I honestly can't think of a better follow up to the spirit of Ocarina of Time than a 2D version and this fan game looks really great.
"OoT 2D is a 2D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that is styled like ALttP. It has been attempted many times and by many different authors, the first attempt of which was over a decade ago!
This embodiment of OoT 2D will use no already-existing engine and no utilities such as Game Maker. While building it from scratch is slow and old-fashioned, this method of programming will grant full control over everything, resulting in a high-quality product! We hope you all like it!"
It is available for download now for free on PC and... Read All
I honestly can't think of a better follow up to the spirit of Ocarina of Time than a 2D version and this fan game looks really great.
"OoT 2D is a 2D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that is styled like ALttP. It has been attempted many times and by many different authors, the first attempt of which was over a decade ago!
This embodiment of OoT 2D will use no already-existing engine and no utilities such as Game Maker. While building it from scratch is slow and old-fashioned, this method of programming will grant full control over everything, resulting in a high-quality product! We hope you all like it!"
It is available for download now for free on PC and the project creators say it works well in Wine on Mac and Linux.
Having never played OoT and not knowing much about it story-wise, I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out and if the story is compelling in a 2D environment.
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This episode of Game/Show takes some recent statistics about gamers and asks if 50% of all gamers are actually women? It's a question many have asked after the numbers were first circulated and the way he unpacks the facts is interesting. He reads a quote by Ian Bogost I found really interesting "If we are very fortunate gamers will disappear altogether and all we will have left would be people."
This episode of Game/Show takes some recent statistics about gamers and asks if 50% of all gamers are actually women? It's a question many have asked after the numbers were first circulated and the way he unpacks the facts is interesting. He reads a quote by Ian Bogost I found really interesting "If we are very fortunate gamers will disappear altogether and all we will have left would be people."
I felt like Jamin was on a good track with the way he presented a definition for "gamers" in the February episode on the same topic, as a cultural identity of being a sort of aficionado or connoisseur of games, or at least someone that is well versed on, not just the entertainment of games, but maybe the process of the craft as well, to the point that you could give an informed, analytical argument on the subject (e.g. comparing/contrasting Strategy RPGs and RTSs, or how Dark Souls is basically Mega man in macabre 3D). As an example, when I was first getting into programming, a couple of authors told me, after spending a few days learning the basics of writing my own block of functional code, that I could now consider myself a programmer (one who programs). The sentiment is encouraging, but the reality is that if I was in a room with actual, seasoned programmers, I doubt very much that they would see me as a peer. In the same respect, I would argue, playing games does not make you a gamer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The ESA doesn't care what a gamer is, they just care who is playing games. Jamin hits it on the head by admitting that if you look specifically at gamer culture, there are obviously fewer women than this statistic of 50/50 implies, but then pivots immediately to the Zoegate/Gamergate mess as a reason why that's the case. His later statement suggesting that being an aficionado could lead to sexism is bizarre. "Be careful, kids, get too enthusiastic about your hobby, and you could become an asshole!"
The point isn't the word "gamer." The point is the identification and the passion of the culture. If there were some way to magically strike that title from the known universe, so that it could never audibly be spoken again, we would find a new word to call ourselves. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." How would those seasoned programmers feel if, in my very limited knowledge and experience, calling myself a programmer, declared that "programmers are dead," due to the idea that anyone and everyone can program "Hello, world!" You can homogenize the name, but you can't homogenize the passion. It doesn't matter what you call yourself, people will recognize you by your actions.
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 05:37pm
His later statement suggesting that being an aficionado could lead to sexism is bizarre. "Be careful, kids, get too enthusiastic about your hobby, and you could become an asshole!"
I think people that move closer to any ideal get that way, it's not unique to gaming culture though. I try and stay away from the more zealous of any group, I just don't enjoy being on that side.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." How would those seasoned programmers feel if, in my very limited knowledge and experience, calling myself a programmer, declared that "programmers are dead," due to the idea that anyone and everyone can program "Hello, world!"
I think that's a good point. I am a software developer and if someone said my profession was dead I wouldn't pay it too much mind. In a way, it's always changing and that's part of the job. Someday my job might be so altered that what I knew it to be might be effectively dead, not sure how that would effect me but it's an interesting thought.
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I found this Lego Doom photo as I was spelunking the corners of the Internet and wanted to share it with you. Before I saw this I wasn't aware how much I wanted Lego Doom. Hopefully the Lego Doom movie isn't too far away!
http://i.imgur.com/u7fwf5v.jpg
I found this Lego Doom photo as I was spelunking the corners of the Internet and wanted to share it with you. Before I saw this I wasn't aware how much I wanted Lego Doom. Hopefully the Lego Doom movie isn't too far away!
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 02:52am
Cool video. I also liked at the end where there were other pictures of other Lego-made things like Star Trek and Doctor Who. The last frame of the video also shows others, like Ghostbusters. Cool stuff, although was it me or was the BFG missing?
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 03:16am
Yeah, I didn't see a BFG either.
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 03:46am
Have you seen the movie with The Rock in it? I thought that was awesome, especially when he gets the BFG and says what it is.
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 05:21am
I have it. I actually think it's a pretty damn cool movie.
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 05:23am
Awesome! I've seen it a couple of times, I thought it was cool, too. I've been a fan of The Rock since college (that's when I actually started to like wrestling).
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Azurephile gives this a solid "Rad" on the Ghost Scale
This is fun, with very few issues, and is well worth your time.
Azurephile gives this a "Rad" on the Ghost Scale
This is fun, with very few issues, and is well worth your time.
Quick review
Recommended (one of my most favorite Wii U games)
Many Zelda elements
DLC
Kind of short story mode on normal difficulty
amiibo functionality
At E3 this year, only months ago, Nintendo showed off some new games to look forward to. When it comes to E3, I pretty much always watch the Nintendo press conference and more videos about whatever they are showing off, ignoring everything else. This year's E3 wasn't really that different from other years, meaning that Nintendo got me really excited again. One of the new games they showed off was Hyrule Warriors, a combination of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors. I've never played a Dynasty Warriors game,... Read AllQuick review
Recommended (one of my most favorite Wii U games)
Many Zelda elements
DLC
Kind of short story mode on normal difficulty
amiibo functionality
At E3 this year, only months ago, Nintendo showed off some new games to look forward to. When it comes to E3, I pretty much always watch the Nintendo press conference and more videos about whatever they are showing off, ignoring everything else. This year's E3 wasn't really that different from other years, meaning that Nintendo got me really excited again. One of the new games they showed off was Hyrule Warriors, a combination of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors. I've never played a Dynasty Warriors game, but consider myself a fan of the Zelda series.
Zelda elements and DLC: Initially, I thought the videos for Hyrule Warriors looked very exciting. There are so many playable characters, stages, and elements from various Zelda games. The game is action-packed and even has DLC. I believe I have all the currently available DLC, which includes many various character costumes and more. At least one DLC is available for a $20 purchase, while some of the other DLC is available for those that pre-ordered the game and also after registering the game at Club Nintendo. It also seems that Epona is or will be available as a weapon via DLC.
While I've had a lot of fun with the game, perhaps the only disappointment I've come across is that it didn't take me very long to beat the main part of the game (Legend Mode) on normal difficulty. I wish the game was much longer, but then again there are plenty of extra modes and things to unlock (like new characters, weapons, etc.). I'm currently working on capturing all the Gold Skulltula. They appear in Legend Mode on normal difficulty only after defeating 1,000 enemies. However, there are more which can only be obtained in hard difficulty and with various conditions, such as a certain character with a certain weapon. I have not yet explored the other game modes (Free Mode, Adventure Mode, etc.).
amiibo: There is also amiibo functionality. Any amiibo will give you something, but Legend of Zelda amiibos give you better things. Check out this link to find out what amiibos will give you what items: https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/games/detail/hyrule-warriors-wii-u/
I've really thoroughly enjoyed this game, which makes me think that I should look into other Dynasty Warriors games. Anyway, I highly recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of the Legend of Zelda. For more information, please see the official site:Â http://zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/
*Update* Hyrule Warriors is definitely one of my most favorite games on the Wii U. I havenât checked out the 3DS version though.
Wow, that's great. I mean honest question and in no way to I want to imply I am not grateful but when will the updates stop? I mean, they gave the game so much more than 1.1, I mean except Minecraft I can't think of a game to get so many free updates.
Travis Admin Post Author
wrote on 09/30/2014 at 03:01pm
Unless you count free-to-play MMOs and the like, I can't either. Criterion games did the closest I'd seen to this kind of free post-release support with Burnout Paradise.
I setup a new Steam Curation page with a few games I recommend people check out. In the future I plan on migrating awesome Steam game reviews to the page. So if you have been itching to review a cool Steam game, post it to the site and let me know about it and it may be featured on our Steam Curation page.
http://store.steampowered.com/curator/6874475/
I setup a new Steam Curation page with a few games I recommend people check out. In the future I plan on migrating awesome Steam game reviews to the page. So if you have been itching to review a cool Steam game, post it to the site and let me know about it and it may be featured on our Steam Curation page.
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 09/29/2014 at 10:21pm
Good, I'm glad you noticed and created a curator page. I found out about it because of Paul Soares Jr., my favorite YouTuber, who also created one (http://steamcommunity.com/groups/indietestdrive). So, that makes you the second person I'm following. =)
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 09/30/2014 at 03:28am
Great, glad to help. Lots of games I have yet to recommend and so little time
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 10/02/2014 at 08:49pm
I've finally subscribed to your YouTube channel!
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"Now itâs easy to listen to your music collection while you play games on Steam.
Point Steam to the MP3s on your computer, then browse your collection of albums and artists. Youâll also find your Steam Soundtracks DLC in your Steam Music library when the associated base game is installed. Listen to albums, queue up mixes, and create playlists you love, right in your Steam library. Best of all, itâs all available right within the Steam Overlay, so you can control playback without leaving your game. The Steam Music library and player consist of all the basics you need to enjoy your music without switching tasks."
Steam Music has finally shipped and it's available to... Read All
"Now itâs easy to listen to your music collection while you play games on Steam.
Point Steam to the MP3s on your computer, then browse your collection of albums and artists. Youâll also find your Steam Soundtracks DLC in your Steam Music library when the associated base game is installed. Listen to albums, queue up mixes, and create playlists you love, right in your Steam library. Best of all, itâs all available right within the Steam Overlay, so you can control playback without leaving your game. The Steam Music library and player consist of all the basics you need to enjoy your music without switching tasks."
Steam Music has finally shipped and it's available to anyone that recently updated the Steam client. Steam Music offers a pretty spartan UI right now in allowing you to search through all your music and filter by artist or album. After Steam scans your library accessing and playing your music is pretty quick but I miss a some features like being able to shuffle through all your music. At some point I hope they offer a cover art style way to mouse through your library, I really like this as I have a ton of music and it's nice to visually locate and album as I scroll through hundreds of albums(I have a ton of music).
That said, I love that music support came to Steam and am looking forward to further releases that support more audio formats like AAC & FLAC.
To celebrate the launch of Steam Music Valve is giving away the soundtracks to some of it's most iconic games. So grab them now while you can.
The soundtracks are listed as DLC. You have to own the game in order to get the soundtrack for free. I'm trying to download the HL1 soundtrack, and it won't let me, and I don't own that game. I own the Source version, which the soundtrack is not tied to :(.
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 09/26/2014 at 04:42pm
Me too. Really big bummer as I'd love that soundtrack.
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Hopefully it's not a secret to most of you that back in the day, I had a thing for Warcraft 3. I loved the strategic elements, the heroes and it's non-starcraft pacing. At University I played it a lot with friends and when DoTA hit, played that as well. I generally played as the Undead or Orcs and had a pretty good build that could stand up well in a fight.
After World of Warcraft released and quickly became one of the most popular games ever, I figured that it wouldn't be too long until Warcraft 4 was released. After Starcraft 2 was announced I lost hope in a Warcraft 4 release as it didn't make sense for Blizzard to push two strategy games at once.
That said, I... Read All
Hopefully it's not a secret to most of you that back in the day, I had a thing for Warcraft 3. I loved the strategic elements, the heroes and it's non-starcraft pacing. At University I played it a lot with friends and when DoTA hit, played that as well. I generally played as the Undead or Orcs and had a pretty good build that could stand up well in a fight.
After World of Warcraft released and quickly became one of the most popular games ever, I figured that it wouldn't be too long until Warcraft 4 was released. After Starcraft 2 was announced I lost hope in a Warcraft 4 release as it didn't make sense for Blizzard to push two strategy games at once.
That said, I imagine we are a year or so away from a Starcraft 2: Legacy of the Void release, which is to be the final chapter of Starcraft 2. It has a strong community and I imagine Blizzard will support it for quite sometime.
All that to say, after Starcraft 2 is completed, why not focus on Warcraft 4? I'd love a modern RTS+Hero game and there is plenty of story they can cover since Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne. My fear is that since WoW was such an ultra hit, they might skip Warcraft 4 in favor of WoW 2.
Did you like Warcraft 3? Do you want to see a new chapter in the Warcraft RTS Universe?
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 09/23/2014 at 02:15am
I believe this is the first I've heard of Warcraft 3. I obviously live under a rock in the middle of no where. I might have to look into it. I played the first two games, but have never played WoW. As for SC2: LotV, it seems to still be in production according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StarCraft_II:_Legacy_of_the_Void), although it's been about 10 months since it's been updated, so hopefully it shall be completed soon.
I think Starcraft 2 was more important to get out, and I'm glad they went that route before going back to Warcraft. Starcraft 1 is a bit of a chore to play these days, while Warcraft III is still as good as ever.
But yeah, I think it's time for a new one. I'd be surprised if there weren't some design documents somewhere already. I don't know how many teams they have but hopefully once a couple of years have passed after Legacy of the Void comes out, we get a new Warcraft.
jdodson Admin Post Author
wrote on 09/23/2014 at 04:09pm
Greg: Warcraft III was released in 2002, so if you weren't doing a lot of PC gaming back then, you might not have heard of it. At the time I was at University and all I had was a laptop for school work and no money for a console. So I mostly played PC games.
Travis: I agree as I am really excited about Legacy of the Void. Hopefully it's not as long in the making as you say, but what you say sounds right.
Azurephile Super Member
wrote on 09/23/2014 at 07:30pm
Yeah, i was at "University" at that time, too. I didn't do a lot of PC gaming, mostly console gaming as I had all three current-gen consoles at the time.
It'll be interesting to see how/if Warcraft 4 shapes up. I wonder if the current emerging esports scene will influence the game. Especially considering one of the major esports games is an outgrowth of Warcraft 3 (Dota2).
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