Console Gamer till I die?

The first thing I’d like to do in this article is shamelessly plug the recently launched CG forum, which you can find at www.soapboxgamers.co.uk or by clicking the ‘forum’ link at the top of the page. There is a reason; this was originally going to be a post in said forum, until I realised I had too much that I wanted to say (as is, unfortunately for those that know me, so often the case). The second thing I’d like to do here is mention what I originally said in the forum, which has led to this article. Sadly for me, telling you this will have the side effect of making you hate me. Are you ready?

I really liked Deus Ex: Invisible War.

The Devil’s Playhouse (episode four): review

The episode starts out promisingly enough, with a great take on the stereotypical zombie movie siege scene. A most welcome bonus is that, for the first time in this season, the top quality jokes start a – comin’ right from the off. In fact, top quality jokes are to be found throughout the three hours or so you’ll spend playing. As with all well written adventures, we found ourselves purposefully leaving any sensible or logical – looking dialogue choice that might advance the plot until last, in order to fully explore the script. Much like the inane conversations we tend to conduct with family and friends, in fact.

Religion, Atheism & Videogames (Nihilistically Ever After)

If you consider yourself to be a follower of a religion, have you ever thought about how your gaming hobby might clash with the teachings of your prophet/s or god/s? If you’re an atheist, has it ever occurred to you that perhaps turning your back on all such belief systems has allowed you to sidestep a potential moral minefield when playing videogames?

Congo war minerals in your console: Here’s how to tell them ‘no more’.

Last week, I wrote an article regarding the connection between videogame consoles and computers, and the war in the Congo – more specifically, people’s reactions to an article in Kotaku on the subject. Now, I am able to offer you a chance to show that you care.

31% of XBLA games ‘casual’; Hello Games not happy.

Speaking at this year’s Develop conference (as reported at Develop Online), Sean Murray of four – man team Hello Games has revealed that over 30% of XBLA titles are so called ‘casual’ games; but that such titles make up less than 5% of the digital market.

Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands: catchup review

Initially, we thought The Forgotten Sands was an adventure chronicling the efforts of eighties/nineties comedienne Sandi Toksvig and sixties singer Sandie Shaw to reclaim the fame and success they had previously enjoyed. We soon realised our mistake however, and saw that the subtitle was in fact the first indication that this latest Prince of Persia game aims to put the player in mind of Sands of Time.

The value of gaming > the value of human lives

What would it take to make you think about the fact that your gaming hobby might be contributing to real world suffering? An anonymous claim that the factory workers who make your discs are criminally underpaid? Reports of iphone factory – style suicides? Or how about this one, which there is reason to believe may be true: That your gaming consoles contain minerals mined to fund the devastating Congo war?

The Devil’s Playhouse (episode three): review

The latest season of Sam & Max is now in full swing with this, episode 3, marking the halfway point. It’s been a triumphant return for the dysfunctional duo so far – can Telltale Games keep it up?

Lego Harry Potter Years 1 – 4: review

In theory at least, the phrase ‘Lego Harry Potter Videogame’ is to children what the phrase ‘Excruciatingly Detailed Violated Childhood’ is to book publishers. Regardless of quality there are masses of people ready to pounce on it cash in hand, and the sales have already reflected this. Doubtless aware of this fact, have Traveller’s Tales tried to give the fans a decent game for their money?

Joe Danger: review

Joe himself, despite looking like a young Bruce Forsyth (as seen playing a knife wielding killer in Bedknobs & Broomsticks – seriously, go look) is a stuntman looking to make a career comeback. This is an excuse for dozens of bitesized levels where you drive from left to right on a bike, collecting items while you jump and perform stunts on the way to the finish line. The phrase ‘easy to learn, difficult to master’ may be seen and heard more than the phrase ‘I hate James Blunt’, but it’s perfectly appropriate here.

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