simulation

Pandemic for iOS is a faithful recreation of the popular Web-based game where the object is to play as a villain and infect our entire planet with an evolving disease. The game is obviously quite morbid, but it's also extremely addictive as you start with one infected person in a random location and try to spread a disease to every corner of the globe. You can choose from three skill levels at the beginning of the game, with the easiest setting for quick sessions allowing for more experimentation, and the hardest setting making it a real challenge to even … Read more

The new TL1 all-in-one racing, flight, and first-person-shooting motion simulator comes with some pretty neat hardware. This includes a spherical screen utilizing three projectors to deliver a whopping 5,760x1,200-pixel resolution, as well as a fully adjustable seating system that supports optional motion transducers.

Moreover, the Ariel Atom's auto DNA gets incorporated through a sleek 8-foot by 7.8-foot by 6.5-foot shell that houses all the components with steel and composite materials. … Read more

Zombie Lane is a freemium simulator-style game that's part FarmVille (iOS) and part "The Walking Dead." It's got the addictive elements of an empire-building simulator, plus all the undead charm of a zombie apocalypse. In other words, it's something of a dream come true for me, minus one major element (I'll get to that later).

In Zombie Lane you are one of a handful of survivors, fending for your life as zombies rip your neighborhood to shreds. Armed with only a shovel and a few shotgun shells to start, your goal is to reunite … Read more

I don't know about you, but I love games that let me build and maintain some type of empire. Whether it's a farm, island, city, resort, or even a simple restaurant, I take pleasure in starting an enterprise from scratch, growing it, unlocking items, and completing missions. But as much as I've enjoyed playing these types of games over the years, I've always felt there was one element missing: zombies. Until now, that is.

Meet Zombie Lane for Android (download), a freemium simulator-style game that's part FarmVille (iOS) and part "The Walking Dead." … Read more

As we settle in to another exciting baseball season this spring, what could be a better time waster on your smartphone than a good baseball game? I usually write about iOS apps in my weekly collection, but this week all the games I selected have both iOS and Android versions, so everyone can get in on the fun.

This week's collection of apps for both iOS and Android are all about baseball. The first two will appeal to all baseball fans, but are more the quick pick-up-and-play arcade game variety. The second two games are more involved, with a complete baseball experience where you can play full nine-inning games and progress through a season.… Read more

A sign we live in the future: the next SimCity requires an Internet connection to launch the game, Maxis lead designer Stone Librande said in a recent interview with Joystiq.

Origin, everyone's favorite game distribution punching bag, must run on the computer to launch SimCity. After the initial Origin log-in, you can play SimCity offline without an always-on Internet connection.

The emphasis on an online experience revolves around the expanded multiplayer element, which includes a global economy, regional opportunities, and wide-area issues (pollution, disasters, etc.). This development may startle some veterans of the city builder, as one typically built cities and regions in an offline environment when playing previous versions of SimCity. … Read more

Nearly 10 years after the last major SimCity release, Maxis Emeryville and EA unveiled information yesterday about SimCity 4's upcoming successor.

The fifth version of the iconic SimCity is due in 2013, and features a large range of graphic and gameplay improvements over previous generations. One major new feature is multiplayer region support (for up to 16 players). Playing with friends enables challenges such as leaderboards and the ability to "launch a space shuttle or build magnificent wonders," according to EA.

Multiplayer relationships go much deeper, though. For example, you can send fire trucks to another region in a massive crisis. If your city turns into a smog-filled re-creation of Los Angeles, then Sims in a friend's area suffer and experience health problems. … Read more

I've personally driven an F1 simulator, but I doubt it even comes close to the CXC Motion Pro II. For starters, it features an elaborate motion and force feedback system, as well as an authentic racing seat for realism. This is further complemented by a powerful audio-visual setup that consists of up to three 46-inch screens and a 5.1-channel surround sound system.

That said, the Motion Pro II is extremely pricey. A basic configuration, bundled with a single screen and eight pieces of software such as iRacing and GTR2, is priced at $25,995. The cost can easily add up to more than $40,000 if you upgrade to a panoramic three-screen display with other optional accessories ranging from a brake feedback system to a carbon fiber body kit. … Read more

During my month or so with the Sony PlayStation 3D Display, I was quite content with it sitting beside me at my desk, allowing for awesome 3D gaming whenever I wanted. Then I wondered, "How many people find themselves in similar situations?"

It's this realization coupled with a healthy number of shortcomings that ultimately undid my initially positive impression of this display. Despite boasting the impressive SimulView technology (that lets two players see their own 2D screen), there is a laundry list of issues I have with the new PlayStation-branded display from Sony.

Aside from the fact … Read more