New Delhi, Tuesday September 07, 2010

lifestyle 05

Ashish Koshy

In recent times, games withthe dynamic third personview have started to comeup for the action/adventure

genres. Although it’s not a newconcept, it’s become a definitefavourite among the millionsof gamers around the world.However, it’s not only the

graphics or gameplay thatwe’re talking about here; thevery fact that gamers get tosee how well they bash upthose fiends gives themimmense pleasure!We’ve listed five games that

came out this year and areamongst the best in third-per-son action categories. Surely,an avid fan must have playedat least one of these, or all ofthem for that matter. But forthe uninitiated, here’s a list

that can help you start outwith gaming!

Lara Croft and TheGuardian of LightTomb Raider comes to life!After what seemed to be ages,we finally get to control thegun wielding babe again, andthis time with a sidekick!With some new moves,

weapons, modes of gameplayand puzzles leading you toartefacts, rest assured thatyou’ll be entertained for hourstogether. The previous TombRaider games are testamentthat they don’t mess with theirgraphics. Grab this title!

Red Dead RedemptionThis is one of the mostawaited third-person actiongames of the year. Red DeadRedemption has all the

ingredients to make you acowboy of the Wild West!The environment of the

game will make you want tojust look around and breathein the surroundings!Gameplay is one of the best ofall time and, truth is, this hasbeen a critic’s favourite! So insimple words, if you’re not

planning on playing it, youdefinitely must watch some-one else play this one!

Crackdown 2While Crackdown wasn’t agame that you would wantto waste your time on, itssequel, Crackdown 2, seemson all fronts to be an improve-

ment. It is loads of fun to playin both single player andmultiplayer modes, and theaddition of various in-gamemechanics, modes, enemiesand weapons are one reasonwhy this game is next toaddictive.It may not be the best in this

segment, but it surely doeshave a lot to offer.

Heavy RainYou may not really categoriseHeavy Rain in the action cate-gory very simply because it ismore drama than action.Nevertheless, it’s on the list forthe simple reason that gamersthink it surely is entertaining.Because honestly, how many

titles let you shape your owndestiny? The story tends tochange depending on how youplay the game, and it sure is a

visual treat. This undoubtedlyhas to be a game you ownbecause it’s something quiteunique.

Lost Planet 2Sequels normally have thesame flow: return of the pro-tagonist, same environment,and an alternative endingwhich might make you wonderwhether there’s more to thegame.Lost Planet 2, however,

seems to be something quitedifferent. The game is moremultiplayer than single-player,but the fact is that you still getto fight larger-than-life crea-tures in your vital suits. Theaction is exciting and so arethe graphics. That makes thisa title you must play fromstart to end to actuallyappreciate its worth.

gadgets

This is what you call themerging of South India

with China. The very hum-ble Idli is fried and then iscooked in a Chinese style

sauce (more like the gravyyou get in chilli chicken)with vegetables such ascapsicum, scallops andthe end result is simplydelicious. At R 65 a platethis one is a must try.Available at: Udipi,Bhahdur Shah ZafarMarg, ITO.

HTC

BOLLYWOOD STYLE PORTRAITYou can now get your

portraits doneBollywood style. Anonline company,Indian Hippy, offershand-painted portraitscustomised to suit yourpreferences. One canchoose from thousandsof movie posters, fromthe 1960s to now.The payment variesdepending upon variousfactors like size, layout,detailing, time taken andcanvas chosen etc.The price of A3 sizedportraits starts atR5,000 onwards.

IANS

Consisting of 216 power-ful Rare Earth magnets

that can be shaped molded,torn apart and snappedtogether in unlimited ways,this new magnet gadgethas become a rage witheveryone. One can makesculptures, puzzles,patterns, shapes, or stickstuff to the fridge. Apartfrom the original colour,it is also available in gold,silver and black colours.Price: $29.95 dollars +$5.95 is charged as ship-ping charges. Total: $35.90(R1,668) Available at:https://www.getbucky-balls.com/order HTC

BUCKYBALLS

FOOD

HOT

1. Keep it clean: Remove anyprograms you do not use.Delete every file that youdon’t need. Also, keep yourrecycle bin empty.

2. Point to note: Do notdelete ‘shared’ files! Someprograms use the same file —you can break the system ifyou delete a shared file. Ifyou’re not sure what it is,leave it. You wouldn’t wantto delete anything important,so find out what it is beforeyou touch it.

3. Limit start-up programs:Prevent any unnecessaryprograms from starting whenthe computer boots. This canbe done in program options,or by altering msconfig.

4. Manage well: Keep thehard disk free space above15%. Install new programs ina partition other than ‘C:\’.

5. Protect from viruses:Install a good anti-virusprogram and spywarescanner to prevent any virusfrom affecting your files andthe speed of your PC. KeepWindows up to date. HTC

TO SPEED UP YOUR PC PERFORMANCEhot tip

Wepick the best third-person action/adventure games of 2010 that are amust play

THIRD-PERSONPERSPECTIVE

GADGETS

HERE’S IDLIMANCHURIAN