Simon Cook
I am an amateur writer specializing in book, movie and video game reviews. While I do not have specific experience in these industries and am not a professional writer I have read over 3000 books, and been playing video games for the last 30 years.
I have been writing on the web for about ten years but within the last year I have begun to take it seriously and have cultivated a style that is hopefully easy to read and yet informational.
As an Englishman living in the USA I have a unique insight into things on both sides of the Pond and believe that this combined with my practical experience gives me the ability to be objective when I write.
I am happily married with twin daughters and a grandson; I have three cats, two dogs and a father in law living with me too!
Born in Sheffield, England I move to Pontypridd, Wales at an early age. My early years were blessed with wonderful parents and great friends, and I cannot honestly complain about my childhood.
My interest of computers grew from an early age, and through it I met my wife on the web and move to the US to be with her.
My love of computers and writing led me to look online for resources to write, and sites like Associated Content have really helped me improve my writing skills!
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I have been writing on the web for about ten years but within the last year I have begun to take it seriously and have cultivated a style that is hopefully easy to read and yet informational.
As an Englishman living in the USA I have a unique insight into things on both sides of the Pond and believe that this combined with my practical experience gives me the ability to be objective when I write.
I am happily married with twin daughters and a grandson; I have three cats, two dogs and a father in law living with me too!
Born in Sheffield, England I move to Pontypridd, Wales at an early age. My early years were blessed with wonderful parents and great friends, and I cannot honestly complain about my childhood.
My interest of computers grew from an early age, and through it I met my wife on the web and move to the US to be with her.
My love of computers and writing led me to look online for resources to write, and sites like Associated Content have really helped me improve my writing skills!
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- 10/3/2010
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Displaying Results 1 - 64 (of 64) for All Content
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Arthur (2011) - is the Remake a Classic or a Dud?Arthur is a good movie with some decent comedic elements; it doesn't have the same charm or naughtiness of the original but showcases Brand's acting in a suprising way. It's watchable, but not a classic.
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The Godfather: A Defining Movie in Gangster GenreThe Godfather embodies every that is good about Hollywood; brilliant acting, great music, superb direction and an enthralling plot '" it is and will remain a defining movie in the gangster genre.
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Is 'Dragon Age 2' Just 'Dragon Age: Origins' in Disguise?Bioware promised much with the much hyped 'Dragon Age 2' but failed to deliver. With repetitive maps and a sub-standard plot, the game severely disappoints.
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Will Crysis 2 Deliver on Its Promise?Crysis 2 promises much, with amazing graphics, superb environments and an advanced artificial intelligence for the aliens; while the preview videos look amazing, time will tell if Crysis 2 will be a blockbuster. -
What Does the Future of Video Gaming Hold?With the advent of motion detecting controllers in the gaming industry, it's likely that we'll see many innovative uses of immersive technologies that reach beyond the realms of science fiction and video games into the real world.
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Review of Two Worlds II: A Vast Improvement Over the Original Game?Two Worlds II is a vast improvement over the original; it still has some flaws but looks amazing and provides a decent amount of free-range scope to keep most players interested.
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Preview of Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimBethesda, with the Elder Scrolls series have redifened the modern PC role playing game. With stunning graphics and an open-ended game play they have defined the genre.
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Movies that Would Make Great Video Games: '2012' with John CusackThere are not many movies that will convert well to the video game industry; with superb action, amazing back drops, and a family oriented story, '2012' is a movie that could convert well.
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Review of Magicka for the PCMagicka is a fun budget game that pokes fun at the RPG genre. It's a great game to pass away a few hours without too much thought!
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Review of Deca Sports FreedomDeca Sports Freedom brings some unique games to the Kinect but while the graphics are well done, the playabilty and response of the Kinect controller is pretty poor.
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Top 5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of All TimeThere are many amazing science fiction and fantasy books available and its hard to choose which are the best. These five represent the ones that have influenced my reading choices the most and therefore are my subjective top five.
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Review of Racquet Sports for the Playstation PS3This game was disappointing. There really isn't that much control and it doesn't show you what the Sony Move is capable of. The graphics are OK, but nothing to write home about.
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Review of Dance Central for the Microsoft KinectDance Central is a fun game that will get you moving. It has a decent track list and can be played by beginners and experts.
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Review of Sports Champion for the Sony PS3 (with Move Controller)Sports Champions is a good compilation of sports games that introduce the Sony Move controller and allow the user to get some experience using the new controller.
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Which is Better? Sony Move or Microsoft Kinect?Microsoft and Sony have entered the motion detecting controller market. Which of these two innovative devices is betteer? Move or Kinect?
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A Review of Brave New World by Aldous HuxleyBrave New World is a complex examination of a potential future for our world. With many levels it can be difficult to read, but it is worth the effort.
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Review of George Orwell's Animal FarmAnimal Farm is a simple book with a very complex underlying message. It is a true classic that should be read by everyone.
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A Review of The Help by Kathryn StockettThe Help is an amazing book that highlights the struggles of black maids just before the Civil Rights revolution.
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Darksiders for the PCDarksiders is a God of War type action game that doesn't offer anything new but is still fun and well designed. It's a great introduction to the genre for casual gamers.
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Review of Motion Sports for the XBOX 360Motion Sports is an average game that doesn't quite take advantage of Microsoft Kinect. At times the 'control' is sluggish, and the mini game format isn't quite enough to satisfy.
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The Hobbit"The Hobbit" is a superb stand-alone novel in the fantasy genre and a great introduction to "Lord of the Rings."
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Review of Bejeweled 3 for the PCWhile Popcap have not really added much to the Bejeweled concept in Bejeweled 3, there are some new modes and gems that make this game as fun as ever.
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Review of Yahoo! Games Exorcist for the PCA very good seek and find game with good graphics, decent sound and some intriguing and difficult puzzles.
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Ghost RidersThis intense book delves into the psyche of Neil Peart as he undertakes a motorcycle journey across North America to try and find his soul after losing his wife and daughter. -
Review of the Way of KingsThe Way of Kings is destined to become one of the classic epic fantasies of all time. It is exceptionally well written, has a very intricate plot and builds some great characters.
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A Review of Tron: Evolution for the PCTron:Evolution is a competent game that has typical elements of a third person action adventure but doesn't offer anything new. Graphics and sound are good, game play is OK.
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Video Games Made into Bad MoviesWith the increasing sophistication of video games, there is a cross-over between the gaming industry and movie industry. Sadly, the majority of the video game movers are very poor.
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Review of Halo Reach for the XBOX 360Halo Reach is a very good prequel to the Halo series with improved AI, a decent storyline and all the excitement of the previous games. -
Review of TV Show: The ChoirThe Choir is an inspirational show; Gareth Maloney, a choirmaster, attempts to create choirs in Schools and Communities in the UK. It's like a cross between American Idol and Glee. -
A Review of the First and Second Chronicles of Thomas CovenantStephen Donaldson has produced a very dark yet satisfying fantasy series that is well written, has great characters and has an intriguing plot.
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Review of Eschalon Book 2 for the PCEschalon Book 2 is a throw back to the 2D RPG games of the 80s and 90s. It's a huge game that will appeal to gamers who don't require superb 3D graphics to enjoy a detailed and fun game.
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Most Anticipated Video Games: Diablo III for the PC and MacDiablo III is the hugely anticipated sequel to the highly successful Diablo I and II - it is an action oriented RPG game that will be frantic, fun and addicting.
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Review of Video Games Under $10: Star Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a great budget game that has depth and complexity; for a four year old game it is excellent!
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Review of Divinity II - Flames of VengeanceDivinity II - Flames of Vengeance is an expansion to the original Divinity II game. The graphics and sound are excellent, but the game is a little staid and repetitive.
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Upcoming Fantasy Role Playing Games for the PC: Dragonage II & The Witcher IIThe world of computer RPG games is just about to get better with the introduction of two sequels to the classic games Dragon Age and The Witcher.
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Review of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (PS3)Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is a visually stunning game that doesn't quite deliver with the depth of story you'd expect. It's a fun jaunt on occasions though.
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Review of Kinect Sport for the XBOX 360Kinect Sports really highlights the capabilities of Microsoft Kinect and provides one of the best, most intuitive motion controlled experiences so far on any console.
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Review of Bejeweled Blitz (Facebook and PC)Bejeweled Blitz is a highly addictive version of the classic Bejeweled game. Score as many points as you can in one minute!
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Review of the Movie Harry Potter and the Hallows Part 1Harry Potter has been part of my life for over ten years now, and the movies have become more polished. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 is very good and sets up the finale (coming in July 2011) in a great way.
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Review of the Witcher - Enhanced Edition (PC)The Witcher is an immersive and atmospheric fantasy roleplaying game with excellent graphics, great sound and compelling game play.
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Review of Call of Duty: Black Ops (PC Version)If you liked Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, then you'll love Black Ops. It's fast, has a great storyline and still has lots of Nazi Zombies!
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Review of the Apple iPadDo you have a Laptop, eReader and mp3 player? Why not replace them with Apple's iPad; it's intuitive, small enough to carry around and really cool! -
Review of the SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 PlayerThe Sansa Fuse is a great little mp3 player that really packs a punch. With great sound, a decent screen and plenty of storage space it's ideal for all music lovers!
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Review of Xbox 360 the Beatles: Rock BandThe Xbox 360 The Beatles: Rock Band game is a great way to get the family together and have some fun belting out your favorite Beatles songs! -
Review of Dante's Inferno (XBOX 360 Version)If you like the God of Wars game then you'll love Dante's Inferno. It's a superb looking hack and slash type video game that will keep you busy for days.
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Review Blade Runner (Director's Cut)Blade Runner is one of the true classic Science Fiction movies; it has drama, a great dark atmosphere and a lot of social commentary. -
Review of Lord of the Rings by J R R TolkienLord of the Rings is a classic piece of literature with superb poetry and prose - it is also probably the best Fantasy book of all time.
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A Review of the Book Crank by Ellen HopkinsCrank is a dark and emotive journey into the life of a drug addict; it is powerful and compelling, but also deeply disturbing. It's a great book!
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Microsoft Kinect for the Xbox 360The Kinect is an innovative piece of technology that will allow the casual gamer to enjoy the XBOX 360. Hardcore gamers will probably stick with the hand held controller. -
Review of the New Kindle from Amazon.ComAmazon have updated the Kindle e-reader by making it smaller and lighter, but still retaining the same ease of use. -
Book Review of J K Rowlings, Harry Potter and the Sorcerors StoneHarry Potter and the Sorcerers stone is a fun, exciting book in a magical world filled with wondrous creatures and characters - its a great book for the family to read together. -
Review of Fable 3 (PC Version)Fable 3 is a worthy additions to the franchise. It has a strong story line and delivers the same playability.
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Book Review: 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo''The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a gritty murder mystery novel that is well worth the effort of reading.
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Review of the 'Hobbit' by JRR Tolkien'The Hobbit' is a great children's fantasy adventure with superb writing, a great plot and some amazing characters.
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Review of Divinity II (Fantasy Roleplaying Game - PC Version)Divinity II is a modern RPG that has a variable plot, decent graphics and sound and compelling gameplay.
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Gothic 4 Review (Fantasy Role Playing Game - PC Version)Gothic 4 is a RPG game that features excellent graphics and sound. It is more of a hack and slash game than a deeply involved game though.
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Review of Fallout 3 New VegasIf you liked Fallout 3, then you'll love Fallout 3 Vegas. Never played Fallout 3, then come and join the fun!
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How Do I Get Traffic to My Website?Getting traffic to a website is one of the hardest things to do on the web, however there are some simple techniques that will get the ball rolling.
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Thanksgiving Side-dishes: Honey Roasted ParsnipsAdd a little sweetness to your Thanksgiving dinner with delicious Honey Roasted Parsnips. -
How to Play Firsbee with a ZombieJohn really shouldn't have played Frisbee near a graveyard - now, with his trusty dog gone, and Zombies all around - how will he be able to escape?
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How Do I Recycle My Old Electronics?With Climate Change and Environmental issues becoming more and more important, you can help the environment by recycling old electronics.
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Apple IPad - Things to Consider Before Buying OneThe Apple iPad is one of the most intuitive gadgets available, but is it right for you? Should you wait for the next version, or get one of the competitors tablet computers?
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Dragon Age: Origins ReviewDragon Age Origins is probably the best RPG to hit the PC for years. It's immersive, complex and features the best graphics and sound for an RPG game - it is a must for any RPGers collection.
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Civilization 5 Review: Hints and TipsCivilization has boldly changed much in this latest game in the franchise, removing the ability to stack units, and creating a hex based board. It is probably the most intuitive and strategic civ game yet.