by John Carle, Feb 8 2012 // 7:00 AM

Telltale Games is known for working on some of the most revered point and click games in PC gaming, with many of its key contributors coming from the famed LucasArts team that created Tales of Monkey Island. Since splitting off from LucasArts, the team at Telltale was able to take their credentials and acquire more well known mass market properties like CSI, Jurassic Park and Back to the Future. Though this is the fifth Law & Order game to be released, Law & Order: Legacies it is the first to come from the team at Telltale.
Gameplay:
When talking about a point and click adventure game, many people recall instances of being left in a world where they must click on or pick up objects in a certain order to achieve a specific goal. Instead, the aspect of the point and click adventure that carries over to Law & Order: Legacies is that of a cerebral experience which players are carefully lead through, almost too carefully at times.
The focus of Law & Order: Legacies’ gameplay is on remembering the facts presented at crime scenes, interviews with witnesses and cutting off the tactics of defense attorneys.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Game Reviews · Games · Macintosh · News · PC Games · Video Games
Tagged: iOS, Jack McCoy, Law & Order, Law & Order: Legacies, Lennie Briscoe, Mac, Olivia Benson, PC Gaming, Rey Curtis, TellTale Games, Video Game Reviews, Video Games
by Joe Gillis, Feb 2 2012 // 9:04 AM
You have to give Apple credit, they do release updates to their OS X and iOS operating systems pretty frequently. And when they do, the updates usually fix quite a few issues.
Case in point this week is the company’s most recent update to Mac OS X, the other operating system that doesn’t run the iPhone or iPad. This latest update brings the software to version 10.7.3 and sports a slew of enhancements and bug fixes.
Here’s a list of the major ones:
• Add Catalan, Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Romanian, Slovak, Thai, and Ukrainian language support
• Address issues when using smart cards to log into OS X
• Address compatibility issues with Microsoft Windows file sharing
• Address an issue printing Microsoft Word documents that use markup
• Address a graphics performance issue after sleep on some earlier iMacs that use ATI graphics
• Resolve a Wi-Fi connection issue when waking from sleep
• Address an issue that may prevent Safari from opening before joining a wireless network
• Fix a potential issue authenticating to an SMB DFS share
• Include RAW image compatibility for additional digital cameras
OS X 10.7.3 is available now via Software Update. However, we recommend downloading the larger, but usually far more stable, Combo Updater and using that. It usually works out better.
Posted in: Apple · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Apple, Bug Fixes, Hardware, Lion, Mac, Mac OS X 10.7.3, Macintosh, Operating Systems, Software, Wi-Fi
by Chris Ullrich, Nov 7 2011 // 1:30 PM
One of the most useful applications I use every day on the Mac has now arrived for Windows. That’s right Windows-using writers Scrivener is now available to you.
No matter if you’re writing the next great American novel (something for National Novel Writing Month perhaps?), research paper, script or any long-form text document that involves more than hammering away at the keys until you’re done, Scrivener, made by the fine folks at Literature & Latte, can help you get your work done. The multi-featured program excels at helping you collect research, bring order to fragmented ideas and avoid shuffling index cards in search of that elusive structure.
Scrivener can help you from the moment an idea comes into your imagination until the final finished pages are output. In short, it pretty much does everything for you except the actual writing.
Unfortunately, that will still be up to you. The rest you can leave to Scrivener.
As someone who uses this app daily (the Mac version) I can safely say it really helps me get my work done. Without it, I would be back to posting index cards to cork boards and trying to make things work that way. I like the 21st Century’s technological advancements and I like Scrivener.
Scrivener requires Windows XP, Vista, or 7 (32 or 64 bit). 1GB RAM; 1ghz Processor; 100mb disk space; 1064 x 786 screen.
Posted in: News · Software · Tech · Writers · Writing
Tagged: Literature & Latte, Mac, National Novel Writing Month, Novel Writing, OS X, Script Writing, Scrivener, Software, Windows, Windows 7, Windows XP, Writers, Writing
by John Carle, Oct 28 2011 // 9:00 AM
NYCC this year saw the debut of one of the most nostalgia filled MMO gameplay trailers since Star Wars: The Old Republic. Though we can’t show you the trailer we can tell you about what we saw and what information we were able to get about the game. Transformers Universe is being developed by Jagex, the makers of the free to play fantasy MMO Runescape. Jagex promises an experience meant to appeal both to the masses as well as the Transformers hardcore fan.
Transformers Universe will be a browser based MMO for both the PC and Mac which means no downloads are necessary. It will take place using real world looking cars on a diverse landscape and will be a planet-based experience. So what does that mean? Don’t expect boats or planes just yet for this game. PR people were very careful to only mention driving and not piloting. It may be possible that they may exist in the future but the character creator screen we saw only gave options for cars, trucks and motorcycles thus far.
We have also been promised that Transformers Universe will be a constantly evolving world with huge character customization options. This means that when players pick their side as either Autobot or Decepticon, they will have a massive level of creative control over their character and that the world around them won’t be static. Areas, characters and missions will change and allow for new gameplay experiences instead of repetitive gameplay. Additionally, players will be granted the ability to play alongside iconic characters like Optimus Prime. Similar to the vein of DC Universe Online, players will fight with or against some of the recognizable faces from the Transformers Universe, helping make that individual’s story feel bigger and more important.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Announcements · Comic-Con · First Impressions · Game Trailers · Games · Macintosh · News · NYCC · PC Games · Screen Shots · Transformers · Video Games
Tagged: Hasbro, Jagex, Mac, Mac Games, MMO, New York Comic Con, New York Comic Con 2011, NYCC, NYCC11, PC Games, Runescape, Transformers, Transformers MMO, Transformers Universe
by Joe Gillis, Sep 15 2011 // 11:30 AM
The nice folks at Feral Interactive who make sure cool games get to the Mac announced this week they will be bringing one of our favorite games to the Mac platform. That game? Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Sure, those of you who’ve played it already on PS3 or XBox 360 may scoff and say “Who cares?” But those who love the Mac and don’t have a console gaming system (yes, those people exist) will now be able to enjoy one of the cooles games around on their beloved Macs.
The game features a story by Paul Dini, Batman writer and Emmy Award winner. It also features the voice talents of Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, who reprise their roles as The Joker and Batman from the animated TV series.
The game will reportedly cost $39.99 and will be available in stores or via download. Recommended system requirements for the game are as follows:
2.8 GHz or faster Intel-based Mac with 4GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later and a graphics card with at least 512 MB. Nvidia 7xxx series, ATI 1×00 and Intel GMA graphics chips are not supported.
Batman: Arkham Asylum will be available for the Mac on October 13th.
Posted in: Apple · Games · News · Video Games
Tagged: Apple, Batman, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, Feral Interactive, Games, Intel, Kevin Conroy, Mac, Mac Games, Mark Hamill, OS X, Snow Leopard
by Matt Raub, Sep 12 2011 // 9:00 AM
Let’s face it, we are on the cusp of the podcast generation. Nine out of ten average internet users either listen to daily podcasts if not record one themselves. That means that prosumer audio tools need to be simpler and more cost effective than ever.
Nobody who records a podcast, voiceover, or even voicechats online with friends or family wants to lug around an expensive XLR or headset mic place to place so that they can sound good. That’s where Blue Microphones’ Snowball USB microphone comes in handy.
This simple, science fiction-looking USB mic isn’t your normal USB mic. The #1-selling wired condenser mic out there, the Snowball has a high-quality dual capsule design that enables recording in three settings: cardioid, cardioid w/pad, and omni-directional.
For those who aren’t in it for the high-tech lingo and want simplicity, you can expect nothing simpler than the fact that the mic is plug-and-play for both Mac and PC, so even your grandparents could use this guy with ease and no concern of “drivers” or annoying instructions.
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Apple · Editorial and Opinion · Gear · Geek · News · Reviews · Tech · The Internets
Tagged: Blue Microphone, Condenser Mic, Mac, PC, Snowball, Snowball USB Mic, Tech Review, USB Mic
by Chris Ullrich, Aug 24 2011 // 3:55 PM
The time we all knew was coming has arrived. Today, in an open letter to the Apple board, CEO Steve Jobs officially announced his resignation from Apple, effective immedietly.
Here’s the text of the letter:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
In addition, Tim Cook has been promoted to CEO to replace Jobs and Jobs will assume the role of Chairman of the Board.
I wonder what this will do to the price of Apple’s stock tomorrow morning. As for what the future holds for the company, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Posted in: Apple · News · Tech
Tagged: Apple, iPhone, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs Resigns
by Chris Ullrich, Jul 1 2011 // 2:40 PM
It’s gold baby! That’s right, the next version of Apple’s flagship operating system for Macs has just gone Gold and been seeded to developers.
The next version, known as OS X 10.7 Lion, is now at build number 11A511 and the download is available immediately on Apple’s developer website. Of course, that’s only if you’ve paid your $99.00 to be an Apple OS X developer. If not, no Lion for you — at least not yet.
Due to this being the GM and barring any major glitches with it, we should expect it to be the final version before the update is released in the wild for everyone.
That launch will be sometime next month with the update being available in Apple’s Mac App store. It will cost $29.00, which seems pretty reasonable.
Posted in: Apple · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Apple, GM, Gold Master, Lion, Mac, Mac OS X, Mac OS X 10.7, Mac OS X Lion, Macintosh, Software, Software Updates
by Joe Gillis, Jun 23 2011 // 3:15 PM
With today’s update to Apple’s Mac OS X software (aka Snow Leopard), it just may be the last one we ever see. With OS X 10.7 (aka Lion) set to ship in the next few months, Snow Leopard may end up finishing its life at version 10.6.8, which is the update number released today.
This update addresses the following:
• Enhance the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion
• Resolve an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit
• Improve support for IPv6
• Improve VPN reliability
• Identify and remove known variants of Mac Defender
The combo updater for 10.6.8 is available from Apple and is 1.01 GB. You can also get the delta updater by going to Software Update on your individual Mac.
For more information about the update, head on over to Apple’s website.
Posted in: Apple · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Apple, Lion, Mac, Mac OS X, Mac OS X 10.6.8, Mac OS X 10.7, Macintosh, Snow Leopard, Software, Software Updates
by Chris Ullrich, Jun 6 2011 // 1:00 PM
This morning at a keynote event held to kick off its Worldwide Developer Conference and hosted by Apple CEO Steve Jobs the company announced details of several of its upcoming products. These included the much rumored iCloud service as well as the upcoming updates to iOS, called iOS 5, and Mac OS X, code named Lion.
Here’s the scoop and highlights on the announcements:
iCloud
According to Steve Jobs: “Keeping these devices in sync is driving us crazy. We’ve got a great solution to this problem… We’re going to demote the PC and the Mac to just be a device. We’re going to move the digital hub, the center of your digital life, into the cloud.”
• Store all content in the cloud and push it to all devices – “iTunes in the Cloud”
• Mobile Me Out, iCloud In – 100% Free
• iTunes Match – Will look for your songs and match them in iTunes – $25.00/Year
• Backup – Your device will backup important info once daily. To restore or with new device, just sign in and all info will be there
• Photo Stream – Photos (first 5000) uploaded to cloud and available on all devices and Apple TV
• Documents – iWork app sync files with the cloud so available on all your devices. Will still sync Mail, Contacts and Calendar as well
• 5 GB Free Storage
• Developer Beta Available Today. iTunes in the Cloud will run on iOS 4.3 today
Continue Reading →
Posted in: Announcements · Apple · Mobile · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Apple, iCloud, iMessage, iOS 5, iTunes Match, Lion, Mac, Mac OS X 10.7, Newstand, Notification Center, Steve Jobs, The Cloud, Twitter, WWDC
by Joe Gillis, Apr 7 2011 // 8:00 AM
Even though we try not to use very many products from Microsoft around here (we’re Mac users mostly, after all) that doesn’t mean we don’t have to jump into Microsoft’s Office Suite once in awhile. Now on its 2011 version, Office for Mac has become a pretty darn good program.
Soon, Microsoft will attempt to make it even better with the release of the inevitable Service Pack 1, which will reportedly be coming out next week. The update will reportedly include performance enhancements, as well as security and stability fixes, but it will also include major changes for Outlook for Mac.
After applying the service pack, users will be able to sync their Outlook calendars, tasks, notes, and contacts with Apple’s Sync Services, and it includes support for CalDAV calendar, which Apple is implementing in May. The update will also add a new redirect and resend buttons. iPhone and iPod touch devices will also stay in sync as well.
So, if you’re an Office for Mac 2011 user and think the suite could use some fixes, mark your calendars and get ready for some help next week.
Posted in: Microsoft · News · Software · Tech
Tagged: Mac, Microsoft, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, OS X, Service Pack 1, Snow Leopard, Software
by Chris Ullrich, Feb 25 2011 // 7:30 AM
Have you ever wanted to video chat with your iPhone using friends but don’t have an iPhone yourself? Well, if you’ve wanted to use Apple’s FaceTime from the iPhone and only had a Mac, you were out of luck. That is, until this week.
The video chat service from Apple left Beta yesterday and is now a full fledged and polished App available at Apple’s App Store. This update was timed, it would seem, to come out at the same time Apple was refreshing its MacBook Pro lineup.
Now that it’s out of Beta, the App sports a new price, which is only 99¢. In case you’re not familiar with FaceTime, its an Apple provided service that allows Mac, iPhone, iPod touch and soon, iPad users to make video calls for free over land-based Internet connections.
The service itself is free and the App is bundled with any of Apple’s recent iOS devices such as the iPhone. However, as we said above, it cost just under a buck if you want the App for your Mac. However, the App is now pre-installed on all new MacBook Pro models so that’s a nice thing.
Posted in: Apple · Mobile · News · Tech
Tagged: Apple, Apple Mac Store, Facetime, iOS 4, iPhone, Mac, MacBook Pro, OS X, Software