As of today, the JDM Blog has been renovated, we now bring you the MUDJAR blog! Not only does it have an awesome name, but it has a whole jar-full of meaning as well; its an acronym!
Michael
Uhanthaen
David
Jerry
Arjun
Rainni
Our dedicated staff members bring you the best opinions, reviews, and so much more!
October 10, 2009
September 15, 2009
Crop Circles
Google has done it again. Not weeks after their 'unexplained phenomenon' doodle, today they've confuzzled the world yet again with a new crop circles doodle. What exactly could all this mean? Also, similar to last time, Google sent out a tweet, in it were the coordinates to a supposed UFO sighting from 20 years ago. Something else that's strange is the fact that this time, the 'L' in Google is missing, whereas the previous incident had a poor 'O' being abducted. Could this be some build up to one of Google's future products? But also, doesn't this scare you just a little as to how much power Google really has over the Internet? With countless users setting is as their homepage, if, say, Google were to use these doodles to advertise a product, it's hard to believe how many people would unsuspectingly follow the links.
So, what are your ideas on these Google doodles? They certainly are stirring up discussion across the 'net.
So, what are your ideas on these Google doodles? They certainly are stirring up discussion across the 'net.
September 5, 2009
Unexplained Phenomenon
People opened their browsers to see a Google Doodle, except it certainly wasn't anything they could have expected. Instead of commemorating a special event or anniversary, like they have done countless times in the past, the Doodle was of a flying saucer 'abducting' one the of O's in Google. In addition to this strange event, Google posted on their Twitter account a cryptic message, which, when translated, spells out 'All your O are Belong to us'. When the doodle is clicked, it directs the user to a google search, the key words being 'unexplained phenomenon'.
What do you think this means? Post your speculations in the comments!
What do you think this means? Post your speculations in the comments!
September 1, 2009
Revolution in Flash
Ever played DDR? You know, Dance Dance Revolution? Have you at least heard of it? You know, that game where the arrows are scrolling and you have to step on the corresponding arrow on your dance pad? Yeah, so you know what I'm talking about. Sure, it doesn't compare to real dancing, it looks quite silly in fact, but, you know, you're getting excercise, so why now play it?
Now, what if you could experience all the thrill of hitting arrows at the right time, but without the silly jumping and sweating? Not interested? Well too bad, because you've already started reading, and there's nothing you can do to stop! That's right, imagine, seeing the score go up, your combo climbing higher and higher, but without the dance mats, because everyone knows peripherals are gimmicky right? (right?)
Well, you can have all that and more with Flash Flash Revolution, a flash based clone of Dance Dance Revolution, the classic rhythm game. With only the four arrow keys on your keyboard you can be accumulating 'perfects' and collecting all the tokens and achievements, increasing your grand total score with every game, and proving to everyone how epically awesome you are. And when you need to rest, there's always the option of 'chilling out' with friends and strangers on the forums and chat rooms, only to come back rejuvenated for multiplayer battles. And if that's not enough, why not participate in a tournament, or the many contests scattered around the site.
Oh, and what about the song selection? Well, there aren't any big names out there, except maybe a Disturbed song or something of the like scattered here and there, but it's what you would expect from a game like this, right? Look at DDR for example; not many names in lights there. Sure Rock Band and Guitar Hero, are up to the brim with them, but that's what you would expect, right? With many genres to choose from, as well as extra songs you can purchase with credits (or save them up to unlock songs that require a minimum balance of credits), there are over 700 public songs to choose from, and that number increases every week.
But, I'm sure you've had enough of this advertisement-like article, so why don't you stop listening to me and try it for yourself? It may seem difficult at first, but, if you have any knowledge of music-based games, you'll come to expect things like that. Don't let it intimidate you, just keep practicing! In no time you'll be seeing yourself improve! Watch those hours fly away!
Visit flashflashrevolution.com!
Now, what if you could experience all the thrill of hitting arrows at the right time, but without the silly jumping and sweating? Not interested? Well too bad, because you've already started reading, and there's nothing you can do to stop! That's right, imagine, seeing the score go up, your combo climbing higher and higher, but without the dance mats, because everyone knows peripherals are gimmicky right? (right?)
Well, you can have all that and more with Flash Flash Revolution, a flash based clone of Dance Dance Revolution, the classic rhythm game. With only the four arrow keys on your keyboard you can be accumulating 'perfects' and collecting all the tokens and achievements, increasing your grand total score with every game, and proving to everyone how epically awesome you are. And when you need to rest, there's always the option of 'chilling out' with friends and strangers on the forums and chat rooms, only to come back rejuvenated for multiplayer battles. And if that's not enough, why not participate in a tournament, or the many contests scattered around the site.
Oh, and what about the song selection? Well, there aren't any big names out there, except maybe a Disturbed song or something of the like scattered here and there, but it's what you would expect from a game like this, right? Look at DDR for example; not many names in lights there. Sure Rock Band and Guitar Hero, are up to the brim with them, but that's what you would expect, right? With many genres to choose from, as well as extra songs you can purchase with credits (or save them up to unlock songs that require a minimum balance of credits), there are over 700 public songs to choose from, and that number increases every week.
But, I'm sure you've had enough of this advertisement-like article, so why don't you stop listening to me and try it for yourself? It may seem difficult at first, but, if you have any knowledge of music-based games, you'll come to expect things like that. Don't let it intimidate you, just keep practicing! In no time you'll be seeing yourself improve! Watch those hours fly away!
Visit flashflashrevolution.com!
August 22, 2009
The Adventures of Professor Layton
Whether or not you own a DS, once in a while you words 'Professor Layton' may brush by you. Exactly who is Professor Layton? Graduating from the most prestigious university which will not be named at the spry age of 16, it was no mystery that this man was remarkably bright. Earning every single honour humanly possible, Layton went on to become a world-renowned scientist, detective, and professor for philosophy and sciences, as well as achieving multiple awards for his works and papers. Now 36, Professor -- or, to be more accurate, Dr. Layton resides in a politically neutral zone, where he spends most of his time developing ground-breaking technologies, while simultaneously writing best-selling books about the mysteries of life, the universe, and everything. But of course only in his free time from teaching classes at an extremely prestigious and unnamed university.
Now, you may be asking yourself, if this man, this extraordinary Messiah, is so famous, then how come I, the audience who is currently thinking to him or herself this question, have never heard of him anywhere? Well, it's simple, really. The reason Layton is generally unheard of in the media and around the world is because (pause)... he doesn't exist. That's right. Layton is a pigment of our imagination, in which I just created while writing the introduction to this article. Why? I don't know. I guess I just like making excruciatingly long articles. Anyways. But, although this man does not exist in our world, it does not mean he doesn't exist at all. Co-starring the aptly named Professor Layton series, an amazing (so far) series of puzzle games on the DS developed by Level-5.
Professor Layton is but a humble 'professor', although it's not quite clear why he holds that title, other than the fact that he is really smart, and that he knows a lot of puzzles. A lot of puzzles. I mean, it would be hard to walk 5 meters (or yards, whatever) with him without having to answer on of his puzzles. You wouldn't want him at your grandmother's funeral because when he sees the casket he'll be all like "Say, do you know the process of which a casket is made? Well, here's a riddle for you to figure out...", and then -- OK, enough digression.
Where was I? Ah yes. As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by myself, the Professor Layton series is a fantastic bunch of puzzle games, where you follow Professor Layton, played by himself, as he explores mysteries in an intriguing storyline accompanied by his trusty sidekick, Luke, who is just as annoying with just as many puzzles under his hat. (speaking of hats, Professor Layton's hat is just the bomb -- google him, you'll see what I mean.)
So, why am I writing about this? Other than telling you that's it's a great game and if you ever get the chance, you should buy it, the reason I'm writing about this is because it just so happens to be the North American release of the second game in the four-part series; Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, which follows the gang after the exciting and unexpected twists and turns of the first game, Professor Layton and the Curious Village. The gameplay, which consists solely of solving puzzles and watching the story unfold (although your role in the story is not as passive as what I'm describing) is fantastic and surprisingly not dull at all, but that's only part of the game. The real treat of these games are the storylines, which, when you first wander into the game, seem simple and no big deal, but, as you explore and talk to NPC's, becomes much, much more than you bargained for.
Overall, the first game was fantastic, and the second in the series changes nothing of the core gameplay, while still delivering a great new game. But really, the only way to understand is to try it out. In stores now, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box.
Now, you may be asking yourself, if this man, this extraordinary Messiah, is so famous, then how come I, the audience who is currently thinking to him or herself this question, have never heard of him anywhere? Well, it's simple, really. The reason Layton is generally unheard of in the media and around the world is because (pause)... he doesn't exist. That's right. Layton is a pigment of our imagination, in which I just created while writing the introduction to this article. Why? I don't know. I guess I just like making excruciatingly long articles. Anyways. But, although this man does not exist in our world, it does not mean he doesn't exist at all. Co-starring the aptly named Professor Layton series, an amazing (so far) series of puzzle games on the DS developed by Level-5.
Professor Layton is but a humble 'professor', although it's not quite clear why he holds that title, other than the fact that he is really smart, and that he knows a lot of puzzles. A lot of puzzles. I mean, it would be hard to walk 5 meters (or yards, whatever) with him without having to answer on of his puzzles. You wouldn't want him at your grandmother's funeral because when he sees the casket he'll be all like "Say, do you know the process of which a casket is made? Well, here's a riddle for you to figure out...", and then -- OK, enough digression.
Where was I? Ah yes. As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by myself, the Professor Layton series is a fantastic bunch of puzzle games, where you follow Professor Layton, played by himself, as he explores mysteries in an intriguing storyline accompanied by his trusty sidekick, Luke, who is just as annoying with just as many puzzles under his hat. (speaking of hats, Professor Layton's hat is just the bomb -- google him, you'll see what I mean.)
So, why am I writing about this? Other than telling you that's it's a great game and if you ever get the chance, you should buy it, the reason I'm writing about this is because it just so happens to be the North American release of the second game in the four-part series; Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, which follows the gang after the exciting and unexpected twists and turns of the first game, Professor Layton and the Curious Village. The gameplay, which consists solely of solving puzzles and watching the story unfold (although your role in the story is not as passive as what I'm describing) is fantastic and surprisingly not dull at all, but that's only part of the game. The real treat of these games are the storylines, which, when you first wander into the game, seem simple and no big deal, but, as you explore and talk to NPC's, becomes much, much more than you bargained for.
Overall, the first game was fantastic, and the second in the series changes nothing of the core gameplay, while still delivering a great new game. But really, the only way to understand is to try it out. In stores now, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box.
August 19, 2009
Why is it that no one knows what OddWorld is?
I mean seriously, no one, none of my friends, none of cousins, no one!
It's so good though! here's a message to all of you, if your reading this, go google OddWorld, seriously, go do it.
For those of you who never heard of it, the first Oddworld game, Abe's Oddysee, came out in 1997 for the original Playstation, DOS, and the PC. The game was critically acclaimed for its puzzle/platform gameplay and it's eyepopping graphics. The game was such a huge succes, that it spawned a sequel, Abe's Exoddus, which integrated he mazing new feature of slapping people. Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee came out in 2001 bringing Oddworld to the 3rd dimension, and obviouslly, just like any other Oddworld game, it was a masterpiece. Finally in 2005, they released Stranger's Wrath, which combined firist person shoothing with 3d-platforming. So now you know and knowing is half the battle.
For Abe's Oddysee and Exoddus demos:
August 13, 2009
Back (For the Summer At Least)
"Its been such a long time
I think I should be going, yeah
And time doesn't wait for me, it keeps on rolling"
Boston said it best in Foreplay/Longtime. I think I'll be back at least for a little while.
David
I think I should be going, yeah
And time doesn't wait for me, it keeps on rolling"
Boston said it best in Foreplay/Longtime. I think I'll be back at least for a little while.
David
August 12, 2009
Regarding Hayao Miyazaki's Newest Film
Woah, it's been a long time, and I know I shouldn't be thouching this blog anymore, but there's just this one thing that has been bothering me for the last few days, and, if you read the title (if you haven't, it's right there), it is about Miyazaki's newest masterpiece: Ponyo (on the Cliff by the Sea (this is the full title, I just refer to it as Ponyo)) .
Now, don't get me wrong, Ponyo is a brilliant movie, and everyone of you should definitely check out. But wait, you say you don't like anime? This movie, as well as Miyazaki's other creations, are a step above anime, and shouldn't even be compared to shows such as Naruto, Bleach, whatever.
So we've established that Ponyo is a great movie, so what's bothering me? Well, everything was great until Disney decided to ruin the English dub (where they 'dub' over the voices) by choosing a horrible, dreadful, absolutely unspeakable cast. So you're asking, what do you mean, they did pretty well with Spirited Away's dub! (okay, none of you asked me that, but now you have to listen to my answer)
Before we get to that, let me give you some background on Ponyo (I know, I'm jumping all over the place, stay with me now). It's about a mermaid-girl who is found by this boy, and they become friends, but their friendship causes an imbalance in the nature, Ponyo's father, knowing of this imbalance, tries to take her back. Anyways, it's a great movie, and it has a nice song too. Ponyo is this innocent girl voiced by an innocent girl in the Japanese version, and the boy who finds Ponyo is also cool. In fact, all the characters are voiced brilliantly, no problems.
Okay, now that you have some knowledge, I can now explain what is bothering so freaking much. Where was I? Oh yes, Disney chose the worst imaginable cast to voice the English version of this movie, guess who they are. Ponyo is voiced by Noah Cyrus. No, it's no coincidence; she is the sister of one of the worst musicians, that's right, Miley Cyrus. And that's not all. Guess who the voices the boy? Frankie Jonas. That's right. His last name is enough to make me writhe in loathing; he is a brother of the infamous Jonas Brothers. You see where I'm going? But sure, just because they cast is bad doesn't mean the movie will be bad, right? WRONG. That is as far from the truth as possible. Here, let me give you an example: as I mention before, Ponyo has a theme song, and here are links to the Japanese version, and then the English version. Listen to both of them, see what I mean.
Japanese - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trm4roeuZ54
English - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Gh760tGmU
Have you watched both of them? No? Don't worry, I'll wait.
Done? Good, how was it?
If you want, there is more you can compare, the voices of the characters can be heard in the movie trailers, and, although most of you may not understand what they say in Japanese, I can assure you it's more meaningful than the English counterpart.
So, in the end, what can we learn from this horrible abomination Disney has spawned? Well, for one thing, the English dubs, or voice-overs, are usually worse than just having subtitles, although there are a few exceptions. Shows like Naruto, anything by 4Kids, and a lot of others, including the English version of Ponyo coming out August 14th (why that's tomorrow!), are just a few examples of poor voice acting.
What else have we learned? Is that it? Oh wait, the fact that Disney, a one very honest company, doesn't care anymore about the quality of their products, but instead that it appeals as much to prepubescent American girls as possible? What? We already knew that didn't we? It's obvious, just look, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, all those horrible shows on Family; unless you've been living under a rock on the ocean floor (cough), it would be extremely apparent that Disney has become a greedy monster. Disney could have chosen anyone with even an ounce of talent, but, instead, they decided to ride on the 'success' of their teen 'idols' and chose siblings of their 'stars'. But, I digress, enough about Disney, I'll save the details for another post.
Well, in the end, not everyone will agree with what's been said. In fact, there are people out there who would explode with rage after reading this, as, unfortunately, there are people out there devoid of a sense of music, and oblivious to the world around them other than what Disney feeds them. Of course, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is a fantastic movie, but what Disney has done is outright unacceptable. Please, is you want to see this movie, if it kills you, do not watch the English version. You'll be thankful you watched the sub.
What do you think? What are your opinions on this? Is Disney great, providing families with high-quality entertainment, or are they milking their franchises?
-Michael
goombainthepark@gmail.com
If you can's swallow it, don't follow it.
Now, don't get me wrong, Ponyo is a brilliant movie, and everyone of you should definitely check out. But wait, you say you don't like anime? This movie, as well as Miyazaki's other creations, are a step above anime, and shouldn't even be compared to shows such as Naruto, Bleach, whatever.
So we've established that Ponyo is a great movie, so what's bothering me? Well, everything was great until Disney decided to ruin the English dub (where they 'dub' over the voices) by choosing a horrible, dreadful, absolutely unspeakable cast. So you're asking, what do you mean, they did pretty well with Spirited Away's dub! (okay, none of you asked me that, but now you have to listen to my answer)
Before we get to that, let me give you some background on Ponyo (I know, I'm jumping all over the place, stay with me now). It's about a mermaid-girl who is found by this boy, and they become friends, but their friendship causes an imbalance in the nature, Ponyo's father, knowing of this imbalance, tries to take her back. Anyways, it's a great movie, and it has a nice song too. Ponyo is this innocent girl voiced by an innocent girl in the Japanese version, and the boy who finds Ponyo is also cool. In fact, all the characters are voiced brilliantly, no problems.
Okay, now that you have some knowledge, I can now explain what is bothering so freaking much. Where was I? Oh yes, Disney chose the worst imaginable cast to voice the English version of this movie, guess who they are. Ponyo is voiced by Noah Cyrus. No, it's no coincidence; she is the sister of one of the worst musicians, that's right, Miley Cyrus. And that's not all. Guess who the voices the boy? Frankie Jonas. That's right. His last name is enough to make me writhe in loathing; he is a brother of the infamous Jonas Brothers. You see where I'm going? But sure, just because they cast is bad doesn't mean the movie will be bad, right? WRONG. That is as far from the truth as possible. Here, let me give you an example: as I mention before, Ponyo has a theme song, and here are links to the Japanese version, and then the English version. Listen to both of them, see what I mean.
Japanese - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trm4roeuZ54
English - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Gh760tGmU
Have you watched both of them? No? Don't worry, I'll wait.
Done? Good, how was it?
If you want, there is more you can compare, the voices of the characters can be heard in the movie trailers, and, although most of you may not understand what they say in Japanese, I can assure you it's more meaningful than the English counterpart.
So, in the end, what can we learn from this horrible abomination Disney has spawned? Well, for one thing, the English dubs, or voice-overs, are usually worse than just having subtitles, although there are a few exceptions. Shows like Naruto, anything by 4Kids, and a lot of others, including the English version of Ponyo coming out August 14th (why that's tomorrow!), are just a few examples of poor voice acting.
What else have we learned? Is that it? Oh wait, the fact that Disney, a one very honest company, doesn't care anymore about the quality of their products, but instead that it appeals as much to prepubescent American girls as possible? What? We already knew that didn't we? It's obvious, just look, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, all those horrible shows on Family; unless you've been living under a rock on the ocean floor (cough), it would be extremely apparent that Disney has become a greedy monster. Disney could have chosen anyone with even an ounce of talent, but, instead, they decided to ride on the 'success' of their teen 'idols' and chose siblings of their 'stars'. But, I digress, enough about Disney, I'll save the details for another post.
Well, in the end, not everyone will agree with what's been said. In fact, there are people out there who would explode with rage after reading this, as, unfortunately, there are people out there devoid of a sense of music, and oblivious to the world around them other than what Disney feeds them. Of course, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is a fantastic movie, but what Disney has done is outright unacceptable. Please, is you want to see this movie, if it kills you, do not watch the English version. You'll be thankful you watched the sub.
What do you think? What are your opinions on this? Is Disney great, providing families with high-quality entertainment, or are they milking their franchises?
-Michael
goombainthepark@gmail.com
If you can's swallow it, don't follow it.
February 8, 2009
Gordon Freeman is a smelly boy
It has occurred to me that throughout the entire series of Half-Life Gordon Freeman has never eaten, drunk, done his "washroom business", shaved, or even taken a bath for that matter. Let's not forget, with all that running he must work up a sweat. Also, in Left4Dead, how is it that 4 people can kill so many zombies but a whole city can't kill one? Plus, if get attacked by a zombie, you shoot the zombie, and the blood gets into your cut, don't you turn into a zombie?
It has occurred to me that throughout the entire series of Half-Life Gordon Freeman has never eaten, drunk, done his "washroom business", shaved, or even taken a bath for that matter. Let's not forget, with all that running he must work up a sweat. Also, in Left4Dead, how is it that 4 people can kill so many zombies but a whole city can't kill one? Plus, if get attacked by a zombie, you shoot the zombie, and the blood gets into your cut, don't you turn into a zombie?
February 3, 2009
Rebuttal Against the Female-First Advocates.
To start off, I would like to ask any female-first advocates to not bomb my house upon finishing this article. I honestly attempted to be as non-biased as possible.
~David Yun
______________________________________________________________________
In our current society, there are and were many problems; racism, gayness, and human rights. But the cause that has created by-far, the most ruckus is the gender-equality argument. I, for one, agree to some of the demands. But by my standards, gender-equality does not equal ladies first. Gender equality should not be only males nor should it be only females. Some of the requests by some of these groups are quite preposterous like changing the spelling of "woman" so that it is no longer a derivative of the word "man". One suggestion was "womun" and with the plural being womin.
Some females believe that because the man has been the ruler for countless centuries, that it is now there turn but I believe that there really is no point in crying over spilt milk. Instead of demanding that women be automatically rulers, they should step up and do something Hilary Clinton-esque.
One instance of a female first advocate advocating that especially pissed me off was when I encountered a woman in the mens' room at Chapters. Now before I elaborate, I would like you to picture a man in the womens' room. Can you picture the ruckus that I am? This woman not only was in the wrong place, she made it blatantly obvious that this was intentional by exclaiming, "Crickey! Imagine that! A woman in the mens room."
All in all, I am not really against the gender-equality issue but am against the female-first advocates. To give your insight on the issue either post a comment or email the crew at thejdmblog@gmail.com
~David Yun
~David Yun
______________________________________________________________________
In our current society, there are and were many problems; racism, gayness, and human rights. But the cause that has created by-far, the most ruckus is the gender-equality argument. I, for one, agree to some of the demands. But by my standards, gender-equality does not equal ladies first. Gender equality should not be only males nor should it be only females. Some of the requests by some of these groups are quite preposterous like changing the spelling of "woman" so that it is no longer a derivative of the word "man". One suggestion was "womun" and with the plural being womin.
Some females believe that because the man has been the ruler for countless centuries, that it is now there turn but I believe that there really is no point in crying over spilt milk. Instead of demanding that women be automatically rulers, they should step up and do something Hilary Clinton-esque.
One instance of a female first advocate advocating that especially pissed me off was when I encountered a woman in the mens' room at Chapters. Now before I elaborate, I would like you to picture a man in the womens' room. Can you picture the ruckus that I am? This woman not only was in the wrong place, she made it blatantly obvious that this was intentional by exclaiming, "Crickey! Imagine that! A woman in the mens room."
All in all, I am not really against the gender-equality issue but am against the female-first advocates. To give your insight on the issue either post a comment or email the crew at thejdmblog@gmail.com
~David Yun
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