Month: October 2004

No Joke, Calvert Games is 3

No bells, no whistles, no fanfare as Calvert Games turned three a few days ago. Keeping on keeping on is my motto, and it looks like Calvert Games is doing just that despite the many ups and downs and current blog iteration of the site.

It is hard to believe that Calvert Games posted its first content September 27, 2001 (the site was officially launched the following week). Calvert Games launched with two articles and a review, and the rest as they say is history.

Interestingly enough the first ever article was titled “Re-return: MJ Bounces Back”

As a white kid who could not jump, I certainly spent plenty of time trying to imitate a MJ buzzer beater. I certainly look forward to seeing if MJ can recapture some of that old magic.

In “System Wars 2001” I predicted that Microsoft would struggle badly behind Nintendo:

When all is said and done, games sell systems. The average Wal-Mart shopper could care less about broadband, hard drive space, or any other perceived advantage that Microsoft is currently trying to push. At this point, I do not feel that either system offers a compelling lineup, but as a fan of video games, my money is on Nintendo over Microsoft, but Sony will win the 2001 System Wars.

The first review was Le Mans 24 Hours for the PS2, earning a 3/5, and a couple of giggles as I look back on the style of the day.

I admit that I am a whore when it comes to racing games, especially those leaning towards the simulation side of the spectrum — I just cannot get enough. I spent many hours with Test Drive Le Mans (TDLM) for the Dreamcast (DC), awarding the game a score of 80%. It was with baited breath that I anxiously awaited the PlayStation2 (PS2) conversion.

…

Contrails [thanks Paul K.!] make a spectacular appearance. In fact, seeing the contrails is a sign of things to come — overdone, and over emphasized. Much like TDLM, brake rotors glow, but in Le Mans they look like someone taped an old orange Hot Wheels strip of track around the inside of the wheel. Night racings are almost a mockery of lighting effects. As I said in the beginning of this review, night races look like something out of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Not trying to toot my horn or anything, but the review was actually entertaining. I am not sure where I lost it, but somewhere along the way I have forgotten how to review games. I guess life was much simpler in those days; too bad I lost my innocence. Maybe one day I can recapture the magic.

It would be a huge mistake not to send a special thank you to the guys that really made the site churn over the last few years. My hat goes off to the talented staff that made Calvert Games so special: Adam Simpson, Derek Mirdala, Kevin Mosley, and Ted Leiker.

After a rather inauspicious ending in August, leaving Calvert Games “off the air” for a couple of days, Calvert Games has managed to struggle kicking and screaming to year three. Many happy returns, and thanks for the continued support!

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Less Static, Less Updates, Less Stuffs

Updates have been pretty sparse of late, but unlike past attempts at running Calvert Games I am not stressing. And why should I? Damned if I know, but when things were much more gaming oriented I would stress if updates were not timely, reviews were not long enough, and content was not flowing.

That was then, this is now.

Hopefully I will actually get some time to play and to write, but play time has been pretty limited of late. I got NBA Live 2005 on release date when I was in the UK, but have yet to play it, much less open the wrapper. A few days ago I got FIFA 2005, but I had company in town, so once again, wrappers remain unopened. Maybe today after the Georgia game.

Speaking of which, this is another week without an SEC update. I may do a recap despite not making any predictions. Free time of late has been limited, so I have to pick my spots.

The Falcons looked pretty pathetic last week, which was a surprise. I did not expect them to be world-beaters game in and game out, but I did not expect them to suck eggs against the Lions. Too bad I have wasted my season ticket this year, only attending a single preseason game. Easy come, easy go. Something like that.

Can someone please explain to me why the NFL has its collective head up its collective ass? The whole Pat Tillman flat is completely ridiculous, and stinks a nasty corporate world stench. It is simply ridiculous that Jake Plummer is not allowed to honor his former teammate by wearing a #40 sticker on the back of his helmet. I understand that the NFL has to have dress code rules, and I understand that the Cardinals are wearing the stickers the entire year, and I understand that the entire NFL wore the stickers a few weeks ago. Fine and dandy, but why not let former teammates wear the sticker regardless of their team affiliation? It is just freaking ridiculous, and despite the compromised reached earlier this week (not going to go into details here) the NFL has become too corporate for its britches. Too bad.

Despite the lack of updates, I still have plenty to say; I just have to find the time to speak my fill. Hope everyone has a great weekend, and hopefully, with a bit of luck, I can get back on my high horse and ride again.

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Sad, Sad Day

Finally back in the saddle, but have company in town so once again no SEC updates.

I am bitterly disappointed about the UGA/Tennessee game. I did not expect the Dawgs to go undefeated, but I certainly did not expect GA to take it right on the chin from the Volunteers.

How disappointing. UGA got beat in every single facet of the game. I have not seen very many good old fashion wood shed beatings in the Richt era, but yesterday way pretty nasty.

Oh well, there is always the Falcons going 5-0 against the Lions today. Hopefully.

NBA Live 2005 arrived while I was in the UK; hope to get some time with it soon.

More updates forthcoming.

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Bombs Away

Wow – it truly is a different world over here in the UK. Forget the beer – that is good and all, but I just got the heck frightened out me. I thought we were under attack; air raid or something.

Freaking fireworks display at 10:15PM BST on the Thames River. Good Lord! I thought the hotel was being bombed. Freaking crazy stuff … besides making it hard to hear the UGA game via internet, this type of thing should not be done without advance warning! Seriously, I am not exaggerating; that was some loud fireworks. WTF were they for? Just for a weekend show?

Other than the fireworks, the UK has been pretty cool. The beer is wet, and the tube is a pretty cool way to travel about the city. My iPod helps me fit in; I just plug it in, turn it up, and do some serious people watching. Meaning no disrespect, it is just a lot different over here. The women love to show off some bellybuttons – regardless of how much hip they actually have. Pretty funny actually. Have not seen much to really stare at if you catch my meaning.

I feel sorry for videogame fans because the prices seem much higher than the US after conversion (24.99UK pounds for a GBA game? That is almost $50 US or higher).

I have walked more in two days than in three or so months. Talking about being sore. Everyone except the extremely wealthy takes the tube (subway) or a cab or walks and walks and then some. It is kind of cool to people watch, but that can only get you so far before it is time to stop into a pub or two. Speaking of which, there are plenty, but I have not been brave enough to try most. Another interesting point, it looks like many of the popular (or maybe just trendy) restaurants turn into nightclubs after hours. Kind of interesting I suppose.

It has been a whirlwind tour – I have sampled several new beers, and even had some lamb at a Turkish place. The lamb was surprisingly very tasty; not like you see that every day in Columbus.

Not sure what the rest of the week will bring, but other than missing my wife and kids, London is a pretty cool and happening place. Plenty to do and tons to drink. The pubs are so different than Columbus, that it does not even seem like the same world, which I guess is fair because I am half a world away from home.

Biggest surprise? I did not notice last time I was here, but the American restaurants are very popular, crowded, and happening hangouts. A BigMac, large fries, and large coke is 3.69 (UK pounds), or almost $8 US dollars! Surprisingly it taste pretty much the same. Have also seen Fridays, Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut to name a few.

Until the next update, UGA is taking it to LSU 24-10 at the half.

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SEC Roundup (Week 6)

No roundup this week from London. I paid $9.95 to listen to the UGA/LSU game on radio – was really worried about this one. The Sport Cafe was not showing this game, which is a major disappointment.

Maybe it is the Hoegaarden, but man am I enjoying this internet radio broadcast. 24-0 in the 2nd quarter at this point.

Go Dawgs, go!

More to come later … after I sober up a bit. BTW, the iPod still rules, and is perfect for the tube.

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London Calling

No updates? In the UK on business this week, so updates have been few and far between. Last week I did not do my usual SEC preview because UGA was off. Not sure if I will do one this week because my head is spinning (too much Stella), and I cannot watch a damn thing.

Actually, I made it to the Sport Cafe, and they do show college football on Saturday and NFL on Sunday. Looks like Purdue/Notre Dame tomorrow and a lot of NFL including my Falcons on Sunday (something like 9PM or so UK time). Anyway, as some of you may know (shout out to Adam) the Sports Cafe is mentioned in the Dreamcast classic MSR – cool racing game.

The UK [edit – obviously should be US; was kind of dizzy last night; thanks for the catch Ted!] is soooo different than the UK. Will have to write more later. It is way past my bedtime and I still have another Stella to knock off, so all for now.

London is calling, and the pubs are all good. Good night that is. Cheers!

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