Internet & Technology Archives | Page 5 Of 31

On Kickstarter is Video Games: The People, Games, and Companies in a Detailed Multi-Volume Look Back!

What makes Video Games: The People, Games, and Companies different from other works is that this author uses the same level attention to all four major categories–computer, console (handheld or home), and arcade.

Video Games author Andrea Contato Now on Kickstarter is Video Games: The People, Games, and Companies, and according to Andrea Contato, he wants to deliver the most comprehensive work to date regarding the history of video games. While the Italian five-book project is a go, the financial assistance through crowdfunding is needed to help translate this book to an English reading audience. The first chapter has been translated, annotated and can be read here.

In this book, there will be a lot of personal accounts detailing more than just the motivation and creation behind a lot of what today considers the retro scene. This author believes his book will cover a whole lot more than what we normally learn in documentaries offered so far. And I have huge respect for those who want to delve deep into the subject. In this work, we have a look at what really started it all, and I had a chance to interview him about what that is.

For people who haven’t read your last work, the comprehensive Through the Moongate about the classic Ultima RPG series, can you please introduce yourself?

I am a history, computer, and video game enthusiast from Italy. In 2015, I ventured into researching the history of Richard Garriott and his company Origin Systems Inc and after three years of hard work, I launched two crowdfunding campaigns to translate my draft into English. My book, Through the Moongate, (as pictured) was well received, and the enthusiasm with which my project was supported encouraged me to continue.

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Pokémon TCG Live Expands to New Testing Territories and the Latest App Update Impressions

Pokémon TCG Live isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. The previous version, Online, still looks far more polished than this open world testing.

Review platforms: MSI Katana GF66 and iPad 6.

Pokémon TCG Live has opened up to more countries for beta testing, and my advice to tablet gamers is to make sure you are connected to a power outlet for more than an hour of play. It was limited to Canada during the past year for working out the kinks, and with half the problems dealt with, I recommend the desktop version for the Mac and PC. I would not play on any mobile device (laptops not plugged into the wall included) because it drains the power fast. Players may be able to get three or four long games in before recharging. Hopefully, this issue can be addressed by offering a battery saver option in the next update.

Otherwise, this game is almost like the previous iteration, Pokémon TCG Online. The main difference is in the changes to the layout and more 3D models. For testing, only the last five or so expansions are being put through the paces. In the card construction front, players can get credit for extra cards beyond the needed four in a deck to buy missing cards. In both versions, players can buy real world product to exchange the QR code for extra cards. With the old version, there’s more value by getting ten randomized digital cards over the five; because of that, I love the older version more. Its visual aesthetic is not as garish. Also, I should’ve stayed with the older app.

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Top 3 Hits of The Paranormal Network’s We Want to Believe Series

I provide my list of favourite We Want to Believe episodes about the various hauntings going on around the interior of British Columbia!

Twenty episodes and about nine different locations later, The Paranormal Network’s (formerly JoBlo Horror Network) We Want to Believe is showing it has staying power. Even after a hiatus due to the pandemic, this short form version of many paranormal reality television shows has resumed. Since mid 2022, the team have been visiting places off the beaten track in the heartland of British Columbia. After approximately nine cases, this group continues to show how dedicated they truly are!

This homegrown program follows the Canadian Paranormal Society in Kamloops. What they’ve done is more than just providing peace of mind for some. There are supernatural forces at work up in them thar hills. In some instances, it’s to also solve a mystery of why they caught an EVP in the middle of nowhere! I need to rewatch those episodes and the follow-up they’ve done all in one night. I’ve put together the playlist to watch on All Hallow’s Eve to truly appreciate how the veil is thinner in the woods. The Irish believe that once when you step into the forest, you’re in faerie territory!

Apparently, what I wrote (that the producers read) made them decide to figure out where that voice came from.

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Nostalgia, 16 Bit Communications and Unusual Findings. Everything An Alien Could love.

The Easter eggs contained in Unusual Findings are perfect! The 16-bit iconic posters, art, or something of the era are lovingly rendered.

Unusual Findings Poster Available on All Major Videogame Platforms

Epic Llama Games‘ Unusual Findings is a loving tribute to all things’ 80s, and this video game also shows what Netflix’s Stranger Things would be like had it been one. Here, you play as a group of boys (based on how far I got with the game, no girls join in) as they explore their town while looking for answers to a possible UFO crash nearby.

Even the soundtrack is similar. Thankfully, I’m sure no one is going to send lawyers after this developer. Also, I don’t think what’s composed here can be authentically recreated. The Commodore 64’s SID chip rivals some modern synths, but to do what this video game does requires some level of authenticity.

Much of the gameplay is determined by a simple point and click interface. A round option menu appears when you press the interact button. You can look at or blow on the item being stared at. Also, if you miss one part of the conversation, it won’t impede getting to the end. They provide clues on how to solve puzzles. It’ll also help hone a player’s logic and critical thinking skills.

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Just How Good is The Orion by Up-Switch?

The Orion by Up-Switch is a step in the right direction, but we recommend waiting for a version two to deal with some minor issues.

The Orion by Up-Switch is a casual gamer’s upgrade. It is exactly what I need when I’m finding I need the text on those RPGs I like to play magnified and although I missed the crowdfunding campaign, I’m glad it’s made it to market. I should’ve come with some extra accessories though, like a screen protector for the Nintendo Switch. I’m very worried the device’s display might get scuffed when put into this ultra-sized screen extender. There’s no padding to ensure that the investment won’t get damaged.

As much as I like this product, the only issue I’m finding is that the makers recommend their own branded external power bank for use. As long as other third party units meet the requirement (10,000mAh), any other power supply will do. At home, the company recommends using the cube that comes with the Switch, and that’s one I agree must be used. I tried other power adapters, and they don’t work as nicely.

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Neverjam’s Spiderheck is All Out Crazy Fun!

Neverjam’s Spiderheck lets you become a wall-crawler to bash other ones to death!

Spiderheck Available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Steam beginning Oct 22, 2022

Just how often do players get to play a spider in a video game? It’s like what the Spiderheck! All I remember are those retro games of yore–Black Widow and Spiders. As for the newer products, players are out to squash the eight-legged terrors than be one. Thankfully, Neverjam’s game lets you become a wall-crawler to bash other ones with random sci-fi tech! It’s fast paced and crazy fun.

A bit of ambidextrous skill is required because the left stick moves your digital avatar and the right to swing the baton (or aim). I got the Nintendo Switch version to enjoy. Unfortunately, it took an hour for me to get used to the interface, and I didn’t realise the X button was the shoot button. But, in order to play (even locally), gamers have to be a member of PlayStation Network, Xbox Live or Nintendo Network so those services can sync battles across the ‘net.

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