Wednesday 27 January 2010

Apple introduces iPad: Kindle killer!

Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad, a tablet-based device, before an adoring audience, during Apple's media event. Apple's nomenclature is ripe for lampooning on The Big Bang Theory. Just saying.



iPad is ostensibly an uber iPod touch or iPhone on steroids. Imagine not only playing video games, tweeting or composing emails, but sketching and reading Marvel comics downloaded from the App Store? I can't wait to view Transformers: Classics (iTunes link) on the device!

iPad. iFad?
Apple is a purveyor of disruptive technology. iPad is a game-changer and may witness the demise of Amazon's Kindle and conquer the niche netbook market. iBooks (remember the iBook?) and App Store could prove persuasive once the former is available outside the US. And, unlike the MacBook Air, which is an expensive paperweight, the iPad is going to be a worthwhile investment.

Looks like my iPod touch (2G) is going up for sale on eBay if rumours of an international March launch are true. I'll eschew the iPad 3G, expected in April, and use MiFi...

One person who aims to be first in line to purchase one is self-proclaimed Apple fanboy, Twitter celebrity and actor Stephen Fry.

"People will look at it and say it's a big iPhone that took Alice in Wonderland's magic potion but it is so much more than that. It's a mobile device, a communications device, a gaming device.

"I am in love with it and am drooling in anticipation at being able to buy one. I want to fondle it and lick it. In fact I am going to run away with it now,"
joked Mr Fry.

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Final Fantasy I & II for iPhone

Square Enix announced on Facebook and Twitter that Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II are coming to the App Store soon!

Judging from the official screenshots, released on Facebook, Final Fantasy's graphics have added gloss.



Which classic Square Enix games would you like to see ported to the iPhone? How about Chrono Trigger...

With the iPhone, iPod touch and Apple's unconfirmed tablet device. Nintendo's DSi and Sony's PSP will become redundant. Good times.

Monday 18 January 2010

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for iPhone

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (iTunes link) has appeared on the App Store. What's more astonishing is that Rockstar Games' AAA title has arrived sans marketing bombast!



This instalment in the controversial, and critically-acclaimed, franchise, is, by far and away, my favourite! Its touchscreen mechanics should be equally at home on the iPhone/iPod touch.

Early reviews suggest that the newest incarnation of Chinatown Wars is a successful mashup of the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP versions. Since I traded-in my DS game for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. This is an excellent early birthday present.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Droplet Series 2 Vinyl Toy Launch Party



** SO WHAT'S THIS EVENT THEN? **

It's the launch night of Gavin Strange aka JamFactory's vinyl toy named 'Droplet'. It's the 2nd series of designs, with the launch night being the first place in the world for people to get their hands on the new toys!

To accompany the toys, there's also a showcase of customised blank Droplets from a huge variety of artists from toy hero Pete Fowler to animation legend Nick Park! They'll come in all shapes and sizes, with the artists customising them however they like!

As well as that there will be a special edition t-shirt and tote bag available too, plus goodie bags for the first 50 purchases on the night.

Throw drinks & cupcakes into the mix and it should make a fun evening for all!

** WHERE/WHEN/WHAT? **

Saturday 6th February
6pm - 9pm

-at-

Fifty Fifty Store / Gallery
http://www.5050store.com/
8 Park Street
Bristol
BS1 5HR

For more info: http://www.jam-factory.com/droplet/

** WHAT'S A DROPLET? **

It's 2.5" vinyl toy, designed by JamFactory and produced by Hong Kong toy company 'Crazy Label'.

It was the debut vinyl toy from JamFactory and Series 1 was released on 1st May 2008, which were available online and in toy stores all over the world, including Urban Outfitters in the US!

They're on their 2nd series now, which encompasses 5 different designs, each having it's own unique colourway and 'little droplets'.

They are 'blind boxed' meaning all colours are packaged in the same style box, it's a lucky dip which design you get! Each colourway has a different ratio, with the purple & gold crown Droplet being the most sought after! (of course, he's a king!)

After the launch they'll be available online (JamFactory's online store, Crazylabel online store plus other online retailers) and in stores!

** WHO'S THIS 'JAMFACTORY' THEN? **

Gavin Strange is a 27 year old jack of all trades; Senior Digital Designer at Aardman Animations by Day and a designer going under the alias JamFactory by night. Originally from the midlands but now firmly calling beautiful Bristol 'home'

Working in the field of Web & Graphic Design primarily but also character design, illustration and photography. Gavin has created pretty things for the BBC, Channel 4, Howies and Hemingway Design aswell as giving talks at Apple Stores around the UK.

When he's not doing all that Gavin is organising the Xynthetic creative collective (which he founded) or out on his fixed gear bike filming for his bike movie 'BÖIKZMÖIND' (http://www.boikzmoind.com/)

For more info: http://www.jam-factory.com/

Thursday 7 January 2010

PS3 to get Real3D games and movies in 2010

Sony demonstrated WipEout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in spectacular Real3D at a pre-CES event.



A Sony representative told Ars Technica that the PS3 display is “a look at what 3D could look like if Sony dedicated to move in this direction”.

Users will be able to enjoy 3D stereoscopic games and movies, when viewed on a compatible 3DTV, by updating their PS3 system with the supported firmware updates. Details of the firmware updates will be announced when they become available.

James Cameron's Avatar will bow on Blu-ray disc with the promise of a Real3D edition. So, before you don those goofy glasses, download my free PS3 Settings Guide (HDMI) eBook (PDF)!

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Inside Mac Games: Reviews & Previews eBook

In the summer of 2003 I joined the online writing staff at Inside Mac Games (IMG). Inside Mac Games was founded in 1993 as a floppy disk-based magazine. Since its inception, IMG has been at the forefront of the Mac gaming scene, providing news, previews, and reviews to hundreds of thousands of readers throughout the world.

Today IMG is published on the web and to subscribers via the MacGames DVD. With an installed base of over 100,000 readers and 350,000 unique visitors per month, IMG is among the most popular gaming sites on the Internet. Sponsors include Aspyr Media, Inc. and Feral.

Since I left IMG, much has changed in the Mac gaming world: The iPhone and iPod touch were launched and Apple has broadsided competitors with its vertically integrated App Store. If anything, the desktop environment is no longer as important! We’re witnessing a paradigm shift towards mobile as the dominant platform of the future.

Over the following pages you can read my previously published video game reviews, and previews, which were written during my tenure at IMG.

Download my free eBook (PDF).

Monday 4 January 2010

Final Fantasy creator plans game for iPhone

Famed Japanese game designer, game director and game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi has announced plans to develop a new game for iPhone and iPod touch.

The following extract is taken from the Mistwalker blog.



"Happy New Year.
2010 is the year of my long-awaited new blockbuster project.
I'm putting my heart and soul into this production. I'm taking a full swing and making this the best project.
Oh, by the way, We are also working on a project for iPhone.
This should be released soon as well.
We will put our efforts together and do our best!
I'm sure you'll Love it."


Sakaguchi is best known as creator of the classic Final Fantasy series. This is in addition to working on several monumental games of the era such as Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Xenogears, and Parasite Eve.