KontrolFreek’s FPS Freek Havoc & FPS Freek Infinity: The Science of Shooting Stuff Faster

Posted on October 23, 2012 by geelw

Whether you play a lot of console FPS games in online or single player modes, you know that getting the drop on that enemy before you’re ventilated is all that matters and everything you can do to make that perfect shot is a good thing. Atlanta, GA-based KontrolFreek has been around for a bit providing console FPS fans with some cool controller enhancements that actually improve performance without the need for spending a ton of money on a custom pad or taking apart your favorite controller. The KontrolFreek Havoc (inspired by Call of Duty Black Ops II) and KontrolFreek Infinity (inspired by Halo 4) are a set of analog thumb stick extenders that actually add more range of movement to your character while requiring less pressure on the sticks, meaning you can play longer and better as soon as you snap these onto your favorite gamepad. Hey now, don’t be such a skeptic! There’s actual SCIENCE here to prove it! Go, Science!

I was quite surprised at how more responsive games like Killzone 3, Resistance 3, Halo ODST, Metro 2033 and a few others I tried out with the Havoc and Infinity on a few different first and third-party pads I have around the home office were and both even work well with other genres where extended play usually brings tired digits. If there’s a FPS fan on your holiday gift list, either (or both) would make a perfect addition to their package. Grab a pair of either for $19.99 MSRP at a game shop near you, but if they don’t have these, you can order direct from KontrolFreek for $13.99, a savings of $6 with FREE shipping if you order $25 or more of merchandise. Sounds like a deal if you ask me. Anyway, get to it and maybe tell a few friends so they can get in on this. Of course, telling people you play AGAINST that you’re putting holes in them faster because of KontrolFreeks is probably not a good thing (but it will make the folks at the company happy, that’s for sure)…

Control Issues: Where The Wii U Could Really Slip Up At Launch…

Posted on September 15, 2012 by geelw

No, I’m not talking about how well the new GamePad works or anything similar. I’m talking about the fact that Nintendo (of America, at least) isn’t releasing that innovative new controller as a standalone purchase on the same day as their new console. Wait, what? Yes, indeed… and I think this is some sort of wacky first for a new console launch.

Of course, a bit of official spin cycle counterpoint makes it all better, right? Well, in my opinion… not really. On the very different (but related) subject of why there weren’t dual controller games at the NYC press event and aren’t going to be additional GamePads on store shelves at launch, Nintendo of America President and CEO Reggie Fils-Amie noted in a great GamesIndustry.biz interview published yesterday:

” The reason you don’t see games with two GamePads [at this event] is the technical ability to make two GamePads work was delivered to publishers after they started this current round of development. So you’ll see those two GamePad experiences at a later date; when those games are coming, that’s when we’ll make a separate GamePad available.

Look at it this way: when we’re preparing for launch, I need to make consoles and I need to make GamePads, and I need to put them together in a box to sell at retail. And if I’m using my inventory assembling GamePads that don’t support any games in the marketplace, all I’m doing is reducing my available inventory to sell on launch day.”

Really? Argh. You had me at hello, Reggie (yep, I’ve already pre-ordered a Wii U). But then you hit me on the head and tried to toss me in the trunk after taking my wallet. Ouch. That’s not how it’s supposed to work with a new console – particularly one that’s so important and innovative…

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Update Before the Update Department: Some Kinect-ing Thoughts…

Posted on August 22, 2012 by geelw

So, I played a bit of Dragon Ball Z Kinect yesterday and (*surprise!* ) I didn’t hate it at all. It looks great (well, for a DBZ game), the controls are simple enough to understand (I’d say most fans will appreciate them more than non-fans) and yes, there’s a good workout in there with all that punching, ducking and occasional jumping you’ll be doing.I didn’t ask if there was a calorie counter option, but they will definitely be burned as this game is played…

That’s a good thing, although I’d bet once it hit stores, more kids will enjoy the game than adults. I was about to keel over like a fallen oak tree after one fight. Maybe Namco Bandai is planning some sort of revenge on jaded, out of shape games journalists who keep knocking them when they try to do something different. Then again, I’m not jaded, just really out of shape. The amount of physical exertion needed to play DBZ keeps it from really being a “casual” game experience and it looks as if families with a Kinect in the living room will be getting another game to keep them occupied (and relocating furniture before a foot goes through it).

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3D Isn’t Dead After All – Gene Dolgoff Has An Awesome, Affordable Solution On The Way

Posted on August 16, 2012 by geelw

OK, you guys and gals all know by now that I’m not the biggest fan of 3D television. That’s because it’s not an inexpensive upgrade (for a good setup), I don’t like goggles over my glasses, and when I think about it, there’s probably nothing I want to see in 3D that I can’t see on my regular old TV (insert generic Skinemax joke here). That said, with 2000+ games here in the library (hey, I’m a historian and it’s research!), I actually wouldn’t mind seeing and playing some of my old stuff in 3D. Yes, I’m really curious to see how things would be if we were a bit more forward thinking (and a lot less expensive) in our gaming tech.

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Evil Controllers Wants YOU To Make Your Own Perfect Pad

Posted on August 16, 2012 by geelw

The fine folks over at Evil Controllers have come up with a rather nice way for gamers to do their thing (go Evil, that is!): user-created controllers for the PS3 and Xbox 360. These would make a perfect gift for the gamer out there who knows what here or she wants in a controller, but can’t get that from a stock OEM model or some other custom controller site. If the quality on these new additions to Evil’s lineup are as good as their usual work, this could be the next big thing for the discriminating gamer who wants to spend a bit more and truly get what they pay for while saying they made it themselves (well, sort of). Check out the video above, then pop on over to the Evil Controllers site and have at it!

Mimoco’s MIMOBOT Collection Expands: The Dark Knight Rises & Return of the Jedi USB Flash Drives

Posted on July 1, 2012 by geelw

You have to love Mimoco’s staying power, as despite the drop in memory prices over the years, the company is still going strong thanks to it’s fun line of 8GB to 64GB USB thumb drives that range from cool street art and anime flavors to their popular line of licensed DC Comics, Hello Kitty and yup, Star Wars-themed drives. Their latest collections are now ready for prime time and it’s a winner for fans of Episode Six and a certain Chris Nolan film that’s bound to blow the doors off the box office worldwide when it hits theaters later this month.

Of course, the company also has big plans to release a few VERY limited edition USB drives, so if you’re headed to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con or Star Wars Celebration VI, you’ll be able to get you hands on one of these awesome Biker Scout MIMOBOT drives (to the left, limited to 1000 units). For San Diego Comic-Con ONLY, there will be a mere 500 of these Bane USB drives (to the right, as if you needed to figure out who was who). Now, I;m not going to either event, but I’ll very most likely be headed to the next New York Comic-Con, whenever that is and of course, next year’s Toy Fair. Sooooo, Mimoco, what’s coming up for 2013, hmmmm? Inquiring minds want to know!

Tech Review: Accell UltraAV DisplayPort to Dual-Link Active Adapter

Posted on June 20, 2012 by geelw

Whether you’re planning to use multiple monitors for gaming, an art project, multi-tasking or even more mundane needs, Accell’s UltraAV Display Port/Mini Display Port to DVI Dual Link Active Adapter (try saying that three times fast!) should be one product you’ll want to take a look at. This nifty USB-powered device (no AC adapter!) plugs into your PC’s DisplayPort (or Mini DisplayPort) and then into either a Single or Dual-Link DVI, allowing you to spread your visuals out across all two or three screens. Resolutions of up to 2560×1600 (WQXGA) as well as all HDTV resolutions are supported here and if you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to go monitor shopping after seeing how cool this gadget is. Granted, I’d need more space in the home office for a third monitor, so I tested it with two here before the next phase of the trial…

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Earloomz Introduces Star Wars Bluetooth Headsets

Posted on April 5, 2011 by geelw

As a long recovered former hardcore Star Wars geek, I tend to unsee most licensed products within about a minute (which has had the side effect of keeping my cluttered work space a bit less busy). However, the folks at Earloomz and Lucasfilm Ltd. have finally managed to use their Jedi mind tricks on me (and rather successfully at that). So here you go: a peek at their first four Star Wars themed Bluetooth headsets. Created with form and function in mind, these officially licensed headsets feature iconic images of Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and The Empire Strikes Back’s climactic ’Dark Duel.’Read more »

Evil Controllers Reveals Million Dollar Controller (It’s A One Day Sale, Hint, Hint)…

Posted on April 1, 2011 by geelw

Yikes. They call it the Evil Bling… I call it the Ultimate Evil (now where’s my check for those naming rights?)… Yes, it’s April 1st, folks, so take this news as you will. Although I hear The Donald has ordered a dozen already just to show he’s not just spending all that money he supposedly has on a hair stylist (and failed chances at a presidential nomination)…

Sony Ericsson Announces Xperia PLAY DK300 Multimedia Dock

Posted on February 14, 2011 by geelw

Of course, the first accessory for Sony Ericsson's upcoming phone was also announced in Barcelona, so here's a look at a few images plus more specs (this one's shorter – put down the baseball bat!). I like the simplicity of the design and how well it compliments the phone while not taking up a bunch of desk space. Like the PLAY, price is TBA (hey, that rhymes!)

Anyway, to the jumpmobile!