GeekSugar

To Catch a Predator - With a PS3

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:25:24 -0800

Forget fancy expensive computers - Federal Agents have a new tool in the fight against child pornography - the Sony PlayStation 3. Turns out, when several PS3s are networked together, their processing component is perfect for cracking computer passwords, which are protected under the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. So investigators can seize a suspect's computer, but they have to crack the passwords on their own.

The gaming consoles work well because of their computing power; producing detailed gaming graphics requires a lot of power. The PS3 is particularly well suited because it allows you to install Linux, an open-source operating system.

One funny catch: you can't install a new OS on the new PS3 Slim, released in September - it requires an older model. The solution? They're buying old PS3s off eBay!

Sgt. Pepper Headed to the Rock Band Music Store Tomorrow

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:50:21 -0800

September was a big month for The Beatles in the gaming world when The Beatles Rock Band hit the market. I went crazy over it during a sneak peek at E3, and was not disappointed when I got my own copy. Although The Beatles have not always been so chummy with tech, times are a-changing as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band makes its way to The Beatles: Rock Band music store tomorrow for your Xbox 360 and Wii systems, and will be available on your PS3 on Nov. 19!

Although I'd love to, I can't really throw down for their special edition digital collection, so I'm stoked at least to get to play along on one of my favorite games. To see how much each track from the album will set you back, just read more.

Individual singles from the record like "When I'm Sixty-Four" and "Lovely Rita" can be purchased for $1.99 each (or 160 Microsoft Points on your Xbox), while the entire album can be downloaded for $13.50 (1080 Microsoft Points). Wii owners can rock out with The Beatles tomorrow as well, but you'll be paying $2 a pop or 200 Wii Points for the tracks.

6 Creep-tastic Video Games to Play on Halloween

GeekSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:15:34 -0700

I have to admit - I sometimes like watching scary movies and playing creepy video games in the dark! It just adds to the already cringe-inducing nature of the games, and with today being Halloween, it's the perfect time to freak yourself out with one of these six scary video games. Round up a few of your friends and play on . . . if you dare!

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Get Your Game On: October Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:33:51 -0700

Gaming season is here, and after all the sneak peeks we got at this year's E3, I'm more excited than ever to start playing. October means we're well into game-release mania - so it's only fitting that I list for you my top ten picks for the month of October. Check 'em out!

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7 Games to Work Your Brain

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:05:01 -0700

In case you missed it, President Obama spoke directly to school children last week, asking them to stay in school and study up for the future. I thought the speech was inspiring, but he did kind of diss my beloved video games. Obama asked the youth of America to not "spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with the Xbox." This could be sound advice, except for the fact that there are plenty of brain-challenging games out there to improve your coordination, smarts, and problem-solving skills. Everything in moderation, people! Check out a few of my favorites here.

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Eidos Pulls Out All the Stops For Batman Arkham Asylum

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:05:25 -0700

Although I haven't had a chance to dive into the full release version of Batman: Arkham Asylum since it landed in my mailbox on Monday, I did get a taste of the action while at E3. From the 15 minute demo that I witnessed, I can tell you that the game is kinda creepy, but totally awesome. . . especially when you're playing in combat mode.

But before I can divulge any details about the game, I have to give some props to publisher Eidos - Arkham Asylum came packaged with my very own emergency straitjacket kit! You know, just to make sure that if things get out of hand while I'm playing, someone can subdue me properly. Nice touch!

Batman: Arkham Asylum starts with you trapped in (what else?) Arkham Asylum, trying to track down The Joker who is plotting your demise with the help of a gang of fellow inmates. Combat is in a free flow style, which means if you combo moves and hits, you can max out your experience and kick major butt with power moves. The controls were nice and smooth, and were easy to get the hang of. But some of the best parts about the game are the stealth and detective modes. Learn more about these features and others when you read more.

In detective mode, you can see through walls with a special visor to detect heat signatures, fingerprints, and even smell cigarette smoke and alcohol on the breath of your enemies before they can see you. In Stealth, you can use your silent skills to take down The Jokers' posse without others seeing or hearing. Plus, using your batarang and working with the architecture of the building - like perching on ledges and hanging upside down on poles like a bat - helps you take down your enemies faster, while racking up the skill.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is available now online and in stores for your Xbox 360 and PS3.

Have You Ever Purchased Tech From Craigslist?

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:23:41 -0700

Although the entries are few at the moment, I'm expecting to see a boatload of PS3s for sale on Craigslist soon. With the Sept. 1 launch of the PS3 Slim, you can bet that gamer geeks who like to stay on top of the console movement will be unloading their old models to make room (or should it be make less room?) for the newest edition.

I'm always a little wary of buying electronics on Craigslist, not because I only want new products, but because of scams and misleading descriptions. Not to mention the danger of meeting someone you don't know. Always bring a friend or meet in a public area! Since you guys are such fans of the public site, I have to ask - have you ever purchased tech from Craigslist? If so, what did you buy?

Mini Ninja Cuteness Coming This Fall

GeekSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:03:17 -0700

Who doesn't love ninjas, especially when they're mini?! Fighting their way into your consoles this Fall is Mini Ninjas, which is sure to be the cutest game since LittleBigPlanet as far as I can tell from these screenshots. Mini Ninjas has you playing as one of two student ninjas that has been sent out by the Master Ninja to defeat the evil Samurai Warlord and his band of forest animal warriors.

Although you are your master's last choice to defeat the evil forces, you find that you have some serious skill as Hiro, the youngest of students, and a great intimidation factor as Futo, the largest (and of course, slowest) student. I can appreciate a great fighting game, but Mini Ninjas looks like it has a lot more going for it than just button mashing - the scenery looks fantastic, it has a cool retro art style, and the story seems to remain pretty positive, so even the younger set can enjoy playing.

Check out more screenshots, and see the full trailer (which includes some adorable cartoon pandas), when you read more.

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Look for Mini Ninjas to hit your Wii, DS, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC this Fall!

Get Your Game On: April Releases

GeekSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:33:00 -0700

It's the calm before the gaming storm! Spring is not just for flowers and showers, it's the time for game companies to put the finishing touches on their work and prepare to show them off in the coming months. Look out for lots of new gaming news from now until late Fall - it's crunch time! So while we wait for the goods, check out these titles that will be hitting the shelves this month.

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Resident Evil 5 Review: Bottom Line? It's Really Fun

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:03:52 -0700

After partying it up at the SF Resident Evil 5 launch event, I was more than excited to really dig my teeth into the game over the weekend. Although it comes onto the scene after the massive popularity of Resident Evil 4, RE5 really takes over where the original left off - with Chris Redfield large, in charge, and out to track down the source of the Umbrella Corps bioweapons, which have been used to turn an entire African country of Kijuju into "Majini" or evil spirits if you speak Swahili.

If you aren't good at third person shooters, or just don't play horror titles in general, I encourage you to pick up this game and give it a try anyway. Not only is it really fun, but it sucks you right in. And even if you aren't familiar with the RE franchise, it's totally OK - you can pick up the plot right away, plus, you get a history lesson throughout the game via facts that are splashed across your screen while scenes are loading.

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Obviously, not all is well in this fictional African country, so to find out what I love (and kinda hate) about this game, just read more.

Forget all the criticisms you've heard about the plot not being good enough, or not being up to par with other recent games like Metal Gear Solid 4. The bottom line is, this game is really fun. I turn this game off at the end of the day being totally satisfied. Mostly because I love my shotgun (it does some pretty good damage), but also because the graphics are great, the controls are easy to pick up, and the sounds of far-off evil spirits really get me in the mood to take them down and save the country. Woah. I'm turning into G.I. Jane or something over here.

Another great feature in RE5 is the co-op play. For the first time, you and a friend can battle the Majini together. Better yet, if your partner gets tired of blowing through humans possessed by evil spirits, they can leave then come back any time they want. That's right folks, you don't have to go at it alone - a friend can jump in whenever she feels like it. Which is a really good thing since one of the more irritating points in the game is your AI partner, Sheva Alomar. Be warned - this chick has some issues. She's supposed to be there to have your back, but sometimes when you're in the middle of a serious battle, she may disappear to look for ammo, herbs, or hey, even some gold coins. There was one time when she was supposed to "cover me" in a dark tunnel since I picked up a lantern to light the way, but when it came time to give said cover, she was no where to be found. I swear, if you want something done right . . .

Overall, Resident Evil 5 is worth the pricey $60 sticker. Although you might find some frustrations, mostly with your AI partner, the fact that you can't organize or switch your weapons in a paused menu environment (which proves tricky when you run out of bullets in your shotgun and need to switch to your magnum with a bunch of possessed tribal guys coming after you), and the restricted movements while shooting (you can't even shoot and run at the same time), I think you'll be able to overlook all that and enjoy the ride.

Resident Evil 5 is out now for $60 on your Xbox 360 and PS3 systems.