Writing and Gaming

Its been almost 2 years since I started writing my first walkthrough. I always loved writing, from short stories to one unfinished novel that I started 10 years ago, since high school. During that time, I have learned a lot from pathetic mistakes to outright flaws. If you want to know how much trouble writers take to write that faq/guide or walkthrough you are using, then you may want to read below.

Patience, patience and patience.

This is the first golden rule. Don't get in this business if you can't stand completing the game at least twice, tend to skip cutscenes, doesn't care about exploring or doing the same thing over and over again.

There are certain events in the game that will need verification so you'll need to reload your game and check it again. It takes time and the readers will greatly appreciate it if you give the most accurate info you can provide. Also, reading through the conversations and treating them as clues is necessary to know what you'll do next or learn hints for some extra activities.

This virtue also applies when you can't get past a certain part of the game. If you want to overcome it, sometimes you'll need to farm experience, gold or just try it over and over until you get it right.


Sacrifice a bit of having fun to a chunk of writing down

Admitably, writers tend to sacrifice some moments of enjoying the game in exchange of pausing, writing down, taking screenshots and doing the same thing again. Unlike casual players, you'll just play through the game, wait until something happens next then continue. writers don't have that liberty. A missing info will ultimately affect the outcome of the walkthrough.


Playtime reduction

Of course, playing while writing the game is inefficient. So, writers need to cut some playing time, sit down, review their draft then type it. Also, they will still need to design the layouts of their documents and such.

This blog will be continued, next week.


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For the meantime, I will you guys with a few questions.

1. What is the stuff you own you are most proud of because you bought it using your own money?

2. Given a chance, would you like two GFs/BFs or just prefer to stick to one?

3. Lastly, if you will be a console (any) what would you be and why?

Next blog, next week.

~~Laters guys!

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Experience HD

I just got a 26" LCD TV this month. Now I got the chance to experience and appreciate HD. My original gaming window is a bulky 29" SDTV (Sony Trinitron) that is almost 15 years old. I enjoyed playing my PS2 on it and basically appreciated what outstanding graphics the PS2 has to offer.

Then came my Xbox 360 last October. I plugged it in and played DOA4 for a few minutes. My first impression was '...and it was just a souped up version of the Xbox'. Although this is true, I didn't really think the graphics are that great as I read over the web.

Then I got this chance to file an appliance loan as sponsored by my company last December. I visited the store nearest to us and the first thing that caught my eye is this sleek, slim black box. It is calling to me. I was originally looking for a Samsung, Phillips or Sony LCD TV but then the black beauty has a different name.

Skyworth

I checked their official webpage and convinced myself to give this newcomer a try. And I wasn't wrong. Below are the specs:

Display Resolution: SXGA 1366 x 768 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Brightness: 500cd/㎡
Viewing Angles (H/V): 178°/ 178˚
Fast Response Time: 8ms (G to G)
Reception System: Multi-system (PAL-I/BG/DK，SECAM-BG/DK，NTSC3.58/ 4.43)
PIP Function
Support HDMI/ DVI (Optional)
3D Com. Filter (Optional)
ATSC/ DVB-T (Optional)
Audio Power: 10+10 W
Option: Wall Mount

I didn't use the wall mount so I just purchased a Denmark-made wooden rack.





After connecting my 360 and switching the video mode to HDTV, I was amazed by the actual graphics. This is what my friends are telling me. Once you go HD, you can't go back to SD (Standard Definition)

Compared to my 19"AOC widescreen LCD, you can definitely enjoy sitting all day long and playing games or watching DVDs without that much strain in the eyes. You can even use this LCD TV as your monitor for your PC. (I can't use that feature yet since my vid card is dual DVI)





Now, me and my siblings can enjoy multiplayer on a bigger better screen. Oh, don't forget to hook that 5.1 and load Guitar Hero III or Rockband!

Till next time folks!


~~Paul Vhayste