Ben

The Han not shooting first is just wrong, for a couple of major reasons. First, it completely changes the character's arc in the films (well, only in A New Hope actually). He's meant to be a badass and mercenary, not evil, just a gunslinger in a dog-eat-dog world, kinda like the clint eastwood character in the spaghetti westerns. It makes sense that he'll be cold and look out for himself etc. And it all makes his final decision to help out luke instead of leave as he was doing, all the more important - but that decision is somewhat dulled by the fact that he doesn't shoot first,. He still comes across as mercenary as a whole, it's not that bad, but it just takes the edge of him. Anyway, that's not the real objecton i have to this change. The real problem lies in the reason and logic given for the change. Lucas and co. said the changes were made because they did not have the technological tools back in the day...huh? So, exactly what technology was stopping you from making Han shoot first? And that's my problem with all the special editions, i don't mind a majority of the changes, even the ones that seem to change the storyline a bit. It's just the plain lying that annoys me. It's Lucas hiding behind the technology excuse when quite obviously he has some other issues with his work. There's nothing wrong with being a perfectionist until it becomes revisionism. He's within his rights to do what the hell he likes in the end, and fuck it, he can even lie about his reasons as much as that annoys me. But the originals, like it or not, are part of modern cinemas heritage - that's how people saw it and loved it and they must be preserved in that way, to stand beside the re-edits. Also the fact that they got rid of the yub yub song at the end of Return sucks. Edit: Err, yes, i meant Han NOT shooting first is wrong ¬ ¬

There are no words really. The best thing is that, as beautiful as these images look, i'm almost 100% certain that the game itslef (like Ico - The Greatest Video game of All Time) will have gameplay that is win, with the graphics, sounds and music there to supplement the gaming experience, rather than being too overriding/overbearing and in your face. Ico was a lovely looking game, but the gameplay and design of the world is so immersive that you barely notice it while playing, which is how it should be, it just fits in and is amazing without being so stunning in an obvious way that makes you go "OMFG look at the graphics!" I'm not sure if that made sense.

Avast ye scurvy dawgs! Ol' Cap'n Marek be writing a review ya see, a review of Rise of Nations - a mighty fine re-view if i do says so meself - and, well, i be wondering...how's about some of you jolly piratical laddies that have played this here game give us some comments about what yer all thought about it...lest you end op in ol' Davy Jones locker. C'mon me beauties...what'd you say? Do it smartly now lasses and i'll steal yer all some grog!

Jyarrrr!! And i be proposing this here shifty. x ¬

I'm not sure what the title in the US will be but if you're simply confused about the different names then don't be concerned - it's the same game - in Japan it's also listed as both Katamari Damashii / Katamari Damacy. Also, the sequel is coming out very soon in Japan - called Katamari Damashii Oni (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-r-77-5-15-katamari-70-53r.html). Btw, we will be reviewing Katamari soon...watch this space.

Hawt Girl to play video games with me. The game in question? Rez... With the 'rez vibrator'. Haha just kidding, that's a metaphor for my playing style.. But seriously, I've got it. Spare dry panties necessary, but not provided. P.s I'm very good at it ¬¬ P.p.s Emma - you like Trance right? My favourite music reaches 600 BPM, How fast do you go? P.p.p.s - May be joined by my gaming consigliore... And an eye toy ¬ ¬

I believe a private message is in order.. there's no need for us to be shackled by staffer reader etiquette, unless of course you're into that type of thing, in which case i have some shackles right here. HAHA, just kidding with you, but seriously... i have 'em.

The above post came courtesy of Bob productions after he pikey'd my laptop.

John Romero is a fucking fiend.. That rome.ro website contains the most sickening sycophantic fanboy hero worship bullshit I have ever read in my life - also (imho) mostly unjustified praise (people bigging up daikatana ffs..) when the greatest game he ever worked on is Commander Keen.. (ok and the dark one with the chainsaws.. and teh various extremely brown looking titles).. hmm.. that website is also the most horrifyingly narcissitic abuse of internet naming protocols I've ever seen.. anyway - read it and be traumatised - also read the OMM article about crates (unless you've read it already because it's kind of old).. it's good.. commander keen was actually really good though.

Right through the pants my friend, right through the pants.