Archive for April, 2008
Green Day: Rock Band Review
Green Day: Rock Band (PS3) Do you like Green Day? Do you like Rock Band? OK good, we’re done here.
Ps3 Yellow light of death
505 Games Set to Crash E3 with Supremacy MMA
Supremacy MMA (PS3) More ways to beat people up.
UFC 2009 Undisputed Submissions tutorial trailer
Parent’s Guide To Video Game Systems
At HomeComputerGames.com we get a lot of emails from parents asking about the various types of video games and gaming systems that are available. More than once I have heard “What exactly is a Halo 3?
I can see how this can all be a bit daunting to a parent buying video games for their children. With so many different types of systems available it is often hard for someone that doesn’t play video games to keep up with it all. There is Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PS2, PSP, RPG, ESRB…..
Here I have put together this Parent’s Guide to Video Game Systems in hopes that I might help prevent some poor parent from suffering the shame and embarrassment of not knowing what the hell your kid is talking about.
To start you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the components of a “Gaming Systems”.
Each Gaming System has it’s own technology and is comprised of the following:
Gaming Console: This is the actual component that the gaming media that contains the actual game, such as a DVD or CD, is played on. Without this there is no gaming system as this contains your CPU, memory, and other such input and output ports.
Gaming Controllers: These are your input device for playing the game. These are much like a mouse or keyboard that you use on your computer. Many controllers contain an array of buttons that perform various actions such as making a character in the game run or shoot a gun or some other assigned function. **A PC is a type of gaming system and in turn gaming systems are a type of PC
Video Game Media: The most common type of Video Game Media are DVD, CD, Gaming Cartridge, and downloaded files. **Note that each video game is proprietary to it’s own Gaming System but may exist for several different types of Gaming Systems. So you might find a certain game is available for the PC and for the Xbox 360 but not available for Nintendo Wii or PS3. Each video game will state on the cover what Gaming System it is for.
Viewing Screen:The Gaming Console has to be connected to some sort of monitor or TV to view the game on. Some of the Portable Gaming Systems have small Monitors built into them much like many cellphones now have. In fact many cellphones contain gaming systems along with the rest of their many functions.
This section below explains several of the more popular gaming systems along with the necessary hardware. Some gaming systems may have gaming accessories that are compatible for other types of gaming consoles. But this is not the norm and for the most part gaming consoles have their own “proprietary” gaming accessories and games.
Gaming Systems:
Listed are some of the more popular Gaming Systems
PC:
Some will argue that the PC is not the most popular gaming system but more games are created and played on the PC than on all of the other Gaming Systems put together. The reason is the PC has been around longer and can perform other functions besides just being a gaming system. The PC is often an entry into video games as many families have personal computers and laptops. There are many thousands of video games available for the PC, many of which are not available for any of the other Gaming Systems.
There are also many websites that have video games free to download or play online at no cost. Just Google free PC games and you will find a ton of arcade sites that allow you to play their games for free.
Technical Specs
This list could be vast and would change almost daily so only the basic details are listed.
Manufacturer: Various, Dell, HP, Gateway, etc..
Game Media: DVD, CD, online downloadable files, online remote hosted media (flash games etc..)
Viewing Screen: PC Monitor
Online Playable: YES
Available Controller Slots: Various
Number of Games Available: Untold thousands
Gaming Accessories: mouse, keyboard, guitar and other musical instruments, joystick (flight stick), airplane throttle controlls, gaming automobile steering wheel and pedals, headset, video / webcam, surround sound system, Data storage (hard drive), other
Xbox 360:
The Xbox 360 is Microsoft’s gaming system and is an upgrade from their original gaming system the Xbox. The Xbox 360 is probably the most popular gaming system outside of the PC though the Nintendo Wii surpassed the Xbox 360 in sales. Recently Microsoft lowered what was a very expensive gaming system making it more affordable to consumers. As a result sales have soared and has insured that the Xbox 360 will be around for some time to come. There is a vast array of video games available for the Xbox 360 covering all genres from the hard core shooter games to the more family oriented classic games such as Monopoly. The Xbox 360 is also backwards compatible for many of it’s predecessor the Xbox.
Many new releases for the Xbox 360 are anticipated with zeal from gamers with many titles being sold out within hours of release. You may choose to Pre-Order many popular games before they are released to the public insuring that the game is secured for the customer with the game arriving a day or two after the official release. There are no extra charges in pre-ordering and this is a sure fire way to insure that you get your game before they are sold out.
Technical Specs
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Game Media: DVD, online downloadable files
Viewing Screen: TV / Monitor
Online Playable: YES via subscription based Xbox 360 Live
Available Controller Slots: 4 with wireless controller capabilities
Number of Games Available: The total number of games available seems to be a bit of a mystery. Not counting the Xbox 360 Live Arcade games there is a known amount of 587 games though I cannot verify how close this is to the actual number of games available. There is a list of Xbox 360 Games listed at wikipedia.org.
Gaming Accessories: At this writing there are many accessories available for the Xbox 360. Multi-button controller (many various types to choose from), keyboard, face plates (for changing the appearance of the gaming console), guitar and other musical instruments, gaming automobile steering wheel and pedals, headsets, video / webcam, surround sound system, External Data storage (hard drive, memory card), carrying cases and storage units, auxiliary cooling systems (the Xbox 360 has had some problems with it overheating), remote control, dance pad, and other accessories I am sure that I am missing
Nintendo Wii:
A unique feature of the Nintendo Wii, and one that makes it stand out from the rest of the gaming systems is it’s wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect movement in three dimensions. This revolutionized the gaming industry in that many games call for you to act out actions such as swinging a sword or a tennis racket as opposed to sitting in your chair and pushing buttons. Of course this was a big hit with parents knowing that their children would at least have to stand up and get a bit of exercise.
The Nintendo Wii was the top selling gaming console sold during 2007 and revolutionized the meaning of video games by introducing a video game entitled the Wii Fit, that caused you to get out of your chair and exercise. The game includes all sorts of exercise competitions and has an exercise manager to help you keep track of your workouts.
Video games and exercise combined made for a newsworthy item and the Wii Fit sold off of the store shelves within hours. To date the Wii Fit is still hard to find except at inflated prices on Ebay.
Technical Specs
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Game Media: 12 cm Wii Optical Disc, 8 cm Nintendo GameCube Game Disc
Viewing Screen: TV / Monitor
Online Playable: YES via the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Available Controller Slots: Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth), Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4)
Number of Games Available: Here again the total number of games available seems to be a bit of a mystery. The Nintendo Wii is also backwards compatible with the Nintendo Gamecube. Meaning that you can play old Gamecube Games on the Nintendo Wii. This does not include games released on Nintendo’s Virtual Console or WiiWare but there is a known amount of 518 games though again I cannot verify how close this is to the actual number of games available. There is a list of Nintendo Wii Games listed at wikipedia.org.
Gaming Accessories: Outplacing the Xbox 360 there are many accessories available for the Nintendo Wii.
Multi-button controller (many various types to choose from), keyboard, guitar and other musical instruments, gaming automobile steering wheel and pedals, headsets, video / webcam, surround sound system, memory card, carrying cases and storage units, various play weapons, remote control, dance pad, and other accessories I am sure that I am missing.
Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3):
The Sony PlayStation 3, also known as PS3, is the next in line of the 7th generation gaming consoles. The PS3 follows its predecessor, the PS2, as Sony’s next line of gaming systems. The PS2 was and I believe still is the leading gaming system of all time with over 140 million units sold to date.
A major feature that sets the PS3 above the PS2 is it’s online gaming service, the PlayStation Network. The PS3 was also the first Blu-ray 2.0-compliant Blu-ray player on the market. Other features include its multimedia capabilities, connectivity with the PlayStation Portable, and its use of a high-definition optical disc format, Blu-ray Disc. Several revisions to the system have been made with Sony now offering various versions such as the 20 GB model and the Premium model with a 60 GB hard drive.
Technical Specs
Manufacturer: Sony, Foxconn and ASUSTeK
Game Media: Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD (all models), Super Audio CD (20 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB (CECHExx models)
Viewing Screen: TV / Monitor
Online Playable: YES via the free PlayStation Network
Available Controller Slots: up to 7
Number of Games Available: Once again the total number of games available seems to be a bit of a mystery. The PlayStation 3 is also backwards compatible with original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games. Not counting the downloadable games from the PlayStation Network I found 442 games though again I cannot verify how close this is to the actual number of games available. There is a list of Ps3 Games listed at wikipedia.org.
Gaming Accessories: Multi-button controller (many various types to choose from), console skins for changing the look or the system, keyboard, guitar and other musical instruments, gaming automobile steering wheel and pedals, headsets, surround sound system, hard drives to 160 GB, carrying cases and storage units, remote control, dance pad, cooling system, PlayStation 3 Eye, and more as I am sure that I am missing some.
These are the newest gaming systems available. Not to be forgotten are the portable gaming systems such as the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the Nintendo DS. These gaming systems are small portable handheld systems perfect for the on the go gamer and for family vacations. The two mentioned do interact with their big brothers the PS3 and the Nintendo Wii respectively. But this is for another article as I am sure you have read quite enough about video game systems for the moment.
About the Author
Ken has been in the gaming industry for many years and owns HomeComputerGames.com that carries New & Used Videos Games, gaming hardware, computer software and even has Free Online Games
Thrustmaster T. Flight Hotas X – HAWX – PS3
The Xbox 360 Is So Much More Than A Video Game System
On November 22, 2005, Microsoft released the long awaited XBox 360, the next generation of its popular XBox gaming console. The XBox 360, however, goes farther than any game system that users are currently accustomed to. The XBox 360 is more like a fully functional, broadband connected entertainment gadget that appeals to gamers but is equipped to entertain the whole family.
Although smaller than the original XBox (The 360 weighs in at a mere 7.7 lbs), this version packs so many nifty features in a small package. If you also happen to own a HDTV, you will truly be able to appreciate the advanced graphics features and support for windscreen (16:9) format. Of course, the console will work on regular television as well, but the depth of the graphics will be particularly stunning on more advanced televisions. The XBOx 360 carries a ATI graphics processor and 10MB of embedded DRAM. This setup allows the XBox 360 to draw up to 500 million triangles per second for the ultimate in realistic graphics.
The XBox 360 unit also has a 12x dual layer DVD Rom drive that serves the dual purpose of playing XBox games as well as ordinary DVDs. There is also additional support for surround sound audio for the ultimate home theater experience and realistic gaming.
For game save and other media storage, you can optionally purchase a 20GB external harddrive which also serves to make the XBox 360 backwards compatible with original XBox games.
The XBox 360 goes well beyond the range of gaming and video with its built-in Ethernet port that allows users to connect via their broadband connection to Xbox Live (available in various flavors). XBox live will allow you to play live over the Internet, use voice and even video chat and, of course, purchase additional goodies for your XBOx. In addition to ethernet connectivity, you can optionally purchase wireless adapters that comply with the standard wireless 802.11 protocol for integration into your existing wireless network. For other data transfer tasks, such as uploading of your digital photos, digital home movies, and music, you can use the integrated USB 2.0 port. With all of these features, it is a piece of cake to stream all of your digital files.
As you can see, the XBox 360 offers a little something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the futuristic gaming capabilities (check game ratings for age appropriateness), and Mom and Dad can enjoy the file sharing, music and video streaming, and home theater features.
About the Author
For tips on tall shrubs and small shrubs, visit the Types Of Shrubs website.
How to set up xbox live using ethernet cable and a laptop !!
Tekken 6 Psp Download – Tekken 6 Psp Game Review
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Much of this stems from the way the game handles end-level rankings for things like beating up a certain number of enemies or completing things with a certain amount of health or in a short amount of time. This in turn doles out experience that can level up Lars and Alisa (and, eventually, other characters as you unlock them after a few-battle sequence that also unlocks their movies, some of which are awesome). The controls are clunky (at first frustratingly so), the graphics are hilariously bad at times (Lars’ hair is rather fond of clipping through anything it touches, as are parts of his outfit), the camera is a pain to wrangle and yet… it’s all surprisingly effective at keeping you engaged despite it being something of a red-headed stepchild to the relative glory of the main modes.
That main mode is still every bit as deep and interesting as it has ever been. The character customization options help differentiate online personas, but what’s truly impressive about Tekken 6 is that it seems to have regained its mojo a bit. The smoother online play helps, certainly, but it’s simply more fun to play around with all the new characters — which include the portly Bob, the freaky-deaky Zafina, gender-ambiguous Leo, beefy matador Miguel, robo-brawler NANCY-MI647J, lizard/demon/thing Azazel and the aforementioned Lars and Alisa. Old characters are a blast too; it feels less like a chore than catching up and getting re-acquainted with old standbys like Lei Wulong or Marshall Law, and even the pacing of things seems slanted back toward rewarding players that can mix up quick attacks and work in long strings. It’s simply a better paced, executed, varied and presented game that we’ve seen in a while, and is easily my favorite since Tekken 3.
Though Dark Resurrection wasn’t an ugly looking game, it really can’t hold a candle to what Tekken 6 is pumping out in terms of visuals. The lighting, destruction found in levels and flat-out creativity of some of the arenas is amazing. Seeing the utterly bent reality of jets flying in the background of a world literally turned upside down or the rain-drenched rooftops of a neon-lit cityscape is breathtaking, and it all runs startlingly well. The ability to flick on or off motion blur was also a nice touch. Even on the PSP, things run incredibly smoothly, with the actual battles screaming along at 60fps and some seriously impressive animation detail. The PSP version may lack the Scenario Campaign, but the core of the fighting engine is still here, and it’s every bit as entertaining as the PS3 big bro.
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Even the game’s music seems better, to say nothing of the absolutely awesome CG Namco has put together for both the lengthy intro and most of the closing movies. It’s just a much better game than I expected, and should give long-time fans of the series and those who have either deserted in the past or never bothered to try it all plenty to digest in equal measure. The length of the clumsy but somehow endearing beat-’em-up mode coupled with smoother online play and the underlying gameplay that keeps it all entertaining no matter what brand of ass kicking you opt for all adds up to one of the best values in fighters this year — a year, I feel I should remind everyone again, has already been peppered with some of the best fighters in a decade. That’s saying something.
About the Author
Sony PSP Go Center contains over 300,000 Downloads making it the Biggest Database for the PSP/PSP Go!
Sony PSP Go Center is complete database where you can find the newest and your favorite Games, Movies, Music, Software and much more!
Tekken 6 PS3 Trailer