When it comes to chilling out on the computer, most people enjoy to listen to music. I like to call this action as 'cruising', similar to that when people take casual drives in their car. Recently I stumbled into two YouTube channels that I found, which provides the appropriate pace when on the comp. Those channels are EpicNetworkMusic and Going Quantum. Many view the genre of dubstep, electro etc as harsh and diabolic. Although this may be true when it comes to something like hardstyle, the music that the two channels provide are fluid and a more pleasant mix. Whether it be gaming, drawing or just surfing the web, I recommend giving EpicNetworkMusic and Going Quantam a listen.
The Way of the Average Geek
quick reviews on anything creative like movies, design, games etc. there will be grammatical and spelling errors....so lets move on :)
Monday, 4 February 2013
Sunday, 3 February 2013
PRODUCT DESIGN: Lighting
I recently discovered a wonderful architecture and design website, by the name of InDesignLive. As I was breifly flickering through the design products, I was drawn to two lighting installations instantly. The first was a cloth light titled IN-EI (shadow, shadiness in japanese) by Issey Miyake, which illustrate the same skillful artistry as origami, and the second was Estiluz Balloon Lamps by Spanish duo Crous & Calogero.
What drew me to these lights was that one portrays and manipulates shadow with an organic flowing material, whereas the other portrays illumination in a simplistic and solid balloon form. What both products succeeds in is the emotional influence it brings to a space. The IN-EI lights portrays elegance and complexity, as the viewer can observe, analyse and question how such a complex form was made. Whereas, on the opposite spectrum the Estiluz Balloon Lamps immit bright light that turns a dark, serious space into a cheerful and child-like atmosphere. The simplistic balloon shape becomes a feature that reminds the occupants of the innocence and cheerfulness that children portray.
Both products illustrate the influence lighting or the manipulation of shadow can affect the atmosphere and pyschological mind set of its occupants. Additionally, it is usually the subtle-ness in a room that difines its character and spirit.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
GAMING NEWS: XNA is Dead + BASTION Review
Casually surfing the Game Informers website, I come upon an interesting report, titled: "XNA is Dead". Being quite noobish and technological inept, I was curious by what is XNA? It seems that the Microsoft XNA development platform is being discontinued, as reported by Game Informer's Joe Juba. Unaware of the consequences that discontinuation would cause, the report explains that this toolset enabled brilliant indie games such as Fex and Baastion to be made. Right then did this short report post caught my full intention.
Far from being a hardcore gamer, knowing that the technology and toolset that made Bastion is discontinued made me slightly anxious. Bastion was an amazing game, which I can confidently say is a memorable and a highly recommended game.
THE GOOD
Narration + Art style:
The moment you hear the first few words of the narrator as you move, the deep and husky voice resonates through your body. Combining the wonderful watercolour/cartoonish art style and power of the narrators words, will make the duration and ending to your journey meaningful.
Gameplay:
Simplistic, arcadic yet complex. The combat mechanics are filled with potential combos as you are given several different weapons and perks. The variety of weapons, will certainly enable you to itch your beserk-like nature or your sniping urge.
Length:
Being a relatively short game, would usually be a negative, however I found that the game's length is quite appropriate. It is short enough to remain replayable with harder difficulties and additional mini-games, while not being terribly long, that the emotional effects that you endure disappears.
THE BAD
It has been sometime since I've completed Bastion, which makes finding negative aspects difficult as I seem to clearly remember the good parts. However, I can make assumptions that may be seen as negatives.
Replability:
Due to the short campaign, some may find that even with the ability to level up all wepaons and skills, there isnt enough incentive to replay as the major factor of this game, which is the emotional journey is no longer present.
Nevertheless, I found Bastion to be a pretty balanced and harmonious game, which triple A titles do not seem to provide. A powerful narrator, wonderful gameplay and layout design made this small indie game a highly recommended game to play.
Friday, 1 February 2013
YouTube REVIEW: The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour
Wanting a quick comedy sketch to watch when your bored?
The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour can fix that itch.
The videos by Jeff Lewis (Vork from the popular web show, The Guild) makes absolutely hilarious 5 minute comedic sketches. Episode 1, titled "Tag" made me suffocate and cry with laughter, as the episode illustrates the dying tradition of outdoor games to a very console dominate generation.
Additionally, the relatability and amazing comedic acting made episode 1, memorable and more importantly repeatable. After watching this episode more than 5 times, I still found it amusing and entertaining. This could be due to Jeff Lewis' crude vocabulary, expresions and mannerism that makes each replay enjoyable.
The only negative remark that I can make is that there isnt enough! 'Nough said.
The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour can fix that itch.
The videos by Jeff Lewis (Vork from the popular web show, The Guild) makes absolutely hilarious 5 minute comedic sketches. Episode 1, titled "Tag" made me suffocate and cry with laughter, as the episode illustrates the dying tradition of outdoor games to a very console dominate generation.
Additionally, the relatability and amazing comedic acting made episode 1, memorable and more importantly repeatable. After watching this episode more than 5 times, I still found it amusing and entertaining. This could be due to Jeff Lewis' crude vocabulary, expresions and mannerism that makes each replay enjoyable.
The only negative remark that I can make is that there isnt enough! 'Nough said.
Friday, 28 December 2012
MOVIE REVIEW: WRECK-IT-RALPH, 2012
Recently given
the spotlight by buying the Star Wars name, Disney releases a movie about
gaming. Fortunately, Disney was able to give a gaming movie, which was not a
pile of tacked on gaming references.
GOOD
1.
Gaming + Disney
Combining Disney’s
undeniably masterful animation skills with gaming, produces a movie that many
productions could not do. Make an actual good gaming movie. The main reason to
why Wreck-It-Ralph succeeds, where others fail was simply due to the medium.
Games are made through animations, so naturally an animated movie on games would
be great. Additionally, Disney went all out on the gaming references with appearances
of iconic characters, ranging from Pacman to Ryu. Disney integrated gaming
culture so effectively, that one bad thing that can be said is that there
simply wasn’t enough time to see it all. (Making the movie a must buy on disc!)
2.
Emotional Investment
Although
Wreck-It-Ralph is animated, Disney did not fail to ensure that the audience
develop emotions throughout the movie. A clear and easy to understand moral is
portrayed as in the end, you are left with the lesson that looks and labelling
others are deceiving.
BAD
1.
Voice Acting
The only bad
thing that may be an issue is the voice acting. I personally do not find
anything wrong; however I would imagine that the high pitch voice of the main
female role (Sarah Silverman) can be irritating to others. Nevertheless, I
personally found that the voice acting was great; one in particular was of Jane
Lynch (Gym teacher from Glee), as she brought extra comedic relief.
Ultimately, I can
confidently recommend this movie to everyone, as it represents how gaming related
content can be entertaining. On a final note, I personally believe that Disney
has the experience and skill to produce great movies and that Star Wars are in
capable hands. (Lets be honest, LucasArts have not done that great so far.)
Friday, 21 December 2012
GAME REVIEW: Hitman Absolution (PC)
Once again you
play as the great hitman, Agent 47. Forced to eliminate your former handler,
Diana, you are left protecting a young girl targeted by The Agency, called
Victoria. Hitman: Absolution brings a new layout to the franchise in a more
linear storyline and arcade-like competitive modes.
GOOD
1.
Replay Value
Hitman: Absolution
introduces a more arcade layout by providing a scoring system and in-game achievements
that can be completed during each level. The many achievements available and
score rankings allows for great replay value, as you compete against other
players in your country and the entire world.
Additionally, the
‘multiplayer’ aspect consists of player-made contracts. These individually made
contracts enable the player to set their own targets and methods of
assassination, which can then be completed by other players.
2.
Shooting Mechanics
The bullet time
mechanic is integrated into the ‘instinct’ meter that allows you to mark out
multiple targets for a few seconds as the ‘instinct’ meter depletes. This makes
for quick and easy assassinations, when outnumbered. Additionally, the cover system enables fluent
movement between cover and the wide shooting range while leaning, makes taking the
stealthier solutions more enjoyable.
3.
AI Response
The A.I demonstrates
responsive noise and motion detection, as they actively search and follow you,
if detected or under suspicion. The responsive-ness of the A.I further
encourages the stealth approach of the game.
BAD
1.
Storyline
Due to the arcade-like
layout of the game, the storyline is abruptly interrupted as every mission ends
with a menu. This menu displays overall score, unlocks, achievements, and the option
to replay the mission. Having played a little of the previous Hitman games, I
found that this new edition is quite different and regrettably less fun, in
terms of embracing the freedom to make your own fun.
2.
Uninspiring Characters
The characters
introduced throughout the game are quite poorly written as they seem tacked on
with inefficient background story. Not having a justifiable reason to eliminate
these villains simply makes them card-board cut-outs that needed to be
eliminated. However, an exception is the main villainous cowboy that is wonderfully
voiced and well written with devilish humour.
3.
Strict Stealth-orientated
Accustomed to a
more Rambo style, I initially was irritated as the game constantly refuses to
let me divert from the stealth-orientated approach. If you choose to gun your
way out of a situation, the game harshly punishes you by sending numerous,
heavily armoured backup that almost guarantees you to die. Additionally,
negative scores are clearly displayed if you choose to play anyway other than
the stealthiest approach. However, when I finally accepted the stealth approach,
the game became quite complex and exciting. Planning and waiting multiple
approaches to eliminate your target becomes slightly addictive.
Initially annoyed how the game harshly
punishes me for diverting from the stealth-orientated gameplay, I soon
appreciated the amount of fun and replay value that the game provides. Nevertheless,
I do find myself slightly sad that Absolution decided to become more arcade-like,
as it does not seem to be as fun as the previous games. However, as a game on
its own, Hitman: Absolution does provide accessible replay value, which can be
played at a more casual pace.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
GAME REVIEW: Dishonored (PC)
“Winner of over
50 E3 awards”, Dishonored is the product of the collaboration between Arkane
Studios and Bethesda and in my opinion one of the best games of 2012. Playing a
former royal bodyguard, the main character is driven to become an assassin to
seek revenge and rescue the next heir to the throne.
GOOD
1.
Setting
The alternative
post-apocalyptic, steam punk inspired setting ravaged by the plague is a new
and wonderful environment that makes roaming around a must. Players who do not
enjoy finding nooks and crannies will have the urge to wander around simply due
to the well-designed areas and the fact that the game allows you to go almost
anywhere.
2.
Combat
Being in the first
player perspective, the melee combat is surprisingly fluent and enjoyable.
Combined with the various supernatural abilities available, ensures you can
play however way you want.
3.
Game freedom
A major factor
that made me enjoy this game so much is that Dishonored truly does allow you to
play however you want. Besides, providing moral pathways through various
optional objectives, the types of weaponry enables you to choose how you want
to seek your revenge as an assassin. You want to be the stealthiest and a non-lethal
assassin? You can. Dishonored can be completed without killing a soul. For me
though, it was equally as fun going hand to hand with enemies, one by one. Another
mechanic that the game does to provide the sense of freedom is the use of the
supernatural ability to blink from one spot to another at a certain distance
(vertically and horizontally). This ability is available very early on and it
encourages world exploration as you blink across roofs and into hard to reach windows.
4.
Ending Scene + Credit
The ending surprised
me, as I was left convinced experiencing the journey of a true assassin.
Instead of being praised as the ‘hero of the land’ with grand parades, the game
portrays a more realistic ending fit for a killer. The ending portrayed me as a
‘dark knight’, a protagonist that not necessarily brought a bright future, but
a shadow that did the dirty deeds that needed to be done.
BAD
1.
Graphics
This could be an
instant good for some, but the water colour styled scenery and models was
disappointing at first glance. Textures and other graphical options must be on
high, as I found that anything less made environmental models, such as boats,
simple blurred models. However, the artistic hand drawn style soon grew on me
as I viewed the game as “paintings in motion”.
2.
Voice acting
As a personal opinion,
I initially found the voice acting slightly odd with the American accents, as I
initially saw the world as a more Victorian London setting. Nevertheless, the
voice of granny rag and the sound effects of the moaning weepers (those infected
by the plague) honestly made my hairs straighten. The unexpected thrill down my
spine, gave an extra layer of fun to the overall gameplay.
Even with the initial
grimes towards the game, I soon was lost in the world with a grin on my face,
as Dishonored truly gave an epic assassin experience. When it comes to making
your own fun, Dishonored is a game that must be recommended to everyone.
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