As a Ghostbusters fan (and frankly, is there anyone who has seen the film who isn't a fan?), I'm really looking forward to the new Ghostbusters game.
All the reviews agree that, not only is this a good game, but its also a great Ghostbusters experience. The consensus appears to be that, by getting the original writers and actors so heavily involved, they were able to recapture that Ghostbusters magic. In effect, this feels like the third movie in the franchise. With praise like this, is it any surprise that I'm looking forward to playing this game?
The other big thing that the reviews mention is generally along the lines of "OMFG, first game evah based on a movie that doesn't suck balls!!". Granted, there have been loads and loads (and loads) of bad games based on movies but has everyone already forgotten the original Ghostbusters game way back in the early 80's!
Granted, the game is simple and crap by today's standards but at the time, I had loads of fun with it. I can't recall the number of hours I poured into tearing around NY in Ecto1, vacuuming up stray ghosts along the way before setting up my trap for the infamous green slimer. In fact, I recall that I had so much fun just catching ghosts that the ending, where you had to sneak your ghostbusters past the Stay Puft marshmallow man and into the building so that you could cross the streams, was always disappointing.
Anyway, if you want to relive your early days of glorious 8 bit gaming, you can download a remake of the classic Ghostbusters game here.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
FM 2006 - Season 2029/30
Another season and another cup quadruple. I managed to win the Premiership, Champions Cup, FA Cup and Club World Champ.
The Table
I took a screenshot of the final table which you can see below. I managed to score over 100 goals this year which is good. In the last couple of years, I haven't been able to pass this benchmark so it feels good to hit it again this year.
Despite the fact that I won the premiership by 14 points, the reality was that it was a lot closer than the final table suggests. Aston Villa were chasing me the whole year and, even by April, they were still only 2 points behind me. Not exactly leaving me much room for error.
However, in April, they just fell apart for some reason. A string of defeats, one of which was to my Liverpool squad, meant that I managed to pull away and win the premiership with several games to spare. Still, it was the closest I've been to actually having a challenger for the title in over 2 decades.
The Squad
The Table
I took a screenshot of the final table which you can see below. I managed to score over 100 goals this year which is good. In the last couple of years, I haven't been able to pass this benchmark so it feels good to hit it again this year.
Despite the fact that I won the premiership by 14 points, the reality was that it was a lot closer than the final table suggests. Aston Villa were chasing me the whole year and, even by April, they were still only 2 points behind me. Not exactly leaving me much room for error.
However, in April, they just fell apart for some reason. A string of defeats, one of which was to my Liverpool squad, meant that I managed to pull away and win the premiership with several games to spare. Still, it was the closest I've been to actually having a challenger for the title in over 2 decades.
The Squad
The below screenshots shows the final stats for my squad together with details of the squad.
A couple of points to note this year
My GKs were very disappointing. Van Dijk was leaking goals badly in the start of the year and I had to replace him with Orlando. Unfortunately, Orlando was also playing badly as well. It wasn't until around Christmas time that Orlando started to play better which meant that he started to play more games. Unfortunately, his form didn't last and by the end of the season, Van Dijk was back in goal. Luckily, he did well for the last couple of Champs Cup games as Inter really pushed us to the limit in the semi-final (I've come up against Inter several times in recent years and they always push me hard).
I got a big surprise from Ross Crawford at right back. As a kid, he was identified as a hot prospect and this year, he really showed what he could do. As you can see from the stats, he had an incredible year. Unfortunately, the bugger wanted a new challenge so I had to buy someone to replace him for next year.
Tom Murray also had the best year of his life. Despite being valued at only GBP5.5M, he managed to easily outscore all my other strikers. The main reason for this is that Murray is the best goal poacher I have ever seen (images of Ally McCoist flashing before my eyes here). Although he scores some great goals as well, a lot of his goals came from him being in the right place at the right time and poking the ball into an open net.
Both Gerard Dembele and Tom Anderson are past their best. In the case of Dembele, this is no surprise as the bloke is 34 years old. Midway through the year, it was clear that he just wasn't able to play the full 90 mins at which point, Jamie Sadler started to get more playing time. As you can see from the stats, Sadler came in and did well.
The bigger surprise is Tom Anderson. Although he managed to get 18 goals, a lot of them came against weaker opposition. Granted, he is no spring chicken anymore but he really should have been good for a couple more seasons. Anyway, judging from how well Ross Mills did in the games I played him, I will probably demote Anderson to the reserves next year and focus on developing Mills instead.
The player of the year
One of the biggest unknowns in this game is how the game judges who will win awards. As you can see from the next screenshot, Julien Karlen was voted the best player of the year over Fernandez. However, Fernandez had a higher rating despite playing more games and also managed to score 7 goals (no mean feat as a defender). If I was Fernandez, I would be feeling pretty ripped off.
Anyway, my new signings in preparation for next year.
Zdenek Kucera - At 21 years old, Kucera is a like for like replacement for Ross Crawford who was sold for GBP3M. Although he is valued at GBP2.2M, I had to spend GBP16.5M to prise him from Fulham. Part of this is because he was considered as an important first team player and rated as a hot prospect for the future by my scouts. He will slot in as my second right back behind Lee Daly.
John Farrell - Another 21 year old who has been brought in as a backup player to replace the aging Dembele. I expect that James, Marcio and Sadler will be my main CMs for next year with John Farrell as the 4th string CM. Valued at just under GBP4M, I had to pay GBP12.5M to sign him from Middlesbrough.
Andy Rogers - A 19 year old hot prospect for the future. I signed him with the expectation that Marcio, at 29 years old, may only be a first team player for another couple of years. By the time Marcio is on his last legs, Rogers should be ready to step into his place. I got him from Chelsea for GBP8.5M.
Darren Barber - A 16 year old potential wonderkid. I paid Scunthorpe GBP180k for him to join our under 18 squad as a hot prospect. Actually, Scunthorpe didn't want to let him go. The reality is that, as Barber is under 17 years old, he isn't actually under contract so I was able to approach Barber directly. The GBP180k was the fair value as deemed by tribunal. :)
Other than Crawford (and some under 18's who aren't worth mentioning), no other players left the club.
The Samba
A couple of points to note this year
My GKs were very disappointing. Van Dijk was leaking goals badly in the start of the year and I had to replace him with Orlando. Unfortunately, Orlando was also playing badly as well. It wasn't until around Christmas time that Orlando started to play better which meant that he started to play more games. Unfortunately, his form didn't last and by the end of the season, Van Dijk was back in goal. Luckily, he did well for the last couple of Champs Cup games as Inter really pushed us to the limit in the semi-final (I've come up against Inter several times in recent years and they always push me hard).
I got a big surprise from Ross Crawford at right back. As a kid, he was identified as a hot prospect and this year, he really showed what he could do. As you can see from the stats, he had an incredible year. Unfortunately, the bugger wanted a new challenge so I had to buy someone to replace him for next year.
Tom Murray also had the best year of his life. Despite being valued at only GBP5.5M, he managed to easily outscore all my other strikers. The main reason for this is that Murray is the best goal poacher I have ever seen (images of Ally McCoist flashing before my eyes here). Although he scores some great goals as well, a lot of his goals came from him being in the right place at the right time and poking the ball into an open net.
Both Gerard Dembele and Tom Anderson are past their best. In the case of Dembele, this is no surprise as the bloke is 34 years old. Midway through the year, it was clear that he just wasn't able to play the full 90 mins at which point, Jamie Sadler started to get more playing time. As you can see from the stats, Sadler came in and did well.
The bigger surprise is Tom Anderson. Although he managed to get 18 goals, a lot of them came against weaker opposition. Granted, he is no spring chicken anymore but he really should have been good for a couple more seasons. Anyway, judging from how well Ross Mills did in the games I played him, I will probably demote Anderson to the reserves next year and focus on developing Mills instead.
The player of the year
One of the biggest unknowns in this game is how the game judges who will win awards. As you can see from the next screenshot, Julien Karlen was voted the best player of the year over Fernandez. However, Fernandez had a higher rating despite playing more games and also managed to score 7 goals (no mean feat as a defender). If I was Fernandez, I would be feeling pretty ripped off.
Preparing for next year
As per usual, I spent a lot of money on transfers over the year. Despite this, I have a transfer kitty of GBP53M for next year. A clear sign that all is financially well at the Kop.
:)
Anyway, my new signings in preparation for next year.
Zdenek Kucera - At 21 years old, Kucera is a like for like replacement for Ross Crawford who was sold for GBP3M. Although he is valued at GBP2.2M, I had to spend GBP16.5M to prise him from Fulham. Part of this is because he was considered as an important first team player and rated as a hot prospect for the future by my scouts. He will slot in as my second right back behind Lee Daly.
John Farrell - Another 21 year old who has been brought in as a backup player to replace the aging Dembele. I expect that James, Marcio and Sadler will be my main CMs for next year with John Farrell as the 4th string CM. Valued at just under GBP4M, I had to pay GBP12.5M to sign him from Middlesbrough.
Andy Rogers - A 19 year old hot prospect for the future. I signed him with the expectation that Marcio, at 29 years old, may only be a first team player for another couple of years. By the time Marcio is on his last legs, Rogers should be ready to step into his place. I got him from Chelsea for GBP8.5M.
Darren Barber - A 16 year old potential wonderkid. I paid Scunthorpe GBP180k for him to join our under 18 squad as a hot prospect. Actually, Scunthorpe didn't want to let him go. The reality is that, as Barber is under 17 years old, he isn't actually under contract so I was able to approach Barber directly. The GBP180k was the fair value as deemed by tribunal. :)
Other than Crawford (and some under 18's who aren't worth mentioning), no other players left the club.
The Samba
Remember how I said that I gave up international management? Well, I changed my mind. Again.
After the World Cup (which Portugal won 2:1 in the final against Germany), the Brazil manager got the sack and the Brazil FA (together with a host of other countries) came and begged me to be the manager. Seeing as how I was never going to be England manager, I decided that the Brazil job was my best chance of winning a future World Cup - one of the last remaining milestones for my current manager.
I have no idea how things will turn out but its a safe bet that I'll tell you all about it.
After the World Cup (which Portugal won 2:1 in the final against Germany), the Brazil manager got the sack and the Brazil FA (together with a host of other countries) came and begged me to be the manager. Seeing as how I was never going to be England manager, I decided that the Brazil job was my best chance of winning a future World Cup - one of the last remaining milestones for my current manager.
I have no idea how things will turn out but its a safe bet that I'll tell you all about it.
:)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Disciples II
Disciples II is a turn based strategy game that I picked up on Steam for cheap during one of Steam's weekend sales. Although released in 2002, it wasn't until I started mucking around with Gametap early last year that I actually played Disciples II for a short while. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far into the game before I stopped playing (due to Gamestop changing its business model) but I did enjoy the little that I played hence I jumped at the opportunity to play the game for cheap when it was on sale on Steam.
The game itself is an interesting mix between HOMM (Heroes of Might and Magic) and D&D (Dungeon's and Dragons). Also, why the hell am I idiot proofing this post? If you don't know what HOMM and D&D are, you probably wouldn't be reading this blog in the first place...
Anyway, like HOMM, the game has an overland map that you explore in turn based format. You wander around the map, doing the odd side-quest while clearing the map of random monsters and not-so-random opposing factions. The overland map portion of the game is almost identical to HOMM except that there isn't quite as much stuff on the main map for you to interact with.
Where Disciples II differs significantly from the HOMM series is the combat portion of the game - which is also where the D&D influence comes in. In HOMM, the focus is on small unit tactics as you build up an army and lead that army in a (hopefully) unstoppable wave of destruction. However, in Disciples II, the focus is very much on individuals.
In Disciples II, you have a hero unit which can recruit up to a maximum of 5 units to take adventuring with you. And seeing as the first faction I started playing with was the Empire, which has fighter units, clerics, backstabby assassins and mages, you can clearly see why playing this game feels a little like D&D. Naturally, these units start off as level 1 and pretty weak. However, as they gain experience (and assuming you spent enough money buying the requisite upgrade options in your home base), they can level up and become pretty powerful in their own right.
The D&D influence is made even stronger as wiping out the opposition is never the main quest. In fact, other than in exceptional circumstances, you can pretty much forget trying to attack the enemy stronghold as each stronghold is defended by an insanely powerful demi-god who can wipe out your entire party in one attack.
Overall, this game is a surprising amount of fun. I still haven't gotten very far into the game (currently on the last campaign mission for the Empire) but so far, I'm really enjoying the individual unit feel of the combat.
The game itself is an interesting mix between HOMM (Heroes of Might and Magic) and D&D (Dungeon's and Dragons). Also, why the hell am I idiot proofing this post? If you don't know what HOMM and D&D are, you probably wouldn't be reading this blog in the first place...
Anyway, like HOMM, the game has an overland map that you explore in turn based format. You wander around the map, doing the odd side-quest while clearing the map of random monsters and not-so-random opposing factions. The overland map portion of the game is almost identical to HOMM except that there isn't quite as much stuff on the main map for you to interact with.
Where Disciples II differs significantly from the HOMM series is the combat portion of the game - which is also where the D&D influence comes in. In HOMM, the focus is on small unit tactics as you build up an army and lead that army in a (hopefully) unstoppable wave of destruction. However, in Disciples II, the focus is very much on individuals.
In Disciples II, you have a hero unit which can recruit up to a maximum of 5 units to take adventuring with you. And seeing as the first faction I started playing with was the Empire, which has fighter units, clerics, backstabby assassins and mages, you can clearly see why playing this game feels a little like D&D. Naturally, these units start off as level 1 and pretty weak. However, as they gain experience (and assuming you spent enough money buying the requisite upgrade options in your home base), they can level up and become pretty powerful in their own right.
The D&D influence is made even stronger as wiping out the opposition is never the main quest. In fact, other than in exceptional circumstances, you can pretty much forget trying to attack the enemy stronghold as each stronghold is defended by an insanely powerful demi-god who can wipe out your entire party in one attack.
Overall, this game is a surprising amount of fun. I still haven't gotten very far into the game (currently on the last campaign mission for the Empire) but so far, I'm really enjoying the individual unit feel of the combat.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2
You may recall that I purchased Rainbow Six: Vegas a while back when it was released as a platinum hit (i.e. budget title). I thought R6:V was a great game and since then, I've been keeping an eye out and hoping that R6:V2 would be released as a platinum hit as well. Unfortunately, it never was so I never bought the sequel until recently when I saw it for sale second hand.
Although the game is called Rainbow Six: Vegas 2, at times, it feels more like Rainbow Six: Vegas 1.5. Having just completed the singleplayer campaign, the only difference that I could tell was that you could now sprint over short distances. Other than this, pretty much everything else feels the same.
Having said that, the gameplay has stood the test of time and its still an awesome experience to setup your elite anti-terrorist squad and then breach and clear a room of tangos. Which isn't to say that I don't have any gripes although in the games defence, my gripes aren't really the fault of the game per se.
All of my gripes arise basically from the fact that the game still isn't a platinum hit. You see, believe it or not, this actually makes a big difference. How? Let me explain.
The advantage of the first R6:V being on budget was that there were loads of new players as lots of people took advantage of the budget price point to buy the game. This led to 2 big differences.
Firstly, in coop gameplay. With the first R6:V, when I jumped online to play coop, there were tons of games for me to choose from and it was pretty easy to find a coop game to play. For R6:V2, although I've tried several times, I haven't really had a chance to play coop yet which is a real shame because, as with R6:V, this game could really shine in a coop environment.
The second big difference is in multiplayer. With the first R6:V, when I jumped online, there were loads of games which had several noobs in the lobby (admittedly, of which I was one). This meant that there was a chance of a competitive game. At the moment, I can imagine myself getting slaughtered by all the hardcore experienced fans who are still playing this game a year after release and whom are all intimately familiar with the game and the maps.
Which brings me onto my third gripe. I deliberately used the word "imagine" in the para above because I haven't actually played online yet. When I jumped online to play a game of multiplayer, there were quite a few lobbies to choose from - the problem was that the ping times were all red. In other words, not only would I have to play against people who are experienced with the game, I would also have to do it while suffering major lag.
At this point, I just thought "fuggedaboutit" and logged out.
Although the game is called Rainbow Six: Vegas 2, at times, it feels more like Rainbow Six: Vegas 1.5. Having just completed the singleplayer campaign, the only difference that I could tell was that you could now sprint over short distances. Other than this, pretty much everything else feels the same.
Having said that, the gameplay has stood the test of time and its still an awesome experience to setup your elite anti-terrorist squad and then breach and clear a room of tangos. Which isn't to say that I don't have any gripes although in the games defence, my gripes aren't really the fault of the game per se.
All of my gripes arise basically from the fact that the game still isn't a platinum hit. You see, believe it or not, this actually makes a big difference. How? Let me explain.
The advantage of the first R6:V being on budget was that there were loads of new players as lots of people took advantage of the budget price point to buy the game. This led to 2 big differences.
Firstly, in coop gameplay. With the first R6:V, when I jumped online to play coop, there were tons of games for me to choose from and it was pretty easy to find a coop game to play. For R6:V2, although I've tried several times, I haven't really had a chance to play coop yet which is a real shame because, as with R6:V, this game could really shine in a coop environment.
The second big difference is in multiplayer. With the first R6:V, when I jumped online, there were loads of games which had several noobs in the lobby (admittedly, of which I was one). This meant that there was a chance of a competitive game. At the moment, I can imagine myself getting slaughtered by all the hardcore experienced fans who are still playing this game a year after release and whom are all intimately familiar with the game and the maps.
Which brings me onto my third gripe. I deliberately used the word "imagine" in the para above because I haven't actually played online yet. When I jumped online to play a game of multiplayer, there were quite a few lobbies to choose from - the problem was that the ping times were all red. In other words, not only would I have to play against people who are experienced with the game, I would also have to do it while suffering major lag.
At this point, I just thought "fuggedaboutit" and logged out.
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