東西 | dongxi

The Electronic Entertainment Expo kicked off some of the hottest upcoming games at the Los Angeles Convention Center last week. So who were the big winners?

1. Sony: When it came down to the big three, Sony’s press conference comes out on top. Not only did it focus on games for the (hardcore) gamer audience, but their announcements were focused on the near future, compared to Nintendo’s slate of TBD game. While nothing came as much of a surprise, the PS Vita and schedule of triple-A games edges Sony as this year’s winner.

Wii U

2. Kinect: Microsoft’s press conference was all about their Kinect peripheral. Not only will games like Mass Effect 3 and Ghost Recon integrate gameplay with the motion/voice sensor, the Kinect is expanding into home use, including Bing search and live TV watching. Essentially Microsoft is looking to make the Xbox THE home entertainment system.

3. Super Mario 3DS: Best described as a hybrid of Suoer Mario Bros. 3 and Mario 64, this game returns to it’s roots that made the 8-bit games so great. A modified Tanooki suit returns along with a 2D-3D mix of gameplay.

4. Battlefield 3: While CoD made big waves at the Microsoft conference, little was seen on the show floor itself. EA’s Battlefield 3 offered games an alternative to the popular shooter franchise with impressive visuals and exciting gameplay.

5. Street Fighter X Tekken: If you’re a fighter fan, this game brings the classic “Street Fighter versus Tekken” argument back to the forefront. While the feel of the game replicates the feel of classic games, this game does offer tweaks that’ll keep both Street Fighter and Tekken fans on their toes.

Street Fighter X Tekken Booth

6. Batman: Arkham City: This game will have a lot to live up to, but it’s so far looking great. With a much larger and expanded world (or city) to explore, this next Batman sequel looks to build upon the various features that made Batman: Arkham Asylum such a hit.

7. Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster: While not the gamer’s game, this title is slated to be a big seller. The image of one’s child having fun  interacting with Elmo and Cookie Monster is enough to get many parents ready to run out for this game. Using the Kinect, kids are able to directly connect with the various mini-games and interations.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

8. Bioshock Infinite: Though still months away, the momentum continues to build for the next installment in the Bioshock franchise. Set in the aerial city of Columbia, you battle steampunk opponents while unraveling the mystery of this floating dystopia.

9. Tomb Raider: Gone are the jagged polygons. Taking cues from Uncharted, this game will be much darker, grittier, and realistic than previous installments. In an extended trailer, Lara was chained and strapped in a mysterious cave, only to fall onto a sharp spike as she attempted her escape. It definitely looked painful. Fortunately, This game, however, looks far more like pure fun instead.

10. Playstation Vita: Despite doubts in the future of handheld dedicated gaming systems, Sony’s Playstation Vita does hold promise. Sony seems to get most of it right this time: crisp screen, dual analog controls, promising gaming lineup (Uncharted, Little Big Planet, Street Fighter X Tekken), fair price of $250, and even region-free support. It’s definitely going to pose a big challenge to the Nintendo 3DS. While the introduction of smartphones and tablets have challenged dedicated handheld gaming platforms, the Vita may just have what it takes to be a winner among the hardcore gaming market.

PS Vita Booth

With the holiday shopping season descending upon the nation, news outlets and blogs alike have been set ablaze with the latest deals. What’s worth getting though? Here’s a few tidbits, tips, and thoughts for this year’s holiday!

Should I get an iPad?

- Short answer, no. If you’ve waited this long to get one, chances are you can wait a little bit longer. Given Apple’s yearly refresh cycles for their products, it’s near certain that we’ll see an updated iPad (and a price drop for the existing model) by April, with an announcement as early as January. Features of this new iPad are still anyone’s guess, but some top predictions include a front-facing camera and a sharper display.

Should I buy a 3-D TV?

- 3-D is getting forced upon the market, whether we like it or not. Fortunately the costs of a 3-D set aren’t significantly higher than a regular TV. We’re still a year or two off from seeing 3-D really hit the mainstream market. Still, if you are on the market for a new TV regardless and have a little extra to spend, 3-D might be worth looking into.

Is it a good time to buy an HDTV?

- Yes. In anticipation of slower sales this year, TVs have dropped in price. Check out the Panasonic 32″ 1080p Viera LCD for $380. You can’t really go wrong with any of the major brands. Most of the discounted TVs are the 60Hz models. Is it really worth the extra dough for a 120Hz or 240Hz model? You’ll notice differences as you move up, especially from the 60Hz to the 120Hz. Unless you have the extra cash and want the latest in your entertainment system, the lower options work just as well.  Also, don’t be fooled by those upsells of “premium” cables! They may claim to work better on 120Hz or 1080p, but countless tests have shown that all these cables work the same. The big box retailers tend to sell the most expensive of cables. Do your cable shopping online – HDMI cables (or any cables for that matter) should not cost over $10.

Which e-book reader should I get?

- Between the Kindle, Nook, and iPad, e-books have become one of the big items for 2010. The Amazon Kindle is your best bet. Amazon has the largest collection of books, clearly beating out the competition. It’s also the most versatile, as the Kindle app is also available on iPhone, Android, PC, etc. It is the most limited among the readers out there, using black/white e-ink while the Nook and iPad offer robust color displays. If you do have a child, the iPad might be worth considering, for both color books and interactive children’s apps/games. *Note: On Black Friday (11/26), Amazon is offering the older model for $89! Amazon Facebook

Should I get a Kinect/Move?

- No. In both cases, it’s simply way too early to tell if there’ll be enough support from third party developers. The Playstation Move follows the footsteps of the Wii, offering wireless controllers that track your movement. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but the 1:1 tracking looks promising for gaming. The Kinect has become the new Wii, as the latest item to get your parents, aunts, and younger siblings dancing, swinging, and jumping to some family friendly games. There doesn’t seem to be much for the hardcore gamer, but it’s definitely a new experience for everyone. Then again, that was said about the Wii which now is slowly collecting dust on the shelf.

Should I get a PS3 or an Xbox 360?

- There’s a few factors to consider if you’re deciding on which console to get. For the most part, most major games can be found on both platforms, so unless you have to get the latest Halo or Gran Turismo, the gaming library isn’t as much of a factor as it used to be. If you’re a fan of multiplayer, however, definitely look to where your friends are as there isn’t cross-platform multiplayer. If you’re a big entertainment enthusiast, the PS3 is the better choice with Blu-ray, Hulu Plus, and Neflix streaming (at 1080p and 5.1 surround sound) support.

Top Shopping Apps

- Here’s a few links to some lists of apps for all your shopping needs. Personally, I’m a big fan of CNET’s Scan & Shop (for Android), which in a recent field test did a better job finding the lowest price compared to Google’s Shopper app (which is still a solid app nonetheless).

CNET’s Top Shopping Apps

Gizmodo’s Top Android Shopping Apps

Gizmodo’s Top iPhone Shopping Apps

Following the Wii, both Sony and Microsoft have begun making their moves (no pun intended) into motion gaming. Though the two gaming giants have taken very different directions, ultimately gamers are still left wondering, is it worth it?

Let’s start with the basics. Sony with the “Move” takes a cue from the Wii, offering handheld devices that are tracked with the Playstation Eye (a camera connected to the PS3). The Move, however, offers much more precision and 1:1 movement tracking. No longer can one get away with a simple wrist flick for a tennis game. On the other side, Microsoft’s Kinect extension requires no additional peripherals aside from the camera mount. The camera itself has the ability to recognize faces as well as body moments. With the XBOX, the person IS the controller, where movements are tracked and translated into the game.

So which of the two should one get? It depends. Assuming one owns both systems, the Move and Kinect currently offer very different experiences.

Kinect BundleSource: Microsoft

For the hardcore gamer, the Move currently is the stronger contender. Though most gamers may already own a Wii, Sony’s point of differentiation is in the games. Whereas the Wii has been plagued with countless cheap party games, Sony has placed restrictions in attempts to ensure that the motion controls are not as gimmicky. Coupled with the PS3, hopes are high for A-level games to utilize the motion controls for a more in-depth experience. Upcoming titles such as Socom 4 have been announced, while older games, such as Resident Evil 5 and Heavy Rain have been updated to integrate with the Move. Until there is a radical shift in the way games are designed, complex games (including first person shooters) often require buttons and precision, which is much harder with the Kinect. While Sony has revamped what is now considered an old formula, the improvements look promising for those who are looking to game.

Playstation MoveSource: MTV

Kinect, on the other hand, has become the new Wii. Removing the controller entirely, the Kinect, like the Wii, is looking to get people off their couches and to turn their living rooms into exercise rooms, dance floors, and family game rooms. Microsoft’s strategy is geared much more at the casual market. With games like Dance Central and Kinectimals, the XBOX is now something for the mom, dad, and little sister. While this path includes the risk of turning the Kinect into another dust-collecting item on the self (like the Wii), Microsoft has taken steps to keep their product fresh. Like the PS3, the XBOX has become a media hub with services like Netflix and ESPN integrated into the console. With the Kinect, users can walk in and automatically be recognized and logged in (via the camera) and use their voice and hands to make their selections (No more wasted hours looking for the remote!). It’s definitely a revolutionary step that may lead the wave of change in our living rooms, as the iPhone has changed the way we use our phones. The Kinect is the way to go for those looking to get friends and family active and involved in the XBOX experience.

Microsoft KinectSource: Microsoft

Playstation Move BundleSource: Sony

Both devices offer exciting new experiences, although for very different audiences.  Of course, neither one comes cheap. The Move starts off with the $100 Move package, which bundles in the camera, one Move controller, and their version of Wii Sports. Each additional controller costs about $50 which can certainly add up. Kinect costs $150 but there are no additional costs. However, the Kinect requires approximately six to eight feet of space, which in a college dorm or urban apartment, may be hard to come by. Ultimately, while both look promising, it will be their catalog of games (and third party support) that will determine the success of these products. Unless there’s extra cash lying around or the immediate offerings are enough of a sell, it doesn’t hurt to wait a little longer to see how both products move (pun intended).

Source: Twitter

Unfortunately the first initial run of the episode never recorded properly, but don’t fret, we’re still got your weekly dose of Gigawhat, though sans Iyaz.  This week we look Twitter’s new redesign – too bad no one has it yet! What you can get though, is the new IE9 Beta – does it have what it takes to compete with Firefox and Chrome?  We also take a look at the Playstation Move and some exciting announcements from the Tokyo Game Show.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Iyaz at @iyaz, Derrick at @derrickc82).  Leave a comment as well on the blog post at dxstuff.com.

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Show Links

Twitter Redesign: http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2010/09/twittercom-redesign-mirrors-useful-parts-of-ipad-client.ars

IE Beta: http://windows.microsoft.com/ie9

Google Chat Enhancements: http://lifehacker.com/5640871/gmail-labs-adds-enhanced-video-chat-get-the-newest-features-first

Google Voice App Back in Apple Store: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/18/google-voice-apps-begin-returning-to-iphone-app-store/

Windows Mobile 7 GSM Only for 2010: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20016752-56.html

Playstation Move Released: http://gear.ign.com/articles/111/1117286p1.html

Tokyo Game Show

On our second show, we (@iyaz & @derrickc82) give our two cents on this week’s video game convention, E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), including our favorite picks and thoughts on the show’s winners and losers.

And like any good train wreck, we can’t help but look at the latest disaster from AT&T-Apple; when will Apple finally call it off with AT&T and find someone who can actually treat her right? And when can we finally expect to get our darn iPhone 4s? Finally, we examine Verizon’s thoughts of moving away from unlimited data plans and discuss what that means for the everyday consumer.

We still don’t have a title for the show but we’re open to suggestions. Leave us a comment and if your title gets picked… well… we’ll either send you a pic of my EVO or a tuna sandwich, your choice!

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Story Links

E3: http://e3.ign.com/

Microsoft Kinect:  http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6266481/kinect-what-you-need-to-know

Playstation Move:  http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6266516/playstation-move-what-you-need-to-know

Mario Sports: http://wii.nintendolife.com/news/2010/06/e3_2010_mario_sports_mix_coming_next_year

iPhone Pre-Order Delays: http://gizmodo.com/5565259/iphone-4-delayed-again-now-july-14th

AT&T Cancels iPhone Orders: http://gizmodo.com/5567907/att-randomly-cancelling-iphone-4-pre+orders

Verizon Considers Tiered Pricing: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-17/verizon-may-follow-at-t-s-iphone-to-tiered-pricing-update1-.html

With the main press conferences all said and done, gamers were out at full force hitting the floors across the Los Angeles Convention Center. The line for Nintendo’s 3DS wrapped several times around the Nintendo booth; hundreds waited on line for other  games as well, including Assassin’s Creed, Mortal Kombat, Killzone 3, Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Microsoft’s Kinect.

Mortal Kombat, slated for 2011 was definitely a surprise hit; the game returns to its roots, with all the blood and gore you come to expect from a franchise that led the controversy in video game violence. The demo only listed a few characters, including Scorpion, Reptile, Kung Lao, Mileena, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero and Stryker. A few of the stages available were beautiful re-imaginations of classic Mortal Kombat stages included the Pit and the Living Forest. The gameplay was great. The moves and character switching (for tag team matches) were smooth. Responding to feedback from fans, the game brings back the violence and gore. One nice detail was the deterioration of characters as they fought; by the time the match ends, your character is bruised and bloodied up. The game is slated for release from NetherRealm Studios / WBIE for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2011.

Sony’s new motion control, the Playstation Move, required far more effort than the Wii. Whereas one was able to get away with wrist flicks in Wii Sports Tennis, the Move requires actual full swings and moves, as the camera tracks movement 1:1. It’s not just the motion that’s need too however, for the fighting game, full powered, full speed swings are required as well. Swinging your arm lightly will just make your character flail his arms. Within two rounds, I was definitely working up a sweat. It was fun, though, as tiring as it was. The Move is slated for release in the U.S. on September 19th.

Here’s a few more pics from Day 2 at E3:

With E3 only a few days away, the LA Convention Center is prepped up with banners galore highlighting some of the big games to be shown this year.