I have played hundreds, if not thousands of games on a myriad of different platforms, starting with the Atari 2600, and coming all the way up to my iPhone and Wii today.  A lot has changed, but at the same time…a lot has stayed the same.  One of the earliest games I remember playing was Castle Wolfenstein on my Apple II+.  This was an incredible game, a multi-screen maze, in which you are a prisoner during World War II.  Armed initially with nothing more than a six shot pistol and your wits, you must evade the guards and make your way through the maze.  This 2D action game even incorporated synthesized voices as the guards yelled at you to Halt and even swore (in German) when you evaded them.

This game, which was released by Muse software in 1981, was simply revolutionary at the time.  On a platform which was dominated by text based games, with static images, this one brought a whole new level to the action.  It also introduced the stealth-based game, which would not really grab hold for several more years (screencap compliments of Wikipedia).  After a quick sequel, however, the Wolfenstein games faded into that digitized trash heap where great games go when they are replaced by newer…more graphically intense games.

Fortunately, in 1992, ID Software revived the Wolfenstein name with Wolfenstein 3D.   Relying on a more cartoonish format, Wolfenstein 3D carried on the tradition of staying well ahead of its time, introducing one of the original first-person action shooter games.  Now, this fantastic franchise has made its way to the mobile format (over 25 years after its inception) with Wolfenstein RPG.

The biggest difference between the current version and previous incarnations of Castle Wolfenstein is that this one is a turn based game, rather than the free for all firing frenzy of previous versions.  While it did take me a little time to get used to this scheme, I have to admit that it made good sense for this format.  Let’s go ahead and see what else this one has to offer.

Just as in all of the games in this family, you are a World War II prisoner of war.  For reasons unknown, you have been left in an unlocked cell with a pistol.  Unlike some of the previous versions, however, this game will find you trying to break into Castle Wolfenstein, rather than out.  Specifically, as you make your way through the mazes, you hear rumblings of some strange experiments going on over at the Castle.  Your missions lead you from the prison into the Castle, where you will ultimately have to either put a stop to the experiments…or die trying.

Other than the storyline and turn based play-style, the look and feel of the game pick up right where 1992’s Wolfenstein 3D left off.  It starts with the same comic book-style graphics, and goes straight into the somewhat offbeat cast of characters.  Along the way, as any Wolfenstein fan might expect, are plenty of weapons and other supplies for you to find and use. 

I thought the developers did a fantastic job of keeping the storyline moving through the progressively difficult levels in this game. One of the things that really impressed me was the lack of significant cut scenes.  Sure, there were a few, but some games seem to have a hard time remembering that you came to play a game, not watch a movie.  Wolfenstein RPG kept the watching to a minimum and told the story through the action in the game.

One of the other things I really liked was that the game does not end when you complete the game.  After the credits roll, you will have the option of saving and continuing.  Go ahead and do that and you can wander through all of the levels as much as you want, complete with minimal bad guys and plenty of firepower.  I did think it would have been nice if you could have simply selected the level you wanted to play, but wandering through the mazes did not take all that long. 

The ability to go back and replay any level is fantastic. Not only does it prolong the game indefinitely, but it also allows you to leisurely search for any hidden secrets you may have missed.  Find all of the secrets to earn ribbons.  There are five ribbons on each level, and a sixth bonus on several as well.  I enjoyed this secondary mission almost as much as I enjoyed running around shooting bad guys.

The Wolfenstein series is probably the first real computer game I ever enjoyed, way back on my Apple II+ in 1981.  Playing it today, I found the game on my Apple iPod Touch was every bit as good.  Like every member of the Wolfenstein family to date, this one manages to stay well ahead of the curve with innovative gameplay and a creative storyline.  Wolfenstein RPG is available from the iTunes App store for $2.99.

Most of you have probably seen the latest “There’s a Map for that” commercial where Verizon touts their superior 3G network over AT&T’s while at the same time makes a passing shot at the iPhone. Having just recently switched from Verizon to AT&T specifically for said device, I’ll admit that the lack of color on the AT&T map in the picture above send a shiver down my spine.

Well, it seems that AT&T’s spine is shivering too. Engadget is reporting today that AT&T has filed a lawsuit claiming that Verizon is providing false advertising by confusing consumers into thinking that all that white space in their map from the commercial means no service, instead of no 3G service.

Whether or not they have a case, this whole thing has certainly driven home the fact to me that AT&T has a lot of work to do to expand their 3G network and now that I am beholden to it, I wish them the best of luck!

With a declared max talk time of 17 hours and a max standby of 2.5 weeks, the Motorola T325 in-car speakerphone will allow you to forget your bluetooth headset at home.

From the press release:

Maximize your drive time with Motorola T325 In-Car Speakerphone, featuring high-end capabilities at an affordable price. Powerful dual speakers, an automated car entry on/off function and a favorites contact list are just a few features to keep you focused on the road, and connected to your calls. Simply clip T325 to your sun visor and you’ll have hands-free convenience always there for you.

Sensor Activated

You can stash away your Bluetooth headset because the Entry On/Off feature automatically powers up the unit upon opening the car door and then turns it off when exiting. It is always on when you need it, and off when you don’t.

Loud & Clear

T325’s powerful dual speakers allow you to hear conversations in your car loud and clear. Plus, advanced DSP noise reduction, full duplex and echo cancellation technology allows you to be heard in noisy car environments so your conversation doesn’t have to be interrupted.

Calling All VIPs

Scroll though your phone book with ease and save your favorites. The T325 automatically prioritizes your 25 most frequently used phone numbers into a convenient Favorite Contacts List, allowing you to speed dial your VIPs with the push of a button. And, when your VIPs change your contact list is automatically updated to assure you never miss a beat.

Designed to Please

The T325 is easy-to-use with a slim profile that clips to the sun visor for a clear view while driving. The strong lightweight clip needs no installation and prevents slipping while the visor is down. The T325 is also equipped with EasyPair technology for easy connections to your phone. With up to 17 hours of talk time and 2.5 weeks of stand-by time you’ll never need to cut the conversation short.

With advanced DSP noise reduction, full duplex and echo cancellation technology, this device seems an interesting and practical solution for in-car phone usage. Moreover, the automated car entry on/off function of the speakerphone will avoid wasting the 2,5 weeks (on standby) battery life.

More details can be found at Motorola T325 product page.

Stay tuned for a full review of the device.

This is part 2 is a multipart series on setting up Windows 7 on YOUR computer.   You can see parts here at Just Another Mobile Monday and at iTechGear.org.

When Microsoft released Windows XP, there were 2 versions – Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. Yes, it satisfied the KISS principle…it couldn’t get much simpler.  However, the Pro version was installed on more home PC’s than the Home version was (or at least, it seemed that way).  There were key security and networking features in the Pro version that were missing from the Home version.

When Microsoft released Vista, they decided to up the ante a little and released 4 versions. I honestly remember hearing that they released (or planned to release) 7 versions; but Microsoft’s website documents 4 as of this writing. The four versions (compared to XP’s two) did nothing more than confuse the day lights out of everyone, especially when the features varied so greatly from version to version.

Too many Vista versions…

With Windows 7, Microsoft went back to basics, or took a more Windows XP approach.  While they technically released four versions of Windows, only two of them are really worth mentioning.  Here’s why…

Read More …

Spring Design has filed a trade secret lawsuit against B&N over the design of the Nook.  Spring Design said that they had been working with B&N on a reader, and showed them the design of Alex (reader on the left) before the Nook was developed (reader on the right).  Basically, they are saying that B&N totally copied from them.  Both readers do run on an Android platform and have dual screens, but there are differences as well.  Alex has a full browser where you transfer info from the browser to the e-ink screen.  For the Nook, there is no browser, and the touchscreen is only used for navigation not content. 

In my opinion, I can’t imagine B&N trying to get away with copying a design.  They wouldn’t risk losing a product they put so much advertising and hype into.  You have to admit they are pretty similiar, although I think the Nook looks better.  I am sure that Spring Design will get some cash, and be happy with that. 

Via Engadget