Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Issues
Sometimes I'm so conflicting I don't even believe it myself. I often feel what I want is not who I am. My values, beliefs, and needs do not sum up properly. Sure, I can reason my attributes, all of them being extremely logical deductions, but they aren't a wrap. Either I'm just an another 21 year old trying to find himself, or maybe just simply psychotic.
I've always wished to be killed unintentionally. I wish a meteorite would drop on my apartment and headshot me tomorrow morning. If that day ever turns up; feel happy for me for it was truly what I've wanted. I would be glad to be knocked out for good. Call me a jaded soul...for I know that is who I am. But I don't think its something I decide for myself either. I don't consider myself a very pessimistic person (I am at times very optimistic), I just think life sucks. Or to better clarify that, I know life sucks. Its because of who I am and not what I have.
I live a lot of things many would aspire to have. I could be wrong, but having had the opportunity to grow and live in comfort, travel around the world at a young age, and graduate with what we call a ‘prestigious degree’ at 20 is a lot of blessing. You can think I’m a fag here for whining, but realize what I have/had has nothing to do with my state of mind everyday. All these things I have is a consequence of my dad having worked his ass or my hermit-like existence at my work desk. And when one gains, one must sacriface something else to give it balance. I can't say for my dad, but I sure don't fully know how to enjoy life for what it is.
On another note, I now realize why punk is dead.
I've always wished to be killed unintentionally. I wish a meteorite would drop on my apartment and headshot me tomorrow morning. If that day ever turns up; feel happy for me for it was truly what I've wanted. I would be glad to be knocked out for good. Call me a jaded soul...for I know that is who I am. But I don't think its something I decide for myself either. I don't consider myself a very pessimistic person (I am at times very optimistic), I just think life sucks. Or to better clarify that, I know life sucks. Its because of who I am and not what I have.
I live a lot of things many would aspire to have. I could be wrong, but having had the opportunity to grow and live in comfort, travel around the world at a young age, and graduate with what we call a ‘prestigious degree’ at 20 is a lot of blessing. You can think I’m a fag here for whining, but realize what I have/had has nothing to do with my state of mind everyday. All these things I have is a consequence of my dad having worked his ass or my hermit-like existence at my work desk. And when one gains, one must sacriface something else to give it balance. I can't say for my dad, but I sure don't fully know how to enjoy life for what it is.
On another note, I now realize why punk is dead.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Stuff
Following the Super Bowl, I watched a preview episode of 'American Dad' (the new series by the creator of 'Family Guy'). Maybe I was just drunk (or high!?) off my ass, but it was hilarious. I soooo can't wait.
Sometimes I really wonder who I am. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong. Theres so much behind me and so much more to live for. It gets to my head, and prevents me from enjoying the moment...enjoying life. Is there really all that to prove? Is there? I need to learn to take it easy. Maybe what I want is not how I think it is accomplished.
I need inspiration. I've been trying to write songs for my band (we don't have a name yet). But nothing close to satisfiscation dribbles out. I'm not very good at combining the melody (vocal) and the riff together....Help.
Sometimes I really wonder who I am. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong. Theres so much behind me and so much more to live for. It gets to my head, and prevents me from enjoying the moment...enjoying life. Is there really all that to prove? Is there? I need to learn to take it easy. Maybe what I want is not how I think it is accomplished.
I need inspiration. I've been trying to write songs for my band (we don't have a name yet). But nothing close to satisfiscation dribbles out. I'm not very good at combining the melody (vocal) and the riff together....Help.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Comment Me!!
Its time to introduce reader comments to my blog. Something I've always wanted to include, but somehow never got to.
So here we go. Please leave comments. Whether to tell me you like my entry or should just shut up... Say something. Anything. Let me know you are there, and give me a reason to write more crap.
So here we go. Please leave comments. Whether to tell me you like my entry or should just shut up... Say something. Anything. Let me know you are there, and give me a reason to write more crap.
Friday, February 11, 2005
We have a Winner
Yes. I am here to talk about the PSP (playstation portable) handheld again. I guess I just can't stop mentioning the potential of this 'premium gagdet' taking upon the world near us. If there is anybody that will stop Apple from dominating the portable media device market, Sony will be it.
Sure, $250 retail in the States is not exactly a budget price, but I believe Sony decided on this because it has the power to do so. It would have killed all competition (aka Nintendo's dominant gameboy market) if it had decided to retail it at $200. Sony knows even at $250 a pop, the first million shipment of PSPs will sell out in March (it is already sold out as I speak today). 800,000 units were sold out within the first couple hours in Japan on December, and I don't see any reason why it will be any different half way across the world this time.
I never thought the DS and PSP were competitors because they targeted a different audience. But my predictions are that unless the Nintendo gets its act together (such as dropping the price as soon as it can), the DS will get knocked out before it knows it. Its not that the DS is an incapable machine, its just that the games for it right now are close to worthless. Not to mention round 2 of games are just as much sleepers as of those it started off with.
While on the other hand, the PSP has around 24 games lined up for launch(5 of which will be ready to be played online through a hotspot, and ~4 of them worth buying). Not to mention the device also acts both as a video/mp3 player. Seriously, $250 is equivalent to an iPod-Mini, I'm a music freak but would still choose the PSP instead.
Then again, this is all just a bunch of my speculation. My vision is that the PSP will be a sure fire hit in the next 2+ years or so. It will change portable gaming forever. Oh and yeah, I already pre-ordered 5 PSPs.
Sure, $250 retail in the States is not exactly a budget price, but I believe Sony decided on this because it has the power to do so. It would have killed all competition (aka Nintendo's dominant gameboy market) if it had decided to retail it at $200. Sony knows even at $250 a pop, the first million shipment of PSPs will sell out in March (it is already sold out as I speak today). 800,000 units were sold out within the first couple hours in Japan on December, and I don't see any reason why it will be any different half way across the world this time.
I never thought the DS and PSP were competitors because they targeted a different audience. But my predictions are that unless the Nintendo gets its act together (such as dropping the price as soon as it can), the DS will get knocked out before it knows it. Its not that the DS is an incapable machine, its just that the games for it right now are close to worthless. Not to mention round 2 of games are just as much sleepers as of those it started off with.
While on the other hand, the PSP has around 24 games lined up for launch(5 of which will be ready to be played online through a hotspot, and ~4 of them worth buying). Not to mention the device also acts both as a video/mp3 player. Seriously, $250 is equivalent to an iPod-Mini, I'm a music freak but would still choose the PSP instead.
Then again, this is all just a bunch of my speculation. My vision is that the PSP will be a sure fire hit in the next 2+ years or so. It will change portable gaming forever. Oh and yeah, I already pre-ordered 5 PSPs.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Settling Down.
Its been a great week. Things are starting to come together up here in the northwest. Considering everything here, I think I'm going to love it. Maybe this is what I've always been looking for...
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Things that Matter Most
We live in such a sad world. If anything, I believe the demise of human existance would be a manifescation of our own. I want you, and you want this. It never ends. Why can't we live peacefully? Why not more ideal? At the rate we're going, the later we are born down the road...the more miserable life gets.
Anyways, my point is there are many things which matter a lot to me. Many of them I probably don't stress enough or any at all. Every so often, I lose perspective of my values, and I don't quite come across the way I would want to in the long run.
I hate myself when I am: cocky, arrogant, ignorant, cheating, stupid and not smart enough, immature, not taking care of myself, mean to my family, lying, moody, selfish, criticizing, obnoxious, not understanding enough, talking too much, etc...
I still have a lot to improve on.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Slacking Off.
I realized its time to start labelling the music I recommend. From now on, the easier to listen to stuff are called 'A-tracks', and the 'B-tracks' are for hardcore people like me.
A-Tracks
~~~ Nelly - My Place feat. Jaheim ~~~ Played out, but I like.
~~~ Lenny Kravitz - Lady ~~~ Only cuz my guitar is in the video..haha..
~~~ David Tao - Fated ~~~ New album for the fans.
B-Tracks
~~~ Alpinestars - Burning Up ~~~ Not for everybody.
~~~ My Chemical Romance - I'm Okay (I promise) ~~~
~~~ Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration ~~~
~~~ Hawthorne Heights - The transition ~~~ Punk/Emo i've been into recently
A-Tracks
~~~ Nelly - My Place feat. Jaheim ~~~ Played out, but I like.
~~~ Lenny Kravitz - Lady ~~~ Only cuz my guitar is in the video..haha..
~~~ David Tao - Fated ~~~ New album for the fans.
B-Tracks
~~~ Alpinestars - Burning Up ~~~ Not for everybody.
~~~ My Chemical Romance - I'm Okay (I promise) ~~~
~~~ Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration ~~~
~~~ Hawthorne Heights - The transition ~~~ Punk/Emo i've been into recently
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Maybe I'm just not the average video gamer...
I don't want to come up here and recommend just another game thats on the top-seller list (unless its well deserved of course..heh). Its what I think makes me different from the typical gamer. I like games like 'Bejeweled'. Its original, quick and addictive. From a marketing perspective, a super low budget game like this could succeed very well. The reason for that is because even some inexperienced programmer (such as me) could write a polished version in a week or so. Thats a miniscule input compared to the games we see and play today. Just compare the price of 'Bejeweled' (if you choose to install it) and any average game on the shelf at the game store. And if you say, who would pay for 'Bejeweled'? HAha. My mom would. I mean it.
Recently, I've spent a lot of time in search of bright game ideas. Mostly just asking others what their dream game would be if they could make anything (hehe...soo much easier you know). For the most part, I hear of the same already existing genres but with a different scheme/setting. I don't normally tell them, but in most of these cases, the scheme/setting mentioned have been developed before already. They just never made it big, and hence, wasn't heard by too many. Why? I think its obvious. I do, however, find it contradicting that the consumers aren't revealing a lot. Could it be because they are happy with what already exists?
Ideally, I'd love to develop something brand new or original. Haha, I have been told that thats such an 'Erik' comment. But yeah, when I say something original, I don't mean games that fall into the misc. category of games (such as Wario Ware, Katamary Daimacy, blah blah). I meant something genre breaking. Or to better put it, the birth of a genre on its own.
I don't quite have 'the idea' yet. But I do have ideas. I've already previously mentioned the potential of multiplayer, portable, wireless gaming. The birth of that realm, thanks to the PSP and DS, is screaming for ideas. Its just like the internet, not many could have envisioned Google, Blogs, Ebay, etc... Other ideas include balancing the pace of games. It can change a game significantly, an example I love is 'Counterstrike'. It remade the pacing in FPSs; through short 5-10min action packed battles, it made the player wait if they died. This in turn, glorified stats, incorporated more teamwork, made the player play safer (much more realisitic...we are shooting each other...), etc... I mean, to think about it it is where the term 'camping' originated.
Time to go. I shall continue next time, eventhough I know its most probably not going to happen.
Recently, I've spent a lot of time in search of bright game ideas. Mostly just asking others what their dream game would be if they could make anything (hehe...soo much easier you know). For the most part, I hear of the same already existing genres but with a different scheme/setting. I don't normally tell them, but in most of these cases, the scheme/setting mentioned have been developed before already. They just never made it big, and hence, wasn't heard by too many. Why? I think its obvious. I do, however, find it contradicting that the consumers aren't revealing a lot. Could it be because they are happy with what already exists?
Ideally, I'd love to develop something brand new or original. Haha, I have been told that thats such an 'Erik' comment. But yeah, when I say something original, I don't mean games that fall into the misc. category of games (such as Wario Ware, Katamary Daimacy, blah blah). I meant something genre breaking. Or to better put it, the birth of a genre on its own.
I don't quite have 'the idea' yet. But I do have ideas. I've already previously mentioned the potential of multiplayer, portable, wireless gaming. The birth of that realm, thanks to the PSP and DS, is screaming for ideas. Its just like the internet, not many could have envisioned Google, Blogs, Ebay, etc... Other ideas include balancing the pace of games. It can change a game significantly, an example I love is 'Counterstrike'. It remade the pacing in FPSs; through short 5-10min action packed battles, it made the player wait if they died. This in turn, glorified stats, incorporated more teamwork, made the player play safer (much more realisitic...we are shooting each other...), etc... I mean, to think about it it is where the term 'camping' originated.
Time to go. I shall continue next time, eventhough I know its most probably not going to happen.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Downtempo for the Masses
Downtempo/Groove (many of which I probably may have already named):
~~~ Air - All I Need, Playground Love, La Femme D'argent ~~~
~~~ Bent - Irritating Noises ~~~
~~~ Blackenized - 360 'vibe'rations ~~~
~~~ dj Food - gold in my pocket ~~~
~~~ Royksopp - Poor Leno, eple ~~~
~~~ Telepopmusik - Breathe ~~~
~~~ Tosca - Honey, suzuki ~~~
~~~ Destiny - Spinning, Destiny ~~~
~~~ Mr. Scruff - cheeky ~~~
~~~ Kruder Dorfmeister - Orozco ~~~
~~~ Royksopp - Poor Leno ~~~
~~~ Lemon Jelly - Life of King Rahm, In the bath ~~~
Ok. Here are some non-downtempos:
~~~ Lifehouse - Only One ~~
~~~ Lostprophets - last summer, make a move ~~~ Soo good.
~~~ Chromeo - Needy Girl ~~~
~~~ Phoenix - Run Run Run ~~~
~~~ Air - All I Need, Playground Love, La Femme D'argent ~~~
~~~ Bent - Irritating Noises ~~~
~~~ Blackenized - 360 'vibe'rations ~~~
~~~ dj Food - gold in my pocket ~~~
~~~ Royksopp - Poor Leno, eple ~~~
~~~ Telepopmusik - Breathe ~~~
~~~ Tosca - Honey, suzuki ~~~
~~~ Destiny - Spinning, Destiny ~~~
~~~ Mr. Scruff - cheeky ~~~
~~~ Kruder Dorfmeister - Orozco ~~~
~~~ Royksopp - Poor Leno ~~~
~~~ Lemon Jelly - Life of King Rahm, In the bath ~~~
Ok. Here are some non-downtempos:
~~~ Lifehouse - Only One ~~
~~~ Lostprophets - last summer, make a move ~~~ Soo good.
~~~ Chromeo - Needy Girl ~~~
~~~ Phoenix - Run Run Run ~~~
More moments of inspiration
Knowing that I'm all about the band sound, my (anime junkie) little brother introduced this new anime called 'Beck' to me. I can really relate to it: the love for modern rock music, the guitars, the riffs, finding band-mates, etc... It inspires me to find my own sound. Play in my own band. Get into the scene for myself.
I'm super jealous band music is huge in Japan. I recall visiting numerous music shops and listenning to plenty of jap indie band records when I visited Tokyo last Christmas. Oh yea, and of course, was fortunate enough to be brought to a gig too. Something I would not have been able to do if it weren't that China brought me =).
But yeah, the music industry in Japan is something a guy like me would die to live in. To say the least, I can at least enjoy such animations such as 'Beck'.
~~~ Amber Pacific - Always You ~~~
~~~ Beck - Wheres it at ~~~
~~~ Taking Back Sunday - A decade under influence ~~~
I'm super jealous band music is huge in Japan. I recall visiting numerous music shops and listenning to plenty of jap indie band records when I visited Tokyo last Christmas. Oh yea, and of course, was fortunate enough to be brought to a gig too. Something I would not have been able to do if it weren't that China brought me =).
But yeah, the music industry in Japan is something a guy like me would die to live in. To say the least, I can at least enjoy such animations such as 'Beck'.
~~~ Amber Pacific - Always You ~~~
~~~ Beck - Wheres it at ~~~
~~~ Taking Back Sunday - A decade under influence ~~~
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Prelude to Eden
Michel Gagné showed up at my school today. Definitely an individual I respect. He's not exactly what I want for my own life & career, but I could definitely learn to apply the same attitude of pushing oneself to make things evolve or happen. Check out his 'Prelude to Eden' animation.
Over the past couple of days, I've been settling down here in Bellevue/Redmond for the most part. Furniture shopping, starting services, looking for a band-mates (Heehee), getting into the groove of school, and other errands.
Speaking of school, I realized I haven't spoken much about it on my blog. I think it may be because I'm really still trying to decipher it myself. My video game school 'DigiPen', aka 'Nintendo U', is not exactly as cool and fun as it sounds. Other than the plaques of articles from every magazine you can name/find on the walls, nobody would be able to distinguish it from any other tech school.
And so this brings me to the part that creeps me out slightly: all the students seem so uptight. Yes, I know I am too, but still. The students, which typically come across as a mixture of weird, hippy, or geek (HAHa. Sounds so me!), seem so disciplined. Meaning they are all focused on getting a job in the industry? Hmm..I can't say for sure.
But anyhow, the halls and classrooms at my school are dull, white, and no fun.
Over the past couple of days, I've been settling down here in Bellevue/Redmond for the most part. Furniture shopping, starting services, looking for a band-mates (Heehee), getting into the groove of school, and other errands.
Speaking of school, I realized I haven't spoken much about it on my blog. I think it may be because I'm really still trying to decipher it myself. My video game school 'DigiPen', aka 'Nintendo U', is not exactly as cool and fun as it sounds. Other than the plaques of articles from every magazine you can name/find on the walls, nobody would be able to distinguish it from any other tech school.
And so this brings me to the part that creeps me out slightly: all the students seem so uptight. Yes, I know I am too, but still. The students, which typically come across as a mixture of weird, hippy, or geek (HAHa. Sounds so me!), seem so disciplined. Meaning they are all focused on getting a job in the industry? Hmm..I can't say for sure.
But anyhow, the halls and classrooms at my school are dull, white, and no fun.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Starting New
Its been a hell of a week.
Moving into my new apartment, starting school, and coping with jet lag at the same time has definitely been a mission. I'm glad to say things are working out nicely though. If anything, I'm most happy about the area I reside in now. Its nice and quiet at Le Chateau in Bellevue, but also at the same time I'm 5 minutes away from a mall, a cinema, and a variety of cuisines (and I mean a huge variety!! Including Vietnese, Japanese, Thai, Jamba Juice, Coldstone, blah blah blah....hehe).
Speaking of food, here is my late new year resolution: I will eat a maximum of 2 or 3 fast food (high cholestral and fatty foods) meals a week. Yep, it'll be an intelligent 2nd step after my previous goal....which was to get food into the stomach as often and consistently as I can. So I suppose now that I have access to a variety of cuisines as I was mentioning earlier, I have no excuse. Haha.
Its going to be a relaxing semester. Two or three CS classes, one Math (oh dear... --; ), and one computer animation class. Should be ok. Hopefully I'll be able to make something out of the extra time I'll be supplied with. I tend to think life (not only school) is a learning process. Its what you make out of it every minute.
+++ http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/weblogs/story/0,14024,1388466,00.html +++ Haha. Watch what you say in your blog.
Moving into my new apartment, starting school, and coping with jet lag at the same time has definitely been a mission. I'm glad to say things are working out nicely though. If anything, I'm most happy about the area I reside in now. Its nice and quiet at Le Chateau in Bellevue, but also at the same time I'm 5 minutes away from a mall, a cinema, and a variety of cuisines (and I mean a huge variety!! Including Vietnese, Japanese, Thai, Jamba Juice, Coldstone, blah blah blah....hehe).
Speaking of food, here is my late new year resolution: I will eat a maximum of 2 or 3 fast food (high cholestral and fatty foods) meals a week. Yep, it'll be an intelligent 2nd step after my previous goal....which was to get food into the stomach as often and consistently as I can. So I suppose now that I have access to a variety of cuisines as I was mentioning earlier, I have no excuse. Haha.
Its going to be a relaxing semester. Two or three CS classes, one Math (oh dear... --; ), and one computer animation class. Should be ok. Hopefully I'll be able to make something out of the extra time I'll be supplied with. I tend to think life (not only school) is a learning process. Its what you make out of it every minute.
+++ http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/weblogs/story/0,14024,1388466,00.html +++ Haha. Watch what you say in your blog.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
The DVD Monster
I swear I'll catch it one day. And on that day, I will burn it alive in triumph for all the trouble it has given me. I've wasted way too much time looking for those lost dvds of mine. I will not forgive it.
I bet it lives up up at the attic or something. Sniggering while munching on those dvds it has stolen from my family and I. You will pay! And if for anything, especially for taking the Family Guy season 3 stuff!
~~~ Dragon Ash - Under Age's Song ~~~ Their first hit single way back.
~~~ Coheed in Cambria - Blood Red Summer ~~~ Punk.
I bet it lives up up at the attic or something. Sniggering while munching on those dvds it has stolen from my family and I. You will pay! And if for anything, especially for taking the Family Guy season 3 stuff!
~~~ Dragon Ash - Under Age's Song ~~~ Their first hit single way back.
~~~ Coheed in Cambria - Blood Red Summer ~~~ Punk.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Welcome to 2005.
~~~ Lostprophets - Last Train Home ~~~ One of those songs that hit me hard
So many things have changed in the past couple of weeks. It feels like as if my life spun around. And all of a sudden, I'm heading towards a direction completely different than I was originally. My goals seem so much clearer to me now. My doubts are finally behind me. I'm extremely happy about that.
I'm not hoping because I know only good things are to come in the future.
So many things have changed in the past couple of weeks. It feels like as if my life spun around. And all of a sudden, I'm heading towards a direction completely different than I was originally. My goals seem so much clearer to me now. My doubts are finally behind me. I'm extremely happy about that.
I'm not hoping because I know only good things are to come in the future.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Home
"In Hong Kong, there are 105.75 mobile subscribers for every 100 inhabitants."
Hong Kong is an dynamic and eccentric city. I believe most of my family and friends here would concur. There is no other asian city as extravagant as this. And definitely no replacement (sorry, but "whatever" to Taipei and Shanghai).
Hong Kong is deep. It may be physically small, but the thought behind the many communities here are very knowledgable and realistic. In fact, its very intense and in your face. I would never compare it to other metropolitans like Manhattan which is probably a lot broader and varied, but Hong Kong is definitely not just another city. Hong Kong is crazy and I love it. Its where I grew up and call home.
~~~ Handsome Boy Modeling School - White People ~~~
Hong Kong is an dynamic and eccentric city. I believe most of my family and friends here would concur. There is no other asian city as extravagant as this. And definitely no replacement (sorry, but "whatever" to Taipei and Shanghai).
Hong Kong is deep. It may be physically small, but the thought behind the many communities here are very knowledgable and realistic. In fact, its very intense and in your face. I would never compare it to other metropolitans like Manhattan which is probably a lot broader and varied, but Hong Kong is definitely not just another city. Hong Kong is crazy and I love it. Its where I grew up and call home.
~~~ Handsome Boy Modeling School - White People ~~~
Friday, December 17, 2004
Flip Flap Inspired Morning
I finally got my own Flip Flaps. Hehe. I got the orange, blue, and white one. Its something about the charming plastic bold colored scheme that has me. They remind me of the old Mario Bros. backgrounds. Those 8 or 16-bit flowers that only move back and forth in the background as you play. I plan to place mine by my desk to accompany me while I program hardcore next year..haha.
+++ http://artpad.art.com/gallery/?i8uglfpswcs +++ My ridiculous homemade Tomy Flip Flap Ad.
+ Others +
- Oh yeah. I'm already in Hong Kong. And Tokyo for Xmas!
- My modded Xbox has been banned on Xbox live....sigh...
+++ http://artpad.art.com/gallery/?i8uglfpswcs +++ My ridiculous homemade Tomy Flip Flap Ad.
+ Others +
- Oh yeah. I'm already in Hong Kong. And Tokyo for Xmas!
- My modded Xbox has been banned on Xbox live....sigh...
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Game of the Year
Many mega blockbuster games are taking on the shelves this holiday season. If I had to choose one among all these great games...Half Life 2 by Valve is the winner. I don't think the game is perfect, but I like the direction the developers of this game have taken. Their source engine has helped simulate a world more closely resembling our reality:
Characters - Advanced facial animation system delivers the most sophisticated in-game characters ever seen. With 40 distinct facial "muscles," human characters convey the full array of human emotion, and respond to the player with fluidity and intelligence.
Physics - From pebbles to water to 2-ton trucks respond as expected, as they obey the laws of mass, friction, gravity, and buoyancy.
Graphics - Source’s shader-based renderer, like the one used at Pixar to create movies such as Toy Story® and Monster's, Inc.®, creates the most beautiful and realistic environments ever seen in a video game.
AI - Neither friends nor enemies charge blindly into the fray. They can assess threats, navigate tricky terrain, and fashion weapons from whatever is at hand.
I'd like to add that level design is also worth noting. It keeps the adrenaline rushing and the game is fast paced consistently. Other things include all those little things like shooting the birds and breaking/throwing random objects throughout the world.
The minimum specs of this game, however, are pretty high. And I do advise playing it on a cutting edge PC. I wouldn't waste the time otherwise.
Note: My pick was among games like Halo 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, World of Warcraft, GTA: San Andreas, NFS Underground 2, Sims 2, etc... I do still need to check out Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and Gran Turismo 4 before the year end.
Characters - Advanced facial animation system delivers the most sophisticated in-game characters ever seen. With 40 distinct facial "muscles," human characters convey the full array of human emotion, and respond to the player with fluidity and intelligence.
Physics - From pebbles to water to 2-ton trucks respond as expected, as they obey the laws of mass, friction, gravity, and buoyancy.
Graphics - Source’s shader-based renderer, like the one used at Pixar to create movies such as Toy Story® and Monster's, Inc.®, creates the most beautiful and realistic environments ever seen in a video game.
AI - Neither friends nor enemies charge blindly into the fray. They can assess threats, navigate tricky terrain, and fashion weapons from whatever is at hand.
I'd like to add that level design is also worth noting. It keeps the adrenaline rushing and the game is fast paced consistently. Other things include all those little things like shooting the birds and breaking/throwing random objects throughout the world.
The minimum specs of this game, however, are pretty high. And I do advise playing it on a cutting edge PC. I wouldn't waste the time otherwise.
Note: My pick was among games like Halo 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, World of Warcraft, GTA: San Andreas, NFS Underground 2, Sims 2, etc... I do still need to check out Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and Gran Turismo 4 before the year end.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Still so Much to Learn
During my drive back up to Vancouver from LA earlier this week, I got into an accident on the I-5 and trashed my car. I was at Portland then, and my ML had to be towed. It was not the most exciting experience at all. Thank God nobody was injured and insurance is paying for the vehicle damages. I ended up taking the train to Seattle (with my three huge suitcases) where my Mom came to pick me up the following day.
Theres still so much to learn. On top of nearly killing myself, I wasn't able to deal with the aftermath of the accident. I was blank and still shocked over the event. It made me feel worthless, spoilt, and young. Next time around, I will take care of my own consquences in a more adult manner.
I will be starting my Computer Science Masters degree at game school DigiPen this coming January 2005. I'm definitely excited about moving to Redmond, WA and starting school again. I know its not going to be easy at all...but to say the least, I know I will enjoy studying a lot more this time through....I hope...
+++ www.usatoday.com/money/media/2002-12-03-video_x.htm +++ Old, but relevant article to show that I'm not crazy.
+++ www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,65984,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2 +++ I am bullish over multiplayer wireless portable gaming.
+++ www.last.fm +++ Ahhh. More new music coming my way. *drools*
Time to Jet. Returning back to Hong Kong for Xmas this weekend.
Erik.
Theres still so much to learn. On top of nearly killing myself, I wasn't able to deal with the aftermath of the accident. I was blank and still shocked over the event. It made me feel worthless, spoilt, and young. Next time around, I will take care of my own consquences in a more adult manner.
I will be starting my Computer Science Masters degree at game school DigiPen this coming January 2005. I'm definitely excited about moving to Redmond, WA and starting school again. I know its not going to be easy at all...but to say the least, I know I will enjoy studying a lot more this time through....I hope...
+++ www.usatoday.com/money/media/2002-12-03-video_x.htm +++ Old, but relevant article to show that I'm not crazy.
+++ www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,65984,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2 +++ I am bullish over multiplayer wireless portable gaming.
+++ www.last.fm +++ Ahhh. More new music coming my way. *drools*
Time to Jet. Returning back to Hong Kong for Xmas this weekend.
Erik.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Something about Nothing
Its been a while since I've written an entry. Mainly due to my temporary time away from the computer and television to allow my eyes heal "properly" from the lasik...
I don't know about you all, but I definitely heavily rely on my computer in my life(and sometimes the television). I felt handicapped all throughout this time because more than half of my motivations required my computer. I couldn't find/download music, play games, chat, blog, surf the web, read the news, etc.... The computer and internet is probably one of the best educational systems introduced in my life. Its definitely my primary instrument of work and source of entertainment. I mean, seriously, the internet itself on my computer is a portal to the world!! My laptop, which I bring around with me all over the place, is "a mobile world" that follows me whenever I am within WiFi boundaries.
But yeah, my point is that I am a slave of my PC. And if you are reading my blog, chances are that you are too.
[12/2/04] +++ http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65890,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_6 +++ Exactly what I mean.
Erik.
Oh, and yeah, I have officially been contaminated with the Naruto virus..
I don't know about you all, but I definitely heavily rely on my computer in my life(and sometimes the television). I felt handicapped all throughout this time because more than half of my motivations required my computer. I couldn't find/download music, play games, chat, blog, surf the web, read the news, etc.... The computer and internet is probably one of the best educational systems introduced in my life. Its definitely my primary instrument of work and source of entertainment. I mean, seriously, the internet itself on my computer is a portal to the world!! My laptop, which I bring around with me all over the place, is "a mobile world" that follows me whenever I am within WiFi boundaries.
But yeah, my point is that I am a slave of my PC. And if you are reading my blog, chances are that you are too.
[12/2/04] +++ http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65890,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_6 +++ Exactly what I mean.
Erik.
Oh, and yeah, I have officially been contaminated with the Naruto virus..
Music.
I'm sure some of you are sick of my music blabbering all the time (who wouldn't be by now?) But somehow, somewhere I realized I had never mentioned what about music that has me swept off my ground...so here goes an exert from my diary...
In my world, music is life. I doubt there is a more accurate definition of music than that inside my dictionary. It embraces all my emotions. Music is merely just a hobby or interest of mine. It could inspire, motivate, be an adventure, be a form of escape, be a medium of communication, be a learning experience, trigger memories, etc... Music is art.
It's pretty interesting to know that my passion for music didn't grow until 6-7 years ago. Not like it didn't exist in my life up until then or anything, I just simply didn't find it particularly interesting compared to sports or computers or whatever.
I speculate a big part of the upbringing of music in my life was having to have gone to America. Not only was it culturally a whole new experience, I had heaps of free time at boarding school to listen to music. Hmmmm.
The guitar would probably be another good reason of cultivation of my music. The guitar has always been something I've wanted to learn for myself. It gave me much self satisfication. It was and is still a challenge to me (to get better and better and better). Hopefully one day it would be a medium for me to express what I truly hear inside my head. =)
Love music. Share it. I honestly believe if some of you spent more time listenning to it, it would become much more rewarding than you had thought.
In my world, music is life. I doubt there is a more accurate definition of music than that inside my dictionary. It embraces all my emotions. Music is merely just a hobby or interest of mine. It could inspire, motivate, be an adventure, be a form of escape, be a medium of communication, be a learning experience, trigger memories, etc... Music is art.
It's pretty interesting to know that my passion for music didn't grow until 6-7 years ago. Not like it didn't exist in my life up until then or anything, I just simply didn't find it particularly interesting compared to sports or computers or whatever.
I speculate a big part of the upbringing of music in my life was having to have gone to America. Not only was it culturally a whole new experience, I had heaps of free time at boarding school to listen to music. Hmmmm.
The guitar would probably be another good reason of cultivation of my music. The guitar has always been something I've wanted to learn for myself. It gave me much self satisfication. It was and is still a challenge to me (to get better and better and better). Hopefully one day it would be a medium for me to express what I truly hear inside my head. =)
Love music. Share it. I honestly believe if some of you spent more time listenning to it, it would become much more rewarding than you had thought.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Inspired
I just spent half an hour reading the xanga of an incredible lady who I don't know. It gave me satisification of knowing I am not alone here. She inspired me to stay true to myself as an individual (I feel I have been drifting off recently). And to stick to it because everything will fall into its place in time.
I hope today will be an end to the mess I have created (over the past couple months). As tomorrow I want to continue on the journey I have been traveling on since I matured as a boy. I am not asking for my motivation to come back as it is not currently required, but instead the essence of who I am. It is time to go back to the shop and create character rather than show it. The society really shouldn't be the medium to success rather it should be in ones own desire and actions.
I've always felt different. Its something I need to embrace entirely. It could be an opportunity to climb over the brick walls and lead something of my own. Something I have always dreamed of doing. Seriously, fuck the road to success. Fuck the road to happiness. Nobody has lived my life before. Especially under the circumstances of which I am in. Theres nobody that could see through it to guide me up the stairway. The future is an X-factor, how would it be possible unless you possess god like qualities.
I feel a lot better now. I may not be great writer...but its not what only counts you know??
And back to the xanga of this random lady. I'd love to write her an email to show my admiration for her thoughts and beliefs. Chances are I would most probably seem like a stalker/fag if anything. I wonder.
I hope today will be an end to the mess I have created (over the past couple months). As tomorrow I want to continue on the journey I have been traveling on since I matured as a boy. I am not asking for my motivation to come back as it is not currently required, but instead the essence of who I am. It is time to go back to the shop and create character rather than show it. The society really shouldn't be the medium to success rather it should be in ones own desire and actions.
I've always felt different. Its something I need to embrace entirely. It could be an opportunity to climb over the brick walls and lead something of my own. Something I have always dreamed of doing. Seriously, fuck the road to success. Fuck the road to happiness. Nobody has lived my life before. Especially under the circumstances of which I am in. Theres nobody that could see through it to guide me up the stairway. The future is an X-factor, how would it be possible unless you possess god like qualities.
I feel a lot better now. I may not be great writer...but its not what only counts you know??
And back to the xanga of this random lady. I'd love to write her an email to show my admiration for her thoughts and beliefs. Chances are I would most probably seem like a stalker/fag if anything. I wonder.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Its been 5 days of healing and recovery since my lasik surgery....
I want to begin by mentioning that the surgery was not exactly the most exciting thing I have gone through. In fact, it was uncomfortable and extremely stressful on the mind and body. My only calm was knowing it would rid my eye sight problems. I realize its not treatment for everybody. It involves clamping a frame on your eye (to hold it open throughout the surgery), having your cornea cut into a flap, shooting the laser into the eye, and then replacing the cornea back on.
To say the least, if i could choose all over again, I would still choose to have it done.
~~~ Bloodstone - Natural High ~~~ Music to make love to.
Erik. Healing.
I want to begin by mentioning that the surgery was not exactly the most exciting thing I have gone through. In fact, it was uncomfortable and extremely stressful on the mind and body. My only calm was knowing it would rid my eye sight problems. I realize its not treatment for everybody. It involves clamping a frame on your eye (to hold it open throughout the surgery), having your cornea cut into a flap, shooting the laser into the eye, and then replacing the cornea back on.
To say the least, if i could choose all over again, I would still choose to have it done.
~~~ Bloodstone - Natural High ~~~ Music to make love to.
Erik. Healing.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Blogging from Vancouver..(yes, I traveled again)...
I'm having my lasik eye surgery done tomorrow. Its finally time to say bye to glasses, "the geeky look", contact lenses, dry eyes, and "one-night contact cases" (bottle caps, cups, dishes, my own eyes, etc...). The recovery period is going to be a pain, but I'm assured it will be well worth it. I can't wait until its all over.
Fun fact for the day: A typical lasik eye surgery only takes 3-4mins.
And also: Lasik was first performed 15 years ago. Its been around for a while, it is no longer *new*.
Mario Tennis for Gamecube (US Version) just came out today. I went to check it out from Future Shop, and have already spent hours of enjoyment from it. It's definitely recommended if you belong to any one of these categories:
1) You are looking for an awesome multiplayer game
2) You can enjoy any of the well polished Nintendo games
3) You like wacky, and you like tennis
4) You like Sega's Virtua Tennis, and looking for something equivalent but different
5) You appreciate games that are easy and fun to pickup, but hard to master
Out.
Erik.
I'm having my lasik eye surgery done tomorrow. Its finally time to say bye to glasses, "the geeky look", contact lenses, dry eyes, and "one-night contact cases" (bottle caps, cups, dishes, my own eyes, etc...). The recovery period is going to be a pain, but I'm assured it will be well worth it. I can't wait until its all over.
Fun fact for the day: A typical lasik eye surgery only takes 3-4mins.
And also: Lasik was first performed 15 years ago. Its been around for a while, it is no longer *new*.
Mario Tennis for Gamecube (US Version) just came out today. I went to check it out from Future Shop, and have already spent hours of enjoyment from it. It's definitely recommended if you belong to any one of these categories:
1) You are looking for an awesome multiplayer game
2) You can enjoy any of the well polished Nintendo games
3) You like wacky, and you like tennis
4) You like Sega's Virtua Tennis, and looking for something equivalent but different
5) You appreciate games that are easy and fun to pickup, but hard to master
Out.
Erik.
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