In addition to delivering leading edge gaming performance on PC, Mac and in some instances consoles, GameSmart products are designed to extend the core gaming experience to supporting smart devices. GameSmart offers mobile game developers and publishers standardization, ease of implementation and scalability when enabling controller and console-like accessory functionality in mobile games. GameSmart control products will function through the Bluetooth Smart stack, will be game and hardware independent, and will feature simplified setup, longer battery life and universal compatibility.

The R.A.T.M

The R.A.T.M is the first mouse to combine Bluetooth Smart technology and a gaming grade laser sensor, providing market leading battery life, universal compatibility and the performance expected from a R.A.T. gaming mouse. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the R.A.T.M is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV’s and tablets. For devices that do not feature Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M comes equipped with a nano dongle. For platforms running Windows 8 with native Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M can be connected directly. The R.A.T.M features an adjustable palm rest, 12 action buttons (10 of which are programmable), and a power efficient 6400DPI twin-eye laser sensor. The R.A.T.M uses an all new Windows and Mac compatible drag-and-drop programming interface, allowing gamers to intuitively program commands with speed. In addition, the R.A.T.M is app-enabled, allowing for future configuration via a smart device app.

The F.R.E.Q.M

The F.R.E.Q.M is the first mobile headset in the F.R.E.Q. audio line, featuring rich stereo sound and a lightweight aluminum chassis which folds away for easy transport. The F.R.E.Q.M comes with two unique in-line cables, one for use with PC or Mac and the other for use with smart devices and some consoles; each providing the user with different functionality.

The M.O.U.S.9

The M.O.U.S.9, with striking aesthetics based upon the Company’s award-winning R.A.T. gaming mouse, has been simplified for everyday use and features new Bluetooth Smart technology and a laser sensor capable of tracking on virtually any surface, including glass. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the M.O.U.S.9 is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV’s and tablets. For devices that do not have Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the M.O.U.S.9 comes equipped with a nano dongle. For platforms running Windows 8 with native Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the M.O.U.S.9 can be connected directly. The M.O.U.S.9 features an adjustable palm rest and uses an all new Windows and Mac compatible drag-and-drop programming interface, allowing gamers to intuitively program commands with speed, featuring profiles for many home and office applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. The M.O.U.S.9 is app-enabled, allowing for future configuration via a smart device app.

The C.T.R.L.R

The C.T.R.L.R is inspired by the Company’s critically acclaimed MLG Pro Circuit Controller and will bring console-like functionality to smart devices. Equipped with dual analog sticks, triggers, media controls, shoulder and action buttons, the C.T.R.L.R connects via Bluetooth Smart technology and brings a fully featured console-like experience to any compatible device. The C.T.R.L.R is app-enabled and can be configured via a smart device app.

“Our GameSmart initiative aims to enable core gaming on smart devices, similar to the console living room or PC gaming experience. We’re committed to adding smart device compatibility to our core gaming products wherever practical and to playing a pivotal role in bringing core gaming to the mobile platform,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We are excited about the new range and believe it fits perfectly with our long-term strategy of designing innovative products for passionate gamers.”

The R.A.T.M, F.R.E.Q.M, M.O.U.S.9, and C.T.R.L.R are each expected to be available in a range of distinctive colors in early 2013.

Features of the MOGA Pro include a full-sized console-style grips, precision dual analog sticks, 4 action buttons, a classic directional pad, two shoulder buttons, two shoulder triggers, rechargeable batteries, USB charging cord and a tablet stand. Additionally, MOGA Pro comes with the full support of the MOGA Mobile Gaming System, including wireless Bluetooth synching with Android phones and tablets, the MOGA arm that secures phones up to 3.2 inches wide and the MOGA Pivot App.

“The response to our MOGA pocket-sized controller from Android gamers has been fantastic, and we’re now excited to give mobile gamers true, console-style control with MOGA Pro,” said Eric Bensussen, President of PowerA. “Now more than ever, mobile gamers will feel at home with a traditional controller while playing the huge variety of games available on the MOGA Mobile Gaming System.”

MOGA Pro will be available in Spring 2013 (price TBD).

The battle begins; you get taken out, while you’re waiting to respawn your hands have become sweaty from being anxious, what do you? You wipe your hands on your thighs; you do this a couple of times throughout the game.

Now I know we have all been there before, it becomes annoying and sometimes we blame our poor gaming stats on that one reason. I’ve been looking for something to put on my controller it stop the annoying habit of whipping sweat on my clothes, well the guys at Squidgrip have come up with a solution.

Design

I received the Xbox 360 version, now putting the grips on is extremely easy, just stick the grips onto the controller’s arms, and stick all around it now make sure the grips are all around the controller because sections liked to lift off the controller. Here’s a piece of advice apply the grips on when you know you are going to play for a while, that way they stay on firmly and you won’t have to worry about them lifting.

SquidGrips are made from an extremely durable foam that is both latex free (just in case some of you are allergic) and anti-microbial, so if you have pets you don’t have to worry about pet hair or dust collecting on them. You don’t have to worry about your controller looking bulky, the way SquidGrips designed them will not take away from the look of your controller.

Over All Performance

When I applied the SquidGrips I decided to see how well they can soak up sweat, and what’s the best way to test that? Play the most stressful and competitive game out..Black Ops II. I grabbed two of my friends and we played a couple of online matches, NOT once did I wipe my hands on my thighs, to tell you the truth I didn’t feel my hands getting sweaty or clammy. Not only does it keep my hands dry but is also surprisingly comfortable, it has this nice “cushion” feeling which is a good thing for those all night gaming sessions.

Conclusion

This has to be one of the best gaming accessories to come out, SquidGrip is comfortable, and an easy ONE time application. Now they only come in black, I am hoping they add a couple of different colors in the near feature, but you can customize colors for the SquidGrips logo for an extra $2.99. For $14.99 this is a must have for any gamer, now if they could come up with some SquidGrips for arcade sticks I’ll truly be one happy gamer (crosses fingers).

Platform: Xbox 360 and PS3

STORYLINE

The story is told from the two perspectives, with one plot arc following the antics of original Black Ops characters Alex Mason and Sgt Frank Woods during the Cold War and the second Mason’s son in 2025 missions, both plot revolve around the characters’ fights against Bond-level super villain Raul Menendez and his terrorist organisation Cordis Die. What makes the plot interesting than other COD game? Menendez, who is supposed to be a villain, isn’t entirely evil. Menendez is a tragic induvial whose hatred of the Western world and the existing world order is entirely understandable.

Black Ops 2′s single player campaign has several different possible endings. Which ending you get is informed by your choices and success during the campaign’s missions. Who you kill or don’t kill will clearly change how the story will end.

As well as changing the story’s final conclusion, your choices also have an effect on the direction the main campaign takes. For example, if you fail to take out a target in a mission then you may run the risk that they will appear later, or kill the target prematurely and you might not get crucial intel that would make your next mission easier.

STRIKE FORCE MISSIONS

Strike Force missions are shorter objective-based segments of the game that add a real time strategy element to Black Ops 2′s core first-person shooter gameplay. This gives you control over a group of soldiers and various drone units and generally have simple directives like protect this area. The missions let you either take direct command of one of your units and play the mission as a shooter or take a more strategic view, ordering squads’ movements from an overhead map screen. You can switch between the two modes at any time, creating a hybrid RTS/FPS experience similar to the one seen in titles like Carrier Commander.

The strategy based game was my least favorite I will say it’s an interesting concept, but it falls apart within a couple of minutes of game-play . There is too much action to manage three or more units at once, at one point I got confused on where I moved them and what units I moved, since the units are not capable to tackle objectives on their own or smart/fast enough to make their way to objectives themselves after spawning into the map your only hope to get through this is by personally controlling individual units from the first-person viewpoint.

Now again completing these missions such as Strike Force or even the objectives in the main campaign will effect later events in the game so if you think “Oh I’ll just hurry up with this mission so I can get it over with” not a smart move, remember the better you do the better perks you will obtain ex.using information obtained from an interrogation to provide valuable information later.

MULTIPLAYER

I will say this I was more impressed with the Single campaign than the Multiplayer, I see Treyarch did try to add a couple of new things like pick 10 mechanic to its load out system and new score based reward system. Let me breakdown what Pick 10 is, this means that instead of having to create a load out based on the present rules of the game – one primary weapon, one secondary, grenade type, attachment, perks – you can now create a “truly custom” arsenal that lets you pick as many items as you want from each category.

The mechanic does this by allocating each item a “points” value. Creating a load out, players are granted 10 points that they can use to load whatever they want. This means you can actually create a “truly custom” load out designed to match your online playing style.

We also have the Score Streaks system which replaces the previously seen Kill Streak system. The change means that you no longer receive in-game rewards, like airstrikes and radar, for getting a kill streak. Instead in Black Ops II the rewards are handed out for scoring a set number of points in a row.

This thankful ends the tendency to reward hard-core statistics, who had developed a habit of using objective matches as a quick and easy way to improve their Kill/Death ratio statistic by picking off gamers actually looking to play the mission. When it comes to actual online multiplayer modes, Black Ops 2 boasts all the classic options seen in previous Call of Duty games, including Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag and Search and Destroy. The Maps are greatly designed and have great place for “campers” to hide, along with offer a good amount of stunning and diverse locales, which comes as a relief following the tragic, arenas of Modern Warfare 3 .

If you are new to playing online multiplayer on Black Ops II get ready to become extremely angry and frustrated, let’s be honest the COD community is unforgiving, these guys usually play all day and all night, some are even competitive gamers. The company did not do a good job in rank matches, seen in other games you will usually be matched with others in your skill level.

Let me give you an example; Activision sent me a copy of the game two days after the launch date (Two days is like 2 weeks when it comes to COD) Now the people who received the game before me of course are a higher skill level than me, I was thrown into a party where gamers were level 20, I got destroyed and here comes the trash talking, after we exchanged a couple of four letter words I eventually turned off the game before I threw the controller across the room.

LEAGUE PLAY:

This is something new to the COD series league play is all skilled based, you will play a few matches to get your skills ranking up at this point you will be placed into a group that has the same skill level, now this was more enjoyable to play you didn’t feel like you are going up against someone who has more experience than you, now why they didn’t use this method in the main Mutliplayer as an option is beyond me, hopefully that will change with the next COD.

If you are new to the series I strongly suggest you start here to learn basic skills before you continue on to the main online multiplayer mode.

ZOMBIES

This wouldn’t be a Call of Duty game without zombies being added. Zombie mode is back and has been revamped by adding several new things, namely Tranzit and a new mode called Grief. Tranzit acts as a campaign mode of sorts with a larger world, but where you’ll still be doing the same thing as in past Zombie maps, as you fend off waves, use points to buy new weapons, power-ups, or open up new areas to explore. If you want to shrink the map down to a more traditional Zombie map, there’s the standard Survival mode where each map area has its own rules.

Finally there’s Grief, where two teams fight to see who can survive the longest while trying to screw up the other team efforts as much as you can was pretty fun, you stun players who are trying to revive a friend or attracting zombies to a group and having them attack them.

Zombies is best played with a group of friends, playing against randoms isn’t as entertaining and yet again I don’t find the only matchmaking too great either, but playing it is was a whole lot of fun especially when you are yelling back and forth at each other “look behind you, you idiot” I did get a couple of laughs out of that.

CONCLUSION

Treyarch did a great job on the single player campaign, the cut-scenes kept you intrigued and couldn’t’ wait to see what Menendez was up to next. The story-line was refreshing, I would like them to really work on the online-match ups; I’m sure playing online for the first time is a turn off for some people, especially if they have no chance in leveling up if they are not able to make a kill. If the company tweaks a few sections in the game, I can see this franchise just getting better over the years.

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Developers: Treyarch
Publishers: Activision

The Skullcandy PLYR 2 features wireless technology, Skullcandy’s proprietary Supreme Sound technology, 3 separate equalizer modes, an adjustable boom mike, and the ability to be used on an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and most mobile phones, tablets, and MP3 players.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Skullcandy PLYR 2 headsets id that this is not a typical Skullcandy design. In fact, I’d say they are completely different from anything Skullcandy has made in the past. Again, this is probably attributed to having Astro Gaming as part of their family now and the influence they are having in their designs. The PLYR 2 headsets are very clean looking, with a design that is very attractive, functional, comfortable, and sleek. The PLYR 2 headsets are available in 3 different color combinations, the ones I received were the matte black pair with yellow accents.

Unlike the previously mentioned Astro Gaming A30 and A40 headsets, the PLYR 2 headsets do not need a separate wireless adapter in order to function wirelessly. Instead, they are built into the headset itself, similar to the new A50 headsets. All you need to do it connect the wireless receiver to your TV and gaming console and you’re pretty much set to use them. On the wireless receiver, you need to plug in the audio cables first that connect to your television set that goes between the audio cable from your gaming console to your TV. The connect the included USB cable to your video console for power. I like this setup because it does not require a separate AC adapter which takes up space. There is also another USB cable you can connect to the wireless receiver that will charge your headset when not in use. Yes, the PLYR 2 headsets are rechargeable and do not require batteries. Huge plus here in my book as batteries don’t come cheap. On the right ear piece, you’ll find the power button to turn on the headset as well as the volume control “joystick” which I’ve never seen this type on control on a headset before. Basically each tirection o nthe joystick either lowers or raises the volume as well as allows you to adjust game or chat volume. It’s pretty ingenious actually.

On the design side of things, the PLYR 2 headsets are full of little details. Padded ear surrounds as well as padded head support, an intricate design etched into both side ear pieces, and even on the inside of the ear pieces themselves, Skullcandy has their logo somehow burned into the padding. It really is a gorgeous design and the yellow accents just make it stand out even more. The boom mic on the left side is also a very elegant piece. It’s entirely surrounded in rubber and very solid feeling. You’re able to bend it to almost any position and it actually stays in position. It even includes a very handy feature. Flip it down to chat in-game or flip it back up to mute chat. Very simple to use and again, ingenious.

Usage

Using the Skullcandy PLYR 2 gaming headsets couldn’t be more easy. Basically you just hook up the wireless receiver between your TV and gaming console and then sync the headset to the receiver. That’s an easy process as well as you just hold down both power buttons and wait until they stop flashing. Very simple and pain free. On the PlayStation 3 and PC, you’re pretty much set to go after but if you’re using this on an Xbox 360, you’ll have to hook up another cable from the headset to your game controller. This obviously is less elegant, but blame this on the Xbox 360 for making you do it this way. It’s the same way for all headsets used on the 360, but mainly if you plan to use it for chat.

To control the volume on the PLYR 2 headset, use the 4-way control stick on the right earpiece. Up and down control the volume globally while left and right adjusts the amount of in-game volume in relation to in-game chat volume. On the right earpiece, you’ll also find the 3-way toggle for EQ modes. This is used to switch between game, movie, and music sound profiles. To recharge your headset, just plug it into a USB cable and you’re good to go. It doesn’t take that long either to fully recharge them.

The PLYR 2 headset can also adjust to pretty much any head size. They are adjustable height and they are springy enough where they can also adjust to head width. Again, I find them to be very comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the heavy padding and I like the fact that the ear pieces fir around your ears and don’t sit on top of them. The padding used is very soft allowing them to easily mold itself to your head.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Skullcany PLYR 2 headsets are a great alternative to the more expensive Astro Gaming headsets. They may not feature the advanced Dolby Digital 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, but for the casual gamer who wants something better than the stock headsets, these are definitely a step above the rest. I would say these are just as good as the Astro Gaming headsets in terms of quality and build and the wireless feature is certainly a huge plus. They might not have the high end sound quality that the Astro Gaming headsets have, but in my opinion, they still sound great and again, the average gamer will be very happy with these.

The price of the Skullcandy PLYR 2 gaming headsets are around $129.95. That is very competitive pricing considering most others are a bit more or around the same price range for similarly spec’d wireless headsets, but with these, you get headsets that very comfortable, well made, easy to set up, and despite just being stereo headsets, they sound very good.

Shop Links

• Skullcandy PLYR 2 – Skullcandy’s Online Store

Needless to say that I was more than thrilled when I heard a brain/puzzle game would be out for the PS Vita. It’s a great game to play with a little free time. So what did I think about Sony’s attempt at a brain logic/game?

About Smart As

We all know how important exercising your brain is. I am surprised that these games haven’t caught on more with the rising use of mobile phones.

The game is called Smart As The Socially networked brain game. While the concept of a brain game doesn’t appeal to everyone; I assure you that Smart As is more fun than it sounds. Similar to many brain games; you have to complete a set of daily challenges that engage different parts of your brain. The areas that are tested are responsible for Arithmetic, Language, Logic and Observation. Adding up the activities from these four categories will you your “percentage”; which is really your score in “Brain Power”. There are five games for each category (twenty games total). The games get more difficult as you go higher in rank The more difficult games will take quite some time to unlock. As you go daily; you improve your score and new challenges are unlocked. I wish it really wasn’t that hard to unlock. What a great reason to use your PS Vita on a daily basis.

My Favorite Puzzles

Roller Blocks

Roller Blocks Puzzle in Smart As For PS Vita

Chain Reaction
An interesting puzzle; you have to connect the dots based on colors. When forming the lines (chains); can’t cross each other. So all the red dots have to form a chain, and the blue do too; but those chains cannot cross with one another.

Number Pinch
There are six numbers floating around (two of them are drawn bigger than the other four). The You must pinch the correct two numbers together to equal the sum of one of the larger numbers.

Sum Sequence
This game can get you dizzy. You have to keep track of all the numbers showing up on the screen. The numbers are part of a long equation. So it will show you “2″ then “x 3″ (6) then “+4″ (10) “-5″ (5) and so forth. You have to keep calculating the answer every time another part of the equation shows up on the screen. At the end of each session you have to write in the final answer.

Less Equals More
Another arithmetic puzzle. This one involves quick thinking and great number skills. There are two towers of numbers; and you have to decide if the number on the left is less than, equal to, or greater than the number on the right. You can’t take your time; as both speed and accuracy are measured.

Odd Word Out

Smart As For PS Vita – Odd Word Out

Path Finder
In this logic game; you have to coordinate the blocks to make sure the piece can get to its set target with the preset moves that are shown on the screen. It took me a while to get this game.

Social Interaction

After completing your daily training you can upload your brain power score to twitter and Facebook. But a great added bonus with this game is that challenges aren’t only against the PS Vita; you can challenge your friends as well as strangers. With Street Smart Challenges you can play games constructed by other players near your location. You can see how you measure up against others in your area that took the same Street Smart Challenge. This brings the game to a whole other level.

Is It Smart To Pick Up Smart As For The PS Vita?

The PlayStation Vita has sort of slow start. It seems that they are coming out with more games and Smart As is one that I would definitely pick up. It is suitable for all ages. The competition that this game fires up within you is crazy. I found myself yelling and hissing when I missed or couldn’t get a challenge. I would get upset when I had a low brain score. It’s a great feeling to unlock a game. John Cleese’s clever remarks when narrating your progress are delightfully funny. The controls work great on this game. There is absolutely no lagging. The load times are very short, and you learn fun facts in between.

At $30; it might be a bit overpriced yet still affordable. But you’ll enjoy great, colorful graphics and a good reason to use your Vita. I looked forward to my Daily training and I think you will too. The games were a lot of fun and challenging. For a better idea of the game; check out the trailer below.

“We’re pleased to extend our relationship with NAMCO BANDAI Games and particularly excited to introduce a Tournament Edition fighting game controller to the new Wii U console.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We believe that the new FightStick will enable us to further grow our position as market leaders in this category.”

Both fighting game controllers use genuine Sanwa Denshi arcade components and the new Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition S+ features underside foam padding for sustained comfort and interchangeable graphic decals.

Bully

Set in the fictional New England town of Bullworth, Bully tells the tale of young Jimmy Hopkins as he experiences classic high school clichés and attempts to navigate through Bullworth Academy. Jimmy must work his way up the social ladder of this demented institution of supposed learning, standing up for what he thinks is right and taking on the liars, cheats and snobs who are the most popular members of the student body and faculty.

Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition REMIX

Tear through the living city sprawls of Detroit, San Diego, Atlanta and Tokyo at breakneck speeds. REMIX features the entire original Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition game plus all the content included in the special Remix update – over 20 additional vehicles added to the original roster spanning all car classes.

Red Dead Revolver

The precursor to Red Dead Redemption, this third person shooter is a classic tale of vengeance and the story of Red Harlow – a bounty hunter prowling the untamed frontier and bringing justice to wicked bandits, while desperate to unravel the identity of his family’s killers. Many classic characters from the game, including Red, were featured as multiplayer avatars in Red Dead Redemption’s Legends & Killers Pack.