gaming

How to make a video game console patch bay

Over the years you may have accumulated a lot of old video game consoles and, naturally, getting rid of them is not an option. After all, you've spent so much time with your beloved console. Like an old friend, full of memories and adventures, it's hard to let go.

Or maybe you're a collector who likes to play older games every now and then for the nostalgia. I'm in both camps. And unfortunately my television is not equipped with enough inputs to have all my game systems connected at once and ready to play at a moment's notice.

There is a solution to this problem! … Read more

MacLuvin: 6 new free indie games for Apple

Back to bed (Webware)

Guide sleep-walking Bob across rooftops and back into bed. Play as subBob, a subconscious alter-ego of Bob that takes a form of a blue dream dog with a human face. Avoid traps, pitfalls, and nightmarish creatures to guide Bob back into bed. Walk on walls, make blockades, and do whatever it takes to survive.

A crazy little game from a Danish developer, Back to Bed takes you into what seems like a nightmarish world straight out of the mind of Salvador Dali, while being narrated by a man with a creepy eastern European accent speaking through … Read more

The Hunger Games Adventures for iOS: Playtime in Panem

Can't get enough Katniss Everdeen? The next movie, "Catching Fire," won't hit theaters until November, but you don't have to wait until then to return to Panem.

The Hunger Games Adventures takes you there, after a fashion, challenging you to explore, battle, and, well, make money. It's kind of a quest-oriented FarmVille, and in fact the game originated on Facebook.

If that's not your thing, or you prefer more action, check out Hunger Games: Girl on Fire. It's an endless runner that's all about running, jumping, and shooting.

Here, you need … Read more

'The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia' now a NYT best seller

It turns out that Hyrule isn't the only place Link can dominate.

The New York Times yesterday published its list of best-selling books for the week. Sitting atop the "Hardcover Advice & Misc." list is none other than "The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia," the book published last month by Dark Horse Books and Nintendo.

The title, which is described as "containing an unparalleled collection of historical information" on the famed franchise, is authored by Akria Himekawa. Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto and the franchise's current steward, Eiji Aonuma, are also given author … Read more

During review of Halo 4, Conan yawns

Not everyone is a gamer.

It doesn't make these people old, sad or clueless -- any more than being a gamer makes someone entirely free of the hope of a significant other.

Conan O'Brien seems to like gaming about as much as he appreciates the skills of Jay Leno. And yet it fell upon him to review Halo 4, one of the quintessential joys of the gaming community.

His experience was a little uncomfortable.… Read more

Activision 'somewhat disappointed' with Wii U launch

Nintendo investors aren't the only ones bummed by Wii U's uptake.

Speaking yesterday during an earnings call with investors, Activision Blizzard CEO Robert Kotick said he was "somewhat disappointed with the launch of the Wii U." That dagger came just minutes after Kotick acknowledged that his company faced "challenges from slower-than-expected adoption of the Wii U."

It's no secret that the Wii U has faced some trouble since its release in November. Last month, Nintendo released its earnings for the nine-month period that ended December 31 and revealed that the company mustered only … Read more

In PS4, 'new playing options' to top better graphics -- report

Despite the talk of the PlayStation 4 becoming something of a graphics powerhouse, a new report suggests the importance of internal upgrades will be tossed aside in favor of "new playing options."

Sony plans to make a host of "new playing options" in its next console the focus of the device when it's unveiled on February 20, Japan-based news outlet Nikkei is reporting today, citing an unidentified Sony Computer Entertainment official. Engadget was first to report on the Nikkei's findings.

Rumors have suggested that Sony will unveil a major upgrade to its PlayStation 3. … Read more

Xbox 720 could have 'Siri-like' voice control

Finally, we'll soon be able to yell at our television screens and have them respond... if the rumors about the Xbox 720 including a voice control feature similar to Apple's Siri are true.

Yesterday came word that the next-generation Xbox from Microsoft would update Kinect and require a constant Internet connection to function. Such integrated broadband dependence could have something to do with a report from the Verge today that Microsoft's next game console could feature Siri-esque voice control. Popular voice activated personal assistants like Siri and Google Now require a connection to the cloud, where the voice recognition and processing is actually performed. … Read more

The Last of Us: Watch your back for zombies

In just a few months, many of you with a PlayStation 3 may be eyeing The Last of Us as your next acquisition. In the meantime, eye some scary concept art from the artists responsible for creating the look and feel of the game, in which players must survive a post-pandemic world of fungus-ridden zombies.

Created by acclaimed developer Naughty Dog (responsible for the epic Uncharted series), The Last of Us earned some serious hype at the last E3 gaming expo due to its incredible graphics, compelling gameplay, and post-apocalyptic storyline. The experience seems like the perfect setting for those who can't get enough of the television show "Walking Dead" or the video game DayZ. … Read more

After delay, Google Street View comes to Wii U -- in Japan

Google's Street View is now available to Wii U owners in Japan.

Nintendo announced the availability of Street View in its eShop today. The application can be downloaded to the Wii U for free and works on both the GamePad and the television through the console.

On the GamePad, Street View provides a full 360-degree view of the world's streets. While holding the GamePad, users can move it up, down, left, and right to see different views. In addition, the app will display Street View images on the television. If users decide to look at Street View on … Read more