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Sega Dreamcast Classic: Could it be Coming Soon?

The Sega Dreamcast Classic has just turned 20. The short-lived but influential console has a small yet iconic lineup of games. We’d love to see the system revived in the form of a Classic Mini system like the NES Classic. Could the Sega Dreamcast Classic be around the corner?

Sega Dreamcast Classic

Polygon

Coming Soon?

As of this writing, Sega doesn’t seem to have any immediate plans for a Sega Dreamcast Classic. That doesn’t stop us from speculating what could make one a huge success, though. Released in 1998 originally, the ill-fated Dreamcast is a symbol of a different era of gaming. What could make a Classic Dreamcast an awesome time-capsule from the late 90’s?

Must-Have Games

The Dreamcast was home to some of the coolest games of the 90’s. Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, Shenmue, Soul Calibur, and Skies of Arcadia are the obvious inclusions. There are also deep cuts from the library like Canon Spike and Project Justice that would be awesome inclusions.

Crazy Taxi, Power Stone and Jet Set Radio are also major fan-favorites of the system that are surefire inclusions in any Classic console. One game in particular strikes us as an interesting opportunity for Sega: Phantasy Star Online.

Bring Back Online

The Dreamcast was the first home console with built-in internet functionality. Precious few games used this functionality, chief among them being Phantasy Star Online. If Sega opts to make a Dreamcast Classic, we urge them to make the internet functionality work and include Phantasy Star with the system.

It only makes sense for Sega to be the first to make a classic system with online capabilities. After all, they were originally the first to market with it in the late 90’s!

How Likely is it?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Sega has any immediate plans for reviving the ill-fated and much-beloved Dreamcast. The company has made a point of porting many of the classic Dreamcast library to other systems, including Steam.

That doesn’t mean we can’t dream, though. Thinking back to the Dreamcast, it signaled the end of an era. Sega’s constant ambition and drive to innovate ended up spelling its doom. But man, were those some awesome games.

November 27, 2018
Google Pixel Slate: A Worthy iPad Competitor?

Apple is a hard act to follow. Their electronics have been the benchmark for smart devices for more than a decade now. Google now attempts to compete with the iPad with their new Google Pixel Slate. How does the hybrid 2-in-1 stack up, and is it worth the high price tag?

Google Pixel Slate Review

PC Mag

Strengths

Firstly, this device has great battery life and is reasonably powerful. It should have enough energy from a full charge to get you through a busy day with lots of tabs open and a lot of work on the device.

The Google Pixel Slate is a great device for productivity. If you often use your laptop for typing and browsing the web, you can use a Pixel Slate for largely the same tasks. When it comes to completing tasks and staying on the ball, the Pixel Slate functions a lot like a laptop. Of course, you need one of those pricey keyboards for this to be true.

Speaking of price, let’s get into that. This device costs about the same amount as an iPad, coming in at $600 for the base model. The more powerful versions are even more expensive. That’s before shelling out for a $200 Google Pixel Keyboard. Oh, and did we mention that the Pixelbook Pen is $100?

Weaknesses

Aside from the price, there are some major weaknesses in this tablet. For one, you have to use Chrome OS and the Google Play Store. When compared to the Microsoft Surface Pro, that makes this an inferior 2-in-1. Meanwhile, the device has inferior Pen tracking to the iPad, and works much less quickly and smoothly than Apple’s device.

In all, it’s hard to say what this Pixel Slate is trying to be. If it was trying to be a more PC-like device, it falls short compared to the Surface Pro. If it was trying to beat Apple at the tablet game, it certainly doesn’t pull that off.

Bottom Line

It’s unclear who the Google Pixel Slate is for. Between its astronomical price and choppy performance, it’s very difficult to recommend this device over its competitors. You’re better off going with a Surface Pro or an iPad, depending on your needs.

November 27, 2018
PlayStation Classic Review: How Does it Stack Up?

Sony, following in Nintendo’s footsteps, has released their PlayStation Classic system. Does it live up to the hype surrounding it, or are these old games better off left forgotten? We’ll tell you in today’s PlayStation Classic review. Let’s travel back to the 90’s!

PlayStation Classic Review

Sony

The Emulation

Firstly, the emulation on display here is excellent. The games on the system are all emulated perfectly as they existed back in the mid-to-late-90’s. That’s certainly an achievement in and of itself, but it does raise a few questions. If this is exactly the ways these games should look, aren’t they all a bit ugly?

The transition to 3D was rough for a lot of games. Ugly polygonal models and blurry backgrounds were the rule of the day. Many of these games have aged like milk, both graphically and in terms of gameplay. After twenty years or more, many of these are almost unplayable by modern standards.

The Games

The game selection is incredibly hit-and-miss. There are some notable (and amazing) inclusions, like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII and Resident Evil. There are also glaring omissions, like Castelvania: Symphony of the Night and Twisted Metal II.

Unusual inclusions like Jumping Flash, Wild Arms and Intelligent Qube make the lack of Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot downright puzzling. The PlayStation had an incredible roster of exclusive games, so not having them available on this love letter to the 90’s is nearly criminal.

For every Oddworld and Tekken on the system there is another frustrating exclusion. No Silent Hill or Tony Hawk on a PlayStation throwback system? It’s hard to justify the $100 price tag with this selection of games.

The Console

The console itself is a perfect mini replica of the PlayStation. Likewise, the controller is exactly as you remember it. Sadly, it’s not a DualShock controller, which makes 3D games like Metal Gear Solid a pain to navigate. There are thankfully two controllers for local multiplayer, what little is available in this game selection.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is really a system only for diehard collectors. If you really want to play Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid again (without analog sticks) then knock yourself out. However, there are plenty of ways to do that without spending $100.

November 27, 2018
Confidential Facebook Documents Seized by UK Parliament

In an odd turn, the UK Parliament had confidential Facebook documents seized. Parliament has been gearing up for an international hearing regarding alleged misconduct by Facebook. The documents include correspondences among top Facebooks executives, apparently including CEO Mark Zuckerberg himself.

Facebook Documents Seized by UK Parliament

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

How Were the Documents Seized?

During a business trip in London, the founder of Six4Three was compelled by Parliament to give up the documents in question. Six4Three is no longer operating, but their founder still possessed documents relating to Facebook after working with them.

Next week, there will be an international hearing in London relating to Facebook’s numerous scandals. The Cambridge Analytica leak, potential election meddling and constant misinformation are stated topics the hearing will focus on.

Facebook’s Pushback

The social media company responded to the events in England with shock. “We consider these to be entirely without merit and that the repeated filings demonstrate that this is more about attacking our company than it is about a credible legal claim,” said Richard Allan in a letter to Parliament. Allan is the head of Facebook’s public police.

Parliament’s Stance

Damian Collins, the head of Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, had a retort for Allan in the form of a letter. On Twitter Collins posted the letter, which reminds Allan that it is within Parliamentary privilege to seize and publish the documents. Since Facebook operates in the UK, they are subject to Parliament’s laws and mechanisms.

Collins warns that if Zuckerberg visits England he will likely be compelled to appear before Parliament. Following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Zuckerberg has avoided visiting the UK.

The International Hearing

The hearing in London could lead to serious issues for Facebook. If the hearing finds that Facebook is to blame for the multiple security breaches and the spread of disinformation, they could find themselves fined severely.

Such findings could lead to similar committees in the EU and even the US slapping huge fines on Facebook. Scrutiny on the company is at an all-time high following the multiple incidents under investigation.

November 26, 2018
NASA InSight Mars Probe Has Landed: Here’s What It’s Looking For

Is there anything more exciting than deep-space probes looking for new scientific discoveries among the stars? Yesterday, November 25^th, the InSight Mars probe landed on the Red Planet. After a 301 million mile journey, the InSight probe is home. Here’s what the deep-space probe is looking for.

InSight Mars Probe: What’s it Looking For?

Space.com

Deep Readings

The InSight probe is looking to make some deep readings under the surface of Mars. We know previous little regarding Mars’ interior and InSight aims to change that. The main job of the InSight probe is going to be getting a feel for the interior workings of the Red Planet.

Firstly, Insight is looking into whether Mars wobbles in its orbit. The presence of such a wobble as the Sun and Mars’ moons pull on it could reveal the composition of Mars’ core. Such knowledge has eluded scientists up to this point.

Seismology

The next test being undertaken by InSight is a seismographic one. The probe is going to try to ascertain more about the nature of Marsquakes and what the planet’s seismology means. There is also ample heat coming from inside the planet, which the probe will be investigating further.

Finally, radio arrays will be used to further study the interior of Mars. The presence of various minerals, metals and the like in Mars’ core will be of interest to scientists.

The Mission

The InSight probe was launched back in May of 2018 by NASA. The mission’s purpose, as we described, is to learn more about the interior of Mars. NASA has stated that the mission is in preparation of future missions to the Moon and Mars by human explorers.

The complications of Mars missions are numerous. Only about 40% of Mars missions by any agency have been successful. Mars has only one percent of the atmosphere that Earth has, making it very difficult for spacecraft to slow in time to not be destroyed on entry.

Entry

InSight, for its part, made its initial entry with mostly robotic assistance. The final 7 minutes of entry were largely human-aided by mission control on Earth. The craft slowed from 12,300 MPH to 5 MPH in time to stop safely before impact.

That kind of speed is hard to believe, but it just goes to show how impressive NASA’s scientists are! We look forward to seeing the discoveries this new probe will make on the surface of Mars.

November 26, 2018
Rivian R1T: A Luxury Electric Pickup Truck You Have to See

The futuristic design and electric engine would make you almost think you were looking at a Tesla truck. However, the Rivian R1T is not from Elon Musk’s controversial company, but is its own beast altogether. RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, describes the R1T as a vehicle designed to “enable adventures.”

Rivian R1T: Luxury Electric Pickup

Jalopnik

Design

A glance at this futuristic truck tells you a lot about it. It’s sleek, it’s aerodynamic and it looks like something from the future. The front face has no grille, and the headlights are an odd oval shape. It’s impossible to mistake this vehicle for anything other than a high-tech new vehicle.

That design works in Rivian’s favor. We love the slick lines and Tesla-esque design ethos. It screams “luxury” while also underscoring how durable and usable this vehicle is.

The hood of the R1T pops open to reveal a front trunk that you can store things in. That’s because there’s no engine in the front! Much like Tesla before it, the Rivian R1T takes full advantage of its unique electric power source.

Battery Options

The star of the show is the top-billed massive “400+ hour” 180-kWh battery. The next model down has a 135-kWh battery rated for above 300 miles. Finally, the smallest battery is a 105-kWh model rated for 230 miles. In any event, the truck is a rugged beast that looks well-suited for a variety of terrains and adventures.

All battery types will also support DC fast charging. That’s important for batteries with a capacity this high. The fastest charge supported can add 200 miles of range to the vehicle in only half and hour. However, how many stations offer that kind of power is unclear.

Bottom Line

Expect to see the revolutionary Rivian R1T hit the road in November 2020. When it does, you can expect to see the base model with the smallest battery for $69,000. After a rebate of $7,500 that brings the base price down to $61,500, which is around the price of a normal luxury truck.

All of that with an all-electric motor and sleek design? Sign us up! Is it 2020 yet?

November 26, 2018
Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer — How to Get in the Beta

The Red Dead Redemption 2 multiplayer beta is live now! How can you get in on the Wild-West action? Today we’ll tell you how you can join in the fun and what to expect. It’s time to get back on the horse and ride off into the sunset for an awesome adventure.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer Beta

YouTube

How to Join

The RDR2 multiplayer beta is live today, November 26^th. If you bought the Ultimate Edition of the game you’re able to jump in to the wild multiplayer now. If you don’t have the Ultimate Edition, don’t stress! Those who played the game on launch day can jump into the action starting tomorrow.

If you played the game before October 29^th you’ll be allowed into the beta starting on November 29^th. For everyone else, you can join the beta starting on November 30^th. That means everyone will be able to gunsling and gamble in the Wild West by the end of November.

Why the Slow Roll-Out?

Rockstar had some serious issues with GTA V’s online servers. The launch of that multiplayer was a bit of a mess, with servers overtaxed and failing in a big way. Thankfully they learned from that experience and are planning to keep history from repeating itself.

The slow roll-out of the beta allows Rockstar to keep an eye on the servers as traffic increases naturally. That way there’s less likelihood that the servers simply crash under the weight of the traffic. Considering that RDR2 sold more than 17 million copies there will certainly be some serious traffic to those servers.

What to Expect

Once you’re able to hop into the beta you can expect some excellent action to keep you entertained for ages. Exploring the huge open world with your friends is sure to be the largest draw. Hunting, fishing, gambling and getting up to no good will be favorite pastimes of players in the open world.

Bank robberies, knocking over trains and holding up rival posses will certainly be popular activities as well. Aside from free-roaming, we expect to see dedicated lobbies for proper modes like deathmatch and team-based game modes.

Not to mention poker, blackjack and other gambling side-games that are sure to make an appearance. We look forward to seeing you there!

November 26, 2018
Monday Movie Review: The Grinch

Hooray, Its Monday. The Monday after the long holiday weekend. That means like most of you, and the rest of the free world, I got to hit the theaters over the weekend. I like to do this every weekend. I wanted to take a little bit of time to tell you of my experience at the movie,. Just a minute to shed a little insight and perspective on Hollywood’s latest hit. Seeing a great movie in the theater can be a life altering experience. It can also be an easy way to waste a couple of hours and 30 bucks. My hopes is that with a quick review from this self-proclaim movie connoisseur I can save readers a few hours. Or better yet, possibly change a few more lives. A holiday classic for the holiday weekend. The Grinch

The Grinch

Universal has tapped long time Kevin Smith movie producer Scott Mosier to adapt a 3D CGI version of the Dr Seuss’s Christmas classic. The story is about the same. In the outskirts of Whoville, there’s a miserly loner known only as The Grinch (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). He lives in a cave high up on Mount Crumpit with his inventions and his dog, Max. He only ever sees his Who neighbors when he has to go into town to get himself food. One holiday season, the Grinch catches wind that the Whos plan to make their routine Christmas celebrations three times bigger this year. This is something he can’t tolerate in the slightest. Eventually, he has the ultimate epiphany: to keep the peace and quiet he loves so much, he must become Santa Claus and steal Christmas.

Meanwhile, in the town of Whoville, one particular holiday loving Who, Cindy-Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely), just wants to ask Santa Claus for help for her overworked single mom.

Life Changing 73%

The Grinch” is a very pleasant new reiteration.While it is a safe rendition, it is just retelling of Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic. I do like the additions to the story and little Cindy was even more adorable then she always has been in the past. In this telling, Cindy attempts to “catch” Santa Claus. This adds to the story flowing into the one old tale.

The Grinch is less grumpy and miserable and more of just a hurt soul. He isn’t as mean and actually is very compassionate to the animals, Max the dog and a new friend Fred the reindeer. While still keeping his grinchly attitude towards Christmas and relegated to isolation, he manages to get a few laughs from his inconsiderate behavior towards the Whos.

Batman?

Where does he get those wonderful toys? I want to believe this is the Mosier touch. The Grinch has a slight air of Batman in this retelling. He is a bit of a scientist and designs his own gadgets and coffee makers. He throws bat-like Christmas stars to wrap up the trees. Scaling the chimneys with a candy cane grappling hooks, all while a suspiciously familiar Danny Elfman score is in the background. You can see what Mos did here and I like it.

The Final Thought

There was a lot to like in this movie. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to hear the Whos sing my all time favorite Christmas song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Yes, I like the movie quite a bit, and I didn’t mind the Grinch being retold. Its a wonderful story with a much needed message…..The true meaning of Christmas. I gave it a 73%, but to all of us that grew up with the Grinch, “perhaps it means a little bit more”. In the end, The Grinch is merely a safe, easy way to keep the IP active and a guaranteed million dollar blockbuster cash grab.

November 26, 2018
Best Places to Buy Christmas Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays is a festive tradition for many folks. It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas decorations! After all, it’s the happiest time of the year.

Many stores that offer Christmas decorations and ornaments don’t start stocking their shelves with seasonal products until a month or two before Christmas, and when they do, their offerings are often limited. Plus, fighting through shopping crowds isn’t a pleasant experience by any means. But you can get a head start on your holiday decoration shopping by looking online.

You’ll avoid the crowds, have a greater selection, and the ability to browse as long as you like without any pressure. Looking for twinkle lights? Pine scented candles? Unique ornaments and tree toppers? If you’re looking to pick up some new Christmas decorations for your family to enjoy, look no further. Today we’re discussing the best places to find Christmas decorations online!

Best Places to Buy Christmas Decorations

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is well-known for their wide selection of decorations. They’re well-stoked any time of year, but especially around Christmas. You can find ample amounts of Christmas decorations to fill your home, from Nativity pieces to gorgeous wreaths. If you’re a fan of shopping in person, Hobby Lobby has a ton of physical stores you can visit to shop.

If you’re fonder of shopping online, you can shop Hobby Lobby’s website and find great deals on Christmas decorations. In either even, you’re sure to find a great number of gorgeous decorations that your family will love!

Target

Target is great one-stop shopping for Christmas. They have everything from ornaments for trees to decorations for your home. Christmas lights, a favorite this time of year, are in ample supply at Target, too! They even have inflatables for decorating your yard. Everything from Santa to snowmen can be found in inflatable form!

Target’s retail locations are plentiful and welcoming, unlike some of their competition. The staff is generally quite friendly and helpful, and you can find a wide variety of decorations in person. However, they also have an excellent online store for those who would rather shop from home. If you prefer having it right away, though, don’t hesitate to shop in person!

Overstock

Overstock is a website that, you guessed it, specializes in selling overstocked items. You can bet that there is a ton of overstock on Christmas decorations! If you’re looking for a good website to go to for decorations, we highly recommend Overstock. They often have great deals on fantastic decorations, and they offer free shipping with their Club Rewards program.

If you’re the type that prefers online shopping to physical retailers, we have to recommend Overstock. You’re sure to find great deals on all the Christmas décor for your home this holiday season! Don’t forget to use their great search tools and robust filtering options to find exactly what you need.

November 26, 2018
Best Places to Buy Christmas Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays is a festive tradition for many folks. It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas decorations! After all, it’s the happiest time of the year.

Many stores that offer Christmas decorations and ornaments don’t start stocking their shelves with seasonal products until a month or two before Christmas, and when they do, their offerings are often limited. Plus, fighting through shopping crowds isn’t a pleasant experience by any means. But you can get a head start on your holiday decoration shopping by looking online.

You’ll avoid the crowds, have a greater selection, and the ability to browse as long as you like without any pressure. Looking for twinkle lights? Pine scented candles? Unique ornaments and tree toppers? If you’re looking to pick up some new Christmas decorations for your family to enjoy, look no further. Today we’re discussing the best places to find Christmas decorations online!

Best Places to Buy Christmas Decorations

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is well-known for their wide selection of decorations. They’re well-stoked any time of year, but especially around Christmas. You can find ample amounts of Christmas decorations to fill your home, from Nativity pieces to gorgeous wreaths. If you’re a fan of shopping in person, Hobby Lobby has a ton of physical stores you can visit to shop.

If you’re fonder of shopping online, you can shop Hobby Lobby’s website and find great deals on Christmas decorations. In either even, you’re sure to find a great number of gorgeous decorations that your family will love!

Target

Target is great one-stop shopping for Christmas. They have everything from ornaments for trees to decorations for your home. Christmas lights, a favorite this time of year, are in ample supply at Target, too! They even have inflatables for decorating your yard. Everything from Santa to snowmen can be found in inflatable form!

Target’s retail locations are plentiful and welcoming, unlike some of their competition. The staff is generally quite friendly and helpful, and you can find a wide variety of decorations in person. However, they also have an excellent online store for those who would rather shop from home. If you prefer having it right away, though, don’t hesitate to shop in person!

Overstock

Overstock is a website that, you guessed it, specializes in selling overstocked items. You can bet that there is a ton of overstock on Christmas decorations! If you’re looking for a good website to go to for decorations, we highly recommend Overstock. They often have great deals on fantastic decorations, and they offer free shipping with their Club Rewards program.

If you’re the type that prefers online shopping to physical retailers, we have to recommend Overstock. You’re sure to find great deals on all the Christmas décor for your home this holiday season! Don’t forget to use their great search tools and robust filtering options to find exactly what you need.

November 23, 2018