Lets update this biznatch cause I am tired of looking at the same entry.
Remember this thing I drew back a while ago. Well, I am bored and since no animation jobs are coming my way and (since I know the entire animation department), I am considering in just doing a traditional animated short featuring my five favorite types of these situations and then send it out to film festivals for exposure. I don't think it will be the hardest thing to animated (since the style is so simplistic) and I already got the ideas down. Now I just need to work on the timing and the actual doing. Plus maybe finding someone who can do digitial scanning and importing to computer program....and also maybe a transfer to film for the future.
This could prove to be interesting and might even bring about some sexy results (namely possible travelling to other cities if it ever gets accepted).
But enough optimism....lets talk video games. Might as well do two reviews.
Indigo Prophecy (PS2 reviewed, also on PC and XBox)
Concept: A guy gets killed in a bathroom of a diner. The killer, however, doesn't ever remembering how or what drove him to kill the guy, but he thinks he was under someone's control.
Graphics: The actual models and the animations aren't the best, but they do a suitable job for the game. You will see better, but the game doesn't really need Doom 3 quality graphics to get its point across.
Sound: The music is mixed on the characters. You got your post grunge with Lucas (the main character), while with the two cops, you get some jazzy soul beat on occasion. As for the voice acting, it is great. They do a great job at protraying each character (such as Lucas with his tone and voice match for his role). It brings such life to this game and really push its cinematic experience.
Control: Only one aspect does not really feel all the right with the game: the Simon sequences. The game features "action sequences" where you will have to move the analog sticks (or push the proper keys for you PC users) in certain order. I guess it gives the cinematic action sequences some interactivity, but it also brings to mind those old Sega CD movie games (though this is better done). But for the actual adventure part, they did a great job making you feel like you are the character. You have to use both analog stick for the game. The left moves the character, while the right interacts with the enviroment. Nice idea and it really allows you feel like you are controlling the story.
Gameplay: The only issue I really have with the game is the Simon sequences. But other than that, the game is a nice throwback to the old PC style point and click adventure games (and this will probably be one of the few until Dreamfall comes out). Plus, the way the game works is really good. Depending on how you interact with the enviroment, it changes certain aspects of the game (for example, don't murder clean up the scene that much will give different results if you hid the body, mopped up the blood, and got rid of the knife.
Overall: This is pretty much one of the few great adventure games that we will get in a long time (as stated before, whenever Dreamfall gets done....hurry up you crazy Norweignens!). If you are a fan of movies like Seven or want a great story to go along with your game, you can't fail with this.
8.75
___________________
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Concept: A direct sequel the GBA's Aria of Sorrow, this game continues with Soma Cruz now dealing with a cult that were not happen that Dracula never was awakened.
Graphics: This is some of the 2D graphics I have ever seen on a portable system. The graphics are a huge notch of Aria of Sorrow. In fact, they are almost at the quality of the PSX classic Symphony of the Night. Big sprites, smooth animation, wonderful looking enviroments. This is one of the best looking 2D Castlevanias ever. Only complaint: They ditched the old Castlevania art style used since Symphony of the Night for a more stereotypical anime look. It really doesn't do the game justice. Luckily, you don't see it all that often.
Sound: The DS really has a good sound system and this game makes great use of it. The music is fitting for each area of the game, Due to the DS stereo sound, the game will use both the left and right channels (which can give clues if a monster is headed towards you). Sound effects are closer to the GBA Castlevanias and not the same quality as the PSX Symphony of the Night...but SOTN is a CD-Rom. The game card probably doesn't have as much space, so they probaby cut a little back on the sound effects quality a bit. That is not to say they aren't good, however. They serve their purpose very well and make it feel like a true Castlevania. The only thing missing is voice overs. Notice I didn't say whether that was a good or a bad thing. Bad thing cause it would have been nice to hear some. Good thing cause SOTN probably had some homeless people reading off lines for food (we don't need that again...one of the best games ever and do that to it).
Controls: They are responive and functional. Yup...pretty much all I need to say about the D-pad and buttons aspect. The touch screen features seem weird and a bit unfitting. There are times when you have to use the stylus (mainly for drawing seals, commanding familiars, and destroing crystal blocks), but switching between the stylus and the d-pad slows the pace down. They seem pretty much a "lets just toss this in for good measure" and don't seem necessary. At least the seal drawing is forgiving and you won't be making too many mistakes.
Gameplay: If you played Symphony of the Night on PSX or if you played any Castlevania game on the GBA, you will get the general idea how the game is played (specifically Aria of Sorrow). If you haven't played Aria of Sorrow, don't worry, it doesn't throw too much into you that would make you feel lost. If you haven't played any of those, think Metroid and then you should get the idea. Nothing really innovative right hear; it is just really well done.
Overall: Of all the DS games I have played, this is simply the best. Castlevania has been one my favorite video game series of all time and this game continues the tradition. Not only is this one of the better games of the series and the best game on the DS right now (in my opinion), but it is the best portable game I have played this year period.
9.5
Remember this thing I drew back a while ago. Well, I am bored and since no animation jobs are coming my way and (since I know the entire animation department), I am considering in just doing a traditional animated short featuring my five favorite types of these situations and then send it out to film festivals for exposure. I don't think it will be the hardest thing to animated (since the style is so simplistic) and I already got the ideas down. Now I just need to work on the timing and the actual doing. Plus maybe finding someone who can do digitial scanning and importing to computer program....and also maybe a transfer to film for the future.
This could prove to be interesting and might even bring about some sexy results (namely possible travelling to other cities if it ever gets accepted).
But enough optimism....lets talk video games. Might as well do two reviews.
Indigo Prophecy (PS2 reviewed, also on PC and XBox)
Concept: A guy gets killed in a bathroom of a diner. The killer, however, doesn't ever remembering how or what drove him to kill the guy, but he thinks he was under someone's control.
Graphics: The actual models and the animations aren't the best, but they do a suitable job for the game. You will see better, but the game doesn't really need Doom 3 quality graphics to get its point across.
Sound: The music is mixed on the characters. You got your post grunge with Lucas (the main character), while with the two cops, you get some jazzy soul beat on occasion. As for the voice acting, it is great. They do a great job at protraying each character (such as Lucas with his tone and voice match for his role). It brings such life to this game and really push its cinematic experience.
Control: Only one aspect does not really feel all the right with the game: the Simon sequences. The game features "action sequences" where you will have to move the analog sticks (or push the proper keys for you PC users) in certain order. I guess it gives the cinematic action sequences some interactivity, but it also brings to mind those old Sega CD movie games (though this is better done). But for the actual adventure part, they did a great job making you feel like you are the character. You have to use both analog stick for the game. The left moves the character, while the right interacts with the enviroment. Nice idea and it really allows you feel like you are controlling the story.
Gameplay: The only issue I really have with the game is the Simon sequences. But other than that, the game is a nice throwback to the old PC style point and click adventure games (and this will probably be one of the few until Dreamfall comes out). Plus, the way the game works is really good. Depending on how you interact with the enviroment, it changes certain aspects of the game (for example, don't murder clean up the scene that much will give different results if you hid the body, mopped up the blood, and got rid of the knife.
Overall: This is pretty much one of the few great adventure games that we will get in a long time (as stated before, whenever Dreamfall gets done....hurry up you crazy Norweignens!). If you are a fan of movies like Seven or want a great story to go along with your game, you can't fail with this.
8.75
___________________
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Concept: A direct sequel the GBA's Aria of Sorrow, this game continues with Soma Cruz now dealing with a cult that were not happen that Dracula never was awakened.
Graphics: This is some of the 2D graphics I have ever seen on a portable system. The graphics are a huge notch of Aria of Sorrow. In fact, they are almost at the quality of the PSX classic Symphony of the Night. Big sprites, smooth animation, wonderful looking enviroments. This is one of the best looking 2D Castlevanias ever. Only complaint: They ditched the old Castlevania art style used since Symphony of the Night for a more stereotypical anime look. It really doesn't do the game justice. Luckily, you don't see it all that often.
Sound: The DS really has a good sound system and this game makes great use of it. The music is fitting for each area of the game, Due to the DS stereo sound, the game will use both the left and right channels (which can give clues if a monster is headed towards you). Sound effects are closer to the GBA Castlevanias and not the same quality as the PSX Symphony of the Night...but SOTN is a CD-Rom. The game card probably doesn't have as much space, so they probaby cut a little back on the sound effects quality a bit. That is not to say they aren't good, however. They serve their purpose very well and make it feel like a true Castlevania. The only thing missing is voice overs. Notice I didn't say whether that was a good or a bad thing. Bad thing cause it would have been nice to hear some. Good thing cause SOTN probably had some homeless people reading off lines for food (we don't need that again...one of the best games ever and do that to it).
Controls: They are responive and functional. Yup...pretty much all I need to say about the D-pad and buttons aspect. The touch screen features seem weird and a bit unfitting. There are times when you have to use the stylus (mainly for drawing seals, commanding familiars, and destroing crystal blocks), but switching between the stylus and the d-pad slows the pace down. They seem pretty much a "lets just toss this in for good measure" and don't seem necessary. At least the seal drawing is forgiving and you won't be making too many mistakes.
Gameplay: If you played Symphony of the Night on PSX or if you played any Castlevania game on the GBA, you will get the general idea how the game is played (specifically Aria of Sorrow). If you haven't played Aria of Sorrow, don't worry, it doesn't throw too much into you that would make you feel lost. If you haven't played any of those, think Metroid and then you should get the idea. Nothing really innovative right hear; it is just really well done.
Overall: Of all the DS games I have played, this is simply the best. Castlevania has been one my favorite video game series of all time and this game continues the tradition. Not only is this one of the better games of the series and the best game on the DS right now (in my opinion), but it is the best portable game I have played this year period.
9.5
vixen:
Dude... biznatch is my FAVORITE word!!!! 