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Pinball Isn’t As Random As It Seems

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To the casual observer, pinball seems random and chaotic, but if you watch carefully, there are skills involved that make pinball not as random as it seems.

Don’t be fooled by the flashing lights and seemingly random callouts, there are rules and set objectives (ie: modes) in pinball that reward the player that can control the flippers best. By aiming at specific targets at specific times, the player unlocks specific secrets of the machine and activates other objectives all while racking up a high score.

Watch closely, as you may learn that pinball is definitely not random once you know how to control the silverball.


source: Vox

 

LEGO Ideas: Pikmin – Planter of Growth

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Another day, another cool Lego Ideas pitch based on a much loved video game franchise!

This time round it is Pikmin’s turn, with the Pikmin – Planter of Growth Lego Idea. If you are a fan of Pikmin (or Lego), then there is only one choice really – vote now!

source: Lego Ideas – Pikmin

 

A Practical Guide to Create the Ideal Gaming Room

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By: Cassandra Rosas (Originally posted on Porch.com)

Gaming is a great way to have some fun, relax, and work on your eye-hand coordination. Whether you’re new to gaming or consider yourself a seasoned pro, it’s important to have the right setup if you plan to game for hours at a time. From the right chair to the right tech and equipment, there are certain things you’ll need if you want to have the ultimate gaming room at home. Read on for some great tips and suggestions that will help you design a gaming room you’ll never want to leave.

Take care of your back with the right gaming chair

If you’re a gamer, you’re going to need a comfortable, supportive chair with the right features. Here are a few things to look for when choosing the right gaming chair.

Back support. The proper back support is the most important component in a gaming chair since it keeps your spine aligned and your body in the right position. Look for chairs that include lumbar support and an adjustable design so you can change the angle of the back as needed. With the right back support, you’ll feel more comfortable, energetic, and able to prevent pain or injury while sitting for long periods.

Directional armrests. Adjustable armrests give you more control over how your arms and hands are positioned. Look for a chair that features directional armrests that you can move up, down, forward, and backward for optimum support.

Ergonomic. An ergonomic gaming chair provides you with the full-body support you need to stay comfortable. Ergonomic chairs should include features like a headrest, lumbar back support, and an adjustable height to help you sit in the proper position while playing. Your chair should provide you with a combination of support, comfort, and improved posture all in one.

Adjustable cushions. Gaming chairs with adjustable cushions make it easier for you to feel comfortable while you play. Most chairs that have adjustable cushions feature a lumbar “pillow” attached to the back as well as seat, back, and headrest cushions that you can move to fit your body in the best way.

Fabrics. Don’t forget to pick the right fabric or upholstery for your new chair. Mesh is great for warmer environments since it’s breathable and cool. Fabric or leather is a great option if you live in a colder place and need your chair to help keep you warm.

Make Everything RGB

In the gaming world, RGB refers to red, green, and blue. Let RGB inspire your lighting and colour schemes. Here are some tips and killer gaming accessories to help you design an awesome RGB gaming room.

PC cabinet. Choose or design a PC cabinet that lets you change the lighting and design and that will make every internal component light up. This cabinet should include easy access to connect RGB-compatible components and accessories like gaming keyboards, headsets, and more.

Walls. Brighten up your gaming room with some awesome RGB lighting or décor. You can find RGB LED lighting strips, light bars, and even wall decals and artwork that will add a bold, modern touch to the room featuring the classic RGB motif.

Chair. There are lots of futuristic gaming chairs that include integrated RGB lighting. These chairs should be comfortable, but they should also have the right lighting around the back, seat, and headrest to create the look you want.

Floor. Make the entire floor RGB with lighted tiles for a bold effect. If you prefer to use lighting only around the edge of the room, try a rope light or LED light strips featuring the RGB colour scheme.

Toy and accessories. Enhance your game room even further by designing an amazing background with accessories or by adding some awesome toys to the space. Wall-mounted hexagonal light panels add a cool effect, or you can fill a wall shelf with all of your favourite characters and gaming-themed collectibles.

Choose the Right Webcam

A lot of interactive games require webcam connectivity so you can interact with other players, so it’s important to choose one that has the best quality and picture. Before you shop, learn the differences between 4K, 1080, and 720 resolution levels.

Webcams offer different resolutions, which refers to the measure of pixels within an image. A 4k webcam is also known as Quad HD, because it offers four times the resolution of 720 pixels. These cameras are extremely high in quality, but they’re also at the higher end of the price spectrum. A 1080 webcam is full HD and is a great mid-grade choice due to its high-definition resolution, and it often comes at a reasonable price. A 720p webcam is another standard that’s still used by many gamers today. Although it doesn’t offer the best resolution, the 720 webcam is still a good choice for streaming if you need something affordable that works well.

Picking Out a Headset

Seasoned gamers use a gaming headset for a more immersive experience. A gaming headrest is also helpful if you want high-quality sound for talking or listening while you play using both of your hands.

Wireless vs traditional. A wireless headset makes it easier to move around the room or perform other tasks without having to take the headset off. A traditional headset attaches to your PC with a wire, which means you’ll need to remove it when you move away from your console. Most wireless headsets are rechargeable and include a docking station so they can charge up quickly. Traditional headsets don’t have a separate power source, since they rely on a direct connection with your gaming console or computer.

Look for compatibility. Certain types of gaming headsets may only be compatible with specific consoles. Check the headset’s packaging, or go online to ensure that it will work with your specific console or computer.

The Perfect Gaming Desk

Aside from your chair, webcam, and headset, you’ll want to be sure you have the right desk for your needs. Here are a few pointers to help you find the perfect desk for your gaming enjoyment.

Tall or long. Just like other furniture, you’ll want to make sure your gaming desk will fit nicely in the room. Decide whether you’ll need a desk that’s tall or long, depending on your console type and your game-playing habits. A tall desk offers more vertical storage, while a wider desk will give you more elbow room and space for a larger keyboard or mousepad. Measure the space for the desk before you invest to be sure it’ll fit.

Cabinets. Consider a desk that has built-in cabinets so you can store games, accessories, and other items neatly and protect them from dust.

Shape. Your gaming desk can be a traditional rectangular shape, or you can try an L-shaped desk for more surface area and a better fit in your room. Look at the variety of desk shapes available, and consider the available space you have in your gaming room before deciding which shape will work for you.

Console space. Make sure that your desk has plenty of room for your console while leaving enough extra space for your keyboard, mouse, and anything else you’ll need. Some desks include a separate compartment underneath, where you can store your console to free up the top surface for your monitor and other accessories.

Materials. Gaming desks come in a huge range of materials, including metal, glass, and wood. Make sure your new desk is sturdy, looks great, and is able to hold up to lots of rigorous gaming. Consider things like how it looks, how it feels (texture-wise), and how easy it is to keep clean.

Images supplied by: Porch.com

What Every Good Gaming Computer Needs

Of course, no setup for a gamer is complete without the right gaming computer, so check out these features to help you build your gaming PC.

Mouse. A gaming mouse has a faster reaction time than a standard mouse. Look for a gaming mouse with the right DPI (dots per inch) level, depending on whether you use fast or “normal” hand movements. Your mouse should be comfortable, with a good grip to keep your hand and wrist stable. A mouse with a trackball is a popular choice among avid gamers, thanks to its flexibility and ease of use.

Mousepad. Make sure your mousepad includes soft and comfortable wrist support to prevent pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Try a gaming mousepad with a low-friction surface so you can enjoy fast reaction times without the mouse “catching” on the surface.

Keyboard. Find a keyboard made of durable ABS plastic so it holds up over time and won’t get scratched. Backlighting comes standard on most gaming keyboards, which also feature a variety of colors and patterns to make playing more interactive. A one-hand keyboard allows you to type with one hand while keeping your other hand free for mouse work.

GPU. The GPU, or graphics card, is extremely important when building your gaming computer. Make sure the GPU is fast and uses the latest technology to ensure you’re getting the best graphic quality possible. Compare brands, capabilities, and features like RAM and how well it will work with your webcam, software, and monitor.

Storage. Standard storage is HDD, or a hard drive, while SSD is a solid-state drive. If you’re looking for speed and reliability, SSD is a much better choice, although it’s also more expensive. An HDD drive is less costly, but it may not have the speed or capacity you need if you’re a hardcore gamer.

CPU – AMD vs Intel: The CPU is your computer’s brain, so it’s vital to choose a fast, responsive processor. AMD CPUs are powerful and feature excellent integrated graphics, which is ideal for 3D gaming. Intel works best for videos and streaming movies, although the brand does offer many options that give you the raw power you need for fast gaming. Choose Intel if you have the cash, but opt for AMD if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out.

Buy or build? If you’re experienced in building computers, you can build your own gaming system and customize it however you choose. If you don’t have computer-building experience, or you’re a beginner, you might be better off buying something already designed for gaming. Compare your options side by side, and think about what’s most important to you, like cost, graphics, processing speed, and looks, and go from there.

If you love to game, designing the ultimate gaming room in your own home makes the entire experience even better. With the right furniture, computer, accessories, and high-tech environment, your home gaming room will be your new favourite place to chill.

 

 

The World’s Largest Playable Game & Watch Octopus Is For Sale!

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This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the Guinness World Records’ largest playable Game & Watch device!

Back in 2018 we told you all about Dr. Tom Tilley’s massive Game & Watch Octopus creation which absolutely blew our minds! Well guess what, now is your chance to own this unique creation and be the talk (and envy) of the town.

If you are interested in this MEGA Game & Watch, head on over to Tom’s for sale page to get more details about the sale and to register your interest.


source: WithProfessorTom

 

Check Out This Awesomely Cool Mini Virtual Pinball Machine!

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We love stumbling upon awesomely cool DIY projects, just like David Schwab’s Mini Virtual Pinball machine creation! What makes David’s construction even more amazingly cool, is that it was his first attempt – wish we were that clever! Oh yeah, David has also created a Space Invaders themed tabletop, but we’ll tell you about that cool creation in another feature in the not too distant future.

Scrolling through all of the photos of the build and final product, it is hard not to be impressed. We asked David to provide his thoughts and inspiration behind his Mini Virtual Pinball machine, so we hope this gives you all an insight on how to go about embarking on such a project.

David Schwab’s thoughts on gaming nostalgia and on his Mini Virtual Pinball build: 

You can break it all down to 3 areas of competency; Software, hardware and construction. You need to be able to converse across all three disciplines. I think the attraction to this hobby is in the building and tinkering. To be able to assemble all parts, select hardware and build to a final and satisfactory presentation.

This is a work in progress as there are improvements I want to make. I don’t think anyone who sets to build one of these gets it right the first time, and that’s part of the fun.

In my design, I was going for pure nostalgia and very 0ld school. I would not say I was a big pinball player back in the day, as I was more the type of kid who nagged his mum for 20 cents to play Space invaders or Galaga. Those endless family holidays at caravan parks where there were tabletop arcade games demanded a feed of coins every day. I also majored in the Atari 2600, which was a great source of fun for both my brother Matt and I.

I went for the music and the ‘feel’ of some of the pinball tables, not necessarily staying with a purist collection of games. Everything I placed in this cab evokes emotion. The music, the aesthetic and the visualisation of the games. I have a Blues Brothers pinball table. This classic movie invokes great memories and a lot of fun. There are other pinball tables that others like – Doom, Crysis and Half-Life, although modern recreations bring a sense of nostalgia from the 90s and early 2000s.

This mini virtual pinball uses an Intel NUC 8i5 for the necessity of space and has an onboard 655 graphics processor, 250GB storage and 8GB of RAM. The 8i5 plays VP10 tables well, with no perceivable lag that I could notice. The back-glass is running a 1024 x 768 display which may also help the graphics processor. The playfield is a 1920 x 1080 IPS screen which holds a great resolution for a rig this size. 4K should never be considered with a small PC like a NUC and in any case you won’t need 4K unless you increase the size of your CAB past 32”!

So how did David get started on this project?

I did a lot of research online and asked questions. The best way to start is by typing ‘Virtual Pinball’ in Google and then head over to VPForums – which has a wealth of resources.

You can spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 depending on what you already have lying around, and how perfect you want it to look when finished. Some just plonk a couple of monitors in a box, others, just a couple of desktop screens to an existing PC while others want the full ‘this has got to look’’ fair dinkum.

The build process in (very droolworthy) photos:

images used by permission from David Schwab

We really really love this mini virtual pinball machine by David. If he took orders, we’d be getting in line 🙂

 

Discovering Fall Guys’ Chaos

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I love the chaos of the new game “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout,” developed by Mediatonic. I discovered Fall Guys, a platformer battle royale game, by hearing someone on the radio talking about it. Since its release on August 4, the game has become a unique alternative for Fortnite. The game is sort of a mix mash of Mario Party and Fortnite, but with funnier, and just as original looking players.

The jellybean-like figures manoeuvre through a three-dimensional playing field. The figures can jump, grab, and dive to help with gameplay. The aim is to qualify for rounds by completing each of the random mini-games. At times, you have to work as a team to make it to the end of the mini-game. The obstacles that randomly change throughout the game can be difficult to navigate even for an experienced gamer.

Players gain Kudos, an in-game currency, by completing matches. You get “Crowns” by winning; they are the ultimate currency. I’m not a fan of getting pink slime on me. When it first happened, I didn’t know what had happened to my dinosaur avatar.

Manoeuvring around the sliding walls in early rounds is easy. But the disappearing levels of plates and the turntable-like obstacles are sometimes difficult to master. The ability to dive becomes vital on those obstacles. Being able to grab other players helps as well.

My strategy is to always hang back behind the group or cluster of players as I move around the outskirts of the mapped obstacles. I think it’s oddly enjoyable to manoeuvre around giant fruit flying at you as you run with a herd of other players. I got taken out by a watermelon in one round.

I haven’t played a game this original and entertaining in years. I’m still discovering the various rounds. Sometimes, it’s not easy; but the game gets its hooks in you and it’s difficult to put down the controls.

 

PICO-8 Masters Of The Universe: The Battle For Eternia

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Do you guys remember when we got giddy over the fictional C64 Barbarian – Masters Of The Universe Edition game?

Well guess what, thanks to the amazingly talented game programmer, Andrea Baldiraghi (aka: TheRoboZ), you can now play the ultimate rethemed Barbarian video game, Masters Of The Universe: Battle For Eternia right in your browser (or that nifty little PocketCHIP running PICO-8) for some slashing good times!

Mr Baldiraghi, we thank you for creating this awesomeness in 3 months – Wow! Now grab a sword and let’s battle for Eternia!

image source: TheRoboZ – MOTU

 

VergeWorld: ICarus – A Nostalgic Blast!

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Whoa, the team at Retro Bones have been busy tinkering on VergeWorld: Icarus, a new sci-fi racer shoot’em up game (with exploration elements) for the Amiga, Atari and Mega Drive!

What is VergeWorld you ask? Far into the future, on a distant and inhospitable planet, mankind engages in one thing it knows well – war. The tyrannical corporate regime wants to enslave all inhabitants of the Kingdom – humanity’s new home. As a young smuggler, Nix, aboard the aircraft Icarus, you want to help the oppressed by joining the Revolt.

Download the Amiga demo to prove your worth by completing the infamous Death Run challenge and convince the Revolt to accept you as one of them!

image source: Retro Bones

 

Building Miniature SEGA Arcade Machines

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The amount of talent and knowledge some people have is beyond comprehension. One particular person got our attention on Twitter, gaug888. gaug888’s miniature Sega arcade machine creations are beyond amazing! Not only are they faithful miniature recreations of their bigger arcade brethren, they also play the arcade video games they are based on – totally mind blowing!

The meticulous level of detail of these miniature creations are off the charts. We reckon Yu Suzuki would be quite impressed too!

PS: If you want to check out the complete and documented log of gaug888’s miniature creations, head to Togetter now.

image source: gaug888 via Togetter

 

Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX – A Legend Reborn

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We woke up today to great news that our fave ex-Sega mascot, Alex Kidd, will be getting a new lease of life on modern consoles!

Yep, you read that right, the classic and awesome Sega Master System game, Alex Kidd in Miracle World is being brought into the 21st century, titled Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Slated to be released early in 2021 on PC, Switch, Xbox and PlayStation, we honestly can’t wait to reacquaint ourselves with Alex on a modern gaming platform.

We love the brand new visual style, but we are even more chuffed and excited that it will have a retro mode to experience classic Master System Alex Kidd. This new version of AK will feature new levels, modes, and alternative boss battles – all based on the iconic Master System game. So if classic ‘80s platforming is your jam – and it should be, then you will need Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX in your life.

A legend has truly been reborn!

PS: While we wait for this to be released, we’ll keep playing Alex Kidd in Miracle World on our Master System 😉


source: GameTrailers