Dear Esther,

I happened upon fragments of washed up letters found amongst the rubbish that the sea brings. Soggy parchments bring word that those on the mainland speak of my lonely plight as some sort of game.

I find it hard to believe that a world exists beyond this island. I am sometimes haunted by human-like figures in the distance, but I know that this is merely my own disillusion taunting me.

I sometimes don't recognise my own words on occasion where I find myself communing with the nature of this place. The car wreckage too seems unfamiliar at times, but again I wonder if it is this island that has dulled my sense.

The mystery surrounding the wrecked boats and ships on the island continue to taunt me. Their once sturdy frames rendered as fragile as paper to the rough seas. Only hollowed skeletons devoid of life remain.

I find myself drawn toward a flashing light like a moth to the flame. I hopelessly hold on to the belief that there lies my salvation. I painfully trek through the bowels of the island in search of answers … or to find a new kind of solace ...

A red light beckons; broken boats and shipwrecks mystify.

The atmosphere Dear Esther creates is incredible - it feels cold, damp and lonely.

* * * Dear Esther Game Review * * *

For me, playing a good game is like watching a well written movie but being involved in how that movie pans out. This is immersion at its best. If suspense-injected story-driven gameplay and immersion are what excite you as a gamer, then Dear Esther awaits you.

A mystical mix of good graphics, emotive music and thought-provoking narration is what Dear Esther offers. Although brief (1-2 hours), Dear Esther is a memorable experience from start to finish. The script does vary slightly each time you play, but it is the mature nature of the writing which leaves something new to be discovered each time.

“The script also deserves praise. It charts a course through vastly different topics you never realised you cared about before – folklore, the Bible, shepherding, travel writing, guilt and medicine – and turns them into something meaningful without speaking down to its audience.”
- Dear Esther Game Review by PC Gamer

There isn't much more that needs to be said about Dear Esther. I purchased the game off Steam for $10 and it has been worth every cent. So stay up late, dim the lights, expect no interruptions and enjoy the Dear Esther experience!

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REVIEW: Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Note

IF there is one thing I can say about Samsung, it's that they continue to impress me with their screen technology. I watched a video recently where someone tried to scratch their Samsung smartphone screen with a penknife (violently), which left behind very little carnage.  

The new Galaxy Note smartphone (launched this year) features the world’s first and the largest 5.3" HD Super AMOLED display. This is an expansive high-resolution screen, which is currently the largest screen size available with smartphone portability. The Galaxy Note was designed to combine core on-the-go benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability.

The HD Super AMOLED display offers quality viewing experiences for video, photo, documents, webpages, apps and e-books. The blacks are deep and the colours bright. The superior screen also offers a 180 degree viewing angle, allowing contents to be viewed and shared comfortably from all angles. It is also great for showcasing high resolution PowerPoint presentations and the screen is large enough to allow split-screen operation, which handles well thanks to its 1.4GHz dual-core processor.

"The artistic freedom of a paper notebook is coupled with the benefits of Samsung’s smartphone technology and services, allowing users to create, edit and share with more style than ever before," says JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.

Samsung plans to release the S Pen SDK soon which will allow app developers to create new applications and services incorporating the pen functionality. Samsung has also included S Planner - a smart, professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The management planner integrates the phone’s To-Do list and schedule.

The Galaxy Note also features S Memo - a multimedia application designed to record all forms of user-created content. Pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings can all be captured via a single application and converted to a 'memo', to be edited, annotated and shared as desired.

A good smartphone wouldn't be as such without good connections into the online world. Fast network speeds are enabled through the HSPA+ and LTE-enabled connection. This allows users to stream videos in real-time or engage with their friends through online gaming platforms.

This article has been sponsored by Samsung.

FALLOUT NEW VEGAS DLC: Honest Hearts and Dead Money

Hopefully by now all the bugs in the first two Fallout New Vegas DLC have been stomped out. If you haven’t yet played Dead Money or Honest Hearts here’s a quick review of each.

Fallout New Vegas Dead Money Review

Dead Money was a little disappointing in my opinion. It almost seems like Bethesda were trying to make a zombie shoot ‘em up expansion for Fallout New Vegas. The scenery is dull and eerie and the bad guys mostly consist of bright-eyed ghosts with multiple sclerosis. They have been cleverly named the "Ghost People." There is a lot of dialogue if that’s your thing and, in the case of one companion, none at all. There are a few new weapons on offer, which is nice, especially in the melee department.

So if pawning zombie-like creatures with melee combat in close quarters is your thing, Dead Money is for you.

Fallout New Vegas Honest Hearts Review

Honest Hearts, on the other hand, is something of a marvel. Fresh and expansive canyon scenery will have you immersed into a newly crafted section of the Fallout universe named Zion. Honest Hearts also ties in nicely with stories told back in New Vegas. The legendary Burning Man, who shall not be named according to Caesar, is looking for vengeance. You have the choice of either teaming up with the macho mummy or siding with a soft-hearted evangelical soul on missionary work.

The landscape in Honest Hearts is home to three different tribes who live off the land and have much to teach an adventurous courier. Will you team up with the Burning Man and wipe the White Legs off the face of the planet? Or will you help evacuate the Dead Horses before they fall victim to the same fate?

• Both Fallout New Vegas DLC are available through Steam for $10 (roughly R70).

More Fallout New Vegas Game Guides

• Fallout New Vegas Game Guide
• Fallout New Vegas Game Guide II
• Fallout New Vegas Bobblehead Locations

PC GAMES: A quick look at some good game titles this Christmas

IT is the most exciting time of year for retailers and children alike as we are bombarded by adverts from all directions and the kiddy winkles are putting their finishing touches to their Christmas wish lists.

If your children are as demanding as most they’ll probably be nagging for the latest and greatest gadgetry goods this year. I imagine it must be tough having to explain what a recession is to a young child and argue that Apple iPads and Xboxes just aren’t in Santa’s budget this year.

But, if you already have a workable PC installed at home, games as gifts are the perfect solution to making everyone happy this Christmas. PC games are not frightfully expensive these days and I can assure you from experience that there is nothing more exciting than being given a new game to play for Christmas.

I have compiled a list of a few great PC games that cover several genres and are suitable for a variety of ages. It is also useful to know that most PC games today are not gender-specific. What may have once been considered as boys’ games are now being played considerably by the growing number of girl gamers.

Civilization V (ages 16+): R360 (PC)

Sid Meier’s award-winning Civilization series is a treat to the mind that will appeal to strategy gamers who enjoy turn-based games. Civilization takes one back to the beginnings of time where you can play as one of the great leaders from history. Discover new technologies and lands, build great wonders, forge alliances and sign treaties as you lead your people through time.

Civilization is a challenging game that promises hours of unique gaming. The previous release (Civilization IV) is now available for only R66 and includes three expansion packs.

Fallout New Vegas (R18): R350 (PC)

In a post-apocalyptic world set in the not too distant future, you are one of several survivors who were preserved in underground vaults. After humanity emerges from living underground for generations, they have already begun to form tribes and allegiances. Conflict is inevitable as different tribes compete for clean water and survival, but one city has mysteriously been preserved from complete destruction. That city is New Vegas.

Stunning visuals and complete immersiveness make this game a personal favourite of mine. Outcomes differ depending on how you play the game and engage with its moral choice system. Just a warning: Fallout does have a gambling component and suggestions of prostitution — hence the age restriction.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (ages 16+):

The Elder Scrolls places the player in the fantasy realm of Cyrodil — set in the Middle Ages. Made by the same company as Fallout 3, this game is equally stunning and immersive. Players are given endless quests which may see you fighting in the arena or battling mythical creatures with both magic and steel.

The Elder Scrolls is a great example of a sandbox game, whereby the player can literally venture where he or she pleases until the edge of the map. Like Fallout 3, it also features a weather system­, whereby players will experience rain, snow or shine and changes between day and night.

The game is not excessively violent or naughty, but perhaps a little complex for younger players.

Zoo Tycoon 2 (ages 3+): R309 (PC)

From Railroad Tycoon to Zoo Tycoon — these games are great educational simulators. Players will learn the fundamentals of zoo upkeep and design in a fun and visually stimulating way. Zoo Tycoon is available with four expansion packs, namely the Zookeeper collection, the Marine Mania collection, Endangered Species and the Extinct Animals expansion pack.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (ages 12+): R303 (PC)

If your offspring are into fast cars and adrenaline rushes (i.e. racing games) you need look no further than the Need for Speed series. Hot Pursuit is one of the more popular releases that will make car fans drool at the well-rendered graphics and sporty cars they get to drive.

Fifa 2011 (ages 3+): R308 (PC)

The ever successful Fifa series is back with Fifa 2011 released this year. Football games are a lot of fun with a lot of effort put into their design. Players look like the real deal, stadia are modelled­ accurately and the roar and buzz of the fans creates a high-energy atmosphere.

Fifa 2010 is a good choice considering that the World Cup was hosted by our country this year. Unfortunately this release is currently out of stock; but if it becomes available again before Christmas it is selling for just R129.

GAMES BARGAIN BIN:

(these are games I haven’t personally played, but have certainly heard of. Suitable for all ages):

• Ultimate Monster Trucks         R14
• Football Manager 2007           R14
• Winter Games                            R14
• Puzzle Quest                             R90
• Zoo Tycoon (stand alone)        R66

NOTE: All PC games mentioned here are available at www.take2.co.za which is also offering free shipping this festive season on all orders over R350. Games may be available in stores or on other shopping websites, yet prices may differ.

Happy gaming and Merry Christmas!

** More Online Shopping ideas and Articles **

OREGON 450: Your GPS guide on and off the beaten track

SATNAV (satellite navigation): where would we be without it? A good question for marketers of such devices. Satnav is extremely useful for those of us who are considered to be ‘geographically impaired’. (I’ve been known to get lost in my own home town of Eshowe, which only has one main street).

Unfortunately, satnav also happens to be responsible for a significant portion of traffic-related accidents — largely a result of people following their Navigatrix too blindly. A lot of people have found themselves driving off the road and into ditches by obeying misleading satnav instructions.

If you are going to make use of satellite navigation, it is therefore vital to get a good device. Garmin is the more popular and trustworthy brand on the market that has spawned a whole range of GPS devices. I personally wouldn’t pay less than R2 000 for a good Garmin. Anything below that price tag might just direct you into a sugarcane field.

But if you would rather rid yourself entirely of any navigational worries and get a state-of-the-art device, the Garmin Oregon 450 is one of the newer GPS devices released this year that comes bundled with extra features.

The device retails for just under R5 000, but apart from the necessary mapping software, the Oregon features a tri-axial compass and a barometric altimeter. These offer support on and off the beaten track and can aid you in unfamiliar cities as well as during off-road adventures and marine voyages.

Garmin Oregon 450 features

The Oregon has a single button that turns the device on and off. The rest is fully touch-enabled and the touch interface offers all the features one would ever need in a GPS device. With so much on offer, it does take a little getting used to, but there is the option of fully customizing the interface to suit your needs.

Garmin seems to have taken things a few strides further by making the Oregon 450 more than just a satellite navigation device. This GPS gadget comes with useful extras such as the tri-axial compass, photo viewer, calculator, calendar, stopwatch and alarm clock. The Oregon can also be used to track the behaviour of the sun, moon and tides as well as determine altitude and measure water depth.

Garmin Oregon 450 touch interface

Hand-held GPS receivers typically offer lots of options, and can be overwhelming for a first-time user. The main menu is spread across five screens, but these can be customised to suit your needs.

I was particularly fond of the compass which is entirely accurate and shows no delay whatsoever. The device also sits snugly in the palm of your hand and I imagine it would be very useful for the more outdoorsy types. The barometric altimeter is useful for hikers and can also be used to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

A unique feature of the Oregon 450, which has become popular among American huntsman and fisherman, is the “hunt/fish” feature. This provides the best times to hunt and fish in the area and offers a variety of cartography for boating and fishing excursions. It also provides both extensive offshore coverage and detailed lake coverage.

For the outdoor adventurer, the Oregon 450 makes use of topographic maps, which are ideal for hiking, hunting, camping, climbing and even snowmobiling. Once a nice collection of routes or hikes is created and stored, one is able to share their waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with others that have compatible Oregon devices. Connect your Oregon to your PC and you are also able to view all your activities on a map using Google Earth.

Garmin Oregon 450: The verdict

I don’t imagine that anyone could break an Oregon without trying really hard. This Garmin feels really solid and break-proof and is resistant to bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water. Having only one pressable button on the device also stops the risk of buttons breaking.

Battery life is said to be 16 hours, but note that this is likely to be the life of really good quality batteries when the device is on standby and not in full use. What is lacking in this regard is the option of being able to charge the device while you drive.

Overall the Garmin Oregon 450 is certainly a great GPS to get if you’re willing to meet the price tag. It may be a bit overwhelming for those who prefer a more minimalistic device, but the Oregon does come with a very useful, six-page quick-start guide that will familiarise you with the device in less than a week.

Whatever GPS device you decide to use, just remember to apply some common sense when driving too. Driving into ditches is no fun; been there, done that.

** More Gadget & Tech Reviews **

WANTITALL: Bringing U.S. goods into SA at competitive prices

BUYING goods and services online is fast becoming the preferred way to shop around this century, and it’s becoming easier for South Africans as more online stores emerge to serve a South African clientele.

Websites such as Take2 are at the top of Google’s ranking list and it’s easy to see why. Online shopping is quick and easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home and in your own time. The rising popularity of shopping online is evident from the number of new stores that have arrived on the scene, all offering easy ways to find what you’re looking for.

One particular online store that is rising in the ranks is www.wantitall.co.za, which operates in a very similar way to sites such as Take2.co.za and Kalahari.net. Launched in 2006, WantItAll has access to products that are not available in South Africa, which they sell at competitive prices that won’t blow your budget. Here’s a snippet from their website.

“WantItAll was launched in 2006 and has access to over 15 000 000 products which are sourced from all over the world. The site is 100% safe, which means that your personal details and credit card information are totally secure with us and will not be shared with third parties. We offer all customers competitive prices and also run specials on a daily basis.” - www.wantitall.co.za

WantItAll.co.za has access to over 15 000 000 products that are sourced from all over the world. Through an associate agreement with amazon.com, WantItAll specialises in importing items from the United States that can’t be found in South Africa, and offers them at competitive prices.

WantItAll: Getting started

To sign up for a WantItAll account and start shopping takes the average web-user about six minutes, tops. Once you have an account, you’re ready to shop and add goods to either your digital shopping cart or wish-list.

WantItAll will notify you when out-of-stock items in your shopping wish-list are available to order again. Users can also send their wish-lists to family and friends to ensure that they get exactly what they want for Christmas or a forthcoming birthday.

WantItAll shopping specials are on offer daily and available products range from video games and DVDs to musical instruments and baby products. After having a good browse through the catalogue, I also came across several sought-after products that are difficult to find in the country or elsewhere for that matter. This has been made possible through an associate agreement with amazon.com, which allows WantItAll to specialise in importing items from the U.S. that you can’t find in South Africa.

I signed up for my own WantItAll account earlier this week and was pleasantly surprised to see that I got given a R50-off coupon. The online shopping website is also offering free delivery for an order of three or more items. To add cream on top of an extra-chocolaty sundae, they are also currently offering some great discounts within their DVD collection.

WantItAll: Payments and delivery

For South African online shoppers, WantItAll accepts EFTs and direct bank deposits via MasterCard and Visa; and if you have built up a little nest egg of eBucks, these can also be used as payment or part of it. The website has also being verified as SiteSafe, meaning that electronic transfers are 100% safe and secure.

Delivery is to your front door (unless specified otherwise) and delivery charges are generally dependent on the order. Standard delivery charge is R59, but if your order is particularly bulky, or you live out in the gamadoelas, delivery may cost you a little more.

Delivery time is generally between seven and 15 working days after payment has gone through. This is not a bad wait at all considering that your goods will probably be travelling cross-Atlantic. If you are not entirely satisfied with your new toys or goods, WantItAll does offer a returns system.

PROS OF ONLINE SHOPPING

• Consumers can read reviews of a product online to help them decide whether or not it’s worthy of purchase.
• Most online products offer user ratings, which give consumers an idea of how others feel about a particular product.
• No cash is needed to pay for online goods and paying via an electronic funds transfer (EFT) is a safe, fast and painless process.
• You do not need to travel to the store to pick up your goods; most online stores will deliver your ordered products to your door.
• Despite being unable to touch the products in an online store, consumers can often see what’s inside the box or packaging without opening it.

Happy and safe online shopping!

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PC GAMING: A look back at some of the best games of 2009

2009 was a great year in gaming. Titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Wolfenstein and Fallout 3 are quite simply some of the best games ever developed. Period.

So if you’re still struggling to keep up with the new 2010 game releases, then why not catch up by playing the following, highly recommended 2009 releases (which are also a lot cheaper now than when they were first released):

• Fallout 3 - R271 (for Xbox 360)
• Wolfenstein - R182
• Call of Duty 5 - R182
• Resident Evil 5 - R276
• Assassin’s Creed - R86 !
• Note: Prices subject to change

Best Games: Fallout 3

Based on the idea of a post-apocalyptic world in the near future, Fallout 3 is without a doubt the best game I have ever played to date. The game not only has a riveting storyline and an amazing graphics engine, but also has the most sublime explosions you will see in any game. Being able to create custom-made weapons from Wasteland junk and choose from a library of unique perks whenever your character levels up, are just a few pleasures that make this game a must-have.

Best Games: Wolfenstein

You are super-spy BJ Blaskowitz and your job is to single-handedly put a stop to those naughty Nazis and end WWII. The earlier versions of Wolfenstein still fill me with nostalgia and give me a tingly feeling in my fingertips. The latest Wolfenstein is a treat to the eyes and is one of the most intense war games in my collection. The game has a real solid feel and explosive effects, and being able to move in and out of the veil is certainly a unique gaming element. There is a great selection of upgradable weapons and is awesome if you're a fan of the rifle. Capping Nazis has never been this fun!

Best Games: Call of Duty 5 - World at War

Granted that this game was released at the end of 2008, it is certainly in the same league as 2009 war games. It is fast-paced and intense, and in my opinion the best Call of Duty title released. This is one of those titles that gamers can play time and time again whenever the urge to kill kicks in. My only gripe is that Captain Price is off the scene (I understand that he was busy auditioning for a place in Modern Warfare 2). Nonetheless, the American and Russian campaigns are a blast.

Best Games: Resident Evil 5

I was never a fan of the third-person Resident Evil games until I played this one. The Direct X 10 version of the game is both spectacular and intense. Even on normal difficulty, Resident Evil 5 is a desperate challenge to find ammo and cap zombies. Having a hot sidekick follow you around is a very welcomed element and she is far more than just a well-rendered face. Resident Evil 5 is also by far one of the longest games I’ve ever played (perhaps too long), but no doubt it will keep you entertained for months. Keep clean underwear nearby.

Best Games: Assassin’s Creed

Being a huge fan of Assassin’s Creed, I bought the second installment this year and was rather disappointed. Although ’Screed 2 is far better looking than its predecessor and offers a few more gaming elements, it still does not match up to the story and immersiveness of the first game in my opinion. Nonetheless the Renaissance environment in which you play is rather appealing. The controls for 'Screed are by far the easiest to learn and nothing beats leaping off a clock tower into a bundle of hay. Bundles of fun!

All of the games above are available at Take 2 for reasonable prices. If the prices have not yet come down, it may be a good idea to simply add them to your wish list. Take 2 will then notify you when the prices drop.

Happy gaming!

Related Post: Fallout 3 Tweaks & Tips

Links:

• Metacritic's Best Games of 2009
• Gamespot's Best Games of 2009
  

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