For those of you who perhaps didn’t have a 360 this time last year or just didn’t notice this gem amongst the wealth of First Person Shooters and Sports titles, the premise of Scene it? Box Office Smash is very simple. Start up the game with 1-4 players and journey your way through a number of different game rounds, all with film trivia, all demonstrated in different ways. Some of these games involve watching film clips and answering questions about the film, others involve listening to sound clips from films and identifying what film or identifying what film poster a picture is from. It truly is fun for all the family, providing the family enjoys films of course! That’s not forgetting the nice user friendly touch; you can buy the game in a pack containing 4 big buzzers. They look just how you’d expect, one big button at the top of the controller for buzzing in and 4 smaller ones for answering questions. They’re not essential as you can use a regular 360 controller but it makes sense to have a set of these to make life easier for the less game savvy members of your family.

Box Office Smash brings all these features to the forefront once again as well as some shiny new additions hoping to encourage you to buy the latest incarnations. As well as the original’s options of Short or Long game, there’s also the option for a custom game to change some options around as well as the solo game. Short and Long games are extremely similar, with only about 15 minutes at most between them, and simply being a matter of up to 4 players working their way through various rounds of play. Custom game offers some handy options. One in particular resurrects a feature present in the original game, subtracting points for incorrect answers. In the first one this could easily catch you out if you buzzed in too soon and got the answer wrong, certainly made you think that bit longer just in case. There’s also a continuous mode for party play action, it offers constant questions without interruption just for good old fashioned fun rather than competition. The solo game isn’t bad at all, sure it can’t compete with playing with friends but it makes quite a pleasant challenge if you’re on your own. Basically, you play the game as usual but the more questions in a row you get right, the more points you gain thanks to a multiplier. The multiplier goes up to 10x so you can result in some seriously high scores, and of course points mean prizes…well in this case, they mean achievements. There’s an achievement specifically for getting 300,000 points or more in a solo game to entice you into giving it a go. Box Office Smash was the first Xbox 360 to fully incorporate the New Xbox Experience’s Avatar system. Some might call it gimmicky, but it is quite fun to see you and your friends sitting on a virtual sofa setting up for the game. It is however a bit odd that you can’t use your Avatar if you’re not connected to Xbox Live; instead you’re forced to choose from one of the pre-rendered Avatars. I don’t know if there is a physical reason why this can’t be possible, but it does seem a bit daft.

So onto the new question types, both good and bad abound. Celebrity Ties is quite a typical sort of event. Think Six Degrees of Separation and you’re there really. Each question starts with the name of an actor featured in the question before it, so that all the actors are connected in the end. Very simple trivia really, which is much the same as Genre X. The only difference really with Genre X is the focus on genre rather than actor, every question is set around one specific type of film such as comedy or horror. Pixel Flix is also a nice new addition to the set, one of my favourites in fact. A famous movie scene is re-enacted in 8 bit NES style goodness and you have to guess what it is. Some of the scenes are quite funny to watch and I certainly enjoyed every round of Pixel Flix. Unfortunately the remaining two question types are a bit of a let down. Which is Which simply shows you two images from films and the name of one film and asks you which image is from the film. As there are only two options, you can guess a lot of the time and be fine. The other new question type also means that limited film knowledge is fine. Crossword is just how it sounds. A crossword puzzle appears and gradually letters appear spelling out words related to the film and culminating in the film title itself. So essentially, providing you can spell, you don’t actually need any film knowledge at all to gain some points. This is a great example of the start of the huge problem with Box Office Smash. It just doesn’t feel anywhere near as challenging as its predecessor. Instead it feels like a dumbed down younger brother that is desperate to please everyone but ultimately fails in places. So much can be achieved with guess work or just a little patience. For example, the Film Poster questions whereby you have to guess the film from its poster, is just far too easy. If you wait long enough, the game actually reveals the name of the film on the poster, and at a point where you can still gain up to 800 points out of a maximum of 2000! Sure, that would be fine if you only got 100 points or so, but nearly half the points available just seems a little excessive to me. In places I also found it difficult to read the writing on some film posters, even though I was using a normally very clear 32? HDTV. I never had this problem with the original game so that does seem a little concerning. The anagrams round is also too easy compared to how the first game handled things, having to guess from the jumbled up letters, buzzing in and then having the option of four films; instead the four options are already visible to all players so often it is just a matter of seeing which letter is only featured in one word. Sequentials also feels slightly dumbed down as you are able to make as many guesses as you want as to what order films came out meaning, if you are fast enough, you can simply try every combination you can think of to get your answer.

I know I sound overly critical of such a simple concept but it does feel a little bit like the developers took one step forward then two steps backwards. Even in terms of presentation, the game is lacking in places where once, it excelled. The scoring at the end of each round feels like it flashes before your eyes too quickly not enabling you to keep track, or feel satisfied, at how many points you gained each round. Oddly there are bonus points for being the slowest person to answer or having the most incorrect answers. There is not even a FMV sequence at the end of the game for the winner to see, there is just nothing. Simply the option to go back to the main menu or play again. Sure, it’s a bit tacky after the first time you’ve seen it but at least there was some form of congratulation! Perhaps the biggest cardinal sin for any game of this type is the fact that there just doesn’t seem to be enough questions, or film clips. It only takes a matter of a couple of games before questions start being repeated. In one round of Distorted Reality, I actually had the same question come up three times in a row! This seems frankly ridiculous as surely there should be an algorithm in place to stop this occurring. I have played the first game many, many times and I have no recollection of the same question being repeated yet. Repeated questions become a particular problem in an online game as someone who has played the game a large number of times has a much better chance of winning, simply because they remember the answers from last time’s session rather than because of any superior film knowledge. However, not to bog you down with too much petty complaining, the online is cracking good fun. I found it extremely easy to set up and despite initial sound problems (caused by me forgetting that if I use the big buzzer to answer and my wireless controller to use my headset, the controller will switch off after inactivity meaning that no one will hear a word I say!), it was faultless and immensely entertaining. Certainly, if like me, you have friends all over the country or the world, it’s a bit inconvenient to ask them to come over for a session, so it’s much easier to invite them into an online party and start up a virtual sofa session of Box Office Smash. I didn’t even notice any lag.

I’m sure you’re reading this and thinking ‘Uh oh, not a good game’ and actually, you’d be wrong! The thing is, it is all too easy to pick on all the technical faults and nuances that a game like this displays, while ignoring the fact that it is plain and simple fun. Sure, maybe it’s not quite as good in places as Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action, but should you care? No, not at all. If you and your family or friends love films, you will love this. It is the perfect game to play together after Christmas Dinner, and it’ll be just as good in the middle of summer after a lazy BBQ. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself seriously and neither should you. Now, what are you waiting for?

Two new reviews are up in the review section. Lord of The Rings Online: Mines of Moria and Scene It? Box Office Smash. Enjoy. I’ve got Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe coming soon to review, otherwise not sure what after that but I’m sure I’ll be busy again soon enough!

As you can see from my gamercard, I’ve finally hit 70k! Might even manage 71k by the end of the year, but I doubt it. Certainly pretty close though. This time next year 100k? Certainly achieveable. On a gaming note, I still can’t decide with Fallout 3. I’ve played it a lot more and I am wanting to play it but I’m not craving it. It still just feels alright to me. I love the VATS system but some other parts of combat feel irritating to me and clunky. I guess I’m just the exception, as I don’t know anyone else who hasn’t been impressed by it. I was the same with Oblivion, so maybe it’s just that I don’t get on with the game engine. Who knows! Still, I’ll press on and get it completed. The story’s not bad, it’s just not provoked much emotion from me, certainly not compared to the likes of Lost Odyssey. I’d probably give Fallout 3 7/10 which funnily enough is the same score that Edge gave it so at least I’m not entirely alone!

I’m saving my main gaming rambles for the end of the year round up so onto the personal stuff. My elbow is much improved, it’s still a bit lumpy and sore at times but well on the road to recovery. I’ve got an appointment about it on Wednesday but I’m hoping I can cancel it. In not so good news, the puppy (named Charlie in the end) didn’t work out Despite being great with people, he went ballistic at the cat and attacked him, so we just couldn’t keep him. Luckily for ‘Charlie’ he now has a good home with an RSPCA Inspector’s family so I’m sure the two kids there are keeping him very entertained!

Despite the build up to Christmas being incredibly difficult, the actual day went pretty well. The first roast dinner me and my Mum have ever made without my Dad (so 24 years worth) went well and was very nice and we managed to eat it too. My Mum loved the presents I got her (2 of which were PS2 games, I’ve created a monster!) and I was very fortunate for presents too. I received Prince of Persia and PGR4 from her, as well as a few books, a Frankie Boyle DVD, Mock the Week DVD, the new X-Files movie DVD, Family Guy Season 7 and some new trainers (which I desperately needed as the sole’s worn down on my old pair!). As well as that, my good friend Nokkonwud bought me Mirror’s Edge which was a brilliant surprise Really enjoyable game too, certainly unique both in terms of graphics and control system. Not going to be the longest game in the world but with enough replay value to it thanks to the time trial system and achievements. Thanks again Nokkon, really very kind of you

I’ve also been given some money to spend, as well as have plans to sell some old games so expect me to have even more games sooner or later! Probably Left 4 Dead at least, and possibly CoD5.

And finally……I’ve upgraded to WordPress 2.7 (doubt anyone can tell the difference! Think it was all behind the scenes) and I’ve also applied Lightbox to some of the pictures. As an example, click on the Quantum of Solace Faceplate below and see what I mean. I’ll be using that more in the future so I can have thumbnails leading to the full image without you having to click away. Clever eh?

Currently I’m busy reviewing Scene It: Box Office Smash and Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria so expect those reviews in the near future. After that I’m not sure what’s lined up but I’d quite like a break over Christmas! Think I’m spending more hours reviewing than I do with my paid work at the moment!

It’s been a good week gamerscore wise. The AV Forums Xmas Challenge has done my motivation wonders! It’s also mainly thanks to Scene It: Box Office Smash which I’ve got nearly 700 points from just two evenings play. GRAW isn’t bad either and great for points. I’ve been using the invincibility cheat because I’m lazy but it’s quite fun. Can definitely see why it was so highly regarded at release. I’d be tempted to pick up GRAW2 when I can find it cheap enough.

Space Chimps is ok, usual easy 1k platformer aimed at kids but it’s quite good mindless fun. As you can see, all these games helped me hit 69k. Only 1000 points off my target for the end of the year which should be quite possible. Mixture of Madden 09, NBA2k9, Scene It and whatever is the next rental I receive should certainly do it. Not forgetting games like Quantum of Solace and Fallout 3.

I also treated myself to a new faceplate:

It looks much better at night but still looks cool. The website address on it is a bit tacky unfortunately. Oh and yes I know the cables are a mess, really must get round to tidying it! Although not right now as my elbow’s well and truly knackered for now.

As regular readers may have seen in my previous entry, my elbow was swollen and slightly infected due to a fall. Now it’s properly infected and I’m on 2 types of antibiotics 4 times a day for a week as well as some stronger painkillers. If it doesn’t improve I’ve got an appointment for the end of the year (literally, it’s New Year’s Eve) to see a different doctor (presumably the last Doctor has run out of ideas if the antibiotics don’t work) who will assess it. Then possibly I have to have a steroid injection in my elbow, pleasant. Anyways, it bloody hurts. More than it did last week. My elbow is now about twice the size it was, it switches between burning and stinging. It’s always red and hot and even brushing against my own clothing, it hurts. Bending it hurts…..well you get the idea, it hurts! It’s crap only being able to use one arm most of the time, I can’t even use my left arm to pick up the remote because it involves twisting, grrrrr! Plus the antibiotics are making me feel crap both mentally and physically. Luckily no work till Sunday so hopefully it’ll have improved significantly by then as I really couldn’t do work without lots of pain at the moment.

And on the plus side, there will be a new addition to the household soon! No it’s not a baby *gets scared at the very thought*, although it’ll probably need nearly as much care as one :p
It’s a puppy!

Meet…….puppy. There is a fair chance he will be called Rufus, but for now, puppy

He’s 10 weeks old and a rescue pup. Him, his 3 brothers and sisters and his Mum are at my local RSPCA. We actually went on Sunday to go dogwalking as we’re volunteers there, then promptly fell in love with him! We’ve got to visit him a few more times and be home vetted but fingers crossed it all goes fine and we get to take him home soon And wish me luck with house training :p Having never done it before!
Feel free to try to guess his heritage. So far I think people have counted about 7 different breeds in him which sounds about right!

By this time next week, there’ll probably be another one too. It’s been a very busy time. I’ve got The Last Remnant, Scene It: Box Office Smash and Lord of The Rings Online: Mines of Moria to review at the moment. Although I’ve not had a chance to start The Last Remnant yet, I need to get on with it as soon as possible so that will be mostly done by next week. Looking forward to playing Scene It, I loved the first one. I’m still not keen on the reviews layout so when I get a chance, I’ll have to sort that out somehow.

Anyway it’s been a tricky week for my personal life. I suspect December on the whole is going to be rough. I’ve also managed to damage my elbow somehow which is nice, not. I’m not sure how exactly, I think maybe it’s from when I fell down some stairs a couple of weeks ago. At the time I thought I was ok despite banging my elbow. But since last Thursday, I’ve had a big painful lump on the side of my elbow. According to the doctor it’s slightly infected and to come back in a week if it hadn’t healed by itself. It hasn’t so I think I’ll be off to the doctor again soon Makes using my left arm a bit awkward at times as I can’t lift it very high without pain and it’s hot and painful on the whole really. Bloody irritating!

With my relatively limited gaming time (I’ve also been working quite a few evenings lately), I’ve played a fair bit of Gears of War 2 Horde with friends which has been a great laugh and some excellent stress relief I’ve had a few rentals arrive, namely BF: Bad Company and Madden 09. Madden is purely for point whoring which is a bit slower than normal as I can never figure out American Football games very well :p BF: Bad Company seems pretty good but I’ve sent it back as I think I’d rather buy it cheap at a later date. I’m trying to whore a fair amount of points at the moment as the AV Forums Xmas Challenge has kicked off and I’d like to do quite respectably. Therefore I’ve bought some cheap games thanks to actually having some spare money for once. From work I bought Just Cause, Saint’s Row, Blitz The League, Stranglehold and PES2008 for £25. No easy, quick 1ks but hopefully enough points to help me along the way. I’d certainly like to reach 70k by the end of the year. I’ve also bought Space Chimps for £7.99 as I figure if I hit it hard, I should be able to sell it for the same sort of price quickly enough. Also just rented Crash of the Titans and Conan from work for the week.

I’m still trying to get into Fallout 3, but I just can’t I’ll keep perservering but it’s not looking good for me! Guess I could always whore points from it if I get desperate and I still can’t get into it.

Anyway, no huge update. Not really got anything exciting to say so apologises for the emo bloggyness of this post