The First Ever Beehive Gaming Podcast!!!

Well that was awesome. I'd been talking with some friends non stop about the new Nintendo Switch and I figured we may as well do a podcast about it. Considering how well it went and how much fun we had we may do more!

Something I've been asking for!!!

Rockstar has been teasing the last few days but they finally spilled the beans.

Red Dead Redemption 2!!!

Holy crap!!! I cannot wait! The first is absolutely one of my favorite games of all time!

I want to be greedy and ask for a 2016 Holiday release but I can deal with the 2017 release.

Raspberry Pi In The House!

I've always thought the Raspberry Pi was a cool little piece of hardware but never picked one up.

Well I finally decided now was the time I needed one!

I'm hoping I can use the hardware to learn Linux because I am severely lacking in that department. At this time it is purely an emulation machine. 

Using RetroPie I was able to very easily and quickly get old nes/snes games going.

It's been a lot of fun and I think a great project for anyone that has the interest.

Tearaway PS Vita

I've been playing Tearaway whenever I bust out my Vita (which isn't often) and I have to say it is a really fun and unique game. If you have the chance you should really try it out.

Just Picked Up The New DOOM

So been quite some time since a post. Let's just ignore that ya?

During the Bethesda showcase at E3 last year they showed off the new DOOM and while it looked pretty awesome I wasn't super sold on it. I wasn't really into any of the last DOOMs other than casually playing them. Well after watching a few friends play the game I got a bit more interested in the title and the final thing that put me over the edge was it going 50% off for a weekend sale.

I wish I had picked it up sooner!

I  can't believe how incredibly awesome this game is.

The graphics are absolutely stunning, the pace is fast and relentless, and the music fits like a glove.

My only complaint is the game seems a bit shallow. Go into new room, kill monsters, get key to next room. Rinse and repeat. They have done an excellent job at keeping the environment unique each encounter though so you don't get too critical of the rinse and repeat gameplay.

I really recommend this game to anyone who was curious about it.

SSHD Swap Into PS4

So somehow I remembered that forever ago I put a 1TB SSHD into my PS3. Well the PS3 has been sitting collecting dust for quite some time so I figured I might as well take it out and put it to use in my PS4.

Having the extra storage is really nice but what I was really looking forward to was decreased load times.

I didn't do many tests and they definitely were not lab-grade accuracy but here are the results.

From completely off to on.

HDD = 38 seconds

SSHD = 23 seconds

Waking up from rest mode.

HDD = 22 seconds

SSHD = 17 seconds

Launching Dark Souls 3 (Digital version)

HDD = 18 seconds

SSHD = 18 seconds

Dark Souls 3 loading save file (Digital version)

HDD = 27 seconds

SSHD = 27 seconds

Dark Souls 3 travel from Abyss Watchers to Firelink (Digital version)

HDD = 17 seconds

SSHD 16 seconds

Launching GTA V (Physical version)

HDD = 1 minute 40 seconds

SSHD = 1 minute 37 seconds

So the results for game load times weren't as fast as I was hoping BUT the console wake times were pretty significant. Would I suggest an upgrade to an SSHD if faster load times are your goal? Probably not. If you are looking for more storage then your options are to spend around $50 for a standard 1TB disc drive or around $75 for the SSHD. I don't really think the speed difference is worth the extra $25.

When prices drop significantly on SSDs I may swap one into the PS4 but for now the benefit isn't worth the cost. Now an SSD in a desktop PC or laptop is absolutely worth it.

Ratchet and Clank Screenshots

I have to say, this game is probably going to be in my top 3 for 2016. It is absolutely gorgeous! I love all the colors!!! The gameplay is smooth as butter. The best part about this game for me though is that I've been able to play it with my son (4) and he has been playing it for the most part without any help. I love how excited he gets when you throw the disco ball out and the enemies start dancing! If you haven't yet I highly suggest you pick this game up, whether you're playing solo or with a child this game is incredible. We are very excited to see the movie!