Double Dragon with Frants @BarcadeJersey.
Posts tagged video games
Song For The Moment
“Video Games” by Lana Del Rey
This one has been hovering in my head for the past few weeks, as I keep catching it periodically on XMU. A lovely, haunting tune — perfect for those late summer evenings when you’re sitting in the dark (with your power MIA after the latest hurricane) sipping a glass of wine. (Or, some variation on that theme.)
I have been having a ridiculously enjoyable time playing Red Dead Redemption — last night was the first time I was able to ride around with friends (a posse, if you wish) and explore the landscape while encountering bandits, mountain lions, and having shootouts with fellow players from around the US. It’s a great game.
This is all to say that the folks behind the game had John Hillcoat (Director of The Road and one of my personal favorites, The Proposition) put together a 30-minute machinima “short film” using the game itself. Haven’t watched it in it’s entirety yet, but thought some of you might find it interesting.
[If you haven’t played the game, though — and you intend to — you probably should avoid watching the movie… there are some spoilers inside.]
The New York Times review of Red Dead Redemption, as pointed out by my pal (and future posse member) Brant. The closing argument:
In the more than 1,100 articles I have written for this newspaper since 1996, I have never before called anything a tour de force. Yet there is no more succinct and appropriate way to describe Red Dead Redemption.
One of two (hopefully) excellent games that come out this month — and would make fine additions to my collection.
Source sanluisobispo.com
The other day, Roger Ebert kicked the tires on a message he’s repeated quite a few times over the last few years: namely, that Videogames Can Never Be Art.
Unsurprisingly, the arrogance of his proclamation raised a firestorm of replies. (He does not even explain how a man that does not play video games is able to serve as arbiter on whether the entire medium holds potential for ‘art’.) Ebert is a very intelligent man, one who normally enjoys good debate and discourse; for some reason, though, he returns each year to inform those of us who find meaning, emotion and significance in our “games” that we are wrong. Like when the folks in the 1950’s said Rock n’ Roll was a waste of time — it wasn’t “real music”.
This is all to say that if you agree with the premise that video games can be art (you should, because it’s true), then please read the superb article written by critic Mike Thomsen above.
He explains it much better than I ever could.
Source xbox360.ign.com
This is a video of old-school videogame characters taking over NYC. It is both excellent and awesome. Without fail, I’ll be peeking into the skies for the next week, looking for Space Invaders.
Last night I had the distinct pleasure of completing Braid — an indie game on my PS3 (available on XBox, PC and Mac as well) that has been hailed as both “A Masterpiece”, and “One of the most interesting, satisfying, beautiful game experiences… ever.”
I couldn’t agree more.
On it’s face, Braid is a 2D platform game (think Mario Bros.) where you manipulate the flow of time to solve puzzles. But it is so much more than that. I can’t remember the last time I’ve ever thought so hard over a game, in terms of both the puzzles and the story. The time mechanics can be mind-boggling, but when you discover the solutions (often accompanied by the thought “Of course that’s how you do it!” in your head) it is an indescribably satisfying moment.
This is all coupled with: graphics that feel like a living, breathing, painting; beautiful, ethereal music swelling with emotion; and a story that has levels upon levels upon levels.
My suggestion is this: go and buy Braid. It deserves your hard-earned cash. Just do yourself a favor — don’t spoil it for yourself. In today’s age, it’s far too easy (and tempting) to jump online and get the solution when stuck on something. Don’t. Play around. Try something different. …If I was able to figure them out, so can you (frankly, I’m not that smart).
It will be all the more worth it once you reach the end.
