Xbox 360 owners should all be aware of the awesomeness that is the Xbox Achievements system. Microsoft managed to add a passive and competitive function to video gaming and, to steal a phrase from Apple, it just works – mainly as a result of seamless integration and its simple, speedy functionality. Comparing yourself against your mates is quick and easy – the bigger number wins – and the little flash up on screen to tell you that you’ve earned a new achievement is not too annoying, particularly because you immediately know how much this will affect your score. It just adds an overall sense of satisfaction to whatever awesome thing it is that you have just performed… In some cases, you might not have even realised you did something awesome – thanks Microsoft.
Sony, of course, has their own version of achievements, released some time after Microsoft debuted them on Xbox… They refer to them as PlayStation Trophies. At its most basic, the idea is sound – trophies of varying levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) are awarded for certain gaming events. Each trophy is worth a certain amount of points (based on the level of trophy), and after a certain amount of these points, you “level up”. It seems simple enough, and it’s not too far removed from the idea behind Xbox achievements… But why do I care so little when I score myself a trophy? Let’s investigation!
Continue reading 'Trophies could be more fun'»
Also at E3, Sony announced a new Playstation Network scheme – a paid program separate to (or at least integrated within) the existing network. They’re calling this Playstation Plus. Essentially, the Playstation Network as it is will remain, so they are not suddenly charging for something that has been free to date. They are charging for, well… icing on the cake, basically.
Continue reading 'Playstation… Plus? [UPDATED]'»
With talk of the Dreamcast’s ‘Sonic Adventure’ coming to XBLA, as well as the announcement of the “Game Room” for old school arcade/console games (on PC/Xbox), my mind has wondered in recent days to the golden games of old. Well, not that old, but turn of the millennium. And I’ve come to the realisation that one game in particular (although there are many) is due for release on XBLA and PSN – Crazy Taxi.
Crazy Taxi, for it’s time, was a great game. Going back and playing it again now – it still stands the test of time, and above all, it’s virtually the PERFECT arcade game. There’s no need to invest any of your time in story or characters – you simply get in your car and drive (after, uh… choosing a character). Just drive! – In any direction – To beat the timer. The faster you can deliver your passenger, the more time you get, and the more money you make. Very simple mechanics, and much more fun than you think. It really lends itself well to the odd 20-minute stint on XBLA, and the trusty ol’ high score battle with your friends.
Continue reading 'Release more old school arcade games… and start with Crazy Taxi!'»
Yep – at first it seems an uninspired and crappy name, but you have to consider the fact that ALL of the PixelJunk titles have been a simple, single word, so it’s not all that bad. In fact, I’d almost go as far as saying the name was the worst thing about this title.
Almost.
I decided to fork out the AUS$12-odd to get this title when I was on my back last week with a ‘prolapsed disk’ – otherwise known as a damn sore back. I thought I needed a game to while away the hours. And I was not displeased with my decision.
Continue reading 'PS3: PixelJunk Shooter'»
If you like games, then it’s time to get out your crusty old wallet, but don’t expect to be spending all of your savings (particularly as it is likely you don’t have much this soon after Xmas) – there are bargains to be had!
I don’t know everything out there, of course, but here are the few bargains I’ve found in the past couple of days – all of which have raised the old eyebrows here and there, and a couple even made me throw some cash their way…
Continue reading 'Xmas gaming bargains'»
As a music lover (and isn’t everyone these days?), I’m interested in anything that can provide me with more access to music. There are a number of websites out there that interest me, but nothing has really excited me, to date (with the exception of last.fm – and then they added subscription fees for anyone outside of the US and parts of Europe). Until the release of Sony’s VidZone, that is. OK, until I could actually ACCESS VidZone, to be honest, but that’s another story.
So, what is VidZone? It’s a free music video streaming application for your PS3, but is it worth it? Anything that is free is worthy, in my opinion, but it does need some work, let’s be honest.
Continue reading 'VidZone impressions – needs work, but damn it’s good [UPDATED]'»
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