James Woodcock - Freelance Journalist

FIFA Football 10 Review for Xbox 360 – Striding onto the Pitch with Confidence

James Woodcock — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:56:30 +0000

If your admiration for the football series continues for another spectacular year, make sure you read my latest review on FIFA 10 for the Microsoft Xbox 360: No sooner have I finished one FIFA review does another sequel appear on the store shelves and yet again I am teased by all manner of EA advertisements and [...]

Rock Band for iPhone/iPod Touch Review – Hammering Your Touch Screen Surprisingly Fun

James Woodcock — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:17:15 +0000

The Apple iPhone is becoming quite a serious contender in the gaming stakes with hardware that is capable of challenging other portable hand-held entertainment systems such as the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP. It may not have an array of buttons like its competitors, however it makes up for it with an extremely [...]

Wolfenstein 3D Classic iPhone/iPod Touch Video Review

James Woodcock — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:31:06 +0000

A couple of days ago I released my Wolfenstein 3D Classic iPhone Review. Today I have made a video with live commentary as I progress through the game and demonstrate some of the features. Hopefully this will be the first of many iPhone video reviews, so I hope you enjoy this latest offering. Please [...]

Wolfenstein 3D Classic Review for iPhone/iPod Touch – A Fantastic Reminder of our Gaming Heritage

James Woodcock — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:23:23 +0000

In 1992, a revolution that would change gaming forever released to the PC platform. Before Halo, Call of Duty and Doom, there was a shock wave that permeated through the industry and the catalyst for this was none other than Wolfenstein 3D. This was the true beginning of the FPS (First Person Shooter) [...]

Bejeweled 2 Review for Apple iPhone/iPod Touch – Simple and Sublime

James Woodcock — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:28:38 +0000

My first experience of Bejeweled 2 was on Xbox Live Arcade using of course the Xbox 360 console. With high definition graphics and fancier animations than the previous title that featured on the original Xbox, it was always on to a winner. Bejeweled 2 is simply a puzzle game that if you are [...]

My YouTube Gameplay Videos Round-Up (September 2009)

James Woodcock — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:31:57 +0000

Whenever I have some free time, I like to record gameplay footage from the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation3 or Nintendo Wii. Much of it is captured in High Definition (HD) and is uploaded onto YouTube for you to view, however unless you follow my Twitter or have subscribed to my YouTube Channel, you [...]

Rock Band and Guitar Hero – Professional Musicians Criticism Analysed

James Woodcock — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:25:44 +0000

There is certainly an amount of dare I say snobbery going on when well respected professional musicians take time out to have a go at the myriad of rhythm titles for our gaming consoles. Both the Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises have certainly opened up our eyes to the marvel of combining musical [...]

Simon the Sorcerer Enhanced Music Trailer #2 and Project Updates

James Woodcock — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:07:22 +0000

My original video trailer for Simon the Sorcerer was looking a little dated as it was uploaded way back in 2007. So recently I invested a little time and energy creating a brand new one taking full advantage of YouTube’s newer widescreen aspect and higher quality video options. Please feel free to embed [...]

James Woodcock Unveils Discworld v2.0, Simon the Sorcerer v2.0 and Inherit the Earth v1.0 Soundtracks for ScummVM

James Woodcock — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:53:13 +0000

James Woodcock, creator of the ScummVM Music Enhancement Project has recently released updated versions of previously available soundtracks reaching version 2.0, which include Simon the Sorcerer and Discworld. Discworld can now be played with the latest SVN versions of ScummVM implementing James Woodcock’s enhanced music. Inherit the Earth, which comes under his ‘Fan Creation Soundtrack’ [...]

My Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 Review for the Xbox 360 – Slowly Advancing Forward

James Woodcock — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:28:18 +0000

Here is my review for the Xbox 360 version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10. There are improvements as ever, but the slow progression forward is a little disappointing for those who play each years installment: I have reviewed so many Tiger Woods games for the Xbox platform that introductions almost seem unnecessary at this [...]

My Discworld Enhanced Soundtrack Version 2.0 Released for ScummVM

James Woodcock — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:28:04 +0000

Recently, the team at ScummVM announced support for the original Discworld point and click adventure including its sequel. Today I am very happy to release version 2.0 of my enhanced soundtrack for you to use with the game, which will give everyone superior sounding music and not just those with powerful MIDI equipment. A big [...]

Inherit the Earth Soundtrack Released – My ‘Fan Made’ Version for ScummVM

James Woodcock — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:18:35 +0000

Today I release my version of the Inherit the Earth Soundtrack. As usual, my soundtracks are intended for use with the ScummVM program so you can relive the wonders of classic point and click adventure games with my version of the music. Thanks to the original publishers for allowing ‘fan made’ versions to [...]

Simon the Sorcerer Now Available on iPhone – My Enhanced Music Featured

James Woodcock — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:56 +0000

Simon the Sorcerer is now available on the Apple iPhone Store thanks to iPhSoft. Before release, iPhSoft contacted me asking permission to use my enhanced music for the title to be used on the iPhone version they were working on. So not only can you play Simon the Sorcerer, the classic point and [...]

Fight Night Round 4 HD Video Review for Xbox 360

James Woodcock — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:13:09 +0000

The predecessor to Fight Night Round 4 had our jaws dropping in awe and our eyes watering with happiness at the remarkable visuals. It was one of those magical eureka moments when you realised that next generation gaming had finally arrived and that you were now a part of this momentous moment in history. Now [...]

Simon the Sorcerer Soundtrack Version 2.0 – Compressor Settings Changed / Higher Bitrate

James Woodcock — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Today I have completed work on version 2.0 of my Simon the Sorcerer enhanced soundtrack for use with ScummVM. None of the actual tracks have changed (no new instruments, layers etc), however I have extensively changed the compressor settings which can make a dramatic difference to the overall sound. Each track has been [...]

I Play the Simon the Sorcerer Theme Live on Yamaha Tyros3

James Woodcock — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:01:15 +0000

In 2007, I received permission from Simon Woodroffe allowing me to enhance the music to be used on the fabulous ScummVM program. I fancied playing a ‘live’ version for you though, so here I am in High Definition playing the main theme from Simon the Sorcerer using the Yamaha flagship keyboard, the Tyros 3. I [...]

Virtua Tennis 2009 for Xbox 360 HD Video Review

James Woodcock — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:24:01 +0000

One of the most beloved consoles for any SEGA fan has to be the Dreamcast. On this dare I say ‘cute’ little platform, Virtua Tennis showed once and for all that the sport of smashing a small yellow ball around was a worthy contender for our attention and that in this virtual world, anything [...]

DXG DVH-596 1080p High Definition Camcorder Impressions – HD Video Samples Included

James Woodcock — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:35:07 +0000

For so many years now, I have been using good old MINI-DV tapes in a camcorder to capture holidays, events and random happenings. Although the quality was always excellent, the import process drives me insane. Whatever you record, you have to wait for the tape to play it all back in real-time before [...]

I Record High Definition Gameplay Clips on YouTube HD from Xbox 360 and PlayStation3

James Woodcock — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:12:36 +0000

Lately I have been quite busy recording, editing and posting both HD video features such as reviews and top 10 lists as well as publishing gameplay clips from the latest gaming offerings. YouTube has certainly advanced since Google took over offering new tools and features adding to the whole experience, but HD support convinced [...]

I Create A Promotional Video for Roger’s Music Store in Nottingham

James Woodcock — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:21:53 +0000

I have known Roger Hagarty for must be getting close to four years now, so when he asked me to create a promotional video for his Nottingham based music store Roger’s Music, I was more than happy. Ever since I was introduced to him, Roger has been immensely helpful and indeed friendly when I [...]

OutRun Online Arcade Video – My First High Definition Video Review

James Woodcock — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:53:07 +0000

Recently I purchased the Hauppauge HD PVR, so I could create far richer and more importantly ‘high definition’ video reviews. This is my first HD attempt and it is for OutRun Online Arcade on the Xbox 360. So far I am very impressed with this HD capture device. Capable of 1080i recording from anything [...]

OutRun Online Arcade Review for Xbox 360 – SEGA Show Arcade Shouldn’t Be Left Behind

James Woodcock — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:04:34 +0000

I review OutRun 2 SP, otherwise known as OutRun Online Arcade for the Xbox 360: Years ago on the original Xbox, I reviewed OutRun 2. Although I was far from feeling the nostalgic glow that the SEGA games from the past usually create in my heart, I did enjoy the experience. At the time, the game [...]

The Inspiration Behind ‘Yamaha Personal Keyboard Owner’ Video – I Explain My Enthusiasm for Yamaha Keyboards

James Woodcock — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:02:14 +0000

I am the owner and Editor of ‘Yamaha Personal Keyboard Owner‘ and today I decided to record myself through the webcam and built in microphone on my computer, creating a little live video with no fancy editing, just explaining why I began this independent Yamaha keyboard and digital piano website. I hope you enjoy this short [...]

Buzz: Brain of the UK Review for PlayStation3 – Great, Why Not Downloadable?

James Woodcock — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:53:39 +0000

Here is my latest review and this time for Buzz: Brain of the UK for the Sony PlayStation3: I have been playing quiz games on various platforms for years now probably starting with a PC game called ‘You Don’t Know Jack’. Although all seem to either capture a particular well known real life game show [...]

Broken Sword Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut Impressions

James Woodcock — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:35:38 +0000

Even though the era of the Point and Click Adventure is shining only as bright as a flickering candle light at the moment, it doesn’t stop my interest in the genre. In fact, I often use programs like ScummVM to rekindle my love for this classic gaming heritage. One of my favourite titles [...]

My Sonic and the Black Knight Video Review on the Nintendo Wii

James Woodcock — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:37:18 +0000

I have today created my second video review, this time for Sonic and the Black Knight on the Nintendo Wii. You can of course look at the text version of the review as well.

My First Video Review – SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection Review for PlayStation3

James Woodcock — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:23:03 +0000

Well here is my first ever video review and it covers the SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection on the Sony PlayStation3. It has taken a couple of days to write, capture, edit, convert and then finally upload to YouTube. It is a little experiment really to see how difficult the process is and indeed how [...]

My Yamaha Club & Yamaha Personal Keyboard Owner (YPKO) Online Magazine Article

James Woodcock — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:02:02 +0000

My Yamaha Keyboard and Digital Piano enthusiast website celebrated its 4th Anniversary just before the New Year and in that time, boasts over 8500 members, 157,000 community posts and 14,000,000 hits. I have a lot to celebrate as my website increases in popularity, while also enjoying co-operation with the Yamaha Club and indeed Yamaha [...]