Gadgets Blog » Video Games

We all like to fantasize about our favorite video game characters coming to life and helping us fight evil. But what if they came to life, and just performed a basic function that is ingenious, but also not necessarily going to save the world? Take for instance, the Stap Man Stapler from PanicDesign.com: It’s a pretty seedy website, but the design they produce is incredible! Check out some of their top products:

Stap Man Stapler from PanikDesigns.com: 16 pounds (it’s a British company)

Mr. P Mobile Eater Mobile Stand from PanikDesigns.com: 12 pounds

On September 15th, 2009, Nintendo and 5th Cell released their newest partnership product, Scribblenauts, described as an “emergent puzzle action video game”. In Scribblenauts, you play as Avatar Maxwell (but can customize your avatar if you wish; I personally find his rooster hat pretty cute, yet inexplicable) and you must solve puzzles by calling upon whatever solution (object-driven) you can think of.

Need to climb a wall? Type “helicopter” into the query box and you don’t need to waste the sweat. Need to break a child’s pinata at a birthday party? You can always use the pistol, but you’ll lose points for using a violent method to solve your puzzle. Imagination is key, of course, but often it is the simplest solutions which do the best (the helicopter can be a bit unwieldy at times, for example, so I often call upon the “ladder” instead, but feel horribly boring and dull).

Scribblenaut’s has had a very successful first month of sale. Despite common belief, Scribblenauts is not as children friendly as you might think: if you think “pistol” as a solution for a puzzle was edgy, there is also the options of Jesus, God, and a Hadron Collidor. Try explaining any of those solutions to a 6-10 year old.

Buy Scribblenauts today, available for the Nintendo DS and DSi.

Sony has just unveiled pictures and information on the new slim PS3, which will hit the market in September. At the standard market price of around $300, this new model will come out September 1. Sony has managed to cram more memory and more features into a smaller, sleeker model. Now with 120GB of memory as opposed to 80GB in the standard model, this gaming system has taken entry-level to a new level. The big question everyone’s asking (and groaning about) is whether or not the new slim PS3 will have “backward compatibility”, meaning the ability to place PS2 game discs. Unfortunately it will not, but Sony does offer that the slim PS3 can play the old PS1 games, which are downloadable via the PlayStation store. When you go to purchase the new slim PS3, the box will include the console, a single Dual Shock 3 controller, a USB cable (for charging the controller), AC power cord and composite AV cable. Keep your eyes and ears peeled though, gamers: rumor’s out that an even new slim PS3 with 250GB of memory is about to hit the market, so if memory upgrade is the biggest factor for you, you might want to wait a month or two.

The new Nintendo gaming system, Nintendo DSi, is only a few hopeful months away from being the perfect portable blogging and twittering device. With two cameras, a built-in Internet connection, music storage, sound recording capabilities and gaming system and graphics on top of that, the system already makes for some pretty creative and ingenious gameplay. In the past two weeks I’ve played the games…

…Professor Layton and the Curious Village a mystery game that involves over 150 puzzles to complete the story, and Rhythm Heaven, a series of mini- music playing challenges.

I’m not that big into RPGs, fighting games, or dark plots. I grew up nurturing Pokemon to adulthood and spent more time tending Zelda’s gardens than actually solving the game. I was a game evader, so to speak, but after a decade of higher education and some serious gaming breakthroughs, I’m happy to say that the DSi’s offered games and technologies, among other things, are perfectly at my speed and actually fulfill needs of a college student. Do I need to check my e-mail incessantly? Yeah, actually, and the DSi can fulfill this role PLUS let me directly upload pictures I take on the DSi to facebook (a new, free update posted by Nintendo last night. Updates come frequently and are advertised directly on the DSi, not in an annoying way, but in a nice, conscientious kind of way).

So, here’s my suggestion: If you’re 16+, planning on going to college, have your own website or blog, or are already in college and want to invest in a gaming system but are a little guilty about spending money on something that’s purely for entertainment, consider buying a Nintendo DSi. It fulfills so many more roles than just a gaming system, the games are extremely intelligent (Professor Layton’s puzzles, for example, engage the same reasoning skills as the LSAT!) and the updates are just going to make the product sweeter and sweeter.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for an affordable Nintendo DSi and accessories.

Nintendo Wii Remote: From: $35.99

One of the best things about the Wii is its wide appeal across age groups.  Adding a whole new level to family game night, the wireless, motion-sensitive remote has fast become a household standard enjoyed by kids and their parents alike.

One of the most versatile designs for interactive game play on the recent market with its many applications, it can be used as a bat, sword, steering wheel, drumstick, tennis racket, etc.  Equipped with Bluetooth technology, it puts you right in the middle of the action where you belong from as far as 30 feet from the Wii console.

The only drawback, if it can be called one, is the need to exchange back and shoulder rubs after a night of highly competitive play.  With this remote, there’s no sitting on the couch as you must perform the motions to play.  And, don’t forget the wrist straps!  You definitely don’t want to get carried away during an intense competition and send your remote flying across the room.

But, if something should happen to your remote or you’re just looking to get another one, you can find them for affordable prices at Smarter.com.  Get four for a complete set and connect for maximum multi-player enjoyment.

*Get it at Newegg and get free shipping on select items and a free gift with select purchases.

Find Nintendo Wii controllers and more deals on gaming accessories at Smarter.com.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an action role-playing game, with a loaded story that takes place in a massive, mysterious world.  This world contains gigantic dungeons, treacherous opponents and hundreds of challenging quests.  The enemies are very intelligent, adapt in number and challenge gamers in heroic single and multiplayer battles for up to four players.  Sacred 2 is actually the prequel to Sacred.

In the game, there are two campaign path choices: Light and Shadow.  The player will select the path they want to follow at the beginning of the game, and this choice determines the ultimate goal of their character.  Throughout the game, the paths intersect at different points.  In one path you may be asked to help defend a town, while in the other you may be asked to destroy it.

Difficulty:  This game can be pretty difficult at first, but it takes some getting used to.  Learning the best way to kill your enemy can be challenging.  The fighting in this game is not very accurate.  Sometimes you are forced to use your secret power when it is not really necessary.

Graphics:  I wasn’t blown away by the graphics in this game.  Sacred 2 is meant to be detailed throughout the game, but I found some levels distracting.  The regions in this game do bring you into a new realm but it is a little too much.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides many unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world.  A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, attributes and character-specific fighting styles.  Cooperative multiplayer game play ensures players will enjoy the game alone or with friends.  There are five unique multiplayer modes that offer a refreshing gaming experience.

To enhance the gaming experience, I definitely recommend playing those online.  I feel that this is the way Sacred 2 is supposed to be played.

If you have plenty of time on your hands, you will adore this game.  There are plenty of dungeons and caves to inspect as well as vast variety of regions from deserts to rainforests.  If you get distracted easily this may not be the game for you.  Some missions are a little too long.  The pace of the game can be unpredictable at times as well.  But if you liked Sacred you will love Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is rated M for Mature

Find Sacred 2: Falled Angel for Xbox 360 at Smarter.com.

Even though Terminator Salvation is the same name as the movie that opened in May, it is a completely different story.  Terminator Salvation is set in Los Angeles in the year 2016, and takes place between the events of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and The Terminator and follows John Connor and his team, consisting of Angie Salter, Barnes and Blair Williams.

Difficulty:  This game wasn’t too challenging.  It was also very predictable at times.  There was no fear factor in this game.  The enemies are often easy to kill if you know just how to kill them.  There are also plenty of places to duck-and-cover, which makes it easier to avoid the enemy if you have to.

Graphics:  Even though the setting in this game doesn’t feel like 2016, they definitely portray a war-torn Los Angeles that has been destroyed by the battle between the humans and the machines.  The graphics are impressive and do get you in the mood for metal.

The multi-player part of the game isn’t as fun as other games.  I just recommend playing single player mode.  The game also has a quick pace and an interesting story line if you are a fan of he Terminator movies.

If you like shooting and blowing up things in a war-torn city, you will definitely enjoy this game.  The different levels in the game do get repetitive and you seem to be fighting “spiders” also known as T-7-T which are eight legged machines and Aerostats, which are robatic wasp-like creatures on a constant basis.  The occasional endo-skeleton or T-600 from the Terminator movies that we all know and love is also thrown in at times.

There are also no medic packs in this game.  Your life is only restored when you finish a battle or mission.

There are a variety of weapons in this game.  My personal favorite is the rocket launcher which is used throughout the game and will blow up anything in your way.  The other weapons used in Terminator Salvation are grenades, grenade launchers, pipe bombs, machine guns, shotguns and an M4 assault rifle.  You will need these to battle the T-600’s who won’ go down easily.

Overall, I recommend Terminator Salvation for those who love third person shooter games.  The game was never distracting and was beaten pretty quickly.  So, if you are a fan of the movies, you will be a fan of the game.

*Terminator Salvation is rated T for Teen.

Find Terminator Salvation for Xbox 360 at Smarter.com.

Looking to get some quality time with dad?  With the new software coming later this year, you have just enough time to get hooked on Electronic Arts’ Left 4 Dead ($27.99), an interactive zombie shooter with great graphics and four campaigns.

You can play alone with three computer associates or online with three friends.  Fighting for your survival, you are surrounded by Infected and must shoot or blast your way out.  Dim lighting, creepy graphics and spooky audio make for intense exploration of dark rooms and corners that can very well be hiding a super mutant.

Make it to a safe house and take a break from this action-packed horror-filled universe, but guaranteed you’ll want to jump right back in.  No puzzling plot lines or deep character development, zombies are simple-minded folks.  They’re set to kill and their eyes are on you.  Get your shotgun and a couple friends and have a blast.  What better way to bond with dad than fighting your way out of a zombie apocalypse?

If you haven’t played this yet, you might be the only one.  I even know parents who have joined the virtual world of Paladins, Mages, Taurins and Undead because of this multi-player RPG.

The World of Warcraft Battle Chest by Blizzard Entertainment ($36.99) includes the base game software and the Burning Crusade expansion pack so it’ll keep you busy much longer than the 14-day guest pass that’s also included.  It allows for thousands of online gamers to interact and play in the same world at the same time.

Be warned though, WoW is addictive and you’ll find yourself coordinating schedules with your new online buddies to run instances, explore dungeons and battle with other guilds.  Choose your side, good or evil, and customize not only your character’s appearance, but his skills when you choose his profession.  This online gaming world will soon become your second life, especially if your aim is to work up through level 70.

Get them both from Amazon and get free shipping on purchases over $25.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more video games and software.

There was this little get-together called E3 going on this week… you may have heard of it.

It’s a small thing really, only thousands of gaming and computer entertainment peeps gather at the L.A. Convention Center for a few days of gaming and announcements and all around showing off.  And yes, we love it.  Please, show us more!

Tons of news so here’s a few highlights:

Project Natal — Hands-free, wire-free, motion-sensitive control for your Xbox. Competition for the Wii-style controller, only there’s no controller, ergo nothing to be thrown at the screen by mistake (those Wii wrist straps aren’t just for decoration). Check out the video on CNET. No release date was given yet. Let’s hope for soon.

Facebook, Netflix & Twitter — Because connecting from my desktop, laptop, cell phone, etc., aren’t enough.  Coming to Xbox Live service.  Link your FB page to your gamer account and update your status to things like “Johnny is kicking ass and taking names” and “shooting zombies in the face” from your Xbox.  Browse through your movie queue and oh yeah, that annoying “tweet” thing too.  However, this could mean a whole new level to Twitter parties.

Halo 3:ODST and Beatles Rockband — Coming soon to a living room near you. Oh, and a skateboard-shaped controller for Tony Hawk:Ride.  Half-pipe not included.

A Multi-Platform Crysis 2 — Not just for PCs anymore. Whoohoo for multi-platform, the great equalizer.  Scheduled to be released on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Sony’s PSP GO – Nice little upgrade to its PSP3000, it’s smaller, lighter and has the trick slide-up screen.  16GB of built-in flash memory, no UMD drive, no touch screen.  Will be available October 1 for $249.

Nintendo Vitality Sensor — Uhhh… say what now?  I love Wii, but just not sure how this will up the game play.  That said, it is a cute gamey gadget that reads your pulse from your finger, so maybe after a few rounds of Wii tennis or boxing you can take a reading and calculate the calories you’ve burned?

New Super Mario Games — A 2D four-person co-op for the Wii, and a follow-up to Super Mario Galaxy with 3D gaming.  In all fairness, I haven’t played Super Mario Bros. in, I don’t know, years?  So this could be enough to pique my interest once again.

Left 4 Dead 2 — Riding the success of the first edition, Valve is smart to be quickly on top of the sequel.  Scheduled for this November, a zombie uprising in New Orleans?  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Okay, seriously, this list could go on for miles.  The designers and producers are working hard to wow us and we love them for it.  Keep it coming, lads (and ladies).

Shop more Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation, and Xbox consoles, games and accessories at Smarter.

Sources: E3, G4, CNET

Dude. This is just cool.

Microsoft gives us Project Natal, a hands-free, wire-free, motion-sensitive control for your Xbox.  Competition for the Wii-style controller, only there’s no controller for this webcam-based system, ergo nothing to be thrown at the screen by mistake (those Wii wrist straps aren’t just for decoration).

Check out the video on CNET.

You are the controller.

Step in front of the “dashboard” and the system instantly recognizes you and signs you in using a facial recognition tech that hasn’t been seen on a consumer product before.  Definitely aiming to get you off the couch and into the action; to kick a ball you kick your foot, to hit the ball you swing your arm, the player moves freely in real 3D space and the avatar does it on screen.   It also accepts commands by voice. Can’t wait to try it! Unfortunately, no release date was given yet.  Let’s hope for soon.

To which Nintendo replied, they plan to release Super Mario Bros 28.

Just kidding.  Nintendo’s up to bat tomorrow so we’ll see what awesome surprises they have in store for us.

Sources: E3, G4, CNET