Random Film of the Week: Circle Jerks: My Career As A Jerk

Posted on September 23, 2012 by geelw

To date, the best documentary on the “punk” music scene has been (and probably always will be) Penelope Spheeris’ The Decline of Western Civilization. Although long out of print on VHS and not available on a commercially released DVD or Blu-Ray, those fortunate enough to have seen it in theaters, on cable back when it had a brief run there or via other means can probably point out moments and performances that were raw and amazing as they captured the urgency and sometimes distressing lives of the bands and fans while examining how media and the authorities dealt with a scene they couldn’t understand. One of the few bans to survive this tumultuous time and make it into the 90’s and beyond was Circle Jerks, and director David Markey (“1991: The Year Punk Broke”, “The Slog Movie”) chronicles the band’s history in an excellent new documentary, Circle Jerks: My Career As A Jerk., available on September 25 from MVD Entertainment Group. It’s a must-see for anyone at all interested in rock history as it evolved and morphed into new forms of music during the 80’s and 90’s.

Continue reading →

Kirby at 20: Still Round, Pink and Making Us All Smile…

Posted on September 23, 2012 by geelw

I’d say I identify with Kirby more than I do with Mario and his crew just because he’s such an outsider that manages to be the life of the party every time. Yeah, yeah, Mario gets to rescue Peach, beat up on Bowser and wonder why his lazy brother Luigi gets his own games from time to time. Kirby has pretty much stayed the same for two decades, Cute, strong and always smiling through even the worst of times. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Oh yeah, never call Kirby fat or anything like that. He hates that a lot. Especially when he’s called crap like “big-boned, as he has none inside him (or so I hear). FYI, the last person who called him a “chubster” got inhaled and spat out a mile away with their tongue tied up in a double knot. Kirby might be cool and fun, but don’t get on his nerves.

And yes, you should buy him a present or else. Kirby loves presents. Or just buy his game instead, as he knows when that happens because Reggie gives him some spending money. Kirby likes spending money, too.

The Last Story: Great Game, But That Deluxe Packaging Is A Pain

Posted on September 22, 2012 by geelw

So, the copy of The Last Story I recently ordered finally arrived today and while I’m pleased as punch about this (the game is running in the background as I type this post), whomever designed the outer sleeve for the otherwise wonderful game packaging needs a spanking or something. The “book” design of the slipcase that protects the game and lovely art book gets an “A” overall, but after than, it’s a bit goofy.

I understand that yes, the “book” should open like a book, but that outer cover protective flap thing? Er, what the what are gamers supposed to DO with it once they open the package? It’s not going to fit inside the box, the two front flaps on the blasted thing stick up like gull-wing doors on a DeLorean and storing it like a book on a bookshelf is a bit of a lame idea (especially if you don’t have a proper bookshelf or like me, your bookshelf is packed to the gills with other games). Hmmm… maybe I should design a case for the case? Eh, not enough time, nor enough patience to fiddle with constructing something like that. Oh well – off to see if this Story is as great as it looks. I like Mistwalker’s games, so I intend to be suitably impressed when it’s necessary. Back in a bit…

Random Indie Game of the Week: The Frozen World

Posted on September 22, 2012 by geelw

Yes, it’s somewhat ancient for a RPG Maker game, but Lys86’s brilliant The Frozen World is still one of my all-time favorites made with the 2000 version of the popular game creation software. While fairly short (you can complete it in under ten hours), the combination of a unique battle system, memorable plot and some great use of music helps lift this one into the heights of great fan games. In fact, the game feels like something you’d have played back on the SNES or Genesis, but the combat has a nice and rewarding Nintendo DS/3DS “touch screen” experience I’ll get to in a bit.

Continue reading →

F1 2012 Launch Trailer: Going For The Flag at Full Speed

Posted on September 21, 2012 by geelw

Codemasters’ absolutely gorgeous racer should be in shops as you read this. Buy it for the mind-blowing visuals alone and you’re only getting half the story. From playing the demo, this one could be the best console F1 game to date. Even if you’re not big on F1, I say rent the game, dive into learning the ropes and experience a new type of track burner that will eat up your spare time.

Dragon’s Dogma Gets New Content in 2012, Dark Arisen Coming in 2013

Posted on September 21, 2012 by geelw

Excellent. Not only does one of my my favorite action/RPGs of 2012 get new content this year that includes Speedrun and Hard difficulty modes, we’re all getting a new installment in the franchise in 2013 called Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. Now, THAT deserves an exclamation point! Lovely. Three measly screens, though… C’mon Capcom! Tease! Anyway, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen looks like it’s going to keep me even busier. and YOU, too if you were a fan of the first game. More details to follow shortly… or when Capcom drops them in my inbox.

Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Box: Japanese Fans Get Lucky Again (and What Else Is New?)…

Posted on September 21, 2012 by geelw

Hmmm… and wow, this is a pretty spectacular collection. I’d say this HAS to come out here in one form or another, so what about it, Square Enix? While I’m not the biggest FF fan these days, I’d actually be interested in this just for the historical value. OK, that and the chance to play the redone FF I-VI on the original PlayStation. I’m still more fond of the first nine games over much of what’s come afterwards, but there’s no denying the huge impact the franchise has had on the JRPG scene over time. Again, it’s all about RESPECT and for the most part, Square Enix absolutely deserves it for keeping this flame alive for a quarter century (and still going strong). Feel free to check out that link below if you want to see this in all its bright white packaged glory before whining that you don’t speak and read Japanese and how unfair the world all is or whatever.

You have been warned – this thing is REALLY amazing.

http://store.jp.square-enix.com/special/ff25th

Midway Arcade Origins Trailer: The New Version of Nostalgia For Today’s Consoles

Posted on September 20, 2012 by geelw

Over 30 classic Midway arcade games, most of which bring a huge grin to my face? Check! Llocal co-op multiplayer, achievements, and Leaderboard support? Check! The hard part here is getting some of today’s gamers who think all those indie games they play that rip off a bunch of these ACTUAL classics are “better” to realize that if it weren’t for a bunch of these awesome arcade hits, they’d not have a good chunk of what they’re paying pennies for today. Respect! Anyway, PS3 and Xbox 360 owners are going to be in for a real treat, I say. Long live the arcade hits! OK, WB- Where are the Vita and 3DS versions?

TGS 2012: SCE Japan’s Puppeteer: Another First Party Winner On The Way…

Posted on September 20, 2012 by geelw

Yet another PS3 exclusive I can’t wait to get some hands-on time with, Puppeteer also makes me hopeful that we’ll see such creativity on display (and more) from day one whenever Sony’s new console ships. I’m personally so weary of new systems suffering through dreary (but well-intentioned) launch titles that don’t at all show what a console can do. Developers for next-gen systems NEED to blow us all away right out of the gate and IMPROVE on high quality games in the near future or else we’ll have to keep hearing nonsense talk from PC-only gamers who, when you think about it, really only have graphics (and yes, keyboard/mouse controls in shooters) to babble about as “better”. But we all know that better looking games NEVER means better games at all, no matter how it’s spun. Overclocking a game so it runs at 200fps is all fine and dandy, but crap running at 200fps is still crap, correct?

Just a thought.

Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise Dev Diary: Bearing Up For A Bigger Blast

Posted on September 20, 2012 by geelw

If there was any doubt as to how much better PiP will be than the original Naughty Bear, well kids… this video should keep you well informed and have your wallets standing at attention. I like that Behavior Interactive has been a bunch of busy bees this past year, as they also did Brave for multiple platforms (a pretty decent job overall) and Naughty Bear is a whole lot different in tone (by far!) and definitely going to surprise many people with its depth and replay value. It may not be a Game of the Year contender, but it’s definitely a game you’ll enjoy a hell of a lot this year.

Oops – I missed the other SIX videos in this series somehow! Ah well, here’s number 7 – perhaps I’ll track down and post the rest after TGS is over. My inbox is FULL of news to pore over (and getting fuller) and I don’t want to fall too far behind.