Ten Things To Do.....

....in Crackdown. No doubt a lot of people will have tried doing some of these things in Crackdown (except perhaps the walking one), however it does give some fun ideas of things to try. One of my favourites involves the barrels (but I won't spoil the vid). Enjoy

Virtual Is The New Reality

During my blogs I have covered Microsoft's Live Arcade Games (in great detail!), briefly mentioned the PS3's equivalent to Live Arcade (Qbert anyone?) - so it only seems fitting to mention Nintendo's equivalent to Live Arcade (Virtual Console) to nicely finish the triangle of consoles (or should that be Tri-Force?).

The latest game to be announced heading for Nintendo's Virtual Console is "The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time" - which many believe is one of the greatest games of all time.

Anyone spot the difference between the 3 consoles downloadable games?
To be honest it is unfair to compare 1 game against the likes of Root Beer Tapper & Qbert...however on the other hand Zelda joins the likes of Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Super Mario World, Sonic The Hedgehog and many other Virtual Console titles so the immediate difference is noticeable.

To be fair to Microsoft and Sony this is mainly due to Nintendo's back catalogue of games which reads like a who's who list of gaming.

In my opinion Nintendo's service wins hands down, however the others do sometimes benefit from the online features.

Crackdown

As you can probably tell I struggled to come up with a fancy title for this post. That aside I'm wanting to post regarding Crackdown on the Xbox 360.

To be more precise the online co-op experience. What can I say it more than lived up to my expectations. Small niggles aside (with regards to the map for the 2nd player) this was a fun game and definitely more enjoyable in co-op (not that the single player isn't fun). You don't need to stick together with your partner, however obviously this has it's benefits in boss battles.

As you can expect from these type of games since GTA - you have the freedom to do what you want.

So whether you want to re-create the scene from Thelma and Louise or kill bad guys Arnie style - it's up to you!

Definitely one to get!

Who Would Have Thought BT Wouldn't Want You To Talk

I recently had a problem with my Xbox Live experiance where I was unable to have private chats with anyone or host games. The problem was actually with my BT Home Hub (imagine that from a company that used to say "It's good to talk").

Anyway for some reason my Hub had decided it wanted to be strict on my NAT settings (most likely from a recent update for the Hubs firmware). Long story short I was pointed to a great site that solved my problems in a few easy steps (cheers Wilky).

If you have a BT homehub and are having any problems check out this link, If you have any other problems with Xbox Live then follow this link to the main site page.

My First (and probably last) Video Posted On YouTube!

Well I finally decided to post a video on YouTube. You can view the video below (why you would want to is another question!).
WARNING: This video is neither funny or clever!

Xbox Dead Arcade.....

Regular readers of my blog will have probably gathered that I was eagerly waiting to see what game would be released on Xbox Live Arcade this week. To my shock Microsoft decided not to release a retro game.......probably only because they decided not to release any arcade game this week!

According to Major Nelsons Blog this was due to no games been in a ready state to release.

News informants for my site (a.k.a crazy people on the street) have provided me with top secret information with regards to what Microsoft claim will be "The greatest retro game ever released on xbox 360".

So what is this game?

None other than a conversion of the Atari 2600 version of "E.T - the extra terrestrial" (a.k.a the worst game in history).



This game was so bad they had to bury it in the desert (no lie!) and many felt the best thing about the game was the title screen (and that was only because they were held at gun point until they could think of an answer).


Get those Microsoft Points ready!

Paperboy Delivers!

"Extra extra read all about it" - I provided
a review of Paperboys online modes on Xbox Live Arcade, now I felt it was only right to review the single player game.
Despite my feelings towards Microsoft's continued releases of old retro games on Live Arcade I couldn't help but be drawn back into Paperboy.
When you unlock the full game (which I decided to do the other day - much to my own surprise) you get access to all 3 levels and the online functions.
So 3 levels doesn't sound like much, however the true skill comes in trying to survive each difficulty level for a whole week as each day it increases in difficulty. I remember now that in the good old days it was all about what felt like near impossible challenges to complete - which obviously increases the chance that you won't complete the game in a day.

Without a doubt Paperboy is hard, the increasing difficulty kind of reminded me of challenges Jigsaw makes his victims face in the Saw movies.
"I want to play a game".........
So the final verdict of Paperboy is that although there will be moments where you scream out at the telly due to an obstacle that stopped you in your perfect delivery streak - the game makes you want to try and try again. This is helped like most games in the challenge to unlock achievements. I applaud Paperboy for managing to stay a great game however if the online functions were better this would have elevated the game higher.
My advise - download the demo, if Easy Street doesn't get you hooked then this games not for you.

No Way Out!

As Wrestlemania fast approaches the stage (or should that be ring) is set for a spectacular battle at WWE's Pay Per View event No Way Out. The twist for the main event at No Way Out is that the challengers from Wrestlemania (HBK & Undertaker) must team up with the person they face for the belt at Wrestlemania (Cena & Batista). With so much on the line will they be able to successfully work as a team? Or will they use the opportunity to wear down the partner they will then go on to face at Wrestlemania?

Red Vs Blue

I urge anyone that does not watch the excellent web series "Red Vs Blue" to check it out.
Below is a sample of the humour to be found!

Join The Fight!

No this post isn't about Halo 3 - where the above quote is probably more known from at the moment. Instead I want to start a campaign to get Chu Chu Rocket released on Xbox Live Arcade. This would be a perfect game for Sega to release as an arcade title and could utilise Lives online options.

So do you agree that this would make an excellent arcade title? If so "Join the Fight"*

* Please note Rsxl is unsure how to start the fight and it definitely won't be as easy as purchasing a copy of Crackdown!

The Future Of Co-op......

.....and I don't mean the supermarket. Anyway I actually got to test out the full version of Paperboy on Xbox Live Arcade. The main difference between the demo version and the full version is the online features (some would argue the main difference is you have access to all the levels!) - the most exciting of which was the promise of co-operative play over Live.
This was the main feature of the game I was interested in testing. I was curious how exactly it would work - let me just say all my dreams with the co-op where shattered. The only difference to playing via co-op online is that you have the other persons name and score at the bottom right hand side of the screen - other than this there is no feeling of true co-op play.
Another sore point with the game is that if you want to play 2 player on the same console you require 2 control pads (now this seems to make sense doesn't it) however when playing 2 player you take turns in play - so why not provide the option to just swap pads???

So in closing I can confirm that the single player did not quite burst my bubble in terms of my childhood memories and is still quite a good game, however the new functions did not impress me and this would have been one of my main reasons for purchasing the game.

I wonder what the headlines say about Paperboys online features?

Is This a New Xbox Live Arcade Title?

As any regular readers of my blog will know I have had a bit of an issue with Microsoft's recent game releases on Xbox Live Arcade over the recent weeks. So is Qbert coming to the 360? The answer is no at the moment, however Qbert is actually being launched on the PS3's equivalent of Xbox Live Arcade and following Microsoft's lead they are excited that it is in high definition.

So looks like Sony also feel that old retro games are what gamers want.....so gamers is this true?

How To Save Money On Valentines Day

Here is a quick way to save some money on Valentines Day (perhaps towards that game your after!) and also give the more personal touch (otherwise known as the cheap skate touch).

Follow this LINK to a site that provides Valentines Cards for Nintendo lovers everywhere. An example of one of the cards available is shown below:

Microsoft Strikes Back

The Xbox Live Arcade title released this Wednesday has been confirmed to be Paperboy. Improvements have been promised in the way of co-op play either on the same console or over Xbox Live. Will this be the first Xbox Live Arcade title to change my mind about Microsofts plans for Live Arcade? Or will this be another title that bursts the bubble and spoils my fond childhood memories of the game!

In other news Microsoft is thinking about launching a 3.5 inch floppy drive to really help the release of retro gaming. A source at Microsoft was quoted as saying "The future of next gen gaming is in our past", however another employee Kyle Reese kept saying over and over "The future is not set".

Random Simpsons Quotes

From today every visitor to the site will be treated to different random quotes from the funniest cartoon in history...The Simpsons!

Random The Simpsons Quotes

Let The Countdown Begin.....

.....and I'm not talking about Channel 4's Countdown! The biggest PPV in Wrestling History is coming soon and I have added a countdown to the site. The countdown can be seen to the right of the page under my Gamertag.

Why Video Games Should Be Banned!

If ever there was a case that video games were polluting the minds of everyone this is it lol.
Follow this link to see why!

Blog-tastic!

It's not often I would direct someone away from my site to someone Else's blog, but in this case I'll make an exception. Below is a link to W1lkys blog who is a good mate of mine - so check it out!

Wilkys Blog

PS: Wilky if your reading this I expect the same lol.

Grand Theft Mario

What happens when two games collide? Watch the excellent video below to find out what happens when Mario takes a wrong turn to Vice City. I especially love the part with Yoshi. Special thanks to W1lky for showing me this.

RSXLive Arcade

Well this is my third post in relation to Xbox Live Arcade and I have decided that I can prove to Microsoft that anyone can release old retro games to play. So without further adue I present RSXLive Arcade and the first game available is none other than Frogger. I was thinking of implementing an "RSXL Points" service to play the game but decided these games should be available for free (perhaps something Microsoft should think about!).
Please enjoy the below (if that is possible!)

Snakes On A Bicycle???

Remember how we all laughed when we heard the title of the 2006 action film "Snake on a Plane".........

and remember how it spurred jokes about the sequel being called "Snakes on a Train". Well guess what........there is a "Snakes on a Train" movie (see poster below).

However this film is not a sequel to Snakes on a Plane, instead it was actually released around the same time to cash in on any hype around the film. Instead this is a usual B-Movie release that utilises most of the elements from the blockbuster film (and just incase you were unsure what that meant, it means there are Snakes and they are on a Train!).

Has Microsoft responded to my insult regarding Root Beer Tapper?

Current rumors suggest that Microsoft will release a Rare game on Xbox Live Arcade. By Rare I mean the developer Rare. So what is this game that will show people they don't just release old retro crap........none other that JetPac!

This might not become a reality but can you imagine those spectrum graphics in high definition.....if that happens I will take back everything I said about Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft's strategy(and yes I'm being sarcastic!)

Lost Update

Well I've watched episode 7 of Lost Season 3 and I can confirm it was.....(drum roll please).....OK.
So what do I mean by "OK", well it was much better than the recent episodes of Lost and it carried the story arch well from the cliff hanger. Sawyer steals the show once again with his unique sense of humor. I'm not going to say anything to spoil the episode for those that haven't seen it yet, instead just stating that it is a typical Lost episode that reveal a little bit more back story but also poses more questions.

Lost And Found

Well Lost Season 3 returned to American TV last night after what seems like a year long break between episodes (the series took a break after episode 6 back on 11th August 2006), however we are promised that the remainder of the series will be shown without any further breaks. Over here in the UK things are picked up fairly quickly as Sky One is showing the remainder of the series starting on 11th of Feb.

So the question is "Does anybody still care?". My answer so far is yes, however I am starting to lose my patients with Lost as the show is dragging out the answers we all want to know. That said I looking forward to episode 7 and my continued watching of the show will remain on how good the rest of season 3 really is.

I will provide an update when I have watched the episode.

Beer Anyone?

Normally the response to the above question would be along the lines of Stone Cold saying "Hell Yeah", however the question in Microsoft's case is "WTF!" Let me explain, Microsoft's newest Xbox Live Arcade title is "Root Beer Tapper".




So while the entire Xbox community is waiting for Worms to be released we get this. I can almost hear commentator Jim Ross screaming "WHY MICROSOFT WHY!". I'm sorry I am into retro gaming but I do feel Microsoft needs to take a leaf out of Nintendo's strategy and release some more recent classic games to really push Xbox Live Arcade to it's full potential.

Obviously Xbox Live Arcade caters for numerous tastes in gaming and there may be many of you that welcome Root Beer Tapper with open arms.....however personally myself if I wanted to play the game I would use MAME on my PC and save myself buying Microsoft points....hell I could even get a real beer for cheaper and have more fun!

Ladies & Gentlemen.....

Wrestlemania is on its way and the main events have been announced. However there is only 1 wrestling event that I'm focused on at the minute and that is WWE Fantasy. Now ignore the first thing that enters your mind when you read WWE Fantasy - this is actually a fantasy league.
I currently have a personal league setup and yes folks I'm currently number 1 (no surprises there then!) although I do have some close competition from a new entry. However just a quick tip if your currently taking part in the event - it helps if you buy more than just Batista!
I will provide updates of the current progress and if anyone is interested in joining let me know.

Xbox 360 Achievement Generator

Ever wanted to create your own Xbox 360 achievements - well now you can. Knock yourself out creating achievements such as the above. Use the link below to try it out!

Achievement Unlocker

Update: Special acknowledgement for W1lky for giving me information on this site :)

This Blog Is Brought To You Via The Wii!

It's sunday and I am bored. So I wondered if I could post a blog using my nintendo wii - and guess what? You can! This took 6 minutes to complete!

Super Mario Reloaded

I just had to post this up. I seen this quite a while back and not only did it make me laugh but I was incredibly impressed with the effort this guy had gone to. Anway Below is the re-enactment of the best bit from "The Matrix Reloaded" using Mario etc......enjoy.

The Following Takes Place Between 3pm and 4pm

As some of you no doubt know the TV show "24" is currently showing it's sixth season (Day 6). With a seventh season (Day 7) no doubt in the making Jack Bauer will finally be able to quote "this was the worst week of my life!" - which true 24 fans will know is not quite true as each day does not carry on exactly where the last ended. Personally I always wondered if jack knows it's going to be a bad day when his alarm clock wakes him up by saying "The following takes place between 7am and 8am".

Unlike another American TV show I won't mention, 24 continues to deliver the goods and does not disappoint. This is definitely not a show you want to get Lost.....shit I said I wasn't going to mention that other show!

24 runs in real time and many people have claimed the show is unrealistic as it does not show Jack going to the toilet - well first of all I would just like to say "How many times do you want him to go to the toilet in one day?" and two that I think Jack is the master of choosing his moments and most likely takes his whizz in the 5 minute advert breaks - like we all do in real life (so how is this not true to life?).

Finally upon closing it has been announced that a 24 movie is in the pipeline, however breaking news suggests that Peter Jackson of Lord of The Ring fame is interested in directing the movie.
Apparently Mr Jackson feels this movie would enable him to beat his current 3hr+ movies record by being the first movie to last a full 24 hours. When also asked if the film would be broken up into parts like Kill Bill - Jackson laughed and said "Why would I kill Bill Buchanan?"

More news as this develops.

I'm Back!

That's right I'm back - like the family member you can't stop from visiting. Well it has been a hectic time that has stopped me posting for around 10 days - but never fear those times have past and the site lives on.

Hey just be glad this site isn't the TV show "Lost" as any true fan of the show will tell you if they only had to wait 10 days for the next update it would be a blessing!