So, in our last episode we said we would start a new segment on the blog called "Ask the Podians." In this segment, we will take questions asked by you the listeners and answer them to the best of our abilities. So if you have question about hooking up a game system, which cables to use with your HD TV, how we like to display our toys or something else you think we could help you with just email us! If we feel like we can help you out, or at the very least entertain you, we will answer your question on the show or here on the blog with a video!
We have already gotten an interesting question from a one Mr. Jamie and here is a preview of the video that will soon be answering his question...
Showing posts with label Previews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Previews. Show all posts
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Xbox 360.5?
So, I was a little under the weather today and called off. Being that I had the whole day to recoup, I decided to get in some Fallout 3 time (final thoughts still on the way for that.) When my system boots up it tells me that there is an update for the system. Color me confused. Today is the 14th and the New Xbox Experience launches on the 19th. Why would there be a patch before a patch? Come to find out, I was chosen for a preview for the new system software. So I load it all up and get ready.
Right out of the gate they give you some fancy little movie that implies all the new things you will be able to do without actually showing you. They show EQ bars for music and media, mountains and deserts that look like something out of a video game... nothing really special. Once the system loads after this video, it's all new. Everything is pretty much different and the point is cemented with you being forced to create an avatar for your Live profile. Seems silly to force people to do this, but as I like avatars, it wasn't an issue.
The avatars are really neat. They kind of hit a nice middle ground as far as style goes. They aren't as cartoon like or basic as the Wii avatars, but not quite as Second Life like as Sony's shots of their new home system. Within a few enjoyable minutes I had a nice little avatar that looked a lot like me.
With the avatar out of the way, I got to finally get to the meat and potatoes. The new interface is, well... an interface. Nothing too impressive going on. It is nice to have a tab dedicated to upcoming events, but little else has changed, at least for the positive. If anything, I would say it's a style step forward but a content step back. Where as you used to be able to switch the blade on your Xbox and get a screen that clearly lists all the content on the page, you now have to scroll up or down to find the tab you want then proceed to scroll left or right to see what content is listed under the tab. It seems like extra work. I would prefer a page that just lays everything in front of you and doesn't force you to hunt around at what it has to offer. I'm sure using it more will make me more familiar with the content, but it doesn't seem like it's needed. To Microsoft's credit though, I think it's pretty.
The only other real large addition to the service that I have been able to find though is the Netflix Instant Queue feature. Under the Video Marketplace tab there is a big old Netflix logo. Clicking on it will prompt you to download a new program, much like Channels on the Wii. Once downloaded, you start the program and are given a short code to enter into your Netflix account via your computer and blamo! Now you can watch selections from your queue instantly on your Xbox. I have a 15 Mbps connection for my network and I have to say that the video quality is really good and I actually get some of the content in HD... when it's working. At first I had no issues with the service, but later in the evening I kept getting an error simply telling me I couldn't start this movie. It's still not live, so I hope they fix the issue, but for a feature that I get for no additional charge from two companies that I already pay, I can't complain much. It's nice because it's not just movies. I actually watched the first couple episodes of the US Office Season 2 and finally saw Orgazmo. Overall, a really cool and fun feature, especially for no additional cost.
So overall, I have to say it's not an overall step backwards. I don't think it warrants as much hype as some people are giving it, but it's got some strong features so far. Once the scheduled events of the Primetime Games goes live, maybe there will be more to talk about. In the end, it really doesn't matter what I say, because if you want to keep your Xbox up to date, you're getting this new software.
Right out of the gate they give you some fancy little movie that implies all the new things you will be able to do without actually showing you. They show EQ bars for music and media, mountains and deserts that look like something out of a video game... nothing really special. Once the system loads after this video, it's all new. Everything is pretty much different and the point is cemented with you being forced to create an avatar for your Live profile. Seems silly to force people to do this, but as I like avatars, it wasn't an issue.
The avatars are really neat. They kind of hit a nice middle ground as far as style goes. They aren't as cartoon like or basic as the Wii avatars, but not quite as Second Life like as Sony's shots of their new home system. Within a few enjoyable minutes I had a nice little avatar that looked a lot like me.
With the avatar out of the way, I got to finally get to the meat and potatoes. The new interface is, well... an interface. Nothing too impressive going on. It is nice to have a tab dedicated to upcoming events, but little else has changed, at least for the positive. If anything, I would say it's a style step forward but a content step back. Where as you used to be able to switch the blade on your Xbox and get a screen that clearly lists all the content on the page, you now have to scroll up or down to find the tab you want then proceed to scroll left or right to see what content is listed under the tab. It seems like extra work. I would prefer a page that just lays everything in front of you and doesn't force you to hunt around at what it has to offer. I'm sure using it more will make me more familiar with the content, but it doesn't seem like it's needed. To Microsoft's credit though, I think it's pretty.
The only other real large addition to the service that I have been able to find though is the Netflix Instant Queue feature. Under the Video Marketplace tab there is a big old Netflix logo. Clicking on it will prompt you to download a new program, much like Channels on the Wii. Once downloaded, you start the program and are given a short code to enter into your Netflix account via your computer and blamo! Now you can watch selections from your queue instantly on your Xbox. I have a 15 Mbps connection for my network and I have to say that the video quality is really good and I actually get some of the content in HD... when it's working. At first I had no issues with the service, but later in the evening I kept getting an error simply telling me I couldn't start this movie. It's still not live, so I hope they fix the issue, but for a feature that I get for no additional charge from two companies that I already pay, I can't complain much. It's nice because it's not just movies. I actually watched the first couple episodes of the US Office Season 2 and finally saw Orgazmo. Overall, a really cool and fun feature, especially for no additional cost.
So overall, I have to say it's not an overall step backwards. I don't think it warrants as much hype as some people are giving it, but it's got some strong features so far. Once the scheduled events of the Primetime Games goes live, maybe there will be more to talk about. In the end, it really doesn't matter what I say, because if you want to keep your Xbox up to date, you're getting this new software.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
First Impressions: Star Wars Force Unleashed Demo
So leading up to the show we recorded this week, Ryan and myself were frantically checking Xbox live for the new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo. Unfortunately, the demo didn't go live in time for us to play it before we recorded. I have since downloaded the demo and played through it multiple times. First off, I have one large complaint with the demo... It's too short. I know it's only a demo, but I still would have liked just a little more. Maybe give us at the very least two levels so we can explore the powers and how they grow during the length of the game. It actually took me two play throughs to finally get the idea of combining the powers and get the hang of the force grip.
So now that I brought it up, lets talk about the force grip. Force Grip is basically your Force telekinesis. It allows you to pick up crates, grenades that are thrown at you or even whole people then manipulate them in space and eventually just throw them. This results into some fun little ragdoll effects with Stormtroopers flying about and flailing their arms as they take their last flight. The thrill of this might fade and this segment of the gameplay might grow into feeling a little bit like a gimmick, but as of yet it has not. I feel also as that power increases and the combinations that are possible with other force powers in the game will keep the Force Grip fresh.
Overall, the action is rather fast but never to the point that it is a frenzied blur that leaves you wondering what just happened or at least in a bad way. One nice thing about the physics of this game is that you can often times just throw one barrel and trigger a chain reaction of near Rube Goldberg proportions. The Lightsaber action isn't too shabby, but I think you will find yourself fiddling with The Force more than anything else in this title.Overall, I think I have to say I am looking forward to this game. I'm not sure if it will be a buy on day one, but it might be something I pick up before Christmas. It will be hard for me justify it though with games like Rock Band 2, Fallout 3 and Fable 2 all coming out this year though.
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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed releases multi-platform on September 16th, 2008 in North America
All pictures are Property of LucasArts
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