Important thread links:
The Revival Post: http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=501638&postcount=370
The Mission Statement: 27618
____________________

Well, since Ev still didn't start a thread, I thought I would. And yes, Ev came up with the name for it.
Basically, we discussed the whole idea of having a gaming website, what should we have, what should we get ppl for and... well, i don't feel like writing lots, so here's the discussion:

[14:12:39] Ev: and yeah the gaming magazine seems like a great idea
eh?
[14:12:58] {SUP} Wow lo: yes. we should create a thread for it and
plan plan plan! ;)
[14:13:13] {SUP} Wow lo: and have "staff meetings" and other
fancy-named stuff :P
[14:13:29] Ev: staff meetings...aka sit around drink pop and do
nothing
[14:13:29] Ev: :P
[14:13:56] {SUP} Wow lo: exactly
[14:14:16] {SUP} Wow lo: so, what should we name it?
[14:14:25] Ev: PCGeeks :P
[14:14:32] Ev: PCGeeker
[14:14:33] Ev: lol
[14:14:46] {SUP} Wow lo: lol
[14:14:52] {SUP} Wow lo: we'll be PC only then? :D
[14:15:10] Ev: K^2 wants it to be consoles as well... but yeah what
the heck sure
[14:15:44] {SUP} Wow lo: the name "PC Geeks" is taken, but not "PC
Geeker"
[14:16:10] {SUP} Wow lo: lol, just saying "PC Geeker" out loud is
funny. or "PCG" for short :P
[14:16:27] Ev: we will need to cover worm forts, guild wars, hl2,
elder scrolls 4: oblivion
[14:16:34] Ev: upcoming games
[14:16:39] {SUP} Wow lo: indeed
[14:16:52] {SUP} Wow lo: if my guild wars pre-order arrives before
next weekend i'll play it again to cover it :)
[14:17:01] Ev: I think us should take a game to do a preview on
[14:17:02] Ev: yeah
[14:17:30] Ev: you = guild wars
alex = hl2
me = es4 oblivion
some one = wfus
[14:18:01] {SUP} Wow lo: lol
[14:18:10] Ev: sound good?
[14:18:14] {SUP} Wow lo: maybe one of the persons that bought WFUS at
the OD-get-together could cover it
[14:18:17] {SUP} Wow lo: yeah, sounds good
[14:18:32] {SUP} Wow lo: you should post a thread about PC Geeker on
OD, to let ppl know
[14:18:48] {SUP} Wow lo: and because if I post a thread, it sinks to
the bottom :P
[14:18:49] Ev: will do, dont worry we wont rush into this project...

so... um, yes. there's the whole bit. so bring your PCGeeker-related discussions here instead of on the Positive Events thread. SupSuper out.

...
[14:14:52] {SUP} Wow lo: we'll be PC only then? :-D
[14:15:10] Ev: K^2 wants it to be consoles as well... but yeah what
the heck sure
..

count me out :p :mad:

That's what happens when you ignore mac users :(

count me out :p :mad:

That's what happens when you ignore mac users :(well if you have suggestions for another name, we'll include other stuff. Ev's rule is that it has to have "Geek" in it :P
oh and search it on google to make sure it isn't already in use.

Well, Ev can't be the one to make decisions on platforms alone, he's not a dictator or anything :p

I say we review PC games, Mac games, and also console games.

Well, Ev can't be the one to make decisions on platforms alone, he's not a dictator or anything :p

I say we review PC games, Mac games, and also console games.lol.
IT WAS JUST A SUGGESTION, don't start calling Ev a dictator before the whole thing even starts! :p

and i quote:
well if you have suggestions for another name, we'll include other stuff. Ev's rule is that it has to have "Geek" in it :P
oh and search it on google to make sure it isn't already in use.

lol.
IT WAS JUST A SUGGESTION, don't start calling Ev a dictator before the whole thing even starts! :p
'Twas a joke.

'Twas a joke.i know. note the :p smiley.
so... any suggestions for names, FW?

i know. note the :p smiley.
so... any suggestions for names, FW?
None, except for "L33t Gaming Magazine" which would likely cause people to flee at epic paces. :p

Also, as posted in that thread, this is the staff which we seem to have so far, although I may be wrong.

Webmaster: Andrew or Kon
Code Monkey: Liam
Graphics: I'd be willing, also David (MFAH) is quite good with graphical stuff
Writers: Anyone who wants to

count me out :p :mad:

That's what happens when you ignore mac users :(
Are you taking the ****? What Mac games are there that I can't get for PC/console?

Are you taking the ****? What Mac games are there that I can't get for PC/console?
Games made by [PangeaSoft (http://www.pangeasoft.net)]... :p

double post edit:

How about Geek17? Or G33k17?

suggestions for the name are open! (in case you couldn't tell :p)
my sister came up with this one: Addicted Geeks

double post edit:

Games made by [PangeaSoft (http://www.pangeasoft.net)]... :p

double post edit:

How about Geek17? Or G33k17?no l33t, please! ;)
Geek17 is a nice idea.

i'll let Ev decide which name to use when he sees this thread. he is the one which had the idea, after all.

my sister came up with this one: Addicted Geeks
Not bad, but let's monkey around with it a bit:

GeekAddict

Or how about modding Ev's idea:

GameGeeker

i'll let Ev decide which name to use when he sees this thread. he is the one which had the idea, after all.
Wouldn't it be more democratic to have everyone vote on a name?

Wouldn't it be more democratic to have everyone vote on a name?fine by me.
i'm just giving Ev the main responsibility on this thing. i don't want to end up with another big project on my hands ;)

well if you have suggestions for another name, we'll include other stuff. Ev's rule is that it has to have "Geek" in it :P
oh and search it on google to make sure it isn't already in use.

I was just joking around - I don't mind the name "PCGeeker", as long as you consider a section for Mac games (even though I only have very old ones...)

Are you taking the ****? What Mac games are there that I can't get for PC/console?

No need to take things so seriously - I was just joking around.

Many mac games are available for PC/console, but they are subtely (sp?) different. For starters, the controls may suck on PC, but be great on a mac, or vise versa (due to macs only having one mouse button, which instantly limits mouse control).

Also, certain mac games have added features/improvements over their PC versions. For example, the graphics in W3D are (apparently) better and smoother/sharper on Mac than on PC, because Feral had different resources for graphics.


Stick with the name "PCGeeker" (or whatever it was) - but I advise you don't mention anything about OD, that way, it can be published accross the whole forum.

PCGeeker is good, but then we could only review PC games (I'm a GameCube man myself).

Also, here's a couple of ideas for the logo (using different suggested names). The floor is open to suggestions about the design.

I wonder if anyone will get this... Gamer-pit anyone?

Just kidding to anyone that gets it, and to those of you that don't, nevermind.
(P.S. googling it won't help, you'll just get Cheech's insults at it now, the original is long gone)

Holy crap!

Did not even notice this thread, guess that goes to show how much fun and addicting Half Life 2 is

Dan, it's nice that you've giving me the responsibility for the geek name, but I don't want to be a hog on this project, whatever name will do, sure using geek in a pc sense is great and all, but we don't have to follow my idea if people don't want to

Glad to see people supporting my idea though, this is the first project in which we're all making an effort to contribute and do

I'll like to feature Sarge and S2K as well, since the dream focused on them as well, don't want them to feel left out

Speaking of left out, I don't want Thomas to be excluded in this, sure we hardly know each other but his contributions count for some thing and he seems to be doing a damn well job monitoring the forum so that's worth intelligence on his behalf

Did you know this thread is based more so on me than the actual idea? I mean, sure the mentioning of me is nice and I appreciate the honour

I like Josh's idea of combining the words, how about Geek Games? (That way we focus on PC/Mac and console games, a variety for everyone...and everyone is happy)

I'd like to see a really cynical website that only concentrates on the bad things about games. :) Just for fun.

I kinda like GameGeeker, myself. Geek17 being the runner-up. I don't play a whole lot of PC games. Reason being: I can't. My graphics card sucks. :p Anyway, it does sound like an interesting idea.

I'd like to see a really cynical website that only concentrates on the bad things about games. :) Just for fun.
Something www.videogamessuck.com would be fun.
I just love his review on Half-Life 2 :p

his review on Half-Life 2 :p

Using the f*** word in every catagory at least more than twice, yeah very descriptive :p

I don't think we should focus on PCs exclusively. I say we cover all games and gaming hardware that we can lay our hands on. Including Arcades. Also, if the magazine is named PC Geeker, PC Gamer might have beef with us.

I'd come up with suggestions, but I'm tired now, and my brain refuses to think creatively now. I'll go code something.

I don't think we should focus on PCs exclusively. I say we cover all games and gaming hardware that we can lay our hands on. Including Arcades

This is what I'm talking about. I still say we should have our title as Geek Games.

This is what I'm talking about. I still say we should have our title as Geek Games.somehow it doesn't sound right. i mean, the games aren't geeky or just for geeks. it's us gamers that are geeks, so it should be Geek Gamers or something.

Again, we don't want to imply that all our readers are Geeks. Just us, people who make the magazine.

Well, I guess I can contribute articles, although my taste in games can be somewhat eclectic at times (I bet none of you have Michael Vaughan's Cricket Manager - all the fun of watching the cricket on Ceefax, but slightly more interactive).

Reviewing Locomotion would be quite fun, though.

Suggestions for names -

When Geeks Attack,
Geeks R Us.
Geekviewer,
Gameek,
Sleek Geek,
Geek Theft Auto,
Full Geekage,
Geek Speak,
G.A.M.E.R - Geeks Annual Marmalade Entertainment Reviews,
Geek 2 Games,
Games Ownar - Starring Geeks,
Geek V Game,
Gentertainmentk,
GeekCuber

Plus, I don't mind doing the occasional review/article/whatever but it'll be more like whenever I feel like sending stuff in than being a regular contributor.

"slorg ownar" generates two google results, both from the T17 forum. I know you want geek in the title, but "Slorg Ownar" is obviously very unique and a cool name at that. :P

Where did that saying come from anyway?!

K^2 want to support consoles!?:eek:

Where did that saying come from anyway?!

Didn't it come from Neopets?

"slorg ownar" generates two google results, both from the T17 forum. I know you want geek in the title, but "Slorg Ownar" is obviously very unique and a cool name at that. :P

Where did that saying come from anyway?!http://forum.team17.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4819&perpage=30&highlight=SLORG&pagenumber=2

double post edit:

i'll probably contribute to the magazine by reviewing game types you guys don't seem to play. Need for Speed Underground 2, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Leisure Suit Larry: MCL, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, etc.
as soon as i get my hands on them ;)

oh and Guild Wars. I seem to be the official Guild Wars Addict for the magazine :p

http://forum.team17.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4819&perpage=30&highlight=SLORG&pagenumber=2

double post edit:

i'll probably contribute to the magazine by reviewing game types you guys don't seem to play. Need for Speed Underground 2, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Leisure Suit Larry: MCL, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, etc.
as soon as i get my hands on them ;)

oh and Guild Wars. I seem to be the official Guild Wars Addict for the magazine :p

I've got and completed Dawn of War...

I've got and completed Dawn of War...well they were the recently released games i could come up with :p

Geeks R Us

I'm up for this title suggestion

And Dan, you forgot Tribes: Vengeance, and Child of the Nile

I'm up for this title suggestion

And Dan, you forgot Tribes: Vengeance, and Child of the Nilealready taken: http://www.geeksrus.com/

no idea what Child of the Nile is. and ppl say that the new Tribes throws away the good stuff of Tribes, kinda like a cut-down version.
although, i have no idea what Tribes originally had of so good, my only experience with the series was playing the tutorials on Tribes 1 and the thing seriously didn't appeal to me. and if it doesn't make a good first impression, it goes to the bottom of my "games to play" list :p

w00t for more logo concept art, this time featuring a sweet 3-Dish texture in Classic and Ruby varieties! :p

Wow!

That is some creative and awesome style of visual!

I'm up for GameGeeker :D

no idea what Child of the Nile is

http://www.immortalcities.com/cotn/ - Egyptian strategy game


and ppl say that the new Tribes throws away the good stuff of Tribes, kinda like a cut-down version.
although, i have no idea what Tribes originally had of so good, my only experience with the series was playing the tutorials on Tribes 1 and the thing seriously didn't appeal to me. and if it doesn't make a good first impression, it goes to the bottom of my "games to play" list

Starsiege Tribes (in your case, Tribes 1) was the best and greatest thing since Burger King. Tribes 2 was the let down, and although I've heard bad reviews of T:V I'll still be willing to play it. My top game to try out and play is Worms Forts: Under Siege, the full version. Second is Guild Wars and third is The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

There's one thing I think is important. We should get to know each other on a first-name basis. After all, if we're going to be a "staff", there needs to be lots of cooperation between us, and it starts here.

My name is Josh, in case people didn't know (although I think most of you did already).

Starsiege Tribes (in your case, Tribes 1) was the best and greatest thing since Burger King.

Just about anything beats Burger King, so no great accomplishment there.
:p

There's one thing I think is important. We should get to know each other on a first-name basis. After all, if we're going to be a "staff", there needs to be lots of cooperation between us, and it starts here.

My name is Josh, in case people didn't know (although I think most of you did already).

Yes good staffs do consist of a well all based knowing each other friendship. Thing with me is, I get along with pretty much everyone, so no problem on my behalf. I pretty much know everyone's name so that accomplishment is taken care of.

FatWhitey = Everett
SargeMcCluck = Alex
S2K = Ben
FutureWorm = Josh
Test Zero = Ian
K^2 = Kon
AndrewTaylor = Andrew
SupSuper = Dan
Worm Mad = Euan
OldSkoolCrazy = Andy
StarWorms = Andy
Blinx = Gareth
Kjatte = Kethil
Paul.Power = Paul
BetongAsna = Joe
Vader = Stefan
MtlAngelus = Angel
thomasp = Thomas

If Alex doesn't want to do it, could I take the HL2 coverage.:p

If Alex doesn't want to do it, could I take the HL2 coverage.:p

Go for it. I'm lazy, and less people have got Bloodlines, so I'll cover that if I do anything.

I'll be reviewing the old classics; I'll do my fair share and contribute my reviews. I mean it is not like I'm the boss of this whole operation, is it? Also we'll need a list indicating whose job is what.

Okay, here's a list of who's doing what so far, as far as I can see...
NOTE: ? means tentative/unknown

Dan: RCT3; NFS Underground 2; Dawn of War
Alex: Dawn of War; Bloodlines
Andy: Half-Life 2
Josh (me): Animal Crossing; artwork
Liam: Coding work?
Paul: Locomotion
Ev: Some classic game(s)
Andrew: Webmaster work?
Kon: Webmaster work?

Multiple people reviewing the same game is a good thing, because it gives a second (or third) opinion.

Also, I was thinking about the layout. Perhaps there could be a magazine-style graphic on the front page, like [this (http://www.freewebs.com/joshsdesktops/gamegeeker1-1.png)], and clicking it would take you to the main page. Just a thought.

The list is looking good; don't forget Ben and Thomas as well. Any forumer is welcomed to participate in this project, and co-operating with each other is what makes the website achieve greatly. FW I like your idea of clicking a picture in which takes/directs you to the main page, very professional-like.

Don't forget Ben and Thomas as well.Well, they haven't signed up to review anything yet, so I can't exactly put them on the list yet.

K^2 = Kon
I generaly don't mind people calling me that, but I don't like to be introduced as 'Kon'. Please use either K^2, K², K Squared, or Konstantin.

Liam: Coding work?

Erm, i'd be happy to help out, but I'm going to be pretty busy this year (final year of university) so making me the sole coder would be a bad idea...

Also, I was thinking about the layout. Perhaps there could be a magazine-style graphic on the front page, like [this (http://www.freewebs.com/joshsdesktops/gamegeeker1-1.png)], and clicking it would take you to the main page. Just a thought.
You could knock up something rather more complex looking than that in a few minutes if we were to make a PSD template with the logo, issue number, tagline etc, etc in it already (which would take more than a few minutes to get it looking good, but would only have to be done once). Just paste in a shot of something and add some text and you have a highly professional looking image (albeit only because the professionals are as lazy as I am).

Edit: Might it be worth making the intro graphic landscape rather than portrait? It's on the web; there's no reason to make it the same shape as a paper magazine when it could just as easily be the same shape as people's screens.

Edit2: If anyone at any point can agree on a name and wants the thread title changing drop me a PM; it's easily done. Personally I'd count up the number of people who eventually do get involved and see how The [Number] Geeks sounds -- some numbers work better than others, so it may or may not work. Doesn't mention games specifically, though, but hey, nor does "IGN" as far as anyone knows.

Okay, here's a list of who's doing what so far, as far as I can see...
NOTE: ? means tentative/unknown

Dan: RCT3; NFS Underground 2; Dawn of War
Alex: Dawn of War; Bloodlines
Andy: Half-Life 2
Josh (me): Animal Crossing; artwork
Liam: Coding work?
Paul: Locomotion
Ev: Some classic game(s)
Andrew: Webmaster work?
Kon: Webmaster work?

Multiple people reviewing the same game is a good thing, because it gives a second (or third) opinion.

Also, I was thinking about the layout. Perhaps there could be a magazine-style graphic on the front page, like [this (http://www.freewebs.com/joshsdesktops/gamegeeker1-1.png)], and clicking it would take you to the main page. Just a thought.Dawn of War will probably be one of the last games i'll get, so you better replace that with Guild Wars :p
also, i can review any game, as long as i played it and liked it (and thus have it. see list (http://members.lycos.co.uk/supsuper/games.html)). specially oldies, got lots of them (yay for dosbox!). my only rule is NO RPGS (except Guild Wars). get me reviewing one and it'll be a VERY negative review. you've been warned :p

How is this planned to work? (Indeed, is anything planned?) I'm thinking in terms of: would it be a monthly update with all the latest reviews (a pure e-zine) or a more IGN-stylee affair with reviews of games as and when they're ready?

Personally I think the latter might be rather easier as it wouldn't require people to buy a new game every month as long as a good flow of content was there, and it would allow people to post a review days after getting a game, rather than the following month, which could be weeks after the release. I think it's better to use the internet as the internet rather than use the internet as a way of duplicating a paper magazine, but if you want to make an e-zine then obviously it's a different story.

Edit: Or, of course, a sort of compomise between the two, with reviews going up whenever they're done, but still with a frontpage like a magazine's that reflects the latest updates and changes whenever something "big" is added like a review of a recent high-profile game, with maybe a line of text underneath the image that tells you what the latest update (or two) was, when it was added, and is a direct link to it. Then you could have the main clickthrough page have a brief editorial that changes at the same times, and a list of links to the most recent stuff, like the contents page of a magazine. Kind of thing. Have the archived material on a sidebar somewhere or something.

How is this planned to work? (Indeed, is anything planned?) I'm thinking in terms of: would it be a monthly update with all the latest reviews (a pure e-zine) or a more IGN-stylee affair with reviews of games as and when they're ready?

Personally I think the latter might be rather easier as it wouldn't require people to buy a new game every month as long as a good flow of content was there, and it would allow people to post a review days after getting a game, rather than the following month, which could be weeks after the release. I think it's better to use the internet as the internet rather than use the internet as a way of duplicating a paper magazine, but if you want to make an e-zine then obviously it's a different story.Yes, speaking as someone who tends to have a flood/drought cycle of game buying than a regular trickle, that does make rather more sense.

Multiple people reviewing the same game is a good thing, because it gives a second (or third) opinion.I remember back in the days when NMS was both NMS and worth reading they used to have, say, a three-page review interspersed with the odd "comment" boxes from one member of staff offering his particular slant on the game. That might be a good idea to steal if people disagree about a game but one of them doesn't want to write an entire second review.

The boxes also used to have either a cartoon of the staff member or (later) a sprite from the game being reviewed that they thought depicted the staff member particularly well.

PS. Before you ask, I am the thread Time Lord. I exist simultaneously at all points in the discussion and might appear to lurch between them violently. I reply to whichever bit of thread it occures to me to reply to, and chronology be damned. Oh, yes indeed.

If anyone at any point can agree on a name and wants the thread title changing drop me a PM; it's easily done. Personally I'd count up the number of people who eventually do get involved and see how The [Number] Geeks sounds -- some numbers work better than others, so it may or may not work. Doesn't mention games specifically, though, but hey, nor does "IGN" as far as anyone knows.

Guess that's your work, sure it might not be much to do but at least it is something to help us out.

Dawn of War will probably be one of the last games i'll get, so you better replace that with Guild Wars
also, i can review any game, as long as i played it and liked it (and thus have it. see list). specially oldies, got lots of them (yay for dosbox!). my only rule is NO RPGS (except Guild Wars). get me reviewing one and it'll be a VERY negative review. you've been warned

I don't really like DOW, and that is another thing to keep in mind. People don't like/don't have certain games so they can not do reviews on it, you'll need to ask a staff member to cover the review of a game in which you don’t have or like. One of the games I'll really like to review is Albion which is a Science Fiction RPG, my favourite PC game ever.

How is this planned to work? (Indeed, is anything planned?) I'm thinking in terms of: would it be a monthly update with all the latest reviews (a pure e-zine) or a more IGN-style affair with reviews of games as and when they're ready?

Personally I think the latter might be rather easier as it wouldn't require people to buy a new game every month as long as a good flow of content was there, and it would allow people to post a review days after getting a game, rather than the following month, which could be weeks after the release. I think it's better to use the internet as the internet rather than use the internet as a way of duplicating a paper magazine, but if you want to make an e-zine then obviously it's a different story.

Edit: Or, of course, a sort of compromise between the two, with reviews going up whenever they're done, but still with a frontpage like a magazine's that reflects the latest updates and changes whenever something "big" is added like a review of a recent high-profile game, with maybe a line of text underneath the image that tells you what the latest update (or two) was, when it was added, and is a direct link to it. Then you could have the main clickthrough page have a brief editorial that changes at the same times, and a list of links to the most recent stuff, like the contents page of a magazine. Kind of thing. Have the archived material on a sidebar somewhere or something

We'll be reviewing games in which we like/played and own. I'll be the one buying PC games, no problem with that, I'm up for it. Reviewing the recently bought game few days after would be better, think about it you'll get into the game and have more content to express of the whole product. Keep in mind not really sure of yet how we will do this, still need to see who is willing to come aboard as staff as well. Your comments and ideas are valuable though, I'll keep in mind of what you posted.

I don't really like DOW, and that is another thing to keep in mind. People don't like/don't have certain games so they can not do reviews on it, you'll need to ask a staff member to cover the review of a game in which you don’t have or like. One of the games I'll really like to review is Albion which is a Science Fiction RPG, my favourite PC game ever.
I would have thought not liking a game qualified someone to write a review as much as liking it did -- or for that matter thinking it's a perfectly average game. Nobody wants to read a set of gleaming reviews any more than a set of hateful ones. There are a lot of games I don't like but I'd sooner review them myself and say so than go and find someone who'd be nice about them. Otherwise what's the point? If all the games get good reviews then you end up with no more idea which are the best than you had before. If another member of staff wants to write a nice review about the same game that's their prerogative. It might even be fun to have the odd polar disagreement.

Edit: Obviously if you don't like a game to the point where you don't own it and have very limited experience you shouldn't do a full review because you wouldn't have enough useful stuff to write, or if you don't like it because of the genre then your opinion isn't really relevant or interesting to anybody, but if, like me, your brother picked up a copy of Agent Under Fire and you played it on the grounds that Goldeneye was good so how bad could this one possibly be, you can easily rack up enough experience to do a review.

Go for it. I'm lazy, and less people have got Bloodlines, so I'll cover that if I do anything.

Thanks Alex.:)

Well, they haven't signed up to review anything yet, so I can't exactly put them on the list yet.

I don't mind reviewing either Mac games or XBox games, providing I've got them and have played them.

Also, I don't really see a problem if more than one of us has a game on the same platform (eg W3D on XBox) - the more opinions the better :D


And finally, seeing as there appear to be two Andy's around, we'll have to find some way of distinguishing between the two... (maybe Star Andy and Crazy Andy for Star Worms and OSC respectively - no offence intended to OSC, I just took part of your forum names :) )

You could knock up something rather more complex looking than that in a few minutes if we were to make a PSD template with the logo, issue number, tagline etc, etc in it already (which would take more than a few minutes to get it looking good, but would only have to be done once).
Think you could give me an example of what you have in mind? I can create a PSD, but I'm not sure what I should put on it.

I'll review Half Life. :p

I'll have a go at reviewing Rome: Total War, Thief 3, Warhammer DOW and some UT04 mods if you want. Or I could be the guy that posts decent free games on the mag?

I can pointlessly review some really old, weird, hardly known game demos I have laying around in several pc magazine cds :rolleyes:

I could be the guy that posts decent free games on the mag?
That would be good, and you could also review Pirates! when you get it for Christmas.

Would there be some kind of standardised review scoring system, or can we devise our own weird, personalised ones?

Would there be some kind of standardised review scoring system, or can we devise our own weird, personalised ones?

We're not even sure yet
We'll have to see what people want then go by favorite/vote

Personally, I favour Arcade's scoring system -- each game gets* between one and five stars (except for Deer Avenger Two which was awarded no stars at all) and the tone of the review sets anything below that. I like it because nobody can pin down how good a game is to 1% and in any case that, to me, encourages 'ranking' of games. But then, using percentages (or a score out of ten with a decimal point) seems popular these days, so maybe it'd be fore the best.
___________
*Got. GOT between one and five stars.
Think you could give me an example of what you have in mind? I can create a PSD, but I'm not sure what I should put on it.
I hadn't thought it out totally, but I was edging towards a framework thing -- The title at the top in its own layer, and perhaps a logo to one side of it. (For a small logo, anyway, like the enamel-badge looking one posted easrlier in the thread.) Below that (as in on the next line, not behind it) a text layer with either the "issue" number or the last major update's date depending on how it's done, a layer nearer the bottom with a 'headline' and list of updates -- that would be more flexible, of course -- and maybe a small copyright notice and/or URL text layer in one corner.

Then all you need do each update is to change the text of the headline stuff, change the issue number, and paste in a new background picture. And maybe if you're feeling crazy, change the title colour like a lot of magazines do.

In fact, if you used HTML/CSS layers, you could add a text field over it that could contain minor updates on the image without having to change it every time, but that's rather more work.

Personally, I favour Arcade's scoring system -- each game gets* between one and five stars (except for Deer Avenger Two which was awarded no stars at all) and the tone of the review sets anything below that. I like it because nobody can pin down how good a game is to 1% and in any case that, to me, encourages 'ranking' of games. But then, using percentages (or a score out of ten with a decimal point) seems popular these days, so maybe it'd be fore the best.
___________
*Got. GOT between one and five stars.
I personally prefer the 1-10 rating scale, with decimal points. I find that it works better if you only have one reviewer. Now if we could get at least three people to review each game, we could probably do a five-star system.

One other idea: Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine uses a 1-10 rating scale, but the only decimals they can give are in increments of .5. For instance, they may give a game an 8.5, but not an 8.6. They may give it a 9, but not a 9.1. Then all the scores are stacked up next to each other in a small table, with the reviewer's first name/nickname on top and their score below it. A game that gets at least all 7.5s (or maybe it was 7.0s) gets bronze, at least all 8.0s gets silver, at least all 9.0s gets gold, and a game with straight 10s gets the platinum award (Halo 2 and GTA:SA got this).

I hadn't thought it out totally, but I was edging towards a framework thing -- The title at the top in its own layer, and perhaps a logo to one side of it. (For a small logo, anyway, like the enamel-badge looking one posted easrlier in the thread.) Below that (as in on the next line, not behind it) a text layer with either the "issue" number or the last major update's date depending on how it's done, a layer nearer the bottom with a 'headline' and list of updates -- that would be more flexible, of course -- and maybe a small copyright notice and/or URL text layer in one corner.
I'll give it a go.

hate to but in, anyone need any cartoon graphics, or something to my skills for the site?

hate to but in, anyone need any cartoon graphics, or something to my skills for the site?
That would be excellent.

hate to but in, anyone need any cartoon graphics, or something to my skills for the site?
I think it would be fun to give each reviewer an "avatar" that could be used at the top of any articles or comment boxes or whatever that they write (and, I guess, on a forum). I was thinking of a little cartoon picture sort of coming out of a ring graphic. It would be nice if they were all done with the same artistic style and the same ring graphic. Give the site a consistent look, as well as helping distinguish between the various Andys.

And I reckon a similar thing for the different platforms would be good -- I do love those cartoon drawings of control pads you get on Earthworm Jim's control screen, or the ones that are in the "frontend" folder of WFUS for no apparent reason.

I think it would be fun to give each reviewer an "avatar" that could be used at the top of any articles or comment boxes or whatever that they write (and, I guess, on a forum). I was thinking of a little cartoon picture sort of coming out of a ring graphic. It would be nice if they were all done with the same artistic style and the same ring graphic. Give the site a consistent look, as well as helping distinguish between the various Andys.

And I reckon a similar thing for the different platforms would be good -- I do love those cartoon drawings of control pads you get on Earthworm Jim's control screen, or the ones that are in the "frontend" folder of WFUS for no apparent reason.
That would indeed be really cool. I know that GamePro magazine uses avatar-type cartoony drawings, and they work very well in that case.

Everyone's avatar should fit their personality. For instance, I listen to a lot of electronic music, so my avatar could have some guy with glasses and brown hair rocking out to his iPod.

im bored, ok anywho so u want like reviewer cartoons?

Check out the character avatars [here (http://www.gamepro.com/hub/insidegp/games/insidegp/12722.shtml)] and the page before it for an idea of what might be good.

I think it would be fun to give each reviewer an "avatar" that could be used at the top of any articles or comment boxes or whatever that they write (and, I guess, on a forum). I was thinking of a little cartoon picture sort of coming out of a ring graphic. It would be nice if they were all done with the same artistic style and the same ring graphic. Give the site a consistent look, as well as helping distinguish between the various Andys.

Yeah, that sounds like it could be a good idea.

I'd quite like a cartoon version of the Apple logo (either the OS9 stripey apple or the OSX Aqua apple - I don't mind), with some possible connection to worms.

That is, if I'm accepted onto the reviewing team...

Yeah, that sounds like it could be a good idea.

I'd quite like a cartoon version of the Apple logo (either the OS9 stripey apple or the OSX Aqua apple - I don't mind), with some possible connection to worms.

That is, if I'm accepted onto the reviewing team...
If only there was some way to combine the concepts of "apple" and "worm" that didn't look forced. Hmm, now let me think.....

ok, so GameGeeker will be the name, so could a mod edit the thread title?

also, i might as well start discussion on serious matters on the magazine. lots of planning is involved to do a gaming magazine, so here's some things i thought we should discuss:
- EXACTLY what gaming systems will we be discussing? PC, Mac, Xbox, Gamecube, PS2, GBA, Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, etc? :p
I take it we'll be covering the first 5, for starters.
- How will we do our reviews? Will each person have their own style? Will we split them into topics, like Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, etc?
- Will we just review games or will we also discuss games-related news?
- Will we have various sections for different types of reviews? Eg. Oldies but Goodies, The Mac Corner, Freeware Funware, etc.?

ok that's about as much as i can come up with. discuss ppl, DISCUSS!

Discuss PPL eh?
Okay. Do you mean the Parma Polyhedra Library (C++), Path Programmable Logic or Polymorphic Programming Language? Otherwise it's gonna be awkward to discuss it.

*stabulates SupSuper for not bothering to write people*

- Will we have various sections for different types of reviews? Eg. Oldies but Goodies, The Mac Corner, Freeware Funware, etc.?
How about each platform has its own section? A section for PS2 games, a section for XBox games, a section for PC games, etc. And also special sections for freeware and classics.

double post edit:

One other thing: in order to truly plan, we must have a real round-table discussion. I propose either an MSN chat or meeting in Worm Mad's old IRC.

Discuss PPL eh?
Okay. Do you mean the Parma Polyhedra Library (C++), Path Programmable Logic or Polymorphic Programming Language? Otherwise it's gonna be awkward to discuss it.

*stabulates SupSuper for not bothering to write people*

He might also be referring to

Packet Presentation Language
Paid Personal Leave
Pakistan Petroleum Ltd
Partially Polarized Light
Patch Panel Label
Personal Premises Liability
Pokémon Puzzle League

Discuss PPL eh?
Okay. Do you mean the Parma Polyhedra Library (C++), Path Programmable Logic or Polymorphic Programming Language? Otherwise it's gonna be awkward to discuss it.

*stabulates SupSuper for not bothering to write people*well EXCUSE ME for making my post 3 characters shorter.
next time i'll just post "i think we need to start discussing other stuff k thx bye"

double post edit:

How about each platform has its own section? A section for PS2 games, a section for XBox games, a section for PC games, etc. And also special sections for freeware and classics.that's what i was going for, just couldn't come up with fancy names for every section :p

well EXCUSE ME for making my post 3 characters shorter.

No, I'm not excusing you, that's why I made that post! If I'd excused you I'd have not posted that.
Anyway, enough of hijacking your thread. I just had to vent. ;)

How about each platform has its own section? A section for PS2 games, a section for XBox games, a section for PC games, etc. And also special sections for freeware and classics.

double post edit:

One other thing: in order to truly plan, we must have a real round-table discussion. I propose either an MSN chat or meeting in Worm Mad's old IRC.

Or my IRC chan: #worms_pgpn on irc.gamesurge.net


Also, thread title changed :)

Approve of Andrew's avatar idea
Approve of Traxada cartoon logo/cartoonish contributions/him on staff
Approve of The Mac Corner, Old classic games, Freeware section
Approve of thomasp being on staff (don't want him to be excluded)


- EXACTLY what gaming systems will we be discussing? PC, Mac, Xbox, Gamecube, PS2, GBA, Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, etc?
I take it we'll be covering the first 5, for starters.
- How will we do our reviews? Will each person have their own style? Will we split them into topics, like Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, etc?
- Will we just review games or will we also discuss games-related news?
- Will we have various sections for different types of reviews? Eg. Oldies but Goodies, The Mac Corner, Freeware Funware, etc.?

- All consoles should be acceptable
- Topic seems to be the better
- Both, that way (I'll say customers) get both of the better not only do they get top notch quality informative reviews but also game news to be up to date
- See my approve section of this question

- How will we do our reviews? Will each person have their own style? Will we split them into topics, like Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, etc?Thinking about it, I think I've decided how I'd like to review any games. It would basically split into Substance and Style, with marks out of ten (or just five stars, if you're bothered). Substance would be addictiveness, lifespan, learning curve, interface, originality, value for money, and so on. Style would be graphics, sound, music, plot, atmosphere, and the like. Personally, I wouldn't bother with an overall score as it's a little bit silly. I'd say it's up to the gamer to decide which of the two Ss they prefer.

Would there be some kind of standardised review scoring system, or can we devise our own weird, personalised ones?
I told this to Ev before, I think we need to have if not several people writing the review, at least, several people scoring each game. Because some people might take off "points" for things that other people wouldn't. For example, I might tend to take off points for poor technical implemintations even where they don't directly hurt the gameplay. If we have some sort of a system where several people review each game, we can avoid that, and remain more objective.

With regards to reviews, I think the best thing would be to have either an integer-out-of-10 score (or, possibly 1, 1.5, 2, ... 9, 9.5, 10) or a star system (out of 5). If one person reviews a game, they post their review and their rating. If another person has also played the game, they post their review (below the 1st one), and they give it a rating. They then calculate an average rating between their score and person 1's score, and put the average up (or, write a script to do that!)

If there is more than one person actualy reviewing the game, the reviews should flow from one person to the next. Not just being two or more individual reviews. It would be a lot easier to read that way.

I like the 10 scoring system. I also think that at the end of each review we should but a box with pros and cons, kind of like what PC Gamer does.

With regards to reviews, I think the best thing would be to have either an integer-out-of-10 score (or, possibly 1, 1.5, 2, ... 9, 9.5, 10) or a star system (out of 5). If one person reviews a game, they post their review and their rating. If another person has also played the game, they post their review (below the 1st one), and they give it a rating. They then calculate an average rating between their score and person 1's score, and put the average up (or, write a script to do that!)
I personally believe in having no averages, just stacking the numbers up next to each other.

I personally believe in having no averages, just stacking the numbers up next to each other.won't that just confuse people? if you see a game which a magazine rates 5.6, 8.2 and 9.4 will you know if it's worth getting? i think not.

won't that just confuse people? if you see a game which a magazine rates 5.6, 8.2 and 9.4 will you know if it's worth getting? i think not.
If a game is rated 5.6, 8.2, and 9.4, you can calculate the mean in your head (about 7.5 or so), or just consider 8.2 to be the median and the game worth getting.

Then according to Igi.com then Halo 2 got 0.0! Rightly So...

But that also counts for Half Life 2 too! (most have given it 0.0?!!)

If a game is rated 5.6, 8.2, and 9.4, you can calculate the mean in your head (about 7.5 or so), or just consider 8.2 to be the median and the game worth getting.i still say we should show the average. we should have each individual rating in the end of each individual review.

anyways, on to the website. ummm... who's gonna code it? i don't think nobody has agreed in doing it yet.
also, are we gonna have some sort of database system, so that we can easily link all reviews to their games and have archive pages and... any other neat stuff you can do with a database? ;)

i still say we should show the average. we should have each individual rating in the end of each individual review.
How would this work?

I like this. Should be a little smaller, but otherwise pretty good. Readers, if there will be any, can figure out for themselves whose scores are closer to their own oppinions, and relly on these more than on the average.

Should we indicate what genre games we prefer? a picture with legend like how Nintendo did? or nah to this idea?

Should we indicate what genre games we prefer? a picture with legend like how Nintendo did? or nah to this idea?Sounds like a good idea to me, as someone who's only really into certain game genres.

Bah, I should've read this thread earlier, great ideas and art:)

I'd like to do a review every now and then. If I get KOTOR2 then I'll review that.

And I'd also like to review ES4: Oblivion when it comes out.

i still say we should show the average. we should have each individual rating in the end of each individual review.

anyways, on to the website. ummm... who's gonna code it? i don't think nobody has agreed in doing it yet.
also, are we gonna have some sort of database system, so that we can easily link all reviews to their games and have archive pages and... any other neat stuff you can do with a database? ;)
In theory you could make a lovely script that did all kinds of things -- automatically making game titles links to reviews as and when they appear, updating averages automatically, the whole shebang. It'd be a job of PHP coding (or finding a script with good customisation) and also a job of finding-a-host. Personally I've only ever used free hosting and almost never found one that supports PHPs. I expect if you're willing to shell out you can get a nice host, and if a lot of people put in it would be fairly cheap. Could probably stretch to a domain name at that. You could do a far simpler version much faster that only handled stuff like archiving and page layout and things rather faster, of course.

On the other hand, you could make a site that did some things automatically -- like ever-current sidebars and things -- using only server-side includes, which are not the easiest thing to come by a good host for but a damn sight easier than CGI is nonetheless. It would mean updating the archive files every time a review was put up, but as long as that was done promptly it wouldn't be a major issue, I don't think.

Or, as a last resort, you could do the whole thing with striaght down the line HTML code, but then you have the problem that if you want to update the layout you'd have to reupload everything (unless it was a small change that could be done with CSS- and image-tweaking). Changing the pages would be easy -- a multi-file find/replace job and it's done -- but if you don't get good FTP or if the site gets too large you'd start to get problems.

If there is more than one person actualy reviewing the game, the reviews should flow from one person to the next. Not just being two or more individual reviews. It would be a lot easier to read that way. You're probably right at that, but if there's a bg gap between two people getting a game, or a violent clash of opinions ("violent" meaning diametrically opposite rather than "violent" meaning fisticuffs) then sometimes it'd probably make as much sense to put up a second page.

If it really gets to the point where things like "He wouldn't know a good game if it fraged him with a rocket launcher," or "I don't know what game he played, but this game is worse than ET," get thrown arround, then yes, we should probably run two opposing reviews side by side. But in cases where the differences aren't directly opposing, like one reviewer finds that the game has good graphics and a nice story, but other insists that it lacks in gameplay, these should form one continuous review, because it would show a bigger picture that way.

striaght down the line HTML codeAhh, my favourite :D.

(well, with the odd bit of JavaScript here and there. And style sheets)

Personally I've only ever used free hosting and almost never found one that supports PHPs.I can probably get some free hosting with PHP, it might not have a pretty URL though.

100WebSpace.com (http://www.100webspace.com/) rock.

100MB disk space
1GB bandwidth
3 POP3 e-mails & Webmail
Free 24/7 technical support
PHP, Perl/CGI-BIN
MySQL database
FTP access
Web-based file manager
No ads

And it's free!

www.wtmf.tk is hosted by them, and we've had nothing but problems. (Although we're switching servers now.)

www.blamethepixel.com is free if I/you can get zogger to let you use space.

I can probably get some free hosting with PHP, it might not have a pretty URL though.
URLs can be shortened. As long as there is a server to point to.

I can probably get some free hosting with PHP, it might not have a pretty URL though.
That's easily masked, though, isn't it? Get a cheap domain or something to point over to it.

www.wtmf.tk is hosted by them, and we've had nothing but problems. (Although we're switching servers now.)
Oh? What problems? I have a forum hosted with them and it seems to run fine. :confused:

Who are you switching to?

GamerGeeks!

Indeed!

now the only thing needed is to pump out some reviews.
who's first? ;)

now the only thing needed is to pump out some reviews.
who's first? ;)

I'll start the review process by reviewing Albion
I've done a MobyGames review about Albion here: http://mobygames.com/game/view_review/reviewerId,45846/gameId,464/platformId,2/
Expect similar but more informative about the game

Can you give us a deadline. I work better when I have one, otherwise I'll probably end up slacking off. :-/

The deadline for reviews is December 24 (Christmas Eve). Code and graphics will be finalized on January 5, and the site will be launched January 6.

NOTE: I'm not claiming that these dates are official, but we need some sort of a time frame. Otherwise this thing will never get off the ground.

The deadline for reviews is December 24 (Christmas Eve). Code and graphics will be finalized on January 5, and the site will be launched January 6.

NOTE: I'm not claiming that these dates are official, but we need some sort of a time frame. Otherwise this thing will never get off the ground.

We'll need to list of what games people are reviewing that way, two people don't dupicate two of the same game reviews

Also, how will the reviewing style be?

1. - Graphics, Gameplay, Plot, Sound, Value?
2. - Good, Bad, Final Thought?
3. - Pros, Cons?

How many games will each person review? I'm thinking of reviewing Albion, Lands of Lore 2, Eric The Unready since these particular games are long, have a in depth, complex story and the gameplay is highly enjoyable

i'm gonna review RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, Need for Speed Underground 2 and Guild Wars.
though my Guild Wars pre-order pack still hasn't arrived, which worries me... very much.

Also, how will the reviewing style be?

I was thinking of starting off with an introductory paragraph about the game then go into detail. We could have subheadings such as Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, Story, ect. At the end there will a closing paragraph that sums up the review. Then we would have a box with the pros, cons, and the final score (similar to what PC Gamer does).

We'll need to list of what games people are reviewing that way, two people don't dupicate two of the same game reviews
Scroll up. A second opinion is always a good thing, we were discussing that a while ago. I also created this [image (http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=331784&postcount=91)] as an example of what we could do.

I was thinking of starting off with an introductory paragraph about the game then go into detail. We could have subheadings such as Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, Story, ect. At the end there will a closing paragraph that sums up the review. Then we would have a box with the pros, cons, and the final score (similar to what PC Gamer does).

Good idea
So, as followed: Introduction paragraph, Graphics>Sound>Gameplay>Story>Closing Paragraph
Have you seen PC Gamer's reviews? They all contribute to at least one page and a half; will we have to write one page about the game? Will we have to obtain screenies of the game too?

Scroll up. A second opinion is always a good thing, we were discussing that a while ago. I also created this [image] as an example of what we could do.

To be honest and no need to offend or be mean/rude which don't want to be, I rather have not any one do a second opinion on the games I'm reviewing, the reason being the games on my sig where purchased by my father, well two by my uncle and my dad buying me the games is a tribute to a very fond memory of him, the games have emotional and sentimental value to me, which is why people can see it is one of the reasons being these games are my favourites
I'm not had the chance to follow up reading what forumers have said, sorry
I've liked the image you produced, I say we use it

though my Guild Wars pre-order pack still hasn't arrived, which worries me... very much.

That would worry me as well, not only that but the fact you've spent money on a game and to which hasn't arrived yet is a bit... unfair

I had an idea in how we can order the different sections. We could do it by importance such as putting gameplay first. Also, there things that games have that are unique (ex: HL2's physics engine), so we should have a miscellaneous section that we call whatever the review wants if it is needed.
If there was a 100% sure way to tell what is most important in the game then a) we could all just agree not to be biased, and then we don't need to do multiple reviews, and b) the developers would focus on that part and just throw together the rest. The whole point of having multiple reviewers is because different reviewers will consider different parts more important.

I'd suggest having specialist for each section, that is, one person allways reveiws the gameplay, and nothing but the gameplay, other the graphics, etc. But that would require many of us to play the same game, and that is not possible for a zero budget project. Maybe if we can get developers send us free copies at some point, but to get there, we need to make the site popular first.

Good idea
So, as followed: Introduction paragraph, Graphics>Sound>Gameplay>Story>Closing Paragraph
Have you seen PC Gamer's reviews? They all contribute to at least one page and a half; will we have to write one page about the game? Will we have to obtain screenies of the game too?

I had an idea in how we can order the different sections. We could do it by importance such as putting gameplay first. Also, there things that games have that are unique (ex: HL2's physics engine), so we should have a miscellaneous section that we call whatever the review wants if it is needed.

Have you seen PC Gamer's reviews? They all contribute to at least one page and a half; will we have to write one page about the game? Will we have to obtain screenies of the game too?

I have no problem with writting about a page about a game and we should definetely have some screenshots.

Edit: FatWhitey, I got the PM. Just did it.

Graphics>Sound>Gameplay>Story>Closing ParagraphWhich is fine if you're reviewing a game that has a story... "Build transport networks wherever you like; it's your call (although watch out for the competition)" pretty much sums up the entire story of Locomotion. Same problem is encountered when reviewing... well... any Software Toy, for example, or a sports sim, these being the types of games I'll most likely be reviewing.

I'd personally like to stick to the general layout of my reviews as just having the subheadings Substance and Style, although I'll have an overall score this time seen as you want me to.

I'd personally like to stick to the general layout of my reviews as just having the subheadings Substance and Style, although I'll have an overall score this time seen as you want me to.
I like that idea, myself. It works out roughly equivalent anyway, since "substance" and "gameplay" aren't so very different things, and "style" would then include things like graphics and sound and things. Story's the tough one here, though. I'd say would be in a different category for different games -- substance if it's some kind of story-driven RPG and the story is important, but definitely style on a game like Donkey Kong Land, whose plot was, as I recall, "Cranky Kong complains that anyone could have beaten the Kremlins with 16 bits and 65K colours to use, so Donkey Kong lets them steal the bananas again and gets them back on Game Boy to show him who's who". Didn't affect the game in the slightest and I rather suspect it was that Leigh Loveday's doing and nobody else at Rare gave it a second's thought.

I like that idea, myself. It works out roughly equivalent anyway, since "substance" and "gameplay" aren't so very different things, and "style" would then include things like graphics and sound and things. Story's the tough one here, though. I'd say would be in a different category for different games -- substance if it's some kind of story-driven RPG and the story is important, but definitely style on a game like Donkey Kong Land, whose plot was, as I recall, "Cranky Kong complains that anyone could have beaten the Kremlins with 16 bits and 65K colours to use, so Donkey Kong lets them steal the bananas again and gets them back on Game Boy to show him who's who". Didn't affect the game in the slightest and I rather suspect it was that Leigh Loveday's doing and nobody else at Rare gave it a second's thought.Yes, I wasn't sure which one to stick it under either. Although given the kind of games I'm likely to review, it would probably come under Style in my case.

maybe instead of Story we should have Game Concept. that covers both story and not-story based games.

eg.
in Locomotion you have to build transport networks to make lots of profit, bla bla bla.

in SomeStoryBasedGame you are SomeGuy who has a dark and mysterious past, bla bla bla.
you have to guide SomeGuy around SomeWorld killing SomeCreatures to get SomeThing so that you can go to SomeReallyCoolPlace and finish the game, bla bla bla.

oh, can we do like those magazines which put (sometimes funny) comments on some screenshots?

I'll try to submit a review some time soon - I've just got to think of what game to review...

I've only skimmed through the last dozen or so posts in this thread - how do you want reviews submitted? Shall I attach it as either a .txt, .rtf or .html, or shall I e-mail it to someone in one of those formats. If so, who shall I e-mail it to, and in which format.

(And before anybody asks, I refuse to put any reviews I create into .doc format :p )

I can review UT2004!

*predictable*

This is completly off topic, but this is very weird. Post #116 is my reply to what OSC posted. But now the forum says that he only posted that in post #117, which came 2 hours after I posted. Am I loosing my mind, or is something weird really going on? Did he dellete his post, and post it over?

Edit: Ok, an hour and a half. But that doesn't change the point.

This is completly off topic, but this is very weird. Post #116 is my reply to what OSC posted. But now the forum says that he only posted that in post #117, which came 2 hours after I posted. Am I loosing my mind, or is something weird really going on? Did he dellete his post, and post it over?

Edit: Ok, an hour and a half. But that doesn't change the point.
Wow, that's really odd. :confused: My only guess is that vB screwed up the timestamp on one of your posts.

This is completly off topic, but this is very weird. Post #116 is my reply to what OSC posted. But now the forum says that he only posted that in post #117, which came 2 hours after I posted. Am I loosing my mind, or is something weird really going on? Did he dellete his post, and post it over?

Edit: Ok, an hour and a half. But that doesn't change the point.Konstantin doesn't know it yet, but he's on a one-way trip to... The Twilight Zone...

*whatever the theme tune to that show was, I don't know what it is, but I understand it's famous, so you may well know it*

Yes, we all know it. It goes... like... Hmm... How the hell do we type in a tune?

Edit: Ah, right. Links. Twilight Zone (http://www.geocities.com/nashville/2046/twizone.mid)

double post edit:

Wow, that's really odd. :confused: My only guess is that vB screwed up the timestamp on one of your posts.
Messing up a time stamp wouldn't be enough, I think. It would probably require the posts to appear in DB in different order. And that isn't something that can happen just on a simple glitch.

Edit 2: Can one of the mods look into it? I really would like to know that I'm not going insane and that there is a perfectly reasonable explanation to it all.

funny

Screenie from Albion: http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/screenshots/5/196575/albion_screen004.jpg
Ev's comment: Tom and his companions ventured into the cave and got attacked by Rosie O'Donnell

FatWhitey's post got messed up after I posted some how so he PMed me telling to repost my message.

So no temporal anomalities? Disapointing. But on the up side, I have not gone completly insane either.

Edit 2: Can one of the mods look into it? I really would like to know that I'm not going insane and that there is a perfectly reasonable explanation to it all.
Yeah; there are two deleted posts above yours - OSC's temporal anomaly being one, and Ev's post before it being the other.

Maybe I'll change their "reason for deletion" to "To freak out K^2". But nobody will see it anyway.

Maybe no one will see it, but it needs to be done for historic reasons. When in 20 years people will be reading through an archive of this forum, which I have no doubt they will be, they should know the truth.

Has anyone started reviewing games yet?

I'm going to start working on the Albion tomorrow

In order to have at least a halfway effective launch, we should have reviews of at least five or six games. Who all is reviewing what?

I have a few q's about reviewing:


How long should the reviews be (200 words, 500 words, a million words, or as long as we want)?
How do we get the reviews to you, or whoever's designing the site?
What is the agreed scoring system?
What format do you (or whoever's designing the site) want the reviews in? Formats I can handle are given below

.cwk (AppleWorks)
.rtf (Rich Text Format)
.txt (Text)
.html (HTML code, with basic formatting)
I can't easily do .doc, so I won't send any .doc reviews
Post reviews on forum
Send reviews in body of an e-mail

Shall we sign the reviews off with our forum name?
Do you want any formatting in the reviews, or not?

I have a few q's about reviewing:


How long should the reviews be (200 words, 500 words, a million words, or as long as we want)?
How do we get the reviews to you, or whoever's designing the site?
What is the agreed scoring system?
What format do you (or whoever's designing the site) want the reviews in? Formats I can handle are given below

.cwk (AppleWorks)
.rtf (Rich Text Format)
.txt (Text)
.html (HTML code, with basic formatting)
I can't easily do .doc, so I won't send any .doc reviews
Post reviews on forum
Send reviews in body of an e-mail

Shall we sign the reviews off with our forum name?
Do you want any formatting in the reviews, or not?


1. Long as you want but at least one page minimum (Doc format)
2. I'm thinking of saving the review in Word then emailing it to the poster of the site
3. We agree that the scoring system would be point numbers, 1.0-10.0
4. Was thinking Doc but since you can't, you can post your review at the forum then some one will post it onto the site

5. Since majority of people don't want to use their real name, using the forum name is fine
6. No formatting in reviews

Thanks :)

I probably won't be able to get reviews done that quickly, although I'll try to do some before the end of the year (during the Christmas Holidays probably).

I can review the following games:

Mac

The Sims 1 (No expansion packs)
Theme Park World
Worms 1 (Possibly)


XBox

Worms 3D
The Simpsons Hit and Run
Colin McRae Rally 2005
Project Gotham Racing 2
Midtown Madness 3
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

So, five to six reviews per reviewer? With me, I like to express a long informative yet highly detailed review of the game...think we should extend the deadline from Dec 24th to Jan 2005

PC

- Albion
- Lands of Lore: Guardians of Destiny
- Eric The Unready

GameCube

- Wario World

GBA SP

- Donkey Kong Country 2

thomasp: I've not played those games (aside from Worms 3D), I'm looking forward to your review about each game

PC Games

-Half-Life 2
-Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
-Neverhood

I'm asking fo Max Payne 2 for Christmas, so if I get it, I might review that too.

So, five to six reviews per reviewer? With me, I like to express a long informative yet highly detailed review of the game...think we should extend the deadline from Dec 24th to Jan 2005

I hadn't noticed the 24/12/04 deadline... :o

thomasp: I've not played those games (aside from Worms 3D), I'm looking forward to your review about each game

I haven't played the mac games for about a year (I've had my XBox for about a year), so those reviews might not be as long as the XBox reviews, as I'll have to do a lot of remembering.

3. We agree that the scoring system would be point numbers, 1.0-10.0But in increments of .5
4. Was thinking Doc but since you can't, you can post your review at the forum then some one will post it onto the siteRTF is essentially the same as .doc, and would probably work equally well.

But in increments of .5

Really? I thought it was in increments of .1.

Edit: I'm going to have to do the same as thomasp. I'm going to do the reviews over Christmas break, but I can do it before the 24th.

But in increments of .5
RTF is essentially the same as .doc, and would probably work equally well.

Oh? Thought it was only .0's
Is it? Not to sound stupid, but what is RTF? Real Text Format?

I'm going to have to do the same as thomasp. I'm going to do the reviews over Christmas break, but I can do it before the 24th.

No problem, when is the Christmas break for you?

I'll be having a Christmas get together with a group of friends on Dec 10th then another one on the 17th hopefully these won't get in the way of my reviewing, might need a bit more days though

I think my last exam is the 17th so it should start around then and it usually ends around the 8th of January.

Not to sound stupid, but what is RTF? Real Text Format?


RTF = Rich Text Format.

Essentially, it is cross between a Word/AppleWorks file and a text file. A text file has practically no formatting and often doesn't preserve the font (assuming the recipitant computer has the same font), font size, colour, or bold/italic/underline. RTF does all this, and the file size is smaller than a Word/AppleWorks file. However, some formatting things like pictures aren't kept in an RTF file.


I should be able to get at least one review done before Christmas.

Anyone mind if I write mine directly into HTML? Just that that way, you'll have to make fewer changes to fit it in with the formatting of the site.

Incidentally, I'm currently about 5 paragraphs into the review (And only just warming up... :p)

i'm gonna be playing Guild Wars all-day long today so i should review it later on next week :)

Anyone mind if I write mine directly into HTML?

Incidentally, I'm currently about 5 paragraphs into the review

Nope, no one minds

What game are you currently reviewing?

RTF = Rich Text Format.

Ah, thanks for clearing that up

I should be able to get at least one review done before Christmas.

And what game will you be reviewing first? (just wondering)

i'm gonna be playing Guild Wars all-day long today so I should review it later on next week

Awesome! Looking forward reading the review, myself and Blinx has played the beta so I'm interested in what comments and opinions you'll say

Think we should extend the deadline to Jan 10/15 2005

Also, can some one post a list of what games people are doing? I would but forgot, sorry

Think we should extend the deadline to Jan 10/15 2005Yes, I suppose that would be okay.
Also, can some one post a review list of what games people are doing? I would but forgot, sorry
Dan:
NFS Underground 2
Guild Wars
Evil Genius

Alex:
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Half-Life 2

Ev:
Eric the Unready
Guild Wars
Albion

OldSkool Andy:
Half-Life 2
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC)
Neverhood

Josh (me):
Donkey Konga

Gareth:
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Half-Life 2
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War

Thomas:
Worms 3D (XBox)
The Simpsons Hit and Run (XBox)
Colin McRae Rally 2005 (XBox) Complete
Project Gotham Racing 2 (XBox)
Midtown Madness 3 (XBox)
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge (XBox)
Worms1 (Mac)
The Sims 1 (Mac)
Theme Park World (Mac)

Paul:
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion

Obviously, we're still in need of more reviewers (and reviews).

i'm gonna be playing Guild Wars all-day long today so i should review it later on next week :)

I love that game. I've been playing it all weekend long.


No offense to this person, but who's Gareth.:-/

No offense to this person, but who's Gareth.:-/

Blinx

My reviews

Instead of me reviewing Guild Wars could I review Eric the Unready? My 2nd favourite PC game but if not, it's okay I've done a review for it at MobyGames already ;)

I can't get Worms: Forts, majority of my money is to contribute to the less fortunate and needy for Christmas
You know, you could replace Worm Forts with either Eric or Worms 2 if you want, that'll work out for the best

EDIT: Obviously, we're still in need of more reviewers (and reviews)

I'll see if Ben is willing to participate

I think we need to review mostly the new games, but having an oldies section would be great too. There are some great games that the new generation haven't played because they have been all but completly forgoten.

I think we need to review mostly the new games, but having an oldies section would be great too. There are some great games that the new generation haven't played because they have been all but completly forgoten.

Exactly, my favourite games consist in the range of 1990-1998
I prefer these old goodies to the games out there today

Hope no one minds if my review list contains old yet memorable games

FutureWorm: I hope you dont mind but I edited your post to include the mac games I hope to review.

FatWhitey: I'll probably review Colin McRae Rally '05 first, as I'm currently playing that.

FatWhitey: I'll probably review Colin McRae Rally '05 first, as I'm currently playing that.

Looking forward reading the review

Looking forward reading the review

Don't expect anything great, I'm hopeless at writing reviews.

Nope, no one minds

What game are you currently reviewing?
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion :)

I'm hopeless at writing reviews.

Same here, which is why I'm dedicating and putting my time and concentration into successful, informative, yet enjoyable reviews

But, I'm sure you're not all that hopeless :p

I have (had?) a column at GamePartisan.com wherein I basically wrote my feelings about videogames, the Industry, the lot. It was called "Made In England" and I'm not very fond of it.

I need a new column to vent my Videogames Frustrations, and I would like it to be on gG.

Another potential titles: GamesOverDose (www.games-OD.com perhaps...?)

06.12.04 @ 5:20 PM: [List (http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=333889&postcount=149)] updated.

double post edit:

I have (had?) a column at GamePartisan.com wherein I basically wrote my feelings about videogames, the Industry, the lot. It was called "Made In England" and I'm not very fond of it.

I need a new column to vent my Videogames Frustrations, and I would like it to be on gG.
That'd be great.

List updated

Thank you for altering the titles a bit for me, since I've got only 3 I'll try my best to make the reviews interesting and entertaining

I need a new column to vent my Videogames Frustrations, and I would like it to be on gG.

Welcome aboard (GG's ranter :p)

Think we should extend the deadline to Jan 10/15 2005Y'know, with that kind of deadline I could probably do a few more reviews. Like SimCity 4/SC4:RH, and Sonic Adventure DX, and (in a half-jokey fashion) Michael Vaughan's Cricket Manager (the joke being that he endorsed the product before he became famous [okay, famous to people like me who like cricket], so it's actually a very basic game that he probably wouldn't endorse now he is famous [see previous square brackets]. By "very basic", I mean "all the fun of watching cricket on Ceefax, but slightly more interactive").

Y'know, with that kind of deadline I could probably do a few more reviews. Like SimCity 4/SC4:RH, and Sonic Adventure DX, and (in a half-jokey fashion) Michael Vaughan's Cricket Manager (the joke being that he endorsed the product before he became famous [okay, famous to people like me who like cricket], so it's actually a very basic game that he probably wouldn't endorse now he is famous [see previous square brackets]. By "very basic", I mean "all the fun of watching cricket on Ceefax, but slightly more interactive").

Feel free to write more reviews then, I'm sure everyone is honoured and glad to read each other's reviews
See, I've not heard of Michael Vaughan's Cricket Manager, so a review of that would be interesting
Paul, look at what I've found: http://mobygames.com/game/sheet/p,3/gameId,5087/

"By "very basic", I mean "all the fun of watching cricket on Ceefax, but slightly more interactive"

Or, to put your term in short form: A Cricket interactive game in which as the factor of watching Cricket for fun :p

Also, I wouldn't mind covering the Cube...

Also, I wouldn't mind covering the Cube...

As long as your Gamecube reviews are 3 to 5 games, sure

A Cricket interactive game in which as the factor of watching Cricket for fun
I hope your reviews make more sense than that sentence.

More usefully, has anyone looked into possible hosts or domain name servers yet? It would suck to have a bunch of reviews and nowhere to put them.

I hope your reviews make more sense than that sentence.

Well, I edited his Mobygame reviews into a more understandable format, before he put them online. Basically, they all started off as a tad incomprehensible, I had to decipher them. But I'm sure that FW will put more effort into these reviews and that that was just a slip because it was written off the top of his head.

At least, I hope so. ;)

NOTE: Btw, I will be submitting stuff to this site thing but as I don't know how regularly, etc, that's all I can say for now.

I hope your reviews make more sense than that sentence.

I only missed a h to as

your post

Those reviews were to the best of my ability

More usefully, has anyone looked into possible hosts or domain name servers yet?
[Omnis (http://www.omnis.com/)]. My Dad uses them, and apparently they're "amazing. It is between $8 - $10 per month for Windows hosting (ASP), slightly cheaper for Unix hosting (PHP), and get this... 1Gb of storage and 500 email accounts. If you sign up for a year, you get the domain name free." To quote an email he sent me.

Why would anyone actualy want a Windows based server? Espetialy if Linux/Unix is going to be cheaper.

More usefully, has anyone looked into possible hosts or domain name servers yet? It would suck to have a bunch of reviews and nowhere to put them.better yet, who's gonna pay for it?

I and FutureWorm agreed the writing style for the reviews will be as followed

Introduction, Gameplay, Graphics, Sound, Value, Final Thought/Closing

For each section, write a paragraph but the whole actual review must be a page long, same length as a Doc page

Comedy in the Introduction and Final Thought/Closing is only acceptable

Screenies can be included as well

When I joined GamePartisan.com there were a few things they were quite strict about. When reviewing games features and such must be referred to in present tense (because they still exist), italics can only be used for videogame titles (which is why that's the only time I tend to use italics on the forum), and so on. And this sort of information was given to me in a Word Document.

No matter what website or magazine yuo end up writing for, they have specific rules about the style of writing (I managed to get my mits on a copy of GamesMaster's Style Sheet from a contact I have in Future, and that's one reason why I don't read their magazione anymore).

Comedy in the Introduction and Final Thought/Closing is only acceptable
I find that disagreeable. I think it is acceptable to use humor through the entire review. If I find graphics laughable, I would tend to make jokes about it. As long as the information communicated is true and unbiased, and as long as the readers enjoy reading it, why does it matter whether the attitude is serious or not?

I find that disagreeable. I think it is acceptable to use humor through the entire review. If I find graphics laughable, I would tend to make jokes about it. As long as the information communicated is true and unbiased, and as long as the readers enjoy reading it, why does it matter whether the attitude is serious or not?

I was only saying, you don't need to take that part of the guideline to your view
That's how I'm doing my review, but however the reviewer wants to express the game is up to them, just showing my side of how I write reviews

I think it would be fun to give each reviewer an "avatar" that could be used at the top of any articles or comment boxes or whatever that they write (and, I guess, on a forum). I was thinking of a little cartoon picture sort of coming out of a ring graphic. It would be nice if they were all done with the same artistic style and the same ring graphic. Give the site a consistent look, as well as helping distinguish between the various Andys.

And I reckon a similar thing for the different platforms would be good -- I do love those cartoon drawings of control pads you get on Earthworm Jim's control screen, or the ones that are in the "frontend" folder of WFUS for no apparent reason.
To demonstrate what I meant back on page two (assuming you all use the same posts-per-page I do), I've knocked up a layout. There's a few things I'd change about it (I'd move a couple of things from a table to a div, for example, and perhaps the header font could be smaller to cater for lower resolutions than 1168) but overall I like it.

Link: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~phy1amt/gameGeeker/index.html
Link: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~phy1amt/gameGeeker/review.html

[The "REVIEW" page demonstrates the avatar thing I meant; the INDEX page is more generic. It works perfectly in Mozilla, Opera, and Netscape, but true to form, IE can't display the international cross-platform standard PNG graphics without stripping out the alpha channel and replacing it with an ugly grey box. I suppose I could use GIFs instead, but I'd really rather not. Just don't look at this version in IE.]

I didn't bother to save the concept logos or anything, and in any case wouldn't have had the PSDs, so I used a combination of Photoshop's limited vector support, Macromedia's version of Fake Latin, whatever names it occured to me to type in, and stand-in graphics stolen from WFUS, to knock up a page to demonstrate it.

(The avatars in theory can stretch out any distance beyond the box, but obviously you'd have to put a limit on them.)

And in true Mac IE5.1.7 form, that page is completely messed up with the right hand bar overlaying the text :rolleyes:

and perhaps the header font could be smaller to cater for lower resolutions than 1168) but overall I like it.

DAMN YOU. I'm on a resolution with a width of 1152! So close!
I suppose I *could* just maximise it over both monitors. But that'd be sane!

But that'd be sane!
I can see this phrase completly replacing, "That's insane," in the next 10-15 years.

As is no doubt expected of me, my comment box does not in any way pertain to this review. I’d like to talk about cricket and dammit, I’m going to. Now, last night was the fourth Test and had England won it they’d have won the series, but of course they didn’t because they’re a bunch of ****ing monkeys

:D.

Hopefully that won't be too prescient (at least in the "England not winning" sense)

On the actual topic of conversation, I'm on a laptop that does 1024 tops, and that's pretty much what most people use these days anyway, so it's probably best sticking with that...

To demonstrate what I meant back on page two (assuming you all use the same posts-per-page I do), I've knocked up a layout. There's a few things I'd change about it (I'd move a couple of things from a table to a div, for example, and perhaps the header font could be smaller to cater for lower resolutions than 1168) but overall I like it.

Link: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~phy1amt/gameGeeker/index.html
Link: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~phy1amt/gameGeeker/review.html

[The "REVIEW" page demonstrates the avatar thing I meant; the INDEX page is more generic. It works perfectly in Mozilla, Opera, and Netscape, but true to form, IE can't display the international cross-platform standard PNG graphics without stripping out the alpha channel and replacing it with an ugly grey box. I suppose I could use GIFs instead, but I'd really rather not. Just don't look at this version in IE.]

I didn't bother to save the concept logos or anything, and in any case wouldn't have had the PSDs, so I used a combination of Photoshop's limited vector support, Macromedia's version of Fake Latin, whatever names it occured to me to type in, and stand-in graphics stolen from WFUS, to knock up a page to demonstrate it.

(The avatars in theory can stretch out any distance beyond the box, but obviously you'd have to put a limit on them.)Yes, I really like that. I could create some nicer graphics, and we could go with a similar layout as that.

On the actual topic of conversation, I'm on a laptop that does 1024 tops, and that's pretty much what most people use these days anyway, so it's probably best sticking with that...
My flat panel wouldn't let me go above that either.

Yes, I really like that.

Same here

Is myself, AndrewTaylor, and FutureWorm only able to see this page?

The page looks simply spectacular in Firefox 1.0 with 1280x960 resolution.

An idea for GameGeeker:

How's about we create our own IRC channel (not network, just a channel on a network) for discussing either games, game reviews or website development?

I know of a small and newly formed IRC network that is wanting to expand. It has great uptime (over six weeks - much better than the likes of gamesurge sorry nutter ;)) and nice, friendly admins and would be the perfect place to hold discussions about the website. The only problem is, you'll need an IRC client to visit it. See www.mirc.com for details of PC IRC clients.

I've already created a chan there, called #gamegeeker

The network is irc.gamesaloon.net I'm occasionally online there under the nickname "thomasp"


If people approve of this, we could maybe make the IRC channel open to everyone who views the website. By this, I mean publish the details on the GameGeeker website (when its created) and maybe even have a Java IRC web browser-based client for people to connect to the channel on.


Opinions?

Very, very good. Let's yes!

yay for Opera having built-in IRC chat support! :)

yes it's a good idea. it should be easier to talk to (and find) people on IRC than, say, MSN.
btw i'm there now so if anyone wants to talk just drop by.

yay for Opera having built-in IRC chat support! :)

yes it's a good idea. it should be easier to talk to (and find) people on IRC than, say, MSN.
btw i'm there now so if anyone wants to talk just drop by.

You mean JUST like Mozilla? ;)
Or like Firefox with a 20k or something stupidly small like that plugin?

;)

w00tage. I'm in there right now, and I must say that this is an excellent idea. I'll be in this IRC whenever I'm online, if anyone wishes to chat.

Here's what I propose: let's have a big IRC chat at some set time, maybe tomorrow.

Here's what I propose: let's have a big IRC chat at some set time, maybe tomorrow.

The gameGeeker get-together, I'm set for it tomorrow

I'll be on and off from around 4:30pm GMT until about 10:00pm GMT.

I'll also be adding people to the userlist and giving you a crash-course in IRC if you need it :)

I'll be on and off from around 4:30pm GMT until about 10:00pm GMT.

I'll also be adding people to the userlist and giving you a crash-course in IRC if you need it :)

Even though, should be private message you, I'll say it here

Thank you for showing me and teaching me the common knowledge of using IRC

Can't express enough, how you were able stay normal and not be annoyed or bother by my ramblings

I'm looking forward to speaking with you all, and keep in mind thomasp is my alter ego :p

I'm currently using trillian for IRC chat, but I find it's rather pants. Can anyone recommend a good IRC App that isn't mIRC?

And in true Mac IE5.1.7 form, that page is completely messed up with the right hand bar overlaying the text :rolleyes:
Well, then use Safari. That's what it's for. Thing is, I can't very well test it on Mac IE5.1.7, having neither soft nor hardware to do so. I generally assume that anything that works in FireFox, Opera, IE, and Netscape will work in Safari too because as I understand it Safari is about the most compatible and standards-compliant browser known to man.

The resolution thing is easy enough to fix, too. Plus a smaller font might allow a second line of small header text detailing genre, players, company, whatever.

Other changes I would make to the layout would be to change the body text from a pixel size to a point size so people can change it with their browser even if they don't have Opera, and to add a "by genre" list to the right bar. Oh, and my Apache server won't work, so it's a total ***** to test PHP scripts on it (as I have to do it with the console and php.exe), but I know for a fact I can make a PHP version of server side includes (which I know some servers won't support natively). That would do for most purposes, since it would let us update the left panel on all pages by changing one file.

I'm currently using trillian for IRC chat, but I find it's rather pants. Can anyone recommend a good IRC App that isn't mIRC?

Bersirc!
Bersirc!
Bersirc!

www.bersirc.com

Well, then use Safari. That's what it's for. Thing is, I can't very well test it on Mac IE5.1.7, having neither soft nor hardware to do so. I generally assume that anything that works in FireFox, Opera, IE, and Netscape will work in Safari too because as I understand it Safari is about the most compatible and standards-compliant browser known to man.

I'm running OS9.2.1 on my mac, which means I can't run Safari. And, my mac is too old and slow to run OSX. There are only 3 browsers available (that I know of) for OS9: IE5.1.x, Opera and Mozilla 1.3.

Opera is awful, in my opinion, and Mozilla runs very, very slowly (but well). That's why I use IE most of the time...


As for IRC apps, some versions of Opera and Mozilla have built-in IRC clients.


FatWhitey: Thanks :)

And you still support Macs?

And you still support Macs?

Yes :p :D .

And you still support Macs?

Just because his Mac is awful, doesn't mean all Macs are, hence supporting Macs still makes sense! :p

I'll be at the Gamegeek IRC chatroom 4:30PM

Hope to see you there :)

i'm there right now :p
and thomasp.

I'll be at the Gamegeek IRC chatroom 4:30PM

Hope to see you there :)

It usually helps if you state either your timezone (and what the timezone is relative to GMT), or state the time in GMT. :p

Bersirc!
Bersirc!
Bersirc!

www.bersirc.com
...Which doesn't save my favourites, refuses to delete the ones I've deletd despite actually appearing to delete them, and doesn't like joining channels. Yeah, it rocks.

...Which doesn't save my favourites, refuses to delete the ones I've deletd despite actually appearing to delete them, and doesn't like joining channels. Yeah, it rocks.

Try dIRC: http://www.dircchat.com/ I've never used it though, so don't go running to me for help.


If anyone has access to a server which we could leave an IRC bot idling on, then we can see just how active the chan is. Pop into the channel and talk to me about it if you require more info about what I'm after.


I'm always in IRC if I'm online on the forum. I'm online betwen 4:30pm and about 10:00pm weekdays (GMT), and from about 10:00am to 10:00pm weekends (GMT). I come and go a lot.


Just because his Mac is awful, doesn't mean all Macs are, hence supporting Macs still makes sense! :p

Well said ;D

I got it working, anyway. I'm there now.

I got it working, anyway. I'm there now.

I'm in the chatroom as well

...Which doesn't save my favourites, refuses to delete the ones I've deletd despite actually appearing to delete them, and doesn't like joining channels. Yeah, it rocks.

Favourites? Pfffft. Just set it up to join all the servers on perform.
Doesn't like joining channels? What do you mean?
Is

/join #channelname

really that difficult?

Please don't tell me you're some GUI-obsessed fiend.

latest chatlog. from my side, at least.

Yes :p :D .

This sums up my feelings for Macs.:p

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=archives&date=2004-07-03

if u still want those cartoons, post your reviwer description here and ill have a bash at them

if u still want those cartoons, post your reviwer description here and ill have a bash at them

Make my appearance Dwarf like, orange hair + beard, yet kind of geeky you know, buck teeth and a PC Gaming shirt but make the overall appearance comical, thanks

There are a couple of pictures of me at Dream17, you can use those as Source Material for my potrait thingy.

Make my appearance Dwarf like, orange hair + beard, yet kind of geeky you know, buck teeth and a PC Gaming shirt but make the overall appearance comical, thanks
There are a couple of pictures of me at Dream17, you can use those as Source Material.
That made me laugh. I have no idea if that was intentional.

if u still want those cartoons, post your reviwer description here and ill have a bash at them

Is a worm eating an Apple coloured apple possible (either the old OS9 stripey apple, or the OSX "aqua" apple)? Thanks :)


I'm not sure yet, but I think the only way we can have a bot in the chan is to have our own dedicated server. I'll make some enquiries

That made me laugh. I have no idea if that was intentional.
No, it wasn't.

Ooh, go on, let's have something non-Wormy and actually looking-like-me for a change. Average height, loose-fitting sweater and jogging pants, dark brown hair, glasses, stubble, permanent cheesy grin...

I've been speaking to someone on IRC about getting a logging bot in the chan, and here's what they said:

[21:06:19] thomasp: if i have a server for webspace, etc, is it possible to have a logging bot on that server which connects to irc, and logs what goes on in a chan?
[21:07:00] thomasp: or, if that's not possible, is it possible to have a bot regularly upload channel logs to a website?
[21:07:24] iknietjij: and the answer is yes, if you have shell access and are allowed to run a process
[21:07:34] thomasp: ok
[21:07:43] thomasp: what about to q2?
[21:08:29] adapter: I can give you a shell tp
[21:08:34] adapter: and ikni can tell you what to do
[21:08:57] iknietjij: lol
[21:08:57] iknietjij: i'm not a linux guy
[21:08:58] thomasp: what's a shell?
[21:09:02] iknietjij: just know you need to run a bot which needs a process
[21:09:05] iknietjij: and thus a shell
[21:09:10] adapter: heh
[21:09:20] adapter: thomasp: an account on a linux box
[21:09:29] adapter: I could give you one on caffeine
[21:09:51] thomasp: ok
[21:10:17] thomasp: is it then possible to have those logs upload to a website at set intervals?
[21:10:31] adapter: probably
[21:10:35] adapter: I'm not too sure really


(Caffeine is one of the IRC servers - I may persue that route...)

I'll try to track down someone who knows about scripting bots to get logs regularly uploaded to a website.

hmmm... i need to get an updated photo of myself. basically i'd like one of me holding a rocket launcher and with a belt of grenades across my chest. not that i want to look like "rambo", just that those are my favorite weapons on games :D

More news on the IRC logging bot:

[22:21:06] thomasp: would it be possible to code an ircbot that automatically uploads logs from a chan its in to a specific website?
[22:23:01] Bungle: i'd assume so
[22:23:07] thomasp: ok
[22:23:25] Bungle: as long as the bot is running on the same machine or has a direct connection to a protocol which is capable of uploading it regulary


So, a question to those who are handling the website hosting: will it be possible?

Here's what I'd like for my avatar:

I've got fairly long brown hair (bangs going down to eyebrows, hair over the ears), wearing sw33t sunglasses (like Oakleys), listening to an iPod

Sorry, I forgot to go to the channel. I should've checked this thread. I'll read the log another day when I have more time.

Is a worm eating an Apple coloured apple possible (either the old OS9 stripey apple, or the OSX "aqua" apple)? Thanks :)

That's an imaginative idea.

As for my avatar, I'll have to think about that one.

Ooh, go on, let's have something non-Wormy and actually looking-like-me for a change. Average height, loose-fitting sweater and jogging pants, dark brown hair, glasses, stubble, permanent cheesy grin...
Yeah; if more than about two people have worms as their avatars it'll look mighty odd.

double post edit:

So, a question to those who are handling the website hosting: will it be possible?
I don't know a lot about IRC but I would expect based on little more than gut feeling that most hosts probably wouldn't allow that as it would involve a lot of their CPU time and stuff to have something running and monitoring a chat channel 24/7. It might be possible, but it would probably be simpler to have it email the logs to someone and they can upload them, or email them to a list server, or even POST them to a CGI or PHP script that could add them to a dynamic page.

ok ill get started on those profily pics soon

I don't know a lot about IRC but I would expect based on little more than gut feeling that most hosts probably wouldn't allow that as it would involve a lot of their CPU time and stuff to have something running and monitoring a chat channel 24/7. It might be possible, but it would probably be simpler to have it email the logs to someone and they can upload them, or email them to a list server, or even POST them to a CGI or PHP script that could add them to a dynamic page.

I *may* (not promising anything) be able to have a bot on one of the IRC servers, if I beg to the owner of the server. That server apparently has its FTP working, so, if I can find someone to code a bot for me, it may be possible to have the logs upload to a website at regular intervals.

I'm not promising anything though.

I've written some ARTICULS. I want my own Rant Column.

double post edit:

Okay, this needs saying because I've had to discuss my position within GamePartisan with the Editor-In-Chief. He recently contacted me asking for my return to the site, which I was all for. This was before the gG discussions started, and I'd written two articles for them (neither of which have appeared on GP).

He just came on to AIM and I thought I'd let him know that we are setting up our own site but, if possible, I would like to write for both. He says "That has certainly never been GamePartisan policy, but let me mull it over." And then he'll email me back.

It seems possible I may be able to write for both sites, however if it comes down to choosing I reckon I may be more inclined to go with GP at the moment, primarily ebcause I know what that site is capable of and what it will be delivering come the new year. And I don't have a clue what's happenign with gG because, frankly, we need to be better organised.

Just so you know.

And I don't have a clue what's happening with gG because, frankly, we need to be better organised

Yeah,

Remember the IRC GG chatroom? We were in the process of talking about the current website layout, but we went a bit off topic. We tried to stay on topic, but ended up escalating to topics which weren't really related to GG in general. I'm not the best person to organise as to what is going on at the moment, not even sure...

Been focusing on doing the three reviews for our "company/mag" as my first priority.

Everyone, please view the [List (http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=333889&postcount=149), and let us know what reviews people are finished with. Keep the January 15 deadline in mind.

FutureWorm,

Since The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion won't be out until 2006 (assuming from the forumers there) please change that title to Guild Wars.

and i'm gonna review Evil Genius instead of Warhammer. just to let you know.

I've got a minor portion of Albion done; I'm doing the review as followed: Graphics, Gameplay, Sound, Value, and Conclusion

I've asked Gamespot to generously offer/supply me with two screenies of Albion, in which they've accepted

Hooray, because that's certainly not a Tried and Tested formula for reviewing games...

The problem is that most videogame magazines and sites review from these perspectives. We're all gamers, what's important to gamers?

Hooray, because that's certainly not a Tried and Tested formula for reviewing games...

The problem is that most videogame magazines and sites review from these perspectives. We're all gamers, what's important to gamers?

Gameplay, is the most important to me in terms of perspective in a game.

What's important to gamers? a decent pay for a game but value is well worth it.

I've decided to take an aid in help (prefer not to say what it is, sorry) with reviews rather than pick each section to break up the overall review.

Aside from the reviews, I'm looking forward reading your columns. You've written readable quality columns at Fried, this has inspired me to take interest in reading your columns for GG.

You may be interested in clickign [here (http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/index.php?view=58)], [here (http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/index.php?view=65)], and [here (http://www.gamepartisan.com/specials/index.php?view=71)].

17.12.04 @ 3:49 PM: [List (http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=333889&postcount=149)] updated again.

my reviews are gonna get delayed.
check Negative Events & Occurances.

My first review :D


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


============================
COLIN MCRAE RALLY 2005 - XBOX
============================


Colin McRae Rally 2005 is the next in the rally series based on the popular Rally Champion. There are three different game modes: Challenge, Championship and Career. Challenge Mode allows you to drive any of the cars you’ve unlocked on any of the tracks you’ve unlocked. The aim is to beat the record time. This is the only mode available for multiplayer on one console. In Championship Mode, you drive as Colin McRae, out to win the World Rally Championship. Battle through six rallies in six different countries with up to seven different tracks to race on in each country, to win the ultimate prize: the Championship. Most of your driving will happen in Career mode, as this is the only place where you can unlock cars. Take on a variety of challenges, ranging from 4-stage rallies to 37-stage championships.

Someone who is used to more traditional car racing games, like Project Gotham Racing 2 may find the rally cars very hard to control at first, and you may find yourself finishing the early stages 30 seconds down from the winner. However, once you’ve mastered how the cars handle, you’ll be back at the top - winning rallies.

In Career mode, you begin with basic two-wheel drive cars and have to unlock more tracks and more cars to progress. This is done by gaining Driver Ranking points, which are obtained by winning events. A typical event may contain four rallies, or may be a “cup” made from seventeen stages in four rallies. To earn points, you must have a podium finish (top three) - the higher you finish a challenge, the more points you get. The organisation of this mode is good - there are car “classes” that are unlocked by earning more points. The more points you earn, the better cars and harder challenges you have to compete in. If you are finding a class hard to complete, it is not always essential to complete it to allow you to progress onto a different class - you can skip some out, although it may not help you later on.

If you have gained enough points from a certain class, you unlock additional cars tracks and testing for that car series. Depending on the cars, you can upgrade the engine, gearbox, brakes, exhaust and suspension systems. For all the cars, these exercises are identical - you have to complete a series of tests within a certain time, often destroying the part being tested. This allows you to improve the handling and performance of the cars

Championship mode is much the same as Career mode, except you have to compete in around 35 events using the same car, and there are more races in a single location.


Gameplay
--------------

Generally, the gameplay of this game is excellent. Each car has its own interesting handling characteristics (for example, a rear-engined, rear wheel drive car is almost impossible to drive on wet ground or loose gravel!). The tracks are made from a variety of different surfaces, ranging from tarmac to gravel to snow to ice, all of which (apart from snow and gravel) can be drenched with water should a rally require. Because of these different surfaces, tyre choice and correct car setup is essential - mess this up and you’ll be 20 seconds down by the half-way mark! The handling of the cars reacts incredibly well to the different surfaces, and you really have to be alert when you are on a multi-surface track.

One nice feature of the game is the co-driver - someone who sits in the passenger seat of the car and gives detailed instructions of what the upcoming corners are like. At first, this will prove annoying, but once you understand what he’s talking about, the information is essential.

In a rally, there is only ever one car on the track at any one time (unlike in, say, Project Gotham Racing 2, where you can have up to 8 cars sharing the same track). This means that there is much better car damage in Colin McRae 2005, compared to a normal racing game. After each stage (or in a rally, every two stages), you get a set amount of time to repair the car - if you go over, you get penalised on time for the next race. There are many different ways in which the cars deform, all of which look very good. However, as with all games, the damage is by no means realistic. If you drive into a tree at 75mph, you’d expect to get slightly more than a dented bonnet and bent axle!


Graphics and sounds
-----------------------------

In single-player mode, the graphics are excellent. If you drive off the track and hit a tree, different types of leaves fall off the tree, depending on the type of tree hit. The backgrounds look very realistic along with the cars and audiences watching your every skid.

However, if you play split-screen multiplayer with two or more people, the graphics really go downhill. I would not recommend to anyone to play this game on split-screen multiplayer. Instead, play it on “Alternate” mode, where one car goes after the other, allowing each player to have a full screen. The graphics and sound on split-screen multiplayer are almost as bad as a racing game running on a six year old desktop computer.

There is no option for in-game music. I feel this is a wise choice, as it would mask the co-drivers’ notes, something which is essential to winning an event. Each car has its own unique engine sound. There is also a wide range of other sounds, like cheering crowds, body parts flapping around (for example, if the bodywork is seriously damaged and you turn a sharp corner, you hear the car doors fly open and slam shut!), and other similar sounds that indicate a broken car.


Conclusion
----------------

An excellent rally game which has quite a long life-span in my opinion. There are over 30 different car classes in Career mode, each with many rallies in them to be won. However, some events may get a little tedious after a while, and there are only two difficulty levels (gauged by how much your car gets damaged) - there is no “beginner” level - everyone is in the same boat.

The graphics and damage effects on this game are excellent, but are let down by the split-screen multiplayer mode. On the plus side, there is a lot of room for customising your own multiplayer rally, although a rally with more than a couple of races would take a very long time running it in Alternate mode.

This game is compatible with XBox Live!, although I do not have XBox Live! so I am unable to comment on the online playing features.


===========
Overall Rating
===========

8.5 out of 10.

Excellent. I'll put a "COMPLETE" by your name on the list.

Now, that is what you call a review!

Informative yet capable of delivering useful and important aspect features of the game

EDIT: My style of review is a bit different... instead of breaking down the game in catagories I'm going to mention the features, graphics, sound, gamplay all at once just at different times during the review, sure I might mention other games but that helps to understand the game bit better

Now, that is what you call a review!

Informative yet capable of delivering useful and important aspect features of the game

EDIT: My style of review is a bit different... instead of breaking down the game in catagories I'm going to mention the features, graphics, sound, gamplay all at once just at different times during the review, sure I might mention other games but that helps to understand the game bit better

Thanks :)

That's about 6600 charectars, or around 2 sides of A4, size 12.

Sorry to bump this

FutureWorm due to the length of my Albion review could you take out Guild Wars? my Albion Review makes up for another game considering the length of it

My Albion Review

Game play, Characters/Character Personalities, storyline and finally the sound/music these are four key elements to a RPG. And thankfully and fortunately Albion delivered and mastered all four elements. First off let us start with the Gameplay, shall we?

Short Introduction

Albion is a 1996, underrated Science Fiction, Adventure, RPG game. Made by Blue Byte, there were two versions of this game made English and German.

Gameplay

Albion is a 2D and 3D Science Fiction, RPG game. 2D mode takes place during when you and your companions walk on the planet Albion in search of a cave, dungeon, or Town. 3D takes place inside caves and dungeons and when in a village. The game uses a different and unique approach to the battle system when the enemy or you connect an ATTACK dialog appears. Your party is set on a square, a canvas of squares. You right click you or your companion’s player and a choice of options appear. These options consist of Attack, Do Nothing, Defend, Advance, Magic Attack, and Run Away. Battle turns go in a turn of you choose what you and your companions want to do then your foes. Although you don’t get to see yourself using the weapon you’ve equipped you see a flash upon your enemy and a dialog to the right-hand bottom side of how much damage you’ve done. When you die during a battle your characters picture located to the bottom left is gone, leaving a shadow of your character’s portrait. What is interesting about the game is that even though this is a fictional video game it kind of is realistic to our modern world. What I mean to this is, when you venture into a dank and dark cave the logical thing to do is to use a torch and another example is your carrying capacity. Your character has a limited space in backpack and holding heavy weapons, hats, armour, and boots as well this is vaguely similar to real life. Meaning the loads of items in your backpack which are heavy has you’ll be stopped and forced to remove some items. Now what Albion also delivers to the player, aside from fighting monsters to gain levels and getting useful and helpful items is the complex and yet challenging puzzles you’ll need to solve in the game. Majority of the puzzles are find the button, push it and see what happened kind of thing but a small amount of the puzzles are pulling leavers or stepping of color floor plates. Overall the game play experience was proper and enjoyable, although this game is your usual fight monsters to gain experience levels and items, the puzzle solving majority makes up for the monster slaying. One last thing to add to the overall conclusion of the overall bit is that this game actually has comedy. Well the only comedy I’ve found funny was when Tom and his companions were in a cave-cavern sort of thing with rubble everywhere and Drirr (one of your companions) sees a light blue color floor plate on the floor, now your party knows red is evil and blue is good, yet they were curious to see what happens. So Drirr steps on the floor plate, the ground beneath them breaks and they fall. Now this is where comedy comes in, Tom does not give a “Drirr you should have not stepped on that” but a “Damn, watch what you are doing, your curiosity will kill us all”

Characters/ Character Personalities

this bit of the review will mention the character name and occupation.

Tom – This is whom you play as in Albion and also the main character of the game. Although not really the smartest he makes up for his intelligence though his talent and skill of being the Pilot of the company who he works for.

Rainer – This is the last Government inspector left at the company. He joins your party in the very start and does what the captain advises him to do so. Also Rainer is the only Xenobiologist (a scientist who studies plants) of the company as well, this character is probably the most intelligent as well.

Drirr – An Iskai (cat like race, majority populated on Albion) Warrior who joins your party when an unknown murderer assassin kills Sira’s father.

Sira – A Das Kjas Mage, she joins your party after seeing her father get killed by the unknown murderer assassin. She joins due to not wanting to be around her homeland.

Mallthas – The Druid Mage, he is deaf and dumb. He joins your party in search of his step-father but also is in love with Sira. They apparently have a mentally strong connection with each other.

Khunag – Possibly the most intelligent and helpful character in the game. Khunag is from the Kenget Kamulos race, they are fierce and evil warriors and mages. He joins your party when Tom asks him to join to help out in general. But later on in the game Khunag’s past comes back to haunt him. The story of Khunag is a long and complex one but I’ll briefly give a description of it. Khunag belong to the Kenget Kamulos clan but apparently betrayed them. He changed his physical appearance so his ex-brothers won’t recognize him, but they’re far too intelligent for that. He betrays his follow ex brothers again by using Tom and his companions for the High Knowledge (this is one of the items to defeat AI, the last boss of the game) once Kamulos (the evil lord and ruler of the Kenget Kamulos race) is defeated, Tom and his companions get the High Knowledge item, Khunag feels bad of what he did to his friends so asks to leave (you can say yes or no to his leaving question, say no for you’ll need him in the last boss battle)

Harriet – The Dji Cantos Mage, or enlighten one as the character stat describes her. You meet her at the very last bit of the game, she joins your party to help you stop your company and their companions from destroying Albion by drilling the minerals from the ground for profit and money and all the life forms. But most importantly she crafts THE SEED (the other item to destroy the AI) THE SEED is what will destroy the AI and win the game.

Joe – Your old friend and friendly technician, he joins your party and the very end of the game almost near when you fight NED, AI, and Colonel Priver.

Other Characters/Places

NED – The Android of the Toronto he helps you at the starting but it comes clear that he and the Colonel planned to destroy Albion and also caused the death of the government inspector Snoopy, you fight him during the end of the game luckily he is very easy to destroy.
AI – The Artificial Intelligence of the ship, Toronto this machine is the whole reason of trying to destroy Albion but also planned a scheme to fire the Captain and is responsible of bad things happening to the company. THE SEED is a useful item to destroy it, what happens is THE SEED grows and dominates this machine and eventually turns the whole ship and company to plants.
Colonel Priver – Part ruler and dominator of the company, Priver believes destroying Albion for profit will benefit himself and his company
Captain Brandt – The captain of the company, he sends you along with Rainer off to Albion to observe and gather information.

Toronto – The ship in which was destroyed and is also the main place you start off in.

Story

(starting to intelligent beings are credited to Blue Byte’s official Albion page)

The year 2227, and Tom Driscoll is orbiting a lifeless planet rich in minerals known as Albion. While studying the planet, he looses control of his shuttle craft and crash lands. Upon regaining consciousness he discovers that Albion is inhabited by intelligent beings. The story of Albion is a long and complex one, but basically Tom and his companions must stop his fellow company from digging minerals out of Albion for money, doing this will cause the planet of Albion to not exist but also kill off all the lifeforms. There is also a story of the goodness trying to prevent evil beings and monsters from dominating Albion. The most interesting story in Albion in my view is the Iskai and humans differences, they were in harmony with each other but soon enough became enemies then friends again. That is until the middle of the game you’re set in a long cut scene of viewing a recent Iskai and human war.

Sound/Music

In my view and opinion the most important and very creative aspect of the game. Aside from the complex yet detailed story this is what makes the game appealing and unique. The music itself is very memorial and comfortable and also it portrays well to the islands of Albion, sailing and overall inside of towns, dungeons, and caves. It is a bit hard to describe the overall music feeling and the actual music. What I can say is that it fits well to the overall science fiction theme.

Conclusion

Albion is a very well crafted, produced and excellent game. This is my favourite Science Fiction and RPG game, this was definitely worth my money, I would advise you all to download a demo for as which sadly, the full version is no long available to buy. The game demo is on Gamespot’s page, just title search Albion.

My Score – 9.5 out of 10

FatWhitey: I'll read your review tomorrow - I haven't got time at the moment :)


Just to let you know, I got WFUS (XBox) for Christmas, so I intend to review that. However, I don't really have time to spare at the minute, so I won't be doing any more reviews until the GameGeeker website is online.


Also, it's cold and lonely in IRC-world. If I'm online on the forum, then pop in to #gamegeeker on irc.chatvice.net (if that doesn't work, then try caffeine.ca.us.chatvice.net )


double post edit:


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE IRC CHANNEL!!!

Due to domain problems, and other boring stuff, the irc network that has the GameGeeker channel on it has changed. You can now connect via irc.chatvice.net (if that doesn't work, then try caffeine.ca.us.chatvice.net). The old address no longer works.

The channel is still #gamegeeker

FatWhitey: I'll read your review tomorrow - I haven't got time at the moment

Have you read my review yet? just wondering your thought of it

Have you read my review yet? just wondering your thought of it

It seems quite consise, although that Gameplay section is practically impossible to read because it's just one great big lump of text. Try separating it into smaller paragraphs.

Also, read your review out loud to yourself, as it is not very succinct in places - in certain places it needs to "flow" a bit more, you kind of jump about or "waffle".

Other than that, its a great review

It seems quite consise, although that Gameplay section is practically impossible to read because it's just one great big lump of text. Try separating it into smaller paragraphs.

Also, read your review out loud to yourself, as it is not very succinct in places - in certain places it needs to "flow" a bit more, you kind of jump about or "waffle".

Other than that, its a great review

Thank you for your valid and constructive critism. I'll keep the spacing in mind for when I write my Eric The Unready review. I'm looking forward to reading other people's reviews, hopefully we'll all contribute something worth reading :p

I was talking to Ev on IRC just now (until Mozilla crashed and I had to reboot - sorry for the sudden departure :) ), and it would be quite nice if we could get the website done ASAP.

Whoever is in charge of GameGeeker, would you mind politely asking whoever's in charge of the website and hosting to hurry up? ;)

Did anyone find/choose a host yet? And if so, are server-side includes or PHP scripts available? (PHP would, if nothing else, make it easy to host our own forum and have full control over it.)

I could put the existing reviewers and their reviews into a site right now, but there's not much point unless I know what the server can use and until we're clear about the graphics -- for one thing the graphics I've used on the layout aren't so shiny and nice as FutureWorm's, but if he's got some nice PSD or PSP versions of those then I'd rather not spend all that time making my own (though that said, the shine-on-top-of-everything effect is impossible to scale dynamically, whereas a shine-behind-everything is easy); for another thing, I believe someone (and I'm fingering Trax for this one) has some reviewer/staff avatars to do, which ideally should be in PSD or PSP format and in a higher resolution than the site would ever need (since it makes them easier to work with and makes for a crisper and more professional look). Some control-pad icons for the formats and maybe one for articles (such as a sheet of paper and a pencil or something) so that we could use the same header format would be useful too.

Oh, and I changed a couple of things on the site layout: http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~phy1amt/gameGeeker/2/review.html - it's still all in PNG, so anyone who's stupidly using IE can't see it properly. As I said last time; that's easily fixed but there's no point fixing placeholder graphics. What I've added is a "by genre" listing (which obviously doesn't work) and a couple of other boxes containing information about the game. I'm not sure if I like them, to be honest. They make it look a bit cluttered. Also, text is smaller to allow for lower resolutions.

I can change most things easily since I designed the site with that in mind, but significant changes would obviously be easier to do now than later.

<a href="run.html">Ball Of Filth</a>

*approves muchly*

Did anyone find/choose a host yet?

Would this do? http://www.velnet.co.uk/

Hard to say without having used them before. Looks like it would.

What I should do is work out how much disk space we'd need. They offer 20MB on ehte cheapest setup and 50 on the next cheapest, but how much we need depends a lot more on how many images we have and what format they are than it does on how many pages we have, particularly if we can use PHP and cut out a lot of repeated data in the HTML/PHP files. Screenshots are the killer here; the images used again and again only come up once and won't be all that large anyway. A detailed screenshot could be a full screen area, at least in a low resolution it could, and you'd have one or two with most extra reviews.

A handful of gG sample pages (three of them, one with a small shot) came to 256kB — about 200kB overhead, plus 10kB per page and another 18kB for the shot — though the shot is from a SNES game. Shots from systems that can display more pixels and more colours will either need compressing or more space.

<Edit>
You need probably another megabyte at least to host a forum. YaBB runs at 1-3MB and IkonBoard and Snitz look nice but refuse to tell me what they need. They'd push up the transfer requirement as well, with any luck. Of course, you could always host it externally on some dedicated forum serving setup not unlike (but ideally not actually) ProBoards.
<Edit />

The cheapest setup gives 500MB transfer/month and there's a gigabyte on the next cheapest. I'm not sure how much of that we'll need either, but I do know that my webcomic (which uses the same stats software as Velnet) has been running with two new 266,000 pixel images a week since May and a full archive of the Apathy Clan comics and so far there's not quite 4MB of it, but it shifted 240MB of data in November.

How popular do you expect gG to be? Me, I have absolutely no idea. It's a pretty crowded market, but then, no more so than webcomics.