Finding a Gaming Server for your community or clan has always been a tedious affair but thankfully no longer.

Introducing GameServed.net

Game Served is a directory of Game Servers, voice servers and clan management.  Features include a constantly updated database of Game Server, Voice Server and Clan gaming providers, all searchable via locality, hosting type and game specific support.

With providers like these, community input is extremely important so Game Served includes a new Game Server Provider ratings system in which users can vote and comment on their experiences.   In order to stop false ratings, Game Served is also moderated in order to generate a fair representation of customer support and because of this, is more reflective of game server performance than other automated directories.

Coming soon will also be a chance to win a Game Server for two months from any provider you choose.

As an Owner of a Gaming Specced PC, A RROD 360 I fixed off Ebay, A PS3 Slim, A Wii and a DS Lite the thing that sticks out the most noticeably for me in the gaming realm is Steam and Valve's philosophy in general, and not just because of the Digital Delivery concept. A few points to make:

Steam is becoming platform indifferent.

We currently have Mac and PC clients and there is talk about an upcoming Linux client – there is your PC console in a small box. I have my lower specced Windows based HTPC running Steam and it works nicely as a TV gaming machine.

Valve has created games where piracy of said game is pointless – TF2 anyone?

Constant updates, community derived input and additions have created possibly the most successful single evolving game. TF2 as it stands is nothing like it was on release and pirating it is pointless.

Steam embraces the indie and modding community.

Probably the biggest reason why PC gaming will and never should die. Highlighting gaming brilliance and bridging the gap between the gamer and developer. Counterstrike Source was a mod after all and in the console realm this would never be possible.

Steam games are also cheaper than any console. (Bar Activision localisation)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijBSX9a-0Pw

Hang on a minute, didn't Sony just remove the ability to install Linux onto its console due to the potential open hackability presented by an individual named Geohot?

Regardless of recent events, the clues into this current gaming evolution, have been manifesting themselves for quite some time.  A few thoughts on the topic:

I can see some sort of PSN and Steam crossover deal happening. Sony and relative parties on Steam via the PC and Steam and relative parties via PSN. The PC still owns the MMORPG market which is simply THE most profitable gaming genre on the planet at this time - Sony obviously understands this. Gabe has shown his love for the MMORPG numerous times so it pretty much makes perfect sense for the grand master of Valve also.

The Mac entry just strikes me as bizarre as most Mac users are definitely not gamers and appears to be more a one finger salute directed towards Microsoft, well lets face it, they give their biggest platform not much gaming love due to their 360 interests. Windows Live is a mere stop gap in the scheme of gaming and not very good.

As Gabe recently said, the Mac as a so called open platform for gaming - This just strikes me as a generic and pointless marketing exercise due to the completely un-open nature of Apple hardware and the profit fueled philosophy behind it. Why would you pay double for hardware which is older and less powerful and completely restrictive than the alternative?

Gabe also points out the stability of the Apple Mac in recent Steam collected Data - Maybe because Mac users are playing the 8 revision of the games available.

What also irks me is the target crowd Valve now seems to be directing their attention at.  The new TF2 startup screen reeks of pure consolification and Mac centric elements.  The dumbed down nature Valve Software is playing with in this regard is completely lost of fans such as myself,  I don't need cues on how to game with a simple FPS!  Considering your existing market has absolutely no use for this - At all.

Unfortunately I doubt this sort of simplification process will ever let up with todays game developers,  Valves emphasis on the excellent though also casual friendly Portal franchise, is evidence of this change, at a time when 90% of their fans were crying for the long awaited next chapter in the Half Life franchise.

After playing the Western RPG masterpiece, Dragon Age, Final Fantasy XIII is an absolute bore fest in comparison.  I just purchased the Collectors Edition of FFXIII on the PS3 and have never been more dissatisfied with a game than this.

Linear progression, bash on X during a fight scene, watch next movie and so on.  I am a big fan of past Final Fantasy games and this game is the easiest of the lot.  The story is similar to Final Fantasy 6 without any epicness about it and its very badly voice acted.  I also want to cut Snows tuft of hair - It is god damn annoying.  To be honest I wouldn't even classify FFXIII as a RPG as it plays more like an interactive movie.

There is not even an illusion of exploration. An open ended storyline based on your actions is what an RPG is all about and this game fails at being an RPG completely, anyway first impressions:

• CGI cutscenes are excellent.
• Ingame suffers from framerate issues every now and then.
• Voice acting is absolutely shocking, they should have waited or spent more time on this aspect, Not liking any of the characters (a first in a FF game)
• Combat is the easiest of all Final Fantasy's – Where are the reflect spells and magic combination's.
• Exp advancement is similar to FFX though a really dumbed down version of it.

Hopefully it gets better though I am not sure I am prepared to wait 20 hours for some decent gameplay to be had. I think the death of the JRPG isn't as exaggerated as first thought, especially compared to Western RPG's and anything Bioware now produce.

Here is some gameplay I recorded:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3MuEJDHb7E

This is what you can expect for the first few hours,  and yes I'll update my impressions on the game upon completion.

Update:

I have finally finished the game after a bit of a break using Light, Sazh and Vanille pretty much exclusively, got the 5 star trophy thing for killing Orphan in 2 minutes too, not too shabby.
PSN: http://us.playstation.com/publictrophy/index.htm?onlinename=AzzX
I am not sure if I may play a bit longer to explore a bit more just wasn't impressed overall with the main feel of the game, I just found it way too simplistic.

Every Fight I would enter with Rav/Syn/Sab Buff and weaken the enemy then let fly with Rav/Rav/Rav , Stagger then Finish with Com/Com/Rav. This worked for every enemy in the game, including Orphan it seemed pointless trying anyone else.

Never bought anything at a shop and only upgraded weapons right before the last fight. Probably missing some trophies for doing so, but Oh well.
I still stand by my original score of 4/10 after finishing the game.

]]> http://www.azzx.org/gaming/final-fantasy-xiii-disappointment/feed/ 3 http://www.azzx.org/gaming/final-fantasy-xiii-collectors-edition-australian-preorder/ http://www.azzx.org/gaming/final-fantasy-xiii-collectors-edition-australian-preorder/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:51:37 +0000 AzzX http://www.azzx.org/?p=628

Final Fantasy XIII is going to be released on the 9th of March in Australia and if you can wait a few days, Fishpond have the Collectors Edition for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 editions for just $119.00.  My favorite Final Fantasy games in the franchise were  FF6 and FF5 on the Super Nintendo followed by FF8 on the PSX and FFX on the PS2.  I really hope this one holds up my expectations of JRPG brilliance, time will tell....

Final Fantasy Limited Collector’s Edition Preorder:

Features a Branded presentation box containing the FINAL FANTASY XIII game, plus:

• FINAL FANTASY XIII Original Sound Selection: Soundtrack CD including a selection of music tracks from the game that are especially chosen for this Limited Collector’s Edition by composer Masashi Hamauzu. The CD is presented inside a slipcase featuring artwork from FINAL FANTASY XIII, and also liner notes that are written by the composer.

• The World of FINAL FANTASY XIII: Hardback book featuring character artwork, CG rendered artwork and environments from across the game production.

• Exclusive Art Prints: Three highly collectable art prints showing artwork of the Eidolons, powerful summoned allies of the lead playable characters in FINAL FANTASY XIII

• Unique ‘Brand of the l’Cie’ decal: Collectible decal featuring this most iconic symbol from the game storyline

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJPbozRomX4

Gamelane Australia has an awesome price on the standard edition at $79.99

I recently just bought 2 RROD Xbox 360's off Ebay after doing a bit of research on common Xbox 360 RROD problems.  I must admit, I quite enjoy getting my hands dirty with this sort of thing and being a long time PC builder, this exercise was quite easy.

Upon initial inspection of the console, the previous owner had attempted an xclamp fix and had got thermal paste absolutely everywhere.  It took a while to clean all this off and re-apply some Artic Silver.

After turning the console for the first time I got the error code 0031 which appears to be a Southbridge Issue. Undeterred by this, I tried  pushing down on the Southbridge chip and then powering up again - which unbelievably actually worked, green lights to be had all round!  I applied some pressure on the chip with a clamp and then gave the Hot air gun a spin for a while.  Now the Xbox 360 boots without issue and works for long periods without a single fail.

Sometimes you get lucky, some fixes take no time at all.

The last thing I need to do is fix the fan as it sounds like an Aircraft carrier at full throttle:

Xbox 360 fixed RROD loud fans

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot4OCRDh77g

If you are going to try and do this yourself, be aware that there are quite a few bricked 360's for sale which are usually due to a failed attempted at patching a 360's DVD firmware.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Hong Kong Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Singapore Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

XBOX 360 RED RING OF DEATH KIT FIX 3 RROD REPAIR KIT

AU $4.95

2d 6h 55m

Microsoft Xbox 360 White Video Game Console RROD

0 Bid

AU $15.00

4d 5h 42m

XBOX 360 RROD FIX RED RING OF DEATH REPAIR KIT

AU $8.95

1d 17h 34m

Microsoft xbox360 RROD

2 Bids

AU $10.50

2d 3h 23m

Xbox 360 RROD RED RING OF DEATH 5X BULK LOT

AU $22.50

9h 16m

Xbox360 RROD Repair Kit Opening Tool Torx Thermal Paste

AU $11.99

1d 22h 56m

XBOX 360 RROD FIX RED RING OF DEATH REPAIR KIT X CLAMP

AU $12.95

6d 5h 58m

Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade rrod

1 Bid

AU $20.00

8h 46m

List of Xbox 360 RROD error codes and how to determine what error you have can be found HERE>

The PC game Omikron: The Nomad Soul is one of my all time favoritism games, not only did it feature David Bowie and a whole soundtrack of unique Bowie songs, it still ranks as one of the best multi genre games available.  Blending Adventure, fighting, RPG, FPS elements, the game had a unique body swapping ability it just reeked awesomeness.

When I heard years ago Quantic Dream were making another game I immediately took notice.  Unfortunately they have dropped the PC version (my fav platform) and made it a PS3 exclusive making it one of the most anticipated PS3 games waiting for release.

The tag line for the game goes: How Far Will You Go To Save Someone You Love? and promises to play like the ultimate movie - where you are part of the action.

Heavy Rain Australian Release 25th February 2010

Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns, where choices and actions can result in dramatic consequences. Spanning four days of mystery and suspense, the hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer - named after his macabre calling card of leaving behind folded paper shapes at crime scenes. Four characters, each following their own leads and with their own motives, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.

Key Features

• An evolving thriller in which you shape the story
• Mature content, reflecting a realistic world setting that explores powerful themes
• Stunning graphics, animation and technology support an emotionally driven experience
• Accessible gameplay via intuitive, contextual controls and interface

Cheapest preorder links for Heavy Rain:

Fishpond $89.99 with Free Delivery

Time to get our submissions in for a potential R18+ ratings system on a media format now more popular than Movies.  Submissions to the Aussie Government are invited by close of business 28 February 2010. Submissions received after the due date may not be considered.

In Order to make a submission, you need to answer this question:

Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?

Submit and download all the relevant documents here.

The submission template contains multiple choice questions as well as a 250 word comment section, not really enough words allowed to thoroughly discuss the issue yet it is better than nothing.

The Commonwealth Government has released a discussion paper which briefly summarises the key arguments for and against an R 18+ classification for computer games.  Censorship Ministers have considered the issue of an adult classification for computer games on several occasions.  However, they have not undertaken public consultation on this issue.

Submissions are being sought on whether the Australian National Classification Scheme should include an R 18+ classification category for computer games.  Submissions can be made by downloading and completing the submission template.  Submissions may also be mailed or faxed.  The discussion paper and submission template contain the contact details for making a submission.

I recently wrote this for Ozsource Australia:

What a torrid few days it has been for the ABC with a massive community backlash in regards to the original silent axing of Good Game TV favorite, The Junglist.  The mainstream Media has also caught wind of the events unfoldng at the ABC with The Age announcing "Good Game presenter claims ABC gender bias after axing"

In the recent forum thread: Statement from the team.... including Junglist the community and Junglist himself has responded to this apparent comment and untruth from the whole Good Game team:

The decision to take Junglist off air was not forced upon us by ABC Management and it's one that is fully supported by all the GG team. We are gutted that it has come to this but in our opinion it absolutely had to happen.

It's strange for us to read that so many of you think this is because we have suffered a raging case of political correctness gone mad or a wish to dumb the show down. That’s absolutely not right. We, as ever, will continue our quest to bring you the show for gamers by gamers but this has to be our last word on this – we have shows to make!

Finally, we genuinely wish Junglist all the best, and we hope he finds a medium for his awesome analysis and presenting skills that works for him.

Team Good Game Out
(Syd, Bajo, Moe, Tuk, Gog, Mafia, Jeremy Pencil, Palindrome)

A response to this from Junglist:

I can tell you that this is a lie. There was no vote taken, no consensus reached. In fact, the GG team was completely unaware of the change until the same day I found out. The same confidentiality clause that prevented me from saying anything publicly, prevented management from telling them anything.

I have spoken to members of the GG team who clearly DON'T support this, but can't say anything publicly. Of course they'll tow the party line. They have to.

Up until now the situation has just been poorly handled. But to now LIE to your own audience, in an effort to save face for replacing an experienced reviewer/presenter with an inexperienced one, is quite simply the lowest thing I've ever seen ABC management do.

I feel now as if I'm being professionally attacked, so here's a truth bomb. In the meeting where I was told I would be replaced, the reason given was they wanted a girl on the show. "Mass appeal" was a direct quote from that meeting. After a half-hour of explaining how they'll lose their hardcore following, they responded that yes, they knew this, but expected to make up the numbers with a new following. "A show can grow beyond its hardcore base", is another direct quote.

The decision was forced by ABC management, for a mass appeal direction, and will naturally be dumbed down for the loss of experience....

Trawling through the thread it becomes clear what some of the issues the Good Game management had with Junglist.  They did not see eye to eye for his desire to review more in-depth if required, unlike the default 1 hour play-test.  Imagine a review for Dragon Age Origins coming from Good Game after an hours worth of play time.So what if it takes a bit longer - more time makes for a better review, especially considering Good Game only does 3 a week and throws out a heap of submissions from Bajo and Junlist every week.

ABC management also appear to have a misguided mission to target the stereotypical Wii type casual gaming public and younger gamer with a dumbing down in order to achieve mass appeal.  Thinking the core gaming audience would not notice this was enough motivation to remove the only core gamer from the show.  His replacement in Hex, also reeks of blatant sexifying to encourage viewer numbers.  I do not have anything against her in general as she has the right personality and ability to become a TV star with great potential for the future, she just walked into a Dog House.

My own personal thoughts and closing sentiments on this debacle which I also sent to the ABC:

I would like to highlight my disgust at the apparent disgraceful act of commercialisation and sexism with the sacking of Junglist from Good Game.  This is not what the ABC is about. The poor performance of your staff on the Good Game forums is also unprofessional and now has brought about potential damning discrimination issues with the ABC in general.
Good Game was fantastic the way it was but now you have killed it and the Real gaming community.

Thanks a lot.

Save Junglist Website.

Save Junglist Facebook Group.

Petition.

ABC Contact Form.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka7wveV7Wsw

From OzSource Australia.

Bioware are certainly on a massive roll, continuing to create some of the finest single player Western RPG's ever created.  With a incredibly impressive library including Mass Effect, Star Wars KTOR, Neverwinter Knights, Balders Gate and Jade Empire, you know what sort of quality to expect from every Bioware release.  Dragon Age looks to be another huge multiplatform extravaganza.

Dragon Age: Origins is built apon a new game engine named Eclipse and like all modern game engines a toolset for creation of fan-made content will be included.

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is a dark heroic fantasy set in a unique world. As the spiritual successor of BioWare's popular Baldur's Gate series of games, it uses a pause-and-play tactical combat system. Play in over-the-shoulder mode, or the more tactical top-down view. Dragon Age: Origins features a stunning amount of cinematic dialog.  Players will be able to acquire unique party members. These party members will have their own motivations for accompanying the player.

Check out the Official Dragon Age: Orgins site.

The cheapest place to pre-order Dragon Age origins Collectors again appears to be Fishpond and according to Whirlpool the coupon code READER gets you $10 Off making it just $70 Australian.

CD WOW Australia also have the PC version for just $49.35 with free Delivery also.