Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Thing Of The Day - Windows 7 Can Play Crysis Without A GPU
Toms' Hardware have an artcile about warped which will allow users to run directX 10 without a graphics card of any kind. Although not quite fast yet. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
As In Games As In Reality
The following is about how Video-Games Taught me to overcome obstacles in my life. I hope this helps you as it helped me.
Videogames have been a port of escapism for me since I can remember. Cartoons, movies, books, comics... all of this media has no doubt left a profound effect on my existence. In a lot of ways games have been a way out from the stress and torment of the real world.
My mind has created a place that is free from harm, protected, and free. Free to choose what elements of physics, skills, emotions and experiences that I please. My imagination has transcended into a world where I can control everything.
I have learned to drive a Ferrari at high speed in Test Drive 2. Jones In The Fast Lane taught me that when I grow up will have to juggle work, education, and bills in order to survive. In the Last Express I discovered compassion. Sonic was able to move me from the real world onto one of speed and bliss. Metal Gear Solid made think about the politics of the world and the effect human nature can have on us all.
I am part of a generation that has grown up. One that has grown up believing that I can fly a plane, command an army, win a grand prix, save a man and even kill a man. My mind has experienced all of these things in a profound way where my body has done nothing more than press buttons.
In a game I cannot be killed or harmed. I am not punished for making a mistake, nor prosecuted for doing something in a different way. If for some reason I fail I simply try again. In a video game I am invincible. I cannot fail. My being never dies.
The beauty in games for me is not the 3D graphics nor the amazing sound, but what games allow me to feel and the illusion that am experiencing something real. Something... emotional. I have fought in wars that look and feel more real than any book or news item can achieve. Programmers know what makes me sad, happy, scared, or proud. As soon as I play a good game, the restraints of my being and the restrictions of the game-realism slowly melts away. I become immersed with no buttons to press or real-world distractions to encounter. I am in another world.
It is weird to think that I have taken bigger risks in the virtual world. I have clocked countless hours in Gran Turismo doing high speed maneuvers but am too afraid in the real world. Online I will tell someone to STFU whereas I would cower under any confrontation from a physical person. I wish I had a fraction of the success I have achieved in the gaming world. For a long time I believed that the reason why I love games so much is because there I cannot be harmed. That gaming is the only place where I am free.
A game is where fate and the fate of the world is in my hands. In the real world I am powerless.
I was totally wrong.
Whether I am in a game or out in the real world. I am and always will be the same person. There is something in all of us. Some call it our soul or spirit. I simply call it something that is unique about us. It is what makes everyone special. The thing that makes us ‘live’.
I will risk Sonic’s life jumping over spikes because he cannot die. We humans are not so lucky. But there is something in us that cannot die: our souls. I am not a spiritual person but I am convinced that our character is what makes us unique and is the one thing that cannot be taken from us.
The world is a harsh place, but it is a rewarding one. The world can reward your actions. There is a reaction to every action.
The next time you come across some spikes in your life or have a fear of failing. Remember the bold and brave person that cannot be harmed in video games; cannot be harmed in the real world.
Take the risk, get out here, there is a part of you that is invincible.
Videogames have been a port of escapism for me since I can remember. Cartoons, movies, books, comics... all of this media has no doubt left a profound effect on my existence. In a lot of ways games have been a way out from the stress and torment of the real world.
My mind has created a place that is free from harm, protected, and free. Free to choose what elements of physics, skills, emotions and experiences that I please. My imagination has transcended into a world where I can control everything.
I have learned to drive a Ferrari at high speed in Test Drive 2. Jones In The Fast Lane taught me that when I grow up will have to juggle work, education, and bills in order to survive. In the Last Express I discovered compassion. Sonic was able to move me from the real world onto one of speed and bliss. Metal Gear Solid made think about the politics of the world and the effect human nature can have on us all.
I am part of a generation that has grown up. One that has grown up believing that I can fly a plane, command an army, win a grand prix, save a man and even kill a man. My mind has experienced all of these things in a profound way where my body has done nothing more than press buttons.
In a game I cannot be killed or harmed. I am not punished for making a mistake, nor prosecuted for doing something in a different way. If for some reason I fail I simply try again. In a video game I am invincible. I cannot fail. My being never dies.
The beauty in games for me is not the 3D graphics nor the amazing sound, but what games allow me to feel and the illusion that am experiencing something real. Something... emotional. I have fought in wars that look and feel more real than any book or news item can achieve. Programmers know what makes me sad, happy, scared, or proud. As soon as I play a good game, the restraints of my being and the restrictions of the game-realism slowly melts away. I become immersed with no buttons to press or real-world distractions to encounter. I am in another world.
It is weird to think that I have taken bigger risks in the virtual world. I have clocked countless hours in Gran Turismo doing high speed maneuvers but am too afraid in the real world. Online I will tell someone to STFU whereas I would cower under any confrontation from a physical person. I wish I had a fraction of the success I have achieved in the gaming world. For a long time I believed that the reason why I love games so much is because there I cannot be harmed. That gaming is the only place where I am free.
A game is where fate and the fate of the world is in my hands. In the real world I am powerless.
I was totally wrong.
Whether I am in a game or out in the real world. I am and always will be the same person. There is something in all of us. Some call it our soul or spirit. I simply call it something that is unique about us. It is what makes everyone special. The thing that makes us ‘live’.
I will risk Sonic’s life jumping over spikes because he cannot die. We humans are not so lucky. But there is something in us that cannot die: our souls. I am not a spiritual person but I am convinced that our character is what makes us unique and is the one thing that cannot be taken from us.
The world is a harsh place, but it is a rewarding one. The world can reward your actions. There is a reaction to every action.
The next time you come across some spikes in your life or have a fear of failing. Remember the bold and brave person that cannot be harmed in video games; cannot be harmed in the real world.
Take the risk, get out here, there is a part of you that is invincible.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Games that were good but made nothing.
So you spend years, thousands (or millions) of dollars and amazing talent to create a masterpiece of escapism only to have nearly no one buy it. Be it through lack of funds, marketing, competition or just bad luck, here is a list of the greatest games that just couldn't hit the charts.
Grim Fandango
The first 3D graphics used Lucas Arts. Grim Fandango was a critically acclaimed adventure game that was coined a 'commercial failure'. After this Lucas Arts ceased to make adventure games, canceling other games in the pipeline and staff in the process. Winning several awards after it's release such as 'Adventure Game Of The Year' from IGN, GameSpot, and PC Gamer, it is a mystery why this game didn't sell well.
Psychonauts
Psychonauts is an amazingly playable platfromer for the PS2, Xbox and PC. You play Raz, a young boy gifted with psychic abilities who escapes the circus to try to sneak into a summer camp for those with similar powers in order to become a "Psychonaut".The game is a strong platformer with humour, story and plot often found in adventure games, not to mention it's weirdness. Despite putting publisher Majesco into financial doo doo, it is often hailed as one of the best games for the 6th generation.
Shenmue
WOW, Shenmue will always split the camp into two. Many loved the sense of realism, time, environment and story. Many also hated the pace, but nearly all loved the graphics.
An epic RPG/Adventure, Shenmue was originally intended for the Saturn but ended up as a flagship product for the Sega Dreamcast. Although selling over one million copies the huge costs were just too large to turn over a profit .Gameplay in Shenmue is diverse; while most of the game is spent walking around the atmospheric, life-like Japanese locations in a third-person 'chase cam' mode (talking to people, searching for things, solving puzzles, and so forth), it is interspersed with many 'mini-games', including forklift and motorcycle races, bar fights, chases down crowded alleys, full versions of Sega arcade games Space Harrier and Hang-On (both originally programmed by Shenmue creator and director, Yu Suzuki), dart games, and 'free fighting' sequences. Shenmue would have been successful if there were more Dreamcasts out there, 1.2 million sales out of 10 million Dreamcast owners isn't too bad. Still you can see how much the game cost when over 1 million sales is not enough to make a profit. Shenmue is a Masterpiece. A flawed masterpiece, but a masterpiece no doubt.
The Last Express
Another WOW title that got no attention. It was developed for 5 years but was only on sale for a few months. Brøderbund gave it next to no marketing (kinda happens when your marketing department up and leaves) meaning next to no-one knew about it. Couple that with Brøderbund being sold to The Learning Company who were only interested in... Learning software, left The Last Express on a one stop trip to nowhere. In 2000 the game was bought by Interplay and sold as a budget game. But we all know what happened to Interplay, the game is now available through download service Gametap.
Set in World War 1, the game was the first to use real time in-game. The only time it wasn't was when the main character was sleeping or a cutscene was being played. The Last Express featured rotoscoped graphics, and interactivity with every character. If marketed properly this game would have been known by allot more gamers.
Battlecruiser 3000AD
Battlecruiser 3000AD was one of the longest-developed games in history. It was good, once the original owner got the rights back and patched up all the errors, but the damage had been done. By the time Battlecruiser 3000AD was actually playable it was too late for anyone to actually want it. A Space Trader/Fighter game, battle cruiser was ahead of it's time when it was conceived, but a 7 year labor coupled with coming out a retard will likely piss of even the most patient mother. Despite the retardation, there was a decent game in there.
Beyond Good & Evil
It's a funny world, you can try your hardest, work hard, plan hard and spend heaps of money only to lose. Beyond Good & Evil didn't bomb, but didn't really make a profit either. Beyond Good & Evil is a Stealthy-Action-Adventure game revolving aroung the main character Jade, a photographer and all round truth finder. The game encompasses a gripping story, and massive ratings. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell coming out around the same time may have stolen some attention from this game, causing low sales. Oh well.
So I know you like to be all: 'OH MAN I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED THIS GAME, I"M AWESOME COS I HAVE IT'. Well add these to your collection and scorn the those mainstreamers out there. You go girl!
Grim Fandango
The first 3D graphics used Lucas Arts. Grim Fandango was a critically acclaimed adventure game that was coined a 'commercial failure'. After this Lucas Arts ceased to make adventure games, canceling other games in the pipeline and staff in the process. Winning several awards after it's release such as 'Adventure Game Of The Year' from IGN, GameSpot, and PC Gamer, it is a mystery why this game didn't sell well.
Psychonauts
Psychonauts is an amazingly playable platfromer for the PS2, Xbox and PC. You play Raz, a young boy gifted with psychic abilities who escapes the circus to try to sneak into a summer camp for those with similar powers in order to become a "Psychonaut".The game is a strong platformer with humour, story and plot often found in adventure games, not to mention it's weirdness. Despite putting publisher Majesco into financial doo doo, it is often hailed as one of the best games for the 6th generation.
Shenmue
WOW, Shenmue will always split the camp into two. Many loved the sense of realism, time, environment and story. Many also hated the pace, but nearly all loved the graphics.
An epic RPG/Adventure, Shenmue was originally intended for the Saturn but ended up as a flagship product for the Sega Dreamcast. Although selling over one million copies the huge costs were just too large to turn over a profit .Gameplay in Shenmue is diverse; while most of the game is spent walking around the atmospheric, life-like Japanese locations in a third-person 'chase cam' mode (talking to people, searching for things, solving puzzles, and so forth), it is interspersed with many 'mini-games', including forklift and motorcycle races, bar fights, chases down crowded alleys, full versions of Sega arcade games Space Harrier and Hang-On (both originally programmed by Shenmue creator and director, Yu Suzuki), dart games, and 'free fighting' sequences. Shenmue would have been successful if there were more Dreamcasts out there, 1.2 million sales out of 10 million Dreamcast owners isn't too bad. Still you can see how much the game cost when over 1 million sales is not enough to make a profit. Shenmue is a Masterpiece. A flawed masterpiece, but a masterpiece no doubt.
The Last Express
Another WOW title that got no attention. It was developed for 5 years but was only on sale for a few months. Brøderbund gave it next to no marketing (kinda happens when your marketing department up and leaves) meaning next to no-one knew about it. Couple that with Brøderbund being sold to The Learning Company who were only interested in... Learning software, left The Last Express on a one stop trip to nowhere. In 2000 the game was bought by Interplay and sold as a budget game. But we all know what happened to Interplay, the game is now available through download service Gametap.
Set in World War 1, the game was the first to use real time in-game. The only time it wasn't was when the main character was sleeping or a cutscene was being played. The Last Express featured rotoscoped graphics, and interactivity with every character. If marketed properly this game would have been known by allot more gamers.
Battlecruiser 3000AD
Battlecruiser 3000AD was one of the longest-developed games in history. It was good, once the original owner got the rights back and patched up all the errors, but the damage had been done. By the time Battlecruiser 3000AD was actually playable it was too late for anyone to actually want it. A Space Trader/Fighter game, battle cruiser was ahead of it's time when it was conceived, but a 7 year labor coupled with coming out a retard will likely piss of even the most patient mother. Despite the retardation, there was a decent game in there.
Beyond Good & Evil
It's a funny world, you can try your hardest, work hard, plan hard and spend heaps of money only to lose. Beyond Good & Evil didn't bomb, but didn't really make a profit either. Beyond Good & Evil is a Stealthy-Action-Adventure game revolving aroung the main character Jade, a photographer and all round truth finder. The game encompasses a gripping story, and massive ratings. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell coming out around the same time may have stolen some attention from this game, causing low sales. Oh well.
So I know you like to be all: 'OH MAN I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED THIS GAME, I"M AWESOME COS I HAVE IT'. Well add these to your collection and scorn the those mainstreamers out there. You go girl!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Uwe Boll asks Blizzard for WoW movie rights
Blizzard has essentially laughed the German director out of their offices, and certainly right out of Azeroth.
Also there is a petition to get Boll to quit making movies for love of us all sign that petition.
Also there is a petition to get Boll to quit making movies for love of us all sign that petition.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
My Childhood TV Heroes
Coolest TV characters of my childhood
I was thinking about the good ol days where I only had to worry about… well nothing at all. Anyways here is a list of TV characters that made my childhood.
Sonic (not really a TV character even though he had a show. But shit does he rule!)
This Guy owned. He owned before people started using 'owned' as a word. He was made to make fun of Fat Italian Plumbers (WTF is with that?) who did nothing but plod.plod.plod around the screen. Where most games you walked through, Sonic would blast right through in such a way you knew he would be screaming ‘UP YOURS SNAIL BITCHES’ Yeah Sonic. Just what Sega needed, just what the world needed. Remember boys and girls the old nemesis of Sonic would of never moved to 16bit if it weren’t for Sega. We would still be playing NES versions of Lord of the Rings.
Diesel (off Thomas the tank engine)
From Day one I was a Thomas the tank engine nut. I remember my folks saying ‘All Ringo Starr! Now that is a famous person’ Yeah he was the guy who told the stories.
I didn’t mind Thomas, and Percy and Edward were pretty cool. But my all time favourite was Diesel. I remember freaking my mum out when I told him he was my favourite.
Diesel was such a crafty, stirring sleaze ball he was great.
Bumblebee (off transformers)
No reason. He just looked funny.
Zippy was a class act. A few years ago when mp3 Ringtones were cool, I went to this site and used these. Hint: ‘Three Fat Sausages’ + first person to own Sony Ericcson P900 = Woman on tap. Honest, I have proof.
Bugs Bunny
Nuff said
Speedy Gonzales
Nuff said
Leonardo (Off teenage mutant ninja turtles)
Leo was more in your face than Donatello. Which only just barely made him cool. I used to be a Donatello fan mainly because he knew heaps of cool geeky shit and used a Bo. But I remember changing when a friend said he was a wimp because he hardly fights. /sigh
Oscar the Grouch
The first animated chick that I saw on TV and wished she was real.
In blonde too.
The car FUCKING CHANGED COLOUR! It went from red to grey. In red it was a viper with the top down. But when grey (and with a roof) it became the meanest, bulletproof law enforcer there is. KITT would have some serious competition if it were not for some simple flaw: Why the fuck did the Viper have to change into anything to become cool in the first place? I mean would it just be better off to be in ‘ima kikcka your arse’ mode all the time? Oh well, I absolutely loved this show when I was young and this car was the ultimate coolness.
When I was young I used to watch Baywatch and no, not for the chicks. I actually watched it for the bloody story! I really got into it. For some reason I could watch Baywatch but my mum wouldn’t let me watch Briscoe County Jr. Who I thought was a total tool anyway except for his kick arse horse.
All I remember was sledge saying “Trust me, I know what I’m doing” before I world go off and stuff it up only to succeed anyway. That my friend is how a real man does things.
I had a kick arse pencil case at primary school. It was yellow and had Mr T on the bottom with his look that he always does. Very cool.
The old bat man used to have me in fits every morning. I would sit there wondering if Batman could escape the trap that his arch enemy of the week had laid out for him. Even though he always made it out, I always worried if he would. PS This guy would’ve made a wicked James Bond. BAM!!
X-Men was a great cartoon. And for some reason I liked gambit with his Bo and slippery card tricks.
I was absolutely addicted to the samurai pizza cats. For a good year this was the show I associated with even bothering to come home after school.
Well I can think of heaps of other shows but time is not something I have. So what are your favourite characters?
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