Homebrew coder dan369 has released a demo of PSP Mario, a simple Mario game written in Lua using PGE. The gameplay feature is almost the same as the classic Mario games but with better graphics and some custom animation.
Since this is only a demo, only one level is available for you to play which is a re-make of the first stage in Super Mario Bros. for the NES. The dev expects certain in-game things to be changed and added in the next release. On top of the devs list are additional levels, a level-editor, enemies and more items. So for now enjoy the demo.
That you have to pay a subscription for online gaming, something that's free on other consoles and on the PC, is perhaps the 360's greatest bugbear. Stage your own form of peaceful process by playing online without paying a penny.
You'll need XLink Kai, a free app you run from a PC on the same network as the console that tricks the 360 into thinking the internet is a LAN.
So it'll treat remote opponents as though they're in the same room as you – and you don't have to pay for local multiplayer. Clever! One snag – Microsoft has set the 360 to boot out anyone with a ping higher than 30ms, so you'll have to be selective about who you play with. Local chums are best, not your Chinese penpal.
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of Tetris, the classic puzzle game made by Alexey Pajitnov in Russia.
This documentary explores the Tetris Effect and the history of the popular game, explaining how Henk Rogers discovered the game at a Las Vegas trade show and went on to license it from the Soviet government.
The video is a must watch if for no other reason than to see Rogers and Pakitnov in those awesome hats.
Surrounding the initial excitement for this newly released artwork based on the new title in 'The Legend of Zelda' series, many have been speculating over a number of interesting features within the image.
Firstly is the addition of a new character, which is highly resemblant of the 'Fairy Queen' from Wind Waker. Whether there is any real connection between the two has yet to be announced, although their similar appearance is a bit much to be considered a coincidence.
Then there's the noticeable absence of the Master Sword, or any other sword for that matter. Link is also gripping his shield with his left hand; usually used for sword-fighting in previous games. This could imply that Link has taken a back-seat role for this particular title, although a much more interesting theory points to the fairy-like creature being an organic equivalent of the Master Sword, containing numerous aesthetic elements as well as being situated back to back with Link where he would typically sheath his sword.
Even this wouldn't explain Link's use of his right hand, but it's an interesting assumption nonetheless.
If you wanted to play the hottest games at E3, there was plenty of queuing to be done.
On the Nintendo stand, the only line was for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, and despite there being eight DSi running the demo, there was a line until the final hours of Thursday. I hate queuing so that was when I jumped on.
The demo featured three separate elements of the game.
The first was the standard dungeon experience, which as with Phantom Hourglass had you controlling Link with your stylus - his movement and attacks following where you tapped on the screen. This time though he had a phantom buddy to help out.
These big, chunky, walking suits of armour armed with a mighty sword previously featured in Phantom Hourglass's multiplayer modes, but in Spirit Tracks you get to control your own phantom - useful both in terms of his battling skills, as well as dealing with traps and puzzles.
Alan Wake This game arrived burdened by the weight of expectation that only a lengthy development period can bring.
New Super Mario Bros Wii The latest outing for Mario and Luigi was one of few stand-out moments.
Uncharted 2 Among Thieves Uncharted 2 boasts a breakneck narrative and enough plot twists and turns to tie you in knots.
Modern Warfare 2 Undoubtedly one of the stars of the show, Infinity Ward’s latest creation deserves all the accolades bestowed on it.
Tony Hawks - Ride After a few lacklustre games in recent years, the skateboarding king is back on top form with Ride.
DJ Hero A welcome re-boot for the increasingly samey rythym-action genre, DJ Hero somehow manages to make the idea of spinning a turntable incredibly compelling.
Assassin's Creed II The action shifts to renaissance Italy in this visually stunning and surprisingly brutal sprawling sandbox adventure.
The Beatles - Rock Band From the sumptuous opening credits to the library of top-notch songs, the Beatles version of Rock Band will be an undoubted best seller.
Talk about being user-friendly. Nintendo's Wii, already the most accessible system, confirmed an unannounced new feature will be built into future titles. Beginning with New Super Mario Bros. Wii this fall, players will be able to pause during a difficult level, let the game take over to complete the level, and press a button to resume playing.
Legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto says the feature is tentatively called "demo play."
"In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, if a player is experiencing an area of difficulty, this will allow them to clear troubled areas and take over when they're ready. And yes, we're looking into this for future games." - Shigeru Miyamoto
Nokia will start shipping its new flagship mobile computer, the N97, to more than 75 countries on June 09.
Carphone Warehouse, the UK's largest mobile phone retailer, will be stocking it from 26 June, kicking off with 18-month contracts with Orange and followed by T-Mobile and O2, a company spokesman said.
Along with a tilting 3.5in touch screen, qwerty keyboard and a fully customisable home screen, the Nokia N97 will offer instant access to a range of applications via Nokia's Ovi store.
"The N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalised internet experience," said Jonas Geust, vice-president and head of Nokia Nseries.
Intended to recapture ground lost to Apple's iPhone, the N97 is Nokia's first device to feature a home screen that users can customise with a range of widgets to bring live information directly to the device. These widgets include social networking destinations like Facebook and Hi5, news services from Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as shopping and weather information.
The Ovi Store, which emulates Apple's App Store, regarded as the key to the iPhone's popularity, offers easy access to applications, games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools, web and location-based services, and more. Users can access paid and free content from content providers and developers, including Paramount Pictures, Facebook and Qik, as well as a Twitter applications.
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Send to a friend Print Mobile Computing Video: Nokia to ship N97 'iPhone killer' this month N97
Author: Ian Grant Posted: 08:00 05 Jun 2009 Topics: Smartphones AddThis
Nokia will start shipping its new flagship mobile computer, the N97, to more than 75 countries later this month (June 09).
Carphone Warehouse, the UK's largest mobile phone retailer, will be stocking it from 26 June, kicking off with 18-month contracts with Orange and followed by T-Mobile and O2, a company spokesman said.
Along with a tilting 3.5in touch screen, qwerty keyboard and a fully customisable home screen, the Nokia N97 will offer instant access to a range of applications via Nokia's Ovi store.
"The N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalised internet experience," said Jonas Geust, vice-president and head of Nokia Nseries.
Intended to recapture ground lost to Apple's iPhone, the N97 is Nokia's first device to feature a home screen that users can customise with a range of widgets to bring live information directly to the device. These widgets include social networking destinations like Facebook and Hi5, news services from Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as shopping and weather information.
The Ovi Store, which emulates Apple's App Store, regarded as the key to the iPhone's popularity, offers easy access to applications, games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools, web and location-based services, and more. Users can access paid and free content from content providers and developers, including Paramount Pictures, Facebook and Qik, as well as a Twitter applications.
The N97 supports multiple high-speed connections and has 32GB of storage (up to 48GB using a microSD card), enough to store tens of thousands of songs.
Nokia also launched a noise-cancelling Bluetooth stereo headset as a companion piece to the N97 as well as being compatible with a diverse range of other mobile and music devices.
For still and 30 frames per second video images it uses the five megapixel camera with integrated Carl Zeiss optics from the N95. Users can geo-tag image to specific locations and share them via Ovi Share, Twitter or Flickr, if the local networks support these services.
With Big Surf Island you not only get an expansive new area to speed, spin, and smash through, you also get 9 new vehicles.
We've already shown you the Dust Storm, a vehicle designed specifically for all the massive jumps and stunt opportunities that Big Surf Island brings. For the first time we can now officially reveal 2 more...
Hunter Olympus Governor
Introducing the military spec - Hunter Olympus Governor - with its camoflage paint scheme and Stunt Boost system other players won't know what hit them!
This is Sarge Sullivan's very own modified Olympus, he has even personalised the number plate, but don't wory about scratching the paint as this vehicle is almost impossible to wreck.
Carson Annihilator Street Rod
With a Speed Boost system and a maxed out Boost speed there's a definite speed theme going on with the Carson Annihilator Street Rod.
Carson have yet again added their compulsory oversized engine to what was already a very mean machine. With their signature two wheel vehicular salute when boosting off the line, the Annihilator Street Rod will surely be tearing up the streets very soon.
Remember there will be 9 new vehicles included with the release of Big Surf Island on June 11th. We have shown you 3 and if you like the look of those you are going to love the other 6.
Get ready for even more blox-busting action with BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Nintendo Wii, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX game for Nintendo Wii. Developed by EA in collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg, BOOM BLOX Bash Party takes destruction to new heights, providing the ultimate social gaming experience! BOOM BLOX Bash Party will get your party started with new Versus, Co-Op and Team Play challenges - twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX.
From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of outer space, BOOM BLOX Bash Party features more than 400 completely new levels! Explore exciting new themed worlds with unique physics and dramatic visuals. Create chaos, watching puzzles and explosions unfold, while drifting under water, or floating in zero gravity!
For even more strategic destruction, BOOM BLOX Bash Party also features all-new Blox, tools and characters! Experiment with the explosive and infectious Virus Blox, or the ever-moving Conveyor Blox. Experiment with new shapes like Cylinders and Wedges, or use the new Cannon and Slingshot toys to sling and launch blox! Even the new cast of characters is in on the action! Grab hold of the characters and send them flying! They are just like Blox now, so you can topple, bash and sling them like never before.
And the fun continues online! Enhanced capabilities let you download new levels with the press of a button. Simply connect your Wii to the Internet to grab, play and rate new levels from EA and members of the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community. Build your own levels using the game’s easy-to-use Create Mode – the same tool which the BOOM BLOX team used to create the game itself!
Key features
• More than 400 new blox-busting levels – All-new explosive puzzle action builds upon your BOOM BLOX favorites while delivering tons of levels to explore, conquer and remix! • The Ultimate Party Experience – More multiplayer action than ever before! Play crazy new levels with or against friends in cooperative, competitive and the all-new team-based action! • Spectacular New Worlds – Beautiful themed worlds take you from mysterious planets to pirate coves and beyond! Battle giant squids or bash alien spaceships as you explore these stunning new environments. • New Blox! New Shapes! New Tools! – From Cylinders and Paint Blox to the Virus Ball and the Slingshot, you won’t believe all the new ways to create chaos! • Wacky New Characters – Now the all-new cast of characters are part of the destruction! Throw, grab and launch characters for fun, or use them as part of your strategy! • New Rewards System – Collect Boom Bux throughout the game as you complete levels, then spend them jump ahead unlocking new levels and features you can’t wait to play! • Content Available Online – Connect your Wii to the Internet and download new levels quickly and easily. Design your own levels with the expanded Create Mode and share them with friends or submit them to be shared with the world!
