Archive for February, 2009
Flower Impressions
Posted by Tosh in Flower, Game Impressions on February 18th, 2009
I caved and bought Flower, and I’m glad I did actually. The SIXAXIS implementation in the game is very well done, very natural and easy to jump right in. You only have one button to worry about (any button will do), and that just makes the wind faster.
There is no risk of failure either, so anyone can play this game. There are some tense moments though. Plenty of trophies in Flower, most of them are very easy to achieve. The “Pure” trophy is a tuff one, I’m still working on it.
The graphics, sound fx, and music in the game are great. The grass effects are the best I’ve seen. It’s fun to just fly high in the sky and look at the environment below. Each level is unique and fun to explore. The last level is great too, I wish it ended a little different. But it still has a good ending. I don’t want to say to much about the levels to keep this spoiler free for you. But I can see myself going back to play this off and on.
There are six levels total, 7 if you include the credits. BTW, interactive credits should be the standard in all games, so fun 
I remember that even Golden Axe in the Sega Genesis days had interactive credits, lol …. anyway.
Screen shots and trailers don’t do this game justice. You must experience it first hand. Is it worth $9.99? Yes it is. I don’t regret buying it at all. I noticed several people on my buddy list playing it as well. I’d call this game more of a artful, relaxing, zen experience than an “game”. It’s another great unique game to have in the PSN store.
Games Night #7 – Tonight – Change of Game?
Posted by Blackstaffer in Game Night on February 18th, 2009
Edit: I noticed that we only have one person interested in playing CoD4 tonight. Would more people be interested if we switched to CoD5 or Burnout Paradise?
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Okay guys. I just came back from a relaxing weekend visiting my parents with my family. I ate too much good food including too many pieces of homemade blueberry cheesecake. So I need to work off some calories with some good virtual exercise. (That works, doesn’t it?)
So tonight will be Games Night #7. We’ll be playing CoD4.
As always, we’ll meet in Home first to chat it up. But at 10pm EST sharp I’ll get into CoD4 and wait for people to join the game so that I can invite them. If you’re not already a PSN friend, send me (Blackstaffer) an invite before 9:30pm EST and make sure to mention Games Night.
Also as always, please don’t forget to use your headset. We’re trying to get a group of regulars together and we want to get to know one another.
One more thing: please reply to tell me you’re interested and please don’t forget. And tell me what kind of game type you want to play. If nobody says anything I’ll just set up a bunch of Headquarters games.
Arcade Racers + Music Genres
Posted by Darrin in Uncategorized on February 18th, 2009
2008 was an awesome year for arcade racers. What’s interesting is that every racer has an identity that closely matches a distinct genre of popular music. I’m not just talking about the bundled soundtrack (which can often be user-customized), but the setting, atmosphere, artwork, dialog, and racing style.
Does this sound about right? Am I missing any?
Lost & Damned: Full Monty
Posted by Darrin in Uncategorized on February 17th, 2009
This GTA 4 DLC isn’t scheduled for PS3 release yet, but it looks good.
The nudity in this shot definitely isn’t appealing, but the scene shows that Rockstar North wondeful sarcastic writing style that they are known for. Hopefully, this, or some other quality Rockstar North content, will come to the PS3 6-12 months later.
Does Bluetooth Have a Future in Remote Controls?
Posted by Darrin in Uncategorized on February 17th, 2009
Currently, IR remotes are standard on almost all consumer electronic devices. IR technology is dirt cheap, doesn’t require a “pairing” step, and is universally standard.
Bluetooth, on the other hand, has a few advantages
- No need for direct line of sight
- Two-way data transfer
- Higher bandwidth: devices can transmit audio feeds, Internet-quality video feeds, and all kinds of data files.
- Wide device support among remote headsets, microphones, and cell phones.
LG recently announced a Bluetooth-oriented HDTV, and is touting the benefits of Bluetooth remotes, but outside of that, in the two years since PS3 and Wii launched with Bluetooth remotes, there has been very minimal product support as an IR remote replacement. I would have expected the high end universal remotes to offer hybrid IR/Bluetooth products, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.
So, what is your vote?
First Killzone 2 TV ad
Posted by Tosh in Killzone 2 on February 16th, 2009
Short but to the point, the first of many more to come I’m sure.
X Men Origins Wolverine Gameplay
Posted by Tosh in X-Men Origins: Wolverine on February 16th, 2009
I’m liking what I see so far 
Does PS3 need it’s own “App Store”?
Posted by Darrin in Uncategorized on February 15th, 2009
Apple iPhone’s application store is notorious. Every other smart phone vendor either has an app store or has public plans to launch such a store.
The core idea is simple: a centralized hub for a diverse selection of third-party developed applications for all kinds of niche uses.
Obviously, the PS3 has a store, but it’s only for games and video content and only features Sony sanctioned content.
Imagine all kinds of custom apps that could be offered.
- Integration with non-Sony music stores such as iTunes and Amazon.
- Integration with non-Sony video stores such as Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix.
- Media hub enhancements. DVD ripping, better codec support
- Native IM and telephony clients.
- Custom web browser based on Firefox or WebKit
- Native clients to access Zoho or Google Docs, so it’s more practical to do cloud word processing or spreadsheet work with a USB keyboard + mouse.
- Photo editor, high quality text editor, and other staple PC apps that could make the PS3 a more capable web PC.
So what do you think? Great idea? Would Sony ever do this or would this jeopardize Sony control over the platform?
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