Monthly Archives: December 2010

Best games of 2010 by Junior Smart. {Games}

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2010 came and went like an absolute storm, and in its wake left gamers with a handful of real gems across all gaming platforms. We’ve had the Kinect, the Move, The final chapter of Halo, Red Dead Redemption, Call of Duty, Dead Rising and seen the end of what seemed like the lifetime of waiting for the mighty Gran Turismo 5 to name just a few.

But just which ones were the best? I am sure each and every gamer will have their faves, and doing a run-down is bound to spark some kind of controversy; luckily I am not one to shy away from telling it how it is. Let me give you my full and final run down.

1.Heavy Rain (PS3)

A controversial first place I know, but if you rate games on their originality, if you rate games on their playability, if you rate games on how they can emotionally affect you, then you will rate Heavy Rain. Part game, part movie, this title has remarkable scenes and a storyline of incredible depth, not to mention the lingering and sometimes stomach churning after effect memories that it leaves you with. The control system is innovative and involving which is even more improved with the Playstation Move and without a doubt this was probably one of the most original titles to hit consoles during 2010.

2.Halo Reach (360)

I am going to place this as my number 2 as lets face it; the game play and storyline is far from original. Bidding a final farewell to the Halo universe was a never going to be easy, but somehow, just somehow software developers Bungie managed to do it. An epic (and occasionally moving) storyline drives a solid single-player campaign, and all this is backed up to the hilt by fantastic multiplayer options. The Halo franchise has always been an almost – but not quite good enough – reason to shell out for a 360 machine.

3.Mass Effect 2 (360, PC, PS3 next year)

Mass Effect 2 is the master class of RPG, an honour usually only reserved for the likes of Final Fantasy and World of Warcraft. Mass Effect features a truly memorable cast of characters each with their own unique personality and behaviour. Mass Effect 2 is exactly what many gamers hoped it would be, and with the PS3 version out next year and rumors of a third installment on its way Gamers all over the world may have to go into hibernation in order to counter-act the sleep deprivation they will face when the title hits the shelves.

4.Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)

An epic sandbox game in the dessert? Are you serious? Rockstar’s western showpiece is a marvel to play and enjoy, and regurgitates memories of playing Cowboys and Indians in the playground. The story of the main character John Marston is both fascinating and heart-wrenching, and the virtual western world where shoot-outs, train robbing, and fraternising with damsels in distress is beautifully imagined. Little wonder then that many games players woke up having lost 60 hours of their life to this title.

5.Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

A welcome return of the plumber and of the most clichéd and ridiculous plots of all time doesn’t stop Super Mario Galaxy 2 from entering my top ten. Nintendo went out of their way to cram in more content than a student study’s for their exams and it shows. Galaxy 2 is so much bigger, so much more challenging, and finally the long awaited Yoshi makes an entrance to the series. I like this game because it is a title that can be enjoyed by any gamer of any age, and features some of the most intelligent and innovative level designs I’ve seen in many a moon.

6.Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)

After endless waiting and waiting and erm, waiting after the Prologue, gaming developers Polyphony showed the world that waiting can, sometimes, just sometimes be a good thing. Despite being a game for racing purists only I just had to include this because of the sheer amount of effort invested into making this title, and indeed it shows. GT5 is something very, very special. Although perfection it is not (see my review in Frost Magazine’s very pages), this title raises the bar as far as driving simulators are concerned.

7.Donkey Kong Country (Wii)

I bet Wii owners rejoiced all over the world when this game came out and it is not difficult to see why. This game gives a solid spanking to games developers who think that graphics alone is what is required to make it in today’s gaming market. Bringing back two of perhaps the most loved characters in Nintendo’s history – who don’t speak Italian – was a mean feat and to surpass the efforts of the SNES required even more. Donkey Kong has beautifully designed levels and is fantastically fun to play.

8.Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, Wii, PC)

It would be absolute lunacy not to put this game in this list – yes the graphics are not totally amazing, yes the storyline is about as clichéd as Christmas dinner is to sage and onion stuffing but in all fairness Treyarch delivered on this title, when many people (including myself) thought that they wouldn’t be able to match the game play mechanics of Modern Warfare 2. With some solid online play and some great set pieces this game offers a fantastic experience. If you haven’t answered the call of duty see my review in Frost Magazine’s very pages to find out why you should.

9.Split second Velocity (360, PS3, Wii, PC)

I remember when one of my friends showed me a trailer for this game and I just kept saying wow – but in the back of my mind I kept saying I bet this game is crap. Well how wrong I was. Split second is every bit the insanely fast driving game it was purported to be. Developers Black Rock Studio created a world where every race is dominated by the massive explosions you can set off around the tracks in order to turn your competitors into smouldering wrecks. Immensely fun and infuriating in equal measures this game came 9th on my list because of its original approach to the racing genre.

10.God of War III (PS3)

Arguably the hottest contender for the title of best-looking game on the PlayStation 3 ever, God of War III exploded onto the system earlier this year leaving utter carnage in its wake. Immense boss battles that have to be seen to be believed, visceral blood-thirsty action and some of the finest level designs you’ll ever play await you in this game. God of War III is a graphical and technical achievement, and really shows what the power of the PS3 is capable of.

Battle of the heavy hitters – Top new games of 2011 {Gaming}

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After the clichéd games of 2010 and the somewhat slap-dash approach by developers to get games out in time for Christmas, 2011 is (hopefully) going to bring some big games to consoles and PC’s.

In my erm, crystal ball, I shooters – loads of shooters, I foresee sequels – tons of sequels, I foresee games that will open up the Kinect and Move to new levels and I see re-hashes of older games being brought up to date by the new hardware and increased player involvement.

2011 will be the battle of Heavy Hitters, but which ones should you be getting excited about? Which are the ones you should be placing on pre-order? Let’s take a look.

1.Dead Space 2 (PS3/Xbox 360)
When? February 2011

Dead Space was widely recognised as one of the most scariest experiences to behold a console since the likes of Resident Evil and Fear. Already available for pre-order with numerous collectors’ editions, the sequel promises some truly scary moments and an updated Move compatible version of the Wii’s Dead Space: Extraction thrown into the bargain for free. Nice!

2.Batman – Arkham City (PS3/Xbox 360)
When? August – December 2011

The sequel to Arkham Asylum is coming. Rocksteady Studios have been very tight lipped about releasing any information about this upcoming title, although what I have seen is a snapshot here, a snapshot there and the occasional trailer. What they show is action, gorgeous graphics and a Joker truly gone insane – something tells me that this is going to be a game well worth waiting for.

3.Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (PS3/Xbox 360)
When? 15th February 2011

Yes indeed, the mother of all fighting games is coming. After over a decade of waiting, the biggest names from the Marvel Universe will clash head on with the combined might of Capcom’s best known characters. This title promises to deliver the best ever match up of legendary fighters in fighting history. Get ready for action, Valentine’s Day will never be the same again.

4.Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360)
When? December 2011

Hailed as a conclusion to the franchise, Gears of War 3 promises to bring as many ways as possible to kill things back into fashion. A four-player co-op and of course big and even bigger guns ensures that 360 owners have a reason to say ‘size matters’ and of course rejoice after the mourning of Halo Reach.

5.Grand Slam Tennis (PS3/Xbox 360)
When?: January – March 2011

This title was available for Wii since last year and now an updated version reworked for both the PlayStation Move and Xbox 360 Kinect is apparently in development. It remains to be seen if the Kinect control can consistently keep up with rapid movement and this just might be the game that proves its proficiency. If it does it could provide that reason to accidentally slap your granny by mistake.

6.Twisted Metal (PS3)
When? July – September 2011

A rehash of a classic PlayStation title; many remember Twisted Metal for combining hi-octane driving with insane combat action on the freeway. Good news is that Sony is bringing this to the PS3. Twisted Metal will focus heavily on multiplayer motoring tear-ups, with a rumored online play of up to 16 players or a four on one telly split-screen mode. Destruction should be on a truly epic scale – and rage late into the wee early hours – probably.

7.L.A. Noire (PS3/Xbox 360)
When? April – June 2011

Whenever Rockstar start creating a game console owners start getting excited. Billed as their next blockbuster and set in L.A in the 1940’s it’s an action adventure game that sees you behind the badge of Cole Phelps as he attempts to unravel a series of murders. I am not sure what to expect, could it be a sandbox game like Red Dead Redemption or a plot driven story like Grand Theft? One thing is for sure – Rockstar rarely fail to deliver.

8.Max Payne 3 (PC/PS3/Xbox 360)
When? Late 2011

After the crap, crap movie that had me demanding my money back. I am somewhat pleased that we are going to have a return of the game that started it all. Max Payne the police detective that brought matrix style gun-fights to the PC years ago is back – although this time he’s looks more like a mix of Mitch Pileggi and Bruce Willis. I have seen scenes where he is wielding a pair of Mac 10s and taking on enemies from all corners. Guess what? He still looks angry after all these years and guess what? I don’t think those painkillers he was taking in the first game have helped him one bit.

9.Mortal Kombat 9
When? Unknown (PC/Mac/PS3/Xbox 360)

At first I was very dubious over this title, and then I saw the game play. MK9 promises a return to the original style of Mortal Kombat and a welcome return of the original character list that we knew and loved make this well worth a look. Apparently there is a storyline which involves Rayden going back in time to the original Mortal Kombat tournament to right some wrong that changed history later on. Cue fatalities that will make your eyes water and those immortal words ‘Finish him!’

10.Portal 2
When? April 2011 (PC/Mac/PS3/Xbox 360)

I am really pleased that we will have a puzzler and a decent puzzler at that on the way. Portal was almost universally loved and brilliantly designed. So expect more of the same – creating portals that let you negotiate obstacles and overcome various puzzles. The sequel promises to bring a new co-operative two-player mode that allows two sets of portals to be created simultaneously. How this plays out remains to be seen – but let’s face it, it is bound to be interesting.

A Guide to the new cost of traveling in London. {Travel}

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While main line season ticket rail fares rise by an average of 5.8% from Sunday, bus and Tube fares in London are going up by an average of 6.8%.

Here is a guide to the new cost of traveling in London.

Buses and Trams

* Oyster pay as you go fares increase by 10p to £1.30
* A single cash fare rises from £2 to £2.20

Tube, DLR, Overground

* The Zone 1 pay as you go fare rises by 10p to £1.90
* Oyster pay as you go fares traveling into Zone 1 in the evening rush hour are reduced to the off-peak rate
* The refundable deposit on a new Oyster card increased from £3 to £5.
* A Visitor Oyster card will cost £3.

Travelcard changes

One-Day Travelcards between Zones 2 and 6 are being withdrawn.

The new ticket price changes on public transport come into effect from Sunday 2nd January.:

Oyster Ticket Stops will no longer sell One Day Travelcards.

Maximum fare for not touching in/out

If you don’t touch in and out on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and National Rail, you may be charged a maximum Oyster fare of up to £7.40.

Travel overnight on New Year’s Eve will be free.

Transport for London (TfL) said that although some one-day Travelcards were being withdrawn, by switching to Oyster cards “most customers should see little increase in their travel costs”.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: “I have kept the fares for 2011 at the absolute minimum while still protecting the vital improvements that London’s transport network needs. Those improvements include upgrades to the Tube, the delivery of (the cross-London scheme) Crossrail, and maintenance of London’s bus network.

“I promised to protect free and concessionary travel for those needing it most and this package does exactly that.”

He went on: “Even in difficult times I am not passing the buck to the travelling public; we have stuck with the fare rise we said we would deliver last year and we continue to make efficiencies at TfL in order to make sure Londoners are getting the best value for money possible.”

Frost Magazine’s Writer of the Year 2010

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It’s been an amazing three quarters of a year and we couldn’t have done it without the passion and hard work of the people that write for us. They each contribute something to Frost Magazine, not only articles but also their personality. The sheer variety of backgrounds, specialisms and styles made it incredibly difficult for us to judge who to award the title of ‘Frost Magazine’s Writer of the Year 2010’ to, however, after much ‘uhhm-ing and ahh-ing’ and analysing of stats we have come to a decision.

We chose the winner based on a combination of statistics and feedback from readers. Our writer of the year showed they had the uncanny ability to consistently pick winning stories. Of the ten most popular posts, four of them were written by our Writer of the Year. With a friendly and very informative writing style it’s clear why their articles are so popular.

So…drumroll please…the Frost Magazine Writer of the Year 2010 is….Junior Smart

Well done to Junior Smart from the entire Frost Team.

Best Films of 2010. {Entertainment}

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Before I start with my list, I will be honest on something; this year was a relatively weak year for films. I’m not saying it was a disappointing or bad year; it just wasn’t as memorable in comparison with 2009 and 2008. Most of the good films (in my opinion) were far and between from each other. I will also mention that I have not yet seen some of the films that were released this year (Precious and Winter’s Bone as examples) and only going by films released in the UK. So Black Swan, The King’s Speech and True Grit are still yet to come (those in the USA, you’re lucky!). So without further delaying, here are my personal favourite films of 2010:

5) The Road: I immediately loved the book as soon I finished reading it. So when hearing director of The Proposition, John Hillcoat and Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce would star in Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece; I couldn’t be anymore excited. The result was an astounding film and being truly faithful to the source material. Viggo Mortensen makes one of the best performances of his career. Having to be conflicted on looking after his son, and by telling him to carry the fire (humanity). The film looks beautiful, never have you felt emotion or seen a post-apocalyptic film look anything like this. It shows the world had a history, and now it doesn’t matter anymore (hence the characters are known as the Man, Boy, Woman etc.). It has a brutal honesty that most post-apocalyptic films lack, but it also has heart and it cares about the characters. It’s not interested to explain how it started or tries to bring in an action sequence or two to make it entertaining (if that’s what you’re looking for, then Roland Emmerich has no short supply of that with Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and 2012). This film is captivating, heartbreaking and brilliant.

4) Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: This film was bold and daring to be more than just a simple action flick within a teen movie. It mixes genres more than your mind can handle; it’s a gamer/movie geeks wet dream and it is done the best way possible. The film takes it to ambitious new heights. It is amazingly creative and shows the best of everyone’s talents. The performances from the cast are top-notch, and the music is very well done. This film features drama and comedy that it doesn’t treat us like idiots and actually gives the movie a brain. Edgar Wright cements himself as the King of Geek (although he already had that title since Spaced).

3) Toy Story 3: If you didn’t cry from watching this film, you have no soul! It’s a kid’s film, but also for grown-ups. This features one of the most heart-aching but soulful pieces of writing this year has to offer. It’s a movie that can be viewed by anyone at any age, and it is one of the best trilogies ever made! As the whole trilogy progresses, the true enemy of our protagonist is time itself. As we all have experiences on having to let go of our own toys when growing up. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice our favourite Pixar characters, and do fantastic jobs as they did the previous two films. Thank you Pixar, for cherishing our childhood but also giving us a timeless classic that will be passed on to future generations.

2) Inception: The best science fiction film of the year and among my top favourite sci-fi films (amongst with Blade Runner etc.). The concept of dreams has probably been explored before, but never has it been immensely intriguing and devilishly exciting. Christopher Nolan has crafted another blockbuster that isn’t shy to bring some intelligence (his Batman films proved to be more adult orientated than to adolescent kids). Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerful performance, riddled with guilt and regret (which features Edith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien” as a plot device) and gives depth to the character. This film features an amazing ensemble cast; listing from Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine and even Tom Berenger (last time I saw him was in Born on the Fourth of July and Platoon). The visual effects and stunt-work should be given top credit as they looked seamless and Nolan delivered something we’ve never seen before.

1) The Social Network: When you have David Fincher directing and Aaron Sorkin being the screenwriter, you know they’re going to deliver something that’s going to be more than being ‘Facebook: The Movie’. This movie is a character study and a docu-drama, it is as exciting and interesting to watch as any action movie this year. Jesse Eisenberg delivers an electrifying performance as Mark Zuckerberg, who’s portrayed as being an ironic but yet tragic character. It’s understandable if some people may find it hard to sympathise with him, but how could you not get pulled in about a geek who made a phenomenon and made a stamp in 21st Century culture? The music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross has my vote for Best Original Score, as it is eerie and atmospheric with the use of string instruments and piano notes mixed with synths all part of Zuckerberg’s computer geek persona. This is drama at its best, and I certainly wasn’t expecting this film to succeed on being my number 1 movie of 2010.

By Owun Birkett

Best and Cutest Hats With Ears AW10-11 {Fashion}

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It may seem that the UK’s been turned into one massive cosplay convention. Hats with ears, and sometimes eyes and noses have been cutifying the heads of the nation’s children for a while…but now they’re boldly worn by adults both male and female alike. We’ve rounded up some of the best on the high street.

River Island Ladies Knitted Panda Beanie, £12.99

Similar to the one seen on the head of Katy Perry, River Island have stocked on cute panda beanies in various different colour.

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River Island Ladies’ Bonnet with Mouse Ears, £19.99

The River Island website simply describes it as “a brown fur hat with mouse ears”. What more could you possibly need to know.

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River Island Men’s Grey Furry Trapper Hat, £19.99

Go on guys, be brave and show everyone you have a sense of humour. Keep your head warm at the same time. You know it makes sense.

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River Island Leopard Print Hat, £16.99

Raaawwwwr, pretend to be a dangerous yet adorable predator in this fluffy leopard print fut hat with pom poms.

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For the chicest offerings of hats with ears take a look at TopShop where you can pick up their beanies with bear and cat ears for between £12-14

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Asos Furry Ears Beanie, £10

Asos keep it plain and simple with this furry eared knit beanie which comes in Grey and Black.

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Best of the rest:

DeLux have the animal hats market down to a tee, unfortunately it’s not widely available in the UK but there are pieces on the internet if you look hard enough…here’s the cute lemur and skunk (complete with mohawk!) both £14.99

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For more cute Nepal and Peruvian style hats head on down to Accessoryo where you can drown your kawaii side in sticky syrupy sweetness. The Penguin Hat will set you back £13.95 and the It’s a Dog’s Life Peruvian Hat is £12.50.

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Main Image used under creative commons from La FruU

Keep your New Year’s Resolution with Marie Curie Cancer Care. {Health}

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Whether your goal is to get fit, lose weight, meet new people or do something adventurous in 2011, Marie Curie Cancer Care is offering challenges to fulfil those common New Year’s resolutions.

This week, Marie Curie Cancer Care is launching its programme of events and challenges for the coming year, Rise to the Challenge, offering everything from runs, treks, triathlons and cycle rides to swimming, walking and dancing.

If you’re looking to get in shape in 2011, Marie Curie has nationwide running events all year round, from marathons to local fun runs. And if your ambition is to see the world this year, the charity’s South African Cycle Challenge along the stunning Garden Route might be just the way to satisfy your wanderlust.

Fabian French, Director of Fundraising at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “New Year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside before January is over, but Marie Curie Cancer Care has events and challenges throughout the year to help you stick to, and achieve, your aims for 2011. Whether you want to improve your fitness, have fun or get outdoors more, there’s something for everyone. So why not take up a challenge, fulfil your ambitions and help raise valuable funds for Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes.”

New Year’s Resolution Suggested Marie Curie Challenge

Get fit Dextro Energy Triathlon

Lose weight Marathons, 10k events and Fun Runs

Reduce stress Swimathon

Travel South African Cycle Challenge

Meet new people Daffodil Dance

Get outdoors more UK mountain challenges

Spend more time with friends and family Walk Ten

Enjoy life and have more fun Ladies’ Driving Challenges

Do something adventurous Parachuting, zipwires and abseils

Volunteer and help others Organise your own event

To take part in an event or challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care, telephone 08700 340 040, visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/challenge or email: events@mariecurie.org.uk

Join the Craze on Facebook with Me to You My Place, THE Place to be

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Me to You My Place game to launch on Facebook

Experience Me to You and My Blue Nose Friends like never before with the latest, free to play, must-play social game on Facebook, Me to You My Place.

Launching on Monday 20 December, the free to play Me to You My Place social game, featuring the hugely popular Tatty Teddy and adorable My Blue Nose Friends, is set to become the next big game craze on Facebook for people of all ages.

Become Tatty Teddy and embark on a massive adventure to find, nurture and love your favourite My Blue Nose Friends (currently selling 17 per min in store) just like you do in real life. Shower them with enough love and they’ll become your Friends for Keeps! You can then add them to your virtual collection of friends and give them a fun nickname to truly make them your own. You can even customise your Tatty Teddy with bow ties, hats and bags to create your very own unique, stylish Tatty Teddy.

Share your Me to You My Place with those that you love on Facebook and at the click of a mouse your friends will be able to see how many My Blue Nose Friends you have and help you decorate your garden with big items that will earn you bonuses. And don’t forget to return the favour!

Become part of the latest Facebook game craze by simply searching for ‘Me to You My Place’ on Facebook and downloading the application. The perfect way to keep teens quiet and even while away a few hours in the office in the holidays.

For more information on Me to You and My Blue Nose Friends visit www.metoyou.com and www.mybluenosefriends.com