...So, I lost everything. Well, not everything, but most of my stuff is all gone. Music, videos, pictures, collected articles and websites, guilty pleasures. Almost all of it is gone. More importantly, all my machinima-related files, inducing Brawl hacks, are gone. Luckily, I STILL haven't gotten back to work on Reycralibur nor The Abridged Knights of Brawl. Plus, my laptop is still functional, and I haven't thrown out my old laptop, the one I used before, yet. On top of not losing all my stuff, there's a chance some of my older stuff, the movies and files I thought I lost forever, can be recovered at a future date. So, it's not that bad, for me at least.
But I shouldn't get my hopes up for getting my current stuff back, so now it's time for me to figure out where I'm headed, as far as online entertainment goes. I now have an SD Card which I can use to softmod my Wii U and possibly return to making Brawl machinima. Meanwhile, I'm becoming more disillusioned with Reycralibur and, without my laptop AND my stuff, it's gonna be a while before I can get back to making SSB64 machinima. I've decided to see what I can do to get back to doing the latter, while shifting my focus towards doing the former.
Last year, I began writing a new Smash machinima, one that I have gotten really attached to. Like The Abridged Knights of Brawl, it's based on a really crappy web series..., or rather, a really crappy webcomic. Unlike Knights, this was going to be an adaptation, a re-imagination, in machinima form. I was going to do it in Melee and, like Reycralibur, it would have showcased hacks that were NEVER used in a Melee machinima before.
But, now I've decided to make it a Brawl machinima, and a back-to-basics one at that. Nothing too fancy. Don't worry, it would have at least had voice actors...besides myself.
So there's that and, since I've already uploaded the entire Knights of Brawl series to one of my YT channels, I can continue work on The Abridged Knights of Brawl by downloading those episodes. Knights is another series I've grown attached to. I'm actually planning on turning that into a Brawl machinima adaptation as well after I finished "Season 3".
Like I said, it's not that bad, for me at least.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Update (and short)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ycuba_falcon-run-ssbb-machinima-short-update_videogames
[This video was] Originally going to be included in a collab..., until I realized that the deadline has already passed. That's not the only bad news, I'm afraid. Something's wrong with my laptop...again. If I can't get it fixed, I don't know what I'm going to do.
I'm looking into using my family's computer for making machinima. Windows 8's start menu is about a threat to me as a cockroach. In the meantime, I'm getting ready to start recording for "The Abridged Knights of Brawl: Bjohn's Quest." There's a chance I can film Reycralibur, episode 11 here too, but we'll have to see.
There is some good news to this..., Mortal Kombat X and Homefront 2. Street Fighter and Battlefield be damned.
[This video was] Originally going to be included in a collab..., until I realized that the deadline has already passed. That's not the only bad news, I'm afraid. Something's wrong with my laptop...again. If I can't get it fixed, I don't know what I'm going to do.
I'm looking into using my family's computer for making machinima. Windows 8's start menu is about a threat to me as a cockroach. In the meantime, I'm getting ready to start recording for "The Abridged Knights of Brawl: Bjohn's Quest." There's a chance I can film Reycralibur, episode 11 here too, but we'll have to see.
There is some good news to this..., Mortal Kombat X and Homefront 2. Street Fighter and Battlefield be damned.
Friday, 30 May 2014
TNA and Zippcast
Total Nonstop Action and ZippCast have a lot in common, don't you think? They're both better alternatives to PG-WWE and CoperateTube, they actually listen to their fans, and they actually focus on wrestling and video-sharing. In short, they're awesome! ...At least that's what I would say if I was drinking the Kool-aid.
Here's the reality. ZippCast has a better layout then YouTube, every update they make actually improves the site further. Plus, while every video on YouTube is treated like some original web show or movie, hence the advertisments and copyright bullcrap, ZippCast is all about video sharing. They don't do it to get famous, they do it because they don't want to keep to themselves. On the other hand, the layout is so outdated and hard to navigate, the actual site is buggy, help and support is pathetic...AND IT'S ALWAYS SHUTTING DOWN!!!!
From the beginning, TNA was in WWE's face; whether it was playing the sports entertainment card or actually focusing on wrestling. It's also helps that TNA is very, very, VERY innovative. But let's recap: they had a video game, a developmental territory, a relationship with Bellator MMA, live TV tapings on the road, a roster made up of modern day legends and icons of the past, and a very different atmosphere. All of which they could use to compete with the WWE...and they blew all of it with terrible booking, repetitive invasion angles, and, allegedly, terrible treatment of their superstars and talent.
Meanwhile, the PG rating, 3 hour Raw which nobody can finish in one sitting, and supershow format - which almost killed off the exposure for mid and low card performers - have only hindered WWE in recent years. And while YouTube continues to be Google's personal money-making machine, while giving the finger to it's users and the community, they're still doing what they did before Google bought them out: creating viral hits and turning niches to mainstream entertainment.
At this point, ZippCast and TNA's respective fanboys fanbases look more like brainwashed mooks. Clearly, ZippCast and TNA aren't as "good" as they think they are. They're underrated, yet overhyped; great ideas, horrible execution. They only time when they should get the applause is when they actually beat WWE and YouTube at their own game, which they have done many times, but that's not the point. The point is, at some point, we need to stop giving them a pat on the back every five seconds and start giving some criticism.
We need to stop wishing that they were better and actually try to make them better.
Here's the reality. ZippCast has a better layout then YouTube, every update they make actually improves the site further. Plus, while every video on YouTube is treated like some original web show or movie, hence the advertisments and copyright bullcrap, ZippCast is all about video sharing. They don't do it to get famous, they do it because they don't want to keep to themselves. On the other hand, the layout is so outdated and hard to navigate, the actual site is buggy, help and support is pathetic...AND IT'S ALWAYS SHUTTING DOWN!!!!
From the beginning, TNA was in WWE's face; whether it was playing the sports entertainment card or actually focusing on wrestling. It's also helps that TNA is very, very, VERY innovative. But let's recap: they had a video game, a developmental territory, a relationship with Bellator MMA, live TV tapings on the road, a roster made up of modern day legends and icons of the past, and a very different atmosphere. All of which they could use to compete with the WWE...and they blew all of it with terrible booking, repetitive invasion angles, and, allegedly, terrible treatment of their superstars and talent.
Meanwhile, the PG rating, 3 hour Raw which nobody can finish in one sitting, and supershow format - which almost killed off the exposure for mid and low card performers - have only hindered WWE in recent years. And while YouTube continues to be Google's personal money-making machine, while giving the finger to it's users and the community, they're still doing what they did before Google bought them out: creating viral hits and turning niches to mainstream entertainment.
At this point, ZippCast and TNA's respective fan
We need to stop wishing that they were better and actually try to make them better.
Monday, 12 May 2014
In Spike We Trust? The Prelude to Spike's Gaming Coverage
From what I heard, I was right about VGX being an improvement but McHale absolutely ruined it. As far as criticism goes, if McHale didn't co-host, last year's revamped event would have been the turning point for Spike. Something that would give them a bit more credit as a gaming broadcaster.
But sadly, that isn't the reality. The reality is, once again, they blew it. I said it before, I'll say it again, online networks like Machinima.com have replaced television networks like G4 when it comes to gamer entertainment. They know who their audience is and they know how to cater to them. Television offerings just don't cut it anymore.
And yet, between video game adaptions and tie-ins like Defiance and the surprisingly positive reviews for the Need for Speed film, I still believe there is still some hope that TV and movies can actually get it right. Why else would Spike be named the official broadcaster for E3? Because, while Spike at least gave a crap about gaming, G4 was apparently too busy with Cops, Cheaters, and Lost reruns! Whether gamers like to admit it or not, Spike is the only network left on North American airwaves to bring gaming to their TV sets.
If the team behind VGX wants to solve their "PR problem", all they gotta do is find people who will actually treat gamers with some respect. Spike's demographic and the gaming community are two different beings. You can cater to the former, by all means, but at least treat the latter with some dignity. Meanwhile, I notice that GTTV is off the air, leaving Spike without a gaming news show. Whether or not they've cancelled it and will replace it something else, I'd like to see the show at a more accessible timeslot.
I'll admit that I never got to see VGX or last year's E3 All Access, I just scrambled around news articles and hoped for the best. This year, I'll follow Spike's coverage of E3 2014, then I'll check out VGX at the end of the year. Now that we know for sure that G4 is dead, I want see for myself if Spike can learn from it's mistakes and take G4's place, not as a gaming network, but as a network that at least casual gamers can trust.
Gamers can dismiss it, but the rest of us won't. Spike is the last frontier for gaming television; they need to start acting like it.
But sadly, that isn't the reality. The reality is, once again, they blew it. I said it before, I'll say it again, online networks like Machinima.com have replaced television networks like G4 when it comes to gamer entertainment. They know who their audience is and they know how to cater to them. Television offerings just don't cut it anymore.
And yet, between video game adaptions and tie-ins like Defiance and the surprisingly positive reviews for the Need for Speed film, I still believe there is still some hope that TV and movies can actually get it right. Why else would Spike be named the official broadcaster for E3? Because, while Spike at least gave a crap about gaming, G4 was apparently too busy with Cops, Cheaters, and Lost reruns! Whether gamers like to admit it or not, Spike is the only network left on North American airwaves to bring gaming to their TV sets.
If the team behind VGX wants to solve their "PR problem", all they gotta do is find people who will actually treat gamers with some respect. Spike's demographic and the gaming community are two different beings. You can cater to the former, by all means, but at least treat the latter with some dignity. Meanwhile, I notice that GTTV is off the air, leaving Spike without a gaming news show. Whether or not they've cancelled it and will replace it something else, I'd like to see the show at a more accessible timeslot.
I'll admit that I never got to see VGX or last year's E3 All Access, I just scrambled around news articles and hoped for the best. This year, I'll follow Spike's coverage of E3 2014, then I'll check out VGX at the end of the year. Now that we know for sure that G4 is dead, I want see for myself if Spike can learn from it's mistakes and take G4's place, not as a gaming network, but as a network that at least casual gamers can trust.
Gamers can dismiss it, but the rest of us won't. Spike is the last frontier for gaming television; they need to start acting like it.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Well, This Is Weird... [MTV2 May 2014]
http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCSGrid.do?stnNum=16361&channel=&aid=symbel2y2
I was browsing the program listings on the American channels on My Faves, when I noticed something on MTV2's schedule. On Monday May 5th, Rather than the occasional Boy Meets World or Saved by the Bell rerun blocks, I saw Sucker Free, Elite 8, and You Rock the Deuce. ...Y-You don't think that...? Nah, that's crazy! American networks returning to their roots? HA! It's probably just Zap2it bugging out again, what with their crappy new layout being rolled out. Then again, if this is the real deal, this would be a nice step forward.
It's been three years since MTV2 began to, as Wikipedia put it, "reinvent themselves". To do this, they started producing original lifestyle shows that target young adult males as well as resurrect some older shows such as Wild n' Out. Being the only shows worth watching on MTV2, they quickly brought in large ratings for the channel. If MTV2 were to bring music programming back to the daytime, I believe it would entice viewers to stay for a little bit longer. And hey, as long as they don't get in the way, I'd welcome Bell, Boy, and The Wayans Bros. to stick around for a little while.
What really caught my eye about this schedule slip was that most of MTV2's programming debuts, as well as other major events in the past, have all happened in May. Citing Wikipedia again, there was the end of 120 Minutes, which was renamed as Subterranean as well as the return of Headbangers Ball in 2003. Then there was Human Giant 24 in 2007 and, just for kicks, the premiere of Hip-Hop Squares in 2012. Really, the only thing that makes me doubt this is the real deal is the status quo. Again, what happened to This Week in Jams?
Well, here's to the best. I'd say something about the Canadian version of MTV2, but I think I already made my point about that.
I was browsing the program listings on the American channels on My Faves, when I noticed something on MTV2's schedule. On Monday May 5th, Rather than the occasional Boy Meets World or Saved by the Bell rerun blocks, I saw Sucker Free, Elite 8, and You Rock the Deuce. ...Y-You don't think that...? Nah, that's crazy! American networks returning to their roots? HA! It's probably just Zap2it bugging out again, what with their crappy new layout being rolled out. Then again, if this is the real deal, this would be a nice step forward.
It's been three years since MTV2 began to, as Wikipedia put it, "reinvent themselves". To do this, they started producing original lifestyle shows that target young adult males as well as resurrect some older shows such as Wild n' Out. Being the only shows worth watching on MTV2, they quickly brought in large ratings for the channel. If MTV2 were to bring music programming back to the daytime, I believe it would entice viewers to stay for a little bit longer. And hey, as long as they don't get in the way, I'd welcome Bell, Boy, and The Wayans Bros. to stick around for a little while.
What really caught my eye about this schedule slip was that most of MTV2's programming debuts, as well as other major events in the past, have all happened in May. Citing Wikipedia again, there was the end of 120 Minutes, which was renamed as Subterranean as well as the return of Headbangers Ball in 2003. Then there was Human Giant 24 in 2007 and, just for kicks, the premiere of Hip-Hop Squares in 2012. Really, the only thing that makes me doubt this is the real deal is the status quo. Again, what happened to This Week in Jams?
Well, here's to the best. I'd say something about the Canadian version of MTV2, but I think I already made my point about that.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Fave Five: Channels I like
1) Disney XD (Canada)
Disney XD is, as you know, the boy version of Disney Channel. That's probably the reason why I sorta like it. I'm tempted to say that their sitcoms are a lot more adventurous in premise than those of Disney Channel, which are just a bunch of That's So Raven ripoffs, but I wouldn't say they're worth binge viewing. It's really shows like Aaron Stone and Zeke and Luther (both of which are finished, sadly) and their original cartoons that really got to my heart. The real stars here are the animated shows they air. Whether they're original shows or reruns from Disney Channel or even ABC Kids, Jetix and Toon Disney! It helps that they're the only "extreme" network left in Canada.
2) Action
The only channel in Canada to offer entertainment programing for the GUYS! But don't let it's name fool you, Action isn't just a channel for action movies and shows anymore. Action is very much a Canadian counterpart to networks like Spike, also broadcasting a lineup of reality shows...and TruTV shows. Most of the channel's programming are less "action"-oriented and more guy-centric. Nonetheless, if you get bored of dramas, Action should be a must-have in your subscription package.
3) Much
I'm not afraid to admit it, Bell Media ruined this channel. MuchMusic used to be so much better if you were a music fan. But enough about that, the reason why I like Much in it's present form is due very much to it's present programming lineup; most of which was stolen from The Comedy Network. Today, Much is a network for pop culture programming, intermixing comedies and talk shows (and new episodes of Degrassi, despite the show moving to MTV) with music programming. It blows the water out of other networks of it's kind, which rely on reality shows to get their kicks. And, hey, if I ever want to discover new music, I still have AUX.
4) FX/FXX Canada
Where FX in the US is mostly a basic cable movie network, FX Canada is Rogers Media's de facto equivalent to Showcase. In addition to airing groundbreaking shows from FX, the channel also features of roster of comedies, dramas, and movies. If you missed shows like Seed and Package Deal, you can find them here. Oh, and did I mention that FXC also serves as an alternate outlet for sports? Of course, nowadays I find myself watching FXX more often.
5) Teletoon
Teletoon has become more like a cross between The Hub Network and Cartoon Network in recent years, as far as programming goes. Whereas YTV has gone back to targeting kids, Teletoon still appeals to a wider demographic beyond kids and teens. Of course, while The Hub Network isn't a "cartoon network", that still doesn't give Teletoon any reason to be broadcasting live-action movies that have nothing to do with animation or comics; Original shows, maybe, but not movies. Other than that blemish, Teletoon is still one network I can turn to for a good time.
Disney XD is, as you know, the boy version of Disney Channel. That's probably the reason why I sorta like it. I'm tempted to say that their sitcoms are a lot more adventurous in premise than those of Disney Channel, which are just a bunch of That's So Raven ripoffs, but I wouldn't say they're worth binge viewing. It's really shows like Aaron Stone and Zeke and Luther (both of which are finished, sadly) and their original cartoons that really got to my heart. The real stars here are the animated shows they air. Whether they're original shows or reruns from Disney Channel or even ABC Kids, Jetix and Toon Disney! It helps that they're the only "extreme" network left in Canada.
2) Action
The only channel in Canada to offer entertainment programing for the GUYS! But don't let it's name fool you, Action isn't just a channel for action movies and shows anymore. Action is very much a Canadian counterpart to networks like Spike, also broadcasting a lineup of reality shows...and TruTV shows. Most of the channel's programming are less "action"-oriented and more guy-centric. Nonetheless, if you get bored of dramas, Action should be a must-have in your subscription package.
3) Much
I'm not afraid to admit it, Bell Media ruined this channel. MuchMusic used to be so much better if you were a music fan. But enough about that, the reason why I like Much in it's present form is due very much to it's present programming lineup; most of which was stolen from The Comedy Network. Today, Much is a network for pop culture programming, intermixing comedies and talk shows (and new episodes of Degrassi, despite the show moving to MTV) with music programming. It blows the water out of other networks of it's kind, which rely on reality shows to get their kicks. And, hey, if I ever want to discover new music, I still have AUX.
4) FX/FXX Canada
Where FX in the US is mostly a basic cable movie network, FX Canada is Rogers Media's de facto equivalent to Showcase. In addition to airing groundbreaking shows from FX, the channel also features of roster of comedies, dramas, and movies. If you missed shows like Seed and Package Deal, you can find them here. Oh, and did I mention that FXC also serves as an alternate outlet for sports? Of course, nowadays I find myself watching FXX more often.
5) Teletoon
Teletoon has become more like a cross between The Hub Network and Cartoon Network in recent years, as far as programming goes. Whereas YTV has gone back to targeting kids, Teletoon still appeals to a wider demographic beyond kids and teens. Of course, while The Hub Network isn't a "cartoon network", that still doesn't give Teletoon any reason to be broadcasting live-action movies that have nothing to do with animation or comics; Original shows, maybe, but not movies. Other than that blemish, Teletoon is still one network I can turn to for a good time.
Monday, 21 April 2014
From an Outsider's Prespective: If I ran MTV2
Every time I look at how dull Canada's version of MTV2 is, I can't help but ask myself if it's better or worse than the American MTV2. On one hand, MTV2 is, to my knowledge, the only guy-centric channel in the States. Their original programming actually speaks to someone of my demo. Meanwhile, MTV2 Canada appeals more to the cancer known as tween girls, just like every other youth network in Canada. They don't even run any of MTV2's original shows despite the name, one of the prime reasons why I don't like American-branded channels. Ironically, MTV2 in Canada, back when it was the original MTV Canada, was specifically launched to target a demo that was too old for YTV, yet too young for networks like MuchMusic (network decay; don't ask).
On the other hand, there is a sharp contrast between MTV2's original programming, which targets young adults, and some of their acquired programming, which would fit more at home on Disney XD and ABC Family. Oh, and did I forget to mention that, like MTV, they chose to do that instead of playing music videos. Yes, I know, music video networks aren't popular anymore, if Fuse is any indication, but come on! You telling me you can set aside time for a Scrubs marathon and a movie, but you can't find time for an extra block of music videos in the afternoons? Also, not to call racism but, I notice that shows like The Wayans Bros. and In Living Colour are mostly played in graveyard slots, Smart Guy (and Family Matters) being the only exception(s). I'm sorry, wasn't this the network that favors urban music over rock?
OK, finding something other than music videos to watch shouldn't be that much of a problem. Being a male lifestyle network, maybe MTV2 could take some lessons from Spike TV's earlier days. The wild raunchiness of Blue Mountain State would fit right at home with MTV2's demographic. MTV2 also has a history with sports and sports entertainment; does the name Bellator ring any bells? How bout the LFL? Maybe MTV2 could start syndicating Ring of Honor Wrestling and some Slamball matches. Finally, it wouldn't hurt to air some of MTV's old shows on a regular basis. Worked for TeenNick, didn't' it?
Back on the subject of music, what happened to This Week in Jams? Because, if it's not coming back, then I'd like to see the return of Sucker Free Sundays and Rock n' Jock Saturdays. A whole weekend devoted to hip-hop and rock music programming. Also, again, if you have time for Family Matters reruns, then you got time for some more music videos. Seriously, even Much has an evening block devoted to that, and that's after they got rid of the teen dramas. More music, that's all I ask.
And that's it. That's the MTV2 I've envisioned in my dreams! A paradise for someone looking for an alternative to MTV's girly crap. But, instead I see a network that's lost everything and is now trying to gain an a new identity in the shadow of it's sister network. But even then, I have to say, it's still better than the Canadian version. MTV2 is the only American network I can relate to...
On the other hand, there is a sharp contrast between MTV2's original programming, which targets young adults, and some of their acquired programming, which would fit more at home on Disney XD and ABC Family. Oh, and did I forget to mention that, like MTV, they chose to do that instead of playing music videos. Yes, I know, music video networks aren't popular anymore, if Fuse is any indication, but come on! You telling me you can set aside time for a Scrubs marathon and a movie, but you can't find time for an extra block of music videos in the afternoons? Also, not to call racism but, I notice that shows like The Wayans Bros. and In Living Colour are mostly played in graveyard slots, Smart Guy (and Family Matters) being the only exception(s). I'm sorry, wasn't this the network that favors urban music over rock?
OK, finding something other than music videos to watch shouldn't be that much of a problem. Being a male lifestyle network, maybe MTV2 could take some lessons from Spike TV's earlier days. The wild raunchiness of Blue Mountain State would fit right at home with MTV2's demographic. MTV2 also has a history with sports and sports entertainment; does the name Bellator ring any bells? How bout the LFL? Maybe MTV2 could start syndicating Ring of Honor Wrestling and some Slamball matches. Finally, it wouldn't hurt to air some of MTV's old shows on a regular basis. Worked for TeenNick, didn't' it?
Back on the subject of music, what happened to This Week in Jams? Because, if it's not coming back, then I'd like to see the return of Sucker Free Sundays and Rock n' Jock Saturdays. A whole weekend devoted to hip-hop and rock music programming. Also, again, if you have time for Family Matters reruns, then you got time for some more music videos. Seriously, even Much has an evening block devoted to that, and that's after they got rid of the teen dramas. More music, that's all I ask.
And that's it. That's the MTV2 I've envisioned in my dreams! A paradise for someone looking for an alternative to MTV's girly crap. But, instead I see a network that's lost everything and is now trying to gain an a new identity in the shadow of it's sister network. But even then, I have to say, it's still better than the Canadian version. MTV2 is the only American network I can relate to...
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