Games

Atari’s Asteroids on the iPad

January 7, 2011 by noemi

There is something to be said about retro consoles and games. While this sector has made leaps and bounds, and consumers are demanding more (graphics, game play, etc.), a trip back to the past is always a welcome change every now and then.

Ion – that manufacturer responsible for “high tech turntables” – has come up with a new dock that will satisfy the nostalgic feelings of every gamer out there. The dock is meant for the iPad and will turn this ultramodern gadget into a console reminiscent of the past. It will allow you to play Atari’s Asteroids and even give you realistic buttons and knobs.

Just to refresh your memory, Asteroids was released as a video arcade game in 1979. The two dimensional game has a simple premise that it easily caught on and soon became the best selling game of all time. The idea is that the player controls a spaceship that flies through fields of asteroids. Flying saucers also come into the screen. The player has to shoot at the asteroids and flying saucers with the aim of destroying them without crashing into them.

Drooling now? Watch the demo video below, and I am sure that you will be wanting the dock for your iPad.

Santa Can’t Deliver Nintendo 3DS This Year

September 30, 2010 by noemi

Come on now, you’re not really surprised are you? After all, most – if not all – electronics manufacturers do experience delays every now and then. Sony and Microsoft are pretty much the same way – why not Nintendo?

Anyhow, news about the Nintendo 3Ds has been going around for a while now, which, of course, has excited many a Nintendo fan. The improved version of the Nintendo handheld gaming console promises a 3D experience to every gamer without having the neeed for 3D glasses. Now isn’t that something?

Unfortunately, Nintendo just announced that we are not going to see the new console by Christmas. This is, of course, a disappointment to the fans who have been dreaming of getting a new portable gaming device from Santa this year. On a more practical note, this move also means big losses for Nintendo. But who cares about their losses when you can’t have your wish for the holidays?

There’s not much that you can do about it, though, except to wait for March if you’re in the United Kingdom – and the rest of Europe. If you’re in Japan, then the wait is a bit shorter, as the console will be released by February. The reason for the delay?

Satoru Iwata, Nintendo president says: “At first we thought it would be desirable to launch the 3DS within the year, so we made our forecasts on that basis. At this point it is clear that if we launch within the year, we will not be able to supply enough units.”

Whether or not it’s the real reason, you might want to save some of your Christmas money for February or March, whichever the case may be.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

September 28, 2010 by noemi

Can’t get enough of speed? Of course, the average person (READ: you and I) may never get to experience what the boys at the Singapore GP experienced over the last weekend, but good thing we have the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PC to provide vicarious gaming experiences. Come the 26th of October, we are going to be treated to something that just might whet our virtual appetites – Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, from Electronic Arts and Criterion Studios.

Not that the game is anything like the F1 races, but it has been touted as THE game that will bring back some life into the Need for Speed Franchise, which has seen a decline in the recent years. The question is: will this new release really make the franchise more interesting to players?

Here’s one video (of several) which will show you what is in store for us in the next month:

You have to admit – that is pretty impressive. I also have read that the game will not be too focused on the storyline, but instead highlight the fact that cops and players have to perform as best they can to level up. I like how simple that is, without the complication of plots that seem to be a tad too put on. Maybe it’s just me, but when storylines are not excellently crafted, it’s better not to have much of one at all?

In any case, for those in Europe, the game will be released a little later – November 19. In the meantime, enjoy the video and get ready to satisfy (and increase) your need for speed!

PlayStation Move: Will It Replace the Wii?

September 8, 2010 by noemi

No one can deny just how much Nintendo has changed the face of the gaming landscape, thanks to the Wii. It was only a matter of time before other manufacturers developed something similar, and lo and behold, we are about to see Sony’s answer: the PlayStation Move. News about this game controller platform started circulating mid last year, but now, we have something more concrete.

This time next week, PlayStation Move will be released. Testers have already tried out the platform, and it seems that Sony just might beat Nintendo in terms of hardware. This is hardly surprising, as hardcore gamers have always looked down on the capabilities of the Nintendo Wii. The big drawback to PlayStation Move, however, is the lack of games that will entice people to line up for it on the first day of its arrival.

Hardware-wise, PlayStation Move is very responsive and easy to use. It makes use of the PlayStation Eye, which will serve as the sensor to detect your motions when you use the controller, which is eerily similar to the Wii-mote. For gamers who complain that you can excel in Wii Sports without much difficulty, you might enjoy the need for accuracy when playing Sports Champions on PlayStation Move. Based on reports, even a slight flick of your wrist will make a difference in the outcome of the game! (Needless to say, Sports Champions is much like Wii Sports – no surprise there.)

There isn’t much by way of other game titles as of now, but if anything, we know that Sony’s game consoles tend to start out as slow as a turtle. My bet is that Move will soon catch up. Who knows? It might even replace the Wii!

Photo credit: Product Reviews

3 Android Games You Need to Have

August 4, 2010 by noemi

While we’re on the topic of Android phones, why don’t we take a look at some of the apps that are getting lots of people addicted as I write? While it’s true that iPhone apps are very addictive and that their graphics can be quite impressive, there are Android games out there that can keep you glued to your phone as well. Here are three of those games.

Bonsai Blast
There are many reasons this game is the first on the list. One, it’s free. Two, it’s completely addictive. It is just like Zuma in terms of graphics and gameplay. You’ll see marbles of different colors and blow them up by matching the patterns. Simple but you can spend hours playing the game.

Speed Forge 3D
This one costs $4.99, but people who’ve played it say it’s worth the small price you have to pay. It’s a racing game that is set in the future, in the Red Planet. The bored citizens have turned to racing for entertainment. Some users have likened the game to Wipeout. There are 6 tracks, 3 different vehicles, and weapons as well. The graphics are in full 3D.

Zenonia
Korean company Gamevil is the one behind this acclaimed mobile RPG. According to critics, the game’s richness of detail is nothing short of amazing. Wikipedia describes the game: Zenonia’s protagonist is Regret, a young man whose origins are initially unknown. His primary mission in the game is to find the reason for the death of his adoptive father at the hands of a demon and subsequently a more powerful evil that is at work.

If you haven’t gotten these games yet, what’s stopping you?