Some things I've learned....

(1) An Engineer can do with 10 cent what a fool can do with a Euro.

(2) "Puff" - unimportant; insignificant; unworthy of study by engineering students; waste of time

(3) It's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're stupid than to open it and prove them right!

(4) Blockwork people and concrete people can never work on the same site... Apparently they don't like each other....

(5) It's official; I'm fantastic!

Sunday 14 June 2009

Saturday 6 June 2009

Guitar Hero: Metallica - Review

Yes, it kicks serious ass. Guitar Hero: Metallica is the second iteration of the Guitar Hero franchise to be focused entirely on the career of one band. Rather than talk about the gameplay which for the most part is still the same as Guitar Hero: World Tour, I'm just gonna mention the improvements or changes to this game.




First and foremost the setlist is PHENOMENAL. With 28 Metallica songs and 20 other guest acts very few music rhythm games can boast such an excellent track list. Add in the Death Magnetic DLC with 10 extra tracks and it makes one meaty set of hard rockin' anthems. One difference I noticed is that the songs here are all fun to play, there were one or two moments in World Tour (the Tool songs come to mind) that were really boring to play. Also the motion capture is top notch, with really authentic animations and representations of the band. Not a huge step up from World Tour, but fans will appreciate it.



Other added bonuses include the Metallifacts videos after you complete a song, the lyrics sheets and photos and videos from the various tours. It really is a game for the fans, and any Metallica fan would be a fool to pass it up. The interface is mainly the same except this time the developers have added in the star performance meter above your score, and for the band mode it is now more clear how each member is performing.

Career mode has you as a member of band playing before Metallica at the various venues. This story is actually based on a real life band who followed Metallica round during the 80's. Progression is different from World Tour where you no longer need to complete all the songs in one show to proceed. You simply have to earn an overall number of stars from the various songs of your choice in that venue to move on.



I know this is a short review but there isn't much more to say than what's already been said in past reviews and previews. If you're a fan of Metallica and have any gaming system, buy this now! You won't regret it.

~The Damo

The Nostalgia Critic

You may have noticed the update to the "My Links" area on the right. Along with Cinemassacre and Screwattack and Special1TV, I've now added in the Nostalgia Critic at ThatGuyWithTheGlasses.com.

I came across the Nostalgia critic via a video on Youtube (something to do with commercialisation of the site or something like that) that made reference to him in the video description. He had been involved with the Angry Video Game Nerd at one point as well but I didn't pay too much attention to it. A decision I now regret...

At the stage of writing this blog I've now watched the majority of the "Nostalgia Critic" videos and I have to say I'm am both thoroughly impressed and satisfied. The Critic reviews movies and TV programmes, both good and bad ones. The contrasting style of appreciation and condemnation make for great viewing in the various videos.

He is remarkably witty in his videos at all times, and uses excellent editing techniques, as well as some much appreciated running jokes which you might be oblivious to if you don't watch the videos from the start of the series. What's also great is an evolution in the types of videos he posts, as well as standard reviews (which by the way can sometimes be up to 20-25mins) he also does Top 11's (why Top 11? You have to watch) and a new feature called "New Vs Old" where he compares an older film with a remake, or, as was done in the first item of this feature, compare two movies from seperate reimaginations of a franchise - Batman Vs The Dark Knight.

I wouldn't go as far as to say the Critic is for everyone, but if you like films and want to remember old TV shows (like Saved by the Bell) than certainly give him a look. The site has tonnes of other features as well, such as "Ask That Guy", "Sage Reviews" and the "Nostalgia Chick" to name but a few.

So head on over and check out www.thatguywiththeglasses.com !

I'm The Damo, I write it so you don't have to!

~The Damo