Saturday, November 6, 2010

Epic Short Film!

Check out this amazing short film I saw off of vimeo!

Your Lucky Day from Dan on Vimeo.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Attitude is altitude

I accidentally stumbled on a bookmark to Nick Vujicic's "Attitude is altitude" youtube video. I think we all have moments in our life that we feel overwhelmed with pressure from our friends/work/relationships/family/life. I think this video helps find inspiration in tough times. I hope everyone is having a fantastic Sunday and remember to keep your head up!

-M

Friday, July 9, 2010

3D or not to 3D, that is the question!?

Welcome back interneetsss. In your absence, you were missed. Now you have returned, though, things they are alright. Let us begin living again.

I actually got internet back on Wensday but I've been too busy to post till today! The thing I kinda want to talk about today is the arrival of 3D to the theaters and my feelings about it all. I'll go into more detail about the animation in a later post. Some friends want to see the upcoming animation Despicable Me and while deciding on weather to see it in 3D, I had to check up reviews to see if it's worth it. But what to you is "worth it".

What counts to a good 3D movie and why does that count for that? I, myself, have only seen two 3D movies. They are Alice in Wonderland and Clash of the Titans. Ever since watching Clash of the Titans, I have vowed that I would not fall for the 3D hype once again. Which gives why I looked up reviews on seeing Despicable Me in 3D. I remember walking out the theater with a nasty feeling of wasted money all night long! It wasn't the greatest movie in the world but since they added 3D after the movie was shot, it ended up using 3D in like a couple scenes throughout the WHOLE movie!

My question to you is how do you justify spending the extra price of 3+ dollars (or what ever it is by you) to see these movies in 3D? Do you expect the same quality as in the movie "Avatar" or do you enjoy having subtle effects added to it (kinda like Alice in Wonderland)? Do any of the recent movies reached your expectation in 3D (Toy Story 3? Etc.) You can either comment on here or send me a tweet ( http://twitter.com/mikeeshields ) or even send me an email ( Mshields08@ymail.com )

I hope to hear from you!

-M

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lot of stuff on my mind

Hey everyone! I know I haven't been on this blog in a while but I've been very busy! I think I've got an appetite for little blogs here and there again so expect a little more! I have a little short film I'm working on for my reel. My hopes is that future companies can see my work and see that I can do the job needed! I think I'm going to blog about the deets during my process of my short film.

I already have a story board I drew up and the character designs for the two main characters are almost done. One of the characters is based off my friend who I don't see much of. It always makes me laugh seeing his image on the character I'm drawing and it reminds of me good times. Cassie... oh well, back to sketching away, I'm going into production as soon as I can finish up the clothes of the characters and how the office is going to be set up. WHooops, I let out a little detail there.

See you around Internets!

-M

Monday, March 29, 2010

Max Graphics Presents: A Milwaukee Lakefront Commercial

Hey everyone! I'd like to show off a project that I've been working on. The group calls themselves "Max Graphics" and here is our most recent piece of work! Comment and subscribe!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Heavy Rain Thoughts (WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW)

Hey there Internets, long time no see. I want to get right into this so let's begin.




I was actually blown away that Scott Shelby was the killer because I thought the developers said that none of the characters is the killer. When I started putting the pieces back together, I was like "THE EFFF!?". If I were to rate the game, I would have to say it is a "Must Play"! Ya, I don't think putting a number rating on it justifies how amazing the game is. Ya, sure, it has ton of plot holes but I haven't played anything like this before (I never got my hands on Indigo Prophecy). The way the game deals with tension is some of the most interesting things to come to games. Also, I would have to say that some scenes really strike some emotion in you (i.e. when Ethan blacks out and is running around to find his son).

So, I would have to say the game's graphics and animation areas are outstanding. You can really tell how much detail they put into this game! The voice acting got a little annoying time to time(the kids in this game feel emotionless when they speak/show emotion).

I often found myself taking a break from the game just because of how tense/nerve racking some of the events were. It was really tiring (in a good way) when you were always on the edge of your seat trying to press the right button combination. But on the other hand, I was always wanting to find more clues on who is the origami killer.

The one other thing I wanted to say is how I liked replaying the game and carefully listening/watching Scott Shelby's emotions and thoughts. I think I spent a lot of time at Game Faqs reading everyone's speculations on Scott's character. It was then I realized how much I actually cared about the character. I made all my actions with this character in a positive way. I saved the store clerk, saved the mom, saved Kramer, saved Lauren and here I go finding out he was the killer the whole time. Now, this may be different with everyone else (that's why this game is soo great) but that's how I just felt.

Now for some plot holes that have been mentioned on the internet. The first one is that the game never really tells you how/why Ethan mars blacks out and finds origami figures in his hand. The next thing that really irritated me was that the game never really tells you why the reporter gives the look she gives when Anne Shepard tells her that the origami killer is Scott Shelby? There are some more plots holes but those are the ones that really stuck to me.

Overall, go try out this game!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

@insomniacgames tweets!

Are you following @insomniacgames? you aren't? Why not! You could be the first to see videos like this!



Tweeted as "Weapons 101"

Monday, August 24, 2009

Game Design

Interesting video I saw that @insomniacgames posted.

On Break!

Hey guys! I saw this on Kotaku and it brought me back when I use to play with Legos as a kid.




There was always the 3 different building items that kids use to build with when I was a kid. What was your building equipment? I personally loved Legos and always tried to work the K'Nex. I had a few Tinker Toys but I always ended up making swords/gun type items from them so I don't remember making any cool. As for Legos, oh man. The creative and love I spent into making cities/cars was a cite to see. I also had one of the giant containers that had a mix of everything along with many different builds (ranging from Aliens to Robin Hood). If you don't remember any of what I stated, maybe the pictures below might spark a memory or two!




K'Nex







Legos







Tinker Toys




Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Eye pet looks so adorable!

Sony hit my sweet spot for these virtual pets. It looks like some casual fun!

Fat Princess comes on the 30th!

2 days! 2 more days till Fat Princess comes out. Watching all the gameplay videos reminds me of a old Playstation 1 game called "Team Buddies". I was chating with my buddy Greg a couple days ago at school, we both came to a conclusion. This generation's arcade games have created more excitement for us than some of our "Hardcore" title picks. Especially on the PSN network with innovative titles like Pixel Junk Monsters, Warhawk, Flower, Rag Doll Kung Fu(A major upgrade from the original PC title) and the upcoming Fat Princess. Also, can't forget titles like Castle Crashers and Splosion Man(I might have spelt this wrong). What these titles provide is a bit of a break from the causal shooter or action genre.

Fat Princess interview from the Playstation Blog

Thursday, July 16, 2009

I'm back!

Hey everyone! Sorry for the leap of absence from the blogging community!

The question I've been asking myself ever since the Playstation 3 was first released so long ago *remembers the PS3 lines to find out that the store you waited at only had like 3 PS3s. ahh the memories!* is what the heck is up with the R2 and L2 buttons. I know that they were going to perfect for certain games but I didn't know which ones. As I opened up my box of random games, I found my copy of Twisted Metal 4. Popping it into my PS3, I soon realized that the R2 and L2 buttons were made perfect for this game! The feel of pressing the triggers to shoot my misles and machine gun bullets was so satisfying.

The thing I basically wanted to ask was, hey Sony, where's my Twisted Metal 6? WHERE!?

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

E3 After thoughts!

Well, I believe we are on a brink on seeing something new and fresh! After seeing both the Xbox 360 and PS3 new motion devices, I am super stoked to see more! The body motion sensor with the Xbox 360 (I assume it's done through a camera or something) was quite interesting. It reminds me of an enhanced Eye Toy. What really got me was what what Mr. Peter Molyneux. It struck me how much we've evolved from the days of "Pong". If you haven't seen it yet, here you go!



As for the PS3, I'm so excited for that new motion sensor. I feel that it hits my weakness that I had for the Wii when it was first announced. And seeing as they've been testing out the technology behind this video.

I can only imagine what they can do with it.

Here's what they showed at the PS3 Conference.


The whole idea of having the ability to interact with those objects with that kind of precision is amazing. The ever so dying area of rail gun shooters could be revived so easily with this controller alone. Think of the graphical power of the PS3 mixed with Wii motion sensored games. Everyone wants Wii-HD, well PS3 kind of beat it there!

Oh the last note I would like to talk about is Left 4 Dead 2. Really Valve? Really? A year after the first one is released, you create another one. I don't know how I feel yet but seeing as I might have to chip out another 40 dollars for only 5 campaigns. I might have to wait for the "Steam Deals". Don't get me wrong, it looks interesting and fun but I thought that since I bought L4D 1, that it would at least last 2 years. They better add the new infected to the original L4D campaigns! The new concept for the "Charger" seems very needed and I am wondering if they'll add any new infected that resembles the "Screamer" from the developer commentary. I also love the idea of the witch walking around in daylight!

Those are just some thoughts! I hope everyone is pumped for the upcoming games of 2009/2010!

Oh ya, Uncharted 2 looks outstanding. The part where the helicopter is shooting inside the building and the lights are moving with shadows of the items on the floor = incredible!

Monday, May 25, 2009

On my summer break!

Hey hey, I'm off on my summer break and it's been such a needed relaxing period. I went swimming / hot tubing yesterday and it felt so chill. I woke up today to check out some more information on the game "inFamous". Found some sweet dev. diary videos on Game Trailers. Videos like these remind me of when I first started out wanting to make games and why. Just the thrill to make "fun" games. The video also has some an awesome intro. Check it out.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Rag Doll Kung Fu Rocks!

I didn't think I was gonna love Rag Doll Kun Fu: Fists of Plastic but it's turning out to be great fun! Think of Super Smash with puppets that also uses the motion sensor intuitively. I am digging the motion sensor lightning ball charge up and super punch (w/e punch that propels you at the enemy). Check out the game play video I left below! Don't under estimate how fun this game is! And it's also free for this week only (I think?) so what are you waiting for?

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Summer!

School ends in like a week! I've been busy finishing final projects and such! I did managed to find my way over to Game Trailers and see the Uncharted 2 gameplay. Oh wow! The animation of everything is so fluid and nice! It really brings a new level of detail to video games! Check it out!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Uncharted 2 gets even more badass!

After hearing about the 3 player coop levels and multiplayer addition to Uncharted 2, I absolutely was pumped to listen to the Multiplayer design interview! Check it out here!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Coke Ads

As I was watching House on Hulu, I saw this fantastic ad for Coke Cola. Now, as a Coke addict, I love seeing anything Coke related. I like how the commercial plays with the feeling of normalness of life with Coke at hand. And without Coke, the world ceases to remain functional. Great idea, and great drink!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Updated my side stuff!

I thought today would be a good day to update all the sidebar columns (most of them at least). I also got to take a chance to watch the latest episode in Game Trailer's Bonus Round. It was quite interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on "On Live". You know what, here. Just watch it here

Monday, April 13, 2009

Fire

Started working on some fire with Fume FX and here is a quick render of it. Tell me what you think!