martedì 31 maggio 2011

Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer

elephantquest
When someone tells me about a "platformer", my first thought is that it's probably a simple game that mainly revolves around running and jumping around, with a minimal plot. [Play a Zelda game! -Ed]

Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.

Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.

The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.

The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!

Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TAKETWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL SYNTAXBRILLIAN

Jabra Extreme Bluetooth Headset Review

I recently reviewed the Jabra Wave Bluetooth headset, which I totally love.� But before that, Jabra had sent me the Jabra Extreme by accident.� The Jabra Extreme has great features and works just as well as the Jabra Wave. �Let’s give it a look, too. Inside the package, you?ll find the Extreme headset, 2 Ultimate-fit [...]

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Skype 5.3 for Windows released, improves mobile video call quality

Version 5.3 of Skype for Windows has just been released, with the main emphasis of the new release being improved call quality, and the quality of video received by mobile Skype users. Presumably one party of the video call must be using Skype for Windows 5.3, though.

Beyond improved call quality, not much has changed. You can now see your friends' presence icons when contact cards are collapsed, and the topic editing button is now always visible on the conversation header. For a complete list of changes, hit up the Skype Garage blog.

Download Skype 5.3 for Windows

Skype 5.3 for Windows released, improves mobile video call quality originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent reveals Microsoft's Zune Nano, reminds us of an ambitious past

See that there? That's a hope and a dream, both of which are seemingly situated in a nondescript box six feet beneath the surface of reality. Thanks to a bit of digging by the folks at Techie Buzz, a Microsoft patent was unearthed containing pictures and descriptions of a bantam media player, not unlike the sketches here. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is an iPod nano competitor, and one has to wonder when exactly the plug was pulled from such an initiative. The application itself was originally filed in April of 2009, and was just made public within the USPTO database today -- the last Zune device to be produced was the HD (which landed in the fall of '09), and given Redmond's insistence on making Windows Phone 7 its next Zune, we're guessing this little guy won't ever see the light of day. Maybe in another life, though. For now, feel free to pour one out as you think of what could've been, and give that source link a poke if you're good at holding back tears.

Patent reveals Microsoft's Zune Nano, reminds us of an ambitious past originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink WinRumors, Techie Buzz  |  sourceUSPTO  | Email this | Comments


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Lodsys Raises Middle Finger to Apple and Continues Anti-Dev Lawsuits [Apple]

Patent troll Lodsys tried to shake down small devs, claiming they hadn't licensed in-app purchases. Mama bear Apple came to their defense, saying they'd licensed in-app buys for everyone, so eff off. Now, Lodsys sayeth: Nope! Still suing! More »


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Deal of the Day ? Vizio M320VT 32? 1080p LED-backlit LCD HDTV

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The Obsessive Hunt for Iranian Nukes Comes up Empty [Nukes]

Much of the US government is determined to prove Iran guilty of nuclear weaponry. We've hidden sensors in their cities, watched them from space, and sent spies. And after all that, the New Yorker reports, we can't dig up proof. More »


ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL APPLE COMPUTER APPLIED MATERIALS

Sprint EVO 3D will come with 'The Green Hornet 3D'

Green Hornet 3D on EVO 3D

Worried about having a 3D phone with no 3D content? Not gonna be a problem with the upcoming Sprint HTC EVO 3D. HTC's first 3D-capable phone will come preloaded with "The Green Hornet 3D" on its microSD card, Sprint said today in a news release.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. The EVO 3D will also come with the HTC Watch app, which gives you access to 2D and 3D movies, as well as on-demand television programs. You can buy or rent and download movies, and you can save as many as five on HTC's service for watching on other HTC devices with the HTC Watch app.

And don't worry, you won't be stuck with "The Green Hornet 3D" for long. "Drive Angry" with Nicolas Cage will be among the initial 3D releases for the EVO, Sprint says.

You'll also have access to Blockbuster's On Demand app. Rentals will range from $2.99 to $3.99 each, Sprint says. Purchases will start at $4.99.

Source: Sprint


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ZAGG invisibleSHIELD Back Cover for iPad 2 Mini Review

When I reviewed the iPad 2, I mentioned that I had ordered an invisibleSHIELD from ZAGG to protect the metal back.� I have the Smart Cover to protect the screen, so I ordered only the skin for the back.� You?ll notice I called this a mini review.� Dave Rees did a great review of the [...]

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Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review


The iCade Arcade Cabinet began as an April Fool's joke in 2010, but this golden unicorn of iPad accessories has actually made it to production, showing up at our door last week. iCade creator ThinkGeek partnered with Ion to make this former imaginary gadget a reality, and so far it appears to be a hit, backordered for weeks soon after hitting the online store in April. The $100 cabinet pairs with your iPad or iPad 2 over bluetooth, bringing familiar hardware arcade controls to the Atari's Greatest Hits app, which includes classics like Missile Command (free), and Pong, which you can download from within the free Atari app for $1. The iCade is an awesome addition to your gaming collection, but it won't replace the hours of coin-dropping at your local arcade. Read on to find out why this accessory may become a permanent fixture on our desk.

Gallery: Ion iCade

Continue reading Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review

Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel's convertible Keeley Lake concept laptop shows off Cedar Trail, we go hands-on (update: video)

Just before Intel's keynote at Computex, we decided to stop by at the chip maker's busy booth to see what it has up its sleeves. Luckily, we spotted a couple of Keeley Lake proof-of-concept convertible laptops, which are here to demonstrate what can be achieved using Cedar Trail processors. As you can see, the 12.1-inch screen sits on a swivel hinge, thus allowing users transform this fairly slim laptop into a tablet within seconds. Oh, you can also use the built-in Wireless Display technology to stream some sweet HD action over the air, provided that you have compatible devices. Alas, Intel says there are no commercial plans for this particular device, so hopefully someone will pick up this design.

Update: We now have a quick video of Keeley Lake after the break. Enjoy!

Continue reading Intel's convertible Keeley Lake concept laptop shows off Cedar Trail, we go hands-on (update: video)

Intel's convertible Keeley Lake concept laptop shows off Cedar Trail, we go hands-on (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 00:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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