Bill Loguidice's Blog, page 81
October 19, 2017
SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION III: COMPLETE free for a limited time!
Humble Bundle is giving away FREE copies of Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Complete (a great entry in one of the most amazing game series of all-time) for 48 hours in the Humble Store! This promotion is available up to Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Click here for the offer.
You should also check out the Truck Simulator Sale and The Witcher 10th Anniversary Sale, which are both active in the Humble Store through Monday, October 23 at 10 a.m. Pacific time.
Finally, be sure to check out the Humble Monthly bundle, which features a great monthly selection of games.
The post SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION III: COMPLETE free for a limited time! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 16, 2017
Pay what you want HeroCraft mobile games and big Truck Simulator sale!
It’s two offers in one! First up:
The Humble Mobile Bundle: HeroCraft
Here’s the link. The offer expires 2017-10-30 11:00:00 PDT.
Zero to HeroCraft. We’ve partnered with HeroCraft to craft a new mobile game bundle! With games like Strategy & Tactics: Medieval Wars, Majesty: Fantasy Kingdom Sim, and King of Dragon Pass, you’ll be a hero in no time flat.
Pay what you want. Here at Humble Bundle, you choose the price and increase your contribution to upgrade your bundle! This bundle has a minimum $1 purchase.
DRM-free for Android. All games in this bundle are available DRM-free exclusively for Android. Some games may have minimum device requirements in order to run properly. For more information, please check the full system requirements here. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the developer and a charity of your choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. If you like the bundle or like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!
And then there’s:
The Truck Simulator Sale just launched in the Humble Store! The sale will be live through Monday, October 23 at 10 a.m. Pacific time.
The post Pay what you want HeroCraft mobile games and big Truck Simulator sale! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Overgrowth – Insane fun for Steam and DRM-free launch and 30% off!
After 9 years of development, Overgrowth (known for its ninja rabbit combat) finally launched on October 16 at 11 a.m. Pacific time for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Overgrowth is developed by Wolfire Games, which was started by the twin brother of one of Humble Bundle’s founders.
Overgrowth is an absurdly ambitious 3D action game featuring a surreal mix of cute talking animals, bone-crunching bloody kung fu violence, and a rabbit protagonist who can effortlessly run along walls and leap fifty feet in a single bound.
I had a chance to play Overgrowth over the weekend and I can that it’s exactly as advertised–insane fun with third person platforming, stealth, combat, and adventure elements. And yes, the mix of anthropomorphized bunnies and a bit of gore is definitely really strange – and I’m still undecided if it takes away from or adds to the gameplay – but at least said gameplay is really fun, which is the most important thing.
A Few Noteworthy Facts:
Launch Sale: Humble has a special 30% off launch sale for Overgrowth for one week, starting at its launch on October 16 at 11 a.m. Pacific time.
Extra Free Game: Buying Overgrowth also gets you a free copy of Wolfire Games’ realistic first-person, gun-handling simulator, Receiver.
The Story Is In: Overgrowth‘s last Beta has not been released and finally includes the full Overgrowth story campaign. View the Overgrowth Beta 6 trailer here.
Graphics Tech: Overgrowth uses its own proprietary rendering engine that includes features absent from even AAA game engines: such as dripping blood physics, refractive rain drops, swirling volumetric fog layers, true MSAA anti-aliasing, perfectly smooth slow-motion interpolation, and simulated flame streaks.
Physics Tech: The Overgrowth engine has a strong focus on detailed physics simulation that run at 120 updates per second, and use constraints to replicate characters’ muscle movements and other special effects (like being impaled by weapons or spikes).
LOTS OF AWESOME MODS: All of the levels in the game were created using a built-in level editor, which is included for everyone to try. This, combined with Steam Workshop integration, means that there is a wealth of fan-made content to enjoy. View a video summarizing some of them here.
For example: Therium 2 (full story campaign mod) is a full polished fan-made story that takes several hours to complete.
The post Overgrowth – Insane fun for Steam and DRM-free launch and 30% off! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 13, 2017
Review: Atari Flashback 8 Gold (2017)
After more than a decade of Atari Flashback releases, we finally have a true next generation hardware update with the Atari Flashback 8 Gold, which will be available at retailers everywhere by the middle of November (Amazon, AtGames Flashback Zone). Two of the most important upgrades are true high definition 720p output optimized for today’s TVs and proper 2.4Ghz wireless controllers that no longer require line of sight with the console to work. As you’ll read a bit later on, though, the feature-list doesn’t end there.
A few months back, AtGames released early review units that had some minor, but annoying performance issues. Fortunately, AtGames has used the time since to tweak overall performance and revamp the user interface. The original list of 120 games, which includes Activision favorites like Pitfall!, remains the same.
The box.
In the box you get the console, two wireless controllers, AC power adapter, HDMI cable, and a folded poster that doubles as the instruction manual. The console has its HDMI port on the left side, AC power port on the right rear, and two wired controller ports on the front for either joysticks or paddles, each of which is sold separately by AtGames. You can also of course use original wired joysticks or paddles.
Inside the box.
The console is loosely modeled on the design of the original Atari VCS console, but smaller, lighter, and with colored buttons instead of switches. The console buttons include POWER, START (works like RESET on the original Atari 2600), LEFT DIFFICULTY, RIGHT DIFFICULTY, and SELECT.
The console.
The joystick is modeled after the originals, although the action on the stick is considerably looser. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it’s more friendly to what we’re used to these days than what we had in the past, which was much stiffer. On the player one joystick, there’s RESET, SELECT, START, and REPLAY buttons. The player two joystick is just a regular single button wireless controller. The required two AAA batteries for each controller are not included.
The joysticks.
Features
In addition to what I’ve already discussed, the Atari Flashback 8 Gold has several other notable features:
Ability to rewind in any game for up to seven (7) seconds and resume at any point therein. Think of it as a way to re-do a bad move or two. NOTE: This feature does not apply to the custom AtGames versions of Frogger or Space Invaders that are included.
Each game has up to 10 save slots available and can be resumed at any time. Think of these as save states, creating a snapshot of exactly where you are in a particular game. NOTE: This feature does not apply to the custom AtGames versions of Frogger or Space Invaders that are included.
Ability to add scanlines to a game via the in-game pop-up menu. This is a display effect that simulates how these old games look when played on vintage CRT (tube-based) TVs and may make the visuals more appealing on a modern display.
Games
Here are some sample gameplay videos from various built-in games:
Chopper Command
H.E.R.O.
Kaboom!
(played with wired paddle controllers)
Pitfall!
Yars’ Revenge
As you can tell from the videos, there are no real performance or other issues. Everything looks and sounds great, with only relatively minor differences from how the games play on the original console. When played in person, there is no noticeable lag from either the HDMI connection or from the wireless controllers.
Finally, as a nice addition to this excellent hardware release, I had the pleasure to work on an official paperback book for Prima Games called, Atari Flashback: The Essential Companion. While it contains plenty of information on the latest AtGames Atari Flashback products, it’s actually a great general Atari 2600 resource as well, acting as a type of missing manual for over 65 Atari games. Of course, there is a lot more to this highly visual book, including Tips & Tricks and Fun Facts. It’s priced at just $19.99, which includes a mobile-friendly eGuide version for a second-screen experience.
Atari Flashback: The Essential Companion (2017)
Pluses:
Large selection of built-in games
Activision games!
Great 720p display with games in their correct, original 4:3 aspect ratio
Proper wireless controllers
Rewind and save state functionality
Scanline display option for more of a CRT look
Instruction summary at each game’s landing page
Legacy controller ports
Paddle games also work with joysticks
Minuses:
Awkward placement of the HDMI port
Controller batteries are not included
No dedicated in-game pop-up menu button (have to use a joystick combo)
It can be tricky rewinding to the spot you want
Some games exhibit minor differences or glitches versus play on an original console
Full game manuals are not included
Notable:
Access to many of the console’s special features requires use of the included player one wireless controller, so keep it handy
Summary:
AtGames brings a large selection of plug and play Atari 2600 games into the modern era with impressive results.
Thanks to AtGames for providing the review unit.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I advise AtGames as an Independent Contractor. I provided design and other feedback, as well as documentation, user interface support, and testing throughout this product's development. Opinions expressed in this review are solely my own, with no external approval.
The post Review: Atari Flashback 8 Gold (2017) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Review: Sega Genesis Flashback (2017)
After more than a decade of Sega Genesis Classic Console releases, we finally have a true next generation hardware update with the Sega Genesis Flashback, which will be available at retailers everywhere by the middle of November (Amazon, AtGames Flashback Zone). Two of the most important upgrades are true high definition 720p output optimized for today’s TVs and proper 2.4Ghz wireless controllers that no longer require line of sight with the console to work. As you’ll read a bit later on, though, the feature-list doesn’t end there. (And yes, before you ask, there are no sound issues like with the Classic Console series; this is a complete technological refresh.)
The box.
Of course, a few months back, AtGames released early review units that exhibited notable performance issues, which were rightly called out. Fortunately, AtGames has used that time since to revamp overall performance, the user interface, and even the game list, adding in more Sega Master System and Game Gear games, and eliminating more of the generally unpopular Bonus Games. You can see the revised list here (and here’s a link to the original list for comparison). However tortured its journey, the end result is the type of product we all hoped it would be when first announced.
Inside the box.
In the box you get the console, two wireless controllers, AC power adapter, HDMI cable, and a folded poster that doubles as the instruction manual. The console has its HDMI and AC power ports on the rear, and two wired controller ports on the front for wired controllers, which are sold separately by AtGames (you can also use original Genesis or Mega Drive controllers).
The console.
The console is modeled on the design of the original Sega Genesis console, but smaller and lighter, and losing the volume control and headphone jack. It’s attractive and a definite step up from previous AtGames’ Sega Genesis console designs.
The controllers.
The controllers are modeled after the later six button originals, although a bit thicker to accommodate the wireless technology. While some may lament not recreating the original three button controller, the six button controller provides greater versatility with later generation games. Each wireless controller has a switch to make it either a player one or player two controller and has buttons for START, MENU, and REWIND, in addition to A, B, C, X, Y, and Z. The required two AAA batteries for each controller are not included.
Features
In addition to what I’ve already discussed, the Sega Genesis Flashback has several other notable features:
Ability to rewind in any game for up to seven (7) seconds and resume at any point therein. Think of it as a way to re-do a bad move or two.
Each game has up to 10 save slots available and can be resumed at any time. Think of these as save states, creating a snapshot of exactly where you are in a particular game (it even works with cartridges!).
Ability to add scanlines to a game via the in-game pop-up menu. This is a display effect that simulates how these old games look when played on vintage CRT (tube-based) TVs and may make the visuals more appealing on a modern display.
While this may not count as a “feature” per se, AtGames chose to provide a simple screen border/frame to go along with an accurate display ratio for the included Game Gear games. This is a great approach because the portable’s screen resolution was only 160 x 144 pixels and can present a challenge when viewing at an HD resolution of 1280 x 720!
Games
As with most clone systems, as well as Sega’s own Genesis 3 and Nomad systems, cartridge compatibility is not 100%. Games like Virtua Racing or high profile homebrews like Pier Solar, won’t run. And since each game is dumped to memory, flash cartridges won’t work either, nor do Sega Master System or Game Gear cartridges, even with an adapter. Nevertheless, despite the finicky nature of 20-year-old cartridges and the occasional emulation issue, greater than 90% of the Sega Genesis game cartridge library should still work without issue.
Since a cartridge’s contents are loaded into memory each time it’s inserted, cartridges with save game support have that feature disabled. Instead, you’ll have to use one of the Flashback’s allocation of onboard save state slots that are dedicated specifically to cartridge games. This is a minor inconvenience at best, since so few games had built-in save features, plus you’re gaining a save state option for games that never had anything like that in the first place.
Here are some sample gameplay videos from a selection of the built-in games:
Golden Axe (Sega Genesis)
Kenseiden (Sega Master System)
Shining in the Darkness (Sega Genesis)
Sonic Drift 2 (Game Gear)
Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)
As you can tell from the videos, there are no notable performance or other issues. Everything looks and sounds very close to the original console, although support for all speech samples on select Sega Master System and Game Gear games, and extended FM Sound on the Sega Master System games that support it is not present due to the more basic emulation utilized for those platforms. When played in person, there is no noticeable lag from either the HDMI connection or from the wireless controllers.
Pluses:
Nice selection of built-in games
Great 720p display with games in their correct, original 4:3 aspect ratio
Proper wireless controllers
Rewind and save state functionality
Scanline display option for more of a CRT look
Helpful on-screen control summary at each game’s landing page
Legacy controller ports
Cartridge port
Nice console styling
The play screen for Game Gear games is well done
Minuses:
Lower quality “bonus” games are still present
Cartridge slot is not compatible with every original or newer homebrew cartridge
Cartridge slot does not support Sega Master System or Game Gear games, even with an adapter
Not every (mostly extended) sound feature is supported in the included Sega Master System or Game Gear games
Cartridges take a little time to be loaded into memory
It can be tricky rewinding to the spot you want
Controller batteries are not included
Some games exhibit minor differences or glitches versus play on an original console
Full game manuals are not included
Notable:
Access to many of the console’s special features requires use of the included wireless controller, so keep it handy
Summary:
AtGames finally delivers the type of modern Sega Genesis console fans have been craving. The future of this console series looks bright.
Thanks to AtGames for providing the review unit.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I advise AtGames as an Independent Contractor. I provided design and other feedback, as well as documentation, user interface support, and testing throughout this product's development. Opinions expressed in this review are solely my own, with no external approval.
The post Review: Sega Genesis Flashback (2017) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 12, 2017
Name your own price Humble Software Bundle 2
Here’s the link. The offer expires 2017-10-25 11:00:00 PDT.
2Software4U. Our second software bundle is here with more tools to make your life easier, safer, and funner. That’s not a word. Get Fences, SpiderOak One Backup, Rytmik Ultimate, and more!
Pay what you want. Normally, the total cost for the software in this bundle is as much as $434. Here at Humble Bundle, you choose the price and increase your contribution to upgrade your bundle! This bundle has a minimum $1 purchase.
Redeem your keys. Software keys can be redeemed according to the individual instructions on your download page. All of the software in this bundle is available for Windows. The Rytmik software is also available for Mac. For more information, please check the full system requirements here.
Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the developers, the V Foundation, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, and, if you’d like, a charity of your choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. If you like the bundle or like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!
The post appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 11, 2017
Pay your own price Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder Worldscape Ultimate Crossover
Here’s the link. The offer expires 2017-10-25 11:00:00 PDT.
Your premier worldscaping service. Dynamite and Paizo welcome you to a literary landscape full of magic, monsters, and mystery. Check out the latest from Dynamite’s fantasy adventure crossover event, where the Pathfinders meet the greatest warriors of Hyboria, Barsoom, Golarion, and Earth to clash in an ancient battle of life and death. Awesome.
Pay what you want. All together, these books would cost over $667. Here at Humble Bundle, you choose the price and increase your contribution to upgrade your bundle! This bundle has a minimum $1 purchase.
Read them anywhere. The comics in this bundle are available in multiple formats including CBZ, PDF, and ePub, so they work on your computer, e-readers, iPads, cell phones, and a wide array of mobile devices! Instructions and a list of recommended reading programs can be found here. The game and sourcebooks in this bundle are available as watermarked PDF files via Paizo. After purchasing the bundle, you will receive a redemption code to be redeemed on www.paizo.com where you can download each PDF. Instructions and a list of recommended reading programs can be found here.
Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the publishers, Paizo and Dynamite, and Camden’s Concert via the Tides Foundation. If you like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!
The post Pay your own price Humble RPG Book Bundle: Pathfinder Worldscape Ultimate Crossover appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 10, 2017
Pay what you want Steam games in The Humble Endless RPG Lands Bundle
Click here for the link. Offer expires 2017-10-24 11:00:00 PDT.
These lands are your lands, these lands are my lands. In this bundle, entire worlds are yours to create, explore, and conquer! Get lost in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Endless Legend™ – Classic Edition, Guild of Dungeoneering, and more. With over 300 average hours of playtime combined, we think you’ll be endlessly entertained.
Pay what you want. Normally, the total cost for these games is as much as $242. Here at Humble Bundle, though, you choose the price!
Redeem on Steam. All of the games in this bundle are available on Steam for Windows, and some for Mac and Linux too. Pay $1 or more to access Steam keys. Please check out the full system requirements here prior to purchasing.
Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the developers, Video Game History Museum, and, if you’d like, a charity of your choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. If you like the bundle or like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!
The post Pay what you want Steam games in The Humble Endless RPG Lands Bundle appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
October 9, 2017
Name your own price Bitcoin, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency books!
Here’s the link. The offer expires 2017-10-23 11:00:00 PDT.
Do a bitcoin of good. We’ve partnered with top technology publishers to offer a library of programming guides in support of hurricane disaster relief. Score coding instruction and business insights at every level, from beginner to advanced; explore coding with Ethereum; learn about the latest developments in cryptocurrency; and support relief and recovery efforts from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Pay what you want. All together, these books would cost over $365. Here at Humble Bundle, you choose the price and increase your contribution to upgrade your bundle! This bundle has a minimum $1 purchase.
Read them anywhere. These books are available in PDF and ePUB formats, meaning you can read them anywhere at any time. Some title are also available in MOBI format. Instructions and a list of recommended reading programs can be found here.
Support charity. Choose where the money goes – between the publisher, GlobalGiving, and, if you’d like, a charity of your choice via the PayPal Giving Fund. GlobalGiving donations will be directed to their Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria Relief Fund. If you like what we do, you can leave us a Humble Tip too!
The post appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Female Protagonist Sale – Great female-driven Steam games
The Female Protagonist Sale just launched in the Humble Store! The sale will be live through Friday, October 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Click here for the full list of what’s on sale.
The post Female Protagonist Sale – Great female-driven Steam games appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
