Tag Archives: benheck

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode 53

13 Comments

We’re back, and on time even, with our latest podcast!

In this white-knuckle episode we discuss the onslaught of movie remakes coming down the pike, specifically focusing on “Romaning the Stone”, which apparently wasn’t good enough the first time around. We also discuss movies that they should try remaking, and ones they better not even think about.

Should this be remade? Discuss!

Our second topic is “Games that were ahead of their time” in which we discuss games that were, well, ahead of their time, and/or contained features that didn’t become standard until much later. Download Movies Online.

Enjoy!

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 53

www.benheckpodcast.com

Video Games

Controller monitor built for Infinity Ward game testing

16 Comments

Here’s something done several months ago but just now showing up on the site – a response time test controller built for use by Infinity Ward for a new game they are working on.


Includes world’s most colorful ribbon cable!

The idea behind this project was to build a system which shows the pressing of the buttons in a very obvious manner, in this case LED’s. The controller wiring is piggy-backed, and an extension port added to the bottom of it. This then connects to the main lightboard, indicating exactly when buttons are pushed.

The intent is that this is filmed for testing purposes to help identify the gap between when users are pressing buttons and when onscreen actions actually occur.

If you think something like this might be of use to your company, or have a similar idea, why not drop me a line?

For making-of info, sample videos and pics of the unit being tested, check out the rest of the story below. To read the original article that inspired the customer to have me create this, click here.

Continue reading Controller monitor built for Infinity Ward game testing →

Video Games

New Xbox 360 Portable

335 Comments

Note: Inside pics / Making of section added.

My latest project is the Xbox 360 Portable. Figured that was a more appropriate name than laptop, because seriously, who’d put this in their lap? It weighs almost as much as my sister’s cat.


New Xbox 360 Portable Experience

It differs from my past Xbox 360 laptops in several ways:

  • Removable standard Xbox 360 hard drive for easy profile/data swapping
  • Both memory card slots accessible, same reason.
  • No keyboard! Really, they have those chat pads, what’s the point? (Besides looking cool)
  • Simplified layout of ports and buttons.
  • Internal wi-fi module, no external antenna. Antenna is strung out inside unit like other consoles/laptops.
  • Beveled edges! Countersunk screws!


Containing the full-sized 360 hard drive caused this unit to be about 1/2″ thicker than past models.

For a bunch more photos and info please read the rest of the story below. The THQ Darksiders prize laptop is the same model as this one but covered with artwork of course.

This black unit was a commissioned model, as for new large-project orders I probably can’t take more until the spring. If you do wish to suggest a project to me remember weirder is always better!

Continue reading New Xbox 360 Portable →

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode 52

25 Comments

Possibly one of the cheesiest graphics ever on Benheck.com

We’re back with a new podcast. Topics:

  • New Xbox X-Perience – We discuss the latest and greatest Xbox dashboard update, what we like and dislike.
  • Xbox 360 4 America – Regarding the current America economic downturn, we go patriotic and tell everyone that if they need to buy a game console this Christmas, they should buy the only American one – the Xbox 360! This really isn’t rocket science, people shouldn’t complain about the job market while walking out of Target with a Japanese Wii. We aren’t paid to promote the Xbox, and it’s nothing against Japan (I love my Sony stuff) but hey, at some point you just have to do your part in some way. We also discuss how the vast majority of big hit 360/PS3 games are made in America.
  • Blu-Ray vs the Theater – Having seen several movies now on Blu-Ray that I also saw in the theatre, it begs the question – is Blu-Ray better than the theater experience? At least focus-wise? We discuss!

Podcast includes my brilliant idea to get gas-guzzling SUV’s off the road, and other random topics. Enjoy!

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 52

www.benheckpodcast.com

Podcasts, Video Games

Winner of the Benheck Podcast “Lame Mega Man Robot” Entry

6 Comments

Gus Douboulidis sent in the following entry, his description follows:


Moneymoto Man shoot dollar bills at you and likes to beat you over the head with the wii moto. Weakness – When he hits you 3 times consecutively he turns around and starts counting his endless supply of money.  This is when you need to sneak up on him and hit his wii moto(which is dangling from his arm).  Sending a bolt of electricity through his body, he drops his money and frantically picks up hundreds of dollars… this is your opportunity to shoot at him as much as possible before he realizes he’s getting hit.

I had a couple Wii-centric entries, but I picked this one because it had the best rendered “pixel art”. Congratulations Gus!

In other news, hopefully we’ll get back to our normal podcast schedule soon… though it’s likely we won’t have a new intro until the Christmas special. Regardless, stay tuned! Should have some new projects up in the next few weeks as well.

Video Games

See me & the Sonic Boom guys at MAGFest 2009!

5 Comments

I have been invited to attend MAGFest 2009 in Alexandria, VA. It’s a music and gaming fest (hence the MAG) and I’ll probably be doing a panel of some sort.

Remember, smoking can cause health problems and stuff, so ask your doctor before doing it. However society encourages you to drink all you want.

You can also meet George Force and Michael Zucker of the Sonic Boom podcast while we’re there, ask me all sorts of questions, get autographs, try to outdrink me, whatever!

Check out their website using the link below. We’ll be there on January 2-4.

http://magfest.org/