Thursday, June 10, 2010
I have finally picked Google Chrome over Opera/Safari as my third internet browser on my PC, thanks to the lure of the ever attractive extensions (i.e. Apple's apps) they offer. Why have 3 browsers? Well if you do alot of online transactions and stuff, its safer to have one browser with the highest security settings on, so you don't have to worry that much (apart from Trojans and Keyloggers) whilst you type away your security digits and the like. Secondly, having multiple browsers act as a fail safe, and a faster way to browse the internet. Its more fun because some websites are optimized for a specific browser.
Google Chrome is picking up from Mozilla's Firefox for its customization and of course, addressed some flaws pertaining to the ever flawed Explorer. That said, Firefox is still the best but hey, what's wrong with having these two powerhouses in tandem? That said, Chrome has its flaws like its preloaded auto prompter of suggestions that rips personal info before you can agree to (although you can disable it). Moreover, you could choose not to save any cookies but find some still saved in your computer after you have finished your browsing. Well, no browser is perfect! I find Chrome great for casual surfing.
Anyway here are some extensions that are great, apart from the Adblocker and Dictionary one.
Feedly is extremely good for the information hungry ghost in me, it is now my daily fix, almost akin to a newspaper in the morning. The freaky thing about it is that it organized a few preloaded sources that the software thought I would be interested in, and the list wasn't that bad to begin with! I know that the most likely source would be your internet history and bookmarks, but having a philosophy tab is just awesome. Its a pity I couldn't find a feed for Singapore news and stuff.
The Gmail tool is pretty good as well, as is the Facebook tool because you don't have to live the website on to receive and see the latest updates. What I like most is the Zooming Photo tool though. Really innovative from the extension creators.
You don't have to click on the picture anymore and just swivel your mouse pointer over for a quick preview. Awesome for speedy stalking!
So Google, I am advertising you here, may I have a job at your awesome HQ ?
Google Chrome & related Extensions
Just be sure to read the comments, some extensions are quite sucky.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Metal Gear Solid: Philanthropy from Hive Division on Vimeo.
Done by Italian Fans.
In my opinion, this fan movie warrants them a hell lot of respect and credit, even Hideo Kojima from Konami enjoyed it lah (Kojima commented on the movie through his Twitter!). For translations of his Tweet check the Philanthrophy website. This movie even has an IMDB page. Ignore the negative reviews about poor scripting or poor CGI, this thing blows ! Comparing to other video game adaptations like DOOM (YAWN) and Street Fighter (FAIL FAIL FAIL), this takes the cake and bakes another.
If you have the time, download the higher quality version at the main page.
This movie has caused quite a stir amongst fans (at Deviantart), they even created a DVD box set.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
The Game for the Holidays (to satisfy the age old video game geek + fan boy/girl in you)
Super Mario Brothers (?) Crossover
**edit: Click on the link to play the game, afraid it might get annoying and in the way of my future blogposts**
(Disclaimer: I didn't make this awesome game, and its free to play i.e. Freeware.)
Credits: Exploding Rabbit (Jay Pavlina)
To play: Use the Keyboard! But if you have a gamepad like me, download JoytoKey and map the keyboard controls to your gamepad for the Ultimate Nostalgic Nintendo Experience!
So in a nutshell, this guy (first time trying his hand on game creation)decides that Mario deserves more and fused different stock characters from other classic/epic Nintendo games to create the ultimate 8-bit crossover. This actually works and its so so nifty because its made entirely from Flash. He created all the levels from scratchy and albeit some alterations , the game plays like many of the other platformers we have all grown up with.
What amazes me more is that this guy does it for FREE. Passion x 100. I can't even get people to play soccer and get fit, and this guy churns out age old archaic video game legends and folklore like nobody business. KUDOS and RESPECT.
So who are the characters ? Here is the 101 (from the scholarly Wikipedia and Google).
#1 Mario
Mario is depicted as a short, pudgy, Italian plumber who lives in the Mushroom Kingdom. He repeatedly stops the turtle-like Bowser's numerous plans to kidnap Princess Peach and subjugate the Mushroom Kingdom. He also has other enemies and rivals, including Donkey Kong and Wario.
#2 Link
Link is depicted as a Hylian (Elf inspired race) boy from the fictional land of Hyrule. His age varies in each game, usually varying from pre-teen ages to a young adult. Link often travels through Hyrule, defeating creatures, evil forces and the series' primary antagonist, Ganon, while attempting to save Princess Zelda and her kingdom. To defeat him, Link usually requires the mystic Master Sword and Light Arrows, or a similar legendary weapon, obtained after many trials and battles gathering magical objects or using other items such as musical instruments and weaponry.
#3 Bill Rizer
The original Contra, and its initial sequels (Super Contra and Contra III: The Alien Wars) are set in the 27th century, and center around two commandos named Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, who were modeled after actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, while named after four actors who appeared in the film Aliens (Bill Paxton and Paul Reiser for "Bill Rizer", and Lance Henriksen and Michael Biehn for "Lance Bean"), members of a special guerrilla task force codenamed "Contra", who are repeatedly sent to thwart an army of alien invaders seeking to destroy the Earth.
This game was the best, and FYI, the game that spawned the "left right up down A B Select Start" cheat code, most recently used in Facebook i think for some flashing bubble nonsense.
#4 Simon Belmont
Simon Belmont is one of the most prominent protagonists of the Castlevania series, with a wicked whip. He belongs to a family of famed Vampire hunters, and during his free time he likes to resurrect Dracula so he can put him to rest again. His next target is Edward Cullen, the emo vampire.
#5 Mega Man / Rock Man
In the story behind the original series, Rock is a robot created as a lab assistant by the scientist Dr. Thomas Light; following treachery by Dr. Wily, Rock was converted into a fighting robot to defend the world from Wily's violent robotic threats. Thus he becomes Mega Man (Rockman in the Japanese original).
#6 Samus Aran
Samus Aran is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Metroid video game series. Introduced in the 1986 video game Metroid, Samus is a female bounty hunter usually fitted with an armor suit with weapons that include beams and missiles. Throughout the series, she executes missions given to her by the Galactic Federation while hunting the antagonistic Space Pirates and their leader, Ridley, along with the energy-draining alien parasites called Metroids. Orphaned at a young age, Samus was brought up by the Chozo alien race, which trained her as a warrior. The Chozo also gave her the Power Suit, which features the ability to collapse Samus into a sphere to roll through tight areas such as tunnels. The Chozo also made her a Chiobu.
Okay, I think everyone pwnz Mario, no offence dude.
Right, back to the game. Remember, without 8-bit there wouldn't be High Definition even!
