• 9May 13

  Music

  Just some beats I make now and then. Follow if you like! If you are interested in using some of them for a iOS game, Ouya, Android, PS4, XBox One, Steambox, or even a movie, feel free to send me a message! Thanks for listening!

  http://www.soundcloud.com/XL_Fly

  • Posted May 9, 2013 1:50 pm GMT
  • Category: Music
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• 24Apr 12

  Sequels and 2-D Love

  

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  Major developers it seems, are at a crossroads. Are the ideas lacking? One can see this with so many sequels that have been or will be released. Crysis 3, Max Payne 3, Halo 4, Call of Duty 5 or is it 6? Final Fantasy XXVIIV or something, NHL, John Madden, NBA, MLB 2K this and that. Sure some may be good but many really seem to be rehashes of their earlier content. I find one thing lacking. 2-D. Remember that? While not a new idea or concept in any sense, it is refreshing that many in the field are going back to their roots.

  What is 2-D? Roughly, and according to the all-mighty Wiki, 2-D (Two-Dimensional) graphics are images based on two dimensional objects. These could be text, geometric models, or even digital imagery to some extent. 2-D was originally developed for drawing and printing for things like typography, advertising, or cartography. 2-D "graphics" have been around since the early 1950's. Much of the technology behind it derived from vector based graphic devices.

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  Bet you didn't know what a Nonagon was. Now you do!

  

  (source lastwordresources.co.uk)

   

  2-D has been around for a long time in the video game industry. Some of my favorite games are in this format. Blaster Master, Gunstar Heroes, Rygar, Blackthorne, Flashback, Forgotten Worlds, M.U.S.H.A, Axelay, Contra 1, 2, & 3, Metal Slug (all 10 or so), Golden Axe 1 & 2, Thunder Force, R-Type, Nosferatu, Gradius 1,2, & 3, Streets of Rage 1,2, & 3, Ghosts N' Goblins, Castlevania 1,2, & 3 are just a few of the great and memorable 2-D games of old.

  Sometimes you need to go to the foundation to find out the problem or even an idea. This is why many of the indie developers are having success with their games. You can be just as creative using a 2-D format as you can in a 3-D format. Indie developers are going back to where the fun was at. Simple and effective gameplay. There's nothing wrong with that. Don't be intimidated by all the high tech, motion capture, 3-D CGI this or that. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones with the most originality.

   

   

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  Super Metroid for the Super Nintendo. Landing on planet Zebes in a storm. The sound of rain and thunder, a glint of lighting as you ran towards your destination.

   

  And what a destination it was:

  

  Before the age of codes, aimbots, or hacks, Super Metroid could take weeks to get through.

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  Act Raiser by Enix, Super Nintendo

  

  One of the first console games to incorporate a "Sim City" type mechanic with action! A great story,

  superb graphics and sounds. The sequel is even better.

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  Gunstar Heroes by Treasure, Sega Genesis

  

  

  A brilliant 2-D action game with 2-player support. Complex enemy and character

  animations set this one apart from many 2-D action side-scrollers.

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  Gradius by Konami, multiple consoles

  

  Who can forget the first time they faced the Easter Island heads shooting "Cheerios". The creepy music

  and atmosphere of the Gradius series still withstands the test the time.

  

  If you didn't smash your controller from this stage, you were surely a shooter god.

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  Metal Slug series, by SNK Playmore, Agetec, Ignition Entertainment, MEGA Enterprises, multiple consoles

  

  

  There are about 10 Metal Slug games in the series. Every one of them is a masterpiece and achievement

  in 2-D gaming. They really don't make them like this anymore.

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  ~DAGGER

  • Posted Apr 24, 2012 7:48 am GMT
  • Category: Games
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• 23Feb 12

  Achievements. For what?

  Long time Gamespotter here. Just finally getting around to this blog thing. I mean, why not? Free space, right? Achievement unlocked.

  Let's discuss.

  I think the state of gaming needs a kick in the pants. Achievements. What are they for and for what pupose do they serve? I've come to an answer and I think something that would revolutionize gaming as a whole. What you say? More sprite based games? Funny how times have changed.

  It would be nice if game companies or games themselves offered rewards for the achievements they give. So players can use the attained points to get real world items, like computer accessories, etc. Thousands and thousands of achievements are unlocked in games every day. Let's put them to good use publishers!

  The whole achievement system in all games should be converted to real world rewards. Many people would like to upgrade their PC's, maybe get some new accesories for their consoles. Few t-shirts, Best Buy gift cards, heck even something for mom and dad. This incentive would ultimately be rewarding for the developers, manufacturers, and players alike. Who's with me?

  

  ~DAGGER

  • Posted Feb 23, 2012 2:31 pm GMT
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