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Mainstream gaming community embraces the indie scene
Video game news and discussion forum Evil Avatar recently announced an initiative aimed at bringing the independent gaming world closer to the mainstream player. Each month, one indie game will be chosen and presented to the community. Members will play and discuss the game on the site, giving feedback that developers will use to improve future releases. Oh, and they'll buy the games, too. Buying also helps.The Indie Game Challenge is a small and careful step by Evil Avatar, but one that can enrich both mainstream and indie communities. Game submissions are open to readers and indie developers alike. Let's hope Evil Avatar presents the cream of the indie crop and not the embarrassing shovelware.
RSS this!
Every week PSP Fanboy brings you a great new podcast that you can use your PSP's RSS feature to subscribe to. We have heard the feature is called RSS this! I'm sure several readers are familiar with the Evil Avatar site, but perhaps you're not yet aware that they have their very own radio show/podcast. Hosted by Phillip Kollar, Amanda Ochsner with the involvement of several Evil Avatar regulars. Like the site, the radio show is focused on not just reporting the news, but giving opinions on it and discussing gaming with their vibrant community. Sarcasm and self deprecation flow almost as much as the gaming info does and the distinct style that the show is performed help it stand out from other podcasts. If you haven't yet checked out Evil Avatar Radio, you should give it a listen, because it's likely it won't be the last time you do so. If you want to add the Evil Avatar Radio podcast to your PSP's RSS, just bring up this site with your PSP through our mobile version at m.pspfanboy.com and click this link: http://www.evilavatarradio.com/?feed=rss2 Then you can exit your web browser and the show should be in your RSS channels. From there you can set a timer for auto-download of episodes, stream them, or download them directly. Got something you have RSS'd and would like us to feature? Just let us know in the comments, or let other readers know what you think of Evil Avatar Radio.
PSP's GPS add-on reviewed
GameBrink has a review up of the PSP's GPS for the curious. While the GPS seems to be a great add-on for Japaneses PSP owners, it isn't nearly as useful for those outside of Japan. While homebrew GPS software does exist for the device, it can't compare to the official software or other GPS devices on the market. So maybe PSP owners should get their GPS fix in a different manner, unless it gets released around here that is. To read the full review, check out GameBrink. [Via Evil Avatar]
Preyse for Prey
And you thought the parade of awful Prey puns was finished! Ha! But seriously, folks, reviews for Prey (PC) are starting to hit the net. Evil Avatar has the scoop on some of the first. GotNext praises the game for its first person story telling and unique level design: "Just as Doom and Quake seemed more concerned with what makes an interesting level than how its denizens might realistically design such a place, The Sphere is full of bizarre puzzles, portals used to create dizzying Hall-of-Mirrors-style confusion, and other tricks that could serve no practical function to the aliens living there, but would surely please M.C. Escher and Enro Rubik alike." The other review from the Detroit Free Press seems less informed -- does "Doom clone" even mean anything anymore? -- but gives the game high marks for weapon and level design. Both reviews knock the game for underdeveloped characters and a slightly lacking story. Also of note, the multiplayer is limited to deathmatch and team deathmatch only. Hopefully, we'll see some more game modes offered by Marketplace. Overall, GotNext gives Prey 4.5/5 stars and DFP gives it 4/4 stars. Not too shabby. [Via Evil Avatar]
Microsoft unleashes the robots.
Now that Microsoft has conquered entered the world of video games, there is only one logical next step. Robots, of course! According to PC World, Microsoft has decided to develop a software tool kit just for robotics. The software will allow robots to interface with Windows PCs, effectively giving Microsoft control of the impending Robot Apocalypse®. Of particular interest is the following excerpt: "Microsoft's entry to the field is a vote of confidence that could accelerate the development of robots for industrial, service, and entertainment use." Entertainment use? Could we finally see the next gen equivalent of R.O.B. the robot? Perhaps a robot to fetch beer refreshments when you're too busy killing other robots? The possibilities are endless. A preview of the software is available now for the robot enthusiasts out there. [Via Evil Avatar]
