CULLED FROM gamespot.com
Motion-based control is coming to the Xbox 360. We initially thought Microsoft would be the first to the table but PDP beat them to the punch. The Gametrak Freedom from PDP will offer wireless motion-based controls using Microsoft's proprietary wireless protocol. The Gametrak uses a 3D ultrasonic transducer and a three axis accelerometer to detect motion. You'll also find a trigger on the under side, as well as the 360's familiar four button configuration and a D-pad.
Unlike Nintendo's solution, which uses one point of detection, the Gametrak uses two sensor bars that sit on opposite sides of the TV. Up to four wireless Gametrak's will work with the sensors. PDP claims that the added sensor in conjunction with the Gametrak's motion sensing technologies give the Gametrak accuracy to within 2mm of movement.
We got to briefly try out the Gametrak Freedom with Squeeballs, a game that PDP will bundle with the controller. Squeeballs is basically a variety/party game like Warioware, with elements of Cooking Mama thrown in for good measure. The controller certainly felt accurate, and we didn't find it overly sensitive. Moving laterally while rotating the controller to twist onscreen objects actually worked without a super jittery feel. PDP says we should expect the controller out in the fall bundled with Squeeballs for about $70 to $75.
PDP will also release the Smart Stylus 1 for the Nintendo DS. The Smart Stylus 1 has the ability to vibrate to indicate explosions among other things. The stylus is wireless and currently uses the GBA port to communicate with the DS. A single AAA battery powers the Smart Stylus 1. PDP is currently in talks with Nintendo to get approval for a DS cartridge version to make the device compatible with the DSi. PDP will bundle the Smart Stylus with a DS version of Squeeballs for $35 this fall. PDP is also hard at work to make the Smart Stylus 2 - a stylus that incorporates vibration, lights, sound and motion sensing capabilities.
Thrills, chills and battlefields
Marc Cieslak of BBC CLICK takes a look at some of the latest games around, from a chilling 18 rating to a gravity defying one.
TOM CLANCY'S HAWX for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC
Tom Clancy's HAWX
'Cerebral' military aircraft game
This military aircraft game is the sort that usually falls into one of two camps.
It is either a sober flight simulator, which require Chuck Yeager's piloting skills to master, or totally unrealistic supersonic shoot them ups.
Tom Clancy's HAWX game wades into the danger zone currently occupied by the likes of the Ace Combat series.
In order for the player to prove they have "The Right Stuff", they must perform a variety of missions and take out naval, ground and aerial targets. The game unlocks more advanced aircraft as you progress through the missions.
This visually stunning title allows the player to direct computer-controlled wingmen in the midst of combat.
This ability can add a slightly more cerebral edge to what can be frantic sessions of selecting targets, launching missiles, and performing blackout-inducing manoeuvres.
Plus, there is a chance generally to re-live the best bits of Top Gun, without an 80s soundtrack.
The dazzling number of controls and onscreen prompts - including such important sounding things as intercept vectors - can sometimes be a tad confusing.
But after a few missions, it all comes together with the precision of a radar-guided missile.
As this game is stamped with author Tom Clancy's moniker, the missions are strung together by a story involving private military contractors, invasions, and corporate greed.
But no need to go into all that because the game's story is, quite frankly, silly.
Online multiplayer and a massive number of unlockable aircraft combine to create a superior airborne shooter.
RESIDENT EVIL 5 for Xbox 360 and PS3
Resident Evil 5
Even more chilling than before
Resident Evil 5 carries a hard 18 rating, which means it is not suitable for younger gamers. But to be honest, it is so scary that it is not really suitable for older gamers either.
The plot revolves around a virus outbreak in an African village which turns infected people into flesh-eating crazies who chase the game's lead characters Chris and Sheva.
Plus, the bad guys in this version of the long-running franchise can run 200 meters faster than Usain Bolt at the last Olympics.
But Chris and Sheva acquire an arsenal of weapons to defend themselves, as they run, jump, roll, and attempt to solve the mystery of how this outbreak started.
For a single player, Sheva is just tagging along for the ride. But in multiplayer mode, the character provides much needed backup.
This fifth offering is more action-packed than previous Resident Evil titles, and is capable of providing a few chills along with the spills.
PROF HEINZ WOLFF'S GRAVITY for Wii
Prof Heinz Wolff's Gravity
A puzzle game that relies on gravity
This Nintendo Wii games does not feature a single bullet or bad guy.
Gravity is a puzzle game that relies on, unsurprisingly, gravity.
The player rolls balls through a succession of levels, with the simple goal of navigating increasingly difficult platform style levels.
It really is as simple as that.
EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR for PC
Empire: Total War
One for fans of history and strategy
Empire: Total War harks back to a bygone age when hats had three points and a horse was considered cutting edge technology.
Real-time strategy games allow players to command vast armies across huge battlefields.
Empire follows this template, with the player controlling 18th century armies, building resources, managing populations and of course picking scraps with rival nations.
The developers have also added nautical combat into the mix, so fights are no longer confined to land.
The game can also be set to "auto govern" so the player is left to deal with military strategy and combat.
This game has a massive scope which means the player can govern any country they like and fight campaigns that last for decades.
Empire is big and bold; for fans of history and strategy, it is brilliant.
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