Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Is the VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY in a FLAT SPIN?




I’ve seen the writing on the wall for several years. Questionable choices, misguided efforts have put the video game industry into a predicament that could fuel a crash. 

Here’s Part 1 of my video series, “Is the video games industry in a FLAT SPIN.” 

Will post the written blog link shortly.

Please SHARE. Thank you, all!

Thursday, February 22, 2024

REVIEW: Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra controller punches above its weight [HD]



HERE’S the VIDEO REVIEW for the TURTLE BEACH STEALTH ULTRA wireless pro controller.

Look for the full written review soon. Thanks and please SHARE!

Monday, February 19, 2024

5 THINGS to know BEFORE you BUY the Stealth Ultra controller! [HD]



The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless controller is an advanced peripheral that could elevate your game.

Stay tuned. The REVIEW will hit by the end of the week!

Friday, February 9, 2024

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Turtle Beach STEALTH ULTRA controller #UNBOXING [HD]


Here’s a quick look at the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless controller. The controller can be used with Xbox Series consoles and PCs. You can use the controller wirelessly or wired via a USB Type C cable (included).

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE Houston Gamer’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!

 



BY M4D SKI11Z

THE HOUSTON GAMER


WITH JUST A WEEK before Christmas, you did it again. It’s in the final days, and you’re trying your best gifts for gamers.


Have no fear, your friendly, neighborhood video game guru, The Houston Gamer himself, M4D Ski11z, is here to help!


First, let’s talk ages. 


Houston Gamer 2023 gift guide 

Monday, December 18, 2023

Lack of innovation holds “Modern Warfare III” from greatness



Developed by: Sledgehammer Games 

Published by: Activision-Blizzard

Release date: November 10, 2023

Available on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S


By M4d Ski11z

THE HOUSTON GAMER


HAVE YOU EVER had a favorite tee, some favorite pair of shoes, or a dish from your favorite restaurant / diner? You likely have had better meals, possess better quality clothing and footwear, but it’s something about familiarity that clings on to you like an old flame.

That’s what the newest installment of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” offers diehard fans, stans but misfires at multiple points.


Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision-Blizzard, MWIII picks up after the events of “Modern Warfare II.” This offering, however, features a familiar foe that looms large over the seven-hour single-player campaign.



The antagonist, Makarov, or his variant, is back and even nastier than before. He is a heartless villain in the OG “Modern Warfare 2 and 3” in the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft  Xbox 360 days. He’s figured out a way to earn a hotter seat on the throne in the eighth ring of Hades, but he did it.


The campaign features a few flashbacks, which have life-altering, actually prophetic, consequences. 


There are a couple dialogue “choices” that do not change the narrative in the game, they just unlock different dialogue. I would recommend practicing with caution, because “MWIV” may reward gamers for their choices, ala Bioware.



The gameplay features tried and true battle scenes - a gulag, nukes, Mideast backdrops and a “Death from Above” mission. It is a familiar formula that has printed money for Activision-Blizzard. Gamers keep buying the games, so why tweak it? Yet, it was fun in the OG MW back in the days, and was cool in the MWII reboot.


Was the third time the charm? No, it is played out. You know how it works. Machine gun ‘em down, 105mm rounds, tons of crispy body parts and over-the-top explosions.


Innovation is sorely needed in “Call of Duty,” in general. Yes, MWIII is familiar and comfortable. But, just like that favorite tee or your go-to kicks, wear and tear comes for us all. Clothing fades and develops holes and tears. And this is a gripe I have with MWIII.




As far as graphics, it’s the best “Call of Duty,” hands down for now. The character movements, facial expressions, even the weathered textures on gear and environments are impressive. 

The audio is just as engaging, and sounds great on a high-end sound system.


Multiplayer modes are familiar and the DLC, “Warrior Pack”, offers a way for gamers to help the Call of Duty Endowment organization help real-life veterans in the U.S. and the U.K. A few bugs were reported early on, but will likely be ironed out.


The drawbacks are few, but can be a deal-breaker for some players.

First, size matters. No, really. You’re looking at 211gb of space GONE for MWIII. With the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, you have some space left, but mercy on Xbox Series S owners. You’ll need external storage options if you want to download video games.


Second, there were two game-breaking bugs. Both were during the single-player campaign. Granted, it was the day before release and I could not replicate the errors, but they froze the game, like it was Olaf in that chilling Disney movie. Both freezes required game restarts.

Overall, I did like MWIII. The ending assures there will be a fourth installment. Plus, the final cutscene is powerful.


The verdict? 8.5 (Out of 10)


Activision-Blizzard, with backing from Microsoft, has the money to slow down and create an amazing, fresh take for “Call of Duty.” The real-life battlefield is constantly evolving. COD needs to as well. Guiding the cruise missile, piloting explosive drones in the Mideast, even “All Ghillied Up” lite was cool. Maybe a surveillance mission, a “Splinter Cell” level and level that requires disabling NPCs without shooting / killing them could freshen the game. They could also do flashbacks to days before Captain Price, Ghost and Gaz became Task Force 141. 


Wednesday, June 28, 2023

You can win this juicy AMD Whataburger Gaming PC!!


So, this “interesting“ email hit my inbox. At first, I thought it was sus, but it’s right there, on the official Whataburger Web site.

Here are the details, as juicy as their Double Green Chile Burger.


From the official Whataburger site:


“We've teamed up with AMD to bring one lucky fan a custom Whataburger Gaming System. Entering to win is as simple as ordering online. Sweeps ends 7/5/2023.”


Click here for official rules, legal terms no one ever reads and additional details.


Here’s the AMD / Whataburger Gaming PC specs.



M4d SKI11Z’ take: Free is always a good thing. The rig is definitely an acquired taste, loud and I love it! 


The specs are decent and would really turn heads. I thought it was a generator!


SN: The Baby works for WB, so I won’t be competing ðŸ˜‚ 



Plus, it was difficult to find anything online about this giveaway. You have to either have the app or be signed up for their email.

What are your thoughts? You’ll have to make an online order to be eligible, but there’s an alternative way to enter. ðŸ¤·‍♀️


Let me know what you’d do.


https://stories.whataburger.com/whataburger-custom-pc-sweepstakes/?lid=78trin8m7u3d



Tuesday, December 15, 2020

HOUSTON GAMER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020 - GEAR

 









BY W. JEFFERSON

THE HOUSTON GAMER


EDITOR’S NOTE: This gift guide is subject to updates between now and Christmas Eve. Last updated: Dec. 15, 2020 @ 2030.


IF YOU HAVE EVER bought a gift for a gamer, the first question you likely asked: which games do you like? Do you own said game?” This year is extra with the launches of two new video game consoles. Sony released two versions of their PlayStation 5 - the $499 has a disc drive, the $399 version omits the disc drive. Both have the same 800GB SSD. Good luck finding one at your favorite retailer. Please, avoid scalpers and scammers.


Microsoft’s new consoles, the Xbox Series S ($299) and the big dog, Xbox Series X ($499) are also hard to find, but they stay available longer than the PS5. The Series consoles are two different beasts. The Series S has no disc drives and only 512GB SSD. The Series X has a 4K Blu Ray drive and a 1TB SSD.













The biggest draw for the Series consoles are a host of features. The coolest feature is Quick Resume. This feature allows players to toggle between multiple games within seconds, resuming where you left off. The feature is only on the Series consoles for now.


Another feature for this generation is backward compatibility. On the PlayStation 5, gamers can play most PlayStation 4 games. Unfortunately, there is no support for other previous PlayStation generations.


On the Xbox Series consoles, backward compatibility is exhaustive. Microsoft boasts support for Xbox games as far back as the original Xbox. Basically, the Series consoles can THOUSANDS of Xbox video games as soon as you fire it up and download the mandatory update.


Don’t see any launch games you feeling right now? Game Pass subscriptions offer access to over100 games to play. First-party titles are available to play the very same day the game releases. To make things sweeter, Microsoft teamed with EA to let Game Pass subscribers have EA Play for free.














External drive options


With all the games you’ll want to download and play, you’re going to run out of internal SSD space quickly. You can buy your gamer - or yourself - additional storage. Microsoft offers a $219 1TB SSD that offers identical speed as the internal SSD. However, there are cheaper alternatives.
















OWC


OWC has two sweet storage options for gamers. Their new Envoy Pro Elektron SSD line offers speeds just a hair behind MS’s $219 1TB Seagate SSD. The Elektron SSD costs the same as the Seagate, but it works with PCs, Macs AND consoles. It’s also sturdy and small. It uses a USB type C connection.


If you want more space and comparable speed, take a look at OWC’s Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSDs. This SSD requires an enclosure, but with it, you can use the SSD with PCs, Macs and consoles.













UBER APPLIANCE 


EVERY gamer gets hungry and thirsty. Why not give them a mini-fridge? Uber Appliance has the perfect line of mini-fridges. The CHILL XL can store up to 12 cans or6 16oz bottles. Plus, the CHILL XL is portable. It comes with an AC and DC adapters. At $99 and under, the CHILL XL would fit perfectly in college dorm rooms, Man Caves, media rooms.















SideTrak


This year has seen the rise of working from home, by choice or for safety. You may have enough space for a second monitor. But, what if you don’t have space for a second monitor? Have no fear, SideTrak has you covered.


SideTrak has numerous multiple-monitor options. Their SideTrak Slide offers 12” of additional desktop real estate . You can extend or mirror your display. You power the monitor, which attaches to your laptop via removable magnets. 


If you are working from home and need a second monitor, give SideTrak Slide a look. Price: $299.














VIDEO/Photography


FeiyuTech has an affordable DSLR gimbal to stabilize your photo and video needs. The gimbal is very sturdy; it’s rechargeable and is very easy to operate. Plus, FeiyuTech has videos online if you have any questions.


The AK2000G gimbal offers 3-axis stabilization on a budget. The AK2000G gimbal is $229 on Amazon. The gimbal supports Canon, Nikon and other DSLR cameras. 


The AK2000G gimbal uses a QLED touchscreen. It is very responsive and charging is quick. Plus, you can expect long use with great battery life.


If you are looking for professional stabilization for your DSLR, take a look at FeiyuTech AK2000G gimbal.




Sunday, December 13, 2020

HOUSTON GAMER’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020 - Games

 










By W. Jefferson

THE HOUSTON GAMER


EDITOR’S NOTE: This holiday gift guide may be updated throughout the holiday season. Stay tuned!


LAST UPDATED: Dec. 13, 2020 @ 1909


HOLIDAY 2020 WILL BE truly unique. Never in modern history has a microscopic organism changed our lives, our economies, our health. Despite our numerous setbacks in 2020, video games offered us therapy on so many levels. This year, while the globe descended into chaos, panic and anxiety, gamers found welcome distraction.


This holiday, gamers have two cutting edge consoles and stunning games. From the Xbox Series S and X to the PlayStation 5, it’s a win-win for gamers of all ages.


Microsoft has added many features to their Game Pass subscription that makes it very difficult to pass on. It’s a value, even if you are a PC gamer or play on a tablet, on the go.


Game Pass, starting at just $1 for a month to try (normally $9.99) gives gamers access to at least 100 games. To sweeten the deal, MS added EA Play into the mix. EA Play is a service that gives gamers access to many titles from EA’s exhaustive catalog. EA Play also offers 10-hour trials of their recent releases, including “Madden 21,” “UFC” and “FIFA 21.”


Still on the fence? Upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate for $14.99 a month, and PC users can get the benefits of Game Pass on both PC and Xbox consoles. Gamers also get six free games with Games with Gold. The games are yours to keep, as long as you keep your Game Pass subscription active.












Electronic Arts


Good ol’ EA. This holiday season, EA has every type of gamer - hardcore and casual - covered. Want to hit the gridiron without catching Covid? “Madden 21” says “Hello!” Even with a reduced season, “Madden” brings its A-game to current-generation consoles, as well as last-gen. Like football, but not the American version? “FIFA 21” is right there, just for kicks.


Sports is not your cup of tea? Maybe space battles, intergalactic conflicts in galaxies far, far away? You can try “Star Wars Squadrons,” which plops gamers into virtual cockpits of Rebel and Imperial spacecraft. Are close-quarters more your thing? Grab your light saber and slice and dice in “Jedi Fallen Order.” Added bonus: “Fallen Order” is on EA Play, so if you have Game Pass, you can play it as soon as you download it.











Love “Star Wars,” but combat is not your jam? Then, check out “The Sims 4” expansion, “

Journey to Batuu.” 


Players can create their own unique Sims story as a member of the Rebellion, theEmpire or the Sith. 


Star Wars isn’t the only getaway “Sims 4” offers. Console and PC gamers can escape to an exotic getaway in “Island Living.” You can even turn into a mermaid - or merdude. Want a wintery wonderland without a hint of the pandemic? Check out the “Snowy Escape” expansion pack. Hit the virtual slopes, hang out the lodge and snuggle up by the fireplace. Players can attend festivals, buy food at food stands and even hit up the spa.  If you still want more “Sims 4” greatness, a few more expansion packs include:


Cats & Dogs - you care for your four-legged companions. Your animals can get sick and yes, there’s a vet

Eco Lifestyle - you become a productive citizen, and vote for the upkeep in your virtual community

Get famous - get famous in various careers - acting, blogging, blogging and social media influencer - like your boy Houston Gamer!











If you love throwing your virtual whip sideways, taking out stoplight, that’s my real life, then two remastered racers deserve your immediate attention. “Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit” is a reboot of an iconic racer from the PlayStation 2 days. Drive cars more expensive than most nuclear family dwellings as an outlaw or as 5-0, 12 or One-Time (your choice). In “Burnout Paradise,” racers speed around a beautiful tropic locales and smash the mess out of other racers. Both of these gems are playable on on current-gen consoles (Xbox Series and PS5) and available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One.


Other EA recommendations: A Game of Thrones: The Board Game Digital Edition (PC)











Activision


You already know. Grab your hairspray, Bermuda shorts and Panama Jack lotion, lube up and blast back into the 1980s with their best-selling shooter, “Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.” Available for Xbox One and PS4, Activision offers a version for Xbox Series and PS5 version. Need a wee bit more? Grab the Ultimate version which has current AND last-generation versions. The single player campaign features dialogue choices, which impact the overall ending.  Multiplayer is solid, as always. The developers even included an iconic map, Nuketown as a multiplayer map.











If you’re a retro gamer, have no fear. Activision published a reboot - Crash Bandicoot - and a remaster - Tony Hawk. Both games, well three video games would be welcome additions to any gamer’s collection. “Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s about time” is a reboot that bring a fresh coat of paint, as well as a stable, silky smooth presentation and frame rate. “Tony Hawk 1+2” brings the skateboarding legend to modern consoles.










SQUARE ENIX


This year, Square has a few solid games that are worthy of Houston Gamer’s recommendation. The games, “Marvel’s Avengers” and “Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory” are two very different beasts. “Avengers” let’s players toggle between Black Widow, Hulk, Iron Man and a young woman of color!


In “Melody of Memory,” it takes a unique approach. It’s not the JRPG action you’re used to. This game features musical rhythms, similar to “Dance Dance Revolution” games, without the physical exercise. It’s different but enterta












Nacon


Nacon has several offerings for holiday 2020. “Warhammer Chaosbane” is a cool, dungeon crawler that lets players fight through hordes of rats, possessed and undead. You can be a soldier, mage, elf or other classes. This was my first “Warhammer;” I’ll definitely keep an eye on the next installment.


“WRC9” (World Rally Championship 9) puts gamers behind the wheels of legendary rally cars from the past and present. There is a very steep learning curve; you’ll crash, you’ll go sideways, and that’s just on gravel! No worries. There are training modules to help virtual rally drivers compete and make a name for themselves on rally circuits. Great graphics, impressive car sounds and real-life venues.


You want over-the-top racing and tricks with monster trucks? “Monster Truck Championship” fits the bill. You can drive several monster trucks, earning points by jumping, performing tricks and winning races.


Driving a monster truck isn’t as grabbing a controller and racing. There’s a training mode that teaches gamers the basics to operating a monster truck. I’ll give it to Nacon; they make their games simulations but offer training modes.










Studio Wildcard


“ARK: Survival Evolved” is not a recent release, but the new “Explorer’s Edition” brings 4K visuals, improved frame rates and numerous upgrades and fixes. Don’t know what ARK is about? It’s a survival game where you learn how to craft your armor, tame dinosaurs and even ride them. The game offers single-player campaign, as well as multiplayer.


Microids


This year, Microids has so many games, ranging from racing to simulators, even game shows.


If you are familiar with popular television game show, “Who wants to be a millionaire?” Well, Microids has a console game of the same name. Players have a chance to get in the hot seat and climb the ladder until they win a million dollars. Go solo, local multiplayer or go against others in online multiplayer.


Are you a fan of mystery and own a Nintendo Switch? Take a gander at “Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders.” Analyze evidence, search for clues to solve this thrilling mystery.


Microids also has a slew of “My Universe” games for young gamers to adults. The recent release, “School Teacher,” puts gamers into the shoes of a school teachers. You don’t need to wear a mask or socially distance in this simulator. Help your class succeed and create Star students. Perfect for future educators.


On the Nintendo Switch, there are a few more “My Universe” titles, including “Cooking Star Restaurant,” “Fashion Boutique” and “My Baby.” All of the “My Universe” games are rated E, so even the littlest gamers can play.


Other video games:


DOOM Eternal: Deluxe Edition