Monthly Archives: October 2009

Video Games

New Xbox 360 Controller Monitors

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I have completed a batch of Xbox 360 controller monitors. These new versions use a PCB motherboard for fast turnaround time. If you think this would be of use for your game development company, please contact me for ordering info. More pics / info below, you can also check out the Sales Page.

Hey, the first game that one of these was used for is coming out soon – Modern Warfare 2! Maybe I’ll get a special thanks in the credits, who knows?

PS3 version prototype should be done in 2-3 weeks, stay tuned for more info.

Continue reading New Xbox 360 Controller Monitors →

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode 63

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We’re still here after 62 podcasts with #63! Granted we don’t always get them out as regular as we used to, but hey, they keep coming don’t they?

In this podcast we discuss the Zune HD versus iPod Touch, Zune Marketplace versus iTunes, Uncharted 2 and Jones’ foray into the amazing experience of Fallout 3. As always, enjoy! (Or not, your choice)

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 63

www.benheckpodcast.com

Addendum to podcast: Having beaten Uncharted 2 now I’d say it is worth the praise heaped upon it. While the variety of enemies remained lame throughout, the ingenuity and scope of the setpieces is amazing and puts all other action games to shame. Also the storytelling, motion capture and cutscene voice acting is top notch and I really cared about the outcome of the characters.

Ever see the under-appreciated Disney movie “Atlantis”? Well the second half of Uncharted 2 is basically like that movie but in the snow. (That’s meant as a compliment by the way) It’s a great game and one every PS3 owner should seek out. Sony may not have as many exclusives as it once did, but the ones they do have are excellent and more interesting – to me at least – than the exclusive titles seen on the Xbox.

Video Games

Hold Flipper for Status Update 2

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Work continues on Bill Paxton Pinball – the longest suffering Ben Heckendorn project of all time. The unit now has legs, a functioning input/output controller, tilt sensor, power supplies, fuses, front coin door panel, plunger assembly, start button, sound amplifier and some temporary targets.

Check out the video after the break!

Continue reading Hold Flipper for Status Update 2 →

Video Games

I Hope They Make Mods in Hell

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Click here for a close-up of the wand

It has come to my attention that the Tucker Max movie “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell” has come out. Last year I was approached by that movie’s prop department to come up with a “highly customized Xbox 360 controller for a game-obsessed character.”

Above you can see the result. It didn’t have to actually function but I insisted it did. I actually built 2 of them since movies always have backup props (well, mine don’t). The idea was the controller had a lot of “business” potential – that is to say the character could move around it with and act out functions in an overstated manner.

Having not seen the movie, my question is “Did it make it into the final cut?” Please let me know, I am curious!

The “pitch drawing” I sent them to get the gig.

Fun fact: the cost of these props exceed that of Possumus Woman’s entire budget.