Cool Tidbits From the Kinect Revolution

If you own a Kinect, then you know that it's far  more than just a kid's gaming gimmick.  While most games for it are child-centric, the device offers many functionalities that take it well beyond gaming hardware.  I feel cheated when I can't tell my living room TV to pause a video, or change the channel.  Once you get used to controlling an entire echo system with your voice, it feels as if you are living in the future and it's hard to go back to using your hands.  Here are some really cool Kinect stories I've seen floating around the web that show some of the future possibilities powered by Kinect:

The Holodeck is closer to being a reality than ever imagined.  Engandget has been reporting some really cool holagraphic technologies.  How about controlling your Android smartphone on a projection on the wall?  Or creating full 3D renderings with your Windows Phone?  Or even a complete virtual theme park in Korea?  All these things are real and could be closer to becoming available to the masses than you may think.

Check out programming4fun's cool video:

Or this video posted by DDRBoxman controlling an Android phone via Kinect and a projector:


How about integrating your Windows Phone with playing Kinect games on the 360:


Click the image below for the Engadget article about the Korean Kinect theme park:

This SOPA thing is scary...

I don't know about you, but I find this whole SOPA thing frightening...

As I've tried to browse the internet today, I found many of the sites that I frequent blocked by the US government, and many more blacked out in protest.  I felt as if I was being robbed...how can a source of infinite knowledge and sharing, a wild west with no boundaries, suddenly be silenced in a way that makes it feel so barren and cold?

If this is what big dollars are paying the government to do, then this is not a future I want.  I was already banned in the US and Germany for posting my best friend's bachelor party on Youtube because of the soundtrack.  A soundtrack spliced together of music from a show we paid for and went to.  To think not being able to use anything you didn't create yourself in such a public forum is unfathomable.  Just thought I'd post my opinion on this whole thing.  This is a free country, after all.  The web should be kept free as well.  Coming from a family that fled Cuba from communism, and moving from Venezuela to miss it there myself, a government controlled internet is a future I would like to escape again.

As an artist, I view the internet as a way to get my work out to the masses, and encourage anyone to use any of the work I've crafted.  In the end, "pirates" are just fans and probably line the pockets of the man trying to block them far more than those who don't share their passions online.  The man should begin to consider the "pirate" as free advertising and let those of us who love what we love continue sharing and perhaps creating new fans to line their greedy pockets.

Snake! Snaaaaaake!!!

Hideo Kojima released a very awesome picture of a Snakeskin 3DS that will launch with the Special Edition of the Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D remake for that system when it launches in Japan.  No official word on this until January 20th, and no word whether this will be available in the US for it's Q1 release, but I am already frothing for this one!

The Gaming Journal Has Moved

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know the Gaming Journal can be found here: http://e0dgamingjournal.blogspot.com/

Thanks :)

The Gaming Journal 1/2/2012

Another slow day in gaming today.  Did manage to score most of the achievements on uDraw: Instant Artist, and got to get greedy with Wario on my lunch break.  Here is how it broke down...

Game Played uDraw: Instant Artist=Xbox360: Time logged: Around 2 Hours

Unlocked the following achievements:

• COLOR CRAZY-30GS
• JUST A WARM UP-20GS
• GET INSPIRED!-20GS
• SIT BACK AND RELAX-20GS
• CANVAS COUNTRY-50GS
• ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST-20GS
• LOOK, NO MESS!-10GS
• FANCY PANTS-10GS
• SPLAT SUCCESS-10GS
• STROKE OF LUCK-10GS
• IT'S CUSTOMARY-20GS
• ANIMATED ARTIST-20GS
• MY PERSONAL EFFECTS-10GS
• LOCKDOWN!-10GS
• PLACE YOUR MARK-30GS
• TILTING HERO-30GS
• LOST IN PAINT-20GS
• ART CAMP CRAZY-50GS
• DOTS TERRIFIC!-5GS
• I'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER-5GS
• COLOR FILL CRAZED-5GS
• ARTIST IN TRAINING-10GS
• COLOR CONUNDRUM-50GS
• REMMY'S APPRENTICE-50GS
• INTERMEDIATE ARTIST-30GS
• BEGINNER ARTIST-30GS
• ADVANCED ARTIST-30GS
• GREAT START!-20GS
• PICTURE THIS-50GS
• PERSONAL MASTERPIECE-5GS

Tried for the minigame ones, but found the tilt controls too frustrating, and the alien splat game almost painful.  uDraw is a neat concept, but you have to push down on the stylus too hard to make it fun to draw, and the tilt controls are too awful to have fun playing.  Strangely enough, I enjoyed painting by colors the best and found it slightly relaxing.  Unlocked 30/39 for 680/1000GS bringing my Gamerscore to 104,607.

Game Played Warioland 4=3DS Virtual Console: Time logged about 8 minutes

Got through the intro cinematic and the first level while on my lunch break.  I never beat this on the GBA, so I'm going to try to go all the way this time around.

Game Played Mario Kart 7-3DS: Time logged about 5 minutes

Further customized my Mii and attempted to get three stars on my last 50cc circuit.  Only had time for one race though.  Nothing unlocked today.

Game Played Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword-Wii: Time logged about 40 minutes

Started a couple of side quests, expanded my wallet to now hold 900 Rupees.  I can now carry one more item in my pouch.  Caught a few bugs today and generally ran around delivering Pumpkin Soup and trying to find a missing child.  Still loving the game :)

That was it for 1/2/2012.  I'm off work tomorrow, so hopefully there will be more gaming activity :)

The Gaming Journal 1/1/2012

This new year brings a fresh idea.  Starting today, I will document gaming activity and achievements within games to track progress and maybe lend a hand to those stuck somewhere that I have been able to complete.  So here goes my first journal entry on the first day of 2012:

Game played Mario Kart 7: Time logged 1:11

Today I finished all cups in 50cc with 1st place and unlocked the ability to use my Mii as a racer.

Also unlocked were the following racing mods by coin collecting:

• Cloud 9 Body
• Egg 1 Body
• Slick Wheels
• Mushroom Wheels
• Paraglider

Attempted 150cc races, but only got silver on the Mushroom Cup.  This is going to be a tough go as it seems the computer teams up to crush you at 150cc.

Game Played BlayzBloo-3DS: Time Logged about two minutes

Downloaded it from the eShop for $4.99 and just gave it a whirl for a sec.  Seems fun so far, I'm hoping you can unlock more characters.  The game play is really shallow.  I was hoping for more of a Smash Bros. experience.  I recommend waiting on a price drop on this title.

Slow gaming day as I worked most of it.  I'm about to try the UDraw tablet on the 360 for the first time.  I'm pretty excited about this one :)

Tech Predictions Sure to be Wrong for 2012

Happy 2012 everyone!  I hope 2011 was good to you and the new year brings many amazing things!  With all the news and innovations in 2011, it made me wonder what's to come...I submit to you my list of Seven tech predictions for the last year on earth according to the Mayans.  If we make it as a species, it will be fun to look back on this and see how wrong some of these might be.  Join the time capsule and post your predictions, tech or not, in the comments and let's see if we have Nostradamus in our midst.

1. RIM will stop production of Tablets and Smart phones and become a software only provider and begin to regain profits.
2. Windows Phone will gain HUGE market share with the introduction of Windows 8 tablets, which will raise demand by creating a better environment with PC, XBOX, tablet and phone.
3. Sony and Microsoft will announce a new console, probably at the E3 conference in June.
4. 3D TV's, as they are now, will become passe and will only be invigorated by an affordable glasses-free tech, that's available on a big screen.
5. Nintendo will release six new colors of 3DS systems by year's end to add to the four already available.
6. Shigeru Miyamoto will officially announce retirement, thus crushing many fanboys souls.
7. I will finally catch all 649 Pokemon, just in time for the announcement of a NEW game in the series.

Well, that's it for this installment, I hope to get some good replies!  This will be a fun one to look back on...

A Poketactical RPG This Way Comes

It's been a while since I've posted, but some of the most exciting Pokemon news have come down the pipe.  As much as I love Pokemon as a JRPG and the hook of catching them all...still trying to catch all the older gen Pokemon on Black & White...Nintendo has released some news in Japan that have me frothing with excitement.  In their first partnership, the Pokemon Company and KOEI jumped the gun from their announcement at Jump Festa and burst into the scene with their mega-team-up announcement: Pokemon+Nobunaga's Ambition.  Strange?  Yes...Exciting?  YES!  As a fan of tactical RPGs and Pokemon, this is a match made in heaven.  

Not a lot of details have been announced for this title, but a teaser trailer has been concocted.  How will Pokemon play a role in traditional Japanese folklore?  Will this be the big step into Pokemon growing up?  Will this even release outside of Japan??  Stay tuned and in the meantime froth over this trailer...

HTC Radar Release Date Announced

HTC Radar Windows Phone 7.5

Now that T-Mobile users have the Mango 7.5 update available on their HD7 devices, Windows Phone brings another choice to the plate.  This is the slightly smaller and sexy HTC Radar releasing on November 2nd in the US.  While waiting for developments on the Nokia/Windows front, this appears to be the only new choice to T-Mobile customers wanting to upgrade their Windows Phone experience.  While smaller in stature, this new HTC device provides some key upgrades not found in the HD7 model.  These new features include 4G (HSPA+21) Network speeds, HTC Watch compatibility, WiFi sharing, a front facing camera and of course comes packaged with the 7.5 Update.  While the entire phone itself is smaller than the HD7's screen and it doesn't sport one of the fancy new dual core processors, the sleek white design and these great new core features make it a desirable upgrade for any Windows Phone aficionado.  Stay tuned for a full hands on review shortly after the Radar's November 2nd release.

Nintendo Loves Fanboys

While Nintendo is still celebrating the 25th anniversary of their phenomenal Legend of Zelda series, they want to celebrate their happiness with you.  For a limited time, 9/28/2011 through 2/20/2012, you can experience the multiplayer hit for the Game Boy Advanced, Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures, for FREE!  You heard correctly. Nintendo knows how to show their fans they love them as this is the 12th free game so far available on the 3DS.  The download is simple, head over to your DSi Ware or Nintendo eShop and download the title gratis.  

But, so you won't forget that Nintendo also wants your hard earned cash, they have also added some mouth-watering 3D game play videos for their upcoming first party hits including Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, Paper Mario and Mario Tennis.  All these trailers look incredible and prove that the mustachioed plumber still has plenty of game left in him.  Until then, enjoy your free Zelda and play with your friends on this chapter of one of gaming's most beloved series.

Just in Time for Halloween, A Free Ghost Type Pokemon

Just in time to celebrate Halloween, Pokemon Global Link is making available an exclusive Pokemon for your Pokemon Black/White version.  The trick is that you must purchase the October issue of Nintendo Power to get the code to unlock this Pokemon in game.  Luckily, I happen to have said code right here.  Go to the Pokemon Global Link site and enter the promotions section.  Once inside, select the proper promo and enter the code NPCHARACTER.  You will then play a hide and seek game and unlock this elusive Pokemon.

Once you have it, tuck in a Pokemon and go to the Dream World.  Once inside, you will see Banette on your friend board to bring back into the game once you wake your Pokemon.  

Remember, this is a limited time offer, so get to work and enjoy a spooky holiday with your new ghostly marionette friend Banette!

Who Is The Mysterious Woman Behind the New 52

As I read one amazing story after another and was blown away by incredible artwork, I failed to notice something that almost seemed as if it was looking at me from the pages.  She went mostly unoticed until reading Voodoo, where she makes an obvious appearance.  As I saw her in a darkened alley, covered in a hood and robe, she struck me as odd...and somehow I felt as if I had seen her somewhere before.  Then, panning through the crowd in a bustling saloon in 19th century Gotham City, she peers at you from the crowd in All-Star Western.  This made me go back into all the books, and sure enough like a Where's Waldo puzzle, she makes an appearance in every single one!

This made me go back further and investigate Flashpoint, where she makes a speaking appearance in the last pages of Flashpoint #5 as the Flash tries to right history and go back to his reality.  She speaks to him telepathically and explains that the realities have now been fractured and nothing will be the same.

So, who is this mysterious watcher?  Is she studying this new version of reality to see how it will shape up?  Will she play an active role in events to come?  How does she know of all the fractured realities, and how is she able to transcend time as she goes from Medieval England in Demon Knights to modern day Metropolis in Superman?

Comment below with your theories and let's see if together we can unravel this mystery.  And feel free to flip back through your issues of the New 52 and see if you can find her in all of them!  This is a fun puzzle DC has thrown into this story.

Limited Edition Zorark to Become Available at Toys "R" Us

Step into a Toys "R" Us store between the very limited period of September 18th through the 25th and you will be able to download a special, limited edition level 50 Zorark.  This illusive and powerful Pokemon will come equipped with the special move Snarl* and come inside a rare Cherish Ball to prove your dedication in catching it.  Take your Nintendo DS to your local Toys "R" Us to take advantage of this special deal.  For full details and instructions, check out the official page HERE.

*Snarl: Lowers opponents Special Attack by one level (100% chance of hit).  Can be learned through TM95

Codes For All Pokemon C-Gear Skins

Alright Pokefans, to save you some legwork, here are all the codes for ALL current C-Gear skins available for Pokemon Black and White.  Remember, Earful Audino and Pikachu World Championship 2011 will no longer be available after September 15th, so hop to!

Earful Audino (Ends 9/15/11): YAHOOAUDINO

Minccino: PGLWELCOME

Poison Jab Croagunk: NPCGEAR

Pokemon World Championships 2011 Ends 9/15/11): WORLDSCGEAR

Spring Deerling: JJW2X97D

Zorark: ZORARKMONTH11

Also, if you missed the Pikachu C-Gear Code check it out HERE

Last, but not least, the Munna code:

PGLDR34M

Review of the New 52

Let's face it, the economy is hard nowadays and it's hard to find the cash to purchase 52 new comics when you are unsure of what you'll get.  Here, Multiples 0f Zero will do the legwork for you and read through the entire set of the New 52 and let you know which are the new classics and which are the stinkers, so sit back, relax and enjoy...

We begin with the first title released in the series

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

This is a solid read with some amazing pencils from industry legend Jim Lee and excellend writing from Geoff Johns.  As Batman attempts to fight crime while being pursued by Gotham police, he comes accross the Green Lantern who wants to assemble the team.  Can Batman and Big Blue square off differences to fight together?  PICK IT UP!
ACTION COMICS #1

Beautiful pencils by Rags Morales bring the Man of Steel to life in the first issue of an American classic.  While Grant Morrison's writing seems a bit fragmented at times during the narrative, this re-envisioning of Superman is a breath of fresh air for the series.  With an all-american country boy new look featuring a t-shirt, work boots and blue jeans, Superman fights to bring justice back to the City of the Future.  A solid story line is introduced and you are left waiting for the next issue to arrive.  PICK IT UP!

ANIMAL MAN #1

The art by Travel Foreman seems barren, almost as if all color saturation had been drained, yet is somehow beautiful and a perfect style for the more muted and adult style of Jeff Lemire's storytelling.  The story of Animal Man is one which finds a hero trying to juggle life and duty and much inner turmoil.  One of the darker reads in the set with an ending that leaves you wanting for more as you want to find the secret of the Red.  PICK IT UP!

BATGIRL #1

With solid pencils by Ardian Syaf and a gripping story by Gail Simone, Batgirl is a bit heavier read than expected.  Dealing with getting back into crime fighting three years after the Joker paralized her, Barbara Gordon has to face some inner demons and conquer her fears as she dons the cowl for the first time.  Meanwhile a new menace named mirror brings a bit of a Final Destination vibe to the story as he roams the city killing those who have escaped death and Barbara is on his list.  PICK IT UP!

BATWING #1

A dark and bloody narrative by Judd Winick flows with some incredibly gorgeous artwork by Ben Oliver as Batwing tries to bring law and justice into a war torn Africa and meets a psychopath named Massacre who wants nothing but to kill everyone and falls into a mystery involving Africa's first super heroes.  This is a must read with a cameo from Batman as Batwing begins anew.  PICK IT UP!

DETECTIVE COMICS #1

In it's first ever re-boot, detective comics comes out swinging with two of the greatest icons in the DC universe.  As Batman tries to stop the Joker from another murderous spree, he has to not only deal with his nemesis but also with a police force bent on bringing him down.  But as is par for the course with the Joker, all is not as it seems and a deeper, darker motive lies behind his outlandish actions.  This is a great read from Tony S. Daniel and Ryan Winn.  This one is already hard to find and is sure to be the most collectible in the series.  PICK UP IF YOU CAN FIND IT!!

GREEN ARROW #1

This book by J.T.Krul and Dan Jurgens feels average from begining to end.  Neither the art or the story are very inspiring, but very run of the mill comic book fare.  Not that it's bad, just not great when compared to so many stellar book in this New 52 release.  PICK IT UP/PUT IT DOWN...MEH

HAWK & DOVE #1

A buddy comic with a flimsy plot, it's hard to fall in love with the protagonists of the series, especially when they are penciled by one of comic's greatest jokes, Rob Liefield.  Lackluster execution on character design, backstory and art make this a tough read.  Unless you are trying to collect all 52 number ones, steer clear of this stinker.  PUT IT DOWN!

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1

The world has lost faith in it's governments and security.  In this time of turmoil, the UN decides to bring together a Justice League that will represent world government in defense of the people for some positive PR.  Booster Gold is assigned to a hopscotch team of heroes from around the world and it's impossible to tell if keeping the team together or fighting a terrible threat from underground will be the hardest job.  Luckily Batman makes an appearance to lend a helping hand.  Pretty fun read by Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan.  PICK IT UP IF YOU HAVE EXTRA $$

MEN OF WAR #1

This is the story of regular soldiers stepping into the field of battle in a world in which super humans exist, and a tough mission going south for Corporal Rock and his elite unit when one intervenes with their Black op.  This was a great read, and I would recomend it to anyone with a military background that enjoys comics, although it's a very niche group.  It also features a second short story titled Navy Seals, Human Shields.  PICK UP IF YOU HAVE EXTRA $$$

O.M.A.C. #1

This comic from Dan Didio, Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish looks and feels old school.  With artwork reminiscent of the great Jack Kirby and action much like his old Hulk comics, this issue brings massive destruction and mayhem from a cybernetic juggernaut.  As O.M.A.C. tears through Cromus Industries to unveil a secret which a voice inside his head is driving him toward he levels all obstacles in his path.  What secrets will be revealed?  Only time will tell.  PICK UP IF YOU HAVE EXTRA $$

STATIC SHOCK #1

This is a lighthearted teen hero comic with a feel much like reading an issue of Spider-Man.  The art looks as fun and vibrant as the writing and really makes this a smooth read.  As Static tries to make a new home in the Big Apple, he gets involved with a group of villains that is much more dangerous than he can imagine.  Can his one-liners and self confidence be enough for what is to come?  I can't wait for issue #2.  PICK UP IF YOU HAVE EXTRA $$

STORMWATCH #1

Paul Cornell and Miguel Sepulveda bring this first instalment of Stormwatch, while it seems like a good title, it feels confusing due to the fact that it directly ties into events from Superman #1 which unfortunately will not launch until September 28th.  Until we know what transpires in that issue, it's hard to get into the events unfolding here.  PICK UP LATER

SWAMP THING #1

As live things die and dead things rise, Swamp Thing has a very horror feel to it.  With cameos from Batman and Aquaman and an appearance by Superman, this one has star power.  The world needs Swamp Thing to return and figure out what's causing worldwide catastrophes, but is he ready to make a return?  Great dark art and writing from Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette.  PICK UP IF YOU HAVE EXTRA $$

Stay tuned to Multiples 0f Zero for more reviews as the rest of the New 52 launch

Inserted Evil to Reveal all the lies of Umbrella Corporation

Don't believe the lies!

With the looming release of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, a new website has popped up which offers rewards and clues by joining a new ARG named Inserted Evil.  This game launched on September 1st and is so far on the second clue.  You get started by going to an Umbrella Corporation recruiting site in which they offer job opportunities and find that the site has been hacked by a secret person named L who wants to reveal the truth about this evil company.  Getting friends involved via Facebook and solving the clues not only uncovers secret Umbrella files but also promises real life rewards and some exclusive in-game content.  The challenge is pretty tough so far, and you will have to use some intense deductive skills to solve the first two clues, but is fun and rewarding.  Join the fight to topple Umbrella and help stop their evil.  If you get stuck, Azekual has started a Wiki which is quite useful.

Attack The Block, The Best Movie You Never Heard Of

Some friends coaxed me over today to watch a film that I was not aware existed.  They told me it was from the producers of one of my all time favorites, Shaun of the Dead and featured aliens and Nick Frost.  Upon hearing that, I needed no further coercion.  Little did I know that I was going to be in for such an amazing film.  Attack the Block is the story of a savage alien invasion falling upon a British ghetto and finding their ultimate match in some riotous thug teens.  This movie offers some awesome creature effects, amazing fun and an incredibly funny script.  It had a vastly limited theatrical release in the US which is a real shame.  The inner city versus outer space theme is incredibly well portrayed and the kids are absolutely cool.  Had this film launched nationwide, I have a feeling it may have been a runaway hit.  Find some way to watch it, and enjoy.

Kid Robot Goes Retro With a Sweet Collectible

If you thought Dunnies were cool, then check out how much cooler they are when they come with matching Swatches!  Looks like the 80's retro arm full of Swatches may be coming back with a vengeance!  With price tags between $60 and $70 each, this may be a slow collection to build, but would be an amazing addition for Dunny and Swatch collectors alike.

Click on the image to check out the site

Sony Jumps Into the Tablet Fray

Sony has had some time now to examine the successes and opportunities of other companies jumping into the ring to fight the mighty iPad.  After much strategy, Sony tags in with the gorgeous Sony Tablet S.  This sleek tablet is available for pre-order now at a price of $499 for the 16GB and $599 for the 32GB.  Both models will come in a glossy piano black finish, with a bright 9.4" LED-lit TruBlack screen, an easier to hold ergonomic design, Games for Playstation certification, and Android 3.1 Honeycomb among some other sweet specs.  Check out all the details HERE.

Wacom Announces Their Latest and Greatest

Using my Wacom Bamboo Fun drawing tablet, I have only ever had one complaint.  I have always wished that the use would be more natural as I always felt strange drawing on one surface and looking at another.  Finally, Wacom has answered my prayers with the Inkling.  This amazing device is a pen with which you can draw naturally on paper and transfer the image to your computer, thus creating a natural feeling experience as you put your art to paper.  The Inkling is due to launch in mid September 2011 with a price tag of $199.99.  Looks like I'm getting a new toy this month!  Expect a full review on launch, in the meantime check out this video: