I have already written a guide covering the topic on using the Colossus to record your PC footage. This time around, I will be sharing with you how to record your PS3 (or any other game consoles, apply accordingly) footage. It is fairly straightforward but there are still some things that you will have to take note of. Again if you don’t like reading, I’ve made a video that show you the different steps to get your recording up and running. Read on for the written and video guide.

Video Guide

Hardware Setup

There is only one way to connect your PS3 to the Colossus and that is by using Component output. Do note that Component and Composite output is different. You will be required to get the PS3 Component cables (official or 3^rd party, both works fine). It looks something like this:

HDMI will not work because the PS3 only outputs encrypted HDMI signals which the Colossus cannot read and record. Do not worry about the quality difference between Component and HDMI output because there isn’t any that is noticeable to the naked eye. This worry is even more redundant especially when you are going to encode the video and compress it by quite a bit when uploading online. Simply connect the component cables to the input breakout cables of the Colossus (matching the colors accordingly. Take note of which belongs to the audio left and right, colors are repeated but they carry different signals).

Once you have it connected, you are theoretically able to start recording your PS3 footage. However, you will not be able to play your game smoothly at all because of the delay present in the display of the recording software (Arcsoft Showbiz). You will be required to use the output breakout cables and with the AV passthrough feature of the Colossus, output the audio and video to your display. Now if you’re using a PC monitor you will most likely face the problem of not having Component inputs (not a problem if you’re using a TV). You will be required to get a Component to HDMI converter. It looks something like this:

Using the converter HDMI out, connect to your display. Do note that if you are using a cheap converter there might be a significant decrease in video quality that is being displayed. Do not worry though as this does not affect your recording quality at all. Once you got everything connected, you are ready to set up your PS3.

PS3 Setup

With your PS3 already connected to the Colossus and turned off, power up your playstation by holding on to the physical power button till you hear a beep. Soon after, you should be greeted with the starting screen. The thing about holding on to the physical power button is that this will reset whatever display and audio settings you had before and will detect whatever that is currently connected to your PS3 (in this case the component output). Log into any user and navigate yourself to Settings and then Display Settings.

Choose Video Output Settings to set your display.

Select Component (Component and not Composite)

Select all the resolutions EXCEPT 1080p.

Confirm that you can see the display.

Set your audio settings and you’re done!

Conclusion

That is basically it. All you have to do is to select the video input as Component (YPbPr) and audio to whichever you are using and you should be able to see your PS3 footage being displayed. Do note however that there is significant delay in the capture screen of the software. You will have to use the AV passthrough and view the PS3 display directly if you want to play your game smoothly. Other than that, your recording should be up and running!

If you’ve followed me for the past few weeks you should know that I’ve come to own a Colossus. The Colossus is basically a HD-PVR (High Definition Personal Video Recorder) that you can use to record video footage from a source. My main objective then to get such a device was mainly to record game content and to try out doing video related content such as video reviews, gameplay showcases etc. I also wanted to do gaming commentaries so here it is, my first try on a gaming commentary video. The game I used and will be using for this particular series of commentaries will be Fifa 12 on the PS3. Read on for the video.

This series of Fifa 12 gaming commentary videos is called “The Quest for Style and Substance”, I did explain what the title mean but I’ll just do it here if you didn’t catch it. Basically the objectives of this series is to improve my skill in game, mainly in terms of style. I don’t particularly use any fancy footwork or fleshy skills in the game but I do want to learn that aspect of the game because it is always nicer and cooler to have those moves performed first before scoring. I am also leaning towards learning how to use the customized set pieces online as I’ve seen opponents use it against me to great effect. So yeah, the quest for style and substance.

The audio quality isn’t particularly great because I’m merely using my headset’s microphone to record my voice. Don’t have any professional or semi-professional type of microphone so the quality is pretty bad. I wouldn’t call it terrible though but yeah, there is much more to improve on. In terms of the video format, I’m not really sure if this will work out but I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what the viewers’ comments are (if any, hoping there are though) and then improvise and modify accordingly. Other than that the commentary content itself lacks quite a bit, still rather unfamiliar and inexperience in coming up with interesting stuff to say. Nevertheless I believe I will improve, and will do so at a greater rate should you guess provide any kind of feedback and constructive criticisms. I mean I do talk a whole load of bullshit in real life, its just that when it comes to speaking to the computer and a virtual audience I get a bit confused and shy.

So yeah, hopefully this gaming commentary series will take off and I’ll improve my game to greater heights (and maybe try out entering some competitions whenever possible).

Hey I’m back again with another video game movie trailer. Been following the same person who created the other movie trailer spoofs and found that his videos are rather entertaining and funny. Anyways, this time its mario golf the movie. It talks about the story where Mario, the championship pro golfer, is involved with a sex scandal.

Theres like a recent surge of pro atheletes getting involved with such scandals its just sad but… but… MARIO, how could you? You are the childhood hero and character of so many children out there! (Probably adults by now) You’re the best and most famous plumber there ever existed! You’re the golfer many other newbie golfers want to grow up to become! Yeah, alright whatever. Lets just hope he can win that championship and rebuild his career. And yes I’m implying to both the movie Mario as well as the person he is spoofing. I mean he is one of the greats eh?

Its Fruit Ninja, the movie. Many video games are getting some hollywood attention. One of the more recent and perhaps exciting talks are on the Assassin Creed movie. Oh yeah that does sounds fantastically awesome. Put that aside, we have some fruit slicing and ninja action going on here. Know Fruit Ninja? That mobile game where you destroy precious fruits to get points and how you should evade the bombs at all times? We now have a movie for it, a movie trailer at least.If you’ve not already notice, the trailer is just for fun, kicks and laughter. If you actually believed the trailer was true and that a movie is really coming up, don’t blame yourself. Its just that the people behind it are way awesome. Oh and if you don’t know what “Fruit Ninja” is, it is basically mobile (Android, iOS, Windows 7) game where you are supposed to “Swipe your finger across the screen to deliciously slash and splatter fruit like a true ninja warrior. Be careful of bombs – they are explosive to touch and will put a swift end to your juicy adventure!”

Anyways I didn’t find this the most convincing nor funny video of theirs. I had come across their various other trailers before but hadn’t find the time to post it. There was the Luigi’s Mansion trailer which was pretty darn good and the other one that I enjoyed more was: Planking the movie.

Maybe planking has already died down now but the trailer sure still have loads of entertainment value to it. I have to quote one of the lines in the trailer which makes perfect sense; no offence but “[planking] its fucking stupid”. That is my personal opinion, you have yours I have mine. Anyways the trailer:

Do feel free to check out their other videos as well @ SAXjewell

We have all sorts and kinds of gamers: pro gamers, competitive gamer, casual gamer, role playing gamers and so on. Today, we have an elite role playing arcade champion gamer. I’ve once been to my local arcade and witness someone who completely owned one of the shooting game. If I remembered correctly it was the game called Rambo or something like that. At one point he was talking on the phone and shooting with one hand. And as you expect, right before the enemy would appear fully he would have already shot them down. Amazing? Well, yes indeed unless you see this amazing gamer at work.

Role playing arcade gamer for the win? Too bad he ain’t fully dressed up (like the kid in the picture). His actions and timings are all so perfectly timed though, a pity he only have those gloves on. Man, I wonder how much time he has spent to memorize everything. But as what someone always tell me, if you want to do something, do it right and do it well. He sure took it to a whole new level.

p.s There’s no need to watch the entire video. As amusing and amazing as it is, all you need to watch is the beginning and the end. If you are really dying to see his awesome skills then watch a little of the middle section. No point spending 14 minutes on this when you can go think of the next game that you can practice to own like him.

[image by: jeroen020]

Heroes & Generals is an upcoming first person shooter that is currently in alpha stages. What is different in the development process of this particular game is that the developers themselves want to involve the gamers and their potential customers in this particular process! They believe in your opinion and suggestions so as to shape the game into something that you, the gamers, will love. Read on for the debut teaser of the game and to learn more of it as well as the company behind it

From the creative minds that brought you the Hitman series comes Heroes & Generals, the first title from independent studio Reto-Moto. Heroes & Generals – now in Alpha testing – introduces an unprecedented mix of frontline shooter gameplay and strategic campaign management in a massive-scale multiplayer online war.

Heroes & Generals Debut Teaser

Imagine a game where your actions can help turn the tide of a persistent online war being fought by thousands of other real players, either in the role of a hardened soldier engaged in blistering first-person shooter combat, or as a strategic officer managing the grand scheme of the campaign on a tactical war map. Heroes & Generals will deliver this combined one-two punch in a thrilling multiplayer online battle across authentic WW II settings.

As H&G enters a vital playable testing phase, we encourage all gamers to enlist for an Alpha-key now at our www.heroesandgenerals.com community site.

 

One great war with thousands of players

Heroes & Generals delivers a full blown first-person shooter experience, complete with intense infantry and vehicle combat in a wide variety of modes and missions, fought on behalf of the Axis or Allies. As your customizable character advances in rank, you might join a small squad of elite soldiers operating behind enemy lines, or fall-in with a larger section fighting an epic battle for a strategic bridgehead.

The result of every clash alters the ongoing battle for European domination. Each conflict takes place across diverse battlegrounds including contested cities, factories, airfields and war torn country-sides, each one represented on the strategic map with hundreds of key locations.

As these battles are waged, resources and global strategies are managed on a tactical overview map linked to the game’s innovative War Server. Here, players who choose to be strategic officers will have the entire map at their disposal and can decide how to manage battlefield assets and where to push the attack.

 

 

Influence the fate of millions within your browser

Heroes & Generals is a PC game that’s fully playable in a browser, yet it offers state-of-the-art graphics and sound thanks to the proprietary Retox engine built by Reto-Moto. We call H&G a “Mass Participation Game”, a term that not only describes the ease of access and massive-scale warfare, but also our goal to create a game that embraces open feedback from the community at every step – including our current Alpha stage.

Heroes & Generals will offer incomparable early hands-on access and participation: A real opportunity for gamers to influence everything from map layout to weapon handling, truly evolving the game’s design alongside dedicated interaction with Reto-Moto team members.

 

Reto-Moto at a glance

Reto-Moto was founded in 1997 and quickly transformed into IO Interactive, which went on to release Hitman and Freedom Fighters. In 2004 IO Interactive was sold to Eidos, however the founding members of Reto-Moto left Eidos and reformed their old company, bringing in some of the core developers from IO Interactive. Heroes & Generals is the first game from Reto-Moto.

Here are some screenshots to get you all excited:

Looks like lots of fun ain’t it! Strategic elements do sound pretty interesting, whether or not it will work out as fun as it sounds to be we only can wait to find out! If the above screenshots, words and video interest you, do remember to head on to their website to sign up to be part of their alpha testing!

Yet another live action adaptation of the extremely popular game Angry Birds. Yes it is official, Angry Birds is affecting our lives bit by bit. The world is flooded with things related to Angry Birds. We have birthday cakes, cushions, soft toys, casing designs and many many more. From the creators that made the hilarious parody of the iPhone 4G incident comes Angry Birds The Movie. Read on to watch the trailer of the action packed, emotional and dramatic blockbuster.

Well, I guess the trailer itself is that of a common blockbuster movie. The concept, well it is a movie based on Angry Birds yah? I mean what more can you get? Shooting birds at pigs, destroying the wooden structures, using the slingshot and all the different types of birds. Intense stuff eh? Tactical combat, moral dilemmas and so on. All the stuff you get from the game is adapted and made into a movie. I mean seriously? I don’t know whether to laugh or be amazed by how they use such a concept and actually make a trailer that is a tad bit serious and convincing.

Ah I know how to express my thoughts now! The trailer is seriously funny. See what I did there? Seriously, and funny? Seriously funny? Okay maybe not as smart or funny as what you’ve just saw but yeah, the video is awesome. Intelligent hilarious stuff from the same humorous and creative people again. Love their videos.

Hope this is something that will light up your disgusting Monday. 4 more days to the weekend people!

BeGone is an online First Person Shooter (FPS) that is playable from your browser. The only necessary requirement of the game is for a plug-in to be installed. It features your basic typical FPS multiplayer gameplay where there are two teams and the first team to eliminate the other wins. There is no registration required, just visit the site and you can get to play a match just like that. How exactly does this browser game fair? Read on for a more in-depth review of the game. Note that this review is based on the latest version played as of this article is written.

BeGone is simple. Think the classic Counter Strike just without the many different weapons, game modes and maps. You pretty much have that type of gameplay just that now it is easily accessible through your web browser. The shooting works like the modern day FPSes where you can shoot without looking through the sight. However, looking and aiming using the weapon sight will give you a higher accuracy in shooting as well as a slight zoomed in view to allow better targeting.

The way to win the round is to eliminate your entire opponent’s team. Every time you kill or assist in a kill you get money. Winning in rounds give a nice paycheck as well. This money can be used to buy weapons that will give you an edge in the battle. There aren’t many weapons to choose from as of now, but the developers did mention that they will be adding more content updates in the future. Now you get to choose from a better rifle, a sniper rifle and a shotgun. You do start with a free basic sub machine gun and yes it does kill. It is nice to see that the developers are smart to include the different weapons that will allow for a different play style. The rifle is for mid range combat, sniper for long range and lastly the shotgun for close quarter combat. Should you run out of ammo, do feel free to switch to your fists and knock your opponent out. Else, you can look for the ammo crate to replenish your ammo.

There is only 1 available map to play on. You have 6 players in each team battling out. You get to sprint, jump and shoot. Not sure why there isn’t a crouch button but hey the game still works like how a FPS should. Yes that is all you need to know about the game as that is all it has to offer. Feel put off but how little it has? Please don’t and do yourself a favour by trying out the game. Though it is stripped down to the bare bits of a modern day FPS, it still is fun.

The graphics are surprisingly good for a browser game. Of course we don’t compare it to your modern day shooters. Instead, compare it with the browser games you can find off the net. You’ll realize that BeGone does have some nice eye candy. Gun sound effects are alright and generally the game sounds alright. Nothing special but then again, what more can you expect?

The simplicity of the game allows for all kinds of FPS players to pick up and enjoy. The accessibility of the game means that you can simply play it from anywhere and anytime as long as you have an internet connection. At its current state, the game feels unfinished. However, the potential is there and the current content should be sufficient to keep you interested. More importantly the developers are constantly upgrading the game, making it more stable and introducing new content along the way. I’ve enjoyed playing the game in short bursts, even more so when I’m extremely bored and have nothing to do. It is great fun to play it in school through the use of the school computers. Yes, since all you need is a browser and an installation of a plug-in, the game can be played as long as you have a computer and the internet! Grab a few friends in school and hog some school computer with internet access. There you go, a mini LAN party to take a break from that hectic school work.

The game is currently FREE and there is no registration involved. Just visit the website and off you go. Customize your keys and settings to your liking. If you like to have a temporary identity, you may want to change the nickname  that is assigned to you. I don’t see why you shouldn’t try the game out when it is this simple to play it. And even more so since it is FREE, just go try it! And don’t say that I’m recommending BeGone mainly because it is free; I’m recommending it because it is a fun pick up and play FPS game. It is definitely not an advanced shooter with much content or depth but it is still definitely fun. Yes it may get boring after a while since you’ll be playing in the same map repeatedly but in short bursts of playing, BeGone succeeds in delivering the entertainment. In addition, all this is done through a browser, what could possibly go wrong?

Off I go now to start getting fragged by my opponents. Hey come on I’m just not that good with FPS games okay? What matters most is that I’m having fun right?

Official Website: NPlay BeGone

Defense of the Ancients (DotA) is an extremely popular custom map made using the Warcraft 3 engine. Yes, the Warcraft 3 engine and the game itself is old, very old but the custom map DotA lives on up till today. Widely popular and still is popular all around the world. You get competitions of global scale (i.e. World Cyber Games) and many other newer games being built on the concept that made DotA so addictive. There other games out there such as Heroes of Newerth, HoN, League of Legends, LoL and probably the upcoming DotA 2 (by Valve by the way) all based on heroes and those 3 lanes of awesomeness. Anyways like all popular games you expect to see insane modifications and external uses of them. We’ve got the Angry Birds comedy, Metal Gear Solid and Modern Warfare short parody films and so on. This time around we have a DotA movie, a movie of the life of TerrorBlade, a hero within the game.

Yes you might need to have a little background knowledge of the game and how it is played to understand some parts of the movie. For example the lanes and stuff are stuff present within the game. Some of the powers present are also part of the original heroes’ abilities that can be used within a match itself. The characters and their relationships etc are all also established within the game itself. For example them being brothers are also part of the story within the game. Such information would be great to have but isn’t a requirement to enjoy the movie.  It is an hour long but it should be worthwhile especially for fans of the game.

The movie as a whole isn’t that of epic entertainment but is fun to watch. Story isn’t of highest creativity or depth but does enough to keep the movie interesting and entertaining. Voice overs aren’t the best quality but yeah does the job well enough I supposed. What is most amazing about the movie however, is the effort and time spent into capturing all the different scenes and acts. I mean seriously? How do you even do all of that? The camera work, special effects are all really impressive in my opinion.

I will not be surprised if this inspired you to start a match or 2 with one of those heroes that are mentioned within the movie. I mean it is kind of like how you often reenact a particular super hero moment that you just watched in the movies a while ago. I mean at least I do, I often imagine myself in some of those extraordinary situations with those extraordinary powers and just dream about using them. Same thing, reenact the battles or the feelings of the characters as you play them within a match.

On a side note, I do love the heroes Magina and Terrorblade in the game. I mean both of them are awesome heroes to use. And if you’re wondering, I’ve quit playing the game about 3 years ago. I ain’t that good anyways.

[image by Naryah2012 @ deviantart]

I am back again with more Interstellar Marines news and information! If you’re not sure what “Interstellar Marines” is, this video should clear up most queries in your head and give you a brief overview of the game, the project and the company behind it. I’ve been covering news from them for quite some time already. Still waiting for their final product which should come eventually, but for now you have to settle with a few bits and pieces of games that showcases part of their final product. Pretty impressive already and it just gets steadily better. Before going on any further, read on to see the video and learn more about them.

Interstellar Marines Celebrates Latest Milestone with New Trailer
Ambitious indie project reaches over 67,000 registered and premium users.
The world’s first truly independent AAA first-person shooter, Interstellar Marines continues to make progress in 2011. Since the mass release of Running Man and our holiday special, thousands of new users have signed up to take part in a dream to publish a game free of the shackles of big corporate developers.

So far three games have been made available online, and are playable in a browser on their community website www.interstellarmarines.com: An interactive 3D tour called The Vault featuring several of Interstellar Marines’ characters; the advanced shooting range Bullseye where players test their skills against various targets aboard the military space shuttle AIV Kitty Hawk; and finally Running Man, a true first-person action experience where players face an onslaught of combat robots while training to become an elite marine.

To celebrate this new milestone, the team at Zero Point Software has lovingly assembled a new video that explains the concept of Interstellar Marines and AAA Indie development to all newcomers, along with a selection of screenshots to enjoy for fans anxiously awaiting the next big release.

Now you know who they are, what they do, and what directions the final production is heading towards, you can now decide whether to support them or not. You can go to their site and they have already been selling passes for people who want to support them, and people who purchase these passes get to receive the latest content, news and updates first hand. If you’re still unsure, or still not sure of what they do or what game it is, go to: Interstellar Marines official site, and try out either “Running Man” or “Bullseye”. This should give you an idea and feel to how the game is supposed to turn out and what they are developing towards to. I tried it out and I loved it, was surprised how good the game is slowly turning out to be from an indie developing studio. This might just be the next big indie title (Minecraft anybody?) that you’ve all been waiting for. Will you believe?