Just a small rant of mine: every time I see that foxtel-xbox 360 ad I die inside a little. Actually I die inside for every girl who has picked up a controller and enjoyed video games.
The basic premise of the ad is four girls – one of who has foxtel on xbox 360. While excited at the prospect of having cable on an Xbox 360, one girl asks “why do you have an Xbox?” The camera cuts to a tanned surfie with washboard abs, as they all exclaim “ooooooh”.
Apart from having foxtel on the 360 (which does sound pretty interesting) the advertisement makes a possibly unintended comment about women in video games. Namely that women can’t have a console, without a man, and probably a man who is a tanned surfie with washboard abs. I’m only 17, but I’ve played enough games in my time, and seen the rise of the industry, to know that gaming is indeed for the masses, and that gaming isn’t only limited to Wii Fit Plus with Helen Mirren. And I know that the industry is getting past the ideal that gaming is only for men.
Apart from having statistics to back that women make up a significant percentage of the gaming population, the rise of video game journalists, designers and competitive players to name a few, debunks the theory that gaming is only for men. Why not look at some of the more recent video game success stories, Jade Raymond’s rise to the head of Ubisoft Toronto and her work on the first two Assassin’s Creed games, the fact that one of the executive producers on Sony’s flagship title – Little Big Planet, was a woman: Siobhan Reddy. On a more personal level, my girlfriend is an avid gamer much like myself, my sister had gaming sessions up till the early hours of the morning playing Final Fantasy VIII.
On RedKingsDream, Evan Stubbs writes about the sexualism that exists within the industry. Out of three factors that he believes contributes to the division of sex in the industry, one struck me the most: the fact that rather than focus on the message being sent, we are ultimately drawn into a ‘pointless discussion about their genitalia and whether they’re qualified to be talking in the first place’. It is depressing to realise that ‘boobs’ take precedent and is an obstacle for women to overcome.
I know this is a discussion that has grown, old, weary and tiresome. The truth is there for everyone to see, yet ads like this foxtel one continually set the idea that women aren’t meant to play video games Attitudes need to change, and until they do, this debate will rage on – for any girl who has picked up a controller and enjoyed video games – they will rage on too.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
The blog, without it's boy.
This is the third day I've spent on my mac doing entirely nothing, except for scouring facebook. Normally I would hop on my PS3 and start playing a game I've been loving, but not this time.
I said a few posts ago that I had a tonne of games that were certainly worth my time, only that I questioned as to why I had lacked the drive to play it. I can't remember if I answered the question, maybe the games weren't just that interesting. Maybe they didn't interest me. What not even Super Street Fighter IV?
Maybe now I realise that it isn't the games that aren't interesting. As humans we are always quick to blame other things bar ourselves, it's just human nature, it's just who we are. Maybe I tried to pin the blame on the games, that 2010 just wasn't a very interesting year for games. But logical thinking took over, and I realised that we had Red Dead Redemption, God of War 3, Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain and so and so forth. Yes very interesting games, and certainly one of the most interesting years of gaming in recent memory,
"Rita's inside. It was me"
Like Dexter at the beginning of the fifth season, I'm blaming myself, not the games, for not being interesting. I once had a drive to play games, a passion to see games on a deeper level and talk about them with vigour. I can't explain what happened, and contrary to the rest of this post, I won't speculate on the cause. I have faith that my passion will reemerge once more, but for now, it's all gone.
For now that is...
I said a few posts ago that I had a tonne of games that were certainly worth my time, only that I questioned as to why I had lacked the drive to play it. I can't remember if I answered the question, maybe the games weren't just that interesting. Maybe they didn't interest me. What not even Super Street Fighter IV?
Maybe now I realise that it isn't the games that aren't interesting. As humans we are always quick to blame other things bar ourselves, it's just human nature, it's just who we are. Maybe I tried to pin the blame on the games, that 2010 just wasn't a very interesting year for games. But logical thinking took over, and I realised that we had Red Dead Redemption, God of War 3, Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain and so and so forth. Yes very interesting games, and certainly one of the most interesting years of gaming in recent memory,
"Rita's inside. It was me"
Like Dexter at the beginning of the fifth season, I'm blaming myself, not the games, for not being interesting. I once had a drive to play games, a passion to see games on a deeper level and talk about them with vigour. I can't explain what happened, and contrary to the rest of this post, I won't speculate on the cause. I have faith that my passion will reemerge once more, but for now, it's all gone.
For now that is...
Friday, December 3, 2010
Now for some bragging...
So I broke my longest win streak in ranked matches in Super Street Fighter IV today with none other than Guile! The previous record was 7, which has been beaten by 11, and in the process earning me the Tenpeat trophy (for 10 ranked match wins in a row)!
There were some matches I came close to losing, such as the Makoto match where I was down a round and pretty had a sliver of health left in the second. Luckily for me my sonic hurricane managed to connect and got me back in the match which was taken to a third and final round. Starting off the round bad, I somehow managed to get back in it with some lucky trips and finished my opponent off with some sonic boom - air throw baiting tactics. WOO yeah!
If I can I will upload a video of it. But for now, let's enjoy this picture...
There were some matches I came close to losing, such as the Makoto match where I was down a round and pretty had a sliver of health left in the second. Luckily for me my sonic hurricane managed to connect and got me back in the match which was taken to a third and final round. Starting off the round bad, I somehow managed to get back in it with some lucky trips and finished my opponent off with some sonic boom - air throw baiting tactics. WOO yeah!
If I can I will upload a video of it. But for now, let's enjoy this picture...
Monday, November 29, 2010
What's it to you?
I've got a copy of FIFA 11 next to me, and Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition , Super Street Fighter IV and a whole lot of other games sitting underneath my 40gb PS3. To the right of the aforementioned games, I've got a Wii (unplugged) and a couple of PS3 controllers next to it. I may not have the best entertainment system (hello 1994 Panasonic model tv) but it gets the job done. My rockband drums and guitar are upstairs in my messy room, along with an arcade stick that I've always wanted. I've got games that will last me a good year, or even more. So why can't I bring myself to play these games? Am I slowly being consumed by casual gameritis?
I don't fear I've become a casual gamer, despite the fact that I spend less amounts on games than I used to, because what's there to fear about being casual gamer? Aren't I still a gamer at heart?
Looking over my blog that has collected the metaphorical dust, I know I've spent less and less amounts of my time on my most beloved hobby, compared to even the beginning of the year. I refrain from saying that I've lost interest in gaming, or even that my interest is waning, because I know at heart I'm still a gamer.
Yeah I'm still a gamer. I might not spend 40+ hours 'shooting noobs in da face' in Black Ops, or rushing out to midnight launches for the signature edition of Gran Turismo 5, but I'm not any different to those who would anyway. I'm as much a gamer as those Korean Starcraft Superstars, or the old granny who decided to spend $250 + on Wii Fit instead of taking a walk outside.
What's a gamer nowadays? To me a gamer is someone who has ever actively participated in playing video games, and it's as simple as that. Why shun the casuals when we can welcome them with open arms, hand them a controller and let them have a go? Why give disgusted looks to those who toil away in front of their computers, engaging in dungeon raids with their guilds?
Yeah I'm still a gamer at heart. What's it to you? What's a gamer to you?
I don't fear I've become a casual gamer, despite the fact that I spend less amounts on games than I used to, because what's there to fear about being casual gamer? Aren't I still a gamer at heart?
Looking over my blog that has collected the metaphorical dust, I know I've spent less and less amounts of my time on my most beloved hobby, compared to even the beginning of the year. I refrain from saying that I've lost interest in gaming, or even that my interest is waning, because I know at heart I'm still a gamer.
Yeah I'm still a gamer. I might not spend 40+ hours 'shooting noobs in da face' in Black Ops, or rushing out to midnight launches for the signature edition of Gran Turismo 5, but I'm not any different to those who would anyway. I'm as much a gamer as those Korean Starcraft Superstars, or the old granny who decided to spend $250 + on Wii Fit instead of taking a walk outside.
What's a gamer nowadays? To me a gamer is someone who has ever actively participated in playing video games, and it's as simple as that. Why shun the casuals when we can welcome them with open arms, hand them a controller and let them have a go? Why give disgusted looks to those who toil away in front of their computers, engaging in dungeon raids with their guilds?
Yeah I'm still a gamer at heart. What's it to you? What's a gamer to you?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's been a long time...
Hello people who like games! I haven't updated in a while, but that doesn't mean I've stopped playing games full stop. In fact, I think the reason why I've stopped updating is because I have been preoccupied with too much games. Ok well not too much games, more like three games, but three of probably the best games I've played in a long time. So here's a review of the three games I've been playing.
Red Dead Redemption:
You know playing Red Dead Redemption is akin to travelling to the countryside after living a long time in the city. It's a breath of fresh air, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the stars at night are a lot more prominent. Not just in a literal sense, but it's wholly refreshing to see the tried and true formula set in an entirely different setting, so points for Rockstar for trying something new. And it's through this that Red Dead Redemption feels a lot more involving than Grand Theft Auto. Where long trips to missions in GTA sometimes felt like a bit of a grind, Red Dead Redemption invites the player to hop on their horse and explore a western, and indeed, entirely new setting. The sun is bright and often the land is often barren, save for random events such as an escaped convict or a fire fight between the authority and bandits. But through this, it allows the player to take in the world around them, making it, in my eyes, a true 'open world game', where you whistle for your horse, hop on and ride off into the sunset. Brilliant stuff.
Valkyria Chronicles
I have nothing but praise for this game. Thanks to my co-op partner Selina for letting me borrow the game, for letting me experience this game because it is awesome. Set in a sort of steampunk setting, gameplay is a hybrid between third person shooter and turn based strategy which results in a load of fun. Depth is evident as well, with different classes of soldiers in order to combat different types of situations. Throw in some awesome cel shaded-water painting graphics and it's the formula for awesomesauce! LOVE IT!!
Super Street Fighter IV
Just a bit of a story before I start. When my family came to Australia in the summer of 1993, they had to live with my cousins for a while until they found their own home. My cousins were addicted to Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, and my dad was always exposed to the soundbites of Hadouken, Shoryuken, Yoga fires and the points noise whenever you won a battle. He always recounts this memory, and adds that 'You (myself Jared) were still in your mother's stomach'. With that in mind, here's Super Street Fighter IV
Super Street Fighter IV, the game which has ignited a passion in me that will never ever be rivalled again. So let's start with the game itself. Online has been fixed somewhat to add new modes, and lag is less present, so playing with Americans halfway across the world isn't something problematic. The addition of ten new characters looked to fix the problem of the usual ryu/ken/sagat matchup but it seems people have been sticking with their guns. Never gets old focus attack dash cancelling through their fireball spams to get in their face and unload a bread and butter crouching medium punch into flash kick. Sweetness!
It may be the same game, but Super Street Fighter IV has grabbed me like no other game has grabbed me before. The day I decided to do a search on guile strategy guides is the day my street fighter experience changed forever. A whole competitive street fighter scene, where an alien like language has now managed to infuse itself into my everyday talk. Let this be a reminder, flash kick has no priority, but linking it from a crouching medium punch makes it all the more safer.
And the scene itself. Names like Daigo Umehara, Justin Wong, Gamerbee and John Choi, players with awesome skills, who for me, are the gaming parallels of sporting legends such as Roger Federer and Michael Jordan. All this would've never been possible, if I didn't decide to pick up Super Street Fighter IV on that day, and expose myself to something that has changed my gaming world perhaps forever. It is for this reason, that Super Street Fighter IV is one of the best games of the year.
Before I end this post however, I'd like to say that my once partner in crime Selina has now become my co-op partner. With this, I hope that our escapades such as fighting mass armies during the three kingdoms era, hopping around the Mushroom Kingdom trying to save Princess Peach, or simply just rocking out to some tunes in Rock Band brings many many joyous times. Thanks a bunch Selina for being my co-op partner!
Red Dead Redemption:
You know playing Red Dead Redemption is akin to travelling to the countryside after living a long time in the city. It's a breath of fresh air, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the stars at night are a lot more prominent. Not just in a literal sense, but it's wholly refreshing to see the tried and true formula set in an entirely different setting, so points for Rockstar for trying something new. And it's through this that Red Dead Redemption feels a lot more involving than Grand Theft Auto. Where long trips to missions in GTA sometimes felt like a bit of a grind, Red Dead Redemption invites the player to hop on their horse and explore a western, and indeed, entirely new setting. The sun is bright and often the land is often barren, save for random events such as an escaped convict or a fire fight between the authority and bandits. But through this, it allows the player to take in the world around them, making it, in my eyes, a true 'open world game', where you whistle for your horse, hop on and ride off into the sunset. Brilliant stuff.
Valkyria Chronicles
I have nothing but praise for this game. Thanks to my co-op partner Selina for letting me borrow the game, for letting me experience this game because it is awesome. Set in a sort of steampunk setting, gameplay is a hybrid between third person shooter and turn based strategy which results in a load of fun. Depth is evident as well, with different classes of soldiers in order to combat different types of situations. Throw in some awesome cel shaded-water painting graphics and it's the formula for awesomesauce! LOVE IT!!
Super Street Fighter IV
Just a bit of a story before I start. When my family came to Australia in the summer of 1993, they had to live with my cousins for a while until they found their own home. My cousins were addicted to Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, and my dad was always exposed to the soundbites of Hadouken, Shoryuken, Yoga fires and the points noise whenever you won a battle. He always recounts this memory, and adds that 'You (myself Jared) were still in your mother's stomach'. With that in mind, here's Super Street Fighter IV
Super Street Fighter IV, the game which has ignited a passion in me that will never ever be rivalled again. So let's start with the game itself. Online has been fixed somewhat to add new modes, and lag is less present, so playing with Americans halfway across the world isn't something problematic. The addition of ten new characters looked to fix the problem of the usual ryu/ken/sagat matchup but it seems people have been sticking with their guns. Never gets old focus attack dash cancelling through their fireball spams to get in their face and unload a bread and butter crouching medium punch into flash kick. Sweetness!
It may be the same game, but Super Street Fighter IV has grabbed me like no other game has grabbed me before. The day I decided to do a search on guile strategy guides is the day my street fighter experience changed forever. A whole competitive street fighter scene, where an alien like language has now managed to infuse itself into my everyday talk. Let this be a reminder, flash kick has no priority, but linking it from a crouching medium punch makes it all the more safer.
And the scene itself. Names like Daigo Umehara, Justin Wong, Gamerbee and John Choi, players with awesome skills, who for me, are the gaming parallels of sporting legends such as Roger Federer and Michael Jordan. All this would've never been possible, if I didn't decide to pick up Super Street Fighter IV on that day, and expose myself to something that has changed my gaming world perhaps forever. It is for this reason, that Super Street Fighter IV is one of the best games of the year.
Before I end this post however, I'd like to say that my once partner in crime Selina has now become my co-op partner. With this, I hope that our escapades such as fighting mass armies during the three kingdoms era, hopping around the Mushroom Kingdom trying to save Princess Peach, or simply just rocking out to some tunes in Rock Band brings many many joyous times. Thanks a bunch Selina for being my co-op partner!
Jared
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sometimes I wished...
that the world ended with me. And that I still had my copy of The World Ends With You. What a great game.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Germany Vs Australia
After a performance that sent shockwaves throughout the Footballing World, Australia come up against much stronger opponents in the form of Germany. A top of the table clash that will be a telling tale in where both sides are in terms of form and more importantly, their chances in winning the World Cup. Stay tuned...
KICK OFF
4th minute - GOAL for Mario Gomez. Disastrous start for Australia, after Gomez slots in a rebounded shot from Schwarzer. 1-0 Germany
13th minute GOAL for Tim Cahill. Equalizer! Tim Cahill has four for the tournament after he volleys a cross from Bresciano into the goal. 1-1.
24th minute - Header by a German forward fizzes past the post. Still 1-1.
38th minute - A chance for Kennedy to add to his goals for the tournament after a breakaway. Shoots straight at the keeper which results in a corner...1-1
HALF TIME
Australia starting to take control towards the end of the half. Both sides with chances to take the lead but a combination of good defending and poor finishing leaves the scores deadlocked. Stay tuned...
SECOND HALF
47th minute - Early in the second half and Kennedy rises high for a header. Past the keeper but past the post too.
57th minute - GOAL for Scott Chipperfield. Contentious penalty after Kewell breaks into the box and is brought down as he attempts to score. Chipperfield sends the keeper the wrong way. 2-1 Australia.
65th minute - Australian defense almost made to pay for laziness. Gomez' shot bounces off the crossbar, oh so close.
76th minute - GOAL for Harry Kewell. Quick counterattack by Australia and there is no one defending for Germany. One on One with the keeper and Kewell has his first goal for the tournament. 3-1.
89th Minute - Germany still desperate to salvage a goal. Gomez comes up with another shot but once again it bounces off the post.
FULL TIME Australia 3 - 1 Germany
Both sides in it until the penalty was given. From that point it looked like the Germans were playing catch up. Another goal to Australia and it looked clear from that point. Germany also guilty of not taking their chances when it counted. The Australians clear at the top of Group D and guaranteed a spot in the round of 16! Celebrations ahead!
KICK OFF
4th minute - GOAL for Mario Gomez. Disastrous start for Australia, after Gomez slots in a rebounded shot from Schwarzer. 1-0 Germany
13th minute GOAL for Tim Cahill. Equalizer! Tim Cahill has four for the tournament after he volleys a cross from Bresciano into the goal. 1-1.
24th minute - Header by a German forward fizzes past the post. Still 1-1.
38th minute - A chance for Kennedy to add to his goals for the tournament after a breakaway. Shoots straight at the keeper which results in a corner...1-1
HALF TIME
Australia starting to take control towards the end of the half. Both sides with chances to take the lead but a combination of good defending and poor finishing leaves the scores deadlocked. Stay tuned...
SECOND HALF
47th minute - Early in the second half and Kennedy rises high for a header. Past the keeper but past the post too.
57th minute - GOAL for Scott Chipperfield. Contentious penalty after Kewell breaks into the box and is brought down as he attempts to score. Chipperfield sends the keeper the wrong way. 2-1 Australia.
65th minute - Australian defense almost made to pay for laziness. Gomez' shot bounces off the crossbar, oh so close.
76th minute - GOAL for Harry Kewell. Quick counterattack by Australia and there is no one defending for Germany. One on One with the keeper and Kewell has his first goal for the tournament. 3-1.
89th Minute - Germany still desperate to salvage a goal. Gomez comes up with another shot but once again it bounces off the post.
FULL TIME Australia 3 - 1 Germany
Both sides in it until the penalty was given. From that point it looked like the Germans were playing catch up. Another goal to Australia and it looked clear from that point. Germany also guilty of not taking their chances when it counted. The Australians clear at the top of Group D and guaranteed a spot in the round of 16! Celebrations ahead!
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