Here and There with Edison: 2011

Kaki Gamers Malaysia will now disband

Good Day everyone. Its been tough maintaining everything on my own. Fret not, as we are not gone forever. We will join with our brothers at Malaysian Gamers, we will regulary cover on-site event for more local happenings. With less focus on some issue, I can continue doing much better job. This blog now will act as my personal blogs.

- Edison Beh, Founder of Kaki Gamers Malaysia

How do KGM review their games?

All KGM review's are done after completely finished the game. Half finish game or some game that take a very long play time to finish will not be review. Picture above showing my nest, I spending most of my time here. Take some of your time to learn what eqiupment we use to test and review product/game.

*Source of Review: Digital PC Version

Packaging

Why we prefer digital over retail version of Dead Island?, one word, Pre-order bonuses. As you pre-order the game before launch you'll get a weapon blueprint of "The Ripper" and The Bloodbath Arena DLC. The Bloodbath Arena DLC typically a survival mode to survive multiple waves of zombies. Players earn cash and XP in Bloodbath Arena, and can be carry over to the main campaign. The arena also includes a new weapon, the Sonic Pulse Grenade.

Gears of War 3 Limited Edition Unboxing (Xbox360)

Content

- Paper cover box
- Smooth plastic case
- 1x Game box containing game disc (mimiking the data disc from Marcus dad)
- 1x 2-days access to Xbox LIVE Gold membership
- 1x Transparent sticker
- 1x Game Manual
- 1x COG medal (behind it you can find the code for Adam Fenix Character for MP mode)
- 1 x Mini COG Flag
- Bunch of Document from Adam Fenix to his son with 2 picture

BioHazard Revival Selection unboxing (Xbox360)

Content

- Hard cover box
- 1x game box containing:
1x BioHazard Code: Veronica disc
1x BioHazard 4 disc
- 1x BioHazard 100 pages coloured booklet detailing character, storyline and cutscene (all in japanese language)
- 1x english manual
- 1x japanese manual

Note:
- This is NTSC-J Asia region game
- Voice in-game are english but text are all in japanese (including item description)
- Both BioHazard Code: Veronica and BioHazard 4 are remastered to HD

*Source of Review: PC Version

Kotobukiya's Bushoujo Liara Statue (Mass Effect)

Bioware asking opinion on the Mass Effect, Liara T'soni statue by Kotobukiya. Hope to better shape Liara. Showed below is a prototype model. Pre-order may hit every toy store once it was finalize.

*Source of Review: Xbox360 Arcade (Digital Download)

This is 1 of THE MOST BEST GAME from Xbox360 Arcade can bring to you. You take role of Scott Pilgrim fighting all 7 evil Ex(exs) of Ramona in order to live peacefully with Ramona. You can buy this full game with only 800MSpoints and another 160MSPoints for Knives Chau Add-On Pack (DLC) for 1 new playable character, Knives Chau and 1 new mode, "Dodge Ball". Believe me it wasn't

*Source if review: PC Version

Packaging

The difference between Digital and Retail version are that retail version come with limited edition DLC. The item "The Burning Bandof Scorch, "Bite of Arakun", "Talisman of the Grand Mage" and "The Sacred Heart of the Legion" are included in Limited Edition. Those 4 item are to be equipped in players Rings and Necklaces slot. Like every in-game items, these rings and necklace are useful at the start of the game

Nintendo Wii U , the new Nintendo console

Wii U Discs Will Be single-layer 25GB Blu-Ray disc.The controller, other than buttons and touchscreen, It has build in camera, a microphone, and tilt-sensitive gyroscope. Nintendo also said that they will be using a 25GB Disc for their games, they didn't say it was Blu-ray disc, but we guess it should have been it.

Packaging
The packing is very good but I wonder why there is no plastic covering the Kinect sensor? Not much problem there though, as it still didn't damage the device. The Kinect come with Kinect sensor, Kinect Adventure game and an power adaptor. Well, you get a compatible power adaptor depending on your region. Xbox360 Slim player doesn't need to worry about the adaptor as Kinect can directly use the power source from the console. The old Xbox360 console will have to use the adaptor come with the package.

Getting error while trying installing Creative labs product? Fret not. I tried the steps by creative support site, it wasn't work either. I got several Creative product that come with the same error I-001 when I'm trying to install new driver. Here you need to do.

1. You need to "manually" extract the file contained in the .exe you download at creative support page by using winrar software. Extract it to a new folder.

2. Open the folder you just extract it to, right clik then cut on
ct_cabinfo.ini
ct_cabinfo.txt
ct_cabinfo.xml
Disk.id

3. Paste it inside \Audio\Setup folder. Then Run setup.exe in the Setup folder. The installation should run smoothly.

Monster Game Standard HDMI cable for Xbox360 by Monster Cable

Everyone been wondering if this cable worth it? Is there any difference at all? Continue read to find out.

Is hard to tell from a person perpective either its improved or not after changing the cabel.

Packaging

The package come with a standard Monster Cable HDMI cable design specifically for the xbox360. It also included a Optical output converter from the XBox360 AV port, however it was useless for Xbox360 Slim version though as they already buildin with Optical Out port. The cable are made to be VERY durable. Check out the technology from Monster Cable.

Xbox360 AV port convert to Optical out

Result

Test bed: I'm typically using a Sony 32" TV (KLV-32EX400), Xbox360 Slim, 7.1 speaker output from TV (Only 2.1 can be used).
After several testing was made, there is a slight clearer and better colour on my TV display. Yeah it was just slight, no major improvement.

Verdict
The different between a standard HDMI cable (RM60+) with a Xbox360 Monster Cable (RM230) is just a slight improvement on display. Compare the price you pay, it doen't seem much worth it.

2 star out of 5

Bulletstorm Review

* Source of Review: PC Version

Packaging

Nothing actually interesting here. While only Xbox360 Bulletstorm: Epic Edition will get a beta code to try out Gear of Wars 3 beta.

Bulletstorm Limited Edition come with digital goodies such as,
- 25,000 Experience Points
- Visual Upgrades for the Iconic Leash
- Deadly Peace Maker Carbine
- Additional Boots and Armor

Gameplay

The gameplay is very unique, that what bulletstorm separate from other regular FPS games. You get tons of ways to kill your enemy and earn points to upgrade weapon. Combined leash,"Duke Nukem" signature kick with slow mo and hazardous enviroment, you get tons of ways combined weapon at your disposal to finsih off your enemy. Sadly the main campaign doesn't come with co-op mode. There is a tiny problem with the control, as PC user, our default Run and Crouch button are Shift (run) and Ctrl (crouch)where there is a stunt "Slide" require you to press Run then crouch togeher to perform slide is kinda incompatible with keyboard.

Meet the giant wheel of death

There 2 other multiplayer mode avaialble, Anarchy and Echo mode. Arcnarchy mode is kinda like survival mode where you can support co-op up to 4 player to survive enemy hordes wave by wave.

While Echo game mode, player get chance to play partial of campaign mode. The focus of this mode are to get as much point as possible and compare your points with your friends on leaderboard.

Ever imagine what if Max Payne and the movie "Wanted" combined? Yeah, you can get to see it in action by using your sniper rifle. You be able to steer the bullet of a sniper bullet. I love this gun.

You only able to steer to the enemy you aim at.

I'm not gonna spoil the storyline for you but the storyline is just so-so. Story about how gray got his revenge on the general is not so interesting afterall. The game is more focus on the gameplay than storyline afterall.

The game has a very interesting, is mean VERY interesting among characters. Keep focus on the their conversation and you will notice alot dick ass joke.

Alot "fancy" talk included.

Graphic and Sound

The graphic is powered by Unreal Engine 3 which is damn superb, need to say more?

Verdict

Turn out to be pop-corn shooter. The campagin is fun but it doesn't last very long. For the price tag of RM139, it worth a try, but expect too much. Bear in mind that Bulletstorm are powered by Games For Windows LIVE, good thing is you doesn't need port forwarding to host a game, and bad thing is some people have past bad experiance with GFWL.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition

Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition which included 4 new playable character (Evil Ryu, Oni, Yun and Yang) and tons of new freature. Here some of the new freature, improved the game's spectator mode, adding an Elite Channel that lets people watch games matches contested by players with 3000pp or more. It also lets you follow up to five regular users to watch their matchs replays.

Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition will be available as DLC (upgrade from SSF4) for Xbox360 and PS3 with the price tag USD14.99 on 7th June 2011. Player with or without DLC will be able to fight each other in online matches. While according to Ono (SF4 Producer), a retail version will be releasing as well on end June 2011 for Xbox360, PS3 and PC. Ono also mention the price to be lowered than a full release game, we just wait and see. Good news for PC players, its finally has landed on PC!

Buy Dragon Age 2, Free Mass Effect 2 before 30 April

This may sound ridiculous or more likely a scam, but its NOT. From now until April 30 anyone who buy Dragon Age 2 will receive a download code to get the PC version of BioWare's sci-fi RPG Mass Effect 2 for free. Its not only for new customer, those already own Dragon Age 2 are also able to redeem it. Kindly just follow the link below

http://dragonage.bioware.com/me2offer

Dragon Age 2 Review

*Source of review: PC version

Packaging & Content

I'm impress with the latest box cover done by EA, They have those shining finish for the background. Inside the box you'll get

- Game Disc
- Signature Edition goodies code with a ad of Mass Effect 2 coming up DLC "The Arrival"
- Black and White manual with CD-Key on the back

Signature Edition Goodies
- The Exiled Prince DLC with also come with 1 playable character
(Cost USD$7 if buy separately)
- Dragon Age 2 OST (download via bioware social website)
- Digital armory: Apostate's Courage, Seeker's Bulwark, Adder of Antiva, and Might of the Sten

May I also remind you that Dragon Age 2 exclusive item are unloackable via Facebook game "Dragon Age Legend", Special armor from Dead Space 2 if you register the code used on Dragon Age 2.

Patch, high-res texture pack and demo available via Bigdownload.com

Dragon Age 2 Demo (1.9GB)
Dragon Age 2 - High-res Texture pack (1.08GB)
Dragon Age 2 patch v1.01 (9MB)

*High-res Texture pack can only be used on DX11 only

Gameplay

To all previous Dragon Age 2 fans will find abit dissapointing. The new mechanics Bioware introduce to Dragon Age 2 abolish the original Dungeon & Dragons mechanic that was used in Dragon Age 1 & its expansion "Awakening". No more tactical view from top down. The gameplay has changed to fast paced combat type. In short the game combat system has been "simplied" to suit console more. Mage's AOE spell on Dragon Age 1 able to do damage on party member, however in Dragon Age 2 the AOE friendly fire has been lift off on normal mode and only able to enable it in Hard Mode.

Push aside the combat system, the speech system been improve alot. Which ever dialog you choose will be effect alot outcome of the game. Stay by your side or run away, dead or alive of your party depend on how you handle the dialog. The dialog also now come with an outcome icon, Good, joke, evil or even take speech help from your party member.

The character inventory also been simplied. Players now won't able to change party's any gear except weapon and enchanment. The armor that you get throughout the game can only be use on Hawke (you).

Dejavu is main word you be using while exploring dungeon and places. Alot same places are reuse back for new quest later on. Not only that, the whole game map is very small compared to Dragon Age: Origins. The only area your gonna play is around Kirkwall.

Storyline

The story take place during the blight desroying Lothering village, Hawke and his/her family force to flee to Kirkwall City for refuge. There is no warden involve in this game, except Anders. Tell story from a refugee to Champion of Kirkwall. The story is very enjoyable (I won't say much as it will spoil your game).

Graphic and Sound

Graphic has been improved since Dragon Age 1. Now Bioware first game to use DX11, however to use DX11, you'll have to download Hi-res texture pack to enable DX11. there is graphical glitch if you are using Nvidia graphic card with driver version 266.58 released on Jan 2011.

As you can see, not only you will get missing texture but the game performance is VERY BAD as well on DX11 with hi-res texture enabled and using Very High Setting (There is no notable glitch spoted on DX9 however). Nvidia 267.24 beta driver needed to fully run the game smooth and texture missing free.

Verdict

Eventhough the game has been simplied, the duration of the game and combat are still very enjoyable. For the tag price of RM139, the game is well worth it.

4 out of 5 stars

Very busy at EA game release month

Phew, finally i finish 3 EA major release this month. Yeah, been busy whole month with 3 games, Dragon Age 2, Bulletstorm and finally Crysis 2. 3 game review will coming up in few days. While I getting my room ready for kinect.

Since I do a reboot on my blog, the review section will also be more specific detail.
Split into 5 parts which is Packaging, Gameplay, Storyline, Sound and Graphics and finally Verdict. Verdict part will be judge with the price.

[update] Finally get this posted, the news been few days unpublish due to newly release of IE9. I just have to change to compatibility mode to publish it.

Hands on Dragon Age 2 Signature Edition

Did you missed the last pre-order deadline for Dragon Age 2? Well there are still some way u can get Signature Edition. Software Boutique still have a VERY LIMITED quantity EXCLUSIVELY for walk in customer only.

So you have to pre-order at their shop and pickup the copy on release date if you wanted a Signature Edition. For late pre-order of Signature Edition, those order via internet won't be receiving any Signature Edition instead they are getting the normal edition.

Finally Fable 3 confirm its releases for PC

With all the silent from Microsoft about Fable 3 for PC we assume they already forgoted about PC. Rejoice, Microsoft annouced Fable 3 for PC to be release at 17 May 2011.

The sad part is that the DLC "The Traitor Keep" will be only exclusive for Xbox360 and won't be available for PC.

Bulletstorm delay in Malaysia

While the rest of the world are enjoying the game at 22 February, Malaysian gamers have to wait uncertain release date from 4 to 8 March 2011 due to testing Bulletstorm(GFWL) can be used in Malaysia or not. Early pre-order will get hold of Limited Edition.

Bulletstorm Limited Edition Included:

- 25,000 Experiance Points

- Visual Upgrades for the Iconic Leash

- Deadly Peace Maker Carbine

- Additional Boots and Armor

Team Fortress 2 (Valve) official figurine

This time, its real! not some flickr fake posted picture anymore. Currently they are releasing The Heavy (TF2), Tank(L4D) and the lastest The Soldier (TF2). The quality is superb, but also come with a jaw droping price. to preview or order the product head to https://www.gamingheads.com/ .

The Tank highly limited to 750unit worldwide. Around 15 inches tall (including the base). Price USD299.99 (around RM945). Available Q1 2011

The Heavy, size about 13inches tall (including the base), limited to 750unit worldwide. Available Q4 2010. Priced USD229.99 (around RM725).

Crysis 2 Limited Edition content and release date

Our favourite local game store has annouced Crysis 2 Limited Editon. If our instinct is correct the Limited Edition will come in limited number and release standard edition with the same price afterward. Expected to be release in 22 march 2011.

PC (Limited Edition)
PS3 (Limited Edition)
XBOX 360 (Limited Edition)

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

Bonus XP - Players will jump into multiplayer battles with an edge by starting with enough experience points to gain early access to all 5 preset class load-outs.
SCAR Hologram Decoy - This special attachment to the SCAR will project a hologram image of the player, allowing them to confuse their opponents with the decoy.
SCAR Weapon Skin - This digital camouflage skin will allow players to add a personalized touch to one of the more popular assault rifles in the game.
Platinum Dog Tag - This special one-of-a-kind dog tag is one of over 250 that will be collectible in Crysis 2 multiplayer, helping to separate you from the rest of the field.

Stay tune for Crysis 2 Multiplayer Demo soon...

Where is Bulletstorm for PC?

As the release date draw near, with no demo for PC, everybody start asking where is Bulletstorm for PC? (in Malaysia) As both Xbox360 and Playstation 3 version price has been annouced while PC version still not available. After contacting Software Boutique they said that "The game hasn't confirm can be use in Malaysia yet, we will annouce it once its confirm can be play in Malaysia region". The game expected to be release in Malaysia around 22 February 2011.

PS3 (Limited Edition) @ RM 189.00
XBOX 360 (Standard Edition) @ RM 169.00

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

25,000 Experience Points
Visual Upgrades for the Iconic Leash
Deadly Peace Maker Carbine
Additional Boots and Armor

Dragon Age 2 Demo coming this February 22

The demo lets use select between 3 character to playthrough the game prologue. Once you finish the demo, you will unlock Hayder's Razor, its a special weapon that will increase your stat.

The full game expected to be release in Malaysia around 8 March. Avaialble at our favourite local game store for PC, Xbox360 and Playstation3. Too bad signature edition pre-order on 11 January 2011 has ended.

PC (Standard Edition) @ RM 139.00
PS3 (Standard Edition) @ RM 189.00
XBOX 360 (Standard Edition) @ RM 169.00

Battlefield 3 annouced

As reported on GameInformers Battlefield 3 is back with a brand new engine to take on Call of Duty Series. Its also available for PC, Xbox360 and PS3. The developer named the new engine powering Battlefield 3, "Frostbite 2".

Picture shown here a leaked image, EA hasn't confirm anything yet at the moment.

Check out the Official Battlefield 3 website for more detail.

[UPDATE]: Confirm release on Fall 2011. Include Single Player mode, Co-op and 64player Online Multiplayer

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Annouced

Yeap, its coming to PS3 and Xbox360 sometime in next winter. This is second Final Fantasy series to have sequel since Final Fantasy X-2. Hopes its gonna have a mass improvement. *Refrain yourself from playing the video if you still haven't completed FFXIII, it contained spoiler*

In the mean time check out these FFXIII-2 photos

Fact to know about Windows Phone 7

Every smartphone has pros and cons, so my advice just buy which ever suits you more than hearing whats your friends said. Just before you thinking of buying Window Phone 7, these are the fact you need to know. You have watch some video review about Window Phone 7, but these fact, they never mention it.

1. Contact List

- Whenever you add in you Hotmail, MSN or even Facebook, those contact (your friends list), will appear in Contact List on your phone known as "People". After they appear on your "People" list, you aren't able to delete them on your phone. If you delete your MSN contact on your phone, it will delete your contact at your MSN Messenger as well.

- Window Phone 7 will automatically copy the phone number (If your friends decided to share) from facebook friends list and add them in your contact list ("People").
- Window Phone 7 does not have build in MSN Messenger. You have to download 3rd party apps to use MSN Messenger on the phone.
- You will have to manually link your contact which are separated by phone, MSN and Facebook (don't worry, the phone will match the email itself and link it for you if you press the link button). However if you got a friend that use separate email on his/her facebook and MSN messenger, you will have hard time link them.

2. Xbox LIVE

- You get only 1 free games from Microsoft Studio called Flowers and tons of free games from 3rd party.
- Don't expect alot of games, as this platform or OS(whichever you prefer) is still new.
- IF you fail to buy games via the phone, you can buy via Zune software connect to your phone via PC.
- The paid game are "OFFICIALLY" not available country outside your XBOX LIVE Account. (Try create a Xbox Live account, you will know)

3. The phone

- The phone has build-in locator, meaning if you lost or forgot where you last leave your phone, you can still track it.
- You can even ring your phone, return your phone to factory setting (delete all account data), and lock your phone and leave a message, all can be done remotely via PC.
Simply connect your phone to your PC, start the Zune software, under your "Phone" tab clik on "do more with windows live" ( you can see it above "LAST SYNC" or just under your phone picture)
- The specification of the phone are better or same with iPhone.
- Theme and ringtones are fixed, only can use those already build-in in the phone.

4. Zune

- Xbox LIVE and Zune account are connected to each another.
- Zune software can't be use below Window XP SP3
- Marketplace will appear according to your region. (US region will get music in their marketplace while Asia version won't be available)

5. Data Usage

- The phone will automatically sync with your email on certain setting of time. So if you have limited of data usage plan, beware of this setting. Not only it sync with email, the phone also send out location of your phone time to time (for tracking use). Recomended: Get Unlimited data usage plan for window phone 7. There too many automatic update running behind.

6. Battery Life

- The battery life won't be much different from others smartphone. I currently tested on HTC7 Mozart, use the phone normally (few phone call, check few email, check-out few website) the battery could last approx. 12hours. The battery drain much faster if you use it for watching movie and play games at maximum volume.

7. Facebook
- You can upload picture (not video) directly from your phone to your facebook without any 3rd party apps.
- You can check out picture and status of your friends via "people". 3rd party apps not required.
- You cant view facebook video via phone, however Youtube video can be view via 3rd party apps.

Final Fantasy XIII International Ultimate Hits (NTSC/J)

While other region and console been enjoy it more than half year, finally it release for the NTSC/J region for the xbox360 on December 2010. The game contained 3 disc. The language of the game is English and the subtitle are English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish depend on where you set your console country to. As you can see on the picture, the game also included a book, the content language are disastrous, its in JAPANESE Only! From the picture I can see it mention some deleted scene in the game, I just don't understand why they included something others can't understand. Not only the book are in Japanese, the manual as well, I have to refer in game text history to find out about the game story. Others than that, the game changed drastically. Which alot Final Fantasy fans don't like (but fine by me, afterall, a game gotta evolve to be better).

Alan Wake: Limited Collector's Edition

This game may near a year old but it still a good game to keep in touch.
I will cover small part that the video doesn't mention. This game was originally planned to be release on Xbox360 and PC but only Xbox360 get this game in the end.

I brought this game at http://www.play-asia.com/ at USD39.90 (RM123) while they have promotion.

The Limited Collector Editon come with The Game Disc (duh), a bonus disc, a Soundtrack disc, Alan Wake Files book, "The Signal" DLC, 2 theme for the xbox360 dashboard, 1 set of GamersPic, and a pretty books "alike" box to store the game (with Alan Wake signature too).

The Bonus Disc is NOT in DVD movie format like others games bonus disc. Instead, they run it as a game, you can install dev commentary, unlock theme and gamerspic, and watch "The Making" Video. The Soundtrack disc content 10 music score from the game.

The books is coloured with 130+ pages. The use hardcover for the book too (Nice ones there). I can't tell much about the book as I yet to read it myself, all I can see is character information and in-depth information about Alan Wake.

Here and There with Edison