Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Pong
Pong, a basic table tennis simulation, has gone down in history as the first video game ever created. Now available to play via the internet, you can re-acquaint yourself with its gloriously addictive gameplay.
The aim of the game is to score points against an opponent by deflecting a ball back and forth until you can force it past the other player. The angle you hit the ball at alters the speed and trajectory of its return. Unlike the original two player version you play this against a computer controlled opponent, who is exceedingly good at sending the ball back your way.
This is the entirety of Pong; it gets no easier or harder. Not that this detracts from Pong’s appeal, though. It is easy to loose half an hour or more batting the ball back and forth. Pong is proof of the adage that gameplay matters more than graphics.
That said it doesn’t live up to the excitement of the original. In my opinion Pong belongs on a TV screen. It should be played against a friend of sibling whilst seated on the floor, about two feet away screen if at all possible. The option to play Pong on the internet is one that should not be passed up, but neither is it how I would like to remember this classic point in gaming history.
Matt Stone
Pong, a basic table tennis simulation, has gone down in history as the first video game ever created. Now available to play via the internet, you can re-acquaint yourself with its gloriously addictive gameplay.
The aim of the game is to score points against an opponent by deflecting a ball back and forth until you can force it past the other player. The angle you hit the ball at alters the speed and trajectory of its return. Unlike the original two player version you play this against a computer controlled opponent, who is exceedingly good at sending the ball back your way.
This is the entirety of Pong; it gets no easier or harder. Not that this detracts from Pong’s appeal, though. It is easy to loose half an hour or more batting the ball back and forth. Pong is proof of the adage that gameplay matters more than graphics.
That said it doesn’t live up to the excitement of the original. In my opinion Pong belongs on a TV screen. It should be played against a friend of sibling whilst seated on the floor, about two feet away screen if at all possible. The option to play Pong on the internet is one that should not be passed up, but neither is it how I would like to remember this classic point in gaming history.
Matt Stone
Monday, October 23, 2006
Minesweeper
Publisher: Microsoft
Minesweeper is a desktop game that is supplied free with most versions of Windows. The objective of the game is to locate all the mines hidden in grid of squares, a little like Battleships.
To deduce the location of the mines you begin by randomly selecting a square. If it contains a mine, your game ends. If it is clear then the square will either be blank, or will display a number. A square with a number indicates how many mines arein the squares adjacent to it. This information can be used, in conjunction with other numbered squares, to locate the mines. Once you are sure of a mines location, you can “Flag” it, by right clicking the square. This is simply a reminder not to click on the mine.
Minesweeper does depend, to some extent, on the player’s luck. There are often times when you have no way of working out where all the mines are, meaning you have to take a shot in the dark. This can prove somewhat frustrating.
This is a game that is suited to people who want to pass the time whilst they using a Windows. Waiting for an e-mail, or for someone to bring you the files you need to continue. It is more of a method of procrastination than a game, but is horribly addictive nonetheless.
Publisher: Microsoft
Minesweeper is a desktop game that is supplied free with most versions of Windows. The objective of the game is to locate all the mines hidden in grid of squares, a little like Battleships.
To deduce the location of the mines you begin by randomly selecting a square. If it contains a mine, your game ends. If it is clear then the square will either be blank, or will display a number. A square with a number indicates how many mines arein the squares adjacent to it. This information can be used, in conjunction with other numbered squares, to locate the mines. Once you are sure of a mines location, you can “Flag” it, by right clicking the square. This is simply a reminder not to click on the mine.
Minesweeper does depend, to some extent, on the player’s luck. There are often times when you have no way of working out where all the mines are, meaning you have to take a shot in the dark. This can prove somewhat frustrating.
This is a game that is suited to people who want to pass the time whilst they using a Windows. Waiting for an e-mail, or for someone to bring you the files you need to continue. It is more of a method of procrastination than a game, but is horribly addictive nonetheless.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Black & White 2
Platform: PC
Release date: 10/07/05
Published by Electronic arts
Black & White 2 is a god-sim, calling on you to lead your people to take control of a series of islands. Your followers participate in a range of activities at your bidding, based around the principles of gathering, building and fighting.
The game judges your actions and decides whether you are a benevolent or malicious deity. The way you treat your people will inspire them to act accordingly. Be kind and they will be peaceful and calm, or torture them and watch as they become savage and war-like. You choose, if you wish, to follow a path of diplomatic civilisation-building, or lead your people into bloody conquest.
What Black & White 2 falls down on is its control system. Your will is represented by an amputated floating hand. This single method of interaction is used in all areas of the game, quickly causing frustration as the hand is slow to respond in situations where fast action is demanded. The hand is also used to control your point of view and proves equally inadequate to this task. The difficulty in focusing on a section of the map where action is taking place can lead to you arriving a few minutes after your last follower has died.
These issues cause Black & White 2 to feel unsatisfying, leaving the player praying for something more substantial.
Matt Stone
Platform: PC
Release date: 10/07/05
Published by Electronic arts
Black & White 2 is a god-sim, calling on you to lead your people to take control of a series of islands. Your followers participate in a range of activities at your bidding, based around the principles of gathering, building and fighting.
The game judges your actions and decides whether you are a benevolent or malicious deity. The way you treat your people will inspire them to act accordingly. Be kind and they will be peaceful and calm, or torture them and watch as they become savage and war-like. You choose, if you wish, to follow a path of diplomatic civilisation-building, or lead your people into bloody conquest.
What Black & White 2 falls down on is its control system. Your will is represented by an amputated floating hand. This single method of interaction is used in all areas of the game, quickly causing frustration as the hand is slow to respond in situations where fast action is demanded. The hand is also used to control your point of view and proves equally inadequate to this task. The difficulty in focusing on a section of the map where action is taking place can lead to you arriving a few minutes after your last follower has died.
These issues cause Black & White 2 to feel unsatisfying, leaving the player praying for something more substantial.
Matt Stone
