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PSP Fanboy review: Cube
Cube asks players to do one simple thing: get from point A to point B. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a game if it was as easy as it sounds. This action-puzzle game from D3 Publisher has players navigating the titular cube around a three dimensional grid, also made of cubes. Along the way, players will stumble upon a variety of challenges to overcome: gaps in the course that must be mended, paths that must be opened, etc. To do so, there may be blocks for the player to push, or buttons to press. There are also other obstacles that can even destroy the player's cube.The challenges in Cube provide an interesting excursion. As the player progresses, more puzzles are unlocked, and the difficulty slowly rises. Some of the later levels can become truly terrifying pieces of work, layered with complexities. Trying to solve the various puzzles does become quite involving, as players must try to push blocks in a particular way, and pay attention to the movement of other blocks. There's replay value added thanks to additional keys that are scattered throughout a level: by collecting these keys within a certain time limit, the player will be awarded a medal. Obviously, perfectionists will want to get a Gold as often as possible.
Look into Cube's level editor
D3 wants Cube to be the next puzzle sensation on PSP. Our initial impressions of the budget title are quite favorable, and one tool we're looking forward to using is the game's extensive level creator. The editor comes unlocked from the very beginning of the game, so fiendish designers can cook some devious designs from the get-go.Unfortunately, my puny brain can't seem to understand the seeming complexity of the feature. A PDF file on Cube's official website attempts to detail the process, but my limited brain capacity is proving to be quite meddlesome. Hopefully, I'll be able to construct a few of my own puzzle creations. Until then, feel free to read GameZone's interview with Maru Nihoniho, Game Designer of Cube to get more details on this upcoming game.
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Cube
We've spent a lot of time with D3 Publisher's upcoming action puzzle game, Cube. The basic premise of the game is quite simple: get your cube to the exit. Of course, as is the case with all puzzle games, it's not going to be that easy: you'll have to avoid various traps along the way, lest you meet a blocky death. There are a few elements that spice things up along the way. Firstly, your cube can stick onto any side of the platforms. The game encourages you to traverse through levels any way you want: upside-down, on its side, right-side up. The three dimensionality of the game is interesting, and it opens up a lot of gameplay possibilities.There are quite a large number of puzzles to tackle in the game, which is a huge plus. Also, there's a level editor so that you can create and share your own puzzles. Our early build doesn't have it, but the final retail version will also have Game Sharing, so you can play with other PSP owners that don't have the game. Considering its budget price ($20), there's a great amount of content, making Cube easily one of PSP's greatest values. However, we're a little concerned about a few presentation issues. It feels like everything is a bit too sluggish: the controls feel a little too slow, and the load times seem a bit too long for a game with such minimalistic graphics. Most annoyingly, you must reload the entire level when replaying it--this will prove to be quite frustrating in the more difficult levels.Hopefully, these quirks will be ironed out before the game's official release on April 24th. Expect more coverage on PSP Fanboy closer to the game's release.
Which Cube would you rather have?
While searching the webbed world for info on the D3's PSP puzzler Cube I came across another game called Cube. Now this other Cube may not be available on PSP yet, but perhaps the fact that there's D3's Cube coming to PSP might keep this more advanced Cube with it's blazingly advanced graphics off the system. Not to mention the fact that I doubt the copyright police would allow there to be two games named Cube on the PSP. So I say to you reader; if both games lived in a world of Highlander where there could be only one, which Cube would you like to see on PSP? D3's Cube or Monotech Power Game Unit's Cube?Video evidence after the jump ...
NYC store cube as advertising space
Now we know why Steve loves his cube so much: It's free advertising space! Earlier yesterday morning (Monday, March 12th), workers placed a huge iPhone ad over one side of the cube. It features the now familiar image of a hand holding an iPhone and the line, "Introducing iPhone. Apple reinvents the phone."So, what's going to be the next ad on the cube?Thanks, Arnold!
RFID staples, omnipotent pens to grace offices of the future?
We already know just how snazzy your office's bizhub will be in a decade or so, and we think we've even got your desk and kitchen nailed down too, but a recent brainstorming in Popular Science brushed a few less sensational, albeit quite intriguing, office mainstays for 2017. Although we've got a few years yet before we can definitively say whether or not these folks will pull a psychic-AT&T on us, but if Swingline has its way, the traditional red stapler that continually jams and collects more dust than it does anything else will be quite controversial. Sure to enrage pro-privacy employees who've already been unknowingly chipped with an RFID tag upon agreement to come on board, the staples of the future could actually contain micro-RFID tags; these chips could then be traced to find out just how long it really sits in one's "to do" stack, or if "inexplicably missing" really means "intentionally destroyed." As cruel as we know that sounds, at least you can pen all the curses you wish on even the most ink-resistant material in your manager's suite, as the future-generation Staedtler pen is being designed to "write on almost anything by optimizing molecular bonds with a surface" in order to produce the right mixtures needed to adhere to a given medium. Of course, the transparent monitors that will come with your 2015 upgrade kit will effectively kill your ability to surf Engadget while being guarded by the plastic backing of your current LCD, but the face recognizing desk locks should at least keep Gary from snagging your chocolate when you're out on break. Click on through for a few more mockups of tomorrow's office gizmos.
Amazing art done with ... Rubik's Cubes?
If a custom Rubik's Cube depicting Mario and Luigi wasn't enough for you, then you might want to check out this. It's some of the best Rubik's Cube art we've ever seen, with tons of cubes being used together to depict a jumping Mario. The amount of time it would take to solve all of these cubes in the correct way, as well as attaching them together to create the desired image, must be a long and painstaking process. We commend such effort and wonder what kind of price an artist would put on such a project.
Desktop Digital Photo Cube shows photos on diminutive LCD
Here's one from the same folks who brought you the USB Sound Flash Drive, and while eNECESSITIES' Desktop Digital Photo Cube may not adorn your wall as fashionably as a digiframe might, this piece is made for conversation. Ready to perch atop your living room table or office desk, the cube sports a squint-inducing 1- x 1-inch color LCD display, power / brightness / skip buttons, USB 2.0 connectivity, and the ability to internally store "up to 30 digital photos" for cycling through on the built-in screen. Additionally, the "mood light" should set the tone for the upcoming photo, and those looking for the ultimate party favor can toss their own logo on here for an additional charge. Unfortunately, we're not quite sure just how this snapshot showin' block gets its juice, but those looking to snag 25 or more (sorry, non-bulk customers) can find out for themselves at $51.34 a pop.[Via Everything USB]
CUBE video takes games to "a whole new dimension"
If you're anything like us, you've been breathlessly following the development of CUBE for more than a decade now. Designed for the now-aging Monotech Game Unit, early press for the game boasted that it would "take you to a whole new dimension in computer games" and make "calculators look like a cotton gin." Then the PR went into Duke Nukem Forever levels of silence throughout the game's long development cycle. That is, until now. The new trailer for the game (embedded below the jump) shows the developers' bold decision not to update the game engine after all these years, sticking with a stark, minimalist look that distills the gameplay into its pure essence. Sure, the simple, textureless shapes on stark, single colored background might not stand up to the likes of Gears of War, but who needs fancy graphics when using the control switch to guide the "defender of the poly-verse" around the things which it can not go through looks like so much fun. The trailer even features some brief footage of the long-rumored "level red" and the battle with the dreaded cone (yes, he does exist!). We've been looking forward to this game for so long that, frankly, we were a little worried it wouldn't live up to our expectations once it finally showed up. Now that we've seen it in action, though, we can say with relative certainty that CUBE will be a contender for game of the year honors, no matter what year it eventually comes out.
mobiBLU's Cubisto does that whole cube thing on a budget
We never really figured out the appeal behind a cube-shaped pendant DAP, mainly due to the fact that it would hurt like crazy if we took a flying kick to chest, and with some of these aggressive PR types at tradeshows these days, us Engadget editors can never be too careful. Still, the form factor seems to be doing plenty well for mobiBLU, which just released the Cubisto that swaps out the Cube2's color screen for a monochrome one while shaving a few bucks off the pricetag. The player supports the usual codec suspects like WMA and PlaysForSure, and comes in 1GB ($89.99) and 2GB (109.99) flavors. Unfortunately, the battery life has been shaved to 8 hours from the Cube2's 10, and the prices are only $10 less than that of their color-screened equivalents. No word yet on launch date in the US or Europe.[Via dapreview]
New puzzler, Cube, encourages sharing
When I first saw an update for a new PSP game called Cube, I got scared. Was it a game adaptation of the film "Cube," one of the worst films I have ever seen? Thankfully, no. It's a new puzzle game from D3 Publisher. While the PSP is certainly not lacking in the puzzle genre, Cube deserves a bit of attention due to it being of the few games to take advantage of PSP's unique capabilities. Firstly, the game includes a level editor, allowing you to upload and download new content from other Cube owners. More excitingly, the game also features Game Sharing multiplayer, allowing gamers with just one copy of the game to go head to head. The lack of complexity in the graphics and presentation probably makes it possible for Game Sharing to work, and to be honest, I'm excited that it does. It's hard enough to find a PSP owner to play against; Game Sharing will make it infinitely easier to go head-to-head with a person next to you. Expect more updates as the game's February release gets closer.[Via IGN]
Wii runs GameCube homebrew
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Wii_runs_GameCube_homebrew'; Using a variety of exploits, the homebrew community has finally struck gold and figured out how to get it all going on the Wii. With a SD card, Action Replay for the GameCube and SD card adapter for the GameCube, one can plug in their card into a computer, use some of that homebrew magic and get GameCube homebrew running on the console. Of course, this could very well be a problem for Nintendo if folks use this exploit to run emulators (they will and, more than likely, are), bypassing the Virtual Console to play any ROM they wish.[Thanks Pieter!]
How to turn your Mac mini into a Mac Cube
DIY Mac projects are always a iffy proposition. Not only does Apple make its products more difficult to rip apart than most, the sight of a dissected MacBook or iPod is often enough to make some of the more faint of heart readers break out the smelling salts. Not so for 123Macmini member Anthony, who looked at a mini and a G4 Cube and decided that they must be made one. The goal being, apart from the deserved bragging rights, to add a TV tuner and an expansive 3.5-inch 500GB SATA hard drive more suitable for a media PC than the mini's comparatively puny 2.5-inch drive. The TV tuner turned out to be the easiest part, with Anthony simply opting for Elgato's external EyeTV Hybrid unit, but the rest of the project is definitely a don't-try-this-at-home deal, with modifications aplenty right down to the power supply cables. Still, for specs like these in a genuine Apple box, it's about your only option at the moment -- at least until Apple maybe, possibly fills in the gap itself. Check out a couple more pics of the action after the break, then click through to the source for the complete blow-by-blow account.[Via Digg]
Here's what happens when a Cube devours a Mac mini
This is just so perfect I want to cry. Those that know me already know that I'm an Apple Cube fanatic. And if you didn't know - well now you do. My own Cube sports a a shiny black aluminum PowerCube enclosure (with obligatory white Apple logo affixed to the front), a Dual 1.7GHz 7447A CPU, 1.5GB RAM, 250GB WD HD, an FX 5200 video card with Dual 24-inch LCD Displays and an 8x DL SuperDrive. It's a sweet rig and I rarely find myself wanting or needing more from a desktop computer. Even with a base fan and a small blower on the video card it's also still virtually silent, as a Cube should be. And it looks stunning on my glass top suspended above a powder-coated steel desk.I must admit, however, that this mod takes the Cube to an entirely new level. Presenting Anthony's Mac mini Cube: "My inspiration for this project came from the Fifth Avenue Apple Store and the recently released black MacBook. I wanted to recreate the G4 Cube as if Apple had never discontinued it and make it into a true media center. I did not want to simply put the 'guts' of an Intel Mac mini inside and 'dress it up', but to refresh the Cube and create something that could stand out. Here are my confessions of the project, enjoy... "Dear Steve Jobs: If you build it, they will come. I'm just sayin'...Check out all the glorious pictures as well as an admirably detailed description of the process - which is far more elaborate than you might be thinking - at 123Macmini.Great job, Anthony! Thanks to Jamie, Rick, and the hundreds of friends, relatives and readers who sent this tip directly to my inbox!
Intelligent License 2 to make you feel dumb
The first Intelligent License (known as PQ in the US) was the "BEST GAME ON THE PSP," according to enthusiastic PSP Fanboy reader hotcarl. The game has you trapped in a terrifying world where you must construct elaborate paths with various boxes to find an exit... an exit that only leads to yet another terrifying room of death. It's a lot like the "classic" film, Cube. The sequel throws even more puzzles at you, and they seem even more intricate than last time. Surely, your brain will shatter due to the complexity of this game, leaving you to simply wallow in your own filth, while contemplating how truly unintelligent you are.Check out this video, and be prepared to be shamed. The game assaults Japanese audiences in November. Americans are spared from the brain-drain... for now.
AOpen XC Cube EZ945 announced, cubic cuteness abounds
It's been nearly two months since we've heard from our friends over at AOpen, the company last heard 'round these parts for its rather well-executed Mac mini knock. Well, AOpen's announced its new XC Cube EZ945, another cubical device that supports Core 2 Duo and the Core 2 Extreme chips -- but beyond that, it will "fully burst out all 64bit processing ability!" It's also got gigabit Ethernet, four SATA2 slots, eight USB 2.0 ports, three FireWire ports, one PCI-E x16 slot and one PCI slot, and supports 7.1 audio. Unfortunately, we've got zero pricing nor a release date for this little guy, but we'll be sure to "fully burst out all" when we do get it.[Via TG Daily]
MobiBlu Cube2 makes it stateside
With its compact form factor and eye-catching design, the original Cube MP3 player has developed something of a following in the US, so it's no surprise that Korean manufacturer MobiBlu has decided to bring its successor stateside as well. Even though the Cube2 definitely has its share of drawbacks -- weak battery life, cumbersome navigation, and more-gimmicky-than-useful video / photo functionality -- there's still a small amount of cachet in sporting the "world's smallest multimedia player," which should probably be enough to help this device convert a few potential Shuffle purchasers. Amazon claims that the Cube2 will be "in stock soon," but if you just can't wait to shell out your $100 / $120 (for 1GB or 2GB of storage, respectively), MobiBlu's Yahoo-powered online store apparently has the C2 available immediately.[Via Anything But iPod]
Muslim community offended by Apple's Fifth Avenue NYC Cube?
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) reports that the glass Cube Apple erected earlier this year on New York's tony Fifth Ave, dubbed Apple Mecca by many of the Mac faithful, is offensive to Muslims due to the Cube's resemblance to the Ka'bah (aka The House of Abraham). The report goes on to say that there's a genuine belief that the design of the store was specifically meant to provoke Muslims and cites other contributing insults such Apple housing "bars" that sell alcoholic beverages within the Cube structure and it being open 24/7. I'm speechless. But, as you know, that rarely stops me from speaking anyway. I'm hesitant to get into this territory for obvious reasons and I truly mean no disrespect to anyone, but... you and I both know that the design of the 5th Ave store has absolutely nothing to do with Islam, Muslims, Mecca, Abraham, the Kaabah or any religious icon, affiliation or idol whatsoever. It has everything to do with Steve Jobs' affinity (fetish?) for the design of the Power Mac G4 Cube (a fetish of mine also), as well as his pet NeXT Cube. We also know that the "bars" in question don't sell anything resembling alcohol.It's unfortunate when anyone gets offended by wholly innocuous things that were never intended or designed to offend, and much more so in the current world climate, but seriously... there's no there there.The MEMRI report is dated October 10, 2006, though it clearly was written before the 5th Ave Cube was completed, based on the references to stopping the project before it progressed. I'd like to think that now that the black panels have come down, the clear glass Cube that is NYC's flagship Apple Store is recognized to be nothing more than a den of iPodolatry, rather than Idolatry.[via The Apple Core]UPDATE: I have added a question mark to the title of this post in an effort to keep some of the commenters and, indeed, the community as a whole, from becoming more enraged than they may already be. I am also working on a follow-up post in response to the uproar, which I'll put up within the next few days. Some of you make some very valid points and I am anxious to address some of the concerns expressed here.UPDATE: Follow-up post is here.
Heaven's Will gets moody
While American gamers can enjoy the likes of Killzone next October, Japanese gamers will be able to experience Heaven's Will. You play Nameless (Nes for short... somehow), and you must escape a dangerous labyrinth, filled with traps and evil robots that, for one reason or another, want to kill you. It shares a similar concept as the movie Cube: let's hope it's not as awful.
Apple's 24-inch iMac features "upgradeable" graphics
One of the biggest bugbears that power users have had with the iMac range is the fact that the graphics card has always been impossible to upgrade, making each and every iMac tied to the graphics card that it comes with. Yeah, yeah, so what, it's an all-in-one computer for general consumers, right? Maybe so, but until Apple releases a fully upgradable mid-range Mac, there will always be a community of not quite pro, not quite consumer Mac users that dream of buying an affordable and tweakable machine from their computer manufacturer of choice. That's why the news that the 24-inch iMac's graphics card is potentially upgradable is causing such a stir. Apparently Apple decided to opt for a Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM for short) as the connection method for the 24-inch iMac's graphics card. This standard was originally designed by NVIDIA for use in high-end gaming laptops -- indeed, the MXM's official page exclusively mentions "upgradeable notebook graphics". Unfortunately for the aforementioned mid-range Mac dreamers, this is far from a viable upgradeable graphics card solution. For a start, Apple has said that users won't have access to the graphics card and even if hackers succeed in gaining access to the slot, there are currently no stand-alone MXM compatible graphics cards on the market: that makes this the modern day equivalent of the infamous mezzanine slot from the original, supposedly expansion slot-free CRT iMacs. So, if you're a budget-minded Mac user comfortable with tinkering around in your machine, you better get back to praying for that Cube resurrection.[Via TUAW]
