Everyone likes FREE items right? Well below you will find a walkthrough of the new MIB Space from Loot and pictures of all the rewards associated with the space.

*This is a list of ONLY the FREE rewards.* 

In the Lobby, right area with flashing lights (Shooting range):

Nakkadan Ray Gun (Ornament)

Tiffany (Ornament) Alien Hip-hop (Ornament)

In the lobby left area with cut outs. (photo room)

Goth Alien

Boris Alien

In the main HQ Lobby

MIB™ - Jay MIB™ - Kay

In the armory/store, HQ Lobby left room

Free male and Female Time Jumper Hands

MIB Agents Office

Male and Female MIB™ - Nakkadan Ray Gun

Alien Offices NA

Worm Cutout - Picture from Alphazone4.com

Alien Offices Europe

Worm cutout + sunglasses male/female (Worm cutout shown above)

**NA gets free sunglasses in the SCEA Hub

MIB Sunglasses- Picture from Alphazone4.com

Garage

MIB™ - Baby-Krustentier Alien (Featured above with J and K)

HQ central, behind right desk

MIB™ - Slug Picture from Alphazone4.com

HQ central, left desk

Coming soon!

MIB - Worm Costume (Male)

MIB - Adorian Costume- Medium (Male)

MIB - Nakkadan Elite Costume (Male) Red

MIB - Agent Costume (Male)

MIB- Nakkadan Alien Costume (Male)

MIB- Alien Brain Costume (Male)

Furniture

MIB- HQ Chair

MIB- Nakkadan alien ornament (Brown) - Nakkadan alien ornament (Red)

MIB Car (ornament) Black

MIB Flying Car (ornament) Grey

MIB Jetpack (Full-Size)

MIB Spaceship Ornament

MIB Car (Full Size)

MIB Flying Car (Full Size)

MIB Tri-barrel plasma gun (ornament)

MIB- Flying bike (full size)

MIB Flying Platform

MIB Adorian particle blaster

MIB Demoleculizer

MIB Adorian energy blaster

MIB Nakkadan disintegrator ray

MIB Agent pistol

MIB Deatomizer

MIB Adorian sonar gun

Neurolizer (hand held)- No Picture Available 

Noisy Cricket (hand held) – No Picture Available 

MIB Adorian plasma rifle

There are several hand held guns, but they are listed in the ornaments. Instead of taking pictures of all of them again, I chose to show you this one as an example.

Female Costumes

Female Worm

mib adorian costume - small (pink elephant)

Companions

This week it’s all about clothing for the weekly previews.

X7 Mens previews:

Young Anime hero Hairstyle $.99

Anime Villan Hairstyle $.99

Shiny sleeveless top $.49

Urban polo $.49

Multi-colored hoodie $.49

 

Green tank top $.49

Sleevless GI top $.49

Belted leather pants $.99

X7 Ladies previews:

Anime Drill pigtails hairstyle $.99

White leather jacket $.99

Disco ball bra $1.49

White leather pants $.99

X7 bundle pack: Volume 7 containing male and female Human tech bot costumes $.99

X7 Freebie: Mens gold headphones

That’s all for this week, See you in Home!

 

“I painted the picture, and in the colors the rhythm of the music quivers. I painted the colors I saw.” – Edvard Munch

Home is a world where clothing is dominated by three colors: black, white, and red. How refreshing it is to be able to step back, smell the roses and see the colors presented to us in Drey’s latest offerings: the “Smart Artists” line and the “Kaleidoscope Colours”.

Smart Artists Collection

Men get a break with a nice collection of sweaters over button-downed shirts. The sweaters feature a small pocket over the left breast, large enough to hold that ring you plan to give to your beloved. With spring, the sleeves have been pushed up as the days get warmer and we head into summer. The sweaters are beige over a light gray shirt and  pale gray over a blue checked shirt. I personally find all of these to be quite handsome and attractive. My personal favorite is the gray, but the beige is a nice change if you are looking for contrast and want to break out of the black/white/red world.

Beige

Pale Gray

The pants have a narrow-leg and feature an exposed button fly and drop crotch. These type of pants differ from the straight-leg or boot-cut jeans in that they are very form-fitting – to a point. They come in Dark Gray and Dark Aubergine (dark purple, like the color of eggplant).

Dark Gray

Dark Aubergine

While the exposed button fly for women has been around for some time it hasn’t been a real big seller for men’s fashion. Personally, I like the look even if it is a little bit daring. I’m personally not a fan of the drop crotch look, but if you do like this style, you can’t go wrong with these.

Man bags are something that everyone has an opinion on: some hate them, some love them. They can come in all forms and styles. Drey’s offering is a distinctive style in which they call Terrier and Monochrome.

Terrier

Monochrome

I’m not terribly fond of carrying things in my hands as it looks unnatural when dancing or carrying on a conversation – two things I’m found to do on Home. However, you may feel that it is that right bit of embellishment that tops off your look.

If your plan is to dance that night away, what better way to do it than in a new pair of shoes? Drey offers two new shoes for men in the style they call “bowling shoes” (more on this in a minute). These are Terrier (black, dark brown and white) and Monochrome (black and white) .

Terrier

Monochrome

Personally, I think these look more like deck/boat shoes than bowling shoes – the cord on the side is traditional with deck/boat shoes, as is the lack of socks. But however you want to label them, they look very nice.

Last, but not least, men get a new hairstyle called The Expressionist which is basically a small top knot. This is a nice, clean look for those who like long hair but still want to keep an orderly appearance.

The Expressionist Front

The Expressionist Back

The Expressionist Left

The Expressionist Right

I personally like the detail on this – it really adds verisimilitude when you feel as if you can see the hairs in the skin.

Kaleidoscope of Colours

Women also get some new designs with the Kaleidoscope of Colours tops. These consist of a three-quarter sleeve jacket over a bandeau. This sends the message “sexy but reserved” that will be sure to keep them guessing. The jacket has a large pocket over the right breast, however it’s best to keep things out of it, as you don’t want to clutter the lines. The jacket comes in Marmelade (a burnt orange over a purple bandeau) and Lagoon (sea green over blue bandeau).

Marmelade

Lagoon

I personally could not get into the Marmelade. Although the colors are complementary, most people will find it difficult to get it to match anything else in their wardrobe. Lagoon has a nice, spring feel to it, reminding me of the blue skies and the green of foliage. Unfortunately both suffer from the same flaw that the back looks “bunched” and uncomfortable.

The pants feature a drawstring top, a wide belt and tapered cuffs. Once again Drey gives us a high waist which is very trendy. This style was introduced in the 1940′s when women began working outside of the home and many consider it to be stylishly modest as it accentuates the waist. The pants come in Lagoon (sea green with a gold belt) and Purple (purple with a brown belt).

Lagoon

Purple

As much as I would like to, I’m not sure I can recommend these pants. The high waist makes it virtually impossible to mix and match these with anything other than Drey tops or other tops that don’t fall further than waist. The jacket greatly ameliorates the other issue I have with high waists in that they tend to accentuate the derriere.

The Dewdrop earrings are also welcome. They come in green and pink and feature a conch design bordered on the top and bottom by two semi-precious gemstones. Diamonds are sprinkled on the top and with a solitary one at the bottom. Plenty of sparkle for a night out.

Green

Pink

Who wouldn’t want to kick up their heels with the new Ultra Wedges. Like their name implies this is a wedge with a slight platform to it. Two straps hold your foot firmly, but comfortably, in place. Despite the “Ultra” in their name, you will be surprised at how comfortable they are, even after hours on the dance floor. They come in Orange and Purple.

Orange

Purple

So you can keep your cell phone, keys and other needed items together, Drey has also seen fit to offer matching clutches. These feature a magnetic snap and an inside zippered pocket. They come in Orange (orange trimmed in purple) and Bingo (dark pink, purple inset on the flap trimmed with a spotted pattern).

Orange

Bingo

No Drey outfit would be complete without a new hairstyle, The Gabriella. The hair sweeps back into a tight bun, which looks very elegant for those soirees at the local hot spot.

The Gabriella Front

The Gabriella Back

The Gabriella Left

The Gabriella Right

I like the look of buns – they’re simple yet smart. They can be accessorized with ribbons, decorative pins and flowers. One can appear both aloof and accessible, which is sure to keep that special person guessing.

Final Remarks

The men’s offerings are refreshing and easy on the eyes – the pants being my only reservation. The shoes are sharp-looking and look very comfortable. You are sure to see the new hairstyle around at x7 and other hot spots on Home.

I suspect there will be few that will want the man bag in the United States. Perhaps Drey will spark a fashion trend on Home.

The women’s offering is a mixed. Whilst the tops can easily be mixed, the pants are a more difficult item; the high waist will make it nigh but impossible to match without bleed through. For the most part the design is top-notch, however I’m very disappointed in the color choices.

Update

Due to a misunderstanding on the authors part, the following items are located in the Gift Machine only.

Canary Yellow

Pale Blue

Strike

Strike

Night Sea

Night Sea

Blue

Ocean

Night Sea

It was also pointed out to the author that the women’s tops, when worn with non-Drey slacks or skirts, can give the appearance that the avatar is carrying a little extra weight. This is due to the flare given to the jacket in order to accommodate the design of the pants.

All clothing modeled by Texas_Nekomata and shot on location at the Island Bungalow.

Gaming on Consoles and PC, How have things changed?

Back in the days when consoles and PC’s were first coming out, it was much different than it is now. The gaming industry is now a multi-billion dollar business. New games are being released all the time, some good and some bad. With everything that goes on behind closed doors, most people don’t even know what is happening. That is what this article is all about.

I can recall when I use to play along with my family and friends on consoles, before the internet started to take off. I can remember the internet getting better over the years and the games becoming more popular. Thus the emergence of online multiplayer.

New advances in technology have allowed changes in today’s games, consoles, and PC’s. You’d think spending $65.00 on a game would get you some enjoyment out of the multiplayer. When in fact, it’s the single player that makes up the difference.

There is a new trend , that some may or may not know about, of cheating/hacking/botting. It has become so bad that the game companies can’t, or won’t, control it. The question we must ask ourselves: Is it worth paying $65.00 to buy a game that people can cheat at? Is it perhaps that game companies don’t want to do anything because they’re making money off of us?

Back in the day, I was a hardcore Battlefield 2 gamer. I had my own server and clan and we were a group of friends just having fun. I remember the days we were fighting off other clans and actually felt as if this was a good time. Over the course of time, we started noticing strange things like glitching, wallhacking, and aimbotting that took the enjoyment and fun right out of it. Boosters have become a widespread trend now.

We had close relations with EA, the developers of Battlefield 2, we knew a lot of the MOD’s and a couple of my friends even knew 2 of the developers. Then came this program, a so-called anti-cheat system called Punkbuster, which I am sorry to say did nothing but slow your system down and cause lag on the servers.

While we recorded most of the hacks and cheats going on, I started digging deep, very deep, and was amazed to find that right at the click of a button I could use my PayPal account to buy the so-called cheat/hack. However, I refused to lower myself into the realm of people who only care about getting their stats and ranks up.

So I contacted EA and questioned them, “You know, there are 1000′s of paid sites that offer cheats and hacks and yet you guys aren’t doing anything, instead just saying that you’re investigating. Well this is already 2012 and when did BF2 come out? Nice try.”

So what are these game companies doing to combat this? I have heard it all, “no way to cheat on consoles.” Hmmmm okay, so why is it I can go to a site and buy a pin drive with the hack for $20.00 and plug it into my PS3′s USB port? Voila, I now have a full hack for that game.

Before you disagree with this article or spend another $65.00 for a game, be sure to ask yourself, “Do I really want to play multiplayer?”

There are 1000′s of YouTube videos that will simply amaze you as to how much this problem has grown, quite scary.

This was a very small update week for X7 with no free items and a few previews.

X7 previews:

Ladies:

Ripped lace jeans $.99

Half jacket $.99

Leather buckled pants $.99

Peek a boo top $.99

Mens:

Cargo shorts $.49

Skate shorts $.49

Skate deck

Chained fist $.49

demon sword $1.49

Dual hooks $1.49

Spiked 2X4 $.99

 

X7 Freebie: NONE

 

X7 bundle Volume 5:

Includes the Animated birthday cake, Animated cupcake with sparkler, Animated butterfly decoration, Animated bird with cage, Alien spaceship, and animated Koala in tree. $.99

Kaleidoscope Colours from Drey this week with bright, fun and comfortable tailored designs. Ladies can stand up and be counted in the gravity defying Ultra Wedge Heels and the Dewdrop Earrings can add a splash of colour to any outfit. The men’s Smart Artist collection draws on a slightly more muted pallet, but throws in statement pieces such as the distinctive Bowling Shoes and suave hairstyle The Expressionist. – Lockwood

 

Mens Clothing

Female Clothing

Many games like to advertise that they present the game player with immersive environment or “life-like” environment. However, there seems to be a disconnect – many people want to play games where there are other people behind the characters, not an algorithm.

In The Beginning Was The Word

And that word for most people was Infocom.

Infocom was THE innovator in computer games. These weren’t the “pong” derivatives or the other simplistic “twitch” games, but full text-based interactive novels. My husband played many of these games and when you mention them he still gets this misty look in his eyes.

What made these games Good (with a capital G) is that they relied on strength of computers of the time period – their ability to display text. There were adventure games, detective games and in all of them you could ask the various non-player characters (NPCs) questions. Depending on your questions and when you ask them, they could give you either noncommittal answers or that one bit that you needed in order to solve the puzzle.

This was in the day of the 5 1/4 floppy disk which had a maximum 300 kB (kilobytes). This seems terribly small until you realize that at the time, the Apple II (the most popular computer of the time) had a maximum of 48 kB of RAM.

The following is an example from Zork.

There is a small mailbox here. 

>GO NORTH 

North of House You are facing the north side of a white house. There is no door here, and all the windows are barred. 

>EAST 

Behind House You are behind the white house. In one corner of the house there is a small window which is slightly ajar. 

>OPEN THE WINDOW 

With great effort, you open the window far enough to allow entry. 

>GO IN 

Kitchen 

You are in the kitchen of the white house. A table seems to have been...

Although the parsing was primitive, it meant that the NPCs were interactive. They either impeded or assisted the character in completing the game.

Infocom was not the only company allowing the users to talk to characters in the game using natural language. Another game, “Leisure Suit Larry” (1987) also had a parser that allowed similar actions. However by the fourth sequel (“Leisure Suit Larry 6: Shape Up or Slip Out”, 1993) it had totally lost the parser in favor of an “icon bar” to indicate what the user wanted to do.

Meanwhile Infocom made the decision to put all their eggs into one basket in a database product called “Cornerstone” (1985). To make matters worse, it did not feature any of the tools that had made Infocom famous – the natural language interface. The product was a failure.

Legend Entertainment was founded in 1989, as one person put it “from the ashes of Infocom”. The text adventures produced by Legend used high-resolution (for the time) graphics as well as sound. The last text adventure by Legend was in 1993.

The interactive NPC, in the United States, was dead by 1993.

Revival of NPC Communication

Unlike the United States, visual novels in Japan make up 70% of PC games released. Visual novels tend to use mixed media with many static images. Unlike the majority of American titles, many of these titles focus on a strong narrative and multiple endings. However, like many American games, interaction with NPC’s is limited to either an icon bar or periodic decisions.

In 2003, SCEI and Konami released “Lifeline” for the Playstation 2. This game used a microphone to allow the player to speak simple commands to the on-screen characters. Such commands as “hurry”, “stop”, “dodge”, could be given. According to the game manufacturer, up to 500 verbal commands could be understood by the system.

While the game promised the ability to regain a more interactive atmosphere, the harsh reality was that “Lifeline’s” ability to understand spoken English was it’s weak point. As AkumaPrince says, “(it was) irritating at times tho when u would say attack and she would run in circles”.

In 2003, Rockstar released a game called “Manhunt”. Gameplay did not require the use of the microphone, however use of one gave you the ability to distract in-game enemies. The disadvantage was that a coughing or talking would also alert them.

Return of Natural Language Processing

Siri by Hrk Nakano

In 2007, Siri Inc. was founded with a focus on a Conversation Interface, Personal Context Awareness and Service Delegation. In 2011, Apple introduced the iPhone 4S with an implementation of Siri. All of this is very important because we have seen in that past that technology drives technology (if you don’t get what I mean, watch the series “Connections” with James Burke).

February 16, 2012 saw the reintroduction of natural language processing in games with “Binary Domain” (again from Japan), a squad based third person shooter. Not only does this game understand the spoken language, it understands SIX languages including English and Japanese. Unfortunately, like “Lifeline”, it appears that the recognition is it’s weak point with one person saying that the “voice controls are problematic at times”.

Milo

In 2009, Microsoft, the parent company of Lionhead Studios, demonstrated “Project Milo” (aka “Milo and Kate”) using the Kinect system on the X-Box. Although it was insisted that it was not a game currently in development, the designer indicated that it was a game developed around the Kinect that would incorporate speech and movement allowing the user to interact with the characters in the game, Milo and Kate.

However, the game was not present at E3 the following year and to this date is appears to be technology that will never see the light of day.

So Why is this a Problem?

It all comes down to what is it the game designer is attempting to create. Typically, when I read about a game being an “immersive environment” the idea is that you feel like you are actually part of the game. The problem is that you never feel like you are actually part of the game. I will even go out on a limb and argue that the reason many people like multiplayer vs. single player is that it feels more immersive than single player.

A Mod for "Skyrim" on the PC allows for multiple players... but currently only in their underwear.

Someone once said that we are all the lead character in our life’s movie – and that may be true in video games as well, but we don’t want to be the lead character all by ourself. For example, I’ve talked to people about the game “Skyrim” and they all agree that the only downside to the game is that there is no multiplayer mode.

Yes, ideally, it would be great if all games had NPC’s that you could communicate with without error. But even that will not create a truly immersive environment. You will never see an NPC carry on a conversation or get distracted without someone programming it to have those behaviors. As such, they will always be fixed in some form or fashion.

However, what may be the failure of immersive environments is not so much the technology, but the fact that we biologically want to be around other people – even if those people may be representations of people in another part of the world. It may be less about what they say or how they say it than the fact that there is another, living, breathing, human.

The failure of immersive environments may be that they can never achieve what we biologically need: to be around others, to argue with them, to agree with them, to laugh with them. Current environments put you in a world of your own which is tolerable to a point. But it is a world of one. Multiplayer games and Playstation Home meet our biological need – to be with people, to interact with them (yes, even if that means shooting them). But people nonetheless.

In 1985, before Double Dragon, before Street Smart (props if you remember Street Smart)  practically the grandfather of the fighting game genre was released on the NES, KungFu.

And now, after all these years, its back……..mostly. Recently, Veemee released a new arcade game for your personal space, Superhero Madhouse.  Veemee has a bit of a history of, shall we say, remixing classics and all in all they’ve done a good job.

First off, lets be clear:

This is KungFu, ah such memories…

This is Superhero Madhouse

I just want to be sure you understand that there is little difference, this isn’t a remake so much as a redo  of the original NES game.  The game play is IDENTICAL in every way, though your jump seems to keep you in the air a bit longer.  Of course the music is different (I rather like the music.)  and the graphics are just a little bit better but other than that, this IS Kung Fu, plain and simple.

Humorously, the premise is that you are a patient at an asylum “Madhouse” and you think you are  a Superhero. (Get it?)

Like KungFu, you must punch and kick your way through 5 levels of fellow patients, dogs,  security guards (with guns BTW) and more to reach the end. I have yet to beat the 1st boss so I’m still not clear WHY you’re  doing this (you’re definitely not saving the princess, as in KungFu) but hey, you’re in an asylum, who cares why.

For only 4 bucks, I will definitely buy it.  Yes, I “WILL” as in I don’t own it yet.  I reviewed this from a friends personal space, which makes this great for parties. (Thanks Rinja, you the man.)

The cabinet itself is nice and compact, not to mention attractive. As with all their games, you can win metals for achievements as well as 3 rewards, though rewards can only be won by the owner of the game.  But don’t feel too bad, you aren’t missing out on anything,  Actually that’s my only complaint, the rewards kind of suck.  1 tee-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a hat. (you don’t earn the clothes, you get them the 1st time you play the game in your own personal space.)

How they look is of course, is a matter of personal taste. I personally say tee-shirts should be banned as a reward in Home) but am I the only one expecting an outfit like the main character or maybe a companion, like the rewards in Scribble Shooter?

If you’re old enough to actually remember KungFu, this is an obvious purchase, if not, you may want to try it in the Indy Park first.  Just understand, Veemee has kept this game firmly in its roots, this game is pure, unabridged, old-school action.  Translation, memorizing enemy patterns and figuring out when to strike (I once saw someone beat a KungFu on a single credit, he had memorized the attack patterns of every enemy in the game).  If you’re looking for a side-scrolling button masher, this isn’t for you, Double Dragon in 2D this is not.

Overall though, I’d say Veemee has added another nice addition to its arcade line-up.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’ – Robin Williams

One has to look forward to Spring fashion; it is the time when designers get bold, daring and, sometimes, a little bit silly. It is like your first crush, your first love, your first everything. There is no greater power than the change from one of dark skies and barren trees to the wild flowers and foliage bursting with joy.

Medusa has started Spring with a bevy of new hairstyles, whether you are looking for a complete revamp of your image or just some minor tweaks, you are sure to find something here to suit your fancy.

Hommes Coiffure

Men get three new hairstyles named “The Lightning Bolt”, “The David” and “The Toby”.

If you are a fan of the ultra-short, you really can’t go wrong with “The Lightning Bolt”.

The Lightning Bolt Front

The Lightning Bolt Back

The Lightning Bolt Left

The Lightning Bolt Right

This close-cropped look has a lightning bolt design on the right side giving one the impression of Maori tattoos. I have to admit my first impression from the preview was not very positive, but after looking at it with an avatar my feelings changed. Be aware, however, that eyes will be drawn more to the facial characteristics, so if you haven’t updated your avatar’s look in a while, perhaps now would be the time to do so.

If your fear of lightning is too strong, perhaps “The David” may be more to your liking.

The David Front

The David Back

The David Left

The David Right

This is a short, office hairstyle with a hint of sideburn. However, the top has been left a little longer and a light application of gel added to give it volume. My initial impression of this hairstyle was positive except for the back, where it looks squared off – almost as if you are wearing a hair hat. Aside from this one drawback it has a nice, wind-swept look on top, whilst keeping a nice, business look.

If you really want to go a little bit wilder, then perhaps you are looking for “The Toby”

The Toby Front

The Toby Back

The Toby Left

The Toby Right

This hairstyle is longer than the others with bangs that just about fall into the eyes. Again, a hint of sideburns give him an older look. This could be a the lead singer of a band or a rich business man who has more time to spend on other things than keeping every hair in perfect place. I like this far better than “The David”, but it seems kind of “flat” – as if he just removed a hat. I think a tiny bit more volume would have helped.

My recommendations would be either “The Lightning Bolt” or if short hair isn’t your preference, then “The Toby”.

Femmes Coiffure 

Women are in for a treat with three new hairstyles, “The Mermaid”, “The Victoria” and “The Boho Babe”.

The mermaid is a nice, simple plait or braid.

The Mermaid Front

The Mermaid Back

The Mermaid Left

The Mermaid Right

A nice, gentle, curve is what defines this hairstyle. Pulling it over the left shoulder gives a small, but tantalizing view of the nape of the neck. It is both reserved and slightly sexy at the same time. I really like the look of this style as it can be worn pretty much with anything and not look out-of-place.

If having long hair on the back of your neck just makes you scream “it’s too hot”, then you might like “The Victoria”.

The Victoria Front

The Victoria Back

The Victoria Left

The Victoria Right

This is cut short in the back and parted on the right. The large, rounded sweep frames the face nicely. Of the three styles, this is by far my favorite, especially the attention to detail at the nape of the neck. The hair falling into the left eye is perhaps my only criticism and yet at the same time there is something alluring to it.

If you are into Boho-chic, then you will be excited about “The Boho Babe”.

The Boho Babe Front

The Boho Babe Back

The Boho Babe Left

The Boho Babe Right

This bob settles to just about the shoulders and frames the face. Several plaits grace the hair on both sides, although you will be hard pressed to find them in darker hair. This is a style where you want to be just a little bit wild, but not too much so. To be honest, the one aspect that this style possesses, the plaits, were very difficult to see in dark hair and, in lighter hair, not very convincing.

Of the three hairstyles for women, I would have to rank them as “The Victoria”, “The Mermaid” and lastly “The BoHo Babe”. The first two are very flattering and should go with pretty much everything.

Remarques Finales

Overall I was impressed by this round of hairstyles and four of the six styles I can recommend without reservation. Of the last two, “The David” and “The BoHo Babe” I would be sure to see how your avatar looks in them first before buying.