World of Warcraft - Still a Popular MMORPG

World of Warcraft is an online role-playing game, named as Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game or commonly acronymed as MMORPG. It is the fourth released game set of an American video game developer and publisher, the Blizzard Entertainment, in the Warcraft universe. This MMORPG was released on 23rd November, 2004 and gradually has become world's largest MMORPG in terms of monthly subscribers and holds the Guinness World Record for being the most popular MMORPG.

For its capability of supporting thousands of players simultaneously, MMORPG currently holds 62% of the entire MMOG market at 10 million subscribers. At the running year of 2008, the current subscriber has been estimated at approximately 16 million. For the use of advanced technology in graphics and audio and its strong visual appeal and responsiveness with a smooth player controls; World of Warcraft was almost universally praised and won several awards from critics upon its release. For advancing the art form of MMORPG games, World of Warcraft was also honoured with the 59th Annual Technology and Entertainment Emmy Award.

Players of this MMORPG from across the globe can leave their real world behind and undertake grand expeditions and heroic exploits in a land of fantastic adventure. To get started with this MMORPG, players first have to create a World of Warcraft account, where they are asked to choose a username and password. Now, whenever the user or the registered player enters to the World of Warcraft, he is asked to supply the same username and password in full to confirm his user identification. Players assume themselves as the characters of Warcraft heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest across the vast world. Whether adventuring together or combating against each other in heroic encounter actions, players in turn form friendships, forge association, and compete with enemies for power and splendor.

World of Warcraft has also come under criticism for several cases of game addiction to this most popular video game. Researchers found, students who played the violent games of MMORPG for long time with a sheer addiction; tended to be more aggressive, less forbearing and believed violence to be normal compared to those who played nonviolent games. And also the MMORPG players were reported to be poorer in school and are at a greater risk of obesity.

But, since the interactions between all MMORPG players are real in this virtual environment, the sociologists and psychologists use this MMORPG as a tool for academic research and psychic studies. Researches by some psychologists say, MMORPG appear to sharpen scientific thinking skills like using systems and models for accepting and understanding situations and using math and testing to investigate and face various problems, also the player's mind set up becomes more faster and the players are prone to make fewer mistakes than the other nonviolent Video Game players.

However, the immense attraction to this enticing virtual world of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game or MMORPG have made it so popular that the Western revenues exceeded US$1 billion in 2006 and world wide revenues have exceeded half a billion dollars in 2005.

Once you have learned the secrets to get gold in World of Warcraft, you will never have to farm for hours or even buy gold. With World of Warcraft Gold Secrets you will no longer need to waste either time or cash to get what you want. Click here to find out more!

AP - It was only after two weeks at sea, his body dehydrated and near starvation, that Gregorio Maria Marizan finally took out his fisherman's knife.

Beijing 2008 - The Xbox 360 Experience!

In anticipation of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, a new Beijing 2008 Xbox 360 game was released on July 8. The game incorporates the realistic and authentic simulation of more than 35 events included in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games which, I'm sure many of us have been watching avidly since it began. The players are given the feeling of being in the Olympics with its next-generation visuals and effects, it all makes for a realistic gaming experience. While playing, you have the chance to compete in any event you like and have a view of the exact venues of the Olympic Games. Innovative control schemes are included in the game to let novice beginners know how to play the game first and improve their skills and at the same time. This also allows experienced gamers to make new records and then break them in style!

The Beijing 2008 video game was released to give the fans of the Olympic Games the opportunity to feel the thrill of the competition by letting them compete virtually against other gamers all over the world by means of its online functionality in the three platforms. This has been a successful move as many gamers are enjoying the online version of the game and preferring to play that rather than competing for 'real' and possibly breaking a nail or even a sweat!

Live your Olympic dream through your XBox 360 and your TV screen - face it, there isn't another way to actually throw a javelin and eat Doritos at the same time!

http://www.gamerstyle.com

AP - Israel launched an airstrike on Gaza early Wednesday after its troops clashed with Hamas militants who fired mortars into Israel, leaving six Palestinians dead. It was the first battle since a June truce mostly quieted violence in the volatile territory.

X-Men Legends - Christian Game Review

X-Men Legends is based on the 1963 comic book, "The Uncanny X- Men." A tale about a group of mutants led by Professor Charles Xavier, the world's most powerful mutant with mental abilities, learning how to deal with society's hatred toward them. The X-Men compose the following members with their codenames: Storm, Jean Gray (the only one who doesn't go by a codename, go figure), Cyclops, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Rogue, Colossus, and Iceman (just to name a few). Xavier formed the X-Men to fight threats to mankind, to teach the X-Men how to control their powers for good, and to one day hopefully live peacefully side by side with society.

Plot and Gameplay: 4.5 out of 5.0

X-Men Legends (XML) was masterfully crafted by a group of former Marvel comic writers called 'Man of Action.' The story centers around Alison Crestmere who possesses the mutant ability to control lava even changing her human form to a flaming version of herself. Hence, she earns the name of 'Magma'.

Magma is thrusted into the limelight after the grotesque, obese mutant called the Blob of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (the antagonist mutant team who is lead by the immensely powerful Magneto) kidnap Magma. Why would Magneto need this girl? Immediately, the player is controlling Wolverine hot on the trail of the Blob and to find out why Magneto desires this particular mutant.

XML is a fan boy's dream comes true as you finally get to control the X-Men in a Role Playing Game (RPG) fashion instead of the individual most gamers are used to playing them.

The game requires a player to go through various linear missions in order to solve Magneto's plot from the Artic to the Sewers (yes, those who are use to RPG know that no RPG would be complete without a trip to sewers, right? Thanks, JadesFire.). There are times where an X-Man will go off on a solo mission. So the freedom is not there to explore without limitations compared to RPG's like the Final Fantasy Series or Morrow wind.

XML strategically tucks away puzzle elements in the game forcing the player to make use of a X-Man's powers needed to continue on their quest. Unfortunately, the developers hold players by the hand displaying a large 'X' over areas that can be affected by a character's powers. If a player has the wrong X-Man, backtracking is allowed and Xtraction points can be used to change team members.

Graphics/Visual Presentation: 4.25 out of 5.0

Activision, during the earlier stages of XML, had made a smart move to leave the traditional bit images for the X-Men for cell shading technology. This brilliant move makes the player feel as if they are turning the pages of a virtual comic book. Each character is detailed just enough to tell them apart. Enemies and bosses are not very impressionable in appearance (not on par as DOOM 3) yet well done over all. The lighting effects are good quality when a player unleashes Cyclops' eye beam or Jean Grey's Psychic Scream. The environments are destructible which makes interesting eye candy when a player utilizes an X-Man's power on walls, generators, chairs, etc. The developers were cautious to include some detail (such as Blob's massive footprints in the street when Wolverine is on his trail) yet not to the point of overkill. There are some clipping issues (graphics that melt into another by mistake) yet these are easily overlooked. The cell shading cut scenes are slightly embarrassing (The X-Men look like puppets in this environment. Think "Thunderbirds" from the old television show series). Fortunately, the developers redeem themselves by adding more detailed cut scenes that will astound you in their cinematic feel.

Sound Quality: 4.75 out of 5.0

XML's biggest strength is the voice acting for the X-Men (the only exception is Cyclops whose dialogue in battle sounds like a bratty, smart aleck teenager than the rugged leader of the X-Men). Fans of the series will get goose bumps as Patrick Stewart breathes life into Professor Xavier's lines and the witty comments of Wolverine will cause chuckles for sure. Foley artists did a superb job in producing punching and kick sounds, explosions, and sounds for the X-Men's powers. While the music is not powerful orchestral pieces (personally, this would have made the gaming experience much more rousing), sleepy music selections are sadly the norm. The music can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Music rushes in when enemies are near (a great way to warn the player of impeding danger) and can be soft music that loops over and over with no direction.

Violence: 4.75 out of 5.0

A RPG would be hard to do without conflict and battle and XML does not pander to over the top violence crowd.

[SPOILER AHEAD]

The only blood visible in the game is when the X-Men infiltrate a military base and discover that General Kincaid is experimenting with humans and Sentinels (the blood is on the surgery floors). X-Men and enemies beat each other without any visual consequences even when Wolverine uses his claws on a foe. Powers as well do not cause any visual damage to ally or foe alike.

Language: 4.25 out of 5.0

Unfortunately, there are some parts that I cited as concern for me as a Christian. Nightcrawler, in the comics and in the game, professes to be a believer in God. He comments when he levels up: "My God, I am invincible!" or "I can beat the devil himself." These comments bothered me in light of such Scripture as Exodus 20:7 ("Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain") and Proverbs 16:18 ("Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall"). Cyclops, surprisingly, tells his brother Havok to 'go to hell.'

Sexual Content: 4.75 out of 5.0

Psylocke, an X-Man, dresses in tight leather pants that reveal the suggestive outline of a thong when she fights. There is an option to change her costume to a more conservative one.

Spiritual Content: 4.50 out of 5.0

Magneto's power hunger makes him think that all mutants are like gods. Magneto, in thirst for revenge against humans, created his own line from Genesis and the creation story by stating that: 'on the eight day, I looked down on creation and said, 'Let there be darkness.'" Nightcrawler, unashamedly, mentions God in a positive light in regards to his faith.

[SPOILER AHEAD]

X-Men also have to go to the Astral Plane to save Professor Xavier whose mind and assumedly soul is trapped in this dimension. This can be looked as touching the New Age or Eastern philosophies.

Value: 4.0 out of 5.0

As a RPG, XML soars in the action, gameplay, and storytelling departments. When a player finishes the game though, XML crashes and burns on replay value. Once a player has completed the game, there is not much left to do. A player cannot go back with high level up X-Men to play the game a second time around (I peaked my team between levels 35-37). The Danger Room offers unlocked characters as well as multiplayer or player vs. player matches. A player can view all concept art, cinematic, and load screens. Other than the Danger Room, the excitement level wanes rather quickly.

Christian Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0

Positive: The X-Men truly teaches about teamwork and how each member cares about each other. As a player goes through the storyline, a true sense of unity is felt as the story unfolds about each X-Man's life and what they struggle with. Sacrifice and harmony is seen through their actions, a far cry from most games on the market today.

Negative: X-Men's theme of evolution is present as an explanation for their powers as a result of man getting better over time. However, the Bible is contrary to these beliefs. As a Christian, true power only comes from God Almighty (Ps. 62:11) and without Him; we are nothing (John 15:5). God alone is the Creator of mankind and any other 'power' outside of Him is definitively questionable (Ec. 12:1). The Astral Plane is the realm where only psychics can go in the X-Men Universe. This can be likening to the spirit realm where even Saul tried to contact the dead by the witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28).

Overall Outlook/Score: 4.50 out of 5.0

X-Men Legends, although not a perfect RPG, is a quantum leap in the right direction for the franchise. The premise of teamwork, sacrifice, and unity are great pillars holding the story together as well as good vs. evil. This premise is a great reminder of the need to be selfless in this day and age. Christian parents would be wise to remind their children about the murky view of evolution from the prism of creationism, where true power comes from, and the 'Astral Plane' in view of Scriptures. After the agonizing shoddiness of Activision's failed "X-Men: Next Dimension" (a fighting game), X-Men Legends gives a much needed jolt to the possible dying hopes of fans desiring a solid X-Men game. This is a game I could honestly recommend for one's library without shame.

Review supplied by Christian Spotlight's Guide to GamesTM, a ministry of Eden Communications. Copyright Eden CommunicationsTM, a ministry of Films for Christ

Griffin J. Lilly Jr is sensi and pen warrior of Samurai Freelancing. From his humble beginnings as a frustrated English major to a breakout rising star on the writing market, you can count on him delivering for you the very best your project desires. You may contact him if you want to hire his service, and more important, he is a sucker for Japanese seafood buffets and tempura.

AP - A world weary of eight years of George W. Bush was riveted Tuesday by the drama unfolding in the United States. Many were inspired by Barack Obama's focus on hope, or simply relieved that - whoever wins - the current administration is coming to an end.

Tips For Using The PSP

Chapter 1: General Tips

1. Turn on / Turn off the PSP

When you want to turn off the PSP, you need to push button "Power" upward and keep it pushed for 4 or 5 seconds and then release the button. By doing that way, your PSP is turned off actually. Otherwise, if you just push the button "Power" and release it immediately, you do not turn off the PSP but suspend it (Stand-by mode). If you did not notice the difference before, take it easy, for the PSP in stand-by mode costs little power, and there is no negative influence.

2. Some people say it is intensely inconvenient to put PSPs in trousers pockets when they enjoy music, because buttons are pressed by accident. It is very easy to solve this problem by the lock function of the PSP. Just push the button "Power" to the opposite direction (downward), the keyboard is locked, and conversely, pushing button "Power" back will un-lock the keyboard. Please push button "Power" back (upward) lightly, or you may turn the PSP to the standby mode. Additional, the way of using headphone with remote control to lock / un-lock the PSP is the same as WALKMAN.

3. Why does not "Note" button on the PSP work?

The "Note" button is used to select the sound mode. So, it works only when the headphone is plugged in.

4. Are the headphone controlled with the remote control and buttons on the PSP of the same functions or are they independent?

Generally, they have the same functions. Besides, thee is a tip: after locking the PSP with one of them, you need to use the other one to control the PSP. E.g. If you lock the PSP by buttons on it, you can only use headphone to control the PSP then. This function is designed for listening to MP3 music or watching MP4 movies, because when you are enjoying the music and movies, it is more convenient to control the PSP by the headphone.

5. Is it possible to turn off the screen when I am listening to MP3 music?

The answer is simple: Sure it is. Keep the button "Brightness Control" pressed for two seconds or more, the screen is turned off automatically. It saves power when you listen to MP3. Press any key to turn on the screen again.

6. Is there brightness level 4 in the PSP?

Usually, with the battery, the PSP can reach brightness level 3 and the brightness level 4 is available only when the power adaptor is plugged in. the problem is obvious - we can't drag the power cord everywhere. But now, the problem is over. Here is a handy method for keeping the PSP locked on Brightness Level 4. Please following steps below:

[1]. Plug in the power cord.

[2]. Adjust the brightness to Level 4.

[3]. Start a UMD game.

When the video of program launch is being played, make sure to unplug the power cord from your PSP when the launch sound effect is over. You will notice that the brightness will not fall back to level 3.

7. How to zoom in / zoom out images by buttons?

When you browse images, keep button "Square" and slide the upward / downward to zoom in / zoom out images. Slide the with button "Square" released, you can change viewing area the of the image

Chapter 2: Tips for the battery

1. How long is the battery able to sustain?

The battery can sustain about 4 to 6 hours when play games, and 3 to 5 when watch movies. In standby mode, the battery sustains about 6 to 10 hours.

2. Do I need to charge the battery up more then 12 hours in the prime 3 uses?

It is unnecessary to charge the battery deeply. Unlike the Ni-MH battery, the lithium battery in the PSP does not need deep charging in the first 3 uses.

3. How long does it need to charge the battery up?

It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, but it is recommended to charge the battery for extra 20 to 30 minutes to charge the battery up actually.

4. If you play games or watch movies with power adapter for long, you had better get the battery out to extend the life of it.

5. 24 hours after the battery is gotten out, the system will re-initialize and date and time need to be reset. Do not worry about this for it is normal.

Chapter 3: About the WiFi

1. The WiFi Switch is on the left side of the PSP. Push upward to turn on and push downward to turn off, and make sure you do not confuse them. For the WiFi function is similar to BlueTooth, you had better to turn it off to save the power after the use.

2. To avoid negative influence to electronic devices and medical devices, please keep the WiFi off when you are on the plane, in the hospital or near the fire alarm.

Chapter 4: About the LCD

1. It is recommended to use a piece of LCD protective film to avoid potential damages to the screen.

2. Note: The LCD will be damaged if a static image is displayed for too long.

3. Use soft fabric or paper to clean the LCD, and do not use rough paper, which may scratch the screen.

Chapter 5: Convert, store and play movies

1. Generally, PSP supports two video formats: MP4 and AVC. To be played, video files of different formats should be stored in proper folders, which are needed to be created by you. Please refer to the following instruction:

[1]. Create a folder named "100MNV01" under the MP_ROOT folder in the memory stick.. This folder is used for storing MP4 videos.

[2]. Create a folder named "100ANV01" under the MP_ROOT folder, and store AVC videos in this folder.

Tips: For the inconvenience of creating folders and transmitting videos to certain folders manually, we recommend you to use Agile PSP Video Manager, which is a freeware for transmitting videos between your PSP and the computer. You can find the download link in the bottom of this article.

How can I convert videos of various formats to PSP compatible videos?

There are many softwares for converting video files to PSP compatible videos. Agile PSP Video Converter is one of the best and easiest. With only 3 steps, you can convert almost all popular video such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV... to PSP rapidly.

Download Agile PSP Video Converter

Download Agile PSP Video Manager

By William Jones

AP - A son of Osama bin Laden who grabbed headlines by marrying a British woman last year has flown to Spain and requested asylum, the Spanish government said Tuesday.