Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Walking Dead heat goes on

It has come to my attention that the Walking Dead series will continue both on air and on your computer or game console next year. The third season of the TV series begins next month. Honestly,  I can wait. While the TV show satisfies my need for the dead, Telltale games is looking into the future adventures of Lee and Clementine in the second season of the point-and-click adventure. It will arrive some time next year. The current series is now in part 3, with two episodes left on the current subscription. Prepare to pay some more. And if that's not enough, there's going to be a stand-alone Walking Dead title for XBOX360 and PS3 that is rumoured to arrive next Holiday season, right in the crossfire of Black Ops 2, Assassin's Creed III, Far Cry III and Dishonored. And Resident Evil 6...

When it comes to zombies, they are plentiful for your apocalyptic needs as the Mayan calendar is nearing its zodiac in form of many game titles that amuse us by decimating the undead. Are the zombies the next vampires? First we love killing them and suddenly some writer decides to introduce us to the social complexities these monsters are having in the modern society. Enough ramble though, the main question seems to be about the upcoming zombie infestation of games of the final quarter of 2012.

In spite of the entertainment value, I have some criticism about the reality of some the apocalyptic titles we've seen these last years (the idea of the lack of reality is ridiculous!). Fallout series is ok in my books in relation to the cause of apocalypse, I mean the nuclear holocaust, which I find the only plausible reason for the abrupt end of humanity as it is. On a side note, I'm strongly against nuclear power; even though it powers much of the world, it is too dangerous to have around. There are plenty of renewable energy sources that we ought to harness for the sake of future generations. Not to deviate enough, back to the subject. Then there is a meteoroid crash that might act as an atomic bomb times thousands. Ultimately, it all comes to the fact that, in midst of total anarchy and chaos, viral infection or alien invasion, people, somewhere on this planet, will neglect some nuclear plant, and after a while is goes kaboom for the pressure mounts critical at some point releasing radiation to the atmosphere. Imagine this times the number of unattended nuclear power plants in countries like USA, Russia etc. That is the ultimate scenario.

Can we digest the idea that the Walking Dead takes place in a world without nuclear power? Does it also apply to Resident Evil? I find it impossible since those places are completely run down by the infection. The conclusion is yes. They don't have nuclear power. If this isn't the case, is there a Deus ex machina -solution that would explain plausibly the current state of circumstance that is, to put it short, a world without worldwide nuclear catastrophe.

I find it a bit odd that any of the TV shows and so few games will take lead about the future menace of mankind. Sure, the scenario is scary. But I think that people need to know the realistic consequences of the most certain of any possible end-of-the-world scenarios. It is just something we cannot be prepared for, and that is what makes it scary, living in a minefield of time bombs, ready to go off. There is no off switch. I can only guess that nuclear power companies would be strongly against any realistic description of a nuclear holocaust in the near future.

Instead of posting a video of horrifying effects of radiation or a documentary about nuclear disasters, I give you this. Decide yourself.




Thursday, September 20, 2012

The Walking Dead Game Series Walkthrough

My youtube account has been literally frozen during the summer months. No worry. My comeback move begins with The Walking Dead: Episode 2 gameplay walkthrough. After this will come Episode 3 - Long Road Ahead.

Have a look:


It comes right on time. Summer's gone and leaves are falling. Darkening skies top all that. The dead are roaming the streets.

Humble iNdie BUndle 6

Sorry, it's been a while. My intention is to start writing a lot more and keeping a steady flow of content for my blog these coming months.

That said, it's time see what's on the market. And so it happens that Humble Indie Bundle 6 has made a breakthrough and is now available for a predetermined period. It's pay what you want and by spending about 5€ (roughly 6 USD) you'll get some pretty fine titles for Windows, Mac or Linux.


You'll get games like Torchlight, Shatter, Vessel, Dustforce, Rochard and some those come with a DRM-free soundtrack. It's a treat and well worth the price.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Journey Playthrough Series

Hey everybody, if you are fans of fantastic, original video games, you ought to check out my homage to Journey, a mind-blowing, beautiful adventure game by thatgamecompany, the maker of flow and Flower.

Experience the game in its awesomeness.


The game is set in a desert and tells the journey of a pilgrim who is heading to the glimmering mountain top. On the way, the pilgrim meets other pilgrims as crossing the desert and soaring through magnificent structures worn out by the ages. That's all I'm going to tell so far. You'll have to watch the videos to find the truth of the story. I promise, if you have an open mind, you won't be disappointed. The visuals and the music go hand in hand to make sure that life is sweet.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Spending Summer Vacation & Football

Time to enjoy summer. I'm going to enjoy the fine weathers in the city and spend a lot of time outside. Hope that the feeling is mutual. 

Aside living my life, there's a ton of games I should play and review and do videos of. I'm feeling quite lazy recently.

The European Championship is now done and season is finally over. Spaniards have written a new mark in the football history books. Three consecutive wins of international tournaments have made Spain and the two biggest clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, the greatest teams of earth. Next milestone for Spanish football lies in the coming London Olympics; even though football as sport in the games isn't as prestigious as basketball or hockey, it's nice to see the young squads compete for the win of a prize. If I remember correctly, it's was Messi and Argentine that won the last Olympics and before that I can remember teams like Nigeria being in the final. So expect surprises.

Next football season is going to be a mystery. Many clubs are in trouble because of the current economic situation in Europe, and therefore have to make cuts in their budgets. Finland is no exception. Many clubs in the top national level can only pay scraps for the players, so it is no surprise to see the quality of the game, when five of 11 opening squad players can call themselves pros and make a "living". In Finland and in Scandinavia in general, the season is on. We play the game in summer because winters are cold and snowy with no chance of grass. The worldwide betting eye is looking here and I hope that once things get better, people would invest in the sport.




 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Watching closely European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

Like some of you, I'm closely watching the Football UEFA European Championship. This year, it's going to be tough to predict which country will win the title. As I'm writing this, Poland scored 1-0 against Greece, in the opening match of the tournament. The first goal was a header by Lewandowski from a splendid inward cross from the right flank.

I hope that a new country will claim the winning prize. Although, Spain pursues to retake the title, as World Champions. Not to forget, ever powerful and reliable Germany, with top quality team, and Netherlands with top gun Van Persie. There are underdogs that might just make it...

When it comes to gaming, I hope to keep new posts coming every once in a while.

Monday, June 4, 2012

The Humble Indie Bundle V is out

Yes, the next Humble Bundle is out and has some fantastic titles in it. With all that just under ten bucks, you get some insane soundtracks. Check it out.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dead Space 3 Buzz

Hey everybody, here is a video I just looked up. Looking good!




Year 2013 looks promising indeed.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Game Music Bundle 3 has arrived

Everyone eager to listen to some fantastic indie game music prepare for some good news. The Game Music Bundle 3 has arrived and is available for 13 days more. Soundtrack like Plants vs. Zombies, Terraria and ilomilo and included. Check for all the details: www.gamemusicbundle.com.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Max Payne 3 Gameplay

Hey everybody, I've recently started my Max Payne 3 gameplay walkthrough on Youtube. Max Payne 3 completes the trilogy of Max Payne, a drunk cop whose collecting the remains of his miserable life in new tropical Brazil.
This game is pretty violent so I feel I should warn about it in advance.

See how the story begins:


More information about the game coming soon after I've finished the single player campaign.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

PixelJunk 4AM Music Video Series

I'll be posting on Youtube some of my best PixelJunk 4AM music mixes. Let's see what going to happen.


There are different visualizers in this game and you can use 4AM as a visualizer for all of your PS3 music files.

Here's some preview of some of the difference visuals:

Retro - Title (from Super Stardust HD soundtrack) - Risto Järvi




Neon Mines - Module vs. Sidhe (Shatter Original Soundtrack)




That's all for now.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

PixelJunk 4AM - Give music a chance

Lately, I've played PixelJunk 4AM, and what is really amazing is that it works. This move-music game has a lot of potential and potential players can go live and improvise some fantastic dance music tunes.

I hope my performance will improve over time. Here's first glimpse of my music stylings.


There are other visualizers as well. This one is quite plain, but some of them are quite psychedelic. I like this because it allows the player to see easily each track.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Datura Playthrough Series

I've just started my Datura gameplay playthrough. You can find it on my youtube channel.

Datura is a PSN title that supports the PS Move. It's about an adventure in a seemingly odd forest that is linked to a subconscious mind of the protagonist. 

Don't be freaked out by the flying hand!

 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Lone Survivor Original Soundtrack Review

The Review

As you probably know, Lone Survivor is a psychological survival game set in 2D retro style dark world, where the protagonist desperately tries to escape the nightmarish situation he is in. Music is obviously in vital role when it comes creating a surreal atmosphere alongside with freaky, drug-induced visuals. Jasper Byrne's soundtrack succeeds in this in my opinion. However, a bit narrow soundscape has to be seen as an advantage, when there are no public expectation for a score as such, Lone Survivor creates despair where you'd expect it and depression in the gloomy, frightening setting.


Soundtrack vs. game

It is difficult to try separate and review the music out of its original context, the game. In this case, I find it impossible since I've heard the music while playing the game, but maybe somebody out there hasn't done that yet. I'd find it intriguing to know what people would think of this, as a piece of ambient elements combined with some familiar sounds. The piano part, for instance, in Party Time is quite refreshing alongside with wind instruments, trumpet I'd imagine, if I knew anything about musical instruments. Some of these elements mind create a new space of their own in the right circumstances.

Hear the darkness

The main theme Lone Survivor is quite catchy. From now on, every time I hear it, it brings me back. That is what one would expect. The music in the game changes according to each scene and environment. Therefore, some of these tracks like Home, which plays a lot since the player has to come back to the home apartment all the time, stay on the background not to seem too repetitive and overflowing

Glimpses of light

There are a couple of tracks which wage war against the overall dark motif of the story. Most notable must be Where Is It Going?, a song in a dream. This song remind me of some of the quieter Smashing Pumpkins song. Feels like someone's reaching out of the darkness with a soft voice.

The dreams are also nice change from the depressing reality. Although weird, the drugs really seem to inspire certain inner personas of the protagonist. So what can we benefit from the incessant dialogue of different personas? Dreams is a breathtaking scene within a dream, a timeless space through which the mixture of sounds flow without a care in the world.


943866533-1.jpg

Tracklist:

1. Blue World
2. Lone Survivor
3. Home
4. Dreams
5. Where Is It Going?
6. Party Time
7. Her
8. Sleep Forever
9. Reflections
10. Medicine
11. The Director
12. Descent
13. Alone
14. Whispers
15. You Know Me
16. The City
17. Survival
18. Moving On

This track listing is the one you can find at bandcamp site: http://spacerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/lone-survivor-original-soundtrack
I guess this soundtrack is totally worth the price.

The vibe I got from this game soundtrack was positive. I recommend you to find out for yourself and make your own deductions based on your own taste of music.

Hear the music in action. Go and see my Youtube channel and look for Lone Survivor Playthrough.


Some video game soundtrack album reviews coming soon

Hey,

I'll be reviewing some video game soundtrack on my blog. I got a bunch of new albums when I bought the Humble Bundle a couple of weeks ago, and now I will do my part review some of these pieces of art.

First up will be the Lone Survivor Original Soundtrack. The review will be posted here by Saturday, I promise. Next will be either Machinarium Soundtrack or Samorost 2 by Tomas Dvorak. After these, I am not sure, but most likely there will be the soundtrack of Botanicula by DVA.

Something to look forward.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Limbo Playthrough has started & Lone Survivor has ended

The end is the birth of a new era. My Lone Survivor playthrough series has been finally put out of its misery. However, the theme remains. Darkness and surrealism. Limbo boasts both of these elements and so much more.

Here are the first episodes of both the series:

Lone Survivor - The Beginning:


And as promised, Limbo - First Steps:


Let me know which one you like better. Limbo Playthrough uploads will come on my Youtube channel shortly. Remember to subscribe to get reminders once each part is put online.

Completely off-topic: Check out my Trine walkthrough as well. New levels should be popping out as I write this and the series should be complete by mid-May. 

Friday, May 4, 2012

CoD: Black Ops 2 Documentary

Here are the five parts of "the documentary" of future warfare uploaded by the Call of Duty team.

1.How far we've come

2.It's not science fiction 3.Oops Moment 4.When the enemy steals the keys 5.Black Ops I hope you enjoy, even though the layout of my post sucks.

The Walking Dead: Episode 1 - Walkthrough Series

The Walking Dead: Episode 1 gameplay walkthrough has started on my Youtube channel. Go check it out yourself. I've also made an episode of the game for my Random Gameplay Series, if you want a spoiler summary.

This Telltale games title is based on a popular American tv-series which is based on a comic book. It is roughly a post-apocalyptic survival tale in a world infested by the living dead. Only thing I wonder still is how is it possible that "the world" has been annihilated completely by nuclear holocaust which would be caused by worldwide nuclear meltdown, since nobody's alive to take care of the cooling of those nuclear cores in America at least. Perhaps, it's quite early in the game, a week or so, from the first exposure.

Nonetheless, it is grueling. Enjoy the adventure.


Ugh! Could've chosen a better thumbnail.

Good year for Indie gaming

So far this year has been good for the Indie gaming industry. I was positively surprised by some of the new indie games I acquired recently. As the gaming industry is growing larger and corporation's rule extends, it is necessary to support the alternative game makers whose efforts provide us with unimaginable gameplay experience.

Not to forget the music. Some unbelievable soundtrack gems have also been made. The recent Humble Bundle was a demonstration of character. Price-wise, it has been a miracle to have some much good at so low prices.

Some games and soundtracks urge you to discover yourself:

Lone Survivor - Jasper Byrne
Fez - Disasterpeace
Botanicula - DVA
Machinarium & Samorost 2 - Tomáš Dvořák


LOOK THEM UP!





Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My top 10 upcoming 2012 PS3 titles

Here is a list of upcoming PS3 titles I'm excited about. I'll only add games that are confirmed to be released this year, so games like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Homefront 2 are not included.

1. Bioshock Infinite

City in the skies in revolt. What could be better? The game looks amazing.


2. Call of Duty: Black Ops II

First trailer popped up yesterday and looked intriguing. This game highly focuses on multiplayer. Future warfare is a popular subject. There has to be something special.


3. Far Cry 3

Far Cry 2 was a fantastic visual fanfare. The only problem I had with the game was that everybody shoot at you, once you left cease-fire zone. New engine and new scenery, a winner combination.


4. Dishonored

New Bethesda game announced for latter half of this year looks like combination of AC and Bioshock. Looks promising.


5. Assassin's Creed III

Breathtaking. Everything looks to be fine. Except some lawsuit that threatens the whole franchise. Hopefully, this game survives.


6. GTA V

Nothing to say. It's big. Rockstar makes quality stuff.


7. Crysis 3

Looks absolutely amazing. This time I hope the multiplayer has more appeal than that of Crysis 2, which lost momentum after the start.


8. Max Payne 3

At long last. Max Payne will not come easy, but is soon finished and available. Published later in May, this holds most prestige for me at this hour. Rockstar again.


9. God of War: Ascencion

Nothing better than the king of hack and slash games. News of multiplayer sounds interesting.


10. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier

This game I know. I played the MP Beta and everything seemed decent. Probably has something different in store for FPS fans that dislike CoD series.


That's all. So far these games seem most appealing to me. Of course, there will be both positive and negative surprises. Let me know what game you are waiting.



Call of Duty® - World Reveal

Call of Duty® - World Reveal

Soon the rapture is upon us. Or not. These kinds of game pop up too quickly one after another. Nonetheless, I'm excited.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Humble Botanicula Debut Extra Content

NOW they've done it. The Humble Bundle has added a fantastic Amanita design pack with some Botanicula art sketches and a couple of new Floex and DVA albums. So far I'm really pleased with this bundle. The games and extras are all magnificent.

Check out my Botanicula gameplay on my Youtube channel:


Immerse yourself into the fantastic world of indie gaming.

Check out the bundle : www.humblebundle.com.
Still wondering. No worry!





Monday, April 23, 2012

Botanicula - A Preview

The latest episode of my Random gameplay series focuses on the newly released indie point & click adventure game Botanicula. Have a look at the gameplay.


I absolutely love the looks and soundtrack of this game. The simple problem solving gameplay really ties you to the far-out experience.

The good thing about the Humble Botanicula Debut was that, once buying the bundle, you the soundtrack as well. Not to forget the soundtracks of the renowned Machinarium and Samorost 2. When it comes to gameplay, so far Botanicula has been a lot easier than Machinarium. Whether you deem this good or bad, your choice to make. For instance, I welcome the change because I don't like to be stuck in a game for too long only because I can't figure out a puzzle.


BOTANICULA Soundtrack preview 2012

Some preview clips from Soundcloud

DVA - BOTANICULA (soundtrack preview, 2012)

Hear some tunes!

My Lone Survivor Playthrough series has begun

Feel free to have a look at my new playthrough series. It's about Lone Survivor, a psychological survival game, the soundtrack of which I was complimenting some time ago.


There's no commentary, so you plunge deeply into the realms of darkness and eerie soundscape of the game. Don't know though how long it will take me to complete the game, but I estimate at least 15 episodes coming.

Stay tuned.

Friday, April 20, 2012

New Humble Bundle has arrived

If you want to have a couple of quality indie games on PC, Mac or Linux, head down to http://www.humblebundle.com/ to find out more. Pay what you want. The games are Botanicula, Machinarium, Samorost 2, Kooky and Windosill.


More info coming once I get a hold of these titles.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

New Bethesda title Dishonored looks good

Check out this new video of the upcoming Bethesda title Dishonored. Looks like a mixture of Assassin's Creed and Bioshock to me.


Seems promising. Hopefully, they don't release it too early riddled with bugs. I guess they have learned something about Brink. That said, I don't mean disrespect Brink any way. A decent game that lacked players and refinement, because there were a lot of textures popping in cutscenes. A lesson learned I hope indeed.

I might as well come clean about something. I'm gonna post some Brink videos in the future. Like the Red Faction series, Brink was an ambitious project with, you know, freedom of movement in different ways. But seems that the public didn't take this game to their hearts. Brink is all about multiplayer which obviously was the reason it didn't succeed. For a game not to have many players is bad. In Brink's case, it was devastating. For all the time I've played Brink online, only once have I seen a fellow player in the same match. WTF.
The campaign is somewhat uninteresting. It's a word. I double checked. Anyway, everything in it was like whatever. Fortunately, I forgot any story that was there because the gameplay was addictive. Unfortunately, the AI, both my team and enemy, turned out to be something of an obtuse kind. It really didn't seem to have any interest at all of how I was playing.
Enough of me complaining about games that should've deserved more attention.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lone Survivor Original Soundtrack



New psychological survival adventure game soundtrack is now available on Bandcamp. The Lone Survivor is a retro 2D horror game that sets chills through your spine. The soundtrack is composed by Jasper Byrne. I'm going to say that this one is definitely worth the price.

Go and hear some of the tracks yourself.

http://spacerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/lone-survivor-original-soundtrack

As for the game itself, go to http://www.lonesurvivor.co.uk/ or check out this gameplay walkthrough by theRadBrad.


Discover it yourselft! This video inspired me. No doubt.

Trine Walkthrough Series is about to begin

The gameplay walkthrough of Trine, a 2009 puzzle platformer by Frozenbyte, is about to begin on my Youtube channel later today. The first part of the series will give you a clear view of the story behind the Trine.
This will be my first PS3 gameplay walkthrough. As soon as the walkthrough is finished, I will post a full review of the game on this blog.
While you're watching, try to absorb some of those nice tunes from the game soundtrack.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Portal Walkthrough is now complete

My Portal gameplay walkthrough is now complete. You can go and see http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3195C02963EC66E1.

In the meantime, it's time to enjoy some Portal music.


Still Alive by Jonathan Coulton and GLaDOS.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Finnish comic strip

This is one by Pertti Jarla, best known for his Fingerpori comic books. http://www.hs.fi/fingerpori/1329103782217 Some odd encounters.
I had no choice but to post this one for you. Spread the good word.

Silent Hill Homecoming

No, it's not about the game Homecoming. But about the wave of releases of Silent Hill games this year. First came Silent Hill: Downpour, then Silent Hill HD Collection and in May the release of Silent Hill: the Book of Memories on PS Vita. I got the PSone classic Silent Hill via my PS Plus subscription a couple of nights ago. And I hear the new movie is coming this year as well.

All you Silent Hill enthusiasts should visit www.silenthillmemories.net/, a fan site dedicated to Silent Hill games, music and movies. You can find some fantastic game sounds there as well.


For action oriented fans, I recommend to watch theRadBrad's Silent Hill Downpour walkthrough:




Get into the mood of things.

Portal 2 soundtrack up for grabs

Portal 2 soundtrack can be downloaded free of cost here www.thinkwithportals.com/music.php. In my opinion, this is the greatest treat for music lovers in recent time. Critically acclaimed Portal 2 is a fantastic game and the soundtrack is a high quality release. It comes with three volumes.


While you're at it, check out my Youtube channel for more Portal goodness. My walkthrough of Portal is nearing its end.


Enjoy!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Portal Walkthrough Series started on my Youtube channel

This is the first part of my walkthrough series. However, I decided to add a twist into it. I bring you Portal: Classical Music Walkthrough Part 1.


If you wish to find out the rest of the story, tune into my channel.

Portal is a fine puzzle-platformer fps. A minimalist gameplay experience that will make you to scratch your head. Slow down, wait a minute, figure it out.

"Journey" Soundtrack is awesome

I beg everyone to listen some tracks on http://soundcloud.com/awintory/journey-i-was-born-for-this. You won't regret it. Journey Soundtrack is composed by Austin Wintory. Now it's apparently available in iTunes and in PSN store at a low price.


You can pick the free JOURNEY MUSIC BUNDLE at austinwintory.fanbridge.com like I did some time ago.

Once in a lifetime

Ooh yes. It's not everyday you start your first blog. Don't know what the future is going to bring. Enough this. Down to business.
I'm starting my blog in English first. After some time I try to do a Finnish one for my countrymen. This one is about video games, video game music and everything that pops to my mind at the time I'm writing.
My Youtube Channel has just been reinvented and I will be posting a ton of videos over the next year or so. So far I'm processing a gameplay walkthrough of Portal on Mac. That one will soon be finished and I'm heading for my next goal. In the coming months, I aim to review games that I have and post some interesting walkthroughs of Mac and PS3 games. My first PS3 title is going to be Trine by Frozenbyte.