News!
As far as life around the Filament Games office goes, it's always very fun. Everyone here has found a nice balance between working tremendously hard while having an awesome time doing it. Link It
Also, here is the video from the GLS Conference 2007: "So, You Want to Design a Game for Learning". (If you do, I suggest watching the video)
On the lighter side of things, someone in the office decided to create "boffer swords". These swords are fashioned from pvc pipe, duct tape, cloth, and those floaty noodle things from the pool. The boffers seem to work best as a stress reliever and/or time waster. I'm sure there will be more updates concerning these boffer's in the future. Link It
We have made more progress with Florida Virtual Schools on a game called Space Rustlers! The game has a space/western theme and features chickens, weasels, and a surly robot rustler named Prototype Pete. The goal of the game is to help kids learn Algebra I; specifically graphing equations.
Also, we invite you to come try out our new wireless internet! Our shackles have been broken! No longer tethered to the walls like a 1990's video game company, we have taken steps to cast off our dependence on those primitive LAN cables in our pursuit of educational games greatness. Link It
There is also a new project we are working on, JASON Ecology: The Game. JASON Ecology is a 3D game experience centered around the practice of science and exploration. The people from the JASON Project, a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, create curriculum that aims to motivate and inspire students to learn science.
They like science and learning, we like learning and science. Coincidence? Maybe! Link It
We're spending a lot of time trying to figure out the business of running a business, and we're rapidly improving (aside from regular blog posting, of course.
So, to sum up- things are going great. We're really busy, but that's a subset of "going great". Link It
Seriously, how crazy is that?
Grab it here! Link It
What We're Playing
The Godfather (Wii, Blackhand Edition):The Godfather: Blackhand edition is without a doubt the most violent game I’ve ever played. Following the spirit of the movie, the only way to gain respect is through money, violence, or a combination of the two. Much like the movie, you are a mobster equal parts brutality, loyalty and corruption.
For some reason the elements of the Godfather serve as a reasonable justification to the ultra-violent world you inhabit, as opposed to the GTA titles that always left me feeling empty. This game is great!
Oblivion: Oblivion is a terrific game. It's big and beautiful. On the other hand, it's big and beautiful.
Like its predecessor, Oblivion has a tendency to overwhelm. If you're used to walking away from a game with a sense of completion, be prepared to seek counseling. Also, unless you have a super beefy graphics card, understand that liberal slider adjustment will be necessary.
With the appropriate horsepower, though, it really is something to stand at the top of a mountain and see the tower of the capitol city clear down in the valley below. And as much as I'm a fan of stylised aesthetics, the texture work in Oblivion is pretty astounding. Sure, the glass armor set is powerful, but more importantly, it's sooo pretty.
Dark Messiah: Heroes of Might and Magic: Contrary to the critics, I thoroughly enjoy this game's story mode. Yes, it is a rail ride like Half-Life. But I liked Half-Life. The combat mechanic feels very natural and the skill system is very intuitive. Unfortunately, you don't ever need to use the skills you earn to accomplish the game. Also, I enjoy the sequences where the player looses control, like being dragged to safety by a friend after getting stunned by an explosion.
What We Played
Pirates: The Legend of Black Cat
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
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