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So I am going to try and get into the habit of doing little write ups when I complete a game, I really enjoy my single player games, particularly RPG's and though my gaming time has diminished in recent years and then a lot of that is absorbed by FG I am still trying to play a few games they just may take longer to complete. So I will start with the reason I play these games, the story - I really enjoyed the story, as I reached the end I could see that there are obviously options for different endings but I felt that the route I went down was more heroic, the sort of story to go down in legend (in game). There is betrayal, there is friendship, there is romance. It felt very old school Final Fantasy if I am being honest! Visually it is lovely, if you are into this style of game it looks great and the art style has a charm to it. The game really excelled with it's combat, battles could be challenging and you really had to think about how you approached some of them. If anyone grew up playing Final Fantasy Tactics on the GBA like I did, this will bring back those fond memories, it's not quite as slow as FF but it did have a steady pace to it. Turn based combat with a grid system but you were not punished in the way that Fire Emblem tends to where you lose characters when they die in a battle. Anyway definately one of the more charming games I have played recently and it definately left me wanting more. If anything I felt like it all came to a bit of an abrupt end and there was still some story left to be told which was a bit of a shame (maybe they had planned dlc?) But yeah out of 10, I would give it an 8 🙂

So apple just announced their augmented reality headset with the hope they can muscle in on the vr market. They only cost a measly kidney at $3499 -

The fact it can be wireless will still be a pull for people to get it over something like the new PSVR2. Although I didn't see much that makes it stand out from the crowd. Difficulty must be that you need to experience something like this in the flesh before you really get an idea on if the price is worth it.

I wont lie it does look brilliant but considering most countries on the planet are in a cost of living crises I dont see how anyone could afford that

It seems companies are completely out of touch with reality, who is going to pay that much for an AR headset when AR and VR are still in their infancy?

MS does not need to be affect by this at all. The option would be for Activision to exit the UK for another European country in a bid to remove itself from the CMA's jurisdiction. Its games could continue to be sold via a distributor. One rub is that any such decision must be taken by Activision to avoid breaching merger laws that stipulate that merging companies must be managed separately and independently until they actually close So MS can continue to sell non XBOX products. XBOX products could be sold via distributors. Activision from now on makes the UK the villain in every game moving forward just for shits and giggles 🙂

If you are into any sim city esque games do not give the jurassic world evolution games a miss, I played the first one and they are really well done 🙂

I see this kind of thinking, it will come down to profits for Microsoft, whichever route makes them the most money, at the end of the day they are a business. I suspect it will be a climbdown by the UK yet but they will find a way to get Microsoft to give some tiny concession i.e. a note at the end of the credits on each future call of duty game or something saft like that so we can go yeah we made them do this.

View this quiz Playstation Quiz Thought I would put up a quiz, give you guy's something a bit different to do on this wonderful Monday afternoon :) Submitter Luseth Type One Right Answer Time 10 minutes Total Questions 10 Category General Submitted 06/05/2023  

Then you would not have prestige. I agree with what you are saying, however I remember every person in this group prestiging so it don't that would be a big deal. A lot of people were upset at not being able to do that anymore as they didn't have anything to work towards and there were a number of challenges that were available only after prestiging

because entering prestige mode was an optional choice. You had the option to keep all of your weapons at max level if you didn't want to grind for them again.

Putting it on my “To play” list. Excellent review @Luseth

I'm sure they'll get plenty Apple fanboys and 'Tech' promoters pushing it.

how is taking away insured slots and possibly making them purchasable the same as the old prestige system?

That's exactly what it would mean. Activision has a unique version of Cod for China. So there is precedence of a product not being available everywhere. This would be as a result of the UK refusing to allow the merger and a limitation imposed by the UK So activation would be following the ruling. They wouldn't operate in a country which denied the merger

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And when they operate abroad they have to follow laws in those external jurisdictions. They also cannot withdraw their services when they have legally binding commercial contracts in place and as I said earlier, it's not just about profits - Microsoft would probably lose 100x their UK revenue in overall value if they pulled a move like this as this would have a reaching knock-on effect to hospitals, education, military and other ethical services. Not even companies like Alphabet and Meta who have their on on-site lawyers full time in the UK High Court due to continual litigation have such disrespect from local judgements. If MS didn't bork their proposal then they wouldn't have egg on their face. They don't seem phased by the FTC which is far more significant but I'm sure they can buy their way out of that one. No way would Xbox lose an entire market either not in their fragile situation - in fact, Activision would probably be better off without Microsoft. This is a deal to benefit executives pockets only. The consumer and staff will experience no change whatsoever and if anything like we saw with Bethesda, the acquisition will have a far greater negative impact. It's not like either of these companies need the deal either - it's just a desperate attempt to chip away at Sony's dominance using money because MS have absolutely nothing else to offer other than a ever-stale game pass and Redfall. The deal will eventually go through as the CMA will buckle if they price is right with the chancellor or if they make some further amendments to get it over the line. The deal is absolutely nothing to celebrate for anyone other than the money men at MS and Activision. It's also put MS in an even worse light that what they are right now from a market player standpoint and just shows that corporate greed and blackmail is still rife within American companies.

I'd second @Luseth's view on Jurassic World Evolution. It is very well made and really easy to get into too. Graphically looks nice and not as intense as the old Sim City games could be. NBA sounds interesting, maybe to see what online feels like. Not played one in ages.

And this is why the UK will back down and its a non-issue at the end of the day. UK are just trying to make a good business deal out of it, and now that this has happened, they won't be left on their own as they'll look like twats to the UK public that don't care about the ins and outs of the deal and just want to play their video games and use Windows on their PC.

I don't know, remember when you use to be able to prestige in COD? Kind of the same thing. However I do agree that some of those missions can be a pain in the ass

I happen to agree with the approach. MS and Activision are are companies incorporated in the USA and follow USA law. I wouldn't have a jurisdiction outside of where I am incorporated dictate what I can or cannot do as long as it does not brake any laws. So if the UK, Europe, China, Russia, Canada, Australia does not like what I am doing I can go sell my stuff somewhere else. Like I said before the UK revenue for MS is about what Activision contribute in profits alone. So financially having Activision and dropping the UK is a much better deal for MS.

Blockchain: How does it work? Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that allows multiple participants to maintain a shared database without the need for a central authority. It operates through a network of computers, known as nodes, which work together to validate and record transactions. Here's a simplified explanation of how blockchain works: Structure: A blockchain consists of a chain of blocks, where each block contains a set of transactions. Each block is linked to the previous block through a cryptographic hash, forming a chronological chain of blocks. Transactions: When a participant initiates a transaction, it is grouped with other pending transactions and added to a "block." Transactions can represent various types of data, not just financial transfers. Each transaction typically includes information such as the sender, recipient, amount, and any additional data relevant to the transaction. Validation: The block of transactions undergoes a process called "consensus" to ensure its validity. Depending on the specific blockchain protocol, this process may involve different consensus mechanisms such as proof of work (PoW), proof of stake (PoS), or others. The consensus mechanism helps prevent fraud and ensures that all nodes agree on the state of the blockchain. Block Formation: Once a block is validated, it is added to the existing chain, becoming a permanent part of the blockchain. The new block contains a unique identifier called a hash, which is calculated based on the data in the block. The hash of each block also includes the hash of the previous block, creating a link between them. Decentralization: Blockchain operates in a decentralized manner, meaning the blockchain data and its maintenance are distributed across multiple nodes in the network. Each participating node has a copy of the entire blockchain, allowing for transparency, resilience, and fault tolerance. Changes or additions to the blockchain must be agreed upon by a majority of the nodes in the network. Security: Blockchain uses cryptographic algorithms to ensure the security and integrity of the data. The blocks are linked through cryptographic hashes, making it difficult for anyone to modify the contents of a block without being detected. Additionally, blockchain networks often use encryption and digital signatures to authenticate and secure transactions. Consensus and Trust: By employing consensus mechanisms, blockchain eliminates the need for a central authority or intermediary to validate transactions. The distributed nature of the network, combined with consensus protocols, creates a level of trust among participants, as any attempts to tamper with the blockchain would require a majority of the network's computing power. Transparency and Immutability: Once a block is added to the blockchain, it is difficult to alter or remove it. The transparent nature of the blockchain allows all participants to view and verify transactions, fostering trust and accountability. This transparency makes blockchain attractive for applications where trust and auditability are important. Smart Contracts (optional): Some blockchain platforms support smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with predefined rules and conditions. Smart contracts automatically execute actions once the specified conditions are met. They can facilitate more complex interactions and automate processes on the blockchain. Overall, blockchain technology provides a decentralized and secure way to record and verify transactions, enabling trust, transparency, and new possibilities for various industries beyond cryptocurrencies, such as supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and more.

NFTs: How do they work? NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are a type of digital asset that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique item or piece of content. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible (interchangeable), NFTs are designed to be unique and indivisible. Here's a simplified explanation of how NFTs work: Unique Digital Assets: NFTs can represent various types of digital assets, including artwork, music, videos, virtual real estate, collectibles, and more. Each NFT is distinct and carries a unique identifier that distinguishes it from other tokens. Blockchain-based Ownership: NFTs are typically built on blockchain platforms like Ethereum, though other blockchains can also support them. The blockchain acts as a decentralized ledger that verifies and records ownership and transaction history. It provides a transparent and tamper-proof system for tracking the authenticity and ownership of NFTs. Metadata and Token Standards: NFTs contain metadata, which includes information about the asset they represent, such as the title, description, creator, and other relevant details. NFTs adhere to specific token standards, such as ERC-721 or ERC-1155 (Ethereum), which define the functionalities and behaviors of the tokens. Minting: The process of creating an NFT is called minting. Artists, creators, or content owners can mint NFTs by uploading their digital assets to a compatible NFT marketplace or platform. During the minting process, the creator can also set parameters like the number of copies (if it's a limited edition) and any associated royalties. Ownership and Transactions: Once an NFT is minted, it can be bought, sold, or traded on NFT marketplaces. These marketplaces act as platforms where NFTs are listed for sale or auctioned. Ownership of an NFT is recorded on the blockchain, allowing anyone to verify the current owner and the entire transaction history of that particular NFT. Smart Contracts: NFTs often utilize smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that automatically perform certain actions when predefined conditions are met. Smart contracts enable various functionalities for NFTs, such as royalty payments to the original creator whenever the NFT is resold in the future. Interoperability: While most NFTs are currently based on Ethereum, there is growing interoperability between different blockchain platforms. For example, some NFTs can be moved or "bridged" from one blockchain to another, allowing for more flexibility and accessibility. Scarcity and Value: The uniqueness and scarcity of NFTs contribute to their perceived value. Collectors and enthusiasts are willing to purchase NFTs for various reasons, including ownership rights, supporting artists, or the potential for future appreciation. It's important to note that NFTs have gained significant popularity in the art and digital content space, but they have also raised concerns regarding environmental impact (due to the energy consumption of blockchain networks) and potential copyright infringement. As the technology and ecosystem evolve, NFTs are likely to undergo further developments and refinements.

I did read about them potentially withdrawing from the UK. Sounds a bit childish to me, we don't agree with the merge put forward so just take everything away. Also sounds very drastic and desperate. Now the UK gaming scene has grown significantly in the last 10 years or so. Sure we aren't the biggest market. Countries like America and China are so much bigger in population. But the UK gamers really love their games. Everything Activision has done recently and in the past, (especially with Bobby still there) is shady and warrants an eye over proceedings. Probably plenty of investigations should be done on them. Can't take it away from them, they created "The FPS" the one game every other rival in the market is jealous of. Doesn't make them an all bearing god. Although I'm a big Cod fan myself and play it plenty throughout the years. I find the way Activision go about things disgusting. Although agreed to be as successful as they are, you have to be relentless and brutal at times. Not in expense of your loyal fan base. Just like the merger, someone says no so just cut them off. I'm more suspicious about this merger than ever before. The desperate need to make this happen on their behalf, just somewhat worries me of their future intentions. Sure make lots of money, that's what they are born to do. But what else? And at what cost?

Race 1. Supersport highlights

Though not on the video Hickman has gone 200+mph through the speed trap

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Batman a classic for NES

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Just looking at the controller, is it more lightweight? Maybe gamers with hand problems or something. Might be easier for them to use?

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Absolutely! You gonna start with Zero Dawn?

When this has been discussed in the past, it's usually been about the catastrophic impact crypto has had on the environment and consumer GPU market. I think everyone understands the concept at NFT's but don't share any enthusiasm because it's something that's been widely ridiculed in the gaming space and has not been adopted in a credible light either. Even I was making more money a day than Ubisoft were with Quartz and I think many find it baffling that you can buy virtual land in videogames that don't even exist, which cost 10x more than what real tangible land on planet earth does in some areas. Until something positive comes out of this concept that intrigues and benefits everyone rather than individual's e-wallets, interest will be consigned to just enthusiasts. It will also require a huge amount of regulation and opinion-swinging to stem any legality and fraud concerns. When you have 'experts' rinsed of their entire wealth then the average joe isn't going to feel too comfortable venturing away from recognised, established and regulated securities. Every blockchain game has failed, Facebook is wasting $15bn a year on Web3 ventures to end up with something worse than VR Chat and any attempt to get NFT's integrated into established videogames has also flopped horrendously. When even the most recognised and money-hungry publishers state they have no interest, then you have to wonder what the benefits are of this new age fad.

I hope they release the Master Collection Volume 2 at some stage - MGS4 really needs a multiplatform release.