tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33477794001319682902024-03-13T15:55:40.390+09:30Reckless AbandonReckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-63494533352595553592014-02-21T11:28:00.001+09:302014-02-21T11:28:29.382+09:30GR Strips - Wii Would Like To Pay U Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The next instalment of "GR Strips" featured over at <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/">GameRevolution</a>, this time we look into the possible reason as to why Nintendo's Wii U console isn't doing so well... <br />
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Okay. Being realistic, it's not Sony's doing and they're not that evil. There's no dark room conspiracies or brief cases filled with a huge of money. I think. Don't get me wrong, I love Nintendo and I love the Wii U. I've been a big Nintendo fan ever since I was a little kid. I remember my brothers and I got the first Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas, twenty one years ago. Been Nintendo fans ever since. <br />
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As much as I love the Wii U and its potential, it's very sad to see that compared to other consoles it's not doing so well. It really is a great machine and it does have a lot of potential. My brother and I loved <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/zombiu">Zombi U</a>, one of the launch titles back in late 2012. My brother wrote an excellent blog entry about Zombi U to coincide with our <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/interchangeable.html">strip</a> based on Zombi U. <br />
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Despite how good (or at least how good we thought it was) Zombi U was, it's a shame that there will not be a sequel and it's an even bigger shame to see that many third party developers are avoiding the Wii U, leaving it up to the Big N to try and save its own console. While the 3Ds is doing very well, the Wii U's sales have been so poor that the president of Nintendo, <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/iwata-takes-pay-cut-as-nintendo-profits-fall-23831">Saturo Iwata has taken a pay cut of half of his salary</a>, which is <em>a lot</em> of money. I think it's a very good and honourable thing of Saturo to do and really, I doubt he's missing out on much. <br />
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There's a lot of reasons why the Wii U isn't doing so well. In my opinion, I believe marketing was the biggest issue. See here in Australia, the Wii U wasn't advertised at all. I never saw it on television, in the shops or anything. No posters or anything. As it came closer to the release date sure I started seeing that stuff, but no one except for gamers and Nintendo fans actually knew what the Wii U was. <br />
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Nintendo decided to target the casual gamers with the Wii and while I hated most Wii games because of it, the Wii was a huge hit and made a lot of money. The Wii U was designed to go back to the hardcore gamers, to go back to the original fans... so this left all those casual gamers scratching their heads at the Wii U. People asked me<em> "What is the Wii U?"</em> and I got questions like <em>"Is it like the DS?"</em> <em>"Do I use my iPad with it?" "Is it like an iPad?" "Is it a new accessory for my Wii?"</em> No one had any idea that it was actually a brand new console. <br />
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That's where I think Nintendo failed. No one knew what a Wii U was so no one bought it. Well, that's a lie, people did buy it but not as many as Nintendo would have liked. On top of that, while the Wii U's power is on par with the PS3 and X-Box 360, I believe it was a little too late for the Wii U to be released, as the PS4 and X-Box One were already way in development and were released one year after the Wii U. Both latter consoles have been booming with sales, with the PS4 in particular. <br />
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As much as I love Nintendo and the Wii U, I am deeply saddened by its lack of success compared to the other consoles. We can only hope that its future games (such as Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros, the Legend of Zelda, Metroid, X etc.) will help deliver more sales to the console, which may encourage third party developers to return to Nintendo. <br />
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It's a great console. It just needs a little more love. <br />
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-Craig (Cr33g) <br />
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Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-79060644807583674942014-02-19T12:02:00.002+09:302014-02-19T12:02:34.541+09:30GR Strips - Maybe She's Born With It (and holy crap we're updating) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. We're actually updating. Holy crap. <br />
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It's been a while since we've updated, a long while. I believe our <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/spy-meet-spy.html">last comic</a> was uploaded last year 2013 in September so yeah, it's been a while. <br />
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Lucky for me I've received an awesome opportunity. Recently I've been working in collaboration with the staff of <a href="http://gamerevolution.com/">GameRevolution.com</a> and together we've come up with "GR Strips", a weekly web comic featured at GameRevolution, that relates to all the latest news in the world of gaming. Each strip is released Friday/Saturday (America/Australia). <br />
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The folks of GameRevolution are allowing me to upload GR Strips right here at Reckless Abandon, which allows me to not only expand my portfolio but to also update Reckless Abandon which makes me very happy. Each strip is released one week prior to GameRevolution first before being uploaded here at Reckless Abandon a week later. <br />
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I've been following GameRevolution since 2006 and it's easily my favourite gaming website when it comes to news, previews and reviews. I've also been an active user on their forums for a few years now too. Stop by and check it out! <br />
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So this comic is about the recently released <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tomb-raider-definitive-edition">Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition</a> for the PS4. The PS4 version looks absolutely amazing. It looks even better than the PC version on the highest settings. Strangely though, the developers seem kinda obsessed with how "realistic" they've made Lara Croft this time around, in particular with her hair. I haven't played it yet because I'm told if you've played it once before, you don't need to play it again. If you've yet to play the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider and you happen to have a PS4? Now is the time. <br />
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Speaking of the PS4, I got one at launch and sadly I don't have any games except for <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag">Assassin's Creed IV: Blackflag</a>. I really enjoyed Blackflag, although to be honest I didn't really care much for the actual assassin's plot, all I wanted to do was run around and be a pirate. Still, it's fun. <br />
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The Last of Us has finally got some storyline DLC which I'm looking forward to playing, <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/the-last-of-us-left-behind">Left Behind</a> was released just recently and I'm looking to stab my shivs into that... man that sounds wrong.<br />
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That's it for now. Expect to see more soon! Thanks for reading. <br />
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-Craig (Cr33g) <br />
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Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-63831979931181151872013-09-08T01:11:00.001+09:302013-09-08T13:57:31.383+09:30Spy meets spy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I say anything, <a href="http://heyyouwhysoserious.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/splinter-cell-blacklist-31-01-13-8.jpg">drawing x-ray vision style goggles to see through walls</a> is hard.<br />
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It is hard to keep this comic updated when so much stuff happens and how busy things get... but enough of the excuses.<br />
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This strip is about the recently released Splinter Cell: Blacklist, the sixth installment of the Splinter Cell franchise, technically seventh if you're going to count Splinter Cell: Essentials on the PSP. I've been playing a lot of the competitive online multiplayer recently and I've gotten pretty good for a newbie, mostly because of the game breaking equipment I use, just like many other players. Spies have the option of using "sonar goggles", which seriously <a href="http://orcz.com/images/thumb/1/13/Sc_sonargoggles.jpg/400px-Sc_sonargoggles.jpg">let them see through fucking walls</a>. It's legit in-game wall hacking and I abuse it regularly, but as I said everyone has the option to use this. So when two enemy spies come across one another, both standing behind a wall dividing one another and both using sonar goggles... it becomes an awkward stalemate.<br />
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I'm a big fan of the Splinter Cell franchise. I've owned and played every game and while the last game, Splinter Cell: Conviction wasn't that great for me, Blacklist was great. It kept the game play mechanics of Conviction but bought back elements from the past, most notably Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory... so it was like taking the best things from Chaos Theory and Conviction and putting it into the one game. Even without the iconic Michael Ironside voicing Sam Fisher (now played by Eric Johnson), Blacklist is still good. I'll admit that Johnson does sound a little too young to be playing the early to mid fifties veteran Sam Fisher, but I got over it pretty quickly.<br />
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I recently picked up Diablo III for the PS3. I played it last year on my PC and I ended up getting pretty bored of it, but I grabbed it for PS3 because I thought it might be a good couch multiplayer game to play with mates, since the game can allow four player cooperative play on the one console and TV. I gave it a go and rolled a Demon Hunter, ended up getting to level fifteen in Act 2 so far. It's actually kinda fun and feels like a new, but familiar game on the PS3. It does feel a little easy though and the amount of rare and even legendary item drops seems to have increased from the PC version?<br />
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Grand Theft Auto V is coming out later this month, not long now actually. I was originally going to get it another time, maybe, but then in the end (more like a spur of the moment) I decided to pre-order. I am looking forward to playing it, but really I'm looking forward to late October for the release of Batman: Arkham Origins. I love the Arkham series and despite a new developer behind the wheel, Origins looks <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDBpUCWr7a4">awesome</a>.<br />
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If anyone's interested, I caved in and made an <a href="http://cr33g-art.tumblr.com/">account over at Tumblr</a>. Since I do a lot of drawing in my spare time, I figured it'd be another place I could put some of my artwork, as well as other silly things that you guys might enjoy looking at. I hope. Anyway, it's up there so check it out and I hope you like it.<br />
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That's all for now. I know all I always say this, but I hope to bring another comic strip up soon. Until next time.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-53365178309101528952013-08-18T15:59:00.000+09:302013-08-18T16:10:10.129+09:30At least one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This strip is a little bit twisted, a little dark. I actually feel kind of bad drawing this, but my brother and I have been told by a friend that hey, we can draw <i>at least one</i> messed up strip. That sounds fair right? </div>
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This strip is loosely based off what happened just yesterday, minus the last two panels obviously. I went shopping to JB Hi-Fi and was wearing a Batman t-shirt. This little girl sees me and says to her mum, <i>"It's Batman!"</i>. I stop, turn and respond to her, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4qgTk8Vfyc">"I'm Batman!"</a></i> The look on the kid's face was priceless. The same thing happened to me at the end of 2012 when I was in Queensland visiting Australia Zoo.</div>
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Once again, we've updated just a little bit too late, considering our <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/the-main-show-and-apologies.html">last update</a> was at the end of last month, shortly after our trip to Melbourne, Australia for PAX AUS 2013. It's been difficult, mostly due to my full time job taking up most of my time, especially when travel to remote communities is involved. It's not a bad thing at all of course not, it honestly just makes it a little harder to motivate myself for these comics, which I know it's no excuse really but I'm using it as one. I still draw often but as for comics I really do need to keep it up, considering this is what I want to do. </div>
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Recently we've been designing some nerd and gamer-related t-shirts. I'm really happy with these designs and I would really like to see them as actual t-shirts. Maybe one day, when we get a little more settled on this web comic. </div>
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Anyway, a thousand apologies for the lack of updates, I'll try harder. Now let's talk about some games.</div>
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It's been out for a while but I picked up Monster Hunter: Ultimate for the 3Ds. I picked it up because two friends of mine have the game and say it's a lot of fun when it comes to multiplayer. I've never played a Monster Hunter game before until now and while I haven't tried multiplayer I am still enjoying this game. I can't wait to actually try out the multiplayer though, I bet it'll be heaps better. I've been told the game is a bit slow to get into and yeah, it kind of is, but it's getting better as I progress a little further.</div>
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I recently got back into playing Pokemon: Black and White 2 (Black) on my 3Ds as well. Finally got all eight badges and on my way through Victory Road.</div>
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A while ago shortly after my return from PAX AUS 2013 I picked up Shadowrun Returns for PC via Steam. I tried to play the original Shadowrun on a Super Nintendo emulator but I couldn't get into it, that being said, I am a complete sucker for cyberpunk stuff like Deus Ex and Shadowrun. Shadowrun Returns is an RPG with a turn based tactical combat system similar to that of the XCOM games. I really like this game so far, the storyline is interesting and the concept of user generated content is very appealing. I can't wait to see what some people bring out. Shadowrun Returns is a pretty damn good game, especially considering it's an indie game developed via successful runs on Kickstarter. </div>
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I saw on Steam that Splinter Cell: Blacklist is available for sale. At the sight of this I began to jump up and down for joy, but my jumping quickly diminished when Steam mentioned that the game will be "unlocked" on the 23rd of August next week. This was incredibly disappointing. The actual game comes out this week on the 22nd here in Australia, so I'm looking forward to it. </div>
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I've pre-ordered both the Collector's Edition and Definitive Edition of Batman: Arkham Origins for PS3, another game I'm looking forward to. Why both editions? Well, the Collector's is for me and the Definitive is actually a belated birthday present for my brother. Happy birthday to him! </div>
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That's about it. I hope to bring more comics soon in the near future. Hope you like this one and hopefully there will be more soon! </div>
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-Cr33g (Craig)</div>
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-13267403226768985192013-07-28T17:48:00.001+09:302013-07-29T10:26:50.070+09:30"The main event" - and apologies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holy crap.<br />
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First thing's first. Once again for the second time in 2013, I'd like to apologize for not updating this damn blog. It sounds like an excuse but it does get hard to try and regularly maintain and update this website when you're working full time, training and wanting to play video games or/and have a semi-decent social life. On top of that, things just don't work out the way I want sometimes which I'm sure anyone can relate to.<br />
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Regardless, my brother and I have both been inspired to try and get back to work, ever since PAX, the Penny Arcade Expo came to Melbourne Australia just last weekend. We went to PAX AUS and it was a completely amazing experience and it was the most fun I've had all year aside from my trip to Disneyland. I won't dwell too much into it, as my brother and I are both working on a more in depth "our experience at PAX" kinda comic, which we will be uploading soon. We'll both be ranting about PAX then.<br />
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In the mean time, here's a strip based off true events from PAX AUS. It was really funny, Microsoft was there to show off the X-Box One and as everyone walked past the main theatre, the poor enforcer would be shouting<i> "Come check out the X-Box One! Come on inside! Plenty of room!" </i>etc. Most panels seemed so busy and it was tough to get in, for the X-Box One though it was almost as if no one at PAX wanted to see it. Maybe they thought inside the main theatre was a monster instead of an X-Box One, ready to eat them upon entry.<br />
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When the guys revealed that if you stayed to watch the X-Box One presentation, you didn't have to leave the panel room, meaning you could stay inside and wait for a short amount of time to see Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade for their Q&A panel. Naturally when we discovered this, we bolted inside to see the rather average X-Box presentation, but the wait to see Penny Arcade was worth it.<br />
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With this strip I wanted to try something new. I wanted to ignore shading and shadows. As I watched Gabe draw his strip live on stage, I noticed he didn't even bother with shading and shadow. I then read recently in a Penny Arcade book that I picked up from PAX that Gabe used to do shadow and shading in almost every comic, but now only does it if he feels it'll effect the quality of the joke in a positive manner. He believes if there's no need to put shadow and shading in, then don't bother, it's not going to change the joke unless you are using the visual to pull off the joke (e.g. lighting and such) and it's a lot faster and easier to draw the strip. It's so much faster. I am happy with this but at the same time, I know I have a lot of work and improvement to do.<br />
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Stay tuned and watch this space, we'll be bringing some more comics to you soon.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-79092000929852897222013-05-12T22:42:00.003+09:302013-05-12T22:42:30.757+09:30"A cracking good time"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo_QsvGQi_rAAaLZodNbTuEXLuJpqu2wUy6h4wknkmHHvdDug6inVKIpP_TMI7IJMunq-L4_FIvnHwh2wFdmILYPLAhTgwq-h9eRYg5xhfbT-5puz6kzeF3aQBq6WMp2Tk54Gj3Ziiok/s1600/Batman+and+Bane+-+A+cracking+good+time+-+toasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo_QsvGQi_rAAaLZodNbTuEXLuJpqu2wUy6h4wknkmHHvdDug6inVKIpP_TMI7IJMunq-L4_FIvnHwh2wFdmILYPLAhTgwq-h9eRYg5xhfbT-5puz6kzeF3aQBq6WMp2Tk54Gj3Ziiok/s640/Batman+and+Bane+-+A+cracking+good+time+-+toasty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember saying that we'll try and stick to an update schedule of either Tuesday or/and Thursdays, but after finishing this one tonight I got a little excited and wanted to upload it straight away. Although the game has been out for over a month, this one is about Injustice: Gods Among Us.<br />
<br />
I got the game on launch day on a whim. I had a feeling of paranoia that the game was going to suck, but I bought it anyway out of faith. I was very surprised. This game is actually really good. I love DC comics, I enjoyed the last Mortal Kombat game, so I thought the two would work quite well. Besides a few balance issues and Wonder Woman looking like Wonder <i>Man</i>, Injustice: Gods Among Us is pretty sweet. I will say though, the storyline reason of why guys like the Joker can take a punch from Superman is kind of stupid, but hey, it's comics. Anything goes in comics. <i><a href="http://ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/green-arrow-trick-arrow.jpg">Anything</a></i>.<br />
<br />
To tell you the truth, this strip was originally sketched a few months ago, long before I knew Bane was actually in the game. I figured <i>"Bane has to be in the game, I can draw this right?"</i> Seeing Bane execute his trade mark back breaking move on Batman in the game would look terrifying and oh man, it really does, but I thought it would look even more brutal if Injustice utilized the same "X-Ray moves" seen in their 2011 incarnation of Mortal Kombat. Hey, it's a DC game, so they can't be <i>that</i> graphic right? The comics beg to differ.<br />
<br />
Anyone remember that Toasty guy from Mortal Kombat? I don't know the exact story behind him, but I remember he started popping up in Mortal Kombat II. Usually after a brutal uppercut or roundhouse kick in a fight, this pixel-photo of a random dude would pop out in the corner and scream <i>"TOASTY!"</i>, it didn't make any sense, it was totally random especially at the time when you would first witness it. I kinda want to dive a bit deeper and find out a little more about this Toasty guy, but leaving it as a mystery seems to make it weirder and kinda funnier.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Mortal Kombat, Australia has <i>finally</i> gotten R18+ games. That's right. Despite Mortal Kombat being released in 2011, we actually got it, right around the same time Injustice rocked up. I mentioned before I've already played this Mortal Kombat game, courtesy of a friend of mine who bought the game overseas. One of my favourite things about the PS3? <i>Region free</i>.<br />
<br />
I've been playing a fair amount of <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/a-long-time-ago.html">Star Wars: Battlefront II</a> on my PC, courtesy of the recent Steam sale. Now though, I've gotten myself into the RPG PC classic, Fallout 2. I remember first playing this game when I was about twelve or so, I swear I must have finished the damn game like four or five times. Now after almost a decade of not playing it, I remember almost everything in the game like it was just yesterday. I can't tell if that's awesome, or incredibly sad.<br />
<br />
Let's just say it's awesome. That makes me feel better.<br />
<br />
-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
<br />
<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-67770944916843942762013-05-06T17:39:00.001+09:302013-05-06T17:39:44.077+09:30"A long time ago..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqTCEENwFKusb0CGDDAGaVnzt6YFNlbKOv6sznaFOeZUlGz4sOiNU7XSW6gA55NZ-EMymbfjQ8UnazCs2C6UX45levVWjXJXZpk0u5erDBynvIVc37zeSsnzi2bbQd3qFKkDvJlINdPQ/s1600/A+long+time+ago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqTCEENwFKusb0CGDDAGaVnzt6YFNlbKOv6sznaFOeZUlGz4sOiNU7XSW6gA55NZ-EMymbfjQ8UnazCs2C6UX45levVWjXJXZpk0u5erDBynvIVc37zeSsnzi2bbQd3qFKkDvJlINdPQ/s640/A+long+time+ago.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Holy crap. An update.<br />
<br />
Before I get into the strip and update, I just want to apologize for... well, not updating. Our <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/back-in-time-strips-of-2008-and-2009.html">last update</a> was about three weeks ago, and even then it wasn't exactly a real update.<br />
<br />
These past few weeks have been very hectic. I've been very busy with my full time job, things have been getting very stressful, on top of that I've been having some issues with some other personal matters that I won't get into here. Normally, we try and update on Tuesdays or Thursdays (preferably both if we can) but since today is a public holiday, I've decided the update will be today. Sorry about that. Hopefully we can get into a regular schedule again.<br />
<br />
Right. This strip is going back a few years, back when my brother and I first played Star Wars: Battlefront II on the PS2. That's going back about seven or eight years ago, maybe even nine. It was a long time ago.<br />
<br />
I remember we were playing online, well my brother was. The match was set on Endor, Rebel Alliance versus the Galactic Empire. My brother's on the Rebel side, blastin' away some stormtroopers and suddenly, he's got the option to play as a hero character, in this case it's <i>Han-fucking-Solo</i>. We were blown away by this, we thought it was awesome. I then pondered out loud,<br />
<br />
<i>"I wonder who the Empire gets?"</i><br />
<br />
My sentence was interrupted as suddenly, from out of nowhere, Darth Vader landed on screen in front of Han Solo, cut him down with <i>one strike</i> of his lightsaber, before jumping away off screen.<br />
<br />
<i>"What... what the fuck was that?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I can't remember if that was the exact spoken words, but that's how my brother and I were both feeling at the time, staring at the TV in shock.<br />
<br />
The idea of this strip came back from flooding memories, when a friend of mine sent me an MMS of the recent Steam sale over the weekend. A tonne of Star Wars games, some of which I really enjoyed, for fifty bucks. Holy. Shit. No wonder people often say buying off Steam is <i>dangerous</i> and <a href="http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2013/05/03">addictive</a>.<br />
<br />
I think there were two reasons that there was a massive sale on Steam for Star Wars games. The now widely celebrated "May the Fourth" recently just passed this weekend and also, as everyone is well aware now, Lucas Arts have recently shut down after they were purchased by Disney. I know Lucas Arts wasn't doing that great recently but they had made some awesome Star Wars games, not to mention that upcoming Star Wars: 1313 looked great, now we may never see the light of day, which is very sad. I love Disney, but I'm still sad that they shut down Lucas Arts.<br />
<br />
That's about it. Hopefully we'll have another strip by this Thursday or at the very least, next Tuesday. I think I would feel a lot better and happier with myself if we can return to a regular schedule of comic uploads.<br />
<br />
Have a good week!<br />
<br />
-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
<br />
<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-16256500006254312662013-04-18T16:39:00.001+09:302013-04-18T16:46:57.503+09:30Back in time - strips of 2008 and 2009!<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
uploaded a <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/what-view.html">new strip</a> this week on Tuesday about the PC online game,
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://gunsoficarus.com/">Guns ofIcarus</a></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. In the accompanying blog, my brother mentions that we've been working on for a while... more so
planning than working, I would say. I've never played the game but
I've seen my brother play it, and now our oldest brother has joined
in to battle other players in the virtual sky. I think it's a cool
game, I just play a lot of other games at the moment instead.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
our most recent strip, I found it very challenging to draw. I was
even beginning to start <i>hating</i> the damn strip. Once I began to work
on the backgrounds and special effects, watching it all come and
string together, I began to to really appreciate and enjoy drawing
it. I realise now the only thing that really bothered me about
drawing this strip were the ships, because they have very intricate,
complex designs... but they do <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaNEZ-j9c5I7AjObgaF0B-gGPMrP5moYl3EoGWKb_Mhn9fOKdiiMRA3Uv8PJkSXVAxgKgt9-5bmTTf6f6umgCytLdxoeCnS0AHIeon9NRZFItiQ9Gb5JLR0b2vN0C53UDKdNtABcg8dU/s1600/Ship2.jpg">look cool</a>. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
I showed my brother the near completed strip, he sat down to watch me
finish the rest off. He was very happy with it and said that it's the
best strip I've drawn so far. I'm not sure if I can agree with that,
it's a tricky question to ask myself since I like most of my strips.
I do like this one a lot myself and I really do appreciate it a lot
more when I look at it. Despite how challenging it was, it seriously
only took me about three, maybe four hours to draw which is good for
me... this isn't including the sketch time though. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
to sound like an arrogant douche, but after finishing this strip in
particular, it's made me realise just how far I've actually come as
an artist and in particular, as a cartoonist. There won't be a new strip
tonight, instead what I've done is collected old comic strips I have
drawn back in 2008 and 2009. It's hard to believe that these things
are four to five years old, but it's nice to look at. These old
strips make me remember why I want to be a web cartoonist and well, I
think it shows in my new work just how bad I'm chasing this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Step into my <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/960/article_feature/delorean-ev-main.jpg">Delorean</a> and let's go, <i>back </i>in time... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1. "I disagree" - 2008 </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIyMCSsIuLdYoobhkNH1E6lbmcr3xJyT1Xo7sWDGMYHcvPV7JFQvw4cL-8UHVdOLV5_pWGXDtTYFR1XnAqdmzIM16WyN3crSx_vuoraHHACaDhbTtP-Qae_dvKS0rcn9-suymEG6dBj4/s1600/01+-+I+Disagree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIyMCSsIuLdYoobhkNH1E6lbmcr3xJyT1Xo7sWDGMYHcvPV7JFQvw4cL-8UHVdOLV5_pWGXDtTYFR1XnAqdmzIM16WyN3crSx_vuoraHHACaDhbTtP-Qae_dvKS0rcn9-suymEG6dBj4/s640/01+-+I+Disagree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
one was kind of having a go at both <a href="http://break.com/">Break.com</a> and <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/">deviantART</a>.
Break.com got a new layout ages ago and a lot of people didn't like
it and at the same time, so did deviantART. It looks okay now, but
deviantART's new layout when it first came out was horrible. Both of 'em look okay now, or maybe I've just gotten used to them. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2. "Defying physics" - 2008</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bRX-QZkyxthpC_oMMMedSDRwsoorfhdDOd0mE2YIucgQJ64IOLI485f7WIlgV6cc846ZGDisTo6g7qsqkjBSawTchcSTsAourRJ13H8zFDhsQls3L_kopfv1YInsM3zfaYu4AavqjLs/s1600/02+-+Defying+Physics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bRX-QZkyxthpC_oMMMedSDRwsoorfhdDOd0mE2YIucgQJ64IOLI485f7WIlgV6cc846ZGDisTo6g7qsqkjBSawTchcSTsAourRJ13H8zFDhsQls3L_kopfv1YInsM3zfaYu4AavqjLs/s640/02+-+Defying+Physics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
is just immature. I look back on it now and I'm laughing in an "Oh this is awkward" kind of way, which <i>isn't</i> a good funny. It was a comic to try and introduce the four
characters all at once. With the other two characters, I've yet to
use them in my new comics, but I would like to soon. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">3. "The unspeakable" - 2008</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe8VkIT_wBHPXJmUTHOG9mlacU39iJW9_CZMfMl0Nqs5zpU1xPVsGa6OniJJuIoQxgL9J7ktVGPG6G952fR6dlatETzFJzFXPYfliYv138xn2fum0LlecSpYhLjcp8GojNkxi7pEQIrI/s1600/03+-+The+Unspeakable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe8VkIT_wBHPXJmUTHOG9mlacU39iJW9_CZMfMl0Nqs5zpU1xPVsGa6OniJJuIoQxgL9J7ktVGPG6G952fR6dlatETzFJzFXPYfliYv138xn2fum0LlecSpYhLjcp8GojNkxi7pEQIrI/s640/03+-+The+Unspeakable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
one was back when Blu-Ray and HD-DVD were kinda battling it out, but
HD-DVD was clearly losing. A mate of mine kept claiming that HD-DVD was going to win and at the time, it was a very good and realistic argument but in the end, Blu-Ray won. I have <i>no idea</i> what the hell the difference is. </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. "Waterworks" - 2008<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU7nxlVW-6ytnIh70ZS5txPc7wWja-wuMnClNvmoQ97FjA9DVoDfxV8l9JjZJXQFk5Ave_aBIS4WqAZV5CYF-kZvGNA6wuQr0yA_LFMhES00DqtzM6WS-BhpMLugE0ZE_NgObg6jK2ho/s1600/04+-+Waterworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU7nxlVW-6ytnIh70ZS5txPc7wWja-wuMnClNvmoQ97FjA9DVoDfxV8l9JjZJXQFk5Ave_aBIS4WqAZV5CYF-kZvGNA6wuQr0yA_LFMhES00DqtzM6WS-BhpMLugE0ZE_NgObg6jK2ho/s640/04+-+Waterworks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
my immaturity continues to show. The most retarded thing about this
strip? I got the idea when I was drunk, taking a piss. Yeah, I know. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oh
look at that, I finally started using the copyright thingo on the
bottom right.</span><br />
<br />
5. "Genetic projection" - 2008<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mnHwAx_TPGktK_vsDltJ_b4WKM7_YYDKOj1NGZ27WaiHgq8D97MKlrsz19qaKbAJixrnICIuVolzLj_00_hrFOELt3DdhY278VSZ85IK9Y_tehPe774BwmwwE3rsVBROWqDrkTRV4UA/s1600/05+-+Genetic+Projection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mnHwAx_TPGktK_vsDltJ_b4WKM7_YYDKOj1NGZ27WaiHgq8D97MKlrsz19qaKbAJixrnICIuVolzLj_00_hrFOELt3DdhY278VSZ85IK9Y_tehPe774BwmwwE3rsVBROWqDrkTRV4UA/s640/05+-+Genetic+Projection.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
know, for a hopeful comic that was about geek culture like video
games and stuff, this was my first comic that I drew that was
actually about a game. I really liked how this one came out too,
despite being drawn in low resolution like all of my comics back in
the day (tip: draw high resolution, seriously). I always found the
character creation in Fallout 3 really dumb, in a funny kind of way. </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
6. "Dark side" - 2008<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40T-NB6wfKvClKQR-umZrYacvzIfciaKQHBFAqY1MErxrZmcxMLuyJm_-bmPAu2W8V8eLjv7T-dMT92ADsQoIN0DtZDJXbiTAgZhWNolOlz7oi0otM8F0Or25saydkCCS-4ZXag3sKn4/s1600/06+-+Dark+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40T-NB6wfKvClKQR-umZrYacvzIfciaKQHBFAqY1MErxrZmcxMLuyJm_-bmPAu2W8V8eLjv7T-dMT92ADsQoIN0DtZDJXbiTAgZhWNolOlz7oi0otM8F0Or25saydkCCS-4ZXag3sKn4/s640/06+-+Dark+Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
wasn't a very funny strip at all. Seriously. But I always wanted to
draw a conversation taking place over Skype or something while
they're gaming. </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
7. "Get it?" - 2008<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijuFGpvHugP0nasDEJhXBDRGlgaXvAACdR5svjQCTIR8yCa7cNh1YfosC5fr_w1M7QskzJZI2aRfS94NZ_yJBnHJyIDt1d1h5dhGhiAvkJVLaoK1XtZEw3S7eobTImiQUFU_v2nmh1cg/s1600/07+-+Get+It.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijuFGpvHugP0nasDEJhXBDRGlgaXvAACdR5svjQCTIR8yCa7cNh1YfosC5fr_w1M7QskzJZI2aRfS94NZ_yJBnHJyIDt1d1h5dhGhiAvkJVLaoK1XtZEw3S7eobTImiQUFU_v2nmh1cg/s1600/07+-+Get+It.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wow. I feel terrible about this one, but I still laugh at it, which makes me even <i>more</i> terrible. This
one was a parody strip having a go at the infamous and very
controversial "Loss" <a href="http://www.cad-comic.com/cad/20080602">miscarriage storyline</a> of the gaming webcomic
<a href="http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/">Ctrl+Alt+Del</a>. Since it's a parody, I tried to replicate Tim Buckley's
art style at the time. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
not sure why I used an alien chest burster. I was even thinking about
making that chest burster a reoccuring character somehow, back in the
day.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">8. "Still alive" - 2008</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKpww-F-vSuQK2GUVT8vdUo-AdGadbeucuxtGt7SrLPtPzHo1S46nS7L-8oXecCQSnmg36lKYD2jyLRxD0rBPVt1_IKll9ZoW6n5w3AwODQweEGbH1AwzpoIkb-9q_LgvLdavTWzaHCQ/s1600/08+-+Still+Alive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKpww-F-vSuQK2GUVT8vdUo-AdGadbeucuxtGt7SrLPtPzHo1S46nS7L-8oXecCQSnmg36lKYD2jyLRxD0rBPVt1_IKll9ZoW6n5w3AwODQweEGbH1AwzpoIkb-9q_LgvLdavTWzaHCQ/s640/08+-+Still+Alive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hah!
I finally came up with a name for my comic which I've dismissed,
nowadays. "n3rdc0r3" </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
a serious note, I had no idea at the time that "nerdcore"
was actually a genre of music. I was stuck without a name for a long
time, but my brother suggested "Reckless Abandon". At
first, I didn't really like it but over time it grew on me and I
adored the damn name. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
strip is about the 2008 release of Mirror's Edge. It wasn't a great
game and it wasn't a bad game either. It had good new, fresh ideas
but unfortunately it wasn't well executed. I remember having so much
fun drawing this strip. I tried to replicate the style of Mirror's
Edge, first drawn from a first person perspective, then using bright,
clean colours similar to that of the actual game. The title of the
strip itself comes from the theme song of Mirror's Edge, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERyxFfMqDk">"StillAlive"</a>... not Portal. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Absolutely beautiful song, by the way. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
9. "I love me some A.I" - 2008<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp8Es1vfYK3XAnm4pUwJQpXH1DDx0oJftZAmLTBBEbfqjAoj_RslhK3hZVviUZn0yPajYkj0_ASlxv_6CCu7gwqfixf18jloN9sg9op4z58vfyeKdw8pzKVaflS8sk3tmJs-_fNoLhzM/s1600/09+-+I+Love+Me+Some+A.I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp8Es1vfYK3XAnm4pUwJQpXH1DDx0oJftZAmLTBBEbfqjAoj_RslhK3hZVviUZn0yPajYkj0_ASlxv_6CCu7gwqfixf18jloN9sg9op4z58vfyeKdw8pzKVaflS8sk3tmJs-_fNoLhzM/s640/09+-+I+Love+Me+Some+A.I.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
swear I could have come up with a better title for the strip than "I
love me some A.I". It's bloody terrible. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
strip is based off an actual situation that happened to me in Fallout
3, which I am willing to bet has happened to other people as well.
With Star Paladin Cross of the Brotherhood of Steel, she loves to run
around with her damn power hammer. I ordered her to use a gun instead
for ranged combat. So we find that giant behemoth super mutant that's
trapped in the cage. After disabling the power, Star Paladin Cross
decides it's a good idea to put her gun away, get out her hammer,
then charge inside the cage at the behemoth.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I can still feel the rage dwelling within me. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
10. "If only" - 2008</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGfU0ihwzS5lzxn8vAe2IbKxTeCOGcebfS22u3g8ihZ93Uj_z0fY2MF6K6jXClIU6AKEByCPa9SlYhUSK27JsSYUOAD_Lc8l4k27NhBl45qmbfz2z0EYQlFaSJJF0m4A0Cxce-fGSzro/s1600/10+-+If+Only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGfU0ihwzS5lzxn8vAe2IbKxTeCOGcebfS22u3g8ihZ93Uj_z0fY2MF6K6jXClIU6AKEByCPa9SlYhUSK27JsSYUOAD_Lc8l4k27NhBl45qmbfz2z0EYQlFaSJJF0m4A0Cxce-fGSzro/s1600/10+-+If+Only.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
one wasn't very funny either. It was more or less an experiment to
draw a comic strip with a different panel layout and also experiment
with lighting and shadow.</span><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
idea came to me while I was in a lecture back in one of my classes at
university. Don't ask. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have no idea why the second panel has changed text... What a <i>n00b</i>. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">11. "Stop and stare" - 2008 </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRpZmeLxfcEfW6BO8f0UeHfoZGIDJcArvij0h8OoUVhiJTkyvcR4lBVFkrndReKK8uv8WhOmmzi6bM5zBvwwc7-AsEV24xgbuPIGwiL1wcuHJ_sX3DbBZqoBVcafUEiUoVs3osJHqOdE/s1600/11+-+Stop+and+Stare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRpZmeLxfcEfW6BO8f0UeHfoZGIDJcArvij0h8OoUVhiJTkyvcR4lBVFkrndReKK8uv8WhOmmzi6bM5zBvwwc7-AsEV24xgbuPIGwiL1wcuHJ_sX3DbBZqoBVcafUEiUoVs3osJHqOdE/s640/11+-+Stop+and+Stare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
used to work in retail years ago at JB Hi-Fi (like Australia's
version of Best Buy) as a video game salesman... fitting right? </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While
at work, the song Stop and Stare came on over the shop. I heard this
guy walk past and say to his mate <i>"Ugh! I fucking hate this
stupid song so much!" </i></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
just thought it'd be funny if someone heard him, got offended and
decided to do something about it.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">12. "Bring in the guns" - 2009</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLZ7Jm6xAqFQOBuTTkkwRoZ6HTXGBjdq58KVqFHZ33AQ1-BTouXjNAzjDLVBBD2NSvHHWgXDEMas5byNXCj_s1qAH0W_vHHeJwhyphenhyphencoPxVwr8XXH1WR5znzw_jIKtg40mXlPyZ8dvKJag/s1600/n3rdc0r3+-+Here+Come+The+Big+Guns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLZ7Jm6xAqFQOBuTTkkwRoZ6HTXGBjdq58KVqFHZ33AQ1-BTouXjNAzjDLVBBD2NSvHHWgXDEMas5byNXCj_s1qAH0W_vHHeJwhyphenhyphencoPxVwr8XXH1WR5znzw_jIKtg40mXlPyZ8dvKJag/s640/n3rdc0r3+-+Here+Come+The+Big+Guns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
is one of my favourite strips I've ever done, which I am considering
redoing in high definition. I found it strange that a lot of web
comics out there made a strip about Resident Evil 5, but they all
dived into the controversy the game caused with its apparent racism.
I thought it'd be a good idea to make fun of Chris' newly acquired
gigantic arms instead because seriously, that's hilariously awesome. He's so awesome that he <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xuXkVzBdJQ">punches</a></i> boulders! He<i> really</i> does it!</span><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
I drew this strip, I got in touch with Roger Craig Smith via e-mail,
the actual voice actor of Chris Redfield for Resident Evil 5. I
sent him this comic strip in my e-mail and he thought it was hilarious. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That felt <i>awesome</i>. </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
13. "Results may vary" - 2009</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_QjnOeekl1TS3iw515T10C3-gowwb4KdIDXwGDVv8EHAjS8SHeQjIzTmv3iw2wVWYIwbGY0gOsQMvSemCG391FR_1mfspLmdkOcZzL-yGNt3HNdxxEgn8cg243EyrPpB2q0oIdkagOc/s1600/n3rdc0r3+-+Results+May+Vary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_QjnOeekl1TS3iw515T10C3-gowwb4KdIDXwGDVv8EHAjS8SHeQjIzTmv3iw2wVWYIwbGY0gOsQMvSemCG391FR_1mfspLmdkOcZzL-yGNt3HNdxxEgn8cg243EyrPpB2q0oIdkagOc/s640/n3rdc0r3+-+Results+May+Vary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was a massive fan of DragonBall Z as a kid. Hell I still like it,
that Battle of the Gods animated movie coming soon? I so <i>want</i> to see
that. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
DragonBall live action movie that was released a few years ago? What
the hell were they thinking?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
idea of this comic seriously came to me when I woke up at 4 AM one
night, the first thing I did was grab my art book, scribbled down
this idea then threw the book back down on the floor and went back to
sleep. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
woke up, saw the idea and thought to myself,</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i> "The fuck?" </i></span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
14. "Gentleman's midnight critique" - 2009<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgC-H9lksES14ddsH0WwyPTTxHjZuF5M5kcpDS6-5JK_qCRqIDajuArkb-5wbcmGVRG_3MvmouEAUq2386cJFYQXiVbcB-OavBZWFOcOCqV_4SODl6lqwkYH9zcMGHW_UXqy1ucv79Ug/s1600/Gentleman%2527s+Midnight+Critique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgC-H9lksES14ddsH0WwyPTTxHjZuF5M5kcpDS6-5JK_qCRqIDajuArkb-5wbcmGVRG_3MvmouEAUq2386cJFYQXiVbcB-OavBZWFOcOCqV_4SODl6lqwkYH9zcMGHW_UXqy1ucv79Ug/s640/Gentleman%2527s+Midnight+Critique.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
one was inspired by <a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/">Penny Arcade</a>, how Gabe and Tycho are often
suddenly the hosts of their own show, like Tycho's <i><a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2002/04/24">"It's toodamn late"</a></i>. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
tried to watch this movie at my friend's house. I couldn't do it. It
was just <i>that</i> bad. I had to stop otherwise someone would have died,
and it wouldn't have been me. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">15. "Budokai" - 2009</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejtUrGhyphenhyphenLYnhagepAv87v_cJj_8wvLPljSaD_PmyKwSfELPrdvFoJGVrl7xt1OqwHCP3g70NIdasYnwY62XFWgekI2zpFd0APEWNDd7TzFywKQNlaJzVPlg5lYbYF6i6VWwmqepHLvrc/s1600/Budokai+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejtUrGhyphenhyphenLYnhagepAv87v_cJj_8wvLPljSaD_PmyKwSfELPrdvFoJGVrl7xt1OqwHCP3g70NIdasYnwY62XFWgekI2zpFd0APEWNDd7TzFywKQNlaJzVPlg5lYbYF6i6VWwmqepHLvrc/s1600/Budokai+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yup.
It's a <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/airborn.html">fart joke</a>. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yup.
It's about DragonBall Z again.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Doesn't
get much better than that, does it?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
this one, I tried to hand draw the speech bubbles but... my god they
look fucking <i>terrible</i>. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">16. "In your dreams" - 2009</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXRu8wzG217EtvlP4SGrBgwQjNbcAB4D5Pd1_9y8Wous90eKOXjtBD-p0kjUYlPelShgZsx-1Bo8bnb7aOQhtJ_5_z8GpsBSmcCOgtzV_l6RXqfBWjcjREmXLFQvRRhZjTGKPeLhHhQ/s1600/n3rdc0r3+-+Dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXRu8wzG217EtvlP4SGrBgwQjNbcAB4D5Pd1_9y8Wous90eKOXjtBD-p0kjUYlPelShgZsx-1Bo8bnb7aOQhtJ_5_z8GpsBSmcCOgtzV_l6RXqfBWjcjREmXLFQvRRhZjTGKPeLhHhQ/s1600/n3rdc0r3+-+Dreaming.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Again
this was another strip to kind of introduce all the characters
together. Not at the same time, but in the strip, just suggesting
what they dream about. With the girl, I wanted her to be a sort of...
goth/emo wannabe character who harbours a secret obsession for the
Pokemon games. I wanted to explore that and I may do so again in the
future.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
this strip is <i>really</i> creepy. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">17. "Payback" - 2009</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30-UgKq3NfOnU4uLk7UbJzJ6Iu56oTGGrldnRWdP3OFP-84l4LGJwvcVSeIGhncq-Ok8WvGFtOQzPiUoUHe5PuiljGw29iARa_IPZ34vl_-VK0oydgWNlTcYgM3x8IgCgNEqEkx8vevg/s1600/n3rdc0r3+-+Payback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30-UgKq3NfOnU4uLk7UbJzJ6Iu56oTGGrldnRWdP3OFP-84l4LGJwvcVSeIGhncq-Ok8WvGFtOQzPiUoUHe5PuiljGw29iARa_IPZ34vl_-VK0oydgWNlTcYgM3x8IgCgNEqEkx8vevg/s640/n3rdc0r3+-+Payback.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yup.
This strip is just plain weird... My maturity level embarrasses me sometimes. <i>Sometimes</i>. </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
18. "Detection" - 2011</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Whoops!
I lied. Turns out we have one comic strip from 2011. Wow. What a way
to make a comeback Craig. This one is of L.A. Noire and how a lot of
NPCs really do lack a poker face when they're trying to lie. </span>
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I lied again. <i>One </i>more drawing! This was drawn back in 2009 as a sort of promotional art for my comic, featuring the four main characters. I call this piece <i>"The circle of friendship"</i>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
that's it... eighteen comic strips from 2008 and 2009, with one from
2011 as well as one promotional drawing from 2009. My style is relatively the same for the most part, but the
style at the very least has improved over time, as has the quality of
the work. I used to work at low resolution and purely digital,
meaning I used my old Wacom Intuous3 graphics tablet and just draw
straight into Photoshop. I used to draw low resolution because it was
a bit quicker and easier but also, I didn't even consider the idea of
printing nor did I know about the benefits of high resolution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nowadays
I sketch the strips onto pre-made A4 panel print outs first before
scanning it up onto my computer in Photoshop where I use my Wacom
Cintiq graphics tablet to digitally ink and colour the strip. Strips
today are drawn at high resolution, just in case I want to print them
but also they just end up looking a lot nicer than low res drawings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
kinda nice to look back at all these old strips.. I hope you got a
chuckle or two checking out some of my old works. We'll have a new
strip up next week. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have
a great weekend everyone! </span>
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<br />
-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-84453780905357500712013-04-16T16:16:00.000+09:302013-04-16T16:38:22.339+09:30"What a view"<br />
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This strip has been on the back burner for a while now, as it was accurately predicted to be a lot of work, artistically, for my brother, whose dark alchemy has finally provided us with this offering.<br />
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Guns of Icarus Online is an extremely <a href="http://screenshotwizard.tumblr.com/post/36547255516/guns-of-icarus-online" target="_blank">pretty</a> indie game, maybe it’s too pretty. If people are too busy sight-seeing to actually play it - it has the potential to become <i>problematic</i>. I got into Guns of Icarus Online (GoIO) a while ago – and wrote this strip after my initial impressions of the game, so it is a tad old, but I still find it amusing. I am also one of the few people who play it at the moment, which sucks because it’s so much fun. So you’re forgiven for never having heard of this game and I’d be surprised if you had. Thankfully, the community is steadily growing, and the game has recently been on the receiving end of a good deal of exposure, including a booth at PAX East, and publicity on websites such as Destructoid. They also have a <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/musegames/guns-of-icarus-onlineadventure-mode" target="_blank">kickstarter</a> where they’re trying to establish aspects of a more persistent world, and at the time of writing they’re set to break their first milestone.<br />
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You can currently get it on steam and it recently went on sale where you could get it for a hot five damn dollars. There’s a pretty decent likelihood of the occurrence of future sales, so it’s worth keeping an eye on this gem. So what’s the game about? It’s a post-apocalyptic, steam punk setting based around combat involving air ships.<br />
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Air ships, people. Air. Ships. Ships, in the air. That alone is almost worth the price of admission, but it gets better. The game revolves around team based “naval” battles where each ship that partakes in the splendor is crewed by individual players. Four players to a ship, each with differing responsibilities, from the pilot, often the one in charge, to the gunner, who y’know, guns, and the engineer, who cleans up after everyone and keeps the ol’ gal in the air. Within this premise is where you will probably derive all of the fun, but also pretty much all of the potential frustration. Squad/team based gameplay that is reliant on tight coordination between individuals has been around for a while, usually made easier through third party software like team speak but more recently implemented within games themselves. It takes games that ordinarily might just be a mess of people running in circles hurling memes at each other in the text chat, like in most first person shooters and mmo’s, and gives it a bit more direction – almost like a purpose. It just feels like an entirely different game experience when you take out the silent gameplay and introduce active vocal input from other friendly players (douchebags with microphones are a different story and maybe a different post). It feels a bit less lonely, too.<br />
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Communication and coordination is becoming such a staple now that it’s almost expected in games. So much so that a lot of newer games that revolve around a more focused version of team gameplay like MOBAs – Defense of the Ancients (Dota), Heroes of Newerth (Hon), League of legends (…LoL), and yeah, other games like Guns of Icarus Online depend on it to get any sort of enjoyment from them at all. I’m not even talking about winning, as a more organized team will always beat a team of random players. I’m just talking about “fun” in general. This elusive “fun” can escape pretty quickly in games like Dota, when one or two guys in a team of four, a whopping ¼ to ½ of the team has the potential to wreck the entire thing. Not at all by being trolls, but by refusing to engage in active communication, doing their own thing, or even <i>sight-seeing</i>. The impact of this is pretty big in small team based games like these, where one person can hurt the experience of at least 3 other people. A teammate that I play GoIO with said it pretty well when we first got into the game, it isn’t when people are new or bad that’s the problem, it’s when they don’t listen and participate in the game they are supposed to be currently playing. In these games, communication and teamwork is the <i>entire point</i>.<br />
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There’s a pretty big, and awesome community movement to actively teach the game to new people and to encourage positive teamwork and communication known as <a href="https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/board,35.0.html" target="_blank">“Training Days”</a>, which is a really great thing that is virtually unheard of in these kinds of games. Mostly, new players either endure the weaponised vitriol from the more intolerant veteran players, or are shouted down enough that they just give up on a game, which is something that smaller communities like this can’t afford. So it’s great to see such a welcoming player base for a game this competitive. It almost doesn’t make sense.<br />
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In short, get a headset (or turn your volume up), and the game, it’s not perfect but man, it’s pretty damn good.<br />
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-Morblitz</div>
Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-55537705891785805462013-04-09T22:22:00.001+09:302013-04-10T16:00:06.448+09:30"A Dark World"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This comic strip is about the dark and terrifying world of online dating. Tread forth if you dare. Prepare yourself.<br />
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Nah. It's not <i>that</i> bad, really. I've known people to jump on board the online dating scene and have been successful from it, and I'm happy for them. Last year I decided to give it a go too after a bit of convincing and although I was not successful and ended up deleting the account, that's okay. I gave it a go. I did meet some nice people, but er... I did meet some... well, <i>not nice</i> people. You'll get that.<br />
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Bring a sword just in case. Or a pointy stick if you can't acquire the former.<br />
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Speaking of swords, I ended up buying and downloading<i> <a href="https://minecraft.net/" target="_blank">Minecraft</a></i> for PC, although I am about three years late to the building and smashing party, I think I'm bloody well <i>addicted</i> to the damn fucking game. I like to think I'm a creative person, so I love it when a game offers you freedom and creativity and <i>Minecraft</i> nails this perfectly. The massive, randomly generated world to explore, seek out new locations and treasures and survive the terrors of the night and the underground, while being able to manipulate the world around you by destroying every part of the environment and replacing it with your own creations. It's great fun and as bad as it sounds, time seriously flies when I play <i>Minecraft</i>. I've still yet to try multiplayer and so far I've only tried out the survival mode, I've surprised myself that I have yet to try the free creation mode.<br />
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I think everyone likes to be creative when they get the chance. Being creative is fun. There is something satisfying about "creating" something, whether it be with your bare hands or by digital means. It could be a model, a sculpture, a drawing, a painting, taking the right photo or even writing something. Even if someone isn't exactly the artistic type or feels they aren't really creative to begin with, I can imagine with confidence that anyone will have fun in creating something in <i>Minecraft</i>. There really is something satisfying about making something, then looking at the creation either proudly or with amused shame and thinking to yourself, <i>"I made this"</i>. I know a few people who aren't that great at drawing and they'll say it, but they clearly have fun trying to draw and I love to see what they come up with regardless.<br />
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I'll admit, without reading any tutorials or anything, <i>Minecraft</i> was a bit of a tricky learning curve, but man thank God for the <a href="http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Minecraft_Wiki" target="_blank">Minecraft Wiki Page</a>. Aw yeah.<br />
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<i>Injustice: Gods Among Us</i> is out next week for all consoles. I don't think I'll pick up the game right away, I'll most likely wait for a <a href="http://www.gametrailers.com/" target="_blank">review</a> or <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/" target="_blank">two</a> before making a decision. From what I've seen in the demo, the game was pretty fun to play and had some new ideas. My biggest issue with the demo was the sound was quite weak. I really had to turn up the volume on my TV, not quite sure why that is but hopefully the sound is better in the final comic.<br />
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While we try and have this comic updated twice a week aiming at Tuesdays and Thursdays, we most likely won't be bringing a comic this Thursday. Hopefully next week we'll have two comics, but we will have at least one for sure.<br />
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Until then, have a good one!<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
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[ Edit/Update ] <br />
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<a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_llx08838R21qhgy25.png" target="_blank"><em>Megaman</em></a> was one of my favourite video game franchises as a kid. I loved the original <em>Megaman</em> games on the Nintendo and I absolutely adored the <a href="http://ps2media.gamespy.com/ps2/image/article/677/677298/mega-man-x-collection-20051216115350481.jpg" target="_blank"><em>Mega Man X</em></a> franchise. Those were among the best video games I've ever played when I was a kid.<br />
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<em>"Reboots"</em> as they're so commonly referred are a bit of a popular thing nowadays in both gaming and films. Taking an old movie or game and putting a new, modern twist into it as a brand new storyline. I've got nothing against reboots, in fact I think most of them are great. I'm always interested to see new ideas and a story told from the perspective of another with games and stories I like. Look at <em>Batman Begins</em>, <em>Casino Royale</em> and the new <em>Tomb Raider</em> to name a few. <br />
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I've always wanted to see a reboot on the <em>Megaman</em> franchise, perhaps turned into a third or first person shooter with similar ideas from the past mixed with new but modern ideas. Well... it turns out they were doing one, but then it got cancelled. <br />
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According to various <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/canned-fps-mega-man-title-discovered-18543" target="_blank">sources</a> on the Interwebz, <em>"Maverick Hunter"</em> was in the works to be a reboot of the <em>Megaman</em> franchise, in particular <em>Megaman X. Maverick Hunter </em>was intended to be a <a href="http://www.abload.de/img/megawhyxnu80.gif" target="_blank">first person shooter with some third person elements</a> from the makers of the critically acclaimed <em>Metroid: Prime </em>series. On top of that, Megaman's <a href="http://www.thegeekdomain.com/storage/maverick_hunter_lead.0_cinema_1920.0-610x342.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1365538034515" target="_blank">new design</a>, with a new realistic twist on his X-Buster arm cannon, was from the minds who designed the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqndQbpDn_tTHJHX9XQkKhiVK1SZdFQEnsGKoptuQkN4cSJvnkZ6c183U7uf7vFR9tTidnKfHcuMEqVzAn8x71gJla2h53oepR6-j1WnF18b98DXLAxOLHMPZOVUMkwkts2Bkv2B6R7N7/s1600/Iron_Man-7.jpg" target="_blank">Iron Man armour</a> of the new <em>Iron Man</em> films. The game was in development up until 2010 where it was unfortunately cancelled. <br />
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This really is a sad day in gaming. I am honestly a bit biased in saying this as I am a fan of the <em>Megaman</em> games, but this would have seriously made an awesome game. <br />
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-Cr33g (Craig) <br />
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-23170025129283460442013-04-06T11:58:00.001+09:302013-04-09T11:24:22.175+09:30Artwork and games!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While I don't exactly have a "schedule" per say, I like to try and upload a comic on either Tuesday or Thursday, sometimes both if I'm lucky, but I drew this last night and decided to upload it today. The <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524829_10151410001229143_1248494738_n.jpg" target="_blank">original sketch</a> was done on a tiny post it note, but I threw it onto my computer to reconstruct it as a high resolution drawing in colour. It's a cartoon version of me and how I often dream about drawing comics. </div>
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Since our <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/airborn.html" target="_blank">last blog entry</a> wasn't exactly a blog entry, we'll compensate for that right here in this blog entry. Oh yes. Oh yeah. Let's talk about <i>nerdy shit</i>. Like games. </div>
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I picked up <i>Tomb Raider</i> for the PS3 back in February. I thought it was an amazing game. It was so much fun to play. The cover system feels so natural and fluid, melee combat is brutal, raiding tombs and finding treasures is fun. All of Lara's weapons are upgraded over time to be better and more bad arse, while Lara too also levels up and acquires new abilities and skills. It is a really fun game to play. The story line is okay, I really appreciate the new, re-imagined "<a href="http://www.videogamegirlsdb.com/Images/Tomb_Raider/Lara_Croft/Lara_Croft_Tomb_Raider_(2013)__19.jpg" target="_blank">a survivor is born</a>" Lara Croft, but some of the game's story is a bit contradicting. So Lara and her friends are stuck on an island with a bunch of crazy cultist types who are trapped there too, they're horrible, violent people and Lara is forced to kill another human being herself in order to survive. It's a powerful and emotional scene, but as soon as Lara gets a weapon she becomes a one man (or woman) army and the more brutal Lara is with her enemies, the more experience points she receives. This kind of game play mechanism kinda defeats the purpose of the emotional side of things... but it's fun. Real fun. Apparently though if I got <i>Tomb Raider</i> on the PC, then I could have enjoyed having Lara Croft with <a href="http://babysoftmurderhands.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/AMD-TRESSFX-Tomb-Raider-Lara-Croft-Hair-1.jpg" target="_blank">super realistic mad flowy hair</a>. Maybe she's born with it? </div>
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<i>Far Cry 3</i> is a little bit similar to <i>Tomb Raider</i>, but I should say it in vice versa really. You and your mates on an island with a bunch of psycho violent pirates, you as Jason Brody escapes and ends up having to do terrible things to rescue his friends. Lara is similar to Jason, originally a completely innocent noob, who then picks up a weapon and begins to kill in order to survive, becoming a<em> </em><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltuanqmAHR1r4z04wo1_500.jpg" target="_blank">bad arse</a> in the process. <i>Far Cry 3</i> approaches the concept a bit differently, but it's similar. Other than that, <i>Far Cry 3</i> is amazing too. It looks awesome, you can go anywhere like any free roaming sandbox, there's a lot to do and the freedom you're given to approach missions is absolutely amazing. <i>Far Cry 3</i> is a game that is guaranteed to give you lots of fun. </div>
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I seem to be only going on about games that involve running around with guns, because that's exactly what you do in <i>Crysis 3</i>, albeit you do it in a real cool <a href="http://images.tweaktown.com/news/2/3/23589_1_crysis_3_is_officially_announced_coming_spring_2013.jpg" target="_blank">awesome high tech muscle power suit thing</a>. For the most part, <i>Crysis 3 </i>is pretty fun. I don't follow the story line at all because the game's plot doesn't capture my interest very well. Using the stealth powers of the suit is pretty cool and while the game isn't as free roaming as it used to be, it still does offer a decent degree of freedom. That new predator bow weapon is awesome to use, a little too awesome though. It seems like a completely broken weapon. Yeah it's fun to use but seriously it kills almost everything in one hit and then it has arrow types, like grenade and electrical. I've heard of some players refusing to use the bow because it makes things too easy but uh, it's still sweet. Graphically as expected, <i>Crysis 3</i> is mind blowing and running it on a PC will require some <i>serious </i>hardware. I don't know how <i>Crysis 3</i> looks on the consoles but I'm gonna guess it'll look pretty good, but probably not as awesome as PC. </div>
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You've probably heard by now, but last year Disney had acquired game developing company LucasArts. Well, sadly <a href="http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/disney-closes-lucasarts-18415" target="_blank">Disney has decided to shut down LucasArt</a> and lay off all of its employees. As much as I love Disney, I was completely stunned by this decision and even felt really sad about it. LucasArts was a great developer responsible for the Star Wars gaming franchise and even some real old school adventure games back in the day. It wasn't uncommon to hear that LucasArts wasn't doing too well, but we were all holding out for their upcoming dark, third person shooter <a href="http://blogs-images.forbes.com/davidthier/files/2012/06/Star-Wars-1313.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Star Wars: 1313</i></a>. Disney has announced that <i>Star Wars: 1313</i> has been put on "halt" so who knows, maybe this game will see the light of day through the hands of another developer, but will it be as good as LucasArt's original work? Will it be completely changed? Or maybe it won't come out at all? </div>
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Finally, I tried out the demo of <i>Injustice: Gods Among </i>Us last night, the new DC Comics' fighting game from the makers of the most recent <i>Mortal Kombat</i>. There were only three playable characters, Batman, Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor. Only two stages and only one mode to play, a classic arcade mode where you fight against said available characters and then go toe to toe Doomsday at the end. I think so far it's a fun game, it feels similar to <i>Mortal Kombat</i> but a lot faster and more fluid. While I know and understand that this game is based off a comic franchise, there are a few things that raise my eyebrow. We all know Batman is a pretty strong guy, but how can he possibly throw a combination of punches and kicks at a power suit wearing Lex Luthor, followed by <i>picking up a massive garbage container and smashing Lex in his stupid bald face</i> to send him flying? Don't get me wrong, I thought it was awesome, but it was kind of silly, even for DC. Regardless, it was fun, I look forward to seeing the full version in the next two weeks.</div>
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Have a great weekend everyone!</div>
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-Cr33g (Craig) </div>
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-61159102673403629412013-04-04T17:09:00.002+09:302013-04-04T17:09:24.157+09:30"Airborn" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomLuW5zR0Kc_DudYDT8yRGGQuH2bDsqqIqmd9ZdmI5s99E_kSkWotSUHsIg6JEgLC87bIWdW2g5O64VmNTIlabT-5-iBg1P9S-79i-rl6NSxotix1G93ZmBNgc2x6I-8N1cnIIlh1T_M/s1600/Airborn+V2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomLuW5zR0Kc_DudYDT8yRGGQuH2bDsqqIqmd9ZdmI5s99E_kSkWotSUHsIg6JEgLC87bIWdW2g5O64VmNTIlabT-5-iBg1P9S-79i-rl6NSxotix1G93ZmBNgc2x6I-8N1cnIIlh1T_M/s640/Airborn+V2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yup. It's a fart joke. Deal with it. :)<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-12628619244637027862013-04-02T21:46:00.001+09:302013-04-02T21:46:27.216+09:30"Deviant, indeed"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JC3wwHOW8aUNoKUgQarIutZahGNGgIz8ffnDhjxUXMWAvTDwFS8F6PMlF9RUQ7M77u2MtrDipP35T1-t10-OP1nHsAPjcMSVqvcmQ_jw2ffjKKS5wEyjiqKYAu107fS2xfX_afH2D60/s1600/Deviant+indeed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JC3wwHOW8aUNoKUgQarIutZahGNGgIz8ffnDhjxUXMWAvTDwFS8F6PMlF9RUQ7M77u2MtrDipP35T1-t10-OP1nHsAPjcMSVqvcmQ_jw2ffjKKS5wEyjiqKYAu107fS2xfX_afH2D60/s640/Deviant+indeed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our latest strip is about the deviantly deviant art site <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">deviantART</a>.<br />
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Now with deviantART I've got a love/hate relationship with that place. On one hand, it's a place where many wonderfully talented artists showcase some brilliant work. Many of them are professional and many of them are hobbyists, while also just being really good at what they do. That's the "love" part. Unfortunately, deviantART is also a site that, well... there's a lot of <i>weird shit </i>there. I'm aware that deviantART has an adult filter tag. Mine is off, because sometimes you do get some genuine "adult" art that is actually good and tasteful... well, my adult filter <i>was</i> off, I should say. It's safely back on now. I strongly recommend it.<br />
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I don't understand half of what gets submitted to deviantART. I'll say it again. It has a lot of weird shit. You've got stuff like, drawings of overly obese "furry" characters in little to no clothing, photos of people's feet, MySpace style shots as photography and some pretty much pornographic photos claiming to be "art".<br />
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Recently I decided to check out the new submissions page of deviantART, the latest art pieces on the site. Who knows, there might have been something cool there. Something unknown. There are a lot of brilliant artists and brilliant art pieces on that site which don't get much recognition there. Maybe there was something just waiting on the front page for me? Oh yeah. There was something waiting for me all right. I shit you not, I swear to God, the very first picture I saw on the new submissions page was a photo of some dude's dick.<br />
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I was stunned. It was just... there. Some dude's wang. Just hanging out.<br />
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I looked at the thumb nail, and I said to myself,<br />
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<i>"Why would someone take a photo of their dick and throw it up on deviantART?"</i><br />
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Then I thought to myself,<br />
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<i>"It's not even a good photo!" </i><br />
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Seriously, it was a terrible photo. The quality was really bad and grainy, it looked like it had been taken with a mobile phone or something. The lighting was terrible and it was obviously really unplanned. It's like the guy decided to get his iPhone out, pull down his pants and snap a shot of his junk.<br />
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I stopped. I then realised something dark, something dreadful about all this...<br />
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<i>"I'm critiquing a thumbnail photo of a dick." </i><br />
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The site was then closed.<br />
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I still visit deviantART, albeit with the adult filter now turned on. I do have an account there myself where I upload some of my works, even the comics created by my brother and I. I was hoping deviantART might inspire me to draw again, maybe spark my creativity into a flame, but strangely I've found Penny Arcade's <a href="http://penny-arcade.com/strip-search" target="_blank">Strip Search</a> reality web show to be doing that for me. If you'd like to check out my page and some of my artworks, you can visit it... <a href="http://thealchemist-cr33g.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a>.<br />
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Despite all the amazing talent and skill that lies within deviantART, it's like the Cave of Wonders from Disney's Aladdin, as it speaks, <i>"Find the diamond in the rough"</i>, that basically means in order to find something cool on deviantART, you're going to have to dig your way through creepy fetish photography, furries, bad fan art and well, apparently now photos of dicks. Even with the adult filter on, you'll still find some <i>weird shit</i>.<br />
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I understand that art is about expression of one's opinion and feelings, but seriously... a dick. <i>Really?</i><br />
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You've been warned and I wish you luck.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-26095252453910381512013-03-31T19:45:00.001+09:302013-03-31T19:45:12.051+09:30"Valentine's Day?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcllvJQVO0gfGtd3RMpKc1vH07xkcZsokcIWtCAOzeXq9yajEMEicbygLtCINEGfGmJYQFPV3mzKC-169e2B7refUO5SPepYpaw5c7bFBtLOh-ZjRtX3YKU5Qbw8mmzrr3FH6GycvuOU/s1600/Valentine's+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcllvJQVO0gfGtd3RMpKc1vH07xkcZsokcIWtCAOzeXq9yajEMEicbygLtCINEGfGmJYQFPV3mzKC-169e2B7refUO5SPepYpaw5c7bFBtLOh-ZjRtX3YKU5Qbw8mmzrr3FH6GycvuOU/s640/Valentine's+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess you could say while this comic is new and fresh, the timing is a little off as the "holiday" of Valentine's Day was well over a month ago as I write this. This strip is loosely based off a real life situation that I was involved in. Trust me when I say, in reality the results were not as creepy as this strip portrays, although it's very understandable to assume that it could be creepy. Like <a href="http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/14/147432/2809208-slender_man_super.jpg" target="_blank">Slender Man</a> creepy. Like I said, trust me, this story isn't creepy. Well, not <i>that </i>creepy anyway. Read on, if you dare.<br />
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To put it out there, I have never "celebrated" Valentine's Day. Every time it comes up, I don't have someone to celebrate it with, more importantly I don't exactly see the point of "celebrating" it, even if I was involved with somebody, but that's a typical rant I won't go into.<br />
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At my current job, my boss asked my work mate and I what we were doing for Valentine's Day. My work mate said he was going to surprise his girlfriend at her work with gifts then take her out for dinner. My boss asked me and was horrified to hear my response, <i>"Nothing"</i>.<br />
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My boss then set the challenge before me. Well, it wasn't really a challenge, but more attempting to force me. Basically, he ordered that on my lunch break, I go out and buy flowers, roses or whatever, then go and find someone I genuinely think is attractive and give her said flowers. He wanted me to try and score a phone number out of it too. Now, this absolutely horrified me, but when the time came he said to me that I didn't have to do it if I really didn't want to. I just thought what the hell... challenge accepted.<br />
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So on my now extended lunch break, I went and tracked down where they were selling flowers and roses and stuff, outside a local supermarket. There was a lot of stock and even more people gunning for those plants. I picked out a single red rose. Nothing too fancy but I thought it was nice. I felt very awkward buying this rose, and I obviously looked like <i>that guy</i>. You know, the weirdo who holds the single rose routine. Yeah, <i>that guy</i>.<br />
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I saw a lot of people walking around with flowers, roses, gifts, stuffed animals, you know the typical Valentine's Day gifts. I went to the local outdoor mall and well, there were a lot of people there, heaps, but all of them with partners of sorts. I decided in order to complete this challenge and essentially beat my boss, I was going to try one of the stores. I walked into a book store, saw a cute girl at the counter by herself. <i>"Cool"</i> I thought, <i>"This'll do." </i>I thought it'd be kind of weird to go up with nothing but the rose, so I decided to buy something and then throw the rose at her... which now that I think about it, is probably even weirder. So I approached the counter with a product, and noticed the girl had another older staff member with her. Crap.<br />
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<i>"Just this please." </i>I said, putting a copy of a Batman: The Dark Knight graphic novel onto the counter, and then a twenty dollar note along with it.<br />
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I was on my way back to my office as I felt like giving up. I had some time to spare, so I dropped by a local pharmacy to look for strapping tape for judo. When I went inside, I saw an absolutely beautiful girl working in the beauty section of the pharmacy, but she was with a customer. I didn't want to look like a creeper and man, I felt like one, so I just left and walked into a nearby electronic store, to gaze upon the gaming shelf that never, ever seems to change or renew its stock. Shortly after, I noticed that customer of the girl walked into the electronic store. So I thought fuck it, I'm doing this.<br />
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I approached this girl, nervous as all hell because I hate doing this kind of thing. I said hello, she thought I was a normal customer and that's when I threw it at her,<br />
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<i>"I'm on a mission."</i> I just... blatantly say.<br />
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<i>"Oh, a mission?"</i> she asks, confused but amused, I think.<br />
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<i>"Yeah. My boss is sending me out on my lunch break, to buy a rose for someone, anyone, and give it to them in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and I want you to have it so here."</i> I explain as I hand her the rose.<br />
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<i>"Oh, thank you!" </i><br />
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We had a very brief chat, she asked me a few questions about what I do for work, where I work, etc. Despite the questions, no names were exchanged or any contact details of any sort. She then finally asked,<br />
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<i>"Why me?" </i><br />
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In my head, I was thinking <i>"Oh shit, oh shit oh shit oh fucking shit"</i>, I didn't know what to say. I remembered though what my boss told me, so I explained,<br />
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<i>"The catch of this challenge was that I had to give the rose to someone who I felt was genuinely a beautiful person." </i><br />
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The girl's response was something I wasn't expecting. She covered her mouth and made a very loud <i>"AAAAW"</i> sound. I'll admit it was actually really nice to hear, but it had me pretty embarrassed. That noise pretty much caught the attention of other people in the shop.<br />
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With that I decided to make my very awkward escape, I said I had to go, wished her a good day and well, left the shop. Simple as that.<br />
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When I got back to work, I told my boss that I had completed his challenge. He was happy with the results, but his happiness changed when I revealed that no contact details, not even names were exchanged. He sat there for a while, basically asking <i>"Why?" </i>over and over again.<br />
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On one hand, I felt if I tried to ask this person for names, a contact number or something, that would have been a bit weird and creepy. On the other hand, I felt that maybe for this girl, it would have made a better story, to be given a rose in the spirit of Valentine's Day by a stranger, with nothing more to add or say. At least, that's what I thought in my head. Who knows, the girl could have very well thought the situation was hilarious, maybe embarrassing or perhaps down right creepy. As for the latter possibility, I hope that's not the case.<br />
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Completing my boss' challenge felt good and at the same time, kinda fun. Would I do it again?<br />
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I hope not.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)<br />
<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-68154777398584955642013-03-28T00:11:00.000+09:302013-03-28T00:17:54.356+09:30"Endure"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfVRr25pNM39ZitE1I1E4F947MBxlczlTdLoDfVTiGaMaVZInknnqB8P7EfP_ad-k4g5lYWXeqT4FAOT-JjBsZi-UOH0GjTxxLJwnuBguurwLvttSCJwFWGXnrw0NM0U5lJ30mLzr3tg/s1600/Endure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfVRr25pNM39ZitE1I1E4F947MBxlczlTdLoDfVTiGaMaVZInknnqB8P7EfP_ad-k4g5lYWXeqT4FAOT-JjBsZi-UOH0GjTxxLJwnuBguurwLvttSCJwFWGXnrw0NM0U5lJ30mLzr3tg/s640/Endure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been three or four months too long but finally, we're back with a brand new comic strip and hopefully many more. This one, "Endure" involves my favourite sport, Judo.<br />
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Now to explain myself and where the hell we've been.<br />
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Crap.<br />
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Okay. At the end of last year, my brother and I went on a short holiday with our family. My time was short though, as I returned home briefly to meet back with six of my friends, leaving my home town in Australia and travelling to California, America, for an epic three week adventure. In California we visited Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, Legoland, Six Flags Magic Mountain as well as Los Angeles and Hollywood. It was an incredible holiday, I had so much fun and I would love to return there.<br />
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Coming back home, I was quickly ushered back into reality, e.g. full time work. My brother of course returned to his university studies as well as his own full time job. Needless to say, we've both been busy, but I've realised that I REALLY want to try and take this comic and cartooning path, so here we are again. I'm not stopping just yet.<br />
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To be honest, I've kinda been inspired by <a href="http://www.penny-arcade.com/" target="_blank">Penny Arcade'</a>s new web series, <a href="http://penny-arcade.com/strip-search" target="_blank">Strip Search</a>. For those who may not know, Penny Arcade started Strip Search through the Kickstart program. Strip Search is a web series where the boys and girls over at PA have carefully hand picked very skilled and talented artists, to see who is the next big web comic. To the winner, they work in Penny Arcade's office rent free for one year, receive cash prizes but most importantly, have access to Penny Arcade's resources. That would be an amazing life changing experience. I applied for Strip Search myself but unfortunately was one of the many who weren't accepted, which is fair enough, those who were chosen are absolutely amazing artists. They also seem like really nice, cool people too! So basically, the show has inspired me to get off my arse and get back to work, and drag my brother and force him to lend me his writing talents. At gun point.<br />
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Speaking of Penny Arcade, I'm so excited that PAX, the Penny Arcade Expo, is actually coming to Australia this year! Holy, crap! It'll be in July down in the big city of Melbourne. My brother and I will be making the journey. Our flights are booked, our hotel is booked and of course our three day pass is booked. I'm really excited and really looking forward to it, Penny Arcade is my favourite web comic and I really look forward to the opportunity of meeting Mike "Gabe" Krahulik and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins in person.<br />
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Now, getting back to art as well as Reckless Abandon... I recently picked something up off eBay to help me and my work. Hopefully, this thing will help me produce my work faster and at better quality...<br />
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A Wacom Cintiq 12WX graphics tablet!</div>
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I'm still getting used to it in fact, our latest comic strip above was actually drawn with this baby. </div>
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Previously I was using a Wacom Intuous3 graphics tablet, a USB powered tablet where you draw on its surface, while looking at your PC's monitor to see what you're drawing. It sounds clunky and at first it is, but after a while you get to used to it. With this bad boy, the Cintiq acts as a second monitor and you draw directly on the screen, looking at the screen. The device itself can be leaned up similar to that of a drawing table and it's damn precise and nice to look at, being at 1280 x 720 pixels in resolution... I think. My only gripe with it so far is that it comes with a lot of accessories to power the damn thing. First you've got a power cable, then a USB cable and then a VGA cable. It's a lot more than an Intuous, that's for sure. Like the Intuous, I'm still getting used to this thing, but I look forward to further practice with this device as well as future art and comic endeavours and reaping the rewards.</div>
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My deepest apologies for a three month hiatus, but Reckless Abandon back and hopefully we'll be rocking out some comic strips in 2013. I know it's late to say this but I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and new year. Have a great Easter long weekend!</div>
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-Cr33g (Craig)</div>
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-12931870432173347672012-12-13T18:26:00.004+09:302012-12-13T18:26:48.521+09:30"Terrible, Terribly Punny"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSID1JoHTX7ZuD71yPtHAMlEsBmKDyzGanyE0USmSaOlo1yvAgtEPyfAXbmtt26TGauDp7lfwkKSpLxr6y6P3PDkWiBUhQMMe9462uqPN4CoeYRAe0WajC3OlY4JhVMciDWaiGMZBBc/s1600/Terrible+Terribly+Funny+-+Mortal+Kombat+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWSID1JoHTX7ZuD71yPtHAMlEsBmKDyzGanyE0USmSaOlo1yvAgtEPyfAXbmtt26TGauDp7lfwkKSpLxr6y6P3PDkWiBUhQMMe9462uqPN4CoeYRAe0WajC3OlY4JhVMciDWaiGMZBBc/s640/Terrible+Terribly+Funny+-+Mortal+Kombat+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I know it's a little old now, but the 2011 release of Mortal Kombat still hasn't come out here to Australia yet, due to the lack of an R18+ rating. A friend of mine managed to bring the game back home from another country and well, for his birthday a bunch of us were in a hotel room, with beer, playing Mortal Kombat. It sounds sad but it was a lot of fun. After every fatality, we'd make a very retarded 80's style pun. Which is what this comic is about. Because it's so punny. Hilarious. <br />
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I've never really been a fan of Mortal Kombat, but I really enjoyed this game. The amount of graphic violence and gore is ridiculous, but it's pretty much on par with other games like Fallout 3 (heads blowing up in slow motion via V.A.T.S for example), so I'm struggling to understand why we still don't have it here. The storyline in the single player is completely stupid, in a "hey this is awesome to watch" 80's action movie kinda way. <br />
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Anyway. With this particular blog post, I thought it'd be a good idea to talk about the process of how our comic strips are made. I would love to go into more detail but this post will be a simplified process. <br />
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My brother and I usually begin by coming up with an idea either by ourselves or together, we consult one another on the idea, add and modify ideas etc. When we've got a solid idea, my brother usually plans the script and dialogue, followed by a text storyboard for me to follow. That's when I bust out the drawing... pardon me if these photos are a bit big, but they were taken right off my phone. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpMijQk-jrrwmlp0RE5P82hZkjLqPqglid1neTpS0pk32LFWmoFnbCqYm_6Tuc0ZoCgb7QDQrIMuDZlTO4prKbsDKFXw2RlKDrD4InIH580fyRFfA2ek-fkfdwn9jbDywtK64OlfPONg/s1600/Pre+made+panels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpMijQk-jrrwmlp0RE5P82hZkjLqPqglid1neTpS0pk32LFWmoFnbCqYm_6Tuc0ZoCgb7QDQrIMuDZlTO4prKbsDKFXw2RlKDrD4InIH580fyRFfA2ek-fkfdwn9jbDywtK64OlfPONg/s320/Pre+made+panels.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got a bunch of these pre-made. I made them myself using Adobe Photoshop CS5 and had about... maybe one hundred or so printed? It makes the drawing and sketching phase a lot easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb3CbfJFDPip1DsYhDR41qGEiqYTlXY5mZ83A2pX7ycaq2G7d3g1byVUoktbG9S4h4T-r1q1RXGsYhekTyIcHcvcQLqE2PzsSQ3dvtQSeCypAEUxtmVkeTWfpJJcYoV975-VcF2fXoHM/s1600/Sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb3CbfJFDPip1DsYhDR41qGEiqYTlXY5mZ83A2pX7ycaq2G7d3g1byVUoktbG9S4h4T-r1q1RXGsYhekTyIcHcvcQLqE2PzsSQ3dvtQSeCypAEUxtmVkeTWfpJJcYoV975-VcF2fXoHM/s320/Sketch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sketch up a comic like so. It doesn't matter what I use to sketch - pen, pencil, as long as I get the drawings right. In any case, if I stuff anything up, they can be fixed in the post production stage. Once the sketch is done, I scan it into my scanner, which I then import into Adobe Photoshop CS5 as a .PDF document. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywKf5UytLfjG706AHqeP3BPTYM4Mql1bnCOnXunWQ443xo_7Lj9TvUU8CguDcGqE4w67rlLt1aO1gPRakyoC6hWNKEybCnJLIAN9lub8eonIaCzFWQSPXV0OabSk2lO6IzVblG4LuhkE/s1600/Tablet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywKf5UytLfjG706AHqeP3BPTYM4Mql1bnCOnXunWQ443xo_7Lj9TvUU8CguDcGqE4w67rlLt1aO1gPRakyoC6hWNKEybCnJLIAN9lub8eonIaCzFWQSPXV0OabSk2lO6IzVblG4LuhkE/s320/Tablet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When it's all scanned up, I use a WACOM Intuous3 graphics tablet for all digital inking, colouring and further drawing. I'd love to have one of those WACOM Cintiq graphics tablets, where it's like, a second PC monitor you draw on, but I don't have that kind of budget. A man can dream though right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL82GyUqxxvq6nZXmavIszl45D3jMnC0_g8YIxJxt3eoOUE4rkMVdfkTr-xnFVhyphenhyphenO_uo74GjlLQvL8u6Xn9FhIuJMNvZHIxvdTxrn5hojRM0AVmI1sPhKGAwv5AY0LVGseq9Jwodyemk0/s1600/LA+Scorpion+Beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL82GyUqxxvq6nZXmavIszl45D3jMnC0_g8YIxJxt3eoOUE4rkMVdfkTr-xnFVhyphenhyphenO_uo74GjlLQvL8u6Xn9FhIuJMNvZHIxvdTxrn5hojRM0AVmI1sPhKGAwv5AY0LVGseq9Jwodyemk0/s320/LA+Scorpion+Beginning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So as I mentioned before, I use Adobe Photoshop CS5 to do all the digital inking, colouring etc. I start off by making a new layer above the original sketch.This'll be the character line art layer. I chuck the paint brush tool usually on size 5 at 100% strength and opacity. The cool thing with WACOM tablets is they're pressure sensitive. Push hard with the pen on the drawing surface, the lines are thick and solid. Push lighter? They'll be thinner and, well lighter. So, in this stage, I just trace over my already drawn characters.</div>
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Just a note - I always keep the comic at original size. I never down-size it until it is finished. The reason for that is because when at high resolution (or high definition, if you want to think of it that way) you can capture the most amount of detail possible. You can get really nice, clean lines and colours and when you finally resize it, it'll look very nice. So remember, when you're drawing, stay high resolution, avoid low resolution! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6Y6AY6P8XwL8bZWyIbz_Ozgrn1El5CF_uHMqS-asqSfzFPEyXl3LZqxPfbKNxSMod8JNrl6Auzb242j9cygDpgMMvHtUppkkLV3mdS0C-yaI9yDwfvAL9x3X79dO-Uo2kov8GFqUbTY/s1600/LA+MK+done+with+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6Y6AY6P8XwL8bZWyIbz_Ozgrn1El5CF_uHMqS-asqSfzFPEyXl3LZqxPfbKNxSMod8JNrl6Auzb242j9cygDpgMMvHtUppkkLV3mdS0C-yaI9yDwfvAL9x3X79dO-Uo2kov8GFqUbTY/s320/LA+MK+done+with+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a fully "inked" comic strip. You'll notice that some things I do not ink, such as the fire in panel one or the ice in panel two. This is because I want to draw them mostly with colour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaQDImYAVWWiBte4qFgy09wLJktLDlgMM3Fx6OTnnaejSUfj5UJYI1qt0eYVAdQtbCgHnMz8oFBmsR3pGYdNkKVdzAm0538eRfsJ64PMLyTAC9QNogMth48FlL_u97aflwcRCs9_8VqE/s1600/LA+MK+no+original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaQDImYAVWWiBte4qFgy09wLJktLDlgMM3Fx6OTnnaejSUfj5UJYI1qt0eYVAdQtbCgHnMz8oFBmsR3pGYdNkKVdzAm0538eRfsJ64PMLyTAC9QNogMth48FlL_u97aflwcRCs9_8VqE/s320/LA+MK+no+original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the comic strip fully inked up, without any of the original in the background. After it's all inked up, I add a new layer behind the line art for colouring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCRFMngmIBIev1xL-WDJK6LhZ5R3Ou6ntS9JKzOb3sQsgclRJwlf7C61HXlROzf46S48J8H-TlTDceh6-ZV4tOjpasjq5TX7MMR_ZkvFP8tVVRXaFJ0xe6Zl5m7iqYH5iBpS1ChC50vE/s1600/Colouring+Scorpion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCRFMngmIBIev1xL-WDJK6LhZ5R3Ou6ntS9JKzOb3sQsgclRJwlf7C61HXlROzf46S48J8H-TlTDceh6-ZV4tOjpasjq5TX7MMR_ZkvFP8tVVRXaFJ0xe6Zl5m7iqYH5iBpS1ChC50vE/s320/Colouring+Scorpion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For good measure, I add a full brown layer behind the colour layer. This helps me if I miss anything when colouring. I used colour purely by hand, but that was actually a massive waste of time. To save time, I select the LA (line art) layer. </div>
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Using the magic wand tool, I select the area I wanted coloured (for example, the top of Scorpion's skull). I then go into Select, followed by Modify, than Expand. Then, I'll increase the expansion by about 2 pixels or so. I de-select the LA layer (but still keep the magic wand selection) then select my colour layer. Grab the paint bucket tool, the colour I want and bam, we've got a flat base colour for that area. When I shade or lighten an area, it depends on the size. If it's small, I'll do it by hand (and colour it myself), if it's large, I'll make a new layer above my colour layer and... well pretty much do the same step as above really. <br />
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Once the character's are done, I'll work on the backgrounds. Depending on the comic, I try to stick with simple backgrounds but I try to make it look nice and presentable. In all honesty, I'm quite inspired by backgrounds produced by DSLR photography cameras, the blurry background, the nice depth of field, almost looking like a painting itself. Those are how I like to make my backgrounds. Usually I'll use a lot of colours (no line art) for backgrounds, followed by the Gaussian Blur filter found in the Filters tab. Again, I don't always do this, it depends on the comic. Sometimes I'll draw a background exactly how I drew the characters.<br />
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Once that's all done, I add in any special effects (like the fire), additional lighting, speech bubbles and dialogue. I'll get more in depth into those another time. After a comic is finished, I keep two copies on me of the final piece. One original, high resolution comic (for the purpose of potential printing) and one lower resolution comic for the purpose of screen/web.<br />
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If you have any questions, feel free to contact us - <a href="mailto:RAcomic.au@gmail.com">RAcomic.au@gmail.com</a> <br />
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-Cr33g (Craig) <br />
<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-3537847286907790492012-12-11T22:42:00.000+09:302012-12-11T22:42:00.953+09:30"Square Business"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYKtgEWPcuEngyrW3KpH2gFg78YTDZ2SC5a9lj8_mwguS9GKvLvis_na-npw64Rl4xUglkdtERoBU0l6WQ4RR6CuYTOMpKvIEJwnqq9OmTIy7wJJV7uK7ktfvHVCkHWUct_276cxcNQ0/s1600/Square+Business+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYKtgEWPcuEngyrW3KpH2gFg78YTDZ2SC5a9lj8_mwguS9GKvLvis_na-npw64Rl4xUglkdtERoBU0l6WQ4RR6CuYTOMpKvIEJwnqq9OmTIy7wJJV7uK7ktfvHVCkHWUct_276cxcNQ0/s640/Square+Business+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Square-Enix... <i>what are you doing?</i><br />
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Square-Enix was one of my favourite developers. <i>"Was"</i> being the key word. Lately, I'm just really disappointed with what they've been doing, and I know I'm not alone with this thought. Ever since Final Fantasy X-2 (which I didn't quite like for many reasons), I feel the quality of their games has really started to slowly fall. I never tried Final Fantasy XI, which apparently was a little bit of a fail to put it lightly but I did give Final Fantasy XII a go. I thought it was okay but at the end of the day, I felt this just wasn't a very good game. Especially with the whole... <a href="http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/09/08" target="_blank"><i>playing with itself</i></a> combat system.<br />
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I think for me the biggest <i>kick in the ball</i>s was Final Fantasy XIII for PS3. I remember seeing the trailer back in 2006 and thinking "Shit, shit, holy fucking shit, oh my God" because the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM3P15hTnfA" target="_blank">trailer</a> looked freaking amazing. The trailer made me think the combat system was going to be insane. The graphics were insane. The music was insane... I remember going to a good friend's house on a regular basis. We'd play games (mostly Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 special ops co-op), have a few beers and... as some kinda strange nerdy ritual, we would always watch one of the latest trailers of Final Fantasy XIII. I know that sounds incredibly sad, but we're <i>nerds</i>, it's what we <i>do</i>. Four years later, the game finally came to us in 2010 and... well...<br />
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The combat system wasn't insane. It felt almost like Final Fantasy XII except with a little more input. I hated the whole "Commando" and other in class system thingo. It also annoyed the hell out of me that there was no world map and all the areas in the game were pretty much "go from point A to point B" in tight invisible wall corridors, despite the environments looking huge. It felt like a<i> lie</i>.<br />
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Okay, the graphics and music were still sweet, but still, I think the game play kinda sucked. The storyline was also a little weird and all over the place. My biggest problem with this game? Apparently, in order to get to <i>"the good part"</i> of Final Fantasy XIII, you need to put in <i>twenty five hour</i>s of game play. Twenty five, fucking hours, to get to "the good part". That's bullshit. Criminal.<br />
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I'm not quite sure why Square-Enix is trying yet another MMO with Final Fantasy XIV. Apparently upon release it was filled with bugs and didn't do well, so now they're trying again and kinda re-doing stuff with it? Mean while, they made Final Fantasy XIII-2 and are now aiming at XIII-3? Really? XIII wasn't even that well received compared to other Final Fantasy games? I don't understand why XIII needs <i>more</i> sequels?<br />
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Just give us Kingdom Hearts 3 already. That gave deserves a high definition "true" sequel.<br />
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At the very least... Square-Enix's involvement with other games and developers is pretty cool. Deus Ex: Human Revolution was such an awesome game, I enjoyed <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/employee-of-month.html" target="_blank">Hitman: Absolution</a> and I'm really looking forward to next year's reboot of Tomb Raider.<br />
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I'm hoping the reboot of Tomb Raider is as incredible as it looks.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-59637756874574811982012-12-06T22:22:00.004+09:302012-12-06T22:26:25.393+09:30"The Great Debate"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pmWU4v1LMMTkOLEt38JhupyAntLRNM7j3YyEdSzciShoY3fTBzo3AHifWgc6PDKBu9_gsfWJP58CGdsauhdsBcckTBdp6fqmT9FY6oYxvxYgzPIvJqqkVjunOTcCt4QGg5PNlOtCRXw/s1600/The+Great+Debate+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pmWU4v1LMMTkOLEt38JhupyAntLRNM7j3YyEdSzciShoY3fTBzo3AHifWgc6PDKBu9_gsfWJP58CGdsauhdsBcckTBdp6fqmT9FY6oYxvxYgzPIvJqqkVjunOTcCt4QGg5PNlOtCRXw/s640/The+Great+Debate+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This one is about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.<br />
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Skyrim is an <i>epic</i> game. Absolutely amazing. I got it for my PS3 and spent so many hours immersing myself in that game... with every right too, when it came out, I was off work for recovery for knee surgery. It was the best, laziest week of my life. One thing that I found interesting was on the loading screens, the game would offer a bit of information and lore of the world of Skyrim. The loading times on the PS3 were slow, but at least there was something to read... except, one message in particular. One particular loading screen explains that when a dragon attacks, it's actually speaking in its native language. So apparently when two dragons fight each other, it is actually a "deadly verbal debate". <i>Really?</i><br />
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My brother and I have been playing the new Nintendo Wii U, with our first and only game being <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/interchangeable.html" target="_blank">ZombiU</a>. Holy crap, that game is<i> intense</i>. I seriously can't remember the last time a game freaked me out so much. I've actually jumped a few times. It really is "survival horror". It's freaky as hell, zombies in groups of three or four are very dangerous, one bite kills, ammo and guns are rare... like I said before, it's intense. I've died about seven or eight times and despite my raging, I'm <i>loving</i> this game.<br />
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We got a chance to play the New Super Mario Bros. for the Wii U, courtesy of a friend of mine. In all honesty, it plays exactly like the previous New Super Mario Bros. but with a few adjustments. If you've got some people to play with, it's a really fun game, especially if someone uses the gamepad. See, you can have two to five players in multiplayer. One to four players take a Wii-mote each, while one player takes the gamepad and essentially acts as a 'helper', supplying jumping blocks, stunning and taking out enemies etc, all via the touch screen on the gamepad. This person can either make, or break the game, if they decide to be a <i>massive troll</i> or something.<br />
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I fell in love with the New Super Mario Bros' presentation. The graphics are beautiful. It's so smooth, so colourful and so clean, with a frame rate of sixty frames per second. It really does look beautiful. I've heard a lot of reviewers say it's the same graphics as the Wii but in HD resolution. I guess that just goes to show how important art direction and presentation is, compared to raw graphical power, huh?<br />
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My recommendation? ZombiU is worth picking up for any Wii U owner. The New Super Mario Bros. is an excellent choice too, if you've got people to play with.<br />
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In other gaming news, Far Cry 3 came out last week here in Australia and review-wise, it's looking good. To me it looks a lot better than Far Cry 2. I'm really tempted to grab a copy but I'll probably hold out for a little while, because I'm actually heading out of town shortly for a holiday. We'll still be posting comics and blog entries twice a week, however at the end of the month, I'm actually venturing off overseas to America for three weeks with a few friends, so comic updates may be a little slow then.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-22806668834700517512012-12-04T21:54:00.000+09:302012-12-04T22:08:18.121+09:30"Interchangeable"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWuPZHG0J57JLFzje13JlQ6hMCWy0bCgPKexjkos0nMdpiie0NzvvZmJ-vfco7ahl3rLDSyCR84qade6huq0iuqW7VAqiC1oF-A5PxgS13xcsLvwuQyta_51NrFwvrHIuBRO4pM3751I/s1600/ZombiUr+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWuPZHG0J57JLFzje13JlQ6hMCWy0bCgPKexjkos0nMdpiie0NzvvZmJ-vfco7ahl3rLDSyCR84qade6huq0iuqW7VAqiC1oF-A5PxgS13xcsLvwuQyta_51NrFwvrHIuBRO4pM3751I/s640/ZombiUr+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For some, this comic may need a brief explanation if you care to read on.<br />
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Zombi U is a hard game. Fun, but hard. In fact, I think this might be where they start putting the ‘Nintendo’ back into ‘Nintendo hard’. This means, when playing this game, you’re going to die, a lot, probably during the <i>tutorial</i>. The neat thing is, when (not if) you die; you are given a new survivor, a gun with minimal rounds, and a cricket bat, that’s it, have fun. You are then tasked with the grisly objective of finding, and <i>murdering</i> your previous, now zombified character or you will lose anything you’ve managed to scavenge, and have to start over and look for new supplies. For the sake of maintaining narrative flow, the game doesn’t really acknowledge the survivor switch, and tends to discuss plot points as if they’ve been following the whole time. It works out fine for the most part, except it kind of feels like the characters you play are, as the title suggests, <b><i>interchangeable</i></b>.<br />
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With that said, Zombi U and the Wii U came out in Australia last Friday, a good week and a half after it did in the US, and I might be so bold to suggest that it was worth the wait. The premise of Zombi U is an interesting one; survival horror, and by that I mean, actual survivor horror, and not “this is survival horror here’s your <i>machine gun</i>, go get ‘em, tiger. Oh look now, it’s raining ammunition and puppies! Heavenly day!”. This game is just about the zombie survival game I’ve been waiting, no, yearning for. It’s tense, and scary. Surviving requires caution, preparation, and some eyes in the back of your head wouldn’t hurt.<br />
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The game has achieved pretty polarizing reviews, which, honestly, surprises the utter fuck out of me. Are some reviewers playing a different game than me? The gamepad is where the game and Wii U are really able to distinguish themselves from everything else. The gamepad and touch screen is where you control your inventory, view the minimap, and scan for motion blips – which is completely terrifying. It means you need to constantly split your attention between the TV and your gamepad. This is awesome because, unless you actually press start, the game. Doesn’t. Pause. Dig through your backpack and be a ready and waiting raw steak at your own risk. Both hilariously and inexplicably, reviewers are mad that you have to look at a separate screen when digging around in your backpack or other tasks. Have these guys even looked inside a backpack before? Of course you’re going to be distracted from what’s going on around you, that’s the entire fucking <b>point</b>. It’s pretty easy to push someone over and laugh when they’re hunched over a bag, looking for their lunch in hungry desperation. Try it sometime and see for yourself.<br />
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I officially became a fan of the developers of this game after they posted an in game response to reviewers and as a warning to players in general.<br />
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<i><a href="http://media.gamerevolution.com/images/misc/ZombiU_Dev.JPG" target="_blank">“Heads up, this game is a survival horror”.</a></i><br />
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Fuck yeah it is.<br />
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-Morblitz (Morgan)<br />
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Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-8113529827344154692012-11-30T21:27:00.004+09:302012-11-30T21:31:22.718+09:30"Employee of the Month" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0J1quxOzrTMA_YJpEK8_N2oRsXemb7V2x5yuuUNnIv9y0KUxJn4gzKDFaAWEAaOOXd3UH6Iz5qE_xjD-CzPmxx2S4Ze_QQk6geXSfq6pgbrHS_-U3kPeocLfdUBOkV4Q-8m-WEThlLY/s1600/Employee+of+the+Month+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0J1quxOzrTMA_YJpEK8_N2oRsXemb7V2x5yuuUNnIv9y0KUxJn4gzKDFaAWEAaOOXd3UH6Iz5qE_xjD-CzPmxx2S4Ze_QQk6geXSfq6pgbrHS_-U3kPeocLfdUBOkV4Q-8m-WEThlLY/s640/Employee+of+the+Month+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This one is about the recently released Hitman: Absolution.<br />
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The one thing I really like about the Hitman franchise (especially since Hitman: Blood Money) is that it's a stealth game, but not just about hiding away from people, but also hiding in plain sight...hiding in crowds, with disguises etc... but sometimes, it really does take a<i> long fucking time</i> to finish a mission.<br />
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I've been playing a lot of Hitman: Absolution lately for PS3, it's been distracting me from Pokemon: Black and White 2 (Black version) which I got a few weeks ago, <a href="http://racomic.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/evolution.html" target="_blank">just like my brother</a>. I've seen the reviews for Hitman: Absolution and it seems to be one of those games where reviewers either like it or they don't. Me? I like it.<br />
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I'm really impressed by the game's presentation. The music is great and the graphics are awesome. Game play wise it plays like an expanded Hitman: Blood Money, which makes me happy. Such expansions include a cover system, the new, fun and very abusable "Instinct" ability and a few other things like point shooting, think Splinter Cell: Conviction and 'tagging' people before you shoot them in the face. The storyline is okay but, I don't really like how it's more narrative structure. In previous games, the story was kinda told mission by mission, but now it's an actual "story" with cut scenes and stuff. It's different and it's okay, but I prefer how the previous games handled it.<br />
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There are a few things which bother me about the game. Sometimes it's way too easy to sneak past certain guards, but sometimes quite difficult. I also find it weird that you can throw a knife straight into someone's face, but throwing a brick at their head won't do anything except make the enemy realise where you are. Throwing objects as a distraction is hilariously bad, as rather than investigate where the object came from, enemies investigate where it landed... makes no sense to me, especially when the object that gets thrown moves past their field of vision. Still, I can't complain too much, I've abused this function often 'cuz it's fun.<br />
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I picked up a Nintendo Wii U deluxe pack today. Here in Australia, the Wii U only came out today (Friday 30th of November, 2012). Of course, when I turned the thing on, I was greeted by a lovely five fucking gigabyte download... but hey, I went out for dinner with a friend and by the time I got home, it was done. Sweet. I was really surprised by the gamepad... it feels very comfortable in my hands, the tablet screen is very responsive and it's just nice to look at.<br />
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I grabbed ZombiU as my first Wii U game (not including the "Nintendo Land" which comes with the deluxe package). ZombiU is another title that I've heard reviewers are either loving or hating. As I type this, the update for ZombiU has just downloaded and installed, so I'm off to go hit a zombie in the face with a cricket bat.<br />
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Hopefully I won't die straight away, but judging from what I've read online, it's inevitable. I have a feeling I am going to be doing <i>a lot</i> of raging tonight...<br />
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I'll post more about the Wii U as I play it over this weekend.<br />
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-Cr33g (Craig)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-91351096144796995192012-11-28T19:46:00.001+09:302012-11-28T19:46:10.622+09:30"Evolution"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphCHCO-seMC3XFj4UMY3Kica-Xn9c347TAM-Hj0UIamE9Ek2M0k4zqpI17k6ku0iTNvCFELEq8yHXAgtnEQiPMT3U5rsiGZtX49lxvXEtL3dR6mA-YuOAzOUhn-TVUka7W34dpubFypQ/s1600/Evolution+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphCHCO-seMC3XFj4UMY3Kica-Xn9c347TAM-Hj0UIamE9Ek2M0k4zqpI17k6ku0iTNvCFELEq8yHXAgtnEQiPMT3U5rsiGZtX49lxvXEtL3dR6mA-YuOAzOUhn-TVUka7W34dpubFypQ/s640/Evolution+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the first post for me. I should say something.<br />
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I grew up on the Pokémon games so there’s a certain amount of nostalgia that keeps me coming back for every new outing. Still, though, I can never seem to be able to shake the reluctance to cancel a Pokémon’s evolution partway through, I always get a weird sinking feeling that something <i>horrible</i> will happen, and I just can’t do that to these friendly pixels.<br />
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Up until recently I haven’t been able to play the games to their full potential, only being able to finish the main single player stories – which were never actually really all that <i>inspired</i> - and then dabble somewhat in online communities until University gets really busy and the game gets shelved. But now with the coursework part of my degree done, and the semester over, I’ve got more time to keep up with it. I just needed people to play with.<br />
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See, where the games really shine is found within their competitive gameplay, either with super serious players, or more casually between friends. The point is that it’s great when you can play with other people. It’s gives you the opportunity to execute your plans and strategy that you’ve probably spent a lot of time developing and thinking about, against someone who is doing the exact same thing in order to <i>kill your dudes</i>. Don’t let them, kill theirs first! And, of course, it allows you to witness the despair of your opponent, and to drink deep the sweet nectar of their sorrowful defeat. You know, friendly stuff.<br />
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My brother decided to pick the game back up after a few years’ hiatus, and my girlfriend finally agreed to give the games a try, so I bought her a copy of the latest one alongside mine. Bless her, she jumped right into the game and was hooked. She really took to what I think is the best part of the game. Not once has she sent out a parade of motherfucking <i><a href="http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/3/3e/039Jigglypuff.png/200px-039Jigglypuff.png" target="_blank">Jigglypuff</a></i> against me, expecting their adorableness to save the day through friendship and song. Instead, she tries her damnedest to crush me into a paste and make me feel bad. It’s awesome.<br />
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I play Pokémon because the games have a complexity and depth that I think a lot of people tend not to give it credit for. It’s really an RPG with hundreds of potential party members, each with their own strengths, and weaknesses, which determine their viability in certain strategy. There’s even individual character differences that means that two of the same pokemon may actually be quite different from each other. On top of that, there’s also a system of invisible statistics that a particularly ambitious player can manipulate, which introduces a whole part of meta-game into play. I have not braved this rabbit-hole though, as doing so takes a turn from fun and casual to super duper fucking serious business time. I’m not so into the game that I’m ready to take that plunge, as it will probably end with me gazing upon the face of madness, while it gazes back, urging me to blink first. Just thinking about the amount of hours involved makes me shudder. Nostalgia can only get me so far, here.<br />
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Despite my fondness for the game, I always feel like some kind of abhorrent beast when I venture into the local market place, brush past a fellow shopper walking out with his copy of the latest Call of Duty, draw back my hood, press the required amount of money into the vendors hands, and then clutch my newly acquired game of Pokémon protectively within my talons whilst I skitter off to the dark place from whence I came.<br />
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I feel their eyes.<br />
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Maybe it’s just me?<br />
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-Morblitz (Morgan)<br />
Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-16747447548973413672012-11-26T19:21:00.000+09:302012-11-26T19:21:11.674+09:30"Am I right?" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg4TPquqaeH0i3zZpWcgH_1bqHNS5gLOZqzo518KVvhHnlijM0D_i7VMNa2Nu9BzC2gi_HVNQnpWjoHPOw5BavYxz_ej47cxmZFBwm00bDRB8xrNqbXM_eiz6nbd_bOTh7_GqQb55U58/s1600/Am+I+right+-+Resident+Evil+6+-+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg4TPquqaeH0i3zZpWcgH_1bqHNS5gLOZqzo518KVvhHnlijM0D_i7VMNa2Nu9BzC2gi_HVNQnpWjoHPOw5BavYxz_ej47cxmZFBwm00bDRB8xrNqbXM_eiz6nbd_bOTh7_GqQb55U58/s640/Am+I+right+-+Resident+Evil+6+-+web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
02 - "Am I right?"<br />
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Today's comic is about Resident Evil 6.<br />
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I think it's pretty cool that in a lot of games today, like Resident Evil 6, characters will show signs of damage, wear and tear and all that stuff as the game goes on. They get cuts, bruises, scratches, covered and dirt etc, just like in movies. I think it's great how that detail can be achieved on the character models in today's games. Funny thing about Resident Evil 6 is despite the damage they take, their hair is still absolutely perfect. Especially Leon's... "Maybe he's born with it, maybe it's Kennedy!"<br />
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We were lucky here in Australia to get Resident Evil 6 a week earlier than everybody else, all because <a href="https://ebgames.com.au/" target="_blank">some sneaky son of a bitch</a> decided to break the release date a week early. Bless you, sneaky son of a bitch, where ever you are.<br />
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Resident Evil 6 is clearly a co-op game, but since my brother was studying for uni at the time I decided to play it solo. It wasn't so bad on solo. Unlike Resident Evil 5, you don't have to take care of your partner. Sure, they're still not very smart, but they're not your problem. You can just, go do your thing while they do their thing. They can't die, unless you're in a certain part of the game where the storyline requires you to save them. Then yeah they can die.<br />
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The game play has changed a fair bit compared to previous games... is it for the better? I'm not entirely sure. Resident Evil 6 honestly plays like the Dead Space games. You run around like you do in every third person shooter, you can sprint, slide on the ground, do dive rolls and other stuff. Using guns is almost the same except now, you can walk while aiming and firing. Innovating, right? Kind of, I guess. Okay no, not really. There's a cover system too, but you're seriously better off not using it. Melee combat has been changed, now it's no longer a quick time trigger but rather, well, tap R1 to beat the crap out of people and bust out combos. It is actually kinda fun and it can save ammo, but sometimes it's a good idea to not try and kick everything in the face. The game play isn't bad but, it actually gets pretty repetitive.<br />
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The game consists of three campaigns, which is a new approach to the Resident Evil franchise. You can do any campaign in any order you like. You can start with Leon Kennedy and his new partner Helena, or Chris Redfield with his new partner Piers. Finally there's new character Jake Mueller, son of Albert Wesker (that's not a spoiler, you pretty much find that out right away) teaming up with Resident Evil 2 character Sherry Birken, now a er, arse kicking government agent lady. If you complete all campaigns, then Ada Wong becomes available as a solo only campaign.<br />
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All characters pretty much play the same. Their animations are all different sure but they play pretty much exactly the same, with the exception of Jake. Jake's unarmed "weapon" grants him unarmed combat skills that the other characters don't have, crazy kung fu. It's pretty cool and as Jake, you'll find yourself using it a lot due to the lack of ammo.<br />
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Hands down, Leon's campaign is the best. He gets to fight old school zombies. Chris and Jake on the other hand? Their campaign feels like a very generic third person shooter. You'll be fighting mostly enemies like the Ganados in Resident Evil 4, except most of them have guns. It feels like Gears of War, but not as awesome. I loved Leon's campaign, Chris' campaign was okay but in all honestly, I was struggling through Jake's... not because of its difficulty, but because it was getting really boring and I just wanted to finish the game.<br />
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Graphically, Resident Evil 6 is pretty awesome, especially the cut scenes. The music is pretty sweet too with its intense orchestra. Most of the voice acting is actually pretty good and most of the dialogue is actually pretty good too, which is surprising, but there still are a few occasional cheesy lines, which is a pre-requisite for the Resident Evil games. The storyline is well, not so much confusing, just not exactly told in a very coherent manner.<br />
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If you've got a buddy to play with, Resident Evil 6 is really worth a look. If you're playing alone though? I'd only suggest the game if you're a fan of the franchise. Overall yeah it's pretty good but... I was really looking forward to this one and while I had a good time for most of the game, I was left disappointed.<br />
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I hope Dead Space 3 is good.<br />
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-Craig (Cr33g)<br />
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<br />Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3347779400131968290.post-85049321484257616512012-11-23T20:03:00.000+09:302012-11-23T20:34:20.382+09:30First comic "No Wonder" and Welcome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GIqR4AB7dGmY887uYwgY9lBLPiFor4KvSF_M9SloJtdW16kd8f8-px7yFGrJbbIqPelSijlU4ktaMK-txVWv43iOySIacH7Ii5LB2v-GyRnmIvpIQBDaAJRGC0UFXSLPZZloKHiWjZo/s1600/No+Wonder+-+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GIqR4AB7dGmY887uYwgY9lBLPiFor4KvSF_M9SloJtdW16kd8f8-px7yFGrJbbIqPelSijlU4ktaMK-txVWv43iOySIacH7Ii5LB2v-GyRnmIvpIQBDaAJRGC0UFXSLPZZloKHiWjZo/s640/No+Wonder+-+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
01 - "No Wonder"<br />
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Hey everyone.<br />
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Our first comic is here is about Batman: Arkham City, one of my all time favourite games. One of my favourite things of the "Arkhamverse" is how dark and gritty it is and how faithful these new Batman games are to the comics. Rocksteady has done an amazing job to deliver us two awesome games of the Dark Knight. Hell, even Rocksteady's version of the Tim Drake incarnation of <a href="http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arkham-city-robin2.jpg" target="_blank">Robin</a> is completely bad arse. Can you imagine what the game would be like with a cameo of the old school 60's Robin?<br />
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With that all being said, I'd like to welcome you to the temporary location for our new web comic, Reckless Abandon.<br />
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Reckless Abandon is an Australian web comic that'll go into all sorts of crap from video games, the Internet, popular culture and well, other stuff like that, while also serving as a blog and news post. I kinda thought it would be cool to try and get into cartooning (more specifically, web comics) as drawing is one of my biggest passions. While I love drawing, I'm not exactly the best writer, which is why I've dragged my brother Morgan into this mess to serve as the comic's writer. For all eternity.<br />
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We're currently basing our web comic here on Blogger, but we're also working to develop a fully functional website to host our comic in the near future. Stay tuned for more details!<br />
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-Craig (Cr33g)Reckless Abandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976778973194086603noreply@blogger.com