^Xevious and Druaga are great to explore with a guide. They're just packed with little things

Got this for 5 (disc version, mind...):
http://i.imgur.com/N4x0O.png

and the Snowstorm bundle for 4 (of which I only really wanted Resonance, which alone costs $10)
http://i.imgur.com/ac3fB.png

These bundles are great, but I always feel like I'm doing the gamemakers a disservice by paying under price...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD8NjVVKvuE[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOM43yySv9M[/youtube]

over an over

Forgot to show this but Low Ki (Kaval during his short run on the WWE) dressed up as Hitman for Wrestle Kingdom

http://i.imgur.com/pMzEZ.jpg

He had the barcode on the back of his head and everything. And he fought with suit and tie the whole match, he only took out the jacket with about 3 minutes to go, despite jumping and kicking all over the place.

Since Tana and Okada could look out of a Final Fantasy game, I hope this is an encouragement for more videogame characters. Who wouldn't want to see a Sonic The Hedgehulk?

As coaches, definitely not at a big stage at least...

As players there are plenty of examples of brothers playing with or against each other in important matches.

But overall, it is pretty rare, although I don't think you can compare both since in Europe the teams have, in general, many nationalities (including the manager), plus there are a whole lot more of teams also, than the NFL alone.

But anyway, found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_association_football_families

Unmanned (2012)
http://i.imgur.com/0MDWuaa.png
Unmanned is the latest interactive piece by Molleindustria (of Every Day the Same Dream fame). Written by Jim Munroe ( Guilded Youth ), you play a father, husband and drone pilot. Gameplay consists of different episodes: one has you shaving your face, another playing FPS games with your son, and just choosing answers through the various conversations. After each episode you'll be awarded with badges depending on your performance. As with all of Molleindustria's games, though, what you get is a very intimate experience regarding what choices (by gameplay) you make. There is definitely something of the provocative here, and it certainly won't leave anyone unaffected.
A single game might turn out for just 5 to 10 minutes, but repeated playthroughs are needed to see everything. The game is well made with a distinctive art-style (something out of the Frederick Raynal book) and presentation. Hard not to recommend as a very intriguing and thought provoking experience.
http://i.imgur.com/vD9fNy3.jpg
Avaiable for play online or download here: http://unmanned.molleindustria.org/

Process (2012)
http://i.imgur.com/5HuMXHL.jpg
This is a first-person horror point & click made in Russia. You see yourself on a moving train and must uncover its secrets before the inevitability of a countdown dwindles down. While there are no easy frights, there's a great deal of atmosphere due to a successful use of lighting and sound. Even though the game is mostly static (although you can swirl around 360º, while rooted to the same spot), there is a sense of urgency brought about by the countdown. The gameplay itself, while not exactly being a "pixel"-hunter, is simple but, due to the dark atmosphere, makes some objects difficult to see. Even though, to be fair, that's probably the point, it does make you pretty much click everywhere in a panic to see what works and otherwise not fully appreciate the environment.
The game has very few locations and takes at most 20 minutes to beat in a single playthrough (any more and the game is over). There really isn't much text and what is there communicates well, which is seldom true in eastern europe-developed games. The game also exhudes a very clean, polished, feel which is quite surprising in a free game. In all, a well made short experience that should appeal to adventure and horror enthusiasts.
http://i.imgur.com/EJO4v95.jpg
Get it free at: http://www.indiedb.com/games/process/downloads/process-english (Desura)

subAtomic (2012)
http://i.imgur.com/lgIMzbG.png
subAtomic is a game made in 72 hours for a Ludum Dare competition. As such it's quite short and simple, yet full of charm. Most of this comes from its brilliantly anarchic writing, resembling something like a crazy brainstorm of ideas that somehow gets made into a game.
There aren't really any puzzles, and interactions are kept to a minimum. While the backgrounds are quite simplistic, the characters are reasonably well animated.
Definitely an inspirational and entertaining piece, well worth playing.
http://i.imgur.com/zFtrmCL.png
Get it free here: http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-23/?uid=7835

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG8taUBeKQY[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC2c-hyoRq8[/youtube]

^its music's mad catchy

Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortal (PC, 2008)
http://i.imgur.com/asohGaa.jpg
This is a first person point & click adventure, where you advance through static screens, although you can rotate the camera in 360º. Despite this ancient structure the games does attempt to do a few things different. The game is divided through sort of episodes, relating to areas. These can feel quite confined and disjointed, and are a bit of a hindrance regarding the "megapolis" backdrop where the story is set. The main character is a rebel of sorts against the futuristic dictatorship cliché. There is, however a weird subplot as a mysterious pyramid hovers over Paris (where the game is set) and you discover that your father who you thought had died, lives. All through this, you'll meet egyptian gods who are a bit of the "Stargate" variety. As this description shows, the story is a mess and the script doesn't aid one bit. Alcide Nikopol, the main character, has no distinguishing features to speak of and barely meets other characters directly. The thought of a futuristic game set in Paris is promising, but here, with the very limited locales, and all in-doors, it's a dead miss. The game is an adaptation of renowned French comic book writer Enki Bilal's Nikopol trilogy, which I haven't read so I can't say how faithful it is. The graphic novel heritage is mostly displayed during the cutscenes that link the episodes of gameplay together, but otherwise it's hard to see.
The gameplay, while classic, does present some clever and enjoyable puzzles (although at times illogical), also including some more action-oriented sequences that work quite well, and add a novel sense of urgency and adrenaline that one seldom gets in an adventure game, like stealth-y sequences, sniping, etc.
In all, it's an interesting experience that does just about different to warrant interest. I certainly was expecting something worse, so I am quite happy with it.
http://i.imgur.com/MhvY9x4.jpg

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fktwPGCR7Yw[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuMwSLinQB0[/youtube]

Absentia wrote:
It's about time I got me one of these!!

I'll throw down the gauntlet:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8EDpJ-aIM8[/youtube]

I've waited almost 20 years to play this... Hope it's worth it.

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle (the man's a bleeding master), Mid-Morning Matters (with Alan Partridge), The Saint (a show with over 100 episodes and never bores - what more can I ask?), Bob's Burgers.

And tonight, the new season of Archer begins! oooo I can't wait.

It's not. Just gets more and more ridiculous as you go on. Don't be expecting a good payoff.

IDK... thought it was alright. Rather different, at least, and good animation on the game models (cutscenes not so much).

Also finally played through Loom. Also liked it, although it felt a bit like... it was too easy. Plus the main character's design was just lazy, wasn't it?

Just found out these exist:




God bless Germany.

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle (the man's a bleeding master), Mid-Morning Matters (with Alan Partridge)
http://i.imgur.com/71q8uxV.gif

Love Steward Lee and I'm Alan Partridge is one of my favourite shows.

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle (the man's a bleeding master
Stewart Lee is excellent. If you haven't already seen it, "If You Want a Milder Comedian Please Ask For One" is one of the funniest things I've seen for ages. And he really rips into Top Gear.

Was pissing myself at The Keiser Report on Friday as per usual.

Yeah. With Stewart Lee, sometimes he's a little bit too british for me, because I obviously am not exposed as much to the sort of TV celebrities, and presenters he goes on about, but the style of his performance and his mastery of the audience is incredible. He's a real artist.

And yeah, love Alan Partridge, ever since The Day Today. I'm Alan Partridge is the best show, but MMM is interesting in the way how he can make a whole show, just sitting inside that booth. Quite good, really. KMKYWAP was a bit too exhausting and hit or miss, at times.

Lost Odyssey


UK Amiga (and DOS) classic.

Robota: Lost beta (PC, 2012)
http://i.imgur.com/jZpXkyy.jpg
Robota is an exploration game. Like in Jetpac you're marooned in an alien world and must collect fuel to get the hell out of there. Apart from a few words at the beggining and at the ending, though, nothing else is spoken. What is left then, is a Dear Esther sort of game where, though, a certain number of things made it, imo, a superior experience. While the game is, neither technologically nor artistically as beautiful as DE, it is much more stylized. There's a visual filter that simulates the view from inside your helmet that gives a superb sense of otherworldliness that is taken to incredible heights by the absolutely perfect soundtrack.
The fact that you have the possibility to wander freely around the planet might make it less photogenic than DE's tunnel-vision, but the gift of freedom, pacing and finding small details yourself, instead of being taken there by a corridor is much more satisfying. Apart from this, the fact that there is an objective in finding the 4 cans of fuel (even if it's "stupid" from a logical standpoint), does give the minimal challenge to make this a "proper" game.
http://i.imgur.com/lOoWzbY.jpg
The game is still in beta stage, but can be tried out here: http://www.indiedb.com/games/robota-lost


Balloon Diaspora (PC, 2011)
http://i.imgur.com/cRaBUMw.png
Balloon Diaspora is a short adventure game, with a very strong taste of the whimsical and ethereal.
You play a traveller in a weird land where this sort of stick figures live. The "game" has absolutely no challenge, as all the interaction you can do is talking to the various characters. After having talked to everyone about everything, you have nothing else to do. This, however, is missing the point completely. While it's far from being a masterpiece, it does succeed in taking the player to a foreign world and explore the weird culture of these stick-people. The game sports 4 different locations, and travelling between them you get a skippable sequence where you can ride the balloon. There is always darkness with a shred of light, giving presence to the world.
Above all, this is an experience in immersion, which it surprisingly succeds in a game with no character animation. It just establishes the game-rules so well, that you're really immersed beautifully in it for this short ride.
http://i.imgur.com/HdH4s2N.jpg
Download free here: http://cardboardcomputer.com/games/balloon-diaspora/


Black Box (browser, 2012)
http://i.imgur.com/lcDzjbD.jpg
Black Box is a short puzzle game in the vein of Windosill where you explore the titular box. While the concept is certainly clear and simple, it never ceases to feel inventive and endearing. The "action" takes place in a single screen as you watch your actions take place in progressive transformations. It can be quite challenging, but the fact that everything you need is there makes it impossible to feel cheated.
Impossible not to recommend as it's kawaii art-style really makes it a very lovely puzzle you'll definitely want to explore.
http://i.imgur.com/CkTcm84.jpg
The game isn't free to play until the end but you can get a taste of it here: http://www.fr.eyezmaze.com/2012/07/black-box.html

YOU ALL SUCK (except Rakim)

^I was going here to post it... Just don't know what to say really.

Another genius passes away young. He constantly wrestled with the medium and you always felt he hadn't quite delivered his masterpiece yet, but now we'll never know how far he'd have gone.

Bangai-O

^

I once considered getting an SC-1000 but it'd just take up space and be used once or something.

Your laptop is a beast, ryudo

Absentia wrote:Last night, I watched Rashomon, and I'm certainly glad I did.

Is that really how you remember it?

Have you Falcomophiles seen this: http://www.siliconera.com/2013/02/22/25 ... iconera%29

Best thing I've watched in a long time

Lizzie & Sarah

I really can't imagine why they didn't make it into a full series. It's like a Jaaaaaaaaam sitcom.

http://i.imgur.com/F0HoEwJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/YNv6DAb.jpg

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven , and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again ; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

From the excellent clocktower.fr fansite ( http://www.clocktower.fr/index.php/haunting-ground ):

Haunting Ground est un jeu développé et édité par Capcom. Sortit fin avril 2005 au Japon -nommé Demento- et en Europe (début mai pour l’Amérique du nord), ce titre est passé assez inaperçu auprès du grand public, mais a fait couler pas mal d’encre. Pas sur le contenu de celui-ci, ni sur ses qualités intrinsèques, mais plutôt sur ses origines. En effet, d’un point de vu gameplay, le jeu se rapproche énormément de Clock Tower. Fiona Belli, jeune fille tout juste majeure, se réveille -après un accident de voiture- dans un étrange château où sont menées d’horribles expériences. Celle-ci va devoir trouver un moyen de s’enfuir.

Certains n’hésitent pas à dire que Haunting Ground a été développé comme étant Clock Tower 4, ce qui semble être la théorie la plus probable, d’autant que certaines personnes ayant travaillées sur Clock Tower 3 font partie du staff de Haunting Ground, tels que Hisanori Ohtsuki (Programmeur), Yukio Andoh (Designer), Noboru Sugimura (Scénariste), Kôji Nakajima (Producteur) et Tatsuya Minami (Producteur exécutif).
Certains d’entre eux ont également travaillés sur Resident Evil 4. Quel rapport ? J’y viendrai quelques lignes plus bas…

Donc, s’il est plus ou moins établi que Haunting Ground a bien été développé originalement comme un Clock Tower, la raison du changement de cap reste plus ou moins obscure. La théorie qui revient le plus souvent est que l’érotisme qui se dégage du titre était en inéquation avec l’ambiance de la franchise, ce qui aurait poussé les développeurs à en faire un titre totalement original.

Si Haunting Ground / Demento reprend bon nombre d’éléments issus de la franchise Clock Tower (Ennemi récurrent, stress, cachettes, etc.) et de Clock Tower 3 (les scénariis sont presque les mêmes), les inspirations (pour ne pas dire pompage ou recyclage) ne s’arrêtent pas là.
Et c’est là que je ressors ma carte Resident Evil 4.

Pour ceux qui l’ignorent, RE4 a eu un développement plus que chaotique. Á plusieurs reprises les programmeurs ont revus leur copie, changeant ainsi plusieurs fois de scénario, d’environnement et de protagonistes.
Ainsi, il est intéressant de savoir que la toute première version de RE4 avait pour héros un homme ayant été l’objet des expériences d’Umbrella Corp., un homme aux cheveux blanc nommé… Dante !
Et oui, au début des années 2000, on ne faisait pas de gâchis chez Capcom, et c’est ainsi que la toute première beta de RE4 a posée les bases d’une nouvelle franchise à succès : Devil May Cry.
Les autres reliquats du développement de Resident Evil 4 –du moins, pour certains d’entre eux- échapperont à la corbeille pour servir à l’élaboration d’autres titres de l’éditeur.
Ainsi, Haunting Ground aura repris à RE4 certains décors qui auront plus ou moins été modifiés pour que l’on ne repère pas la supercherie.
Raté…

Abbreviated translation:

"... Some don't hesitate in saying that Haunting Ground was developed as Clock Tower 4, which is the most probable theory, especially as some of CT3's staff reprised roles in HG (Hisanori Ohtsuki (Programmer), Yukio Andoh (Designer), Noboru Sugimura (Scenario), Kôji Nakajima (Producer) et Tatsuya Minami (Exec. Producer).
However some of them also worked on RE4.
So, if it's more or less established that HG was originally developed as a CT, the reason for changing its title and direction is more or less obscure. The theory that comes up most often is that the underlying erotism clashed with the environment of the series, and made the developers go for an all-new title."
and then it goes on showing, with screenshots, the similarities with RE4's environments.

So, a little from column A, a little from column B. But, of course, this has CT written all over it, and barely any RE. It's a good thing.

Thank you.

In meantime, I got this book: http://www.hkupress.org/Common/Reader/P ... 9888083367

I'll let you know if it's Shenmue relevant once I finish it.

Yep!

I just had to butt in, hadn't I...

http://i.imgur.com/1ssxfEm.jpg
I've never actually played it, but its one of my most wanted games for when I get back into playing again.

I love Afrika, ... it's a game with an amazing atmosphere. Even if you're not interested in photography it hooks you in with it's wonderful soundtrack and it's gameplay is just as thrilling as any other "stealth/sniping" game. Getting that perfect shot is just as cool as in Far Cry 2/3...

SIREN is one of the horror greats, imo... the PS3 episode really nailed it on production values and ironed out some annoying kinks of the PS2 games, and again, offers an amazing atmosphere...

Writing a more detailed outline for my movie project DESERT while listening to AM Number Stations for inspiration (they play a part in this story).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbhCeWtX9sg

This shit is starting to scare me now.

I have this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conet_Project

It's absolutely wonderful.