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In this ongoing look at significant moments in the history of video game design, we have already taken a look at Bungie’s Halo & Halo 2, Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, Nintendo’s Metroid and several others. The goal of this series is to go beyond simple gaming magazines and iPhone App Reviews, and take a closer look at what defines memorability and quality in game design. In this nineteenth part of the series we will examine some more of those classic moments where video game designers undoubtedly got it right and delivered a memorable, enduring and progressive gaming experience.

Gauntlet (Arcade) – Developed by Atari and unleashed to arcades in 1985, Gauntlet was an absolute revelation. For starters, the game cabinet was absolutely huge, dwarfing the other machines of the day. Upon first glance, Gauntlet was already demanding the player to take notice. Among its many firsts, Gauntlet was the first arcade game to have a class system, as users could choose among a wizard, warrior, elf and valkyrie, each with their own strengths (magic, strength, speed, defense) and weaknesses (poor defense, poor magic, poor hand to hand ability, no true strength). It was also the first game that allowed four player simultaneous play, as teams of players could often be seen loading up the game with quarters before starting their journey. With Gauntlet, unlike any other game to that point and like few since, the players could feed the machine quarters in exchange for more health and magic. This became an actual necessity, as health would drain from players over time. Gauntlet was also one of the first games to feature voices, and certainly the first to feature such a large amount of them. Arcade players will forever remember the game crying out such classics as, “Wizard needs food, badly!” or “Valkyrie is about to die!” Although created with a voice chip and not actually sampled from a human, these sounds were accurate and served to immerse the player even deeper into the experience.

In focusing on Gauntlet, many areas of the game volunteer themselves for a place in this article series. As mentioned, the game offered a very unique arcade experience. The characters were varied, the sounds a leap forward, and the cooperative nature of gameplay upped the ante in several ways. However, since it is the theme of this series to isolate a single component of a game, we will single out the game’s multiplayer component.

In surveying the videogame landscape at the time of Gauntlet’s release, multiplayer games were in no way an anomaly. However, multiplayer games that allowed for simultaneous play were just about non -existent. By allowing players to quest together, the developers not only exponentially increased their potential earnings, they created a sort of digital Dungeons & Dragons experience, with the voice samples serving as a sort of Dungeon Master. Gauntlet machines of the time could often be found with all four joysticks occupied, with over $20 worth of quarters pre-loaded, as the well equipped heroes would set off on their journey to complete the game’s incredibly long and challenging quest. This multiplayer component went far beyond a mere quarter grabbing gimmick, however, as true team work was required in order to proceed through the game’s ever more difficult labyrinths. Giving up food for a teammate in need, casting a spell at just the right time, and creating enemy diversions so a player could make it to an exit point were just some of the ways in which teamwork could be used to the players’ advantage in this epic arcade game.

For making them a group activity, introducing what were - at the time - astounding technical and game design progressions to, and providing a challenge worthy of the most skilled gamer (or four person team of gamers), Gauntlet has forever earned its place alongside the all time greats in arcade game history.

In this ongoing look at significant moments in the history of video game design, we have already taken a look at Bungie’s Halo & Halo 2, Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, Nintendo’s Metroid and several others. The goal of this series is to go beyond simple gaming magazines and iPhone Apps reviews, and take a closer look at what defines memorability and quality in game design. In this twenty-fourth part of the series we will examine some more of those classic moments where video game designers undoubtedly got it right and delivered a memorable, enduring and progressive gaming experience.

Mirror’s Edge (PS3) – Developed by Electronic Arts (EA) and released to the PS3 in late 2008, Mirror’s Edge is the first parkour based video game of all time. Parkour, or free running, is defined as “physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one’s path by adapting one’s movements to the environment.” While this type of gameplay may seem difficult to implement into a video game, the developers of this title had the clever idea to make the main character, Faith, a sort of courier who is constantly being chased by the police, private security forces, and other baddies of assorted variety, depend on movement in order to succeed. This theme puts Faith in a position where she must be constantly on the run from the well armed enemies aiming to cut her down as she completes her missions. Her only option is to keep up her momentum, stay mobile and use her environment to her advantage as she tries to evade their attacks.

The aspect of Mirror’s Edge that we will highlight in this article is not the engaging gameplay, the bright and sharp graphics, or the precision gameplay. Instead, we will focus on the bold choice made by the developers to put the game into the first person perspective. Interestingly, just about anyone who has played Mirror’s Edge will likely agree that the title would have worked perfectly well as a third person game. In fact, a popular mod for the PC version allows the game to be played in just that fashion. However, the first person perspective is absolutely the way in which this game must be experienced.

Much of the gameplay in Mirror’s Edge involves the building of momentum. As Faith gains speed, she also gains the ability to perform longer jumps, trickier moves and more chained actions. When performed in the first person, this style of gameplay offers a level of immersion that is seldom matched in the realm of gaming. Few moments in gaming history can match the exhilaration felt when the player successfully completes a section of Mirror’s Edge on their first try. That, however, brings us to one of the constant complaints gamers have about this title…the sometimes unforgiving difficulty. While the game is not one that would be considered difficult in the grand scheme of things, certain sections can sometimes border on controller breakingly difficult. While a rushed development cycle and a late decision to stick with first person throughout are the main culprits for this difficulty, these challenging sections are just a part of an overall experience that is incredibly rewarding and consistently fun from beginning to end.

For being the first video game in an exciting new genre, using a perspective that was courageous and truly added to the gameplay, and providing an experience that cannot be had in any other game, Mirror’s Edge will forever be remembered as a classic.

In this ongoing look at significant moments in the history of video game design, we have already taken a look at Bungie’s Halo & Halo 2, Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, Nintendo’s Kid Icarus and several others. The goal of this series is to go beyond simple gaming magazines and iPhone Apps reviews, and take a closer look at what defines memorability and quality in game design. In this seventeenth part of the series we will examine some more of those classic moments where video game designers undoubtedly got it right and delivered a memorable, enduring and progressive gaming experience.

Beatles Rock Band (Xbox 360) – It wasn’t the first rhythm game, not even close. Games like PaRappa the Rapper and Frequency had released years earlier, and the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games already had several sequels, variants and copycat titles on the market when Beatles Rock Band (BRB) was released. Nor was it the first music game devoted to a single band or artist, that distinction goes to Aerosmith, whose Guitar Hero game was released in 2008. However, BRB was a very different animal from its Aerosmith counterpart.

It must be considered that The Beatles are perhaps the most popular group in music history. The expectations placed on their videogame debut were much higher than were perhaps fair. However, developer Harmonix, working closely with representatives of each Beatle, delivered an experience that surpassed the highest hopes of even the most ardent Beatles fan. Harmonix approach can be broken down into three elements that worked together to create this incredible game. Those three features, the dreamscapes, detail and downloadable content, are the focus of this entry in the series.

Dreamscapes – These imaginative videos allowed the developers to showcase their design skills and Beatles knowledge while aiding the gameplay dramatically in the process. The vast majority of rhythm games had, to that point, shown the performing band in either the studio, a concert or a relevant venue as the song played and the player played along. The dreamscapes in BRB took the player on visual adventures that tied in with the music and stayed true to the spirit of the band. Among some of the hardcore fans, these dreamscapes were even more adored than the actual gameplay.

Detail – Snippets of the Beatles tuning up and counting in preceded many of the performances in the game. Actual audio of them blowing takes was played when the player failed a song. The games 100+ achievements each have a relevant name that ties in with the Beatles canon. Still, these details are mere hints of what lies within the depths of BRB. The wind blowing during the Rooftop Concert is eerily similar to the actual wind that was blowing that day in 1969. The boys’ facial expressions, instrument fingerings and even clothing are almost exact representations of the real thing. Even a Beatles purist with a personal vendetta against developer Harmonix would have a difficult time locating any portion of this game that was not given some TLC and gone over with a well schooled brush.

Downloadable Content – Shipping with 45 songs, BRB was one of the more lacking titles in the history of the genre. However, the inclusion of this smaller total of songs was a purposeful act. Within 3 months of release, 3 full albums had been made available to download, each with the same quality as the included tracks. This after release support may have been a well calculated ploy to increase the game’s sales figures, but the result was an even more complete package for fans of the band and the game.

Today Japanese shmup developer Cave has released a brand new trailer for its forthcoming iPhone/iPad game Do-Don-Pachi Resurrection. This trailer is not only shows off the gameplay, but introduces us to some new features such as the new play modes. Players can expect an arcade mode, a practice mode and an iPhone mode. Note that only owners of 3rd generation iPod touches (32/64GB), the iPhone 3Gs/4, or the iPad will be able to play the game.

There are four play modes: iPhone Mode, Arcade Mode, Practice Mode, and SM Mode. Arcade Mode should be true to the original play style, iPhone Mode has an exclusive background music track, and Practice Mode allows you to hone your skills and try out different button customizations. SM Mode is a little different and offers up a brand new scoring challenge system with Slaughter and Menace status changes used to increase your score.

Players will also find the new “SM” scoring system. Built for iPhone, this system has players switch between “S,” or “Slaughter” and “M,” or “Menace” modes as they blast away. You can see a glimpse of this gameplay system in the latter half of the trailer. This new iPhone mode features a new scoring system and is tailored to gaming on the go. In addition to these two modes a third practice mode will be included. In this game players can spray bullets by touching their ship and spinning it with a finger. Cave developer “Masa KING” calls the attack “Spin-spin-pachi Resurrection!!” Users can play in arcade mode, practice mode, and iPhone mode. The game will be only be playable on the 3rd generation iPod touches, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and the iPad.

Source: B4tea.com

Some people simply cannot live without their iPhone, they rave and rave and download every cool App they can find. And, they are the first ones to cry foul when it freezes up on them. Is it time for an iPhone repair, or did they download the wrong App? The only way to find out for sure is to follow a few steps to try and bring your phone back to life before you find yourself standing in line with all those people looking for an iPad repair.

Apple has been known for quick responses to user calls for action, especially when it comes to recurring problems with their technology. But, for some reason, every time they think they have solved the top iPhone repair issue, freezing, something comes along that literally starts it all over again. Frozen iPhones have to rank high along the support tech’s top ten lists everywhere, or at least near requests for the latest iPad repair patch. Thankfully, there are some easy checks you can do before dialing the 800 number.

If you are running an App, and your iPhone freezes up, there are several things you can try before having to bring your unit in for an iPhone repair. If these tips do not work, be sure to go to the nearest Apple approved iPad repair center, and they will figure out what is really wrong. But first, try one or more of these quick fixes: restart, quit, reset, recharge, delete, or restore.

Restarting an iPhone is very easy to do. Simply hold the sleep/wake button down for a few seconds until you bring up a red slider on the display which will allow you to turn the phone off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Quitting an App is the first thing you should try, but most people do not. Hold the Home button while in the App for a few seconds to kill it. You can go back to the App without restarting after that.

Resetting the iPhone is not the same as restoring it, this will just force the unit into reboot mode. Reset cuts the power by holding the sleep/wake button and the home buttons at the same time for a few seconds. The display should switch to the black background with a white apple, reset accomplished.

Recharge means what it means: hook the iPhone to its AC charger instead of the keyboard until it charges up. The keyboard jack is more like a trickle charger than a true charge. If the iPhone is still freezing up, ask the advice of an iPad repair tech before attempting the next step alone: deleting. There may be content that is causing the problem, so try downloading your Contacts, Calendar and Photos to your computer before deleting them. Do not download music, videos or pod casts because they may contain viruses.

If this does not work, ask about doing the unthinkable, a complete Restore, after creating backup files, of course.

We use our iPhones for so many things, we often have our whole lives stored inside them, literally. Sadly, too much of many good things can lead to bad problems, so try to keep the file storage down to avoid freezing up your unit. For downloads, if you are not sure of the source, make sure you have virus software active before downloading anything to your phone. These days, viruses are everywhere. If your phone does freeze, try the tips we have outlined here for some simple fixes, but if the problem continues, you may have to contact tech support, or take it to a repair center.

Are you an avid reader? What vexes you most? Of course, different people have different answers. But the high chance may be that the cost for your favorite book is too high in bookstore. Each of them cost too much, not to mention reading a lot. Or someone may think that it is inconvenient to put a heavy book in your baggage when on travel. What’s worse is that we have to put up with bookshops that are out of stock sometimes.

Now, fret no more. There is a solution to all the problems. MyPadMedia—an exciting new internet’s latest ebook downloading service is all about this. You can use this service to download as many books in electronic form as you want on your iPad. Members can get access to thousands of ebooks, comic books, newspapers and so on. All the ebooks are popular mainstream titles without any obscure ebooks that you have never heard of. Although MyPadMedia is especially designed for the Apple iPad, it is also compatible with the iPhone and the iPod touch. So no extra software is needed if you are in your member’s area which can getting by paying a small price of $49.95. You can rest assured of that there are no more hidden fees and MyPadMedia is not a subscription. That is to say you can access to thousands of ebook for the duration of your life with non-recurring expense. MyPadMedia comes along with additional benefits such as completely free support 24/7 with which you can receive a concise reply to your question within a short period. Of course everything has its pros and cons. There is no exception in MyPadMedia. All the books and comics books are available only in English and the price $49.95 maybe a little expensive for someone. But the price is nothing comparing with the high-cost of buying books in real shop.

That sounds too good to be true. How can you tell it from a scam? Ok ,that not a real obstacle stopping you from getting the MyPadMedia, because it promise a full refund within 60 days from you paying for the product. That is to say the manufacturer is so confident withMyPadMedia that you will never opt out it after you using it. So hesitate no more, try it yourself and make you reading cheaper.
Download Click here

The iPhone is now in its fourth generation and the classic black version is set to be joined by a new white iPhone. This should soon be available for free from all leading networks.

With a solid metal frame, tactile steel buttons and a glass casing, the white iPhone 4 is around 25 percent thinner than the previous iPhone 3GS.

Major hardware improvements debut in the new white iPhone 4. The 3.5-inch 960 x 640 pixel retina display is the centre piece of the new phone. Combined with a front-facing camera, integrated microphone and speaker the user will be able to implement video calling by using Apple’s FaceTime software app.

>> Get your Free White iPhone 4 <<

The A4 CPU from the Apple iPad provides enough processing power to make the iPhone 4 feel plenty fast enough. The processor is designed by Apple and also provides a useful increase in battery life. The white iPhone should be able to manage up to 7 hours talk time, 6 hours of 3G Web browsing, 12 hours of Wi-Fi use, 11 hours of video playback and around 40 hours of music playback. A standby time of 300 hours should be achievable.

The camera has also been upgraded, this time to a 5 mega pixel unit with auto focus, LED-based flash and the ability to shoot HD video at 720p resolution.

The new free white iPhone 4 offers numerous connectivity options including integrated Wi-Fi, quad-band HSDPA/HSUPA at up to 7.2Mbps, Bluetooth and GPS. Internally the smartphone includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor, gyroscope and compass, which will be particularly useful when used with the GPS and a mapping app..

iOS 4 is integral to the iPhone 4. It finally introduces multitasking app support including allowing the user to switch apps by double clicking the home button. It also adds support for Apple Bluetooth keyboards and allows the Apple iBook software to sync through iTunes with other iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

White iPhone 4 availability
The release of the free white iPhone has seen numerous delays, some possibly surrounding the antenna problems experienced shortly after release of the black iPhone 4. It will now become available from around September 2010 and will be available in two version,16GB or 32GB.

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Definitely, Apple’s iPhone has been one of the most talked about mobile devices of the century, yet making it a controversial hit among mobile users. Even before its launch, the smart phone had made it in every corner of gossip with its sleek touch feature, stylish looks, and mind blowing applications with visually alluring touch effect graphics. The very first iPhone was introduced on January 9, 2007 and was on sale for the first time in United States on June 29, 2007. The fully multimedia packed devices were an instant hit in the market from the day of its release. Creating waves despite of its highly allotted price which was later revised with the release of newer models. Apple came across as an unbeaten winner by selling over 6 million original iPhone units in five quarters of its launch. Steve Jobs just came up with the right device that caught everyone’s fantasy.

Though three years passed, still, the charm of Apple’s gadgets is very much fresh and alive. Once again, it came up with another newly designed smart mobile phone, iPhone4. Previously the company saw success in models like iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS. This 3.5 inch touch screen device has appealed to people of all ages. With a gigantic demand of the Apple’s mobile phone, it saw the advent of the iPhone Application Development Industry in mid-2008, which too made sensationally lucrative profits by developing humongous amount of third-party applications for the iPhone.

Applications range vividly from gaming, entertainment, music, videos, weather, news, image viewing and editing, to utilities, education, social networking, web and many more. Multiple IT companies entered the prospering market of iPhone Application Development, to try their luck and so did many aspiring developers and programmers. All developers had to be well-versed in using Mac systems and iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) development platforms for developing iPhone Applications. As competition in this area was nourishing from day one, but only those survived who could handle the cut-throat competition very well and make a mark in the field by answering through their various creations and innovate applications. Highly professionally skilled application developers and programmers were behind the creations of over 200,000 approved applications by Apple and still counting- which resulted into an approximate double the number of downloads.

The rest of the mobile industry was almost taken aback with the immense success of iPhone. They were over shadowed by the popularity of Apple’s iconic device. Yet managed to stay in the limelight by introducing similar touch devices of their own.

There almost never seemed nor seems an end to the development in iPhone applications.

The market success of iPhone and iPad has facilitated Apple to add yet another landmark to its victory voyage. The recent market evidently indicates the success story of tech giant, Apple Inc. as it has surpassed Microsoft in market capitalization and become most valuable tech firm. Apple has tried and built an ecosystem and has arrived as an undisputed leader in technology sphere.

After three long decades of rivalry with its contender, Apple is lastly leading at Nasdaq. The recent statistics point out that the current valuation for Apple capitalization stood at $222 billion against Microsoft’s valuation of $219 billion.

Apple actually started out as a much larger module than Microsoft, but was taken over in 1989 and until now; people generally assumed when the two companies compete head to head, Microsoft is going to taste victory. But, in May 2010, Apple’s market capital has exceeded that of Microsoft for the first time ever.

Numerous reasons can be cited for the same!

Where Apple has focus on the high-end of the consumer market and building an excellent consumer product; Microsoft’s focus is highly on the products largely meant for large businesses which don’t drive valuation. The disparities in the view point and perception however has helped Apple to mark a stunning comeback over Microsoft. Let’s explore this in more depth.

Why Apple Succeeded

Close look on key drivers of market and then bringing the focused products for the same are quintessential for any company to taste success and this is what has largely helped Apple. When Smartphone was emerging as the buzzword, Apple brought its iPhone with distinctive features and excellent quality to bang the market. The design was not only unique but the gadget eventually emerged as a luxury symbol.

Apple has a wide spectrum of its products catering to different segments and excel in bringing the products that eventually charm the users. Let it be iPhone or iPad, vendor excels in bringing the product that raise the bar of performance for everyone else in the competition. iPad’s success stories even made users to forget the milestone achieved by iPhone.

Why Microsoft Slipped

Contrary to Apple’s approach, Microsoft was not really focusing any consumer oriented product. Due to lack of innovation and some mistakes, Microsoft is losing its market monopoly. While Apple is concentrating on end users who buy their technology, Microsoft is increasingly split between OEMs (those that built PCs), retailers, IT buyers, and users who all often have conflicting needs.

Conclusion:

Though Microsoft is still profitable, Apple’s profit margins are wider. Microsoft should focus on its user products. Moreover, with the development of touch operating system, the company can rejuvenate the appeal of Windows, gaming experience on Xbox and utility of tablet PCs. It’s time for Microsoft to amend its market strategies and policies and transform it in a tech visionary company and to rule as a leader in technology gamut.

The market success of iPhone and iPad has facilitated Apple to add yet another landmark to its victory voyage. The recent market evidently indicates the success story of tech giant, Apple Inc. as it has surpassed Microsoft in market capitalization and become most valuable tech firm. Apple has tried and built an ecosystem and has arrived as an undisputed leader in technology sphere.

After three long decades of rivalry with its contender, Apple is lastly leading at Nasdaq. The recent statistics point out that the current valuation for Apple capitalization stood at $222 billion against Microsoft’s valuation of $219 billion.

Apple actually started out as a much larger module than Microsoft, but was taken over in 1989 and until now; people generally assumed when the two companies compete head to head, Microsoft is going to taste victory. But, in May 2010, Apple’s market capital has exceeded that of Microsoft for the first time ever.

Numerous reasons can be cited for the same!

Where Apple has focus on the high-end of the consumer market and building an excellent consumer product; Microsoft’s focus is highly on the products largely meant for large businesses which don’t drive valuation. The disparities in the view point and perception however has helped Apple to mark a stunning comeback over Microsoft. Let’s explore this in more depth.

Why Apple Succeeded

Close look on key drivers of market and then bringing the focused products for the same are quintessential for any company to taste success and this is what has largely helped Apple. When Smartphone was emerging as the buzzword, Apple brought its iPhone with distinctive features and excellent quality to bang the market. The design was not only unique but the gadget eventually emerged as a luxury symbol.

Apple has a wide spectrum of its products catering to different segments and excel in bringing the products that eventually charm the users. Let it be iPhone or iPad, vendor excels in bringing the product that raise the bar of performance for everyone else in the competition. iPad’s success stories even made users to forget the milestone achieved by iPhone.

Why Microsoft Slipped

Contrary to Apple’s approach, Microsoft was not really focusing any consumer oriented product. Due to lack of innovation and some mistakes, Microsoft is losing its market monopoly. While Apple is concentrating on end users who buy their technology, Microsoft is increasingly split between OEMs (those that built PCs), retailers, IT buyers, and users who all often have conflicting needs.

Conclusion:

Though Microsoft is still profitable, Apple’s profit margins are wider. Microsoft should focus on its user products. Moreover, with the development of touch operating system, the company can rejuvenate the appeal of Windows, gaming experience on Xbox and utility of tablet PCs. It’s time for Microsoft to amend its market strategies and policies and transform it in a tech visionary company and to rule as a leader in technology gamut.