GeekSugar

I May Not Understand Flower Yet, But It Sure Is Pretty

GeekSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:00:39 -0800

Even the PlayStation Blog is having a hard time explaining what exactly the game Flower is all about; luckily, they've provided a video of game play to show rather than tell. The game, which will be on the PlayStation network, has stunning graphics, and that, mixed with my gender-mandated love of flowers, makes me think hey, this release on February 12? Sounds like a nice play on a Valentine's Day gift, if you know what I'm sayin'.

Still confused about Flower? Check out its Wikipedia page.

Watchmen to Launch Prequel Video Game in Early March

GeekSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:00:35 -0700

You've heard me say it a thousand times before: movie tie-in titles usually suck. So when I heard about the Watchmen game, I held my breath bracing for the fallout. But thankfully, I hear this will be a different kind of tie-in. Available as a series of prequel episodes downloading on the Xbox, PS3, and PC, the game takes place before the graphic novel picks up, when Nite Owl and Rorschach are fighting crime in the shadows.

One of the highlights is the fact that Len Wein (co-creator of DC's Swamp Thing and Marvel's Wolverine characters) is on board to provide the games dialogue. Said to be available around the time the movie hits theaters, it does come with a warning: this series will be rated M, so you might want to think twice before letting your kids in on the action. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this one (and here's to hoping it stays true to one of the best graphic novels ever), so stay tuned for more news to come!

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My Coveted WipEout HD Delayed Due to Failed Epilepsy Tests

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:01:01 -0700

I was looking forward to seeing WipEout HD at this year's E3 Summit (since I have had this futuristic racer on my wish list for months), and was kinda bummed when it wasn't shown during Sony's panel discussions. We were told it's because the sleek game was being "packed with extra features," and while that may be true, what might be more true is that the title is failing epileptic seizure tests left, right and center!

The game, which is packed with flashy neon lights and fast moving tracks, has had troubles making it past "go" with testers saying that Wipeout HD "fails the epilepsy tests so much that it has to be re-engineered." No final date was set for WipEout HD's release on the Playstation Network, but Sony Europe's CEO David Reeves says he "thinks" it will hit the market by the end of the year. Bummer!

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Capcom Digital Day: An Early Peek at This Year's Hit Games

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:30:37 -0700

I was lucky enough to hit up the Capcom Digital Day on Monday to get a sneak peek at Capcom's gaming babies due to show up on store shelves this year. I even got to play a few that I was looking forward to, and some that I wasn't expecting to love - but did! All I have to say is, these people know how to throw a geeky party: games, food, chips and goodie bags? Sign me up! The word of the day should have been Retro since a majority of the games were close to our hearts from hours spent in the arcade - our fave 90's games reborn to fit today's hi-def diet. Yum!

Lost Planet, Colonies
One of the biggest titles to show at Digital Day was Lost Planet, Colonies. This action shooter was intense! Not only were all the bloggers lined up to test their hand at the game, but they kept coming back for more. One of the coolest deets I learned was that you can play as the Akrid (the big scary spider monster) in this title. Normally, you're trying to take down the scary things, but now you can turn the tables on the dudes with the guns. Lost Planet, Colonies ($30) is due May 27 for Xbox 360 and your PC.

There are plenty more titles to see when you read more

Wii Love Golf
Due out in July on the Wii, this colorful and fun golfing game wasn't available for us to demo, but it's one I'm looking forward to playing anyway! Touted as being more realistic than Wii Sports, Wii Love Golf turns your Wiimote into a full set of clubs. Perfect for the player looking for more of a challenge, weather conditions, dips and rises in the greens, even the way you flick your wrist factor into your game.

Plunder
If you like real time strategy games and pirates, then you'll dig Plunder. Available this Summer on Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and your PC, this multiplayer title is super fun 'cause you get to raid other people's forts, take down their ships and commandeer their supplies, all while maintaining safety on your boats and shores. Savvy?

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3
In this arcade shooter, the point is to. . .well, shoot! Like in those old school arcade games, just keep firing away at the enemy. With multiplayer action, the game ups the ante, making it more difficult as you add more players. And that's pretty smart. Wolf of the Battlefield is due out this Spring on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 points, and the Playstation Network for $10.

Street Fighter II Super Turbo HD Remix
Quite a title, huh? It's the Street Fighter you remember and love, but way nicer to look at. All 17 Street Fighter characters are back and drawn by the same artists that brought you the original. It sure was a trip to play one of my bowling alley staples after so long! Look for Street Fighter II Super Turbo HD this Summer on Xbox Live Arcade and the Playstation Network.

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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!

Get Your Star Trek On in May: First the Movie, Then the Game

GeekSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:02:36 -0700

As if you can't tell, I'm pretty stoked to see the Star Trek movie next month, not only for the story, but for the eye candy as well. I'm already anticipating tons of futuristic gadgets to feast my eyes on. . . and let's be honest, the cast is too darn hot to resist!

So once you geek out at the theater, you'll also be able to get in on the action at home with Star Trek: D-A-C which will hit Xbox Live in May, followed by the Playstation Network and PC soon after.

Taking a cue from arcade style shooters, Star Trek: D-A-C will give you a top-down view of the action while you battle it out as either the captain of the Starfleet, or as a member of the Romulan Empire. Three different battle types (including a "winner-takes-all style" deathmatch) ensure that you stay in the game, and conquer the universe . . . or at least defeat your pals in some intense online play! Star Trek: D-A-C will cost you $10 or 800 Microsoft points, and is yet to be priced for download on your PS3 and PC.

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Grand Theft Auto IV Coming April 29

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:10:22 -0700

Get ready gamers, in addition to some great titles being released this month, Grand Theft Auto IV for PlayStation 3 and Xbox will be making its way to store shelves April 29. TeamSugar user Calamari spotted this racy GTA IV ad while cruising the bus yesterday, and it got me that much more excited for its release. With complete online multiplayer functionality that will support up to 16 players on both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network, this game is sure to be a summer hit!

Music Industry Benefits From Rock Band

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:00:38 -0800

Thanks to Rock Band on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, music sales have certainly been revving up. According to USA Today, virtual rockers downloaded around 2.5 million songs in the eight weeks since the game launched on the above gaming consoles.
Rock Band already includes 58 songs to play, but users can download more from the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, as each song ranges in price from 99 cents to $3. The most popular songs include those from Metallica, The Police, and Black Sabbath. It's no surprise that musicians and bands are lobbying to get their songs on the game. I can honestly say I'm already addicted to songs that I continually hear from Guitar Hero III!
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10 Simple Tips For Getting Organized

GeekSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:03:52 -0800

While most of us jot down our New Year's resolutions in low tech notebooks and organizers there are billions of helpful websites and handy tech tips that can help us reach our goals.

If you spend your whole day in front of a computer or carry a PDA in your pocket or purse (meaning you have constant web and calendar access) you really don't have an excuse to be disorganized.

Put everything in its place! – This one is a no brainer, but you'll be destined for organization if you create a proper home for your PDAs, iPods, cell phone and chargers. If you don't want to spend any money you can turn a pretty bowl or basket into a simple gadget haven, or if you want to get a little fancier, check out the Smart Tech furniture and charging stations from Pottery Barn. You'll never run around the house looking for your charger again. Okay, maybe you will, but you'll have a better idea of where it might be.
Use your camera phone – I love using my camera phone to make lists, take pictures of items when I am shopping and even to help me remember where I parked in a lot. Think of your picture phone as a notepad without having to carry a notepad. Most modern phones have notes sections, or even text message functions where you can write yourself a quick note and save the message for later reference.
Manage your finances online – We all know we can pay bills online, but did you know you can automatically track and organize your online and offline purchases?
Make the best of your digital pictures! - One of the best things about creating a blog or joining a photo sharing service or other online archive is the fact that it allows you easy access to your photos and memories without taking up all your computer memory. Plus, you can share your experiences with friends and family, or keep items private. Check out my guide to making the most of your photography.
Use your online calendar and PDA – Spend some time selecting an online calendar that can easily sync with your gadgetry and life. Online calendaring makes your schedule easily accessible and will help you keep track of birthdays, special dates and appointments.

To check out the rest of my list of tips (and goals!) for keeping your schedule and life on track this year read more.

Clean out your address book – I tend to hang on to email addresses because people seem to keep them for a long time but I highly suggest cleaning out your cell phone's address book. I programmed my high school boyfriend's number into my first cell phone and have automatically transferred it into more than a decade of phones without realizing it. It's time to let go.
Use an RSS Reader already – An RSS Reader (Really Simple Syndication) is a web feed aggregator, also known as a feed reader, that aggregates syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing. Examples of popular RSS Readers include Google Reader, Netvibes, Bloglines and My Yahoo's RSS feature. If you read more than five websites a day and don't have a reader you are in for a treat.
Program your TiVo online - You don't have to panic if you forget to set a season pass for Gossip Girl. If you have a Series2 TiVo box, you can easily schedule recordings anywhere you have access to the web. You just have to set up an online account. By the way, did you know if you have a TiVo Series2 DVR connected to your home network you can take your TiVo recordings "to go" by putting them on your laptop, video iPod, Playstation Portable, Palm Treo, Creative Zen Vision:M, Nokia N80 and Toshiba gigabeat?
Clean up your computer and e-mail – You know you don't need the 6,999 e-mails in your inbox or the 17 photos of Britney getting out of her car. Seriously, you don't. Get rid of them.
Make use of my tips! – As you know, I share geek tips every day. Some of them are simple, some are downright geeky, but 90 percent of them will help you be more organized and make better use of your technology. The rest? Well, they're just fun.

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What Does a Guy's Gaming Console Say About Him?

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:00:26 -0800

Even if I spot an old Playstation hooked up to a guy's TV, I'm not going to pass judgment-ok, so maybe I'm secretly wishing he had a Wii hiding somewhere. In a recent article by Kotaku, a panel of gamers were asked the tough questions about what a console says about a guy-Now I've got your attention don't I?!

The experts include NY-based psychologist Carl Arinoldo, DeVry University's Ed Magnin, online gaming network CEO Ted Owen and GameTrailers.com's Shane Satterfield. Here's a little fun quiz to help shed some light on guy gamers and their "choice of console." Keep in mind that all answers are personal opinions of the experts. Click on "take the quiz" below to get started!

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Take the quiz