Apr 08
Today we see another release from the teams responsible for presenting the 2014 release of Wolfenstein – a new vision of the original first-person-shooter Nazi-killer. Bethesda Softworks have some high-fidelity … Continue reading
Mar 26
It’s now been made clear that the game Wolfenstein: The New Order will not only be a worldwide launch of a game, but a simultaneous worldwide launch as well. In … Continue reading
Mar 20
If 13th Lab has its way, you could soon be playing first-person games using your surroundings as a battlefield. Or a space station, a temple and anything else you can imagine. The computer vision company is working on Rescape, an FPS platform for mobile devices that can scan and digitize your environment, turning it into a video game map.
13th Lab uses a robotics technique called Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). With the help of cameras and sensors, SLAM allows a device to make a map of its environment and place itself – i.e. know its location – within the map that it just made. The end result is shown in the image above. If you look closely you can see that the iPhone is showing a virtual equivalent of the player’s environment – everything from the structures, objects and even other players. 13th Lab calls this mix of augmented and virtual reality Reality Gaming.
As of now, a Rescape package includes a 180º fisheye lens and an adjustable gun controller with a trigger and a d-pad. To drive costs down and make it easier for app developers to port their FPS games, Rescape will make use of your mobile device to map and digitize your environment, as well as track your position.
The Rescape software development kit (SDK) handles the mapping feature, as well as the ability to digitally paint over a map and turn it into your battle ground of choice. I don’t know if the SDK will be simple enough for normal folks to understand and use though. As I mentioned, mobile game developers can port existing FPS games into the Rescape platform, but that’s not as fun as turning your house or university into a game map.
Pledge at least $39 (USD) on Kickstarter to get the Rescape controller and Office Defender, the game shown in the video. Pledge at least $129 and you get the controller, the game and the Rescape SDK. When it launches Rescape will only support the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S, with “experimental support” for the iPhone 4S. 13th Lab promises that it will provide support for Android devices within a few months after the launch.
[via InStash]
Feb 18
If you ever played Rock Band, you might recognize the name Harmonix. Harmonix is the company behind that game, and word is that the company is working on a new music game. But time the game is said to also be a first-person shooter.
Harmonix is working with developers at Hidden Path, the company behind Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The musical FPS game is called Chroma, and it’s expected to be a free-to-play title built using the Unreal engine. Though chances are “free to play” includes some sort of paid upgrades.
The game promises to shape and evolve itself based on the music it plays. The landscape will change with the music and players able to move with the rhythm will get bonuses. That means players in tune with the music will be able to jump higher and run faster. It sounds very strange, but it also sounds kind of cool.
If they can pull this off it will certainly be different from any other FPS games out there. There is no word on when the game will be complete, you can sign up to participate in the Chroma closed alpha here.
[via Games on Net]
Feb 17
Remember back when Harmonix revealed that they’d be hiring for a first-person shooter back in August of 2012? It’s time! Harmonix’ developers have brought the world the likes of Guitar … Continue reading
Feb 13
When you enter Titanfall, you realize quite quickly you’re inside a truly modern game. Even in Beta, we’re not expecting many people to complain about the graphics, that is, even … Continue reading
Jan 08
Electronic FPS Laser Battle Jacket lets you enjoy your own live-action game
Posted in: Today's Chili
Ever wished that you had enough money when you grew up, so that you are able to enjoy and construct your very own Laser Tag arena to have fun with your mates? Well, that is the case with the $59.99 Electronic FPS Laser Battle Jacket which will be able to let you enjoy your very own live-action game with a friend, although do make sure that your friend will also be generous enough to fork out his or her own dough in order to get a similar Laser Battle Jacket so that the two of you can have fun.
Each purchase will come with a solitary jacket, a pair of blasters, as well as two targets to get you started right out of the box. There are three different modes to choose from – PvP (Player vs Player), Frag Tag, or Deathmatch. A single pack will let you play Frag Tag, where it will designate you (or your friend, there can only be one) as the hunter while the other would be the hunted. Should you manage to cajole your friend to purchase another pack of his or her own, then the two of you can indulge in some Deathmatch, which is where all the main action’s at. No rocket jumps here though, so do take note about this particular drawback.
[ Electronic FPS Laser Battle Jacket lets you enjoy your own live-action game copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Dec 23
If you regularly play FPSes on your big screen TV, then there’s a handy little gizmo out there that you might want to add to your arsenal. It’s called the HipShotDot, and it’s designed to improve your aim when playing FPSes that have a targeting reticle on screen.
Basically, the HipShotDot is a bright red LED attached to a small transparent suction cup. To use it, simply plug one end into an open USB port, then stick the LED directly over the center of the targeting reticle, then drape the remaining skinny cable down the screen and suction cup it in place. When plugged in, the LED provides a bright new point for you to focus on during FPS battles.
In my experience with the gadget, it definitely made it easier to focus on the dead-center point when aiming weapons. It works with any console or PC, and any FPS that has a consistent targeting point on screen. I suppose it would also work with air and space combat games as well. It also works with any display with a smooth surface. It definitely works with LCD, Plasma and CRT screens, though I’m not sure how well it would stick to a projection screen.
There are only a couple of minor drawbacks to the HipShotDot – first, it remains lit as long as you have it plugged into a USB port. This means that it stays on even during cutscenes and times when you’re not aiming. It’s small enough that it’s not too distracting, and its cable is quite slim too. Though I wish that it had a switch on the cord so you could at least turn it off when you shut down your console – since most consoles continue to provide power via USB when in standby mode. Still, the benefits far outweigh the cons if you’re really into FPS gaming like I am. Plus, the LED effect is kind of cool. It almost looks like a laser sight.
You can grab the HipShotDot online direct from Airdrop Gaming or from Amazon now for $29.99(USD).
Dec 22
The much lauded, much anticipated multiplayer first-person shooter Titanfall is set to launch Mar. 11, 2014 in North America, Electronic Arts has revealed. It will be available exclusively on Microsoft … Continue reading
Nov 22
PopCap Games is the developer behind the very popular mobile game franchise Plants vs. Zombies. During E3 this year PopCap and EA announced that a new game would be coming in the franchise aimed at console gamers called Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare.
This game is very different from the others in the PvZ franchise. Garden Warfare is a third-person shooter supporting multiplayer action. The game is based on the Frostbite 3 game engine and will hit the Xbox 360 and Xbox One game consoles on February 18 in North America.
The game will land in Europe on February 20. A PC version of the game will be coming later. The game has three modes and over ten maps for gamers to play. Two of the modes support 12 vs. 12 player versus battles. The other mode is a four-play co-op mode. The game will cost $39.99(USD) on the Xbox One and $29.99 on the Xbox 360 (which is kind of stupid that they’re charging more for the Xbox One version).
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