Monthly Archives: May 2023
Xbox 360
Xbox 360
It wasn’t so long ago that kids who got the “new” Nintendo 8-bit gaming console or the Sega system for Christmas were the envy of every less fortunate and burned out Atari owning neighborhood playmate. As time elapsed, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and NES’s Turbo Graphix 16 became all the rave. Anyone now in their twenties can recall being impressed by the awesome advancements in playability and graphic display of the Nintendo 64 and Sega’s Dreamcast system, and even more recently (only five or so years ago) the advent of Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo’s Game Cube, and the Play Station by Sony. The Video Gaming industry has made great strides in the past twenty years: from slow-moving, barely recognizable forms on screen in original Atari games such as Pac-Man, Calga, and Tron, to the extremely vivid and life-like graphics of Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Tekken; available for the Xbox and Play Station. Now, just in time for Christmas 2005, Microsoft has made the next move in the continuing race for Video Gaming Supremacy with the introduction of the Xbox 360. The result is truly phenomenal.
The Xbox 360, as with all video game consoles, is basically just a computer with hardware and software dedicated to the function of running video games. The original Xbox was pretty much just a Microsoft PC with a modified Pentium III processor, some powerful graphics and audio capabilities, and a modified version of the Windows 2000 operating system, all packaged in that distinctive black box.
This year Microsoft has released two versions of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System. The Xbox 360Core System is “plug and play”, that is, that in addition to the console, it includes an integrated controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 (not the “Core system”) comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet connectivity cable, a headset, a media remote, and a removable 20-GB hard drive.
For anyone who thought the original Xbox was a technological marvel, you must try this out! As amazing and realistic as the play on the first Xbox was, the Xbox 360 makes its predecessor look tired and worn-out. Microsoft has rebuilt the Xbox from the ground up. From the name to the look, from hardware to features, the Xbox 360 is a radically different and more powerful machine than the original Xbox. Far more than a video game console, the Xbox 360 is a total media center that allows users to play games, network with other 360 owners; rip, stream and download all types of media, including high-definition movies, music, digital pictures and game content, as well as play DVD movies and audio CD’s.
The Xbox 360 will revolutionize the gaming world. Microsoft has definitely set the new standard in video game technology.
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Breaking Into The Video Game Design Field
Breaking Into The Video Game Design Field
If you’re a dedicated gamer, you’ve probably said more than once, “I should go into video game design, I could make stuff even cooler than this!” In fact, there is currently a great demand for individuals in the video game industry, but not everyone who loves to play games can successfully design them. There is a big gap between knowing what makes a great game and being able to actually design a game that fits those criteria.
The current demand for video game design experts is why more colleges than ever are offering courses in computer game design and computer animation studies under various titles. The best courses offer a degree that thoroughly covers everything from the basics of computer animation to game script development.
Education Plus Personality Equals Success in Video Game Design
Today’s game design companies are looking for a combination of talents and knowledge that can only come from experience and education with a good dash of the right kind of personality as well. Some people are avid gamers but simply don’t have the dedication and attention to detail that is necessary to become a designer, while others have the creative personality, attention to detail and striking concepts but have never bothered to get the educational background required to hit the ground running. There are several things that are key to success in video game design, including:
A background in computer animation and game design
This is where a solid college education comes in. Because the industry is constantly changing, you need a degree from an accredited university that keeps up with changes in the industry and has experienced professionals teaching the courses. You need to understand and be able to execute the steps of animation and design from the inside out to be successful.
Discipline and attention to detail
There is so much more to video game design than just having a great concept. You need to be able to develop detailed, precise flow charts for different levels and possible outcomes and be able to precisely structure the theme and mission of a game concept. Continuity, clean execution and flawless design are all the result of discipline and attention to detail.
Understanding of character and story development
In other words, you can’t just be all action oriented. A good college course will have courses that help you develop story structure and individualize characters so that they aren’t simply “cardboard stereotypes.” The uniqueness of each character and story can make or break a video game design, so be sure you’ve learned these skills.
Script writing
You can design the action, but you must also tell the story. If you are going to get a degree that relates to video game design and/or computer animation (both excellent choices), check out the curriculum to be sure you will learn script writing. Additionally, it may be a good idea to take a course or two in creative writing to further hone your skills. It also helps if you’re an avid reader who enjoys fantasy and adventure.
If you have the personal characteristics you can attend a good college that teaches you the right skills. Look for one that offers a good range of animation and gaming courses and includes the development of a complete portfolio. The portfolio is an indication that you will leave being able to complete a gaming project and that you will have a concrete example of your work for prospective employers to review. From there, your career in video game design will take flight.
Dual Core Computer Processors
Dual Core Computer Processors
Most of the talk going on in the computer processor industry is revolving around dual core processors. But what advantages do they actually give and is it worth it in terms of price?
All processors have a core. A core contains some memory, often referred to as cache, either L1, L2 or L3, depending on how close it is to the core, and the core itself, as well as a few other essentials. The core is the “brain” part, it performs all the big calculations that are needed for the various things a computer does.
Computer cores have been increasing in speed, and increasingly quickly. Manufacturers were in a race to have the chip with the fastest speed, measured in GHz. One surprise is that despite these increases in clock speed, the actual speed of programs didn’t increase proportionately.
As modern programs make much heavier use of other computer parts like memory, and there are often many running at the same time, another approach was needed.
Dual core processors were the answer.
By putting two “brain” parts into the processor, you can run two programs on two cores, without having to share it between them. The effect of this is that when running two or more programs, the processor can now handle much more as a whole.
The part about them that might disappoint is gaming.
Unlike the multitasking environment that is usual for a computer either at home or at the office, games rely on the brute force of a powerful processor to help them along. So far there is no technology to take advantage of the two processors, like the ability to split its tasks over two cores. Most gaming has not improved with this new technology.
As with processors in the past the mainstream of dual core processors is dominated by the two big guys, Intel and AMD.
Intel offers two processors in its range, same processor, just different speeds. The lower priced of the Pentium D processors comes in at around 0. This price is reasonable considering how much you would pay for the top of the line single core processor.
The Pentium D is based on the same core as it’s single core counterparts, just two of them inside. Its boost in performance is quite notable, and makes it presence felt in the multitasking environment.
The AMD Athlon X2 is AMD’s offering in the dual core market. Unlike the Pentium D its lowest priced model comes in at a staggering 0. It’s not expensive compared to processors like its FX series, which are over 00, but in comparison to Intel it’s expensive.
It too is based on the same core as its single core cousins and also offers the same performance increases.
The price of the AMD is surprising. From a company that became renowned for it’s low cost, high performance processors this is quite a blow. Even the upper model of the Pentium Ds comes in at less that AMD’s cheapest model.
The price might be justified if the AMD actually gave a significant performance boost, but it doesn’t.
For the first time in a long time, I think I would be willing to switch back to an Intel processor. Although my preference is not for dual core, if I had or needed to switch I would certainly go straight for the Pentium D.
And finally, how do they compare to their now out of date traditional processors?
Considering how powerful processors have become I would still not make the switch. Dual core has not been around long enough to produce low cost, slightly out of date models. The power of the AMD Athlon 64 3000+ more than does it for my computing needs, and that’s where I would stay for now.
So for those who are looking for the next cool thing for their desktop computer and price is not a huge issue, this would be your best choice, but go for the lower end Pentium D.
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Why Everyone Should Own A Nintendo Wii System
Why Everyone Should Own A Nintendo Wii System
The Nintendo Wii is one gaming system that everyone should own including younger and older people. Nintendo really took the video game industry to another level when they released this system, and if you know just a few things about this system you will be able to quickly tell why you can never find this unit in stock at most retailers.
You can have more control in games as the Wii enables you to move the controller and make action happen on the screen. With games like tennis, baseball, golf, football, other action games, and more you can take a more active roll while playing games. The Nintendo Wii forces you to move more while you play. If you want to sit still while playing this system it will be difficult to do, so burning extra calories while you play is almost a given with this unit.
Another awesome feature of this system is that it comes complete with a game which is rare in the gaming industry. The game that comes included is high quality, and really is all you need to keep yourself busy for awhile. This game includes tennis, baseball, golf, boxing, and bowling. Even if people don’t like sports games you will still love these games. The movements you have to do to make these games work are almost life-like motions so it makes it more fun. The included boxing and tennis games really can give you a great workout as you can compete against the computer or a friend next to you. The bowling game is very close to actual bowling with the motions you have to do to make it work. The Nintendo Wii offers a whole new realm to gaming.
An improved gaming lineup is another big plus of this unit. When the unit first came out there weren’t many games available for just the Wii, but now their selection rivals the Xbox and Playstation systems. More and more game companies are having games created for the Wii. The Wii also enables people to play GameCube games on the system which also has a huge selection as well, and old GameCube games can be found for an extremely low cost online.
Probably one of the greatest features of the Nintendo Wii is that it allows you to purchase and download old games from the regular Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and the Nintendo 64 systems. With this one unit you can play games from five different systems, and can also relive your childhood days of playing the original Mario Brothers or other original games.
There are many more reasons to purchase a Nintendo Wii, but this is truly one system that is totally worth the money, and something you need to get for your entire family this Christmas.
All About The Play Station 2
All About The Play Station 2
Today, gaming consoles are a part of almost every household in the world. Everyone enjoys playing with it, like children, teenagers and even adults. Gaming consoles like the Xbox and the GameCube offers these entertainments.
However, these other gaming consoles do not even come close to competing with the Sony PlayStation 2 for their wide variety of game titles available. Most game publishers have exclusive contracts with Sony so their game title would not come out in other gaming consoles. You can also rent PS2 games online which broadens the library of games delivered straight to your door.
PlayStation 2 gaming consoles are one of the newest and strongest selling gaming consoles in the market. Its affordable price, wide variety of games and fantastic graphics made this one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world today. Unlike its predecessor the PlayStation, PlayStation 2 is more stylish, sleeker and smaller, it even comes in two colors, Charcoal Black and Satin Silver.
Although smaller, it does not mean that it has not extended the console’s features. PlayStation 2 still has an elevated awesome processing power, and even extended its library of great games and features. PS2 does not just limit its features to games; it can also play DVD movies and play music. In short, PlayStation 2 offers amazing features with its wide variety of entertainment that is sure to make everyone enjoy this single and easy to use console.
A PlayStation 2 package comes with a controller and all the cables needed to hook the system up to your television and sound system, it also comes with one or two games depending on the package you purchased. Setting up the PlayStation 2 game console is easy, even a child can do it. After setting up your PlayStation 2 console, you can immediately start playing with it. PlayStation 2 even has an integrated Network connector to enable you to use the Network Entertainment.
What is the Network Entertainment? Network Entertainment enables the game console to hook up to your broadband Internet connection, and makes you a part of a virtual community of online gamers. This feature allows you to play with friends online across the world.
Network gaming will change the way you play video games, you no longer have to play by yourself and defeat lame computer enemies over and over again but you can fight or team up with other players around the world which means your fighting human intelligence and so you’re guaranteed some surprises and tougher challenge right in the comfort of your own home. This feature is becoming more popular nowadays so regardless of what time you wish to play online there will always be plenty of gamers online, you can play whenever you want.
Right now, PS2 gamers from all over the world are playing online together. Either you can be part of a team to cooperate to win or you can go solo challenging other players. Most network games allow gamers to talk to each other by using a headset that plugs into your PS2 console. Play and win with a team, and the shared glorious victory will be more enjoyable! Lose, and you can hear each other grumbling and blaming each other. You can talk to your teammates about strategy and give each other tips.
PlayStation 2 is a good investment to any home, offering a new world of entertainment.
For an additional fee the PlayStation 2 also has gadgets you can buy such as Memory Card to save your progress in the game, DVD Remote Control, an Analog Controller Dualshock2 that vibrates so the gamer can truly feel the action on screen, a steering wheel controller such as the FANATEC Speedster 3 that race fanatics can enjoy and have realistic feel of the virtual car, the G-con 2 Light Gun for the first person shooter gamer, a USB headset for PS2 so you can talk online to strategize, plan attack with teammates, or taunt enemies and more.
PlayStation 2 also enables the owner to play music CDs and watch DVD movies with awesome picture and sound quality and Parental Lock security functions. In addition, if you are the owner of a home cinema or surround sound system, PlayStation 2 has a Digital Out connector to hook it up on your home cinema system.
In addition if you are the owner of the previous PlayStation or PS one, PlayStation 2 is compatible to all of the existing PS one games, which means you can still play your old PS one games in PlayStation 2.
PlayStation 2 is the most entertaining gaming consoles in the market, which offers quality entertainment whatever your age is. PS2 will keep you glued to your seat for hours by playing solo, play online, watch DVD movies or simply listen to music.