SIMS pets 3 ” It doesn`t bite!”

By Dayvid, on December 4th, 2011

ELECTRONIC ARTS returns with yet another game for their long running franchise THE SIMS, this time it`s Pets! yes you can create and interact with your own virtual pet, a sort of upgraded TAMAGOTCHI (remember them).
To be frank I am not a big fan of the SIMS, it’s all a bit god like in a way, my son when he was younger used to do some diabolical things to his virtual characters, his favorite trick was putting an entire family in the swimming pool and then removing the ladder so they could not get out , leaving them there to die (fortunately he grew out of it and didn`t become a serial killer).
So when EA sent me this over I thought ok let’s give it a go. What’s the worst that can happen!
You basically have two kinds of pets the low maintenance ones, like lizards and snakes and other assorted critters and the high maintenance ones, such as dogs and cats, but now even horses have been thrown in to the mix so that’s opened up a whole world of possibilities.
You can train your dog or cat to hunt dogs for collectables like gems while the cats can hunt for low maintenance pets, which means you can just order them to go off hunting if you can’t be asked with them, and you just want to keep them for their social benefits. I never really got into the ins and outs of this game as there wasn`t enough to keep me interested ,that doesn`t mean to say it`s a dull game , if you’re a SIMS fan then you are going to love this effort.
Whereas the horses are entirely different ball game altogether, you can raise them to do races or show jumping. You’re able to develop your trainer to ride, in show jumping events and eventually make loads of money (simolians).Which appears to be the one of the major objectives of the game.

The animation is pretty good, which is something SIMS fans would expect as EA have been running this franchise for some years now .I was impressed by the low polygon modelling and the whole feel of the game was clean and straight forward, easy to navigate menus and good interaction.
The possibilities are endless even adopting a horse and having it in your house is not frowned upon (don`t try this at home folks). Stray animals can also be adopted but these take time to train, and we all know that everything takes time in the SIMS world, mind you they all come with a variety of skills that may be useful (wish my dog was this clever).
The best part of THE SIMS 3: PETS I found were the coat design options allowing the user to change the look of your pet which can lead to inter breeding etc. I am sure with imagination users will be coming up with strange and bizarre looking pets (again don`t try this one at home kids, kitty wouldn`t like it much).

Summary
SIMS 3: PETS is a very interesting game and I am sure it will be popular with SIMS fans if you are new to the franchise then try an earlier SIMS, as for my personal taste I am still not a convert to the franchise, but it was an interesting adventure into this strange and very popular world. I can see the appeal, but it`s back to blowing up things and racing around in fast cars (virtual that is) for me.
I will give the game 7 out of 10 as the graphics and game play are very good. for me it`s doesn`t hold my attention for long.

The Sims ets 3PS3Xbox 3603DSAge rating: 12Publisher: EA gamesRelease date: 21/10/2011SIMS pets 3 " It doesn`t bite!", 10.0 out of 10 based on 3 ratings

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Award-Winning GALACTIC CIVILIZATIONS II: Ultimate Edition Now On Steam

By Admin, on December 3rd, 2011

PLYMOUTH, MI., DEC 2, 2011 – Stardock (www.stardock.com) announced today that the award-winning 4X turn-based strategy title Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition has made its way to Steam. Stardock announced last month that after years of exclusivity to the Impulse digital distribution platform (now owned by GameStop) its titles would be making their way to a broader PC gaming audience. Fans can now purchase Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition (priced at $19.95) for 25 percent off through December 9th at http://store.steampowered.com/app/202200/. Nominated for several “Strategy Game of the Year” awards in 2007, Galactic Civilizations II is the most epic turn-based space strategy game ever.

In Galactic Civilizations, it is the 23rd century and the known galaxy is at war. The Terran Alliance and their coalition are fighting a desperate interstellar war with the evil Drengin Empire and their ruthless allies. Behind the scenes, the precursor civilization called the Dread Lords pulls the strings on both sides. As leader of a galactic civilization, it is up to you to ensure the triumph of your civilization. Fight wars, design star ships, research new technologies, negotiate treaties and build an empire that will stand the test of time in this epic and timeless strategy game.

The first expansion title, Dark Avatar, greatly expands the gameplay of Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. Dark Avatar introduces asteroid belts that can be mined for resources, unique planets that require special technologies to colonize, spies to conduct sabotage and destabilization (or used to protect your worlds from the same), new types of diplomatic treaties, an enhanced artificial intelligence engine, and much more.

The second expansion, Twilight of the Arnor, takes players into the year 2227 where the fire of war is consuming the galaxy thanks to the manipulations of the evil Dread Lords. But the remaining factions, led by the humans, have a plan to rid the galaxy of the Dread Lords once and for all. It’s up to you to conquer the galaxy and determine the fate of those around you.

The complete bundle is also available digitally through GameStop (www.impulsedriven.com), as well as direct from the Stardock store at http://www.galciv2.com/Purchase.aspx.

For more information about Stardock or its titles and software, please visit www.stardock.com.

For more information about Galactic Civilizations II, go to www.galciv2.com.

About Stardock

Stardock is one of the world’s leading developers and publishers of PC games and desktop software. Its PC games include Sins of a Solar Empire as well as the Galactic Civilizations series. Its desktop software includes Object Desktop, WindowBlinds, and a host of other programs for customizing the Windows experience. Learn more about Stardock by visiting www.stardock.com.

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IEX Gaming Chair Improves Game Time

By Dayvid, on November 28th, 2011

As gaming chairs go, I have always been into the idea of them. I just don’t fancy having something that looks like it should have legs or is like a stripped down racing car that has been dumped in my front room. We all know wives /partners tend to frown on such items and eventually it will end up in a spare room with laundry draped over it when the novelty wears off, your pocketbook being £300 lighter (~ $467.22 USD). That’s why when the lovely people over at BEANBAGBAZAAR sent me one of their IEX gaming chairs I thought “hmm bean bags, will I end up sitting on the floor eventually as I maneuver around and have to keep getting up and shaking the thing back into shape”. We’ve all been there and it’s not cool or elegant.

Well folks those days are over! This product doesn’t look like a bean bag, and it does’t perform like one either. The other bonus (this bit is for the wives and girlfriends) it won’t stand out in your living room like a large multi-colored plastic bag, neither which is cool. The tough faux leather covering and the built in integrity makes for a solid well made construction (just don’t sit in it for too long in your underpants as you will stick to it!). [Ed: Eeewww!] Obviously I can’t say how long it will last, as I have only had mine a few days. But the build quality is excellent and unless you sit in it with a sharp object in your back pocket, let your 4 year old jump up and down on it all day or climb on it in stilettos, I can’t see having a problem (the covering is pretty thick).

The IEX stands nearly a meter tall with a nice comfortable backrest and wide seat (I suffer from a bad back and had no problems with it, in fact I spent even more time playing as I was so comfortable!) It also supports your elbows without being intrusive. They don’t come in any other color apart from black. But you can have green or silver trim, so there is some choice. I don’t know if other colors are planned, but it would be nice to have a greater choice. There is also a kid’s version which is slightly smaller.

Of course the best thing about this chair is the price, currently £74.99 (~ $116.79 USD). For a quality item like this, that is a bargain. OK, you don’t get any fancy speakers fitted inside, which other even cheaper chairs offer, but what you do get is build quality. This chair is built to last! It will give you many hours of comfort as you race and shoot your way through whatever virtual world you are in at the moment.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the IEX GAMING CHAIR compared to other chairs I have tried in the past. It is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and built to last and doesn’t look out of place in any living room, so you can persuade the wife/girlfriend/partner that it’s a good idea and you can have one, seeing as there are no speakers inside you don’t have the problem with wires sticking out everywhere, if you do need to have surround sound in your seat then go elsewhere.

The IEX GAMING CHAIR is all about tough reliability and comfort and for this kind of money it’s one of the best around. A choice of different colors would have been nice and maybe different coverings as I did find that the plastic does stick to you if any bare skin touches it but that is a minor thing really.

If you need any more info on this chair go to:

www.iexgaming.com

www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk

Product :IEX Gaming ChairManufacturer: Beanbag BazaarPrice: £74.99 (~ $116.79 USD as of 11/26/2011)IEX Gaming Chair Improves Game Time, 9.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings

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Saints Row the Third It`s a real blast !

By Dayvid, on December 4th, 2011

Ok I know what you are all thinking ,this is another grand theft auto clone .well I am afraid you would be wrong ,I admit at first glance my eyes rolled sky wards and I thought “here we go again” GTA 10 or whatever it is now .”No, no, no” is what I retort this is something else in fact it’s more like CRACKDOWN (remember from a few years back) or if Bruce Willis did Grand Theft Auto!.

SAINTS ROW THE THIRD takes you away from the city of STILLWATER where the first two games where set and you end up in STEEL PORT, a grimy industrial town. This is where the action starts after a mad intro which involves a shed load of crazy stunts, the likes of Jason Statham would be proud of .It paves your exit from STILLWATER and then gives you the opportunity to customize your character, this is a major part of the game because you can not only customize your character but also his vehicles .Mine has been running around in a dressing gown with pink bunny rabbit slippers hilarious.

Let’s face it you couldn’t run around stark naked shooting and blowing up things in GTA! And not only that you get extra points for streaking, brilliant. Now your mission is to take over the town and get rid of the opposition, of course it’s not as straight forward as you think and this leads the way for some pretty mental action sequences and high jinks, jumping out of aeroplanes (in fact jumping through aeroplanes) hanging out of helicopters, flying helicopters, riding motorbikes, driving cars and boats (and crashing them) you can even base jump off buildings (makes James Bond look like Bambi).

Gang fights are a wacky affair you have to run the gauntlet of a constant onslaught of enemies showing up in a variety of vehicles, armed to the teeth and too top it all they don’t die first time neither (unless you can shoot them in the head!), There are a nice array weaponry available which is upgradable (of course)the shotgun being my personal favourite, when you have the choice of rocket launchers to large sex toys (which you can whack enemies over the head with ,I know WTF!).It’s a gamer’s paradise.

SAINTS ROW THE THIRD has endless surprises and just keeps on getting better and better. You get to cat sit a tiger who gets angry and starts hitting you if you slow down, there is some dealer protection work to be had, rescuing hookers (only annoying bit is the pimps electronic voice, sounds like a reject from some r and b boy band) hacking up wrestlers with a chain saw to name but a few .

Of course there are many other side missions to complete Tank mayhem being one of my favourites where you get to blow up property and people whilst driving a tank. Insurance fraud is another fun one you basically have to throw yourself under cars to claim insurance money.

All these stunts and missions are to earn money and get respect so you can upgrade and take over the town you don’t even have to try very hard to earn neither. Getting paid by the hour is the norm and just claim the money by accessing your smart phone .This is of course your main source of missions and upgrades, from stealing cars to assassinating other gang members SAINTS ROW THE THIRD has it all.

On-line play

You can of course play the campaign on line in co-op mode but it tends to run away with its self with two players going mad.

Whoring mode

This is an interesting twist a variety of mini games to play outside of the career mode which I thought was a brilliant idea, especially trying to mow down swarms of mini zombies, this again is another excuse to go completely mad and create havoc, but it’s far from easy.

Summary

SAINTS ROW THE THIRD is a game that is for pure fun there is no attempt at realism, or trying to create some deep meaningful story line. It’s just a big arena where we can indulge ourselves in a crazy world of sex and violence. That’s all it is and I doesn’t hide that fact, if you are looking for a GTA clone then go elsewhere but if it’s a good time you are after then “come on down”. I will give it 8 out of 10 as it’s a great game but not brilliant worth investing 40 bucks in though.

Saints Row the ThirdRelease date :18/11/2011Action Third person shooter (TPS)PCXbox 360Ps3Age rating: 18Publisher : THQDeveloper: VolitionSaints Row the Third It`s a real blast !, 9.8 out of 10 based on 4 ratings

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Call of duty :modern warfare 3 ” It`s a jolly spiffing experience!?”

By Dayvid, on December 3rd, 2011

The combination of ACTIVISION /INFINITY WARD/SLEDGEHAMMER GAMES can only mean one thing, yes the reason why people of all ages have been queuing outside game shops at midnight, to get their cold hands on , CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 .

Now of course the 40 buck question? Does it blow my skirt up? The answer is well sort of, it’s the usual mix of over complicated story lines and one dimensional character, but haven’t we been here before? Ok when you lock and load, leap from that helicopter, bullets and explosions all around you it is impressive, but still the usual recipe. Maybe it`s because I am still coming down from BATTLEFIELD 3, I found myself constantly comparing the two games. We are treated to the usual campaign game play, maybe a touch too short at 6 hours.

Campaign

Ok it`s perhaps not the best game out there, but it still holds its own, especially as they are still using the old game engine which is an upgraded version of the one used in CALL OF DUTY 2 and it does hold up well .We get the usual realistic game play and much more freedom of movement than say BATTLEFIELD 3.

There are some pretty spectacular set pieces that keep you on your toes, and I found myself becoming totally engrossed in the adventure, as you play a number of different characters on missions around the world (usual CALL OF DUTY stuff).

Now I could spend the next few paragraphs banging on about the storyline but let’s be honest do any of us care ,CALL OF DUTY storylines have never been up to much in my eyes as they are overly complicated and I don`t know anyone who actually follows the story ,we are all in it for the action ! and I think it was a wise move on ACTIVISION`s part to include the option to skip the cut scenes and get down to some serious bottom kicking! It’s those little options that can make the difference.

I must admit the campaign was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, unfortunately the game was over before I knew it, It is the usual game play for the campaign, mind you we do get to try some nice stuff, like scuba diving for one and the set pieces are very impressive, exploding buildings and huge all out battles, even if the enemy appears to be somewhat reckless at times, which makes for more mayhem but spoils the feeling of reality which I assume is what ACTIVISION is after. There is plenty of things to keep the player interested but it all comes across as the same old scenario as we have seen before. As with all games these days it`s all about the on line play so don`t expect anything too exciting in the campaign

Multiplayer

Now this is where CALL OF DUTY really comes to life with 16 new maps to play and loads of little treats like new challenges and unlockable content. This makes for a challenging and all more interesting experience.

Ok if you aren`t used to the on line play of CALL OF DUTY you will get your butt kicked, that`s a fact, there are some serious gamers out there in CALL OF DUTY land and they don`t take prisoners. This makes for more rewarding game play as you really want to get better, and take out that 10 year old who has been sniping you for the past 3 hours and then mocking you for your inadequacies as a player.

There are single player options for all you lone mavericks out there such as the usual team death match, survival, free for all and numerous other modes dragged over from COD 2.

You can take on CG players all day long, so you can hone your killing skills. There sure  is something for everybody and no one should go away disappointed  .As you progress you can of course get promoted and upgrade your player but also you can do the same for the weaponry as well so it’s a continuous and  evolving experience.

With the new killstreak bonus and the kill confirmed mode thrown in for good measure, the game play quickly becomes addictive and this makes CALL OF DUTY in my eyes, one of the best on line multiplay games around with BATTLEFIELD 3 running a close second.

There is of course the co-op and spec ops modes are available to top up your soldiering skills.

Summary

What can I say CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 is another winner, because of the on line play as usual,  of course it will end up at the top of the gaming charts when the ACTIVISION PR machine kicks in  , this game does not disappoint completely , the multi play does keep you coming back for more .

Sorry EA but BATTLEFIELD 3 was a great game and a good attempt to tap into the ACTIVISION pot of gold but at the end of the day CALL OF DUTY is the master of this genre but is this as far as it can go?, It`s been nearly 10 years since the first one and to be honest it hasn`t changed much .I will give it 9 out of 10 because the story was a bit dull and it could have been better campaign wise

Call of duty :modern warfare 3First person shooter (FPS)Release date: 11/08/2011Publisher: ActivisionDeveloper: Infinity Ward/Sledgehammer gamesAge rating :18Xbox 360PCPS3WiiNintendo DSCall of duty :modern warfare 3 " It`s a jolly spiffing experience!?", 1.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings

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Bang Bang Racing Coming Soon To PSN, XBLA And PC

By Admin, on November 28th, 2011

High Speed, Family-Friendly Arcade Style Racing Game!

Budapest, Hungary – November 28, 2011—Get ready to put the pedal to the metal as Digital Reality roars its engine with Bang Bang Racing, a new fast-paced family-friendly game coming to PlayStation®Network, Xbox LIVE®Arcade and PC.

Bang Bang Racing is the complete racing experience – speed your way along every course while fine-tuning your technical driving skills. The intuitive control system and the exciting tracks provide endless fun for every member of the family. Be fast, be furious and be one step ahead of your competitors by finding shortcuts, repairing your car in the pit lane, dominating your opponents from the top-down view and more!

Bang Bang Racing is visually stunning and appeals to all members of the family by featuring:

Multiple exotic racing locations from all around the worldNine challenging reversible circuits varied with unique shortcuts20 unique vehicles and eight colourful skins, all spread across four distinct classes, including racing muscle cars, stock car series, world endurance championship and Formula One open wheel cars.Take on your friends in Bang Bang Racing in local split screen multiplayer (up to four players), and prove your dominance by earing and showing off your honors and achievements with extensive Friends and Global Leaderboards!Face dynamic, interactive objects like cones or exploding barrels that make every race unpredictable – be sure to pay attention to the variable surface conditions that will affect how your car performs, like snow, sand, water and oil.

Bang Bang Racing delivers fast-paced racing around every corner and white-knuckle excitement down every straight. With a distinct style and unforgettable racing experience,Bang Bang Racingis sure to bring the entire family together. Release date and pricing will be announced at a further date. For additional information please visit http://www.digitalreality.eu/.

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About Digital Reality

Digital Reality Publishing is a game service company that combines original gameplay and creative freedom from studios by maintaining a long-term online relationship with its customers. With a secure base of private funding, Digital Reality publishes games across all platforms, from downloadable console titles to browser-based and mobile games.

Founded in 1991, Digital Reality Software has 20 years of experience in game development. Mostly known for the award-winning Imperium Galactica series of computer strategy games, popular Digital Reality titles include SkyDrift, Haegemonia: Legions of Iron, Platoon, and Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps. For more information, visit www.digitalreality.eu.

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Xbox 360 wireless speed wheel ,”will it drive you round the bend?”

By Dayvid, on December 4th, 2011

Driving wheels are great aren`t they? But can you find one for a reasonable price that’s worth using? I think not , not everyone wants to spend 500 bucks on a set up to play a driving game (you can buy a real car for that price !) And the cheaper end are just that, cheap. So what do us part time racers have on offer?

The XBOX 360WIRELESS SPEED WHEEL that’s what, and I must say when I took it out of the box I was a little underwhelmed by the look of the item, ( looks like it would be more at home in the plumbing section of my local DIY store !) that is until I used it with FORZA 4 and DIRT 3 then I realised what I had in my hands, at first it took a while to find a comfortable position and get used to the sensitivity but before long I was tearing it up around MONZA and the outback enjoying every twist and turn.
I don`t care what people say about this accessory (a wheel is the wrong description I think). This is a great item for the average gamer ,who doesn`t want a steering wheel and all the extras taking up space in their living room, ok some folks have complained that it makes your arms ache, but if you rest your elbows on your knees then it isn`t a problem. come on people adapt !

It does cover the gap between a controller and a steering wheel and it is a bold and innovative move on MICROSOFTS part .You see with driving games as we all know using a controller doesn`t quite do it for many of us , driving a car using your thumbs! don`t think so ,it`s just not real enough, but with the XBOX 360 SPEED WHEEL that all changes, with the ease of use of a controller, and the feel of a steering wheel (sort of) .

I honestly don`t think MICROSOFT are trying to outdo the good conventional steering wheel, it`s more of filling that gap between controller and wheel, and this does the trick. The big wheel manufacturers shouldn’t feel threatened by this accessory, as it is obviously aimed at the average gamer that only plays the occasional driving game.
Let’s face it folks if you take your driving simulation games seriously (and there are a lot of you out there who do) you’re not going to buy one, but if you don’t want to waste $60 on a low end steering wheel that’s about as responsive as dogs pelt, then get one of these you get a well built bit of kit that’s surprisingly good, for the same price. “job done”.
I still don`t understand why MICROSOFT decided to end production of their excellent mounted steering wheel, as this this should not be viewed as a replacement, this is of course, a gap filler and not a credible steering wheel as such, If this is the intention of MICROSOFT then they have made an error as there are still gamers out there ,who would prefer a reasonably priced quality conventional wheel, and now we have either cheap alternatives or expensive high end versions. Come on Microsoft give us more choice!
As for the wheel itself it has all the regular buttons and triggers that a controller has and feels good to hold, nice solid built design (not cheap rubbish) and you can put it away without it standing around gathering dust like a wheel would.
Motion sensors and intuitive steering make for a pretty enjoyable experience (once you have got the hang of it) the triggers are the usual Gas and Brake ,there is the good old rumble feedback ,and all the classic button configuration is there .

Summary
What can I say The XBOX 360 WIRELESS STEERING WHELL is indeed an innovative and well built accessory for the right price, and I am impressed for one. The thing I don`t like is that we have no real choice in the matter as to what wheel we have to buy from MICROSOFT ,they should have given us a choice of conventional or this one ,Don`t get me wrong this is a great device but it`s not a steering wheel, it is just a controller that you can steer with .Hats off to the developers as with the KINECT , MICROSOFT are still breaking new ground and that`s a good thing, as I am sure other gamers would agree we would have liked a choice and we have been denied that .

• XBOX 360 WIRELESS SPEED WHEEL
• Manufacturer : Microsoft
• Price : $59.99 (02/12/2011)

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