Rayman 2: The Great Escape

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Adam Randall

PictureWhile this game is the second in the Rayman series, it has no strong connections to the first game (other than featuring Rayman as the main character) and there’d be absolutely no confusion if you were to play this game with no prior knowledge.

The storyline is a fairly basic one: the Glade of Dreams (which is the place where Rayman and his friends live) has been invaded by robotic pirates who have captured and enslaved most of the inhabitants. Rayman then escapes and has to rescue everyone and defeat the pirates, occasionally with the assistance of various friends..

While every level in linear in that it has a starting point and an exit you have to get to, they are also full 3D worlds which you are free to explore as you go through, each world having a number of Lums (little fairy things) hidden in them for you to collect. There’s also a very nice variety in the levels too, including swamps, haunted caves, volcanoes and much more. The worlds are all very enchanting, each of them has a very nice soundtrack to go along with them and the graphic style makes them all look eerie and mysterious. Plus, there are lots of convenient check points in the levels and you do not have a limit on lives, which means that while it can occasionally be hard it is never hard to the point of annoyance.

There are a few downsides though, for example the music very ungracefully changes from one track to another when going to different areas and this can be rather annoying. Also, I do think it can be bothersome when there is an enemy right after a check point as you’ll spend a while defeating them go on, die elsewhere, then every time you go back you’ll have to fight it again. Plus, it is quite short over all. Nonetheless, these things do not change the fact that it is one of my favourite 3D platformers and an all-time classic.

Rating: 8.9/10

Buy it here for N64.

Buy it here for PC.

Buy it here for Dreamcast.

Buy it here for PlayStation.

Buy it here for DS.

Buy it here for 3DS.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in Video Games | Leave a comment

The Loch Ness Monster

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Adam Randall

PictureOn Saturday, I popped down to London to spend the day with my internet friend Mairi Mac Arthur. During that day, we did various fun and exciting things, one of which, was visiting the big toy shop, Hamley’s.

As we were heading out of the shop, Mairi spotted a man who was making balloons out of some kind of slime, and so the pair of us stood and waited for him to make another so that we could see how it was done. Unfortunately, however, he didn’t seem to be making another one.

“Smiley face!” he shouted after a little while, and then “Smiley face!” he shouted again. After his third shout, I looked down and realised that I was wearing my yellow t-shirt with a big smiley face on it.

“Oh!” I said as I wandered over to him, Mairi following me, “You mean me don’t you?”

“Yes, well, what is that on your shirt?” he asked, perhaps rhetorically.

“A smiley face,” I replied.

“Exactly!” he said with a smile. “And what is that in your pocket?” he pointed at Colin, “a duck?”

“A cow.”

“A penguin?”

“A cow.”

“Oh a cow!” he said, suddenly even more excited, “So, you like cows then?”

“Yes I do!” I gave him a big smile in return.

“So you don’t eat beef then?”

“Nope. I’m a vegetarian.”

“What a coincidence! I am too. You,” he said pointing at Mairi, “why are you stood there with your arms folded, where is your smiley face shirt?”

“I don’t have one,” she said, but she did unfold her arms and smile – perhaps to make up for the lack of one on her shirt.

“Where are you from?” he asked us both.

“Wiltshire,” I said.

“Scotland,” said Mairi.

“Oh, Scotland!” the man sounded extra excited again. “That is the place with the monster isn’t it? The underwater monster.”

“Yes, the Loch Ness Monster,” she said.

“Yes, the underwater monster! Have you ever seen him? You know, there is a very vast system of caves under the water, and there are four of them who live there, a mama monster, a father monster and two baby monsters. The reason nobody ever sees them, is because the people who look for them all look like very serious people, they don’t look like they’re any fun at all. So, if you do want to see the monsters, here’s what you do: go to the lake in a smiley face shirt and they come right out to see you! I can see you’re laughing, you don’t believe me, but it’s true! How do I know? Because I’ve done it myself! I’ve seen them. So go and get a shirt like your friend and you’ll be sure to see them!”

“Ha, okay then,” she replied.

The man then grabbed some slime and stuck it onto the end of a straw type thing and blew. The slime then turned into a huge balloon which he placed into my hands. That’s what the photo at the start of the entry is, in case you didn’t realise.

“Have a nice day!” he said to us.

“Thank you very much!” I said in return, and then Mairi and I headed out into the streets along with the slime balloon.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in Anecdotes | Leave a comment

An Ecobardic Manifesto by Fire Springs

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Adam Randall

PictureAn Ecobardic Manifesto is a pamphlet written by Fire Springs (Anthony Nanson, Kevin Manwaring, Kirsty Hartsiotis, David Metcalfe and Richard Selby) in which they lay out the role that they think storytelling should play in the modern world. It’s very short and can easily be read in a single sitting. One small point about the title, which I quite liked, was that it is that it is AN Ecobardic Manifesto, rather than THE Ecobardic Manifesto, because they realise that thoughts and ideas change and that the things in the pamphlet may not always be the right things to do.

Basically, the pamphlet puts forward the idea that fiction should encourage its readers to respect nature and to respect the traditions of the past. It also encourages writers to respect their audience and argues against the idea of ‘dumbing down’ work in order to appeal to the most people as they believe that a piece of work should teach its audience. The pamphlet is also quite critical of modern culture and society as a whole, and points out a few ways in which it is damaging to people.

While there are some very good points and arguments, it does seem to be slightly overly wordy. Sometimes things are written with many overly long words and sentences, perhaps with the intent of teaching the audience, but it often just comes across as boring. The points would be made with a much bigger impact if they were written in a more straightforward manner. There is also a section where conflicting religious beliefs are discussed, and it says something along the lines of “these days non-religious people can be as bad as the extreme religious groups” which is a bit silly, since I don’t believe there are any cases of terrorist atheist groups.

On the whole, this is a nice little pamphlet with a generally good message to it, even if it is a bit bothersome with its deliverance. 6.5/10.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a comment

Single People Day

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Adam Randall
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I expect most people who are in a relationship will have had some kind of nice treat from their partner, but why are they any more worthy of something nice than any single people? Quite simply, they aren’t! As such, I decided I would write something nice about all of my friends who are single so that the people who wouldn’t be expecting anything on Valentine’s Day still get a small, but nice, surprise. So, without further ado, in alphabetical order (by last names) here we go!

Naomi Brennan
I first met Naomi in 2011 on one of my very first days at university, and since then the pair of us have become pretty good friends. She’s full to the brim of politeness and hospitality, for example, she’s one of the few people I know who own a car and should I ever have to go somewhere, she’ll almost certainly offer me a lift if she hears about it (which is good, because, lovely as they are, buses are not always the most reliable things). Plus, I quite often find myself staying in her house while she’s not there (student housing, others live there too) and she very kindly allows me to sleep in her bed while she’s away! It’s a very comfortable bed too. But, yes, that’s just two examples, I could give many more, but I want to keep these short little things, well, short!

Elliott Egan
Always referred to by his last name since he hates the name Elliott; I first met Egan sometime around 2007. He has always given me very useful feedback on my stories and even given inspiration for my writing (several anecdotes on here feature him quite prominently). Back in 2008 and 2009 I used to wander around Corsham at night along with Egan and one or two other people, and those are times which I’ll always remember very fondly. He’s got quite a laddish personality, but in a way that makes him very likeable, rather than in a way which makes him annoying. When I find myself going to nightclubs, I tend to try and stay with him because it saves me having to socialise with mid-level acquaintances in uncomfortable group events, and I tend to save him from doing things which would probably just kill him, so, we make a good team! I don’t get to see him even nearly often enough though, sadly.

Dalfino Madrigal Keyte
I can’t remember when I first met Dalfino (which is odd, I can remember how and when I met most people), but I have known him for over six years anyway. If it weren’t for him, as I’m sure I’ve mentioned many times, I wouldn’t have a blog at all! This whole thing was his idea, and what a good idea it was! I do feel there were times in the past where I was a little rude to him (sorry, Dalfino) but hopefully he can forgive me. He’s also a musician, and not one with a lack of talent either, maybe you should give his music a try? Sadly, I don’t get to see Dalfino as often as I used to, but when he’s around I can depend on him to pop into Bath and have a nice day wandering around and eating food!, which I always enjoy.

Mairi Mac Arthur
My best internet friend! And the only one who I ever actually meet in real life. I joined a site called “Who likes you?” (or something like that) in 2008 where you post a picture of yourself and a description and find out who thinks you look good. I, on the other hand, used it as a way to find readers (and put in my description that that was all I was interested in!) and that is how I met Mairi, and she has, indeed, been a very helpful reader! It’s always very nice to pop down and see her for the day, and just spend six hours wandering around the streets. With a good, and sometimes bizarre (in a good way), sense of humour and a very approachable attitude, she’s somebody who I imagine could befriend anybody, and according to Facebook she has about a thousand friends, so I guess that is correct!

George Moore
The oldest friend of mine on this list. I’ve known George ever since, at latest, 2003 and he has always been a good reliable friend ever since. Like Dalfino, I do feel there have been times when I was a little too rude towards him (sorry, George) but still, I have always valued him very highly. Sadly, these days, I don’t really get to see him very often (due to university) but I still see him at large group meals I arrange every few months, and I do occasionally have the very lovely surprise of passing him in the street, not quite often enough though! I think I should add.  George also is quite a good artist, as I have mentioned before, so go and take a look at his work!

David Tubb
Last but not least, as they say: David Tubb. I met him very early in my first year at university; we mainly started talking to one another as it was something to do during English Literature essays! We found ourselves to be quite likeminded and so quickly became friends. I’m sure readers of my blog will be familiar with David anyway, inventor of the Smell Catalogue and The Music Box Watch, and as somebody who has appeared in several anecdotes. As David often points out to me, he and I can have fun without doing anything, we can just sit there and chat and it will probably go on for quite some time, covering all kinds of interesting subjects.  He’s a very kind person and one who I can always depend on for a nice walk or a tasty pizza whenever I’m bored, so ours is a friendship I value very highly!



Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Have Nots

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Adam Randall
Picture

I made this strip to illustrate the point I made in my Valentine’s Day entry from last year. If you read that, this will probably make more sense! If you’re wondering why Buster would feel unhappy on Valentine’s Day, you should read this strip and this strip, they’ll explain it all for you!

All finger puppets can be bought here.

A second Valentine’s Day entry is coming later today.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Eyebrow Game

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Adam Randall
Just a few weeks ago, a good friend of mine made the observation that I move my face around quite a lot when I talk. They set me the challenge of not raising my eyebrows at all while I spoke to them and this was actually very hard indeed. But, on the other hand, trying to keep my them motionless was a fun challenge. Since then we have turned this into a game to play.
    The rules are easy: you just look each other in the face and have a conversation until one of you raises your eyebrows, that person is the loser. It’s kind of like a fun version of the Staring Game. It is important, though, that you both keep talking to one another, without discourse it’s very easy to keep your eyebrows down. I’d suggest you try it, because all people do move their eyebrows when they talk (though some do more than others) and it’s fun drawing the conversation over into eyebrow raising territory as a sneaky ploy to get them to lose (though this can backfire)! Have fun.

Also, be sure to check here tomorrow for two Valentine’s Day themed entries!

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Insults

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Adam Randall
One day, back in early 2009, I had just finished a Maths lesson and was heading out for the morning break. In my Maths lessons, I used to sit next to my friend Sarah Kryworuczka and on this particular day we had had some kind of falling out with each other. I can’t remember the cause of this falling out because, quite strangely, the pair of us seemed to have small meaningless disputes all the time. It was almost as if we enjoyed arguing with one another, which is silly, because arguing is not a fun pass time. If I had to guess though, it might have been over her criticising the amount I move my face during conversation… That may well be wrong though.
    Anywho, as the pair of us wandered out of the lesson we were bickering back and forth with one another. The argument went on until we got to the spot where our circle of friends would go during the breaks. I had a very good reason for stopping too.
    “My goodness,” I said, “You can be so terribly rude and annoying, I don’t understand why people tolerate it. Please stop talking to me.”
    “Oh, just listen to yourself Adam, you sound like a human dictionary!” she replied.
    “Do I?” I asked, all annoyance at her now gone. “Thank you very much!”
    “It wasn’t a compliment, you know…”
    “Well, I took it as one!” and then I smiled happily, she smiled in return. The meaningless dispute was over, and I’d had a nice compliment about the capacity of my vocabulary (couldn’t resist making that overly wordy!). But, yes, anyway, I suppose I would have to say that’s the story of my favourite insult!

(I realised after I started writing this that I kind of wrote about this once before, quite a while ago. This other account, however, is slightly fictionalised as it combines this story with one where I very violently threw a shoe at her in anger.)

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hurt

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Adam Randall
Picture

All finger puppets can be bought here.
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Gym

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Adam Randall

My secondary school was right next to the local leisure centre, as such, while I was in sixth form I was allowed to use it for free during the weekly PE lessons. What’s important to bear in mind, is that this was 2010; in 2007 I had been rather overweight, in 2008 that changed very quickly and I became very thin, and as such, all my PE clothes were suddenly very big and baggy on me. Around 2010, I was at my skinniest and was actually a little underweight (not now though) and since I don’t often buy new clothes, the fat PE kit was on me at the time.

I wandered down to the gym along with two female friends of mine. I went on an exercise bike, and they were each much lower down on rowing machines beside me. For a while, I was exercising away, burning calories to make room for an extra chocolate bar, and everything was going fine, they were doing likewise. After a few minutes, however, I realised that I had a question for them.

“Oh, by the way,” I said, turning sideways on the seat to face them, “do you happen to know the date of the school’s open day?” (I must admit, I don’t remember what I asked, I just made this question up. I suppose it could have been that, probably not though.)

They told me and I turned back to my exercising. Everything seemed, at least, to be fine. However, things, most certainly, were NOT fine. You know how, on television, when characters need to speak in private, they’ll just speak a bit quietly only a few feet from everybody else and somehow nobody’ll hear them? Well, it seems that these people seemed to think that it worked in real life, as I quite clearly heard the following exchange.

“My God, did you see that?” said Female 1.

“No, what’re you talking about?” asked Female 2.

“When he turned to face us, I could see RIGHT up Adam’s shorts. They’re so baggy, you could see everything!”

“No way! Surely, he’d notice? I don’t believe you, I’m gonna look for myself.”

So then she thought up some random question to ask me. This, of course, put me in a very awkward situation. I could just seem rude and suspiciously not look at them while I spoke (and probably make it obvious I’d heard them), or I could turn and humiliate myself. My decision was to turn and face them, but to try and position my legs in a protective way. Turns out I failed.

“I saw it, you were right!” ‘whispered’ Female 2.

“Well, that was one of the most horrible things I could have expected to see today!”

A few days later, when the uncomfortable situation was finally over, I decided to confide in a friend and tell them the whole embarrassing thing. Their reply wasn’t so comforting “Ha! Yes, everybody knows that. In fact, they told me first!”

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Anecdotes | Leave a comment

Brownies

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Adam Randall
One day, back in early 2011, I was chatting to my friend Ben Wood and he mentioned to me that he liked my brownies. As such, when I got home I cooked up a fresh batch. The next morning, I arrived early in the sixth form common room and waited with them. Luckily, he was one of the first people to arrive and so once I’d said hello, I reached into my bag and pulled out the brownies for him. He was very happy and he sat and ate some for a while. Just a short while later, my friend Elliott Egan arrived and had a little chat with Ben, joining him in the brownie eating. Slowly, more and more people started to arrive.
    “Hey Ben, can I have one?” asked a random female. I must admit that, rude as it may sound, I never really learned the names of a lot of people in my sixth form.
    “Of course!” he said, and handed the plate over.
    Ben carried on his conversation with Egan.
    “Hey, Ben brought everyone brownies!” she then called out to her friends at the other side of the room.
    A few more people came over and started eating them.
    “Whose’re those?” somebody asked.
    “Ben’s,” she replied.
    “Ah cool. Thanks, Ben!” they said.
    Meanwhile, I was just sat on a sofa watching this all play out. Ben and Egan had just been chatting about something and so hadn’t realised that Ben was being credited with the brownies. I found it all quite funny, and couldn’t stop myself from grinning. I decided to leave anyway, and snuck out to go and work in the study room. But, yes, anyway, that’s the story of the brownies, I’d just like to be clear, before I end, that I’m not writing this to complain or anything, I found the whole thing very funny, and so I wrote it in the hope that you would too!
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in All, Uncategorized | Leave a comment