Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Carmageddon Game
Carmageddon shattered all the established racing game traditions by allowing players to complete each course in one of three distinct ways. The first was to race the other five drivers through the designated checkpoints, whilst the other two methods were where the real fun could be found: either by ramming the other cars into smouldering wrecks, or by wiping out the entire pedestrian population by means of vehicular homicide. For players at the time, these methods of victory were such alien concepts that winning in this fashion felt like breaking the rules of both conventional racing games and of morality itself. And it felt good, Gonzo-insanity good.
As either Max Damage or Die Anna, gamers were thrust into a variety of colourful maps were they could veer from the race-track and actually explore the large and open levels. Driving around areas that would’ve been inaccessible in other racing games felt liberating and refreshing - as did learning that the maps had destructible features players could interact with (i.e. smash). This sandbox exploration was virtually non-existent in racing games at the time and only the equally innovative Grand Theft Auto offered anything similar. One area in which the 2D GTA couldn’t compete with Carmageddon of course, was in the graphics department. The 3D engine used by the game was years ahead of its time, allowing for highly realistic in-game physics and car behaviour that added yet another dimension to the intense experience. Stepping on the gas and hitting the car’s top speed felt dangerously exciting, as one wrong movement or slight clip to the bonnet could send your vehicle spinning insanely through the air and result in a game-ending crash (‘wasted!’), or send it careening through a group of screaming pedestrians, possibly earning players the ‘bonus for artistic impression’ accolade if the carnage was deemed suitably Picasso-esque.
Talking of vehicular crashes – the destruction method of victory was usually the quickest and most gratifying way to win. There was nothing as satisfying as hitting another driver head-on, gradually overpowering them in a brief battle of horsepower, pushing them backwards whilst building speed, then concussively smashing them into a wall/barrier/lamppost for the grin-inducing ‘you wasted ‘em’ announcement. Even with all the berserk behaviour occurring, the maps weren’t completely lawless. Much like today, if you became too raucous near a police car, you’d be hunted down with sirens blaring, and have your car mercilessly totalled. Unlike today, however, if you somehow managed to take out the lawman’s armoured wheels before he took yours, you didn’t get Tasered until you vomited your own poo, you got the chance to add the hulking motor to your own car collection. Take that, The Law! This mechanic also applied to most of the wacky cars you wasted in-game, which you could view in a post-game wrecks gallery.
The truth is, Carmageddon simply wasn’t as fun to play when all the gore was removed. What does it say about the PC gaming audience who felt this way? For a start, the inclusion of zombies meant that many of the original and brilliant sounds previously experienced in trailers and demos were now completely vacant. Also, although the game was at its core absurd, this blood replacement made it feel less real; it made players feel like they’d also been forced to compromise along with Stainless. It no longer felt that they were playing something genuinely boundary-pushing, illicit and dark. It was frustrating and disappointing: green blood just isn’t as sexy as that special scarlet that pumps from our racing hearts. And the new storyline:
“The year is 2028. Solar flares have contaminated the atmosphere, turning 80% of the world’s population into wandering crowds of evil zombies. In this era of peace, where weapons are a forgotten problem of the past, mankind has only one option - to defend society as we know it IN CARS. All pedestrians have been cleared from the streets; Carmageddon is our only hope.”
Sucked donkey-balls. Fortunately, a patch and the Splat Pack add-on were soon made available and restored equilibrium to the brains of blood-hungry virtual motorists. A brief court-battle had managed to overturn the BBFC’s influence in a matter of months.
Praise for the non-zombie version was high, with acclaim being bestowed upon all of the game’s many-selling points and, leading magazine of the time, PC Zone, even declared ‘Carmageddon is God!’ The game’s success meant a sequel was inevitable, and Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now, delivered more of the same quality gaming on a superior engine. The third and final game of the series, Carmageddon III: Total Destruction Racing 2000, unfortunately failed to live up to the high standards of the first two games. The series still enjoys a loyal online fanbase that includes dedicated modders, and the possibility of a fourth game remains optimistic. But even if another game is never realised, the original can be credited with forever altering the gaming landscape: its inspired innovation, timeless replayability, redefinition of racing game boundaries, and of course - its controversy, means Carmageddon has as a legacy forever etched upon gaming history.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
2011 Celebrity - Lady Gaga
Just like any other year, Forbes has ranked the celebs according to their estimate earnings in the past 12 months, as well as media and online exposure.
Lady GaGa, who made some $90 million last year, is the ultimate Internet queen with 32 million Facebook fans and 10 million Twitter followers. Her other records include 1 million digital downloads of ‘Born This Way’ within the first week of its release.
Oprah Winfrey is the biggest money maker in the top 3 with $290 million earned last year. Justin eared five times less but he’s got a devoted army of Beliebers on Facebook and Twitter, so this factor has contributed to his place in the celebrity ranking 2011.
2011 People’s Choice Awards Red Carpet Fashion
Gorgeous Hollywood divas stepped out in eye-catching outfits for People’s Choice Awards 2011 last night at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Celebrity fashion at 2011 People’s Choice Awards was worth watching. Hollywood stars surely know how to shine both, on and off the big screen.
There were many sexy TV actors, film stars, singers and models who shined on red carpet in their best red carpet looks. World’s most glamorous women including Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift showed off their amazing fashion sense in eye-popping designer gowns and jewelry at 2011 People’s Choice Awards.
Check out 2011 People’s Choice Awards Best Dressed Celebs:
Sexy, Kim Kardashian dazzled on the red carpet in a short shimmering Malandrino dress. She sported an elegant updo, nude lips and mega-long lashes. She paired her dress with luxurious earrings and necklace.
Hollywood rockstar, Taylor Swift was spotted in a soft peachy J. Mendel dress which she teamed with rosebud lip color. She styled her hair in curly updo and looked pretty.
Kristen Stewart showed off her bold fashion statement in a glitzy Reem Acra dress. She opted for bright lip color and and metallic eye shadow. She was honored with the favorite movie actress award.
Kaley Cuoco, American film and television actress wowed the audience in a floor-length white gown. She spiced up her sexy look with hot pink lip shade and a luxurious clutch.
Katy Perry, turned into an angel at 2011 People’s Choice Awards. Singer was spotted in an adorable strapless bright purple and blue tulle frock. Dark makeup, bright pink lipstick and loose curl added glam to her look. She won award for favorite female artist and favorite online sensation.
Leighton Meester attended the function in a gray floral detailed dress from the Vionnet Spring 2011 collection. She opted for dark orange colored statement earrings and cute lavender heels by Brian Atwood.
Raven Symone stunned the audience as she arrived in a glamorous look for award function. She wore hot ruffled jacket and leather pants. She wore her hair in high ponytail and sport smokey eye makeup.
Beautiful Jennifer Aniston was the only one diva who opted for a mannish look. She looked mind blowing in black top and trousers.
Black Swan beauty, Mila Kunis rocked a strapless neutral-hued, ruffled strapless dress from J. Mendel. She finished off her look with ankle-strap pumps and side-swept hair.
Sexy, AnnaLynne McCord looked slim and fit in a teal cowl-neck mini dress. She wore a stylish ponytail and sport nude lip color. AnnaLynne McCord blue dress was really head-turning.
Cutie, Emma Roberts won the heart of everyone in a super cute ruffled, strapless LBD. She wore exquisite drop earrings and a gold cocktail ring.
Minka Kelly wowed the audience in a sultry off-the-shoulder dress by Vivienne Westwood, paired with nude platform pumps. She carried braided satin clutch and looked amazing with dark makeup.
Ashley Tisdale was wearing a floor-length print Farah Angsana dress and Swarovski’s Reverbere clutch. The “High School Musical” star looked smoking hot with an loose updo hairstyle.
Kate Walsh matched her dress to blue carpet and looked very lovely. She was clad in a strapless David Meister frock with a pair of black christian louboutin pumps.
Justin Bieber’s girlfriend Selena Gomez also opted for a light color for the event just like Taylor Swift. Selena Gomez wore a ruffled one-shoulder pale pink short dress by Paule Ka with black clutch.
She opted for shiny eye-shadow and side-swept hair. For the performance, Selena wore a printed floor sweeping gown and showed off her sexy long legs.