This weekend, Gear Box Software will be handing out SHiFT codes that can be redeemed for a Golden Key in Borderlands 2 on the Borderlands Facebook and Gearbox Software Twitter!

There will be five sets of codes across 24 hours, specifically:

Friday, November 30 – Post at 6PM CT, Active until 9PM CT (What time is that for me?)
Friday, November 30 – Post at 11PM CT, Active until 2AM CT (What time is that for me?)
Saturday, December 1 – Post at 5AM CT, Active until 8AM CT (What time is that for me?)
Saturday, December 1 – Post at 11AM CT, Active until 2PM CT (What time is that for me?)
Saturday, December 1 – Post at 3PM CT, Active until 6PM CT (What time is that for me?)

Each code will be active for three hours from its initial posting and will be usable once per account.

To learn more about SHiFT codes, Golden Keys and how to redeem them, visitsupport.gearboxsoftware.com

Punch quest has the addictive gameplay of the current “Dash” genre of games (Dash Genre =  Temple Run, Agent Dash etc) but it adds a combat experience as well.  While I never noticed it in the dash games, Punch Quest takes me back to my arcade and early console games where starting a new game was as easy as a rest button or another quarter away.  Thankfully, Punch Quest doesn’t eat quarters the way Karate Champ did for me back in the day.  It’s a great side scroller where you run through a dungeon punching your way through ghouls, ghosts and skeletons while picking up treasure as you go.  I love the fact that there is a health meter instead of a single death/game over like in the dash games I mentioned.

Looking at the metrics, Punch Quest is one of top current game downloads from the appstore.  For a free to play game, it brings tons of great entertainment to your iPad.  Based on the other reviews, I’m not surprised   I am, however, curious about one thing.

If Punch Quest was done with next gen, current, graphics, would it be as popular?  I mentioned, above, that this game took me back to my classic coin-op arcade days and part of it would be the 16 bit ghouls and goblins style art.  While I get it the novelty in so many games being designed as an homage to our roots in the 80′s, does every game have to be this way?  So this is my dilemma.  It’s a great game but I’m curious to see it played with polished, high def graphics.  There is an opportunity to create some great, original, immersive artwork and content here.  Would it be as fun?  The simplicity of the 16 bit art allows me to focus on the gameplay, the strategy and pulling together the huge combos that make it feel so rewarding.

In the 80′s and 90′s 16 bit games were fun and we always marveled at them because they were the best we could get.  Now that so many titles are producing kitchy 8 bit art, I can’t help but feel like there are too many mobile developers not trying hard enough to push the envelope to deliver great titles that will create new memories instead of simply reminding us of how great games used to be.

That said, I totally recommend Punch Quest for your next arcade style fix.

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Apple has decided its time to put the brakes on and slow that sector of the marketplace down for as long as they can.

Unbeknownst to some, the new iPhone 5 Lightning cable , comes with an authentication chip that sits directly in the signal path of the voltage wire.  Your brand new iPhone will not charge unless it pairs with this chip.  Naturally, the authentication algorithm is proprietary to Apple. This tech has led to a significant increase in the production cost of the stock Apple charging cable and, subsequently, a higher retail price for the accessory.

Consumer knowledge of this has led to an increased demand for the authentic Lightning cable and an inventory shortfall. The cable is already out of stock in most retail outlets.

In the near future, its best to resist the urge to buy a cheaper 3rd party charger.  Even if it works now, all it will take is a simple iOS update from Apple to render any current generation accessory useless.  As soon as we are able to source a reliable  3rd party accessory, licensed or otherwise,  we will let you know right here at DDGameWorld.com 

So, don’t take it personally if your iPhone 5 buddies aren’t returning your calls, texts or Game Center requests. It’s more likely their batteries ran low.

Photo Source: Waracle.net

Source: Gamercamp.ca

Miike’s adaptation expands on the game’s story of a young lawyer given just three days to argue and solve the biggest case of his life, while blending the visual style with the director’s own manic sensibilities. The film has been declared by Kotaku as “the best videogame movie ever!” while IGN called it “a pitch-perfect adaptation.” Ace Attorneyhas shown to sold-out crowds at festivals in New York and Montreal and is sure to be similarly successful in Toronto.

Gamercamp is giving Phoenix Wright fans two chances to catch the film: a special Hallowe’en screening on Wednesday October 31st at 7 PM, co-presented by CINSSU at Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue), and a post-Gamercamp screening on Sunday November 4th at 6 PM, co-presented by Toronto After Dark, at the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W.). The film is a separately-ticketed event from Gamercamp, although attendees receive a discount for the Sunday screening.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney was developed and published by CAPCOM. The filmPhoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is distributed by the Nippon Television Network Corporation.

Image copyright: 2012 CAPCOM / “Ace Attorney” FILM PARTNERS

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Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) recently announced the launch of their PS Mobile service.  The launch date will see approx 30 Playstation branded titles, available for Digital Download in a mobile environment.  These titles will be available to Playstation Certified Devices  that include PS Certified Android Mobile Phones, Tablets and, of course, the Playstation Vita and the new Vita 3G.

As we recently announced, SCEC partnered up with Rogers Communications so this service will be available over the Rogers network.

So what does this mean?  If you are an iOS user or have a standard Android phone, not much.  If you do not already own a mobile device with the PS brand on it you will stick to the digital download service you already use.  If you are a mobile game developer however, this does open up some new opportunities to expand your marketshare.

The Playstation Mobile SDK launches in November with a licensing fee of only $99.

Along with SONY’s expansion into the mobile marketplace, a number of hardware developers will be pushing new Playstation Certified, Android devices into the marketplace.  The key players include Fujitsu and Sharp.

“Fujitsu’s ARROWS series smartphones and tablets feature “Usability” realized by human-centric technology, and “High Spec” represented by Japan’s first quad-core CPU adopted model” said Takahiro Matsumura, Senior Vice President, Ubiquitous Business Strategy Unit, Fujitsu Limited. “We are excited to be partnering with Sony Computer Entertainment, and offer PlayStation-like gaming experiences for ARROWS users.”

“We are very pleased to be able to offer exciting PlayStation-like gaming experiences through our products to the customers all around the world” said Itsuki Kouchi, Division Deputy General Manager & Marketing Department General Manager, Global Product Development Center, Communication Systems Group, Sharp Corporation. “Sharp will continue shaping its smartphone development philosophy, “Feel Logic”, and one of its elements, “Feel Creation”

Sony is moving forward and is committed to establishing itself in the mobile games market, its only real competitors being the iOS and Google. While Microsoft is launching tablets this year, there has been no indication of whether or not XBLA will launch a mobile distribution system but I doubt Microsoft will ignore this. As for Nintendo?, they will have to come up with a compelling mobile solution to support the launch of their tablet based “U” system.

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Augmented Reality is definitely a component of next generation mobile game design thinking.  Augmented Reality Studio AR23D from Russia and the Ukraine has released its first game, Bugs Mayhem.  While the gameplay itself is similar to other AR implementations we have seen, what makes this interesting is that this studio set out to establish its AR tech via a number of non-gaming apps before venturing into a game development phase.

Realistic approach and the quality of Augmented Reality will stir your imagination – this game stands out due to a higher level of technology used in it comparing with all other games you have played before.

Boasting a more polished approach to gameplay, this studio may be setting themselves up for success as a 3rd party developer and API developer for other studios looking to add this game element to their established game franchise.

Bugs Mayhem itself  is a pretty simple free game.  It’s not overpolluted with additional game elements and social media plugins.  It fills your space with butterflies and more sinister giant insects and then gives you a great arsenal of the usual FPS weapons to shoot them with.  It’s like a next gen Duck Hunt game.  We will keep an eye on these guys to see what direction they head in next.

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications and Sony Computer Entertainment Canada announced today that Rogers will provide exclusive wireless connectivity for the 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita launching in Canada this fall. With a wireless connection, PS Vita owners will now have the ability to remain connected to their content and gaming community over the Rogers wireless network. 
“PlayStation Vita with a 3G connection will completely transform the way Canadian gamers play on the go, offering new ways to play games and interact with entertainment,” said Stephen Turvey, Vice President and General Manager, SCEC. “With access to the Rogers 3G wireless network, PlayStation Vita owners will be able to stay connected with their friends and experience PS Vita’s rich social gaming features virtually wherever they are.” – SCEC

PS Vita systems with an active Rogers data package will also take advantage of software functionality developed specifically for the 3G-enabled model that allow users to game at the speed of their mobile lifestyle, including turn-based, asynchronous multiplayer gameplay, instantly updated rankings and leaderboards, immediate access to the latest downloadable add-on content, and real-time community news. 

“Canadians want to live connected lives, and we are enabling another world-leading internet experience through working with Sony to deliver the next mobile gaming innovation to Canadians,” said Mansell Nelson, Vice-President, Machine to Machine at Rogers. ”By powering wireless connectivity, we will enhance mobile gaming through delivering a convenient and seamless experience to hundreds of thousands of PlayStation Vita users across Canada.” – SCEC

Wireless enablement and a seamless payment interface will be built into the PS Vita system through a specialized SIM card powered by the Rogers Control Centre. 

PS Vita owners will have the ability to activate data packages directly on their device. Rogers will offer two data packages on a month-to-month basis with no long term contract. Two plans will be available at launch including: 

1.        250 MB for $15.00, 30-day data package which starts at the date and time of purchase 
2.        5 GB for $35, 30-day data package which starts at the date and time of purchase 

PS Vita also features a wide range of social networking features developed specifically for the system that provide unique, handheld entertainment experiences: 

• Location-based application “near” will allow users to find out what other PS Vita owners in their vicinity are currently playing and what titles are most popular in the area. “near” also enables location-based gaming features such as “gifting,” in which a user can access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing by checking in at geographic locations. For example, in the popular kart racing series ModNation Racers: Road Trip, PS Vita users will be able to collect rare gift items provided through the game when visiting specific points of interest in 45 major cities around the world. They can then share them with other PS Vita owners through the “near” application.
• “LiveArea™” is an interactive interface for each PS Vita software title in which users can access the latest information for games through PlayStation®Network.
• In addition, a variety of social networking and communications services such as Facebook, Flickr, foursquare, and Twitter will be available on PS Vita.

The PlayStation®Vita 3G/Wi-Fi Launch Bundle includes a download voucher for two great exclusive PS Vita games* – Gravity Rush™ and Unit 13™, and will be available at major electronics retailers in Canada on October 2 for $299.99. Rogers data packages are priced separately and will be available on a month-to-month basis. Users can easily activate a data package directly from their PS Vita system. 
For more information on the 3G-enabled lineup for PlayStation Vita, please visitwww.playstation.ca 

For the complete array of Rogers offerings, visit www.rogers.com/m2m. 

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As a HUGE ghostbusters fan, the 99 cent price tag was hardly a concern.  This app was downloaded even before I checked out the screenshots.  Because it’s ghostbusters, I have no regrets but if it were any other franchise lisence…?

The game brings the traditional iPhone level building game mechanic and marries it with AR gameplay and the GB lisence.  You join the ranks of the Ghostbusters as a new recruit and you track and capture ghosts to rank up and earn cash.  Of course, that cash allows you to buy and upgrade your equipment and arsenal.

Where do you find the ghosts?  In your neighbourhood of course!  One the great features of this title is the integration of Foursquare places.  The augmented reality experience is upped a notch by the fact that the ghost sightings are appearing in familiar locales right around you!

While this is a great innovation, the first implementation may leave foursquare users digging for more.  Not all custom locations appear and, at the moment, there does not seem to be any integration to allow foursquare users to login or gain benefits from their “mayorships” .  We reached out to XMG to see if we can expect this in future builds.  (No response yet but we’ll update this post, in the comments section, when we do.)

As for the actual gameplay, it’s quite fun!  Once you select a call to respond to you, the screen will switch to camera view and you will soon see the ghost floating in your actual environment.  The production quality and the Ar implementation of this game is excellent!.  You will find yourself chasing the ghost with your phone or iPad in a full 360 spectrum.  (Warning: People at Starbucks may stare)  Once you bring the stamina level of your ghost to zero, you can then throw out the trap.  You will need to keep your ghost within the capture field until he is in the trap and, yes, they can escape.  Ultimately, you will place them in the containment unit where you can then view your collection of ghosts.

All said, XMG has done a great job tying together some great innovations with an existing meta game mechanic that is successful within the appstore marketplace.  As a ghostbusters fan, I do find the application of the lisence material lacklustre at best.  Gaining the lisence to the primary theme song is key and the game only has lisence for some of the movie’s score tracks.  Have you ever seen a Star Wars game that does not play the theme!?! Seriously!  The mere thought of  Ghostbusters will put Ray Parker Jr in your head and if you don’t actually hear the song, its a short sell.

Better foursquare integration and more attention to applying the ghosbusters franchise to this game would have resulted in a better score.  3.5/5

Still a must have for a true fan.

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TBL – With the NeXT Cube, the WWW’s First Web Server, live date – August 6, 1991. The computer itself was designed by Steve Jobs, released in 1988.

21 years ago today, Tim Berners-Lee publicly released his WWW project onto the Internet.

“On August 6, 1991, he [TBL] posted a short summary of the World Wide Web project on the alt.hypertext newsgroup. This date also marked the debut of the Web as a publicly available service on the Internet.” – Wikipedia

It was on this date that HTTP, HTML and the concept of URLs were introduced to the internet thus enabling it to become the internet we know and love today.   Sir Timothy Burners-Lee  is generally considered/recognized as the inventor of  the “World Wide Web” which is different than the internet which has existed in different forms since the 60′s.

Additionally, Tim Berners-Lee made available the first Web browser – “prototype (very alpha test) simple line mode browser” – and the first hypertext editor.

The original alt.hypertext posting is still available here ( in Google Groups)

“The WWW project merges the techniques of information retrieval and hypertext to make an easy but powerful global information system.” Tim Burners-Lee

In a world where we celebrate the inventions that change our lives, it is incredible how little we have considered this particular invention that affects us and our world so profoundly. We recognize Henry Ford for the invention of the automobile assembly line much more often than we consider the origins of the modern automobile (Karl Benz – 1886)  We do so because it was the proliferation of the automobile into common society that changed the way we live our lives and shape the world around us.
Sir Tim Burners-Lee did the same for the internet, making it more accessible via a common language and protocol set.  Without the unifying elements of the World Wide Web, the internet today would likely be fragmented, made up of computer firms and ISPs battling it out over proprietary networks and technologies.  Perhaps progress may have been faster in some areas but it is unlikely that the benefits would have been universal in nature.

So, now, the World Wide Web is 21.  Our friend and confidant, the web has been privy and keeper of the ongoing history of man for 21 years.  It is witness to the brightest and darkest of  human nature.  Internationally recognized as an adult, it’s a good thing because I’m sure it needs a good stiff drink!

Sir Tim Berners-Lee live-tweets during the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, with a NeXT Cube by his side – ZDNET

Of course, I was considering all this in the weeks leading up to this post so imagine my delight to see none other than Sir Burners-Lee appear in the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

Cheers!

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