Downwell Review

Downwell Logo, Downwell website 2016

Developer: Ojiro Fumoto

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, PC

Genre: Rougelike Platformer

Played on PlayStation Vita

Arcade games focus on the essence of a video game, one or two good mechanics that create everything else. Pac Man eats dots on a screen, Tetris aligns blocks together to destroy them and Asteroids is shooting and avoiding incoming asteroids. Downwell was created by Ojiro Fumoto who was inspired by a quote from video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

Shigeru Miyamoto, Time 2016, 7 Fascinating Insights from Nintendo’s Gaming Genius Shigeru Miyamoto, captured on October 21st 2008

“A good idea is something that does not solve just one single problem, but rather can solve multiple problems at once.” Shigeru Miyamoto Interviewed by Eurogamer.net, 31 March 2010

Downwell takes the philosophy of this quote to its logical extreme and has the simplicity of its contemporary’s, but is deceptively skilled based. Downwell will be remembered as the modern arcade game because of the incredible amount of depth, skill and player choice provided from just two game mechanics.

Gameplay

God is a Geek 2016, “Downwell coming to PS4 and PS Vita this month” May 6th 2016

In Downwell, the player goes down randomly generated levels to the bottom of a well. They encounter enemies, rooms with power ups and a perilous threat at the bottom. Downwell’s excellence comes from how the two actions of jumping and shooting do more than what is expected of them.

Shooting makes the player slightly hover in the air, destroys blockades, creates gems from defeated enemies and has different attack attributes depending on what power up is obtained. Jumping and stomping on enemies without landing builds a combo, landing on the ground or enemies refills the player’s ammo count and landing on the ground stops the combo and rewards gems, ammo and health depending on how high the player’s combo is. The rewards and risks from these multipurpose mechanics direct the player to play at full speed.

Downwell artwork by BlueASIS, “Jelly Smash!“

This is expanded with randomly generated power ups at the end of a level that add beneficial abilities, such as collecting gems refilling ammo and creating a blast by stomping on enemies. Rooms the player encounters during their descent offer a break from the fast action and have power ups that change the attributes of the shooting attack and give health or ammo. When enough gems are collected, the player enters a gem high that increases the power of their attack, but withers out if the player can’t maintain a constant flow of gems.

This rapid fire decision making is possible because of the art style. Hazards are pure red, enemies indicate they can be jumped on by being predominantly white with a hint of red, walkable and jumpable objects being white and a black background to make colour stand out.

This makes Downwell have the qualities of iconic arcade games such as Pac Man, but has a layer of mechanical sophistication that is easy to understand, but difficult and engaging to master. When a game like Pac Man is understood, it doesn’t offer a way of adjusting difficulty to suit the player’s mastery and understanding of its mechanics. It only offers more challenge by making enemies faster and more unpredictable. Downwell uses randomly generated power ups that increases the player’s defence or attack capabilities and the player is able to decide on what is best for their skill and situation depending on what they have on hand.

After the end of a playthrough, the player unlocks palette swaps and player styles after collecting a set number of gems. Player styles give unique player native abilities that can make future playthroughs easier or harder depending on their skill level. Palette swaps change the primary colours of the game’s art style. Some palette swaps such as Dirtsnow make reading what’s happening on screen more difficult because of the background colour being different from black.

A problem with power ups is that power ups at the end of a stage are randomly generated. This means the player can’t really customise what playstyle they want and have to replay the game again and again until the right combination is generated. The game could have capitalised on allowing the player to start with a select number of power ups and offer challenges that are unique to the specific power ups the player chooses at the start. While these trappings do not ruin Downwell, it eventually makes repeated long term playthroughs tedious because the player can’t have an optimal loadout from the start.

Value

Designing a game around one or two game mechanics is an effective way of making one. Downwell is evidence of what happens when just one or two mechanics are developed to their full potential, with gameplay that offers an enjoyable learning curve and depth. Downwell is a short game. While hard mode and palette swaps offer a bit more for the player to achieve, the main game can be finished in fifteen to twenty minutes. This is both Downwell’s strength and weakness, because it makes it an excellent game to pick up and easily get into without a substantial time commitment. But for a player who wants a substantial amount of content and can’t meet that need from replaying and mastering a game’s gameplay, Downwell isn’t going to convince them.

But Downwell has an understanding of how systems and mechanics influence player behaviour that is more sophisticated than most iconic arcade games. Arcade games such as Asteroids and Pac Man had to find the most easily understandable way for people to interact in a virtual space. This meant gameplay had to be about moving around a space and getting a high score.

Downwell Steam Store cover page

It made them easily approachable and players would try everything to reach a new high score. But this meant challenge could only increase by making enemies more aggressive, faster and in greater waves. Downwell’s challenge is changeable for the player’s skill. The native abilities from player styles can give more health at the start or make the jump have more float. The player can also decide to take the risk of building a large combo so they restore their health when landing on the ground or build up their gem count to spend on health and ammo items. The skill involved in Downwell comes from how the player survives by making deliberate and intuitive decisions and using the strengths and drawbacks of power ups the player has to decide on at the end of a stage.

It results in a game that is as approachable and fun to play as Asteroids and Pac Man, but has a layer of mechanical mastery that keeps it continuously engaging. After the optimal way to play most arcade games is mastered, it’s gameplay is static and predictable. Downwell is a modernisation of the arcade game because even when the optimal way is mastered, there are still equally valid gameplay choices that are better suited for different levels of skill. It’s creator Ojiro Fumoto wanted to show how solving multiple problems with one solution creates powerful player choice and elegant intuitive design. By following the philosophy of a quote from one of the game industry’s most influential designers, Downwell has solved the arcade game’s issue of static approaches to the problems it presents by using rewards and benefits for jumping and shooting at problems.

What’s great:

• Phenomenal player decisions and skill from two basic inputs
• One of the best games iOS and Android has to offer
• Player styles allow players of different skill levels to find their optimal way of playing
• Wickedly smooth and responsive controls complement the frantic gameplay
• Very easy to pick up and get into

What’s okay:

• The overall length is suitable for it’s gameplay, even if it is incredibly short
• Not much to achieve besides beating Hard mode and unlocking palettes   

What’s bad:

• No attempt to capitalise on starting a game with a number of end stage power ups
• Certain palette swaps make observing what’s happening more difficult
• Difficult to recommend to people who want substantial content in their games 

A possible solution to Overwatch’s Infinite Loading Bug

 

In Blizzard’s multiplayer shooter, a crippling bug can inflict players and render the game unplayable. It it’s commonly known as the Infinite Loading Loop. This bug happens when players are waiting for a game map to load and cannot get past the loading screen.

The bug breaks the game because players cannot even access training modes that are separate from multiplayer modes. It also leads to terrible effects on players as inactive players will eventually be kicked out of a match. If kicked out enough through a error players have no control over, they are penalised with a 75% reduction in experience points until their Games Played and Games Completed ratio returns to normal.

There is no absolute solution to this serious problem because the game loads an environment map while internet connections go through Battle.net’s DRM (Digital Rights Management) that verify players are connected to Blizzard’s servers. This guide shows a solution that has worked for me in my experience with the Infinite Loading loop and may work for your circumstances.

Press the Windows key

Search  firewall

Select “Allow an app through Windows Firewall”

Click on “Change Settings” (This step assumes you have administrative rights)

Scroll down until you find “Overwatch Application”

Tick the Private checkbox and leave the Public checkbox unticked

Press the “Ok” button on the bottom of the firewall screen

Exit the firewall window

Open up Overwatch and enter a training map. The map should load as normal and all games modes should not experience the loading bug. This possible fix opens up the games port communication with Blizzard’s servers.

When Private is not ticked off, the firewall prevents the port from communicating with the servers because it thinks it’s a malicious payload. Do not tick the Public checkbox because only your PC’s protocol has to forward a connection to Blizzard’s servers. You don’t want other devices finding your PC every time you are playing Overwatch.

I hope this guide helps fix your encounter with the Infinite Loading Loop. Have fun with one of the year’s greatest games.

 

How to Make Basic Invincibility Frames in GameMaker Studio

In video games, invincibility frames are the period of time when a player is invulnerable to a game’s hazards. They allow the player to make a mistake and have enough time to quickly move away from hazards. Without invincibility frames, moments of high challenge become frustrating for players that don’t have a high level of skill. While not every game requires invincibility frames, they are a feature that grants players a margin of error for how many times they can make a mistake.

To start, create 3 sprites and name them Spr_Player, Spr_Wall and Spr_Enemy1.

Then create 3 objects and name them Obj_Player, Obj_Wall and Obj_Enemy1

Select Obj_Wall and have Solid turned on

Then open up Obj_Player and put in these events:

Now make a sound file with the sound icon.

Select an MP3 file from your computer and in Target Options, Set it to Stereo and 16 bit.

In the Create event, enter the Control tab on the right. In the Variables section, select Set Variable and put in the following:

In the Alarm 0 event, put in the following:

In the Step event, put in the following:

In the Collision event with Obj_Enemy1, put in the following:

In the Draw event, put in the following: (For the code icon, put in image_alpha = Flash)

Once a room has been made and these 3 objects are placed in that room, the player should flash when coming into contact with the enemy and a sound effect will play. Do not hesitate to point out flaws and inaccuracies with this tutorial and I hope this has helped your title in progress.

The Legend of Korra Let’s Play

The Legend of Korra Let’s Play is ready to see on Youtube. This is my first Let’s Play that has commentary made with Microsoft’s Word text to speech feature. I hope you enjoy the Let’s Play.

How to make player movement for a platformer in Gamemaker Studio

(The following method is borrowed from Animator XP’s “Game Maker Studio Tutorial: Arcade Platformer Part 1 (Movement)”

1.Create a sprite, name it spr_player

2.Open up the sprite and select “Modify Mask”

3.In Bounding Box, set it to “Full image”

This allows the player object to have the best collision possible with platforms.

4.Create an object, name it obj_player

5.Open up the new object and select “Add Event” in the events tab

6.Select “Create”

7.In the “Actions” tab, select “Control” and in “Code” drag the document icon into “Actions”

8.In the code window, type in the following:

room_speed = 60 // sets the game’s frame rate. (FPS) 60 is the ideal FPS for games.

jumped = false //the player is unable to jump until an actions changes it to true.

9.Then in obj_player, select “Add Event” in the events tab

10.Open up the “Alarm 0” event

Repeat step 7

11. Type in the following:

jumped = false // this determines if the player is able to jump or stay on the ground.

This is changed in the “Step” code. The create event makes this variable and the alarm triggers when a player input changes it to false.

Repeat step 9

12. Open up the “Step” event

Repeat step 7

13. Type in the following:

if(keyboard_check(vk_left)) //when the left key is pressed
{
if(place_free(x-5,y))//this checks if 5 pixels to the left are open space
{
x-=5//speed of movement.
}
}

if(keyboard_check(vk_right)) //when the left key is pressed
{
if(place_free(x+5,y))//this checks if 5 pixels to the left are open space
{
x+=5//speed of movement.
}
}

if(keyboard_check_pressed(vk_up))//when the up key is pressed
{
if(!place_free(x,y+5))//this checks if 5 pixels up and down are open space.
{
jumped = true//the alarm changes to true.
alarm[0] = 15// jump into the air. Affects how high the player jumps.
}
}

if(jumped == false)//when the alarm’s false, trigger the falling code.
{
//Fall code:
if(place_free(x,y+8))
{
y+=8//affects how fast the player falls.
}
else
{
if(place_free(x,y+2))
{
y+=2
}
}
}

else
{
//Jump code:
if(place_free(x,y-alarm[0]))
{
y-=alarm[0]//the alarm changes to false.
}
else
{
alarm[0] = 1
{
y-=0
}
}
}

14.Repeat step 1 and 4, name it spr_wall and obj_wall

15. Open up obj_wall and tick “Solid”

16. Make a room

17. Make a basic level and place obj_player in it.

The player should stand on the ground, fall when jumping and not pass through walls.

This method is good for platform controls that feel fluid and responsive on a basic level, but it has flaws. “Place_free” checks if a set number of pixels are open space, meaning this method is not ideal if your level design consists of pixel perfect platforms. Animation with player movement is also limited because “Keyboard_check” responds to the specific input.

Say you pressed left and the jump button together. Players will see the left key animation and not the jump key animation unless it’s the only button pressed.

E.g

if (jumped == true) //checks if jump is true

{

sprite_index = spr_playerjump //jump animation displays on screen

}

if (jumped == false) //checks if jump is false

{

sprite_index = spr_player // idle animation displays on screen

}

if(keyboard_check(vk_left)) //checks if the left key is pressed

{

sprite_index = spr_playerleft // left movement animation displays on screen

if(place_free(x-5,y))

{

x-=5

}

}

if(keyboard_check(vk_right)) //checks if the right key is pressed

{

sprite_index = spr_playerright // right movement animation displays on screen

if(place_free(x+5,y))

{

x+=5

}

}

If you require a method with complete and fully robust customization, use the method on GameMaker Tutorials.com

I hope this method has helped you with your title in progress. Do not hesitate to point out faults with this tutorial and take care.

References:

Gamemaker Tutorials.com “Platformer Basics [Article]” May 4, 2014 viewed on 22nd May 2016 http://gamemakertutorials.com/?p=383

AnimatorXP (May 8th 2016)”Game Maker Studio Tutorial: Arcade Platformer Part 1 (Movement)” retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx50CKhfT88

Elgato HD 60 Pro: The Definitive Capture Solution

The Helping Squad 2014, ‘PC Setup Closeup’, Elgato – Game Capture HD60 Pro – Review and Test, RobinJack0r, viewed 25th January 2016

Capture solutions are commonly in the form of a external card or software. Both have unique yet detrimental drawbacks that affect the user experience.

External cards have strict limits on bandwidth (the Mbps affecting video quality) because of their USB connections and capture just video signals. It is often a laborious process to get cards to receive both video and in video audio. Software requires significant system resources and have tendencies to create system instability.

PCI cards take the best of both external and software capture and fix the common problems they have. The Elgato HD 60 Pro is currently the only consumer product capable of 1080P 60Fps capture with an insane 60Mbps. It’s PCIx1 interface means it achieves this flawlessly, but the areas the Pro shines in are much more than simply being powerful hardware.

The OuterHaven 2015, ‘hd60pro-750×400-1’, Elgato unveils their latest capture device, the Elgato HD 60 Pro, Keith Mitchell 9/14/2015, viewed on 25th January 2016

 

  Specifications

Interface: PCIe x1

Codec: H.264

Input: HDMI (PlayStation 4 with HDCP turned off , Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, PC, IOS with a thunderbolt port and AV thunderbolt adapter)

Output: Lag Free HDMI Passthrough

Resoultions: 1080p60, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 720p30, 576p, 576i, 480p

Bitrate: 60Mbps Maximum

Sound: Build in Sound (GPU dependent) 224 kbps AAC

 The spec sheet is standard for Elgato’s gaming line up but sound, interface and output are the most significant aspects of the hardware. Built in audio receiving the signal from a GPU’s audio feature fixes and simplify’s the process of recording a video’s sound. But the 60 Pro expects that the users TV/monitor has built in speakers, (not a audio jack on the TV/monitor) otherwise users cannot hear anything. Users with standard monitors can work around this using Elgato Sound Capture. This extension app that comes with Elgato’s software updates allows users to set the inputs and outputs of connected audio devices.

PCI is the exact same interface used by a CPU and GPU, both constantly sending and receiving information across a motherboard and hard drives. The intensity of capture software paired with the fact they take vital, system sensitive resources is why they have tendencies to cause problems for users. Capture cards often need trouble shooting in order to receive both video and in video sound, while cluttering up environments with their cable connections. Because the 60 Pro is hardware dedicated solely to video capture, it requires only the minimum amount of data connection from the CPU and hard drive, which takes the strain off of both the CPU and GPU and is at pace with the two because it has direct contact with the motherboard.

Elgato Recording load at maximum recording settings

Elgato Idle load

Elgato recording load with CPU dependent app in the background

Output has an unexpected versatility. Because the output is almost completely absent of any latency, users can play game consoles through the Elgato’s output with no drawbacks. Sadly, getting the Elgato software to display a console preview within the interface is not a plug and play scenario like advertised on Elgato’s tutorials. In order for the user to see both the interface and console feed, the TV/monitor used requires 2 HDMI ports (Input) for it to work, a crucial detail the tutorials fail to mention. This issue is only applicable to TV/Monitors with a single HDMI input, preventing users from pairing the 60 Pro with their consoles in a optimal manner.

User experience

http://www.helping-squad.com/elgato-game-capture-hd60-pro-review-and-test/

The Elgato HD 60 Pro has fixed every problem I have ever experienced with other solutions. Getting it up and running was the most painless experience and gave me a good lesson on how video signals work. I don’t use a streaming machine and PC capture has been flawless, expect the fact that I have to set Sounds to Elgato-4 every time on my speaker less monitor. The interface is to be commended for its clean, simple yet robust design. I still have yet to find capture software that makes naming footage so easy and still have important functions be easily accessed with a mouse.

MP4 60Mbps files are absolutely gorgeous, almost true to the original signal on a screen. But the subtly noticeable compression I saw in the Witcher 3’s right side map did nothing to diminish its quality and perfect frame capture.

(You may have to click on the gear icon and set Quality to 1080p 60fps)

Capture solutions like Shadow Force, Action and Fraps are capable of 60 frame capture, but they are bound by system resources and often fail to or inconsistently hit that frame target. In exchange for having to wait for the Elgato to process the large data of a 60Mbps file before you can close it, you are guaranteed a 1080p 60fps capture with no compromises.

Elgato Software PC Setup Interface

But I did experience some issues, just like any other capture solution. But these problems were nowhere near the level of hell I experienced from the Roxio and Action. Pressing the mute button stopped an echo effect when I saw the live feed of my stream, as some of you may have seen on my Twitch Channel.

Sometimes the display would not show up but after updating the software, which is a smooth and reliable process from my experience it worked without issue. I have vivid memories of the tedious trouble shooting I went through just to get video to have an audio signal on the Roxio and have my desk space invaded by cable clutter. While it’s an annoyance to set Sounds to Elgato-4 for every recording and hear nothing, this is only because my monitor doses not have build in speakers.

I never experienced a laborious set-up process that was picky over how it wanted to receive audio and video like with the Roxio and then have Action become a broken train-wreck after it received updates. While your mileage will vary greatly because of your PC’s individual characteristics, the Elgato HD 60 Pro’s hybrid unity of capture cards and software allows for one of the most consistently functional products that only has users experiencing petite annoyances if they didn’t have the ideal input requirements from their equipment.

Footage/feature performance

Users wanting to get straight into streaming to Twitch and YouTube videos are right at home with Elgato’s software. But the software goes above and beyond the passable quality of most software for capture solutions. The most prominent feature of Elgato’s software is Flashback Recording. System RAM allows the software to constantly preview passing footage and by dragging the timeline to a specific place, users can record right at that specific moment or take screenshots.

This feature is a miracle worker in multi-player or needing screenshots of a game. Users can turn flashback off if they do not want storage to be affected. Overlays are wonderfully integrated into the interface. Users can add custom overlays or edit the stock overlays to suit their tastes. They offer great benefits in creating a polished and well done video, but there is little guidance on how to effectively customize GIF’s and web pages that are much more technical that the simplicity of images and scenes.

Audio mixing is great for normal users who want a functional way of getting their microphones to simply work, but experts will be disappointed by the hardware’s lack of audio inputs. Sadly, Elgato does not provide a way to test microphone recordings, something that can be a frustration for many. The Threshold and Attenuation can be modified and by default, other sounds are reduced automatically when using the microphone.

The overall package is extremely well done and a delight for people who want to enjoy their streams and recordings. People well versed in audio set-ups will be left underwhelmed by the software’s options, but basic 3.5mm mic jack and USB set-ups work wonderfully with Elgato’s products. Overlays add a effortless way to add that personal touch to streams and videos, but it’s a shame GIF’s and web pages are impractical for most users.

Conclusion   

Kernel Labs 2016, ‘HD60Pro-Top’, Steven Toth, viewed 25th January 2016

External and software capture solutions have issues so detrimental to the user experience, only a small handful are truly worth someone’s time and investment. Elgato’s PCI capture solution has broken down many barriers. This piece of hardware has capitalized on the interface used by CPU and GPU’s to be one of the most consistently problem free capture solutions, with its most egregious issues being little, easily fixed quirks.

The HD 60 Pro is a top of its class capture solution, costing over $269AU. It is a small number of products that live up to the saying “what you pay is what you get.” Users that want the best experience with the HD 60 Pro however are sadly going to need the following, specific features in their equipment:

A TV/Monitor with Build in Speakers

2 HDMI Input ports

While this does not ruin the user experience if consumers do not have these exact specifics on their displays, It sadly means some users cannot use the full capability of the Pro. But it does little to seriously harm the functionality and potential of the Pro. Elgato have addressed the audio input/output issue for users for standard monitors with Sound Capture, that does a fantastic job of setting up audio for footage and the users recording environment.

 With brilliant footage quality, a great in all the right places interface and robust features that can be effectively altered to the users set-up while fixing the shortcomings of common capture solutions, the Elgato HD 60 Pro is the definitive and the best capture solution of the modern video game world.

What’s great

• Streamlined and robust software interface
• The best capture quality that does not hog resources
• Simple HDMI setup
• Wonderful integration of streaming and capturing
• Flashback Recording
• Genuine 60Fps capture
• Sound Capture allows any audio setup to suit the users needs 

What’s okay

• Web page/GIF overlays need to be more straight forward
• Audio Mix options should be expanded upon
• Mute prevents echoes in microphones and live stream feeds
• Basic video editor suited only for simple highlight cuts
• signal flash when exiting the software in the PC set-up

What’s bad

• 2 HDMI Inputs are needed for consoles to take advantage of Elgato
• Set-up tutorials fail to mention this important detail
• Rare occasions on specific games where the live feed won’t receive the footage’s audio signal
• No live Stream Hotkey option 

How To Fix Connection Problem on PS Vita Content Manager Assistant

Entertainment Buddha 2015, ‘How to Get PS1 Game Saves From the PS Vita or PS3 Onto a PS TV’ http://www.entertainmentbuddha.com/how-to-get-ps1-game-saves-from-the-ps-vita-or-ps3-onto-a-ps-tv/

(This Guide applies to Windows 10, but will likely work on Windows 7 and 8.)

When you have installed Sony’s handy Content Manager Assistant into your computer, you may find that you can’t connect your device. The most simple and straight forward way to fix this involves changing settings in the Windows Firewall. Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t allow a piece of software to bypass the Firewall as it could cause intrusive and serious issues with your computer.

However, Content Manager Assistant is an exception because communication and information is sent and received from your personal Vita console to your computer. It is not like most software that have their information receiving blocked because they sent to out to unknown parties. CMA (Content Manager Assistant) serves the function of easily using and transferring imagery and music for the Vita and even lets you back up game data on your computer if you don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription.

To solve the connection problem, go to:

Control Panel, System and Security, Windows Firewall.

Then click on ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall’. Click on Change Settings and tick the box on the left for Content Manager Assistant.

After these steps have been done, open up CMA and go ‘Network Connection Settings’. Open up Content Manger on your Vita and select ‘Copy Content’. Choose the PC connection option and select WI-FI.

Click on ‘Register Device’ and make sure CMA on your PC has  ‘Connect to PS Vita System Using Network’ is ticked. Once that is done, CMA on your computer will generate a unique number that has to be typed in on your Vita. Type in the generated number and your Vita and PC are now connected.

I hope that the methods in this guide have been beneficial for you and please do not hesitate to point out an problem with these methods.

 

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.

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