Games

If you're getting the new iPad on launch day tomorrow, you probably can't wait to see the new Retina Display. Having seen it first hand, I can tell you it looks beautiful, but the only problem is there aren't very many third-party apps available yet to take advantage of all those extra pixels. As I wrote earlier this week, it takes time to upgrade the big apps.

CNET has a full list of apps that will be ready to go when the new iPad releases (and more are coming as I write), but there are plenty of … Read more

Is PC gaming dead? I've been hearing that argument for as long as I can remember. And although consoles and mobile devices have definitely stolen a lot of thunder from the PC platform, I'd say the latter is alive and well. It's simply...evolving.

And getting cheaper. From now through March 19, EA's Origin store is offering 50 percent off some top PC games. (The sale banner says "Get 50% Off Storewide," but that's just flat out untrue--only select titles are on sale. Come on, EA, you're better than that.)

Among the … Read more

My addiction came suddenly. One moment I was browsing through the App Store, and the next I was sitting on my couch, crafting a stylus like a mad MacGyver so I could up my game in Draw Something.

The unexpectedly addicting app has taken the Apple and Android app markets by storm, rendering thousands of smartphone users addicted to drawing. Yes, drawing. Even if they suck at it.

That's part of the appeal, I guess: you don't have to be a trained artist to have fun and master this game. It's about conveying a message and helping … Read more

Sometimes it's difficult to decide if you should spend money on the pro or full version of an app. The free version may be "good enough," but sometimes you can get rid of annoying ads or gain extra features for just a few bucks. In many cases, the way to decide on buying an app will differ for each app and each person. Here are the points I consider, along with some from an article on Lifehacker, before I buy an app:

Read the list of benefits What sort of new features will you … Read more

Remember Vincent Cassel as the breakdancing burglar from the movie "Ocean's Twelve"? He played a classy art thief who weaved his way through security by dancing around a series of laser beams. His character blended the art of thievery with rhythmic precision. In no way do we at Download.com condone any sort of theft...outside the walls of Clockwork Mansion.

Beat Sneak Bandit trains players in the art of breaking in with breaking beats. Duke Clockface has stolen all the clocks, so it's up to you as the Bandit to infiltrate Clockwork Mansion and … Read more

Just how big is the Angry Birds franchise? So big it's literally out of this world.

Earlier today, Rovio released the following preview video for Angry Birds Space, the game sequel that's scheduled for liftoff on March 22.

In the video, NASA's Don Pettit demonstrates the flinging of an angry bird. In zero gravity. Aboard the International Space Station. It's equal parts cool and surreal.

And it begs the question: Just how much did Rovio pay NASA for this bit of orbital marketing? Whatever the sum, I think this is the first time we've seen … Read more

So, there's a new iPad. It has better graphics. It has a better screen.

Now what? Does it change gaming?

Ever since the iPhone had its first App Store, Apple has been making waves in the video game industry. Each successive iDevice has had its own improved set of graphics, and in some cases--the iPhone 4 and 4S, for instance--a higher-resolution display opened up gaming possibilities even more.

The iPhone 4S changed gaming by setting the graphics bar so high that it's an honest rival to handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita. (It's no surprise that Apple's iPad events have coincided with the Game Developers Conference two years running.)

With the new iPad, the screen and improved graphics bring some different capabilities, for better-looking games, of course, but also in terms of what can be shown on a screen.… Read more

To celebrate the launch of its new Google Play Store, the search-giant-turned-media-middleman is putting some of its top downloads on sale. The former Android Market's top 25 paid apps are now available for 49 cents each, while the rental prices of selected movies have dropped to 99 cents each. Some of the discounted apps include popular hits like Shadowgun, NFL Flick Quarterback, and SwiftKey X Keyboard. And while the discounted movies may not be quite as attractive ("Good Luck Chuck"?) as the app offerings, there are a certainly a few gems worth a look ("3:10 … Read more

Hungry for Mass Effect? Buy the console game. As far the simultaneously-released iOS game for iPhone and iPad goes, I'd recommend downloading Dead Space instead.

So, maybe it's a tiny bit unfair to compare a $60 console game to a $6.99 iOS game, but when the name "Mass Effect" is slapped on a download, there is some expectation of a certain style of game, and a certain level of quality. Mass Effect: Infiltrator is downright beautiful to look at, especially in its opening cinematics: at first, it could cause an onlooker to drop their jaw and proclaim that the iPad is the true inheritor of the future of handheld and even console games.

Well, not so fast.… Read more