GREAT SUCCESS!!

Were you at Pixelation 2v2 July? If you weren't you missed a fab time. This was our clan's first real attempt at a public paying tournament, and I have to say it couldn't have done any better! We had 8 teams come out to play some hardcore REACH and the competition was rather fierce. Shock and Awe ended up taking home the big bucks but everyone put up a good fight! We have to give a TON of thanks to the guys at Krystal Keep for having us out and inviting us back, Mohawk Mike from CinciFrag for covering the event, CPU magazine for advertising us, and the clan for their hard work and dedication to make this come together. A BIG thanks to MoxBornAgain for his tireless efforts for advertising and mad graphic design skillz that def make these events what they are.

Now, with that all said, October is when we are hoping to pull this off again, and we want your opinion. Please let us know what game YOU want to play. Respond to this blog post, or let us know via Facebook or website. Can't wait to see you there!

Until next time gamers!

EBrake14

Gaming Trivia (July 2011)

What were the names of the 8 racers you could pick from in Mario Kart 64? Send your answers to 72dpionline@gmail.com!

From the Editors Desk (July 2011)

June was such a busy month for our clan that I did not even get a chance to update the blog with the monthly posts! We had Pixelation: June which was a huge success, as well as the triumphant  return of The Ball & Chain Podcast! Not to mention the upcoming Pixelation: 2v2 prep. Speaking of Pixelation: 2v2 we play tested a large number of the maps and game types the final changes will be made and available for download July 11th.  So keep your eyes locked on 72dpionline.com for that info!

July is going to bring back the 72dpi Gaming Nights program which Ultima Weapon24 has grabbed up the reins and will be make this a more weekly event, that I'm personally looking forward to.


I hope everyone has a great July and I hope we see you on July 30th for Pixelation: 2v2 at Krystal Keep.

Holding Your Hand (July 2011)

Playing Portal 2 for review this past month has really opened my eyes to the amount of hand holding that goes on in our current gaming environment. I remember the days when you had a mini map to help you locate where you were in the world. Even older games were shipped with a paper map that you would have to navigate on your own. Those were the days of hardcore quests!

Now I understand that you can pump up the difficulty to make the game more challenging, but how about turning off some of the on-screen help features. For example the flashing arrows or the huge glowing parts of enemy's weak points. These are two of my most hated features in gaming, give me other cues that I'm doing the correct action, maybe through sound effects or visual cues. Instead of having the huge glowing weak point on an enemy maybe have the weak point spew large amounts of blood and cause my target to limp or retreat to a safe location?


Just these small changes to our already amazing video game library would prove to be worth their weight in gold, if we could just get one studio to take that first step.

-Mox Born Again

Summer Kickoff!

Okie so summer is getting off to a fantastic start! Pixelation: June was a huge success, both in turnout and in setup. I would personally love to thank all who came out for pulling together and making this Pixelation one of the best yet!
With that said, just to remind you all, participation is highly looked upon when membership renewal comes around, and we only have 2 events left in this year: July and October. So lets have more events like June, and all pull together to make the rest of the year grrrrrrreat!
Upcoming events include:
-72dpi presents 4th of July Extravaganza Deux (July 4th)
-Pixelation: July (July 30th)
-Pixelation: October (October 8th)
***Check out the main website or our Facebook pages for further details.

There are still spots available for Pixelation July: 2v2. We are really hoping the clan will rally behind this event, and so far we've only had 1 clan team of 2 register. Let's get behind this groundbreaking event, spread the word, and make this EPIC!!!!!!!!!

Also just for those of you who weren't able to make it to June, we had some serious things go right with our setup. We were able to setup 4 stations outside under a canopy and run 1 tv to a big screen projector so everyone can watch. Was it sweet? Oh hellz yeah it was, this girl is still in awe of it. The next time this sweet setup will be used is July 4th, so head out to eD and my place for some serious fun!

Until next time gamers!
E Brake 14

Rockin' Hard in our Backyard!

Gaming Trivia

May's Question:

With Splash Damage, heading up the development on the game, Brink, which is due out May 10th… What part of Doom 3 did they develop? Send your guess & your t-shirt size to,72dpionline@gmail.com, one winner will be picked at random to win a sPesHaLL eDition 72dpi shirt! 

April's Question:

What was the Game Boy remodel that followed the Game Boy

Pocket here in North America?

Answer: Game Boy Color

Winner: Sadistic Duckie

From The Editor's Desk

By: Mox Born Again (Joe Dodson)

May, 2011

Well this is our first month stepping away from the Monthly Newsletter. It does feel good to get away from that slightly outdated format. Not to mention our blog is going to be banging with all kinds of new content! So here we are, May 2011, not much to talk about this month except for a little thing called "Online Gaming Pass.” I'm not sure if you've heard of these little tools of joy, and that's exactly what they are: "TOOLS". An Online Gaming Pass, or from here on out will be referred to as OGP, is a security action that game publishers/developers do to prevent users from buying games used. How it works is when you purchase a game new, you then take it home and put it into your console. Your system will ask you for a redemption code from your booklet. You have to type this code into your system and then you are off and running and everything is unlocked: single player, multiplayer, options, the works. But if you purchase the game used, and one of the previous owner(s) used the redemption code you can no longer use that code. So now you have to pay (normally $10-$15) to unlock portions of the game. In most cases this is the multiplayer portion of the game, or some part of it.

This has to stop, right now. If publishers are so worried about their games being sold to 2nd hand stores and passed between users, then they should embrace the fact that maybe they should invest in a different option. One that isn't so much of a slap in the face to the end user, us! Here's a good alternative to the problem. We know that the multiplayer portions are only worth $10-$15 to these publishers/developers, because that's how much money they are charging to use the online multiplayer part of the game. (If you buy the game for $50 used then publisher X is not receiving any money from the $50, and thus they are using the $10-$15 to help cover costs lost by you purchasing a used game). Here is your solution: release the single player/co-op on disk $45-$50 & release the online multiplayer (deathmatch, ctf, ect.) online for a $10-$15 download. This will keep everyone happy; publishers get full price for both the multiplayer and single player & gamers get to choose what way to purchase the game. Not to mention how many people would pick up a $45-$50 single player / co-op game that they would have skipped over because they didn't want the multiplayer portion.

I've run across 2 games that are supporting this feature, EA's Dead Space 2 & THQ's Home Front! We will be talking about both of these games on this week’s podcast so make sure you tune in. As of right now we are still on for Tuesday night at 9pm, but there might be a schedule switch to Thursday night at 9pm. We'll keep you posted! Either way you can watch us live at www.72dpionline.com

Until next month guys & gals, I want to see some comments on our blog so make sure to tell us what you think of the switch from the Monthly Newsletter system to our Blog system!! Let’s hear it good, bad & ugly....BRING IT ON...

Go Go Retro!

By: Starlea7 (Jenn McSweeney)

May, 2011

What is so special about the month of May? Did you say Mother's Day? How about one of the mothers of all first person shooters released this month back on May 5, 1992?! If you said Wolfenstein 3D give yourself a 1up! Although Wolfenstein 3D is technically not the very first shooter game, its revolutionary game play and graphics have been the blueprint of most of all future FPS games. This game made its world debut as a popular PC game, and then was marketed for home consoles in 1995.

The most important contribution this FPS gave to the gaming world was an introduction the FPS genre. This FPS brings the player into the world of the Nazi regime at Castle Wolfenstein where you become Allied Spy Prisoner William “B.J.”Blazkowicz. Blazkowicz attempts to make an escape using only a knife and a Walther P38 taken from fighting a cell guard. As B.J.’s story unfolds, he finds that the Nazis are creating an army of undead mutants to head up a chemical warfare strategy. Each episode contains missions as it levels, and B.J has to fight his way through SS guards, the head guard, a scientist, and Adolf Hitler himself. Although B.J. can sneak up on lesser opponents, he cannot do so to the episode's end boss. The end boss must be defeated before another episode can begin. As long as B.J. keeps his health and ammo up, the player can strategically defeat each episode and reach the opportunity to reach the bonus level by way of a secret elevator. 

With the historical, (but fictional storyline), this game is not without controversy. The original versions levels featured designs taken from the Nazis' swastika symbol. This led NES console versions to be heavily edited removing swastika and Nazi references and renaming Adolf as” Staatmeister”. Blood was also replaced with sweat to reduce the violent appearance.
With platforms such as IPAD, IPHONE, XBOX Live Arcade, Wolfenstein 3D can give us gamers a chance to play a historical game that has laid down the foundation standard for such FPS games as DOOM, and Wolfenstein sequels.

XBOX360 cheat:
To have an easy kill for those particle cannon toting Heavy Nazis, use Mire power. By using your Mire power the Nazis will have red targets on their shoulders. Try to destroy both so that a new target will pop up from the back. Easy shooting!

New Console and Other Yummy News!

Alright everyone, so I've flaked and took a little break, so after a month of hiatus I feel I need to put out a pretty nifty column here. First off da dada daaaaaaaa....... CLAN NEWS!

-Pixelation: April was a blast! Lots of fun and fighting (on the screen) with a surprise BDay celebration for Kaida. All had fun, hope to see all attendees, both old and new at June's event.

-Pixelation: July had a hiccup in venue location, but everything is A-OK now. Our new venue will be Krystal Keep in Kettering. We are very excited about this new location and hope that this is the beginning of something beautiful.

-REGISTER FOR PIXELATION: JULY if you haven't already. I was pleasantly made aware today that slots are filling fast! You snooze, you lose!

-This Firday- eD and I are going to have a clan party at our casa. Just for the clan to laugh, bond, game, and possibly burn and destroy things. I will let you all know when this is going to happen. If you are part of the clan, we really encourage you to come.

OK, so enough of the day to day stuff, let's see what I have in store today....

Some of you that follow this blog regularly may remember a story I did last January on the Wii and whether or not it would stand up to the Kinect or the PS3 Move. I cited that in Nov, Game Informer said that Nintendo had no plans on making a new console. Whelp Nintendo, you kinda lied. IGN just announced that Nintendo is working on Project: Cafe, a new console that some are calling the Wii 2. Not a whole lot it known about this, other than some of the controller development. Nintendo has always been a leader in the way controllers are modeled and developed, and I think that this is what keeps them ahead of the game. The Project: Cafe controller is confirmed to have a 6" screen right on the device that allows you to download content from your console to the controller, then take it with you and play anywhere. Pretty sweet huh? I sure do think so. This console will be debuted at E3 this year, and this girl is WAY stoked to see what Nintendo brings to the table. Whoa tiger, I think this is gonna be cool!

 Gumba is sad the Wii is toast.

Okie kicking back to another story I did a few months ago. Mortal Kombat 9 is finally here!!!! Oh baby it was worth the wait! I'm in love. Period. If you love 2d fighters, this is definately a game to invest in. I purchased the Kollector's Edition, the one with the bookends, because the Tournament Edition was sold out. I got the box last night and the packaging was even phenominal. 2 handcast, hand painted bookends came with the game, and they are gorgeous. The pieces will look beautiful right next to Noble 6 in our game room :) I was really excited at all the DLC that came with the game. The avatar costumes came with codes for bolth boys and girls so that the hubs and I bolth can look like Scorpion! YAY! Also I found it was interesting that you need a download code to play online. This code comes free with new games, but has to be purchase in addtion to a used copy. Guess that's a studio's way to make sure they get some kickback for used sales.... just not too sure how the players feel about it. Anyway, the game is beautiful. Graphics are top notch. The detail put into everything makes it seem sometimes too realistic. The blood, the gore, the unbridled violence this game presents is what MK lovers look for, and Netherrealm studios delivered. The sound quality is fantastic too. It seems like no detail was too small to be included. The vocals are spot on. I love the controls, they are so fluid and easy to use. I'm able to get the combos to work with ease, and not "button mashing" like crazy. I have not gotten online yet, I hear it's kinda laggy, but overall, from what I experienced, I give this a 9.5 out of 10. Like I said, just go buy it, and take a change or pants with you.

Well I've prolly bored ya'll long enough....

Until next time gamers,
EBrake 14

PIXELATION STATION!

So the core of our clan is our Pixelation Events. With that in mind we are trying to expand the clan name while creating a great time for everyone. PIXELATION: July is going to be a totally fresh concept we want to try so that we can get everyone who loves Halo REACH involved. We teamed up with The Game Haven in Dayton, OH to bring you this 2v2 tourney that is going to offer over $400 in prize packages! We are really REALLY stoked about this event and we hope you are too. For allllllll the details head over to http://www.72dpionline.com/ and click on the Pixelation 2v2 tab. We would really like to see you there!!!!

In the meantime, our April Pixelation is a FREE EVENT. This one will feature Street Fighter IV for the main event, but will feature side games like Black Ops, and different Kinect titles. BRING A FRIEND that has NEVER been to Pixelation and receive a FREE TSHIRT!! You can find details on this event at the website as well, as well as the complete Pixelation schedule for the year.

Until next time gamers,
EBrake 14

How it all began- June 2010

MK Makes Me Happy!!!!!!

So, here's an update about what's happening in clan land....
-Podcasts are going GREAT! Lots of viewers and LOADS of good times!
- COD Crap Flops LAN trial run went exactly as eD and I thought :P Crap Flops fell FLAT on it's ugly face.
-Played some Street Fighter on Mox's projector T.V.- This was VERY VERY fun :)

- We announced PIXELATION: JULY 2v2 REACH Tournament at THE GAME HAVEN in Riverside. Details on our website- sign your team up today for BIG PRIZES!!!!!!!!

Onto gaming news......

It takes a lot for me to get excited about a new game. REACH was the last one I really REALLY got pumped about. Well I found a game today that has me on cloud 9! MORTAL KOMBAT 9 is due out next month and I can hardly contain myself. There are 3 beautiful editions that are being released. The regular edition (just the game- which is sweet in itself) retails at $59.99, the Kollector's edition (includes SWEET bookends, downloadable content and avatar costumes) retails at $99.99, and the Tournament edition (extremely limited, same extra content, but instead of bookends, has a bad ass joystick- only 20,000 being made) retails for $149.99. In addition to the choices in versions of the game, depending on where you pre-order you can get different DLC so check around. I think I'm going to go with Best Buy because they are offering the original Sub Zero fatality. Oh heck ya!!!!!

I have seen the trailers for MK9 and I really think this game is going to bring a lot to the table. Warner Bros. decided to go with the 2D gameplay that a lot of classic MK gamers enjoy, but the 3D graphics look like they are going to be amazing, and the best yet. They didn't hold back the blood and gore on this one folks. If you are faint at heart or younger than 18 this one prolly isn't for you. Apparently the fatalities have been taken to a whole new level of violent, and looks like there may be some dismemberment in the picture. The multiplayer options look sweet, there is going to be a tag team mode that I am excited to see, plus a Co-op arcade mode. As for story line, this one is supposed to be in depth, so it gives you more than just a bunch of A$$ whoopin'.

Bottom line.... I may only buy 1 game this year.... and this will be it.

Until next time gamers!

E Brake14

Tournament Edition w/ joystick



Podcasts are COOL!

So not too sure how many of you out there bolth read this and watch our podcast, but if you don't you TOTALLY should. Mox and Angel started the weekly fun a few years back, and geared it toward gaming couples (Ball and Chain Podcast hahahaha get it?). Now they are still the staple of the show, but they bring on some pretty sweet guest stars like, Ultima Weapon, eD and myself. I hope the show is as much fun to watch as it is to record. The randomness that happens in front of the camera is highly entertaining, and yes, sometimes alcohol is a factor. I love the new "Mugshot of the Week" segment, but that's just a tiny part of all the latest and greatest gaming news, with a 72dpi twist. So check us out Tues nights at 9pm and have fun along with us!!!! If you only watch once.....WATCH THIS WEEK- HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T MISS IT!!!!! You can watch on stickam www.stickam.com/ballandchainpodcast , or just go to our webpage http://www.72dpionline.com/. See you there!

Until next time gamers,
EBrake14



GET READY!!!!!!

Pixelation February is here today! If you haven't signed up your REACH 2v2 team you still have a couple hours to do so. This is a free tournament taking place in Columbus, Ohio. Visit our website http://www.72dpionline.com/ or the Facebook Event page for more details. See you there!

                                              

Gaming up it and doin' it right!

Potpourri of Stuff!

So in clan news for this week......
-We had a successful D&D night with Mox, eD, Angel, Squall and EBrake! Oh the shenanigans we get into!
-sPesHaLL Brake 214 had his 3rd Birthday party, he got a 4wheeler YIKES!
-Kinect gaming night was a blast, thanks to all who participated.
-Thurs. night is Castle Crashers Gaming Night. Contact Weapon to participate.
-Don't forget to sign up your 2 person REACH team for February Pixelation!

So gaming news is a little slow right now. The holiday push to get games out is over and we are just enjoying what Santa brought us. So what do we do as we get bored of these games? My ADD is kicking in and I'm really wanting to see a boom on Kinect games. The DLC for Dance Central is peaking my intrest right now, but I'm ready for more. What is everyone wanting to see come out in the coming months? Anyone have a game they are anxoiusly anticipating? Right now I'm kind of at a loss.... so what are your thoughts? Comment and let me know!

Until next time Gamers!
-E Brake14

sPesHaLL Brake 214 is 3!!!

MLG Randomness

Clan events this week-
-Don't forget Kinect Adventures gaming night via LIVE Sunday @ 9pm.
-No podcast this week, tune in next week!
-Possible D&D night Tues, talk to eD or E Brake for details.

Ok so I haven't blogged about my favorite professional sport yet so today is the day! Most of you reading this know that I love the MLG (Major League Gaming), and SO much has happened as of late, some good some bad. Let's start with the good......

     As most of you know in the 2011 season, the MLG is switching from Halo 3 to Halo REACH. I can't imagine switching the game with the biggest following is an easy task. Recently they have released their 3rd version of maps, which now have SPRINT!!!! I don't know too many people that will be unhappy with this... now they just need to ditch the friggin' jet packs.
     Next, I'm really bummed to hear Tsquared left Str8 Rippin. I was fortunate enough to see them play at MLG Columbus last year, but unfortunately after that tourney it all went downhill. By the end of the season, Tsquared was the only member that has started with the team this season, and they didn't make it to the finals. Recently it was announced that Tsquared joined team Instinct (who won the championship this year) for the 2011 season. While I'm really excited to see what this will bring for him, it is really hard to see him part with Str8. As for the fate of Str8, I haven't been able to find a current roster for the team, so I'm not sure that name will be on the roster for REACH.
     Finally, I'm a little salty that MLG has not put out an event schedule for 2011. I'm already under pressure at work to get my dates in for the tournament(s) I will be coaching at for the year. So this is completely personal but c'mon MLG, work with me here!!!! I need to know this info!!!!! Does anyone else out there feel the same?

Until next time gamers!
-E Brake 14

                                                    72dpi @ MLG Columbus 2010

2011 Gaming Nights

Hey guys! Two weeks ago, we resurrected the 72dpi Gaming Nights. As a result of the community Game of the Year poll, I thought Halo: REACH was the best choice to kick off 2011. I have to say, it was very successful! Thanks to everyone who was able to join for week 1. And if we missed you for whatever reason, there will be plenty of chances to join us for a future event! Now I know tonight is Thursday, and in most cases, Thursday will be the regular schedule. However, this week we will be playing on Sunday at 9 pm. The game for this week will be Kinect Adventures. I understand that not everyone has a Kinect, and I can honestly say I'm not trying to exclude anyone. So if you can join someone with a Kinect, we would love for you to participate.
I have a thread on the forums (seventytwodpionline.freeforums.org/game-suggestions-for-the-2011-gaming-nights-season-t213.html) for suggestions. If you have any ideas, please feel free to post them. If you are not a registered member on our forums, its free to join and it only takes a couple of minutes.
That is all I have for now. So I hope to see you Sunday night at 9 pm on XBox LIVE for Kinect Adventures!
-Weapon

To Wii or not to Wii.....

Well 1st of all, I like to start with clan news....

-If you didn't check out the colorful Ball and Chain podcast last night, you definately should check it out on http://www.72dpionline.com/
-Check out our Gaming Night hosted by Ultima Weapon 24 this Sunday night, and we'll be playing Kinect Adventures. Just sign online, join our party, and hang out online with 72dpi!

Now for the debate........
     Last night on the podcast an interesting subject came up. Will the Wii hold up against Kinect or PS3 move? I feel like Nintendo has always put controller development at the top of their priority list, but now they've been surpassed. You have to give them credit, the Wii was VERY innovative. Originally released in Nov. 2006, if took about 5 years for other companies to catch up and surpass the system.
     Nintendo has no plans to come out with a new console anytime soon according to Game Informer in Nov 2010. My concern is that the controller based Wii is not going to hold up against the camera based Kinect. I mean seriously, how cool is having no controller? I'm quite the Nintendo enthusiast and definately do not want to see the Nintendo regime fall. Since they have never really been a company to innovate graphics, I'm just really interested to see what their next move will be.  There are some rumblings on the net that the gaming giant is going to try and take the Wii 3D however. This is an exciting concept, but nothing concrete has been reported yet.
     They do however, have the rights to classic characters and titles that most of us don't remember life without and will gobble up at a moment's notice. The new DK Country, Goldeneye, Mario Galaxy 2 have all been big hits for the console. Hopefully this is enough to keep Nintendo rolling. I worry however, that this won't be enough and Nintendo will go the way of Sega and Atari.
     So if YOU have an opinion leave us a comment. I love starting debates! Also it's this week's Poll question for the Ball and Chain podcast. Cast your vote at........

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fseventytwodpionline.freeforums.org%2Fpoll-05-do-you-think-the-nintendo-wii-will-keep-up-t211.html&h=36be2

 

Until next time!

-E Brake 14

2011 Starting Off Right!

Okie so welcome to the 1st 72dpi blog post. I'm really excited to be doing this for the clan and will try and keep as up to date at possible. 2011 has started out well for 72dpi......
-We hosted a great New Year's party with most of our clan members in attendance.
-The New Year's Ball and Chain podcast was widely viewed upon the net.
-We started up a monthly D&D night that we are hoping to build upon.
-The first bi-weekly gaming night hosted by Ultima Weapon 24 was a great success!
-72dpi threw me (E Brake 14) an AMAZING surprise retro-gaming Birthday party!

See? What a great way to get the ball rolling this year.
Now for cool gaming stuff....
Kinect
The Kinect seems to be getting off the ground fabulously. Microsoft predicted 5 million sensors to be sold this past holiday season only to sell 8 million and counting. While the Microsoft games seem to be getting good reviews across the board, some of the 3rd party developers are struggling with developing a game with the same quality of sensor control.
Dance Central seems to be a fan favorite. I like it because it helps me trick my brain into liking a workout. For someone who is anti-exercise, it's a great way to stay active without having to deal with crowded gyms or terrible Richard Simmons style videos. The music is fun, the moves aren't rocket science, and if you add a little alcohol you can get a good laugh out of sPesHaLL eD 2 dancing to Kylie Minogue! So I give this game 2 thumbs up :)

Stay tuned for more fun from 72dpi!
Until next time gamers,
-E Brake 14

E Brake 14, Ultima Weapon 24, and MoxBornAgain livin' it up @ E Brake's BDay party.