Frontier Developments has released a new video developer diary for Planet Coaster, exploring how the game enables creativity with new, more powerful tools.
Archive - 2015
The Mad Catz R.A.T. Gaming Mouse series has long been the leader in customization and one of the standard setters in comfort and performance. This is so much the case that many gamers have a hard time getting used to gaming with any other mouse when it comes to tournament time. Mad Catz has come up with the solution to this problem with the R.A.T. Pro S, a no frills gaming mouse with the design and benefits you have come to expect from the R.A.T. series.
Features:
- Customize Your Comfort via Length- and Tilt-Adjustable Palm Rest
- PixArt PMW3310 Optical Sensor Delivers Game-Proven Performance
- Change DPI Settings On-The-Fly
- Weighs a Mere 77 Grams (2.71 oz) for Hours of Fatigue-Free Gaming
- Onboard Memory Stores up to 3 Profiles for Plug-and-Play Gaming on Different PCs
Hands On:
Unlike many of the R.A.T. series the Pro S is designed for streamlined plug and play performance. When you get to a tournament or just someone’s rig for competitive play you don’t want to be pulling out a tool kit and parts and fine-tuning your mouse. You want to be able to sit down, press a couple of buttons and be ready to play but still have the mouse feel you are used to. The R.A.T. Pro S has a palm rest adjust on the back of the mouse, a button which can store three programmable profiles, 8 programmable buttons and a DPI settings button and that is it. You sit, adjust the palm, select your profile and you are ready to go in seconds. The key to this mouse is quick ease of use on the go allowing you to keep competitive by being prepared.
This is also the perfect choice if you find the customization of some of the other mice in the R.A.T. series to be a little overkill or overwhelming. The Pro S only has minor adjustments like the palm rest and DPI while still having the comfort of the thumb rest and the ergonomic design of the wheel and right and left button. You can program the buttons as needed and if you don’t need three profiles you don’t have to use them. The Pro S is a very entry level gaming mouse that allows more customization at the user’s comfort.
One of the more unique features compared to the other mice in the R.A.T. family is the PixArt PMW3310 infrared optical sensor. It has a true 5000 DPI sensor guaranteeing the dots per second while there is a button that allows you to adjust the sensitivity. If you ware simply typing something up or surfing the web you might want it on a lower sensitivity but if you are a MOBA player or a FPS player who loves sniping the heightened sensitivity might be the difference between getting that head shot or controlling the playing field. If you want even more control there is software available for programming the precision aim button allowing you for example use a different lower DPI setting then it the precision button when you want the DPI you have determined is just right for you sniper rifle.
Lastly, the Mad Catz R.A.T. Pro S is one of the lightest gaming mice on the market and have PTFE which enables it to glide smoothly across most surfaces so you won’t have your mouse bog down your movement.
Last Thoughts:
The Mad Catz R.A.T. Pro S Gaming Mouse is the perfect mouse for the gamer on the go. With plug and play design, built-in profiles and programs while keeping the physical customization to a minimum this is the perfect mouse for the entry level gamer or the gamer heading out to a L.A.N. party or tournament.
[easyreview title=”Mad Catz R.A.T. Pro S Gaming Mouse Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
The C.T.R.L. R Mobile Game Pad by Mad Catz is a fitting way to complete my trilogy of mobile gaming reviews. Unlike my other two mobile gaming reviews, the C.T.R.L. R took a little more convincing for me to see the positives that it brings to mobile gaming. The C.T.R.L. R is not a bad product by any stretch, but just does not feel necessary, or even helpful at times when it comes to mobile gaming.
Design
The design of the C.T.R.L. R is much like your standard Xbox 360 controller. The game pad has a pair of analog sticks, four main face buttons, and a direction pad on the face. There are two shoulder pads and two triggers in the same places as they are on the standard Xbox 360 controller, with a Start, Select, and power buttons in the center of the face. The placement of all of these features are precisely in the same positions and spots as they are on the Xbox 360 controller, so those of you that are used to Microsoft’s controller layout will feel right at home.
The differences that the C.T.R.L. R has over the Xbox 360 controller are significant. First, this is a strictly wireless controller. The small, micro USB port on the front is only used to update the game pad’s firmware, not to connect the game pad to a device. The C.T.R.L. R connects via Blue Tooth to your mobile or pc devices. The biggest difference in design between the C.T.R.L. R and the Xbox 360 controller is the mobile device holder. This holder screws into the controller between the shoulder bumpers, and holds your mobile device in place. The calipers slide open and then closed by using a spring for tension, to hold your device in place securely. The mobile device mount unscrews with ease, to return the C.T.R.L. R back to the standard controller configuration.
The C.T.R.L. R also features a few more buttons that are not found on your standard controller. A row of media remote buttons sit above the power button, which includes Play/Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, Volume Up, and Volume Down. There is also a three-way switch on the bottom edge of the controller that switches the C.T.R.L. R to work with different devices, such as your mobile device or your PC.
Performance
The C.T.R.L. R Gamepad can be used in three different ways; as a mobile game pad, as a mouse controller, or as a PC game pad. Most of my testing was done as a mobile game pad with my Samsung Galaxy S4 device, but I did test it on my Windows Laptop as a mouse controller and a game pad.
As a mobile game pad, the C.T.R.L. R worked wonderfully well. The phone fit into the mount well with no fear of slippage or droppage at all. The C.T.R.L. R paired right up with my phone in a matter of seconds and was very responsive in game. I don’t have too many games that the C.T.R.L. R would work with on my phone, but the ones that it would work with played just like I was on my Xbox.
As a PC game pad controller, the C.T.R.L. R didn’t fare as well in my testing. First, since it will only connect via blue tooth and cannot be wired, I could not use the C.T.R.L. R with my desktop. I did not have the capability to connect blue tooth devices, so the C.T.R.L. R would have been useless in that department, except that I have a new laptop that is blue tooth capable. Again, connecting the C.T.R.L. R was a piece of cake, and the mouse mode of the C.T.R.L. R worked great. However, the game pad mode did not work as well as it could, and I experienced connection issues with many games that I tried to use the C.T.R.L. R with. Using the free Mad Catz app, unfortunately, did not fix the issue. I feel that too many developers out there are expecting PC users to just use a 360 controller these days, and have programmed their games to work just fine with that particular one.
Final Thoughts
The C.T.R.L. R Gamepad is a solid controller that works very well with your mobile device. The functionality and performance of the C.T.R.L. R met and exceeded any expectations I had for a mobile game pad. My issue with the C.T.R.L. R isn’t with its design or performance, it’s with the necessity of the game pad. For me, having a controller for my phone just does not make sense. The types of games that I play on my phone are designed to be played in small increments, and without having to lug a full size controller around. Mobile gaming has to be just that, mobile. The C.T.R.L. R game pad is just too large and unwieldy to be mobile. For the C.T.R.L. R to really become necessary in my life, it would have to double as a PC controller, and it could not do that. If the C.T.R.L. R could hook up to my desktop and play my games without issue, then I would love this product. But since it cannot connect to my desktop, nor even work well enough with my laptop games, the C.T.R.L. R just becomes a well-working novelty piece that I cannot see myself using in the future. If you need a mobile gaming device controller, then I can recommend the C.T.R.L. R, but at the price of roughly $40 the game pad is a little expensive for what it can be used for effectively. Otherwise, I would steer clear of the device, especially if you were looking for a universal game pad to use with multiple devices.
[easyreview title=”Mad Catz C.T.R.L. R Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”3″ ]
It was the inaugral year for the Great American Comic Convention: Las Vegas and those first years are often a bit rough. Usually, there is a hard time getting talent, vendors are scarce, and the crowds and community support are nowhere to be found. This convention was a bit different though in most aspects and hopefully next year it will have the crowds to show for it.
I go to a lot of conventions, particularly comic book based ones. I’ve never made it into San Diego Comic-Con, the mecha of comic cons, but each year I feel a little better about this as there are too many people, too much going on all at once, and it is near impossible to do half the things you would like to. Give me a medium-sized comic convention, one that gets decent names, keeps me busy the whole weekend but at the same time doesn’t leave me full of regret for the things I couldn’t do. There will always be picking and choosing but let it be with the satisfaction that the choice was a good one.
The Great American Comic Convention: Las Vegas was in a small venue but a near perfect fit for a first year. Vendors are going to be a little bit more reluctant with a con’s first year – panels generally fewer then the number at more established shows. Guests will come and go, some will decide to be no-shows on a first year. Choosing your space so that things aren’t too spread out or looking too cavernous like attendees aren’t getting their money’s worth is important.
What made Great American Comic Convention: Las Vegas different from most small starting conventions was it’s guest list. With only a couple cancellations (feel better Len Wein!) there were some serious legends of the comic community in an arena size space: Billy Tucci, Terry Moore, Bob McLeod, Darwyn Cooke, Joe Rubinstein, Frank Tieri, Tony Harris, Mike Zeck, Howard Chaykin and so many more! You got to see Tim Bradstreet and Tommy Castillo walking the halls talking cover art, James Robinson joking with fans about sitcoms and THE Bernie Wrightson hanging out and talking Batman and Swamp Thing. It was more like a reunion than a convention with the fans being welcomed into the fold and conversations. The panels didn’t get the turnout they deserved but it was like hanging out in someone’s house with these legends in the comic world rather than being in a giant convention hall where you are just one in a sea of faces. It was intimate and warm, so much so that Tim Bradstreet would excuse himself from his booth to go give other artists and even fans hugs. I just wish I could met Simon Bisley and have seen Len Wein there with them so that I could have heard him and Wrightson talk about the early days of Swamp Thing and seen this fraternity even more complete.
And… listen to this comic fans and fanatics, they weren’t charging for autographs! Bradstreet was looking at comics in people’s hands and grabbing them and signing them while chatting, Castillo was a fountain of amazing stories and facts while signing away, Billy Tucci was nicely asking for donations of any amount for important military charities while signing his iconic work and doing sketches. To have such big names at a intimate rookie event was an amazing thing, having free autographs and reasonable prices on prints and books as well was just amazing.
There were some vendors but there will probably need to be more to keep it profitable and there was some community support by lots of local artists and important non-profit groups like Viva Wonder Woman, Very Awesome Girls, Amazing Las Vegas Cosplayers and Super May Day 2016. Special shout out to Viva Wonder Woman whose level of community work I have seen first hand at event after event and should be an inspiration to us all to be every day heroes.
Hopefully, word of mouth will get out about the event so that the turnout increases enough to make sure the event is profitable though if it maintains it’s intimacy I won’t complain much, next year it might feel like we fans are part of the reunion.
Gallery
San Diego – December 10, 2015 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today the E.S.PRO 1, a new and unique way to enjoy tournament-grade audio quality without the bulk and weight of traditional over-ear headphones.
Specially designed for eSports gamers, the E.S.PRO 1 differs from traditional earbuds, using enlarged 13.5mm speakers to deliver a powerful audio experience with increased bass response and crystal clear highs, revealing every detail of the gaming environment.
Fully equipped for competitive play, the E.S.PRO 1 features a removable, omni-directional boom microphone, ideal when chat is of primary importance. When not gaming, users can also access theE.S.PRO 1 in-line microphone, complete with automatic noise and echo suppression. To make every second count, the E.S.PRO 1 boasts easy to reach audio controls, allowing gamers to adjust the volume, mute chat, and control track selection.
Addressing a further issue common with regular earbuds, the E.S.PRO 1 features innovative soft-rubber support arms, designed to gently fit inside the ear and prevent the earbuds from falling out during heated gaming sessions. In addition, to aid with comfort and acoustic isolation, the E.S.PRO 1 comes complete with optional earbud attachments designed to fit virtually any size ear.
“Complementing our new R.A.T. PRO Series™ of gaming mice, the E.S.PRO 1 provide eSports enthusiasts with an innovative earbud option – combining tournament-grade gaming audio quality, with features and comfort that rival traditional over-the-ear headsets,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “The E.S.PRO 1 further illustrates Mad Catz’ commitment to designing high-performance products that enhance the experience of competitive gamers, enabling us to expand our audio business throughout 2016.”
Expected to ship in January 2016, the E.S.PRO 1 comes complete with a standard 3.5mm cable and PC audio adapter, allowing connection with virtually any audio source including PC, Mobile and current generation consoles.
For more information, please visit: http://madcatz.com/e-s-pro-1-earbuds/
New York, NY – December 10, 2015 – 2K and Firaxis Games today announced that the XCOM® 2 Digital Deluxe Edition is now available for pre-purchase for $74.99. Launching globally on February 5, 2016 for Windows PC and coming to Mac and Linux via Feral Interactive, the XCOM 2 Digital Deluxe Edition includes the sequel to the Game of the Year* award-winning strategy title XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the XCOM 2 Reinforcement Pack** and the digital soundtrack. XCOM 2 takes place 20 years into the future, where humanity has surrendered to the alien threat and XCOM is largely forgotten, forcing them to reclaim Earth and free mankind from the aliens’ rule.
The Reinforcement Pack** can be purchased separately for $19.99 and bundles three downloadable add-on packs. Each add-on pack will offer a unique twist to the core game experience by adding new missions, aliens, weapons, more extreme soldier customizations and other items.
The Reinforcement Pack** includes the following:
- Anarchy’s Children: featuring rebellion-themed content with more dramatic soldier customizations (releasing spring 2016);
- Alien Hunters: introducing new gameplay surrounding XCOM as an elite alien hunting unit tracking down “Ruler” aliens, along with a new mission, soldier customization options and more powerful weapons and armor (releasing summer 2016);
- Shen’s Last Gift: offering a brand new soldier class with unique upgradeable weapons, armor and customization features, as well as an additional narrative-driven mission and map (releasing summer 2016).
Players who pre-order or pre-purchase XCOM 2 or the XCOM 2 Digital Deluxe Edition will also receive the Resistance Warrior Pack, offering additional soldier customization options such as bonus outfits, headgear, and custom facial war paint. The Resistance Warrior Pack also includes a “Survivor of the Old War,” a new XCOM recruit who will appear in the Avenger’s barracks.
Trailer
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Dec. 10, 2015 — BenQ America Corp., the internationally renowned pioneer in monitors designed for eSports, today announced that the ZOWIE brand will represent the company’s future releases in this market.
Following the recent announcement of its investment in ZOWIE GEAR, BenQ has further demonstrated its dedication to this segment by adopting ZOWIE as the new brand for its gaming-related line. BenQ will continue to show its commitment to gamers by providing eSports athletes with premium, professional gaming products via the ZOWIE identity.
All future BenQ gaming-related merchandise will be introduced under the ZOWIE name. Combining the core competences of BenQ and ZOWIE, new ZOWIE-branded eSports devices will focus on ergonomics and personalization to provide innovations that truly enhance player performance and enjoyment.
More information on the ZOWIE line by BenQ is available at http://info.benq.us/zowie.
December 10, 2015 – A brand new update for Fallout Shelter is available now – and it’s gone to the dogs (and cats). Thanks to our friends at Vault-Tec, tons of new features have been added to improve your underground life, including:
- Vault-Tec research has shown that 4-legged companions can have a profound impact on Vault happiness and productivity. Introducing Pets!
- Vault-Tec has received reports of some Dwellers not pulling their weight. Overseers are now authorized to permanently evict these lazy layabouts! Welcome to the Wasteland, slackers…
- Bored with the same pickup lines and conversations? Dwellers have finally learned some new ways to impress other dwellers and the opposite sex.
- Excessive tapping causing frustration when trying to clear out excess inventory? Overseers will love the new sell all options.
- Dweller management improvements and new objectives should help experienced Overseers keep things running smoothly.
- Even more Vault-Tec certified improvements and optimizations. Because you can never have enough improvements or optimizations.
Fallout Shelter is the first-ever mobile game set in the celebrated Fallout universe from Bethesda Game Studios.
Download Fallout Shelter – winner of “App Store Best of 2015” and “Google Play Best of 2015” – for free for iOS and Android devices from App Store or Google Play.
London – 10th December, 2015 – Elliot Myers and the team behind Roto VR can today officially announce they have successfully raised $300,000 [in a round led by Jensons Solutions] of equity investment to launch their hotly anticipated ‘Roto’ VR chair with a target for launch of May, 2016.
Roto, which has been designed for VR from the ground up, physically rotates players in the real world, to match their movements in the virtual – adding a greater sense of immersion to all VR experiences.
By matching physical movements to those experienced in the virtual world, players’ eyes and inner-ear balance detectors are in sync – making VR feel much more real while addressing many of the inherent challenges associated with VR headsets – tangling cables, motion sickness, comfort and safety.
“We’re so excited to see our vision for Roto become a reality and to offer developers and consumers our vision of what the seated VR experience should be” commented Elliott Myers, CEO at Roto VR. “It’s particularly exciting to launch alongside 1st party HMDs from May, 2016. Roto provides the ultimate in seated VR experiences, just kick back and let Roto do all the hard work.”
7 reasons why Roto VR will be an essential purchase for developers and consumers alike:
- The ideal VR companion for retail, event and home use.
- Combining motor rotation with headtracking – users are auto-turned to wherever they are looking, making 360 viewing immersive, comfortable and safe.
- Roto’s bi-directional motor allows developers to create scripted 360 journeys; great for games, movies, guided tours and more.
- No more tangled cables! Plug your USB and HDMI cables into Roto itself – the connector rotates with you, meaning you can turn through a full 360 degrees, again and again, and never get caught up… all while charging your battery!
- Tactile feedback through Roto’s rumble feature.
- An optional Roto Table attachment lets you take your accessories with you into 360 VR – just put your joystick, steering wheel, keyboard, mouse on the Roto Table and they’ll be right in front of you, no matter how much you spin around!
- Works with all headsets, games, movies and peripherals out of the box.
If you want to be first in line for Roto, please subscribe to our website for news and pre-order registration – coming soon!
Oculus has announced via its social media platforms that, when the Rift ships in early 2016, it will come with a free copy of CCP Games’ EVE Valkyrie. If you would like to read some of my very initial thoughts on Valkyrie (from an early build when it was named EVE-VR), click here! As far as when Oculus Rift pre-orders will go on sale? No word… But the 2015 countdown is ticking, people! Look sharp!