gewgaw

Congrats Jeanne!!!

It has been a while since I posted an actual KD artwork link. Here’s one courtesy of Jen that I really enjoyed.

I’ve been on some threads recently about how the most recent Katamari game isn’t really “innovative” – threads where folks bemoan the lack of development in the core game mechanics (resulting from fast and dirty sequaling, most likely).

They have made me wonder – if you could improve KD in any way – what would you change, add or remove? Would you try and make it more appealing to younger players? Add customization or online options?

Send me notes at my NU address – and I’ll post something in a week or so.

So one of the perks of old ties is early access to new games. Given that I’m a *huge* fan of music games and especially fond of their offerings over the years, you can imagine how I have relished each and every chance I’ve had to play Harmonix’s latest: Rock Band.

I must say, it is awesome. Beyond the great tracks, fantastically polished gameplay and … DRUMS, it just looks spectacular. The whole package is a notch above the old tech. And watching the screen while you play Orange Crush… you almost feel like you are there in the club with them.

My favorite part of this rev is (no surprise) the KICK ASS character creation system. The models and visual style, the clothes, hair – even the jewelry and shoes are spot on. Partly because they have such clear targets, and partly because EVERYONE AT HARMONIX ROCKS YOUR SOX OFF – the game provides a consistently customizable, believable, aspirational environment in which to create the rocker you’ve always wanted to be. It’s a musical fantasy dream doll designer, plus karaoke and music game, on steroids.

A ton of it comes down to the poses and atmosphere. Mo-cap, combined with extremely artistic lighting, cuts and post-filtering have transformed the seeds of Guitar Hero into something much, much more. I’m not sure how to describe it – except to say that it’s grown up and come into its own as an experience. In single player especially, the screen looks closer to actual footage of gigging muscians than even I expected.

There’s more to life than graphics, but it is really amazing what the art direction and animation tech do to bolster your investment in the character(s) you create, and to enhance the experiences you have with them. From the items you unlock to the incredibly awesome tattoo feature (layers, resizing, warping, coloring)… to the personalized band photos you see as you move from stage to stage. Everything is about making you feel like you’re on the road with them, earning your stripes, learning the ropes.

At one point, our crazy guitarist was featured in a composite sunset shot. Emerging from a limo, as the rest of the band cavorted on the steps to a sleek private jet… we joked about his soulful, off camera look. “You know, things just haven’t been the same since the band got popular.” And as crazy as it sounds… we kind of meant it.

The only thing that is more awesome than all of the above, is watching people play as an entire band, and listening to the banter. “Hey – did you just press the A button? Who’s on vocals? Hey guys – can we just all get to the song select before we start playing??” This holiday season – people are going to get a genuine taste of what it’s like to be in a real, practicing, performing band!!!

:)

HUGE props and congrats to the entire Harmonix team for so many awesome achievements – once again, you have surprised and inspired. Oh, I cannot wait to play with friends in SF.

It’s been about 3 weeks since I came down to LA – but it feels like the time has moved much faster than that. Obviously I’ve been very busy – transferring items from SF (mostly clothes and tech), visiting with friends in the Bay (French Laundry – mmm, will blog it in another post) and working (I’ve taken a short-term gig at EA LA that’s turning out to be super fun!).

As expected, the move has been somewhat hectic. But moving as I have (part way, rolling into to a place I already know so well) is softer, somehow. In many ways, it feels like I’m on vacation. Travelling, taking pictures – somewhere between my final destination and old SF stomping grounds.

What does really feel like a big change is having a roommate again. What I’ve enjoyed most is the casual togetherness that comes from shared space – I hadn’t realized how much I missed it. Mornings prepping for work, chatting about the day’s plans… evenings spent playing games or storytelling about the day’s events… and most of all – cooking.

I still miss SF terribly at times – especially Lulu and Ross. This weekend I made a concerted effort to channel their foodie energies – so that as I re-discover my inner cook, I don’t just fall back on the tried and true familiars. Essentially, I started with one ingredient each time, and then followed my nose/stomach to the others, as seemed appropriate. Here’s what that led to this weekend:

Herbed Crust Free-Range Lamb (Top Round) with glazed Carrots, and Turnips with Garlic and Savory

Tiny Tiny pancakes (hahah)

.. which were actually Chocolate-Chai Pancakes with fresh Raspberries and Chai-Cinnemon syrup

Maitake and Oyster Mushroom Beef stir-fry with Shoshito Peppers

Wild Alaskan Tuna and fresh Halibut Sashimi with Uzu Ponzu and Chili Oil

Fresh Chilled Beets and Asian Pear on Watercress with warm Uzu Jelly Vinagrette

Most of these recipes were spontaneous – with the exception of the sashimi (Doug’s personal recipe) and the salad (based on a recipe I found on epicurious). The pancakes in particular were a last-minute improv fueled by the realization that we had no maple syrup in the house. I’ve been experimenting with Chai as a breakfast flavoring for french toast and pancakes – but the syrup was a stroke of genius. Spicy and sweet, dense – it really complimented the chocolate in the pancakes themselves.

Damn – I’m hungry again!