Byrd's Nest #9: How Sports and iTouch games saved my gaming life.

Posted by Byrdie On Monday, October 25, 2010 3 comments


When school started this year realized something. My daily habit of killing aliens, Nazi's and other generic polygon inhabited foes would be disrupted by a minor annoyance called homework. Alas my horrendous foes would be playing second bannana to triangle therom proofs and the crafting of a literary analysis. And as the school year has progressed into October I realized something. I have not an alien and/or Nazi since August. I have simply been too tired/busy to continue that art for the time being. What have I been doing with that time? Playing Madden and Doodle Jump.
These games are the perfect solution to any gamers bust schedule. Doodle Jump is maybe the most addicting thing mankind has invented since the invention of illegal narcotics. My precious seconds of no homework are squandered on the perfecting of platform jumping and alien killing. Doodle Jump is just a perfect game for you busy gamers.
Secondly when I actually get a chance to play a console game. I will usually put in my most coveted game (at the moment) Madden 11 (review coming shortly). Madden's shockingly improved gameplay which makes playing an exhibition match as quick as possible, along with the fact that I am a sports fan has allowed me to waste away weekend hours simply scoring touchdown after touchdown while taking bragging rights from my father.
I know what you're going to say. I'm not a "true gamer" beceause I'm only playing "casual" Madden and Doodle Jump and if I was a true gamer I would put games before grades. Blah Blah Blah. Yada Yada Yada. You know what? I don't give a crap. I love games but simply don't have the time to play traditional shooters and action games. I still love video games and am currently enjoying games that allow me to quickly play an enjoyable game before I go back to my busy schedule. And who knows. I might have some time to kill Nazis soon.
-Matthew Byrd Gamertag: ColonelByrd95

iTunes GameCenter Review

Posted by Byrdie On Tuesday, October 5, 2010 0 comments



Itunes's GameCenter is a good idea executed poorly. GameCenter is basically Xbox Live for the iTouch/iPhone. You have a username, freinds, games and achievements all controlled from a central hub. This is controlled by Apple. Think of it as an Apple sanctioned Open Feint. The games on it, although limited, are great ranging from favorites Angry Birds and Tetris to newcomers like Plunderland and UFO on Tape.

Now there are a lot of bad things about GameCenter. It activates very weirdly as it only activates when you start a game and it only does that periodically. Achievements are not officially sanctioned by Apple so games achievement number, achievement points and value vary wildly from game to game making it very annoying to keep track of achievements. Also for all you iTouch owners GameCenter only works with an internet connection so unless you're at home you'll probably lose achievements if you decide to game outside the house.

Despite the difficulties, GameCenter is a great concept that if fixed could bloom into a great gaming interface for all Apple mobile devices.

Written by Matthew Byrd: Gamertag: ColonelByrd95

Weekly Update 9/6/10 "Ugh" edition

Posted by Byrdie On Sunday, September 12, 2010 1 comments

2. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer beta dated

The Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer beta which is a PS3 exclusive was dated this week. Aspiring assassin's will be able to test out the multiplayer on October 4th. Beta invites will only be given to people who have pre-ordered the game.

1. Apple launches gamecenter

This week Apple launched the Appe GameCenter- a hub for all the games for the ITouch and IPhone. The gamecenter includes social networking, leaderboards and for the first time, achievements. Although only a few games are available for gamecenter now- more will be added soon. IPad owners (like LOG's Taylor Bayless) can expect gamecenter at some point in November.

You'll probably notice only two news items this week. That's beceause as fall begins there will be less news items and more games coming out so expect more shorthanded weekly updates in the coming weeks.

Mean Streets: Mafia II review

Posted by Byrdie On Monday, September 6, 2010 1 comments

I love Mafia movies. If you told me you would be watching Goodfellas at yopur house, you should expect me to show up on your doorstep with a bowl of pasta. As much as I love Mafia stories, I haven't played, or for that matter found, a really good Mafia game. Mafia II has changed that.

Weekly Update 8/30/10 "Duke Nukem" edition

Posted by Byrdie On Friday, September 3, 2010 1 comments

5. Dead Space 2 multiplayer announced

Dead Space 2 developer Visceral games announced this week that the highly anticipated (mostly by me) game will feature multiplayer mode. While no further details were given, it can be assumed that the inevitable, soldiers vs. necromorphs mode will be available. Rumors are persisting that the multiplayer will be Left 4 Dead esque. More details to come.

4. Killzone 3 gets a release date

The highly anticipated (and hated by LOG's Kaillif Ammen) shooter got a release date this week at PAX. Fans will be slaughtering Helghast's on Febuary 22nd 2011.

Byrd's Nest #8: What Environment means for a game

Posted by Byrdie On Wednesday, September 1, 2010 2 comments

When BioShock: Infinite was announced I became increasingly guilty that I had never finished the first BioShock. So last week I went back and finished it. And when I did, I came to a realization. A realization that along with graphics and gameplay, environment is one of the most important things about a game. Not only does it keep the player excited about the game, it sets the mood and tone of the game. But instead of droning on on the importance of environment, I will give you three examples of how environment is important in the game.

Weekly Update 8/23/10 "Dog Days and Playboys" edition

Posted by Byrdie On Friday, August 27, 2010 0 comments


5. First Bioshock 2 single player DLC detailed/dated



The first single player DLC for 2K's Bioshock 2 was detailed and dated earlier this week. Minerva's Den has the player control a new Big Daddy who works alongside Dr. Tenenbaum to defeat Rapture's evil computing system in Minerva's Den. The DLC will feature new weapons, plasmids and a new Big Daddy type. The DLC will release on August 31st for PSN and XBLA for $1o on PSN and 800 Microsoft Points on XBLA