Best PC Parts websites

Building a PC is a very technical endeavor. It requires avid knowledge of what you want to aim for when planning the build and then you have to find those parts. From my time doing research on my PC building project, I have found great PC building websites.

These sites are judged on their user friendliness, variety of available components and options for scaling your budget to getting the components you need, within the boundaries of how much you spend.

(This guide is based on sites commercially available in Australia.)

1. PC Part Picker http://pcpartpicker.com/

When sorting out what parts go together with your build plan, no other building site compares to the excellence of PC Part Picker. They have a plethora of parts and extensive pricing charts to get exactly what you need in the limits of your budget. The part selection page has solid compatibility analyzing tools and individual parts have all the necessary configuration details in order for you to make the informed decision with your build. It’s the best PC building/research site around, with a easy to navigate design, fantastic compatibility tools and extensive filter options.

2. Choose My PC http://choosemypc.net/#top

While lacking PC Part Picker’s array of filter and pricing options, Choose My PC’s simplicity makes it very effective in deciding how much you need to spend for your build. It has a detail packed article on PC parts, which is helpful for people unfamiliar with computers. The build generator is effective with tailoring the minimum viable build to a budget scale of $500 to 3000, but its parts options are focused on gaming builds. It does not take into account people needs for  building PC’s  outside gaming. If you are building a PC for gaming, choose My PC. It is extremely useful for seeing how much you must spend to meet your build’s needs, but people wanting more than just gaming will have to look elsewhere.

3. PC case gear http://pccasegear.com/

After spending hours and days researching your build, the time will come to actually buy those parts. Buying those parts will be made convenient and less stressful when you can buy them all in one store. PC Case Gear is a commendable parts site, stocking dozens of components for pretty much anything PC, right down to scanners and SD cards. PC Case Gear will be the place to go when purchasing your components.

Well, those are the sites I found from my time doing research. I hope these sites have been useful for those going through the process of researching their own unique build.

Monsterbag (PS Vita exclusive)

 

Developer/Publisher: Iguana Bee

The most exotic surprises can come when you least expect them. Monsterbag is one of those surprises from Sony’s striking handheld.

Monsterbag’s virtues is its vibrant art style and wacky escalating story hiding a dark crafty sense of humor under its child friendly exterior. These delightful elements are brought down somewhat by rare events of frustrating game design. By observing the ups and down’s of Monsterbag, the real thrill of its idiosyncratic roller coaster ride will be revealed.

Story

You are in the role of V, a monster who is Nia’s loyal friend. Nia heads off to the school bus, with V coming along for the ride hiding from a world scared of monsters. The story from this point onwards transforms into a ludicrous tale of discovering secret experiments and ending the apocalypse.

The heart of Monsterbag comes from the lunacy of the story that is loaded with humorous chaos. V’s passionate efforts of catching up to and protecting Nia is a sincere direction among the craziness unfolding. This compassion reaches its peak in the level “Love” that visually depicts Nia’s feelings of isolation in an orphanage because she was born fragile in health and her parents couldn’t financially provide her medical needs.

The somber solitude of Nia crying to then be comforted by V is an emotionally stirring scene in a mostly light hearted game.

Gameplay

Monsterbag is a casual journey through almost the entire play length. The mechanics of avoiding detection and using items with the touchscreen to find the solution makes for an enjoyable experience because of the short length of stages. The puzzling solving is challenging enough to nog the mind, but not overly complex that you will be tearing the hairs of your head.

Monsterbag’s biggest issue however, lies in instances of frustrating gameplay design, inherent from the mechanic of avoiding detection. In the level ‘Another World’ one puzzle phase requires the player to power 4 switches in a time limit, or they reset. Most of the puzzles up until this point let you leisurely figure out the solution while hiding from people’s sight. This design fault won’t tear open heads from frustration, but its primitive execution leaves a bitter taste that brings back painful memories of the worst in old school difficulty.

Presentation

Minimalist, yet vibrant sums up Monsterbag’s art direction. The grey scale backgrounds contrasting with the bright colors of the characters on screen make every movement pop out and come alive.  This friendly art however hides a gruesome dose of dark humor, with surprisingly unexpected gore from what appears to be harmless.

Value

The most enjoyable experiences can sometimes come when you aren’t expecting them. Monsterbag is one of those rare gems, with mild challenge and a wonderfully outlandish story. It’s one of the best games you will ever play about a girl and her little monster.

Note: All images have been captured with the Vita’s Screenshot feature. (Start and PlayStation Button at the same time.)

Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita: What Are Your Gaming Needs?

Gaming units sold worldwide in April 16th 2015

http://www.vgchartz.com/

It’s no secret how successful the 3DS is, selling a total of 52 million units worldwide. The PlayStation Vita has finally reached the 10 million unit mark, now 4 years old. Through these handhelds lifetimes, they have both crafted there compelling library’s that fulfill fundamentally different player needs.

The 3DS is guided by Nintendo, renowned for their handheld mastery, sweeping the competition with the Game Boy and original DS. The Vita finically suffers from past shortcomings of over ambition of console quality titles and not having universally approachable titles that define the Vita experience for all audiences. The fans of these handhelds will debate forever with themselves on their loved handhelds virtues, but today hopes to enlighten the reader why one handheld financially rises, and the other does all it can to be commercially relevant to audiences.

YO VIDEOGAMES! By Ry-Sprit, Deviant Art http://ry-spirit.deviantart.com/art/YO-VIDEOGAMES-315025594

The core of any gaming console is providing games that define owning the console. The Wii relied on motion controls to lower the barrier for casual audiences, the PS4 embraces third parties across the world, while having footage and editing features allowing anyone to share their gaming experiences. The 3DS understands the social workings of portable gaming.

Jetsetnick, WordPress, London 3DS StreetPass Event, Posted March 26, 2011, https://jetsetnick.wordpress.com/2011/03/26/london-3ds-streetpass-event-27th-march-2011/

Street Pass perfectly demonstrates the secret to the 3DS’s success. When a 3DS is in sleep mode and passes by another 3DS user, the passerby and the user have data for games and applications transferred onto their 3DS’s. This data can be used in games, and have the users Mii’s on various Street Pass games.

Nintendo Anthology by Lwiis64, Deviant Art http://lwiis64.deviantart.com/art/Nintendo-Anthology-265644879

It is an application encouraging users to discover others with 3DS’s. This leads to people having an interest in a very popular device, having them sharing their experiences or benefitting them in the Street Pass Games. Nintendo also have the privilege of their IP’s practically selling their consoles, and people see the 3DS as a fantastic console because titles such as Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Animal Crossing New Leaf, Kid Icarus Uprising and Mario Kart 7 are exclusives that can be universally approached and discussed by anyone.

YouTube, IGN’s Top 25 PlayStation Vita Games, thumbnail (click on View image in Google images to access the thumbnail image.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQh19tASkwU

The PlayStation Vita by comparison has nowhere near the universal appeal of the 3DS’s exclusives. Its exclusives such as Tearaway, Gravity Rush and Killzone Mercenary are fantastic games that provide an experience truly unique to the Vita. But the titles of the handhelds show a crystal clear expression on what fundamental needs they fill for the player.

Pixel 3DS by NintendoHeart, Deviant Art http://nintendoheart.deviantart.com/art/Pixel-3DS-339634259

The 3DS is honed in on players that want to share their experience with others and be able to discuss games they can all recognize. It creates a shared community that proudly represents the best of Nintendo’s games. Everywhere from schools and conventions are 3DS owners that are trading Pokémon, racing through Mario Kart’s courses and having a blast with Super Smash Bros 4.

The Vita has compelling titles, but are suited for delivering a special experience to the player. The array of games for the Vita, be it an exclusive or a title from another console, are incredibly varied in their engagement and construction of game design.

10 best PlayStation Vita Games cover image, Arcade Sushi http://arcadesushi.com/best-playstation-vita-games/

Tearaway perfectly displays the design possibilities of the Vita with a beautiful paper world art style. Gravity Rush’s liberating gravity based gameplay and world that wouldn’t be out of place in a Miyasaki film is a truly original title on the Vita. Killzone Mercenary is a product from the Vita’s more ambitious days, but is still a fun shooter romp that transitioned exceptionally onto the handheld.

The titles that originated from other consoles have mostly fitted well on the Vita. Notable titles include Dragon’s Crown, which fixed a clunky treasure search method on the PS3 version and became significantly better on the Vita’s touchscreen. Grim Fandango brings the brilliant Aztec afterlife film noir world on the go. But The Wolf Among Us Illustrates that not every game makes an optimal transition on the handheld, with the experience being there while the frame rate took a nose dive.

Free PS Vita Games, The Wolf Among Us, 2nd Slide Show Image (Click on View image in Google Images to access the image.) http://www.freepsvitagamedownload.tk/Game/The-Wolf-Among-Us

So when a Vita owner hears someone say there handheld has no games or it’s for remote playing PS4 games, they really mean there isn’t a universally beloved game with a social dynamic audiences can all recognize and enjoy with everyone. Nintendo have always had the gaming handheld in their hands. They been making handhelds long before the NES and have adapted and evolved with the gaming market to bring the best in portable entertainment.

Wikipedia, Nintendo 3DS Line, Comparison Chart, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Console http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS_line

Poster artwork by Patrick Zachar, Deviant art http://patrickzachar.deviantart.com/art/Playstation-Vita-Poster-Blue-309933032

When making the decision to get the Nintendo 3DS or PlayStation Vita, you have to ask yourself one important question. Do you want to have a handheld that lets you connect with thousands of players all engrossed in the magnificence of Nintendo’s incredible IP’s evolving with every iteration? Or are you willing and craving for the labors of varied developers that provide all manner of original experiences that can enrich your gaming world?

Both handhelds have enticing titles that are worth getting the handhelds for. But the inner gaming needs you have ultimately decides which is the one for you. The finical peaks and valleys of the gaming industry come and tell cold harsh facts, but that hasn’t stopped the Vita’s quality titles.

Note: All non-referenced images were captured with Windows Snipping Tool and the Vita’s Screenshot feature. (Start and PlayStation Button at the same time.)

Roxio HD Pro and Mirillis Action Gameplay Recording: Which is the most user friendly?

Capture devices have become more prevalent in the modern gaming world. Even the PS4 and Xbox One have capture features and software allowing anyone to share their experiences.

Both consoles set a new standard for user friendliness of capture devices, and outperform most PC capture devices in ease of use and stability. The Roxio HD Pro and Action are capture devices designed for different gameplay needs. Action is strictly PC, while Roxio is for capturing 7th and 8th generation consoles gameplay. When both are put side by side, Action ticks all the check lists for a easy to use recording software while the Roxio’s shortcoming become evident in the unchecked ticks.

 Setup

             Roxio’s Xbox 360’s Setup                                                                               Action’s Interface

The most striking difference between the two is the complexity of their setups. Action is ready to go from the moment it boots up, with only the file format needing changes to either Intel Quick Sync or Nivida NVENC. The Roxio HD needs console cables plugged in, bit rates adjusted and console and picture settings also need alterations to record effectively.

The Roxio also suffers from being a capture card, rather than a standalone program. It’s cable connections make it unwieldy in most console environments. Action has no psychical setup, with its entire capacity stored on the users hard drive.

File Management

Roxio’s file storage interface                                                                              Action’s file storage interface

Regularly capturing footage will eventually need effective file management to sort out the user’s content.  Roxio file management is standard. It allows users to put files in a specific folder on the PC with the default being the Videos folder.

Action However will have all recorded videos on the left hand side of the interface. This makes file searching effortless and is stored on the Action Videos folder. A selected file can also be exported to YouTube on the bottom left side.

        Roxio’s settings                                                                                                                     Action’s settings

 Settings on the programs are also vastly different in their flexibility to suit the users needs. Roxio’s settings options are very subdued. It allows the bitrate to be adjusted, switch inputs to HDMI or component, alter hotkeys and configurations for Twitch and YouTube live streaming.

Action’s settings options have more use for making professional content. Not only can it record video in 1080p HD, function keys allow Action to record in game audio, take screenshots and benchmarking tools. It can record the user’s webcam and have the microphone audio as a separate file to be edited for future use. The HUD also displays the game’s FPS (Frames Per Second) as the user plays, giving useful information to users testing their PC’s performance.

 Installation

Roxio HD Pro Capture Card                                                                                 Action product design logo

The effort needed to install either of these programs is night and day. Roxio’s software comes in a disk which is standard for most programs. But this method doesn’t take into account PC’s without DVD drives, such as Ultrabook laptops.

Users without DVD drives will have to find the service pack on the Roxio website. It’s not clear where it can be found, and users must be a registered Roxio member to download the service pack. Creating so much difficulty over installing software required to make the capture card work leaves a sour first impression on the HD Pro.

Action can also be purchased on their official website, or through Steam. If purchased on Steam the program will be fully installed with no need for registration. The best software on the market is also often straight forward to install, and this is reinforced with Action’s install compared with Roxio’s install.

Conclusion

Roxio HD Pro in action                                                                                    Action in the moment

Capture cards have gone through a rapid evolution in user friendless, with the PS4 and Xbox One setting the benchmark all capture software should strive for. When Action and the Roxio HD Pro are compared, there is no argument over which is the easiest to use. Action is one of the best PC capture software, wielding fantastic features and high quality capture with the best interface of any capture software.

The Roxio HD Pro is a disappointment from a ease of use standpoint. It delivers with capture quality and picture enhancing options, but other settings are too basic for capture card standards. It’s final nail in the coffin is failing the fundamental basics of ease of use, suffering from unwieldy cable setups, installation that disregards consumers without DVD drives and a capture with clunky stability when the card’s in use.

Enthusiasts wanting to share the gameplay to the world need Action for the best recording experience. Console recorders know far better options exist than the Roxio HD Pro.

Verdict

• User friendly interface with fantastic feature for producing polished content
• Performance research tools with fully customizable recording settings
• Only limited by the power of the user’s PC

 

• Offers great HD recording and picture enhancing
• Brought down by lacking in fundamentals in ease of use

Spyro The Dragon 2 Review (PlayStation 1)

GameFAQS, Spyro 2:Ripto’s Rage, Title Screen, MrQuiet3

http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps/198753-spyro-2-riptos-rage/images/screen-2

Developer: Insomniac Games

Publisher: Universal Interactive Studios/ Sony Computer Entertainment

(This review is based on the PS Vita version, and is available for the PS1, 2, 3, PSP, on PSN)

Made in 1999, a whole year after the first game, Spyro 2 successfully refined and developed the foundation and with that improvement came new exciting features. The greatest virtues of Spyro 2 is smoother tight controls, worlds that have more character to them and fun power ups that add meaningful variety without radical changes. Its negative is a minor issue with backtracking.

But the question once again remains: The predecessor has stood the test of time, but has the successor’s minor issues grown into big problems in today’s gaming world?

Story

Ripto’s Rage, Spyro the Dragon 2 Artwork by ImotepNicholas, Deviantart

http://imotepnicholas.deviantart.com/art/Ripto-s-Rage-273148631

Set a year after the events of Spyro 1, our purple hero heads to Dragon Shores to escape his world’s gloomy weather. He ends up in a different realm called Avalar that suffers from the tyranny of Ripto. 4 residents of Avalar ask for Spyro’s help in ending Ripto’s reign and he sets out to defeat Ripto.

Spyro 2’s plot is as simple as the predecessor, but there is greater emphasis on cut scenes with unique characters across the three hub worlds. The antagonist, Ripto is one dimensional but significantly better than Gnasty Gnorc as an antagonist because he is more involved as the game’s villain compared to Gnasty Gnorc’s disconnection until he shows up in the final level. The voice acting is also a step up from the corny performances of the predecessor, with delightfully charming performances by the cast.

Gameplay

AT: Spyro the Dragon by Lauzi, Deviantart

http://lauzi.deviantart.com/art/AT-Spyro-the-Dragon-320077442

Gameplay engagement is mostly the same as the processor, with orbs and talismans that must be collected to progress into new sections. The sequel has made a noticeable improvement in the fluidity and direction of the control and the once slippery charge attack is now been perfected with the charge jump now able to leap great distances. Spyro also has new techniques of swimming, climbing and head bashing which have to be unlocked.

Orbs are obtained through completing level specific missions or locating them in the three hub worlds. The missions are mostly locate and collect/defeat ex number of objects or enemies with certain levels having unique missions such as Colossus hockey mission and Breeze Harbor’s vehicle section. Power up gates that activate by defeating a certain number of enemies provide temporary bursts of fun and are needed to complete missions.

Gameplay engagement is a blast from beginning to end, but orbs and other collectables from previous levels being unobtainable because the player hasn’t unlocked a new technique creates a minor issue with backtracking. Completions will likely notice this flaw, but casual players will be too invested in the concise level design to even notice.

The sequel also handles boss battles significantly better than the predecessor, and all three offer enjoyable challenge even through there straight forward affairs. The final battle is also more climatic than Gnasty Gnorc, with Ripto and Spyro scrambling for power up orbs, ending with them fighting in the air over a lava arena.

Presentation

Rebloggy, spyro summer forest spyro world, spyroismagic, 6^th Image

http://rebloggy.com/post/spyro-summer-forest-spyro-world-viewer-i-m-kind-of-planning-on-continuing-the-id/74656521384

Spyro 2 has a more cartoon world than the fantasy setting of the original. This cartoon setting comes from the comical cut scenes when entering a new level and the more imaginative settings of Robotica Farms and Colossus that deviate from the fantasy norm. This upbeat approach is then contrasted by the hub world’s tranquil and calming music, a musical direction that enforces how Spyro is outside his native home and in a new mysterious land.

The production values of a 16 year old game have also aged well with finer details and better texture quality than the predecessor. Steward Copeland returns with his musical talent and crafts a catchy and memorable sound track with the calming music of the hub worlds flexing his musical variety.

Value

GameFAQS, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage, MrQuiet3

http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps/198753-spyro-2-riptos-rage/images/screen-2

Spyro 2 is a great example of a sequel expanding its foundations and adding thoughtful bells and whistles to its strong core. Even the small negative of backtracking doesn’t affect the engagement as a whole with only completions being mildly grumpy over going back to older levels. With tighter control, a much better villain and solid simplistic gameplay, Spyro 2 is an game that survived the passage of time and is as fun to play 16 years ago as it is today.

8 Funny Movie and Video Game Quotes

Video games and movies all have their great adventures and topics to venture into and discuss and sometimes during those adventures, dialogue or certain lines are forever in your mind because of their delivery or bonkers meaning without context. Here are a few amazing quotes from movies and games.

I:

“Cookies need love like everything does.“

 The Matrix Agent Smith

Agent Smith by TomMauzer, Deviantart

http://tovmauzer.deviantart.com/art/Agent-Smith-368828945

II:

“Tis but a scratch. A scratch! Your arms off.”

 Mothy Python the Holy Grail

Day-04 Black Knight by CajunPyro, Deviantart

http://cajunpyro.deviantart.com/art/Day-04-Black-Knight-176940356

III:

“I’ve had it with these mother**king snakes on this mother**king plane.”

Snakes on a plane

WhatCulture, 10 Badass Samuel L. Jackson Quotes, Film

http://whatculture.com/film/10-badass-samuel-l-jackson-movie-quotes.php/6

“This is a tasty burger” “Say what again” Pulp Fiction

IV:

“Here’s Johnny!”

The Shining

Geek Tyrant, Joey Paur, Amazing CG Art From the Shining- Here’s Johnny!

http://geektyrant.com/news/2013/5/9/amazing-cg-art-for-the-shining-heres-johnny.html

V:

“Snake? Snake? Snake!!!!!!”

Metal Gear Solid franchise

Softpedia, Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeros out in spring 2014 for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Metal-Gear-Solid-5-Ground-Zeroes-Out-in-Spring-2014-for-PS4-Xbox-One-PS3-Xbox-360-396941.shtml

VI:

“I am the mustard of your doom.”

Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga
Nintendo Wikia, Fawful (Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga).PNG

http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/File:Fawful_(Mario_%26_Luigi_Superstar_Saga).png

VII:

“Fire. Nice touch.”

Dynasty Warriors 3

Imgur, Heroes of the Three Kingdoms: Lu Bu, by Seanhiruki,

http://imgur.com/gallery/edA5D

VIII:

“Boomshakalaka!”

NBA Jam

The Originators, NBA Jam, Published November 2010

http://www.theoriginators.com/nba-jam/

Summation: I made this little post of humor to give you guys something to enjoy while I’m in the process of writing up the next game review. Have a great day.

PlayStation Vita Review 2015

 Ps Vita wallpaper by mattsimmo, Deviant Art

http://mattsimmo.deviantart.com/art/PS-Vita-Wallpaper-275044577

(This Review is based on the original OLED modal that doesn’t have 1G of internal storage and bigger rear touch placers.)

Sony’s successor to the PSP has ventured an interesting journey through the gaming industry. Released worldwide in 2012, its early titles amazed with production values coming close or on par with home consoles. But the expense of making a Vita game at the time made the handheld suffer the chicken and egg predicament. How can you get people to buy the console without software support, but where can you get the developers willing to pay the expense for making the software.

It was a console that had so many excellent strengths from its design, features that can be used in inventive ways as illustrated in Tearaway and being 1 of 3 modern consoles able to play classic games, but its own excellence was its greatest weakness.

Artwork from Dorkly, Videogame consoles are your teachers, page 3, number 10

http://www.dorkly.com/post/45128/videogame-consoles-are-your-teachers/page:3

3 years later, the Vita’s solution to its problems was shifting focus to being a console thriving with unique and cult status games, a companion device for the PS4 and giving a solution to retro gamers wanting to play PS1 and PSP titles but own a PlayStation 4, as the Vita is able to play PS1 and PSP titles. As of the 25^th January 2015, the PlayStation Vita has sold 9.6 million units worldwide and its rival the 3DS has sold a dumbfounding 50.4 million units. By inspecting the negative and positive elements of Sony’s handheld and how its game library can be a utopia for aficionados of gaming, one will discover how the PlayStation Vita is the best handheld console that dared to compete against the unshakeable masters of the handheld console.

Design

Weighing 260 grams and having a stunning OLED screen, the original Vita fits well in a cargo trouser pocket though it doesn’t have the slimmer weight of the Vita Slim which makes it easier to fit in a regular pocket. Even though this model may need trousers with long and deep pockets so it doesn’t slip out and hit the concrete, its greatest virtue is the display.

OLED Vita Screen photo from Mobile Fanatics, Up close with the PlayStation Vita, http://www.themobilefanatics.com/2012/03/photo-gallery-up-close-playstation-vita/

Bright, vivid and colourful are a few words describing the majestic beauty of the OLED display. Games with colourful art direction appear crisp and pop out while games with a more realistic or gritty art direction have clear contrast and rare colours stand out.

The handheld also has the advantage of responsive dual analogue sticks that are as comfy as the DualShock 3 and 4 once the user is used to the small yet effective input range.The D-pad isn’t as separate or mushy compared with the Dual 4, but great for PlayStation 1 games with their more finicky and precision based gameplay, like in platformers. The traditional shape symbol buttons and R1 and L1 are also there, but how does one play a FPS (First Person Shooter) without the distinctly missing R2 and L2 buttons.

The Vita uses the touch screen and the obscure rear touch pad to make up for a lack of R2 and L2 button, and games for the Vita have used the touch inputs in varying degrees of success.

Impulse Gamer, Little Big Planet 

http://www.impulsegamer.com/vitalittlebigplanet.html

The front touch screen is an intuitive and sensitive input, and its sensitivity along with a dual shock control layout has been put to great use in fighting games as well as improving on functionality in games like Dragon’s Crown where it’s used to find treasure while fighting through hectic battles.

Tech Radar, PS Vita Review, March 05 2012,

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/handheld-consoles/ps-vita-1061138/review/4

The rear touch pad is a mixed bag in terms of intuitiveness and reliability. While being an inventive way of interacting with in game objects and makes actions more involved, the pad by its nature and placement is prone to accidental input, and because the original Vita is no longer in production and replaced by the vastly better Slim, OLED models are plagued with technical issues that all revolve around the rear touch pad. When installing games that heavily use it like Tearaway, such games may stop the pad from functioning completely which can cause critical progression issues in games where it’s used to progress in a Vita game. This issue only applies to the original Vita, and not the Vita Slim.

PlayStation PS Vita, WordPress, PS Vita Specs

http://psvitaplaystation.wordpress.com/ps-vita-specs/

The console with its screen and glossy finish is a dust, stain and finger print magnet that will often need cleaning. Even if it’s a bit unfriendly to fashionable trouser pockets, the Vita is an good looking handheld, and the rear touch pad issue only affects a certain number of games, with a large majority of the library being fully playable without the rear touch pad.

Features

A plethora of features reside in the Vita, with the most useful ones being Remote Play, Content manager, Videos and web browser. The other features, while having there uses are done better on other consoles, and even smartphones.

Pocket Lint, Hands-on video: PS4 Remote Play Explored

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/125119-hands-on-video-ps4-remote-play-explored

Remote Play allows the player to have PS4 gameplay streamed to the Vita with the handheld being the controller. This is a commendable feature for players that have their sessions regularly interrupted by people watching TV and is similar to the Wii U tablet. The function works with all PS4 games that don’t require the PlayStation Camera, and the L2, R2, L3 and R3 are mapped to the front touch screen with Start and Select being the Share and Options button.

Dragons Dogma Wiki, Dragon’s Dogma PS Vita backgrounds,

http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:ObsidianDraconis/Dragon’s_Dogma_PS_Vita_Backgrounds

Due to the compulsory need of a proprietary memory card, content manager will be a frequently used app as digital Vita games have sizes of 1 to 3 GB’s filling up 16 GB card quickly. (Psychical game cartilages are smaller in file size) Apps on the card are in coloured categories making space management a simple press on the screen.

Dragons Dogma Wiki, Dragon’s Dogma PS Vita backgrounds,

http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:ObsidianDraconis/Dragon’s_Dogma_PS_Vita_Backgrounds

There is also 3 back up methods for games on the Vita and they are the PS3, PC and PS Plus cloud storage. Cloud storage keeps save files and is the easiest method that simply needs the player to be subscribed to PS Plus which is purchased on the PS Store starting at $10 for a month and won’t make you top up if the automatic funding option is turned off on the service list once purchased. The PS3 serves as a mass back up storage for Vita games and allowing music, videos and images to be transferred onto the Vita while storing PS1 save files that cannot be saved on the cloud. (The PS4 sadly does not support the PS3’s mass storage utility for the PlayStation Vita)

PC back up requires Content Manager Assistant to be installed on the PC, and makes it easier to organise one’s Vita games while serving as the best way for getting music files on the Vita. These methods offer great versatility for preserving Vita games as well as getting other forms of media, particularly music on the handheld.

The PS Store also offers movies to rent that are found on the Videos app on the home screen, and is an acceptable video player, with movies looking great on the OLED screen with reasonable rental prices at round $5 to $6. TV rentals however are lacklustre because the pricing structure will have the user purchasing one episode at a time instead of a whole season, making them more expensive and stopping binge watching.

The web browser is commendable for finding walkthroughs, and nothing else. Having only 512MB of Ram, the browser takes an eternity loading webpages and has virtually no security unless paying for Trend Micro Security to defend a browser that struggles to load and display any decent website. It’s a useful app for guidance in a game, but is terrible when compared against other respected web browsers.

The four features of the Vita are apps that give handheld strong potential as a multimedia device that provides great distractions when the player wants more than simply games from their console.

(P.S There are 32 and 64 GB memory cards but are available only in Japan, and other countries have only 4, 8 and 16 GB memory cards commercially available.)

Gaming library

The titles for the Vita cover a range of genres with the most popular games being JRPGS and Indies. One of the criticisms aimed at the handheld is the lack of exclusives in the library and how it pales in comparison to the 3DS library. The reason why the Vita thrives with Indies and ports while having sparse exclusive like Tearaway and Killzone Mercenary is due to one simple fact.

Vita games have production values that are close to the budgets of console games which makes them more expensive for handheld developers to create. When the Vita launched worldwide in 2012, its launch titles Gravity Rush and Uncharted Golden Abyss amazed with their production values and inventive use of the Vita’s control features. But these games set a high expectation that the Vita would have exclusives that matched or came almost close to console games, and resulted in a drought of games that wasn’t a popular IP like Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed meant to be system sellers and being inferior to their console counterparts.

10 best PlayStation Vita Games cover image, Arcade Sushi

http://arcadesushi.com/best-playstation-vita-games/

The PS Vita would remain in obscurity in the handheld market until the PS4’s Remote Play feature gave the Vita some much needed attention. It wasn’t a solution to its problems, but people realised that a competitor to the 3DS existed and by that time, ports of games such as Dragon’s Crown, Persona 4 Golden, Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remastered and having backwards compatibility with PS1 and PSP titles gave people incentive to purchase the handheld. Then the Vita shifted its ambitions from the console experience on the go, and instead thriving on indie titles and hosting a gaming library of critical darlings and cult classics that were made in the Vita’s life time period of 2012 and 2014.

With the PlayStation Vita’s original and current ambitions, it has never had a popular system seller and is very evident with the 3DS’s 50.4 Million units sold and the Vita selling 9.6 million units. The game library of the PlayStation Vita clear cuts a gaming audience in half. One half will be having a ball as the library is stuffed and exploding with offbeat and specialised titles taking video game elements of eons past, and giving them a modern update or create a fantastical element that gives players an experience they will find nowhere else. The other half have found their gaming needs with the 3DS and its blockbuster titles of Pokémon, Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart and it’s stellar Street Pass social feature allowing them to have greater connections with gaming friends.

With such a broad and unique library of games, the Vita is the modern aficionados’ handheld console.

Value

Poster artwork by Patrick Zachar, Deviant art

http://patrickzachar.deviantart.com/art/Playstation-Vita-Poster-Blue-309933032

Sony’s little console is an exotic product of the handheld market. Even with a dwindling beginning and the problematic reliability of the originals rear touch pad and the borderline money sink of a compulsory memory card, its revision the Vita Slim fixed the pad’s issues and being less awkward in the everyday pocket. The library is a smorgasbord of unique IP’s and classic PlayStation games that epitomise the brands international third party developer’s innovative and evolutionary efforts in the gaming world.

The original Vita in comparison to the Slim, is one of the master disasters of the PlayStation lineage. But the original is a reminder to avid fans of video games that often it takes time and a lot of blunders before an entertainment device matures into a product worth spending dozens of hours on with all its incredible adventures waiting to be experienced.

Summation: If you really want to get the PlayStation Vita, I implore you to but the Vita Slim because it has a better touch pad and 1 GB internal memory, enough to play an indie game or two and the argument on what screen of both models is better won’t matter when you actually play on the Vita Slim. Please note that the images without a description and link to the source were captured with my IPad and the Vita screenshot feature (Start+ PlayStation button). And yes, now that I am beginning to credit the image and artwork sources of other people’s creations, I will be updating my older reviews and giving credit to the images and artwork of other creators they rightfully deserve.

Have a great day and don’t hesitate to point out an inaccurate detail in this review.

Luftrausers Review (PS Vita)

Luftrausers Poster Art by cryptgarden, Deviantart

http://www.deviantart.com/art/Luftrausers-390255322

Developer: Vlambeer

Publisher: Devolver Digital

(This review is based on the PS Vita version and is available for the PC and PS3)

Released in 2014, Luftrausers is a shoot em up that will make one recall the old school arcade shooters with its addicting yet challenging gameplay, and also having a distinct sepia art style. All versions of the game have highly positive reception from critics with an average score of 80 and is praised for its finely crafted risk reward factor.

The great qualities of Luftrausers is its risk reward factor and customisable air ship to let players craft their own play style. Its negatives is a lack of end game options once the missions are completed.

By observing Luftrausers strengths and weaknesses, one will know why Luftrausers is at its best on the PS Vita.

Gameplay

KARATERAUSER Luftrauser Artwork by AuraHACK, Deviantart

http://www.deviantart.com/art/K-A-R-A-T-E-R-A-U-S-E-R-447648368

When the player starts the game, there introduced at first a standard ship and a set of missions such as defeating a number of certain enemies. Each ship part has its own set of missions and if the player defeats a particular enemy for the first time, such as a ship, or complete a certain mission for a ship part, a cut scene will play for their efforts.

Luftrausers creates thrilling game play through subtle mechanics that have a significant impact on the chaotic action unfolding.

When flying through the air, enemies will be everywhere trying to shoot the player down and from the numerous airplanes to the power house battle ships. How is it possible to survive so much chaos unfolding? It’s possible by simply not shooting with the R button and fly away.

The mechanic of ship recovery by ceasing fire and recovering while making the split second decision of fleeing to get some breathing space or shooting down more while falling into the ocean and flying back up results in an involved and stimulating experience that makes the player feel like the commander of the sky.

However, Luftrausers has a lack of content, and the extra mode SMFT, obtained when all parts are unlocked, cranks up the enemy numbers and strength so high that the player’s lifespan is in seconds, not minutes and once the SMFT missions are finished, the best parts are unlocked and there isn’t anything else to achieve. But as Luftrausers has a simple to learn level of mastery, the lack of content is a moot point as Luftrausers tremendous replay value makes it perfect for coming back to when the player simply needs a simple fun game they can put down when they had their full.

Presentation

Luftrausers Wallpaper, PC Game Wallpapers

http://www.pcgamewallpapers.net/1920×1080/luftrausers-02-wallpaper/

Based on World War 1 air fights and using a sepia art style with pixel silhouettes, Luftrausers has one of the most distinct art styles in video games released in 2014. The main theme that plays in Luftrausers is an electrifying 8-bit techno sound that changes into a triumphant blare of trumpets that creates a feeling of bravery as the player is lost within the insanity of bullet hell and exploding air craft. The music also will play alterations of the main theme depending on the air ship parts equipped, and it makes the main theme consistently terrific.

Value

Luftrausers Wallpaper, Wallpaper Abyss- Alpha Coders

http://wall.alphacoders.com/by_sub_category.php?id=220020

Luftrausers is one of the best indie games of 2014 with its intelligent take of the arcade shoot em up’s of the past successfully crafting a game that is ideal on the PS Vita. With an exceptional risk reward factor, play style crafting air ship and a pleasing art style mixed with pixels, it soars high into the sky carrying an almost immortal level of replay value. Even when it disappears within a growing library of games, it will come back and deliver the magnificent experience of mastering the skies.

Cleaning up a Windows 8 PC the right way

Some time ago, I made the decision to go to Windows 8 and ventured into the Settings menu and found this:

Now, as someone who has refreshed their computer, let me give you a run down on what exactly happens when you click on the refresh option.

The refresh option does exactly as it says, deletes files stored on the computer and won’t remove photos, music, videos and documents, which improves the computers performance. What will happen through, is that the refresh will remove all programs obtained from websites and discs. This includes Microsoft Office, the program that provides Word document and PowerPoint. (pre-installed software such as McAfee Security will stay, but to call McAfee security is pushing it.)

So basically, if you are an everyday person that has never stored the info details for Microsoft Office and internet security programs, Don’t refresh your computer. If you really want to clean up your computer, just make it your habit to just go to the control panel and delete your browsing history. If you have Steam on your computer, right-click on a game you haven’t played in yonks, and hit the “Delete Local Content” button.

There are easier and less drastic solutions in improving a computer’s performance, and often the best solution is just taking the time to delete files and programs just sitting there gathering age. Refreshing provides the benefit of cleaning up a PC and keeping the user’s videos, music, photos and documents (If those were made on Word and PowerPoint, Office has to be reinstalled to access them. Documents can also be made on WordPad) but it can be inconvenient when all installed programs are gone, especially when the average person writes most of their documents on Word.

if you decide to refresh your computer, it is vital that you have the details for all your programs so you can reinstall them without going through a product number and account activation goose chase. If you have the details for all the programs that will be deleted, a refresh is a great idea.

Summation

I wrote this entry because those of you out there who are having program troubles because you thought restarting the computer was a good plan and are frustrated should know that you’re not the only guy who made a quick decision that resulted in some missing pieces. But now you had a first hand experience with what unfolds depending on how prepared you were, you now know that the simple method of deleting internet history and program organisation will create positive results, and the refresh method provides an easy way of cleaning up a cluttered PC. It just requires you to be fully prepared with all your details for the programs you have to reinstall.

How to get Fallout 3 Working On Windows 8

(This guide applies to Windows 8.1 and Pro)

When someone wants to get Fallout 3 on Steam, they will find this message on the product page:

This means that Fallout 3 was developed on older OS (Operating System) and it makes playing it on a modern OS not possible. So, does this mean you can’t play Fallout 3 on a modern PC? Not entirely, there just a bit of technical stuff to be sorted on the games program files to get it successfully running on Windows 8.

This is where this tutorial shall show you what must be done to get Fallout 3 working on Windows 8.

1: Go to this link that leads to this site: http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/17209/

2: Then go to the file section:

3: You will then see this file:

Download the file, as it contains files that allow Fallout 3 to operate on Windows 8

4: When the file is on your download list, go to this location on your PC:

Then open up these PC files:

5: Then go to your download list for the bypass file:

The ZIP will contain these files:

6: Have the ZIP and Fallout 3 folders side by side:

Then move these files from The Intel Bypass into Fallout 3:

7: Once this is done, go to this website: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/LIVE/PC/DownloadClient

Then download the application:

The marketplace games for windows needs to be downloaded because it’s part of Fallout 3’s files:

The Xbox Marketplace program allows Fallout 3 to work properly on Windows 8.

8: After following the previous steps, Fallout 3 should function on Windows 8 no problem. If you encounter faults with this tutorial, don’t hesitate to let me know, and to the extent of my knowledge, the Intel bypass ZIP and Marketplace program do not affect your PC in malicious ways. And with that, take care and have a great day.

Summation:

After being engulfed in the gaming heaven that is the Steam Summer Sale, I purchased Fallout 3 on a massive discount, only to find that I couldn’t even launch the game. After going online to find how to get Fallout working on Windows 8, I found that most of the guides weren’t that helpful or were hard to understand, and thought to myself that a step by step screen shot guide would be more helpful in general than looking on you tube. I hope that this tutorial has helped you launch Fallout 3 and more tutorials on technology I have figured out will be in the future.