Snapzu Gaming: June 2016

Thursday, 30 June 2016

Your Favorite Childhood Video Games Are Now Transit Maps

Metroid, Final Fantasy, and Zelda, all mapped out like your neighborhood metro.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/FivesandSevens/your-favorite-childhood-video-games-are-now-transit-maps?source=Snapzu

Microsoft is offering a free Xbox One if you buy a Surface Pro 4

Summer has just begun, but Microsoft is already thinking of back-to-school season, offering students a free Xbox One with the purchase of a Surface Pro 4 in a deal that runs from now until mid-August. The offer is good only through the Microsoft Store. Users must add both a $899 Surface Pro 4 and a $299 Xbox One to their cart; the Xbox One's price will be taken off at checkout.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/66bnats/microsoft-is-offering-a-free-xbox-one-if-you-buy-a-surface-pro-4?source=Snapzu

Xbox One vs. PS4: The post-E3 2016 scorecard

The annual E3 gaming show is the gaming equivalent of the State of the Union address. Each of the companies recap the year that was, and -- more importantly -- offer a look at what's to come. For Nintendo, the show was largely a placeholder -- the company showed off its new Zelda game, but deferred details on its next-gen NX console until later this year (both are coming in 2017). But for Microsoft and Sony, we got a fairly detailed look at how the next year is shaping up for both rival gaming platforms.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/weekendhobo/xbox-one-vs-ps4-the-post-e3-2016-scorecard?source=Snapzu

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Batman: Return to Arkham for PS4 and Xbox One Delayed Indefinitely

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has decided to hold back on the release of Batman: Return to Arkham. The title was announced in mid-May, a remaster of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It was scheduled for release on July 29
Read more: http://snapzu.com/montyHall/batman-return-to-arkham-for-ps4-and-xbox-one-delayed-indefinitely?source=Snapzu

A New Warchief!

<p>With Legion only a couple months away, I wanted to get a WoW community up and running here on Snapzu. To that end, I've been allowed to claim the <a href="/t/WorldOfWarcraft" target="_blank">/t/WorldOfWarcraft</a> tribe, and I'm starting renovations. My goal for this community is to have a place for players of all skill levels, and play styles, to come and share tips, strategies, and just hang out. </p> <p>The standard Snapzu rules apply.</p>
Read more: http://snapzu.com/t/worldofwarcraft/tribepost/6222POH/a-new-warchief?source=Snapzu

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

A Virtually Perfect Date

It’s a comic about video game phrases. The Black Forest cake references portal. Panel 1 references Starcraft. Panel 2 references Fallout. Panel 3 references Baldur’s Gate. Panel 4 references Pokemon.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/TheIsm/a-virtually-perfect-date?source=Snapzu

Saturday, 25 June 2016

Grid Worldbuilding: An experiment in building a world like a game

You can learn a lot from video games. Especially the way some RPG games build their open sandbox worlds. This experiment I'm calling grid worldbuilding.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/Zeus/grid-worldbuilding-an-experiment-in-building-a-world-like-a-game?source=Snapzu

Friday, 24 June 2016

The Rise of the Video Game Memoir

For the first time, a generation of writers for whom gaming was part of their everyday lives are now old enough to reflect on that childhood identity.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/gladsdotter/the-rise-of-the-video-game-memoir?source=Snapzu

Thursday, 23 June 2016

UniWar

UniWar is a multi-platform free mobile game (with in-app purchase that don't influence your chances to win) with a multiplayer feature (also free). It's a turn based strategy game, similar to Advanced War (on Game Boy and its successors), Battle for Wesnoth, etc.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/Bastou/uniwar?source=Snapzu

Are You Ready? - Steam Summer Sale 2016

So... are YOU ready?
Read more: http://snapzu.com/drunkenninja/are-you-ready-steam-summer-sale-2016?source=Snapzu

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Hyperkin's Smart Boy brings a functional Game Boy slot to your Android smartphone

A year ago, Hyperkin teased the world with the Smart Boy, an attachment that could transform a smartphone into a functional Game Boy. Now, the Smart Boy is coming to market for Android handsets.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/ZombiePharmer/hyperkins-smart-boy-brings-a-functional-game-boy-slot-to-your-android-smartphone?source=Snapzu

Add-on brings Game Boy cartridges to your Android phone

Hyperkin toyed with gamers last year when it teased a peripheral that would play real Game Boy cartridges on your phone, but it wasn't just kidding around -- it's making good on its word. The company is now taking pre-orders for a Smart Boy Development Kit that lets your Android smartphone play Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. The $60 peripheral isn't meant for everyday use -- Hyperkin is hoping you'll improve the open source code yourself.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/aj0690/add-on-brings-game-boy-cartridges-to-your-android-phone?source=Snapzu

LIMBO free on Steam (keep it forever)

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO. Claim it within 12 hours and you keep it forever, even after the offer expires.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mariogi/limbo-free-on-steam-keep-it-forever?source=Snapzu

Monday, 20 June 2016

My Gaming Shortlist (for the rest of 2016)

It's been a while since a game has gripped me. You know, captivation that keeps you glued to the screen and when you look up, it's 3am? Here's my list of games that I am hoping to try out this year and which look like they may just have that magical...something something. It's a short list I know, but I don't have that much time to play games anymore. I will however, make some time to play these, and hopefully get lost in them.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/Flint/my-gaming-shortlist-for-the-rest-of-2016?source=Snapzu

E3: Could VR bring back the games arcade?

Games arcades were at their peak of popularity in the 1970s and 80s - a period which launched infamous titles like Space Invaders and Asteroids. Many of these games soon moved into the home as consoles became cheaper and could easily be linked up to a TV set. The arrival of the home computer further cemented this trend. But could Virtual Reality get gamers back out of their houses and into new-style arcades?
Read more: http://snapzu.com/hedman/e3-could-vr-bring-back-the-games-arcade?source=Snapzu

The Landlord’s Game

From rock-paper-scissors, to tennis, to Mario Kart, every game is a designed system and all games are grounded in the same design principles. One popular game in particular has a mixed reputation with game players and designers alike: Monopoly. Participants circle the board, buy property, build houses, collect money, draw cards and pay money when landing on a space owned by another player. The game can be slow, and its endings can be dark—the game ends when a player goes into total bankruptcy. Yet this was not always the case.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/belangermira/the-landlords-game-99-invisible?source=Snapzu

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Video Game Streamer Twitch Sues Over Bots Artificially Inflating Broadcasters' Popularity

The gamer-watching platform says it needs to protect a "fair playing field."
Read more: http://snapzu.com/wildcard/video-game-streamer-twitch-sues-over-bots-artificially-inflating-broadcasters-popularity?source=Snapzu

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Microsoft will use Steam to sell Windows games, not just its own store

Forza 6 Apex and Killer Instinct have done well on the Store, but Quantum Break did not.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/zobo/microsoft-will-use-steam-to-sell-windows-games-not-just-its-own-store?source=Snapzu

Friday, 17 June 2016

These are the 20 most impressive games we saw at E3

Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, or something completely different, there's definitely a game at this year's E3 that will catch your eye.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/zyery/these-are-the-20-most-impressive-games-we-saw-at-e3?source=Snapzu

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Ubisoft turns 30! Get "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" FREE

To celebrate Ubisoft's 30th anniversary, The Ubisoft Club is offering you seven digital PC games. Every month a new game will be revealed and free to download. Then its yours to keep! Hurry up, the game is available for a limited time. Just register here with your Uplay account.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/TNY/ubisoft-turns-30-get-prince-of-persia-sands-of-time-free?source=Snapzu

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2016

Check out the official game trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild from E3 2016. Step into a world of discovery, exploration and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across fields, through forests and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the ruined kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning open-air adventure.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/drunkenninja/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-official-game-trailer-nintendo-e3-2016?source=Snapzu

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2016

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game - Trailer

Join in The Witcher universe’s favorite card game! In GWENT, you clash with your friends in fast paced duels that combine bluffing, on-the-fly decision making and careful deck construction. Play your cards right and manage a three-row battle formation as you unleash your hand over a best-of-three series of rounds. With heroes, spells and special abilities that dramatically turn the tide of battle, deception and clever tricks will be necessary parts of your arsenal.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/wetwilly87/gwent-the-witcher-card-game-trailer?source=Snapzu

E3 2016: Xbox One Project Scorpio Revealed

After months of rumors, at its E3 2016 press conference Microsoft has officially revealed a more powerful version of the Xbox One, code-named Project Scorpio. The console is due out Holiday 2017. Unlike the just-announced Xbox One S, which can output 4K video but not games, Microsoft says the new Scorpio hardware will sport a better GPU that can handle 4K resolution gaming at 60 Hz. Microsoft also confirmed the console would have six teraflops of computing capability.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/geoleo/e3-2016-xbox-one-project-scorpio-revealed?source=Snapzu

The 5 best game trailers from Microsoft’s E3 2016 press event

Microsoft had so much to cover at this year's keynote that it had announced a whole new console within the first five minutes. By the end, we'd learned of a second, "VR-ready" Xbox coming in fall...
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mariogi/the-5-best-game-trailers-from-microsofts-e3-2016-press-event?source=Snapzu

Battlefield 1 - Official Gameplay Trailer

Watch the official Battlefield 1 gameplay trailer and discover war on an epic scale, with 64-players engaging in some of the largest multiplayer battles in FPS history. Experience the Dawn of All-Out War, Only in Battlefield 1.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mariogi/battlefield-1-official-gameplay-trailer?source=Snapzu

Microsoft’s new Xbox One S revealed in leaked images

In less than 24 hours, Microsoft will host its E3 press conference. The software maker is expected to launch a smaller, slimmer version of the Xbox One, and a fresh leak on the NeoGAF forums today is providing our first look at the new console. Sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans had previously told us that the new Xbox One "Slim" would be 40 percent smaller, and the leaked image appears to show a smaller Xbox One in white.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/TNY/microsofts-new-xbox-one-s-revealed-in-leaked-images?source=Snapzu

What PC gamers can expect at E3 2016

Console gamers will spend the bulk of E3 drooling over new console updates. The PS4K and Xbox One Scorpio, as they’re currently known, are supposedly intended as mid-generation updates with 4K video playback, and improved performance. PC gamers have no such new hardware, or blockbuster announcements to froth over. The new video cards and processors were announced in the months leading up to E3.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/geoleo/what-pc-gamers-can-expect-at-e3-2016?source=Snapzu

Ubisoft downgrades

Comparison between E3 demos and retail version of recent Ubisoft games. I encourage you to not only focus on textures or lighting, but also on animation, level design, assets, physics, and sound. Recorded in 1080p at max settings on PC with a controller. Enable annotations if you don't know which footage is E3 or retail.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/rti9/ubisoft-downgrades?source=Snapzu

Oculus Touch will control over 30 games this year

Were you worried that Oculus' Touch controller would arrive without any games that used it? If you ask Oculus, there's no reason to worry. It's promising that over 30 Oculus Rift games will use the VR peripheral in 2016. Some of them are titles you'll know, like Rock Band VR and Serious Sam VR, while others are Touch-ready versions of existing VR experiences like Job Simulator and The Climb. Oculus itself will bundle a sculpting title, Oculus Medium.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/canuck/oculus-touch-will-control-over-30-games-this-year?source=Snapzu

MASS EFFECT™: ANDROMEDA Official EA Play 2016 Video

A whole new galaxy awaits for you to explore. Mass Effect: Andromeda pushes the boundaries of known space into the next generation, delivering distant star systems with remote and hostile planets ripe for discovery. Mass Effect: Andromeda - Coming early 2017 to PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mtnrg/mass-effect-andromeda-official-ea-play-2016-video?source=Snapzu

How big data and poker-playing bots are blurring the line between man and machine

In his new book, The Perfect Bet: How Science and Math Are Taking the Luck Out of Gambling, Adam Kucharski details how trying to understand dice games led one mathematician to develop probability theory, how one of the first wearable computers was designed to covertly predict the fall of a roulette ball, and how poker-playing bots are advancing more quickly than we think. As he shows, science, mathematics, and gambling have long been intertwined, and thanks to advances in big data and machine learning...
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mariogi/how-big-data-and-poker-playing-bots-are-blurring-the-line-between-man-and-machine?source=Snapzu

Spider-Man PS4 E3 2016 Teaser

Marvel and Insomniac Games team up to create a brand-new, authentic Spider-Man story exclusively for PlayStation 4. Take control of an experienced Peter Parker who is more masterful at fighting crime. © 2016 MARVEL © Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC. Developed by Insomniac Games
Read more: http://snapzu.com/mtnrg/spider-man-ps4-e3-2016-teaser?source=Snapzu

PS VR Aim Controller promises 1:1 precision for virtual shooters

The PlayStation VR headset might not be the only new PS4 accessory you're grabbing this fall, as Sony unveiled this add-on for use with the game Farpoint. The PS VR Aim Controller picks up where the PlayStation Move shooting attachment and Sharp Shooter left off a few years ago, promising direct 1:1 tracking -- wherever you point the controller, your in-game gun points the same way. Farpoint is a PS VR exclusive and developer Impulse Gear is already claiming it enables "things in Farpoint that just are not possible in a standard FPS game."
Read more: http://snapzu.com/tukka/ps-vr-aim-controller-promises-11-precision-for-virtual-shooters?source=Snapzu

Worms or bust: The story of Britain’s most tenacious indie games company

By the end of the 1980s, the story of the video game industry had become a Homeric epic. There was the rise and fall of Atari, the American company that defined both the art and commerce of video game development, placing games consoles in millions of homes and striking multi-million dollar deals with Hollywood before a market collapse saw the beleaguered company's games and machines literally buried in sand.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/Chubros/worms-or-bust-the-story-of-britains-most-tenacious-indie-games-company?source=Snapzu

WWE 2K16 Available For Free to Xbox Live Gold Members On Xbox One from June 16 – 19

To celebrate the excitement of E3 and the upcoming WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view on June 19, 2K and Xbox are teaming up to deliver WWE 2K16 for free to Xbox Live Gold members all weekend as part of Xbox Live Gold’s Free Play Days. Starting Thursday, June 16 and running through on 11:59PM PT Sunday, June 19 the free play session allows every Xbox Live Gold Member to experience the hard-hitting excitement of WWE 2K16 with a simple download. And if you’d like to continue the fun after the
Read more: http://snapzu.com/NinjaKlaus/wwe-2k16-available-for-free-to-xbox-live-gold-members-on-xbox-one-from-june-16-19?source=Snapzu

Titanfall 2 release date, single-player mode, footage appear ahead of E3

In a live stream test for Electronics Art’s E3 press event, happening later today, an EA representative accidentally announced details for Titanfall 2. The footage was spotted by popular video game forum NeoGAF. Rehearing the official presentation, the rep enumerated many of Titanfall 2’s new features: six new Titans, each with unique combat skills; more pilot capabilities; more character customization; and more ways to progress through the multiplayer modes. But perhaps the biggest news is the confirmation of an offline single-player campaign, something the original game lacked.
Read more: http://snapzu.com/hxxp/titanfall-2-release-date-single-player-mode-footage-appear-ahead-of-e3?source=Snapzu

NES End Table

This is the process of making my NES end table. I was inspired to make this many years ago after I replicated an NES Controller Coffee Table that G4TV made. I believe this to be an original design and it is available for sale at my etsy store...
Read more: http://snapzu.com/distant/nes-end-table?source=Snapzu

The first 'Star Trek' VR game arrives this fall

If you're a Star Trek fan, the odds are that your dream game (outside of a Holodeck) involves helming a starship as if you were really on the bridge. Well, you're about to get your wish: Ubisoft has teased Star Trek: Bridge Crew, the sci-fi series' first-ever virtual reality game. The title is set in JJ Abrams' Star Trek universe, and has you taking on the captain, engineer, helm or tactical stations of the remarkably Enterprise-like starship Aegis as it resettles what's left of the Vulcan population. Think of it as a very sophisticated VR version of Spaceteam...
Read more: http://snapzu.com/zobo/the-first-star-trek-vr-game-arrives-this-fall?source=Snapzu