Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut PC: The More Things Stay The Strange…

Posted on October 11, 2013 by geelw

You’d think that after playing and reviewing this game a few times on the Xbox 360 and PS3 plus spending well over a month creating daily random screenshot posts about the updated Director’s Cut and a few more on the upcoming PC version soon to pop up on Steam would mean I’m tired of Deadly Premonition. But nope, I still love this weird, funny and compelling horror adventure, warts and all. If you’re a big fan as well you can clearly see above that the game isn’t going to look much different than the console versions, but I’m betting the higher resolution and what should be a more solid frame rate on a decent PC will help smooth out a few issues some had with the other versions. The game also packs in Steam Achievements and Trading Cards plus a bit of extra content at no additional cost and yes, there’s already a page up on the Steam Store where you can keep abreast of the launch date (which is Halloween, of course) and other gory details. Naturally, all that FK in the coffee I’m drinking is keeping me up with a haunted look on my mug much like FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan, but hey – he’s got skills I could use on a daily basis…

Now Playing: F1 2013

Posted on October 10, 2013 by geelw

While some reviews of F1 2013 I’ve glanced at are calling a few of the changes “incremental” from last year’s installment, I’d say they’re missing a few points with that criticism such as the game not needing the bells and whistles other less “serious” racers provide and the fact that the formula (pun intended) as presented works as a perfect learning tool for novices. Granted, the game is NOT a 100% perfect “simulation” at all (although playing on the highest setting with all the aids off offers up plenty of unforgiving moments of “Oh yeah, I’m SO not an F1 driver!” as you spin out or wreck into a wall or other cars), but a fantastic recreation/representation of F1 that allows anyone with patience and practice to take home some wins and see what the sport is all about.

That said, beating Vettel here was a big “YES!” moment, as he’s a total machine on the F1 circuit in real life, making watching this season pretty boring because you pretty much know who’s coming in first. Also, I do LOVE that Classic Mode to the point that I wish Codemasters would have added MORE cars and tracks. I’d eat a tire for that six-wheel Tyrell, the Fan Car, some classics from the dangerous 60’s and so forth and so on. Hell, Grand Prix Legends isn’t coming to consoles any time soon, so I may as well be one of those bugging the Codies to get cracking on making my aged gamer brain and hands happier, right? Yes, there an actual review incoming – stay tuned.

Happy Birthday, Retro City Rampage (Yes, This Means A Nice SALE)!

Posted on October 9, 2013 by geelw

OK, where’s my CAKE? You can’t have a par-tay without cake and screw that Portal nonsense about the cake being a lie. I’ve got over 40 birthdays that say otherwise, grrrr! Anyway, yes, Brian Provinciano’s awesome mash-up of pure 2D bliss, Retro City Rampage, is a whole year old today and to celebrate, you get that video above and a BIG sale below. OK, not below… just click HERE, have that wallet (and a smile) ready and you’re all good to go. And if you already own the game, good! Get it for someone else or even yourself if you pre-ordered the PC version and happen to own a PS3 or Vita. Whee! Can you tell I just LOVE sales. And cake. WHERE’S MY CAAAAAAKE! Seriously, I have none here and really want a slice. And some ice cream. And a cuppa coffee. And a pony…

Gallery: Hello Kitty Kruisers (Wii U)

Posted on October 8, 2013 by geelw

I’ve found that one of the big secrets to enjoying life is smiling more and anything Sanrio is usually quite good for getting a grin going, no matter what your mood is. Austin-based Scarab Entertainment knows this, so they’re cooking up a fun family friendly kart racer for the Wii U and mobile devices (with other platforms TBA) called Hello Kitty Kruisers, set for a Q4 2013 release from publisher Bergsala Lightweight.

Granted, I’m betting the bulk of you fist-pumping, caffeine swigging uber-core gamers are probably cringing from all the bright colors searing your eyeballs and rainbow juice splashing onto your keyboards scaring that mouse you were clicking under your seat. But, hey… I say everyone needs a too cute for words game in their libraries just to break up the monotony of grays, browns, greens and whatever color big explosions are.

Besides, EVERYONE loves Hello Kitty – they just don’t all admit it in public. For those of you immune to the charms of Miss Five Apples Tall (weight, three apples!), you’d better put on those sunglasses now if you dislike bright colors in super shiny HD, folks – things are about to get Kitty up in here:

Screens above, press release below the jump.

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Oops. I Forgot Some Adventure Time 3DS Screens Last Month…

Posted on October 7, 2013 by geelw

OK, this is a sort of filler post, but I did forget to add these to that Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! screenshots for the Nintendo 3DS in that preview I wrote up not too long ago. I’m still flipping a coin about whether to buy a new 2DS or a bigger and more expensive 3DS XL to play this on.

On one hand, cheap is always good and that 2DS and its kid-friendly design (it’s targeted to 5 and 6 year olds!) will make me the envy of the playground parent set (er, not that I hang out at playgrounds or with parents, mind you). On the other hand, that more expensive XL is MUCH better for my eyesight thanks to the nice and big screen. Decisions, decisions… well, it’s not exactly earth-shaking in importance at all, so worry not your pretty little heads about me this time. I think I’ll work it out just fine…

Shout Factory’s The Vincent Price Collection: Timely, Indeed (Warts and All)…

Posted on October 7, 2013 by geelw

Someone hipped me to this upcoming Shout Factory box set of six classic horror flicks featuring the late, great Vincent Price (who’s also Star of the Month on TCM all October) and I had to give it a thumb and a three-quarters up just for that lovely cover art alone. Oh, alright, the six sick flicks here are all top picks (and on Blu-Ray for the first time, I believe). But I’d still have to gripe out a grape sized whine about the total lack of love for Doctor Phibes Rises Again, which SHOULD have been grafted into this sextet just because it’s the darn sequel to The Abominable Doctor Phibes and yes, I’m STILL waiting my ass off for Tim Burton to announce he’s remaking both Phibes philms at the same time like Peter Jackson did with his epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Granted, Phibes’ offbeat mix of camp and 70’s era gore “lite” isn’t anywhere on the same level as Tolkein’s works, folks. But hey, I grew up glued to the tube with many of Price’s films and those two hold a very special place in my still beating heart. Hey, it’s not as if I’m asking for Scream and Scream Again, right? RIGHT? If you ever see that one, you’ll understand, kids…

Anyway, if you’re too lazy to click links, that collection costs $55, features tons of special features and the six films are as follows:

THE PIT & THE PENDULUM

THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

THE HAUNTED PALACE

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES

WITCHFINDER GENERAL (aka THE CONQUEROR WORM)

Who needs to go out on Halloween and get a tummy ache from some lousy cheap candy bought at the dollar store? Get this Blu-Ray set, pop up that dried out corn display you’ve had on the table for years and sprinkle some chili powder on it, slap a few razor blades into a pomegranate (apples are SO last century!) pull up a chair and veg out! Friends optional, but go “borrow” some (have some rope and gags handy) so you can show them a good time before you kick them out in a more bewildered but appreciative state (like Maine or maybe California, ha ha)…

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: House of Horology Makes Me Want To Be a Timekeeper Once More…

Posted on October 7, 2013 by geelw

Alright, I haven’t worn a watch for a few years, but seeing House of Horology’s Bedlam Light and Bedlam Dark line at the last two Rand Luxury Review events is making my wrists kind of cranky with me. The $490 watches are pretty awesome for that price point, built like tanks and don’t look as if you’re flashing your bank account when someone asks you what time it is. Currently, eight colors each of the light and dark variants are available from the company’s HOH flagship store here in NYC.

Meeting CEO Lawrence Leyderman is always a treat, as he’s one of the happiest guys at these events, always smiling when talking about his cool watches and ready with a quick joke. Given that he displays those Bedlams in a small aquarium for hours at a time (they’re water resistant to 330 feet), one of the first questions people seem to ask are either “Hey, where’s the fish?” or “How long have those watches been underwater?” I stuck with the former, as I think I was drinking like a fish at the event (it’s kind of tricky to recall everything I said after that Disaronno punch that packed quite a kick kicked in).

HOH is also working on getting Secret Labs’ Agent Smartwatch out soon and given that device’s Kickstarter raised over a million dollars and interest in smart watch technology is huge these days, it looks as if your dreams of being Dick Tracy Junior or a not-so-Secret Agent Man are coming true sooner that later. I’ll have to take a look at one of those babies once they’re ready for prime time. For now, I just need to get my wrists to stop arguing about which one will wear that Bedlam and whether I go Light or Dark should I take the plunge…

RETRO Magazine Kickstarter: Old Folks Talkin’ About Games Seems Like A Darn Good Idea…

Posted on October 6, 2013 by geelw

And given that I’m ancient enough myself to actually know and have read a lot of work from these old folks, that’s not an insult above and this KS is right up my alley. OK, I’ll be good from this point on, folks. Anyway, RETRO is a big Kickstarter project by some of he best known names from the gaming press’ best years as you’ll see when you check out that link. I know of a few people who could be potential contributors (well, I’m on that list I have in my head as well), but we’ll see if this mag makes its target. It SHOULD, as there’s way too little gaming history and appreciation out there with all the internet whining and moaning about modern gaming’s many issues. RETRO should be a kick in the pants and head the community clearly needs.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Tequila Clase Azul Does Double Duty For Drinking Or Display…

Posted on October 5, 2013 by geelw

While some quality tequilas are marketed through expensively shot TV ads that use handsome and famous spokesmen in fine suits extolling the virtues of paying a premium price for them (while giving the competition a put down or three), all you really need to do is look at a bottle of Tequila Clase Azul to know you’re getting a superb product. One of the highlights of this past week’s Luxury Review was hopping over to the Clase Azul booth to try three of their three quality tequilas and a nifty flavored liqueur.

The smooth Clase Azul Plata ($80), the wonderfully aged Clase Azul Reposado ($91), and the pomegranate-infused La Pinta ($65) were at the event and making all who stepped up to sample walk away smiling. Sadly, the very limited edition Clase Azul Ultra ($2,000) wasn’t available at the event, but that’s because a mere 100 bottles are made at a time of this exquisitely aged beverage and those sell out right away to wealthy tequila fans looking for the ultimate and willing to pay more for the privilege.

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Back From The Lap of Luxury…

Status

Nope, I didn’t take the day off Thursday*, ladies and gents. I was at The Luxury Review for a few hours checking out some incredible products and possibly drinking too many adult beverages. My head will let me know in the morning, but I think the good quart of so of water I’ve been drinking since I stumbled in the door about twenty minutes ago will stave off the Beast from Hangover Square. OK, I need to sleep now… and dream of that $10,000 bed I got to fall on for a bit and now want to sell both kidneys to buy. Back tomorrow… no, wait – later today with some reportage from the event. Thanks to Terry “Valkor” Lewis from The Other View for hanging out woth me as my guest. He’s quite a card, that one…

And ha, ha, ha! My current unread email count is in the many hundreds just from not doing any work yesterday. This will be a “fun” Thursday, that’s for certain… I hope my brain can keep up. We’ll see, I guess… we’ll see… Good Night!

*Aheh. I was definitely feeling the after effects of that free booze bath, kids. Wednesday? Now I’m losing track of what day I attend events! Wooo…