Adam, Eve, and Plankton

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.

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Killer Coctail

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.



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Shred it! On Line!

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!
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D-day editing

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

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


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Red handed

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



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Apparitions' Thrice

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
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