GeekSugar

New Xbox 360 Dashboard Released Today!

GeekSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:23 -0800

Rolling out to Xbox systems everywhere today is the New Xbox Experience - Microsoft's dashboard update for your 360. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, it's only a big deal if you like customization, visual appeal, and an easier way to browse and stream those Netflix videos through your gaming console!

The new dashboard will feature a horizontal row of boxes to navigate through, instead of the previous side blades that acted as the menu screens for the different functions. You'll get boxes dedicated to Xbox Live, your games, music, photos, and media, as well as tabs dedicated to Xbox events, game and music marketplaces, and your friends. But what's my favorite part about the new dashboard? Find out when you read more.

My favorite (and the most newsworthy) features have to be the new avatars (which are highly customizable and I'll say it - kinda remind me of the Wii's Mii avatars), and the slick new Netflix viewer, which allows you to stream hi-def movies on-demand like you would on your computer. The New Xbox Experience is available today via a system update, but if you want a more detailed look into what you'll be jumping into, check out Joystiq's extensive look into the new dashboard in their video exposé.

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The Practical Girl's Guide to Apple TV

GeekSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Call waiting, cell phones, TiVo . . . all technological conveniences that you told yourself (I definitely did) at first you didn't need; until of course, you had them, and they became indispensable.

This is now how I feel about Apple TV. Our friends at Apple sent me the mighty little movie streamer, and I've been learning to live with this new gadget.

For the uninitiated, Apple TV ($229) is a box-top digital media receiver - basically, a home theater enhancer that functions as a movie or music player. To hear my first impressions, and to whom I would recommend an Apple TV, just read more.

First impressions:

First of all, set up of the Apple TV could not be easier. You plug in the HDMI cable (or component, if that's how you roll), and it's just a few minutes to be all set up. It was truly one of the most painless gadget setups I've ever been through.
The most impressive thing about the Apple TV? Its abilities as a media hoster. That's right, hoster, not player, because player is so limiting. The first thing I did was connect my computer and iTunes account to the Apple TV, and bam, all my photos and music were available. The screensaver slideshow of photos (with several photos onscreen at a time) mesmerized my friends and me.
The movie watching experience is great, but I didn't expect it to be difficult. With no skips for obvious reasons, it's as smooth and easy as using a PS3 for viewing Blu-ray movies.
The 160GB of space is awesome; we watched a DVD the other night, and it skipped, so we ripped it to the Apple TV and watched it from there (effectively saving movie night and my nerves). Not only is it a better way to watch, you can rip your DVDs to the Apple TV's hard drive, and then never have to deal with those discs again.
Watching a movie directly from Apple TV is ideal, and way better than renting or buying from your computer (whether you'd watch it straight from your PC or transfer it from there to the Apple TV). Where downloading a two-hour movie onto my computer from iTunes takes me about an hour, it takes about 20 minutes from Apple TV and we were able to watch it before it had fully downloaded.

Who is the Apple TV ideal for?

Movie Junkies. This is the obvious one, but very true. Having the Apple TV means you can rent or buy movies and TV shows from iTunes (stay tuned for my impressions of that) anytime - no having to get out of your PJs or into the rain to get a new movie.
People who want to digitize their movie collection. You have 160GB of space to fill up, so you can divide that among quite a few movies and then sell those discs or just consider the file on the hard drive a back up.
People who entertain a lot. My favorite part about Apple TV is not movie watching, but photo viewing and music playing. Normally we play slideshows on our TV, but we either have to burn a limited number of images to a disc, or run it from the PS3, whose slideshow isn't as cool looking. Apple TV runs my whole photo library and looks amazing doing it.
People who are resisting Netflix, but sick of actual movie stores.
People who want a movie streamer. There are other streaming devices, but Netflix's Roku doesn't do anything besides movie streaming, costs $99 plus a Netflix account, and you could do it with an Xbox, but you'd have to have an Xbox and an Xbox Live Pass. No subscription is necessary with Apple TV.
People who are not ready for Blu-ray (or think it won't stick around). If you rent or buy directly from the Apple TV, movies are available in HD, and they look pretty clear.
Gadget junkies. Enough said.

This is just the beginning of my experiences with the Apple TV, so if you have any questions or curiosities about it, let me know in the comments below and I'll try to cover it all in the followup!

Early Preview: Tomb Raider Underworld For Wii and DS

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:01:26 -0700

I've totally been on a gaming binge these past few weeks, and who can blame me? We're ramping up for the holiday season, and I'm trying to figure out which games to add to my wish list! There are a whole slew of games hitting the shelves in the next few months, and I got a chance to check out one of them at an early preview last week. I got my hands on Tomb Raider: Underworld - both the Wii and DS versions - and I already have a clear favorite between the two.

Tomb Raider: Underworld takes us to the depths of the oceans and to new locales like Thailand, Mexico, and the Arctic to unlock the mystery of Thor's Hammer - a mythical Norse God who was said to smash mountains into valleys, and possessed the strength to destroy Gods. Of course, Lara is not the only one seeking this hammer, and finds herself in some interesting situations. Natch.

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To see which console I'd prefer to play on, just read more.

Although the Wii's controls are great in games like Wii Sports, Resident Evil 4, and Wario Shake It, they seem like they aren't really needed in this game. You use both the nunchuck and remote to play, sporadically incorporating the motion sensors to pull a lever or open a door. But it was just not enough to proclaim that this is a totally new experience, like we saw when Resident Evil 4 made its appearance on the Wii. If anything, the Wii version left me feeling a little out of control of Lara. Plus, the camera was a little crazy, and between you and me? I got a little motion sick while playing. Don't tell anyone.

When I sat down to play the DS version of TRU, I was wondering how they could adapt a game that has been known for its graphics and challenges to such a small screen (not to mention that it would be a side scroller) but I was totally surprised at how fun this version actually was! Not only are the controls intuitive, but the game was overall just a better experience. Unlike the Wii version, where I found myself lost as to what to do next, the DS version was easy to follow and understand. Besides, you can only go left, right, up, or down! This is not to say that I don't like games that challenge me to think and solve complex puzzles, but I do like a game that makes me want to continue playing - and that's exactly what the DS version of Tomb Raider: Underworld achieved.

Tomb Raider: Underworld will hit stores November 21 on your PS2, PS3, XBox 360, Wii, DS, PC, and select mobile phones.

Get Your Game On: November Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:00:15 -0800

Hopefully in the midst of sorting through your must-have list for November and preparing for your annual Thanksgiving feast, you have also been gearing up for a feast of a different kind. The kind that involves the return of a certain plumber, a large helping of a new band, a serving of an interstellar society, and a side order of a pimped-out race car. It's November friends, and that means gorging yourselves for the next month on some of the hottest games to hit the market all year. Please, please-help yourselves!

**New Video Game Releases (November 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Mario Galaxy - Bowser is at it again and this time has taken Princess Peach's entire castle into space! With the help of Princess Rosalina, Mario must venture out into new worlds to save Peach.	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out Nov. 12. Order online.
Rock Band - Were not talking just a guitar here. Were talking guitar, drums, bass, and a mic for the ultimate band experience. Online action lets you compete against other bands, post band photos, blogs, and bios. You better start getting your band together now, cause there's sure to be a lot of competition out there. Now just to settle on a name....	Playstation 3, Xbox 360 $59.99 for the game, $169.00 for the bundle	Rockin Out Nov. 20
Mass Effect - One of the most anticipated games of the year. Incredibly customizable, this role playing game thrusts you into an emotional battle with many species of aliens while trying to maintain the trust and respect of your crew. With you at the helm, you must help save human kind from a force that is hell bent on destroying a colony called Eden. Developed as a trilogy, plan on investing in this one for the long haul.	Xbox 360, $59.99	Coming Nov. 20
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - With games like fencing, archery, shooting, gymnastics, swimming, and table tennis, this multiplayer game is sure to have you and your pals squaring off for hours. A great game to get the family together after Thanksgiving dinner to work off all that turkey and stuffing!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out now. Buy it.
Need for Speed: Pro Street - Lots of challenges, lots of cars, and – most of all - lots of speed. With all the custom options you can get on your brand new 2009 Nissan GT-R, you may want to take those turns a little slower so you don't scratch up your killer paint job. Or on second thought, maybe not.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3 $59.99 and Playstation 2, $29.99	Out Nov. 14
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 - In this around-the-world installment, RRR2 is packed with 50 minigames in single or multiplayer mode. One game that brings back thoughts of the playground has you out-burping your opponents and causing damage to their surroundings. Let the games begin!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99 and DS, $29.99	Out Nov. 13

Tune in later this month for geekalicious reviews of Super Mario Galaxy and Rock Band! Want more games now? Check out past game releases.

Get Your Game On: February Releases

GeekSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:02:14 -0800

**New Video Game Releases (February 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Devil May Cry 4 - In this fourth installment of Capcom's uber popular series, you play newcomer Nero as you hunt demons, natch.	PS3, XBox 360, $59.99	Available now. Purchase it online.
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore - If you didn't make it to this year's auditions, at least you can keep up with the competition in this Idol-tastic karaoke game.	PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, $39.99-$69.99	Out now. Purchase it online.
Jumper - Based on the upcoming movie starring Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson, you play as a "Jumper" who can teleport anywhere in the world at any time. Sweet!	PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, $39.99 - $59.99	Coming Feb 14th.
The Experiment - In this PC game, you are using security monitors to help guide a woman to safety through an old grounded ship where she is being held captive.	PC, $29.99	Available Feb 15th.
Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None - In this adaptation of the best selling novel, you and 10 other guests must find your way through an estate, trying to stay alive while you search for an unseen serial killer.	Wii, PC, $29.99	Get it Feb 25th.
Patapon - If you liked Loco Roco, you'll love this rhythm based action game for your PSP. A totally cute, totally crazy 2D platformer that will keep you entertained for hours.	PSP, $19.99	Out Feb 26th.

Top Spin 3 Makes Its Worldwide Launch Today

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:45:26 -0700

I swear, when it comes to gaming, anything related to sports is always an instant hit - well, that and anything with the word Mario in its title, naturally. Last week we met up with Anthony DeLuca of 2K sports, and a producer of the new tennis game Top Spin 3, which goes on sale today. If you've ever played Wii Tennis, Top Spin 3 is comparable, yet it's much more of a visual and realistic gaming experience. Created for the Wii ($50), Xbox 360 ($60), PlayStation 3 ($60) and Nintendo DS ($30), Top Spin 3 features stunning graphics, improved audio, and a selection of top ranked tennis pro players like Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Monica Seles, so you can really get your game on!

Top Spin 3 For the Wii: With the Wii version of Top Spin 3 you can choose from 16 licensed players on 10 real-world venues to play from and during game play, you hold the wiimote exactly as you would a tennis racket. It also comes with some fun party games. The not-so-hot? To continue reading my review, just read more.

With Top Spin 3 for the Wii, you have to control each player's court movements with the joystick. I wish the game incorporated something similar to the Wii Fit's running, where your movements were more accurately portrayed in the game (i.e., running back and forth on the court). Something else that caught my attention was its lack of sensitivity. I found myself swinging my racket before the ball even passed over the net and it still managed to hit the ball. Overall a fun game, but I wouldn't recommend it for hardcore tennis players or avid gamers.

Top Spin 3 For the Xbox 360: For those of you who want a game that's fully customizable through and through with stellar graphics, this version of Top Spin 3 is for you. Once you select a player you can give them hairstyles, tattoos, change their outfits and completely re-construct their face to your liking - trust me, it's totally addictive! You can even give them animated movements and hilarious expressions. The game displays dynamic weather changes over the course of the game, and you'll even notice players accumulating stains, producing sweat and showing fatigue. Play against people from all over the world to test your skills.

Top Spin 3 For Nintendo DS: The Nintendo DS version gives you the freedom to play against friends with its wireless communications. It also comes with fun mini-games to help you better your game and offers a choice of 16 different licensed players to choose from.

Games can be purchased online here.

2008 Video Game Preview: Part III

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:00:25 -0800

We are in the home stretch for our three part series giving you a taste of the coolest games scheduled to drop in the next 12 months. In this final installment, it's all about size. One game making a move from a tiny touch screen to a roomier home, a huge silver screen box office buster downsizing to something more modest, a series with an extra large following that will surely grab even more attention, and a little known charmer that just might make it big. Check out parts I and II if you haven't already, and keep your eyes peeled each month for new releases so you can get your game on all year long! Mario Kart Wii
What's better than racing classic Mario Kart style? With a Wii wheel, of course! The new Wii edition offers the usual online multi-player action but now you can race motorcycles! Will Princess Peach ride side saddle? Find out in early 2008 on the Wii.

Need more? Of course you do so read more

Indiana Jones
Seriously realistic graphics from LucasArts is sure to make this game visually stunning. The only setback is that it's been in production for so long, I doubt that newly coined super star Shia will make a cameo. But there's always hope, right? Look for Indy this year on the silver screen and in your home on the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Little Big Planet
Customization is the name of this game where you make your own characters, levels, and surroundings. Swap customized games online for seriously endless options for gameplay. Plus it's so cute, you really won't be able to resist. Stealing your heart this winter on the PS3.

Grand Theft Auto IV
The joys of Grand Theft Auto return for hot wiring, car jacking, crash inducing action with Niko Bellic. GTA developer Rockstar, promises a brilliant online experience and almost zero load times. We'll hold them to that! Check it out this Spring on your PS3 or Xbox 360.

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Get Your Game On: December Releases

GeekSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:00:11 -0800

With visions of Hungry Lumas still dancing in my head and some seriously calloused fingers from shredding it up Guitar Hero style, I would have to say that this has been a satisfying year for gaming indeed. Now that game releases are slowing down to a crawl for the holiday season, there are a few good choices left and a slew of movie-to-game titles if you are looking to pick up something for yourself or trying to cram for last minute gift ideas. Not only are games a great gift, but so are gaming bundles and game rental subscriptions for those budding geeks in your life. Check out these great December releases and stay tuned - as much as we loved gaming in 2007, there's sure to be some amazing things in store for 2008!

**New Video Game Releases (December 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Nights: Journey Of Dreams - A follow up to the beloved "Nights: Into Dreams" from Sega Saturn, this new Wii installment is sure to bring back fond memories a la Super Mario Galaxy.	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Coming December 19th
The Golden Compass - Based on Philip Pullman's novel and now a big hit at the box office, you take on the role of Lyra, making your way through mystical lands as you search for missing children.	PSP, PS2, PS3, XBox360, Wii, DS, PC $29.99 - $59.99	Out Now. Get it here
Alvin And The Chipmunks - Not only have these little guys had a TV series, but now they star in a feature film and a video game where they battle their way through the "Rockathonpalooza"! What can't these critters do!?	Wii, DS, PS2, PC, $19.99 - $49.99	Out now. Purchase it online.
Beowolf - You have seen the movie, now play the game. You play as Beowolf - a Norse hero- leading your army into battle. The fact that you have the power of 30 men should make this easy, right? Right!?	PSP, PS3, XBox360, PC, $19.99 - $49.99	Out now. Buy it online
Rock Band for PS2 - The ultimate band experience hits the PS2 and will have you and your band mates putting in some extra practice time. Score some much needed points with the neighbors and make sure your encore ends at a decent hour!	PS2, $49.99 for the game, $159.00 for the bundle	Get it Now. Order it online.

geeksugar's Gift Guide: Great Gadgets For Guys

GeekSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:00:14 -0800

Now that we know what a gadget girl wants and what a gadget girl needs, it's time to move on to the fellas! Yes, it's true, you can usually take some sort of electronic, slap a red bow on it, and your dad, boyfriend, brother, or friend couldn't be happier.

This Christmas I challenge you to be creative, think outside the Xbox, and venture into new tech territory. For instance, help him become an iPhone expert with the How to Do Everything With Your iPhone book or experience a world of exploration with Mass Effect.

For more ideas, scroll down to my full list below! You can also get more gift suggestions by checking out the rest of my holiday gift guides!
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