The first impressive feature of Nintendo DSi is its size. Keeping in view its user base, which is generally younger than the age of twelve, Nintendo DSi has been provided with two VGA cameras, one pointed at the player on the inside and the other one on the outside, which makes it really cool. Other add on features include a 17% increase in monitor size - making extra space for menus and a rise in brightness level with better resolution from four to five, as compared to the DS Lite.
Though the Nintendo DSi was launched with just two colors, black and white, following its demand the company introduced pink, blue, lime green and others, facilitating its users with a wide range of choice.
Are you wanting more? If yes, the DSi is what you want. A SD Card slot, which enables you to take photographs and put them anywhere in your computer, or perhaps in your Wii, plus it can also be used to download software or enjoy music. To make the DSi more family friendly, Nintendo introduced area locking to allow you to play games from any region. It in addition has introduced the DSi with parental controls based primarily on a games rating.
The drawbacks are few and far between, but must be addressed. For example, battery lifespan of a DSi under the lowest possible brightness has been reduced by an average of five hours, even though Nintendo has given its user the capability to replace battery quickly.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Does The Nintendo Gameboy Still Cut It?
Anyone above the age of twenty will have fond memories of the Nintendo Game Boy. It is, of course, the very first portable Nintendo game console that permitted users to change games on a makeshift basis. Before the Nintendo Game Boy arrived, game-players were stuck with 'fixed' portable gaming systems, i.e. handhelds which only played one game.
The Nintendo Game Boy was a technological marvel during its time. Cartridges were sold singly, with most games during the initial few months of the system being re-evaluated down ports of NES titles. To claim that the Nintendo Game Boy was a success would be an understatement. The first iteration of the handheld, with its second, improved version the Game Boy Color, sold just about 120 million units all over the world.
If we are to get a comparison, 120 million Game Boy owners are as many as 2/5 of the people of the united states.
To most, the hand held system even defined a complete generation. But that was 20 years back. Fast forward to today, the age of Nintendo Wiis, Sony Playstation 3s, and Microsoft Xbox 360s. Since the Game Boy's release in 1989, the handheld has seen many upgrades, from the already mentioned Game Boy Color, to the bigger jump that is the Game Boy Advance, to this king of the hill, the Nintendo DS.
All these advancements beg the question : is there still a place for the Nintendo Game Boy in today's electronic entertainment world? The answer, naturally, is no.
Being rendered out of fashion with the approach of newer technology is the fate of all game systems, no matter how influential they might have been. Today, folk don't talk of the Sony Playstation as they're all rapt with its latest and strongest iteration, the Sony PS3.
As a gaming system, the Nintendo Game Boy's time has passed. As a inheritance however, the memories made possible by the Nintendo Game Boy will live on forever. And it's still fun to play Tetris on the old portable!
The Nintendo Game Boy was a technological marvel during its time. Cartridges were sold singly, with most games during the initial few months of the system being re-evaluated down ports of NES titles. To claim that the Nintendo Game Boy was a success would be an understatement. The first iteration of the handheld, with its second, improved version the Game Boy Color, sold just about 120 million units all over the world.
If we are to get a comparison, 120 million Game Boy owners are as many as 2/5 of the people of the united states.
To most, the hand held system even defined a complete generation. But that was 20 years back. Fast forward to today, the age of Nintendo Wiis, Sony Playstation 3s, and Microsoft Xbox 360s. Since the Game Boy's release in 1989, the handheld has seen many upgrades, from the already mentioned Game Boy Color, to the bigger jump that is the Game Boy Advance, to this king of the hill, the Nintendo DS.
All these advancements beg the question : is there still a place for the Nintendo Game Boy in today's electronic entertainment world? The answer, naturally, is no.
Being rendered out of fashion with the approach of newer technology is the fate of all game systems, no matter how influential they might have been. Today, folk don't talk of the Sony Playstation as they're all rapt with its latest and strongest iteration, the Sony PS3.
As a gaming system, the Nintendo Game Boy's time has passed. As a inheritance however, the memories made possible by the Nintendo Game Boy will live on forever. And it's still fun to play Tetris on the old portable!
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Nintendo Wii Bundles
Planning to buy a Nintendo Wii? Planning to save some cash and buy a Nintendo Wii bundle which would include the unit and a packaged software title? The bundles for the Xbox 360 (with no less than Halo 3 and Fable 2 as bonus games) and the numerous bundles for the Sony Playstation 3 are surely extremely enticing, but you want a Nintendo Wii and you want a Nintendo Wii bundle.
Well, the bad news is that there are currently no Nintendo Wii bundles.
Is this a selling oversight - if not a total mistake - on the part of Nintendo? Bundles, after all, are proved to turbo-charge sales of consoles. So why has not Nintendo prepared a Wii bundle? The answer is quite simple: the first Nintendo Wii package is already a 'bundle'. Indeed, when you get a Nintendo Wii, you won't only get the console and the necessary peripherals such as the Wiimote, the sensor, the power supply unit ( PSU ) and the suitable wires, you may also get a bonus game which you can never purchase anywhere else. This title is Wii Sports, and it is one of the finest games available for the system to date.
Your best chance is to hope for the 3rd party bundles prepared by retail conglomerates. Walmart, for example, has an offer for a Wii bundle which permits the purchaser to get the console, then choose any game he wants to take home with him. Further to this, the purchaser may then choose among a selection of bonus games prepared by the store, and ultimately, choose a Wii accessory that they will be able to incorporate into the bundle.
Amazon has a similar offer for the Nintendo Wii bundled with the Wii Fit and its peripheral, the balance board. The price for this makeshift Wii bundle is $339.99 as of this writing.
These offers are not bad at all, considering the Nintendo Wii currently carries an SRP of $249.
.
Well, the bad news is that there are currently no Nintendo Wii bundles.
Is this a selling oversight - if not a total mistake - on the part of Nintendo? Bundles, after all, are proved to turbo-charge sales of consoles. So why has not Nintendo prepared a Wii bundle? The answer is quite simple: the first Nintendo Wii package is already a 'bundle'. Indeed, when you get a Nintendo Wii, you won't only get the console and the necessary peripherals such as the Wiimote, the sensor, the power supply unit ( PSU ) and the suitable wires, you may also get a bonus game which you can never purchase anywhere else. This title is Wii Sports, and it is one of the finest games available for the system to date.
Your best chance is to hope for the 3rd party bundles prepared by retail conglomerates. Walmart, for example, has an offer for a Wii bundle which permits the purchaser to get the console, then choose any game he wants to take home with him. Further to this, the purchaser may then choose among a selection of bonus games prepared by the store, and ultimately, choose a Wii accessory that they will be able to incorporate into the bundle.
Amazon has a similar offer for the Nintendo Wii bundled with the Wii Fit and its peripheral, the balance board. The price for this makeshift Wii bundle is $339.99 as of this writing.
These offers are not bad at all, considering the Nintendo Wii currently carries an SRP of $249.
.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Does the Sony PSP Need A Camera?
Many modern gamers have been wondering about a Sony PSP camera. The Nintendo DSi, the third iteration for that company's current generation handheld console, was regarded as a necessary release. Though nothing changed with regards to the engine of the system, making it a mere upgrade of the original Nintendo DS, the DSi added many features which the company deemed essential in this era.
One such feature in very high demand is a camera feature.
Most mobile telephone units have in-built cameras nowadays. Some of them even have dual cam support to make video calls and mobile video teleconferencing possible. Some MP3 players also offer built-in cameras. One of the most powerful arguments for the necessity of the new Nintendo DSi is the addition of such a camera (two of them actually, for twin cam support).
And the Sony Playstation Portable? Unfortunately, the Sony PSP doesn't come with a built-in camera. The nearest thing to a Sony PSP camera are two add-on peripherals that are sold individually.
The first of these Sony PSP camera peripherals is the Chotto Shot, which is also sold as the Go!Cam in European territories, This Sony PSP camera can be placed on top of the unit, attaching itself to the USB slot therein. It is a 1.3 megapixel camera capable of a resolution of 1280 x 960. Unfortunately, the Chotto Shot still has to be released in the USA and it's been 3 years since it's been introduced in other markets.
The second of these Sony PSP cameras might be the more unrealistic option. It concerned an add-on similar to the Chotto Shot, but comes with a small screen that also acts as a GPS unit. It is a dazzling concept, but folks are starting to name it as a 'vapor product' as it was declared way back in 2006 and folk haven't begun to see it in action.
Sony PSP therefore needs to play catch up where cameras are concerned!
One such feature in very high demand is a camera feature.
Most mobile telephone units have in-built cameras nowadays. Some of them even have dual cam support to make video calls and mobile video teleconferencing possible. Some MP3 players also offer built-in cameras. One of the most powerful arguments for the necessity of the new Nintendo DSi is the addition of such a camera (two of them actually, for twin cam support).
And the Sony Playstation Portable? Unfortunately, the Sony PSP doesn't come with a built-in camera. The nearest thing to a Sony PSP camera are two add-on peripherals that are sold individually.
The first of these Sony PSP camera peripherals is the Chotto Shot, which is also sold as the Go!Cam in European territories, This Sony PSP camera can be placed on top of the unit, attaching itself to the USB slot therein. It is a 1.3 megapixel camera capable of a resolution of 1280 x 960. Unfortunately, the Chotto Shot still has to be released in the USA and it's been 3 years since it's been introduced in other markets.
The second of these Sony PSP cameras might be the more unrealistic option. It concerned an add-on similar to the Chotto Shot, but comes with a small screen that also acts as a GPS unit. It is a dazzling concept, but folks are starting to name it as a 'vapor product' as it was declared way back in 2006 and folk haven't begun to see it in action.
Sony PSP therefore needs to play catch up where cameras are concerned!
The Rise Of Sony PSP Downloads
PSP games downloads are a novelty these days. Sony Playstation Portable owners are so used to enjoying their games via Universal Media Discs ( UMD ) they just pop in their handhelds so that they can enjoy their favourite games. The only time they take the form of PSP games downloads is when demos are offered and such trial versions can be downloaded from the Playstation Store.
Therefore, gamers have come to understand thursday as 'game download day', when new demos can be acquired from the web service, including demos via PSP games downloads.
Some PSP games, however, are also commercially distributed electronically. Prime examples of such PSP games downloads are Tekken : Dark Resurrection, Loco Roco, Syphon Filter : Dark Mirror, Syphon Filter : Logan's shade and others. These are software titles from firms that find it more economically viable to forego traditional distribution methods for their games and go for the less expensive system of having their games downloaded straight from the service.
Still, despite the apparent expansion of PSP games downloads, they remain as exceptions instead of the rule. More than 95% of software titles for the Sony Playstation Portable are still released through UMDs and boxes sold at retail stores all around the planet.
Indeed, the UMD slot will be removed with the newest iteration of the PSP, the PSP Go!. Games will not be packed as discs anymore. Rather, they'll be downloaded from the Playstation Network or another service that has still to be announced. If a software title you've been waiting for is eventually released, as an example, you won't have to run to your nearest computer game shop to pick up a copy. You can just download it straight to your PSP Go!, either by trying your PSP Go! While it's attached to the net or by employing your Sony PS3 and synching it with your PSP Go! later.
Piracy will be curbed as Sony will have better control over the digital distribution of its developed games and costs for software titles may go down as production costs would certainly be reduced, but this is mere speculation at this point.
Nevertheless, PSP game downloads are a welcome addition in this age when expediency and convenience become standards for fantastic service.
Therefore, gamers have come to understand thursday as 'game download day', when new demos can be acquired from the web service, including demos via PSP games downloads.
Some PSP games, however, are also commercially distributed electronically. Prime examples of such PSP games downloads are Tekken : Dark Resurrection, Loco Roco, Syphon Filter : Dark Mirror, Syphon Filter : Logan's shade and others. These are software titles from firms that find it more economically viable to forego traditional distribution methods for their games and go for the less expensive system of having their games downloaded straight from the service.
Still, despite the apparent expansion of PSP games downloads, they remain as exceptions instead of the rule. More than 95% of software titles for the Sony Playstation Portable are still released through UMDs and boxes sold at retail stores all around the planet.
Indeed, the UMD slot will be removed with the newest iteration of the PSP, the PSP Go!. Games will not be packed as discs anymore. Rather, they'll be downloaded from the Playstation Network or another service that has still to be announced. If a software title you've been waiting for is eventually released, as an example, you won't have to run to your nearest computer game shop to pick up a copy. You can just download it straight to your PSP Go!, either by trying your PSP Go! While it's attached to the net or by employing your Sony PS3 and synching it with your PSP Go! later.
Piracy will be curbed as Sony will have better control over the digital distribution of its developed games and costs for software titles may go down as production costs would certainly be reduced, but this is mere speculation at this point.
Nevertheless, PSP game downloads are a welcome addition in this age when expediency and convenience become standards for fantastic service.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Battlefield 1943 Coming Soon!
As fans of the Battlefield franchise will be happy to know, the popular WWII team-based shooter series shall shortly return with Battlefield 1943. It's with this installment that the Battlefield series will return to its roots for the first time in years. Fortunately, the franchise has experienced quite a few refinements since then, so if all goes well then Battlefield 1943 may be everything that Battlefield 1942 should have been.
As you'll know, the Battlefield franchise first debuted in the year 2002, with Battlefield 1942. This issue was that of pacing. Battlefield 1942's maps were awfully large in scope, it didn't matter how many players there were, the fact of the case is that squaddies would be spread out across a massive map, often with a tiny concept of where they were meant to be. Not to point out the maps were small and constricting. They're actually quite big and really detailed, but they're made in a manner that forces the players of both sides to be consistently pushing forward in some way. After all, that is how war in a game should be.
With Battlefield 1943, the gameplay goals are precisely the same as in past installments. Each team spawns with a set amount of points. As players on the team die, the number of points decreases. The rate that the points on both sides decreases is also affected by many of the control points spread around the map. If you manage to capture the bulk of the control points, your opponents' points will automatically begin to drop at a shocking rate. The more control points you capture, the bigger this rate will increase.
Also, it's worth mentioning that the game carries plenty of the same destructible environment physics over from Battlefield: Bad Company. Being able to crush entire trees underfoot with a tank is reasonably gratifying, especially after so much of having to carefully navigate around them in past games.
Battlefield 1943 will shortly be released as a downloadable product for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. It is also booked for release sometime this September on the PC, though a price for this version hasn't yet been determined.
As you'll know, the Battlefield franchise first debuted in the year 2002, with Battlefield 1942. This issue was that of pacing. Battlefield 1942's maps were awfully large in scope, it didn't matter how many players there were, the fact of the case is that squaddies would be spread out across a massive map, often with a tiny concept of where they were meant to be. Not to point out the maps were small and constricting. They're actually quite big and really detailed, but they're made in a manner that forces the players of both sides to be consistently pushing forward in some way. After all, that is how war in a game should be.
With Battlefield 1943, the gameplay goals are precisely the same as in past installments. Each team spawns with a set amount of points. As players on the team die, the number of points decreases. The rate that the points on both sides decreases is also affected by many of the control points spread around the map. If you manage to capture the bulk of the control points, your opponents' points will automatically begin to drop at a shocking rate. The more control points you capture, the bigger this rate will increase.
Also, it's worth mentioning that the game carries plenty of the same destructible environment physics over from Battlefield: Bad Company. Being able to crush entire trees underfoot with a tank is reasonably gratifying, especially after so much of having to carefully navigate around them in past games.
Battlefield 1943 will shortly be released as a downloadable product for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. It is also booked for release sometime this September on the PC, though a price for this version hasn't yet been determined.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Top PSP Videos Found On Youtube!
In this day and age of digital video streaming, YouTube has changed into a barometer of what is hip and what's not in any field of human interest. This is even true for Nintendo games, wherein the freshest titles receive the most views in the web's preferred video streaming site.
Sony PSP videos are frequently uploaded on YouTube. If you need to understand what the most up to date games are for the said system, one thing to do is check out how many 'views' a particular Sony PSP video has received.
Which Sony PSP videos are reigning supreme over at YouTube.com?
1. Fat Princess. The PSN game is coming to the Sony PSP. Shrouded in mystery, many folks are pondering what the game looks like and how well it will play. Therefore, Sony PSP gameplay videos of the title are getting an extraordinary number of hits as of this writing.
2. Metal Gear Solid : Peace Walker. Hideo Kojima's famed series is returning to the PSP. This time however, there will be no card mechanics nor turn-based game play. MGS: Peace Walker will feature the same gameplay as the console series. Also, MGS: Peace Walker will be an integral part of the series as it'll bridge the gap between MGS 3: Snake Eater and the other games in the franchise.
3. Resident Evil Portable. Testament to the power of the brand, the Sony PSP video about the recently announced Resident Evil Portable features, as of this writing, a mere emblem of the title, yet the said YouTube video has commanded close to two million viewings already.
4. Little Big Planet PSP. The main query in our minds is : will LBP PSP feature the same amazing graphics as LBP for the PS3? Only A Sony PSP video running the recounted game would sufficiently answer that question . And YouTube videos of the game in action would reveal that LBP PSP is everything that fans expect from the franchise, and so much more.
5.The Sony PSP Go! Claimed to be 40% smaller and 50% lighter than the original PSP, and will feature a slide in, slide out technology to maximise space. It also has 2 analog sticks that will make shooters easier to control. All of these changes have stirred up a large amount of intrigue about the Sony PSP Go!, and videos of the same are one of the most downloaded over at YouTube.com.
Sony PSP videos are frequently uploaded on YouTube. If you need to understand what the most up to date games are for the said system, one thing to do is check out how many 'views' a particular Sony PSP video has received.
Which Sony PSP videos are reigning supreme over at YouTube.com?
1. Fat Princess. The PSN game is coming to the Sony PSP. Shrouded in mystery, many folks are pondering what the game looks like and how well it will play. Therefore, Sony PSP gameplay videos of the title are getting an extraordinary number of hits as of this writing.
2. Metal Gear Solid : Peace Walker. Hideo Kojima's famed series is returning to the PSP. This time however, there will be no card mechanics nor turn-based game play. MGS: Peace Walker will feature the same gameplay as the console series. Also, MGS: Peace Walker will be an integral part of the series as it'll bridge the gap between MGS 3: Snake Eater and the other games in the franchise.
3. Resident Evil Portable. Testament to the power of the brand, the Sony PSP video about the recently announced Resident Evil Portable features, as of this writing, a mere emblem of the title, yet the said YouTube video has commanded close to two million viewings already.
4. Little Big Planet PSP. The main query in our minds is : will LBP PSP feature the same amazing graphics as LBP for the PS3? Only A Sony PSP video running the recounted game would sufficiently answer that question . And YouTube videos of the game in action would reveal that LBP PSP is everything that fans expect from the franchise, and so much more.
5.The Sony PSP Go! Claimed to be 40% smaller and 50% lighter than the original PSP, and will feature a slide in, slide out technology to maximise space. It also has 2 analog sticks that will make shooters easier to control. All of these changes have stirred up a large amount of intrigue about the Sony PSP Go!, and videos of the same are one of the most downloaded over at YouTube.com.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Playstation 3 Vs Xbox 360: The Motion Control War!
What used to be a battle for better graphics, better gameplay, better online multiplayer experience and better story modes has taken a cue from the runaway leader of the present generation of consoles, the Nintendo Wii. The battle has graduated from a number crunching war concerning processing power, onboard memory and polygons per second into a simpler war concerning, you guessed it, motion control systems.
The Nintendo Wii presented a brand-new way of enjoying games : making one's body the controller.
Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 round two is all about replicating the Wii's success. Indeed, Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 is all about which console will be better in integrating a motion control system as part of its current engineering.
The Microsoft Xbox 360, this early, appears to have the edge. With Project Natal introduced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) 2009 by no less than legendary film director Steven Spielberg himself, Project Natal made a rousing debut. The player can talk to the boy and the boy will respond. What makes Project Natal possible is a motion sensing camera that works in reverse, an idea that can only be described as a brilliant move. The camera works out the space presented before it, and senses the player's motion within this space for a correct illustration within the game.
The Playstation 3 motion control system is a mix of the Wiimote and Project Natal. It incorporates a motion sensing controller and the Playstation Eye. Sony also realized what Microsoft failed to realize with Project Natal; that most gameplay mechanics will require buttons, hence the wand-like peripheral.
Who will win the Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 motion control battle?
We will know by the middle of 2010, when the integration and implementation of both motion control systems are set to commence.
The Nintendo Wii presented a brand-new way of enjoying games : making one's body the controller.
Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 round two is all about replicating the Wii's success. Indeed, Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 is all about which console will be better in integrating a motion control system as part of its current engineering.
The Microsoft Xbox 360, this early, appears to have the edge. With Project Natal introduced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) 2009 by no less than legendary film director Steven Spielberg himself, Project Natal made a rousing debut. The player can talk to the boy and the boy will respond. What makes Project Natal possible is a motion sensing camera that works in reverse, an idea that can only be described as a brilliant move. The camera works out the space presented before it, and senses the player's motion within this space for a correct illustration within the game.
The Playstation 3 motion control system is a mix of the Wiimote and Project Natal. It incorporates a motion sensing controller and the Playstation Eye. Sony also realized what Microsoft failed to realize with Project Natal; that most gameplay mechanics will require buttons, hence the wand-like peripheral.
Who will win the Playstation 3 vs Xbox 360 motion control battle?
We will know by the middle of 2010, when the integration and implementation of both motion control systems are set to commence.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Tips On How To Grab A Free Nintendo Wii!
Who wouldn't want a Nintendo Wii? It is the most successful console of this generation of video game systems. At one time, the Nintendo Wii even outsold the Sony Playstation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 combined.
The problem? The Nintendo Wii carries an SRP of $250, which is quite expensive for most people.
Hence, many folk are on the lookout for chances, irrespective of how far-fetched, that will help them score a free Wii. Naturally, it'll take a positive action on your part. You will have to act, as you cannot win without participating after all.
Here are 3 alternative ways that are worth the try :
1. Join contests. This is the hottest way to snag a free Wii. Many contests both online and offline provide a Nintendo Wii as the prize. Some are talent-based, like writing contests or art competitions. If you've got the acceptable skills, talent-based contests are better options because you'll have a higher chance of winning a free Wii.
2. Trade your stuff for a free Wii. There are many swapping web sites on the internet today, and a few of them have members who'd want to trade their Nintendo Wii for something else something which you could own and would want to trade away too. If you have what they desire and if both items are of equal worth, a legit swap may transpire and you'll find yourself with a free Nintendo Wii.
3. Collect store points. Most internet stores reward folk who refer shoppers to their sites. This is a good way to score a free Wii. The majority of these rewards come in the shape of store points. All you've got to do is to sign up as an affiliate for a specific online video game store and get your associate link. Then, you'll have to promote your affiliate link to steer folk to the store's site. For every person that you manage to refer who ultimately buys something from the online store, you will receive corresponding store points. You can collect these store points and spend them for any item being sold by the enterprise, that might include a Nintendo Wii. This affiliate marketing option is a fabulous way to win a free Wii because it is a methodology that's completely under your control.
The problem? The Nintendo Wii carries an SRP of $250, which is quite expensive for most people.
Hence, many folk are on the lookout for chances, irrespective of how far-fetched, that will help them score a free Wii. Naturally, it'll take a positive action on your part. You will have to act, as you cannot win without participating after all.
Here are 3 alternative ways that are worth the try :
1. Join contests. This is the hottest way to snag a free Wii. Many contests both online and offline provide a Nintendo Wii as the prize. Some are talent-based, like writing contests or art competitions. If you've got the acceptable skills, talent-based contests are better options because you'll have a higher chance of winning a free Wii.
2. Trade your stuff for a free Wii. There are many swapping web sites on the internet today, and a few of them have members who'd want to trade their Nintendo Wii for something else something which you could own and would want to trade away too. If you have what they desire and if both items are of equal worth, a legit swap may transpire and you'll find yourself with a free Nintendo Wii.
3. Collect store points. Most internet stores reward folk who refer shoppers to their sites. This is a good way to score a free Wii. The majority of these rewards come in the shape of store points. All you've got to do is to sign up as an affiliate for a specific online video game store and get your associate link. Then, you'll have to promote your affiliate link to steer folk to the store's site. For every person that you manage to refer who ultimately buys something from the online store, you will receive corresponding store points. You can collect these store points and spend them for any item being sold by the enterprise, that might include a Nintendo Wii. This affiliate marketing option is a fabulous way to win a free Wii because it is a methodology that's completely under your control.
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Great Wii News From E3!
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 for brevity, is back following some years of absence and two years of unacceptable exhibitions. With Steven Spielberg, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and Hideo Kojima opening the show for the Microsoft Xbox 360, the other players in this console war were made to play catch up.
Nintendo isn't one to disappoint. As of this writing, the establishment has unraveled some spectacular titles for the Nintendo Wii console. Nintendo's trade exhibition is one that's's destined to be the biggest selling for quarter four of 2009.
Earlier bugs have been completely cured for the Wii Remote and now Ubisoft strikes back and strikes hard with Red Steel 2, utilising the improved Wii Remote and promising an experience which will not disappoint the most ardent gamer. Wii Sports, the title that comes bundled up with the Nintendo Wii console, is getting a chase up. Entitled Wii Sports Resort, the new installment will incorporate events like basketball, archery, canoeing, and even skydiving, among others.
Nintendo also shocked the onlookers divulging the Wii Vitality Sensor, an attachment for the Wiimote which is placed on the finger to read heart rate and figure out tons of stats with the internal workings of the body.
With all these developments over at E3 2009, hard case Nintendo fans have reasons to celebrate. The Nintendo Wii console is balanced to continue its dominance of the sales charts for the near future.
Nintendo isn't one to disappoint. As of this writing, the establishment has unraveled some spectacular titles for the Nintendo Wii console. Nintendo's trade exhibition is one that's's destined to be the biggest selling for quarter four of 2009.
Earlier bugs have been completely cured for the Wii Remote and now Ubisoft strikes back and strikes hard with Red Steel 2, utilising the improved Wii Remote and promising an experience which will not disappoint the most ardent gamer. Wii Sports, the title that comes bundled up with the Nintendo Wii console, is getting a chase up. Entitled Wii Sports Resort, the new installment will incorporate events like basketball, archery, canoeing, and even skydiving, among others.
Nintendo also shocked the onlookers divulging the Wii Vitality Sensor, an attachment for the Wiimote which is placed on the finger to read heart rate and figure out tons of stats with the internal workings of the body.
With all these developments over at E3 2009, hard case Nintendo fans have reasons to celebrate. The Nintendo Wii console is balanced to continue its dominance of the sales charts for the near future.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
DSi Accessories You Must Own!
What's next on your agenda after buying a Nintendo DSi unit and a few games that you can enjoy for a few weeks? Buying Nintendo DSi accessories, of course!
Below is a listing of the top 4 Nintendo DSi accessories that you should seriously consider getting.
1. LCD screen protector. As the stylus touches the LCD surface to give out commands or to move your digital avatar, scratches will be unavoidable.
2. Similarly, statistical data show that 37% of Nintendo DSi owners lose the packed-in stylus within the first year of their possession of a unit. It shouldn't surprise anyone then, that extra styluses are just some of the hottest Nintendo DSi accessories today.
3. Your Nintendo DSi will need protection when being transported from place to place. Bumps here and there are inescapable. Scratches due to friction can barely be evaded. If you're considering which Nintendo DSi accessories you have to invest in, A travelling case should be one of your primary options.
4. Headphones. For owners of earlier Nintendo DS models, headphones were imperative accessories to appreciate the audio facet of the games they play. However, headphones are not compulsory Nintendo DSi accessories, given the improved audio-playing features and sounds.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Good News from E3: Xbox 360 Style!
If you've always held off in your call to buy Xbox 360, you'll find it doubly and even triply tough to deny your gaming needs by the end of this article. As of this writing, Microsoft's E3 2009 show has concluded. Having the distinction of opening this year's trade exhibition, Microsoft has set the bar so high that all are in unison in thinking that Sony and Nintendo will not be able to top Microsoft's lineup for Xbox 360.
With a star-studded stage that E3 hasn't witnessed before, Microsoft made some press releases that rocked the Playstation gaming world and has implanted a clear message: buy Xbox 360 and nothing else! Wish to have a forceful reason to buy Xbox 360 now? Here are just five of them:
- Metal Gear Solid is coming to the Xbox 360! As discussed earlier, Hideo Kojima himself appeared on stage to proclaim the first original Metal Gear Solid game to appear outside of the Playstation consoles. So managing to snag an original installment of the game is a grand coup for Microsoft.Provisionally titled MGS : Rising, this installment stars Raiden (the new gray Fox version, not the whiny hopeful ninja from MGS 2).
- Not one, but two Halo games are on the way. Halo 3 : ODST is a given and is shipping soon. But Halo : Reach was also announced.
- Two words: Project Natal. Even Steven Spielberg has signified his approval of this peripheral. Project Natal is an add-on camera that may sense each and every motion from the player, including facial expressions, voice, sounds, and distance from the device. This allows for a new interactive experience that does away with the traditional controller and breaks the fourth wall that divides the player and the games. As Spielberg himself has related, it isn't about reinventing the wheel, it's about disposing of the wheel altogether.
- Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm getting console-friendly incarnations on the Xbox 360. Why buy a computer when you can buy Xbox 360? Social media applications like Facebook and Twitter, and online radio giant Last.fm are coming to the console.
- Left4Dead 2 and Crackdown 2, both Xbox 360 exclusives. Microsoft's flagship video game console has made a lot of noise in E3, and if there was ever any doubt when it comes to whether you should buy Xbox 360, just look at the wonderful things that Microsoft has prepared for us in the year to come.
With a star-studded stage that E3 hasn't witnessed before, Microsoft made some press releases that rocked the Playstation gaming world and has implanted a clear message: buy Xbox 360 and nothing else! Wish to have a forceful reason to buy Xbox 360 now? Here are just five of them:
- Metal Gear Solid is coming to the Xbox 360! As discussed earlier, Hideo Kojima himself appeared on stage to proclaim the first original Metal Gear Solid game to appear outside of the Playstation consoles. So managing to snag an original installment of the game is a grand coup for Microsoft.Provisionally titled MGS : Rising, this installment stars Raiden (the new gray Fox version, not the whiny hopeful ninja from MGS 2).
- Not one, but two Halo games are on the way. Halo 3 : ODST is a given and is shipping soon. But Halo : Reach was also announced.
- Two words: Project Natal. Even Steven Spielberg has signified his approval of this peripheral. Project Natal is an add-on camera that may sense each and every motion from the player, including facial expressions, voice, sounds, and distance from the device. This allows for a new interactive experience that does away with the traditional controller and breaks the fourth wall that divides the player and the games. As Spielberg himself has related, it isn't about reinventing the wheel, it's about disposing of the wheel altogether.
- Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm getting console-friendly incarnations on the Xbox 360. Why buy a computer when you can buy Xbox 360? Social media applications like Facebook and Twitter, and online radio giant Last.fm are coming to the console.
- Left4Dead 2 and Crackdown 2, both Xbox 360 exclusives. Microsoft's flagship video game console has made a lot of noise in E3, and if there was ever any doubt when it comes to whether you should buy Xbox 360, just look at the wonderful things that Microsoft has prepared for us in the year to come.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Playstaion 3 Rumors!
When it comes to Sony's flagship electronic entertainment product, Playstation 3 rumors are just as enormous and as much fun as actual Playstation 3 news. The reason being because Sony has a history of needing to delight its devoted fan base. In Sony Land, rumors have a higher possibility of becoming reality.
So, what are the most important Playstation 3 rumors for 2010?
1. Leaks of images involving a slimmer, smaller Sony Playstation 3 appeared online right before the Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) 2009, the largest game trade exhibit today. Many assumed the PS3 slim would be displayed at E3. The event has come and gone and Sony has kept mum on the truth of the PS3 slim. Is it a fact? Or is it mere speculation? Smart cash is on the former.
2. The great PS3 price drop. There are numerous Playstation 3 rumors, but none is as persistent as this one. Nevertheless, given the certain fact that the Sony PS3 is trailing in sales charts all around the globe, a price drop isn't wholly ruled out.
3. The God of War III Collector's Edition to feature God of War I and II playable on the Sony PS3. This not particularly a rumor. In a survey released by Sony, the company asked people what they wanted for the God of War III Collector's Edition. Naturally, this choice won. Will it be included in the release of the special copy of the game? Only time will tell, but this is almost certainty.
4. Backwards compatibility. Current releases have done away with this feature altogether, much to the chagrin of fans all around the world. This jacked up the price of the 1st series of PS3 releases in the secondary market. Could it be that the PS3 is simply "hiding" backwards compatibility - that it's actually been there all this time, just needing to be activated?
Now, the issue is : which of these Sony Playstation 3 rumors will come true first, if at all?
So, what are the most important Playstation 3 rumors for 2010?
1. Leaks of images involving a slimmer, smaller Sony Playstation 3 appeared online right before the Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) 2009, the largest game trade exhibit today. Many assumed the PS3 slim would be displayed at E3. The event has come and gone and Sony has kept mum on the truth of the PS3 slim. Is it a fact? Or is it mere speculation? Smart cash is on the former.
2. The great PS3 price drop. There are numerous Playstation 3 rumors, but none is as persistent as this one. Nevertheless, given the certain fact that the Sony PS3 is trailing in sales charts all around the globe, a price drop isn't wholly ruled out.
3. The God of War III Collector's Edition to feature God of War I and II playable on the Sony PS3. This not particularly a rumor. In a survey released by Sony, the company asked people what they wanted for the God of War III Collector's Edition. Naturally, this choice won. Will it be included in the release of the special copy of the game? Only time will tell, but this is almost certainty.
4. Backwards compatibility. Current releases have done away with this feature altogether, much to the chagrin of fans all around the world. This jacked up the price of the 1st series of PS3 releases in the secondary market. Could it be that the PS3 is simply "hiding" backwards compatibility - that it's actually been there all this time, just needing to be activated?
Now, the issue is : which of these Sony Playstation 3 rumors will come true first, if at all?
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: The Videogame!
In 2007, publishing company Activision released a game developed by Traveller's Tales, called Transformers : The Game. The game was based on the impending film, and like most movie license games it was rushed, shallow, and over far too fast. So, this time around Activision has taken an alternative approach and passed the project over to developing studio Luxoflux, makers of True Crime: Streets Of L.A. and the racing game Vigilante 8. So, what adjustments will they be making to ensure that this new Transformers will not make the same mistakes as the last?
Luxoflux seems to be taking this game very seriously. Firstly, the initial movement and combat system has been all but totally overhauled. The idea is that transformations will be extremely flexible, permitting you to perform them straight away after running up and flipping off a building, or merely after pulling off a shot with a big sniper rifle in order to quickly escape out of view. if all goes well, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen should be a particularly complex game. Perhaps one of the sole disadvantages of this is the somewhat demanding learning curve when it comes to the controls.
In any case, the complex and fast-paced nature of the gameplay brings a real twist to the multi player. The game will include at least 3 modes, the one's we know about being Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and One Shall Stand, that has the players on each team protecting their own leader and trying to get rid of the one on the opposing team, the Autobots' being Optimus Prime and the Decepticons' being Megatron, naturally.
As for the singleplayer, the campaign will follow the linear storyline from the film. Depending on how quick you complete a mission, you can be awarded points which are used to gain upgrades for your characters, such as armour augmentations and quicker weapon cooldowns.
Still, the web multi player will doubtless be the main draw, and will definitely have folk coming back for a long while after the game ships, so look out for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen this June!
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Luxoflux seems to be taking this game very seriously. Firstly, the initial movement and combat system has been all but totally overhauled. The idea is that transformations will be extremely flexible, permitting you to perform them straight away after running up and flipping off a building, or merely after pulling off a shot with a big sniper rifle in order to quickly escape out of view. if all goes well, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen should be a particularly complex game. Perhaps one of the sole disadvantages of this is the somewhat demanding learning curve when it comes to the controls.
In any case, the complex and fast-paced nature of the gameplay brings a real twist to the multi player. The game will include at least 3 modes, the one's we know about being Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and One Shall Stand, that has the players on each team protecting their own leader and trying to get rid of the one on the opposing team, the Autobots' being Optimus Prime and the Decepticons' being Megatron, naturally.
As for the singleplayer, the campaign will follow the linear storyline from the film. Depending on how quick you complete a mission, you can be awarded points which are used to gain upgrades for your characters, such as armour augmentations and quicker weapon cooldowns.
Still, the web multi player will doubtless be the main draw, and will definitely have folk coming back for a long while after the game ships, so look out for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen this June!
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Thursday, 18 June 2009
PSP Movie Downloads- Make the Most of that Multimedia!
What would you say was the most impressive thing about the Sony Playstation Portable? It isn't the sexy design. It isn't the depth of its game library. It isn't even the fantastic WiFi connectivity that is unheard of for a gaming hand-held. The smartest thing about the Sony PSP is its multimedia functions. Truly, Sony's first entry in the portable gaming market is a multimedia beast, capable of broadcasting PSP audio, displaying PSP photographs, and playing UMD movies.
Of all these kinds of media files, UMD movies are the most fun. Of course, that 4.3 inches of widescreen goodness will not realize its full potential if one does not utilize the movie-playing capabilities. UMD movies make the Playstation Portable a handheld theater which will entertain you wherever you go, whatever time of the day it may be.
Now, here's the thing. The Sony PSP can't play each and every video file out there. PSP movies must be in the MPEG-4 format, the same type of video file the iPhone can play. The Sony PSP can't play popular video formats like .avi, .mpeg or .wmv.
What you can do to ensure that the video files on your PC can be transported and played on your Sony PSP is to convert these video files into PSP movies. There are a variety of universal video file converters out there. A few of them you have to pay for, others you can procure for free.
Once converted to MP4 format, you can then transfer your PSP movies to your PSP unit. MP4 versions of PSP movies, presuming the films last less than two hours, would be 200 to 350 megabytes in size. Make sure that your memory card has sufficient room for the PSP movies you want to bring with you.
To transfer your PSP movies to your PSP unit, you will need a USB wire that will connect your PSP to your computer. Alternatively, you can also use a memory card reader and insert the memory card specifically formatted for your Sony PSP to an empty slot. Once both terminals are synched, look for the MP_ROOT folder on the memory card. If none exists, make one. Inside the MP_ROOT folder, there should be a folder named 101MNV01. If none exists, make one. This is the folder destination for your PSP movies in MP4 format.
Once uploaded, you can disconnect your Sony PSP from the Computer and turn it on. On the dashboard, go to VIDEOS then MEMORY CARD then select among the PSP movies you have uploaded the video you need to play.
Easy, right?
PSP movies make the Sony PSP a real multimedia machine. This video playback ability is an example of the best features of the Sony PSP, and it distinguishes the portable console from its more limited competition.
Of all these kinds of media files, UMD movies are the most fun. Of course, that 4.3 inches of widescreen goodness will not realize its full potential if one does not utilize the movie-playing capabilities. UMD movies make the Playstation Portable a handheld theater which will entertain you wherever you go, whatever time of the day it may be.
Now, here's the thing. The Sony PSP can't play each and every video file out there. PSP movies must be in the MPEG-4 format, the same type of video file the iPhone can play. The Sony PSP can't play popular video formats like .avi, .mpeg or .wmv.
What you can do to ensure that the video files on your PC can be transported and played on your Sony PSP is to convert these video files into PSP movies. There are a variety of universal video file converters out there. A few of them you have to pay for, others you can procure for free.
Once converted to MP4 format, you can then transfer your PSP movies to your PSP unit. MP4 versions of PSP movies, presuming the films last less than two hours, would be 200 to 350 megabytes in size. Make sure that your memory card has sufficient room for the PSP movies you want to bring with you.
To transfer your PSP movies to your PSP unit, you will need a USB wire that will connect your PSP to your computer. Alternatively, you can also use a memory card reader and insert the memory card specifically formatted for your Sony PSP to an empty slot. Once both terminals are synched, look for the MP_ROOT folder on the memory card. If none exists, make one. Inside the MP_ROOT folder, there should be a folder named 101MNV01. If none exists, make one. This is the folder destination for your PSP movies in MP4 format.
Once uploaded, you can disconnect your Sony PSP from the Computer and turn it on. On the dashboard, go to VIDEOS then MEMORY CARD then select among the PSP movies you have uploaded the video you need to play.
Easy, right?
PSP movies make the Sony PSP a real multimedia machine. This video playback ability is an example of the best features of the Sony PSP, and it distinguishes the portable console from its more limited competition.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Spyborgs!
Things have just about been kept under wraps concerning Capcom's Wii game Spyborgs. When development started, the idea was to present a very kid-friendly cartoon-style action game with emphasis on minigames, like on-rails shooting segments and such. However, around halfway through development, Capcom decided on an entirely new focus for the game, resulting in something of an overhaul. Now Spyborgs is a trendy motionbased adventure, and maybe the better for it.
So, precisely what is the game about, you could ask? Well...Spyborgs? Again, it's all under wraps, but as you will have caught, "Spyborg" is a combination of "Spy" and "Cyborg", meaning the main characters are doubtless some sort of cyborg that work for a secret organization. Thus it would be ideal to assume the game will feature a few neat twists and some awesome action.
Recently, Capcom showcased their progress in a hands-on demo. Originally, the idea is that there would be a five-character roster. Now, it has been reduced to a distinct three, which is probably a smarter choice to concentrate on characterisation. The first is an agile she-ninja by the name of Clandestine, the second is a big tank of a gorilla-looking robot named Bouncer, and the 3rd is Stinger, who is best suited for ranged combat. The game is also set to feature co-op play, allowing both home players and online combatants to combine their skills. The gameplay itself itself mostly involves motions, and pulling off well-timed combos and special abilities.
The visuals have seen major changes since the game's overhaul. While the original graphical style could well have been compared to that of the kids-geared platformer Sly Cooper, it's now more equivalent of Ratchet & Clank. While cartoony in a way, it is also incredibly detailed and textured, and very cool. While the characters look like complicated androids they also have a large amount of personality. Bouncer is very visually appealing for a tank-like personality in a brawling game.
Capcom hasn't precisely precisely set a release date, but the idea is to get it out before the end of the year. From what we have seen, Spyborgs is a difficult and intense co-op fighting game that is meant to appeal to more than just the casual crowd the Wii is often renowned for.
So, precisely what is the game about, you could ask? Well...Spyborgs? Again, it's all under wraps, but as you will have caught, "Spyborg" is a combination of "Spy" and "Cyborg", meaning the main characters are doubtless some sort of cyborg that work for a secret organization. Thus it would be ideal to assume the game will feature a few neat twists and some awesome action.
Recently, Capcom showcased their progress in a hands-on demo. Originally, the idea is that there would be a five-character roster. Now, it has been reduced to a distinct three, which is probably a smarter choice to concentrate on characterisation. The first is an agile she-ninja by the name of Clandestine, the second is a big tank of a gorilla-looking robot named Bouncer, and the 3rd is Stinger, who is best suited for ranged combat. The game is also set to feature co-op play, allowing both home players and online combatants to combine their skills. The gameplay itself itself mostly involves motions, and pulling off well-timed combos and special abilities.
The visuals have seen major changes since the game's overhaul. While the original graphical style could well have been compared to that of the kids-geared platformer Sly Cooper, it's now more equivalent of Ratchet & Clank. While cartoony in a way, it is also incredibly detailed and textured, and very cool. While the characters look like complicated androids they also have a large amount of personality. Bouncer is very visually appealing for a tank-like personality in a brawling game.
Capcom hasn't precisely precisely set a release date, but the idea is to get it out before the end of the year. From what we have seen, Spyborgs is a difficult and intense co-op fighting game that is meant to appeal to more than just the casual crowd the Wii is often renowned for.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Rock Band comes to PSP!
The third installment of Rock Band is here, but this time it is not out on consoles ; it was constructed from the ground up for the Playstation Portable. In truth, even Rock Band vets might have trouble figuring out Unplugged, because, quite frankly, it's gameplay shares more likenesses with Harmonix's PS2 games Frequency and Amplitude than with Rock Band. This is clearly showcased in the form of some fascinating gameplay additions that most fans of rhythm games would not expect.
For those that haven't played Frequency, it was a rhythm game released in 2001, long before Guitar Hero or Rock Band. In it, players hit notes as they roll down the screen by pressing the shoulder buttons ( L1, L2, R1, and R2 ; that or you may use the face buttons). Unplugged is especially reminiscent of Amplitude considering that it controls the same way. Since the PSP version of Rock Band may not be rocking like it's console opposite numbers, the notes are turned on using the face buttons : Triangle, Square, X, and Circle.
The familiar Rock Band fail meter on the right let's the player know which instruments are doing well and which one's are failing. By using the shoulder buttons you can switch instruments at will, between guitar, bass, drums, and mimicking vocals. While the gameplay is very much like Amplitude, it features everything Rock Band has been renowned for during the past, such as band customization and World Tour mode.
The game will ship with roughly forty songs, and will also have downloadable content, starting with about ten available songs at the time of release, which is slated for June/July 09. Any veteran of Rock Band should definitely give it a look, and any grizzly veterans remebering Frequency and Amplitude will get their first shot at the same style of gameplay in about six years.
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For those that haven't played Frequency, it was a rhythm game released in 2001, long before Guitar Hero or Rock Band. In it, players hit notes as they roll down the screen by pressing the shoulder buttons ( L1, L2, R1, and R2 ; that or you may use the face buttons). Unplugged is especially reminiscent of Amplitude considering that it controls the same way. Since the PSP version of Rock Band may not be rocking like it's console opposite numbers, the notes are turned on using the face buttons : Triangle, Square, X, and Circle.
The familiar Rock Band fail meter on the right let's the player know which instruments are doing well and which one's are failing. By using the shoulder buttons you can switch instruments at will, between guitar, bass, drums, and mimicking vocals. While the gameplay is very much like Amplitude, it features everything Rock Band has been renowned for during the past, such as band customization and World Tour mode.
The game will ship with roughly forty songs, and will also have downloadable content, starting with about ten available songs at the time of release, which is slated for June/July 09. Any veteran of Rock Band should definitely give it a look, and any grizzly veterans remebering Frequency and Amplitude will get their first shot at the same style of gameplay in about six years.
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Wolfenstein!
Wolfenstein is a videogame series that has been around longer than most. In reality, it first debuted in the 80s as one of the first stealth-action games ever made. Since that time it has gone through some major re-imaginings, from the intensely bloody shoot-em-up Wolfenstein 3D to Return To Castle Wolfenstein, in which multi-player was a pretty major element. Fortunate for us gamers, the new Wolfenstein to be released on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 will draw from elements of all 3 games, as well as other sources.
The story of the game centres around the fictional city of Isenstadt, where the Nazi's are attempting to unleash the power of an artifact called Black Sun. As American soldier B.J. Blazkowicz, it's your job to stop them at any cost. But to do this, you're going to be forced to use Black Sun yourself before they can. By harnessing it's power you can dive into an alternate reality and use the hybrid layout and circumstances to outflank enemies and reach new areas. This dimension is called The Veil. Veil pools are dotted here and there and you can recharge your energy by standing in them for a period. As you progress you can unlock new capabilities which may be employed in the Veil, like the power called Mire, which permits you to slow time. This is great for escaping heavy fire or dodging out of the trail of an incoming missile. But hey, Wolfenstein isn't all puzzles and strategy, it's a first-person shooter, and it's upto you how much emphasis you place on stealth or all out action.
Wolfenstein features a huge collection of weaponry, all of which can be upgraded with money ; adding on components such as scopes, bayonets, and grenade launchers. It's obvious the creators wanted the player to have alot of choice in how he played the game, not only in provisions the weaponry but also in that there are sometimes multiple paths or options to take in each level. This may be highly gratifying when the player can decide whether he is going to elude Fascist fire by various differing routes or ploys. Plus, it makes a significant contribution to replay worth, guaranteeing players will come back to try new tactics and alternate routes.
No concrete word on a release date yet, but we're hoping to see Wolfenstein on general release before the end of the year.
The story of the game centres around the fictional city of Isenstadt, where the Nazi's are attempting to unleash the power of an artifact called Black Sun. As American soldier B.J. Blazkowicz, it's your job to stop them at any cost. But to do this, you're going to be forced to use Black Sun yourself before they can. By harnessing it's power you can dive into an alternate reality and use the hybrid layout and circumstances to outflank enemies and reach new areas. This dimension is called The Veil. Veil pools are dotted here and there and you can recharge your energy by standing in them for a period. As you progress you can unlock new capabilities which may be employed in the Veil, like the power called Mire, which permits you to slow time. This is great for escaping heavy fire or dodging out of the trail of an incoming missile. But hey, Wolfenstein isn't all puzzles and strategy, it's a first-person shooter, and it's upto you how much emphasis you place on stealth or all out action.
Wolfenstein features a huge collection of weaponry, all of which can be upgraded with money ; adding on components such as scopes, bayonets, and grenade launchers. It's obvious the creators wanted the player to have alot of choice in how he played the game, not only in provisions the weaponry but also in that there are sometimes multiple paths or options to take in each level. This may be highly gratifying when the player can decide whether he is going to elude Fascist fire by various differing routes or ploys. Plus, it makes a significant contribution to replay worth, guaranteeing players will come back to try new tactics and alternate routes.
No concrete word on a release date yet, but we're hoping to see Wolfenstein on general release before the end of the year.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
God of War III
The next gen debut for the massively popular God of War franchise has been one of the most anticipated games of recent history. The PS2 installments of the franchise pushed the console to its limits in terms of graphics and gameplay, but resulted in games that have become a byword for action/adventure excellence. Early screens and teasers for God of War III reveal everything gamers have been hoping for, Kratos and his world are looking gorgeous and gameplay has been taken beyond the humble confines of the PS2.
When it comes gameplay, God Of War III first of all has what appears to be very well constructed and well paced action, on a level that not many games these days achieve. As Kratos, scaling an uphill forest and taking on waves upon waves of enemies, spots an approaching cyclops, he leaps on top of it like a mount and battles it into submission. As the camera backs out, we are shown that this forest that is Kratos' battleground is actually the back of a titan, who himself is climbing Mount Olympus. This is the first of four elements that the developers explained in detail at the unveiling of the game.
Mounting differing enemies is an element of gameplay which has been pushed further in this title, with enemies ranging from the aforementioned hulking cyclops to savage winged harpies. Enemies can only be mounted for a certain time, as Kratos' preferred method of control is beating or stabbing, they'll only put up with it for so long. Mounting is used for a whole manner of gameplay reasons, such as using winged creaturs to reach high cliffs.
Expect Kratos' range of weaponry to be greatly increased, with an inventory which greatly expands upon what we've seen before. From his trademark hookblades to new weaponry including massive gauntlets fashioned into Lions Heads, Kratos is truly prepared to take on all challengers. Handy, considering that Kratos is set to face battles on a level far beyond anything seen on the PS2. Multiple enemies mean a greater emphasis on combos, grabs and skill.
So join us in the anticipation of what is certain to be a genre defining game. Everything we've seen so far indicates this title is going to break all the boundaries of gaming, and the world can hardly wait!
When it comes gameplay, God Of War III first of all has what appears to be very well constructed and well paced action, on a level that not many games these days achieve. As Kratos, scaling an uphill forest and taking on waves upon waves of enemies, spots an approaching cyclops, he leaps on top of it like a mount and battles it into submission. As the camera backs out, we are shown that this forest that is Kratos' battleground is actually the back of a titan, who himself is climbing Mount Olympus. This is the first of four elements that the developers explained in detail at the unveiling of the game.
Mounting differing enemies is an element of gameplay which has been pushed further in this title, with enemies ranging from the aforementioned hulking cyclops to savage winged harpies. Enemies can only be mounted for a certain time, as Kratos' preferred method of control is beating or stabbing, they'll only put up with it for so long. Mounting is used for a whole manner of gameplay reasons, such as using winged creaturs to reach high cliffs.
Expect Kratos' range of weaponry to be greatly increased, with an inventory which greatly expands upon what we've seen before. From his trademark hookblades to new weaponry including massive gauntlets fashioned into Lions Heads, Kratos is truly prepared to take on all challengers. Handy, considering that Kratos is set to face battles on a level far beyond anything seen on the PS2. Multiple enemies mean a greater emphasis on combos, grabs and skill.
So join us in the anticipation of what is certain to be a genre defining game. Everything we've seen so far indicates this title is going to break all the boundaries of gaming, and the world can hardly wait!
Thursday, 28 May 2009
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis
The New Play Control series of games are a result of Nintendo listening to their fans, producing new motion control versions of older games and porting them to the Wii. Whilst man naysayers are claiming that the company should be focusing on new games rather than tweaking older ones, the demand for some of these ports have been high enough to force attention. These are not just straight ports either, games are receiving impressive graphics enhancements, along with some additional content. Here we take a look at the New Play Control port of Mario Power Tennis
The first thing you can't help but notice from this update are the augmented graphics, giving the game a much more polished feel. The visuals are noticeably slicker and smoother flowing, instantly improving the general feel of the game. Secondly, and most notably, the game has been fitted with the Wii's signature motion controls. In the default D-pad setting, you use the pad to move back and forth, but you can also plug in a nunchuk and make use of it as well. Swing the remote upwards for a topspin, backwards for a backspin, and do a steady swing for a flat shot.
The game features all the usual characters from the Mario universe, each with their own set of skills and signature moves. All characters do have access to the smash shot though, which involves positioning your character just right beneath a lobbed shot. Aligning an on-screen star with your player within a certain time window will result in an all-powerful smash shot, almost guaranteed to win you the point.
Mario Power Tennis is a classic on the Gamecube, so hopefully New Play Control can do it justice. potentially great game ports have been ruined by poor and half-hearted execution in the past, but Mario Power Tennis is looking the business. Lets hope this paves the way to higher quality Wii ports.
The first thing you can't help but notice from this update are the augmented graphics, giving the game a much more polished feel. The visuals are noticeably slicker and smoother flowing, instantly improving the general feel of the game. Secondly, and most notably, the game has been fitted with the Wii's signature motion controls. In the default D-pad setting, you use the pad to move back and forth, but you can also plug in a nunchuk and make use of it as well. Swing the remote upwards for a topspin, backwards for a backspin, and do a steady swing for a flat shot.
The game features all the usual characters from the Mario universe, each with their own set of skills and signature moves. All characters do have access to the smash shot though, which involves positioning your character just right beneath a lobbed shot. Aligning an on-screen star with your player within a certain time window will result in an all-powerful smash shot, almost guaranteed to win you the point.
Mario Power Tennis is a classic on the Gamecube, so hopefully New Play Control can do it justice. potentially great game ports have been ruined by poor and half-hearted execution in the past, but Mario Power Tennis is looking the business. Lets hope this paves the way to higher quality Wii ports.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Great Games Coming To Wii
2008 was generally seen as a good year for the Wii. Developers Nintendo started to break into new ground and tackle some more mainstream, dependable genres previously found lacking on the Wii. We saw the first FPS on the Wii to be done right; Call of Duty: World At War, the highly anticipated Smash Bros. sequel, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Guitar Hero World Tour; which featured the all-important downloadable content for the first time. Hopefully the Wii's impressive swing will continue through 2009, and here we take a look at the most exciting prospects;
#3: The Conduit
The Conduit is stirring up a high level of excitement within the gaming community, with developers Voltage systematically releasing further info and screenshots to build up the tension. What we've been promised is categorically the best FPS released ever for the Wii, and from early footage it seems Voltage's claims may have the facts to back themselves up.
#2: Monster Hunter 3
Monster Hunter is a franchise that, whilst climbing in popularity over recent years, still doesn't receive the widespread praise it deserves. The game immerses players not only into the world of Monster Hunting, but all the trivialities that come with it, such as earning a living, growing food, smithing armour etc. This new edition for the Wii is set to feature underwater monster hunting, a great prospect in itself. Since there aren't all that many online action roleplaying games available for the Wii, Monster Hunter 3 should enjoy further popularity in this area.
#1: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggles
One of Nintendo's breakout successes in 2008, No More Heroes took the Wii by storm, and impressed many people with it's stylish cutscenes and frantic action. Over the course of the game the main character, Travis Touchdown, struggles to become the deadliest assassin on the charts. Now that his goal has been realised, what's next? No doubt it'll include lots more action, adventure and comedy.
#3: The Conduit
The Conduit is stirring up a high level of excitement within the gaming community, with developers Voltage systematically releasing further info and screenshots to build up the tension. What we've been promised is categorically the best FPS released ever for the Wii, and from early footage it seems Voltage's claims may have the facts to back themselves up.
#2: Monster Hunter 3
Monster Hunter is a franchise that, whilst climbing in popularity over recent years, still doesn't receive the widespread praise it deserves. The game immerses players not only into the world of Monster Hunting, but all the trivialities that come with it, such as earning a living, growing food, smithing armour etc. This new edition for the Wii is set to feature underwater monster hunting, a great prospect in itself. Since there aren't all that many online action roleplaying games available for the Wii, Monster Hunter 3 should enjoy further popularity in this area.
#1: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggles
One of Nintendo's breakout successes in 2008, No More Heroes took the Wii by storm, and impressed many people with it's stylish cutscenes and frantic action. Over the course of the game the main character, Travis Touchdown, struggles to become the deadliest assassin on the charts. Now that his goal has been realised, what's next? No doubt it'll include lots more action, adventure and comedy.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Donkey Kong jungle beat was a curious game, which revolved around controlling the well loved titular character by beating a pair of peripheral Nintendo bongos! A strange concept, but most players found that when they actually sat down and played it, it was an absolute blast. However, some criticised the lack of analogue control within the game, and it seems Nintendo listened to some ideas with the new release of Play Control!
Play Control! Donkey Kong makes the game much more accessible and attractive as your control of Donkey Kong becomes a lot more manageable and personal. Use of the analogue allows you to tilt it accordingly, and the bongos are eschewed completely, there's no accessibility for them. This creates a much smoother flowing game with a classic control system.
The motion sensing within the game covers most actions, such as punching enemies, beating the ground and even swinging on vines. Pounding the ground is especially interesting, seeing as you do it by holding B or Z to crouch and shaking either the wiimote or nunchuk to pound with the corresponding arm. Other than that and the fact that you can backflip while running and tilting the stick backwards whilst pressing A, Jungle Beat controls much like any platformer. The visuals and gameplay are married to great effect, creating a game that plays as great as it looks.
Another instance in which Nintendo listened to fans is that of adding new/different content to this new port. Gamers complained that the original title began to recycle boss battles and environments as the game progressed, annoying gamers who began to tire of fighting the same battles over and over. New and tweaked bosses have been added along with refreshed environments, sure to please the original naysayers.
If you missed the first opportunity to play these hugely innovative game, then try out the Play control! version for an even better experience!
Play Control! Donkey Kong makes the game much more accessible and attractive as your control of Donkey Kong becomes a lot more manageable and personal. Use of the analogue allows you to tilt it accordingly, and the bongos are eschewed completely, there's no accessibility for them. This creates a much smoother flowing game with a classic control system.
The motion sensing within the game covers most actions, such as punching enemies, beating the ground and even swinging on vines. Pounding the ground is especially interesting, seeing as you do it by holding B or Z to crouch and shaking either the wiimote or nunchuk to pound with the corresponding arm. Other than that and the fact that you can backflip while running and tilting the stick backwards whilst pressing A, Jungle Beat controls much like any platformer. The visuals and gameplay are married to great effect, creating a game that plays as great as it looks.
Another instance in which Nintendo listened to fans is that of adding new/different content to this new port. Gamers complained that the original title began to recycle boss battles and environments as the game progressed, annoying gamers who began to tire of fighting the same battles over and over. New and tweaked bosses have been added along with refreshed environments, sure to please the original naysayers.
If you missed the first opportunity to play these hugely innovative game, then try out the Play control! version for an even better experience!
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
X-men Origins: Wolverine - Finally a Worthy Game?
Wolverine is almost without question the most popular X Men character, which makes the fact that all his videogame representations have landed a bit wide of the mark quite a surprise. Many have tried, but Wolverine has never been captured quite right within the gaming genre. However, the new game based on the X-Men origins: Wolverine movie is already being hailed as a roaring success. Movie license games have a bad reputation in themselves, and so this game could be a double success.
Most importantly with a Wolverine game, Origins allows you to really let loose with the character, with a strong emphasis placed on brutal close combat. Wolverine is also able to sneak up on certain enemies and perform stealth kills, sneaky but no less brutal! This game has earned an 18 certificate for a reason, with Wolvie's claws being worked overtime. The game also makes extensive use of Wolverine's mutant healing powers. These powers constantly heal you as you take damage, though at some point you'll need to hide and heal if you are in the middle of a battle and your health gets too low. Stringing together certain combos allows for cinematic fight scenes, often topped with elaborate finishing moves.
The game features an intuitive system, allowing enemies to become progressively stronger and smarter, meaning this is far from a no-brain slash fest, you really have to think about your approach to combat. Luckily, Wolverine has a few impressive dodging skills, and can even deflect bullets with his claws if timed right. Using the D-pad or control pad, you can activate the different aspects of Wolverine's sharp senses, which will allow you to spot cloaked enemies, hidden entrances to areas, and more. Not only is this a key skill for level progression, but it also utilises one of Wolverines often forgotten abilities.
In addition to all these points, the game is simply well made. The gameplay is solid and doesn't get repetitive, which is no mean feat. Graphics are exceptional and pay close attention to detail, with Wolverine's wounds visibly healing progressively as you continue. Add to this great music and voice acting, and you have a game that is finally worthy of bearing the Wolverine name!
Most importantly with a Wolverine game, Origins allows you to really let loose with the character, with a strong emphasis placed on brutal close combat. Wolverine is also able to sneak up on certain enemies and perform stealth kills, sneaky but no less brutal! This game has earned an 18 certificate for a reason, with Wolvie's claws being worked overtime. The game also makes extensive use of Wolverine's mutant healing powers. These powers constantly heal you as you take damage, though at some point you'll need to hide and heal if you are in the middle of a battle and your health gets too low. Stringing together certain combos allows for cinematic fight scenes, often topped with elaborate finishing moves.
The game features an intuitive system, allowing enemies to become progressively stronger and smarter, meaning this is far from a no-brain slash fest, you really have to think about your approach to combat. Luckily, Wolverine has a few impressive dodging skills, and can even deflect bullets with his claws if timed right. Using the D-pad or control pad, you can activate the different aspects of Wolverine's sharp senses, which will allow you to spot cloaked enemies, hidden entrances to areas, and more. Not only is this a key skill for level progression, but it also utilises one of Wolverines often forgotten abilities.
In addition to all these points, the game is simply well made. The gameplay is solid and doesn't get repetitive, which is no mean feat. Graphics are exceptional and pay close attention to detail, with Wolverine's wounds visibly healing progressively as you continue. Add to this great music and voice acting, and you have a game that is finally worthy of bearing the Wolverine name!
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