Recent posts

#1

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by kitsunebi - Jul 09, 2025, 09:05 PM

On some scans, I do notice black levels are sometimes left as is on some scans and that makes game screenshots black crushed where all the detail is hidden.  Granted processing, adjusting and reviewing every page is cumbersome unless you have an photoshop action to apply in batch.  On these one you posted, the levels are perfect and one can see details even in the small game screenshots.

Overly-dark scans are usually the fault of a bad/cheap scanner (the equipment, not the person).  It's unfortunate, since when details become lost in blackness, Photoshop can't save them.  In digital terms, black is the lack of all data.  You can't brighten black or adjust its hue - black is black, just as white is white. 

It's possible someone could ruin a decent scan during the editing process by applying a Photoshop action which isn't suited for every page, but one would hope that no one is so lazy as to batch process an entire mag without bothering to even look at the results.  (I've never batch processed a mag ever.)

Of course, I've also noticed on some magazines where some screenshots are already overly dark/light to begin with (particularly older mags where the screenshots are literally photographs taken of monitor screens).

#2

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by Gregorick - Jul 09, 2025, 08:19 PM

Following up on this, I think there is a link after all. I noticed that Playstation Solutions by Rapide (same publisher as Station) eventually moved over to Pole Star Publishing, and they are both in Exeter. So probably a shuffle to avoid bankruptcy or the like.

This is actually very interesting, I think they might be the same publisher based on the companies house records. Funnily enough I saw the registered address and I used to live a couple of roads off their premises 

Ironically, the newsagents I used to buy gaming magazines from never stocked Rapide or Polestar publications despite being the closest possible retailer to the publishing house.

Thanks Gregorick for the mass of scans you have been putting out for UK mags!

You are very welcome, just wish I had more time and knowledge (and patience) to edit them to a higher standard but glad they are being received fairly well. I have put up a load of my new scans over at my site https://www.ukgamesmags.com/ but will make sure to send Kiwi over a huge bunch once he's back proper and they can all be added here too!

#3

General Discussion / Re: PSM2 Issue 02!

Last post by Gregorick - Jul 09, 2025, 08:07 PM

Sweet.  Complete set.  How close is PSM3, that is, missing issues?

The only issues that either haven't been scanned or are not in my queue to be scanned are 101, 102, 121, 124, 126, 127 and 133. I should have some more issues to upload soon actually.

#4

General Discussion / Re: PSM2 Issue 02!

Last post by matrixman1013 - Jul 09, 2025, 05:13 PM

Good news! I have finally managed to secure a copy of Issue 02!

Sweet.  Complete set.  How close is PSM3, that is, missing issues?

#5

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by gater - Jul 09, 2025, 12:50 PM

I'm not sure Station2 is related to the original Station. It's from Pole Star Publishing and I can't see a definitive link besides the name.

Following up on this, I think there is a link after all. I noticed that Playstation Solutions by Rapide (same publisher as Station) eventually moved over to Pole Star Publishing, and they are both in Exeter. So probably a shuffle to avoid bankruptcy or the like.

#6

General Discussion / Re: Game Informer is back

Last post by matrixman1013 - Jul 09, 2025, 09:00 AM

I just saw that, thinking of just subscribing to their digital as in last 3-4 years the quality of the paper these mags were printed on was poor and colors and contrast so bland compared to prior generations of issues.

Maybe I will do both print and digital again to see if they are better quality with new leadership.

[slider1983]

#7

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by matrixman1013 - Jul 09, 2025, 08:55 AM

Okay, getting a little tired of "my version is better than your version" talk so what I will say is, to quote from Disney's Aladdin movie, "You know the Golden Rule? He who has the Gold makes the rules!!"

In this case I own this website so what is hosted on the site is entirely of my own choosing.

I'd leave it at that but in this particular case slider1983 has said, and I quote, "I'm pretty certain there was no blurriness so not sure what you're smoking" so I would kindly direct anyone to view the differences between his flatbed scanned version and my one put through the ix1600 document scanner in the Gallery I added to the site. Take page 03 for example ....

I'm not pooh-poohing scans made on a flatbed. When nothing else exists they are better than nothing for sure BUT a flatbed scan will, all things being equal, never compete compared to a scan from a document scanner where the magazine has been taken apart to get the best possible scan. I know my scan is not the best it could be either as it was slightly over A4 in size but I am happy with it and ultimately that's what counts.

These both look great to me.  Maybe the 2nd the text is clearer, but nothing world changing. 

On some scans, I do notice black levels are sometimes left as is on some scans and that makes game screenshots black crushed where all the detail is hidden.  Granted processing, adjusting and reviewing every page is cumbersome unless you have an photoshop action to apply in batch.  On these one you posted, the levels are perfect and one can see details even in the small game screenshots.

I wish I could contribute more than donating to Gregorick the UK mags I bought and then shipped, but having UK stuff shipped to US makes it cost prohibitive for me to help and scan these.  Just help where I can.  Thanks Gregorick for the mass of scans you have been putting out for UK mags!

#8

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by SlamMaster - Jul 08, 2025, 03:12 PM

No stress Kiwi! Take all the time you need mate.

#9

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by theassassin - Jul 07, 2025, 10:39 PM

Thanks Kiwi and hope happy memories can bring you and your family some comfort during this difficult time

[Kiwi]

#10

New Releases / Re: New Releases - 06/25

Last post by Kiwi - Jul 07, 2025, 09:42 PM

Family members staying for the funeral service have headed back to the UK and Oz so things will be back to a sort of normal in the next couple of days or so. Thanks for your patience, everyone!!

Cheers ... Kiwi