When making a modernized remake of a classic game, there are several important factors to remember. One: include a upbeat, generic techno soundtrack. Two: Put lots of crazy hallucinogenic images and colors flying around in the background. Three: make slight, marginal improvements to the gameplay. Square Enix definitely incorporated these design rules into the new Space Invaders Extreme remake, and manages to take a classic series and reinvent it in a way that while lacking in originality, definitely makes up for that by presenting a very flowing, addictive gameplay. The first thing players will notice about the new game is how much the visual aesthetics and music borrow heavily from the trend pioneered by games like Rez, Lumines and Pop. (Read the full post about ‘Review: Space Invaders Extreme for PSP’…)
Stress is a huge part of everyday living. I’ve seen a lot of ways people relieve themselves of it–from breaking plates to sweating it out to sleeping on it until it ebbs away. But what about for those of us who sit in front of the computer for long periods of time. Professionals working in front of a screen could get so tired of the monitor, there are times when there’s this pressing desire to smash it to bits. That, of course, is not an option unless you can afford replacing computer parts every few months. With the help of ScreenSmasher though, you smash your monitor without actually breaking it. ScreenSmasher is a software which shows you a realistic smashed monitor complete with appropriate sound effects. (Read the full post about ‘Stressed? Smash Your Monitor As a Stress-Reliever’…)
Even though I cringed with each pull on a $5 slot machine, I still like the idea of Cantor Gaming’s new eDeck handheld gambling device. Available for high rollers (i.e., those who wrap chewed gum in $50 bills to play trash-can basketball with), the mobile gaming unit taps into the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and allows gamblers to play slots, blackjack, and other games from the High Limit Slot Salon. Why would this appeal to someone like me, who now sticks to quarter slots? Sentimental reasons, really. First, my husband and I got married at the Venetian. Second, my parents go to Vegas three to four times a year (no joke) because my mom loves to gamble. Third, my best friend lives in Vegas. (Read the full post about ‘eDeck: Real mobile gambling for Venetian high rollers’…)
It goes without saying that having some sort of car-based computer these days is the in-thing, as in-dash DVD players don’t just make the cut any more. KNGT of Korea has just launched a new multimedia-capable car PC known as icom MK1, and this will be powered by Windows XP. It will come with a 6.95″ wide touch screen display (why can’t they just use a 7″ display instead beats me) at 800 x 480 resolution, an on-screen keyboard, and Wi-Fi connectivity that is able to stay connected via telecommunication service providers such as SK, KT and Nespot. You ought not to get lost with the icom MK1 since it boasts an Internet map for you to get around. (Read the full post about ‘KNGT icom MK1 car computer’…)
Some people buy them for the comfort or features, and some just to make a statement. Here is good news for the luxury car aficionados. Although the head-turning Alfa Romeo Bertone BAT 11 coupe was conceived only as a concept outside the 2008 Geneva motor show, those behind the sexy roadster are now considering producing it. The car was revealed during a press event a weekend before the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours D’Elegance. The car was was designed around the chassis and running gear of the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The most important thing about this amazing design concept is that no more than 25 or 50 would be produced, going mostly to customers in Russia, China, the Middle East, and North America. (Read the full post about ‘Alfa Romeo Bertone BAT 11 Concept heads for limited production’…)
Blizzard’s annual convention BlizzCon is extremely popular with gamers and getting a ticket is not only expensive, but likely very dificult unless you act quickly. So if you can’t make it to the Anaheim Convention Center, California between October 10-11, or you can’t afford the US$100 entrance fee, there is some good news.
For the first time Blizzard has done a deal that will see BlizzCon televised. The service is being offered through DIRECTV on a pay per view basis, and even though pricing has yet to be announced, they are promising 8 hours per day of HD BlizzCon footage.
The FCC has revealed information on a new clamshell cell phone crom ZTE Corporation of China - the A139+. This handset looks set to be a working man’s model if it is ever released, since the functions are all but the bare necessities, although it will probably be attractively priced to garner its fair share of buyers. (Read the full post about ‘FCC Carries ZTE A139+’…)
Christmas might come early to the people in North America as HTC prepares itself to launch a GSM HTC Touch Diamond model before December 25th, shortly after receiving a certification from the US FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Originally, HTC was supposed to market its CDMA Touch Diamond model in North America only, although a recent firmware update has managed to unlock the 850MHz frequency. Well, only time will tell, but there’s no harm in saving up from today onwards. Tags: DAB, wi-fi, dap, lcd (Read the full post about ‘GSM HTC Touch Diamond Could Launch’…)
This is one arcade cabinet that will definitely elicit more than just a long sigh of admiration from geeks - it has been lovingly built based on the iconic blue Police Box which looks pretty ordinary on the outside but sucks you into a world of imaginary heroes and foes the moment you step inside. Of course, it won’t chew through your collection of quarters since it is a Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) machine, but still, this is one impressive hack. Tags: lcd, DAB, AAC, cellphone (Read the full post about ‘Unique Arcade Cabinet Stuff of Dreams’…)
