Game Review: Mass Effect 2

Posted on May 25, 2010 by admin

This role-playing game is a wildly popular series produced for Xbox 360. This is a must-have for any science fiction fan and is much improved over the original. Mass Effect 2 takes place in outer space on the SSV Normandy spaceship. The graphics are sharper and there are nuances of shade and tone that were not there before. The pace is also faster than in the first game. Moreover, the character development is richer. Players are drawn into the soap opera unfolding on the ship and genuinely grow to care for the characters.

Right off the bat, the ship is inundated with problems. The protagonist, Shepard, is confused, but gets help from the overseer, The Illusive Man. The main goal of the game is to find out why the human colonies are vanishing. Like most science fiction game, Mass Effect 2 has an interesting cast of characters, including the babe Miranda, quiet Jacob, and the sinister Collectors. Let’s not forget the comedian Mordin Solus, who will keep you laughing throughout the game.

Mass Effect 2 has a rating of “M” for “Mature,” so this game isn’t suited to younger players. The interactions between the characters are also a bit more “mature.” Each character is highly developed with expressive faces and attitude. Everyone has a personality. The game does a good job of bypassing the good/bad paradigm and actually adds shades of morality.

The best features of this game are the characters themselves. It doesn’t have the flexibility of RPG games, but the characters make up for it. It has third-person killing scenes that are a little sticky with the action, but overall the game is relatively free of bugs. If you liked the first Mass Effect, you will enjoy the new challenges presented in Mass Effect 2.

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The Best Nintendo DS Games

Posted on May 4, 2010 by admin

If you own a Nintendo DS, then the next step is to purchase games for it. There are literally hundreds of games for the DS on the market, but of course, you want the best games. It is hard to determine which games you might consider “the best,” because everyone has their own preferences. Some people like action games, and others prefer strategy. The best way is to read Nintendo DS game reviews online and see what others have to say about them.

Strategy and other educational games are quite popular for the Nintendo DS. These games help you with speed, memory, and really test your knowledge. If you like these kinds of games, you may be interested in puzzle games like Sudoku and chess. Top-selling Nintendo DS games for girls and younger kids include Guitar Hero and the Littlest Pet Shop. Girls might especially enjoy games that have to do with fashion or animals.

Action games are another immensely popular genre. This includes shooter games, military-related, horror, and other games that are often fast-paced. These games will get your adrenaline pumping and test your problem solving abilities. The Dawn of Heroes and Dark Void games have good reviews. Super Mario Brothers games, while not exactly “action,” get rave reviews. These are simply classics. The Legend of Zelda has been around for many years, and is still a best-seller. If you like your games to have a lot of variety, try the Lego Indiana Jones DS games, which let you play many different characters.

Buying DS games can be a trial-and-error process. You have to decide which types of games you enjoy playing the most and then start your search. If you get tired of your Nintendo DS game, you can always trade it in or sell it for a new game, so don’t be afraid to take some risks and try out all the genres.

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Repairing Your PSP Screen

Posted on April 19, 2010 by admin

The Sony PSP is a small gaming device that is prone to getting scratches on its screen. It is very easy to drop the gaming device or have dust and dirt accumulate on the screen. The screens are made out of glass LCD and are not scratch-proof, as you may have found out the hard way. Plus, a cracked or scratched screen is not covered under the PSP’s warranty. Fortunately, if you have cracked or scratched your PSP screen, there is a way to repair it.

If you have cracked or scratched the LCD screen or notice strange pixel colors, then you can fix these problems. You cannot “fix” the screen per se, but you can replace it with a new one. PSP screen repair kits include a new screen, ribbon cables, and a metal frame. You can buy these kits on eBay for a fair price. It’s definitely cheaper than having to buy a whole new PSP!

The process of repairing your PSP screen may take awhile. You need to have a delicate touch and use smaller tools. Always read the directions before proceeding and take your time while you replace the LCD screen. Remove the screws and lift off the screen and button bar. You will have to release a couple of clips, too. Do not break any cable wires, because this will absolutely damage the PSP device. Then, simply follow the instructions in your repair kit to replace the screen.

In the future, try to keep your PSP protected from harm by using a screen protector and a hard case at all times. These alone will prevent many mishaps. Also, do not press down hard on the screen, as this will damage pixels. Keep the PSP out of sunlight and high temperatures to keep the metal parts in good working order. These measures will help you keep your PSP running smoothly for many years.

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Nintendo DSi versus the DS Lite

Posted on April 6, 2010 by admin

The Nintendo DSi is enormously popular among kids and even adults. The gaming console is small, portable, comes in different colors, and is relatively inexpensive compared to other gaming devices. Kids can bring it to school and play with their friends online. There are actually two versions of the Nintendo DS: the DSi and the DS Lite. While the names are similar, the two devices have different features. If you are planning to purchase one of these handheld consoles, you need to first compare the two and then make your decision.

The Nintendo DSi is a versatile tool. It can play AAC files (iTunes files), allows users to take pictures and share them with friends, and is loaded with an assortment of apps that include a web browser, a chat tool, an audio recorder, and a network adapter. It also has an external SD memory card slot to expand the memory. In terms of looks, the DSi screen is bigger than the DS Lite screen, and the colors are brighter.

However, the DS Lite has some advantages over the DSi. The price of the Lite version is often lower, but you also get fewer features. No camera, and the screen is smaller, but the battery life is better than the DSi. The DS Lite is unlocked, which means you can play games from any part of the world. You can also play Gameboy games! The DS Lite comes in a variety of colors, but you can always customize the look of any device with skins.

Overall, there a few differences between the two devices, but you need to decide which features you like best. If price is your deciding point, you may want to go with the DS Lite. If you want more features, then the DSi is the way to go.

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Loading Videos on Your PSP

Posted on March 20, 2010 by admin

The Sony PSP has many uses besides simply playing video games on it. You can listen to music on it and purchase a speaker dock for amplifying the audio. Plus, you can actually watch videos (DVDs) on it, too! You can find these videos online or even create your own using a webcam and some video editing software. It may be tricky at first to load videos on your PSP, but once you get the hang of it, the only thing holding you back is the amount of memory you have left on the PSP.

First, you will DVD ripper/converter software. You also need to have a USB cable and a memory stick. Hook up the PSP to your laptop with the USB cable and turn on both devices. Go to the “Settings” menu on the PSP and hit “X” to link the two. Then, navigate to “My Computer” on your laptop and click on the “PSP” icon inside. Make two new folders and name them “MP_ROOT” and “100mnv01.”

Drag and drop the video clips from your laptop into the “mnv01″ folder. The video must be an MP4 format. If it’s not in that format, you will need to convert the video first with special software, and then drop the MP4 file into the folder. That’s it! Disconnect the USB cable from the PSP and go into the memory card file from the “Settings” menu. Click on the video file to being playing it on your PSP. In order to add more videos to the PSP memory card, you will actually need to buy a bigger memory card. A 512 MB memory card is the smallest size you should have.

You will have a lot of fun watching movies on your PSP. This is a good device to have if you are in the passenger seat of a car or plane and want to pass the time. Hook up your earphones and watch the movie in silence, or share it with a friend!

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