Thursday, August 11, 2011

Carntech to College!

It's been a long three years here at Carntech. There has been a lot of good memories, from the original creation of this blog in order to help my fellow Zephyrus writer learn how to use torrents, to it's current status as the premier Edina-based technology blog. Alas, however, all good things must end eventually, and I must now admit that I can no longer continue to update Carntech as a I make the move to college. For my loyal readers, if there indeed are any of you, I am truly sorry. I hope you have gotten as much out of this blog as I have, even as my posts have slowly become less frequent. I'll miss you guys.

For my former co-editor, I hope we can put things behind us. We've had some arguments in the past, but truly, I really was right the entire time.

If anyone is interested in acquiring the domain or looking for a video-game based technological writer, just email me.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Kinect Sales Figures

At the CES in Vegas it was Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, announced that Kinect had already sold 8 million units in the first 60 days it had been out. This is an incredible figure and proves the Kinect is a massive, and I repeat, massive success for Microsoft. Clearly, their clever marketing scheme has paid off.

However, one parallel that clearly presents itself is between the Kinect and Wii. Both sold amazingly well, initially, while providing little in the way of depth of games. As a result of this, and probably market saturation the Wii has been stagnating in recent sales figures. A similar fate is even more likely to await the Kinect I would guess, because it is both so similar to the Wii and may possibly have even less potential for games that do not involve dancing or minigames.

For now, though, the Kinect is a fun little toy. I have heard from one reluctant Kinect enthusiast that the dancing game is actually quite fun for parties and the like, although I think that may be the only time it actually is.

The Razer Switchblade



This incredible concept gaming peripheral has incredible potential. The keyboard can morph to whatever keys are necessary, it could effectively play any game despite it's small size. It would avoid the cumbersomely small keyboard of the Netbook and thus make it the best portable gaming system in my mind, especially if it can play a wide variety of PC games.

Combined with a price point of $100-$200 this device could be unstoppable. Although, to be honest a more realistic price point would be $300-$500, the price of a similarly specced Netbook.

Source: Engagdget

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Game of the Year 2010

For this important decision we here at Carntech have had numerous debates and some fierce water cooler arguments. Of all the numerous games we have bought and played this year, we now have to pick the best one. This is a difficult decision to be sure.

First, let us examine the predictions. Although my prediction of Halo: Reach may have been a tad erroneous (to clarify, my prediction of Wii Music as GOTY was a falsification, posted by some internet hoodlums who were making trouble cause they were jealous of Carntech's success (111 pages views bitches!) over their pitiful blogs which they have to beg other blog readers to come to by spamming links like some grandma who keeps sending you email forwards of stupid cat pictures. Carntech has, and always will be, ad-free unlike those other pitiful excuses for blogs(I have filed an injunction with the cyber-cops to have them forcefully taken down)), it was a solid prediction based on the information I had received. It was certainly better than my former-co-editor, Basting, who said it would be Black Ops. HA! I almost spat out my Bawls Soda when I read that.

The contenders for the game of the year include: Mass Effect 2, Bad Company 2, Cataclysm, Starcraft 2 and Red Dead Redemption. These games all had their merits and it is very hard to choose just one. Initially, I was leaning towards Mass Effect 2. It is after all an extremely well-polished inter-galactic, space-faring, action-adventure, RPG. But after much heated debate, we have finally come to an answer. Scroll down for the exciting conclusion:












Yes, the game of the year for us is Bioshock. After all, I did finish the game this year, so it is completely eligible for the category. Frankly, the reasons why this game wins are too numerous to list. But above all, I would like to stress the quality of this game. Admittedly, it may be shorter than some games, but this ultimately improves the game experience. I am not supposed to consider running around the countryside looking for quests or action as "fun" am I? Every minute of this game is complete and utter perfection. The critique of Ayn Rand objectivism is proof in and of itself that video games can approach to a level of art hitherto unseen.

In regard to all the Carntech readers who may be shocked by this announcement, I beg no pardons. Bioshock, is without a doubt, the greatest game ever made. For those who may think otherwise I would encourage you to play the game again, since it is obvious you did not appreciate it enough the first time you played it.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

game of the year

Basting's prediction: Although id hate to say it, i think that Call of Duty Black Ops will likely be game of the year to most reviewers. Im honestly sick of seeing other better games lose to the main stream call of duty fan base. But i mean the release of black ops generated more money than modern warfare 1 & 2, and apparently its better and more fun than modern warfare 2. Id like to see New Vegas, Red dead redemption, or SC2 win, but i dont think it'll happen.

Carntech's prediction: It's my personal opinion that Wii music 2 will come out and blow away all competition for game of the year.

Randal's prediction: HoN will win game of the year

Waz's prediction:  Wii's Carnival Games will win game of the year 

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Halo Reach Predictions

Carntech predicts that Halo Reach will be the game of the year and better than Halo 3 in almost every respect. Halo Reach will sell more than 8 million copies

Basting says Call of Duty Black ops will win game of the year and that Halo Reach will not be nearly as successful as Halo 3

Max predicts that HoN will win game of the year and will sell more than 100,000 copies

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Kinect

It seems clear to me that Kinect is poised for greatness. It seems capable of so much more than either the Wii or the PS3 and could possibly expand to areas outside of video gaming, such as movies or regular television. As long as it costs less than $100, it will surely be a success.

Basting's prediction: It doesn't appeal to hardcore gamers and people don't want a second Wii. So it will fail