Month: October 2011

Unpleasant Horse

Occasionally, we crave for games that we can enjoy playing without breaking too much of a sweat or frying too many brain cells at one time. Unpleasant Horse easily fits into this category. Although it initially got into the "bad graces" of Apple the first time around, it seems they had a change of heart and agreed to release the game. What made it so controversial you ask? Well, not quite sure. They must have found a cute little evil pony/horse wrecking havoc and killing all the other ponies a bit offensive. The game is from 4th & Battery, the edgier, more experimental division of your favorite wholesome gaming guru, Popcap.

Lyndsie Alguire: Suspended in Light

It's not often that I write about purely instrumental music, but I just could not let this one go without a good review. Suspended in Light might have it's weak spots here and there overall, however, the combination of the beautiful piano melodies and occasional violin contributions all dressed up in some modern enchanting electronic sounds seem to work just perfectly. So if you are looking for something to keep you company throughout the long workday, Lyndsie Alguire's compositions might just be your answer.

VideoMyPC

If you're looking for a nice software that will help you record videos on your computer, VideoMyPC is a great one to check out. The program lets you record a portion or all of your computer screen and turn it into a movie at a simple click of a button. This nifty little tool is perfect for Youtubers or anybody who likes to record walkthroughs/tutorials and share them online. Developed by LEDSET Software, this barely there program is approximately 2MB in size but it does wonders. It's has a very straightforward interface and doesn't require a great learning curve in order to master.

Horiso: He and other both creatures

He and Other Both Creatures is a solid, electronic jazz compilation that's worth listening to. The man behind this captivating collection is Horiso; a Polish multi-instrumentalist, technician, composer, programmer and in some parts of the record, singer. This 9-track album takes electronic influences, jazz, improv, voice and so many other elements together, mashed them around, to create a breathtaking record. There are certain tracks that make you feel like dancing while other tracks are more meant for a slow and relaxing evening with people you love. Released last September 2011, the album is available as a free download under a Creative Commons license.

Keys of a Gamespace

Keys of a Gamespace might seem like an odd title for a video game but it's actually very appropriate for this one. Developed by a group of people from the University of Metz in France, the game explores a new take on gaming by using it as a tool for gaining understanding by putting you in someone else's shoes. The game sees you in the footsteps of a man trying to make sense of his past. Your job is to help him put together his memories by solving puzzles in each level. Each step gets you closer to unraveling what he has kept hidden in his subconsious. It's an intriguing game that's equipped with a unique storyline and an interesting gameplay.

Archipelago: Have Here

What started as a post college project has become a full blown musical endeavor for Archipelago founder, Peter Naddeo. Born in the Appalachian trail of Blue Mountain, the singer/songwriter is currently doing double duties for several bands. Most notably, he plays guitar for indie folk pop group, Laura and the Cans. Have Here is the eighth release from the collective. Their ability to change things up is providing a whole new landscape of sound in their compilations; garnering positive results from musicians and fans alike. Some of their previous releases include Teenage Suicide Notes, Paper Trails EP, Hollow Bones EP, and Coasting to name a few.

Zentomino HD

Brain melting games are always fun to try out. Take Zentomino HD for instance. Based on Pentomino, Little White Bear Studios brings in this ancient puzzle game straight to your shiny iPad & iPhone screens. Zentomino lets you "achieve zen" by positioning puzzle pieces onto a given shape in the middle of the screen. However, you have to make sure that none of the puzzles overlap or go beyond the designated areas. The game is quite simple and perfect if you want to get away from all those action packed shooter games you've been playing for awhile.

Sunclef: The TesserAct

The TesserAct might just be one of the best collections of the hip-hop drenched, head banding and finger tapping electronic beats, spicy synths, and some mind blowing electro sounds with just a touch of crunchy jazz and funk influence in all the right places, I have seen in a long while. The album is a solo debut from a talented Toronto based musician Sunclef who, with his minimal yet surprisingly powerful tunes, brings us what is extremely hard to find amidst the many thousands of electronic releases out there - quality production.

Escape from City 17 (Part One & Part Two)

If you were a big fan of the Half-Life video games, you'll certainly enjoy and find Escape from City 17 nostalgic. Created by The Purchase Brothers, part one of this fan film adaptation was released around February 2009. Now, over two years have passed and the company finally gave Half-Life fans an early Christmas present by releasing part two of the project. Armed with handy camera equipment and a $500 budget for both films, the Canadian duo set out to create an amazing adaptation that's critically acclaimed by many and even praised by Valve, the video game company responsible for the popular first person shooter.