The Three Rs is a primarily British viral entertainment site, with standings in many niche interests and involved in a variety of different groups. Topics range from gaming to adulthood to the latest fashion.
In a word: awesome. That’s how I can only describe the behemoth that is Metal Gear Solid 4. The game that myself and so many fans included have been waiting for since the teary eyed salute at the end of MGS3 is here. And it was definitely worth the wait!
Of course my wait was a little more pro-longed, by a whole day, thanks to the postal service and my lovely job (in turn making this post a little later then planned) but that just increased my excitement for when it was finally in my hands. Placing the game in the machine, I was treated to 8 minutes of update time while I watched Snake chain smoke in the background (looking as cool as ever I might add) with the game itself telling me about how to look after the disc and about health risks when playing the game and such. And then once Snake said the words, “Kept you waiting huh?” the game really began. Needless to say I was close to wetting myself, dignified of course.
Going on to the start menu, I decided to try out the virtual training before stepping into the game, and testing out how Snake handled. And he handles very well, with nothing really changing in controls except for using the R1 button to kill. I tried out the CQC techniques, aiming the guns, throwing the grenades and generally tearing the shit out of the non-responsive blank orange humans (cannon fodder) dotting the area.
Then I decided it was time to start the game in earnest. Selecting the Solid Normal mode I started a new game and it began in the Middle East, with Old Snake riding in a truck looking very Assassin’s Creed with a load of militia ‘buddies’. I won’t reveal anything about the story for those who don’t want spoilers, so don’t worry guys!
Then hell breaks loose, and the Praying Mantic PMC pops up and starts shooting at the militia, and I found myself in the middle of a fire-fight with only my knife handy, wondering what I should do. Few kick-ass cut scenes and some running and sneaking about later, things really hotted up when I heard distant mooing in the background, and anyone who’s watched the MGS4 trailers will know that that signals the coming of the Gecko’s. After half an hour I was breathless with excitement at all the new innovations and techniques put in, for instance I was doing the worm past Praying Mantis bad boys, and also how much more aggressive the AI is when they actually find you. And of course there was the Octocamo, which is ingenious I might add! The threat ring implemented in place of rumble also works extremely well and is very handy. And what about how the game looks you might ask? It’s a complete visual treat and the best looking game out at the moment.
Hell I’d even say it’s the best game out at the moment, but I have to complete the game before making that assessment. So now I’m going to stop typing this and pick up my controller again, and next time you hear from me it will be on this game’s review written by a very satisfied gamer, because I believe this game is going to satisfy me immensely. And that’s not a word I use lightly either.
Staying on the subject of gaming (well, I was on the subject...) try out this little platformer. It runs as smooth as freshly-shaven skin, complete with some wonderful animations and gameplay (he can run up some walls, damn it!).
Just thought I would bring to your attention a new range of clothing aimed at adults. No, not the Three Rs store. It's Pokémon 151.
Each member of the original 151 are characterised in these unqiue T-shirts which are only avialble in Japan. so you'll have to have yours imported no doubt. Looking good to me.
The above is a short film, picturing Mr. Kwoon (a.k.a Man who beat Chuck Norris in a war of words) visiting a cosplay convention in the American mid-west. At such coventions, the people attending will typically dress up as their favourite anime or Square Enix game character - in public, for no apparent reason.
Meh. Beats me. Watch the video, though. Oh, and God bless you, Mr. Kwoon.
PS: YES, I WAS SEARCHING FOR A DOMO-KUN COSTUME WHEN I FOUND THE VIDEO. THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DRESSING UP AS A GIANT, FURRY ANIMAL IN THE NAME OF ENTERTAINMENT!
I want to see footage of the game. I don't want to have an overly obnoxious French twat shout in my ear about gameplay elements ('LOL OPEN WURLD AND BIG GUNZ!') which have been present since early 2001. What's even worse is that the gameplay itself demonstrated is quite appalling. Its mostly this guy just driving around and telling me stuff I can do in... er... Crysis.
The funniest part is where they actually have to restart the demo around halfway through because the player crashes the car!
Just a post to remind everyone that dispite urban legend the Three Rs does have a forum. And with various sub forums means that Temple Moor interested readers can have a chat here, Lost lovers can express fanboyism here and gamers can express ...gaming here.
See, Res3.net will be the next thing since sliced chicken slices.
Projects like 3scapism are often compared to ships sailing around on the high seas. A lot of the time the going is easy; you just relax and float along with capable crew. Sometimes the weather gets a little stormy, or we get blown off course. At the end of the trip, we either make it to port or sink. What has happened to SS. 3scapism regarding the last two options is completely subjective, but - as you may have guessed by the lack of activity - the trip is nigh on officially over.
3scapism began as a way to promote the quickly growing Escapist community - to give all the budding (and extremely talented!) writers amongst us support. Being published on the blog became a sign of honour and prestige for many - that they had joined the elite ranks of their (equally able) peers. Whilst we did not make extravagant posts about the community itself (I feel it may have run a little dry, especially at the start of the year) 3scapism became popular with staff and forum members alike; even attracting the eyes of other sites with our great posts (Game Revolution, anyone?).
Unfortunately, due to a recent set of unforeseen circumstances (no Half Life reference intended, although that's more consequences), motivation with the 3scapism staff has run a little low of late. Whilst Gigantor claimed the GTAIV review award title and tendo82's own horizons have opened up (as well as myself gaining several writing gigs from around the country) it appears that The Escapist's staff do not favour us as much as I would have hoped. Basically, they branded one single, one-line comment I made three months ago about video quality to somehow not only entirely reflect on my own character, but that of the entire 3scapism movement - condemning us all and refusing to have little more to do with us. I could make some more snide remarks about how it comes just as The Escapist launch their own line of game reviews, or how it happens to follow Joe's departure from their team. However, the whole point of ending 3scapism now is to avoid a needless (and futile) bitching war between two parties. At the end of the day, we rely on the community above all else, and forcing them to pick sides is about as mature as the collective IGN reader base.
The right of reply is always open to The Escapist, of course, although they have yet to answer my (rather light) reply to their thoughts from three weeks ago. Although suddenly wanting to talk following negative exposure whilst ignoring us for the past 5 months may seem a little too faux pas for some.
We all have our own projects and lives - some of the former can be seen as the end of this post. Continuing normally with 3scapism - a pioneering site in community development without support from its namesake - would be stubborn at best and idiotic at worst. There is, after all, little difference between rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic and rearranging them on the Hindenburg. I implore you all to try something new, and some of our own sites may be a great place to start.
Finally, a huge, huge thank you to not only the greatly efficient tendo82 and Gigantor, but to all of our contributors and readers for the past half of a year. Whilst initially I did little more than stick a few appropriate (although I do believe I got the wrong game once, right, Ten?) screensjots to accompany your hard work; your collective support has been awesome. Let us hope we've set the standard for independent community projects across the world.
My name's Scott Constantine, and I can be reached at melaisis@gmail.com. I invite everyone to comment as necessary. Thanks.
Yes, that's right. After a WELL DESERVED rest I, Dee4leeds returns and I promise to post more. And by that I do indeed mean the LOST season finale post.
What can you expect? Well basically the usual old crap from back in the day basically.
The YouTube frontpage is often dominated nowadays by short viral 'hits' such as VeryTasteful (we still love you, Billy - but give someone else a chance!) or some really abstract sort of shite like We Are The Strange or Four Eyed Monsters. A lot of these 'great' films have no real audience, and seemed to be aimed at imaginary viewers, rather than actual people who go on YouTube. That being said, a decently narrated short project has recently turned up, which I rather like, somehow.
Here's a shout-out over to our boy(s?) over at Atomic Spark with their funny, top-quality (and informative) video about Team Fortress 2's 'Red Team'. Incidentally, do you know that the introduction music for the game is a blatant copy from the intro from top 70s detective show Ironside?
There's been a mix-up over at The Escapist recently about my leadership abilities and my real thoughts of their website clashing. That makes me sad, unfortunately; still, here's hoping it'll be cleared up soon! In the meantime, check out 3scapism - the shining bastion of journalist quality with nil and his review of Portal.
Its something I contribute to on a monthly basis, and you'll see my 3scapism-esque rants on features of gaming (as well as many other top-notch articles from radio DJs and capable writers) fill the pages. The guys over at GRN really do a huge amount of work on the e-zine, so it would be great if you gave some support. It seems they're also forever looking for writers, so if you believe yourself competent enough to over-analysis alongside the best of us, send in a submission to their recruitment department (see their post on it for more information). The Three Rs itself is home to a lot of artists, too; so there's always another valid and productive project to set your sights on, guys!
On part request of Mr. Penders and self-inspiration by a certain blog entry from MySpace (http://tinyurl.com/k65gy) I have come up with the second of today's articles. Now, being so damn picky myself and being utterly disgusted with today's, laid-back, anything-goes take on relationships. I have come up with the ultimate attributes a perfect partner should have! If if you're a real man, you'll totally agree with this:
1) The subject-in-question has a vagina.
2) The subject-in-question does not have a penis.
3) The subject-in-question has boobs.
4) She must not develop headaches every time 'sex' is mentioned.
5) She must be able to fake it. Well, at least. I mean, come on! If you're going to bother, you might as well do it properly!
6) 'Commitment' must not NOT talked about.
7) Natasha Bedingfield does not exist whenever I'm around. It's a matter of respect, of course.
8) She must not be a bitch. Or look like one (Damn, there goes Hilary Duff...).
9) No bitchy friends!
10) NO BLONDES.
Now, I think the above are very clear and safe guidelines to finding any partner. However, not all people share the same, mastermind opinions as me. So, I've come up with some lists I think some people I know would of written if they did this: ELLIOT LOGAN'S:
1) She must be younger.
2) She must be called 'Ellie'.
3) She must be emo.
4) She must put up with my public masturbation.
5) She must have a friend with a mustache.
Of course, by process of elimination, I have deducted that the person who Elliot fancies is... EMO ELLIE! NEXT!
My own Frankenstein's Creation. My own Rocky Horror. I've taken the piss out of MySpacers for too long, so, I've made my own profile. Good, eh? Over the next few weeks I'll update it with typically emo comments and blog entries. So, remember people: giv me coments lol
Mel's Update, 10/6: This is something we did ages ago, and has since been turned into my actual MySpace. I'd appreciate it if we laid related posts to rest (tch, Curio!) but its still worth remembering.
As always, it has been a busy time for us here at 3scapism. Over the last month I've recruited two, new, official 'staff' members - Ten and Gig - in order to help me edit the site due to the growing influx of content piling in from The Escapist's community. If you have any suggestions, contact one of us with them, or post on our sub-forum over at Res3.net. Talking of feedback, we're currently trying to change the site layout due to suggestions, so stay with us for updates on that one.
Now for the mandatory plugs! Whilst 3scapism deals very well in reviews, I suggest that our sister site, DW-Gaming is the best place to go to for general news (Its where I found out about the new Banjo Kazooie game, after all). They've already taken off really well.
Secondly, I'm currently supporting new machinima studio Atomic Spark. Again, I suggest you check out and support their high quality work.
3scapism's Expansion Efforts (3EE): Earlier in the week, I e-mailed The Escapist itself regarding 3scapism taking the lead in developing the community - possibly in a gaming direction. They haven't replied.
And here we are. The final day. The end of "This Time Last Year." What you think? Worth doing again? No I didn't think so either. Well I guess it got us closer to 400 posts, which at this rate will tie in nicely with the 2nd birthday of the website. That would be a nice birthday present.
News
-The U.S. Navy dock landing ship USS Carter Hill confronts pirates off the coast of Somalia after they had hijacked a Danish merchant vessel, the MV Danica White. -Israeli troops kill a Palestinian shopkeeper and seriously injure another in the West Bank town of Nablus. -Three suspects are arrested in relation to a terrorism plot involving John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, with a fourth suspect being sought. -Scotland Yard detectives who went to Jamaica to probe Bob Woolmer's death come to the verdict of the murder investigation, saying that Bob Woolmer died of heart failure and was not murdered.
-Today is "Festa della Repubblica" in Italy. -Today is the 154th day of the year (Because it's a leap year.) -There are 212 days remaining until the end of the year.
Before starting today's article, I'd like to bring up this little quote:
"I used to be into BDSM, necrophilia and beastality; but in the end, I realised it was just flogging a dead horse."
Now, for today's article: LORD OF THE PINGS! Which is basically the real version of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Allow me to explain:
BOOK ONE: THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE PING
Allow me to define 'Ping':
"Packet Internet Groper. A utility that forwards data packets to check the quality of a link or verify the connection of a machine to the Internet."
The 'Brotherhood' is made up of four midget pornstars who are set on a quest (with their slightly larger friends) to establish a decent Internet connection. Their only problem is, their Internet is run by the evil AOLron in the midst of the boiling, magma-packed Server Room. In the first book, the four midgets are sentenced to the quest by a bunch of World of Warcraft fanatics and a few guys from a crappy Counter Strike Source clan. They encounter the evil nine ex-customer service managers, clash with the mass upon mass of spam emails (Sporcs) and battle giant spiders, for no apparent reason. BOOK TWO: A COUPLE OF TOWERS
In this part of the trilogy, we learn about the two great towers: Router and Modem. Both at separate sites of the Middle-Internet but connected by the desire to lag all. We witness Modemgarde going to war against Bulldogan in an epic court case at the (appropriately named courthouse) We-Sue-You Deep. What other stuff happens in this book doesn't really matter, as it won't be put in the movie.
BOOK THREE: HEY LOOK, THE KING'S BACK!
In the final section of the trilogy, the grand king of the Internet returns to power: Bill Gategorn. The Men of the CS: S go to war against AOLron in an epic clash at N00bus Haxxus. The last two remaining midget pornstars manage to breach the ancient and vast Server Room and destroy the high ping once and for all. But not without using their trusty friend to search their way there first: Googllum.
Second to last day before this plugging machine comes to an abrupt end. Not liked it? Give your opinion at the Res3 forums. Any time is plugging time. And talking of time, here's the word "Travel".
News
-In the Amazon Rainforest, a new tribe of indigenous people is discovered. The tribe is called "Metyktire" and is a subgroup of the Kayapo tribe. -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns consumers to discard all toothpaste made in China after discovering diethylene glycol, a poison related to a chemical used in antifreeze, in some samples. -The Ukrainian parliament votes to approve a package of legislation clearing the way for a parliamentary election on September 30. -Militants launch two attacks on the Indian Army in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in two soldiers killed and 19 injured.
-Today is "Children's Day." -Today is "National Day Against Homophobia" in Canada. -Today is the 153th day of the year (Because it's a leap year.) -There are 213 days remaining until the end of the year.
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