Gaming Reverie

Well, E3 has finally assed out, and is now over for a year.

This is good.

But hey — I used to love me some E3. Y’know, back in the days of The Wizard.

And I know some people that currently like E3. And it is, by all accounts, the most likely place for new games to be announced. And that’s exciting and stuff. But honestly, who would actually want to be there? Who would want to experience the corporate nerd-filth? Kids, I guess. Or maybe adults with a predilection for loud, obnoxious gaming. Or maybe you. And that’s fine… I just don’t get it. » Read the rest of this entry «

Gaming is a philosophical quest.

This is the message I gleaned after listening to the latest episode in Robert Ashley’s impressive podcast series titled “A Life Well Wasted”. I normally podcast-it on a commute, but the message within the podcast was so rich and fascinating that I listened in an unprecedented way: indoors, at home, and with a cup of tea. And afterwords, I couldn’t help but feel good about my gaming habit, and the weird little quest that it continually takes me on.

The episode (simply entitled “Why Game?”) begins with Ashley asking people attending the Game Developers Conference why they game. It’s quite a simple and meaningful question, really. But… wait. Why do people game?

» Read the rest of this entry «

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing one of the best adventure games in a good, long while. And if you haven’t noticed, the genre is shit, these days. You can see the fumes rising up from its dead, hot waste.

The Gobliiins series attributes dream-logic to its puzzling.

But there is hope, dear friends! For any of you that enjoy casually sniffing about environments, clicking here or there, trying to solve puzzles, and then panicking and ripping your hair out in frustration, then there are developers in France that care about making quality games for you.

The game is Gobliiins 4, and it’s quite brilliant. Really the only problem with the thing is that the 3D graphics are mediocre at times. Pierre Gilhodes, a series creator, makes seriously beautiful handdrawn comic-style artwork, and it’s hard to see his vision translated to poor 3D rather than rich, detailed spritework. But it’s OK! I still love the game.

Oh, and do read my review.

Hey-ya, hey.

Oh look — fresh retro news.

You see, there’s a new Retronauts podcast. Yeah, that’s right, Retronauts. If you haven’t heard, it’s one of many retro gaming podcasts, and one of the best. Or more succinctly, it satisfies a certain niche: gaming history. Old-timey gaming podcasts are a motley bunch — while some are focused on gaming history (Retronauts), others (the wonderful Retro Force Go!) are more about those beautiful, passionate moments that got many so hooked on the genre. Aside from respective niches, though, you’ll find a healthy dose of history in both of these gems, and plenty of raw emotion and laughter as well. » Read the rest of this entry «

Hey, internet!

So, it’s been, erm, months, but I’m back! Again.

I’ve finally made up my mind on a look for the site — some kind of cross between the cleanliness of McSweeneys and a touch of art nouveau. A banner may soon be on the way, as soon as my occasionally perfectionist self gets lazy again and gives up (love it when that happens).

As for me? Drinking copious amounts of chinese medicinal tea, trying to figure out why I can’t breath at night. There has to be a better way!

Generally, Let’s Plays are a horrible, horrible thing. Not only because they’re generally written/orated without humor or wit, no no, it’s mostly because you’re watching someone play a video game. At length! And while some gems are surely to be found in the archive (for those with patience), I suggest you don’t look there at all and just watch the following instead. It’s pure awesome, and highly quotable:

Bito… bito pizza…

• Kotaku

As mentioned earlier, I have an odd, newfound predilection for baths. It’s weird. And good.

And I’m not alone! Not only does Japan love their bathhouses, they also dedicate entire virtual towns to baths. Witness this cheery welcome message I recieved upon arrival in Bath, a town in Dragon Quest IV:

Welcome to Bath, town o’ baths!

The perfect place for trav’llers to rest their achy bones after a long time on the road.

WiiWare is getting a present.

In fact, it’s already recieved a few: Toki Tori, Mega Man 9, and World of Goo are excellent. Not to mention the wonderful Orbient, the best of the ported Art Style series. But the rest is crap like Family Glide Hockey. And regardless of it’s great titles, the service could really use something more… musical.

Developed by Gaijin games, BIT.TRIP BEAT is a trippy rhythmic arcade experience with a retro (like, Atari retro) look. It plays a little like Pong, only if Pong had an adventure mode… in space. Maybe you should just see for yourself:

Notice the excellent chiptune music? Just from this clip, I have a feeling that the music will drive this game as it drove Rez or Lumines. The gameplay, while seemingly simple at the beginning, alludes to more chaos and depth near the last few seconds of the trailer. Which, really, brings to mind Mega Man 9 — another retro game that utilizes the design philosophies of modern games.

Only a few more months of shovelware, and we’ll be gifted with a trance.

I’m working on giving the site a new look. Maybe even a logo! Any feedback via the comments would be great during its inevitable myriad of design changes.

Meanwhile! A good chunk of the now-laid off 1up crew (including those who used to produce the 1up Show) have a new site called “Area 5″, a name that’s based on their favorite level of the insane/beautiful/musical game Rez. They’re continuing the 1up Show shtick with a new video series, “CO-OP”. The gang is still getting equipment together, and time is short, so this is just part 1 of a Favorite Games of 2008 show. It’s clear just a few minutes in how very thoughtful and well-put-together the show is. Keep an eye on their website for more of their stuff. Enjoy: