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PCPP#097: Deus Ex Invisible War Review

Wed, 17 December 2008
posted by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | originally written by: Anthony Fordham
published: March 2004 | commentary: The game that pretty much spawned the phrase 'dumbed down for console.' But was it right?

(click the cover for a full-size image)

It's probably the most controversial game of all time. The gaming community seems to be divided in half, with some applauding the game for giving the players increased choice, while others criticised it for not quite reaching the same lofty standards as its predecessor, particularly in terms of story.

With number 3 on the way, we thought we'd take a look back at Invisible War. Is it really a bit rubbish, or does it represent a high point in the history of FPS, rivalling the epiphany that was Deus Ex?

Correction PCPP#160

Tue, 9 December 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: PCPP | thanks: Anyware

Thermaltake Xpressor RSC100

In PCPP#160, page 88, we published a review of the Thermaltake Xpressor RSC100.

Unfortunately, due to a proof-reading oversight, this review carried information for an unrelated Cooler Master product.

The correct distributor of this product is Anyware - www.anyware.com.au. The correct RRP is $1200.

PCPP apologises for any confusion caused.

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R18+ plans on the backburner

Fri, 31 November 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: ScreenPlay (The Age) | thanks: Power of veto

Lack of unanimous support behind consultation impedes progress yet again

We won't be seeing this on game boxes any time soon.

Plans to start public consultation into a possible ratings reform have been put aside after a draft discussion paper was withheld from public release.

The paper, intended as a precursor to a much wider and extensive research initiative, was shelved after Mr Michael Atkinson, Attorney-General of South Australia, withdrew his support for the consultation, effectively ending the debate.

Spokesperson for [Victorian Attorney-General Mr Rob Hulls], Meaghan Shaw, said "whilst the issue is still formally on the SCAG (Standing Committee of Attorneys-General) agenda, it now appears unlikely that there will be unanimity from all jurisdictions to proceed further at this stage with introducing an R18+ category for computer games."

- The Age

Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia says many elements of the industry will continue to fight for what he believes is the outcome that the majority of the population desires.

As reported in Edge last week, the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia released an annual report which shows that the average age of an Australian gamer is now 30. The report also found that 91 percent of those surveyed believed Australia should have an R18+ rating for video games.

“To us, what it seems like is that Mr. Atkinson is actually censoring debate on censorship, and there's a whole lot of irony in that. We’re going to try and put the paper forward again as soon as possible," said IEAA CEO Ron Curry.

- Edge Online

The next meeting of the Standing Committee of the Attorneys-General, at which the issue will likely take a prominent position, is due to take place within the next month.

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Web searching is healthy

Wed, 15 October 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: news.com.au | thanks: Old people

It may add years to your life...

What does granny get up to online?

Researchers say that web searching may help people keep their memories sharp when they come to old age.

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles studied people doing web searches while their brain activity was recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging scans.

"What we saw was people who had internet experience used more of their brain during the search," said Dr. Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging.

"This suggests that just searching on the internet may train the brain — that it may keep it active and healthy," said Dr Small, whose research appears in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

- news.com.au

All that random Googling just might pay off.

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