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Modder's DIY project makes the SNES Super Scope work on your flat TV
The heyday of light gun games is long gone, and even though people have tried to recreate it with things like Wiimote grips or PlayStation Move attachments — MAG II made an admirable effort — it’s just not the same.
Food Practice Shooter: TGS 2013's nutritional AR chewing/light-gun game
Attending the Tokyo Game Show is like hunting for treasure without a map. Invariably, somewhere on the show floor is a hidden gem that makes the whole trip really special, and for TGS 2013 that diamond in the rough was Food Practice Shooter. Abbreviated to FPS (get it?), Food Practice Shooter is the brainchild of assistant professor Dr. Takayuki Kosaka of the Kanagawa Institute of Technology. The idea is fairly simple, though its execution is a bit more convoluted: In order to obtain more ammo in-game, the player must eat healthy foods in real life. The system has three high-sensitivity scales that measure the weight of three cups of vegetables. When prompted by the game, the player removes some food from the required cup, which slightly lessens the load on the scale, which in turn communicates to the game which type of food has been taken. Then, a head-mounted sensor measures the movement of your cheek, telling the game whether you've eaten your veggies like a good boy/girl. There's probably a less obtuse way to encourage healthy eating habits in today's youth, but where's the fun in that? Strap this thing to your face and shoot this zombie tomato or no dessert.
CT senator proposes bill to ban minors using fake guns in arcades
Connecticut State Senator Toni Harp proposed a bill in January that would ban anyone younger than 18 from playing "violent point-and-shoot" video games in arcades or other public establishments. The bill defined "violent point-and-shoot" games as any entertainment device that used the "facsimile of a firearm as an essential component of play," which would include games such as House of the Dead, Area 51 and Duck Hunt.The bill also called for research into the effects of violent video games on young minds, through a committee called the Violent Video Game Task Force within the Department of Children and Families. The task force would advise the Governor and General assembly on state programs that "may reduce the effects of violent video games on youth behavior," suggesting before the research was done that violent video games have an effect on children's actions.The bill's Statement of Purpose offered a clear position on violent video games' impact on young minds, again presented before any research began: "To prevent minors from using violent point-and-shoot video games in public arcades and to create a task force to study the effects of violent video games on youth behavior."This bill joined an influx of attention on video games in relation to real-world gun violence, following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Senator Harp's suggestions mimicked and magnified President Obama's proposal to research violent video games and enact other forms of potential gun-violence prevention.[Thanks, Seth.]
NES light gun gets a laser upgrade, fulfils countless childhood dreams (video)
While it's not the DL-44 heavy blaster we've been holding out for, this Nintendo Zapper is almost as cool. Using the classic Duck Hunt light gun from the original NES, the team at North Street Labs created their own laser pistol. Using a 445nm diode, some batteries, wiring and imagination, the light gun was painstakingly put together, complete with physical safety lock and custom aim-assisting heat sink. The end result is a bona fide laser shootin' gun, capable of not only setting alight matches from a distance, but setting the curtains on fire too (probably). See it in action in the video after the break, where it also tops out their laser meter, rating it -- at least -- at an eyeball popping 2W. Then tap up the source to see how -- for educational purposes -- you could make your own.
HandyNES mod shrinks console, makes light gun look like light cannon
Vita schmita. This red mushroom-themed portable NES is the latest gaming tribute from modder LovableChevy, combining the original Entertainment System's innards with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, built-in controls and a rechargeable battery. The tinkerer has taken the time to include an AV out, headphone jack and an extra USB port for either a light gun or a second controller. However, the old tech involved takes its toll: the whole thing weighs in at around one pound (sans game) and offers up only three hours of play from a single charge. Think you can handle this portable heavyweight? Then check out the video after the break.
Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Wii pack rated by ESRB
According to the ESRB, Sega is preparing to rekindle its love affair with light gun game ports for the Wii. Having already released House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return and Ghost Squad on Nintendo's console, it looks like Sega is adding both Gunblade NY and LA Machineguns to the collection of rehashes (in addition to the excellent, original title House of the Dead: Overkill). It appears that both games will be combined in a single package, as the ESRB has rated "Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack" for Wii. If you missed out on either game in the arcades of yore, both involved flying around cityscapes and hosing down enemies with machine gun fire. Of course -- barring the release of a massive Wiimote peripheral -- the Wii version probably won't share the arcade version's fierce force feedback. The revelation of continued light gun game ports also raises a very important question: What's a gamer gotta do to get some Virtua Cop? Make it happen, Sega.
Heavy Fire: 'intense military action' as a WiiWare light gun game
Teyon, whose last WiiWare effort was Hubert the Teddy Bear: Winter Games, has announced a new WiiWare rail shooter that couldn't be more distant in tone -- or in temperature. Heavy Fire: Special Operations is a realistic military rail shooter set in "the terrorized region in the Middle East." It's also another excuse to get out the Wii Zapper. Heavy Fire features ground, Blackhawk, and Humvee-based combat, and weapon upgrades based on real equipment, awarded as players rise in military rank. And not only are the environments destructible, you get "additional points for smashing the environment." All right, maybe it's not that realistic. Teyon has yet to announce a price or date for Heavy Fire. %Gallery-90068%
MoProUSA shows off fully integrated Wiimote pistols, tempts investors (video)
As a Nintendo Wii owner, you've certainly got a smattering of options when it comes time to fire up the light gun, but even Nintendo's Wii Zapper can't hold a candle to this. Moishe Levison of MoProUSA has given us an inside look at what he's been working on for the past few years, and while everything is obviously still in prototype form, we can't help but be impressed. In short, he's looking to create a new range of free gaming pistols, including one that requires no additional Wiimote and Nunchuk to operate. His flagship gun, the Duel Pro, is actually modeled from a replica pistol, and it tucks the guts of a Wii controller and Nunchuk entirely inside of its casing. There's also an analog nub on both sides, enabling gamers to switch from one hand to the other should the action get too intense with the simple press of a toggle switch. Moreover, a color-changing LED is positioned on the rear in order to give instant feedback when an input is recognized, and did we mention that this thing looks stupendously realistic?Another option is the Duel Eagle, which does require a separate Wiimote to be inserted in the top (much like Nyko's Perfect Shot), but places the 'C' and 'Z' buttons within grasping range on the gun's handle. The Duel Agent works similarly, but provides a more compact design for those who like to pack their heat in a more lightweight fashion. In both of these, the motion controls are integrated into the grip. The company actually has no plans to manufacture these on its own, but instead hopes to find an investor or two to buy the utility patent and turn the light gun market upside-down. We asked Moishe if this kind of technology could be applied on weaponry for Sony's PS3 or Microsoft's Xbox 360, and while he did confess that it was feasible, he's keeping his focus firmly fixed on the Wii for now. Feel free to poke around in the prototype gallery below, but don't leave this post without tapping that 'Read More' link and seeing the lineup handled on video. Seriously, you'll score +5 macho points just from watching.%Gallery-86504%
XCM Fire takes the "light" out of light gun, still looks sufficiently violent
XCM's Fire gun controller for the PS3 might look like something you use for aiming at precise segments on your screen that happen to contain the heads, torsos or legs of your enemies; you know, like a light gun. Instead the controller is a motion-sensing affair, with dual analog controls along for the ride -- more of an augmentation of traditional console controls than a replacement. We've seen this fail miserably before (see: SIXAXSIS), but we're willing to give XCM the benefit of the doubt. The Fire controller is supposedly "70 percent done," and there are a couple demo videos after the break. We still want a GameGun.
Fast Draw Showdown shows up on WiiWare Jan. 5
Do you hate mid-90s FMV game actors? Do you love light gun games? You're going to be thrilled about this upcoming WiiWare release from Digital Leisure. This Monday, you'll be able to shoot several of those actors in Fast Draw Showdown on WiiWare. Originally released to arcades in 1994, Fast Draw Showdown is a series of -- what else? -- showdowns against various Old West stereotypes, culminating in a match against real-life quick draw expert Wes Flowers. There's a trailer after the break -- if you pretend to shoot at everyone on the screen, it'll be just like playing the game!
Mad Dog McCree blasts his way to Wii with the Gunslinger Pack
That Gamefly listing for Mad Dog McCree was spot on, apparently, as the title has shipped to retail. Majesco just sent us a press release revealing the company will be bringing a few of Digital Leisure's live-action light-gun classics to a Wii near you, pricing this compilation at a very reasonable $19.99 MSRP. Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack features three classics: Mad Dog McCree; Mad Dog 2: The Lost Gold; and The Last Bounty Hunter.You won't be forced to go it alone in each of these adventures either, as this compilation also adds a bit of multiplayer flair. There will be both Posse and Rebel modes, the former allowing up to four players to work side-by-side for a high score, and the latter allows up to four players to work independently, shooting things to gain the highest score of the bunch.
Dark Ops Wii Light Gun: It's the Wii light gun Jason Statham would use
The Cobalt Flux-developed Dark Ops Wii Light Gun is one of the newest peripherals vying for consumer attention. It's marketed to those of us who want to look Transporter-cool while playing Umbrella Chronicles ... oh, and to those of you who're simply tired of white peripherals.Per the item description, the Dark Ops gun allows for independent use of the Wii nunchuck, gives easy access to the Wiimote's face buttons, and sports a nifty Lock 'N Load feature that totally makes the remote look like a clip. For your gun. A gun clip. Like, totally. All that for only $19.95. We're guessing the light gun's accuracy is significantly increased if its wielder dons a tuxedo, maintains a calm (yet cool!) demeanor, and kills bad guys for a living.[Via GoNintendo]
Man holds woman hostage for 10 hours... with a Sega light gun
We always thought the Sega Master System's stealth-black Light Phaser was cooler than our blaze orange NES Zapper, but we never thought it could actually mistaken for a real weapon -- it's pretty obviously plastic, after all. Yeah, we were wrong: a Brazilian man apparently held a 60-year old woman hostage at, uh, phaserpoint for 10 hours until surrendering to police. Next time? He's taking down a bank with a Super Scope.[Via Kanye West]
Light Gun Zero Plus wireless light gun demo unit spotted at TGS
We spotted this demo light gun on the floor of TGS2008. The cagey booth attendant wouldn't tell us if it will ever hit retail shelves, but the frankensteined (see the external batteries?) device was certainly working with a PS3 and projector here in Tokyo. We're all for some wireless light gun action, so bring it on, Light Gun Zero. That is, if you can. Oh, and if you can get rid of that unusual battery pack. Okay, thanks.%Gallery-34059%
Disaster: Day of Crisis survival guide explains gameplay
As is usually the case with oft-delayed titles, details concerning the mystery-shrouded Disaster: Day of Crisis have been slim indeed. Thankfully, the official Japanese site for the disastrous survival game recently added a few explanations on how you'll be guiding optimistic protagonist Raymond Bryce through his very own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.According to a translation from Siliconera, the combat portion of the title plays like a light gun shooter with a Time Crisis-esque cover system. However, you'll need to bust out your best Smooth Moves to make it through the motion-sensitive survival segments, furiously shaking your Wiimote to outrun a tidal wave, push a bus, perform CPR or place an irate phone call to a puzzlingly absent FEMA. We'll have to wait on reactions from our Eastern Hemisphere acquaintences to see how these two great tastes taste together.
NES gets crammed into third-party light gun, plans a 187 on Bowser
Okay, okay -- we get it. So maybe there's just not enough room in a genuine Zapper to fit all the necessary innards of a Nintendo Entertainment System into, but it's just a bit weird to see the Big N's antiquated console crammed into some other light gun. Similar to the NES-in-an-NES-controller mod we peeked earlier this week, this unit includes a plethora of games and all the controls you need; just plug it up to a TV, pop a few batteries in there and you're golden. Is it any surprise this guy was tracked down on Ben Heck's own forums?[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Modder squeezes NES into light gun
Is there a single gaming-related object, we wonder, that has not yet had the innards of a NES squashed into it? As it happens, yes. Of all the stuff-a-NES-in-something mod variants that we've encountered, we can't recall a light gun being used to encase Nintendo's ancient console.Inspired by Duck Hunt, BenHeck.com forum member GonzoMPM-1 has corrected this oversight, fitting all of the necessary buttons, wiring and an NOAC board containing 76 on-board NES games into the above light gun peripheral (perhaps the NES Zapper lacked the space for this?). Hook this bad boy up to an old-fashioned CRT screen, chuck in three AAA batteries, and you're ready to go. It's rather bizarre (and not a little pointless), but for some reason we really want to try this.[Via Technabob]
Wii Warm Up: 'You missed me, pig!'
With Target: Terror announced for the Wii, we realize now there's really no limit to what terrible shooting games publishers are willing to port, no matter how dated its visuals. As much as we miss the Friday nights from our high school years spent hanging out at bowling alleys and movie theaters ogling girls who had no interest in us whatsoever, we don't miss the crappy games that usually populated those nostalgic spots. Still, we suspect that we'll see a lot more of these late 90s light gun games on our fair console. What shooter are you dreading hoping to play with your Zapper? Area 51? Virtua Cop? Mad dog Mcree?!
Umbrella Chronicles ships a million units worldwide
With the successful wii-vival of Resident Evil 4, not to mention plans to introduce waggle to Resident Evil Zero in Japan, there's little question that Capcom enjoys returning to – and drinking from – the Wii's zombie-infested well. And for good reason, as the company announced that its latest trip down memory lane for the Wii, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, has shipped over a million units the world over since the game's debut last November.Impressive, for sure, though what's even more staggering is that the series as a whole has sold more than 34.5 million units globally as of February 29. However, the company is not all about survival horror, having recently confirmed plans for some 15 new projects in the works -- though Capcom will likely always have a special place in its heart (and wallet) for the decaying flesh of the undead.
Guns don't kill people, terrible peripherals do
Even with its folding clutch and laser sight (requires 2 x AAA batteries, not included), the WiiMAX isn't impressing anyone. Actually, those two selling points only add on to our suspicions that this light gun was assembled out of whatever plastic bits were available in the factory. That front grip? Leftover umbrella handles. The attachable scope? Grabbed from a surplus of toilet paper holders. Is there even a purpose for that folding handle? How are you supposed to pull the Wii remote's trigger if you're holding onto the grip? And whose idea was it to price this crapcessory at $21.17? Bring a roll of TP past the break for more photos of the WiiMAX.
