licensed
Latest
Sons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer
Kurt Sutter, the creator of the FX TV series, Sons of Anarchy, said a little while back there was a game in progress, based on the series' rowdy biker family exploits. It was set to be "a high-end browser-based" title, but a recent tweet from Sutter says that's all changed. Instead, FX and Fox have agreed to "do a REAL game. Console based. Not some slapcrap browser [multiplayer] thing," according to Sutter. He admits it'll take a long time to put together, but since the browser game "felt rushed and unsatisfying," he wants the property treated right.That's good news for Sons of Anarchy fans ready for a full console experience based on their show. As for us, as long as Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow is playable somehow, we're happy with whatever SAMCRO-based experience we can get.
Incipio shows off licensed, interchangeable, and battery charger cases at CES
Incipio had a nice booth on the show floor at CES this year, and kindly showed TUAW some of its new offerings in the world of iPhone cases and spare batteries. The latest and greatest news from Incipio is licensed cases -- the company has secured licenses to print cases with art from Magic: The Gathering, Hasbro, Alpine Stars, and gaming accessory company Gunnar, so we got to see those cases displayed at the show. Incipio told us that while licensed cases don't normally sell quite as well as plain cases (we heard last year that black is always the best-selling color for iPhone and iPad cases), licenses can often bring in interest to the company, from consumer buyers to retailers and other companies. Some of the licensed cases from Incipio Elsewhere in the booth, Incipio was also showing off its popular NGP case, which consists of two different pieces: a hardshell back that fits directly on the iPhone, and then a silicone case that snaps onto that one. Customers have really been drawn to the case, Incipio told us, because it's pretty easy to remove and change up. That's a trend they've noticed recently: That more and more customers are looking for iPhone cases that can come off easily, either because they want to try on multiple different cases for their iPhone, or just to allow the iPhone to connect to or sit in a dock. Incipio was also displaying the Off Grid Pro, which is a battery pack that follows up on its Off Grid series. The Off Grid Pro kicks up the juice to 1700 mAh, and it features a very slim set of batteries that can be replaced inside the iPhone case itself. I thought it was surprisingly thin, so users looking for a extra battery boost that doesn't take up a lot of room might be interested in checking it out. The Off Grid Pro will be out at the end of February for $89.99. Finally, Incipio showed us a prototype case it was working on that had both rigid and flexible parts. The rigid parts looked like an "X" and reached out to the corners of the iPhone, while the sides were flexible and allows for protection without making the iPhone much larger. That case was still in the making, a designer for the company told us, so it may never actually see store shelves in its current form. But Incipio and all of the other various case companies on the floor at CES are innovating as best they can, trying to both come up with new options and respond to consumer taste as quickly as possible. A case prototype Incipio's cases definitely stood out from the flood of similar accessories at the show this year. And just like last year, it was interesting to hear what kinds of trends and patterns are showing up in the world of iPhone and iPad add-ons.
Daily iPhone App: Judge Dredd vs. Zombies
There have been a few strangely licensed games on the App Store this year (Army of Darkness Defense jumps to mind), and Judge Dredd vs. Zombies is one of those. There's no Judge Dredd movies in production as far as I know, and the comic is still rather obscure, despite the Sylvester Stallone movie. But it doesn't really matter, because sometimes zombies, catchphrases and a good shotgun are all you need. Judge Dredd vs. Zombies is pretty spare and is definitely a road we've run down before, but that doesn't mean it's not fun. A steady upgrade system keeps you jumping through thirty levels, and fun multiplier mechanics (hitting more zombies at a time will up your score) keep things interesting as you mow baddies and one-liners. It's a dual-stick game but these are actually single-stick controls as well. Just move with one virtual stick, and hit a big (red, duh) button to fire away. It's fun stuff, and Game Center integration and the fact that it's a universal app for just 99 cents make this one easy to recommend. It's not anything new, but there's nothing wrong with playing through old kinds of gameplay done just right.
TUAW's Daily iPhone App: Marvel Kapow!
Marvel Kapow is an interesting approach to the licensed game idea. Most superhero games aim to directly control the superhero, letting the player experience being them, but Marvel Kapow is a much more casual, abstract experience, instead simply using the Marvel license and its various heroes to set up a few different minigames across a series of levels. The games vary from Captain America's Brickbreaking shield to Iron Man's repulsor ray blaster and Wolverine's claw slash, but the basic idea is that you're defeating incoming enemies while switching from hero to hero on the bottom of the screen. Scoring has a cool combo feature that enables you to build up a higher score by defeating enemies all in a row, but unfortunately, that's about all the complexity here -- just play the game and try to score as high as you can. The games overall are a little boring, and the only way the title ramps up at all is just to throw multiple games your way at the same time, and then rinse and repeat for what's probably a little too long. Still, it's a fun distraction, and the game's currently on sale, just US 99 cents for the iPhone version and $2.99 for the iPad. I'd recommend you try the free version first, however -- even if you're a huge Marvel fan, this gameplay might be a little too abstract (and to be honest, dull) to even capture your imagination.
Sideway preview: Spray-on can
We already knew a little something about most of the games seen at Comic-Con this year, from the well-traveled Gears of War 3 to the just-announced Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but Sideway stands alone as the only brand-new title playable on the show floor. It's a platformer coming to PSN with an interesting origin, and a premise that literally turns the genre on its side. The game (which was referred to as Sideway: New York on promotional posters at the con) is part of a property developed by Fuel Entertainment, a creative house that's also working on a deal to turn the idea into a TV cartoon. They teamed up with fellow Ottawa, Ontario-based developers Playbrains to handle the development and Sony Online Entertainment to handle publishing; the PSN title will serve as an introduction to what the team hopes becomes a larger universe. That universe centers around Nox, a graffiti tagger who himself is turned into art by a rival tagger named Spray. The game sends Nox around 15 different platforming levels, each one of which is painted on the side of a building, essentially placing his 2D action in a projection on a 3D world. %Gallery-128865%
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 headsets coming from Turtle Beach with custom audio presets
Gaming headset outfit Turtle Beach has snagged itself the exclusive license for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 headsets and it's planning on taking full advantage of that license by shipping not one but four MW3-themed 'sets this October, in advance of the game's November 8 release. In addition to the normal branding (see above: logos!) some of the Turtle Beach headsets will distinguish themselves in one key way: They come with custom MW3 presets, designed by the teams at Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games. Want an audio preset that makes it really easy to hear footsteps? We're guessing that's in there. The Ear Force Delta is targeting console gamers with a a wireless headset, Bluetooth chat (with XBA adapter for Xbox 360), an MW3 carrying case, the aforementioned presets, and a $300 asking price. The Bravo wireless headset comes with the same presets as the Delta and a much lower $150 price tag. The Charlie wired headset is MW3 "optimized" but there's no mention of custom audio presets in this one. At $130, you'll save a whopping $20 on this PC-focused headset. Lastly, the Foxtrot is another "optimized" headset, packing "several key features to set it apart." Since they're not saying, we're guessing that its $100 price tag is one of the most notable features. Turtle Beach is promising more info leading up to the launch of the headsets but, until then, you can take a look at the four units just after the break, or find the high-resolution versions in our gallery.%Gallery-128594%
Wrap your iPad in Ferrari leather
You may not be able to afford that Ferarri that's ready to wrap around your iPod, but how about just a Ferrari case? RazorianFly points us to these Ferrari-branded iDevice cases which allow you to put your iPad or iPhone 4 in the same rich, supple leather that goes into the legendary supercars. You can pick them up in either black or red, and each case is decorated with a metal cutout of the Ferrari Prancing Horse logo. The prices aren't too bad as luxury cases go. The iPhone 4 case will run you around US$36, and the iPad case goes for about $94, shipping from Italy not included. When compared to high-end luxury cases that easily run over $100, that's actually a bargain. Much cheaper than an actual Ferrari, right?
TUAW's Daily App: Inspector Gadget's MAD Dash
I would say that this Canabalt-like game is good for kids (and it is), but I don't suppose there are too many kids around nowadays who remember the early days of Inspector Gadget like I did in my generation. We 80s babies can fondly look back on Gadget, Penny, Brain and the mysterious Dr. Claw with nostalgia, so while this one is more or less a licensed tie-in game, it's still good to see the old gang kicking around. Actually, just calling it a tie-in game isn't quite right -- there are some new elements here, in the form of coins to collect as you run and a few interesting new sequences (including some hook-jumping and a train for Gadget to dodge). But it basically plays like a running game; Gadget constantly skates forward, and a touch on the screen let's you jump up to safety. It's just as fun, too -- while it doesn't have Canabalt's cool flavor, it does have the Gadget theme, sounds from the series and everything else you'd expect from a licensed title. It also has a nice curve of replayability -- you're not only scored as you play, you're also granted Gadget Coins, which you can use to unlock extras both in-game and out (there's a digital comic and a sound board, both of which are nice meaty add-ons). Plus, the game is half price right now at just US 99 cents ($2.99 for the iPad version). If you've got kids who like Canabalt, or if you just remember being a kid that liked Inspector Gadget, give it a shot.
Real Racing 2 coming to iOS December 16th
After a few weeks of teasing and hints, Firemint has finally revealed all about its upcoming Real Racing 2 game for iOS, and it looks extremely impressive. The first game in the series is still one of the most popular and well done racing games in the App Store, and Firemint is upping the ante high for the second go-round. Real Racing 2 will feature 30 licensed cars from brands like Ford, Jaguar, Volkswagen and McLaren, and will pit those vehicles against each other in a 16-car grid both online and offline. There will be five game modes to play through, including a full-featured career mode, and forty miles of track to race across 15 different locations. The game will also offer Game Center integration, and a number of different control options to drive however you want. Firemint was kind enough to send out an early copy of the game, so we'll be kicking the tires and running a few laps to see how it plays before release. Meanwhile if you're interested in what seems destined to be one of the best iOS racing games so far, stay tuned -- the game will be out on December 16, available in the App Store for $9.99 for iPhone and iPod touch.
Microsoft licenses dozens of patents from Access and Acacia, including some Palm inventions
Complete details on the deal are still a bit light, but it's just been revealed today that Microsoft has licensed a total of 74 patents from Acacia Research Corp. and Access Co. Ltd, some of which come from PalmSource, the software company spun off from Palm Inc. in 2003. While Microsoft itself isn't saying much on the matter beyond the usual formalities, Acacia CEO Paul Ryan says that the patents licensed by Microsoft are "foundational" in the smartphone market and, as The Wall Street Journal reports, they apparently include some of the very same patents that Acacia has sued other companies over, including Apple, RIM, Samsung and Motorola -- those specific patents concern things like email synchronization and "providing phone capabilities from personal computer devices." Guess that's one potential patent lawsuit you can mark off your list.
Lamborghini dishes out a Reventon you can actually afford: a 1:10 scale RC car
At long last even us plebeian supercar lovers can afford to say we own a Lambo. And we wouldn't even be lying if we claimed it had an internal combustion engine (3cc, vroom vroom!), hydraulic shock absorbers, disc brakes, or permanent all-wheel drive. Such must have been the stringent requirements handed down from Lamborghini HQ to DeAgostini, which has scored the license to produce a limited run of 65 1:10 scale models of the Reventon. The radio-controlled mini-supercars haven't been priced yet, but we suspect they'll fall quite a few zeroes short of the real deal's $1.2 million sticker. Update: As it turns out, these come in parts and can be built up if you keep buying a collection of 65 "booklets." Each one costs €8 and the remote control is priced at €60, leading you to a total around €580 ($737) [Thanks, wii_willie!]
TI picks up first license for ARM's Eagle CPU core, mass market devices still a couple of years off
The mythical next generation of ARM's Cortex-A series, the Eagle, has made a reappearance in the news this week, but much of the mystery remains. Texas Instruments has now revealed itself as the first licensee of the new core, while also waxing poetic about its deep involvement and collaboration with ARM on its design and particular specifications. No, nobody was kind enough to let us in on what those specs might yet be, but since -- technically speaking -- the Eagle CPU hasn't even been announced yet, that's probably fair enough. For its part, TI expects to be first to market with its OMAP systems-on-chip integrating the latest Cortex core, but that won't be happening for a good while yet, as most projections peg the Eagle's landing to be no sooner than 2012. Guess we'll just have to make do with some dual-core Snapdragons until then.
Hori's mesmerizing PS3 Slim LCD dock now available for import
Love at first sight may be debatable, but we had a feeling we'd be into Hori's PS3 Slim LCD dock just as soon as we laid eyes on it. A few months after first appearing overseas, the simplistic device -- which mounts an 11.6-inch LCD atop your PlayStation 3 Slim console -- is ready to be imported into these great States of America. Play-Asia is coming through in the clutch once more, offering the gizmo to those situated far, far from the Land of the Rising Sun for $259.90. It's in stock and ready to ship within 24 hours, so we'd get it on it if you were planning to get on it. Just sayin'. [Thanks, Craig]
Hands-on: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (PS3)
Disney Interactive Studios has been making a lot of noise about refining and improving its approach to licensed games, and while Toy Story 3: The Video Game is still meant for the younger members of Pixar's vast following, it's the best evidence yet that Disney is serious about trying to use licenses right. I got to play the game at a recent pre-E3 event, and it was a solid, kid-friendly experience, with bright and beautiful graphics surrounding intuitive racing and platforming mechanics. With innovative features like a very dynamic difficulty system and lots and lots of collectibles and game modes, Disney's Avalanche Studios has created something here that you, as someone who enjoys fine game design, can actually be proud to have your kids play. %Gallery-93421%
Despicable Me games coming to Wii, DS, PS2 and PSP in July
D3Publisher has announced details on its upcoming batch of Despicable Me games, coming to Wii, DS, PS2 and PSP this July. Coinciding with the animated film's debut and mirroring its premise of a supervillain (voiced by Steve Carell) plotting to steal the moon, Despicable Me: The Game lets you "experience the thrill of being downright despicable" and purchasing a licensed movie game. You'll assume the role of supervillain Gru, who must use various gadgets, weapons and an army of minions to solve puzzles, pull off "the biggest heist in history" and best his rival, Vector. (Presumably, the game is over when Vector has been beaten by, uh, Gru.) Despicable Me: The Game will launch on the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable -- courtesy of Monkey Bar Games -- while a separate title, Despicable Me: The Game - Minion Mayhem is being cooked up (Fillet Minion joke goes here) just for DS by the increasingly visible WayForward. %Gallery-91845% %Gallery-91846%
PS3 meets Hori LCD dock, good things happen
Hori is a company that's no stranger to strapping LCDs to consoles and calling them portable, but for some reason we're quite smitten with its latest monitor docking station. The HP3-87 doesn't stray too far from the formula -- it adds an 11.6-inch screen to a wraparound structure for your PS3, with stereo speakers, two headphone jacks, and composite or component input options. With a resolution of 1,366 x 768, it's well suited to handling the 16:9 signal coming out of the do-everything console, although its 500:1 contrast ratio, 7ms response time, and 200 nits of brightness are perhaps a tiny step behind the times. On the other hand, it's compatible with the Japan-only Torne DTV adapter and it's officially licensed by Sony itself, so it can't be too bad, right? All you Tokyo-ites will have until May 27 to decide, when the HP3-87 goes on sale for ¥26,040 ($276). International release plans are not yet disclosed, but if you really need the portability, you could always grab a PS3 laptop from your local online auction house. Which option will be more useful (less useless?) we leave up to you to decide.
Freeverse working on a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies game for iPhone
I haven't gotten a chance to read the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies book, in which Seth Grahame-Smith takes the old Jane Austen novel and adds a little undead action to it, but apparently the brand is doing very well. Freeverse has announced that they've been hired to create an iPhone game based on the book. They tell us that they'll be putting "the perfect blend of zombie slaying action and touching romance narrative" into a 2.5D graphic game on the iPhone Sounds interesting. The game is due out on the App Store by April, and while we were told previously that all of Freeverse's titles would end up going with Ngmoco's freemium policy, the recent Flick Bowling 2 didn't follow that model, so who knows? It looks like Freeverse does have at least a little leeway in what they release, and it's interesting to see that they're working on some licensed content as well (a game based on a novel, of all things, that's based on another novel). We'll keep an eye out for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and let you know when we hear the undead moaning through the Victorian walls.
Clash of the Titans screens highlight multi-headed beasts
Click image to fetch some more screens If you think our last batch of screens depicted some ugly creatures from Namco Bandai's upcoming Clash of the Titans, then we guess this latest round of shots are par for the course. Featuring several screens of the multi-headed nasty you see above, our gallery below is a veritable playground of potential nightmare inducers. This beast is like a smaller, more nimble version of Cerberus from Devil May Cry 3. Maybe a bit less chilly, too. Anyway, feel free to hit up the gallery below for the new screens. %Gallery-87927%
Sony licenses 'official' PS3 external HDDs, doesn't fully comprehend concept of interoperability
Hey there, why so glum? You've overfilled your PS3's internal storage with mission-critical data and don't have anywhere else to stash your incoming Best of Miley Cyrus compilation? Fear not, Sony's got you covered with a pair of officially licensed external HDDs built by Buffalo. They look remarkably similar to standard issue USB portable drives -- so much so in fact that one of them is a rebadged unit that Buffalo already retails in the US -- but let's not nitpick here. The two drives on offer come with a generous 500GB of storage and their prices aren't too bad with the rebadge setting you back around $130 while the more stylish HD-AV500U2 above will cost around $168. You could of course ignore Sony, buy any drive you like and jack it into your PS3; it's just that these aren't too terrible as far as unnecessarily licensed peripherals go. Both drives will be hitting Japan in March to coincide with the Torne DVR adapter release.
Sega Zone: the Genesis with a Wiimote nobody asked for
Sega may (sadly) be out of the hardware business itself, but like some other once mighty companies, it's not above licensing its brand for others to use as they see fit. The latest device to emerge out of that arrangement is the Sega Zone, which takes a perfectly fine Genesis console (complete with a cartridge slot) and adds a pair of Wiimote-like controllers in an attempt to keep up with the times. To go along with those, you'll also get 30 new games for the system (16 of which support some form of motion control), but we're guessing most folks will quickly find themselves opting for one of the 20 classic Genesis games that come pre-loaded. Still no indication of a release for this one 'round here, but those in the UK will apparently be able to pick one up this summer for £39.95 (or about $60). [Thanks, Mark]
