Battlefield 3 was released last week and I’ve been a little busy shooting everyone to get around to making a post. This is the latest release in the series and I think it might be their best yet, taking the best aspects from the last few modern combat games of the series and add it all together, plus some.

A given with any Battlefield games it seems, there is always multiplayer server issues and this is still the case but from their twitter feed, constant server upgrades and the newly created status page (http://www.ea.com/servers/battlefield3) they seem to be right on top of it. The online is like any recent previous version but for the console the addition of server browser which is a standard feature for the PC version. They have added just straight deathmatch in the team and squad versions, this addition to Rush and Conquest game modes means that any first person shooter fan will be able to find something they like. The new unlock system that now unlocks special additions per kit, weapon or vehicle means that you have even greater control over the type of weapon you use and what your kit has. The only thing I’ve found with this that just doesn’t work for me is that there is limits to what your kit can have, e.g. Engineer Kit you can have rockets and repair tool, rockets and mines but you can’t have mines and repair tool. This is the case across all the kits that as open to choose your options there is still some major limits to what your 2 kit options are.

The recent addition to a complete single player campaign mode to Battlefield games has been a nice extra this one gives you a great feel of everything of all the different gameplay you can experience in multiplayer and the story line isn’t that bad either, not as fun and light hearted as the Bad Company’s campaign but still entertaining enough.

A new addition is the 6; 2 person CO-OP missions with set objectives like campaign but designed for the players to work in unison. Once again a diverse selection of game types giving you and a friend a great experience of gameplay and working as a unit. Now I have said you and a friend as some missions require you to work as a single stealth unit and that just can’t be done with just anyone even though the option is there for an open game. These missions have been designed for 2 player but Battlefield has been designed around the 4 man squad and that’s something I would like to see be added to the CO-OP options in the future.

Another addition is the new Battlelog site (http://battlelog.battlefield.com/), the social network for Battlefield 3 this site gives you real-time events for you and your friends check full stats and upcoming unlocks. It also gives you the option to join a Platoon (clan), be sure to join the Neo-Terran Front (NTF). This is really just Facebook for Battlefield 3, so check it out.

They have also taken the dogtags up a notch with the option to customise both the front and back of them, with unlocks through playing the game or special pre-order options. Check out http://actofvalor.com/bf3/ for some more free tags.

Now the big debate between Battlefield and Call of Duty (COD) this is something that has split the first person online shooters for many many years. From this post and pervious posts you can tell I’m a Battlefield fan. I never got into any of the COD’s which has had a similar timeline although longer and more games. But personally I find the Battlefield games to be a more solid build and a better multiplayer to be played with friends, which is something that is important to me. So check it out; here is a gameplay trainer if you are still unsure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zw8SmsovJc

Duke Nukem Forever after 14 years of development has finally been released. The game that was considered folk lore to most in the gaming community, has changed games engine more often than the ones underwear and bankrupted its original developer. And from what I’ve played so far it’s been nothing but a disappointment. The only thing it has going for it, is it’s the sequel to the Duke Nukem 3D game.

So all the bad points; the engine is on the Unreal engine that bought us Unreal Tournament 2004 so its 7 years old and graphics have come a long way since then and when you are “admiring” yourself in the mirror, it doesn’t look much better then then the original.
Having purchased this on the Xbox360 I would like to know if the very poor interaction with the environment and control response is as bad. The interaction with the environment is a little moody, at times it works fine while at other times you have your crosshair in the same place and it won’t allow you to do the required action. This includes shooting. If the crosshair isn’t red for the enemy, it doesn’t matter if you are hitting it or not, you will not do any damage to it. So when the pigcop is jumping at you and normally you would stop that with a point blank shot form the shotgun, more often than not you will somehow miss the thing even with it taking up your entire screen.

Ok let’s end on a high note and say all the good things about Duke Nukem Forever. After 14 years the only thing that’s changed for Duke is he’s older, still the same the macho, misogynistic, wise-cracking character. He’s still spouting some great one liners throughout the entire game and having every girl fall to their knees just to please you.
The actual story is a nice change to the current games in the genre using a more classic first person shooter design; but with a game 14 years old what would you expect?

Can I recommend this game to anyone? Well sadly no; this is a game that anyone who has been a fan of Duke Nukem should play but with the new release price tag it’s just not worth it. So when you see it in the cheap bin at your local game store that’s when you should think about buying it. Till then here’s the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuuyRGB_BA

Ok I’ve just had a gaming session with EnergiserX and Lostagent2 in Battlefield Bad Company 2, it’s been awhile for us and in that time there has been another update for the multiplayer and guess what? The lag has gotten worst, so bad in fact that it’s almost impossible to play.

I think the game is great and the multiplayer is one of the best for a war game I’ve played in recent years but the lag that we are experiencing is that bad it may cause me to stop playing the game.

Our theory for the increase in lag has come as a result that every update appears to have increased lag to the game. When the game was first released except the fact it didn’t have enough resources dedicated for all the players the gaming experience was smooth and had next to no lag. Over the few months the game has become worst normally after an update and even with the major increase of dedicated resources has not improved the problem.

During this session common lag experiences included:

• Moving through walls or other solid objects
• Fall through the floor both on the ground and upper levels or buildings
• Weapons not reloading correctly even with the reload animation completing
• Weapons swapping back and forth when changing weapons
• Dying many seconds after you have been shot
• Enemy’s not taking damage when shot.

All these work together to make a much less enjoyable gaming session which will cause gamers to stop playing the game and will give EA Games a bad reputation for poor quality of services.

So EA Games fix the damn problem!

Myself and Lostagent2 have landed in China – Beijing to be exact. A 12 hours flight with little sleep we landed just as the sun was coming up on a very cool Good Friday. Here are some interesting things we have experienced on our first day.

At the very nice looking and large international airport, we made our way through quarantine, immigration (took for ever) and the all important customs which we walked straight through without having to declare a thing or having our bags checked – only being asked “Why we take so long?”

Our trip in the private car to the hotel I think has taken a few years of my life. Lostagent2 defined it as “ordered chaos,” which it is, and something that is rather interesting to see. The only rule seems to be dont crash. Pedestrians have no rights on the road even at crossings.

The place we are staying in seems ok, all the staff are friendly and there are some interesting items in the room to purchase including vibrating condoms and a compressed towel that you just add water to uncompress it.

 I tipped the bell hop 5 RMB which when converted to AUD is $0.80. We have been joking about that since not knowing if it was a good amount to give or not.

We have already experienced the Great Firewall of China, finding both Twitter and Facebook (who uses it anyway) blocked from access. That means no more stupid remarks till I get home.

For dinner we had some very nice duck but what was more impressive was the beer, 600ml bottles of the local beer. Although the beer isn’t that cold compaired to back home, it stayed the same temp for the entire time we were drinking and with the dew point in the minus we don’t get any condensation.

As every gamer knows, their setup to play is an important part of a successful gaming experience. Whether you are a console, computer or even a hand held gamer, where you play can make all the difference. As a console gamer my TV setup which is why I’ve gone with the full media setup including; Xbox 360, Media PC, DVD player, 6.1 surround sound and multiple screens to get the best experience possible.

My setup is in a bedroom so the bed and bean bag is used as the seating in front of the TV Unit. In the TV unit I have:

Samsung 32 Inch LCD High Definition TV at 720p/1080i with HD Digital Tuner (LA32R81BD)

Samsung 250GB Hard Disk DVD Recorder (DVDHR755)

Xbox 360 Elite (black)

Media PC just a custom built pc running Windows Media Centre, some interesting points:

• Hauppauge Nova-T-500 MCE Dual DVBT SD/HD Tuner (NOVA500MCE)
• Logitech diNova Mini Palm Sized keyboard with media and ClickPad (920-000900)
• 3 terabytes of storage

BenQ 20.1 Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor (FP202WA)

KENWOOD Amplifier  6.1 Channels Receiver  surround sound Dolby Digital® • DTS® • DTS ES® • Dolby Pro Logic II • DTS Neo:6 • THX® (KRF-V6090D)

All connections are done through digital means allowing for the best possible picture and sound. The input devices (Xbox, PC, DVD player) to the TV run through HDMI cables and the TV is connected to the amp through a fibre optic sound cable. Also the monitor is connected to the Media PC directly allowing for multiply items accross both screens. Below is a diagram of the layout.

Although not part of the media setup what I believe to be another important part of my setup is the in cupboard bar, including a bar fridge, area for mixing drinks, a shelf for the good stuff and independent lighting.

Because drinking is always a good addition to a fun gaming session with friends and something that should always be considered.

My poison of choice is Bundaberg Rum also known as “Bundy” it is dark rum produced in Bundaberg, Australia and can only be found in Australia. I like my Bundy with coke and a lot of ice.

After a few Bundy’s, normally when gaming with the guys i start reciting a personal favourite song of mine.

They have produced many different types of rum and pre-mixes; personally I don’t like their pre-mixed drinks.  Some of their best products are:

• Bundaberg Rum UP – the original underproof, 37.0% ALC/VOL, 74 proof
• Bundaberg Rum OP – an overproof version of Bundaberg UP at 57.7% ALC/VOL, 115.4 proof
• Bundaberg Rum Distiller’s No3 – a triple filtered blend 43.0% ALC/VOL
• Bundaberg Rum Red – Bundy Extra Smooth Rum, is the first rum to be filtered with Red Gum, 37.0% ALC/VOL
• Bundaberg Rum “Reserve” First 5000 bottles numbered and Limited Release. Then released as standard non limited release in bottle shops.

Over the years the Bundaberg Distilling Company have produced some great TV commercials. Two of my favourites are below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OidSD14mGE

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEQpUY_crc

A timeline history of the Bundaberg Distilling Company  

• 1872 – Commercial sugar cane starts production in Australia. A new industry is born, as commercial sugar cane is found to be successfully suited to Australia tropical regions.
• 1880 – Bundaberg makes makes makes its nam makes its name a its name as Australias sugar cane capital. A good climate combined with its favourable location sees Bundaberg and the surrounding district establish itself as a leader in sugar cane production.
• 1888 – The Bundaberg Bundaberg Distilling Company i Distilling Company is born. With the local sugar industry flourishing, a consortium of local sugar millers seize the opportunity to produce rum.
• 1889 – The first Bundaberg Rum comes out of the distillery. With the plant, equipment and expertise in place, the fledgling distillery successfully produces its first rum, a total of 22,500 gallons.
• 1892 – A local competitor arrives on the scene. Established by the Waterview sugar mill, a new distillery opens to challenge for a share of the Bundaberg Distillery’s ever-expanding market.
• 1899 – Bundaberg Rum goes to war. The Boer War breaks out and the Armed Forces request the entire production of Bundaberg Rum be sent as rations for the Australian troops serving in South Africa. This marks the beginning of a long relationship supporting Australian troops overseas.
• 1903 – The Waterview Distillery is destroyed by floods. The 1903 floods are disastrous for the Waterview Distillery, sweeping away its hopes of challenging Bundaberg Rum.
• 1907 – Fire stops Bundaberg Rum production – but not for long. On February 7, 1907, fire destroys the Bundaberg Distillery. But by the time World War One comes along, Bundaberg is back in business supplying Australia’s soldiers.
• 1914 – Bundaberg Rum on the front line. After the devastating fire Bundaberg Rum is now back in business and supplying our World War One soldiers with product.
• 1936 – Bundaberg Distillery once again destroyed by fire. Yet again, a disastrous fire puts a stop to production. But within a few years, the Distillery is once again on its feet and in full-scale production.
• 1939 – Back in business. After three years of rebuilding, Bundaberg Rum is back in business. Thankfully, production of Australia’s No.1 spirit has not been interrupted since.
• 1939 – Bundy goes to war. The Australian Government takes over all rum stocks for the armed forces, the Royal Navy and the US military.
• 1942 – World War Two. American Soldiers whilst in Australia on R&R during World War II discovered Bundaberg Rum. They enjoyed drinking this with Cola, so the Bundaberg Rum Distillery came up with a solution – a mix of Bundaberg Rum and Cola in a bottle.
• 1950 – Bundy is disguised in many different labels. The Bundaberg Distilling Company begins to sell rum in barrels, overproof, to agents who bottled it under their own labels.
• 1961 – Square bottle and Buddy R. Bear are born. Sam McMahon (Bill McMahon’s brother) invented the square bottle, the three piece yellow label and the polar bear. McMahon believed the Polar Bear would imply this drink would ward of the coldest chill of winter, and thus help the marketing of the product in the southern states of Australia.
• 1974 – The company begins to bottle its own product. On the back of a campaign to take The Spirit of Australia’ to the world, the company takes over control of the bottling and packaging process.
• 1985 – Bundy in a Can. Bundaberg Rum also released the classic blend of The Famous Bundaberg Rum and special recipie cola ready to go in a can. Perfect for parties, BBQ’s and fishing trips.
• 1986 – The seeds are sown for Bundaberg Black. Master Distiller, Dr Lou Muller, puts aside one vat of Bundaberg Rum, destined to become the famous Bundaberg Black Rum.
• 1993 – Dark and Stormy is born. Bundaberg Distilling Company combines two famous products – Bundaberg Rum and Ginger Beer – to make a distinctly Australian product, Dark and Stormy.
• 1995 – Bundaberg Black. After ageing for a minimum of eight years, the first batch of Bundaberg Black is released. Each vat of Bundaberg Black is unique, with an individual flavour and character – no two vats are the same. A total of 10 different vats will be released over the next decade.
• 1996 – Bundaberg Black hits the market. The first release of Australia’s premium quality rum, Bundaberg Black, specially aged as a Ovintage rum.
• 1999 – All the taste of Bundaberg, at Mid-strength. A first in the premix spirit market, Bundaberg launches a Bundaberg Rum & Cola mixed at 3.5% alcohol strength. Perfect for those occasions when you have to be in control.
• 2000 – Bundaberg Rum Pure Gold. To mark the Sydney Olympics and recognise the achievements of our athletes and their spirit of mateship, Bundaberg Rum releases the special edition. Bundaberg Rum Pure Gold, a 40% ABV gold liquid came in a 750ml bottle.
• 2001 – Bundaberg Rum & Cola Draught on tap. Once again reinforcing its position as industry leader, Bundaberg Rum introduces the world’s first spirit on tap, Bundaberg Rum & Cola draught. Draught is now available in more than 350 pubs in Queensland alone and another 600 hotels across Australia.
• 2001 – Bundaberg Rum. Proudly Supporting the Wallabies. For the first time in Australia, a spirit brand takes out a major sponsorship opportunity, Bundaberg and the world champion Wallabies – what a fit.
• 2003 – Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund. Bundaberg Rum joins forces with Landcare Australia to launch the Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund. The initiative gives funding to Landcare and community groups to help repair Australia’s rivers and waterways. Country music singer James Blundell becomes the official ambassador.
• 2003 – Rugby World Cup 2003. Bundaberg Rum invests more than million to become an official sponsor of one of the world’s greatest sporting events and to be known as the Official Spirit of Rugby World Cup 2003. Bundaberg Rum’s involvement with the game reinforces its long-term association with rugby at all levels.
• 2004 – Bundaberg Rum, Dry & Lime. Bundaberg Rum creates a refreshing new way of enjoying Australia’s favourite spirit. Bundaberg Rum Dry and Lime combines the smooth quality of original Bundaberg Rum with the refreshing taste of dry ginger ale and lime. The new ready–to–drink alternative ensures there is now a Bundaberg Rum drink for more occasions.
• 2004 – Distillery expansion. Bundaberg Distilling Company announces a  million expansion plan over the next two years in order to meet the increasing demand for its products. The expansion includes the installation of new maturation tanks, new timber storage vats and the upgrade of visitor facilities at the Distillery.
• 2004 – New look launch. Bundaberg Rum unveils a new look that reflects the brand’s proud Australian heritage and authenticity. The new identity ensures the brand continues to evolve with its consumers and remains as relevant today as it was when it was first introduced in 1888.
• 2004 – Bundaberg Rum named Australia’s No.1 spirit trademark in Australia.

Well this is the first post on the new blog site (not that I really need one). The point to this pointless blog is to have a written spot of my life as a gamer in the world of anti-gamers.