Writing by walking leaf on Monday, 29 of October , 2007 at 4:06 pm
Jack Bauer’s nightmare day will become even worst judging by this exciting new trailer promoting season seven of the hit ‘real-time’ drama that is 24.
The new season will be set several months after season 6 with season 7 beginning and ending at 7:00 AM. The new series will be broadcast in America early next year followed soon on Sky One here in the UK.
Kiefer Sutherland, the Emmy award-winning actor, will play the role as Jack Bauer but this new season promises to be a more personal story than the previous six seasons of the show.
The initial back-story will feature Jack on trial for his actions in the pursuit of justice. Meanwhile a major national security breach occurs when the firewall responsible for protecting America’s government computer infrastructure is breached.
For the first time in 24 history, a female president will be featured as opposed to the Palmer brothers. Cherry Jones will play President Allison Taylor. But the most surprising character to return to the show is Tony Almeida (yes, that’s right he is not dead)! Carlos Bernard will reprise his role as this season’s main antagonist.
In addition, this will be the first season that Jack Bauer is not working for CTU.
In the trailer Jack is appearing before Congress concerning his past extralegal activities, particularly the torture of Ibrahim Haddad. Haddad was a terrorist who targeted a bus carrying 45 people, 10 of which were children. Jack therefore stopped that attack from happening.
It is revealed that the season’s crisis involves a breach of the “CIP firewall” that protects every major infrastructure system, leaving telecommunications, transportation, and power grids vulnerable (though this reminds me to the plot of Bruce Willis’s all-action movie that is Die Hard 4.0).
Shockingly, Tony Almeida is part of this national crisis and we will see a new side to him, playing a villain!
Even the FBI is seeking assistance to the man who doesn’t go to sleep or take comfort breaks! Can Jack Bauer save the world again? Find out next year when 24 season seven returns to the small screen.
Update: Due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, Fox has just decided to postpone the previously scheduled January 13 premiere of 24’s seventh season to ensure that when 24 does return, Day 7 can air uninterrupted, in it’s entirety. At present, only about one-third of the 24 episodes have been filmed.
Writing by NeoBlade on Monday, 29 of October , 2007 at 11:20 am
I wrote previously on eMagi about how to use your Playstation 2 Eyetoy camera under WindowsXP. Well the same process is required under Windows Vista. There has been some requests and since I’m now on Vista full time here is a walk through!
Once downloaded extract the files somewhere on your computer. Remember where you put it!
Now, plug in your EyeToy, Vista should ask you what to do.
Click on “Don’t show this message again for this device”
Now, right click on My Computer then click on Properties. Click on Device Manager.
Under the “Other Devices” header, you should see the “Eyetoy USB Camera Namtai” device. Right Click on this and click on Properties.
Click on “Re-install Driver” and then “Browse for my driver software“.
Remember where you extracted the downloaded files earlier on? Well its time to click on Browse and point it to the folder! Once done, click on “Next“.
Vista will ask a question to verify the driver. Click on “Install this driver software anyway“. It will then start installing. Just be patient!
Once done you should see this screen, click on Close.
A “sel3110″ window will pop up, just click on OK.
Another window will pop up. If you are in Europe then click Yes for the 50Hz option. If you are in Japan/USA then click on No.
Job done! You have now installed the Sony Eyetoy under Windows Vista to use as a webcam! To test it, open the folder that you downloaded here on eMagi and look for a file called “VIDCAP32“. Double click on it and you should see your Eyetoy working ^_^
Writing by Neon Fate on Friday, 26 of October , 2007 at 10:00 am
As a huge fan of the dynasty warriors series I was extremely excited to finally hear news on Dynasty Warriors 6 on the PS3 and XBox360. Dynasty Warriors 3 is one of my all time favourites and I remember it well especially the satisfaction of unleashing devestating Musous that could eradicate hundreds of enemies at a time. Dynasty Warriors 6 brings in new additions which is expected as the series went on, but the jump to next gen consoles brings in huge potential to take the series much further.
If anyone is unfamiliar with the series, its a hack and slash game based on Chinese History during the Han Dynasty and you choose which Kingdom to side with. After picking your character you fight alongside your army to defeat the opposition. I say fight alongside, theres more emphasis on you as the player taking on the enemy single handedly with huge combos, powering up as you progress which is where most of the fun is.
From the trailer for Dynasty Warriors 6 the camera seems to be more close up to the character so the player is more involved in the action also making the fighting more frenetic. The animations looks vastly improved from the characters themselves to the show boating of countless and insane combos as Zhao Yun the character in the trailer destroys hordes of enemies with great looking choreographed moves.
The combos system has been improved also with the new ‘Renbu’ system which from what I’ve read the player can link together attacks to unleash a neverending combo which would look spectacular when taking on hundreds of enemies at a time.
Character development has also been refined. In previous Dynasty Warriors you gain level ups through the way you fight on the battlefield such as defeating an enemy general who drops a power up such as attack+2. Now you gain level up points in the battle which can be used independantly on how you want the character to develop such as adding a new move or improving speed. This adds a new dimension on how the player may play the game. Additionally new features enables the player to swim and climb adding a degree of strategy perhaps.
Those of you lucky enough to attend this October’s MCM Expo may have played the demo in the Games Village, what were your thoughts on it? Someone has already told me that is brilliant from what they played so thats great to hear!
Writing by Neon Fate on Thursday, 25 of October , 2007 at 1:49 pm
Following the success of the mini series Afro Samurai (aired in Adult Swim, Bravo earlier this year in the UK) creator Takashi Okazaki has confirmed a new series is in the works which is scheduled to air on Spike TV in America during early 2008. If you haven’t seen the first series I highly recommend you do. It reminicses of the the classic Ninja Scroll anime with a similar canvas for the setting in Japan with fast fluid action with plenty of violence. The setting is during Fuedal Japan yet parts of the setting expresses a futuristic outlook. The style of the animation accompanies its theme through rap/hip hop influences which is also incorporated in its music by RZA.
The 5 episode series follows a samurai Afro( voiced by Samuel L Jackson) seeking the current number one ‘Justice’ who killed Afro’s father in order to become the number one. Whoever is number one has the rank of utmost respect and the headband which exemplifies power across the land of Japan. Only the number two rank can challenge the number one for the title. As the series starts after a flashback Afro is the current number two. Throughout the story a series of flashbacks occurs when Afro was a child and how his character grew to who he is in present day. It is through the flashbacks that bring the twists and emotion in the story which builds to the climax of the final episode.
If you missed the series when it was aired, the 2 disc DVD was recently released, you should definitely check it out!
Further news is that a video game adaptation of Afro Samurai is currently in the works which is to be released for Xbox360. A live action film of the series has also been announced with Samuel. L. Jackson to be the main character Afro.
Writing by walking leaf on Sunday, 21 of October , 2007 at 3:04 pm
Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen takes the 2007 Formula One World Championship against all odds by beating Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in a dramatic race in Sao Paulo.
It was a thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix from start to finish. Kimi Raikkonen deserves the championship and it was a great result for the Iceman after so many years of trying. What a shame that Lewis Hamilton lost out in the final race in Brazil. He was the favourite to win after qualifying an excellent second position, but in the race he had problems…
On the first lap, Kimi Raikkonen accelerated off the starting grid to get ahead of Lewis Hamilton into the Senna S. Lewis lost momentum behind the two Ferraris which allow Fernando Alonso to slip through on the inside at Curva do Sol. The championship leader tried to retaliate into the Descida do Lago corner, only to lock a brake and run wide onto the run-off area, falling to eighth place.
Eight laps later, his hopes of winning the title came at the worst possible moment when his car suddenly slowed. Exiting Descida do Lago, he flicked the gearshift paddle on his steering wheel to change up but found a boxful of neutrals…
As his McLaren stuttered to find a gear, car after car went by. Lewis managed to get going again after making some urgent radio instructions to the pits on how to fix it. But by now, he was down to 18th position and was more than 40 seconds behind the race leader Felipe Massa…
Hamilton was in a desperate situation as his two title rivals Alonso and Raikkonen were ahead of him on the track. He had to charge through the field in order to score some points to keep his championship hopes alive… alas, this wasn’t to be. Even though he pulled off some spectacular overtaking passes to move up the leading board, including on Rubens Barrichello’s Honda into the first corner, Lewis simply lacked pace compared to the Ferraris. It was a cruel blow to lose the title after sixteen rounds of this epic season of Formula One racing in the final race. To finish seventh was a disappointment, but Lewis should be proud by his achievements in his first season, including those nine consecutive podium finishes and four Grand Prix victories.
As for Fernando Alonso, the double world champion struggled to be on the same lap times as the two red cars. He made the decisive move on his McLaren team-mate on the first lap to take third, but then on, failed to make any progress. The Spaniard even dropped to fourth at one point, when Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber overtook him into the Senna S. He regained third when Kubica made his pitstop. Alonso lost the championship by a single point to Kimi Raikkonen after finishing in a distant third…
For Felipe Massa, the crowd favourite didn’t win his home race but the Brazilian should be satisfied by his performance in Sao Paulo. Led from pole position. Lapped consistently without any mistakes and to finish a close second behind the 2007 champion was a fantastic result for Massa and Ferrari.
Finishing in fourth goes to Nico Rosberg in the Williams. The German drove a great race and he was lucky not to get involved in a shunt with Nick Heidfeld with 11 laps to the chequered flag. Both cars went wide into the first corner, which let Heidfeld’s BMW team-mate Kubica through, but Rosberg was able to catch him and grab fourth on the penultimate lap.
The lapped Hamilton finished the race in seventh but the result in Brazil means he finishes second in the drivers’ standing after leading it for the last five months… Toyota’s Jarno Trulli made a late pit stop to finish in the last remaining points finish with eighth.
David Coulthard finished in ninth position for Red Bull Racing despite colliding into Formula One newcomer Kazuki Nakajima at the first corner. The Japanese driver recorded his first Formula One result with tenth, though his race was marred when he slid into his Williams pit crew at his first pit stop, leaving two mechanics with minor injuries.
As for the last year’s champions, the Renault F1 team had a disastrous season finale. Both Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen suffered damage in the opening laps. The Italian was involved in a violently crash by Spyker’s Sakon Yamamoto after running across the grass at the Senna S. For Kovalainen, the Finn lost his front wing in the first corner incident. He managed to get this replaced in the pits but some laps later, had a heavy crash in Curva do Sol…
So after a dramatic season of racing, it was Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen that wins this season’s Formula One World Championship. The Finn took his sixth victory of the year – the most by any driver – and his first world title in seven years of trying! A fantastic result for the ‘Iceman’ especially when you consider that at one point in the season, the Ferrari driver was 26 points behind Lewis Hamilton…
It was also a fantastic result for Ferrari with a one-two finish at Interlagos. The Italian team had earlier won the constructors’ championship after rival McLaren were excluded over that controversy spygate verdict.
Better luck next time Lewis Hamilton. Your time will come. Congratulations to Kimi Raikkonen and the Scuderia Marlboro Ferrari team on winning the drivers’ and constructors’ titles this season.
Brazilian Grand Prix result, Interlagos, 71 laps
1. RAIKKONEN Ferrari 1h28:15.270
2. MASSA Ferrari +1.4s
3. ALONSO McLaren +57.0
4. ROSBERG Williams +62.8s
5. KUBICA BMW +70.9s
6. HEIDFELD BMW +71.3s
7. HAMILTON McLaren +1 lap
8. TRULLI Toyota +1 lap
9. COULTHARD Red Bull +1 lap
10. NAKAJIMA Williams +1 lap
11. SCHUMACHER Toyota +1 lap
12. SATO Super Aguri +2 laps
13. LIUZZI Toro Rosso +2 laps
14. DAVIDSON Super Aguri +3 laps
R. SUTIL Spyker +28 laps
R. BARRICHELLO Honda +31 laps
R. KOVALAINEN Renault +36 laps
R. VETTEL Toro Rosso +37 laps
R. BUTTON Honda +51 laps
R. WEBBER Red Bull +57 laps
R. FISICHELLA Renault +69 laps
R. YAMAMOTO Spyker +69 laps
Fastest lap: RAIKKONEN, 1min. 12.445 secs.
Final World Championship standings, after round 17:
Writing by walking leaf on Saturday, 20 of October , 2007 at 1:27 pm
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is on the verge on winning this season’s title with a superb second position despite home crowd hero Felipe Massa taking pole position at Interlagos.
Hamilton will have two of his main championship contenders behind him with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen third followed by McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso. Both the Iceman and the double world champion will have a difficult job in stopping Hamilton winning his first drivers’ title.
Mark Webber produced an outstanding job with fifth in the Red Bull. It was the best qualifying result for the Australian this season, ahead of both BMW-Saubers. Nick Heidfeld pipped his team-mate Robert Kubica by a small margin of 0.048 seconds. Toyota’s Jarno Trulli is in eighth position with David Coulthard ninth and Nico Rosberg’s Williams completing the top ten.
Lewis is in a prime position with a front row start in Sunday’s title-deciding race. He holds a four-point lead in the standings and will be going for the Grand Prix win in order to take the championship in style. But if Massa takes the chequered flag after 71 laps around the bumpy and demanding Sao Paulo race circuit, Hamilton will still take the prize by finishing ahead of Raikkonen and Alonso.
For the double world champion, the Spaniard is disadvantage not only is he running the Mercedes-Benz engine for the second race in row – but he also has two rivals ahead of him on the grid. Alonso only chance of winning his third successive drivers’ title will be going for the outright win and hoping that Hamilton finishes at least fourth or lower. He needs to score four points more than his McLaren rival to win. A tall order for Fernando after a disappointing fourth position.
As for Kimi Raikkonen, it would have been ideal to start alongside his Ferrari team-mate Massa on the front of the Brazilian grid. But since Hamilton grabbed second position due to his stunning second split time in qualifying, the Finn was forced down to third. Nevertheless, the Ferraris seems to have a slight edge in outright speed and the Iceman will take comfort that he can overtake the leading McLaren with a run into the first corner. Nothing less than race victory will do for Kimi and he hopes that both McLarens will score fewer points to take the title.
For Felipe Massa – taking his second successive pole position in Brazil with a lap time of one minute, 11.931 seconds – the Brazilian will have a difficult job in deciding the outcome of the championship. The Ferrari driver needs to play a supporting role for his team-mate, in order for the Iceman to win the title. In addition, he must prevent Lewis in going for the race win. So, what will it be? Go for race victory or not? It is down to the Ferrari team to manage the situation.
Whatever the outcome, Lewis Hamilton is looking the favourite to win the title thanks to his important P2 on the grid. If he does do the job in hand, then Lewis will join the impressive list of British drivers that won the Formula One drivers’ title including Jim Clark, John Surtees, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill. In addition, he will become the first F1 rookie to win the title in his debut season driving a McLaren that last won the championship back in 1999 (when Mika Hakkinen took the honours). My advice for Lewis Hamilton is to don’t take unnecessary risks in the Brazilian Grand Prix like staying out too long on worn Bridgestone tyres (like in China). As the saying goes in motor racing: “To finish first, first you have to finish.” Do this Lewis and you will become champion of the world in Formula One.
Brazilian Grand Prix starting grid
1. MASSA Ferrari 1:11.931
2. HAMILTON McLaren 1:12.082
3. RAIKKONEN Ferrari 1:12.322
4. ALONSO McLaren 1:12.356
5. WEBBER Red Bull 1:12.928
6. HEIDFELD BMW 1:13.081
7. KUBICA BMW 1:13.129
8. TRULLI Toyota 1:13.195
9. COULTHARD Red Bull 1:13.272
10. ROSBERG Williams 1:13.477
11. BARRICHELLO Honda 1:12.932
12. FISICHELLA Renault 1:12.968
13. VETTEL Toro Rosso 1:13.058
14. LIUZZI Toro Rosso 1:13.251
15. SCHUMACHER Toyota 1:13.315
16. BUTTON Honda 1:13.469
17. KOVALAINEN Renault 1:14.078
18. SATO Super Aguri 1:14.098
19. NAKAJIMA Williams 1:14.417
20. DAVIDSON Super Aguri 1:14.596
21. SUTIL Spyker 1:15.217
22. YAMAMOTO Spyker 1:15.487
Writing by Chiisuki on Friday, 19 of October , 2007 at 10:40 am
After a week of waiting impatiently I finally watched Clannad Episode 3 and what can I say this show really doesn’t disappoint. Clannad is fast becoming the highlight of my anime week and I don’t mind saying I love this show. Kyoto animation seem to have managed to put everything that was right about their previous slows into this one, also I must add it’s nice to have a show that I know I am guaranteed to laugh out loud at least once within the 25 minute duration.
This week we begin with the girl in the alternative realm, with narration from the boy who has a body made of scrap. I am still currently trying to work out how they are planning to tie this in with the rest of the plot line. That said the animation in this sequence is beautiful and I know people have said this prior but the girl really does look like a young Mikuru from Haruhi.
Back in the present day, the story picks up where it left off last episode after Nagisa collapsed from standing in the rain all day waiting for Tomoya. We are treated to more of the Furukawa family at their bakery. Nagisa’s dad stealing the limelight whenever he comes on screen, there is a also a repeat of Nagisa’s mum running out crying after her baking has been insulted again. Nagisa has been ill since the incident and has been off school resting, Tomoya has obviously come to see her to apologise and check how she is, but as she is asleep he decides to leave it. While walking back contemplating how silly Nagisa’s actions were, Tomoya is pulled into the middle of an argument between a guy with a dent in his car who is accusing an electrician of causing it. Tomoya discovers the real culprit of the crime and as a thank you the electrician gives Tomoya his card. Sunohara informs Tomoya when he is back at their dormitory that the card actually belong to a famous MC Yoshino Yuusuke. Sunohara then goes on to explain to Tomoya that he has a new conspiracy theory as to why Tomoyo can beat him up, she is in fact a guy! He plans to trick her the next day at school into revealing her secret, buy strangely asking her if he can borrow a razor from her. As everyone can guess this just ends in another of Tomoyo’s famous in air kick combo’s 743 this time, she is getting better hopefully we‘ll be on 9999 by the end of the series.
Tomoya see’s Nagisa sitting alone for lunch and she shyly waves to him, thinking now he won’t want to speak to her anymore. They apologise for their actions the previous day and both admit they are idiots. Their emotional scene is interrupted by Fuko looking for her knife. Tomoya say’s she can have it back if her hand has healed from before so after a repeat of “dribble and shoot!” which is unsuccessful, Tomoya opts for plan B, which is if she lets him punch her hands in a ‘boxer, trainer’ style he‘ll give her the knife. He then slips the knife into her hand while she is preoccupied with shaking and saying “one!, two!” in anticipation of the pain. In gratitude she shoves the star she’s been carving into Tomoya’s hands and runs off. While watching Fuko I can’t help but this she’s Ayu from Kanon come back, even when she gets angry it’s the same .“Uguu“.
Tomoya returns to class to class and decides to play a trick on the sleeping Sunohara who is still recovering from the beating Tomoyo gave him earlier. Then they notice something through the window, a small creature is snuffling in the bushes. The boys go to investigate and find a little kawaii urinko saying “puhi - puhi”, looks like we have Potato’s replacement for the series. As Sunohara goes to pick him up he’s hit by a flying book followed by a aerial kick that sends him half way across the grounds. Who else can it be by Kyou, she seems to enjoy making an entrance followed by a flying book. Sunohara receives a second kick after he comments about seeing Kyou’s underwear. With the little Urinko (wild boar) safe in her arms we are introduced to her as her baby Botan.
The rest of the episode involves Tomoya coaching Nagisa in preparation for starting her Drama club, we are also introduced to Miyazawa Yukine who makes them tea in the ‘second’ library. Just before the credits roll, Nagisa is called into the student council room, it appears she’s in trouble for putting up flyers to advertise her new club without getting permission.
This weeks episode didn’t really deepen the storyline, we haven’t learnt much more about the characters but it did make for an enjoyable and hilarious 25 minutes. It seems as KyoAni have 20+ episodes to play with this season they can afford to move at a slightly slower pace. Even though the storyline hasn’t progressed much further I feel there is more depth of character, the humour is also adding to the charm of the series.
Hopefully next week’s episode will come sooner than the torturous wait for this one, The preview shows Sunohara is going to attempt to turn over a new leaf with Tomoyo but from the looks of the bandages he isn’t very successful. My only complaint this time around was there wasn’t enough Tomoyo but it seems next week may make up for that.
Yes its from a mobile phone and yes the detail isn’t clear because of it, but its in motion! Its a shame they didn’t replace the original SSFII sounds as its too high pitched for my liking and Guile will sound rather camp… There might still be an option to change it however but we shall see. Hope its not long until we see some more sprites too!
Writing by NeoBlade on Friday, 19 of October , 2007 at 4:29 am
Yeah I’m a bit late in getting this up as I’ve been in thought about what the game can represent and how it would look. For now though check out the first official teaser video for the title below…
My Thoughts
I think many fans are passionate for this series, possibly more so than others because it holds so many dear childhood memories as well as being one of the most balanced and recognised fighting games in history. I’ve read many comments like “If its in 3D I’ll eat Capcom’s babies” and that it should all be in 2D. While I am a fan of 2D fighters, I think in this day an age it would eat up too many resources to do high definition sprites and animation compared to using a 3D engine.
I very much doubt Capcom USA will shift the game to a 3D environment (Dead or Alive, Tekken, Virtua Fighter) as how easy would it be to sidestep a fireball… It would cause many classic SFII corner and pressure tactics to fail. Instead I’m sure Capcom will be using a 3D engine but keeping the battles in a 2D plane. Now I know many might remember the Street Fighter EX series… This however was developed by Arika (Akira spelt backwards) which consisted of ex-Capcom employees and I believe they have no involvement in this title.
The trailer itself is beautifully rendered in a stylish fashion, however what the hell happened to Ryu’s face?! Granted he might be pulling a few more years but that doesn’t make him turn into the Japanese equivalent of the Hulk! The teaser is however that - A teaser. Yet it has some interesting animation properties like the classic slowdown after attacks. I particularly like the tech throw escape animation and with it being in 3D it should allow plenty of slick animation.
My only concern and that of many other fans too is that will it still play like a 2D game? This is important as SFII has its own sense of feeling and belonging compared to DoA, Tekken etc. Virtua Fighter does a good job as the moves feel instant and slick but it is too hardcore for many gamers to get into.
Let’s hope Capcom USA can do a good job with this, it will be an important title for them as they could destroy a lasting legacy overnight.
Writing by NeoBlade on Thursday, 18 of October , 2007 at 8:30 pm
The cult PS2 videogame by the now broken up Clover Studios (Viewtiful Joe) formally owned by Capcom has finally granted the fans wish - For the visually stunning and highly rated Okami to be ported over to the Nintendo Wii! Fans can expect the title to be released in the second quarter of 2008 with baited breath.
For those who have yet to witness or indeed play this game, it is shaped very much in another classic title on the Nintendo Wii - Zelda. An action RPG at heart this game has many parallels with the green tunic Hero and in many cases does an extremely good job at it. Below is a video preview which is taken from the PS2 just as a sample.
In the game you use the Celestial Brush to paint on the screen, creating special effects like turning night into day, causing a gust of wind or even cutting down enemies. On the PS2 version this was achieved by using the analogue stick but this time the brush will be mapped to the Wii Remote itself, perfectly mimicking your own strokes like holding a brush. I just hope that the conversion goes smoothly and indeed many more people will get to appreciate a very under-rated title.
The Nintendo Wii needs more quality titles beyond mini-games and this one will fit the bill nicely.
A portal for the modern subconscious - With random rants, thoughts and questions about society as well as conveying the world of anime, videogames, technology, gadgets, music, fashion and more at your fingertips. Its version 2 baby!
