Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA['Atari's Greatest Hits' app brings 100 new old games to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/#comments A new universal iOS app from Atari is making the standard App Store rounds today, starting in New Zealand and propagating worldwide throughout the day. The Atari's Greatest Hits app is a free download that provides paid access to 100 games from Atari's arcade and 2600 library, including classics like Yars Revenge, Haunted House and Asteroids, weird games like Circus Atari, and even rarities like Quadrun.

The app comes bundled with Pong, with additional titles available in four-game packs for $1 each, or $15 for the whole collection. Some of the games, including the whole RealSports series, Warlords and Breakout, have been updated with Bluetooth multiplayer.

This is the latest in a recent Atari effort to repackage its classics once again. Atari's Greatest Hits: Volume 1 was released as a retail cartridge on DS in November 2010.

Joystiq'Atari's Greatest Hits' app brings 100 new old games to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2600atariataris-greatest-hitsiphonemobilepongretroWed, 06 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/#comments At first glance, the so-called "biotic games" research conducted by a Stanford University team that's installed microorganisms into crude, real-life video games merely raises the question: Wow -- that's a job?

A summary of the team's experimentation on living organisms (red flag!) in this month's Lab on a Chip journal suggests that biotic games could "have significant conceptual and cost-reducing effects on biotechnology and eventually health care," not to mention that they could also "educate society at large to support personal medical decisions and the public discourse on bio-related issues."

Those sure sound like complicatedly-worded, yet noble goals -- or at least good cover for playing video games all day -- but we sense a distressing undertone in the work here. Just watch the clip (after the break) of the researchers' Pac-Man prototype clone, "PAC-mecium," wherein, ostensibly, a player would "guide" unwitting paramecia to happy-face yeast pellets and attempt to keep the poor protozoa from being devoured by a giant zebrafish larvae, or not.

It's pretty clear to us that the next "guinea pigs" in this diabolical plan will be mice, and then probably monkeys. The final stage? Gerard Butler.

Continue reading Researchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium'

JoystiqResearchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biotechnologybiotic-gamesbiotic-pinballciliaballenlightenmentingmar-riedel-krusemicrobashmicroorganismspac-manpac-meciumpolymerracepond-pongpongresearchstanfordthe-prisoners-smellemmaFri, 21 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: 3DS 'Paddle Ball' tech demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/preview-3ds-paddle-ball-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/preview-3ds-paddle-ball-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/preview-3ds-paddle-ball-tech-demo/#comments I know, I know -- a preview of a tech demo? In fairness, this one kind of blew my mind. Here's the skinny: outside of games we're assigned to play, there's rarely extra time while covering the controlled madness of E3 for Joystiq writers to check out something they're personally interested in ... other than the last day, that is. So, last Thursday, several of us who had yet to check out the Nintendo 3DS sneaked in a few personal moments with the device everyone was buzzing about.

Upon first entering the 3DS area of Nintendo's E3 2010 booth, Nintendogs + Cats was available to pet, and an array of 3DSes with 3D trailers weren't too far away -- these featured everything from Mario Kart 64, which looked stunning, to a new Pilotwings title (hooray!). What impressed me the most, though, didn't star Mario or Chris Redfield or Solid Snake -- it was Pong. Alright, so, the Nintendo rep walking around the area with a 3DS chained to her waist (no joke) referred to it as "Paddle Ball," but for all intents and purposes, it was 3D Pong.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS

Continue reading Preview: 3DS 'Paddle Ball' tech demo

JoystiqPreview: 3DS 'Paddle Ball' tech demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3e3-2010editorialnintendoPaddle-BallPongWed, 23 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ralph Baer inducted into Inventors Hall of Fame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/ralph-baer-inducted-into-inventors-hall-of-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/ralph-baer-inducted-into-inventors-hall-of-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/ralph-baer-inducted-into-inventors-hall-of-fame/#comments
[SteveO526]
At 88 years young, Ralph Baer is one of our favorite adults (or super adults, as we like to call those over the age of 70 among us). After inventing Pong (and resultantly, the Magnavox Odyssey), Baer went on to create the rage-inducing electronic board game Simon, and just this past week was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame for his work. He was the first game developer to have earned the award.

According to the event's fact sheet (warning: download link), inductees need to meet two specific criteria before being considered: "[One] The inventor must hold a US patent, and [Two] the invention must have contributed to the welfare of mankind and have promoted the progress of science and the useful arts." The National Selection Committee (representing "various scientific, industry, and professional groups along with a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts") then chooses said inductees.

In his bio, the committee specifically notes Baer's accolades in the game industry, calling him "a pioneer in the field of interactive video games" -- an assessment we tend to agree with. We've already got a suggestion for next year, though, guys: Shinji Mikami. Obviously for bringing the world the "What're ya buyin' / sellin'?" guy in Resident Evil 4, forever changing the way we conduct business. Come on, NSC! Aren't we buddies?

[Via GameCulture]

JoystiqRalph Baer inducted into Inventors Hall of Fame originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardinventors-hall-of-famemagnavox-odysseynational-selection-committeepongralph-baerresident-evil-4shinji-mikamiSat, 03 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We would like to own this clock which plays Pong, please]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/we-would-like-to-own-this-clock-which-plays-pong-please/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/we-would-like-to-own-this-clock-which-plays-pong-please/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/we-would-like-to-own-this-clock-which-plays-pong-please/#comments We admit it -- we're suckers for a stylish timepiece. A surprising portion of our income goes towards purchasing new, fancy clocks, turning our living quarters into a slightly less melty version of Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory." The latest object of our affection? Adafruit's Pong-playing MONOCHRON clock, in which two AI opponents compete in pixelated table tennis, and the players' scores denote the current time. Check out a video after the jump to see the chronometer in action.

Sure, it's not the first Pong-clock we've ever laid eyes on, but with a slim $80 price tag, it is the first we've ever considered actually purchasing. Sadly, you have to assemble the clock yourself, a process which requires "some basic soldering & hand tools." Curses! We knew our decision to take home economics instead of shop class would come back to bite us one day.

[Thanks, PT!]

Continue reading We would like to own this clock which plays Pong, please

JoystiqWe would like to own this clock which plays Pong, please originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitclockgadgetmonochronpongtechnologyvideoSat, 27 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Emotiv EPOC, tough thoughts on the new mind-reading controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/review-emotiv-epoc-tough-thoughts-on-the-new-mind-reading-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/review-emotiv-epoc-tough-thoughts-on-the-new-mind-reading-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/review-emotiv-epoc-tough-thoughts-on-the-new-mind-reading-cont/#comments We live in exciting times. You can, today, right now, actually buy in real life the kind of sci-fi gear you only expect to find in a video game. Controlling things -- anything but your own body, really -- with just your thoughts is a fantasy and sci-fi staple, whether it be Darth Vader force-choking some mouthy Imperial admiral or Professor Xavier commanding the X-Men from the comfort of his wheelchair, finger pressed to temple in grim concentration. But that fantasy is now reality, and you can control things (well, a thing) with just the power of your mind. Think it and your computer does it, no more pesky mice or keyboards or even voice commands.

Or so the people at Emotiv would have us believe. Being the kind of guy who absolutely cannot wait for the day when, as Jonathan Coulton sings, "the things that make me weak and strange get engineered away," I pre-orded Emotiv's thought-controlled EPOC mind-computer interface device as soon as I thought I had $299 to spare. As it turned out, being the first on your block with the new toy comes with a real risk: you might end up buying a frustrating experimental prototype for the cost of five new video games.

Gallery: Review: Emotiv EPOC

Continue reading Review: Emotiv EPOC, tough thoughts on the new mind-reading controller

JoystiqReview: Emotiv EPOC, tough thoughts on the new mind-reading controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EmotivEmotiv-EPOCEPOCJedimind-controlperipheralspongtelekinesistelepathyWed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allotment bar in Glasgow pays homage to Pong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/allotment-bar-in-glasgow-pays-homage-to-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/allotment-bar-in-glasgow-pays-homage-to-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/allotment-bar-in-glasgow-pays-homage-to-pong/#comments
You know, the United Kingdom isn't a great place to go if you enjoy drinking. The folks there, they just aren't big drinkers. It's difficult for them to find reasons to partake in the time-traveling powers of alcohol. Enter: Allotment, a new bar in the Glasgow area that offers thirsty patrons live performance art, music and a bit of the in-between.

Right about now, you're probably wondering what this has to do with games. Well, this Saturday, the bar will be transformed into a living dedication to retro gaming, with a central theme of "gaming and morality." There'll be roulette and karaoke, some arcade gaming. But, more importantly, coordinators will envision a real-life Pong tribute in the space, allowing attendees to participate at any time in the recreation by simply walking up and changing it.

If you're looking for more information on Allotment, or tickets to attend, then head on over to the National Theatre of Scotland. If after reading this, you're in the mood to watch that awesome video of Japanese Matrix ping-pong, well ... you aren't the only one.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqAllotment bar in Glasgow pays homage to Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allotmentartataricultureglasgownational-theatre-of-scotlandperformance-artpongukunited-kingdomThu, 03 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pong boots whip you when you lose]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/#comments
The next time someone picks on you for reading Joystiq, a site devoted exclusively to reporting how many copies of Dragon Quest IX have sold and which games have been delayed until 2010 (hint: all of them), we want you to laugh right in their stupid faces. We at Joystiq are proud to announce today that we've branched out into stories about boots that play Pong and whip you when you lose.

Now, you may say that Ellie Gibson's video profile of the bizarre game's inventor is -- well, it's a bit creepy. And you'd be right. But we're not afraid to admit that it's also just the eenziest bit sexy. Eenzy ... like just a minuscule dollop of sexy.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqPong boots whip you when you lose originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcellie-gibsonpongretroThu, 30 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari founder Nolan Bushnell to keynote LA Games Conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/atari-founder-nolan-bushnell-to-keynote-la-games-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/atari-founder-nolan-bushnell-to-keynote-la-games-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/atari-founder-nolan-bushnell-to-keynote-la-games-conference/#comments
The man created both Pong and Chuck E. Cheese's pizza, so you'll have to forgive us if we take pause whenever Nolan Bushnell opens his bearded maw. The Atari founder is slated to take the stage at next week's LA Games Conference, and will offer his thoughts on the current crop of consoles as well as where he believes the industry is headed. Straight into the nearest uWink, no doubt.

Bushnell is just one of several speakers pegged to headline the event, which will include additional keynotes from PopCap top dog David Roberts, Qualcomm exec Mike Yuen and Benchmark Capital partner Mitch Lasky. The event is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in LA, and should make for an interesting primer for E3's media bombardment in June.

JoystiqAtari founder Nolan Bushnell to keynote LA Games Conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichuck-e-cheesela-games-conferencenolan-bushnellpongThu, 23 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ralph Baer crushes Utrecht, the Netherlands mayor at Pong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ralph-baer-crushes-utrecht-the-netherlands-mayor-at-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ralph-baer-crushes-utrecht-the-netherlands-mayor-at-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ralph-baer-crushes-utrecht-the-netherlands-mayor-at-pong/#commentsFiled under: ,


School was in session yesterday at the NLGD Festival of Games in Utrecht, The Netherlands as industry icon Ralph Baer opened the event by taking the region's mayor to town in a game of Pong. The match was played on a classic 1960's era machine, and saw the father of the gaming industry defeating the mayor 2-0. Clearly, even at 86 years young, Baer can sure swing a mean paddle.

As one of Europe's largest gaming events, the NLGD Festival of Games offers a stage for people to gather and discuss the continent's growing presence in the world of gaming. Said Seth van der Meer, chairman of the NLGD, "The first day of the conference has set the tone for an exciting lineup over the next two days," which includes keynotes, more than 75 lectures, and even a career fair. However, we seriously doubt any will measure up to the awesomeness of Baer's old school Pong throw down.

JoystiqRalph Baer crushes Utrecht, the Netherlands mayor at Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nlgdpongralph-baerralphbaerWed, 18 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Block Breaker Deluxe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-block-breaker-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-block-breaker-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-block-breaker-deluxe/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Pong evolved, we got Breakout. When Breakout evolved, we got Arkanoid. Then, when Arkanoid evolved, we got ... Block Breaker Deluxe?

Not that we'd call Block Breaker Deluxe revolutionary in any way, even though it's fun to play. Take Breakout, slap on some tacky '80s visuals, then throw in '70s disco/porn music for good measure, and you pretty much know what to expect from Gameloft's WiiWare offering.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Block Breaker Deluxe

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Block Breaker Deluxe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionarkanoidblock-breaker-deluxebreakoutclonegameloftjoystiqfeaturespongpuzzleWed, 18 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leonardo DiCaprio to star in Nolan Bushnell biopic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/#commentsFiled under: ,

A biopic about Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell has been picked up by Paramount Pictures, with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star, reports Variety. Although we feel "attached to star" is indicative of DiCaprio taking on the role of Bushnell himself, we guess it's equally likely he could star as Atari co-founder Ted Dabney or a paddle from Pong!

Bushnell is also known for founding Chuck E. Cheese. The film, currently titled Atari, will be produced by DiCaprio's Appian Way.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqLeonardo DiCaprio to star in Nolan Bushnell biopic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationataribushnelldicapriofilmleonardo-dicapriomovienolan-bushnellpongted-dabneySat, 07 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew Laser Hockey beats the real thing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/homebrew-laser-hockey-beats-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/homebrew-laser-hockey-beats-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/homebrew-laser-hockey-beats-the-real-thing/#commentsFiled under:

Moose at Play's Laser Hockey DS is an adaptation of the best game on Wii Play (that isn't about adorable hopping cows), Laser Hockey. But, you know, on the DS. The neon-light visual theme of the original stays, but the view has been rotated 90 degrees to accommodate the DS's aspect ratio. Right now it's a total work-in-progress, with no variation in ball speed or paddle rotation, and frequent occurrences of the ball just passing right through the paddle.

But none of that really matters, because as of version 0.3.4, Laser Hockey DS has wireless multiplayer. You and a friend can both lase and hock together, and it's free. If the base gameplay continues to be tweaked, this will be a must-have for any flash card.

[Via Twitter]

JoystiqHomebrew Laser Hockey beats the real thing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-hockeylaser-hockey-dsmoose-at-playpongTue, 25 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii hacked for homebrew, with Pong proof of concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/wii-hacked-for-homebrew-with-pong-proof-of-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/wii-hacked-for-homebrew-with-pong-proof-of-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/wii-hacked-for-homebrew-with-pong-proof-of-concept/#commentsFiled under: ,


Intrepid hackers have figured out a way to run homebrew code on the Wii, through an exploit available through none other than Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

By using a specially hacked Zelda save file, hackers have been able to run unsigned code straight off of the Wii's SD card. The hack is still in its early stages, but one user has made a pseudo-functional version of Pong that runs on the console. There are no working controls, and the whole thing moves at a snail's pace, but the community seems optimistic that this is a very good sign.

Check out a video of the hack in "action" after the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Wii hacked for homebrew, with Pong proof of concept

JoystiqWii hacked for homebrew, with Pong proof of concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewpongWiizeldaThu, 14 Feb 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: You compete me]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-you-compete-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-you-compete-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-you-compete-me/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Retro gaming has never been so romantic. Never, we say! The folks at 2P Start have managed to take a simple idea and run with it elegantly. We're happy to note they've been voted the best game-related webcomic of the week.

Second place goes to to Digital Unrest's "Trends" while Hijinks Ensue comes in at third. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: You compete me

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: You compete me originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2p-start2pstartbreakoutdigital-unresthijinks-ensuepongwebcomicTue, 18 Dec 2007 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Slot machines to become more like video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/slot-machines-to-become-more-like-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's usually not that much overlap between the gaming industry (the gambling one) and the gaming industry (the one you actually are about). That seems poised to change, though, as the New York Times reports slot machine manufacturers are adding skill-based gaming elements to the one-armed bandits in an effort to attract new players. "We can't just make a slot thinking about the 55-year-old lady who comes to the casino a few times a month," said Rob Bone, marketing director for WMS Gaming. "We need to appeal to new buckets of players, or we'll die."

To that end, Bally Technologies has signed a deal with Atari to make machines based on Pong and Breakout, which let you play simplified versions of the games during a bonus round. Don't get too excited, though -- your gaming skills won't let you break the bank at Vegas. As the Times points out, "skill will take a player only so far as these machines are still calibrated to pay out less money than they take in." That's OK though ... back in the '80s we put money into these games without expecting to get any money back.

[Thanks Vlad]

JoystiqSlot machines to become more like video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariBallybreakoutcasinoclassicgamblinggamingpongretroslot machinesSlotMachinesvegasTue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-time band makes sweet game music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/#commentsFiled under:



The combination of half-time shows, videogame medleys and marching nerds is nothing new, but this could be the best example we've seen yet. The footage above was shot at the UC Berkeley versus Washington State game earlier this month, and sees a rigorously drilled band belting out a string of songs from a glut of Nintendo favorites, including Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon. We only hope some of the crowd can appreciate the brilliance that's unfolding before them.

It's the formations that really make it for us, though. That bit with the flag at the end is an absolute win in our book.

JoystiqHalf-time band makes sweet game music originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbros.legendmarchingmariomortal-kombatmusicnintendopokemonpongsupertriforcezeldaWed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LGC07: German journalists, experts pick all-time most influential games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/lgc07-german-journalists-experts-pick-all-time-most-influentia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/lgc07-german-journalists-experts-pick-all-time-most-influentia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/lgc07-german-journalists-experts-pick-all-time-most-influentia/#commentsFiled under: ,

A gathering of German journalists, publishers and "experts" met at this year's Leipzig Games Convention to pick what they felt were the most influential games of all time (via GameSetWatch). Of the reported 150 nominations, 16 titles were ultimately chosen and, of those, four were noted for being most frequently noted.

The four top-honored games are Tetris, Pong, Doom and Pac-Man. Though we agree with much of the list, we're still left feeling some titles were unfortunately overlooked (e.g. E.T., Custer's Revenge). What do you think of the list?

See Also:
10 most important video games of all time, as judged by 2 designers, 2 academics, and 1 lowly blogger

[Image credit: Senechaux]

JoystiqLGC07: German journalists, experts pick all-time most influential games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomlgc07listspacmanpongtetrisMon, 27 Aug 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari announces new collection of Classics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/atari-announces-new-collection-of-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/atari-announces-new-collection-of-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/atari-announces-new-collection-of-classics/#commentsFiled under:

Atari has just announced yet another retro compilation for PSP: Atari Classics Evolved will offer eleven updated games, including Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Centipede, Lunar Lander, Millipede, Missile Command, Super Breakout, Tempest, Warlords and Pong. These "evolved" versions will include updated "up-to-date graphics," but will also be available in their original retro forms.

In addition to these updated games, there will be more than 60 original Atari 2600 titles also included in the collection -- games such as: Yar's Revenge, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber and Crystal Castles.

Online leaderboards will be provided for many of the games included in this compilation, developed by Stainless Games Ltd. Expect this to arrive on PSP this Fall.

JoystiqAtari announces new collection of Classics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroidsatariatariclassicsevolvedbattlezonecentipedemissilecommandpongsuperbreakouttempestTue, 21 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's don't-try-this-at-home video: Homemade Wii Fit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/todays-dont-try-this-at-home-video-homemade-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/todays-dont-try-this-at-home-video-homemade-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/todays-dont-try-this-at-home-video-homemade-wii-fit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Don't want to wait until later this year try the latest spastic exergaming craze, Wii Fit? Are the Wii graphics just too high-res for you? Wish Wii Fit looked a touch more dangerous?

Gametrailers user, "neadha," answers the call to all three challenges, showing a homebrew balance game grafted to an old version of Pong. Standing on a skateboard deck on a cylinder, the Pong paddle slides up or down with every tilt. Or at least that's the idea. The game is so hardcore that the ball wings across the screen too quickly to react.

With a little tuning, the game might be cool. But clearly, a helmet is advised, lest this turn into Jackass. See the video after the break.

Continue reading Today's don't-try-this-at-home video: Homemade Wii Fit

JoystiqToday's don't-try-this-at-home video: Homemade Wii Fit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceexerciseexergamingfithackhomebrewhottestvidhottestvideomodpongretrowiifitSat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Computer plays Pong all by itself]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/computer-plays-pong-all-by-itself/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/computer-plays-pong-all-by-itself/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/computer-plays-pong-all-by-itself/#commentsFiled under: ,


User-created content is so last year. The new craze: videogames that play themselves. Ashish Derhgawen wrote an image recognition program and connected a webcam to his computer. The camera watches the ball by detecting borders on the screen and adjusting the paddle's position to compensate. Not exactly a portent of the impending machine uprising, but the program could easily be modified to detect human-shaped borders and the camera could swing a 2x4 with a nail in the end. Food for thought.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqComputer plays Pong all by itself originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geekeryhackspongTue, 19 Jun 2007 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[CNN settles presidential race through Pong clone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/cnn-settles-presidential-race-through-pong-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/cnn-settles-presidential-race-through-pong-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/08/cnn-settles-presidential-race-through-pong-clone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Forget selecting your presidential candidate by analyzing their values and stances on the issues, CNN has created a new game that let's you make the most important choice in U.S. democracy the way God intended: Through a Pong clone.

While it's hard to get too mad at Presidential Pong, a game that includes both "Military Veteran" and "Lincoln's Statehouse" power ups, the absence of some candidates is a bummer. It seems Kucinich and Tancredo will continue to be denied a rematch of the 1978 ping-pong battle that left one man without an index finger and one just a little bit wiser.

[Big ups to our main man laserboyjc. Sorry we forgot.]

JoystiqCNN settles presidential race through Pong clone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clonescnnPCpoliticspongFri, 08 Jun 2007 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Intimate controllers remind us that touching is good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/intimate-controllers-remind-us-that-touching-is-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/intimate-controllers-remind-us-that-touching-is-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/intimate-controllers-remind-us-that-touching-is-good/#commentsFiled under: ,

After designing a Pong controller built into a bra (touch the left cup to move left, the right to move right), Jennifer Chowdhury heard the term "gamer widowhood" where men essentially abandoned their wives in favor of playing video games. This got the ole gears turning: could a game actually bring couples closer together? Behold the solution: Intimate Controllers.

The idea is simple: a dozen sensors are built into a matching pair of boxers and a bra. The couple wears the undergarments and watches the game screen nearby with their hands placed on each other. At various points in the game players will need to touch certain sensors on their partner in order to progress (yes, let your imagination run free with that one). After watching the video, you'll realize there are many, many reasons you'll want to get further in this game.

Jenny's thesis project is a fascinating concept, and we're not just saying that for obvious reasons. Playing video games with other people is a form of bonding, but the Intimate Controllers take the idea and run with it. You get to play a game, and there's lot of groping going on in the process. We really don't see a down side.

[Thanks, Steve]

Gallery: Intimate controllers

JoystiqIntimate controllers remind us that touching is good originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pongsexthesisunderwearFri, 04 May 2007 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ping Pong with Penny Arcade, to the pain!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ping-pong-with-penny-arcade-to-the-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ping-pong-with-penny-arcade-to-the-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/ping-pong-with-penny-arcade-to-the-death/#commentsFiled under: ,


After feasting upon the flesh of Seattle import vendor Pink Godzilla, the Penny Arcade crew are thirsting for new blood in their quest to destroy all competition in their sick and twisted game of ping pong. No, not Rockstar Table Tennis (though the developer's hand would explain the violence), but actual, honest-to-goodness, physically exerting ping pong.

Gabe is making the call to anyone in the games industry who might want to take on the comic crew (and yes, it's more than just Tycho and Gabe). A few rules:
  • Bring seven people, ranked in order of skill
  • Matches will adhere USATT Table Tennis rules, lasting 11 points per game with service rotation every two points. Each match will be best out of five games.
  • Doubles teams are optional
  • "Victory as of right now means street cred and bragging rights," according to Gabe, with the future possibility of a pong league and "some sort of trophy to pass around.
Anyone interested should e-mail Gabe (address on the PA page) with the subject line reading "PING PONG CHALLENGE!" Since Joystiq HQ is spread out far and wide over the world, we'll likely not heed the call, but industry types who have no will to live some paddle skills should bring their A-game to Penny Arcade's underground lair. But be warned of Robert Khoo's insatiable thirst for gamer blood, demonstrated in the video embedded after the break.

See Also: Joystiq's Weekly Webcomic Wrapup

Continue reading Ping Pong with Penny Arcade, to the pain!

JoystiqPing Pong with Penny Arcade, to the pain! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>penny arcadePennyArcadeping pongPingPongpink godzillaPinkGodzillapongweb comicWebComicTue, 06 Feb 2007 01:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew Pong plays via the interwebs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/homebrew-pong-plays-via-the-interwebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/homebrew-pong-plays-via-the-interwebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/homebrew-pong-plays-via-the-interwebs/#commentsFiled under:


This newly released homebrew program is both ambitious and underwhelming at the same time. It's Pong ... I'm sure you're familiar with it: you hit a ball with a paddle, and it goes back and forth. This decades-old game certainly isn't newsworthy. However, what is newsworthy is that it's online. Yes, Blackshark has somehow made an Infrastructure-enabled homebrew game. While Pong may not be the coolest game to play online, it's amazing to see such a development in the homebrew scene.

Of course, I haven't been able to get it to work online on my 3.03 OE-B PSP. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqHomebrew Pong plays via the interwebs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksharkhomebrewinfrastructureonlinepongpvp pongPvpPongMon, 22 Jan 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hidden games in Mac OS X]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/hidden-games-in-mac-os-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/hidden-games-in-mac-os-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/hidden-games-in-mac-os-x/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mac OS X uses emacs as a text editor, which contains a number of hidden games including Snake, Tetris, Pong and a whole slew of others. Follow the simple steps included here, and you could be playing a boatload of games that you didn't even know were on your Mac. Granted, the games pretty much suck (the graphics make the Wii look like Super High Definition 2160iii), but if you're trying to kill 30 minutes while sitting in the library, look no further.

We're still exploring these and trying to figure out what the heck some of the games are.

JoystiqHidden games in Mac OS X originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeaster eggsemacsgamehiddenmacpongsnakesolitairetetrisThu, 28 Dec 2006 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[$1000 music sequencer can play Pong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/1000-music-sequencer-can-play-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/1000-music-sequencer-can-play-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/28/1000-music-sequencer-can-play-pong/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Of course, to get Pong, you have to add a $30 upgrade, but hey ... retro gaming action on your $1k machine! It may seem a bit like overkill, but at least when you play Pong it does trigger different sequences and effects. No word yet on if you can get the original 'dit dit' sounds of Pong or not, but you can trigger a nice little drum riff and scratch if you want. Think Moby has one of these?

Next up: $250k Ferrari can play Duck Hunt.

[Thanks, Tom]

Joystiq$1000 music sequencer can play Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcademusicpongretrosequencersynthesizerThu, 28 Dec 2006 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your gift on: game scarves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/get-your-gift-on-game-scarves/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/get-your-gift-on-game-scarves/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/get-your-gift-on-game-scarves/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bits to die for wants all your holiday money to belong to them. Check out their series of scarves featuring old school game images in knitted Italian wool. Swanky game gear that'll keep out the chill and still let people know you're a gamer.

Our favorite is the pong scarf, but these are also perfect for the sidescrollers. We'd like to see one complete with tips and secret areas. Whip it off to get past a boss, and then wrap yourself back up.

Black Friday is approaching quickly, check out Joystiq for more gift ideas as we march towards shopper meltdown.

JoystiqGet your gift on: game scarves originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelbitsfashiongamer wearpongretroscarfscarvessidescrollerMon, 20 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[UWink: Chuck E. Cheese for adults]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/uwink-chuck-e-cheese-for-adults/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/uwink-chuck-e-cheese-for-adults/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/18/uwink-chuck-e-cheese-for-adults/#commentsFiled under: , ,



G4's Feed blog brings us some pictures and thoughts on uWink, the "media bistro" that opened Monday in Woodland Hills, CA after months of planning. The restaurant/gaming parlor comes from the mind of Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, creator of Pong and, later, the man behind the Chuck E. Cheese chain of arcades/pizza parlors.

Alissa Bushnell, Nolan's daughter, says the bistro is geared towards adults and women, with casual games that take two or three minutes to play built in to every table. Buying food and drinks from touch-screen menus earns patrons play time on the games games, from trivia contests to Pong clones.

Three more locations are planned for southern California soon, and the company hopes to expand nationwide in the coming months, meaning you mights be Winking pretty soon. Eh? Eh? Thank you, I'll be here all week.

JoystiqUWink: Chuck E. Cheese for adults originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariBushnellChuckECheeseNolan BushnellNolanBushnellPongWed, 18 Oct 2006 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[New 2.80 homebrew: Pong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/new-2-80-homebrew-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/new-2-80-homebrew-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/new-2-80-homebrew-pong/#commentsFiled under:

It only feels like yesterday when we were taking advantage of the libtiff exploit on firmware 2.80 to play Tetris. (It was just three days ago.) Well, it appears that the amazingly talented homebrew community has come up with yet another relatively simple game to run on our systems: Pong. Although these games aren't complex, the utter simplicity of installing and launching these programs has made homebrew so much more attractive to me as of late. Simply download the program [WinRAR required], extract it into your PSP's PHOTO directory, and then launch the program by going to the PHOTOS area of your XMB.

If you encounter any problems, try pressing START instead of X when trying to launch the game.

[Via PSP3D]

JoystiqNew 2.80 homebrew: Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewlibtiffpongpsp3dtiffFri, 15 Sep 2006 00:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Pong gets all dressed up at German art exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/28/pong-gets-all-dressed-up-at-german-art-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/28/pong-gets-all-dressed-up-at-german-art-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/28/pong-gets-all-dressed-up-at-german-art-exhibit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ah, Pong. Not quite the first arcade game, it has still been an inspiration for whole generations of game players and creators. Now it's the focus of an exhibit being put on by Berlin's Computer Game Museum.

Pong.mythos was created as "the world's first comprehensive overview of all relevant manifestations of a major founding myth of our digital society," according to their web site. To this end, they've collected various versions of Pong ranging from building-sized to penny-sized, using media such as cockroaches and sound, played on the floor, on a dress (pictured), on a bike, and more. Pretty cool, but we're still waiting for the solar-system sized version that uses Pluto as a ball and Mars and Earth as the paddles.

[Thanks Jibaro009]

JoystiqPong gets all dressed up at German art exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artpongMon, 28 Aug 2006 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Roddick takes on Pong in ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/roddick-takes-on-pong-in-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/roddick-takes-on-pong-in-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/roddick-takes-on-pong-in-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It seems Madison Avenue is increasingly looking to video games for inspiration. First we see the world of Grand Theft auto transformed by a coke, and today we stumble across an ad for American Express that pits Andy Roddick against the paddle from Pong. The tennis pro has some trouble getting the ball past the massive white rectangle that covers nearly half the width of the court, but ends up besting the eponymous paddle with some ingenuity.

The whole thing kind of reminded us of this recent piece on universally accessible games, which featured an example of a 3D player-model taking on a simplified Pong game. Is the American Express ad department reading Joystiq for ideas? Probably not... but just in case, we're still waiting for the ad in which Mario has to spend his hard-earned coins on late fees and ballooning interest payments.

Continue reading Roddick takes on Pong in ad

JoystiqRoddick takes on Pong in ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adpongtennisThu, 24 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Tennis 3 trailer now viewable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/virtua-tennis-3-trailer-now-viewable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/virtua-tennis-3-trailer-now-viewable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/virtua-tennis-3-trailer-now-viewable/#commentsFiled under:


Serve up an ace with this new Virtua Tennis 3 trailer to get a feel for the next-gen volley action. Sega is pulling out the stops on this judging from the video (it's like Pong on steroids!). Slated for PS3 as well as Xbox 360, Virtua Tennis 3 is going to be hitting the courts in the spring of '07.

JoystiqVirtua Tennis 3 trailer now viewable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationpongps3segasonyvirtua tennisvolleyThu, 08 Jun 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming in West Africa: Only 7 years behind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/gaming-in-west-africa-only-7-years-behind/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/gaming-in-west-africa-only-7-years-behind/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/gaming-in-west-africa-only-7-years-behind/#commentsFiled under: ,

To cut a long story short and to create a forced feeling of mystery and intrigue, I'll simply point out that, on my way back home from E3 last week, I was stranded for 24 hours in Senegal, a quaint little country situated in Western Africa. And by "quaint little country", I really mean a place that technology actively flees from in blind terror. When my laptop attempted to find an active Wi-Fi hotspot, canned laughter could be heard emanating from somewhere in the universe. And so, with Guitar Hero controller strapped to my back (simultaneously a piece of carry-on luggage and a bold image), I began to explore the vast and largely undeveloped wasteland that was the country's...airport building.

Leave it to a gaming nerd to find a store selling games in such an obscure place. Judging by the veritable cornucopia of new releases lining the shelves, the country's gaming scene is sure to take off. Some of the games burning up the Senegalese sales charts include:
  • Fifa '99 (don't worry, it plays the same as this year's version)
  • Shadow Warrior
  • Star Wars: Behind the Magic (which isn't even a game)
  • Pong
I would have taken the time to pre-order a Sega Saturn at the counter, but the French language barrier proved to be insurmountable. I'll be better prepared next time I get stranded here.

Continue reading Gaming in West Africa: Only 7 years behind

JoystiqGaming in West Africa: Only 7 years behind originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 May 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariEAElectronic-ArtsFifaForeign gamingForeignGamingInternational gamingInternationalGamingPCPongShadow WarriorShadowWarriorStar WarsStarWarsTravelMon, 22 May 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's get physical with Pongmechanik]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/31/lets-get-physical-with-pongmechanik/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/31/lets-get-physical-with-pongmechanik/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/31/lets-get-physical-with-pongmechanik/#commentsFiled under: , ,


First mind-controlled, now electromechanically-controlled. Where will Pong be next? The creator, Niklas Roy, writes, "Pongmechanik is an absolutely physical game. The game is realized electromechanically, and essentially consists of four elements: A relay computer, the mechanical movement with collision detection, the display and the acoustic components."

Check out those screenshots, and those gameplay videos! Those graphics are incredible! They look so... real.

[Via MAKE: Blog]

JoystiqLet's get physical with Pongmechanik originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MechanicalPongFri, 31 Mar 2006 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mind-controlled PONG featured at CeBIT]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/10/mind-controlled-pong-featured-at-cebit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/10/mind-controlled-pong-featured-at-cebit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/10/mind-controlled-pong-featured-at-cebit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Brain-computer interfaces hold enormous promise for perfecting prosthetics, assisting quadriplegics, and improving vehicle safety. So what's the first application shown off at the CeBIT 2006 show? A way of playing (and losing) a game of PONG... with - your - mind.

Sure, you could also check out a typing application that's still in the pre-beta-alpha stage below (man, typing on a post on that would take... a very long time), but playing an ancient arcade game with no hands seems like a more entertaining proposition at this point.

See also:

JoystiqMind-controlled PONG featured at CeBIT originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Mar 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-computer interfaceBrain-computerInterfaceCeBit 2006Cebit2006mind-controlled PONGMind-controlledPongPCPONGFri, 10 Mar 2006 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[More on Grand Theft Ping Pong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/more-on-grand-theft-ping-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/more-on-grand-theft-ping-pong/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/more-on-grand-theft-ping-pong/#commentsFiled under:


A lot of people are convinced that Rockstar Presents Table Tennis is some sort of early April Fools prank, but Tommy Vercetti & Co. don't seem to be in on the joke. Totally360 got a hold of some previously unseen screenshots that show off Grand Theft Ping Pong's graphical prowess, if not its Rockstar attitude. I'll be damned-they also have a case cover shot. Maybe table tennis really is the sport of cocaine kings.

[See also: Has Rockstar gone soft?]

JoystiqMore on Grand Theft Ping Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PongRockstarTue, 07 Mar 2006 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pong gets its MMO groove on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/pong-gets-its-mmo-groove-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/pong-gets-its-mmo-groove-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/pong-gets-its-mmo-groove-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Billed as "massively multiplayer Pong", this Flash interpretation of the all-time classic falls more into the "collaborative" than the "MMO" category. You are randomly assigned to a side--red or blue--and have to work with other players to play an otherwise normal game of Pong.

Interestingly, the game is difficult to sabotage, thanks to the presence of other players and the clear, universal common goal. Bow down to the hive mind, mortals.

[Thanks, Tim]

JoystiqPong gets its MMO groove on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcultureflashmmoparodypongWed, 01 Mar 2006 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Migraine-inducing miniature arcade games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/migraine-inducing-miniature-arcade-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/migraine-inducing-miniature-arcade-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/migraine-inducing-miniature-arcade-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Retro-gaming blog Re:Retro sent us word of some tiny arcade games weighing in at an outrageous 18x18 pixels square. The miniature version of Pong, featuring paddles that are 3 pixels high and a ball that's a single, solitary pixel, is still (amazingly) playable. Unfortunately, it's also likely to make your head pound after about five minutes.

The site also has versions of Pac Man, Asteroids, and Space Invaders... all of which are guaranteed to make your eyes bleed!

JoystiqMigraine-inducing miniature arcade games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2006 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PongThu, 09 Feb 2006 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pong clocks; real vs. widget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/06/pong-clocks-real-vs-widget/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/06/pong-clocks-real-vs-widget/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/06/pong-clocks-real-vs-widget/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We missed the news that the swoon-inducing "Pong clock" is actually for sale! At $240, it's a bit more expensive than an Atari Flashback, but oh so worth it!

If you just want the Pong time-keeping functionality, but don't care about the aesthetics, you can download the free "pongClock" widget for Apple's Dashboard. The widget uses the score to keep time for you and you have the option to play a match against it. Oh, Pong, where will you be next?

JoystiqPong clocks; real vs. widget originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clockdashboarddashboard widgetDashboardWidgetMacpongpongclockwidgetMon, 06 Feb 2006 15:30:00 EST