ET And The Swordquest Series - How Atari Brought The Video Game Crash One Step Closer

If anybody that's flirting with middle age starts talking about old school video gaming in the home it doesn't take long for the name Atari to turn up does it? Back in the early 80's it was a part of almost everyone's life. Even the pretty girls that were cheerleaders played that horrid version of Pac-Man for the 2600 way back in the those glorious days of gaming.

I honestly believe that the Atari 2600 led two different lives during it's run in the late 70's and early 80's. When it debuted in 1977 and for the first 3 Christmases it existed it was a rich boys toy. It was a luxury to have one in your home. If you were lucky enough to have a friend who owned one it was a marvel to play. Sure the first games released were mostly simple and often lame but it was new and cool.

In 1980 Atari captured the rights the arcade smash Space Invaders and that blew the lid off of the home gaming market. Atari followed that up by bringing their arcade smash Asteroids home in 1981. These two titles justified parents caving in to their kids demands. Many consumers picked up an Atari just to play these two games.

Atari had some competition from Mattel's Intellivision which did boast better graphics and sound but didn't have access to the big name titles that Atari had locked up. The Intellivision was also more expensive than the Atari 2600. These were the golden years for the 2600.

1982 would also be a good year for the 2600 system. Activision made some classic games for the Atari and Pitfall was one of those games that my Mom put on layaway for me at the local Gaylord's department store that summer. By the fall a new home gaming system called the Colecovision was coming out and it looked awesome!

Atari had countered by introducing their new advanced Atari 5200 system into the marketplace. This is where I get confused on this whole subject. You see, once the home gaming market took off every jack-leg that could write some lame code started making games for the 2600 system.

Problem was the vast majority of the games stunk and were terrible. But Atari is just as much to blame as these shady companies. Remember how bad Pac-Man was? Sure, we lived in denial and played that garbage because it was the only home version out there when it was released.

The Colecovison was a big hit even though Coleco was caught totally off guard and couldn't produce the systems fast enough to meet demands during the Christmas season of 1982. Meanwhile Atari had there equally powerful 5200 but decided to keep riding their older 2600. By this time the old horse was panting pretty hard!

You would think that Atari would have had the common sense to slowly phase the 2600 out and start throwing their support for their far superior 5200 system. That however was not the case. Two things happened in the fall of 82 that ultimately spelled doom for Atari and the Video Gaming Industry as a whole.

For the Holiday Season Atari rolled the dice on two huge projects for the 2600. The Swordquest Series and ET The Video Game.The dice would come up snake eyes. The Swordquest series boasted four adventure games in a series and included a contest for solid gold prizes for players that could solve the puzzle.

The problem was the Swordquest games were terrible with gameplay that made no sense at all. It was heavily promoted by Atari and was a total flop. ET was a pure example of Atari being run by a bunch of corporate morons that knew nothing about programming and didn't really care about providing a quality product.

ET was thrown together in a mad rush just so the game could be shipped for the Christmas blitz of 1982. Then someone at Atari thought it would be a good idea to mass produce more copies of ET than 2600 systems that existed in American homes at that time.

As you might expect the game was a complete flop! Atari found themselves stuck with millions of copies of ET that they couldn't give away. Eventually Atari was forced to bury the unwanted games in a landfill in New Mexico. That was really the beginning of the end for Atari and for the home gaming market as a whole.

The Atari 2600 would would hang on for a couple more years and sales were still good in 1983. By 1984 the 2600 was badly outdated and market was so flooded with inferior games that it actually became kind of fun to hate Atari. They tried several times to renter the home gaming market but never were able to regain there top position in the marketplace.

I love classic video games and created a blog dedicated to 80's video games. Please feel free to drop by my blog at Video Gaming in the 80's My video gaming stories are your video gaming stories. Drop by and feel free to leave a comment http://videogaminginthe1980s.com/

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Upcoming Features of Call of Duty Black Ops 2

For the fans of First Person Shooter games here comes the new black ops 2 which is perfectly tailored for your likes. People have been waiting in anticipation for the arrival of this game. Lot of information and speculations had been circulating in the internet before the release of this game. The game which was released about a year ago became one of the great successes in the modern games category. It was accepted with much commercial and critical acclaim. Black ops 2 is a game which can be played in various platforms like, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS and PC.

Black Ops 2 History
The sale of black ops 2 has set records in the number of games sold and the number of orders taken for the games. The game can be played in the short single player mode and online multiplayer mode. More and more people are becoming addicted to this game after each passing day. Black Ops: Call of duty is one of the most sought after games played by the modern gamers. Let us look into some of the features of this game which makes it the most sought after game.

This first person shooter game gives the real experience of watching a film while playing it. Most of the games in this category were like going to a place and shooting it down. But in black ops 2, it gives you the real experience of being in the battle field with your fellow comrades. When you are in the game the whistle of the bullet passing beside you feels like the real deal. There are very few games which can bring about such a feeling of being in the warzone while we are playing. More than the graphics, it is the feel that's created by the designers is great and is incomparable to any other games.

Black Ops 2 Future
Playing black ops 2 will give you the real feel of being in the line of fire. The interaction with the fellow comrades is very emotional and makes you feel and act likes a soldier. It is only when you exit out of the game; you will realize the difference between the real world and the game. It is such a captivating gaming experience. Once you start playing this game and finish the first levels, you can unlock the higher levels in the single player mode. Through this you can again experience a new outlook of the whole game.

Another reason for the popularity of this game is the fact that the experience of playing this game will give you more than the value for its money. When one has become well versed with the single player mode; the multiplayer online mode opens a whole new arena. The gamers can play these games for hours without the need of any food. Another option in the new black ops 2 is that gamers can earn COD points from single player gaming modes. These points will aid in buying or unlocking new weapons which can be used in the online multiplayer mode.

Check out Black Ops 2 for more Call of Duty news.

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Connecting Your Xbox Using An Optical Audio Cable

Connecting your Xbox to the TV using S/PDIF is a great way to achieve fantastic sound quality. But would you know which type of cable to buy? Do you have to stick with Microsoft and spend a small fortune buying their original lead? The straight answer is no. But there are so many optical audio cables on the market today, you could easily purchase the wrong cable. However we will point you in the right direction to ensure you get the correct lead.

You first need to make sure your television has optical capability. Almost all modern flat screen panels will have an input known as S/PDIF (this is short for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) for optical cables the signal is transmitted over a TOSLINK cable which is made from fibre optical cable. You can also transmit S/PDIF over a solid copper lead but we will not go into detail as that's not relevant. When buying an a cable it's important you look for the name TOSLINK. Optical audio leads are also available in a smaller format similar to a 3.5mm jack, this is used for portable audio devices such as mini disc players and laptop computers. This size of connection will not work and should be avoided.

As mentioned previously, S/PDIF optical audio cables transmit the signal using light over fibre optic cable. You can actually see the red light at the end of the cable. Whilst it's always best using the shortest possible cable, you can get an optical audio lead up to 30 meters long. It's important not to bend the cable to tightly as this can kink the fiber optic inside and permanently damage the cable. If you are looking to purchase a higher quality cable you should consider a lead that uses quartz glass.

TOSLINK S/PDIF audio cables are relatively inexpensive. A simple internet search returns decent quality optical audio cables from as little as four pounds for a 1 meter cable. If that's too short we found a 20 meter cable on sale from a respected internet retailer for just twenty-four pounds in the United Kingdom. On final point to remember when you take delivery of your new cable, don't forget to remove the dust caps that protect the plugs on the end of the cable. You would be surprised just how many people ring the shop and say the cable does not fit.

The author has experience in Optical Cable and Toslink Cable and S/PDIF Cable

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Choosing the Best Video Game Console for Your Needs

Video games have become very popular these days, and it's not just clever and skilled teenagers that are into these games. Older generations have also been inquiring a lot about them either as presents for their young ones or as a way to share a good time together with the whole family. But many are not comfortable with the technical advances and complexities that some of the current game consoles offer and have a hard time deciding which video game console to select or if they should get one at all. They simply don't want to spend a few hundred dollars and find out later that it was all wasted on some unmanageable complicated game console. This article will give you advice, so you can select the best console that suits your needs.

Selecting the Best Console Matching Your Needs and Abilities

The most sold video game consoles today are no doubt the Nintendo Wii, the Sony Play Station 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360. These can be safely stated to be the best products the current market offers. However, when looked into more closely, it becomes clear that, because of the capabilities supported and the design approach used by each, they do not cater to the same type of player profile.

Nintendo Wii is designed to share the pleasure of play with other members of the family, not excluding those belonging to older generations. This is enabled thanks to the controllers of Wii which are very intuitive and the handling of which can be mastered very easily and in a short time by anyone! What makes this possible is the motion sensing attributes of the wireless controllers. They impart the players a sense of truly "experiencing the game". For example, when you play a simulated golf game, one feels as though he is really playing a golf game! Note, however, that even though the Wii images are of excellent quality, they are not High Definition.

Play Station 3 and Xbox 360 compete with each other on the market as they are quite similar in terms of what they offer. Aside from offering excellent video gaming that targets user profiles who prefer intense action and role-play games, their consoles can be viewed as complete multimedia platforms. They both offer High Definition imaging, DVD and CD players, a huge amount of hard disk storage, and in the case of Play Station 3, even Blu-ray. Like the Wii, these products offer motion sensing controllers (the "Move" controller for PS3 and the "Kinect" controller for Xbox) for experiencing the "true feeling" of the action, but they need to be bought as additional accessories.

In conclusion, it is quite difficult to choose one of these three video game consoles as the best, since they target different customer segments, and they come with different competing capabilities. One can safely assert though that while the Nintendo Wii was designed for the pure pleasure of playing and sharing that pleasure with members of the family belonging to any generation, the Sony Play Station 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 were designed to experience action filled role-play gaming and to offer complete multimedia entertainment platforms.

The author lives in Montreal. He worked for many years as a professional engineer for a major telecommunication company. He has written and published on various platforms many articles on technology and gadgets, healthy living and gourmet cooking.

For an in depth comparison of Wii, Play Station 3 and Xbox 360, with detailed comparison data and for specific console recommendations that would suit your needs please visit the following site:

An In-depth Game Consoles Comparison

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Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics: Must Play!

Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics is every Mario and Sonic game fan's greatest dream. Having these two video characters in one game is truly too much of a temptation for video game enthusiasts who grew up playing these two franchises. Well the Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics don't disappoint for it caters the same dose of challenge and excitement to avid video game players.

Here are some key features of the Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics.

· A novel adventure for such classic characters like Dr. Eggman and Bowser.

· With the single player Story Mode, one can play all the characters simultaneously thus fully immersing one's self to the game.

· Have a unique game that features the exquisite city of London as its main background.

· Have a unique game that includes all events from the upcoming 2012 London Summer Olympics.

· Use the London Party Mode for various mini games to take your favorite characters on the streets of London as well as its famous landmarks.

· Share the fun with your friends and loved ones with the multi player mode.

· Enjoy various Olympic inspired events in a realistic Olympic world as well as in Dream Games fashioned after Arcade Games.

· Have the city of London as your playground and discover its exciting streets.

Online reviews have shown generally positive reviews for the third installment of the Mario and Sonic crossover game. Just like its predecessors namely the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, it is slowly but surely proving to be a force to be reckoned with in terms of the stiff competition in the current video game franchises. People who have already played the game already shared their utter satisfaction to the latest Mario and Sonic offering, and they recommend it with enthusiasm to those who haven't gotten their hands on the game. Such recommendation from actual players only proves the game's credibility on the grounds of quality and playability.

Considering that this video game has only been recently introduced in the market, and has been available for less than a quarter of a year, it is quite interesting to note that it already gained massive popularity that has been translated into actual sales. Thus far this game is only available in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan, but the company behind its distribution aims to take the product to more locations so as it can be more accessible to video enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in the game.

The Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics has truly captivated the imagination of many game players from all across the globe, and from all ages. It has attracted patrons from the Mario followers, Sonic fans, and of course Olympic Games zealots. Indeed the Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics is a must play for all people who seeks an engaging and entertaining video game equipped with all the necessary game technology enhancements.

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Kinect Sports - Kinect Xbox Review

Pros:

quick and simple fun

variety of sports

stylish

Xbox Live support for two players

Cons:

control incorporation of some sports

lacks a single player career

Kinect Sports offers a diverse range of sports fully in line with competitors, with the only difference that here you actually get involved in sports using your whole body. Kinect and its two cameras are watching you closely.

This means that shaking the controller when running will not be sufficient and because there is no controller with Kinect, you really have to lift your legs, jump, kick or hit with your hands. The variety of sports includes, but is not limited to, soccer, volleyball, boxing, bowling, ping pong as well as athletics such as running, hurdles, jumping into the sand hour drive, and javelin. The game has 3 slightly different modes for each discipline: Party Play mode for two teams designed to fit your party; Main Event offers all disciplines for a single or multiplayer; and Quickplay mode to get you fast into action.

The game is pure fun and it is the best with more players, whether on TV or through the Live. Single player is only offered a good training and good feeling when beating an AI at four different levels of experience.

The most robust of all the games is soccer, which offers not only shots on goal, but the whole match for one or two players. It is not a standard FIFA, but it shows how EA could incorporate Kinect in this popular series. During the match, the game will automatically switch between players who are the closest to the ball and gives you an option of passing the ball, or if the opponent has the ball you can prevent his pass by moving yourself in front of the shot. You have an option to shoot at the goal when you are close to the net or to have a moment to catch the ball when switched to a goalkeeper. The actual running is excluded, allowing you to focus only on the ball.

If you miss running in soccer you can get enough of it in athletics, where you will get a really good workout, whether it is a simple runnig or hurdles. You will be running even when you do sandjumping or javelin. The principle is to lift your knees as high as possible to achieve higher speeds. Only in the disc throwing can you get a little rest because you only need your hand. All the disciplines works without any problems and they are easy to get used to.

Bowling is a sport where you can relax the most. It's a game that everyone will enjoy, whether it be for fathers, mothers,grandparents or children. Bowling is not as physically demanding as boxing. Giving upper and lower hooks can be very hard especially if the opponent doesn`t want fall for a very long time. Three rounds will feel especially painful in the morning when you wake up with sore hands. Your hands won`t be resting in ping pong neither, which doesn`t look difficult, but when you play your hands will be sailing over half the room as you try to catch the ball. It's not a ping pong simulation, so don`t expect any crazy tricks, but rather you will have to be focused on testing your reflexes. Volleyball is very easy since you only have to hit in a place where you expect the ball to go.

Compared to volleyballping pong is more difficult to play, particularly in 2 player mode because of the variety of moves and players can easily get in their way while playing. Fortunately, this is not a problem in boxing where you are boxing only forward and the sideway moves or turns are not necessary.

Standard sports you can play only in the Main Event. Party and Quickplay play offer entertaining modifications such as ball games. For example, in soccer you have to prevent or score as many goals as possible within a certain time and it is the same in volleyball. In addition, you can play all the sports in party mode in a special costume adding to a party atmosphere. For example, your avatar can wear a foam alien costume or a crocodile costume. He then becomes the team mascot.

Kinect Sports is a great game and in addition to Dance Central it offers the highest quality title for Kinect. It has excellent content, plenty of options, lots of fun and it gives you a good workout. It's a title that will last and always have something to offer. Kinect Sports makes a perfect game for a whole family.

Whatever you do please do not click my website link, you might get insight into some great Kinect Games Reviews and actually buy more games...and you don`t want that right? Just kidding please DO... Just the best Kinect Games [http://www.kinectgamesreview.net]

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Dance Video Games: Learn, Work Out, Have Fun

If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing a dance video game, you might wonder how dancing and gaming fit together.

Surprisingly well, it turns out. Even if you have very little sense of "natural rhythm," and would be embarrassed to be caught out on the dance floor or even in a dance class, you can learn to play and enjoy the various versions of dance games that are available on the market today.

So how exactly did the dance video game come about? Surprisingly, it happened before Dance Dance Revolution was released by Konami in 1998. It turns out that Dance Aerobics, which utilized a pad connected to the Nintendo gaming system as a user input device, was the true start of the genre when it hit the markets in 1989 (per GameFaqs, via Wikipedia). A certain segment of the Nintendo-owning population enjoyed this game, but the necessity of buying the floor-pad limited the appeal to a generation of gamers who simply couldn't put as much money into their habit as people do today.

There's no question, though, that DDR can be credited with starting the transformation that turned the dance gaming genre into the powerhouse it is today. And after the brand re-introduced dance pads, this time for all of the major gaming consoles, dance gaming seemed poised to enter homes across the country.

The only problem was that people who owned consoles at the time tended to be hardcore gamers, and dancing wasn't something a majority of hardcore gamers were into. Therefore, it wasn't until the release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006 that dance games in the home really became a marketable trend. The handheld motion controller created a more intuitive movement environment than standard handheld controllers, helping to get casual gamers and kids in on the dance game action more than ever before. Not to be outdone, PlayStation followed with its own Move controller in 2009.

Everyone has their favorites in the dance game genre, but there's no question that Microsoft's release of the Kinect hands-free motion controller in 2010 is what made the dance video game into something truly wonderful. The Kinect doesn't limit motion detection to the hands or feet; instead, it tracks everything, from head-bopping to hip-swiveling to knee-bending and more. The motion capture technology of the Kinect is so sensitive that it can detect slight variations in dance moves and correct players in real time. And, unlike the dance-pad controllers, the Kinect is compatible with a variety of games outside the dance genre.

There will probably always be a place for traditional dance-pad games, and the Wii provides a great gaming experience. But when it comes to working out, having fun, and learning new whole-body moves, the Kinect is the hands-down winner.

Credit: GameFaqs

Emma L. researches products such as Kinect games, then gathers opinions from the public and combines them with her own personal experiences to find out which are the best. Check out 6 Best Kinect Dance Games for more information.

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