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This just in: games are TiVo-licious
Starting tonight, and running every Wednesday through December 19th, you need to make sure your TiVo is pointed to the Discovery Channel at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. For gamers of any stripe, they're covering a gaming retrospective that will be as sweet as popping a Power-up right before stomping King Koopa, and as comforting as the first level of Pong. For those of us with an interest in MMOs, however, we have one episode -- Level Five, premiering on December 19th -- dedicated to our obsession.The final episode of Rise of the Video Game covers the first MUDs from the late 1960s through the latest MMOs today. They'll be discussing everything from Ultima Online through World of Warcraft, and they'll include interviews with both Richard Bartle of MUD fame and Cory Ondrejka from Linden Lab. So make sure you have your popcorn ready and your recorders running: we've got us some game history to uncover.[Via GamePolitics]
Half-time band makes sweet game music
The combination of half-time shows, videogame medleys and marching nerds is nothing new, but this could be the best example we've seen yet. The footage above was shot at the UC Berkeley versus Washington State game earlier this month, and sees a rigorously drilled band belting out a string of songs from a glut of Nintendo favorites, including Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon. We only hope some of the crowd can appreciate the brilliance that's unfolding before them.It's the formations that really make it for us, though. That bit with the flag at the end is an absolute win in our book.
LGC07: German journalists, experts pick all-time most influential games
A gathering of German journalists, publishers and "experts" met at this year's Leipzig Games Convention to pick what they felt were the most influential games of all time (via GameSetWatch). Of the reported 150 nominations, 16 titles were ultimately chosen and, of those, four were noted for being most frequently noted.The four top-honored games are Tetris, Pong, Doom and Pac-Man. Though we agree with much of the list, we're still left feeling some titles were unfortunately overlooked (e.g. E.T., Custer's Revenge). What do you think of the list?See Also: 10 most important video games of all time, as judged by 2 designers, 2 academics, and 1 lowly blogger[Image credit: Senechaux]
DIY'er builds 'world's smallest" Pong game
We're going to have to go on record and claim that the Pong wristwatch still looks to be the smallest iteration of Pong that we've seen to date, but we'll let Ronald Dekker shakily hold the record for the smallest version that's easily channeled to a TV set. Nevertheless, the µPONG creation is indeed quite diminutive, using just "an eight-pin PIC processor along with two potentiometers for the bat controls, just as the original." Per usual, the circuity knowledge used to actually assemble this thing is a hair beyond our realm of expertise, but judging by the extensive lineup of graphs and figures shown in the read link, those even partially in the know may be able to pull something similar off themselves.[Via MAKE]
Atari announces new collection of Classics
Atari has just announced yet another retro compilation for PSP: Atari Classics Evolved will offer eleven updated games, including Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Centipede, Lunar Lander, Millipede, Missile Command, Super Breakout, Tempest, Warlords and Pong. These "evolved" versions will include updated "up-to-date graphics," but will also be available in their original retro forms.In addition to these updated games, there will be more than 60 original Atari 2600 titles also included in the collection -- games such as: Yar's Revenge, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber and Crystal Castles.Online leaderboards will be provided for many of the games included in this compilation, developed by Stainless Games Ltd. Expect this to arrive on PSP this Fall.
Bally bringing Pong to casino floors
We know, you've got a zillion ways to get your Pong on whilst lounging around in your geeked-out crib, but how in the world will you deal with the withdrawals on this year's trip to Vegas? Thanks to Bally, you may not have to suffer at all, as Nevada gambling regulators recently approved the concept behind Bally Pong, a "slot machine that would for the first time allow hand-eye coordination to affect payout." Put simply, the machine would enter a 45-second round of Pong if three bonus icons line up on the five-reel video slot machine, and regardless of one's skill, a minimum award would be doled out simply for reaching the bonus. Oh, it gets better -- Bally also said that this was just "the first in a series of skill games (including Breakout!) it had planned," so those looking to see a hint of vintage when they hit the casino floor should be very pleased if everything goes as planned over the next few months.[Via The Raw Feed]
Today's don't-try-this-at-home video: Homemade Wii Fit
Don't want to wait until later this year try the latest spastic exergaming craze, Wii Fit? Are the Wii graphics just too high-res for you? Wish Wii Fit looked a touch more dangerous?Gametrailers user, "neadha," answers the call to all three challenges, showing a homebrew balance game grafted to an old version of Pong. Standing on a skateboard deck on a cylinder, the Pong paddle slides up or down with every tilt. Or at least that's the idea. The game is so hardcore that the ball wings across the screen too quickly to react.With a little tuning, the game might be cool. But clearly, a helmet is advised, lest this turn into Jackass. See the video after the break.
Bongo Pong weds gaming, balance with makeshift Indo board
Another day, another DIY attempt to reinvent the world's most reinvented title. On the docket today is Bongo Pong, a nifty iteration of the famed classic that utilizes a Velleman Pong kit, a makeshift Indo board (read: bare skateboard deck), a few "small metal tubes to use for the tilt activated switches," and a beefy cut of PVC pipe. Total costs rang up just under $20, and while this version of Pong isn't apt to inflate your triceps, it should test your balance (and patience) supremely. Hit the read link for the video demonstration.[Via Hacked Gadgets]
Biopong enables workouts whilst gaming
If setting up your computer to play Pong with itself was beginning to incite a bit of jealously, fret not, as a recent project over at Teckjunkie can enable you to experience the famed title in an entirely new way. Aptly dubbed Biopong, this DIY endeavor relied on quite a bit of electrical engineering knowledge, a kit from ThinkGeek, and a steady flow of blood to your extremities. The rules are simple: flex either arm in order to interact with the game, and the uber-coordinated set may even be able to lift a few weights whilst gaming it up. Be sure to peep the video of this Wii exercise alternative after the jump.[Via Hack-A-Day]
Computer plays Pong all by itself
User-created content is so last year. The new craze: videogames that play themselves. Ashish Derhgawen wrote an image recognition program and connected a webcam to his computer. The camera watches the ball by detecting borders on the screen and adjusting the paddle's position to compensate. Not exactly a portent of the impending machine uprising, but the program could easily be modified to detect human-shaped borders and the camera could swing a 2x4 with a nail in the end. Food for thought.[Via Engadget]
Computer uses webcam to play Pong with itself
As Pong attempts to solidify itself as the most hacked up game in the history of mankind, Ashish Derhgawen has programmed his computer to actually play a homegrown version of the title without any human interaction at all. By utilizing a webcam as the machine's eyes, he was able to write up an image recognition program that could detect borders and make appropriate movements based on where the ball currently was. Nothing too dramatic in terms of execution, but teaching an old computer new tricks always brings about a certain sense of pride. Check the video after the jump.[Via hack a day]
CNN settles presidential race through Pong clone
Forget selecting your presidential candidate by analyzing their values and stances on the issues, CNN has created a new game that let's you make the most important choice in U.S. democracy the way God intended: Through a Pong clone. While it's hard to get too mad at Presidential Pong, a game that includes both "Military Veteran" and "Lincoln's Statehouse" power ups, the absence of some candidates is a bummer. It seems Kucinich and Tancredo will continue to be denied a rematch of the 1978 ping-pong battle that left one man without an index finger and one just a little bit wiser.[Big ups to our main man laserboyjc. Sorry we forgot.]
Students bring Pong and lasers together at last
When it comes to DIY projects, there are few surer ways to impress than crafting a unique interpretation of Pong -- something that's been attempted many, many times in the past. Now, a group of students at Cornell University have devised what may just be the most impressive bit of Pong hackery to date, unveiling their so-called "Wall of Pong" for the world to see (and be jealous of). At the center of the system is a moveable laser projection platform that throws the necessary dot onto any flat surface, which the two players can then bat around using actual paddles. From the looks of it, the speed of the ball is somewhat limited by how fast the motorized projector is able to move (check it out in action by hitting the read link below), although it still seems to be capable of providing a satisfying ehough game. Best of all, the entire cost of the project was under fifty bucks, although it sadly looks to be beyond the reach of all but the most seasoned DIY-ers.[Via SlashGear]
Intimate controllers remind us that touching is good
After designing a Pong controller built into a bra (touch the left cup to move left, the right to move right), Jennifer Chowdhury heard the term "gamer widowhood" where men essentially abandoned their wives in favor of playing video games. This got the ole gears turning: could a game actually bring couples closer together? Behold the solution: Intimate Controllers.The idea is simple: a dozen sensors are built into a matching pair of boxers and a bra. The couple wears the undergarments and watches the game screen nearby with their hands placed on each other. At various points in the game players will need to touch certain sensors on their partner in order to progress (yes, let your imagination run free with that one). After watching the video, you'll realize there are many, many reasons you'll want to get further in this game.Jenny's thesis project is a fascinating concept, and we're not just saying that for obvious reasons. Playing video games with other people is a form of bonding, but the Intimate Controllers take the idea and run with it. You get to play a game, and there's lot of groping going on in the process. We really don't see a down side.[Thanks, Steve]%Gallery-2971%
Ping Pong with Penny Arcade, to the pain!
After feasting upon the flesh of Seattle import vendor Pink Godzilla, the Penny Arcade crew are thirsting for new blood in their quest to destroy all competition in their sick and twisted game of ping pong. No, not Rockstar Table Tennis (though the developer's hand would explain the violence), but actual, honest-to-goodness, physically exerting ping pong. Gabe is making the call to anyone in the games industry who might want to take on the comic crew (and yes, it's more than just Tycho and Gabe). A few rules: Bring seven people, ranked in order of skill Matches will adhere USATT Table Tennis rules, lasting 11 points per game with service rotation every two points. Each match will be best out of five games. Doubles teams are optional "Victory as of right now means street cred and bragging rights," according to Gabe, with the future possibility of a pong league and "some sort of trophy to pass around. Anyone interested should e-mail Gabe (address on the PA page) with the subject line reading "PING PONG CHALLENGE!" Since Joystiq HQ is spread out far and wide over the world, we'll likely not heed the call, but industry types who have no will to live some paddle skills should bring their A-game to Penny Arcade's underground lair. But be warned of Robert Khoo's insatiable thirst for gamer blood, demonstrated in the video embedded after the break.See Also: Joystiq's Weekly Webcomic Wrapup
Homebrew Pong plays via the interwebs
This newly released homebrew program is both ambitious and underwhelming at the same time. It's Pong ... I'm sure you're familiar with it: you hit a ball with a paddle, and it goes back and forth. This decades-old game certainly isn't newsworthy. However, what is newsworthy is that it's online. Yes, Blackshark has somehow made an Infrastructure-enabled homebrew game. While Pong may not be the coolest game to play online, it's amazing to see such a development in the homebrew scene.Of course, I haven't been able to get it to work online on my 3.03 OE-B PSP. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?[Via DCEmu]
DIY wristwatch touts OLED display, plays Pong
There's not a whole lot of things we'd consider more worthy of technolust than a Pong clock, but a Pong clock that fits on your wrist is most certainly one of them. Although the build process looks far from easy, this beautiful piece of retro nirvana sports an all black motif, 96 x 64 resolution OLED display, 33-hours of battery life, and the ability to mesmerize even the boldest of the bold. By utilizing a good bit of handyman skills, a great bit of circuitry knowledge, and an awful lot of patience, John has created a surefire "hit at his office," and while no one has paid him a compliment just yet out on the streets, we know some hearts have been filled with envy nonetheless. Although the amount of detail required to craft such a device far exceeds what we can describe here, be sure to hit the read link for an elaborate build log complimented with snapshots, and click on through for the live action video.[Via MAKE]
Akai MPC-1000 drum machine drops a beat, plays Pong
Cram any sort of retro game onto a machine clearly not designed to play it and you'll probably color us impressed, and just as the off the wall Doom installations, MIDI hacks, and Wolfenstein ports have gone down, Japan's own JJ has struck a cord with vintage folk everywhere with his latest tweak. Reportedly, the hacker / entertainer re-wrote the actual operating system for a $999 Akai MPC-1000 drum machine, added a few features from the more expensive MPC-2500, and got the MIDI all setup precisely like he wanted -- all to play a little musical Pong. Aside from the snazzy custom loading screen, the game itself looks to work fairly well, and also triggers samples of your choice to loop in the background while gaming. The good news is that the Pong upgrade will only set you back $30, but the bad news is that would require you to actually already own the Akai machine, and just in case your wallet can't handle anymore abuse whatsoever after this past Monday, just click on through for a (gratis) YouTube demonstration.[Via Joystiq]
Hidden games in Mac OS X
Mac OS X uses emacs as a text editor, which contains a number of hidden games including Snake, Tetris, Pong and a whole slew of others. Follow the simple steps included here, and you could be playing a boatload of games that you didn't even know were on your Mac. Granted, the games pretty much suck (the graphics make the Wii look like Super High Definition 2160iii), but if you're trying to kill 30 minutes while sitting in the library, look no further. We're still exploring these and trying to figure out what the heck some of the games are.
$1000 music sequencer can play Pong
Of course, to get Pong, you have to add a $30 upgrade, but hey ... retro gaming action on your $1k machine! It may seem a bit like overkill, but at least when you play Pong it does trigger different sequences and effects. No word yet on if you can get the original 'dit dit' sounds of Pong or not, but you can trigger a nice little drum riff and scratch if you want. Think Moby has one of these?Next up: $250k Ferrari can play Duck Hunt.[Thanks, Tom]
