Hasta La Gadget!

Crytek and Electronic Arts have released a new Crysis 3 gameplay video, but this one isn’t like the run-of-the-mill gameplay trailers we’re used to. You see, not only is this trailer nearly 20 minutes long, but it’s also interactive. Truth be told, it’s more of a demo than it is a trailer, as it gives us a nice extended look at the multiple ways to play through Crysis 3.

Now, before you get too excited, we have to warn you that the video posted below isn’t “interactive” in the most exciting sense. At a couple of points throughout the video, you’re asked to choose between a stealth approach and a “kill everything very loudly” approach for Prophet, the game’s main character. So, since you’re being taken to different parts of the video, the demo isn’t truly 18 minutes and 52 seconds long, but watching the whole thing will let you see both the stealth and armor approaches to combat. Still, it’s a pretty cool video, so check it out below.

The gameplay itself looks pretty great, provided you were a fan of Crysis 2. There are indeed many similarities to be found between Crysis 2 and Crysis 3, but depending on who ask, that may not be a bad thing. If you’re looking forward to Crysis 3, we’re sorry to say that you’ve got quite a wait ahead of you, as EA and Crytek aren’t planning to launch this bad boy until February 2013. When it does arrive, it’ll be available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, just like its predecessor.

Crysis 3 gets 20 minute interactive gameplay video is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

When Microsoft announced the Kinect, the motion-gaming peripheral that requires no controller to work, it was celebrated by the mainstream and hardcore alike for its unique functionality.

Since then, Microsoft has delivered enhanced features, but for the vast majority of gamers, it has become a bit of a novelty. Sure, it’s a neat way to command the Xbox or shout some orders in games, but beyond that, it delivers little value to the average person trying to sit down, relax, and enjoy a title.

For that reason, I’m interested in finding out how the peripheral will be incorporated into the next console Microsoft offers, the Xbox 720. According to reports, the console will be integrated directly into the device, meaning it won’t be an extra accessory. But for those of us who like to have our consoles tucked away in cabinets, that’s a problem.

Beyond that, I’m sure Microsoft will deliver a host of improvements to the Kinect to ensure that it has better quality, an improved microphone, and faster response times. For those who use the Kinect often, that’ll be a major selling point.

But what about the rest of us?

The fact is, the Kinect is unable to escape its inherent functionality as a device that lets folks control the on-screen action with motion. It’s a gimmick in some games, and something that has delivered little value in far too many titles. The issue isn’t Kinect’s functionality; it’s the very way in which we actually play video games.

Realizing that, I don’t think Microsoft should make Kinect too important to the experience of playing the Xbox 720. It’ll be a nice addition for those who enjoy that type of gaming, but for everyone else, the peripheral will be an extra feature they pay extra for and receive little benefit from.

“Kinect will be something people show off and then quickly forget about”

Given Microsoft’s success so far in the gaming space, I don’t think it’s dumb enough to miss that point. In fact, I can see the software giant making Kinect an important, but not too important component in the gaming experience in its Xbox 720. It’ll be there for those who enjoy it, and for everyone else, it’ll be something they show off at a couple of parties and quickly forget about.

Given Microsoft’s latest strategies, I think the company’s focus with the Xbox 720 will be graphics quality and entertainment options, in that order. Microsoft knows that solid graphics that look much better than current-generation hardware is vastly important. But the company also knows that the longer it can keep people engaged with its console’s software byway of movies and television shows, the greater its chances of hurting the competition.

Although I’m not sure when Microsoft will launch its Xbox 720, I’m fairly positive that Kinect won’t be as integral to the gaming experience as some believe. The future of gaming rests solely in the hands of content. And while Kinect can supplement entertainment experiences, it can’t create them.

Microsoft knows it. And it won’t let its love for its peripheral get in the way of that understanding.

How Big of A Role Will Kinect Play in the Xbox 720? is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Steampunk inspired gaming controllers are certainly not new, but if you’ve missed your chance to buy one in the past, or if you’re wondering how to get your hands on one, a custom made steampunk Xbox 360 controller has popped up on eBay and is currently on auction. With 2 days left to go, the controller is currently priced at $66 although we wouldn’t be surprised if it reached into the hundreds closer to the end of the auction. According to its seller, the buttons have been taken from a late 1940’s Woodstock typewriter, while the finish of the controller has been described as: (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Steampunk Xbox 360 controller, The Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 console,

When one mentions the word “warhead”, most of the time we would think of a nuclear threat or something in a similar vein. Well, good to know that “warhead” is used in much more peaceful times now, especially so when it comes to gaming – and Mad Catz intends to wow the world with its Tritton Xbox 360 Warhead 7.1. Surround Sound Headset for the Xbox 360 (which can be told via the name alone, obviously). Mad Catz thinks that the Tritton Xbox 360 Warhead 7.1. Surround Sound Headset is the most anticipated product from its stable of devices to date.

First announced at E3 last year, it is being prepared to ship even as you read this, where Mad Catz claims that this is the only Xbox 360 headset in the world that will boast of a truly wireless chat experience. There is no need for you to fumble around with a chat cable, an adapter or dongle in order to talk. Not only that, it boasts of Microsoft’s very own security chip that enables one to directly communicate with the console. Are you looking forward to the Tritton Xbox 360 Warhead 7.1. Surround Sound Headset when it arrives early next month?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Mad Catz Xbox 360 TRITTON headsets introduced, Tritton Trigger headset targets the budget minded,

Can we establish a KIRF award for Most Likely to Invite Multiple Lawsuits? If so, Long Xun Software would have to claim the statuette for its Droid X360, at least if it dared set foot in the US. This prime example of keepin’ it real fake is even more of a PS Vita clone than the Yinlips YDPG18, but goes the extra mile with a name that’s likely to irk Microsoft, Motorola, Verizon and George Lucas all at once. That’s even discounting the preloaded emulators for just about every pre-1999 Nintendo, Sega and Sony console. Inside, you’ll at least find a device that’s reasonably up to snuff: the 5-inch handheld is running Android 4.0 on a 1.5GHz single-core Quanzhi A10 processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of built-in space, a 2-megapixel camera at the back and a VGA shooter at the front. If the almost gleeful amount of copyright and trademark violation isn’t keeping you from wanting this award-winner, you’ll have to ask Long Xun for pricing and availability.

Continue reading Droid X360 goes for the KIRF prize, antagonizes Microsoft, Motorola and Sony at the same time (video)

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Droid X360 goes for the KIRF prize, antagonizes Microsoft, Motorola and Sony at the same time (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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