BBC One Christmas Indent

Good news Doctor Who fans; this year’s BBC One Christmas indent features the Doctor himself. Shows that The End of Time is going to be the BBC’s main thing this Christmas, similarly to Wallace and Gromit last year. You can see it via the kind people at Blogtor Who.

[Rev.] (Games) rFactor (PC)

rFactor

Developer: Image Space Incorporated

Publisher: Image Space Incorporated

Year: 2005

Most of today’s racing simulators are a similar affair, and it is rare that you get something different. But, different is the approach that 2005’s rFactor attempted to take.

What makes it so different is the game’s focus on online. Almost all tracks and cars must be downloaded from the internet, with the game initially supplying only a few. Doing this avoided a lot of the fuss about rights for the tracks and cars, giving the developer more time to perfect the other factors of the game.

This move also seems to have paid off for the player, with large online communities being born around rFactor, with some accommodating other race sims. Some of these communities have become essential for the rFactor player, offering independently developed modifications for cars, tracks, and car skins. This is certainly a good thing, as it enables the player to utilise the online racing option in the game; which is a very good experience.

Of course, this implies that the game plays well, and I will explicitly say that it does. For the majority of mods, cars will handle as you would normally expect, and the more powerful vehicles will take many races to master. The physics engine is the same as used in other PC race sims, such as Simbin’s Race series; and performs beautifully, as you can ‘feel’ the tarmac beneath you, and instinctively can learn how each car handles and performs. This also means that mistakes are costly, with trips over grass and gravel slowing you down dramatically, and impacts with the barriers causing heavy damage to your car.

There are also quite a few different race options to customise your experience, If you want to take it easy, why not lower the AI aggression and turn on the driving aids?  Fancy a challenge? Turn off the driving aids and bump up the aggression. Be warned if you do the latter, for keeping up with the CPU (and even online) competition is very difficult if you are not using a wheel. This also applies to more powerful vehicles; for when using a gamepad or keyboard, they become impossible to control. However, don’t be put off by this, as there’s plenty of digital input friendly mods.

Want even more customisation? If you just shouted yes you’ll be happy, for there’s also tons of work to be done with race setups and pit stop strategies. Practically every main part of a vehicle can be fine tuned for maximum performance, although most mods will come with a default ‘perfect’ setting, so you can just jump straight in, only having to think about the pit stop strategy, which is a must in longer races.

Graphically, the game comes down to your PC’s graphics card, with more powerful cards obviously producing better results. However, don’t be fooled that this is a game that requires a good PC, for the game’s compatibility is perhaps its greatest strength. I have it running fine on a 2001 build Windows XP machine with only 512MB of memory and an nVidia GeForce 3 graphics card. So don’t worry if your PC is a little old, it’ll still run fine. However, I did have some installation problems using the DVD version of the game, but this was easily fixed by downloading a patch from the official website.

The actual game does have some problems, but luckily do not detract much from the true experience. One problem comes from the nature of the games’ design. This is the fact that it is quite basic in the depth of gameplay options. For single player, you have the options of testing, a race weekend, or a race season; and this has been done in most racing sims, so here it feels a bit dated. The fact then remains, that in its essence, rFactor is a multiplayer game, and those looking for a healthy single player experience will be disappointed. And, even though it is a multiplayer game, rFactor only offers online multiplayer, and no local multiplayer; which is a bit of a shame, as I feel local could have been a fun distraction.

The only other problem i could find was with the AI of the CPU cars in single player. it is good, in that they overtake, fall back, and make errors, but they never feel like human opponents. Also, when just starting out with the game, you find that most of the CPU cars are miles ahead of you on lap pace, even on minimum aggression and with you seemingly doing perfect laps for your level. This does dint the player’s confidence slightly, but is rectified with some simple practice.

All of the problems i have mentioned are not present on the online side of the game, which then becomes a refreshing, challenging experience; as long as you can find someone to race.

Overall, rFactor is a fantastic, well built online multiplayer racing game that all racing fans will enjoy; but it’s not a game for single players. i would certainly recommend it, even though a sequel is said to be in production.

+ Runs on anything built in the past eight years

+ Plays exactly like a racing game should

+ Very strong online gameplay

+ Mods add longevity 

- Local split-screen multiplayer is missing

- Over balanced towards online multiplayer

9/10

Young Enterprise North East Engineering Challenge 2009

Today was the 2009 Young Enterprise North east Engineering Challenge, which saw Sunderland sixth form centres competing to design and construct a worthy bridge. And I can proudly say that the winners were: my team: The Bede Beats! Apart from winning first prize on the points table, we also won the best bridge award and also the best financially economical bridge award. There were other prizes on offer, and went to other sixth form centres. So congratulations to my team, and a hearty thanks to all involved!

[Rev.](Games) The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2007

With Spirit Tracks just around the corner, it makes sense just to have a brief look back at Phantom Hourglass, the game that was seen as the next logical step for the Zelda series. I would say that it was, but it wasn’t the best Zelda experience.

Setting the problems aside for the moment, let’s look at what makes Phantom Hourglass great. 

First is the controls. When I picked up the game I did doubt that the controls would actually work; but my doubts were unfounded: the controls work like a dream. Sliding the stylus about the screen to move Link feels fresh and intuitive, and there is never a point where it feels intrusive. Enemies can be attacked by just touching them, with Link performing simple slashes, which is all well and good on simple enemies, but on harder ones you want something better. And here is where the controls work perfectly; draw a circle to initiate the classic spin attack. The forward roll also returns, but is slightly tricky to master.

Using the touch screen for items feels really natural, especially for items like the boomerang and grappling hook, where all you need to do is draw a line on the screen. It’s also nice to see the return of a particular item that was sadly missing from the GameCube prequel.

The touch screen also comes into its own with the new note function built into the map screen, handy for solving puzzles and noting where items are in the dungeons; of which there are eight and  some see you exploring places not really seen in a Zelda title before. And they all connect with the story really well, which is an absolute corker.

Picking up directly from Wind Waker’s spectacular ending, it sees Link sailing the high seas once more , and although I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t played the game, I will say that it is a great setup with a brand new series villain. Like any other Zelda game, the story sucks you in with danger, charm, and gallantry, and never lets up. The characters are funny and charming, while the boss battles really build in the DS hardware, using both screens; and I couldn’t imagine not using the touch screen for some of them. There’s also plenty of side-quests to divert you from the main adventure, including treasure hunting at sea, fishing, and the useful spirit jewel side-quest. 

Puzzles also require more thinking, which is designed to work hand in hand with the note function. From remembering symbols to hitting switches in the right order, there’s quite a bit to work out.

And let’s not forget those visuals. With the same graphical style to Wind Waker, they are perfectly suited to Nintendo’s handheld. Sure it doesn’t look as smooth, but the lack of extra polygons really has no effect on the quality of the game, and it’s not until you’ve seen the vastness of the Great Sea can you truly revere the game’s beauty.

And through all this beauty I have only two problems; it’s too short, and its too easy. Phantom Hourglass is one of the shortest Zelda games, and will not have you on for forty to fifty hours collecting everything like in Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess. There are the ship parts and treasures to collect, but do you really want to be salvaging in the sea for hours on end? Also cutting down the length is the exclusion of heart pieces, with you being rewarded with full heart containers after completing certain in-depth side-quests. But all except one, these aren’t challenging enough; and neither are the bosses and dungeons. Usually it would take me a couple of tries to beat the final boss, but in Phantom Hourglass I done it first time, and in a quick time for a Zelda game too.

My only other gripe with the game is that first dungeon, which you visit multiple times throughout the story. This wouldn’t be too bad if you started where you left, but you have to go though the entire thing again and again. After the second visit it becomes a chore, and it takes a lot of effort to get to that final boss at the bottom.

Indeed, Phantom Hourglass seems aimed at newcomers to the series,  which is a shame, as it sets a dampener on a hugely enjoyable Zelda adventure. If only it was harder, longer, and didn’t have the repetitive dungeon, we would have a perfect game.

+ Excellent use of the DS controls

+ Graphical style works really well

+ Great storyline

- Seems aimed at newcomers – too easy and too short

- That repetitive dungeon

8/10

[Rev.][Games] Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City (Wii)

Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2008

Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City  is the latest update to the Animal Crossing series, and I say update, as this is roughly 90% the same game as it’s two prequels. I guess this would be Nintendo’s equivalent of releasing an expansion pack, for that is all this seems to be.

For the newcomer to the Animal Crossing series, this is the best version out of the three, using its basic principles introduced in the GameCube and combining them with the features of DS’ Wild World.

You begin the game as a small human character moving out to your own town, with a promise of new life, new friends, and new scenery. After been greeted on the bus by Rover, the friendly cat who sets up your name, town and settings, you’ll find yourself in your new town. You are then tasked to choose a house from those dotted around the town. Once you’re set up, prepare to get down to business, for there’s a price to pay and it doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, as in previous versions of the game, you find a job with Tom Nook, the local racoon entrepreneur. Working in Tom Nook’s shop acts as the game’s tutorial and introduces you to all the major aspects of the game, such as gardening, giving gifts, sending letters, and chatting to the game’s animal characters.

This is the part of the game where Animal Crossing veterans will feel bored and eager to get on with the game, but thankfully the tutorial does not last long. It would have easier if there had been an option to skip this section, but you are forced to go through it.

After the tutorial you are then free to explore the Animal Crossing world, and there’s certainly a lot to do. With fishing, bug catching, fossil digging; there isn’t enough time for everything. Thankfully then, the game has no set endpoint and can theoretically continue for years. And newcomers to the series should definitely experience a whole year to see all the different events in the game.

Here it’s nice to see some of the events from the original included in this version after they were missed out of Wild World, plus some new ones. For example, the Christmas event is back with Jingle the Reindeer, as well as a an Easter event with Zipper T. Bunny.

The core gameplay is still the same, collect things, sell them to earn money which you use to pay your mortgage and upgrade your house. This time round however, there is a greater focus on donating to the town fund, which will upgrade your town by adding another bridge, a fountain, and either a windmill or a lighthouse.

The only big difference with this game and its prequels is the addition of the titular city. Well, it isn’t really a city, but more of a plaza where different services are placed for easy access. Almost all of these come from the previous games, but unlike its predecessors, Wild World has them available every day, instead of just at certain days. Crazy Redd, Gracie and Katrina all gain their own permanent shops, while Shampoodle moves out of Tom Nook’s and into the city. Shampoodle now offers haircuts from the offset, but with a twist, as you can use purchase a makeover to use your Mii’s face in the game, which adds a nice personal touch. Also available is an auction house, where players can auction items and bid for new ones, and a theater which houses Dr. Shrunk, the comedian from Wild World who will give you emotions to use in the game.

The city is a welcome addition as it makes many of the game's services easier to access, and in my opinion is the best addition in the game.

The Wi-Fi features are also enhanced from Wild World, and use the Wii’s online capabilities well. Post can be sent directly to Wii message boards, and screenshots can be taken and saved onto an SD card using the camera function. Wii Speak, the wide range microphone that is bundled with the Wii Speak versions of the game, can be used to great effect online, and now there is no need to type out those frustrating on screen messages. I don’t have Wii Speak myself, so I don’t know how good the microphone is, but I’m sure if you are going to use the online features often it will be a great asset. The friend code system is still in place like in every other Nintendo Wi-Fi enable game, which keeps your town secure from strangers, but limits the people you can interact with.

Nintendo are also giving out downloadable content for the game, which has seen many different items through its first eleven months. They often tie the DLC in with certain releases, such as the Pikmin hat and the DSi chair. This downloadable content keeps the item collection element of the game fresh, and you’ll often find yourself eagerly awaiting the next piece of content.

For those who have Wild World, you can also import your DS character onto your Wii version along with most of your catalogue items, saving you a lot of time and enabling you to jump straight in to the game. Your collections aren’t imported however, and you’ll have to catch all those old fish and bugs again, along with some new additions.

Essentially, Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City is the same game that was on the GameCube, only with a fresher look, and with better organised and implemented features and Wi-Fi. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this has lead to many Animal Crossing veterans to leave the game after a few months.

If you are a newcomer to the series, this is an essential purchase that will take up many hours of your time as you manage your town, upgrade your house and complete your collections. However if you own either or both of the previous games you will find little to hold your attention past the fifth or sixth month.

+ The city is a great new feature

+ Combines the best bits from the previous two games

+ You’ll be playing for months on end

+ Downloadable content keeps you coming back

- Not enough to hold old fans

Score: 7/10

[Rev.](Books) The Lovely Bones

*Yes this is a repost of the review i posted back in April, but as I did it in Word (noob error) and copied it over, it’s not working in the editor.*

The Lovely Bones is the bestselling novel by US author Alice Sebold. The novel is about a 14 year old girl, Susie Salmon, who is raped and murdered by her neighbour; after which the novel focuses on the effect that Susie’s death has on her friends and family. 

Susie acts as the narrator for the novel, giving the reader a first person account of the events that occur in the book. However, by using a narrator, the book falls down a touch. Susie is in Heaven, looking down upon the events that happen, but she can observe people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions that would normally not be possible just through sight.

Another part where the book falls down is its lack of continuity. It never seems to follow one standard chronological order and tends to jump around a lot, also missing out whole years of the family’s life.

This book is also insanely depressing, as it shows the pain that is felt by Susie’s family, but also leaves you with a good feeling at the end of the novel, where things start to turn around for them.

Perhaps the most bizarre thing in the novel is the climax, where Susie comes back to see her “might-have-been”, Ray Singh. This scene does involve a girl who can see dead people, though, so it’s definitely not realistic. 

The novel is a bit more realistic when it comes to the effects on Susie’s family, showing a rift between her parents, her sister grieving alone, and with her brother never fully understanding why Susie died. Through the family, the reader gets a sense of how it must be when one of your family members are murdered, and presents them in a realistic way.

I feel that the first chapter of the novel is the best, as it gives a horrific account of Susie’s murder, and juxtaposing Susie with her killer through their heartbeats. It really gives the killer a sense of maliciousness and evil, especially when he gets his knife out, and also before he kills her saying “It’s after dark”, bearing in mind the connotations that come with that utterance. However, the rest of the book never lives up to the high standard presented in the opening chapter.

A great device that Sebold uses is comic relief, which is represented by Susie’s “out of time” grandmother, who obsesses with beauty and frequently consults with alcohol. Grandma Lynn has suffered a traumatic event, using humour and wit to cover that pain, which brings comic relief for the reader in this otherwise serious and depressing novel. Another good thing about this particular character is how she sort of becomes a foster mother to the remaining Salmon children, so their life is as “normal” as it could be.

Overall, this book does have a lot of faults and could be improved upon, but I personally feel that it is a good read. If you can last through the murder, depressing sorrow, the lack of continuity, and some of the more disturbing scenes, you will receive a massive reward at the end.

+ The end is very rewarding

+ Most characters are well thought out and realistic

+ You can actually feel the sorrow that the Salmons experience

- Lack of continuity

- Some parts of the book are very unrealistic or disturbing

- Feels as though the author ran out of plot threads after the first half of the book

Rating: 6/10

[Info] Changes to EIB Review Ratings – Clear Rate System

Due to confusion about my review ratings expressed by some readers, I have opted to change my review rating scores from stars to an out of 10 system I have affectionately called my Clear Rate System.

1-2/10 = Abysmal - Stay well away

3-4/10 = Poor - A bad idea. Just don't buy.

5-6/10 = Average - Not bad, but not good either. Best for dedicated fans

.

7-8/10 = Good - A good product that should definitely be looked into.

9-10/10 = Excellent - An absolutely outstanding product. You have not lived until you have experienced this.

This system provides more clear scores, rather than the confusing stars system I brought over from my video blog (which I felt was easier to use for that format). Review scores will be gradually updated for the things I’ve reviewed prior to this change.

Also look out for the +/- points which provides a quick summary of the best and worst features of an item.

[DW] Waters of Mars Airdate Confirmed

In an exclusive interview with GMTV, David Tennant this morning confirmed the airdate of the eagerly awaited “The Waters of Mars” to be Sunday 15th November at 7:00pm on BBC One.

This will be followed by a preview of David’s final Christmas special on this year’s Children in Need.

[Rev.][Games] Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)

Metroid Prime Trilogy
 
Developer: Retro Studios

Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2009

The Metroid Prime Trilogy comprises of three highly acclaimed games on one single disc. And it is certainly one of the best compilation discs around.

So, what do you get in this package that warrants a purchase, even if you bought the original three games? Well, we have the European box, which comes in a shiny sleeve, pictured above, and the box itself is a standard Wii game box, but the insert card just has the box art and logo without any text (bar the PEGI logos). Inside, you get the prized disc, plus an art booklet that contains art from the games as well as giving you background to the entire Metroid Prime story, and the instruction booklet is for all three games. The bonus content from all three games is now neatly packaged up in the bonus menu on the disc too.

I must warn you now though, that similarly to SSBB, Metroid Prime Trilogy comes on a dual-layered disc, which means if your Wii disc drive lens isn’t totally clean, you won’t be able to play the game. However you can cheaply buy the official lens cleaning kit from online retailers, which certainly does the job, or send your Wii off to Nintendo for them to clean it.

The Wii controls from Corruption have been successfully brought over to the GameCube games, with each one working perfectly with the Wii remote and nunchuck. Visor swapping is still done with the minus button as in Corruption, and beam swapping is now done in the same way using the plus button.

So now what about the games? Do they still live up to their greatness? They certainly do.

Metroid Prime

The original Prime is the one most often said to be the best game out of the trilogy, and looking back it’s easy to see why: it’s FPS style combat system combined with first-person adventuring is a perfect combination, offering intuitive control. 

The game’s story is well developed, and when playing through you get a real sense of the Chozo’s peril at the coming of the meteor (which through Corruption we now know to be a Phazon leviathan).

The areas in the game’s world are still some of the best I’ve seen. Landing on Tallon Overworld in the first half hour is a sight to behold, with Samus’ ship soaring over the treetops, and the rain falling onto the ground below. But this compares nothing to the snowy wastes of Phendrana, which is renowned as a sight that wows gamers.
The music, composed by Kenji Yamamoto, is amazing too; with some themes such as Magmoor Caverns taken straight out of Super Metroid, but with stand-out themes such as Phendrana’s Edge, and the battle themes.

Metroid Prime is a perfect start to the trilogy, and it’ll make you want to play the other two games before you’ve considered them.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Metroid Prime 2 is the darkest out of the three Prime games, and does a good job following on from Prime; and is certainly the toughest of the three.

First you have Dark Aether, a poisoned and distorted variant on the main world featured in the game, Aether. It has been seen by some gamers as a pain to trek through, especially with the game’s ammo system; but I personally find it an exciting challenge, which in parts feels very much like a survival horror. The Hunter Ing you find once you reach Dark Torvus still give me a sense of foreboding.

The ammo system has also been criticised, but I myself found it no burden, and in several playthroughs on the GC, and my recent MPT playthrough, I have never run out of ammo.
Some of the bosses can be tough, such as the boost and Spider Guardians; but Echoes features some of the memorable bosses such as the giant Quadraxis and the grotesque Chykka.

Echoes is certainly a good game, and certainly doesn’t let down on the first game, and when you get to the end I’m sure you’ll be very satisfied.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

After the first two games, Corruption doesn’t feel as good or polished to my opinion. Corruption takes a more action-based route, foregoing some of the exploration of its prequels, and is in a way let down by that, as it omits some of the emersion and the “one alone” feeling.

However, it still attains the quality of the series, with stunning landscapes, challenging enemies, and a mind-blowing storyline.

One of my criticisms of the game is that the music (not including the opening theme here) is at times too removed from the previous two games. For example, the Galactic Federation themes, and the Berserker Lord and Ghor themes just seem a bit too action based for my liking – I prefer the vibrant alien sounding themes like those used for Rundas, Gandrayda, and Dark Samus. 

Still, it comes up better on its prequels when looking at the beautiful visuals, especially in places like Bryyo or Elysia.

The Wii controls are fully utilised in the game with certain objectives requiring those precise hand movements, which is refreshing after all the mindless shooting of Space Pirates in Norion. I quite like the Hypermode feature; which (for those who haven’t played the game) allows you to become invulnerable for a limited amount of time, but you also have to manage that power so that Samus does not become totally corrupted. The return of the stackable beams was a good addition, even though it was mainly for control reasons (no button available for visor swapping). Although it takes an element of strategy away from the game, it makes combat more fluid.

I don’t deny that Corruption is a fitting end to the Trilogy, but I would have liked to have more exploration and less focus on action.

Metroid Prime Trilogy – Overall

Overall, Metroid Prime Trilogy is the best value compilation package since the XBox 360’s Orange Box. Three fantastic games for the price of one isn’t an offer that should be passed by. Playing the three games back to back is an experience that deepens your knowledge of the series, and the Trilogy package provides an excellent presentation to do so.

For Metroid veterans, you’ll enjoy the adventure all over again, as well as gaining all the bonuses, which include cut down soundtracks for all three Prime games.

For newcomers to the Prime Trilogy or the Metroid series, prepare for one of the fullest and most enjoyable experiences you’ll ever get on any console, for even though it’s not perfect, it’s definitely one of the best games around.

Scores

Metroid Prime Trilogy – 9/10
Metroid Prime – 9/10
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes – 8.5/10
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - 8/10

[Info] Ratings Explained (Repost)

Now that I'm getting back to my blog and that this was posted ages ago, I'm re-posting the explanation of my review scores. I review things in stars with 5 being the best and 1 being the worst, as shown here:

* = Abysmal - Stay well away

** = Poor - A poor idea badly implemented. Forget it, move on.

*** = Average - Not bad, but not good either. Best for dedicated fans.

**** = Good - A good product that should definately be looked into.

***** = Excellent - An absolutely outstanding product. You have not lived until you have experienced this.

[Rev.] [Games] Okami (Wii)

OKAMI (Wii)
Developer: ReadyAtDawn
Publisher: Capcom
Year: 2008

For the Wii release of Okami, Capcom billed it as "The best game you've never played", and while it may not be THE best game you've never played, it certainly is one of them.

Okami is a Zelda-like adventure game, whose plot is based on traditional Japanese mythology. You play as the wolf incarnation of the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu. The game's story revolves around the dreaded nine headed beast Orochi, who 100 years ago before the start of the game terrorised Kamiki Village by choosing a maiden from the village to dine upon. But Orochi was defeated by the sun goddess, who gave up her life to save the village. 100 years later however, Orochi rises once more and spreads a veil of darkness over Nippon; cursing the land and killing off all of its natural beauty. just before Kamiki Village was truly taken, the wood sprite of the village's cherry blossom tree awakens Amaterasu from an old statue, and thus the game begins.

One of the strongest points about Okami is its traditional Japanese art style; making it a gorgeous game to look at, even though the Wii has very limited graphical power (very similar to the original PS2 version). The colours are crisp, with the image being very vivid on the screen.

The music is a joy to listen to as well. Traditional Japanese themes accompany you as you wander the land, and main characters have their own distinct themes. The ending song: (which you must shift through the Jukebox in the extras for) "Reset" ,sung by Ayaka Hirahara, is a very heartwarming song which makes you feel like you have reached the endpoint of a journey.

So you've got a good story, good art, and good music; but does it play well? The answer is yes. For the most part, Okami is an easy game, and most experienced gamers should have no bother, even with the final few bosses. The core element of the game; the Celestial brush, which you use to activate techniques learned throughout the game, is used to great effect, and is the most accessible weapon and tool in the game.

However, this is where the strain starts to show on developer ReadyAtDawn; the game often struggles with the Wii Remote controls, failing to recognise what you have drawn on the screen, even if you have done it perfectly. This is mainly found on techniques such as cherry bomb, bloom, and crescent. I myself had particular trouble with crescent, as to activate it I found a squiggle worked best and not a crescent shape.

Apart from this, the Wii controls are used to good measure and are easy to master; flicking the Remote will make Amaterasu perform a dash, which can be used to clear things in your way, or speed up when going though an area. Also, a flick of the Nunchuck will perform a dodge in battle once you have learned the Fleetfoot technique.

Enemies are shown as "demon scrolls" in the main area, where if you touch them, you are enclosed in an arena for battle. Each demon has a certain weakness to a celestial brush technique, and this weakness proves to be useful when you want to quickly move through areas in later stages of the game. Boss battles are a Zelda like affair, where you are confined to a certain room in a dungeon and face off against a giant monster. However, once you know the strategy for beating a boss, they become all too easy.

Usually, defeating a boss will provide you with a new weapon, of which there are three types; reflectors (mirrors to bash enemies with), rosary beads (long distance weapon), and glaives (big meaty swords). You can have a main weapon and a secondary weapon equipped at a single time, with each type offering different attacks depending on where you have them equipped.

You can also upgrade Amaterasu's abilities within the game by completing certain tasks which award you with Praise. When you have accumulated enough praise, you can upgrade your health, ink (so you can draw things more often), and astral pouches (lives). You can also upgrade your weapons with a specific item.

Just like any adventure game, there's also a collect-a-thon element with the Stray Beads. These beads are hidden in certain locations and when you have found them all will give you a special technique. However, I feel that the stray beads are there just to lengthen out the game slightly.

Overall, I think ReadyAtDawn done a pretty good job converting Clover Studios masterpeice. the only thing stopping this game from getting full marks is the controls,and the sad lack of the game's credits at the end, which had to be removed as they featured Clover Studios' logo and they were not part of the development for the Wii port. Which is a shame for the credits are beautiful, especially with "Reset" as the ending song. Thankfully, the song is included in the extras when you beat the game, and you can easily find the credits on YouTube.

I still highly recommend this though; it's a beautiful game with an epic story, and it deserves a place on every gamer's shelf.

+ Excellent story
+ Art, graphics and sound are phenomenal
+ Plenty to do

- Celestial brush controls are slightly broke
- Too easy for the seasoned gamer
- No end credits

Rating: 8/10

[Games] Metroid Prime Trilogy

So, Metroid Prime Trilogy is released this coming Friday; and I'll be buying it for sure. There's been a lot of confusion over what we Europeans will get concerning the steelbook box. Nintendo of Europe hasn't said anything, and ONM's review last month didn't give any true indication, but I sure hope we get it. Well, I'm looking forward to going through those three brilliant games again. I'll try to put up my first thoughts next Saturday when I have the game.

[Info] AS Level Results

Yeah, I know I'm a bit late; but there's been a ton of stuff going on lately. Anyway got ABCD for my AS results. Pretty good eh?

Again I know I'm now getting rubbish with the promised posts but I will do some when I get the chance.

[Info] A new post! Wow!

My first new post in a while; been busy doing other things than blogging. I know I mentioned stuff that I would put up, and I will eventually. The blog is going to restart soon. Yays! Anyway, expect another post on Thursday when A level results are released :)

[News] Firefox 3.5 Is Here

Yup. it's just been released. And the Mozilla site has already crashed. Luckily I got it just as they updated the site; so yippee! I'm already seeing an improvement. It loaded faster, everything is much smoother and I can actually access my bookmarks now. So head to the Mozilla site if you can and download it now!

[Anime/Manga] Haruhi Makes Triumphant Return

If you didn't know it yet, you soon will: Haruhi is back. Currently in Japan, the first season of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is airing in chronological order inter cut with brand new episodes. The first two new episodes have already aired, with the third apparently airing today. The first new episode "Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody" sees the SOS Brigade take on Tanabata festivities, only for Mikuru and Kyon to get stuck in the past! The second, "Endless Eight" sees the SOS Brigade doing tons of summer activities in the last two weeks of the summer break. Both are very good and stick with the high quality of the previous series.

The new series also sees a new opening and ending, which are excellent, but not as fresh and iconic as the first series (what can beat the Hare Hare Yukai??).

So, I'm watching this online currently at the moment, but I'll be getting them on DVD as soon as they come out in the UK, most likely next year.

'Till then, keep the Haruhiism faith!

[F1] Is F1 doomed?

Again making the headlines is the continuing rules row between the FIA and FOTA. With the final entry deadline fast approaching, we have to ask, is F1 doomed?

There is a possibility that it might be. Felipe Massa has renewed calls for a breakaway championship, while British fans still have a fear at the back of their minds of no British GP, and FOTA teams are still not happy with the rules.

The fact that this row is still continuing is really disturbing. FOTA is there to see that the rules are created in the right manner, so why are they still not happy? Most of the rules that were going to be brought in next year have been put back to 2011, with cost cutting measures gradually being introduced. So that's all fine and dandy, but what do FOTA want? It seems very likely at this stage that Formula 1 will be borught into disrepute and thusly the FOTA teams being banned from racing or whatever. Which will leave us with a Formula 1 that has never before been seen, with it being a F2 or GP2 style championship with teams competing on low budgets.

F1 is supposed to be the cream of the crop, and with that does come high prices; but in times like these, in the middle (or even possible 3/4 of the way through) a recession, all of the manufacturers are tightening their belts. And right they should. But can't they just agree on the rules so we (the fans) can have some good racing between the best drivers in the world and the best teams in the world. That's what Formula 1 is supposed to be about!

[Games] Microsoft@E3 2009

So, Microsoft's press conference has been and gone, and things are looking good for the 360 with a whole host of new games, an expanded Live service, and motion control. Even though i don't have a 360 the things that caught my eye were Final Fantasy XIII and Forza 3 as well as Project Natal.

Full rundown of announcements:

• Beatles Rock Band - Opened show and was very hyped up
• Tony Hawk Ride - New skateboard controller
• COD Modern Warfare 2
• Final Fantasy XIII - Looking good and will be released Spring 2010
• Shadow Complex - Live shooter inspired by the likes of Metroid and Castlevania
• Joy Ride - Avatar based Live kart racer
• Crackdown 2
• Left 4 Dead 2
• Splinter Cell Conviction -Looking like the best SC for ages
• Forza Motorsport 3 - A solid challenger to bring the fans of the PC racing games to the 360
• Halo 3 ODST
• Halo Reach - Prequel to the first game
• Alan Wake - nice little atmospheric horror game
• Last FM coming to Live
• Sky partnership looked at
• Relaunching the Live video service as ZuneTV
• Partnership with Facebook and Twitter
• Metal Gear Solid Rising - New MGS on 360
• Project Natal - No controllers; just pure fun!

So far I think that Microsoft won't be beaten. There's plenty of rumours going around on the Nintendo side of things, but I think that Microsoft has the best announcements so far.

[Games] E3 2009

E3 kicks off with the Microsoft press conference in just over an hour; with Nintendo and Sony's tomorrow. After each show I'll post some of my views on them, looking at them from an unbiased viewpoint (although I most likely won't get to see the Sony one). For those that want to watch you can see it :

Here

Here

[Info] Lack of Updates

For anyone who actually reads this, I know I haven't posted in almost a month but exams are keeping me occupied (and Okami). Will probably start the reviews again in June with a one for the DSi and hopefully when I'm finished it, Okami.

Cheers for taking the time to check out my blog.

[Games] New Pokemon Games Announced

That endless train which is Pokemon never ceases rolling forward. Yesterday (Friday 8th) saw the first announcement of Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. The games are remakes of Gold and Silver on the old Game Boy Color, and will see the Johto region appearing for the fourth generation. More details are expected when Pokemon Sunday airs in Japan tonight (UK time).

Source

[F1] Death of Mosley's Son

The son of FIA president Max Mosley, Alexander, has been found dead at his London home.
This brings up another difficulty for the Mosley family (remembering last year's sex scandal).

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/75074

[F1] Vettel Excels in Wet China

The young German Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel won Sunday's wet Chinese GP. The Red Bull cars were in a race of their own as they beat Britain's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello to the top two steps of the podium. Ferrari struggled once again, with a retirement for Felipe Massa, and a dissapointing result for Raikonnen. Ferrari are looking at their long-standing record of four straight races at the start of the season without a single point.

Results - Chinese GP 2009

1. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 56 laps 1hr 57m 43.485s
2. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault +00m 10.9s
3. Jenson Button Britain Brawn-Mercedes +00m 44.9s
4. Rubens Barrichello Brazil Brawn-Mercedes +00m 63.7s
5 Heikki Kovalainen Finland McLaren-Mercedes +00m 65.1s
6. Lewis Hamilton Britain McLaren-Mercedes +00m 71.8s
7. Timo Glock Germany Toyota-Toyota +00m 74.4s
8. Sebastien Buemi Switzerland Toro Rosso-Ferrari +00m 76.4s
9. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault-Renault +00m 84.3s
10. Kimi Raikkonen Finland Ferrari-Ferrari +00m 91.7s
11. Sebastien Bourdais France Toro Rosso-Ferrari +00m 94.1s
12. Nick Heidfeld Germany BMW Sauber +00m 95.8s
13. Robert Kubica Poland BMW Sauber +1 lap
14. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Force India-Mercedes +1 lap
15. Nico Rosberg Germany Williams-Toyota +1 lap
16. Nelson Piquet Jr Brazil Renault-Renault +1 lap

Rtd Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes 50 laps completed accident
Rtd Kazuki Nakajima Japan Williams-Toyota 43 laps completed
Rtd Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari 20 laps completed mechanical
Rtd Jarno Trulli Italy Toyota-Toyota 18 laps completed acc damage

Source

[F1] Diffusers Get Green Light

At last we have a resolution on theses double diffuesrers that are being used by Brawn GP, Toyota, and Williams. The FIA court of appeal have ruled them legal! Which means that Button still has all his points on the board and there's no penalties for anyone. All the other teams are now attempting to catch up with top designer adrian newey one of the first to jump onto creating a design for the new diffuser for Red Bull, and the Ferrari guys are complaining as usual.

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74475

[Op.](DW) He will knock four times...

So, Planet of the Dead has been and gone. I'd say it's my third favourite special, after Voyage of the Damned and The Christmas Invasion. I think that Christina wouldn't have worked as a mainstream companion. I didn't feel as connected to her than Rose, Martha or Donna. The Tritovores were actually surprising. I thought that they'd be a rubbish side-character, but they added a vital component to the episode. Lee Evans' character was fantastic. I loved the eccentricity about the character, and you could actually see the deep admiration Malcolm has for the Doctor.

"He will knock four times" is a pretty obvious hint to the Master returning, but interestingly in the commentary for the episode David Tennant said that it's not who you think it is, but that's probably just David trying to create some mystery. So, it's practically confirmed that the Master is back, and John Simm has been apparently seen filming anyway.

So, I can't wait for The Waters of Mars now. Bring on Autumn!

[Rev.](Games) Race Driver: GRID (DS)

Developer: Firebrand Games
Publisher: Codemasters
Year: 2008

So, this the sequel to one of the DS' finest handheld racing games, Race Driver: Create and Race, and in my opinion, it has sadly lost it's magic.

Create and Race was the DS reworking of the console and PC game Race Driver 3, and it was great; offering a selection of real-world racing championships, while catering to those who wanted their race sim on the more arcadey side. But, with GRID they have totally lost the true racing and gone done the Need for Speed route of arcade-style racing.

By doing the game this way, it has lost what the Race Driver and TOCA series was known for: pick up and play simulated racing using real-world championships. GRID turns this on it's head and focusses on sports cars and the like. Which, for me is disappointing, as I have always liked racing in the proper championships.

And where are the iconic British tracks?! They are sadly missing from GRID. I bought this excitedly thinking of racing cars round Brands Hatch in a better game, but it didn't happen. They even left out Silverstone!

One of the best things about Create and Race was the track designer. With no limits, I could create some crazy long tracks, but GRID imposes a limit on the number of track pieces you could put down; so no more five minute random drawing sessions to create mad tracks.

When I was told there was a Japan section in the game, I was expecting stuff like Formula Nippon and Japanese F3; but instead we get street racing??!! God, I have had enough of that to last a lifetime in NFS. The street racing genre has outstayed its welcome, and has become boring and clichéd, with every game being the similar sort of thing.

Ultimately, for myself as a dedicated motorsport fan, this was disappointing. I expected the thrilling real-world circuit racing from C&R, and we get clichéd arcade style racing instead. So, motorsport fans: put down the DS and boot up the PC, for when there are games like GTR Evolution and rFactor, there is no need to be buying games like this.

+ Simple arcade racing
+ Fun for short bouts
+ Uses Wi-Fi

- Loses the real championships
- Imposes limits on track design
- Includes clichéd street racing

Rating: 5/10

[F1] Button Takes Win In Stormy Malaysia

F1 - MALAYSIAN GP - RACE RESULTS

1. Jenson Button Britain Brawn-Mercedes 31 laps 1hr 91m 35.181s
2. Nick Heidfeld Germany BMW Sauber +0m 22.7s
3. Timo Glock Germany Toyota-Toyota +0m 23.5s
4. Jarno Trulli Italy Toyota-Toyota +0m 46.1s
5. Rubens Barrichello Brazil Brawn-Mercedes +0m 47.3s
6. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault +0m 52.3s
7. Lewis Hamilton Britain McLaren-Mercedes +0m 60.7s
8. Nico Rosberg Germany Williams-Toyota +0m 71.5s

9. Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari +0m 76.9s
10. Sebastien Bourdais France Toro Rosso-Ferrari
11. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault-Renault
12. Kazuki Nakajima Japan Williams-Toyota
13. Nelson Piquet Jr Brazil Renault-Renault
14. Kimi Raikkonen Finland Ferrari-Ferrari
15. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault
16. Sebastien Buemi Switzerland Toro Rosso-Ferrari
17. Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes
18. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Force India-Mercedes

Rtd Robert Kubica Poland BMW Sauber 1 lap completed
Rtd Heikki Kovalainen Finland McLaren-Mercedes 0 laps completed

all results unofficial – subject to confirmation
Courtesy of Crash.net

So, Jenson secures the second race win of the season for Brawn GP in a race that only went just over half of the race distance.

[Op.] When the world needs saving.. Don't trust the people who have made this.

This is a very cheesy and pathetic trailer for an Australian TV company's interpretation of K9, the famous robot dog from Doctor Who and it's spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures. As I have said on the comments for the video on YouTube :

"This looks, sounds, and feels absolutely terrible. The BBC should do something so this never gets shown on Australian TV, or anywhere else for that matter. Australia, you have tried to create something based on one of the greatest and most respected British TV shows of all time, and YOU HAVE FAILED!"

Also, if I lived in Australia, I would never watch that. It looks like some cheaply produced kid's show that the kids will watch just because it is on. The bits where K9 is flying have no attempt at making it look like it could be real. Even kids will see through the rubbish CG there.

Absolutely pathetic.

[DW] Planet of the Dead - First Trailer

This is the first trailer for Doctor Who : Planet of the Dead, as reported on the SFX website. It is unknown whether tonight's trailer will be different, but watch it anyway just in case.

Source : http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=planet_of_the_dead_trailer

[DW] Planet of the Dead - Trailer on Wednesday

As reported on Doctor Who Online, there will be a trailer for the easter special of Doctor Who, "Planet of the Dead", shown on BBC One Wednesday night at 9:00pm just before The Apprentice.
Make sure you don't miss it. I'll see if I can put it on here via a YouTube link if possible on either Thursday or Friday.

Source : Doctor Who Online

[F1] Button takes Austrailian GP Win

Jenson Button has won the Australian Grand Prix this morning, with a strong run keeping first all the way through the race. There was an incident involving a few cars at the beginning of the race, all seeming to come from a mistake by second place Brawn GP man Rubens Barrichello; which caused McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen to retire. Both Ferraris retired later on in the race; Raikonnen due to an incident, and Massa due to mechanical failure.

Overall, this race was very different from the likes seen last year, and it's going to be one exciting season.

Full race results:

1. Jenson Button Britain Brawn-Mercedes 58 laps 1hr 34m 15.784s
2. Rubens Barrichello Brazil Brawn-Mercedes +0.8s
3. Timo Glock Germany Toyota-Toyota +4.4s
4. Lewis Hamliton *DISQUALIFIED*
5. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault-Renault +4.8s
6. Nico Rosberg Germany Williams-Toyota +5.7s
7. Sebastien Buemi Switzerland Toro Rosso-Ferrari +6.0s
8. Sebastien Bourdais France Toro Rosso-Ferrari +6.2s

9. Adrian Sutil Germany Force India-Mercedes +6.3s
10. Nick Heidfeld Germany BMW Sauber +7.0s
11. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Force India-Mercedes +7.3s
12. Jarno Trulli Italy Toyota-Toyota +26.6s*
13. Mark Webber Australia Red Bull-Renault +1 lap

Rtd Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 56 laps completed acc damage
Rtd Robert Kubica Poland BMW Sauber 55 laps completed accident
Rtd Kimi Raikkonen Finland Ferrari-Ferrari 55 laps completed acc damage
Rtd Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari-Ferrari 45 laps completed mechanical
Rtd Nelson Piquet Jr Brazil Renault-Renault 24 laps completed accident
Rtd Kazuki Nakajima Japan Williams-Toyota 17 laps completed accident
Rtd Heikki Kovalainen Finland McLaren-Mercedes 0 laps completed damage

Courtesy of Crash.net

[Games] Zelda: Spirit Tracks - GDC Trailer

Zelda enters the Industrial Age, with "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks". Here's the trailer from this years Game Developer's Conference, courtesy of www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk

[Games] Zelda: Spirit Tracks Announced

Today, at the 2009 Game Develoers Conference, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has announced that a new Zelda game will be realeased for the Nintendo DS towards the end of the year. Entitled "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks", the game has the same visual style of GameCube classic The Wind Waker and that title's DS sequel Phantom Hourgalss. This title is thought of at present as the sequel to Phantom Hourgalss.

According to reports, Link rides a train and it is possible to control another character (Command melody from Wind Waker anyone?) through the use of the stylus.

Source: http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7590

[News](Tech) Twitter, MySpace, and Wikipedia to become part of UK curriculum

In a farcical move, the former head of OFSTED has proposed that school children should be taught "modern media and web-based skills". This would mean school kids being taught how to use MySpace, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc...

This is a bit too far. Children don't need to be taught all of this in school. Most are intelligent enough to figure it out for themselves if they want to try it. School should teach proper academic subjects; not how to use the web.

Source: http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/twitter-studies-to-become-part-of-curriculum-587767

[News](Tech) MP3HD - Lossless MP3

The co developers of the popular MP3 audio format have announced MP3HD, a lossless form of the MP3 which will be backwards compatible will current MP3 technology. The lossles MP3 will quadruple the file size offered by the lossy compression of traditional MP3 files, however will provide superior audio quality.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/audio/mp3hd-offers-next-gen-music-playback-587324

[F1] Wins to Decide 2009 F1 Champion

It has been announced today, that the winner of the 2009 F1 World Championship will be the man with the most number of WINS. Not POINTS. In my opinion this is a move away from the form that F1 fans have been used to since the inception of the championship, and I feel that it won't be as good as the "normal" points system. This comes from Ferrari's backing of the FIA, as if this had been a rule last season, Massa would have won the championship, on wins. Again, it's all to do with Ferrari and the big influence it has on F1 rules and regulations. Shameful.

Source:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73744

[News] January AS Exam Results

Not what I was expecting, but I can retake them later. Was hoping for mostly Bs but got:

Physics : D
Maths (Core 1) : C
Foundations of Advanced Maths : D

Congratulations to all who done well, and to those who want to improve or done crap "COME ON PEOPLE, WE CAN DO THIS!"

[Info] Blog Prefixes

Some more blog information for you. Each blog that I will put up with have a prefix denoting it's generalised topic. Here's the run down of them:

[Info] Blog info
[News](Type of News) General news and updates
[Op.] My opinion on things
[Rev.](Type of thing reviewed) - Review
[DW] Doctor Who news/updates
[Games] Games news/updates
[F1] Formula One news and updates
[Anime/Manga] Anime/manga news and updates

The content prefixes are there to make blog content clear.

[Info] EIB Review Ratings

In my video blog, I never had a chance to clarify the ratings I have given to the products that I have reviewed. But, never fear, for they are finally here!

* = Abysmal - Stay well away

** = Poor - A poor idea badly implemented. Forget it, move on.

*** = Average - Not bad, but not good either. Best for dedicated fans.

**** = Good - A good product that should definately be looked into.

***** = Excellent - An absolutely outstanding product. You have not lived until you have experienced this.

So, that's my ratings. Look out for more reviews in the future on the third iteration of The Emperor Ing Blog.

The Evolution of The Emperor Ing Blog

The Emperor Ing Blog started out life as a small, insignificant little MySpace blog, where I would post thoughts to my mates and such like. It then progressed to a YouTube video blog series, that involved music, drama, and crazy wierdness. (Check out www.youtube.com/user/emperoring). But, now, in it's third iteration, The Emperor Ing Blog comes back in force... on Blogger.

The Emperor Ing Blog 3 will offer news, reviews, and an aspect into daily life; and may perhaps include aspects of simulated life on the Nintendo life sim Animal Crossing LGttC. So, that's all to come, and I hope you enjoy reading the third iteration of The Emperor Ing Blog.