GeekSugar

Hori Joystiks: Where Have You Been All My (Adult) Life?

GeekSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:30:22 -0700

I'm totally blown away that I have not purchased both of these Xbox 360 and PS3 fighting joysticks already! Where's my credit card? If you spent as much time as I did trolling the neighborhood pizza-joint arcade, you recognize my excitement. The Hori Fighting Stick for the Xbox 360 and PS3 ($60 and $50 respectively) totally bring back the joy of banging on buttons and thrashing the joystick during Mortal Combat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - or whatever your fighter of choice was back in the day.

Amazon reviewers are saying to stick with fighting games if you want to get the best results with these bad boys. So unfortunately, that means if you're looking forward to a rousing session of Burnout Paradise, it's wise to stick with your usual controller.

Love It or Leave It? Blue and Pink Xbox 360 Controllers

GeekSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:30:51 -0700

After learning that a majority of women prefer sleek and sophisticated tech products over feminine and girlie pink products, I'm curious to know how many of you are loving these new Xbox 360 wireless controllers? Featured on Joystiq, these new controllers are set to be released on October 2nd and cost $50 each. With a 30-foot range, up to 40 hours of life and two-way voice communication when connected to the 360, these controllers may boast more than just their good looks.

Geeky Gaming Controller Ornaments FTW!

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:50:58 -0800

Can you really put a price tag on joy? I say no cause that's exactly what I felt when I stumbled across these amazing Controller Ornaments. For a mere $25, you can have your own collection of gaming controllers that span decades - from Super NES to PS3 to Sega - so there's sure to be one that satisfies your inner gaming goddess. Sold as a set of seven, the acrylic ornaments come in four different colors, but without your string or hooks, so you'll have to fashion your own way of getting them on your tree.

Don't celebrate with a Douglas Fir? I've already thought of several different ways to incorporate these into my everyday life after the holidays. Window ornaments, wall art, even sealed into the top of a DIY outdoor table. See? I bet you can come up with a few on your own.

I'm Gearing Up For Hot Black Friday Deals From Target

GeekSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:33:08 -0800

If you're headed out to get your Black Friday shop on this week and are in need of some game action, you better check out Target first!

I love my Xbox 360, and my favorite big-box store is offering up their stock of Elite Black Xbox 360s in a few choice bundles. You can pick up the 120GB version with a controller and two games (Pure and Lego Batman) for $300. If you need a bit more for your buck, pick up the Call of Duty bundle which includes the 250GB black Xbox 360, two controllers and your own copy of Call of Duty for $400. Bonus - each bundle comes with a $50 Target gift card!

To see what other Target deals I have my eye on, just read more.

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.

Tech Dating 101: I Like Him, I Hate His Video-Game Obsession

GeekSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:13:52 -0700

In our Tech Dating 101 series, we've already tackled issues surrounding the nude photos you found on his laptop, his female-dominated address book, and his annoying CrackBerry addiction. But what's a girl to do when he just can't get enough of his video games? OK, I know I'm probably not the best person to answer this, but I can give you a few pointers on how to deal.

There are a few variables to take into consideration here. Find out what they are when you read more.

Variables like how long you've been together, if he still makes you feel loved and appreciated, or if he just wants you to join him in a quick round of Mario Kart on a Saturday night. But if he's blowing you off to stay at home and play World of Warcraft 24/7, or is actually losing sleep or missing work because of his gaming habits, then he may be a video-game addict who needs some professional help. Overall, if he's just a casual gamer, you may just have to give in and befriend the Xbox controller after all.

Do you have a Love 2.0 questioned you want answered? Join the Tech Dating 101 because we understand that love and dating are stressful, and the Internet and social networking sites can just make things worse. You never know, your question could be featured on GeekSugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

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.

Game I Was Most Surprised By at E3: Just Cause 2

GeekSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:10:56 -0700

With E3 being such a big expo, it's a challenge to keep all the games you see straight. But one game I can't stop thinking about is Just Cause 2. Although I haven't played the first installment of the franchise, I'm really surprised at how much I'm looking forward to the second title in the series. If you aren't familiar with the it either, let me break it down for you: you play as Rico Rodriguez, a CIA Black Ops agent assigned to the tropical island of Panau to overthrow an evil dictator, as well as find and confront his former boss, Tom Sheldon.

Sounds kinda run-of-the-mill so far, yeah? Well think again. Since Just Cause 2 won't be out until next year, a handful of press members were treated to a demo of the game by one of the developers at E3, and although he is obviously a pro at it, it just showed us the potential that this game has to be freaking awesome. Find out why I liked it so much, and why I think you will too when you read more.

Just Cause 2 is a solid third-person shooter, but it has a lot of tricks up its sleeve. Not only do you get to use a parachute, grappling hook, and some seriously cool weapons, but your over 300 side missions (on a huge map landscape that has you utilizing the entire island for gameplay) are to basically wreak havoc on your enemy's military bases and blow stuff up. And who doesn't want to blow stuff up every once in a while? Plus, riding on the roof of a car to fight off your advisories while your partner drives through a jungle island is also kinda awesome. The demo was short and sweet, but by the time I left the room, I was sold.

This may not be the game you're used to playing (from what I can gather, the controls are going to be pretty involved since you have so many weapons), but you may want to step out of your comfort zone and give this one a shot. Just Cause 2 will be out in early 2010 for your Xbox 360 and PS3 systems.

Confession: I Fell in Love With Three Mini Ninjas at E3

GeekSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:28:01 -0700

To say that Mini Ninjas is cute is an understatement. I already knew I was falling for this game back when I first saw the trailer, but I had no idea how great it would be until I got my hands on it at E3. It's not only a cute game, but it's totally addictive and really, really fun too. As the story goes, you play as one of three student ninjas (you can switch back and forth between once they are all unlocked) that are out to defeat the evil Samurai Master and his warriors, who are really forest animals whose spirits have been captured for some serious wrongdoing.

Playing the game is simple, but keeps you interested, not only for the controls and tricks, but because of the art style. And besides, who doesn't like being a ninja?! You can use the forest animals you've freed from captivity along the way to your advantage, and each character has a super power they can use to help in the quest, not to mention some spell action achievements you can earn. To see who this game is perfect for, just read more.

Since Mini Ninjas doesn't show off any blood and gut scenes like other fighting games, it's gonna be good for (but definitely not limited to) the kiddies, but will for sure reach a wide audience with its appeal. And seriously, Mini Ninjas had by far the most interesting (and yes, cute) booth at E3. Awesome. Mini Ninjas is coming to your DS, Wii, Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 in September.

Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes First Impressions

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:35:12 -0700

I got to meet up with my pals from Lucas during E3 yesterday, and they walked me through their Star Wars themed title. A classic battle between good and evil (is there any other kind?), you battle your way through levels wielding your Light Saber and powers of the Force. But this game isn't based on the classic Star Wars franchise - it takes off after season one of the hugely popular animated series on the Cartoon Network, Clone Wars.

Not only does the game look like a ton of fun for experienced gamers and newcomers alike (since the main action involves button mashing and aiming your joystick), but it keeps things fresh by adding in a few new features. To find out what they are, just read more.

If you're familiar with the other Star Wars games (or even if you aren't), then you'll love the added features that come with Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. You'll be able to jump on various enemies and take them over, using them against their own kind in a move called "Droid Jacking." Not only is this really fun, but you'll earn achievements as well. Another cool feature you'll find familiar is the "Drop in, Drop Out" co-op play we saw in Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones. Your friends can pick up a controller and jump in, then leave at any point they want. Cool for those fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants types.

And finally, to keep things interesting, Lucas Arts has added some fun mini games (like shoot-em up, which has you mowing down enemies for points) within the levels. The good news is you won't have to exit your current game, so it's not a hassle to participate. Due out in September, Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will be released on the Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms.