I received an email yesterday from PlayStation Asia about their ‘Welcome Back’ offer after their network was down for 2 months as a result of what could probably be the biggest hacking incident in history. Continue reading»
Category: Games
Play ‘Angry Birds’ on your Desktop via Google Chrome
If you liked playing the Angry Birds game on your iPhone or iPad, then surely you’ll love playing the same on your desktop. No need to install anything (unless you don’t Google Chrome yet, which is weird). Just be ready with a Google Chrome browser and point the same to chrome.angrybirds.com. Enjoy!
Fight Night Champion for iPhone/iPod Touch
The Game Info says:
Go toe-to-toe with a premium roster of real title-holders past and present, and create your own championship legacy in the ring. Featuring innovative gameplay and best-in-class graphic quality, experience the true brutality of boxing in the tradition of the highest rated simulation fighting franchise of all time. Continue reading »
Street Fighter IV App on Sale ($0.99); Proceeds Go To Japan Quake Relief Efforts
CAPCOM, the Japanese maker of the Street Fighter video game series, is dropping its Street Fighter IV iPhone/iPod Touch App from $9.99 to only $0.99, in support of relief operations for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Continue Reading »
The Jordan Challenge
I’ve just completed the tenth and final challenge in the Jordan Challenge in NBA2K11. Some screenshots follow:
Now, having completed the challenge affords me the ability to have Michael Jordan fill in the roster of any current NBA team I want. Which team do you think should I have him play?
Personally, I think, Michael Jordan ain’t Michael Jordan if he ain’t wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey? Think about Jordan and Derrick Rose teaming up to capture the 2011 NBA crown…
Wesley So in the Tata Chess Tournament 2011
Just as the 73rd Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, which was formerly known as the Corus Games, also one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of chess, is about to end, we’re bringing you some highlights about the Group B category at which our very own GM Wesley So is a proud participant.
We’re bringing you this sad note, however, that just like last year where Wesley pulled off a bad loss from a blunder move out of the critical moment of the tournament against the then champion of that category, GM Anash Giri, this time he did it again, on a critical game…when everything matters…down the stretch…of the tournament against GM Luke McShane.
On round 12 (out of 13) while still on top of the tournament, Wesley So as black is up by a knight as early as the 16th move. All he could have done is stabilize his position and secure his king from immediate attack, and he could possibly cruise to a clear win. However, he made a bad move on move 24 that gave up that earlier advantage and even his chances against McShane. Read more and replay the game »
NBA2K11 – A Quick Review
Having been a follower of the NBA2K series since NBA2K9, I can’t help but compare the latest NBA 2K installment, the NBA2K11, to the previous two (i.e., NBA2K10 and NBA2K9).
Of course, besides the NBA2K11 being a special tribute to the greatest basketball player who ever lived with the Jordan Challange feature, there are various improvements including (and especially) the gameplay.
Let me tell you my quick impressions about the game:
Improved Gameplay
I’m the kind of player who enjoys the quality of gameplay more than the superb graphic display and fancy character moves. I like simulating real NBA games—the heart-pounding crunch times, more than the flashing slams and jams.
Initial games I played indicate that the developers made some adjustments to the field goal percentages. Unlike the previous versions where field goal percentages shoot up to the roof, especially when inside the paint, it’s now closer to reality with as low as 35% on bad nights and as high as 60% on great (if not lucky) nights.
A more realistic field goal percentage leads to more realistic number of rebounds per game. Moreover, you can play the actual 12 minutes a quarter without totaling 150 points a night. It can now be closer to real NBA game, like 90 to 110 points per team per game.
There are also a lot of turnover/steal instances, so you just can’t pass around the ball blindly without incurring a ton of turnovers.
New Button Functions
If you can fake a shot when on the offensive, now there’s also a button (i.e.,the circle button [O] in PS3) to fake a pass. This is especially useful when you’re posting up and you fake a pass towards a team mate who cuts the lane.
Also, there were changes in some button functions, like you can now set an alley-hoop with L2+O, instead of L2+X in 2K10.
Layout and Sound
Of course, there are various changes in the layout like to score indicator, the time camera view, and substitution indicators. And some improvements and variety in the commentators’ comments. Also there are new halftime features, upcoming games plugs during quarter breaks, and post-game recaps.
It’s Game Time
Now, enough of blogging ‘coz it’s game time! But if you, fellow gamers, have something to share, what new features you liked or even hated the most about the latest NBA 2K installment, you are welcome to share them in the comments below.
Wesley So Drew a Winning Position Vs. Akobian
Indeed, Philippines’ pride GM Wesley So spoiled the fun for his Filipino chess fans when he drew a winning position against Varuzhan Akobian in the Corus Chess 2010 Group B in Wijk aan Zee, in Netherlands.
In this particular game, Wesley might have overlooked a better play on the 25th move with (25. Rxc4) instead of his conservative (25. Re3). This could have led to an endgame where he’s up by one pawn plus a solid pawn structure on the King side.
Continue reading Wesley So Drew a Winning Position Vs. Akobian
Fritz12 Licensing: Activating and Deactivating the Software
Recently, I got Chessbase’ Fritz12 that I ordered online. Before I installed it, I was looking for any mention in the Terms and Conditions in the usage of the software regarding multiple installation. I’m particularly interested if I am allowed to install the same in multiple computers, and what happens if I reinstall the OS or change computers.
Unfortunately, there were no written Terms and Conditions in the booklets or manual that came with the DVD disk, nor in the actual contents of the disk. I scrounged the internet about it to no avail. I even emailed their helpdesk, and this is what they have to reply:
Yes, you are welcome to install and to activate the program on both of your computers.
Nothing helpful at all. Continue reading Fritz12 Licensing: Activating and Deactivating the Software
NBA2K10 Now Available in Stores in the Philippines
NBA2K10, which was released October 6 in the US, arrived at Philippine stores today, and they’re selling like hotcakes. I was glad I was able to grab a copy from Datablitz in Rockwell.
I was too excited I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight (LOL). A new game from my favorite series, there are a lot of adjustments to make. Hopefully, they’d be all for the better enjoyment of the game. Continue reading NBA2K10 Now Available in Stores in the Philippines