100% Synchronization

If you're like me, and like to complete games to the maximum, then you may find Assassin's Creed Brotherhood a tad bit frustrating.

Why? AC Brotherhood have created a new twist when doing in-game missions as Ezio: each mission has specific requirements you need to fulfill in order for Ezio to fully sync his memory with the Animus. Failing to do so and Ezio's memories will not sync completely (50% sync) however you are able to repeat or restart the mission to get the full 100% synch.

Some of these requirements are f*cked. I have just started playing the game and one of the earlier missions is to (SPOILER ALERT) kill a group wolf hooded men without getting hurt. There was literally like 10 of them at the one time.

Shortly after that, Ezio ventures into a maze like mission, which you have to finish within 8 minutes. Unless you can think like MacGyver, you will not finish the maze within 8 minutes the first time around, especially when there are awkward Ezio navigation movements which just add to the frustration.

But like GT5, you forgive the game and the frustration it provides, and power on. Some new features that I've encountered so far:

• Most weapons and items (such as throwing knives, daggers and your pistol) are already available from the get-go of AC Brotherhood.
• You are able to use horses inside towns.
• Crossbows are usable and is available early on in the game.

The difference is in the Hardware

So GT5 felt 'OK' for me in regards to gameplay accompanied with the Logitech G27. However, the table I was using for the steering wheel hardware was not what you would call 'fit' for gaming, let me give you a description of my previous setup:

• Fold-able table - had to use the table via it's shorter side towards me because the space between the table legs when using the longer side could not fit the G27 pedals.
• Thick magazines, a 600+ page novel and an internal DVD drive was used as weight for the table to keep it balanced. The problem with using the table via it's shorter side facing you is that there is no balance if you place a 2kg wheel on one side and nothing else on the other. Now the steering wheel vibrates according to the type of road you are on and where you are on the road, do you see where I am going with this? Constant vibrations from the wheel, especially if you are on a rally track, causes the weight items to move - and in worse case scenarios, fall. That's right, the weight will  fall. The end result:
  
  Table loses it's balance causing the player to lose control. The game has to be paused and the weight items picked up from the floor and put back to use on the table. This ruins your rank position in the game - which pretty much sums up why I stopped playing.
  
  
• The gear stick mechanism does not clamp properly onto the table as the table's base isn't thick enough to clamp on to. How did I manage then you ask? I got a magazine, folded it, and wedged it in between the clamp of the gear stick and the table - resolved the issue for non aggressive gear changing people.
• Used my computer chair, which had wheels but did not have lock mechanisms to stop the chair from moving while playing the game.

Enter the NEXT LEVEL GTxtreme V2 Racing Simulator / Cockpit.
Yeah that's right - GTxtreme. I originally ordered the GTPro, which was the cheaper version of the racing cockpit Pagnian Imports sells. However I received the GTxtreme, the better and more expensive version x10000 smiley faces!

GTxtreme Baby!

Logitech G27 Steering Wheel

Gear changing and pedals

Yes that is an Optimus Prime figurine in the background.

Difference in the two models? The chair, and of-course, the logos on the product - I'll leave it at that with the changes and just brag about how much better the game is now I am using something that doesn't have weight constantly falling off and ruining my GT5 life.

Assembling the hardware was quite simple, I had an issue with 2 screws which are impossible to screw in due to the steering wheel support parts. This does not cause an issue with its stability or safety though - the steering wheel support parts screwed it make the 2 screw positions on the cockpit redundant.

Anyway so now GT5 is just awesome, I don't need to worry about shit falling off or the chair moving out of place or the gear stick device losing it's position. Almost takes out the frustration created from in game mechanics and the stupid AI. The difference is in the hardware son.

Behold.. The racing cockpit

NEXT LEVEL GTpro V2 Racing Simulator / Cockpit

P.S. I purchased one! Should be getting it sometime next week - will let you know how it goes if I have the time to stop using it and blog....

GT5 all night long

I have read and watched reviews on how GT5 did not earn this year's 'car game of the year' however, I like this game.


One of a few driving views on GT5

Boasting more than 1000 cars and claiming to be 'The Real Driving Simulator', accompanied with the Logitech G27, and the game truly feels like you are really driving.


GT5 car varieties

There are two areas where a player can start driving, GT Mode and Arcade Mode. GT Mode is more concerned with making drivers, licenses, A-Spec and B-Spec racing tournaments and special event racing which can earn you more cash. Arcade is straight to the action racing where the player can choose a variety of cars registered for arcade use only. Arcade mode includes single - 2 player racing, time trails and drift trials.

Now for some bitching: Licenses is very, very painful. Not only are you not allowed to use the AI cars as 'cushions' when speeding through corners, hitting walls or slightly going off the track gets you disqualified. Also, the AI is very dumb, and will more than likely crash into you, spinning you out of control further frustrating you into failure of achieving the gold trophy.

Car crashes still aren't real enough. You get a mighty 'thud' sound if you hit another car or a wall at dangerous speeds - no pieces of car fly from impact though, however they do make an effort to show some damage to the body of the car.


A damaged Nissan 370z

But driving is so much fun, especially when you get the hang of it AND if you are using a steering wheel. The game also feels lengthy - it took me more than a week to complete the beginner series in GT mode. You are also able to buy new or used cars; used cars are refreshed when you quit an A-Spec or B-Spec race.

Earning money in GT Mode is manageable if you compete in the special events.

I'm giving this game 9 out of 10 rubber.. I mean just 9 out of 10.