FUTURE WARS TO BE FOUGHT BY WII-BOTS?

With technology dramatically advancing each year, it was only a matter of time before the U.S. Military jumped into the "next gen" technological advance that is today's video game consoles and wireless controllers. Imagine, the military's around the world fighting each other on the battlefield using the same frantic motions as you do playing Wii Tennis. Now, I don't know if it will get that extreme but you can form a pretty interesting visual in your head where this could eventually lead. Talon Robot Operations is leading the charge to implement a Wii Remote controlled vehicle but it is a few years away from being operational. It could be here sooner than we think since the military is already using modified Xbox 360 controllers to fly UAV operations in Iraq. As the military inches closer and closer into this inevitable partnership with the game industry, career opportunities will continue to expand for not only people in the armed forces but gamers and game developers as well.

Game controllers getting droned...
Using the Wiimote makes sense...

GAMASUTRA: INTERVIEW ON F.E.A.R. 2 GAME ENGINE AND AI DEVELOPMENT

Gamasutra has an in-depth interview with the senior software engineer at Monolith, Matthew Rice, where they discuss the F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin game engine and AI development. It's a good read and makes me even more intrigued to play this first person shooter horror game. It looks like some of the Lith developers are referring to Left 4 Dead as the correct way to go when it comes to intelligent AI. Read on to learn more on where AI technology is heading.

Excerpt-

What do you see? What is "an improvement" to AI? What is your expectation of where AI is going, and what is achievable within this generation?

"MR: I think you've seen a couple different things that have happened in this generation, and they'll continue on. In terms of smaller, tactical scale AI, you've seen mild improvements in terms of the way they plan, and the way they challenge you in combat. But even more than that, they look better while navigating, and they look better while moving through the space. Navigation has increased across the board, and the way they interact with the environment has improved across the board."

"Globally, across the entire games industry, you've seen more AI in games. Games like Assassin's Creed. We're getting to that level where you're moving through large throngs of crowds. You just didn't see that before; in previous generations, you'd step into a nightclub and it's be barren, devoid, but now you're actually seeing fully populated cityscapes."

"So there have been big improvements in AI, in general, this past generation. There's only so close that you can get before you get to the uncanny valley, in terms of games, and I think we're approaching that right now. So, there will be a big leap at some point soon, when things such as the great small-scale tactical AI that a lot of games currently have, gets integrated with the crowd AI that you're seeing. And you're also seeing other things, like people are experimenting with AI spawning, and spawning dynamically based on the player's condition and health, to try and tempo the game differently every time you play it."

Read the rest of the interview at Gamasutra.com...

"BLACK" SEQUEL IN THE WORKS?

The Gamer Report is not here to spread rumors, but if I absolutely have to spread a rumor, I think this one would be it. I get excited just thinking about this being true. For those who have not played Black on the original Xbox or have never even heard of the game before, Black was the one game that was developed at the end of the original Xbox's lifespan that was the closest an FPS came to looking "next gen." I remember renting this game with my best friend and hooking it up the Xbox to a projector and we played this game straight through. We didn't want to put it down. This game was surprisingly a joy to play. There were destructible environments and it felt satisfying when shooting an enemy. The explosions were the most realistic I had seen yet and the game itself also received pretty good reviews. It is only a matter of time before they make a sequel right? I can only assume.


The developers of this game, surprisingly, is Criterion. Criterion is usually known for perfecting a car racing franchise called Burnout. Ever heard of it? Yea, a lot of people have. But not as many have heard about Black for some reason. It really flew below the radar as everyone was gearing up for the next generation of gaming. Microsoft added Black as a downloadable Xbox original title on the Xbox Live Marketplace not too long ago. Is there a reason why they chose Black instead of another FPS? Was this their plan all along, to introduce Black to new Xbox Live users in anticipation that a Black sequel would eventually be developed? This is all speculation. This is not news, I am just telling you what I am thinking. I have nothing to gain for repeating this rumor. But Criterion and EA know they have a great opportunity on their hands to expand the Black universe. Add multi-player, create better AI and make the next game longer with a better storyline and you have yourself some major competition in the Call of Duty and Halo arena. I for one, cannot validate this rumor but I will continue living my life thinking it is indeed true. I don't see how it can't be. Then again, this rumor has already been shot down by Criterion earlier this year. But then again-again, (yea I just made that up) Burnout Paradise has been released now. So what is Criterion up to, huh?

More on this rumor...
Even More...
Criterion recruiting devs to work on sequel...
Black sequel coming in 2009?

VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES AND KIDS FACES

What does your face look like while playing Call of Duty 4? Do you get in "the zone?" Do you start licking or biting your lips? Would you even realize you're doing that if you did? This video is part of "The Immersion Project," and you can read more about it on the U.K. Telegraph news site. Robbie Cooper, a British-born photojournalist based in New York, is the guy doing this open-ended project in "both worlds of science and art."

"Immersion, as Cooper calls this project, came about as the result of a previous experiment, Alter Ego. He had become interested in the virtual worlds of multiplayer online games such as Second Life and World of Warcraft. He started photographing players alongside the digital 'avatars' that represented them in those virtual worlds. He found middle-aged male academics masquerading as female dwarfs; office workers as undead warriors; disabled teenagers as fighting robots."

"In the process, he said, he found himself 'travelling around all these places in Korea and China where you have got row upon row of people sitting in internet cafes playing these games, staring at screens', and he became fascinated by their absorption in the unreal. 'You look them in the eye and they're really transported. That's what I like about having them looking directly into the camera. We're not used to seeing that look directed at us - as if someone's looking right through you."

Read more at Telegraph...

MOST ANTICIPATED GAMES OF 2009

ALAN WAKE

While attending Vancouver Institute of Media Arts, our technical artist "mentor" always referred us game artists to Alan Wake and explained, "this is what your goal should be.. to create environments like this." Going through early screen shots and insider information on the game for us, he showed us how to properly populate a scene and how to choose complimenting color and lighting schemes. I have been keeping my eye on this game for quite some time now since I was introduced to it back in 2006. There really isn't too much information about Alan Wake though coming from the developers, Remedy. (Developers of Max Payne) I think that is one of the main reasons why this game is my most anticipated game of 2009 above all others. Details have been kept secret for a long time and we know nothing more than this is supposed to be an awesome psychological action thriller. (Random thought: Like FPS and RPG, can we call this type of game a PAT?) Basically, the details that we do have from Remedy is that the main character, Alan Wake, moves with his wife to a small town called Bright Falls to regain his creative skills as a writer. He hasn't been able to write anything for the last two years. Unfortunately for Mr. Wake, his wife disappears from Bright Falls without a trace and he becomes entrenched in his own nightmare. Line by line of his new book, he can't remember writing, becomes true before his eyes. Sounds creepy eh?So for me, this is a nice addition to my game arsenal and I look forward to any new detail I can find on this game. I really enjoyed Max Payne (not the movie, the game) and I can only assume Alan Wake will be even better. I think Remedy may have the Game of the Year on their hands.

Now if we can only confirm that Alan Wake will indeed be released in 2009. I'm crossing my fingers we don't have to wait until 2010 to get our hands on this gem.

BORDERLANDS

Sorry but there is just no way I won't include a science fiction first person shooter on this list. Although this FPS also has some RPG elements to it, which I like. (Kind of like Mass Effect?) The story of Borderlands takes place at the edge of the galaxy where colonists are racing to planet Pandora. The colonists are in search of a better life and planet Pandora has some valuable mineral resources that is first come first serve so everyone wants a piece as they race into this futuristic "gold rush." However, most colonists leave after realizing the planet doesn't really have much to offer like they thought. Some were left behind and chaos and lawlessness ensues as the remaining population struggles to stay alive . After seven years on planet Pandora, winter ends and spring begins bringing many frightening creatures out of hibernation. The colonists try to find a way off the planet before they meet their demise in this new Mad Max inspired franchise.Borderlands, developed by Gearbox Software, will feature four player co-op as well as single and multi-player modes. (I love me some four player co-op!) You'll be able to choose between 3 different characters, each with their own special ability which you can then customize as well. The game also includes vehicular combat which adds some variety. An interesting fact to point out about this game is the amount of weapons available at your disposal. There are over 650,000 weapons to choose from, human and alien combinations. Yea, most of us can't even count that high. OK, maybe it's just me but that number is staggering. I doubt I will even have enough time to try out each weapon but don't doubt me when I say I'll try.

There is no specific release date announced yet but sometime in 2009 looks to be the goal.

F.E.A.R. 2: PROJECT ORIGIN

First-Encounter-Assault-Recon- F.E.A.R. 2 starts off thirty minutes before the end of the first F.E.A.R. game. The survival horror game is back and I am ready for it! The psychic demon child named Alma, who looks very similar to the creepy looking girl in the movie "The Ring," is back as well and is close to destroying reality and replacing it with her own to get back at the people who did her wrong. You will not play as the same character as you did in the first FEAR game. You will play as Michael Beckett, a Delta Force operator. The game takes place in the same universe and has some of the same characters but the world in general will be "more open." Which is nice to hear because if I see Monolith drag me through one more cubicle infested office, I may have to take this game off my list. For those who did play the first F.E.A.R. you know what I am talking about. Lets just say I spend enough of my real life in a real cubicle. I don't need to see every floor of an office building again as that makes for some pretty repetitive gameplay. From the gameplay I have seen so far, F.E.A.R. 2 looks to have many more creepy moments to scare you and your friends lurking around every corner. This is not a kid friendly game as blood splattered walls are everywhere with possessed demons running around (Exorcist style) and are sure to leave a disturbing visual imprint in your mind. Like in the first FEAR, I hope to see the blood-filled room where the blood drips upward instead of downward. Scenes like that keep me coming back for more. Don't let me down Monolith!

F.E.A.R. 2 is scheduled to be released February 10, 2009 in the U.S. and February 13, in Europe.

RESIDENT EVIL 5

I won't talk too much about RE5 since I just posted my demo impressions a few days ago. If you have never heard of Resident Evil, you have either been living in Antarctica or you could just be a oblivious noob. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but any fan of survival horror games should know about this franchise and Resident Evil 5 will hopefully make you a fan for life. You might even want to go back and play older Resident Evil games to get familiar with this very special franchise.I, unfortunately, have not played any of the more recent Resident Evil games (RE 3 & 4) since I did not own any of the consoles these prior games were developed for. Thankfully RE5 will be made for the PS3 and Xbox 360 this time around. The developers of RE5, Capcom, have stated that the development team consists of staff who worked on the original Resident Evil which is the one where I screamed like a little girl. (Hey, at least I didn't pee my pants.) The setting of RE5 looks like it has a "Black Hawk Down" type of feel to it, as witnessed in the demo. Which basically means you're stuck in a dirty hellhole with tons of crazies trying to kill you. Ahhh.. good times are a coming!

Resident Evil 5 is scheduled to be released in North America on March 13, 2009. Looks like I already know what my birthday present will be! (Even if I know I am buying it for myself)

PROTOTYPE

This is the one game I wanted to work on most while at school in Vancouver, BC. Developed by Radical Entertainment and just down the street from my school, I applied for an environment artist position but unfortunately, the position was not for Prototype so I was no longer interested (too picky? Yea probably.) but that's another story. This sandbox game takes place in New York City (I know, I know.. another one) but this sandbox game involves a twist. As the main character, Alex Mercer, (who has no memory of his past) has the ability to consume the bodies of characters he kills in the game which gives him access to their memories, experiences and can take their physical shape and form. A "shape-shifter." Alex will also have the power to transform into other specialized forms for special attack and defend moves. He will need these new abilities in order to find out about his past while the city grips with a paralyzing virus outbreak. As Alex Mercer, you will need discover your past and find out who or what has turned you into a genetically mutated shape-shifter.Like EA's Mirror's Edge, the movement in Prototype is inspired by Parkour. So look for the controls to be smooth and easy so you can focus more on the combat. There was a multi-player mode confirmed originally but then scrapped for some reason. Radical did however, delay the release of this game in 2008 and I can only hope that it was to lock down an in-depth multi-player experience. Because c'mon, if a new game comes out now days, why would you not implement a multi-player mode? A single player campaign is just not enough to satisfy the masses and will most likely end up being a rental if other features and modes are excluded.

Prototype is scheduled to be released sometime in June.

THIS IS VEGAS

Another sandbox game!!? You betcha! This one takes place in Sin City. Ooohh yyeaaa! That's right, do anything you want in this game because as the city slogan states, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Developed by Surreal Software (Hey Alan Patmore, call me, yea?) you can fight, race, gamble and party your way into taking Vegas from "family friendly" to the adult playground Vegas is known for and should remain for years to come. Surreal Software are the creators of "The Suffering," but there doesn't seem to be any suffering in store for players in this game. I'm looking forward to this sandbox game since it takes place in a city other than NYC (Sorry GTA IV, I had to quit you) and also for the fact that Surreal Software has a talented group of artists, programmers and their own real-time proprietary game engine I haven't really seen yet. I hope good news is in store for this game studio and I look forward to the "This is Vegas" release.

This is Vegas is scheduled to be released March 2, 2009.

HALO WARS

Whhhaaa? Not Halo 3: ODST? That's right, I am more excited to see Halo Wars in 2009 than the next addition to Halo 3. I am not sorry at all about this statement. Halo 3 is the one game that can get me so emotionally and physically upset that I risk endangering myself, my loved ones and quite possibly the eardrums of unsuspecting little kids on the other end of my Xbox Live headset. Some of the words that come out of players mouths in this game (including mine) are atrocious. Some insults I never even knew existed so I am hoping someone is recording them, for history's sake.Which is why I am looking forward to a change in the way the Halo universe is presented. Ensemble Studios (who are, quite shockingly, closing it's doors after Halo Wars is released) announced to the world in it's first trailer that the Halo Wars are upon us. After viewing this trailer, the hype machine begun and fans of the Halo series were left drooling at this incredible cinematic. But what about the actual gameplay? Well, that's where I am feeling a bit skeptical. Halo Wars is a Real Time Strategy game (RTS) which takes place 20 years before Halo: Combat Evolved. I have never played an RTS game in full. I have experimented with a few but for the most part, my attention span did not cooperate. But there is still hope! Since I am an avid fan of the Halo games, which could be considered the one franchise that started my hardcore gaming addiction, I have confidence that Ensemble can add a new fan to the RTS genre if done right. Bungie Studios has had little involvement with the development process of this game so if you don't like Halo Wars, don't bother whining on the Bungie forums. In fact, don't bother doing it on the Ensemble forums either because they'll be long gone when this game gets released. I do want to see however, Ensemble Studios make a killing with this game to show Microsoft how stupid they were for closing the doors of a game studio full of fresh talent. I don't know all the details on how or why this occurred but if this is going to be Ensemble Studios last hurrah, I hope they go out with a bang!

Halo Wars is scheduled to be released on March 3, 2009. Yet another game to celebrate with during my birthday. I might as well celebrate all month long now.

AFRO SAMURAI

Afro Samurai is a game based off of the Japanese manga and anime series of the same name. Developed by Namco, the game is a hack and slash type game but with an incredible artistic style sure to please video game and anime fans alike. To me, it looks like the closest a video game has ever come to bringing comic book like art to life with it's cel-shaded style. This game is sure to generate a following from hip hop heads around the world as the one and only Rza, who produced the soundtrack for the anime series, will also produce the music for the game. Listen for artists like Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip and the Gza as you slash your way through this hip hop anime style game. And if that wasn't enough, Samuel L. "Motherfuckin' Plane" Jackson will voice the joint smokin' Afro Samurai. How in the hell can this game fail? I mean, I'm not that into hip hop anymore but that doesn't mean there aren't millions of hip hop fans waiting to play a game that they can relate to. No, not all the head and limb decapitations, I'm talking about the music! With Guitar Hero and Rockband, where is Hip Hop Hero, y'know? Well, hopefully this game will hold it down until another developer creates something like Guitar Hero for fans of other kinds of music. Who knows, maybe DJ Hero will be the one to do it.

Afro Samurai is scheduled to be released January 27, 2009.

STREET FIGHTER IV

Ok, I am not into Mortal Kombat, Dead or Alive and Soul Calibur type fighting games but Street Fighter is somehow different and special to me. One reason, ok the main reason, why I don't like fighting games is because I suck at them! My girlfriend can vouch for me on that because she somehow destroys me (along with my manly confidence) every time. It's embarrassing! So after getting my ass handed to me for the last time in DOA, I promised I would never play a fighting game like that again. But nnooooo.. Capcom just had to make a visually stunning 3D Street Fighter title with gameplay based on a traditional 2D plane. Which means the developers are staying true to Street Fighter II, for it seems fans liked that version the most. I agree.Most of the original characters in Street Fighter II make their return including Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and my favorite (because his special move was so simple) Blanka. I look forward to sending waves of electric volts into whatever character my girlfriend chooses as I try to regain that fighting confidence I lost long ago.We will be introduced to new characters in this game as well including El Fuerte, who is a luchador. No word yet if Jack Black (Nacho Libre) will be doing the voice. But that would add a bit of welcomed humor into this legendary game franchise.

Street Fighter IV is scheduled to be released February 17, 2009. Look for me to regain my manliness on or around February 18, 2009. I'll keep you posted.

DAMNATION

When will a game developer make a vertical First Person Shooter? I am just so tired of playing horizontal FPS games. Wait, what? There is a vertical shooter being developed? Schweet! It's about time someone developed a shooter other than the repetitive and lackluster FPS games I've been playing over the years. Billed as a "shooter gone vertical," Damnation takes place in an alternate American history where the civil war has lasted several decades. You will be able to perform "daredevil acrobatics" in a conflict against an arms dealer who will do whatever it takes to dominate the world.This game originally started off as a Unreal Tournament 4 mod and won second place in Epic Games, Make something Unreal contest. Amazingly, the developers state that each level will take about 3 hours to complete. No word yet on how many levels there will be but the Damnation website shows six possible locations. The game is sure to include unique vehicles including a 4-wheeled bike which will be capable of riding up walls to kill an enemy or quite possibly, to get away from an enemy chasing your ass.Developed by Blue Omega Entertainment, Damnation uses the Unreal Engine 3 and from screens I have seen, it is very obvious. The textures and color palette used in this game is very similar to Gears of War so I assume fans of that game will make a smooth transition to the expansive environments and characters inside the world of Damnation. Look for a demo to be released in early January for the Playstation Network and Xbox Live. I know I'll be.

Damnation is scheduled to be released February 24, 2009.

SPIKE VGA'S GAME OF THE YEAR: GTA IV

Congratulations to Rockstar North! That was $100 million well spent.

VGA Breakdown-

BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE GAME- GTA IV
BEST SHOOTER- GEARS OF WAR 2
BEST GRAPHICS- METAL GEAR SOLID 4
BEST RPG- FALLOUT 3
BEST MUSIC GAME- ROCK BAND 2
STUDIO OF THE YEAR- MEDIA MOLECULE
BEST DRIVING GAME- BURNOUT PARADISE
BEST FIGHTING GAME- SOUL CALIBUR IV
BEST WII GAME- BOOM BLOX
BEST PC GAME- LEFT 4 DEAD

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR GAMER BOYFRIEND

GAME INFORMER SUBSCRIPTION - $20

With rumors on the web that Electronic Gaming Monthly might be switching to digital distribution, print magazines may be nearing their last days. Better get them while you can and subscribe to some of the best. Like Game Informer for instance. You get a full years worth of magazines shipped to your mailbox for only $20. Guys love it when a new magazine arrives in the mail. Doesn't matter what kind as long as there are pictures.





ROCKIN' GAME CHAIR - $80-$150

Trust me, $150 sounds expensive but if your gamer boyfriend doesn't already have a state of the art surround sound system hooked up to his HDTV, this game chair option is the least expensive of the two and gets the job done. Unless you don't mind spending hundreds more then by all means, go for it. I'm sure he will be happy either way. If you do though, you'll miss out on the illuminating speakers on this chair. Who doesn't like illuminating speakers? PsShh! (More variety at NextTag,com)


GAME INSPIRED T-SHIRT - $20

You can never go wrong with T-Shirts for guys. I can never have enough shirts hanging up in my closet. What I don't have that much of is game inspired shirts like this one. If you haven't checked out J!NX yet, I suggest you pay their site a visit. They have tons of game shirts to choose from, some funny, some serious, and some that make no sense whatsoever. But who cares? It's a shirt and it's only $20.

PSN OR XBL GIFT CARDS- $20

The New Xbox Experience has been released and PlayStation's Home has finally arrived to eager gamers worldwide. There has never been a better time to download games and game related content. Why not make it easier for your gamer boyfriend and get him some credit for his network account so he can spend it on awesome downloadable arcade games like Boogie Bunnies? Ok, maybe not Boogie Bunnies but you get the idea. Lots of content to buy, not enough money or points to buy it.

1600 Microsoft LIVE Points
$20 Playstation Network card


GAMEFLY SUBSCRIPTION - $22.95

See the look on this guys face when he sees games have arrived in the mail for him from GameFly? Yea, he might be getting a bit too excited there but I wouldn't know how he feels since I don't have a GameFly subscription. But I'd like one, and I assume others like me would like one too. GameFly has a couple of deals for the first month but for every month after it's $22.95. Not bad really if your gamer boyfriend is like me where he buys a game sometimes and regrets it an hour after playing it. Also the perfect gift for the hardcore gamer who beats a game in less than 24 hours and is ready to conquer the next one.

Check out my new 2009 post of Gift ideas for your gamer boyfriend!

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR GAMER GIRLFRIEND

PORTAL MAGNETS- $13.50

I don't know about you but I get a kick out of seeing creative magnets. So much so, I collect them. Usually just when I travel. That's about the only thing I collect though so don't think I am some geek who collects coins and stamps as well. OK, now you're going to think that anyway because I said that.. *sigh* Forget it, just take a look at these magnets, I think they're pretty cool and my girlfriend does too. Your gamer girlfriend just might like these as well, especially if she is a fan of Portal.

My Gamer girlfriend's comment: Give a magnet for every achievement your gamer girl unlocks from Portal to remind her how awesome it is to have a girlfriend that is as good at gaming as you are.

PWN STAR T-SHIRT- $20

Ahem.. uhh.. it's quite obvious why this would make it on my list of gifts for your gamer girlfriend. Do I really need to say anything? It pretty much speaks for itself and it's spoken in the language of awesome.

My Gamer girlfriend's comment: J!NX makes the perfect tee for the girl that's hot and can pwn you at any game!

DS LITE CARRYING CASE- $18.50

Do you have a gamer girlfriend who takes her DS lite with her everywhere she goes? This pink DS Lite case comes with a Alice in Wonderland theme. Which makes me wonder.. did Alice in Wonderland ever become a video game? Hold on, let me check. hahaha, holy shit I just Googled it and it's already been done. It was made for the GameBoy Color back in 2000. Just when I thought I finally had thought of a game that would never be made!

My Gamer girlfriend's comment: This has to be the cutest way for your girl to carry around her DS Lite! Smile Recipe makes them in tons of fun fabrics so if this one sells out you're sure to find another one that suits your gamer girl!

SURVIVAL HORROR CAPPA CUPS - $70

Has your girlfriend played any survival horror games recently? Does she creep herself out by playing these games in the dark? It would be a lot more entertaining for you to see her play this game after a couple of cups of cappuccinos. If you've got some extra cash and a girlfriend that absolutely must get her caffeine fix on.. at least make her drink from cups that are interesting to look at.

My Gamer girlfriend's comment: These 5.5oz espresso cups by Circa Ceramics depict all the essentials of surviving a horror shooter; including a health kit, a flashlight, and a knife. Perfect for the girl who can make it through a survival horror game but can't survive with out her espresso!


FUZZY COMPANION CUBES - $29.95

Once again for The Orange Box/Portal fans, here is an awesome gift. Probably one of my favorites. But if your girlfriend is a bad driver already, you might want to think twice about these two companion cubes swinging around in the car. It may be too distracting or even illegal in some states. I'm sure she can find another place to hang them though. Just be creative!

My Gamer girlfriend's comment: What's cuter than a companion cube? Why, two companions cubes of course! The Valve store is offering these adorable plush companion cubes which are perfect to have hanging from your rear view mirror.. and yea, as long as it's legal. Otherwise, she can hang it up somewhere at her work or school.

RESIDENT EVIL 5 DEMO IMPRESSIONS

I was able to get my hands on the Resident Evil 5 demo tonight. It just came out in Japan but I I found a way to get it here in the U.S. even though it's not available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace yet. I couldn't help myself, I had to play it. Instead of talking about the demo though I thought I'd record part of it and share my first experience playing one of my favorite game titles. It's been many years since I screamed like a little girl when that fricken' dog flew out of the window on the first Resident Evil I played. Man that game was the shit! But I haven't played it since. I hope RE5 lives up to the great memories I have of this franchise and I got just a glimpse of the new memories I will have with RE5 with this demo. For those who haven't played it yet, you're in for a treat.

The controls might take a bit of getting used to though. The sensitivity is a bit too slow for me, even after increasing it to the fastest setting. Also, the zombies that come after you are stupidly slow. But after a bit of playing, I realized that was a good thing. There are a lot of them and it takes many shots to kill some of them. With that said, the visuals are stunning and it has plenty of action. I imagine the retail version will look better and run smoother. Even though the controls were a bit wonky and slow, it still had me at the edge of my seat with my heart racing. Which is exactly what I want in a demo. Thanks Resident Evil 5 demo, I got my exercise for the week.

AWESOME GAME STUDENT RESOURCES: 2008

One way to help you on your journey into the game industry is to do as much research as possible. You should research game schools to see which one suits you and your talents best, research the software programs you need to learn and master, research game studios so you're prepared for a possible future job interview, research current game trends to make sure your ideas are not tired and outdated, and research developers who are already in the industry so you can get an inside look at what it takes to finally make it. There is so much information out there and it can be time consuming to find it. You and I have the most powerful tool in the world called the internet and you can search for days to find some decent information to help guide you. So I have compiled a list of articles, tips, how to's and game art tutorials that I have found useful, into one blog post to share with other game students out there. I found them helpful and I still turn to some of these links as I continue on my path in the video game industry. I'll continue to find new articles that may be of interest both you and I, and I'll post them in the months to come. For now, check out the following links, gain knowledge, gain insight, and get inspired. This is an awesome career path to be on so try and take it all in.

FROM GAMECAREERGUIDE.COM:

ASK THE EXPERTS: TOO TIRED TO LEARN GAMES

ASK THE EXPERTS: THE GO BETWEEN
ASK THE EXPERTS: ARE ONLINE GAME SCHOOLS BUNK?
ASK THE EXPERTS: QA 4EVA?
ASK THE EXPERTS: THE GAME DESIGNER'S BOOKSHELF
ASK THE EXPERTS: IS IT GAME ENOUGH?
ASK THE EXPERTS: I'M ALMOST 30! ACK!
ASK THE EXPERTS: DOES MY SCHOOL SUCK?
ASK THE EXPERTS: ANIMATION SHOW REELS
ASK THE EXPERTS: BOOKS AND BLOGS FOR GAME DESIGN
HOW TO MAKE A GAME PROGRAMMING DEMO PORTFOLIO
10 TRENDS IN GAME DESIGN
FROM TEACHER TO STUDENT
THE PAYCHECK: HOW MUCH TO EXPECT AS AN ENTRY LEVEL GAME DEVELOPER
THE IDEA IS NOT THE GAME

ARTISTIC ENTERPRISE: ADVICE ON PORTFOLIOS, SOFTWARE, AND SCHOOLS
10 MYTHS ABOUT GAME DEGREES

SHOULD I CALL?: FOLLOWING UP ON JOB APPLICATIONS IN THE GAME INDUSTRY

THE ARTISTIC PURSUIT: WHICH ARTISTS WILL GAME COMPANIES HIRE?

STORIES FROM THE INTERN-TO-HIRE FRONTLINE
HOW I BROKE INTO VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT

FROM GAMASUTRA.COM:

SHOOT TO THRILL: BIO-SENSORY REACTIONS TO 3D SHOOTING GAMES
EFFECTIVE ART DIRECTORS: GAMING'S SOMETHING SOMETHING
WHAT'S NEW IN XNA GAME STUDIO 3.0?
CALLED BACK TO DUTY: ACTIVISION ON ITERATING ON SUCCESS
THINKING WITH PORTALS: CREATING VALVE'S NEW IP THE ART INSTITUTE OF VANCOUVER STUDENT DAY IN THE LIFE
GAME DESIGN EDUCATION WITHOUT A GAME DESIGN MAJOR?
PUT TOGETHER A COMPELLING RESUME AND DEMO
THE MEGATRENDS OF GAME DESIGN, PART 1
THE MEGATRENDS OF GAME DESIGN, PART 2

THE MEGATRENDS OF GAME DESIGN: PART 3
LIFE IN VEGAS: SURREAL'S ALAN PATMORE ON OPEN WORLD INNOVATION
FEWER MECHANICS, BETTER GAME
THE ART OF GAMES
NINE PATHS TO INDIE GAME GREATNESS

FROM CGSOCIETY.ORG & POLYCOUNT.COM:

TOP 10 TIPS OF TEXTURING
MAKING OF... THE DOOR TO...
HOW TO PAINT REALISTIC HAIR
HOW TO PAINT REALISTIC EYES
ACCIDENTAL ANIMATOR
PORTRAIT OF A TROLL

ENVIRONMENT MODELING FAQ & RESOURCES: POLYCOUNT WIKI
ENVIRONMENT ARTIST: THE STORY TELLER
ENVIRONMENT WORKFLOW
CHRIS HOLDEN TUTORIALS

These are just some that I found useful. There are tons more on these sites so be sure to check them all out.

OFFICIAL BLACK MESA TRAILER

No words are really needed for this. The trailer speaks for itself. This is actually happening. Though this isn't being developed by Valve, it looks like the developers creating this mod are giving Valve developer talent a run for their money. A lot of work is going into this Half-Life remake.

From MOD DB Here is a list of planned Black Mesa features:

* Redesign and overhaul of all 18 chapters, the hazard course and deathmatch levels of the original Half-Life and Half-Life DeathMatch games.
* Models now take advantage of increased polycount limits and normal mapping technology making deadly opponents and friendly coworkers appear more real.
* A completely original soundtrack and music library bringing Half-Life's themes and feelings to life in the new sounds engine built into the Source Engine.
* Artifical Intelligence that will hunt you by sight and sound.
* Normal, bump and specular maps built into textures giving flat surfaces a new, more dynamic look.
* Co-operative mode, allowing you and your friends to play through Black Mesa together.
* The entire cast and characters that the world fell in love with more beauty than ever before, bringing truth to the saying, "if looks could kill..."
* A multiplayer mode allowing for deathmatch and team deathmatch experience with the complete Half-Life 1/Black Mesa Aresonal at your disposal.
* A priority on gameplay and immersion factors such as sounds, functionality and interaction.
* Built by developers who's passion is seen through the quality of their work.

This mod is not dead, we are still hard at work on it.

BLACKMESASOURCE.COM

Update: Be patient if you're trying to visit BlackMesaSource.com as the buzz and the resulting traffic jam, around this remake is causing the websites server to go down.