Friday, June 22, 2007

Top 10 Banned Games from gamesradar.com


Actually, there are lots of computer games banned all over the world, and Manhunt 2 is just one of them. The good news is… Games Radar.com compiled the list of these banned games and pick their top 10 list. Check them out!

Here are the top 10 banned video games around the world according to www.gamesradar.com

10. 50 Cent Bulletproof
Banned in: Australia
Why? "The Australian censor is notoriously heavy handed and ranks as one of the most ban-happy boards in the world. While the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) accepted the foul language, drug use and excessive violence in Fiddy's actually-quite-rubbish vanity exercise they were turned off by the slow motion counter-kills - specifically the ones involving knives and on-screen blood splatter. To be brutally honest is was no great loss..."

9. Commandos Behind Enemy Lines
Banned in: Germany
Why? "Germany enforces extremely strict censorship on videogames, and as such game publishers will often do a special Teutonic version to pacify the examiners. An oft quoted example is the use of green blood which marks out the character being killed as an 'alien', making it more acceptable. Commandos was banned on a more obvious technicality: an issue with missions that involve allied soldiers going on missions to kill Nazis, and use of the swastika."

8. Pokemon
Banned in: Saudi Arabia
Why? "One of the more bizarre bannings has religious foundations - in 2001 Pokemon and all its associated spin-off games were the subject of a fatwa in Saudi Arabia which said the card featured the Star of David, which was associated with Israel and international Zionism. It was suggested the games had "possessed the minds" of Saudi children. The edict was expected to be followed rather strictly as punishments would likely include lashings and deportation."

7. The Guy Game
Banned in: United States
Why? "A morally reprehensible game in theory and in practice (IGN gave it 7.7) The Guy Game was a fratboy's dream which focussed mostly on tits and beer with some trivia thrown in. What its makers failed to realise was that one of the cheerleaders who flashed her parts on camera during the course of the game was only 17 and thus under-age. She complained and the game became illegal."

6. Mercenaries
Banned in: South Korea
Why? "Not surprisingly South Korea don't take too lightly to games that involve fictional representations of wars between themselves and their slightly mental Northern cousins. To be honest we'd probably be the same if old Kim Jong II was breathing down our necks."

5. Command and Conquer: Generals
Banned in: China
Why? "This strategy game got the backs of the Chinese government up, with the Ministry Of Culture proclaiming it "smeared the image of China and the Chinese army". It also took offence that the game required players to destroy various national monuments like the Three Gorges dam."

4. GRAW 2
Banned in: Mexico
Why? "Recently seriously pissed off one Chihuahua Governor, Jose Reyes Baeza Terraces after he discovered Ubisoft's game featured a fictional storyline that saw the citizens of Chihuahua fleeing their town and being replaced by armed insurgents. Unfortunately, Terraces exposed his painful lack of video game knowledge when he was quoted as saying, "Violent video games ... attempt to divide the good will of the residents of American and Mexican cities".

3. Reservoir Dogs
Banned in: New Zealand
Why? "No great surprises here as anything associated with Quentin Tarantino seems to attract a fair degree of controversy - not that he had anything to do with this woeful adaptation of his 1992 film debut. Amazingly, given the film's cult classic status today, the BBFC (who is responsible for the banning of Manhunt) initially refused to give it a video classification and it wasn't until 1995 that UK film fans could see it outside of a cinema. The New Zealand OFLC banned it for on much the same grounds as the BBFC did, saying "the film tends to promote and support the infliction of extreme violence and extreme cruelty…for the purpose of entertainment."

2. Marc Ecko's Contents Under Pressure
Banned in: Australia
Why? "Although style guru Marc Ecko's graf game was initially granted a 15 rating by the Australian OFLC it was later banned after an appeal ruled that the game promoted an illegal act (graffiti) give hints and tips on how to do it and rewarded the player for scribbling 'I love Tracey' on public buildings and infrastructure. Clearly the Aussies don't do hip-hop."

1. Postal
Banned: In 13 countries
Why? "The fact it's advertised as banned in 13 countries works in the same way that Ruggero Deodato's exploitation classic Cannibal Holocaust was supposedly banned in 50 countries - it's a great selling point. Unsurprisingly, it's not available in Germany and Australia and someone tried to get it banned in the US. It's got a lot to do with the fact the minimal plot involves the lead character going on a killing spree, shooting people, innocent or not, simply because he's angry about being evicted from his house."

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Manhunt 2 Not Available in the UK


Rockstar Games' sequel to the Manhunt video game called the Manhunt 2 for Wii and PlayStation 2 (PS2) is scheduled to be released this coming July 10, 2007. Unfortunately, even though the game is not yet released, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) banned the game and refused to give ratings.

According to David Cooke, Director of BBFC: "To issue a certificate to Manhunt 2 would involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors, within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and accordingly that its availability, even if statutorily confined to adults, would be unacceptable to the public".

Cooke added: "Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game."

This news is quite surprising for UK gaming fans as BBFC rated the Manhunt game 18 during its first release last 2003. In addition, the Irish Film Censor's Office has also announced that the game is banned in Ireland.

Well, the good news is we can play this game in the US as the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rated the game as Adults Only. Anyway, check out this sneak preview of the characters in Manhunt 2.

* Daniel Lamb - The playable protagonist. He was a former scientist with "The Pickman Project" but ended up locked away in the Dixmor Institute for the Criminally Insane for six years. Apparently he has no recollection of who he was before the Project started. Danny was born on May 29, 1963.

* Leo Kasper - The second playable character. Psychotic inmate who was also put in the asylum by the Project. According to Rockstar's official Manhunt 2 website, he appears to be a former government agent. That might explain his expertise in combat, evasion, infiltration, and assassination techniques. He helps Lamb escape and teaches him his own well-honed tricks of the trade. Leo was born on June 19, 1972.

* Dr. Laura Whyte - Head of "The Pickman Project.".

* Dr. Pickman - High ranking medical practitioner within "The Pickman Project." The project seems to be named after him.

* Judy - Works at a brothel (Honey Pot) and holds information valuable to Daniel. An OPSM preview indicates that Judy used to work with Lamb.

Expect a lot of brutal killings and other violent themes on this game. Ok guys, it is time for me to look for quality performance Honda part on the web so chill out!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

UPDATE: More Unlockable Cars in GT4


Actually, there are more than 10 sections in Gran Turismo 4 where you can unlock different car models. So far, I've already posted the guides from Game Spot (www.gamespot.com) on how to unlock the cars in 4 sections including License Center, Beginners Hall, Professional Hall, and Extreme Hall.

Now get ready to hop in 3 continents and know how to unlock the cars found in American Hall, European Hall, and Japanese Hall. There are lots of exciting and rare vehicle models in these 3 sections like the patented Mercedes-Benz Motor Wagen produced in 1886, and the Honda Life van model equipped with Honda cabin filter.

Unlockable Cars in American Hall

CHEVROLET Corvette Convertible (C1) '54 - Win American Championship
CHEVROLET Camaro LM Race Car '01 - Win Stars and Stripes
CHEVROLET Chevelle SS 454 '70 - Win American Muscle Car Championship
PLYMOUTH Super Bird '70 - Win Classic Muscle Car Championship

Unlockable Cars in European Hall

ALFA ROMEO Giulia Sprint Speciale '63 -Win 1000 Miles
VOLVO 240 GLT Estate '88 - Win European Hot Hatch Car Championship
MERCEDES-BENZ Benz Patent Motor Wagen '1886 - Win European Classic Car Championship
CITROEN 2CV Type-A '54 - Win French Championship
ALFA ROMEO 155 2.5 V6 TI Race Car '93 - Win Italian Festival
MERCEDES-BENZ AMG CLK-GTR Race Car '98 Win German Touring Car Championship
LOTUS Europa Special '71 - Win British Light Weight Car Race
JAGUAR E-Type Coupe '61 - Win British GT Cup
JAGUAR XJ220 LM Edition '01 - Win European Championship
MERCEDES-BENZ AMG 190E 2.5 16V Evolution II (DTM) '92 - Win Schwarzwald League B
BMW M3 GTR Race Car '01 - Win Schwarzwald League A

Unlockable Cars in Japanese Hall

NISSAN Fairlady Z Concept LM Race Car '02 - Win Japanese Championship
NISSAN MOTUL PITWORK Z (JGTC) '04 - Win Japanese GT Championship
NISSAN SKYLINE Hard Top 2000GT-R (KPGC10) '70 - Win Japanese 70's Classic
MITSUBISHI HSR-II Concept '89 - Win Japanese 80's Festival
NISMO 400R (R33) '96 - Win Japanese 90's Challenge
HONDA LIFE STEP VAN '72 - Win Japanese Compact Car Cup

More guides on how to unlock cars in other sections in GT4 will be coming soon… so watch out for it.

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Alfa Romeo Brera in NFS: Carbon


Unveiled as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show and produced in 2005, the Alfa Romeo Brera sports cars now invades the console gaming industry with its participation in the 2006 video game Need for Speed: Carbon.

When you start a Career in NFS: Carbon, the Alfa Romeo Brera will be used as a default vehicle in the game during the Tier 1. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t show the specs and features of the Alfa Romeo Brera that is why I come up with this idea to post the specs of the vehicle. Check them out!

Alfa Romeo Brera Specs

Body Type: 3-door coupe

ENGINE
Type: 2.2 JTS 16V
Fuel Type Unleaded 95
Number And Layout Of Cylinders: 4 In Line
Total Displacement Cc: 2198
Maximum Power KW: 136 @ 6500 Rpm
Maximum Power HP: 185 @ 6500 Rpm
Maximum Torque Nm: 230 @ 4500 Rpm
Top Speed Kmh: 222
0-100 Kmh: 8.8

Capacities
Towable Load Kg - Trailer With Brakes: 1450
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters
Kerb Weight Kg : 1470

Dimensions:
Length: 4410 mm
Width: 1830 mm
Height: 1341 mm
Wheelbase: 2520 mm

Fuel Consumption: (Litres Per 100 km)
Urban (City Use): 13
Extra-Urban (Highway) 7.3
Combined (37% Of Urban & 63% Of Extra-Urban: 9.4

SAFETY FEATS
Anti lock brakes (ABS)
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
Driver And Passenger Airbags
Driver And Passenger Seat Airbags
Driver Knee Airbag
RH And LH Window Airbags
Inertia Fuel Cut Off Switch
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Rear Child Safety Door Locks
Drivers Seatbelt Reminder System
Driver And Passenger Seatbelts With Pretensioners
All Seats (4) With 3 Point Seatbelts
Isofix Child Seat Restraints
Reversing Sensors
Xenon Lamps
Headlamp Washers

OTHER FEATURES
Dual Zone Climate Control
Remote Alarm System With Central Locking
Heated And Electric Door Mirrors
Cruise Control
2 Rear Headrests
6 Speed Manual Gearbox
Split And Folding Rear Seats
Electric Front Windows
Style Leather Upholstery
Electric Front Seats
18" Alloy Wheels (Spoked)
Front Foglamps
All Wheel Drive System

The Alfa Romeo Brera is also equipped with oxygen sensors similar to Chrysler oxygen sensor found in Chrysler Group's sports car models.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

More Unlockable Cars in GT4



Here is the continuation of the post I made last June 4th about unlocking secret cars featured in Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) that are found on the different halls. This time, take a look and learn these guides on how to unlock those cars found in Beginner, Professional, and Extreme halls, which I got from Game Spot (www.gamespot.com), one of the leading video game information provider on the web.

Unlockable Cars in Beginner Hall

Autobianchi A112 Abarth '79: Win the Sunday Cup
Mazda Atenza Concept '01: Win the FF Challenge
Nissan SKYLINE 2000GT-B '67: Win the FR Challenge
Toyota Motor Triathlon Race Car '04: Win the 4WD Challenge
Lotus Esprit Turbo HC '87: Win the MR Challenge
Ginetta G4 '64: Win the Light Weight K Cup
Chrysler Prowler '02: Win the Spider & Roadster
Chevrolet Silverado SST Concept '02: Win the Sport Truck Race
Mazda 6 Concept '01: Win the FF Challenge (U.S Version)

Unlockable Cars in Professional Hall

Mazda Mazdaspeed Atenza '05: Win Clubman Cup
Nissan OPTION Stream Z '04: Win Tuning Car Grand Prix
Honda NSX-R Concept '01: Win Race of NA Sports
Mazda BP Falken RX-7 (D1GP) '03: Win Race of Turbo Sports
RUF CTR Yellow Bird '87: Win Boxer Spirit
Mercedes-Benz Daimler Motor Carriage '1886: Win World Classic Car Series
Honda S800 RSC Race Car '68: Win World Compact Car Race
Cizeta V16T '94: Win Supercar Festival
Ford GT LM Edition Spec-II '04: Win Gran Turismo World Championship
Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 '05: Win Clubman Cup (U.S Version)

Unlockable Cars in Extreme Hall

Mercedes Sauber C 9 Race Car '89: Win Formula GT World (US version)
Ford GT '05: Win Premium Sports Lounge
Nissan Gran Turismo Skyline GT-R (PaceCar) '01: Win Real Circuit Tours
Polyphony Formula Gran Turismo '04: Win Formula GT World (Japanese version)
Volkswagen W12 Nardo Concept '01: Win Like The Wind
Opera Performance S2000 '04: Win Polyphony Digital Cup
Nissan GT-R Concept LM Race Car '02: Win Dream Car Championship
BMW MacLaren F1 GTR Race Car '97: Win Gran Turismo All Stars

Every method on how unlock these cars are really challenging. Anyway, I am still wondering if there are hidden pick up tuck models in the game like the Ford Super Duty equipped with Ford Truck performance parts.

Monday, June 4, 2007

Unlocking GT4 Secrets


Now get that PlayStation 2 (PS2) controllers and insert your Grand Turismo 4 (GT4) game DVD! Why? It is because I'll be presenting to you video game fans the how tos and secrets of the GT4.

Let us start in the unlockable cars in the game. Did you know that the rarest cars featured in GT4 are found in the License Centre? Here’s how to unlock them.

Unlockable Cars in License Centre

Acura DN-X '02: A License All Silver or better (US Version)
PONTIAC Solstice Coupe Concept '02: Get All Silver in Super License
FORD Model T Tourer '15 : Get All Golds in Super License
DOME ZERO '78: Get All Gold in International A License
MERCURY Cougar XR-7 '67: Complete Super License
NISSAN GT-R Concept '01: Get All Silver in International A License
NISMO 270R '94 (S14): Complete: International A License
JENSEN HEALEY Interceptor Mk.III '74: Get All Gold in International B License
MAZDA RX-8 Concept (Type-II) '04: Get All Silver in International B License
NIKE One 2022 : Complete International B License
NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R '01: Get All Golds in Domestic A License
HONDA DUALNOTE '01: Get All Silver in Domestic A License (Japanese Version)
PONTIAC Sunfire GXP Concept '02: Complete Domestic A License
HONDA S500 '63: Get All Golds in Domestic B License
MAZDA KUSABI '03: Get All Silver in Domestic B License
VOLKSWAGEN Lupo 1.4 '02: Complete Domestic B License

Like all other games, GT4 also comes with walkthroughs and game secrets for the players to discover. But for you, you wont need to discover those secrets coz here are some of the GT4 secrets I found on Game Spot. Check them out!

Free Horsepower
When you buy or win a new car, take it for an oil change. After the oil change, your car's horsepower will increase.

Licence Guides
To get a Blue (acceleration) and Red (brakes) Licence Test Guide simply push R3 during 3,2,1,Start. It shows you the best route to go and where to start braking. This only works on the B and A license tests and tests where there is no pace car.

Speed up replays, and turn off BGM
To speed up your replays simply press down L3 and to turn off the background music simply press O.

Stay in same gear in Automatic transmission
When using the automatic transmission option, hold R2 to make your car remain in the same gear. This is great for remaining at a given speed through a corner, or stretching the top end of a gear for a little extra speed/performance.

Hidden Black Cars
On days 694-700 in the used car lots you can buy special black versions of:
1.Toyota GT One Race Car
2.Mazda 787B
3.Nissan R390 Race Car
4.Nissan R92CP Race Car

To Buy them all it comes to roughly 9,000,000 credits

[source: Game Spot (www.gamespot.com)]

I wonder when GT developers will feature pickup truck models like GMC Sierra equipped with GMC running board in GT game series.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

More Gran Turismo Trivia


Trivia about the Gran Turismo 4, actually.

Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment released the Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) in 2004, the 4th installment of this very popular video game racing series. Although there are other versions that followed GT4, the game still remained as popular to worldwide gamers. The game featured numerous enhancements including new cars like the latest Mitsubishi Eclipse with customizable Eclipse body kit, and real word race tracks from different sides of the world.

Check out some trivia about this popular Gran Turismo sequel according to Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.com):

  • Jeremy Clarkson, host of the Top Gear television program performed a head-to-head test of real life versus GT4 on an episode of the program
  • GT4 won the E3 Game Critics Awards for Best Racing Game in 2003 and included in Game Informer's "Top 50 Games of 2005".
  • Both the first release of the Japanese and Chinese version of the game was sold with a 212-page reference guide, with a message from famous car reviewer Reychiro Fukuno, an introduction to the physics of racing, lessons on using the GT Force Pro steering wheel, a machine tuning guide and parts catalogue, a tutorial for the photo mode from photographer Chikara Kitabatake, a race course index, a partial cars index and also a complete music index. The game and the guide were cased together in a special box of the same size as a DVD case. A similar guide was included with the first release of the Japanese Gran Turismo 3: A-spec.
  • Due to the tight schedule for releasing the Chinese version, obvious textual errors can be found in the game, like the names for the two '90s used cars section being swapped, and the descriptions for the damper bounce and rebound also being switched. Other minor, but curious grammatical errors can be found.
  • The Chinese version of GT4 failed to fix a bug that resulted in the game being left at 99.8% after all races have been cleared, because the Formula GT race was corrupted; thus, players were unable to unlock the final car at 100% completion. There is also a similar glitch in the North American version of the game. If the first driving mission is not completed first, before the other missions are attempted, the game will not record the mission as complete. Therefore the highest completion percent will be 99.8%.
  • Advertising for GT4 was a task for the two teams to complete on the reality show The Apprentice.* Comedian Jay Leno, an avid car collector, is listed in the game as a manufacturer; one of his custom cars, the Blastolene Special or "Tank Car", is included in the game.[9]* A special version of GT4 featuring three tracks and four vehicles (the 118d, 120d, 118i and 120i) was given by BMW to their customers who purchased their 1 Series automobile before it was released.
  • The 2022 Nike One has Morse code on the right hand side of the car. When reversed, this reads www.phil-frank.com, the artist commissioned to design this car for GT4. There is also some Morse code visible on the inside of all four tires.