Game addiction has become a serious issue over the past few years and no people on earth are more serious about gaming than the Koreans. New York Times delivers a story about a Korean compound which is part boot camp and part rehabilitation center for teenagers with a gaming problem. Drill instructors push the lot through obstacle courses pretty much like the army does, counselors lead group sessions, and there are even therapeutic workshops on pottery and drumming. Concerned with the mental and physical safety of their offspring, parents send them here to spend some time out of the online based world.

Completing a three year government-financed survey, psychiatrists believe that up to 30% of South Korean youth are at risk of internet addiction. These particular teenagers spend at least two hours a day online, usually playing games or chatting, but numbers ramp up in a quarter of all cases, showing signs of actual addiction. Symptoms show the inability to stop oneself from using computers due to the rising levels of tolerance. In order to get the same pleasure from daily gaming, they seek longer sessions online while ignoring sleep, normal eating habits and a healthy social life. When prevented to log in, anger and craving become withdrawal symptoms.

In addition to treatment programs in over 100 hospitals, the South Korean government built a network of 140 Internet-addiction counseling centers, and recently this initiated the Internet Rescue camp which started this summer. Teenagers rarely come here by their own accord, but most of them firmly believe that spending up to 18 hours online is the norm.

Compulsive Internet use has been identified as a mental health issue in other countries too. It has been a standard procedure for professional gamers throughout the world to exercise trips or even move to South Korea just to experience another level of gaming in their own right. The scene has grown to the point where most US or European players don’t even begin to understand its proportions. The combination of high stake contests, LAN meetings and the national gaming hype is heavily supported by dedicated media channels like several gaming TV stations that broadcast and comment series from various professional gaming leagues.

<-125x125 Button - left->Crysis has become a “legend” for the fans who wanted to get to see a video game that beats a movie in terms of visual quality and reality rendering. The developers of the CryEngine 2 (namely, the Crytek Company), have managed to bring unprecedented visual reality and quality and this is not just a phrase you can hear or read when describing any new game. This is one of the first games that actually bring true HD gaming to a new level, and, if played on a proper system, the player will really think she/he plays a role in an action movie.
Crysis Running At High Settings

The PC requirements are pretty clear about one thing – there are some “minimal requirements” that can offer you a “decent” game-play and some additional hardware that you can add to your system or even upgrade in order to enjoy a fully featured experience. The CPU needs to be of 3GHz, the RAM should be 1.5 GB (or more), the needed Hard Disk space is 12 GB, Nvidia 7800 or ATi X1950 as video cards (or the better newer models), a DirectX compatible sound card and a fast network/Internet connection for LAN or Internet multiplayer gaming.
The Nano-Suit

Among other novelties, Crysis also brings the muscle nano-suit concept: a highly advanced armor suit, capable of giving the gamer a few operating modes: super armor, super strength, extreme speed and advanced cloaking, according to what the tactics require for a successful combat technique. It has also been described as an exoskeleton military prototype suite as it really does look amazing and it can also help Jake Dunn (our main hero) in performing really difficult tasks. Too bad you can't use all the armor features at once! The artificial intelligence of the enemies in Crysis tends to be very realistic and very believable – for example the North Korean soldiers might smoke, salute superior officers, joke around (if you understand or know their Korean dialect) while Dunn can sneak behind them with the help of the cloaking system.
Crysis Action Video

How come only the Americans always have their government sponsoring such highly advanced military projects? I’m very sure that the governments in other countries are capable as well of providing the financial requirements in research for their defense systems. And this is “thrown” into their face when Jake Dunn (the US Army Delta Force Soldier) gets a strong fist into his face from a North Korean soldier wearing a very similar “nano-suit” in one of the first levels of the game. The tactics of the enemies are varied and complex too: they know how to hide, ambush and to adapt according to the surrounding environment. Although in the game description on the official website it is stated that the American and North Korean must join forces in order to fight against the aliens, I did not encounter a single moment when the two teams worked together against the aliens – so, the way I see it is that each “team” has its own interests and priorities and fights for its own purpose.

The game story is not very long and doesn’t have anything special or unique about it and that is one of the downsides of Crysis. It is spread out on 11 huge world-maps that take a lot of time to explore. It’s about a race of robotic aliens – they “land” on the Lingshan Islands, in the Philippine Sea, with their 2Km high ship. The North Korean troops have surrounded the area, have started evacuating the civilians and are already researching for ways of exploiting the new discovery with the help of a team of scientists. The first alien to attack the Delta Force squad appears while they were gliding down from the flying vehicle and makes them land in various areas, thus making things a little more difficult already. The next alien takes away Prophet, the team leader, away from them. This alien looks incredibly similar to the aliens with very big legs we saw in Half-Life 2 and War of the Worlds.

Following a few mission stops, Nomad (the codename of Jack Dunn) reaches a school in a village where a CIA agent was held hostage and she gives him critical information about the research facility that was set up by the Koreans. Nomad reaches the facility in the end and fights against Kyong, the Korean General. Because the structure of the research center becomes unstable, Dunn tries to get the research assistant out of there, but he remains blocked near what it looks to him as being a mineshaft.

He goes further into it in order to explore it and to find out a way hoping to get out of the mine. But what he discovers is that he wasn’t walking into a mineshaft, but the alien huge ship itself, as soon as he sees that the gravitation force fails to pull him down to the ground any longer. Through a series of “self-suggestive” comments, Nomad helps the gamer in getting through the twisted paths and air-vents of the ship in order to reach an opening where we see Prophet again, not only alive and kicking, but also wielding an alien big gun that can be used in defeating the flying blue aliens with robotic “tentacles”. This part was a bit annoying and reminded me of the Gothic game series where whenever you had a mission to guard someone or to escort somebody to safety they had the nasty and stupid habit of jumping out of the way and attacking beasts, mainly putting themselves in danger for no reason at all, making your mission even more “pleasant”. Sometimes he jumps right in front of your firing gun, but Prophet needs heat sources very often so be sure that you spot and mark a few while shooting the aliens.

After the return to the big aircraft carrier ship from the sea, Nomad will be shown another prototype of canon that can overload and destroy the internal structure of the alien mechanisms. In the meantime, the recordings of Nomad during his time in the alien ship have created a reason for issuing a nuclear attack against the alien ship from the island. Although, Helena, the research scientist, points out that it is useless and even more dangerous to launch such an attack, the missiles are launched anyway and thus the sphere that surrounded the alien ship (and the island as well – which caused the extremely low temperatures) expanded its size. A swarm of alien ships and aliens started heading towards the aircraft carrier ship in order to reach for its nuclear power core.

Nomad prevents them from accessing the nuclear power and starts a shoot-out on deck against a big alien monster that kidnapped Prophet earlier on. Now it was a very good time to access the functions of the nano-suit very wisely in order to win the battle. And no, this is was not the end – while fighting the aliens inside the carrier ship, Nomad took the prototype cannon as well and uses its power on the weak spots of the last enemy in the game, the big alien ship itself that is. The game ends with Nomad jumping into a VTOL flying vehicle, and the gamers gets to watch how the two big ships sink into the sea.

The sound in the game gives a good impression and I really liked the voices that announced the state of the nanosuit. The music, just like in other successful shooter titles is stimulating enough and has its own way of announcing certain events within the game. Since this game has an M rating (Mature) you will definitely hear some “raw” military language coming from the orders if you waste time and don’t follow the exact path towards an area you’re supposed to reach and act upon. Here’s what the developers have to say about the game:
Crysis Developer Interview

The multiplayer part has also a lot to offer as up to 32 players can join the game on a lan-party or on the internet servers. The game engine, Cry-Engine 2 has an impressive amount of features that could be explored a lot more, and so there is an application that comes bundled with the game, Sandbox Editor that allows the gamers to create and edit levels which is quite good and encouraging for the fan communities (just like the Unreal Editor was bundled with the Unreal Game Series). This might be the first game of a trilogy like more sources have mentioned – the point is – if this first game looks already extremely good and very lifelike, just imagine the graphics details of the next ones in the series.
Game Trailer

Digitainment Mark: 9.8 out of 10 (for truly impressive and life-like graphics)

Publisher: Electronic Arts (EA)

Official site: http://www.ea.com/crysis/

Developer: Crytek http://www.crytek.com

Halcyon is the new company that aquired the rights for the sci-fi franchise, and they plan to develop a videogame adaptation based on the upcoming sequel from the Terminator series, "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins". The story goes on to present to us the adventures of John Connor, who reached the age of 30, by being very lucky, and who takes the first steps in preparing the revolution that anticipates the war against the machines.

 

The game will be released at the same time with the movie (in 2009) and it's being developed by Halcyon Games: "We don't want the game to be the stepchild to the film"(...)"They're of equal importance, and we want both to be of the same quality and be the same compelling experience", said Halcyon co-chairman Derek Anderson. There are not many details at the moment about the game scenario, but since the developers want to make it playable on all platforms we can say that it promises a lot of quality action.

<-250x250 Square - left->If you thought you knew everything about World of Warcraft, think again. Over the vast Eastern Plaguelands and into the north, there lies a newly found area which some believe to be their capital of Zul’Aman (Zul stands for chieftain). The Amani Empire is a long lasting legacy of shamanism and voodoo in the Northern Kingdoms. Even now, when their power dwindles, the vicious Amani trolls are still proud of their ancestral heritage, ready to fight tooth and claw to protect it. Good news travel fast in Azeroth and we make haste to witness the unveiling from Hatchet Hills - Ghostlands. Surely there must be relics of great importance to be had within its ancient halls and we wonder if the savage beasts still claim ownership over the old power node of the Amani. Bud Nedreck is the regular tomb rider and we’re pretty much in his employment as we enter the site, dreaming for treasure and fame but prepared for the worst.

Forest trolls?

You have to understand hat the forest trolls of Lordaeron are a different breed that what we’ve encountered thus far starting with the Barrens. In times of old, their race was divided into two great empires bearing the name of their capitals, centers of great influence in both the real and the ethereal. One is known as Zul’Gurub and the other is the recently rediscovered Zul’Aman. Many centuries ago High Elves traded arcane knowledge with Humans, allied themselves to purge trolls and claim the land as their own. A massive bloodbath ensued and the Amani trolls grew weak in numbers, retreating to the safety of the forest. It is believed Zul Aman is one of the last standing outposts of Amani power, left untouched by the taint of outer influences. Zul’Jin is the uncontested leader of the Amani and he devised a plan, a magic so dark that he could imbue his brethren with the powers of the great totemic gods. Hex Lord Malacrass and his which doctors managed to call upon the powers of the bear, eagle, lynx and dragonhawk.

Follow the dress code, hit the gong for loot

Remember to take the Zul’Aman starter quest from Shattered, in the Lower City. The letter you receive must be brought to the attention of Bud Nedreck, in the outskirts of the temple. Bud is the leader of the expedition that landed the discovery in Hatchet Hills. He’ll pretty much send you to a flaming doom in the process of reaping every piece of treasure Zul’Aman has to offer, but a tough shield and a couple of dedicated healers will tend to your continual well being. In fact it’s highly recommended the group setup looks something like this: two tanks, three healers, one melee dps, four ranged dps (out of which a mage and a warlock are a must, with bonus points for shadowpriests). “Looking for Zul’Aman class raid” won’t be that uncommon, so basically you have one of each class. Once inside, buffed and ready, you should wait the rogue NPC and then the click the gong to your left. Everyone should hit it at least once. It isn’t the brightest of idea to make some noise when entering a deadly fortress, thus as the gates open, many non elite trolls rush you for an AoE fest, along with two elite guards. They don’t hit too hard and one tank can hold two targets throughout the instance, with proper healing. Throughout the instance elites hit for 1500-2500 on plate so guys dressed in full epic Karazhan items won’t have any problem passing the gear check. Anything less requires extra care, skill and wipes, but it’s doable.

Nalorakk versus Misha

Zul’Aman is special in many ways, but one thing will strike you from the very beginning: there isn’t much trash to clear. All you have to do is descend to the right, grab the patrol, and keep going right for five more packs and there you have the first boss. It’s that easy and you shouldn’t be taken by surprise and wipe here, because if you engage Nalorakk the Bear Avatar within 20 minutes, you will get extra loot from his hostage. Do you see this power tripping troll? His mask and outfit are native to Zul’Aman; one of the most bizarre, slightly ugly, yet inventive graphical works in all World of Warcraft. Once engaged, he’ll alternate between two phases. In human form he performs a random charge to raid members that are further away, but only hits for 5k on cloth so he can’t one shot anyone. Also expect a mangle type debuff on the main tank which doubles bleeding effects on the target. Feel free to tank and spank until 90% when he turns into a huge bear which incidentally deals bleeding type damage so you need to switch tanks in order to cope. Watch out for the frontal cleave now and top off the tank because Nalorakk uses an area of effect silence which damaged for 1k and lasts for 3 seconds. Even with strong dps the fight lasts long so expect another bear form at 60% and 30%. He stays furry for about 15% so just taunt and burn him down fast once he’s human again.

Congratulations, your raid just got two free epics on par with Black Temple/Hyjal loot. Each of the four avatars holds a hostage, member of Red’s prospector team most likely. Poor Tanzar is a troll and he resides in the cage nearby. Talk to him and receive his thanks. Having your entrails sacrificed to the forest gods is not a pleasant way to go, thus generous gratitude is understandable. The map Red asked of you is found on this same platform, near the cage. Once you turn the quest in, it’s Amani tusk collection time, along with investigating the terraces of the other three bestial avatars.

sTrolling

Just like the Zul’Gurub modus operandi, there is a choice on who to kill next because the way is clear. We decided to do it the hard way and take on the challenges of Akil'zon the Eagle Avatar, so back you go and turn left from the crossroad near the entrance. Brace yourselves. Even for experienced raiders this is the one of the nerve wrecking Zul’Aman tests of endurance, because if you don’t do it right, you just wipe. Most people are new here, so expect things to go bad a couple of tries. The scout you see in the distance is a mere decoy for what will become a deadly gauntlet race. While it only looks like 3 double pulls and then a mini-boss, reaching the Anash’Ani Tempest is harder than it seems because he keeps spawning guards. Each 30 seconds or so two more troll elites rush in from the rear and need to be picked up by the main tank, along with 4 non elite birds which eventually get AoE. This is where our main tank really shines, because he is a paladin. Druids can do a good job as well, but warriors always have troubles with keeping agro on multiple targets. As a mage you’ll have serious mana issues, as your arcane explosions get supplemented by the warlock’s seed of corruption and whatever area of effect spells raid members have to offer. The key is for tanks to properly pickup targets while everyone is moving as one, up the slope.

Akil’zon - tougher than Stormherald

I’m always amazed how fast one can reach the next boss. It’s either wipe or 7 minute of trash clearing and now the Eagle Avatar Akil’zon waits at the end of the stairs, ready to make your life miserable. Timed loot is available only if you manage to engage the boss within 20 minutes from the last kill. Unfortunately there are always delays for resurrections, buffs and loot rolling when people are new to the instance. Not to mention the fact that once you release a prisoner from his cage, he roleplays all the way to the chest and takes his time to unlock it.

Akil’zon may not look much, he hits like a girl and his favorite random sport is lifting people in the air, laughing as they take fall damage. He also fires a random chain lightning type spell which forks in all directions from the primary targets and hits for about 4.5k leaving a stacking 50% increase in nature damage debuff. It is a good idea to spread around the boss evenly. This alone can’t kill anyone, but the joke’s on you. Roughly each minute he targets a random group member except for the highest on the agro list, lifts it 10 yards above ground and charges him with electricity.

Every raid member will not take increasingly more nature damage in ticks starting from 500, then 1000, 1500 and 2000 each two seconds. If you’ve had the misfortune to see a tornado in real life, then you’d know there is one safe spot to be found, precisely in the eye of the storm. This translates to running as fast as possible to the guy flying above. Just look for the big shadowy spot on the ground. Tanks must also run and drag the boss along, because everyone is running and healing will be scarce. I find it easier for everyone to clump up 5 seconds before the storm comes, since it’s the only way you can wipe here. The problem is that sometimes bad luck causes you to lose raid members due to the long walk and lack of instant heals. The storm itself only lasts about ten seconds, but it’s enough, considering that some will have nature damage taken amplified by a lot. In four to five storms Akil’zon should be cut down to size, relinquishing his avatar’s spirit back to Zul’Jin.

Harkor, the little dwarf prisoner, is clearly impressed, as you arrived just in time to save his hide. Free loot again, but here’s where it gets harder and 20 minutes doesn’t feel like enough time anymore. Jump to the other side of the terrace and be ready to enter yet another gauntlet, leading to the Jan’alai, the Dragonhawk Avatar. But that’s a story for tomorrow.

<-250x250 Square - left->The success of a Sci-Fi movie is in most cases accompanied by a video game that stimulates the fans. Alien vs Predator makes no exception in this case, and our sources confirm that there will be a PSP game based on the latest movie (that is expected to be released this Christmas). Just like the previous series of the AVP games, this one will be developed by Sierra as well, and we hope they will be just as good as the scary scenes from the movie trailer that promises a lot of action and "legendary" scenes.

You will be able to play as the "Predator" and you will be given access to all the sleek devices and his technology. “The Aliens vs. Predator-Requiem movie promises to provide a thrilling experience, and we are very excited to get the adrenaline pumping before the big screen battle begins with this exclusive title for the PSP system,” (...) “Twentieth Century Fox has been an excellent partner, and we are very proud to be giving the fans of the franchise this action-packed interactive extension of the AvP series”, said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games. Have a look below at the trailer of the upcoming movie to get an idea on what to expect:
AvP Requiem movie trailer