GG_Angel_Thanatos Blog

Dr. Claw Hates Nick Ahrens

2010-05-21T17:11:00Z

I guess "Project Awesome" is just too awesome for some people.

Previous episodes can be viewed here.

Killer Koalas From Outer Space - SyFy is Making a Videogame!

2010-04-28T02:24:00Z

Stop hitting yourself, I was just kidding about the title.

No, seriously...well, okay go ahead, it's kinda funny.

Yesterday, Trion Worlds announced three MMO's with connected worlds. The first two are called Rift: Planes of Telara and End of Nations. The third one is being developed with the SyFy channel and the name is yet to be announced - so for this blog, I have taken the liberty of making some up.

Apparently, The Ballad of Spaghetti Pants is being developed in tandem with a brand new TV show of the same concept and universe. The show, Monkey Lickers from Kansas, will be released at the same time as the game - essentially players' actions will influence the course of the show, and events occurring in the show will have consequences in the game and so on and so forth.

The idea is actually pretty innovative, and if it's successful, you can see more of this type of collaboration in the future. In case you haven't noticed, more and more companies are tapping into (or attempting to tap into) the vast resource of gaming consumers.

No word on when Angry Waffles will be released, but let's hope it opens the doors to more ways of captivating gamers. Until then, I will be forced to mock and ridicule the thought of what the title might be. ::grin::

FYI - I have nothing against SyFy at all. Destination Truth and Ghost Hunters are two of my all-time favorite shows and they put out some really great series. Even they have to admit, though, that some of their titles are hilarious. ^_^

Cyberpunk Has Arrived: 1st Mind-Controlled Game Launched by Christmas

2009-10-31T20:42:22Z

"As I've said many times, the future is already here. It's just not very evenly distributed."
-William Ford Gibson, acclaimed Sci-Fi author and creator of the term, 'cyberspace'

It's Halloween 2009 and when you think about it, the past is often the inspiration for costume ideas; characters from classic movies or stories, figures from history, fairy tales and of course, girls who just want to dress ***.

Tomorrow, on Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day, believers honor figures and loved ones of their past. But before you don that Billy Mays zombie costume, take a moment to appreciate the fact that the future has finally arrived.

Jedi Mind, Inc. has developed software that will not only change the world of gaming forever, it will change the world itself. Working in tandem with the Emotive wireless headset (seen at left), brain waves are used to control and move objects in a game.

Prototype demonstrations during previous game shows and technophile websites have shown the ability to lift and raise objects, push, pull and rotate them as well - all by thinking it. Also, a chat program creates a face that represents your own - reading the neurons through your headset, the face actually reflects real-time expressions as you make them.

The first game is scheduled to launch by this Christmas; and consumers will be able purchase the game online for only $49. The headset is tentatively priced at around $299 USD

I must give kudos to whoever named the company. You won't be able to make your boss let you off work or have girls come over and make you a sammich, but the Emotive headset is as 'Pong' was to the video game industry - the start of something big.

Although Jedi Mind, Inc. has chosen to launch its amazing technology in the obvious realm of entertainment, the possibilities are endless. The programs are being developed for controlling wheelchairs, household appliances, and even a car.

Details on the launch are scarce and highly guarded - YouTube videos show the headset being used with both a PC and an XBox 360 controller, so it's not clear as to how we will be able to try it out. The game is said to be family friendly, but more graphic and story-intense games will soon be developed for your favorite consoles, as well.

Give me pop tarts, you must!!

I wish there was a way for me to get paid for every time someone pretends to control their friends or significant others with the headset.

Gaming smack talk will now include:

"Your powers are weak, old man."
"Use the Force, Luke!"
"Good one, Professor X"
"I sense a disturbance in my pants"
"Hey, what do you know - you DO have a brain!"

Feel free to add to the list.

All joking aside, this technological advance is history in action. I'll be watching this company closely and looking forward to the day when I, too, can use The Force!!

Character Spotlight: Pyramid Head

2009-10-27T04:31:37Z

In 2001, Konami introduced Silent Hill: 2 (Restless Dreams) and forever changed the world of survival horror. With its non-stop ride of creepy atmosphere and unbearable tension, even the most hardened fans of the horror genre found themselves face-to-face with nightmares beyond imagine. Dan Birlew, author of the official strategy guide wrote, "I believe the entire game development community has a new standard to which to rise¹..."

The fans agreed. When a movie adaptation of Silent Hill was finally approved by its protective Konami creators, an outcry from the fans soon followed; begging its screenwriter, Roger Avary, to adapt Restless Dreams; more so than any other game in the series.² Creators of horror movies and games alike continue to look to this masterpiece for inspiration even now; nearly a decade after its release. (Dead Space [2008] producer, Glen Schofield named it as one of their major design influences³) Since its debut, Silent Hill: 2 has remained on, if not at the top of most lists of scariest video games⁴, scariest video game moments⁵, and of course, scariest video game villains⁶.

In this case, a villain that was created to strike fear into the heart of the protagonist and gamers alike became so much more; an icon. He's been called The Red Pyramid, Red Pyramid Thing, The Butcher, Bogeyman, The Executioner, The Red Devil...but no matter what you call him, this helmeted, blood-stained creature known fondly as Pyramid Head remains horror king supreme - and a fan favorite.

Designed by Team Silent's Masahiro Ito, "Red Pyramid Thing" was created with more than a mere monster or video game boss in mind. As the form of an executioner from Silent Hill's dark past⁷, Pyramid Head represents punishment. It is implied that whoever encounters him does so because of a deep-seeded guilt and desire for atonement.

What sets Pyramid Head apart from other survival horror villains is the fact that he's not just obsessed with the protagonist; in fact, he would gladly kill supporting characters or other monsters without prejudice; and often does. No amount of Silent Hill horror prepared gamers for what is considered, to this day, to be one of the scariest moments in video game history⁵. Hiding in a closet, James sees Pyramid Head for the first time - and watches helplessly as he brutally assaults and kills other monsters with ease. It is during that heart-pounding moment, when Pyramid Head turns from his victims to us, that we know what real terror feels like.

Pyramid Head wields The Great Knife, which he drags behind him - emitting the horrific scraping noise that has become his calling card. Sometimes, but only in Silent Hill 2, he carries a spear and just when you've changed your pants, here he comes with another Pyramid Head. James can even steal The Great Knife at one point in the game, and though it may be slow and heavy, the blade makes for a devastating weapon.

Despite the initial shock of his brutality, Pyramid Head became so popular with the fans that he appeared again in the Silent Hill comic book series, Silent Hill: The Arcade (Only available in Japan), Silent Hill: Origins, Silent Hill: Homecoming (Silent Hill V) and the Silent Hill movie. (The film was inspired by the original game, despite fan outcries, but director Christophe Gans felt that The Red Pyramid still played a pivotal role in his vision for the story.⁸) A caricature version of Pyramid Head can also be selected in the

game, New International Track & Field for Nintendo DS.

Although hardcore fans argue over his "true" name and appearance, Silent Hill producer and composer, Akira Yamaoka agrees that since Pyramid Head is a manifestation of guilt and the desire for punishment, his appearance will be translated by each character's psyche⁸. As such, he is depicted in a unique way each time he is encountered throughout the franchise.

"...Beware of he who took them, he goes by many names: the Bogeyman, the Shadowed One, but all are he - the same..."

Pyramid Head, as seen in Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams

Red Pyramid, as seen in the Silent Hill movie adaptation

The Butcher, as seen in Silent Hill: Origins (aka Silent Hill: Zero)

Bogeyman, as seen in Silent Hill: Homecoming

Costume changes aside, Pyramid Head has become an icon for both the Silent Hill series and horror games alike. He is perhaps the deepest, most symbolic villain in video game history; fascinating and horrifying all at once. Call him what you will...but if you find yourself alone in the darkness, hearing the long, metal scrape of The Great Knife growing near; know that as your heart races, your atonement will soon be at hand. Now ask yourself: how would he appear to you...?

"...so do not cry aloud at night, stay hidden in your bed...or the Bogeyman from Silent Hill will come chop off your head." - Silent Hill: Homecoming

References

1. Brady Games "Silent Hill 2 - Official Strategy Guide" by Dan Birlew
2. www.avary.com - Official Roger Avary website (Silent Hill blog no longer available)
3. Game Informer Issue 174, October 2007
4. G4 Top Scariest Games 2006; Game Trailer's Top 10 Scariest Games 2006; IGN's Top 13 Scariest Games 200), Gamegirl.com Top 7 Scariest Games October 2007, Game Daily Top 10 Scariest Games 2008, Gossip Gamers Top 10 Scariest Games posted March 9, 2009, Gameplayer.com.au - The 9 Scariest Games of All Time March 31, 2009, Virgin Media Top Ten Scariest Games Ever! 2009
5. Joystiq.com - Boo! Scariest Moments in Gaming History 2006, Game Informer Issue 174, October 2007
6. Gamesradar.com 2008, Gamespot.com 2008, Movietome.com 2008, Thatguywiththeglasses.com - Top 10 Video Game Villains 2008, Computerworld.com 2008 - You can run, but you'll only die tired: Gaming's 'baddest' villains 2008
7. www.TranslatedMemories.com - The Translated World of Silent Hill
8. Sonypictures.com - Silent Hill: On The Red Pyramid

Gordon Freeman - The Greatest Game Hero of All Time?

2009-10-17T16:01:04Z

It pays to go to college, kids. With a doctorate from MIT, the bespeckled Gordon Freeman went on to defend the Black Mesa research facility against an entire army - single-handed. His role in the Half-Life game series has earned him the coveted title of "Greatest Game Hero of All Time," according to GameSpot.

Although I'm a sucker for characters that can solve mind-boggling puzzles and be able to fend off enemies at the same time, it's hard for me to imagine that Gordon could take this title from every game hero EVER.

I, for one, would have picked Mario for several reasons. Mario Brothers games became a world sensation, bringing gaming to new heights it had never dreamed of. By thrusting the lovable Italian stereotype onto everything from breakfast cereal to comforters, Nintendo paved the way for what video games are today. Mario is to gaming as Mickey Mouse is to Disney.

Mario did come in second place, losing 44.2% to 55.8%, so at least I'm not alone in thinking he should have been a top contender. Anyone's who's ever tried to win anything by online voting knows that the winner will be determined by whoever has more time on their hands, and knows how to delete cookies so they can vote repeatedly.

Although I personally disagree with the voters' decision, I pose this question to GameInformer fans - who do YOU think is the Greatest Game Hero of All Time?

Jen Taylor: Bossing Spartans Around, Driving a Go Kart and Getting Her Brains Eaten, all in a day's work

2009-10-09T20:48:51Z

As a writer and contributor for GirlGamer.com, I recently had the privilege of sitting down with voice actress, Jen Taylor. Her name might not ring a bell, but her work surely will - she's the voice of Cortana, Princess Peach and Daisy as well as Zoey from Left 4 Dead and many others. This fun-loving girl has been with us on many adventures!

Check it out...

Thanks for joining us, Jen!

My pleasure.

You have a very impressive resume spanning from theatre to film and of course, video games. When did you first catch the "acting bug" and what was your first role?

I can't remember ever NOT wanting to be a performer. When I was in the second grade we performed HOW THE ELEPHANT GOT ITS TRUNK. I played the narrator and was the only one with lines and I got to speak into a microphone. I should have known then.

Gamers were introduced to your voice talents in 1997 with your work on "Backyard Baseball." Was this your first work in voice acting, and how did you make the transition from performing live on stage to in a studio?

I love that you found that. Those games were certainly in the beginning of my career but I recorded a few computer games for a company called EDMARK before that. I was also a radio dj in Seattle which was really my first voice work. My best friend worked at a radio station and thought I would be good at it. I was desperate to make some money and do something so...I showed up and they hired me. The transition? They aren't really at all alike so it was a different beast.

Don't you hate it when your hair gets caught in the studio headphones?

Oh yeah...that's never pretty.

Every girl wants to be a princess at some point in their childhood, but you voiced perhaps the most famous video game royalty of all. What was it like playing both Princess Peach and Daisy, and how did you get involved in the Mario Brothers series?

All the Nintendo voices were a blast to do. You truly feel like you are getting paid to PLAY and ... how fantastic is that? Most of the time I was just screaming or making funny noises.

How did I get involved? The company was looking for someone who could mimic the previously recorded voices and I got lucky.

You also played several other characters for Nintendo, including Dixie Kong, Toad, Toadette and Birdo. I've noticed that voice actors & actresses often play numerous roles in a video game or cartoon; is that standard, or do you sign on for whichever parts might be needed in addition to your main role?

In my experience, it depends on the game and the company. With Nintendo, I voiced my usual characters first and then they often asked for something extra. Just to see if I could do it. With most of the other games I've voiced I've been hired to play one character. Though in the first Halo I also, initially, played some random fighter pilot. I don't know if they kept that... probably not.

So...Cortana. Wow. When you were cast in the role, did you get a lot of background on the Halo story? What is your favorite part about her character or the series as a whole?

I received enough background to make sense of what I was saying. I've seen info online about Cortana's back story of which I was never made aware. What is impressive is that the story of the game continually expands and has infinite possibilities for growth. Cortana has more information at her fingertips than we can comprehend which feels powerful AND she's a bit of a smart ass. That's always fun.

Throughout the game, we hear Cortana more than we ever see her, so you are really as much of a star as the holographic image. It is, after all, your performance that guides us through danger and the epic struggle between worlds. How do you feel about Cortana's incredible popularity among gamers?

Well, it's wonderful that people respond to her in a positive way and feel a connection to her. I can't help but feel good about that.

The Halo movie adaptation has been in production, and then halted, then in production, then...well. Have you been approached to reprise your role in the film?

Nope. No word from any movie studios. Hellooooooo...

I was shocked to read in a 2008 interview that you didn't get any fan mail for your roles, particular that of Halo's Cortana. Has that changed since then?

Ha... no.

As the voice of Zoey in Left 4 Dead, you are now part of an elite group that has, in her own way, battled the undead. How do you feel about a zombie apocalypse?

I would certainly get my ass kicked... and then my brains eaten I suppose.

Your most recent video game appearance is in F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin, as Lt. Keira Stokes. How does voicing a survival horror game differ from working on a kids' piece? Does it require more preparation for the character's motivations, or are you able to jump right in?

Adult games vs. kids games generally only differ in that the stories aren't always as complex. One explores a different emotional state, obviously, but, for any piece I do, I try to focus on what my character wants and needs and the circumstances in which she is in. And pray that they have me scream at the end of the session.

Come to think of it, the motivation in Left 4 Dead = don't die. Zoey handles it rather well, I think.

With flair indeed.

Do you play video games, and if so, what is your favorite game, series or
genre?

I don't which I expect is disappointing. I do have an Xbox 360 and I've tried to play Halo a couple times. I ended up just moving the Master Chief's head around a lot. It was a nice view and the world is very detailed but I continually got massacred.

Video game stories have become so much more epic and emotional in recent years; like interactive movies. Do you get to read the entire script for a role, or just your scenes?

For Halo 2, we sat down and read the entire script together which was an anomaly. In my experience, you only learn what happens to you.

What has been your favorite video game role so far and why?

Cortana was a great time because, as you say, the story of Halo is epic and complex and I got to know her better than many other characters I've voiced. As for silliness though... I really enjoyed doing Toad.

We certainly hope to see (and hear) more of your talents in the future - what's next?

Thank you. I'm not sure what's next. Your guess is as good as mine at this point.

The industry is highly competitive - do you have any advice for anyone who dreams of a voice acting career?

Pay attention to radio and television commercials. Record them if you can and mimic what you hear. Also, take a beginning acting class. It will help you to understand motivation, obstacles and other actor lingo which can be helpful.

Thank you, once again for taking time out of your busy acting schedule to speak with us. Congratulations on your success and thank you for your contribution to some of our favorite games! We look forward to seeing and hearing your work for years to come.

You are very kind. Thank you.

If you'd like to show some love and send Jen a message, you can send letters to:

The Actors Group
9703 SW 264th Street
Vashon, WA 98070