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Delta Six Assault Rifle Controller Available for Pre-order

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FPS gamers who want to take their gaming to the extreme in terms of realism would be pleased to know that the controversial Delta Six FPS controller is now available for pre-order.

Screen Shot 2013-06-26 at 10.45.52 AM

The unit is available for $225 each, with the website listing this as the special discounted price for June buyers. The Delta Six will cost you $300 per gun after June.

While the Delta Six may already be available for pre-order, it still hasn’t stopped getting flak for its super realistic look. Obviously, in a country where the debate on stricter gun laws continues to rage on amidst multiple tragic events surrounding random shootings, a game controller like this would raise a lot of eyebrows. But this hasn’t fazed the makers of Delta Six nor its Kickstarter backers, having raised almost double the original target of $100,000, which now brings it to the pre-order stage.

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Halo’s UNSC Mistakenly Flashed by BBC

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It is not uncommon to see big name games like Halo in the news. In fact, you’ll see them plenty enough when launches are announced and reviews are given during tech and gaming segments. This time though, Halo managed to make it to the headlines, albeit mistakenly.

BBC showed just how much they are (un)familiar with the Security Council and Halo’s fictional agency when they flashed a picture of the United Nations Space Command in place of the UN Security Council logo. I guess some researcher must have been feeling pretty lazy that day and entered “UNSC” instead of UN Security Council while googling for an image sample, since it is Halo’s UNSC’s logo that comes up first in the search results. Go ahead, look it up!

Of course BBC issued a statement after viewers drew their attention regarding the error. According to BBC’s spokesperson, “BBC News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all images broadcast. However, very occasionally mistakes do happen. Unfortunately an incorrect logo was used during a segment on last week’s News at One bulletin and we apologise to viewers for the mistake.”

Hey BBC, lighten up. It’s ok, errors like this one actually make gamers like us smile.

In case you want to watch the news clip, you can view it here on YouTube.

Walking Dead: A New Day

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Zombies are plentiful in the gaming world, but it is not surprising that Telltale Game’s newest zombie title “The Walking Dead: A New Day” is already getting much praise. After all the game is based on the critically acclaimed comic book series, The Walking Dead, written by Robert Kirkman. Even those not familiar with the comic book series will also probably be familiar with the uniqueness of the approach to zombies in the Walking Dead thanks to the TV series, based on the same thing.

What’s really great about the game is that it stays true to the comic book series not only with its striking art style, albeit the game uses color to its advantage in favor of the black and white used in the comic books, but more importantly with the emphasis placed on the emotional experience not present in most zombie stories. Hardcore gamers who are not fans of The Walking Dead will perhaps find this as a minus, since the game is not as challenging as other titles out there, but anyone looking for a more compelling story in a game will definitely find having to choose between surviving or giving up a friend to become zombie chow a major plus.

If you’re expecting to play Rick Grimes in this game though, you’ll be disappointed because the main (and only) character you can play for this game installment (there are supposedly 4 more game episodes to follow) is Lee Everett, a convicted felon. Still, the game’s story is as compelling as the comic book’s. So if you’re looking for an interesting newly released title, The Walking Dead is definitely worth a try.

Image via TelltaleGames

New iPad a “Graphics Powerhouse”

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The iPad 3 has finally been unveiled, and whilst hardcore gamers may keep on dismissing it as a serious gaming device for its lack of compatible controllers its specs does make it impossible to ignore. With the power that its quad-core A5X chip brings, and the unbelievable resolution of its Retina display, there’s just no question that the iPad 3 (or simply the new iPad as Apple calls it in its website) is more than capable of running any game and giving justice to even the most graphics-intensive game.

“This new device actually has more memory and higher screen resolution than an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3,” said Mike Capps, CEO of Epic Games. “So, these guys [Apple] are redefining mobile gaming again.”

Of course, “casual games”, which are really the most popular sort of games you’ll find played on iPads don’t need the power boost. However, we can expect even these games to look so much better with the increased resolution display of 2047 by 1536 pixels (compared to the iPad 2’s 1024 by 768 pixels).

So with the new iPad powerful enough to handle even the most power-intensive PC games in the market right now, we’re back to the old problem of controllers. As Scott Stein of CNet put it, “Graphics can only take you so far. My recent experience with Mass Effect: Infiltrator wasn’t a let-down because of graphics; no, at least half of the problems arose from my fumbling with the awkward controls.”

So even if Razerzone’s Project Fiona won’t be out till the end of the year, by virtue of having a built-in controller alone, it might still end up being the go-to tablet for hardcore gamers. However, as my non-gaming husband reminded me, “You can’t compare a shipping product to a Concept PC Gaming Tablet.”

Image via Apple

Sony’s PS Vita Has Arrived

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Sony’s much-awaited new handheld console is finally out in the US and the UK, but the question as to how it will fare with the glut of new generation consoles and handheld devices that support gaming (smart phones and tablets) competing with Sony’s target audience.

So what does Vita have to offer that might entice you to ditch you current PSP and get this not too cheap new toy?

Quite obviously the Vita one ups the PSP in almost all of its specs. However, the most obvious improvement the Vita brings is in the dual analog sticks. PSP has been getting much flak for its hard analog nubs and Sony clearly listened to everyone’s complaints, putting in analog sticks that are much easier to use. These analogue sticks are also what will probably make even those who play on their smart phones (not mentioning the sheer power difference). However, this reminds me of Razer’s Project Fiona, which comes with analog sticks as well. Of course, Project Fiona is a tablet and will mean several more months of waiting.

Aside from this seemingly trivial improvement, other major features of the PlayStation Vita include front and rear cameras, an OLED touchscreen display, rear multi-touchpad, six-axis motion sensor, and 3G capability and built-in GPS (for the 3G/Wi-fi version). Of course most PSP games are compatible with the PS Vita with Sony saying that it will be supporting 250 digital PSP titles at launch.

You can get the PS Vita in the UK for £229.99 (Wi-fi only) £279.99 (Wi-fi and 3G enabled) and in the US for $249 (Wi-fi only) $299 (Wi-fi and 3G enabled).

Image via Sony

Get Your Game On Twitter with InstaBG

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Gamers are notorious for being passionate about their favorite games, bringing it into all aspects of their lives, from wearing costumes during cosplays to collecting memorabilia. Dreams are not even exempt, with me admittedly dreaming quite regularly about fave games during the height of my gaming days back in college. With gamers more than willing to let their passion for games cross boundaries, it isn’t surprising at all if you’re into tweaking your social accounts to reflect your love of gaming.

A good way to spice up your Twitter page and tell the world at the same time just how much you like your games is by customizing your Twitter background using InstaBG’s free service. InstaBG uses Instagram photos (can be your photos or everyone’s public photos) to make a collage about any category or topic you like, including gaming-related topics such as console and The Sims.


InstaBG-generated Twitter background using “consoles” as tag

 


InstaBG-generated Twitter background using popular images for “Sims” as tag

 


InstaBG-generated Twitter background using new images for “Sims” as tag

 
As you see above, the backgrounds differ in tile sizes, spacing between tiles, colors of the spaces, and the images themselves. You can change all these and more easily on InstaBG and choose whichever option yields the collage that suits your taste. You can always preview the collage before posting it as your Twitter background so you don’t have to worry about getting an ugly background.

If you get bored easily, you can also set InstaBG to automatically update you Twitter background everyday so that the images on the collage will change without you having to anything.

Images generated using InstaBG

Project Fiona: The Tablet for Hardcore PC Gamers

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Any serious gamer probably knows about Razer, after all they’ve been coming out with products that have been pushing gaming technologies to new limits. Well if you thought that this company would settle for just a gaming mouse as its showcase piece during the CES 2012 earlier this month, that shows how little you know of their innovative DNA. Well we’ve been saving the best for last and so haven’t mentioned that Razer pretty much stole the show for the tablet category during the CES with its Project Fiona.

Project Fiona is a PC gamer’s dream come true. If you have been staying away from tablets because they just don’t cut it when it comes to resource-draining PC games you’re so addicted to, well you don’t have to be stuck in from of your PC just to enjoy your games anymore. With Project Fiona you can now join the world of tablet-toters and do whatever you need to do, including play your beloved PC games anytime, anywhere.

Project Fiona is indeed a full-functioning PC inside a tablet, albeit one with two handles on the side each with its own dual analog sticks, four face buttons and two shoulder buttons. Little has been said about the tablet’s specs, but what we do know is that it is powered using a third generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor. And just like any tablet Project Fiona has a multi-touchscreen, however when it comes to the user interface the difference is clearly apparent with its UI specially designed by their multi-awarded user interface and ergonomics team.

Project Fiona is expected to be officially released by the end of the year, with price estimated to be just below $1000. That may be pricey compared to tablets these days, but considering that you’ll be able to do without a PC, then I say that’s a pretty fair price.

Photo via Razerzone

Razer Naga Hex

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Some really cool new gadgets were displayed during the CES 2012 as expected, so it’s probably a bit funny that I’ll be zoning in on a mouse of all things. This mouse is, however, no ordinary mouse. In fact its a mouse that any gamer who is seriously into action-RPG and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games.

The Razer Naga Hex, which is obviously from Razer, the same company that gave us the Razer Blade, has six weird honeycomb-style “mechanical thumb buttons to bind all the necessary spells, skills, and items to take down the competition and complete every quest victoriously.” This obviously reduces the clicks you have to make, making you far more efficient during battles and quests.

It is not the shortcut buttons that make this mouse stand out though. When it comes to tracking precision, you can say that it is as precise as you’d like it to be with its 5600dpi laser sensor designed specially for accuracy and precision. Hands-on reviews have also praised it for comfort, which anyone who has spent hours on end gripping a mouse know is just as important as any performance metric.

Aside from the buttons, precision tracking and comfort, anyone who takes a second to glance at the Razer Naga Hex will be immediately drawn to the alienish green mouse. So if you’re looking for the perfect mouse for the Razer Blade, this is it. You don’t have to wait much longer for it to come out either because its coming in stores next month.

 

Image via Razer

Droid Gamers Android Device Christmas Giveaway Promo Underway

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What could be better than counting down to Christmas?

Simple. Counting down to Christmas and getting something free each day!

That’s exactly what they’re doing right now at DroidGamers.com. The folks at DroidGamers decided to take to heart the spirit of giving and have been giving away an Android device for the last 3 days to their loyal (and new) gamer followers.

The last three days saw them giveaway a Galaxy 10.1 Tablet, Galaxy 8.9 Tablet, and a Sony S Tablet and Cradle. Now on their fourth day, they are again giving away a Galaxy 8.9 Tablet with the following specs:

  • 8.9″ Widescreen running at 1280×800 resolution
  • Tegra 2 1GHz dual-core processor
  • 2MP front-facing camera and a 3MP rear camera
  • Android Honeycomb OS
  • 16GB storage
  • 1GB RAM

Joining the promotion is easy. All you need to do is add DroidGamers on your Google Plus circles and share their post about the giveaway. No other strings attached. What’s even better is that the promo is open to EVERYONE. Unlike most promos, which are open to US and Canadian citizens only, this one is truly open to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Now we know that tablets are not the device of choice for hardcore gamers, but still who would say no to a free tablet? If you win and don’t really want one anyway, you can always give it away to your nephew/niece and be the coolest uncle/aunt of the season in their eyes.

 

DroidGamer Logo via DroidGamer

Gaming Fun with Gametel’s Gamepad for Android Phones

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Fructel, a Swedish company, has developed a slide-out gamepad that will turn any Android (2.2 and up) phone or tablet into a really nice handheld game console.

The gamepad, called Gametel, is not yet available in the market although PocketGamer has been able to get their hands on a pre-release version of the device. It is supposed to be pretty easy to set up with its spring-loaded rubberized clamps that can hold standard smartphones in place and a free downloadable driver from the Android Market. You also don’t need to worry about using any wires since the controller connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

If you’re tired of your phone’s small screen though and your phone sports an HDMI out, then you can play games on your TV and enjoy a 2-player game with a friend who also owns a Gametel. Again, no wires needed other than the HMDI cable connecting your phone to the TV screen.

The Gametel’s battery is supposed to last for 9 hours (while gaming), which means that you’ll just have to wait and see whether your phone or the controller will run out of juice first.

The controller is due to be released this December and will be sold at £49.95 each. So if you don’t fancy giving your kid a new expensive handheld this Christmas, and they happen to have an Android smartphone, then you might consider getting him a Gametel instead. Of course, be warned that this might prompt your kid to ask you to upgrade his phone to an Xperia Play for a better gaming experience with his new Gametel!

 

Photo courtesy of Gametel