Here is my complete blind playthrough of Fireproof Games, "The Room."
Welcome to The Room!
A mysterious invitation leads to the attic of an abandoned house. In the room is a cast-iron safe laced with strange carvings and on top, a note from your distant companion. It promises something ancient and astonishing concealed in the iron chamber - you need only find a way in.
Although this game is divided into "Chapters" I will be breaking it down into Parts (confusing, but that is all part of the mystery, right?!). Some of the Chapters would be quite long and rather than upload a 90 minute video, I'd prefer to do (3) 30 minute installments etc. I'll try to denote what Chapter is featured in each Part...catching on yet?
I hope you enjoy...if you would like to see me upload The Room Two, please let me know!!
Here is the playlist for Hidden Folks...this is a nice, simple game that reminds me of the old Highlights magazines when I was little...with a bit of Where's Waldo, just with the added madness of animation. That said, we played thru the entire game...I'll try to add on any DLC/Updates as time allows. Hope you enjoy!
At long last the Skylanders Creator App is now available! In this video we check out the app, explore the options, and then create our very first Imaginator, Franky Star, an Undead Element Ninja!
What are your thoughts of the app? Do you already have some Skylander Imaginator combos in mind?
Franky Star: Skylands Most Limited Resource Undead Ninja Imaginator
1 AM Update!
I went in to play around with the app some more and much to my delight the three Imaginite Chests were already re-stocked!! The final chest, which previously yielded Barbella, unlocked Air Element Knight Sensei Wild Storm!!! So, enjoy his bio and full color art work!
This fall, Skylanders SuperChargers will continue the franchise's leadership on mobile by bringing the full AAA game to fans via select iPads, and for the first time ever, the iPhone and iPod touch on October 25 in North America.
The game offers fans a new cloud save feature which allows for portability between multiple Apple devices for a true on-the-go experience. Simply save your progress via cloud save and pick up your progress on separate devices as long as you're logged in under the same Game Center account. Now fans can seamlessly enjoy the same robust gameplay-driven adventure as its console counterpart wherever and whenever they want.
The Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Pack for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch will include everything necessary for fans with those devices to create the full Skylanders SuperChargers gameplay experience out of the box, including a Bluetooth portal, an embedded Bluetooth controller and a built-in stand. Upon download, players will get Instant Spit Fire and Instant Hot Streak for free with the download, while in-app purchases will unlock Instant versions of Dive-Clops, Dive Bomber, Super Shot Stealth Elf and Stealth Stinger.
Dive-Clops in Action!
The full Skylanders SuperChargers game experience, including online co-op and multiplayer racing, is playable on iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch 6. Fans with iPhone 5/5C, iPad 3 and iPad 4 can enjoy the single-player Adventure Mode, local co-op and head-to-head racing in split screen.
Skylanders® is redefining the Toys-to-LifeTM phenomenon with yet another ground-breaking innovation, Skylanders Trap TeamTM. With Skylanders Trap Team, players can take characters out of the game and place them into physical “Traps” that kids can take with them, effectively bringing Life to Toys.
Like the console version of the game, all 175 existing Skylanders toys will be forward compatible and playable across all platforms, truly allowing Portal Masters to play wherever and whenever they want. Delivering another meaningful technological leap to the Skylanders franchise, the launch of Skylanders Trap Team on tablet underscores Activision’s continued commitment to bringing significant innovation to the Toys-to-Life category that the company firmly established in 2011.
The game introduces more than 50 new playable Skylanders heroes and more than 40 villains in an all-new adventure, delivering a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, all set within a variety of lush, compelling environments.
KEY FEATURES:
Unprecedented Tablet Innovation – Skylanders Trap Team on tablet represents a huge technological leap for the Toys-to-Life category as one of the first AAA experiences of its kind on the platform. The team is delivering a feat of development innovation with a game that was built alongside the console versions, driving an unparalleled level of performance from the tablet devices that it supports.
Complete Toys-to-Life, Life to Toys Tablet Experience – The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack gives fans everything they need for a rich gameplay experience wherever and whenever they want to play. Tablet players will experience the Skylanders Trap Team innovation through a Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and Bluetooth controller. They can also play the full game on their tablets using touch controls and two digital Skylanders characters and two digital Traps.
Two Ways to Play – Once players purchase the tablet Starter Pack and download the game via their tablet’s app store, the game will recognize the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and unlock the full experience. Players will experience the same AAA content they come to expect from Skylanders console games, but with two ways to play:
“Controller” – Fans can play the game just like the console version using the Bluetooth Traptanium Portal and toys with the custom Bluetooth Skylanders game controller included in the Starter Pack.
“Touch Controls” – For players who prefer to use touch controls instead of a controller, fans have the option to play the game just using on-screen touch controls.
Innovative Gameplay – In Skylanders Trap Team, you can play as a Skylander or capture Skylands’ most wanted foes and unleash them for good. It’s up to Portal Masters to find these villains and capture them inside the new Traps that transport the villains into the real world via the Traptanium Portal. Once trapped, players can return the villain to Skylands as a playable character. This exciting new play pattern gives fans the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero or a villain at any time, creating fun and unique “tag team” gameplay.
Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.
Developers: Toys for Bob (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii)
I have had a lot of you asking me for a few months about Skylanders Battlegrounds coming to Android...
Well, the wait is over...Android users can finally download and enjoy Battlegrounds (as well as the relatively new Chapters 3 and 4) in the mobile game.
Battlegrounds provides yet another way to enjoy your Skylanders! It is currently unknown if the game will remain as a download, or wind up with a standalone starter pack like the iOS version. I would assume if one was to come out, it would have been announced, but the way things have gone lately, who knows.
Should something similar to the iOS version of Battlegrounds pop up, I will let you know. Battlegrounds is actually one of the big reasons I picked up my iPad. GameStop's Starter Pack featured the Platinum Treasure Chest and, more importantly, the super cool Royal Double Trouble.
Call of Duty has become an annual staple for many gamers. Whether you enjoy playing solo campaign modes, or have all your friends over every Friday night it is without a doubt, one of the biggest titles out there. Even those who don't usually play games, or wouldn't consider themselves fan of a First Person Shooter can pick the game up and really enjoy it. I have several friends that have wound up getting their girlfriends involved in the action...Within a grace learning curve time frame, they often emerge as good, or better than their boyfriend who has been playing several years.
That said, one thing Call of Duty has not done is take on the mobile market...That is until now.
Call of Duty: Strike Team hit the market exclusively for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch users. It retails for a modest $6.99 and has been receiving great reviews, particularly for those waiting for Ghosts.
The Blast Furnace, Activision's new mobile development studio cranked this one out and designed it specifically to cater to the touch screen capable mobile devices. A key, new feature is the ability to switch, on the fly, between the classic First Person View and a new, tactical top-down Third Person View.
You can see from the screencaps that this is well polished and bodes well for the future.
1st Person View, Heli:
3rd Person View:
3rd Person View:
1st Person View:
I think the key thing here is to remember that Strike Team was designed and intended to be played on mobile devices. If you are a seasoned veteran of the console experience, keep that in mind. The goal here is to offer up "on the go" Call of Duty action that can fill in dead time, make commutes more interesting, or keep break time at work cutting edge.
Here is the Strike Team Trailer:
And fear not Android users! The Blast Furnace should have your version out some time this fall.
You can find more information on the Official Website:
What? Apple 16 GB White iPad mini Where Did You Get It? Target What Did It Cost? $299.99 plus tax ($30 off Sale!)
Unboxing iPad Mini
Video Time Log
Time Log:
Start-3:00 Intro
3:00-11:15 Unboxing and Info
11:15-End Reasons to purchase, perks, my plans, Skylanders iOS etc
I have to say, I am an Android person...I just prefer the how shall we say, less proprietary end of things? I do think Apple is making strides in this direction, but there are just the simple, little things that become complicated for a PC person when dealing with Apple products.
That said, the iPad is a great device, offers up endless fun, social networking, and if you can distract yourself from simply enjoying it long enough...you might be able to get some work done!
By no means do I consider this a replacement for a desktop, laptop, or even netbook, BUT it is portable, slim, and CAN do most of the things you expect from larger computers.
Why Get an iPad Mini?
Stating the Obvious: The Size
Well, for starters, we are talking the mini...This means you want something smaller than the 10" Tablets. I have to say, the mini is a perfect size. I can one hand it with no issues, and my 8 year old Nephew loves it in landscape and it works well for him. It really is the perfect step up from a smart phone (ie my Galaxy SIII). The iPad isn't actually that much bigger, but the few inches makes a big difference to most people. This isn't exactly pocket friendly, but that extra size makes viewing things much easier on the eyes.
Personal Entertainment Device
As mentioned, these things are pretty cool...and they are lots of fun. Games, videos, music...it has it all. If you are like myself and have an older iPod, your current one is lost/stolen, or you simply don't have one...this could be your ticket. The mini costs just slightly more than an iPod Touch, but has a significantly larger screen and much more capability. I was torn between the two, but ultimately the larger screen and easier viewing/multitasking won out. The iPod would be just like carrying around another phone...Personally, I DO NOT listen to music from my phone...just not my style. I prefer to have a separate device. Now, for those seeking portability or something you can easily run with, the iPod has the edge...for anyone else, the edge would remain with the mini. I have no objection using the big screen mini as a newer iPod...in fact, I already am! That said, I still love my old 2nd Gen Nano and it will remain the choice for active events etc.
Messaging and FaceTime
Did you know that any Apple device (the newer ones that is) can send messages and FaceTime other Apple users? You don't have to be tied in to a wireless carrier (Sprint, AT&T, Verizon etc) and it doesn't cost money. All you need is WiFi (home, hotel, hot spot etc).
So, if you want your kids to be able to text you updates from home (yardwork, homework, chores etc), they can use their iPod or iPad to send what is basically a text to your iPhone/iPad etc at work. This is kind of the work around for the common, "I want my kids to be able to text or call me, but I don't want to add a line or commit to anything long term." Putting the condition of "checking in" when you give them an iPod or iPad etc is probably not going to get much feedback complaint wise.
FaceTime is the other big deal...while you might like your kids being able to message/text you...You'll see them at the end of the work day. Kids off at college, grandparents out-of-state, or even just friends who have moved off can all use FaceTime to stay in touch with the ease of a phone call, but the enhancement of video. And again, it is free.
There are work arounds on other platforms and desktops etc, but this is a true 1-Touch and Go solution. Very nice for families that are apart etc.
The Apps: iOS Exclusives
For myself and many others, having an Android based phone gives you most of what Apple has and a lot it doesn't offer. However, there are a few Apps that stay on one side of the fence, or simply perform better on one platform. Obviously in my case, the Skylanders iOS games were a big deal. Are they alone worth justifying the purchase? No. You can get all the current games (Cloud Patrol, Battlegrounds, and Lost Islands) for under $10. For the price of the mini you could buy a console and starter pack, or 3DS and both titles. You get the idea.
That said, there are some, like Skylanders, that just help "justify" the purchase. Your personal tastes will dictate what is out there and beneficial to you.
Personal Reasons
You are an individual and we all have our reasons...For me, picking up the mini offered up the chance to do several things on the E3 trip. First, I can potentially live blog from E3 easier than on my cell phone and without having to lug around a laptop. Second, in the event I max out the SD Cards or Batteries on my Canon camera I can use it to shoot 1080 HD Video of the event. Similarly, the camera isn't great for HQ photos, but it is better than me drawing what I see. Third, and maybe most importantly, I can use FaceTime to talk to my Nephew face-to-face! Granted, this applies to any Apple people I know, but it is sad to leave him back at home when I know he would be living it up at E3. This will allow me to tell him about what I learned AND see his reaction....priceless.
On a more long term note...FaceTime will continue to be big as I have a lot of Apple friends (and I plan to keep on the Android side of the friend equation). Similarly, the compact size and portability will work great for future travels. When having a laptop isn't required, I can save a lot of hassle just taking this along...On the road you can check e-mails and manage all your Social Networking stuff. Lastly, just having a big screened MP3 Player, eReader, and Movie Machine isn't all that bad either.
Another justification for myself is that I have the Android Smart Phone...this iOS tablet opens me up to new experiences AND I get the best of both worlds having both the iPad mini and Galaxy SIII smart phone!
All-in-One
This kind of captures the above...the iPad mini offers up entertainment (music, books, video, games), a web browser, easy social networking, FaceTime and Messages, productivity, and does it al in an easy to manage mini size! I have no complaints about picking the mini up and will likely get a lot of use out of it.
For the price, the iPad mini is a great deal. Whether you want a really big iPod, a sleek way to keep up with emails, Twitter, and Facebook, a chance to FaceTime friends and family, or simply a nice, vivid eReader, the iPad mini does it all...and it does it at a great price and perfect size!
*Note the retail price is $329.99 as of this date. The $299.99 sale seems to pop up fairly often so check your options before paying full price. You might also see a deal to buy the iPad mini and get free iTunes cards...be patient and shop around!
What? Skylanders BattleGrounds with GameStop Exclusive Royal Double Trouble Where Did You Get It? GameStop What Did It Cost? $39.99 plus tax Any Specials? FREE Sidekick with Skylander purchases of $19.99+ thru 5/31/13 What is Included? Download Code for Game, Bluetooth Portal of Power, USB Cable, (3) AA Batteries, S2 Cynder, Jet-Vac, Platinum Treasure Chest, Royal Double Trouble, Poster, Collector Cards, and Sticker Sheets
I finally pulled the trigger and landed Royal Double Trouble! As you should know, I am a pretty big Double Trouble fan...I had held off getting him for the collection due to not having a way to play the game (sidenote: I still don't have a way to play the game). So why pick it up now you ask? Simple...Sidekicks!
INSERT VIDEO WHEN THE FEATURE IS BACK AND FUNCIONAL...COUGH.
GameStop has a promotion running where you get a Sidekick with $19.99 or more in Skylanders merchandise...this likely varies by store in terms of how they enforce it (ie to the letter of the law, Starter Pack=4, 1 Giant=1, $20+ on 4 separate purchases etc). I wasn't sure (based on their internet ad) if it would work with the iOS Starter Pack or not...so I asked.
The local store I go to said they hadn't been selling Skylanders in a long time and that no one had even asked about the Sidekicks...guess that was good news for me! I picked up Skylanders BattleGrounds AND got all 4 Sidekicks!! For what it is worth, this is good business...I have bought a TON of Skylanders and games from them in the past, most of the employees know me, and it is a nice gesture that helps to ensure when the next round of Skylanders, or hot game drops I will give them first shot. Still, that was a pleasant surprise...
With the Sidekicks known to be secured, I could fully justify the purchase...however, as I held BattleGrounds in my hands I realized it was actually a good deal.
-Royal Double Trouble: I am afraid they might eventually discontinue him (think along the lines of Walmart's GITD Starter Pack etc)...People have been hocking him on the net for close to $40 since it came out...Just getting him is justification for most...I am not most.
-Cynder: Since I got both of my Starter Packs (Wii and 3DS) in the Walmart Exclusive GITD Versions I never got the real "purple" Cynder. A minor issue, but it makes her $10 of the purchase price very valid.
-Platinum Treasure Chest: It is unique and registers separate...Most would stick $10 here, but I'm thrifty so we will go with $5.
-Jet-Vac: I really like him...Granted with LC Jet-Vac and Legendary Jet-Vac I didn't have to have him, but I'll still call it $10...We are now at $35 out of the $39.99.
-BattleGrounds the game...yeah, haven't mentioned it until now! Obviously if you are an Apple person, this alone justifies the purchase. I am more of an Android guy and currently have no way of playing BattleGrounds...However, I am smart enough to know it would be worth at least $10 to me as I enjoy the Sykanders franchise...I can give it to my Nephew, buy a compatible device and play it myself, or sell the download code for $5-10 and use that to buy S2 Drobot. This fully covers the purchase price.
-Bluetooth Portal of Power, USB Cable, and Batteries: The last two are fully functional with any device...The Portal should work for desktop, serve as a backup for the Wii and Wii U, and get me, or someone else going with an iOS device. We have now exceeded the purchase price.
-FREE Sidekick: I was thinking I'd get at least 1 (maybe 2...which is what I needed) with this purchase...big perk! My plan if I only got 1 was to go back to the store when Scarlet was in stock, buy her and another figure to cover the 2nd one...The fact I got a full set was unexpected and awesome! (And if anyone from corporate GameStop sees this...think about it: The Sidekicks are a promotion to get people in to buy Skylanders...the employees both mentioned how they hadn't sold Skylanders in awhile and no one had asked about the promo...They know me as a good customer...Guess what that means for this branch of your store? When Scarlet resurfaces...I am buying her there. When LC Pop Fizz, LC Hex, and S2 Drobot surface I'll be purchasing them from this store...Similarly, when I want to pre-order or hunt for a game, they get first shot...It was a smart move from the folks down at the bottom of the ladder...Look at my reaction and tell me they did something wrong).
And there you go...made sense to me, hope it makes sense to you!
If I don't wind up with a way to play the game, I'll likely give it to my Nephew (provided his iPod can play it...if not I think he will be getting a way to play it soon enough).
With this logic, I probably should have bought it when it came out, but oh well...Waiting paid off in the sense that I got to cash in on the Sidekick promo! Last time they were out there was nothing I needed...go figure.
If I do wind up with a way to play the actual game, I'll post up my thoughts on it...Nonetheless, Whisper Elf, Gill Runt, regular S2 Cynder, AND Royal Double Trouble have now officially joined the team!
If you are in need of a Sidekick, or the complete set, consider picking up BattleGrounds as a way to land the GameStop Exclusive Royal Double Trouble, the Platinum Treasure Chest, AND a Sidekick, or two, or three, or four!
Once I get some free time I'll record Royal Double Trouble's Intro to the Playthrough AND take a look at the Platinum Treasure Chest...I'm curious as to what it dishes out and more importantly if I can use it and the regular treasure chest in the same level...I think it should work and that makes a lot of "cents."
