B10g

Occupational Hazard

2012-01-27T01:11:00.003-06:00

During the process of making B10g episodes I naturally have to capture footage for each video. The set of scripts I'm working on now just so happens to require me to have video of World of Warcraft. I knew this was a dangerous game to bring up for my own sake, mainly because I was a first generation WoW addict years ago. After putting the game down in around 07 though I haven't touched it since.

Unfortunately picking the game back up on a free account seems to have been a very bad idea. I've already captured all the footage I need and yet I'm still going back to play the game. World of Warcraft is a dangerous game, and I'm starting to wonder if I've inadvertently begun to dig my own WoW grave again.

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Unofficially Official

2012-01-25T04:07:00.003-06:00

Even though I don't really play Fallout New Vegas any more because I lack the time, I found a good reason crack it open again. J.E. Sawyer the project director for New Vegas released a personal mod. This mod augments New Vegas in a series of ways, most importantly it makes the game harder. Not in a sense of bumping up the difficulty in the menu either. Instead it makes scavenging harder, items heal less, and XP is halved so you level up slower. This is great for me because my biggest problem with New Vegas (and Bethesda games for that matter) has always been how the game get's so easy once you get the proverbial ball rolling. Things start challenging, but very quickly you end up rolling in caps, ammo, and anything else you could possibly need. Just like that the challenge disappears, which is a real buzzkill for a game that can easily last some 80 hours.

It's not like other mods haven't already made the game harder. It's just that one released by Sawyer is as official as you can get without it being in a game patch.

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B10g - Menus

2012-01-23T23:52:00.002-06:00

I won't say a word, and just let you watch instead.

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Holy WOW!!!

2012-01-13T00:13:00.003-06:00

Hey guys just wanted to throw this up real fast. CES is happening this week in Las Vegas Nevada, and like each year tons of cool gadgets surface during the show This year though I've been floored by LGs prototype 31" OLED TV that's only 2.9mm thick!

Click the image to head on over to engadget for a video of this mind blowing piece of technology!

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Holiday Pull

2012-01-10T01:16:00.005-06:00

Over the holiday season, I made out like a bandit. Below is a picture of all the games I purchased or received during December (one or two in November). A lot of these games I bought because GameStop kept having buy 2 get 1 free sales. If that's not enough I ended up getting a handful of games from STEAM as well because of their annual month long Christmas discounts. I have so much game line up and I still can't stop playing Skyrim. I'm a little bit overcome with potential fun.

Here’s to hoping I can find ways to fit these games into the Blog show!

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Mixing Bits

2011-12-01T10:32:00.003-06:00

In my last post I talked about how I had been listening to the Zelda Symphonic soundtrack that came with my copy of Skyward Sword. Well in lieu The Legend of Zelda having it's 25th anniversary it's not a big surprise that video game remixing communities would choose to celebrate this landmark as well. This brings up the OC Remix album 25 Year Legend.

The free album is a bit over an hour long, and it not only incorporates many of the most recognised tracks from the Zelda series; But it also coves a large range of styles, such as dubstep, techno, piano, and the traditional band sound. I'm enjoying it, and I think if you're reading this, you should too.

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A Legend of Twenty Five Years

2011-11-24T11:29:00.002-06:00

I picked up my collectors copy of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on Sunday. Part of the package was a CD with orchestrated music from 25th anniversary Zelda symphony. While the total album length is a bit short, it's still a great extra that I thoroughly enjoy. Music plays an enormous role in how I feel and express myself through the motion graphics I make. Thus listening to tracks that sum up several games of a long running series is exhilarating.

Below is one of the shorter, and better, tracks from the anniversary album; Gerudo Valley. It's not my top favourite, but it's still truly up there for one of the best songs from the long running franchise.

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Backlog in HD

2011-11-07T01:03:00.001-06:00

Back when I was still in high school, and the PS2 was the number one console on the market, I racked up a collection of games, stockpiling them in my room. That stockpile still exists today, and many of the titles I still haven't played. The reason? I could never get my dad off the TV, and the terrible glare from the living room windows. Thus my games were left to collect dust, and I ended up spending nearly all of my time on the family computer watching series after series of anime.

Today I have a backwards compatible PS3 and my own TV, so nothing has been keeping me from playing those games. Except myself, and modern games. By the time I had my own personal AV equipment I had already been bitten by the HD bug. Then as time went by, I became attached to PC games over console based ones. Thus my problem is I can't stand the old fuzzy graphics of all those PS2 titles. I've been playing off my backlog lately though.

There's a program called PCXS2 that literally functions like a PS2 for your computer. It emulates the functionality of the greatest last gen system, allowing you to pop a disc into the drive and boot up old games in HD resolutions. Granted the textures are still fuzzy, and not all games run smoothly. But it's nice to finally be playing off old games that I bought for top dollar back in the day.

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Sandbox Power Five

2011-11-02T11:57:00.002-06:00

Wow, has it really been three years since Grand Theft Auto IV was released? I can't believe that much time has already passed. And now the sequel has been officially announced with a new in game trailer.

I'm very surprised by how much better they've been able to improve the look of the GTA series on this console generation. Here I thought it couldn't get much better with the available hardware. Just goes to show how adept developers are getting with squeezing everything they can out of today's consoles.

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So Two Soldiers Walk Into a Bar...

2011-10-06T22:42:00.002-05:00

I watched this video yesterday and couldn't believe how awesome it was. A lot of the real voice talent for the characters were used in this video. And while I can't pin down weather or not those actors also played the physical roles, I have a pretty good feeling they did.

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Death of a Visionary

2011-10-05T22:14:00.003-05:00

On October 5, 2011 Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind the enormously successful Apple corporation, died of Cancer.
As one of the few dedicated Mac & Windows users out there I am unbelievably sad to hear this news.

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The Fate of One Begins at Zero

2011-10-03T15:34:00.003-05:00

Hmmm...
Some time ago I blogged about a story called "Fate/Stay Night". I talked about how the story and character's just wouldn't go away despite their age. That post was more than a year and a half ago, and here I am talking about it again. Why? Because the prequel story "Fate/Zero" has been made into a new anime series that started airing this week.

I'm more or less left in awe of how this is still going. Not to say I'm claiming it shouldn't, it's just that the whole thing seems unstoppable. The the first Fate story was a visual novel released back in 2004. It's now been six whole years, getting close to seven, and the franchise just doesn't show signs of slowing down. I'm simply just amazed, and now I'm wondering if it'll continue long enough to hit the decade mark.

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Animate the Avatar

2011-09-23T01:13:00.004-05:00

First off in light on the blog flat-lining when I changed the look, I've changed the background again to hopefully appeal to most of anyone still coming around.

Now on the note of the look I chose, I decided on another Persona background. The reason? Because the game is being made into an anime this season!
I'll just keep this short and say, I'm a pretty big Persona fan (though not die-hard). And I'm really looking forward to watching this show, especially some of the scenes like the kings game and the camping trip.

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Done With the Dunmer Land

2011-09-08T23:00:00.004-05:00

After playing the game Morrowind on and off for five years, I have finally completed the game in it's entirety. Everything from the main story, to the multiple faction quests, to the two expansions packs; I've finished it all. Unfortunately though, I can' say I've left no stone unturned. I know there are still various miscellaneous missions and quests floating around in the game's confines; And I may go back to conquer them one day too. However, as it stands I know for a fact that I have completed at least 80% of the game's content, if not more which I think is the case.

I feel happy, I feel satisfied, and now there's only one thing left to do...

Go back and play it again >=D

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Debating on Bonus

2011-09-05T02:49:00.023-05:00

Over on Game Trailers the most recent episode of Bonus round (a panel discussion show about games) featured two of my favourite game directors, Ken Levine and Todd Howard.

During this episode an interesting debate broke out about story telling in games. Seeing as how my last video blog was about this exact subject, I was quite surprised, and riveted at the same time. Even though the third panel member, David Jaffe, was both long-winded and unsavoury in how he put his thoughts forward, one thing was agreed upon by all three panel members.

Games and movies are not the same thing, if you want to tell a story through cut scenes go make a movie.

I didn't say this explicitly in my video, but I was pointing toward the idea the whole time. Games are all about interaction, not about story. If that wasn't true people wouldn't spend hours playing multiplayer matches, or grinding through levels in MMOs. For that reason interaction should never suffer for the sake of story. Therefore the story in a game should be intertwined with the gameplay, and not presented in a hands off cutscene format.

If your' interested in watching the episode of Bonus Round that this whole post has been about, then check the link below. Sorry but there's no embed code for the video.

Bonus Round With Ken Levine, Todd Howard, and David Jaffe

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New Style

2011-08-30T19:27:00.004-05:00

Not much to say other than I've updated the layout of the blog. I've kept the same look since I created it back in late 2006, and occasionally changed the background. I figured it was about time to abandon the old look, and fully update the coding.
I've also changed the style to reflect my recent video blogs I've been putting up.

Hope you like the new design.

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It's How You Tell the Story

2011-08-23T02:40:00.006-05:00

I thought of this topic while reading comments on last weeks video.

If it wasn't for audience feedback I wouldn't keep getting new ideas. So many things to cover. So many things that affect a game.

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The Sound of Silence

2011-08-15T01:16:00.001-05:00

I could elaborate, but I'll let the video talk for itself.

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Type-Moon

2011-08-12T21:42:00.003-05:00

Visual novels are a form of video game that saturates the Japanese interactive market. How exactly such an unorthodox, and old type of game genre (which largely became popular due to how easy they were to make publish to any device), has remained popular is beyond me. However that doesn't mean I don't respect the work that goes into writing the stories found in them.

This bring me to a visual novel production company called Type-Moon. They're responsible for making some the the better VNs out there. But moreover their work tends to become anime sooner or later, and those shows more than often are worth the time to watch.

SO when I first watched the video below two words came to mind: Kick Ass.

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Stars and the Saddle

2011-08-01T08:05:00.005-05:00

Over the weekend I went out and saw the movie Cowboys and Aliens, and for what it's worth the movie feels like an authentic videogame inspired film. It felt like the games Red Dead Redemption and Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta both ended up in the same screenplay, and I was watching the result.
Granted I'm sure those two games had some sort of influence, but probably not as much as it felt they did. None the less the movie was great for that reason alone. After all if anything reminds you of other great works of art in a positive way, it means you're experiencing something good.

I'd advise anyone who has Played RDR and FO3, to go see this movie.
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Wasteland Love

2011-07-18T04:33:00.002-05:00

Much more in-depth than the last few videos, that's for sure.

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B10g - Borderlands

2011-07-11T02:31:00.001-05:00

Hopefully I can keep making these on a semi regular basis.

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B10g - FarCry 2

2011-07-04T04:06:00.002-05:00

I'll save you the text, and let my video do the talking.

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Dusty Pixels

2011-07-02T22:26:00.005-05:00

Y'know it's funny how you can lose track of old games with how large computer storage has become today. I was just recently looking over the contents of one of my hard disks, and discovered some relics of gaming history. Amongst the files, I found full working installations for the following games.

The Elder Scrolls: Arena
Diablo
Diablo II
Doom 3
Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna
Fable: The Lost Chapters
Fallout
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VIII
Shuffle
Rise of Nations

A real blast from the past, epically since many of those games have received sequels within recent history. While checking to see if the games were still working (obviously these files survived multiple data transfers from a very old computer of mine), I realized something. Nearly every game has something that many games today lack, a life bar or health gauge. I know that they've been gone from most games for some time now, but not until today did I realize just how much harder games without regenerating health really were!
After playing the old titles, and realizing this through experience, I kinda feel like I've gone soft.

Nothing more to say.
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The Insulted Hunt

2011-07-01T02:52:00.003-05:00

Y'know what I love about open world games? The long exploration encouraged collection quests. I remember playing Zelda games back in the day and scouring Hyrule for heart pieces. Then Grand Theft Auto came along, and I fell in love with the search for hidden packages. On that note I've collected all of the hidden items in all of the GTA games from the PS2 era. Anyway my point is no matter what I've loved open world games mostly for the ability to explore and collect. However, collection missions have always been the same thing. An experience of keeping heightened senses in order to see what has been hidden. Well that's not the case in Fable III.

While there are the typical silent hidden collectables (in this case silver keys), the more interesting hidden items are gnomes. Yes that's right gnomes, but not just any gnomes. We're talking evil gnomes, who insult you when you're nearby!

I just laugh when I hear them.

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Dexterity Delving

2011-04-20T23:10:00.003-05:00

Gonna try something a bit different here, and blog by video for once. Just watch and enjoy.

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Synthetic Form

2011-02-10T12:13:00.005-06:00

Ever since I learned the term otaku I've qualified myself to be one. However, by no means have I ever considered myself as an extreme otaku, or even mediocre one. Why? Because, I lack the interest and drive to throw tons and tons of cash at things I simply don't need. Being a higher tier otaku (at least in my mind), means collecting things beyond the game, the dvds, and the manga. It's buying the figurines, the bed sheets, the mugs, etc etc etc. Doing something like that just isn't worth it in my mind. It also creeps into the area which I consider to be unusual and/or creepy.
All of that being said I can still appreciate the work that goes into the creation of those products.

Of all the products I'll never purchase anime figurines the category I respect the most. Even though I find them to be a total waste of money since they are fully nonfunctional; I consider the level of detail they have to be amazing.

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Threshold of a Dream

2011-01-09T04:36:00.004-06:00

I've spoken in past posts about a website called OC Remix, which is dedicated to remixing the music of video games. The site's effort is mostly artistic, with many contributors and even collaborative work appearing from time to time. While group efforts are infrequent, when they do show up they usually take form as an album which remixes the bulk of the music from a specific game. Several albums have come and gone, and while each has it's pros and cons most of the games that receive attention are land mark titles such as the final fantasy series, castlevania, and chrono trigger. All the while though some of the more noticeable titles have gun unnoticed, amongst them being the legend of zelda.
That changed with the release with the recent album Threshold of a Dream which is the remixing of the game Link's Awakening for the game boy.

While most remixes conform to an orchestrated film interpretation "Threshold of a Dream" is a bit different. Instead the project is more geared toward keeping the tracks similar to the original music from the game, albeit less eight-bitty. While I'm not certain weather or not this remix attempt, and unique project style, is a success I am certain that I'm happy the Zelda series has finally received a remix album. Here's to hoping another one in the form of a movie soundtrack will be made at some point.

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Lick of the River Styx.

2011-01-02T18:10:00.003-06:00

Over the course of the latter half of December there was an enormous two week sale on Steam. It was during this joyous software sale that I picked up far more games than I have time on my hand to play, and amongst them was a little title called Death Spank.

Death Spank is one of those games you play, and never take seriously. Even though it's fun and can eat up hours of your time, you spend more time laughing at jokes in the script than struggling to reach the end. It's a fun game to be sure, but Death Spank sells itself more so as in interactive comedy than a hack and slash game; Even though it's combat mechanics are solid.

Keeping the story short Death Spank can be described in one sentence.
Forgettable, but worth every penny for the laughs to fill spare time.

This trailer can communicate some of the humor.

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Disappearing in polygons

2010-12-13T06:08:00.005-06:00

The Haruhi Suzumiya series is a story and experience which holds a rather high place on my personal list of quality media. Amongst the rolling sea of mediocrity it is something I always find myself returning to in one manner or another. I love it so much I may go so far as to say I'm blind to it being bad in any manner.
Regardless of weather or not that's the case it's a series that still makes money, as proven by the most recent commercial endeavor related to last years movie.

It's a game for the PSP and PS3, and from what I'm to understand both are more or less the movie in an interactive form.
It may not be fantastically original, but none the less it has struck a chord with me. In fact the bare idea resonates with me so much this may be one of the very few titles I choose to import. Even if it's only because I just want to own the game, and not to play it.

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The Conundrum of Quality Calibre

2010-12-02T10:08:00.004-06:00

What makes a good anime? The answer to this question has remained elusive to me, and has persistently become more difficult for me to define. Though some things are clear, and I know when I've found something good.

Allow me to elaborate.

Over the years since I acquired a taste for the anime genre I've watched shows that have been absolutely fantastic, and some that have left me wanting my wasted time back. Finding good shows isn't easy, and I've usually left the discovery of quality productions to chance. Doing this has obviously resulted in some amazing finds, but it I more than often leads to disappointment. By doing so however I've come to realize how shows composed of great art and animation can royally suck, and shows substantially lacking art direction and complete animation can be fantastic.

It's puzzling, and a bit confusing, at least at first. Of course it makes more sense when you take into account the quality of the story. While I'm not arguing that visuals don't' count for any form of televised entertainment, I am saying that ultimately the story makes or breaks the deal most often. American shows like CSI or House MD don't succeed on their visuals and effects alone, it's the story that carries the program. A good example of a show being lost without story would be HEROES which was a originally big success, but was cancelled when the show lost it's direction after the first season.

I digress, this post is about Anime not American TV. A few examples of shows with quality visuals but end up feeling somehow empty would be Bakuretsu Tenshi, and Canaan. While these two shows looked great they were terribly difficult to watch, and finish. Why? Because they simply lacked compelling story. They had their pros like good actions sequences, and quality character design, but when something lacks proper execution things rarely work out.
The contrast is shown in a show called Birdy Decode. This show while lacking quality visuals, and using VERY raw cell animation at it's end, was successful. It even received a sequel, but why? Because for some reason the story, it's direction, and the way it played off the characters WORKED. Nothing more can really be said other than that. There was a compelling connection between the characters and their struggle. In the end that proper execution helped to draw myself, and other viewers in, resulting high enough ratings to warrant a sequel. Meanwhile Bakuretsu Tenshi and Canaan, while looking great, receive no succeeding seasons, and only one or two easily OVAs.

Proof, in my opinion, of how story matters far more than visuals ever will; Because in successful productions visuals service the story, not the other way around.

I've ranted long enough,
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Faux Tone

2010-11-01T22:33:00.001-06:00

Related to the recent release of Fable III I thought I'd bring up a unique track by the artist Matti Paalanen. Amongst other things Paalanen composed a host of music known as the "Celestial Aeon Project". The compilation of tracks in the Aeon Project mimics three of my very favourite composers; Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, and Jeremy Soule. Why are these artists some of my favourites? Well just look at the list below for tracks or pieces scored by them.

Jeremy Soule - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Danny Elfman - Fable (one) theme, The Simpsons theme
Hans Zimmer - Inception (2010), Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Anyway the music tracks in the Fable games have always helped the series, because the tracks do such a good job of setting the mood, and being catchy. For this reason the music just tends to stick in my head for the unique sound. This brings me to the Celestial Aeon Project.

While Listening to the music I ran across a track called "Masquerade" which immediately struck me as authentic Fable music. I double checked the tags and was surprised to learn it was written to sound like music from Fable. I have to say it was resounding success, as it totally fooled me.

I digress, if you've ever herd the music from fable the track below will sound VERY familiar.

Celestial Aeon Project - Masquerade

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Fur, Feathers, Horror

2010-10-18T09:40:00.003-05:00

Fitting for the month of October I thought I'd cover something from one of my all time favourite games, Banjo-Kazooie. More specifically the music track from the level called "Mad Monster Mansion". Ever since I played the N64 classic back in 1998 I found myself humming the theme from the level at odd times. This brings me to the fan site called OC Remix.

For those of you who don't' know, OC Remix is a website dedicated to updating the tracks from video games and making them fresh. The site is fully driven by community submitted remixes, and only the best are posted since they have to pass a panel of judges. Anyway while it's not new, below is what I consider to be a great remix of the original Mad Monster Mansion theme. Has a real Halloween feel to it, or maybe that's just the level design attached to it.

Banjo-Kazooie - Malevolent Mansion

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Square One

2010-08-13T13:20:00.009-05:00

The big summer blockbuster, Inception. I can understand why people have given this movie rave reviews, because it's a good definition of "out of the ordinary".

I won't dwell on the quality of the visuals and depth of the story, or it's paradigms. All of those elements were great, and made the film worth while, but I think the original soundtrack is what's really worth mentioning.

Hans Zimmer really is a stand up composer. His music was different and original in Sherlock Holmes last year, and the music in Inception is so well written it stands out from the film. Themes from movies like Lord of the Rings, or Pirates of the Caribbean are well remembered for being catchy, however Inception's soundtrack is what you would call subconsciously memorable. Meaning you probably won't remember the music, but if you herd it again the film would come rushing back all at once. At least it would (and does) for me. Granted that probably wouldn't be the case if the movie wasn't as gripping, well written, and so well edited. But the fact stands, Inception is a good movie, and there's not a doubt in my mind that the quality of it's soundtrack is largely (though not chiefly) responsible for it's success.

The following track does a rather stand up job of capturing many of the feelings from the movie in one go.

Inception had everything I could hope for:
Action, Paradox, Twist, Emotion, and a Conclusion that leaves you thinking.

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Tetra Guise

2010-07-30T00:30:00.007-05:00

After being dominated and ruled by Persona 3 for a near complete two years, I decided my tactics had to change for Persona 4. After recklessly grabbing the beast by it's horns I have emerged victorious.

Long story short, Persona 3 took me 2 years or 200+ hours, but Persona 4 took me two weeks or 80+ hours. Big change in speed.

What can I say about person four? It was a good game, but I feel that it somehow lacks the epic feel that Persona 3 has. I'm not suprised though, Persona 3 didn't waste time getting started. It threw you into the struggle almost as soon as you booted the game. However, in P4 you're eased into the experience, and, because of this, the actual game play is withheld for a considerable amount of time.

This tactic results in having a greater understanding of why your fighting, and more interest to know WHY things are happening.

There are other reasons for why P3 was more epic than P4. In P3 you find out who your ultimate enemy is, and are given time to let your impending fate sink in. Yet with P4 the final Enemy is elusive, and you won't even have an opportunity to fight it unless you know to look for it at the last second.

There's also the contrast between the two games with how character development progresses. In P3 the characters are chiefly expressed during meetings, where the group discusses intel and strategy. In addition when displayed one at a time, each character's development is usually connected to death somehow, giving the game a mroe serious tone.
But in P4, characters are initially presented when their suppressed desires are displayed (due to supernatural phenomena). And subsequent development is mostly shown through misadventures, usually related to school activities.

Simply put Persona 4 is more light hearted. Your enemy is faceless, so there's less to get you down. Characters inner selves are displayed first, so less serious events follow to show what you don't know about them. And the main story is primarily a mystery, which takes time to solve, so the gaps between new data coming to light are filled with fun times.

Don't get me wrong, event though I'm comparing Persona 4 to Persona 3 I'm not saying anything bad. P4 was is just a very different experience. Above that it fixed a lot of the nuisances that P3 had.
It was a great game, I had fun playing it, But like most jRPGs I won't likely go back to it any time soon.

Persona 4 Intro Montage

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Festival of the Third Guise

2010-06-28T03:28:00.012-05:00

Some time ago I blogged about having intrest in a little game called Persona 3 FES (the extended edition of Persona 3). I spoke on the game back in 2008, and I hadn't even touched it when I wrote the post, but mentioned that it looked like something worth looking into. Well I ended up buying the game on (according the receipt I found tucked away in the box) the sixth of july 08. Now I'm back to say that eight days short of having the game for two years, I've finally beaten it from front to back.

Overlooking "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion", P3F (as titled on the box) is the game that has resulted in THE most bang for my buck I've ever purchased. FES is divided into two games, "The Journey" which is the main story, and "The Answer" which extends the story, and gives additional closure. The game is advertised as having 100+ hours altogether. However, since I love to play RPGs exhaustively, I spent a rough total of 180-200 hours on the game. Most of that is because of my OCD for grinding, but none the less that's a value of $0.16 and hour VS. the traditional $10 an hour value (6hrs for a $60 game) I'm used to getting.

I digress, The entire point is that P3F was a fantastic game, and it shows that others agree since it's about to have it's third release for the PSP in early July (ironically the same day I bought FES two years ago). I spent an exhaustive amount of time on the game, and for good reason. It's story was well written, the game play was good (though it had it's quirks), and all the characters were properly fleshed out so you knew who they were and why they acted the way they did. Besides that it's structure was a breath of fresh air, allow me to elaborate.

in most RPGs you have minimal control over what happens in the game world other than how you choose to level your character, and fight enemies. However in Persona 3 game play is split into two different domains, traditional combat, and a simulation of high school life. At night you fight monsters, level up, and engage in all the traditional RPG elements. However during the day you go to school and hang out with friends. This part may seem like it's useless, but because your character has the special ability to combine summons (personas) to make new ones leading the life of a highschooler has it's useful purpose.

All personas in the game are classified by arcana (based on the tarot card system). The purpose of the highschool life sim is for you to make friends (or in some cases girlfriends), and forge strong bonds that correspond with a certain arcana. The stronger the bond between you and the friend that represents that arcana, the more powerful a persona created under that arcana will be when made by fusion. This results in one game with two very different appeals, which, through this system, are woven quite tightly together.

Anyway that's the basic rubdown of how the game's structure that caused it to be such a UNBELIEVABLY different experience. With a radically different spin on the traditional turn based RPG something was bound to happen, in this case it just so happened to be good.

Well I'll cut off here since I've rambled long enough. Check out the special montage seen at the beginning of P3F below.

Now here's to hoping that I get through Persona 4 faster. Oh did I mention that while in the middle of Persona 3 I bought Persona 4 on it's release day?

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P.S. Right now I'm experiencing shell shock from finishing a game I've been playing for so long.

Life After "The End"

2010-05-25T04:26:00.005-05:00

Upon completing the new game Red Dead Redemption I found myself pondering the general evolution of game endings. Why did I start thinking about this you ask? Well, it's quite simple, But it will take a bit to explain, so bear with me.

Red Dead Redemption is a game very similar to the Grand Theft Auto series, not only in it's play style, but also how it looks and generally feels. Because it was produced by RockStar Games (the same people who make GTA) this is to be expected. However, I also expected it to follow the same story formula which the GTA games have, even though I knew it would be somehow different.
Yet when I drew to RDR's close I was faced with some very surprising plot twists, and even more surprising were the choices the developers made to allow you to continue playing the game after finishing it. The ending of Red Dead Redemption aside, I came to realise the general constraints on story telling in games which allow you to continue playing after the main story ends.

This phenomenon is generally tied to the sand box/world builder gene. I suspect this is primarily due to how much there is to do in such games, even after you finish them. This means it makes more sense, and is more critical, to be able to keep playing than in traditional linnear games, such as first person shooters, turn based RPGs, or adventure games.

Now if it is expected that you can continue playing after completing the main story of the game, what does that mean about how the story can end? Well for one it means the main character has to survive, you can't play a tragic hero. Secondly, the world cannot end, everything has to still be there after you finish. Third, your empire, achievements, power, money, etc. has to stay intact, otherwise it feels like you played through the game for nothing.

Looking at those three stipulations it becomes rather clear that open ended games will all likely have a rather similar and predictable ending. This in turn means repetition is inevitable for the genre. However Rockstar seems to have anticipated this little issue, and in turn decided to make some bold moves to alter the fate of a "play after the end" game like Red Dead Redemption.
I'm not certain of exactly how I feel about how Rockstar decided to change this trend. In their efforts to prevent a predictable ending but still allow you to play afterwards they looked at those three rules with contempt. One rule they obeyed, another didn't apply to how the story worked, and the other one they directly disobeyed. It took some creative writing to pull off, and I have to say the story was far more unpredictable, further into the game, as a result.

In the end Rockstar has made it clear that they are making profound efforts to refine the open ended game, and change it. And even though I'm uncertain of how I feel about how they did so I can say one thing. If a game can be defined as good by weather or not it was worth the money it cost, then Red Dead Redemption can be called a good game.

Red Dead Redemption Début Trailer

Now I'm off to crack into a non story heavy game called Super Mario Galaxy 2.
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Crash

2010-05-17T16:39:00.002-05:00

In my aimless wander across the internet the other day I ran across an old flash game that I used to spend hours on. It's called NANACA†CRASH!!, and it's an interesting twist on the traditional how far can you throw something game.
What makes this instance so special is how it's based of the traditional shonen school drama concept. You know the drill, some guy goes to a school, meets a ton of girls, ends up in love with one, etc. In the process he probably gets slapped around by the girls for having some rather perverse incidents occur, weather they be intentional or not.
Anyway Nanaca Crash launches the main character into the air after having a collision with a girl on a bike. Like any game of the type you can gain boosts by hitting special objects, or lose speed, or stop entirely by hitting others in this case the objects being different girls and your male friends respectively. What makes this version special though is how there are combos you can activate.

I'll stop there, if you want to know more just check the link above.

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Disturbing Advertising

2010-04-29T14:04:00.003-05:00

A while back I blogged about an item available on NewEgg during a valentines sale. It was odd and humours at the very least. However the item has returned in their most recent sale for... Mothers Day.

Ok, I know that husbands buy gifts for their wives for mothers day, but I think MOST people think of their MOM on mothers day. Which made me nearly rip my brain out when I saw the item in NewEgg's advert.

I am Disturbed
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Pixelated Heroics

2010-04-22T13:32:00.008-05:00

In my youth just at the dawn of the internet, I was caught up in the rolling tidal wave which was the first generation of fully 3D console video games. I was armed with a Nintendo 64 and I found my first solid videogame addiction, "The Legend of Zelda Ocrina of Time". Not too long after completing the game I moved on to mastering it, and subsequently played through all other Nintendo produced Zelda games. This addiction, though not as strong as it once was, still continues today. I successively dedicate my time to any new Zelda games that come out, and a thorough play through of fresh releases is an activity I still engage in.

With such a long running love affair I can't overlook games that clearly parody or spoof the original series. For that reason in addition to the unique visual aesthetic, I look forward to playing the game "3D Dot Game Heros". A current gen idea with a throw back feel to the classic eight and sixteen bit games of the 90s. In addition it takes an unbelievable number of cues from the Zelda series.

Watching the video below will explain a WHOLE lot more.

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Rendered Youth

2010-04-13T01:03:00.002-05:00

Hopefully one day I'll be able to achieve the quality that this video has in my own productions. Until then I guess I'll just have to watch this video in awe.

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Trip

2010-04-09T23:56:00.003-05:00

I know I don't usually post about things that pertain to my professional intrests here but I couldn't help myself in this case.

As a graphic designer and motion graphics artist I'm always looking at thins in such a manner so I can get new ideas. As a result I often browse youtube for interesting videos and am suggested unorthodox design videos.

Well recently I was advised to view the video below from a company call E-spaces. The video gives me some great ideas and also I feel really retro when i watch it for some reason. On a side note though I don't understand how any of that footage could be considered useful, even as a background for blue screen.

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The thirteenth time

2010-03-21T02:03:00.009-06:00

Finally beat Final Fantasy XIII (64 hours of play time), and I'm not really certain of what to say. This instalment is so similar to Final Fantasy X it's unbelievable.
First off the world is similar, the fashion is similar, the battle system is similar to the one in X2... I could just keep going. However as much like X, XIII is by no means as good as X. How do I put this, it's like they didn't put enough effort into the proper development of the story.

Honestly there's a massive conflict. The protagonists are great, strong, and very well fleshed out. However the purpose driving them over all is very poor, and even now I'm puzzled for as to why they had to do what they did. Sure they have their own individual reasons of starting the fight, but not all of them have a good one at the end of the game. That's not the only problem either.
Directly linked to the lack of overall motivation is the fact that it is devoid a properly defined antagonist. There are a few larger bad guys here and there. Yet the one you fight in the end is never given enough screen time to feel like he fills those big bad guy shoes sufficiently. Aside from that the world design is done in a way that make you feel like your the only one in it. No real towns, social hubs, and the full lack of a traditional mini-game makes the world feel desolate. You can also throw in bad pacing, awkwardly timed character emotions, and a slew of special terminology that can only be understood after reading the in-game encyclopaedia; and you have yourself a game that just doesn't come off right.

The only problem with all that is how the combat system is very well done, and fun. I don't know why but it hits a lot of keys in the right ways. If you've ever played FF X-2 then you know the VERY basic idea of how the battle system works and looks. However all the problems and timing issues have been removed. Proper strategy makes a difference, and thinking before the battle is just as important as having fast reaction time during combat.

It's a give and take scenario really.
++ The main characters are VERY well defined, yet lack proper opposition and a unified reason to continue their quest.
++ The game looks fantastic, but lacks NPCs to populate it, and feels empty as a result.
++ The story is poorly paced with many puzzlingly awkward moments, yet it has some very good and rock solid gameplay.

Though I think it has more cons than pros the gameplay is what really masters since it IS a GAME. So In the end I think that I'm pleased with my purchase, and just hope that the nest one is... somehow better.

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Other than L and N

2010-03-03T15:07:00.004-06:00

I just don't know what to say about Metroid other M, it's weird to see Samus with a face, a voice, and above all a story to go with them. The metroid games have never been known for having a strong narrative, or for even having a narrative at all for that matter. Naturally for that reason the most recent trailer for Metroid Other M kind gives me a fish outta water feel.

It's odd too, because the way that Samus sounds and looks is very familiar to me. I personally feel that the developers are trying to make her more like Deunan Knute from Appleseed.

I just don't know what to think.
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du-du-du- Dunst!

2010-02-22T02:53:00.004-06:00

I just don't know what to say, Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane from Spider-Man) did a video to the song "Turning Japanese". In order to do it she danced around Akihabara in a pink skirt with a blue wig on. Who would have guessed she's that type of person...

WARNING: NSFW

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Retween R and H

2010-02-16T12:36:00.010-06:00

So I ran across this story while reading articles on the Escapist earlier today.

I'm not certain of what to say. The gist of the report is that the man Christopher Handley was arrested for possession of child pornography. Only catch is that it wasn't what you would call full fledged kiddie porn, it was Lolita Hentai Manga. What more is that he was prosecuted for having a small portion of it, in comparison to his full hentai collection.

I just find it interesting, Japan is struggling with how to categorize Lolita hentai. If Japan is having trouble (the country that produces the stuff) than obviously America can't even comprehend how to handle it as anything other than flat porn. I'm not surprised he had Lolita manga being a hentai collector. Myself being a mainstream anime collector (non-hentai), know that it just impossible to avoid lolita, it's simply everywhere. So I can only imagine how bad it probably is on the hentai scene.

I'm not surprised by the trouble he got in though. If nothing else he was moving a form of pornography over international borders. Being a customs agent, I know that porn and international travel don't mix in any way, shape, or form.

ahhh, culture shock.
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Valintine Techie

2010-02-02T14:20:00.002-06:00

For those of you who don't know I frequently shop new egg for computer components, and I really do love the site. One thing about New egg is that they always look for an excuse to have a sale, so no matter how unrelated an occasion may be they will have a gadget sale just because there's a holiday.
Well Valintines day is coming up, so obviously they have a sale for the oh so unrelated occasion. Now when I think of new egg I think of gadgets, computer components, and deals on similar accesories.

However this time around I found This on the sale page...

I don't know what to say.
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Vanish

2010-01-18T02:48:00.004-06:00

Seeing as how I was a bit loquacious in my last post, I'll keep it short this time.

I'm a fan the Haruhi Suzumiya series, and I am looking forward to the new movie covering the fourth book entitled The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Even though I'm far past this story arc in the novels, I still want to see it in motion.

This trailer may not be new but It still makes me giddy.

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

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Fate

2010-01-12T13:29:00.005-06:00

Some time ago back in the year 2004 there was a slew of memorable things happening in the anime related area of entertainment.

Ok, I'll drop the odd wording, and cut to the chase. Back in '04 type moon released a game called fate/stay night. The story was about a boy who was the soul survivor of a great calamity, and how at the age of 17 he was drawn into the re-occurrence of a hidden war involving magic wielders called magi. The game was infinity popular, and as a result it spawned several sequels, a manga, as well as an anime series that followed the original story. However I thought all of the hype had calmed down by the year 2006, as that was when the anime series was released. However I seem to be wrong.

I don't know what it is that has kept this game/anime/manga/story so popular for a solid six years now rolling into its seventh. I've watched the amine, read the manga, and above all played the game. While I have to admit that it is good I don't think that it deserves all of the attention it's been getting for years now. Regardless of my opinion though there's a new fate/sty night movie coming out fairly soon. Honestly this simply baffles me.

That being said I will admit that the soon advent movie (which is a retelling of the main story) is something I'm looking forward to. However the reason is not for the story. I'm looking forward to it for it's high quality art style. Usually when anything is in anime format, if a movie should follow at some point it is typically far superior in every way. Examples of this would be Ah! My Goddess or Escaflone.

After seeing the new trailer I am by all means waiting for the next incarnation of the story. I don't really know how to explain it, but the original fate story has some sort of pull to it. Though I'm unwilling to analyse it at current, I would bet that the pull is somehow related to it's cast of characters.

Well it looks like I've rambled enough, so I'll just cut off here.

Fate/Stay Night (Unlimited Blade Works) Trailer

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Dusk

2010-01-05T03:03:00.006-06:00

Back in the day I played a little game on the DS called Hotel Dusk, and it was kick ass. Now there's a sequel coming called Last Window, and I'm well anticipating it.

Not only was the story in the first kick ass but the visual aesthetic is different and refreshing. In Last Window the visual quality has been upgraded without losing the great gritty sketch effect that made the first game distinct.

GAME ON!
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Murderer's Music

2009-11-24T02:37:00.020-06:00

Just to follow up on yesterday's post, I thought I'd talk about the soundtrack of Assassin's Creed Two. In a word, it's beautiful. I really can't express how absolutely amazing the composition is for this game. It's a true experience to listen to, and it helped solidify the game's experience to an incredible extent. This is a soundtrack that instantly garners a position on my top ten list of best soundtracks ever.

I can quite securely say that this is a OST that I'll be listening to, for months to come.

-----------Ezio's Family----------------------Venice Rooftops-----------

I'm in a killer mood because of the beauty of these tracks.
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Slayer's Style II

2009-11-23T00:43:00.001-06:00

Just beat Assassin's Creed Two last night, and all I can say is wow. While not close to the most enthralling gaming experience I've ever had, it was damn good. It was worth every last cent I paid. Here's to hoping that the third one holds up to my expectations, and that the story truly comes full circle.

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Blood Sucking Beauty

2009-10-07T23:59:00.012-05:00

One of the long running Mangas that I've been reading is Rosario to Vampire, a story about young man who, in a desperate attempt to get into high school after failing his placement exams, enrols in a school advertised by a flyer which is dropped by a creepy man one night. On his first day he discovers the school is actually a monsters only academy where the supernatural creatures learn to control themselves and prepare to live with humans. However if humans are ever found on campus they are immediately killed to keep it's location a secret.

Now the entire point that I've brought this up is because of how it was turned into an anime at some point (a bad one I might add). Due to it's racy nature it was successful enough to warrant the production of a sequel (which was infinitely worse than the first).
Now being the type of person I am, I couldn't help myself and watched both seasons as they were being released. Understand that by no means was I impressed and I was neither entertained by either season, nor am I interested in seeing another. However there was one very VERY large thing about the second season that I found outstandingly good, and that would be it's intro sequence.

The high quality animation, fluid movements, obvious work that went into the choreography of the girls movements, and the cohesive style of the entire minute and a half opening blew me away. By no means did I expect to see such a well done piece of art to be used to set the tone for such a sub par show, which touts itself as little more than a fan service cluster fuck.

I don't know, maybe I'm being to critical but none the less the entire point is that the video below is a quality piece of work.
Also on a side note the youtube version has a slight problem with syncing and frame rate, so it's noticeably inferior to a full downloaded version preceding any given episode.

Rosario to Vampire 2 intro

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Conan, Andy, and Anime

2009-09-25T01:55:00.001-05:00

Just watch and don't ask questions.

Dub Session One

Dub Session Two

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Augmention Centuria

2009-09-05T16:57:00.002-05:00

As an aspiring film maker and visual effects artist I have to say the most important part about making videos of any kind is knowing your history. Weather it be to understand how things were done in the past, what you admire and hope to achieve, or what you want to avoid, history is key. Since it's been one hundred years roughly since the incorporation of special effects into movies, it's appropriate to pay homage.

Watching this video fills me with pride to know that the augmentation of the reality on screen has such a rich history.

100 years of special effects.

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Transform!

2009-09-03T16:42:00.001-05:00

Thought this was a fun little video. It's the transforming legacy of Nintendo.

Kinda wanna do a video like this myself.
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Chicks and Nightclothes

2009-09-01T16:08:00.003-05:00

I don't talk about racy things on this blog really, all because that's not what it's about. However a recent photo shoot that I saw with Ana Beatriz Barros (a Brazilian model), caught my eye. The reason is because of how perfectly her good side was captured in several of the shots. Most prominent of them is the particular photo where she is wearing blue, the composition is what I would consider perfect.

The main reason that I am surprised is because of how I have seen some of her other shoots, and quite honestly less than perfect. The style is either atrocious, the composition is poor, or the cameraman totally failed to capture a good angle or the makeup artist was simply to doped up to do a good job.

Call me prude or even gay for not being pleased by just BOOBS! But I'm an artist and when it comes to professional photo shoots I expect them to be done right. It's a massive blunder to make you model look like she has a hangover or hasn't had her daily dose of nose candy.

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Eight bit bullet time

2009-08-25T23:01:00.005-05:00

I don't know what type of gamer i would be if I didn't bring this up after seeing it.

If you haven't seen the latest viral vid on the net it's a large stop frame project that uses tons of Legos as pixels. Its an 8-bit trip with an amazing amount of work put into it, and without question it deserves kudos.

ok less talkey mor watchey

8-bit trip

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Computational Jumping Method

2009-08-19T14:58:00.004-05:00

I've done some programing in my time and I know enough to say that I hate doing it. Never in my life will I program something unless i really need to. Which is why I have to respect the people who do it for fun or practice.

This video I found is the result of writing algorithms for the primary purpose of allowing a computer to play Super Mario World perfectly. In it you can see the possible actions as red lines and all the moves are puled off flawlessly even the fabled wall jump.

AI Plays Mario

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Overlay

2009-07-12T16:31:00.002-05:00

I'll be brief with this post. Being a motion graphics artist i understand just how hard it can be to not only drop things into video to augment it's reality, but also to properly motion track a shot in order to have you elements move properly with the scene. So naturally I like seeing things that have the proper amount work put into them so they look good. That' the case even when the result of the final product is a bit creepy. This video would be one case.

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Repetition Return

2009-07-05T21:08:00.007-05:00

When it comes to music I'm simply interested in anything that sounds good to me. That means it doesn't matter what genre the music belongs to, what language it may be written in, or what instruments it's played with. If the sound is good and harmonious I probably can tell if the song is real good or just mediocre.
Even though I'm not discriminatory with what I listen to and judge music based on it's sound alone it doesn't mean I'm not prone to look for music from certain composers, groups, or artists.
One of those said Groups is Linkin Park. I've been listening to their music for years because of how much I find their music to have not only a different sound but the lyrics are something I've always liked.

I can't deny my that I had an awkward reception to Linkin Park's last album minutes to midnight. After all it was a big step is a new direction where they (for the most part) left behind their founding musical style. It took a while but the album grew on me and I don't think it's that bad now, but it's still not the original linkin Park.

That's why I was so happy when I saw the new transformers movie. I was wondering what type of song they would use at the end of the movie. In the first film they used "What I've Done" from the minutes to midnight album; Which was honestly the best track from the whole disc. The track just worked so well when the movie faded out and the credits started to roll. So obviously linkin park would have been great for the second movie but they haven't come out with an album for at least two years.\
Well much to my surprise when the second transformers movie was coming to a close the music that started to play sounded familiar in it's style. I was just blown away when I herd Chester Bennington start to sing.
I have to say I'm plenty glad that they had Linkin Park specifically produce a song for the movie it just helped it to close right. But even more so am I happy that I herd a new song from the band that reminds me why I started listening to them way back when.

It's just great to know that even if they don't intend to do the same thing all the time they haven't forgotten how to do what got them popular.

This is the song I'm talking about.

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Check the Depp

2009-07-03T02:13:00.005-05:00

When it comes to people I see on camera there are a few names that come to mind for prominence. However none of them are as significant as Jonny Depp. The reason is because as an artist and an actor he is exactly what I respect and think a true screen talent should be. No matter what I hear, read, or where it comes from the reports always seem to be the same. Depp just does things his way and only because he enjoys it. He has no real ego, he's humble, hates being the center of attention, and prefers to stay away from talk shows and things that bring on gossip.

However when he does appear in the public eye and isn't in costume there is no doubt he's just the same as all those articles, talk shows, and media buzz portray him. Humble with a lack of ego.

If I ever become a director Jonny Depp is someone I want to work with.
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Cross overs

2009-06-11T01:40:00.004-05:00

Cross over media is some of my favourite type of entertainment. It allows you to get the best kind of jokes and humour from two different directions. Of course at the same time It's also the ultimate way to alienate people since it's noting but hardcore inside jokes.
Anyway I was avidly awaiting the advent of the game MGS4. Since I also own and play the game Little Big Planet this ad not only appeals to me, it also makes me laugh. This is a good example of well done cross over humour.

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Facebook and Twitter

2009-06-05T16:34:00.002-05:00

Well as a gem of information I have to say that I have a faceBook page even though I never use it, and at the same time I have never used twitter. The main reason is because I think it's not to great of an idea to engage in such totally pointless social networking to express the mundane and worthless points of my life.

This short gets my point across best. I truly understand what that green guy Gigantor is feeling.

Facebook Twiter

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Castles and blood

2009-06-04T13:53:00.008-05:00

Well if your any type of a REAL gamer you would know that E3 was this week and some of the biggest titles were announced.
Personally I'm looking forward to the new Castlevania.

Check it in HD here.

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Final High

2009-05-30T01:22:00.004-05:00

so I was big on the Advent Children movie before it cam out a few years back. I kept my ear to the ground and painstakingly searched for info pertaining to the movie on a regular basis. I was SO into it that I got my hands on the film two days before it was released in Japan with some ragged subtitles so I could follow along.

Well Nowadays I'm not that big into the FFV:AC thing but it doesn't stop me from loving the movie. So naturally I'm ecstatic about the Blu-Ray release of the movie. Ever since I herd about how the HD version would have more scenes and fighting I was excited. However when I herd that the entire movie was going to be redone with dirt being a factor on the characters and their clothes, I was blow away.

I've been very much so anticipating the inevitable release of the HD Final Fantasy Movie. So I'm honestly giddy with it being next week that those of us across the trench in America here getting our release of the movie in HD.

Teaser (check this out in HD full screen 720p)

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Sim or Show?

2009-05-17T22:06:00.004-05:00

I was looking around the tube the other day and found this vid. I'm not to certain where they got these ideas but i like it quite a bit. Even though it doesn't truly mesh with the melancholy concept very well.

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Chipset Envy

2009-04-13T16:14:00.002-05:00

lol, if my PC was like this I would never have gotten a mac. Good 'ol 2001 a space odyssey.

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Birthing Ideas

2009-04-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

Well there's no lying that when you get an idea that's great it just seems to come out of nowhere. With me that's just the case; I may know what i can do to stimulate myself in order to raise the chances of having one but it doesn't stop the fact that they come when they come. Forcing it just doesn't work.

Well I found this video that explains expresses just that.

Process before and Idea

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Final Fantasy Mash

2009-04-03T00:03:00.009-06:00

hmm, it took a long time but man just being able to see a Final Fantasy game that hosts all the heroes and villains excites me. To bad it's not in HD and only the the PSP. I'm not much of a hand held gamer so it's a bit of a let down.

Better quality here.
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Crying Consoles

2009-03-30T23:53:00.003-06:00

so there's no if and or buts about it, as powerful as consoles are they still qualify as last gen technology compared to high end gaming rigs. A game like Crysis can kick a console's processor core senseless in less than thirty seconds if that. For that reason I've remained a PC enthusiast for some time, and there isn't much of anything that can make me stop being one.

However to find that crytek has actually gone back and rewritten massive sections of the cry2 engine to get games like crysis working on consoles, amazes me. Technically its not even the cry2 engine anymore either; it's gone through so many changes it qualifies as a new version, the cry3 engine. The changes are so significant that I can't describe how important this is to the (current) console gaming industry. Aside of some other things that were just as large if not bigger that were announced at GDC 09; this has to be one of the top three that I've herd.

Not all of you may look at this and understand just what this means on a technical basis. Though none the less the visual results are easy to understand.

Demo vid of Cry engine 3 on consoles
Tech explained part 1
Tech explained part 2

invigorating!
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Unexpected Intrests

2009-03-29T13:13:00.004-06:00

So when it comes to what your interested in you typically fit a role to some extent. Most common being that you fulfill the visual role of a stereotype somehow. If your a jock you look like you exercise a lot. If your a prep you dress well, have nice hair, and know whats in. When your a nerd your (very) scrawny or chubby, wear glasses, get picked on, and don't get any girls.

Stereotypes drive forward many mediums today because they're easy to describe and design. However they aren't that real. Certainly they exist but they really don't look like what you expect them to. One example would be Vin Diesel, a large muscular actor who got his name from how much energy he had as a bouncer. However his oldest past time is tabletop gaming Dungeons and Dragons style.

check this vid it's a better explanation than I can give.

Don't judge a book by it's cover
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The Good Burn

2009-02-17T16:07:00.002-06:00

One of the things that I love about reviews is when I encounter a slew of scathing remarks for any game. Even if I loved the game or the franchise, hard boiled spit in your face reviews put the nitty-gritty right in your eyes and show you all the flaws that have been made. It's terribly important to me that such reviews are made which is why I love the zero punctuation videos. No doubt Croshaw the writer will end up in someone's wallet at some point, but till them it's very entertaining to hear all his well written bitching.

With the number of kick backs and bribes happening in the game review industry today hearing a bad review is just that great. Primary because it typically means that no one got money and the developer is reaping what they decided to sew. Of course the down side to that is how no matter what, not a single game gets a perfect ten unless a hand is greased at least a little.

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Bikini Samurai Zombie Slayers

2009-02-12T02:06:00.004-06:00

I really don't know what to say. I mean, I know that the OneChanbara game series is around five years old by now, but still. I never expected it to be successful, didn't think it would ever warrant a movie, and absolutely dismissed the thought of it EVER coming to America. Well I suppose I should expect it to do one of the last things possible, be a hit state side.

Oh yeah if you don't know what I'm talking about just watch the video below it explains everything. if the video is dead you may have luck at game trailers.

OneChanbara Opening movie

the stupidity of this game concept makes me ashamed to know I play games.
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Devil may Cryin Out Loud

2009-01-15T02:31:00.004-06:00

About three weeks ago I bought Devil May Cry 4 during an after Christmas sale. I just recently beat it and I have a soul complaint that's big enough that I care to voice.

If you don't know Devil May Cry is a game series that spawned off of Resident Evil (AKA Biohazard) when the creator was trying to eliminate the clunky game play style of the survival horror genre. Devil May Cry is a game that focuses on battling hoards of enemies while looking as stylish as possible while doing it. The game play formula is commonly accepted as the 3D replacement for the classic 2D action platforming.

Anyway I'm not new to the DMC series but at the same time I'm not a real vet either. Simply put I've been playing it long enough to know the whole story and remember how all the characters used to look. Usually when (and if) video game characters change they do so in two directions, one for each sex. Men get bigger, stronger, steroid muscular, and more badass. Women however get thinner, more hooker like, bigger boobs, and a total disregard for practical clothing, or covering their skin in general.

This brings me to a character from DMC3 called Lady. When they made her she had a real school girl look to her, wearing a pair of short shorts under a skirt, and a loose dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. This looked good on her and above everything else she was a true example of sexy but practical. Now however in DMC4... well my picture below sums up what's wrong with Lady now.

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Water Power

2008-12-21T06:02:00.004-06:00

How more superfluous AND green can you get at the same time as a rain powered led umbrella? Not very I can promise you that, the LightDrops Umbrella designed by Sang-Kyun Park uses a special membrane to keep you dry, but also captures the potential energy of rain and uses it to power LEDs. Dark rainy nights won't be so dark any more with this little device, and would be a must have for residents of places like Seattle. Oh yeah did I mention that it glows brighter when it Rains harder?

LightDrops Umbrella

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Mass routine power.

2008-12-13T00:47:00.005-06:00

So it seems that everywhere you go there's a some type of news about needing green energy these days. While I don't really keep my ear to the ground when it comes to green technology I am a supporter of alternative energy means.

Of all the people out there the most fitted to discover a great way to generate new energy (in my opinion) is easily the Japanese. And just as I would suspect they have found a very unorthodox means of generating energy, but none the less effective. Just last year the East Japan Railway Company installed piezoelectric flooring in Tokyo station. Piezoelectric flooring is a type of system that gathers the vibrations people emit when stepping on the ground and turns it into electricity. Using this technology in traffic heavy areas can generate massive amounts of energy, and companies like eJRC can truly reap some of the maximum benefits from it. The main benefit for Tokyo station being that they no longer have an electric bill, because their customers generate an estimated 1,400kw per day.

Ironic isn't it? Paying people and then giving them free profit at the same time?

----CP Out---

Moribito shirīzu

2008-12-08T04:55:00.013-06:00

So nearly two years ago to date (just four days off) I spoke of an anime series called Seirei no Moribito. My interest in it came from the fact that Production I.G. made it, which is the same house that did Blood Plus. I very much so looked forward to the show but tacking it down was difficult, as it was licensed in america before it even aired in Japan. Well, pass two years and while I was successful in acquiring the show; my time to watch anime dwindled. After a two to three month period I was able to view the entire series; and this is what I have to say.

Seirei no Moribito is good, and I mean GOOD. The animation and art were on par and exceeded what I expected, while the story was deeper than I anticipated. However it had a hollow ending that left me feeling like there was more story to be told.
Well this is where my interest and curiosity benefit me. After doing some looking I discovered that the show was an adaptation of the children's novel by the same name. Even more exciting is that I found out it was only the first volume in a series of ten books.
Now comes the good part; As I've stated before, with the Haruhi series; If I like a show enough I'll follow the original media to get the entire story. That's less and less true the closer you get to text only media, but once in a while there are stories that I like enough to pursue regardless of how they were originally told.
The Moribito Series is one of those few series.

The original novels are already in translation; The first is out and the second to be released in April. I have all intentions of asking for this as a holiday gift, and if I don't receive it than I WILL purchase it myself.

Original Trailer I posted two years ago

Now I watch it again this show really changed by the time it aired.

Here's to hoping they animate Yami no Moribito, the sequel.
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Double Negative

2008-12-04T23:21:00.002-06:00

If you've read any of my early posts you would know that I have a great deal of respect for music regardless of where it comes from. Even though I'm like any other person and I have my own preferences, All music is worth listen to at least once... even... country... maybe. Anyway of all the music I listen to, my favourite has to be plain instrumental. The feelings that notes alone can carry is, in my opinion much more powerful than that of which lyrics can hold; Notes are international and all encompassing to so there exist no boundaries to them. However I digress, back to the point of this post.

With the somewhat recent announcement of the YouTube Symphony Orchestra contest, I've been reminded that classic music needs just as much respect. For a period of time I liked instrumental music only if it had a certain sound to it. I can't really explain it but if it didn't sound like it could fit to a visual element (like a movie) I just didn't have a lot of care for it.
Well that all changed when I decided to watch an anime called Nodame Cantabile. It made a connection with me. So being a person that likes instrumental music to start with, It pushed me to understand classical music better. By the end of the show I gained a significant amount of respect for classic compositions and all the music written in it's style.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that odd things can influence how you grow. I never thought an anime would make me appreciate classics but it did.

Nodame Cantabile opening

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ACCF

2008-11-12T01:11:00.003-06:00

I won't go into to much depth here since it's something so simple. Back in the day I was one of the few that has a heavy interest in Animal Crossing when it was new and unknown. The new experience and chill game play was addictive and still is to this day. I think that's what made the game such a success and I'm grateful for that, because I'm still very much so interested in the game when I just want to kick it.

The formula hasn't changed very much and that's what keeps me coming back, the cool laid back no pressure style of game play. Some games are best kept simple and straight with nothing mature about them.

Original Animal Crossing Ads

---CP Out---

Future

2008-11-04T22:46:00.001-06:00

Moving forward to the future.

The revolution of election 08'

Fallout Angel

2008-10-30T11:58:00.005-06:00

In light of the recent release of FallOut 3 and the growing trend that I can see for post nuke concept I think it's appropriate that I cover my own point of view over the media concept. Before I do though I should mention that I have yet to play FallOut 3 since I'm on vacation and nowhere near my desktop. So most of what I'm saying is purely from a visual and aesthetic point of view.

To start off with I'll cover the idea which is FallOut. The FallOut game series is the embodiment of the concept that there was, sometime in our future, a massive war which was all about natural resources. The amount of fighting was considerably smaller than prior wars. The reason? because tensions climbed so fast that nuclear armaments were chosen as the prime weapon. The bad part though is that nearly every country that had a nuke launched theirs within five minutes of every other countries launch. The result? a World war that lasted three minutes with no winner what so ever. The world became a barren wasteland filled with the fragile remains of what it once was.

This is the concept of the FallOut series, and the post war result is the very Idea that the current post apocalyptic media trend follows.

This brings me to the independent series called Fallen Angel created by Robbie Robertson. It's the depiction of the same idea but with different social results. It also uses a very here and now concept to explain why everything happened. Instead of people banding together they fight one another, there seems to be no problem with actual fallout either, and the name of the game is kill anyone you see. Of course there isn't that much out in the line of Fallen Angel right now so those statements could easily change.

The main concept though is the same and It's kinda eerie to see the fairly accurate depiction of what would happen when watching Fallen Angel. Additionally it's not completely fun to see the ruined world in FallOut 3, since it is the US capitol, and a world that many of us can relate to. The current world we live in is so capable of of crumbling to what is seen in these media creations is scary. To think of the world after such an event has happened, and what it would be like, to have to survive in such an environment. That is assuming you weren't one of the seventy percent of the world that died in the initial attack. For such a sublimely surreal world to be possible is quite simply creepy. It's one of the reasons that I love the concept but also hate it. To feel so connected to the idea and understand that It's totally possible is an incredible feeling that's very two faced. You love the media and entertainment value but hate just how close to possible the concept is.

I won't pan though the idea any more, as I could go on forever. Though my point is that the post nuke war idea is starting to become a bit popular, and what's popular in the media usually is because of how it relate to the real world we live in.

---CP Out---

Adam, Eve, and Plankton

2008-10-21T00:59:00.004-05:00

So being a gamer of mixed designs I play a lot of different genres. Mostly though the games I play are system specific. That is when it comes to First person games I prefer to experience them on a computer, RPGs play well with consoles, strategy with PC, etc etc etc. So it's a bit disappointing to see games on other systems get an extra hand up when I chose not to go in that particular route.
One recent example is the leaked video of the bioshock 2 teaser seen on a PS3. It's not like I'm really missing out on anything in this case, and I'm not to displeased about it either. I'm just a bit upset that something like this that so well fits into the advertising department, is kept secret and exclusive.

Let me take a step back though. Bioshock is a first person shooter that I really liked. I know that it's just like system shock 2 but all the same I've never played it and probably never will because of the time constraints I have. It's a shooter that's unlike many out there and it's story is refreshing with a few twists, though a bit predictable.
So hearing about a sequel has grabbed my attention, while at the same time has made me hungry for a HD trailer. This is where I'm annoyed, the poor quality leaked video is almost certainly real and it clearly fits the definition of advertising. So why not release an HD version? I'm just nitpicking I know, I can't really help myself because I always want the best of the best visuals, but that's just who I am.

Anyway from what It seems 2K won't be letting the game stagnate (but I hold no hopes). I'm anticipating the next instalment and if what I've herd is true than I'll hopefully still be interested enough to also buy the third one should they make it.

---CP Out---

Killer Coctail

2008-10-10T04:15:00.007-05:00

So I'm not much of a drinker myself, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the occasional mixed beverage every once in a while. However being the creative and design aesthetic man that I am, means that I naturally care about how it looks as well.

This is where it gets cool, AK bullet Ice Cubes cool. This is an ice cube tray that makes ice look like those deadly shrapnel filled casings, made for machine guns. Frivolous? yes but still hella cool. I think I'll get one of these. How else can you make your cocktail this cool? I can think of a few but this is a definite must.

----CP Out----

Shred it! On Line!

2008-09-30T03:24:00.005-05:00

So Im certain that most of you out there already know about games like guitar hero and rock band. I'm interested enough in them but they have only a certain level of entertainment value. The reason? Because the tracks you can play are limited to what's on the disc or at the on-line store that you can hook up to.
Don't get me wrong they're fun but when there's only so much, it's just not going keep anyone's attention for and extended period of time.

The remedy for this? Along comers Jam Legend, it's like face book or myspace but your profile is entirely focused on how well you play. It's an on-line game with a large library of songs that's totally free. You can play solo, compete with friends, challenge strangers, and match up with people your level. I have to say, from where i stand and where many people I know stand this website has a rather bright looking future.

shred the keyboard!
---Cp Out---

D-day editing

2008-09-17T00:32:00.005-05:00

Ok, so for those of you who don't know, a lot of what I can do on a computer that's constructive is video effects and title construction. There are a number of things that I can do that aren't considered easy. That being said I don't think any of it is much and other people like me can do just as well (or better and faster). Point of it all is that no one really appreciates what the effects team can do, or at least it always feels that way. It may be true of many things but people giving the brush off when you spent thirties of fifties of minutes to make a cool looking title. Then who knows how long on the video effects, is just a bit discouraging. Oh yeah did I mention how long it takes to shoot the footage?

Well anyone reading this is probably one of those people but still, I totally appreciate all the work that goes into the creation. Here's a good example of what the effects team can do and how much work can go into something. Remember the D-day landing in Saving Private Ryan? What was done on a massive budget with a thousand extras, these three GDs did in four days with just themselves as actors.

Recreating the D-Day landing

I swear the public really doesn't care about us.
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Eye of the Beholder

2008-09-12T23:43:00.005-05:00

Have you ever seen a movie trailer that plays a flick up to be something it's not? How about an ad that gives you a totally different idea until they start talking about the product? It happens all the time and it's an example of how much power editors have. Of course it also shows how poor of a job many editors do as well, but that's not the point (and a subject for a different post all together).
I found this bit that displays how easy it is to turn something that's not a dating sim into the opening for one.

Suzumiya Haruhi (hoax) dating sim

---CP Out---

Red handed

2008-09-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

Glad this type of thing hasn't happened to me. Not that I would do anything to warrant such a situation to occur...

---CP Out---

Apparitions' Thrice

2008-09-03T02:51:00.004-05:00

Some time ago I posted about a game called Fatal Frame Two Crimson Butterfly. I'm a glutton for punishment, no question. Even though I really hate playing horror games I play them anyway. I don't just play them either, I play them in the worst scenarios possible middle of the night, lights off, and alone. I don't know why I do it but one thing is for sure. Something about it is compelling enough to keep me doing it, even though I don't know what it is.

On the subject of Fatal Frame I have to say that it's one of the most horrifying game series I've ever played. Most people who hear about it though dismiss it immediately because they've never herd of spirit photography and it's exorcismal powers. As a result they think it's stupid and won't look any deeper.
I disagree ghosts have to be the worst thing I can think of. They have no physical form, can move through solid objects, have incredibly poor interest in the future of mortals, and try to suck the life out of you. That tallies up exactly what I'd call scary! You can't hurt it and it wants to kill you, how much more danger do you need?

Anyway Fatal Frame Three is by no means a walk in the park. It takes the idea of nightmares and reality and blurs the borders. The game is not new by any means but even though it's from last gen it's still scary as hell. Right up there with the original Silent Hill.

Fatal Frame Three The Tormented

A real producer/director with full respect for the series should make this into a movie. Maybe then people would respect ghosts properly.

Scared Shitless
---CP Out---

Nintendo ON

2008-08-31T14:07:00.002-05:00

lol, what a hoax this was. This vid showed up as a proposed pre E3 tec demo Leak in 05. The guy put a lot of work into it too. If he was looking to get recognised I'm sure it worked.
Still I want to believe this.

The Nintendo ON

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Galacticly Microscopic

2008-08-21T01:32:00.002-05:00

One of the most anticipated games out there that I have seen has to be spore. If you haven't herd of it you may want to simply crawl out from under that rock you've been under, rip you lips from the person you've been smooching, or simply take a look into the gaming media domain.
Spore is a game that blows away anything that has ever really been attempted in a simulation game before. All you really do is lead organisms from microscopic all the way to galaxy domination, experiencing every evolutionary step of the way.

Spore

Been waiting and still can't wait for this.
---CP Out---

I am SO sorry!

2008-08-15T02:17:00.002-05:00

I'll be brief, while this video could be considered racist I think it's funny. At the least how many white guys do you see that can make jokes like this? He also gets laughs too so its not like no one thinks he's funny.

Christopher Titus Apologizes

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The Purple Pairs

2008-07-30T03:41:00.005-05:00

So there are these two series that I've talked about before called Lucky Star and Clannad. I like them both in their own respect, as they are very different shows. However there is one thing that's strikingly similar about them that I can't really get out of my mind.

In Lucky star two of the main characters are twins named Tsukasa and Kagami. They have long and short lavender hair respectively so they're presumably identical save for that soul factor.

Now in Clannad there are a pair of sisters who are also twins named Ryō and Kyō. They have long and short hair respectively too. Presumably they are also identical twins.

These two pairs of girls look so similar in how they were designed it's uncanny. I really feel that they were created by the same person even though they weren't. It also feels like on had influence one the other (unlikely), but the two series have noting to do with each other... sort of.
While the origins of the two animes are very different the place where they were put in motion is very much the same. Kyoto animation is the studio that did the work for both Lucky Star and Clannad. I suppose that it's just coincidence that they were both made one right after the other, and both sets of twins had violet hair, one short one long, and fit in the same general age range.
The odd similarities are stacking, but they stop there. I just find it really surprising that they were both from the same studio and look alike. Oh but there's one more weird thing to mention. Fujibayashi Kyō sister to Ryō is voiced by Ryō Hirohashi.
The whole thing and all it's connections just struck me as weird.

Oh and on a total side note the other two main characters in Lucky Star are voiced by Hirano Aya and Endo Aya

The Fujibayashi sisters, Ryō (left) and Kyō (right)

The Hiiragi sisters, Kagami (left) and Tsukasa (right)

alternative image here.

Now if you don't see what I'm talking about you must be blind.

---CP Out---

Don't Loose It!

2008-07-19T22:42:00.004-05:00

Life it just far to busy, even though I have had a lot of things I've wanted to blog about over the past few weeks I haven't had anywhere near enough time to do so.
Hopefully I'll have more time to type my way to nubs soon.

Anyway With the end of this week comes the end of the all infamous E3 08. A lot of things are out there and I'm excited for a lot of things I've seen. But I'll focus on something that really has caught my eye.

Xam'd:Lost Memories

That is the title of an anime series that was featured at E3. Yeah that's right an ANIME was FEATURED at E3! Hard to believe right? well it's just the same here and that's not even the shocking part. This anime series is a PSN (Play Station Network) exclusive! That's something I never expected to see happen, an entire anime series exclusive to a downloadable content console only network. Finally to top it off the series will début in America on the PSN before it dose on the PSN in Japan!

As far as the story goes it seems interesting at the least. I'm very interested to see where this series goes. After all I've never herd of a show being exclusive to a game console. If this succeeds it's going to bring a whole new idea to the idea of video content. After all youTube caused the writers strike, and the foretasted actors strike is more evidence. If exclusive series such as this work than I can only imagine what will happen to the television market again.

Ok enough here the kick ass trailer they published from E3. Mind you I saw this in HD so it was a whole lot more cool.

Xam'd: Lost Memories E3 08 Trailer

Hope to be back soon for another post.
---CP Out---

Extreme Devoution

2008-06-22T07:48:00.011-05:00

The fact of the matter is that I am a rather large Evangelion fan. There's no getting around that fact. I'm large enough to be one of those people who bought the platinum edition of the anniversary set as the volumes came out. Not only did Evangelion change the way I viewed anime, but it was the series that made me realize just how deep and immersive anime could be over any show I had ever seen in America.

I'm very grateful for the fact that I have been able to experience such an amazing piece of work. So naturally I was just about ecstatic when I herd that they were going to do a rebuild project of the series in the form of four movies. I patiently bided my time till I could watch the project's first quarter. After having seen the creation not only am I pleased but I'm quite amazed at how much the video has been enhanced. I wasn't quite expecting them to do a virtual retrace and colouring improvement but that's what the package contains.

As much as the improvement is evident I decided to make a direct comparison. Here I've set up two screen shots from the theatrical release of the move and it's original TV counterpart. The TV shots come from my platinum edition DVDs and the movie from a 720p video. Note that I have scaled down the Movie screens to match the TV resolution (which was an odd rez) so that there is less of a size interruption.


Right from the start you can see that there has been a lot of colour correction.

Clearly the art style has improved and doesn't look as awkward.

This shot shows how much effort has gone into the backgrounds, this one is an incredible improvement.

Shading and lighting have become a day and night difference. No longer does it look like anything was over-layed.

Additional non-essential elements have also received a visual upgrade. (wink wink nudge nudge)

Here's and example of how some scenes received a near total reconstruction to the point of being unrecognizable.

No not the background; If you know this scene than you may notice Rei has a more determined look on her face aobut what she's ready to do.

Yes this is the same scene. This is one out of handfuls of examples where the entire design and presentation was reconstructed.

The mood and total feeling of the movie is much better because of so many of the above changes that can be seen in the alterations between these two shots.

Prime example here is that the characters are drawn to a more aesthetic degree. No longer dose Ayanami look like a disproportionate child in the midst of puberty, but a proportioned adult.

Can't wait for the next instalment of the movies.

(time spent on this gallery 3:36)
---Cp Out---

My Clan

2008-06-20T00:00:00.003-05:00

It's taken me some time but I realize now that I have a controversial addiction to anything that Key makes (dating sims). To be more specific I seem to be drawn to anything that they do that's turned into and anime. I remember that it started with reading another blog and the author mentioned waiting for AIR to be broadcast. I decided to look into it and I still think it's one of the best shows I've watched. After that I was attracted to the art style the the 02' anime Kanon used, not to long after that (actually it was long) I was anticipating the advent of the 06' remake (totally worth it).

Now I was not to long ago drawn to the show Clannad which to my surprise upon further investigation was also originally a game by key. All the related anime adaptations seem to be done by Kyoto animation nowadays which I'm grateful for (they have great quality). Anyhow I seem to be drawn to their initial art style and I haven't really been disappointed with any story. I suppose I'm a bit of a sucker for the emotionally charged finding true love type story.

I think that last line was to much info... I'll stop here.

Clannad Opening

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Patriotic Blast

2008-06-14T03:44:00.004-05:00

MGS4:GotP (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) a game I've been waiting for, and one which is FAR beyond anything I expected.
Right now I'm on chapter three (no clue how many chapters there are) and enjoying almost every bit of it. There are a few things I really don't like but I cant really complain. the overall feel is more epic than any MGS they've made thus far. I'm looking forward to how everything turns out.

Theatrical Trailer
(does not depict how the game feels very well)

EDIT: 5:10 am 6/13/08

Well I've beaten the game and wow. By far one of the THE best games I have ever played. Not only did it feel epic and important but I could barely look away from the screen. The entire thing makes all the other MG installments feel like child's play in both game play and in story and grad scheme. It was amazing, there were five chapters (four being my favourite) as well as a prologue and epilogue.
Some people die, others you finally meet, and a few you thought couldn't appear showed face. In the end this game had one of the best feelings because of how it had six prior games leading up to it. It's like experiencing history (I played all the games when they came out) and seeing just how complex and big things could get. Nostalgia is the one largest feeling the game delivered but in a relevant and up-to-date sense.

I'll leave it here if I continue I'll start giving away spoilers.

---CP Out---

Otaku Salute!

2008-06-10T02:16:00.004-05:00

Sunday in Akihabara there was a horrible incident where a man drove a truck into a crowd and attacked people with a knife leaving seven dead and several injured (full story).

As a tech nerd and an anime otaku it is impossible for me not to feel bad over such a thing happening in Akihabara. I hope that no such thing happens again.

---CP Out---

Put a spin on it

2008-06-07T02:07:00.004-05:00

Even though this is not new I thought I'd post about it anyway.

For those of you who don't know there is a show on the Japaneses airwaves that makes fun of things in a unique sense. Without getting to deep I'll simply say that they use pictures and rewrite a song that is well associated with the media.
In this particulars case it's a Mario parody.

I suggest watching the flash Version instead since it's so much better.

Flash version

Note that the translations are the bottom line of titles.

---CP Out---

Grammatically its V not F

2008-05-29T04:04:00.003-05:00

I watch a lot of anime but there are few that I go through the trouble of buying on DVD. These days there are two reasons. First, most anime I watch I don't consider good enough to spend money on, and two low-def is so yesterday. That being said there aren't any series published in HD yet (region 1 anyway), so I do buy the occasional box set.

So when you put together Mental instability, mutant test subjects, a molested child, extreme gore, a sadistic military commando, and a hit of incest what do you get?
...
...
...
Sorry, but I just realized that give or take a few of those elements and I could name several other anime series I've seen. Anyway the show I'm talking about is Elfin Lied, which despite my list is actually a very good show.
It's hard to describe and justify, but simply put the show lays out uncomfortable elements and tells a story with them. Where it goes? well that's something that would spoil the show.

Elfin Lied Trailer

There is the opening, but I'll refrain from posting that here.

---CP Out---