La Mulana EX: Rising Star’s “Hidden” Treasure Headed to Vita Soon

Posted on February 27, 2015 by geelw

I’d almost forgotten La Mulana EX was incoming on the Vita, but thanks to Rising Star Games hitting my inbox with this trailer, I’m reminded that this is a game that needs to be played. Of course, at my advance age, I’ll probably keel over from the old school difficulty curve the game sets up right from the first stage. But at least I’ll go down fighting, grrrr. Anyway, I need to bug Rising Star about that release date, as the banners on the site say it’s been out for a while, but I don’t see it anywhere on the US PSN shop. Eh, I’m in the middle of about twenty other things anyway, so perhaps that’s a good thing for now. Too many distractions means less work getting done, not more. At this point, I’m all for human cloning, provided I can have my double tinkered with so he types five times as quickly as I do (and uses more than four fingers).

Leonard Nimoy: The Transformed Man Passes

Posted on February 27, 2015 by geelw

The universe of stars just got a bit dimmer with the loss of Leonard Nimoy earlier today. Known primarily for his work on the Star Trek series, animated series and film series, the man was also a writer, director and producer with a body of work that showed he was more than just Mr. Spock. The character was actually a great deal more nefarious looking and fervent when the show began (as seen here), but mellowed in looks over time. Spock’s demeanor also shifted to a less intense, but still compelling presence that helped carry many an episode and helped keep him a fan favorite. His role as that character was so pivotal to his career that even when he tried to gently distance himself from it, it very likely was his role as Spock that got some Trek fans interested in his other film and TV work. Of course, he never really hated being Spock, but his sense of humor based on fan reaction made for a nice second autobiography.

Not a way I wanted to go about having a Friday, but I’m glad to have had the pleasure of enjoying his work on Star Trek and a plenty of other projects he’d worked on during his 83 years on the planet. No matter how you feel about the man and his work, it’s an absolute fact that he lived long and prospered. So long, sir – you’ll be missed by many.

Film Review: CUT!

Posted on February 27, 2015 by geelw

Just when you think the modern Hollywood horror film has been all tapped out, along comes one of those movies that keeps you guessing even if you think you know what’s coming. Director/co-writer David Rountree tosses some tasty ideas into his chunky horror stew that will keep you hooked in and guessing right up until the double (or is it triple?) back-flip ending. It’s tricky to discuss the film in detail without spoiling a few of its twists and turns, but if you’re paying attention you may see a few of the surprises coming.

That said, if you go in with expectations of yet another slasher film, it’s a good sign that the movie shoots you down a few predictable paths before whipping the red carpet from underneath you much more than you’d think. Rountree also stars in the film as Travis Simon, an employee of a film equipment rental shop who works with Lane (David Banks), an ex-con with a rather nasty disposition and a particularly unsettling hobby. When Travis decides to make a low-budget horror film with Lane’s help, let’s just say things go predictably awry and downhill fast. A little accidental death during the making of their film doesn’t deter the pair from continuing their project and in fact, spurs Lane on as he starts taking things a bit too seriously. Continue reading →

Merchbro: Your Link to Some Cool Custom Gear

Posted on February 26, 2015 by geelw

Call it kismet, serendipity or maybe it’s just some good karma working its way through the universe – I’ll take it. Amusingly enough, I’ve been talking to a few people over the past few months who want to get a bunch of T-shirts and other clothing printed, some using my art, some using theirs. I tend to not think of my own artwork as wearable, but that hasn’t stopped folks from asking if I do design work on the side. Perhaps I should, but my brain tends to flick through ideas far too quickly to settle into a creative groove for long.

Anyway, I got an email out of the blue from Dan at Merchbro, a company that just so happens to do custom T-shirts and other goodies and it looks as if I get to forward that info to the folks that want to put my art and theirs onto assorted gear. How weird is that for timing? As for the quality of Merchbro’s work? Well, that image above is pretty cool, isn’t it? I’m betting some of you may even want one of these shirts, hmmmm? Well, stay tuned – we’ll see what we can do about that…

(Not that Link being able to run would actually happen given Link’s current immigration status. But hey, it really would be nice to see more variety on the ticket in the next election.)

Random Art: Head Cold, Remedy Required

Posted on February 26, 2015 by geelw

I think this extra dopey and drawn out winter has frozen my brain or something. I have a huge list of stuff to do and it’s as if my head is filled with Cra-Z-Sand or something. Well, this too shall pass as it normally does, but it seems to be worse this year and more annoying because the ideas are piling up faster than I can get them out. Eh, I just need a vacation or some quiet time, is all. Or some helper monkeys to keep pouring coffee into me and poking me with fencing foils (with the rubber tips on, of course!). Hmmm. Well, let’s get the brain wagon back into gear and see if that hill can be surmounted. Giddyap!

Batman: Arkham Knight “Gotham Is Mine” Trailer: Everyone Wants a Piece of the Pie

Posted on February 25, 2015 by geelw

With Rocksteady knocking things out of the park with their best work to date and Scarecrow doing his best to make Batman’s life a living hell by gathering up the worst of his Rogue’s Gallery, Batman: Arkham Knight is clearly going for instant classic status. All that in-game engine visual bliss on display means the game will look phenomenal on anything it runs on and that new Batmobile just makes me wish it were a real ride. Well, just so I could say I saw it blaze by while I was out strolling about to the store. Hey, you put me in a cape and black costume and I’m going to go home and straight to bed. Sleepman to the rescue! See you in your dreams, ladies and gents! Yeah, that’s about all the heroics I’ve got.

Anyway, Batman: Arkham Knight hits retail and digital shops for PS4, Xbox One and PC on June 2, 2015. That’s not to far away at all, really. Just one big super-nap for Sleepman! I’ll see you in a few months, folks. It’s Rip Van Winkle time, Zzzzzzzzzaaaawwwww! *snnxxxx* Zzzzzz!

A Bundle of Digital Books to Read, Humbly or Not

Posted on February 25, 2015 by geelw

Wow, that’s a lot of books for $15 or so, depending on your charitable self deciding how much more you want to pay. The latest Humble Book Bundle deal offers up a bunch of titles from Subterranean Press. Well, “bunch may be too small a word. Check out all you get for that tiny bit of money:

Yeah, that’s spring and summer reads all coming your way (just spring if you’re a quick reader, or spring to fall/next winter if you’re inordinately busy and can only read one or two books per month). And if you’re into gaming or want more stuff to buy to help out assorted charities, make sure to pop into the Humble Store to see what’s on sale this week. There are a bunch of bundle deals and single game deals up that are guaranteed to shake a few extra dollars loose from your wallet.

RPG Maker Super Sale at Bundle Stars – Go Make Yourself Something Special

Posted on February 25, 2015 by geelw

If I’m not mistaken, every time Bundle Stars has run some sort of RPG Maker deal, they get a great deal of traffic and plenty of purchases. This time out, it’s not a bundle up for grabs, but a digital ton of game creation software, DLC content and even some excellent games you can buy up in whatever package you see fit. All you need is the basic RPG Maker VX Ace software and after that, you can add whatever DLC you like at an additional cost. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with making your own JRPG-style games in just about any genre, here you go. If you just want to play games made by some really creative folks who’ve used the software, well, you get served as well with some fine titles to choose from. Buy what you like, save a bunch of money and support charity all in one shot? Sounds like a plan, man or ma’am, so get to it!

Memory Lane Trailer: Be Still, My Beating Heart (Once More)

Posted on February 25, 2015 by geelw

Question of the day (or at least the very second you’re reading this): Would you kill yourself (and a few times at that) in order to solve the murder of someone you love? That’s the somewhat shocking premise of Memory Lane, a thriller coming to Blu-Ray/DVD on March 24, 2015 courtesy of MVD Visual and Wild Eye Releasing.

How’s this for a plot:

“When PTSD-plagued war vet Nick returns home and finds that his finance Kayla has committed suicide, he decides to take his own life, but what he sees in flashbacks moments before he is resuscitated leads him to believe Kayla was murdered. Now Nick must travel back and forth between our world and the afterlife in a search of her killer – but to do it, he will need to die over and over again.”

Memory Lane has already been compared to films such as Memento, Primer and Pi, and that’s some pretty decent company, I’d say. Of course, I’d probably add in references to everything from Flatliners, Jacob’s Ladder and Groundhog Day (minus the humor, of course), but I haven’t yet seen this flick. I want to, though. The premise is intriguing enough to get me to want to sit down with this from start to finish, something not a lot of modern horror-like films do.

System Mechanic 14.5 Giveaway: WIN a 1-Year Key!

Posted on February 25, 2015 by geelw

If you’re looking for an excellent way to keep your PC running smoothly, iolo Technologies wonderful System Mechanic is the way to go. I’ve been using it since last year and have definitely noticed things humming along a lot more efficiently since. The latest version, 14.5 offers up even more features that will help keep your computer purring along as it’s protected from loads of digital danger the internet constantly coughs up.

Thanks to the always awesome Damien at iolo, I have TEN System Mechanic 14.5 keys to give away, ONE each to ten lucky readers. Each key is good for one year’s service and is valued at $50. Service renewal fees after that year will be up to each winner, as iolo offers up a few plans that drop the cost significantly based on how long you choose to renew. So, how do you get your key? Simple. just post a note in the comments and you’re good to go. I’ll find you through the miracle of the internet, so no need to post your personal info.

Oh, some rules, because rules are rules:

Open to residents of the planet earth who can use the prize offered. Void where prohibited. Contest ends once codes run out. There is no entry fee, subscription requirement or purchase necessary to enter. Winners will be chosen based on comment order. Winners will receive ONE code per email address. Requests for multiple codes are grounds for disqualification. By submitting a comment below, you are granting Destroy All Fanboys! permission to contact you via email. The winners will be notified by email within 10 days (or less, most likely). If the winners cannot be contacted/do not claim the prize within seven (7) days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize and choose a replacement winner.