Many many issues ago GamesTM, a respected games magazine wrote about a game called I Am Alive. Supposedly a big upcoming release, they devoted pages to it, screenshots, interviews, praise, much time was spent and hope was placed on the game. I read it, I looked at the pretty pictures, I liked the idea and I thought, 'Oh yes, it will be mine'
Then it vanished, seemingly cut, gamesTM pick another winner!
Some time later I read something online that vaguely mentions the existence of the game, so hope starts all over again, it turns out that the project had changed development companies and had trimmed itself down to be an XBLA/PSN game, so as a result would at least be cheaper, but with obviously less content.
So this got me thinking, is it worth it? What of the content has been forever lost, what else will suffer? Graphics? I'll chances are now cost a £10 (1200msp?) so it still may be worth a punt but I'm not convinced. Saints Row The Third is very enjoyable at the moment and it wouldn't really manage to get ahead of that anyway.
The game itself seems quite interesting (explaining why I was interested) in that you wander round a smashed up city trying to stay alive and help others. It'd be nice to play a game where you haven't got to shoot EVERYONE for a change.
There are a few big/interesting releases due soon though, FIFA street plays really well in the demo, I like it and that's out next Friday I think. Mass Effect 3 (which I have 0 interest in I'll be honest, so that one is just big) is out this Friday. Silent Hill HD collection is out on the 20th in North America but not quite sure over here, plus Downpour is due soon after. Plus there's always the kinect lightsaber game... I hope that's not awful I really do. Something deep inside is telling me it's going to be more Star Wars milking shit that dirties the good name of the series further so George Lucas can have an another solid gold toilet seat. Just wait til I start about re-releasing the films in 3D - JUST WAIT.
I don't know, I'll watch some gameplay videos and stuff now and make my mind up based on that. If Downpour is as poor as Homecoming I'd rather rent it anyway. Lovefilm, you are awesome!
Oh yeah my XBOX Live Gold is up soon, and not having a previously classic but now tired film series to exploit, I need a cheap place to get a sub, anyone know anywhere? Let me know!
Showing posts with label Kinect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kinect. Show all posts
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Kinect - now I finally have one
It took 8 months and a price decrease in excess of 50% (well for what I paid anyway, they still full price shiny new and in a box) but I relented and purchased myself a lovely motion sensor-tastic Kinect for me XBOX.
Gamestation did me a deal on a PSU'd up one for around £60, bargain and I was away. Set up did require a reshuffle of my 2nd living room, but I've set myself up with plenty of room now and usually, after some framing issues it seems to be all ok.
As I've said before I had concerns, not with the technology, it's a clever little thing and does it's job for the most part well. I of course got Kinect Adventures for nada which is enjoyable enough, but not exactly awe inspiring, bringing me back to an initial concern that it could get strangled by shovelware, and looking at the carnival games, biggest loser, cloned sports games etc games that have already shown up, it is creeping up, so I had a go an Kinect Adventures, which is a reasonable tutorial on how to use the gadget, not exactly engaging gamewise though.
So I popped in my vehicle and slid my arse down to blockbuster to acquire more software.
Firstly, one of the biggest draws to Kinect was Yoostar 2. Yes shallow, but lets face it, my pretty little face(!) combined with my outgoing nature and acting skills are never ever going to get me on TV. So this is as close as I'm ever gonna get. I'll be honest, I felt a little self concious, even in an empty room, acting out these scenes, but it was fun, and it's gone on the 'to buy' list. I also think I did a fooking awesome Ben Stiller monologue from the end of Meet the Parents... Sure. I got one question for you. It's can you deal with that!?! Class!
I also got myself a bit of Kinect Sports which is bordering on shovelware, but at times I really enjoyed. The track and field in particular was fun, and quite energetic! The football aspect is pretty dreadful, and doesn't know when I'm kicking the thing much of the time.
I do want an exercise game for it as I'm starting to get properly fat again, when I should be losing!! I am told that Your Shape is the best and EA is a bit pants. So I'll pick that up in the next few days maybe! Or the The other games return to their blockbuster home Friday.
In general use, it was quickly intuitive moving menus and the 'minority report' style moving stuff around menus is good. Voice commands are responsive and accurate, and considering my accent makes me sound like a backwards camp sheep loving villager, but Kinect is down with that. XBOX... Dashboard indeed.
In general I'm happy with my knockdown purchase, but still feel it needs more, I'm sure more will come, maybe in Star Wars Kinect. I don't think it will ever replace traditional controller, nor would I want it too, standing up to play every game doesn't sound appealing, plus the feeling of a controller is one I like, the feedback and vibration from something physical would suit many games better than air shooting etc.
It also takes photos of you in game, that means no more naked gaming, could you imagine if I accidentally published a pic of me doing javelin with my wang out, doesn't bear thinking about. But then again, unless it's on zoom, would anyone notice....
Gamestation did me a deal on a PSU'd up one for around £60, bargain and I was away. Set up did require a reshuffle of my 2nd living room, but I've set myself up with plenty of room now and usually, after some framing issues it seems to be all ok.
As I've said before I had concerns, not with the technology, it's a clever little thing and does it's job for the most part well. I of course got Kinect Adventures for nada which is enjoyable enough, but not exactly awe inspiring, bringing me back to an initial concern that it could get strangled by shovelware, and looking at the carnival games, biggest loser, cloned sports games etc games that have already shown up, it is creeping up, so I had a go an Kinect Adventures, which is a reasonable tutorial on how to use the gadget, not exactly engaging gamewise though.
So I popped in my vehicle and slid my arse down to blockbuster to acquire more software.
Firstly, one of the biggest draws to Kinect was Yoostar 2. Yes shallow, but lets face it, my pretty little face(!) combined with my outgoing nature and acting skills are never ever going to get me on TV. So this is as close as I'm ever gonna get. I'll be honest, I felt a little self concious, even in an empty room, acting out these scenes, but it was fun, and it's gone on the 'to buy' list. I also think I did a fooking awesome Ben Stiller monologue from the end of Meet the Parents... Sure. I got one question for you. It's can you deal with that!?! Class!
I also got myself a bit of Kinect Sports which is bordering on shovelware, but at times I really enjoyed. The track and field in particular was fun, and quite energetic! The football aspect is pretty dreadful, and doesn't know when I'm kicking the thing much of the time.
I do want an exercise game for it as I'm starting to get properly fat again, when I should be losing!! I am told that Your Shape is the best and EA is a bit pants. So I'll pick that up in the next few days maybe! Or the The other games return to their blockbuster home Friday.
In general use, it was quickly intuitive moving menus and the 'minority report' style moving stuff around menus is good. Voice commands are responsive and accurate, and considering my accent makes me sound like a backwards camp sheep loving villager, but Kinect is down with that. XBOX... Dashboard indeed.
In general I'm happy with my knockdown purchase, but still feel it needs more, I'm sure more will come, maybe in Star Wars Kinect. I don't think it will ever replace traditional controller, nor would I want it too, standing up to play every game doesn't sound appealing, plus the feeling of a controller is one I like, the feedback and vibration from something physical would suit many games better than air shooting etc.
It also takes photos of you in game, that means no more naked gaming, could you imagine if I accidentally published a pic of me doing javelin with my wang out, doesn't bear thinking about. But then again, unless it's on zoom, would anyone notice....
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Wimbledon
As regular readers may know (if there are any) I like a bit of tennis (mainly men's to be honest, the women's tends to be 'big beefy US/Russian girl beating up poor 19 year old from Belgium' or something). I'm not a sporty type, I'm an overweight, greying, diabetic about to hit 30 so that's not exactly a surprise, but I was always OK with a racquet but these days, I watch. Mainly this is as I have nobody to play with, I've even signed up to that all play tennis site and... nothing. But that's off topic.
As a result of this love Wimbledon fortnight as the only non clay grand slam in the right time zone to watch comfortably (well work hours is a pain, but you know what I mean). So far this years as been quite interesting, as long as Nadal's foot holds up I can't see it being anything than a 1v4, 2v3 semi line up but here's hoping Tomic can do something after the other 'up n comer' Milos bowed out early.
From a UK perspective, Murray is playing well, he's had a couple of awkward matches in a row and has come through them quite easily. If Nadal is hurt and he get's a Fish semi... I think he's a finalist (I think I got the draw right anyway). The UK expectation doesn't seem to be so bad this year, and I think that's a good thing. Everyone is expecting a Nadal win, with maybe Djokovic or Fed or indeed Murray having an outside shot. It was obvious from the Del Potro game, Nadal can be beaten, so who knows.
It's womens quarter finals day today, so I'm not bothered about seeing it, but tomorrow should be an excellent day, chances are with the top 4 seeds coming through, but I wouldn't mind the semis being Tomic V Tsonga and Murray v Fish!
Never gonna happen.
Good points though, the BBC coverage has actually been pretty good, almost every night programs have been moved/cancelled/delayed to allow for late finishes. If only they held a few more of the rights to 1000s and the like. Although most of them are in the middle of the night to be fair...
I'm still expecting them to be straight on Murray's back as soon as he looks like bowing out though, that's the British way after all, support respectfully while circling ready to lay a boot in!
On an unrelated note I've purchased myself a bit of XBOX 360 Kinect, thoughts to follow!
As a result of this love Wimbledon fortnight as the only non clay grand slam in the right time zone to watch comfortably (well work hours is a pain, but you know what I mean). So far this years as been quite interesting, as long as Nadal's foot holds up I can't see it being anything than a 1v4, 2v3 semi line up but here's hoping Tomic can do something after the other 'up n comer' Milos bowed out early.
From a UK perspective, Murray is playing well, he's had a couple of awkward matches in a row and has come through them quite easily. If Nadal is hurt and he get's a Fish semi... I think he's a finalist (I think I got the draw right anyway). The UK expectation doesn't seem to be so bad this year, and I think that's a good thing. Everyone is expecting a Nadal win, with maybe Djokovic or Fed or indeed Murray having an outside shot. It was obvious from the Del Potro game, Nadal can be beaten, so who knows.
It's womens quarter finals day today, so I'm not bothered about seeing it, but tomorrow should be an excellent day, chances are with the top 4 seeds coming through, but I wouldn't mind the semis being Tomic V Tsonga and Murray v Fish!
Never gonna happen.
Good points though, the BBC coverage has actually been pretty good, almost every night programs have been moved/cancelled/delayed to allow for late finishes. If only they held a few more of the rights to 1000s and the like. Although most of them are in the middle of the night to be fair...
I'm still expecting them to be straight on Murray's back as soon as he looks like bowing out though, that's the British way after all, support respectfully while circling ready to lay a boot in!
On an unrelated note I've purchased myself a bit of XBOX 360 Kinect, thoughts to follow!
Friday, 8 April 2011
3DS
I had significant doubts when I heard about the 3DS. It must be the 5th version of the hand held Nintendo have banged out over a reasonably short space of time, each time offering an upgrade yes, but also each time demanding more money, as well as horribly devaluing any consoles already in circulation. But now I've tried one and I can confirm they are good.
My initial doubts were how they would present the 3D effect, however it is good and does look good, when potentially I suppose it could have been a disaster. The effect gives a great impression of depth and the augmented reality software that comes included is excellent. I also had a quick go at pilotwings and it was nice to look at, easy to control, everything you'd want or expect from a game of that series.
Of course there are limitations to the system, Nintendo have introduced region locking on games going forward sop no importing titles early. Security has been stepped up to try and prevent DS cards fitted with micro SDs (such as the R4) running nicked software (you'll never stop them Nintendo, give up), and the 3D effect does have a tenancy of dying on its arse if you don't have the console at the right angle.
My question is what kind of software support it'll get. The Wii was a cracking idea as was the original DS, but one thing they have been plagued with from the start is mountains and mountains of shovelware. The kind of crap cheap to produce game that is purely a money maker, I'm on about the 5000 party games compilations, the 2000 variations on the sims and nintendogs. It's very easy for software companies to shovel out this crap knowing people will buy it, than invest in a deep, clever, fun game that may not appeal to a good proportion of the userbase.
The Wii has had 'proper' titles, but few and far between, with the majority failing commercially (Okami anyone) regardless of their quality. I fear the same for the 3DS, I fear the same for all future consoles casual is ever mentioned in conjunction with, I fear the same for Kinect too if I'm honest.
But the hardware and the principle is sound. It'll doubtless get the usual smattering of traditional openers, I believe Mario Kart 3DS is already on route. I'm not ready to part with over £200 to own my own, I've just bought my netbook after all, but when the 3DSi comes out next year (followed by the 3DSi XL of course) I may pick one up cheap :)
Oh and everyone 21st of this month sees Portal 2 come out. Can't express my expectations for this game, not in words!!
My initial doubts were how they would present the 3D effect, however it is good and does look good, when potentially I suppose it could have been a disaster. The effect gives a great impression of depth and the augmented reality software that comes included is excellent. I also had a quick go at pilotwings and it was nice to look at, easy to control, everything you'd want or expect from a game of that series.
Of course there are limitations to the system, Nintendo have introduced region locking on games going forward sop no importing titles early. Security has been stepped up to try and prevent DS cards fitted with micro SDs (such as the R4) running nicked software (you'll never stop them Nintendo, give up), and the 3D effect does have a tenancy of dying on its arse if you don't have the console at the right angle.
My question is what kind of software support it'll get. The Wii was a cracking idea as was the original DS, but one thing they have been plagued with from the start is mountains and mountains of shovelware. The kind of crap cheap to produce game that is purely a money maker, I'm on about the 5000 party games compilations, the 2000 variations on the sims and nintendogs. It's very easy for software companies to shovel out this crap knowing people will buy it, than invest in a deep, clever, fun game that may not appeal to a good proportion of the userbase.
The Wii has had 'proper' titles, but few and far between, with the majority failing commercially (Okami anyone) regardless of their quality. I fear the same for the 3DS, I fear the same for all future consoles casual is ever mentioned in conjunction with, I fear the same for Kinect too if I'm honest.
But the hardware and the principle is sound. It'll doubtless get the usual smattering of traditional openers, I believe Mario Kart 3DS is already on route. I'm not ready to part with over £200 to own my own, I've just bought my netbook after all, but when the 3DSi comes out next year (followed by the 3DSi XL of course) I may pick one up cheap :)
Oh and everyone 21st of this month sees Portal 2 come out. Can't express my expectations for this game, not in words!!
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Kinect - a gaming revolution?
The time is quickly approaching that Microsft will be releasing their XBOX 360 peripheral, Kinect.
Aint it perdy?
Now Kinect (I preferred Natal) is billed as something that will fully revolutionise the way everyone games, removing controllers from the mix. I have a mate who managed to get is backside on the Beta testing program (jammy b*stard) and he can't stop raving about how good it is, how responsive how accurate etc. This is a guy who as a rule knows his stuff and his opinion can be very much trusted.
However, I'm far from convinced.
I've been through this 'new way of gaming stuff before' I picked up a Wii on launch day and was memorised by the way things played. Wii Sports was accurate, responsive and all those things, but after not a hell of a lot of time, it felt gimmicky. Third party titles came out that the developers had either not grasped how to program for the Wii, leading to difficult to play games, or were just lazily adding motion controls to existing titles to shift a few dozen more units.
I have a horrible feeling Kinect will do the same for me. For the first 3 or 4 weeks, it'll be amazing. I wont be able to believe I ever had to push a button to play stuff, what a fool was I! But then I wont feel like standing up, or some new games will arrive, as immense cost and be plainly rubbish and I'll long for my 360 pad again.
Plus there's the cost, these 'controllers' will not be cheap, in fact they will laugh in the face of cheap and mock just how cheap it is. Weighing in at £130 (you can get them cheaper but this is the RRP so Game/Gamestation will charge that at least, and probably a little more just cos people will pay it) you can actually guy an 360 for less. For your £130 you get the controller (at least you only need one) and 1 piece of software, Kinect Adventures. Any further games are full price, pocket destroying.
I have a preorder in place in Game in Swansea. It's not mine but when my (same) mate (I have more than one, I'm just only referring to him at the mo) found out his Beta testing kit was his, I inherited his preorder, but the closer I get to the day, the more I'm thinking, do I really want it? Can I really justify the outlay for something which seems to gimmicky? The more I think about the the more I'm thinking not.
Now, at this point I can add I've never actually played using it. It could be what I've been looking for all these years, I just don't know it yet. But chances are it's not, it'll be fun for a bi then gather dust. Actually I think writing this has just made my mind up!!
I read something perfect on the GamesTM forum yesterday, it basically said what will people prefer in the long run, playing with a invisible steering wheel, or feeling the rumble and feedback from a real one/controller. Well when you say it like that... (sorry can't find post again to link too!)
Microsoft know one thing, Kinect will be a success, it will sell millions and be impossible to get hold of (now thinks about keeping preorder and selling for Christmas... hmmm <evil laugh>) but it may not be one with people like me (I'm pretty sure there's not many people wanting to be put into that category) but the Wii inspired casual market and kids, and after all kids are the future. The Wii captured a market, that very market and it's understandable Microsoft want a chunk of it I suppose. I just hope it doesn't become compulsory on too many games.
I think I'll get Fable 3 instead, wait that's Kinect compatible... here we go again...
Now Kinect (I preferred Natal) is billed as something that will fully revolutionise the way everyone games, removing controllers from the mix. I have a mate who managed to get is backside on the Beta testing program (jammy b*stard) and he can't stop raving about how good it is, how responsive how accurate etc. This is a guy who as a rule knows his stuff and his opinion can be very much trusted.
However, I'm far from convinced.
I've been through this 'new way of gaming stuff before' I picked up a Wii on launch day and was memorised by the way things played. Wii Sports was accurate, responsive and all those things, but after not a hell of a lot of time, it felt gimmicky. Third party titles came out that the developers had either not grasped how to program for the Wii, leading to difficult to play games, or were just lazily adding motion controls to existing titles to shift a few dozen more units.
I have a horrible feeling Kinect will do the same for me. For the first 3 or 4 weeks, it'll be amazing. I wont be able to believe I ever had to push a button to play stuff, what a fool was I! But then I wont feel like standing up, or some new games will arrive, as immense cost and be plainly rubbish and I'll long for my 360 pad again.
Plus there's the cost, these 'controllers' will not be cheap, in fact they will laugh in the face of cheap and mock just how cheap it is. Weighing in at £130 (you can get them cheaper but this is the RRP so Game/Gamestation will charge that at least, and probably a little more just cos people will pay it) you can actually guy an 360 for less. For your £130 you get the controller (at least you only need one) and 1 piece of software, Kinect Adventures. Any further games are full price, pocket destroying.
I have a preorder in place in Game in Swansea. It's not mine but when my (same) mate (I have more than one, I'm just only referring to him at the mo) found out his Beta testing kit was his, I inherited his preorder, but the closer I get to the day, the more I'm thinking, do I really want it? Can I really justify the outlay for something which seems to gimmicky? The more I think about the the more I'm thinking not.
Now, at this point I can add I've never actually played using it. It could be what I've been looking for all these years, I just don't know it yet. But chances are it's not, it'll be fun for a bi then gather dust. Actually I think writing this has just made my mind up!!
I read something perfect on the GamesTM forum yesterday, it basically said what will people prefer in the long run, playing with a invisible steering wheel, or feeling the rumble and feedback from a real one/controller. Well when you say it like that... (sorry can't find post again to link too!)
Microsoft know one thing, Kinect will be a success, it will sell millions and be impossible to get hold of (now thinks about keeping preorder and selling for Christmas... hmmm <evil laugh>) but it may not be one with people like me (I'm pretty sure there's not many people wanting to be put into that category) but the Wii inspired casual market and kids, and after all kids are the future. The Wii captured a market, that very market and it's understandable Microsoft want a chunk of it I suppose. I just hope it doesn't become compulsory on too many games.
I think I'll get Fable 3 instead, wait that's Kinect compatible... here we go again...
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Pay Day!
Woo hoo it's pay day! This signals a very special time of the month, there's a gap, not a huge one but a gap nonetheless, between the 28th (Pay Day) and the 1st (Bill Day)
During this little period it's like living in a whole new financial bracket, the bank looks healthy, you don't feel a sense of intrepidation on approach to a cashpoint. The bank itself saves a fortune on red ink, but it's not all environmentally friendly as they tend to use more black.
Then the first comes round... Direct Debits shrink the balance back to where I belong and things return to normality and instead of marching into <insert generic game shop here> and demanding a latest release, it's back to hanging round in the preowned section or gazing through the window longingly like Charlie Bucket in the Roald Dahl classic. Gamestation have asked me not to, apparently my saliva running down the window doesn't help their sales.
Now don't get me wrong I'm not on the breadline, work doesn't exactly pay me money I have to carry home in my diamond encrusted wheelbarrow, but it's enough (Anyone wanting to offer me megabucks leave a comment, I'll have my people call your people... OK I have no people but if it creates the right image I'll get my mum to call and pretend she's my PA).
Speaking of stuff I can't afford, has anyone seen the new keyboard add on for Rock Band? Looks mighty classy, but is weighing in at £110 with the game. Looks like it's going to be a choice between that and Natal/Kinect (£120). I'll prob go for the rock band, Kinect still seems slightly gimmicky to me, despite a wise mate singing its praises. Plus the other half (an accomplished guitar hero player herself will love it, as she's also a piano player!) The clincher would be releasing some Ben Folds for it. Do it harmonix, do it now!
Anyway, I better be off, it's getting to the busy part of the train route and some stinking hobo will sit next to me at any moment doubtless.
Catch ya later!
During this little period it's like living in a whole new financial bracket, the bank looks healthy, you don't feel a sense of intrepidation on approach to a cashpoint. The bank itself saves a fortune on red ink, but it's not all environmentally friendly as they tend to use more black.
Then the first comes round... Direct Debits shrink the balance back to where I belong and things return to normality and instead of marching into <insert generic game shop here> and demanding a latest release, it's back to hanging round in the preowned section or gazing through the window longingly like Charlie Bucket in the Roald Dahl classic. Gamestation have asked me not to, apparently my saliva running down the window doesn't help their sales.
Now don't get me wrong I'm not on the breadline, work doesn't exactly pay me money I have to carry home in my diamond encrusted wheelbarrow, but it's enough (Anyone wanting to offer me megabucks leave a comment, I'll have my people call your people... OK I have no people but if it creates the right image I'll get my mum to call and pretend she's my PA).
Speaking of stuff I can't afford, has anyone seen the new keyboard add on for Rock Band? Looks mighty classy, but is weighing in at £110 with the game. Looks like it's going to be a choice between that and Natal/Kinect (£120). I'll prob go for the rock band, Kinect still seems slightly gimmicky to me, despite a wise mate singing its praises. Plus the other half (an accomplished guitar hero player herself will love it, as she's also a piano player!) The clincher would be releasing some Ben Folds for it. Do it harmonix, do it now!
Anyway, I better be off, it's getting to the busy part of the train route and some stinking hobo will sit next to me at any moment doubtless.
Catch ya later!
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