golf49027

Grand Theft Auto has always been a franchise that likes to bathe itself in controversy, shower itself off in heated debate and deodorize in wild accusations. Whether it is the intentionally amoral gameplay or the amazingly unsexy "hot coffee" debacle, gta has proved time and time again that there's no such thing as bad publicity.

Gamers on both the PlayStation 3 and xbox 360 are eagerly awaiting the latest instalment in the gta series later this year, and when the real sequel to gta III, the amazingly-named gta IV launches (there have been several spin-offs since gta III, such as Liberty City Stories, etc). The web was alive with downloaders recently when RockStar finally allowed gamers their first peak at the game in the shape of a teaser trailer.

Within hours though, while gamers dissected the footage, politicians leapt in to criticize. What were they criticizing? The fictional setting, Liberty City, which resembles New York. A lot. City politicians were aghast at the idea of a piece of fiction portraying violence on the streets on New York, apparently being ignorant of pretty much the entire work of Martin Scorsese.

"Setting Grand Theft Auto in the safest big city in America would be like setting halo in Disneyland," said City Councilman Peter Vallone, chairman of the Council's Public Safety Committee to The New York Daily news. He's not the only one to have a go, either. Spotting an opportunity to look good, a spokesman for the mayor had a go too: "The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers."

Oddly though, New York City hasn't seemed to have had a problem with movie companies setting their violent and action thrillers in the city, with roads closed for the Die hard 3 film, for example. Had RockStar turned up with millions of dollars in order to shoot the city for textures for the games, would there have been praise galore for the realism the game offered?

All of this criticism, of course, ignore the whole "it's fiction" nature of the game which leads to the question of whether future novelists, film makers, animators, artists and games companies will be asked not to show the city with any violence in it. Because fiction has to reflect reality apparently, somewhat destroying the point of fiction.

As to the trailer itself, there's not a hint of violence. It's undeniable that the game features a fictionalised version of NYC. As the GTA IV preview in P3Zine, the free PlayStation 3 magazine shows, but already game commentators are theorizing that gta IV will feature more realism and less violence without repercussions, as RockStar has supposedly been talking to ex-cops about how much harder organised crime is to get away with these days.

RockStar has repeatedly pushed gta IV with the tagline "Things will be different" a phrase echoed by the main character in the trailer, but it appears that criticism of the franchise is not going to any different this time around, starting before the game has even appeared. It's unlikely to damage sales. Even in NYC.

# posted by 34435 : 9:08 AM  0 comments

With an advantage of a year on the Wii and PS3, the Xbox 360 ended up having a much better selection of games available. It was a wild year for the Xbox 360 with many great big name titles and exclusive titles. just like any year, disappointments were scattered throughout. Besides the guarantee of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, this list should catch you with a few surprises.

9. The Orange Box

There really is no other package quite like it for the Xbox 360. Five hit games for $60 and not just any five games. There is one of the best shooters of all time, accompanied by it's two expansion packs, an eccentric multiplayer game, and a fresh thinking puzzle game. I personally named it "Shooters' Delight".

8. Eternal Sonata

A story that is wildly innovative and one of the best combat systems ever put into an RPG. RPGS live or dive by their stories and Eternal Sonata has one that is deliciously imaginative. A real time combat system helps to keep things new, rather then your standard turn based combat like most RPGs on the Xbox 360. Quite the bizarre dream, Eternal Sonata will continue to enjoy your from start to finish.

7. Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock

Whenever a new developer enters an already establish franchise, there is always worries. Neversoft does well and seems to continue the tried and true formula previously established by Harmonix. A fantastic soundtrack helps elevate this game a little bit over it's previous installments. Rock on wannabe guitar players, rock on.

6. forza motorsport 2

A hardcore racer that gets it right and is all about the cars.. Bedazzling graphics, spot on sounds, and great customization options. You won't find a better simulator for on the Xbox 360, Gran Turismo could not even have gotten it so right. A wonderful lasting appeal, if your a car lover that wants a true to life racer, game this is for you.

5. halo 3

The epic saga is continued by halo 3, the third chapter with huge expectations in greatly successful series. Even more pressure was put on halo this year to utilize the Xbox 360. halo 3 builds on everything that has made the past games such great successes., with new technical and gameplay advancements as well as cranking up the online play a notch. One of the most complete games out, halo 3 is highly recommended, just make sure to buy your Xbox live subscription.

4. Mass Effect

When fabled developers Bioware (makers of star Wars: Knights of the old republic) announce they are coming out with a new RPG, you mark it on your calendar. Bioware once again proved themselves and made another classic RPG. Mass Effect is a fantastic RPG with cinema like story telling and an innovative 3^rd person shooter combat system. You feel as if you true are playing the role and your decisions make a difference in the overall story. Plainly put, Mass Effect is a game that must be played.

3. Assassin's Creed

The same developers that brought the legends Prince of Persia and Tom Clancy's Splint cell, bring you a new franchise with even more complex action. One of the most highly anticipated games on the top nine Xbox 360 games of 2007 list. Assassin's Creed is a pseudo stealth action title that's sure not to disappoint. The storyline will get dull on you, but it's action will not.

2. Rock Band

Take Guitar Hero, add in a microphone and drum set, and then add the chance to be rock stars with 2 to 3 of your buddies. playing all day doesn't seem so anti-social when you are rocking out with your friends. Rock Band takes music games to a whole new level and is the ultimate party game for the Xbox 360, a sure hit for anyone.

1. BioShock

BioShock is the highest rated game on this year's top nine Xbox 360 games of 2007 list. A first person shooter that makes you think. Arguably one of the best graphical made games to date and a storyline so good it's unheard of for a first person shooter. Irrational pulled off near perfection in every department for this game.

# posted by 34435 : 9:03 AM  0 comments

Prior to installing any manual boost controller, it is important to have already added a high flowing exhaust and an aftermarket air intake/ air filter. This will ensure the car is able to breath, and will allow the turbo to spool easier.

It is imperative to have installed an aftermarket boost gauge. Most stock boost gauges are not accurate, even at stock boost levels, and lose further accuracy once stock boost is increased. without an aftermarket boost gauge you risk damage to the engine from overboosting.

How It Works:

The wastegate actuator determines your stock boost levels. The boost controller interrupts the pressure line that runs into the wastegate actuator, allowing you to increase boost over stock levels.

Step 1:

Find your wastegate actuator which is usually attached to the turbo, unless you are using an external wastegate. The wastegate actuator will have a vacuum line port that runs to a boost source. The boost source is usually either the turbo's compressor housing, the intercooler pipes, or the intake manifold. This vacuum line is where the manual boost controller will be installed. If there is a T fitting in the vacuum line between the boost source and the wastegate actuator, it will have a separate vacuum line that runs to the boost control solenoid. If you have the T fitting, remove the line that runs to the solenoid, but leave the solenoid plugged in.

The barb on the boost controller that connects to the wastegate actuator will have a small hole drilled into it. It is important to leave this hole open, and never switch the wastegate barb and the boost barb.

Boost controllers typically come with approximately 3 feet of vacuum line that you can cut into 2 pieces of desired lengths. The first piece will connect from the boost barb on the controller to your boost source. The second piece will connect from the wastegate barb on the controller to the wastegate vacuum port. tip: if you have difficulty sliding the vacuum lines onto the barbs, use a little bit of oil to lube the barbs. Block off any open boost sources with vacuum caps and use cable ties to secure all vacuum line connections. We recommend using premium Fuel with all turbo cars, especially once you have increased your stock boost.

Step 2:

Now that the boost controller is installed, it's time to test the car. We recommend leaving the adjustment knob exactly where it was when you received and installed your MBC when you begin testing. Turning the adjustment knob clockwise increases boost, turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise decreases boost. This step is very important to keep an eye on your boost gauge to make sure you do not overboost and cause any damage to your motor.

drive your car in an isolated area where you will be able to stop and go several times without interfering with traffic. Slowly press the gas and watch your boost gauge climb. If the boost gauge does not hit your target, increase the boost. If the boost begins to exceed your target, decrease the boost. Repeat the steps as necessary. It typically takes between 5 to 10 adjustments to get the boost exactly on your target. We recommend starting by adjusting the boost knob in 1/2 turn increments, and as you get close to your target you may need to make smaller adjustments. Never adjust more than 1/2 a turn at a time.

Each car has a maximum safe boost level, depending on upgrades to the vehicle and the characteristics of the fuel system, specifically how much fuel your pump and injectors can provide. It is important to research and know what the maximum boost level your specific car can safely run.

This guide serves as a basic starting point for manual boost controller installation. If you have an external wastegate or twin turbo vehicle, the installation technique may vary slightly.

# posted by 34435 : 4:48 AM  0 comments