After an unfortunate incident where Google claimed I was in violation of their terms of service and took my site down, I have managed to resuscitate Hot Lavy. Status quo has been maintained!
Actually, it's been Cold Lavy around these parts for the past (eek!) month-and-a-half. Wow, that hiatus went much to long. Okay, let's get the Lavy flowing again - regular updates begin again this weekend.
Cool?
21 June 2012
23 May 2012
Who's That Boy? (Who's That Boy?) It's Jake!
Hey, girl. Whatcha knowin'? It's been a long time, but I have a new job, a new place to live, and Hot Lavy should be back with real updates any day now. For now, hi, and thanks again for sticking with the site through these slow times.
See you soon.
See you soon.
08 May 2012
Heeeeeere's Johnny!
You guys, I am in love with Phantasmagoria.
I've written about the series before, but I still have so much to say. In fact, this review will be spread across five articles, and the best part is that you won't even have to change discs to get to each part.
Perhaps you noticed that I didn't post any original content last week. The last time I missed a week (it wasn't long ago), I cited "work" as my excuse, without going into details. It's the same story this time, but now I can announce that I have submitted my resignation at my crummy retail job.
I'll be starting a new job soon, one with consistent hours, better pay, and more enjoyable work. Hopefully, this will mean a more consistent update schedule is forthcoming, but expect the next few weeks to be even rockier than usual. In addition to transitioning from one job to the next, I'll also be moving across the country. I may be leaving as soon as the middle of next week, which mean I have days to get a plane ticket, pack my things, and find a new place to live. In other words, there's not much time for writing about video games on the Internet.
Hopefully, this all leads to a better Hot Lavy in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, is anyone reading this site? I'm still getting a few hits a day. This would be a fine time to introduce yourself. I may not have time for lengthy articles right now, but I'll happily find a few minutes to respond to comments.
See you on the other side.
I've written about the series before, but I still have so much to say. In fact, this review will be spread across five articles, and the best part is that you won't even have to change discs to get to each part.
Perhaps you noticed that I didn't post any original content last week. The last time I missed a week (it wasn't long ago), I cited "work" as my excuse, without going into details. It's the same story this time, but now I can announce that I have submitted my resignation at my crummy retail job.
I'll be starting a new job soon, one with consistent hours, better pay, and more enjoyable work. Hopefully, this will mean a more consistent update schedule is forthcoming, but expect the next few weeks to be even rockier than usual. In addition to transitioning from one job to the next, I'll also be moving across the country. I may be leaving as soon as the middle of next week, which mean I have days to get a plane ticket, pack my things, and find a new place to live. In other words, there's not much time for writing about video games on the Internet.
Hopefully, this all leads to a better Hot Lavy in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, is anyone reading this site? I'm still getting a few hits a day. This would be a fine time to introduce yourself. I may not have time for lengthy articles right now, but I'll happily find a few minutes to respond to comments.
See you on the other side.
06 May 2012
Sunday Free Game - Perfect Strangers: Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now
I'm just a bit too young to have many fond memories of watching classic (?) sitcom Perfect Strangers myself, but I'm old enough to be eminently aware of Cousins Larry's and Cousin Balki's zany misadventures. What little nostalgia I have for the show certainly increases my enjoyment of this week's Free Game, but I'll take my ignorance of the show as proof that anyone who appreciates spirited cheesiness will get a kick out of it.
I've been surprised how strongly the Internet has taken to this one. I was worried at one point that I wouldn't be able to link to the game this weekend, after so many players logged onto the site that they crashed it, but was a temporary traffic-overload going to stop this game? Well, of course not, don't be ridiculous!
I've been surprised how strongly the Internet has taken to this one. I was worried at one point that I wouldn't be able to link to the game this weekend, after so many players logged onto the site that they crashed it, but was a temporary traffic-overload going to stop this game? Well, of course not, don't be ridiculous!
05 May 2012
Saturday Supplemental - The End Is Near
Surviving the Bloodbath: Perspectives on Our Industry's Cycles
The booms and crashes of the video game industry. This would be an astute (but controversial) talk if it were given today. That it was presented at the 1997 GDC is incredible. It's also incredibly sad that the industry at large hasn't managed to accept these simple, economical facts fifteen years later. (Skip the second half, when he starts taking audience questions - the audio quality is poor, and the questions/tirades are mostly off-topic.)
With the App Store flooded, is partnering with a publisher becoming necessary?
At least Trip Hawkins is smartly realistic.
Talking to Women about Videogames: Gamer Cred
So much to love about this video and article. Except the, uh, entire inciting incident. Goodness, "gamers" are an embarrassing bunch.
The best Wii games you didn’t play, handpicked by industry pros
A good reminder of the Wii games I still need to seek, and a good reminder of how many fantastic Wii games undersold - this list barely scratches the surface. It's also a good spread of "industry pros" - from Alex Neuse to Bill Trinen.
Ryan Goes Overboard
I might have to go to a game jam at some point. Can't wait to see the conclusion of this story.
The Worst Things for Sale: Civilization, The Board Game
This site, in which Drew from Toothpaste for Dinner describes the worst things for sale, is so good. Other video game-related entries include Woodcutter Simulator and some Angry Birds nonsense.
Jimquisition: Better Does Not Mean Good
A lesson which extends beyond the Internet and video games (but we should apply it to the Internet and video games.
The Top 10 Things The Game Industry Can Learn from Film Production
I vehemently disagree with much of this article, and yet other parts could not be more poignant. Pre-production, post-production, paid overtime, strong direction - we need these things.
Don't Assume Players Are Stupid
The exact opposite of what we were taught in game design school, which is why I don't put much stock in the things I was taught in game design school.
Report: Microsoft to Sell Xbox 360 For $99 With Two-Year Contract
I'm not sure yet what I think about this, but it's noteworthy that it's happening.
Op-Ed: Android Piracy Is Huge Problem for Game Devs
The conversation surrounding piracy is one that's typically slanted and passionate. This is refreshingly level-headed. Even better, it's all backed up by numbers and facts.
The Collapse of Free Radical Design
TimeSplitters 2 turns ten this year, which reminds me that it's been about ten years since Free Radical released a great game. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say since they were allowed to make a good game. TimeSplitters 2 is probably my favourite first-person shooter ever, which makes this all the more bittersweet.
Before they Were Stars - Video Game Edition
Ha! Paul Rudd, Jane Krakowski, and other now-famous people in decades-old video game commercials.
Why 'ninja' developer Tose published its first game in 32 years
Tose is one of the world's most fascinating companies. I'll read any article written about it.
'EA Indie Bundle' ruffles feathers
Dear "indie" community: Please get over yourselves.
Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: Video Games Cause Violence
Tee hee hee.
The booms and crashes of the video game industry. This would be an astute (but controversial) talk if it were given today. That it was presented at the 1997 GDC is incredible. It's also incredibly sad that the industry at large hasn't managed to accept these simple, economical facts fifteen years later. (Skip the second half, when he starts taking audience questions - the audio quality is poor, and the questions/tirades are mostly off-topic.)
With the App Store flooded, is partnering with a publisher becoming necessary?
At least Trip Hawkins is smartly realistic.
Talking to Women about Videogames: Gamer Cred
So much to love about this video and article. Except the, uh, entire inciting incident. Goodness, "gamers" are an embarrassing bunch.
The best Wii games you didn’t play, handpicked by industry pros
A good reminder of the Wii games I still need to seek, and a good reminder of how many fantastic Wii games undersold - this list barely scratches the surface. It's also a good spread of "industry pros" - from Alex Neuse to Bill Trinen.
Ryan Goes Overboard
I might have to go to a game jam at some point. Can't wait to see the conclusion of this story.
The Worst Things for Sale: Civilization, The Board Game
This site, in which Drew from Toothpaste for Dinner describes the worst things for sale, is so good. Other video game-related entries include Woodcutter Simulator and some Angry Birds nonsense.
Jimquisition: Better Does Not Mean Good
A lesson which extends beyond the Internet and video games (but we should apply it to the Internet and video games.
The Top 10 Things The Game Industry Can Learn from Film Production
I vehemently disagree with much of this article, and yet other parts could not be more poignant. Pre-production, post-production, paid overtime, strong direction - we need these things.
Don't Assume Players Are Stupid
The exact opposite of what we were taught in game design school, which is why I don't put much stock in the things I was taught in game design school.
Report: Microsoft to Sell Xbox 360 For $99 With Two-Year Contract
I'm not sure yet what I think about this, but it's noteworthy that it's happening.
Op-Ed: Android Piracy Is Huge Problem for Game Devs
The conversation surrounding piracy is one that's typically slanted and passionate. This is refreshingly level-headed. Even better, it's all backed up by numbers and facts.
The Collapse of Free Radical Design
TimeSplitters 2 turns ten this year, which reminds me that it's been about ten years since Free Radical released a great game. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say since they were allowed to make a good game. TimeSplitters 2 is probably my favourite first-person shooter ever, which makes this all the more bittersweet.
Before they Were Stars - Video Game Edition
Ha! Paul Rudd, Jane Krakowski, and other now-famous people in decades-old video game commercials.
Why 'ninja' developer Tose published its first game in 32 years
Tose is one of the world's most fascinating companies. I'll read any article written about it.
'EA Indie Bundle' ruffles feathers
Dear "indie" community: Please get over yourselves.
Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: Video Games Cause Violence
Tee hee hee.
Stock up on bottled water, just in case.
29 April 2012
28 April 2012
Saturday Supplimental - New: What, Do You Own the World?
Why the Super Mario Movie Sucked
The title of this article may be dead wrong, but the content is good. This is an excerpt from the new book Generation Xbox: How Video Games Invaded Hollywood, which I think I need to read.
How Hollywood Managed To Not Screw Up Mortal Kombat, The Movie
More from Generation Xbox, this time with an accurate headline.
The Origins of Night Trap: An Excerpt from Generation Xbox
Maybe I don't need to find the book. It looks like half the stories are already online for free.
The Development of A Link to the Past
A 1991 Japanese interview with Miyamoto that makes me appreciate the third Zelda even more. I especially like when talks his attitude toward working overtime and getting enough sleep every night.
This Girl’s RPG Is No Cinderella Story
Level-5 made a game where you work at a hostess club (sort of like Hooters, but sadder and creepier, for those of you who aren't up on your Japanese culture). It's aimed at little girls. And you can date Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon. What, what, what?
This Season, Women’s Fashion is Inspired by…Video Games
These clothes are pretty much just clothes. Not, like, T-shirts with Koopa Troopas printed on them, or skimpy Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball cosplay nonsense, but clothes I can imagine real, not-nerdy, fashionable women wearing. When you think about the amount of effort put into iconic colour coordination in video game character design, the short leap to fashion makes perfect sense.
Nerd Room
An unscripted tour of the Angry Video Game Nerd's basement. Not much happens in this video, but I was happy to spend some time geeking out over his most impressive collection. Dude even owns a few game systems I've never seen anywhere else before.
Thank Christ: Xbox Live to feature even more advertising!
Yuck. I remember when Xbox 360 was first starting to find its legs, IGN ran multiple (sincere) articles about how Wii was a failure because you don't see enough ads in the system interface, so I guess some is happy about this news, but I say yuck.
Japan’s Social Game Publishers Limit Teens’ Spending
This is a small step, but I always applaud companies being responsible and holding themselves accountable.
Warren Spector "scared" about cost of next generation consoles
That is, the cost of developing games for next generation consoles. Sheesh. You and me, both, Warren.
Why Xenoblade Chronicles HAD to look like shit
Tying in nicely to the Warren Spector article above, here are more points in favour of "weak" hardware over bleeding-edge graphical technology.
The title of this article may be dead wrong, but the content is good. This is an excerpt from the new book Generation Xbox: How Video Games Invaded Hollywood, which I think I need to read.
How Hollywood Managed To Not Screw Up Mortal Kombat, The Movie
More from Generation Xbox, this time with an accurate headline.
The Origins of Night Trap: An Excerpt from Generation Xbox
Maybe I don't need to find the book. It looks like half the stories are already online for free.
The Development of A Link to the Past
A 1991 Japanese interview with Miyamoto that makes me appreciate the third Zelda even more. I especially like when talks his attitude toward working overtime and getting enough sleep every night.
This Girl’s RPG Is No Cinderella Story
Level-5 made a game where you work at a hostess club (sort of like Hooters, but sadder and creepier, for those of you who aren't up on your Japanese culture). It's aimed at little girls. And you can date Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon. What, what, what?
This Season, Women’s Fashion is Inspired by…Video Games
These clothes are pretty much just clothes. Not, like, T-shirts with Koopa Troopas printed on them, or skimpy Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball cosplay nonsense, but clothes I can imagine real, not-nerdy, fashionable women wearing. When you think about the amount of effort put into iconic colour coordination in video game character design, the short leap to fashion makes perfect sense.
Nerd Room
An unscripted tour of the Angry Video Game Nerd's basement. Not much happens in this video, but I was happy to spend some time geeking out over his most impressive collection. Dude even owns a few game systems I've never seen anywhere else before.
Thank Christ: Xbox Live to feature even more advertising!
Yuck. I remember when Xbox 360 was first starting to find its legs, IGN ran multiple (sincere) articles about how Wii was a failure because you don't see enough ads in the system interface, so I guess some is happy about this news, but I say yuck.
Japan’s Social Game Publishers Limit Teens’ Spending
This is a small step, but I always applaud companies being responsible and holding themselves accountable.
Warren Spector "scared" about cost of next generation consoles
That is, the cost of developing games for next generation consoles. Sheesh. You and me, both, Warren.
Why Xenoblade Chronicles HAD to look like shit
Tying in nicely to the Warren Spector article above, here are more points in favour of "weak" hardware over bleeding-edge graphical technology.
How do you own disorder?
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