Top 10 Misused Words, English Edition

Great list of words used wrongly. (Did I just use “wrongly” wrongly??) I like the part when they call “ultimate” the most misused. Anyone with teenagers knows that “awesome” is a far more frequent offender, but perhaps not so far from the word’s true meaning.

Check out all 10 of the misused words.

Johnny Depp in Drag at a UK Game

This has to be Johnny Depp… c’mon… am I crazy? It looks just like him!

Boysen Killin’ It in Quake

Ok, so it’s not really me but check out these skills!?!

L.A. Noir Is Most Advanced Motion-Capture Video Game Ever

Facial recognition CGI in video games has been in it’s infancy. When L.A. Noir launches in early 2011, it’ll at least be a teenager. Impressive!

New Deus Ex Game Trailer Is Outstanding

Watch the Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer… NOW!

How will the game possibly live up to this?!? I know Romero was behind the original but it seems the games have more in common with games like System Shock than any Doom/Quake games. I’m psyched! [via Kotaku]

Bioshock 2 and the Engaging World of Rapture

Did you know that video games is a $41.9 billion industry? That compared to a “meager” $10.6 billion reported by the film industry shows that video gaming is prime time.

With that comes the understanding that customers expect addictive, highly polished games for their $60 so studios are under pressure to only support the game concepts most likely to be big hits. Unfortunately, that stifles creativity and risk-taking.

Most games released by the big boys—EA, Activision and the rest—are either sequels to successful titles or formulaic games built on the same footings of a previously high money winner. So, for the end-user we’re greeted with the same ole thing

So back to Bioshock 2. Like Bioshock 1 (my review), this game was produced by 2K (not a small player) but the people behind the game was a smaller group, Looking Glass Studios, in particular Ken Levine.

Here’s the key, small studios don’t have the pressure to produce like the larger companies who demand better results at the bottom line. Smaller groups have the freedom to experiment, to see what might be incredible and just run with it.

The genius behind most of Levine’s games are the story. Both Bioshock 1 & 2 have incredible stories with completely immersive environments. So much so, that entire wiki’s have sprung up to chronicle the minutia.

Take for instance the Puzzle Boxes of the most recent game. They have almost no bearing on the storyline or gameplay but are included for the diehard puzzle hunters. They’re planted for the same people who re-watch The Matrix 47 times to see what the film might have planted in hard-to-reach places but might add another fine detail to the overall picture.

It’s adds another level of richness to the game world.

The game itself runs on an outdated and clunky engine. There are far too many keys to master for fluid gameplay. But it’s easy to forgive because the sound effects are brilliant, the music is authentic and sensitive to the period, and the voice actors truly outstanding. Everything audio supports the environment, which in my experience is the best in any video game ever made.

That is, until Levine makes his next one.

Rating: 9 out of 10

DJ Steve Porter Is Just Ridiculous

I should just go ahead and post all of his stuff and be done with it. The man has talent and an eye for engaging bits. Mix in the Internet and your boy should be getting paid. #madskillz

Top Gifts for Geeks This Christmas

Tech Republic published the 10 geek gifts that top this year’s shopping list and it’s a joy to behold. Some are obvious *roku* *cough* *roku* but others surprised me.

If you’ve got a tech geek on your Christmas list, can’t hurt to check it out.

Rock Band 3 Gamespot Review, Links to New Guitars

Oh yeah it’s a must have game. Still looking to find out how the new guitars work in pro-mode. Anyone have a link for your pal Paladin?

Update: Found one “Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar review”
Update 2: Looks like the Squier Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 won’t be available until March, but might be worth the wait?

Update 3: Ok, this is what I’ve really been looking for… I SO WANT ONE!! (Squier Stratocaster for Rock Band)

Netflix Customer Service Rocks

Honestly, what company would volunteer this information? I couldn’t be bigger fan of Netflix. I have to say that the evil part of me loves seeing Blockbuster Finally Files for Bankruptcy Protection.

Rock Band 3 Is a Game Changer

Rock Band 3 is almost here! I’d so buy it all right now but I feel the need to “test drive” the new guitar controllers before putting down my Benjamins. #gamechanger

L4D2 DLC Is Here… Someday

I’m guessing 9,000+ concurrent users have overtaxed Valve’s servers. #TskTsk

Dancing Dog Does Dynamic Ditty

Because we all need to smile more. Ole!

Dad Life Vid Rocks YouTube

Sure there are imitators but the production value on these is off the chain! Oh wait, that’s old? Ok, how ’bout they be mos def fo shore yo!

Plus, check the UK subliminal.

Update: Ha! Just found out it was made by Church on the Move. Righteous!

Human TV Astounds

Can’t imagine how much practice went into this performance. Very cool!