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First screens for Theme Park DS
EA has issued out the first screenshots for the upcoming Theme Park DS. A port of the PC game, there are few details still on the features this port will have. So, we're still in the dark on the game's features, but at least we now have some screens of the game to gawk at. We've included a hand full of them into the post, after the break.See also: EA announces Theme Park DS
EA announces Theme Park DS
If building and managing cities isn't your bag, how's a theme park sound? Electronic Arts announced, according to GameFront, that they'll be releasing another port of one of their popular games, Theme Park, for the DS. There are very few details thus far on Theme Park DS, though there's word of a tentative Japanese release date in March. Some German sources are listing a similar date for Europe, but there's no word yet on any other region. As soon as we hear anything else, we'll let you know. Whether you love or hate EA (there seems to be no middle ground on that subject), it's nice to see that they're dedicating resources to the DS, since the building games seem so well suited to the stylus.
KUKA Robotics and Primal Rides to release interactive amusement ride
There's nothing like wolfing down a delectable funnel cake, only to then strap yourself into a steel-framed contraption that lays down 2 Gs on your already-queasy stomach. Germany's KUKA Robotics is teaming up with Canada's own Primal Rides to unveil a new "fully interactive amusement ride" using the KUKA KR 500 robot as the "building block" of it all. The machine boasts a six-axis (not that SIXAXIS) robot with a 131-inch reach and capable of handling just over half a ton, all while throwing 2 Gs worth of force and countless smiles (or frowns, depending on the situation) on its riders. Apparently, the ride will hoist riders into a gunfight, where the intensity, speed, and variety of targets will increase as their scores skyrocket; additionally, KUKA claims that parks can "quickly and cost effectively change the theme and severity of the ride" by swapping out peripheral effects and robot programming sans the need for costly new nuts and bolts. While it's still unclear which theme parks have signed on for this robot-based thrill ride, we're sure EMMA, HOSPI, RI-MAN, and Quasi will be first in line to give it a whirl.[Via Robbit Gossip]
The Happiest Arcade on Earth
Responding to our post on Japan's Sega-themed Joypolis arcade, Joystiq reader Filth sent in a tip for a similar arcade mecca in Orlando, Fla. DisneyQuest, part of Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney complex, is six floors featuring over 180 new and retro arcade games and 14 Disney-themed rides. Best of all, unlike neo-arcades like Dave & Busters, one $30 ticket gets you unlimited play on the games and rides all day long.Opened in the late '90s, the Orlando location was supposed to be the first of a series of DisneyQuests around the country, but financial troubles stopped the project from going forward. Rumor has it that the location will be converted into another ESPN Zone in 2008, so gamers who might be planning a pilgrimage shouldn't wait too long.
The TUAW Interview: 3 Developers behind My Dream App
A few days ago I sat down (virtually) with the 3 developers who will be coding the winning ideas from My Dream App (they are also judges). Austin Sarner (AppZapper), Jason Harris (Shapeshifter, ThemePark, and Chicken of the VNC to name a few), and Martin Ott (SubEthaEdit) have a big task ahead of them. At the moment over 1700 ideas have been submitted to My Dream App and not only will these guys be programming the final 3, they also help choose them.After the jump is a longish chat that I had with Austin, Jason, and Martin. We go over their programming chops, why they decided to join up with MDA, and why they are so excited about the concept.
