Video Games

PS2/PS3/PC version of the Access Controller now shipping

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The time has come! The PS2/PS3/PC version of the Access Controller is now shipping, in case the headline above somehow slipped your view.

There's nothing quite like unboxing a box you designed...
Unboxing the unit. I went with a much simpler “blue” look for the box this time, with a couple Easter Eggs on there as well.

You can use the link over on the right-hand side of the site to place your order and read more about the unit. I guess you could also click right here, wow copy/paste is awesome!

We’re still working on the Xbox 360 version (review process and what not) and will keep you posted once we know more. But yes, for the Sony and PC fans though you’re ready to go… hope it works well for you!

Coming next week: a How-To guide on modding this controller to add your own peripherals. Yes, that’s right – how to hack a Benheck product.

I had no reservations about running this cheesy image

The bus-like nature of the module plugs and the fact there’s always one empty make this quite doable and easy. Add a foot pedal to better help those in need, a larger joystick, all sorts of stuff… stay tuned!

Video Games

Sneak peak – Pelican Case Xbox 360 designed for Overseas Active Service Use

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Over the years I’ve received many requests to build portable games system that could be used by our troops overseas, but nothing ever materialized. I was also inspired when I saw the Pelican cases that were used by Clint Green to transport gaming systems around the Walter Reed clinic for patient use.

So one day I decided that I would just build one and see what happens – kind of like what I used to do with projects before the requests starting outpacing my creativity. Podcast co-host Jason Jones is chipping in on the costs. Below is the progress:

Oh yeah four speakers baby!
Wow, it’s obviously done and ready for a magazine spread!

The idea here is to stuff an Xbox 360 and LCD screen inside a Pelican 1490 case. There are no “through hole screws” so when closed the case maintains all of its sealing and protective properties. Thus the power plug and even DVD lid will be all on the inside surface of the unit when complete (requiring the DVD drive to be converted to a pop-open lid type rather than drawer, one of the trickier aspects of this job).

For some more pics and specs, click below. I’m posting this early because it’s kind of a slow, backburner kind of project and I’d just like to gauge the interest ahead of time, so if this might of use to you please email me. This will probably be finished in November after I get the THQ laptop done. Estimated cost is about 40% of what I usually charge for an Xbox 360 laptop. Display is a 17″ widescreen.

Continue reading Sneak peak – Pelican Case Xbox 360 designed for Overseas Active Service Use →

Podcasts

Benheck.com Podcast Episode 50

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It’s time for another podcast! Yes, we haven’t been keeping up the normal 2 week schedule but hey, there’s a lot of stuff going on, and we don’t get paid to do the podcast, so unfortunately it sometimes becomes a backburner item.

In this thrilling episode we discuss Apple VS Microsoft, Laptops VS Desktops, and – believe it or not – POLITICS! With all the hubbub going on with the banking bailouts and the election we just couldn’t resist…

Listen to Benheck.com Podcast Episode 50

www.benheckpodcast.com

Plus an awesome contest, in honor of Mega Man 9 –Design the lamest Mega Man villain robot ever!

  • Must include artwork, the primary weapon and their main weakness.
  • Bonus points for making an 8-bit accurate “pixelated” version.
  • Even more bonus points for using an existing item ending in “man” as the name. Such as “Congress Man” (prints money to shoot at you) or “Leslie Man” (emits vomit on Steve Carrell).
  • Contest ends upon publication of the next podcast (roughly 2 to 3 weeks).

The 2 best entries will win a Guitar Hero III wireless guitar with a custom Benheck.com faceplate! I have a bunch of these left over from the foot pedal project, so I figured why not unload a few? You can even choose Xbox 360 or PS3 version!

Obviously the coolest thing evah

Email your entries using this link. Good luck and enjoy!

Movies

Possumus Woman poster + release date

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Mark your calendars now – Possumus Woman strikes on October 31st! (yes, 2008)

Official Possumus Man 2: Possumus Woman poster
None of this actually happens in the movie but I don’t care. Click here for full-size, printable version.

Yes that’s correct – unlike all of my other movies Possumus Woman is being done in a timely fashion! Editing is complete, there are only a couple of special effects left to do (already in progress), and all I really have left is sound editing, which I plan to do over the next few weekends.

As with Port Washington the plan is to have a “web premiere” allowing persons to download the movie for free on the release date, in a variety of formats including iPod video and hi-def Quicktime/WMV. Think of it as an expensive YouTube video – I just did it for fun, as a hobby, but want to share it with the world. It was a fun break from the daily “portables” grind.

We also plan to have some local showings in the south central Wisconsin area, likely in early November. Jason Jones is in charge of those so more details as they become available.

Video Games

Possumus Woman editing done

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In other news, the first pass of Possumus Woman editing has been completed, although there are still 3 special effects left to do. (Note, now down to just 1)

The end of this movie uses almost as much gas-per-second as an SUV.
The possum in full Ian McDiarmid mode. Click for wallpaper sized.

This leaves:

  • A reference viewing with a 2nd party (probably Jones) to determine if any scenes need adjusting.
  • A sound editing pass – adding effects, ambiance, crossfades and getting everything into 5.1. This includes music.
  • Color pass, to make lighting between shots match as best it can (not terribly concerned about this one)
  • Writing up and attaching credits.

Please note that there will NOT be a trailer for Possumus Woman ahead of its release. The reasons for this are simple – I don’t have the time, and since the movie will be FREE to download why bother convincing people to see it?

Official poster should be done and revealed within a week, with full-resolution versions available for your downloading pleasure.

Video Games

Sneak peak at the THQ laptop prize

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Usually I don’t show works-in-progress, but THQ wanted me to keep people in the loop so here’s a quick look at the Darksiders laptop.

It’s similar in size to my previous Xbox 360 laptops but a little bigger.

  • A little more room allows a lot more features as this one includes a slot to insert a full-sized Xbox 360 hard drive.
  • Also both memory card slots are available, so taking your home profile “on the road” will be a piece of cake.
  • The Xbox Live camera is included, as well as Wi-Fi.
  • The 2 circles on either side will be the speakers. Also note all buttons are front-mounted, sync, eject and the remaining USB port.

Continue reading Sneak peak at the THQ laptop prize →

Video Games

Guitar Hero pedal controller in action

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Aside from the 2 I built for a show back in May, the 3rd pedal demonstrated below is the first I’ve actually built by request for a customer. He knew the secret to getting a Ben project – diligent (yet not annoying) emails and patience! Plus he can play Guitar Hero on Hard, something I cannot. (Rock Band, yes)

Click here to check it out on YouTube…

In other related news the Access Controller should be arriving for shipment sometime next week… more details to come.