Adam's Blog

April 19, 2016

My latest developments

Hey guys, how you all been? First, I apologize for not blogging for some time but I was doing allot of activities. I completed the third book of Harry Potter, progressed in Resident Evil Zero in order to write a guide for GameFAQs, bought a new GPU but most importantly worked on my YouTube channel. I’m happy to report that the channel is no longer in Beta. I managed to iron out the mistakes I used to do, updated my channel art and set a standard style for all my upcoming content.

Running a YouTube channel is not easy, at least when you’re taking it seriously. However, this blog will remain alive and active as well as my personal non-gaming one. For the most part, I will post content best suited to a blog as well as more details or information about a topic I may have covered on my YouTube channel.

I will resume writing game guides for GameFAQs.com soon so that’s not going anywhere as well. I spent the last few months updating my old FAQs with more detailed information and fixing the spelling/grammar mistakes. There are many more games I would like to write for so expect more content in the near future.

My personal non-gaming blog will receive content as well. Mostly personal stories, experience or tech. The reason I created that blog was mostly due to the Ghost blogging system that I wanted to try and I must say I love it. Simple and looks great out of the box.

Keep an eye on my social media mostly twitter as I am active the most on, followed by Google+. My Facebook is sort of like a collection log for all my content but unless someone message me, I’m not that active on it. You can request specific content by messaging or twitting me directly. Note that my twitter feed is shown on the right side of this website.

I’m fully intending to mix both my YouTube and this blog’s content together and make this website a central hub for all my work. If anything is happening, you will hear about it here or on Twitter. Writing was and still is a big part of me and I’m not intending of letting go.

Thank you very much for your support and I hope I will continue to provide helpful and entertaining content for you to enjoy.

February 27, 2016

Gears of War Ultimate Edition PC port specs are unacceptable

Before I start my rant, I was and still am among the ones that buy Microsoft products and will continue doping so in the near future. With that been said, Gears of War PC port’s leaked specs should not be near anything that we saw. I know these are the leaked version but something tells me the end result will look the same. Before going any further, let’s take a look at the current specs:

Recommended for 1920X1080P

OS: 64 bit Windows 10 – version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i5 @3.5GHz+ or AMD FX 8-core

Memory: 16 GB RAM (4 GB VRAM)

Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon R9 290X

Hard Drive: 60 GB available space

DirectX 12

Recommended for 4K

OS: 64 bit Windows 10 – version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i7 @ 4Ghz or AMD FX 8-core

Memory: 16 GB RAM (6+ GB VRAM)

Graphics: Geforce GTX 980 Ti or Radeon R9 390X

Hard Drive: SSD + 60 GB available space

DirectX 12

Minimum Requirements

OS: 64 bit Windows 10 – version 1511

Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 2.7Ghz or AMD FX 6-core

Memory: 8 GB RAM (2 GB VRAM)

Graphics: Geforce GTX 650 Ti or Radeon R7 260x

Hard Drive: 60 GB available space

DirectX 12

Starting right off the bat, the game is Windows 10 only with Direct X 12 as the main reason forcing you to upgrade. This is no secret, Microsoft is doing everything they can to make people upgrade and it makes sense since Windows 10 is considered a service. Spying and disabling pirated software aside, Windows 10 is a good OS but greatly exaggerated. The Windows store is nothing to write home about and forces all apps to run with Vsync on and full screen which in turn affects people with Gsync monitors like myself.

Windows store is no Steam or even Origin so forcing players to use it while it’s still maturing is dumb considering Steam has the majority of PC gaming market share. I have a strong feeling this will end up Games for Windows 2.0. Forcing me to buy the game from Windows store is the first red flag.

Moving on to the CPU. I am no expert in the processors department but having an i5 is somehow reasonable although the clock speed of 3.5 is still higher than normal, at least, that’s how it looks to me.

Now comes the surprising part, 8 GB of Ram is the minimum amount required to run the game with 16 GB as recommended for both 1080p and 4K gaming? This is a Xbox 360 game running at higher resolution with a few tweaks here and there not to mention that it runs smoothly on Xbox One so why 16 GB?

I can understand the 4K requirement but even that is too much for an old 360 port. Smells bad optimization all over this.

Surprisingly enough, GTX 970 for recommended seems reasonable but again, this is just a remastered 360 game so yeah. Note that GB of VRAM is required but judging from previously released games, a normal 750 would handle the game on low just fine.

And lastly, 60 GB of hard disk space is kinda standard and with the game having 4K textures (I assume) its not so unusual to require.

. . .

In conclusion, requiring Windows 10 as well as 16 GB of Ram for recommended for a 360 remastered port is not acceptable. Forcing people to use your store (when it’s not ready and have problems) is not the smartest move. Not after Microsoft admitting that Games for Windows was a mistake and promised to treat PC gamers better as well as working with Valve. I will hold out till more information is available and the game hits the shelves on march.

February 15, 2016

Quantum Break PC version is Windows 10 store only!

In case you haven’t heard, the anticipated Xbox One exclusive Quantum Break is now coming to the PC. The bad news, it’s a Windows 10 store exclusive.

I don’t know how Microsoft works on the inside or who is running the show but I do know that releasing your first cross platform (game after admitting past mistakes and the promise of taking a better approach toward PC gamers) on only Windows 10 new store is how you piss people off. Look mate, I’m currently running a legit version of Windows 10 home edition so it’s not that I’m hating on the windows or anything, it’s just the untrusted Windows 10 store that I have a problem with!

Don’t blame me if I’m not a fan of buying things from an OS store especially after the Games for windows fail that I supported back in the day. With Stea it’s clear, you buy the game and can install it on as many PCs as you like and even have an offline mode. Windows 10 store, not so much. Not releasing your biggest game on the most popular distribution platform is basically making sure that the game won’t sell well.

But I know whats going on, it’s a sad trap to lure in user to upgrade and use Windows 10. About a good chunk of gamers are still on Windows 7 and for a good reason. Spying issues, the open door to disable and monitor what you do on your PC and the list goes on. Why do you think Microsoft is basically giving away Windows 10 for free to 7/8 owners?

Why do I care? I was planning to run this game on my newly ordered 980 GTX but seeing all this now I think I will be happier playing on my Xbox One. Who knows how long this great Windows 10 store is gonna last?!

Microsoft, if you want to capitalize on PC Gaming then stop playing tricks with us. PC gamers unlikely console folks will not accept bullshit just because the company said so. Look at Arkham Knight. I for one hope that Microsft realize the huge mistake before it’s too late and give us options. A physical version won’t hurt as well.

January 23, 2016May 30, 2021

Why Sonic Jam will always be the best retro Sonic port ever

What’s so special about Sonic Jam you ask? After all, we had over 10 ports of old school Sonic games on every platform imaginable. The difference my friends is that Sonic Jam was one of the first of what you now call Remasters.

Released on June 20, 1997, in Japan with two months gap between the western version, this gem was sadly underappreciated and went completely under the radar to this day. SEGA desperately needed a Sonic game on their new system and while that Sonic game wasn’t exactly what many have hoped for, we got a true remastered version of the first three games.

Graphics

You will notice right off the bat that the graphics are crystal clear with added effects in some areas. The resolution was also bumped upbringing the SEGA Mega Drive classic into a new era. Everything looked amazing and clear.

Once you start playing, you feel like an old school Sonic that we all love is reimagined for the 32-bit era. You just have to experience it to feel it. It’s like playing your favourite console game on PC with 60 FPS. Amazing feeling. Everything about this port looks cool.

Sadly from here on out, SEGA used the original mega drive (Genesis) version or even worse, used an emulator when porting the games. Yes the IOS version looks cool and whatnot but it’s nothing when compared with Sonic Jam’s version.

Sounds

Having the game on a compact disk, SEGA made sure to remaster the music making it CD quality. Every sound sounds amazing thanks to the quality update. Enemies and stage music alike got updated and fixed where needed eliminating any unnecessary noise. Yes, the music starts a little late on some stages due to the CD loading but that’s hardly noticeable.

What’s New

We finally made it to the best section of this post! For starters, the Sonic Dash was added to Sonic 1 and extra animations him leaving a trail behind when running. The clouds move as you scroll by as well.

For Sonic 2, 3 and Sonic and Knuckles many fixes were added making the gameplay smoother than ever. A new Easy and Hard modes were thrown in as well as an Original mode where you get to play the games on their classic difficulties.

And we have the 3D Sonic world. In this mode, you run around doing mini-missions, unlock art, videos and Music. All three original digital manuals are present in both Japanese and English. You can also uncover secrets as you explore this small but cool world.

In short, this was the perfectly remastered port. I just wished they would have ported this to the PC so we could easily enjoy this gem without getting a Saturn (for the average gamers).

The USA version is a little expensive on eBay so I suggest getting the Japanese version as its box is cooler but that’s just me and I own both. The bottom line, get this game if you want to experience the best version of the classic Sonics.

And playing with the Saturn controller is the Icing on the cake. 10/10.

January 17, 2016

Turn your normal PC into a Gaming PC

Saying the above in the 90s would require a lot of support and would most likely result in people laughing at you for stating such a nonsense. Not anymore, though. Most PCs that are made 10 to 15 years are more than capable of gaming provided they are clean from viruses and have a decent installation. I will highlight a few simple upgrades that can be done to turn your normal home PC into a gaming PC capable of running most new games at decent settings.

Determine your OS

The firs thing to do is make sure you are running Windows 7 or higher as older Operating Systems such as Windows XP no longer support new games or even hardware. If you do, great you can upgrade it to Windows 10 for free provided your running a legit copy of Windows. If not, a new Windows key cost around $100 on Amazon and even less on eBay. The Home edition is more than enough so don’t go for anything higher.

An important note before purchasing the key/disk is to determine your PCs CPU capability whether it’s a 32 bit or 64. Here is how to check.

Upgrade your Ram

Having 6 GB of Ram should be OK. Before buying extra Ram check the amount installed by right clicking on my computer and go to properties.
Having 4 GB or less will require you to get extra for better gameplay. Determining what type of Ram you have can be done by installing CPU-Z. Install the software and check the DDR type you have (most likely DDR 3).

New 8 GB Ram goes around $35.99 on eBay.

Upgrading you Graphics Card (GPU)

The most important part of PC gaming. You can check your GPU type by using CPU-Z or simply typing dxdiag in run and clicking on Display tab. I suggest going with a used or new Geforce 750 Ti for around $140.

The above GPU will allow you to play games on Mid to High settings and even ultra on older titles. Setting the right in game settings is another topic which I will cover soon but for now, a Geforce 750 Ti is all you need to turn a home PC into a gaming one. You can also go with a Geforce 650 and save even more if you like. Still a decent GPU but obviously less powerful.

Upgrading your CPU

Upgrading CPU is little more complicated as you need to carefully install the paste and what not but is still doable. You can buy a faster module online and let a local PC shop install it or a person who knows his way around computers. You can even watch YouTube tutorials and do just fine.

. . .

So that’s the fundamentals on turning almost any PC into a gaming capable one. Yes, you can find better parts and components than the one listed but based on my experience these will do just fine. Also, make sure that your PC is virus free by downloading a free version of AVG Anti-Virus. Hope this mini guide helped you, talk to you in my next post.

January 13, 2016

Why you should get into PC gaming in 2016

Everyone and their mothers predicted the death of PC gaming the moment windows 95 was out to the public followed by the PS1 and Nintendo 64. Then came the PS2 era and everyone claimed that PC gaming is done. Fast forward five years later and Xbox 360 and PS3 were available to purchase. This time PC gaming had what’s coming for it for sure. Strangely enough, it’s 2016 as well as the second year for Xbox One and PS4 and yet PC gaming is still here, stronger than ever. What’s going on folks?

Reason #1

It is no longer a niche platform! When you thought of PC gaming in the 90s, first person shooters, real time strategy and online RPGs were the first things that came up. Not anymore. PC gaming today host all kind of different styles and games. From Mortal Kombat X to Resident Evil saga. The gap between PC gaming and consoles in terms of an available type of games is now closed. No longer is the PC a master of a few type of games. You can find anything made in recent days on the PC which brings us to reason number 2.

Reason #2

Less reasons to own a console. Owning a console back in the PS1 era was a must. Where else would you have found gems like Crash, Grand Turismo and Castlevania Symphony of the Night? Sure, many games got ported to PC such as croc and final fantasy as well as Mortal Kombat Trilogy but the majority of home versions such as Xmen vs Street Fighter were only available on consoles. New days, everything comes to PC as more and more developers started coming out realizing you can make a profit selling games on PC and even start developing on it when you’re new.

Not to mention you can use any kind of controller o the PC as well as the mouse and keyboard. I personally prefer to use the Xbox 360 pad but you can use PS4 one if you like. The choice is unlimited. So what was the reason to own a console again? The exclusives you say? Well, I hate to break it to you but console exclusives are dying faster than college girls morality. Sorry, but as a consoles owner myself, I hardly touch them due to no real exclusive games to play apart from a very selected few which are great games, just not many.

Reason #3

PC versions are mostly better. If you still don’t know why PC versions are better then you need to come out of the rock your living under and do some research. PC version gives you control on how your game looks and feel. Want the sharpest, best image setting possible? No problem. I used to care about graphics setting everything on high and ultra until I got to play a game in the glorious 60 frames per second. Now I tend to set my settings on med-high as long as the frames are above 50. It’s just better.

Moving on to another important factor which is the price, you can get good deals online almost daily. I managed to get Batman Arkham Origins for about $20 day one. Beat that. Plus Steam sales as well as Origins and GOG.com are hard to ignore. Plus you get to play old retro games on your current PC with the little help of tweaks and add-ons as well as an awesome community. Playing your favorite game which you got cheap on the highest smoothest settings using your favorite controller, whats not to like?

And let’s not forget about the modding community. Google Fake Factory Half-Life 2 mod and prepare to be convinced. Adding free stuff to a game you already own for free is something console developers hate because they get to release the same stuff as a paid product. Paying for gun skins? Aint nobody got time for that!

Image Credit: http://xmastergeorgechiefx.deviantart.com/art/Ada-Wong-Extra-Costume-for-Remaster-HD-510645663

Reason #4

Many options. Want your games digital with fast delivery and best prices? Go with Steam. Want DRM free version? Go with GOG.com. Want physical copies? No problem. Changing the hardware is also cheaper than you might think. My brother got a used GTX 650 and is playing everything on high with no problem. My GTX 750 is rocking, even more, frame rates and that’s dirt cheap. All you need is a cheap graphics card and some ram. Almost any PC can run PC games provided you set the right settings. Stuck on something? Google or Youtube it and your done.

. . . . .

Yes, consoles are still popular and are not going away anytime soon. The exclusive games are mostly worth it and if all your friends game on consoles then its the only way to go. Gone are the days though when you can just put the cd in and start the game. The new era of consoles brought new problems like hard disk space and long updates and installations making it no different than your average PC game.

Yes, console gaming is still relevant and the only way to go for many gamers but if you’re serious about your hobby or want to save money in a long run then, at least, consider PC gaming. Trust me, there are hundreds of amazing games you never heard of due to lack of advertising and most of your favorite console franchise started out on PC like Call of duty.

December 23, 2015

Steam and Digital are hurting the gaming industry long term

Whats going on? We thought you love Steam? Relax, I still do and I have over 50+ games but that’s about to change. Conspiracy theories aside, the digital age is taking the entertainment industry by storm and there is little that can be done at this point. Getting the game to download while you’re browsing the internet hassle free is something that many got used to. Fantastic sales throughout the year, what’s not to like?

The Monopoly

Monopolies are bad, that much is agreed on. They kill the competition which in turn kill the motivation to improve and innovate. Why do you think Steam is not considered with its poor customer service? Because there is no real alternative. Sure EA Origins is catching on as well as the fantastic GOG.com, but Valve is the pioneer to PC digital games distribution and judging from how things are, they will likely stay at the top for many years to come unless something tragic happens.

Steam machines are failing and the Steam OS is a joke and yet Valve is not even concerned the slightest, why? Because they are on top and can afford to screw up. Where will people go? Basically, the people have a choice to either accept any changes Valve may see fit or move to a smaller platform with the many features that they got used to are missing.

One might argue that once the new platform gathers a large crowd, the features and games will start coming in. Not true as catching up to large competitors is not as easy as the normal consumer thinks it is, just ask Microsoft’s Xbox division.

In short: No competition, no creativity.

Killing the Creativity

I’m sorry but hard, a physical material will always be Superior to soft copy. From the amazing box designs to the smell of a new item and placing it on your shelve or in a dedicated collection corner, all of these things make physical copies what they are. Sure, all your games will be gone once your house catches a fire but having your entire house burned has a way less chance than the digital company going out of business or changing the policies (see next section).

Physical media has and always will have a special feel of ownership. No matter how flexible the digital provider may be, it will never beat the feeling or owning an item you can touch.

You are NOT in control of your own games

Valve can at any time deny you access to your own games or simply take away specific game with or without a reason. Don’t believe me? Google it. Once Valve goes down so will your games. Yes, Valve unofficially promised that in the unlikely event that they go under you will have a chance to download your games. Good luck downloading over 1 TB worth of games in the short amount of time they will give you supposedly they stay true to their word in the first place.

Playing games offline is also a problem to many as Steam offline mode is as reliable as your new politician. In short, a game can be pulled off your library with or without refund for many reasons including copyright expiration or simply the refusal to renew a yearly contract. Anything can happen and you can’t do anything about it because you own nothing. On the other hand, I’m still playing Need for Speed Road Challenge years after it discontinued without any problems. Good luck finding this gem digital legally.

. . .

There is hope, GOG.com demonstrated that it is possible for DRM free games to sell well and Witcher 3 is a fine example. Downloading digital DRM free games is a considerable alternative to owning physical copies as I can print my own covers from the likes of VHBOXART. Take a look at this beautiful fan created master peace.

Digital distribution is taking over, at least in the USA. If you are like me, support GOG.com or buy PC games from Amazon UK unless the game requires Steam to activate. Steam is not the devil and Valve is not the New World Order yet so I will continue to use it for the cheap price and what not but if I get the choice between Steam and a DRM-free physical version aka the Witcher 3, you know which one I choose.

December 16, 2015

Why I buy used games and you should too

I have been gaming since the age of five or even younger if I can recall. I been through the generations and seen first hand how the gaming industry was changing. Over the years, I have bought many used games and the number keeps getting bigger and bigger. Here are my reasons to keep buying used games:

They are cheap

Used games prices are not what they used to be, still they are cheaper than buying new ones by around 40-60% and that’s not an easy difference. Yes, I have a job and save money meaning I can afford to pay full price but why should I considering the crap developers are pushing new days which brings us to point 2.

Jokes aside, games can be costly in many countries across the globe including where I live. Used games market makes sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy this wonderful hobby. And NO, used games are Not killing the industry. Lazy development and microtransactions are!

Lazy development

Gone are the days where developers worked hard to make the best possible game they can. New days, remasters and incomplete full of bugs games are released with features locked behind microtransactions and DLCs. Milking the consumer for less and less content is becoming a habit for most developers.

Saving money and working smarter eliminating the unneeded features like real life celebrities doing the in-game voices is one. Working with better, more optimised engines is also a good alternative. Making a game for the sake of getting rich gets you nowhere, just ask the big shots.

Not worth getting new

The harshest reason of them all. simply, new games are not worth getting new. Most of them at least. Call old timer all you like but games used to be better in every aspect. The original Playstation and Saturn pushed the limit and the Dreamcast continued. New days, it’s a quick cash grab and broken mess.

The story in most games is piss poor and the gameplay is shorter than a newborn guinea pig. Let’s face it, just like music the gaming industry became all about money. Yes, good games are still being made but Call of Duty proved that releasing the same game every year is much more profitable than putting in hard work that may not pay off aka Shenmue.

. . .

Good games are still around, not in the quantity they used to be in though. One can only hope.