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.

Link Out (12/2/08)

February 11th, 2008

link out aurther ug&g

Its been over a month since my last Link Out. I might try and make this segment a monthly segment as it will allow me to build up a stronger list of better links. For those who have just joined us in the past month, this segment is where I share the love and post up links to my favourite, recent articles circulating the internet. Think of it as a form of supplementary readings with my tick of recommendation.

I think that I have found a great assortment this month. Here we go:

The Rad Project

I linked to this site in my Totally Rad Retro Video Review but I want to mention it again. This site basically compares the difference between the NES gameTotally Rad and it’s original Japanese version; Magic John. Magic John was ‘Amercanized’ for its western release, so its interesting to draw the comparisons.

The Best Old-School Games of 2007 – Retro Gaming with RacketBoy

RacketBoy looks over this user selected list of the best retro games of 2007. It reminds me of what a great year 2007 was for games be it new, old, remade or compilated. Theres also a number of those fan service games from 2007 that I was talking about previously.

Wrecking Crew Retro Review – The BBPS

I was planning on doing a retro review on this game a while ago. But I don’t think that I will now, I’ve already shared my thoughts on the game and will be covering it in other ways in future. So in it’s place, I post this link.

Turok 2 Retro Review – VideoGames Blogger

Another game that Matty Jay and I wanted to put up for review. Well you can basically scrap that idea as astrotriforce from Video Games Blogger posted up this downright excellent review of the game. It covers everything that I wish I had time to write about. Excellent review.

Metal Slug Not Really in HD – 8 Bit Joystick

Yeah, some of these links are pretty old, I remember reading this one ages ago. Still a good read on something that I was unsure about

The Simpsons Game Cutscenes – Siliconera

Like a lot of people I’m not interested in forking out full price to buy The Simpsons Game just to wade through some meh gameplay to get to the cutscenes. Luckily Siliconera found someone whom has kindy ripped the cutscenes from the game.

The Wii’s Success: It’s time for developers to put up or shut up – Infendo

One of the best, hard hitting articles that I have read for some time. Really lays the smack down on whinging third parties. There’s a couple of minor points in the article that I do disagree with but overall Infendo nail this one.

Seven Ways to Make Money Gaming

I love games and I need money to keep that love alive. Fortunately I can combine the two. Keira from Write the Game runs thru seven of the best ways to make the cash.

Earthbound Calendar Is A Ness-essity – Press the Buttons

Even though Nintendo still continue to withhold the EarthBound series from us singlet wearing Australians, I still have a distant love for Earthbound (ah yes, ‘scratch and sniff’). Matty G posted up some great calender images based on the series. I originally wasn’t sure if I was going to post this, as the lame pun in the title was giving me second thoughts. ^_^

Link Out (1/1/2008)

January 1st, 2008

Hey guys, happy new year. I hope you had an enjoyable new year transition. ^_^ Over the past few weeks I’ve built up a nice collection of gaming links to share with you. They are a little out of date but here goes:

Commodore 64 Guitar Hero

This one is quite interesting, its about a project that someone is working on to convert the basic gameplay elements from Guitar Hero onto a Commodore 64.

Udon Comics Interview

I believe that I’ve mentioned these guys before, Udon Comics do the artwork for the Street Fighter comics and manga. They also work on art for World of Warcraft, Darkstalkers and other important comic and gaming franchises. This interview is about their latest selection of Street Fighter comics and manga. You can see some of the covers here as well.

AU Developer Auran Files For Bankruptcy – Game Industry Wire

Game Industry Wire have been following the story about Auran (one of Australia’s largest game developers) and the rumours and now confirmation of their bankruptcy. I was originally going to post about my concerns over this matter after receiving an email from PALGN with details on how to enter a competition to win 1 of 1000 copies of Auran’s last game; Fury.

Burnout Paradise Soundtrack – MTV Multiplayer

The Burnout games contain some of the best sountracks for any game series ever. The latest soundtrack for Burnout Paradise was announced. Surprisingly it contains the new Seether single on there too.

Funbucket Turns One

Jordan from over @ The Fun Bucket is celebrating The Fun Bucket’s first birthday. So if you haven’t already head over there and give him a heads up. Oh yeah, the obligatry Happy Birthday Banner:

funky kong birthday

Killer Instinct Arena

You might remember the Killer Instinct – Awesomeness in Character Design article that I posted up not too long ago. Now if you have even better memory you might remember that I said that I had some difficulty finding some pictures of the lovely B.Orchid. Well thankfully a reader has come to the rescue and let me know of their site: Killer Instinct Arena which has some images of the babe. So I have taken some images from the site, posted them up in the article. So I want to thank this reader by personally plugging his great site. ^_^