Something is rotten in the state of the UK's videogame industry and ironically it goes by the name of FairPlay. Last week the FairPlay Group announced plans to stage "Don't Buy A Videogame Week" all in the name of its "campaign for cheaper games". "Consumers are being conned and it's time they made a stand," is the battle cry and the industry has been left a little stunned. FairPlay is a group of developers and journalists who claim that that "there isn't a single reason why games couldn't be sold at £20 or even less" and the whole campaign is … Continue reading Fairplay, Smareplay→
After the commentary I wrote last time regarding the lies and deceits that both EB and Gamestop displayed on their web sites, I thought they would actually take my concerns to heart. Go figure that they don't, as once again they both lied to me regarding the release date of NHL 2003. Recently it was listed to be released on October 1st, and as usual I gave the stores an extra day because of their "that's when it's being shipped" crap. But when I went to the local EB on the following day (the 2nd), NHL 2003 was STILL not … Continue reading Pre-Order Blues→
Another September rolls by and it’s time for the ubiquitous Tokyo Game Show (TGS) round-ups. As always, just one month after another dull ECTS, everyone’s suddenly got exciting new title announcements that set the Internet all abuzz. News of DOA 4 as an Xbox exclusive was music to my ears and produced a flurry of excitement in my household. The release day cannot come a moment too soon. But the biggest news from TGS has to be NUDE – no not a bunch of ageing, saggy German naturists – a hot new title destined for Xbox. NUDE stands for Natural … Continue reading Tokyo Games Time!→
What was supposed to be a day in NHL heaven turned out to take an alternate course; all because of a store's website that LIED to me. The last week I checked out both the Gamestop and EBWorld websites, and they had the PC version of NHL 2003 scheduled for this last Tuesday (the 17th). I was looking forward for this day to arrive, but I had to also remember that unlike places like Suncoast who ALWAYS get their titles on the day they are scheduled, software stores have to wait another day for the release, claiming that the listed … Continue reading Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire…→
This year there was no need for spotty teenagers to try and sneak into ECTS, pretending to be the CEO of McGames Warehouse in Slough. Fortunately Sony and their unfailing loyalty to their customers decided to corral them all into a consumer show. Saves us having to deal with them back in the confines of the trade bit – the only drawback being, most of the publishers spent money on the consumer bit and put the minimum of effort into the trade side. Let's just say things were turned on their head a bit, as we all tried to sneak … Continue reading Games In My Coral→
Since the last time I wrote, I have been through a lot. I am finally back from PlayStation 2 hiatus (after a $100 repair bill for a new laser lens pickup and cleaning), and even went as far as obtaining one of the rare Network Adapters. Granted I only have 56K thanks to a certain cable company not providing internet services (*cough* Adelphia *cough*) and also because my phone line isn't DSL-ready yet. But at least I can get some online action going, which I will get to in a bit. I have also kept my word about getting rid … Continue reading Invade Greece!→
Well, after a bitterly disappointing non-event last year, the UK industry’s hopes were pinned on 2002 being the year ECTS came back with a vengeance. The organizers promised us a return to central London – this much they delivered as we all descended on Earls Court. They also promised us a bigger, better, all-singing, all-dancing trade show – if you interpret "all-singing" as a poor rendition of Kum bay then okay, but otherwise consider ECTS 2002 another lame duck. My only consolation was that the press office had fresh flowers on every table – it’s all in the detail you … Continue reading ECTS 2002→
Ok, we all are now aware that the official launch of XBox Live will be taking place on November 15th, and I am anxious to get the opportunity to enjoy online console gaming that I have not experienced since Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast. But we know where that sad story went, thanks to Whore and Blowhard. Since then I have been unable to do any online gaming. Even with my blazing fast Athlon XP2000 computer and a new library of hot titles (Warcraft 3 and Wolfenstein to name a few), I still am no match for any true … Continue reading Got The 56K Blues→
Last Saturday morning, I found myself at a loose end. "First things first, I guess I'd better drag myself out of bed," I thought and hauled on some clothes. Now, some girls (and boys) would have gone shopping, or called a friend to "do lunch." I could have gone to the pub for an afternoon drinking session with friends, but only one thing was on my mind – a day of quality gaming stretched before me. No distractions, no interruptions and no pressing engagements. It was just me, the PS2 and a couple of games that needed thorough investigation. There's … Continue reading Solitary Confinement That I Love→
As a sports fan, I hate this time of year. I mean, the summer is absolutely boring for anyone who likes sports. Even my watching baseball is starting to wane away. On my return trip from Wednesday night's 4-1 Pirate victory against the Colorado Rockies, I heard on the news that the possible strike date is not September 16th, as I originally thought. It is now slated for AUGUST 16th. What this means is that if this strike goes all the way up to, and possibly canceling, the World Series, then last night's game will be the last game I … Continue reading Sports Bore→
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