Guy, Author at koru-cottage.com

AZM on Fitbit – Min-Maxing your health stats IRL!

Aug 16, 2020 Guy 2485 Views AZM, Cardio, FitBit

In May this year, I reviewed the new FitBit Charge 4 and the overall takeaway was that it’s an excellent fitness tracker, that for a ‘Gamer’ helped formalised my training regime and even gamified my day-to-day workouts.

I admit, that at the time I didn’t fully appreciate what this wee device could do. Initially I set myself simple time goals for workouts to complete. Later I used the FitBit app to understand my workouts and in particular making the most of them by using the Active Zone Minutes (AZM) system.

To put it in ‘Gamer’ terms. My FitBit device and the AZM system has given me a tangible way to have stats to Min-Max, to get the best returns on my health and heart. It’s like dungeon crawling in real life!!

Gaming Feature Article PS3 PS4

Musings – The Last of Us: Part 2

Jul 19, 2020 Guy 1870 Views Ellie, Joel, Naughty Dog, The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part 2, Tommy

Guest writer Nina, takes a deep dive into some thoughts about The Last of Us: Part 2 and its online turmoil.

“As I will be trying to analyse one of this game’s central themes, I’ll have to dive into the nitty-gritty details of the story. So, dear reader, consider yourself warned. Spoilers Ahead.”

To say that The Last of Us: Part 2 is a divisive game would be an understatement

All you need to do is scroll through the comment section of any The Last of Us: Part 2 related content to realise just how angry some people are over the games’ narrative direction. And while some of the criticisms of this title’s writing and plot have a modicum of merit, after playing the game myself I believe that the reality is something far different.

Part 2’s utilisation of perspective encourages players to question everything they thought they knew about the characters they’ve grown to love. Naughty Dog do this in what is a unique approach for a video game. By putting the player in the position of someone who was hurt or wronged by them.

Gaming Game Reviews PS4 Video Content youtube review

Ghost of Tsushima, PS4 Video Review

Jul 15, 2020 Guy 2583 Views Ghost of Tsushima, Ghosts of Tsushima, Katana, Kurosawa, Playstation, Samurai, Sekiro, Suckerpunch

Ghost of Tsushima is an open world, action, Samurai RPG-lite with a 70/30ish mix of ‘toe to toe’ sword fighting and stealth gameplay. All set in 13th Century Japan.

There are a few issues which I cover in the Video Review, but what makes it a game worth experiencing is its beautiful art style, its music and audio design and the story beats in the later parts of the game.

If you like Japanese culture as I do, the recreation of 13th Century Japan is what made Ghost of Tsushima go from a fun game. To what is personally quite a special video game experience.

Guy was supplied a pre-release copy under strict embargo for the purpose of this review. Thanks to PlaystationNZ and Suckerpunch for the opportunity.

Watch, Like and Subscribe to the youtube review from @nzbrowncoat after the link.

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews PC / Mac PS4 Switch Console Video Content Xbox One

JBL Quantum 400 Headset – Review

Jun 27, 2020 Guy 3951 Views Hardware Review, Headset, JBL, Quantum 400

JBL have been a mainstay of the home audio fraternity since 1946. They have in recent years been brought under the Samsung Electronics umbrella, which may explain why after so many years, they have finally taken the leap into Gaming Headsets see what we think of the Quantum 400.

They have certainly jumped in boots and all too. The new ‘Quantum’ range boasts seven different models. Spanning entry level headsets through to models with head-tracking, noise cancellation and wireless surround sound.

The JBL Quantum 400s are a great headset. If the rest of the Quantum range have had this much thought put into them, then safe to say JBL are not here to muck about, Gamers!

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews Video Content youtube review

JBL Quantum 400 – Video Unboxing

May 23, 2020 Guy 1787 Views Hardware, Headset, Preview, Unboxing, youtube

A quick unboxing of the brand new JBL Quantum 400 gaming headset, so why not take a look. Keep an eye on the site and for the full Review in the next few weeks.

First impressions are good though, but we will see how they stack up with some gaming hours under their belt!

Remember, as always…Click, Like and Share!

Fitness Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews

FitBit: Charge 4 – Review

May 19, 2020 Guy 2144 Views Exercise, FitBit, GPS, mobile device, nerding, Stats

For the past week I have swapped out my trusty time piece for the brand new FitBit Charge 4.

My “wrist real estate” is a valuable commodity in 2020. If I’m going to stick something on the all important none-master-side wrist, it better be worth my while.

This impressive little GPS Fitness Tracker, has managed to punch its way into the Smart Watch space.

The actual nuts and bolts are like this. The FitBit: Charge 4 is a compact fitness tracker that will monitor a myriad of fitness data points. Including heart rate, steps, distance traveled, sleep patterns, minutes in various cardio zones… and more.

Thanks to FitBit for the review item to trial, any questions feel free to ask me @nzBrowncoat on Twitter.

Gaming Game Reviews PC / Mac PS4 Video Content Xbox One youtube review

SnowRunner, PS4 Video Review

Apr 29, 2020 Guy 1532 Views Driving, mud runner, Obstacle, Snowruuner, Spintires

Snowrunner is more of the same, but better.

It is SUPER niche though, requiring patience, planning and the ability to just get in the zone and forgot about how long something is taking to do. Especially with the leveling system being so painfully slow to dish out rewards. My tip, don’t chase the rabbit, just enjoy the drive.

If you want to try a game that is totally unique on the PS4, this is worth a look, as there is literally no other game like it. If, dear Comrade, you liked Mudrunner …this is a no brainer, BUY IT!

For the full rundown, check out our Video Review. Remember, click it, like it, share it.

Gaming Game Reviews PC / Mac PS4 PSNetwork

Predator: Hunting Grounds, PS4 Review

Apr 26, 2020 Guy 1509 Views Arnie, Dillon, Online Shooter, Predator, Son of a Bitch, Teamwork

“Dillion! You son of a bitch” is one of the many quotes from Predator, that as a kid in the 80s, has been burnt into my brain.

It’s an I.P that even 30+ years after Arnie went toe-to-toe with the Alien hunter, people still know and love.

Sony has just dropped an Asymmetrical shooter for both PS4 and PC, channeling the rendered essence of what made Predator bodacious in 1987… and I am torn on it.

Gaming Game Reviews PC / Mac PS4 Xbox One

Wartile, PS4 Review

Apr 26, 2020 Guy 1945 Views Combat, D&D, Fantasy, Tiles, turn-based strategy games

There is something about Dungeons and Dragons mini figurines in Wartile.

They connect straight into a deep nostalgia for me. Having a group of friends round a table, surrounded by packets of chips and fizzy drinks. All laughing and dungeon crawling into the small hours of the night.

This is what Wartile taps into in a way. It’s tabletop gaming from the comfort of your couch and TV.

Gaming Byte Size Review PC / Mac PS4 Xbox One

Control: The Foundation DLC, PS4 Review

Apr 7, 2020 Guy 1302 Views Control, Remedy Entertainment

Control was my game of the year in 2019, so the prospect of a big ol’ chunk of DLC (The Foundation) was music to my ears.

And, I am happy to report that Remedy Games have gone beyond time and space again! “The Foundation” DLC has all the stunning level design, unsettling tone and addictive gameplay that made the main game unmissable last year.

The Oldest House has been compromised in its foundations, hence the name. I won’t get bogged down in the details. Jesse needs to pick up her Director’s Pistol again and head into the caverns under The Oldest House to figure out what’s going on.

If you played Control last year and enjoyed it, then the choice is simple. Buy this DLC you will not be sorry.

Gaming Game Reviews PC / Mac PS4 Xbox One

Doom: Eternal, PS4 Review

Mar 28, 2020 Guy 1864 Views Bethesda, Doom, FPS, id Software

Back in 2016 when Doom was re-launched by ID Software, it became one of the modern darlings of gamer culture, but I will admit I didn’t get it. I tried, more than once, but I just didn’t see what others saw. But by Lucifer! I am now a convert to the satanic dark arts of Doom: Eternal. I now see the magic!

Doom: Eternal – is a faced paced, strategy shooter

As I type “fast paced, strategy shooter”, I can’t help but think how silly that sounds. But that’s what Doom: Eternal really is. It combines the idea of being liquid death and a thinking man’s shooter…… and it surprised the hell out of me.