SpectreVR is a title every old-school PC gamer should remember. The original game in the series, simply called Spectre, landed in 1991 and was one of the first computer games to offer an online multiplayer 3d environment. It first shipped on the Macintosh platform but later made it to DOS, Windows and even SNES. I have many fond memories of sneaking into the school computer lab and “hacking” an AppleIIgs with the principal’s password just to play this game. It was a pretty big deal back then since that was the only computer in the lab with a color-display (16 colors FTW!). Man, those were the days.

So seeing as how fond I was of the game, I decided to pick up a copy online. No, I don’t mean a bootleg copy. I buy the real stuff to support the industry. Anyway, I was able to find a copy online new-in-box for around $20. Not a bad deal, I thought it might be cool for collector’s value. And if I can find a brand new copy of a PC game from 15 years ago, well then there’s really no excuse to pirate. A few days later a package arrives. But when I open it I’m a bit surprised, this wasn’t the box art I remember. Not that crazy triangle shaped box I wanted, but a blast from the past never-the-less.

Unboxing images, video and rant below…

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Tags: Cyberpunk, Ramblings, Video Games, Virtual Reality by cybereality
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It appears that 3D technology wasn’t the only thing on display over at Computex 2008. I just stumbled upon the most smashing gallery of booth-babes, many in futuristic attire. Although some of the designs are a bit over the top, it gives me some hope we won’t still be wearing t-shirts and jeans for the next 50 years. Seriously, what happened to all those wicked designs from the movies? Back when the year 2000 was some science-fiction fantasy. Even though we are kind of in the future, it seems strange that people carry their iPhones in the same pair of Wranglers the cowboys in the old west wore as they rode their horses into the sunset. Well that and kill a bunch of Indians. I’m just saying.

link: Computex 2008 Booth Babes [TechARP]

Tags: Cyberpunk, Hardware, Ramblings by cybereality
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With the recent rise of 3d films, such as Beowulf, it comes as no surprise that everyone wants in on the action. I’ve been talking about how 3d movies are “the-next-big-thing” for years now, and it seems it might finally be coming to pass. In recent news, Dreamworks has just acquired the rights for a Ghost in the Shell live-action movie and plan to film in 3d. On one hand, this is great news. I simply love GiTS and I hope the series stays alive for a long time. On the other hand, I have little faith in Spielberg and even less in producer Avi Arad who has worked on the X-men and Spiderman movies. This, to me, sounds like a recipe for Hollywood cheese with some lame love-story and “happily ever after” ending. But on the bright side, at least Uwe Bool has nothing to do with this.

That said, I will surely be one of the die-hards waiting in line on opening night. I’m a sucker for any movie set in the future, no matter how bad the story might end up being. It would probably be worth the ticket price just for the 3d effect alone. Lets just hope Spielberg sticks as close to canon as possible.

Also, if you are a fan of the GiTS movies, you owe it to yourself to watch the Stand Alone Complex TV series. Its available on DVD and XboxLive, albeit for $4 an episode (WTF Microsoft!!!), but it is well worth it. I’d consider the series to be even deeper than the movies in many respects and overall one of my favorite anime of all time.

link: DreamWorks to make ‘Ghost’ in 3-D // via: io9

Tags: Cyberpunk, Stereo 3D by cybereality
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