Fun for Five Minutes: Crash Commando

December 12th, 2008

Obviously life over here in Shanghai is consuming my time by the bowl fulls. I do have the intention of keeping this place as regularly updated as possible, but given the circumstances I’m not sure how much more toothpaste I can squeeze out the tube. In anycase, I have a terrible cold at the moment which has opened up the opportunity for a few days downtime admits the Christmas rush. As such I want to jump back into things with an almost PR-worthy piece plugging this awesome trailer that I just watched. Losing my credibility? Nah, not yet.

Okay, so that trailer I just saw was for Crash Commando for the Playstation Network. You might recall hearing about it last E3, it’s very much like a high definition Contra, with characters the size of ants and microscopic laser sights. It looks like a neat, inspired offering with a few new generation assets included

The trailer – while cliché in parts – is admittedly pretty cute. It takes the ethos surrounding its inspiration and churns out something pretty entertaining and humourous. Usually these intentionally over-the-top rips at flamboyant humour grow quite tiring, but this one made me giggle. I think it’s because the writing is probably better than most and not so jerky.

I honestly don’t believe that Crash Commando will be a particularly brilliant title, but hey that’s my engrossing for five minutes. I’ll try to get myself to write something more wholesome over the weekend. Likely something related to Quake, which I finished a few weeks ago.

Link Out (18/3/08)

March 17th, 2008

link out aurthur ghosts and gouls

Its funny how even though I had never planned to post up this feature every month, ever since I started I have unknowingly been doing just that. Which would make this a monthly segment. Over the past month I have been considerably busier than normal outside of the blog and as such my list of links aren’t as strong as last time. But as always they make great additional reading if you enjoy reading what I have to say.

Brainy Gamer Podcast #10 – Brainy Gamer

In the past month I have come across Brainy Gamer; a blog dedicated to intelligent discussion on a variety of important issues relating not only the industry but also software and design. The blogger over there; Micheal Abbot, is the most sincere and genuine bloggers that I have come across. He has a real passion and interest in games and it shines through with both his writing but even more so his podcast.

I have selected Podcast #10 for two reasons; firstly it is the latest podcast and has a bunch of interesting observations about GDC and the snark among some bloggers and journos which I find very interesting. Secondly after the main interview there is a 20 second advertisement for this blog (by Matty Jay) followed up by some generously kind words from Micheal. The Brainy Gamer blog comes highly recommended by me and I think that you’ll really enjoy it.

Best Of GDC: ‘Making Games For PlayStation Network – The Facts’ – GameSetWatch

GameSetWatch will be running through some of the best GDC lectures that were perhaps lost amongst the crowd. This time they are looking at a lecture by Chris Eden from Sony talking about some of the more internal Playstation Network information such as what is open to PSN developers, cost and a few interesting statistics. Quite an informative read.

Character Profile: Moblins – Man Bytes Blog

Corvus from Man Bytes Blog shares some thoughts about the Moblin characters in Zelda: Wind Waker. Out of all of the personality in The Wind Waker I find the moblins the most interesting. There is just so much charm in the character design and animation.

You are Lose! Blog

I discovered this blog from a reader comment and have been impressed by the recent slew of content. Much like this blog;You are Lose is an enthusiast gaming blog with a keen eye for notable, game design observations. Korey’s blog is mainly about the game software, so I think that you’ll enjoy this one as well.

1Up Network Director Dan Hsu Explains his Company’s Recent Overhaul – Level Up

N’gai Croal interviews Dan Hsu from the 1Up Network about the recent changes with staff positions and the new alphabetical grading system. Rather insightful.

Pure Pwnage Series Review + Episode 16 – Ed Borden PWNING 9-5

Ed Borden over at PWNING 9-5 has shared his thoughts about episode 16 of the internet show; Pure Pwnage and provided a series run down. If you haven’t already heard of this show then head over, read the summary and see if it sounds like something for you.

Posted in Link Out | Comments (3)
Tags: 1up, gdc, Link Out, playstation network, podcast, pure pwnage