Minecraft?

Minecraft? What is this game? This is the question that the eleven of you who have yet to buy this game are constantly asking. Allow me to elaborate on how epic this game is and why every one of you should buy it. Admittedly, Minecraft can have a catastrophic effect on your computer, but usually only if you fill the map with TNT.


This is not advisable, but the overall point of Minecraft is to have fun exploring, surviving attacks by evil creatures that come out at night, or just building anything you can imagine. The latter is the main appeal of Minecraft, where harvesting blocks using tools you have created means you can re-purpose these blocks to create structures, and even intricate works of art.


This isn't the only appeal mind you, as Minecraft puts the player in a randomly generated world, which in total is about three times the actual size of earth. This creates an extremely varied landscape, allowing for untold dimensions of exploration and construction. This is a fascinating mechanic, one that has established Minecraft as a truly unique and thoroughly enjoyable game.


The game itself was created by a Swedish programmer working for a company called Mojang Specifications. The programmer's name is Markus Persson, who commonly goes by the alias of Notch, and has become infamous by this title. He is the founder of Mojang, and the inspiring force behind the team, which has since grown after the creation of Minecraft.


Minecraft has achieved more than 7,000,000 registrations since its inception, and more than 2,000,000 people have actually bought the game. Minecraft has also spawned some rather interesting let's play series' on YouTube, coming form the likes of Seananners and the Yogscast.


These are both greatly entertaining and very useful for a novice to learn their way about the game. For instance, avoid Creepers at all costs and don't build a house without torches, or you will never see the light of day again. All in all, I'd say that Minecraft is a very enjoyable game, one that fits the bill of an internet phenomenon any day. If you haven't yet played it, go play it. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.

Digital Distribution - The Way Forward

First off, allow me to point out that I am a dedicated Steam user. Steam has brought into our lives a digital medium we could never have foreseen in the past. And thus was born the era of digital distribution, where people can simply download games via a dedicated platform like Steam, Games for Windows or even the EA Store.


I love technological advancements, and I love looking back and realising just how far we've come. When you think about it, the prospect of e-mail would have been unbelievable 30 years ago, and now look where it is.


Digital distribution is advantageous for a number of reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal effort, it's quick and easy like internet shopping. Secondly, it's often cheaper than buying the actual game through retail. However, it's sometimes better to have the physical copy to hand, and Steam deals are only cheaper if they're on offer, otherwise they're the normal retail price and their prices don't change with demand or depreciation.


All in all, I'd say that Steam is an excellent platform. Don't think I'm some kind of insane Valve fanboy, as I don't like waiting six years for a game either, but I will say that I like Steam, and would recommend it to any gamer, casual or serious. Keep in mind though that it's not just Steam, even though Steam is probably the dominant platform. consider EA, GOG or Games for Windows, as they all offer great deals from time to time.

Mass Effect Review

Mass Effect is a sci-fi third-person action-RPG set in the distant future. This game takes a different spin on the sci-fi setting and sees humanity as the newcomer in the galactic community, with the governing body made of a representative of each of the three major powers in the universe.


The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an enigmatic figure, given a task of epic proportions. One of the Citadel Council's top operatives has betrayed them and is consorting with an evil entity to bring about the annihilation of all sentient life in the galaxy. This is where things get interesting. Although the game has a seemingly awesome backdrop, there are a number of issues that need addressing. In the interest of fairness, I will address the negative points first.


Firstly, Mass Effect suffers from regular drops in the frame rate, which can be annoying at times, but bearable. Secondly, the textures will sometimes not load properly straight away, giving a fleeting distorted appearance on certain surfaces. These are mainly technical issues, which are unfortunately not the only problem with Mass Effect.


The combat mechanic is uneven, with decently balanced weapons not available until the player reaches a high level, otherwise they are forced to use weapons that suffer from terrible accuracy and a bad field of fire. Also, the inventories are difficult to navigate and are easily cluttered from the amount of weapons, armour and mods the player can find.


Don't worry though, as Mass Effect's flaws are easily countered by its superb dialogue and magnificent story. This game features one of the best narratives I've ever seen in a game, an epic sic-fi fantasy tale spanning a galaxy's worth of mystery, action and tedious elevator rides. The characters are immaculately voiced, and this game features hundred, if not thousands of lines of dialogue, each one comprehensive and perfectly enunciated.


Yes, it's true that Mass Effect suffers in some areas, but graciously makes up for them in others. With a superb story, memorable characters and innovative, yet somewhat clunky technology behind it, this game makes for one hell of an action RPG that will live on for a very long time.

Exam Hatred

Allow me to voice my disdain for exams. It's not as though they're useless, but I see them only as a test of our memory of subject material we've spent the last year processing through our minds. Granted, they allow us to get good grades and go forward to higher places, but the premise of exams leads to a great deal of work and an unnecessary amount of stress.


I can handle this, I don't like it, but I can handle it. I feel sorry for others though, as exams can leave some people in a very bad state of mind, leading them to contemplate too much, and even sow the seeds of self-doubt and pity. Stand strong my friends, I have an exam the very morning I decide to write this. If an idiot like me can do it, then believe me, you can do it.

An Introduction

Admittedly, I have never known the purpose of a blog, whether people simply create them for the purpose of ranting and raving at something they despise, or even something they care about, or just so they have the downright human pleasure of expressing themselves, something I can most certainly agree with.

So, to business then, what might I wish to talk about in a blog? Let's see, I have a devout interest in all forms of 'heavy' music, an almost religious obsession with games and the simple human fascination with good manners and cleanliness. Why not? It's simple things such as saying please and thank you that I believe should be taught to all walks of life. If only chavs would listen...

Oh well, why linger on something that's not going to happen? For the moment, I'll concentrate on games and music and that sort of thing. Oh, and before I dare to forget, I am a member of a youth publication called 'Yatta!' Remember this name, we'll be huge one day, not that we aren't reasonably big right now. A big shout-out to our editor Nik and all members of the Yatta! Team.

Well, expect a review or two at some point soon. I do enjoy writing reviews, it could be said that it's my speciality, that and an uncanny ability to know when I'm being watched, like Predator or something. The first one you'll see will be a comparison and expectation review examining the Mass Effect video game series.

On a side note, the song I was listening to whilst writing this was Blood Bound by Hammerfall. Check them out, it's Power Metal at it's best. Thanks for reading, and look forward to what's yet to come, you will not be disappointed.