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Global Agenda's newest dev blog talks Sandstorm
The development team at Hi-Rez Studios has released a new dev blog focusing on the upcoming changes to their Global Agenda MMOFPS. Codenamed Sandstorm, the updates will begin reaching the live servers in early June. Phase I of the patch, now in public testing, features a host of additions and improvements including new epic weapons, a new loot and token system, new PvP maps, new PvE missions, and new social features. "So if you're looking at the patch notes for 1.3, you're probably saying to yourself 'holy crap they changed every aspect of the game,'" says Executive Producer Todd Harris. "We wanted to preserve all the good balanced combat, but also add a layer of device variety and new variety that our MMO players are looking for." Check out the dev blog over at the official site or embedded after the cut.
Battlefield Heroes gets jetpacks, new map and new game mode
DICE's freemium FPS, Battlefield Heroes, has had its finger on the pulse of what's hip for quite some time now. It offered content for sad MJ fans when the King of Pop passed away and even implemented some supernatural content when that New Moon flick came out. Then there was the latest stuff celebrating the release of Battlefield: Bad Company 2. DICE clearly hasn't forgotten about its baby and now, for its three million and growing userbase, it's offering a trio of new goodies, headlined by the new in vogue multiplayer item: jetpacks. Players will use the jetpacks on a map called Midnight Mayhem, which sports a brand-new game mode called V2 Vengeance -- players must battle to capture and control a giant rocket. The content is available right now, so head on over to the Battlefield Heroes site if you want to throw down.
Martin Jetpack priced at $86,000, mere mortals will soon be able to buy one too
Tired of the limited legroom, bad food, and worse movies you have to put up with during a flight? Well, it's time to bust out your company credit card and get yourself a Martin Jetpack, which has just become the first commercially available jetpack. Driven by a pair of washing machine-sized fans strapped to your back, this personal transporter will give you a pretty cool 30 minutes of flight time and comes with a bunch of redundancy systems to ensure any mistakes don't turn fatal. The rotors are built out of a carbon / Kevlar composite and are powered by a two-liter V4 two-stroke engine capable of delivering 200hp (or 150kW). Good old gasoline is the fuel of choice here and private individuals are expected to be offered the chance to fulfill every geek and geekette's dream later this year. Just make sure you have $86,000 lying around to fund it.
New Dark Void trailer kills robots by land and sky
We appreciate the helpful tips provided in the Dark Void trailer you see above, which instructs its viewers on the many options afforded to them when it comes to staving off hordes of robotic assailants. Like, it's great to know that we can choose between popping between cover points on the ground or fly through the air using a futuristic hover pack, shooting dudes as we float. However, who in their right mind would ever exercise the first option when the second is available? Check out the video above to see the dichotomy in motion, and don't forget: The only time you shouldn't go with the hoverpack is if there's an even cooler jetpack somewhere nearby. %Gallery-24248%
Play Capcom's 2D Jetpack Attack while you wait for Dark Void
Sure, Capcom's vertical-shootin', UFO-jackin', jetpack-flyin' third-person shooter Dark Void won't be landing on retail shelves until January 12, but the developer wants you to spend some time with Will (and The Void) beforehand. If you head over to JetpackAttack.com, you can create and play levels in your browser of a significantly pared down Dark Void spinoff game, Jetpack Attack. After blasting our way through the first level, we didn't exactly find ourselves thirsting for more, though it did (no matter how small the scale) sate our urge for some jetpacking action. And hey, if worse comes to worse, you could always trade it in for gold, right? %Gallery-24248%
Martin Jetpack public test flights taking off in early 2010
Those crazy Kiwis at Martin Jetpack like to pop in every now and then to show off their eponymous flying craft, and though we still don't have a timeframe for plunking down $150,000 to own one and donning our best Boba Fett costume for the inaugural flight home, the company is making accommodations. Starting early next year in its hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand, you'll be able to try out the flight pack yourself as part of the Martin Jetpack Experience. The "low, slow" thrill ride won't hover above 3.3 feet or go faster than 6.2 miles per hour, but according to The New Zealand Herald, it's only expected to cost about as much as bungie jumping, and if you ask really nicely, we're sure they won't mind you wearing the costume anyway.
Massively's top four upcoming MMOs that let you fly
The ability to fly has always intrigued us as humans. Even in Leonardo da Vinci's day, the fascination with flight was so overwhelming that he dedicated much of his life to the discovery of getting us off the ground. Modern(ish) technology has helped us realize da Vinci's vision, through the use of enclosed vehicles or other large mechanical contraptions, but we have yet to truly master the art of personal flight.This is where games can be more than just a way to have some fun; they can be a way to live vicariously through our avatars. As in-game art gets more and more realistic -- especially in scenery and lighting effects -- we can visit lands that we wouldn't ordinarily be able to, for a much smaller hit to our wallets. In-game flight is becoming very popular lately as we've noticed a certain influx of upcoming games with this feature. Not only can you fly in these games, but you don't need much to do so. Much like Second's Life's wildly popular avatar flight feature, these new games let you take to the skies without the use of a mount. Follow along after the jump as we showcase four upcoming MMOs that use personal flight as a feature.
Crazy man in peroxide jetpack makes Guinness World Record attempt
Scotland's Knockhill Racing Circuit is a little too small for setting land-based speed records, but there's apparently plenty of room above it for some airborne attempts. It was the site of a new Guinness World Record attempt for the fastest man in a jetpack, with pilot Eric Scott scoring a maximum speed of 68mph, verified by a police radar gun. His propulsion is basically the same hydrogen peroxide-based tech that enabled Bond to make a daring escape in Thunderball in the '60s, which sadly still means 30 - 40 seconds maximum flying time -- faster, but a little less impressive than the 30+ miles offered by the competition. It's now up to the officials at Guinness to decide whether the record is worthy of inclusion, but you can watch the video below and decide for yourself.[Via OhGizmo!]
Video: Martin Jetpack flies again, but you still can't buy one
You know, for a device as potentially bad ass as the Martin Jetpack is -- the company boasts a maximum range of 31.5 miles at 63 mph, and the ability to hover at 8,000 feet above ground effect -- the video we've seen thus far has been pretty lackluster. Of course, you can't actually get your hands on one anyways (check back in January 2010), but that isn't stopping the company from accepting your $10,000 deposit for the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Despite all that, we couldn't help but feel all a-flutter when we watched the newest clip and realized that someday soon our dreams of super heroism might be fulfilled -- and with a rocket strapped to our back, no less. Check it out for yourself after the break.[Via Oh Gizmo!]
Water-powered Jetlev makes jetpacks fun for non-daredevils
We first caught sight of this bit of technology in patent form way back in 2007 but, in a bit of a twist, it's now actually come to fruition, and could well soon be hurling you across a lake near you. As you can imagine, the jetpack works as described in the patent, with it employing a flexible hose / tether that gets paired with a separate vessel that houses the propulsion engine and other related systems. That apparently greatly improves the thrust to weight ratio compared to a standalone jetpack, and makes the system a good deal safer as a bonus. While it's still undergoing tests, the company says it'll be accepting orders for the first model, a 155 HP version, in April of this year, and it says that the first venues offering "flights" could be up and running as soon as this summer. Until then, you'll just have to make do with the video after the break.[Thanks, JC]
Fusionman: first to cross the English Channel via jet-wing
Fusionman Yves Rossy, not to be confused with Buzz Lightyear, successfully crossed the English Channel today -- the first to do so in a solo flight with jet-propelled wing. Rossy was dropped from a plane at 8,200 feet and flew 22-miles in under 10 minutes from Calais to Dover. When asked by National Geographic's Kathryn Liptrott if he was worried about risk, Rossy replied, "I'm not worried about risk, I manage risk." We've so gotta meet this guy. If you're looking to pick up one of these jet powered carbon-fiber wings for your own unspeakable mischief, expect to pay around the $190,000 mark. Rossy is eager to see these aviation wonders catch on and has designs on forming a Red Arrows-style aerobatic team one day.[Via BBC News]
Martin Jetpack officially unveiled, lifts off on video
One of mankind's most adored gadgets (yes, the jetpack) is moving one step closer to mainstream today with the unveiling of the Martin Jetpack. Revealed in front of a crowd in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this human transporter is technically defined by the FAA as an "experimental ultralight airplane, equipped with a gas-powered, V-4 piston engine and two ducted fans that provide the lift." Currently, the $100,000 machine can only hover for around 30 minutes and rise to 8,000 feet, and those who sign up to purchase one will first have to complete 15 hours of flight training as well as a "safety screening." Check out an all-too-short video after the jump to see the device lift off, float around and land -- totally underwhelming, but the optimistic few will surely see promise.Read - Martin Jetpack unveiling, videoRead - Details on Martin JetpackRead - More photos from EAA AirVenture
EXO-Wing is world's smallest jet -- worn like a backpack
Oh daddy, would you look at that. Forget jetpacks, we've got a deep ache in our G-Jetson-loin for this, Atair Aerospace's EXO-Wing, the world's smallest human-piloted jet. Smaller even, than the Gryphon parachute. It's on display right now in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of its Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy collection. The only thing we know about the EXO-Wing is that the twin micro-turbine-powered contraption is light enough to be worn as a backpack. Hell, we don't even know if it really works. Regardless, we've got our weekend booked... up, up and away! P.S. The webbed creature below the EXO-Wing is sporting an Aerosuit for skydivers and Aquaman wannabes with a thing for Tom Jones.%Gallery-22816%Read -- Atair's EXO-Wing Read -- Super Heroes, Fashion and Fantasy exhibit
Libelula rocket-powered helicopter backpack redefines danger
Sure, you can get yourself a personal helicopter or, if you're particularly daring, a jet pack, but what about those that crave yet more danger in short 30-second bursts? As in, rocket-propelled helicopter blades a few inches from your head-type danger. Thankfully, the folks at Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana (makes of some of the aforementioned jet packs) have come to the rescue (so to speak), with their latest high-flying concept, the Libelula rocket-powered helicopter backpack. Apparently, the rockets on the tips of the blades are necessary to keep the whole rig counter-balanced, a job that would normally be done with a tail rotor on an ordinary helicopter. Of course, as you can no doubt surmise by the detailed illustration above, this one's still a ways away from getting its first test flight, but the folks at TAM do have a proven track record, so we wouldn't put it completely past 'em to get it off the drawing board sooner or later.[Via Tech Digest]
The ThunderPack jetpack promises to make you a ThunderMan... for 37 seconds
We've seen quite a few jetpacks come and go, but Thunderbolt Aerosystem's has managed to set its ThunderPack apart with marketing materials that promise to make you a "ThunderMan"... for 37 seconds and $100,000. Creator Carmelo "Nino" Amarena says his pack is an update of the hydrogen peroxide-powered packs of the 1950s, but that it's been updated to use two fuels and special catalysts and promoters -- which have led to bench test firing times of up to a whopping 75 seconds. We're not sure how that's going to be useful in military, disaster relief, or border patrol efforts like Amarena imagines, but we can sort of see how it might make a corporate event more interesting. Still, we just can't see giving up our feet, bikes, or cars for this or any other jetpack -- check out why in the video after the break.
New jet-pack patent propels with water
Sure, we all love jet packs. Who doesn't enjoy strapping a gigantic tube of highly flammable fuel to their back and igniting it so it can propel you hundreds of feet into the air? Well, an inventor named Raymond Li has a different idea, one which he's just managed to patent: a water-propelled rocket pack. The new design would use a system of conduits which route pressure to independently pivoting thrust nozzles, while the actual engine, pump, and dangerous gases remain floating on water in a self-contained, buoyant package. It's somewhat unclear if you'll be able to rocket over land using this device (the fact that the engine is water-based would suggest no), though it is an interesting development for jet-pack enthusiasts.[Via Wired]
Jet packs for sale! Life insurance sold separately
It looks like those still bemoaning the lack of readily-available jet packs can now finally get a (brief) taste of the 21st century they once envisioned, as Popular Mechanics reports that two different wearable flying contraptions are now available for sale. Coming from Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana and Jetpack International, the jet packs will each give you about 30 seconds of flight time, with Jetpack International's model boasting a slight advantage in speed, topping out at 70 mph. Somewhat reassuringly, each also comes complete with the necessary flight training, although we wouldn't expect any less given the $250,000 and $155,000 price tags. Those who take the plunge may be suffering from some buyer's remorse before too long, however, as Jetpack International is reportedly working on a new model that'll give you a full 19 minutes of flight time.
Swiss daredevil cruises the friendly skies with winged jetpack
Sure, watching Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly buzz around the room at your command elicits quite a few positive emotions, but we can't even fathom the thrill (not to mention the feeling of impending death) that would come from cruising the skies via jetpack. Yves Rossy -- a Swiss daredevil whom we all look forward to living through vicariously -- says he has become "the first person to gain altitude and maintain a stable, horizontal flight thanks to aerodynamic carbon foldable wings." While we've seen jetpacks before, and realize that folks have taken to the air on similar devices in years past, Reuters is giving us a sneak peek at Rossy's flight, which he took on the kerosene-powered, back-strapped vehicle -- and we admit, it looks like quite the thrill ride. So if you're looking to quell your fears before picking up one of your own (hopefully) in a few years, be sure to hit the read link for a live action video (and a good reason to grin).[Via Fark]
GEN H-4 personal helicopter is for realz and for sale
Remember that personal helicopter we peeped last year which some of you didn't think was real? Well, we tracked down the manufacturer and yeah, you guessed it, dug out the price. Ok, it's not exactly the Bell Rocket Belt we were promised back in the 60's when Engadget was an upstart think-tank focusing on emerging technology for the US military. Still, the Japanese built GEN H-4 co-axial helicopter features a 125cc, horizontally opposed 2 cylinder engine capable of launching your ass some 1,000-meters (about half a mile) high at a max speed of 90km/hour, or a bit more than a Sammy Hagar. While it would appear to lessen the risk of setting fire to your nether regions, any margin of safety gained is likely offset by the threat from decapitation. For as the machine translation states: the H-4 is not a finished product, yet is "probably" possible to self-assemble. Oh, ok then, can we just PayPal the ¥3,780,000 (about $32,500) or will a personal check suffice? Yet judging by the photo, it's safe enough for children to operate so let's not go all pansy just yet.[Via Impress]
Skywalker jet packs in development
No matter how played flying cars, kayaks, and other strange contraptions are, the allure of a jet pack strapped onto your back just doesn't seem to lose its luster. Rick Herron, creator of Skywalker Jets, has devised a rocket pack that weighs about 90 pounds and can propel a 200 pound pilot around the air for what is likely the most invigorating 5 minutes of their life. The crazy part is this thing actually works, and it doesn't get your backside all crispy in the process. Rick plans on producing a finalized model that has a range of about 4 miles and includes a GPS unit integrated into a HUD showing flight time and engine information among other things. A prototype build solicited a bid over 10 grand from a hopeful buyer (or helpless Star Wars fan), and this project hopefully won't end here -- Rick plans to get the device approved by the FAA and available to anxious customers as soon as possible, and the good news is that becoming a rocketeer will only cost you a cool $200,000 if it goes into production.[Via Mobilewhack]
