Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Why was Crash Bandicoot Warped?
There have been a few games/characters that captured my imagination throughout my gaming years, but none as much as that Eastern Barred Bandicoot named Crash. He is a marsupial, which means that the females of his species have a pouch for carrying young. Crash of course is a male and is from Tasmania, a small island south of Australia. I am not sure if he is any relation to the Tasmania Devil from a time long ago, but that would be digressing. From the time that Play Station introduced Crash to their system I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 games that were produced/developed by “NAUGHTY DOG”, especially the 3rd game “Warped” which has 30 levels of fun, danger, and thrills. It has been said that some of the best parts of the Crash series is the way that Crash looses his life throughout the levels. It is, to say the least comical, from his being “blown up” to where pieces of him come cascading down out of the sky, to being eaten by a shark, who then spits out his bathing suit, sometimes to the point of having him eaten just to watch the antics. I don’t know if anyone has the reason as to why Naughty Dog stopped doing Crash, as the subsequent series of Crash games that followed have not had the same level of excitement as the first 3. If anyone can tell me, please contact me. I never really tried the “Team Racing” game as those types just don’t really hold my interest.
Warped was enjoyable to me as each level, for the most part, had to be played 3 separate times in order to obtain all that was available to the gamer (that being the crystal, for completing the level, the diamond for getting/smashing all the boxes on that level, and finally the time trial, where you could obtain up to 3 different relics.) Certain levels can be completed for both the crystal and diamond through a single pass. On the time trials, level one time awards you a Sapphire, level two a Gold relic. In addition, there are Platinum relics and developer times set by the Naughty Dog and SCEA testers. If a gamer is game enough, you can defeat the entire game of 30 levels and receive 105% complete, which will reward you with a fireworks display at the end. Obtaining the 105% requires the gamer to achieve at least a gold relic time trial, in addition to getting the diamond gem and the 5 colored gems on each of the 30 levels.
As Crash traverses each level, you will find that there are different themes to them, such as the “Middle Ages” (Toad Village and Double Header), “18th Century Pacific Ocean” (Makin' Waves and Tell No Tales) and Ancient Egypt (Tomb Raider, Bug Light and Sphinxinator) to name a few. You will also find that on certain levels (Orient Express, Midnight Ride, Makin’ Waves, and Tell No Tales) Crash must sit them out and his sister “Coco” is required to complete the level. As I previously stated, each level has a crystal. Upon collecting the crystals of one set of levels, Crash must defeat a boss to proceed to the next set. Upon defeating the “boss” of each level, Crash is rewarded with a “special power” such as Super Belly Flop, Super Tornado, Spin, Fruit Bazooka, and Speed Shoes, the later is of most importance, as it will allow you to obtain the fastest time trials on the “running levels” to enable you to win the Gold or Platinum relics. I found that in order to obtain the maximum time on the “riding the tiger” levels (Orient Express and Midnight Ride) skirting the edge of the walls when ever possible shaved 2-3 tenths of a second. While being able to ride a “wheelie” on the bike levels such as Area 51?, Hog Wild, and Road Crash to name a couple would allow you to obtain the Platinum relic.
There are also certain levels (three of them) that are not open to you until you have obtained all 25 crystals and defeated Cortex the first time through, which rewards you with the “running shoes” that allows you to obtain the fastest running times through the levels. After beating the “three secret levels” and then the 2 “hidden levels” and receiving a minimum of a gold relic on each of the 30 levels, you must return to the “Time Twister” and defeat Cortex one final time in order to receive the 105% and watch the fire works.
Crash Bandicoot: Warped is considered by many to be the best platform game in the Crash series and also one of the best PlayStation games. This is attributed to the fact that the game is excellent all around, in terms of graphics, sound, game play, replay value, and overall playability. In addition, it is also considered to be the most humorous in the series, most of which is due in part to Crash's death animations. The game placed #26 on Game Informers list of the top 100 games of all-time. I rank it number one on the regular Play Station platform and number 2 behind Super Mario Bros 3 of the original platforms.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Sonic Versus Mario
Even though Mario is ten years older, a very good case can be made for Sonic, when it comes to the title of "Most Popular Video Game Character" of ALL TIME!! Let look at the "Tale of the Tape":
Sonic from Sega, is a blue anthropomorphic (changes shape) hedgehog with the ability to run faster than the speed of sound; his talent for speed forms a large part of the game play of the series. He is 15 years old. Sonic has been described as being "like the wind." He is noted for being heroic, adventurous, and free-spirited. He enjoys relaxation, but is never one to rest in the face of injustice. He is extremely benevolent, and would willingly put himself at risk for others, taking on any challenge that confronts him without hesitation. Throughout his 15 years of existence, Sonic has never been linked to any job he is always collecting jewelry, so access to funds is not a problem for him.
Mario from Nintendo, now at the ripe old age of 25, is more of a "George Foreman" type, Mario is always portrayed as being a kind-hearted and brave hero. He helps those in need without any hesitation. Despite his status as a great hero, Mario is very humble. His cheerful personality and love of life make him a very approachable video game character. He also has a love of pasta and pizza, as the stereotypical Italian does. Mario is suppose to be a plumber by trade, but in all his years I don't recall him ever working on any "plumbing" jobs, but always in the "rescue business" saving princess' or Mushroom kingdoms from Large "Dino" type animals.
Based on these descriptions, they appear to have more in common than one might originally have thought.
Sonic's speed would be his biggest asset in a match up with Mario while Mario counters with his tremendous jumping ability and Mario also carries a BIG HAMMER. Maybe this should be a "Steel Cage" match? LOL
Mario counters with his experience and his "jumping ability" which would be the deciding factor I believe in this battle, as he would continue to stomp on Sonic's head. Now on to the "Game breakdown":
MARIO
1. Donkey Kong
2. Mario Bros
3. Super Mario Bros
4. Super Mario Bros 2
5. Super Mario Land
6. Super Mario Bros 3
7. Super Mario World
8. Super Mario Land 2
9. Super Mario Land 3
10. Super Mario Bros DX
SONIC
1. Sonic the Hedgehog
2. Sonic 2
3. Sonic 3
4. Sonic & Knuckles
5. Sonic CD
6. Sonic 3D Blast
7. Sonic Adventure
8. Sonic Adventure 2
9. Sonic Hero's
10. Sonic Spinball
After reviewing the above "tale of the tape", it is my conclusion that the winner of a contest between these two behemoths would be Mario by a Knock Out. I believe that his perseverance and stamina would wear down Sonic and render Sonic's one advantage (his speed) worthless.
Sonic from Sega, is a blue anthropomorphic (changes shape) hedgehog with the ability to run faster than the speed of sound; his talent for speed forms a large part of the game play of the series. He is 15 years old. Sonic has been described as being "like the wind." He is noted for being heroic, adventurous, and free-spirited. He enjoys relaxation, but is never one to rest in the face of injustice. He is extremely benevolent, and would willingly put himself at risk for others, taking on any challenge that confronts him without hesitation. Throughout his 15 years of existence, Sonic has never been linked to any job he is always collecting jewelry, so access to funds is not a problem for him.
Mario from Nintendo, now at the ripe old age of 25, is more of a "George Foreman" type, Mario is always portrayed as being a kind-hearted and brave hero. He helps those in need without any hesitation. Despite his status as a great hero, Mario is very humble. His cheerful personality and love of life make him a very approachable video game character. He also has a love of pasta and pizza, as the stereotypical Italian does. Mario is suppose to be a plumber by trade, but in all his years I don't recall him ever working on any "plumbing" jobs, but always in the "rescue business" saving princess' or Mushroom kingdoms from Large "Dino" type animals.
Based on these descriptions, they appear to have more in common than one might originally have thought.
Sonic's speed would be his biggest asset in a match up with Mario while Mario counters with his tremendous jumping ability and Mario also carries a BIG HAMMER. Maybe this should be a "Steel Cage" match? LOL
Mario counters with his experience and his "jumping ability" which would be the deciding factor I believe in this battle, as he would continue to stomp on Sonic's head. Now on to the "Game breakdown":
MARIO
1. Donkey Kong
2. Mario Bros
3. Super Mario Bros
4. Super Mario Bros 2
5. Super Mario Land
6. Super Mario Bros 3
7. Super Mario World
8. Super Mario Land 2
9. Super Mario Land 3
10. Super Mario Bros DX
SONIC
1. Sonic the Hedgehog
2. Sonic 2
3. Sonic 3
4. Sonic & Knuckles
5. Sonic CD
6. Sonic 3D Blast
7. Sonic Adventure
8. Sonic Adventure 2
9. Sonic Hero's
10. Sonic Spinball
After reviewing the above "tale of the tape", it is my conclusion that the winner of a contest between these two behemoths would be Mario by a Knock Out. I believe that his perseverance and stamina would wear down Sonic and render Sonic's one advantage (his speed) worthless.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Video Game Evolution
Very few of the "gamers" remember "back in the day", around Christmas of 1975 Atari was the first to mass produce and distribute a game, where the game console had 2 knobs that turned left and right moving a little rectangle block up an down the screen, one on the left side and the other on the right. Moving this rectangle allowed the "player" to hit a small ball back and forth between the two players, trying to "play the angle" by hitting it on the edge of your paddle to "give it English" or a sharp angle to score the point. The first "Video Tennis or Ping Pong" game I guess would be a proper reference, in fact it was call "PONG".
Two year later, the development of a cartridge-based console called the Video Computer System (VCS), later called Atari 2600 and the next generation of creators brought us game such as galaxian, space Invaders, Asteroids, Moon Patrol, Frogger, Donkey Kong (who was that little man jumping over those barrels? Hmmm). The first football game from the Atari 2600 allowed you to control one player on offense and your opponent controlled either the 3 man D-Line or a single player. Gee the good ol' days....
1980 ushered in the "Golden Era" of video games such as Defender, Battle Zone, Zork and some game called, let me see, what was it? Oh yea, Pacman....... Anyone remember that one? (just kidding)
Around 1985 the "console game" market hit a low point as desktop computers along with hand held units took over the popular market. Then came the invention of the 8-bit machines and a company called Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) burst on the seen with some Italian guys called Mario and Lugi Mario. Mario first appeared in the 1982 arcade hit Donkey Kong, and became an instant hit. He appeared again 2 years later in Mario Bros., his first title role. This game also introduced Lugi to the public. Mario first came home on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Super Mario Bros., one of the best selling games ever. This game brought Mario into millions of homes around the world and made him a cultural icon equal to Harrison Ford, Arnold Swartzneger, or Tom Cruise. Besides all the games, he has starred in 3 cartoon series, one major motion picture (although they did use live actors instead of the character). In a 1991 poll, it was found more kids could identify a picture of Mario than Mickey Mouse.
The 1990's brought us into the "shooters" era with games such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Following Doom, the retail publishers and developers began to earnestly mimic the practice of offering demos, which had the effect of reducing shareware's appeal for the rest of the decade. During this time, the increasing computing power of personal computers began to allow rudimentary 3D graphics. 1993's Doom in particular was largely responsible for defining the genre and setting it apart from other first-person perspective games. The mid 90's brought us genra games such as the "Sim" games, beginning with SimCity, and continuing with a variety of titles, such as SimEarth, SimCity 2000, SimAnt, SimTower, and the wildly popular day to day life simulator, The Sims in 2000. The 90s also saw the beginnings of Internet gaming, with MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) in the early years. Id Software's 1996 game Quake pioneered play over the Internet in first-person shooters. Internet multiplayer capability became a defacto requirement in almost all of the games we see now.
With all of these developments, but online and console games, the "arcade" as we knew it, has pretty much became a thing of the past limited now to expensive game control systems not available to home users. These are usually based on sports like skiing or cycling, as well as rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution, which have carved out a large slice of the market.
Current times have us now playing PS2, PSP, Xbox, all of which have become Multi-tasking devises similar to computers in that they can play not only games created and designed for them, but also CD's, MP3's, Videos. What is next? PS3, Xbox 360 are both due out this fall/early winter just in time for Christmas. Both with disk space rivaling that of a desktop computer.
Can we actually wait that long?......
Two year later, the development of a cartridge-based console called the Video Computer System (VCS), later called Atari 2600 and the next generation of creators brought us game such as galaxian, space Invaders, Asteroids, Moon Patrol, Frogger, Donkey Kong (who was that little man jumping over those barrels? Hmmm). The first football game from the Atari 2600 allowed you to control one player on offense and your opponent controlled either the 3 man D-Line or a single player. Gee the good ol' days....
1980 ushered in the "Golden Era" of video games such as Defender, Battle Zone, Zork and some game called, let me see, what was it? Oh yea, Pacman....... Anyone remember that one? (just kidding)
Around 1985 the "console game" market hit a low point as desktop computers along with hand held units took over the popular market. Then came the invention of the 8-bit machines and a company called Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) burst on the seen with some Italian guys called Mario and Lugi Mario. Mario first appeared in the 1982 arcade hit Donkey Kong, and became an instant hit. He appeared again 2 years later in Mario Bros., his first title role. This game also introduced Lugi to the public. Mario first came home on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Super Mario Bros., one of the best selling games ever. This game brought Mario into millions of homes around the world and made him a cultural icon equal to Harrison Ford, Arnold Swartzneger, or Tom Cruise. Besides all the games, he has starred in 3 cartoon series, one major motion picture (although they did use live actors instead of the character). In a 1991 poll, it was found more kids could identify a picture of Mario than Mickey Mouse.
The 1990's brought us into the "shooters" era with games such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Following Doom, the retail publishers and developers began to earnestly mimic the practice of offering demos, which had the effect of reducing shareware's appeal for the rest of the decade. During this time, the increasing computing power of personal computers began to allow rudimentary 3D graphics. 1993's Doom in particular was largely responsible for defining the genre and setting it apart from other first-person perspective games. The mid 90's brought us genra games such as the "Sim" games, beginning with SimCity, and continuing with a variety of titles, such as SimEarth, SimCity 2000, SimAnt, SimTower, and the wildly popular day to day life simulator, The Sims in 2000. The 90s also saw the beginnings of Internet gaming, with MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) in the early years. Id Software's 1996 game Quake pioneered play over the Internet in first-person shooters. Internet multiplayer capability became a defacto requirement in almost all of the games we see now.
With all of these developments, but online and console games, the "arcade" as we knew it, has pretty much became a thing of the past limited now to expensive game control systems not available to home users. These are usually based on sports like skiing or cycling, as well as rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution, which have carved out a large slice of the market.
Current times have us now playing PS2, PSP, Xbox, all of which have become Multi-tasking devises similar to computers in that they can play not only games created and designed for them, but also CD's, MP3's, Videos. What is next? PS3, Xbox 360 are both due out this fall/early winter just in time for Christmas. Both with disk space rivaling that of a desktop computer.
Can we actually wait that long?......
10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Video Games
10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Video Games
By Andrew Bermam
Since its inception video games have caught the fantasy of children as well as adults. The success of gaming is reflected in the fact that it is a multi billion dollar industry. And, games fascinate not just children but adults as well.
From time immemorial mankind has played games of all kinds—cowboys and Indians, the battle of the North versus South, hunting, war games, as well as sword fights, and wrestling. A taste for excitement and a touch of violence runs in our veins. What makes video games attractive is that they are full of action and three dimensional in nature. They can be played even alone, have fascinating graphics, and are fast paced.
While many articles focus on why gaming is evil or detrimental to health here we present 10 reasons to play video games!
1. Playing video games enhances the ability to think quickly as the game proceeds. The mind can make quick-fire decisions on the next strategy to be taken.
2. Many children who are avid players fare better in vision tests. Video games exercise the eyes.
3. Many games nurture logical skills. Gamers have to build cities or entire nations or plan wars such that they are won.
4. Video games sharpen thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Both these qualities are much appreciated and valued in our fast paced world.
5. You will be astonished to know that kids who play video games excel at school and in math. Playing games increases brain function.
6. Playing improves co-ordination of hand movements and the ability to concentrate without getting disturbed. The games captivate the children and the kids can play with huge levels of focus blocking out all sounds and disturbances from the surroundings.
7. Since many games are based on facts kids learn a lot about pioneers, business planning, town architecture, communicating and more. Researchers feel that the three-dimensionality of the games makes history easy to learn.
8. Gaming improves social skills as kids learn to play as a group with each performing different functions. Many games have role-playing incorporated and from a young age kids learn quickly from the heroes they choose to be.
9. Video games, research proves enhances hand-eye coordination as well as reflexes.
10. Creativity, imagination, and storytelling are all improved and children are able to comprehend the flow of a story as well as its bases. Video games ignite a spirit of adventure and daring in city kids who are otherwise living is a predictable environment.
Contrary to popular beliefs video games have their uses and can even be considered as a learning tool. They help the kids process information faster and to take decisions rapidly. Many are able to use their talents to better the game design and strategy. Video game players become successful soldiers, surgeons, architects, software designers, scientists, and more. Games teach ethics, finance, governance, town planning, as well as social behavior. What one needs to do is to know the content of the games and regulate the number of hours played so that the benefits are reaped and disadvantages are avoided.
Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for the premier Software Download Site http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bermam
Link
By Andrew Bermam
Since its inception video games have caught the fantasy of children as well as adults. The success of gaming is reflected in the fact that it is a multi billion dollar industry. And, games fascinate not just children but adults as well.
From time immemorial mankind has played games of all kinds—cowboys and Indians, the battle of the North versus South, hunting, war games, as well as sword fights, and wrestling. A taste for excitement and a touch of violence runs in our veins. What makes video games attractive is that they are full of action and three dimensional in nature. They can be played even alone, have fascinating graphics, and are fast paced.
While many articles focus on why gaming is evil or detrimental to health here we present 10 reasons to play video games!
1. Playing video games enhances the ability to think quickly as the game proceeds. The mind can make quick-fire decisions on the next strategy to be taken.
2. Many children who are avid players fare better in vision tests. Video games exercise the eyes.
3. Many games nurture logical skills. Gamers have to build cities or entire nations or plan wars such that they are won.
4. Video games sharpen thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Both these qualities are much appreciated and valued in our fast paced world.
5. You will be astonished to know that kids who play video games excel at school and in math. Playing games increases brain function.
6. Playing improves co-ordination of hand movements and the ability to concentrate without getting disturbed. The games captivate the children and the kids can play with huge levels of focus blocking out all sounds and disturbances from the surroundings.
7. Since many games are based on facts kids learn a lot about pioneers, business planning, town architecture, communicating and more. Researchers feel that the three-dimensionality of the games makes history easy to learn.
8. Gaming improves social skills as kids learn to play as a group with each performing different functions. Many games have role-playing incorporated and from a young age kids learn quickly from the heroes they choose to be.
9. Video games, research proves enhances hand-eye coordination as well as reflexes.
10. Creativity, imagination, and storytelling are all improved and children are able to comprehend the flow of a story as well as its bases. Video games ignite a spirit of adventure and daring in city kids who are otherwise living is a predictable environment.
Contrary to popular beliefs video games have their uses and can even be considered as a learning tool. They help the kids process information faster and to take decisions rapidly. Many are able to use their talents to better the game design and strategy. Video game players become successful soldiers, surgeons, architects, software designers, scientists, and more. Games teach ethics, finance, governance, town planning, as well as social behavior. What one needs to do is to know the content of the games and regulate the number of hours played so that the benefits are reaped and disadvantages are avoided.
Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for the premier Software Download Site http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bermam
Link
Games 4 U from the Master
Greetings to all, I am the Game Master and I plan to offer you, through this "Blog" the best games available on PS, PS2, XBox, and Internet. I offer more than 20 years of "gaming excellence" from the humble beginning of "PONG" to "Halo 2 Live". Be prepared to receive expert tips, secrets, and strategy.
CUL
CUL
