Tel Aviv

From John Grant's forthcoming album of the same name:

The new Atoms for Peace album, Amok, is being streamed here: http://amok.atomsforpeace.info/ Bitchin'.

I hope you've a half hour to spare. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJk69zvgBhU

I've discovered funk (by way of George Clinton/Computer Games) like some funky Columbus.

Do you like computer games?

Having read David Gaider's blog, I do feel bad for BioWare - they're the M. Night Shyamalan of gaming. They shouldn't feel obliged to include romances to satisfy a needy fanbase.

I hope to see more streamlining in games just to miff you guys off!

Considering a second go at Mass Effect 3 but I found it so disappointing the first time through and not because of the ending. The amount of auto-dialogue, the woeful sidequest design, Kai effing Leng. Also the ending. I found the whole thing kinda half baked. But now that my expectations are braced I might enjoy it a little more, I dunno.

I'm having to take work home with me for Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Vlt-lpVOY

Hmm. The title reminds me of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNqLoFHJxM0

The Elder Scrolls fans like using this kind of mechanics as a crutch for their imagination. If there was MORE writing to the characters they'd probably complain. I mean, hey, they've managed to create a personality for Lydia out of nothing! That's something, I suppose. Planescape: Torment would scare them ****less.

You're right. That's the appeal of Black Lagoon too, I guess. I'm midway through the first series of Code Geass. It's got something - I quite like it. I hear it takes a nose dive come series two though?

First marriage, now adoption. The average Skyrim NPC has less depth than a tamagotchi. Why would I want to adopt one of the ****ers?

Finished watching Gantz just now. On the one hand I enjoyed it but I can't help thinking it the kind of series that gives anime a bad name. It's extremely violent, often ridiculous and embarrassingly fan service-y. Having said that Kurono's arc is pretty satisfying. I just don't know that I can recommend it to anyone. How's the manga?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKnYt5ZBzjs "Now I'll have to kill you all."

No, I enjoyed the ME2 soundtrack too. Missed the sweet Vangelis vibe though: It'll be interesting to see what Clint Mansell adds to the mix. Really enjoyed some of his previous work... http://www.artofthetitle.com/2010/07/12/moon/

The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection - just reached Peace Walker. The Mother Base aspect is a real change of pace, I like it a lot. This year I've decided to restrict myself to one video game purchase per month, rationing style. This must be what it was like to play video games in the 1940's.

Strange how they can't just copy animations from ME1, rather than somehow making them worse in folluw-up games. Not to mention, apparently holstering weapons is impossible too in ME3. I don't get it. No more holstering is to save memory, I believe. Bit of a bummer. And what's this about Mordin's VA not returning?

Check out that Keith David gait. He means business!

Entertaining reading over at the BioWare boards. The demo has really polarized opinion. Is there anyone more unreasonable than a fan?

Yeah, I found it a bit of a shock if I'm honest. There's a 2GB limit for Xbox demos, hopefully that's why.

Well, I like Mark Meer. He has good comic timing when he's given the chance!

9/10 is surprising. I expected reviews in the 6-7/10 range, if I'm honest. Maybe the demo was a poor representation?

May pick up the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection this Friday. Y'know, for old times sake.

I was actually reading about The Drum at work today. It's the site of a new development in London - originally part of a network of Second World War bomb shelters beneath the city. Pretty cool.