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Blizz: Don't take non-personal system information grab personally
It only showed up for a fraction of a second (not even long enough to grab a screenshot of it, or barely read what it said), but after logging in today, you may have noticed the login screen flash a quick message: "Submitting Non-personal System Information." Say wha? What did Blizzard just grab from my computer?I tried logging in again to see the message again, but no dice-- apparently it was just a one-time process after the first login. I can't remember whether I was given an option to opt out of that system check (I usually say no on that stuff, just because I don't want Blizzard finding out that I'm dumb enough to run the wrong drivers on my sound card or something), but I'm sure it's legal. I'm just not sure that sneaking that in for a split second was the right way to do it.Nethaera says it's not personal-- they were just grabbing some random system spec info (and I'll speculate that it was to determine a good way to fix all of the graphical errors lately). It's not wrong for companies to have that data necessarily-- Valve does the same thing with Steam, and they've gotten some great info about what gaming PCs are like. It would be nice if Blizz shared info like that, but for now they're just using it to work on their product.Some gamers aren't real thrilled about the implementation either-- if it's so non-personal, why did they throw up a warning we could just barely see? I just hope that if Blizzard is second-guessing their system reqs, they keep the rest of the process as open as possible.
Today's most comparative game videos: Crysis DirectX
If you can geek out to API advancements, we salute you. Today's video picks compare DirectX 9 and the messiah DirectX 10 with Crysis footage. Yes, we can actually see a difference in the clips, and GameTrailers provides big, non-embedable HD files on its site.Will Crysis be the best-looking game ever, and will it require a DX10 system -- and, of course, Vista -- to earn that title? We've seen "best-looking game ever" mugs at a mall kiosk and will set one aside for the game's release later this year. (Don't let us down, Crysis. We could end up taunting you by giving it to the Wii.)See the videos after the break.
Screenshot quality tip for 2.1
As you've probably noticed, I like to do many of my own screen shots to accompany stories. Up until now, WoW has saved all screen shots taken in the program in a .tga format that has rich deep color and good definition. The only problem with that was that the .tga format was problematic for those who didn't have an image editing program to open their screen shots up with. (I have Photoshop, so not as much an issue here.) With 2.1 came a long-awaited change for those who weren't able to share their screen shots before (Or weren't interested in snagging a graphic program to do so, anyway). As of now, your screen shots will automatically save into .jpg format. Why is this a change I'd want to change back, you say? While I like .jpg for compression, I will be the first to admit it's not the format I normally think of as being the best for graphic quality as someone who works with images a lot. That said, for all of you graphic fiends out there like me -- makers of icons, wallpapers, and various other graphic goodies -- here is an important imaging tip for you from your friends at the EU WoW Forums:
Wii Warm Up: Take a closer look
In honor of our spankin' new featured gallery box -- just check it out over there to the right -- we thought we'd ask what game you're most looking forward to for the visuals alone. Whatever the reason, be it powerful pictures or the simple quality of omg-kawaii, we all usually have some game whose screenshots just make our hearts go pitter-pat. So what does it for you?We have to admit, games like Dewy's Adventure and MySims really get the ol' cuteness motor revved, but beyond the aww-factor, Super Mario Galaxy and No More Heroes get us hot and bothered. Let's hope they're both as awesome as they look!
NVIDIA's DX10-capable 8M laptop GPUs get official
NVIDIA's been parading its DirectX 10 desktop GPUs around for some time now, and while we've seen lappies in the pipeline that tout the DX10 niceties, the firm is getting all formal on us with the release of the 8M series of laptop graphics cards. Hailed as the "world's first mobile GPU to support DirectX 10 and fully accelerate decoding of H.264 full HD movies," the 8M series will initially consist of the GeForce 8600M and 8400M. NVIDIA claims that these chips will provide "up to twice the performance of previous generation GPUs," and also boasts about the PureVideo HD processing engine and PowerMizer technology that purportedly conserves battery life when you're not engaged in a ruthless deathmatch. Unsurprisingly, the chips have already been made available to laptop manufacturers, so watch for these suckas in forthcoming "HP, Toshiba, Acer, Samsung, and Asus offerings."
Spankin' new Gundam screens
Mobile Suit Gundam MS Front 0079 looks better with every screen and scan that we see, particularly considering what we have to compare it to. But looks aren't everything, and though we've been rough on Wii graphics lately (it's only because we love you, Wii!), the fact remains that Gundam games tend to be a love-it or hate-it proposition.Of course, it all may be a moot issue until or unless the game heads out of Japan, but that doesn't mean we can't look! See for yourself after the jump.
Forlorn Spidey has nowhere to sling his webs
No wonder Spider-Man 3 got such mixed reviews on the Wii version of the game -- someone forgot to finish the graphics. We can't think of any other possible explanation for something this atrocious. What's going on here? How can this be considered acceptable ... and how can anyone bestow even a middling-good score on such a sight? We love us some Spider-Man and all, but this game would have to be the best thing ever (moreso even than sliced bread) to wrangle an 83%. Maybe we're just pickier than most, but this looks like a sign that not only is there something wrong with how some third-party Wii games are being handled, but maybe the review system isn't all it's cracked up to be, either.[Via Digg]
Wii Warm Up: Let's talk graphics
It's the proverbial elephant in the room, the issue that isn't really discussed by Nintendo fans: the appearance of Wii games. Let's be frank -- the level of graphics in a lot (not all) of Wii games can best be described as unimpressive. We know graphics aren't what makes a game ... but they can certainly be part of it, just as they can be part of what ruins a game. Sometimes, the game is so good that any number of flaws can be ignored. We can even offer up a decent example from the other guys: Dead Rising wasn't exactly the best-looking game last year (and it even had some serious problems), but there is nothing like running through the mall on the shoulders of zombies with a lightsaber laser sword in your hand. You want an example of one of our fabulous games with subpar graphics? Two words: Eternal Darkness. So, alright. Graphics aren't a deal-breaker, but just one aspect of a game. Then why are we talking about this? It's simple -- Wii games are sometimes even falling short of the standards we grew to expect from the GameCube. We shouldn't be gazing fondly upon Resident Evil 4 redux as one of the best-looking games to hit the Wii; we should be looking forward to it because it's a great game. Even if you want to grant that the Wii is nothing but two GameCubes duct-taped together, then fine, great -- shouldn't the games look that much better than the games we played on one 'Cube? We're patient. We understand it takes a system time to grow, and we're willing to wait for things like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Metroid Prime 3. But some of the games third party developers are showing off don't look that great. Even the coming titles that are overflowing with cuteness can be a little simplistic. So to these companies, get with it, before Nintendo muscles you out of the market by virtue of actually caring.
PSP vs Wii: graphics showdown
The guys at Sega Nerds have noticed something that may upset some Wii fans. They insist the PSP version of Alien Syndrome looks as good as, if not better than, the Wii one. The Nerds point to cleaner and clearer textures that lead to the improved PSP visuals (though you can use the image above to judge for yourself). Certainly no one thinks of the Wii as a graphical powerhouse, but it should be putting out better graphics than the PSP. So is the Wii's Alien Syndrome graphics a victim of PSP being the primary development platform, an unfinished product, the game engine, an inexperienced developer or something more damning? Either way, the very existence of the Wii means more games for PSP due to several developers' desire for cross-platform releases and in the end, that's all that matters to PSP owners. [Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Today's best-looking mech video: Armored Core comparison
It's an old-fashioned PS3 versus 360 graphics showdown in today's video pick, with GameTrailers running a side-by-side comparison of Armored Core 4. Which version of this mech title looks best? Judge for yourself after the break, or visit the HD version -- it doesn't embed like the SD file -- on the GameTrailers site. Let the scrutiny begin!Image from CSG_Starfury's account of life-sized BattleMech project.
More yummy details surface on ATI's R600 offerings
Sure, most roadmaps don't present anything to get immediately excited about, but considering the journey the R600 has taken to get to this point, the newest details concerning its future are indeed enthralling. While we've seen ATI's beast, witnessed its mighty power (and kilowatt sucking abilities), and even heard about a recent snag, it looks like things could be worked out fairly soon. According to TweakTown, the flagship edition -- dubbed the X2900XTX and codenamed Dragons Head 2 -- will sport a 9.5-inch configuration, 1GB of GDDR4 memory, dual DVI, video in / out, and require a baffling 240-watts of energy delivered through dual onboard power connectors. The X2900XT (Cats Eye) will share most of the same design characteristics as the aforementioned card, but will tout GDDR3 RAM and a lower clock speed to boot. As seen in the read link, ATI is apparently looking at releasing several more iterations with varying clock speeds and other luxuries, and while we can't confirm the claims just yet, the cards could be hitting shelves anytime within the next several weeks depending on model.[Thanks, Juan D.]
Asus rolls out HDMI-enabled EAX1600PRO / EN7600GT graphics cards
Asus is no stranger to kicking out curious motherboards and other peripherals that we geeks just can't help but love, and following up on its undertaking of auxiliary displays and the AquaTank PCI card is a couple of swank new video cards that tout an HDCP-friendly HDMI port. The half-height ATI Radeon X1600 EAX1600PRO was apparently crafted with the common HTPC builder in mind, as its diminutive size lends itself to becoming a perfect fit for those tight spaces within AV-like media center PC cases. But before you gamers get too excited, you should probably know that in-game performance is likely to be less than stellar, but HotHardware did note that its model wasn't shy when overclocked. Interestingly, this HTPC-centric card comes bundled sans a true HDMI-to-HDMI cable, which leaves us all a bit miffed considering the niche it's trying to appease. The EN7600GT ups the ante by delivering the frame rate luxuries as only an NVIDIA GeForce 7600 can, but its full-height design will definitely cause problems in slimmer enclosures. Other extras found on this device are its SLI-capabilities, DVI / S-video outputs, and optical audio jack, but considering it packs just 256MB of GDDR3 RAM, the hardcore gamers in the crowd are still not likely to find themselves impressed. Still, with the EAX1600PRO ringing up at just around a cool hundred, and the more powerful EN7600GT asking just about twice that, these here cards look to be solid options if you're just getting around to creating your own HTPC.[Via Slashdot]
AMD planning Xbox 360 graphics on handhelds
No, this isn't another rampant portable Xbox 360 rumor, but the somewhat indirect linkage is indeed notable. Reportedly, AMD is planning to bring "Xbox 360 quality graphics to handheld devices" by utilizing the company's next-generation mobile graphics technologies. Although no real specifics were handed out, AMD is purportedly "working with content developers now in preparation for the arrival of phones" powered by the forthcoming set, and should be made available to handset manufacturers through "discrete media processors as well as through IP licensing agreements with semiconductor suppliers." Already released is a developers toolkit that includes support for both the OpenVG 1.0 and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics standards, and it will incorporate the same Unified Shader Architecture that's behind the scenes in your Xbox 360. Sadly, we've absolutely no idea which companies (if any) are already on board with this promising technology, but we just have to wonder if Dell won't reconsider its handheld gaming system considering the already amicable relationship with AMD.[Via TGDaily, thanks smash_linux]
AMD integrates ATI Radeon X1250 into Vista-certified 690 chipset
Although ATI's R600 graphics chip may have hit a recent snag, it seems that the company's Radeon X1250 GPU is coming along just fine, as it claims the proud title of "world's first" integrated graphics unit to receive Vista certification. The chip, of course, is a critical piece of AMD's latest 690-series chipset, which integrates Aero-capable graphics, 1GHz HyperTransport interface speeds, and support for Sempron, Athlon 64/64 FX/64 FX X2 processors, PCI Express, Microsoft's DirectDraw, hardware acceleration for MPEG-2/4 and WMV9, TV output, HDCP-compatible DVI / HDMI outputs, and the general smorgasbord of connectors we're all used to seeing these days. Putting the resources of the ATI / AMD merger to full use, the 690 family claims to be the first chipset from the pair that supports ATI's Avivo technology, which purportedly makes your multimedia experiences within Vista a smooth ordeal. AMD's latest should be available right now for an undisclosed price, but we'd wait for a few hands-on opinions before rushing out and skipping over a dedicated GPU in your next rig.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
Samsung's GDDR4 graphics memory goes to 2000MHz
While Samsung has been dabbling in the RAM world quite a bit of late, kicking out the micro-sized OneDRAM and cellphone-bound gigabit-density DRAM, the firm is now officially loosing its 2000MHz GDDR4 RAM on the world. While the zippy memory is already found on ATI's Radeon X1950 card, it'll now be available en masse to graphics card producers in order to speed up current and future offerings "by up to 66-percent." By using 80-nanometer production technology, the memory boasts a 4Gbps throughout, which is nearly two-thirds higher than the widely used 2.4Gbps GDDR4 variety out now; additionally, it'll be offered to vendors in just a 512MB density, rock a 32-bit data bus configuration, and utilizes "JEDEC-approved standards for signal noise reduction to help attain the highest possible speed." No word on how much Sammy plans on charging speed-freaked manufacturers, nor how long it'll take for a kilowatt-burnin' card other than the X1950 to include such a luxury, but we wouldn't count on it being too much longer, regardless.[Via TGDaily]
IGN: PS3 Oblivion loads quicker, looks nicer than 360
IGN got some hands-on time with the long-awaited PS3 port of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and came away with some quite favorable comparisons to the Xbox 360 version. Load times that were seven to ten seconds on the 360 have been reduced to three to five seconds on the PS3, according to IGN. What's more, the frame rate drops that accompanied entrances to detailed areas have been eliminated, and the graphics have been improved with higher resolution textures, improved shading and an increased draw distance (to minimize far off object popping up suddenly). Amazing what newer hardware and an extra year of development time will do, isn't it? Still, it's not all wine and roses for PS3 owners. While the "Knights of the Nine" side-quest will be preloaded on the PS3 disc, the rest of the downloadable content available to Xbox 360 and PC players will not be available, though the content packs "may find their way to the PlayStation Store at some point in time in the future." Hopefully PS3 adventurers will be too busy playing the massive main quest to notice the omission when the game comes out in March. [Thanks, Phranctoast]
Who to enhance with a gaming face-lift?
Frodo et al. over at The Weekly Geek compiled the games that could use a makeover, but only in the most superficial sense. They aren't talking about gameplay, they are just asking about Nip/Tuck style upgrade to bring their old beauty back to the surface. As the perfect example they use Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES, which took Mario Bros. 1-3 (Japan SMB 2 included) and gave them a graphics upgrade -- it was fantastic. And for those that remember it, makes us wonder why Super Mario Bros. is on the Wii Virtual Console with its tired look, instead of the great makeover. Here are some of the games Weekly Geek suggested for makeover: Mega Man 2 - "Mega Man 2 really needs the Powered Up treatment. Enhanced music, a level editor, expanded gameplay ... Just put it on something a bit more accessible than the PSP, mmkay?" Maniac Mansion - "A Wii version with beautiful hand-drawn characters and voice acting would basically make me weep with joy." Secret of Mana - "One of the most visually and audibly stunning titles on the SNES, but imagine it on a current system with Squeenix's Mana lineup. Lush environments, fully orchestrated soundtrack, cutscenes and online co-op would make this classic even classic-er." The Legend of Zelda - "I would love to see a Mario All-Stars treatment for Zelda. Imagine Zelda 1 and 2 with Link to the Past or Minish Cap quality graphics and remixed music ... We got a remake of the first Metroid a couple of years ago, why not your biggest cash cow, Nintendo? I'd drop a cool 1000 Wii points on that title in a heartbeat." Final Fantasy VII - "Rumored, speculated, rumored some more, an updated FF7 has been the holy grail for Final Fantasy fanboys ... imagine, if you will, that entire soundtrack performed by a full, real live orchestra. Beauty." It is disheartening to see "classic" games being dragged out on Xbox Live Arcade and Wii's VC without some noticeable graphics enhancement. Granted, the pessimist in all of us says they're just cheap grabs for cash. But imagine if they had that graphics upgrade, then they'd be cheap grabs for cash that we'd be totally fine with. So, what games would you put under the knife for purely superficial enhancement?
Japanese Hardware Sales: 22 Jan - 28 Jan: Upgraded Edition
You've been living in the past, dear readers. We apologize for the wait, but our new Japanese Hardware Sales 2.0 upgrade has been in development for sixteen years.JHS 2.0 has a myriad of powerful features, available for use in the home as well as anywhere that is not your home. One look will stun you, as new advanced 3-D graphics highlight the numbers as never before. New, fluid animation enhances your overall experience by tenfold! And finally, our favorite new feature: numerical base alterations. The system hacks the internet and builds a personality database based on daily porn site visitations and illegal torrenting. It then selects a numerical base which it has deemed optimal. Our programs have shown that your optimal viewing base is in factthirteenand thus, the numbers below will be automatically altered from their standard base ten format. We hope you enjoy the next wave of Japanese Hardware Sales!If you'd like to see the old, outdated version of the sales numbers, click after the break. aa---------------------------------------------------aa/aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalaaaaaaaaa/|a/aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalaaaaaall/a|/------------------------------------------------/aa| | - DS Lite: 6A,707 24,597aaaaaaa|aal| | - Wii: 2C,178 1,282aaaaaaaaaaa|aal| | - PSP: 13,332 7B6aaaaaaaaaalal|aal| | - PS2: 9,730 4B7aaaaaaaaaaalal|aal| | - PS3: 9,142 674aaaaaaaaaarraf|aal| | - Xbox 360: 3,477 1BCaaaaaallla|aal| | - Game Boy Micro: 6C7 40Baaraa|aal| | - GBA SP: 609 2A7aaaaaaaaalaa|aal| | - Gamecube: 209 12Caaaraaaaa|ala/ | - DS Phat: 64 32aaaaaaaaaaaar|ar/ | - GBA: 28 48aaaaaaaaaaaaaaar|a/------------------------------------------------/ Also see: Joystiq's Weekly Sales Charts
DS Daily: How much do graphics matter?
Handhelds have come a long way over the years, and even the GBA can churn out some impressive looking games, to say nothing of our beloved DS and a certain other handheld. Even so, graphics on handheld games don't really rival those in other consoles, for obvious reasons. For the past year, graphics have been one of the biggest topics in the gaming industry, and it's at the heart of some of the discussions concerning the next-gen console war. Despite all the attention given to graphics, the DS -- pretty, but no graphical powerhouse -- continues to outsell everything, everywhere. So we come to you, dedicated DS gamers after our own hearts, to ask ... how much do graphics really matter?
Intel set to challenge NVIDIA and AMD/ATI in discrete graphics biz
There's been rumors, but Intel looks to have finally made its challenge to the NVIDIA, AMD/ATI establishment official, revealing some details of its so-called Larrabee project in a new round of job postings on its website. Now less-mysteriously named the Visual Computing Group, the division looks to be taking square aim at the two big players in the graphics business, promising to deliver "discrete graphics products based on a many-core architecture targeting high-end client platforms." In other words, a big step up from Intel's current underpowered integrated graphics offerings. Unfortunately, that's about all that Intel's saying about the project for the time being, and given that the first official word we're about it comes in the form of a job posting, it's probably safe to assume that we're still a ways off from actually seeing any products come out of the newly-formed group.[Via Slashdot]
