Treyarch has released 2 new screenshots for the zombie mode in the upcoming Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2. It has also been announced they will be going into detail about the full game mode tomorrow. Check out the pictures at the following link and check back tomorrow for more on the full details that Treyarch releases.
SOURCE: http://venturebeat.com/2012/09/25/treyarch-debut-black-ops-ii-zombies-tomorrow/
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
New Release Movies
New Release Movies
One of the biggest movies of the year hits shelves today!The Avengers:
The Asgardian Loki encounters the Other, the leader of an extraterrestrial race known as the Chitauri. In exchange for retrieving the Tesseract, a powerful energy source of unknown potential, the Other promises Loki a Chitauri army with which he can subjugate the Earth. Nick Fury, director of the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D., and his lieutenant Agent Maria Hill arrive at a remote research facility during an evacuation, where physicist Dr. Erik Selvig is leading a research team experimenting on the Tesseract. Agent Phil Coulson explains that the object has begun radiating an unusual form of energy. The Tesseract suddenly activates and opens a portal, allowing Loki to reach Earth. Loki takes the Tesseract and uses his scepter to enslave Selvig and several agents, including Clint Barton, to aid him in his getaway.
In response to the attack, Fury reactivates the "Avengers Initiative". Agent Natasha Romanoff is sent to Calcutta to recruit Dr. Bruce Banner to trace the Tesseract through its gamma radiation emissions. Coulson visits Tony Stark to have him review Selvig's research, and Fury approaches Steve Rogers with an assignment to retrieve the Tesseract. While Barton steals iridium needed to stabilize the Tesseract's power, Loki causes a distraction in Stuttgart leading to a confrontation with Rogers, Stark, and Romanoff that ends with Loki's surrender. While Loki is being escorted to S.H.I.E.L.D., Thor, his adoptive brother, arrives and frees him hoping to convince him to abandon his plan and return to Asgard. After a confrontation with Stark and Rogers, Thor agrees to take Loki to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s flying aircraft carrier, the Helicarrier. There Loki is imprisoned while scientists Banner and Stark attempt to locate the Tesseract.
The Avengers become divided, both over how to approach Loki and the revelation that S.H.I.E.L.D. plans to harness the Tesseract to develop weapons as a deterrent against hostile extra-terrestrials. As the group argues, Barton and Loki's other possessed agents attack the Helicarrier, disabling its engines in flight and causing Banner to transform into the Hulk. Stark and Rogers try to restart the damaged engines, and Thor attempts to stop the Hulk's rampage. Romanoff fights Barton, and knocks him unconscious, breaking Loki's mind control. Loki escapes after killing Coulson and ejecting Thor from the airship, while the Hulk falls to the ground after attacking a S.H.I.E.L.D. fighter jet. Fury uses Coulson's death to motivate the Avengers into working as a team. Stark and Rogers realize that simply defeating them will not be enough for Loki; he needs to overpower them publicly to validate himself as ruler of Earth. Loki uses the Tesseract, in conjunction with a device Selvig built, to open a portal above Stark Tower to the Chitauri fleet in space, launching his invasion.
The Avengers rally in defense of New York City, the location of the portal, but quickly realize they will be overwhelmed as wave after wave of Chitauri descend upon Earth. Rogers, Stark, and Thor evacuate civilians with assistance from Barton, while Banner transforms back into the Hulk and goes after Loki, eventually beating him into submission. Romanoff makes her way to the portal, where Selvig, freed of Loki’s control, reveals that Loki's scepter can be used to close the portal. Meanwhile, Fury's superiors attempt to end the invasion by launching a nuclear missile at Manhattan. Stark intercepts the missile and takes it through the portal toward the Chitauri fleet. The missile detonates, destroying the invaders' lead ship which disables their forces on Earth. Stark's suit runs out of power and he falls back through the portal, but the Hulk saves him from crashing to the ground. Romanoff deactivates the portal to prevent further invasion. In the aftermath, Thor returns Loki and the Tesseract to Asgard. Fury notes that the Avengers will return when they are needed.
Even after seeing this movie in one of the worst theaters in the world, and after someone kicked the projector and made it go about 1 foot off the screen, the movie was still amazing. This is probably one of the best movies i've seen from marvel and they way they incorporated everyone in the movie was great! One slight problem i did have was they did not keep the character the same person for the hulk was probably wasn't the best choice but still a great movie! Highly recommend it, 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Upcoming games Fall 2012
Upcoming games Fall 2012
Halo 4:
Assassin's Creed 3:
The main portion of Assassin's Creed III will be set before, during and after the American Revolution from 1753 to 1783, featuring a new protagonist: half-English and half-Native American, Connor Kenway, birth name Ratonhnhaké:ton (pronounced "Ra-doon-ha-gay-doon"). In addition to the historical period, the game will also feature the "present day" setting, where series' protagonist Desmond Miles must endeavour to prevent the 2012 apocalypse, as his story will develop and then reach a conclusion. Players will also experience more Desmond than in any previous titles. The game features a new engine, Anvil Next, built from the ground up, the engine is said to utilise full capability of current generation systems to deliver a "next-gen Assassin's Creed experience.
The main portion of Assassin's Creed III will be set before, during and after the American Revolution from 1753 to 1783, featuring a new protagonist: half-English and half-Native American, Connor Kenway, birth name Ratonhnhaké:ton (pronounced "Ra-doon-ha-gay-doon"). In addition to the historical period, the game will also feature the "present day" setting, where series' protagonist Desmond Miles must endeavour to prevent the 2012 apocalypse, as his story will develop and then reach a conclusion. Players will also experience more Desmond than in any previous titles. The game features a new engine, Anvil Next, built from the ground up, the engine is said to utilise full capability of current generation systems to deliver a "next-gen Assassin's Creed experience.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2:
The single-player campaign will feature two connected storylines, one set in the 1970s through 1980s and the other in 2025. The protagonist of Black Ops, Alex Mason returns as the protagonist in the Cold War section, where he will be fighting in proxy wars for the United States in the Cold War. Known locations for this section of the game include multiple sites in Central America, Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion and Angola. This section of the game will also see the rise to infamy of the game's primary antagonist, Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan narco-terrorist and the leader of "Cordis Die", a populist movement celebrated as the champions of victims of economic inequality. Mason's friend and colleague Frank Woods will also return, and narrate the story into the 2025 section of the game.
The 2025 section of the game features Alex Mason's son David as a protagonist. When a cyberattack cripples the Chinese Stock Exchange, China bans the export of rare earth elements, which in turn leads to a new Cold War between China and the United States. In this era, war is defined by robotics, cyberwarfare, unmanned vehicles and other futuristic technology. Taking advantage of this stand-off, Menendez attempts to bring the two powers to a full-blown war by inciting conflicts between the two. Known locations for this section of the game include Los Angeles, Singapore and Socotra, Yemen.
The single-player campaign will feature two connected storylines, one set in the 1970s through 1980s and the other in 2025. The protagonist of Black Ops, Alex Mason returns as the protagonist in the Cold War section, where he will be fighting in proxy wars for the United States in the Cold War. Known locations for this section of the game include multiple sites in Central America, Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion and Angola. This section of the game will also see the rise to infamy of the game's primary antagonist, Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan narco-terrorist and the leader of "Cordis Die", a populist movement celebrated as the champions of victims of economic inequality. Mason's friend and colleague Frank Woods will also return, and narrate the story into the 2025 section of the game.
The 2025 section of the game features Alex Mason's son David as a protagonist. When a cyberattack cripples the Chinese Stock Exchange, China bans the export of rare earth elements, which in turn leads to a new Cold War between China and the United States. In this era, war is defined by robotics, cyberwarfare, unmanned vehicles and other futuristic technology. Taking advantage of this stand-off, Menendez attempts to bring the two powers to a full-blown war by inciting conflicts between the two. Known locations for this section of the game include Los Angeles, Singapore and Socotra, Yemen.
The Last Of Us:
The Last of Us begins in a Boston quarantine zone twenty years after a fungal plague called Cordyceps unilateralis mutated to become contagious to humans and devastated modern civilization. Ellie, a 14-year-old orphan, resides in a strict boarding house, and Joel, who is a black market dealer within the quarantine zone, sells weapons and drugs. After an unknown traumatic event occurs, Joel makes a promise to a dying friend that he will take care of Ellie and help her escape.
As Ellie and Joel make their way out of the quarantine zone, the game begins to play throughout areas across the United States, including a post-apocalyptic Pittsburgh and other locations being reclaimed by nature. After a nearby safe haven fails to work out, Joel and Ellie continue their venture westward across a desolate and ravaged United States. As the two slowly make their way through the wasteland, they soon realize that they must learn to trust each other and work together if they hope to survive their journey, and overcome the hardships along the way.
Super Mario Bros U:
Dishonored:
Set in the industrial city of Dunwall, Dishonored follows Corvo Atano, a legendary bodyguard to the Empress who is framed for her murder and forced to become an assassin to seek revenge on those who conspired against him. Atano is aided in his quest by the Outsider, a powerful being who imbues him with magical abilities. Several actors provide voice work for the game, including Susan Sarandon, Brad Dourif, Carrie Fisher, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
The game is played from a first-person perspective and allows the player to tackle a series of assassination missions in a variety of ways, with an emphasis on player choice. Missions can be tackled by stealth, combat or a combination of both. Exploring levels opens new paths and alternatives for accomplishing mission goals, and it is possible to eliminate all of Atano's targets in a non-lethal manner. Magical abilities are designed to be combined to create new, more powerful effects.
The game is played from a first-person perspective and allows the player to tackle a series of assassination missions in a variety of ways, with an emphasis on player choice. Missions can be tackled by stealth, combat or a combination of both. Exploring levels opens new paths and alternatives for accomplishing mission goals, and it is possible to eliminate all of Atano's targets in a non-lethal manner. Magical abilities are designed to be combined to create new, more powerful effects.
Were also hoping to see Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, and Starcraft 2: Legacy of the Void
WOW: Mist of Pandaria Now Available
WOW: Mist of Pandaria Now Available
All you WOW gamer's out there finally get another expansion set for the game.
Mists of Pandaria is the fourth World of Warcraft expansion, taking the eternal sort-of-battle between Horde and Alliance to a brand new, Asian themed corner of Azeroth. Most of the classic species have been to night-school to learn the ways of the Monk, while both Horde and Alliance welcome a new member – the neutral Pandaren, whose homeland is about to be torn apart by several million kill-crazy players in search of gold, glory and ever tougher monsters to beat into a fine paste in the name of loot.
But can this new world turn around World of Warcraft’s recent fortunes, or is it just pandaren? Join us in the Mists of Pandaria review in progress all week for regular dispatches from the furry frontier.
But can this new world turn around World of Warcraft’s recent fortunes, or is it just pandaren? Join us in the Mists of Pandaria review in progress all week for regular dispatches from the furry frontier.
Seems to me like Blizzard is taking a lot of the positives from its recently released Diablo and implementing them in the WOW world. Me Not being a fan of WOW makes it hard to give a good review but i will admit this is one of the longest most popular games on the market today so they must be doing something right. maybe instead of making starcraft 2 a free to play game, they should turn WOW into a free to play, buy the games and expansions and your free to go!
Anyone reading who has played this new release please leave comments regarding your feelings about the recently released expansion.
Steam Workshop coming to Left 4 Dead 2
Steam Workshop coming to Left 4 Dead 2
Though Steam Workshop's been around for quite a while, making community-generated content more accessible than ever to Steam users, one of Valve's most popular games Left 4 Dead 2 had long been strangely absent from the list of games supported by the workshop.
Left 4 Dead 2 fans will be happy to hear that Steam Workshop has finally come to the game, allowing users to view, download, and install user-generated content with ease.
The Left 4 Dead 2 developer's blog stated that to coincide with the newly-added Workshop support, the developers have added an "expanded scripting tool to allow deeper and more varied experiences inside of Left 4 Dead 2." Unfortunately, the blog doesn't get more in depth about what these "deeper and more varied experiences mean.
Also included in the blog was the announcement that this week's official mutation would now be "Follow the Liter", a mutation which only allows one group of gas cans to spawn at once for survivors to pick up.
For now, there's been no specific release date for Left 4 Dead 2 Steam Workshop support, which will be coming for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Information pull from Toms Hardware - www.tomshardware.com
AMD 2nd Gen Bulldozer CPU Pricing Leaked
AMD 2nd Gen Bulldozer CPU Pricing Leaked
AMD is hoping the upcoming FX "Vishera" second-generation Bulldozer multi-core CPUs are the success that many users hoped for with the original Bulldozer. With Steamroller looming around the corner, the FX "Vishera" CPUs are expected to release in October in four models.
The pricing listed by BLT (if accurate) has the flagship FX-8350 coming in at $253.00.
Based on the specs revealed in late August, FX-8350 is listed with a 4.00 GHz clock speed (4.20 GHz TurboCore speed), eight-cores, 16 MB of total cache and TDP of 125W.
The FX-8320 features 3.50 GHz clock speed, eight-cores, 16 MB of total cache and TDP of 125W.
The FX-8320 is priced at $242.05.
| BLT Item # | Mfg. Part # | Description | Price |
| BPW4489 | FD4300WMHKBOX | FX 4300 QC PROCESSOR AM3+ 8MB 95W 3800 MHZ | $131.62 |
| BPW4488 | FD6300WMHKBOX | FX 6300 6C PROCESSOR AM3+ 14MB 95W 3500 MHZ | $175.77 |
| BPW4487 | FD8320FRHKBOX | FX 8320 8C PROCESSOR AM3+ 16MB 125W 3500 MHZ | $242.05 |
| BPW4486 | FD8350FRHKBOX | FX 8350 8C PROCESSOR AM3+ 16MB 125W 4000 MHZ | $253.00 |
To round off the list, the FX-6300 features 3.50 GHz clock speed (4.10 GHz TurboCore speed), six-cores, 14 MB of total cache, TDP of 95W. The FX-6300 is at priced $175.77.
The FX-4300 features 3.80 GHz clock speed, four-cores, 8 MB of total cache, TDP of 95W, with an expected price of $131.62.
None of the FX processors are expected to support integrated GPU, but will support a full list of "Piledriver" features, such as AMD Perfect Picture HD, AMD Steady Video 2.0 Technology and AMD Wireless Display.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Hoops Dynasty: Intro
You may have realized that I am a fan of games, sports, and any combination of both will get me just plain old giddy. Well I stumbled across What If Sports: Hoops Dynasty probably about 7-8 years ago. I played it for about a year or two and just found myself getting busy with life and school and just losing touch with it and sort of phasing myself out. I then took a few years off and just decided to get started with it again. I figure this could make a fun weekly post, just updating the career of my coach as I started in a new world at the bottom of the ladder, Division 3’s Upper Iowa University.
To give you an idea what Hoops Dynasty actually puts you in the place of a college basketball coach. Here is the description that the site gives, “(it’s) your chance to work your way to the top of the college basketball coaching world! You’ll first need to find a job and begin recruiting. As if finding the perfect high school or junio college player for your coaching system wasn’t difficult enough, you’ll have a limited budget and hundreds of other coaches competing with you. After the recruiting period has ended, you’ll coach your team through an entire college basketball season. Gameplan for each upcoming opponent. Manage playing time. Watch your RPI. Win your conference tournament. Win a National Title. You have just laid the foundation for your own Hoops Dynasty!”
Sadly it’s not quite as easy to win your conference tournament and especially not the national title as their little description makes it sound (during my 1st foray I coached 10 seasons, working my way up to D1, and only qualified for the national tournament 3 times, winning one game during those trips). If you can already tell this isn’t something that would interest you, then I won’t be upset if you check out right now and every post from here on out that begins with “HD:”. However if you are like me, this is quite interesting and even if you don’t feel like dropping the $ to get involved yourself you can still come along with me for my journey.
Players are rated on a scale of 1-100 on the following attributes: Speed, Rebounding, Defense, Shot Blocking, Low Post, Perimeter, Ball Handling, Passing, Work Ethic, Stamina, and Durability. They are also given a letter grade on FT shooting as well as their IQ on the different Offenses (Flex, Mothion, Triangle and Fastbreak) and Defenses (Man, Zone, and Press). Obviously each position has certain attributes that are the most important and at the lower levels you kind of have to give up a little on some in order to get the ones you want while at the big time D1 schools you can get the players who come in as already complete players.
To start things off I wanted to give you an idea of what my plan is for this career. I’m thinking about staying in D3 for a season or two before making the jump up to D2 where I would hopefully take that team to the national tournament a few times and decide if/when is the right time to make the leap to D1. Starting at Upper Iowa is putting me ahead of the 8ball as they are coming off an At Large bid to the NT last season and return 5 seniors and 3 Juniors.
Roster:
PG – Malcolm Dunklin (6’1” Senior)
SG – William Ayers (6’2” Senior), Wallace Burns (6’4” Junior)
SF – Glenn Montano (6’1” Senior), Louis Peterson (6’3” Junior)
PF – None on the roster
C – Joseph King (6’11” Senior), Dennis Racine (6’6” Senior), George Bang (6’11” Junior), Ruben Mulvihill (6’6” Junior)
The recruiting period has just ended and we have gotten our top 3 targets to sign. PG Arthur Summerfield (6’1” from Blaine, MN) will see minutes as the backup PG behind Dunklin. SG Keith King (6’2” from Milwaukee, WI) will be a candidate for the redshirt depending how the 2 exhibition games go as he would likely only see minutes in blowouts. Finally the recruit I’m most excited about is C Kenneth Lunceford (6’9” from Brownton, MN). He is another candidate for the red shirt but looks to be the exact type of player I am looking for as he will be an absolute beast on the boards and in the post despite being slower than molasses.
We’ve been able to save about $1,200 (was given $10,000 to start recruiting with) which can be used to scout the next batch of recruits.
I’ll post an update on this Upper Iowa squad early next week and at that point we’ll be into the first few games of the season so you’ll get an update on how the team looks and if either King or Lunceford accept the redshirt. Look forward to share the journey with you all early next week!
Starcraft 2 Going F2P?
It appears that Blizzard is currently having brainstorming sessions regarding how they could go about transitioning the multiplayer aspect of SC2 into a free-to-play game. Of course the logistics aren’t all that easy because they can’t really offer premium in-game content for a fee because it would throw off the competitive balance and make the game a sort of “pay to win” setup. This change may be a long way off, but if it does it done it could provide a large boost to the e-sport competition around the world.
Starcraft 2 has found quite a following and has awarded millions upon millions of dollars through a multitude of tournaments and events. It has become a spectator sport, I myself fall into the group of people that could spend and does spend hours watching some of the pros play against each other. There is something fascinating about watching pros go at it, be it on the field, court, or gaming battlefield. This change could produce even more pros that have been hiding in the woodwork and are just looking for a reason and excuse to pick up Starcraft 2.
SOURCE: http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/728190/starcraft-2-multiplayer-could-go-free-to-play/
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sony Guy
From the original playstation thru the playstation 2 and currently with the PS3 it’s safe to say Sony has always remained an inch or two ahead of Microsoft. Before all the Xbox lovers argue with me, can we just assume PS3 gets the W for winning the bluray vs HD DVD battle? Speaking of which, how did it feel buying that extra bluray player since your system couldn’t play anything better than a dvd? Sorry, I am programed to just fight to the death whenever this battle ever gets mentioned which is what made me think about this blog post.
I fear to mention it but I have actually been silently considering picking up a…. 360 (GASP). Trust me, I realize how crazy it sounds and how I have likely just alienated the last few people I had on my side. However, I feel like by taking the total fan boy stance in this sort of battle, you really limit yourself on what you can enjoy as a gamer. People who fight the Chevy vs Dodge battle don’t have to really give anything up. Either they choose one or the other and still drive from point A to point B in varying degrees of luxury/fuel economy. With the PS3/360 fight, people are literally missing out on unique and amazing experiences. I am able to speak from experience on this instance because I have never played a Gears of War game or anything more than the multiplayer of a Halo game. Keeping in mind those two franchises have repeatedly set the bar for gamers, and I realize what I may have actually cost myself. Granted at the time all of this was going on I was a poor ass college student who couldn’t have afforded both systems for the life of me which probably resulted in me hunkering down and fighting to the death for the PS3. Although now that I’m an old man (read yesterday’s post to experience why that kinda sucks) I am actually able to afford to maintain a gaming library on both systems but have yet to do it because of old war wounds and tales of victory over the cowardly fighters of Microsoft.
Just think about all the great exclusive titles that gamers for one side or the other possibly miss out on, Gears of War, Halo, Ratchet and Clank, Metal Gear Solid, and Grand Theft Auto. As a gamer I have to fight the urge to say how much better ones party excluvies are far superior over the others, but it’s a fight that really doesn’t need to be fought. They both have their perks and flaws and it’s not until you experience them all that you’re able to be a complete gamer.
For whatever reason you made the decision to side with one over the other I think you owe it to yourself to maybe reconsider opening up and giving the other system a shot. I for one am going to make it a point to pick up a 360 before Halo 4 comes out just to make sure I get a chance to be in on that bandwagon because if for no other reason than the Halo series revolutionized the way console people view online play of first person shooters.
As far people who refuse to play computer games, don’t even get me started. I’m a fan, but if you want to argue that one out I’ll let Steve handle that since it’s safe to say he’s a PC fanboy.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Growing Up is Hard
Is it just me or has anyone else come to the realization that life as a gamer really hits its peak around the high school and/or college years. Those seems to be the moments when responsibility is at its lowest and free time is at its highest which results in the perfect storm for a gamer. I just remember my summers filled with often nothing but sports, playing outside, and video games.
It was a dream scenario that I wish I had enjoyed more at the time. However now I find myself working 40+ hrs a week, with bills to pay, things that need fixing, and a plethora of other duties that need to be accomplished all at the same time while trying to squeeze in as much gaming as I can. It’s almost to the point now where I’ve decided this will likely be the last annual cycle that I pick up the gamut of EA sports games as I find myself with an ever shrinking window of opportunity to find the time to play each of them. As an immediate example I look at the fact I have Starcraft 2, Minecraft, CS:GO, Dota2, Madden 13, and NHL 13 all waiting to be played. That would be a handful for the 18-21 year old me, but the 26 year old me is beyond overwhelmed. When Borderlands 2 dropped this past week I couldn’t even consider picking it up yet (even though I loved the 1st and will get this 2nd eventually) because I knew it just would end up gathering dust. A $60 paperweight doesn’t exactly bode well with the significant other.
Speaking of significant others, that is an another and even more important item that you devote your time to as we get older. Some lucky few get significant others who may be okay with the gaming habit or if you’ve really hit pay dirt they play right along with you. Sadly my situation falls barely into the former, although I’m making a push to subliminally get her into playing games, so that cuts back the amount of judgement free gaming I’m allowed and able to get in during any session. Not sure if that qualifies for anyone else out there, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed yours will play with you. (Please note, staying gender neutral as I assume the one or two female readers will appreciate it)
To sum it all up, growing old has many perks over being a poor-ass student (namely the income that is now there) but the severely cut back free time and overall increase in responsibility really make it suck to try and live up to the gaming lifestyle you had grown accustomed to.
This sound like you? Found a way to best “the man”? Share in the comments as I would love to learn from the masters.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
REVIEW: NHL 13
NHL 2013 REVIEW
For anyone who read my short intro post, you’ll recall that I listed my favorite gaming series to be none other than EA’s NHL. Being that it is nearing the end of September, that means that I have had my annual offering for a week-plus now and can safely make a broad review on this years title. So without further delay, I bring you my NHL 13 Review!
Anyone who has ever played or watched hockey, or even ice skated at all, can attest to the skill and fluidity it takes to accelerate and stop on two thin blades while on ice. In all previous NHL games, that little bit of general knowledge has been sort of thrown to the roadside as players, regardless of their accel/spd skills, could seemingly start at fast speed and stop on a dime to either play D or immediately switch directions. That is no longer with NHL 13. The “True Performance Skating” might be one of the most welcome additions to the franchise in recent memory (second to only the true physics engine that was introduced last year in my mind). Now players are forced to accelerate and decelerate at much more realistic speeds and no longer are the immediate 90 degree turns possible by anyone that falls outside of the very elite. When paired with the true physics engine that was added into NHL 12, the game now plays more realistic and fluid than ever before. For the first time, if you have a speedy winger, you can utilize that speed to beat a back skating d-man and start the rush. Of course this also means that the old standby of just pushing your left thumbstick straight at the net and hammering on the shot stick will no longer suffice as the player will careen off the goalie and likely take out the net resulting in a faceoff, and possibly a penalty.
For the casual gamer the addition of a new skating engine may have little or no impact on their enjoyability of the game as they just want to get some big hits, get in some fights, and score some goals all while hopefully doing that with some friends. It is for these individuals that EA has added the GM Connected mode. It falls in like with the Connected Careers mode that is in Madden 13, except it doesn’t fully replace Be a GM and Be a Pro mode like CCM does to Franchise and Be a Pro in Madden. However it does allow over 300 players to play in the same NHL universe and compete against each other over the course of a career. The biggest complaint against Madden and their implementation of CCM is that it replaced the old standbys (franchise and be a pro) and NHL was wise to not go that same route. Fans of the old faithful modes can just bypass the new GM Connected and continue right along as a GM or Pro as they see fit. This sort of flexibility proves that the NHL team is all about keeping the customer happy.
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) makes a return to this season as well with a brand new interface. The idea remains the same, collect player cards to create your team and compete in offline or online tournaments to show off your prowess. One key change is that each players “career limit” has been removed. This means that if you have your favorite superstar, you can keep playing with him as long as you have the contract cards. He no longer has a retirement “age” like players did in NHL 12.
The only complaints I have with this years version is that some of the graphical and psychic components glitch every once in awhile. Similar to the problems in Madden, there will be times when players have limbs bending the wrong way or piles of players that just looks absurd. Some of the loading screens seem to take FOREVER and the soundtrack isn’t as legit as it has been the past few years. Otherwise, I would say the NHL team has really come through and delivered a clutch product.
Pros:
True Performance Skating makes the game so much more realistic
GM Connected creates a whole new way to play and breathes new life into the online community
Ultimate Team still remains one of my personal favorite game modes because of all the possibilities
Cons:
Physics and graphical errors that lead to quizzical limb and body placements
Soundtrack isn’t all that great, but it’ll grow on me I’m sure
Loading screens seem to take longer than ever before
NHL has been a game in the past 3-4 years that seems to be a perennial contender for “Sports Game of the Year” if not overall “Game of the Year” and this iteration proves to keep it in that same echelon. With the addition of True Performance Skating and the GM Connected mode, it looks like 2012 may have officially been graced with it’s “Sports Game of the Year”.
OVERALL: 9.25/10
New Movies This Week
New Releases this week
The Babymakers:
(from what I have been reading this movie didn't get the best reviews, being made by the same creators as Super Troopers I can only imagine how the humor will go in the movie. the other positive even if the movie isn't that great Olivia Munn is one of the main characters in this movie, and we all know she amazingly good looking, this reason in itself makes it worth watching!)
Reviews will come later this week after the movie arrives....any comments about the movie please let them below!
Zombies are Back
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 Brings Zombies Back
Recent rumors had the undead returning to Treyarch's upcoming installment of Activision's hit shooter series. This trailer confirms the presence of zombies and teases a bit about how they'll be integrated in Black Ops II's near-future sci-fi setting.
Sony Slimmer PS3
Sony Announces 2 New Slimmer models of the PS3
Tokyo Game Show is always an exciting time for gamers everywhere, as we all look forward to new games and other news being unveiled during the show. This year is no exception. We are always looking for ways to create better experiences for our gamers, and to that end, we just unveiled a smaller, lighter PlayStation 3 at the show.
The new PS3 will be available in two different models, with 250GB and 500GB HDDs which will allow you to store even more of your digital life. It also features a smaller, streamlined design that will look great as part of any entertainment system. The new model is approximately 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the current PS3.
We are also excited to announce that the launch of this new PS3 model will include incredible additional value. The 250GB PS3 will be available on September 25th for $269.99 (MSRP) as part of a limited edition bundle featuring UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception: Game of the Year Edition and a voucher for more than $30 worth of bonus digital content for the highly acclaimed digital title,DUST 514. This bundle offers more than $70 in total combined value.
The winner of over 60 industry and Game of the Year awards, UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception will be re-released next week in an all new Game of the Year Edition, which includes 12 new multiplayer maps, over 40 multiplayer skins, Fort Co-Op Adventure, and Shade Survival Mode, a value of over $45 in bonus content. In case you somehow missed it, UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is the latest installment in Naughty Dog’s storied UNCHARTED franchise that chronicles the adventures of Nathan Drake. UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition is a great way to kick off your gameplay experience on the newest PS3 model.
CCP Games’ DUST 514 brings intense infantry combat, large-scale warfare and deep character advancement to PS3 in an exclusive free-to-play massively multiplayer shooter. Set in, and integrated with, the massive universe of EVE Online, players wage war in the next generation of first-person shooters, where a single victory could prove the crushing blow to a galactic empire of thousands of online gamers. This bundle includes an incredible amount of bonus value – more than $30 in total.
For those of you who do not own a PS3 yet, or have been looking to add another PS3 to your household, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in before the next wave of blockbuster games launch this holiday season.
The new 500GB PS3 will be available in a limited edition bundle on October 30th in conjunction with the release of Assassin’s Creed III– one of the most anticipated games for this holiday season featuring four exclusive levels, only available on PS3.
HTC Windows Phone 8X
HTC Announces Windows Phone 8X
Its looking like the device will be heading to three major carriers in the US, AT&T, Verzion, and TMobile. Rumors have it that the phone will have a $199 price tag on it when it is released, whats sounds to be sometime in November!
The Actual Press release regarding the HTC Phone 8X:
Windows Phone 8X by HTC
The stunning Windows Phone 8X boasts an iconic design, immersive studio-quality sound and incredible camera capabilities. The first-ever Windows Phone 8 device with built-in Beats Audio™ technology, Windows Phone 8X offers authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The 4.3-inch 720p HD (1280 x 720) display comes to life in the phone's slim, sculpted design and improvements to the rear-facing camera let you capture great photos and record video in 1080p HD.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Nintendo Wii U Release date
Nintendo Wii U Release date announcement
It looks like there will be two different version available for the release of the Wii U.
First one being the Basic Set ($299.99):- 8GB Memory
- Gamepad
- Console
- HDMI Cable
- Sensor Bar
- AC Adaptor
Second one being the Deluxe Set ($349.99):
- 32GB Memory
- Gamepad
- Gamepad Charging Cradle
- Gamepad Stand
- Console
- Console Stand
- Nintendo Land
- HDMI Cable
- Sensor Bar
- AC Adaptor
- Enrolled in Deluxe Digital Promotion
The release date for both of these consoles will be November 18, 2012, it doesn't look like anywhere is accepting pre-orders yet but will update thread with that information as soon as it comes available!
iphone 5 Vs Nokia Lumia 920
iPhone 5 Vs Nokia Lumia 920
This debate could go on forever, both phones have there ups and downs but who will come out ahead? Lets look at some of the facts below and compare the 2 phones before either is released to the public.
Processors:
Apple:
2.0 Ghz Dual Core Processor claimed to double the performance of the A5 chip in the iPhone 4S
Nokia:
1.5 Ghz Dual Core Processor said to put you in control of performance when you need it most.
Size/Dimensions:
Apple:
Height: 4.87 inches (123.8 mm)
Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)
Depth: 0.30 inch (7.6 mm)
Weight: 3.95 ounces (112 grams)
1.5 Ghz Dual Core Processor said to put you in control of performance when you need it most.
Size/Dimensions:
Apple:
Height: 4.87 inches (123.8 mm)
Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)
Depth: 0.30 inch (7.6 mm)
Weight: 3.95 ounces (112 grams)
Nokia:
Height: 130.3 mm
Width: 70.8 mm
Depth: 10.7 mm
Weight: 185 grams
Width: 70.8 mm
Depth: 10.7 mm
Weight: 185 grams
Display:
Apple:
4-inch (diagonal) Retina display1136-by-640 resolution
326 ppi
Nokia:
Display size4.5 ''
Screen height
1280 pixels
Screen width
768 pixels
Display features
Polarization filter
Light time-out
Ambient light detector
Brightness control
Orientation sensor
Sculpted 2.5D glass
Proximity sensor
High Brightness mode
RGB Stripe
Sunlight readability enhancements
Pixel density 332 ppi
Luminance 600 nits
Aspect ratio 15:9
Corning® Gorilla® Glass
Super sensitive touch
Color boosting
IPS
Refresh rate 60 Hz
Display colors
16.7 million
Operating System:
Apple:
iOS6
Nokia:
Windows 8
Charging:
Apple:
Wired Lighting Bolt Connection
Nokia:
Wireless Nokia Charging Pad
These are only some of the main highlights of the phones to view more please use the links provided to view the specs pages for each phone:
What phone do you think is better and why? (Please leave comments below)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Live Video from USTREAM of Apple Conference
Live Video streaming by Ustream
Also follow on long on Engadgets Live Blog with real time updating:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/apple-iphone-5-liveblog/
Also follow on long on Engadgets Live Blog with real time updating:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/apple-iphone-5-liveblog/
KICKSTARTER: Dreadball - The Futuristic Sports Game
I've decided to kick off my weekly Kickstarter spotlight a little bit out of left field. I say that because I have never actually played a tabletop game in my life. If it isn't on the console or PC, it's safe to say these hands of mine have never had the opportunity to give it a chance. This can be blamed on the fact that the group of friends I had growing up didn't get into it or that it wasn't a super popular thing to do in the middle of Wisconsin during the 90's. Either way, I've decided to make my first foray into it by backing DreadBall.
Dreadball is a "hyperkinetic sci-fi sports game of unparalleled speed and ferocity". It pits two coaches against each other on a pitch that features really artfully designed miniatures. The game features actual plays and the expected strategy that comes with most sporting events all while being decided by the mercy of the dice.
At the current moment, the lower donation tiers will get you a game with 2 unique teams (Trontek 29ers and Greenmoon Smackers). They have already announce other teams and expansion ideas, but those come with the higher donation tiers that seem like a great deal if they weren't out of my meager price range.
Now to the game itself, each game starts with both teams having 6 players on the field and 5 action counter. There are Guards (who's only goal is to flatten everything in their way), Jacks (the utility men who can either take a defensive/guard approach or more offensive), and finally the strikers (are able to pick up the ball and either run with it or throw it). The action counters are used each turn to perform things such as smash (guards) to performing striker abilities. All of this is done in order to accomplish one goal, get the ball into your opponents "goal" as many times as you can. In order to score you must have either a Jack or Striker in possession of the ball, entering the scoring zone. This is just a small taste of what the game play actually offers, and it does seem like it will be a game with a relatively steep learning curve (the rule book is sure to be a short novel) but it seems like it will be worth the effort.
The game boards, featuring 6 players per side, and the ref.
Here we see 2 guards and 3 jacks for Red and 1 striker for blue, plus the ref up top.
These are a glimpse at another race altogether that has been introduced.
This looks like a perfect opportunity to jump into the tabletop gaming genre as it seems to blend some of the things I love the most, sports and sci-fi. You can check the actual kickstarter page for more information and to see what the different rewards are for the different tiers (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/dreadball-the-futuristic-sports-game). I hope that this brings a new game or possible new genre to your eyes and it's something that you consider. With 18 days remaining on their campaign, there is plenty of time to get in and you can have yourself a full set and ready to play when the game ships out in Q2 of 2013.
Apple Accidentally leaks name of new iphone
Apple Accidentally leaks name of new iphone
Apple accidentally publishes a link to there website revealing the name of the new iphone....the link is currently inactive but i'm sure soon after the announcement is made the link will become active.
Not only was the name leaked but it seems that the phone will also have 4G LTE capabilities as well. Again the link appears dead if you search for iphone LTE, but it just goes to show that the new iphone will be even better then people were thinking.
What i'm reading around the net it also sound like we will see some new versions of the Ipod's and Possibly the Ipads. Rumors had it that Apple would be announcing something along the lines of an Ipad Mini to compete with the Nook, and Kindle.
A little less then 45 minutes we should start seeing a good picture of apples new products that are being announced to the public. Not only hardware but the release of IOS6 on the Iphone :).
Any comment please post!
Apple Store Down
Apple Store goes down for Maintenance
Apple is getting ready for there press conference at starts at 10am PT, updating products in there store!
Hope everyone is as excited as we are about the event, were expecting great things!
What are people expecting the most?
Specs for Wii U
Final Specs of Nintendo Wii U Leaked
CPU: "Espresso" CPU on the Wii U has three enhanced Broadway cores
GPU: "GPU7" AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU. Unique API = GX2, which supports Shader Model 4.0 (DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 3.3 equivalent functionality)
Memory: Mem1 = 32MB Mem2 = 1GB (that applications can use)
Storage: Internal 8GB with support for SD Cards (SD Cards up to 2GB/ SDHC Cards up to 32GB) and External USB Connected Hard Drives
Networking: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i
Video Cables Supported: Compatible cables include HDMI, Wii D-Terminal, Wii Component Video, Wii RGB, Wii S-Video Stereo AV and Wii AV.
USB: Four USB 2.0 Ports
This information has not been verified yet so take the information you see here with a grain of salt. Nintendo has promise substantial graphics increases from the current Nintendo Wii system, although hard to believe without the support for DirectX 11. Do you think Nintendo is just catching up to the PS3 and Xbox 360 with this system, since rumors have it next year at E3 Microsoft and Sony will be announcing there new system?
What do you think about the new Nintendo system?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Starcraft 2 New Ladder Season
Not sure if we have any other diehard SC2 players reading but the new ladder season started today and runs through November. I'll see you on the battlefields. :)
Leave a comment if you play, I'm always looking for new people to team up with.
Leave a comment if you play, I'm always looking for new people to team up with.
REVIEW: Madden 13
Change of Plans…
I’ve decided to push back my Kickstarter spotlight until I’m able to do a write-up from my own computer and not one from work while I’m on break. So instead of that I think it’s time to get my own personal review out for Madden 13.
This year’s version brings with it a plethora of changes. Previously in the series we’ve grown accustomed to seeing year after year with the only evident changes being roster updates, a “vision cone” here and a “fight for the fumble” there. However this year promises to pack some changes that both diehard and casual gamers alike will take notice of. The brand new physics engine is the first and most dramatic change to the gameplay that we’ve seen probably since they made the jump to the current gen systems. The Infinity engine allows the players to interact with each other in a way that was previously only dreamt of. No more are linemen magnetized to each other and you see the same 10-15 tackle animations. Now you get to run an inside running play where defensive linemen are able to throw a limb into the running lane and have an impact on the runner and his momentum and no two tackles should ever look exactly the same. Once a tackle is initiated, the outcome isn’t pre-determined like it has been previously but instead is determined by other players and if they make further contact with the ball carrier. Of course this massive change also can lead to some quirky bugs as well. There are times when limbs are bent in positions that seem unrealistic and would qualify the player as a contortionist if they were actually able to perform it and also post-play piles where they look like laundry heaps and nobody moves. In this instance I happily take the bad with all the good it has lead to. This is a giant step in the right direction and proves the Madden team is willing to evolve in order to improve.
The second big addition/change is the complete overhaul of Franchise/Be A Pro modes into Connected Careers Mode. Many long-time Madden players may throw their game in the system this season and find both those modes are MIA (this was such a problem that EA has put a disclaimer before the menu comes up to direct players on where they went). This mode allows you to be either a coach or player (created, current player, or even some Hall of Fame members) through their entire career. Connected Careers looks to be introducing some of the coolest aspects that have ever been attempted in coach/manager/player modes with the inclusion of the “live” Twitter feeds. This feature takes real personalities (Skip Bayless, Rich Eisen, etc) and allows them to have an input into what you’re doing in your career (either as a coach or player). Along the same lines as the physics engine, this addition wasn’t made without concessions. What was given up in order to include this feature is both the fantasy draft (a personal favorite of mine) and player customization. This was done because the twitter fields are so team and player specific that it would have been scripting hell in order to consider the unlimited roster possibilities if the fantasy draft had been made available. CCM also gives players a chance to compare their careers to their counterparts as well as Hall of Fame members so you’re able to kind of gauge how you’re doing as your progress through your career. Some of the menus prove to be not the most user friendly or easy to navigate, but once you learn where to look maneuvering through them isn’t too difficult.
Madden Ultimate team makes a return appearance to this version and offers a few changes. First thing you’ll notice different this year is when you get your team started you get to choose a team captain. The player you choose won’t be the MVP-caliber player they are in real life right away, but will provide you a player you actually know right from the bat and decides what home and away uniforms you’ll be awarded. Once you are ready to play, you’ll notice there are historic teams you’ll have the opportunity to play as well (Lombardi’s GB Packers being the first option). I have only spent a limited amount of time in this mode, but it looks to provide more enjoyment that the previous years did, especially if you’re a fan of the UT experience.
My biggest complaints with Madden 13 include the game speed, I know it’s an option to speed it up, but all the options felt a bit slow. I know they want you to take your time and enjoy some of the overlays and commentary, but that’s where my biggest gripe comes in… The commentary is a monumental disaster this year. During my career (I decided to take over as the head coach in Washington for RGIII) I played against Andy Dalton who of course was a rookie last season, but 5 times during the game they mentioned how he was a rookie this season. I understand getting all that dialog ironed out isn’t an easy task, but don’t slow the game down and force me to listen to this drabble if it’s not going to be perfect.
Pros:
Physics Engine is a giant step ahead for the franchise
Connected Careers Mode looks to provide a great deal of new content and ways to enjoy the game
It’s still the only game made for arguably the most popular sport in the US, so that’s a GIANT plus for them!
Cons:
Commentary is a giant disappointment
Game speed, seemed a bit slow for my taste
Physics Engine leads to a few quirks that may lead to a head scratch or two
OVERALL: 8.25 /10
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