Showing posts with label Computing Gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computing Gaming. Show all posts

Best Final Fantasy XIV Level

Best Final Fantasy XIV Level The other day, a player mentioned to me that he thought the Level system in Final Fantasy XIV was silly. It didn't make any sense and it forced him to play odd hours and in strange patterns. I believe that was exactly the point - to force players out of their comfort zones so they will come to not only better understand different parts of the game, but have fun doing it.

For some players, the level system was a game breaker, but many of us have grown to love it as we explore more areas of the game, unlock fantastic bits of lore and choose from a variety of wonderfully done crafting professions. But, when you're just getting started in the game, both leveling and making Gil is extremely hard if you don't have a good grip on which levels are best.
How to Break Down Your Levels
First, you should make sure you get as many Battlecraft Levels as possible. Many players will opt to choose Mining or Botany as a harvesting discipline early, but in so doing they cut themselves off from potential leveling options. You'll make more Gil by leveling up faster, so always opt for battlecraft first.
The best alternative if you really want to gather ore or logs early is to find a good team of five players. While FFXIV is very limited in how many levels you can complete each day, you'll have the option to group up with your fellow players and tap into their level quota. So, if someone you know has 8 levels and you have 8 levels, both of you can complete all 16 if you're in a group.
Finally, do your local levels every time they're available. Crafting is a great way to make Gil, so you need to have as many of these on hand as possible so you can obtain new recipes at higher levels and tap into the massive potential of Gil.
Which Levels to Look For
In Final Fantasy 14, levels are best when they reward you with a ton of good stuff. That means a few things - first it means you need to have good equipment at all times. Some levels are hard to complete without good gear, even if you're the right Rank. So, get better gear before attempting a tough level. Second, look the levels up on a database like Zam.com or Yg.com. Both sites will provide detailed breakdowns of level rewards so you can choose the best options.

How Get Started in Online Poker

How Get Started in Online Poker Have you heard than poker is a lot of fun? Indeed poker has a perfect combination of a social friendly circle or club versus battling wits and adrenalin of winning. When getting started with poker some people rush out to deposit a considerable sum at a biggest online site they can find. They usually quickly lose their deposit, sour on the game and leave.
There is a better way and it is more fun. Instead I recommend starting at any quality free online poker sites. There are many out there to choose from.
Learn Poker Rules
While poker rules are simple, the game is fairly fast paced. Usually you have less than 30 sec to make a move. Thus it is critical to be able to quickly grasp at least what cards you have, how they combine with community cards and all different ways you can win. Do you want to learn all that when you have your real, hard earned dollars on the table? Perhaps you do. As for me - that would make me nervous and where is fun in that? Free multiplayer poker sites, where you play against other people online, are perfect for learning these basic poker rules. You will learn them with no pressure and no hit to your wallet.
Do Not Be a Patsy
There are reasons why many sites encourage you to make a cash deposit as soon as possible. The most important one is to bring new money into the game. Poker is a zero sum game. That is what someone won someone else must have lost. New inexperienced players are called "fish" or "patsy" in poker parlance. Good players purposely seek them out. Poker is a game of skill after all. The better you skills are the better and more consistent your payday is. You are certainly not a patsy. Since you are reading this article you are already ahead of 90% of poker newbies. You have mastered poker basics on safe play money poker sites for free. So when you are ready to play for real cash you enter the game with some confidence. You are not intimidated or confused by a strict dealer and quick pace at casino tables.
Learn What Not to Do
Some poker experts believe it is detrimental for your poker skills to train on free, that is play money, poker sites. They explain that when there is no real money on the line players modify their behavior. In other words players have no fear of losing their money and become maniacs raising every hand just to see what happens. I agree with that observation. Play money sites often feature reckless, hyper aggressive even maniacal players who never stop for an instant to think what they are doing. Well, they are easy to beat if you have a minimal discipline and not engage in the same over the top playing style. Poker has what is called a perfect strategy - strategy which guarantees to win the most over the long term regardless of what cards you are dealt. The closer your play to perfect strategy the bigger your edge becomes. Think of it this way - if you cannot beat a free poker game, why do you think you would prosper in cash game where players, on average, are much more competent? Make sense? This way of thinking goes further. When you can consistently beat a free poker game, it is a solid indication that you are ready to move up.
Observe and Adapt
There are at least three fundamental skills you must learn before you go on a roll in Las Vegas. Obviously learn the cards. That is understand how cards combine into winning combinations in Texas Holdem poker. How different combinations rank against each other. Most of the players you will encounter do know that. But those hours you spent online will pay off there. Since you played for free you could afford playing more hands. More practice made you faster and more comfortable running card combinations in your mind. The other two skills are being observant and adapting to current playing style. What is there to observe online you might ask? Even in online poker you can observe a lot. Watch how much time your opponents take to respond. Make mental notes how they respond to different situations. Discern patterns in their play. It sounds like a lot of work. That is because it is but so is walking. You do not consider walking hard because you learned it once and it became you nature through constant practice. It works the same with poker skills. Finally, adapting means adjusting your game to take maximum advantage of specific individuals seated at your specific table now. You cannot play mechanically applying "best practice" rules like raise with your good cards and fold your junk cards. I want you to do better than that. Here your sharp observation starts bearing fruit. You will notice that a raise from maniac means a lot less that a raise from a tight, cautious player. Betting out into four players after a raise on previous round says a lot more that an automatic bet on the flop. You have to adjust your play by loosening up and tightening down as opportunities come and go. There is one thing I learned well - playing poker is fun and playing is the important thing. But playing and winning is even more fun. Spend a little time preparing then you can enter on your own terms and be a dangerous opponent not a fish.
Where to Go Online
This is a brief section because the answer is easy. Find a site with Fixed Limit and No Limit poker which loads fast and its graphics are functional but sparse. I find that many gambling themed sites are heavy on flashy in-your-face graphics which confuse me and turn me off. You want to avoid those and seek out poker rooms where graphics are simple, functional and basically "get-out-of-the-way" for you to focus on poker. You have plenty of choices from feature-rich, downloadable software by large commercial online cardrooms with an excellent support for Windows and Mac. On the other end of spectrum is free no download poker software playable in a web browser. Such no download clients still offers full-featured Texas Holdem poker yet playable even on iPad or smartphone.
Where to Learn Poker Strategy
The pointers I gave in this article are only bare basics that get you started on the right foot in poker. However there is plenty more if you wish to improve your game. Depending on your personal way to learn and how you digest information you can go one of the two ways. Either spend a lot of time on poker forums interacting with fellow new players and learning via social group. It can be fun and pretty motivating but be prepared to spend some time. Another way is buying a book and really working through it. For the best value I recommend Small Stakes Hold 'em: Winning Big With Expert Play by Ed Miller and David Sklansky. The book is solid, methodical yet readable and covers all aspects of winning in poker.
Enough Talk - Go On and Play Some Poker
Now it is time to put everything into an actionable plan. Here is how I recommend you to proceed. Start out by playing poker for free online. After you have learned the rules buy a book. Read it once. Play more poker while staying observant. Think of the hands you played after the game is over. You will automatically return to the book. Reading it second time will not be boring at all because you get deeper meaning based on your own experience at the tables. After you are beating a free game online you can pay a visit to your local casino and play some Limit Texas Holdem. Starting out with No Limit is a sure way to lose your bankroll quickly. Continue on playing micro stakes online as well as low stakes in a casino. Inevitably there will be moments when you have lost control and made stupid mistakes. It is never wrong to go back to the previous level to rebuild confidence. Even poker pros do that often. Keep building you bankroll and saving for a trip to Vegas

Cataclysm Revamp For the Resto Shamans

Cataclysm Revamp For the Resto Shamans The newest expansion in the most popular online game World of Warcraft is known as the Cataclysm. With this new expansion also comes new skills, items and spells especially for the well loved shaman class. Just like all the other healing classes in WoW, shamans were also given 3 dispels to begin with. One advantage of Shamans is that they can dispel defensive and offensive spells as well as heal, but dispel can be given up for poisons and diseases. These and more are just some of the changes for this very versatile character class in the game.

It doesn't matter how many changes were done in the shaman class during cataclysm, this class still ranks on the top of the most played in World of Warcraft. Healing Rains is one of the new healing spell for Shaman. This spell can be used to heal a particular group over a period of time and is available when you reach level 83. The commonly used Healing Wave was also upgraded and become Greater Healing Wave, which is a more powerful direct heal compared to the previous versions. Resto Shamans will be more effective than Priests in different scenarios.
The offensive skills of shamans were also enhanced by the Unleashed Weapons that looks like the Judgement skill of Paladin's. There are 3 different kinds of weapons to choose from, first is the Flametoungue, this skill instantly hits the enemy with Fire damage and it increases the amount of damage that your next Fire Spell will cause by 20 percent. Next weapon is the Earthliving, this one is used for healing your target and increases by 20percent the next healing buff you'll cast. Last but not the least is the Windfurry, this one throws a clone of your weapon to the target. It makes 50percent of original damage of your weapon and provides you with more haste on your 5 succeeding swings.
The arsenal of Resto shamans were greatly improved by these additional healing buffs and it further adds to the toughness of this class. However, it's important to always remember that the effects of Healing Rains decreases with the number of benefactors. So it means that the healing effects will be lesser when there are more people that need to be healed in the group. Another great skill for shaman is the Spiritwalker's Grace, this skill will let you move or take hits but still be able to cast your buffs or spells.
Although some of these changes that took place in cataclysm are good, there are still some things that you need to know especially for most mana utilizing classes. One of these is to watch carefully your mana levels because it can go down much faster compared to when you're using Wrath of the Lich King WOTLK. These new skills aside from having powerful effects, they could cost more mana, so be sure that you carry loads of mana drinks if want to survive longer in PVP, PVE and Raids. Aside from this, there are also new shaman professions added during this expansion that can greatly speed up your gold farming needs.

Call of Duty: History of the War-Based Video Game


Any player who is a fan of FPS (First Person Shooter, or FPS games with first person view) can definitely be tried at least once a title associated with the most famous brands published by Activision Blizzard. This article will deepen the story that led to the prevailing Call of Duty, as a picture of the games of its kind.
Birth engineering brand and the game
Call of Duty, better known among fans by the abbreviation COD, founded in 2003 as a war game set during the Second World War. He saw the gameplay is divided into different campaigns: first the role of paratrooper soldier Martin who must take a series of quests that will provide substantial contribution to the defeat of the German army. So much for the single player mode: the first chapters of the brand, it also adds the ability to take multiple players, such as offering challenges deathmach (fighting to the death), search and destroy, materials recovery and defense office. Present from the beginning is a wide selection of maps, a game that offered by the custom.
Evolution at the height of success
Given the success of the first chapter, it was not long before Activision decided to publish a successor in 2005 from the Call of Duty 2, which brings some improvements and innovations such as the replacement of the line shows the residual energy of the player, for a system lesions that disrupt the gameplay (reduced visibility from the blood, slowed movements, reduced accuracy and so on).
The return of multiplayer, admired in the first chapter, it is still stronger than a server can accommodate up to 8 players and new maps, objects. Apart from the consensus of the fans, the game received positive reviews from several trade publications. The story continues until the COD level of success with the fourth chapter, Modern Warfare, and the following fifth chapter called World at War. With the success of the fourth, he created his successor, Modern Warfare 2, which continues gameplay and features, BlackOps reaching record the best-selling game of all time in 2010.
Spin-off and future plans
The positive reaction of the masses has led to the creation of many spin-off titles that do not associate closely with the events narrated in the official titles of the series, but still make full use of the established system of play. Also scheduled for November 2011, the third production of Modern Warfare, which will add to funds already released, bringing the number of Call of Duty products in a total of twelve titles.


What Makes Batman Games Famous?


If you know Superman then you should also know Batman. In the superhero world of DC Comics, Batman and Superman are best friends, although they have different opinions, different ways and different means to take a problem. Superman and Batman are never identical in many ways but it is one in a single goal - to save the world from all evil forces. Batman is one of the most beloved characters of all time. As evidence, there are more than hundreds of Batman toys are readily available on the Internet for avid fans. These games can help them go through times when there is no Batman movie or TV series in the works.
Batman is known by a number of names. It's the Caped Crusader, The Silent Guardian, and The Dark Knight. He lives in the city of Gotham, the same city that promises to protect and save all the bad elements. As a superhero, has no surface forces. Abilities come from pure natural human qualities, strong instincts, and high intellect. Only advantage is that it has a lot of help from the many technologically advanced devices from a secret laboratory of state-of-the-art. Batman is Bruce Wayne, an American billionaire, who has the charm to attract beautiful women. It is also a philanthropist and industrialist, a common feature with men of high stature.
From this context Batman ruled the comic book world. He appeared in Detective Comics Episode 27 and the rest, as they say, is history. From the pages of comics arrested more then through a series of cartoons. Then also featured in several movies blockbuster. Therefore, every character of this popular will eventually find its way to many different kinds, games, merchandise, and of course, game consoles.
The first of many Batman games released in 1986. The game was the title and became a computer family Nintendo. Soon, there were 25 more titles created with the last one being The Brave and the Bold - The video game. This one was based on a Batman animated series. There Batman games based on movies, like Batman Forever: The Game Arcade.
Batman games are available in almost all gaming machines of the oldest NES to the latest Nintendo Wii. These games are very well known that many avid fans and players have at least one of them. But the best part of it all is that Batman toys are easily available through the web, and are typically obtained free of charge.
Players will definitely want these games as each of them has all the elements needed to begin an exciting experience. Batman games are mostly arcade games, action and adventure games. You are sure to enjoy control of Batman and help him get through the game with flying colors. Batman games created with such taste and relevance to the question that fans will find the best past time. If you're a real fan of Batman and want to enjoy everything about this game, then you will have the opportunity to have a field day with the options you have online.

Resistance 3 - Review

Insomniac Games saved the best for last in my opinion. I am a big Resistance fan. I bought Fall of Man on launch day and put in hundreds upon hundreds of hours into that game. I platinumed Resistance 2 earning by earning all trophies. So when I say Resistance 3 is the best Resistance game I have played you better believe it or not. Maybe you want some solid reasons to back up my opinion. That is fair enough keep so reading to find out why I just adore this particular Resistance game.
During the actual install of Resistance 3 there is a cutscene that details the start of the Chimeran virus. Chimera are the alien race that took over earth in an alternate reality 1957. To make a long story short the Chimera has taken over the world and now are trying to open up a wormhole and terraform earth into a world where they have a habitat conducive to there environment on their homeworld. Basically they are going to cover earth in ice.

Joseph Capelli (Resistance 2) is the main protagonist ex sentinel who along with Dr. Malikov must find a way to destroy the wormhole tower and close the wormhole immediately. If there is one thing that makes this story so much entertaining than the past Resistance games is its level of emotion. Resistance 3 is all about being human and trying to survive. In this game I saw the best and worst of what being a human is all about. The story is clearly the best and there are some major spoilers and cliffhangers in there. CGI cutscenes and in game cutscenes with voiced dialog bring the story to life.
The graphics or should I say the visuals in Resistance 3 are an upgrade over the last game. How Insomniac produced such great snow, rain, and wind effects is beyond me. The atmosphere through the usage of convincing weather effects was very impressing. Textures are good but not in the same league as say Gears of War or Killzone games are. The artstyle was really pleasant with a realistic presentation with the Chimeras and humans. Overall the graphics are really good.
The sound design is classic Insomniac. All of the unique special sound effects that are present totally makes this feel like a Resistance game. The music and subtle sound effects from the Chimeras also created a nice atmosphere through in certain parts of the story campaign.
The gameplay is standard first person shooter. You shoot aliens that is the jist of it. However Resistance 3 added gameplay elements, some old some new to create the best gameplay experience out of any Resistance. Back to the series is the weapon wheel. The weapon wheel was in the first game but not in the second. New to the series is melee combat, You can swing hammers if you get tired of shooting aliens.
There is a good amount of replayability in Reistance 3. The campaign can be played in co-op and it lasts about seven hours. Resistance 3 also brings back it stellar multiplayer. I enjoyed Team Deathmatch and Deathmatch modes the most. There are plenty of reasons to keep playing Resistance 3 for a long time.
I neglected to mention that Resistance 3 does have a few bugs and glitches throughout its campaign and its multiplayer connections fail at times. I won't downplay those negatives as they are legitimate. But without a doubt with the negatives I can say that Resistance 3 has evolved the franchise into something better. The story, gameplay and atmosphere makes this handsdown the best Resistance game I ever played.

Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online is a fighting game made in South Korea. It is played as a 2D side-scrolling game much like the old action games released back in the 1990s. That is to say, you can only walk from left to right while you go around beating people up along the way. If anyone has played the likes of Double Dragon and Capcom's Final Fight series, you can expect the same type of simplistic style of gameplay here in Dungeon Fighter Online.
There are different characters for you to choose from and all of them are designed in the traditional Japanese-style anime appearance. There's one guy from the bunch who is a "Slayer". He wields a huge sword and has long white spiky hair. If anyone has played the Devil May Cry series his character design is heavily inspired by Dante. The next character is a "Fighter". The "Fighter" is a sexy brunette girl who uses her fists and legs for combat. She will remind gamers of Final Fantasy VII's Tifa due to their similar styles of combat. The last class you can choose is the "Female Gunner". "Female Gunner" is a young blonde girl who arms herself with two pistols. There are four other basics classes that you can choose from too with each of them having different skill sets. The further you play the game and level-up, the more skills and class upgrades you can unlock.

Once you have chosen a character, you're all good to go to beat up bad guys. Almost immediately you are thrust into the game and you have to fight your way onto the next area against a pack of goblins. There isn't any long boring tutorial that you will have to play through as the game's controls are fairly easy to master and any gamer will be hooked the moment they start playing Dungeon Fighter Online.
All you have to do is use the directional buttons to move, "C" to jump and "X" to attack. Other buttons on your keyboard corresponds to different attacks that you can execute. The combat system is deeper than I expected. The variety of attacks that are available in Dungeon Fighter Online keeps the gameplay refreshing without being too boring or repetitive. The one thing that stops most beat-em-up games being so popular is because of their hard difficulty and/or repetitive nature. Thankfully, Dungeon Fighter Online doesn't suffer from any of these inadequacies and I'm sure most players will have a fun time playing the game.
Combat is what makes Dungeon Fighter Online better than all of its main rivals in the beat-em-up genre. It plays like a fighting game as you have several different moves you can execute and you can even punch at enemies while they are still in the air. Not only that, but there are some RPG-type gameplay elements in this game too that is rarely seen in other games from this genre. You can visit towns to buy more health, weapons and other items that may help you on your journey.
Although the structure of the game itself it quite linear, the game's presentation is what makes it very fun to play. The music is dramatic without being too clichéd and the graphics are amazing. The 2D style of visuals suits this game perfectly and the enemies in the game are detailed and well illustrated. The background design is also very colorful. Most recent games have been set in dark depressing areas so it's good to see this game breaking from this current trend and keeping thing bright.
Apart from the main single player mode, you can also meet other players in the game's "Arena" mode. It is here where you can both meet and fight other players from around the world that is currently playing the game. According to Wikipedia, 300 million registered users have played Dungeon Fighter Online. With numbers this big, you will always know that there is at least someone out there that you can challenge to a fight.
The one thing that might deter most gamers is its limited availability. The English version of Dungeon Fighter Online is only available to download for gamers living in U.S.A and Canada. If you don't live in either of those countries, you won't be able to play and download the full game. Thankfully, there's a demo version that is available for everyone to play. Let's hope they make the game available for everyone in the near future.
Dungeon Fighter Online is without a doubt, a high-quality video game. It's even better than games I've played that you even have to pay full retail price for. The 2D graphics are great and the gameplay is even better. If you live in North America, do yourself a favor and download Dungeon Fighter Online now. It's sure to provide you with hours of free entertainment.
If you're want to play fighting RPG games then this is a perfect place for you.

Pokemon 3DS

The latest addition to the Pokémon line up of products will be due to hit the shelves in the US on October 24th with a later release to the UK market on December 2nd.
Fans will be sure to enjoy this all-out, action adventure game which is one of the first to be added the Nintendo line up of 3D gaming by the Pokémon brand. Giving fans the ability to enjoy next generation gaming in 3D on a hand-held device without the need to be purchasing any more accessories such as 3D gaming glasses which some devices need for 3D game play.

With the new Nintendo 3DS using the latest in technology Pokémon fans will be able to connect to the Internet for online gaming through the local wireless connectivity built into the new hand-held game station.
The Pokémon 3DS game - Pokémon Rumble Blast 3DS, fans will be able to enjoy game play with over 600 toy Pokémon players to choose from. Competing either in multi player mode. Also having the option of how they want to be perceived. Such as playing the hero by jumping in while in multi player battle mode and assisting players who are already or nearly defeated.
The action packed game is set to be a brawl while playing in "Team Battle" mode or in the most anticipated "Last Man Standing" part included in the game, where all players compete in an all out brawl to defeat every opponent to become the ultimate "Pokémon Giant Lord".
The game was first released in Japan where Pokémon fans are already taking advantage of the latest line up of 3D gaming from Nintendo. It's sure to be a hit when it reaches the US market on October 24th with pre-orders already being taken by game stores.
One of the great things that the Nintendo 3DS is able to bring to the 3D gaming market is the portability. Giving folks the chance to take advantage of the latest game technology while on the move. Perfect for folks traveling a lot and needing in-car entertainment. The Pokémon 3DS game release is sure to offer the entertainment for younger ones. Although there is an age restriction of 10+ years. So not every Pokémon fan will be able to enjoy the full game.
One thing is for certain though. Pokémon fans that do get the chance to try the Pokémon 3DS game out will surely enjoy the variety of characters to choose from as well as the ability for online game play. Not to mention the varying difficulty levels that are sure to have folks eager to advance through the stages of the game

Alan Wake: The Writer - Review

Alan Wake: "The Writer" is the second installment downloadable episode for the Xbox 360 exclusive Alan Wake. Remedy (makers of Max Payne) are the developers. Alan Wake is a psychological adventure game based on a writer who has a pension for writing Stephen King esque novels.
In The Writer's story, you start out trapped in Alan's nightmarish dream of turmoil, confusion and fear. So think about crawling your way out of your own subconsciousness between being awake and asleep, then you have a story and layout of The Writer. Personally, I think Remedy has done a good job on the story for Alan Wake and The Writer is no exception.

Alan Wake's dark world is full of psychological strangeness, mind altering visuals which is at its core its charm. The weird nightmarish dream level where you had to use your flashlight to activate words and create platforms was fun. Alan Wake's world isn't for everybody to enjoy, but for me, I enjoyed it.
The Writer doesn't do anything to set itself apart from Alan Wake's main story. It really doesn't need to, Alan Wake is one of the best looking Xbox 360 games I have played this year (despite not being native HD).
The sound design in The Writer evokes a creepy atmosphere when listening to the trees making noise from the wind. Zanes voice over actor did a good job voicing the dialog as well. Remedy are a top notch developer so why should Alan wake: the Writer DLC be any different? Overall, good sound.
The game play in my opinion is great. Well you ask how can running around with a flashlight and a gun while throwing flares be great game play? Believe me Remedy put allot of work into making it fun and it is. Although The Writer didn't open up any new or genius ways to use the flash light and guns this time, its still good game play none the less. Some platforming sequences in The Writer didn't need to be in there. The jumping and walking are too weird for real platforming. At times I died jumping to platforms just because of the characters limited abilities (like being able to grab etc).
Its a single player game with no multiplayer whatsoever. The DLC is short, doesn't even last three good hours. If you want to go back and collect things for achievements be my guess. But not much replayability all said and done.
Alan Wake: The Writer doesn't do much to set itself apart from The Signal DLC but it does give a satisfying ending and more Alan Wake to play albeit briefly. If your an Alan Wake fan, pick this up. If you didn't really like the main adventure, you better pass. My review rating is based on downloadable content not a full retail game!!
8/10

Soccer Bashi - Review

Published by: Icon Games, Developed By: Icon Games, Genre: Puzzle Action, Release Date: February 14, 2011, Rating: E for Everyone, Systems: PC, iphone, Wii, Playstation 3 Minis/PSP.
Soccer Bashi is an old school style action puzzle game. When I was a kid I used to play Arkanoid in the arcades. If you never played or heard of Arkanoid its a brick breaker style game where you have to break bricks to make it to a more difficult "next" level. Soccer Bashi's gameplay is quite similar in overall structure but has its own presentation and atmosphere associated with it. I played this particular Playstation 3 Minis title obviously with the Duel Shock Controller. To be frank the Duel Shock 3 and Soccer Bashi do not mix. As far as the overall game goes it plays good and there were no bugs or glitches during my playthrough.
There is no story really. If there is a story it takes place in the future. The most popular sport in "this" future has to do with smashing blocks and to smash a ball through the goal. Like I said no story.
The graphics looks average for a Playstation Minis game. The presentation is that of many colors and mostly Soccer paraphernalia. There is nothing that stands out regarding lighting, effects etc. Some of the upper levels did feature more interesting level design and neat looking robot enemies. The backgrounds sometimes feature interesting designs but as far as textures lighting and art are concerned very average for a handheld game.
The sound design in Soccer Bashi is that of cheap sci-fi movie music hardly worth writing about. Its easy to write bad about a PSP game that has been ported over to the Playstation 3. Sound included.
What Soccer Bashi lacks in visuals and sound design makes up with it through its gameplay and large amount of content. There is a regular Play option and Tournament option (both fun). But the beef of Soccer Bashi's content lies in its Level Editor. Its true this game has about different levels for single player and tournament gameodes but also a level creator. I spent some time with the game's level editor and its pretty neat. You can place blocks anywhere and decide which types of blocks to place. You can place robots that shoot laser beams at you if you want. You can test and play your level for practice. You can even set up different background themes instead of the soccer background theme that you see most of the time.
The gameplay is all about smashing blocks or scoring a goal againt a mechanical goal keeper to make it to the next level. Each progressing level is slightly more difficult. Certain blocks drop power up items that range from all types of abilities. Some blocks drops items that makes the goal keeper disapear while others make your platform protagonist shoot fireballs at the blocks. Some items slows down the ball that you use to score a goal or destroy blocks. There are enough items that changes gameply which can make it easier or more difficult. Soccer Bashi is an old school type game and its gameplay says it as well. Its fun but kinda wore itself out years ago.
Replayability is this game's strength. You have 90 playable levels that can keep you playing for hours. You have an level editor thats surprisngly pretty deep. You can put many hours into Soccer Bashi.
Soccer Bashi is an old school style block smasher game with a nice amount of content. The problem is that its gameplay is way past its prime.
6/10

Setting Up Your Very Own Game System: 5 Important Things You Must Have


It's the same when you want to enjoy the newest block-buster at home, you need a decent sound system and a considerable wide-screen. We call them the basic things. It goes the same way with gaming and other entertaining activities.
In gaming, there are basically 5 essential tools that can make or break the deal. What are they?
They are a good computer screen, a sensitive mouse, a gaming keyboard, a decent graphic card, and a sound system. We will go into details now.
Essential thing #1: The computer screen
This is perhaps the first impression for gamers when it comes to playing their games.
Of course it's not necessary to purchase a huge wide-screen like watching movies requires. In fact, it will go against you if you do so. All you need is a good screen that will help relaxing your eyes.
Because we all know that players will spend hours after hours in front of the screen. If it annoys you more than help you, it's tough to enjoy the time!
Essential thing #2: The gaming mouse
Fact is, your mouse is like your main weapon when it comes to virtual battlefields.
This can't be truer when your favorite games are FPS like Counter Strike or Call of Duty. I remember how tough and ridiculous it was when I tried to finish the hardest level in CoD with a normal mouse. I couldn't beat those snipers until I plugged in my Razer Death Adder.
No pushing here, you can pick up your favorite brand. But remember that gaming mouses are not designed equally. Some are for FPS games, others might be designed for strategy games. So make the decision wisely.
Essential thing #3: The keyboard
There are some minor discussions among my friends (my game partners). They want to know if the keyboard is that important to the quality of the game match.
To me, it's not that crucial. At least in comparison with the mouse. But if you are aiming for something like a combo of gaming gears you can make extra moves. Not only you can save some money when you buy combo but it will also provide extra effectiveness for your response.
Who knows, just a mistype or misclick can be a win or lose matter!
Essential thing #4: The graphic card
But don't pay attention to just the graphical hardware alone. What you want is good computer hardware like a decent processor, a monster hard disk driver, a good cooling system, and the graphic card. They form the heart of the system. Without it, you simply can't play today's games. Because their requirements are incredibly high!
So if you're serious about entertainment with computer games, it's time to take a look at the hardware.
Essential thing #5: The sound system
Have you ever watched a block buster with the sound muted? So boring and looks stupid right? It's the same truth when it comes to playing games.
I know that you can play some games without hearing the sound but a lot of them have sound as part of the gameplay. The clear example are shooting games. How boring it could be when playing CoD without hearing the guns roaring?
I'm by no mean expert in the gaming industry but what I shared with you are my own experiences. And if you care about the sound system like me, I have a suggestion. Why don't you take a look at the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 speaker system?
I write an informative review about the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 that I know you will like it. Read it for more information before you make the final move. It won't let you down