February 2008

AGI has published a fascinating simulation of the destruction of the failing U.S. Spy Satellite by an SM-3 missile. The site contains quite a few screenshots, in addition to a low-res video. A hi-res video can be obtained by request.

The computer-generated video, which can be previewed below, depicts a notional deployment of U.S Navy ships in the Northern Pacific firing an SM-3 missile at the failed satellite and successfully intercepting it. To create the animation, AGI used its debris modeling and prediction software to show where the debris could go based on statistical breakup models, which simulate debris generation using distributions of mass, area, material density, velocity, and magnitude. The analysis shows that as the debris (green dots) orbits, much of it starts to “fall out” of orbit and burn up upon re-entry (red dots).

This is really interesting stuff. I don’t remember anything quite like this being released to the public before, although I could be wrong.

Electronic Arts has rebranded Sims Online – it’s now known as EA-Land – and, perhaps more importantly, have removed the pricing model, making it completely free to use.

This must now be seen as a direct competitor to Second Life.

I would like to introduce you to EA-Land, a world that is free-to-play, and based on a re-engineered The Sims Online architecture. Yes, free.

The Sims Online (TSO) was made of 12 different cities (AlphaVille, Blazing Falls, etc..) and we are moving all of those cities inside EA-Land (this is called ‘the merge’ by the users!). We have a huge new map: it is 100 times bigger than the previous size of any city. We had to add a whole new zoom level to let users see it. The internet is faster now than when TSO was launched, so we have been able to let each house have more simultaneous visitors. A lot of new users are constantly joining us and we expect more. If you played TSO before, I think that you ought to own your lot in this new land, and I want you to have the ability to grab the best location before we open the gates. As an EA-Land subscriber, you will be able to have several Sims in the same “city” unlike in TSO where you were limited to one Sim per city.

This really is a major announcement. With new content, a new economy system, the introduction of web services and social networking, I can see the former Sims Online now taking off and hitting the big time.

Games for Linux are relatively few on the ground, so it’s nice to see an in-depth review of TORCS over on the Tech Source From Bohol blog.

The review covers installation, sound, graphics and overall gameplay and concludes with an overall 7/10 rating.

You can read the full review here, or head over to the TORCS web site for more details.

Multi-screen dedicated gaming rigs seem to be all the rage at the moment. VRX’s offering is powered by no less than 4 Xbox 360’s but, more importantly, has a “Virtual Wind System” and, even better, a “Beverage Containment System”!

Seriously, though, this does look like one nice piece of kit:

The VRX MACH 4. The Triple LCD Display provides a true visual sense of speed by surrounding the driver with in the driving environment, allowing racing fans and automotive enthusiasts to experience the thrill of virtual racing like they never have before!

You can check out the full specs and get more info on the VRX web site.

Electronics Arts has announced the first official expansion pack for SimCity Societies – Destinations:

New City Pack filled with content and features coming soon!

From unspoiled nature parks with campgrounds and hiking trails to tropical beach resorts with water sports and fine dining, from humble county fairs with hay rides and midway games, to sprawling modern theme parks with all the bells and whistles, you’ll build an entire city based on attracting visitors, and keeping them entertained and satisfied.

That swimming pool does look like fun!