The Price of the Future

Another long university holiday has been and gone, and I would like to say that I have done all of the things I planned to do over the past months, sadly that would be a lie. Although we have done numerous things that we planned on, like starting BlankMind.tv, and attending Amecon, there is still a long list of things that were never completed. However we do have plans...

As my friend has previously stated, we’ve been slowed done by the barrage of new and wonderful games that have appeared throughout the year (and of course the year isn’t over yet). It has been quite hard, and dangerously expensive to keep up with this years’ explosion of digital entertainment, whilst also anticipating even more within

the last few months of year. The all new Medal of Honor will shortly be followed by Fallout New Vegas, then The Sims 3, Fable 3 and Force Unleashed 2 all penned for the same release day! Then comes along Call of Duty Black Ops, Little Big Planet 2 and Assassins Creed Brotherhood, not to mention the Playstation Move and the Xbox Kinect, and that’s not even the end of November.

So you’re probably longing for some more personal news... right? Well I have finally been able to order my all new desktop computer, and it’s going to be an Alienware! I will finally, after many many years be able to get my hands on one. For those that are interested in that kind of thing, it’s the Alienware Aurora (no not the ALX, I’m not made of money... but if I were...). I will no dought do a rather long post once it arrives and fill it full of wonderful information on how well it benchmarks with a few different games.

The Futures bright...

So we have a few plans for the future of this blog, and BlankMind as a whole, as my friend has said we feel that BlankMind is growing beyond just a blog, and with such growth we need to make changes so that things can move on a little more seamlessly that they perhaps have in the past. We do have a few things in mind, but we’re not going to be mentioning them on here just yet, we want time to test things and get a good feel for where we’re going.

Summer is here and its bloody hot.

It has once again been... well a very long time, and sadly there is nothing major to report. Though some small updates, I have added yet more games to my wonderful collection, with the release of Alan Wake, Red Dead Redemption, Splinter Cell Conviction and my late, late purchase Dragon Age: Origins. I’m still playing through all of them, well actually I still have yet to start Alan Wake, so many things on my to do list for this summer and it just seems to be getting longer.

UK + iPad = More expensive than USA

So the iPad has finally seen the light of UK shores, and to no surprise at all we people of the UK are expected to pay more than people in the USA. Now this wouldn’t be so bad it is were a few pound, or even £20 or £30 more, but the base model for the Wi-Fi only version is £429, that’s around £84 more than the America Wi-Fi only version. However importing the base model would cost you about the same as buying the UK mid range Wi-Fi only version (32GB), or the same as the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model.

Hotter than Hell...

The weather over here in the UK has been wonderfully hot the past few days, although the forecast for the rest of the week isn’t as good (but almost just as hot). So we did what any other English family would do in times of hot summer weather, we had a BBQ. I won’t bore you with what we had but it was all rather nice, especially as it was the afternoon, so a nice cool breeze.

So I’ll be keeping this one short, I do plan on posting more and posting it more often, just in the process of forming my summer to do list, which seems to be more and more never ending. Anyway, not to long till I receive this years Uni results, I think it all went well, but not as well as it could have gone. I will post again next week, or later this week as writing this has actually been quite enjoyable.

The cost of gaming

Once again it’s been far too long since I was last here, just like my good friend I wish I could tell you I’ve been off doing something magical, or saving the world, but sadly it’s something far different from that (perhaps even better?). Lots of my time recently has been spent in the amazing story of Heavy Rain, and the gorgeous world of Final Fantasy XIII, before I go on I’m just going to say how much I love both of these games, Heavy Rain is just brilliant beyond belief and so enjoyable because of its new, unique style. Final Fantasy XIII is amazing, (I haven’t finished it yet), despite its linear nature (of which I agree with my co-writer that Final Fantasy games have always been somewhat linear in nature to begin with), its storyline is nothing short of brilliant, but what do expect from a Final Fantasy title, although I know a few people that would disagree, but that makes me wonder if they have been skipping cut scenes, or perhaps aren’t paying attention to them.

HD is too hard?

As many of you know, a large portion of the games linear aspect has been blamed on the difficulty to produce cities in HD. Now, many people have pointed out that there are a lot of companies out there that can produce HD cities without any problems, however I haven’t noticed that many people reference something that I have noticed so easily. Now I’m not saying that this is the reason, it’s just my opinion, Final Fantasy games have often used 2D artwork to create areas of vast detail, two good examples of this would be Final Fantasy 8, and Final Fantasy 10. So when it comes to HD, the cities would need to be modelled, like any other element of the game, so when you consider that vast amounts of previous games details came from 2D artwork and that this is the first HD Final Fantasy game, it’s no wonder that creating these cities in HD was a problem for a team that are so used to creating them with images. I think that gets my point across, simply put it’s a challenge for a team that have spent many years making detail with 2D art work to jump into creating highly detailed cities without the use of 2D art work.

End of the tunnel?

Ok, so that’s my little rant over with, as for the what else I’ve been doing with my time is sadly just University work, lots to do, and a considerably small time to do it in. Although after a small worry this weekend, and a burst of working, I believe I am pretty much on top and on schedule of it all. Yesterday I started looking into the world of Linux, and Ubuntu, I must admit it looks rather nice, and it’s something I’ll be installing as a dual boot once I’ve finished this semester, although I may install it on my laptop tonight. I have many things on my to do list, including completing my unfinished trophies and achievements, creating a theme for my new Tumblr account, purchasing a good quality HD camcorder and getting things ready for our visit to this years’ Amecon in Keele.

Lightning... Vanille...

Just to round off this short update, I think that Lightnings character is awesome (yes I know she’s hot), but she’s also brilliant, seeming to be comprised of the best elements of previous kick-ass characters. Also I must disagree with my co-writers comments on Vanille, yes admittedly I was thrown byt he accent, the varying degrees and Australian, English and American did cause some confusion, but the more I play the game, and further I get, I just seem to like the character even (and the English voice actress) even more.

Its Been Quite Awhile

So, it’s been quite awhile, and in fact it’s a new year, many things have happened, although they're nothing that big. First up, Christmas 09, went very well, had some lovely things, including the White Edition of Assassins Creed 2, it comes with a figure of Ezio, the main character. Assassins Creed 2 is truly a brilliant game, it builds upon, and improves from the original Assassins Creed, showing more of the rather interesting storyline and ending in a similar manner to the original, making it very obvious that there will be a third instalment to the series.

I would imagine that many of you, like myself, watched the rather heart wrenching two parter of Doctor Who, the first at Christmas and the second at the New Year. I am rather sad to see David Tennant leave; he was definitely one of the best Doctors to have graced the show. I won’t give away any parts of it, just encase some of you haven’t seen it yet (why not!?), but I was quite surprised by who it turned out to be... ‘He will knock four times’. But I always knew they were bringing back the Master.

I will be starting my last semester of my second year soon, it should be quite interesting, including making our own game, more of which I will be writing about on the next post. This will probably be a very busy semester, although the work isn’t too big, it will prove to be quite challenging.

Well that’s all for this week, I know it wasn’t long but this year should prove to be a rather good year for Blank Mind!

Summers end...

... But a great time for gaming

Time again, but don’t worry, this one won’t be as long as my previous one. But then again maybe it will, depends on what’s on the agenda for this post. I know have the new Batman game, Arkham Asylum. So you can look forward to my review on that in the next week or so, as well as some photographs of the opening of the collectors edition (with the model Baterang). I will also be reading Dan Browns next book ‘The Lost Symbol’ which sees the return of the brilliant character Robert Langdon, I’m very much looking forward to that. I will also be re-reading the Negima manga by Ken Akamatsu, I haven’t yet caught up on it, and so I’m going to refresh my memory on the story and then continue to purchase them.

I’ve been listening to the Iron Man music recently (and you thought my co-writer had bad taste?), I just love the song that used on the first part of the closing credits. If you’re curious it’s probably on youtube, and definitely on iTunes. If you’re really interested I love the one called Gulmira, it has a more heavy metal quality (it’s just music, no singing).

I have recently cleaned out the insides of my computer, using a can of compressed air and very soft brushed to help me. The amount of dust has amazing, even more amazing was how much quieter and cooler my room has been since, so I’ll be doing that more often.

Well next week I will be away on holiday, just down to the South of the country, then after I get back I will be starting my second year of university shortly after. It looks to be a fun and challenging semester, although the joy of having an iPhone will soon be mine. I’ve been trying to contact my co-writer, but to no avail, so hopefully he will read this. I must remember to take my antibiotics with me on holiday, pesky infection, but seems to be getting much better now. Anyway, I won’t bore you with that. I’ve also been playing Star Wars Force Unleashed again recently, mainly down to the release of trophies for the PS3; I still have yet to purchase the latest downloadable content for it.

Have you seen the latest trailers for the next GTA 4 content (Xbox 360)? It’s looking really good, I’m most looking forward to playing it, I thought the first was pretty good, so hopefully this one will follow suit.

The Epic Post

Well its certainly been awhile since either of us have posted a proper post, so this one should hopefully make up for it. Firstly id like to start with information on the show, sadly my co writer is no longer in England so recording the show will be quite difficult. However we are looking into recording it over the internet in order to get it started, we’ll keep you all updated on its progress.

Last week saw the five part episode of Torchwood – The Children of Earth, a brilliant and gripping episode, bizarre aliens, government secrets and Cardiff, what else do you need? However! I do very much disagree with one major part of the storyline; I don’t believe that Jacks character would sacrifice his own grandson just like that, and then run away from it. I don’t think it really fit in with the development of his character, but I do hope he’ll be back.


I know i know, it says BBC America (it’s all I could be bothered to find at gone midnight).

Recently

As you have all been made aware my friend is off to the wonderful land of Japan shortly after Christmas, well he was, until his untimely demise at my hands.... Ok so maybe that part didn’t actually happen, but I’m sure you all understand.
Now then, i have recently been once again working on my friends website, which should be fully online sometime this week (www.hybridnature.com - ok its not ready yet, but its very close). The website is for her graphic design and t-shirt business, of which I have a number of t-shirts from myself, they’re very cool designs.

“Sharks, jelly fish, swimming knives, there all in there.”

I do enjoy watching Dylan Moran (you probably know him most from Black Books alongside Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig), he’s a great comedian, Watch him! Google that shit on youtube! If anyone here listens to the Lazlow Show you’ll get that one.
Oh! I recently purchased a GTA 4 poster, but not just any poster, a pre-release poster, the kind used in shops for advertising. It’s the small things as they say.

Shock horror!

A beard! You’ll be eating snakes and tree frogs next, although I could make a comment about a particular flash compilation that follows the theme but I had best not. I would grow one myself but we are already too much alike personality wise, we can at least try to avoid being physically the same. You know your ring tone is going to have to be snake eater rite?
Onto more pressing matters, the show! What show you ask? *stares at Akamaru*. It will be coming, one day; we have many things we will discuss, (around October time I’ll giving you my review of the newest iPhone, the 3G S), as well as numerous embarrassing stories of our semesters. Did I mention I passed my first year? I don’t remember if there was a previous post about that. Well any way, yes I did indeed pas my first year, with all my points! Which I am extremely proud of. My good friend also has good news from his first year of university, but I will leave that to him to share with you.

The Health Kick

Well recently I was on quite the health kick, sadly as usual it really didn’t last long, but the good news is... I’m starting again! *cough* On the Brightside I’m at least eating healthy now, it’s just the whole exercise thing that’s not really getting off the ground. Why on earth does Word want to spell the word Brightside with a capital B!?
Well the new semester isn’t far off now, just a few more months, money and an iPhone, of course that’s all depending on the whole swine flu problem, and whether or not the government will be temporarily closing schools for a period after the summer holidays. Also depends on if that will apply to universities or just the lower schools. Ah yes yes, and a positive note, a lovely lovely friend of mine will be joining my university in September, I’m looking forward to seeing her around university.

Mosquitoes

I can happily report that i have finally killed the two buggers that have turned my foot into a pin cushion! (A slight overstatement?). But I’m sure since my good friend and co-writer is now back in the wonderful land of Luxemburg we’ll be hearing many more stories of his late night adventures in the sweltering heat and the inevitable onslaught of mosquitoes he will endure. I guess that all adds to him feeling more like Snake with his new found beard. Ah yeas more news, next month I will finally be getting my hands on Batman: Arkham Asylum (the collectors’ edition) for my PS3, so you can be expecting a review of that towards the end of next month. I might also finally be getting hands-on with GTA China Town Wars, so I’ll keep you all updated on that.

Ok a number of things I need to mention whilst i remember, otherwise ill go off and do something else and forget to add them. First the European version of the ‘Hogin’ All the Covers’ album os finally here (search for it on Amazon), it’s by a band of celebrities who perform to raise money for different charities. The band members are very well known, including our very own Hugh Laurie! And Greg Grunberg (from Heroes), James Denton (from Desperate Housewives), Jesse Spencer (from House), Bob Guiney (from a number of different American shows, sadly we don’t get them over here), Teri Hatcher (from Desperate Housewives) and Adrian Pasdar (from Heroes). They’re an awesome band, the covers they do really stand out and they’re just a joy to listen too. Yes I am buying the CD/DVD, just as soon as I have more money.

Ok, although this little feature didn’t last long what so ever, I’m reviving picture of the day! Or picture of the post? You know what I mean anyway. My co-writer and good friend will appreciate this one. Speaking of him, he didn’t believe that I would create such a long and indeed EPIC post such as this. Well although I don’t see this being a recurring theme, it will happen more often (yearly? Lol probably).

SocialVibe stuff

Hello everyone, sadly this post will only be a short one, but don't worry, I'll be working on a good one soon. Just using this opportunity to add my SocialVibe badge to the blog (will be adding a more permanent place at some point).

SocialVibe are a community website that work together with a wide range of companies to help raise money for charities. It's a great website, so please just spend a moment to watch the video on the flash widget above, you'll be making a difference by doing it.

Back again...

Well once again it has been sometime since I was last on here to grace you all with my blogging, lol. But seriously, the plan was to share with you all my review of the ‘Big’ addition to Playstation Home, unfortunately due to some technical problems and some miss-communication, the update wasn’t as big s expected. However the Resident Evil 5 space was released, although Capcom are still working on a number of sections for this space, which all sound to be well worth the wait.
Now the second review was to be for the Titan pack, which was released for Unreal Tournament 3, available on both the PC and Playstation 3 versions. Unfortunately we were told not to install the pack until our university project was complete. So know that it’s all done I will be installing the pack soon and begin my review of the pack.
On to more news, I finally brought an Xbox 360, a very good machine, somewhat annoying that it cost an additional £50 just to make the thing wireless, but oh well. I do personally prefer my Playstation 3; however I will say that both machines come with their good points and bad points. Today also marks the day I got the Wii, with the Wii Fit, very very fun, and certainly makes for a more interesting and engaging workout, but ill write more about it next time.

Well it has been awhile since I was here, so let’s get to it.
Today has been a busy day for me and it’s not even midday yet. Finished applying for next year’s university loans, waiting for Home to come back online so I can download the new updates (which are quite bog this time), its including a sneak peak at Capcoms Resident Evil 5 space. I’m also trying to find whether Epic have released there titan pack update for Unreal Tournament 3 (although I’ll probably find out in my Games Engines and Physics class later today, as we have to use Unreal 3 for it).

Now onto business, the podcast which was due to start last year has been delayed. L, aka Akamaru, is in charge of sorting through the audio, and making sure that everything is in working order, unfortunately we have both been very busy for University work. But, the good news is that we both finish in a few months time, so hopefully we will be bringing you the first show along with the second show.

As I will have a long period between University years, I will be starting a series of short manga pieces; this will either be a story, short funny pieces, or individual drawings. These will be available through my personal DeviantArt page when they’re ready.

Well that all from me for now, I’ll let you all know how the updates go for Home and Unreal when there out.

Chrstmas and The New Year

Well it’s been sometime since my last post, we’ve seen a new president elected, Home has come to the public, and I’m still just as poor, well maybe not.

So, you’re probably wondering what happened to our podcast, well its coming, very soon, Akamaruu will be working on the final edits over the next week or so (as we are both back to respective universities on Monday). I’ll take a moment to mention last year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, which I thought was brilliant, nice to see the cybermen make a return to the screen.

Christmas was a good one last year, lots of different things, including some games that we discuss on the first episode, it was followed shortly after by our traditional shopping trip to Birmingham, at which time I brought some more books, (I’ve now started another 3 series of manga, giving me a total of 7 different series to finish, so I think I’ll stop buying new series for awhile).

So, onto this years news, well sometime this year Blankmind may be starting an official website, but were going to see how the show goes first. I’ll be starting up a website for my different works, at the moment it will consist of things made on the university course, and a few things made in my spare time. I’ll update here when that’s up and running.

Well I’m going to make this post short, I’ll post a longer one next time, and update you all on how the first week of the second semester is going.