markymint's world of wonder

Wonga!

2009-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

No free money here I'm afraid, but plenty of other interesting-ish stuff!!

I'm pleased to say several new games have been finished lately! Firstly there's the Tales of Monkey Island fan-game parody thingy which I created music for, pretty hastily, and never really finished! But it was on a tight deadline! By monkey_05_06 and artwork by Ben - nice to finally contribute to both their works!

Also, GreenBoy's new short comedy adventure Danny Dread is on Call which has a proper soundtrack by me! I love this little game, it's not too long but the puzzles are fun, the humour is witty and the animations are a very nice touch. Please check it oot :D

And also a demo of my very own game, Lost In Paradise which has effectively made the November - December 2009 my most productive AGS weeks ever! The game itself is progressing nicely. Lately I have been a bit slack on it though because of all these other mini-projects, so the original idea of having it done in 2009 is...very unlikely. But as the Complete-O-Meter on the s7 website says, it IS a good 50-60% complete :)

For Halloween, we also felt like making a little movie and so came up with a rather weird horror film called Bludgeoned To Death, available to watch for the 1st time in a higher quality....here!

And that's about it. I'm still skint, just got a comfy bed after using floors, couches and campervans for the last 18 months, so I am enjoying epic comfy sleep at the moment...Other than that, I still drink & smoke too much, but am quite content at the moment. Perhaps because I've been replaying Theme Hospital lately...Thanks for reading, now go do something more useful!1

Mods

I know what I smoked

2009-10-06T08:14:00.001-07:00

Brand new History channel documentary "I Know What I Saw" by James Fox aired on Sunday 4th. It's an up to date docu about the reality of UFO's about our planet and includes well-cut material from the National Press Club meeting with lots of high ranking witnesses & also interviews from about the world with others. It will seriously challenge any skeptics who believe UFO's are trickery, but don't take my word for it - check it out!

Watch all 9 parts on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ufotuber

I can sea the see!

2009-10-03T04:48:00.000-07:00

Fountain of Youth and Lost In Paradise continue slowly, but my exclusive news for today is Nelly 2! If that means nothing to you then come back when it does!! The sequel is HUUGE and I've been lucky enough to read a design document -- mostly because I shall be working on the music again, wooot! Anyway it's going to be a major sequel to 2007's best AGS game! :D Watch this space!

Not bloggered

2009-07-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't updated this for a while so I thought I should. Besides drinking, I've been busy trying to organise AdventureX the expo show for AGS developers and other peoples with some special guests. It's coming along well, I nearly have the website ready & thankfully some awesome special guests are set to speak, including Jonathan Boakes, Charles Cecil & hopefully Dave Gilbert :D

This is good news for adventure game fans like me. I've also been getting my teeth back into composing and hope to do some real soundtrack work next year. I've been playing San Andreas lately and it's given me a kick up the backside to work on a project I've had planned in full for about 6 years. I was going to get the game funded but the funder had to pull out as the funds would have paid for professional artists, so as that's not the case anymore I'm going to make it myself - even if the graphical standard will be somewhat By The Sword :P

I was actually surprised with what I managed to achieve in a day (see below), 3 of 7 islands in a game in 3D using Bryce. I'm keeping this game low key, it won't be announced anywhere else until it's complete. My 3D art is nothing to shout about, and the characters will be equally bad hehe but after thinking of some practical ways to make the best of Bryce3D I decided to go for it, and it's been fun - even though Bryce just gets slower, slower and slower with each new object :P

I'm going to Sonisphere in about 15 days, and have been trying to shoot a new comedy movie - but it's too epic in scale & I don't have the resources (or a car) for it at the moment, so I'm going to reserve my film-making energy for a short horror and of course, with any luck, a new Ben Jordan movie at Mittens 2010 ;)

Thanks for reading, enjoy your summer!

There's something in the mist...

2009-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

..and it lept out and ate my sandwich..BASTARD!

So it's been a while since I bothered to blog, mostly because of problems in "waking life" as my dream book likes to refer to it. I also lost the internet for a good 3 or 4 weeks. Therefore my productivity on the whole had been reduced to 1%.

But hey, now I have my own place - it's pretty lush and I have the internet back. My head is still in several different places after living with my good friend & her kids, and effectively ripping myself away from the "family unit" we'd created. But I got to wish her all the best and her twins - I seriously enjoyed living with you for months and months on end! But whatever, you'll never read this :p

So what's on the cards now? Surely I haven't been completely dormant?

Well yes, I have. Sorry :P

I have mostly been working on getting the s7 store online, because it's time for me to make a little back from what I do - especially for now whilst I have all new bills to pay & stuff. The store is almost working, but there seems to be a problem with sending the customer back to a confirmed page. Gash.

KI has not been touched for a good month or 2 now, but my inspiration is coming back :) Mainly because I've been in the company of a girl I adore recently and I've been feeling loved up -- something I haven't felt for fucking ages! I even have a slight sense of hope & optomism about life now, which seriously, 3 weeks ago, I didn't.

There's nothing happening on the music front. I haven't had enough updates about Fallen Legend or Greenback to progress with them yet, so I guess I should get back in touch. There's still no word on Larry Vales, Fatman 2 or Nelly Cootalot 2 -- so all I can do is sit and wait. And I really haven't bothered to attatch myself to any new projects on the AGS website either. 09 doesn't really look like a comedy-game year, so I guess I should stick to KI for now :)

It's nice and sunny and now I'm getting motivated to make a movie...but...one step at a time. Thanks for reading, I'll see you again in about 4 months :P

Mod's mini movie review

2009-01-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas time has been good this year, loads of fantastic specials and even some great movies on! Oh no wait, those were all DVD's. Still, I seem to have watched a shit load of stuff in the last few weeks, here's my review :)

MAN ON FIRE 4/5
Very compelling DENNNNZELLL movie. I couldn't wait to watch and see what Denzel was up to this time. He played a very convincing role, and Dakotta Fanning was surprisingly cute and surprisingly un-annoying in this movie. It took a while for the action to kick off but it was fantastic to watch. Walken was very good in this too, and what's more, I watched this straight after CLICK and had no idea Walken would be in it - so it was a pleasent surprise! Overall, a very compelling movie.

CLICK 5/5
Probably the best, fresh comedy I've watched for quite a few years. I want to suck the casting directors dick, because the cast in this movie is simply unbeatable. Adam Sandler plays an amazing role - his best since The Wedding Singer. The writing in the movie is BRILLIANT, had me laughing a lot. Christopher Walken is BLOODY BRILLIANT and both HE and SANDLER should do more movies like this... If you luuvv christopher walkens waaacky voyce, you'll frickin luff dis movie! The FONZ is in it and so is David Hasselhoff playing the perfect part for the Hoff - WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT!!! The plot was great and it DIDN'T break down into mush at the end...GO WATCH THIS FILM NOW!!!

HANCOCK 3/5
This film started out great. Will Smith is great in this movie, seriously. But once you hit half way throgh the film, it get's boring. It's not a bad film, in fact - far from it, there's a lot of great moments. But the power struggle that begins half way through the movie should, in my opinion, never have happened. I was really interested in Hancock, and him getting over his problems. There's a great scene where he can finally say "Good job" to cops, and that provoked a really nice feeling inside. Then I was waiting for more like that, but the movie turned into something else - none of his original problems got their resolve and I just couldn't care for his relationship with super-woman. So, worth watching - the first half at least.

ROYLE FAMILY: XMAS SPECIAL 4/5
This was a great Christmas treat! THANK YOU!!!! I can't get enough of the Royle Family and I was excited about this episode for weeks. It certainly didn't dissapoint, but there seemed to be a few things missing, mostly Ralf Little - but so so. Not as hard hitting as the previous Christmas special but, I'm EXTREMELY glad they still went ahead and made another one. This made BBC viewing essential this year, which hasn't happened to me for quite a while!! All the usual characters played their roles extremely well, and Denise looked hot in her apron! Hehe

WALLACE & GROMIT XMAS SPECIAL 3/5
I can't remember it's name but it was fun to watch. It had its moments. It was just nice that it was on, it felt like the older years when no-one had freeview and so everyone sat and watched Wallace & Gromit at Christmas :) I don't think this one was as good as Wrong Trousers by far, and not quite as good as a close shave, but it was definitely fun, and the love element for Gromit was a lovely touch. So well done Aardman! Hopefully next time there won't be any women, as with the original 2 films.

And that's about it, I can't remember what else I've watched, apart from that Eurovision song contest audition thing with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Graham Norton, and that is actually a good laugh! I plan to audition for BB10 in the next week, maybe even today - yes, I know, signing my life away, but I'm up for it :)

Til next time...take it easy!

Kinky!

2009-01-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Woop! Kinky Island is going back into production...full, hard, fast production - thanks to its new character artist & animator with undeniable talent - Luke Rideout.

And the great thing is, it probably won't take long to make now :)

Watch this space!

+<<<=

2008-12-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's meant to be a Christmas tree. OH WELL!

My Christmas gayme is out now called Santa Claus Down. It's a 1st person adventure which has been whipped up rather quickly for Zmas so I apologise for it's rough edges. It CAN be completed but some errors when trying the time trial can occur. And stuff. SO, GO PLAY :D

http://www.screen7.co.uk/games/

The crazy mp3 soundtrack is pretty much almost available from my website.

And if when you see that page the top-ish section is all over the place, please let me know! Cos it seems to do it on some computers but none of mine :/

FoY xmas animation is looking fantastic but it could still be a day or two before it sees the light of day. I really need to get the music done, which I will, after I've edited more of Vaughny's wedding.

TIL NEXT TIME

boi

It's a bit chilly but not in Chile

2008-12-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

I know several people that will have read that as "chyal" :p It seems there's some UFO activity in Santiago recently, almost identical to another video from 2003 taken at the same time of the year. There's speculation it's just military aircraft "celebrating" something & that the triangular formation is actually a standard military manouever. What do you think?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0nyPU4e7_Bo

My game is almost ready! 50 rendered backgrounds are complete, animations are complete now its just a few sequences and "look ats" to code but other than that...going very well :) I was hoping to release it tomorrow, but I don't think it'll be ready until Xmas eve now. Definitely before Xmas day tho! :P YAY. And it will be my first "medium length" full AGS game hehehe! Even if it does only have 2 puzzles ;) Ok, maybe it's a short game.

And YAY Murhpy's Salvage has been released! Have a go, sort out Wombat's problems! The game includes music by me! I didn't use a keyboard at all either, it's completely from my head. YAY
http://www.bigbluecup.com/games.php?category=&action=detail&id=1114&refresh1229195534

Still going

2008-12-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

My christmas game is at 25 rooms with about 15 more projected. I've been rendering a cutscene and 5 seconds is taking 5 hours...if only the tree objects weren't so complex! I hope to have the game about by the 17th, and it's looking quite likely.

I almost made a trailer, but then realised it had no value, so instead I'm going to make an AGS forum post...

I also have only 8 days or so to make a kickass 40 question pub quiz with all its usual fun DVD elements. You'll never see it, but at least you know I'm making it :P I'm doing a disco the night after too, which will be fun. And alcoholic :p

I still can't afford Christmas presents for anyone, which sucks. I hope money sorts itself out a bit in the next week or two.

Sleigh bells ring!

2008-12-08T04:31:00.000-08:00

Are you listening?

Mods
It's December and Xmas decorations are flying! Our tree is up and it's all sparkly like :) I watched The Jerk the other night for the second time in my life, and it continues to grow on me. I don't usually like Steve Martin & especially not when he's trying to be eccentric, but somehow his performance in The Jerk is spot on! The film is funny, witty - and although it looks dated, it some how feels just as relevant & funny today as it would've when it was released. The gags are somewhat timeless I assume. Definitely worth a watch!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079367/

Midi
In gaming news, I'm still awaiting the release of Murphy's Salvage, a little AGS game with some of my music in. I just hope it gets released this side of the New Year so I can then state I did manage 3 soundtracks this year :p
http://www.screen7.co.uk/music/midi/

I've applied to do music on the new Ace Quest game and Mills has given me some kind reassurance, but it's too early for him to have a clear picture of the music side, so he's not coming to any decisions about that for a while!
http://www.jmaven.com/acequest/

Mr Doak popped by my blog (thanks Mike) to say Fatman 2 continues! Just...well...I don't know. I need a list from you Mike, that's all!!!

Yahtzee continues to make Zero Punctuations but it appears he has nothing game wise in the works. I've emailed him a few times but not had a response, I guess he's too busy even to speak to me. BASTARD! Still, it's only a matter of time before he realises he needs to make one of his own games again. I assure you :)

Um, and I can't remember what else I'm working on. Oh yes I can. *fumble* I've just sent the guy a PM to say I can start work on it now that I've finished the Murphy's Salvage one. And of course there is the NEW Larry Vales game! But Phil is also still merely pondering over soundtrack matters too I think :)

Game
I am making a Christmas game which is a 1st person adventure for fun. It should be ready in a fortnight, just before Xmas eve. Only problem at the moment is, it's too bloody linear!!!

Matti is still working on the backgrounds for Dumbass Drivers! and I can't wait to see them complete! But there is no rush, so DD or DAD will be ready in 2009.

I have some catching up to do with the latest AGS releases which I hope to do over Christmas. I wonder how many other Xmas games are in the works?

Film
Watched 2 filming hasn't happened for a few weeks, my fault...illness, family meals...but this coming weekend I hope to get in one decent full day, and there are a LOT of exciting shots to do so I can't wait! We've permission to do some great stuff in the scrap-yard with a large grab...awesome! Under professional supervision, of course ;) The trailer however has been seen by bollox all people, so its here!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-mGk4AmF7m4

UFO Watch UK episode 4 is coming very soon, it's quite complete but not wholly. Episode 5 is going to be something quite special though :) It was planned to be the Xmas special but I really don't think I'm going to get time. So 4 will be average but 5 will hopefully match number 3's 2000 views :D

We've had some beautifully clear nights in the last week - thank Yahweh! It had been cloudy for literally a MONTH and a half, since October 14th!!! GRRR hehe. But I haven't SEEN any UFOs, even though I've been looking. I have, in the past, seen them in these cold months so I'm going to keep my eyez on the skyz :)

Web
I've updated the Screen 7 website in a couple of areas, but I haven't had the time or the money to finalise this years award stuff. The runners up will get their prize over Christmas time, and the trophy...well, the company moved off their premesis during its production - and I haven't had the time or money to find them again. Still, I'll just get another one made if I have too. Sorry for the delay to the winner...but try and go to Mittens, so you can recieve it in person!! ;p

End
That's it. I can't think of anything else even vaguely relevant. I'd like a cup of tea? Merry Christmas!

X-box adventures of a novice

2008-12-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, not an awful lot to discuss today so I thought I would do a couple of reviews. Keep in mind that I'm an Xbox novice and I generally play games on Easy or Normal because I'm an adventure gamer at heart and worry more about progressing the story than I do wanting to blow away a thousand million bad guys.

Rainbow Six Vegas 7/10 - Status, un-finished, just passed Hell's Gate
I was dubious about what this game would be like when I saw the box but after getting to grips with the controls I absolutely love this game. The storyline is intriguing and there's a nice set of missions before you hit the Strip itself which was great. Being able to move your team around and make them storm in rooms and stuff is just brilliant - it's a lot of fun. As always though there comes a point where it's just more of the same, and frustration kicks in. It would have benefited from a few more checkpoints along the way, but I'm saying that cos I'm shit at FPS games. None the less, all the tricks, the graphics & the story make this a fantastic game to play. Highly recommended!

Gears of War 2 8/10 - Status, finished
I have had a go on the first game but I'm not allowed to play it in full yet because my friend wants to do the solo campaign first, hehe. None the less I WAS allowed to play the sequel and it's been a lot of fun. The controls & characters remain the same, but this time the aim is to reach the heart of the bad guys and take them out. There are a lot of twists and turns and the story is extremely engrossing. Sure, you have to blow away a lot of Locust alien things but this feels like a worthy battle. There are quite a few un-expected twists and turns which I thought were neat, as you hit points where you think "I know whats coming next" but it doesn't. Awesome game, with quite a few unique & interesting challenges besides running around on foot. Genuinly scary moments too, though I'm not convinced it is as scary as the first, afterall, where are the Beserkers? Where are those flying creature things? Maybe I have to complete the first game to find out why they aren't in the 2nd. Very definitely play this if you can. It's fantastic :D

That'll do for now :)

It doesn't deserve a title

2008-11-27T11:49:00.001-08:00

Things is ares hotting up at AGS as a massive debate revolving around Nacho occurs & two blogs merge into one, and a game is "deleted" from the datbase by it's author. Also, A Vampyre Story thing becomes available as a demo and the majorty of people are left dissapointed.

In other news, Man City win 2-0 to Schalke! Not that I care really. And you probably don't either. I have been able to update the Screen 7 film & games pages; a minor update which includes the Ben Jordan film we made.

It's a quiet time for music as I wait on a release of a game, and I haven't filmed for a couple of weekends. More news soon, but only if & when it's relevant.....and it never is :P

Hey dumbass, over here!

2008-11-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

I've recently put my demo for Dumbass Drivers online, and have managed to find an artist who is helping to re-draw all the backgrounds into his lovely style for the full version, thank you Matti! You can play my demo with great voice acting by Grundislav here:
http://www.bigbluecup.com/yabb/index.php?topic=36028.0

In other news, WATCHED II has begun filming & will be my 2nd short film produced in 2008. The original film was shot 6 years ago so it's quite exciting to be pulling together the old crew, visit some old locations & shoot some NEW material! I hope to have it edited by Christmas, but Jan or Feb 2009 looks more possible.

Recently announced is a new LARRY VALES game and Phil has kindly asked me to contribute music, yay! I'm a tune or two away for finishing my latest MIDI score for MURPHY'S SALVAGE, a short AGS game that I expect will be out by the end of November 08! I've only done one soundtrack in MIDI this WHOLE year, which is a bit of a shame, but I've been going through a lot of personal issues this year and I couldn't focus strongly on music. But don't fret, NELLY COOTALOT 2 is in the midst!!! Though I haven't heard anything from the developer. I haven't heard any more about FATMAN 2. Still, a lot of sequels lined up, my pants are wet already!

Not much else to say I'm afraid! No new UFO's either :( But Grace told me about an alien light that travelled through her and two mates. INTRIGUING. Or just plain CRAZY? You decide :p

UFO Oct 21st 2008 - Holland

2008-10-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

This superb video was captured in Holland. What is it? The strange object almost looks like a giant foot or paw!! And whatever that thing is near the end...well...how odd! :D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hwXKlgLXXWo

Welcome!

2008-10-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

This seems like a good place to be able to keep up to date on all the latest UFO's. So here we go!! :)