So Apple has released a new wireless keyboard and I must admit the tiny footprint and stylish aluminum and new keys make it very attractive. Attractive enough that as a Windows XP user I'd still use it to clear up the clutter on my desk. With a dual monitor setup and small sized Bose speakers, my keyboard takes up most of my desk space when i want to study a textbook or do some reading while using my computer. While the new wireless keyboard takes away the number pad, the space gains may be worth it if you find yourself hardly using the number pad anyways. The keyboard functions on blue tooth and the battery housing serves double duty to provide the keyboard slight elevation as well. My camera's battery is not charged so I will put up pictures of the setup at a later date. Overall it functions well under XP but the alternate media functions only work with a Mac. If there are driver updates in the future this keyboard will be the ultimate media center keyboard, small enough to type in your lap with ease while maintaining proper spacing for those with fatter fingers. The option key functions as the alt key while the command/apple key is the windows key on a windows machine. Syncing the keyboard required going to my bluetooth menu in windows and powering on the keyboard. I had no problems using a passkey although others in forums seem to be having problems, I'm not sure if its legitimate or them not being familiar with bluetooth devices. I only wish that the keyboard came with a bluetooth dongle but that's not a big deal as you can easily get one if your computer doesn't already have bluetooth.
If anyone finds new XP drivers to enable the multimedia buttons please let me know.
Verdict: Well built and aesthetically pleasing. For anyone looking for a wireless keyboard with a tiny footprint without the extra keys on an extended keyboard. Multimedia buttons do not work in XP. Slightly pricey at $79 so definitely a splurge if you already have a wireless keyboard. Does not come with bluetooth adapter.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Gears of War Hidden Fronts finally free
No time for a long post just wanted to remind everyone that Gears of War's Hidden Fronts map pack is now free. For everyone like me who dislikes paying for new maps be it in Halo2 or any other game rejoice! Perhaps now I'll play a little more Gears of War when i get a chance. I'm more excited for Metroid Prime 3 and Halo 3 obviously.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Shadowrun update
The 2nd Shadowrun update is now available for 360 users with Vista's update on the way. Major changes include a sped up matchmaking as well as some information when it is finding connections. There is a significant decrease in the amount of time it takes to find a game. Sadly there are no new maps or gameplay updates. I am still experiencing a good amount of lost connections or hosts leaving the party and not being able to reconnect. The update claims that parties will be split less but I haven't tested it yet.
I hope that maps come along soon for this game as I enjoy it, but for a game to be multi player based with no single player campaign if gamers aren't interested this game will be quickly forgotten.
Lets hope there's some additional content on the way.
I hope that maps come along soon for this game as I enjoy it, but for a game to be multi player based with no single player campaign if gamers aren't interested this game will be quickly forgotten.
Lets hope there's some additional content on the way.
Guitar Hero Encore Rocks the 80s
So I've realized that I haven't touched Guitar Hero 2 in a while because the amount of effort required to "master"some of the tracks is frankly a bit beyond my interest. After playing mostly shooters I was looking to kill some time with something else at the store and I saw that Guitar Hero 80s was on sale at Best Buy. I wish I had read some of the reviews before I made my impulse buy.
The makers of the game basically took the Guitar Hero 2 code and added some neon and a few new outfits for the characters. The stages are the same and there are only 30 tracks/songs. At 39.99 I feel meh about the purchase but as the game is being sold at 49.99 elsewhere, it is overpriced. This game definitely feels like a cheap sell out to make some moolah, but at least it plays competently like its predecessor.
After experiencing the fiasco that is Guitar Hero 2 downloads on Xbox live, i was hoping that the PS2 would get slightly better treatment as it has been the platform that has had Guitar Hero from the beginning. In retrospect I suppose its better to get 30 tracks at 40 bucks instead of 3 tracks at 6.25 each on xbox live which greatly infuriates me and I even refuse to spend the free 1600 points i got at circuit city with my Xbox 360 Guitar Hero purchase.
With Guitar Hero 3 coming out and Rock Band in the works as well, I say wait for those instead of the 80s game unless you're a hardcore guitar hero fan who's looking for some new tracks on the PS2.
Verdict: Rent or Skip.
The makers of the game basically took the Guitar Hero 2 code and added some neon and a few new outfits for the characters. The stages are the same and there are only 30 tracks/songs. At 39.99 I feel meh about the purchase but as the game is being sold at 49.99 elsewhere, it is overpriced. This game definitely feels like a cheap sell out to make some moolah, but at least it plays competently like its predecessor.
After experiencing the fiasco that is Guitar Hero 2 downloads on Xbox live, i was hoping that the PS2 would get slightly better treatment as it has been the platform that has had Guitar Hero from the beginning. In retrospect I suppose its better to get 30 tracks at 40 bucks instead of 3 tracks at 6.25 each on xbox live which greatly infuriates me and I even refuse to spend the free 1600 points i got at circuit city with my Xbox 360 Guitar Hero purchase.
With Guitar Hero 3 coming out and Rock Band in the works as well, I say wait for those instead of the 80s game unless you're a hardcore guitar hero fan who's looking for some new tracks on the PS2.
Verdict: Rent or Skip.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Overlord
Minions. Minions seem to be the in thing right now. The Darkness, Overlord, Shadowrun. All of these games use minions. While I haven't played the Darkness yet I can say that the minions in overlord steal the show. It is ridiculously fun to send out 10 creatures to destroy whatever is in your path. True you can go do the work yourself but when you're the Overlord its more fun to sit back and watch from a safe distance.
The game has been quite enjoyable so far and grows a little in depth and tactics. Later in the game you'll have up to four minion types to choose from and command while battling along with them if you wish. Each type has its special abilities and weaknesses and it can become a bit challenging to get your minions to do your biding, fighting off enemies yourself, and issuing new orders. It is a game that I hadn't heard much of but am quite glad that I picked up. The game started a bit slowly and has a bit of annoying backtracking to get certain things but it is definitely a game i can see myself playing getting a little bit further each time I sit down with it.
The game has been quite enjoyable so far and grows a little in depth and tactics. Later in the game you'll have up to four minion types to choose from and command while battling along with them if you wish. Each type has its special abilities and weaknesses and it can become a bit challenging to get your minions to do your biding, fighting off enemies yourself, and issuing new orders. It is a game that I hadn't heard much of but am quite glad that I picked up. The game started a bit slowly and has a bit of annoying backtracking to get certain things but it is definitely a game i can see myself playing getting a little bit further each time I sit down with it.
Upcoming Releases
My Wii has been sitting next to my TV for months without seeing much use. After WiiSports and a few games were beaten or played for a while I rebonded with my Xbox because Nintendo's online support is still lacking. As much fun as classic games are, most of the time they just aren't as fun when you go back to them. The mind has a funny way of making old games seem more enjoyable than they were or maybe I'm just really bad at old 2d sidescrollers now. I don't have the patience when I mess up to start the level entirely over with no savepoints. What used to be a fun challenge in my youth is now just absurdly infuriating which doesn't help with my "casual retro" gaming.
Enter Smash Bros. Brawl on Wii. I'm excited for it. Bottom line. This will be a game where I can play it with ANYONE. My Xbox has ironically become my single gamer console even though I mostly use it to game online with others. Most of the games are too complex for me to get used to playing split screen. I want the whole screen for those games and there aren't very many "party" games where 2-4 people can all play together. Seriously, I challenge you to name some non arcade games for the xbox. Try. Ok I'll give you guitar hero cause its so much fun but you still have to pass the guitar around. The only downside to my upcoming smash bros brawl is whether or not i really am willing to spend the money for two more controllers.... they're really expensive! I definitely see Smash Brothers being the party game that gets played when a few friends are over no matter their gaming experience.
The Wii has definitely expanded casual gaming and it is a very welcome change, I just hope that Nintendo can follow through with some legitimate games that aren't just hokey and lose their appeal after a little bit of time with it. So far I am feeling good about Smash, Mario Galaxy and Metroid.
On the 360 I'm looking forward to GTA IV, Halo3 (obviously), Mass Effect, BioShock, Prototype and Blue Dragon.
For Sony... I hope they can get a few interesting games out that aren't ports. A few quality exclusive games such as Metal Gear will help Sony try to regain some ground if perhaps they stop trying to sell me a system that I should be honored to go work more hours in order to have. Psh, until that attitude changes or there's a significant price drop, I'll sit on the sidelines and be jealous of those who get to play the new Metal Gear.
Enter Smash Bros. Brawl on Wii. I'm excited for it. Bottom line. This will be a game where I can play it with ANYONE. My Xbox has ironically become my single gamer console even though I mostly use it to game online with others. Most of the games are too complex for me to get used to playing split screen. I want the whole screen for those games and there aren't very many "party" games where 2-4 people can all play together. Seriously, I challenge you to name some non arcade games for the xbox. Try. Ok I'll give you guitar hero cause its so much fun but you still have to pass the guitar around. The only downside to my upcoming smash bros brawl is whether or not i really am willing to spend the money for two more controllers.... they're really expensive! I definitely see Smash Brothers being the party game that gets played when a few friends are over no matter their gaming experience.
The Wii has definitely expanded casual gaming and it is a very welcome change, I just hope that Nintendo can follow through with some legitimate games that aren't just hokey and lose their appeal after a little bit of time with it. So far I am feeling good about Smash, Mario Galaxy and Metroid.
On the 360 I'm looking forward to GTA IV, Halo3 (obviously), Mass Effect, BioShock, Prototype and Blue Dragon.
For Sony... I hope they can get a few interesting games out that aren't ports. A few quality exclusive games such as Metal Gear will help Sony try to regain some ground if perhaps they stop trying to sell me a system that I should be honored to go work more hours in order to have. Psh, until that attitude changes or there's a significant price drop, I'll sit on the sidelines and be jealous of those who get to play the new Metal Gear.
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