Finally some good news regarding video games legislation. According to CNN, a federal judge in Illinois ruled that a law there that puts restrictions on the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors is unconstitutional. The state is now barred from enforcing the law. State officials “have come nowhere near” demonstrating that the law passes constitutional muster, according to the judge. He said the law would interfere with the First Amendment and there wasn’t a compelling enough reason, such as preventing imminent violence, to allow that. “In this country, the state lacks the authority to ban protected speech on the ground that it affects the listener’s or observer’s thoughts and attitudes,” the judge wrote.
This game is the most intense first person shooter I have ever played. Huge epic battles are what this game is about. Great AI, tons of NPCs on the screen at once, huge environments, everything is done amazingly well on a huge scale. And the mission design is great. There are so many different things you do in this game its crazy. If you like first person shooters at all, pick up this game. Even if you are tired of world war II games (or just don’t care for them that much) you really need to play this game.
The menu options have been sitting there in the graphics menu for Counter Strike Source for months now. Just sitting there, not doing anything. Finally today valve has released the first map to actually use High Dynamic Range Lighting and I must say it looks pretty sweet. Not only does it look good but it was a remake of de_nuke, one of my old favorites (and the one my team lost the MCSL finals on by 2 rounds, err). While the map itself looks great, it appears that the gun and player materials have not been updated to work with HDR lighting. Unlike in the Lost Coast HDR demo level, the guns do not glow in the sunlight and stuff. Too bad, I hope they add that soon. Anyways, here are some pictures of the new map:
There were other updates as well. For a list of what was changed/added check the news page.
The next version of the award-winning Web browser just got released. If you have not made the switch yet, now is a great time to jump on the bandwagon. Its the safer and more featured alternative to Internet Explorer. Your bookmarks can automatically be imported to firefox when you make the switch. There is nothing to lose, give it a try today!
Not convinced? Here are just a few reasons to make the switch:
A Better Web Experience
Firefox 1.5 has an intuitive interface and blocks viruses, spyware, and popup ads. It delivers web pages faster than ever. And it’s easy to install and import your favorites. Packed with useful features like tabbed browsing, Live Bookmarks, and an integrated Search bar, Firefox will change the way you experience the Web, for the better.
Faster Browsing
Enjoy quick page loading as you navigate back and forward in a browsing session. Improvements to the engine that powers Firefox deliver more accurate display of complex web sites, support for new Web standards, and better overall performance.
Automatic Updates
The new Software Update feature makes it easy to get the latest security and feature updates to Firefox. Firefox automatically downloads these small updates in the background and prompts you when they are ready to be installed.
Tabbed Browsing
Use tabbed browsing to open multiple web pages in a single browser window, and quickly flip back and forth. Drag and drop open tabs to keep related pages together.
Improved Pop-up Blocking
Firefox’s built-in pop-up blocker has been enhanced to block more unwanted pop-up and pop-under ads.
Integrated Search
Tap into the power of the Web’s most popular search engines with the built-in Search bar, and easily add new engines.
Stronger Security
Firefox keeps you secure when you’re browsing the Web, closing the door on spyware, worms, and viruses. The Firefox community of developers and security experts works around the clock to monitor security issues and release updates to better protect you.
Clear Private Data
Protect your privacy with the new Clear Private Data tool. With a single click, you can delete all personal data, including browsing history, cookies, web form entries and passwords.
Live Bookmarks
Stay up to date with your favorite Web sites and blogs. Use Live Bookmarks that update themselves automatically with the latest content from the Web.
Accessibility
Firefox 1.5 delivers easier navigation for everyone, including those who are visually or motor-impaired. Firefox is now the first browser to support DHTML, which enables Web content to be read aloud – even new kinds of graphics-rich content. Users may navigate with keystrokes rather than mouse clicks, reducing the tabbing required to navigate documents such as spreadsheets. Firefox 1.5 is also the first browser to meet government requirements that software be easily accessible to users with physical impairments.
Customize Firefox
Select new button controls for your toolbars, install extensions to add new features, or change the look of your browser with themes – the way Firefox looks and works is under your control.
Next Generation Web Support
Innovative new Web applications and services deliver a richer Web experience. Support for open Web standards in Firefox ensures you can get the most out of this emerging class of Web-based tools.
Ok, time to list some xbox titles to get for cheap this holiday. Once again, I think all these games are good and are well worth the price.
Xbox
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory – $27.99
Trailer
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory takes you back into the shadowy world of Sam Fisher, a special agent on the front lines of the information war. It’s 2008 when we return to the intrigues of the new warfare; The Japanese economy has collapsed and evidence indicates that it was due to a virus originating from South Korea. The Japanese request American assistance – and Sam Fsher is sent deep into hostile territory, to collect critical intelligence just inches from his worst enemies.
Unreal Championship 2 – $19.99
Trailer
Unreal Championship 2 brings you the bone-crunching melee combat you’ve come to expect, with some added bonuses and faster action. Become a warrior with superhuman agility as you arm up for battle against the toughest and most unique adversaries you’ve ever seen.
Burnout 3: Takedown – $19.88
Trailer
Burnout 3: Takedown rewrites the rules of the road with its aggressive racing action. Get behind the wheel and experience real high-speed action. Use your car as a weapon and battle your way to the front of the pack — by taking down rivals and instigating spectacular crashes.
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne – $19.88
Trailer
A violent, film-noir love story with stylish action sequences and slow-motion gunplay.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay – $19.99
Trailer
As Riddick you break out of one the most violent prisons in the universe, Butcher Bay. In a thrilling and frenetic 1st-person shooter you’ll bust out of the triple-maximum security prison amidst vivid, ultra-realistic graphics. The epic story line will reveal secrets about Riddick’s past and cast light upon his future. Features the voice and likeness of Vin Diesel.
Mech Assault 2 Limited Edition – $14.99
Trailer
MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf makes all the right moves. It looks better than the original, offers satisfying single-player action, and is an excellent multiplayer game.
Project SnowBlind – $19.95
Trailer
In Project: Snowblind, you experience the dramatic intensity of a war through the eyes of a super-soldier. Struggle alongside freedom fighters against the oppressive government forces tyring to conquer a near-future Hong Kong. Play through the most exciting game actuion around — from the frantic chaos of the battlefield to tactical stealth infiltration.
