The Wii Optical Drive Emulator (WODE) has been released for the Wii. This handy little gadget, which is kind of like a flash card for the Wii, lets you:
-Plug a USB stick/hard drive into your Wii to play ISOs directly (no need for discs)
-Is upgradeable, lets you rip games to the harddrive with first update
-Is solderless and external so anyone can install it
Here's an early video of the WODE demonstrating some of its features (thanks to Wiihacks.com):
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Update: Wii system 4.2 released - HOMEBREW USERS READ
Nintendo has released a new operating system that can be attained through the regular Wii updates. It has been shown to block most homebrew applications and the homebrew channel itself. If you do not want to lose access to homebrew, it is strongly recommended that you don't update yet.
Note: Homebreware has put out a recent software update that lets you still access homebrew games with the 4.2 update from Nintendo.
Read the full article here
Note: Homebreware has put out a recent software update that lets you still access homebrew games with the 4.2 update from Nintendo.
Read the full article here
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Team iDemise 1-80 Leveling Guide Review
Team iDemise has been putting out World of Warcraft leveling guides for quite a while now, and they're one of the most trusted leveling guide producers out there. However, I hadn't actually used one of their guides before, so when I started my latest character, I decided to give their guide a spin to see how it compared to some of the others, like Zygor's and Joana's.
The Team iDemise guide is a little different. Instead of guiding you through each quest and zone based on the route they took when designing the guide, as most guides do, this one instead monitors the fastest leveling routes taken by WoW players who reached 80 in the shortest amount of /played time. They collect this data and consistently update the guide, so it's always got the freshest content.
A few shining spots of this guide:
-No side content to distract you from main leveling path
-No gold or instance guides; focused solely on leveling
-Goes from level 1-80 in under a week of /played time
-Easy to install, user friendly, clean design
-Horde and Alliance versions available
I wouldn't suggest this guide if you're looking for a PVP or gold-acquiring guide, or need help with professions. But as far as leveling goes, it can't get much easier than this.
Install page:
Screenshot of the guide's interface in game :
The Team iDemise guide is a little different. Instead of guiding you through each quest and zone based on the route they took when designing the guide, as most guides do, this one instead monitors the fastest leveling routes taken by WoW players who reached 80 in the shortest amount of /played time. They collect this data and consistently update the guide, so it's always got the freshest content.
A few shining spots of this guide:
-No side content to distract you from main leveling path
-No gold or instance guides; focused solely on leveling
-Goes from level 1-80 in under a week of /played time
-Easy to install, user friendly, clean design
-Horde and Alliance versions available
I wouldn't suggest this guide if you're looking for a PVP or gold-acquiring guide, or need help with professions. But as far as leveling goes, it can't get much easier than this.
Install page:
Screenshot of the guide's interface in game :
Friday, September 25, 2009
What are the two types of modding?
There are two types of modding that can be done to a game console: hard modding or soft modding.
Hard modding exploits the BIOS of the console (its mainframe, essentially) to run unsigned code and games. This form of modding is very popular because it allows the user to run many different types of software.
Soft modding is much more popular because it is so easy to do. Soft mods are very easy to install and relatively low priced - sometimes even free if you have the right tools.
Of course, there is also external modification such as modifying a console's outward appearance, usually by replacing the box, adding lights, cutting the case, or adding fans.
Hard modding exploits the BIOS of the console (its mainframe, essentially) to run unsigned code and games. This form of modding is very popular because it allows the user to run many different types of software.
Soft modding is much more popular because it is so easy to do. Soft mods are very easy to install and relatively low priced - sometimes even free if you have the right tools.
Of course, there is also external modification such as modifying a console's outward appearance, usually by replacing the box, adding lights, cutting the case, or adding fans.
Monday, September 21, 2009
WoW Leveling Guide: Zygor Guide Review
Zygor's leveling guide, put together by John cook, advertises a leveling speed of less than 7 days for 1-80. With the efficient way this guide is put together, the average WoW player will be able to come close to that time frame, assuming distractions are kept to a minimum.
Advantages of Zygor's Guide:
The guide is in a small, resizable window you keep on your main WoW screen, so you don't have to deal with irritating alt-tabbing. The guide includes waypoint markers for the minimap, as well as detailed quest information in the main guide window.
The guide keeps track of your progress automatically, so if you crash or log out, you can pick up right where you left off. Completed quests are grayed out, so you know which ones you've done.
One of the best parts of this fast leveling guide is that it's automated, meaning you don't have to switch from game to guide, click to the next quest, etc. The guide advances your quests and waypoints automatically, so you don't have to click through to progress. You don't need to remember where you are or set waypoints at any point; the guide does that for you.
You can also start the guide even if you're level 20, level 30 - even level 60. Just advance through to the quests relevant to your level, and the guide will automatically start keeping track of your progress.
Because so much detail is included in the guide, you don't need to resort to Thottbot, Allakazam, Wowhead, or any of the other WoW quest guide sites. In fact, looking at these sites will probably slow you down.
One of the main selling points of this guide is that it's as close as you can come to having someone guiding you over your shoulder, so it's very user-friendly (even for new WoW players). It's not class specific, and class quests are also included.
As to the question of whether Zygor's is faster than the other guides: I say yes, because Zygor's has tried to minimize distractions and things that slow down the leveling process. How fast you level is ultimately up to you, but this guide does follow through on its promise to deliver quick, efficient leveling. And the best part is that it's very easy to follow.
Read more about Zygor's guide
Advantages of Zygor's Guide:
The guide is in a small, resizable window you keep on your main WoW screen, so you don't have to deal with irritating alt-tabbing. The guide includes waypoint markers for the minimap, as well as detailed quest information in the main guide window.
The guide keeps track of your progress automatically, so if you crash or log out, you can pick up right where you left off. Completed quests are grayed out, so you know which ones you've done.
One of the best parts of this fast leveling guide is that it's automated, meaning you don't have to switch from game to guide, click to the next quest, etc. The guide advances your quests and waypoints automatically, so you don't have to click through to progress. You don't need to remember where you are or set waypoints at any point; the guide does that for you.
You can also start the guide even if you're level 20, level 30 - even level 60. Just advance through to the quests relevant to your level, and the guide will automatically start keeping track of your progress.
Because so much detail is included in the guide, you don't need to resort to Thottbot, Allakazam, Wowhead, or any of the other WoW quest guide sites. In fact, looking at these sites will probably slow you down.
One of the main selling points of this guide is that it's as close as you can come to having someone guiding you over your shoulder, so it's very user-friendly (even for new WoW players). It's not class specific, and class quests are also included.
As to the question of whether Zygor's is faster than the other guides: I say yes, because Zygor's has tried to minimize distractions and things that slow down the leveling process. How fast you level is ultimately up to you, but this guide does follow through on its promise to deliver quick, efficient leveling. And the best part is that it's very easy to follow.
Read more about Zygor's guide
Friday, September 4, 2009
Get Unlimited PSP Downloads for Movies Without Spending a Fortune
These days, pretty much all PSP owners - or at least those up to date with the latest console trends - are aware of modding/homebrew firmware for consoles. These are essentially applications that let you run games and movies from a memory card instead of a UMD disk. The Wii has recently jumped on this boat, as well.
Game developers haven't really embraced this practice, which is disappointing considering that it's not something they can really police or control, and it could potentially be a great money-making source for them.
Third party developers, however, have recognized this, and are creating new products to fit the demand for modded consoles. PSP Download Center is one of these. It's a completely online service that allows PSP users to pay a fee and get unlimited PSP downloads for movies, games, music, or anything else they want without having to pay a fortune. Technically you can purchase the membership and then only subscribe for one month so that you can get all the movies and games you want for a one-time fee.
You will of course need a modified PSP/memory card and free space to run the games, but there are many tutorials out there to show you exactly how to do this.
PSP Download Center is a cinch to sign up for and get started with. It took me maybe 20 minutes to get everything set up. It was definitely worth the one-time fee because it meant I didn't have to go to any game or electronics stores to look for games, and I saved big time on space since I didn't have to carry around a bunch of different disks.
As with most download/membership sites, it's totally risk free as there's a 7-day moneyback period where you can get your money back, guaranteed, no questions asked, if you aren't happy with it.
Odds are, though, that you will be. If you want to get unlimited PSP downloads for movies and anything else you want to play on your PSP without having to spend a fortune, PSP Download Center is highly recommended.
Give PSP Download Center a try
What Should I Buy: Xbox 360 or PS3?
With Microsoft recently cutting the price of the Xbox 360 Elite down to $299 and the holiday season now approaching, it's time to ask that age-old question once again. What should I buy: an Xbox 360 or a PS3?
Well, now that price is no longer a deciding factor (the PS3 and the 360 Elite are both running for $299), this decision is a little tougher. If there are specific games you want (Fable and its predecessors, for example, are made exclusively for the Xbox and PC), that's something to take into account. I'm not going to get into the details of which games are exclusive to which platforms, but you can visit this link to see a breakdown of how the two consoles rate against each other.
Now, there is the issue of the new PS3 Slim. This is also running at $299 and has been pre-ordered by many consumers; how many of them are Xbox 360 owners is yet to be seen, but an interesting question to consider.
These days, in terms of hardware, the two consoles rate very closely. It's much like the PC processor debate of whether to get an AMD or Intel processor: an undeniably hot subject of debate because the two processors are so similar, but the AMD's slightly lower price range vs. Intel's slightly better technology is frequently a deciding factor. Where the Xbox 360 and PS3 are concerned, they both are priced the same, and their hardware is basically the same (though Microsoft is arguably leading in that department, as is proven by the 360's more powerful GPU). Both consoles are capable of acting as DVD players and can connect to the internet, so there's really no debate there, either.
That said, the main factor in the question of "what should I buy?" between the Xbox 360 or PS3 is primarily games. If you're trying to decide which console to buy, your best bet is to find the one that's going to give you the games you want. The 360 arguably has a slightly larger game selection, but this is really a matter of personal preference.
Microsoft is likely going to be targeting the casual gaming market due to the 360's userbase already being saturated with hardcore gamers, and Sony will be turning its sight to these gamers.
However, one interesting thing to note is that the Xbox 360 is the only console that will officially stream Netflix videos, so if you are a dedicated Netflixer, you may want to consider this before deciding which console to invest in.
Well, now that price is no longer a deciding factor (the PS3 and the 360 Elite are both running for $299), this decision is a little tougher. If there are specific games you want (Fable and its predecessors, for example, are made exclusively for the Xbox and PC), that's something to take into account. I'm not going to get into the details of which games are exclusive to which platforms, but you can visit this link to see a breakdown of how the two consoles rate against each other.
Now, there is the issue of the new PS3 Slim. This is also running at $299 and has been pre-ordered by many consumers; how many of them are Xbox 360 owners is yet to be seen, but an interesting question to consider.
These days, in terms of hardware, the two consoles rate very closely. It's much like the PC processor debate of whether to get an AMD or Intel processor: an undeniably hot subject of debate because the two processors are so similar, but the AMD's slightly lower price range vs. Intel's slightly better technology is frequently a deciding factor. Where the Xbox 360 and PS3 are concerned, they both are priced the same, and their hardware is basically the same (though Microsoft is arguably leading in that department, as is proven by the 360's more powerful GPU). Both consoles are capable of acting as DVD players and can connect to the internet, so there's really no debate there, either.
That said, the main factor in the question of "what should I buy?" between the Xbox 360 or PS3 is primarily games. If you're trying to decide which console to buy, your best bet is to find the one that's going to give you the games you want. The 360 arguably has a slightly larger game selection, but this is really a matter of personal preference.
Microsoft is likely going to be targeting the casual gaming market due to the 360's userbase already being saturated with hardcore gamers, and Sony will be turning its sight to these gamers.
However, one interesting thing to note is that the Xbox 360 is the only console that will officially stream Netflix videos, so if you are a dedicated Netflixer, you may want to consider this before deciding which console to invest in.
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