The Blog about turning long trips into virtual accomplishments!
Halfway through the year already, oh how time flies! Worked your ass off so much you’re starting to build calluses on your ass cheeks? It doesn’t matter if it’s work while in the office or just doing work on the latest and greatest title. Sometimes doing work can get a little exhausting; you need some R and R. Why not get lost and go on a road trip?! That’s what I plan to do, head down the East Coast and enjoy gaming on the go.
My road trip consists of 48 hours in a car (24 departing and 24 returning). Pretty much a weekend game-a-thon and that is exactly what it can be. Sure you can count road kill and use your mind’s eye to relive the few moments the critters have before becoming asphalt crepes, but that can only keep you entertained for so long. This is when you call in the pros to help.
It seems to m
e that Nintendo has been the one in command of handheld gaming for the last few decades. They have been feeding the need of loyal fans with the exclusive titles, meanwhile the innovations brought by the evolution of the console fascinated the newer generation. This will be my number one past-time during the trip. A good RPG will do the trick for such a surplus of free time. Bravely Default would be a good game if I didn’t personally overkill it already with 200 plus hours. Other than the games, I will be using Streetpass to look out for any other mobile gamers out and about. Maybe they can help me Find Mii again.
The only other handheld device which can even be considered a challenge is a Smart device (with internet connection). Mobile gaming has definitely come a long way as it seems like it were yesterday when Tiger Electronics was THE handheld gaming option. These clunky pieces of plastic with faded set images. The memories do make you appreciate what we have nowadays for mobile entertainment, kids now are too privileged. I will be equipped with my 3DS XL (Pokemon Edition), tablet and of course, smart phone. These few devices will be my connection to the world both real and digital; if there are mobile signals for 3G/4G and shoddy hotel Wifi that is.
There are many approaches to making gaming on the go more favorable. One in which to me has gone extinct (and I kind of miss) is the
availability of use of stationary consoles in cars. I believe it’s not only because its helluva expensive to get all the gadgets to work and not to mention you are most likely going to a screen size that will be barely bigger than my sneaker (Size 12). Nvidia, as of last year, entered the portable war by introducing the Nvidia Shield and is looking to improve it as they release the Shield 2 (release date TBA). Nvidia uses the Android operating system which a high percentage of mobile phones also use. That leads me to believe that the next generation is the Smart Glass. My 3DS is my go-to, but my Android devices are right there to back me up if I get bored of my strenuous Pokémon training regimen. I’m a heavy user of emulators. One of my top old school franchises is Mega Man, and emulators have made Mega Man available to me on the go. Emulators can be a great time killer because of the endless library. Nvidia gives you that capability, only they use a controller that parallels an Xbox controller. I do admit, having a controller can make games more enjoyable (and less carpal tunnely).
Being well prepared with devices does bring the challenge of making sure they are provided with power to restore them. The easy one is typically the car charger for keeping phones charged, which is good for those who are going to depend on their smart phone for entertainment. I went with an alternative method of using a power inverter by Bestek (reminds me of steak in Spanish: bistec), giving the car two power outlets as if you were back at home, and also two USB ports. That gives you the flexibility on what devices to charge especially if they do not have a USB option. A great idea is to alternate in use devices with charging devices so you’re not left counting carcasses. Now, if you are a designated backseat driver, I understand it can be a pain to use the power supply in the front seats. If you don’t want to deal with cables tangling through the arm rest and barely making it to the device, you can use a 
portable energy station. I just got Satechi Power Station, a rechargeable battery that works with any device that offers USB cable as a power supply. You can have two devices charging simultaneously. Using the Bestek and Satechi will prevent stress from charging devices and ensures that I’m entertained all the way through the trip, regardless of my seating plan.
One thing I am going to keep in mind is sitting up straight while playing. I tend to slouch when I’m in a car as a passenger and focusing on text of any sort will result in me getting motion sickness. I need to keep aware of the road and how it moves so that I won’t end up puking, which will make my fellow travel companions hate me especially if I get vomit all over the car. The other option will be to medicate but I don’t feel like playing doctor.
Gaming can make a road trip be a win-win situation. Get some gaming accomplishments and get a change of ambiance. Sorry, it doesn’t cure your butt calluses, but what do you expect, as previously noted I’m not a doctor. I’m using this time to party with my friends outside the gaming world but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some gaming until you get to your destination. Once I get back from my trip, I’ll post some pics and provide the results. Till next time, vacate and play till you DRUL!!!
