Arcade-Junkies.com

Xbox 360 Motion Controller Detailed, and DS Gets Motion Too

You may recall the news that In2Games was making their own Wii-like motion controller for [true] next-gen consoles. Now In2Games has become ‘Performance Design Products’, and more details are starting to flow in about their GameTrek Freedom device including how it works, when it will be released, and on which system. Note the lack of an ‘s’ there, that’s because they will launch the Gametrak Freedom™ exclusively for the Xbox 360 in fall 2009. That’s right, it seems PS3 support has gone out the window.

Gametrak Freedom connects to your Xbox 360 via a base unit hooked into the USB input port and is described as a “proprietary and patent-pending ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology“. They take a jab at Nintendo when they go on to say that “Unlike other motion sensing gaming systems, Gametrak Freedom™ does not rely on the gamer pointing a controller at the screen nor does it restrict the gamer to limited movements. The system accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment.” And the slap at the Wii is warranted, we were the first to explain that the Wii motion controller did not work as Nintendo had first bragged, hence the need for their still upcoming MotionPlus add-on.

The bigger question still remains; is Microsoft working on their own 360 motion controller, or will they be endorsing this one as the solution? The only hint is the fact that Microsoft is allowing PDP to make a game controller for the 360 at all, since Microsoft® is legally blocking most companies from producing, manufacturing or distributing peripherals for the Xbox 360™. If they were making their own, they likely would have blocked the GameTrek.

PDP also announced a new stylus for the Nintendo DS with motion controls built in. Check out more details on both at TechRadar.

No related posts.

Typhoon 2001, A Tempest 2000 spin-off

Typhoon 2001 is freeware game based on the Tempest 2000 and original Tempest games. Using concepts from both games it also implements some updated features and new ideas. Features include:

• Incredible graphics
• Awesome sound
• 100 Levels
• 7 different enemies
• Slowly rising difficulty level
• Starting level freely selectable
• Controlled by keyboard, mouse or gamepad
• Built in level editor
• Uses OpenGL and Allegro

Trackball users can even take advantage of this game for a nostalgic spinner-like feel. Future plans include cop-op multiplayer, improvements to the bonus rounds, and several graphical enhancements.

You can download it off the official website here.

No related posts.

Coolest Dad in the World – Bella’s Arcade

Well, second coolest dad according the author in this article. James, the man who built the pink arcade machine from scratch, did it just for his 4-year-old daughter named Bella. The entire 2 year building process is chronicled at Bella’s Arcade, which also includes detailed pictures and links to several arcade building resources.

At only 50″ tall, the Bella Arcade Machine features a growing list of games, a real coin operator, customized marquee and software interface, and, of course, enough pink to make any girl squeal with delight. In fact, according to James, that’s exactly what happened. Bella still needs a small step-stool to reach the controls and see the screen, but any adult can use it while sitting in a chair.

You can find James giving a video demonstration of Bella’s Arcade here.

Source: Examiner

No related posts.

MAME on the Xbox 360

After many debates about whether it was possible to play MAME on the Xbox 360, a video has popped up on over the world wide web demonstrating that it can be done, or so it seems. The catch? Not much is known about the project except that it’s been dubbed MAME360 and that the author wishes to remain anonymous.

You can find some spec details about the emulator here. [Xbox-Scene]

No related posts.

King of Fighters XII for PS3 and Xbox 360

More HD goodness is the works. This time it’s King of Fighters XII for the PS3 and the Xbox 360. Set to be released in July 2009, this fighter will feature 20 playable characters and the game will undergo complete graphical overhaul using newly drawn sprites and detailed backgrounds. Unlike other HD 2D games that feature cell-shaded animations, KoF XII uses completely hand drawn images giving the game a nice reminiscent feeling of previous King of Fighter games. You can see a comparison of the old and new graphics here in the recently released trailer here.

Source:
Joystiq
Gamespot

No related posts.

BlazBlue Arcade Brawler Coming to US

From the makers of Guilty Gear comes BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, a high definition 2D fighter set to be released on the Xbox 360 and the PS3 this summer. Originally released in Japanese and US arcades, this game features 12 playable characters, a branching storyline and over 30 hours of gameplay. Depending on the certain battles won or lost the story can change, occasionally causing characters can start a battle at a disadvantage, with reduced spiritual energy or without certain special moves. BluBlaze will also feature online play and downloadable content on both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.

Source:
Joystiq
1Up

No related posts.

GameTap Gets Overhauled, You Get To Try It For Free!

Big change is coming to GameTap. In just over 2 weeks a completely re-designed GameTap website full of new features, an improved digital download store, and a new way to access and launch your games will be launched. The bottom line is, it’s a whole new GameTap.

One of the exciting changes is the addition of a new Classic Pack. For $4.95 a month or $49.95 for a whole year you get access to over 500 great arcade and console titles that you can play right in your web browser!

But the best news is for those who have still never even tried GameTap. To celebrate the introduction of the Classic Pack, they are offering everyone (no really, EVERYONE) a sneak peek for free starting on Thursday, March 12. That’s right. Play over 500 games as much as you want for free. What’s the catch? This extravaganza ends when they flip the switch to the new system, or March 18th, whichever comes first.

So don’t wait or you’ll miss it, head on over to GameTap and take advantage of them before they change their mind!

No related posts.