tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326636957281819762024-03-19T11:48:41.593+00:00Love Without Angergaming / film / musicDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-632898831938689632020-01-15T16:31:00.001+00:002020-01-15T16:44:09.185+00:00150 Favourite Films<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you like to list things? To organise things into groups and order them by personal preference? I do! Here is my 150 Favourite Films list.</div>
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It is different in format to my previous list of 50 Favourite Games which I wrote back in 2015; most notably in the fact that I have chosen not to write about each individual entry. This allows the list to be longer and less time consuming to write and to digest. Also, the idea of writing about films I may have only seen once about 10 years ago... no thanks!</div>
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I took further stress and pointless work out of the equation by grouping the 150 films into 6 distinct tiered groups (which are then organised alphabeticly) instead of ordering them all 150-1, as trying to decide between that many films and to really put them in an order would (again) take a lot of time and would ultimately be pointless. I'd have to watch them all again to really evaluate something like that and that'd take way too much time and I'd rather spend that time watching films I've never seen before.</div>
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All of these films come highly recommended but I can't guarantee you'll enjoy them as much as I have! Please feel free to list some favourite films or recommendations to my twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/davidevoid" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<u>150 - 101</u></div>
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20th Century Women <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2016 - Mike Mills)</span><br />
A Clockwork Orange <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1971 - Stanley Kubrick)</span><br />
Alice in the Cities <span style="color: #666666;">(Germany 1974 - Wim Wenders)</span><br />
Amour<span style="color: #666666;"> (France 2012 - Michael Haneke)</span><br />
A One and a Two (Yi Yi) <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 2000 - Edward Yang)</span><br />
The Artist <span style="color: #666666;">(France 2011 - Michel Hazanavicius)</span><br />
Berberian Sound Studio <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2012 - Peter Strickland)</span><br />
Blue Valentine <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2010 - Derek Cianfrance)</span><br />
Bottle Rocket <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1996 - Wes Anderson)</span><br />
Bullet Ballet <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1998 - Shinya Tsukamoto)</span><br />
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari <span style="color: #666666;">(Germany 1920 - Robert Wiene)</span><br />
Cape Fear<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 1991 - Martin Scorsese)</span><br />
Code Unknown <span style="color: #666666;">(France 2000 - Michael Haneke)</span><br />
Dead or Alive <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1999 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2017 - David France)</span><br />
Drive <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2011 - Nicolas Winding Refn)</span><br />
Enter The Dragon<span style="color: #666666;"> (Hong Kong 1973 - Robert Clouse)</span><br />
Ex Machina<span style="color: #666666;"> (UK 2014 - Alex Garland)</span><br />
Ferris Bueller's Day Off <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1986 - John Hughes)</span><br />
Fish Tank<span style="color: #666666;"> (UK 2009 - Andrea Arnold)</span><br />
Get Out <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2017 - Jordan Peele)</span><br />
Gravity <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2013 - Alfonso Cuarón)</span><br />
Himizu <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2011 - Sion Sono)</span><br />
Island of the Hungry Ghosts <span style="color: #666666;">(Australia 2018 - Gabrielle Brady)</span><br />
Joy<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 2015 - David O. Russell)</span><br />
Juno <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2007 - Jason Reitman)</span><br />
La Haine <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1995 - Mathieu Kassovitz)</span><br />
Let the Right One In <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 2008 - Tomas Alfredson)</span><br />
Ley Lines <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1999 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
The Man Who Fell to Earth <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1976 - Nicolas Roeg)</span><br />
The One I Love <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2014 - Charlie McDowell)</span><br />
Peeping Tom <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1960 - Michael Powell)</span><br />
Project Nim <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2011 - James Marsh)</span><br />
Psycho <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1960 - Alfred Hitchcock)</span><br />
Punishment Park <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1971 - Peter Watkins)</span><br />
Roma <span style="color: #666666;">(Mexico 2018 - Alfonso Cuarón)</span><br />
Scanners <span style="color: #666666;">(Canada 1981 - David Cronenberg)</span><br />
Shaun Of The Dead <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2004 - Edgar Wright)</span><br />
The Skin I Live In <span style="color: #666666;">(Spain 2011 - Pedro Almodóvar)</span><br />
Smoke <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1995 - Wayne Wang)</span><br />
Solaris <span style="color: #666666;">(Soviet Union 1972 - Andrei Tarkovsky)</span><br />
Still Alice <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2014 - Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland)</span><br />
The Tenant <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1976 - Roman Polanski)</span><br />
The Thin Blue Line <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1988 - Errol Morris)</span><br />
Together <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 2000 - Lukas Moodysson)</span><br />
Tron <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1982 - Steven Lisberger)</span><br />
Tyrannosaur <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2011 - Paddy Considine)</span><br />
The Wailing <span style="color: #666666;">(South Korea 2016 - Hong-jin Na)</span><br />
Wildlife <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2018 - Paul Dano)</span><br />
Walkabout <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1971 - Nicolas Roeg)</span><br />
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<u>100 - 51</u></div>
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13th <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2016 - Ava DuVernay)</span><br />
Annihilation <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2018 - Alex Garland)</span><br />
A Simple Life <span style="color: #666666;">(Hong Kong 2011 - Ann Hui)</span><br />
A Snake of June <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2002 - Shinya Tsukamoto)</span><br />
Audition <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1999 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
Bad Taste <span style="color: #666666;">(New Zealand 1987 - Peter Jackson)</span><br />
Blood Simple<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 1984 - Joel Coen & Ethan Coen)</span><br />
Blue Velvet<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 1986 - David Lynch)</span><br />
Braindead <span style="color: #666666;">(New Zealand 1992 - Peter Jackson)</span><br />
Cape Fear<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 1962 - J. Lee Thompson)</span><br />
Cosmopolis<span style="color: #666666;"> (Canada 2012 - David Cronenberg)</span><br />
The Dark Knight Rises<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 2012 - Christopher Nolan)</span><br />
Dr. Strangelove <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1964 - Stanley Kubrick)</span><br />
The Fifth Element <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1997 - Luc Besson)</span><br />
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 2009 - Niels Arden Oplev)</span><br />
Gone Girl <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2014 - David Fincher)</span><br />
Good Will Hunting <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1997 - Gus Van Sant)</span><br />
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2011 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
Hunt for the Wilderpeople <span style="color: #666666;">(New Zealand 2016 - Taika Waititi)</span><br />
Ida <span style="color: #666666;">(Poland 2013 - Pawel Pawlikowski)</span><br />
I Don't Want to Sleep Alone <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 2006 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
It's a Wonderful Life <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1946 - Frank Capra)</span><br />
Inherent Vice <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2014 - Paul Thomas Anderson)</span><br />
Ivan's Childhood <span style="color: #666666;">(Soviet Union 1962 - Andrei Tarkovsky)</span><br />
The Kid with a Bike <span style="color: #666666;">(Belgium 2011 - Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne)</span><br />
Kill List <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 2011 - Ben Wheatley)</span><br />
Lady Bird <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2017 - Greta Gerwig)</span><br />
Leviathan <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2012 - Lucien Castaing-Taylor & Verena Paravel)</span><br />
Man on the Moon <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1999 - Milos Forman)</span><br />
Man with a Movie Camera <span style="color: #666666;">(Soviet Union 1929 - Dziga Vertov)</span><br />
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1983 - Nagisa Ôshima)</span><br />
Midnight Cowboy <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1969 - John Schlesinger)</span><br />
Moonrise Kingdom<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 2012 - Wes Anderson)</span><br />
Perfect Blue <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1997 - Satoshi Kon)</span><br />
Pi <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1998 - Darren Aronofsky)</span><br />
Queen of Earth <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2015 - Alex Ross Perry)</span><br />
The Queen of Versailles <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2012 - Lauren Greenfield)</span><br />
Rainy Dog <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1997 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
Reservoir Dogs <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1992 - Quentin Tarantino)</span><br />
RoboCop <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1987 - Paul Verhoeven)</span><br />
The Square <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 2017 - Ruben Östlund)</span><br />
Tokyo Fist <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1995 - Shinya Tsukamoto)</span><br />
Tokyo Story <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1953 - Yasujirô Ozu)</span><br />
True Romance<span style="color: #666666;"> (USA 1993 - Tony Scott)</span><br />
Upstream Colour <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2013 - Shane Carruth)</span><br />
Videodrome <span style="color: #666666;">(Canada 1983 - David Cronenberg)</span><br />
Visitor Q <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2001 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
The Wayward Cloud <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 2005 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
What Time Is It There?<span style="color: #666666;"> (Taiwan 2001 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
Young Thugs Nostalgia <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1998 - Miike Takashi)</span></div>
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<u>50 - 26</u></div>
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The 400 Blows <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1959 - François Truffaut)</span><br />
Alien <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1979 - Ridley Scott)</span><br />
Apocalypse Now <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1979 - Francis Ford Coppola)</span><br />
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2014 - Alejandro G. Iñárritu)</span><br />
Birth <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2004 - Jonathan Glazer)</span><br />
By the Time It Gets Dark <span style="color: #666666;">(Thailand 2016 - Anocha Suwichakornpong)</span><br />
Dead or Alive 2: Birds <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2000 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
Eraserhead <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1977 - David Lynch)</span><br />
The Florida Project <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2017 - Sean Baker)</span><br />
Grave of the Fireflies <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1988 - Isao Takahata)</span><br />
Hour of the Wolf <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 1968 - Ingmar Bergman)</span><br />
Ichi the Killer <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2001 - Miike Takashi)</span><br />
Kotoko <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 2011 - Shinya Tsukamoto)</span><br />
La La Land <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2016 - Damien Chazelle)</span><br />
Lawrence of Arabia <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1962 - David Lean)</span><br />
Marriage Story <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2019 - Noah Baumbach)</span><br />
The Master <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2012 - Paul Thomas Anderson)</span><br />
Nocturnal Animals <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2016 - Tom Ford)</span><br />
The Shining <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1980 - Stanley Kubrick)</span><br />
Terminator 2: Judgment Day <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1991 - James Cameron)</span><br />
Thelma & Louise <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1991 - Ridley Scott)</span><br />
Toni Erdmann <span style="color: #666666;">(Germany 2016 - Maren Ade)</span><br />
Toy Story <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1995 - John Lasseter)</span><br />
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets <span style="color: #666666;">(France 2017 - Luc Besson)</span><br />
The Wrestler <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2008 - Darren Aronofsky)</span></div>
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<u>25 - 16</u></div>
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Black Swan <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2010 - Darren Aronofsky)</span><br />
Dancer in the Dark <span style="color: #666666;">(Denmark 2000 - Lars von Trier)</span><br />
Eyes Wide Shut <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1999 - Stanley Kubrick)</span><br />
Funny Games <span style="color: #666666;">(Austria 1997 - Michael Haneke)</span><br />
Goodbye, Dragon Inn <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 2003 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
The Hole <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 1998 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
Kwaidan<span style="color: #666666;"> (Japan 1964 - Masaki Kobayashi)</span><br />
Lilya 4-Ever <span style="color: #666666;">(Sweden 2002 - Lukas Moodysson)</span><br />
The Lovers on the Bridge <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1991 - Leos Carax)</span><br />
Stalker <span style="color: #666666;">(Soviet Union 1979 - Andrei Tarkovsky)</span></div>
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<u>15 - 6</u></div>
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Cameraperson <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2016 - Kirsten Johnson)</span><br />
Days of Heaven <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1978 - Terrence Malick)</span><br />
Fargo <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1996 - Joel Coen & Ethan Coen)</span><br />
Holy Motors <span style="color: #666666;">(France 2012 - Leos Carax)</span><br />
Inland Empire <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2006 - David Lynch)</span><br />
The Night Is Young <span style="color: #666666;">(France 1986 - Leos Carax)</span><br />
The Piano Teacher <span style="color: #666666;">(Austria 2001 - Michael Haneke)</span><br />
Samsara <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2011 - Ron Fricke)</span><br />
The Thing <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 1982 - John Carpenter)</span><br />
Vive L'Amour <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 1994 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span></div>
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<u>5 - 1</u></div>
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2001: A Space Odyssey <span style="color: #666666;">(UK 1968 - Stanley Kubrick)</span><br />
Mulholland Drive <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2001 - David Lynch)</span><br />
The River <span style="color: #666666;">(Taiwan 1997 - Tsai Ming-liang)</span><br />
Tetsuo: The Iron Man <span style="color: #666666;">(Japan 1989 - Shinya Tsukamoto)</span><br />
The Tree of Life <span style="color: #666666;">(USA 2011 - Terrence Malick)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Posted: 15th January 2020</span></div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-20580870401986217232017-03-21T18:57:00.000+00:002017-03-21T18:57:47.234+00:00My Vinyl Collection: Coloured and Picture Disc Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkoerWiE2nJXDk1MZFvWNtSF5AfgrR4Bm0SUK15UuvU0XZOHG91ZxMG0TgYKhdAIrF-VRv4-qkE0HPa8X2eLwdE8jncHcmSMHzuXbpBo22mQxS8Ulj2cezBm0r1OYtl0Dc09GuYph3Q/s1600/COVER+coloured+vinyl+3+02+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkoerWiE2nJXDk1MZFvWNtSF5AfgrR4Bm0SUK15UuvU0XZOHG91ZxMG0TgYKhdAIrF-VRv4-qkE0HPa8X2eLwdE8jncHcmSMHzuXbpBo22mQxS8Ulj2cezBm0r1OYtl0Dc09GuYph3Q/s640/COVER+coloured+vinyl+3+02+s.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>A third look into the rainbow of vinyl</b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">Hello and welcome to a look through some of the coloured and picture disc vinyl that has been added to the collection since October 2015. Half of these records are video game related but all are rather beautiful.</span><br />
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<b>>>> Links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts are in the right side bar >>></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF6V_RADTcayLbaGULcq0Gm7qu0n3XPNpELDwjzbo-qMM3fW-TqQNzkCsy7uNqFsdHcmqqaTm402_IOcy5a_Ixe-HF4Ct8ewBEnYgQBZLv_813Y_w4bI3NHGDudJJpgoUzbGjZ0YRuA/s1600/Cornelius+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF6V_RADTcayLbaGULcq0Gm7qu0n3XPNpELDwjzbo-qMM3fW-TqQNzkCsy7uNqFsdHcmqqaTm402_IOcy5a_Ixe-HF4Ct8ewBEnYgQBZLv_813Y_w4bI3NHGDudJJpgoUzbGjZ0YRuA/s200/Cornelius+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaNLBvs-X4FgUG47hp_2yXEq4QtsQc67v20Pdkf_oJ0EVlfsG0I2jOtE6cZarNCBTwGkIXZBTae3YaoN61oJ85dYfDSi6FBoArpGvV8mWdyE9kRi792RZqtCAcv_rITZHyRcTjL-f6w/s1600/Cornelius+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaNLBvs-X4FgUG47hp_2yXEq4QtsQc67v20Pdkf_oJ0EVlfsG0I2jOtE6cZarNCBTwGkIXZBTae3YaoN61oJ85dYfDSi6FBoArpGvV8mWdyE9kRi792RZqtCAcv_rITZHyRcTjL-f6w/s200/Cornelius+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cornelius - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Cornelius-Fantasma/release/8600167" target="_blank">Fantasma</a></span></b></span></div>
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Fantasma was Cornelius' third album after leaving jangly j-pop group Flipper's Guitar in 1991. It followed two Japan only releases: 1994's The First Question Award which was in a similar vain to Flipper's Guitar and his much more ambitious 1995 release 69/96, which brought sampling into a unique concept pop album. Both 69/96 and Fantasma were highly influential to the Shibuya-kei scene and they are probably the most well known albums from this fairly short lived but distinctive scene.</div>
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Fantasma follows on from 69/96 in a very organic way; it improves on the foundations of the earlier album and delivers a tight set of songs that manage to sound different to one another yet somehow cohesive through the album's unusual production. This would be the last album Cornelius would make in the Shibuya-kei style before moving into a much cleaner electronic direction with 2001's Point. I much prefer his music post-Fantasma yet there is no denying that Fantasma is a great album and the best of his earlier output.</div>
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This particular version of the album was released in 2016 through Lefse Records and spreads the album across two bright transparent orange records. The album includes four extra tracks that make up the entirety of Side D, so they're easy to skip if you prefer. The four added tracks are great though and really fit with the rest of the album. This release comes off the back of a Japan only remaster CD boxset of Fantasma which was two CD's long and came with a DVD! The sound of the remaster is good, it's subtle and just makes the album feel a little fresher to the ears. A highly recommended release that looks and sounds great. (Here's hoping his next two albums get a similar treatment!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyDLJ-4hC92hhY9wjx9M_xi9xIsLbOS3L2OJWbfquKWtQz0luTI3Ha2A8DfwFC9hZLrFG0b2ckaNLMm8h6HgZaKhhHmhXxGMPoOfZ1Pt6EfFvFejtA2B755KUTrD_SeBYcAdC4mMUNg/s1600/Devo+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyDLJ-4hC92hhY9wjx9M_xi9xIsLbOS3L2OJWbfquKWtQz0luTI3Ha2A8DfwFC9hZLrFG0b2ckaNLMm8h6HgZaKhhHmhXxGMPoOfZ1Pt6EfFvFejtA2B755KUTrD_SeBYcAdC4mMUNg/s200/Devo+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ung-r2fohSiW8lOKhe5zaEbntH6TfyBvUjY7_Bm2Z-QBSQvYpBP-_ClDOYgxnblYuxXK8Z_8Ouw0iajFaFRxhzpZIRNAhQEJ0O62NeHwBhGwL7p6j8GC7tzecfoG6gXxYhApivU7ug/s1600/Devo+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ung-r2fohSiW8lOKhe5zaEbntH6TfyBvUjY7_Bm2Z-QBSQvYpBP-_ClDOYgxnblYuxXK8Z_8Ouw0iajFaFRxhzpZIRNAhQEJ0O62NeHwBhGwL7p6j8GC7tzecfoG6gXxYhApivU7ug/s200/Devo+07.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNJTiUSROyflFgXY_fv5IewkpNVpH0AaDWccSiNDuI5aLErqUQwbIduRHm_61OTebc0fjxoG5lUaMv7396Wi5rLc89zNCjX8_p9Nlc2pBivxE8rEfHTpQFLqwe3tAURVt57BInH7pw/s1600/Devo+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNJTiUSROyflFgXY_fv5IewkpNVpH0AaDWccSiNDuI5aLErqUQwbIduRHm_61OTebc0fjxoG5lUaMv7396Wi5rLc89zNCjX8_p9Nlc2pBivxE8rEfHTpQFLqwe3tAURVt57BInH7pw/s200/Devo+03.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic31RhAWzK6BOAJk8sIj2GzuAs5aXKn7W3sAqcu3oB9a7phiPNoyitcS9DBXxeCMnsPR2v9CPxXghLLJssYDKLCe9Z7f54UuHPL8k-gWFCNUAqfPw_LNDerI2jZFT8IJxhYVTwtPduA/s1600/Devo+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic31RhAWzK6BOAJk8sIj2GzuAs5aXKn7W3sAqcu3oB9a7phiPNoyitcS9DBXxeCMnsPR2v9CPxXghLLJssYDKLCe9Z7f54UuHPL8k-gWFCNUAqfPw_LNDerI2jZFT8IJxhYVTwtPduA/s200/Devo+04.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRt1jJsgrd0FOiEdqlO3atBO3vv5TqGYEl2gpNbT3HSVt3ehyphenhyphentYNN3vw5476-5XqORJHBRqnRWEutmIPX-PW5mJQLT2ifjsVMjWNw1ZJNh5P381dCAU_bYlnnKjTSppscj5_LQPVLDg/s1600/Devo+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRt1jJsgrd0FOiEdqlO3atBO3vv5TqGYEl2gpNbT3HSVt3ehyphenhyphentYNN3vw5476-5XqORJHBRqnRWEutmIPX-PW5mJQLT2ifjsVMjWNw1ZJNh5P381dCAU_bYlnnKjTSppscj5_LQPVLDg/s200/Devo+05.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoxkcm7ricOninxcidRKQCAmO-kzzbSKEpgdk3e1W752UiODiKnUWZ3tbQOLVGrXSlqICdXIiEwMBMJz2Oc8C_Bi8kVpaWngtmWy3jZd8RfSAWApQjd53TttPLFWfet3myAKiSKGCOQ/s1600/Devo+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoxkcm7ricOninxcidRKQCAmO-kzzbSKEpgdk3e1W752UiODiKnUWZ3tbQOLVGrXSlqICdXIiEwMBMJz2Oc8C_Bi8kVpaWngtmWy3jZd8RfSAWApQjd53TttPLFWfet3myAKiSKGCOQ/s200/Devo+06.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Devo - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Devo-EZ-Listening-Muzak/release/8203339" target="_blank">EZ Listening Muzak</a></span></b></div>
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This is one for the hardcore Devo fans only! Futurismo have done an incredible job bringing together the tracks from Devo's two limited EZ Listening Cassette releases and putting them on vinyl for the first time (officially anyway...). This release comprises of easy listening version of popular Devo tracks made by the band to be played before they came on stage. Due to demand and the fact that the tapes kept getting bootleg'd the band officially released the cassettes in 1981 and 1984 in limited quantities.<br />
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Here, Futurismo brings together all the tracks from these cassette releases but places them in the same running order as the Rykodisc CD version from 1987. This seems to have rubbed some the wrong way but honestly it makes little difference to me personally. Exclusive to this release is a previously unreleased EZ version of 'Shout' and a newly recorded EZ version of 'Human Rocket' from Devo's 2010 album Something For Everybody.<br />
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This Futurismo version comes in an amazingly lavish box complete with newly designed and expanded artwork. It comes with a massive double sided poster (one side basically being liner notes), two hilarious inner sleeves, download code, a cocktail recipe and mixer and Booji Boy for president pin. There was even an extra limited edition that came with a silk dressing gown!!<br />
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You could get this double album in either 'Antique Walnut' or 'Lava Lamp' colour, I chose 'Antique Walnut' as I felt it was more in keeping with the overall design. Both versions are now completely sold out although they then put out a simplified gatefold version on black vinyl. Is the music worthy of such a luxurious release? I'm tempted to say no although it is welcome! If only Warner Bros would pay the main albums as much care and attention.<br />
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This was the second Futurismo release I had bought and I was worried about the pressing quality after the kind of noisy Miracle Witness Hour releases; thankfully everything here is perfect and in line with the impeccable design work... good job guys!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Raymond Scott - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Raymond-Scott-And-His-Orchestra-On-The-Swinging-Side/release/911392" target="_blank">On the Swinging Side</a></span></b></div>
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Picked this up for a bargain £3! It's a rare bootleg from the 70's, it brings together some of Raymond's band music. I don't know much about this side of Raymond's career (I'm more into his electronic work) and the packaging and the internet don't yield much in the way of information... if you know more about this release let me know. It would appear that it contains many tracks that weren't released any other way but they don't seem to be of high interest to Raymond Scott fans.</div>
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The vinyl is of a very nice deep transparent red which I find myself getting lost in, it's so red! The outer sleeve of my copy features hand writing by the original owner detailing when, where and how much he spent to buy it! Usually I'd hate this defacing of a record but here I find it kind of fascinating.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Units - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Units-Digital-Stimulation/release/7143680" target="_blank">Digital Stimulation</a></span></b></div>
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Another release on Futurismo! And another rather lavish design job. This release too features a huge double sided poster and printed inner sleeve. The inner sleeve has rounded edges, something I've always loved. The main artwork is very faithful to the original 1980 release although it appears to have been slightly cleaned up which is welcome.</div>
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The music is a kind of DIY, lofi synth punk featuring very sharp and brittle production that makes the music feel incredibly urgent. It feels as though the music on this release was conceived in a vacuum in a short space of time which fills the music with energy. It's a music that has yet to be smoothed out and perfected which is interesting to listen to. They obviously had a particular style and workflow and you can really feel it in the songwriting and recording.</div>
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This was a present from my mother for my birthday (thanks Mam!!) and comes on what Futurismo call 'Modular Shock' vinyl, a marbled yellow vinyl with flecks of white and red. It looks and sounds really great. The release also comes with a download that features both the album as well as a bonus live set which was a nice surprise.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Scott Walker - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Scott-Walker-The-Childhood-Of-A-Leader-/release/8917518" target="_blank">The Childhood of a Leader</a></span></b></div>
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This is the latest Scott Walker release for 4AD, a soundtrack to Brady Corbet's debut film of the same name. I have yet to see the film but this soundtrack release has definitely whet my appetite. It's an incredibly intense and full soundtrack that brings to mind Mica Levi's amazing Under the Skin soundtrack mixed with Scott's Pola X soundtrack and And Who Shall Go To The Ball? piece which was conceived for a dance company. The soundtrack is full of strings but these are some of the most violent and unnerving strings I've ever heard. The recording and performance is phenomenal and I'm sure Scott was thrilled to be working with such a large orchestra.</div>
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Although most of the tracks are less than 2 minutes the tracklisting blends together really well to the point that it all feels like one long suite. It's only 30 minutes long but in that time so much is conveyed. A great soundtrack and easily one of the best releases of 2016.</div>
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The release comes on black vinyl or this clear vinyl (independent stores only apparently...), it features some great print work and overall design. The card is a nice matte but the front image is depressed into the card and is glossy. It really helps the image stand out. Comes with a download code.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Josh Gabriel / Ellen Meijers / Michael Bross </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">-</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-New-N-Tasty-Oddworld-Abes-Oddysee-Collectors-Edition-Official-Video-Game-Soundtrack/release/7750447" target="_blank">New 'N' Tasty! Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee</a></b></div>
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A very nice record from the new kids on the block Black Screen Records. They have gone on to release soundtracks for Risk of Rain, Downwell, Dear Esther etc. They appear to be focusing on games that are Steam at the moment and indeed this record comes with a download code for Oddworld New n Tasty - a remake of the classic PS1/PC game from 1997. This really sweatens the deal and made this basically an instant buy for me.</div>
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The record is a mix of new tracks - made for the New n Tasty version - and subtly remixed original tracks from Abe's Oddysee. They blend together very well to the point that I can hardly tell them apart and it flows well. The whole record reminds me of the original PS1 game so that's good!</div>
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It's a mix of sci-fi soundscapes and atmospheric synthetic tracks. It has a very particular mood which is hard to put in words. The music doesn't stand apart from the game very well but this does bring back memories and is good if you are familiar with the series.</div>
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The release also comes with a large double sided poster that I am tempted to put up one day; although it is rather large and it seems so many releases these days come with nice prints so it's hard to pick between them all.</div>
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Vinyl itself sounds a little scratchy in places, not the most pure pressing I've ever heard but not terrible either. The extras - the game, poster and digital soundtrack - more than make up for less than perfect pressing and I'm sure they have learnt from their mistakes.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ryuji Iuchi / Osamu Murata / Takenobu Mitsuyoshi / </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yuzo Koshiro - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-Shenmue/release/7453723" target="_blank">Shenmue</a></span></b></div>
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Another record from the guys at Data Discs. This was one of two records that they launched the label with, the other being the soundtrack to the Mega Drive classic Streets of Rage.</div>
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Shenmue was a game I never played as it came out late in the Sega Dreamcast's lifespan and cost a small fortune even upon release. Hopefully one day we will get a downloadable HD remaster of the game and its sequel as I am sure there are many people just like me who missed out on this supposed masterpiece.</div>
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I picked up the Streets of Rage record day one but waited on this due to not having played the game. I then picked it up along with a preorder for the Outrun soundtrack (below!) and do not regret it in the slightest. The record sounds incredible and comes on this really deep blue transparent vinyl. The soundtrack itself is far from a 'complete' soundtrack but it works so well and makes me want to play the game even more, it's just so filmic and beautifully oriental (kind of crap to say perhaps but you know what I mean right?). It kind of reminds me of some Ryuichi Sakamoto's film scores including The Last Emperor and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, it's just so rich a sound and so transportive.</div>
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Beautiful packaging and print round out the package nicely - the print in particular is very nice.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Koichi Namiki, Katsuhiro Hayashi & Shigeru Ohwada </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">-</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.discogs.com/Koichi-Namiki-Katsuhiro-Hayashi-Shigeru-Ohwada-Super-Hang-On/release/7876281" target="_blank">Super Hang-On</a></span></b></div>
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Ah yes, this was a huge surprise when it was announced by Data Discs. Super Hang-On is a very unlikely release but one I welcome with open arms! Although the game was a fairly big deal upon release in arcades and was ported many times it is often forgotten about due to the technically more impressive sprite racers such as Outrun or Power Drift.</div>
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I first played Hang-On on the Mega Drive as a kid but have little memory of it; it obviously left very little impression on me with its terrible framerate. It wasn't until I downloaded the Sega 3D Classics version for the 3DS that I really connected with the game. M2 did such a phenominal job with almost all of these arcade and console ports and Super Hang-On is defintiely up there with the best of their output. The game is incredibly addictive, challenging and also rewarding featuring a unique boost mechanic that has to be used strategically in order to stay on the road and meet each check point.</div>
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At the start of the race you get to choose from 4 music tracks (all of which are obviously included here); the tracks are fairly long and evolve nicely. They perhaps aren't as soothing or complex as the tracks that were featured in Outrun but this paved the way. The tracks have a much more driving rock feel and are of a much higher tempo then Outrun's more jolly and laid back tracks.</div>
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The record is fairly short as their isn't a ton of music in the game but it is cut at 45rpm so it fills the 12" nicely. I feel it might have been slightly more suited to a collection release - like a collection of 10" or 7" records in a box set (along with soundtracks for After Burner for example). The record itself comes in a thick printed card inner sleeve which can be seen through the record's die-cut cover depicted the arcades classic typeface. Personally I prefer poly-lined sleeves (the rest of the Data Discs releases come with these thankfully) so I don't actually house the record in the card sleeve but it is a nice design choice. The record itself is rather stunning and it's good to see this game get a good amount of attention.</div>
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I believe this release had a smaller print run than any other release by Data Discs and it doesn't appear that there will be a re-press so I wouldn't be surprised if this goes on to become incredibly valuable as time goes by... and I personally value it very highly! A great soundtrack expertly put together for an underrated game.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yuzo Koshiro – <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Yuzo-Koshiro-Streets-Of-Rage-2/release/8355720" target="_blank">Streets Of Rage 2</a></span></b></div>
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Ah yes, another classic Data Discs release! Streets of Rage 2 is a phenominal game with an equelly phenominal soundtrack. Personally I find it incredibly hard to figure out which game and soundtrack I prefer. I love the more direct and streamlined soundtrack of the original game and it features some of the most classic videogame tracks of all time. The first game also is more straightforward in terms of gameplay and features a much quicker feel. Streets of Rage 2 boasts much larger sprites and stages that scroll in multiple directions which makes it feel distinct. It is everything you could want in a sequel; it expands and innovates without losing the essence of the original... and yet part of me still prefers the first game's breakneck pace and soundtrack. The music here, like with the original, is a mix of electronic genres of the early 90's, with a super bass heavy and driving unique sound. Worth noting also that this soundtrack comes with unique alternative mixes, demos and unused tracks which are interesting to discover.</div>
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This is the first Data Discs release to be presented in a gatefold. A lot of the initial copies feature seam splits from the records and sadly mine is no different. I see they were replacing these at one point but I wonder whether that boat has now sailed.</div>
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I'm personally not a fan of the image on the front but it's not the worst thing in the world. The records come with two very nicely printed inserts and the typical OBI strip and poly-lined inner sleeves. The records are nice but they don't exactly scream at you like the Super Hang-On release above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoEGDWUwGNbyc6u4Xvttp0JDyKVxMGf2zOQPD39QjjVTrt_NWMgXcUxZQFy3KambpsbnUE4g1-xnkB8CHQuvy7ceeoZ-xZRTitAYh90_-5u9_omTrpPCm-6MKRS9fSKvEwzPClw9udw/s1600/Outrun+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoEGDWUwGNbyc6u4Xvttp0JDyKVxMGf2zOQPD39QjjVTrt_NWMgXcUxZQFy3KambpsbnUE4g1-xnkB8CHQuvy7ceeoZ-xZRTitAYh90_-5u9_omTrpPCm-6MKRS9fSKvEwzPClw9udw/s200/Outrun+06.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZNJYYi03ZVjwwKf5R4lLoQX7RlFv_gOjFjkuQkEpSNyoSGoQjWpTZBOENa1ZCqZYQkUm6-cagAQsE5WYuVmFonL03wOhB0vv_k2leijeeqP539Y5kg6v3KhOuFJNIBwKG3EPHmldow/s1600/Outrun+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZNJYYi03ZVjwwKf5R4lLoQX7RlFv_gOjFjkuQkEpSNyoSGoQjWpTZBOENa1ZCqZYQkUm6-cagAQsE5WYuVmFonL03wOhB0vv_k2leijeeqP539Y5kg6v3KhOuFJNIBwKG3EPHmldow/s200/Outrun+07.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hiroshi Kawaguchi / Jane-Evelyn Nisperos / Manabu Namiki / Masayoshi Ishi - <a href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-OutRun/release/8804106" target="_blank">OutRun</a></span></b></div>
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I first encountered OutRun via the Sega Ages collection on the Sega Saturn (which also features Space Harrier and After Burner), it immediately grabbed me with its beautiful vivid artwork and astonishing soundtrack. I have since played the game a heap on the 3DS but my heart will always be with that more pure Sega Saturn experience.</div>
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This release features a large die cut window so that you can change the scene to decipt different landscapes from the game. The only problem with this is all of the landscapes kind of look barren and also have a distracting blurry look to them. I really like the green, white and pink look of the release but I am less than happy with the overall image quality. A huge shame seeing as this is undeniably one of the most essential Sega soundtracks out there; super long and ever evolving tracks mirror the games unique branching path structure and the composition is just so sunny and joyous.</div>
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I missed out on the limited edition version of this release which featured the three colours stacked atop one another but this solid green is very lovely either way!</div>
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The release features the original incredible tracks as well as one that was composed for the Mega Drive release and two that were made in the old arcade style for the Nintendo 3DS release. These additional tracks although a shade below the original compositions fit nicely in this release and capture the games environments and gameplay nicely. The 3DS tracks in particular blend in surprisingly well.</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nankyoku, Decky & Imocky / Naofumi Hataya -</span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.discogs.com/Nankyoku-Decky-4-Imocky-Naofumi-Hataya-Golden-Axe-I-II/release/8993727" target="_blank">Golden Axe I & II</a></span></b></div>
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Golden Axe... many a day of my childhood was spent with this game. I loved the weird music and the overall feel of this game. It just felt very odd and as a young kid I couldn't exactly understand what was happening but had a fun time either way! Jumping on the top of beasts and kicking little thieving imps will always be engrained in my mind! (also the screen filling special attacks!) It kind of reminded me of Altered Beast but less scary and more complex.</div>
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I never played the game's sequel so it's nice to hear some tracks from its soundtrack here. The release feels a little different to the other Data Discs releases as it is technically two separate soundtracks brought together. Not 100% sure how I feel about this approach to be honest. The tracks here end up all feeling fairly short in order to fit on to one side of vinyl and I'm sure they've had to skip a bunch of tracks. As for the music, it is much more stripped back and primitive sounding than other soundtracks such as Streets of Rage or Gunstar Heroes but it harkens back to the very early days of the Mega Drive so that makes sense and it still has a unique rustic charm.</div>
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One thing is for certain, the packaging is something else!! The Conan inspired artwork makes me very nostalgic even if it is more than a little embarrassing to look at. The front image in particular (which was used for Japanese carts) is the stand out, it's just so epic! The package also comes with two great inserts depicting the box art for the western releases. I like the added touch of colouring the inner of the sleeve gold.</div>
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This comes on a very nice golden orange translucent vinyl; there was also a limited edition version that featured 4 blobs of purple but honestly I'm not super attached to this soundtrack so I was happy enough to get this less limited version.</div>
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Posted: 21st March 2017Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-81292966564039691562016-07-20T15:37:00.001+01:002016-07-20T15:38:32.099+01:00REVIEW: Dempa Micomsoft XE-1 SFC Intelligent Joystick for Super Famicom (SNES)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ljfK6FgcUw2LAxhB8aGxA7vc-oRGrAhQ-n-steqyo0QaW3kcP6BEYjKbj1G-sHhGqUdEEX5P-FUjXvlzqQuKjBVYTSAd_jTZMMU1B_TLLtPZ5eM41wXmm_7PXkl2dSXN8pQy3_WRrQ/s1600/IMG_7980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ljfK6FgcUw2LAxhB8aGxA7vc-oRGrAhQ-n-steqyo0QaW3kcP6BEYjKbj1G-sHhGqUdEEX5P-FUjXvlzqQuKjBVYTSAd_jTZMMU1B_TLLtPZ5eM41wXmm_7PXkl2dSXN8pQy3_WRrQ/s640/IMG_7980.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>Will this Japanese arcade stick give you an SNES advantage?</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">The XE-1 SFC is an arcade stick made for the Super Famicom (the Japanese version of the SNES) by Dempa Micomsoft; a company that made a wealth of accessories for the Japanese video game market back in the 1990's before abandoning the video game scene altogether to focus on video converters and accessories (they're the guys who made the wildly popular FrameMeister).</span><br />
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In terms of compatibility the controller will work with any American SNES but sadly you'll have to either modify your console or the controller if you wish to use it on a PAL SNES as almost all PAL SNES consoles feature controller region locking (!). Here's a <a href="http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=controls:snes_con_region_fix" target="_blank">link</a> for more information if this effects you, I modified my console and it was surprisingly easy to do. But is this stick worth modifying your console for?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91VOE8UMjmCFTJ7-09jcruGtPfHq_JCr5d82rGSaOghJ003LrIEERJkmfYnuAxWMHYMsiBMBbbM_JSXqixBDBKB68zhLc4uZQTrv1P3ATkYqoBX3PIr07K70MVl3M9GRHjT47rmIksg/s1600/IMG_7985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91VOE8UMjmCFTJ7-09jcruGtPfHq_JCr5d82rGSaOghJ003LrIEERJkmfYnuAxWMHYMsiBMBbbM_JSXqixBDBKB68zhLc4uZQTrv1P3ATkYqoBX3PIr07K70MVl3M9GRHjT47rmIksg/s640/IMG_7985.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stick & Buttons</span></b></div>
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The XE-1 SFC is an unusual and slightly confounding stick to look at with an equally confusing number of features including the ability to rotate the A,B,X,Y buttons, turbo fire, button remapping, stick flipping etc etc... and all the instructions are in Japanese (woo-hoo!).<br />
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Let us begin by going through the elements that are fundamental to any arcade stick: the buttons and the stick itself. The stick is a traditional Japanese style ball-top locked into a square gate, it features responsive microswitches with that distinctive and reassuring 'clicky' sound and feel. The material the stick and ball are made from doesn't feel premium but it isn't that bad. Little effort is required to manipulate the stick and yet it snaps back into place incredibly quickly. There's little to no wobble when the stick is stationary and the travel around the gate feels somewhat short; all of this adds up to a stick that feels incredibly responsive. It's not loose and wobbly but not too heavy either. I much prefer this style of stick over the more American bat shaped stick which tends to feel very heavy and unresponsive.<br />
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Unlike the stick the buttons on this controller are anything but traditional, they are probably the most divisive element of the controller. The feel of them is far from arcade-like. The A, B, X, Y buttons have a very light feel, fairly responsive but also a little spongy. The large grey bean shaped buttons that surround the main four buttons remind me of the GameCube's X and Y buttons (did Nintendo get inspired by this stick??), their feel is different to the A, B, X, Y buttons in that they're more clicky, bringing to mind the spacebar on an old keyboard! One issue is that the feel between each of these buttons is inconsistent. They are each of a different shape. size and depth and just feel different to one another, the one above the stick in particular is incredibly spongy and not that satisfying to use (thankfully you'll rarely use it). The light coloured Turbo arrows, CLR, MODE and FIX buttons on the top have an incredibly short travel and a satisfying click to them; perfect for navigating menus. The start and select buttons are the spongiest of sponge!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Design</span></b></div>
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Next I'd like to tackle the thorny issue of this sticks' button layout as well as the overall design of the arcade stick. The layout of the stick is so unusual that it's often a fight just to get your brain to work together with the controller, especially if you're playing a game like Street Fighter II which works perfectly with a more traditional button layout. The mismatch shapes and sizes of the buttons make fighting games that use 6 buttons - such as Street Fighter II and Killer Instinct - feel completely alien. Other fighting games like Mortal Kombat fair better as do shoot-em-up's like Super Aleste. The buttons are all rather light and so holding down a fire button for minutes at a time poses no issues whatsoever! The less buttons a game uses the better it will play on the XE-1 SFC, the more complex a game's control scheme is the more it will be distorted by the XE-1 SFC.</div>
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By default all the grey buttons to the left of the A, B, X, Y buttons correspond to the L button, it's only the one grey button to the right that represents R. This button layout works well as it usually means that your thumb is always over an L, your first two fingers are on the face buttons and your third finger is ready to hit R. Still, the difference in feel, size and shape of the buttons make it all feel a little off. It's an usual and quirky button layout that can make games feel fresh but can also frustrate at times.</div>
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The size of the XE-1 SFC is much smaller than most modern sticks and will take some time to adjust to for those who've grown accustomed to the larger surface area that the limited edition Mad Catz sticks ushered in with Street Fighter IV. I hold the stick with the shaft between my second and third fingers as can be seen in the left image above. This is fairly comfortable so long as your wrist is coming from below, if you come more from the left your hand isn't going to be supported that much by the stick's base. If you tend to hover above the base then obviously this won't be an issue for you but I found the overall form factor of the XE-1 SFC to be too small. The face buttons are too small and cramped together also and I found that there isn't enough room to truly feel comfortable when using the stick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jMDPE6JLPqpC_JQ7gA5KXmefsuerMHhiYDpKav8Qyc4fZyZjkaEDEibN5ZlDy1Bo76wPYwHmjiFmtzOGEWbbCOdIQ_OyYTeCjYWvJy2ANTCcX36KGagmSDQRv8wY-kQLsA8ONgY6iw/s1600/IMG_7989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jMDPE6JLPqpC_JQ7gA5KXmefsuerMHhiYDpKav8Qyc4fZyZjkaEDEibN5ZlDy1Bo76wPYwHmjiFmtzOGEWbbCOdIQ_OyYTeCjYWvJy2ANTCcX36KGagmSDQRv8wY-kQLsA8ONgY6iw/s640/IMG_7989.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Extra Features</span></b></div>
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By this point you may have already written off this controller with it's small form factor and strange button layout but it's not a stick without its charms and a big plus for the controller is its frankly staggering amount of customisation options and extra little features. Below I will list off the features that I understand (there are others like the timer, macro and save options but I can't read the instruction manual to be sure how to use them!)</div>
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* Turbo - choose between 1-30 button presses per second, per button.</div>
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* Repeat - similar to Turbo although there is a delay before the Turbo kicks in from when the button is held.</div>
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* Acc - continuous Turbo without touching the button. Holding the button acts like the button is being held - for instance you could have auto-fire in StarFox but hold the button to do a charge shot. </div>
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* Flip mode - changes buttons into on/off flip switches. Press a button and it will be held down until you press the button again. Turbo, Repeat and Acc can be combined with the Flip mode, for example you could have a Turbo fire that is flipped on or off.</div>
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* Re-mappable button layout - choose any button or stick direction and reassign it to any other button.</div>
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* Load layouts - load one of 13 Micomsoft presets that are made for specific games and genres. (You can save your own layouts but I can't get my head around this feature).</div>
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* 4-way stick - disable diagonals for more accurate gameplay in games such as Pac-Man.</div>
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* Rotate A, B, X, Y buttons - 90° anti clockwise and 180° clockwise.</div>
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The amount of options at your disposal with this stick is incredibly impressive and it's only when you start thinking about all the wildly different configurations possible that this stick truly becomes something special. Many games do not feature button remapping but you can greatly change the feel of a game by changing around the buttons. For instance you could swap the functions of the stick and face buttons around, you could turn in Mario Kart with the shoulder buttons and accelarate by pushing the stick up. In a shoot-em-up you could have multiple buttons mapped to different rates of Turbo, Flip, Acc fire or a mixture of all the above. You could play with the stick back to front if you prefer to use your right hand with the stick (although obviously this isn't too comfortable!).</div>
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The XE-1 SFC makes you think about how you play your games and how to customise the stick to get the most out of any different game; it encourages fun and wacky experimentation... but things can soon get out of hand! Thankfully there's a tiny Reset button located at the back of the controller that brings everything back to default if you want to clear the slate and start again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZJnQDRyjpmYmltGRvUC2oC2fw6wysT8MGBU-1im2dnzdkCDOP8nOwg-HfsLb2YFiFX9PfXWWLl0F9bbpdU4bC1VVTUrsBCixD8i1oC0PKMgd8z8_zVerryW3B4M3rR7gl4ZxkmpWmg/s1600/IMG_7975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZJnQDRyjpmYmltGRvUC2oC2fw6wysT8MGBU-1im2dnzdkCDOP8nOwg-HfsLb2YFiFX9PfXWWLl0F9bbpdU4bC1VVTUrsBCixD8i1oC0PKMgd8z8_zVerryW3B4M3rR7gl4ZxkmpWmg/s640/IMG_7975.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Editing Interface</span></b></div>
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All of this functionality is represented clearly with a simple LCD screen and it's here that you'll be looking when configuring this controller. The screen always shows an image of the stick on the bottom right and a traditional SNES controller above. This allows you to quickly see what button you are pressing and how that button is being sent to the SNES. For example you could press button 1 as shown above but have it set to work as R on a controller and so R would be shown on the top image. </div>
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There are multiple ways of editing the controller which can feel a bit confusing at first but once you've got your head round it it becomes fairly simple. For instance you can quickly add Turbo to a button by holding the desired button down and then pressing the arrows on the Turbo. If you want to clear a button of all Turbo / Flip etc you can hold the CLR button at the top right and then tap the button you want to clear. Adding Turbo on its own is fairly simple but if you want to get into re-mapping the buttons, adding Flip, changing the stick to 4-way etc you're going to have to dive into the menu.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj5D_vdwg959jjDFSvgDbIua8ad_T7YqrHQ_1vKujiRoGEVp64l9ZkkvaM5d9Mq66TiNdDwUSntevvTO5U0cXiQWt69_OZtWrTgT0SXjmbc7g_QQUHzsJwrcddkTVVKIPg8CRSP3Kkg/s1600/IMG_7990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj5D_vdwg959jjDFSvgDbIua8ad_T7YqrHQ_1vKujiRoGEVp64l9ZkkvaM5d9Mq66TiNdDwUSntevvTO5U0cXiQWt69_OZtWrTgT0SXjmbc7g_QQUHzsJwrcddkTVVKIPg8CRSP3Kkg/s640/IMG_7990.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There are two ways of editing your controls via the menu: Easy or Trig modes. Each has its uses but visually they look so similar that it's easy to get confused between the two. Easy allows you to work with one button at a time, for instance say you wanted Y to function as an L button with Flip enabled you would first press Y, then scroll through the menu with the arrows until Flip and Clr are both flashing (Clr means you will not have Turbo, Repeat or Acc). You'd then press FIX which will take you to the next stage which is picking what the button represents. At this stage you could simply press FIX and move on to the next button but here we want Y to function as L so instead we use the arrow keys again to cycle through until L is shown on the above controller... then press FIX. When you are happy with your edits press MODE to leave the menu and enter back into Play mode.</div>
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Editing using the Trig option does not allow you to remap controls but does allow for very quick effects and functions to be mapped across multiple buttons. Say for instance you would like Flip and Turbo at 16 presses a second on A and B buttons you would scroll through the menu with the arrow keys until Flip and Turbo are both flashing, you'd then choose the rate of Turbo by clicking FIX and then pressing the arrows again to choose the desired amount. Then simply click the buttons you want these options to be mapped to (A and B in this case), click MODE to leave the menu and voila! It's a fairly simple system and the ability to clear individual controls by holding CLR and pressing individual buttons or reseting to default by pressing the Reset button at the back of the controller means there's always a way of quickly getting out of a mess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-n7gnBautFV0Tq0KRTQt6zfwcy9boIn-KDo1sdoEneT9iGZiwvXdlrsYUTqmuVkOwo3RLz2zg9rZIEWfzRenGyedLh3ZUB4dgWw-8Al8APtQYws-7tb6jEWkDR-kIGqp9Abpo-5K_Q/s1600/IMG_7991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-n7gnBautFV0Tq0KRTQt6zfwcy9boIn-KDo1sdoEneT9iGZiwvXdlrsYUTqmuVkOwo3RLz2zg9rZIEWfzRenGyedLh3ZUB4dgWw-8Al8APtQYws-7tb6jEWkDR-kIGqp9Abpo-5K_Q/s640/IMG_7991.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
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The XE-1 SFC is peculiar and fascinating; it's incredibly odd with its spinning face buttons and bizzare button layout but the controller is also inspiring with its re-mappable buttons and wealth of extra features. The stick itself is very responsive and accurate, the buttons are light weight and responsive but strangely arranged meaning that games like Street Fighter II never feel truly comfortable. The arcade stick is fairly small with little in the way of space to the left of the stick for your wrist which may be an issue for some users. But at the end of the day the fun to be had through re-mapping the controls is unlike anything I've experienced in an arcade stick before, and it's relatively easy to do, opening up the possibilities for creative use and making certain games feel new again. You can negate some of the control issues you may have due to the stick's layout by re-mapping the controls to your liking and perhaps along the way you may end up finding a new way of playing some of your favourite games. The XE-1 SFC is an usual controller and one not without it's flaws but it is also a curious beast that functions well and offers up many new gameplay options for those willing to dive into its menus.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7.5/10</b></span><br />
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Posted 20th July 2016Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-24086917861509848072016-05-06T13:02:00.000+01:002016-05-06T13:14:15.017+01:00Ten Favourite Record Covers<div style="text-align: left;">
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To help me narrow the selection down to ten I used a few rules or criteria to help distinguish the great from the good. Choosing just ten covers was difficult, putting them in some kind of order would be even harder so I've chosen to present them alphabetically... enjoy!</div>
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<i>- the cover must work with the music in some way, enhancing the overall experience.</i></div>
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<i>- ... yet it should be able to stand independent from the music as a work of art in itself.</i></div>
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<i>- the cover must be intriguing and withstand long hard looks without becoming boring.</i></div>
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<i>- extra points for inserts, back covers and overall design.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Art Bears - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Art-Bears-Hopes-And-Fears/release/2386761" target="_blank">Hopes and Fears</a></span></b></div>
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The front cover to Art Bears' 1978 classic album 'Hopes and Fears' is in fact a photograph of a model by EM Thomas, also known as Maggie Thomas. She was closely linked with Henry Cow and their ilk it'd seem as she sung on a small number of tracks as well as mixed some tracks here and there too. She did all the artwork for the Art Bears releases as well as a number of Chris Cutler and Fred Frith albums. It's unclear who did the painting on the back or designed the rest of the packaging.</div>
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'Hopes and Fears' was Art Bears' first album following the disbanding of Henry Cow; I bring this up as I feel the connection between the two groups is very strong and it's interesting to take this into account when looking at this artwork. Henry Cow were known for their long and twisting compositions that featured elaborate instrumentation and a heavy political element. Art Bears continued along the same path as Henry Cow but paired things back; the core group was made up of Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause and Fred Frith and the tracks likewise were leaner and streamlined... if no less dense and tangly.</div>
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The tracks on offer work so well with 3D diorama of the front cover; there is a sense that these tracks all live in the same M.C. Escher style house but inhabit different rooms, each of which defy the walls that contain them. It's easy to get lost within the density of the artwork and likewise it is easy to get lost in the music. The back cover contrasts heavily with the front, featuring a very flat painterly landscape, strangely the front cover has a greater sense of depth than the landscape which appears very flat to a point of almost looking surreal.</div>
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I love getting lost in this album and its artwork.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Broadcast - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Broadcast-Haha-Sound/release/186545" target="_blank">Haha Sound</a></span></b></div>
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The artwork to Broadcast's second album proper can be credited to Julian House, a long time collaborator of theirs who it'd appear worked on all of their releases, from 1996's 'The Book Lovers EP' to the group's soundtrack to Peter Strickland's film Berberian Sound Studio. The unique collage style of House which brings together found photography, text and textures worked so well with Broadcast... to the point that it's hard to untangle the music and artwork. In my opinion the peak of their collaborative efforts was the cover and overall design of 2003's 'Haha Sound'. House is credited with working with many many other artists such as Primal Scream and Stereolab and has his own music project in the form of The Focus Group, he is also one half of the fantastic Ghost Box label.</div>
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The artwork here is presented on very thick glossy card featuring the old-school 'tip on' design technique. The quality of the material as well as overall packaging is impressive to behold, I'm not sure if the re-issue is as robust (anyone know?). The design features a stark and striking black, white and orange colour pallet, this colour pallet is coupled with text that is used to create shapes and textures. The text reminds me of computer code but the way it is used here gives it a real sense of personality. The artwork and style is consistent all the way through the packaging and makes for a really nice and distinctive design. The music sometimes has a dissonant feel to it and the textures and cut-up images fit well with those feelings.</div>
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Rest in peace Trish, your voice and personality still echo through the music you left behind and in House's artwork.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Captain-Beefheart-Magic-Band-Ice-Cream-For-Crow/release/1139575" target="_blank">Ice Cream for Crow</a></span></b></div>
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The cover to Captain Beefheart's final album is very fitting. Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart!) had been privately dealing with health issues such as multiple sclerosis which made working on music and performing live increasingly difficult. His ongoing illness plus his wanting to concentrate on his paintings saw him bow out gracefully with 'Ice Cream for Crow' in 1982, fifteen years after he shook the world with 'Safe As Milk'.</div>
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Although not his most famous of albums, 'Ice Cream for Crow' is up there with his best and it seems a fitting place to finish off. The cover features a close up of a Van Vliet painting full of violent textural paint strokes on unprimed canvas. This simultaneously delicate yet raw art style mirrors Van Vliet's gritty voice and the music that skates around and through it. The artwork wraps around from the front to the back of the cover, exposing the edge of the canvas. On top of the canvas are two black and white photographs by Anton Corbijn; the one of Van Vliet is incredibly touching and sees him in the barren desert landscape he called home, his hat off and held against his chest in a final respectful farewell. The photo on the back of the Magic Band shows the enthusiasm these guys had for working together, there is a sense of comradery and excitement in the photo. Van Vliet was notoriously erratic and difficult to work with but in this photo you'd be forgiven for thinking that that was all just myth.</div>
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Van Vliet described the title of the album as being a play on the colours black and white, a reference to black and white photography as well a juxtaposition of harshness and sweetness; all of that is here on this cover and it's still fascinating to gaze at.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Devo - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Freedom-Of-Choice/release/139607" target="_blank">Freedom of Choice</a></span></b></div>
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A couldn't <i>not</i> have Devo in this list right!? This is Love Without Anger after all. Picking just one Devo cover was a difficult task, I was going back and forth between the Warner Bros. cover for their first Album 'Q: Are We Not Men?...' - which featured the face of golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez taken from the packaging for some golf balls - and this, the worldwide cover for their third album 'Freedom of Choice'. In the end this won due to it's iconic look and how it represents the music.</div>
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Devo were (and are) a post-punk band who were influenced in the early days by a mixture of whacked out religion and philosophy and the appropriative, consumeristic Pop Art world. Yet Devo were angry; they felt the world falling apart around them following a mass police shooting that saw the senseless slaughter of fellow students and friends at their highschool in Akron Ohio. Instead of snarly punk songs the band came through with an energetic and agitated pop sound that held up an absurdist distorted mirror to modern life. With their songs they wanted to infiltrate and question pop culture but in the end their sound had such influence that they actually <i>became</i> pop culture.</div>
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Part of what Devo used to infiltrate the minds of America was myth, iconography, symbolism and sex. A lot of their work deals with the human urge for sex and how it controls a lot of our day to day actions. They also made a brand out of their albums with each of their early albums coming with an insert full of mail order items to get <i>that Devo look </i>(a look that changed with every album).</div>
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With the 'Freedom of Choice' album they created the myth that they were all uniform in height, weight etc, giving the sense that they were all cut using the same cookie cutter! This uniformity and kind of cult-like look made them appear as a single unit, the fact that the band has two pairs of brothers among it's five members only furthers the confusion when looking at this front cover (who is who?). The American flags that frame the image and the overall red, white and blue look only furthers this sense of blind conformity. Yet it's incredibly knowing and absurd, what are they wearing, what have they got on their heads!? It's a cover that is incredibly striking yet simple and almost banal. It's just absolutely phenomenal and represents so much about what Devo is and what the tracks on 'Freedom of Choice' are all about.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Faust - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Faust-The-Faust-Tapes/release/223803" target="_blank">The Faust Tapes</a></span></b></div>
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The first Faust album I bought was the reissue of 'Faust IV' in 2006. I had not heard them before but had seen the cover of their first album and had read about them... from what I read I was excited to hear their sound, expecting it to be like nothing I'd heard before. In a sense it was very unusual to my ears but at the same time I could feel the time it was recorded, it felt 'vintage'. You can really hear the 70's tape production in that record. I was not expecting the album to hold little ditties like 'The Sad Skinhead' and at first I did not know what to make of the overall schizophrenic nature of the album but it has grown on me over time.</div>
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Next I got their first two album which absolutely blew me away, suddenly 'Faust IV' made a lot more sense. One album always eluded me though, the much talked about 'The Faust Tapes' from 1973. It was pretty hard to find on CD back in the mid-2000's but eventually I started to buy vinyl and it was always in the back of my mind... must get 'The Faust Tapes' on vinyl! One day when walking around Lincoln I went into an antiques shop that sold old wooden golf clubs and random bits and bobs, in the corner was a little box of records. That day I picked up this, Black Sabbath and Scott Walker records... success!</div>
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'The Faust Tapes' was originally released for the price of a 7" single in a marketing scheme that paid off and spread the Faust name far and wide. But this is far far far from a pop record, it's their most collaged, long form and generally 'out there' release; to think thousands of people were buying this back in 1973 without knowing what they were getting themselves into! The front of the record features text that explains that this should 'not be regarded as their third album, but a bonus release' that wasn't originally intended to be made public but due to the interest in the UK was released. It also says that it is all played live with no post production but I think that's a lie! I can feel that someone has arranged this pretty heavily (maybe I'm wrong?).</div>
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The main body of the text is filled by clippings from UK and French publications talking about the band in the years 1972-73. We've got Best, Rock & Folk, Sounds, Disc, Extra, Pop Music and New Musical Express. This is great as it gives a real snapshot of the impact the band were having at the time. I really like the layout and typeface of the text, it's incredibly direct and easy to read but there is just so much to read! This wall of text I imagine helped sell more copies also (it helps that John Peel wrote the piece for Disc). On the back is a painting by Bridget Riley. When I was studying art at GCSE and A-Level I absolutely loved Op Art and in particular Bridget Riley, having this on the back just brought back lots of memories. It's hard to get a sense of the optical effect when looking at a computer screen but in person it is really startling and draws you in. I think the image is a really good fit for the album and it's a shame they didn't work together on future releases and that the image wasn't used on the reissues that surfaced after the initial release.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Henry Cow - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Henry-Cow-In-Praise-Of-Learning/release/3245857" target="_blank">In Praise of Learning</a></span></b></div>
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In some ways I feel unequipped to talk about this album; there is obviously a heavy political message that runs through the album but I haven't delved too deeply into the particulars of it. I do not know of the political climate in 1975, I can only speak to what energy I get from this music and the cover of this album, 41 years (!) after the fact.</div>
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The cover of the album is by Ray Smith who did the first three Henry Cow album covers: all featuring this woven sock motif but repainted each time to 'suit the temper of the music' as drummer Chris Cutler once said. Henry Cow's first album 'Legend' featured nothing but the sock on the front, it looked homely with it's red and blue colour scheme against what looks like a plastered wall. When I see this album cover I think of humble beginnings, working as a unit and as a family. The second album 'Unrest' features a much darker and tar like look, there are hints of colour coming through the black or reflecting off the thick oil texture but the feel is of being smothered. I find 'Unrest' the most difficult Henry Cow album to connect with and I guess the artwork suits the music in that sense!</div>
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After 'Unrest' Henry Cow teamed up with Krautrock pop group Slapp Happy for a semi-collaborative album called 'Desperate Straights'. The album featured Henry Cow joining Slapp Happy as instrumentalists; although Moore and Blegvad of Slapp Happy wrote all the tracks it was obvious Henry Cow as a musical and political force was heavily guiding these songs.</div>
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The same year as 'Desperate Straights' Henry Cow (now expanded by three having cannibalised Slapp Happy) came through with this, their third album 'In Praise of Learning'. It's hard not to see this title as a reference to Cornelius Cardew's 1971 'The Great Learning' which in a way brought spoken political word and philosophy into the avant garde of the time. Cardew would shortly go on to disown the long, improvised and experimental form and prefer to give messages direct with pop like short political songs. Dagmar Krause, the incredible and distinctive vocalist from Slapp Happy would act as spokesperson for Henry Cow voicing a snarling, angry text that acts as the spine of the album. Henry Cow had always been a political group but now having a direct channel via the vocals of Krause the energy and bite of the political message was brought right to the forefront.</div>
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This new found political directness manifests in the cover art, painted in a Mao red, all other colours be damned! Henry Cow is written in all caps and framed by two thick lines, it's as if everything was leading to this point. The first album had no text, the second had lower case and hand written, this third album has bold, all caps typeface. The back of the album contains all the lyrics written out to be read and followed, this was a statement and the paint had not yet dried.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kraftwerk - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kraftwerk-The-Man-Machine/release/15706" target="_blank">The Man Machine</a></span></b></div>
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Ah yes, Kraftwerk. So many great album covers but I had to go with 'The Man Machine'. Everything about this is just so distinctive and eye catching. They would go on to ruin all their album covers with their remasters but that's a topic for another time!</div>
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This album marked a distinct step for Kraftwerk, they had sort of created an aesthetic beforehand through their 'straight' and professional look on 'Trans Europe Express' which brought to mind 1920's style with a space-race, patriotic and utopic air but 'The Man Machine' saw them adopting culture whilst also creating a visionary and futuristic look. This was 1978, the year of Grease, of Bee-Gees, the last massive surge of disco whilst punk ate away the rug from under their shiny dancing feet like bacteria. It's a strange time in music and Kraftwerk come out with the most robotic and uncool look and sound, there's no swing or boogie here yet they had the musical foresight to know where music would be moving.<br />
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The cover features artwork inspired by the Russian Constructivist art movement; in particular the art work of El Lissitzky (he is even credited on back for inspiring them). You can definitely feel his influence on the colour scheme and the geometric shapes on the back but the way Kraftwerk insert themselves into the artwork is really interesting to me. Although they were going for a robotic look and feel with this album their presence grounds it all somehow. The music is otherworldly but it all came from these four gentleman. I really like that you can see the red stair banister too, it just - again - adds a human element, it makes obvious that this is a photo shoot. The overall look is very clean cut but not sanitised, it still has some rough human DNA in there. This gets to the heart of what I love about Kraftwerk, they still sound and look human. There are Dance producers now pushing out incredibly boring and sterile music but Kraftwerk always had a heart at the centre of it all.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Residents - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Residents-Eskimo/release/587514" target="_blank">Eskimo</a></span></b></div>
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This is a difficult one for me to pin down, why do I like this cover so much? I guess for me it's a mixture of things, it's the first time they came out wearing the distinctive eyeball masks and generally I like the art style and composition of this one.</div>
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'Eskimo' - like almost all Residents albums - is an album driven by a concept. The concept this time is the life of the Inuit and in particular their ceremonial music. Included are a bunch of false facts about the instruments Eskimo's play and what notes the Eskimo musical key contains, this elaborate myth building is a vital part of The Resident's DNA which goes right down to the musicians individual identities (or lack thereof). They present themselves here as ethnologists, historians, researchers of an 'exotic' far off land. The music suggests or poses to re-present the sounds of the Inuit, what that amounts to is an incredibly raw and cold sounding record, one that is wild and tribal. The Residents bark in a jibberish language as synth and percussion wash around the audio field.</div>
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The front cover reminds me of tourist pictures where people almost attempt to claim the land as their own with their posturing for the camera. Yet the landscape here is no more than paper thin, it looks like a theatre set that has been airbrushed around them. The overall design of the album is very distinctly The Residents, mixing both high art and bad taste in a way that boarders on Dada or Surrealist in nature. As the back of the cover suggests 'warm clothes or a blanket should be within easy reach'. There's a storm-a-brewin.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Throbbing Gristle - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Throbbing-Gristle-20-Jazz-Funk-Greats/release/3214842" target="_blank">20 Jazz Funk Greats</a></span></b></div>
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All these records are from my personal collection, most of which I've had for at least two years. This on the other hand is a fairly recent addition to the collection, Throbbing Gristle's '20 Jazz Funk Greats' from 1979. I haven't heard much Throbbing Gristle, I heard snippets here and there before this but I prefer to listen to entire albums as they were originally intended. I knew '20 Jazz Funk Greats' was Throbbing Gristle's most well loved record and that it had a big impact on the dark electronic music scene with labels such as Mute and groups like Cabaret Voltaire and Fad Gadget rising in its wake. I knew it was going to be a pretty difficult listen but it still exceeded expectations.</div>
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The album isn't simply one thing or another, it's like a melting pot of many different conflicting emotions, moods and energies. Each track feels like a constellation into and of itself. Overall the album is an incredibly varied and twisted listen that goes from the lightness of tracks like 'Exotica' and 'Hot on the Heels of Love' deep into the darkest parts of the human mind...</div>
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This grimy, perverse darkness that pervades most of the tracks is reflected in the front cover but you wouldn't know from a passing glance. Firstly you have the text 'Throbbing Gristle brings you 20 Jazz Funk Greats' which brings to mind that particular awful breed of compilation you find in abundance at charity shops, a quick look at the back of the record will reveal that there are actually only 10 tracks here with names such as 'Six Six Sixties' and 'Persuasion'... something is not quite right here! Your eyes might then skim over the lyrics which also occupy the back and see lyrics such as 'soiled panties, white panties, school panties Y-front panties'... yep, filthy stuff! There <i>must</i> have been some old dear who bought this expecting some classic jazz tunes and got home only to get the shock of her life. It's a brilliant concept for an album cover and just makes the darkness of the album even more unnerving.</div>
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Once you start to understand that all is not what it seems things start to fall into place and the front cover's innocent mask falls away. The picture was taken at Beachy Head, a notorious suicide spot on the edge of England. The way the sea bleeds into the sky and into the land is incredibly eerie, especially when coupled with the lone blue car just parked towards the edge of the cliff face. This dark context is juxtaposed by the album's title and Cosey Fanni Tutti's short 70's style dress and big smile. In fact they're all wearing pretty 'straight' 70's clothing and smiling aside from Genesis P-Orridge who, with his sunken in eyes and self cut hair stares deeply into the camera and by extension the audience.</div>
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The back of the album features a photograph of the empty blue car with the cliff face disappearing into the distance. This reissue also comes with an extensive colour booklet with news clippings, photographs of the group etc. On the back of the booklet is another shot from Bachy Head, an alternative front cover if you will.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Scott Walker - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Scott-Walker-The-Drift/release/739782" target="_blank">The Drift</a></span></b></div>
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'The Drift' by Scott Walker, one of if not my all time favourite album. This was the first album I heard by him, I read an article in the UK music magazine The Wire at the time of it's release in 2006 and it just intrigued me. My partner's Dad drove a mobile library at the time and could request things in for people. I got him to request 'The Drift' for me and shortly after I had the CD in my hand for a week. The first thing that stood out to me was just how thick the booklet was and how black the pages were. I remember skimming the lyrics for clues as to what the music would be like, I think I expected something incredibly morbid and heavy, almost like heavy metal!</div>
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The album really surprised me, I was not expecting this uniquely deep and resonant voice and the way he sung was unlike anything I'd heard before. It was almost embarrassing to listen to at first as it seemed incredibly theatrical but at the same time very personal and real.</div>
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I have since listened to all of Scott's albums and I can now see how he got from teen heartthrob to this dark twisted place, knowing his history helps to understand this album somewhat; everything was leading to this point, this artistic pinnacle. I don't want to spoil the music too much but it is quite an intoxicating album and the artwork and layout of the lyrics work perfectly with the music.</div>
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Photographed here is the original 2006 edition on vinyl which includes a 20 page 12" booklet for the lyrics. I feel the size of the record's artwork, the inserts and booklet all work together to really enhance the experience of the album. The pressing itself isn't 100% perfect and I feel it's better to listen to the album on a CD with headphones in one long sitting but the size of the artwork really brings out all the textures of the paintings and having the lyrics booklet is a big plus point. The recent vinyl reissue slightly changed the colouring of the artwork and didn't include a lyrics book but <i>I think</i> the pressing is a bit clearer on that one if I remember correctly. The lyrics and their layout on the black pages are such a major part of this album so it's a shame they were omitted for the reissue.</div>
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The artwork throughout is by Vaughan Oliver of 23 Envelope. 23 Envelope are responsible for many classic 4AD covers including almost all of the Cocteau Twins records. Vaughan did the cover for David Sylvian's 'Secrets of the Beehive', Dead Can Dance's 'The Serpent's Egg' as well as a plethora of Pixies covers. The textures and colours here remind of rust and metal but also organic material like bacteria, mould and blood. It's an interesting fusion and I never feel comfortable with or sure of what I'm looking at. It reminds me of 'The Seagram Murals' by Mark Rothko in that it stirs up a lot of different emotions. Put into context with the music the artwork appears endless.</div>
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Posted: 6th May 2016</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-38876143169979526732016-01-23T16:21:00.001+00:002016-01-23T16:21:16.279+00:00REVIEW: Clu Clu Land (NES)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>You spin me kuru kuru</b><br />
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Clu Clu Land is an early NES title that - along with games such as Donkey Kong, Mario Bros and Pinball - epitomises Nintendo's pre Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda days. The game focuses on short and easy to understand arcade action and it's clear that Nintendo's intention with this game was to bring an arcade experience to the home, something that was commonplace during the Atari era and by extension the early days of the NES.</div>
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Trying to pin down the exact genre of the game is rather difficult, it's a top-down arcade action game with unique strategy and puzzle gameplay yet it's focus is not heavy on any one particular element. It's similar to Pac-Man in that the action takes place within a single screen wherein you must avoid enemies whilst collecting items to get a high score; yet the gameplay feels rather unique and gives the game a great sense of personality.<br />
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In Clu Clu Land you play as Bubbles, a generic red blob with arms and legs that is in a perpetual state of motion. The only way that she can change direction is either by hitting an outer wall - which will send her hurtling back the way she came - or grabbing onto one of the many Turnpost poles and swinging around on it. As a side note the game's original Japanese title reads as Kurukuru Rando, kuru kuru meaning to spin around and around. To spin on a Turnpost the player must extend an arm in the direction of the pole, this is done by pressing a direction on the D-pad. The controls are relative to the direction that Bubbles is facing which can be a little difficult to understand at first. For instance, if Bubbles is moving from the right side of the screen to the left and the player wants to grab a pole that is on her left the player must press up on the control pad. This will extend Bubbles left arm and she will spin around the pole until the player lets go. The only time that the controls mirror Bubbles' arms is when she is moving upwards. Getting to grips with the game's controls can take time and it makes you wonder if the game would be more enjoyable if left and right on the D-pad simply mirrored Bubble's left and right arms... yet once the player starts to understand the controls there is a great amount of fun and challenge to be had with the simple yet ingenious mechanic of spinning.</div>
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The game is composed of five stages and a bonus stage that loop endlessly yet although there are only five stages each have four variants that are picked at random. In each stage you must guide Bubbles around the screen in order to uncover all the Gold Ingots on the stage - the sprite for these would go on to feature in The Legend of Zelda series as the Rupee. The Gold Ingots create shapes and patterns and each stage features four variants. The player won't know what version of the stage they're playing until they begin uncovering Gold Ingots.<br />
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There are many elements that will make uncovering a stage's Gold Ingots difficult however, including a time limit, Black Holes and the enemy of the game the Sea Urchin. Black Holes appear in the same place each time you play a stage and as you progress through the five stages their placement becomes more and more devious and infuriating. If Bubbles passes over a Black Hole she will be sucked into it and lose a life. The Sea Urchin come out of the Black Holes at the beginning of a stage and will prowl the map in search of Bubbles. If they catch sight of Bubbles they'll give chase and if touched by a Sea Urchin the player will lose a life. The Sea Urchin cannot pass through uncovered Gold Ingots, this can be used to the player's advantage if they want to either trap an enemy or escape their clutches. Bubbles is able to defeat the Sea Urchin by first stunning them with an electric shock wave (pressing either A or B) and then pushing them into an outer wall. Defeating a Sea Urchin awards the player a big score bonus and grants a few seconds before more enemies emerge out of the Black Holes. </div>
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As the player progresses through the stages the speed of Bubbles and the Sea Urchins quickly increases to the point that the game becomes incredibly intense and stressful. Making it through the first run of five stages is an incredible achievement in and of itself. The challenge the game offers may put some people off but the game is incredibly addictive in short bursts and there is always a sense of progression through learning new gameplay techniques or memorising potential Gold Ingot locations.</div>
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The game features a two-player mode which is the same as the one player mode but sees the two players fighting to uncover the most Gold Ingots. I imagine this could be a fun and competitive way to play the game - especially if played against someone of a similar skill level - but I have yet to try it out. The game does not feature any other modes or options which may put some people off but this was not uncommon for the time.</div>
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Clu Clu Land is a unique arcade style game with a great gameplay mechanic in swinging. It's easy to understand but incredibly hard to master, some may find little desire to get better at the game but I personally find the gameplay incredibly addictive, intense and above all fun. Trying to get a new high score is always enjoyable thanks to the high level of challenge, it can be frustrating at times but when you do finally beat your highscore you feel you've achieved something monumental. The game isn't perfect, with controls that take a while to get the hang of and a rather small number of stages yet there isn't much else like Clu Clu Land. The only way its legacy can be felt today is in a <a href="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/Zoosan/PN17Burbujas.jpg" target="_blank">trophy</a> in Super Smash Bros and through its spiritual successor for the GBA, DK King of Swing. It remains a curious title within Nintendo's back catalogue, one that is less than perfect but not be overlooked.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">7/10</span></b></div>
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End note: I played the game on the Nintendo 3DS via the Virtual Console which felt like a good fit for the arcade like gameplay. The game is also available for the GBA, Wii and Wii U.<br />
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Posted: 23rd January 2016</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-7055473744124800162016-01-15T10:58:00.000+00:002016-01-15T10:58:02.603+00:00REVIEW: Ultimate NES Remix (3DS)<div>
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Ultimate NES Remix is a sort of 'best of' game that compiles some of the most iconic games that were included in the two NES Remix games for the Wii U. Although this game strips away a lot of the lesser known and less popular NES titles such as Golf, Urban Champion and Ice Hockey the game retains the NES Remix formula and brings it to an arguably more suitable platform, the Nintendo 3DS.</div>
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In Ultimate NES Remix you are tasked with completing game specific challenges against the clock; these start out very simple - for example stomping on a couple of Goombas in Super Mario Bros. - but soon grow into complex multi part challenges that teach you elaborate play techniques. The quicker you complete a stage the more stars you earn, these stars unlock special remix stages that change up the gameplay in unique ways, one great example is the stage that splices the Boo enemies from Super Mario Bros. 3 with a boss fight in Kirby's Adventure.</div>
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As a little added bonus Ultimate NES Remix includes Speed Mario Bros. which is the entirety of the original Super Mario Bros. but at twice the speed - insanely difficult it turns out! The game also comes with Championship Mode which emulated the Nintendo World Championship and tasks you with collecting coins in Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 before trying to get a high score in Dr. Mario.</div>
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The meat and bones of the game are in short challenges however; there are a total of 254 stages to complete, 76 of these are remix stages whilst the remaining 178 come from the following NES games (numbers in brackets indicate the number of stages):</div>
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Balloon Fight (13)</div>
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Donkey Kong (7)</div>
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Donkey Kong Jr. (7)</div>
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Dr. Mario (6)</div>
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Excitebike (10)</div>
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Kid Icarus (8)</div>
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Kirby's Adventure (13).</div>
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The Legend of Zelda (17)</div>
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Mario Bros. (10)</div>
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Metroid (12)</div>
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Punch-Out!! (7)</div>
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Super Mario Bros. (23)</div>
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Super Mario Bros. 2 (JP, Lost Levels) (7)</div>
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Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) (12)</div>
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Super Mario Bros. 3 (16)</div>
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Zelda II (10)</div>
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The game acquaints you with the basic gameplay elements of a particular game and tasks you with completing a challenge as quickly as possible. As soon as you have learnt one gameplay element a new one is represented in the next stage. For me - as someone who didn't grow up with these games - this distillation of a game into bite sized parts allows me to more fully understand these games. Their physics and feel are so unlike anything released these days that it's hard to really understand them without actually <i>playing</i> them. Before playing Ultimate NES Remix I had not played half of the titles included and now, after 25 hours, I feel I <i>know</i> these games. There are games like Zelda II, Super Mario Bros. 2 (JP) and Mario Bros. that I dismissed before but now feel the urge to buy and play.<br />
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The number of stages per game varies wildly. As mentioned above, each stage usually represents a new gameplay mechanic and so the more complex games tend to have more stages. The developer's couldn't have included more Donkey Kong and Donkey Jr. stages without retreading ground for instance. Although saying this there is an obvious tilt towards the original Super Mario Bros.. I came away feeling I knew that particular game very well but there were other games like Zelda II, Metroid and Kid Icarus that I felt could have been given more attention. Granted all 16 games feature in the remix stages but the lack of dedicated content for certain games seems a shame.</div>
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An incredibly important element of this game is its leaderboards; every one of the 254 stages includes one, you can see where you rank against others on your friends list or against the entirety of your region. However, the greatest reason to visit a leaderboard is that it allows you to watch a replay of your best time as well as the top ten times in your region, this simple idea allows new players to learn exploits and gameplay techniques in order to achieve faster times. Trying to climb to the top of each leaderboard is incredibly addicting and the sense of satisfaction when you rank first place is unlike anything else... it really brought out the competitive side in me! The fact that there are 254 leadboards means that anyone, with enough effort, can top a leaderboard.</div>
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As well as leaderboards each game also has a link to buy the full game on the Nintendo eShop making abundantly clear that this game - whilst fun in its own right - is an advertisement. For those who grew up during the NES era Ultimate NES Remix may not hold much interest, the remix stages aren't <i>that</i> different and a large portion of the challenges are over in less than 30 seconds. If you have played these games before Ultimate NES Remix may irk you but I personally had a great time with this game, I enjoyed replaying and replaying stages to try and climb the leaderboard, I enjoyed learning about these games and I enjoyed the variety on offer. </div>
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I cannot recommend this game to everyone, but if like me you didn't grow up with these games there is a lot on offer here. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the NES era and allowed me to try out games I might not have played otherwise. The game gave me a deeper respect for speed runners, watching replays on the leaderboard teaches you exploits that speed runners have been using for years. Being able to put these techniques into practice seconds later is always fun and gives the player a sense of creativity and experimentation with a game's mechanics. Ultimate NES Remix also made me a much better Super Mario Bros. player, in the past I was terrible at the game but after playing through this I can complete the entire game in one sitting... and for that I say thank you!</div>
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The game is incredibly fun in short bursts and is a perfect fit for the 3DS system. The games on offer represent some of the absolute best NES games of all time; being able to play them in short bursts and more fully understand them through watching replays is great. The leaderboards add a healthy sense of competition but also make learning the games fun as you watch replays and take notes. The game is not for everyone and the number of challenges per game may seem unbalanced but it's just too much fun to simply ignore.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">7.5/10</span></b></div>
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P.S: My friend code (FC) is 0877-2242-2091, post yours below and we can trade times!<br />
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Posted: 15th January 2016</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-69389776780582207102016-01-12T10:54:00.002+00:002016-01-12T10:54:36.261+00:00My Vinyl Collection: Devo Special Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Round 3: Can U Take It?</b><br />
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Greetings beautiful mutants! Welcome to part 3 of my Devo vinyl collection. Parts <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/my-vinyl-collection-devo-special-part-1.html" target="_blank">1</a> and <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-vinyl-collection-devo-special-part-2.html" target="_blank">2</a> were written back in January 2013, in the the intervening years I have amassed 12 more records which I will go into one by one - these 12 records bring the total to 37!</div>
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I have changed up the visual format a little by presenting the records straight on and cropping the images. I'm unsure if I prefer this look or the more informal look of parts 1 and 2, what do you think?</div>
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The new additions to the collection include a mixture of records that have been released since January 2013 as well as singles and an album I had yet to pick up. There are still records I am looking to add to the collection including the Total Devo era live album 'Now It Can Be Told...' and singles such as 'Fresh', 'Mechanical Man', 'Are U X-Perienced?' and the picture disc versions of 'Beatiful World' and 'That's Good'... so maybe one day there will be a part 4, if I get lucky!</div>
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Right, on with the records, Duty Now For The Future.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Come-Back-Jonee/release/575957" target="_blank">Come Back Jonee</a> (7") (1978)</span></b></span></div>
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This single and the single below are the latest additions to my collection, I had been wanting to own both of them for a very long time but could never come across them at a price I was happy to pay. I found both of these at a record fair and paid only £5 for the two of them... steal!</div>
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<i>Come Back Jonee</i> has never really done it for me, I feel it's one of the weaker tracks on Devo's first album... I guess it's energetic but it doesn't strike me as being anywhere near as interesting as other tracks from the album such as <i>Jocko Homo, Satisfaction </i>or even <i>Praying Hands </i>and <i>Mongoloid.</i> I always liked the front cover of this single though, ever since I saw it on the bonus features of the DVD 'The Complete Truth About De-Evolution'. The single comes with a removable sticker on the front; you can remove the statue's head to reveal a potato as you can see <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Come-Back-Jonee/release/1213781" target="_blank">here</a>! Some versions of the single do not have this sticker and some elusive versions came with the sticker on a separate insert sheet. For me it was a no sticker = no buy situation.</div>
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The B-side is the classic <i>Social Fools</i>, this track had already been used as a B-side for the 'Be Stiff' single but hey, it's a good track!</div>
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The iconic red/green Virgin centre labels are grey for this release, I'd assume this was to fit with the artwork. There are also copies of the single on grey vinyl, giving more weight to the fact that it was a very concious decision. I like little touches like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2T5tMKBj0xzSzsRIKS0i_RTDAOlxoPnycboLwiROE47md828mz7FU5Xjybv-AqF4WZR42FZm3TqULbIJrrhuA0Uu5N9wkQIe4dbMGLJQzbaT7mowXgO3hZcdArMkKnJhyphenhyphenZ3LKJIMUA/s1600/02+Devo+The+Day+My+Baby+Gave+Me+A+Surprize+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2T5tMKBj0xzSzsRIKS0i_RTDAOlxoPnycboLwiROE47md828mz7FU5Xjybv-AqF4WZR42FZm3TqULbIJrrhuA0Uu5N9wkQIe4dbMGLJQzbaT7mowXgO3hZcdArMkKnJhyphenhyphenZ3LKJIMUA/s200/02+Devo+The+Day+My+Baby+Gave+Me+A+Surprize+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC7pwvw68TPXH5lHIltpJnwBsPRnyKE5uBJpEG2eo6Jy1XiLl01mGDpMFTIAggWQVEzG-3sM3xrNSOWL38LT8KmcTEnCr63aECDesrCI2E-9RORnwf5NepuKEptFKyKmSNa7U1Kz_iQ/s1600/02+Devo+The+Day+My+Baby+Gave+Me+A+Surprize+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC7pwvw68TPXH5lHIltpJnwBsPRnyKE5uBJpEG2eo6Jy1XiLl01mGDpMFTIAggWQVEzG-3sM3xrNSOWL38LT8KmcTEnCr63aECDesrCI2E-9RORnwf5NepuKEptFKyKmSNa7U1Kz_iQ/s200/02+Devo+The+Day+My+Baby+Gave+Me+A+Surprize+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-The-Day-My-Baby-Gave-Me-A-Surprize/release/576312" target="_blank">The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprize</a> (7") (1979)</span></b></div>
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<i>The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprize </i>is a weird track. It seems jolly and upbeat but it's just full of mystery. What was the accident? Who's telling the story? What was the surprise!? I was immediately drawn to the track the first time I heard it and I'm glad they chose it as a single. I think it's often overlooked nowadays - as is the whole of 'Duty Now For The Future', great album. The track has so many interesting elements that rub against each other but somehow work and have a real pop sensibility to them.</div>
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The cover perfectly encapsulates the strange twisted logic of the track, there's a feeling that you're not seeing the full picture or that something is going on underneath the masks. The back of the cover furthers this with two pairs of legs without bodies, they look strangely identical and disembodied, anonymous and almost robotic. Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale would often use clippings from pop culture in their art, it'd be interesting to know if the two photographs used here were found or taken specifically for this cover. They liked dressing up in masks and would create persona's that they'd inhabit for hours at a time such as Booji Boy and Poot Man... there is a chance they staged this photograph but at the same time it looks strangely candid, like something you'd find in a pile of unwanted photos at a dodgy market stall.</div>
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The B-side for this single is <i>Penetration In The Centrefold , </i>another high energy freaked out punk rock track in the vain of <i>Social Fools</i> and <i>Too Much Paranoias... </i>another brilliant B-side. The only other track off of 'Duty Now For The Future' to receive a single was <i>Secret Agent Man</i> with the B-side of <i>Soo Bawlz... </i>god Devo were good at B-sides back in the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgL8srLql7TYCgbwiLu17bsj9e4JbCpfcXFNoMCwyHZP6kWUND7_HcnZLj1axjUPPWJKmU603NFx4jQEfp83nyUsRGduQvULupez_Gxzo7CSCpWDzPPrjxOMd6uH1RdIpjV70BRo1Uw/s1600/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgL8srLql7TYCgbwiLu17bsj9e4JbCpfcXFNoMCwyHZP6kWUND7_HcnZLj1axjUPPWJKmU603NFx4jQEfp83nyUsRGduQvULupez_Gxzo7CSCpWDzPPrjxOMd6uH1RdIpjV70BRo1Uw/s640/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH393TWdioWaCTepKwINwX5RLvd-PE0yG_QBnOb7fdRdEuodcz5g0SphVLyRvd9aAXM7nn07v61pZUMJBNyYPRxXi-KtmyWGJ6l19sa4gMAFzZ3vpOKc-Mg7AnPFHjRJXk784MmG2PQ/s1600/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH393TWdioWaCTepKwINwX5RLvd-PE0yG_QBnOb7fdRdEuodcz5g0SphVLyRvd9aAXM7nn07v61pZUMJBNyYPRxXi-KtmyWGJ6l19sa4gMAFzZ3vpOKc-Mg7AnPFHjRJXk784MmG2PQ/s200/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T5thJEP-77KaMt5lHbrr95FQDHxP9qKGxda5_axMqBSNgel7_hA4XV0658z23afNgoi1GikC90FQbKSKZRjjrx2rFw0KXHYMhzqbJ3Lotc7IbDQgsqOLvkCQuAm7MD9wUFahVJ5szA/s1600/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T5thJEP-77KaMt5lHbrr95FQDHxP9qKGxda5_axMqBSNgel7_hA4XV0658z23afNgoi1GikC90FQbKSKZRjjrx2rFw0KXHYMhzqbJ3Lotc7IbDQgsqOLvkCQuAm7MD9wUFahVJ5szA/s200/03+Devo+4+Track+EP+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-4-Track-EP/release/2385653" target="_blank">4 Track EP</a> (12") (1983)</span></b></span></div>
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I'm honestly not sure why exactly this compilation was put together. It comprises of three tracks from 1978's 'Q: Are We Not Men?...' and <i>Working In A Coalmine </i>from 1981; why these tracks had to be put together in 1983 is anyone's guess. Were Virgin trying to remind everyone of Devo's glory days or was it a last attempt to cyphon some money from the band before the Virgin contract ran out?</div>
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This was never high on my want list but I picked it up for £2 at a market and couldn't say no. It has some water damage but to be honest I don't really care as I'm not <i>that</i> bothered about the release. I like the lettering on the front of the record and the fact that it's 45rpm but a part from that... meh.</div>
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Do you know more about the history of this release? Let me know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy6Jhz761vTL174RBos4OnnhYPnaCGqN0c0EgJJZuZElnARMC1PRpDGrKJm4SSKrsowlPvUt63r011UmrAu0v8UsB9RJQoAl5Yg2TguOCG9S-T7VE1o05VMQoYV59yi2C_9GhZrjclg/s1600/04+Devo+Doctor+Detroit+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy6Jhz761vTL174RBos4OnnhYPnaCGqN0c0EgJJZuZElnARMC1PRpDGrKJm4SSKrsowlPvUt63r011UmrAu0v8UsB9RJQoAl5Yg2TguOCG9S-T7VE1o05VMQoYV59yi2C_9GhZrjclg/s200/04+Devo+Doctor+Detroit+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ori7oc8vRm4G_aGlGtsFZrCiyLzyN7Cb_EV3T9p782_2E5YpH3TFC2JJ0OuA_L9KOL8CtiADV1fzn-EXQ34q87lFa6LsXpf2bYFq60Qz77GlcbWS2R_SnOUGSEUpyxhU8vGMU94rgw/s1600/04+Devo+Doctor+Detroit+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ori7oc8vRm4G_aGlGtsFZrCiyLzyN7Cb_EV3T9p782_2E5YpH3TFC2JJ0OuA_L9KOL8CtiADV1fzn-EXQ34q87lFa6LsXpf2bYFq60Qz77GlcbWS2R_SnOUGSEUpyxhU8vGMU94rgw/s200/04+Devo+Doctor+Detroit+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Theme-From-Doctor-Detroit/release/141866" target="_blank">Theme From Doctor Detroit </a>(12") (1983)</span></b></span></div>
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Ah yes, <i>Theme From Doctor Detroit</i>. I always liked this track from the first time I heard it. I think the first time I heard it was on the amazing 2000 compilation 'Pioneers Who Got Scalped' in the form of the Dance Mix. The Dance Mix is presented here as the A-side and takes the track up to 6 glorious minutes. The track is fantastically energetic and poppy, with great crisp synth lines and an amazing synth solo. The track is obviously somewhat corporate as it was made for the film Doctor Detroit but Devo still manage to bring their energy through in bucket loads. The B-Side includes the shorter regular version but the jewel in the crown is the full studio version of <i>Luv Luv.</i></div>
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I didn't realise before buying this single that <i>Luv Luv</i> ever made it past the demo stage and it's really fantastic to hear the final cleaned up version. This track alone makes the single a must have for any Devo fan but having two great versions of <i>Theme From Doctor Detroit </i>doesn't hurt the release at all. I love this release way more than I was expecting to. I think I paid £4 on eBay for this one.</div>
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I'm not sure the full soundtrack is worth getting but I'm glad they released the Devo tracks separately, good choice MCA.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS03ca93pdGkzgffqIIIS75Uv199VXd67bRsZWmQ1jS2tvVMp_pfRCGYUuI0f3c-S1ZmbTNW90SpmoN9bqk60HRCfTYv0CknkN43ebSoRpPAAOEyeQqp7Spb27im45c85Yh6gyGkRGxw/s1600/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS03ca93pdGkzgffqIIIS75Uv199VXd67bRsZWmQ1jS2tvVMp_pfRCGYUuI0f3c-S1ZmbTNW90SpmoN9bqk60HRCfTYv0CknkN43ebSoRpPAAOEyeQqp7Spb27im45c85Yh6gyGkRGxw/s640/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfx-xRFmfRsNE_e_YPwR67Ku499x_lAVACiWgYSnAE7SvvPcEbG5kPj0Qcs3D6xJyS_AhbNOTSlDncvy0QUi72AEzwM9BexEO5ToGFjU2mE9JstxdCjHyinERNLlzDSoe2i8sQ4Ffag/s1600/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfx-xRFmfRsNE_e_YPwR67Ku499x_lAVACiWgYSnAE7SvvPcEbG5kPj0Qcs3D6xJyS_AhbNOTSlDncvy0QUi72AEzwM9BexEO5ToGFjU2mE9JstxdCjHyinERNLlzDSoe2i8sQ4Ffag/s200/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs8Qd98zxyj91K7D_Rl-iVcYcK_2YZ3yT2BWaojXi6fl8Lv0wniZFFi8Kwnb-7ngkTQ8qj5XjxqBW3quaNo4EjiOX1w-1DAWdUT3iuCc3EuLXDYYEPzPOSP9Td03jLx5V_uY7-6oZ3w/s1600/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs8Qd98zxyj91K7D_Rl-iVcYcK_2YZ3yT2BWaojXi6fl8Lv0wniZFFi8Kwnb-7ngkTQ8qj5XjxqBW3quaNo4EjiOX1w-1DAWdUT3iuCc3EuLXDYYEPzPOSP9Td03jLx5V_uY7-6oZ3w/s200/05+Devo+Disco+Dancer+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Disco-Dancer/release/200612" target="_blank">Disco Dancer</a> (12") (1988)</span></b></span></div>
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Oh dear, now we enter my least favourite Devo era of all, 1988's 'Total Devo'... sigh. My curious and completionist spirit has seen me picking this single up along with the 'Total Devo' album but to be honest I hardly ever listen to either.</div>
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The album was the first without Alan Myers on drums, he was replaced by Sparks drummer David Kendrick but the spirit of Devo just feels lost without Alan's creative and inspiring drum work. The drums here feel merely functional.</div>
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This 12" is played at 33rpm but only features 3 tracks, because of this both the A and B sides are exactly the same. Surely there was a better way of presenting these tracks. The 12" features three remixes of the album track by Ivan Ivan who I guess was a big deal at the time. The 7" version sounds pretty similar to the album version but the 12" version has many unwarranted breaks as well as a whole instrumental section that almost works... if only the underlying track was worth the attention. The release ends with what is labelled as Bonus Beats which sounds almost like a DJ tools section, again the music underlying is just so ugly and unusable that I doubt it ever got sampled. The single was released in many different forms, the CD and 7" versions feature an instrumental version of the track which would have been nice to have here. As far as I can tell this 12" is much easier to get hold of than the 7" but I say if you have the choice get the 7".</div>
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The artwork for this release is kind of horrific but somehow so bad that it's good. There are many design choices that I'd never understand, for instance the title of the track is in tiny white writting on the top and nowhere on the sleeve does it make clear that this is a Devo release. I like how radioactive their clothes look, it reminds me of their appearance in Neil Young's underrated lo-fi tripped out masterpiece Human Highway. I guess the sticker at least says 'Devo' on it. I got this release for dirt cheap sealed. The plastic wrap had gone a bit weird so I took it off but kept the sticker.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Total-Devo/release/922589" target="_blank">Total Devo </a>(LP) (1988)</span></b></div>
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Right... on to my least favourite Devo album, 'Total Devo'. If this was your first exposure to the band you'd be forgiven for ignoring them eternally. The album is sandwiched between two albums that fans often hate too... 1984's meltdown album '<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Shout/master/52782" target="_blank">Shout</a>' and 1990's last chance '<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Smooth-Noodle-Maps/master/52850" target="_blank">Smooth Noodle Maps</a>' but for me 'Total Devo' just reeks! I love sections of 'Shout' (<i>The 4th Dimension, C'mon, Jurisdiction of Love</i>) and feel that 'Smooth Noodle Maps' is actually a rather sophisticated and misunderstood Devo record but 'Total Devo' has little that doesn't make me cringe. If you are a die hard fan of the group you owe it to yourself to listen to it, it's definitely interesting for a Devo fan but taken objectively it's just not up to snuff. The best tracks by far are the surprisingly sombre <i>Some Things Never Change </i>and <i>Plain Truth</i> as well as the almost great <i>Happy Guy</i> but in general all the tracks here overstay their welcome.</div>
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Like with the 'Disco Dancer' single the artwork here is so bad that it's kind of good. The cover features the same weirdly small white writing at the top of the release and the word 'Devo' is nowhere to be seen! Did the band not want to be associated with the release? The album comes with a double sided inner sheet with portraits of the band members and lyrics for most of the tracks in case you want to sing along. The record comes in an Enigma sleeve which is an interesting read and is kind of strange to see.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Watch-Us-Work-It/release/2566688" target="_blank">Watch Us Work It</a> (12") (2008)</b></span></div>
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For some reason any Devo release from 2000-2010 is incredibly hard to find in the UK and harder still to find at decent prices. This is one single that I always wanted to own but didn't want to pay extortionate prices for. I ended up picking this up on eBay sealed for £5 showing that sometimes it's worth waiting things out.</div>
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<i>Watch Us Work It</i> was a track that Devo wrote for Dell in 2007. It was the first new track from Devo for a very long time and garnered a lot of positive reception from Devo fans who were hungry for new material. The track has very nice punchy production by Teddybears which makes the track pop unlike anything they'd released for years.</div>
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The 12" features the full studio version, a demo version and an instrumental version of the demo on the A-side but the B-side features probably my favourite version of the track. <i>Still Workin' Mix </i>was used in an edited form for the kids show Yo Gabba Gabba - a show that Mark features on often as an artist character - which is where I first heard it but this full 4 minute version is glorious. It sounds like the inside of Mark's head (and also his synth cave). The punchy feel of the original is replaced with incredibly bright synths layered on top of one another in an incredibly playful and fun new composition. The B-side finishes with a track called <i>Devo Was Right About Everything </i>by the lo-fi short lived group The Attery Squash, I personally don't really like the track but it was fairly big in the Devo community for a brief period. The version here is a 'Devo Mix' which features extra production by Gerald and Bob Casale. I would have preferred instrumentals of the studio and <i>Still Working Mix </i>of <i>Watch Us Work It</i> but you can't have everything I guess.</div>
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Packaging wise this is probably my favourite of the MVD Audio / Devo releases, it still feels a little underdone but is much better than other MVD releases like '<a href="http://mvdb2b.com/s/DevoLiveInTheLandOfTheRisingSunJapan2003/DR-4415" target="_blank">... Japan 2003</a>'<i> </i>or certain releases below. Overall a great single that any Devo or Mark Mothersbaugh fanatic should get a kick out of.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Hardcore-Volume-1/release/4569927" target="_blank">Hardcore Devo Vol. 1</a> (LP) (2013)</span></b></div>
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Ever since I became a fan of Devo I always wanted the elusive early 1990's 'Hardcore Devo' releases by Rykodisc. There were two volumes released, filled with tracks that had never been released before - at least not officially anyway. When I was getting into the group originally it wasn't uncommon to see these CDs going for £60 each, something I could never afford no matter how much I wanted them. Now, since the official re-release of both volumes by fantastic American label Superior Viaduct on both vinyl and CD the originals are much cheaper (one day I may pick them up).</div>
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In those early days when I was still discovering Devo I was part of a great private forum called Spud Talk and whenever the topic of 'Hardcore Devo' came up my eyes would widen, it was like a hidden trove of songs I was dying to hear. I ended up illegally (gulp) downloading the releases because I was getting a little desperate but I'm glad to finally own these tracks physically (and legally!).</div>
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So, for those who don't know, 'Hardcore Devo' catalogues a bunch of tracks by the group from their very early days up to their signing with Warner Bros. and Virgin. Volume 1 is the leaner of the two featuring 15 tracks in contrast to Volume 2's 21. The sound is much closer to a rock group with a lot of rock n roll influences but there is a proto-New Wave/Punk/Devo sound underneath it all which makes each song compelling. The band were trying some crazy things, creating one of the first electronic drum kits (played by original, pre-Myers drummer Jim Mothersbaugh) and using synthesizers in a rock song context to name just two. The production is incredibly muddy and swampy but that just adds to the beautiful charm of these tracks. There are super early primitive versions of <i>Social Fools, Soo Bawls, Mongoloid </i>etc which are a joy to listen to - they sound like caveman versions and I mean that as a compliment! - but the real draw are the tracks that were never previously released, tracks like <i>Auto Modown </i>and <i>I'm a Potato </i>are soooo important to understanding the world the members of Devo were living in and help put their sound in context. I absolutely love the tracks here but some feel that Volume 1 is the weaker of the two, so I would say go for Volume 2 first and then if you enjoy it pick up 1.</div>
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The packaging is rather nice and tasteful but in a strange way I think I prefer the look of the Rykodisc CDs, they have more character and represent the songs well. Here it feels like everything is merely functional. One thing that works in Superior Viaduct's favour is the great private photographs included on the back and the inner, it's nice to see the crazy environment that birthed these tracks. Overall I feel the label could have gone a little further in terms of design, they have put a lot of effort into other releases but these two feel a little simplistic. The sound quality is fantastic and the songs are presented on 180g vinyl, a fantastic bunch of muddy tracks to swim around in.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Hardcore-Volume-2/release/4570016" target="_blank">Hardcore Devo Vol. 2</a> (2xLP) (2013)</b></span></div>
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With Volume 2 the centre labels, back and inner are all white, just in case you get confused about what volume you picked up I guess! This set has two records filled with 25 tracks (the last 4 being exclusive to this re-issue) and features a fold out inner sheet. It's a shame the records aren't presented in a gatefold design, that'd put the icing on the cake! Again the design is very tasteful if a little simplistic... and again, the private photographs are definitely welcome.<br />
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The track listing here is perhaps a little more varied than the first volume but I guess that's due to the larger list of tracks... Standout moments for me include the cute but kind of gross <i>Goo Goo Itch</i>, the anthemic <i>All of Us </i>and Booji's meltdown in the form of <i>U Got Me Bugged</i> to name just three. There are only three tracks here that were released in new forms latter (<i>Be Stiff, Working In A Coalmine </i>and <i>Clockout</i>) so with Volume 2 you are basically getting 22 brand new Devo tracks and you really can't complain about that! The four tracks that are exclusive to this reissue are kind of throw away but nice to have, they sound incredibly raw and incomplete.<br />
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I absolutely love these releases and I'm still thrilled to own these tracks officially and on vinyl. They represent a completely different side of Devo yet also show the beginnings of ideas that they'd expand upon throughout their career. Essential releases for any Devo fan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Butch-Devo-And-The-Sundance-Gig/release/5612250" target="_blank">Butch Devo and the Sundance Gig</a> (LP) (2014)</b></span></div>
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** text and images taken from <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/my-vinyl-collection-coloured-and.html" target="_blank">Coloured and Picture Disc Part 2</a> **</div>
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This live recording was released for Record Store Day 2014 and is limited to 1750. The recording is from a show for Sundance Film Festival 1995 which featured Devo in cartoon-like prison outfits for whatever reason! The recording has been doing the bootleg rounds for years as I believe the show was televised. This was one of the first live shows Devo played in 'classic' mode where they played exclusively tracks from their first batch of albums; so no tracks from 'Shout' onwards although it does feature the laid back versions of <i>Jocko Homo</i> and <i>Going Under</i> which they started to do on the Total Devo tour. I much much prefer the regular versions of these tracks as the laid back versions come across very gimmicky... and <i>Jocko Homo</i> is one of Devo's defining tracks so it's a shame not to have it in it's regular state. </div>
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The playing is great through out, in particular <i>Too Much Paranoias</i> which opens the set sounds rather gnarly! This was, I believe, Josh Freese's first gig with Devo and he adds a lot of energy to the performance, coming close to capturing Alan Myer's original spirit. It's obvious Freese has a love for these tracks and knows them inside out. David Kendrick of Sparks fame played drums with Devo on their late 80's and early 90's albums and his playing never seemed to have enough punch to my ears so it's great to have Freese here instead.</div>
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The sound quality of the picture disc is phenomenal as is the quality of the original recording although there is some kind of delay or reverb which on occasion gets in the way. The record comes in a regular see-through PVC sleeve, these are well known to cloud records and ruin the sound quality over time so I quickly put the record into a poly lining and now I can breath easy knowing the record isn't going to suddenly become unplayable! I'm not sure why people still present records this way, surely there is a better way to make them visible yet still properly protected.</div>
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The record was released by MVD and I never like their presentation, it always comes across cheap and amateurish and can often be mistaken for bootleg. They remind me of Music On Vinyl who also don't seem to put much care into the quality of the presentation. The record comes with a download code as well as a DVD that features the original gig and a short film from the 1980's called The Men Who Make The Music which had never been released on DVD up until this release. It's a great watch and essential for those hardcore Devo fans out there. Overall a great package and definitely value for money.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Miracle-Witness-Hour/release/6365659" target="_blank">Miracle Witness Hour</a> (LP) (2014)</b></span></div>
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** text and images taken from <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/my-vinyl-collection-coloured-and.html" target="_blank">Coloured and Picture Disc Part 2</a> **</div>
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'Miracle Witness Hour' is a live recording of Devo from 1977, just before they were signed and blew up with their debut Q: Are We Not Men A: We Are Devo!. This was released by UK based label Futurismo as their second release after the Gleaming Spires' 'Songs Of The Spires'.</div>
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The record was initially released on CD as well as three separate vinyl colours, Hot Dust (this one), Atomic Party (below), and Ultimate Virgin (white). A few month later they'd add Neutron Dream to the family which is like a purple with white flecks. Each vinyl release comes with a download code.</div>
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The packaging is very distinctive and rather nice. The front cover is die cut so that the TV screen shows the inner. The inner sleeve for the record comes wrapped in a fold out card which can be reversed to put a different image in the TV (as I've done above). The packing is nice although the record tore some of the wrap around card for me which is a shame.</div>
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The performance is great and is a good document for the Devo of the time. It features a jam called <i>Polyvinyl Chloride</i> which would never be heard again, it's definitely not essential but it is nice to be able to hear Devo experimenting. The set also includes <i>Huboon Stomp</i> which would also never appear on a main Devo album.</div>
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This version, Hot Dust, has glitter running through a shining red vinyl which looks great although it does effect the sound quality. During songs it is not that noticeable but between songs the noise is very noticeable and it appears to get worse the further you go into the record. It's not unplayable but it does make you worry about what it might be doing to the needle! There are no huge pops but it's just a constant low noise. This edition was exclusive to their website and select independent record stores.<br />
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** text and images taken from <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/my-vinyl-collection-coloured-and.html" target="_blank">Coloured and Picture Disc Part 2</a> **</div>
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This is the Atomic Party version of Miracle Witness Hour. Seeing as it does not have glitter thrown into the mix the sound quality is much better although the quality does get worse towards the centre where all the flecks of colour are.</div>
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I like that labels like Futrismo are around and releasing interesting vinyl but I can't help feeling that if you are going to do a coloured or picture disc release you have to be very very careful to preserve a high sound quality otherwise what is the point? Thankfully these releases feature download codes but I hope in the future that the label also releases black versions of each album and makes sure that the pressing and sound quality are prioritised over the visual aesthetics. Some labels never get the balance right but one rare instance of a label that has gotten everything right so far are <a href="http://www.discogs.com/label/867594-Data-Discs" target="_blank">Data Discs</a> who specialise in video game soundtracks. Each release the label has put out features a black edition and the coloured editions sound incredible. A lot of care needs to be put into pressing coloured records and I hope these Miracle Witness Hour releases taught Futurismo some lessons for future releases.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Hardcore-Devo-Live/release/6658773" target="_blank">Hardcore Devo Live!</a> (2xLP) (2015)</b></span></div>
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I was one of 1334 people to pledge money towards the release of this double live album over at the <a href="http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/devo" target="_blank">Devo's Pledge Music page</a>. I pledged for the vinyl and Blu-ray combo, signed by Mark, Jerry and Bob1. The double album documents a show in Oakland from June 2014 where they played tracks exclusively from their 'Hardcore' days. The show was part of a tour that came off the back of the Superior Viaduct re-issues. Sadly Robert Casale died in February 2014, the 'Hardcore' tour was dedicated to his untimely death which obviously hit the band really hard (Gerald being his brother, having work together since 1974, being close collaborators and friends). I can't remember if his death prompted the 'Hardcore' tour or if it was planned before his death.</div>
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The sound quality and playing is fantastic throughout. They really capture their original sound well and the energy is really great. There are 21 Hardcore-era tracks including <i>Beehive</i> which was only ever recorded on Gerald's solo record 'Mine Is Not A Holy War'. They also connect <i>Timing X </i>and <i>Soo Bawls </i>together the way they used to when performing live which is fantastic!</div>
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The release comes with a download code which is always great just in case the pressing is terrible... thankfully the pressing is near faultless. The centre labels spell out D-E-V-O which is a nice touch and the records come in polylined sleeves (thank you MVD!). The design on the front is great and kind of creepy, the design on the inside of the gatefold and back is a little plain but it's what you'd want for a live album, it documents the time and the feel of the gig with many images from the night.</div>
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I really wish that this tour made it over to the UK, I have only seen the band once and would love to see them again. Fingers crossed the stars will align and one more world tour can be had.</div>
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Are we not men?</div>
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'We are DEVO!'</div>
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Are we not men?</div>
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'We are DEVO!'</div>
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Are we not MEEEEEEEEN?</div>
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'WE ARE DEVOOOO!'</div>
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Okay then...</div>
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Posted: 12th January 2016Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-35659810665096897122016-01-11T16:40:00.002+00:002016-01-11T22:30:24.291+00:00RIP David Bowie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Thoughts on a man who defied and defined.</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a>It was revealed this morning that David Bowie died on the 10th of January due to cancer - which he had been fighting for the past 18 months. Coming off the release of 'Blackstar' and his 69th birthday the news is ever more poignant and saddening. There is suggestion that his last album was made knowing it may be his last but that's not really what I want to talk about, I don't want to speculate or to trivialize his death. His death - like his life - is incredibly significant to the entire world of the arts.</div>
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I wouldn't say I grew up a fan of Bowie, he was always there and his significance and talent was almost like a magician, slight and sometimes hard to pin down - at least for me - but it didn't really grab me well and truly when I was youngster. As the years have gone by I have found myself more and more drawn to his work although it wasn't until last year that everything really clicked and I found an album of his that I loved from start to finish, 'Station to Station'. He says that he can't remember making the album as he was in a haze of cocaine abuse but still it stands as a masterpiece from beginning to end, how he could do this I will never know! After that I finally listened to 'Hunky Dory' and found another album that was perfect from start to finish, amazing song writing, personality and individuality.</div>
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David Bowie had a knack of making artistry look as easy and natural as breathing. He worked magic but kept the purity of voice and message. His voice had a distinct presence; unfiltered, honest and direct. I feel that if had ever met him he would have told me how things should be and what I was doing wrong with my life with complete honestly, perhaps brutally so. I get the feeling that he didn't let anyone get in the way of what he wanted to do yet it's obvious he was also excited by working with others and experimenting, carving out new music and artistic ventures. We should remember and embrace his artistic gifts; brilliant, human, flamboyant gifts. Spin your favourite Bowie tracks and dive in.<br />
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Posted: 11th January 2016</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-46338758403478681402015-11-23T00:54:00.000+00:002015-11-23T09:28:52.769+00:00Top 50 Games of All Time (50-41)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my Top 50 Games of All time, a piece I have been wanting to write ever since I started this blog back in 2012. Games have meant a lot to me; they have shaped my outlook on life and have inspired me with their drive for creativity and innovation. I hope that you enjoy reading through this list and that I turn you on to some great games in the process.</div>
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Please understand that this list is personal and represents my favourite videogames at this moment in time; it is not a definitive list by any means but a fun way to look back on fond gaming memories. I have limited myself to one game per franchise unless the game in question represents an evolution for the series and is different enough to warrant an entry... for instance I would not include multiple versions of Street Fighter II but may include a 2D Mario game alongside a 3D one as the mechanics and gameplay of the games are vastly different.</div>
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Let me know some of your favourite games or if you have any recommendations based off of my Top 50 then please feel free to share them too. Happy gaming...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">50 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Kart:_Double_Dash%E2%80%BC" target="_blank">Mario Kart: Double Dash!!</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube</div>
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Nintendo EAD, 2003<br />
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Growing up I always wanted to like Mario Kart 64 but in all honesty it just left me cold... it didn't suck me in the way other N64 games did. Roll on Double Dash!! on the ill-fated GameCube; Mario and co are now rendered in glorious 3D, with some fantastic graphics throughout that make each lap round the faultless track selection shine.</div>
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Double Dash!! is an extremely solid racer full of memorable music, an interesting and large cast of characters and a unique double team mechanic that allows you to hold up to two items at once. The game is very easy to play thanks to some of the best controls in the series which makes it rather fun in multiplayer... who would have thought! This GameCube gem comes highly recommended and marks a high point for the series.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>49 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Paintbrush" target="_blank">Kirby: Power Paintbrush</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo DS</div>
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HAL Laboratory, 2005<br />
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If I remember correctly, Power Paintbrush (or Canvas Curse in the US) was originally meant to be a launch title for the Nintendo DS but it wasn't actually released until 8 months later. I remember going to my local game shop every week asking about the game and each time the launch date was pushed back. The bearded bloke behind the desk would ask 'why do you want to play that? It's a kid's game isn't it?' WRONG! Kirby: Power Paintbrush is an incredibly inventive platformer that utilizes the DS's unique hardware perfectly, it's a game all should have played back in 2005.</div>
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In the game you guide Kirby with the stylus, prodding him to make him move forwards and drawing paths of rainbow paint to help him navigate each level. It is an incredibly simple formula and before you know it you will be zipping around each of the levels at break neck speeds, collecting all the special hidden items and feeling like a king!</div>
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The game has since received a sequel in the form of Kirby and the Rainbow Curse for Wii U but this is where it all started; an essential Kirby game and an essential DS game.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">48 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braid_(video_game)" target="_blank">Braid</a></span></b></div>
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PC (also: XBLA, PS3 etc)</div>
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Number None Inc. / Hothead Games, 2008<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yDrR15vvX1RttA6mSoO5AeM0rc7nO3cM-6mPQOsm1cYP6LTH5XofQkTFYKNc7W5t6py8TO5r6zYjuxUYObE1zLBqD_D5BqfT9Yrzhr-G-f8ZcFwr56zpD1In1c5RMk8l20D13eK-1g/s1600/jumpman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yDrR15vvX1RttA6mSoO5AeM0rc7nO3cM-6mPQOsm1cYP6LTH5XofQkTFYKNc7W5t6py8TO5r6zYjuxUYObE1zLBqD_D5BqfT9Yrzhr-G-f8ZcFwr56zpD1In1c5RMk8l20D13eK-1g/s400/jumpman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Braid still feels unique, after all these years. The game was one of a handful of independently developed platforming games that would usher in the 'indie scene', yet unlike games such as Limbo and Super Meat Boy, Braid has very few clones. Even today the game's time based mechanics and emotional weight are uncommon.</div>
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Each level in Braid represents a new, unique and distinctive manipulation of time, for example in one level time plays forward as you move right and backwards as you move left. This level feels like you're scratching a record back and forth and you must use this manipulation of time to your advantage to traverse the ever changing scene.</div>
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What attracts me most to Braid is its emotional and enigmatic weight which is underpinned by a fantastic sweeping soundtrack that transforms as you alter time. The game is a joy to play and is also incredibly poignant and melancholic. It represents a rare successful attempt at delivering raw emotion to the player, this is backed up by game mechanics that still manage to astound. Looking forward to The Witness, not long now!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">47 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_V:_Ground_Zeroes" target="_blank">Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes</a></span></b></div>
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PC (also: XBONE, PS4 etc)</div>
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Kojima Productions, 2014<br />
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Many feel that this game is merely a demo for MGSV: The Phantom Pain, and I would agree. Ground Zeroes is in many ways an elaborate tutorial, one that aims to let the user become accustomed to MGSV's new gameplay style and controls without heavy consequences for failure. The game is made up of bite sized missions that all take place in the same large military prison complex. Each mission transforming this environment with new enemy layouts and different times of day; these changes add new hazards and ask you to think fast and adapt your strategies accordingly.</div>
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The game showcases the often breathtaking graphics of the Fox Engine; at the start of the game you are dropped from a helicopter to the outskirts of the prison, blinding light sweeps left to right from a nearby search tower bouncing off wet rocks convincingly with shadow and light being dynamic and beautiful throughout. The world, although fairly small, is remarkably well designed and realistic; guards change positions, talk to one another and move about the world convincingly, forcing you to be in the right place at the right time. Yet each mission can be tackled in so many different ways, it is always fun and tense to try out a new strategy or to attempt a purely stealth playthrough.</div>
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Although I would agree that Ground Zeroes feels like a demo for The Phantom Pain I still got 30 hours of play from this game and I loved it. The Phantom Pain's scope kind of scares me so I haven't played it yet, but if the game is half as good as this it must be rather special.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">46 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Slug_3" target="_blank">Metal Slug 3</a></span></b></div>
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Neo Geo MVS/AES (also: PS2, Wii etc)</div>
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SNK, 2000<br />
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Picking just one Metal Slug game is a difficult task but Metal Slug 3 built on the foundations set by the previous games to come out on top. After Metal Slug 3 the series would kind of lose its way, adding unnecessary features and generally not having the same level of detail or attention spent on the design and gameplay feel.<br />
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Metal Slug 3 is a run and gun game that has some of the best animated sprites you are ever likely to lay eyes on, they seriously haven't aged a day and still inspire awe and wonder in those who see them for the first, second or hundredth time.</div>
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Metal Slug is just an incredibly fun series, it's like Contra but not as punishing and more open to experimentation and generally more varied. The gameplay feels incredibly nimble and solid, characters move at just the right speed and you never feel out of control. The game is also fantastic in 2 player co-op. It's everything that an arcade run and gun game should be and comes highly recommended, start with this or Metal Slug X.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>45 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_bros._melee" target="_blank">Super Smash Bros. Melee</a></b></span></div>
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GameCube</div>
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HAL Laboratory, 2002<br />
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Hours upon hours were lost to this brilliant beat-em-up fighting game back in the early 2000's. Beating the hell out of each with Nintendo characters was just so fun and addictive, as was collecting the wealth of trophies on offer that each come with a detailed description and can be scrutinised by the player.</div>
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In Super Smash Bros. Melee your goal is simple; pick one of many classic Nintendo characters and knock your opponents out of the arena. The more damage your opponents have taken the better your chances are that your attack will send them sky rocketing. There are no health bars or super meters like other fighting games and so the outcome of a battle is always unpredictable and frantic. </div>
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The gameplay is deceptively simple and as the same control scheme is mapped to all characters it is very easy to pick up. Yet each character has a distinct personality which makes learning how to utilise their move set fun in and of itself. A great fighter that is hectic and fun in equal measures; it's no surprise that this is still doing the rounds at the yearly EVO fighting tournament. The best in the series... that I've played!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">44 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streets_of_rage" target="_blank">Streets of Rage</a></span></b></div>
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Mega Drive (also: Master System, 3DS eShop etc)</div>
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Sega Overworks, 1991<br />
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Most people pick the sequel over this but for me the first Streets of Rage just feels better; it is faster and feels a lot more nimble. The sequel has better graphics but the characters are so large that it can sometimes become a little crowded, here the screen never feels cluttered. Perhaps it is nostalgia talking but to me this is the best Streets of Rage.</div>
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I love the feel of this game, the environments, the artwork, the music, it all adds up to create a fantastic game that is full of atmosphere. The game features 2 player co-op, beating up people and chucking each other across the screen makes the game all the more fun... but multiplayer also holds the chance to obtain a multiple ending, a great addition that adds some replayability to the game.<br />
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The game's music is some of the best ever conceived for a videogame, it will stick with you long after the credits with it's phenomenal 16-bit techno vibe. Pick this one up for the 3DS where you can play with additional 3D graphics that not only look great but also allow for more precise and satisfying combat... thanks M2 for another exceptional port!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">43 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNK_vs._Capcom:_Card_Fighters_Clash" target="_blank">SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash</a></span></b></div>
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Neo Geo Pocket Color</div>
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SNK, 1999<br />
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Card Fighters Clash is a card battling game that tasks you with building up strong and varied decks in order to beat your rivals. The game was inspired by Pokemon and was released in two versions simultaneously: SNK and Capcom. Each version of the game contains unique cards and also favours the respective game company when dealing out new cards. The only way to obtain all cards is to trade with someone who owns the opposite version, facilitating discussion and competition with friends - if you know someone else who owns a Neo Geo Pocket Color that is!</div>
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The game takes place across a handful of locations that are connected by a world map, but do not expect a vast world like Pokemon, each location is basically a room with a handful of people to battle against. Each location is themed around a specific SNK or Capcom game and is full of little easter eggs to discover but the real meat of the game is in the battling itself.</div>
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Card Fighters Clash uses a turn based system, you bring your selected deck of 50 cards to the fight and 5 are randomly added to your hand at the start of the battle with one more added each turn. The cards can include characters that can attack your opponent as well as additional cards that can have special effects on the battle. You can choose when to add a card into play and when they attack, knowing who, when and how to attack adds a lot of strategy to the game and is a lot of fun to figure out. Before you know it you will have created a well rounded deck full of characters that can support one another, have special abilities or can be used to devastating effect when your health is low.</div>
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Card Fighters Clash is a fantastic game for one of the best handheld systems out there. Get a Neo Geo Pocket Color and a copy of this and play under bright artificial light for hours!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">42 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Aleste" target="_blank">Super Aleste</a></span></b></div>
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Super Nintendo</div>
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Compile, 1992<br />
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Super Aleste - known as Space Megaforce in the US - is a masterpiece of a shooter; incredibly well paced, varied and intensely addictive, the game is a shining example of the shoot-em-up genre. Your craft can change between 8 different weapons, each of which can be leveled up multiple times. Finding the right weapon for each section of a level is essential, as is collecting all power ups as the game is brutally hard!<br />
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Each level has a unique feel and asks you to use your wealth of weapon upgrades in new and inventive ways. Although you will die a lot the rocking soundtrack pushes you on and gives the game a great personality, the graphics also make the game stand out among other SNES shoot-em-ups, they are bright, clear and are full of detail. To my eyes they are some of the best graphics on the SNES.</div>
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I haven't played any of the other Aleste games aside from Robo Aleste for the Mega Drive but it wouldn't surprise me if more of them were just as good as this. An excellent shooter that can be had surprisingly cheap.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">41 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-Life_2" target="_blank">Half Life 2</a></span></b></div>
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PC (also: Xbox, 360, PS3 etc)</div>
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Valve, 2004<br />
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Half Life 2 is often regarded as one of the best games of all time and as such I'm sure some will be surprised at how low it ranks on my list. I played the game for the first time this year so perhaps it would have made a greater impact on me if I had played it when it was initially released in 2004.</div>
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What impressed me most about Half Life 2 was the feel of the world and the journey you go on as the ever silent Gordon Freeman. Everything in the world feels connected and although the game is very linear the game rarely fades to black and each environment connects to the next in a natural and organic way. The game's physics engine was revolutionary at the time and it is still fun to play with today. The Gravity Gun allows for inventive combat and makes the game feel fresh and unique.</div>
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It's not a perfect game though; I feel the game has aged with its heavy reliance on checkpoints, some rag doll physics, unnatural interactions with other characters and linear level design but the game's world is always fun and varied. Each section of the game tasks you with overcoming and mastering a new gameplay hurdle such as the hour or so long jet ski section or the tense battle that takes place in the claustrophobic prison complex.</div>
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I started to play through Episode 1 but it didn't really capture me the way the main game did, should I give it another chance? I'm not pining for Episode 3 or Half Life 3 like others but I do wish that Valve would come out with another story driven game like the often masterful Half Life 2.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>50-41 --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-40-31.html" target="_blank">40-31</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-30-21.html" target="_blank">30-21</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-20-11.html" target="_blank">20-11</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-10-1.html" target="_blank">10-1</a></b></span></div>
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Posted: 23rd November 2015</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-4597210226306801702015-11-23T00:53:00.004+00:002015-11-23T10:03:47.617+00:00Top 50 Games of All Time (40-31)<div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><b><span style="font-size: large;">40 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garou:_Mark_of_the_Wolves" target="_blank">Garou: Mark of the Wolves</a></span></b></b></div>
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Neo Geo (also: Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox Live Arcade)</div>
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SNK, 2000</div>
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Garou: Mark of the Wolves was the eighth and final Fatal Fury game to be released for SNK's legendary arcade system, Neo Geo. The game ditches the two-line battle system of previous games - which saw you fight your opponent across two planes - and instead plays more like a traditional 2D fighting game. I welcome this as I could never get into the line system and felt it got in the way of the pure fighting game mechanics.</div>
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Garou is set after the other Fatal Fury games and as such is comprised of an almost entirely new cast. This revamped cast and the smooth and highly detailed animation often sees the game compared to Capcom's Street Fighter III (a game I have yet to play) which was released around the same time.</div>
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The game is incredibly easy to pick up if you are used to 2D fighters but just feels so nice to play, the animation and movement is fluid, the fighting has a kick to it and each character feels unique. Although easy to pick up the game holds a lot of depth for those who seek it. The hard to master Just Defend system that is activated through blocking just as your opponent's attack hits, allows for a small increase in health and gives you a very small window in which to counter attack. If you can master this tricky technique battles can turn in your favour very quickly. There is also the T.O.P. system which allows you to designate a section of your life bar to which more devastating techniques can be used.</div>
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The small cast of characters look and play unlike one another, this allows you to experiment with each and find the right match for your playing style. My favourite is Gato who has various ways of approaching the opponent with unique aerial attacks. All in all Garou: Mark of the Wolves is a high watermark for SNK fighters, it is an incredibly addictive and deep fighter that is a joy to look at and play. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">39 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Zero_2" target="_blank">Project Zero 2</a></span></b></div>
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PlayStation 2 (also: Xbox, Wii)</div>
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Tecmo, 2003<br />
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Project Zero - known as Fatal Frame in the US - is a series I am glad to see has recently been resurrected, thanks to Nintendo and the release of Maiden of Blackwater for the Wii U. The previous game in series before this was 2008's Japan only Mask of the Lunar Eclipse which surfice it to say I haven't played.<br />
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Project Zero 2 is the best of the bunch (that I've played), a nerve shredding survival horror game where your only weapon against the hordes of ghosts is a camera. You control your character in a third person view, exploring the environment in a fashion similar to Resident Evil but when it comes to an encounter you must enter into a first person view that replicates the viewfinder of a camera. You gain more points the closer you allow the ghost to get to you before you take the picture but the game manages to pull off being so freaky that trying to stay accurate can be pretty difficult at times. The fact that you have to get up close and intimate with these dangerous spirits in first person mode is intense and often terrifying!</div>
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Project Zero 2 is a game that is as influenced by Japanese horror movies as it is Resident Evil, it plays similar to games of the survival horror genre... but for me this is one of the best games of the genre and is well worth seeking out. I have played both the PS2 and Xbox versions of this game but have yet to delve into the enhanced Wii version which I would imagine is the best of the bunch. Definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of survival horror games and Japanese horror movies.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">38 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_Attack" target="_blank">Tetris Attack</a></span></b></div>
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Super Nintendo (also: Game Boy)</div>
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Intelligent Systems, Nintendo R&D1, 1996<br />
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Tetris Attack is a fantasticly addictive puzzle game by Nintendo which was originally released in Japan under the name Panel de Pon; it has spawned many sequels over the years under the rather generic Puzzle League guise, some of which have been Pokemon themed. Tetris Attack takes the Japanese puzzler Panel de Pon and gives it a Yoshi-centric face lift, replacing all characters with side kicks and enemies from the Mario games.</div>
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In Tetris Attack blocks are continuously rising and you lose the match if your screen is filled with blocks; to lower them you must match 3 or more of the same colour, you do this by swapping blocks on a horizontal plane. To win a match you must make the most of combos and find opportunities for chain moves as the bigger the chain the more blocks you can throw onto your enemies screen. It sounds like a simple concept but it just works so incredibly well, the satisfaction of throwing a four block high attack at your opponent is like nothing else!<br />
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The game is incredibly is highly addictive, bright and colourful, it's easy to pick up and approachable but has a lot of depth. This beats the more popular Puyo Puyo by miles in my honest opinion. If you haven't played the game yet I urge you to give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">37 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_prime" target="_blank">Metroid Prime</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube (also: Wii)</div>
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Retro Studios, 2003<br />
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Metroid Prime is the first Metroid game I ever played and must be up there with most people's favourite Metroid games. Even though it doesn't stick to the tried and true 2D Metroid formula it still feels very much like a Metroid game which is quite an achievement in and of itself. In the game you explore a vast and beautiful world through the eyes of Samus, find power ups, defeat bosses and use Samus' unique abilities such as the Morph Ball... all in glorious 3D!</div>
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Metroid Prime just nails the atmosphere and everything just clicks, this is not your typical FPS but simply a First Person Metroid. I love exploring this world, scanning items, the environment, the enemies and just learning little by little about the world I am in. I found Metroid Prime 2 to be a little too hostile and somewhat uninteresting (maybe I should give it another shot?) and I found Metroid Prime 3 to be underrated but nothing compares to the first game, an absolutely essential GameCube purchase.<br />
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The game can also be played using Wii controls if you pick up the Trilogy on Wii. This Trilogy has recently been re-released on the Wii U, more ways to play this landmark title.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">36 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrun" target="_blank">Out Run</a></span></b></div>
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Arcade (also: Sega Saturn, Mega Drive, 3DS eShop etc)</div>
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Sega AM2, 1986<br />
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I remember playing Out Run for the first time on the Sega Saturn's Sega Ages collection and just being completely blown away by what I was experiencing. This is classic Sega; technically staggering arcade gameplay with tons of personality and that perfect blue sky.<br />
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In Out Run you are racing against the clock in your red Ferrari; you race from point A to point B but your journey and your destination is yours to choose as along the way you are presented with amny roads that folk in two opposite directions. This branching structure means that two playthroughs can be vastly different. Out Run has such an intoxicating personality and it doesn't hurt that it has one of the best soundtracks to grace the arcade. A stone cold classic that holds up really well today. I still feel that the Sega Saturn is the best place to play the game but it is also available on multiple other systems including the 3DS, enhanced with 3D graphics and multiple game modes. A classic game that is a joy to play. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>35 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteos" target="_blank">Meteos</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo DS</div>
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Q Entertainment, 2005<br />
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Meteos is one of the best games on the DS as it utilizes the hardware in a straightforward fashion that works in favour of the gameplay, it doesn't feel like a tacked on gimmick but as if the game was built from the ground up with touch screens in mind.<br />
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In Meteos you simply connect pieces of the same colour together to set them on a course for the skies above, but there is a lot of strategy involved in order to get those high scores. Depending on the planet you are playing on the gamplay will alter, for instance some planets may have heavier gravity, some may have a narrower playing field, some may vanish all blocks once connected together etc. There are 33 planets in total, each with their unique sound effects, graphics and music, giving each planet a distinct identity.<br />
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Pushing for high scores and farming your precious metals is what will keep you coming back time and time again. Once the game has you hooked you will find it very hard to put it down, believe me! One of the simplest but also one of the best puzzle games of all time, highly recommended.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">34 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recca" target="_blank">Summer Carnival ’92: RECCA</a></span></b></div>
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3DS Virtual Console (also: Famicom)</div>
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KID, 1992<br />
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In all honesty I haven't played a ton of shoot-em-up's, I'm definitely no connoisseur when it comes to this genre but I know what I like and I loooove RECCA. Released in Japan in the Summer of 1992 as a competition cart, RECCA is an incredibly rare game to pick up for the Famicom... thankfully it is easy (and cheap!) to find on the 3DS Virtual Console.</div>
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RECCA is a fast as hell shooter which is here to kick your butt, you won't last long but the time you spend with it will be filled with amazingly fast sprites and a pumping soundtrack that will stick with you for days afterwards. Addictive, technologically staggering and hard as nails, RECCA is great fun and I hazard to say a prototype for the 'bullet hell' genre which would emerge a year or two after its release.</div>
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A hidden gem that is a marvel to behold and a joy to play. Getting that little bit better each time you die and coming up with new strategies to progress even further is highly addictive. One of the best shoot-em-up games out there.</div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">33 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldeneye_64" target="_blank">Goldeneye 007</a></span></b></div>
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Nintendo 64</div>
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Rare, 1997<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QOJDYBVy3bxBMn9ws0bOstzyGfKFQV48CHTG6j9TqQC7EGd9J2TIpHtcMFDDcC8BmCODYgAIG58Zn03MuKLJNPtOIIeVzEr7lpjL3JqMDx0tj6UNe0oX9Hi2Hf_wpEvN2KjeFgZdIQ/s1600/10+Goldeneye+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QOJDYBVy3bxBMn9ws0bOstzyGfKFQV48CHTG6j9TqQC7EGd9J2TIpHtcMFDDcC8BmCODYgAIG58Zn03MuKLJNPtOIIeVzEr7lpjL3JqMDx0tj6UNe0oX9Hi2Hf_wpEvN2KjeFgZdIQ/s400/10+Goldeneye+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most people remember Goldeneye 007 for its multiplayer as it is often seen as one of the best and most iconic multiplayer games out there... but I feel there is a lot more to this game. For me the game proved that licensed games can work, even if most don't. The game also proved that a complex FPS could work on a home console. The game offers a wealth of control options to suit your needs including dual stick options that ask that you hold one controller in each hand; this is a little cumbersome but is a very early example of the now standard dual analog configuration. The game's controls can feel alien for an audience accustomed to modern FPS control schemes but after a little adjustment you can move around the world with ease and aim precise satisfying headshots.</div>
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One of the things I love most about the game is its campaign. Each mission has multiple objectives to complete, on the easiest level only the bare minimum must be completed but as you increase the difficulty the game tasks you with completing more and more objectives. Some of these objectives can feel obtuse at first but once you know what you are doing and go on to complete a mission on 00-Agent difficulty you feel like a true undercover spy!</div>
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I love the overall attention to detail and the design that went into this game. As you start the game you choose from one of four save files which are represented as folders, once you have selected your save you go into the folder to pick the level, difficulty etc which are represented as sheets in the folder. As you start the first mission the camera spins from the sky before entering the back of James Bond's head, putting you firmly in his polygonal shoes. For the options menu James looks down at his wrist watch and the options menu is in the watch itself. It is design choices like these that amount to creating a real sense of immersion and atmosphere and show that the developers cared for the licence. The game is a stone cold classic that sadly hasn't been able to be ported to modern consoles due to licencing issues. Get an N64 and pick up this influential classic.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">32 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekken_3" target="_blank">Tekken 3</a></span></b></div>
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Playstation (also: Arcade)</div>
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Namco, 1998<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLpz7BQXWh4cH8Qz7XlhsQweSMIjbYF4W6zB-iwKVlJfPNkt5h9cOHeC4Ttptc3dAhzPXBlM8qmjgfIGfCs09O726dvH9dMlGpJ6yv4CC5gO9MMXxls2B7jtGxiEWGo258QeFePLxBw/s1600/23+Tekken+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLpz7BQXWh4cH8Qz7XlhsQweSMIjbYF4W6zB-iwKVlJfPNkt5h9cOHeC4Ttptc3dAhzPXBlM8qmjgfIGfCs09O726dvH9dMlGpJ6yv4CC5gO9MMXxls2B7jtGxiEWGo258QeFePLxBw/s400/23+Tekken+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had a hard time choosing between this and Tekken 5 but in the end Tekken 3 wins as I remember the release so vividly, the anticipation leading up to release was unlike anything I had seen before (aside from perhaps Final Fantasy VII), the game represented a giant leap in what could be achieve on the PlayStation and people were eager to get their hands on it.</div>
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Tekken 3 was a sequel with a lot of ambition, coming off the back of the huge success that was Tekken 2 the developers really outdid themselves by expanding on all aspects: better graphics, more modes, moves, characters, techniques and stages. The game is near arcade perfect but not only did they treat us to a great conversion but they added mode after mode to create one of the most robust fighting games out there. You start with 10 main characters but as you play through the Arcade Mode with each character you can unlock 13 more as well as often humorous cinematics for each character that can be collected and viewed in the Theatre Mode. You can also unlock Tekken Ball and Tekken Force modes which were both great additions that changed up the gameplay in creative ways (if you don't know what these modes are, play the game and allow yourself to be surprised!). An absolute classic game that I find very hard to fault.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">31 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_Mania" target="_blank">Mole Mania</a></span></b></div>
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Game Boy (also: 3DS Virtual Console)</div>
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Nintendo EAD, Pax Softnica<br />
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Why this game doesn't get more recognition is beyond me, this truly is Miyamoto's best hidden gem, a game that I feel all should <i>dig</i>. How to describe the game... think a mix of classic Zelda dungeon puzzles and the combat of Bomberman and you are about half way there. The theme and gameplay are intertwined perfectly with puzzles taking place above and below ground, asking Muddy Mole to dig through the ground and find his way round some devious puzzles.</div>
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This game can be had fairly cheaply on the original Game Boy but is also very cheap on the 3DS eShop so you have no excuse not to pick this up, a hidden gem in need of a good home. I cannot recommend this game enough. A puzzle adventure game that demands to be played and would make for a fantastic Wii U title.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-50-41.html" target="_blank">50-41</a> --- 40-31 --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-30-21.html" target="_blank">30-21</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-20-11.html" target="_blank">20-11</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-10-1.html" target="_blank">10-1</a></b></span></div>
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Posted: 23rd November 2015</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-77891701979747298602015-11-23T00:53:00.003+00:002015-11-23T15:12:07.222+00:00Top 50 Games of All Time (30-21)<div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">30 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TimeSplitters_2" target="_blank">TimeSplitters 2</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube (also: PlayStation 2, Xbox)</div>
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Free Radical Design, 2002<br />
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The three TimeSplitters games were created by ex-Rare employees who worked on the legendary Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark N64 games back in the late 1990's. The original TimeSplitters was an exclusive launch title for the PlayStation 2 and although it was fun it felt a little underdeveloped; it had a bare bones story and was mainly meant to be played in multiplayer. The game featured some very fluid animation and helped create the foundations for the series but felt like an empty shell of a game... in contrast, TimeSplitters 2 is overflowing with a fantastic set of characters, a great time travelling story, set pieces that were beyond anything seen in FPS's of the time and easily some of the best local multiplayer ever conceived.</div>
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When TimeSplitters 2 came out I remember thinking that it was like playing Goldeneye 007 but with a greater sense of humour and with all the kinks ironed out. One of the definitive games of the GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox era and incredibly playable to this day. Each mission is full of charm and variety and playing the missions in co-op only adds to the enjoyment. The game also came with a map maker which was surprisingly robust. One of the best FPS's ever released, sadly they don't make them like this anymore.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">29 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Skyward_Sword" target="_blank">The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword</a></span></b></div>
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Wii</div>
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Nintendo EAD 3, 2011<br />
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Skyward Sword is a divisive game. Some hate the game's motion controls that task you with making accurate and deliberate swipes with the controller in order to swing your sword, some hate the dungeon structure which often has you trying to find hidden items with a bona fide metal detector before progressing, and some find the hubworld of Skyloft to be one of the most uninspired of all 3D Zelda games.. and in many ways they are right, this isn't a perfect Zelda game but it is still one that will enchant you, envelop you with its story and will often amaze you with its rich design.</div>
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The first major difference in Skyward Sword is Link's stamina meter; Link can now sprint at high speed as well as fault up small walls at the cost of a regenerating stamina meter. Link's new found agility breathes life into the game and sees you making short work of obsticles. If the meter drains completely Link will wander in a daze and not be able to attack so sprinting must be used sparingly... but it makes Link feel more nimble than ever.</div>
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The game's controls are incredibly well thoughtout and utilise the Wii's unique motion controls in discrete and creative ways that make you wish more developers had been as ambitions with the Wii's often unruly controls. The game relies on the Wii Motion Plus technology and uses the extra precision brilliantly, the game doesn't often use the pointer but instead uses the motion of the controller itself and it works surprisingly well.</div>
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I love the watercolour aesthetic which sees distant objects appear as smudged brush strokes, the story which takes many interesting turns and more than anything I love the design of the world and the varied gameplay. It is obvious that a lot of passion and effort went into making this game and it shines through from beginning to end. Easily one of my favourite Zelda games and one of the best games on the Wii.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">28 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridge_Racer_(video_game)" target="_blank">Ridge Racer</a></span></b></div>
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PlayStation (also: Arcade)</div>
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Namco, 1995<br />
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If you haven't already noticed I love arcade gameplay, and Namco were one of the biggest and best arcade companies of the 90's with series like Tekken, Ridge Racer and Time Crisis all munching up our pocket money. Namco would go on to port over all of their major arcade titles to the new kid on the block, Sony's PlayStation. The original Ridge Racer helped launch the system back in 1995 with its unique soundtrack, smooth gameplay and adrenaline filled races. The conversion was a thing to behold, polygonal graphics had never been so detailed and smooth on a home console up until that point, setting Sony's new machine apart from the competition. The game did not feature a multiplayer mode but in all honesty I didn't mind as trying to beat the computer was a task in and of itself. The series would not feature multiplayer until 1999's masterful Ridge Racer Type 4.</div>
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During the opening loading screen you were treated to a short round of Galaxian, if you could get a perfect score you would unlock a batch of new vehicles. Trying to achieve this when I was younger was incredibly addictive... but now I can do it no problem! The 1996 sequel, Ridge Racer Revolution, would do one better and feature the first bonus stage from Galaga. Ridge Racer marked my first exposure to either of these games and that alone puts it pretty high on my list but it obviously doesn't hurt that the games themselves are also fantastic! I highly recommend tracking down a NegCon controller for this one, the perfect controller for one of the most perfect racing games out there.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">27 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_of_Fighters_%2798" target="_blank">King of Fighters '98</a></span></b></div>
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Neo Geo AES/MVS (also: PS2, Wii etc)</div>
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SNK, 1998<br />
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King of Fighters '98 was a 'dream match' that brought together almost all characters from across the Orochi Saga ('94-'97) - including those who had died - into one massive fight. The game acts as a full stop on the Orochi Saga and a distillation of each of the fighting styles from across the previous games. There is very little emphasis on story here, instead all focus is on the deep fighting mechanics that SNK are famous for. The game runs on a fighting system very similar to KoF'97 which includes two distinct modes, Extra and Advance, each of which vastly change the feel of each character.</div>
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I love all the King of Fighters games for different reasons, but I also love playing through each game and noticing the changes that were made between each entry; developing new fighting techniques in the process. I feel that special mention has to be given to '98 for offering so much content and getting the balance well through out (so long as you ignore boss characters!). There is a real physicality to the fights that gives each blow 'umph' and weight and adds a lot of tension and drama to every round.</div>
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KoF '98 wins out over other SNK fighters such as the Samurai Shodown series for shear size of the roster and the immediacy of the fighting, one of the best 2D fighting games out there.</div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">26 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatsunoko_vs._Capcom:_Ultimate_All-Stars" target="_blank">Tatsunoko Vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars</a></b></div>
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Wii (also: Arcade)</div>
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Eighting/Capcom, 2010<br />
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Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom is one of the latest in the long running Vs. Capcom series which is most known for the Marel Vs. Capcom games. At one point it looked incredibly unlikely that Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom would make it out of Japan due to licensing issues but low and behold we got the game in an upgraded 'Ultimate All-Stars' form! The likelihood is you won't recognise many of the Tatsunoko clan - I only knew Battle of the Planets and Yatterman characters before playing - but they fit in so seamlessly with the Capcom characters that it really doesn't matter.</div>
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The game keeps true to the over the top Vs. formula, with emphasis put squarely on long, quick and flashy combos. The ease of control and of starting combos makes you feel creative and always in control of the action; yet the game is deep enough that you will always be finding new ways to keep combos going and it is this emphasis on creativity that makes the game such a joy to play. The game featured a great online mode that has sadly been pulled following Nintendo's withdrawing of all Wii internet features... boo! Here's hoping - although it is highly unlikely - that the game will be ported in the future.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>25 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lylat_Wars" target="_blank">Lylat Wars</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo 64 (also: 3DS, Virtual Console)</div>
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Nintendo EAD, 1997<br />
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The perfect Star Fox arrived in 1997 and it would appear that Nintendo knows this all to well as the game has left a long shadow over all future games. The original Star Fox for the SNES was a fantastic show piece for the capabilities of the Mode 7 chip but Lylat Wars improved on that game in every way with more personality given to the game's characters, a better framerate, a great soundtrack, more variety added to the stages etc etc.</div>
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Lylat Wars is a - mostly - on-rails shooter with a distinct arcade feel. You must weave your way round obstacles, fire at enemies and take care of your comrades in order to reach the end of each level, if you finish a level under certain conditions you may choose one of the harder levels from the branching mission structure. Completing the game for the first time won't take you very long but seeing everything that this game has to offer takes a lot of dedication as some of the levels are very hard to reach... but it's always fun to at least try! The game worked perfectly with the N64 controller and was a good example of the added precision that could be achieved using an analog stick. The game also helped launch the Rumble Pak which came bundled with the game; this would plug into the back of the controller allowing you to feel every hit. 2011 saw a remastered version of Lylat Wars for the 3DS with all new graphics and audio, it rounded out the package nicely but my heart is with the original... DO A BARREL ROLL!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">24 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OutRun_2006:_Coast_2_Coast" target="_blank">OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast</a></span></b></div>
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Xbox (also: PS2, PSP)</div>
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Sega AM2 / Sumo Digital, 2006<br />
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OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast was a console exclusive final version of OutRun 2 which included stages from OutRun 2, 2 SP, as well as extra modes including net play and exclusive challenges.</div>
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OutRun 2 marked a drastic change for the classic arcade racing series that started back in 1986 and went onward with mediocre success with games such as Turbo Outrun and Outrun 2019. It was the first direct numbered sequel and thankfully lived up to the name. OutRun 2 would focus on what made the original great - fast arcade racing, a great soundtrack, varied locations, branching paths - whilst expanding the series with new elements such as drifting and a variety of new modes. The feel of the game is pure OutRun but the way you play feels quiet different. The emphasis on drifting is huge and you'll be drifting around 50% of the corners at breakneck speeds. This not only looks cool but is a joy to pull off.</div>
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The game retains its pick up and play arcade heritage but the amount of extra content on offer gives the game a lot of longevity. You acquire points through play that can be used in the game's shop to unlock extra music, cars and tracks. Unlocking all this can take a while but it is worth it. The game also includes extra modes that ask you to drive in particular styles in order to impress your girlfriend, or race against your rivals, the better you do in these modes the more points you earn to spend in the shop. Getting a perfect run on these challenges is very satisfying.</div>
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OutRun 2 is a perfect sequel, it builds on the original concept whilst also feeling fresh and daring. The game retains the arcade blue skies and tight gameplay but presents them in a new and exhilarating environment. The game is still beautiful to play and is everything a modern day arcade game should strive to be.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">23 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_(Game_Boy)" target="_blank">Donkey Kong</a></span></b></div>
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Nintendo EAD / Pax Softnica, 1994</div>
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Donkey Kong for the Game Boy (often referred to as Donkey Kong '94) is not what you think it is. It's not Donkey Kong Country but it's not necessarily the arcade Donkey Kong either... it's so much more.</div>
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The game opens with four levels which are taken straight out of the arcade classic Donkey Kong, these feel simple, their graphics are plain and they don't provide much of a challenge but from here on it's like a parrellel universe where Donkey Kong took Pauline across many many many (over 100) other levels. These new levels far more devious, complex and detailed and become quite challenging as the game goes on.</div>
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Mario is surprisingly acrobatic in this game, he controls a lot like the Mario of Super Mario Galaxy which will come as a surprise to anyone expecting him to control like Jumpman. The wealth of different manoeuvres that Mario has at his disposal really is staggering and sees this game stand out among other Mario games. A hugely underrated gem of a game that plays fantastically today and has some of the best Super Game Boy integration of any game on the system. Essential gaming.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">22 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_2" target="_blank">Sonic the Hedgehog 2</a></span></b></div>
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Mega Drive (also: Virtual Console, PlayStation 2 etc)</div>
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Sonic Team, 1992<br />
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The original Mega Drive Sonic games undoubtedly stand out as the best of the blue blur's long and precarious career. The four original Mega Drive games are absolutely essential 16-bit platformers that redefined what was expected of the genre, with speed and attitude so different to the goofy looks and methodical jumping of Mario games. Many would try and capitalise on Sonic's street cred success, almost always with hideous results; and yet the remarkable thing about the Mega Drive Sonic games is that they <i>still</i> feel cool and fresh... they haven't aged a day.</div>
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The structure is simple, go through multiple Acts that form a Zone, each of which end with a battle with Sonic's nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. Each game features a different set of bonus stages, Sonic 2's being set in faux-3D cylindrical pipes. Successful completion of a bonus stage will get you a Chaos Emerald, collect all of these to get the 'true' ending.</div>
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All the Sonic games for the Mega Drive are classics; they all feature fantastic enemy and level design and all have incredibly catchy and memorable soundtracks... but for me Sonic 2 stands out as the best of the bunch as it stays true to the classic Sonic formula without adding too many extra power ups and characters like Sonic 3 did. Both Sonic 2 and 3 are excellent and although many would argue that Sonic 3 is the better of the two - with better graphics, more varied gameplay and better bosses - there is something absolutely timeless and wondrous about Sonic 2 and not much else comes close to that.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>21 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aria_of_Sorrow" target="_blank">Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow</a></b></span></div>
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Game Boy Advance</div>
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Konami, 2003<br />
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The first Castlevania game I ever played was Dawn of Sorrow, a game that I picked up for my shiny new 'phat' DS way back when it came out in 2005. At the time I did not know the history of the series and how the game was nestled in the 'Metroidvania' gameplay tradition that started with 1997's Symphonia of the Night on the PlayStation. Since playing Dawn of Sorrow on the DS I have played all the Nintendo DS, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games as well as Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for the NES and my favourite by a rather narrow margin is Aria of Sorrow for the GBA.</div>
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Aria of Sorrow was the third game for the GBA and improved upon the previous two games immensely. The graphics were cleaned up and looked beautifully crisp, well animated and bright - quite unlike the dark and sometimes dull look of the previous two GBA games. In Aria of Sorrow enemies sometimes drop new abilities that you can equip, finding all of these unique abilities - of which there are a lot - and figuring out what works best for you in terms of traversal as well as combat is incredibly addictive. As is getting 100% map completion for visiting all areas in the game.<br />
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Aria of Sorrow was followed by Dawn of Sorrow which delivers better visuals but also shoehorns in some unwarranted touch controls that hold the game back. The scope and focus of Aria as well as great gameplay mechanics mark the game out as my favourite of the series so far. What Castlevania game should I play next? Symphony of the Night?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-50-41.html" target="_blank">50-41</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-40-31.html" target="_blank">40-31</a> --- 30-21 --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-20-11.html" target="_blank">20-11</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-10-1.html" target="_blank">10-1</a></b></span></div>
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Posted: 23rd November 2015</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-55062853482585100112015-11-23T00:53:00.001+00:002015-12-15T11:42:55.721+00:00Top 50 Games of All Time (20-11)<div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>20 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Trick" target="_blank">Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo DS (also: iOS)</div>
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Capcom, 2011</div>
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Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective came out right at the end of the DS's life, the 3DS released a mere two months later. It always seems that towards the end of a system's life a game comes out that captures something special whilst everyone is looking elsewhere. This seems to be the case with Ghost Trick and it is a real shame as it is easily one of the best games of the past five years.<br />
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The game's development was lead by Ace Attorny mastermind Shu Takumi and like that series Ghost Trick is full of humour and mystery. You take the role of Sissel... well you take control of his spirit as his body is already dead. You control objects around you and move about space in order to try and solve the mystery of your death. You move your spirit between different objects but the catch is that the objects must be close to one another. You can interact with the objects you posses in order to bring them closer together; for example you may turn on a ceiling fan to move a pile papers and then take possession of a sheet of paper as it flies around the room. The system is incredibly unique, inventive and often hilarious.<br />
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The game plays almost like a traditional point and click adventure, featuring incredibly well drawn and animated graphics, a rather groovy soundtrack, a fantastic story and a set of characters that are brimming with wit and charm. The game is still cheap to get new on the DS (don't bother with the iOS version!) so go watch some gameplay and get hooked on this fantastic under appreciated gem.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">19 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikaruga" target="_blank">Ikaruga</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube (also: Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox Live Arcade)</div>
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Treasure / G.Rev, 2003</div>
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Ikaruga was one of the first shoot-em-ups I really felt myself sinking into, although I never got very far! The game has left a strong impression on me which has seen me curious to seek out other creative, bombastic and expertly designed shoot-em-ups over the years.</div>
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The game was created by Japanese company Treasure who are perhaps best known for creating a handful of classic games for the Mega Drive, all of which share a distinctive colourful aesthetic and a bombardment of attacks and sprites; these games include Gunstar Heroes, Dynamite Heady, and Alien Soldier among others. Ikaruga was Treasure's second shoot-em-up (or third if you include Sulpheed: The Lost Planet which was a collaboration with Game Arts) after the widely praised Radiant Silvergun, a game I have yet to play!</div>
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In Ikaruga you control a ship that has two polarities, light and dark, that you can switch between at will. Enemies conform to either polarity or are a mixture of the two, if you match the polarity of the enemy you can absorb their attack which fills up a special attack meter. If you attack an enemy of the opposite polarity they will receive double damage. This simple yet ingenious system sees you change polarity to move through waves of bullets to find a safe area in which to attack. The system also allows for tactical play and chain attacks which go towards a higher score. The game is punishingly difficult and the intensity is mirrored in the synchronized soundtrack which is equally epic. Ikaruga is a fantastic game that feels somewhere between a bullet hell and a tradition shoot-em-up but also feels like something completely unique... plus the whole game was made by only four people, incredible stuff!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">18 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Crossing:_New_Leaf" target="_blank">Animal Crossing: New Leaf</a></span></b></div>
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Nintendo 3DS</div>
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Nintendo EAD 2, 2013</div>
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Animal Crossing is the only life sim that has really captured me and, surprise surprise, it's by Nintendo! The series first started life on the N64 although that version was only available in Japan. I was introduced to the series through the GameCube port of that game which was revamped and expanded for the console. The game was interesting to me as it was forever changing and had no definable end. You live among animal neighbours and go about your time in the village as you wish: buying furniture, repaying your mortgage, planting flowers, fishing, bug catching etc etc. The GameCube Animal Crossing featured a flat world which was segmented into squares, you would move towards the edge of the screen and the camera would switch over to the next square, this could be a little dissorantating and gave the game a disconnected feel. This was remedied in the DS version which I played endlessly at the time although looking back on it now it looks more than a little rough around the edges.</div>
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Animal Crossing: New Leaf is the colmination of all that came before it, there is so much to do in this world but the world also feels more alive than ever with a dedicated island where you can meet other players and a vast array of shops to explore. The big selling point of this new game is that through some misunderstanding you are believed to be the new major of the village. You have duties as major but as major you also have the right to change the town so that it works together with your own real life schedule; changes can include having shops that stay open later or open earlier and residents that care for the environment. You can also customise and improve your town with Public Works, these are usually simply visual but some also have major functions such as a police station or a coffee shop.</div>
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I have spent over a hundred hours with this game and I feel I could happily spend another hundred collecting all the items, bugs, fish etc that I'm still after. If this game included the hidden NES games that were in the GameCube title it would probably rank higher but alas you can't have everything! A fantastic game that keeps on giving.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>17 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_64" target="_blank">Super Mario 64</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo EAD, 1997</div>
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I remember when Super Mario 64 was released, it felt unlike anything else; the control you had over Mario and the way you could interact with and move about the game world gave it a sense of freedom that was unique and new. The game launched Nintendo's 64-bit console and as such is probably one of the best launch titles ever - other great examples being Halo on the Xbox, Super Mario World on the SNES and Ridge Racer for the PlayStation.</div>
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There are a couple of games - Super Mario 64 and Shenmue - that I distinctly remember thinking represented unparrelled freedom for the player, games that got my imagination going with their new possibilities... did these games have any limitations? I didn't know, I was naive, and so my mind would wander! These days open world games and sandbox games are more common place but back in 1997 it was mind bending.</div>
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Super Mario 64 has many unique worlds, each of which are contained within the hubworld that is Peach's Castle and the grounds that surround it. Peach's Castle has to be one of the most ingenious hubworlds of any game, it works seamlessly and gets you involved with the game's mechanics before you've even properly started a level. You enter each world through jumping through framed pictures that are scattered around the castle's many rooms. Upon entering a picture you can choose a level to complete within the world, these can vary wildly and often change up the world in the process. Having multiple levels that take place within the same world allows you to really get to know the world, it sees you exploring every nook and cranny for secrets but also has you looking out for what is different.</div>
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Super Mario 64 is not easy, some of the challenges this game contains are incredibly devious which can make it feel unfair to new players. The game offers a steep challenge for those who intend to seek out everything the game has to offer, but if you do manage to collect all the stars then you'll feel like you've really accomplished something great.</div>
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The heart of the game is Mario's movement through 3D space and controlling him is always a joy thanks to the N64's analog stick. His large repertoire of moves offer him many strategic gameplay possibilities and are often called upon so you have to be on your toes at all times and know the controls inside out. The only issue the game has is its camera which must be continuously turned with the N64's C buttons, it feels archaic by today's standards and can get in the way of the overall enjoyment.</div>
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An incredible 3D world and a classic game that represents so much of what makes games great. A game that defined the N64 era and still has a lot to teach to budding game makers.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">16 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaga" target="_blank">Galaga</a></span></b></div>
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Arcade (also: NES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS etc)</div>
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Namco, 1981</div>
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I have always been a fan of arcade style games. I love games that rely heavily on solid gameplay mechanics paired with distinct graphical styles and easy to understand themes. I also love games that are easy to pick up but hard to master, and for me Galaga ticks all the above.</div>
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Galaga was released to arcades in 1981, it was a sequel to Namco's biggest hit at the time, the Space Invaders clone Galaxian. That game differentiated itself from Space Invaders through unique additions to the early arcade shooter formula. Your ship was now more detailed and the graphics in general had more personality to them thanks to the addition of colour; but the biggest changes were in the gameplay.</div>
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In Space Invaders waves of enemies would slowly march back and forth across the screen, each time getting closer and closer to your ship, you shot and took cover behind rocks and were tasked with wiping the enemy ships out before they reached the bottom of the screen. In Galaxian there are no barries and the enemy ships each have unique personalities. The enemy ships of Galaxian wait impatiently at the top of the screen before flying towards you spraying bullets, if you miss them they will reappear at the top of the screen and try again. This more aggressive behaviour makes the game far more exciting to play than Space Invaders and adds a lot of drama to the gamplay.</div>
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Galaga expanded on Galaxian with more enemy types and a general refinement to the gameplay experience. Enemies were still aggressive but felt easier to manage as their attack and flying patterns were much easier to read. This made the game seem less punishing and made it much more fun. One of my favourite additions that Galaga made was the twin ship mechanic; there are certain enemies that instead of shooting you will use a tractor beam, if you get caught in this your ship will be taken and you will lose a life. The enemy holds onto your previous ship but if you can carefully shoot down the enemy as it approaches you again your previous ship will rejoin you. The previous ship will stick to the side of your main ship and allow you to have double the range and fire power. This mechanic is fantastic, adding an element of risk/reward and providing a lot of strategy and tension to the gameplay. The game also features some of the best bonus levels of any game, with enemies dancing around the screen as you are tasked with shooting down as many as possible. The enemies do not shoot at you during these section so they act as a nice reprieve from all the built up tension.</div>
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I absolutely love Galaga and I always have done ever since I played the short demo in Ridge Racer; a phenomenal game and easily one of the best arcade games of all time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>15 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Hours,_Nine_Persons,_Nine_Doors" target="_blank">999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo DS</div>
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Chunsoft, 2010</div>
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999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors... kind of a mouthful! The game is known in Japan as Extreme Escape, a title that more directly represents the gameplay. 999 is a game that mixes many different elements; it's part interactive novel, part 'get out of the room' puzzle and part graphic novel. In the game you take control of Junpei, a boy who - along with 8 others - wakes up on a cruise ship with a mysterious numbered watch attached to their wrist. Whilst still in a daze the cabin window breaks, gushing water into the room, Junpei must figure out how to get out of his cabin in order to survive. You quickly learn that this isn't going to be easy, you must move the camera around and find areas and items to interact with in order to solve a long winded puzzle just to get the door open. Once you have escaped the room you run down to the main foyer and meet up with 8 others who all look just as confused as you. After a brief message from the mysterious antagonist named Zero you quickly learn that this is all an elaborate game, and that the choices of the 9 individuals will determine who will gets off the cruise ship alive. From here on its tense bloody storytelling all the way!</div>
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Interactive novels as videogames is a concept that has been around for many years in Japan but has never really found popularity outside of that country. The closest equivalent I can think that we have is the point and click adventure, a genre that 999 borrows heavily from. The unusual genre as well as the fact that the game has multiple endings intrigued me and got me to give the game a try... and I wasn't disappointed!</div>
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I won't go into any further details regarding the story as I feel that a good +50% of the enjoyment you will get from this game is through uncovering the mystery and trying to find everything the game has to offer. The game has many branching paths where your decisions and actions will effect how the story will progress. The branching storyline is done incredibly well and gives the game longevity and provides tension to the story, you never know who to trust or what will happen next. Each character feels incredibly detailed and real, their decisions as individuals all add up to a game that feels incredibly dramatic and often brutal (there's a reason this game has an M rating!).</div>
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The game was ported to iOS in 2014 but this version doesn't include puzzle elements and is instead just the story. I feel that through doing this the developers have sacrificed a lot of what makes 999 great and so I would urge people to stick with the original DS version. The game was not realsed in PAL regions so you will have to get a North American copy, this will play on all DS and 3DS systems though. The game received a sequel in 2012's Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward for the PS Vita and 3DS, I have only played an hour of the game so far so I can't really comment on it but what I will say is that it isn't capturing me quite like 999.</div>
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Here's to more games like this being released over here, a mature game with great puzzles, memorable characters and a branching story that has you guessing right up until the final moments. A phenomenal game and my favourite game on the DS.<br />
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(Update: 15/12/15 I have since finished the Virtue's Last Reward and can safely say that it doesn't quite reach the heights of the earlier game. Play 999 and if you enjoy it pick up the sequel, it's a fantastic follow up but it isn't as consistent as 999.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>14 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(video_game)" target="_blank">The Legend of Zelda</a></b></span></div>
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Nintendo Entertainment System (also: Virtual Console, Game Boy Advance etc)</div>
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Nintendo R&D4, 1987</div>
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I have to be honest, although I quite like the Zelda series I have only played a handful of the games to completion; Oracle of Ages, Minish Cap, Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword and this, my favoruite and the game that started it all.</div>
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Upon playing this game for the first time - about a year and a half ago - I was shocked by just how many Zelda tropes were present. The game can initially feels a little primitive but as you delve deeper into it you come to realise it still influences the direction of the series and is still relevant to gaming as a whole today.</div>
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The Legend of Zelda for NES is a fantastic open world adventure game full of unique and often infuriatingly hidden items, tricky enemies and some grueling dungeons. Upon starting the game I wandered into areas full of hostile enemies but soldiered on regardless, dodging enemy attacks and making it to the entrance of the third dungeon. The fact that I could get to, never mind complete, the third dungeon before the first and second was surprising to me. This open structure is incredibly refreshing and gives the player a sense of freedom that only makes the game feel more wondrous and alive. Giving the player the freedom to complete the dungeons in any order has only recently been revisited by Nintendo with the release of A Link Between Worlds for the 3DS and shows that the NES original still has much to give.</div>
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The feeling you get when you find your way to the end of a dungeon, find a hidden area or pick up a new item is incredibly satisfying, bringing you closer and closer towards your inevitable fight with pig-faced Ganon. The game is challenging and perhaps somewhat idiosyncratic but the fun you will have and the influence the game has had cannot be overstated. A remarkable game that I enjoyed way more than I was expecting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>13 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil_(1996_video_game)" target="_blank">Resident Evil</a></b></span></div>
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PlayStation (also: Sega Saturn, GameCube, Nintendo DS)</div>
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Capcom, 1996</div>
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When Resident Evil was released in 1996 the gaming landscape was very different to it is now, for starters Sega were still in the console business and trying to capture the market's attention with the Sega Saturn. The leader of the pack was obvious even in the early days though, the new kids on the block, Sony, were making traction and growing rapidly with every month. August 1996 saw Resident Evil launch in Europe for the PlayStation, it would not be released for the Sega Saturn until the following year. The PlayStation was only a year old at the time and grabbing games before Sega was instrumental to their early success. Resident Evil was a big game for Sony, although I doubt anyone knew quite how big it would be. The game would mark the beginning of a partnership with Sony that saw the PlayStation name become synonymous with the classic Survival Horror series and more importantly gaming aimed at young adults.</div>
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I was 8 years old at the time of its release and catching glimpses of my older brothers playing the game had a profound effect on me. I still had a naive and active imagination so when I came to see the game it felt like a new frontier. From the intro onward it felt like something completely new to me. The intro featured fantastically terrible real life actors, speech, special effects and a creepy mansion... it was all a bit too much for me at 8 years old! Then came the absolutely classic shot of the man running down the corridor and the ominous 'Resident Evil' voice that would signal the start of your game, it was so dramatic and corny but also worked brilliantly. I would not play the game until a little later but the effect it initially had on me hadn't worn off... and in a way it still hasn't. The game still retains some of its original tension thanks in most part to its unique personality, it's just so weird and <i>off</i>!</div>
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The game was, for most people, the first true Survival Horror game. You can choose between two characters, Jill or Chris, each have a slightly different campaign but the main difference is that Chris has a much smaller capacity for holding items and starts with nothing more than a knife! Jill is the way to go for newcomers but even still the player is tasked with managing an incredibly limited amount of ammo and chances to save the game. To save the game you have to use up a scarce item called an Ink Ribbon at one of the games typewriters. The scarcity of the Ink Ribbons mean the player is always afraid to save in case they run out later on but they are also afraid not to save for fear of what is through the next door. This simple mechanic changes the whole game and gives it an incredible amount of tension.</div>
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There is so much more to say about the game but I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't played it. The game uses what people refer to as 'tank controls' but don't let that dissuade you from playing this absolute classic horror game, they're really not that bad! The game received a remake on the GameCube which is essential too but I prefer the original. The original has a kooky atmosphere which is lost in the remake and the original aesthetic makes the game more creepy in a strange way. The remake was recently re-released for modern consoles and Steam so you have no excuse not to pick it up on way or another!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>12 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey_Kong_Jungle_Beat" target="_blank">Donkey Kong Jungle Beat</a></b></span></div>
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GameCube (also: Wii)</div>
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Nintendo EAD Tokyo, 2005<br />
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Before Donkey Kong Jungle Beat I had very minimal past experience with Donkey Kong games, apparently we had an SNES and Donkey Kong Country at one point but to be honest I don't remember playing it too much (I was probably busy playing Sonic or Jurassic Park on the Mega Drive!).</div>
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I cannot remember exactly why but my younger brother and I decided early on that the GameCube was the system for us and we supported it through its short and turbulent life. We had many systems off and on over the years but the PlayStation was our go to console so I guess it was a very conscious decision... and I am still happy with our young defiance (we ended up with a PS2 as well so... hmm?)! Some of the first games we got for the system were Resident Evil Remake, Eternal Darkness, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Monkey Ball and Wind Waker... all classic games.</div>
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The form factor and the colour of the console as well as the design of the controller marked the GameCube out as an outsider; a position Nintendo would flaunt with the DS and Wii era with innovative touch and motion controls. Although the DS and Wii hog the limelight the GameCube's forays into unusual control methods should not be forgotten. The standard controller had incredible analog triggers that were not only precise but also had clickable buttons upon full depression. The GameCube had the first official wireless controller with the Wavebird, had connectivity with the GBA for a second screen experience years before the Wii U and there was an optional microphone for games such as Odama and Mario Party. The controller I want to talk about here though is the silliest but most physical and kinetic of all; the DK Bongos.</div>
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The DK Bongos followed the surge of dance mats that littered bedroom floors following the success of Konami's Dance Dance Revolution. The Bongos took on a form similar to the Taiko no Tatsujin drum arcade machines but as well as two drum pads they also had a microphone built into the center that would pick up the user's clap.</div>
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The controller was released with the conservative but fun Donkey Konga, a standard rhythm game full of pop song covers and Nintendo classics such as the DK Rap. Jungle Beat was announced during the release of Donkey Konga, this next game would be a traditional 2D platformer that would have some combat elements that would ask you to pummel on the skins of the bongos to beat your enemies; I was curious as to whether this concept of pairing a rhythm controller with a more traditional game model would work... oh, how they made it work!</div>
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In Jungle Beat the bongos control Donkey Kong's movement, left and right bongos move him in either direction while pressing both at once sees him jump in the air. Clapping makes Donkey Kong interact with his environment (moving objects out of his way, breaking things, stunning enemies etc). The main fun of the games comes in the variety of gameplayand the point system which sees you tying together all your movements into one long strategically choreographed dance. There are stages that break up the typical platforming as well, these include levels that have you fighting one on one with an enemy or riding a wildebeest that is continuously moving right.</div>
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The game plays so well with the bongos that I didn't even attempt to play the game without them (something you can actually do if you need to be quiet I guess!), it feels as though the game has been made from the ground up with the bongos in mind, with the design considering how the user will interact with the environment. The physicality of hitting the drums and their mirroring on screen in Donkey Kong's actions just feels so right and the game could be seen as a testing ground for many ideas that would be expanded on in games such as Super Mario Galaxy as well as the entire concept of the Wii. An underrated gem that is always fun to break out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>11 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R4:_Ridge_Racer_Type_4" target="_blank">Ridge Racer Type 4</a></b></span></div>
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PlayStation</div>
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Namco, 1999</div>
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Two Ridge Racer games in one list!? That's right, Ridge Racer means a lot to me, I won't defend the series' recent output but I feel the PlayStation games stand out as some of the best racing games of all time.</div>
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Ridge Racer Type 4 was released in 1999, the last full year before the PS2 was released. Although the PS2 was just around the corner we would still receive many great games; games including Tony Hawks 3 and 4, Omega Boost, Dino Crisis 2 and WWF Smackdown. What is evident in these games is how developers really started to understand and truly master the hardware. If you compare Ridge Racer to RRT4 the differences are like night and day, the scope became so much wider and the graphics became more impressive and realistic.</div>
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After the release of the original Ridge Racer we would receive a semi-sequel in RR Revolution which featured very similar graphics but a new set of tracks. Shortly after that we would receive the black sheet that is Rage Racer, the game that introduced a monetary system and featured a much darker and realistic graphical style. Some did not like this particular entry but after I got over the change in style I found that it was a game that suited the home console market much better due to its longevity. With RRT4 the developers built upon Rage Racer's formula to create the deepest and most immersive game in the series.</div>
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The game features over 300 cars, split between four different racing teams and two racing styles. The surprisingly robust career mode features an in-depth story that sees you team up with one of the four teams and trying to help them win the tournament. Between races you speak with the team's boss, they'll comment on your progress and talk about personal issues such as their families or why they got into racing in the first place. These sections are very well written and getting to know each of the teams is rewarding. How well you do in each of the tournament's races determines what car you will unlock next and so you have to go through each team's campaign multiple times in order to unlock all the available cars.</div>
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The game takes inspiration from Gran Turismo in terms of scope but it also retains the incredibly fun arcade mechanics that the series was built on. The game is an absolute joy to play, especially with Namco's own Negcon controller. The game was released with a brand new and frankly bizarre controller called the Jogcon that is fun to use if a bit odd; I say stick with the earlier more precise Negcon though. Nothing compares to speeding round Shooting Hoops in the fastest car in the game with new year's fireworks blasting off in the background, just one of many magical memories from my second favourite racing game of all time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-50-41.html" target="_blank">50-41</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-40-31.html" target="_blank">40-31</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-30-21.html" target="_blank">30-21</a> --- 20-11 --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-10-1.html" target="_blank">10-1</a></b></span><br />
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Posted: 23rd November 2015</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-13442124294619039822015-11-23T00:53:00.000+00:002015-12-19T21:16:23.187+00:00Top 50 Games of All Time (10-1)<div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">10 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil_4" target="_blank">Resident Evil 4</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube (also: PlayStation 2, PC etc)</div>
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Capcom, 2005</div>
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Much can be said about the original Resident Evil games, they changed the gaming landscape and pushed survival horror and adult gaming into the mainstream. The games relied on fixed camera angles, a shortage of ammo, great (but corny) characters and a strange sense of dread. But upon the release of Resident Evil Code Veronica for the Dreamcast - the fifth game in four years - it was apparent that the series was starting to feel a little stale. The case worsened with a bunch of spinoff games that people would rather forget. Enter Resident Evil 4, a game that almost completely disregards what came before in order to create some of the most refreshing and exhilarating gameplay of any generation.</div>
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Resident Evil 4 was originally planned to be a GameCube exclusive and for a time it was... about six months. The game was part of Capcom's bid to support the GameCube with five exclusive games - dubbed as the Capcom Five - although in the end only one of these ended up being an exclusive. For a moment it felt like the GameCube could take the limelight away from Sony and Microsoft thanks to Capcom but sadly it wasn't to be. The PS2 got a port of the game along with additional content, the game looked far worse but people didn't care, they just wanted their Resident Evil 4 fix and who could blame them.</div>
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Resident Evil 4 moves the focus of the series away from the fixed views, slow pace and tension of earlier games and morphs the series into a fast, dynamic action game with barrels of the weird and wonderful. It's an incredible joy to play with its intimate over the shoulder perspective and hordes of unique enemies. The game mutates and grows larger and larger as you progress, enemies suddenly have rocket launchers and develop gnawing creatures that burst from their heads... it's crazy, but crazy good. The emphasis on action has increased but so has the variety, number and speed of the enemies. Resident Evil 4 is a high point for the franchise and yet there is an undeniable sense of loss here; the game marks the end of an era.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Galaxy" target="_blank">Super Mario Galaxy</a></b></span></div>
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Wii</div>
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Nintendo EAD Tokyo, 2007</div>
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Super Mario 64 was praised by all as an innovative trailblazer that helped define the core principals of the 3D platformer as well as demonstrating how movement should work in 3D space. It was followed six years later by Super Mario Sunshine, a game that was much more divisive with gameplay that was almost entirely based around FLUDD, a water filled backpack. The game had many great moments but it wasn't without its objectively bad moments. The camera was often infuriating, as were some of the levels which were painfully hard and sometimes simply not that fun. The game didn't reinvent the 3D platformer as many had hoped it would and as such didn't feel like a true successor to Super Mario 64's esteemed legacy. This wasn't helped by rumours of Super Mario 128, a game people believed would be a direct sequel to the N64 classic.</div>
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Five years later and Super Mario Galaxy not only lived up to Super Mario 64's legacy but - in my humble opinion - surpassed it. The game took the core principles of movement in 3D space and expanded them with gameplay that took the ground from underneath Mario's feet and thrust him skyward to the far reaches of space. Levels in Super Mario Galaxy now takes place on miniature planets that each have logic of their own. The fact that the game is set in space allows the designers to go wild with incredibly inventive level design as well as many many one off design flourishes that just keep coming. The ingenious design is always surprising and controlling Mario is precise and perfect. The game is backed by one of the best soundtracks of any game, an epic fully orchestrated score that matches the game's wonderous tone perfectly.</div>
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One thing that is especially surprising about Super Mario Galaxy is the camera, it is so good! You have zero control over the camera and yet somehow the camera always frames the action perfectly. Nintendo finally perfected the camera which proved so bothersome in previous 3D Mario games.</div>
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I prefer the first Super Mario Galaxy game to its sequel but both are essential games that all should have the pleasure of experiencing. Super Mario Galaxy is the high point that all future 3D Mario games will be judged against. Let's hope that one day Nintendo will brave the pure 3D Mario game again and out-do itself but for now we have two games that are still a joy to play today.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ico" target="_blank">Ico</a></span></b></div>
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PlayStation 2 (also: PlayStation 3)</div>
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Team Ico, 2002</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Ico. Where to begin with this bewitching, magical and utterly unique game? How about a tale...</span><br />
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I remember being drawn to this game by previews that appeared in CVG leading up to its release, the game looked enigmatic, artistic and magical... and it was and still is all these things. Upon its release I rented it from a local Blockbuster but never finished it - even though in theory it can be beat in around 4 hours - as I was just so enthralled by the world, I would stand in one spot and just pan the camera around for minutes at a time, trying to take in the beautiful scale of this almost godlike game.</div>
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I find Ico to be one of the most emotional games out there and if you let it seep into your skin it will take hours of your life away that you will never dream of wanting back... it is an environmental, platform puzzle game but it is also a game that transcends 'gamehood' to become something very much art.<br />
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The game starts with your character being brought to a small island by boat. He is brought here to be locked up as punishment for being born with horns. A small earthquake occurs which allows Ico to escape his cell. As you make your first steps though the gigantic temple-like building you were imprisoned in you happen upon a girl named Yorda, she speaks in an ancient language that you cannot understand but you know you must free her from the suspended cage she has been trapped in. Upon freeing Yorda black wispy monsters rise up from the ground and try to take her to what one can only imagine to be another dimension. It's from here that you realise that Yorda has great significance and that you must stick together and help one another in order to escape the island.<br />
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Ico is a game full of immense mystery, it's earirily beatiful, touching and also mindblowing in terms of scope. The game would receive a sequel - of sorts - in Shadow of the Colossus, a game that I am ashamed to say I have yet to play. The third game in the series, The Last Guardian, has had a troublesome development cycle, it was originally shown back in 2009 and was expected to launch soon after for the PS3. All was quiet with regards to the game's development and many thought it was cancelled up until its resurrection at 2015's E3 press confrence. The game is now expected to release in 2016, seven years after its initial reveal. Here's hoping it can live up to the hype that surrounds it and can breath new life into the gaming landscape the same way Ico did back in 2002.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_Fighter_IV" target="_blank">Ultra Street Fighter IV</a></b></span></div>
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PC (also: Arcade, PS3, 360 etc)</div>
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Capcom/Dimps, 2009-2014</div>
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I skipped out on the 360/PS3 era due to lack of money, going to university and not having a HD TV. I was happy to keep collecting for older systems, it was cheaper to do and there were still many great games to hunt down. I was still interested in the gaming culture of the time but missed out on actually playing it... well, I was at least enjoying the Wii!</div>
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Although I couldn't play it I was really interested in Street Fighter IV, I loved Street Fighter Alpha 3 and the admittedly imperfect EX games as well as the many other Capcom fighters such as Rival Schools, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Marvel Super Heroes. My feelings for Street Fighter IV soon soured though with each iteration, from the outside it looked as though Capcom were just exploiting their audience, and maybe they were? It wasn't until this year - after getting a fairly beefy PC and setting up a Steam account - that I finally got round to playing the game in its final form, Ultra.</div>
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The game, in its final form, is one of the most balanced and mechanically elegant games I have ever played. The fighting has a very heavy feel to it, quite unlike the floaty Vs. series or the juggle heavy Tekken games. This heavy feel forces the player to think about where they position themselves in relation to the enemy, jumps are easily punished and so must be used deliberately, in fact every single action can be counteracted and so knowing what your character inside out is a must.</div>
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One of the things that the Street Fighter series is known for is its super meters, they build up during battle and can be unloaded in the form of Super Attacks on the opponent, SFIV tweaks this into one of the deepest but also easiest to understand systems of any fighting game. The game features two meters, the EX meter which fills up as you attack the opponent and the Ultra meter which fills up as you take damage. The EX meter fills up in blocks and if full you have access to a Super Attack which drains the meter completely. Each character's Super Attack is unique but they're almost always combo heavy. You can also use individual sections of the meter to power up special attacks into their EX form. The advanced player can also use the EX meter to pull off a Red Focus Attack which is a defensive attack that can break through an opponents incoming attacks and if done correctly can leave the opponent wide open. The Ultra meter has one function, it allows you to perform to perform an Ultra Combo, these are similar to Super Attacks but are even more devastating. An Ultra Combo can be performed from when the meter is half full but the more full the meter the more damage the Ultra will dish out. As mentioned earlier the Ultra meter differs from the EX meter in that it increases as you take damage, this helps create a more dynamic fight whereby a losing opponent can make a powerful comeback.<br />
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Each character in SFIV feels unique but also incredibly balanced. Knowledge of each characters pro's and con's is essential, the player must adapt strategies depending on what character they're fighting against. For example if you are fighting as Gouken against Vega you might choose to mix up your Gohadoken fireball angles and hold them for varying times in order to force him to stay on the ground. If Gouken was going against a character who can throw projectiles he might choose to use a Hyakkishu which sees him quickly launch forward into a jump and then sweep the enemies feet. He may also use the forward momentum of the Senkugoshoha punch to get closer to the enemy as this attack allows Gouken to temporarily move through projectiles. A character like Akuma may use an attack simply to get a reaction out of the player, for example they could jump forward and do a Zanku Hadoken firebell mid air and whilst the opponent is high blocking the attack Akuma can quickly swipe the opponent or start a combo with a low attack.<br />
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The immense amount of strategy involved in SFIV can make it seem daunting but learning a characters ins and outs and a willingness to experiment is key. Playing against a real player is the best way to learn new strategies and thankfully SFIV has one of the most robust communities of any game. A truly great fighting game that is hard to beat.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid" target="_blank">Metal Gear Solid</a></span></b></div>
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PlayStation (also: GameCube, PC)</div>
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Konami, 1999</div>
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I remember the lead up to Metal Gear Solid being rather intense, people were so excited to get their hands on this game as it seemed to change 3D gaming from the ground up with it's unique 'Tactical Espionage Action'. I distinctly remember playing the demo of the game for hours, finding new ways to get through the first few rooms of this phenomenal game. When I did eventually get the game - spread across 2 discs and encased in some rather lovely watercolour artwork - I played it through and through, it took me hours but I loved every minute of it. Never before had a game consumed me so completely, it just felt like a real game changer; surprisingly adult, cinematic and unusual.<br />
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I will admit that I shed a little tear as the credits rolled for the first time, something I didn't know a game could achieve, but the game is just so enveloping, intoxicating and beautiful to play. I have since played through the game a good 10 times and it still doesn't get old thanks to gameplay that forces you to think on your feet and be creative. The story is also incredibly engaging with its outlandish characters, plot twists and themes of eugenics, terrorism and fate.<br />
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The game received an update in the form of Twin Snakes for the GameCube which was developed by Eternal Darkness creators Silicon Knights but I still prefer the PlayStation original. Twin Snakes feels ironically a little more flat than the original to me... not sure why though, anyone else feel the same?</div>
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In my opinion the sequels do not live up to the promise of this earlier game; I never feel like going back to the sequels but every year or two I will replay this game and I still find it utterly captivating. At the time of its release what stood out to me the most was the amount of control I had over Snake and the multiple ways the player could overcome a situation; do you go in guns blazing or distract the guards by knocking on walls and leaving footprints in the snow, do you tranquilize the enemy from afar or sneak up on them and chock them in order to conserve ammo? A truly ground braking release which holds up incredibly well today.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoblade" target="_blank">Xenoblade Chronicles</a></b></span></div>
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Wii (also: New 3DS, Wii U)</div>
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Monolith Soft, 2011</div>
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Although Xenoblade Chronicles is my fifth favourite game of all time I find it hard to summarise exactly why it means so much to me. As you may have noticed the game has the distinction of being the only RPG on my list... why is that? Well I usually don't get along with the genre but something about Xenoblade just captured me. To a certain extent the main appeal of the game comes purely from the experiences it gives you, the world is one of the most vast and varied of any game ever conceived and walking into a new environment is always breathtaking.</div>
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The greatest moment for me occurs towards the start of the game; after leaving the bustling town that acts as the starting point of your epic adventure you slowly climb terrain as enemies become more intimidating and wild. You eventually come to one of the game's labyrinthine caves and after making it out to the other side you are treated to one of the most beautiful sights of all gaming; a preposterously large titan with eyes glowing is locked permanently right above... oh, I should have said, the whole game takes place on two huge titans that froze in battle many years ago! This context makes the environments feel steeped in history, organic and also strange and otherworldly. After spending time peering at the titan in the far distance you continue your adventure via a narrow path that lead between two large cliff faces. As you reach the other side you are greeted with my favourite environment of any game, Bionis Leg. That moment, as the landscape just expands before your eyes and the sweet sweeping sound of Gaur Plain enters your ears all the hairs on the back of your neck will stand on end. My jaw literally dropped, I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. This is the first glimpse you have of just how huge and epic the game world is and it is absolutely breathtaking.</div>
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The environments, music and sense of exploration are all what make Xenoblade Chronicles so special to me but the game also has great gameplay with a unique real time battle system. You and three others take on enemies in real time and use special 'Battle Arts'; these can be special attacks or combo attacks but can also be things like distractions or buffs for your team or duffs for the enemy (slowing them down, making them less hostile etc). Depending on who you choose to have in your team and what arts you have equipped different strategies can come in to play; finally beating that enemy that has stood in your way the whole game is incredibly satisfying and the sense of achievement is an incredible and tangible thing. Xenoblade Chronicles is a monumentous game that will swallow you whole if you embrace it, it's one of the greatest games ever made and deserves to be given a chance by all, even the RPG haters!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killer_7" target="_blank">Killer7</a></span></b></div>
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GameCube (also: PlayStation 2)</div>
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Grasshopper Manufacture, 2005</div>
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Now, I feel I must preface this game's inclusion, this is <i>my</i> Top 50 games, it is not a definitive Top 50 or a list that seeks to be objective. All these games mean a lot to me personally and I have chosen to include them specifically for that reason. I say all of this as a lot of people feel Killer7 is a bad game, a confused and linear experience that doesn't know what it wants to be... but I am here to tell you what I like about Killer7 in a bid to peek the interest of those who have either been on the fence or have never heard of this divisive masterpiece.</div>
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Killer7 is hard to categorise, its gameplay is a strange concoction of genres; story heavy Adventure, Survival Horror and First Person Shooter. The game very deliberately blurs the lines between genres in order to create something new and unique and still to this day it stands out as one of the strangest games of all time... the Trout Mask Replica of videogames if you will. In basic terms the gameplay sees you run around environments on a set path - almost like an on-rails shooter - trying to make your way to the chapter's boss. You come across many enemies in the game, to engage with them you must enter a first person mode and scan the area to make them visible. You must listen out for their twisted laughter in order to know where they are located. You control multiple personalities, each with their own attributes and abilities, you must switch between each to solve basic puzzles and advance the story. However, to focus simply on gameplay elements is to miss out on two very important things that make Killer7 unique; its story and its style.</div>
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Killer7's story seems rather straightforward at first but then quickly veers off course into the weird, obscene and disturbing. The game is set in a world where all nations have come together with the joint course of worldwide peace, all nations destroy their nuclear weapons and promise to live together in peace. It's not long though until a mysterious terrorist group called Heaven Smiles come on the scene. You control Harman Smith, a wheelchair bound old man who lives in a mobile home with his young abusive mistress... I think! The game sees you control Harman's multiple personalities through a story that twists and turns and is deliberately obtuse. The game has many chapters, each help expand the game's world and introduce a set of crazy characters. The less you know about the game the better so I won't go into specific details, but let's just say it's one of the craziest games out there!</div>
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The game has a cel-shaded graphical style, a technique that flattens 3D images with block colours and shading. During the early 2000's the style was very popular with games such as Jet Set Radio, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and XIII all using the technique; but none used cel-shading in as stark and creative a way as Killer7. Each of the game's environments are rendered as colour gradients which coupled with the games deliberate camera angles give the game a beautiful feel. Characters are depicted with harsh noir-like shadows which when paired with the environmental graphics give the gave an incredibly unique style. The game's great style extends from its graphics and into its eccentric storytelling, its glorious soundtrack, its unique and provocative characters and its intentional stubborn obtuseness.</div>
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The game has a personality unlike any other, every time I play it I pick up on something new in the story or find something else to love about the game as a whole. It's one of the most intense and 'out there' games of all time and at one point it was also my favourite. Upon creating this list though one thing took presidence over everything else, fun. Killer7 isn't the most fun of games which is why it didn't take the top spot, yet I still feel that Killer7 is a game that goes places that games rarely go.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-Zero_GX" target="_blank">F-Zero GX</a></b></span></div>
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Amusement Vision/Nintendo, 2003</div>
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The F-Zero series started life as a flagship SNES racing game - along with Super Mario Kart. The game was a launch title for the system and alongside Pilotwings demonstrated the system's unique sprite scaling and faux-3D capabilities thanks to the Mode-7 chip. The game focused on intense futuristic racing at blistering speeds but the technology of the time dictated that tracks be flat and that the game was singleplayer. It was not until the release of 1998's heavy metal inspired sequel, F-Zero X, that the series would add multiplayer and mix up the track design with pipe tracks and tracks that twisted and turned all over the place. I enjoyed F-Zero X but never really loved it. It wasn't until F-Zero GX that things really clicked with me and the series.</div>
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GX was developed in collaboration with Sega and Amusement Vision, a company best known for the Super Monkey Ball series. The partnership exceeded all expectations and brought about a remarkably beautiful, incredibly fast and addictive arcade racer. Everything about the game gleams, the care and love that went into it is plain to see. The game retains the speed of previous games but pairs it with the best track design of the whole series and gameplay that is easy to pick up but hard to master.</div>
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The game features over 40 characters, each has a unique craft, biography and theme song. Unlocking most of the characters is easy but there are also a handful of characters that can only be unlocked through completing each of the Story Mode chapters on high difficulties - this is brutally hard to do! As well as some very elusive characters the game also features a fifth cup with 6 tracks from the arcade version of the game, F-Zero AX... this too is incredibly hard to unlock, giving you something to keep striving for!</div>
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The intensity of the racing is something that is hard to sum up in writing but suffice it to say it's easily my favourite racing game of all time and one of the most fun games I have every played, it's a stone cold classic that more people should have played. An absolute gem that makes my pulse race just thinking about it! A beautifully fast and intense racer unlike any other.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_world" target="_blank">Super Mario World</a></span></b></div>
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Super Nintendo (also: Game Boy Advance, Virtual Console)</div>
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Nintendo EAD, 1992</div>
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Mario has come to define video games, along with Pacman he is the most identifiable face of gaming. He started life out as Jumpman in Donkey Kong before getting his own set of 2D platforming games starting in 1985 with the iconic Super Mario Bros.. This first title, whilst still a historic classic, can feel a little repetitive by today's standards, and controlling Mario can often be a pain. This was followed - in the west - by Super Mario Bros. 2, this was a reskinning of a Japan only game called Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, it played unlike a Mario game and is often not seen as a <i>true</i> Mario experience. Then came what a lot of people believe to be the best of all 2D Mario games, Super Mario Bros. 3. This game introduced a plethora of intresting power up's and gameplay mechanics as well a world map. The next game in the series would come only a couple of months later and would launch Nintendo's new 16-bit console.</div>
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Super Mario World for the SNES is almost the purest definition of gaming for me. The game is intuitive and incredibly fun to play, each level manages to surprise you with effortless and ingenious design. From start to finish Super Mario World is a joy to play, it is significantly easier and more approachable than Super Mario Bros. 3, features a beautiful, simplistic and clean aesthetic and has a catchy soundtrack that changes when riding upon Yoshi. Speaking of Yoshi, Super Mario World was the debut of Mario's sidekick, he allowed Mario to be hit one more time, allowed him to reach new areas and added a greater sense of variety to the gamplay.</div>
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The game featured the now classic cape power up which allowed Mario to float through the air. Getting the hang of the momentum of this power up was great fun. There was also the Power Balloon that temporarily inflated Mario although this was only present in a couple of levels. The game had less power up's than Super Mario Bros. 3 but this only helped the game feel more focused.</div>
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The game featured a beautiful world map that connected each of the levels together into one logical world. Throughout the map were switches which when pressed would effect the levels around Mario and allow access to previously blocked off parts of levels. Overall Super Mario World is just an absolute none stop joy to play. I love almost everything about it and could play it for hours, it's creative, joyful and above all it's fun.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1 - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_(Game_Boy)" target="_blank">Tetris</a></span></b></div>
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Game Boy (also: Game Boy Color, Nintendo DS etc)</div>
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Nintendo / Bullet Proof Software, 1990</div>
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I'm as surprised as you are... I was expecting Tetris to rank highly but to be honest I didn't know it would come out on top. As I started pitting each of the games on this list against one another and I slowly started to realise that Tetris was my favourite game of all time.</div>
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Most people have played Tetris in one form or another, the game is a simple but highly influential puzzle game made by Alexey Pajitnov that tasks you with arranging falling shaped blocks so that they disappear. If the stack of blocks reach the top of the screen then it is game over. The game gets faster and faster the longer you survive so knowing how each of the seven block types fit together is essential. The most lines of blocks you can delete at one time is four, this is known as a Tetris and not only does it get you the lots of points but it is also incredibly satisfying to pull of.</div>
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The game has been released on many different consoles but the version that I grew up with was the Game Boy version. This is still my favourite version, it is just pure simplistic design perfection. Some of the later games would allow the player to cheat by being able to continuously rotate the block which would stop it from being laid down, this is not the case with the Game Boy version; you have to dedicate yourself to your decisions and live with them! My second favourite version by a very very narrow margin is Tetris DX for the Game Boy Color. This version is in colour, it allows you to save your score and their are more game modes to play with. The only thing that brings Tetris DX down is the game's soundtrack, it just can't compare with the memorable 8-bit Russian folk tunes found in the original Game Boy version.</div>
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Many companies would try to capitalise on Tetris' success with puzzle games of their own but none come close to the perfection that is Tetris. Companies would get hold of the Tetris name to create sequels without Alexey Pajitnov's involvment and these are almost always disastrous, they're usually either too complex or too random but most of the time they're just plain boring! So here's to Tetris, the original and best, a remarkably elegant puzzle game that hasn't aged a day.<br />
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50 - Mario Kart: Double Dash!!</div>
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49 - Kirby: Power Paintbrush</div>
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48 - Braid</div>
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47 - Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes</div>
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46 - Metal Slug 3</div>
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45 - Super Smash Bros. Melee</div>
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44 - Streets of Rage</div>
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43 - SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash</div>
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42 - Super Aleste</div>
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41 - Half Life 2</div>
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40 - Garou: Mark of the Wolves</div>
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39 - Project Zero 2</div>
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38 - Tetris Attack</div>
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37 - Metroid Prime</div>
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36 - OutRun</div>
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35 - Meteos</div>
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34 - Summer Carnival '92: RECCA</div>
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33 - Goldeneye 007</div>
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32 - Tekken 3</div>
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31 - Mole Mania</div>
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30 - TimeSplitters 2</div>
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29 - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword</div>
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28 - Ridge Racer</div>
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27 - King of Fighters '98</div>
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26 - Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars</div>
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25 - Lylat Wars</div>
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24 - OutRun 2</div>
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23 - Donkey Kong</div>
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22 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2</div>
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21 - Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow</div>
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20 - Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective</div>
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19 - Ikaruga</div>
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18 - Animal Crossing: New Leaf</div>
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17 - Super Mario 64</div>
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16 - Galaga</div>
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15 - 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors</div>
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14 - The Legend of Zelda</div>
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13 - Resident Evil</div>
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12 - Donkey Kong Jungle Beat</div>
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11 - Ridge Racer Type 4</div>
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10 - Resident Evil 4</div>
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09 - Super Mario Galaxy</div>
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08 - Ico</div>
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07 - Ultra Street Fighter IV</div>
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06 - Metal Gear Solid</div>
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05 - Xenoblade Chronicles</div>
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04 - Killer 7</div>
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03 - F-Zero GX</div>
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02 - Super Mario World</div>
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01 - Tetris</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-50-41.html" target="_blank">50-41</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-40-31.html" target="_blank">40-31</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-30-21.html" target="_blank">30-21</a> --- <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/top-50-games-of-all-time-20-11.html" target="_blank">20-11</a> --- 10-1</span></b><br />
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Posted: 23rd November 2015</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-9858348478604409402015-10-16T11:18:00.003+01:002015-10-16T11:18:57.980+01:00My Vinyl Collection: Coloured and Picture Disc Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>A second trip through the coloured and picture disc vinyl collection</b></div>
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<b>[WARNING! Contains strong imagery!]</b></div>
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Hello and welcome to something slightly different; we're looking through the coloured and picture disc vinyl that has been added to the collection since July 2012. Back in July 2012 I posted <a href="http://lovewithoutanger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/obsession-1-coloured-picture-disc-vinyl.html" target="_blank">'Obsession #1: Coloured and Picture Disc Vinyl'</a> to the blog, in this post I looked through my colourful records but also used it as an opportunity to go into the history of the vinyl record. This is one of my very early posts and pre-dates the regular My Vinyl Collection. I recently picked up 3 records that happened to be coloured and so I was prompted to do an update on this more colourful side of vinyl collecting!</div>
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<b>>>> Links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts are in the right side bar >>></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Björk - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Bj%C3%B6rk-Homogenic/release/6766362" target="_blank">Homogenic</a> (1997) (2015 reissue)</span></b></div>
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Homogenic was Björk's third solo album; or perhaps fourth if you consider 1977's self titled album, yet in 1993 Björk released Debut so I consider that the true starting point. Homogenic sees Björk grow much more confident in her compositions and doesn't feature a dud among its 10 tracks. The sound of the album is a natural evolution from 1995's Post which combined forward thinking electronic music, strings, a pop sensibility and an incredibly distinctive and sweeping voice. Here it feels like everything is much more focused and some of the humour of Post has been removed and replaced with emotional intensity. Saying that the album isn't without its sweetness and it is a nice varied listen.</div>
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I really like the imagery for this release. Like all the early Björk albums the opening for the record is at the top rather than left side which is unusual. I tend to place it in the collection rotated so it is like a regular record in order to make sure dust doesn't get in through the top so I kind of defeat the uniqueness of the packaging!</div>
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This particular edition was released this year just on the lead up to her most recent record Vulnicura. It comes on a very bright solid green vinyl with a nice metalic looking centre label which fits the rest of the packaging perfectly. The record itself is rather thin and kind of sharp at the edges which is a shame. The pressing seems good to my ears but I get some fuzziness when Björk sings particularly high notes or heavy S sounds which makes her sound like she has a lisp; I'm not sure if this is a pressing problem or that my needle needs changing? Some other people have noted the same issue so I imagine it's lazy pressing... sigh.</div>
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Still... looks rather nice and Homogenic is definitely a stand out Björk album, not my favourite but definitely in my top 3.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Current 93 - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Current-93-Swastikas-For-Noddy-Crooked-Crosses-For-The-Nodding-God/release/7486961" target="_blank">Swastikas For Noddy / Crooked Crosses for the Nodding God </a>(1988/89) (2015 reissue)</span></b></div>
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I got this a couple of weeks ago, it is a collecting together of two Current 93 albums from the late 1980's. I didn't realise at the time of buying but these two records are basically two sides of the same coin so to speak. Swastikas For Noddy was the album that was released first and I believe Stephen Stapelton of Nurse With Wound didn't have much input with this record unlike many other Current 93 releases. Crooked Crosses... is a reimagining of Swastikas... with Stepelton pulling the strings; it features some rerecorded and remixed versions but the feel is largely the same just with intensity and emphasis put on different areas. I was a bit disappointed that these weren't two completely separate albums to be honest but I'm sure over time each record will start to feel different and unique and I'll appreciate the release as a whole a bit more.</div>
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If you've listened to any Current 93 you've probably made your mind up whether you like them or not, they're pretty divisive! They create (at least nowadays and somewhat on here) what has been dubbed 'apocalyptic folk' with David Tibet the leader and only consistent member of the group charging his ever changing band of merry men and woman into the depths of religion, sex, poetry, the occult and just weird weird shit! I don't agree with David's outlook on life (or least the one he tended to put forward at this time) but I do find his voice and way of constructing songs fascinating in a masochistic sort of way and I like the imagery and delivery, it's pretty unique. This set is a descent one from them but not their best, if you want a good place to start I would definitely recommend The Inmost Light trilogy of releases or perhaps Black Ships Ate The Sky.</div>
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I love the presentation throughout aside from the text on the center labels which makes me wince! It is all very well made which is a relief as the only other release I've had from David Tibet's new <a href="http://www.discogs.com/label/440050-The-Spheres" target="_blank">The Spheres</a> label is <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Current-93-I-Am-The-Last-Of-All-The-Field-That-Fell-A-Channel/release/5431807" target="_blank">I Am The Last Of All The Field That Fell (A Channel)</a> which is an interesting listen but the pressing (at least my copy) was pretty noisy and inconsistent. Thankfully this one is much cleaner and the colours work well too.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rhodri Davies - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Rhodri-Davies-An-Air-Swept-Clean-Of-All-Distance/release/6376192" target="_blank">An Air Swept Clean of All Distance</a> (2014)</span></b></div>
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I only got this a week or so ago but I have been listening to it almost none stop. I had heard some of Rhodri's work with other musicians and a little of his solo work but the velocity and frenzied sound here took me aback; in a good way.</div>
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Here Rhodri improvises (perhaps?) on a small lap harp with cacophonous yet beautiful results. The sound reminds me of a violently spitting and popping camp fire, really warm and incredible to behold yet dangerous and volatile. All the tracks here were apparently recorded on one day and they all share a sound, they begin at 100% and stay that way for a couple of minutes and then stop abruptly but the patterns and notes that fly in to each track give each track it's own flavour and personality. Definitely not for everyone but for me this is one of the best records of the past 10 years.</div>
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The record is on Alt Vinyl (miss the physical shop and exhibitions guys!) and is presented in a very personal fashion with simple and raw brown card folded over and screen printed and then the record - in a poly lined sleeve thankfully - sits between the folded card along with a short written piece by David Toop as an insert. This album is in an edition of 500; 250 are sold as part of a 4 record set called Pedwar which is a re-release of 3 previous albums along with this one. I will have to get the 4 record set one day... but I'll probably keep this copy either way! I love the transparent green and labeling too...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Devo – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Butch-Devo-And-The-Sundance-Gig/release/5612250" target="_blank">Butch Devo And The Sundance Gig</a> (2014)</span></b></div>
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This live recording was released for Record Store Day 2014 and is limited to 1750. The recording is from a show for Sundance Film Festival 1995 which featured Devo in cartoon-like prison outfits for whatever reason! The recording has been doing the bootleg rounds for years as I believe the show was televised. This was one of the first live shows Devo played in 'classic' mode where they played exclusively tracks from their first batch of albums; so no tracks from Shout onwards although it does feature the laid back versions of Jocko Homo and Going Under which they started to do on the Total Devo tour. I much much prefer the regular versions of these tracks as the laid back versions come across very gimmicky... and Jocko Homo is one of Devo's defining tracks so it's a shame not to have it in it's regular state. </div>
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The playing is great through out, in particular Too Much Paranoias which opens the set sounds rather gnarly! This was, I believe, Josh Freese's first gig with Devo and he adds a lot of energy to the performance, coming close to capturing Alan Myer's original spirit. It's obvious Freese has a love for these tracks and knows them inside out. David Kendrick of Sparks fame played drums with Devo on their late 80's and early 90's albums and his playing never seemed to have enough punch to my ears so it's great to have Freese here instead.</div>
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The sound quality of the picture disc is phenomenal as is the quality of the original recording although there is some kind of delay or reverb which on occasion gets in the way. The record comes in a regular see-through PVC sleeve, these are well known to cloud records and ruin the sound quality over time so I quickly put the record into a poly lining and now I can breath easy knowing the record isn't going to suddenly become unplayable! I'm not sure why people still present records this way, surely there is a better way to make them visible yet still properly protected.</div>
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The record was released by MVD and I never like their presentation, it always comes across cheap and amateurish and can often be mistaken for bootleg. They remind me of Music On Vinyl who also don't seem to put much care into the quality of the presentation. The record comes with a download code as well as a DVD that features the original gig and a short film from the 1980's called The Men Who Make The Music which had never been released on DVD up until this release. It's a great watch and essential for those hardcore Devo fans out there. Overall a great package and definitely value for money.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Devo – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Miracle-Witness-Hour/release/6365450" target="_blank">Miracle Witness Hour</a> (2014)</span></b></div>
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Miracle Witness Hour is a live recording of Devo from 1977, just before they were signed and blew up with their debut Q: Are We Not Men A: We Are Devo!. This was released by UK based label Futurismo as their second release after the Gleaming Spires' Songs Of The Spires.</div>
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The record was initially released on CD as well as three separate vinyl colours, Hot Dust (this one), Atomic Party (below), and Ultimate Virgin (white). A few month later they'd add Neutron Dream to the family which is like a purple with white flecks. Each vinyl release comes with a download code.</div>
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The packaging is very distinctive and rather nice. The front cover is die cut so that the TV screen shows the inner. The inner sleeve for the record comes wrapped in a fold out card which can be reversed to put a different image in the TV (as I've done above). The packing is nice although the record tore some of the wrap around card for me which is a shame.</div>
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The performance is great and is a good document for the Devo of the time. It features a jam called Polyvinyl Chloride which would never be heard again, it's definitely not essential but it is nice to be able to hear Devo experimenting. The set also includes Huboon Stomp which would also never appear on a main Devo album.</div>
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This version, Hot Dust, has glitter running through a shining red vinyl which looks great although it does effect the sound quality. During songs it is not that noticeable but between songs the noise is very noticeable and it appears to get worse the further you go into the record. It's not unplayable but it does make you worry about what it might be doing to the needle! There are no huge pops but it's just a constant low noise. This edition was exclusive to their website and select independent record stores.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Devo – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Devo-Miracle-Witness-Hour/release/6365659" target="_blank">Miracle Witness Hour</a> (2014)</span></b></div>
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This is the Atomic Party version of Miracle Witness Hour. Seeing as it does not have glitter thrown into the mix the sound quality is much better although the quality does get worse towards the center where all the flecks of colour are.</div>
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I like that labels like Futrismo are around and releasing interesting vinyl but I can't help feeling that if you are going to do a coloured or picture disc release you have to be very very careful to preserve a high sound quality otherwise what is the point? Thankfully these releases feature download codes but I hope in the future that the label also releases black versions of each album and makes sure that the pressing and sound quality are prioritised over the visual aesthetics. Some labels never get the balance right but one rare instance of a label that has gotten everything right so far are <a href="http://www.discogs.com/label/867594-Data-Discs" target="_blank">Data Discs</a> who specialise in video game soundtracks. Each release the label has put out features a black edition and the coloured editions sound incredible. A lot of care needs to be put into pressing coloured records and I hope these Miracle Witness Hour releases taught Futurismo some lessons for future releases.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">John Foxx - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/John-Foxx-Metamatic/release/5610917" target="_blank">Metamatic</a> (1980) (2014 reissue)</span></b></div>
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Metamatic was John Foxx's first record after leaving Ultravox in 1978 and features a warm, heavy electronic pop sound with a lot of influence from writer J.G. Ballard. There are some fantastic songs here that feel simultaneously old yet forward looking even today. Since its release it has been regarded as a classic of the genre and for good reason. Nothing is in excess and the music has a beautiful analog warmth. John's accent and singing voice sounds so distinctly British that it grounds the music in a strange familiar space. It feels simultaneously like a soap opera and a space opera and I think that is why his appropriation of Ballard works so well, the music feels everyday but skewed and distorted. John often floats around the notes he is singing or takes his voice to places it can't quite get to comfortably which can feel a little grating at first but I've come to like it! I'm thinking in particular of tracks like 'Tidal Wave' and 'Blurred Girl'.</div>
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I got this record for Record Store Day 2014, it is a numbered release and I have 0890/1200. Demon Records released this version which features a new 2014 master and it sounds great, very clear with each sound feeling well separated. The label would go on to release the record in black for wide release but it appears you can still get this white version for a descent price in some places. Surprisingly this is first time the album had been repressed on vinyl since it was first released in 1980 which I find kind of shocking. Demon Records expanded the packaging into a gatefold affair which looks very nice. The whole package feels to be of very high quality, the record sleeve is very thick and has a nice silky feel to it. The only issue I have with the packaging is the inner sleeve that holds the record, it is made out of a shiny paper which creases easily and just looks battered almost immediately. The inner sleeve does not fit well with the rest of the record which is a shame. If the record came in a poly lined sleeve with a separate matte paper insert it would have been perfect! Still, that's my only complaint and it's only minor! Great album, great pressing, great packaging.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Andrew Liles – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Andrew-Liles-The-Equestrian-Vortex/release/6145565" target="_blank">The Equestrian Vortex</a> (2014)</b></span></div>
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You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a Ghost Box release due to Julian House's distinct artwork that has adorned all Ghost Box releases. Yet this isn't on Ghost Box but Death Waltz Originals, a sub label to the horror film soundtrack focused Death Waltz Recording Co..</div>
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This release goes hand in hand with the film Berberian Sound Studio by Peter Strickland and can be seen as a companion piece to the film. The Equestrian Vortex is the Italian horror film that Toby Jones' character is sent to do the foley for and I guess this release could be seen as the soundtrack to the film within the film... except there is no slicing of lettuce here! As the front of the artwork states, this is the 'voice reels' and as such is nothing but wretched screams, prayers and random voices that have been warped and elongated. It's a spooky and often unsettling listen as you would expect!</div>
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The record is 10" and is to be played at 45rpm. The record is a mix of blue and yellow and looks amazing. It plays amazingly too with none of the noise that people associate coloured vinyl with. Not for everyone but worth picking up if you're a fan of Nurse With Wound, Andrew Liles or the film Berberian Sound Studio. The record can still be picked up pretty cheaply from here and there although it is limited to 800 copies.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Takako Minekawa – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Takako-Minekawa-Fun9/release/1294391" target="_blank">Fun9</a> (1999)</span></b></div>
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Fun9 - apparently pronounced 'funk' according to a sticker - is an album of Japanese pop with a sampling and electronic flavour. It was Takako's third album and was released in the west on the short lived and now defunct Emperor Norton label. In Japan it was released on Polystar which is related to Polygram, so quite a big release over in Japan.</div>
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I came across Takako through her most recent collaborative recordings with <a href="http://www.discogs.com/artist/707436-Dustin-Wong" target="_blank">Dustin Wong</a> on Thrill Jockey which came out in 2013 and 2014. I was surprised to learn that her work with Dustin was the first recording she had done since this here Fun9, I'm not sure why she ever stopped.</div>
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After learning of Takako I decided to go for this release due to <a href="http://www.discogs.com/artist/32061-Keigo-Oyamada" target="_blank">Keigo Oyamada</a>'s (Cornelius) involvement as I love Cornelius' music and wanted to expand my vinyl collection with some Cornelius at the time. To me the four tracks that Cornelius worked on are the stand out tracks but the rest of the tracks hold up well with a nice relaxed feel and sweet hushed Japanese vocals over sparse electronic instrumentation and samples.</div>
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This came out between Cornelius' Fantasma and Point albums and feels that way, you can here Cornelius almost drafting out ideas for Point here. Although I came to this record for Cornelius it does stand up on its own and I am glad I own it. The pressing is very nice and although the sleeve is rather basic looking it is of high quality</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oceans of Silver & Blood - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Oceans-Of-Silver-Blood-Oceans-Of-Silver-Blood/release/1609768" target="_blank">S/T</a> (2008)</b></span></div>
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This release documents an improvised drone heavy set from 2007 by Joachim Nordwall on a Roland S-100 modular and Mark Wastell on his 32" tam tam working under the Oceans of Silver & Blood name. The record was released on the small experimental Swedish label Nosordo in an edition of 300. The duo have since worked together numerous times under the Oceans of Silver & Blood billing.</div>
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The music here is incredibly slow paced and rather quiet yet cinematic and somewhat menacing. The two instruments blend with each other to create one slowly evolving drone that is incredibly deep. The S-100 is used very sparingly here which I find interesting to listen to, it almost sounds like an acoustic instrument such as a singing bowl.</div>
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The pressing appears to be intentionally quiet as to mirror the actual performance yet the issue with this is that it gives way to a lot of vinyl crackle when turned up to a descent volume. I would have preferred a louder pressing that I could play at different volumes without getting too much vinyl noise. Perhaps there is a technical reason why it couldn't be pressed louder? I have seen Mark play his tam tam live many times and the physical presence is incredible, to simulate that I feel I need to push the volume up but then I get vinyl noise... I'm going in circles here! Great minimalist record that is worth checking out, try and see them live also.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dinosaur L (aka. Arthur Russell) - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Dinosaur-L-Go-Bang/release/4492309" target="_blank">Go Bang!</a> (2013)</b></span></div>
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This is a record that I picked up at Record Store Day 2013, it features two version of Dinosaur L's classic avant-disco track 'Go Bang!': one mixed by Francois Kevorkian and one by Walter Gibbons. I was familiar with Francois' mix as it is featured in the essential compilation by Soul Jazz Records <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Arthur-Russell-The-World-Of-Arthur-Russell/master/48607" target="_blank">The World of Arthur Russell</a>.</div>
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I love the mix by Francois, it just pops and sounds great, a real iconic sounding track. The Walter mix I find a bit harder to get into for some reason. It feels a lot more sparse and less groove heavy. I do still find it very interesting as it takes the track and extends it with more keyboard parts and completely different use of vocals. I would be interested to know how much involvement Arthur had with both of these mixes as they both sound so different to me. If the credits are to be believed Arthur wrote and produced both tracks but the mix was done by the respective mixers...</div>
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The single comes on a nice semi clear heavy 12" record. The sound quality is fantastic. The jacket is meant to replicate the 12" sleeve that would come with some of the Sleeping Bag Records releases as can be seen <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Video-Featuring-Buckelew-Somebody-Hey-Boy/master/532672" target="_blank">here</a>. I can't find any information about how many copies this was limited to.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discogs.com/Hirofumi-Murasaki-Morihiko-Akiyama-Masayuki-Nagao-Shinobi-III-Return-of-the-Ninja-Master/release/7572312" target="_blank">Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master</a> (2015)</span></b></div>
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This is easily one of the most striking looking records in my collection, the soundtrack to the Mega Drive game Shinobi III from 1993; composed by Hirofumi Murasaki, Morihiko Akiyama and Masayuki Nagao and released on vinyl by Data Discs.</div>
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Shinobi III is an action game where you play as (you guessed it) a ninja, Shinobi III was famous for taking the series into a much faster direction with many more set pieces than previous games and as such is often seen as the quintessential Shinobi game and one of the best games for the classic 16-bit system.</div>
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The soundtrack was released by the newly formed Data Discs label who I cannot rave on enough about, they specialise in video game soundtracks to classic games. At the moment they appear to have an ongoing exclusivity deal with Sega but maybe in the future they will release soundtracks by other companies... who knows. I have two releases from them so far, Streets of Rage on black vinyl and this Shinobi III record on what they dub as 'Oxblood and Bone' coloured vinyl! This soundtrack comes in three different colours, black, red and then the one I have here which was pressed in a very small number (around 300-500 I believe) and is now sold out. With both releases I have been thoroughly impressed with the sound quality. This has to be the best sounding coloured records I have ever heard, it just sounds so clear, really great pressing. Both releases have a lot of attention paid to the packaging also, both coming with an OBI, posters and records presented in black poly-lined sleeves - that's how you do it people!</div>
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The company are to release Super Hang-On, OutRun and Streets of Rage 2 on vinyl next and if the current releases are anything to go by they will all be pressed on black vinyl as well as a selection of coloured vinyl, they will all sound amazing and come with a couple of extras... keep it up!</div>
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The great thing about pre-CD based games is that the music had a character all its own, even if the composer tried to emulate popular styles of music they could not help but make something distinct from what they were trying to emulate due to the vast differences in tools and the techniques they had to use in order to get desired effects; it was a limited tool set but that only adds to the character and charm. The function of video game music is so different to regular music also which changes how a composer goes about their work.</div>
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What of the soundtrack though? To be honest I did not grow up with Shinobi III, it was always too expensive when I was a kid so I played the much cheaper and more common The Revenge of Shinobi. I only played Shinobi III for the first time last year so the music doesn't hold that nostalgic feel for me. On the plus side this lack of nostalgia lets me listen to the music clearly and what I hear is great use of the Mega Drive's sound chip to create some dramatic, tense and often complex musical passages. There are tracks that really stand out to me such as the up tempo oriental superhero-esq theme 'Shinobi', the spooky and magical 'Izayoi' or the epic 'My Dear D' yet the soundtrack is varied enough to be enjoyable all the way through. On the negative side sadly the soundtrack is missing the track 'Ground Zero' and I would have liked each track to be a bit longer - perhaps it could have been a 3 sided release with an etching - but never mind. Great package all round and probably the best sounding and looking coloured vinyl I own.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Soft As Snow - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Soft-As-Snow-Chrysalis/release/7486039" target="_blank">Chrysalis</a> (2015)</b></span></div>
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This is the latest - only just released today - from London based Norweigen dark electronic duo Soft As Snow. I've known them personally for a good few years now and worked with them among others to put on a music performance event back in 2014 which you can read about <a href="http://squaringthecircle2014.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. I know how long they've wanted to release this second EP so it's great to see it finally complete and in the wild!<br />
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The record is released on the Houndstooth label - sub-label of Fabric - who appear to be carving out a niche for themselves with experimental dance and electronic music. Soft As Snow are perhaps known for creating an icy and often ethereal electronic pop sound but with this second EP of theirs they are moving in a much harder hitting and forthright direction with a heavier emphasis on synths and drum machines than their previous EP Glass Body.</div>
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The EP starts off with intentions of wiping the slate clear with the track 'I Adore' which comes in with hard hitting synth stabs and a bass drum to match before surging into a pretty anthemic chorus, it keeps the tension going throughout and is easily one of my favourite tracks on the four track EP, Another highlight is 'Mouth' which has a tribal vibe before half way through switching up into something that reminds me of Mica Levi's soundtrack for Under The Skin, a creepy electronic whaling sound that I find fascinating.</div>
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The record sounds amazing and is pressed on a deep solid pink. The artwork sums up the music really well and have a glossy finish which I usually don't like but here it works perfectly with the artwork. Worth checking out if you like your electronic music to have a song's backbone but still hit hard!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Soft Pink Truth – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Soft-Pink-Truth-Why-Do-The-Heathen-Rage/release/5750527" target="_blank">Why Do The Heathen Rage?</a> (2014)</b></span></div>
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The Soft Pink Truth is a side project for Drew Daniel of Matmos; this is his third release under the name and features camp electronic covers of black metal songs... yep, you read correctly! There are covers of bands such as Venmon, Mayhem, Darkthrone etc.</div>
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The record is curious as it is a well curated set of covers by someone who has an obvious passion for the genre but who is known for working within the electronic genre. Drew seeks out the stranger esoteric corners of the black metal genre to find tracks that fit his very special sense of humour and then twists or highlights the sexual nature inherent in the music. He gives the music a kind of electro club vibe but what is so surprising about the release is the deep respect and love for the material (if not the politics) Drew has. This is not just someone pointing the finger at the genre and calling it stupid but someone who is trying to engage and interact in a way that feels true to him. It is intentionally provocative and tries to shake things up but at the same time it is a love letter for a genre he loves. The release definitely isn't for everyone... in fact it's hard to tell who it's for but I do enjoy some tracks here and I find the overall atmosphere really intriguing. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TKXurJ-fz8" target="_blank">here</a> to see what you think.</div>
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I got this record just before its official release when Matmos were playing a two day residency at Cafe Oto in London. The record is a kind of marbled pink which I believe is limited as Thrill Jockey only seem to have black copies on their website now. I've seen some copies that have black flecks in the pink but this full pink look is much more appealing and appropriate I think!</div>
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The cover is intense and feels like a gay black metal Bosch painting! Pretty shocking but also very funny. It has some lovely pink foil work which depicts blood spelling out Soft Pink Truth (very loosely mind). I don't really like the back of the album, I wish it fitted more with the front cover and was white. I also don't like the materiel that the inner sleeve is made of, that kind of shiny paper which creases far too easily. Great release from a very lovely man who signed my copy of Matmos' Supreme Balloon with 'D is for diamonds, dinner plates, demons and David, Drew Daniel'.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>St. Vincent –<a href="http://www.discogs.com/St-Vincent-Strange-Mercy/release/3097202" target="_blank"> Strange Mercy</a> (2011)</b></span></div>
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This is technically my partner's album but hey why not include it here! We picked this up directly from 4AD at a record label fair. That day we also picked up many other releases such as St. Vincent's Actor, Vashti Bunyan's latest album signed by Vashti and a Jim O'Rourke album. At the fair I was also able to pick up some Scott Walker + Sunn o))) Soused pencils... their existence is intriguing!</div>
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This is probably my favourite St. Vincent album, I think she gets the balance between the pop song and the more abstract side of songwriting just right. The music is fun, energetic and focused yet has a kind of mechanical and often spacious feel to the songwriting that to my ears takes a lot of inspiration from New Wave. I like the use of synths on the album and the recording and production is mostly very nice although it is a very vocal heavy production. I don't really get on with her latest self-titled album as I find the production very erratic and noisey, I like the cleaner production for her songs as it puts more emphasis on the quirky guitar lines and odd rhythms.</div>
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The single white record comes in a lovely high quality gatefold that feels luxurious to the touch. The album came with the title and the name of the artist on a transparent sticker stuck to the cellophane, we've kept this sticker although I haven't pictured it here; it was a large sticker that went across the mouth. The text on the back is in a nice gold foil and the labeling of the record makes the record feel special with minimal but effective gold and white colouring. This white record was for the US market only so it was a nice surprise when we opened it.</div>
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Posted on: 16th October 2015Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-42738464175730630642015-10-05T09:00:00.000+01:002015-10-05T10:14:30.405+01:00PlayStation / PS1 Hidden Gems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQuqkRwEOMq0olgS40h_MvhEE0jC4eKcW5Z61LWbDMnHfMBhlaX-1GiLSEPgYk5KznkSNI4Fe6d8wqpa1yOOjrmw1hfi7paurqR_eVARoNgCXkVwDLYDupSRTmmdqFf1DN-jtqyEQ6Q/s1600/1+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQuqkRwEOMq0olgS40h_MvhEE0jC4eKcW5Z61LWbDMnHfMBhlaX-1GiLSEPgYk5KznkSNI4Fe6d8wqpa1yOOjrmw1hfi7paurqR_eVARoNgCXkVwDLYDupSRTmmdqFf1DN-jtqyEQ6Q/s640/1+Cover.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>Some hidden gems for the classic console that defined the 90's</b></div>
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Hello and welcome to a blog post about a system that I've been wanting to write about for a long time. I grew up on the original PlayStation and have many great memories of the system; playing Crash Bandicoot and Pandemonium for the first time after playing Sonic, as well as being scared to death by Resident Evil to just quickly name two. Many memories, but I'm still having a great time with the original PlayStation even to this day due to the fact that there were just so many games for the system... over 1400. The fact that there are so many games for the system inevitably means that a lot of great games get lost under all the other bigger and better selling games, it is my hope that this little list will inspire you to expand your PlayStation collection and look out for those many gems.</div>
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A few quick things to note:</div>
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<li>This list is simply in alphabetic order and the games are not ranked against one another.</li>
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<li>I must currently own the games mentioned, so that means the gems I stupidly sold when I was a kid and haven't been able to replace since will not be included! Some gems I used to own that come recommended are: Future Cop: LAPD, Rival Schools, Spider and Vib Ribbon.</li>
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<li>My definition of 'Hidden Gem' is loose; I am not basing any of my selection on sales numbers, instead I am basing my picks on their relative obscurity in comparison to the system's defining titles.</li>
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Enjoy and let me know what some of your favourite hidden gems are in the comment box below.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Alien Resurrection</span></b></div>
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Argonaut Games</div>
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SLES-02913</div>
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2000</div>
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Alien Resurrection is a dark and tense FPS by Argonaut Games; the people behind cheery platformer series Croc and the team who helped Nintendo create Starfox and its unreleased sequel for the SNES. The game was originally going to be a 3rd person action game as can be seen <a href="http://www.unseen64.net/2008/04/11/alien-resurrection-psx-beta/" target="_blank">here</a>, it would have been released to coincide with the film of the same name that was released in 1997. For whatever reason this build of the game was scrapped and the team went forward with a FPS which was scheduled to be released on PC and PlayStation. In the end the game was only released on PlayStation in 2000 and was almost universally panned, getting an average rating on Game Rankings of 64.12%.</div>
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So why is this a hidden gem? Firstly, due to all the bad press the game had a stigma around it which meant it didn't sell very well and didn't really find its audience. The game garnered most of the bad reviews due to its twitchy dual stick controls which were new, unusual and unpolished at the time; the game is incredibly difficult also... not a good combination! Yet the atmosphere is brooding and absorbing and they managed to capture the fear and tension of the films perfectly. After a little while you get used to the slightly primitive controls and can enjoy the atmosphere and tension to the max, or you can bypass all that and just use a PlayStation mouse, eliminating all the control issues almost entirely!</div>
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If you're in the mood for a dark and scary FPS which does the Alien series proud look no further than Alien Resurrection. It plays a lot more like a modern shooter than you would imagine and is a far cry from the Doom-esq Alien Trilogy. It can be bought for next to nothing these days so there is no excuse not to give it a try.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Apocalypse</span></b></div>
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Neversoft Entertainment</div>
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SLES-00460</div>
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1998</div>
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Apocalypse is a twitchy 3rd person shooter by Neversoft Entertainment, known for making the Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero games as well as the PlayStation version of MDK. This game came out between MDK and the first Tony Hawk game and its interesting to see this as a stop gap between the two. You can see they learnt a lot from working on MDK and brought a lot of the open field action to Apocalypse yet here the main character (played and voiced by Bruce F**king Willis!) is an actual 3D model who just wants to gun down everything. The 3D models really remind me of Tony Hawks and some of the physics also appear to be the same.</div>
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The game has a Robotron 2084 style twin control configuration where by you control the direction of your character's shooting independent from movement; so you can run in one direction and shoot in another. You can play the game with the classic PlayStation controller where the face buttons control the direction of your shots or you can plug in a Dual Shock and have full 3D control over your shooting. You can jump and dive to evade shots as well as crouch to take cover but the game encourages constant movement and shooting. The game likes to bombard you with enemies and bullets which can see the already rather slow framerate dip but after a few minutes of play you don't even really notice the slow framerate so it's not <i>too</i> much of an issue.</div>
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The game has some great lighting and explosions throughout but all the levels have a similar dark colour palette which tends to make the game feel a little samey, yet do not let this stop you from playing this hidden gem of an action game.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bushido Blade</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light Weight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SCES-00899</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1997</div>
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Bushido Blade is a weapons based action fighting game that was developed by Light Weight who would go on to make the massively panned Kabuki Warriors for the Xbox which famously got the first 1/10 from Edge magazine. This was the companies first game and was published by Squaresoft which meant it got a lot of attention upon release but it still feels like a hidden gem in the way that it is often forgotten about and doesn't feature heavily in lists of games for the system. The system has such a massive selection of games that sometimes gems such as Bushido Blade feel forgotten.</div>
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The best and most unique feature of this game is its fighting system which goes for a realistic feel where by you can kill or be killed by your enemy in one devastating slash; this gives each fight a great amount of tension and gives the game a unique feel. The game also does not feature any HUD to speak of; no time limit, special meters or life bars here.</div>
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You select from one of six characters, each of which have a unique sub weapon and special attacks and then you pick one of 8 weapons, all of which handle differently to one another and change your fighting style (among these are a broadsword, rapier, katana and naginata). After picking your character and weapon you will follow the chosen character's story and fight each opponent within an open environment which can be traversed at will, each 'stage' is connected and can be moved between freely (although there are some load times which break the open world feel sadly).</div>
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As well as the story mode the game also features a 2 Player Mode, Slash Mode which is basically a survival mode where you are tasked with the long and ultimately tiresome task of killing 100 enemies one by one within a long corridor, Training Mode which neatly features wooden weapons and POV Mode which transforms the game into first person, this is a curious addition which is nice to try out from time to time but will never replace the regular 3rd person view. The game also allows you to link two consoles together in case you want to play POV mode in 2-Player.</div>
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Bushido Blade is incredibly unique and interesting to play yet it becomes very easy to rely heavily on a specific small number of one hit kill attacks and spam them to victory against the CPU. The game is best played against a friend in that case. Still there are very few games like Bushido Blade and that alone makes it an essential part of anyone's PlayStation collection. The game would be followed by a sequel a year later that would never make it to Europe but the series lives on in its spiritual successor series Kengo.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bust A Groove</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Metro</div>
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SCES-01313</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1998</div>
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Bust A Groove is a rhythm action game which was made by Metro who's back catalog of games is almost 100% Japanese exclusive sadly. They don't appear to be making games anymore which is a shame as this game is a classic of the genre. The game's original Japanese name is Bust A Move but this had to be changed due to the Puzzle Bobble series often going under the name Bust-A-Move in regions outside Japan. Growing up I always thought there was some connection between the two series, I thought perhaps they were made by the same company. Obviously I know now that was not the case but as a kid this kind of confused me!</div>
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In Bust A Groove you must pick one of many crazy cartoon-like characters in which to dance as in a heated one-on-one dance off! You dance against an opponent in their stage and to their music; these stages range from beach shacks, burger joints, roof tops and factories. You dance along to a mix of Japanese 90's pop, dance, and disco. The gameplay asks you to press directions followed by a timed face button press in time with the music, the camera swings closer and closer to whoever is doing the best and if you are doing particularly well sometimes the environment may change. You can challenge your opponent with an attack which asks them to complete a difficult string of button presses, this can be used to swing the game back in your favour.</div>
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The main appeal of this game is the great cast of characters and music, most of which are rather funny. The game can be played with instrumental versions of the music but I'm not sure why you'd do this. My favourite character growing up was Gas-O, he wears a gas mask and has a factory stage, he just seemed so cool and edgy! My favourite songs are basically the ones I find the funniest, so that's Hiro's 'Natural Playboy' which is basically Hiro singing about how he's the coolest guy around and how everybody wants a piece of this natural playboy and Hamm's track 'I Luv Hamburgers' which is just a silly song about burgers!</div>
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The game was followed a year later by a sequel but sadly this would never make its way into Europe which is a big shame. Bust A Groove is definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of rhythm games with a heavy Japanese flavour like Parappa The Rapper or Elite Beat Agents.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gundam Battle Assault</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Natsume</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SLES-03650</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2001</div>
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Gundam Battle Assault is a mech based 2D fighting game by Natsume, who are most famous for their Harvest Moon series. It was originally released in Japan as Gundam The Battle Master 2 in 1998 yet the characters were changed on its trip over to the west in order to better fit with the then current Gundam TV series which was showing and so it became Battle Assault. I'm not sure how the two versions compare but they are considered to basically be the same game. The western version was then released in Japan under the Gundam Battle Assault name, so they got the same game twice... almost.</div>
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The game plays similar to Street Fighter in that special moves are done through circular motions of the joystick and then an attack button. There are also Mega Special Attacks which are basically the Gundam equivalent of a Super Combo but in general the action is of a much heavier and slower pace than Street Fighter. There are many elements that make it feel more than just a Street Fighter clone; instead of rounds each mech has three armour gauges which must be depleted to win the match, you have guns which have ammo, your mech has armour which can be broken off and each mech has thrusters which allow them to quickly move in one direction or fly for a period of time.</div>
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The game has some incredibly large and detailed sprite work which apparently is achieved by having many sprites overlaid and moving in tandem with one another, the effect is distinctive and some may not like it but I do. The game has a rather robust story mode but to be honest I know nothing about the Gundam series and this doesn't exactly inspire me to learn more.</div>
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Apparently the sequel improves on this game with more characters etc so if you can find that one I'd go for that but in terms of fighting games on the PS1 you can do much worse than this curious and distinct mech fighter.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jumping Flash! 2</span></b></div>
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Exact</div>
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SCES-00111</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1996</div>
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The first Jumping Flash! game for the PlayStation was a medium sized hit, it showcased the unique 3D graphic capabilities of the PlayStation really well with huge worlds that used a lot of vertical space; something that is rare even to this day. The sequel was, again, a relative hit but feels like it is somewhat forgotten about these days.</div>
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Jumping Flash! and Jumping Flash! 2 are unique action platformers that ask you to navigate huge open space in first person. You play as a robot rabbit named Robbit who must hop his/her way around bright colourful levels in search of hidden Muu Muu, once all Muu Muu are retrieved you can exit the level. You have time and many enemies that get in the way of this deceptively easy task, you can shoot at enemies but most of the time you will want to bounce off of them to keep the moment of your jump going. The sense of scale is great in Jumping Flash! 2 and there really isn't anything quite like getting a perfect run on one of the many levels.</div>
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The series was made by a small company called Exact who have only released a handful of games including the PlayStation version of Ghost in the Shell - a hidden gem I am on the look out for. Nowadays the company is part of SCE Japan Studio along with Team Ico etc. The series has had many spin-off games that sadly stayed Japan bound. This is one series that demands a reboot, a classic game that is too often forgotten about.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">N.GEN Racing</span></b></div>
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Curly Monsters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SLES-02086</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2000</div>
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N.GEN Racing is a jet based racing game with combat elements. The game was made by the very short lived UK based team Curly Monsters; this was the first of only two games they released. The small team of six left Psygnosis in order to start the company, members of the team had previously worked on WipeOut and the often forgotten FPS Codenam: Tenka. You can tell they took a lot of their experience and expertise with them and tried to capitalise on the companies connection to Psygnosis.</div>
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N.GEN Racing feels a lot like WipeOut, the jets have a similar sense of momentum to the craft of WipeOut and this gives the game a feel quite unlike your regular car based racing game. Unlike WipeOut however you now have to contend with height as you move around the varied landscape of each track. The game has two control options, Casual and Pro, although Casual is the way to go here as the Pro control system doesn't appear to have any benefits and the Casual mode feel more intuitive and works very nicely with the PlayStation's Dual Shock controller.</div>
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There are many game modes and tournaments; as you move up in ranking your jets will be equipped with guns and will become much much faster. The game has tracks that are set around the world, some of the tracks can be played during the night which is a nice touch. The game is presented very slickly but lacks some personality which could have really made the game stand out. The sound and music is a little boring too, the sound effects almost feel nonexistent as they are buried by the dance soundtrack. The soundtrack is a little too short which can make the game feel a bit repetitive which is a shame... with all this said this is a game that can be picked up for next to nothing and is most definitely a hidden gem, this style of racing game is more common nowadays but for the PlayStation this remains a unique game that is very much worth playing.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Silent Bomber</span></b></div>
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CyberConnect</div>
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SLES-02792</div>
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2000</div>
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Silent Bomber is a great action game created by CyberConnect who are most famous for Tail Concerto, SolaToRobo, Asura's Wrath and the .hack series. This was their second game after Tail Concerto and goes for a much much darker tone. The game plays in 3rd person with the camera zoomed far out so that you can get a good feel for your surroundings and the enemies that may be attacking you.</div>
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The game is very linear but has a really great feel and a combat system that is unlike much else. If you tap the fire button you will leave a bomb on the floor, to begin with the player can leave up to three bombs in different places before detonation. You explode the bombs through a dedicated detonation button which adds a lot of tactics to play and asks that you time the explosions just right. Bombs can also be attached to enemies by holding the fire button, when holding the button down a holographic cone will appear in front of the character and if an enemy enters this cone they will be planted with a bomb. The feeling of chaining attached bombs together and detonating them all at the same time is a joy to behold and reminds me of the fun you can have with C4 in Metal Gear Solid. The game also has a variety of special bombs although these cannot be attached to enemies.</div>
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Each stage feels like it has something new to show off or some extravagant set piece to present which keeps the game feeling frantic and fresh. Why this game didn't become a smash hit is beyond me. The game has a really great feel throughout and keeps you on your toes, the game mostly keeps the action to open playing fields but there are some corridor heavy sections which don't work as well sadly. The game is a must own and holds up really well even to this day, it has more polish and variety than Apocalypse but then again Silent Bomber doesn't have Bruce Willis!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Speed Freaks</span></b></div>
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Funcom Dublin</div>
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SCES-01763</div>
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1999</div>
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Speed Freaks (or Speed Punks in the US) is a kart-based racing game by Funcom Dublin, a division of Funcom that would only yield 2 other games; Championship Motocross 2001 and Impact Racing. Sadly it would appear the staff behind this game would not work together on future projects and would instead splinter across different companies. Speed Freaks is an incredibly well crafted racing game with a unique feel and look that should have been a big hit but sadly faded fairly quickly after launch.</div>
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You pick from an array of colourful characters from a great menu that depicts all the characters in-engine all hanging out in a tree house; games like 1080 Snowboarding and Jet Set Radio also use this style of character selection and I think it works really well in making the world feel alive before you've even begun truly start playing. Why more games don't do this I will never know!</div>
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The game has a similar feel to Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing although the control can feel a little slippery here in comparison. You can collect weapons to help you get the upper hand in the race as well as collect chips that increase a boost meter, collecting all these chips is the only real way to get way ahead of the competition. The game is very difficult so make sure nothing smashable is within arm's reach when playing!</div>
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The game has a very unique feel and look which I find hard to put my finger on, it's as if they're using some unique colour palette that the other kart games aren't which just lends the game a distinct feel. Overall the graphics, physics and sound are all stellar; Speed Freaks is an incredibly well made game and it's a shame the team didn't ever make a sequel or work together after this game. One of the best and overlooked racing games for the PlayStation.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tobal No. 1</span></b></div>
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Dream Factory</div>
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SCES-00497</div>
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1997</div>
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Tobal No. 1 is a 3D fighting game created by Dream Factory and published by Squaresoft. Dream Factory would go on to make The Bouncer, a launch title for the PS2 as well as Crimson Tears which was also for the PS2. It's hard to tell whether the company is still active as there hasn't been any activity from them since 2011. The game's director, Seiichi Ishii, started Dream Factory after being the main designer and developer at Namco for the first two Tekken games. It's interesting that he went on to make Tobal No. 1, a fighting game with a very different feel to Tekken. In America the game originally came with a demo disc for the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII which saw the game sell well in the region.</div>
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Tobal No. 1 is easily one of the most unique 3D fighting games for the original PlayStation. It plays similar to Virtua Fighter by Sega whereby strategic attack and defence is paramount. Like Vitua Fighter you fight within 3D arenas in which you can win either by draining the opponent's life bar or knocking them out of the ring. The game has a distinctive fighting system that puts a lot of emphasis on defence, chaining moves together and making the most of 3D space. Unlike almost all other fighting games Tobal No. 1 does not have dedicated buttons mapped to punches and kicks; it instead has buttons for low, mid and high attacks as well a button to guard and even a button for jumping. This unusual control set up makes the game feel unlike anything else in the genre.</div>
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The action has a fairly slow pace by regular fighting game standards yet it just adds to how tense and precise the fighting is. The slower pace of the game asks you to input attacks deliberately and to fight tactically. The game runs incredibly smooth with amazingly fluid animation for all the moves and although it lacks textures on the character models I feel that it holds up very well today (unlike a game like Battle Arena Toshinden which feels broken by today's standards).</div>
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The game has your regular Arcade (here called Tournament), Practice and VS modes but also includes something they call Quest Mode which plays like a bare bones Action RPG. In Quest Mode you must move between rooms, avoid obstacles, jump gaps, enter shops etc. This mode is very basic and although it feels like it could have been better it is an interesting addition that helps break up the regular gameplay.</div>
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The game received a Japan only sequel which I am very tempted to import as Tobal No. 1 is easily one of my favourite fighting games of all time and one of the best hidden gems for the original PlayStation. If you are a fan of 3D fighting games then you need to own this.</div>
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Posted 5th October 2015</div>
<span id="goog_1067574205"></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-9486970255523242572015-09-22T13:54:00.002+01:002015-09-22T14:14:19.211+01:00My Vinyl Collection: K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to section K of my vinyl collection, an informal trip through my collection with quick photos and descriptions. For each vinyl there will be a little write up, it might be about the packaging, the music, where I got the record etc... enjoy!</div>
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<b>>>> Links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts are in the right side bar >>></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kammerflimmer Kollektief - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kammerflimmer-Kollektief-Cicadidae/release/158416" target="_blank">Cicadidae</a> (2003)</b></span></div>
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Cicadae was Kammerflimmer Kollektief's fourth release and their first for Staubgold. I haven't owned any of their other material before but I have heard bits and bobs and they appear to be an interesting group that blend a lot of disparate elements together. They kind of remind me of Strings of Conciousness or Sigur Ros in the way they blend experimental forms of music into an almost pop like sound that is very easy to listen and chill out to.</div>
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I kind of like this album although to be honest I don't listen to it that often. If you want a mix of Jazz with some unusual instrumentation and an almost filmic, relaxed quality then definitely look into this album.<br />
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The record comes with a single sided inner which is all in German so I'm not sure what it says, the label is rather basic and reminds me of the label for the AGF record I have (check out A to see what I mean).</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Øystein Kapperud – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/%C3%98ystein-Kapperud-311-Amnesia/release/3245213" target="_blank">311 / Amnesia</a> (2011)</span></b></div>
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This is an interesting release that brings together a lot of uncategorisable music into one big mash up, once you think you get what Oystein is going for and the instruments and techniques he's using it'll be totally different on the next track.</div>
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His sound is a mix of a lot of experimental electronic music genres like glitch and 'IDM' and noise but his sound often has an indie shoegazey feel also with some guitar thrown in and some dramatic moods created... but then the next track will be pure sound collage... it's a nice release that keeps you on your toes.</div>
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I kind of like the artwork here, although it feels incoherent, but I guess that works well with the music! Four sides of music here, worth checking out if you can ever find it in the wild.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mick Karn - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Mick-Karn-Titles/release/126492" target="_blank">Titles</a> (1982)</span></b></div>
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The thing that attracted me to this album was the album cover, I like how Japanese it looks... then it clicked! This is Mick Karn, the late and great bass player who was in Japan along with David Sylvian, Steve Jensen and Richard Barbieri.</div>
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This is Karn's first album, it keeps a lot of the funky world music inspired 80's pop vibe from Japan but here the music and bass lines repeat and repeat and take on a meditative and often slightly disturbing nature. There are vocals from Karn across the whole of Side B but sadly they don't have much punch to them, it would probably be better if he had guest vocals on some of these tracks. The lyric-less Side A definitely wins out.</div>
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The bass playing throughout is what keeps this album interesting, Karn just has such a distinctive bass tone and way of playing, it's just a pleasure to listen to. There are some other flourishes here and there but taken as a whole this album more than a little patchy. Still, for bass players and Japan fans this is essential listening.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mick Karn - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Mick-Karn-Featuring-David-Sylvian-Buoy/master/131675" target="_blank">Buoy</a> (1986)</span></b></div>
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This is Japan in all but name, all tracks feature Steve Jensen and Mick Karn (obviously) and the title track of this single features David Sylvian on lead vocals. On Side A the production and keyboards are pure mid 80's which I don't really find appealing at all, to me they just sound incredibly dated and lack soul and warmth... thankfully Karn's bass is as weird as ever and Sylvian's vocals are nice and deep. The track takes some unusual twists and turns too which keeps things interesting.</div>
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Side B really is great though. The first track <i>Dreams of Reason</i> is an alto / tenor saxophone and bass clarinet led piece with some icy keyboards layered over the top. It's a nice filmic track that holds up nicely. The next track <i>Language of Ritual </i>is an African inspired piece with some thudding drums, clarinet weaving and some hammering piano chords. Both of these tracks don't feature Karn on bass and they're still great which is testament to his knack for songwriting and his versatility as a player.</div>
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I really don't like the front cover, sorry Karn! I would really like to hear the album this single is from, 'Dreams Of Reason Produce Monsters', what do people think of this album?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">King Crimson – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/King-Crimson-The-Young-Persons-Guide-To-King-Crimson/release/3642590" target="_blank">The Young Persons' Guide To King Crimson</a> (1975) (1979 Reissue)</span></b></div>
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The only King Crimson I own, this 2 record long compilation takes in the first 5 years of King Crimson's career. It collects together some essential tracks but has a nice addition in the form of an unreleased version of <i>I Talk To The Wind </i>and the <i>Cat Food</i> single (along with its B-side). I like most of the music here and I do feel like it's a good way into their music.</div>
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I like the art on the front and back, it has that classic messed up creepy prog feel to it, great stuff!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Kniφe (aka. The Knife) – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kni%CF%86e-The-Shaking-The-Habitual/release/4487065" target="_blank">Shaking The Habitual</a> (2013)</span></b></div>
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This is The Knife's latest album and if to be believed also their last. I have mixed feelings about this release, the tracks I like I really really like and feel they have some great production, interesting themes and great sounds. The tracks I dislike I really dislike. I feel they were going for an all or nothing approach here and were trying to give the consumer a lot for their money. For just over £20 you get 3 high quality records, 2 CD's, 2 double sided posters and it all came in a lovingly printed package. I cannot help feeling there is some political message in the way this album was created release and promoted.</div>
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The two colours that all the packing is printed in really pop out at you in person, they have a crazy effect on your eyes which can actually be a little painful! It doesn't really come across in the photos but it is very striking and distinctive. With regards to design I like how they left no surface uncovered; even printing on the inside of the album's sleeve. Overall this is a really nice package to have even if some of the music irks me a little.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kraftwerk – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kraftwerk-Autobahn/release/63961" target="_blank">Autobahn</a> (1974) (1975 Reissue)</span></b></div>
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Kraftwerk's fourth album but in many ways their first also. This is where the classic albums start and where core Kraftwerk members themselves believe they started proper. One side is taken up with <i>Autobahn </i>which is a stone cold classic for Kraftwerk and is still fun to listen to today. The other side is taken up by 4 instrumental tracks that are unlike anything they'd make from Trans Europe Express onwards, they have an almost rock group feel to them and feel closer to the general Krautrock sound of groups like Can or Faust... to my ears anyway, they still use some more traditional instruments. I really like these tracks as they feel kind of rough around the edges.</div>
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The copy I have uses the road sign as the cover, I actually prefer this cover over the original. The road sign is embossed which is a nice touch.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kraftwerk - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kraftwerk-The-Man-Machine/release/15706" target="_blank">The Man-Machine</a> (1978)</span></b></div>
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Probably my favourite Kraftwerk album. This is an instant classic and should be listened to by all! It's just a joy to listen to from start to finish.</div>
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My copy is a bit rounded off on the top right due to wear and looks a little dirty but the record actually sounds fairly nice. It comes with an inner sleeve made of card, I feel funny about having my record against the bare old card so I keep the record in a poly lined sleeve and just use the original inner sleeve as a simple insert. I like the design throughout for this record, I think it works really well, down to the silhouetted image on the center label. I feel they kind of ruined the art on the remasters sadly, this original art still holds up and shouldn't have been changed.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kevin Coyne And Dagmar Krause – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Kevin-Coyne-And-Dagmar-Krause-Babble/release/1945488" target="_blank">Babble</a> (1979)</span></b></div>
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This is being listed under K rather than under C even though it's more of a Coyne album than a Krause album but I see it as being part of my Dagmar Krause collection so I'm including it here. I don't know much of Kevin Coyne's work and I bought this simply because of Dagmar! (Good enough reason I say).</div>
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I haven't listened to this that much as it didn't really appeal to me upon first listen, I should give it more of a chance one day as I know it does have some good things going for it. Maybe it's just that I'd rather listen to Dagmar's solo albums, Slapp Happy or Henry Cow over this. This is much closer to the whole singer songwriter thing which can be a bit hit and miss for me.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dagmar Krause - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Dagmar-Krause-Angebot-Nachfrage-Lieder-Von-Brecht-Weill-Eisler/release/953873" target="_blank">Angebot & Nachfrage : Lieder Von Brecht / Weill & Eisler</a> (1986)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dagmar Krause – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Dagmar-Krause-Supply-Demand-Songs-By-BrechtWeill-Eisler/release/758949" target="_blank">Supply & Demand - Songs By Brecht/Weill & Eisler</a> (1986)</span></b></div>
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These records were released on Joe Boyd's record label Hannibal. They feature tracks written by Hanns Eisler or Kurt Weill for use in theatrical productions by Bertolt Brecht. Both composers were pushing classical composition toward more popular forms of music and protest song and often featured very hard hitting lyrics.</div>
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The two copies here may look the same but in actual fact one features the songs in their original German and the other translates them into English. Both sound incredible instrumentally and vocally Dagmar Krause adds so much character and emotion to the recordings.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dagmar Krause – <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Dagmar-Krause-Tank-Battles-The-Songs-Of-Hanns-Eisler/release/1481421" target="_blank">Tank Battles: The Songs Of Hanns Eisler</a> (1988)</span></b></div>
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This album released a couple of years after Supply & Demand follows the work Hanns Eisler exclusively. Personally I prefer Hanns Eisler to Kurt Weill as his compositions (at least here) have a lot more bite and the instrumentation tends to be sharper... so obviously I prefer this record over Supply & Demand! Not only do I prefer the writing on this record I also think the production is much much better and the overall sound quality and performances are much better and clearer. The artwork is also amazing and features some spot printing sheen in places which adds to the whole thing.</div>
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This is easily one of my favourite records and comes highly recommended. One of the best releases Dagmar Krause has ever appeared on.</div>
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Posted: 22nd September 2015</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-59148059881546466312015-07-29T11:39:00.001+01:002015-08-01T19:25:51.168+01:00MS-20 patches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNSYTk0_PaHT45qY0AJE0U5iCiGuBWHEQaIX3fTUgayE_fZaROxkHVpmUXjZxldhjn7S2F4rWNy8MFsbR7o9MlNxM1GAOt5sf62smSla0HKgNa5GPyL7Z4znrdokQfwsm2Jc1n9ZYBg/s1600/104794_g4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNSYTk0_PaHT45qY0AJE0U5iCiGuBWHEQaIX3fTUgayE_fZaROxkHVpmUXjZxldhjn7S2F4rWNy8MFsbR7o9MlNxM1GAOt5sf62smSla0HKgNa5GPyL7Z4znrdokQfwsm2Jc1n9ZYBg/s640/104794_g4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I've owned an MS-20 Mini by Korg for almost two years now... and I love it, but for some reason I have never written about it on my blog before. For this post I want to share just a handful of patches for this 100% analog recreation of the classic synth. I have used this synth in the context of a live gig and in various different setups but it's also fun just creating patches for the sheer fun of it and in order to explore the possibilities of the machine.<br />
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I will go through each section of the synth, if a section is missing that suggests that it is to be left in its neutral position. For instance, if portamento isn't mentioned assume that it is at 0, if EG2 isn't mentioned assume it has full sustain with no hold, attack or release.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">COLD WAR</span></b><br />
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VCO-1 = Square / 12 o'clock / 32'</div>
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VCO-2 = Ring / 0 / 16'</div>
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VCO-Mix = 10 / 8<br />
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HPF = 2 / 6 / 0 / 7</div>
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LPF = 3 / 5 / 0 / 8<br />
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EG-1 = 0 / 3 / 0</div>
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EG-2 = 0 / 0 / 1 / 5.5 / 0</div>
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PATCH 1 = EG-1 Out >> HPF</div>
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PATCH 2 = EG-1 Rev Out >> LPF</div>
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With this patch I was trying to emulate the bass synth sounds found in a demo version of the song <i>Cold War</i> by the band Devo. I think I came fairly close. Here the first EG is used to add some movement to the sound when a note is held down. The sound is warm and deep with a snappyness to it thanks to both EG's having no release and the sustain being brought down and the decay kept nice and tight on EG2.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216710250&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DEPTFORD CUTOFF</span></b><br />
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PATCH 1 = EG1 Out >> EG1 Trig In</div>
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PATCH 2 = EG1 Rev Out >> Total</div>
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PATCH 3 = EG2 Rev >> Init Gain</div>
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PATCH 4 = S&H Clock >> Square MG</div>
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PATCH 5 = S&H In >> White Noise</div>
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PATCH 6 = S&H Out >> LPF</div>
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** note that MG must be set to ramp up</div>
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PATCH 7 = Pink Noise >> ESP Signal In</div>
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PATCH 8 = ESP Out (after BPF) >> Ext. Signal In</div>
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This patch was made to be used in a live improvised setting where the focus would be on texture and weight of the sound as well as being able to quickly change the sound on the fly. The recording above uses the patch without either oscillator and very sparring use of the EG1 patch. I was mainly using the pink noise patch for this track. The idea of the patch is that it allows a lot of freedom and has a lot of creative and textural potential.</div>
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The EG1 patches create an unusual and incredibly variable modulation source for pitch, HPF and LPF. Basically the EG1 is looped back on itself and repeats constantly, depending on the turning of the EG1 knobs you can get some incredibly long or short variants in sound colour and texture. Easily one of my favorite modulation sources.</div>
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The EG2 Rev patch means that whatever note you last play will be held until you press another one.</div>
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The Sample & Hold patch adds an additional rhythmic element through effecting the LPF which can be very nice when used sparringly. If you have the Peak up high on the LPF you get some lovely popping sounds.</div>
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The Pink Noise is basically used as a sound source but goes through the ESP first as this allows it to be overdriven which creates some great broken up popping sounds and the Bandpass Filter allows the sound to be sculpted before it enters the signal in.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DOOM</span></b></div>
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VCO-1 = Square / Far Left PW / 32'<br />
VCO-2 = Square / -2 / 16'<br />
VCO-Mix = 10 / 8<br />
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Portamento = 2<br />
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HPF = 3 / 10 / 0 / 3<br />
LPF = 0 / 7 / 0 / 9<br />
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EG-2 = 0<br />
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The Doom patch I made is fairly simple and doesn't use any patch cables. The idea with this patch is to create thick heavy distorted sounds that fade slowly like a slow Doom/Sludge Metal riff. A fun patch to play around with but one I haven't used for anything yet.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HELICOPTER</span></b></div>
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* see video above for demo of patch<br />
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VCO-Mix = 0 / 0<br />
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LPF = 3 / 0 / 10 / 0<br />
MG = 10 o'clock / 5.5<br />
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PATCH 1 = Square MG >> KBD Trig In<br />
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PATCH 2 = Pink Noise >> S&H In<br />
PATCH 3 = S&H Out >> Total<br />
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One of the sounds you are going to come across by accident when messing around with the MS-20's modulation generator is a helicopter sound. One way to get that true helicopter sound is to use the MG to gate the playing of the synth so you get that choppy gated sound. With this patch you can change the speed of the MG to increase the propeller speed and decrease the LPF Total to create a quieter sound to give the impression of moving through space.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">THUD</span></b></div>
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* see video above for demo of patch<br />
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VCO-1 = Saw / 11 o'clock / 16'<br />
VCO-2 = Ring / +2 / 8'<br />
VCO-Mix = 10 / 8<br />
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HPF = 3 / 8 / 0 / 4<br />
LPF = 3 / 6 / 8 / 9<br />
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EG-1 = 0 / 3 / 3<br />
EG-2 = 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 1<br />
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PATCH 1 = Momentary Switch >> EG-1 Trig In<br />
PATCH 2 = EG-1 Out >> Total<br />
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The idea of this patch was to create a 'one shot' style sound where no matter how long you hit or hold the note you get a similar length sound, a short punchy sound. This was one of my first patches and I wanted to use the switch on the synth as it seemed so novel and unusual to me that a synth should have a switch. I used this switch to add brightness to the sound so that when the button is held the LPF cutoff is increased giving a much brighter sound, when you release the button it slowly goes back to its original state.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">YO YO</span></b></div>
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* see video above for demo of patch<br />
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VCO-1 = Saw / N/A / 32'<br />
VCO-2 = Saw / 0 / 16'<br />
VCO-Mix = 10 / 5<br />
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Portamento = 2<br />
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HPF = 4 / 7 / 0 / 6<br />
LPF = 5 / 8 / 7 / 0<br />
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EG-1 = 0 / 2 / 1<br />
EG-2 = 0 / 1 / 3.5 / 1.5 / 1<br />
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ESP = 4 / 0 / 5 / 0 / 0<br />
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PATCH 1 = EG-1 Rev Out >> Total<br />
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PATCH 2 = White Noise >> ESP Signal In<br />
PATCH 3 = ESP Out (after BPF) >> Ext. Signal In<br />
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In this patch we have the two filters moving in opposite directions at different times. LPF is linked to EG-1 whereas HPF is connected to EG-2. You can get different sounds depending on how long you hold the note. I was surprised how good the MS-20 was at doing vocal like sounds but the dual filter really helps this. One thing that is interesting is how quickly the vocal sound can be perceived and also lost through tinkering with the patch. If you move the cutoff or the peak of either filter it's very easy to lose the sense of the voice. This is just a fun little patch but the results can be impressive from a technical point... at least it impresses me... yo yo!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SHORYUKEN</span></b></div>
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Here comes a new challenger! An additional patch for those in need of a super move.</div>
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VCO-1 = Saw / 12 o'clock / 16'</div>
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VCO-2 = Ring / 2.75 / 16'</div>
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VCO-Mix = 10 / 9</div>
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HPF = 0 / 6 / 0 / 8</div>
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LPF = 3 / 5 / 0 / 10</div>
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EG-2 = 0 / 0 / 3 / 0 / 3</div>
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This is another 'one shot' style patch where no matter whether you hold a key or press it for a split second the results are the same (a.k.a. equal decay and release). This is a fairly basic sound for the MS-20, it doesn't use any of the patch cables but I have sculpted the patch in such a way that it doesn't sound too overblown and is clear but still heavy and thick.</div>
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Most of the thickness of the sound comes from the Ring of VCO-2. I have set it 7 notes higher than VCO-1. I don't have any musical training but the notes seem to resonate really nicely at this point and once in Ring mode it brings a lot of nice character to the sound.</div>
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Posted: 29th July 2015</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-40586080513709673602015-06-22T18:12:00.002+01:002015-06-22T18:17:53.180+01:00Neo Geo Pocket Comparison: B&W / Color / 'New' Slim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGElYoUhmi1VV_Akl2WPdmeSf7BPE213Wp9QvNv4diOFbPcHwMAeeWzP-xMpDDVMqWIGzQ9934w-73enxGtQ9WI3gdnSm5SjiaYSczgXSTkNJAcKibxBmZsqMMgKpEoG9kffvRaFPBBA/s1600/NGPC+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGElYoUhmi1VV_Akl2WPdmeSf7BPE213Wp9QvNv4diOFbPcHwMAeeWzP-xMpDDVMqWIGzQ9934w-73enxGtQ9WI3gdnSm5SjiaYSczgXSTkNJAcKibxBmZsqMMgKpEoG9kffvRaFPBBA/s640/NGPC+COVER.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Although the Neo Geo Pocket only lived a short life between the years of 1998 and 2001 it went through three variants each released in a number of colours. I want to compare these three types of Neo Geo Pocket so that perhaps it may influence your (potential) future purchase. I won't be going into the library of games in this post but suffice it to say I love the console and the short list of games that were released for it.</div>
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Back in 2000 when I was 12 I got the Neo Geo Pocket Color in the basic silver colour but was always eyeing up the other fancy colours (like the <a href="http://www.gamer-freaks.net/stock/fotos/00180-Consola-Neo-Geo-Pocket-Color-[Aqua-Blue].jpg" target="_blank">blue camouflage</a> that my brothers had, damn him!). Our family didn't get internet installed until around 2005 so there was no way for me to research the console and so I had no idea there was an incredibly short lived B&W model and a very late Japan only slim model too. I only ever had three games for the console but loved them up until the point that I broke the console by trying to power it with a mobile phone charger... 15 years have passed and I've gone into a Neo Geo Pocket fever and bought each of the models!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">--- CONSOLE OVERVIEW ---</span></b></div>
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Although the console comes in three different variants it's worth quickly talking about compatibility. All systems are region free and most games will switch language depending on the language you select from the system's menu. The B&W model had around 10 games made for it but these can all be played on the colour counterparts. Samurai Shodown! is the only game released as a B&W game that adds colour when played on a 'Color' system; which was a nice surprise! The B&W model can also play around +80% of games that were released for the NGPC (although only in B&W... obviously!).</div>
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Each console has the exact same layout of buttons and switches, the only difference is the B&W model also has an adjustable contrast level which is controlled via a volume wheel on the bottom; much like the original Game Boy. They each have a microswitch joystick which is incredibly clicky and glorious. They all have A, B, Power and Option buttons, a volume slider and headphone socket on the bottom and an EXT. port on the top which was used for connecting systems together for multiplayer games as well as connecting to the Sega Dreamcast.</div>
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None of the consoles have back or front lit screens. The B&W uses two AAA batteries whereas the later models use two AA batteries. You can get many many hours worth of gaming out of a set of batteries for all models due to the lack of a lit screen. Each also have a 'sub-battery' port which is not essential but is used for saving the system's memory for things such as the date, time, language, what colours to play B&W games etc. It is not used for save data as a lot of people believe. This sub-battery is a CR2032 and was used in a fair few devices at the time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>--- BOXES ---</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjaRB0dgmm-nTZA2H_CgurRTMmwUizTQHPN0vvGG-jTeB0vTzTHS5zSUBxNBndj1wuhEFbCO0Pbce2sBXUbgPoNBkpQWnkBJpSEV6iLciZR_rAA2c69mmcdLKDWCGDyKeyN40OCiaFg/s1600/BOX+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjaRB0dgmm-nTZA2H_CgurRTMmwUizTQHPN0vvGG-jTeB0vTzTHS5zSUBxNBndj1wuhEFbCO0Pbce2sBXUbgPoNBkpQWnkBJpSEV6iLciZR_rAA2c69mmcdLKDWCGDyKeyN40OCiaFg/s640/BOX+03.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">From top to bottom we have a European B&W model in 'Clear', a UK NGPC in 'Stone Blue and a Japanese 'New' NGPC in 'Crystal Blue'.</span></div>
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The top box is for the European version of the original B&W model. The B&W console didn't get a UK specific version probably because they had already started development of the colour successor in order to compete with Nintendo's just announced Game Boy Color. The Japanese <a href="http://www.videogameobsession.com/videogame/neogeopocketcolor/sys-Neo-GeoPocketJapanese-01.jpg" target="_blank">version</a> comes in a black box with a window through which you can see the console. When I got this box I was shocked by how small it was, the box is much more compact than the other two and I really like it for that. The box comes with a book of instructions printed in four different languages.</div>
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The middle design is the one that I will always associate the most strongly with the identity of the NGPC as it is the design I grew up with but it's really interesting to see how the console was marketed differently for different regions. I like the fact that we actually put gameplay on the packaging (who would have thought!) and the colourful background shouts to me 'I'm cool!'. The <a href="http://www.videogameobsession.com/videogame/neogeopocketcolor/sys-Neo-GeoPocketColor-Anthracite_Box-vgo.jpg" target="_blank">European</a>, <a href="http://www.consolepassion.co.uk/sites/default/files/neo-geo-pocket-colour-light-blue-console-boxed.jpg" target="_blank">US</a> and <a href="http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/9/0/1/307901_front.jpg" target="_blank">Japanese</a> boxes are not as exciting. The box contains 4 fold out instruction sheets colour coded for each language.</div>
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The bottom design looks a little boring to me, it looks too serious for what it is! It also has the most boring back out of the bunch. The box comes with a single fold out instruction sheet. I'd love for someone to be able to translate the back of this box, I'm curious what the bullet points are on the top left in particular.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>--- SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES ---</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9IZg4Vxhy13MJ_5qIGYJ6JkCPFnfPyAIdY8axao39B-ptPlNYR8VBgk4nAyqvZCD7JHqaTjd9IVM_S_hvT7vd-yD_r0ltbENoLAS07_BZ1Y3TuGOUe-sClD8VfOkrwqCOORI7jTHig/s1600/CONSOLE+01+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9IZg4Vxhy13MJ_5qIGYJ6JkCPFnfPyAIdY8axao39B-ptPlNYR8VBgk4nAyqvZCD7JHqaTjd9IVM_S_hvT7vd-yD_r0ltbENoLAS07_BZ1Y3TuGOUe-sClD8VfOkrwqCOORI7jTHig/s640/CONSOLE+01+front.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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From the front they all look fairly similiar although the easiest way to tell them apart is the word 'Color' to the top right of the screen. Obviously it's not there on the B&W version, but the font for the word 'Color' also changes between the regular NGPC and the slim version.</div>
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Another way to tell them apart is the distance between the power button and the top right corner of the console. On the original NGPC the power button is further inset.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRhnE_MEVIy4gZpmFXTplX9j3_HxMR12JUVuwA5wsYu_iwOj6XunTByO_iYpnz8iNgh2AOVz8eXthPPynF9_s06astU_5dSu0JZFO5LbUuIvm_LZdb5wb3AyRVBmbQmOyPi0L3GfL2A/s1600/CONSOLE+02+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRhnE_MEVIy4gZpmFXTplX9j3_HxMR12JUVuwA5wsYu_iwOj6XunTByO_iYpnz8iNgh2AOVz8eXthPPynF9_s06astU_5dSu0JZFO5LbUuIvm_LZdb5wb3AyRVBmbQmOyPi0L3GfL2A/s640/CONSOLE+02+back.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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All three versions have the same layout on the back regarding the battery and cart placement although the B&W model has a slimmer battery cover due to it only taking AAA batteries and the slim's battery covers remove differently making it easier to get to the sub-battery. On the slim the battery cover pops off rather than needing to be unscrewed with a coin (pro tip: cover a coin in paper to avoid damaging the plastic of the older versions when changing the sub-battery!). The slim also has the model number going up rather than across the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnEPl_ElBzwvQxxuzz6DgwiNxYlOcF2Ss3fPh4wnTSiJWeXTIXnt9lVEzGvjl2KAqDIek5hRUYXyxFaBjpAa03kCH2a-zvsjNJ4vzpiL8FUCwi_djTBfYAVoR_4c1nmhOmXQt1W0MYA/s1600/CONSOLE+bottom+top+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnEPl_ElBzwvQxxuzz6DgwiNxYlOcF2Ss3fPh4wnTSiJWeXTIXnt9lVEzGvjl2KAqDIek5hRUYXyxFaBjpAa03kCH2a-zvsjNJ4vzpiL8FUCwi_djTBfYAVoR_4c1nmhOmXQt1W0MYA/s640/CONSOLE+bottom+top+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The original console is by far the slimmest and all round most compact. The original colour version is the biggest but doesn't feel too big, it fits nicely in the hands. The slim model is noticeably smaller although technically it's only 13% smaller than the regular NGPC. In terms of depth it's around the same as the regular NGPC but it's not as wide or tall so it does appear and feel that little bit more pocket friendly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ikzR9HX5kFDqO-XzxL3KWoBJjTBJmkhDiQ4ywBpOQjZOZttoZDbEgYp8TAaAtMpHgXHghoFRjyZD3h-x45hjAC6RJCKOgXo7Gds8YvNelLjkcQMnH9u-9_CZcP5gGCvyU6Fpn0do4Q/s1600/CONSOLE+size+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ikzR9HX5kFDqO-XzxL3KWoBJjTBJmkhDiQ4ywBpOQjZOZttoZDbEgYp8TAaAtMpHgXHghoFRjyZD3h-x45hjAC6RJCKOgXo7Gds8YvNelLjkcQMnH9u-9_CZcP5gGCvyU6Fpn0do4Q/s640/CONSOLE+size+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpIk5VZMPX4875KhZ9GCqHqPh1uIBbW0zBnHYF-GCNtSs4l_C-1eJeONnUJy9xwD0uXZXbphbT-wY37AflZLZoK7ejjUF2_p175wXYR7C-UWDcxDGtaKrh2OmrfSTpnXVjjwPcXDUFg/s1600/CONSOLE+size+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpIk5VZMPX4875KhZ9GCqHqPh1uIBbW0zBnHYF-GCNtSs4l_C-1eJeONnUJy9xwD0uXZXbphbT-wY37AflZLZoK7ejjUF2_p175wXYR7C-UWDcxDGtaKrh2OmrfSTpnXVjjwPcXDUFg/s640/CONSOLE+size+02.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Although the B&W version is the smallest it has a noticeably different feel in terms of weight when compared to the others. It feels slightly heavier, in particular it feels top heavy. It's not a deal breaker but it does feel a little odd when comparing the feel of each of the consoles. The second heaviest is the orginal 'Color' but again it doesn't feel too heavy. The slim is noticeably lighter and has very good weight distribution.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>--- SCREENS ---</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim_L-8NjRx4OL6VQmPNzDTUypkBCX_PMVX4wnMYAac5T3ztJwyNzWgty56-8fPrc9VXUmDhJoiWp7A3A63vbrHZYSfX8gNoSS2XjSM_t8Bf0HnvhxP_GDGrEVKL3ovTzzJyKEt8osTA/s1600/CONSOLE+hold+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim_L-8NjRx4OL6VQmPNzDTUypkBCX_PMVX4wnMYAac5T3ztJwyNzWgty56-8fPrc9VXUmDhJoiWp7A3A63vbrHZYSfX8gNoSS2XjSM_t8Bf0HnvhxP_GDGrEVKL3ovTzzJyKEt8osTA/s640/CONSOLE+hold+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSj209pMAwFeyIhiMo3_du8u0w3TQEIbhyphenhypheneIWTTPn6jlKPQxHlOYS0dB5B2T8C2zS52hkFSYg6xHQ-niLR4w9HI9pVAwhWE8bnh2xCRAxHfpIQuvVvG0OlcJdYcS2TAyv5lTSBCUHXA/s1600/CONSOLE+hold+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSj209pMAwFeyIhiMo3_du8u0w3TQEIbhyphenhypheneIWTTPn6jlKPQxHlOYS0dB5B2T8C2zS52hkFSYg6xHQ-niLR4w9HI9pVAwhWE8bnh2xCRAxHfpIQuvVvG0OlcJdYcS2TAyv5lTSBCUHXA/s640/CONSOLE+hold+02.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzE2mtQsBjFErPj6epxOzrveaox1mrr2zLgXfN1EIsCXF1r3HKmRakzwjifmbtavrB-tvMJtHJK0PoG2d4KadrTsHl7G8arGvaXDK9lW_NAMDeYDhtsdnK00dvGq4PSvUNCTCjZBHLA/s1600/CONSOLE+hold+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzE2mtQsBjFErPj6epxOzrveaox1mrr2zLgXfN1EIsCXF1r3HKmRakzwjifmbtavrB-tvMJtHJK0PoG2d4KadrTsHl7G8arGvaXDK9lW_NAMDeYDhtsdnK00dvGq4PSvUNCTCjZBHLA/s640/CONSOLE+hold+03.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The B&W console features a screen which appears black when turned off but gets 'light' added when powered on. It's unusual to see, it's almost like an inverted Game Boy. The other two versions appear to have the exact same screen installed.</div>
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All three screens do not feature a back or front light so the best way to see them is outside, near a window or under heavy artificial lighting. I personally don't have too much a problem with this as modern systems have the reverse problem as you can't see them very well in direct sunlight. These look phenomenal on a bright summer's day and isn't that what these consoles are for; playing on the go?<br />
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One thing I did notice is the position of the screen got lower and lower with each iteration, not sure why exactly. I like the mid height screen of the original NGPC the best, the slim makes it feel like the screen is trying to run away!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsHi3Gv6qQKTah44almS16actWsoh7xEAqXEkKJshn7cVSSksjPFl-KpvsUUT6WLT7jUhv2yoamSFAG8g2QkqioJAgmPZIum-_InH4exH3X9fObrAuwV2m0PMS8rfudlXUjAOa3DUYA/s1600/CONSOLE+screen+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsHi3Gv6qQKTah44almS16actWsoh7xEAqXEkKJshn7cVSSksjPFl-KpvsUUT6WLT7jUhv2yoamSFAG8g2QkqioJAgmPZIum-_InH4exH3X9fObrAuwV2m0PMS8rfudlXUjAOa3DUYA/s640/CONSOLE+screen+01.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top screens are Cardfighters Clash (a 'Colour' game) and the bottom screens are Pocket Tennis (the B&W version)</span></div>
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Where the B&W version really falls down is the quality of the screen. It's obviously something to do with the technology being used but it is very blurry when there is any movement and even when there isn't the image can appear grainy, none-distinct and not very flattering for these visually great games. If you consider a good portion of the games library is made up of fast past fighting games and then the screen soon becomes a problem.</div>
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Also, with the B&W console I always feel like I'm having to adjust the contrast as games can vary a lot in terms of brightness and I never seem to be able to find that sweet spot. The screen on the colour consoles is of very high quality with no blurring whatsoever. Everything looks pin sharp and engaging.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">--- CONCLUSION ---</span></b></div>
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The B&W version may be smaller but it fails on all other accounts. Games are just a lot more fun to play on the other screens. It's nice to see what games look like on the B&W screen out of curiosity but this is almost always at the cost of the gameplay.</div>
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Interestingly it appears there are certain games that have a different ROM to be played on a B&W system. For example the game Puzzle Bobble changes from being a colour heavy puzzle game to a pattern heavy puzzle game; instead of having to match 3 colours you have to match 3 patterns which is unusual and much more difficult.</div>
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The original NGPC is an excellent system that feels great in the hands. The only complaints are that it's bigger than the other two and like the B&W it's easy to scratch or mess up the sub-battery cover when changing that battery.</div>
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The 'New' slim model improves the battery covers and is slightly smaller than the original NGPC. It feels really nice to hold but has a screen that looks a little too low to me eyes. Like all the other models it comes in a variety of colours but the slim features my three favourite colours of any NGP: <a href="http://digichar.com/imgs/a/c/j/k/i/neogeo_pocket_color_crystal_console_only_1_lgw.jpg" target="_blank">Crystal</a>, Crystal Blue and <a href="http://mlb-s1-p.mlstatic.com/raro-neo-geo-pocket-edico-crystal-yellow-completo-11328-MLB20043161885_022014-F.jpg" target="_blank">Crystal Yellow</a>. The other models have see-through cover variants but they have a frosted look. I really like the Crystal variety and how much you can see of the inside of the console.</div>
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Overall I would go for the original NGPC first as it is much better than the B&W and is cheaper and easier to find than the slim. After that I would go for the slim as it is, overall, the best Neo Geo Pocket there is. In last place is the B&W for curiosities sake.<br />
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Hope this little guide helps, any questions don't hesitate to post in the comments below.<br />
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Posted: 22nd June 2015Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-83464368866376417742015-06-08T17:23:00.000+01:002015-06-08T17:25:45.158+01:00Video Game T-Shirt Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9QdBSCOdS649nemNipuXqeErvC66X8abRQoeUjSt_Sn_XEUQf3V4NfeW6uumNuG840cVOAvrvX2TBPuUsZBBE-t_QaAbLd49P51Ik4cEbnE-6KH4wFjG3-CiPvdjn0KMNryH_awfTg/s1600/T-SHIRT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9QdBSCOdS649nemNipuXqeErvC66X8abRQoeUjSt_Sn_XEUQf3V4NfeW6uumNuG840cVOAvrvX2TBPuUsZBBE-t_QaAbLd49P51Ik4cEbnE-6KH4wFjG3-CiPvdjn0KMNryH_awfTg/s640/T-SHIRT+COVER.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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As video games and gaming culture expands and becomes more and more popular and prominent in our everyday lives we have access to some really great merchandise thanks to many companies capitalizing on this ever growing community.</div>
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Personally when it comes to t-shirts for video games or bands I prefer the designs to be somewhat ambiguous and not simply a lazy logo pasted on to a black t-shirt; I'm drawn to creative use of gaming properties and bright eye catching colours... as you will see! What always wins out though is the love for the game that the t-shirt is based on, the design could be amazing but if it isn't tied to a game I'm passionate about I won't buy it.</div>
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My fairly small collection that I've amounted over the years comes from three places, Uni Qlo, Rising Star Games and Fangamer although there are many other great sites out there including <a href="http://retrogt.com/" target="_blank">RetroGT</a> which has some great t-shirts for games such as <a href="http://retrogt.com/shop/Welcome-To-The-Fantasy-Zone-T-Shirt-254.cfm" target="_blank">Space Harrier</a> and systems such as <a href="http://retrogt.com/shop/Fire-Panic-LCD-game-T-Shirt-342.cfm" target="_blank">Game & Watch</a> and <a href="http://retrogt.com/shop/Mega-Drive-T-Shirt-514.cfm" target="_blank">Megadrive</a>.</div>
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Please share your collection too, put a link in the comment box below and I'll check it out. Cheers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe99JlIKzyS6M2QJ05f-IFzETnxZ5tp6xJZdmwC9zj6YZKESrLlko2zn_s0iusctNOosJhDQRwfnGRwdHlP5Z4Lx8vo6MIVvRkIWDIlxExm_QAkJUCXU0Bu4gDqOnUgn3pygJGnkH_g/s1600/APE+ESCAPE+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe99JlIKzyS6M2QJ05f-IFzETnxZ5tp6xJZdmwC9zj6YZKESrLlko2zn_s0iusctNOosJhDQRwfnGRwdHlP5Z4Lx8vo6MIVvRkIWDIlxExm_QAkJUCXU0Bu4gDqOnUgn3pygJGnkH_g/s200/APE+ESCAPE+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1Pk52bFdeAALRhGMi8O2T0hGkRHWCLXutObXOl3wbCfco_kH8vUqpHLTnI-hNZDqxUTfohwKlYw4DkzBlzWE4ADhk5U_f9pYYCYoacznJS2bDLfCm-9I-lVOsCUKDE1t7o2WfhzWLQ/s1600/APE+ESCAPE+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1Pk52bFdeAALRhGMi8O2T0hGkRHWCLXutObXOl3wbCfco_kH8vUqpHLTnI-hNZDqxUTfohwKlYw4DkzBlzWE4ADhk5U_f9pYYCYoacznJS2bDLfCm-9I-lVOsCUKDE1t7o2WfhzWLQ/s200/APE+ESCAPE+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">APE ESCAPE - <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand_Main&network=google&adgroup=Mispells&utm_terms=uni+qlo&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=59116541822&OVKEY=uni+qlo&url_id=16394832&device=c&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand+Main&network=GOOGLE&adgroup=Mispells&utm_term=uni+qlo&gclid=COWdrKOqgMYCFZMZtAod0nsAoQ" target="_blank">Uni Qlo</a></span></b></div>
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This bright bright yellow (the camera had trouble picking up just how bright it is!) t-shirt is for the gaming series Ape Escape and features the cheeky apes in various poses making the shape of one big ape. This is a very soft thick t-shirt that is super high quality... as is the case with all Uni Qlo t-shirts.</div>
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I love the original Ape Escape, it's full of so much charm and utilized the (then) new Sony dual analog stick controller in interesting ways. I haven't played any of the other games in the franchise though... it feels like the franchise has branched out in so many different ways that I don't know where to start.</div>
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I believe 'Piposaru' - which is written on the back collar - is a reference to a Japan only PS2 sequel called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipo_Saru_2001" target="_blank">Pipo Saru 2001</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GAMEBOY - <a href="http://www.fangamer.com/" target="_blank">Fangamer</a></span></b></div>
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I got this as a present for my recent birthday and has since become my favorite game related t-shirt. The t-shirt is designed by Game Paused who I believe to be a UK company (I half remember visiting their site in the past which is currently under maintenance) and depicts an original Gameboy exploding and revealing all the internal hardware. From with the Gameboy subtle references to Gameboy classic games spring forth.</div>
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To me this t-shirt is just so unique and eye catching. It's incredibly well made and really captures the nostalgia factor of gaming. It also feeds into my interest in the internals of these game machines.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KILLER 7 - <a href="http://www.fangamer.com/" target="_blank">Fangamer</a></span></b></div>
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Before my birthday I had not heard of Fangamer, but after being so happy with the two designs my partner got me for my birthday I checked out their website. I went scrolling down the t-shirts, all of which are incredible, but one just blew me away and I knew I had to get it asap!</div>
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Killer 7 is easily in my top 5 games of all time and the idea that someone put the effort into designing a t-shirt for this incredibly surreal and niche game just blew me away. The design is very ambiguous, so much in fact that you wouldn't really see the references to Killer 7 unless you had personally played through the game... still, to me this <i>is</i> a Killer 7 t-shirt and I am incredibly happy with it. It's not my usual colour but it is actually quite nice, somewhere between an orange and a pink, kind of salmon.</div>
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The t-shirt was designed by <a href="http://coryschmitz.com/" target="_blank">Cory Schmitz</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzhcCh7Q5192JqYDr87ciJCgKPSKu4bELHldGkKLeDrUAgAlF-3xuYd8sG0jBFc_kZdHaXw02wnt_0Io0uIDOH0lh8yEeg3Oi9nFlLVyGCyp-7eqgMSRjRrrF56ekyfeFXDYPmF8FmQ/s1600/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzhcCh7Q5192JqYDr87ciJCgKPSKu4bELHldGkKLeDrUAgAlF-3xuYd8sG0jBFc_kZdHaXw02wnt_0Io0uIDOH0lh8yEeg3Oi9nFlLVyGCyp-7eqgMSRjRrrF56ekyfeFXDYPmF8FmQ/s640/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoBcsejItFvwZK5YRhHttrv0f_DOKtJ_SXKZzZw7SAYsfTQRr29ivChMB_yEYvOgbyeeZDXTAsb-meoRMw7SK6aDXIA58eSabidlYu7qnZU6UaBe-iL5xBfgE0buTvjaNfTYRfUGKGQ/s1600/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoBcsejItFvwZK5YRhHttrv0f_DOKtJ_SXKZzZw7SAYsfTQRr29ivChMB_yEYvOgbyeeZDXTAsb-meoRMw7SK6aDXIA58eSabidlYu7qnZU6UaBe-iL5xBfgE0buTvjaNfTYRfUGKGQ/s200/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7gFOqAp1APbv6UbRjAvEl5GBd93ZyAW79dw8-LOtjPtRkvfBHMaj9mT87iZLx1LXsociyHoL3pYe6qplLQa6_yzlQB9JCdSBOmmfMyBN3ROM5TZabcjhpIP7Me-LGYDnEkr2L0Ed3g/s1600/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7gFOqAp1APbv6UbRjAvEl5GBd93ZyAW79dw8-LOtjPtRkvfBHMaj9mT87iZLx1LXsociyHoL3pYe6qplLQa6_yzlQB9JCdSBOmmfMyBN3ROM5TZabcjhpIP7Me-LGYDnEkr2L0Ed3g/s200/MAPPY+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MAPPY - <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand_Main&network=google&adgroup=Mispells&utm_terms=uni+qlo&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=59116541822&OVKEY=uni+qlo&url_id=16394832&device=c&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand+Main&network=GOOGLE&adgroup=Mispells&utm_term=uni+qlo&gclid=COWdrKOqgMYCFZMZtAod0nsAoQ">Uni Qlo</a></span></b></div>
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Uni Qlo had a bunch of Namco t-shirts at one time including a load of Tekken t-shirts that I wish I had picked up. I got this t-shirt on the sale rack for £4. It's a large which means it's too big for me but I love Mappy and the old Namco arcade classics so I ended up buying it anyway.</div>
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The t-shirt is an eye scorching orange and feature a embroidered mappy patch sewn on to the front. The back feature a large pixel art Mappy. To be honest this is my least favourite game shirt as it seems a little hodgepodge but I still really like seeing Mappy in embroidered form. Now if I could only get a Galaga shirt...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9pQOJcc6TYsYtT0QctbUDMtP25Ha-jImOR0l8YSMlLqe6bjL4Iof3b7e44bwzkZodR1EU4-l-yVEE9PfxR808bb46vtqXw6IBSxHIRZs5TwkhIZSLFn2KVOPKHoS0r6RSEAUcck_7A/s1600/MARIO+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9pQOJcc6TYsYtT0QctbUDMtP25Ha-jImOR0l8YSMlLqe6bjL4Iof3b7e44bwzkZodR1EU4-l-yVEE9PfxR808bb46vtqXw6IBSxHIRZs5TwkhIZSLFn2KVOPKHoS0r6RSEAUcck_7A/s640/MARIO+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SUPER MARIO BROS. - <a href="http://www.fangamer.com/">Fangamer</a></span></b></div>
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This is the second of the two Fangamer t-shirts that my partner got me for my birthday this year. It features a fun mash up of different Mario imagery and came with a free badge which feature a glow in dark Boo on it!</div>
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As with the other Fangamer shirts it is made lovingly and is of very high quality. This design was made by <a href="http://momoandsprits.com/" target="_blank">Momo & Sprits</a> and was originally featured in the <a href="http://gamepaused.net/books/luigi/" target="_blank">Game Icons: Luigi </a>book by Gamepaused (it's a small world!)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">METAL GEAR SOLID - <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand_Main&network=google&adgroup=Mispells&utm_terms=uni+qlo&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=59116541822&OVKEY=uni+qlo&url_id=16394832&device=c&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand+Main&network=GOOGLE&adgroup=Mispells&utm_term=uni+qlo&gclid=COWdrKOqgMYCFZMZtAod0nsAoQ" target="_blank">Uni Qlo</a></span></b></div>
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Another Uni Qlo t-shirt, this one and the one below were made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Metal Gear franchise as well as to celebrate the (then) release of Peace Walker.</div>
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Mr Hideo Kojima was in store doing signings which I kick myself for not attending. The signing was heavily advertising Peace Walker so I felt uncomfortable going having never even owned a PSP never mind Peace Walker... alas.</div>
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I got the t-shirt below first and then came back for this one. I'm not hugely into this design, I just don't like the text on the front as its a bit plain and I feel it comes across a bit weird to wear something that says that whilst walking down the street! The text is like a short felt material which hasn't shown any signs of coming off... fingers crossed it will stay stuck for years to come! The back is supposed to emulate Grey Fox's exoskeleton which is pretty cool.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">METAL GEAR SOLID - <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand_Main&network=google&adgroup=Mispells&utm_terms=uni+qlo&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=59116541822&OVKEY=uni+qlo&url_id=16394832&device=c&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand+Main&network=GOOGLE&adgroup=Mispells&utm_term=uni+qlo&gclid=COWdrKOqgMYCFZMZtAod0nsAoQ">Uni Qlo</a></span></b></div>
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I really like this deign as it is all based around the original Metal Gear Solid game which I love and have many fond memories of. Like the t-shirt above the text is a short felt material that so far isn't showing any signs of falling off. I wish they did more designs like this for the series as the watercolour art of the Solid series is phenomenal. I would happily buy a t-shirt that simply had a design like <a href="http://i.imgur.com/VPdyn.jpg" target="_blank">this</a> on it.</div>
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Classic t-shirt with Meryl and Solid Snake with his SOCOM.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjPJwMQIicj2Ae5EODCOjVb4iOloJGVQ26b1tf9nSh2_f9UIC8N5ayWz21aQOlVs2zKPtUVUWMCxqEvfZDDGNvoJ06EoDOTowjAcVezx50d3FD8yK-x3E2m5NMgOW7X9QFQADK4muhA/s1600/NO+MORE+HEROES+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjPJwMQIicj2Ae5EODCOjVb4iOloJGVQ26b1tf9nSh2_f9UIC8N5ayWz21aQOlVs2zKPtUVUWMCxqEvfZDDGNvoJ06EoDOTowjAcVezx50d3FD8yK-x3E2m5NMgOW7X9QFQADK4muhA/s640/NO+MORE+HEROES+T-SHIRT+01.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQFhCAxZJ1mrOfkXJnYoTMQpsplqbY1Lg2Ib2zNkEbUAV2pIiAmVxUQDp1pE0TMMCt287e8fIyXsapKq392jzwXtM5d9XwqGZkxaSfrFAXqf5dc88-pVlceA1CZboluwWllgyyZMR8w/s1600/NO+MORE+HEROES+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQFhCAxZJ1mrOfkXJnYoTMQpsplqbY1Lg2Ib2zNkEbUAV2pIiAmVxUQDp1pE0TMMCt287e8fIyXsapKq392jzwXtM5d9XwqGZkxaSfrFAXqf5dc88-pVlceA1CZboluwWllgyyZMR8w/s200/NO+MORE+HEROES+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">NO MORE HEROES - <a href="https://www.risingstargames.com/eu/shop/" target="_blank">Rising Star Games</a></span></b></div>
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I got this from the newly opened Rising Star Games website. For those who don't know RSG are a video game publishing company that specializes in bringing games over from Japan. This design depicts Travis from No More Heroes' energy meter. The higher the energy the more the tiger rises. When you are super powered the icon changes to the top one. If I remember correctly in the second game you could actually turn into a tiger as a power up... I might be remembering that wrong though.</div>
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I enjoyed the No More Heroes games but personally I don't think anything will ever compare to Killer 7, I hope I'm wrong but I believe that it will always be Suda 51's peak.</div>
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The t-shirt material is okay I guess, in comparison to the high quality Uni Qlo and Fangamer t-shirts this feels a little scratchy but the print is of high quality. As of now the RSG hasn't added any new items for some time but I'm hoping for Virtue's Last Reward, Flower, Sun & Rain, Muramasa, KoF XIII and Bit.Trip merchandise... we can dream right!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwghxpXatx-QQYqrlbb_0SllVYq3lLPvtSM_KI9Q-fgeva5oqXtNbvO-jiM7wyoUJ5CZA8mQJdrNWNOWdTRx8zuAS07ZurBpIli5XHmo0OcUZ3nwxgFojNiQava7gLG5VFycoOzzFXg/s1600/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwghxpXatx-QQYqrlbb_0SllVYq3lLPvtSM_KI9Q-fgeva5oqXtNbvO-jiM7wyoUJ5CZA8mQJdrNWNOWdTRx8zuAS07ZurBpIli5XHmo0OcUZ3nwxgFojNiQava7gLG5VFycoOzzFXg/s200/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+02.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOEKQQgHiAOXbAD2pPjlGbwWPC7nGXv7kiGhgHO4TbaEoUm-A3EaCPKQyWthE1Sg50Ddh6l7460dwErWAvZWTtm9uPkR-m0HRW_BNcgj4XjDCwNStD6YAxEoHvxvFjLLktl-HaIIKSA/s1600/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOEKQQgHiAOXbAD2pPjlGbwWPC7nGXv7kiGhgHO4TbaEoUm-A3EaCPKQyWthE1Sg50Ddh6l7460dwErWAvZWTtm9uPkR-m0HRW_BNcgj4XjDCwNStD6YAxEoHvxvFjLLktl-HaIIKSA/s200/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+03.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAl621rD0JV3UcsK3z5OUUBSSpWQZKKMZ0yJRwSt2OVwyUJ8MaIC01LmsfJYYVvdjdo-ZO4y6rZMkZAsY6xLrCt4TTXWosXRUHwKdn61RroV76mQmh8Ad9Mwi5txcmy6bAhWsbf-bTag/s1600/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAl621rD0JV3UcsK3z5OUUBSSpWQZKKMZ0yJRwSt2OVwyUJ8MaIC01LmsfJYYVvdjdo-ZO4y6rZMkZAsY6xLrCt4TTXWosXRUHwKdn61RroV76mQmh8Ad9Mwi5txcmy6bAhWsbf-bTag/s200/PACMAN+T-SHIRT+04.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PAC-MAN - <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand_Main&network=google&adgroup=Mispells&utm_terms=uni+qlo&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=59116541822&OVKEY=uni+qlo&url_id=16394832&device=c&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=Search%3EBrand+Main&network=GOOGLE&adgroup=Mispells&utm_term=uni+qlo&gclid=COWdrKOqgMYCFZMZtAod0nsAoQ" target="_blank">Uni Qlo</a></span></b></div>
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Finally we have one of the most recognisable characters in video game history taking over a city-scape. I really like this t-shirt, in terms of scale and design it is a little bizarre but not in a bad way. This was featured along with many other designs to commemorate Pac-man's 30th birthday. The yellow dot just recently celebrated his 35th so, Happy Birthday Pac-man! This design was by <a href="http://paintchanger.com/" target="_blank">Brian Alfred.</a></div>
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Posted: 8th June 2015Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com269tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-4561276548967358912014-04-29T18:04:00.000+01:002014-04-29T18:04:10.814+01:00My Vinyl Collection: I and J<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmyLSlLgX2hEQZWSZyfqDGFSFaaY8-zv-BD-F7iwgwYIj4GhBUWaTv15Kh0jA4Mrzd_NN1Vt661xCqIzsEesEPlxaaV0_TpRrKPHg95KCrV762t7f3ba_Bi5sys2Rbd8ewqTDso6GEA/s1600/ghi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmyLSlLgX2hEQZWSZyfqDGFSFaaY8-zv-BD-F7iwgwYIj4GhBUWaTv15Kh0jA4Mrzd_NN1Vt661xCqIzsEesEPlxaaV0_TpRrKPHg95KCrV762t7f3ba_Bi5sys2Rbd8ewqTDso6GEA/s1600/ghi.jpg" height="300" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm finding that sadly I have less and less time to work on my blog these days but I still want to post on here; I want to keep the ball rolling. Due to having such little time to really devote to these posts I thought I'd try a new and quicker format for these vinyl collection bits. Here goes...</div>
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<b>>>> links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts can be found in the side bar >>></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUvUmAIH8h7bppu3cJxjSwwACql_raMHO-5kVbVLZE0rM1ny9Bp9SCvtOLfaU9z-SQZ-ofUSE_hhWQwxUWaW1uWKnJnO-twaxHyzrHpOJoCp1DNkOw02ZFh34wnU7zGxSMy17b4cxLw/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUvUmAIH8h7bppu3cJxjSwwACql_raMHO-5kVbVLZE0rM1ny9Bp9SCvtOLfaU9z-SQZ-ofUSE_hhWQwxUWaW1uWKnJnO-twaxHyzrHpOJoCp1DNkOw02ZFh34wnU7zGxSMy17b4cxLw/s1600/01.jpg" height="334" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>The Isolationist</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Isolationist-The-Isolationist/release/139026" target="_blank">The Isolationist</a></div>
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<b>Michael Jackson</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Michael-Jackson-Off-The-Wall/release/2692856" target="_blank">Off The Wall</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Michael-Jackson-Thriller/release/1762968" target="_blank">Thriller</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Michael-Jackson-Bad/release/1566867" target="_blank">Bad</a></div>
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<b>Japan</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Obscure-Alternatives/release/1078638" target="_blank">Obscure Alternatives</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-European-Son/release/410172" target="_blank">European Son</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Quiet-Life/release/332648" target="_blank">Quiet Life</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Gentlemen-Take-Polaroids/release/27716" target="_blank">Gentleman Take Polaroids</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Assemblage/release/27720" target="_blank">Assemblage</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Tin-Drum/release/3316975" target="_blank">Tin Drum</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-I-Second-That-Emotion/release/613678" target="_blank">I Second That Emotion</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Nightporter/release/204193" target="_blank">Nightporter</a> // <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Japan-Ghosts/release/55819" target="_blank">Ghosts</a></div>
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<b>Jeniferever</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Jeniferever-From-Across-The-Sea/release/1058341" target="_blank">From Across The Sea</a></div>
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<b>Rolf Julius</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.discogs.com/Rolf-Julius-Black-Inside/release/2686048" target="_blank">Black (inside)</a></div>
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<b>The Isolationist</b> were a short lived coming together of abstract rap trio Antipop Consortium and DJ Vadim. This is becoming fairly sort after and I can see why. I don't have much in the way of DJ Vadim but I have a lot Antipop Consortium releases. I love the styling of this record, not so much the front cover but the back and the labelling (pictures below). There is a hell of a lot of music here to delve into, 4 sides worth, some tracks really stand out more than others but I do enjoy sticking this on every now and then. This was a nice present to receive from my partner for my birthday a good few birthdays ago.</div>
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Ah, the classic <b>Michael Jackson</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>records. Everyone should have at least one of these in their collection and they're so ridiculously easy to find at a good price that you have no excuse! I grew up thinking Michael Jackson was this untouchable godlike figure, I find it hard to think of him any other way... I grew up on the videos and the singles, so hearing the full albums is an interesting prospect, some tracks really appeal to me whereas others just make me feel a bit sick! I really like his work with Rod Temperton, but for every <i>Baby Be Mine</i> there is a <i>I Just Can't Stop Loving You</i> so for me none of these albums are perfect but they contain moments of pure perfection. Each of the albums are gatefold which is great but the inside of the <i>Bad </i>record is just such an ugly waste! Michael Jackson's drawings are also pretty hilarious.</div>
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Most of these <b>Japan </b>records were bought in bulk on eBay for an extremely low price that I couldn't argue with. Japan were a great little group that went through a rather turbulent beginning, quickly blossoming from a rather dull 'me to' glam rock band into a unique and altogether more interesting prospect from 1979's <i>Quiet Life</i> onwards. I love David Sylvian's voice and Mick Karn's bendy fretless bass playing on these records. <i>Tin Drum </i>stands high above their other releases and comes highly recommended but some of their other albums hold some great tracks too. Some good stylish pop music for sure. Really like how young Slyvian and Sakamoto look on the <i>Forbidden Colours</i> single, they look like little kids! I also like the photo on the back of the <i>Tin Drum</i> album which you can see below. Recommended for fans of John Foxx and early 1980's new wave and pop. </div>
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The <b>Jeniferever</b> single was bought way back when I was at college in 2006. They're a sort of post-rock/emo group that I was interested in at the time as I was listening to the split they did with The Next Autumn Soundtrack back in the day. It doesn't really hold up for me much now though sadly, it just comes across overly emotional, just doesn't do anything for me. The flexidisc <b>Rolf Julius</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>came free with one issue of the UK experimental music magazine The Wire a few years ago, as far as I remember the grooves are empty, all I remember hearing was the texture of the needle on the flimsy flexidisc material!</div>
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Posted: 29th April 2014</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-9312089463733448872014-03-25T14:20:00.000+00:002014-03-25T14:20:35.144+00:00REVIEW: Under the Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Stranger in a strange land</b></div>
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*Written by guest writer Natalie Marr</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Loosely based on the 2000 novel by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Faber" target="_blank">Michel Faber</a>, Under the Skin charts the arrival of an alien in a moody but otherwise ordinary Glasgow, as she strays from the path of her seemingly straightforward mission to subsist on the bodies of unlucky men she picks up in her Ford Transit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Assuming the likeness of a dead woman found on a roadside by her mysterious motorcyclist accomplice, our alien (played with both a creepy intent and artless vulnerability by Scarlett Johansson) heads out onto the roads using her unusual beauty and unabashed flirtations to lure unwitting men back to her great Gothic hideout in the countryside, where they are quickly enveloped by a thick black liquid and processed for food. While the first half of the film plays out much in this way with our predator kerb-crawling one meal after another, the second half focuses on her growing emotional disturbance with the human life she comes into contact with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is sparked by a meeting with a man with neurofibromatosis, in whom it seems our alien sees a reflection of herself. She releases him and we see her standing in front of a mirror, though rather than applying lipstick or fluffing her hair, it is almost as though she is trying to see beyond herself. Heading out into the countryside, this time without her trusty van, she makes some fumbling attempts at human behaviour but luckily finds herself in the care of a kind quiet man, who is both perplexed and mesmerised by her, though his quiet life cannot hold her for long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Under the Skin is a mesmerising film, beautiful but unsettling, with a progressive interplay of intrigue and dread. And though this is a story about an alien in disguise, it is not just about what lies underneath, but also about the way in which humanity has got under her skin, gradually working its way into her like dirt under a fingernail. Under the Skin’s alien of course finds her supernatural equal in the character of Thomas Jerome Newton in Nicholas Roeg’s <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074851/" target="_blank">The Man Who Fell to Earth</a>, another alien visitor whose initial mission is scuppered thanks to his continued contact with humans. Both stories turn the familiar science fiction narrative of infection on its head, by presenting alien bodies which are vulnerable, exposed and permeable. However where Newton is seduced and ultimately ruined by the human vices of sex, alcohol and greed, Under the Skin’s visitor is transformed from predator into prey through a persistent inability to comprehend or assimilate human behaviour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Visually the film also seems to reflect this through what at first seems like a huge aesthetic incoherence of beautifully rendered landscapes and fantastical imagery with low-fi and noisy visuals, reminiscent of CCTV surveillance. But thinking back, I found myself wondering if this is an effort to show the alien’s inability to connect and integrate with the human world; though she is programmed to drive and to spin off chat-up lines she is unable to fully participate in human life; the way she sees the world is completely mediated by an eye that has been manufactured (in a wonderful ‘birth’ scene at the beginning of the film) – like a camera she sees, but does not understand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another visual tension lies in the progressive interplay of light and dark (though darkness does indeed dominate the film); we begin with absolute black, from which emerges the beginning of artificial life, and later we see the unlucky men swallowed by a dense and seemingly infinite black substance. I won’t say too much but as our alien becomes a victim of the human world, her ‘darkness’ is in turn consumed by infinite white, one of the most beautiful and powerful visual endings I can remember in a long while, the emotional impact of which was very visceral for me. Equally the soundtrack presents a sonic tension between sound originating in retro science fiction and James Bond intrigue (the alien’s entrapment scenes are punctuated by a sexy three-note siren call), and much more contemporary sounds, which seem to mix the machinic and the organic, with sounds that reminded me of an engine starting as well as the low vibrating noise of a swarm of insects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Under the Skin is unsettling, bizarre and oblique, but also strangely mundane. Through the alien’s eyes, regular actions and situations are transported into the realm of the weird; ordinary life becomes an oppressive force like bad weather. Walking home from the cinema, I couldn’t help but feel at odds with my surroundings. This is a film that presents our human world through the eyes of an alien being, who gradually becomes a victim of its ‘otherness’. I urge you also to spend some time in the dark and allow this very singular story to permeate and trouble you.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-77539926349683973442014-03-13T15:37:00.000+00:002014-03-13T15:47:22.884+00:00REVIEW: Mortal Kombat (SNES)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Growing up Mortal Kombat was that mythical, forbidden, ultra violent fighting game that kids on the playground would brag about playing and make up ridiculous tales of hidden fatalities, characters and stages. I remember playing the game years ago (on the Mega Drive) and finding it incredibly brutal and punishing, it seemed so difficult and scary at the time; these ultra realistic fighters from a distorted hellish world ripping one another apart. When I was young I found Mortal Kombat to be incredibly dark yet it is only now that I'm older that I can appreciate the amount of humour that is here too. It's obvious that Mortal Kombat was a series born out of a passion for all things gruesome... yet also comical; if I were to compare it to a film it would be Evil Dead 2, a horror movie that is arguably equal parts horror and comedy.</div>
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The arcade version rose in 1992, hot on the heels of Street Fighter II which released in arcades the year before. It wouldn't see a home console release until the end of 1993, a year after the arguably superior Street Fighter II appeared on the SNES. The arcade version of Mortal Kombat was made by only four 'dudes' (as they're known in the end credits!) which is phenomenal when you think about it.<br />
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The game's 'Fatalitiy' end moves - which saw the kombatants kill one another in gruesome ways - were what made the game stand out from the crowd of 'me too' Street Fighter II clones; at the time of the game's release they caused a lot of uproar with angry parents and in turn made Mortal Kombat one of the primary reasons that the age classification law for video games was put into place. To say that it was the 'Fatalities' alone that made the game stand out wouldn't exactly be doing this game justice though; it also sported a dark look and feel which was very different from the more Japanese anime look of other fighters. For its time it had some incredible graphics that used animated photographs of actors in costume, giving the game a literal photo realistic quality.<br />
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With each new entry into the series the game would expand in scale and overshadow this, the origin of the series; yet it is interesting to see that series staples such as hidden easter eggs, fatalities and iconic moves were all present from the beginning. Although it has all these elements nowadays it can feel oddly stripped back, there are only seven fighters to choose from, with no unlockable content to speak of, each fighter only has around two special moves and all fighters share the same basic move set.<br />
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This version can feel particularly bare as it doesn't have any of the series trademark blood and gore. Apparently Nintendo wanted the game on their newly released console but didn't feel the blood fitted with their family-oriented image. Nintendo asked that all blood be removed and that the fatalities be dumbed down dramatically. The core game plays pretty much just like you'd hope but if you were coming for the gore alone I'd go for the Mega Drive version. The SNES version easily has the better sound and visuals which in my opinion makes up for the lack of blood. Each of the subsequent Mortal Kombat games to be released on the SNES kept all blood and fatalities so if you're going for any of the sequels go for the SNES versions. I encountered a few glitches whilst playing the Endurance Matches, when the second opponentscome on often they'd only need one hit and they'd die instantly which is odd, I also encountered a few graphical and sound glitches in the Goro stage. Not sure if this is just a problem with my cartridge though.<br />
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The game controls well on the SNES with the face buttons being set to the punches and kicks whilst L and R are block buttons. I had a little trouble with the game registering my special move inputs which could be a little frustrating, the controls never feel truly invisible like they do in a good fighting game which is a shame. All special moves are either combinations of directions or quarter circle forward then an attack button which makes learning what little moves there are fairly easy.<br />
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The A.I. is incredibly cheap through out, and honestly, the only way I could find to beat certain characters was to fight cheap too. For instance, I was finding it hard to beat Johnny Cage before I realised that all I had to do was duck, wait for him to get close enough and then uppercut him, with Goro I found that Raiden's Torpedo attack worked well, Torpedo against him, duck his fireball, Torpedo... rinse and repeat. Often I'd find myself stuck in the corner and being pummelled by low punches that were impossible to block or escape once started, very cheap! The two player mode obviously changes the dynamic up a lot and alleviates some of these issues.<br />
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When you finish the game you are treated to a little bit of text about what the character did next, these are often pretty funny and I would consider playing through the game multiple times just to see all these silly stories, but aside from that and the two player mode there isn't really any replay value here. Some die hard Mortal Kombat fans hate this version because of the lack of blood but honestly, I think this is probably the superior version... saying that I don't feel there is much here to warrant a purchase over another SNES fighting game such as Street Fighter II Turbo or the sequels to Mortal Kombat. The A.I. and the general feel of the gameplay are the biggest downfalls of this game, it's not as deep and intricate as some Capcom and SNK games, yet it has a legacy all its own which makes it a curious game to play. This is one of the best versions of the game but this is definitely not the definitive entry in the series, every collector should at least have one Mortal Kombat in their collection, but perhaps save up some more pennies and get Mortal Kombat II or Ultimate Mortal Kombat III.<br />
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Posted: 13th March 2014</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-29924564030266659852014-03-03T17:10:00.000+00:002014-03-03T18:08:22.313+00:00Best Video Game Music<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Through rediscovering the 16-bit era one of the things that really struck me was the role that the music and sound effects played in comparison to games released nowadays. When I play a retro game the sound is as important as the visuals, it is a character in its own right and adds a tremendous amount to the feel of the world and to the overall enjoyment and excitement; that's not to say that modern games don't try to achieve a similar effect but with older games the function that the sound plays is a lot more transparent.</div>
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As we moved forward from 16-bit to CD sound I felt we lost an important characteristic of game music yet it also enabled the creation of unique and interesting soundscapes. Below I chronicle some of my all time favourite pieces of video game music from across the ages. Click<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6mftPOyQX0&feature=share&list=PLibCqYKALIjBAzHFGDPE97_IJq0aLqbvp" target="_blank"> here</a> to jump straight into the full playlist or enjoy each piece individually below.</div>
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Let me know in the comments what you think of these picks and tell me - what pieces of video game music do you love?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Praying Hands (Cloud Castle)</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Composer:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Hidehiro Funauchi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Other notable works:</b> Castlevania The Adventure (GB), Operation C (GB), Quarth (GB)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's hard to pick just one Castlevania track for this list but for me th</span>e soundtrack to Castlevania II for the Game Boy just trumps every other Castlevania. It pushes the Game Boy hardware to the limit with some incredibly catchy and technical musical marvels. There's something about the Game Boy's sound quality that I really love and this game uses its brittle synth sounds to the max! The game is great if you like your old-school style Castlevania and I come back to this often just for the music. I love the Cloud Castle theme in particular but they're all phenomenal.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NLC_3pzKjzc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>F-Zero</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big Blue</span></div>
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<b>Composers: </b>Naoto Ishida, Yukio Kaneoka, Yumiko Kanki</div>
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<b>Other notable works:</b> Mario Tennis (Yukio, GBC, N64), Punch Out!! (Yukio, NES), Super Game Boy (Naoto, SNES)</div>
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An absolute classic of a track, the speeding synth lines compliment the futuristic racing perfectly and add to the overall intensity. F-Zero for the SNES has some incredible tracks but <i>Big Blue</i> - whilst being the most popular and well known of the tracks - wins out for me. An iconic track that fits the game perfectly and cemented its identity. It shocks me that the composers haven't done more noteworthy games, I wonder whether they still make music in some capacity.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ikaruga</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 1</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Hiroshi Iuchi</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Ikaruga (Director, DC, GC etc), Radiant Silvergun (Director, SAT)</div>
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Ikaruga is an on rails shooter from Treasure that is incredibly difficult, you'll be hearing the music to Chapter 1 time and time again as you start from the very beginning over and over. But it's a joy to start a new game of Ikaruga as not only is it one of the all time classic shoot-em-ups but it has incredible music that is full of life and fits well with the style of gameplay and graphics. The music for this game was composed by the game's Director, Hiroshi Iuchi, that's something you don't encounter often.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Killer 7</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rave On</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Masafumi Takada</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>God Hand (PS2), No More Heroes (Wii, PS3)</div>
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One of my all time favourite games and soundtracks, the track <i>Rave On</i> from Killer 7 is one of the more 'normal' tracks in the game but it appears in such a strange place that it will forever live on in people's minds. You listen to the track just prior to every boss fight in a tiny room with nothing but a staircase, it only takes 5-10 seconds to run through this hallway but you'll find yourself stopping to hang about and listen to the pumped up techno music time and again! Incredibly underrated game I might add.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Main Theme</span></div>
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<b>Original composer:</b> Koji Kondon</div>
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<b>GB composers: </b>Minako Hamano, Kozue Ishikawa, Kazumi Totaka</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Super Mario Bros, (Koji, NES), Super Mario Galaxy 1,2 (Koji, Wii), Super Mario Sunshine (Koji, GC), Zelda: ALTTP (Koji, SNES)</div>
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Probably THE all time classic video game theme, I like this Game Boy version in particular as I love the rough synth sounds that the Game Boy produced. This is an epic track that just screams adventure and wonder. A stone cold classic track that is incredibly recognisable and iconic. Not much that I can say that hasn't already been said about this one.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Snake Eater</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Norihiko Hibino</div>
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<b>Other notable works:</b> Bayonetta (360, PS3), Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2), Shinobi (3DS), Zone of the Enders 1, 2 (PS2)</div>
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Technically this track doesn't appear during gameplay but I love this unashamed James Bond homage, with it's incredible visuals of snakes, camo and psychedelic editing. It's incredibly tongue-in-cheek but somehow fitting. I love it, every time I'd play this game I couldn't bring myself to skip the intro. Really nostalgic track that gets you ready to plunge into the game.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Outrun</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Magic Sound Shower</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Hiroshi Muyauchi</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>After Burner (ARC, etc), Fantasy Zone (ARC, etc)</div>
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It was hard to pick one track out of Outrun's iconic tracks but in the end I went for the ol' reliable <i>Magic Sound Shower.</i> The first time I played this game was on the Sega Saturn as part of the Sega Ages compilation, and I was lucky as it's a near arcade perfect port that holds up phenomenally well to this day. I vividly remember the first time I saw the music select screen: gentle waves crashing in the background as you turn a radio dial to pick one of the three songs, such a masterstroke. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7tZFW4WedI" target="_blank">here</a> to see what I mean. That song select screen was a very small moment in gaming but easily one of my all time favourite gaming memories.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Resident Evil </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Save Room</span></div>
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This track only really makes sense when put in context, the original Resident Evil was one of the first major games in the Survival Horror genre. In Resident Evil you have to survive through a mansion full of zombies, dogs, spiders, snakes etc etc. On the first play through it can be an incredibly nerve-raking and difficult experience as you try and maintain your health and ammo supplies. Your only real safe heaven is one of the Save Rooms with their typewriters for saving progress and soothing but ever so slightly creepy music. As a kid I'd stay on the save screen for a bit just to catch my breath. A brilliant game, and like the Outrun song select screen, a classic moment in game music. The composer is unknown as the original credited composer has admitted to not writing the music as he was going deaf at the time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ridge Racer</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feeling Over</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Ayako Saso</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Rolling Thunder 2 (ARC, MD), Street Fighter EX 1,2 (PS1), Tekken 2 (PS1)</div>
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Ridge Racer marked the very beginning of the original PlayStation, if you look at the spine of the game's case you will see it is 0001 (at least in PAL regions anyway!). The soundtrack utilizes CD sound technology to produce music that is technologically unlimited. The soundtrack is - as you'd expect from an arcade port - extremely loud, bright and distinctive and features an early 90's techno sound; yet rather than sounding like any old techno it is built from the ground up with gameplay in mind, giving it an unusual feeling of being both extremely familiar and alien. Ridge Racer, with its remarkable 3D visuals and blaring music, cemented Sony's place in the video game world from the word go, a bold statement that gaming had finally caught up with the arcade. It was also one of the most fruitful era's for Namco with some incredibly iconic games released in quick succession.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sonic the Hedgehog 2</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chemical Plant Zone</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Masato Nakamura</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Sonic The Hedgehog (MD)</div>
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It was hard to boil down the classic Mega Drive era Sonic games to just two tracks as all the games are packed with amazing tracks but in the end I had to go for two tracks that I've always loved, from the very first time I heard them and have stuck with me the most. First up, <i>Chemical Plant Zone</i> from Sonic 2. This is just such a brittle and metallic sounding track but with some great bass through out to stop it from feeling too harsh. It's incredibly funky yet mechanical but most importantly of all it's cool, Sonic was always the rad new kid on the block!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Icecap Zone Act 1</span></div>
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<b>Composers:</b> Bobby Brooks, Cirocoo Jones, Michael Jackson</div>
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<b>Other notable works:</b> Michael Jackson: Moonwalker (MD), Sonic & Knuckles (MD)</div>
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I was originally going to have the music from <i>Sky Chase Zone</i> as my second Sonic pick but in the end I went for <i>Icecap Zone Act 1</i> from Sonic 3 as it is more distinctly 'Sonic' than that track. This is one of a handful of tracks that Michael Jackson worked on for Sonic 3 but ultimately wasn't credited for (he wasn't happy with the limited sound capabilities of the Mega Drive). Michael Jackson's involvement with Sonic 3 has only very recently been confirmed but in all honesty, growing up I could always hear him in these tracks, in how they were composed as well as in all the little samples. In particular I thought parts of <i>Carnival Night Zone</i> were uncannily alike to Michael Jackson's music. <i>Icecap Zone</i> is simply the best snow level music I've ever heard, it just sounds so wintry, you can almost hear the crunching of snow underfoot.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Street Fighter II: Turbo</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ken's Theme</span></div>
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<b>Composers: </b>Isao Abe, Uki Iwai, Yoko Shimomura</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Kingdom Hearts (Yoko, PS2), Marvel Super Heroes VS Street Fighter (Uki, ARC, etc), Mega Man X (Uki, SNES), Parasite Eve (Yoko, PS1), Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Isao, ARC, etc), Super Mario RPG (Yoko, SNES), Viewtiful Joe 2 (Isao, GC), Xenoblade Chronicles (Yoko, Wii)</div>
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Guile's theme is probably the most loved of all Street Fighter II tracks so I went with runner up <i>Ken's Theme</i> to change things up a bit! This is a great track that is somewhat cheesy but also pretty catchy and all round badass! I was surprised to learn that Yoko Shimomura worked on some of the tracks for this game, if anyone has any information on exactly what tracks he worked on that would be great. The most iconic of fighting games, Street Fighter II is known as much for its cast of characters and its fireballs as it for its incredible music and sound effects.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Streets of Rage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Last Soul</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Yuzo Koshiro</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>ActRaiser (SNES), Crackdown (ARC, etc), Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS), Shenmue (DC), Sonic The Hedgehog (MD), Streets of Rage 3 (MD)</div>
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It was pretty hard choosing just one Streets of Rage tracks as the series has the most beautiful sounding Mega Drive songs ever but in the end I went for <i>The Last Soul </i>which plays on your way to the last boss. The track shows just what Yuzo Koshiro could squeeze out of the Mega Drive even when it was still kind of in its infancy. The track has so many great twist and turns and layers, it just sounds amazing even today. I love how the synths trail off almost as if they have delay on them. The Streets of Rage series makes a very good case for how unique and raw the Mega Drive sound set was in comparison to the SNES' smoother and more rounded sound. I would liken the sound of the Mega Drive to an electric guitar and the SNES to a piano setting on a fancy keyboard, both sound great but sometimes the raw guitar just wins out.</div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Super Mario Bros</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Above Ground /Underground</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Koji Kondo</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Super Mario Galaxy 1,2 (Wii), Super Mario Sunshine (GC), Super Mario World, (SNES), Zelda: ALTTP (SNES)</div>
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Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0SuIMUoShI" target="_blank">here</a> for the <i>Underdround </i>theme. The two most recognisable pieces of game music, the soundtracks to the early Mario games really have stood the test of time. These tracks are almost impossible to listen to objectively as they've become so ingrained into our culture. They're some of the first truly catchy themes and must have gone some way in selling Mario as a character who would be fun to play as. The slight percussive jaunt that runs throughout the <i>Above Ground</i> theme is just genius and keeps you hooked as the melody goes round and round. Probably the most famous piece of video game music and with very good reason.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Super Mario Galaxy</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wind Garden</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Koji Kondo</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Super Mario Sunshine (GC), Super Mario Bros, (NES), Zelda: ALTTP (SNES)</div>
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I'd say one of the defining characteristics of the Super Mario Galaxy series is grandeur and wonder, a sense of awe and the ignition of a childlike excitement in the player. The music goes a long way in creating these feelings for the player with some incredibly beautiful arranged strings, horns and orchestra through out the game. My favourite of these tracks is probably <i>Wind Garden</i> as it really captures the sense of infinite space but in a way that feels exciting and free. This is how you make a modern Mario soundtrack.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tenchu</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Delivery The Secret Message</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Noriyuki Asakura</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Tenchu II (PS1), Way of the Samurai (PS2)</div>
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The soundtrack for Tenchu always made the game feel thick with tension and truly put you in the feet of an experienced ninja. It's a shame the games have disappeared off the face of the earth as of 10 years ago but at least we have the first lot to remember fondly. I love this track as it captures that 'oriental' feeling perfectly with the strings but is so incredibly tense that it makes you creep so carefully through the games world. Fantastic music, it would seem his work on this game paved the way as he has since worked on almost exclusively ninja and samurai based games!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tetris</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Theme</span><br />
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<b>Composer: </b>Traditional Russian melody, Hirokazu Tanaka</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Balloon Fight (NES), Metroid (NES), Mother (NES)</div>
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For many this is the sound of childhood, the sound of addiction, of 'just one more go!'. It loops gracefully and just keeps going and going. I honestly feel that Tetris is half a game without this music, I own the game for multiple other systems but you just can't beat the feel of the Game Boy version. A lot of what makes the Game Boy version feel so right is the sound of the Game Boy itself with its warm but crisp synth tones. A perfect marriage of gameplay and music.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Totaka's Song</span></b></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Kazumi Totaka</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Animal Crossing (GC), Luigi's Mansion (GC), Pikmin 2 (GC), Voice of Yoshi (Various), Wave Race 64 (N64), X (GB), Yoshi's Story (N64)</div>
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Watch the video and research <i>Totaka's Song</i> for yourself; it's such an interesting story and shows how sound effects and musical tropes can become rewards in and of themselves. There is something very mysterious about this track, it's almost random but not quite, it speeds up and slows down for no reason and will pop up in unexpected places. Very intriguing.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Xenoblade Chronicles</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gaur Plain</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Yoko Shimomura</div>
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<b>Other notable works: </b>Front Mission (SNES), <span style="text-align: justify;">Kingdom Hearts (Yoko, PS2), Parasite Eve (Yoko, PS1), Radiant Historia (DS), Street Fighter II (ARC, etc), Super Mario RPG (Yoko, SNES), </span></div>
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I never realised just how much of a heavyweight composer Yoko Shimomura was until I started researching the composers behind these tracks. She has done some incredible pieces of video game music and they all share a uniquely confident and grand feel to them. I absolutely love <i>Gaur Plain</i> from Xenoblade Chronicles. I'm not the biggest fan of RPGs but I'm glad I bit the bullet and bought myself Xenoblade Chronicles as it contains some of the most rewarding and downright beautiful moments I've ever experienced in a video game. You start off in a fairly small town (I say small, it's still pretty huge!) before going through some caves, it takes you around an hour just to get through the caves but when you reach the other side you are on Bionis Leg, a huge vast open space full of wildlife, dangers and pure majesty. It is truly breathtaking coming on to Bionis Leg for the first time and hearing this track. I spent hours and hours in this area as I never wanted to leave, it was just so immersive and fantastical. I loved it so much that I made a sound piece that is loosely based on the area that you can listen to <a href="http://youtu.be/xn2yADFDtHs" target="_blank">here</a>. A phenomenal game and soundtrack, breathtaking stuff.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vib Ribbon</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Intro/Tutorial</span></div>
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<b>Composer: </b>Masaya Matsuura<br />
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<b>Other notable works: </b>PaRappa the Rapper (PS1), Um Jammer Lammy (PS1)</div>
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Last but not least we have the intro video to Vib Ribbon, a game from the team behind the more famous PaRappa the Rapper and Um Jammer Lammy series. Vib Ribbon is a rhythm game where you have to press buttons in time to music to help your rabbit-like creature avoid obstacles, it is all presented in this incredibly unique wireframe graphic style which still feels striking and almost controversial to this day. Like the Snake Eater intro video I find this intro very hard to skip, it's just too much fun to watch. A great game that I really regret selling all those years ago.</div>
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Thanks for getting this far! Do you agree or disagree with any of my picks? What are some of your favourite pieces of video game music? Let me know!<br />
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Posted: 03 March 2014Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-54060992648237066282013-10-25T13:27:00.002+01:002013-10-25T13:27:41.524+01:00My Vinyl Collection: H (aka PJ Harvey and Honey Bane) Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to section H of my vinyl collection, an informal trip through my collection with quick photos and descriptions. For each vinyl there will be a little write up, it might be about the packaging, the music, where I got the record etc... enjoy!</div>
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Also, the format might change a bit from now on as I have access to a much better camera, a Canon 550D, and a couple of lenses. The pictures for sections G and H were taken at the same time with a 50mm lens from a fixed viewpoint... but like I say, I might change up the format in the future. Any suggestions are very welcome.<br />
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This section is made up almost exclusively by PJ Harvey releases that I have bought for my girlfriend over the years. So technically these aren't really 'mine'...</div>
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<b>>>> Links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts are in the right side bar >>></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/P-J-Harvey-Sheela-Na-Gig/release/633553" target="_blank">Sheela-Na-Gig</a> (1992)</span></b></div>
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PJ Harvey's second single here on 12", the sleeve isn't in the best condition but the record itself sounds great. I love the sound of her first album Dry and this single includes three tracks from that album, <i>Sheela-Na-Gig</i>, <i>Hair</i> and <i>Joe, </i>the B-Sides being demo versions with a nice stripped back feel to them. A great single only slightly marred by the somewhat confusing and inappropriate cover art that I've never been a fan of.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/P-J-Harvey-Stories-From-The-City-Stories-From-The-Sea/release/415842" target="_blank">Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea</a> (2000)</b></span></div>
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I got this pretty recently and for a steal of a price, the price makes me worry that it isn't official but it's nice to own in one form or another. I have no idea why Island haven't reissued some of PJ Harvey's vinyl as they sell out very quickly and then become ridiculously expensive and sought after. If we had an official reissue it would put an end to all these sub-par bootlegs. I have never been a fan of this album personally, I just never liked this direction.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/P-J-Harvey-Uh-Huh-Her/release/870015" target="_blank">Uh Huh Her</a> (2004)</span></b></div>
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One of the first records I ever bought, I got it for my girlfriend for our first Christmas together. I got it in Newcastle for just under £20 but it now goes for a fair amount higher. I like this album but there was a sense that it was a full stop on a particular style that she had been developing over the years, although it has some great tracks on it when you listen back you can feel the yearning for something new and different in these tracks.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-White-Chalk/release/1090144" target="_blank">White Chalk</a> (2007)</b></span></div>
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A complete and perhaps much needed change to song writing and tone for PJ Harvey emerged with 2007's White Chalk. Led by her fairly naive piano playing the tracks have a thin icy and intense feel to them which took me and many others by surprise. I love the artwork and printing of this album. All of high quality and work great with the feel of the album. Whilst not exactly a perfect album a lot of praise must be given to it for its ambition and unique sound. This album sounds particularly good on vinyl, I hear that there is a white vinyl version but sadly I haven't come across a copy myself or seen any actually photos of it.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-When-Under-Ether/master/52690" target="_blank">When Under Ether</a> (2007)</span></b></div>
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Over time I have accumulated all the 7" singles to go alongside the White Chalk album. <i>When Under Ether</i> was the first single but was the last for me to lay hands on. The cover is slightly damaged but the vinyl itself is in great condition. I really like the artwork for the album and its accompanying singles, the artwork for the singles is great to have alongside the album and are made with the same quality card and slightly dusted printing. The single includes a recording from 1988 of one PJ Harvey's first ever songs <i>Wait</i>, it makes sense to include this alongside the White Chalk album with its feeling of broaching new ground, from beginning again from ground zero.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-The-Piano/master/131231" target="_blank">The Piano</a> (2007)</span></b></div>
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Like <i>When Under Ether</i> this single includes a very early recording by PJ Harvey as a B-Side, here we have <i>Heaven</i> which is a rather sweet jangly pop song with production that really brings to mind some of the artists that were on 4AD around the same time (the late 80's). 'If heaven is a place on earth, then I must be on the moon'</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-The-Devil/release/1296256" target="_blank">The Devil</a> (2008)</span></b></div>
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The last single to come off the back of White Chalk, <i>The Devil</i> bucks the trend of having a recording from 1988 as the B-Side, instead here we have an unreleased track that was recorded in 1998. <i>Liverpool Tide </i>was recorded around the same time as <i>Is This Desire?</i> and features that unique guitar tone that made some of her early releases so distinctive. It's a shame this was never given an album release but it's good to hear it here.</div>
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Posted: 25th October 2013</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32663695728181976.post-14366477750215585562013-10-25T13:27:00.001+01:002013-10-25T13:27:32.944+01:00My Vinyl Collection: H (aka PJ Harvey and Honey Bane) Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to section H of my vinyl collection, an informal trip through my collection with quick photos and descriptions. For each vinyl there will be a little write up, it might be about the packaging, the music, where I got the record etc... enjoy!</div>
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Also, the format might change a bit from now on as I have access to a much better camera, a Canon 550D, and a couple of lenses. The pictures for sections G and H were taken at the same time with a 50mm lens from a fixed viewpoint... but like I say, I might change up the format in the future. Any suggestions are very welcome.<br />
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This section is made up almost exclusively by PJ Harvey releases that I have bought for my girlfriend over the years. So technically these aren't really 'mine'...</div>
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<b>>>> Links to previous My Vinyl Collection posts are in the right side bar >>></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-Maniac-B-Sides-1991-1995/release/2162271" target="_blank">Maniac - B-Sides 1991-1995 </a>(2008?)</b></span></div>
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These blatantly unofficial compilations bring together all PJ Harvey's B-Sides and spread them across three separate records. They go from 1991's <i>Dress</i> single up to 2008's <i>The Devil</i>. The quality of the records is okay but it is obvious that these were rushed through as design wise these records are all over the place. Firstly all three records feature the exact same labelling (seen above) so it is very easy to get them mixed up, and generally the design is messy and rushed. The songs themselves are interesting as they contain a mixture of demo versions, old unreleased tracks from 1988 and tracks that simply didn't make it on to any albums. Not essential records but perhaps worth having whilst still collecting all the official singles!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-Harder-B-Sides-1995-2001/release/2162298" target="_blank">Harder - B-Sides 1995-2001</a> (2008?)</span></b></div>
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[see above for description of these three records]<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-The-Falling-B-Sides-2001-2008/release/2285062" target="_blank">The Falling - B-Sides 2001-2008</a> (2008?)</span></b></div>
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[see above for description of these three records]<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-Let-England-Shake/release/2709851" target="_blank">Let England Shake</a> (2011)</b></span></div>
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Possibly my favourite album by PJ Harvey, there is a maturity to the songs and a seriousness of the subjects that appeals to me. Like almost all her previous albums it has a strong theme that is drawn upon throughout the album, England being the theme here, its history and its culture. In a way the album takes off almost directly from White Chalk, she sings in a similar register to that album but the instrumentation is a lot fuller and more varied in terms of emotions. The pressing of the vinyl and the printing of the sleeves are all of a really high quality, I kind of wish there was a download code included but never mind. This album makes me curious as to where she'll go next.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-The-Words-That-Maketh-Murder/release/2694222" target="_blank">The Words That Maketh Murder</a> (2011)</b></span></div>
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The first of the two singles that were released to coincide with Let England Shake, both of which were only released digitally and on 7" (who buys CD singles these days!?). I was surprised to find that this 7" includes a printed inner sleeve very similar to the album itself. It's rare to find a 7" with an inner sleeve and I personally really like them. The single features photography by Seamus Murphy who also worked on videos for all the songs on the album. The B-Side is a track called <i>The Guns Called Me Back Again</i> which although features some really nice backing vocals feels perhaps too similar in tone to the tracks that actually made it on to the album, it makes sense why this wasn't included but it's nice to hear it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PJ Harvey - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/PJ-Harvey-The-Glorious-Land/release/2836061" target="_blank">The Glorious Land</a> (2011)</b></span></div>
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The second and final single to come on the back of Let England Shake, <i>The Glorious Land</i> was released on 7" and digital download only. It features a really nice inner sleeve with lyrics and an outer with artwork by Seamus Murphy. It includes the B-Side <i>The Nightingale</i> which is a great song. It would have worked nicely within the album but perhaps would have disrupted the balance that the album had. It has a slightly different feel to it when compared to the album's tracks even though it too features the distinctive autoharp and horn sections that are so dominant throughout Let England Shake.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Honey Bane - <a href="http://www.discogs.com/Honey-Bane-You-Can-Be-You/release/380805" target="_blank">You Can Be You</a> (1979)</span></b></div>
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Honey Bane started her musical career with this single on Crass Records, with members of Crass playing as the 'Kebabs' to her 'Donna'. She would go on to release a handful of singles (including a few for EMI) throughout the early 1980s but never release a full length album. This single was released when Donna was only 15 years old which is insane when you think about it, here she is playing in this angry punk band! It could be suggested that singles like this lead to Crass' all female fronted and highly feminist 1981 album <i>Penis Envy. </i>The condition of this single - as with many Crass Records releases - hasn't really stood the test of time, it's rare to come across a near mint condition Crass record sadly. I kind of like this single but I feel like something is a little missing every time I hear it.</div>
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Posted: 25th October 2013</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826489000993422894noreply@blogger.com0