Richard Grange, Chef, Corporate catering services/Translink Enterprise

Pre-CES: Samsung has revealed the WB850F, WB150F and ST200Fa trio of Wi-Fi-enabled compact superzooms. The WB850F has a 16MP backlit CMOS sensor, 23-483mm equiv. F2.8-5.9 lens and GPS. The WB150F has an 18x, 24-432mm equiv, F3.2-5.9 lens and 14MP interline CCD, allowing 1080p video capture, while the ST200F is a 10x, 27-270mm equiv. zoom camera with a 16MP CCD chip. All three cameras feature the company's 'SMART' Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing easy upload, backup and remote control.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional images

Press Release:

Samsung revolutionizes travel photography with Wi-Fi-enabled long-zoom series

Samsung WB850F

The new WB850F, WB150F, and ST200F make shooting, sharing and saving amazing quality pictures easier than ever

Las Vegas – Jan 9, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of a new range of Wi-Fi enabled travel zoom cameras. The WB850F, WB150F, and ST200F cameras enhance the advanced optical zoom and image quality that the WB line of cameras are known for, with Wi-Fi capability to facilitate sharing and saving images – wherever users are in the world. Housed in compact, light and durable bodies, the new zoom series from Samsung make the perfect travel companions.

Samsung’s innovative new SMART Wi-Fi technology aims to change the way consumers take pictures, share and store them. With the new Samsung SMART long-zoom cameras, users no longer have to worry about unearthing a tangle of cables to transfer their images over to their hard drive by using the Auto Backup function. They can also take advantage of integrated free storage space from Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft® Sky Drive® to make their photo accessible anywhere.

Of course, one of the best parts of discovering new places and cultures is sharing experiences with friends and family back home. With the Wi-Fi capability of the new Samsung SMART long-zoom cameras, sharing is quicker and easier than ever. From any Wi-Fi hotspot, users can email photos or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa or post videos to YouTube in a few simple steps. The WB850F also uses GPS features and Live Landmark to enhance the user’s journeys, enabling them to download maps and find out information on nearby locations with the touch of a button. The camera’s Digital Compass can also give users their location and tell them how far they are from certain locations, while the MapView function allows users to download maps and use their camera to help explore new cities. For those that don’t need Wi-Fi, the WB150 and ST200 will also be available as versions of the cameras without this feature.

Similar to their WB predecessors, the WB850F, WB150F and ST200F make it easy to capture incredible detail through their zoom lenses, making it simple to get up-close shots that were once out of reach. The WB850F features a 21x optical zoom – Samsung’s best yet. The WB150F features an impressive 18x optical super zoom and the ST200F includes a 10x optical zoom lens. In order to capture the detail at its best, all travel zoom models feature upwards of 12 Megapixel sensors (16.2 Megapixels on the WB850F and 14.2 Megapixels on the WB150F). The WB850F also features pioneering BSI CMOS sensor technology to reduce image noise and distortion, even in low light conditions. This crystal-clear detail can then be experienced in all its clarity on the 3.0” VGA AMOLED screen featured on both models.

“Taking photographs and sharing them with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling,” said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, senior vice president and head of the digital imaging business at Samsung Electronics. “It’s about more than simply capturing memories – it’s an integral part of the experience itself. Listening to our customers, we discovered that being able to conserve memory and share images instantly was what was missing from the high-quality cameras that they trust. With this in mind, we added ground-breaking Wi-Fi functions to our travel zoom series, building on the brilliant image quality that high-quality sensors and zoom lenses provide with the ability to store and share like never before.”

Share unforgettable scenes in Full HD

Whether filming at the carnival in Rio de Janeiro or from a vantage point atop the world’s highest buildings, Samsung travel zoom cameras mean users can share their video in HD. The WB850F captures awesome detail in 1080/30p Full HD and 1080/60i for spectacular scenery shots. The WB150F and ST200F feature fantastic 720/30p HD recording, ensuring that once-in-a-lifetime experiences are captured in the same color and vibrancy that existed in real life.

Make any picture come to life with Motion Photo

With Motion Photo, users can make one element of a normal photograph come to life and keep moving while the rest of the frame stays still, such as a friend walking through a crowd of what appear to be statues or a solitary tree bending in the breeze. And with the ST200F, instant in-camera editing along with Wi-Fi allow users to share images immediately without ever needing a computer.

Making it easy to get the best shot

With the new travel zoom cameras, it’s up to the user how to get the best shot. On the WB850F and WB150F, one can explore their own photographic skills with the Full Manual Control setting, also taking advantage of the optical image stabilization (OIS) (available on all models - WB850F, WB150F and ST200F). Alternatively, the Smart Auto setting, available on all the new models, identifies and automatically selects the most appropriate of its scene modes to provide users with the best possible result every time. From a fireworks display to a dimly-lit party, scene detection technology identifies the shooting conditions and automatically tailors the settings to help achieve standout results. 

Live Panorama to get everyone in the shot!

Live Panorama, featured on the WB850F, WB150F and ST200F, allows consumers to capture even more of the action, facilitating wide panoramic shots which don’t miss any of the detail, from sprawling mountain peaks through to large groups of friends. The function allows the easy capture of large scenes by simply holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across. Users can even preview the whole scene they’ve just captured via the LCD screen.

Fun features to add a twist to your travels

With Split Shot, camera users can divide the screen into three separate shots and create up to three different photographs by simply blending them together to create a whole new view of their travels. Using Magic Frame they can also position their target in the middle of a fun background – either choose from one of the many pre-designed backgrounds like movie billboards or posters or erase part of an existing picture to get even more creative! Or use the Picture-in-Picture feature to insert a photo – whether an eye-catching monument or personal portrait into another image or video so users can combine their favorite shots to make a memorable collage. Finally, users can also bend, stretch, and warp pictures of friends and family for big laughs — with the Funny Face feature. Simply press the 5-direction key to enlarge heads or noses, or create hilarious distortions. When they move the camera, Face Tracking preserves the funny looks just the way they want them.

Visit Samsung’s booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed January 10-13 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: www.samsungces.com. The press conference will also be streamed live from: www.samsungces.com or www.global.samsungtomorrow.com.

Samsung WB850F, WB150F and ST200F specifications

Additional images

Samsung WB150F

Samsung ST200F

Pre-CES: Samsung has given more details about the capabilities of its 'SMART Camera' range of Wi-Fi enabled compacts and camcorders. The range includes the WB850F, WB150F and ST200F compacts announced today, as well as the DV300F announced on Jan 2nd. All can be used with Samsung's Remote Viewfinder app on Android smartphones (an iOS version is due later in 2012). All the cameras can also automatically backup their images and video to your home PC when you're within Wi-Fi range, and feature 'log-in' browsers for connecting to public networks. The SMART Cameras also allow easy uploading to social networks, Samsung's AllShare Play or Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud services.

Press Release:

Samsung announces ultra-connected SMART Camera and Camcorder line-up throughout range

Optimum combination of superior picture-quality and premium Wi-Fi connectivity make capturing simpler, smarter and more sociable in an instant

Las Vegas – Jan 9, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today its continuing commitment to world-class innovation with the launch of its 2012 SMART Camera line-up, the industry’s most-connected range to date. Samsung’s Wi-Fi enabled technology and features have been developed for photographers of all levels to ensure their photography experience is simpler, smarter and more sociable, while offering complete peace-of-mind.

As a leading innovator in the digital imaging industry, Samsung Electronics is responding to growing consumer demand for integrated Wi-Fi enabled technology. The company’s pioneering SMART Camera range has been engineered to offer superior picture capturing, while maximizing simplicity throughout the entire photographic experience and ensuring that users are just one click away from seamless connectivity.

With more than half of the estimated 2.5 billion digital camera owners in the world sharing their photos via online and social networking sites, and over 100,000 Wi-Fi hot spots in more than 75 countries, the benefits of Wi-Fi have never been more important or accessible. Samsung’s extensive range of Wi-Fi enabled SMART cameras ensure that photographers of all levels, from teenagers to grandparents, can take full advantage of the wireless world - anytime and anywhere.

Following the success of the SH100, Samsung’s line of wireless SMART cameras comprises no fewer than five cameras and camcorders, all Wi-Fi enabled. Showcasing the new premium Wi-Fi connectivity, the recently announced WB850F is a world-class travel camera with 21x zoom capability. The WB850F allows budding photographers to create instant travelogues of their most memorable images with direct upload to Facebook, Picasa or Photobucket thanks to easy Social Sharing, so friends and family can catch up on their latest adventures in real-time. Samsung’s new DualView offering, the DV300F, with a 1.5” front-facing LCD screen is the ideal accessory for the perfect self-portrait. Using the camera’s Wi-Fi connection, photos can be easily and instantly uploaded to Facebook or YouTube via the Social Sharing feature. The SMART camera series also includes the slim and stylish ST200F which not only fits in a purse or pocket, but includes Wi-Fi functionality as well and allows images to be wirelessly saved to a computer in one click via the Auto Backup feature. Additionally, images can be saved to free Cloud storage with Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft® SkyDrive® to make photos accessible through other connected devices.

Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics said, “The ability to instantly share, securely save and automatically back-up images on the go make our newest line-up of SMART cameras must-haves for a whole range of photographers. This introduction of Wi-Fi functionality across our 2012 line-up demonstrates Samsung’s continuing commitment to ensuring our customers are provided with a simpler, smarter and more enjoyable camera experience, whatever their skill level. We will continue to create and bring to market innovative products that open up completely new photographic possibilities to our customers”

With Auto Backup, just Click and go!

Samsung’s Wi-Fi functionality enables users to automatically transfer and back-up photos directly to their home PC after a day of capturing images, allowing instant upload and storage. With customizable back-up options to ensure only desired images are shared, consumers enjoy greater peace of mind that photos are safe at home.

Share special moments on the big (and small) screen

With the new Samsung Mobile Link feature, these SMART cameras make it child’s-play to share, store and view photos across home and portable devices - whether direct to a Samsung Smartphone, tablet or internet-enabled TV. In addition, the TV Link capabilities make it easy to connect instantly to a home network of appliances and electronic equipment for additional sharing possibilities.

Sharing photos in an instant

With just one touch of selected photos or videos on a SMART camera, consumers can upload images wirelessly anywhere and anytime, instantly sharing special moments on social networking sites and online albums with the cameras’ Social Sharing feature. The latest wireless features prove that connectivity via Samsung’s SMART cameras opens a new world of creative storytelling, instantly and infinitely shareable. Share travel photos with loved ones on Facebook at the touch of a button.

Complete control at your fingertips

With the innovative Remote Viewfinder feature, users can remotely control camera settings and set-up shots via a connected Smartphone using the camera’s Wi-Fi connection. By adjusting the settings via a mobile device, users can create the perfect shot to ensure everyone is part of the picture or to capture the best shots from a distance.

Easy Email for personalized sharing

With the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, emailing images directly from a Samsung SMART camera to friends and family could not be simpler. Using the onscreen keyboard allows personalized messages to accompany pictures so that special memories can be easily shared with a personal touch.

Save your memories securely to the Cloud

Whether at home or out with friends, the ability to upload images and video to the Samsung Allshare Play and Microsoft SkyDrive Cloud services, give users the freedom to take more pictures and the peace of mind that images are safe in the event of loss or damage to the camera. Users can simply access, transfer and backup images to one of these Cloud services or via the PC Auto Backup feature in the comfort of their home. Thanks to the TV Link feature, users can also search and enjoy large-scale images on a connected TV screen at the touch of a button.

Direct to Wi-Fi Devices to make connectivity a cinch

Consumers can connect their cameras to Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets with Wi-Fi Direct, for quick and easy sharing and viewing of images. Whether they want to see pictures on the bigger screen of a laptop, or transfer to a tablet to use as a digital photo frame, Wi-Fi Direct is as easy to use as Bluetooth but offers a superior experience with increased speed and connection quality.

Visit Samsung’s booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed January 10-13 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: www.samsungces.com. The press conference will also be streamed live from: www.samsungces.com or www.global.samsungtomorrow.com.

Pre-CES: Samsung has announced three camcorder models: the Q20, F80 and the W300 pocket camcorder. The Q20 shoots 1080i HD footage and incorporates a 20x zoom lens. The company is also offering a Wi-Fi capable QF20 variant. The less expensive F80 model shoots 720p30 video and a 52x optical zoom lens. Finally, the W300 is a rugged pocket camcorder that can shoot 1080p30 movies.

Press Release:

Samsung Brings Video to Life with its Strongest Camcorder Line-up Yet

Samsung QF20

Samsung makes recording and sharing amazing video easy for everyone with three new camcorders, led by the family-friendly and ultra-connected QF20

Las Vegas – Jan 9, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the latest additions to its family of camcorders, offering a range of innovative features that appeal to film-makers of all abilities and ambitions. The new QF20 takes Samsung’s innovative Switch Grip feature one step further for even easier recording. The QF20 also introduces Wi-Fi connectivity to the camcorder line, revolutionizing the storing and sharing of movies. The F80, meanwhile, is the range’s go-anywhere family-friendly companion, while the W300’s rugged design is perfect for the on-the-road adventurer.

Flexible family fun with the Q20/QF20

The Q20 follows on from the popular and innovative Q10, incorporating the new Switch Grip II which now includes the Vertical Recording feature, increasing flexibility with three recording angles. The Switch Grip means that however the camcorder is held, the digital, triaxial acceleration sensor inside recognizes the angle and turns the LCD display so it’s easy to see and control recording from any angle. The QF20 also boasts innovative Wi-Fi capability for uploading and sharing content, along with Auto-Backup to help quickly and securely backup your memories to your chosen PC.

The Q20’s stylish design houses 1080i Full HD recording, 20x optical zoom and creative functions in a slim and portable form. Ideal for busy young families, it is a lightweight and easy-to-use grab-and-go companion. Samsung’s new ‘Shake It’ feature incorporated in the Q20 gives an extra sense of fun to family movies, allowing artistic effects to be added randomly with a simple shake of the camera and Art time lapse effects including reverse time lapse can allow anyone to unleash their creativity! Meanwhile the camcorder’s One Touch recording function and touch-LCD make it easier than ever to control recording and editing on-the-go.

The all-terrain W300/W350 for extreme shots in extreme conditions

Samsung W300

The W300 is the latest in Samsung’s rugged range of pocket camcorders, designed as the ideal companion for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. Water-proof up to five meters, shock-proof from heights of up to two meters and dust-proof, it allows users to capture all the action and adventure of an outdoor lifestyle in 1080/30p Full HD video. Its innovative range of value-adding features make it perfectly suited to extreme use, while its optional floating bumper featured in the W350 enables filming while floating the camcorder on water. The 5M BSI CMOS Sensor and F/2.2 Bright Lens also facilitate low-light shooting for high quality images.

Fun family moments in HD with the F80

Samsung F80

The F80 is a family-friendly option that offers HD capabilities and upgraded image quality in an affordable and stylish package, full of intelligent features and powered by HDMI. With 52x optical zoom and 65x intelli-zoom, the F80 brings users closer to the action. The F80 also features 1280 x 720 30p recording for smooth and clear video capturing in clear and bright detail on the 1/3.2" 5M pixel CMOS Sensor as well as 1080i video upscaling via HDMI and the Smart Background Music II feature makes it easy to add a custom soundtrack to make movies truly memorable.

Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics said, “Our latest camcorder line-up is our strongest yet, offering the perfect camcorder for every lifestyle and budget. The new QF20 we’re delighted to be able to offer Wi-Fi capabilities to make sharing and saving people's special memories easier than ever. Whether it’s for an active family, outdoors enthusiast or budding director, each camcorder in our range offers stand-out design and functions to make creativity come alive.”

Create memories that are works of art

Each new camcorder in Samsung’s new line-up offers creative options to bring movies to life easily and without the need for editing experience or even a computer! My Clip, found across the whole range, is a simple way to bookmark the most important parts of the action as they happen so that users can pick the best moments for an instantly edited ‘highlights’ montage. The upgraded Smart BGM II (Background Music) function adds atmosphere to movies by letting users sync their music, automatically adjusting volume under/over a video clip. All the camcorders also feature brilliant still shots – for moments when only a snapshot will do

Visit Samsung’s booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed January 10-13 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: www.samsungces.com. The press conference will also be streamed live from: www.samsungces.com or www.global.samsungtomorrow.com.

Samsung has announced the NX200 rangefinder-style 20.3MP mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. The latest in the NX series features a sleek new metal body wrapped around the latest APS-C CMOS sensor from the Korean manufacturer. It can shoot at 7 frames per second and capture 1080p30 HD video.

Click here our hands-on preview of the Samsung NX200

Jump to:

• Hands-on Preview
• Press Release
• Additional images

Press Release:

Premium Style Meets Professional Performance with the Samsung NX200 Compact System Camera

Capture memorable images in the best picture quality, with the Samsung NX200

IFA - BERLIN, Germany - September 1, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the NX200 compact system camera. The NX200 delivers professional image quality with ease of use that lets users unleash their creativity. The NX200 includes a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and other premium features such as high-speed continuous shooting (7fps (max) with 100ms Advanced Auto Focus), wide range ISO (100-12,800), Full HD movie recording, and Samsung’s unique i-Function lens. With exceptional performance and functionality built into a compact metallic form factor in the NX200, users no longer have to trade off camera style for image quality.

The NX200 is the perfect combination of design and professional performance, delivering DSLR image quality in a camera that is compact and easy to use. The camera incorporates a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor developed in-house by Samsung, ensuring image quality that highlights even the smallest detail and puts performance at the fingertips of all photographers. To allow for high-speed continuous shooting, the NX200 features 100ms Advanced AF. Thanks to the fast start-up time and seven fps continuous shooting, it’s the perfect way to capture that split-second action in an instant. Additionally, users will never miss a moment, with the ability to move from shot to shot in only 400ms.

The camera’s wide range ISO (100-12800, covering seven stops) gives life-like color and sharp details, even in dark environments or when capturing still images of moving objects.

To capture movement on video, the NX200 also features 1920x1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording for exciting and vivid video with Stereo Sound. All this is incorporated into a compact and sleek body with a premium metal design, light enough to be carried in a jacket pocket and stylish enough that anyone will be proud to be seen with this camera.

The NX200 also enables state-of-the-art usability through Samsung’s i-Function 2.0 lenses, which allow users to control a range of parameters from the lens without having to take their eye off the shot. The NX200 is fully compatible with the wide range of nine different i-Function lenses which enable toggling between shutter speed, aperture, exposure value (EV), white balance (WB), and ISO quickly and easily through the button and ring on the lens. With the upgraded i-Function 2.0 on the NX200, users can also control six different Smart Filters and the intelli-Zoom function from the lens while in Lens Priority Mode. New lenses for the i-Function system include 18-200mm, 16mm, 60mm and 85mm focal lengths.

“With the NX line, we have pioneered the compact system camera to allow any user to get the results that they’ve always wanted from their pictures without complicated controls or the need to carry heavy, clunky equipment,” said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “The NX200 is the next step in providing the ambitious photographer with first-class picture quality through the combination of professional-standard features such as a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, high speed capture, wide-range ISO and HD movie capabilities. With technology like this built into a stylish and compact body, the NX200 is the ultimate tool for achieving professional quality in a compact camera. The NX200 represents Samsung’s continued commitment to lead the way in producing cutting-edge technology that fits the needs and knowledge of the consumer, proving photography does not need to be complicated in order to deliver great results every time.”   

Effortless creativity
One of the key ways in which Samsung’s NX200 stands out is by making it easy for users to realize their own creativity through a range of fun and easy-to-use features and settings. The camera features ten different Smart Filter effects, six of which can be easily accessed through the i-Function lens, allowing the user to capture a uniquely creative image of their subject without having to take their eye off it to change the filter. The new NX200 also includes Magic Frame technology, which enables the user to encapsulate their pictures with thirteen different stylized frames, from magazine covers to holiday themes for fun photos to share with family and friends.

Professional standards made simple
With its Smart Panel user interface, the NX200 makes taking pictures simple and fuss-free, even for first-time users. The high-quality images captured can be viewed in brilliant quality on the 3.0” VGA AMOLED display. The camera’s Smart Panel also offers intuitive control thanks to hot keys that enable users to switch to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to the desired shot.

Expanding horizons
The NX200 enables users to capture even more from their experiences by using exciting new features and cutting-edge Samsung technology. The new Panorama function means that users can take lengthened shots of large objects or turn the image into a 3D scene, bringing the object to life. To capture even more of the moment for posterity, Samsung has also added the Sound Picture function to the NX200, so that a snippet of sound can be recorded to accompany a still image to add even more memories to a photograph.

Additional images

Samsung has launched the WB750, a compact superzoom with an 18x zoom lens. The camera is built around what the company says is a proprietary 12.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Despite its slim dimensions, the camera offers a 24-432mm equivalent zoom range with its F3.2-5.8 image stabilized lens. As well as being able to shoot 10 full-resolution frames per second, it can also capture 1080p30 HD video.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional images

Press Release:

Samsung's New WB750 Takes You Further and Faster than Ever Before

Get even closer to the action without compromising on quality
with Samsung’s latest long zoom offering  

IFA - BERLIN, Germany - September 1, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the WB750 camera – featuring a proprietary BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor that ensures consistent professional images and video. Featuring a newly-redesigned image sensor, lens and image processor, the WB750 brings to bear a range of new technologies to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and ease-of-use. The WB750 also features an 18x optical zoom with 24x Smart Zoom technology, making it the longest ever zoom in Samsung’s compact camera portfolio.

Thanks to its 12.5 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, with the WB750 it’s easier than ever to produce consistently high-quality images and video. Introduced to Samsung’s compact camera range for the first time, this pioneering BSI CMOS technology works to significantly reduce image noise and distortion, delivering clear, precise photos and video even in low light conditions. The WB750 is the perfect compact digital camera to have on hand when there is a need for speed, as it can capture stills at up to 10 frames per second in high-speed continuous mode.

“We recognize that consumers want a point and shoot that allows them to get up close to the action and capture images with stunning detail and clarity.  We believe that the WB750’s increased zoom and ultra wide angle certainly meet these demands,” said Mr Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “Its portable design makes it the ideal travel companion, putting even more of the world at the consumers’ fingertips and ensuring it can do justice to the most memorable journeys. The unique features of the WB750 offer a rare combination of quality, fun and creativity, particularly for those on the move.”

The WB750 offers users the best of both worlds: high-quality digital photos as well as Full HD video for incredible depth of color and detail. Samsung’s sophisticated Dual Capture function seamlessly unites the two, allowing users to take 10 Megapixel photos while simultaneously recording video in full 1080p HD quality.

The camera’s, Creative Movie Maker feature allows users to create movie clips in Full HD quality, complete with a range of creative special effects, right on the camera itself. Rather than needing to upload content to a PC, this feature allows users to get creative by collating photos and videos into one themed file on the device itself, adding impressive effects and music instantly.

Breathe life into images
With its range of Panorama features, the WB750 helps convey a sense of dynamism to images. Action Panorama, for example, tracks a moving person or object with a static background to record movement within a single, still photo, whereas the Live Panorama function allows users to easily capture large groups of people simply by holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across the scene. The 3D Panorama, works to bring photos to life even further, using one lens and one sensor to create a 3D image, to give family and friends a more realistic appreciation of the photographer’s trip when they return home.

Consistent quality at the user’s fingertips
The camera’s innovative HDR (High Dynamic Range) provides an abundance of colors which give an outstanding richness to the WB750’s images, opening up the color spectrum for the most vibrant results. Providing the opportunity to take hyper-realistic images without the use of photo editing software, HDR brings an added level of clarity to images, whether the user is capturing a lake at sunset or a tree-lined street in the morning sun. The WB750 merges multiple exposures of shots to ensure images have an artistic finish, while creating a greater range of luminance results in perfect exposure across all areas. The camera’s HDR feature ensures that WB750 users capture their creative visions through the latest cutting-edge technology.

With Smart Auto 2.0, the camera can recognize and automatically select the most appropriate setting from a choice of 16 still-image modes and four movie-clip settings, helping users achieve stand-out results. So, even when users are caught-up in the moment, the WB750 will capture every special moment of the user’s journey.

Customize the world
Creating stand-out images is even more effortless with the WB750, thanks to its Smart Filter 3.0 feature. The extensive variety of effects and color options lets users customize shots easily. New special effects include: Oil paint, Cartoon, Ink Painting Color and Cross Filter. Users can enjoy the effects of these features both in preview mode and after taking a picture. In addition, Zooming Shot, which can be used in scene mode, makes creating unique shots even easier. By experimenting with the focus of images, users can highlight the center of a shot while blurring the rest, thereby selecting the part of the image the photographer wants to stand out.

Staying in creative control
For more advanced, or more adventurous photographers, the WB750 offers a full range of options designed to place more control in the user’s hands, including full manual mode. Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority settings let users experiment with shutter speeds and depth of field, so shooting fast-moving images in low light has never been easier.

Keeping it fun
Magic Frame further builds on the WB750’s creative suite, allowing users to express themselves through adapting photos to reflect one’s mood and personality. Frame templates include Wall Art, Old Film, Ripple, Full Moon, Old Record, Magazine, Holiday, Classic TV and more, and are incredibly simple to achieve. Just point the camera at the desired subject, fit it within the on-screen template, capture and - like magic - the frame appears.

Intelligent Face tracking
When the subject starts moving, it can be hard to keep the camera focused. This ceases to be a problem with Intelligent Face tracking, which automatically recognizes, follows and focuses upon a person’s face when they start to move. So, even if the photographer is trying to capture special images of friends dancing at a party, or a child taking his first unsteady steps, they’ll never miss a perfect shot.

Samsung WB750 specifications

Additional images

The images from that memorable Super Bowl on Feb. 3, 2008 remain vivid. The scenes are of the New York Giantsa pass rushers relentlessly pursuing New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, of Eli Manning somehow eluding a sack to enable David Tyree to make his miraculous catch with the ball pinned against his helmet, of Plaxico Burress hauling in Manningas pass for the game-winning touchdown in the final minute.

Enrique Iglesias and Pharrell Williams also help out judges, while Mariah Carey can't make it across the pond.
By Adam Graham

Rihanna and L.A. Reid
Photo: FOX

Half of the 32 "X Factor" semifinalists performed on Thursday's (October 13) episode, which was delayed by a day due to Fox's coverage of Major League Baseball. The contestants ventured off to their mentors' luxurious homes and strutted their stuff in front of them, each vying for one of 16 spots in the finals.

In three out of four cases, the judges were joined by a super-special celebrity guest: In Santa Barbara, California, Paula Abdul was accompanied by Pharrell Williams; Enrique Iglesias was coupled with Nicole Scherzinger in Malibu, California; and Rihanna was by L.A. Reid's side at his cozy estate in the Hamptons, New York. Meanwhile, over in France, Simon Cowell was stood up by Mariah Carey, whose plane was grounded by Hurricane Irene. When it was time to make decisions, a vocal coach and a team of music producers were there to give their impressions to Cowell, whose backyard, it should be noted, houses an absolutely enormous swimming pool. Simon's pool aside, it was Rihanna who was the episode's MVP. Not only did she help provide Reid feedback on the contestants, but three of them performed her songs, including Seattle crooner Phillip Lomax, who took RiRi by surprise with his laid-back, Sinatra-style take on "Don't Stop the Music." Other singers taking on Rihanna songs were Temecula, California, Bieber-hair-sporting brother duo the Brewer Boys, who did a Tejano version of "Only Girl in the World," and James Kenney, who took on the emotionally charged "Russian Roulette." As a judge, RiRi seemed most taken by pint-size 14-year-old rapper Brian "Astro" Bradley, whom she compared to "a mini J. Cole." And the brimming-with-confidence Bradley didn't hesitate to inform RiRi of his future plans with her, telling her frankly, "We will be doing a collab one day." The Carey-less Cowell is tasked with mentoring the girls in the competition, and the standouts included 14-year-old Drew Ryniewicz, whose slowed, hushed take on Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" was called "magic" by the tight-T-shirted one, and rugby bruiser Caitlyn Koch, whose "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" caused Cowell to praise her pitch and tone. Cowell also enjoyed Simone Battle's piano-ballad version of the Beatles' "Help," but he seemed less sure about Tora Woloshin's electro version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction": "It doesn't quite get to me," a puzzled Cowell explained. In the groups category, Salt Lake City, Utah, trio the Anser impressed Paula and Pharrell with their version of Pink's "Perfect," though Pharrell seemed perplexed by a group member's decision to leave his striking red-framed glasses off during the performance. Virginia Beach quartet 4Shore were praised for their sound take on Brownstone's "If You Love Me," though Pharrell suggested the group needs to "dirty up their style a little bit." And both the judges and the members of Lakoda Rayne seemed to agree something was "off" during their performance of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," not surprising, considering the group was Frankenstein'd together by the judges and had never previously performed together as a unit. In the category of the Olds — sorry, the "Over 30s" — 53-year-old Elaine Gibbs and 42-year-old Stacy Francis stood out with their versions of Oasis' "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" and Prince's "Purple Rain," respectively. (Of the latter's, which seemingly echoed throughout the canyons of Malibu, Iglesias marveled, "I think the neighbors heard that.") But the most memorable performance (for all the wrong reasons) came from formerly homeless 49-year-old Dexter Haygood, who strutted like Mick Jagger and kicked his legs in the air like David Lee Roth while screaming his way through Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love." Iglesias practically buried his head in his hands in horror during the performance, and many viewers probably did too. On Sunday's "X Factor," the second half of the contestants performs in front of the judges, and the talent pool is cut in half from 32 to 16. Who should make the "X Factor" finals and who shouldn't? Let us know in the comments!

• Mariah Carey
• Rihanna
• Enrique Iglesias
• Pharrell Williams
• Pharrell Williams

Some Of Oprah Winfrey's Most Memorable Moments

• Black Eyed Peas
• Mariah Carey

Special thank you to Labyrinth for creating the Pimpin banner.
Special thank you to Divine Miss Bee for doing my editing.

With 2012 about a week and a half underway, it's that time of year once again when we take a look back at the crazy mess that was the year before. Luckily, 2011 was an exceptionally schizophrenic and nutty year in every aspect. It seemed like the shock and awe of any one of the year's headlines was quickly brushed aside by the earth-shattering revelation of another. And I feel like it wasn't just like this for mainstream events, but in every aspect of life last year. Just take a look.

Internationally, the debt crisis raged on harder than ever, the people of Libya revolted, American military captured Osama bin Laden, the man arguably responsible for the conflict in Afghanistan, and lastly were pulled out of the conflict in Iraq. Nationally, the US government almost collapsed, the candidates for our next presidential election dominated (and continue to dominate) mainstream news media, we're on our 400th or something attempt to pass a simple payroll tax cut, and now this business with the Stop Online Piracy Act is building momentum.

On the gamer side of the spectrum, this year was a big one for games of all genres. We started the year with motion controllers like Kinect and PS Move running high, but all that really happened was a shooter-dominated season with Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3 going head to head. Then the year ended with Skyrim and Action RPGS as the most successful commercial hits. The industry was all over the place.

2011 crept up on us fast and it hit hard, but it left us with a lot of memories. So in a final farewell to the year, I'd like to share with you some of my top video game memories of 2011, in this year's.....

Number 11: DragonAge 2

Developer: BioWare

Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Release Date: March 8, 2011

Metacritic Score: 82

****
****

Sequel to the incredibly epic Dragon Age: Origins, this latest installment was poised to fight tooth-and-nail for the number 1 spot with the best of them, so Dragon Age II should be downright ashamed that it is this low on the list. Unfortunately, it's no secret that this game was rushed out of development about a year and a half before it was ready to be released. While it's still an excellent game and a must-buy of this year, it doesn't live up to the epic expectations that had been set by legendary developer BioWare.

Taking place mainly in the city of Kirkwall, the player takes on the role of Hawke, a human male/female warrior/mage/rogue (depending on your preference) who starts off as a lowly refugee and makes his/her way to becoming the savior of the city. Told through the flashbacks of one of your many future companions, the story spans ten years of adventures in its three acts. The story has many strong points, and the characters you encounter are as interesting as ever, but it still feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the world-shattering events of the original.

While it's by no means a bad game, it is incredibly inferior to what it could have-and should have-been. If Origins was the Watergate scandal and trial of former US President Richard Nixon, Dragon Age II is closer in impact to the conviction of Illinois Governor and professional scumbag, Rod Blagojevich. Still, there are a lot of games that wouldn't even be able to compete with this one, and that's why it takes the last spot on my top 11 of 2011.

Number 10: Where's My Water?

Developer: Creature Feep (Disney)

Platforms: Android and Iphone

Release Date: September 22, 2011

Metacritic Score: 90

****

Sewer gators get a bad reputation. Whether it's from mothers around the country scaring their children away from man-hole covers or being liable for the fate of myth-busting communists (New Yorkers) who disturb the slumber of a crime fighting ninja turtle, sewer gators always take the rap for things they don't deserve.

Where's My Water tells the story of Swampy, a sewer-dwelling alligator who has an obsession with cleanliness, spending all day in the shower. Unfortunately, living in a subterranean area, he finds it hard to get connected to the pipelines above that he needs to provide him his warm, soapy goodness. Using an index finger, the player can clear patches of dirt to create a path from the broken nozzle straight to the frustrated gator's tub. From there, the water will flow realistically thanks to the game's amazing physics engine.

On the more advanced levels, the player will be tasked with such challenges as a limited water supply, globs of acid, trick pathways, and even mold that grows whenever it comes in contact with liquid. Puzzles get even more fun when you realize the game lets you get creative, such as poisoning your water with acid in order to burn through some algae blocking your path. Avoiding (or in some cases utilizing) these environmental hazards is often crucial in getting the water from where it is to where you want it to go.

I realize that it's strange to think of a title from the app store as one of the top game experiences of this year. Even as recently as 5 years ago, such a thing would have been unheard of. When I sat down and thought about it, however, I asked myself a simple question. When was the last time a video game set out to do everything it wanted to do and did it right? Goofy, beautiful, charming, clever, and fun, this game had it all. The graphics are great, the cartoony cut scenes are endearing, and the catchy music is very fitting. It's everything you could want from a casual on-the-go experience, and it's number 10 on the Top 11 games of 2011.

Number 9:Saints Row 3

Developer: Volition

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Metacritic Score: 84

****

The original Saints Row is one of my favorite games of all time. The story was a fun tale of the rise through a gang with an unbelievably dark final twist. The gameplay was serious when it needed to be, and hilarious when it didn't. Side quests, characters, and even the various environments parodied themselves tongue in cheek, usually by breaking the fourth wall in clever ways, but never taking you out of the experience. This is one of the only games in which I've strived for 100% completion, so I'd spend hours customizing my sweet rides or listening to the ridiculous talk show hosts on the car's radio.

When Saints Row 2 came along, it was clear that they had upped the silliness and diluted the seriousness. This was fine with me, because behind the shenanigans and absurdity, the game stuck to its roots. Things got a little over the top on more than one occasion, but the story remained an integral part of what made the experience memorable. For those who have played it, remember the Johnny Gat Graveyard scene?

This time, the series comes back as an even more overdramatic sensationalist parody of itself, but I'm not quite sure it benefits from it. If things in the second game are over the top, this time around it's mostly just obnoxious. The story is barely believable, and mostly forgotten throughout the game. Most of it is spent jumping around admittedly creative but completely far-fetched set pieces, but none of them include hardcore gangster. The constant stream of spectacle, violence, and action desensitizes the player from early on, and ends up being more goofy than cool by the game's end.

However, somewhere in there is still the game I know and love. And though I feel like this may be the last installment that has any resemblance to the first, it may be time to accept the path that the franchise is undeniably heading towards. The game is still one of the most fun, wacky, and lasting experiences of the year. The gags and writing are hit-and-miss through the game, but when they hit they hit with a force. The sheer amount of pop culture references can be enough to make your head spin, but the cheeky cheerfulness of the game's lowbrow humor can bring out the devil in any type of gamer. Come get impy with Saints Row The Third, it deserves the number 9 spot on top 11 of 2011 list.

I'll be blunt-I never have been and never will be a fan of motion controls. Hell, to this day I still regret my decision to get my little cousins a Wii. Every fucking time Mario can't get over a hurdle, Barbie can't solve the puzzle, or Ben 10 is refusing to cooperate I have to get up from whatever I'm doing, spend 10 minutes trying to aim the remote downwards thanks to my 6'4" frame, and before I can sit back down I have to do it all over again because one of their dumbass characters got stuck in a corner again. At this rate, I'm getting ready to beg them to sit down and watch Cars for the three hundred thousandth time just so I can relax.

However, I was willing to give the Playstation Move a try, but only because I heard they were taking Jak and Daxter, Rachet and Clank, and SlyCooper and making some sort of ultra-PS2-era-heroes game for the next generation. Now, Rachet and Clank are good old fashioned shooty fun. Sly Cooper is downright criminally fun. And Jak and Daxter are, well, holy shit is that Jak and Daxter?! I love those guys! The plot takes the heroes to outer space, where they are to compete in a Who Is The Best Hero Olympics of sorts. You even get to visit iconic locations from each series such as Haven City from J&D, Metropolis City from R&C, and even Paris from the Sly Cooper franchise. How could this possibly go wrong?

Well first of all, there's no super-villain team up as would be expected of any cross over. Instead we're introduced to Lunk & Gleeber, the space version of Bonnie and Clyde. But the worst part is that the entire game is a series of minigames. Fucking minigames. Not only that, but only 5 real variations of minigame: Frisbee throwing, bowling, using a whip, shooting a gun, and finally melee combat. The bizarre thing is that this could have worked. The excellent cutscenes are limited to few, the solid story becomes nonexistent, the distinct characters all play the exact same, the mini games drag and get too difficult to bother with, the multiplayer is a joke, and worst of all a game with Jak and Daxter in it is not fun. What. The. Fuck.

Honorable Mention:
Two Worlds 2

Last time around, the game tricked me by telling me it would make me forget my loneliness after completing Oblivion, that it would make me forget that any other action RPG existed ever. Boy, was that a lie. This time around, it was going to prep me for Skyrim. It was going to get me all excited for screwing dungeons and looting wenches and all that "saving the world from an unknown evil" stuff that comes in between that. Instead I got a glitchy game with a shitty story and voice acting worse than a dubbed porno. Fuck this game too.

Number 8: Total War: Shogun 2

Developer: The Creative Assembly

Platforms: PC

Release Date: 15 March 2011

Metacritic Score: 90

****

I guess I have to 'fess up: I am a racist historian. It's just that, to me, no other part of the world has pushed out such a complex, intriguing, and beautiful history as that of Europe and imperialist legacy it's left behind. I'll take a Voltaire, a Montesquieu, or a Locke over a Sun Tsu or an Al-Ghazali any day. I can tell you volumes about the Byzantines but I'll gladly brush off the Mesopotamians. I can't help it. So when I head that the Total War series was leaving the Napoleonic Era to sail for greener pastures in Sengoku-era Japan, I was openly disappointed.

To add to my reservations, the series had seemed to be on a downward slope. The past two installments, Empire and Napoleon, suffered greatly as it seemed developer Creative Assembly had lost its touch in minimizing bugs and creating working AI. I was really starting to think that Shogun 2 would be the nail in the coffin for one of the best RTS franchises of all time. However, I'm happy to say that the return to Japan not only brings a kick-ass story mode but a return to the gameplay and design that made the franchise a hit in the first place.

Players take control of one of the many factions that arose during the "Warring States Era" of Japan. Starting from their unique location, players raise and control cities while fighting their way to take the nation's capital, Kyoto. As always, each faction is characterized by the benefits and consequences of choosing it, as well as its own distinct tactical preferences. On top of that, players can upgrade abilities on RPG-style skill trees. The game features "Agents", the important individuals in an army, who develop personalities to which the player will quickly grow attached.

All this and so much more makes Total War: Shogun 2 a downright intelligent game. Creative Assembly's return to the origins of its first game has allowed it to recreate the genuine fun that has made the series so memorable. Things can only go upward from here. Have faith in this one guys.

Number 7: Okamiden

Developer: Mobile & Game Studio, Inc

Platforms: Nintendo DS

Release Date: March 15, 2011

Metacritic Score: 82

****

Released back in 2006, Okami was one of the greatest sleeper hits to be featured on the Playstation 2. Based on a loose collection of Japanese myths and folklore, it told the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu and artist Issun and their quest to stop an ancient evil that was accidentally unleashed by the self-proclaimed greatest warrior of all time, Susano. Other than its beautiful and unique art style, the game made a mark for its Zelda-esque gameplay and creative use of a mechanic they called the "Celestial Brush." At any moment in the game, players could pause and literally draw in changes to the environment. Drawing a swirl would create a burst of wind, drawing a bridge would connect you to your next destination, and so on. Though the game was well received by critics and audiences alike, it was a financial bomb and even named the "Least Commercially Successful Game of the Year Winner" by the Guinness Book of World Records.

This year, the Nintendo DS was blessed with a sequel, Okamiden. Taking place 9 months after the events of the original, it focuses on the children of the previous cast. When a similar dark presence to that from the last game returns, the villagers call upon Amaterasu to defend them once again. Instead, they are given her child, Chibiterasu. The adorable pup teams up with Kuni, the mysterious adopted son of Susano and Kushi from the original. Together, they make friends with many of the gifted children in the village, and collect powers from the children of the gods from the last game. Some may be worried that a more child-friendly look makes the game more cartoonish and uninteresting, but all it does it add a layer of "aww" to the solid gameplay mechanics and story that were featured in the first one.

The Celestial Brush returns and remains essential in solving the game's many memorable puzzles and boss fights. Using the DS stylus, players draw in the effects on the bottom screen that they want to see affect the world above. The cool thing is that the screen recognizes the speed of your swipe, so a quick one will create faint lines and effects while slower ones will create stronger, bolded ones. This method and the DS as a platform work much better than the original did, and improved mechanics make it an overall better game.

The move to the Nintendo DS was a risky one, but it paid off pretty well. The touch screen allows the use of the celestial brush to be much more fluid, and the cell-shaded graphics remain as unique and alluring as ever. For being so goddamn cute (amongst other reasons) Chibiterasu's game gets to be number 7 on the top 11 or 2011 list.

Number 6: Pokemon Black/White

Developer: Game Freak

Platforms: Nintendo DS

Release Date: March 6, 2011

Metacritic Score: 87

****

With Black and White, the legendary Pokemon series released its 5th generation of creatures. Altogether there are now 646 total pocket monsters to catch, train, cockfight, and adventure with. It's weird to think that most of us have been around with this series since its debut in 1998 with only a measly 151 monsters in the 1st generation. Since then, the series has grown and evolved, but the tried-and-true formula stays about the same.

It's safe to say that this is the best new generation of Pokemon since the 2nd. The 153 new beasts to catch are some of the most unique and varied since the original. This isn't the only way the game keeps things fresh despite the series' long history. The main villains this time around, Team Plasma, aren't your typical Team-Rocket-style hoodlums trying to make a quick buck off world dominance or rare Pokemon. Instead, they're insane eco-friendly hippies that want to free Pokemon from the bondage of mankind through the worst means possible. This isn't the only case where the developers have instituted a little more personality in the game. The rivals, gym leaders, and cities have more variety in them than ever before. And the game realistically changes seasons (as well as the type of Pokemon that can be caught in certain seasons) as time goes on.

Many efforts to streamline and improve on the old Pokemon formula are a great success. Pokemon Centers and Marts are combined into one building, HMs aren't as in demand as before, and there are often places or trainers who will heal your Pokemon on the road, instead of having to go back into town after every couple of battles. Black and White are also by far the best-looking Pokemon games by a long shot. 3D environments, colorful hues, and improved animation keep the world feeling lifelike and engaging. And that's why Pokemon: Black and White is number 6 on the top 11 of 2011.

Number 5: FIFA 12

Developer: EA Canada

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Release Date: September 27 2011

Metacritic Score: 90

****

It's been a while, but with this latest installment of the FIFA franchise EA Sports has finally perfected their soccer simulator. The game has not only taken all the best parts of the previous games and tweaked, polished, and improved them, but has taken bold leaps to completely change the game. Any sports game veteran, used to minor visual improvements and roster changes instead of a proper title, must find it hard to get his head wrapped around it. The first couple of hours with the game feel foreign and awkward, but stick with it, and you've got yourself the soccer sim we're all been waiting for.

The biggest change has been the introduction of the new Tactical Defending System. The old way of defending consisted of mostly chasing down the guy with possession and then pressing the tackle button to harass him for possession. In this new system, the tackle key locks you on to the guy with the ball, keeping you just a pace or two behind him. From there, there are many tactical maneuvers the player can perform to slow down, annoy, misguide, and then eventually gain possession of the ball from the opposite team. When facing the opposing player, the goal is to jockey the player and obstruct his view of the goal. This has effectively made one of the least interesting parts of previous games into one of the most strategic and involved parts of the simulator.

Along with such changes to the gameplay, the game has refined many other core aspects. An improvement in the physics engine has made the game feel more real. New modes to try out, like the inclusion of a social card game called Ultimate Team, complement improvements to franchise staples like Virtual Pro or Career Mode. The announcer commentary is wonderfully voice acted, and is so authentic it's possibly the best I've seen in a sports game so far.

The franchise is still narrowing in on the perfect AI, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Without a doubt, this game will set the base for all FIFA games in the next 5 years. It goes above and beyond what we've come to expect of sports games, and for that reason its number 5 on my top 11 of 2011.

Holy crap, it's been over 10 years since the release of Halo: Combat Evolved. When did I get so old? One day I wake up as a handsome 6-foot-tall preadolescent boy and the next I wake up as a handsome 6-foot-4-inch-tall sex god. It's baffling!

Tooting my own horn aside, I can see why some find it difficult to shell out on money on a game that many gamers (me included) feel wasn't even released that long ago. But as a long time Halo fan, and someone who obsessively collects sets of games, I can honestly tell you it is worth the experience for many. Admittedly, nothing has really changed at the core of the game, except for the graphical boost, though it does have a nifty feature that lets you seamlessly switch from the new graphics to those of the original. It's neat to see how far we've come along. It's a great collector's piece for Halo fans, and the add-ons, like multiplayer maps and unlock codes, aren't half bad either.

Lastly, it also has cool shiny black box-art, is what I said to myself at the checkout, in what may have possibly been my lowest moment as a consumer.

Honorable mention:
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D

This is another one where it's fun to see the world you've fall in love with remastered for your now-conditioned eyes. But the 3D add-ons are a little silly and migraine inducing. Besides that, it's Ocarina of Time, is there that much more that needs to be said?
If you've played and loved this game in the past you'll play and love it again. If you didn't play it back then, you owe it to yourself to do so now. If you've played it and hated it, you probably don't have a soul. Get this game!

Number 4: Assassin's Creed Revelations

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Release Date:
November 15 2011(X/P), Dec 2 2011(PC)

Metacritic Score: 80

****

I don't even try to hide it, I'm a massive fan of this franchise. The modern story of deceit is draped in political and religious ideological conflict. The historical settings are done in such realistic detail it's like living in the cities of the past. What more could a history nerd ask for?

Assassin's Creed:Revelations is more of the same. This time around, the notorious Italian Ezio Auditore da Firenze will take his talents to rooftops of Constantinople. Apparently, the first game's protagonist, Altair, has left some sort of secret locked up in the library of the now-Templar-controlled Masyaf fortress from the original. Ezio is tasked with recovering the many keys spread across the city and opening the doors before the Templars can get in and do whatever heathen thing they have planned. Admittedly, it's not the best story the series has ever had, but it's a good conclusion to the stories of the series' past heroes and finally sets us up for something new.

The series does add more to its gameplay, which is getting increasingly complex as things are going along. There's a Den Defense game, which is basically a tower defense game with Templars and Assassins. It's a simple novelty at first, but it's ignored for most of the game. The recruiting stuff is back from Brotherhood, where you get to send your Assassins around the Mediterranean to reduce Templar influence and buff them up in the process. It's interesting to read about the missions you'll be sending your troops off to, but it still doesn't really add anything to the game. Other than that, the hook-blade (which is badass) is introduced as well as bomb making. Both add a little variety to combat and exploring, but not much overall.

Like I said, Revelations is more of the same, in a nutshell. It improves things and tunes them a bit, lolly-gags around a bit, and may be the weakest installment in the series thus far. But it's still Assassin's Creed, and I love these games with every part of my heart. That's why Revelations is number 4 on my top 11 of 2011 list.

Number 3: Dark Souls

Developer: From Software

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Metacritic Score: 89

****

This game is the spiritual successor to the 2009 hit Demon's Souls, a game that shocked the world with its depressingly dark tone and unforgiving difficulty. Dark Souls tells the story of a weary warrior, fighting his way through a merciless medieval fantasy world for some undeclared reason. "Undeclared" doesn't mean it doesn't have a story though, it actually has a great one. It just isn't told in the traditional ways of quest givers and lengthy cutscenes. The story is told through the world, and the people and things found within it. You'd be surprised by how effective this is.

The gameplay is, of course, difficult and brutal. The game requires complex maneuvers and masterful execution, and is intolerant of mistakes. Dying on the battlefield will make you lose all the souls you've harvested from enemies, which are your currency to buy upgrades. The game allows you to go back to the spot you died to collect the souls you've dropped, not only an eerie reminder of what you did wrong, but a way to guide you to do right. Stuff like this is at the conerstone of the play style, and makes the game fun.

Admittedly, it isn't the kind of game for everyone. It's uptight with progression, takes a long time to feel fluid, and it never really lets up. Moments for a breather are less spent relaxing and more spent worrying about what's around the corner. The game is less about spectacle and more about tone and environment. And in the end, what you feel becomes more memorable than what is actually going on. The player's emotions steal the show, and that's why Dark Souls takes number 3 on the top 11 of 2011 list.

With the Saints Row franchise now officially poised to go off the deep end, everyone's previously favorite crime series is set for a new release. Last I heard rumor has it that it's going to be set in the same area that San Andreas was, featuring notorious locations like Las Venturas, San Fiero, and Los Santos. Not much else has been said about the game, but hopefully they've learned a lesson from both their last game and their main adversary and found a happy medium between serious and silly. I have high hopes for this one, guys.

Runners Up: Sly 4: Thieves in Time, Pikmin 3, Luigi's Mansion 2 and Jak and Daxter HD Remakes.

Number 2: Super Mario 3D Land

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo

Platforms: Nintendo 3DS

Release Date: November 13, 2011

Metacritic Score: 90

This game is the entire reason 3D gaming exists. I wouldn't quote me on this, but I'm fairly sure it's the reason Nintendo created the 3DS. This may be the first (and I hope not only) time that I have seen 3D being done right. It isn't a gimmick or an annoyance, and it isn't shoved in for niche appeal. It is a core, integral, and vital part of the gameplay in Super Mario 3D Land.

Obviously inspired by Super Mario Bros., this game features the world-renowned plumber running, jumping, and making his way across varied environments to either a flagpole or a boss battle at the end. Of course, the environments and levels are so much more complex now than they were back then, and the 3D helps with this a lot. Rocky Wrenches, bouncing musical notes, and the welcome addition of the Tanooki suit all return from the 1993 classic. Even the original music is remixed as a modern take.

What it doesn't take from the old games, it takes from Super Mario Galaxy 2. Each level is less linear and more open. There are a variety of challenges and collectibles in each level too, but don't be fooled into thinking this is a kid's game. As the game progresses it gets increasingly difficult. Timed challenges and hard-to-reach treasures are just some of the ways this game changes things up, not to mention the vast amount of levels. All this reminiscent imagery doesn't only serve for nostalgia, but to introduce new generations to the Mario we all know and love. And I really do love Mario, that's why this game is number 2 on my top 11 of 2011 list.

Number 1: Skyrim

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Release Date: November 11, 2011

Metacritic Score: 1,000,000,000,000*

_{*This score may or may not be actually taken from Metacritic}

I don't really think this being my number 1 was a surprise to anyone. I love every little thing about this game. Sometimes I secretly wish I lived in Skyrim, and was able to FUS RO DAH all the idiots I have to deal with day in and day out. That's why I can't simply cover this game in one little blurb at the bottom of the review, and that's why I promise to everyone...

So I hope you had fun donning your top hats, drinking a bit too much, and counting down because this New Year is going to bring some great new things. And don't forget to keep it classy.

You can now also follow Pimpin Reviews via Twitter!

Follow me!

-Follow updates on reviews, and if you tweet a game to me, I'll put it at the top of the queue (meaning I will review it within a week)

Ask me about life, love, and the world's greatest mysteries on

http://www.formspring.me/Pimppeter2

-Can't wait for a full review? Ask my opinion on your favorite game right then and there, no sign up necessary!

Look out for my Facebook page (Coming soon!)

Previous ReviewsPHA+PHN0cm9uZz5QaW1waW4nIFJldmlld3M8L3N0cm9uZz48YnIgLz5QcmVtaWVyaW5nIGluIE1hcmNoIDIwMDksIHRoaXMgaXMgUGltcHBldGVyMidzIGZsYWdzaGlwIHNlcmllcy4gU3Bhd25pbmcgb3ZlciA1MCByZXZpZXdzIChtb3N0bHkgbG9zdCB0byB0aW1lKSwgdGhlIHNlcmllcyBoYXMgZ29uZSBvbiBhbmQgb2ZmIGZvciB0aGUgYmV0dGVyIHBhcnQgb2YgdGhyZWUgeWVhcnMsIGF0dGVtcHRpbmcgdG8gY292ZXIgZ2FtaW5nJ3MgbGF0ZXN0IGFuZCBncmVhdGVzdCBhbmQga2VlcGluZyB5b3UgdXAgdG8gZGF0ZSB3aXRoIHRoZSB5ZWFyJ3MgYmVzdCBhbmQgd29yc3QgdGl0bGVzLiA8YnIgLz48YSBocmVmPSJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5L29KOUF6MyIgdGl0bGU9IiIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiPlRvcCAxMCBvZiAyMDEwICgxMC02KTwvYT48YnIgLz48YSBocmVmPSJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5L3paVlhaTSIgdGl0bGU9IiIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiPk15IHRvcCAxMCBvZiAyMDEwICg1LTEpPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvRHJhZ29uQWdlSUlQUnJzIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+RHJhZ29uIEFnZSAyPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvcHBiT2xxIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+RnJvbnRpZXJ2aWxsZTwvYT48YnIgLz48YSBocmVmPSJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5L25LUWJZdiIgdGl0bGU9IiIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiPlRoZSBGb3JlcGxheSBHYW1lPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvb1RGb2I2IiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+TW9ydGFsIEtvbWJhdDwvYT48L3A+CjxwPjxzdHJvbmc+R2VudGxlbWVuPC9zdHJvbmc+PGJyIC8+R2VudGxlbWVuISBHZW50bGVtZW4hIEdhdGhlciByb3VuZC4gVGhpcyBzZXJpZXMgcGxhbnMgdG8gY292ZXIgYm90aCB0aGUgY2xhc3NpY3MgdGhhdCBoYXZlIGJlZW4gbG9zdCB0byB0aW1lIGFuZCB0aGUgb25lcyB0aGF0IGhhdmUgbWFkZSB0aGVpciB1bmZvcmdldHRhYmxlIG1hcmsgb24gdGhlIGluZHVzdHJ5LiBOZXZlciBmb3JnZXQgdGhlIGdhbWVzIHRoYXQgaGF2ZSB0b3VjaGVkIHlvdXIgaGVhcnQgc2luY2UgY2hpbGRob29kLiBDb21lIGFuZCBhcHByZWNpYXRlIGdhbWUgY3VsdHVyZSBhdCBpdHMgZmluZXN0LiA8YnIgLz48YSBocmVmPSJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5L3EzQUN0RSIgdGl0bGU9IiIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiPkxlZ2VuZCBvZiBaZWxkYTogT2NhcmluYSBvZiBUaW1lPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvcHMzNjNHIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+RGlwbG9tYWN5OiBUaGUgR2FtZSBvZiBJbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsIEludHJpZ3VlPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvbko0MlNUIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+TWljaGFlbCBKYWNrc29uJ3MgTW9vbndhbGtlcjwvYT48L3A+CjxwPjxzdHJvbmc+TW92aWUgRGF0ZSBXaXRoIFBpbXBwZXRlcjI8L3N0cm9uZz48YnIgLz5Db21pbmcgc29vbiE8L3A+CjxwPjxzdHJvbmc+UGltcG9sb2d5IHdpdGggRHIuIExvdmU8L3N0cm9uZz48YnIgLz5Db21pbmcgc29vbiE8L3A+CjxwPjxzdHJvbmc+VnMgUmV2aWV3czwvc3Ryb25nPjxiciAvPkluIGFuIGF0dGVtcHQgdG8gdGFrZSBhIG5ldyBwZXJzcGVjdGl2ZSBvbiByZXZpZXdpbmcsIHRoaXMgc2VyaWVzIHRha2VzIGEgZ2FtZSB0aGF0J3MgZG9uZSBhIGxvdCByaWdodCAtIGJ1dCBzdGlsbCBlbmRlZCB3cm9uZy0gYW5kIGNvbXBhcmUgaXQgdG8gYSBzaW1pbGFyIGdhbWUgdGhhdCBzb21laG93IGVuZGVkIHJpZ2h0LiBTb21lIGdhbWVzIHN1Y2NlZWQsIHNvbWUgZ2FtZXMgYXJlIGRvb21lZCB0byBmYWlsLiBXaGF0IG1ha2VzIHRoZSBkaWZmZXJlbmNlPzxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvbzZmWTI5IiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+UHJpbmNlIG9mIFBlcnNpYSBWcyBKYWsgYW5kIERheHRlciAyPC9hPjxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvbmhFaTd2IiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+UXVhbnR1bSBvZiBTb2xhY2UgVnMgQ2FsbCBvZiBEdXR5OiBXb3JsZCBBdCBXQXI8L2E+PGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9yZHBmZ3IiIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5TYWludHMgUm93IDIgdnMgVGhlIEdvZCBGYXRoZXIgMjwvYT48YnIgLz48YSBocmVmPSJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5L3ByaWpOViIgdGl0bGU9IiIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiPkRyYWdvbiBBZ2UgT3JpZ2lucyB2cyBSaXNlIG9mIHRoZSBBcmdvbmF1dHM8L2E+PGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9xd0Rjdm0iIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5KYWsgWCBDb21iYXQgUmFjaW5nIFZzIEphayBhbmQgRGF4dGVyIFRoZSBMb3N0IEZyb250aWVyPC9hPjwvcD4KPHA+PHN0cm9uZz5TcGVjaWFsPC9zdHJvbmc+PGJyIC8+U2F0aXJlLCBhdHRlbXB0cyBhdCBjb21lZHksIGFuZCB1bmlxdWUgcmV2aWV3cyB0aGF0IHJlYWxseSBkb24ndCBmaXQgYW55d2hlcmUgZWxzZS4gPGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9wallFNGsiIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5Eb21pbm9zIFBpenphIFR1cm5hcm91bmQ8L2E+PGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9yMDBEb0ciIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5UaGUgQ2FzdGxlIC0oQW4gRXNjYXBpc3QgRm9ydW1zIFJQKS08L2E+PGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9xYkdETFEiIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5Pc21vcyBNb3RlIE1hbmlmZXN0bzwvYT48L3A+CjxwPjxzdHJvbmc+VGhlIEtudWNrbGVkdXN0ZXIgKHdpdGggPGEgaHJlZj0nL3Byb2ZpbGVzL3ZpZXcvRG9tYmxlJz5Eb21ibGU8L2E+KTwvc3Ryb25nPjxiciAvPldoYXQgZG8geW91IGdldCB3aGVuIHlvdSBjb21iaW5lIFRoZSBFc2NhcGlzdCB0d28gc2lnbmF0dXJlIHRyb3VibGUgbWFraW5nIHJldmlld2VycyBpbnRvIGEgdGFnIHRlYW0/IFRoZSBLbnVja2xlZHVzdGVyIGZvY3VzZXMgb24gY29tYmluaW5nIHRoZSBpbnNhbmUgbXVzaW5ncyBvZiBEb21ibGUgYW5kIHRoZSBkZXByYXZlZCByYXZpbmdzIG9mIFBpbXBwZXRlcjIgaW50byBvbmUga2ljay1hc3MgcmV2aWV3ITxiciAvPjxhIGhyZWY9Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvcm5yc0liIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+TWFzcyBFZmZlY3QgSUk8L2E+PGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9tV2NTdmoiIHRpdGxlPSIiIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIj5UaGUgVHJpYWwgb2YgU29jaWV0eSB2aWEgTW9kZXJuIFdhcmZhcmUgSUk8L2E+PC9wPgo8cD48c3Ryb25nPlRoZSBIZWN0aWMgR2xvdyAoV2l0aCA8YSBocmVmPScvcHJvZmlsZXMvdmlldy9EaXZpbmUlMjBNaXNzJTIwQmVlJz5EaXZpbmUgTWlzcyBCZWU8L2E+KTwvc3Ryb25nPjxiciAvPkZpbmFsbHkgdGlyZWQgb2Ygc2VkdWNpbmcgcmFuZG9tIHN1cGVybW9kZWxzLCBQaW1wcGV0ZXIyIGFuZCBEaXZpbmVNaXNzQmVlIHN0YXJ0ZWQgdGhpcyBzZXJpZXMgdG8gZXhwbG9yZSB0aGUgaWRlYSBvZiB0ZWxsaW5nIHRoZSBzYW1lIHN0b3J5IGluIGRpZmZlcmVudCB3YXlzLiBXaGV0aGVyIGNvbXBhcmluZyBhIGdhbWUgdG8gYSBtb3ZpZSwgVFYgc2VyaWVzLCBib29rLCBwdXBwZXQgc2hvdywgb3IgaW50ZXJwcmV0aXZlIGRhbmNlLCBUaGUgSGVjdGljIEdsb3cgdGFrZXMgdGhlIHRhc2sgb2YgcG9uZGVyaW5nIHBlb3BsZSBhbmQgYmF0aGluZyB0aGUgd29ybGQgaW4gdGhlIGdsb3cgb2YgY29uc3VtZXJpc20uPGJyIC8+PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2JpdC5seS9IZWN0aWNnbG93RHNJIiB0aXRsZT0iIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayI+RGFudGUncyBJbmZlcm5vPC9hPjwvcD4=