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Gaming news: PDAMill’s Wild Gears; Resco Table Soccer for free; GF5500 in DoomGLES

1. PDAmill has released Wild Gears, a Micro Machines clone
Famous game developer company PDAmill has just released Wild Gears, a pretty decent top-down racing game certainly worth a try. The features include:
• Gorgeous Cartoon Art
• Four different cars
• Intuitive controls that make full use of Windows Mobile touch screen
• 15 awesome tracks to race on
• Rockin' Soundtrack with over 20 minutes of music
• Four different Cups to compete in!
• Records Menu keeps track of all your best track and lap times
• Auto-save
Your first question will surely be (if you’re into gaming, that is): How does it compare to K-Rally, the King of all top-down racing games on all mobile platforms, including Windows Mobile (see review HERE)? Well, it has both cons and pros.
Compared to K-Rally...
It’s worth pointing out that the PDAMill folks pay special attention to their titles’ flawless running on low-end Pocket PC’s plagued with the infamous touchscreen bug I’ve elaborated on, for example, HERE. I’ve thoroughly tested the game on my non-overclocked HTC Wizard and found it extremely well done and the graphics not stuttering at all even with the stylus resting on the screen. This certainly wasn’t the case with K-Rally. On the other hand, I’ve found the game slightly slower on my VGA Dell Axim x51v than on my (even low-end!) QVGA devices. In this regard, K-Rally might (still) be a better choice.
Pros:
- runs definitely better on low-end Pocket PC’s with touchscreen CPU usage issues
- the control scheme may turn out be better for many (see below)
Equal:
- in-game music (both games have very cool music; PDAMill’s musician is Jaybot, after all, which guarantees high-quality, non-repeating music. And we all know how nice the “scener”, “retro” music in K-Rally really is.)
- no multiplayer in either titles. iDreams still haven’t implemented this in their title (too bad) and PDAMill surely won’t. Let me cite Jaybot from PDAMill: “You know my opinion on multiplayer support on windows mobile devices already: nobody uses it It's a nice extra feature to have, but we've never been able to justify it since Snails.”
Cons:
- (no MS Smartphone version: bad news for touchscreen-less Smartphone users)
- slightly slower on some? all? VGA devices - in this regard, K-Rally is better optimized
- no weapons, which really restricts the strategies you can use. In the initial design documents, the PDAMill folks did have lots of different things planned, of course (including battle mode, stunt mode, etc). They, however, simply didn't have time to fit it all into this release. So definitely in an update, sequel, whatever. Let's hope for the best
- Landscape mode only – bad news for users with devices with landscape polarization issues like the Dell Axim x50v / x51v. In K-Rally, you could switch between the two modes (that is, you could just stay with Portrait if your eyes are sensitive to the polarization issues)
There isn’t much point in comparing it to Gangsta Race and Dreamway (old Micro Machines clones) - this title is FAR better, particularly music-wise (just like K-Rally).
Controls
The car (as opposed to most other racing games, where the D-pad can also be used) can ONLY be controlled via the touchscreen. There is a compass on the bottom of the screen, which lets you set both the speed and the direction of the car. That is, the touchscreen controls are WAY different from all the Pocket PC alternatives. In K-Rally, for example, the stylus’ distance from your car sets the speed of the car and the car always accelerates in the direction of it. This is entirely different in Wild Gears. If you’ve been a K-Rally player, the new control scheme takes a few minutes to get used to, but after awhile it grows on you and you may actually prefer it to the full screen controls (especially on tight turns, and... when intentionally ramming another car out of the way). In addition, the PDAMill folks want to get everyone used to the on-screen analog stick idea, as it's something they foresee being very, very useful in future titles (for example in a 3D platformer, along the lines of Mario64).
Of course, this approach has (other) major advantages too; most importantly, no cars will ever be hidden under the stylus (some people have complained about this with K-Rally).
Verdict
All in all, go give the trial version a go – it’s certainly worth a try. It’s available HERE.
2. Resco Table Soccer, which is a very nice game particularly on high-resolution VGA devices, is free (!!!) until 03/12. Get it HERE - it’s REALLY worth it!
3. DoomGLES, the only 3D hardware accelerated and, what is more, free (!!!) Doom port for Pocket PC, has been updated to support the GoForce 5500 hardware chip in some models like the O2 XDA Flame and the new i-mate Ultimate 6150 / 8150 (see review of the latter HERE).
So far, very few (only two: Call of Duty 2 and GeoRallyEX), otherwise, Intel 2700G-enabled 3D titles have had support for GoForce 5500 (see THIS compatibility list). Now, you, at last, have an excellent Doom clone as well. Hope Kokak also manages to make his recently-released HereticGLES. Also see THIS PG thread if interested. Finally, please don’t forget to donate some money to Kokak if you would like to see future development – I’ve just done so.

UPDATE (03/09/2008): I've forgotten to directly compare the graphics of Wild Gears and K-Rally. In this regard, K-Rally is way better with its excellent light and particle effects, pseudo-3D environment (for example, trees) and scrolling. (Thanks to my blog reader Natestera for pointing this out!)

Thanks for the info and links.

T-Mobile G2x, stock android?

so i was reading this article
http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/T-Mobile-G2x-with-Google
and it says "Powered by a stock version of the Android™ 2.2 operating system", does that mean there's no bloatware and it's just like the Nexus? if so, there seems to be no greater phone than this one.

The G2 is stock android and it still has some bloatware not a lot but its still there. This will probably be near stock experience just like the G2!!
Seems like a great phone tho!!! But im sticking with my Nexus, there is nothing like a google supported phone!
Edit:
These are all the apps that will be preloaded on the device
* Need for Speed™ SHIFT HD, developed by Electronic Arts (EA), is an award-winning, authentic racing game that combines the true driver's experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks.
* DTS Ultra Mobile™, which includes two innovative audio technologies – DTS Envelo™ and DTS Boost™ – for a premium surround sound experience. When listening to music or playing games on the T-Mobile G2x, customers will enjoy rich, enhanced sound that adds depth, dimension and volume levels that are robust without distortion.
* A demo of Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance - N.O.V.A., developed by Gameloft, is a fast-paced sci-fi action game in which players operate as Kal Wardin, an elite soldier established to protect humanity from alien threats.
* T-Mobile TV, offering live and on-demand TV including news, sports and full-length entertainment, plus full episodes of your favorite shows.
* Zinio eReader, the largest online newsstand, enabling customers to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in new ways with more than 75,000 digital magazines from 26 countries.
* T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™, enabling video conversations with friends and family through T-Mobile's network and Wi-Fi.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/lgs-t-mobile-g2x-announced-available-later-this-spring/

Stock Android but I prefer by updates being handled and maintained by Google especially with open sourcing kernels etc.
Although, LG does look really good in the Android game. If they live up to updating their phones in a timely matter. They're definitely going to gain the respect from the Android modding community.

bcl0328 said:
so i was reading this article
http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/T-Mobile-G2x-with-Google
and it says "Powered by a stock version of the Android™ 2.2 operating system", does that mean there's no bloatware and it's just like the Nexus? if so, there seems to be no greater phone than this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I owned a G2 and it looked like stock android but it totally wasn't. Cyanogen actually commented on this issue when porting CM6 to the device, he said it was not stock android and had lots of htc elements in the build. You will only find stock on the n1 or the ns natively
JD
Sent from my Google Nexus Magic Wand S

GTab Dreams

We all know everyone dreams of a supported Gingerbread or Honeycomb setup. What expectations do people have for tablets? There are many possibilities for these things. If you could design you own OS or launcher replacement what would it look like? For me I would really like to see a nice selection of themed home screens. A home page, sports page, a movie page, a music page, a games page. Id like to have an all sports page that had all sports tabbed at the top like most sports web sites. Then some scrolling sports scores. Then some sports news below that. Also be able to click on a game and get a nice run down of the game like when you view a game on nfl.com or yahoo's site. I know there are a lot of world news and rss feed widgets and apps but i would also like to see something more streamlined. I would really like to be able to scroll through my media better. Movies with their IMDB image and description would be amazing. Also to be able to scroll through my music with the album art and a nice description too. And I would also like to be able to have something that managed emulator roms. It would be nice if the roms had a cover image and description too. Then if you click to play that rom it would open the correct emulator for it. Remember, this is just what I dream of, what I wish my GTab could be. What are your wishes or dreams for your GTab? Please share.

I wish...
I wish that my little Gtab would bring world peace!

Did this just turn into the Miss America pageant?

If one expects electronic devices to be like dreams expect them to be shattered because before you know it "the next best thing" is always around the corner. That being said I would like android to be more like windows os in terms of having a wider compatibility range (i.e. audio video support, driver support etc. etc.) I don't expect much out of these devices except to perform well & consistently. The customization part is just fluff but does add to the visual appeal.
This is something IMHO where the iPad shines, not very many bells & whistles but works great out the box.

Brotherhood of Violence (Xperia Play Optimized)

Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know that Brotherhood of Violence by Realtech VR is optimized for the Xperia Play gamepad. You need to check (tick) the 'Joystick' parameter in the Options menu and then it's game on. The button icons etc even come up in the first level tutorial.
Not played it much yet but it has a retro 'Streets of Rage' flavour and is quite cinematic with some console grade graphics to ice it off . The in-game voice-over will have you cracking up with laughter. I think it is intentionally ridiculous as the subtitles (which appear to be compulsory) make more sense.
Character customization appears to be a huge part of the game, though I haven't delved into that yet. Playing with mainstay character Lamar makes the game feel like your playing a crossover of Black Dynamite meets Warriors! Anyhoo, I've said too much! Let me know what you think
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.realtechvr.brotherhood

Wow, I was just about to buy this on my Microsoft Surface Pro! Think I might just be buying both versions
Thanks for the heads up OP!

Korinn said:
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know that Brotherhood of Violence by Realtech VR is optimized for the Xperia Play gamepad. You need to check (tick) the 'Joystick' parameter in the Options menu and then it's game on. The button icons etc even come up in the first level tutorial.
Not played it much yet but it has a retro 'Streets of Rage' flavour and is quite cinematic with some console grade graphics to ice it off . The in-game voice-over will have you cracking up with laughter. I think it is intentionally ridiculous as the subtitles (which appear to be compulsory) make more sense.
Character customization appears to be a huge part of the game, though I haven't delved into that yet. Playing with mainstay character Lamar makes the game feel like your playing a crossover of Black Dynamite meets Warriors! Anyhoo, I've said too much! Let me know what you think
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.realtechvr.brotherhood
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great find man. There are no problems with lags or force closes in this game right? Was looking for a good fighting game on Android.

No lags that I can find yet. But that being said my phone is overclocked and I haven't tested it at factory MHz level.

The voice overs had me giggling too. I really don't think it was intentional either, just sounds like they don't speak english really well. I like Realtech VR, they always include us Xperia Play users.

Major content update for this game along with Google Play Games integration has been added on Google Play.
What's New
2.0.1 :
- Fixed shadow rendering on some devices.
- Fixed Gametel support.
- Other minor fixes.
2.0.0 : Brotherhood of Violence 2 : Blood Impact update
- New challenges map added.
- Compatible with MOGA and MOGA Pro game controllers
- Compatible with Gametel controllers
- Compatible with nVidia SHIELD game controller
- Google Play Games enabled.
- Russian language added.
- New in game voices from professional actors.
- Ability to restore purchases.
- Many more improvements

So, for the ones who played it, is it worth buying this game?

cityhunter62 said:
So, for the ones who played it, is it worth buying this game?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is, for the XPlay. If you think the present price point is too costly, wait until it goes on sale again.

Game development on Linux!

Want to write games on Linux? I do! Here's how to hit the ground running.
This post is a (non-exhaustive) overview of the tools available on Linux, just to show that it is possible to use Linux at every step of the game development process. It's the first blog post of what will be a multi-part series on getting going with indie video game development on Linux.
Linux Gaming: The Golden Age
Once upon a time, the words "Linux" and "games" rarely went together. Linux came in dead last as a viable gaming platform. Of course, over the last few years this has completely changed.
The same story could be told for game development on Linux -- while there have always been a litany of free software graphics engines, the modern indie dev scene tends to shy away from this more "DIY" approach and go for the "batteries-included" game engines. Well, the good news is these, too, are making their Linux debut, and so us Linux nerds now have a glut of options available for making games.
All software I suggest here is free software, and almost all should be available in your repo (e.g. Ubuntu Software Center) for free. I'll go over all the options, and the reasoning for the choices I made.
-------+++---------------++----+-------
Top engine choices for Linux game dev
Non-free: Unreal Engine 4, Unity 3D
Free game engines: Godot, Atomic Game Engine, Torque1
Free 3D graphics engines: Ogre 3D, Irrlicht, libGDX, three.js2
Free 2D graphics engines: LÖVE, Cocos 2D, pixi.js2
1: Has non-free tools
2: For browser-based games
---------+-+------------++++------------++--
There are already tons of articles comparing the two most popular game engines available, both of which have native linux versions, so I won't waste your time with that. Instead, I'll quickly go over the reasons I didn't go with either, but instead went with the Godot Engine.
Versus this proprietary competition, the most obvious advantage is licensing: Godot costs nothing, and I own 100% whatever I make with it, no legalese-thinking required. Similarly, no vendor lock-in. I don't want my game-making business dependent on a corporation that can legally pull the rug out from under me, either through new licensing restrictions, closing off their editor from my platform, or just making controversial decisions and cutting off support for old features that I depend on. I may seem too severe, but I for one have been burned too many times to go down that route again.
Licensing aside, I also simply prefer its approach to scene structure, terse scripting language, light-weight distributable (30MB for the entire thing!), extensible C++ source code (so I will never encounter a brick-wall that can't be broken), and, well, free software ethos: as community-driven software, it keeps the "indie" in "indie game dev"!
2D Graphics: Inkscape, GIMP, Krita
Linux has everything you need for 2D graphics for game development. These tools are useful for building everything from UI elements, painting assets in 2D games, or creating textures for 3D games.
Inkscape is my favorite vector editor. That basically means you deal with "lines and shapes" as opposed to pixels. If you are creating scalable, clean, sharp images based on shapes, this is the way to go.
GIMP is a raster image editor, great for manipulating photographs or tweaking textures. If you haven't used it in a while, you should: It's recently caught up with proper built-in layer folders, a PS-like single window interface, and improved text tool.
Krita is a popular and powerful tool for digital artwork.
3D Graphics: Blender
Under Linux, there is really one way to go for 3D graphics, and fortunately it's a great way: Blender. Although dauntingly complex, it's one of the most popular 3D creation suites available, and integrates excellently with engines like Godot. Personally, I'm a noob at 3D modeling ("UV mapping, y u no work"), but I do know that Blender is pretty dang powerful in the right hands, being used for everything from 3D-animated movies, to level editing. The canonical use of Blender is for creating and texturing 3D models to be imported into your game engine.
If for whatever reason Blender isn't your thing (and you're willing to fork over quadruple digits of cash, yikes), the old industry standard of Maya also has a native Linux version, as does Modo.
Sound effects: Audacity
Despite its out-dated interface, Audacity remains a solid option for recording and editing little sound effects. This has built-in OGG and WAV support, and so it plays very nicely with Godot.
Music: Ardour, LMMS, KXStudio
If you haven't looked into this in a while, you might be surprised at how far Linux audio has gotten. If you are intending to write your own music for your game, you can do quite well with Linux.
If you want to throw together some catchy video game tunes or retro sound-effects, LMMS has you covered, with dozens of built in instruments (including retro synthesizers) and pre-packaged samples. It has a shallow learning curve, so you'll definitely be able to create, well, "something" right away.
Ardour is a "pro-tier" DAW and sequencer. It has both built in MIDI and raster sound support, hosts VSTi and other instruments, and sports non-destructive NLE, basically everything you'd expect. If you want to record and mix a track, or delve a little deeper into music production, it's worth checking out.
It's worth mentioning that a few popular proprietary DAW's have native Linux support also, such as BitWig studio.
For Linux audio, I highly recommend getting this software (and a lot more goodies) via the KXStudio repos. These guys are awesome, they've put together a bigger and more recent selection of audio software than most standard repos. I also recommend that you consider the approach of having a dedicated partition just for music production. If you want to get set up with this, check out my other article: getting started with music production on Linux.
Everything else
Version Control: It cannot be stressed enough... use version control! This keeps you from losing work to mistakes, and makes collaboration much, much easier. While Git (esp. with LFS for game assets), might be the most popular, some prefer Mercurial.
Text editor: Sometimes you'll need to dig into source code or scene files without the use of the IDE. There are a crazy number of high-quality text-editors for Linux, so even pre-installed options (e.g., gedit) are vastly superior to Mac/Windows counter-parts. Personally, I use vim for all my coding and text editing. It has a very steep learning curve, so if you are interested, be prepared to sink a lot of time into it!
Video editor: For editing your trailer, OpenShot is a solid choice
Enter the penguin army
Perhaps for the first time, top-notch tools for authoring everything from game code to graphics to sound on Linux are here! Although I'm new to full-time game development, I have been working on game and audio projects (both on Linux and Windows) for 15+ years now, and today the offerings have never been better.
Do you write games on Linux, or are considering it? Do you prefer other tools? I'd love to hear in the comments!
SOURCE # http://michaelb.org