Beautiful Frag-A-Mari
Apr 22 2008, 8:51 am
I often wondered why people who played Katamari were so weird. They would sit together and laugh about the joys of rolling up the Eiffel Tower, and they played odd soundtracks in their cars. I would sit aside and ponder how a game could make them seem so utterly mental - and of course I secretly desperately wanted to play …
Apr 22 2008, 8:51 am
I often wondered why people who played Katamari were so weird. They would sit together and laugh about the joys of rolling up the Eiffel Tower, and they played odd soundtracks in their cars. I would sit aside and ponder how a game could make them seem so utterly mental - and of course I secretly desperately wanted to play …
London City
Apr 14 2008, 1:17 pm
Finally the weather is picking up and the clouds are clearing. Not only is spring truly here, but I think summer might even be beginning to show. So I took a little walk around my current home town to appreciate the weather. Taking a short stroll around London is no laughing matter; you could be lost for days out there …
Apr 14 2008, 1:17 pm
Finally the weather is picking up and the clouds are clearing. Not only is spring truly here, but I think summer might even be beginning to show. So I took a little walk around my current home town to appreciate the weather. Taking a short stroll around London is no laughing matter; you could be lost for days out there …
Starting or Finishing?
Apr 05 2008, 7:45 pm
I was wondering the other day what is better - completing a game that you love, or doing the tutorial of a game you thought you may never play? The very small part of my brain that is sensible tells me that this is an easy question, and without any doubt completing a game that you love is the ultimate …
Apr 05 2008, 7:45 pm
I was wondering the other day what is better - completing a game that you love, or doing the tutorial of a game you thought you may never play? The very small part of my brain that is sensible tells me that this is an easy question, and without any doubt completing a game that you love is the ultimate …
Sarin’s Top Tips For 24 Hours of Gaming Bliss
Mar 28 2008, 9:08 am
I will stress it again and again but still it falls on deaf ears - bodies want nourishment and they want exercise. They are not inanimate objects craving sweeteners made out of fossil fuel by-products. I cannot understand how people still have smooth skin and shiny hair when they are sitting in front of a flashing screen in a darkened …
Mar 28 2008, 9:08 am
I will stress it again and again but still it falls on deaf ears - bodies want nourishment and they want exercise. They are not inanimate objects craving sweeteners made out of fossil fuel by-products. I cannot understand how people still have smooth skin and shiny hair when they are sitting in front of a flashing screen in a darkened …
A Helping Hand
Mar 17 2008, 7:35 pm
I was in PC World the other day (buying some memory for my now-speedy PC) when I noticed something by the tills that caught my attention. It was a little black guitar, a Wii and a TV proudly displaying the end screen for a Guitar Hero 3 song, on easy, at 22% completion. I smirked to myself, thinking how much …
Mar 17 2008, 7:35 pm
I was in PC World the other day (buying some memory for my now-speedy PC) when I noticed something by the tills that caught my attention. It was a little black guitar, a Wii and a TV proudly displaying the end screen for a Guitar Hero 3 song, on easy, at 22% completion. I smirked to myself, thinking how much …
My Language Coach Developer Interview [Audio]
Mar 10 2008, 9:41 pm
Tony Van, Rico Lujan, and Mike McCann may not be names you use every day but they are a group of men with a mission. They share a passion that I am still trying my best to embrace and really want to be good at! So who are they? Well, they all work for Ubisoft and Sensory Sweep Software, and …
Mar 10 2008, 9:41 pm
Tony Van, Rico Lujan, and Mike McCann may not be names you use every day but they are a group of men with a mission. They share a passion that I am still trying my best to embrace and really want to be good at! So who are they? Well, they all work for Ubisoft and Sensory Sweep Software, and …
Devilishly Good
Feb 26 2008, 2:10 pm
Well now I know, I know the origin. No longer are they merely an attachment, an obligatory part of him. They have become an item with a background, a life story - how exciting! It turns out that an old lady named Goldstein created Ebony and Ivory. They were her masterpieces, her final work. She made them because normal guns …
Feb 26 2008, 2:10 pm
Well now I know, I know the origin. No longer are they merely an attachment, an obligatory part of him. They have become an item with a background, a life story - how exciting! It turns out that an old lady named Goldstein created Ebony and Ivory. They were her masterpieces, her final work. She made them because normal guns …
Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition [Video Report]
Feb 17 2008, 7:15 pm
Every Christmas we would unwrap the book. Who would it be this year? What were people around the world doing with their lives to make them a unique one in 6 billion? It could be the best beard of bees, or maybe the longest ever toenails, but whatever we found in this book of dreams, it was the best of …
Feb 17 2008, 7:15 pm
Every Christmas we would unwrap the book. Who would it be this year? What were people around the world doing with their lives to make them a unique one in 6 billion? It could be the best beard of bees, or maybe the longest ever toenails, but whatever we found in this book of dreams, it was the best of …
Lent for Gamers
Feb 10 2008, 4:40 pm
I hope you all gorged yourselves silly on pancakes last week, because now is the period of Lent - a religious time for fast. However, I would like to add to your quandary of what to ‘give up.’ You see, I discovered last week that it’s not all about the fast - it is about PFA: Prayer, Fast and Alms …
Feb 10 2008, 4:40 pm
I hope you all gorged yourselves silly on pancakes last week, because now is the period of Lent - a religious time for fast. However, I would like to add to your quandary of what to ‘give up.’ You see, I discovered last week that it’s not all about the fast - it is about PFA: Prayer, Fast and Alms …
Video blog - My Spanish Coach
Jan 30 2008, 6:04 pm
I know that Psyche beat me to it, but I too am learning a new language. Spanish is my fancy and I have many reasons for this move into the cultural world of linguistics. Firstly I have always been bad at languages; secondly my brother speaks more languages than I do, which as all good sibling rivalry goes must be …
Jan 30 2008, 6:04 pm
I know that Psyche beat me to it, but I too am learning a new language. Spanish is my fancy and I have many reasons for this move into the cultural world of linguistics. Firstly I have always been bad at languages; secondly my brother speaks more languages than I do, which as all good sibling rivalry goes must be …
Dancin’ with my Rolly
Jan 22 2008, 7:58 am
I made a new friend on Saturday at a lecture in Tanaka Business College. We were introduced before I had actually seen them and I was judgemental as always - their parents were lovely people but a few failed products and a once dubious distribution of wealth left me feeling edgy. However, I knew I should not be cynical and …
Jan 22 2008, 7:58 am
I made a new friend on Saturday at a lecture in Tanaka Business College. We were introduced before I had actually seen them and I was judgemental as always - their parents were lovely people but a few failed products and a once dubious distribution of wealth left me feeling edgy. However, I knew I should not be cynical and …
Going Straight
Jan 14 2008, 4:11 pm
One of the biggest complaints I hear about computer games is linearity. People do not seem to like being led or shown how to do things. They want to explore and discover all by themselves. They want to feel like they found something magical by managing to complete the game in a way that no one else ever could (even …
Jan 14 2008, 4:11 pm
One of the biggest complaints I hear about computer games is linearity. People do not seem to like being led or shown how to do things. They want to explore and discover all by themselves. They want to feel like they found something magical by managing to complete the game in a way that no one else ever could (even …
My Christmas Holiday
Jan 07 2008, 9:21 am
Recently I have been very far away - 8 hours on a plane away to be precise. I was in America for Christmas and what a jolly little Christmas it was. I went to Washington DC and then on to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where they remind themselves daily that the English were evil absent landlords who over taxed and …
Jan 07 2008, 9:21 am
Recently I have been very far away - 8 hours on a plane away to be precise. I was in America for Christmas and what a jolly little Christmas it was. I went to Washington DC and then on to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where they remind themselves daily that the English were evil absent landlords who over taxed and …
Video blog - Sarin’s Christmas Crackers
Dec 23 2007, 2:35 am
Well here it is! I know you have all been waiting patiently and I am very pleased with you, so I have finally spilled the beans and let you in on my little secrets. Okay, so maybe they are not quite secrets, and maybe - just maybe - you haven’t been holding your breath, but they are some games that …
Dec 23 2007, 2:35 am
Well here it is! I know you have all been waiting patiently and I am very pleased with you, so I have finally spilled the beans and let you in on my little secrets. Okay, so maybe they are not quite secrets, and maybe - just maybe - you haven’t been holding your breath, but they are some games that …
Video blog - Sarin kills the radio star
Dec 18 2007, 8:58 am
Every so often I have a creative moment. I just have to get all the creativity out of me no matter how unproductive or even worthwhile the finished article is. I liken it to times when you really need to expend some pent up energy and have to run up and down the stairs… or is that just me too? …
Dec 18 2007, 8:58 am
Every so often I have a creative moment. I just have to get all the creativity out of me no matter how unproductive or even worthwhile the finished article is. I liken it to times when you really need to expend some pent up energy and have to run up and down the stairs… or is that just me too? …
Hit(man)ing the big screen
Dec 15 2007, 1:27 am
Visually, Hitman is a good film. It is cast with a bit of thought and clearly captures points of detail, such as that slightly odd walk he has, down to a tee. He also appears to have bricks sewn into his shoulders but yet carries a suit with a calm business-like air. I would actually go so far as to …
Dec 15 2007, 1:27 am
Visually, Hitman is a good film. It is cast with a bit of thought and clearly captures points of detail, such as that slightly odd walk he has, down to a tee. He also appears to have bricks sewn into his shoulders but yet carries a suit with a calm business-like air. I would actually go so far as to …
Christmas is a time for Oldies
Dec 08 2007, 1:15 pm
Scanning through the gaming news this week I came across an article in the Telegraph about ‘must have gaming kit. It shares a few brief thoughts on each console and gives a selection of three ‘must have’ games. It is a nice little overview, but a few points caught my attention. Firstly, they started with the PS2. While I know …
Dec 08 2007, 1:15 pm
Scanning through the gaming news this week I came across an article in the Telegraph about ‘must have gaming kit. It shares a few brief thoughts on each console and gives a selection of three ‘must have’ games. It is a nice little overview, but a few points caught my attention. Firstly, they started with the PS2. While I know …
Gaming Events
Dec 04 2007, 1:01 am
If you are one of these people who feel that games are part of their everyday lives - and that they are just as common as films, music, and sport, then think again. I often forget that games are still not really considered to be as main stream as other forms of entertainment. I see them as an everyday thing, …
Dec 04 2007, 1:01 am
If you are one of these people who feel that games are part of their everyday lives - and that they are just as common as films, music, and sport, then think again. I often forget that games are still not really considered to be as main stream as other forms of entertainment. I see them as an everyday thing, …
The Power of Two
Nov 30 2007, 1:08 am
The gaming world has recently gone crazy about the Weighted Companion Cube and how much joy and love it can bring you. Personally I prefer real people, and I say this with some conviction: having worked alone, with people, and with dead people… real people are certainly the best. This nugget of wisdom recently came into play for me as …
Nov 30 2007, 1:08 am
The gaming world has recently gone crazy about the Weighted Companion Cube and how much joy and love it can bring you. Personally I prefer real people, and I say this with some conviction: having worked alone, with people, and with dead people… real people are certainly the best. This nugget of wisdom recently came into play for me as …
Great Games for Girls
Nov 12 2007, 1:40 pm
When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was move to the rain forest, take photographs of animals, and sell them as postcards. But when I was informed by my finance-wise father that postcards would earn me about 2p each, and living costs thousands of pounds, I fell out of love with the idea. I then moved to …
Nov 12 2007, 1:40 pm
When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was move to the rain forest, take photographs of animals, and sell them as postcards. But when I was informed by my finance-wise father that postcards would earn me about 2p each, and living costs thousands of pounds, I fell out of love with the idea. I then moved to …
The Good Old Days
Oct 30 2007, 1:40 pm
Many games hold a sense of nostalgia for me, they make me remember the blue skies days of gaming when point and clicks ruled a small roost and floppys were still considered cutting edge technology. However, I have found few games that give me a sense of nostalgia about whole childhood experiences, but recently I found myself playing something that …
Oct 30 2007, 1:40 pm
Many games hold a sense of nostalgia for me, they make me remember the blue skies days of gaming when point and clicks ruled a small roost and floppys were still considered cutting edge technology. However, I have found few games that give me a sense of nostalgia about whole childhood experiences, but recently I found myself playing something that …
Dark Tendencies
Oct 20 2007, 1:40 pm
Recently I dabbled in a spot of Paganism. True, I’ve technically encountered it before, having ventured into the eerie depths of Wiccan churches in Edinburgh’s buried vaults. They can bring a chill to the spine. But this time I was unaware at first that I had crossed into this spiritualistic realm. I was simply trying out Imagine Happy Cooking on …
Oct 20 2007, 1:40 pm
Recently I dabbled in a spot of Paganism. True, I’ve technically encountered it before, having ventured into the eerie depths of Wiccan churches in Edinburgh’s buried vaults. They can bring a chill to the spine. But this time I was unaware at first that I had crossed into this spiritualistic realm. I was simply trying out Imagine Happy Cooking on …
Judging a book…
Oct 09 2007, 1:40 pm
I was recently lent a book by one of my work colleagues along with the warning not to read it on the bus because people will stare at me. Or for that matter on the tube because we all know people will read over your shoulder and they may be grossed out. The book is called ‘Never Suck a Dead …
Oct 09 2007, 1:40 pm
I was recently lent a book by one of my work colleagues along with the warning not to read it on the bus because people will stare at me. Or for that matter on the tube because we all know people will read over your shoulder and they may be grossed out. The book is called ‘Never Suck a Dead …
Halo 3 In My Hand Bag
Sep 26 2007, 1:40 pm
’Twas the night before Halo when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. And me in my Frag Tee and mama in her VIP pass, we both settled down for a good night of launch part-ay! Okay enough of that. So it is finally the release day of Halo 3. It isn’t quite the …
Sep 26 2007, 1:40 pm
’Twas the night before Halo when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. And me in my Frag Tee and mama in her VIP pass, we both settled down for a good night of launch part-ay! Okay enough of that. So it is finally the release day of Halo 3. It isn’t quite the …
Console Love
Sep 16 2007, 1:40 pm
I always remember being advised to play DVDs on the Xbox, not the PS2. It was one of those nuggets of wisdom pushed upon me that I chose to follow and obey. I did not want to tire out my PS2 disc drive, and I certainly wanted to bask in the glory of the exciting new Xbox. Faced with this …
Sep 16 2007, 1:40 pm
I always remember being advised to play DVDs on the Xbox, not the PS2. It was one of those nuggets of wisdom pushed upon me that I chose to follow and obey. I did not want to tire out my PS2 disc drive, and I certainly wanted to bask in the glory of the exciting new Xbox. Faced with this …
Even after a Second Opinion you’re too drunk to operate
Sep 05 2007, 1:40 pm
I almost killed a young girl last night. If it hadn’t have been for Dr Kasal stepping in at the very last moment, she certainly would have slipped away. All that blood on my hands, that tiny life on my conscience, her mother’s tears a constant burden to me - and it would have genuinely been all be my fault. …
Sep 05 2007, 1:40 pm
I almost killed a young girl last night. If it hadn’t have been for Dr Kasal stepping in at the very last moment, she certainly would have slipped away. All that blood on my hands, that tiny life on my conscience, her mother’s tears a constant burden to me - and it would have genuinely been all be my fault. …
DS = Delightful Settling
Aug 23 2007, 1:40 pm
I hear the door bell ring and like a small child on Christmas morning I leap up and run to see what I have got. The package looked promising and a small smile crept onto my face. Could it really finally be here? A game that I have loved since I was but a tiny person and not played for …
Aug 23 2007, 1:40 pm
I hear the door bell ring and like a small child on Christmas morning I leap up and run to see what I have got. The package looked promising and a small smile crept onto my face. Could it really finally be here? A game that I have loved since I was but a tiny person and not played for …
Ninja Grrrrrrr-den
Aug 12 2007, 1:40 pm
The summer is well and truly here and it’s time for most of us to get out and get undressed ... well somewhat anyway. Despite those UV warnings, all the parks near me are full to bursting point with sun-soaking people. They all seem so happy, and music floats across the air, mingling with the just-lit barbeque smoke. It is …
Aug 12 2007, 1:40 pm
The summer is well and truly here and it’s time for most of us to get out and get undressed ... well somewhat anyway. Despite those UV warnings, all the parks near me are full to bursting point with sun-soaking people. They all seem so happy, and music floats across the air, mingling with the just-lit barbeque smoke. It is …
Pure Pleasure
Aug 06 2007, 1:40 pm
I pondered in my last blog whether or not to play Okami, so recently I decided to go out and buy it. I am sure you all know it is a delightful and beautiful game, with nothing but the pleasure of playing it to be had. Sitting on my sofa helping to restore the world to its former beauty, whilst …
Aug 06 2007, 1:40 pm
I pondered in my last blog whether or not to play Okami, so recently I decided to go out and buy it. I am sure you all know it is a delightful and beautiful game, with nothing but the pleasure of playing it to be had. Sitting on my sofa helping to restore the world to its former beauty, whilst …
Super Sarin
Jul 26 2007, 1:40 pm
I have recently picked up a new super power. I have become EMR Girl, fighting the forces of evil technology. I have the power to emit electromagnetic radiation in a way that devastates even the toughest electrical machine. In my mighty equipment-fighting battles I have managed to render my digital camera useless, break my wireless doorbell, watch my friend receive …
Jul 26 2007, 1:40 pm
I have recently picked up a new super power. I have become EMR Girl, fighting the forces of evil technology. I have the power to emit electromagnetic radiation in a way that devastates even the toughest electrical machine. In my mighty equipment-fighting battles I have managed to render my digital camera useless, break my wireless doorbell, watch my friend receive …
E3: Did you feel the downsizing?
Jul 16 2007, 1:40 pm
The excitement, the thrill, the yearning for knowledge, the sense of better things to come, the joy of knowing that they really will come, and the anticipation. I feel that much of it has gone, and that I have been left a little high and dry. Last year I remember watching the press conferences and having a feeling that new …
Jul 16 2007, 1:40 pm
The excitement, the thrill, the yearning for knowledge, the sense of better things to come, the joy of knowing that they really will come, and the anticipation. I feel that much of it has gone, and that I have been left a little high and dry. Last year I remember watching the press conferences and having a feeling that new …
Hyde Park Penguin
Jul 07 2007, 1:40 pm
As the swell began to grow I jumped on my board and paddled hard. Before I knew it the swell was a giant wave, a super challenge. I flipped myself onto the board and pushed into the wave, launching into the air and racking up the points. The other surfers were close by but I was not bothered by their …
Jul 07 2007, 1:40 pm
As the swell began to grow I jumped on my board and paddled hard. Before I knew it the swell was a giant wave, a super challenge. I flipped myself onto the board and pushed into the wave, launching into the air and racking up the points. The other surfers were close by but I was not bothered by their …
Raving Nicely
Jun 22 2007, 1:40 pm
The whole world seems to be up in arms over Manhunt 2. I have read about it in the paper, I have read about it on the web, and I have seen it on all the forums. I don’t really have an opinion on Manhunt 2 as I have never played it - but, then, neither have most of the …
Jun 22 2007, 1:40 pm
The whole world seems to be up in arms over Manhunt 2. I have read about it in the paper, I have read about it on the web, and I have seen it on all the forums. I don’t really have an opinion on Manhunt 2 as I have never played it - but, then, neither have most of the …
A Wii Outing To The Pub
Jun 08 2007, 1:40 pm
Being from the fair green isle of Eire my favourite things are of course shamrocks, potatoes, and drinking. I got to indulge one of these fancies last Sunday and better still I got to mix it with my fourth favourite thing, gaming! It came to my attention by way of a blackboard above my table some prior evening, that the …
Jun 08 2007, 1:40 pm
Being from the fair green isle of Eire my favourite things are of course shamrocks, potatoes, and drinking. I got to indulge one of these fancies last Sunday and better still I got to mix it with my fourth favourite thing, gaming! It came to my attention by way of a blackboard above my table some prior evening, that the …
Returning for the Final Battle
May 25 2007, 1:40 pm
Sometimes we do not complete games we play, but we all have our reasons and generally they are acceptable. I started playing Bullet Witch during my Easter holidays, and got up to the last level before I had to return to work and wanted less story-based, more instantly-interactive gaming again. However, last weekend I found myself attacked by a cold. …
May 25 2007, 1:40 pm
Sometimes we do not complete games we play, but we all have our reasons and generally they are acceptable. I started playing Bullet Witch during my Easter holidays, and got up to the last level before I had to return to work and wanted less story-based, more instantly-interactive gaming again. However, last weekend I found myself attacked by a cold. …
Guitar Hero Schmitar Hero
May 11 2007, 1:40 pm
I do not like Guitar Hero II. I will be the first to admit that I’m not very good at it and, yes, this probably does play a factor in my displeasure. However, my point still stands. I don’t like it. Not only that, but it angers me that everyone else loves it so much. Do you remember when your …
May 11 2007, 1:40 pm
I do not like Guitar Hero II. I will be the first to admit that I’m not very good at it and, yes, this probably does play a factor in my displeasure. However, my point still stands. I don’t like it. Not only that, but it angers me that everyone else loves it so much. Do you remember when your …
Rise of an Empire
Apr 29 2007, 1:40 pm
I have always been fascinated by the great Empires of the world - their successes and downfalls, their glorious histories, and all those riches. They are the reason that I continued to study history in school for so long, and then dropped it when I realised I was only going to learn about Irish politics… Even though Settlers will not …
Apr 29 2007, 1:40 pm
I have always been fascinated by the great Empires of the world - their successes and downfalls, their glorious histories, and all those riches. They are the reason that I continued to study history in school for so long, and then dropped it when I realised I was only going to learn about Irish politics… Even though Settlers will not …
Paintball Vs Warfighters
Apr 16 2007, 1:40 pm
As the Easter holidays draw to an end I look back and realise I have played a lot of Ghost Recon. However not much of this has been at home, with paintballing and World Gamer Live in Ireland (read Jam’s blog about it here), followed by a day at Warfighters back in England. I really seem to be getting into …
Apr 16 2007, 1:40 pm
As the Easter holidays draw to an end I look back and realise I have played a lot of Ghost Recon. However not much of this has been at home, with paintballing and World Gamer Live in Ireland (read Jam’s blog about it here), followed by a day at Warfighters back in England. I really seem to be getting into …
PS3: So what IS protein folding, anyway?
Apr 01 2007, 1:40 pm
How many ways can you tie a piece of string? This picture shows 72 different patterns using one loop. Now imagine if that loop was not necessarily a loop, but could have the ends unconnected. Or if you were allowed to tie on an extra piece of string ... the possibilities become enormous. Now imagine that the piece of string …
Apr 01 2007, 1:40 pm
How many ways can you tie a piece of string? This picture shows 72 different patterns using one loop. Now imagine if that loop was not necessarily a loop, but could have the ends unconnected. Or if you were allowed to tie on an extra piece of string ... the possibilities become enormous. Now imagine that the piece of string …
OXM Awards - Prizes For All
Mar 22 2007, 1:40 pm
Last week, after a long day at work, I headed into central London. As a wee Irish lass I still find this a scary experience, but I put on my bravest face and set out. I had good reason to venture into the capital that fine Wednesday night and was not about to pass up an opportunity simply because I …
Mar 22 2007, 1:40 pm
Last week, after a long day at work, I headed into central London. As a wee Irish lass I still find this a scary experience, but I put on my bravest face and set out. I had good reason to venture into the capital that fine Wednesday night and was not about to pass up an opportunity simply because I …
Runaway: The Dream of The Turtle
Feb 22 2007, 1:40 pm
I really do rather like free things. I like it when I go shopping and someone hands me a free cookie sample (with extra chocolate). I like it when I get off the train and someone hands me a paper, and I like it when I get to try a new point and click that’s coming out next month. So …
Feb 22 2007, 1:40 pm
I really do rather like free things. I like it when I go shopping and someone hands me a free cookie sample (with extra chocolate). I like it when I get off the train and someone hands me a paper, and I like it when I get to try a new point and click that’s coming out next month. So …
Nintendo style Violence
Feb 08 2007, 1:40 pm
“Movement sensitive sadistic violence? Jack Thompson’ll need a new thesaurus” This is the quote that best sums up my feelings on Rockstar’s announcement that they will be releasing the sequel to their controversial Manhunt on the Wii. Not just the Wii of course, it is also coming to PS2s and PSPs near you, but that’s old hat - we’re all …
Feb 08 2007, 1:40 pm
“Movement sensitive sadistic violence? Jack Thompson’ll need a new thesaurus” This is the quote that best sums up my feelings on Rockstar’s announcement that they will be releasing the sequel to their controversial Manhunt on the Wii. Not just the Wii of course, it is also coming to PS2s and PSPs near you, but that’s old hat - we’re all …
Miserlou
Jan 23 2007, 1:40 pm
... And once again I am free. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick, but I have battled my way to victory and the picnic is still fresh enough to save. Sure it has been nibbled by a few sheep, and my friends are no where to be seen - but who cares? I am the winner. No, I haven’t …
Jan 23 2007, 1:40 pm
... And once again I am free. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick, but I have battled my way to victory and the picnic is still fresh enough to save. Sure it has been nibbled by a few sheep, and my friends are no where to be seen - but who cares? I am the winner. No, I haven’t …
Retro Thought of the Day
Jan 11 2007, 1:40 pm
I have a burning question for you all…. How did video games ever become popular? And to add to that how (since clearly they did become popular) did they continue to thrive? Now I know this may seem an odd question combo to be throwing out to the crowd, particularly by someone like me who does enjoy the odd boss …
Jan 11 2007, 1:40 pm
I have a burning question for you all…. How did video games ever become popular? And to add to that how (since clearly they did become popular) did they continue to thrive? Now I know this may seem an odd question combo to be throwing out to the crowd, particularly by someone like me who does enjoy the odd boss …
Christmas Diaries
Dec 29 2006, 1:40 pm
Well it’s that time of year again when I scoot off to Ireland and eat far too much food. I have managed to have a rather good Christmas this year (as in all fairness I usually do!) so thought I might just fill you all in on a few of my highlights. I only really managed to get into the …
Dec 29 2006, 1:40 pm
Well it’s that time of year again when I scoot off to Ireland and eat far too much food. I have managed to have a rather good Christmas this year (as in all fairness I usually do!) so thought I might just fill you all in on a few of my highlights. I only really managed to get into the …
Orb Addiction!
Dec 19 2006, 1:40 pm
There are few things I love more than pounding a mythical creature until its body turns to dust… Pounding a mythical creature until its body turns to dust and releases power orbs! For people who might not understand what I mean, power orbs feature in a lot of hack ‘n’ slash adventure games. You are often rewarded with them whenever …
Dec 19 2006, 1:40 pm
There are few things I love more than pounding a mythical creature until its body turns to dust… Pounding a mythical creature until its body turns to dust and releases power orbs! For people who might not understand what I mean, power orbs feature in a lot of hack ‘n’ slash adventure games. You are often rewarded with them whenever …
World Gamer Live Dublin
Dec 06 2006, 1:40 pm
For the past few weeks I have been quite annoyed at all the ‘in your face’ Christmas advertising, designed to make you panic that the holidays are fast approaching and you still haven’t spent stupid amounts of money on tat for all the family. However, I am now ready to embrace the festive spirit - not simply because it has …
Dec 06 2006, 1:40 pm
For the past few weeks I have been quite annoyed at all the ‘in your face’ Christmas advertising, designed to make you panic that the holidays are fast approaching and you still haven’t spent stupid amounts of money on tat for all the family. However, I am now ready to embrace the festive spirit - not simply because it has …
Art? Vandalism? Or just good advertising?
Nov 23 2006, 1:40 pm
Who would have thought that in the 21st century graffiti artists would be designing our clothes and writing our books? I have to wonder how they manage to get their work published without being hauled off to do community service. Since I last checked I’m pretty sure the practice is still illegal (I know Bristol have been hovering the paint …
Nov 23 2006, 1:40 pm
Who would have thought that in the 21st century graffiti artists would be designing our clothes and writing our books? I have to wonder how they manage to get their work published without being hauled off to do community service. Since I last checked I’m pretty sure the practice is still illegal (I know Bristol have been hovering the paint …
Playstation 3 at the Best of Stuff Show
Nov 09 2006, 1:40 pm
I was a pretty happy Sarin last week, having been invited to the Best of Stuff show in London to check out the UK debut of the Playstation 3 and lots of lovely gadgets. I was terribly excited waking up on Sunday morning, pulling on my Fragdoll T-shirt, thinking ‘I love my job!’ Sure, Sony have done a lot to …
Nov 09 2006, 1:40 pm
I was a pretty happy Sarin last week, having been invited to the Best of Stuff show in London to check out the UK debut of the Playstation 3 and lots of lovely gadgets. I was terribly excited waking up on Sunday morning, pulling on my Fragdoll T-shirt, thinking ‘I love my job!’ Sure, Sony have done a lot to …
Opening my eyes to Open Season
Oct 30 2006, 1:40 pm
How many times have you been told not to “judge a book by its cover”? And how many times have you done it anyway? I know I do it a lot more then I should with books, films, games and even people. I wish I didn’t, but hey, we can’t all be perfect! I’m currently looking forward to seeing a …
Oct 30 2006, 1:40 pm
How many times have you been told not to “judge a book by its cover”? And how many times have you done it anyway? I know I do it a lot more then I should with books, films, games and even people. I wish I didn’t, but hey, we can’t all be perfect! I’m currently looking forward to seeing a …
So few stories, so much time
Oct 10 2006, 1:40 pm
I remember being told as a child that there are only seven stories in the world and that they are simply reused and rephrased. I felt this was pretty sad, I mean no one wants to be able to know every story just because they have encountered the core few that make up all others. It would ruin every surprise …
Oct 10 2006, 1:40 pm
I remember being told as a child that there are only seven stories in the world and that they are simply reused and rephrased. I felt this was pretty sad, I mean no one wants to be able to know every story just because they have encountered the core few that make up all others. It would ruin every surprise …
Devil May Cry-tastic
Sep 23 2006, 1:40 pm
If there is any man out there who could drag me from my imaginary relationship with the Prince of Persia it might just be Dante. His shiny white hair, snazzy red coat, and ability to master martial arts, firearms, and sword play (coupled with his boyish enthusiasm and charm in DMC3 which mellows into a focused intensity by DMC1) is …
Sep 23 2006, 1:40 pm
If there is any man out there who could drag me from my imaginary relationship with the Prince of Persia it might just be Dante. His shiny white hair, snazzy red coat, and ability to master martial arts, firearms, and sword play (coupled with his boyish enthusiasm and charm in DMC3 which mellows into a focused intensity by DMC1) is …
Things that start with G …
Sep 10 2006, 1:40 pm
Like Gaming, Germany and Go Sarin! When I think of German music I think of Scooter and Rammstein….. now imagine my surprise to be faced with four days of the likes of A-ha and Cher playing in every taxi. When I think of German food I think of pickled things and sausages, now here at least I was correct. There …
Sep 10 2006, 1:40 pm
Like Gaming, Germany and Go Sarin! When I think of German music I think of Scooter and Rammstein….. now imagine my surprise to be faced with four days of the likes of A-ha and Cher playing in every taxi. When I think of German food I think of pickled things and sausages, now here at least I was correct. There …
Join the Movement!
Aug 26 2006, 1:40 pm
I awoke this morning to find I had been crushing my hand all night under my own weight. This resulted in me not being able to feel my hand at all, always scary in the early hours of the morning. As I rubbed my hand and the blood began to seep back in it went all horribly prickly and felt …
Aug 26 2006, 1:40 pm
I awoke this morning to find I had been crushing my hand all night under my own weight. This resulted in me not being able to feel my hand at all, always scary in the early hours of the morning. As I rubbed my hand and the blood began to seep back in it went all horribly prickly and felt …
Highland Gaming
Aug 15 2006, 1:40 pm
It is easy for us Northerners to feel that everything good happens down south. All the best events seem to be gravitating towards London, and we can never afford to go. However, there is a wealth of stuff to do right here on our door steps. Over the last few years I have managed to go to some great events …
Aug 15 2006, 1:40 pm
It is easy for us Northerners to feel that everything good happens down south. All the best events seem to be gravitating towards London, and we can never afford to go. However, there is a wealth of stuff to do right here on our door steps. Over the last few years I have managed to go to some great events …
Teaching standard 3.3.10
Aug 07 2006, 1:40 pm
As a Frag Doll and a science teacher, I feel it is my duty to engage with this standard to the best of my ability. I mean we can all slap a bit of PowerPoint into a lesson, but how can I get the pupils gaming and make it relevant? I was considering the wonder of a Mario Kart time …
Aug 07 2006, 1:40 pm
As a Frag Doll and a science teacher, I feel it is my duty to engage with this standard to the best of my ability. I mean we can all slap a bit of PowerPoint into a lesson, but how can I get the pupils gaming and make it relevant? I was considering the wonder of a Mario Kart time …
Why we game …
Jul 26 2006, 1:40 pm
I like to let the game take over, whilst sitting on the sofa I stare wide eyed at the screen anticipating each lurking zombie and hidden soldier. I work myself into a state of intense awareness, focused in a unique way. If I was to be offered a cup of tea during this time I would probably just grunt at …
Jul 26 2006, 1:40 pm
I like to let the game take over, whilst sitting on the sofa I stare wide eyed at the screen anticipating each lurking zombie and hidden soldier. I work myself into a state of intense awareness, focused in a unique way. If I was to be offered a cup of tea during this time I would probably just grunt at …
Sarville vs Camden
Jul 12 2006, 1:40 pm
Last week my teacher training course whisked me off to stay in UCL accommodation in Camden for a week. Now I am sure many of you have been to there but I had never witnessed the wonder that is Camden before. What a feast for the eyes, so much of the weird and the wonderful crammed together in some sort …
Jul 12 2006, 1:40 pm
Last week my teacher training course whisked me off to stay in UCL accommodation in Camden for a week. Now I am sure many of you have been to there but I had never witnessed the wonder that is Camden before. What a feast for the eyes, so much of the weird and the wonderful crammed together in some sort …
Becoming a real person
Jun 28 2006, 1:40 pm
img src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/SarinFDUK/Degreepose.jpg" alt="” border="1" hspace="5" align="left" title="May the degree be with you” />Last Tuesday some guy in a sequined gown hit me over the head with a hat made from someone’s trousers… It was no ordinary day in the life of Sarin. It was in fact my graduation day. All done and dusted now, four years condensed into a bit …
Jun 28 2006, 1:40 pm
img src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/SarinFDUK/Degreepose.jpg" alt="” border="1" hspace="5" align="left" title="May the degree be with you” />Last Tuesday some guy in a sequined gown hit me over the head with a hat made from someone’s trousers… It was no ordinary day in the life of Sarin. It was in fact my graduation day. All done and dusted now, four years condensed into a bit …
‘You over there, read this, NOW!’
Jun 22 2006, 1:40 pm
It was about a year ago now that I sat down in my flat and thought ’oh damn, its summer again I really have to get a job!’ I had worked the previous summer in a night club, and although this is great fun, it is tiring. I ended up becoming nocturnal by the end of my three months off! …
Jun 22 2006, 1:40 pm
It was about a year ago now that I sat down in my flat and thought ’oh damn, its summer again I really have to get a job!’ I had worked the previous summer in a night club, and although this is great fun, it is tiring. I ended up becoming nocturnal by the end of my three months off! …
In a world of stilettos and scalpels
Jun 07 2006, 1:40 pm
Today I kicked Derren Brown a mighty 680 meters down the street on my first attempt with a ‘Red or Dead Miami’ a killer 4 inch red stiletto. It was a good kick, a medium angle and a lot of power. I have to say he didn’t seem to predict all the rubbish bins he was about to hit, and …
Jun 07 2006, 1:40 pm
Today I kicked Derren Brown a mighty 680 meters down the street on my first attempt with a ‘Red or Dead Miami’ a killer 4 inch red stiletto. It was a good kick, a medium angle and a lot of power. I have to say he didn’t seem to predict all the rubbish bins he was about to hit, and …
Random Blog Beta
May 24 2006, 1:40 pm
The PC is now officially upgraded, the new laptop is displaying a Fragdolls background, and I am almost ready to fire up iTunes and get my spangly new iPod loaded up. It has been a good week for tech! Of course it has not been without its difficulties, as good things do not come easily….. Problem number one: The PC …
May 24 2006, 1:40 pm
The PC is now officially upgraded, the new laptop is displaying a Fragdolls background, and I am almost ready to fire up iTunes and get my spangly new iPod loaded up. It has been a good week for tech! Of course it has not been without its difficulties, as good things do not come easily….. Problem number one: The PC …
Interview: Rainbow Six Vegas [E3 2006]
May 11 2006, 1:40 pm
In a small non descript room a circle of chairs has been placed. The painted concrete walls are not at all homely and the solitary basketball net reminds everyone that they are in fact sitting in a community hall. The men and women edge slowly into the room, not really looking at one another or talking much. The circle of …
May 11 2006, 1:40 pm
In a small non descript room a circle of chairs has been placed. The painted concrete walls are not at all homely and the solitary basketball net reminds everyone that they are in fact sitting in a community hall. The men and women edge slowly into the room, not really looking at one another or talking much. The circle of …
What’s in a name?
May 05 2006, 1:40 pm
I remember when Rice Krispies became Choco Krispies very, very, briefly. Funny how many products change their names, and how much money must go into each change. Personally I am still a little cut up about the loss of Opal Fruits ... But one day I am sure I will get over it ... I don’t eat them anyway. So …
May 05 2006, 1:40 pm
I remember when Rice Krispies became Choco Krispies very, very, briefly. Funny how many products change their names, and how much money must go into each change. Personally I am still a little cut up about the loss of Opal Fruits ... But one day I am sure I will get over it ... I don’t eat them anyway. So …
Becoming Palindromic
Apr 24 2006, 1:40 pm
Sounds scary, and maybe a little painful, but it wasn’t, in fact it was just like any other day! Those of you who visit the forum may have noticed that I have been a little absent of late, and those of you who don’t frequent the forum may care to hear my story anyway, so here goes: Actually no, change …
Apr 24 2006, 1:40 pm
Sounds scary, and maybe a little painful, but it wasn’t, in fact it was just like any other day! Those of you who visit the forum may have noticed that I have been a little absent of late, and those of you who don’t frequent the forum may care to hear my story anyway, so here goes: Actually no, change …
From Mice to Men: a Battle of the Dolls update
Apr 05 2006, 1:40 pm
Battle of the Dolls is now in its second week, the teams are chosen and the training and battles must soon begin. However I was playing Ghost Recon the other day and I realised that it’s not all about the war. As bullets sliced through the air and the sound of choppers filled my ears I saw a man running …
Apr 05 2006, 1:40 pm
Battle of the Dolls is now in its second week, the teams are chosen and the training and battles must soon begin. However I was playing Ghost Recon the other day and I realised that it’s not all about the war. As bullets sliced through the air and the sound of choppers filled my ears I saw a man running …
The Truth is Here
Mar 23 2006, 1:40 pm
You people are crazy - which of course I mean in the most affectionate of ways - if you think any of the other Fragdolls are worthy to represent you in the Battle of the Dolls. Remember that you are an individual, a strong willed individual, with the ability to make good (Team Sarin) choices. I quote to you from …
Mar 23 2006, 1:40 pm
You people are crazy - which of course I mean in the most affectionate of ways - if you think any of the other Fragdolls are worthy to represent you in the Battle of the Dolls. Remember that you are an individual, a strong willed individual, with the ability to make good (Team Sarin) choices. I quote to you from …
Interview: The love of Dead Things…
Mar 07 2006, 1:40 pm
We all love a good murder don’t we? The thrill of the psycho lurking about your neighbourhood? Never knowing where the next severed hand will pop up? Well I know I do, that’s for sure. There is nothing quite like a dead body after breakfast, all that nice blood on your glove, all those wonderful smells ... Oh the joy …
Mar 07 2006, 1:40 pm
We all love a good murder don’t we? The thrill of the psycho lurking about your neighbourhood? Never knowing where the next severed hand will pop up? Well I know I do, that’s for sure. There is nothing quite like a dead body after breakfast, all that nice blood on your glove, all those wonderful smells ... Oh the joy …
Sarin Makes Chicken… !
Feb 15 2006, 1:40 pm
Well I thought I should acknowledge Valentines Day in some way this year, and I feel a post-Valentines blog is a good way to do this. I am not a fan of the day in general, it is over commercialised and makes perfectly nice people feel bad about themselves. Of course if you decided to spend most of your day …
Feb 15 2006, 1:40 pm
Well I thought I should acknowledge Valentines Day in some way this year, and I feel a post-Valentines blog is a good way to do this. I am not a fan of the day in general, it is over commercialised and makes perfectly nice people feel bad about themselves. Of course if you decided to spend most of your day …
The Joy of Last Week
Feb 06 2006, 1:40 pm
Last week I went to see Real Big Fish… they are a punk band for those of you who don’t know. (I’m trying to sound patronising here so you will all think I knew who they were before I went.) The first support band was good; a little rough around the edges but pretty fun, thus skanking was partaken in. …
Feb 06 2006, 1:40 pm
Last week I went to see Real Big Fish… they are a punk band for those of you who don’t know. (I’m trying to sound patronising here so you will all think I knew who they were before I went.) The first support band was good; a little rough around the edges but pretty fun, thus skanking was partaken in. …
The difference between men and women
Jan 24 2006, 1:40 pm
I have noticed during my time as a Fragdoll that some people are just a little sceptical towards our gaming abilities. This scepticism has many roots but one of the more prominent ones is that we are girls. Can girls really play games, and if so can they actually be any good at them?? I set my overactive mind to …
Jan 24 2006, 1:40 pm
I have noticed during my time as a Fragdoll that some people are just a little sceptical towards our gaming abilities. This scepticism has many roots but one of the more prominent ones is that we are girls. Can girls really play games, and if so can they actually be any good at them?? I set my overactive mind to …
Mind Numbing Repetition …
Jan 13 2006, 1:40 pm
... is what I really crave! Don’t get me wrong here, I do love a good game with a good story, and lots of game play variety. Fighting and puzzling my way through the entire castle and grounds, only to find out that my nemesis is my distorted twin brother. Unfortunately I like to sit down and play my way …
Jan 13 2006, 1:40 pm
... is what I really crave! Don’t get me wrong here, I do love a good game with a good story, and lots of game play variety. Fighting and puzzling my way through the entire castle and grounds, only to find out that my nemesis is my distorted twin brother. Unfortunately I like to sit down and play my way …
Sarin’s Christmas picks [with video]
Jan 01 2006, 1:40 pm
The New Year is upon us, and I feel that 2006 is going to be all about stuff. Not just any old stuff though… cool stuff. To allow you to jump straight on the band wagon here’s what I think is the top stuff to have your grubby little mits clasped around. In other words here are my Christmas picks …
Jan 01 2006, 1:40 pm
The New Year is upon us, and I feel that 2006 is going to be all about stuff. Not just any old stuff though… cool stuff. To allow you to jump straight on the band wagon here’s what I think is the top stuff to have your grubby little mits clasped around. In other words here are my Christmas picks …
The Good, the Abandoned, and the Ugly Baby
Dec 25 2005, 3:58 pm
It’s that time of year again when my Mum phones up to remind me of my flight times and the fact that I will be left to decorate the house, with my father, while she is out. I have no idea why she still asks me to do this since I never generally get any further then decorating myself….. Having …
Dec 25 2005, 3:58 pm
It’s that time of year again when my Mum phones up to remind me of my flight times and the fact that I will be left to decorate the house, with my father, while she is out. I have no idea why she still asks me to do this since I never generally get any further then decorating myself….. Having …
Once you PoP, you can’t stop
Dec 10 2005, 3:58 pm
When I walk down the street eyeing up ledges, the width of alleyways, and the strength of the flag poles I know I’ve been playing too much Prince of Persia. The acrobatic Prince always makes it look so easy, without even breaking a sweat he can scale his way to the roofs of Babylon and beyond. I would give anything …
Dec 10 2005, 3:58 pm
When I walk down the street eyeing up ledges, the width of alleyways, and the strength of the flag poles I know I’ve been playing too much Prince of Persia. The acrobatic Prince always makes it look so easy, without even breaking a sweat he can scale his way to the roofs of Babylon and beyond. I would give anything …
360 tours the nation of Glasgow
Nov 22 2005, 3:58 pm
Back at the start of the month, after spending the whole day at the Annual British Cell Adhesion Molecules Conference, I returned home to find about a million missed calls on my mobile. To my dismay they were from my manager, fearing the worst I put on my bravest face and called back… Only to find out that I had …
Nov 22 2005, 3:58 pm
Back at the start of the month, after spending the whole day at the Annual British Cell Adhesion Molecules Conference, I returned home to find about a million missed calls on my mobile. To my dismay they were from my manager, fearing the worst I put on my bravest face and called back… Only to find out that I had …
Who’s my favourite Fragdoll?
Nov 13 2005, 3:58 pm
Well it was discussed so often when we first turned up, I thought I’d get my say in. I had to rule out the American dolls due to the fact that I know the British ones so well, and I also had to rule out myself. So then there were four. An easy choice now you may think but it …
Nov 13 2005, 3:58 pm
Well it was discussed so often when we first turned up, I thought I’d get my say in. I had to rule out the American dolls due to the fact that I know the British ones so well, and I also had to rule out myself. So then there were four. An easy choice now you may think but it …
When it’s cold outside….
Oct 24 2005, 3:58 pm
It is lucky for me that I live in a very small flat. I have recently discovered that I am a very lazy person; well, I probably knew this all along but am only just willing to openly admit it. So the fact that my bed is no more than a gnats whisker from the TV is a good thing. …
Oct 24 2005, 3:58 pm
It is lucky for me that I live in a very small flat. I have recently discovered that I am a very lazy person; well, I probably knew this all along but am only just willing to openly admit it. So the fact that my bed is no more than a gnats whisker from the TV is a good thing. …
Die-no-saws
Oct 16 2005, 3:58 pm
Yesterday I glanced out of the bus window only to witness a ‘one in a million’ rare event. I saw a plane being attacked by a Pterodactyl! It was fantastic. There I was sitting, half asleep, on my uncomfortable NHS bus seat when I had the joy of witnessing this beyond reality spectacle. I craned my neck to see better …
Oct 16 2005, 3:58 pm
Yesterday I glanced out of the bus window only to witness a ‘one in a million’ rare event. I saw a plane being attacked by a Pterodactyl! It was fantastic. There I was sitting, half asleep, on my uncomfortable NHS bus seat when I had the joy of witnessing this beyond reality spectacle. I craned my neck to see better …
Bits and blogs
Oct 04 2005, 3:58 pm
First and foremost today I would like to say a great big hello of recognition to 49 commandos. This lovely clan of halo-ers (who also seem to have a soft spot for the Tom Clancy series) have just come into a bit of good fortune. So since a few of them have succumbed to my charm and entered the Dollhouse …
Oct 04 2005, 3:58 pm
First and foremost today I would like to say a great big hello of recognition to 49 commandos. This lovely clan of halo-ers (who also seem to have a soft spot for the Tom Clancy series) have just come into a bit of good fortune. So since a few of them have succumbed to my charm and entered the Dollhouse …
7 days, 3 emotions
Sep 27 2005, 3:58 pm
Well the past seven days have been fantastic, scary and frustrating all at the same time! They have been fantastic on the game front. I got: Fahrenheit, God of War, Burnout Revenge, and Far Cry Instincts. Now that’s a tasty line up of games. It’s got all those really good elements that I love. There’s great graphics, phenomenal storylines, amazing …
Sep 27 2005, 3:58 pm
Well the past seven days have been fantastic, scary and frustrating all at the same time! They have been fantastic on the game front. I got: Fahrenheit, God of War, Burnout Revenge, and Far Cry Instincts. Now that’s a tasty line up of games. It’s got all those really good elements that I love. There’s great graphics, phenomenal storylines, amazing …