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Jemma Walsh (81 KP) rated the PC version of The Sims 4 in Video Games
Jul 2, 2018
Simulation (3 more)
Controlling your sims lives
Addictive
Building houses, parks, work place
I love the sims, have been a sims fan for so long! Sims 4 just looks amazing, the game is super addictive, with plenty of add
Ons and more yet to come. You can control your sims life make them good, evil, crazy, have a big family, make them work , have pets, change and style the house, playe with the town people change their style and lots, Have parties. Just never ending addictiveness
Ons and more yet to come. You can control your sims life make them good, evil, crazy, have a big family, make them work , have pets, change and style the house, playe with the town people change their style and lots, Have parties. Just never ending addictiveness
Dean (6921 KP) rated Gran Turismo (2023) in Movies
Aug 10, 2023
Great racing scenes (1 more)
David Harbour
A good Sport action film based on the game
A Film based on a true story of a game player who got a chance to race for real.
The racing scenes are very impressive and even some good SFX going from Simulation to real world. The off track story feels a bit cliché but David Harbour stands out from a mixed cast which includes Geri Halliwell. In terms of race action up there with Rush and Ford Vs Ferrari.
The racing scenes are very impressive and even some good SFX going from Simulation to real world. The off track story feels a bit cliché but David Harbour stands out from a mixed cast which includes Geri Halliwell. In terms of race action up there with Rush and Ford Vs Ferrari.
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Wanderers in Books
Jan 13, 2018
Initially, I had received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review, but did not read it in the allotted time. I finally borrowed it from my local library to sit down and read it.
This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.
I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.
I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
David McK (3180 KP) rated The Matrix Revolutions (2003) in Movies
Oct 10, 2020
The final part of The Matrix trilogy, with the machines closing in on Zion whilst Agent Smith grows out of controp and whilst Neo is (initially) trapped in limbo.
Whilst not as heavily overdone in the bargain basement mumbo jumbo as the previous entry, I feel that this missed a trick by not having Zion itself part of The Matrix simulation (or is it?), while the final Neo vs Smith showdown in the pouring rain is perhaps a tad overdone.
For all that, however, it's not as bad as it's made out to be.
Whilst not as heavily overdone in the bargain basement mumbo jumbo as the previous entry, I feel that this missed a trick by not having Zion itself part of The Matrix simulation (or is it?), while the final Neo vs Smith showdown in the pouring rain is perhaps a tad overdone.
For all that, however, it's not as bad as it's made out to be.
Dean (6921 KP) rated Ghost Machine (2009) in Movies
Sep 21, 2018
A decent low budget indie flick made in Northern Ireland. It has some well known faces like Rachael Taylor (Transformers) and a great location, an old disused prison which genuinely looks creepy. The film has a nice idea, a virtual reality battle simulation used by the army is borrowed for a gaming session. The only problem that as well as mapping the old prison to play in the game it also picks up a ghost with revenge in mind. Considering the budget the effects are ok. It reminded me a bit of Stay alive and more recently Gamer. Overall a good effort on a low budget, the DVD has a 30 minute making of as well!
David McK (3180 KP) rated BattleStar Galactica - the Miniseries in TV
Jul 3, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2022)
"So say we all!"
2003 Minis-series that acts as a backdoor pilot into the series proper of the reimagined BSG, one of the highlights of the last 20 years sci-fi TV.
This helps set up the scene of said series: just why are the fleet looking for Earth whist being pursued by the Cylons: here, reimagined from the late 70s/earl 80s clanking Robots (although those models still exist) into near-perfect simulation of humankind who are able to infiltrate the 12 colonies before launching a genocidal attack.
And thus set up the central dilemma of the show: if anyone can be a Cylon (and maybe not even know it!), just who can you trust?
This helps set up the scene of said series: just why are the fleet looking for Earth whist being pursued by the Cylons: here, reimagined from the late 70s/earl 80s clanking Robots (although those models still exist) into near-perfect simulation of humankind who are able to infiltrate the 12 colonies before launching a genocidal attack.
And thus set up the central dilemma of the show: if anyone can be a Cylon (and maybe not even know it!), just who can you trust?
Chris K (0 KP) rated the PlayStation 3 version of WWE 2K14 in Video Games
May 12, 2020
Best 2K Game
My absolute favorite WWE game since Smackdown Here Come the Pain. So many hours of couch co op with siblings and friends. Easy controls to pick up and play but hard to master. Pin system adds so much tension. Arcade style hell in a cell falls and stacking flaming tables add to the fun. 30 Years of Wrestlemania is the best story mode In years. Relive and learn history past and present. Unlike newer games, every charactor has PURPOSE to being on the roster. The roster is amazing blending past legends and future legends. Even the DLC charactors like NWO and Bruno Sammartino make you want to play more.
Dean (6921 KP) rated Forza Motorsport 7 in Video Games
May 16, 2021
Amazing graphics, true 4k racing (2 more)
Weather conditions
100's of cars
Loading times (6 more)
Rewind Button
So many menus
Computer AI
Multiplayer races
Grid position
Endurance races
Technically excellent Racing Simulation
A very good Racing Simulation with amazing graphics, true 4k details but with a lot of flaws.
The graphics are the highlight really so much detail on every car and track. While some of the track circuits are sparse, the city tracks especially Prague and Rio de Janeiro look great. Along with the lighting and weather conditions, including thunderstorms make it very realistic.
There is a huge variety of cars from street to every form of racing thinkable, even truck racing.
Unfortunately there are a lot of minor things that add up which are disappointing. Because of the detail in the graphics and large circuits the loading times for the races can be slow. There are so many menus to go through as well. You need to apply Mod cards before most races, like finish in top 5,3,1st, clean laps, races and turning off assists to gain more credits or xp. I'm not a fan of this system. Even after the race you have a few menus to get your rewards.
This is a tough simulation which is why no doubt there is a rewind button for when you go of track or crash. You will need it especially when the computer drivers ram into you or don't observe the racing line. It feels like cheating though. You will need the braking line on most of the time or you are very likely to overrun corners.
With this largely being track racing these are the same tracks mostly that have featured in so many previous Forza Motorsport games. How about a Monaco track? The few street tracks really do look great.
You can full simulation mode where you can do longer races, look after tyres and pit for petrol if you wish. I can't imagine many choosing this option though.
If you are a completist and want to do every race for the cups, you don't need to in order to win the cup, then prepare for the endurance races. At least 2 taking 2.5 hours and one race lasting almost 3 hours long. Why would anyone want to do one race for that long? Most races are 2-4 laps so doing a 60-80 lap race is a huge jump.
There are a wide range of multiplayer races but you really need to tune your car to the max and hope you don't get rammed off at the 1st corner to do well.
The races are big, up to 24 players or computer drivers. Often you start 12th on the grid in the computer races which can make it hard to win when the race is 2 or 3 laps until you get use to the game.
There are a few events like overtake challenges, cone races, bowling but not enough of these for much variety.
So a technically excellent Racing game which is definitely aimed more at the track racing hardcover gamer. Unfortunately it has many minor flaws that do add up which are a bit annoying. Once you win all the cups it's not one you will take for a spin that often. If you want a fun racer the Horizon series is more enjoyable.
The graphics are the highlight really so much detail on every car and track. While some of the track circuits are sparse, the city tracks especially Prague and Rio de Janeiro look great. Along with the lighting and weather conditions, including thunderstorms make it very realistic.
There is a huge variety of cars from street to every form of racing thinkable, even truck racing.
Unfortunately there are a lot of minor things that add up which are disappointing. Because of the detail in the graphics and large circuits the loading times for the races can be slow. There are so many menus to go through as well. You need to apply Mod cards before most races, like finish in top 5,3,1st, clean laps, races and turning off assists to gain more credits or xp. I'm not a fan of this system. Even after the race you have a few menus to get your rewards.
This is a tough simulation which is why no doubt there is a rewind button for when you go of track or crash. You will need it especially when the computer drivers ram into you or don't observe the racing line. It feels like cheating though. You will need the braking line on most of the time or you are very likely to overrun corners.
With this largely being track racing these are the same tracks mostly that have featured in so many previous Forza Motorsport games. How about a Monaco track? The few street tracks really do look great.
You can full simulation mode where you can do longer races, look after tyres and pit for petrol if you wish. I can't imagine many choosing this option though.
If you are a completist and want to do every race for the cups, you don't need to in order to win the cup, then prepare for the endurance races. At least 2 taking 2.5 hours and one race lasting almost 3 hours long. Why would anyone want to do one race for that long? Most races are 2-4 laps so doing a 60-80 lap race is a huge jump.
There are a wide range of multiplayer races but you really need to tune your car to the max and hope you don't get rammed off at the 1st corner to do well.
The races are big, up to 24 players or computer drivers. Often you start 12th on the grid in the computer races which can make it hard to win when the race is 2 or 3 laps until you get use to the game.
There are a few events like overtake challenges, cone races, bowling but not enough of these for much variety.
So a technically excellent Racing game which is definitely aimed more at the track racing hardcover gamer. Unfortunately it has many minor flaws that do add up which are a bit annoying. Once you win all the cups it's not one you will take for a spin that often. If you want a fun racer the Horizon series is more enjoyable.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated the PC version of Two Point Hospital in Video Games
Jun 10, 2019
Graphics (2 more)
Humour
Nostalgia (for Theme Hospital veterans)
Fun simulation game
Many moons ago (1997) I used to love playing the PC simulation game called Theme Hospital made by Bullfrog, this game from Sega is very much a spiritual successor.
You design and operate hospitals with the aim to cure patients of a number of comical illnesses. Some of my favourites include Emperor Complex where patients wander around naked; Emperor’s New Clothes style, and need a psychiatrist to put them right and Pandemic the description of which is:
“What were you thinking? Look, we know things can get a little heated in the kitchen… but, frankly, if you’re putting a pan on your head you’re just doing cooking wrong. However, we accept that sometimes these things just happen. We won’t judge.”
To cure pandemic you need to build, one of many illness specific treatment rooms, the Extract-a-Pan. It’s the fun illnesses and graphics for them and their cures that keep this lighthearted.
You take control of various hospitals each with their own specific issues and as we are following the US healthcare model here the aim is frequently to make loads of money!! You control what rooms to build, staff to hire and research to complete providing lots of micromanagement opportunities.
Unlike Theme hospital in the age of DLC more hospitals and illnesses are becoming available as well as more ways to customise your hospitals. I still feel nostalgic for the original and maybe just because I’m older I found this a lot easier but still very enjoyable experience.
You design and operate hospitals with the aim to cure patients of a number of comical illnesses. Some of my favourites include Emperor Complex where patients wander around naked; Emperor’s New Clothes style, and need a psychiatrist to put them right and Pandemic the description of which is:
“What were you thinking? Look, we know things can get a little heated in the kitchen… but, frankly, if you’re putting a pan on your head you’re just doing cooking wrong. However, we accept that sometimes these things just happen. We won’t judge.”
To cure pandemic you need to build, one of many illness specific treatment rooms, the Extract-a-Pan. It’s the fun illnesses and graphics for them and their cures that keep this lighthearted.
You take control of various hospitals each with their own specific issues and as we are following the US healthcare model here the aim is frequently to make loads of money!! You control what rooms to build, staff to hire and research to complete providing lots of micromanagement opportunities.
Unlike Theme hospital in the age of DLC more hospitals and illnesses are becoming available as well as more ways to customise your hospitals. I still feel nostalgic for the original and maybe just because I’m older I found this a lot easier but still very enjoyable experience.
Dean (6921 KP) rated WRC 8 in Video Games
Nov 26, 2020
Graphics (1 more)
Engine sound
Handling (2 more)
Very much a simulation
Unforgiving learning curve
Stalled
I'm a fan of driving games and like Rally ones as well. So when I had a chance to get this free on Xbox live I checked it out.
It looks great, although trees are a little flat and lighting can be harsh on some stages. The cars and scenery look great. The sounds of the engines are loud and realistic.
This is a very realistic simulation giving you control over many aspects in career mode. The main problem is that it's very difficult and unforgiving even if you are used to more serious driving games. The tracks are very narrow, the slightest rock or tap of the brake can often spin you off course. The cars handle like a brick and don't seem to drift around bends as you would hope. Before you know it the steering and transmission are damaged making it handle even worse!
The co-driver tends to shout out the next 3 bends at one go which makes it difficult keeping track which direction the next bend is. There's no mini map anywhere to give a clue either, leading you to look at the signs at the top of the screen to keep track. It makes it very difficult to get a decent time.
It's a shame but the handling of the cars along with the difficulty of the tracks and just trying to navigate the stages will leave you frustrated. You'll be going back to Forza or something else pretty quick. One for hardcore fans only.
It looks great, although trees are a little flat and lighting can be harsh on some stages. The cars and scenery look great. The sounds of the engines are loud and realistic.
This is a very realistic simulation giving you control over many aspects in career mode. The main problem is that it's very difficult and unforgiving even if you are used to more serious driving games. The tracks are very narrow, the slightest rock or tap of the brake can often spin you off course. The cars handle like a brick and don't seem to drift around bends as you would hope. Before you know it the steering and transmission are damaged making it handle even worse!
The co-driver tends to shout out the next 3 bends at one go which makes it difficult keeping track which direction the next bend is. There's no mini map anywhere to give a clue either, leading you to look at the signs at the top of the screen to keep track. It makes it very difficult to get a decent time.
It's a shame but the handling of the cars along with the difficulty of the tracks and just trying to navigate the stages will leave you frustrated. You'll be going back to Forza or something else pretty quick. One for hardcore fans only.