For those of you who are avid watchers of my YouTube channel; you'll know that I quite like rare demos. The reason being is that usually there is a good amount of beta content lurking in early demos of games; more-so than in any final version.
So the other day I was casually having a cup of tea and watching telly; when I thought I would indulge in a couple of my favourite Ebay searches. These searches consist of 'Gran Turismo rare' amongst others. To my surprise; a new item had been listed that corresponded with my search; 'Gran Turismo Demo, from E3 1997.' I nearly required a change of underwear. To see any demos from E3 is quite rare; but what also made this listing interesting was that I had never seen this demo in any person's Gran Turismo collections before. There are quite a few extensive collections displayed on the internet too.
I decided to act - opening bid of £3.18, (equivalent to the starting bid of $5.00) with a maximum bid of £10.00. I thought I could potentially go past £10.00, but I'll keep an eye on things first. So a couple of days pass; no one else has bid. I'm getting a little bit excited now; but stopping myself from getting too excited in case I was outbid. I even devised a sniping strategy; in the circumstance that I was outbid. The auction was due to end at 2:40 a.m. Thursday morning, and I even toyed with the idea of staying up until the auction was over.
Two days from the end of the sale; I woke up only to find an email saying that the item had been taken down. I had my last exam of my masters course later that day; but it's safe to say that I could think about nothing other than the great injustice that had just taken place. Why had the item been taken down? If the seller had decided to keep the item, then I wouldn't blame them; but can a seller take down the item for that reason in accordance with Ebay rules? These were just a few of my thoughts as I rode the train back to Sheffield.
I then got another email, saying that I had received a message from the seller who had denied me the opportunity to own what I would consider; a rarity. The message was of a polite and apologetic tone; and he had listed the reason for the premature ending of the auction.
The disc was cracked.
He had noticed a crack on the cd case, and decided to make sure the disc was okay; only to find out that it wasn't. On one hand I was disappointed to learn that it was broken, but on the other I felt glad that I at least had closure. Me and the seller exchanged pleasant messages over the next day, and I decided to add him as a favourite seller; to see if he decided to sell any more interesting items like the GT demo in future.
Then last night, I had a quick Google just to see if a cracked CD could be fixed. I was sceptical of my own thought process, though I looked anyway. I was pleased to find that although a permanent fix wouldn't be possible, a temporary fix could be done to last long enough to get the data off a cracked CD.
I messaged the seller and I am currently waiting for a response. Worst case scenario would be that he has thrown it away, as it is broken. Anyway, we'll see what becomes of it...
Video game reviews and what not...
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Thursday, 24 May 2012
GTA IV - GTA V
So, I was browsing for GTA V info the other day; which was fruitless as Rockstar have released very little since the trailer debuted last November. But I came across a questionnaire posted on gtaforums.com. So I'm giving it a go!
GTA IV
Most Memorable Moment(s)?
What are your favourite memorable moments from playing IV?
Well I have a lifetime's memories from playing the whole series, but from IV; not so much... I'd say probably what I end up doing on every GTA title, attempting to find and capture secret vehicles. If you watch my YouTube videos, you'll presume that I mean vehicles that can only be acquired through the use of cheat discs. But I simply mean the bulletproof, fireproof etc. cars that you usually find during missions. I think the one I remember most fondly from IV was specifically the Police Stockade, and other unique vehicles.
Favourite Features?
What was your favourite IV feature e.g Physics?
Tough one actually, not to narrow down my choice; but to pick one at all... You see, although there is no doubt that GTA IV was a good game; I felt that the PS2 titles felt superior in comparison. All things taken into consideration, maybe the ragdoll physics; though I would refrain from saying physics generally. This is because I didn't like the car physics, and in addition, definitely not the driving camera!
Another thing I was quietly impressed with, was the graphics. The game looked really nice, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Rockstar can create a next gen countryside on GTA V.
Favourite In The Series?
Did you prefer IV to previous titles? e.g Vice City, San Andreas etc...?
My favourite game in the series has always been GTA III. But as far as features and the landscape itself go, I'd say San Andreas was the best in the series so far.
Overall IV Rating Out Of 10?
Did it exceed your initial expectations?
Whilst GTA IV was undoubtedly a good game, it doesn't have the same appeal and replay value as any other game in the series. A lot of minor things needed perfecting; e.g. the driving camera. (It always moves to the side of the car when turning a corner, so you can't see what's ahead of you after taking a tight bend. That is unless you manually adjust it using the R3 stick, which is unnecessarily complicated.)
I didn't particularly like the storyline too much, or Niko himself. The city had little exploration opportunities like desert or countryside, and was unfortunately a carbon copy of New York.
7.5/10.
GTA V
Future Expectations?
From playing IV post hype, do you expect V to live up to your expectations?
In certain aspects, I do. I already know that the game is going to be a carbon copy of Los Angeles, which is unfortunate; as I would prefer Rockstar to show some originality and create a new and interesting city. I just hope the vehicles won't go the same way.
But I am looking forward to the exploring the countryside! And I know that I said that I didn't like the gimmicks like playing pool, getting drunk etc, but I have to admit that when I saw people playing golf in the GTA V trailer; I was excited at the prospect of being able to play golf in GTA V!
Future Dream?
What do you want most to do in V e.g Story, Exploration, Multiplayer etc...
Well I kind of answered that already; but the countryside and golf! Not to sound posh or anything... I am also looking forward to exploring Vinewood and potentially a Beverley Hills type area. I'm also looking forward to finding out more about the protagonist and storyline. Vehicles and secret vehicles as well.
Impressed Or Let Down Slightly?
Did the trailer do it for you, are you excited and eager for this game most of all upcoming titles?
Mixed feelings. It's a shame that the city is simply Los Angeles, though I'm excited to explore the surrounding areas. Other than that it's hard to say as not much was given away other than the location. At this point we have no idea who the main character will be and what he will be like. It is presumed that the narrator of the trailer will be the main character, but there are alternative theories floating around too. We also have no idea of the storyline that will feature in GTA V.
Overall GTA V Trailer#1 Rating Out Of 10?
Did it exceed your initial expectations?
I'm going to sit on the fence a little bit and say 8/10. Marks taken off because of lack of originalty of the city; but marks added because of the addition of the countryside area. Also, the protagonist seems American, (if we are to believe that the narrator is the protagonist) and that's the way I like it best.
The game also looks nice and bright, in contrast to the dingy Liberty City. It almost has a Vice City feel about it in that sense, which is promising!
With thanks to 'GtaVComments' from www.gtaforums.com for the questions.
GTA IV
Most Memorable Moment(s)?
What are your favourite memorable moments from playing IV?
Well I have a lifetime's memories from playing the whole series, but from IV; not so much... I'd say probably what I end up doing on every GTA title, attempting to find and capture secret vehicles. If you watch my YouTube videos, you'll presume that I mean vehicles that can only be acquired through the use of cheat discs. But I simply mean the bulletproof, fireproof etc. cars that you usually find during missions. I think the one I remember most fondly from IV was specifically the Police Stockade, and other unique vehicles.
Favourite Features?
What was your favourite IV feature e.g Physics?
Tough one actually, not to narrow down my choice; but to pick one at all... You see, although there is no doubt that GTA IV was a good game; I felt that the PS2 titles felt superior in comparison. All things taken into consideration, maybe the ragdoll physics; though I would refrain from saying physics generally. This is because I didn't like the car physics, and in addition, definitely not the driving camera!
Another thing I was quietly impressed with, was the graphics. The game looked really nice, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Rockstar can create a next gen countryside on GTA V.
Favourite In The Series?
Did you prefer IV to previous titles? e.g Vice City, San Andreas etc...?
My favourite game in the series has always been GTA III. But as far as features and the landscape itself go, I'd say San Andreas was the best in the series so far.
Overall IV Rating Out Of 10?
Did it exceed your initial expectations?
Whilst GTA IV was undoubtedly a good game, it doesn't have the same appeal and replay value as any other game in the series. A lot of minor things needed perfecting; e.g. the driving camera. (It always moves to the side of the car when turning a corner, so you can't see what's ahead of you after taking a tight bend. That is unless you manually adjust it using the R3 stick, which is unnecessarily complicated.)
I didn't particularly like the storyline too much, or Niko himself. The city had little exploration opportunities like desert or countryside, and was unfortunately a carbon copy of New York.
7.5/10.
GTA V
Future Expectations?
From playing IV post hype, do you expect V to live up to your expectations?
In certain aspects, I do. I already know that the game is going to be a carbon copy of Los Angeles, which is unfortunate; as I would prefer Rockstar to show some originality and create a new and interesting city. I just hope the vehicles won't go the same way.
But I am looking forward to the exploring the countryside! And I know that I said that I didn't like the gimmicks like playing pool, getting drunk etc, but I have to admit that when I saw people playing golf in the GTA V trailer; I was excited at the prospect of being able to play golf in GTA V!
Future Dream?
What do you want most to do in V e.g Story, Exploration, Multiplayer etc...
Well I kind of answered that already; but the countryside and golf! Not to sound posh or anything... I am also looking forward to exploring Vinewood and potentially a Beverley Hills type area. I'm also looking forward to finding out more about the protagonist and storyline. Vehicles and secret vehicles as well.
Impressed Or Let Down Slightly?
Did the trailer do it for you, are you excited and eager for this game most of all upcoming titles?
Mixed feelings. It's a shame that the city is simply Los Angeles, though I'm excited to explore the surrounding areas. Other than that it's hard to say as not much was given away other than the location. At this point we have no idea who the main character will be and what he will be like. It is presumed that the narrator of the trailer will be the main character, but there are alternative theories floating around too. We also have no idea of the storyline that will feature in GTA V.
Overall GTA V Trailer#1 Rating Out Of 10?
Did it exceed your initial expectations?
I'm going to sit on the fence a little bit and say 8/10. Marks taken off because of lack of originalty of the city; but marks added because of the addition of the countryside area. Also, the protagonist seems American, (if we are to believe that the narrator is the protagonist) and that's the way I like it best.
The game also looks nice and bright, in contrast to the dingy Liberty City. It almost has a Vice City feel about it in that sense, which is promising!
With thanks to 'GtaVComments' from www.gtaforums.com for the questions.
Monday, 21 May 2012
If I could put all the GTA titles in a blender...
I was just thinking yesterday whilst playing GTA III, and with the impending release of GTA V later this year; if I could take all the best elements from the GTA series and whip them all into one great game, what would I get? In fact, in my ideal world; this is what Grand Theft Auto V would be.
So what kind of character would take the lead role? I've always loved GTA III, and without a second thought I'd say it's definitely my favourite from the series. But the character that I always loved the most was Tommy Vercetti from Vice City. Tommy was voiced by Ray Liotta, who did a fantastic job with the character. There's also a big sense of satisfaction that comes from playing as a character who starts out as somewhat of a nobody, then as you play through the storyline; eventually takes over the city. Tommy's humble beginnings in Vice City saw him take part in a drug deal that went sour, leaving him to attempt to gain back Sonny Forelli's money in any way possible. By the end of the game, he'd disposed of Ricardo Diaz, Lance Vance and Sonny Forelli; leaving Tommy as top dog in the city. I'm not sure what it is, but I get a greater sense of power and control when I'm playing as Tommy, more-so than any other character. He feels like a boss; a character that's a born leader.
The 'humble beginnings to top dog' was the template for both GTA III and VC really, though while playing as Claude in GTA III, I didn't quite get the same feeling of 'owning the city' by the end of the game. Maybe it was the lack of a mansion safe house, like Diaz's (or should I say Tony Montana's?) home in Vice City. In addition, other characters in the game refer to Claude as Fido; which is a name usually given to a companion or second-in-command. In San Andreas, CJ was a satisfying main character to play as, however the story line focused more on street gang wars than disposing of top crime bosses. Finally, Niko Bellic of GTA IV isn't a character I was particularly able to warm to.
So where would the setting be? I'd definitely prefer it to be a completely original city, rather than a more-or-less copy of a real city; GTA IV - New York. I thought San Andreas was the best of the bunch, in terms of exploration. There were 3 distinctive types of city, plus countryside and desert land. I remember seeing a new myth appear on the internet every week about something lurking in the countryside or desert, whether it was Leatherface, Bigfoot or the Epsilon Program; and that only made me want to explore the areas more. I'm also in favour of another GTA title that's set in the past. By the looks of the GTA V screenshots so far, it looks like it'll be set in the present time. So that's two in a row now; as GTA IV was also set in the present. So, they've covered the 60's with GTA London, and since covered the 80's, 90's and naughties. Obviously there's a gap in that list; the 70's. I know Driver Parallel Lines was set in the 70's already; and to be honest it captured the zeitgeist very well. But I'd love to see what Rockstar could do with a game set in the 70's; after all it'd probably be even better.
So what about the vehicles? I've always preferred the classic set of vehicles; Sentinel, Cheetah, Infernus etc. A few new additions are ok, but personally I like to see different incarnations of all the names we recongise. Alike to the setting, I prefer to have some originality with the vehicles. All the cars and cities in GTA are based off one thing or another; but I'll always be for 'loosely based' rather than 'exact copy'.
Other stuff. I've heard that Rockstar are omitting all the activities like going bowling or hanging out with friends. All I can say is... THANK GOD! That's where Saints Row gains an advantage over GTA as you're not wasting time playing darts or dinning at fast food outlets. When playing it you're very aware that you're playing a game and that's how I think it should be. Rockstar went down the wrong line whenever they attempted to make GTA too alike to real life. Whether it be going internet dating or simply going for a burger at Cluckin' Bell; it's just an annoyance that you're forced to deal with. Things like that should be dropped in favour of a fun, fluent game.
So what kind of character would take the lead role? I've always loved GTA III, and without a second thought I'd say it's definitely my favourite from the series. But the character that I always loved the most was Tommy Vercetti from Vice City. Tommy was voiced by Ray Liotta, who did a fantastic job with the character. There's also a big sense of satisfaction that comes from playing as a character who starts out as somewhat of a nobody, then as you play through the storyline; eventually takes over the city. Tommy's humble beginnings in Vice City saw him take part in a drug deal that went sour, leaving him to attempt to gain back Sonny Forelli's money in any way possible. By the end of the game, he'd disposed of Ricardo Diaz, Lance Vance and Sonny Forelli; leaving Tommy as top dog in the city. I'm not sure what it is, but I get a greater sense of power and control when I'm playing as Tommy, more-so than any other character. He feels like a boss; a character that's a born leader.
The 'humble beginnings to top dog' was the template for both GTA III and VC really, though while playing as Claude in GTA III, I didn't quite get the same feeling of 'owning the city' by the end of the game. Maybe it was the lack of a mansion safe house, like Diaz's (or should I say Tony Montana's?) home in Vice City. In addition, other characters in the game refer to Claude as Fido; which is a name usually given to a companion or second-in-command. In San Andreas, CJ was a satisfying main character to play as, however the story line focused more on street gang wars than disposing of top crime bosses. Finally, Niko Bellic of GTA IV isn't a character I was particularly able to warm to.
So where would the setting be? I'd definitely prefer it to be a completely original city, rather than a more-or-less copy of a real city; GTA IV - New York. I thought San Andreas was the best of the bunch, in terms of exploration. There were 3 distinctive types of city, plus countryside and desert land. I remember seeing a new myth appear on the internet every week about something lurking in the countryside or desert, whether it was Leatherface, Bigfoot or the Epsilon Program; and that only made me want to explore the areas more. I'm also in favour of another GTA title that's set in the past. By the looks of the GTA V screenshots so far, it looks like it'll be set in the present time. So that's two in a row now; as GTA IV was also set in the present. So, they've covered the 60's with GTA London, and since covered the 80's, 90's and naughties. Obviously there's a gap in that list; the 70's. I know Driver Parallel Lines was set in the 70's already; and to be honest it captured the zeitgeist very well. But I'd love to see what Rockstar could do with a game set in the 70's; after all it'd probably be even better.
So what about the vehicles? I've always preferred the classic set of vehicles; Sentinel, Cheetah, Infernus etc. A few new additions are ok, but personally I like to see different incarnations of all the names we recongise. Alike to the setting, I prefer to have some originality with the vehicles. All the cars and cities in GTA are based off one thing or another; but I'll always be for 'loosely based' rather than 'exact copy'.
Other stuff. I've heard that Rockstar are omitting all the activities like going bowling or hanging out with friends. All I can say is... THANK GOD! That's where Saints Row gains an advantage over GTA as you're not wasting time playing darts or dinning at fast food outlets. When playing it you're very aware that you're playing a game and that's how I think it should be. Rockstar went down the wrong line whenever they attempted to make GTA too alike to real life. Whether it be going internet dating or simply going for a burger at Cluckin' Bell; it's just an annoyance that you're forced to deal with. Things like that should be dropped in favour of a fun, fluent game.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
A few games I've been playing lately
I'll start it off with MediEvil. If you haven't played this PS1 game before, then I urge you to. Due to playing the beta demo a few weeks ago, I had to dig this game out and play through it once more. It may have come in the middle of a few coursework deadlines; but I don't regret it one bit! Also, some smartypants has not only found a full beta version of the game online (maybe the promo release?) but dubbed the full version voices and sound effects onto it too. (The beta version .iso was without sound)
Also, I've been itching to play GTA III again; unfortunately my PS2 library is at my parents' house and I'm stuck here in my GTA-less flat. So, what did I do? Bought the promo version off Ebay. The wisest way to spend a student budget is definitely not spending £20 on a game you've already got. Well, technically it is the promo version; and GTA promos are among the rarest.
As well, I dug out Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Yeah that's right, the first game in the series. With the news of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD releasing this summer, I had go old school and play the first one again. For those of you who don't know, THPS HD will be a combination of Tony Hawk's 1 & 2, with next gen. graphics and gameplay etc. I also found a beta full version of Tony Hawk's 1. Unlike MediEvil where there are just a few differences / beta qualities, the Tony Hawk's beta is full of beta content! I'll be uploading a video of the content soon.
I'll be uploading some footage of Gran Turismo 2000, and an early GT3 demo as well. Plus secret characters from Dynasty Warriors 2 is also on my to-do list.
Also, I've been itching to play GTA III again; unfortunately my PS2 library is at my parents' house and I'm stuck here in my GTA-less flat. So, what did I do? Bought the promo version off Ebay. The wisest way to spend a student budget is definitely not spending £20 on a game you've already got. Well, technically it is the promo version; and GTA promos are among the rarest.
As well, I dug out Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Yeah that's right, the first game in the series. With the news of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD releasing this summer, I had go old school and play the first one again. For those of you who don't know, THPS HD will be a combination of Tony Hawk's 1 & 2, with next gen. graphics and gameplay etc. I also found a beta full version of Tony Hawk's 1. Unlike MediEvil where there are just a few differences / beta qualities, the Tony Hawk's beta is full of beta content! I'll be uploading a video of the content soon.
I'll be uploading some footage of Gran Turismo 2000, and an early GT3 demo as well. Plus secret characters from Dynasty Warriors 2 is also on my to-do list.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Gran Turismo 5: 5 Things
I'm going to list 5 things that I enjoyed about the game, and 5 things that could have been improved on.
Ok, so let's start with 5 things that I was pleased about.
1. The number of cars in races was increased. It was about time that the 6-car race became extinct. From Gran Turismo to Gran Turismo 4, all we knew was races that consist of 6 cars. Now, finally we get to participate in 10 and even 12 car races. Much improved.
2. Desired car brand licensing. Again, Yamauchi listened to the fans and gave us numerous new companies including Ferrari and Bugatti. Though it's disappointing to see that RUF still replaces Porsche.
3. Graphics. If it's one thing that Gran Turismo 5 succeeds at, it's graphics. The game looks great.
4. Types of races. It's good to see more types of races being acknowledged, rather than just a standard lap race. There are challenges where the player has to overtake all the other cars in 1 lap, and also time trial challenges.
5. The tracks. It's great to see tracks like Monza and the Nurburgring being added. Most players will never drive those tracks in real life, so it's nice to get as close to that as possible. Although some tracks that players have been asking for, for a long time; still haven't returned. *cough*RedRockValley*Cough*
5 things that could have been improved.
1. B-Spec Mode. It was introduced in Gran Turismo 4 as a way of giving the player a break during Endurance races, whereby the computer would drive for you. In Gran Turismo 5, A-Spec mode (where the player drives) and B-Spec mode are entirely seperate. B-Spec mode becomes its own entity, quite like a Football Manager game; instead the player's role is more like a team boss. The problem this causes is that the player can no longer use B-Spec in A-Spec mode endurances races. Can you imagine completing the 24 Hour Endurance race without it? Yes you can take breaks but, any way you look at it; you've got to complete those 24 hours all by yourself.
2. Damage. I mentioned how good the graphics are, but the same can't be said for the new addition of damage. It's hard to shift one pixel, let alone cause any major damage. Newton stated that 'every action has an equal and opposite reaction', well not on Gran Turismo 5... No matter the force of the shunt, the damage received does not represent the severity of the accident.
3. Racing series. Nascar is a disappointment - especially at Daytona. Formula 1 is a disappointment as the only licensed F1 team is Ferrari. The rest of the field is made up of stock Formula Gran Turismos.
4. Too many laps! On Gran Turismo, the longest race was 60 laps of Grand Valley. Now we have races that last 24 hours... I get bored before it's anywhere near finished.
5. The A.I. This is the cherry on the shit sundae. The A.I. simply isn't good enough. The biggest challenges on the game are probably time trials. I want a challenging race, with good A.I., like on Gran Turismo 1. This is what happens in an average race in GT5. The player overtakes the other cars on the first lap... and stays there for the rest of the race.
(Extra) 6. Prize cars and cars at the dealership should be kept seperate! Remember what the prize car was on GT2, for getting all Gold on Special License? The '99 Toyota GT-One TS020. That was the only way to unlock that car. I remember spending hours working on my times, just to try and get it. Finally, I was able to reap the rewards and drive that car. Now, either the license prize cars can often be won or bought elsewhere; or they're not worth winning at all. On GT4, one of the prize cars was the Ford Model-T. Just simply not worth the effort... Also, many times; a prize car won on a lengthy championship or race can be bought or won elsewhere. It's soul destroying when you've just completed a championship that's taken a fair amount of time; and winning a car that you've already bought.
Ok, so let's start with 5 things that I was pleased about.
1. The number of cars in races was increased. It was about time that the 6-car race became extinct. From Gran Turismo to Gran Turismo 4, all we knew was races that consist of 6 cars. Now, finally we get to participate in 10 and even 12 car races. Much improved.
2. Desired car brand licensing. Again, Yamauchi listened to the fans and gave us numerous new companies including Ferrari and Bugatti. Though it's disappointing to see that RUF still replaces Porsche.
3. Graphics. If it's one thing that Gran Turismo 5 succeeds at, it's graphics. The game looks great.
4. Types of races. It's good to see more types of races being acknowledged, rather than just a standard lap race. There are challenges where the player has to overtake all the other cars in 1 lap, and also time trial challenges.
5. The tracks. It's great to see tracks like Monza and the Nurburgring being added. Most players will never drive those tracks in real life, so it's nice to get as close to that as possible. Although some tracks that players have been asking for, for a long time; still haven't returned. *cough*RedRockValley*Cough*
5 things that could have been improved.
1. B-Spec Mode. It was introduced in Gran Turismo 4 as a way of giving the player a break during Endurance races, whereby the computer would drive for you. In Gran Turismo 5, A-Spec mode (where the player drives) and B-Spec mode are entirely seperate. B-Spec mode becomes its own entity, quite like a Football Manager game; instead the player's role is more like a team boss. The problem this causes is that the player can no longer use B-Spec in A-Spec mode endurances races. Can you imagine completing the 24 Hour Endurance race without it? Yes you can take breaks but, any way you look at it; you've got to complete those 24 hours all by yourself.
2. Damage. I mentioned how good the graphics are, but the same can't be said for the new addition of damage. It's hard to shift one pixel, let alone cause any major damage. Newton stated that 'every action has an equal and opposite reaction', well not on Gran Turismo 5... No matter the force of the shunt, the damage received does not represent the severity of the accident.
3. Racing series. Nascar is a disappointment - especially at Daytona. Formula 1 is a disappointment as the only licensed F1 team is Ferrari. The rest of the field is made up of stock Formula Gran Turismos.
4. Too many laps! On Gran Turismo, the longest race was 60 laps of Grand Valley. Now we have races that last 24 hours... I get bored before it's anywhere near finished.
5. The A.I. This is the cherry on the shit sundae. The A.I. simply isn't good enough. The biggest challenges on the game are probably time trials. I want a challenging race, with good A.I., like on Gran Turismo 1. This is what happens in an average race in GT5. The player overtakes the other cars on the first lap... and stays there for the rest of the race.
(Extra) 6. Prize cars and cars at the dealership should be kept seperate! Remember what the prize car was on GT2, for getting all Gold on Special License? The '99 Toyota GT-One TS020. That was the only way to unlock that car. I remember spending hours working on my times, just to try and get it. Finally, I was able to reap the rewards and drive that car. Now, either the license prize cars can often be won or bought elsewhere; or they're not worth winning at all. On GT4, one of the prize cars was the Ford Model-T. Just simply not worth the effort... Also, many times; a prize car won on a lengthy championship or race can be bought or won elsewhere. It's soul destroying when you've just completed a championship that's taken a fair amount of time; and winning a car that you've already bought.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Sheffield's Christmas Celebrations Reach Climax
(Written last December)
Twelve-thousand visitors entered Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens this weekend to attend ‘A Magical Christmas’, which ran for three days from the 9th to the 11th of December. The event is supported by Sheffield City Council and this year helped to raise funds for St. Luke’s Hospice, with any surplus used to sustain Sheffield’s parks. Kevin Cheetham (correct) of Sheffield City Council said: “we just go through the charities and try to share the help out. This year it’s St. Luke’s.” Two years ago a similar number of guests attended, however last year’s celebration was cancelled due to the three feet of snow that Sheffield was blanketed by.
Lately, Sheffield has really come alive with Christmas Spirit as the city welcomed stall holders from across Europe to participate in the Christmas Markets attraction in the precinct and Peace Gardens. Sharrowvale Road is also hosting a Christmas market of their own, and several businesses on Eccleshall Road have put up miniature Christmas trees above their shops; in a similar fashion to the nearby quaint village of Castleton.
‘A Magical Christmas’ gives the public the chance to see the gardens after dark, lit up by no more than festive fairy lights and tea lanterns. The pavilion’s interior has also been decorated with yet more illuminating displays, accompanied by homemade fairies and mythical scenes. Any parents who expect a kids’ convention would be pleasantly surprised to find craft stalls selling jewellery and Christmas decorations, complemented with the temptation of a jacket potato rather than burgers or hotdogs. “I had lovely jacket potato with chicken korma!” commented happy customer, Rebecca Harper.
Meanwhile, children were treated to steam train rides and the chance to see Santa Claus before Christmas Eve. Saint Nick was present on all three nights, though unfortunately Santa’s Grotto is still based in the North Pole. “It’s just a quick appearance from Father”, said Kevin Cheetham (correct), “he’s very busy, he’s got a lot to do, it’s only two weeks ‘til Christmas; so he’ll be busy wrapping presents and filling his slay up.”
My Grandparents Celebrate 70-year Marriage
(Written last November)
Frank and Doris Riddell, aged 94 and 91 of Woodley, Stockport celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last weekend. The couple married on November 8th 1941. In the same year, Frank who was in the Lancashire Fusiliers was sent to India and Burma; not returning to his wife until after the Second World War was over.
Frank played football for Northwich Victoria and was due to sign for Manchester City before he was called up to the army. During his time fighting abroad, he would often send money and luxuries like bananas back to Doris. He said: “I enjoyed many aspects of army life, but it was hard of course to be separated from my wife for such a long time. I think we have made up for it now though.”
After Frank returned from the war, he found work at Crown Wallpaper and the couple moved to nearby Romiley, and started a family soon after. The Riddells later moved to Woodley, where they still live today.
As well as their three children, they are succeeded by their four grand-children and five great-grandchildren; all of whom made the journey to celebrate their Platinum wedding anniversary with them. Frank and Doris also received a celebratory card from the Queen, and they’ll receive another if they reach their Oak Anniversary. (80 years.)
Frank summed up their seventy years together by saying: “there is no particular secret to being married for so long, we just put up with each other. We have had a very good life and travelled about a great deal.”
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