Editorial

SWTOR’s Patching Problems
WHY!!!!!!

WHY!!!!!!

For such a big game with lots and lots of players, why does Bioware‘s SWTOR always have problems patching itself.  I am sitting here and watching the game’s launcher try to patch itself for the past 30 minutes, and it looks like it’s stuck.  AGAIN!  I just wanted a quick game tonight, and get some class missions done, but instead I am sitting here frustrated that the game is having problems patching.  It managed to fix 3 files that were broken, but only to break 13 more files in the process.

I had problems installing the game initially, downloading it, and installing.  It kept breaking files, and freezing on installing.  This prompted me to buy the disc, but, lo and behold, it also had problems installing it.  At first I thought it was my old PC, which was not exactly in tip top running condition, so I waited to build my new PC, but only to be greeted with the same problem.  After some extensive research, I had found out that the game does not like having anything over 4 GB of RAM when installing, so I took off my 16 GB of RAM (2 sticks of 8 GB), and plopped in 1 stick of 4 GB.  THEN it finally installed.

Joy, I can finally play this MMO, and get cracking.  My enjoyment of the game quickly erased my frustrations of the installation process, and all was forgiven, until the next patch came out about 2 weeks ago.  I thought, ‘hey, they may have fixed that patch problem’ so I tried to update it with my 16 GB of RAM installed.  Well I thought wrong.   I had to pop off my stick again, and install the lone 4 GB stick.

Fast forward to today, another patch was released, and, guess what, it breaks files again, repairs, it, freezes, breaks more files, repairs them, breaks some more in the process.  As I am writing this, I am watching the thing install (currently at 6% after if fixed 13 files, of which was broken after it fixed the initial 3 that it broke).  I really don’t feel like shutting down my system, popping off the panel, taking out my RAM to put in the 4 GB stick.  That just has the potential of breaking stuff, only because the game’s launcher keeps breaking itself.

Seriously, Bioware FIX THIS!  I don’t want the do the mem test, and run check disk BS answer that you pimp out in the forums.  It’s utter BS.  Right now it’s stuck at 6% with no signs of it moving.  WHY!?

I just wanted to play your game for which I had payed to play.  Now I am here, frustrated, dejected, and disappointed.  I guess I’ll just play Fire Emblem and call it a night.

Playstation 4 thoughts

ps4_logo_small

Sony recently announced it’s successor to the Playstation 4 yesterday at their press event in NYC.  On paper it looks like a power house, sporting an AMD 8-core “Jaguar” X86 64-but CPU,  AMD Radeon, Graphics, 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM, the usual array of wireless letters, a Blu-Ray drive, and other goodies usually found in consoles these days. (USB ports, HDMI, etc., etc.).  Sony seems to be making this a social system, meaning it will let you see what your friends are playing, watch them play in real time, post up to FB, and other social features that Sony has planned.

They also unveiled the Dual Shock 4, and I am so relieved that they still retained the classic shape and look of Playstation controllers of the past, but now, it has a touch pad similar to that found on the PS Vita.  Few new features found on the new controller is a headset jack, and a share button.  Absent is the start, and select buttons, but seems to have been replaced with an ‘options’ button.  It appears to have gained some weight also, seeing as it does sport some new hardware, one can only assume that it has.  This was probably my biggest concern, since there were rumors floating around prior to the the press event that Sony was totally revamping the controlling.  I am so glad it still retain’s the old shape we have known to love since the PSOne days.

Sony's Dual Shock 4

Sony’s Dual Shock 4

I’ve been conversing with a few friends about this, and we are all very excited.  The graphics on the tech demo’s and other trailers that have been released just look astounding.  I’m not too fond or keen on the social aspects, but it’s probably going to be pretty transparent.  There are no photos of the actual system itself, though, pictures of the dev. kits has surfaced.  Before today, we were all unsure if there would be a physical tangible disc, as they were really focusing on downloading the game.  Reading some more articles today squashed our fears of not having physical discs.  But another concern is the need to be connected to the internet at all times to be able to play. Now I hope this is just a rumor, because, even if my PS3 is always connected to my router, thus giving it access to the interwebs, my ISP sometimes has hiccups, like if someone sneezes hard in the general vicinity of it’s equipment/wires.  I still would like to play ‘offline’.  Not everyone has blazing fast internet also. So I think it would be a poor decision on Sony’s part to implement this.  Again, this is just a rumor, and hopefully it will stay that way.  Also, it does not have backwards compatibility with PS3, which is lame. Reason, well, the Cell processor which was a power-pc type, is a different architecture from x86.  Coding wise, it’s different, and from what I read, if it can’t be emulated without taxing the system too much, then it wont be playable on the PS4. Another piece of rumor I just came across, is that the system will controllable via smartphone (iOS or Android), and tablet.  It will work similar to that of Microsoft’s Smartglass app for the X-Box. (source: http://toucharcade.com/2013/02/20/rumor-playstation-4/)

Apparently the release date is Nov. of this year.

We are truly excited to see this come to light.  The specs for it will make it seem like a true computing powerhouse, and once the developers get to know the system, and manipulate it like how Naughty Dog made the PS3 it’s bitch with Uncharted 2 and 3, one can only imagine the type of game’s we will be playing in 2-3 years.  We will post up any new information regarding the PS4, as we get a hold of it.  Rumor or not.

For now, enjoy some videos showcasing the PS4’s brawn.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw1l_C4kXrg] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk-RsawGjPY] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYY-J3ckeSI] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B26lKK8t9pE] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5VqaNf-gZ4] [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuRwp6aCWRw]

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Pop Culture’s Coolest Cars

Saw this list on Top Gear’s FB page.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/top-gear/photos/popular-cars/#8708

One of my favorite all time pop culture vehicles was The DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future, It was a great mix of fantasy and reality.

Powered by a Flux Capacitor, this can take you back in time

(Image Credit – http://bttftimemachine.com/delorean-time-machine-daytime-drivers-side-rear/)

Another favorite, at least when I was a child, was Tim Burton‘s Batman Batmobile.  At the time, I thought it was the coolest rendition, befitting the caped crusader.  I think to this day it still stand’s up, compared to the Joel Shumacher Batmobile’s, and even the Tumbler from Crhistopher Nolan’s series.

Batmobile - Tim Burton's Batman

(Image Credit – http://designstorey.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/batmobile.jpg)

I ask our followers/readers, what’s your favorite pop culture vehicle?

The Batmobile of Batman & Robin.

The Batmobile of Batman & Robin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy Valentines day to all!

From myself and Cheesecake, I Just Wrote a Blog would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day.

Rose Heart

 

Image from http://uonews.uoregon.edu/archive/news-release/2013/1/uo-host-free-couples%E2%80%99-counseling-valentine%E2%80%99s-day

Breaking My Phone.

This is my third Droid Incredible 2 by HTC. I have so many gripes with it.

A) Single core processor, so it lags like all hell.

B) 3G, so it’s a bit on the slow side.

C) The charging port is extremely fragile, and if you actually use your Dinc2, you will break it.

D) It’s stuck (as of now, and probably for the rest of its damned existence) with Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread. (refer to my posts from before)

Now, my contract with Verizon isn’t ending for quite a while  (I’m eligible for an upgrade in May), and it really has been a terrible experience with this phone.

My phone died (became utterly useless because of charging port issues) twice in the first 10 months, and it has happened again, but that’s not the actual problem that is rendering this damned phone useless for a third (and hopefully, final) time.

This time, it just does not want to stay turned on, even with battery. I’ll be in the middle of composing a tweet or maybe texting someone, lock the screen and go do something, and then when I go to finish what I’d started, the phone screen would be black entirely, and I’d end up having to do hard resets (battery pulls).

Apparently, this is a problem with many HTC devices (which, of course, furthers my relationship with the Taiwanese company) such as the first Droid Incredible and the HTC Thunderbolt.

Safe to say, I’ll be steering clear of any HTC devices in the future (I personally don’t like the bulky Sense UI nor do I like how light it is compared to the darkness of stock Android).

At this point, I’ve highly considered suspending this phone line without billing (which is a period of 90 days, maximum of twice in a 12 month period, which would give me enough time to cancel this line) and add a new line with new two year contract and get that oh-so-beautiful Samsung Galaxy S III in black for $70 via Amazon Wireless.

My best option, however, is to graciously receive The Big Cheese’s old Droid Bionic (which, as you may know, he hates due to extreme bugs) and wait until my upgrade period begins in May so that I can pick up something like the ever anticipated Samsung Galaxy S 4, or if it is cheap enough, the Galaxy Note 2.

My worst case scenario would be to scour for an iPhone 5 for Verizon with a clean ESN (good luck to me, right?). Worst case because I really REALLY dislike iPhones. REALLY.

HTC and Verizon FINALLY Bring ICS to HTC Thunderbolt

It’s too late now, though.

The Thunderbolt, the first 4GLTE phone on Verizon, has always been a disappointment in the Android community. It’s processor was nothing to write home about, it’s connectivity issues were definitely something to complain about, and it’s bulky (and faulty) design made this phone one of the most hated in America.

It came out of the gates with Android 2.2, and only now in 2013 has it been confirmed to have an Android 4.0 update ready to roll out any time soon. At this point, 4.0 is 2 updates behind the second iteration of Android Jelly Bean, Android 4.2 (and it seems as though Google is prepared to launch Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie [or, and I’m dreading the name, potentially Kandy Kane] in the coming months at Google I/O 2013).

It’s been 5 months already. 5! The Thunderbolt (and it’s younger sister, the Droid Incredible 2) were promised to have gotten the ICS update by September 31st!

I think people have finally come to grips that HTC on Verizon has been a failure and have actually given up hope on both devices, leaving for newer, more premium devices on the carrier (or even on another carrier, or even worse, to an iPhone on another carrier).

–I am very much for Android. I am fascinated with how much better it is overall than other mobile operating systems; however when companies fail to appease the customer, it makes me very angry. HTC and Verizon have failed me in the department of customer satisfaction, and in the future, I shall not be purchasing from HTC. At the moment, I cannot do anything about being on Verizon (in fact I would not want to leave VZW because of how amazing their service is), but when upgrade time comes, goodbye HTC devices. I’m really hoping I can grab a SG Note II or an SIII, maybe even the GNex like The Big Cheese. And if worst comes to worst, if my mom sees that an iPhone 5 is on BOGO come upgrade time, iPhone 5 I shall settle.

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Super Bowl
Harbowl

Harbowl

 

It’s that time of the year, where america pretty much shuts down, and watch 2 teams go toe to toe for football supremacy.  Fans and and non-fans alike all gather at bars or someones house to either watch the game, schmooze, watch the commercials or just hang out and get drunk.  TV‘s are actually priced better for superbowl weekend than black Friday.  Last year, I was in the zone, as my team, the NY Giants were set to face off against the New England Patriots.  The first time they faced, my Giants stunned and stopped New England‘s bid for the perfect season, so this time around, they wanted to exact revenge.  Well, my Giants came out on top, and, that was that.  I’m not a fan of either team this year, but I am a bit more partial for the Ravens, partly cause I do like Ray Lewis, and it be nice for him to win one more.

His dance is also awesome.

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT3V2ZH9_s0]

 

So, let’s all fill up on chicken wings, beer, nachos, and whatever else people eat today, and enjoy that is the Super Bowl.

I was going to do a blog as the game went along, but I don’t think that will be possible. Recap post later on.

 

 

One month down, and an Earworm: Bangarang – Skrillex

We now head into the 2nd month of the 2013, I cannot believe January just came and went.  It was quick a busy month, with work and all.  I finally got to build a new PC and so far it’s been just a peach to use.  I will do a quick write up on it probably this month.  It will cover the selection process, and why I picked the parts I picked.

Also, our very very late review on Resident Evil 6 is being finished.  I know it’s been a while since it’s been released, but it’s gonna be done through the eyes of casual gamer‘s, and fans of the series. We might start putting together our retro review section.  A lot of exciting things in the works, but also, my project list is filling up.  I have another website project in the works to be launched in the coming weeks, as well as my photography, and the return of WIGN.

I apologize if we cannot provide you guys with new content everyday, it’s tough with work and school, the best we can do is fill up our folders with stuff, then just post them as we get them done.  Hoping you can stick it out with us.

And lastly, an Earworm.  It’s by Skrillex, and it’s been stuck in my head for the past 2 days.  I am not much into dubstep, but this one I kinda enjoy.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJVmu6yttiw]

Getting addicted to PC gaming…

So , since I have put a new PC recently, and it can pretty much run a lot of the newer stuff with out a hitch, I have been a bit on a gaming binge on the PC side. I have ignored this platform for quite sometime, mainly because the machine I was running previously couldn’t run much of anything recent.  I was recently introduced to Steam (yeah, a bit of a late comer there), and via the THQ‘s Humble Bundle, I was able to pick up a few games for a very low price, all for a good cause.  And also much recently, I was made aware, by a friend, that Star Wars: The Old Republic was now free to play.  Now I have been wanting to play SWTOR, but didn’t really see the need to pay to play as I don’t get much time to dedicate to games.  Well, since I put my new machine together, I have done nothing but play SWTOR (Jezzanorris if you want to hit me up).  Sometime ago, I picked up a cheap wireless keyboard and mouse combo from Logitech.  I think it cost me about $19.99 for the 2 at BJ’s, but the mouse was too small for my liking, so I ended up spending another $20.00 for another wireless mouse.  Thing was they didn’t work on the same receiver, since the mouse was on a newer wireless thing that Logitech was using, and the KB/Mouse combo was using an older system.  Anyway, to cut a long story short, I was never fond of the K/B much since it felt too small, but it served my purpose, up until I started playing SWTOR, and Metro 2033.  To alleviate this problem, I decided to pick up a Razer Nostromo, but as I was about to pull the trigger, I got to thinking, why not just pick up a gamer-centric keyboard, instead of another peripheral. This will kill 2 birds with one stone.  So, in the end I ended up purchasing a Logitech G510.

It’s a monster of a keyboard, and actually, this post is the first time I am really using it.  It types very nicely, and feels very comfortable.  It’s also backlit, and has an LCD, and what not.  Anyway, I’ll save the thoughts and comments on it when I do a PC-build post.  I will be trying it out on SWTOR after I publish this post.  I will let you know how I like it after.   What about you guys, you have anything PC gaming specific?

 

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard in all it's backlit glory

Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard in all it’s backlit glory