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Sony Recalls Killer Cameras
2007-08-13 09:55:30
This week in Gadgets Around 30 people have already been injured in Japan by a digital camera made by Sony. The camera, more specifically, the model Cyber-shot DSC-T5 and those with serial numbers between 3500001 and 3574100. The adhesive holding down the metal case has been known to fail, causing dangerous sharp edges to lift up and slice the [...] ...
Cameras  Killer  Sony 

Contest: gmtristan.com Group Writing Project
2007-08-13 00:11:34
At long last, I finally finished the mechanics of the Gaming Group Writing Project/Contest and I’m really excited to get the first few entries and to read up on them. I’ve already explained the goal of this project in a previous post. We’re starting the contest officially today, Aug 13.  As an overview, this will run [...] ...
Contest  Group Writing  Project  Writing 

Interview with RF Brand Manager Keith Morales
2007-08-12 12:19:26
Now that Episode 2 for RF Online Philippines is just around the corner (28 August). I thought it prudent to have a looong interview with RF Brand Manager Keith Morales. It’s also been a while since I had an interview on www.gmtristan.com and I’m actually also scheduled to scour the environs for a potential Gamer Babe [...] ...
Brand  Interview  Keith  Manager 

How to Make a Better Post
2007-08-12 11:24:57
Hi there, peeps. Here’s another post for Darren Rowse’s 31 Day Blogging Project. Last week, I tackled some tips on how to organize your blog contests. This week, I wanted to write a short article on how to make a good post. Let’s start by identifying the elements of a good post. The first and most important would be the relevance of your post. Second, and equally important, is the composition length. You should be able to strike a balance between “Not too short” and “not too long”. Shall we delve into the more interesting stuff? The rest after one more click. (more…) better post, blog, Blogging, Infotech, make money, Musings, tips ...

Toughest Bosses of All time
2007-08-12 10:55:39
If you’re a true-blooded gamer, you can relate. You’ve probably finished a lot of games. Especially in RPGs, the degree of difficulty of the game is most likely mirrored in the strength and the AI of the boss. Bosses, eversince the legendary super monster of Pacman and King Koopa, have been a regular fixture in games. There are lame bosses and there are bosses that can make you wanna rip out your hair. And in this series from gamerhelp, we’ll list down the toughest, baddest mothers of all time. The list after the jump… (more…) bosses, Gaming, General, GM Tristan, hardest, RPG, toughest, video game boss ...
Time 

Perfect World Territorial Wars
2007-08-11 19:32:03
Also called CITY BATTLE, this higly anticipated feature of Perfect World is all set to patch soon. If I’m not mistaken, it will be this week. Mental note: confirm with GM Justice and post an update ASAP. At any rate, I’ve compiled important information about Territorial Wars in this post so that you and your guilds can prepare for this massive PVP-fest! First, let’s check out the map: After the jump: City Battle mechanics and rules (more…) city battle, MMORPG News, Perfect World, philippines, territorial wars ...
Perfect World  Territorial  Wars 

If America Was An RPG Game World
2007-08-11 18:39:38
Here’s an interesting find. How would the Japanese view America if it were a fantasy realm? The map below is from a Sega Saturn RPG “Tengai Makyou: Daishi no Mokushiroku (The 4th Apocalypse),” scanned and annotated by Andrew Vestal of Yukihime. Just click it to go to the larger pic. Source: Neatorama Enjoy! America, Gaming, General, Japan, map, MMOments, MMORPG, Musings ...
America  Game 

Contest: Group Writing Project on Gaming
2007-08-11 09:14:41
It’s been quite some time since I held my last online contest.  Those sepcifically for the Perfect World beta was quite successful, if I say so myself. Though I previously posted some tips on how to hold your own blog contest, it’s time to put the words into action (yet, again). This weekend, I’ll be musing over a group writing project which will be open for bloggers. The goal of this project cum contest is to help each other promote our individual blogs, our hobby and the industry as a whole. Basically, it will work this way: each week, I’ll be posting a theme that we can all write about. It will specifically focus on gaming, online and MMORPG experiences. Then, those who wish to participate can simply post back their entries with a linkback to the contest’s home page and then submit it to me. Every week (hopefully Fridays) I will compiling a list of all those who submitted and be keeping track of those who submitted more than one entry per week. I&rsqu ...
Contest  Gaming  Group Writing  Project  Writing 

Video Game Ads: A Growing Business
2007-08-11 07:42:14
What began as a small, experimental avenue for advertising as an alternative medium, ads and ad placements in video games are slowly going into mainstream. With the fusion of games and the Internet, the potential of “reach” makes advertisers’ eyes sparkle. And companies such as Massive Inc. are slowly carving a name for itself by being one of the pioneers of the game ad agency cum broker. Founded in 2003 and purchased by Microsoft last year, Massive has steadily grown into the industry leader in dynamic in-video game advertising, a technology that allows marketers to stream current and constantly updated ads directly into video games played online, either on a console or a PC. More after the jump (more…) advergaming, advertising, Gaming, General, Infotech, Musings, Online, video game ads ...
Ads  Business  Game  Video  Video Game 

The Week That Was 5
2007-08-10 22:50:20
It’s been quite a while since I posted the last “week that was” article. Honestly, weeks come and go like seconds. When you’re busy (like me and the rest of the gang here at Level Up), there’s never a dull moment and time really flies (if you’re having fun). Anyways, a lot of interesting stuff happened this week. The most controversial of course was the “spilling of the beans” for RF Episode 2 going Free-to-Play. Well, we WERE going to announce it but some players got hold of the new CDs and the posters which bore the words “FREE TO PLAY”. More on that later. For the sake of argument, I officially “started” the week on a Saturday at SM Megatrade Hall where I attended the Perfect World launch event and it was a complete success. Thanks to all those who came, of course. More week-ender news after one more click. (more…) GM Tristan, level up, Musings ...

Page 1 on Google! Sweet!
2007-08-10 06:43:15
Just did a check on a Google search for “RF Episode 2 Philippines” and my 2 articles came up on the first page. Rawwr! It goes to show how S.E.O (Search Engine Optimization) tips, when put into practice, really works. Kudos and gratitude goes out to the “chief”, Kiven Codamon - for his inavaluable aid. Pat on the back also to the official RF Episode 2 microsite for being on top of me (sounds kinda kinky /heh). Anyways, here’s a screeny of that google result: More SEO tips after the jump… (more…) blog, Blogging, gm tristan. gmtristan, gmtristan.com, google, Infotech, Musings, rf, rf online, tips ...
Google 

RF Episode 2 Premium Subscription Package
2007-08-10 06:14:44
The RF community have flagged us regarding the plan for RF Online to go Free-to-Play come Episode 2 this August 28. Basically, they fear the dreaded “jologs invasion” (according to them). To address this, CM Cydie and BM Keith have been continually patrolling the boards and explaining to the players our side. But worry not, RF Philippines will not be totally F2p. There is an option for a user to become a “Premium Subscriber” as will be explained below in the official announcement: Heads up soldiers of Novus! A Premium Subscription option will made be available for those who wish to gain an extra edge by offering 2x Exp / 2x PT / 2x Drop and 2x Mining Rate! In addition to this, Premium Service subscribers are entitled to FREE bonus credits for item mall purchases! (Yes, mortal, you save a LOT!) More when you make the click… (more…) episode 2, F2P, free, MMORPG News, premium subscription, rf, rf online ...
Subscription 

Ragnarok: Rachel Poster Sneak Peak
2007-08-09 12:29:46
Episode 15 for Philippine Ragnarok Online, Rachel is just around the corner. I’m actually helping the Waukster with the planning and production for Rachel. This is so he can work closely with Ragnarok 2 and prepare for that as well. Anyways, I just had a meeting with the entire Ragna team today and we had a lot of discussions about Rachel, mostly on marketing and checking up on deadlines and deliverables. I’d just like to share with you a sneak peak on the final approved design for Rachel poster (which will go the printing press now). But first, here’s a teaser of the Rachel logo The poster image after one more click… (more…) arunafeltz, MMORPG News, rachel, Ragnarok ...
Poster  Ragnarok 

Perfect World Community Links
2007-08-09 07:22:30
Hi all! This is a work in a progress. The goal of this post is to be a repository of links and useful websites about Perfect World, our latest (and fastest growing) MMORPG. The goal of this is to compile (with your help) everything useful for PW. The categories will be divided into the following: Perfect World Information Movies and Videos Guilds Fansites and Blogs Others Initially, I have compiled some links below (after the jump). Feel free to ADD YOURS. You can do this by simply commenting and putting in the link or by CONTACTING ME and sending it. I’ll make this a sticky on Perfect World section under my GAMES page and I’ll also be posting it on the PW forums. Links after the jump… (more…) GM Tristan, level up, links, Online, Perfect World, PW ...
Community  Links  Perfect World 

“Musika”: A Game for your iPod
2007-08-09 04:50:31
Masaya Matsuura, the creator of the hit game PaRappa the Rapper for the Sony Playstation has announced his latest creation, Musika - a visualization game designed exclusively for the Apple iPod. Sony BMG Music Entertainment has announced the release of musika,on the iTunes Store. musika, according to the creators is a “fresh and innovative experience that creates beautiful visuals using the title of any song.” (more…) gadgets, Gaming, General, ipod, Musika ...
Game  Ipod 

No Classes On Thursday Due To Crappy Weather
2007-08-08 16:00:26
Just a public service from www.gmtristan.com Malacanang just announced that it has suspended classes at all levels in Metro Manila and several Luzon provinces on Thursday (9 Aug) due to continued bad weather, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Wednesday evening. Aside from the National Capital Region, classes are also suspended in Cavite, Pampanga, Rizal, Tarlac, Bulacan, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zambales, Bataan, Benguet and Mountain Province, Bunye said. Official Source: Inquirer.Net Good news to students, I guess. Meanwhile, I have to brave the high waters bukas to return to the office. Gotta bring the snorkel! Sheesh… I wish I really had GM powers so I can teleport. General ...
Crappy  Weather 

Freestyle New Feature - Showdown Mode
2007-08-08 15:31:08
“Sup Yo!  It’s been quite some time since I picked up and played Freestyle Online. And guess what? The new feature of this Free-to-Play street basketball game is really awesome! Dubbed the Arena and Showdown mode, it basically allows playahs to play games in a non-biased environment by setting attributes and levels of every character to be equal. Talk about  FAIR PLAY! Now you don’t have to kick a high-level player out of the room. This time, your iRL skillz really mean SOMETHING. And that’s not all yo! The showdown mode can make you bet FS POINTS. This makes the games now really exciting. Read the rest of the details after the jump… (more…) arena, bet, betting, freestyle, Gaming, General, GM Tristan, level up, MMORPG News, Online, philippines, showdown ...
Showdown 

gmtristan.com on ProBlogger
2007-08-08 10:52:44
Woot! I’m on one of the most popular blogs on the planet, Darren Rowse’s problogger.net! My recent article, 10 Tips on How to Start Your Own Blog Contest, got featured on Darren’s 31 Day Blogging Project Check out the screeny below: Thanks to Darren and more powah to www.problogger.net Cheers, GM T  PS. This means I’ll have to write at least one post a week to help people with blogging. No problemo… Blogging, General, GM Tristan, Infotech, Musings ...

The “Heroes” Video Game
2007-08-07 19:14:44
Anyone who’s watching (or watched) the NBC hit TV series, “Heroes” raise their hands! In a news article at Yahoo, the producers of Heroes have just announced that they recently inked a deal with Ubisoft to make a video game for the hot TV series which will be out sometime in 2008. The deal was set up by Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, which previously worked with Ubisoft on “Peter Jackson’s King Kong.” Hmmm… interesting. But will the TV show still be hot by 2008? Or is the game compelling enough for gamers or fans of the TV-series to even consider playing? Photo Source: Yahoo (more…) Gaming, General, heroes video game ...
Game  Heroes  Video  Video Game 

OMG! LOTRO has Google Maps?!?
2007-08-07 18:26:21
Probably the most ingenious addition to an MMORPG to this date. Lord of the Rings Online has recently announced that they have a new feature in their “Lorebook” section… Google Maps for the realms of Middle Earth. Coolnezz! Check out this sample below called Frodo’s Path to Rivendell (more…) MMORPG News, Online ...
Google  Google Maps  Lotro 

RF Free-to-Play on Episode 2 Clarified
2007-08-07 08:52:53
Yesterday, the RF team clarified some community concerns about RF Online Philippines going Free-to-Play (F2P) when Episode 2 “Pioneers of Novus” is officially patched on the main worlds. In an official statement on the RF website, it stated that “Players who were turned off by the premium priced subscription rates of RF will now be able to enjoy the game as RF Online will now be FREE TO PLAY!” (GM T’s note: In Episode 2) (more…) F2P, free, free to play, GM Tristan, level up, MMORPG News, philippines, pioneers of novus, rf online ...

Fatal1ty Presents the Championship Gaming Series
2007-08-07 06:50:08
The world’s most successful professional gamer, fatal1ty, has partnered with Star TV to bring us the “Championship Gaming Series” on TV. The show will start on September 8 (Saturday) at 7pm on Star TV. Each week CGS stages showdowns between the world’s top professional gamers. The competition covers regional championship games from the US, Latin America, the UK, Europe and Asia. Throughout the season, the cyber athletes will battle each other in the four chosen CGS games – “Counter-Strike Source,” “Dead Or Alive 4,” “FIFA 2007” and “Project Gotham Racing.” In the season finale, five regional champions will head to Los Angeles to vie for the World Championship title. (more…) Events, Gaming, General, Infotech ...
Championship  Gaming  Presents  Series 

Goodbye ROSE Philippines
2007-08-06 13:41:35
At exactly 12:00 noon today, Philippine Rose Online was online for the last time. As we’ve announced, Level Up will cease operations of the game for valid reasons. It’s been a good couple of years for the game and I’d like to thank everyone who had had the opportunity to play the game especially to the loyal pROSE players, most of whom are now in Perfect World. It’s really sad to finally say goodbye to a game. ROSE was our third game (after Oz and RO) and was, for a time, the 2nd biggest MMORPG in the country. There have been a lot of managers assigned to tackle the brand and the community. Each had a distinct style on how to run it. There were lessons learned and much experience gained. Sadly, content is really the mantra or the life-blood of any MMORPG. Without it, things will certainly spiral down. Even the best marketing efforts and the best events can only do so much. Let’s all take a moment of silence for the legacy which is ROSE. (more…) clo ...
Philippines  Rose 

JC Medina Interview On Advergaming
2007-08-06 11:36:37
Ok… another video (just saw this again on inquirerdotnetvideos. Thanks, guys) and it’s an interview of our New Media Director, JC “cool-but-sure” Medina. JC and his gang (Codamon and the lovely Pam, who’s a Perfect World addict now!) are busy trying to seek partners and show them the values of advergaming or, in our case, in-game advertising. Nestle/Nescafe have already invested into FlyFF and have quests inside the game specifically tailored for their brand. Dim the lights please… advergaming, flyff, Infotech, jc medina, level up, MMORPG News, Videos ...
Interview 

Video: Toni Gonzaga Sings Perfect World Theme Song
2007-08-06 11:24:27
You’ve probably seen the photos I posted on the Perfect World launch event which took place last Saturday, Aug. 4 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall. Anyways, even if codamon beat me to this, I’m still posting this video courtesy of inquiredotnetvideos. Enjoy! Events, MMORPG News, Perfect World, theme song, toni gonzaga, Videos ...
Perfect World  Song  Theme  Video 

The Young vs. the Old in MMORPGs
2007-08-06 11:04:10
While blog hopping in www.mmorpg.com, I came upon a post by Bardoc entitled the “Kids vs. the Grown Ups“. Since I also blog there, I decided to look into it. It was an interesting post. So Interesting that it prompted me to write my own version based on Bardoc’s insights. First, let’s see what he wrote. “If your (sic) younger the older members seem to act like they are owed something. That they need you to do it their way or when they want you to. For the older members it looks like the young members don’t have any respect for or ownership in the guild. They are simply there to get their loot.” (more…) Blogging, General, GM Tristan, level up, MMOments, MMORPG, Musings, Online, online games ...

Perfect World Item Mall
2007-08-05 16:07:47
Now that Perfect World is in open beta, a lot of new players are asking how they can buy stuff in the item mall. Also, a lot of old players have raised some issues about the prices in the current mall. GM Justice (Community Manager for PW) and myself have talked with a group of players a few days after the launch of the Open Beta to get feedback on the pricing. The discussions were good. I got an idea on how much a player spends per day and per week and what type of items are likely to be bought. Also, they told me the prices that they think are “reasonable” for items such as Amulets and Heiros within the game. The team is now working and coordinating with Wanmei/Beijing so that the prices will be adjusted. Don’t worry, we hear yah! And we want to make your Perfect World experience well, er, Perfect. Links to the complete item mall list and how to buy after the jump! (more…) GM Tristan, item mall, level up, MMORPG News, Perfect World, philippines, pricing ...
Item  Perfect World 

10 Tips on How To Start Your Own Blog Contest
2007-08-05 15:19:14
Contests are cool and netizens are eager to join them. Top bloggers like John Chow practically broke barriers with it (with his “evil” blog contests) and raised to the top of the Technorati charts (creating some issues with Google and adsense though). That aside, there’s just something irresistible with FREE stuff on the Internet. Starting an online blog contest with the right attitude (and steps) will mean rewards for your blog. Below are some tips to help you organize a successful blog contest (after the jump). (more…) Blogging, Contests, GM Tristan, gmtristan.com, Infotech, mon macutay, Musings, start, tips ...
Blog  Contest  Tips 

The “Ear-Phone” Literally! Amp!
2007-08-04 20:35:54
Ok, kids… This is going to be a short post. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words… I’ll let it do the talking Source: Gizmodo ‘Nuff said! gadgets, General, Infotech, Musings, Online ...
Phone 

The Babes of Comic-Con 2007
2007-08-04 19:32:14
The San Diego Comic 2007 was held this July 24 to 27 in San Diego (where else??). My good friend from the States, Jaycee aka Tiahip promised to give me a comprehensive coverage of the event. Tiahip will be the first ever “guest poster” on gmtristan.com. Of course, this site is always open to volunteers with cool and interesting content. Speaking of interesting content (and while waiting for Jaycee’s coverage), here’s a preview of the girls of the cosplay in Comic Con 2007. Thanks to GGL.com for the photos. Of course, more girls after the jump! (more…) comic con 2007, Events, gamer babe, General, girls ...
Babes  Comic