One of the nifty things about the Nintendo DSi (hand-held video game console) is that it has a built-in camera. It has two cameras, in fact; one that faces the user and one that faces away. I haven’t paid much attention to it because I already have a DS Lite and I hate it when companies make their own products obsolete after a year (not you, Apple..please keep releasing new stuff). Anyways, this is the first instance of “holy crap that’s brilliant” I’ve experienced in reading about this thing. (more…)

The folks at Otronicon certainly know how to cut to the heart of a true geek. They have an entire hallway of the Orlando Science Center dedicated to the history of Apple computers. Some of the specimens present are pretty impressive, especially since most of them were functional. You can also see the stark contrast in the appearance of these machines before and after Steve Jobs’ return to the company in 1997.

Hit the jump for some more photos. (more…)

One thing I’ve always wanted to do with Average-Dudes is go cover some kind of event as a member of the “press.” This weekend, that dream becomes a reality! We’re heading to the Orlando Science Center to check out Otronicon, a five-day video game event that starts on Friday, January 16th. In its fourth year, Otronicon hosts a number of competitions, workshops, and even a Halo-themed wedding. Ok, I’m all about the competitions and stuff, but I can’t promise that I won’t laugh out loud at a bunch of people dressed up in Halo garb watching two gamers get married. Although, if they offer me a piece of the Halo cake, they’re alright with me.

Anyways, Dyna, Steve and I are psyched to check this thing out. We’ll probably be totally out of our element, but that’ll just make for some great photos. The Science Center always hosts some awesome events and I’m sure this one won’t disappoint. Read on for a press release about the event. (more…)

I’m the kind of guy that loves the idea of starting a new, epic game, especially when said game gets really high reviews all around. Unfortunately, I’m also the kind of guy that quickly gets caught up in other things (namely, life), forgets what I had been doing in said game, and then quits playing it due to frustration at having no idea what’s going on. Call of Duty 4 was different, for better or worse. It’s a white-knuckle action shooter that’s pretty short overall, but it’s definitely worth the cost of admission. (more…)

Remember the good old days of computer games and SimCity 2000. Building your perfect little city with water towers, power plants, and parks and then having a giant spider robot coming and destroying it. Well those funs times seem to be back, with SimCity Societies. I almost completely forgot about this game for it has been in development for ages. (more…)

A lot of people give Nintendo a bad rap for sticking to formulas. As far as I’m concerned, when you’ve created some of the most memorable and beloved video game characters ever, I’d say you’re allowed to do whatever the hell you want.

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