Zero Tech

Ipod vs. DS vs. PSP?

2009-09-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

I was reading over the Apple Keynote speech today (9/9/09) and among the expected content of the speech came something that kind of caught me off guard.

For the last year, people have been commenting on the iphone and specifically the ipod touch as being a viable gaming platform. I always looked at these comments with not much thought. Apple didn't seem to be pushing the device as a serious mobile gaming platform so much as it was pushing it to be a Media Device that had a ton of apps on it with a higher caliber of graphical performance then the average Media Device. I always viewed gaming on the iphone/ipod touch the same way I viewed gaming on my HTC KAISER or on a flash website: short, quick games that served nothing more then to pass all of 5 minutes. This is why hearing about people talking about the devices as a real viable gaming platform seemed silly to me. These are basically the same games as on my device except with prettier graphics.

Upon reading the keynote speech, I came across the picture posted above; and following that picture were the statements of (paraphrasing here) It's stressful and cumbersome to go to the game store and buy physical copies of games. Also, after the speech, Jobs was asked why the Touch didn't have a camera like the updated Nano. Jobs replied, "because it's a great game machine." From what I've gathered, Apple seems to be pushing the Gaming Platform image of the Touch at full force.

If I were a software developer I could definitely see the appeal to programming a game for the iphone/touch. These are both really accessible devices that use an immensely popular app store. Setting yourself up to program and release games for the devices is much much cheaper compared to the PSP and DS. For the development of casual games, these devices are perfect. But now that Apple is going to start pushing the devices, specifically the Touch as a gaming machine, people are now going to compare the devices to the DS and PSP.

As a hardcore gamer the Touch is still a laughable gaming platform for the needs of said hardcore gaming. Besides the obvious citing of no physical controller, the ecosystem of the device just won't allow games of such caliber of the DS or PSP (or most any gaming system to be made for that matter) because it is so easy to write and publish an application for it. Of the over 20,000 games the Touch has available, the games don't even come close to the quality or level of enjoyment as most of the games on both the DS and PSP. To myself, these games are nothing more then glorified flash games. In it's current form, the Touch cannot match up to the DS and PSP on precision based gaming due to the touch screen only controls. By that I mean you can't even have a simple platformer without some massive gimmick, RTS games need real precision when being played on a competitive scale, FPS games need screen real estate, etc. The Touch just cannot be taken on the same level of gaming as most any other gaming system made in the past 24 years.

And I might as well ask this while it's on my mind, but whats wrong with buying physical copies of game? When did it become a problem to own a cartridge or CD. The way I look at it, buying a physical copy of a game makes the game feel more like I actually own it and thus it makes me want to play the game more. Digital downloads of games give me the same feeling I would have if I were to pirate the game. Because I don't have a physical copy of the game, it's harder for me to give it value. Kinda like paying for the mp3 of a really rare CD or LP.

I for one like owning my games, displaying my games, picking up the limited edition of a game with all the extras, the box art, the manual, it all goes together so nicely and I really hope it doesn't die off.

AAAAAANNNNNDDDDD happy 10th Birthday Dreamcast. You were just a little too ahead of your time for people to understand you.

Videos supplement to my HD LOADER guide

2009-04-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

INSTALLATION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJcTA4QbNT4

COPYING

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhQYOpgCung

More to come.

HOW TO: Play PS2 games from a Hard Drive

2009-04-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

This guide will show you how to set up your PS2 to play games from an IDE hard drive without using any kind of modchip or internal modification.

I plan on making a video that shows how these processes are done. They are not as complex as they may seem.

To do this you will need the following:
An American Fat (not slim) PS2
A PS2 Network Adapter
A PS2 Memory Card
A copy of Resident Evil 2 *Leon disk* (if you are using the system file from my memory card)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING UP YOUR MEMORY CARD:

The way the HDLOADER works requires a modified PS2 System File to be present on the PS2 memory card. I personally have never created the file on my own. Instead I received the file through a friend of mine who programmed the file himself. Eventually I plan to host the file that is currently on my memory card. For now if you need the file, just ask me and I'll copy it to your memory card.

The modified version of System File on the memory card tells the PS2 to boot the HDLOADER program that is stored within the System File whenever a specific PS1 game is inserted into the system.

For the exploit on my memory card, whenever I insert the Leon disk of Resident Evil 2, the system will boot from the HDLOADER program within the system file rather then booting from the game.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING UP YOUR HARD DRIVE:

Here is an old old old list of harddrives that will work with the Network Adaptor and PS2 HD Loading software:
http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/?p=list

I personally haven't run into any problems with any of the hard drives that I have used in the past.

Make sure your Hard drive is an IDE drive. DO NOT USE A SATA DRIVE.

You must first make sure that the hard drive is set as the MASTER drive in the Jumpers setting.

Attach the hard drive to the Network adapter and insert it into the back expansion slot of the PS2.

Make sure to screw the network adaptor in securely.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST TIME BOOT:

With the hard drive connected to the PS2 and the modified System File on the memory card, attach the memory card to the Player 1 memory card port, turn on your PS2 and insert the PS1 game that will trigger the exploit (in my case, Resident Evil 2 Leon disk)

The screen should go black and then it'll start to load the exploit.

You will then arrive at a screen with a giant empty rectangle in the middle and some green/white text at the top.

Press R1 on the controller

A menu will pop up, select "MC0".

You will see a list of directories now.

Select BADATA-SYSTEM/

Next select HDLOADER.ELF

A splash screen should pop up that says PS2 OWNZ on it. This is the splash screen for the HDLOADER program.

If the hard drive that is currently in the system is new or has not been used for this purpose, it will ask to format the drive. Allow the drive to format.

After the drive formats you will see the main menu with no games on it.

There is a tool bar on the right side of the screen that gives you the the following options:
Play (Play the currently selected game)
Install (Install a game from disk)
Remove (Delete a game from the list)
Rename (Rename a game on the list)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDING A GAME

There are two ways to add games to the hard drive: the PS2 way and the Computer way. As a side note: PS1 games cannot be played off the hard drive.

THE PS2 way: (NOTE: Only official PS2 games released in the US can my copied this way. Imports cannot be copied via this method

At the main menu in the HD LOADER program, select INSTALL.

The program will ask you to insert a PS2 game.

After inserting the PS2 game hit Continue.

Give the game a name and hit END.

The PS2 will copy the game to your hard drive.

After copying the game will be available to play via the hard drive.

I will describe the Computer way for adding games in a later or modified post.
Feedback is appreciated on any errors or technicalities. I hope this is helpful.

My Growing Collection of Retro Video Game Systems

2009-04-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start a collection; a collection of Video Game Systems from times gone by. Over the last month I have purchased and Odyssey 2, Atari Video Pinball, Coleco Vision, and An Atari 5200. The Odyssey 2 and Video Pinball was purchased at a garage sSale in Pacifica from a person who knows quite a lot when it comes to retro gaming. I was able to score the connecting cables (which also works with my Atari 2600) and 6 games. Both systems work perfectly well and I will review each system in a later post.

The Coleco Vision and Atari 5200 was just purchased today. I purchased them both from a collector at a Flea Market in San Francisco. He only had the bare consoles, no games or connecting devices/adaptors. Part of me doesn't really mind as of now since I do not have a strong desire to play the systems right this minute, but I'm wondering at this point whether or not the systems actually work. I met the guy who I purchased the Odyssey 2 and Atari Pinball from at the Flea Market. He said he would help me find the connector cables that I need.

Over all my collection of Video Game Systems as of right now includes the following:
Atari 2600 (Unknown working status)
Odyssey 2
Atari Video Pinball
Coleco Vision (Unknown working status)
Atari 5200 (Unknown working status)
Nintendo Entertainment Systme (I have 3 in my possession and only one works...barely)
Sega Genesis (Version 1 and 2)
Sega CD (missing connector cables)
Sega Master System Powerbase for the Genesis
Sega 32x (missing connector cables)
Sega GameGear (does not work anymore, looking to replace)
Nintendo Gameboy Color
Nintendo Gameboy Advanced SP
Nintendo DS (Gen 1)
Super Nintendo
Atari Jaguar
Nintendo 64
Sony Playstation
Sega Dreamcast
Sony Playstation 2

Pretty good collection so far. System side I am currently looking to purchase the following in the next oh lets say 6 months
Turbo Grafx 16
Nintendo DSi
A more stable working NES
Philips CD-I (would be shocked if I could get my hands on one that works)

I don't know. There's some kind of charm that these older systems and games bring that the current generation of gaming just can't provide or replicate, even through emulation. Simply put, nothing beats playing the original game, with the original system, with the original controller.

In Regards to Beat'n Groovy

2008-10-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Konami,

Your recent releases of music games in America (excluding DDR and UBEAT) have been an embarrassment to the music gaming and Bemani community. Please introduce Pop'n Music as Pop'n Music and Beatmania IIDX as Beatmania IIDX and GuitarFreaks/Drummania as GuitrarFreaks/Drummania in America. None of this Beat'n Groovy, Beatmania US mix, or Rock Revolution (I'm aware that Rock Revolution was not developed by Konami, however the fact that Konami is publishing the game is already bad enough since a lot of people can't tell the different between developing and publishing a game).

In fact, don't even localize the games. Just romanize or translate the hiragana and katakana in a home or Arcade game and release it. It'll make the American Bemani fans much more happy with you, and while it won't be a smash hit among the mainstream crowd. People may see it in a more positive light due to the effort you put into those games when compared to their American counterpart.

Sincerely,

A Loyal Bemani Fan of 7 Years and Counting.

P.S. It's Awesome that you are releasing Pop'n Music 17 THE MOVIE. But wheres Pop'n Music Adventure CS?

Dell and Ubuntu: Match made in heaven?

2007-05-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Articles/ArticleID/95942/95942.html?Ad=1

While it doesn't surprise me, I'm surprised to find out that Dell is going to start offering a build of Linux known as Ubuntu in their Desktop and Laptops. The question at hand is, is this a smart move made by Dell? Will the product sell?

Here's my speculation on it:

Of all the linux builds out there, Ubuntu is the best choice. Aside from it being free and well supported, Ubuntu is also very user friendly compared to other builds of Linux. Also, since Linux is free and much less demanding in terms of hardware requirements. Combine that with open office and other open source programs that are available for linux, and you have a very cheap computer that can do all the basic things that any PC or Mac can do. For beginner developers, this would also be a great setup for them to start learning the basics of Linux.

However, The major problem with Linux is the same with Macs on the surface. That problem being comparability with other programs. Also Linux is a very do-it-yourself OS. I would know, I spent over 2 hours trying to install the graphics drivers in my Linux. (but thats another post)

Personally I think this would be great for mass producing for businesses, schools, and developers. Cheaper then a Mac and less resource intensive then PCs, Linux on the Dell is a great idea on the surface. Hopefully a niche community will buy this help spread the word that Linux isn't all command lines and databaseing. At this point, anything is better then Vista for atleast another year.

Linux part 1: install

2007-05-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

So I log onto google, type in linux white box, and hit search. I find a site that has 4 ISOs for Whitebox. I proceed to download them all (at very nice speeds I may add) After the downloading I burned the iso to 4 different disks. Upon doing that, I promply insert the first disk and restart my computer. The computer loads up and the disk takes over after the BIOS is done loading. It starts asking me the usual questions of this is a licensed product and are you sure you want to install this etc. After words I hit a small wall. I kept thinking to myself, "when is it going to ask about the partitions of the drives that I need to install it on?" In the back of my mind I was scared that I would delete the partition that has all my music and games and work and such on it. I didn't want to lose that for sure. Finally the partition menu showed up not taking any chances I created a new partition with the old partition I made that housed a beta copy of Vista (and by golly was that build glitchy.) It then prompted me on whether I wanted to install a workstation version of the OS or a Server version. I prompted the Workstation version seeing as I didn't think I would be hosting anything anytime soon. After that. the install takes place. It took around 15 minutes to install everything. Then I promptly restarted my computer.

Coming up next: I get lost in linux

Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD

2007-04-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

http://news.com.com/Blu-ray+besting+its+high-def+DVD+rival/2100-1025_3-6178403.html

According to our good friends at CNET, and using some relyable sources. It turns out that Blu-Ray discs are out selling HD DVD at around a 70/30 ratio. My question to the world is why are people choosing Blu-Ray over HD-DVD. HD-DVDs are cheaper to make and produce, they cost less to buy, the players are much cheaper then any blu-ray player, and according to HighDefDigest
They are of either the same quality to the untrained eye, and of slightly better quality to the trained eye.
Blu-Rays are more expensive to produce, more expensive to buy, the players are much more expensive, as well as the other reasons that HighDefDigest

Again, why would people choose HD DVDs over Blu-Rays?

At the core of the technology, blu-rays do have more storage space then HDs, (around 50 gb at max storage) and they have the backing of more major movie labels then that of HDs.

In my personal opinion though, I think the true reason why Blu is beating HD is because of the PS3. The PS3 offers an extremely cheap Blu-Ray player at only $600. With the PS3 selling a lot of units into homes across America, it gave a decisive advantage over HD DVD players which really doesn't have a flagship player like Blu-Rays do with PS3s. For this reason, everyone who owns a PS3 will also own a Blu-Ray player and thus will go out and buy Blu-Ray movies for it so that the player functionality doesn't go to waste.

I personally think that Blu-Rays are a little ahead of it's time. There is no need for a disc that can store data of that quantity at this time. Especially with the cost of just making the discs and players, I wonder why the format was pushed as much as it was. The only real way I can see using that amount of space is for putting full seasons or entire series of TV shows onto one disc. In the gaming sector, the only way a disc would be filled up is if the game was stored completly uncompressed.

HD DVDs seems just right for the time. Having more but not too much more storage space, cheaper and easier to produce, and given the name, seems like a natural successor to the DVD discs. I will say that Blu Rays will eventually hold up better in the long run against HD DVDs. Given their overall higher storage capacity.

Who will rise as the victor? Only consumers will tell. And by consumers I mean the CEOs of Sony and Microsoft.

Joost is kinda cool

2007-04-06T02:41:00.001-07:00

About a month and a half ago my Professor/Advisor introduced the class to a program simply called Joost. It is a media program created by the same persons that created Skype and Kazaa. The core of the program is to watch Television programs on your computer via P2P (peer to peer) sharing. It is completly free as well.

I checked out more info on Joost and signed up for the beta. Today I was able to download and give it a shot. Upon openning the program, it takes you into a full screen UI. This actually suprised and impressed me. The fact that it went into full screen gives it more of a TV feel and the interface is really slick and well made. Upon opening the program you sign in using a user account that you set up once you download the program. Of course you can switch between full screen and windowed mode.

On the left side of the screen you see a button called My Channels. Upon clicking on it you see a list of channels that you can choose from to view programs. These include well known names like MTV and Warner Brothers, to lesser known names in the media like Bite TV and Gamestar.

One thing that struck me was how many programs were available to watch on the beta. over 12 channels each having a good amount of content. The navigation is easy with its simple point-click interface and the quality of the videos is really really nice. Much better then Youtube as a comparison. Another nice feature is that if you shut off the program in the middle of a show and open it up again, you'll start right back where you left off.

Since it's a beta it does have it's fair share of issues. The biggest issue is lag time in the UI. The program is also pretty processor intensive, and it drains your bandwith. You really can't be downloading anything with Joost running otherwise you'll experience lag. I'm hopeful these issues will be fixed in the final version.

Over all it's a promising program. It's got the brains of the Kazaa and Skype empire along with a concept that everyone can enjoy AND a really nice interface to top it all off. Can't wait to try a release.

For more information visit:
http://www.joost.com

Views on Freedom of speech on the internet

2007-03-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my humble opinion on the whole issue regarding freedom of speech on the internet. I'm all for the 1st ammendment. And if I can say what ever I want, then anyone else should be able to as well, regardless of what they say. If someone wants to make a website that promotes hate against jews or blacks then let them. It's the people that look at the site and view the content's decision on whether to follow it or not. If a site seems suspicious and seems to be planning terrorist activity, then it should be MONITORED but not taken down. Monitoring a site is perfectly ok, or even having a mole inside the site acting as a member would be fine, just as long as they give the site a chance. Thats my opinion on the whole issue. Let them do it. If they say anything suspcious then monitor the site. Only when it is proven that they will act should the organization and site be shut down.

Test

2007-02-15T00:31:00.001-08:00

Test blog

Test

2007-02-15T00:31:00.000-08:00

Test blog