tingilinde

vectrex for iOS

Vectrex is one of the classic game consoles -  a 6809 based unit that set itself appart with vector graphics and a small internal CRT.  They are apparently very rare now.

Vectres Regeneration is a Vectrex "console"for iOS was just announced and is now available on the AppStore.  One of the original games (Mine Storm) and a few indie games are on the free version and a $6.95 in-app purchase adds many others.  (the price may be discounted as an intro - I've seen it listed at $9.99 elsewhere). A short review is here as I've only been using it for 15 minutes on my iPad 3..

My comments?

We are lucky enough to have an original Vectrex console in mint working condition with numerous games and overlays.  I managed to get fairly good with the interface and have ok scores in many of the titles.    I'm spoiled.

The graphics seem reasonably authentic, although they don't capture the exact look of the original - but close enough and probably fine if you haven't played with the original.  Sound is just fine and there is an online mode for multiplayer play (turn taking).

The problem is the virtual game pad.  While you can configure positions of the control stick and buttons, it isn't a physical object and lacks the "feel" I need causing the user experience to fall apart.  

The game comes so close.

If you have a real Vectrex (maybe a couple of people out there), I'd pass on it unless you have a physical game unit for it.  It is apparently compatible with the iCade (which I don't have) if you buy the game pack.   I've never used an iCade (about $100), but have heard good things about them and they are probably very useful for people who want to play classic computer games on their iPads.   I can't imagine this working on an iPhone given the tiny screen and just didn't try...

So if you have an iCade, give it a try.  Dave ...  I'm waiting for you to get one to tell me how well it works...

playing with special relativity

This reminds me a lot of George Gamow's Mr Tompkins  in Wonderland series... an early effort to popularize "modern" physics...

A game from MIT to let you play around in a world where the speed of light is seriously slower than in our universe to help you get a better grasp of relativity. OS X and Windows versions available...  It should be noted it is a prototype with some rough edges.  I tried it for awhile and recommend you use a mouse rather than a trackpad.

snip

A Slower Speed of Light is a first-person game prototype in which players navigate a 3D space while picking up orbs that reduce the speed of light in increments. Custom-built, open-source relativistic graphics code allows the speed of light in the game to approach the player's own maximum walking speed. Visual effects of special relativity gradually become apparent to the player, increasing the challenge of gameplay. These effects, rendered in realtime to vertex accuracy, include the Doppler effect (red- and blue-shifting of visible light, and the shifting of infrared and ultraviolet light into the visible spectrum); the searchlight effect (increased brightness in the direction of travel); time dilation (differences in the perceived passage of time from the player and the outside world); Lorentz transformation (warping of space at near-light speeds); and the runtime effect (the ability to see objects as they were in the past, due to the travel time of light). Players can choose to share their mastery and experience of the game through Twitter. A Slower Speed of Light combines accessible gameplay and a fantasy setting with theoretical and computational physics research to deliver an engaging and pedagogically rich experience.

 

 (hat tip to Zach)

 

computer science has finally made it

AlanTuring Monopoly ...

 

(hat tip to Alan)

zork for the iphone

It has been around for awhile, but somehow I thought of you Nancy.

kids and forests

I was reading a friend's blog and noticed Marta commenting on game console energy use.

Part of it was a surprise - the Swedish discussion on jungle gyms vs playing in the forest.  In NJ the average kid is tightly scheduled and hyperprotected to the point where it is hard to image kids playing in the forest.  

I'm a strong believer in free range kids -- at least some of the time.  Kids need to be outside playing and discovering nature.  The Swedish argument is a much better argument than wondering if a Wii is better than a PS3 ... grumble.

The concept of a kid playing in the forest would make a helicopter mom's head explode -- probably not a bad thing.

thanks for the reality check Marta!!

Sukie reminded me of the little holiday game Winterbells...

zula speaks to kids

Zula tells kids about the good things that come from physical activity.  I've met her and she is an authority on these things.

Kids around here rarely play outside.  A few are in involved in sports at school, but touring through our neighborhood on a nice day makes you wonder if there are any kids.  No one is playing outside and none ride bikes.  When you see them queueing for the bus, more than a few appear to be overweight.

I wasn't active in any sports as a kid (completely uncöordinated is a fair description), but I spent a lot of time walking and riding my bike.  My mostly good health as an adult probably traces to that activity.