GeekSugar

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.

View 5 Photos ›

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.

Tomb Raider Anniversary For The Wii: Geek Out All Over Again

GeekSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:55 -0800

If you were as big a fan as I was of the original Tomb Raider, and spent hours in front of the TV (or PC) trying to figure out puzzles, flipping switches, and finding keys, this anniversary edition for the Wii will definitely keep you occupied this coming Winter.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary does a great job of reliving the game, but throwing in so much extra content, it seems like a whole new game that you've never played before. Think of it like a good high school friend that you haven't spoken to since graduation and then you meet up at your ten-year reunion. She's the same person, just . . . different. Grown-up perhaps, but much more interesting.

Multilayered puzzles and the addition of minigames make for a more involved experience. Not only are you searching for keys and unlocking seemingly unreachable doors in bigger and grander settings, but you are dodging traps, bobbing, and weaving past rabid animals and of course, facing Jacquline Natlas's thugs. Yeesh! It's enough to make a girl cry out for Calgon.

It's not all wine and ancient artifacts though, I did have a few gripes. To find out what they are, read more

The only real downside to the game is the controls take some getting used to, especially the camera. There's nothing I hate more than not being able to see when it matters most. More than once I had to start again because I couldn't get the angle right. The battle sequences are a challenge as well. I liked the new target and aim system but it seems the action movements are a little slow on the uptake every so often with the Wii remote. Nothing too irritating, just enough to notice.

Overall this is a great game to spend some time on. The game itself is totally enveloping. You can really feel the difference when Lara is making her way through tight spaces and leaping from ledges in huge catacombs with no floor in sight. The visuals are great, which is no surprise since Tomb Raider always delivered for me when it came to atmosphere and cool things to look at. Additionally, Lara's movements and athletic skills have improved since the 1996 version. Trust me, you'll be glad she's in such great shape when you are trying to figure out how to get from one point to another in some of these levels! Renting is a good option if you don't want to fork over the $40 to own, but If you are lucky enough to know a Tomb Raider fan, this would make an awesome holiday gift. (Hint, Hint! )

You can pick up Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Wii online or in stores now.

View 5 Photos ›

Source

Tomb Raider: Underworld Screenshots

kristyrk — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:36:49 -0700

Out November 21.

View Slideshow ›

Mini Ninjas DS vs Xbox 360 Smackdown: Which Is Better?

GeekSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:06:44 -0700

You already know about my addiction to Mini Ninjas, which I played on the Xbox 360 at this year's E3, but did you know that this game also came out on other platforms? I haven't tested out the Wii or PS3 editions, but I have been able to get my hands on both the Xbox 360 and DS versions to test and play.

As you may know, not all games are created equal on all platforms. Just take Tomb Raider Underworld for example - although the game is entertaining on both the DS and Wii consoles, when push came to shove, I much preferred the DS version of the game for its controls and fun factor. So where do these two versions of the same game stand? Find out when you read more.

Everything I love about the Xbox 360 version of Mini Ninjas - the painfully cute graphics, the music, and the easy and intuitive control system - is missing on the DS version. It's a given that the graphics on the DS will never match up to that of the Xbox, but honestly, this is a major part of what gives Mini Ninjas its charm. Even the music of the Xbox version (a nice and calming soundtrack) gets ramped up to a beat-driven tune in the DS version. I'm not sure why this particular change was made, but I'm not sure I like it.

Overall, the Xbox version of Mini Ninjas is superior in nearly every way (well you gotta give some credit to the DS here - at least you can take it with you on the road), but if I were investing and had a choice, I'd go for the Xbox version here.

Daily Tech Round Up - Kids Favor Tech Devices as Toys

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:10:06 -0800

Six of the nine best-selling toys for 5 to 7 year olds on Amazon were tech gadgets - The New York Times
Switched interviews comic writer Gail Simone who created an episode for the Tomb Raider Animated Series - Switched
Which is better? The PSP or the DS? Here are eight reasons why the PSP might overtake the DS - Gizmodo
Mac users can now install a new version of Google Desktop that supports Google Gadgets - CrunchGear
Did you know that we're giving away a new Zac Posen clutch and Samsung cell phone? Just comment to win! - geeksugar

Source

Get Your Game On: Summer Game Releases

GeekSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:00:55 -0700

In the midst of the usual summer gaming drought, I was able to come across a few games that are worthy of your precious time. If you are anything like me and love to soak up the sun, you probably don't want to spend all of your time indoors and chained to an involved role-playing game, but there are some fun, cool summer games you should consider. Everyone needs a break from all the beaches, pools and BBQs at some point, right?

**New Video Game Releases (Summer 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree - Entertainment while training your brain! You start with small, quick practice lessons and work up your confidence to take the big Brain test. The better your score, the heavier your brain. Which, of course is a good thing at the Academy. Fans include Nicole Kidman, who has signed on as the game's official spokesperson in Europe.	Wii, $49.99. Also available for Nintendo DS.	Out now. Purchase it online.
Odin Sphere - This game features an amazing 2D side scroller that is drawn entirely by hand. You know, like old school. Takes a bit to get the hang of, but once you do, it's a really fun button masher that will keep you indoors for far too long.	PS2, $39.99	Out now. Purchase it online
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary - Not many changes in the story from the 2007 version from the original, but you will appreciate the new actions, movements and amazing sound effects of the revamped favorite.	PS2, PC $29.99. Also available for PSP.	Out now. Purchase it online.
Sim City DS - The tiny DS version isn't all that great to look at, but the game itself - the music and the gratification of building a happy, flourishing city - make up for the visuals. But with only one save slot, you can't develop more than one city at a time. This would be a perfect lounging by the pool with a margarita game, if only you could see the screen in the sun! Doh!	DS, $29.99	Out now. Buy it online from online
Dirt - I am a racing game type of gal! Dirt is a great rally racer with a perfect mix of arcade and simulation driving. With amazing graphics, fun tracks and an impressive damage factor, Dirt stacks up to other recently released racers with superior game-play to boot.	Xbox 360, $59.99. Also available for Windows.	Out now. Get it online.
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's - Living in my fantasy world of being a rock star, this addition to my Guitar Hero collection is essential. Tracks by Ratt, Twisted Sister, Quiet Riot, Skid Row, and so many more, this game will have me rocking out all night long. No autographs, please.	PS2, $49.99. Older Guitar Hero games available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360.	Out July 24th online and in stores.

Want more games? Check out my Video Game Release Roundup for spring.

Who Is The Hottest Nerdy/Geek Girl?

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:02:50 -0700

We've already established that there's a big difference between what constitutes being a Geek vs. Nerd, but Maxim Magazine's latest Hottest Nerd Crushes poll got me thinking: Who are the hottest geeky/nerdy/sci-fi gals out there and why? Rounding out the Maxim top 5 are Lara Croft, Tomb Raider; Grace Park (Lt. Sharon "Athena" Agathon/Lt. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii), Battlestar Galactica; Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), The Matrix; Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully), The X Files and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Star Wars: Episode VI. Who do you think is the hottest of these nerdy geeks and why?

Source

Geeky Girl We Love: Jean Aw of Notcot

GeekSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:01:13 -0700

Last month we featured some of the cutest geeky couples and bachelors in the blogoshere, which left many of you wondering - what about the women? Fear not my fine friends, we were just saving the best for last. March is Women's History Month so I figured there was no better way to celebrate than to highlight some of the smartest, most creative and successful women on the internet.

Jean Aw is the co-founder of Notcot and Notcot.org, a network of informative and collaborative websites that doubles as a design consultancy. It's tagged as a "visual filtration of ideas+aesthetics+amusement," which translates to a beautiful mix of all the things Jean and the community love. At 24, the designer, trendspotter and entrepreneur has already made a mark in the blog world and seems to be leading the pack with an innovative, creative site that celebrates design, imagery and curation. I dare you not to fall in love with it - or her for that matter. For the full interview read more

Geeksugar: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Jean: I'm a 24-year-old design addict + UX Designer + shopaholic + tech connoisseur + design writer + world traveler + internet junkie. Born and raised in Los Angeles, it remains my homebase... even when I wander off to Milan for over a year, I always touch down here between moves. NOTCOT.com launched in 2005, when I returned from my adventures in Italy (working on my Masters degree), landed in San Diego jet lagged, and driving my friend crazy... his solution? Make me learn CSS - through playing with movable type - and when I had no content, I simply posted things I found myself IM-ing to friends anyhow. It became great as my own design resource, but then others started reading it, and it's taken on a life of its own and is still growing and evolving.

Geeksugar: It seems like everyone is talking about your site these days - can you tell us a little back story about how you got it started?
Jean: The first major evolution in 2006 was the launch of NOTCOT.org, a community-based bulletin board of sorts for the visually oriented (but aren't we all really?). It reads like the picturebook to others blog rolls, delicious, digg, etc. Second priority to making imagery the main focus, was to make it ridiculously intuitive and easy to post, such that the non-bloggers among us finding great content wouldn't have an excuse not to. All you need is a great image, a link, and a quick caption. Built from scratch, we are constantly adding new features, trying new things, and its been a thrill to see the design inspiration people are finding... Our latest endeavor has been Tastespotting.com which is NOTCOT.org - for food, because designers need to eat too! (But prepare to drool, those food bloggers are serious - and have you seen how amazing some kitchen gadgets are?)

Geeksugar: Notcot is unique because you are able to showcase other sites, but maintain a clean style. How do you describe your style and goals for the site in terms of design?
Jean: Clean and Simple. I like to let the images speak for themselves. We've taken this approach on every aspect of the sites, from visual design to the user experience in submitting new pictures on NOTCOT.org and Tastespotting. On NOTCOT.com the design approach is more like a roman scroll with one main section, which we've complemented with hand-drawn doodle-styled tags hanging from strings (as various birds fly by or land on them) to help break the 90 degree angles so common on the web. These tags have served as a unique way to showcase art and ads in a more unique fashion.

Geeksugar: How many hours are you online everyday?
Jean: I can't even imagine... if we count by the amount I sleep, and go out each day... wait does accessing the internet on my Blackberry Pearl count? If so, I'd have to guess I'm up there with those men... I don't consider myself a full time blogger, but the time not spent on the sites probably goes to real world researching for the sites and managing the business sides of things (with quite a bit of UX consulting work mixed in).

Geeksugar: Your first computer was a ...
Jean: Apple IIgs - my little sister and I used to play Carmen San Diego and mini golf on it and also used to print many a "masterpiece" from Paintshop on the painfully loud and slow dot matrix printer.

Geeksugar: What are you most proud of ?
Jean: The international community of aesthetically driven creative that has formed around the sites... I used to HATE creative blocks, and I haven't really had one since I launched NOTCOT.org. At any given moment someone finds something new and inspiring, or even just clicking to a random page, there is always SOMETHING to catch your eye, distract you, send you back to wanting to make something. I've come to see NOTCOT.org as our collective space to fight creative blocks everywhere!

Geeksugar: What is your favorite thing about your job? What is your favorite post from the site?
Jean: My favorite thing about NOTCOT is that everything I love doing I can now call work. Travelling, shopping, finding great designers and artists to obsess over... As for favorite posts, my current favorite post is the Miss Van opening I just went to last night, she's been a long time favorite of mine since her street art days, so it was absolutely incredible to see them in person and selling out lightning fast. To be fair, all the posts are my favorites, since I take an inspiration based angle, unless I LOVE it, it doesn't end up on NOTCOT.com... and as for community based NOTCOT.org and Tastespotting.com there is something incredible about watching all of the incredible finds people come up with, makes it hard not to love all the posts.

Geeksugar: How many blogs are in your RSS reader?
Jean: I'm a Firefox tabs kinda girl - "open all in tabs" is my best friend. The designer in me loves context, so I often feel the need to read posts in their natural form on their sites! So, 0!

Geeksugar: Who do you think are the top 5 sexiest male geeks in the world?
Jean:These are such hard questions! So after some brain racking here are some random guys i came up with...

James Bond (fictional is ok right?) ~ no one has ever had hotter cars or gadgets
Tyler Brule - as founder of Wallpaper and now Monocle, I can't imagine he doesn't have quite the geek stash of designer gadgets
Ze Frank - anyone who vlogs that frequently MUST have quite the slew of gadgetry
Jeph Jacques - the brilliant man behind Questionable Content. from the comic, I assume has at least has a roomba and ipod... if not some crazy anthroPC's bent on world domination
Jonathan Harris - genius behind We Feel Fine, Yahoo Time Capsule and justcurio.us. He has a brilliant ability to blend art and the dynamic nature of the web beautifully

Geeksugar: Who do you think are the top 5 sexiest female geeks in the world?
Jean: That's oddly difficult - tapped some geek boys minds to help me out on this one, and we ended up having more fun with the sexy movie girlie geeks...

Angelina Jolie in Hackers, Mr and Mrs. Smith, Tomb Raider, and Gone in 60 Seconds
Nikita from La Femme Nikita
Charlize Theron in the Italian Job - That digi safe cracking is pretty hardcore.

Geeksugar: Is there one particular blogger you really look up to?
Jean: Regina from We Make Money Not Art. Her blog back in 2004 got me through my i-Design grad program in Milan. Her daily doses of tech meets art inspiration were that extra boost I needed to keep on top on the most innovative and playful projects internationally, and perhaps she's even part of how I ended up starting NOTCOT as a source of design inspiration...