Author: evo

How dedicated of a gamer are you? Sure you love to game, you may have top of the line gaming console(s), the best headset, controller, and so on.  But are you dedicated enough to have a gaming inspired swimming pool?  Well we found someone who is the ultimate gamer and thought we would share .  A buddy of mine that owns www.poolremodelphoenix.org, took me to a fun BBQ and told me about this insane gaming controller shaped pool he added to a guys residence complete with gaming controller floatation devices! Crazy!

Continue reading “Gaming Inspired Swimming Pools!”

Let’s talk gaming headsets!  With so many on the market and opinions flowing freely, it can be hard to really narrow it down to what gaming headset is really the best.  Of course a lot of it depends on the individual needs of the gamer, however,  we have a break down on the different sets to help out the process a bit.

3 Different Types Of Headsets

 

• Analogue Headsets- This type of headset is compatible with pretty much an PC, mobile device or gaming console. The quality of the sound however, is dictated by the device you are using.  Kind like enter at your own risk.  If you decide to go with these you may need a splitter device for PC’s if you have different headphone & mic jacks.  Some headsets come with them some do not, check the box.

• Digital Headsets- Now we are getting to the good stuff.  Digital headsets come equipped with DAC( Digital to Analogue Converter) which means they offer better software, higher volume which means clearer sound and a better overall experience.  Optical headsets are compatible with xbox and playstation gaming consoles and also any PC that has an optical converter. Plus these babies use a USB connector, which most of us can appreciate.

• Wireless Headsets- Will we appreciate these headsets for their wire-free, hassle free gaming experience they do have some pitfalls.  First and foremost they are more expensive than wire headsets, and can often be heavier.  They also need to be charged which can really put a wrench in you game play. And for the punchline not all wireless sets are compatible with all gaming systems & consoles.  Definitely make sure to check out compatibility when purchasing these.  

 

While there are definitely a few more types of headsets to choose from, we have narrowed the beginning three down.  Headsets can be an investment because the good ones don’t run cheap.  Think about your gameplay and how dedicated you are to gaming before making the choice in which headset you buy. If your gonna shel out some cash for a top of the line headset you want to make sure you are going to put them to good use and really enjoy the quality they had to your game play!

Let’s talk about Fortnite, the new battle royale game for all gaming consoles and PC’s.  With games like Call of Duty & Rainbow Six Siege out in the gaming world it comes as somewhat of a surprise that  Fortnite is taking the cake among gamers of all ages.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with this game and it’s objective we have the low down for you and what seems to be making this game stand out.  

The game can be played solo, in squads or in duos.  For those of you that like campaign mode it also offers this story mode called “Save The world”.  When playing in squads, duos, or solo the main objective is to be the last one standing after fighting off your opponents.  In the beginning you jump out of a flying bus connected to a balloon.  Depending on the area you land in which may be Snobby Shores, Pleasant Park, Salty Springs, Wailing Woods, Lonely Lodge, Tomato Town, Anarchy Acres, Fatal Fields, Tilted Towers, Shifty Shafts, Haunted Hills, Junk Junction, Flush Factory, and Dusty Depot, you must search for items like guns, banadags and other materials that may help you succeed in fighting off your opponents.  Depending on the items you gather you can try to build a base that adds protection to you and your squad and aids in fighting off your opponents without getting killed.  So in a nutshell the games main focus is survival like that of Call Of Duty and other battle royale style games.  What makes Fortnite different from the others is its newer graphics and gaming strategies implemented.

To those that play the occasion game or have few and far between gaming sessions this game may not stand out from the others available.  However, for true gamers, teenagers and middle school kids  who’s life is gaming this game will pack a punch with an extra challenge.  Of course there are also in-game purchases available too and range from about $10 to $100 for V-Bucks which allow you to purchase skins, gliders, and pickaxes.

With new or improved versions of games already available hitting the gaming market daily it is unsure how long Fortnite will last as one of the top new games.  What we do know is that if you haven’t at least played the game once you should definitely make it a point to. The fact that there are 3 different options when it comes to playing against and with others makes it that much more enticing to gamers.  What probably makes it most desirable is the fact that the game is FREE!  Or is anyway if you opt not to purchase the campaign mode which allows you to access the “Save The World” story mode.  So now there is no excuse for you not to try this awesome and incredibly fun game! Get the free version today! Game On!

With the rise of different gaming systems and the surge to be a gamer, many parents, doctors, teachers, and so on believe that gaming isn’t healthy and doesn’t encourage the use of imagination in children.  Well we have a theory and a story that may say otherwise.

   In downtown Denver, Colorado there is a Boys and Girls Club that is frequented by many children before and after school, ranging in age from elementary to middle school.  Here they can do their homework, hang out with friends, and play PG rated games on the assortment of gaming systems that were donated this past fall.  A favorite game among many kids there is MineCraft.  MineCraft is a game that teaches children to use their imagination and creativity to build anything from, farms to cities to railroad stations and basically entire communities.  They use tools that are purchased with in the game, and other building materials.  They can acquire animals such as pigs, ducks, cows and so forth.  

Colorado Signs, which is a well known sign and imagery company in Denver, decided to donate their time, materials, and services to the Boys and Girls Club and create a MineCraft mural to be enjoyed by those that attend this Boys and Girls Club!

Continue reading “MineCraft Murals…”

If we all know one thing it is that the gaming industry makes a ton of money.  With popular game prices starting at around $60 dollars a game, accessories always being updated and sold at a pretty healthy cost, there is money to be made.  However games, equipment and accessories are not the most profitable for the gaming industry.  Nope the industry finds most of it’s revenue in In-game purchases!  That’s right, buying extra lives, more in-game money and other trivial things as such, has the gaming industry profiting immensely.  Notice how I said in game purchases were trivial?  Well to a true gamer and those with an especially competitive nature, the little boost in lives, or money to buy things within the game become important.  So what do we do? We spend really dollars to purchase the games dollars.  Now not only have we bought the hardware, purchased the game(s) but we have also spent money to profit while playing the game.  It is a continuous cycle that is bringing billions into the gaming industry.  With more games being developed, and more people jumping on board to play these games there is no end in site for the revenue the industry of video games will rake in.

 While in the game store last week I overheard a converstation between a kid and his parent.   The kid who was probably about thirteen was purchasing a gift card for a friends birthday for the game Grand Theft Auto.  His mother was asking him what exactly the gift card would buy his friend.  The kid told his mom that his friend needed more money in the game to be able to purchase a Lamborghini for the game character to drive.  The mom starting looking at the gift card prices and exclaimed she couldn’t believe someone would pay $100 to have 3 million dollars in game money.  Her son then asked her to purchase a $40 gift card for himself so that he could use the in-game money for FIFA.  He wanted to be able to draft Lionel Messi onto his soccer team in the game so he could win the cup!  His mom just stood there telling him she couldn’t believe that he wanted to spend money on that but in the end helped him purchase both gift cards!  And so the process begins.  One more consumer ready to spend actual money to buy game money.  It is a genius additive to an already lucrative business , but also a endless money drainer for us consumers!  Be careful not to fall to deep into the trap!

 

Usually in our blog we have some cool new things to talk about regarding the Xbox gaming systems.  From new controllers, to Xbox360 vs. XboxOne we have the dish on everything.  However we have decided to go a different route today and share with you a guest post from the mother of an extreme gamer.  A middle school 12 year old who loves his Xbox and Xbox live.  What is the gaming world like from the parents point of view? Welcome Sophia…..

My 12 year old son is addicted to his Xbox..but I don’t necessarily think it’s a completely bad thing!  Let me explain… It’s started as a reward for doing well in school and keeping his grades up.  My husband and I decided after struggling with our son to get his homework done we needed another avenue then just getting upset and taking privileges away.  We needed something exciting and positive for him to look forward to.  Introduce our offer of buying him the Xbox 360 that all the kids were talking about.  In order for him to get it he had to keep his grades to a’s and B’s.  he had to do his homework every night and have no excuses of I forgot it at school.  If he could keep this up for the entire quarter he would get his new Xbox.  He was ecstatic and tried his hardest and succeeded.  He had a Wii and a Playstation, but the Xbox was different.  It was the coveted of all gaming systems.  After getting the Xbox 360 he continued to do well in school otherwise risk losing valuable playing time with his friends.  Next though he needed to stay caught up on his chores.  He is a lazy one if you don’t get him up and moving when it comes to helping with the pets and around the house. Next deal was do your chores every week throughout the month and you can have a monthly subscription to Xbox Live.  This was even better in our sons eyes.  Now he could consistently play with his friends and chat with them too!  Slowly after the Xbox One came out his friends started to upgrade to this new gaming system.  In order to play on Xbox live you need to have the same gaming system to interact.  This was his new coveted need to have gaming system.  Again in order to be able to get it he needed to work towards it.  And being the determined child he his he once again succeeded.

While I agree that too much time on gaming equipment or technology in general is not good for kids or any of us for that matter, I do think it opens up a window of communication especially when kids can’t go over to their friends house or bored at home.  When the game MineCraft came out I was especially happy because it encourages kids to use their imaginations and build things they are proud of.  My son and his friends built towns and designed their own houses and farms.  They made a treasure map hunt and aspired with their friends to build cool things.  I do agree that some of the games out there such as Grand Theft Auto are bothersome and I myself wanted to shield my child from the profanity and crudeness of the game, but there are games out there that are some what educational like Minecraft.  All in all the world is continuing to grow with technology,  when once few had cell phones to now kids carrying around iphones of their own, it is inevitable that kids are going to be attracted to gaming.  However if you have them work towards getting these expensive systems it also teaches them to work for and appreciate things.  Just my thoughts!

         

The luxury of playing xbox while chillin in a hot tub or pool….uh yes please. Well a waterproof controller is in need if that will go down.  It may not seem to be a necessity, but having the option to play while your kicking it the pool doesn’t sound to shabby…right?

Well we got word from friends in Colorado that a local company was giving out “waterproof controllers”. We had to get the info on what this was about.

Patio Splash Hot Tub & Spas in Fort Collins, www.patiosplash.com, recently gave away 2 xbox controllers with a purchase of a hot tub over the holidays….and even better, included were waterproof cases! This seemed crazy being we hadn’t heard about any type of waterproof cases, and we would be in the know, or so we think.

Guess what? Water proof case= a box of zip locks. So yep, this “Hot Tub” Special included two controllers, and a bag of ziplock bags, with any new hot tub purchase. They did include a disclaimer

* Xbox controllers are intended for dry use with your xbox. The zip lock bags offer protection against knicks, scratches, and damage while your controller is not in use. We do hope you enjoy your new hot tub, and do not recommend using electronic devices in or near the water.

Pretty brilliant marketing strategy, and it worked. People were throwing down a 5-6K to recieve two new xbox controllers and a box of plastic bags. Nifty Patio Splash….quite niffy.

On a serious note, although this company really did offer this deal at one one of their store location, the controller needs to evolve into a waterproof one.  Not only so you can soak in a hot tub or pool, but just in case there are any major spills that happen near, or on your controller. They have controller skins, and ways you can wrap your controller to offer some protection, but why not take it all the way and make sure water damage can’t occur.

Cell phone have water proof cases, why not make them for controllers?

The way technology has evolved, you would think that this may be underway and in development.   If it’s not it needs to be. Hmmmm. any angel investors reading this:)?

To make your controller temporarily water poof we found a video that may helpful. If you were the ones to be fortunate to be the new owners, or kids of the owners of a new hot tub, 2 new xbox controllers, and some plastic bags, this video may be helpful for you too.

Please keep in mind that we are not responsible for any loss or damage that may happen to you or your controller if you chillin in any size pool of water. We just want to  make sure you have a few resources.

Until next time.

These guys make sure you know how to properly encase your controller.

 

What’s all the buzz in the Xbox 360 Kinect!? Furthermore what exactly does it do, and how does it enhance game play?  Is the Kinect cost friendly?  So many questions for this Xbox 360 add on, but we have the answers, all of the answers.  

The kinect is a peripheral camera that attaches to the usb port on your xbox 360 console.  Once connected it allows players to use a combination of body movement and verbal commands to control games without the use of a controller.  It essentially allows players a broader range of movement and versatility while gaming and just watching TV.  Microsoft has said that it is the next big thing for gaming and is more than just the cameras and microphones that it is made up of.  In fact it’s a type of sci fi technology with its ability of facial and voice recognition. The Kinect is made up of a horizontal bar that houses a RGB camera, Multi array microphone, and depth sensor.  The bar is connected to a motorized base which combined allow for a 3D motion capture.  With facial and voice recognition it allows the player to either play video games or watch TV without the use of a controller.  You virtually don’t have to lift a finger.  

 How does it feel playing a game without a controller? In general you seem to need a lot more space when playing Kinect games.  As well as, some Kinect games feel as if they would be better played with the use of an actual controller.  It is a unique experience to go remote free using body movement and voice command instead.  However this being said the Kinect does come at a steep spend of $150 dollars.  Some are questioning whether the fee is worth it for this piece of new technology.  While the 3d cameras are definitely something awesome and voice recognition is pretty cool, some may say that this new gaming piece makes the xbox 360 similar to the Wii.  Not to mention do you have to have Kinect specific games in order to use the device?   Yes there are Kinect specific games that are available to be purchased aside from the device.  However the Kinect and its $150 cost do come with a kinect game, Kinect Adventures.  So what games were launched that are compatible for the Kinect?

 

• Adrenalin Misfits

• Deca Sports Freedom

• EA Sports Active 2

• Fighters Uncaged

• Dance Central

• Dance Masters

• Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

• Zumba Fitness: Join the Party

• The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout

• Game Party: In Motion

• Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows: part 1

• Kinect Joyride

• Kinectimals

• Kinect Sports

• Motion Sports

• Sonic Free Riders

 

What it comes down to outside of the facts on this device created with the latest technology, is where you want to go as a gamer.  Are you interested in this out of the norm concept that may enhance your game play, or perhaps change the dynamic of it.  If you are willing to shell out the cash, why not explore the new side to gaming technology!  

Controllers Evolved-

Yes the Xbox has evolved into what it is today, from the original Xbox, to the Xbox 360, and now to the Xbox One. Gaming has never been so good. To make it even better, more individualized, and aesthetically pleasing, you can actually customize your controller with a new skin, and be in control of what your Xbox controller looks like. With the availability of materials and the digital age we live in, controller customization is brought to life in a whole new way. No more resorting to your dad’s spray paint cabinet for new colors, or using stickers, or even bedazzles to customize your controller. You can now take any image online and make a skin that you can use on your controller. Whether you want to add commander chief, my little pony, or Pokemon to your controller it doesn’t matter. Don’t quote me on the copyright law, but as long as you have no intention to resell the controller, you can use whatever character, brand, sports team or design you like.

Beyond customizing the look of your controller, this vinyl skin is a durable laminate that will also protect it from scratches, nicks, peeling, and discoloration. Crazy huh? Even crazier is the what you can turn your controller into.  This is not dipping, you do not have to send your controller off to be dipped, like in a past post we wrote. This is an actual film that you apply to your controller. There are several online sites that you can choose from, and a variety of controller skins that you simply order and you are good to go. After you purchase the custom vinyl, it will be sent to your home and you can easily apply it to your controller. You’ll want to make sure your controller is clean and dried before you apply the vinyl, but beyond that adhering it is pretty straightforward. If you ever decide that you don’t like the vinyl or want to switch it out for a different design it easily removes, and does not leave weird residue like that dumb bumper sticker on the back of your truck.

They have several hundreds of design options to choose from typically….but even better is customizing your own. Either throw down a design on photoshop or consult with a graphic artist. Or if you like an image on the internet just grab it. But keep it G rated, or else the company might not send you the vinyl.

Phantom Wrapz a Dallas based wrap company, is beginning to provide custom controller wraps, amongst other things. The software they will integrate on their website will allow you to fully customize whatever images, graphics, logos and colors you want applied to your controller. They will then print and ship the skin directly to you to install on your controller. Even beyond controller wraps, they also will offer full Xbox One skins, that are also completely customizable. What is very cool about their particular services is the ability to customize multiple wraps or skins, so that you may interchange the wraps when you are in the mood for a new look.

Turn your controller or your Xbox into an original and unique console with a customizable wrap. We were able to explore the textures, and finishes available to choose from…so sick. Textures ranging from matte wrap, to satin, chrome, and even velvet, plus way more options.

Make your console and controllers one of a kind and check the different vinyl options available today.

 

 

 

 

 

Over time the Xbox Gaming System has evolved and been upgraded and changed to provide a better game play for the user.  With heightened technology, and clearer graphics the gaming systems continue to get better and better with each new design.  With the edition of Xbox Live these gaming systems have taken gaming to another level.  With many competitors out there such as the makers of the playstation and newest addition the PS4, xbox consoles are ever changing to surpass its competitors.   

 This being said the real question now is, should you upgrade your 360 to the Xbox One?  What are the pros and cons as well as price points?  First let’s start with what kind of 360 you have.  Included in the Xbox 360 family is

 

• Pro/Premium- These bad boys have only about 20-60 GBS of storage on their hard drives

• Elite–  These elite systems come with 120 GBS of hard drive storage space

• Slim– The latest addition to the 360 family, this system is able to play games from the previous gaming systems with no problem.

• Arcade–  The mini version this system only has 4GB of hard drive storage space.

 

Overshadowing all of the 360 gaming systems is the Xbox One.  With its release date in November of 2013, it is the first system that is able to play it’s own games as well as the ones from any of the xbox 360 gaming systems. This makes it a easy and smooth transition from one console system to another.  With the release of the Xbox One, Microsoft the maker and inventor of these popular game systems, stopped making any new hardware for those still owning a 360.  With that being said a lot of people had trouble with The Red Ring Of Death. This software virus affected almost all of the first Xbox owners.  What exactly was this software virus?  It was known to create a lot of internal problems within the console.  Because of this many Xbox 360 were or have been refurbished.  

Now what are the stand out qualities of the Xbox One?  It has been the first gaming system to be released in China.  This gaming system that competes with not only the PS4, but also the Nintendo Wii U,  has enhanced cloud computing, a better program guide, split screen for multitasking, a redesigned Kinect sensor, better motion tracking and voice recognition.  Not only that but it also boasts the ability to let users post short video clips from live streaming.  The controllers have been redesigned from those meant for Xbox 360.  The fact that it is able to be directed with voice recognition is a feature that most love. Continue reading “Xbox 360 vs. Xbox One”