Video Games
In Myst, the successful graphic adventure video game released by Cyan back in 1993, linking books are written by the D'Ni people using a process known simply as "the Art." The purpose of these linking books is to transport people to other worlds known to the D'Ni as Ages. Linking books play an integral part in Myst and its sequels, and now a working replica of one has been created. Not "working" in the sense that it can transport the reader to other ages, but working in the sense that the Cyan games can be played using this real-life version of the linking book. Read More
Often, when people talk about children and the psychological effects of playing video games, it’s nothing good – there are certainly plenty of individuals who maintain that if a child spends too much time blowing away virtual enemies, they will become more aggressive, antisocial people in the real world. A new game developed at Boston Children's Hospital, however, is intended to do just the opposite. It helps children with anger problems to control their temper, so they’ll get along better with other people. Read More
Pop quiz: what do chainsaws, Ray Liotta, and A Flock of Seagulls have in common? If you were playing video games ten years ago, you'll know the answer is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Owners of iOS and Android devices will soon be able to rack up Floridian wanted levels, as Rockstar Games' second entry in the groundbreaking GTA III trilogy is coming to mobile. Read More
Video game developers are always looking for new ways to give players a more immersive experience. But with several motion-controlled systems widely available and a viable virtual reality headset in the works, what else could be done to make games seem more realistic? Sony may have an unexpected answer with a recent patent that describes a controller that changes temperature between hot and cold to match in-game actions. With the controller giving "temperature feedback," the idea is that players would be able to more closely feel what their character feels, from getting hit with a fireball to traveling through a blizzard. Read More
Virtual reality has always felt like it's on the cusp of becoming huge, but it has never quite managed to gain the momentum needed to put it in the hands of the mainstream. But with the original Wii showing the way, and both PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect following in its footsteps, the signs are that we're moving away from traditional gaming and towards a future dominated by alternative ways of interacting with virtual worlds. The final piece of the puzzle in bringing VR to the masses could be a simple and affordable method for allowing gamers to move around safely while they have headsets strapped to their faces. The WizDish aims to be just such a device. Read More
Ever since it was first revealed, the Wii U has distinguished itself from its predecessor with its touchscreen controller and HD graphics. But that's really just scratching the surface. If you want to know exactly what makes Nintendo's latest console different from its forebear, why not ask the engineers that built it? Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently did just that when he sat down with a handful of the console's designers to discuss almost all of the main hardware changes in the Wii U from the chip structure to the cooling fans and more besides. Read More
Logitech adds G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard to G-series
Logitech's G-series keyboards have a new member of the family. The brand new G710+ is a mechanical keyboard, which tend to be preferred by hardcore gamers. Mechanical keyboards also offer quieter keys, and this G710+ is no exception. Read More
Delta Six gun controller fulfills your FPS fantasies
The humble controller has never been the best choice for first-person shooters. Those who have mastered the keyboard and mouse combo can pulverize even the best console gamers thanks to the added accuracy and speed of movement that control method provides. But while this combination may be the method of choice for serious FPS gamers, it doesn't offer any kind of realism. Something that the newly announced Delta Six controller cannot be accused of thanks to its firearm form factor. Read More
Resident Evil 6 is a game in the throes of an identity crisis. It's not quite willing to give up its survival horror roots and takes on more ideas than it can quite cope with. However, its strong action dynamic and moody, engaging creatures and environments, coupled with a very lengthy campaign, makes Capcom's latest an enjoyable installment in the series. Read More
If you have been enjoying The Sims, but have a hankering for a more unusual neighborhood, then perhaps it is time to upgrade your game with the Supernatural expansion pack. Do this and your new neighbors will make the Munsters look positively boring! The expansion pack is set in the decidedly spooky village of Moonlight Falls and while there are "normal" residents to be found, the place is also overrun by a variety of mythical and supernatural creatures. And best of all you, can join their other worldly ranks. Read More