed from the contract signing, we had a bit of time to secure a loan. And because of that, I think we both procrastinated a little bit. This was further compounded when advised by the broker in October that we still had plenty of time to secure that loan. Things did not turn out that way exactly.

The whole process took longer than it should have, taking almost one and a half months before we could confirm our loan arrangements. For some reason, the bank kept requesting for additional documents. And given there was a 6-8 day turnaround with each request, this greatly extended the time needed for the loan. And with our initial submission, we were assured by the broker that we had already provided sufficient documentation, so the constant delays caught us off guard. We only got final loan approval less than a week from settlement.

The lawyer we engaged was a great help to us, because his constant reminders to us emphasised the urgency of the situation. But I think we had different expectations on the services provided. His services were to prepare the required documents for settlement, and in a normal situation, this would have been sufficient. But given our particular scenario, I had assumed that he would also represent our interests in dealing with the broker, bank, and vendor. I guess I had slightly different expectations of what engaging a lawyer entails, so there were moments when I felt quite frustrated by a seemingly lack of assistance from all sides.

4) Stamp duty
One of the biggest shocks we received near the end of the whole process was the amount of stamp duty we had to pay. Buying an off-the-plan property often means a much lower stamp duty than buying an established one. And one is always told that the duty is based off the value of the land. This is close, but not exactly true.

What we've found is that the duty is calculated by taking away the value of the construction from the purchase price. So say that the purchase price is $10, the value of the construction is $4, and the land is $3. The duty is not calculated on the value of the land ($3), but rather on the purchase price minus the construction price ($10-$4=$6). As such, we were hit by a higher stamp duty that we previously assumed, which has left us in a undesirable position.

5) Final inspection of the house
It's important to do the final inspection of the house as early as possible. Because we hadn't secured our loan until the last week, we weren't confident that we would get the house. We found a number of issues with the house, and because it was so close to settlement, there wasn't much that could be done aside from putting a request to have the builder resolve the issues. However, if we had done this earlier, it would have been possible to have these issues resolved before we get the keys. As it is now, those issues are now up to us to resolve.

PixelCast Episode 8: I'm dreaming of a white pixel

2009-12-16T09:34:00.006+11:00

Christmas is upon us, and the Pixel Hunt crew gather once again to chat about games, the many seasons of Christmas, and the wonders of multiplayer. This episode, Alex Walker joins in the discussion with Tim, Dylan and myself.

If you listen to podcasts, and you like videogames, you must listen to the PixelCasts. It's a great show for the whole family! No foul language = kid-friendly.

You can download the episode here.

I'm a Beatles; Rock Banding

2009-12-14T10:41:00.002+11:00

It was a difficult trek, making my way to Airport West just to pick up Beatles Rock Band for the PS3: An hour round trip from the office, with the game that was unexpectedly heavy. Getting the thing home was another challenge. But the quest was completed, and at a discounted cost of $150, the game (which came with drums, guitar and microphone) was well worth the effort.

Setting up took a lot longer than expected; there were so many parts in that huge box. The drums had to be fixed onto a stand, along with a foot pedal. There were wires, and dongles and assorted bits and pieces. But again... well worth the effort.

Because the game is bloody excellent. Being the Beatles, it doesn't need to be said how remarkable the music is. And the range was impressive, from their early years to their later, more experimental music. It's amazing how many songs I actually know... and how many that I didn't.

I was already familiar with Guitar Hero, so picking up the guitar again wasn't too difficult. Singing on the microphone wasn't too difficult either; I remained mostly in-key and on time. But the drumming was tough. Even though I can play a normal 4/4 beat on a real set, playing the drums in the game wasn't not an easy feat. It really does test one's coordination and timing.

But when you've got 2-3 people playing together, singing Here Comes the Sun... it was gold.

PixelCast Episode 7: Dylan, Ken and Tim on the mics again.

2009-12-04T09:58:00.007+11:00

Tim's laptop has recovered from a serious case of blow-upititis, so the crew is back together again for another episode of the PixelCast. This episode, we've got a special guest joining us: James Pinnell from Gamer Limit.

Listen to us talk about Tropico 3, Wipeout HD, Left 4 Dead 2, Brutal Legend, unconventional uses of videogame consoles and the role of game demos.

You can download the podcast here.

Public Service Announcement: Semen Related Costs

2009-12-02T20:08:00.005+11:00

Melbourne Stories: Vulture Man

2009-11-25T15:31:00.003+11:00

City. Streets.
A trash bin, one of many.
A man sniffs around,
seeking treasures unseen.

He reaches in, pulls it out.
A paper bag in his grasp.
French fries is the prize;
Is the gold that he seeks.

Satisfying his hunger,
He reaches back in.
Finds a refreshing drink,
To complete his meal.

Life in Melbourne: Pearl Jam Live

2009-11-21T23:12:00.002+11:00

I'm wearing the tour t-shirt that I bought at Pearl Jam's concert last night. I'm still blown away by the whole experience, and I'm trying to hold on to that feeling for as long as possible.

I've been a Pearl Jam fan for a long time now, even though I was made extremely aware that there are far more dedicated fans than I. I'm only familiar with their more recent albums; I haven't even listened to Ten (their breakout album) yet. And that is something I hope to remedy soon.

But the concert was absolutely fantastic. Eddie Vedder is brilliant as a singer, and so mesmerising on stage. The guitar solos were face melting, the atmosphere exhilarating. People were singing along to all the classics, jumping to the beat and throwing their hands into the air.

Seeing them play live was a huge wish fulfilled for me. And I'm glad I just decided to go, even if it was by myself.

PixelCast Stop Gap Episode

2009-11-14T00:49:00.004+11:00

We are unfortunately missing our lead host for this episode. But this latest episode is still packed with gaming goodness. And instead of only talking about games, this time we talk about games while playing games.

Listen to us talk about Dragon Age, Modern Warfare 2, Tekken 6, Gratuitous Space Battles and Borderlands... While we are playing Borderlands simultaneously.

Download the episode here.

Life in Melbourne: Progress on the House 4

2009-11-06T20:53:00.009+11:00

We visited the new house again a couple of weeks back. The place is looking better and better. Each time we see it, we increasingly see ourselves making a home out of an empty house.

Front of house

Living Room

Kitchen

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

PixelCast 6: Pixel-Haaaaair

2009-10-22T18:58:00.005+11:00

We have a new chair this episode, with Michael joining the show for the first time. We talk about games we've been playing, the Pearl Jam concert in November, and the changing release caledar of games.

Listen to us here!

Oh crap!

2009-10-11T10:50:00.002+11:00

PixelCast 5: Tickle My Pixel

2009-10-06T22:40:00.005+11:00

Dylan, Tim and I made a second attempt to finish the podcast, and we persevered. Listen to us talk about games we've been playing, comment on gaming news and discuss episodic content.

We were fortunate enough to salvage half of the original recording with guest host, Nathan Cocks from PC Powerplay. Listen to our smooth, chocolatey voices and enjoy.

Download from here.

Podcast Attempt Failed

2009-10-05T13:36:00.002+11:00

It's a real shame that the podcast we were recording yesterday afternoon was lost. It's probably a technical hiccup, and not anyone's fault really. When coordinating a recording with four people in separate cities (and different countries for one), there's many things that could go wrong; Sound quality, bandwidth and overtaxing the computers are all possible fault-lines.

We had some really good content in there, and good banter all around. So it's a real shame it's all gone now. We're trying to salvage something, but it looks like re-recording is the only real solution here. I hope we can recapture some of that magic.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

2009-09-28T10:24:00.006+10:00

I picked up Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 because I wanted a game that I could play together with Audrea. I wanted something wasn't too complex yet with enough depth not to be vacuous. And so far, we've been having fun.

As with the previous Ultimate Alliance game, players take control of various Marvel characters stopping a string of villains from dastardly deeds. Over the course of the game, players can upgrade their characters with skills and abilities with experience points gained from trouncing various minions and underlings.

One reason why I'm liking this game so much is that many RPG elements have been removed from the game. And that to me is a good thing. Apparently, this is not a commonly shared opinion. One major problem I've always had with the first Ultimate Alliance was the infinite minute increments that didn't have significant impact on the game. +3% damage for every level increase in the relevant skill? -2.4secs cool-down time? I don't want to deal with that level of tedium. I just want to get into the action as quickly as I can.

Which is why I also appreciate the new in-game levelling system. Instead of having to continuously wait for other players to upgrade their characters, you can now do it on the fly whilst others continue playing. Your character is taken over by the AI while you upgrade.

Visually, I'm finding it much easier to differentiate characters, enemies and background. I had a hard time with UA1, when there were too many clashing colours. But it's easier to follow the action in UA2. The in-game camera does need a little work though; there are multiple times when the camera ends up in the oddest angles, obscuring the vision of the players.

Audrea and I haven't gotten too deep into the game yet. We finished about 3 missions yesterday. But I reckon that we'll be playing this often over the course of the next couple of weeks. I'm finding the improvements in the sequel make for a better playing experience. And the removal of tedious elements helps to condense the fun factor.

Enlisted into the Twit Army

2009-09-24T14:56:00.005+10:00

Like so many before, succumbing was the inevitable result. Should I have resisted for so long, knowing it was ultimately futile? Can I pride myself on the fortitude shown? Or do I hang my head low for my failing resolve?

Follow me at Twitter.com/kenleefh.

Life in Melbourne: Progress on the House 3

2009-09-22T09:58:00.010+10:00

It's been just over a month since we last saw the house. And the progress that has transpired is quite astonishing. The floors are done, the kitchen is in, and the upstairs rooms are almost completed.

To be perfectly honest, we weren't quite as excited about the house when we saw it last. There was still a lot to be done then, and we couldn't visualise the space. But having seen it again in a near complete stage, we've had our faith renewed.

Things to do done still include wiring, plumbing, toilets, showers, carpets, garage and floor polishing.

Living Room

Kitchen

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2/Study

Life in Melbourne: Royal Melbourne Show 2009

2009-09-21T10:25:00.010+10:00

Audrea and I have always been fans of the Royal Shows. We went when we were students in Brisbane. And we continue to go now that we're in Melbourne. Showbags, carnival games, rides, fairy floss and animals. What's not to like?

Pixel Hunt Issue 9

2009-09-12T20:19:00.005+10:00

The latest issue of Pixel Hunt is out now. It's really a good magazine, with loads of great videogame content. If you're a fan of videogames, you would be remiss to not check it out. And the price of entry? Absolutely free.

My contributions this issue include:
Op-Ed (Pg 6-7)
The Sims 3 Review (Pg 40-43)
UFC 2009 Review (Pg 47-49)

PixelCast 4: My next episode

2009-09-09T20:59:00.011+10:00

The crew at PixelHunt have put together another podcast. Dylan, Tim and I share the games we've been playing, and discuss the use of dialogue in games.

Podcast available here.

Stories: Weakness must hurt

2009-09-03T17:10:00.004+10:00

The train chugs along, filled with people on their journey home. A young girl sits, prim and proper in her uniform. She reads from a book, open and resting upon her lap. In the surrounding buzz, she appears calm and serene.

Her skirt hem rests just above her knee, revealing scars etched into her thigh. Among the scars is a word carved into her leg: Weak.

I wonder if she has cut herself. I wonder why.

PixelCast 3: My first Podcast

2009-08-27T23:26:00.010+10:00

I just recorded my first podcast with members from the Pixel Hunt crew. I had loads of fun recording it. You should go check it out, and I hope you'll enjoy listening to it.

We talked about Batman, games we've been playing and things we're looking forward to.

Listen to it here.

Life in Melbourne: Progress on the House 2

2009-08-17T09:09:00.011+10:00

Since we last saw our home about 7 weeks ago, there has been some progress made. We're still months away from completion, but it's all shaping up. We even got to pick kitchen colours! How terribly exciting yet mundane at the same time.

Living/Dining Area

Kitchen

Exterior

2009: A Big Year So Far

2009-08-11T12:06:00.003+10:00

Only half the year has gone, and it has been extremely eventful. I can't remember a time when things were as crazy.

My older sister got married in February
I got married in June
I got laid-off in July
Got a new job in August
Audrea and I bought a house
And I just found out that my older sister is pregnant, and I'm gonna be an uncle soon

Everything is just happening all at once. It's pretty exciting, really.

Life in Melbourne: Skiing at Mt Buller

2009-07-25T22:51:00.006+10:00

We went skiing for the very first times in our lives today, and we loved it. For Audrea, it was her first time seeing snow as well.

It was hard going at the start, as always when learning new things. But we both picked it up fairly promptly. We could move a distance without falling over, and we could do a simple stop and turn. Not bad for first-timers.

Of course, we didn't escape completely unharmed. I'm sure we'll be sore all over when we wake in the morning. And I've got blisters around my ankles where the ski boots dug too deep. But it well worth the battle scars.

Ken & Audrea's Wedding Photos

2009-07-22T09:36:00.006+10:00

Photos from our wedding on 14 June 2009.

Busy weeks, an injured hand and The Ghostbusters

2009-07-20T22:58:00.002+10:00

It's been a very hectic couple of weeks. There's a mountain of work to be done, and there's more coming on. The events calendar is pretty light for the next two weeks, but there's more to do about work systems and new projects. I'm in the midst of writing a proposal for a new project, as well as having to do an intensive cleanup of our contacts database. In addition, I've got my annual review coming up. I'm hoping that not only will I continue to have my job, I'll get a pay raise too.

I injured my hand recently, so that's a bummer. It's been hurting for over a month now. The doctor says that the tendons in my left wrist is probably inflammed, so rest and pain medication are the best things for it. It also means I have to reduce my playtime with videogames. Grasping the gamepad, and manuvering the thumbstick seems to be exacebating the problem.

I did have time to give Ghostbusters: The Videogame a good play through. And I've got to say that the game is living up to expectations in some respects, and disappointing in others. It's very much the Peter Venkman character in the movies. Eminently charming but ultimately lacking in some substance. The writing is very funny, making me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. And seeing the original cast reprise their roles elicits a strong feeling of nostalgia. And catching ghosts are quite a blast. The primary problems I have with it are that some parts of the game are terribly frustrating. Especially so when facing the swarms of tiny ghosts that overwhelm you. With the movement and controls feeling a little sluggish, facing those swarms gets really old really fast. The overall story of the game stretches the Gozer theme from the first movie a little too thinly as well. I'll get back to it soon, as I'm wanting to play with the multiplayer mode.

Mechwarrior 5? Hells yeah!

2009-07-10T11:16:00.004+10:00

I've just got another reason to be excited. By all accounts, this will be a series re-boot. It'll bring the game back into the gritty, more simulation-like gameplay that characterised the earlier games in the series.

I wasn't a fan when the game took a turn for a more arcde-like style with Mechwarrior 4, and the Mech Assault games on the Xbox. So I'm really excited.

In the clip, you'll see the Warhammer, Jenner and Atlas (my most favorite mech). I'm not sure if the video is from actual gameplay though I doubt it very much.

Life in Melbourne: WWE Raw Live Tour

2009-07-03T12:26:00.005+10:00

I am so excited. I managed to snag myself a ticket to the WWE Raw Live Tour here in Melbourne. It's happening next Tuesday, 7 July 09 and I just can't wait.

It's been so long since I've watched a pro-wrestling show. The last time I went to one was in 2007 with my cousins. And I think that was a disappointing show overall. The shows in Singapore are always a sideline, and not part of the canon.

I've got much higher hopes for this one. I think it one of those massive ones, where the storylines are actually impacted. And I'm expecting loads of fireworks, the massive screens, all sorts of placards, the works.

Life in Melbourne: Progress on the House 1

2009-06-28T18:04:00.009+10:00

A couple of months back, I took a photo of the plot of land that would become our home. Construction has since begun, and we were extremely excited to see the progress that has been achieved.

Take a look!

Blood Bowl available on PC

2009-06-27T11:07:00.005+10:00

Ooh... Blood Bowl for the PC has just been released, and I'm very tempted to go get it. It's available as a download, for the price of €42.89.

I've never played the old Blood Bowl tabletop game, but it is a premise that I think I'd enjoy very much: Fantasy characters (elves, orcs) playing a brutal form of American-styled football. It has always been well-received, and there's still remains a loyal following.

This new PC iteration seems to offer the same type of experience. In fact, it seems to offer two kinds of experiences: A turn-based system, more akin to the original boardgame, and a real-time mode which would appeal to more twitch players.

Either way, it's only a small download (3gb) and it seems to be worth my while. I'm thinking that I'll need to rustle up a few players and get a league going.

Blood Bowl is available here.

Easy Listening Videogame Music: Super Mario Land

2009-06-10T02:21:00.003+10:00

Pixel Hunt Issue 8 - Read more of my work

2009-06-09T02:42:00.003+10:00

Pixel Hunt Issue 8 is now out, with even more fantastic content by yours truly. Go and check it out, read the work done by myself and my fellow writers. There's plenty of reviews, op-eds, and a host of other feature stories all about videogames.

My articles:
Magic, Chocolate Ice-cream and Videogames (page 6)
Bridging the Gap: A Chat with Peter Barlow (pages 16-18)
Guitar Heros On Tour Decades Review (pages 32-34)

Made a Podcast

2009-05-28T00:14:00.002+10:00

We stepped into a recording studio today to make our very first podcast. And it was terribly exciting. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while now, and I finally got a chance to.

My colleague and I chatted with a guest author who was doing his book tour for about 20 minutes, talking about his latest book, his approaches to writing and general outlook on everything else.

While it was work related, it is really exciting because it a whole new project that I've been trying to get going for a while now. Perhaps learning my craft here will be able to help me when I try to make a podcast of my own some time down the line.

UFC 2009: Undisputed Demo First Impressions

2009-05-19T17:06:00.004+10:00

Last Friday, I downloaded the demo of the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship game: UFC 2009: Undisputed. And I was completely hooked for the entire weekend. There have been a number of games created from the UFC franchise, but I’ve never had any experience with them. So I can’t say if this is a better or worse depiction of the sport than previous games. But from what I’ve seen at various UFC competitions, UFC 2009 seems to be a good portrayal.

Likes:
Fighting System: The fighting system so far seems to be quite detailed, and suggests a good level of depth. There are a variety of punches, grapples, throws and submissions, and they all seem well developed. Even though the demo only features two fighters, I have been able to approach each fight differently, and employ different tactics to win.

Instant KO: There is always a possibility for a one-hit KO, and I like that very much. It means I’ve got to watch my opponent carefully, anticipate his movements and defend effectively. It also encourages me to go all in when the opportunity presents itself.

Dislikes:
Speed: The pacing in the demo has a methodical feel to it, which takes away some of the speed and ferocity you’d seen in a real UFC match. Perhaps this is only due to the fighting styles of the fighters in the demo.

Overall:
My initial impression is quite a positive one. I kept hitting the rematch button just so I can try out different fight strategies. Like I said earlier, there seems to be quite a lot of depth, but its been presented in a way that is engaging and isn’t hard to grasp.

Star Trek & Bioshock

2009-05-16T10:05:00.003+10:00

Saw Star Trek last night, and I really quite enjoyed it. It established a good balancce between introducing the show to a new audience, paying homage to the old classics, being an action flick whilst still maintaining a sense of drama and camaraderie between the crew members. The special effects were good without being overwrought. So overall, in terms of narrative, pacing, casting & production values, it was really a good movie.

But I just don't get the overlapping timelines. It seems like that's a common theme in Star Trek storylines, with alternate realities and something about the space-time continuum. So Kirk and Spock know that they are going to be friends because Spock from the future came back and told them about that? And then that ties back into the original series when Shatner and Nimoy portrayed those characters back in the 70s? Gahh...

I also finished Bioshock. It's was a really enjoyable experience, though the ending left a little to be desired. The city of Rapture was absolutely captivating. The stylings, the music, the lived-in feel... The whole atmosphere was unforgettable. But two things troubled me... the premise of the story and the way the ending is decided.

1) So Fontaine, posing as Atlas, manipulates my character, a person he had originally brainwashed and sent to the surface world. And some 20 years later, my character is involved in an airplane accident, falls into the sea and lands directly onto the entrance into Rapture. I am then tasked by Atlas to elimiate Andrew Ryan who is a rival to Fontaine. I find Andrew Ryan, who despite knowing the keyphrase to exert control over me, allows himself to get killed, thereby relinquishing control over Rapture, a lost, burnt-out, abandoned city, populated only by mutants to Fontaine. Sounds a little ridiculous? I think so...

2) I got the bad ending. Because I harvested one of the Little Sisters. And I get the "evil person" ending for that. My problem with that is the absolute nature of the choice... you're either a saint or a devil. Any decision can only have one of two possible outcomes. It attempts to elicite a moral response, but morality in Bioshock deals only in absolutes, black and white, yes or no, right or wrong. And in doing so, loses much of the impact that the games presents: That there is no right or wong, but only the will to do.

Life in Melbourne: Triple By-Pass Breakfast

2009-05-04T00:16:00.003+10:00

There's a place called Greasy Joe's down at St Kilda where you can get what they call a "Triple By-Pass" breakfast. That's 3 eggs, 3 sausages, 3 rashers of bacon, 3 hash browns, grilled onions, french fries and a porterhouse steak.

Get ready for the heart attacks, people.

What I've been playing

2009-04-24T21:12:00.003+10:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Aside from work, I'm still working on those things I talked about a while back. But I did manage to get some gaming in.

Guitar Heroes: On Tour: Decades
I've been playing this heavily for the past week. I'm putting together a review for Pixel Hunt, so I've been hitting it pretty hard. You'll be able to see my opinions regarding it in a month or so.

Crysis: Warhead
I picked this up along with another game from the EB Games "2 for $50" sale. I've surprisingly been able to play this on my laptop, albeit with reduced graphical quality. Still, it's running fairly well. There haven't been any standout moments as yet, but the overall experience has been enjoyable. That I can approach it from multiple angles, given it's open world nature is a big plus in my book.

Company of Heroes
This was the other game I picked up as part of the EB Games sale. I can see why it has been so highly regarded since it's launch. Each unit seems to display a level of intelligence, plus there's a lot of tactical considerations for the player. I've only played a couple of missions so far, so I'm keen to see how it goes.

Left 4 Dead
Played a good co-op game last weekend, after being cussed out of a Versus game. I'm just not that good and I'm often a burden on my team-mates in Versus mode. Co-op is my best choice, and even then I'm only any good on Normal difficulty. Advanced mode just makes a fool out of me.

Civilization 4
There's so much meat on this bone, I'm not sure if I can take it all in. I've won one campaign but I'm sure I wasn't playing at an optimal level. I did get everyone to vote me as leader of the world though.

A Place to Call My Own

2009-04-16T22:56:00.003+10:00

If things go as planned over the next 6-7 months, this empty plot of land will contain my new home. It'll be one of three proposed units, and facing the street.

Pixel Hunt Issue 7

2009-04-09T08:31:00.006+10:00

The latest issue of Pixel Hunt has just been published. Go and check it out! I didn't contribute to this issue, but I still think it's definitely worth a good read. www.pixelhunt.com.au

Things to do

2009-04-07T09:11:00.005+10:00

My... It's been a particularly busy month. Work has been crazy, and I've got a bunch of side projects I've gotta be working on.

Pixel Hunt
I'm writing an article on independent games development in Australia, and I've got to finish questionnaires for three interviewees. There's a few other leads I have to follow up on as well. I've also got to finish a game review and an op-ed for publication within the next 3 weeks.

Wedding
I've received responses from friends on their availability to attend our wedding, and we've got to arrange for invitation cards to be mailed out. There's still details to be worked out, such as seating plans, wedding gifts to Audrea's family, wedding cars and videography.

House-hunting
We've gotten our finances in place, and are seriously looking around for homes now. It's really quite taxing driving from property to property, examining the homes and talking with the real estate agents. We haven't really found one that we love that's within our price point just yet though, so that means more searching. And once we do find a place, we'll have to organise movers as well as shop for new furniture.

Battlefield Heroes: First Impressions

2009-03-19T09:12:00.014+11:00

I finally got my activation key to the closed beta of Battlefield Heroes yesterday. Having waited for more than 2 months, I was extremely excited to get started. I just wanted to share some of my first impressions with you.

The Game
If you're familiar with the Battlefield series, you'll know what you're in for. Vehicles, huge maps and all sorts of mayhem. The Battlefield series is known for its wackiness, with players pulling off all sorts of stunts, and this is one of the key elements in this newest game. Played entirely through a web browser, the game has adopted a very stylized cartoon-inspired art style; I guess this is to reduce taxing on your computer or internet connection.

Setting Up
This game requires players to first install a plugin for the web browser at about 4gb, and an EA account. Beta-testers also need a authentification key, which I assume won't be necessary once it goes fully live. Players then get to create a number of characters for use in the game, which includes facial features, clothes, even types of emotes. Players also choose which team these characters would be playing for: 1) Royal Army (inspired by WWII poms and yanks) and Nationals (equivalent to Third Reich Germans). I'll explain why this team selection becomes a pertinent point. Players also select their character class at this point, so they can take up roles as a soldier (standard grunt), gunner (heavy weapons) or commando (sneaky stuff).

Playing the game
Unfortunately, I didn't really get to play a real game last night. I had created a Nationals character and jumped into a game, only to discover the other person inside was on the same team. So we spent a long time waiting for someone from the other team to join. Everyone else who came in subsequently also turned out to be Nationals. At one point, we had 4 Nationals waiting on some Royal Army players to join. There didn't seem to be an easy way to change teams, not unless you had already created a character for the other side.

So instead of having a proper game, we all decided the muck around instead. The highlight of the evening was when 3 of us piled into a jeep and chased a tank across some wheat fields whilst honking on the horn crazily. Crashing a plane while another sat on the wing, and driving off a cliff came a close second and third.

The Looks
I wanted to talk about the way the game looks last, because I felt the art style really supplements the gameplay. You're inspired to do the silly stuff. You feel as if you're in one of those old Warner Bros. cartoons with the Road Runner and the Coyote. Absurdity was always one of the mainstays of the Battlefield series. The art style leverages this, and makes what would otherwise have been ridiculous into a big goofball. And in a good way.

The Final Product
There's a lot more to explore in this game even in beta, especially with character customizations. Connection seems stable enough, and there weren't many visible glitches in the 40mins that I played. Overall it looks quite refined already, and it'll only become more polished once the game goes live.

Who says games aren't educational?

2009-03-17T15:56:00.005+11:00

A periodic table of videogame characters? This would have been a huge assist when I was studying chemistry.

A Sneak Peek at Out Wedding Photos (Just one!)

2009-03-13T23:59:00.001+11:00

Here's one of our photos that we took when we went back to Singapore in early Feb 2009. You'll have to wait for the rest.

Empire: Total War or Dawn of War II?

2009-03-06T15:55:00.005+11:00

Hmm... It's a difficult choice that I have to make right now. I only have a limited amount of disposable cash to spend. And even then, I shouldn't be blowing all my money on games. And when there are multiple excellent games on the market simultaneously, it makes the game buying process that much harder.

Empire: Total War
Large scale tactical battles, rich historical backdrop with a robust strategic play, players take on the role of both king and general. And with the new added feature of naval battles, this game is bursting at it seams with good bits. A big, chunky meaty game, the kind that you can really sink your teeth into.

Dawn of War II
This game apparently creates a whole new way of real-time strategy game that thinking of it as a mere sequel would do it a great dis-service. The mundane task of building a functional economy is removed. Crafting a specialised squad of combatants, and wielding them as you would a surgical knife becomes the focus of the game. And that sounds terribly exciting.

So I've got a big meaty chunky pie on the one hand, and a palette cleansing aperitif on the other. Which one should it be?

I'm On A Boat, Motherf*****

2009-02-26T11:44:00.004+11:00

In the absence of more interesting news, here's a music video. I'm on a boat, bitch!

I'm a Street Fighter; Ken Wins!

2009-02-21T02:00:00.001+11:00

Just another day on the Werribee train

2009-02-18T09:07:00.005+11:00

The 8.09am express train from Werribee to the City forgot to make a stop at one of its primary stations this morning. Instead, we drove straight on through.

Take your pick on which was the funniest:
1) The look on the faces of passengers waiting at the station as we sped past.
2) The 3 minutes we stopped after while the driver contemplated reversing the train back.
3) His embarrassed apology as he realised it would be far too difficult to go back. "Yea... That was my bad," he said.

Getting an arcade stick

2009-02-05T15:26:00.009+11:00

I'm totally pumped for the Street Fighter IV launch, and I want to complete the experience by procuring an arcade stick. Having one is quintessential to the Street Fighter experience, and it's just not right I don't have one yet. It's just not right.

There's a pretty sweet new line of arcade sticks coming from Mad Catz. This baby here, for example, costs US$150:

But finding the damn thing has been frustrating. The shops I've contacted and visited either have no idea, or do not plan on bringing it at all. I've been to EB Games and all other retailers in the city, but I've been drawing blanks the whole way. It's disappointing to be sure. I'm hoping I'll be able to pick one up while I'm back in Singapore. Hopefully.

Diablo 3 is going to be so sweeeeet...

2009-02-04T09:00:00.006+11:00

Oh snap! That new Unicorn class in Diablo 3 is going to be so killer!

Diablo 3 too colourful
Diablo 3 developers strike back
Diablo 3 screenshots: Unicorns, rainbows and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man

My Secret Santa Gift: Warriors of God

2009-01-21T16:30:00.003+11:00

I've taken part in BoardgameGeek's Secret Santa program for a few years now, and it's always a great deal of fun. I surprise someone with an awesome gift and I receive one in return. This year was no exception though I had to be extra patient. My Secret Santa gift just arrived two days ago having traveled many miles from the far north.

And inside was Warriors of God.

Warriors of God focuses primarily on the Hundred Years' War from 1337 - 1453. The game is beautifully produced with excellent components. The rulebook read very easily, and suggests that while the rules are simple, there is a great deal of depth in the game play. I'm looking forward to getting this on the table soon.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

2009-01-16T09:31:00.020+11:00

I love Street Fighter. I am a huge fan. I love the game, the mythos, the characters. But I'm not very good at the game.

I played the single-player campaign, and several online multi-player matches last night. I still have a long way to go before I am even close to competition level. I lose way more than I win against other players. Even my track record against the computer is horrendous.

Ken is my primary character, because I like that we share a name; we share little else in common though. And through the brief play session yesterday, I've noticed many gaps in my game.

Jumping Around

I have difficulty closing distance with the opponent, and unable to use ground movement effectively. As such I resort to jumping in and out far more than I need to. This has led to predictable movement for my opponent who can counter easily with a upward attack.

Blocking
Blocking has always been a weakness of mine, especially when it comes in a combination of high and low attacks. I'll need to learn to read the opponent's movement better

Reliance on the Same Moves
I'm always using the Hurricane Kick, because it's easy to pull off, closes distance with the opponent and fairly damaging if it connects. But this plays into my weakness of predictability again.

Dragon Punch
And because the Dragon Punch is harder to pull off, I don't use it as often or as effectively. This is a great counter move against jumping attacks and can be extremely damaging if used as such.

Medium Punch and Kicks
Medium attacks are excellent tools in a Street Fighter's arsenal. It balances damage, range and recovery time excellently. It is also a good start to begin combos with. I rely too much on the heavy attacks, which leaves me open to counter attacks.

Xbox Live Points are Region Specific

2009-01-15T11:21:00.002+11:00

At least, they are if they were bought through a retail store. Imagine my surprise when I picked up a Xbox Live Points card from EB Games yesterday and wasn't able to redeem the points through my Xbox Live account.

Apparently Xbox Live accounts are region-locked, and my account was set-up when I still lived in Singapore. Which means I can only access the Singaporean Xbox Live Marketplace, and points bought through a retail store here are not valid. Points bought here are only usable on the Australian marketplace using an Australian Live account.

This is annoying on two fronts. Firstly, I now have a Points card at home which I cannot redeem. I can't return it to the store because I've already opened the package and scratched off to reveal the redemption code. Which probably means I also won't be able to sell it off second-hand, at least not at a comparable value at which I bought it.

Secondly, if I do want to use the points, I could set up an Australian Live account and gamertag. This would give me access to the Australian marketplace, but this would mean I'd have to start everything from scratch again. My gamer points, in-game achievements... even my Xbox Live Gold membership, which is tied to my original account.

The absolute worst thing is that I can't really blame anyone but me. I should have clarified with the store clerk before I bought the redemption card. I should have read the small print on the back of the package. I should have consulted the FAQ on the Xbox website.

Sins of a Solar Empire

2009-01-07T10:28:00.018+11:00

Building a space empire sure is a tough task. One must concurrently maintain an efficient economy, develop industries and living standards, build a awe-inspiring space fleet whilst fending off enemies and pirates. The resources on each planet system are barely sufficient and offers only a small amount of developmental space. So venturing forward and the need for expansion quickly becomes a prerogative. Scouting for fertile colonies is often a challenge because the enemy will also be seeking the same interests. But conflict often occurs in this struggle for new colonies and new and more powerful fleets of spaceships are needed to fend them off. This brings the conundrum back full circle as new technologies cannot be developed without first expanding. This is the mainstay of any 4x game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit & eXterminate), and Sins of a Solar Empire packages it together very nicely, offering an accessible entry into the genre.

What I did like about the game is its accessibility. The developmental cap on your home planet quickly points you in the direction you need to go; to expand and develop colonies to support an ever-growing economic and military machine. Exploration, colonising and developing has been simplified/abstracted to enable the player to manage to multi-frontal expansion. Building new planetary and orbital structures, and new military units is also a simple process as each item will highlight which resources and technologies are needed. And researching upgrades and new technology is also a simplified/abstracted process. Combat has also been simplified, as it only occurs on a 2D plane; one assumes that maneuvering and tactics have already been taken into account in the game engine.

As many of the game's mechanics have been abstracted, it offers a high level of automation. Automatic placement of new structures can be turned on. Planetary defenses operate by themselves. Military units engage enemy fleets automatically as well, based on parameters set by the player. Individual units join the most suitable fleets and use their special abilities on the optimal targets without prompting.

There were a couple of things that I did find frustrating. Firstly, the research and logistical requirements for units can be very convoluted. For example, building a Hoshiko Robotics Cruiser requires research in the Hoshiko Prototype, which in turn requires research in Superior Repair Bots, which requires research in the Repair Platform, which requires a Military Lab to be built first. And the ship is only a mid-level unit, and does not include any other general upgrades such as hull reinforcements (which can again be further upgraded).

Secondly, the pirate element in the game is extremely annoying. Pirates will attack periodically, which begin as small annoyances but quickly become credible threats. Repelling them either requires a commitment of troops or offering escalating bounties on enemies. Either way, it's a drain on precious resources.

What I haven't seen is the ability to win the game peacefully through diplomatic or cultural means. It seems that the game has a predilection towards military victory, and I can't yet tell if any other means of victory is possible. There are structures in the game that increases cultural imprints, but I'm not sure exactly what this does. It will become apparent as I explore the game further.

While I do have my gripes, I believe I can overcome them as I become more familiar with the game. Knowledge of the research tree is a key to mastering the game, and it's knowledge that I haven't yet acquired. The other problem I have just requires careful management of time and resources. Overall, I like the game very much. It offers a lot of depth in a very accessible manner. Coupled together with an intriguing storyline and an easy to use interface, Sins of a Solar Empire easily gets a recommendation from me.

Published: Board & Videogames

2008-12-19T12:08:00.004+11:00

I wrote a couple of posts some months back on board & videogames (Part 1 & 2), and the relationship between the digital and analog formats. I've been working on that piece since then to have it featured in issue 5 of Pixel Hunt, a local (aussie) videogames e-zine.

I'm pretty excited about it, and I'm really happy the way it turned out. I never written for anyone other than myself here so please do go check it out. My feature is on pages 11 to 14.

Singapore as the indie-game hub?

2008-12-17T13:14:00.004+11:00

The Media Development Authority of Singapore announced today that they'll be offering grants to games developers in Singapore to make games for the Xbox Live Community Games initiative. They'll be offering up to S$50,000.00 to each successful applicant, which is extremely enticing.

What's surprising is that not too long ago, Singapore was on the fore-front of banning games, with titles like Mass Effect, Saints Row and The Darkness feeling the brunt of it.

I'm sure this will help to promote more small developers in Singapore, and I think it'll also spur higher quality as I'm assuming that application for these grants will be quite competitive.

Personally, I've been looking into learning how to make simple Flash games, from sites like Kongregate. It'll be a while before I think I'll be able to compete with other games out there. But I've got a few ideas that I think will translate very well to the digital format.

Channel NewsAsia: MDA offers grants to develop games for Xbox Live

Chinese Sandwiches

2008-12-10T09:21:00.005+11:00

A colleague and I were chatting yesterday about the food that's available on campus. She casually mentions how surprising that at the sandwich bar, those excellent sandwiches were made by Chinese people.

I'm sure she meant nothing by it, but it made me think, "What? So Chinese people should be doing stir-fry instead?"

Left behind for dead; You'd be better off

2008-12-06T22:23:00.005+11:00

If Left 4 Dead is any indication, I have a very low probability of survival in the face of a zombie apocalypse. You know those guys that are killed in the most horrible way at the start of any zombie movie to illustrate the severity of the situation? Yea, that'd be me.

And for good riddance too; You'd probably wouldn't want me in your team anyway. Things I'd do wrong include:

Shooting you in the back.
Shooting you in the front.
Attracting zombie hordes
Requiring you to save me every other minute from being overwhelmed by the zombie hordes.

Also, I might accidentally light you on fire with a poorly thrown molotov cocktail; I have a bad track record with throwing explosive devices.

In other gamey news, I've concurrently playing Mirror's Edge. It's been exhilarating and frustrating at the same time.

Those damn bananas aren't working!

2008-12-05T11:08:00.000+11:00

MARIO KART (REMI GAILLARD)
by nqtv

A Deadly Space...

2008-11-26T10:30:00.008+11:00

...So deadly that my Xbox 360 nearly gave up the ghost. Again. With three flashing red lights. A quick reboot resolved the problem, but I'm now filled with trepidation that it may croak at any time.

The game that caused my console to shy away in fear is Dead Space. And having played about 3/4 through, I can't blame the poor thing. Playing the game was terrifying enough. Having to ingest and process it must have elicited some form of defensive response.

Terrifying as it may be, I am completely enjoying the game. And I'm glad to say that I'm near the end, which is great. I don't often complete the games I own because I do get bored with them fairly quickly. But Dead Space has really hit a sweet spot for me, with regards to compelling gameplay and game length. I think it'll probably clock in about 10-12 hours in total, and that's great. It means that I'm done in about a week if I play a little everyday.

The game has had it's scary moments, but the thing it does the best is building an atmosphere, a high tension environment, a mood.

The story has been really intriguing up til now. While one might argue that it is generic sci-fi fare, it has been wonderfully presented. I just hope that the ending holds up and keeps the momentum going. I guess I'll find out once I play till the end.

The Chanel Cake

2008-11-19T19:42:00.004+11:00

When does culinary skill become art? When you make cakes like these. This was an entry into the cake competition at the Royal Melbourne Show a month back. Can the thing even be eaten?

Fallout 3 Mid-Mortem

2008-11-09T18:26:00.016+11:00

I've been devoting a lot of time to Fallout 3 over the past two weekends, but it has been a little tough getting into the game. As a huge fan of the original Fallout, I guess I was fully expecting this game to shoulder the reputation of its predecessors. I guess that harboring such expectations is entirely unfair. This excellent game stands on its own, and carries the series in an entirely different direction. Admittedly, it may be hard for someone like me to reconcile the new game with the ones that came before, but I can see a game that has been lovingly crafted, and it deserves our full attention.

One thing the game really nails is how utterly bleak and desolate the Fallout world is, and how immersive it is. It is not a pleasant place to be in, much less explore. And yet I feel attracted to it all, driven to return to it constantly, and to witness how much more horrible the world can get. The pockets of surviving humans, the run-down tin-shacks, the horrendous living standards and the disgusting food really helps to paint a picture of hopelessness. And juxtaposed to all this despair are people who are so willing to hang on to any shred of hope. There is a real, living world that has been created here.

This has made my gameplay experience especially compelling. Between the despair, and the people, there is a continuing burning need to push forward. And within that space, I have grown to identify and emphatise with my character, and to play the game as she would have lived.

That immersiveness was nerely broken when I murdered two NPCs just so that I can steal a gun off them. But my instant rationalisation that this action was taken by me, the human gamer, speaks volumes of my emotional investment into my character. I felt strongly that she needed to be absolved of any guilt, because the action was taken by an external third-party who had tried to game the system.

The things that I didn't like about the game were mostly technical. Managing the inventory can be troublesome sometimes, especially when buying/selling with in-game characters. There aren't many facial variations between NPCs, so many characters look the same. The voice-acting is a mixed bag (a character named Butcher from Reiley's Rangers has a oddly deep booming voice for someone so diminutive in size). Game-wise, many things have not been useful regularly as mechanics are geared towards combat; But combat remains uncomfortably straddled between an FPS and a turn-based strategy.

The one thing that I really didn't like about the game is the lack of memorable characters. The points I made above were more reflective of the relationship that I had built with my own character. Having played about 10 hours, I still haven't been able to form a similar link with any of the in-game NPCs. Perhaps this may change as I delve deeper in the core quest, but the side quests haven't produced any memorable moments for me as yet.