Last month saw the release of a number of significant titles from Japanese designers and developers, most notably Child of Eden and Shadows of the Damned. For a long time gamer like myself they represented hugely significant titles marking (in Eden) a spiritual successor to a classic (Rez), and (in Shadows) a collaboration of some of Japans greatest talents. Yet while my excitement was nearly over flowing at their release, the gaming playing community at large responded with a near inaudible, ‘meh’.
Famitsu Vol.1 at Club Drop – ファミ痛
It is possible I am getting too old for this, but lets just pretend I went in with the wrong expectations. Introduced to me by new friend Matt, Famitsu Vol.1 was a chiptunes event held in my adopted hometown of Osaka. It was an interesting night but one filled with uncomfortable social encounters.
Cross Pollination (in 250 words).
Since the very first examples video games have influenced each other. Growing from a few seeds the industry has evolved. Occasionally a single shoot is split, forming a new branch in the evolution. Some of these are dead ends, while others flourish. Even more rarely branches come together and make something new.
The DoFuss Show – Trying To Bridge Cultural Divides.
This show’s unintentional theme is cultural divides. With me returning to the UK later this year Darren decided to prepare me for re-entry with terrifying snippets from the British tabloid ‘The Sun’. While this is an apt reintroduction to the state of my home nation, I cannot help but feel there is a veiled message from Darren to stay in the land of sushi and fun that is Japan.
The DoFuss Show – Trying To Bridge Cultural Divides. [ 1:14:40 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadHappy New Year and all that…
I have been indulging in games for the past few weeks to celebrate the holidays and the Steam sale. Also I had to bake a rather crappy Christmas cake, because the Japanese ‘Christmas Cakee’ (strawberry and cream sponge cake) just
Where For Art Thou… Oh, There You Are.
I have to confess to being disappointed. Years of hearing about landmark game launches in Japan created in me a misconception. I erroneously believed that somehow games of note drew everyone from their homes in a frenzied fit to politely
Sony’s “Playface” Campaign.
Sony’s recent advertising drive for all things Playstation in Japan used to strike me as somewhat misguided. People faces as the play PS3 or PSP, in horrible high definition close up. I thought of my own time playing. How, for
Famitsu Reviews – Killzone 2 (PS3)
Yes the wonderful Japanese Famitsu magazine has finally passed down judgment on Killzone 2. Giving it 8-8-8-8 (that’s four reviewers each giving it an eight). That is the same as HAWX this month and Unreal Tournament 3 back in September.
Jumping on the Bandwagon
It seems that recently the gaming world exploded on Resident Evil 5’s portrayal of race. It feels like every major gaming enthusiast site had something to say about it. Opinions have ranged from indignant to uncaring, but whatever your stance