Thursday, December 10, 2009

Dante's Inferno

http://www.dantesinferno.com/home.action

Talk about originality. Dante's Inferno has taken some poems or a story by a poet (I don't know) and turned the poet into a warrior of whom fights his way through hell. In the game, Dante fights through the 8 (or 9) stages of hell in order to rescue his beloved. Each level of hell has its own unique look. Based on Ive seen, the gameplay and the cinamatics look amazing. This game is going to be one for the history books. We might see a new bench mark for story/adventure games in 2010.

Bayonetta

http://www.sega.com/platinumgames/bayonetta/

Let me set the stage for you. Your an angel killing witch. Your no ordinary witch however. Your a sexy witch wearing a skin tight costume...made of your own hair. You have an arsenal of magical attacks to slay these demon angels in your path...based on your own hair. You ride motorcycles and jump around in a typical slasher game (from the creators of Devil May Cry)...in a suit of your own hair. This game is weird. Im not sure about the story yet but isn't it interesting enough already? I mean, come on! You fight using your hair! Apparently one of your big attacks is a giant steleto coming down from the heavens and crushing your opponent. Oh, did I mention its made of your HAIR!? WTF? I'll be renting this game to see what its all about next year.

Assassin's Creed 2

http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/

Now, now. Don't run for the hills. I know that when most people think of Assassin's Creed they think, "Well it was 'ok' but it was just so repetitive." Anyone to ever utter those words (aka anyone that played the game) would be correct in this statement. Have no fear, however. Assassin's Creed 2 is everything that the first game should be. Its all about switching things up. It is more of a story mode game now than a mission game. Also, the environment is drastically improved. Your taken back to the Italian Renaissance. Ubisoft recreated many of the real life places from the period and that still exist today. A lot of the game mechanics are also improved. You can swim! You would have thought that an expert assassin would know how to swim already... Anyway, the game is good but think twice about buying it if you like me and enjoy a good multiplayer experience for the multilplayer is still missing from this game (and rightfully so).

God of War III

http://www.godofwar.com/Agegate/index.htm?redirectURL=/Index/

o I just bought my first PS3. It was a "holiday bundle" so I got some games included with it. One of the games is the "God of War Collection." This game consists of the first 2 games in the series, "God of War" and "God of War II." I can tell you that already I am pumped for the third installment in the series and Ive only completed the first mission in the first game. Already, Ive torn hordes of monsters in half, seen some amazing cinematics for the games time, and Ive slain a gigantic, 3 headed, ocean dwelling serpent... All the while the game challenged me to get things right. You have to use your environment and your skill set to accomplish any task ahead of you. There is also a puzzle type of element to the game that makes even some of the simple tasks like balancing on a beam or defeating the larger enemies particularly challenging. Ive always knew that "God of War" was a good series but I'm glad I finally got my hands on it.

Modern Medal of Honor

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/tag/medal-of-honor/

Come on kids! Let's hop on the bandwagon! Even though they'll be labeled "copy cats" forever, I can't blame Medal of Honor for going "modern." The WWII market is tapped out. Though EA will have their work cut out for them considering the popularity of Modern Warfare 2. Even if they do "ok" then they should consider it a victory taking into account what they are up against. EA is up against the biggest entertainment release of all time. Probably game of the year material. As interested as I am to see what spins Medal of Honor throws at the FPS, "modern warfare" genre, Im skeptical considering their last release. Medal of Honor Airborne was a far cry from the series' glory days. I'll be impressed if they sell half as many copys as Modern Warfare 2 did in the first week.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Xbox 360 VS PS3

Ive always favored the 360 over the PS3 but after actually getting my hands on one earlier this year, I let up on the harsh remarks of which I slung at the PS3 in normal conversation. Its a good console. BluRay, free online via Playstation Network (PSN), descent variety of games, "Next-Generation" graphics, web browser, and all the other goodies such as music, video, pictures, etc. However, even though the PSN is free it still comes with a price. It lacks the quality that the Xbox LIVE online feature that the 360 has. For me, this is the PS3's greatest downfall for I am a heavy multiplayer gamer. Also, even though the PS3 has BluRay and other high quality features, you have to have an elite rig to use the PS3 to its full potential. You need a high quality, and expensive, TV and home theater system. There are some good games on the console though, games that you cant get on any other console.

Moreover, even though I still feel that the Xbox 360 still wins the console war with its unpresidented online feature alone, the PS3 has come a long way and is a respectable console.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Horde (shirt)

http://www.threadless.com/submission/231672/The_Horde?streetteam=fatheed

I'm pride myself on being a regular at www.threadless.com. Everything I see on threadless is awesome. Everything is either very clever, fun, funny, or extremely creative. Of all of the clothing sites Ive seen on the web, threadless is the best. Plus, I'm supporting artists in buying from threadless, instead of buying from a big franchise store.

Im a zombie fan. You may have seen my blog on Left 4 Dead 2. I love the Left 4 Dead games. I love zombie movies (even though I'm not a huge gore/horror fan and I am buy no means zombie movie buff). In fact, my co-workers and I have a huge plan how we could defend ourselves using everything in the carwash that I work at during a zombie apocalypse. So, when you put that together and through in my love for shirts, you have this little gem.

I love this shirt. Mine is in the mail on the way to my house as I type. I think its so creative how they used the focal point of the light and how the zombies themselves are a degradation across the shirt. It sort of somes up everything zombies. One or a small number of people against a massive amount of zombies. Exemplary!

Brink

For those that played Mirrors Edge, surely you can agree that it was a good (not great) game. It was a first person platformer, based on free running. You were a messenger that ran across rooftops, dodging bullets, trying to find the fastest route from point A to point B. Most people I think would agree that one thing that Mirrors Edge didn't really have enough of was guns. Everybody loves guns...

Brink is a new game by Bethesda studios which is basically Mirrors Edge+Guns+Multiplayer. Sounds fun? I know, right? Basically you get around running, jumping, sliding, and gunning with all of your buddies over Xbox Live battling for territory of a dying earth. Im actually suprised that this hasnt been done already, but never the less Im glad its being done. This is supposed to be released in early 2010 so we'll see if it will live up to the hype that will grow between now and then.

Modern Warfare 2: Game of the Year?

So, as you may have read in one of my other blogs, with the release of Modern Warfare 2 became available a limited edition, MW2 themed, 250GB HD, Xbox 360 console. Bought it. As I may or may not have mentioned was that there was also a limited edition of the game available which included working night vision goggles. Bought it. Now that I have all the memorabilia, what about the game you ask? Oh...I'll tell you about the game. Its AMAZING!

MW2 lived up to all of the hype. It was the most anticipated game, possibly entertainment event of all time. It WAS the highest grossing entertainment release of all time (including movies, games, etc.) racking in $550 million in the first 5 days, $310 million of that being in the first 24 hours (suck it Titanic).

I'm not going to lie, I havn't completed the campaign yet. However, every minute I've played has been non-stop action. How can you blame me when MW2 has the largest multiplayer fan base ever? I have over 4 days racked up on MW2 multiplayer. Not to mention Ive completed all of the multiplayer missions, known as Spec Ops, on Veteran.

Ive seen some pretty nice looking games come out this year, but I don't think anything can top Infinity Wards greatness known as Modern Warfare 2. Amazing.

Left 4 DeaD 2

www.l4d.com

So, Im a multiplayer gamer. Don't get me wrong, I love a well executed story in a video game but when it comes down to it, it's all about making other people feel bad about themselves in a public, multiplayer lobby online. Left 4 Dead had plenty of multiplayer to go around. Havn't played it? Picture this. 4 vs 2000. That is 4 "survivors" (you and three of your friends) vs 2000 infected, AI driven zombies. Seem intense? Well it is. Its one of the most chaotic, intense multiplayer experiences video games have to offer. Now, the story is vague (purposefully). You can play the campaigns with friends vs the computer zombies or you can get into the real Versus mode where you play one round as survivors while another group of 4 get to try to stop you as "special infected." Keep in mind, this is just L4D.

L4D2 is the latest release from Valve. Can you say "melee." That's right, L4D2 features not only bigger and better weapons that fire countless bullets to penetrate the skulls of the countless infected but now you can use any of the skull crushing melee weapons such as a baseball bat, a crow bar, a machete or if your lucky and chainsaw. Perfection.

Pandora internet radio

www.pandora.com

This is not, by any means, new. But don't fix it if it's not broken. Pandora radio is brilliant. I can't count how many days of high school it got me through. Most likely if your on your home computer you have plenty of songs to shuffle through without Pandora. But what about at work or school? Anywhere you can find a computer with an internet connection you can log into your very own (FREE) Pandora account and shuffle through billions of songs. All you do is type the name of a song or band or even genre of music you like and based on that info, Pandora will through countless songs at you that are related to what you want. It can go on and on forever. The best part is, if a song pops up that you don't like or like you can "like it" or "dislike" it and Pandora will take note of it and make your "station" that much better and design for your ears. Brilliant.

Mumford and Sons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJf9qJHR3E

Amazon.com lists Mumford ans Sons new album "Sigh No More" as "Bluegrass/Folk." Sounds kind of lame, right? Wrong! Mumford and Sons is one of my favorite bands after one or two listens of their hit single "Little Lion Man (see vid above)."

Their are 3 traits that bands have to have for me to really enjoy their music. 1. They need to have a unique sound. This includes the lead voice of the band. There are zillions of bands out their many of them sound the same. 2. The music needs depth and substance. "Sigh No More" has just that. You can hear the pain and sorrow as well as the 'triumphance' and joy not only in the lyrics but in the music itself. 3. The band as a whole has to be unified, relevant, and (duh) sound good. The British Quortet known as Mumford and Sons is truly quality music. Tremendous.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Twitter Dedicated Device?

http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=8157

Yeah, the title doesn't lie. There is now a device dedicated soley to Twitter. Thats it. Thats all it does. As a user you have "full" access to Twitter (as if you didn't on the average mobile phone). I can't think of any reason why someone would need a device soley to tweet. Every computer and almost every phone now-a-days has the same capabilities. Except with a computer you can do, well, everything a computer can do. And, if your on a phone with Twitter capabilities you can, hmm, make calls, often browse the web, text, communicate in general. Whoever made this was not thinking. Did that person not realize that people like multi-function devices? Why?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#9rtF9P/blog.graphicriver.net/web-roundups/25-pixel-perfect-reto-posters-by-eric-tan//

Scroll down through the link and you will see some of the most creative, original, and compositionally sound posters I have ever seen. Most of the posters are inspired by movies such as Wall-E and Indiana Jones or TV shows such as Lost. Maybe one reason these posters stand out to me is because I can relate to all of them. Another thing that stands out is the block style of which each poster is unified by contrast. Movement is also a profound design element that the artist uses to his/her advantage. Information hierarchy is a very basic design principle yet this artist uses it to a great extent. To top it all off the seemingly 50's-ish style catches everyone's eye. Perfection.

PowerMat

http://www.powermat.com/us/home/?SID=bu61eim0213o9tr2r6eedjgl04

I am sure most have came across this by now. Not only is it all over the web but its already found its way into stores. Right out from under our noises, the PowerMat WIRELESS CHARGER (no typo there), has made its way into Best Buys and Targets everywhere. We all knew this day would come, or did we? Can you even comprihend a wireless charger? Imagine just plugging in one chord. ONE CHORD! This chord charges a mat. You get special cases or covers or adapters for up to 3 portable devices and BOOM! you have power!
This invention is absolutely a step in the right direction. Next thing you know, we won't need those special cases, covers, or adapters. We'll just throw our portables onto our "new coffee table wireless charger" and it will charge everything. Incredible.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Micro Chip Art

http://www.engadget.com/2005/10/13/silicon-art-on-a-microchip/

Today in lecture, Prof. Manheimer mentioned something about micro chip art. I googled it. It is extraordinary how small someone can engrave or carve a picture. Sure, it may be done by machine but even then its is mind boggling. I like today's lecture about time and scale. It is crazy how we can have art so large and so small. Amazing.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Phantom Bike

http://illusion.scene360.com/design/5096/phantom-bike/

Everybody wishes they could be invisible at one time or another. For some, riding the Phantom Bike is as close as they will get (unless your a ninja). This bike strikes me as being very cool and modern (and if you can't tell by reading my blogs by now, I love modern) but it doesn't seem very practical. It looks very hard to ride. However, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't buy one.

LED Mirror

http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/09/10/12-unusual-and-creative-mirrors/

Well, we have TVs in our kitchens, screens on our refrigerators, computers in more than one room in our houses, and portable devices to connect from anywhere we go. Where is a common place that we may not have entertainment...? THE BATHROOM! That's where the LED Mirror comes in. Ladys; bored doing your make up every day? WATCH TV! Guys; bored shaving everday? WATCH TV! Tired of doing your 'business' in silence? WATCH TV! You could buy a TV and put it in your bathroom, but who has room for that? Just get new mirror. Pretty cool.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

A WIRELESS recharge mat

http://www.duracell.com/us/mygrid/default.asp

Could it get any easier than this? Imagine. Instead of having countless wires running along the walls of your home to charge your electronic devices, you have a single ultra-thin mat that charges your devices simply by touch. Even though Duricell only has a few devices that work with the charger, this product at least tells us that it is possible to charge devices wirelessley. This product is yet another way technology is simplifying our lives. Very cool.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Electric Motorcycle

http://gizmodo.com/5361223/at-giz-gallery-09-brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycles

As it says in the article, everyone knows that motorcycles are cool, but electric motorcycles are even cooler. The Brammo Enertia Electric (BEE) is a motorcycle that runs on 6 lithium phosphate batteries and can go up to 50mph, with zero (thats right, 0) emissions.

If your like me, when you see someone riding an electric or even a gas scooter, part of you says, "Good for them. They are saving money and the environment at the same time." and the other part of you says, "Man, they look really lame on that scooter." I think the BEE is going to start a change. This bike is a step in the right direction for people that want to do the right thing when it comes to transportation and the environment and for the people that want to look good doing it. Sweeet.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Stumble Upon

One of the best suppliers for my blogs in my 'Electronic Design Journal' or 'EDJ,' is Stumble Upon (SU). Again, SU did not disappoint. However, I didn't use its features to find something to blog about. It is SU itself that is the focus of this blog.

SU is basically a 'not-so-random' website generator or finder. When you create an account with SU, you choose between hundreds of preferences or 'things you are interested in' or 'things that you like.' After doing that, you can Stumble. When you Stumble, SU will take you to a website that you may or may not have heard of that is based on something you told SU that you like. After checking out that website, you can 'like' or 'not like' that webpage. Through, 'likeing' and 'not liking' site after site, SU learns what you like and it will more easily find sites that it thinks that you will like.

This to me is the ultimate tool to a 'web browser' (as in someone who browses the web). SU will feed you site after site of which most I have never seen before. SU also may not simply just give you a site but it might be just a picture or a video from a site that you have seen or heard of but the pic or vid you may have not. Crazy.

Limited Edition Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Console

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2009/0915-mw2.htm

As mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, I love everything 'modern.' That statement goes two ways; 1. I love modern designs, from houses to furniture. 2. I love the highly anticipated sequel to my favorite video game of all time Call of Duty: Modern Warfare; Modern Warfare 2.

That being said, there should be no surprise that I am interested in this new Modern Warfare 2 accessory. Infinity Ward mentioned there would be a Limited Edition Modern Warfare 2 controller for the Xbox 360, but some how I didn't see this coming. The design of the console is from Infinity Ward themselves and I think they got it right. They captured the 'modern, militiary, technological' style that the game encompasses. I might buy this even with the high price tag. You get a lot for your money. Pretty sweet.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Playstion 3: Before and After

Before: http://images.chron.com/blogs/gamehacks/playstation-3.jpg

After: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Sony-PlayStation-3-Slim-540x360.jpg

Even though I am a huge Xbox 360 fan, after actually getting my hands on a PS3, I do respect the PS3 as a console (the PSN (playstation network) is a different story). Other than poor online capabilities, the PS3 has actually been a great system. The only other thing Sony could've made better was the way it looks and the price. They did improved both of those things. The PS3 Slim is now available for $300 as opposed to the previous $400 price tag.

More importantly (for this blog at least) is the design change. Sony replaced the glossy, often smudgy, finish with a matte finish which is great. They took away the big, silver, lame, 'spider man' letters and put what should've branded on the original console, "PS3." Finally, most obviously, they made the damn thing smaller. The original PS3 was massive. The 'hump' seems to be less severe, and the length and width are both smaller. And in this day and age, when it comes to electronics, smaller is better.

Architectural Design

http://www.digsdigs.com/small-oak-house-in-denmark/http://www.digsdigs.com/small-oak-house-in-denmark/

As you will come to find, I am all about 'modern.' From gadgets to fashion; if it's modern, I'll probably find it aesthetically pleasing. One huge area where my eyes fancy modern design is architecture. I love housing and furniture that feels modern. Whether it be hard straight lines or smooth throwback curves, modern+architecture=good.

This house, built in Denmark, is beautiful. The contrasting dark outside surprisingly goes well with the defining white inside. The windows are large and almost seemingly out of place but then you look again and you wouldn't have them any other way. I think I like modern dwellings like this because of how different they are. Try to find another house like this...

Monday, September 7, 2009

One of the coolest watches Ive ever seen.

http://www.creativecloseup.com/15-incredible-conceptual-designs-you-wish-existed


About 1/3 down the page of 15 Incredible Conceptual Designs, I found one of the coolest looking watches Ive ever seen. Its modern but combines a futuristic look with one of the most basic of time-tellers; the sand/hour glass. I couldn't imagine the face I would make if I asked someone for the time and they showed me something like that. I would wear that watch.

The coolest table Ive ever seen.

http://www.creativecloseup.com/15-incredible-conceptual-designs-you-wish-existed

About 1/4 of the way down the page of 15 Incredible Conceptual Designs, is a table which looks like it is formed out of blood. It is by far the coolest table I have ever seen. I love things of that nature. Its modern. Its dark. Its so cool. I assume that it wasn't ever made because of durability issues. It does look fragile but made out of the right material, I think it would last. Besides, who would f with a table seemingly bleeding on the floor?

Upside-down power stip by Power Bridge

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/07/power-bridge-flips-the-strip-upside-down-instantly-kills-ugly/

As if anything bad could come from engadget.com, what better a source to find some killer designs for killer tech. I 'stumbled upon' this gem and instantly wanted one. The headline says it all;

Power Bridge flips the strip upside-down, instantly kills ugly

Much like lab #2, this design change to a traditional power outlet drastically changes the emphasis. A power strip goes from something that is either tucked away. unnoticed, or unfortunatley noticed. Flip the damn thing upside down and its something you want to show off to your friends. Im getting one.

"http://www.jdesign.net.au/" website critique

I came across this website from the website where I found the website that was the focus of my last blog entry. This one, though I can read, did not really get into much but like the last website I feel it has a lot of potential for other purposes. The website is http://www.jdesign.net.au/
When I saw this site, I thought it would make a really cool, interactive 'photo upload/holder' site like photobucket. Users could create a free account, upload their photos, post them on other sites, and all the while be able to browse them in a 'panning wall of photos.'
Amidst writing this blog entry, I thought of a totally (from what I know of) original site that a design like this could be used. Imagine opening your browser and seeing a homepage. You can stay logged in to this homepage and when you open your browser, you see your local weather, your emails, some of the 'latest news stories,' and last but not least a 'panning wall of all of your favorite/latest website icons.' Awesome.

"http://alexarts.ru/" website critique

So, I was on the ol' Stumble Upon (of which is a Firefox 'add on' of which anyone would be crazy not to have) and I came across a site that displayed and had links to a bunch of others sites. I cam across http://alexarts.ru/
Though I cannot read the language on this site and nor do I have any idea what it is about, I still find it intriguing and recognize its potential. For all I know, its a great site already, but I think It would make a great idea as and advertisement or tour guide for a city/town. I always see commercials for other states like California or Colorado which though nice, are missing something I feel is an essential part of an advetisment...INTERACTIVITY!
How cool would it be to be 'googleing' something and come across a website for a state that your interested in traveling to and when you got to the site you could take a virtual tour around the capitol or larger areas of that state/city/town and not only get info on the best attractions like restaurants, entertainment places, hotels, etc. but to also actually see the areas? Very cool, thats how cool.