Uncharted - The Nathan Drake Collection Giveaway

Many of my friends have been asking me if the time is right for them to get a Sony Playstation 4 especially for casual gamers who did not spend much time on the Sony Playstation 2 or 3.  One of the most common questions I get is;

“Are there enough games to play?”

I have no idea how fast you guys usually take to complete 1 game but my mantra with my consoles all these years has always been

“Too many games, too little time.”

Not only are there new games all the time but to make things better, Naughty Dog and Sony has just brought back “Uncharted, The Nathan Drake Collection.”

What is Uncharted Nathan Drake Collection?

If you are unfamiliar with Uncharted series, it is about Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter and his adventures. It was 1^st introduced on the Sony PS3 in 2007 and since then we have had 3 different installations.

Besides the gameplay and the engaging storyline, one of the things that I really like about Uncharted series is its controls. There are a lot of interesting games out there but awkward controls can really piss me off. This is not the case for the Uncharted Series.

Uncharted is really one of those series that can keep you at the edge of your sofa for a very long time since it is actually 3 games in 1. #BestBuyEver

So basically I am paying for some old games?

Graphics improvement over the years. I can’t wait for the 4^th game. But first, let us play part 1-3 again. Image from topshelfgaming.net

I don’t know about you but playing vintage games is one of those things I enjoy doing. Moreover for this series, I actually started on Uncharted 2 which means I totally missed part 1. So it is all good for me to start from Uncharted 1 this time round.

That’s not all. For Nathan Drake Collection, there are actually some improvements as well as new modes for those who have already played it.

In addition to the upgraded 1080p/60fps detail, there are 3 new modes in the game:

Explorer Mode: For beginners and casual gamers to step into Nathan’s shoes comfortably, where combat difficulty is reduced

Speed Run Mode: With a timer slapped on the game, speed runners can track how quickly they are making it through the game

Brutal Difficulty Mode: Unlocked only after finishing the game on Crushing mode, it is the toughest difficulty setting available to play on the game on. Recommended only for Uncharted pros. (Do you think you can handle it?)

Photo Mode: Using Photo Mode, freeze, edit, and share photos of your favorite Nathan Drake exploits and share them with friends using the PlayStation 4 share functionality. This is really one of my favourite modes. I love using this to take pictures and uploading them onto FB or Instagram later as well!



EXCLUSIVE Uncharted 4 BETA Access: Those who purchase the UNCHARTED: The Nathan Drake Collection receives exclusive access to Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End multiplayer Beta version (while the Beta lasts).

New Trophies: Brand-new trophies created exclusively for UNCHARTED’s debut on the PS4 system.

Join Me!

Join me and Nathan [WS(-S1] in this adventure! You can get the downloadable version off PSN at $62.90 or at the nearest game store at the RRP for $74.90.

Giveaway

Since Uncharted is all about treasure, the good people at Playstation Asia have some treasure of their own to share!

There are 3 sets of limited edition premiums from Uncharted’ s Collection Premium Edition to be won. There are only 50 sets allocated for the entire SEA region and it consists of maps from the game, a compass and a telescope. Have I got your attention yet?

Here’s how you can win!

1) Like https://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAsia

2) Like https://www.facebook.com/smithankyou

3) Share the giveaway picture on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/smithankyou/posts/435917936594756)

4) Tag PlayStation Asia on the post

5) Comment on it and tell us why you deserve this treasure!

6) Keep your fingers crossed and pray to be one of the 3 lucky winners!

This contest is open to Singapore only. 

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5 Things to Do During Haze

Because Haze has been a bitch and there's no more outdoor activity for old man like me. There's only these much I can do.

Let Mr.Smith recommend you some To-Dos


1. Eat 

That's the good thing about eating. It is weather proof. Can be done anytime and anywhere. So indoor is fine. Picnics are for the crazy people in Singapore. Crazy air crazy weather. And good news is Domino's is now in Punggol. 30 mins delivery!! WOOOHOO!!!

2. Old Skool Movie Marathon 

There are so many good chick flicks movies out there that we didn't watch and it is really a very good time to catch up. Here's a list of shows that you should watch if you are gay romantic like me. I am not sure how you can get these shows online but I suggest you go DVD show and rent. I do not know what is utorrent.

1. Dirty Dancing
2. Crazy Stupid Love
3. Sleepless in seattle
4. 500 days of summer
5. Music and Lyrics
6. You've Got Mail
7. Kate & Leopold
8. Notting Hill
9. Love Actually
10. bHitch
11. He's not that into you
12. About Time
13. As good as it gets
14. Bucket List 
15. Jerry Magguire
16. Valentine's Day
17. Mean Girls
18. Sex and the City 
19. 27 Dresses
20. The Ugly Truth

3. M100

Not the biggest fan of Mike Chang to be honest but this exercise takes the cake. If you are complaining that the air is stopping you from working out. This one be the only workout you ever need.

4. Playstation 4 

You guys know how much I love my video games and how I am always addicted to NBA2Ks on my PS4 but "Until Dawn" is something really different. Not only is the graphics superb but the game play is something very refreshing. It is almost like watching movies with participation from you. Dying doesn't stop the game. You can actually aim to kill all of the characters and still complete the game.

5. Sex

Self explanatory. About time ya?

I mean of course there's a lot of other things to do like for example shop on taobao, read my dumb blog etc etc but I guess this 5 are my top activity to battle against the haze!! Unless you really wanna do you part you can also fight against it literally.

Image from SuperStore Singapore

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Game Review + Tips - NBA2K15

13 days before NBA tipoff but NBA fever has already hit me hard! My life is basically

Eat. NBA. Sleep. Repeat. I actually missed gym last night because of the game! ROAR!

As a Lakers fan, I'm happy I traded for Davis, Gasol and Durant. Yes! FACIAL! EAT THIS HOWARD!

Besides the fact that I really love NBA and NBA2k15, there are some things about this game which really pissed me off when I first started playing it. I break it down a little here.

Review

The Good 

Graphics - The last game I played was NBA2k14 on the PS3 so the PS4 graphics is a big jump for me. I love how the Jersey moves around when the players run!

Movement - The movement of the players are getting more and more realistic. Shake and Bake, post up. SMOOOOTH!

MyTeam - I really love the MyTeam game mode. MyTeam allows you to play through the game facing off different teams and doing different challenges. You can play a normal league game and create a dream team but it's just not as addictive as winning the cards. I guess being a CCG player really got me addicted with this game mode. Buying, and selling it off the auction house adds so much life to the game. Usually I will only play the MyPlayer and the normal league mode but this just blows me away. It's not exactly a new mode but this mode is way more smoother as compared to the previous instalment.

MyPlayer - Instead of playing through a player that gets drafted like the few previous game, you actually get to play a life of someone who didn't get drafted at all. Your agent (Jerry Maguire) will try his best to land you in a team with a start of 10 days contract. Stay alive kid! It's an interesting new storyline!

Sharing - This ain't exactly the game, it is more PS4 but I have to say this, THE SHARING FUNCTION IS FUCKING AWESOMEEEE!!! Print screens and Video! W000t!

The Bad 

Server - The server is a mess. Unbelievable bad. I had a pre-order bonus pack which I didn't managed claim until almost a week into the game which actually wasted me a lot of time. I will touch on this on the "tips" segment.

Playstation Plus - I guess this is more of a Playstation direction kinda thing. Online games now requires you to sign-up with Playstation Plus before you can play it. You can't play a few game modes unless you sign up for this and pays a monthly subscription fee.

AI - The AI in this game sucks. I am not too sure if fiddling with the playbook will help much because it doesn't seems like it did for me. Pick and Roll makes thing very easy for the opponent as switching of your AI teammates are very badly programmed. They hardly boxout, crash board and they just allows the opponent's backcourt to run pass the paint easily.

MyPark - To be honest.. I still have no idea where is MyPark game home and what is it. I can't find it, I can't connect to it but I am not really complaining now since MyTeam is keeping me entertained.

Post by Smith Leong.

Here's a video of me stealing a ball and making a random 3 point! 

Tips

Pre-order pack

If you have a pre-order pack, always redeem it. You will be given a few overseas players to select from and add to MyTeam. Players includes Dirk, Rookie Durant, Parker, Manu and etc. 

Image from YouTube screen shot 

Early game in the MyTeam mode can be pretty much a pain in the ass as you are only given a bunch of common cards, (Players with low stats) and a Uncommon card and you are put up to face some really tough guys. So getting a boast with this pre-order player will really help. Choice was pretty easy for me and I went with Dirk as front court is a very big problem in this game as mentioned earlier.

MyTeam Game Mode 

Within MyTeam, there are a few ways to play. Domination and Challenge are readily available without the need to sign up for Playstation Plus unlike the Playoffs and "Play with Friends" mode. I got mislead by the game that the Challenge mode is the easier mode because the very 1st game you will be asked to complete is the challenge game mode but the domination mode is actually the easier game mode to both earn some MT Credits as well as additional bonus packs. I actually wasted so much time losing at the challenges and losing "contracts". Each players have certain contract which can be refilled using contract cards. Contract cards comes in Gold, Silver and Bronze as well. +5, +4 and +3 games respectively and is usually obtainable in each pack. So do not worry that your favourite player will run out of contract and be unplayable because you will always get some contract cards. Save your credits, do not buy contracts card from the Auction house. 

Sell unwanted players and be patient at the Auction House 

One of the best thing about this MyTeam game mode is the Auction house. You can use two types of credits, MT credits and VC credits. VC can be purchased over at the Playstation store, earned from MyLeague, MyPlayer, MyGM and even mobile app where else MT credits can only be earned via MT game mode. You will need some good players to help you to win the game and opening random packs over and over might not be the best thing to do with the MT Credits. The random packs can be purchased using both MT and VC Credits but you can only spend MT at the auction house. You know what I mean, save MT for auction house. 

Collecting players and items might be fun but it might not be the best thing to do early game. Selling players you do not need to earn credits and buy a better player is totally worth it as it helps you earn more credits. I sold away a bunch of common and uncommon players and bought a cheap rare card and it totally changed the game! 

Auction house cards can be pretty much over priced as everyone wanna earn those MT credits so always be patient and look for a card for the best priced. I got Paul Pierce at 5000 MT which I thought it's pretty cheap and it totally changed my game. 

Once you have 1 or 2 decent players you can start to keep some of those common and uncommon players and try to collect more cards.

Take Jump Shots

The new NBA game comes with a new jump shot bar as compared to the previous game and turning it on makes thing way easier. Going to the basket is not exactly the easiest thing to do in the game and neither is passing into the lay. You will stack up too many turnovers before you know it. Take those jump shots. Which also means if you are going to spend your MT credits, spend it on a good mid range shooter. 

Download the Mobile App 

The mobile app game might not be the most fun but it gives you daily VC Credits. Daily lucky pick credits which is pure luck and also daily game credits up to 500.  

Conclusion

I hope this review gives you some insights about the game and can help you better plan and spend your MT, VC and also time. 

All in all I will rate this game 7/10. I really hope they can solve the server and AI issues in the next game. 

I might be wrong about somethings and you might have some other insights to share too. Feel free to comment, send me an email or drop me a tweet at @Smithankyou 

Mr.Smith, YAKEEM!!!

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NBA 2K15 - YAKEEM!

Are you ready for the new league? Are you ready to play as Lebron and Love at Cavs? Paul Pierce at Wizards? Kobe,  Lin and "the others" from Lakers? I sure hope the Lakers can get some win this season and not just happening on NBA2K15. October, please come quick!

I just can't wait for it to be here! YAKEEM!

P.S. - was watching classic games LA Lakers vs Kings 2000/01 game. I can only say Shaq is dominating, a bully and what I call the REAL Centre.

Sorry Chris Dudley, I had to use this gif. gif-erized

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Shopping at Clementi Mall Part 1 - Zepy Games

"I don't think you will want to join us ladies for shopping because it's going to be a long day and I'm not too sure if you can take it." That was what my colleague told me a few years back when we had our 1st company outing at Hong Kong and they had to bite their own words in a few hours time. DESRITE! I am the legendary shopping king that even woman can't beat!

I can shop from daily necessities, fashion, toys, gadget and even to "useless" novelty accessories. And today, Shopping King is going to share with you an exciting place to shop - Clementi Mall! 

It's really accessible because it's located actually right beside the MRT station! 

Usually when I stepped into a shopping mall, there will be a few main things that I will look out for.

The whole layout - I really hate shopping malls that has very bad layout meaning you kept walking into dead ends, a good shopping mall should be able to let you walk continuously and roam around easily. Clementi does not have that problem and in fact it is really easy to navigate around!

The walking space/fire safety - This is probably one of the things that very few will feel the same way. I hate it when shopping malls try too hard to earn every single spot of retail spot by having too many push carts. I always wonder if they even pass their fire safety inspection with that pathetic amount of spaces left. 

Tenant Mix - Of course, this has to be one of the most important point about a good shopping mall. I really like how Clementi mall has a wide variety of shops that I can shop at! 

Zepy Games -  #04-11/12 TEL: 66590163

There are a few main shop types that I really like and one of them gonna be a Game Shop! 

Zepy Games at Clementi Mall

Zepy games not only have a wide range of games but their prices are also very competitive! And they even have membership promotions as well as a loyalty program that rewards returning customers!

My favorite section has to be the Pre Owned game. The same game at a more resonable price but same amount of fun! Oh, you can also sell away those games that you have completed too!

That's not all! They also sell games related products like toys, collectables and even trading card games! That was actually how I spent my teenage years!

WAH! Got pretty girl playing game at the shop! So I guess this demo set idea is a good idea after all right?? YEAH!! 

Revealing frontal of the picture.....

EH! Chey, that's just my silly wife! But if you really want to see a pretty girl who knows her gaming stuff, do remember to check out Zepy games because the sales girl at Zepy Games Clementi Mall is not just friendly and helpful but she knows her stuff too! (NPGT - You all have to check it out yourself mah!)

And guess that? One does not simply enters a game shop and exit it empty handed.

Argentina might not have won the world cup but there is a winner in this picture!

MY HOOT! *Update as requested by readers: PS4  $619 basic. $75 - extra controller with purchase (not in picture). Killzone (Pre-owned) $35, UFC $71.90 ish (Can't remember :p ). *

YES! The long awaited PS4! 

For those who are interested to find out more about my adventure at Clementi Mall, do stayed tuned for Part 2! 

And meanwhile, do check out their Facebook page, as well as Zepy Games Facebook Page!

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