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GamerBeef.com Gaming News, Reviews and Features http://www.gamerbeef.com The latest PC Gaming, Xbox, Playstation news, reviews and features from GamerBeef.com GamerBeef.com Gaming News, Reviews and Featureshttp://www.gamerbeef.com/themes/GamerBeef/style/logo.pnghttp://www.gamerbeef.com/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:19:14 GMT 30 UK Teachers Call for Strict Legislation to Stop Pupils' Access to Violent Games http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/4/uk-teachers-call-for-strict-legislation-to-stop-pupils/ http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/4/uk-teachers-call-for-strict-legislation-to-stop-pupils/ Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:11:59 GMT <p> UK teachers have called for strict legislation to minimize pupil’s access to computer games. </p> <p> Teachers voiced their concerns during the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) annual conference, saying more kids are becoming addicted to <em>"fantasy worlds that separate them from reality". </em></p> <div class="figure"> <p> <em><a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/children-playing-computer-games.jpg"><img alt="Two children playing computer games together." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/children-playing-computer-games_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 141px; "></a></em></p> <p> <em></em>Image shows two children playing computer games together.</p> </div> <p> During the conference, teachers indicated that health care professionals have found that children who constantly play computer games have a higher risk of developing learning difficulties and antisocial behavior. They also have a higher probability of suffering from seizures and tendinitis.</p> <p> Alison Sherratt, a primary school teacher, said, <em>"We all expect to see rough and tumble, but I have seen little ones acting out quite graphic scenes in the playground and there is a lot more hitting, hurting and thumping in the classroom for no particular reason”.</em></p> <p> Sherratt added, <em>"Obesity, social exclusion, loneliness, physical fitness, sedentary solitary lives - these are all descriptions of children who are already hooked to games ... Sadly there is a notable correlation between the children who admit to playing games and those who come to school really tired."</em></p> <p> Mary Bousted, ATL general secretary, stated that the main concern is that parents do not pay attention to computer games’ age ratings, and this allows children to watch inappropriate content.</p> <p> ATL urged all parents to be responsible for the content their children see on computers and other media.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul></ul> Editorials & Features Gears of War Cheats for PC http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/3/gears-of-war-cheats-for-pc/ http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/3/gears-of-war-cheats-for-pc/ Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:05:47 GMT <p> Gears of War is possibly one of the most popular shooters across multiple platforms (PC and Xbox) and with the release of the PC version, came a bunch of cheats that users can enable to provide some fun and entertaining play time.</p> <p> <strong>Please Note: Using codes will disable achievements.</strong></p> <div class="figure"> <p> <strong><a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/gears-of-war-cheats.jpg"><img alt="Our Gears of War cheats artwork." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/gears-of-war-cheats_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 113px; "></a></strong></p> <p> <strong></strong>Our Gears of War cheats artwork.</p> </div> <h2> To enable cheat mode, do the following</h2> <p> XP Users: Go to C:Documents and Settings[USERNAME]My DocumentsMy GamesGears of War for WindowsWarGameConfig folder, find the "WarInput.ini" file and open it with Notepad</p> <p> Vista Users: Go to [USERNAME]DocumentsMy GamesGears of War for WindowsWargameConfig, find the "WarInput.ini" file and open it with Notepad.</p> <p> <strong>Add or change the following to the file</strong></p> <p> <code>[Engine.Console]<br> ConsoleKey=Tilde<br> TypeKey=Tilde<br> MaxScrollbackSize=1024<br> HistoryBot=-1<br> bEnableUI=True</code></p> <p> <strong>Now, start your game, press <code>[~]</code> to bring up the console, then type in the following codes to get the results:</strong></p> <p> <strong>Replace <code>[number]</code> with a number of your choice.</strong></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the lancer</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGame.weap_AssaultRifle magsize [number] </code></p> <h3> Change how many grenades you have</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGame.weap_Grenade magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the semi-automatic</h3> <p> <code>set warfaregame.weap_locustassaultrifle magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the magnum handgun</h3> <p> <code>set warfaregame.weap_locustpistol magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the shotgun</h3> <p> <code>set warfaregame.weap_shotgun magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the sniper rifle</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGame.Weap_SniperRifle magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the standard handgun</h3> <p> <code>set warfaregame.weap_cogpistol magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Change the clip size to the torque bow</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGameContentWeapons.Weap_Bow magsize [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Cole's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGameContent.Pawn_COGGus DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Baird's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGameContent.Pawn_COGBaird DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Carmine's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGameContent.Pawn_COGCarmine DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Marcus's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGame.Pawn_COGMarcus DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Dom's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGame.Pawn_COGDom DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <h3> Increases Minh's Default Health to whatever number you want</h3> <p> <code>set WarfareGameContent.Pawn_COGMinh DefaultHealth [number]</code></p> <p> NOTE: If you want to easily activate multiple cheats at once just create a Notepad file in your Gears of WarBinaries folder and name it whatever you want like "cheats.txt" save all the cheat command lines you want inside the file.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul></ul> Cheats, Hints & Codes Our Top 10 PC Games of All Time http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/2/our-top-10-pc-games-of-all-time/ http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/2/our-top-10-pc-games-of-all-time/ Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:55:55 GMT <p> If you ever want to start a heated argument, ask some gamers, “Which games are the Top 10 PC games of all time?” Stand back and watch the opinions fly! Some will point to unit sales, others to pivotal games in technological development. </p> <p> Stepping without fear into the fray, we offer our own version of the Top 10. Each game listed here not only sold buckets of units, it moved the industry forward in the use of technology, art and imagery, characters, audio design, story development, weaponry or some other important way. </p> <h2> 10: The Sims</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/the-sims-3-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from The Sims 3." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/the-sims-3-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 113px; "></a></p> <p> Screenshot from The Sims 3.</p> </div> <p> The Sims is a simulation game centered on the activities of virtual people called Sims in a suburban house located near SimCity. The Sims was created by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It was originally developed by designer Will Wright.</p> <p> The Sims uses both 2-D and 3-D graphics. Players start with 20,000 Simoleons in each family’s bank account. They can use this cash to buy a vacant lot or a small home. All the features and furniture in each home can be modified or customized in the Build and Buying modes.</p> <p> In 2002, The Sims replaced “Myst” as the top selling PC game of all time. That year it sold more than 6.3 million copies. One of the reasons for its success is it is easy for casual gamers to play and it also attracts female gamers which make up to 60% of its player base.</p> <h2> 9: Doom</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/doom-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from DOOM original on PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/doom-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Screenshot from DOOM original on PC.</p> </div> <p> Designed by game designer John Romero, Doom was released by id Software. It is a first-person shooter game originally released in 1993. Experts say it was the first game to make first-person shooter games popular with game players. It is also noted for being a pioneer in 3-D graphics and networked gaming with multiple players.</p> <p> According to Game Spy magazine, Doom was voted the Greatest Game of All Time in 2004 by industry insiders. What set Doom apart when it was released was its realistic 3-D imagery, at the time far above other games on the market.</p> <h2> 8: Half-Life</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/half-life-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Half Life on the PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/half-life-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Half Life on the PC.</p> </div> <p> Half-Life is a first-person shooter game similar to Doom. It was developed by Valve Corporation and released by Sierra Studios. First appearing at game conventions in 1997, Half-Life players take on the role of a theoretical physicist who is trying to battle his way out of a research facility whose experiments have gone terribly wrong.</p> <p> Jeff Green from Computer Gaming World called Half-Life, “one of the best games of any year, an instant classic.” In several yearly polls, PC Gamer magazine named Half-Life the best PC game ever.</p> <h2> 7: The Elder Scrolls</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/the-elder-scrolls-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="The Elder Scrolls on PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/the-elder-scrolls-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> The Elder Scrolls on PC.</p> </div> <p> The Elder Scrolls is a role-playing action video game series developed by Bethesda Game Studios and subsequently published by their partner Bethesda Softworks.</p> <p> The original Elder Scrolls was called the “Elder Scrolls: Arena.” It was published in 1994 for PCs. In this game, a player assumed the role of a combatant inside an arena. Development soon changed to a RPG or role-playing game. The guiding principle while designing the game was that players “could be who they want, doing what they wanted.”</p> <p> The Elder Scrolls is recognized for its realism, expansive number of details regarding dates, places, names, intricate history, societies, cultures, and spiritual groups.</p> <h2> 6: Halo</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/halo-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="The original Halo on PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/halo-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> The original Halo on PC.</p> </div> <p> Halo is a fiction video game developed by Bungie, Inc. The title is now owned by Microsoft Studios and managed by 343 Industries. The Halo story focuses on an intergalactic battle between humans and a group of aliens known as The Covenant.</p> <p> Considered one of the best first-person shooters ever, Halo was a major driver for Xbox sales. It quickly was adapted for other formats. Halo 2 introduced innovations like the ability to fire two weapons at once. It also made it easier to find like-minded groups online.</p> <h2> 5: Myst</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/myst-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from Myst." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/myst-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Screenshot from Myst.</p> </div> <p> Originally released in 1993, Myst was developed by Cyan Worlds and published by Broderbund. The brainchild of brothers Robyn and Rand Miller, it was the largest product out of Cyan Worlds up to that point.</p> <p> Myst is extremely popular due to its ability to immerse players into richly drawn worlds. It differs from other video games in that there is no set objective, foe or time limit. It is all about exploring and creative thinking.</p> <h2> 4: Starcraft</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/starcraft-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Starcraft screenshot." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/starcraft-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Starcraft screenshot.</p> </div> <p> Also developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Starcraft is a military science fiction real-time action game. It was first released in 1998 and sold 1.5 million copies that year, making it the best-selling PC videogame of the year. It sold over 11 million copies by 2009.</p> <p> The game takes place in the 26<sup>th</sup> century, where three different species are battling to control a sector of the Milky Way galaxy. Starcraft has been noted for its excellent use of story, creative use of real-time strategy and the use of unique cultural factions.</p> <h2> 3: Call of Duty</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/call-of-duty-2-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from Call of Duty 2 on PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/call-of-duty-2-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Screenshot from Call of Duty 2 on PC.</p> </div> <p> Call of Duty was primarily developed by Infinity Ward and Treyarch companies. First released in October of 2003, Call of Duty is a first-person and third-person shooter game originally set in World War II.</p> <p> Call of Duty 2 is also a first-person shooter. It was released in 2005 on multiple platforms. Call of Duty 3 follows the lives of several armies following the D-Day invasion. Call of Duty: Black Ops was released in November of 2010, and was set in the Vietnam War.</p> <p> GameSpot says the Call of Duty franchise is “one of the best in the business.” Game Informer commented that Call of Duty is “one of the most successful franchises of all time.” Near the end of 2009, the Call of Duty franchise had moved over 55 million copies of various titles.</p> <h2> 2: Deus Ex</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/deus-ex-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Deus Ex on PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/deus-ex-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Deus Ex on PC.</p> </div> <p> Deus Ex is an action role-playing game. Published by Eidos Interactive in 2002 , it was developed by game developer Ion Storm. It has elements of first-person shooter games as well as role-playing, adventure and immersive simulation.</p> <p> Deus Ex is recognized by knowledgeable gamers for its creative use of multiple narratives and player choice. It is also innovative in its use of weapon customization, allowing users to add scopes, lasers, silencers and make other modifications including range and reload time.</p> <p> Deus Ex has garnered over 40 nominations and awards for Game of the Year or Best in Class from Game Spy, PC Gamer and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.</p> <h2> 1: World of Warcraft</h2> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/world-of-warcraft-pc-screenshot.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from World of Warcraft on the PC." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/world-of-warcraft-pc-screenshot_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px; "></a></p> <p> Screenshot from World of Warcraft on the PC.</p> </div> <p> Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft is one of the most popular “massively multiplayer online role-playing games” ever. Originally introduced in 1994, the Warcraft series began with Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, followed by Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness, Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, and finally World of Warcraft in 2004.</p> <p> World of Warcraft is known for its wide variety of creatures including elves, dragons, zombies, werewolves, various aliens as well as detailed spaceships and exotic worlds. It combines fantasy elements with science fiction and was much faster than previous role-playing games--that speed helped it gain immense popularity.</p> <h2> Heavy Hitters</h2> <p> Opinions may differ, but no one can deny each of these titles was a game changer. When you look at video games today compared to the originals, you can see the incredible advancements that have taken place in a short period of time. Each game listed here played an important role in that growth.</p> <p> Part of the fun of video games is the constant influx of new titles. Technology is moving at breakneck speed. Yesterday’s hot title may never regain its lofty status (see “Duke Nuke ‘Em”). New games not only have to beat the competition, they have to beat themselves, which makes our top 10 list even more impressive.</p> <p> The pressure from outside the video game industry is daunting. Critics point to video game addiction and game violence. For example, The American Psychological Association reported that video game violence increased aggression in children. The industry responded in part by reminding parents they are responsible for what their kids consume.</p> <p> Despite these pressures, the market continues to grow. New console systems like Kinect and Wii are transforming the way we interact with games. Stunning new graphics, engrossing stories and world-class audio production create new video game fans every year. In fact, technology research company Gartner projects the industry will grow rapidly for years to come, reaching $112 billion in sales by 2015.</p> <p> And that’s no fantasy game.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul></ul> Editorials & Features Easter Ed. of Chicken Invaders 4 Game Launched for PC/Mac/Linux http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/1/easter-ed-of-chicken-invaders-4-game-launched-for/ http://www.gamerbeef.com/news/1/easter-ed-of-chicken-invaders-4-game-launched-for/ Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:33:52 GMT <p> The latest Easter installment of the Chicken Invaders(R) casual space shooter series has players battling against an army of invading Easter Bunnies.</p> <p> Athens, GR -- March 12, 2012 -- InterAction studios announced today the immediate availability of the Easter Edition of "Ultimate Omelette", the latest episode in its flagship Chicken Invaders(R) series of games appropriate for all ages.</p> <div class="figure"> <p> <a href="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/Chicken-invaders.jpg"><img alt="Screenshot from Chicken Invaders." src="http://www.gamerbeef.com/media/images1/images/Chicken-invaders_medium.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;"></a></p> <p> Screenshot from Chicken Invaders.</p> </div> <p> The game puts players at the forefront of a battle against invading intergalactic chickens, bent on revenge against the human race for our oppression of Earth chickens. In this episode, the chickens have constructed a gigantic cannon capable of launching planet-scale eggs against Earth, with the ultimate goal of encrusting humanity in an impenetrable wall made of egg white. Joined by an unlikely ally, players will travel to foreign, unexplored galaxies in an effort to locate and destroy the egg cannon before it reaches Earth.</p> <p> The Easter Edition is characterized by the addition of Easter Bunnies to the ranks of invading chickens, which attack relentlessly in colorful groups and meticulously choreographed formations. Major characters have also been redesigned to incorporate traditional Easter elements: hatching chicks, painted eggs, bunnies, chocolate, and flowers. The player's intergalactic journey is also accentuated by unique fantastic scenarios, such as navigating through a field of gigantic floating feathers, or dodging molten planet chunks during a supernova explosion.</p> <p> Chicken Invaders(R) was introduced in 1997, with the game series making its first public appearance in 1999. Since then, it has won over 50 awards and has been downloaded over 150,000,000 times. It has been translated to 13 languages and made available in 154 countries, reaching Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, mobile phones, and retail outlets alike.</p> <h3> About InterAction studios</h3> <p> InterAction studios (<a href="http://www.interactionstudios.com">http://www.interactionstudios.com</a>) was founded in 1992 and has since developed more than 32 games, making it one of the oldest and most prolific game developers in its field. It specializes in premium casual games appropriate for the whole family. Hallmarks of its design philosophy include action-oriented gameplay, intensely colorful visuals, and a light-hearted, non-violent approach.</p> <h2>Related stories</h2><ul></ul> PC