The Ace's Place

New Horizons

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:32:43 PST

Hello folks! I know it has been an extremely long time since I last posted. A lot has happened since then too! First off, I have a full time job, and I attend college full time. Clearly, that is where most of my time has gone. I would really like to keep updating The Ace's Place maybe... bi-weekly. My plans to become a video game designer are taking off steadily, and I have been teaching myself a lot about the industry. Enough about me though!

I would like to take The Ace's Place in a new direction. I will continue doing reviews of products and games, as well as my opinions of upcoming products and games. I will most likely drop what I had originally planned for the Minecraft video blogs, but I will still do something similar (hopefully). The new stuff that I would like to do will include making tutorials for building computers, cable management, and so forth. Also, every week I would like to have a website spotlight, where I will review interesting websites (large and small).

I would like to thank you, my readers, for keeping with me. Expect to hear from me soon!

Crysis 2 Lead-up

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:41:42 PDT

With Crysis 2 releasing on the 22nd, I have to do something to prepare. So, I will be recording some stuff from the first game and the demo for your enjoyment. Basically, I will just be highlighting differences and flaws and shining points. So, starting tomorrow, keep up with my playthroughs!

Cartograph G Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:00:39 PST

Okay, like I promised, I have made a tutorial for Cartograph G since Cartograph isn't working and here it is!

Cartograph No Longer Works - Use Cartograph G Instead

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:46:05 PST

Well, my discovery is that since the Beta 1.3 update in Minecraft, the applet Cartograph can no longer be used. This is presumably due to the changing save system to be more efficient, and since the developer of the applet is no longer active on the forums where he posted it. Alas! There is hope! The community has taken it into their own hands to create something new... something better. Well, I will argue that it isn't better, but Cartograph G does the same thing that Cartograph did. So, I will be posting a tutorial of Cartograph G shortly, but until then, just try to work on it yourself. Here's the download link: http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1022&t=165779.

Crysis 2 Demo Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:35:56 PST

So, I've spent the past few hours trying out the Crysis 2 Multiplayer Demo. There isn't a ton offered in the demo, but I am pretty satisfied with the game. This demo shows how crisp and refined the game is on levels of gameplay and graphics. One of my biggest letdowns is the seeming similarity it has to Modern Warfare 2. Everything in it is quick and frantic, much like Modern Warfare 2. In Crysis 2 however, the Nano-suit offers some new dimensions to the game such as cloaking and shields. I will state right now that Crysis will require far more skill than Modern Warfare 2 or most FPSs for that matter. This skill sadly seems to revolve around one thing: the Nano-suit. Now, this is only the demo and I'm sure that the full game will offer much more in terms of upgrades and such, so I do greatly look forward to this purchase. If you like the quick pace in Modern Warfare 2, you will love how Crysis 2 is executed.

Killzone 3 for $50!

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:23:06 PST

Once again, Newegg decides to blow the minds of people by offering the brand new game Killzone 3 for just $50. Now, Newegg actually does things like this pretty often. Sometimes even before the actual game comes out. So, if you don't have Killzone 3 yet, and are looking to buy it, buy it from the best online retailer ever: http://www.newegg.com/.

Battlefield 3 Gameplay Footage

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:22:40 PST

Despite being secretly recorded with a cell phone or something, this video is somewhat mind blowing. I find it incredible how refined Battlefield 3 is looking already. I mean, every little aspect just seems perfect. Even then, there's still months left in development. All in all, this video will make you want the game much more than you already do.

Omegle

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:47:13 PST

Omegle is a fun website, though mostly full of trolls. It allows you to talk with complete strangers through text or video. It will provide countless hours of useless fun, but hey, you're bored right? If you haven't checked this out yet, please do!

Battlefield 3 Gameplay Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:53:48 PST

Alright, it was just released and it has me more excited than ever for the release of Battlefield 3. Some disappointing things to me are the little things that remind of Call of Duty. The dog, the people walking around... but thats just cinematics. Once it gets to gameplay, I realize that this is far superior. Please watch and enjoy!

The Beginning of the End

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:20:29 PST

Well, I have finally gotten myself a job. Yep, an actual job. Of course, that means many different things. For one, I will actually be getting money. That's something that would've been nice while building my computer, but oh well; better late than never right? But it also means another thing... less time. That's the age old tradeoff of money for time, but in my case I think it will work out quite well. A new term in school is starting, and so are some other things for the blog! Keep reading!

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Mojang's Next Game: Scrolls

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:45:23 PST

Well, as I am a huge fan of Notch and his company, I have been following them somewhat intensely. No, not stalking them, but reading up on daily news and personal things. A very recent discovery brings to light something that we have all known about for some time. The company Mojang, which Notch is a part of, announced that they were working on a new game. Their first "try-hard" game. They kept details about it pretty secret until... well today. They finally let out that the game they are working on is called Scrolls. Beyond that and its website, I don't know a whole lot about it. This is however a brand new dimension for the company and as they have stated, they see it going either way. They have established a massive fanbase already with Minecraft, and they think that Scrolls with deter and attract different people. Really though, my only hope is that Minecraft still remains in focus for a long amount of time. Anyway, I will be following the development of Scrolls pretty closely, but for now, check out the site here: http://www.scrolls.com/.

Games to Look Forward to in March 2011

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:22:23 PST

As the new month approaches (must faster than I expected), there is a whole new line-up for good games. Well, and 3DS stuff, which is looking to go expectantly well. Besides the 3DS, I'm listing some games that I expect will top out the charts this month and why. So these are the games you should look into further.
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XFX 2GB Radeon HD 6950 Review

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:10:29 PST

So, the XFX Radeon HD 6950 is one of the best graphics cards out there. Period. It isn't the best, but the best ones are simply too good to be practical. Well, this one is too, but its much more practical. Anyway, the XFX offering with this graphics card is a double lifetime warranty. When I heard this, my first reaction was: "I don't plan on living more than one life...", but in reality, that means that there is a warranty on it when you sell it to someone else as well, making the all the better. Plus, if you are technically skilled with things like this, a simple BIOS flash, though dangerous, will bump this up to the same specs as the HD 6970. The 6970 IS on the second tier of the February 2011 Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart. So, this card is amazingly good for its price. In my opinion, its the best buy for the ATI side of the chart.

Overall: 48/50
Read more »

New Minecraft Launcher

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:33:10 PST

So, Beta 1.3 came out a few days ago. I feel somewhat stupid for not posting anything about it, but this will have to to. Minecraft.net has been down for most of the day. I figured it was just some maintenance or something. Well, I re-downloaded Minecraft and discovered a new launcher! That's right, a whole new launcher. I may be a little overly excited, but I do think it is pretty cool. It has the latest updates and what they fix/do. And some other basic news. The only real complaint I have is that the actual login part is almost concealed to the bottom. Its not bad though. One of my favorite things is the inclusion of the Minecraft file directory. Click options (next to login) and then click on the directory; you're there! It saves time of searching for it every time. So, thats about all I have to say about that. And for extra effect, heres a screenshot: (Click to make it bigger)

Official Minecraft App for iOS and Android

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:06:39 PST

Mojang (the Minecraft company) has officailly announced that there will be iOS and Android versions of Minecraft due out later this year. This is exciting news for pretty much everybody. We don't have to deal with crappy clones anymore, and instead get the full product! Well, maybe. I expect that this won't be quite as full featured as the actual game will develop into, but it will nonetheless be a great experience. This will be what will spread Minecraft to the ends of the earth! Stay tuned, as I plan to cover this pretty much as soon as I hear about it.

Skyrim Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:53:36 PST

Well, a trailer was released today (or last night?) for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If you haven't already seen it, you need to see it. And I have graciously provided it to you!

Newegg Electronics Trade-In Program

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:30:33 PST

Well, I know I've recommended Newegg before as the greatest online electronics retailer. I'm doing it again. Except this time, there is more of a purpose. Newegg just recently started their electronics trade-in program. The program is powered by Gazelle, probably the most reliable website for actually getting money for gadgets and such. On Newegg however, the program is tailored to offer you the most for your money. Or Newegg gift card that is. When you do it through Newegg, you will end up with slightly more money, but the money will only be useful at Newegg. For computer people like myself, this is an amazing process, and definitely something I will exploit in the (near) future. For others, use this as a learning experience and start selling your stuff to Gazelle. Well, here's the link to the Newegg process, and beware, it is very new, so all the bugs aren't quite worked out. But you know Newegg will cooperative like always. http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/index.html?cm_sp=homepage_topv1-_-Gazelle/122110Brand-_-http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/980x130.jpg

Minecraft Texture Pack Tutorial (Simple & HD)

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:23:17 PST

So, I threw together a quick tutorial on how to patch different graphics packs into Minecraft. Its very simple, but I hope it helps! Enjoy!

Minecraft Documentary

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:27:41 PST

Well, a Minecraft Documentary is in the works... for a short preview of what it will be like, visit here: Minecraft Video Game, Documentary HD | Video Clip | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com.

Really, it's something that really interests me. One, I am looking to become a game programmer. Two, I am a massive fan of not only Minecraft, but Notch. So, check out the video and if you feel inclined, donate!

Minecraft Commercial?

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:55:54 PST

So Notch put out a video on his blog... and the most I could make of it is that it is a really, really weird commercial for Minecraft. At least it is about Minecraft, so I enjoy it nonetheless. Make what you want of it!

Operation Flashpoint: Red River Debut Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:00:00 PST

Another great game coming out this year, in April I believe, Operation Flashpoint: Red River will probably provide the most realistic combat shooter available on consoles. Though the first installment: Dragon Rising received a lot of criticism, both good and bad, I really enjoyed the game. So obviously, I am looking forward to Red River. Set as Marines in Tajikistan fighting the Chinese Red Army, Red River seems more refined than ever. Check out the debut trailer!

Bulletstorm Boom Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:27:26 PST

If you don't already know, I'm really looking forward to Bulletstorm. So, since I'm gonna be pretty busy, all I can post today is their brand new trailer. Hope you enjoy!

How to use Minecraft Cartograph

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:45:17 PST

Here is a quick video I made, basically just testing out my new system. Starting next week, the Minecraft series will be underway, so stay tuned! Anyway, this video will walk you through the installation and use of the Minecraft tool: Cartograph. Enjoy!

Minecraft Proposal!

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:56:47 PST

It was bound to happen eventually, wasn't it? Some hero thought it would be a good idea to propose to his girlfriend in Minecraft. Actually, I gotta give the guy some credit, simply because he had the balls to do it. Though, there is evidence that she too was a player in Minecraft, so I have a feeling that will be a lasting relationship. Remember, the couple that games together, stays together. So here, check out the video of it!

(I am somewhat worried that the first thing heard is a Nether portal...)

Crysis 2: Story Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (addmanrcace) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:13:55 PST

Of course, with my monster gaming computer almost completed I can rightfully look forward to Crysis 2. The first installment was practically a PC benchmarker. If your computer could run it... well, your computer was a god. Anyway, Crysis 2 is also being ported to consoles, and much like Battlefield 3, the PC version should still have the best features and effects. So for everyone looking forward to it, the story trailer was just released. So take a look!