2D graphics aside, gameplay-wise this is already being hailed by some as "the most realistic zombie apocalypse game out there!"
It's obviously not going to win awards for mindblowing graphics, but it's developed by an indie company. Still in development there are lots of torrents out there with the playable version-to-date.
Here is a video illustrating the gameplay-- and I don't know about you-- it looks like a hoot!
Making a film is a massive undertaking. Making a film with only heart and soul might make it happen, but here will likely be casualties. But with enough gumption and sheer will, it can happen.
I have worked with and talked with the visionaries... the visionaries that can make this happen. I would like to count myself among them. But every time I see the passion in the people trying to bring their vision to life, I am only humbled.
If you been a fan of Blog of the Living Dead, then you've been a fan of this guy's work. Among other stop-motion clay animation-- he created the wonderful "Chainsaw Maid."
Now Takena has created an awesome short film called "Pinky"-- that... well... how to describe it? He started with the concept of the soon to be game sensation "Lollipop Chainsaw" (see this blog for a number of articles)-- added a dash of dark and sardonic humour, and a boat-load of blood (would you expect anything else?)-- and you approach this gem. The ending alone is true brilliance! This is as much a statement about the game industry, reality television, and the power of emerging entertainment (both its media and its message) as you can fit into 2 minutes and 31 seconds.
I know I look forward to these every year! And to be perfectly honest-- I generally agree with Derek's followers. For those who aren't following this fine website (he even talks).... get over there!
Anyhooooo....
The results are in!
From Derek's lips to mine to yours-- that's not right. From Derek's fingertips to my email...
Never mind.
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Just re-watched the last half of "The Walking Dead" Episode 12 to refresh and then dive into the Season Finale (Episode 13).
I will not let a spoiler leak out of my comments here, BTW. Let me say, though, the last 10 minutes of this episode (E12 - not the finale) are as heart-wrenching and intense as I've seen in any great film.
Maybe it's because I've invested so many hours into the lives and characters that makes watching this show worthwhile. If someone in the story were to perish, then the dynamics of the show, as in life, will change. My wife has the same issue with "Dexter." Except, with Dexter, you know he will eventually be caught-- it can't end any other way.
With "The Walking Dead" they all may or may not perish; there are so many variables and possibilities... and each show brings that possibility. As I mentioned in previous postings, with Kirkman's graphic novels... everyone is fair game. The TV series is not following the book series to the word, but there have been many sub-plots pulled from them. In his books, everyone is fair game.
But imagine the show without Rick. This show is brave enough to do that. Among all of it's other great attributes, it's that.
Will report back after the season Finale...
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Finished watching.
The season finished like it started. With a whimper. Should have stopped at Episode 12.
Too much is known about Jeffrey Dahmer, a sick and twisted serial killer whose name is synonymous with depravity and horror-- the all too real horror that can lurk right next door.
As far as serial killers go, Dahmer wasn't especially prolific (17 -- all male). While still ghastly, it wasn't the number of victims he tortured, killed, and dismembered that gave him notoriety. It was how absolutely horrifying and loathsome his crimes were-- displaying the depths of depravity beyond human compare and decency. His is a lurid and sad story of an individual that was broken his whole life, one that got further broken as he aged, until whatever was driving him, day-in and day-out wasn't human anymore.
Lollipop Chainsaw developers Grasshopper Manufacture have released a fun video illustrating what goes into the voice acting (much like an animated film) needed for a 3D game.
Unlike a 3D film, developers must record EVERY grunt, sputter, remark, curse etc. that every single person/creature will spew during the game (all of the possibilities-- in accordance with a multi-tired and branching timeline). Without an huge amount of preparation and a scriptwriter with experience writing branching dialogue, this would quickly become a nightmare.
(Fortunately or unfortunately the use of computerized digital voices is not quite here to aid in this process).
Tara Strong is voicing the 3D Juliet (as opposed to Jessica Nigri-- who will be playing the flesh and blood Juliet out in the real world -- for promotions, launches, photoshoots etc.)
So-- there are actually three Juliets:
3D Juliet
Juliet 1 The 3D virtual Juliet - Computer generated (use of motion capture with a "stunt person" and/or inverse kinematic animation will give her life-like motions and, in some-cases, super-human strength.) As mentioned previously, this could be anyone, though a female will likely be used to capture accurate motions (to maintain accurate female-type motions).
Flesh and Blood Cosplay Juliet
Juliet 2 The Real-life Cosplay Juliet (Jessica Nigri) who is Juliet in the real world-- smoking-hot at photo shoots, conventions, promotions etc. She's the one you'll want to get an autograph from, on your forehead or butt.
Tara Strong (Juliet Voice)
Juliet 3 The Juliet voice (Tara Strong - Top of article) - as outlined above, she records her parts one at a time in a sound booth, with a script (watch the video below for some fun moments in the booth).
Oh, and there is the severed head that Juliet is carrying around, Nick Carlyen, voiced by Michael Rossenbaum (Smallville, Justice League (animation), Urban Legends). Nick is quite unhappy that he now no longer has a body, and more disturbingly, a penis!
Enjoy this video featuring the voice actors!
I swear to God this creepy looking old guy is talking to the severed head!
In a move that will surely disappoint fans of the impending cinematic zombie apocalypse, Paramount has decided to change the previous release date of the Brad Pitt feature film, World War Z. The movie adaptation, based on Author Max Brooks' wildly popular book centering on the effects of a society that has been crumbled due to a zombie armageddon, has now seen its original December 2012 release date kicked back to June 21st, 2013. "The move appears to strictly be made in an attempt to combat other Summer blockbusters, allowing it to flourish in the competition of other theatrical heavy hitters."
Or, that's what they're saying. Can you say "Re-tool?"
So for all you zombie fanatics hoping to see this movie around the holidays this December, crack open the book once again and hang tight for another six months.
They're billing it as a "Vulgar Display of Horror!" Among the many films playing, is a very rare theater viewing of George A. Romero's Day of the Dead (1985)! See guts the size of your house! Oh, did we mention it's all on 35mm film!!! What better way to bring in the summer!
On Saturday, May 19th, 2012, the hallowed grounds of the Silver Cinemas South Hills 8 will once again showcase the greatest classic horror film festival in the Hudson Valley, Hudson Horror Show V (www.hudsonhorror.com)! Our fifth 12 hour movie festival will feature five full length classic genre films along with shorts and drive in style trailers, all off rare 35mm film prints!
Our December to Dismember 2011 show was a sell out with people having to be seated in our “reserved for staff seats”. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets now! This is our third year of shows and ticket prices are still only $26.00 in advance via PayPal. Advance ticket holders save money and will be admitted first. If any tickets remain they will be available at the door on the day of the show for $30.00, cash only.
Our Frankenstein like monster of a lineup is now complete! Doors open at noon that day and our “opening act” will be a mash up of two of the greatest movie studios of all time as Hammer Films and the Shaw Brothers collide in LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES! This film, also know as The Seven Brothers Meets Dracula, mixes Gothic horror with well, kung fu, it’s kind of like putting your peanut butter in my chocolate, who knew they would taste so good together?
Episode 10 finished with what Kirkman has done with many many of his important characters in his Graphic novels. In my initial review of "The Walking Dead," the Graphic Novel, I mentioned not to get too attached to any one character-- no matter how important.
The TV version has been a little impotent on that front for waaay, way too long.
And then-- MAJOR change (cheers all around!!)
EPISODE 11
This episode EVEN transcends the previous one!
I promise, at the end of this episode-- you will have NO idea where the story is going, or going to go! And that, my friends is brave and smart.
Someone must have taken the writers out back and threw sharp and heavy objects at them for a couple hours or so.
Two really big thumbs UP!
Warner Brothers, Kadokawa Games and Grasshopper Manufacture will soon be releasing have released the much anticipated "Lollipop Chainsaw" game for XBox and PS3.
A live action version of the 3D animated character in the game needed to be recruited, for promotions, events. Essentially, a flesh and blood chick to match the 3D chick.
Voting was online, and is now complete, and a winner has been chosen.
Her name is Jessica Nigri, and here is a video response love-in to those that voted for her!
Before you hit play, turn your speakers down (or up, if you want to scare the bejesus out of your next door neighbor's cat).
Lollipop Chainsaw is an all-new third person action game being developed by GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, led by celebrated gamemaker Goichi Suda (aka Suda51) and featuring the musical compositions of the renowned Akira Yamoaka. In addition to these two talented individuals, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has tapped Hollywood director/writer, James Gunn (Super, Slither, Dawn of the Dead, Tromeo and Juliet) to bring his cult humour and edgy storytelling to Lollipop Chainsaw.
Yes, it is that time of year again. Where has the time gone? I guess, when your brain is firing on half-cylinders from the ravages of some zombie tick, it feels like it was only yesterday.
Saying that this is not your typical zombie movie is a massive understatement. Sure, standard zombie movies and "Dead Girl" have the undead. But it's a bit like saying the "Sound of Music" and "The Exorcist" are similar movies because they both have twirling (Julie Andrews, twirling up a hill because: "they're alive, with the sound of music..." and Linda
Blair's famous head spinning scene ... cue Tubular Bells).
One of our loyal correspondents, Quentin Matheson's good friend Sean T. has this to say about "Zombies, Run!"
Sean wrote:
"This app is awesome. I've never heard of that other app (Ed: Arg Zombie) on the page there, but it sounds okay. I'm cool with Zombies! Run! I got so excited to do these missions, I may have hurt myself already. I'm no good to the town injured! Gotta stretch more! I love this app!"
