A tech review I did for a company that I wanted/want to work for.

The Kodak camera family welcomed their newest model called the Kodak Zi8.  Their former models, the Zi6 and Zx1 were decent but not quite up-to-par with either of the Flip models.  Kodak truly listened to their customers and paid attention to what the Flip cameras didn’t possess.  The Zi8 has added features that the Flip lacks such as the ability to shoot in full 1080p or 720p.  The Zi8 also comes with a rechargeable lithium battery which gives the user the option of charging it via a wall outlet or usb port.

One major fail for the Flip family is the lack of an extra memory slot for more footage.  On the other hand, Kodak does have an allotted SD slot, but they fail to provide even a 1GB SD card with the package. The user must buy a memory card, in addition to, his purchase of a Zi8 camera.

What makes the Kodak Zi8 just a hair better than the Flip camera is the electronic image stabilization feature.  For most users who buy pocket cameras, they use the camera very sporadically.  Holding the camera while walking and running can cause some disturbance in the video quality.  The Kodak Zi8 is the first of it’s kind to have an electronic image stabilization, and although it does not completely stabilize the footage, it calms the jitters of some of the hand shaking during the take.  To achieve the best quality footage for any pocket camera, it is always best to use a tripod whenever possible.  Note: the electronic image stabilization does drain the battery dramatically.

In addition to image stabilization and the ability to shoot in 1080p, the Kodak Zi8 also has the ability to shoot still pictures.  While most pocket cameras focus on video only, Kodak took their pocket camera to the next level by adding this function.  Although the pictures are not high resolution, this feature is still very attractive to users who want an all-in-one solution.

In short, the Kodak family has produced a pocket camera that allows the user to shoot in high quality with image stabilization as well as shoot still images.  For a $200 camera, the Kodak Zi8 is currently the best pocket camera out in the market to date.

Please also checkout http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/street-fighter-iv-review/ for his written review of SF4.

Please go to http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/street-fighter-4-review-with-john-rivera/ for the full dimensions of this video.

Or go to http://www.vimeo.com/6870303

Or my Youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22JP8o2QhNk

]]> http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/street-fighter-4-review-with-john-rivera/feed/ 0 lyssorthat http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/street-fighter-iv-review/ http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/street-fighter-iv-review/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:56:14 +0000 lyssorthat http://youmuse.wordpress.com/?p=81 ]]> Street Fighter IV Review

By John Rivera II – 9/25/09

Since its release on home consoles on February 18^th, 2009, Street Fighter IV has been a hit (pun intended) with fighting game fans and non-fighting game fans alike.  Selling millions of copies on the PS3 and the Xbox 360, Street Fighter IV is the newest numbered Street Fighter video game since Street Fighter III – 3^rd Impact, which was released on the PS2 in Japan in 2004.  Since the launch of Street Fighter IV in the Arcades (July 2008 and August 2008 in Japan and the U.S. respectively), the anticipation for the home console versions were reaching its peak.  Long time fans waited to see what the new generation of Street Fighter would bring, and if the hadokens and shoryukens would feel the same way they always have.  Though the critical acclaim for this game has been praised for months, it can most certainly be re-iterated: Street Fighter IV is one of the best entries into the franchise and may very well be one of the best fighting games of all time.  Bold statement you say? Not so much.  The game play/mechanics, graphics, sound, unlockables, unlimited replay value and Street Fighter legacy make this game a must have for anybody who likes fighting video games.

What makes this game so great out of the box is the fact that it is so easy to play.  Players will each select a character and fight it out on a 2D plane until the other character’s health bar depletes.  Veterans of old Street Fighter games will be all too familiar with the mechanics, thus throwing out hadokens, yoga flames, and psycho crushers with ease.  Players that are new to the franchise will find this game easy to pick up as well.  There are normal attacks, special moves, and throws (mechanics that accompany pretty much every fighting video game).  While this may seem simple enough and is sufficient enough to have fun with your friends, the mechanics get immensely deeper, thus setting apart the hardcore players from the average players.

The advanced techniques in Street Fighter IV not only turn regular players into pros, but also challenge player’s commitment to mastering such a fun, yet complex, fighting system.  Don’t let the word “complex” fool you into thinking that it is too difficult, because that is not the case.  It is really only complex because the timing for certain “hits” in the combos can be very strict, thus only allowing those that have practiced their combos to be proficient in them.  The combo system isn’t all advanced however, seeing as how 50-60% of your combos will be 2-in-1 combos.  For example: low medium kick to fierce hadoken.  Or even more commonly used, jumping medium kick, to low medium kick (or punch) and then special move (shoryuken, fireball, etc).  When one does decide to add more moves to these combos and become “advanced”, the results are rewarding.

There is also a brand new system to Street Fighter IV in the form of the Focus System.  A regular Focus Attack (when held then released) will crumple your opponent to the ground, thus allowing you to attack as you please immediately after (whether it is special move, combo, or Ultra).  But what makes this focus system so advanced are its inherent properties.  While doing a Focus Attack, you can absorb one hit.  Thus, using your focus attack when you know someone is going to strike you can be a great defensive maneuver.  In addition, one can “dash” out of a Focus Attack and in essence “pysch” his opponent into thinking he will do a Focus Attack when he actually may not.  Lastly, one could use a Focus Cancel to “cancel” out of a special move into another special move or an Ultra combo.  Though “cancelling” takes away two bars of your super gauge (which I will get to in a moment), it will allow you to string together insane combos for devastating results.

In addition to the Focus System, the Super Gauge and Ultra Gauge both add to the level of combat.  The Super Gauge builds as you attack your opponent, while your Ultra Gauge (or Revenge Gauge) fills as you get attacked.  The Super Gauge (if filled to the top) can be used to execute Super Combos, which can be attached to the end of 2-in-1 combos, resulting in tons of damage.  You can also use your Super Gauge in a different way by using EX versions of your special moves.  Here, for a quarter of your super meter, you can alter regular versions of your special moves with more powerful versions of these same moves. Thus, your hadokens will hit twice rather then once, your flash kicks hit faster, while your psycho crusher has a quick second of invincibility at the beginning of the move, and so forth.  Whether you use your Super Gauge for Super Combos or for EX special moves, it adds to the technical nature of the game and varies upon personal strategy.  The Ultra Gauge is different in the sense that not only does it fill up when you get attacked, but it ultimately will unleash one powerful move/combo in a cut scene (if not blocked) that can easily turn the tides of any match.  These Ultra Combos are not only beautifully well done but very powerful.  So powerful in fact that Ultra Combos have been debated over the internet as to whether or not they are too powerful.  Either way, these moves add depth and excitement to the game.

The modes for this game include Arcade mode, Versus mode, Online Play, Training (practice) mode and Challenge Mode.   While the first four modes are self explanatory, the Challenge Mode offers Survival Mode, Time Attack Mode and Trial Mode.  The Survival and Time Attack Modes are your standard fighting game contributions while the Trial Mode is an entirely different mode altogether.  The Trial Mode focuses on teaching players about each character’s move sets.  This mode will have the player attempt to learn everything from regular attacks, to special moves, to eventually, long advanced (and even insane) combos.  It’s a very rewarding mode seeing as how it helps a player master the combos of every character.

Speaking of characters, this game offers 19 original fighters with 5 new playable characters and 1 new boss antagonist, totaling 25 playable characters.  Of the original 19 fighters, you have fan favorites such as Ryu, Ken, Cammy, Fei Long, M. Bison, and Akuma.  Out of the 5 new combatants, your have 4 entirely new characters (Crimson Viper, Abel, Rufus, and El Fuerte) with 1 character making his first appearance as an “actual” playable fighter (Gouken, who is Ryu’s and Ken’s Master).  Crimson Viper is a female American double agent who uses spy gadgets in combat.  Abel is a male French mixed martial artist who has amnesia, thus fighting to regain his past memories.  Rufus is a cocky overweight male Kung Fu fighter.  Lastly, El Fuerte is a male Mexican Luchador who also is an aspiring chef.  These four new characters are great additions to the Street Fighter universe and are all fun to play with.

Pertaining to the characters and their abilities, the game is pretty balanced.  Some characters however, are slightly (read: SLIGHTLY) stronger then others.  For some players (depending on who you play with), this can be a minor disadvantage or advantage. The majority of people who play this game (most normal to high skill level players) insist that this game is not only a very well balanced game, but one of the most balanced fighting games of all time.  I for one agree with these latter statements, and proclaim that this fighter is as balanced as a fighting game can be, give or take a couple “extra” powerful special moves.  Overall, the developers went out of their way to make most of the characters in this game dangerous when used to their full potential.  Thus, a talented Dan player could beat a decent Sagat player any day.

The graphics for this game are simply incredible.  The character models resemble all of the fighter’s you’ve come to know and love.  The art design and style of the game is also very well done, which include ink splashes when characters do certain animations, thus adding a comic book or Anime touch to the game.  Projectile effects and Ultra Combo cut scenes are amazing to watch and one could tell that a lot of time and effort went into the design of the game. Most importantly, I applaud the developers for making the backgrounds and character models in 3D while still leaving the fighting on a 2D plane.  This proves that a traditional game like Street Fighter II can be taken and enhanced to adapt to the HD world that we live in today.

The actual online component also works very well and can run as if you were playing with that opponent locally.  I do have to admit however that I have only played the Xbox 360 version online, so I can only vouch for it.  I have heard however that the two online communities are both great and work equally as well.  When playing against certain people however, one may get different results.  So, in fact, it does matter what the connection you and your opponent have when using online play. I will reiterate the fact that the majority of the games are fluid and precise, as if they were local games.  One gripe about the online play is that there are no multiple player lobbies.  This has been a common complaint within the Street Fighter online community, seeing as most players want the feel of an arcade, with a line of people waiting to take on the winner of the previous match.  It has been stated however by the Capcom development team that there will be no updates in the near future for adding lobbies.  I have since grown to like the strictly one on one interface of the online battles only because it makes the matches a little more personal.  Sure, it won’t feel like the arcades with the winner staying on the sticks, but with the demand of online lobbies by die hard fighting game fans, it will most likely be added in future installments of this franchise.

The amount of content and unlockables for this game are extremely vast and allow for an unlimited amount of replay value.  There are 10 taunts and 10 colors (for costumes) that can be unlocked in the Time Trial and Survival Modes.  Also, there are an absurd amount of titles and icons that can be collected that can customize your online profile.   Also, one can toggle between English and Japanese voice acting, which will surely excite fans of the Street Fighter Anime (and even just original Street Fighter fans.)   Lastly, there are alternate costumes that one can buy online that add extra variety to the game.  While some fans may feel cheated that alternate costumes were not already included on the disc for free, the costumes are great and are a necessity for any Street Fighter fan.  This game was certainly not rushed, seeing as how much polish and detail was put into the design, game play, options, and unlockables. As stated previously, the replay value of this game is endless.

Are their any major disappoints to this almost near perfect fighting video game?  In my own honest opinion? No. The only one gripe I have with this game is that some of the hit windows for combos and other linked moves are incredibly small.  And though I have seen pros such as Daigo Umehara and Justin Wong pull off these combos as easily as if they were breathing, it still can be pretty tough to pull off some of the combos.  This, too, seems to be a gripe amongst the Street Fighter online community, seeing as how a lot of the forum topics say things such as “Help with Sagat Hard Trial 5” or ‘How do you do Ken’s Hard Trial 2?”  With practice, this is certainly a challenge that can be overcome.  I myself have even stopped getting so frustrated with some of the combos because of my seemingly endless practice, thus I feel my timing has become better.  This, as I said, is a minor complaint for a near flawless game.

Another common complaint that I have read in other reviews and forums is the Anime cut scenes that are presented in the story mode of every character.  While I don’t believe that they are horrible, blatant disgraces to the Anime world, I do believe they are not well done and could have been better. I do also feel that the story of each character could have been fleshed out a little bit.  However, most fighting games usually have decent intros and not so fulfilling endings.  This, again, is a minor complaint that does not affect the overall enjoyment of the game.

In response to the comparisons of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, I cannot convey much from personal experience.  While I do have both the PS3 and Xbox 360 systems, I have only thus far purchased the Xbox version of the game (though I do have plans to purchase SFIV for the PS3, so as to not alienate my other friends who haven’t felt my wrath as of yet).  From what I have heard from my colleagues however, are that both are pretty much identical in terms of graphics and game play.  I have been told that the PS3 loads a tiny bit slower than the Xbox 360 version.  One other difference is that the PS3 has the better D-Pad on its controller then the Xbox 360 controller (though I myself play with the control stick.)  The game for both systems support play with fight pads and Arcade sticks, although the latter is considered the professional way to play the game.

Lastly, the continued development of this game is sure to keep the fan base strong and coming back for more hadokens.  The Capcom development team has already added an Online Tournament Mode (this past April) that gives players a new type of point system and mode to play in.  The new point system helps players advance in rank, thus qualifying them for higher skilled online tournaments.  In addition, rumors as of late tell of a possible “Super Street Fighter IV” upgrade in development which might become available sometime next year.  The most talked about aspect of this upgrade may see the inclusion of 10 more characters:

• Dee Jay and T. Hawk from Street Fighter 2: Championship Edition
• Adon, Cody, and Guy from Street Fighter Alpha
• Ibuki, Makoto, and Dudley from Street Fighter III.
• And lastly two completely new fighters.  Hakan: An Arabic grappler obsessed with oil, and Juri: and evil Asian girl fighter working for Seth.

In addition to these new characters would be the inclusion of 1 more ultra per character (thus totaling two ultras per character), the return of bonus stages, and various improvements on most of the returning roster.  TAKE THIS STRICTLY AS A RUMOR, seeing as how there has been no official confirmation. But if any of this turns out to be true, expect an amazing upgrade to the already fantastic game that is Street Fighter IV.

So, for the bottom line, Street Fighter IV is an amazingly fun game that has something for everyone.  Whether you’re a die hard street fighter fan or new to the Street Fighter universe, this game is fun to pick up and play but even more fun to master.  The graphics are beautiful and the art design of the game adds to the character models and overall story of the video game.  Seeing as how the game has been out for around 8 months, you should have already played it if you’re a fighting game fan.  If not, pick up this near flawless title immediately. You will not be disappointed.

Score: 9.8 Out of 10

Which one would you buy?  I prefer the Telsa Roadster…sexy.

Here is an article from WIRED.COM

Link: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/electric-r8/

Audi all but screamed “we’re building an electric car” when it launched that “Electricity Untamed” micrositelast week, and it looks like the car has broken cover ahead of the Frankfurt auto show.

WorldCarFans.com got ahold of some renderings of the e-Tron concept. No one has any details on the drivetrain, and Audi isn’t confirming the car exists. Whatever it is, it’s based on the R8, with slight tweaks to the front and rear end, the elimination of the R8’s distinctive side blades and some wild wheels. We don’t see any air intakes or exhaust outlets, further lending credence to speculation it’s an electric vehicle.Motor Trend has some renderings of the interior, which has a minimalist aesthetic.

We’ve got mixed emotions about the e-Tron. Although it is gorgeous, we’re wondering why Audi doesn’t unveil something a little more realistic and practical. More details as soon as Audi has something to say.

When the Mac OS “Snow Leopard” was announced, I pre-ordered the software. Upon receiving the installation CD, I immediately installed it (knowing that I had Time Machine backups already in case something catastrophic occurred).

The installation was pretty straightforward and quick. It really wasn’t a super upgrade; nothing stood out at me, as I was playing with the OS. I did notice that waking up from sleep and shutting down was a lot faster. This helps if I am at an airport and want to shut down fast.

The biggest issue was trying to run my virtual Windows XP machine through Parallels. Upon double-clicking the alias/shortcut to launch Windows XP, I received an error saying that Parallels 3.0 cannot run in my current OS version (Snow Leopard).

So, I decided to upgrade Parallels 3.0 to 4.0. It helped that it was reduced to $39 (from $49) for the Mac Upgrade. After payment was made, I received the download link and activation keys in my inbox. I downloaded the software and tried to run the installation package and managed to get through few of the software wizard screens then reached a screen regarding a “Conflicting virtual machines” error. The problem was it was saying that a virtual machine was running already — which it wasn’t. To make sure I rebooted and re-ran the install but same error occur. After much dismay, I managed to locate the exact error AND solution in the Parallels site which is located at the following URL: http://kb.parallels.com/en/6659

I hope this helps someone else out there as well. Good luck!

You can check out some of Mary Jo’s photos at CLOUDNINA.TUMBLR.COM. The pictures from the shoot are now up, so make sure you check out her site!  Thanks MJ!

Please watch this video on my Youtube at Youtube.com/y0umuse to see the video in full.  Oh watch this video on this page to see the full dimensions. http://youmuse.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/gunz-roses-9909-rebel-t1i/