How To Improve The Terrain Mesh Of Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Out of the box, with the last SP2 update MS FSX certainly looks and performs much better than the last version of MS FS 2004. MS FSX was originally developed in mind to give hardware 2 or 3 years out from its release date a real performance work out. Even 5 years later on, if you were to drag all the visual and performance sliders all the way to the right you would suffer big frame rate dips at busy airports.

Although MS FSX looks pretty good after SP2, for those that really crave a higher level of realism there are many good pay ware add-ons that you can buy and install to improve the realism and visuals of MS FSX.

The first thing you want to begin installing are terrain mesh updates. All the visual scenery that you see in MS FSX are overlaid on top of a wireframe mesh. How accurate this wireframe mesh is, will determine how accurately the visual scenery is placed. Mesh data in short contains terrain elevation data for a specific region. This mesh data is used to create a 3d model of terrain features such as hills, mountains, cliffs, plateaus, valleys etc.

The default resolution of the terrain is quite low in MS FSX, especially in rural and country areas. How does a terrain mesh affect you as a flyer? Quite simply if you love to fly VFR than a terrain mesh upgrade with a higher resolution will allow MS FSX to depict the terrain elevations more accurately than it already does.

For example, the default mesh resolution for the United States in MS FSX is 38.2m. This basically means that the height of the terrain is measured every 38.2m. You can buy terrain mesh updates that now offer United States terrain information at a resolution of 10m. This means that the terrain elevation is sampled every 10m. The difference in the depiction is that instead of terrain features looking smoothed out, mountains will appear craggy and individual subtle terrain differences are better modelled.

The best to start finding mesh updates is on Google. Terrain mesh add-ons are generally region specific due to their large size, for example you will download and install a terrain mesh for United States or Canada or Europe separately. You can find meshes as either payed or freeware. In general payed meshes will offer higher resolutions and meshes for more exotic locations. Regardless, a terrain mesh upgrade will make a real tangible experience for those that want to practice flying VFR and navigating using key landmarks.

I am an avid flight simmer. Installing MS FSX add-ons is a bit of an advanced upgrade, If you are new to MS FSX than you should start of by making sure you have the right kind of flight controllers. If you like to fly combat aircraft such as the F-18 consider a HOTAS controller such as the thrustmaster warthog or the saitek x52 pro.

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Top Mid-Segment Android Phones of 2011

Within a year of its launch, Google's Android OS for cell phones and tablets has captured the imagination of several generations of cellphone users. Unlike its competitors like Symbian and BADA, Google Android is as smooth as it gets. At the present time, the world is waiting for the release of the next version of the Android OS, which promises to be better than all its predecessors. In this post, we take a look at some of the pocket friendly cellphones that run on Android.

LG Optimus One - This Google branded phone from LG is probably top of the list because it was one of the first to offer Android 2.2 Froyo at an inexpensive price. It is the first Android cellphone which sold more than a million handsets worldwide. This baby from LG comes with a 3.2 inch capacitive touchscreen which is one of the best that I have come across in recent times. The phone has a 3 mega pixel camera which churns out some decent snaps. If you happen to be a gamer, this phone will give you plenty of joy. It also comes with a 1500 MaH battery which keeps it ahead of its competition. The LG Optimus One is the best entry-level android phones around and if sales figures are anything to go by, it is probably the best around.

HTC Wildfire - This phone is the closest competitor to the above mentioned model at the present time. If looks were something to go by, I would easily pick this ahead of the Optimus. The good thing about this phone is that it has a 5 megapixel camera instead of a 3 MP - which is the norm in this range, and a 384 MB RAM instead of a 256 MB one. However, the only flip-side is the fact that this phone still comes with Android 2.1 Eclair and is yet to receive an upgrade in some countries.

Huawei Ideos - The Huawei Ideos has received top ratings in the International market and is a highly rated Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone. The company says that it worked closely with Google to build this phone and it has a lasting effect on you. You can upgrade it to a higher version of android if you wish to do so. It has a 2.8 inch capacitive touch screen display and the touch is pretty good. However, it has a very slow processor compared to the other phones on this list. If this is something that you are willing to compromise on, the Ideos is a great cell phone.

Samsung Galaxy Ace - This is a gem of a smartphone from the house of Samsung. It has a 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen display - the best of the lot - and also comes loaded with a 5 megapixel camera, A 800 MHz ARM 11 processor, and a 1350 MaH battery. The Galaxy ace also runs android 2.2 Froyo and the Samsung TouchWiz 3.0 user interface along with the Android interface. The rest of the specifications are in sync with the rest of the smartphones listed here - Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP, 3G, WiFi, GPS, and a micro SD card slot. This phone looks awesome and is perfect if you can stretch your budget a wee bit.

Saptarshi Mandal is a freelance content writer who hails from India. He can be contacted at saptarshi06@gmail.com if any one is interested in hiring his services. Please visit his profile to see more.

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Cloud Servers Vs VPS Platforms

Cloud computing has taken a new twist with the widespread launch of various cloud platforms such as Amazon EC2, GoGrid and others. Cloud computing involves storing a computer's entire memory systems and processors remotely. The user logs on to the Internet and retrieves an entire operating system run on a remote system. The advantages are convenience and security. Users can store their information and projects away from their physical location and access them when they need to. Cloud servers differ noticeably from traditional virtual private server environments.

A virtual private server, or VPS, is a special type of server created through a process called virtualization. Typically, a server is assigned one task at a time. Servers are the nodes that connect the Internet together. Web browsers retrieve the pages they display from servers. Virtualization effectively creates multiple virtual servers that use the same physical machine. A program called a hypervisor is used to interface with each virtual server and keep the others unaware of one another's existence. Virtualization increases the productivity of the server at the risk of overloading the memory and processing power. Every server has limits that can be reached through virtualization.

Cloud computing can use virtual private server platforms, but this creates several problems. First of all, the hypervisor may keep each server separated, but the unfortunate result is that VPS platforms tend to be oversold. This leads to the misallocation of resources that can cause server crashes and memory malfunctions. The worst-case scenario is total data loss from such a situation. Cloud servers that do not use virtualization perform much better because their resources are dedicated to one user at a time. That being said, some forms of virtualization can mimic traditional servers in terms of performance.

Cloud servers provide a dedicated central processing unit (CPU) allocation along with dedicated memory. Cloud servers are almost never oversold. A hidden benefit is that plenty of servers allow users to grab extra unutilized CPU cycles. Combining virtualization with cloud servers can yield some neat advantages. Virtualization enables a user to launch a new server instance from any server already on their account. Storing sensitive data is also easier since storage is on the host server. Data is preserved in case of an unexpected malfunction, such as server failure, so the data can be retrieved once the server is brought back online.

Some hosting companies can accomplish this through their unique implementations of a hypervisor program. Open source applications are becoming much more popular as users and companies seek to cut down on borrowing costs. Open source hypervisors often lend themselves to unique interpretations. Virtualization combined with cloud server technology is opening the door to a new era. The way servers are being used will change as cloud computing begins to catch on, despite lingering security concerns. Cloud servers free a business or a consumer from remaining in one physical place.

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New Notification System Thanks To iOS5 On The iPhone 4

The imminent launch of the new iOS5 software for the iPhone 4 looks to breathe fresh life into a handset that has just celebrated its first birthday. A host of improvements are present on the new platform including enhanced camera facilities and full Twitter integration. Another area which has seen an overhaul is the way that users receive notifications and this is the area that I would like to look at in a little more depth.

Notifications are a way of alerting the phone user of new information. This information can vary from a message received on a social networking account such as Facebook to new e mails in your inbox. On the previous software a small red circle would appear besides the relevant application to inform you of the new alert. This system works very well when just one or two home screens are being used but the majority of users now have multiple screens thanks to the ever increasing numbers of applications that are available. The simplicity of swiping through screens is great but it can become a tedious way of checking whether you have a new notification waiting. On iOS5 a new Notifications Centre presents all of your alerts in one place which gives you a simple overview of everything. A discreet message appears at the top of the screen when a new notification is received. This enables you to quickly check the alert regardless of what application you are currently using. By swiping downwards on the screen you open the full list which chronologically lists all of your recent notifications enabling you to simply choose the one which you wish to view.

Another improvement that this new software offers on the iPhone 4 is with regards to the phones lock screen. The lock screen appears when the phone is left unused for a pre determined amount of time to prevent buttons accidentally being pressed. On the previous software the lock screen would display missed calls and messages but the new software also informs you of notifications. Another improvement in this area is that you can also launch the notifications centre directly from the lock screen rather than having to unlock the handset and then access it. This makes using the phone a much faster and more simple affair. These improvements to the notifications system will benefit all users of the iPhone 4. The younger user will appreciate being informed of their social networking activity whilst the more business orientated user can choose to be kept up to date with changes in the stock market and incoming emails.

The iPhone 4 remains one of the very best handsets available and iOS5 looks set to further enhance the attraction of this superb handset.

The iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry 9900 Bold Touch are available now.

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The Motorola Atrix Is One Of The Most Functional Smartphones Available

The Motorola Atrix offers an impressive spec list which includes some the most head turning specifications currently available on any smartphone. This stylish device packs plenty of features into its handset, and offers something for everyone.
In this article I will provide an overview of some of the key features of this impressive handset.
Measuring up at 4 inches, the TFT capacitive touchscreen on the Motorola Atrix boasts an incredibly high resolution of 540x 960 within which up to 16 million individual colours can be displayed resulting in unparalleled display quality of the on screen imagery. All the features you would expect from any modern smartphone are included with the screen; multi touch input support, accelerometer and proximity sensors, as well as the standard capacitive Android shortcut keys at the base of the screen.

One of the more inventive and appealing features of this handset has to be its biometric fingerprint scanner. Like a gadget from a James Bond film, the fingerprint scanner requires users to simply swipe their index finger to unlock the screen, doing away with more traditional unlock methods like PIN numbers.
With 16 GB of internal storage as standard, users have plenty of scope for storing music tracks, photos and videos etc. Although this is ample for the needs of most users, should further storage be required there is also a microSD slot which can accommodate a memory card of up to 32 GB, meaning that users can potentially have 48 GB at their disposal.
The Motorola Atrix makes for a superb web browsing device. This is thanks to its super fast download speeds of 14.4 Mbps in areas with 3G coverage, alongside its ability to utilise local wireless networks for Wi-Fi Internet browsing. The full HTML browser supports Adobe flash 10.1 content such as embedded games and videos, and there is also a comprehensive package of social networking features and the full package of Google tools found on all Android handsets.

 The Motorola Atrix also has an impressive 5 megapixel digital camera which produces very pleasing results thanks to its high resolution of 2592x 1944 pixels. Geo-tagging, image stabilisation and LED flash are just some of the features which make this a great camera phone. Additionally, the camera can also shoot high definition video footage in 720p quality; however this will increase to 1080p via a future software update.
The operating system of choice is Android 2.2 (Froyo), although this can be upgraded to later versions. To provide all the necessary computing power, a dual-core 1 GHz processor is on hand to run demanding applications with ease as well as make sure that the interface runs as smoothly as possible. The Motorola Atrix was one of the first Smartphones to incorporate a dual-core processor and this shows how cutting edge this phone actually is.
The Motorola Atrix offers the full package; comprehensive multimedia compatibility as well as productivity tools and downloadable apps from the Android Market. These combine to make this one of the most functional handsets out there. Whatever you are looking for in a new smartphone, the Motorola Atrix should definitely be on your shortlist.

Check out the best Motorola Atrix deals and HTC Sensation deals

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Rackmount KVM Console: Space Saving Economical Solution for Rack Environments

A keyboard, mouse and monitor combined with a KVM switch in a 1U drawer are referred to as a Rackmount KVM Console. A space saving and cost effective solution, this device saves space in the compact environment rack. Available in many models such as PS2 monitor keyboard drawer; Sun Rackmount LCD monitor keyboard drawer, composite video KVM Drawer, KVM Drawer with DVI video, sunlight readable LCD KVM Drawer, KVM Drawer with IP KVM switch, KVM Drawer short / shallow depth, USB KVM drawer, Rackmount keyboard monitor with built in KVM switch, dual slide KVM drawer, Rackmount keyboard, and ANSI / Console Terminal monitor keyboard Drawer. All these models fit into a 1U or 2U rack mountable space and connect with KVM cables.

 The Rackmount LCD KVM has a unique flip up design which allows the unit to remain open even when the rack doors are closed for easy viewing. The screen sizes can be 15", 17", 19" or 20" and the KVM switches can be 8, 16 or 32 port units. This piece of hardware has adjustable rack mounting brackets and slide rails which are fixed to prevent movement of the keyboard while typing. They support multiple operating systems such as DOS, Win3.X, Win95/98/98SE/2000/ME, WinNT, Netware, UNIX, Linux and work with IBMs, Dells, HPs and SUNs. Power options include 12/24/48VDC power and are available in models with KVM over IP, CAT5, Touch screen video input. Equipped with all necessary approvals from CE, FCC, VCCI, TAA and RoHS, the Rackmount KVM units offer complete keyboard and mouse emulation for simultaneous boot up of all PCs.

The OSD controls Brightness, color, contrast, horizontal and vertical position, phase, scaling, auto config, input select, multi window, clear EEPROM and adjust among other things. The two major categories, the USB and PS2 KVM consoles, can control up to 32PCs with a single set of peripherals. However, while the USB version uses USB peripherals, the PS2 version uses the PS2 keyboard, mouse and monitor to control the PCs. Requiring no additional software for operation, these units are easy to install and work on plug and play functionality.
Hot pluggable, they allow addition or removal of connected PCs for maintenance, without powering down the KVM switches. Some other important features of the Rackmount KVM Console are the security as well as the auto scan mode which allows regular monitoring of servers at intervals of 5 to 99 seconds.
This device is used mainly in server rooms and network administration centers along with industrial, military and government environments.

My name is Peter Pal Disuja and I am an author related to computer hardware, networking and software. Currently I am associated with this Rackmount KVM Console like Rackmount LCD, Rackmount KVM and KVM switch products from last 8 years.

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Dell Inspiron M101z Laptop

The Dell Inspiron M 101z is a compact small and light weight designed netbook that provides an option to choose a single or dual core processor. This thin and ultraportable laptop has a full size keyboard and a long battery life. It comes powered with the latest AMD Athion Neo II processor and the integrated direct X 10 graphics. The operating system is Windows 7 home premium 64-bit. The device is great for home or office and especially for those who are always on the go. As this netbook is just under 2 kgs and has a thin profile so you can take it wherever you go.

This Dell laptop has a great build and does not bend easily like the others. This one has no flex even if you hammer on the keyboard. The keys and the size and almost perfect and does all your typing with speed and comfort. The device is of plastic and keyboard tray comes with silver brushed metal-looking design. The lid can be bought with a variety of colors but after paying at an extra cost. The system is solid and rigid. The touch pad has a traditional touch with decent size mouse buttons that are separate. The dimensions of the M 101z are 11.5 x 8.1 inches and the height is only 1.4 inches. The size of the screen is 11.6 inches. It also includes the 4 GB of RAM and 7200 rpm hard drive. There is also the single core version with the AMD's Neo K125.

The Dell Inspiron M101z price is Rs. 21,000 approximately and is great if you consider the features of the netbook. The 11.6 display gives a pixel resolution of 1,366 x 768 and the video playback is crisp and bright. The connections and the ports include the HDMI, Bluetooth that is quite helpful as not many netbooks have them. The 802.11n Wi-Fi is also included and you get 10/100 fast Ethernet for the wired networking. The sides are occupied with 3 USB ports, Ethernet jack mic, headphone, SD card slot and power jacks. Dell has also placed a VGA port and the lock port at the back of the netbook.
The Dell Inspiron M 101z reviews say that the device showed great functioning during the overall operations and is a great choice for everyday use. To sum up the Inspiron M 101z is the best budget light and thin laptop that the Dell has offered to its consumers.

Vinnit Alex is an eminent author who provides concrete information about computing devices like computers laptops, mini laptops and computer accessories, only after using them and examining them thoroughly. Toshiba mini laptop, Dell mini Laptop, Dell Tablet are some of the devices.

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Getting the Best Performance From Your Wireless Internet Network

Those who are experienced in the ways of technology already understand the premise that it's not just about buying a piece of decent equipment. One must also figure out, on some level, how to set it up and make it work properly. In other words, it's possible to spend and get something great, and then try to figure out exactly why it isn't working out the way that it should, only to discover that it's not about the gadget and more about the person setting it up.

Likewise, when the gadget is something like a means of communication, like wireless internet, then it only makes sense to be focused on the fact that there are great ways to configure it for a high performance, and other ways that might leave everything a bit more in the lurch. For those who are seriously striving for the best possible approach to being able to set up a network at home, it's worthwhile to pay attention to various pieces of advice out there, all of which are focused on ensuring that things work well, rather than slowing to a crawl.
First and foremost, those setting up wireless internet at home should be sure that their network is password-protected. This is especially true for anyone who happens to be living in an area where there are a great deal of people in a highly concentrated space, like a bustling city. The reason for this is the fact that multiple computers all trying to pick up the same network means that the network in question is going to grind to a halt. And for those who need their wireless internet to work at a reasonable speed, allowing anyone who is smart enough to see that it's unprotected the opportunity to access and use it basically means it's never going to work quickly enough.

But it's about more than just that, too, when it comes to safeguarding a wireless internet network. Those who leave their networks unlocked as far as passwords are concerned end up in situations where their personal files are exposed to anyone with access to the network. And while that might not slow things down when it's time to check email, it definitely will put a wrench in the gears later on, if credit scores and sensitive information are affected.
Another helpful part of setting up wireless internet to run well at home is making sure that the desktop computers in the house are still plugged into the modem itself via an ethernet cable. It might initially seem appealing to be able to get rid of wires, but the fact is that a desktop computer does not need to be using the Wi-Fi power, since that is just going to slow things down for everyone with a laptop. This is less pressing for households where there are only a couple of computers being used, and far more important for those who are living with a pack of teenagers and tech-savvy adults in the same space. It's just another thing to keep in mind when trying to stay on top of things, and ensure that everything is working as best as it can.

http://WIRELESSinternet.net means being able to compare options for mobility in a straightforward manner.

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What Is the New Playstation Vita by Sony?

Everyone is talking about the new upcoming game console by Sony, which is Playstation Vita that is going to be released late this year. Get in the know and find out what people have been talking about, and why. This article discusses the fuss about this new handheld game console.
In early 2011, everyone was so excited about this new upcoming handheld game console by Sony, which back then was codenamed Sony NGP, or Sony Next Generation Portable. In June 2011, during the E3 Expo (Electronics Entertainment Expo) that took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Sony announced that the official name for this new handheld game console will be Playstation Vita, also called PS Vita, sometimes also written as PSVita, without the space in between the word PS and Vita.

Critics have good praise for this device, with most game critics citing that it will probably be the best handheld console out there that will defeat Nintendo 3DS (also called 3DS) hands down, and Nintendo 3DS was only launched February this year (Japan) and March this year in North America. Playstation Vita, or PS Vita is speculated to take most of the market share from Nintendo 3DS when it is released. The official release date for this console still has not been announced yet, as of now. However, many have speculated that the console will be released as early as November this year in Europe, and probably after Christmas this year in North America. However, this is only speculation and we are yet to hear from Sony official representatives regarding the release dates. Many have expressed their disappointment to the rumor that this console will not be launched before Christmas. Many are hoping to get this console for Christmas as a Christmas present.

Some die-hard Apple iPhone fans may not like this game console though, thinking that this gaming device is a 'threat' to their beloved iPhone (even though both products clearly have different target market than PS Vita). Whatever it is, PS Vita is already climbing the chart in Video Games category on pre-order on Amazon.com and many other online retailer websites like Best Buy.
If you are a casual gamer there's a chance you won't like this device though, as this device is probably built with 'hardcore gamers' in mind. This device is clearly targeting 'gamers' who are always looking for new features and looking for maximum gaming experience. Since PS Vita also allows you to save and play your PS3 games on it, this will be a really great feature for gamers alike.

The author can be found on most PS Vita and PlayStation forums. He is also running a PS Vita website dedicated for PS Vita news and updates.

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A Viewing Experience Like None Other on the Samsung Galaxy S2

When we think about Samsung's current flagship the Samsung Galaxy S2, we mostly think of its powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. Coupled with the phone's 1 GB of RAM, it is currently the most powerful smartphone in the market. This is more than what its predecessor the Galaxy S could ask for. However, there is more to this powerhouse of a mobile phone than just sheer power. It will also give you a viewing experience like none other.

One of the reasons why this handset was awarded the mobile phone of the year award is due to its display. It comes with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touch screen. Not only does this cutting edge display offer to make you enjoy more from vivid colors and enhanced readability, it is also energy efficient. It has an extremely high contrast ration. This will allow better distinguish light from dark. In addition, its response time is lightning-fast. This is ideal for viewing graphics.
With the smartphone's Live Panel, you will get to enjoy more from content. With this customizable UX, you get a magazine-style layout. This will select content that applies to you. From pictures to videos, from music to games, and from email to the weather, all of these can be quickly accessed from the home screen of the Samsung Galaxy S2.
With the Readers Hub, you will get to bring an entire library of books with you at all times. With this mobile library, you get to read both the classics and best sellers. If you are looking for more, you can simply browse through over 2 million books. Aside from the wide range of books, you can choose from 2,500 magazines and 2,000 newspapers. Text is rendered crisp and sharp. This will make reading a much better experience. Furthermore, you can zoom in on text with a magnifier.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 also offers PC-like browsing. This means that you will get to enjoy web browsing just like you would on your PC. Thanks to the Android Gingerbread pre-loaded, you will enjoy instant page loading, crisp rendering of text, vibrant images, and smooth video streaming. With support for the Adobe Flash Player, you are sure to enjoy all the attractions websites have to offer. This means you will have instant access to millions of dynamic websites found across the internet.
The Samsung Galaxy S2 is more than just a powerhouse of a smartphone. It will also further enhance your viewing experience.

For the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Samsung Galaxy S, visit us at PhonesLimited.co.uk.

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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Review

It's been a long time since the good ol' days of Battlefield 2 and in its absence, Call of Duty has sprung in and claimed the first-person shooter crown. Developers DICE have answered with a worthy contender but is it good enough to knock the likes of Modern Warfare 2 off of its perch? In my opinion, it is a better game, but I'm unsure as to whether fans dedicated to the Call of Duty franchise will be swayed. In this short review I will analyze the major elements of this game and explain why I personally think Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is simply brilliant.

What sets this game apart from all other first-person shooters is its amazing destruction engine known as Frostbite. This engine is specifically designed to create environments so that players can tear them down and one of my most satisfying gaming moments was the first time I blew a gaping hole in the wall with a grenade launcher. The environments in this game boast a 92% destructibility, which is impressive, compared to most other games of this genre and really takes the realism of the fighting to the next level.
The Battlefield franchise has always been known as a multiplayer online game but Bad Company 2 includes a new single player element. The first couple of opening missions were intriguing and it is obvious that DICE had a more structured experience in mind as the missions take you down a more restricted path. The campaign was enjoyable at first but I was quite disappointed because they could have utilized the unique game engine to create something much better than it was. Overall I thought the singe player experience lacked quite significantly in terms of plot and also in how limited it felt. It was a good effort by DICE at a single player campaign but work is needed to elevate it to an above average level.
The biggest, and by far the most memorable part of this game is the online Multiplayer experience. The Battlefield series has always been a powerhouse at creating deep and addictive multiplayer games and Bad Company 2 is no exception. There are four different game modes you can play which are Rush, Squad Rush, Conquest and Squad Death match. In the two bigger modes, which support twenty-four players, you can choose to go it alone or team up with other players in a four-man squad. You can spawn from various fixed points on the map or your teammates can serve as mobile respawn points, which put you right back into the thick of it.

The four different classes in this game are Recon, Assault, Medic and Engineer, which all serve a different purpose and you can easily switch to another class if the situation so calls for it. One of the reasons why this game is so enjoyable is because the battlefield constantly changes and you have to adapt your strategy or you'll soon find yourself dying every few seconds. This game requires much more strategy than current Call of Duty games in my opinion because the classes actually have significantly different roles. Vehicles are also a huge part of this game and if you play it smart you can alter the course of the battle and secure the win, or vice versa you can use Engineers to unleash a payload on enemy vehicles. This adapt to survive sort of game play is extremely addictive and combined with the stunning graphics and sound, you've got yourself a game that will keep anybody hooked for months and months.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is an amazing game. If you look past the mediocre campaign and focus on the brilliant Multiplayer experience, there is no other game like it. It may take a while to get used to the larger maps and more strategical game play but once you make the adjustment, there's no looking back. Each battle plays out in a different way and there are moments where you just stop and laugh at how high someone was thrown from an explosion. This game is full of both hilarious and amazing moments where you sit back and say "how the heck did that just happen?" and it's those kind of moments that make this game such a memorable experience.

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Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Is It Worth My Time?

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is the third main installment in Ubisoft's popular Assassin's Creed franchise. It once again continues the intertwined story of Desmond and his Italian ancestor, Ezio Auditore de Firenze and their fight against the evil Templar Order. It only took around a year to hit stores after Assassin's Creed 2, which is incredibly fast development for an entire video game but the question is, has it truly developed on what it's predecessors did right? Or is it just more of the same?

Gameplay
If you've played AC2 then Brotherhood will feel very familiar to you. The smooth free running and fighting mechanics are a winning formula so it is no surprise that Ubisoft decided to re-use them in this sequel. Although this game feels very similar to the last one, a few changes and developments have been made to arguably improve game play in both areas. The free running in this game is better than ever with the inclusion of wooden construction lifts, which launch the character to the top of a building in a split second. There is also a parachute that can be unlocked later on in the game which allows Ezio to jump from insane heights, back to ground level with safety. The climbing and jumping hasn't changed since the second one and all in all it is a delight to hop skip and jump around the Roman playground.
In AC2 it was common to be caught in a fight with several guards at a time but the frustrating thing about this was that you had to wait for them to attack and it became a tedious exercise. To solve this problem, the developers moved to the other end of the spectrum, allowing the player to initiate the attacks with a swift kick to the groin, leaving guards vulnerable to spectacular finishing moves. While this is visually impressive and empowers the player, in my opinion it chokes out all aspects of stealth that the two previous games built on.
To add to this, the player can now swiftly move from victim to victim with the press of the button, meaning that once you land a kill move you just keep pressing attack and he finishes off another guard instantly. This keeps going from guard to guard until you're left surrounded by a pile of dead guys who never had a fighting chance. It does make the fighting smoother and more 'bad ass' but for me it was just overkill.
The fighting mechanics would be fine if the missions were a bit more challenging but aside from the odd climbing mission I often found that instead of stealthily strolling through the crowd to get to my target I could just pull out the newly added crossbow and fire at will. After the novelty of the killing streak feature wears off and you've seen everything it has to offer, in my opinion all it really does it remove any hope at making the game challenging to beat. Those guards don't stand a chance.

Graphics and Sound
The Assassin's Creed franchise is known for its stunning visuals and this time around it lives up to its name. While in the first two games there are a variety of different cities you can travel to, each with its distinct style, there is only one city in Brotherhood: none other than Rome. Looking out across the large urban expanse from the top of the Castello's flag left me gob smacked at Ubisoft's efforts and is one of the most impressive renditions of a city I have ever seen. Although it may be impressive from a distance, common visual glitches such as texture pop ins and occasional frame tearing sadly take the graphics down a few notches. If you ignore these small annoyances and focus on the greater work at hand, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood has some spectacular aesthetics.
The voice acting is once again very good, along with the soundtrack, which fits perfectly into the game. The ambient sound of peasants walking the streets and birds tweeting in the countryside adds to the immersive realism of the game. If you play it stealthy then the subtle sound of Ezio's hidden blade will be drowned out by the ambient surroundings, but if you go on a rampage killing every guard in sight then the crowds around you will respond and run in terror.
If you take this game on its own, it is truly superb, but compared to the massive advances that Assassin's Creed 2 made in relation to the first one, the developments that Brotherhood have made aren't quite as dramatic. Note that I have only reviewed the single player aspect of this game and the introduced multiplayer, which mainly involves the player hunting another player while also being hunted at the same time is a new dynamic to the franchise. The multiplayer does have the potential to be a hit but it only scratches the surface in terms of a deep multiplayer experience, as I reached the highest level and completed most of the challenges that the game had to offer in a number of weeks. Overall Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is a solid installment to the franchise but hopefully Ubisoft really take their time with the next one to create something extraordinary.

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