merman

W is for Wizball

There have been slight tweaks to gamesTM's design over the last couple of months (not all to my liking, but that's a different story). But now there is a full-time Retro writer on board in the shape of Ashley Day (previous work includes Retro Gamer and the Retro Survival CD - http://www.retrosurvival.co.uk )

H is for Harvey Headbanger

Doug Richard decided he didn't want to do any more, he's here in Cambridge investing in startup businesses and helping run the East of England Development Agency's "Gauntlet" promotion, which throws down the gauntlet to budding entrepeneurs... Rachel Ellnor (sp?) - I don't know why she is no longer on the program.

An excellent idea, was thinking of doing something similar for Retro Gamer... (P.S. How about adding the 2 gamesTM Retro anthologies as well?)

Z is for Zynaps

http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=6974&d=18&h=0

Rosalita - Zelda, from the Live at the Square EP

2nd September 2006, Man on the Moon, Cambridge: I went along to see Colonel Bastard's last gig for a while, which is typical - I just get into them and the drummer moves to Amsterdam! Still, they are hoping to record more tracks despite the distance. The back room is L-shaped with a bar, which is handy. As the evening went on, people moved closer and closer to the stage. Stray Embers First time I'd heard them, formed in Cambridge last year and took part in the Red Stripe Cambridge Band Competition this year. Four piece (drums, bass, guitar and vocals), sounded really tight and some good rocking songs with a mixture of influences (Beatles, The Who). Stay out of the Sun EP out now Colonel Bastard The main reason I was there, saw them in July supporting MJ Hibbett & The Validators. I've heard them described as The Buzzcocks crossed with The Kinks (The BuzzKinks?) and that's pretty apt. Tracks like Cup of Tea, Jack Jackanory and Boring Gordon are quintessentially British, a mix of witty lyrics and punk energy. Four in the band (drummer/vocalist Chris, bassist Ben, lead guitarist Russell, and guitarist/vocalist Martin), and with regular closer Whitley Grange they collapse into a heap on the front of the small stage. Rosalita "Indie rock that makes people want to dance" said the poster for their next gig, and it's true. Five in the band this time, with Kris on vocals wearing a fetching straw hat, bass, guitar, keyboard and drums. Lots of energy, good interplay between the musicians and great vocals. Favourite tracks included Poptart, Zelda and closer Greg gets a girl ("Good luck with your life"). I picked up the new Rosalita EP and the Live at the Square CD, and am listening right now...

Spin Doctors - Cleopatra's Cat, from the album Turn It Upside Down

I must admit, I found ATV (particularly on the C64) to be inferior to Kik Start...

That was my thought too - or the sort of mini-shop you get on railway stations. The key to that business is supply contracts, particularly if they stock the American sports/Starter caps. Also interesting to see Theo offer the loan note, reducing his risk but not scaring them into giving up huge equity...

Air - Alpha Beta Gaga

Super Scramble Simulator on 8 and 16 bit, was a follow-up to Kik Start by Shaun Southern. I don't think it's as good, but it is quite a challenge. Not only do you get a side-on view (with large biker) you also get a top-down view to align yourself with obstacles.

They Drove Me To It - Summer Days

Five is doing OK, ratings wise. I don't watch films on Five because of the previously mentioned news/ad breaks. But they have shown some good documentaries recently - the series on art/artists, and currently The Trench Detectives. Harry Hill's TV Burp will be back in the New Year

As a complete soundtrack, I love Super Metroid because it adds to the atmosphere. For a single song, it would have to be Magical Sound Shower from Out Run.

They will be if - they lose the revenue from ITV Play because of the regulators - they cannot re-negotiate the advertising contracts I hate to say it, but there's very little I watch on ITV these days. The only thing I regularly watch on ITV1 at the moment is "Country Days" produced by Anglia, which is in the 7:30pm regional slot on Thursdays.

Very droll. Tommy Murphy is an undercover detective, this time trying to get close to two Irish brothers who have moved to the West Midlands. After getting them to trust him, Murphy finds out about the money back in Ireland and how the brothers are going to get. The only trouble is, Murphy's cover is blown by a careless mistake from his back-up...

Karmadillo - Song for the Democrats

I can recommend: ON THE EDGE - The Spectacular Rise & Fall of Commodore Author - Brian Bagnall ISBN 0-9738649-0-7 Variant Press (Canada) www.commodorebook.com It follows the story of Commodore from the point of view of the engineers who worked at MOS and then Commodore, from the early days of the PET right through to the bankruptcy of the company. A thorough and interesting read for anyone interested in Commodore computers and the industry as a whole.

While there's a lot to be said about the cinematic style and ambition of MGS2, there's no doubt I found it a trial to complete. The swordfight at the end is excellent, and yet is over so quickly - it's almost like it was stuck on at the end of the design process. I actually had as much fun with the VR missions as I did with the main game.

It's not a new series, just a one-off bank holiday special. (Dalziel & Pascoe special on next weekend). If anything the new handler (and female colleague) storyline is working for me. Will be interesting to see how the loose threads are tied up...

MJ Hibbett & The Validators - Hey Hey 16K, from the album Say It With Words

Hehe, I think even Micro$oft's evaluation department might spot that before it's released