Budget gaming
7:43 PM
Video games are one of those areas which can be either really expensive to the wallet or a great way to save some cash and have fun at the same time. If you are the type of person who must play all the latest and greatest as soon as they come out, then it can become a very expensive enterprise. However, if you are like me and you subsist on the dollar menu then you are in luck because video games can provide hours and hours of fun for a single one time purchase.
As I already mentioned before, I am a poor student so I pretty much live off the dollar menu at the local fast food joint and I buy cheap furniture to furnish my apartment. The most expensive piece of equipment I own is my TV and my Xbox 360. When hunting for bargains in gaming there's a few simple tips you must keep in mind. You have to get things that are a bit out of the season. There is no shame in it and you can really get quite a bit for your money if you keep to the sites that allow you to do bargaining so you get the most bang for your buck.
I only play video games that are about a year old (unless of course it is a great high profile game like a Call of Duty). I also make it a point to only buy second hand games if I can (cmon there's really no difference there) because its not like the game degrades in quality if it has been played before! I also buy cheap furniture that is built off exisiting styles but not neccesarily from a big name maker.
I am not saying that you should never go out, on the contrary, I go out quite often but I always make sure to off set the cost of spending a night on the town with a night of gaming at home!
Written by OldSkoolFool (22 pts ) in Console Gaming BlogLast Edited on Feb 1 2011, 02:19 PM
Tags: buy cheap games, Buy cheap furniture
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If you haven’t been under a rock these past few months than you know the anticipation that has been building up pending the March release of the Nintendo 3DS. Let’s be honest though, 3D gaming? I was a bit skeptical to say the least. It just seemed too good to be true that we could have something so awesome in a hand-held device, and without the need for 3D glasses to boot.
I decided then, to get a closer look at what seemed to be the next generation of mobile gaming looming on the horizon, and needless to say, I was blown away by what the 3DS had to offer.
The first thing I noticed when I sat down with my friendly neighborhood Nintendo reps was how modern the Nintendo 3DS looked. I mean, we are all pretty used to advanced mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys, so its expected that the 3DS should be on the same level aesthetically. I was able to see both color variants of the 3DS, so metallic black and blue, and they both looked really slick. I guess one of the main concerns with this newest installment in Nintendo’s mobile line was how different it was going to be than the original DS and DSi. The Nintendo 3DS is similar enough to be familiar, but different enough to be new, which is the perfect balance for consumers.
One of the things I noticed right away once I flipped it open was the screen resolution and size, which was a huge improvement over the DS. The top 3D screen especially stood out with a size improvement of over half and inch from the original DS and a quarter inch from the DSi. The resolution was amazing at a solid 800×240 pixels, compared to the 256 × 192 of the previous models. Even when games were not in 3D they still looked much better, which was a great thing to see.
Let’s talk about what everyone really cares about, the features! Aside from the awesome 3D graphics, amazing resolution and gameplay, the features are what really set this apart from the original DS series. While there are a lot of impressive features that add to the usability such as the activity log, 3DS messaging, and compatibility with older games, the things that really stood out to me were the “augmented reality” games and StreetPass.
First off, the augmented reality games were extremely impressive from what I have seen. Essentially “augmented reality” means that the software in the 3DS game or application will use external information combined with video game graphics to create a unique and fun game. So what the 3DS does is use the primarily use the video camera located in the front, plus unique game cards, to create a game right in the room you are sitting.
My experience was as follows:
I held the 3DS near the table above a special “game card” and the system scanned it for information. Once scanned, the 3DS took a picture of my face, and implanted that picture onto a series of “bubbles” that floated above the background of the room on the main screen. I then used movement and and buttons to shoot projectiles at the face bubbles while they floated around the room on the screen. When I won the game my face congratulated me and I was on my way.
It was a cool experience and the other augmented reality games were equally impressive to say the least.
The other new feature that really caught my interest was the StreetPass software, which really seemed to take interactivity to the next level. What StreetPass does is basically search the surrounding area for other Nintendo 3DS’s. If it finds one it will automatically connect the two systems, even if your 3DS is closed in your pocket. While your systems are connected the Nintendo 3DS it will automatically exchange information such as multiplayer data, items, and content as well as game information such a high scores and profiles. Think that’s cool? It gets better. Certain games will actually take StreetPass a step further and do stuff like battle characters, all while dormant in your pocket.
These features are supplemented by the new and improved profile system which is similar in many ways to the one on the Nintendo Wii. I speak of course of the Mii profile system, which allows you to create a unique “Mii” that is a 3D version of yourself in the console. You use this for multiplayer games and interaction with others. The 3DS actually had a cool feature which let you take a picture of yourself and it would automatically create a Mii based on facial features. It worked pretty well too, although I looked too generic for my liking and added spiky hair and sunglasses (which was awesome).
You can even import your Mii from the Nintendo Wii, which is pretty cool. Although you cannot exchange the Mii the other way, due to software changes and whatnot. The 3DS will also create a space for all the Mii’s you have passed on the street, which is a cool way to see who you interacted with every day.
Many of you have got a glimpse at the games the Nintendo 3DS will bring to the field, and they look amazing as expected. I actually got to play a ton of games, many of which were not available during previous events and at E3, and they were stunning. The 3D effects and graphics were in a whole different league than the DS and DSi, and many of the titles were impressive as well. Playing Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 3D was an experience that I never even thought of before the hearing of the 3DS, and playing it live was just as enjoyable as the first time I played it years ago on the N64.
Kid Icarus was also an extremely enjoyable gaming experience, with excellent visuals and refreshingly unique gameplay. Classic games like PilotWings and Donkey Kong were also available, and they didn’t disappoint either with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics using the 3DS’s motion movement control features. It was pleasantly surprising to see how many “classic” Nintendo 64 games were remade on the Nintendo 3DS, and I definitely look forward to more when the 3DS launches in March.
As you can probably tell by the review, I was definitely impressed by the Nintendo 3DS overall. The hardware and physical appearance of the 3DS seemed like an adequate upgrade for a new system, and who doesn’t love games in 3D. Almost all of the games I played were classics from previous systems that were given a polished update for the new system, which worked fine for me. The 3DS exclusive games I played were pretty creative and made effective use of the hardware peripherals in fun ways. Furthermore, I was rather impressed by the applications involved, even though I was only able to see a handful. StreetPass seemed like a cool concept as well, though time will tell if it will be a feasible feature, or just a gimmick. Overall it was a fun experience and definitely a step forward in the right direction for mobile gaming. The only real issue that seems worth mentioning is the price, although for all the features and 3D games you get, 250 USD is almost a bargain.
Article from Gamersyndrome.com
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Just a lone Zerg trying to make it in a Terran's world...
I’m a huge junkie for Telltale Games; and I’m a huge junkie for Back to the Future. Needless to say, I was very excited when they announced last year that they were making an adventure game based on Marty McFly’s adventures, with the second episode in the game’s season out this week. This year, Telltale has managed to make me scream like a high school chick to the point in which my roommate asked me if I was dying. Indeed I was dying…out of excitement, that is!
The famed developer of episodic gaming based on popular franchises held a press conference the night of February 17th to make some reports on sales and announcements on upcoming projects. In the conference, Telltale raised awareness of how we, as consumers and developers alike, must embrace the future era of digital content. And embrace we must; publishing games through digital distributors like Steam is indeed much cheaper than actually publishing a retail copy in places like GameStop.
Telltale proceeded to talk about their upcoming Jurassic Park, announcing a release date for the first episode along with a nicely put together trailer and a hands-on demo. This game will mark as the first time a player can actually die in a Telltale title. Jurassic Park will be released sometime in April of this year with a price tag of $35. You’ll get a $5 discount if you pre-order the game now.
Another project under their sleeves is a game based on the popular and critically acclaimed comic The Walking Dead, which already has an AMC show (also insanely popular). Not much has been said, other than Robert Kirkman being heavily involved with this project. We’ve seen this done before with Bob Gale and Back to the Future, and Ron Gilbert with Monkey Island. Telltale has also paired up with Bill Willingham to create a video game based on the award-winning comic series Fables. The developers will also continue work on Hector: Badge of Carnage and Puzzle Agent, the second one getting a sequel, cleverly named Puzzle Agent 2.
And if all of these announcements weren’t enough for you, you better hold on to your socks, because Telltale’s rebooting Roberta Williams’ King’s Quest! I’ll just let you calm down for a moment, for all these announcements are simply amazing plans that I’m looking forward from such a good developer of adventure games that Telltale is.
No more details have been given on all projects but Jurassic Park. Stay tuned for any future updates on Telltale’s upcoming projects.
Article from Gamersyndrome.com
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Just your average gamer. Ok, not average, VERY passionate gamer. Pursuing a Game Design major in Savannah, GA. Also, I love llamas. I really do.
Gaming monkeys
11:39 AM
Monkeys Express Self-Doubt Through Computer Gaming Are self-doubt and uncertainty purely human traits, or do other members of the animal kingdom experience these feelings? A team of scientists made monkeys play video games because it’s awesome. Oh, and to address the whole self-doubt thing.
It’s too late for me, but some of you are still young enough to switch your focus to more scientific pursuits. Then one day you might have a job as entertaining as the one Professor John David Smith from State University of New York at Buffalo and Michael Beran from Georgia State University have: Teaching monkeys to play video games – for science!
The monkeys aren’t playing Bulletstorm or Final Fantasy Tactics, but it’s a start.
The dynamic science duo trained some macaques to play a very basic computer game involving the density of particles in a series of rudimentary shapes. Using a joystick, the monkeys were asked to determine whether to density of particles making up each shape were either ‘S’ for sparse or ‘D’ for dense. Moving the joystick to either letter answered the question.
Choosing the correct answer scored the monkeys an edible treat. Choosing the incorrect answer had no detrimental effect, other than a pause between problems.
Monkeys aren’t big fans of pauses, especially where treats are concerned.
So the scientists added a third element to the game. If the monkeys were not sure what the answer was, they could pass, moving on to the next problem without delay. They discovered that the macaques used the option exactly the same way a human would.
“Monkeys apparently appreciate when they are likely to make an error,” he told BBC News. “They seem to know when they don’t know.”
So these macaques, known as old world monkeys closely related to humans and apes, demonstrated self-awareness.
Running the same test on a group of new world capuchins monkeys, further evolutionarily removed from humans, resulted in the pass option not being utilized.
Dr. Smith explained: “There is a big theoretical question at stake here: Did [this type of cognition] develop only once in one line of the primates – emerging only in the line of Old World primates leading to apes and humans?”
Smith says the results are important in determining why self-awareness is so important to humans, and where the trait came from.
I’m still excited about the whole monkeys playing video games thing. Perhaps their next experiment can test to see if monkeys have self-esteem by trying to get them to play Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis on the Gamecube.
Check out the BBC story for a video of monkeys playing video games.
Monkeys ‘display self-doubt’ like humans [BBC News]
Article from Gamersyndrome.com
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Setting up a home bar
7:33 PM
I drink quite a bit and it can get expensive at times. Of course there is the outrageous rates that bars and clubs like to charge for alcohol but also there is the cab fare to get home (I never drive drunk and neither should you!) Still, sometimes my friends and I don't want to go out very far because everybody has work or school the next day. Contrary to popular belief, you don't actually need to be a chamillionaire to be able to have a swank little home bar for those days when you just want to relax
For starters, make sure that you are able to find some good furnishing. You don't have to buy the fanciest most expensive bar stools because you have plenty of other options when it comes to sitting since it will be in your home. Just get some cool looking cheap furniture to give it a slightly more bar-like appearance. The alcohol is actually the more important factor because it is not going to be a one-time expense. Just make sure to start with a drink that you know and love and spiral out from there trying to make as few purchases as possible for the biggest combination of drinks. Just make sure you don't end up with bottles of alcohol that you never touch because that would become a waste of money.
If you do shopping online, it can also save you quite a bit of money and you can find many varieties of liquors that are not easy to get. For example, I love Raki (a Turkish liquor) which cannot be found in most liquor stores around my area but can be bought from online. You will also find alot of cheap furniture that still looks pretty cool.
Having a home bar can be a very convenient location for an unplanned get together or even just a night to unwind.
Written by OldSkoolFool (22 pts ) in Console Gaming BlogLast Edited on Feb 3 2011, 05:59 PM
Tags: Buy cheap furniture, cheap furniture
Activision Blizzard has confirmed that development on both the 2011 Guitar Hero game and True Crime: Hong Kong has been stopped, and that the DJ Hero brand will also not be releasing any further titles.
In stead, Activision Blizzard says that they will be focusing on Call of Duty, and creating a “best-in-class digital community surrounding the Call of Duty franchise.” The company will also be putting its effort towards a new Bungie IP, and a new ”innovative universe with broad appeal” that we’ll find out about next week at Toy Fair.
Article from Gamersyndrome.com
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Max is a student and freelance writer in Toronto who lives unflinchingly by the life code of Manny Calavera.
There was once a time when you had little else to worry about besides your gaming console’s hardware. Sure, there were peripherals – remember Sony’s Eyetoy? – but they rarely were the star of the show.
It’s now clear that the console manufacturers are quite happy with the hardware they have, however, and are planning to extend the current offerings for as long as possible. With no need hardware to attract attention, peripherals have become a center of attention, and there were plenty of gaming gadgets on display.
Much of the focus was on music peripherals, of course. They come in every shape and size, with a seemingly limitless number of arrangements, designs and options available. Apparently no one told these companies that most music-based franchises are seeing sales slump. Most of the musical peripherals were not particularly impressive, but there were several companies showing off “digital instruments” – guitars with real strings that are built to function with popular games.
One of the more interesting peripheral devices displays, and one of the first I came across, Penguin United’s Eagle Eye, a software and hardware solution that makes it possible to use a keyboard and mouse with your Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. The PS3 variant is already available, and the Xbox 360 variant is expected to arrive sometimes in early 2011. Eagle Eye directly binds controller functions to a keyboard, and the software allows for users to define key bindings. This information is passed through a hardware device that connects to the console.
The Eagle Eye representatives informed me that the technology only works well with wired keyboards and mice. This is somewhat limiting, but if you are a serious PC gamer like myself, you already rely on wired devices anyway. The demo stand I played with was fairly impressive. I was playing Call of Duty 5 on the PS3, but the controls felt precisely emulated the feel of a PC.
I’m also somewhat concerned that keyboard and mouse arrangements for consoles will be disabled via a software update because of the advantage such controls give to those who own them. Penguin United admitted that this can’t be ruled out as a possibility, but also stated that the console manufacturers have never disabled a control device before, even when the controller gave a player a definitive advantage (arcade sticks tailored for use with fighting games served as the example).
Another highlight of the show was the peripherals shown by Playseat and Thrustmaster. Playseat is a company that builds specialized seating for use with flight and driving simulations. The low-slung seats do a great job of replicating the feel of a race car and have mounting points for a variety of joysticks, wheels, shifters, pedals and other such peripherals. Thrustmaster was displaying off its line of flight sticks, which were showcased in a carefully constructed flight simulator chair complex with faux fighter instrumentation. This is not a production product, unfortunately, but the less impressive tubular racing seat next door was a production model.
There wasn’t anything in the showcase that stood out as ground-breaking, but it’s nice to see that the longer hardware cycle has its benefits, and I’m particularly excited to try Penguin United’s keyboard and mouse arrangement with my Xbox 360 when the product debuts later this year.
Written by M.S. Smith (88,010 pts ) in Console Gaming BlogLast Edited on Jan 7 2011, 01:27 PM
Tags: eagle eye, ces, thrustmaster, playseat, gaming showcase