Kung-Fu Master: The First “Beat Them Up” Video Game

Arcade flyer of Kung-Fu Master.

Arcade flyer of Kung-Fu Master. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kung-Fu Master is an arcade game designed and developed by Irem in 1984. It was first released in Japan. It was later launched in North America by Data East. Its Japanese version was inspired by a Jackie Chan movie. Many video game buffs consider Kung-Fu Master as the first ever “Beat ‘em  up” video game. It features many elements of Bruce Lee’s Game Of death.
Plot Of The Game

Keiji Thomas is the protagonist of this game. His sister,Sylvia has been abducted by some rogue elements. Thomas has to fight against the gang to rescue his sister. The player has to assume the role of Thomas.

Playing The Game

Thomas could punch with the A button and kick with B button. Both of the moves could be initiated from a jumping and crouching position. Though Punch’s range is shorter than kick’s range but punches are more powerful and detrimental than kicks.  The first floor of the hideout  is manned by knife throwers and grippers. Subsequent floors are guarded by confetti balls,snakes,fire breathing dragons,poisonous moths and tom toms. At the end of each floor, Thomas must confront the boss of the floor, who must be defeated before Tomas could ascend to the next floor. Each floor must be cleared by Thomas within a specific time. The timer is triggered at 2000. When the timer value goes below 330, a beep sound is generated. Another type of sound in this game is the laughter of boss. A boss expresses joy if he defeats Thomas. Once all the five floors are cleared, the game could be resumed with more challenging version.

Releases And Ports
Though Irem developed the original game, later it was ported to Windows,Linux,Apple 2,Atari 2600, Atari 7800,Sinclair ZX Spectrum,BeOS x86,Amstrad CPC,Commodore 64,MSX. It was also redesigned for 8 bit Gameking console. The NES version was ported and published by Nintendo simply under the title “Kung Fu” in North America.

 

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RAGE- Shoot the devils

Vistas pirineos

Vistas pirineos (Photo credit: ramonbaile)

RAGE is the upcoming first person shooting game of id Software. Powered by the company’s new and improved id Tech 5 engine, it promises one of the hottest releases of this year. The tech demo of the game was first shown at Apple’s WWDC on June 11, 2007. It is likely to be released on September 13, 2011 in North America and on September 16, 2011 in Europe and Australia.

Game Scenario

The game scenario takes us to the future in August 23, 2037 when an asteroid strikes earth, which leads to mass destruction and inception of an apocalyptic wasteland, with a handful of survivors as its denizens. The story is based on real life analysis of an asteroid named Apophis, which is likely to come close to earth in 2036. The player, along with other survivors of the mayhem, are in a state of chaos and insecurity. The player’s major activities involve fighting bandits and mutants, although id Software has indicated a significant change in the second half of the plot.

System Requirements

The following tells you about the minimum, as well as, the recommended requirements for this game to run in your PC-

RAGE Minimum PC Specs

OS: Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz or similar Athlon
RAM: 2 GB
HDD: 15 GB free disk space
Graphics: 265 MB Graphics Memory
Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
DirectX: Version 9
Supported graphics cards: nVidia 8 series or above

RAGE Recommended PC Specs

OS: Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
CPU: Core i3-550 3.2GHz or similar
RAM: 4 GB
HDD: 15 GB free disk space
Graphics: 512 MB Graphics Memory
Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
DirectX: Version 9
Supported graphics cards: GeForce GTS 250 or Radeon HD 3870

So wait no longer! And grab your own copy of RAGE as soon as it is released, and start shooting the devils!

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Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Computer Games

Nintendo

Cover of Nintendo

Artificial intelligence(AI in short form) is the intelligence of machines. An intelligent machine is a system that senses the surrounding and operates accordingly to maximize its chances of success. Artificial intelligence deals with creating intelligent machines. It is being used different domains like robotics,medical diagnosis, scientific discovery,etc. Along with those domains it is being widely employed in computer games.

Growing use of AI in computer games

Computer games is the genre of computer programming which is widely using the concepts of artificial intelligence. It has gone through drastic changes in the past few years. It will not be an exaggeration to posit that Moore’s law could be applicable to computer games as it is applied to the speed of a processor. The computer games, using AI, not only got complex,interesting and engaging, but also acquired the artistic form of expression for the programmers and developers .

First use of AI in computer games

First time AI was used in the video game named “Pong”. It was released in 1972. It was a basically a table tennis game featuring two dimensional graphics. The AI principle was implemented in the operation of the computer paddle which would block the ball from scoring by hitting it back at the user. A simple equation used to determine where the paddle would move. The calculation was done based on measurement of the height at which the ball would cross the net. Based on the calculation the computer paddle would be moved there.

Improved versions of AI in computer games

“Pong” reigned supreme in the video game market for long time. The reason is that there was no significant improvement in AI applications in video games. Later, considerable advancement of AI was witnessed in the two games of “Kung Foo” by Nintendo and “Mortal Kombat” by Sega Genesis.

In these two games the moves of the computer opponents were calculated by the activity and position of each player.

 

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The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Review

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2011 is likely to be one of the most happening years for role playing game fans. CD Projekt brings to you its latest sensation, the sequel to ‘The Witcher’,- ‘The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings’. It is going to be released on May 17, 2011.

Game Scenario

In order to ensure the users a more facile and thrilling experience, the combat has been totally redesigned. Geralt has been empowered with several options. He can now switch to different styles while fighting, choose targets on the go, counterattack and quickly block incoming attacks, and use magic without hampering the speed of combat. The fight scenes have been made more aggressive, and thus users have to put in the extra bit of effort to save Geralt from all the adversities.

System Requirements

The following tells you about the minimum, as well as, the recommended requirements for this game to run in your PC-

Minimum Requirements

i) Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista SP2 / Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
ii) Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 Ghz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+
iii) 1 GB RAM for Windows XP / 2 GB Windows Vista and Windows 7
iv) 512 MB RAM video card, supporting Pixel Shader 3.0 (Nvidia GeForce 8800 or ATI Radeon HD3850)
v) DirectX 9.0c compatible Sound Card
vi) 16 GB free HDD
vii) DVD x8, compatible with DVD9

Recommended Requirements

i) Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista SP2 / Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
ii) Intel Core 2 Quad or AMD Phenom X4
iii) 3 GB RAM for Windows XP / 4 GB Windows Vista and Windows 7
iv) 1 GB RAM video card, supporting Pixel Shader 3.0 (Nvidia GeForce GTX260 or ATI Radeon HD4850)

The game is available in three editions, viz. Australia, UK, and Collector’s edition. So hurry up! And get your own copy of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings!

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Review

16 - x360 - The Elder Scrolls V - Skyrim - Reg...

16 – x360 – The Elder Scrolls V – Skyrim – Region Free (Photo credit: ddconsole)

Bethesda Game Studios is about to launch the fifth edition of its role playing game series, The Elder Scrolls, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. After the grand success of the first four editions, the fifth one too is likely to grab everyone’s attention. It is the sequel to the fourth edition named, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and is likely to be released worldwide, on November 11, 2011.

Game Scenario

The game scenario of Skyrim takes us two hundred years ahead of the time in Oblivion. The name ‘Skyrim’ may sound vague and absurd, but it has its significance within the world of Elder Scrolls. After the execution of its king, the province of Skyrim has broken into a civil war. God Alduin has arrived in the form of a snake with the motive of destroying the world. You have to play the character of the only surviving Dovankiin, which means born of dragon, and save the world from this predicament.

System Requirements

The official system requirements for this game has not been declared as yet. The following tells you about the predicted minimum, as well as, the predicted recommended requirements for this game to run in your PC-

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Minimum PC Specs

OS: Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or Althon X2 2.0 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
HDD: 15 GB
Graphics: 512 MB card
Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
DirectX: Version 9.0c
Supported Graphics Card: 8800 GT

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Recommended PC Specs

OS: Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
CPU: Core 2 Quad 3 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
HDD: 15 GB free disk space
Graphics: 512 MB Graphics Memory
Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
DirectX: Version 9.0c
Supported Graphics Card: Geforce GTX 460/Radeon 5850

So wait no longer! And rush to the nearest store and get your own copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as soon as it is released.

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Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is one of the best selling and most popular computer games of all times. It is sometimes referred to as RoC or WC3 or War3. Blizzard Entertainment, the American video game developer, launched this game on 3rd July,2002. This “Game of the year“ title winner belongs to Warcraft series of games,  released in 1994.It is named so because it is the third game set in the Warcraft Universe.

Background
The fictional world of Azeroth is the playground of this game. There was a devil force called Burning Legion long back before the events of the game. The main objective of the Burning Legion was to obliterate Azeroth. A tribe called the Orcs was instigated by  Burning Legion to attack Azeroth. The fight went on for years. Now the aim of the protagonist is to defeat  Burning Legion.

How to play Warcraft III:Reign of Chaos
The game of Warcraft III is played on wide plains and fields, featured by rivers, mountains, lakes, and cliffs. The terrain is masked with an impenetrable dark cover in campaign mode. The cover is removed from the explored terrains. The areas which are out of sight are covered blanketed with fog of war. There are three objectives of the players playing the game.
1. To build settlements to acquire resources.
2. To guard against other rivals.
3. To prepare units to explore the terrain and attack competitors.
Food,lumber and gold are the three main resource to be acquired in this game. To construct units and buildings, lumber and gold are needed. Food is required for maintaining the units,controlled by the player.
New Features
A new feature of creeps, belligerent to all players, is introduced in this game. The creeps are commanded by the computers. Creeps’ main job is to protect strategic areas like gold mines or neutral buildings. Another interesting feature of this game is day and night cycle. Most of the creeps nap at night. This feature makes scouting during the night much safer. It also reduces the line of sight for most of the units.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex

Deus Ex (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Eidos Montreal looks to be back in the hunt in 2011. Its first release, ‘The Original’, had won hearts, and is regarded as one of the best games ever. It followed it up with ‘Invisible War’, but it turned out to be nothing less than a disappointment. But with its upcoming release, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, it looks like it is likely to regain its lost ground. The game is likely to be released on 23/08/2011 in North America, and on 26/08/2011 in Europe.

Game Scenario

In this game, you have to get into the shoes of Adam Jensen, who is an ex-SWAT specialist. He has been appointed to look after the security of America’s most empirical biotechnology firms. But one day, a black operation team attacks and kills all the scientists you were supposed to protect. You are badly injured in the process and have to be given mechanical aid. Thereafter, scientific advancements start taking giant leaps, and the involvement of machines become an inextricable part of human life. You job is to think rationally and sincerely, and ensure that humanity follows the correct path.

System Requirements

The following tells you about the minimum, as well as, the recommended requirements for this game to run in your PC-

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Minimum PC Specs:

i) OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 with DirectX 9.0c
ii) PROCESSOR: 2 GHz dual core
iii) RAM: 1 GB RAM (Windows XP) / 2 GB (Windows Vista and Windows 7)
iv) GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GeForce 8000 series or ATI Radeon HD 2000 series or better
v) REQUIRED DISC SPACE: 8.5 GB

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Recommended PC Specs:

i) OS: Windows 7
ii) PROCESSOR: AMD Phenom II X4 or Intel Core 2 Quad or better
iii) RAM: 2 GB
iv) GRAPHICS: AMD Radeon HD 5850
v) REQUIRED DISC SPACE: 8.5 GB

So hurry up! And grab your own copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution!

 

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About Dreamcast Game Series

English: A US Sega Saturn console, shown with ...

English: A US Sega Saturn console, shown with type 2 controller. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Dreamcast is the first sixth generation game series. Sega,the multinational game developer,launched it in Japan in 1998. Due to it’s unique features, this game series gained cult status in the history of computer games. It inspired many other innovative and creative games,such as Crazy taxi,Shenmue,Jet Grind Radio,etc. The game console was considered a path breaking one. It is still held in high esteem. It is the first game which featured internet support for online play and an in-built modem. Sill today the game console is supported by various independent releases.

Brief History
Sega introduced Sega Saturn, a 32 bit fifth generation game in 1994. Sega Saturn was not very popular and struggled hard to gain market share. To overcome this debacle, Sega of America president, Bernie Stoller urged the Sega’s head office in Japan to developed a sixth generation game console. Thus the initiative of developing the Dreamcast took place.  Two teams were assigned the task. One team was led by Hideki Sato and the other one was headed by Tatsuo Yamamoto. Both group used Hitachi SH4 processor. But Sato’s group selected VideoLogic PowerVR2 graphics processor while Yamamoto’s group chose 3dfx hardware for graphics. Ultimately Sega settled for PowerVR hardware. In 1999, after it’s release in US, over 400000 units were sold within 4 days.


Hardware

The main hardware parts used in this game series are Hitachi SH4 processor of 200MHz and 128 bit vector graphics engine. The graphics hardware features a PowerVR2 CLX2 chipset which could generate 7 millions/second. Other graphics features also include z-buffering,bump mapping,anti aliasing,order independent translucency,etc.

Accessories
One of the most popular accessories for Dreamcast is VGA adapter. It allows the user to play Dreamcast computer display and televisions. Apart from that, Visual Memory Unit,which provides different functions for different games, is also widely used. Arcade sticks and light gun controllers are also used for some specific games. A special link cable is used for linking Dreamcast to Net Geo Pocket Color.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Review

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The whole gaming world seems to be waiting with bated breath for the latest upcoming release of Bioware- Star Wars: The Old Republic. It is going to be a MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game. The news about the launch came out for the first time in October 21, 2008. Till now, no release date has been declared as yet, but reports indicate that it might be released in the latter halve of 2011.

Game Scenario

The game scenario takes us thousands of years back, before the rise of Darth Vader. A titanic war takes place between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire, which eventually divides the galaxy. You have the options to choose your playing character as a Jedi, a Sith, or from a number of other classic ‘Star Wars’ roles. You have to take vital decisions which will ultimately determine your path to glory or downfall. Along the way, you will make friends with valiant compeers, who will fight for you, or betray you, as per your decisions and actions. You will be teaming up with other players as well, and battle together against your enemies in dynamic ‘Star Wars’ combat.

System Requirements

The minimum and recommended system requirements have not been declared officially as yet. As per the news received from Bioware, they are trying to design the game, keeping in mind the majority of users. The predicted recommended configuration has been given below-

i) Intel Processor: Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33 GHz

ii) AMD Processor: Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5400+

iii) Nvidia Graphics Card: GeForce 8800 GTS

iv) ATI Graphics Card: Radeon HD 3800 Series

v) RAM: 2GB

vi) Hard Disk Space Required: 15GB

vii) Direct X: 9

So hurry up! And grab your own copy of  Star Wars: The Old Republic, as soon as it is released. You are sure to have an enthralling experience.

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Black & White:A God Game

Map of the Khazar Khaganate and surrounding st...

Map of the Khazar Khaganate and surrounding states, c. 820 CE. Area of direct Khazar control shown in dark blue, sphere of influence in purple. Other boundaries shown in dark red. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since the launch of Populous in 1989, god games have been very popular in the gaming community. God game is basically an artificial game that pits the player against a divine and supernatural power to control the game on a large scale. Black&White is such a game,designed and developed by Lionhead studios. It was launched by Electronic Arts Inc and Feral Interactive for Apple Macintosh and Microsoft. An expansion named Black & White:Creature Isle and a sequel named Black&White 2 followed the original version.

Game Plot

The game begins with a dramatic situation. A new God, controlled by the player, is born by the prayer of two parents. The purpose of the prayer is to save their drowning child encircled by sharks in the sea. The new born God saves the kid from the jaws of sharks. After the successful rescue of the kid to the shore, the grateful parents lead the God to their village.  They plan to construct a bastion for the new God. But very soon it is found that several Gods exist with their citadel and followers. Every God wants to dominate the others. Among the all the Gods, one particular evil God, called Nemesis, wants to end all competitions and reign over the world. When the player’s citadel comes under attack from Nemesis, the player flees through a whirling vortex to a new island.

There, the player is welcomed by another God, named Khazar. Actually Khazar is the one who sent the mysterious vortex to rescue the player. Khazar asks the player to help him against another God,named Lethys,the subordinate of Nemesis. In return Khazar promises to provide resources to rebuild the player’s village. In the mean time, Nemesis obliterates Khazar. Lethys abducts the player and takes to another land through vortex. There the player is held by three magic pillars. To break free, the player must capture three villages. With the help of creed, the player achieves that and returns to the first island through a vortex. The first island is now attacked by Nemesis with fireballs,rain and lightning. There the player obtains the final creed ,destroys Nemesis and ends the attack forever.

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