More news for PSP owners!
In sync with today's launch of the PSP Go, Sony today launched its version 6.10 firmware update. The patch gives all PSPs a new SensMe feature which, much like most Walkman players, sorts music by an automatically generated mood or genre, such as "extreme" or "dance." In a special twist for PSPs, though, SensMe can use the clock to set the mood by the particular time of day. The interface is also much more visual with large album art and a pseudo-3D interface.
PSP Go owners specifically now also get Bluetooth tethering. The feature will let the handheld borrow the Internet connection from a nearby device that supports sharing its online access, such as a smartphone's 3G link. It's not expected to be viable for gaming with current phone technology but will let PSPs browse the web or download games without having to be in range of a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Alongside the firmware, the MediaGo sync software has been updated to 1.2 and provides a much more iTunes-like interface for buying and transferring games, music and videos to PSPs. As before, it can backup these titles. The software remains free and works with all PSPs.
вторник, 20 октября 2009 г.
вторник, 13 октября 2009 г.
Interview: Finn Ericson and Squareball – the iPhone Game that Mixes Pong, Super Mario Bros. and Breakout
Hey, World!
For iPhone users and gamers:
Every now and again, a game comes along that makes you feel like a ham-fisted idiot, as though you’re clawing at your iPhone or iPod touchscreen with all the grace of a lobotomised monkey wearing boxing gloves. But the game is so compelling and addictive, you play on anyway, getting killed approximately every ten seconds, going ARRRGGGHH and then having another go anyway. Eventually, you realise that it’s you, not the game. The game isn’t unfair—you’re just rubbish, and you need to learn how to improve, just like in the old days with the likes of Defender.
Squareball by Finn Ericson is one such game. The concept is simple: drag the levels left or right to ensure your ever-bouncing ball doesn’t disappear into a hole or hit red tiles, and collect all the green tiles before the timer runs out. With graphics akin to Atari’s Adventure in pseudo-3D and a fab soundtrack, this game’s had me addicted and loving it and hating it in equal measure since its day of release. Today, I interviewed its creator to find out how this retro-themed mix of Pong, Breakout and simplified Super Mario-style platformer came to be.
Cult of Mac: Why did you decide to create a game for iPod?
Finn: I had been struggling with game development for the extremely fragmented mobile market. As soon as I heard that Apple would allow third-party apps on the iPod I realised that would be the way to go. The installed base is large enough with almost zero fragmentation. Also, I really like having to think differently about games—virtual gamepads make me nauseous.
How would you describe Squareball?
Save for Space Invaders I think Squareball is the only game for the iPod that really feels like a true action videogame. The controls are real-time and virtually lag-free, and there are no loading times. The object of the game is to bounce a ball through a tunnel, collecting stuff and avoiding obstacles. The game is controlled by moving the tunnel the same way lists are navigated in utility apps.
What was the genesis of Squareball? Where did your ideas and inspiration come from?
Well, the idea came from an old homebrew DOS game called Starball. My associate at Crappy Game tipped me off on this idea, and I realised how well it would work with swipe controls.
What was the thinking behind Squareball’s decidedly retro graphics?
I prototyped the game using just solid color blocks. People that tried the game really liked the look, so we went with it. I think we might add a modern skin to it later—think R-Type Delta—and let the player decide what kind of look they want.
Squareball is brutally difficult, matching its old-school graphics with old-school gameplay. Why did you make it so tough?
Both me and my associate at Crappy Game are inveterate old-school gamers. It might be hard to believe, but we spent a lot of time making the stages easier. There are a few passages that didn’t turn out as well as we’d like and they will be tweaked in the next version. Still, people can’t stop playing Squareball because they constantly feel like they could do better at it. This will be further strengthened soon with online hi-scores and achievements.
What’s the feedback been like regarding the game? What’s coming up in the next version?
Feedback has been unbelievable. App Store reviews throughout the world are 95% five-star. Unfortunately, press coverage has been meagre, although very positive. Also we stupidly had the lite version rejected due to up-selling, but a revised version will be out any day now. Hopefully, more people will then dare to try the game. The next version will be a minor update featuring tweaked stages, different ball speeds, achievements, quick stage restart, 2.2.1 support and bug fixes.
What are your future plans for the platform?
I am currently working on the sequel to my first iPod game Diorama. Diorama 2 will take advantage of features of the iPhone 3GS and the new iPods to further enhance the holographic effect. Also the structure of the game will be very different. I wont spoil anything at this stage but will keep you posted. After that I’ll do peer-to-peer!
For iPhone users and gamers:
Every now and again, a game comes along that makes you feel like a ham-fisted idiot, as though you’re clawing at your iPhone or iPod touchscreen with all the grace of a lobotomised monkey wearing boxing gloves. But the game is so compelling and addictive, you play on anyway, getting killed approximately every ten seconds, going ARRRGGGHH and then having another go anyway. Eventually, you realise that it’s you, not the game. The game isn’t unfair—you’re just rubbish, and you need to learn how to improve, just like in the old days with the likes of Defender.
Squareball by Finn Ericson is one such game. The concept is simple: drag the levels left or right to ensure your ever-bouncing ball doesn’t disappear into a hole or hit red tiles, and collect all the green tiles before the timer runs out. With graphics akin to Atari’s Adventure in pseudo-3D and a fab soundtrack, this game’s had me addicted and loving it and hating it in equal measure since its day of release. Today, I interviewed its creator to find out how this retro-themed mix of Pong, Breakout and simplified Super Mario-style platformer came to be.
Cult of Mac: Why did you decide to create a game for iPod?
Finn: I had been struggling with game development for the extremely fragmented mobile market. As soon as I heard that Apple would allow third-party apps on the iPod I realised that would be the way to go. The installed base is large enough with almost zero fragmentation. Also, I really like having to think differently about games—virtual gamepads make me nauseous.
How would you describe Squareball?
Save for Space Invaders I think Squareball is the only game for the iPod that really feels like a true action videogame. The controls are real-time and virtually lag-free, and there are no loading times. The object of the game is to bounce a ball through a tunnel, collecting stuff and avoiding obstacles. The game is controlled by moving the tunnel the same way lists are navigated in utility apps.
What was the genesis of Squareball? Where did your ideas and inspiration come from?
Well, the idea came from an old homebrew DOS game called Starball. My associate at Crappy Game tipped me off on this idea, and I realised how well it would work with swipe controls.
What was the thinking behind Squareball’s decidedly retro graphics?
I prototyped the game using just solid color blocks. People that tried the game really liked the look, so we went with it. I think we might add a modern skin to it later—think R-Type Delta—and let the player decide what kind of look they want.
Squareball is brutally difficult, matching its old-school graphics with old-school gameplay. Why did you make it so tough?
Both me and my associate at Crappy Game are inveterate old-school gamers. It might be hard to believe, but we spent a lot of time making the stages easier. There are a few passages that didn’t turn out as well as we’d like and they will be tweaked in the next version. Still, people can’t stop playing Squareball because they constantly feel like they could do better at it. This will be further strengthened soon with online hi-scores and achievements.
What’s the feedback been like regarding the game? What’s coming up in the next version?
Feedback has been unbelievable. App Store reviews throughout the world are 95% five-star. Unfortunately, press coverage has been meagre, although very positive. Also we stupidly had the lite version rejected due to up-selling, but a revised version will be out any day now. Hopefully, more people will then dare to try the game. The next version will be a minor update featuring tweaked stages, different ball speeds, achievements, quick stage restart, 2.2.1 support and bug fixes.
What are your future plans for the platform?
I am currently working on the sequel to my first iPod game Diorama. Diorama 2 will take advantage of features of the iPhone 3GS and the new iPods to further enhance the holographic effect. Also the structure of the game will be very different. I wont spoil anything at this stage but will keep you posted. After that I’ll do peer-to-peer!
среда, 7 октября 2009 г.
More games added to Xbox 360 Platinum Hits collection
Hey, Xbox users! Some news for us!
Microsoft today revealed the latest games added to the Platinum Hits collection, joining over 60 others retailing for $19.99 - $29.99.
The new titles added to the collection are:
Grand Theft Auto IV: A modern-day crime epic set in Liberty City, starring Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant with a war-torn past in search of the American Dream. The dream quickly turns into a nightmare as he struggles to cope with his cousin’s mounting debt and the seedy underworld of Liberty City.
Street Fighter IV: Brings the series back to its roots by taking the moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II and combining them with Capcom's latest technology to create a unique pseudo-3D look.
Left 4 Dead: Set in a modern day survival-horror universe, the co-operative gameplay of Left 4 Dead casts four "Survivors" in a struggle against hordes of zombies and "Boss Infected" mutants.
Saints Row 2: Five years have passed since your former Saints crew betrayed you. Rebuild your empire using an arsenal of weapons and transform your crib, crew and ride with total character customization. Seek revenge against rivals to reestablish yourself as the rightful king of Stilwater.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Players take on the role of Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. Set in the era between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, players must assist Darth Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi, and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.
To celebrate the addition of these games to the Platinum Hits lineup, retailers are offering a “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” through October 2009. More information regarding this promotion is available at your local retail store.
Microsoft today revealed the latest games added to the Platinum Hits collection, joining over 60 others retailing for $19.99 - $29.99.
The new titles added to the collection are:
Grand Theft Auto IV: A modern-day crime epic set in Liberty City, starring Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant with a war-torn past in search of the American Dream. The dream quickly turns into a nightmare as he struggles to cope with his cousin’s mounting debt and the seedy underworld of Liberty City.
Street Fighter IV: Brings the series back to its roots by taking the moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II and combining them with Capcom's latest technology to create a unique pseudo-3D look.
Left 4 Dead: Set in a modern day survival-horror universe, the co-operative gameplay of Left 4 Dead casts four "Survivors" in a struggle against hordes of zombies and "Boss Infected" mutants.
Saints Row 2: Five years have passed since your former Saints crew betrayed you. Rebuild your empire using an arsenal of weapons and transform your crib, crew and ride with total character customization. Seek revenge against rivals to reestablish yourself as the rightful king of Stilwater.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: Players take on the role of Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. Set in the era between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, players must assist Darth Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi, and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.
To celebrate the addition of these games to the Platinum Hits lineup, retailers are offering a “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” through October 2009. More information regarding this promotion is available at your local retail store.
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