http://www.katorlegaz.com Artwork, Design, Commentary, Reviews, and Tutorials by Andrew Kator & Jennifer Legaz Copyright 2003-2007 Andrew Kator and Jennifer Legaz webmaster@katorlegaz.com Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:41:59 EDT FeedMe, by the Nowhere Man (http://thenowhereman.com/hacks) Announcements Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:09:46 EDT http://20thcenturygamer.katorlegaz.com 1238692186 We've been collecting and playing classic games for years. There's a lot of games and topics we love that are missing from most retrogaming sites, so we decided to start a site of our own. Announcements Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:04:30 EDT http://zach.katorlegaz.com/ 1235930670 After undergraduate school, Zach spent 3 years in Italy studying classic oil painting techniques. He's back in the US and working as a professional artist. Tutorials Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:02:37 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/tutorials/diy_hdtv_antenna/index.php 1232978557 With our homemade antenna plugged directly into the TV, we were pleased to find that every local HD station came in perfectly and without breakup. Vastly different weather conditions have made no difference in the reception. The entire project was completed in only a few hours, and for the first time we enjoy broadcast HDTV without frustration. Arcade Cabinets Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:07:47 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/3d_models/index.php 1221491267 Defender, Galaga, Joust, Moon Patrol, Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man, Robotron: 2084, and Stargate were a few of our favorite arcade games from the early 1980s. These 3D models capture some of the the classic arcade cabinet forms and artwork common in that era. PlayStation Portable Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:21:56 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psyclone_nodus/index.php 1193106116 The Psyclone Nodus is a well-designed speaker system that compliments the PSP both in appearance and performance. The audio output is impressive for a compact sound system. Reviews Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:28:26 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/sharper_image_headphones/index.php 1191612506 The Sharper Image Traveler's Noise-Cancellation Headphones 2.0 are comfortable and the noise-cancellation is effective. Compared to standard headphones, the audio quality is mixed. Arcade Cabinets Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:52:41 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/arcade_cabinets/AppleScript-MAME-Screens.php 1191235961 We are impressed with MAME OS X, but were disappointed to find that all of our old screenshots from MacMAME weren't in the right format. Here is an AppleScript anyone can use to convert things properly. PlayStation Portable Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:59:26 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/NYCO_ChargerGrip/index.php 1190419166 Our first several days with the ChargerGrip were fun, as the extended battery life and improved ergonomics made for better gaming. Unfortunately, within two weeks design and construction flaws appeared. Announcements Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:03:03 EDT http://www.cnusailing.org 1189548183 The 2007-2008 sailing team is off to a great start. This marks our sixth year managing the CNU Sailing website. Reviews Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:17:10 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/eyetv_hybrid/index.php 1186085830 The EyeTV Hybrid is a compact and affordable solution for viewing, recording, and editing digital broadcast and analog television. Reviews Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:57:44 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/cavalier_TV/index.php 1182970664 With increased DSL speeds, internet digital television is now possible. In our region, Cavalier Telephone & TV has begun providing DTV as a package with either telephone, internet, or both. PlayStation Portable Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:14:42 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/T.php#Tekken:%20Dark%20Resurrection 1182791682 The Tekken series has spanned arcades and consoles over many years, often raising the bar for what a fighting game should be. Tekken: Dark Resurrection continues with that tradition and offers new characters, fighting moves, and extras. Arcade Cabinets Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:55:42 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/3d_models/index.php 1181408142 Our original bartop arcade cabinet designs are available for download. PlayStation Portable Wed, 30 May 2007 16:49:19 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/E.php#Exit 1180558159 Exit combines platform and puzzle genres with cartoon graphics and an upbeat-jazz soundtrack. The player navigates through disaster scenarios, solving puzzles and rescuing trapped survivors. PlayStation Portable Sat, 26 May 2007 09:55:13 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/M.php#Mega%20Man%20Maverick%20Hunter%20X 1180187713 Mega Man X was an intense, often difficult side-scrolling shooter for the SNES. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X provides the essentials of the original along with updated 3D graphics, remixed audio, anime cut-scenes, and a well-animated bonus video. PlayStation Portable Mon, 21 May 2007 13:08:50 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/M.php#Mega%20Man%20Powered%20Up 1179767330 Everything that made the first few Mega Man titles great is back in this remake of the original platform-shooter. This isn't just a port of the first Mega Man, but a complete overhaul that still manages to keep the essential game-play intact. PlayStation Portable Thu, 17 May 2007 14:40:27 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/index.php 1179427227 As with any platform, the quality of PlayStation Portable games varies greatly. Some are worth owning, many are best for rental, and some are highly flawed. Announcements Sun, 13 May 2007 09:47:57 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/3d_models/index.php 1179064077 New gaming-related models have been added, with arcade control-panel examples from past articles and designs. PlayStation Portable Fri, 11 May 2007 20:53:17 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/V.php#Virtua%20Tennis%20World%20Tour 1178931197 It can be argued that Virtua Tennis: World Tour is a fancy version of Pong, but that would be a disservice to this sports title. PlayStation Portable Thu, 10 May 2007 06:03:31 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/I.php#Infected 1178791411 Infected is a zombie-killing, third-person action game for mature audiences. Like other games in the genre, the player is a multiple-weapon toting cop out to save civilians from infectious zombies... but that's were the similarities end. Galleries Mon, 07 May 2007 22:12:45 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/3d_models/index.php 1178590365 All of our 3D models and related web pages have been updated to reflect new Creative Commons licensing. Special thanks to all who donated to cover legal expenses from when we hosted the BMR. Commentary Sat, 07 Apr 2007 18:16:22 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/Nick_RIP/index.php 1175984182 Nick was a cat, but he was our best friend. He is gone and greatly missed. Reviews Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:51:27 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/toast_8/index.php 1175716287 Disk burning is built-in to OS X, so what does Toast offer to make it worth the price? The answer isn't simply in what Toast 8 Titanium provides that can't be done with other software. Toast provides a package of streamlined and specialized features that is often more reliable than using dozens of other third-party applications. Commentary Tue, 27 Mar 2007 07:18:15 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/failed_artists.php 1174994295 Either it is good that artists join the masses by working in other professions, or it is not. You can't have it both ways. Commentary Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:26:51 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/pitstop.php 1173698811 I was scanning through some old magazine articles and I came across an opinion that Epyx's Pitstop II for the Commodore 64 was one of the greatest home video games ever. The title sounded familiar, so I did some more research to see what it was about. Commentary Sun, 11 Mar 2007 07:33:44 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/passive_entertainment.php 1173612824 As part on my ongoing quest to find videos that are better than what's on TV, I finally found some things worth watching. PlayStation Portable Wed, 14 Feb 2007 23:43:04 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/L.php#Lumines II 1171514584 Lumines II slightly expands the puzzle action formula from Lumines with fancier graphics and mainstream music. Commentary Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:19:18 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/RFID_ink.php 1169511558 Because it is suggested that this technology be used in the food supply, it is important to test the technology and answer many questions before consumers are exposed. Commentary Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:25:14 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/wii.php 1169079914 Sometimes when I need a break, I just go places to get out and about. Many times I visit bookstores, but over the last week I have gone to game stores for fun and observation. However I look back on it, my recent visits to the local game stores were a strange experience. Commentary Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:36:57 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/iTunes_movies.php 1168735017 For now, it doesn't make much sense for us to buy iTunes movies when compared to DVD. Commentary Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:40:35 EDT http://www.katorlegaz.com 1168562435 Between CES and Macworld, the last few days have been interesting for tech geeks like myself. Microsoft and Apple are aggressively competing for control over consumer digital media. Commentary Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/advertising_amok.php 1168448400 Advertising is gradually taking over and even replacing content, and advertisers rarely adhere to truthfulness or proper representation of products. It isn't too late for advertising to stop being a dirty word. PlayStation Portable Tue, 09 Jan 2007 16:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/squandered_PSP.php 1168376400 There are certainly some valid reasons to criticize Sony's PSP decisions over the last few years. PlayStation Portable Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/NYCO_play_on_TV/index.php 1168362000 Many PSP owners have expressed interest in watching their UMD movies and playing games on their TV screen. NYCO's Play on TV Adapter for PSP meets this user demand. Commentary Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/room_enough.php 1167930000 Isn't it about time for engineers, designers, programmers, and other creative professionals to get the spotlight? PlayStation Portable Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/pspware/index.php 1166461200 (Revised September 21, 2007) Because the last PSPWare update was over 18 months ago, it is now obvious the software is no longer being developed. With the current bugs and incompatibilities, we advise users to find other utilities for their PSP management. PlayStation Portable Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/S.php#Sega Genesis Collection 1166389200 With so much to choose from, Sega Genesis Collection offers significant value both for new and old gamers alike. The sheer volume of content makes this title an excellent value. PlayStation Portable Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:04:36 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/R.php#Race Driver 2006 1165986276 Race Driver 2006 offers some serious racing simulation, a welcome change from the standard arcade-style racers. The many types of cars, tracks, and formats all offer different handling and racing experiences. Arcade Cabinets Fri, 01 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/x-arcade_tankstick/index.php 1164992400 This controller brings a new experience to arcade, FPS, sports, and golf titles that benefit from the trackball, and the head-to-head two-player gaming action makes many classic games more fun. PlayStation Portable Tue, 14 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/W.php#Wipeout Pure 1163523600 Wipeout Pure is not only a fun racing title, but it really demonstrates how gameplay, graphics, and audio can all work together to make a good game. PlayStation Portable Sat, 11 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/S.php#SOCOM 1163264400 We are not big fans of the tactical shooter genre, but SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo stands apart and is recommended for the appropriate audience. PlayStation Portable Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/L.php#LocoRoco 1162918800 LocoRoco is a new twist for platform games with an original concept, 2D graphics, catchy music, and fun sound effects. PlayStation Portable Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/W.php#World Tour Soccer 06 1162839600 World Tour Soccer is pleasant surprise, because of the excellent controls and engaging gameplay. This is a sports game that can appeal to even to those who are not soccer or sports enthusiasts. PlayStation Portable Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/D.php#Daxter 1162746000 Daxter is highly recommended because it offers enough attitude, story, levels, and varied gameplay to keep things interesting for both platform fans and general gamers alike. PlayStation Portable Sat, 04 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/O.php#OutRun 2006 1162674000 While OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast isn't the best drift racer available, it's definitely a lot of fun to play. When the single-player races and challenges get old, the online multi-player mode offers additional replay value. PlayStation Portable Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/R.php#Ridge Racer 1162573200 Ridge Racer is back again, with the familiar arcade-drift racing. This title offers many hours of gameplay in both stand-alone and Wireless modes, and it has been one of our most replayed titles. PlayStation Portable Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/B.php#Burnout Legends 1162501200 Burnout Legends brings a welcome change to the racing genre with strategic destruction of opponents, other vehicles on the road, and the driving environment. PlayStation Portable Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/psp_games/alpha/L.php#Lumines 1162400400 At first glance, Lumines appears to be like so many other Tetris-like puzzle games by arranging falling colored blocks to make similar colored blocks disappear. Don't let the general description fool you, since Lumines is easy-to-learn and highly addictive. Reviews Thu, 06 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/imac_intel/index.php 1144339200 The first of the Intel-powered Macs were released in January 2006. Apple claims the new Intel Macs demonstrate significant performance improvements over earlier models, and that most PowerPC applications run well on the Intels... but do the new computers live up to the hype Arcade Cabinets Fri, 13 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST http://bartoparcade.katorlegaz.com/ 1137171600 Adapted from classic bartop arcade machines, these designs combine the monitor, speakers, and controls into a unit designed for tabletop use. Arcade Cabinets Sat, 07 Jan 2006 17:08:40 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/arcade_cabinets/planning_mac_arcade/index.php 1136671720 There are many things to do with an old computer, but one of the most enjoyable is using it to create an arcade cabinet. This article includes details about hardware requirements, arcade controls, and control panel configuration. Arcade Cabinets Thu, 01 Dec 2005 17:43:58 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/x-arcade_trackball/index.php 1133477038 The X-Arcade Trackball's sturdy construction, solid trackball movement, and large arcade buttons bring new life to arcade classics and even make mouse-compatible games more fun. Reviews Wed, 16 Nov 2005 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/trackman_wheel/index.php 1132160400 Overall the Logitech TrackMan Wheel is recommended, especially for users who suffer from aches due to repetitive mouse use. Galleries Thu, 22 Sep 2005 12:00:00 EST http://arcadenostalgia.katorlegaz.com 1127404800 Just for fun, we decided to do a series of prints that highlight the Golden Age of Arcades during the late-70s through the early-80s. Reviews Thu, 01 Sep 2005 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/phonevalet3/index.php 1125590400 PhoneValet 3.0, PodCast, and Anywhere are a significant upgrade to the previous PhoneValet products, and they offer the same ease-of-use as previous versions while greatly extending the features. Reviews Fri, 01 Jul 2005 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/vspace_master/index.php 1120233600 vSpace Master's 3D presentations work exactly as intended and offer a significant advantage to many other 3D presentation technologies by eliminating the need for browser plugins. Reviews Tue, 01 Mar 2005 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/apeiron/index.php 1109696400 Apeiron X doesnt have the sophisticated 3D graphics and online competition many modern gamers demand, but it offers simple and satisfying gameplay that can rapidly become addictive. Reviews Wed, 02 Feb 2005 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/mac_pcsx/index.php 1107363600 With very high compatibility, this beta version of PCSX opens up Mac gaming to a new world of possibilities. Commentary Sun, 26 Dec 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/medical_malpractice/index.php 1104080400 The proposed malpractice reforms do nothing to improve the quality of health care (the true cause of malpractice lawsuits), but financially benefit insurance companies, hospitals, and corporate interests by placing the maximum value of life at $250,000. Tutorials Tue, 21 Dec 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/tutorials/new_life_bondi.php 1103648400 Bringing new life to a 1998 Bondi iMac was much easier than we thought. After running our new iMac G3 Media, Print, and File Server for a week, its performance is even better than expected. Reviews Mon, 20 Dec 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/netgear_WGR614/index.php 1103562000 Once installation is complete, this wireless router performs admirably. Unfortunately the oversimplified installation instructions make the initial experiences with the product frustrating at best. Arcade Cabinets Mon, 06 Dec 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/x-arcade_dual/index.php 1102352400 This game controller duplicates the classic arcade with real joysticks and large buttons, all reintroducing the gameplay, tactile experience and subtleties missing from handheld controller gaming. Commentary Sat, 04 Dec 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/commentary/manfest_patriot/index.php 1102179600 A response to the Patriot Act and US policy in the Middle East. Reviews Thu, 01 Jul 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/phonevalet2/index.php 1088697600 Thanks to this small piece of hardware, individuals and small businesses can inexpensively acquire a professional phone logging and messaging center. Tutorials Thu, 18 Mar 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/tutorials/quicktime_VRs/index.php 1079629200 Quicktime VR is an easy and satisfying way to present Blender models on the web. Galleries Thu, 18 Mar 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/galleries/catamaran/index.php 1079629200 These Quicktime VRs demonstrate what it might look like if we lived on a houseboat. Tutorials Fri, 06 Feb 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/tutorials/optimizing_rendering/index.php 1076086800 Blender's rendering options offer a lot of power, but what settings are right for your project? Reviews Mon, 02 Feb 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/reviews/griffin_ifire/index.php 1075741200 The iFire is an ideal solution for anyone who wants to use their Apple Pro Speakers with other Macs or iPods. Tutorials Mon, 02 Feb 2004 12:00:00 EST http://www.katorlegaz.com/tutorials/basic_3d_lighting.php 1075741200 Intro to 3D lighting vocabulary and techniques for use. Galleries Sat, 15 Feb 2003 09:00:00 EDT http://paintings.katorlegaz.com 1045317600 From 1991-1998, Andrew Kator worked as a professional fine arts painter, creating hundreds of paintings. This gallery presents several examples of his work.