Duke City Gamerz

Take your children to see "Red Tails"

2012-01-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

This. My video commentary on why everyone should see "Red Tails," especially children. I'm also posting my link to my commentary on the Houston Chronicle's Web site.

Go and support this movie. It's a highlight reel of their greatest hits. If you still want to read more about their achievements, snag a Tuskegee Airmen or read the books.

http://www.chron.com/life/article/Commentary-Take-your-kids-to-see-Red-Tails-2645514.php

The GOSPEL of Gaming with Sarah Tressler

2012-01-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today's better-late-than-never episode of 'The GOSPEL of Gaming.' Today's episode enlists the talents of new Chronicle society reporter, Sarah Tressler, and Chronicle intern Deisy Enriquez.

I'll have a few more videos Friday. Stay tuned ;)

Why "Red Tails" matters

2012-01-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Editor's note: Willie Jefferson, who covers video games at the Houston Chronicle, attended a press screening of the George Lucas film, "Red Tails." Here are his thoughts.

George Lucas has a story to tell.

He was so passionate about telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen that he coughed up his own money - over $58 million - even after Hollywood studios didn't think a movie about black heroes couldn't fill seats. Lucas didn't let Hollywood's cold shoulder slow his efforts. He learned a small lesson that the Tuskegee Airmen learned over 60 years ago.

Overcoming is never an easy job.

I was invited to a press screening for his upcoming movie, "Red Tails." The film follows the rise of the all-black Army Air Corp 99th Fighter Squadron. Facing the specter of failure from the top Army brass and superior aircraft of the German Luftwaffe, the 99th exceeded expectations in the face of impossible odds.

I took my 8-year-old son with me to the screening. Instead of seeing a vampire or a warlock casting spells, I wanted him to see true heroes. Heroes. Not the likes of Lil Wayne, Jay Z and celebrities who are called 'heroes,' but men who fought and died for their country.

The real Tuskegee Airmen inspired me to become a fighter pilot in the military. I was very close to securing an appointment at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs but missed out due to my weight. However, their achievements motivated me to be the very best in whatever field I choose. They faced blatant racism, impossible odds and still achieved. As a minority in the field of journalism, I haven't seen much racism but realize I have achieved so much but still have many more goals to reach.

"Red Tails" is more than just a movie. It's more than a history lesson. It's a motivational story of soldiers who overcame fantastic odds to achieve success. It's about doing your very best even when your superiors secretly hope you'll fall flat on your face. It's about laying your life on the line, fighting for a country that took an astonishing 20 years - and federal intervention - after WWII to allow blacks and other minorities civil rights.

It is an awesome film that wasn't about sex, hip hop, bling, swag, baby mama drama, weed, pants on the ground, welfare and a food stamp president. No, this movie was about moving past hate, dealing with the venom of racism and dodging bullets from the Luftwaffe and racial slurs from fellow soldiers. The Tuskegee Airmen, both aviators and the ground crews, were pioneers who constantly had to prove themselves over and over and over again.

This story of bravery, courage and determination that never gets old. This is a story that children, teens, everyone can relate to and should see. I took my son to see it, to show him a glimpse of the struggle his grandparents and great grandparents faced. It's a story that can motivate our children and teens to excel despite what life throws at them.

This movie can and will motivate young people to be the best and brightest, regardless of skin color and economic position. The real airmen were farmers, sons of share croppers who went on to be decorated aviators. They became role models for all, especially this journalist who dreamed of being a fighter pilot. Though I didn't reach that goal, their story motivated me to be a role model and one of the few African American video game journalist in the United States.

My recommendation? Go and see it. Grab a friend or two. And make sure you take youngsters to see this movie. It will motivate you to read more on the history of 332d Fighter Group.

I'll have a full review on the movie on Friday.

The Gospel of Gaming - 1.12.12 with M4d Ski11z

2012-01-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Here it is. Today's installment of 'The Gospel of Gaming' with M4d Ski11z. Today's episode includes: 1. OnLive announcements 2. Choplifter HD release 3. UFC Rio on Xbox LIVE update Thanks for tuning in!

Dear Bethesda. Please make a modern-day, open world shooter. Thanks, Ski11z

2012-01-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

ANYONE who has spent any time with Bethesda Softwork's Game of the Year smash, "Skyrim," knows just how easy it is to get off-task. You can be searching for an amulet and find yourself shooting the breeze, hunting grizzlies or fighting bandits. You look up and have spent several hours doing something that has nothing to do with the main quest. I am not saying that's a bad thing - I love it! I love playing a game that isn't scripted and open world. However, imagine a shooter, current day, that puts a player into the boots of a soldier. You would have to work your way up to control other squad members - to direct missions and ultimately to win the hearts and minds of the villagers.

Here's what I posted at 29.95, the Houston Chronicle's entertainment blog entry.

Dear Bethesda. Congrats on the success of Skyrim. You have set the world on fire with your awesome game of the year. People can't stop talking about how sick the game is. Heck, I have dumped over 40 hours into your game. However, with all of the game's success, I still wonder - as many others have - what would it be like to have a Bethesda shooter set in modern day. Not like the Fallout series. No, I'm talking about current day events - or just a few years back and set in a location like Vietnam. If you want to make it current day, set it in Iraq or Afghanistan. And basically mix it up - create a mash of MW3 and Skyrim.

Here are my 5 points on what would make this game a smash hit:

1. It would combine the best elements of Skyrim with the awesome and vastness of MW3. Think of it - you have an open-world game that offers the best of both worlds. You could use RPG elements with top-notch first-person shooter gameplay. Plus, offer co-op play with it. You could have a person pop in and take the role of one of your squad members effortlessly.

2. It would feature benefits of friendships. Think about it. You're in a firefight and a member of your squad gets hit. You have a choice - risk getting killed or rescue him. Both have consequences. You rescue him and he is more likely to come to your aid when you are hit. Cool, huh?

3. It would be open sandbox. Don't feel like fighting all of the time? Why not kick back and play some cards - watch a movie or play video games to relieve stress? In the game, taking R&R would lower your stress levels, which would actually affect gameplay.

4. Make it as real as possible. In warfare, soldiers aren't always fighting. They go to villages, villas and talk to the locals. They sometimes intervene in local disputes. Other times, they offer basic healthcare to the locals. They are sometimes doctors, lawyers who happen to carry some serious firepower.

5. DLC/Expansions offer a change of pace. Like real combat, being stuck on a base could get boring. So, why not offer an expansion pack in the form of bulletin boards at the base which offers trips (maybe a small stage in Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Dubai where players can visit local attractions), training missions (based on their levels) and even a small deployment with a special unit (again based on levels). The DLC/expansions could be free or premium but would allow peoples a break from the grind of being in a warzone.

What do you think? It is full of win OR full of phail? Sound off!

If Tim Tebow were black ...

2012-01-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

This. A friend of mine, who's an older and distinguished white guy, asked me, a veteran video game journalist and fellow believer in Christ, if Tim Tebow were black, would he be getting all of the press he's getting, all of the white, Southern Baptist soccer moms screaming for him to marry their daughter and the like? Not calling out Tebow - I think he's a class act, but I wonder - if he was black - or Hispanic - or Asian - would America and the media even care?

Vote 'YES' to see my updated gaming setup

2012-01-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's your boy, Ski11z, on vacation and loving the rest I am getting. However, I am thinking about adding a few videos, including an updated video with my gaming setup. I didn't think it would be well-received so I wanted to gauge fan interest in it. If you want to see me post a video TONIGHT of my updated gaming setup, please respond with YES. If I get 50 Yes comments, I'll post the video. Also - is anyone interested in a gamer night? I was thinking about doing a gamer night this Saturday even with either Battlefield 3 or MW3 on Xbox LIVE. Thanks for watching and tuning in to your boy, M4d Ski11z!

The Gospel of Gaming - with M4d Ski11z - Daily Vlog

2012-01-05T11:55:00.001-08:00

Hello and welcome to my new feature, a daily Vlog about the good news of video games. Thanks for watching!

How Ski11z scored a PS3 for $50

2012-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

This. I found a killer deal on a Canon Rebel SLR ($10) and a 120gb PlayStation 3 Slim ($50). Watch the video to find out how he scored the items for that price.

Ski11z's top 11 video games (and devices) of 2011

2011-12-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

A strong finish ...

This year has been a boon for gamers. From the PC-melting Crysis sequel that didn't melt consoles - to the highly anticipated Modern Warfare 3 and Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, there wasn't a shortage of great gaming on consoles and handhelds.

Here are my top 11 picks for 2011 - and my pick for Game of the Year.

11. Sony PlayStation 3D Display. The small size of the device rubbed some folks the wrong way but the incredible price drop - $399 gives any PS3 owner a great entry into the world of 3-D gaming and movies.

10. The Nintendo 3DS. I know. I said it failed in my last post with the price drop. However, it continues to dazzle with 3-D video, Netflix and other non-gaming features but the games-games-games are what makes this one phenomenal device.

9. Forza 4 - Microsoft Xbox 360. This is one of the finest racing games on the planet. From the inclusion of Top Gear tracks and Jeremy Clarkson's commentary to the up-close and personal "Auto Vista" mode - and limited Kinect support - lets anyone who loves cars, young and old, the chance to race on virtual tracks around the world.

8. Crysis 2 - PC, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360. This was one of the best shooters of 2011 - and the one of the most underrated as well (Operation Flash Point: Red River was another great shooter that didn't get the props it deserved). The sequel to the PC-melting game, Crysis, hit consoles and received great reviews.

7. Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars - Nintendo 3DS. This. One of the launch games with the Nintendo 3DS - along with Steel Diver - kept me entertained for hours. Even though I am not a huge fan of turn-based video games, this one was a great ride and looked brilliant in 3-D.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Nintendo Wii. One of the greatest LOZ's of all-time. In this episode, Link must leave his city above the clouds to find his longtime friend, Zelda, in a world of darkness. Great graphics and killer gameplay adds a douse of life into the Wii.

5. Dead Island - PC, Sony PS3, Xbox 360. Take a dose of Left4Dead, a dash of Resident Evil and a hint of Grand Theft Auto's open sandbox for one hella crazy ride. Despite the meh ending, you will have fun bashing zombies, finding bubbly to trade for ice - diamonds.

4. Uncharted 3 - Sony PS3. Play as Nathan Drake as he travels all over the world - London, the Mideast and even a flashback of the young Drake in Colombia - in search of the “Atlantis of the Sands” somewhere in the Mideast. Great story, excellent graphics and it shines in 3-D.

3. Gears of War 3 - Microsoft Xbox 360. The finale is truly legendary. The thrilling adventure, the excellent gameplay and stellar multiplayer - if you are a Gears fan - you already have it. If not and you like shooters, check this game out.

2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3/Battlefield 3 - PC, Sony PS3, Xbox 360. Yes. I did it. I'm that guy. Both games are awesome - have great - but at times flawed multiplayer - and rather short campaigns. And yet ... we still slob on ourselves like a litter of Pavlov's dogs when they are released.

1. Skyrim - PC, Sony PS3, Xbox 360. Being dragon born totally rocks. You can knock people over with your breath (or just eat some limburger cheese to get a similar effect), sprint past obstacles like you are a crackhead AND solve why dragons are suddenly reappearing in the mythical world of Skyrim. You can easily sink over 100 hours in the game without scratching the surface of the main quest. Without a doubt, Skyrim, glitches and all, is a video game that is worth its weight in gold.

Game of the Year? Skyrim

To Kinect or not to Kinect: That's the question ...

2011-12-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

Kinected

I would love to see the video of this ...

It's been a year since TechBlog god Dwight Silverman and I strolled a few blocks from the Chronicle to see Microsoft types give us a preview of the new Kinect device. I knew the device had potential - the Oprah effect (her giving Xbox/Kinect bundles away on her show) would push soccer moms to buy the device for their young ones.

After the demo, I walked away impressed but concerned. If Microsoft puts some weight behind the device, it would change gaming forever. If they orphaned it, it would end up like my HD-DVD attachment (which I paid $199 for from Best Buy) and would go down in the list of flawed MS devices (Windows ME, the Microsoft Kin are a few).

A year later, I am happy to report the Kinect is doing better than expected, propelling sales of the 360 to unbelievable levels. Microsoft is making sure popular release support the device - a big plus - and even have special modes for the Kinect (Forza 4 has a special Kinect mode).
The Wii has suffered most from the Kinect's success. The once-dominating Nintendo console that was once impossible to find at retail can be had for $99 at a handful of places. The Sony PlayStation Move, which actually offers better tracking than the Kinect and even offers support for more mainstream/hardcore games (Resistance 3, KillZone 3 and SOCOM 4) than the Kinect, isn't burning up the sales charts like the Kinect is.

It sounds all good for the company that could out of Redmond, Washington, right? Not quite. As cool as the device is, it's not perfect.

Despite being a popular - and often cheaper alternative - to the Wii or the PS Move (you have to buy controllers for the Wii and Move), you have to retune the Kinect calibration software ever so often.

There are a lot of great points for the Kinect.

1. The device offers a revolutionary experience. I can't think of another gaming device where I can say "Play" and the console does what I asked it to do. That is definitely worth the price of admission. I can swipe menus with my hand from my vintage recliner, I can say "Xbox, play" and start watching movies and videos and even use the Video Kinect program to chat with relatives using Windows Live Messenger and a basic Web cam. Of course, the bad side is you have to pay an additional $60 a year for Xbox LIVE Gold membership to use most of those features (The membership can be had for just $30 if you know where to look).

2. The device puts children in the game. Playing Once upon a monster, Just Dance 3, Disneyland Adventures with children is one awesome experience. The children don't have to hold a wand (like the Move) to play. They just need to use their hands - which are both free to use - and can hop/jump/wiggle and twist. Plus, they can even use their own voice in some of the Kinect games. They can see their avatar, which can be crafted to look similar to them, mimicking their actions on-screen. You can see the joy on their faces when they tell loved ones about their experience with the Kinect.

3. Load of potential. The Kinect isn't that sophisticated. It has a 1.3 megapixel camera, a mic and doesn't work well in low light. However, developers and modders have really showed off what the Kinect is capable of. From flying an unmanned air vehicle - UAV - around a room - to mods where people play Super Mario Brothers with various body motions and gestures - the potential is truly limitless.

The Force is STRONG with this one ...

But ... despite the praise heaped on the device, it's far from perfect.

1. Better tracking, por favor. This is one of the biggest frustrations. The device has a tough time figuring out who's, who's when multiple players are in the game. It can't really distinguish between a foot/elbow/kneecap/fist. It can't tell the difference between a child, a person above 4 feet and below 5 feet, and an NBA center. If you accidentally hold your foot out too long, you could reset the game. Not cool.

2. More games needed to lure hardcore gamers. Where are the Halo, Gears of War and other first-person shooters that made the 360 the console to own if you want to get your killshots on? Aside from Forza 4's fun but limited Kinect mode, where's the onslaught of gaming goodness? Hardcores made the 360 a success. The Kinect is helping but to get more gamers, Microsoft needs to release games for the Kinect that will engage the hardcore gamers. An RPG where I can swing my katana - or nunchucks - or aim my Barrett .50 sniper rifle is essential.

3. Make it wireless. And smaller. The Sony Move offers a much smaller camera - with a built-in mic for a much cheaper price. The Kinect takes up serious real estate. Go smaller when the device makes a profit. Really, it's not hard. The cables can be cumbersome - make it wireless. And seriously consider a camera upgrade. 1.3 megapixels for a camera is a joke today. In 2004, not so much.

Overall, it's been an awesome device to use. I really enjoy it so very much. However, Microsoft needs to work on improving the device. It has so much potential, but to be fully embraced, Microsoft has to lead the way. Give hardcore gamers a reason to get on board the Kinect. Get shooters and RPGs using the Kinect. Don't give me special modes - make Kinect versions of the game.

Got your STARHAWK beta keys RIGHT HERE!

2011-12-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, yes. Got 10 beta keys to give away after 6 p.m. today. The rules are simple. Subscribe to this blog - Duke City Gamerz - OR become a fan on M4d Ski11z fan page on Facebook. That's it. If you do either, you are entered into the drawing. Hurry - these keys are going FAST.

Here's the URL to the Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/therealM4dSki11z or just subscribe to this blog. Thanks for tuning in!

The keys will be HOT and ready to use by midnight, Friday morning (I already have my code and will be playing some "Starhawk" shortly lol).

Hauppauge's HD PVR, Dream Arcades Dream Stick will make gamers HAPPY HAPPY

2011-12-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

It was all a dream ...

Dream Stick arcade stick controller

Made by: Dream Arcades

Price: $99

Available: NOW - for a limited time

For use with: Microsoft Xbox 360, PC (with Xbox 360 wireless adapter)

I don't really get hyped over controller. The themed "MW3" controllers look slick. The "Halo: Reach" controllers rock. However, being a child of the 80s, I was never that excited about finding a controller and saying 'I.Must.Have.This.' That changed with Dream Arcades' Dream Stick arcade controller.

Here's the skinny: Dream Arcades is a company that makes REAL arcade games. They sell prebuilt arcades, they sell arcade kits and now, they make arcade controllers for the Xbox 360.

The first thing you'll notice when you spy the Dream Stick is how sturdy the controller is. From the joystick - which is a professional joystick - to the sturdy plastic buttons - the controller is nothing to play with. It is handmade - complete with a few flaws here and there - but the cheesiness doesn't matter when you pick it up. It runs off 2 AA batteries - the innards are that of a wireless Xbox 360 controller - stitched together with actual arcade controller data cables to make it a pro-style controller. There's isn't a PS3 version of the controller - it doesn't use expendable batteries, though you drill a small hole for the USB charging port. Hmmmmm.

The only real drawback is a set of buttons is missing. On the 360 controller, you have the triggers, left and right, and the shoulder buttons. Not so on the Dream Stick. You will have to go into the menus of video games you are playing and reconfigure the control scheme. That's fine on older games, but if you want to use it on newer games, you may have to choose if you want the triggers or the shoulder buttons enabled.

The controller syncs easily with the 360. There's a black button on the front of the controller that you use to get it talking to your 360.

As far as controls, it's rock solid. Mind you, it's really just a huge housing for a 360 controller, so you know what you are getting.

I used the Dream Stick on the Xbox LIVE menu and a handful of Xbox LIVE games, including AfterBurner: Climax, Mortal Kombat 2, OutRun online, Aegis Wing, Yie Ar Kung Fu and a few others. The only game I had a problem with was Daytona USA because I couldn't change the button layout for acceleration. Meh.

Aside from that minor issue, the controller is awesome. Seriously.

If you want one, you better snag on now because Dream Arcades are NOT making them. You can customize it - change the button colors and trick it out with a headphone jack as well.

If you love arcade games, buy it. If you love fighting games and want a controller that won't wimp out? Buy it.

The verdict? 9.5 (out of 10 stars) The lack of an extra set of buttons is really a drag, but for the rest of what you get - in a slick package, you can't go wrong.

Capture your gaming exploits

Hauppauge HD PVR

Made by: Hauppauge

What does it do? Capture video gameplay via your PC in HD

Price: $199

Available: NOW

So you just took the head off of a camper during an online match in Battlefield 3. Or, you used your hook to attach a runaway fuel canister to an enemy in Just Cause 3. If you were playing OnLive, you can easily capture a few seconds of your own sessions - but on your PS3 or Xbox 360 - or Wii ... what do you do? Easy. You can invest in a tripod, get a Flip camera or a Sony Bloggie camera and record your footage. It's not bad but it looks rather cheesy. What is an awesome gamer, like yourself, owning n00bs to do?

Enters Hauppauge, stage left. Their HD PVR device, which retails for $199, is a gaming journo's or pro gamer's dream. You can use the device to capture gameplay footage in HD - via the component inputs - from any device that has component outputs. Aside from NOT being able to capture 3D content, it can pretty much capture any video signal via your PC and convert it to a digital video.

There are two types of people who will enjoy using the Hauppauge HD PVR. The first type, the gamer, looks to talk smack about what they did online last night. This device will back up their claim.

You can run the video signal through the device - which you have to keep on even if you aren't going to capture video - and use your PC to record any and everything that's on-screen. If you are recording and you get a message that reads 'I love hotwings!' it will appear in the capture video.

You can adjust how you capture the video - from the signal source - it does NTSC, PAL and SECAM - to the audio (2 channel or 5.1) and even adjust the bit rates. If you notice your video feed is choppy, you can adjust the settings on the fly. You can also adjust the lighting, contrast and several other settings on the Arcsoft Showbiz software, that comes bundled with the device. It's basic and outputs your video into M2TS (PS3), MP4 (360) and another format.

The second type of person who would enjoy this device is the archiver. You have tons of videos on VHS - your son's first baby steps, your wedding, Rush week at your college - that you want to get converted into digital form. The Hauppauge HD PVR is your answer. It has a set of composite - red, white (audio) and yellow (video) inputs on the front of the device, and another set on the rear. You go through the same process mentioned above to capture video.

The only drawback for the unit is the price. It's $199 - and doesn't actually have a hard drive or any way to record anything by itself. Plus, you have to have a PC in order for it to work.

The verdict? BUY - 10 (out of 10 stars)

FREE SWAG FRIDAY - GIVEAWAY

2011-12-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

Once again, it's on.

This Friday, M4d Ski11z is giving away some free swag - another set of Kontrol Freeks! I'll pick one name at random to bless that fortunate soul with a set of Kontrol Freeks.

What are Kontrol Freeks? They are a nifty accessory that snaps on top of a controller's analog thumbsticks to give gamers an advantage online or offline.

I gave a set away a few weeks ago. I was able to get another set so you know me.

Here are the rules - comment here with 'Ayo Ski11z, I'm in.' You don't have to subscribe to my blog, but subscribing will get you the latest information on my posts and giveaways.

Any questions? Let's do this thing.

-- Ski11z

FRIDAY GIVEAWAY - 48-hour XBOX LIVE code ...

2011-12-07T12:56:00.001-08:00

FREE GIVEAWAY!

It's your boy, M4d Ski11z, and I am giving away a 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold trial.

I'll pick the winner and e-mail you the code. If I can't get in touch with you within 48 hours, I'll give your code away.

You want it, right? It's a giveaway - and there's just two things to enter to win it.

Reply to this post with the word "Ayo Ski11z, I'm in!" and be one my subscribers on YouTube.

On Friday, I'll select a random person to enjoy the 48-hour trial with Xbox LIVE!

Thanks for tuning in. Make sure you also stay tuned to my YouTube channel for more information, as well as our HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE videos located on YouTube!

Thanks for tuning in!

Sony's PS3 Display offers 3D in a tight space

2011-12-07T12:51:00.001-08:00

There's a lot to love about Sony's latest 3-D offering, the PS3 3D Display. It couples well with Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming console, offers awesome specs - including full HD 1080p and a 240hz refresh rate for smooth motion - and makes a small footprint in your entertainment setup.
Sony designed this 24-inch display with college students and the space-conscious in mind. While it is an LED, not a television or a monitor, it can work as a television (it lacks an HDTV tuner, so it's not classified as a television) or as a computer monitor (though it lacks the standard VGA input).

It's pricey, at $499, but Sony will bundle it with the PS3 for just $599, which is $149 less than if the two items are purchased separately.

The first thing you notice is the glossy display; it works great in a black entertainment setup. The buttons are on the back left and there are three inputs near the controls - two HDMI 1.4 inputs and one component-cable input. There's a small headphone jack output near the inputs, though this is not a device that would fit well in a home theater setup.

Since it's a display, you will have to buy a remote control. I found a universal remote from Dollar Tree that works great with it.

I got a chance to play games and watch content on the display and walked away impressed. For example, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary has excellent depth. I was further impressed by 3D-movies (Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader) and movie trailers on Vudu.

The display comes with one pair of active-shutter 3-D glasses, which state they can work with other active 3-D displays. Additional Sony-branded glasses are available for $69.99 each.

When the glasses are paired with the PS3, there's a wicked feature called Simulview that allows two players on the same system to see individual screens instead of split screens - a PS3-exclusive feature.

The glasses are lightweight and fit with ease. You won't notice them unless you look away and the display disables the 3-D signal. Need to recharge your glasses? Find a USB (cable is included) port and charge. It takes just 30 minutes.

This display is not for everyone; you don't need this type of display for a massive home-theater system. However, if you have a tight space, not much money and want to experience 3-D, this is the way to go.

Verdict: BUY.
Willie Jefferson Jr. reviews video games for the Chronicle and can be reached at willie.jefferson@chron.com.

Shopping for gamers? This guide should help

2011-12-07T12:46:00.001-08:00

This holiday season, shopping for gamers isn't tough. Here are some video games to consider:

1. Skyrim (PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, $59.99 regular edition, $149.99 collector's edition): This is one of the hottest games this season. Why is it hot? You can slay dragons and save humanity, and do it at your own pace.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii, $59.99 standard edition, $99.99 hardened edition): The opening day for this game broke every entertainment record for opening-day sales ($400 million). The game puts you into the boots of soldiers, teaming together to save the world.
3. Uncharted 3 (PS3, $59.99 standard edition, $99.99 collector's edition): This game takes you around the globe, searching for the Atlantis of the Sands.
4. Battlefield 3 (PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, $59.99 standard and limited editions): From the streets of Tehran, Iran, to the deadly skies, players have to stop a madman from blowing up NYC with a nuke.
5. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii, standard edition $49.99, special limited edition, $69.99): Gear up to play as Link and journey below your kingdom to save your future lover, Zelda.
6. Gears of War 3 (Xbox 360, standard edition $59.99, limited edition $79.99, Epic edition $149.99): Possibly the last Gears, this one offers a great story, action and suspense at every turn.
7. Forza 4 (Xbox 360, standard edition $59.99, Limited edition $99.99): From the Top Gear tracks and Jeremy Clarkson's silky voice to the ability to use your Kinect, this racing game is easy enough for anyone to pick up and enjoy and hard enough to force diehard gamers to prove their mettle.
8. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (Xbox 360, $39.99). An HD remake with 3-D support. And it looks awesome.
9. Sony PS3 3-D Display ($499): This is not a video game, but it would please any gamer. The 24-inch display has full HD (1080P), 240hz refresh rate and comes with active-shutter glasses and a game (Motorstorm Apocalypse).

To see more gifts for gamers and techies, go to www.youtube.com/user/madskillzdotcom for the full holiday gift guide videos.

willie.jefferson@chron.com

FREE WEEKLY GIVEAWAY! 48-hour Xbox LIVE passes

2011-11-29T14:57:00.001-08:00

FREE GIVEAWAY!

It's your boy, M4d Ski11z, and I am giving away a 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold trial.

I'll pick the winner and e-mail you the code. If I can't get in touch with you within 48 hours, I'll give your code away.

You want it, right? It's a giveaway - and there's just one way to enter to win it. Reply to this post with the word "Ayo Ski11z, I'm in!" On Friday, I'll select a random person to enjoy the 48-hour trial with Xbox LIVE!

Thanks for tuning in. Make sure you also stay tuned to my YouTube channel - Click here - for more information, as well as our HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE videos located on YouTube!

Thanks for tuning in!

"Saints Row: The Third" is over-the-top fun

2011-11-28T14:58:00.001-08:00

Saints Row: The Third

Easter will never be the same ...

Developed by: Volition
Published by: THQ
Available: NOW
Available on: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, OnLive
Price: $59.99
Rating: M for Mature

It's funny when you look back on the history of Saints Row, it was really a direct rip-off of Grand Theft Auto. If GTA was the sneaky girl next door, who did things to draw attention but still wanted to appear to be respectful, Saints Row thrived on over-the-top, raunchy humor. It is the girl next door who will name guys she's slept with - will flash her tatas just because and when tell you when and where she wants you to lay her down. With this latest installment of Saints Row, she's no longer a parody but a fun game that continues to push the envelope and even take serious aim at the series it was a parody of.

Developed by Volition and published by THQ, Saints Row: The Third opens with the keeping it real gang called Saints from the fictitious burbs of Stilwater now a group of thugged-out celebrities - shooting movies, pimping energy drinks and getting paid to do it. To start things off, you find yourself in a bank shooting a scene. Before you realize it, you are doing more than shooting blanks. You're busting caps in your new town - Steelport - and putting your celeb status on ice to jack a safe - just like you saw in the movie Fast Five.

That's how the game starts off - loud, wrong, over-the-top and brash. The series has always been wild and loud, and this installment is all of that and then some. However, this one ups the features - weapons upgrades, a social network - no, really - and gang takeovers, where you end up owning your oppositions crib to feature extend your reach in Steelport.

The weapons - and the ability to upgrade - makes a world of difference. You can roll to Friendly Fire and if you have the loot, trick out your heat. My favorite weapon, by far, are the knockoff Predator drones. Got a hairy situation that needs some extra muscle? Drop a few well-placed missile to turn your haters into a weiney roast. You got tanks on your six? Use your eyes in the sky to light them up like a cheap pair of pleather pants.

Customizations are truly a work of art. From your face (head over to the plastic surgeon) to vehicles, there's no end to the number of personal touches you can do in this game.

The AI has been tweaked a bit as well. Even on easy, don't expect to just walk over these clowns. From the officers to the National Guard, even the Syndicate lieutenants and underlings, the enemies in The Third aren't pushovers.

Controls are tight - the only real issue I had was controlling cars at high rates of speed. The biggest gripe was skydiving. It was hard to control and fire at enemies. Not quite sure how I feel about the sequence, but when taken in context, the entire game is so unbelievable and I overlooked it.

Online is not really online of sort. You will need an online code (which you have to buy if you purchase the game used) to use the co-op mode. The co-op mode, first introduced in Saints Row 2, let you - or anyone online - assist you in the campaign mode. I didn't get a chance to fully test this out but know from the last offering, if the person you were hooking up with - or the person helping you - had cheats enabled, it would mess up your progress. Still, it's an awesome mode that THQ and other studios they assist are implementing.

There's a cool community feature that allows you to share screenshots, stats and game progress. You can also upload customized characters to share with other users.

There are three main modes - Campaign, Co-op Campaign and Whored Modes. The final one I will discuss is the Whored Mode. This mode, which is a direct rip of the famous COD Zombie modes, sends gang members (who appear to be man whores), zombies, midgets and strippers in waves at you. If you want to grab a dildo, slap a person without worrying about making it on Springer or in the Hairballs section of the Houston Press, unleash your freaky nature right here.

Overall, Saints is truly a fun game to play. What I really enjoyed most was the ability to do some crazy stuff, especially to NPCs who were mouthing off at me. The ability to take an enemy hostage rocks. The ability to throw said hostage off of a skyscraper and listen to them scream for a few floors? Epic.

The verdict: 9 (out of 10 stars) First, this game is not for children or anyone with strong, religious faiths. I can't recommend it for anyone of that nature. If you don't mind sex/college humor/drugs and scantily clad babes jiggling in front of you as you play, this is your game. However, when you have to explain to your wife/mom/others why you are slinging around a dildo with a session tagged 'Sausage Fest,' you need to rethink why you have this game in the first place.

Black Friday, Holiday Gift Guide for Video Games

2011-11-25T08:45:00.001-08:00

Back in black

It's Black Friday. You know why it's called 'Black Friday?' Traditionally, the day after Christmas is the biggest day for retailers all year. In one day, a meh retailer can turn it all around. The consumer is hit with slick deals - the retailers grin on their way to an OWS-hated-on bank.

Now, your video game expert Ski11z has compiled a set of recommendations concerning video games and tech goodies.

PARENTS: If you need Ski11z to help guide you on video games, hit him here.

All things Nintendo

All things Sony

All things Microsoft

The best of the rest - video games/tech

Here are a few other gaming recommendations that I accidentally left out of the videos:

1. Uncharted 3 - the best game on the PS3 to really show off 3-D. Excellent graphics and truly a work of art.

2. Saints Row: The Third - what Grand Theft Auto wants to be. Cool graphics, crazy gameplay and over the top toilet humor. Raunchy and fun.

3. WWE 12 - wrestling at its finest. Nuff said.

4. Calibur 11 cases - from Modern Warfare 3 to colored cases, these cases are slick and definitely attention-grabbing.

5. Test Drive Unlimited 2 - People can say what they want, but driving a car that's expensive as a house around exotic locales never, ever gets old.

6. PilotWings/Nintendogs - these games truly show off how awesome the 3DS really is.

7. Logitech Ultimate Ears - you want a set of earbuds that let you slip into your own personal concert? Check these out.

Ok, gotta go and brave the Black Friday crowds. Be safe and have an awesome weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving! 2011 Video Holiday Gift Guides are LIVE

2011-11-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

This. The 2011 Video Holiday Gift Guides for Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and all things Tech are now LIVE and available to view on YouTube! Here's the link to my channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/madskillzdotcom

Coming soon ...

2011-11-23T11:39:00.001-08:00

Videos, video reviews and commentaries

Starting on Monday, I am publishing every review, every video HERE so you can find all of your news in one, neat little place on the Web. This is THE SPOT to enter for my weekly giveaways and as my number of subscribers climbs, the better the giveaway items become. Comprehende?

Any questions, parents? Just comment below. Don't worry - I'll answer every comment. Or, hit me on YouTube. Thanks for visiting dukecitygamerz.com

"Angry Birds" helps small businesses

2011-11-23T11:08:00.001-08:00

Angry Birds, the cell-phone application that allows users to hurl feisty birds into fortified pigs, is more than a nifty video game. It's now legendary, having been downloaded more than 250 million times. (By comparison, 111 million people watched the Super Bowl this year. And 131 million people voted in the 2008 presidential election.)

From T-shirts and plush dolls to a movie deal, there seems to be nothing Angry Birds can't spin off. And that includes life lessons. A close look at the successes and failures of Rovio, the company that created the game, reveals excellent strategies for anyone, in any field - from a child running a lemonade stand to presidential candidates.

No. 1: Keep it simple, stupid. Rovio didn't need to invent the iPhone or design a breakthrough operating system. Its secret is a story that anyone, anywhere can understand: Pigs steal eggs. Birds declare war. Figure out your own story. And stick to it.

No. 2: Look to the past for inspiration. If you are old enough to remember the Commodore Vic-20, you probably remember the game Artillery. Rovio gave that idea a new coat of paint and had an instant hit - one that was also a hit the last time it came out.

No. 3: Don't be greedy. Rovio sells Angry Birds for 99 cents. I can't think of a better bargain. (But I can definitely think of $60 video games that don't keep your attention any longer.) Everyone loves a bargain. And if you're not greedy, it's easier to cash in.

No. 4: Go viral. Word of mouth (word of Internet?) brought Rovio the customers it needed to recoup its costs. Ninety-nine cents isn't much money - until you have millions of people paying 99 cents apiece.

Lastly, No. 5: Never, ever give up. Rovio made 51 games before it struck gold with Angry Birds and was on the verge of bankruptcy when it released that one last app. All success stories start out with tests and trials. Microsoft and Apple didn't dominate at first. Follow your dreams and never, ever give up on them.

Willie Jefferson (M4d Ski11z) covers video games for the Houston Chronicle. His email address is willie.jefferson@chron.com.

"Uncharted 3," "Battlefield 3" dazzle

2011-11-23T11:01:00.001-08:00

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Developed by: Naughty Dog
Published by: Sony Computer Entertainment
Available: NOW
Available on: PS3 exclusive
Rating: T
Price: $59.99 regular edition, $99.99 collector’s edition

There are several ways to describe a Nathan Drake flavored adventure. Comparing him to the old skool Indiana Jones is a safe choice and rather fitting. One thing is for sure – the world’s hidden gems and their protectors need to get insurance from Lloyd’s of London when he appears on the scene. Why? Just like Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel - when they appear, stuff blows up. Literally.

Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, Uncharted 3 follows our antihero, Nathan Drake from a London dive to the mean streets of Colombia to the fabled “Atlantis of the Sands” somewhere in the Mideast. The entire single player really plays out like a movie. If you are not paying close attention, you’ll find yourself enjoying the story and then realize it’s time to play again. Never before has a game been just that visually stunning where you never really know when the cutscene stops and your game picks up. That gets a +1 in my book. That is what all developers should aim for – give players a game where we can’t immediately spot the difference.

This time, you’ll even get a chance to play as a young teen version of Drake, who meets a much younger Sully and Marlowe and ends up running for his life. Cornered, orphan Nate ends up finding a partner – and friend - in Sully.

The story is strong – from the flashback sequences to the intense challenge of escaping a sinking cruise ship. You won’t have to wonder if Nate will catch a break. Nope. In one hour, I faced – a burning building, getting shot at constantly, escaping said building as it literally crumbled around me – to escaping these flesh-eating spiders. Did I mention the guys constantly shooting at moi?

The visuals are simply stunning. A few times, I panned Nathan to see the beauty in Yemen, the amazing environs of the Atlantis of the Sands or even admire the crumbling beauty in a French chateau. Even the rooftop chase in Colombia was sick. The animations aren’t flawless, but visually, you are looking at one of the best looking games this generation. The lighting in the Syrian stage in the early morning was painfully detailed and impressive. Give Naughty Dog another bone for awesome eye candy.

The sounds and dialogue are good, just not great. Nathan is a man of many words, including some funny cliches. Sully’s old skool wisdom is great and never really boring. The enemies can be redundant, but they are dumb blokes, right? Their vocabulary isn’t huge, right? The score is impressive. Each track plays out the same – stirring and story driven. Again, give Naughty Dog another bone.

Controls are good though you have to realize this game has hella puzzles to figure out to advance. If you aren’t skilled at cryptology, you may have to refer to the Hints given throughout the game.

Multiplayer is good but I wasn’t really impressed. You can also play special co-op only missions that seem to take place during the main mission, in the background. The co-op missions score based on kills and how awesome they are. Up to four can team to take on Drake’s enemies and rivals.

As far as online goes, there’s Team Deathmatch, Free-for-All, Hardcore, Plunder and a few other modes, including the co-op modes. It’s not hard to find an online match. Multiplayer also features a channel of sorts where you can watch and share your recorded multiplayer games. It’s called Cinema. Really cool feature if you are great online. If you fail at multiplayer, skip it.

You can also use your loot you get online to buy multiplayer skins – Drake in a suit, Sully, even the young Drake and Scuba Drake. However, even if you have the cash, you still have to reach certain levels to unlock skins to buy.

With all of this online fun, here’s the bad news – Sony has made the online modes a premium feature for anyone buying this game – and recent games like Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One. If you buy the game new, you can use a single-use code to enable online play. You also score a beta invite to Starhawk in early 2012. However, if you want to be thrifty and get the game used, be prepared to pay $10 on PSN to use the game online. Trust – an op-ed blogpost about this is incoming.

Overall, even without the online pass, Drake’s far-reaching, almost swashbuckling adventure is mighty strong without online.

The verdict? 9.75 (out of 10) It was hard to NOT give U3 a perfect score. The visuals? Stunning. The audio? Awesome. The gameplay and plot? Epic. And yet, I gave it a 9.75. For just one reason – the challenging puzzles. No, I didn’t experience a glitch once. No, I didn’t experience lag online. But what I did experience was mild frustration at a few of the puzzles. To call them challenging is an understatement. From moving blocks around a wall, to placing a map to match a room, it was fun at first but got old AND frustrating very fast. As much as I wanted to move to the next scene, the puzzles slowed my roll. I’m not a casual gamer – I’m a vet – and if I got frustrated, no matter how cool the adventure, you don’t want your audience to walk away due to the challenges. Offer them an easy out after two failed attempts, not 10 or 12.
That’s my only gripe. Overall, it’s an awesome tale of a man who is a walking disaster to anyone close enough.

Battlefield 3

Developed by: DICE
Published by: EA
Available: NOW
Available on: PS3, PC, Xbox 360
Price: $59.99 for regular and limited editions
Rating: M

There’s a term to describe the relentless action in Battlefield 3 – full spectrum. From tank battles to getting shot off of an aircraft – all rolled up into one pretty package, there’s something in this game for every military tactical shooter. But is all of that enough to dethrone the King of the Hill of first-person shooters, the Call of Duty series? Keep reading.

Developed by DICE and published by EA, Battlefield 3 puts players in the role of a Marine Staff Sergeant Henry "Black" Blackburn, jumping on a speeding subway and blasting baddies until he is staring down the barrel of an assault rifle. The game comes on two discs – the first disc is multiplayer, the second one is the single-player campaign. The story is one that’s built purely around flashbacks. The flashbacks include people you have history with – from a tank gunner, to a RIO – on an F/A-18 Hornet – to a Soviet special forces soldier – you don’t have to worry about getting bored with the lack of innovation. DICE was very ambitious with making this shooter as far-reaching as possible.

The plot is all over the place. I was able to follow most of it and actually enjoyed it. I really liked being a grunt in Tehran, Iran and fighting for my life. I enjoyed riding along for a dogfight. I loved doing a HALO jump out of a Russian cargo plane. But then, things were introduced without any real reason why it was occurring to begin with. The chief offender? The earthquake. Why mention it? What did it have to do with the story at all? I won’t mention the biggest stretch – how blackburn knew the RIO, Hawkins. Seriously, what did she have to do with the main story? Yes, the level was cool, but the entire time, I was asking myself ‘Where does she fit into the story?’ Exactly.

The game will cost you about 8, 9 hours. It is fast moving and engaging, but in the end, you’ll feel a big letdown when everything comes together at the end.

Online multiplayer? Stay tuned.

Controls are solid – you don’t have to worry about not being able to negotiate a corner that you are running around or finding cover. The controls, online and offline are superb.

Audio is good – the soldiers are very vocal and sound great. The bullet rounds whizzing past you will make you pause. The rumbling on crumbling buildings in Tehran are eerie. The intense breathing during the dogfights are impressive.

Gameplay is very good. You can snap between target quickly and controls are responsive to your wishes. It’s easy enough to duck into cover to recover health and get back into the fight.

The graphics? Depends on whom you ask. When you first fire up the game, Xbox 360 version here, you will be greeted with a 167mb install. Finish firing up the game and you will be prompted to install the HD graphics. Do what? You can play the game without the HD graphics, but I wasn’t that brave. The total install for the HD graphics, which requires the first disc – the multiplayer disc – is 1.5gb of space. Really? Yes, the graphics, the lighting, all of that looks great, but is it really worth the 1.5gb of space?

Online multiplayer has not been the most stable guy on the ward. DICE and EA reported online problems. Players reported they were able to get online and other issues. I didn’t suffer these issues, thankfully. I could understand neither DICE nor EA were truly ready for the flood of gamers who put down BLOPS long enough to play BF3.

Online, however, requires – gasp – an online pass to play. If you buy the game new, you get the single-use code, as well as a free M1911 Silenced Colt for use in multiplayer AND an early access to Mass Effect 3. If you buy it used, you’ll have to buy an online pass. EA is smart with this – the first disc is for multiplayer and know most gamers will skip the SP campaign and opt for online.

There are a slew of multiplayer game modes. There's Rush, Squad Deathmatch, Squad Rush and Team Deathmatch makes it return. It was reported MIA after Battlefield 1942 hit years ago. You can bet the DLC will be plentiful, including a free map, weapons and vehicles for those who bought the Limited Edition of the game.

There’s also a free Battleblog feature. According to DICE, players will be able to build a network of friends, communicate with other gamers, and compare their Battlefield stats with friends and foes alike. In the main menu, the Battlefeed is your main window into Battlelog, showing current events around your network in real-time, giving you a live snapshot of what those in your network are doing in the world of Battlefield.

Source

And yet, as slick as this game is, it still tries hard to push Call of Duty aside. It gave an honest try, but I will find out in a matter of hours if it’s really better than MW3.

The verdict? 9 (out of 10) The game was designed primarily for online players, with a good story attached to the single-player campaign. However, the plot holes really hurt its almost perfect score. The online woes have been fixed, but the damage has been done. Even though the game sold over 5M copies, this is all ahead of MW3, which drops Tuesday. We’ll the knife fight up close and personal. Are you ready to rumble?