Starcraft 2 – Heart of the Swarm Review

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Starcraft 2 – Heart of the Swarm is the expansion to the critically acclaimed Starcraft 2 – Wings of Liberty. In the single player of Heart of the Swarm you take control of the nightmarish Zerg. The constantly evolving alien arthropods which operate together as one telepathic hive mind with a desire to seek, destroy and consume. The game has 20 missions (+7 smaller bonus missions) as opposed to the 29 in Wings of Liberty. But much of Blizzards focus has been on the multi-player side of the game. In multi-player you can play as all three races, Zerg, Terran (Human) or Protoss (Psionic Alien). The multi-player features new units, maps and interface changes.

Kerrigan back to lead the swarm

Kerrigan back to lead the swarm

Single Player

I found single player disappointing. The story had no real bite and the dialogue and plot were poor. The same was true of Wings of Liberty. The gritty brutal realism of the old Brood War was absent. The characters weren’t so interesting and some of their motivations were confusing.

One of the things which really annoyed me is how the story kept trying to morally justify the characters actions. For example at one point Kerrigan pulls the swarm back from a bunch of wounded marines after having slaughtered hundreds of them unnecessarily  I just couldn’t get behind her character in the same way as the old queen of blades who was evil, cunning and totally ruthless. She had no problem in infesting marines in the way this Kerrigan does. It’s perhaps not surprising then that the best character is the one not bothered by ethics. Abathor is the mastermind of creating new Zerg strains. He is obsessed with perfection.

Blizzard went to extreme lengths to try and portray Kerrigan and Raynor as the good guys and Mengsk (The head of the Terrans) as the bad guy. It was totally unnecessary. The writers really lost their way here. The story almost felt like it had been made for a younger audience. Most disappointing of all old characters felt like a pale comparison of their former selves and barring Abathor there were no new decent new ones. Very little was made of the history characters have with each other (except for one mention of Fenix)

There were some nice ideas. You learn about the origin of the Zerg, which was great, and the story was somewhat saved by Blizzards incredible cinematics which seemed to have all the darkness and realism the rest of the game lacked.

Swarm Hosts can be used to siege enemy bases

Those burrowed Zerg units are the Swarm Host and the little units are locusts which will keep coming in never ending waves until the Swarm host moves or is killed

 

Newer players may not mind so much. Older players will feel very disappointed.

The missions themselves are much better. They are for the most part fun and well designed. One thing I didn’t like was a lot of the missions have some sort of time limit. It’s fine to have a few missions like this but sometimes you want to sit back experiment and explore the game. The installation missions felt a bit too linear. There were some really good missions though, my favourite was wear you fight on a Protoss ship. Another more minor complaint is that the game was too easy. Blizzard does a great job off offering four difficulty settings but veteran players will not be challenged by even the hardest setting. Another gripe is the fewer number of missions compared to Wings of Liberty.

The Tempest the new long range Protoss capital ship

The Tempest the new long range Protoss capital ship

The Zerg interface lacks the ship like feel of the Hyperion but the game does excel at feeling Zergy. Upgrading and evolving your units by completing bonus missions was a great addition.

Given Blizzard has been developing this expansion for almost three years I really expected something more. However the reason for some of the shortcomings are probably because of Blizzards focus on multi-player.

Multiplayer

Once again Blizzard has proved themselves the masters of the art of balancing. The game is already close to being balanced and Blizzard is constantly watching and updating. The game doesn’t play as differently to Wings of Liberty as you might think but at first glance the new units really seemed to have added something.

Blizzard has talked a lot about slimming down the ‘ball of death’. In Wings of Liberty it was common for players to mass their units in one large ball. This led to a lot of posturing and huge battles where it was often difficult to see what was going on. Blizzard has done a great job. Bringing back mines for Terran was an excellent idea. The game already feels more enjoyable both to play and watch. In many cases action is now constant with battles going on all over the map. Games between professional gamers are already looking more interesting. Better skilled players also seem to be better able to differentiate themselves from weaker players.

The Widow Mine

The Widow Mine

New Multiplayer Units

Terran

Widow Mine – A mine which reloads and keeps going off. Hits air and ground

Hellbat – Upgrade of the hellion making it much tougher

Zerg

Swarm Host – A unit which burrows in the ground and spawns and unlimited number of units

Viper – A new casting units which has a host of useful spells such as abduct which pulls in enemy units and blinding cloud which reduces ranged units to 1 range.

Protoss

Oracle – A new flying Protoss spell caster. It can also create detection and has a devastating attack against workers.

Tempest – A new capital ship which has a very long range and big damage but slow rate of fire

Mothership Core – A new flying unit with a host of abilities such as recalling units, slowing enemy units down and turning buildings into powerful defensive structures. Can upgrade to a full Mothership

Changes have also been made to some existing units.

The Viper

The Viper

Blizzard has also had added a host of excellent new features to multiplayer. You can now watch replays with friends and even pick up in the middle of old games. There are new maps as you would expect. You can now save multiplayer games to protect against a loss of connection. There have been major changes to the game editor and you can even play against players in other regions. Blizzard has also added a new leveling system.

Conclusion

Blizzard nailed multi-player. They’ve got the balance of everything just right. The new features are great for the most part. The story of single player was a real disappointment and almost feels like an afterthought. The script and story writers need to get it together. Nevertheless the missions were fun and Blizzards cinematics were superb as always.

Luckily Blizzard got multiplayer, the most important thing, right. Most players will probably spend a lot more time on multi-player. If your just planning to only play single player the expensive price for an expansion isn’t worth it. if you plan on playing a decent amount of multi-player it is.

Single Player 6/10 Multiplayer 10/10 Overall 8.5/10

 

 

Identity Thief is worth a watch | Film

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identitytheifQuite often when you plan to go the cinema, it can be difficult to find a film that appeals to both you and the person you’re going with. Some people love historical dramas like Lincoln, while others find them tedious and slow to watch. Others love action movies like the Die Hard series, while some people would rather spend an afternoon at the dentist’s instead!

One film that is out at the moment and that may appeal to everyone is the light hearted comedy Identity Thief starring Jason Bateman (teen star of 80’s sitcoms like It’s Your Move and the Hogan Family) and Melissa McCarthy. This crazy caper is guaranteed to give plenty of laughs and will ensure that any stresses or worries you have on your mind disappear while you watch.

This is a film that is directed by Seth Gordon and has a script written by Craig Mazin. Bateman plays the character of a quiet and unassuming businessman called Sandy Patterson, who lives and works in Denver. One day, Sandy answers a call about someone trying to steal his identity, and gullibly hands over all his bank and security details to the person on the end of the line. This, of course, is the person who is about to steal his identity – and the twist is that she’s a woman.

Melissa McCarthy plays the role of Diana – a woman living in Florida who then spends up Sandy’s bank account on her lavish and dodgy lifestyle. The film follows Sandy’s tracking down of Diana and the subsequent adventures they have avoiding the bad company that Diana usually keeps.

It may not have the most profound plot in the world, but Identity Thief is one of those films that has enough slapstick and farce in it to appeal to a wide cross-section of audiences. If you feel like a fun night out, you should check your local cinema listings and give this one a whirl!

 

 

Mark Anthony’s Quick 5 Minute Workouts: Get a Better Body

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free workout videosCelebrity trainer Mark Anthony has created some quick 5 minute workouts that you can do when you wake up in the morning – one for arms, one for legs and one for stomach.

Florida grapefruit teamed up with Mark in an attempt to get the nation starting their day the Florida way, these quick workouts can be done first thing in the morning. Enjoy. www.facebook.com/floridagrapefruit

Back Exercise

Abs Exercise

Chest Exercise

Underwater Wonders On Show In Rain Forest Of The Sea

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A new photographic exhibition at the Horniman Museum & Gardens captures the underwater wonders of the coral triangle. Rainforest of the Sea (opening 9 March) features stunning photographs of sea creatures in Borneo, and highlights the diversity of coral reefs, as well as the threats facing one of the world’s richest habitats.

04_Green Turtle_Chelonia mydas

Marine biologist and photographer Jamie Craggs worked without the aid of digital photography to create the series of striking underwater shots – from a turtle silhouetted against an azure sky, to close encounters with a longhorn cowfish, a bumblebee shrimp and a hairy squat lobster.

 

Jamie says: ‘Coral reefs are often called the “rainforest of the sea” because, like rainforests, they are one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet. These photos weren’t taken with an exhibition in mind, but the threats to this amazing underwater world are so great that I wanted the images to do some good. I hope Rainforest of the Sea will not only show visitors the beauty and wonder of the coral reef and its creatures, but also raise awareness of the importance of protecting them for the future.’

 

Jamie has worked on coral reef expeditions in the Philippines, as an underwater cameraman in Borneo and as a professional aquarist in the UK. He is currently the Aquarium Curator at the Horniman, overseeing a collection of 2,500 live specimens from 150 aquatic species. He specialises in coral biology and is working with international organisations to conserve coral reefs and better understand the impact human life has on these fragile and globally important habitats.

 

Rainforest of the Sea opens at the Horniman Museum & Gardens open now. Entry to the exhibition is free.

100 London Road   T: 020 8699 1872

Forest Hill          www.horniman.ac.uk

London SE23 3PQ

Sophie Kinsella’s best-selling Sleeping Arrangements adapted for the musical stage

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sleepingarrangementsAria Entertainment Presents
Sleeping Arrangements
Landor Theatre
17th April – 12th May

Sophie Kinsella’s Sleeping Arrangements adapted for the stage

 Sleeping Arrangements, a new musical based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella, author of Confessions Of A Shopaholic now has a full cast.

The exceptionally high calibre cast includes Fascinating Aïda’s Liza Pulman and West End favourite Jenny Gayner who has trodden the boards as Roxie Hart in Chicago amongst other high profile roles and Sabrina Aloueche who is best known for playing the character ‘Scaramouche‘ in We Will Rock You.

The Confessions Of A Shopaholic novel was adapted into a film released in 2009, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy but this will be the first of Sophie’s popular books to be adapted for the stage.

“I am so excited to see my story on stage in such a hilarious and tuneful musical”
               Sophie Kinsella

This exciting new musical will play at the Landor Theatre in Clapham London for four weeks starting in April 2013 (17th April – 12th May)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the musical tells the tale of Chloe who desperately needs a holiday. She’s sick of making wedding dresses and her partner, Philip has troubles at work. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered the loan of his luxury villa in Spain – Perfect

Hugh is not a happy man. His immaculate wife Amanda seems more interested in her new kitchen than him and he works so hard to pay for it, he barely has time for his children. Maybe he’ll have a chance to bond with them on holiday. His friend Gerard has lent him a luxury villa in Spain – Perfect.

Both families arrive at the villa and realise the awful truth – Gerard has double-booked. What no-one else realises is that Chloe and Hugh have a history, and as tensions rise, old passions resurface. It seems that Gerard’s ‘accidental’ double booking may not be an accident after all…

 

KOBO and Curtis Brown Announce Scholarship

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KOBO AND CURTIS BROWN CREATIVE INTRODUCE. KOBO WRITING LIFE 2013 SCHOLARSHIP

 

Any readers of Frost magazine who are interested in a writing career may be interested in this new scholarship from Kobo and Curtis Brown. Companies make tuition at London’s premier writing school accessible for three up-and-coming authors

 

Kobo, a global leader in eReading, and Curtis Brown, one of the UK’s premier literary and talent agencies, have announced that together the companies are introducing the Kobo Writing Life™ Scholarship to advance opportunities for three aspiring writers this year. The Kobo Writing Life Scholarship provides tuition fees for a writer in each of the following course: the three-month novel writing course, three-month writing-for-children course, and six-month novel-writing course. Each course is offered by Curtis Brown Creative and held at their London location.

 

“Kobo Writing Life is dedicated to supporting authors and is committed to allowing them barrier-free access to readers anywhere in the world,” said Mark Lefebvre, Kobo’s Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relations. “Excellence in writing is critical and at the heart of an author’s success and we are thrilled to be able to work with Curtis Brown Creative to help writers hone their craft.”

 

“We are very excited to be partnering with Kobo on this initiative to open up our courses to writers who would not otherwise be able to study with us,” said Anna Davis, Director, Curtis Brown Creative.  “Kobo is an energetic supporter of new writing and a generous sponsor of this program.”

 

Applications are now being accepted for the three-month Writing for Children course held April-July. Applicants must complete the online application form and provide the first 3,000 words of their novel in addition to a synopsis. Details of the scholarship for the three-month writing-for-children course starting in September and the six-month novel writing course starting in February will be made available at www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk.

 

Curtis Brown launched its creative writing school in May 2011 as a way to reach new writers and foster their development as authors. In-depth courses are taught by industry experts including bestselling authors, agents and editors from Curtis Brown.  Kobo, through its self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life, and Curtis Brown Creative are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in writing and have partnered to develop strategic initiatives that foster the development of authors around the world.

 

This is the second project Kobo and Curtis Brown Creative have developed together. The companies also created the Jeffrey Archer Short Story Contest which resulted in a thousand, 100-word submissions to be judged by the author. The finalists will be announced on April 15 at London Book Fair.

Fun, frolics & fabulousness – Made in Chelsea Series 5

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The glamorous set of SW3 returns to our screens next month and there will be a host of new personalities joining London’s hottest social circuit. Sisters Fran and Olivia Newman-Young, designer Josh Coombs and fashionista Phoebe-Lettice Thompson will join new faces from last series Ashley James and Lucy Watson and the returning cast for more shocking drama, tangled love triangles and friendship fallouts.

22 year old make-up artist and party girl Olivia is the younger sister of Francesca and gets a lot of attention from the boys. She’s been known to party with Millie in the past and is a local on the social scene. Fran is Olivia’s sister and wears the ‘protective’ older sibling crown. The 25 year old works in the music industry and went to Leeds with Andy Jordan.

Olivia’s best friend is 22 year old Phoebe. She’s a fashion assistant at Tatler and has an on/off relationship with fellow Made in Chelsea newbie, Josh. 22 year old Josh has a soft spot for Phoebe, even though she’s not dedicated to him. He has worked with Proudlock in the past and is currently setting up his own design business.

Both Ashley and Lucy joined the show during series four and each made an impact in their own special way. Ashley was a welcome introduction, especially to Francis, who found a love interest in Chelsea’s new blonde. Lucy brought her own slice of drama, giving the boys a run for their money as she kept Andy and Jamie guessing her emotions.

The returning cast include Francis Boulle, Richard Dinan, Binky Felstead, Rosie Fortescue, Victoria Baker Harber, Cheska Hull, Stevie Johnson, Andy Jordan, Jamie Laing, Ollie Locke, Millie Macintosh, Spencer Matthews, Ollie Proudlock, Louise Thompson and Mark-Francis Vandelli.

Last series saw tensions end on an all-time-high with relationship decisions destroying friendships and awkward situations leaving everybody guessing. As the jet-setting socialites return to the fashionable streets of Chelsea, it’s certain that they’ll be more rivalries, new romances and fiery exchanges to keep viewers glued.

Since hitting the screens in May 2011, Made in Chelsea has been E4’s biggest non-scripted success generating a massive following. It remains one of Channel 4’s most talked about shows, trends worldwide on twitter and is regularly the most watched programme on 4oD.
Follow @E4Chelsea and use #madeinchelsea

Sundance London and Talenthouse Launch Worldwide Film Competition

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NOKIA MUSIC, SUNDANCE LONDON, AND TALENTHOUSE LAUNCH WORLDWIDE FILM COMPETITION

ACCLAIMED FILM SERIES “NEW AMERICAN NOISE” TO SCREEN AT THE SUNDANCE LONDON FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE O2 ON FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013

Nokia Music announced it would team up with Sundance London and Talenthouse on the launch of a worldwide competition for aspiring filmmakers and directors challenging them to investigate the music scenes in cities around the globe.

“Inspired by our series of short films, New American Noise, we wanted to launch a competition where we could all get a glimpse into the world’s various music scenes,” said Jyrki Rosenberg, VP of Entertainment at Nokia.  “Mobile phone cameras and video cameras are so popular so for the contest we decided to have the finalists shoot their films using our Nokia Lumia 920.  We know there are a lot of creative people out there, and we can’t wait to see their finished films.”

To take part, filmmakers must upload a short video trailer (15 sec – 60 sec) including a 150 word supporting written description visualizing the ‘underground music scene’ in their chosen city.   Rosenberg added: “We are looking for creative ideas that push the boundaries of the camera and the possibilities of mobile filmmaking.”

Two finalists will each receive a $5,000 production budget and two #Lumia920’s on which they must create their final short film. What’s more, both of them will receive an-all-expenses paid trip to Sundance London (2013) in April where their final films are guaranteed a special screening at the festival, along with a mentoring session with one of the ‘judges’. One lucky grand prizewinner will walk away with $5,000 and a Nokia Lumia 920.  Complete details can be found HERE.

Additionally Nokia Music announced the European premiere of its heralded documentary film series New American Noise at the Sundance London Film and Music Festival at The O2 on Friday, April 26, 2013. Leading independent directors, including Abteen Bagheri, Emily Kai Bock, Bob Harlow and Tyrone Lebon, created the six films that comprise New American Noise.  The series is produced by Nokia Music and SomeSuch & Co, and shines a light on the underground music scene in six American cities by detailing the incredible diversity of musical subcultures and giving an unprecedented insight into the lives and passions of today’s music and its fans.   The films premiered in the United States during the week of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah, and the press hailed the series as “a must see” (USA Today) and “compelling” (SPIN).   For further information, updated clips and lists of artists included in the New American Noise film series please visit:  www.newamericanoise.com.

For more information visit www.nokia.com/music or follow #Lumia920 #NokiaxSundanceLDN