I must first remind people that a modchip is required to play your backup games. It will not work without a modchip. To get this professionally installed, please go to GameYaad.com for same day service.
What is Required:
1. A Gamecube with a modchip and broadband adapter.
2. A computer with Windows and a DVD burner installed.
3. PSUL 1.1 Gamecube code up loader.
4. Ripper.dol file - an exe-cutable file for copying disc to PC.
5. UDPServ.exe - server for connecting Gamecube to PC.
6. Phantasy Star Online for Gamecube.
7. Garbageremover.exe for editing ripped files.
8. Nero Burning ROM to copy games to DVD disc.
9. Cross-Over network cable to connect Gamecube to PC.
All the software needed to do this can be found on the GameYaad.com website.
Producing image backup:
Assuming you have acquired all of the tools necessary, producing a perfect working backup image of almost any Gamecube Game is easy but lengthy. Make a folder called ripper on your C:\
Copy all the files needed to it.
Open UDPServ.exe. Select 'start serv' and turn on your Gamecube.
On Phantasy Star Online, select 'Online Game', your character, agree and wait.
After PSUL loads on Gamecube you will see on your TV a red screen.
Wait for the message that says you can change your Gamecube disc and remove Phantasy Star Online. Insert the game you want to rip and close the cover. (You must change Gamecube disc in at least 10 seconds).
Now, let's wait. For ripping ISOs you need about one hour, and in this hour you can't use your computer because the ram is fully used by the UDPServ.exe.
When the numbers on the UDPServ freezes, the rip is complete!
Now the ISO is in the ripper folder and it is called 'dump', rename it and open with garbageremover.exe and edit all that you want.
Backing up ISO to DVD Disc:
Now that you have your ISO, you need to get it on a DVD. Open Nero and select DVD ISO from the drop-down menu. Select open file in the right-hand corner. Select your ISO on your computer C:\Ripper\ name you gave file and select Burn tab and check 'Finalise DVD' (No further writing possible!). Burn at speed 2X. The slower it is, the better. Gamecube does not like to read anything over 2X. So it is going to take about 20 minutes to get this done. Now click burn making sure there is a blank DVD in the drive. CDs will not work.
The game is now burning ... When done, take the game out. Once you have a modchip installed, you can now play your game. No more scratching of expensive discs.
Did you know?
1. That it only costs JM$3,000 to mod a Gamecube.
2. When a Gamecube is modded, it can play Super Nintendo Games.
3. With a broadband adopter, Gamecube can stream games from a PC.
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: (876) 765-6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How to backup your XBOX Games
Before I continue the third segment of this article, I must remind people that a modchip is required to play your backup games. It will not work without a modchip. So please do not ask me why your backups are not working. To get a modchip professionally installed, please go to GameYaad.com for same day service.
What is Required:
1. An Xbox with a modchip and UnleashX installed.
2. A computer with Windows and a DVD burner installed.
3. FlashFXP for transferring files over the network.
4. Nero Burning ROMR to copy game to DVD disc.
5. Cross-Over Network cable to connect Xbox to PC
Producing image backup:
Assuming you have acquired all of the tools necessary, producing a perfect working back-up image of almost any Xbox game is easy. If you got your Xbox installed at GameYaad.com, your default IP address is "10.0.0.254". If it was done somewhere else you will need to go into setting to see what it is.
Connect the cross-over cable to the Xbox and PC. Now turn on your Xbox and put in a game. Wait for UnleashX Dash to report "GAME". (Default UnleashX installs will show this, customised Skins may not).
Start your copy of FlashFXP. For the sake of this guide, FlashFXP will be the FTP program of choice. However, almost any will do. You'll need to either set-up a Site, or use the Quick Connection options to connect to the XBOX. Enter the IP of the Xbox and set up the User Name: XBOX and Password: XBOX (assuming you haven't changed either). Port 21 should be set (default). Press Enter.
In FlashFXP you will see seven folders in the right panel marked C D E F X Y Z. The DVD drive of the XBOX is drive D. Double-click on the D folder.
You will now see a directory listing of the game title in that drive. The number of files and folders doesn't matter. Some games have all of the files (sometimes hundreds) in the Root of the Disc, while others have a hierarchical organisation using folders. Regardless, you will want to set up a Directory on your PC to receive these files. I'd recommend C:\\XBOXGAME, where "C" is a hard drive on your PC.
In the left panel, select the C drive. right-click, and choose MAKE FOLDER. It will appear empty. Now select "DRAG" all of the files and folders from the XBOX "D" Folder to the PC "C:\\XBOXGAME" folder. This may take one to 10 minutes depending on the speed of your PC network card, and other issues like current load on the PC. When complete, close FlashFXP.
Backing up Files to DVD disc:
Now that you have all the files, you need to get it on a DVD। Open Nero, select DVD from the drop down menu। Select DVD(UMF) from the list below. On the right, click on UDF and check "Force DVD-Video compatibility mode (required for Xbox TM)". Select Burn tab and check "Finalise DVD (No further writing possible!)". Now click on New. Go to C:\\XBOXGAME on the right explorer windows, drag and drop all the files to the left window and click burn. Making sure there is blank DVD in the drive.
The game is now burning ... When done, take the game out. Once you have a modchip installed, you can now play your game. No more scratching of expensive discs.
Did you know?
1. PSP disc was a failed format created by Sony in 1996!
2. There is still no commercial UMD burner on the market.
3.Wii has now out sold the Xbox360 worldwide!
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: 876 765 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
What is Required:
1. An Xbox with a modchip and UnleashX installed.
2. A computer with Windows and a DVD burner installed.
3. FlashFXP for transferring files over the network.
4. Nero Burning ROMR to copy game to DVD disc.
5. Cross-Over Network cable to connect Xbox to PC
Producing image backup:
Assuming you have acquired all of the tools necessary, producing a perfect working back-up image of almost any Xbox game is easy. If you got your Xbox installed at GameYaad.com, your default IP address is "10.0.0.254". If it was done somewhere else you will need to go into setting to see what it is.
Connect the cross-over cable to the Xbox and PC. Now turn on your Xbox and put in a game. Wait for UnleashX Dash to report "GAME". (Default UnleashX installs will show this, customised Skins may not).
Start your copy of FlashFXP. For the sake of this guide, FlashFXP will be the FTP program of choice. However, almost any will do. You'll need to either set-up a Site, or use the Quick Connection options to connect to the XBOX. Enter the IP of the Xbox and set up the User Name: XBOX and Password: XBOX (assuming you haven't changed either). Port 21 should be set (default). Press Enter.
In FlashFXP you will see seven folders in the right panel marked C D E F X Y Z. The DVD drive of the XBOX is drive D. Double-click on the D folder.
You will now see a directory listing of the game title in that drive. The number of files and folders doesn't matter. Some games have all of the files (sometimes hundreds) in the Root of the Disc, while others have a hierarchical organisation using folders. Regardless, you will want to set up a Directory on your PC to receive these files. I'd recommend C:\\XBOXGAME, where "C" is a hard drive on your PC.
In the left panel, select the C drive. right-click, and choose MAKE FOLDER. It will appear empty. Now select "DRAG" all of the files and folders from the XBOX "D" Folder to the PC "C:\\XBOXGAME" folder. This may take one to 10 minutes depending on the speed of your PC network card, and other issues like current load on the PC. When complete, close FlashFXP.
Backing up Files to DVD disc:
Now that you have all the files, you need to get it on a DVD। Open Nero, select DVD from the drop down menu। Select DVD(UMF) from the list below. On the right, click on UDF and check "Force DVD-Video compatibility mode (required for Xbox TM)". Select Burn tab and check "Finalise DVD (No further writing possible!)". Now click on New. Go to C:\\XBOXGAME on the right explorer windows, drag and drop all the files to the left window and click burn. Making sure there is blank DVD in the drive.
The game is now burning ... When done, take the game out. Once you have a modchip installed, you can now play your game. No more scratching of expensive discs.
Did you know?
1. PSP disc was a failed format created by Sony in 1996!
2. There is still no commercial UMD burner on the market.
3.Wii has now out sold the Xbox360 worldwide!
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: 876 765 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Monday, July 21, 2008
How to backup your PS2 games
PS2 games come in two formats, CD-Rom and DVD-Rom. Each original PS2 disc will have either CD-Rom or DVD-Rom stamped on the disc label and printed on the covers. Another way to tell is by looking at the bottom of the disc, a PS2 CD-Rom is blue and a PS2 DVD-Rom is silver.
At present there are two types of protection:
EASport CD-Rom titles are protected and depending on which chip you have you may need to 'patch' these titles.
The new FADE protection has hit the PS2 scene. When copying, your game will appear to have been copied fine but as you progress through it, it will degrade to a point where it can no longer be played. Patches are becoming available to combat this.
Copying a disc
To copy a PS2 CD-Rom title is the same as copying a regular audio. So just use 'Disc copy' in Nero or EasyCD.
1. Take the PS2 game put it in the DVD-Rom or DVD burner, your choice.
2. Open the DVD Decryptor programme then go to to tool bar and hit MODE>ISO>READ. Then choose the correct DVD drive that the game is in as the 'source'. Also choose where you want the files to be stored on the PC HDD. Then click DECRYPT, or the huge graphic picture at the bottom of the programme which makes it run. The game is now copying to your HDD. Take the game out when it is finished (it might take a while).
3. Go to the same tab in DVD Decryptor and choose MODE>ISO>WRITE. This will then let you look for the files you just created in step 2. Select the file that you just created. (There are only two files created, so pick 'MDS' file. Then click WRITE, make sure that there is a blank DVD in the drive.
The game is now burning. When done take the game out. Once you have a modchip installed, you can now play your game. No more scratching of expensive discs.
Did you know?
1. Playing backups shows just as good as the original.
2. To backup a game cost less than $1,000 if you have a computer.
3. PS3 is the only game console that uses Blu-ray discs.
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
At present there are two types of protection:
EASport CD-Rom titles are protected and depending on which chip you have you may need to 'patch' these titles.
The new FADE protection has hit the PS2 scene. When copying, your game will appear to have been copied fine but as you progress through it, it will degrade to a point where it can no longer be played. Patches are becoming available to combat this.
Copying a disc
To copy a PS2 CD-Rom title is the same as copying a regular audio. So just use 'Disc copy' in Nero or EasyCD.
1. Take the PS2 game put it in the DVD-Rom or DVD burner, your choice.
2. Open the DVD Decryptor programme then go to to tool bar and hit MODE>ISO>READ. Then choose the correct DVD drive that the game is in as the 'source'. Also choose where you want the files to be stored on the PC HDD. Then click DECRYPT, or the huge graphic picture at the bottom of the programme which makes it run. The game is now copying to your HDD. Take the game out when it is finished (it might take a while).
3. Go to the same tab in DVD Decryptor and choose MODE>ISO>WRITE. This will then let you look for the files you just created in step 2. Select the file that you just created. (There are only two files created, so pick 'MDS' file. Then click WRITE, make sure that there is a blank DVD in the drive.
The game is now burning. When done take the game out. Once you have a modchip installed, you can now play your game. No more scratching of expensive discs.
Did you know?
1. Playing backups shows just as good as the original.
2. To backup a game cost less than $1,000 if you have a computer.
3. PS3 is the only game console that uses Blu-ray discs.
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
How to backup your original games
First, let us clarify the whole legality of game backups. It is not illegal to backup your original games for safety purposes. It is not illegal to have more than one copy of your original game backed up. You may also need to know that it is not illegal to make someone else backup your original games for you.
What is illegal is having a backup of a game and not owning the original. If you sell copies of the backups, it is also considered illegal. If you have an illegal copy of a game, you should destroy it.
Any backup found in your possession, which you have had for more than 24 hours is considered to be illegal by law. Anyone that charges you for copying games at various rates, according to popularity and does not have a record of the transaction is not backing up games but 'bootlegging' and is in breach of the copyright law. You must own the original for it to be legal.
So, there are two ways to backup your games. One is to use the game console to copy the original to its built in hard drive and the other is to store it on a DVD blank for later use. The one we will be focusing on is DVD backups.
What games can be backed up?
Almost every game can be backed up. Even the new PS3 console games can be done. The list of consoles we will be discussing over the next few weeks are:
❒ Sony PlayStation 3
❒ Sony PlayStation 2
❒ Sony PlayStation Portable
❒ Microsoft Xbox360
❒ Microsoft Xbox
❒ Nintendo Wii
❒ Nintendo Gamecube
All off the information given in the upcoming articles will be solely for educational purposes and not for any illegal use. Consoles that play backup games are always modified with a chip to play these games.
So even though you have successfully backed up your original game you will not be able to play it unless you have got a modchip professionally installed, like the ones used at GameYaad.com, which are soldered in, so you can easily reverse the process to its original if you so desire. For the backup procedure of the games, you will be required to have a computer with a DVD writer installed, DVD blanks and a free software called ImgBurn for backups to me made to the DVD blank.
Did you know?
1. Dreamcast was the first console to player backup without a modchip.
2. In London a man was sentence to two years in prison for illegal games.
3. Most games have hidden mini games in them.
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
What is illegal is having a backup of a game and not owning the original. If you sell copies of the backups, it is also considered illegal. If you have an illegal copy of a game, you should destroy it.
Any backup found in your possession, which you have had for more than 24 hours is considered to be illegal by law. Anyone that charges you for copying games at various rates, according to popularity and does not have a record of the transaction is not backing up games but 'bootlegging' and is in breach of the copyright law. You must own the original for it to be legal.
So, there are two ways to backup your games. One is to use the game console to copy the original to its built in hard drive and the other is to store it on a DVD blank for later use. The one we will be focusing on is DVD backups.
What games can be backed up?
Almost every game can be backed up. Even the new PS3 console games can be done. The list of consoles we will be discussing over the next few weeks are:
❒ Sony PlayStation 3
❒ Sony PlayStation 2
❒ Sony PlayStation Portable
❒ Microsoft Xbox360
❒ Microsoft Xbox
❒ Nintendo Wii
❒ Nintendo Gamecube
All off the information given in the upcoming articles will be solely for educational purposes and not for any illegal use. Consoles that play backup games are always modified with a chip to play these games.
So even though you have successfully backed up your original game you will not be able to play it unless you have got a modchip professionally installed, like the ones used at GameYaad.com, which are soldered in, so you can easily reverse the process to its original if you so desire. For the backup procedure of the games, you will be required to have a computer with a DVD writer installed, DVD blanks and a free software called ImgBurn for backups to me made to the DVD blank.
Did you know?
1. Dreamcast was the first console to player backup without a modchip.
2. In London a man was sentence to two years in prison for illegal games.
3. Most games have hidden mini games in them.
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
What Microsoft says about 'Xbox 360's 3 Red Light!
If you own an Xbox360 you may have heard the term 'Ring of death' which is a common console error based on a factory fault. So GameYaad.com went ahead to investigate the matter to find out if the talk of Xbox360's US$1 billion in extended warranty actually exists, if it applied to Jamaicans and how to get it. So I wrote a letter to Xbox360 support site:
Https://support.xbox.com/default.aspx?productkey=xbox360hw
For your information I did try to call but that was to no avail, so I wrote and in less than 24hrs I was emailed in detail about what to do. Below is the response:
Hi, O'Neil!
Thank you for writing Xbox Customer Support.
I'm sorry to hear that your Xbox 360 console is flashing three red lights on the Ring of Light. I understand that the upper-right quadrant light is the only light that does not flash red. The three flashing red lights may indicate that your Xbox 360 console has experienced a hardware failure.
Please read the article that discusses warranty changes for the three flashing red light hardware failures. To read this article, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/resources/warrantyupdate.htm
If you suspect that you are experiencing this issue, you can submit a console-repair request online. However, before you submit your request, we ask that you first try the following two steps to verify that you are indeed experiencing this issue:
1. When you turn on the console, examine the light on the power supply. The power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the Ring of Light flash red. If the power supply light is not green, please troubleshoot the issue using the following links:
Power supply light is ORANGE
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906102/en-us?sd=xbox
Power supply light is RED
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906101/en-us?sd=xbox
Power supply light is NOT ILLUMINATED
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906103/en-us?sd=xbox
2. If the power supply light illuminates GREEN, please turn off the console. Wait 10 seconds, and then again turn on the console to see whether the symptom occurs again.
If your console continues to display the three flashing red lights, your console may have to be repaired. You may process a repair for your console by:
? Signing on to http://service.xbox.com/ using your Windows Live ID account, and then clicking 'Console Repair' in the upper-right section of the Web page. (This is currently available to US customers only.)
We created this feature to give you the option to create In-Warranty, Out-of-warranty, and Three Flashing Lights repair online. In addition, Out-of-warranty repairs are at a $5 discount for online service requests. For Xbox 360 consoles that are experiencing the three flashing red lights and are out-of-warranty, you may choose the Three Flashing Lights repair option to receive In-warranty, no-charge service. Be warned that we will verify the issue, and may return the console to you if there is no evidence of three flashing lights in the console boot log.
? Calling our phone support team at the number below.
If you need to reply to this e-mail, please reply 'with history' (include any previous email) so we can expedite our service to you.
You may reach Xbox Phone Support at 1-800-4MYXBOX (1-800-469-9269) at your earliest convenience, and we'll be happy to help you. We are open everyday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. US Central Time.
Sincerely,
John
Xbox Customer Care Team
After my long ordeal of not getting through by phone, I went and signed up on the link above to register my console. My user name and password was my Windows Live Login.
The sad thing, however, was that Microsoft does not have any Caribbean countries listed, so I did the next best thing. I put in a USA address. Why? Because I wanted my console fixed! It has been done years and years now by Jamaicans. Companies do not want to extend their warranties to the Caribbean, so all you have to do is send it with a USA return address. And you will get back a brand new console, error free.
It takes about two weeks and about US$40 to send it to the repair centre. And, depending on how you get it back, it can cost you an arm and a leg to get it back here. So my advice, let the shipping agency sign up a form stating that the item is going to be returned, so you do not pay duty a second time.
Did you know?
1. Wii has sold just as many consoles as Xbox360 in one-third the time.
2. FIFA 08 is on every console except for the original Xbox.
3. FIFA 08 Skills and Move Video is now on GameYaad.com
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Https://support.xbox.com/default.aspx?productkey=xbox360hw
For your information I did try to call but that was to no avail, so I wrote and in less than 24hrs I was emailed in detail about what to do. Below is the response:
Hi, O'Neil!
Thank you for writing Xbox Customer Support.
I'm sorry to hear that your Xbox 360 console is flashing three red lights on the Ring of Light. I understand that the upper-right quadrant light is the only light that does not flash red. The three flashing red lights may indicate that your Xbox 360 console has experienced a hardware failure.
Please read the article that discusses warranty changes for the three flashing red light hardware failures. To read this article, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/resources/warrantyupdate.htm
If you suspect that you are experiencing this issue, you can submit a console-repair request online. However, before you submit your request, we ask that you first try the following two steps to verify that you are indeed experiencing this issue:
1. When you turn on the console, examine the light on the power supply. The power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the Ring of Light flash red. If the power supply light is not green, please troubleshoot the issue using the following links:
Power supply light is ORANGE
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906102/en-us?sd=xbox
Power supply light is RED
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906101/en-us?sd=xbox
Power supply light is NOT ILLUMINATED
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906103/en-us?sd=xbox
2. If the power supply light illuminates GREEN, please turn off the console. Wait 10 seconds, and then again turn on the console to see whether the symptom occurs again.
If your console continues to display the three flashing red lights, your console may have to be repaired. You may process a repair for your console by:
? Signing on to http://service.xbox.com/ using your Windows Live ID account, and then clicking 'Console Repair' in the upper-right section of the Web page. (This is currently available to US customers only.)
We created this feature to give you the option to create In-Warranty, Out-of-warranty, and Three Flashing Lights repair online. In addition, Out-of-warranty repairs are at a $5 discount for online service requests. For Xbox 360 consoles that are experiencing the three flashing red lights and are out-of-warranty, you may choose the Three Flashing Lights repair option to receive In-warranty, no-charge service. Be warned that we will verify the issue, and may return the console to you if there is no evidence of three flashing lights in the console boot log.
? Calling our phone support team at the number below.
If you need to reply to this e-mail, please reply 'with history' (include any previous email) so we can expedite our service to you.
You may reach Xbox Phone Support at 1-800-4MYXBOX (1-800-469-9269) at your earliest convenience, and we'll be happy to help you. We are open everyday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. US Central Time.
Sincerely,
John
Xbox Customer Care Team
After my long ordeal of not getting through by phone, I went and signed up on the link above to register my console. My user name and password was my Windows Live Login.
The sad thing, however, was that Microsoft does not have any Caribbean countries listed, so I did the next best thing. I put in a USA address. Why? Because I wanted my console fixed! It has been done years and years now by Jamaicans. Companies do not want to extend their warranties to the Caribbean, so all you have to do is send it with a USA return address. And you will get back a brand new console, error free.
It takes about two weeks and about US$40 to send it to the repair centre. And, depending on how you get it back, it can cost you an arm and a leg to get it back here. So my advice, let the shipping agency sign up a form stating that the item is going to be returned, so you do not pay duty a second time.
Did you know?
1. Wii has sold just as many consoles as Xbox360 in one-third the time.
2. FIFA 08 is on every console except for the original Xbox.
3. FIFA 08 Skills and Move Video is now on GameYaad.com
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Video Game Console problems?
If your answer is yes, then don't feel anyway about it. Based on an informal survey that we did 39 per cent of persons who own video game consoles have problems. So what does it say about the gaming manufacturers? It means that they may be more interested in volume, than in quality. Millions of these mass produced consoles are being sold at rock-bottom prices per month. So with the new generation of consoles out, let us see which one seems to have the most factory faults.
Xbox360When the Xbox360 first came out it had a software problem and was recalled. This was before it was shipped worldwide. Then, after the launch there was a report that game discs were getting scratched and by my experience, it was in fact happening. So Microsoft ended up dropping the blame on Samsung and Hitachi, forcing them to correct the problem. Now that does not exist anymore in the Xbox360, as all the drives are padded. After selling millions of consoles Microsoft announced, in July 2007, that they were extending their warranty to three years because of the poor quality solder that was used to attach the devices to the main board. This caused the games to freeze and three red lights to appear on the front of the Xbox360 console. This set back Microsoft a whopping US$1.15 billion. A new version of the Xbox360, the Xbox Lite, was also fast-tracked for launch. A new and improved Xbox360 with better cooling and bigger hard drive should be the result.
PS3We have a console with a history problem, which has made GameYaad.com famous for repairing them. With over 17 versions of the PS2 that was made, only two were problem free. So what did the PS3 have up its sleeve? The PS3 came out with an eject flaw. Then other noticeable things started to happen. Playing PS2 games on a PS3 was unbearable. The graphics on the PS2 was way better than that of the PS3. How come? The console was designed around Sony's blueray technology and they forgot all about their main selling point, games. So it was not a priority. They have now recalled most of them but will deny it in an interview.
Next up was the HDMI configuration on the PS3 which allowed you to to use a plasma TV. Silly Sony made an entirely different port for this, making it usable through software. Sounds cool right? Well the cable that is needed for this is not included in the box, so if you accidentally switch to HDMI on your PS3 you will need to fork out JM$5,500 to buy it and that does not guarantee that it will work with your plasma TV. Not funny anymore is it? And now we have Sony literally sabotaging themselves with firmware update, similar to that already used with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) to allow new features to be added to the console without pulling it apart. This update is being packaged with newly-released games that require you to install them. But if they is not installed properly, it leaves your PS3 useless and you crying for a refund on your hard-earned US$600 spent to buy your console. PS3 online does not work worldwide, so if you have problems do not go calling Sony.
WiiOk, so what does the Wii have that is a problem? Well for starters 360,000 consoles were released with straps that where too thin. It may not sound like much but for a console that comes with more warnings than a construction site, it is. The game should have come with much thicker wrist straps so that the controls would not go flying into the TV screen. This was no fun for the persons it happened to. So Nintendo recalled all of them. Now there are products out to protect your screen from breaking. The next one was WiiConnect24 update causing recurrent error codes for any and all online functionality. It only happens to a few, causing error codes 110213 and 32002 (how many errors can this thing have?). This has to be replaced or sent in for repair. Some rare but true cases were that the Wii power supply and adapter were not putting out the right voltage. But if you had a Gamecube lying around with minor adjustments then it could fix that. This could also have been caused by irregular power supply, so please be advised that all consoles should be connected to a surge protector.
Did you know?
1. That Xbox live allows both Windows Vista and Xbox360 to play online.
2. Beautiful Katamari is no longer coming to the PS3.
3. Wii Firmware 3.1 brings keyboard support.
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: 8767546453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Colin McRae: The man, The game
First, I must say it is not easy when you have to decide between writing an article about a great man and a long-awaited game like Halo 3. But, we are not here to promote or sell any products. We are here to give you useful information in the gaming industry, to maximise your experience. So, we are doing just that, and Halo 3's review will just have to wait.
THE MAN
Colin McRae (MBE) was a member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry presented in 1996. Born of Scottish descent on August 5, 1968, McRae was the son of five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae and the older brother of professional driver Alister McRae. Colin McRae in the World Rally Championship (WRC) is like Tiger Woods in golf, or should I say, better. To list all his achievements would need a novel. So I will list it the easiest way possible, by wins. In 1993, he won his first race in New Zealand driving a Subaru Legacy RS. From 1994 - 1996 he went on to win seven WRC races driving a Subaru Impreza 555. From 1997 - 1998 eight more were won driving a Subaru Impreza WRC. Then in 1999, Colin changed to Ford and drove the newly-designed Ford Focus WRC to nine spectacular wins between that year and 2002. He then returned for one race for Skoda in 2005 and finished seventh due to mechanical problems. Now we will never know how McRae would have done in the 2008 WRC season because he died along with his six year-old son on September 15, 2007.
THE GAME
Colin McRae was first approached by Codemasters in 1998 to create a game called Colin McRae Rally. Version 2, known as Colin McRae 2.0, was released in 2000 for Sony PlayStation and PC. And then later on the Game boy Advance in 2002. But it did not take off until 2004 and 2005 when it was released on the Xbox with graphics so real and the control that had extreme accuracy. It reached all ages, both non-racers and enthusiasts alike. In 2005 it was so popular that it was remade for Sony's PSP and Nokia's N-Gage. Colin McRae: DIRT was the title for the next instalment of the series, which was launched in 2007 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 edition was released in the UK on September 14, the day before McRae's death. A special edition for mobile phones will also be available from Codemasters Mobile.
Did you know?
1. That six versions of Colin McRae were released.
2. Only the first edition had real world competitors.
3. You can even get a tyre puncture in the game.
Done by GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza, Tel: (876) 754-6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Is the original Xbox dead?
Well Microsoft has made it clear that the Xbox will no longer be in production and that last year their last one million Xbox consoles were sold out.
So what does this mean? Okay, we would have to first look at where the Xbox was coming from. The console was made to replace a high-end PC for playing video games at home at a low price. How low? US$150 low. With the architecture and speed of a computer, it was not only fast and best suited for shooting games, but was and is still the most 'hackable' game console to date. It's basically the cheapest 'PC' you'll ever buy.
For US$150 in 2001, you got a 480i HDTV compatible video output, 733Mhz Pentium processor, 64MB of ram, 8GB hard drive, Dolby digital surround sound audio and four controller ports that were actually standard USB ports. Sounds like a very expensive computer in that time right? Well yes. It cost Microsoft a little under US$400 to make one of these babes. So why did they do it? Because they would make it back in the actual software (game disc), which is Microsoft's speciality. So they made over 1,000 games for the Xbox and created an empire of exclusive games like Halo. They also smashed the record for online gaming and made PlayStation2 non-existent to the online world, with Xbox live.
So, for everyone who has a Xbox now what is left? You have a console with endless possibilities. How come, you ask? Because Xbox is the only game console on the market that has a true multitask operating system. "Hmmm, what is that?" Well it can play music, type a text message, surf the net, preview other games and movies online and preview images all at the same time. Adding to that you can also play games stored on the original or upgraded hard drive in your Xbox. No more getting up to change a game or movie. A true entertainment system for your home.
How does the Xbox do all of this? With a little modification. Install a small chip inside your Xbox and now you can play all your favourite games from around the world on one console. From the old Nintendo and Sega Genesis to the more recent PlayStation One games all on your hard drive. So what about the fact that Microsoft has stopped supporting the Xbox? Well Madden 08 is out by EA Games for Xbox and FIFA 08 will be coming this Christmas. So not as many games will be promoted for your old Xbox, but the best of the best developers will still be making games for it as long as it keeps selling.
Did you know that?
1. You can use Xlink to play your backup games online.
2. Xbox360 software is an exact copy of a modified Xbox.
3. A keyboard and mouse can be connected to the Xbox.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18, Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 8767546453 Email:info@gameyaad.com
So what does this mean? Okay, we would have to first look at where the Xbox was coming from. The console was made to replace a high-end PC for playing video games at home at a low price. How low? US$150 low. With the architecture and speed of a computer, it was not only fast and best suited for shooting games, but was and is still the most 'hackable' game console to date. It's basically the cheapest 'PC' you'll ever buy.
For US$150 in 2001, you got a 480i HDTV compatible video output, 733Mhz Pentium processor, 64MB of ram, 8GB hard drive, Dolby digital surround sound audio and four controller ports that were actually standard USB ports. Sounds like a very expensive computer in that time right? Well yes. It cost Microsoft a little under US$400 to make one of these babes. So why did they do it? Because they would make it back in the actual software (game disc), which is Microsoft's speciality. So they made over 1,000 games for the Xbox and created an empire of exclusive games like Halo. They also smashed the record for online gaming and made PlayStation2 non-existent to the online world, with Xbox live.
So, for everyone who has a Xbox now what is left? You have a console with endless possibilities. How come, you ask? Because Xbox is the only game console on the market that has a true multitask operating system. "Hmmm, what is that?" Well it can play music, type a text message, surf the net, preview other games and movies online and preview images all at the same time. Adding to that you can also play games stored on the original or upgraded hard drive in your Xbox. No more getting up to change a game or movie. A true entertainment system for your home.
How does the Xbox do all of this? With a little modification. Install a small chip inside your Xbox and now you can play all your favourite games from around the world on one console. From the old Nintendo and Sega Genesis to the more recent PlayStation One games all on your hard drive. So what about the fact that Microsoft has stopped supporting the Xbox? Well Madden 08 is out by EA Games for Xbox and FIFA 08 will be coming this Christmas. So not as many games will be promoted for your old Xbox, but the best of the best developers will still be making games for it as long as it keeps selling.
Did you know that?
1. You can use Xlink to play your backup games online.
2. Xbox360 software is an exact copy of a modified Xbox.
3. A keyboard and mouse can be connected to the Xbox.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18, Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 8767546453 Email:info@gameyaad.com
BANNED - Manhunt 2
Uncut version? You may be asking if that is the title. No, if you read our article in the previous weeks you would know that RockStar, the creators of the most popular console game 'Grand Theft Auto', released Manhunt 2 and it was banned earlier this year. But in the Netherlands where there isn't a regulatory body it is now on sale.After parliament in the Netherlands called on the courts to ban the game as well, a Dutch Justice Minister by the name of Ernst Hirsch Ballin determined that the country's laws provide no means to outlaw the sale of a video game. There are laws in place to prosecute retailers who sell a violent game to those under 16, but the courts apparently do not have the power to ban a game. So guess who has got a copy of Manhunt 2? GameYaad.com of course.
Manhunt 2 starts off with you selecting your difficulty 'sane or insane'. How crazy is that? Then the game starts off with you, Danny, at Dixmor Asylum. A plan has just come up for Danny to escape. Where two patients attack the attendees and you kill your doctor by strangling her to death, while a needle is stuck in your arm. Yes, I said kill.
Insane people
A first look in the mirror, Danny does not look anything like the first character in the original Manhunt. He looked very sane, a regular old Joe character. But that turned out to be not even close as he has a person in his head telling him what to do. Now if that is not crazy, then what is?
You have to now escape the asylum, by sneaking pass some really insane people. Yes, there are crazier people than Danny there, really crazy people. They throw faecal matter at you, urinate at you and talk to themselves. There is even a part where a chair rolls out in the second hallway after someone commits suicide by hanging themselves.
Your main weapon in the beginning of the game is your fists and syringes. Fist fights to the death, strangulation and sneaking up and injecting people in the neck are some of the ways to kill these people. Danny himself does not want to kill people, so there is a constant struggle between him and his inner self to do tasks which require him to stay alive. It is kill or be killed in this asylum.
Overall, the entire game was well put together. The introduction is perfect and it made me want to watch it over and over again. The gameplay was a little on the learning curve side. Getting use to movement was a little tricky as I could not change the controller set-up. The graphic was detailed but not sharp, but that was done purposely from the start of the game. The sound is also superb.
Manhunt 2 is a must get. It will be released as an edited version in the United States on October 31 on the Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.
Did You Know:
1. Blood splashes on the screen when you are hit on the nose.
2. RockStar Games is the creator of 16 major titles for 2007.
3. The second most violent game is Resident Evil 4.
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Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
New market research for gaming world
This week we look at two new games that will cause changes in the gaming industry.With the video game industry being so significant, a recent survey by the consulting firm PWC, claims that the market will grow from its present US$31.6 billion income to US$48.9 billion by 2011. For this very reason, England and France have recently began supporting native companies.
Harmful to kids
Crytek is Germany's largest video game developer of the popular ego-shooter Far Cry, in which enemy soldiers must be killed. The company sold 2.5 million copies of the game, at US$50 each. However, the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons blacklisted the first Far Cry version. Crytek subsequently neutralised the game. Recently, Crytek presented its new ego- shooter Crysis at a games convention. The development budget was quoted as being over US$18 million. The Frankfurt-based company employs a staff of about 130 from 27 countries.
If Crytek's new game has problems and they eventually move abroad, Germany would lose their affiliation to the world's elite, since presently there are no other internationally competitive games studio in existence there.
Game maker THQ which also has an ego-shooter, Frontlines, about to be released, tried an unusual research method last year to evaluate people's early emotional response to its game. Instead of asking a test group how it liked the game, as with most market research, the company hired technology specialist EmSense to measure people's brain waves, heart rate and sweat responses while they played the military-theme game. Armed with that data, THQ took Frontlines in a whole new direction developmentally.
"We typically rely on people to tell us what they think. Using EmSense technology, it's not what people say, but what they're thinking about it. And that's so much more accurate," Aniello said.
It remains to be seen whether Frontlines will break out from the video game pack (it's slated for release in early 2008), but how it was developed could point to the future of market research. Experimental as it may seem, measuring brain waves and other physiological responses could catch on in industries like gaming and advertising.
Did you know?
1. Microsoft Xbox has more first-person shooter games than any other consoles.
2. Doom was the first of its kind and is only on Xbox and PC.
3. The most popular first-person shooter games is Call Of Duty.
PSP Slim Review
The PSP Slim is here. This is how I know Sony is the king of marketing and advertising.
There has been the PlayStation (PS1), the smaller version called PlayStationOne (PSOne). The PlayStation 2 (PS2), and then four years later, PlayStation Two (PSTwo), a slimmer version. Now, they have done did it with the PSP Slim.
So what do you get with the new PSP Slim? Well, it is 39 per cent lighter and 19 per cent smaller than the original PlayStation Portable. The 4.3 inch screen is fantastic, but the reason is that it's the same size as the original. Body tweaks are keen to a short back and sides. The infrared port is gone, so the PSP will no longer have a universal remote.
Activate Wi-Fi
There's a switch on the top to activate Wi-Fi and the UMD door now flaps open. Game commands stay the same, with the same L and R buttons, D-pad and four control keys. It's cool to be able to hook up the PSP to a television or monitor and play games or browse the web. The component AV cable connects via the headphone socket, but one isn't supplied, so you have to buy one. The newly installed 3.50 firmware is also difficult to hack.
You can remotely access files stored at home on your PlayStation 3 (PS3), and as a bonus, you can now charge it via USB. Battery life clocks in at a solid four to six hours depending on usage.
The end result is that we expected to see more difference to the original PSP and the reaction I have mostly received from those that have also seen it are, "Is that all? A smaller battery and a video output?". So if you need your PSP connected to your television, then go ahead and do it, but if not, stay with the older version.
We also can't help feel a little neglected here in the English-speaking world, as from next month, the Japanese will be able to tune in to the television with the PSP Slim. We're not talking about downloading content or even paying for it - this is the free television goodness zipping through the air. Set to be priced at 6980 yen (US$59), the device will only work with the new PSP Slim's USB port and on a frequency exclusively used in Japan. What about us? I want my PSP TV!
Did You Know:
1. Sony has always launched a new disc format with every console?
2. Sony has never promoted a game console as a gaming system?
3. PlayStation was originally created by Nintendo?
Done by Gameyaad.com Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
There has been the PlayStation (PS1), the smaller version called PlayStationOne (PSOne). The PlayStation 2 (PS2), and then four years later, PlayStation Two (PSTwo), a slimmer version. Now, they have done did it with the PSP Slim.
So what do you get with the new PSP Slim? Well, it is 39 per cent lighter and 19 per cent smaller than the original PlayStation Portable. The 4.3 inch screen is fantastic, but the reason is that it's the same size as the original. Body tweaks are keen to a short back and sides. The infrared port is gone, so the PSP will no longer have a universal remote.
Activate Wi-Fi
There's a switch on the top to activate Wi-Fi and the UMD door now flaps open. Game commands stay the same, with the same L and R buttons, D-pad and four control keys. It's cool to be able to hook up the PSP to a television or monitor and play games or browse the web. The component AV cable connects via the headphone socket, but one isn't supplied, so you have to buy one. The newly installed 3.50 firmware is also difficult to hack.
You can remotely access files stored at home on your PlayStation 3 (PS3), and as a bonus, you can now charge it via USB. Battery life clocks in at a solid four to six hours depending on usage.
The end result is that we expected to see more difference to the original PSP and the reaction I have mostly received from those that have also seen it are, "Is that all? A smaller battery and a video output?". So if you need your PSP connected to your television, then go ahead and do it, but if not, stay with the older version.
We also can't help feel a little neglected here in the English-speaking world, as from next month, the Japanese will be able to tune in to the television with the PSP Slim. We're not talking about downloading content or even paying for it - this is the free television goodness zipping through the air. Set to be priced at 6980 yen (US$59), the device will only work with the new PSP Slim's USB port and on a frequency exclusively used in Japan. What about us? I want my PSP TV!
Did You Know:
1. Sony has always launched a new disc format with every console?
2. Sony has never promoted a game console as a gaming system?
3. PlayStation was originally created by Nintendo?
Done by Gameyaad.com Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
BANNED! Video Games and where to get them!
I can see eye brows rising, and people getting ready to make a phone call. But the true of the matter is, most games that are banned, is because of racial differences and sexual content. Banned games are not illegal just not appropriate for some game consoles. For example Nintendo and Microsoft does not allow games rates “Mature” to be released on there consoles. So you may never get to play “Manhunt 2” on these consoles. Now to the games.
ManHunt 2 - Banned June 2007 it was banned by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), and the Irish Films Censors Office (IFCO). The decision of the U.S. Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to give the game an ADULTS ONLY (AO)* rating finally saw the distributor Take-Two Interactive put the release on hold.
Blitz: The League - Banned January 2007, this was the first game to be banned this year. Red Ant Enterprises had it Refused Classification on January 17th because of drug use.
Spin the Bottle: Interactive DVD Game – Banned October 2006, Imagination Licensing Pty Ltd had this Interactive DVD Game Refused Classification on October 12th 2006. Although it was not a computer game, the interactive nature of the DVD saw it was classified as such. Had it been viewed as a film then it would have undoubtedly been passed.
Reservoir Dogs – Banned June 2006, Atari Australia had this game banned on June 23rd 2006. Five days later, in an unusual move, the Classification Board actually decided to explain their decision.
Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure – Banned February 2006, in the US, Peter Vallone, a member of the New York City Council soon began a fight to have the game banned. A couple of week’s later news of the game had filtered through to the Local Government Association of Queensland. On August 8th they issued a press release calling for the game to be banned in Australia. At the time it had not yet been submitted for Classification.
50 Cent: Bulletproof – Banned October 2005, a 3-member panel of the Classification Review Board has, after playing the game for a cumulative 42 hours determined, in a unanimous decision, that the computer game entitled 50 Cent Bulletproof be refused classification.
Postal 2: Share the Pain – Banned October 2005, one publisher that confirmed it will ship unclassified games to Australia is Running with Scissors, a small US game publisher whose game Postal was banned in Australia in 1997. The sequel, Postal 2, was not picked up by any local publishers and thus it was not submitted for a rating through the OFLC.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – Banned July 2005, on June 9th a game mod know by the name 'Hot Coffee' became available for download. The mod unlocked sex mini-games hidden in the game's code. It didn't take long for this to come to the notice of the ESRB. Modified version passed on September 2005.
Narc – Banned April 2005 the Australian distributor Red Ant Enterprises submitted the game for classification soon after. The OFLC gave it a Refused Classification rating. The full Classification Board report is as follows.
The Punisher - Banned November 2004, THQ Asia Pacific had this title Refused Classification on November 23rd 2004. A revised version was passed MA15+ (High Level Animated Violence, Medium Level Coarse Language) on December 16th 2004.
Singles: Flirt Up Your Life - Banned October 2004, the Classification Board classified the computer games Singles Flirt Up Your Life and Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude RC for sexual activity related to an incentive or reward.
Manhunt – Banned September 2004 the Australian OFLC rated this game MA15+ (Medium Level Animated Violence) on the 17th October 2003. The game was produced by RockStar, the company behind the GRAND THEFT AUTO series. It was subsequently released in Australia with no problems.
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude – Banned September 2004, Vivendi Universal Games had this title Refused Classification
Shellshock Nam '67 – Banned June 2004, there were plans to appeal to the Review Board, but this idea was dropped. A revised version was eventually submitted to the OFLC who on August 13th gave it an MA15+ (Medium Level Animated Violence, Adult Themes, Sexual Violence, Drug References) rating. The game was released on September 10th 2004.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Banned November 2002, Take 2 Interactive Software had this passed with an MA15+ (Medium Level Animated Violence). It is listed as being the Original Version, but it was in fact modified (reportedly by seven seconds) before submission.
The Getaway – Banned October 2002 for some reason a revised version was resubmitted and passed on November 22nd 2002. It was again rated MA15+, but the rating warning had been increased to High Level Animated Violence, High Level Course Language, Sexual References, Drug References.
BMX XXX – Banned October 2002 the Classification Board has determined that the computer game BMX XXX is "Refused Classification" (RC) and considered unsuitable for a minor to see or play.
Grand Theft Auto 3 – Banned November 2001, Take 2 Interactive Software jumped the gun and released this title assuming the OFLC would award it an MA15+. The game was shipped to stores and made available for sale. Unfortunately this proved to be a costly mistake as the OFLC gave it an RC rating
Did you know?
- Most games are rated months after release. Making it possible to own every copy.
- Nintendo is the only company that rates their games themselves.
- All games listed today can be found at GameYaad.com Tel: 754-6453.
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One hundred and thirteen reasons to buy a Wii
There are 96 Xbox 360 exclusive games with the console's one year head start. Twenty three of the exclusives are published by Microsoft Game Studios, the remaining games are spread over 18 different companies.
Eighteen of those titles are currently on the market, which means the bulk of the games are still in development. Why is the number so low?
Some of the popular titles on the X360 like 'Call of Duty 2' are also PC games due to the ease of releasing games on multiple platforms. Even though the Xbox 360 doesn't have exclusivity on franchise games like the 'Godfather' and 'NBA Live 07', their versions typically look better than their current generation counterparts.
Meanwhile, Sony only has 18 titles developed internally and 35 titles exclusive to the Playstation 3. They lost out on the exclusivity of 'Assassin's Creed', 'BioShock' and the 'Grand Theft Auto' franchise. Losing 'Grand Theft Auto' is a dent in Sony's line up, but Sony managed to snag console exclusivity of 'The Elder Scrolls' series and 'F.E.A.R.' away from Microsoft. Only nine companies are developing exclusive titles for the Playstation 3 and one of those companies is technically a division, Sony Online Entertainment.
Third-party support
Nintendo has a huge catalogue of console exclusives, 113 to be exact. Nintendo is rightfully the big supporter of the Wii with 14 titles in the pipeline. Nintendo also has a sizeable amount of third party support with 19 companies publishing properties just for the Wii. Another arguable point is that all of the Wii's titles are 'gameplay exclusive'. Since the Wii has a its own control scheme, 'Call of Duty 3' is going to play quite differently on the Wii than on the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. Will this cause gamers to purchase two versions of the same game? One for the Wii's remote-style gameplay and one for traditional gamepad controls? Or, will this favour the Wii's intuitive set up?
Namco Bandai, Square-Enix and Sega are splitting up their exclusives with unique games on each of the three consoles. However, there is a slight bend towards Sony. 'Virtua Fighter 5', the next 'Tekken' and 'Final Fantasy XIII' are considered Playstation 3 exclusives (note 'Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles' is its own series).
While Ubisoft is strongly backing the Wii with eight titles on launch day, 'Red Steel' is the only game designed strictly for the Wii.
The Wii has the most exclusive games based on a licensed properties and most of those games are anime titles. 'Naruto', 'Bleach', 'One Piece' , SD Gundam and Shin-chan are all coming to the Wii.
Rockstar Games might have made the 'Grand Theft Auto' series multi- platform, but their upcoming game, 'L.A. Noire', is currently a Playstation 3 exclusive. Microsoft is the largest first-party publisher with 23 titles designed specifically for the Xbox 360.
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Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Eighteen of those titles are currently on the market, which means the bulk of the games are still in development. Why is the number so low?
Some of the popular titles on the X360 like 'Call of Duty 2' are also PC games due to the ease of releasing games on multiple platforms. Even though the Xbox 360 doesn't have exclusivity on franchise games like the 'Godfather' and 'NBA Live 07', their versions typically look better than their current generation counterparts.
Meanwhile, Sony only has 18 titles developed internally and 35 titles exclusive to the Playstation 3. They lost out on the exclusivity of 'Assassin's Creed', 'BioShock' and the 'Grand Theft Auto' franchise. Losing 'Grand Theft Auto' is a dent in Sony's line up, but Sony managed to snag console exclusivity of 'The Elder Scrolls' series and 'F.E.A.R.' away from Microsoft. Only nine companies are developing exclusive titles for the Playstation 3 and one of those companies is technically a division, Sony Online Entertainment.
Third-party support
Nintendo has a huge catalogue of console exclusives, 113 to be exact. Nintendo is rightfully the big supporter of the Wii with 14 titles in the pipeline. Nintendo also has a sizeable amount of third party support with 19 companies publishing properties just for the Wii. Another arguable point is that all of the Wii's titles are 'gameplay exclusive'. Since the Wii has a its own control scheme, 'Call of Duty 3' is going to play quite differently on the Wii than on the Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. Will this cause gamers to purchase two versions of the same game? One for the Wii's remote-style gameplay and one for traditional gamepad controls? Or, will this favour the Wii's intuitive set up?
Namco Bandai, Square-Enix and Sega are splitting up their exclusives with unique games on each of the three consoles. However, there is a slight bend towards Sony. 'Virtua Fighter 5', the next 'Tekken' and 'Final Fantasy XIII' are considered Playstation 3 exclusives (note 'Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles' is its own series).
While Ubisoft is strongly backing the Wii with eight titles on launch day, 'Red Steel' is the only game designed strictly for the Wii.
The Wii has the most exclusive games based on a licensed properties and most of those games are anime titles. 'Naruto', 'Bleach', 'One Piece' , SD Gundam and Shin-chan are all coming to the Wii.
Rockstar Games might have made the 'Grand Theft Auto' series multi- platform, but their upcoming game, 'L.A. Noire', is currently a Playstation 3 exclusive. Microsoft is the largest first-party publisher with 23 titles designed specifically for the Xbox 360.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Most wanted games of 2007 (Part 2)
If you read last week's article you would already have seen 25 most wanted games of 2007. Now we continue with the next 25 of 50 games. I want you to understand that even as we speak E3 has announced new hot games that will not be released for 2007, so they do not fall in this category. We selected games based of history of sales, game play and the fact that they will be out for this year. So no emails saying I forgot to mention Gran Turismo 4.
We all know that GameYaad.com does not have anything to do with PC games, just console games. However, PC games take up a large market and still have a very strong pulling force when it comes on to game play and addictiveness. Yes, I said it, PC games are very addictive. So the list continues with Xbox360, PSP, PS3, PC and Wii games.
The second 25 most wanted games of 50 for 2007:
Hellgate: London PC
Lost Odyssey XBOX360
Mass Effect XBOX360
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames PS3
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Wii
Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village DS
Resident Evil 5 PS3, XBOX360
Rogue Galaxy PS2
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl PC
Sam & Max -- Season 1 Episode #3: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball PC
Spore PC
Super Mario Galaxy Wii
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wii
Supreme Commander PC
Tekken 6 PS3
The Half-Life 2: Episode Two Gang PC, PS3, XBOX360
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass DS
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 PC, PS3, XBOX360
Unreal Tournament 2007 PC, PS3, XBOX360
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes PC
Virtua Fighter 5 PS3, XBOX360
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning PS3, XBOX360
White Knight Story PS3
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 PS2, XBOX360, PC, PSP, DS
Did you know?
1. There is one game console to every twelve person in the world.
2. PS3's 20GB and 60GB as of January 2008, will be replaced by 80GB hard drives.
3. PS2's common problem is a "Disc Read Error" and can be fixed at GameYaad.com.
Next week topic: Banned Video Games and where to get them.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
We all know that GameYaad.com does not have anything to do with PC games, just console games. However, PC games take up a large market and still have a very strong pulling force when it comes on to game play and addictiveness. Yes, I said it, PC games are very addictive. So the list continues with Xbox360, PSP, PS3, PC and Wii games.
The second 25 most wanted games of 50 for 2007:
Hellgate: London PC
Lost Odyssey XBOX360
Mass Effect XBOX360
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames PS3
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Wii
Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village DS
Resident Evil 5 PS3, XBOX360
Rogue Galaxy PS2
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl PC
Sam & Max -- Season 1 Episode #3: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball PC
Spore PC
Super Mario Galaxy Wii
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wii
Supreme Commander PC
Tekken 6 PS3
The Half-Life 2: Episode Two Gang PC, PS3, XBOX360
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass DS
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 PC, PS3, XBOX360
Unreal Tournament 2007 PC, PS3, XBOX360
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes PC
Virtua Fighter 5 PS3, XBOX360
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning PS3, XBOX360
White Knight Story PS3
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 PS2, XBOX360, PC, PSP, DS
Did you know?
1. There is one game console to every twelve person in the world.
2. PS3's 20GB and 60GB as of January 2008, will be replaced by 80GB hard drives.
3. PS2's common problem is a "Disc Read Error" and can be fixed at GameYaad.com.
Next week topic: Banned Video Games and where to get them.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Most wanted games of 2007 (Part 1)
We already have our most wanted game console of 2007 - the Nintendo Wii. But we're still looking ahead to the rest of 2007 for video games to play. With the summer on us, this year looks like it may be an exceptional one for games. With two new consoles out, a brutal three-way console battle for your gaming dollars heating up, a new PC gaming push from Microsoft, and a growing handheld market, you've got a formula for some spectacular competition. As you probably already know, when game companies compete, you win.
All the games slated to come out in 2007 made this a tricky list to compile. Thanks to modern advances in gaming hardware, nearly every game has jaw-dropping graphics. This means that quality is more important than ever. What we've done is to put together a collection of the games that have stuck out in our heads, either through innovative design or concept, a creative presentation or games that just looked fun. We believe each title in this list is worth keeping an eye on. We know that not every game can be a winner, but here are the most promising in our eyes.
Age of Conan PC
Alan Wake PC,XBOX360
Assassin's Creed PC,PS3, XBOX360
Banjo-Kazooie 3 XBOX360
BioShock PC,XBOX360 Blue Dragon XBOX360
Burnout 5 PS3, XBOX360
Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars PC,XBOX360
Crysis PC
Devil May Cry 4 PS3
Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Sky DS
Enemy Territory : Quake Wars PC
Fallout 3 PC
Final Fantasy Versus XIII PS3
Final Fantasy XIII PS3
Fire Emblem: The Goddess of Dawn Wii F
orza Motorsport 2 XBOX360
Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar PC
God of War II PS2
God of War: Chains of Olympus PSP
Grand Theft Auto IV PS3, XBOX360
Guitar Hero II XBOX360
Halo 3 XBOX360
Halo Wars PC,XBOX360
Heavenly Sword PS3
Did you know?
1. In June, the Wii outsold the PS3 six to one, with over 8.5 million consoles sold to date.
2. There are now three different types of the Xbox360 on the market: the Core, Premium and Elite.
3. The highest selling game is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City , with 6.47 million copies.
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
All the games slated to come out in 2007 made this a tricky list to compile. Thanks to modern advances in gaming hardware, nearly every game has jaw-dropping graphics. This means that quality is more important than ever. What we've done is to put together a collection of the games that have stuck out in our heads, either through innovative design or concept, a creative presentation or games that just looked fun. We believe each title in this list is worth keeping an eye on. We know that not every game can be a winner, but here are the most promising in our eyes.
Age of Conan PC
Alan Wake PC,XBOX360
Assassin's Creed PC,PS3, XBOX360
Banjo-Kazooie 3 XBOX360
BioShock PC,XBOX360 Blue Dragon XBOX360
Burnout 5 PS3, XBOX360
Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars PC,XBOX360
Crysis PC
Devil May Cry 4 PS3
Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Sky DS
Enemy Territory : Quake Wars PC
Fallout 3 PC
Final Fantasy Versus XIII PS3
Final Fantasy XIII PS3
Fire Emblem: The Goddess of Dawn Wii F
orza Motorsport 2 XBOX360
Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar PC
God of War II PS2
God of War: Chains of Olympus PSP
Grand Theft Auto IV PS3, XBOX360
Guitar Hero II XBOX360
Halo 3 XBOX360
Halo Wars PC,XBOX360
Heavenly Sword PS3
Did you know?
1. In June, the Wii outsold the PS3 six to one, with over 8.5 million consoles sold to date.
2. There are now three different types of the Xbox360 on the market: the Core, Premium and Elite.
3. The highest selling game is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City , with 6.47 million copies.
GameYaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Video gaming as a sport
Since the dawn of mankind, as long as there has been an activity to set standards and compare performances, people have competed.
It comes as no surprise therefore that over the last couple decades, that as the video game has gone from a bulky curiosity to a US$10 billion dollar industry, that 'gamers' have sought to test their skills against peers.
The major transition which created the phenomenon we now call eSports, happened when a number of revolutionary video game developers created games that actually had a skill curve, not just a learning curve. This meant that being an expert at a game didn't simply depend on who could sit in front of their computer or console for the most hours. Different methods of thinking, physical reflexes, and opponent psychology, now made their way into gaming the same way they would in a professional athletic sport.
The potential for a new sport revolving around video games quickly developed. Seemingly overnight, the first set of video game tournaments opened, the mainstream media got involved, and the term 'professional' was linked to gamers. Over the next few years, eSports evolved from an obscure hobby to a professional sport. Now you have people whose sole purpose is to tour the world playing games for a living.
For example: World Cyber Gaming (WCG) has ten thousand competitors from around the world. Earning more than US$500,000 (J$33,500,000), this competition is sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, Samsung and Monster Sound Systems every year. It is not the biggest and only gaming competition in the world. There is also the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) that has an eight-month world tour with over $300,000 in prize money.
There are many more competitions and they are evidence of the growth of the industry and its potential to be a major earner for many decades to come.
Did You Know
1. Both Xbox and PS2 play full games from the hard drive.
2. Gamecube can stream games from a computer.
3. All game consoles can play online for free through Xlink
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
It comes as no surprise therefore that over the last couple decades, that as the video game has gone from a bulky curiosity to a US$10 billion dollar industry, that 'gamers' have sought to test their skills against peers.
The major transition which created the phenomenon we now call eSports, happened when a number of revolutionary video game developers created games that actually had a skill curve, not just a learning curve. This meant that being an expert at a game didn't simply depend on who could sit in front of their computer or console for the most hours. Different methods of thinking, physical reflexes, and opponent psychology, now made their way into gaming the same way they would in a professional athletic sport.
The potential for a new sport revolving around video games quickly developed. Seemingly overnight, the first set of video game tournaments opened, the mainstream media got involved, and the term 'professional' was linked to gamers. Over the next few years, eSports evolved from an obscure hobby to a professional sport. Now you have people whose sole purpose is to tour the world playing games for a living.
For example: World Cyber Gaming (WCG) has ten thousand competitors from around the world. Earning more than US$500,000 (J$33,500,000), this competition is sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, Samsung and Monster Sound Systems every year. It is not the biggest and only gaming competition in the world. There is also the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) that has an eight-month world tour with over $300,000 in prize money.
There are many more competitions and they are evidence of the growth of the industry and its potential to be a major earner for many decades to come.
Did You Know
1. Both Xbox and PS2 play full games from the hard drive.
2. Gamecube can stream games from a computer.
3. All game consoles can play online for free through Xlink
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza . Tel: 876 754 6453. Email: info@gameyaad.com
Video Game Back in the Days
At the age of four I had the luxury of having a computer. Back in those days, you had to wash your hands before you could touch the keyboard and Digger was on a five and quarter inch floppy disk.
Yes, the good old days, how I miss them. At that time, I had the Atari 2600 with about forty-two games and two joy sticks, so all my family members joined in on the fun to see who could make the highest score. This kept me inside more than ever and extremely entertained. But all my friends and family were there too.
We laughed, talked, watched and cheered on each other, we were really close. That does not mean I did not do sports; I played football and even got Milo to sponsor my team around South America, I did swimming too and swam for Blue Fins at the National Stadium and was the captain of my team. So, no house rat here.
Less interactive
Now, after all my years of gaming experience, I recently heard of another story that has shown me the importance of games to a child.
My current next-door neighbour has a six-year-old son. His son is quieter and less interactive than I was as a child. After a few weeks, my neighbour came to thank me for recommending an Xbox for his son. The console which I modified at GameYaad.com was able to play all his favourite games from the hard drive.
He told me he could not believe how outspoken his son had become because of the video game. He even went on to explain how much he had learnt about his son by playing games with him and that he was quite smart and competitive. He said he also used it as a tool to make his son do his homework and get good grades at school by rewarding him with a new game to play.
I was so happy to hear, and I even saw it for myself. When his son visited me at work, he introduced his mother to me and told me what was wrong with his game. Now he comes to GameYaad.com arcade to compete against the older people and has not lost a game.
Seeing a shy six-year-old boy turn into a vibrant and confident person is definitely worth it.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel:8767546453 Email:info@gameyaad.com
Yes, the good old days, how I miss them. At that time, I had the Atari 2600 with about forty-two games and two joy sticks, so all my family members joined in on the fun to see who could make the highest score. This kept me inside more than ever and extremely entertained. But all my friends and family were there too.
We laughed, talked, watched and cheered on each other, we were really close. That does not mean I did not do sports; I played football and even got Milo to sponsor my team around South America, I did swimming too and swam for Blue Fins at the National Stadium and was the captain of my team. So, no house rat here.
Less interactive
Now, after all my years of gaming experience, I recently heard of another story that has shown me the importance of games to a child.
My current next-door neighbour has a six-year-old son. His son is quieter and less interactive than I was as a child. After a few weeks, my neighbour came to thank me for recommending an Xbox for his son. The console which I modified at GameYaad.com was able to play all his favourite games from the hard drive.
He told me he could not believe how outspoken his son had become because of the video game. He even went on to explain how much he had learnt about his son by playing games with him and that he was quite smart and competitive. He said he also used it as a tool to make his son do his homework and get good grades at school by rewarding him with a new game to play.
I was so happy to hear, and I even saw it for myself. When his son visited me at work, he introduced his mother to me and told me what was wrong with his game. Now he comes to GameYaad.com arcade to compete against the older people and has not lost a game.
Seeing a shy six-year-old boy turn into a vibrant and confident person is definitely worth it.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel:8767546453 Email:info@gameyaad.com
Nintendo's Wii at a Glance
First impression, it is small. How small? 6" W x 8" L x 2" D. Put it this way, it is as wide as a PlayStation portable. Ceramic white with grey trimmings, the Wii is not only sleek but absolutely beautiful.
So what is the Wii packing? First it is not a game console at all. It is a virtual gaming system. Yes, no more controllers. It looks hard to use, a nunchuck and wireless remote to play games. But after strapping up for safety, and playing it for a few minutes, it became obvious that it was perfect.
There are easy instructions as you turn on the system, even when you are playing a game. Safety warnings 'like crazy' are on the Wii. If you forget to strap on the remote, I can see you losing a few televisions while boxing. The graphic is on Xbox360, but it is not poor at all. It does have HD compatibility and is extremely clean, no pixilation.
In the game 'Red Steel' you not only can fire guns but use the remote as a sword. The cool thing is if you hold the remote sideways the gun or sword is turned sideways too. Do that with a controller. Golf is just a swing away and tennis is too real to be true.
I made a girl who plays tennis and hates video games test it. She played the Wii for a whopping two and a half hours. Bowling is also a breeze, and is so real you can hear the ball roll from your hands. Yes, the Wii comes with speakers in the remote, how cool is that. So when you decide to get a copy of the game, 'Zelda: Twilight Princess,' you will not only hear the arrow moving from your hand to the target, but, the tension in the bow will be right at your ear just before you release.
The bottom line is for $28,500 at Watts New, which includes the Wii, a remote with nunchuck and five sports games namely boxing, tennis, bowling, golf and baseball. No other system gives you that kind of value for your money. Xbox360 is $45,000 and PS3 is $75,000.
Did you know facts about the Wii
1. It has a built-in Wifi to play and download online games.
2. Four controller ports to play GameCube games.
3. Modchip is available @ gameyaad.com to play difficult games.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel: 8767546453 Email: info@gameyaad.com
So what is the Wii packing? First it is not a game console at all. It is a virtual gaming system. Yes, no more controllers. It looks hard to use, a nunchuck and wireless remote to play games. But after strapping up for safety, and playing it for a few minutes, it became obvious that it was perfect.
There are easy instructions as you turn on the system, even when you are playing a game. Safety warnings 'like crazy' are on the Wii. If you forget to strap on the remote, I can see you losing a few televisions while boxing. The graphic is on Xbox360, but it is not poor at all. It does have HD compatibility and is extremely clean, no pixilation.
In the game 'Red Steel' you not only can fire guns but use the remote as a sword. The cool thing is if you hold the remote sideways the gun or sword is turned sideways too. Do that with a controller. Golf is just a swing away and tennis is too real to be true.
I made a girl who plays tennis and hates video games test it. She played the Wii for a whopping two and a half hours. Bowling is also a breeze, and is so real you can hear the ball roll from your hands. Yes, the Wii comes with speakers in the remote, how cool is that. So when you decide to get a copy of the game, 'Zelda: Twilight Princess,' you will not only hear the arrow moving from your hand to the target, but, the tension in the bow will be right at your ear just before you release.
The bottom line is for $28,500 at Watts New, which includes the Wii, a remote with nunchuck and five sports games namely boxing, tennis, bowling, golf and baseball. No other system gives you that kind of value for your money. Xbox360 is $45,000 and PS3 is $75,000.
Did you know facts about the Wii
1. It has a built-in Wifi to play and download online games.
2. Four controller ports to play GameCube games.
3. Modchip is available @ gameyaad.com to play difficult games.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel: 8767546453 Email: info@gameyaad.com
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Jamaica Video gaming and the stigma attached
Today THE STAR kicks off its latest column geared at those persons who are interested in video games. Every Thursday you will be able to see reviews of the latest games, cheats, codes, information on consoles and deals or discussions on the latest issues. If you are a 'gamer' you will want to pay attention to this space weekly.
Personally, I do not see why some Jamaicans have a problem with video gaming. It has been around from 1952 and has been and still is the leading force for more efficient and faster processing power in the computer world.
What? You thought it is because of word processing and database-driven application? It is because of the high-end graphics, enormous memory capacity and detailed calculation these video games require, why you have Intel, AMD, NVidia, ATI, Kingston Memory and even Microsoft Corporation paying top dollars every year for new and innovate ways to suit the 'gamers' needs.
Video games were first introduced as a commercial entertainment medium in 1971, becoming the basis for an important entertainment industry in the late'70s/early '80s in the United States, Japan, and Europe. After a disastrous collapse of the industry in 1983 and a subsequent rebirth two years later, the video game industry has experienced sustained growth for over two decades to become a US$10 billion industry rivalling the motion picture industry as the most profitable entertainment industry in the world.
Ten billion U.S. dollars in Jamaica is equivalent to J$670 billion. This is three times Jamaica's annual budget for last year. Need I say more? Well, I will. There are no video game companies or subsidiaries in Jamaica. And the reason for that is because we do not think it is important to move with technology.
No upgrade
From our 50-year-old sugar cane factories, to the fact that we still burn our trash in our back yards it is obvious that we believe that if something works, why upgrade it. Even if it is more efficient, and increases production 10 fold. When Jamaicans embrace technology, then they will embrace gaming.
If we decide to embrace gaming, we would no longer have to have a middle man to order our favourite electronic devices. Warranties would be served in Jamaica and parts would be readily available. No more shipping of items to the United States for repair, no more long distance calls, no more calling around for 'wanna-be' repair persons telling you something you already know.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel: 8767546453 email:info@gameyaad.com
Personally, I do not see why some Jamaicans have a problem with video gaming. It has been around from 1952 and has been and still is the leading force for more efficient and faster processing power in the computer world.
What? You thought it is because of word processing and database-driven application? It is because of the high-end graphics, enormous memory capacity and detailed calculation these video games require, why you have Intel, AMD, NVidia, ATI, Kingston Memory and even Microsoft Corporation paying top dollars every year for new and innovate ways to suit the 'gamers' needs.
Video games were first introduced as a commercial entertainment medium in 1971, becoming the basis for an important entertainment industry in the late'70s/early '80s in the United States, Japan, and Europe. After a disastrous collapse of the industry in 1983 and a subsequent rebirth two years later, the video game industry has experienced sustained growth for over two decades to become a US$10 billion industry rivalling the motion picture industry as the most profitable entertainment industry in the world.
Ten billion U.S. dollars in Jamaica is equivalent to J$670 billion. This is three times Jamaica's annual budget for last year. Need I say more? Well, I will. There are no video game companies or subsidiaries in Jamaica. And the reason for that is because we do not think it is important to move with technology.
No upgrade
From our 50-year-old sugar cane factories, to the fact that we still burn our trash in our back yards it is obvious that we believe that if something works, why upgrade it. Even if it is more efficient, and increases production 10 fold. When Jamaicans embrace technology, then they will embrace gaming.
If we decide to embrace gaming, we would no longer have to have a middle man to order our favourite electronic devices. Warranties would be served in Jamaica and parts would be readily available. No more shipping of items to the United States for repair, no more long distance calls, no more calling around for 'wanna-be' repair persons telling you something you already know.
Done by Gameyaad.com
Shop #18 Hagley Park Plaza. Kingston 10. Tel: 8767546453 email:info@gameyaad.com
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