05 January 2013
04 January 2013
Video Games and Virtual Economies
I have been following this channel for some time now and thought I would throw this video your way.
It is a 5 minute discussion about virtual economies in video games and how virtual items have real world values.
Also please check out other videos from The Idea Channel.
It is a 5 minute discussion about virtual economies in video games and how virtual items have real world values.
Also please check out other videos from The Idea Channel.
IGN SimCity Gameplay Explained
This is a video I have found that goes into a bit more detail about the new SimCity while showing some of the graphics off and how the new engine works.
Worth a watch if you are looking forward to the new SimCity.
Worth a watch if you are looking forward to the new SimCity.
03 January 2013
Australia gets it's R18+ rating for games, finally!
It has been a long time and long hard struggle for those who campaigned for it, but as of 1st of January 2013, Australia will have a R18+ for video games.
Up until now, the highest rating for a video game was MA15+, allowing children 15 years old to purchase more-or-less adult material games. High violence, course language, adult themes were all available to young children. Along with that some games like Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto and Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 have previously been denied classification and sale in Australia due to the game being to "adult" for any previous classification and refused sale.
With the introduction of the new category for video games, children can be prevented sale of adult games and along with games that are "too adult" can now be classified and allowed sale on Australian shelves.
While this helps protect children at the store counter, nothing is stopping parents for buying the games for their kids. However, with this rating, like videos and movies, they can easily judge whether the content will be suitable for their child.
For more information on the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2012, please visit http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L01934
Also, for a brief history of Refused Classification games, check out this gallery from The Australian here.
Up until now, the highest rating for a video game was MA15+, allowing children 15 years old to purchase more-or-less adult material games. High violence, course language, adult themes were all available to young children. Along with that some games like Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto and Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 have previously been denied classification and sale in Australia due to the game being to "adult" for any previous classification and refused sale.
With the introduction of the new category for video games, children can be prevented sale of adult games and along with games that are "too adult" can now be classified and allowed sale on Australian shelves.
While this helps protect children at the store counter, nothing is stopping parents for buying the games for their kids. However, with this rating, like videos and movies, they can easily judge whether the content will be suitable for their child.
For more information on the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games 2012, please visit http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L01934
Also, for a brief history of Refused Classification games, check out this gallery from The Australian here.
30 December 2012
[2012] Top 10 Zombie Games
As gamers, we have an unhealthy obsession of the undead, specifically Zombies.
Zombies, Walkers, Roamers, whatever you want to call them, the idea of a person dying and reanimating, then blowing their brains out with the double-barreled shotgun is nothing but mouth-watering gaming goodness. And as gamers, we do have a wide selection of where we can get our fix. I have comprised a list of where we can get this fix.
I will also say that these are in no particular order.
Since the release of Call of Duty: World at War [WaW], we have been shown how awesome the combination of a Nazi and Zombie really is. In the original release, WaW provided the side game of Zombies which involved various survival maps which pinned you and your teammates against increasingly hard waves of Zombies. From there, Call of Duty from Treyarch continued to include the Call of Duty Zombies side game. In the most recent release, Call of Duty Black Ops 2, showed us a episodic style to the Zombies game where you visited various stops via bus while uncovering the events behind the Zombie apocalypse.
Call of Duty Zombies is certainly a popular game and very fun to play with friends only.
Platforms: PC, PS3, XBOX 360
Must have: Call of Duty World at War, Call of Duty Black Ops, Call of Duty Black Ops 2
http://callofduty.wikia.com/wiki/Zombies_(mode)
DayZ has quickly become a popular mod game with a dedicated fanbase. Adding on to the ARMA II engine/game, DayZ brings a open-map survival game. Not only are you fighting for survival from Zombies, but also from other players. As supplies are scarce in the world, you find competition with other players for medical and ammunition supplies to defend yourself in the world.
The game mod is still in Alpha development and still has some bugs, so some forgiveness is expected when playing the game. The physics and the zombies are not exactly perfect themselves, but the game play is still challenging.
Platforms: PC Only.
Must have: ArmA II: Combined Operations game installed
http://dayzmod.com/
Update:
In the comments we were pointed to all the problems and controversies surrounding this game. From this, this game is pulled from this list. Please check out the Reddit.com post for more information here.
War Z can be compared with Day Z however, this game is developed as stand-alone. No other game is required to play.
War Z is the first MMO Zombie survival game and not subscription based. Pay once, play always. The game is open-world and puts you against other players. While you can organise and run as clans, however it only takes a bullet to shot you down and lose your supplies and have to start again.
The Zombies and environment are relatively detailed and contains various features that make the game more immersive. This game is still in development but so far proves to be a very captive game.
Platform: PC Only
http://thewarz.com/
ZombiU is the first game to use two screens to put you against Zombie and survival combat. While shooting zombies on your TV, your health and radar is displayed on the controller display. In other occasions, you will be picking the lock of a door, on the controller display while a horde of Zombies continue to approach you on your TV. This degree of pressure makes the game more challenging and tests how well you can work under pressure.
Platform: Nintendo Wii U Only
http://zombiu.ubi.com/zombi/en-US/home/index.aspx
Since its first release on PlayStation in 1996, Resident Evil franchise has been serving some serious level of Zombie/mutation killing. From Zombie infested mansions to the devastation of Racoon City, there have been 23 releases of the Resident Evil game. This the first step in your Zombie video game education.
Platform: PlayStation 1/2/3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 64, XBOX 360, PC and other platforms
http://www.residentevil.com/
Left 4 Dead series, developed by Valve, is a FPS game encouraging multiplayer co-op. From the beginning you take the place of one of four team members who then embark on a journey through towns infested with Zombies and mutants. The game is not much Solo and you can only get the most when Online with others.
Platforms: XBOX 360, PC, Mac, Linux (Left 4 Dead 2 Only)
http://www.l4d.com/blog/
Coming of the comic book, The Walking Dead is a point-to-point story game that follows the main character, Lee Everett, a convicted killer, to finding is family but along the way finds a little girl and together try and find their family.
The game is intelligent in its story telling and often crosses the path of characters from the comic book series, which is exciting for those who have read the comics.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, XBOX 360, Apple iOS
http://www.telltalegames.com/walkingdead
Trapped on a island resort you wake to find the island is now infested with Zombies and it is now a fight for survival. The game puts emphasis on melee weapons above guns, while allowing you to modify weapons to increase their impact on enemies.
Zombies in Dead Island range from your standard dude wanting to bite you, to acid-spewing dude or big dude with bone knives. Being partly online, it will allow other gamers to jump in on your game unexpected and "help" you out. However, you can disable your game from going online.
Platforms: PC, XBOX 360, PlayStation 3, OnLive
http://deadisland.deepsilver.com/
Dead Rising first debuted on the XBOX 360 in 2006 and was notable for the ability to use most object in the game as weapons along with guns, bats, 2x4 planks of wood and more. The first game you played as Frank who is a free-lance photographer sent into a town isolated by the US Military which turns out to be infested with Zombies. Along with killing Zombies and general survival, you score more point and achievements by capturing photos of Zombies in unusual unique positions.
After the initial release, there were DLCs and later a sequel which follows the story of a motocross champion who fights an infestation in Nevada.
Platforms: XBOX 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
http://www.dead-rising.com/
Not ashamed to put this in the list. For casual gamers, Plants Vs. Zombies has been a long running classic which has you strategically placing plants, fruits, nuts and other obsticals to prevent zombies reaching your house. Simply, challenging and addictive.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, XBOX, Mobile and other.
http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/online
What's your favourite Zombie game? Leave a comment below.
Zombies, Walkers, Roamers, whatever you want to call them, the idea of a person dying and reanimating, then blowing their brains out with the double-barreled shotgun is nothing but mouth-watering gaming goodness. And as gamers, we do have a wide selection of where we can get our fix. I have comprised a list of where we can get this fix.
I will also say that these are in no particular order.
1. Call of Duty Zombies
Since the release of Call of Duty: World at War [WaW], we have been shown how awesome the combination of a Nazi and Zombie really is. In the original release, WaW provided the side game of Zombies which involved various survival maps which pinned you and your teammates against increasingly hard waves of Zombies. From there, Call of Duty from Treyarch continued to include the Call of Duty Zombies side game. In the most recent release, Call of Duty Black Ops 2, showed us a episodic style to the Zombies game where you visited various stops via bus while uncovering the events behind the Zombie apocalypse.
Call of Duty Zombies is certainly a popular game and very fun to play with friends only.
Platforms: PC, PS3, XBOX 360
Must have: Call of Duty World at War, Call of Duty Black Ops, Call of Duty Black Ops 2
http://callofduty.wikia.com/wiki/Zombies_(mode)
2. DayZ
DayZ has quickly become a popular mod game with a dedicated fanbase. Adding on to the ARMA II engine/game, DayZ brings a open-map survival game. Not only are you fighting for survival from Zombies, but also from other players. As supplies are scarce in the world, you find competition with other players for medical and ammunition supplies to defend yourself in the world.
The game mod is still in Alpha development and still has some bugs, so some forgiveness is expected when playing the game. The physics and the zombies are not exactly perfect themselves, but the game play is still challenging.
Platforms: PC Only.
Must have: ArmA II: Combined Operations game installed
http://dayzmod.com/
3. The War Z
Update:
In the comments we were pointed to all the problems and controversies surrounding this game. From this, this game is pulled from this list. Please check out the Reddit.com post for more information here.
The Zombies and environment are relatively detailed and contains various features that make the game more immersive. This game is still in development but so far proves to be a very captive game.
Platform: PC Only
http://thewarz.com/
4. ZombiU
ZombiU is the first game to use two screens to put you against Zombie and survival combat. While shooting zombies on your TV, your health and radar is displayed on the controller display. In other occasions, you will be picking the lock of a door, on the controller display while a horde of Zombies continue to approach you on your TV. This degree of pressure makes the game more challenging and tests how well you can work under pressure.
Platform: Nintendo Wii U Only
http://zombiu.ubi.com/zombi/en-US/home/index.aspx
5. Resident Evil franchise
Since its first release on PlayStation in 1996, Resident Evil franchise has been serving some serious level of Zombie/mutation killing. From Zombie infested mansions to the devastation of Racoon City, there have been 23 releases of the Resident Evil game. This the first step in your Zombie video game education.
Platform: PlayStation 1/2/3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 64, XBOX 360, PC and other platforms
http://www.residentevil.com/
6. Left 4 Dead series
Left 4 Dead series, developed by Valve, is a FPS game encouraging multiplayer co-op. From the beginning you take the place of one of four team members who then embark on a journey through towns infested with Zombies and mutants. The game is not much Solo and you can only get the most when Online with others.
Platforms: XBOX 360, PC, Mac, Linux (Left 4 Dead 2 Only)
http://www.l4d.com/blog/
7. The Walking Dead series
Coming of the comic book, The Walking Dead is a point-to-point story game that follows the main character, Lee Everett, a convicted killer, to finding is family but along the way finds a little girl and together try and find their family.
The game is intelligent in its story telling and often crosses the path of characters from the comic book series, which is exciting for those who have read the comics.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, XBOX 360, Apple iOS
http://www.telltalegames.com/walkingdead
8. Dead Island
Trapped on a island resort you wake to find the island is now infested with Zombies and it is now a fight for survival. The game puts emphasis on melee weapons above guns, while allowing you to modify weapons to increase their impact on enemies.
Zombies in Dead Island range from your standard dude wanting to bite you, to acid-spewing dude or big dude with bone knives. Being partly online, it will allow other gamers to jump in on your game unexpected and "help" you out. However, you can disable your game from going online.
Platforms: PC, XBOX 360, PlayStation 3, OnLive
http://deadisland.deepsilver.com/
9. Dead Rising series
Dead Rising first debuted on the XBOX 360 in 2006 and was notable for the ability to use most object in the game as weapons along with guns, bats, 2x4 planks of wood and more. The first game you played as Frank who is a free-lance photographer sent into a town isolated by the US Military which turns out to be infested with Zombies. Along with killing Zombies and general survival, you score more point and achievements by capturing photos of Zombies in unusual unique positions.
After the initial release, there were DLCs and later a sequel which follows the story of a motocross champion who fights an infestation in Nevada.
Platforms: XBOX 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
http://www.dead-rising.com/
10. Plants vs. Zombies
Not ashamed to put this in the list. For casual gamers, Plants Vs. Zombies has been a long running classic which has you strategically placing plants, fruits, nuts and other obsticals to prevent zombies reaching your house. Simply, challenging and addictive.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, XBOX, Mobile and other.
http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/online
What's your favourite Zombie game? Leave a comment below.
23 December 2012
Steam for Linux is now here
It has been long anticipated and now there is a public beta. Steam has release a client for the Linux operating system, specifically supporting Ubuntu 12.04 and later.
Installing the client is as easy as it is on any other OS and works much the same. On the first run, I was forced to download an update for the client. Pretty much expected that.
Anyway I record some video of the interface and it running under Ubuntu. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Installing the client is as easy as it is on any other OS and works much the same. On the first run, I was forced to download an update for the client. Pretty much expected that.
Anyway I record some video of the interface and it running under Ubuntu. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Walking Dead in Black and White
Next year the creators of The Walking Dead televisions series will be re-releasing the series in black and white. Does seem like much but after watching the Pilot episode done in black and white, I can say increases the affect of the horror in the show.
I thought I would share some screenshots from the black and white pilot.
Enjoy!
I thought I would share some screenshots from the black and white pilot.
Enjoy!
Coming Soon: Elder Scrolls Online
Building on the already popular Elder Scrolls game series, the new Online game will bring the popular open world game to a MMO format.
As you will see in the video below, the creaters have built the world to encourgae exploration and social interaction along with the standard quests you have come to love. The games supports various gameply styles from running solo to large groups.
The creates have also built the game off a "Megaserver" concept. Meaning that everyone is on one big server, rather than spliting up regions and server sets. This helps locating and joining friends for raids much easier.
We expect to see Elder Scrolls Online to be released early 2013
Check out the video below and let us know what you think in the comments below.
As you will see in the video below, the creaters have built the world to encourgae exploration and social interaction along with the standard quests you have come to love. The games supports various gameply styles from running solo to large groups.
The creates have also built the game off a "Megaserver" concept. Meaning that everyone is on one big server, rather than spliting up regions and server sets. This helps locating and joining friends for raids much easier.
We expect to see Elder Scrolls Online to be released early 2013
Check out the video below and let us know what you think in the comments below.
25 November 2012
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Multiplayer Glitches
Within the first week of release, the much anticipated iteration of Call of Duty, Black Ops 2, a list of complaints and glitches were already being reported. Not to mention the fact they pulled the Nuketown 2024 map from the multiplayer map list after the first weekend.
But here are the popular glitches to be splattered across YouTube that you have yet to experience. There have not yet been any reports of updates to fix these glitches, but [BSE] will be keeping an eye on this as it develops.
Escort Drone Glitch
Care Package Glitch
YouTube clips source: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingFilms247?feature=watch
Subscribe to the AmazingFilms247 channel for more Call of Duty clips.
But here are the popular glitches to be splattered across YouTube that you have yet to experience. There have not yet been any reports of updates to fix these glitches, but [BSE] will be keeping an eye on this as it develops.
Escort Drone Glitch
Care Package Glitch
YouTube clips source: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingFilms247?feature=watch
Subscribe to the AmazingFilms247 channel for more Call of Duty clips.
02 November 2012
How to Transfer Skyrim Game Save Files
This is a simple but just as important to some people.
When moving or backing up your Skyrim game save file on the PC, you will find them in the following locations:
Windows Vista/7
C:\<User>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\My Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves
*Replace <User> with your username on your own system.
Windows Vista/7
C:\<User>\Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\<User>\My Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves
*Replace <User> with your username on your own system.
15 October 2012
Can my computer run this game?
It is a common question from gamers that have PCs that aren't that new, but in theory should still run the latest games. Well there is a website that can help you out.
Can You Run It? is a website by the people at System Requirement Lab which allows you to check that your computer's specs meets the needs of your intended game. It will gauge it on a scale of either Not at All, Meets Minimum, and Meets Recommended.
Note: This site is not ready for Windows 8, therefore will fail you on the OS check if you are using Windows 8 (Like me).
[caption id="attachment_253" align="aligncenter" width="421"]
My analysis was failed due to the fact I was running Windows 8.[/caption]
Can You Run It? is a website by the people at System Requirement Lab which allows you to check that your computer's specs meets the needs of your intended game. It will gauge it on a scale of either Not at All, Meets Minimum, and Meets Recommended.
- Go to http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/intro.aspx
- Select your game
- Install the plug-in (Spyware/Virus Free)
- Review the results
Note: This site is not ready for Windows 8, therefore will fail you on the OS check if you are using Windows 8 (Like me).
[caption id="attachment_253" align="aligncenter" width="421"]
My analysis was failed due to the fact I was running Windows 8.[/caption]12 October 2012
Steam Games coming to Linux: The First List
While the rumour have been running hot for a while about the gaming ecosystem Steam making a port to Linux, meaning some decent games will finally be supported on the Linux system.
Here is that list:
See the site here.
Well I have found a the first list of games that will be made available on Steam for Linux. This is not a complete list and the site specifies that there many been games for Linux not yet specified.
Here is that list:
- Killing Floor
- Darwinia
- Uplink
- DEFCON
- Multiwinia
- World of Goo
- World of Goo Demo
- Cogs
- Braid
- Eversion
- Trine 2
- Serious Sam 3: BFE
- Galcon Fusion
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent
- VVVVVV
- SpaceChem
- Steel Storm
- Solar 2
- Dungeons of Dredmor
- Dynamite Jack
- Crusader Kings II
- Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
- Waveform
- Cubemen
- Serious Sam 3 - Linux Dedicated Server
See the site here.
21 September 2012
Fix: Battlefield 3 won't run in full screen
I have experienced this issue and I have found on some forums that others have come across this too.
Symptoms:
I have found that this is caused by TeamViewer remote access software. If TeamViewer is running in the taskbar on Windows, this will (so some unknown reason) prevent BattleField from running full screen.
Fix
Let us know if you have had this issue and if this fix worked for you.
Symptoms:
- Battlefield 3 won't run in full screen even though Full Screen option is enabled
I have found that this is caused by TeamViewer remote access software. If TeamViewer is running in the taskbar on Windows, this will (so some unknown reason) prevent BattleField from running full screen.
Fix
- Close out of TeamViewer.
Let us know if you have had this issue and if this fix worked for you.
13 September 2012
Gaming for the Kids
Bloodshot eyes have a team who are on a mission to save kids through video games, and we need your help.
Can you spare a little time on October 20th to game in honour of sick kids and raise some much needed funds for research and treatments?
If not, can you spare a couple of dollars to donate to a worthy cause? If not, can you at least head over to out facebook page and give us a “like”.
Our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, is Westmead Hospital in Sydney, where thousands of children are treated each year, regardless of their family's ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few.
Last year, Extra Life raised more than 1.2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2012 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher.
Our team captain, Petria Follett (bodgie sparkle) will be pledging a full 24 hours and will be live tweeting throughout the day from @bodgiesparkle.
If you would like to participate, please join the team here: http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=8986
If you would like to donate, please follow the “Support Me” link on the Home page. You can also track our progress using the widget we have added to the home page. Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids. Credit Card and paypal is available.
For more information on extra-life, please take a look here: http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?
For more information on Westmead Hospital and the great work they do, and our very worthy fundraising recipient, take a look here: http://www.chw.edu.au/
We can’t think of a better reason to game the day and night away!
Can you spare a little time on October 20th to game in honour of sick kids and raise some much needed funds for research and treatments?
If not, can you spare a couple of dollars to donate to a worthy cause? If not, can you at least head over to out facebook page and give us a “like”.
Our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, is Westmead Hospital in Sydney, where thousands of children are treated each year, regardless of their family's ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few.
Last year, Extra Life raised more than 1.2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2012 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher.
Our team captain, Petria Follett (bodgie sparkle) will be pledging a full 24 hours and will be live tweeting throughout the day from @bodgiesparkle.
If you would like to participate, please join the team here: http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=8986
If you would like to donate, please follow the “Support Me” link on the Home page. You can also track our progress using the widget we have added to the home page. Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids. Credit Card and paypal is available.
For more information on extra-life, please take a look here: http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?
For more information on Westmead Hospital and the great work they do, and our very worthy fundraising recipient, take a look here: http://www.chw.edu.au/
We can’t think of a better reason to game the day and night away!
11 September 2012
BSE has started a clan
These days it seems the only fun way to play games is with friends one way or another. Back in the day, it was gathering at a friend's house and sharing a split screen. Today with the internet and gaming laptops, we can still play the same game, but from a screen to ourselves.
What better way to show that you are part of a greater group but to become part of a clan?
Bloodshot Eyes has started its own clan with a clan tag and everything. While not all games use clan tags, it shouldn't stop you from joining and adding it to your signature, gamertag or some showing you are part of a group that is all about friendly and fun gaming.
Where you can, use the tag BSE and show that you are all about Bloodshot Eyes.
For more information, see the [BSE] Clan page.
What better way to show that you are part of a greater group but to become part of a clan?
Bloodshot Eyes has started its own clan with a clan tag and everything. While not all games use clan tags, it shouldn't stop you from joining and adding it to your signature, gamertag or some showing you are part of a group that is all about friendly and fun gaming.
Where you can, use the tag BSE and show that you are all about Bloodshot Eyes.
For more information, see the [BSE] Clan page.
12 August 2012
Gaming on the Mac
With the Mac platform becoming ever more popular, there will be plenty of gamers looking to play their favourite games ontheir Mac. What most people don't realise is that the gaming market on the Mac platform is terrible. Just plain terrible.
This not from the lack of capabilities of the hardware itself, because the MacBook Pro etc. have more than enough hardware built in to accommodate some of the best games on the market.
So what I have done is compiled a list of the game services available to get you gaming on your Mac sooner.
Steam
The popular PC gaming is also available for the Mac and has been for a while. The client runs on your desktop allowing you to download and run games. The steam service will filter out games that you have already bought on the service to display the games that can be downloaded for Mac. All chat and voice services work just the same. Game selection is not on the level as the PC (as you would come to expect), but popular Valve favourites like Counter Strike, Team Fortress and more are ready to play on the Mac.
App Store
The Apple App Store has a extensive collection of Mac games and more than just your casual Angry Birds variants. Call of Duty Modern Warefare is old now but still a popular favourite and available from the App Store.
EA Games
EA has got a (small) selection of it's games available for Mac. Most popular is The Sims line of games, however Command & Conquer, Dragonage 2, FIFA and more are also available. Link here.
Blizzard
Blizzard has made its most popular games available for Mac which shows that Mac is more than capable of being a gaming powerhouse. Diablo 3, World of Warcraft and StarCraft II are just some of the games that are available for Mac.
MacGameStore.com
This site has a extensive collection of Games for Mac that can be purchased on disc. More than I thought was available. Be warned though, if you have the Retina MacBook Pro, make sure you have a DVD drive available. Link here.
So just because you bought a Mac doesn't mean that you have left PC gaming behind. More games are being ported to the Mac platform everyday and with the continued popularity of Mac we should see more games become natively available for Mac.
This not from the lack of capabilities of the hardware itself, because the MacBook Pro etc. have more than enough hardware built in to accommodate some of the best games on the market.
So what I have done is compiled a list of the game services available to get you gaming on your Mac sooner.
Steam
The popular PC gaming is also available for the Mac and has been for a while. The client runs on your desktop allowing you to download and run games. The steam service will filter out games that you have already bought on the service to display the games that can be downloaded for Mac. All chat and voice services work just the same. Game selection is not on the level as the PC (as you would come to expect), but popular Valve favourites like Counter Strike, Team Fortress and more are ready to play on the Mac.
App Store
The Apple App Store has a extensive collection of Mac games and more than just your casual Angry Birds variants. Call of Duty Modern Warefare is old now but still a popular favourite and available from the App Store.
EA Games
EA has got a (small) selection of it's games available for Mac. Most popular is The Sims line of games, however Command & Conquer, Dragonage 2, FIFA and more are also available. Link here.
Blizzard
Blizzard has made its most popular games available for Mac which shows that Mac is more than capable of being a gaming powerhouse. Diablo 3, World of Warcraft and StarCraft II are just some of the games that are available for Mac.
MacGameStore.com
This site has a extensive collection of Games for Mac that can be purchased on disc. More than I thought was available. Be warned though, if you have the Retina MacBook Pro, make sure you have a DVD drive available. Link here.
So just because you bought a Mac doesn't mean that you have left PC gaming behind. More games are being ported to the Mac platform everyday and with the continued popularity of Mac we should see more games become natively available for Mac.
11 August 2012
Next in line… XBOX 8
Rumors have been floating around for some time now about the name of the next XBOX.XBOX 720 has been the popular vote, however the recent domain purchases by Microsoft shows we were all wrong.
XBOX 8 is likely to be the name of the next XBOX judging by the recent domains XBOX8.us and XBOX8.org.
Some sites are suspecting that it could end up titled XBOX infinity.
I would be believe that XBOX 8 makes sense and means it would fit into the rest of the Microsoft
family with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.
Also it has been known for a while now that Microsoft would be dropping and phasing out the ZUNE media brand
and as a result, ZUNE would become the XBOX media family. For example ZUNE music will become XBOX Music.
XBOX services will start appearing in the Windows system more and more for gaming and media services allowing
users to share music and video subscriptions across multiple Windows devices.
We're likely not to see the next generation until 2013 and likely to be released during E3 2012.
XBOX 8 is likely to be the name of the next XBOX judging by the recent domains XBOX8.us and XBOX8.org.
Some sites are suspecting that it could end up titled XBOX infinity.
I would be believe that XBOX 8 makes sense and means it would fit into the rest of the Microsoft
family with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.
Also it has been known for a while now that Microsoft would be dropping and phasing out the ZUNE media brand
and as a result, ZUNE would become the XBOX media family. For example ZUNE music will become XBOX Music.
XBOX services will start appearing in the Windows system more and more for gaming and media services allowing
users to share music and video subscriptions across multiple Windows devices.
We're likely not to see the next generation until 2013 and likely to be released during E3 2012.
03 August 2012
Red Dead Redemption: Coots Chapel Tombstones
Red Dead Redemption is a great open map western game that really aspires to put in back in the time of the classic ol' west.
When playing it I noticed that some of the tombstones weren't quite what you expect. Some stones were quite comical and worth taking time to check the small things in this game.
Here some of the best ones located at Coots Chapel near Armadillo:
When playing it I noticed that some of the tombstones weren't quite what you expect. Some stones were quite comical and worth taking time to check the small things in this game.
Here some of the best ones located at Coots Chapel near Armadillo:
In Memory of Francis Moon
Brother of Herbert Moon
Died May 23, 1897
Always took joke too far
Nelly Dillard of Armadillo
Wife of Warren Dillard
1879-1908
Born an Angel, Dead a Witch
Owen MacFarlane
Died June 23, 1896
Of Chronic Diarrhoea
Aged 14 years, 3m & 6 days
Always in our thoughts
Theodore Kilbane
Of St. louis
July 12th 1891
He came in search of fortune
And is still looking
...
1872 - 1907
Brother of Lewis Pickering
Came looking for gold
But found lead
Gus MacFarlane
Died in a Bar Fight
On August 4th 1905
Aged 22
Rest in Peace
Rosie Tenerton
1856 - 1878
Gone
But not forgotten
Calvin Draper
November 7th 1886
Loving Father
Terrible Lawman
In loving memory of
Hank MacFarlane
Died of Tuberculosis
December 8th 1893
Aged 12 Years
Here lies buried
Lydia Grubb
1878 - 1909
Dearly loved wife of
Eldin Grubb
Buy this tombstone at
Grubb Undertakers, Armadillo
Gideon Knox
Died Janurary 8th 1876
Six wives proved one too many
Dwight Bundy
1851 - 1887
Brave Solider
Cowardly Lover
Hamilton Murphy
of Armardillo
Loving brother of Jeb Murphy
1867 - 1908
Here lies
Josephine Byrd
Died April 1st 1878
Gone but not forgotten
Cowboy
No Name
Died on September 16th 1897
Jackson Greenwood
Of Armadillo
Gone Fishing
June 23rd 1891
Cole MacFarlane
Died of a Gunshot to the head
July 26th 1899
Here Lies
Ethan MacFarlane
1884 - 1903
Never try to Milk a bull
15 July 2012
Gaming in Windows 8
While some people might have their reservations about the next iteration of Windows, for gamers (and PC gamers at that) might be a blessing in disguise. Microsoft focused a lot of attention on the gaming integration in Windows 8 for which people don't give Microsoft credit for.
XBOX Live Gaming
Windows 8 will now integrate with the XBOX Live ecosystem allowing you to login with you XBOX Live ID and play games. The Gamer Points you accumulate on the PC will add to those you get on the XBOX with same ID. You will also be able to purchase games and interact with friends through the service, exactly the same as on the XBOX only now on the desktop.
The XBOX Live games you buy and download on the PC will load and play from the Metro interface. For most people they are put of the Metro start menu, but I think its nothing. Once you start using it, you won't even notice the difference. Your games will load and play like they always have.
Windows 8 will also come with the XBOX Companion App which allows you to control your XBOX console from the PC. Like the app already available for the Apple iPhone (My XBOX LIVE - http://bit.ly/NoCp3N) and on Windows Phone 7 (http://bit.ly/MoN3Mo), you are presented with a screen with buttons on the controller. This system uses your network and wifi to connect to the XBOX 360 and control it.
PC Gaming
Those on the PC who have invested their time and money with other PC services such as Steam and Origin will be able to play like any other system as if it was any other Windows 7 system. Ignoring the Metro interface, you will be able to install your games as normal. While future releases of these services might accommodate for the Metro interface, however I wouldn't hold my breath for that.
All-in-all, Windows 8 will allow you to continue to play the games you have now while also giving you the XBOX Live services to expand and connect with other XBOX Live players.
XBOX Live Gaming
Windows 8 will now integrate with the XBOX Live ecosystem allowing you to login with you XBOX Live ID and play games. The Gamer Points you accumulate on the PC will add to those you get on the XBOX with same ID. You will also be able to purchase games and interact with friends through the service, exactly the same as on the XBOX only now on the desktop.
The XBOX Live games you buy and download on the PC will load and play from the Metro interface. For most people they are put of the Metro start menu, but I think its nothing. Once you start using it, you won't even notice the difference. Your games will load and play like they always have.
Windows 8 will also come with the XBOX Companion App which allows you to control your XBOX console from the PC. Like the app already available for the Apple iPhone (My XBOX LIVE - http://bit.ly/NoCp3N) and on Windows Phone 7 (http://bit.ly/MoN3Mo), you are presented with a screen with buttons on the controller. This system uses your network and wifi to connect to the XBOX 360 and control it.
PC Gaming
Those on the PC who have invested their time and money with other PC services such as Steam and Origin will be able to play like any other system as if it was any other Windows 7 system. Ignoring the Metro interface, you will be able to install your games as normal. While future releases of these services might accommodate for the Metro interface, however I wouldn't hold my breath for that.
All-in-all, Windows 8 will allow you to continue to play the games you have now while also giving you the XBOX Live services to expand and connect with other XBOX Live players.
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