Why am I gawking at freaking ‘Street Fighter IV’ artwork?!

Get off me, Capcom fanboys: I’m not attempting to subtly bash your beloved fighting game series. No, no, no. On the contrary, I’m surprised at how well the studio has been handling the development of this, the much-anticipated new entry in this legendary franchise. With noticeable respect and care from its makers, ‘Street Fighter IV‘ is poised to be a tremendous success, no doubt. 

 

 

I got to confess, though: when in-game pictures of the game were first released, I couldn’t help but look at them with cynical eyes. Heck, I think all the industry did. It had a terribly deep pool of expectations to fill, and the previous attempts at making a ‘Street Fighter’ entry worthy of our time weren’t successful, to say the least. It was clear from the very first announcement that it’d take some time (and impressive media) for people to change their stance on the piece and not feel prejudiced against it.

 

 

Fast forward to now, perception changed and here you have me, gaping at these wonderful pieces of ink-stained awesomeness. I say it all begins with great visual design, and I can not imagine something more inspired than what you’re watching here. Seriously, I love the style infused in these character portraits. Black outlines have never looked so good, seeing that here they actually fit these fictional individuals and heighten their presence as the powerful, iconic figures they’re supposed to be. Striking, in every sense of the word.

 

 

Just look at those blotches of ink splattered all over the illustrations: movement, raw yet beautifully composed. You don’t have to be a ‘Street Fighter’ devotee (or even a gamer, for that matter) to fully appreciate these great compositions, as they speak for themselves. They don’t depend on ‘brand name’ to be effective; they just are. Here comes my favorite of the bunch:

 

 

When will the world stop and acknowledge the sheer artistry involved in quality videogame productions like this one? C’mon! These guys deserve some recognition! And they’re, literally, dozens of games that have much or less displayed this same kind of virtuosity. Videogame production is an art form. Nay-sayers: deal with it.

For more ‘Street Fighter IV’ character art in high resolution, hit this link. Feedback? Suggestions? Another take? Leave some comments below! Thanks for reading. : )

The “Zhang Yimou” touch: A pictorial tribute to the Opening Ceremony of the XXIX Olympiad.

 

 

Hello, readers! May I suggest grabbing a cup of your favorite beverage: this one’s a little extensive. : )

Precisely a week ago, the world went into hybernation again: The Games of the XXIX Olympiad, celebrated to evident success in the metropolis of Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic of China, were declared over. It will take the passing of four complete cycles for human civilization to reunite, once again, in amicable ways; to celebrate humanity in its highest form. People tend to associate that statement with wondrous athletic achievements and the tying of global bonds, and they’re sorta’ right. But there’s always one element people seem to forget, or at least take for granted: the artistic facet of the Olympics, which I’m glad to say this time, was not the case. 

 

 

It’s easy to understand why: the ceremony was one of the most breathtaking live events my eyes have ever witnessed, using easy-to-interpret symbology which was at the same time profoundly deep, beautifully designed costuming and sublime music, all of this performed on a massive (repeat after me: massive) scale. The scenes came to life like moving dioramas exploding in color and grandeur while the influence of the rich history of this, the world’s most populated country, was visible throughout all the presentation. I’m sure most of you heard the name “Zhang Yimou” being mentioned repeatedly during the broadcast as the man in charge of that amazing spectacle.

 

“I’ve just agreed to write a movie for Sony and producer Scott Rudin about how Facebook was invented.” Uhuh.

“I figured a good first step in my preparation would be finding out what Facebook is, so I’ve started this page. (Actually it was started by my researcher, Ian Reichbach, because my grandmother has more Internet savvy than I do and she’s been dead for 33 years)”

Ok, so let’s put this into a coherent post that doesn’t sound funny: Aaron Sorkin, playwright for two Broadway pieces and writer of five feature films (including last year’s acclaimed ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’), is going to be plotting a *gulp* film based on the creation of Facebook. I..I…I am lost for words. Just breathe…

 

'Facebook' CEO Mark Zuckerberg

 

WHAT?!

 

It sounds ridiculous, I know. I gotta’ say, I was surpr…wait, no, dumbfounded when I read about this just now. This post is not meant to be disrespectful towards Aaron Sorkin, he’s a great writer…I’m just in shock by the decision from all the parts involved to move into something like this, and really hope that they remain artistically motivated throughout all of this. I mean, he didn’t even know what ‘Facebook’ was before accepting the deal. Needless to say, it’s going to be interesting to follow the development of this project from idea to film.

For now, I’ll remain neutral. 

Music Spotlight: Ronald Jenkees

 

 

I’ve been listening for the last couple of days to the beats of this groovy guy that goes by the name of Ronald Jenkees, thanks to the wonderful power of the internets. What’s it like? It’s like ‘Timbaland’…with soul (and a side dish of 8-bit flavor). Actually, I think I might not be making an accurate comparison for you there, but it definitely feels like that to me. And while I think ‘Timbaland’ is one of a thousand overrated mainstream artists in the business right now, I do recognize his contributions to popular music. Wait, I’m deviating…Ronald Jenkees, yes.

I love all the pieces I’ve heard from him, and watching him perform them on ‘YouTube’ is definitely cool. I know: he doesn’t look “normal” at first glance, but who the f*** cares? Clearly, this is a guy who treats his music with respect and creates it with passion, and just by glancing at his ‘comments’ section under all of his videos you can tell that the internet community appreciates it. These days you see more ‘carton’ artists than real ones, so when you finally find one worthy of your time it’s like an ‘eureka!’ moment, rainbows and all. The guy has a CD for sale on both his page and the ever-popular iTunes, so if you like what you hear, show the guy some monetary love. He deserves it.

Watch a video of Ronald performing below. In it, there’s some real advice for aspiring musicians (and artists in general, for that matter) towards the end, so don’t miss it. And don’t forget to leave me some feedback if you feel like it! Thanks for reading. : )

 

Are you feeling better, Hollywood?

Yes, Hollywood, I’m talking to you! 

I can’t believe I’m writing this, but you did it! You f***ing (omg) did it! You entertained us, left and right, last summer! What? You don’t know of what I’m talking about? I’m referring to your glorious output of quality films during the hottest season of the year. You know, only the most important movie-going season for you and us (although our motives for that may differ greatly). After two dreadful back-to-back summers, I was starting to think you’d never wake out of that coma…yet you did, remarkably!

In commemoration of that I’ve decided to honor you, oh mighty Hollywood, with a special list (I know you guys love these too ). It’s a pleasure to present you, my picks for Best Films of the Summer ’08! First up is:

 

 

Wonderful creatures and fantastic locations galore, and the freaks finally take center stage. Unquestionably a better-paced, more polished piece than the original. It’s Guillermo Del Toro, doing what he loves to do. What else do you need to know about it? Nothing, that’s right! You already know it’s great! Next up is…

 

Not my favorite Pixar film, but certainly their best (weird how things work out, huh?). It’s biggest success is the titular character itself, which is quite possibly the most adorable thing ever. I think everybody in the world knows about my artistic fixation with Pixar Animation Studios, so I won’t say more. If you didn’t, well read this: I have an altar for all things Lassetter, Docter and Stanton in my closet, photos and all. No joke. Uh…next!

 

Robert Downey Jr. That’s all I have to say about this…ok, ok, I’ll add more! Geez. Great origin story. Great production values. Weak climax. Even weaker villain. Favreu’s direction was on-point, yet I didn’t get out of it completely satisfied. Don’t quote me on that or the “Iron Man Defense Force” might get me. Or maybe because I liked the following film better: 

 

No, you’re not seeing things: that is really the ‘Speed Racer’ logo up there. Think what you want about it, but this piece is flat-out amazing if you just let it enter your heart. Visually stunning, incredibly well-edited and well-plotted (not to mention, beautifully scored by Michael Giacchino), this film is a blast. The characters are solidly realized and extremely likeable, and the last climactic sequence blew my mind with its awesome over-the-topness: I literally had to inhale and exhale after seeing that shit. Wachowskis for the win. Finally…

 

The big “duh” of this list. You’ve already read my review of it on this very blog, and you know what I think about it. Let me reaffirm my statement once again: It’s the best film I’ve seen all year, and a crime drama for the ages. It is vital that Warner Bros. secures Christopher Nolan’s skillful direction and elegant vision for the imminent third entry. I highly doubt that we’ll see a film of this caliber, of this scope, grace the silver screen again in what remains of the year. Hopefully I’m wrong, because I’m longing for a piece following this type of grand filmmaking.

 An honorable mention goes to ‘Kung Fu Panda’, Dreamworks’ best animated film since the original ‘Shrek’. Seriously. 

So there you have it! What do you think about this list? Leave your thoughts by commenting below. Thanks for reading! : )

‘Young People F***ing’

 

Har har.

 

That’s exactly what this film is all about, judging by its candid trailer. Do I like it? I adore it! ’Young People F***ing’! How could another ‘romantic/sex flick’ ever top that title? I love how they’re not trying to hide it either, those crazy Canadians. As with ‘Hamlet 2′, I doubt this will ever touch Puertorrican shores, sadly. It would’ve been fun as f*** (hey!) to watch this inside a room full of spicy latinos like myself. 

The film debuted last year at the Toronto International Film Festival where it garnered hefty praise from critics and public alike. It also had a very limited run on theatres across North America during the summer. If somebody catched this on the big screen, please delight us with your own impressions by commenting below! I’ll definitely be following the home release for this unique piece very closely. For now, watch the cute trailer after the break. As always, thanks for reading! : )

 

Why ‘Braid’ is making me lose sleep…

 

 

…and no, it’s not because I’m playing it until the wee hours of the morning. Honestly, I wish it would be that. Intead, I need to face the cruel, harsh reality: I have other monetary responsibilities at the moment, and just can’t afford to buy an Xbox 360. But ‘Braid’…oh God, I want to play it so bad! No, not play it…experience it. Yes! Because if all the enthusiastic reviews I’ve read are to be believed, then “it has the potential to change the way you think about reality. It will certainly change the way you think about video games.” That’s what Jason Roher of ‘Arthouse Games’ wrote in his final, critical look at the game, as if he wanted to reach my easily manipulatable brain. Hey, Jason: mission accomplished!

“Braid’s artistic design is as imaginative as its puzzles. The whimsical world looks like a painting come to life.” writes Hilary Goldstein of IGN, a guy that usually goes easy on games when its time to put up a serious critique about them, but this time I believe him. I mean, look at it! This game looks drop-dead gorgeous. If you’ve followed this blog from it’s inaugural post a little over a month ago, you already know how much I care about visual artistry, so when I say I think ‘Braid’ looks “drop-dead gorgeous”, well…it’s a pretty huge deal. 

 

¡Viva las dos dimensiones!

 

The fact that this game uses time manipulation as its core mechanic and theme, and uses it brilliantly, is mindblowing. Everyone is talking about how the puzzles are genious and a blast to figure out because of it; about how the game explotes its theme to its fullest, psychologically speaking; about how there’s not a single “I feel stupid”-degrading moment for the player; about how high it soars on every aspect of game presentation and design. 

But you know what impresses me the most, besides the visual and interactive artistry people are praising about? That this was all done and conceived by one guy. One. Jonathan Blow is his name. He set up to make a sublime piece, and he conquered. He will forever have my utmost respect and admiration because of that. That he has proven with ‘Braid’ he is a world-class artist is just gravy.

 

A wonderfully composed image that hints at the sheer beauty of the title screen. Jesus...

 

“Wait a minute! But you still haven’t played the game!” True, but he already did it in my mind: he penetrated the high walls of this highly commercialized industry, disrupting our perception of what is possible and what isn’t. It’s clear there’s nothing impossible for this progressive game designer.

I will play ‘Braid’, sooner or later. Until then, I’ll just keep losing sleep to it. I’ve given up to the idea…there’s no turning back. Don’t worry, though: that makes me happy.

Pay a visit to its website, and thanks for reading. : )

Geek-tastic futuristic racing orgasm incoming!

 

 

For now, you must be thinking I’m a PlayStation fanatic that abhors the other consoles, with all the Sony-related posts I’ve been writing. Well, fret not! I’ve some articles planned regarding games exclusive to other consoles that have caught my eye. I got to be honest, though: the majority of the pieces that have impressed me these past months have been funded/developed by Sony, and that’s exactly where this post is going: to PlayStation land again.

“So, what new wondrous piece of interactive entertainment are you showcasing this time, Héctor?” Well, you surely must have heard about futuristic racing series ‘Wipeout’ in the past. If not, then that’s what I’m here for!

 

 

For years, Sony’s Liverpool studio (yep, that’s in England) has been creating these racing behemoths. Futuristic in design, the very craft you drive and the cities you race it through would not feel out of place in a Star Trek or Star Wars film. But aside from the sleek aesthetics, there’s another element…a defining element, that clearly separates this series from the others. And no, it’s not the crazy weapons or the distinctly floaty feel of the ships (which I personally love, since it gives them a sense of weight no other futuristic racer has replicated succesfully since). No, it’s the music.

Scrumptious electronic beats elevate the ‘Wipeout’ experience to heights no other game in its category could reach, specially when playing in “Zone” mode. “Zone” mode integrates beautifully the highs and lows of the music playing to the track itself, creating a spectacle of synchronized light and sound for those watching and placing you in a state of trance while you race. It’s like being on acid minus the side effects (epileptics beware, though). Truly, a sight to behold.

In a couple months time, a new iteration of this beloved series is poised to make its high-definition debut on the PlayStation 3. Being sold as a downloadable title only (through ‘PlayStation Network’), ‘Wipeout HD’ is being dubbed as a “remake” of previous efforts for the PlayStation Portable. Featuring 8 “rebuilt” tracks from those games (in various configurations), dozens of new craft to race with, a completely new soundtrack coded in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound and an 8-player online multiplayer component, all running at sixty frames per second (for reference, tv programming runs at thirty) and 1080p resolution, this baby promises to be the Wipeout to rule them all (sorry for the tired ‘rings reference, heh).

 

'Wipeout HD' sports good looks and killer sound, enough to satisfy our superficial selves.

 

Ready to take a look at how it moves and sounds? Check out the latest trailer below, and don’t forget to leave some much-welcomed feedback!! C’mon, I’m feeling lonely here! Thanks for reading. : )

 

Eleven years late to Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’.

 

 

‘The Lion King’ is perhaps Disney’s biggest success story this side of ‘Pixar’. The epic “coming of age” story centered around a lion in the plains of Africa has been experienced by millions worldwide, garnering critical acclaim and billions in revenue since its release in the mid-nineties. I’m sure everyone remembers fondly the moment where the sung words “Nan ts’ngonya ma bakithi baba!”* first inundated the theater, inducing goosebumps to everybody in the audience. It certainly became a landmark film and the most recognized animated feature in the history of animation.

A few years after its release, Michael Eisner (then president of the house of mouse) moved some pieces to create a stage version based on the film. Few took him seriously when he approached Disney’s Theatrical division with the idea, yet he insisted. Some time after that, the figure of Julie Taymor appeared out of nowhere, as if Eisner would have summoned her out of his own golden lamp. She began carefully sculpting (literally and figuratively) what would later become one of the most succesful shows on Broadway. Make no mistake, without the artistic merits of Taymor on board, ‘The Lion King’ musical would not have been as refreshing and exciting, not to mention as visually beautiful, as the piece it has been for the past 11 years and remains today.

Computer-generated artistry at its very best.

 

 

That’s what this new Cinematic Introduction to the expansion of Blizzard’s enormously popular “Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game” (MMORPG), ‘World of Warcraft’ had me thinking after watching it. Seriously, these people never cease to amaze me when it comes to creating these fantastic sequences, showcasing the impressive depth and backstory they’ve created for Azeroth, the rich make-believe world the game takes place in. The tasteful mix of serious dialogue, impressive musical compositions and even more impressive visual artistry makes my jaw drop in delight. If only the proposed ‘World of Warcraft’ film would play half as good as these pieces do…

Warner Bros. and Legendary Films: take note. The only way to success is by treating this material (as with every piece that’s based on something as iconic) with respect, taste and ambition. Coming off the sublime ‘The Dark Knight’, I can only have faith. Faith in that studio executives have finally come to understand what makes a genre film, truly great. And no, it’s not only gloom themes and dark character explorations. 

Watch the piece after the break. If you like what you see, be sure to watch Blizzard’s previous CG work, which is equally impressive stuff. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading! : )