Games to Look Forward to in March 2011

As the new month approaches (must faster than I expected), there is a whole new line-up for good games. Well, and 3DS stuff, which is looking to go expectantly well. Besides the 3DS, I'm listing some games that I expect will top out the charts this month and why. So these are the games you should look into further.

XFX 2GB Radeon HD 6950 Review

So, the XFX Radeon HD 6950 is one of the best graphics cards out there. Period. It isn't the best, but the best ones are simply too good to be practical. Well, this one is too, but its much more practical. Anyway, the XFX offering with this graphics card is a double lifetime warranty. When I heard this, my first reaction was: "I don't plan on living more than one life...", but in reality, that means that there is a warranty on it when you sell it to someone else as well, making the all the better. Plus, if you are technically skilled with things like this, a simple BIOS flash, though dangerous, will bump this up to the same specs as the HD 6970. The 6970 IS on the second tier of the February 2011 Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart. So, this card is amazingly good for its price. In my opinion, its the best buy for the ATI side of the chart.

Overall: 48/50

New Minecraft Launcher

So, Beta 1.3 came out a few days ago. I feel somewhat stupid for not posting anything about it, but this will have to to. Minecraft.net has been down for most of the day. I figured it was just some maintenance or something. Well, I re-downloaded Minecraft and discovered a new launcher! That's right, a whole new launcher. I may be a little overly excited, but I do think it is pretty cool. It has the latest updates and what they fix/do. And some other basic news. The only real complaint I have is that the actual login part is almost concealed to the bottom. Its not bad though. One of my favorite things is the inclusion of the Minecraft file directory. Click options (next to login) and then click on the directory; you're there! It saves time of searching for it every time. So, thats about all I have to say about that. And for extra effect, heres a screenshot: (Click to make it bigger)

Official Minecraft App for iOS and Android

Mojang (the Minecraft company) has officailly announced that there will be iOS and Android versions of Minecraft due out later this year. This is exciting news for pretty much everybody. We don't have to deal with crappy clones anymore, and instead get the full product! Well, maybe. I expect that this won't be quite as full featured as the actual game will develop into, but it will nonetheless be a great experience. This will be what will spread Minecraft to the ends of the earth! Stay tuned, as I plan to cover this pretty much as soon as I hear about it.

Skyrim Trailer

Well, a trailer was released today (or last night?) for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If you haven't already seen it, you need to see it. And I have graciously provided it to you!

Newegg Electronics Trade-In Program

Well, I know I've recommended Newegg before as the greatest online electronics retailer. I'm doing it again. Except this time, there is more of a purpose. Newegg just recently started their electronics trade-in program. The program is powered by Gazelle, probably the most reliable website for actually getting money for gadgets and such. On Newegg however, the program is tailored to offer you the most for your money. Or Newegg gift card that is. When you do it through Newegg, you will end up with slightly more money, but the money will only be useful at Newegg. For computer people like myself, this is an amazing process, and definitely something I will exploit in the (near) future. For others, use this as a learning experience and start selling your stuff to Gazelle. Well, here's the link to the Newegg process, and beware, it is very new, so all the bugs aren't quite worked out. But you know Newegg will cooperative like always. http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/index.html?cm_sp=homepage_topv1-_-Gazelle/122110Brand-_-http://promotions.newegg.com/Gazelle/122110/980x130.jpg

Minecraft Texture Pack Tutorial (Simple & HD)

So, I threw together a quick tutorial on how to patch different graphics packs into Minecraft. Its very simple, but I hope it helps! Enjoy!

Minecraft Documentary

Well, a Minecraft Documentary is in the works... for a short preview of what it will be like, visit here: Minecraft Video Game, Documentary HD | Video Clip | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com.

Really, it's something that really interests me. One, I am looking to become a game programmer. Two, I am a massive fan of not only Minecraft, but Notch. So, check out the video and if you feel inclined, donate!

Minecraft Commercial?

So Notch put out a video on his blog... and the most I could make of it is that it is a really, really weird commercial for Minecraft. At least it is about Minecraft, so I enjoy it nonetheless. Make what you want of it!

Operation Flashpoint: Red River Debut Trailer

Another great game coming out this year, in April I believe, Operation Flashpoint: Red River will probably provide the most realistic combat shooter available on consoles. Though the first installment: Dragon Rising received a lot of criticism, both good and bad, I really enjoyed the game. So obviously, I am looking forward to Red River. Set as Marines in Tajikistan fighting the Chinese Red Army, Red River seems more refined than ever. Check out the debut trailer!