[img width=589 height=393]http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah83/zophar53/Flower%20title%20screen_zpsvr3lncz2.jpg[/img] From the thatgamecompany website Thatgamecompany is responsible for some of the most beautiful and serene video games I've ever played. Starting with the simplistic, petri dish-esque flOw, and finishing with the desert exploration of Journey, their games have gotten a little more complex with each title, but still maintain a masterful balance of minimalistic controls, stunning visuals, and emotional impact that, in my humble opinion, has yet to be matched. However, while Journey may be the fan favorite, and is completely deserving of every accolade heaped upon it, for me personally, it's thatgamecompany's middle title, Flower, that stands above the others.
With large vistas of lush, green fields and what may be the best use of the PS3's ill-fated Sixxaxis motion controls ever, it remains my favorite game to play when I've had a stressful day and need to relax while letting all my cares melt away, even now, eight years after its initial release. A large part of this is due to its wonderful soundtrack, which I'd like to highlight in our second episode of RF Jamz.
Continue reading RF Jamz: A Look at Video Game Music Vol 2
Here we go again! As per the suggestion we got from Fuyukaze, we have our first industry guest! Our guest has taken some time away from a very rigorous training schedule to spend with us!
EDIT: I forgot the link to the podcast! http://rfgeneration.podomatic.com There are links on the page to subscribe in iTunes as well!
Continue reading RF Generation Nation - Episode 10: 2D Rules! 3D Drools!
Ever hear of Video Games Live? It's a show created by veteran game composers Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim series, Unreal, Maximo, Metroid Prime) and Jack Wall (Myst III/IV, Mass Effect series, Jade Empire) that features various video game music performed by a live orchestra along with solo peformers, guitarists, a choir, all synchronized to video, lighting effects, and more. The result is something truly astonishing and sure to be loved by anyone who enjoys video games or good music. I've never seen the show live, which is unfortunate. Thankfully, Video Games Live has teamed up with PBS to produce a TV special to bring the show to more people.
The show will premiere on Saturday, July 31st and will repeat on PBS stations throughout the month of August. I don't know any exact times since PBS stations are all different, so put a reminder in your calendar or something which will tell you to check the schedule on your local PBS station. Also, the press release from Video Games Live urges people to write their local PBS station to ensure they're airing it, so you might want to go ahead and do that.
Oh, as a bonus: if you happen to live in California and get KQED, you can see the special TONIGHT at 7:30pm or 1:30am! Almost 2 months before it premieres!
If you happen to miss it, don't worry. The special be released on Blu-ray and DVD later this year. Here's the trailer PBS has put up for the show:
(Be sure to turn on 720p HD)
If you want a taste of VGL now, they released a CD that you can buy in stores (might be hard to find in retail chains, check independent stores) or online at various places. It's also on iTunes and Amazon MP3 for $10.
I'll try and put out a small reminder post on the front page in a month and a half to remind you all to check out your local PBS station's schedule and see when the special is on. I'd hate for you to miss it.
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