<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('load', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() { if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) { gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({ url: 'https://www.blogger.com/navbar/2747450319201025227?origin\x3dhttp://captivategamersedge.blogspot.com', where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"), id: "navbar-iframe" }); } }); </script>

Cheat of the Week

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by James Dumas

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – Useful Cheats, Unlockables and Hints (PS3)


Uncharted 2: Among Thieves


Cheat: Infinite Money


Once you have beat the game you'll get the chance to guy buy things like weapons from the store. You make money by doing things like finding treasures etc.


Once you do something that gives you a large amount of money (like Master Ninja for 25k). Save your game (if it's not at an auto save area) and then quit back to the main screen. Then load up the game again you'll keep getting the reward each time you do it. Soon enough you'll have enough money to buy everything without having to find all the treasures.


Unlockable: Crushing Difficulty


To unlock Crushing Difficulty, beat the game once through on Hard Difficulty.


Unlockable: Multiplayer Taunts


The following taunts can be unlocked by performing the actions below. After they are unlocked you may purchase them in the Multiplayer Store.


• "Flex" Taunt - Reach Level 20, then purchase for $50,000


• "Flurry" Taunt - Reach Level 30, then purchase for $100,000


• "Kiss" Taunt - Reach Level 10, then purchase for $10,000


• "Pump" Taunt - Reach Level 53, then purchase for $500,000


• "Yes" Taunt - Reach Level 40, then purchase for $250,000


Unlockable: Multiplayer Characters / Skins


The following skins can be unlocked by performing the actions below. After they are unlocked you may purchase them in the Multiplayer Store.


• Cameraman Jeff - Reach Level 30, then purchase for $100,000


• Doughnut Drake - Reach Level 60, then purchase for $2,000,000


• Genghis Khan Villain Skin - Beat Crushing Difficulty. Cost: 1,500,000


• Harry Flynn - Reach Level 20, then purchase for $50,000


• Heist Drake - Reach Level 10, then purchase for $20,000


• Heist Flynn - Reach Level 20, then purchase for $50,000


• Karl Schafer - Reach Level 50, then purchase for $1,000,000


• Lieutenant Draza - Reach Level 50, then purchase for $1,000,000


• Marco Polo Hero Skin - Get the Platinum trophy. Cost: Free.


• Skelzor - Reach Level 60, then purchase for $2,000,000


• Winter Chloe - Reach Level 20, then purchase for $50,000


• Winter Drake - Reach Level 40, then purchase for $250,000


• Winter Elena - Reach Level 30, then purchase for $100,000


• Winter Flynn - Reach Level 30, then purchase for $100,000


• Zoran Lazarevic - Reach Level 40, then purchase for $250,000


• Zorskel - Reach Level 10, then purchase for $20,000


Unlockable: Multiplayer Boosters


The following Boosters can be unlocked by attaining the levels below. After they are unlocked you may purchase them in the Multiplayer Store.


• Point and Shoot (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 2, then purchase for $2,000


• Bandoleer (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 4, then purchase for $2,000


• From the Hip (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 6, then purchase for $5,000


• Scavenger (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 8, then purchase for $8,250


• Break Up (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 10, then purchase for $11,250


• Keep Firing (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 12, then purchase for $14,250


• Down the Irons (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 14, then purchase for $18,750


• Fleet Foot (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 16, then purchase for $23,250


• Hell Blazer (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 18, then purchase for $27,750


• Explosive Expert (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 20, then purchase for $32,250


• Turtle (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 22, then purchase for $40,500


• Treasure Bearer (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 24, then purchase for $43,500


• Sure Foot (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 26, then purchase for $52,500


• Launch Man (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 28, then purchase for $58,500


• Sure Shot (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 30, then purchase for $64,500


• Monkey Man (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 32, then purchase for $72,000


• Walk Softly (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 34, then purchase for $79,500


• Scoped In (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 36, then purchase for $87,000


• Juggler (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 38, then purchase for $94,500


• Deposit (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 40, then purchase for $98,250


• Rapid Hands (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 42, then purchase for $111,000


• Rocket Man (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 44, then purchase for $120,000


• Situational Awareness (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 46, then purchase for $129,000


• Revenge (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 48, then purchase for $134,250


• Evasion (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 50, then purchase for $210,000


• Veiled (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 51, then purchase for $300,000


• Invalid (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 52, then purchase for $350,000


• Half Loaded (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 54, then purchase for $400,000


• Glass Jaw (Booster Slot 1) - Reach Level 56, then purchase for $1,500,000


• Come Get Some (Booster Slot 2) - Reach Level 58, then purchase for $2,000,000


Unlockable: Bonus Money for Old-School Players


In the store, hit SQUARE button to check for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune save data. You'll be rewarded with the following bonuses.


• $20,000 - Load Uncharted 2 on a hard drive with a game save for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune


• $80,000 - Load Uncharted 2 on a hard drive with a completed game save for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune


Hint: The Strange Relic


The Strange Relic is back in Uncharted 2 -- you can find it in the sewer in Chapter Five.


Hint: Marco Polo's Rich Legacy


You'll encounter a pool on the roof of a hotel during Chapter Six. Be sure to jump in it and swim around when you encounter it. Chloe and Nate will play an impromptu game of Marco Polo, and you'll earn $10,000 in-game to spend on bonuses as a result.




Till next time, keep on gaming and Enjoy!!


Labels: , , , ,

The New PSP is a GO!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by James Dumas

PSPgo Closed

The PSPgo has finally arrived in stores today. It is the fourth version of Sony's PlayStation Portable handheld gaming system to come out since the PSP’s creation in 2004. While the previous versions offered little changes to the hardware (slimmer form, brighter screen, etc.), the PSPgo is slightly different and offers huge modifications in the way the system looks and works.

Most noticeable among the changes is that the PSPgo no longer supports a UMD drive and instead only plays digital content, which can be downloaded off the PlayStation Store or transferred over from another device.

Also, the PSPgo is capable of being in a closed or open position as the screen slides up and down (like many new cell phones). When in a closed position, the screen, Home button and L and R buttons are all accessible, but when open, the classic PSP controls are revealed and able to be used (analog stick, D-Pad, four face buttons, Start and Select). The system continues to function even when closed, which is useful for watching a movie or listening to your music. Some games like ‘LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival,’ which is coming soon, can be played by using only the L and R buttons and are playable when the system is closed.

Since the system just came out today and many might not know about it, I have provided below some common questions, facts and information about it for those looking to either upgrade from a previous version or looking to buy a PSP for the first time.

When can I buy a PSPgo?
The system will be available on Oct. 1, 2009 in North America/Europe and November 1st in Japan.

How much will it cost me?
The PSPgo will retail for $249 in North America, 249 Euros in Europe/PAL territories and 26,800 yen (including tax) in Japan.

Where can I buy a PSPgo?
You can get a PSPgo at all major retail stores and online stores.

What does it come with in the box when I get it?
In the box you'll find the system itself (available in either piano black or pearl white), a proprietary USB cable and an AC adapter that plugs into the USB cable for charging via a power outlet.

Are there any new system bundles available to buy?
Not at launch time. Sony promises that there will be bundles available sometime in the future. Currently, only the basic box with the system, proprietary USB cable and AC adaptor will be available.

What are the new hardware specs?
The screen is 3.8 inches and features a 480x272 resolution. The size of the screen is a little than previous PSPs, but the resolution is exactly the same. It has 64MB of RAM and has 16GB of internal flash memory for storing games, videos, pictures and anything else you want to load on it.

For connectivity, the PSPgo has built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth 3.0.

Other hardware Specs:
• External dimensions: 128 x 16.5 x 69 mm (width x height x depth)
• Weight: 158g
• CPU: PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1-333 MHz, Main memory 64MB
• Display: Approximately 16,770,000 colors displayed

Can I still use a mini-USB port for transferring my stuff?
Sort of, instead of having separate ports for power, USB and video-out, the PSPgo uses an all-in-one proprietary connector that will handle all of those things. A USB cable comes in the box, as well as an AC adaptor that plugs into the USB cable to allow you to charge it. The video-out cable will be sold separately.

Does the PSPgo have the ability to do video-output?
Yes, the PSPgo utilizes an all-in-one connector that's used for USB transfers, charging and video-out. As such, you'll need a different cable than what was used with the previous PSPs, and this will be sold separately.

Have the buttons on the system changed locations?
Yes, they sure did. Although the D-pad, analog stick, face buttons and triggers are all relatively in the same place, the volume buttons, display button and sound button have been moved to the top side of the hardware. The Wi-Fi switch is now located on the left side of the system.

What extras/peripherals are going to be available to me?
The USB cable and AC adaptor that come in the box will be available in stores for purchase in case you need an extra set. You'll also be able to get a composite AV cable, component AV cable, a cradle and a protective film screen cover. There will be branded Memory Stick Micros available for purchase.

Will I be able to play my collection of UMD-based games on the PSPgo?
No, the PSPgo doesn't feature a physical UMD drive, so the games will not be able to be put into the system. Unfortunately, Sony has also confirmed just recently that no porting solution will be put into action for those wanting to copy over their collections of UMDs into a digital format.

Wait!! UMDs aren't supported? So how do I get my games onto the PSPgo?
Over 225 full games are now available for purchase and download from the PlayStation Store, and as time goes on the number available will increase greatly. All future PSP games will be available in retail stores and via download, and Sony promises to continue to release UMDs for the older systems since the PSP-3000 is still going to be available for purchase.

How many games will I be able to fit on my system?
That is going to depend on the size of the games. UMD discs hold a maximum of 1.8GB, so if you were to store games that were at the max UMD space (which many titles do not achieve) you'd still be able to hold close to nine games at a time just with the internal storage of the system. It really depends on the game’s size, but you should probably expect to be able to hold around a dozen or more full games at one time on it.

I want more storage capacity! Is this possible?
Yes, Memory Stick Micro (M2) flash cards are supported by the PSPgo. As of right now, they are available in sizes up to 32GB. When you save content to the system, it will ask before saving if you want to save it to the built-in storage (16GB of flash memory) or a Memory Stick Micro (M2) instead if you have one inserted.

Is there still a standard headphone jack I can use?
Yes! Just like the previous PSP models, the PSPgo comes with a headphone jack so you can plug in the best headphones you own and crank it up!

PSPgo Open

Hopefully that answers some of your questions you may have had about the new PSPgo and perhaps you now have enough info about it to decide whether or not it’s something you want to pick up. The PSPgo definitely has some neat changes in it that are quite nice and might make it worth getting (built in storage, Bluetooth, compact size), but it also has a few cons that you need to look at before making a decision (no UMD support, slightly smaller screen, high price tag).

I am really quite a bit turned off by the complete lack of any UMD support which really stinks for existing owners of previous systems (like myself). Also, the price tag of $250 which is $50 higher than other PSP’s makes it a tough sell for those looking to upgrade since on top of the price of a new system you would basically need to re-purchase your complete library of games for the PSPgo. One good thing is the downloadable games available online will be able to be used on previous PSP systems, so if you have a big enough memory stick in your older systems you will be able to download and play games without the need of a UMD.

I am still a bit on the fence about upgrading and think if Sony decides to come out with a transfer solution for those with UMDs and lowers the price a little bit then I will probably go ahead and get a PSPgo. That being said, I am going to stick with what I have for now and wait until they come out with the next big thing.

So, did you go out and pick up a PSPgo or do you have anything else you want to know about it? Post in the comments section below any questions or feedback you may have and I will do my best to get you an answer. Let me know your take on the PSPgo. I can’t wait to see what you think.


Til next time, keep on gaming!!


Labels: , , , ,

Is the Future of Gaming Now?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by James Dumas

Atari 2600PongRemember back in the day when video games were nothing more than a tiny white square bouncing back and forth against a solid block that you moved up and down by a simple joystick? Spending countless hours playing against your family or friends till your eyes felt like they would fall out of your head? The graphics were amazing, the controls so easy and smooth, and the game play was absolutely addictive. We were all on cloud nine, thinking, “Man this is the best thing since sliced bread” and “how could it ever get better than this?” If we only knew what awaited us all …


Now video games are displayed in high definition with graphics so realistic you can almost reach out and grab them. The controllers have what seems like endless buttons that control multiple things and look like they should be on the Starship Enterprise. The game play is as addictive – if not more than – as before and still causes us to lose countless hours in front of the TV trying to get to that next level. Gaming has never been better. Life is great! How could we imagine anything better than this? Well, we said the same thing 20 years ago and now it appears that we are yet again in for a big change in what we perceive as gaming.


“How so?” you ask. What could the video game companies do for us now to take us to an even higher level of gaming, even better than what we are already at? Not possible! No way! What if I told you that instead of just sitting in front of your TV on the couch mashing your fingers on your multiple button controllers you could get up and be part of the game, actually control and play the game with a simple wave of your hand, a point of your finger, or simply by moving your foot? Would that interest you?

Well it looks like that is about to become reality. I’m talking about motion control and full-body immersion into the games we play.

 
Nintendo has already begun using this technology with their Wii video game system, and they have shown the world that gaming can be more than what we have ever known. Using their Wiimote controller you can swing a golf club and play 9 holes, pick up a tennis racket and take on a friend in a friendly match, and even go bowling right in your living room (bowling shoes not needed). It’s great; instead of just sitting there mashing on the buttons to play the games, you actually have to stand up and interact with the game.


Wii Motion PlusAnd to add to the fun, Nintendo recently released an add-on to the controller called the Wii Motion Plus, which gives you even more control and true one-to-one motion transfer. Bundled with “Wii Sports Resort,” you now can have a fencing match, shoot a three-point basketball contest, or play a game of Frisbee catch with a dog, as well as many other games.

It truly is remarkable and adds to the games on a level we’ve never had. Seeing the success of the Wii and how the public embraced motion control in their games, Microsoft and Sony both decided that they too now would venture into this new technology.


PS3 Motion Controller
At the latest E3 conference, Sony unveiled their answer to Nintendo with the PS3 Motion Controller. Using a wand like controller in conjunction with the PS3 eye camera, your motions will be tracked and translated in the game. The wands have a glowing orb mounted on top that the camera uses to track your movement and to locate you in a 3-D space. From what they showed in a demo video, the wands can be replaced in-game for anything, from a bow and arrow to a sword to a baseball bat; whatever you need to use in the game will be available. The motion translation appeared quite fluid and looked to be working how they wanted.


Other than that not mush else has really been released about the Motion Controller yet. Sony is keeping a tight grip on what they release to the public but has said that it will work like nothing else and definitely change the way we play our games. They haven’t given a time frame for when this will be released but hopefully it’s soon. I will be interested to see what more they show us in the coming months.


Project Natal


Microsoft recently announced their new product, code named Project Natal, which will work with the Xbox 360. Microsoft has not released a lot about this yet, or when exactly it will be hitting the shelves, but from what they have shown people so far it looks as if this might be quite impressive and possibly the next big thing.



Natal will utilize a camera system that can track your every movement in a 3-D space, as well as at the movement of over 40 joint points on your body. It will be able to see you in a light or dark room and be able to pick you out of a group of people. It also has facial, voice, and even emotion tracking abilities that will be able to add to the way we interact with the system and play games. You will be able to control the system and game play without the use of a controller but instead with a simple wave of your arm, gesture of the hand, or a voice command. You will be able to drive cars, fight off armies of enemies, play sports, and control your characters all with your own body.



Combined with new A.I. software which you will be able to speak to, Natal will understand what you’re saying and follow your commands. We will soon be able to fully interact with the game as if we were actually a part of it. This is the one I’m very interested in and cannot wait to see more of.


From what has been shown to us so far it looks like we all are in for a treat and a major advance in the way we play games. The great thing is these technologies are going to make it so that all generations will be able to play the games and be a part of the fun. All you will need is yourself and you will be in the game, enjoying the fun with friends and family.

Imagine being able to drive a race car in the Grand Prix just by mimicking the same motions you would if you were really behind the wheel, or fighting off a ferocious dragon by swinging your sword, and casting a magic spell with a simple flick of your wrist.

Imagine being able to command your army of special operatives to secure the final bunker with a simple voice command or arm wave.

This is where we are heading. The future of gaming is now. This isn’t just a dream or wish; this is reality, and it will be here sooner that you think. Prepare to be part of the game and experience things we have never seen before. Are you ready? I know I am and I cannot wait to see what the next few months are going to bring us but it is definitely an exciting time to be a gamer.

As more news comes out about these new technologies I will be sure to let you know about it. So what do you think? Is this the way we should be heading, or do you think it’s just a gimmick that will quickly fade? Sound off and let me hear what you think.

Till next time, keep on gaming!!

Labels: , , , , , ,

About

Not only is James Dumas the Senior Network Operations Tech at Captivate, but once he gets home he’s in a constant battle of button mashing, extra lives, and power ups to reach that next level.

With the countless hours behind the controller and multiple bottles of Mountain Dew comes experience and knowledge (and maybe a few sleepless nights) that will hopefully guide you to that high score you’ve only dreamt about. Time to jump into the virtual battlefield – once you’re in there’s no turning back.


Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Other Cool Captivate Blogs