Monday, April 4, 2011

Video Submission by MSCMarauder

Our first submission to our channel:

First Attempt at a Montage - MSCMarauder

Submitted by MSCMarauder - http://www.youtube.com/user/MSCMarauder - YouTube backgrounds, gameplay commentaries/montage creators.

If you would like to submit:
1)Send your gaming footage to mancalazonk@live.ie
2)If we like your content we will upload it.
3)A link to your channel will be place into the description of video.
4)Sit back and enjoy the (hopefully) many new subs!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

YouTube Gaming Community

Just starting out in the YouTube gaming community but struggling to gain a fan base? Maybe you just want to network with other gamers to share subs?

We recently created a new YouTube community channel with the overall aim of helping promote 'the small guys' in the gaming community, by advertising their own YouTube channels through uploaded videos so they can gain more views and subscribers. The top ten submitting channels will be placed in our 'other channels' section. Over time, with a growing fan-base from our video submitters it will become easier to gain followers by submitting content of your own.

How It Works:
1)Send your gaming footage to mancalazonk@live.ie
2)If we like your content we will upload it.
3)A link to your channel will be place into the description of video.
4)Sit back and enjoy the (hopefully) many new subs!

Only new content can be submitted, be it gameplay commentary, montage, funny gaming related video, etc. As long as it is up to par with our standards,and you are subscribed to the channel then we will accept videos from anyone.

See our channel description for more information!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Battlefield Play4Free beta code giveaway!

Based on the Battlefield series and built on a modified version of Battlefield 2's engine is the upcoming free online FPS Battlefield Play4Free.

The game is currently in closed beta testing phase with open beta scheduled to begin on April 4th. Beta codes were distributed via email from March 17th onwards and we managed to get our hands on some. So if you are too impatient to wait till the 4th or maybe you just want to brag to your friends then all you have to do to win one is follow the blog, and leave a comment below - we shall pick one random winner on Friday at 17:00 GMT.

Hint: If you know anyone interested then tell them about it and get them to say who referred them to us in their comment for a better chance of winning!


Good luck!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Crysis 2

The original, released in late 2007, was such an ahead-of-its time powerhouse that PC gamers still struggle to run its graphics engine on the game’s highest detail settings...

...and now we have number 2! Yeah, thats right, Crysis 2! The original Crysis is still a serious benchmark in gaming. Regarded, by many, as the best-looking game on the market, the question “Can it run Crysis?” has, and still is directed at numerous new gaming rigs. Unlike its predecessor, Crysis 2 is also appearing on PS3 and Xbox.

Users play as 'Alcatraz', a Force Recon Marine, who is unceremoniously plonked inside the famed, and redesigned, Nanosuit from the first title. It's an explosive beginning, filled with hoo-rahs, gunships and in-game cutscenes designed to give a completely immersive, cinematic experience. It truly is the "catastrophically beautiful" existence that Crytek intended to design. The incredable allure of the urban jungle of New York, filled with desolated neighbourhoods and defaced landmarks is an exciting contrast to the jungles of the original.

Thanks to the weapon customization and interchangeable nanosuit ability modules, multiplayer is a LOT of fun. Oh and we can't forget the distinct feeling that can be had with the unique maps. So if your starting to get sick of Black Ops (yeah, it can happen) or maybe you're just craving a fresh take on the multiplayer shooter scene, then Crysis will have you utterly hooked!

Verdict: Buy It!

Friday, March 18, 2011

First Person Mario

WOW... just WOW!

This must have taken FOREVER to make! Call of Duty, eat your heart out!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Homefront

Set in a 2027, Korean occupied United States, Homefront truly has a unique approach to the FPS genre of video games...

A new expansionist leadership in a united Korean Republic strikes a United States weakened by gas shortages leaving only small remnants of the US military in its wake... I'll admit that war on American soil isn't a foreign concept for first-person shooters, however, few depict the land with the same desperate and barbarous atmosphere.

The immersible storyline was slightly tinted with an unpleasant surprise when things wrap up so abruptly around the five-hour mark. That may not seem terribly short by modern-shooter campaign standards, but what makes it worse is not that you are left wanting more, but that you are left expecting more. By spending a lot of time on quality exhibition early on, Homefront's campaign sets itself up for a long story arc, but it doesn't deliver.

The meat of Homefront, however, is definitely the mutli-player. Think Modern Warfare meets Bad Company 2; high octane battles mixed in with large maps and more vehicles than you than you could shake a stick at... It's a game that has all the features that make an FPS popular yet it doesn't seem to be afraid to throw its own additions into the mix and it is this formula that makes Homefront a worthwhile contender on the battleground.

Verdict: Buy It!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Super Mario Bros. The Movie (Second Attempt)

I'm sure you all remember the flop that was the 1993 Super Mario Bros Movie with its cheesy and incoherent plot...

It really was a poor attempt to make a movie out of one of the most successful game franchises but how many of you would be willing to see the movie if it was remade in a similar style to the SXSW 2011 Film Bumper by Joe Nicolosi?
I know I would!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

URL Hunter

"An experimental game using the URL bar as the game screen."

With web browser gaming still in its youth, a new browser game made by Corey from Probably Interactive throws a wrench into the works by taking gameplay out of the main window and into the address bar. Whether you think it's useful or useless, you can't ignore the sheer cool geekiness of a game played entirely in the URL bar.

You play as an "O" that must consume as many "a" letters as possible in 30 seconds. Players move the "O" back and forth and press the spacebar when above an "a" to capture it. Meanwhile, the "a" letters move back and forth on their own as time ticks down.

URL Hunter probably isn't going to keep you entertained for much more than a minute, but it's a good example what can be done with some creative programming. Is it a good game? Not really. The gameplay is pretty awful, and the concept is naturally pretty limited. But it's clever and unusual, and, in the end, what could be better than that?

If you haven't done so already then check it out here...

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Dragon Age II

Featuring a gripping new storyline and stunning visuals, Dragon Age II allows gamers to experience the rise to power of Hawke, the male/female human mage/rogue/warrior.

Unlike most RPGs, which depict a prevailing evil presence that can only be defeated after a lengthy and arduous adventure, Dragon Age II has instead opted to document the political struggles of the city of Kirkwall. While this may seem like a progressive idea, most of the 30-hour game-time is spent in and around the city looking at similar architecture.

The animations, details and overall art direction glisten with tons of polish. However, due to the unique storyline the entire adventure is set in just one area and, hence, the sights quickly start to become repetitive. Character customization has also been dumbed down. Unlike the prequel, the game's story insists you play as a human and lets you only choose a gender and one of three classes (mage, rogue, warrior). You are also assigned the surname Hawke, though you can select a first name.

The gameplay is faster paced than previous games and it has a satisfying 'kill-everything-on-the-screen' style with plenty of blood and gore. Nevertheless, your party's AI isn't smart enough to allow you to ignore them in a battle. Unless you set up specific instructions in individual characters' tactics menus. Tactics are fairly easy to set up, so that's not the end of the world, but you'll still need to keep a careful eye on your party's health to make sure they don't go kamikaze on you.


Verdict: Buy It!
(if you're a fan of fantasy-style games)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Angry Birds: Trololo

Hope you like this Angry Birds/Trololo music video:

I made it all ba maself! *childish grin*

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Evolution of Controllers

Cool picture, pity there's no PS3 controller though...
Submitted by: Harry Fenton


If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Find Makarov

Last week's mysterious countdown on www.findmakarov.com has finally ended with what looks like a Call of Duty movie trailer.

The week-long viral countdown on the site led to speculation that Activision was about to announce COD: Modern Warfare 3. While it may have seemed like a good guess, it was subsequently shot down by a company spokesperson. The countdown has just ended and the site now redirects to the trailer above for what looks like a Modern Warfare movie.

Not much is known about the video and if you try to contact the makers for more information they simply reply with something along the lines of "can't reveal too much at this point in time."

What we do know is that Find Makarov was scripted by We Can Pretend design director Patrick Lo and produced by David Fradkin. The company self-funded the project to demonstrate how the Modern Warfare brand can be expanded to film (and to no doubt make a name for the marketing firm). Mission accomplished. The Makarov trailer looks very impressive and here's hoping we end up seeing more.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Pokébra

Possibly the coolest bra EVER, but seeing a girls generally don't like stuff like this then I guess it'll have to be worn on your moobs...
Submitted by: Harry Fenton



If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Monday, February 28, 2011

Button Remapping for the Disabled Gamer

Chuck Bittner, A.K.A. AskACapper, is a disabled gamer and comedian. He started an online petition to get video game developers to offer custom button remapping in their video games so he and other gamers like him can enjoy them.

He is a quadriplegic comedian, in a wheel chair, and due to his condition, he has no control over his fingers. Therefore, in order to play a video game he must use his face to control not only the joysticks, but the buttons as well. Due to his disability, many games are unplayable with the current button layouts.

Remapping is the ability to move button assignments on a controller to any button of the gamer's choice. Even though many games come with multiple preset control layouts, this may not be enough in the case of gamers like Chuck. Full custom remapping is necessary in order to cater for disabled gamers. No longer should they need to choose from a group of preset layouts when in essence they could be able to choose whatever suits them best.

If you haven't done so already please support this great, and often overlooked, cause by signing the petition and following the Facebook Page!

Random Mario Cake

I found this cake in a shop the other day and I have to say that I've picked out the cake for my birthday next month...
Submitted by: Myself, Diesel - MancalaZonk mod


If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Game Length

So lately it seems a lot of games, especially action and first-person shooter games, are getting shorter. Sub-10-hour campaigns are quickly becoming the norm, and while multiplayer modes are making their way into just about every title hitting shelves nowadays, they’re also becoming a go-to excuse to cut down single-player content.

Purchasing a game that’s over in the same afternoon you brought it home usually can’t be described as anything but a rip-off, and players routinely have that reaction. So it’s interesting that developers still try to sneak out these malnourished packages and pretend they’re going to fly with the target market. However there are many games that, even with a relatively short campaign mode, contain content of a quality that would make you jizz your pants. So it would seem the new emphasis on length over quality reeks of high school essay requirements, where word count is more crucial than writing ability.

There’s no added value to a game when you’re made watch the same dull animations over and over again, or repeat boring and mindless tasks. So the question becomes one of which is better: a game sliced to its essence and lasts only a few hours, or an adventure that pushes into the 30- or 40-hour mark, but with lots of filler in between?

Apparently, a game that lasts eight hours is now a failure, and not worth paying full price for, no matter how good it is. In my opinion, judging a game based solely on its hour count is just... depressing.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Top 5... Video Game Clichés

5: The Final Boss Rematch

You beat the lad once, twice, or maybe even three times but still the persistent mongrel comes back for more. Only this time... it's personal!



4: Now, Are You A Boy Or A Girl?

They all say that video game characters are constantly developing more human-like emotions, yet, after all this so-called evolution, they still have the cheek to ask you what's between your legs... Ignorant bastards, the lot of them!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Kiss Controller

Kiss Controller is a game input device that controls the direction and speed of a bowling ball while users are kissing.

Artist Hye Yeon Nam has put her video game where her mouth is, literally, with the creation of a new bowling game that's controlled only by passionate (and awkward) French kissing. Kissing is an intimate behavior that could easily be developed into a game device. It has not yet been proposed in the game industry (I wonder why?).

Obviously the creator doesn't have a huge understanding of the gaming market; I mean how many gamers actually have someone who is willing to kiss them? I foresee the 'adult' game producers lining up to do something with this.




Verdict: Buy It!
(If you have a girlfriend)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Life of a Stormtrooper

Not technically a gaming picture but it was too funny not to post on the blog. Besides most people that like video games should get it...
Submitted by: Harry Fenton




If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

TI-Nspire - The Gaming Calculator!

Recently a team of developers from "omnimaga" have ported a modified version of the classic fps shooter "Doom" to the TI-Nspire and have plans to release a fully functioning version to the public soon.

The actual version is called nDoom, which is a modified edition of the original that is designed to work on less powerful machines. While you may not expect such a device to have enough graphical power to truly pull this off, this whole thing is definitely a case of "you've got to see it to believe it."

Oh and I nearly forgot, the calculator can now connect to the INTERNET! Well a type of internet, at least, called Global CALCnet 2.2. While 'local' CALCnet 2.2 allows between two to two million calculators to connect in local-area networks, Global CALCnet can link multiple CALCnet networks across the internet, and can even offer internet-based services to calculators, such as connections to Internet Relay Chat and other chat protocols, and even multi-player games such as Scorched-Earth are currently in the works.

Sure it may cost around $100 but wouldn't it be worth it to get a calculator that allows you to play games in class...

Monday, February 21, 2011

25 Years of Zelda

On this day 25 years ago, The Legend of Zelda marked its debut in Japan for the Nintendo Entertainment System (with a U.S. release the following year).

While it may look crude now, it's easy to forget that, at the time of the game's release, it was the beginning of a series that would sell 59 million units worldwide. With inter-connected worlds and dungeons that were so huge in relation to other titles it was the first NES game that required its own internal battery so users could save their progress.

The scale and open-ended approach to game design - with players able to progress through the game in a non-linear fashion revolutionized gaming, so much so that by the time the original cartridges were finally taken off store shelves, The Legend Of Zelda had sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

Spawning MANY sequels including upcoming Wii adventure, Skyward Sword, and a host of other media - the cult classic animated series, manga, toys, board games and more... Happy Birthday Link and Zelda!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

25 Years Of Dying

I found this picture on deviantART by theBourgyman
As soon as I saw it I thought that it was worth putting on the blog so I hope you like it!


If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Friday, February 18, 2011

16-year-old Murders Mother Over PlayStation Dispute

We've all had our parents confiscate something for no apparent reason when we did something wrong, but how far would you be willing to go to retaliate?

When her 16-year-old son got into trouble last November, Rashida Anderson responded with
punishment - she took away his PlayStation. Following a 90-minute argument the day after Thanksgiving, police allege, her son, Kendall went into his sleeping mother's bedroom, hit her 20 times with a claw hammer and ultimately killed her.

A court in Philadelphia heard the confession of Mr. Anderson (no relation of Neo), who will now stand trial for the murder of his mother over the games system. The youth's confession reads, "I couldn't stand the arguing."

When the hammer attack did not kill her, Anderson dragged the barely living body down to the kitchen, where he attempted to cremate her in the oven. When that clearly failed, Mr. Anderson smashed her in the head with a chair leg, and eventually hid her corpse outside in an alley under some debris.

"If I could, I would not do it again," Anderson confesses. "I really miss my mom... she was the only person who cared for me."

The grand jury decided Anderson to stand trial for murder, possession of an instrument of crime and abuse of corpse.

While it WAS the PlayStation incident that finally threw him over the edge, obviously the kid had much deeper issues that the mother failed to address. You just know that something like Fox News is going to look at this as solely the game console's fault and we'll have another incident on our hands badmouthing 'violent' games.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Stereotypes... Females in Video Games

Sexy with a seductive personality, unrealistic breast size and skimpy costume - the industry-wide stereotype of females in video games has become the norm.

This stereotype does not seem to differ depending on game genre. If you think about some famous female video game characters, you will quickly realize that they are all as thin as Lara Croft and as buxom as Bayonetta. They are all either a femme fatal or a damsel in distress. They are all young, as well, which is forgivable. It would be difficult to imagine an 80-year-old woman shooting up enemies and dodging falling boulders. While I happen to like this stereotype many people take offense to it.

Take Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad for example:
Obviously this type of game is not to be taken seriously. A game where you have to hack and slash your way through waves of the living dead with the aim of covering the protagonist in zombie blood in order to use their special ability... eh, yeah that sounds realistic!

The roles that females take in video games began as either captured girlfriends or princesses that need to be rescued. This changed over time, especially with the success of Lara Croft, and nowadays, while not the dominant gender in gaming, the fairer sex  is closing the gap in becoming the main protagonist in a video game.

However the critics seem to look past the fact that most of the female characters in modern video games and computer games tends to be very dominant characters, very strong characters, and characters that have a leadership role which actually portray women in a very positive and strong way. They also fail to question the fact that maybe the males playing these games are just as influenced by the images of the male characters as the women are by the female characters.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Top 5... Video Game Trailers

5: Halo 3
This trailer starts like a movie and really does a great job contrasting the innocence of the children at the beginning with the seriously barren land in the game.



4: COD: MW2
I honestly have no idea if this is a good trailer or not but I remember when I first saw it I couldn't contain my excitement for the then up-coming game so anytime I see this trailer now I get reminded of the first time

Super Mario Meets Mr. Men

Submitted by: Yours Truly, Diesel - MancalaZonk mod

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Killzone 3

The follow up to one of PlayStation 3's most thrilling and best-looking games takes players to a frozen arctic world to continue the fight against Helghan forces. Killzone 3 will also be one of the first games for the PS3 built from the ground up in 3D.


The visuals of Killzone 3 really bring the feeling of war in a way that few games do. The incredible explosions and over-the-top chaotic battlefields launch Killzone right amongst the best FPS games on the platform. The bad-ass gameplay is authentically explored throughout the urban, jungle, and snow environments. Exploding chunks of concrete contrast with the frozen Helghan coast, and before you know it, the Helghan jungle smacks into view - and you're stuffed in claustrophobic growth with bulging, glowing pinks and reds pushing out of foliage The game genuinely places you in a wide array of situations that keep it from feeling stale or repetitive.

Like the previous games Guerilla succeeded in totally immersing the player in the game. As you reload your character examines his weapon and as you scale a ladder the camera moves with the character. However, while the game may look and feel great, it seems to be let down by a slightly boring narrative. The true emotions of the characters are never really conveyed as they engage with their adversarys. Killzone 3 jumps around in time regularly, constructing a narrative that gives a good reason to explore different parts of the home-world, but it's not alluring. It seems as though the writers were just trying to create a story around previously designed levels.


Verdict: Buy It!
(storyline aside this truly will be an amazing game)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Video Game Violence

Mortal Combat, all the GTA games, Bully, Dead Space, oh, and em... Death Race are just a few examples of the MANY video games to be attacked for their 'violent' nature.

While not the first violent video game to appear, Death Race (above) was the first of its kind to inspire a great deal of protest and controversy in the U.S.. Although compared to video games of today it may not seem graphic, the game caused such an outcry that it was pulled from store shelves and profiled on 60 Minutes. In 1986, just 10 years later, the same company released another video game, called Chiller, considered to be the most gratuitously violent video game released to that point. This game, however, while being banned in the UK, did not receive anywhere close to the same controversy as Death Race.

Portrayals of violence inevitably became more realistic with time, so much so that politicians such as U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman conducted hearings during the 1990s regarding what he referred to as "violent video games" which, in his opinion, included such games as Mortal Kombat.

The Legend of Zelda (1987) Trailer

Found this video on YouTube - it's brilliant! Really brings me back to my childhood :D

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Betrayal

Submitted by: Harry Fenton


If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Call of Duty: WWIII

Submitted by: Yours Truly, Diesel - MancalaZonk mod

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Friday, February 11, 2011

Bulletstorm

"Video games have increasingly, and more brazenly, connected sex and violence in images, actions and words. This has the psychological impact of doubling the excitement, stimulation and incitement to copycat acts. The increase in rapes can be attributed, in large part, to the playing out of such scenes in video games." 
'Psychologist' Carol Lieberman on Fox News

So apparently Fox News don't like Bulletstorm. Shocker! Remind you of the Mass Effect incident? They obviously have no clue what they are talking about.

Armed with a gun, your boot, and an energy leash, Bulletstorm is all about torturing your opponents and using both your body and the environment to kill them in as unique a way as possible. Much like a skateboarding game does with tricks, this FPS rewards your creativity when it comes to the brutal slaughtering of your foe. Simply shooting an enemy gives you the minimum points, while more creative kills are rewarded appropriately. For example, rewards are given for things like impaling enemies on parts of the environment, or even for shooting them in the genitals just before finishing them off.

This game looks completely bonkers. And I mean that in a good way. It's like Ratchet and Clank meets Call of Duty. With an arsenal of over-the-top combat moves, outrageously large guns, and a storyline wrought with subtle comedy, what more could you want in a game. The release date of Feb 22nd seems too far away!


Verdict: Buy It!
(even if you just want to prove Fox wrong)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Worst Super Mario Player Ever

OK while th video may be called 'Worst Super Mario Player Ever' you have to admit it takes some skill to accomplish this feat!

Hats off to you sir!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Mario's Dilemma...

Submitted by: The Marauder - b0r3d.co.cc mod

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

For The Luigi Fans (You Know Who You Are!)

Submitted by: The Marauder - b0r3d.co.cc mod

Bulletstorm review coming in the next few days. Till then, more random articles and pics.

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Which Villain Are You?

Do you have what it takes to be a true video game villain?

Monday, February 7, 2011

Pacman, You Selfish Bastard!

Submitted by: The Marauder - b0r3d.co.cc mod
Just wait till he comes up against Bowser - Karma's a bitch!

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Damsel in Distress

Submitted by: The Marauder - b0r3d.co.cc mod
Poor Mario, no matter who he falls for, she is always taken away!

If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Hidden Joke in Super Mario!

So you finally get through all the levels in a world of Super Mario, you struggle, but somehow manage to beat 'Bowser' only to come to this screen:

That's all fine, you only have to go through another few levels before you can rescue your princess but before you move on you look closely and you realize that Toad is mocking you:


Yeah so it turns out that for over 25 years Toad has been flipping you off while giving you the bad news! Mother-Fucker!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Marvel vs. Capcom 3

An entire decade has passed, but Marvel vs. Capcom is finally returning to game consoles, bringing along with it some of the most over-the-top crossover fighting around.

I like to think that I've managed to suppress the more extreme elements of my geeky nature. I don't write crossover fan fiction. I've not had the urge to dress up as a superhero since I was at primary school. But then I see a game where comic book heroes fight the heroes of the gaming world and it all comes flooding back; the need to know who would win in a fight, Iron Man or DMC's Dante... Next thing I know every base geek impulse is tingling, those long lost pleasures stimulated back into life by joyous cartoon sprites crashing into each other's universe and walloping the pixels out of each other. And now MvC is back.

The title is looking to reinstate itself as the giant of fighting games. Some of Capcom's greatest heros and villians pitted against Marvel's in a fight to the death - could it get any better? With an improved storyline, new characters and comic book-esque style graphics it is sure to be a huge hit amongst gamers. That and the new explosive, over-the-top style promises to light up your screen with hyper action and a mass spectrum of colour that would symaltainiously hurt your eyes and make you smile like a paedophile in a playground.

Is it truly a timeless classic? With a release date of 15th Feb we'll soon find out!

Verdict: Buy It!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Awesome Console Tower

Submitted by Josh Wisdom
Get your's today! Only costs $200 in materials (consoles not included)...


If you would like to submit a picture or
video email it to b0r3d@live.ie

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

World's Largest Video Game Exhibition...

...opened in Berlin on Friday 21st of Jan. With more than 300 interactive exhibits in the Computerspiele Museum it really is a phenomenal sight to behold.


While the Computerspiele Museum has been open for several years, the museum's permanent video game exhibition has only just opened. Prior to this, several temporary displays were on exhibition while the bulk of the museum's collection was dedicated to several touring exhibits.

Alongside momentous games like Pong, Super Mario Brothers and World of Warcraft, you can experience many rare, original exhibits, playable classic games and the full history gaming systems. Guests can play everything from the world's first arcade game to a version of Pong that punishes poor players with actual physical violence, including heat, electric shock and whipping. The device's motto? "No game, no pain."


According to the game's designers, “the concept of inflicting pain in a videogame worked well.”

Monday, January 31, 2011

Duty Of A Troopa

Who knew that troopas were such valiant soldiers, putting themselves on the line for the sake of their King and honor.

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Sony NGP (PSP 2)

5” OLED touch-screen with the resolution of 960 x 544, front and rear facing cameras, front and rear touch-pads, Six-Axis, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity and DUAL-ANALOGUE STICKS. Yeah that's right, it's the PSP 2!

OK,OK, it's not actually called the PSP 2 (yet) but so far Sony have been using the name "Next Generation Portable" or "NGP". However, it's liable to change. I actually like the new name. It similar to how Nintendo went from the Gameboy to the DS. And is it just me or does the design look like a really sexy version of the PSP?

Sony has tried to reinvigorate the PSP before, first with a slimmer version of the original device in 2007, and then with a significant redesign that never really caught on, known as the PSP Go, in 2009. This time though it seems they went back to the drawing boards and what they have come out with is a completely new machine that could easily stand up to its Nintendo rival. One of the most intriguing features has to be the rear touch pad which was aptly demonstrated in the NGP exclusive Little Deviants; by moving one's fingers along the touch panel at the back of the system, it was possible to raise the ground on screen, causing characters within the game to roll. If you tapped any spot on the rear pad, that area of the game world would shake, causing nearby 'deviants' to jump. It's as if you are putting your finger through the system to gouge the game world... Adding this rear touch pad to the handheld will, hopefully, create many new and worthwhile opportunities for game design on the device. Who knows, maybe future COD titles for this console could have you stroke the rear (not an innuendo!) of the console in order to reload!

Franchises confirmed to be included on the NGP launch day include Uncharted, Hot Shots Golf, Killzone, Resistance, Wipeout, Gravity Daze, Little Deviants, LittleBigPlanet, Monster Hunter, Yakuza, and, of course, Call of Duty. It has also been confirmed that Sony's PlayStation Suite software (including PlayStation One games) will be available on the NGP.
Sony has seriously dropped the bomb on us; the question is do I get a Nintendo 3DS in March or do I wait until the end of 2011 for the NGP? Personally I think the NGP will be better. Sony seems to have done right everywhere that Nintendo have done wrong! With a release date in late 2011, this is one gamer eager to be handing Sony the cash on the release day of what should be a revolutionary handheld!
Verdict: Buy It!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

How To Annoy Gamers

Recently found a series of posts while browsing through the deep dark depths of Digg. It just shows how easy it is to upset a complete stranger by talking absolute rubbish about something you know so little about.

Typical Geek Hiding Behind His Computer

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Dead Space 2

Three years on and Isaac Clarke is more bad-ass than ever...

This time last week we did a special look-back at Dead Space in anticipation of its sequel. Its safe to say that we here at MancalaZonk were blown away by our first experiences of the possible horror game of the year! It starts with Clarke waking up on a space station known as the Sprawl to find that it has become overwhelmed by a fresh outbreak of Necromorphs. From the very first moment of the game, Isaac is fighting for his life. Unlike most video games we can see how previous events have seriously taken their toll on the sanity of our protagonist. He is totally ruined by the events of the original Dead Space. He saw things that no man should have during his time on the Ishimura spaceship, but the fact that Isaac's girlfriend died on the vessel after he encouraged her to work there really haunts him. The internal war that Isaac must fight makes for a really engaging story.

Combat has also become far more satisfying than it was in the original. With a faster Isaac that is much lighter on his feet the gameplay has become remarkably more fluid. Yet the violence and gore that played a huge part in the previous game never gets old. With backtracking and disorientation stripped from the game, Visceral have ended up with a fast-paced game that's suspenseful and scary at the same time. While you may be funnelled through levels in a linear Point A to Point B style, there is so much detail in the environment, along with some unexpected shocks and surprises, that you would not even notice the directness of each stage.

I, along with many of the fans, was really looking forward to the multiplayer that was lacking in the previous title. After playing it with the members of b0r3d.co.cc I can safely say that we all came to the same conclusion: it sucked! It is basically a 4v4 objective based game where humans must face Necromorphs in an attempt to complete a goal. All I should say on the matter is 'Visceral stick to the single player!'
Verdict: Buy It!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Tetris

I've always wondered 'what's so special about Tetris?'

This time last year it was announced that Tetris had sold more than 100 million copies for cell phones alone since 2005. Now that is a phenomenal figure! Maybe its just me, but I could never see the attraction of a game where you have to slot bricks into a hole as they fall at a speed that constantly increases.

For me, when I start the game I am bored by the slow moving blocks and the lack of a challenge. However, as the blocks gradually speed up my competitive side takes over and my stress levels begin to rise to a level that you would not see when playing Halo or COD. How can such a simple little game have an effect like that on a person? And more importantly why would anyone want to buy a game with such a repetitive style to each of its 'levels?'

I have to admit that although it is such a revolutionary game I would not been seen dead with it on my cell phone, or anywhere else for that matter, when there is so many other things I could be doing with my free time...
Verdict: Don't Buy!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Nintendo 3DS

25th to the 27th March (depending on where you live) release date FINALLY revealed but at $250 is it really worth it??

Nintendo 3DS Camera, Face Raiders, Mii Maker, StreetPass Mii Plaza, Activity Log, Nintendo 3DS Sound, AR Games, Nintendo eShop, System Transfer, Internet Browser; the features that will be pre-installed on the handheld. Sounds to me like the usual old bullshit software that you only use once before you stick in the first game. Yeah sure they have really 'cool' names like 'Face Raiders' but who wants to play a game, similar to one that you might have found on the Eye Toy for PS2, when you are on the bus or the subway?

More than likely games will be dirt cheap to make up for forking out so much on a new console... eh... highly unlikely but who's to say? Maybe a pig might fly by Nintendo HQ as they are about to confirm game prices. With the new 3rd dimension and better graphics you can guarantee that publishers will hike up the prices knowing that consumers will pay almost anything for something that cost next to nothing to make as long as it has 3D somewhere in the title.

Apparently the battery life is going to be 3-5 hours. 3-5 HOURS? FOR A HANDHELD? With all the technology out there in this modern era you would expect Nintendo to be able to at least come close to the battery life of their DS Lite. The last thing I want is to be in the middle of a game when the battery goes.

Is it just me or does the console itself look like it was designed by a 2 year old? It looks as if someone got a DS and just added a joystick. Not only that but they decided the power button would look better in plain view rather than on the side. It doesn't.

Although as I'm typing this I realise I'm completely dissing a console that isn't even out yet. Maybe it's just my recent bias against everything Nintendo since the Wii seemed to be a sell-out by aiming itself towards noobs who have no interest in gaming or maybe its just my dislike for most handhelds since I outgrew the Gameboy Color but all I know is that, while I could be talking complete and utter rubbish, the 3DS is something that I will not be looking forward to this year.

Verdict: Wait and See!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Dead Space

With the highly anticipated release of Dead Space 2 next week we here at ManacalaZonk have decided to take a look back at the original

The first thing we noticed when playing the game was the revolutionary HUD system. Instead of the classic health bar, ammo count, etc., Visceral Games decided to implement the HUD into the game. The health bar can be seen on the back of our protagonist, Isaac Clarke, and when he goes to aim the ammo count can be clearly seen as a hologram emitting from the combatant's gun. Having all the traditional HUD elements built into your suit makes grisly scenes much more immersive and it is innovations like this that will play a huge part in the development of future titles on the 3D screen.

With only one true firearm, a security pulse rifle, you must repurpose pieces of mining equipment found throughout the game to create makeshift 'guns'. Isaac can then use his engineering knowledge to upgrade these modified weapons to make them more powerful. During your travels, you will find a number of areas that do not have functional gravity. In these situations, Isaac's magnetic boots will keep him grounded that allow you to perform zero-gravity jumps and attach to nearly any surface (hmm... seems to remind me of the gravity boots that play a huge part in the Ratchet and Clank series?).

With few semi-interactive cut-scenes the gameplay is very fluid, yet, over time, mission objectives start to become mundane and repetitive. However, provided you are looking for a game with the opportunity to repeatedly mutilate evil monsters in stunning graphics on a HD screen then this game is for you. Dead Space never fails to impress with its visuals. Whether you're watching the torrential rainfall of asteroids across the hull of the mining ship from the bridge atrium or witnessing an eerie corpse spin elegantly into a zero-g vacuum as it spurts blood, the haunting yet exquisitely beautiful graphics of Dead Space have a way of sticking in your mind long after you've quit playing.

Verdict: Buy It!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

LittleBigPlanet 2

LittleBigPlanet 2 will give players the opportunity to design their own games within the already highly customizable world inhabited by Sackboy and an infinite number of possible creations.

Like the original, the experience is split into two parts: playing the story mode, and creating your own levels. This time, however, the creation mode towers over the campaign with an array of options to help make your gaming dreams a reality.

Honestly this is not the standard style of game that I'm into but the sheer potential of this game alone would blow your mind. I'll admit that I wasn't very impressed by the hard-to-master creation area of the game but I would say that after you get used to it anything (and I mean anything) can be created.

When testing the game I decided to invite my friends from b0r3d.co.cc over to play it with me and it was interesting, to say the least, how well the multi-player mode went down between us.


The original LittleBigPlanet was impressive, but LittleBigPlanet 2 cements Media Molecule’s position as masters of facilitating user-created content. By providing an abundance of tools and inspiration, along with the platform to share your creations, you could play LittleBigPlanet 2 every day and experience something different and amazing every time.

Verdict: Buy It!