Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Review

It has been nine years since Rockstar North (formally DMA Design) and Rockstar Games produced Grand Theft Auto on the Sony Playstation and PC. The latest addition to their franchise Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas arrived on the shelves October 2004.

The player takes control of Carl Johnson; a former gang member who returns back to San Andreas for his mothers funeral where he finds out she has been murdered who after his mother is murdered arrives home from Liberty City for the funeral. Upon arrival he learns that his former gang has become a shadow of its former self, and decides to stay and regain control the gang once had.

The game offers the player a large roam free environment of three different areas Los Santos (Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco) and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). A Hollywood A-list cast from Samuel L Jackson to James Woods lend there voice to create another classic Grand Theft Auto story. There is also a large collection of music that is played throughout the radios of the vehicles that will appeal to all styles of music

The missions this time are more balanced and challenging then previous titles making for a more enjoyable game. The missions start out difficult from the beginning and continue to become harder as the game progresses.

Along with the primary missions there are several other missions and tasks available for the player to complete. These missions are small and quick offering the player something extra and different.

The graphics of the game are improving from the previous 3D titles; Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The graphics do keep to the same format and texture but where graphics may fall in areas the game play makes up for it.

The setup of these controls allows previous Grand Theft Auto gamers to dive straight into the game but also allows the not so confident gamer to gain the skills without to much effort. The improved targeting system with option for manual aiming was an improvement form previous versions.

A new feature to the game was the ability to enter the water and swim rather that die as soon as the character hits the water. The ability to dive underwater and collect objects made for a better game experience. Another new feature is the freedom to customise your character, by buying new clothing, getting tattoos and even different hair styles.

Although the version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that I played was on the Sony Playstation 2. The versions for the Microsoft Xbox and PC had a few additional features due to their later release; one of these features was the ability to play personal songs stored on the computers hard drive through the radio

Although the game may not be for everyone especially with its reputation, it has become more popular though the years especially since becoming available on different computers/consoles.

Congratulations to Rockstar North and Rockstar Games for producing another fantastic game.

Reflections on Reviewing Games

A1. At the moment I’m finding the module and course enjoyable. If I had the chance to study this course last year I wouldn’t have wasted time studying a course I didn’t enjoy.

A2. I’m finding some areas of the module easy but there are some aspects that I find difficult. For example word restrictions on game reviews are difficult at times.

A3. I think that I am getting better. I have started to notice my English improving slightly and remembering thing that I had forgotten.

A4. At first I was a bit nervous working with others, but after working in groups in other modules as well I’m becoming more confident.

Think Tank Demo Review

For those who have enjoyed going to arcade centre whether it be in the grotty seaside tourist attractions or in your own back yard (local town). I am sure you have come across those 2D battlefield tank games or going back even further to Combat on your Atari 2600 console. I’m sure once playing Think Tank you will be able so see similarities between them.

Think Tank places you in the king of all metal land destruction machines and sends you across a 3D battlefield to search and destroy anything that crosses your path. There are strategically placed power-ups allow for special abilities for your cannon for a limited time and for health regenerations. There are also pads placed randomly across the battlefield that project your tank into the air giving you a bird’s eye view of the battlefield.

The graphics are excellent and has a simple coloured environment that the more avid gamer can acknowledge and respect.

The system requirements for this game are low, which means those of you with a low spec computer here is an enjoyable game for you. The game will work on three operating systems Windows, Linux and Macintosh OS X. Although an Internet connection is needed to download, register and for online multimedia playing.

The player takes control of a cartoonist tank and has to defeat renegade bots that are hell bent on destroying you and each other. The control system is set to the common PC standard, with W, S, A, D being the movement controls and the mouse acting as action control.

The setup of these controls allows avid PC gamers to dive straight into the game but also allows the not so confident gamer to gain the skills without to much effort. Problems I found with the control system were the aiming system. Those with a low spec or wireless mouse may run into problems here as there is difficulty finding a compromise to the ever changing way of the targeting system.

Although the version of Think Tanks that I played was only a demo, I believe if I had played the full version I would have found the game even more enjoyable. By this I mean I would have had accessibility to the multilayer function and been able to play and complete other levels and unlock other tanks on solo player.

This type of game genre may not be for all but I’m sure once you have tried and played the game for a while you will at least acknoledge what the creaters have tried to accomplish. A lot of hard work, time and effort went into producing this game.

To conclude I give this game a thumbs up and award it four out of five stars.

For anyone wishing to play or at least try the game Think Tank the web address for the download is as follows.

http://www.garagegames.com/products/12

I recommend you try the playable demo before I proceed onto buying the game at $19.95.

£11.35 at current exchange rate.

Edited By Mark Tobin @ marktobin.blogspot.com

Think Tank Demo Unedited

For those you have enjoyed going to arcade centre whether it be in the grotty seaside tourist attractions or in your own back yard (local town). I am sure you have come across those 2D battlefield tank games or going back even further to Combat on your Atari 2600 console. I’m sure once playing Think Tank you will be able so see similarities between them.

Think Tank places you in the king of all metal land destruction machines and sends you across a 3D battlefield to search and destroy anything that crosses your path. There are strategically placed power-ups allow for special abilities for your cannon for a limited time and for health regenerations. There are also pas placed randomly across the battlefield that project your tank into the air giving you a bird’s eye view of the battlefield.

The graphics are excellent and has a simple coloured environment that the more avid gamer can acknowledge and respect.

The system requirements for this game are low, which means those of you with a low spec computer here is an enjoyable game for you. The game will work on three operating systems Windows, Linux and Macintosh OS X. Although an Internet connection is needed to download, register and for online multimedia playing.

The player takes control of a cartoonist tank and has to defeat renegade bots that are hell bent on destroying you and each other. The control system is set to the common PC standard, with W, S, A, D being the movement controls and the mouse acting as action control.

The setup of these controls allows avid PC gamers to dive straight into the game but also allows the not so confident gamer to gain the skills without to much effort. Problems I found with the control system were the aiming system. Those with a low spec or wireless mouse may run into problems here as there is difficulty finding a compromise to the ever changing way of the targeting system.

Although the version of Think Tanks that I played was only a demo, I believe if I had played the full version I would have found the game even more enjoyable. By this I mean I would have had accessibility to the multilayer function and been able to play and complete other levels and unlock other tanks on solo player.

This type of game genre may not be for all but I’m sure once you have tried and played the game for a while you will at least acknoledge what the creaters have tried to accomplish. With the hard work, time and effort into producing this game.

To conclude I give this game a thumbs up and award it four out of five stars.

For anyone wishing to play or at least try the game Think Tank the web address for the download is as follows.

http://www.garagegames.com/products/12

I recommend you try the playable demo before I proceed onto buying the game at $19.95.

£11.35 at current exchange rate.

Freeciv

Freeciv was created by a group of students who were massive fans of Microposse’s Civilization game. These game players came to the conclusion that civilization should be a free game for all and set about creating a similar version themselves.

After several meetings the team ended with only three people creating the game. One created the graphics without no training that area. One created the game engine and the other created client / server architecture.

Freeciv allows the player to use most of civilizations features and also allows the player to add personal enhancements. The game supports up to fourteen players over the internet or local area network (LAN). The game supports prebuilt scenarios and maps as that of civilization. The player has the choice of forty four nations to choose from with forty seven different units to control in the rise to become the superior civilization.

Another feature that the game allows is the ability for configuration. The player is allowed to configure almost every aspect of the game. Another good feature of the game is the ability to change the source code yourself. Of course this is only possible if you know what you are doing. Which I do not.

The player takes control of a tribe leader and has to guide their people though each of the centuries. As time passes technological advances are discovered, which allows for construction of newer city buildings and deployment of new units.

During the building process of the city players can wage war on the other players or commit diplomatic relationships with other or all players

The game ends when the other tribes have been defeated by the player. However if there is more then one tribe remaining when the playtime runs out the tribe with the highest score wins. The highest score determined by the size, wealth, cultural and scientific advances of the tribe.

The graphics of the game are pretty good for the time of creation although they are not a match for those of Micrposse’s Civilization and Civilization 2. The graphics themselves are of good standard as they produce a similar setting to that you would expect from that particular genre.

Although this type of game genre is not what I would normally play I found that the creators had put a lot of time and effort into producing this game. As this game is a copy of Microposse’s Civilization game I decided to do some research of Microposse’s Civilization.

I found that the two games are not that far apart. The only thing really noticeable between the two is the graphics. But this is something that is not really important as the original game as a lot more time and money to produce a better game. But for those of you who are wanting to know what Civilization is like or can’t afford the game then I would recommend this game to you.

For anyone wishing to play or at least try the game Freeciv the web address for the download is as follows.

http://www.freeciv.org/

English Tests

BBC English Test

BBC English Test
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4246472.stm

BBC English Test Average
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4283166.stm

Results

I thought i did very poor on this test. I only managed to get 11 out of 20. I belive i could of done better if i had read the questions again and put more thought into my answers.

Nouns and Pronouns Test

http://www.bolton.ac.uk/learning/bissto/basicskills/english/grammar/nouns.htm

I managed to complete this test without any mistakes. I found some of the questions questionable, but after reading them again i was able to complete the question.

Confusing Words Test

http://www.bolton.ac.uk/learning/bissto/basicskills/english/grammar/confusing.htm

I was capable to complete the test with no mistakes. I thoght the test acted as a refresher to my knowlege.

Popcap Games Review

Rocket Mania

Think boy’s with toys and the male need for destruction. Logical thinking is the key to ignite as many rockets at a time.

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Bejeweled

Imagine Columns meets Meteos in a jewel destroying onslaught! A slow paced puzzle game with the emphasis on score rather than fast frenzied gameplay.

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Dynamite Review

Dynamite is a fun, addictive, colourful game that is a simple version of Super Busta move. Fun for younger audiences, addictive for adults.

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Bookworm Review

This game is challenging and fun. This can test you knowledge of words and has some nice point boosts and death traps.

Apostrophes - My Performance

Done an Apostrophes Test Before

I haven’t done a test like this before so it took me a while to understand some of the questions and how to complete them.

Confidence with Apostrophes

Whilst doing this test I found that I was confident on a lot of the questions and was able to complete them. However I also made a few mistakes which I quickly learned from.

How Did I Find the Test?

I found the test an eye opener to my understanding of apostrophes. I learnt some thing that I didn’t know as well as revising on the things that I did know.

Importance of These Tests

I think that tests like this are important because it helps you remember things that you may have previously forgotten. Therefore helping you improve your language and writing skills.

Better or Worse then Expected

I think I did better then I first expected when looking at the apostrophes test.

Games Website Review

http://www.popcap.com

The look is to attract players by displaying a few selected games. It avoids bombarding the player with too many choices, letting them decide what game they wish to play.

The target audience for this type of online games website is somebody who likes to do puzzles and use their mental ability.

http://www.realarcade.com

The look is to attract the player by displaying the most popular games that other people like to play

The target audience for this type of online games website is somebody who like to play the classic arcade style of games

Apostrophes

The students and staff weren't surprised to learn of the Privy Council's decision to make Bolton a university. They'd always believed in Mollie Temples case. The students' reaction was to go immediately to the Student Union bar to celebrate. The day's events had been exciting and it's hoped that the forthcoming party will be more so.