LightGun
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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.
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.
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%
House of the Amazing Swag
So far, we're loving Sega's marketing of House of the Dead: Overkill. We thought nothing could top the cracking grindhouse-style trailer released when the game was announced, but some of the swag associated with the game comes close.Destructoid's Jim Sterling (and we assume our other esteemed, Leipzig-attending colleagues in the press) just received the above video cassette box. Inside, Sterling discovered a postcard resembling a VHS tape, and a T-shirt that expands in water. Best of all, he notes how the box has been designed to look damaged and scuffed, so that it looks like the kind of under-the-counter filth that you may have found abandoned on a disused section of railway as a youngster; very subtle, Sega! Blast your way through the break for a couple more shots.%Gallery-29952%
The House of the Dead: Overkill -- where the dead walk, and bullets talk
We all held our breath when Sega announced it had a surprise planned for the Leipzig Game Conference. Could it be a fresh Jet Set Radio game? A Daytona title? Surely not ... Shenmue III? Well, it's none of those, but House of the Dead: Overkill still appears to be awe to the some. Though a competent House of the Dead game already exists on the Wii, our toes curled with excitement upon watching the trailer above, with its grindhouse stylings and tongue-in-cheek commentary. "They came for brains. You will give them ... bullets."House of the Dead: Overkill is due out next year and, as has been previously mentioned, is being worked on by Headstrong. Hit up our gallery for the first screens and some of the best Wii boxart you'll see this year.%Gallery-29952%
VC Friday: Yee-haw!
Light gun game Wild West Guns rides into town the European Wii Shop today for its worldwide debut, complete with Zapper compatibility, six levels, four-player support, and a whole host of mildly offensive steretypes. Truth be told, it looks quite fun in the post-break trailer -- certainly a lot more engaging than, say, Target Terror. Far more importantly, it gave us an excuse to post a Will Smith video. Wicky, wicky! Defend Your Castle has also finally arrived, and is totally worth a look. Wild West Guns -- WiiWare -- 1000 Wii Points Defend Your Castle -- WiiWare -- 500 Wii Points Swing past the break for videos of each. %Gallery-17240%
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]
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.
Angelina Jolie buys Ghost Squad, promotes violence
We'd like to be envious of Angelina Jolie's vast wealth and movie star looks, but heck, we just can't muster up the hate -- not when she has the nous to buy games like Ghost Squad.Alas, not everybody appreciates Ms. Jolie's discerning taste in Wii Zapper titles. Brad Pitt's own sister, for example, was less than pleased that her children received a copy of the T-rated game from the actress for Christmas, and apparently sent it back with a slightly indignant note, explaining to Auntie that "We don't promote violence in our home."This apparently trivial celebrity tale probably raises lots of important questions concerning violent video game content and the role of parents. But we have our own questions -- vital questions -- that need answers. Questions such as: Did Jolie get the game cheap? Does she have her own dolphin-shaped Zapper? And if so ... does she read us?! Hai Angelina![Via Game Politics]
Joystiq hands-on: Link's Crossbow Training (Wii)
Reaching back to the glory days of light guns, the Wii Zapper steals the name of Nintendo's classic NES controller, but the two are fundamentally different. The previous light gun used a mechanic to essentially see what was on-screen, so the gun sight actually corresponded with the action. The Wii Zapper instead is just a plastic shell to hold a Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The Wiimote pointer continues to work through IR triangulation; players can't sight down the new attachment.I recently played the Wii Zapper pack-in, Link's Crossbow Training, and was surprised at how good the Wii Zapper felt and how well the game responded. Shooting from the hip -- sometimes literally -- I maintained good control over the on-screen cross-hair. I still prefer the precision of a light gun's sight, but knocking down Zelda-themed bad guys in a series of game scenarios was still fun.%Gallery-8658%
IGN demonstrates dual wielding in Ghost Squad, sort of
Yes, Ghost Squad has a dual wielding feature, if you accept 'just playing the two-player game by yourself' as a kind of dual wielding. It looks fun, however it's achieved. It also has a number of other newly-announced features that may be of interest to light-gun game enthusiasts.For example, you can turn the cursor off. Since the Wiimote is not exactly a light gun and its pointer doesn't always move as quickly as your hand, the game displays a cursor by default. But you can turn it off for point bonuses and a more authentic gun game feeling. Second, to combat the extreme brevity of the arcade game (as with all arcade gun games), Ghost Squad features a level system that changes the appearance and enemy layout of the levels as you replay them, gradually increasing the difficulty of the game.
Link's Crossbow Screening
If you've been dying to see Link with a crossbow, this is your day. The latest Nintendo Power shows off a few screens from Link's Crossbow Training, and much like Twilight Princess, they're very brown. The images also demonstrate the controls -- yes, there's more than just pointing and shooting -- but we're still unconvinced that the Zapper is worth even the experience in training Link up with a new weapon. We'll just have to wait and see.
Umbrella Chronicles looks horrifying - in a good way
The look of the upcoming Resident Evil on-rails shooter, Umbrella Chronicles, has grown by leaps and bounds since we first started to see screenshots. The November release dates are fast approaching, so what we're seeing here is probably a lot of what we'll be seeing on our televisions once this hits shelves. We discussed opinions on this title back in April, and it seems like a good time to ask if you're now more (or hey, less, for the haters) excited about this one than you were back then. We've updated the gallery with the latest screens, and the dates embedded with the images allows you to compare shots and see how things have come along since we got our first glimpses of the title. There's also a new trailer tucked away after the break for your viewing pleasure. We just love all the new trailers that surface for game conferences![Top image found here, along with others!]%Gallery-3286%
Ultimately disappointing laser gun shell
Considering that most light gun games for the Wii already have some sort of on-screen crosshair to indicate where your remote is pointed, there aren't many reasons why you'd want to buy this laser-sight-equipped pistol shell. Sure, you could scare the bejeezus out of the federal agents inconspicuously parked across the street, or maybe act out that scene from the "Dre Day" music video, but after a few minutes of tomfoolery, you'll start to feel a bit foolish about your purchase. In addition to forking over $8.39 to order the item, you'll also have to pay for shipping, handling, and the two AAA batteries needed to power the red beam.The Wii logo on the packaging's bottom-left corner is fantastic, even more ridiculous than the Wü branding we've seen on other China-manufactured accessories. The customer reviews on Superufo's product page are likewise hilarious: "Good! And worth buying it! I have bought one more than two years and it still work well, I am very glad with this." Two years? Not bloody likely![Via DCEmu]
Umbrella Chronicles images move from scans to the screen
If you saw these scans the other day and thought, "wow, I'd love to see those screens," then this post's for you. Dengeki Online has that very thing -- the latest in Umbrella Chronicles shots. If they're just cleaned up, then it's a very good job. Regardless, we're happy to get a closer look at some of the images! Head on over if you want to see for yourself.
Light gun, literally
As if installing LEDs into the Wii's remote, nunchuck, and casing wasn't enough, the art of arbitrarily jamming lights into things has spread to Wii peripherals, like an STD infecting a new host after amorous contact.Selling for about $20.50, CoolMods' handgun shell is as direct as you can get; just slide your remote into the pistol's plastic housing, and you're good to go. Though there doesn't seem to be any room to hook up a nunchuck, the LED-friendly clear design more than makes up for it. Of course, you could always just wrap a string of Christmas lights around the Wii Zapper when it comes out, but don't you think that'd look a little goofy? Check past the post break for another look at this totally-not-goofy-at-all gun shell.
