Blockbuster is going to let TiVo users download movies from its online library beginning later this year.
Most TiVo users with high-speed Internet connections will be able to view the movies offered in Blockbuster's On Demand system. Netflix and Amazon offer online video straight to TiVo, too. Netflix also lets users of certain Blu-Ray players and Xbox 360 systems have access.
Netflix's online movie selection, however, is limited to mostly older titles and doesn't include many HD movies.
Under terms of Blockbuster's new deal, the brick-and-mortar stores and Web site will sell the TiVo DVRs. Blockbuster senior vice president Kevin Lewis said his company planned to make the online system available to users of Apple-brand products. Apple has its own on-demand service, Apple TV, that just expanded its HD offerings.
Lewis said Blockbuster will offer about 10,000 movies when the new service launches in the latter half of the year and said his company's online roster would be stronger than Amazon and Netflix, offering newer content.
With TiVo, once a film is selected, it can be watched while it is still being downloaded over the Internet.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The hardest video games of all time
AOL's gaming site, GameDaily.com has just released its list of the top 10 hardest video games of all time.
"Not only are these games almost impossible to beat," the Web site claims, "but will inevitably end with you or your fellow gamers cursing, throwing controllers or kicking chairs."
No. 1 on the list was the Ninja Gaiden series, which is, for me, practically impossible to deal with on Xbox 360.
Here's their list.
10. Contra series (Konami)
Contra is one of those holy grail franchises that poses a challenge for all who approach it. The two NES games were hard to beat, unless you were one of those people that used a code for multiple lives. Then came the sequels Contra III: The Alien Wars on SNES (a monster on the hardest setting) and Contra: Shattered Soldier, a game that's so frustrating we still haven't beaten it. (We've gotten close, though.)
9. Defender (Williams)
As the last line of defense for Earth, you've got an awful lot to tackle in Williams' arcade classic. Mutants have overtaken the planet, and they're sucking up innocent people. Not only must you blast these creatures into oblivion, but you also have to rescue falling civilians. Later stages are incredibly demanding, especially with the introduction of the smaller swarm ships. Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.
8. Devil May Cry 3 (Capcom)
In Devil May Cry 3, the "hard" difficulty setting from the Japanese version became "normal" in the States, and Capcom then introduced a new difficulty mode called "Dante Must Die." It was so overwhelming that Capcom had to introduce an easier Special Edition to calm down the gaming community.
7. God of War series (SCEA)
To breeze through God of War games, choose the lightest difficulty and enjoy the cakewalk. For the rest of us, there's God mode, which punishes players with enemies that don't hold anything back; just wait until you face the serpents. Oh, and don't expect God of War III to be any easier.
6. R-Type (Irem)
R-Type leads the pack of nearly impossible shooters. When this game first hit arcades in the late '80s, people kept slamming quarters down for a chance to take on the Bydo Empire with a small spacecraft. It's still a pain in the butt, especially the recently released Xbox Live Arcade game R-Type Dimensions. (Unless you're a wuss and take the easier route.)
5. Ikaruga (Treasure)
Speaking of unbelievably hard shooters, we can't have this list without this Treasure classic. Ikaruga has a twist to its shooting techniques, as you'll switch between two colors and absorb enemy bullets to fire charged shots. You'll need to acquire power-ups, as enemies unleash beautiful, firework-style destruction. Good luck getting past level five – or even level three.
4. Mega Man 9 (Capcom)
Most Mega Man games have their fair share of frustrations, most notably Mega Man 3 on the NES and the Mega Man X games on the PlayStation. Nothing, though, comes close to what you'll face in Mega Man 9. This downloadable game for Xbox Live, Wii Shop Channel and PlayStation Network hurls everything it's got at you, from fire-throwing flowers to tricky spiked floors to crazy boss battles. There's also a list of Challenges to complete, some of which are borderline insane. One even requires you to survive a boss battle for 10 minutes.
3. Battletoads (Tradewest)
The designers at Rare were either mad scientists bent on breaking our spirits or freakin' geniuses testing our physical limits when they produced Battletoads on the NES. Maybe it's both. Either way, this wild platforming game has several tasks for you and a friend to complete, including speeder bike chases, snake riding, beating up baddies and surfing. Few have seen the game's conclusion.
2. Ghouls n' Ghosts series (Capcom)
Ghosts n' Goblins is without question one of the most difficult video game series of all time. Its lead character, Arthur, valiantly attempts to save his love, only to die repeatedly at the hands of numerous monsters. Super Ghouls n' Ghosts for the SNES is a real test, requiring you to go through the game twice before it ends. Many a controller died beating that one.
1. Ninja Gaiden series (Tecmo)
Finally, we come to the series that will bring you to your knees and make you cry for mercy. Since its debut on the NES, Ninja Gaiden introduced tough enemies and even tougher bosses. Over the years, it's only gotten harder. Ninja Gaiden Black is ridiculous with its enormous list of challenges to complete and tricky bad guys. Ninja Gaiden II on the Xbox 360 only increased our stress levels, with monsters so vicious we punched holes through walls
"Not only are these games almost impossible to beat," the Web site claims, "but will inevitably end with you or your fellow gamers cursing, throwing controllers or kicking chairs."
No. 1 on the list was the Ninja Gaiden series, which is, for me, practically impossible to deal with on Xbox 360.
Here's their list.
10. Contra series (Konami)
Contra is one of those holy grail franchises that poses a challenge for all who approach it. The two NES games were hard to beat, unless you were one of those people that used a code for multiple lives. Then came the sequels Contra III: The Alien Wars on SNES (a monster on the hardest setting) and Contra: Shattered Soldier, a game that's so frustrating we still haven't beaten it. (We've gotten close, though.)
9. Defender (Williams)
As the last line of defense for Earth, you've got an awful lot to tackle in Williams' arcade classic. Mutants have overtaken the planet, and they're sucking up innocent people. Not only must you blast these creatures into oblivion, but you also have to rescue falling civilians. Later stages are incredibly demanding, especially with the introduction of the smaller swarm ships. Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.
8. Devil May Cry 3 (Capcom)
In Devil May Cry 3, the "hard" difficulty setting from the Japanese version became "normal" in the States, and Capcom then introduced a new difficulty mode called "Dante Must Die." It was so overwhelming that Capcom had to introduce an easier Special Edition to calm down the gaming community.
7. God of War series (SCEA)
To breeze through God of War games, choose the lightest difficulty and enjoy the cakewalk. For the rest of us, there's God mode, which punishes players with enemies that don't hold anything back; just wait until you face the serpents. Oh, and don't expect God of War III to be any easier.
6. R-Type (Irem)
R-Type leads the pack of nearly impossible shooters. When this game first hit arcades in the late '80s, people kept slamming quarters down for a chance to take on the Bydo Empire with a small spacecraft. It's still a pain in the butt, especially the recently released Xbox Live Arcade game R-Type Dimensions. (Unless you're a wuss and take the easier route.)
5. Ikaruga (Treasure)
Speaking of unbelievably hard shooters, we can't have this list without this Treasure classic. Ikaruga has a twist to its shooting techniques, as you'll switch between two colors and absorb enemy bullets to fire charged shots. You'll need to acquire power-ups, as enemies unleash beautiful, firework-style destruction. Good luck getting past level five – or even level three.
4. Mega Man 9 (Capcom)
Most Mega Man games have their fair share of frustrations, most notably Mega Man 3 on the NES and the Mega Man X games on the PlayStation. Nothing, though, comes close to what you'll face in Mega Man 9. This downloadable game for Xbox Live, Wii Shop Channel and PlayStation Network hurls everything it's got at you, from fire-throwing flowers to tricky spiked floors to crazy boss battles. There's also a list of Challenges to complete, some of which are borderline insane. One even requires you to survive a boss battle for 10 minutes.
3. Battletoads (Tradewest)
The designers at Rare were either mad scientists bent on breaking our spirits or freakin' geniuses testing our physical limits when they produced Battletoads on the NES. Maybe it's both. Either way, this wild platforming game has several tasks for you and a friend to complete, including speeder bike chases, snake riding, beating up baddies and surfing. Few have seen the game's conclusion.
2. Ghouls n' Ghosts series (Capcom)
Ghosts n' Goblins is without question one of the most difficult video game series of all time. Its lead character, Arthur, valiantly attempts to save his love, only to die repeatedly at the hands of numerous monsters. Super Ghouls n' Ghosts for the SNES is a real test, requiring you to go through the game twice before it ends. Many a controller died beating that one.
1. Ninja Gaiden series (Tecmo)
Finally, we come to the series that will bring you to your knees and make you cry for mercy. Since its debut on the NES, Ninja Gaiden introduced tough enemies and even tougher bosses. Over the years, it's only gotten harder. Ninja Gaiden Black is ridiculous with its enormous list of challenges to complete and tricky bad guys. Ninja Gaiden II on the Xbox 360 only increased our stress levels, with monsters so vicious we punched holes through walls
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Get your out-of-market NCAA games for free (plus local TV schedule)
Here is WBTV Channel 3's NCAA Tournament schedule for Friday and Saturday:
Thursday, March 19th
12 pm Butler - LSU
2:30 pm Radford - UNC
7 pm Michigan - Clemson
9:30 pm Binghamton - Duke
Friday, March 20th
12 pm Tennessee - Oklahoma State
2:30 pm Dayton - West Virginia
7 pm Southern Cal - Boston College
9:30 pm Cleveland State - Wake Forest
If you want to see other games than the ones listed, you can buy a "March Madness" package from cable or satellite provider, or you can queue up your high-speed internet connection. At CBSsports.com, you can see out-of-market games for free. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download a $4.99 app from the Apple App Store to see out-of-market games on the handheld devices wherever you can access a Wi-Fi connection.
Thursday, March 19th
12 pm Butler - LSU
2:30 pm Radford - UNC
7 pm Michigan - Clemson
9:30 pm Binghamton - Duke
Friday, March 20th
12 pm Tennessee - Oklahoma State
2:30 pm Dayton - West Virginia
7 pm Southern Cal - Boston College
9:30 pm Cleveland State - Wake Forest
If you want to see other games than the ones listed, you can buy a "March Madness" package from cable or satellite provider, or you can queue up your high-speed internet connection. At CBSsports.com, you can see out-of-market games for free. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download a $4.99 app from the Apple App Store to see out-of-market games on the handheld devices wherever you can access a Wi-Fi connection.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Apple adds most-wanted features to iPhone
Apple today unveiled new features that will be available in the forthcoming iPhone 3.0 software.
The features include: cut, copy and paste (shake to undo or redo); turn-by-turn GPS navigation, landscape keyboard for all applications (including mail), photo instant messaging, and support for stereo bluetooth headsets.
The iPhone and iPhone 3G versions of iPhone OS 3.0 will be free for current iPhone users, and that the iPod touch version will be available for $10.
The features include: cut, copy and paste (shake to undo or redo); turn-by-turn GPS navigation, landscape keyboard for all applications (including mail), photo instant messaging, and support for stereo bluetooth headsets.
The iPhone and iPhone 3G versions of iPhone OS 3.0 will be free for current iPhone users, and that the iPod touch version will be available for $10.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Apple to unveil new iPhone operating system software
Engadget and several other tech sources are reporting that Apple plans to introduce its iPhone 3.0 software March 17 at 1 p.m.
Apple plans to show of an advance preview of the new software, which many expect to arrive by summer, along with possibly a new iPhone.
Current users want to be able to type emails while holding the device sideways (landscape mode) allowing the keyboard to be larger as well as being able to send multimedia text messages. It'll be interesting to see what goodies Apple puts into the new software.
Apple plans to show of an advance preview of the new software, which many expect to arrive by summer, along with possibly a new iPhone.
Current users want to be able to type emails while holding the device sideways (landscape mode) allowing the keyboard to be larger as well as being able to send multimedia text messages. It'll be interesting to see what goodies Apple puts into the new software.
Dish Network expands national HD offerings
DISH Network has added high definition feeds of Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD, The Movie Channel HD and BET J, expanding its national HD count to up to 128 channels. The sat-caster, which now trails DirecTV in national HD by only a handful of channels, plans to add BET, Comedy Central, CMT, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike TV and VH-1 in HD this spring.
Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD and The Movie Channel HD are located in the Showtime Unlimited package, available for just $12.99 per month. BET J is part of PlatinumHD, which can be added to any programming package for $10 per month. Existing DISH Network subscribers who upgrade to HD programming will receive PlatinumHD free for the first three months.
Showtime Showcase HD, SHO2 HD and The Movie Channel HD are located in the Showtime Unlimited package, available for just $12.99 per month. BET J is part of PlatinumHD, which can be added to any programming package for $10 per month. Existing DISH Network subscribers who upgrade to HD programming will receive PlatinumHD free for the first three months.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Apple releases new iMac models
Apple released a slew of new products Tuesday morning, including long-awaited updates to its iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro lines of personal computers.
The iMac, with its all-in-one design, now starts at $1,199 for a 20-inch version featuring a 2.66 GHz processor and 2 gigabytes of memory. A 24-inch version ($1,499) comes with 4GB of memory and up to 1 terabyte of hard-drive space. A fully tricked-out iMac -- upgradeable to 8GB of memory -- now runs well over $3,000.
All iMacs come with a built-in video camera, speakers and wireless-N networking.
Starting at $599, the mini measures only 6.5 inches square by 2 inches high. It comes with a 2 GHz processor and up to 4GB of memory. Apple claims it uses 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC.
The Mac Pro uses new super-fast Intel "Nehalem" processors that Apple claims make its flagship machine up to twice as fast as the old model. Pricing begins at $2,499, $300 less than the old version. The new machine also includes a high-performance graphics card that Apple said provides "three times greater performance," and an updated interior to allow easier access to components for expansion.
Apple also updated its popular wireless networking base station, the AirPort Extreme, to allow users to have simulatenous 2.4 and 5 GHz dual-band networking, as well as the ability to give guests a password to access your network while still maintaining security for personal files.
The iMac, with its all-in-one design, now starts at $1,199 for a 20-inch version featuring a 2.66 GHz processor and 2 gigabytes of memory. A 24-inch version ($1,499) comes with 4GB of memory and up to 1 terabyte of hard-drive space. A fully tricked-out iMac -- upgradeable to 8GB of memory -- now runs well over $3,000.
All iMacs come with a built-in video camera, speakers and wireless-N networking.
Starting at $599, the mini measures only 6.5 inches square by 2 inches high. It comes with a 2 GHz processor and up to 4GB of memory. Apple claims it uses 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC.
The Mac Pro uses new super-fast Intel "Nehalem" processors that Apple claims make its flagship machine up to twice as fast as the old model. Pricing begins at $2,499, $300 less than the old version. The new machine also includes a high-performance graphics card that Apple said provides "three times greater performance," and an updated interior to allow easier access to components for expansion.
Apple also updated its popular wireless networking base station, the AirPort Extreme, to allow users to have simulatenous 2.4 and 5 GHz dual-band networking, as well as the ability to give guests a password to access your network while still maintaining security for personal files.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
T-Mobile tries $50 unlimited cell plan and $135 rebate to switch carriers
T-Mobile has rolled out an interesting new promotion in San Francisco: a $50 unlimited usage cellular voice plan. Also the company is offering customers in the Bay Area a $135 rebate to switch carriers, essentially eliminating the early termination fee costs.
T-Mobile says the new %50 rate plan is only available to customers who have used the service for 22 months. The new plan would allow T-Mobile customers to have unlimited data and voice for $85. AT&T, for example, charges $99.99 for unlimited voice, $30 for data and anywhere from $5 to $20 for texting.
The good news for consumers is if T-Mobile rolls this plan out nationwide and does well, it could force other carriers to react. A national analyst, John Hodulik, predicts we'll see T-Mobile make such a move next month.
Why? T-Mobile is struggling to keep up with AT&T and Verizon and Sprint in the cell phone wars.
With its best-selling iPhone spearheading purchases, AT&T added 2.1 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Of those, 1.9 million were iPhone users.
Verizon added 1.4 million new users, but T-Mobile added far fewer: 621,000. That was down from 670,000 new customers in the third quarter and down from 951,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sprint/Nextel lost 1.3 million customers in the fourth quarter as cell phone users seem to be choosing sides: AT&T or Verizon.
T-Mobile says the new %50 rate plan is only available to customers who have used the service for 22 months. The new plan would allow T-Mobile customers to have unlimited data and voice for $85. AT&T, for example, charges $99.99 for unlimited voice, $30 for data and anywhere from $5 to $20 for texting.
The good news for consumers is if T-Mobile rolls this plan out nationwide and does well, it could force other carriers to react. A national analyst, John Hodulik, predicts we'll see T-Mobile make such a move next month.
Why? T-Mobile is struggling to keep up with AT&T and Verizon and Sprint in the cell phone wars.
With its best-selling iPhone spearheading purchases, AT&T added 2.1 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Of those, 1.9 million were iPhone users.
Verizon added 1.4 million new users, but T-Mobile added far fewer: 621,000. That was down from 670,000 new customers in the third quarter and down from 951,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sprint/Nextel lost 1.3 million customers in the fourth quarter as cell phone users seem to be choosing sides: AT&T or Verizon.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A cheaper $99 iPhone by summer?
RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky reports today that consumers can expect a $99 iPhone this summer.
The current iPhones cost $199 for an 8-gigabyte model or $299 for a 16GB model with a two-year agreement with AT&T. Abramsky thinks a cheaper iPhone might increase Apple's global market share for smartphones from 12 percent (currently) to as much as 19 percent.
Abramsky said the new iPhone will not run on AT&T's faster 3G wireless network, instead using the older 2.5G version. But the $99 phone is expected to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as the same size screen. He predicts the new phone will have a lower resolution, but also a cheaper data plan -- one for $15 per month, half the current rate.
Apple doesn't comment on products in development.
The report says the current iPhone will keep its pricing while possibly adding new features like a better-looking screen, a video camera and more memory.
The current iPhones cost $199 for an 8-gigabyte model or $299 for a 16GB model with a two-year agreement with AT&T. Abramsky thinks a cheaper iPhone might increase Apple's global market share for smartphones from 12 percent (currently) to as much as 19 percent.
Abramsky said the new iPhone will not run on AT&T's faster 3G wireless network, instead using the older 2.5G version. But the $99 phone is expected to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as the same size screen. He predicts the new phone will have a lower resolution, but also a cheaper data plan -- one for $15 per month, half the current rate.
Apple doesn't comment on products in development.
The report says the current iPhone will keep its pricing while possibly adding new features like a better-looking screen, a video camera and more memory.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
How to be a movie director...and Vista's not all that bad after all
I love good party games, and Microsoft's latest – which relies on the included Xbox Live Vision camera to “film” scenes featuring you and your friends – is a pretty good one at times.
Here's the basic premise: The camera captures players as they participate in mini-games that basically have them moving around as though they have no sense of rhythm. Then you can edit these performances down to make short clips for everyone to laugh at, and you can even put the finished product on YouTube or DVD.
The good news is that setup is easy, and players can select everything from characters to how to light the scene. Unfortunately, the graphics aren't the best, you'll need a lot of room to film, and the camera has a hard time making people out sufficiently unless you're filming against backgrounds that are as blank as possible.
Also, while “You're in the Movies” is fun with a group, it's terribly boring – unless you want to play long enough to unlock enough scenes to edit and do voiceovers – by yourself. Even that's not much fun.
Still, when I played with a few friends, everyone was cracking up. This one's at least worth a rental.
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
$240-$400
When Microsoft Vista debuted two years back, I basically ignored it. I heard what many people were hearing: that Vista wasn't a worthy successor to Windows XP.
So I was a little surprised when I popped in a version of Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 last week. Security out of the box is solid, and the operating system – like most Windows setups – is easy to use and understand.
Ultimate comes with some pretty powerful backup tools to help you recover lost data, a much-needed and useful feature. There's also a heavy-duty data-encryption system, which can protect your personal information if your computer is lost or stolen, plus a super-easy way to search for files on your hard drive.
My favorite Vista feature was the redesigned Windows Media Center, which connects wirelessly to your Xbox 360 so you can enjoy photos, movies and music on the family TV.
I'm not saying this is a Mac OS X killer, but until Windows 7 (in beta testing) officially comes out later this year, it'll suffice.
Both the PC and the Mac handled the upgrade flawlessly (I used Boot Camp on the Mac). In the first few weeks of hard use, I suffered no crashes and it ran games very smoothly. My only quibble was that Vista initially didn't work with many of my programs – as you may have read – although in most cases I was able to update drivers and get everything going again.
Overall, Vista Ultimate does hog a lot of resources, but it is a bit better than XP.
Want more Games N Gadgets news? Visit http://langstonwertz.blogspot .com. Langston Wertz Jr: 704-358- 5133; lwertz@charlotteobserver.com
Here's the basic premise: The camera captures players as they participate in mini-games that basically have them moving around as though they have no sense of rhythm. Then you can edit these performances down to make short clips for everyone to laugh at, and you can even put the finished product on YouTube or DVD.
The good news is that setup is easy, and players can select everything from characters to how to light the scene. Unfortunately, the graphics aren't the best, you'll need a lot of room to film, and the camera has a hard time making people out sufficiently unless you're filming against backgrounds that are as blank as possible.
Also, while “You're in the Movies” is fun with a group, it's terribly boring – unless you want to play long enough to unlock enough scenes to edit and do voiceovers – by yourself. Even that's not much fun.
Still, when I played with a few friends, everyone was cracking up. This one's at least worth a rental.
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
$240-$400
When Microsoft Vista debuted two years back, I basically ignored it. I heard what many people were hearing: that Vista wasn't a worthy successor to Windows XP.
So I was a little surprised when I popped in a version of Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 last week. Security out of the box is solid, and the operating system – like most Windows setups – is easy to use and understand.
Ultimate comes with some pretty powerful backup tools to help you recover lost data, a much-needed and useful feature. There's also a heavy-duty data-encryption system, which can protect your personal information if your computer is lost or stolen, plus a super-easy way to search for files on your hard drive.
My favorite Vista feature was the redesigned Windows Media Center, which connects wirelessly to your Xbox 360 so you can enjoy photos, movies and music on the family TV.
I'm not saying this is a Mac OS X killer, but until Windows 7 (in beta testing) officially comes out later this year, it'll suffice.
Both the PC and the Mac handled the upgrade flawlessly (I used Boot Camp on the Mac). In the first few weeks of hard use, I suffered no crashes and it ran games very smoothly. My only quibble was that Vista initially didn't work with many of my programs – as you may have read – although in most cases I was able to update drivers and get everything going again.
Overall, Vista Ultimate does hog a lot of resources, but it is a bit better than XP.
Want more Games N Gadgets news? Visit http://langstonwertz.blogspot .com. Langston Wertz Jr: 704-358- 5133; lwertz@charlotteobserver.com
Video of Windows 7 in action
Looks pretty swift and slick to me. I can't wait to try it.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
And the first new "Madden 2010" feature is
As promised EA Sports revealed one of the new features in the new Madden football game at Super Bowl halftime. The new Madden is due out about six months from now.
That feature is "procedural awareness" and it should add a great deal to the realistic feel this new Madden team is promising.
Now, game developers have figured out how to tune how fast players switch between targets -- and make them behave accordingly.
Imagine really being able to "look off" a safety while controlling your quarterback and if the defensive back has his head turned, he's not going to react to make a specatular, if unrealistic interception on you anymore. Including in that feature is something EA calls "procedural attitudes," basically a player's face model changing realistically. So you'll see players' react more like their real-life counterparts.
Here are several videos to illustrate.
That feature is "procedural awareness" and it should add a great deal to the realistic feel this new Madden team is promising.
Now, game developers have figured out how to tune how fast players switch between targets -- and make them behave accordingly.
Imagine really being able to "look off" a safety while controlling your quarterback and if the defensive back has his head turned, he's not going to react to make a specatular, if unrealistic interception on you anymore. Including in that feature is something EA calls "procedural attitudes," basically a player's face model changing realistically. So you'll see players' react more like their real-life counterparts.
Here are several videos to illustrate.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
New Madden game info debuts at SuperBowl halftime
True story. I'm at home Saturday afternoon, watching Wake Forest get beat by Georgia Tech in ACC Basketball, Tech's first league win of the year, and my phone keeps ringing.
Four readers called me or emailed me to let me know that at halftime of Sunday's Super Bowl game, some EA Sports officials will release official information about the upcoming edition of the best-selling football game, Madden 2010.
Turns out that new Madden developer Ian Cummings has been on a message board conversing with fans, which is pretty cool.
Cummings promises that the 2010 version will be a mimic of what you see on Sunday afternoons.
"Everything you see on Sunday, see it in Madden NFL,” Cummings wrote. "What does that mean?...We have one goal, and that is to make an NFL football game that is as true to life as possible.
"We aren’t about gimmicks; we aren’t about fluff; we aren’t about catering to glitchers or cheaters. We’re focused on emulating what you as an NFL fan are used to seeing on TV, and what many of you players and coaches have seen on the field. For every single update we provide you with throughout this year, feel free to call us out if anything doesn’t stand up to our new mantra."
This sounds promising. So he promises to reveal details at halftime of the Big Game tomorrow. I'm not a Bruce Springsteen fan anyway, so I think I'll go see if he delivers what he's been promising.
Four readers called me or emailed me to let me know that at halftime of Sunday's Super Bowl game, some EA Sports officials will release official information about the upcoming edition of the best-selling football game, Madden 2010.
Turns out that new Madden developer Ian Cummings has been on a message board conversing with fans, which is pretty cool.
Cummings promises that the 2010 version will be a mimic of what you see on Sunday afternoons.
"Everything you see on Sunday, see it in Madden NFL,” Cummings wrote. "What does that mean?...We have one goal, and that is to make an NFL football game that is as true to life as possible.
"We aren’t about gimmicks; we aren’t about fluff; we aren’t about catering to glitchers or cheaters. We’re focused on emulating what you as an NFL fan are used to seeing on TV, and what many of you players and coaches have seen on the field. For every single update we provide you with throughout this year, feel free to call us out if anything doesn’t stand up to our new mantra."
This sounds promising. So he promises to reveal details at halftime of the Big Game tomorrow. I'm not a Bruce Springsteen fan anyway, so I think I'll go see if he delivers what he's been promising.
Is iPhone the best hand held gaming system?
According to ZDNet, computer giant Apple is working on a very powerful new iPhone that could hit stores later this year.
The new phone, currently about as powerful as Sony's excellent PlayStation Portable, would be more than twice as powerful, capable of rendering graphics – and games – better than anything before it in the portable gaming world.
And unlike the PSP or Nintendo DS, the iPhone allows gamers to download games via Apple's App Store, which users can access wirelessly or on their computer.
Currently, the games on iPhone are pretty good, but not very complex. The phone, in a sense, can act as a joystick. You can tilt it to control on-screen action. Racing games come off especially well – while holding it horizontally, the phone becomes like a steering wheel and creates a very realistic playing experience.
Some games I've seen add a little directional control on the touch-screen pad, similar to the one you would use playing a traditional handheld or console game. So far, I've found those to be rather clunky, and I'm not sure if you could (or would want to) try to play, say, a sports game – or anything that requires a lot of button presses – on the iPhone.
But you can buy mainstream games for the iPhone right now for as little as $9.99, and they can be ready to play within seconds. The delivery is faster and the games cost about three times less than most PSP and DS titles.
It'll be interesting to see where this goes. Apple needs to update the iPhone, adding things like cut-and-paste, multimedia instant messaging, and a QWERTY keyboard that works in landscape mode (to make typing e-mails easier). Battery life is also an issue. But with those fixes and a more-powerful gaming core, many might be willing to make the switch.
‘Guitar Hero: Metallica' arriving soon
Activision's “Guitar Hero: Metallica” hits stores this spring with more than 45 songs from the band's history, including tracks from every studio album it's ever recorded. The game will also feature artists selected by the band to be in the game, like Queen, Foo Fighters, Bob Seger and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Socially conscious video games
Advanced Micro Devices, a next-gen computer company, has created a new suite of socially conscious games about the environment, energy consumption, poverty and health. The free kit is at http://gamesforchange.org/toolkit. The company, which is targeting 13- to 18-year-olds, is hoping to inspire young people to do more with video games than destroy monsters or outrace virtual cars.
It's not the blood, it's the challenge
A University of Rochester psychology study shows that it's the challenge games provide, not the carnage, that makes gaming entertaining. The study by Rochester's Immersyve Inc. found that gore detracts from a game's fun factor. More than 2,500 gamers were surveyed.
Get more Games N Gadgets news at http://langstonwertz.blogspot.com.
The new phone, currently about as powerful as Sony's excellent PlayStation Portable, would be more than twice as powerful, capable of rendering graphics – and games – better than anything before it in the portable gaming world.
And unlike the PSP or Nintendo DS, the iPhone allows gamers to download games via Apple's App Store, which users can access wirelessly or on their computer.
Currently, the games on iPhone are pretty good, but not very complex. The phone, in a sense, can act as a joystick. You can tilt it to control on-screen action. Racing games come off especially well – while holding it horizontally, the phone becomes like a steering wheel and creates a very realistic playing experience.
Some games I've seen add a little directional control on the touch-screen pad, similar to the one you would use playing a traditional handheld or console game. So far, I've found those to be rather clunky, and I'm not sure if you could (or would want to) try to play, say, a sports game – or anything that requires a lot of button presses – on the iPhone.
But you can buy mainstream games for the iPhone right now for as little as $9.99, and they can be ready to play within seconds. The delivery is faster and the games cost about three times less than most PSP and DS titles.
It'll be interesting to see where this goes. Apple needs to update the iPhone, adding things like cut-and-paste, multimedia instant messaging, and a QWERTY keyboard that works in landscape mode (to make typing e-mails easier). Battery life is also an issue. But with those fixes and a more-powerful gaming core, many might be willing to make the switch.
‘Guitar Hero: Metallica' arriving soon
Activision's “Guitar Hero: Metallica” hits stores this spring with more than 45 songs from the band's history, including tracks from every studio album it's ever recorded. The game will also feature artists selected by the band to be in the game, like Queen, Foo Fighters, Bob Seger and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Socially conscious video games
Advanced Micro Devices, a next-gen computer company, has created a new suite of socially conscious games about the environment, energy consumption, poverty and health. The free kit is at http://gamesforchange.org/toolkit. The company, which is targeting 13- to 18-year-olds, is hoping to inspire young people to do more with video games than destroy monsters or outrace virtual cars.
It's not the blood, it's the challenge
A University of Rochester psychology study shows that it's the challenge games provide, not the carnage, that makes gaming entertaining. The study by Rochester's Immersyve Inc. found that gore detracts from a game's fun factor. More than 2,500 gamers were surveyed.
Get more Games N Gadgets news at http://langstonwertz.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
New iPhone, iPod Touch upgrades; iLife 09 debuts
On the same day that computer giant Apple released its new iLife '09 software, the company dropped an update to the iPhone and iPod touch.
The company, which released the patches Tuesday, says update 2.2.1 improves the stability of the Safari Internet browswer and corrects an issue where photos do not display correctly.
iLife '09 is Apple's photo, movie and Web site creation suite.
The software can organize your photos based on the actual faces that appear in them, and shares to Facebook with one click. iMovie includes themes to help make movies easily. Apple promises its included GarageBand '09 software will help teach you to play an instrument or create a song, and the Web site creation tool has been refined to be easier to use. Users of Apple's MobileMe service, which pushes e-mail and calendar appointments to a user's mobile phone and computer simultaneously, will have access to 20 gigabytes of storage space online.
The company, which released the patches Tuesday, says update 2.2.1 improves the stability of the Safari Internet browswer and corrects an issue where photos do not display correctly.
iLife '09 is Apple's photo, movie and Web site creation suite.
The software can organize your photos based on the actual faces that appear in them, and shares to Facebook with one click. iMovie includes themes to help make movies easily. Apple promises its included GarageBand '09 software will help teach you to play an instrument or create a song, and the Web site creation tool has been refined to be easier to use. Users of Apple's MobileMe service, which pushes e-mail and calendar appointments to a user's mobile phone and computer simultaneously, will have access to 20 gigabytes of storage space online.
Hyundai joins HD Radio movement
Just as satellite radio is becoming more commonplace in new cars, HD radio is gaining some acceptance, too.
Unlike satellite radio, HD radio doesn't require a subscription. And while satellite radio offers strictly national programming, HD Radio is more locally based. For instance, local sports channel WFNZ (610 AM), which has a weak signal over the air, simulcasts on one of the HD channels used by Power 98 (WPEG FM), providing anyone with the HD receiver a clear and strong signal throughout the Charlotte area. Bonus? It's in stereo.
There are more than 1,800 HD radio stations in the U.S.
Wednesday, Hyundai Motor America extended its commitment to HD radio, joining companies like Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Scion, MINI, Jaguar, Kia and BMW that make it an option on some models.
Hyundai is offering HD radio on its new Genesis sedans equipped with navigation systems. For the 2010 model year, the company will offer on it on non-navi Genesis and in 2011, Hyundai plans to offer it across many other models in its lineup.
Unlike satellite radio, HD radio doesn't require a subscription. And while satellite radio offers strictly national programming, HD Radio is more locally based. For instance, local sports channel WFNZ (610 AM), which has a weak signal over the air, simulcasts on one of the HD channels used by Power 98 (WPEG FM), providing anyone with the HD receiver a clear and strong signal throughout the Charlotte area. Bonus? It's in stereo.
There are more than 1,800 HD radio stations in the U.S.
Wednesday, Hyundai Motor America extended its commitment to HD radio, joining companies like Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Scion, MINI, Jaguar, Kia and BMW that make it an option on some models.
Hyundai is offering HD radio on its new Genesis sedans equipped with navigation systems. For the 2010 model year, the company will offer on it on non-navi Genesis and in 2011, Hyundai plans to offer it across many other models in its lineup.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Download Bruce Springsteen's new song for free
Bruce Springsteen is coming to Guitar Hero: World Tour.
Coinciding with the release of his new album, "Working on a Dream," two songs by the Boss will be released for "Guitar Hero: World Tour" on Jan 27.
The Bruce Springsteen Track Pack features the classic "Born to Run" and a new track, "My Lucky Day." The tunes will be available to Xbox, PlayStation and Wii owners as a free download between Jan. 27 and Feb. 4. On Feb. 5, it'll cost gamers between $3 and $4, depending on which system they own.
To get the downloads, you'll need access to each system's online store.
Haven't tried the game? "Guitar Hero: World Tour" has a redesigned guitar controller, a drum kit, a microphone and includes a "Music Creator" that lets players record, edit and share their music. Bands can compete head-to-head online.
Coinciding with the release of his new album, "Working on a Dream," two songs by the Boss will be released for "Guitar Hero: World Tour" on Jan 27.
The Bruce Springsteen Track Pack features the classic "Born to Run" and a new track, "My Lucky Day." The tunes will be available to Xbox, PlayStation and Wii owners as a free download between Jan. 27 and Feb. 4. On Feb. 5, it'll cost gamers between $3 and $4, depending on which system they own.
To get the downloads, you'll need access to each system's online store.
Haven't tried the game? "Guitar Hero: World Tour" has a redesigned guitar controller, a drum kit, a microphone and includes a "Music Creator" that lets players record, edit and share their music. Bands can compete head-to-head online.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Kids survey: I'll be a pro athlete
Ran across a telling stat in a press release to promote a videogame today.
Seems that Nintendo commissioned Wakefield Research to interview 400 kids via telephone about their feelings about math. The kids were between nine and 14 years old and the survey was conducted Dec. 12-23 of last year, when most were out on holiday break.
The results were disturbing:
One in five kids believed they were more likely to become a pro athlete than get an A or B in math class.
More than one-third said math was their most difficult subject. Nearly one-third had negative feelings about the subject; 18 percent said math was boring and 13 percent called it, ahem, "torture."
Of course, Nintendo wants to "help" all the children of America with its new "Personal Trainer: Math" videogame for the Nintendo DS that it promises will "provide a fun and rewarding way for people to improve their basic math abilities."
Now, my kids are going to play videogames regardless, so maybe it's better they learn a little math rather than trying to kill the zombies in some fictional Texas town.
The game has 40 fast-paced exercises, using basic addition and multiplication and works its way to more more extensive multiplication tables and calculation ladders. There are daily math drills to keep users' skills sharp and attendance records for users to see how they improve week to week and month to month.
I haven't tried this game yet, and I hope to, but it looks promising and here's hoping more game-makers can stop all the bomb-and-gouge games for a second to develop a few games, like this one, that will help develop our kids' minds instead of just their hand-eye coordination.
Seems that Nintendo commissioned Wakefield Research to interview 400 kids via telephone about their feelings about math. The kids were between nine and 14 years old and the survey was conducted Dec. 12-23 of last year, when most were out on holiday break.
The results were disturbing:
One in five kids believed they were more likely to become a pro athlete than get an A or B in math class.
More than one-third said math was their most difficult subject. Nearly one-third had negative feelings about the subject; 18 percent said math was boring and 13 percent called it, ahem, "torture."
Of course, Nintendo wants to "help" all the children of America with its new "Personal Trainer: Math" videogame for the Nintendo DS that it promises will "provide a fun and rewarding way for people to improve their basic math abilities."
Now, my kids are going to play videogames regardless, so maybe it's better they learn a little math rather than trying to kill the zombies in some fictional Texas town.
The game has 40 fast-paced exercises, using basic addition and multiplication and works its way to more more extensive multiplication tables and calculation ladders. There are daily math drills to keep users' skills sharp and attendance records for users to see how they improve week to week and month to month.
I haven't tried this game yet, and I hope to, but it looks promising and here's hoping more game-makers can stop all the bomb-and-gouge games for a second to develop a few games, like this one, that will help develop our kids' minds instead of just their hand-eye coordination.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
