Category Archives: Video Games

Articles, Ben Heck Show, Movies, Podcasts, Video Games

After half a decade, a new site layout!

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After 5 years of having the same theme, I’ve finally updated my site. I’m still putting in functionality, but here are some key new features:

  • Services section. The end goal is to have CNC and laser work be available to clients over the internet. So if you’ve got a project idea, we can help! I’m working on a very detailed tutorial to help you make the best files possible.
  • Store. Common items such as Controller Monitors and accessibility mods can be found here. Also possibly kits in the future.
  • Very comprehensive “Downloads” section. Free access to almost all of my classic designs and projects, right up to things as recent as “Lost” pinball.
  • Live Shop Cam via Ustream. If we’re broadcasting, you’ll see it on the homepage.

And as usual, the forums are available as well. Have fun and I hope to add even more features soon!

 

Podcasts, Video Games

Ben Heck Podcast Episode 76

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Yes, believe it or not, we’ve done a year-end podcast! We’ve got a lot of topics, including:

  • How Liam Neeson might organically slip the line “You Sunk My Battleship!” into Universal’s $250 million “Battleship” movie.
  • Our favorite games of 2011, and biggest disappointments.
  • Tom Cruise, Scientology and the expense of going to the movies.
  • Zombie trend in gaming, and why a zombie apocalypse wouldn’t be as cool as nerds would hope.
  • Our latest adventures in pinball.
  • Tablets and phones versus portable gaming systems.
  • Speculation about the next Xbox and what if it’s ARM based.
  • Why “Project 10 Dollar” is just the tip of the digital download only future.
  • The problems with Rocky 4. Yes, it has problems.
  • Netflix and the future of media.

Enjoy and have a happy new year!

Download Ben Heck Dot Com Podcast # 76!

 

 

 

Video Games

Play “Lost” Pinball at Chicago Pinball Expo Next Weekend

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McFarlane’s “Lost” action figures allowed us to increase the bikini content of this pinball machine 175% over previous models.

Team Heckendorn has been working furiously on “Lost” pinball for several months now, with the goal of having a playable game at the Chicago Expo. Through our tireless efforts and backbreaking work. this goal will be a reality, unless a meteor strikes the Midwest or something.

Not only can you play the game, but you can enjoy our seminar “Godzilla Gets Lost in the Big Juicy Melons” at 3:30 on Friday, featuring Dennis Nordman, Greg Freres,  Chuck Emery and myself, speaking about homebrew pinball.

“Lost” easily surpasses “Bill Paxton Pinball” (which we may also bring) as the most complicated project I’ve ever built. It contains:

  • New pinball OS that re-uses almost 5% of the code I wrote for Bill Paxton Pinball.
  • Full color LCD display
  • (5) Skill Shots that let you put the ball where you want it upon launch (crash?)
  • On that note, autoplunger!
  • Frozen Donkey Wheel that can collect up to all 5 balls.
  • 3D printed playfield toys such as the “Jughead” bomb and the lighthouse.
  • Under playfield tunnels.
  • Fully working hatch you can shoot the ball into.
  • A magnet, since the show had lots of electromagnetism, it just made sense.
  • Servo-controlled lane changer on upper playfield.
  • Ball-barfing “Light Cave”, the only thing I allowed from Season 6.
  • Ball stopper on main orbit and “hidden” John Locke Lock. (yeah we went there)
  • Kickback on left outlane.

“Lost” runs off the breadboard version of the Ben Heck “Pinball Development Platform” which can run 64 matrixed switches, 64 matrixed lights, RGB cabinet lighting, 24 solenoids / magnets / shakers, 3 servos, 8+ optos or general I/O, (3) channel 16 bit stereo sound, 16 bits of LED backbox lighting elements plus NTSC, VGA or DMD display.

Hope to see you all there!

Charms & Pendants: charms.
Video Games

New and improved Controller Monitor

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I have recently completed the prototype for my latest game latency Controller Monitor and am now taking orders for this new design. It functions as the older models did, but with several improvements:

  • L3 / R3 indicators.
  • Microcontroller based (Arduino compatible PIC32) for firmware updates and customizable code. Set sensitivity as constants, use spare I/O for external devices, etc.
  • Configuration menu where you can calibrate your controller. Can show very precise, slight movements on the analogs (such as to read “false” movements when your tester presses L3 or R3)
  • Debug information via the serial/USB plug.
  • Set external LSTTL level triggers based off certain inputs. “Arm” your camera on certain events, and “record” at others. (such as aim gun, fire gun)
  • 1500Hz of resolution should exceed your game code and high speed cameras, giving you as much reference data as possible.
  • 8′ cord which can detach from the wireless controller.
  • Includes a FREE STAND! Will wonders ever cease? Display unit measures 8″ x 8″ and is appx 1″ thick (not including Wonder Stand)

For more information and installation / ordering details, please visit the Controller monitor page.

Video Games

Spam-tatoes Recipe

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Entertain your friends and family with this easy dish!

You Will Need:

  • Half a can of Spam, diced
  • Instant mashed potatoes
  • Garlic of some kind
  • 1/2 cup Munster cheese, diced
  • Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning (you should have this anyway)
  • Good cardiovascular heredity
  • 2 eggs, beaten with a dash of milk
  • Bread crumbs
  • Olive oil

In a small pan-thing, make 4-5 cups of Instant Mashed Potatoes. Omit milk and butter, insert Garlic of some kind. Add sufficient flakes to make thick mashed potatoes.

In a separate not-yet-messy-but-soon-to-be area of your kitchen, mix the Diced Spam and Diced Munster cheese in with the potatoes. Next, form this “mixture” into 3-4 hamburger-like patties.

Dump a bunch of bread crumbs on a plate. Mix Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning into the crumbs. It will be awesome. At the same time, get a frying pan ready with a few tablespoons of Olive Oil on medium high. Remember, it’s only good for you if you don’t use enough of it.

Dip each potato patty into the bread crumbs, covering it well. Now, dunk this in the egg mixture, and then cover with bread crumbs again. This ensures a crisp, delicious shell of carbohydrate death!

Place the crumb-covered patties in the frying pan and cook them for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden greasy brown. Garnish and serve!

Video Games

Book Kits Discontinued

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Just a note, after 6 years of offering kits to make the projects in my book, I am discontinuing the service.

Any current orders will be either completed or refunded. Sorry about this, just haven’t had enough time lately.

Remember the files are available online so you can download them for reference, check the Book section.