Vren Lyet's Thoughts on...

Game: Torchlight first on Steam for Mac

2010-05-24T09:57:00.000+02:00

I like Torchlight very much, I liked it on the PC and I very much like that it was the first "professional" non-Valve game to hit the new Mac-Steam store.

It's very pleasing to the eye, gameplay is straight forward and with all the in-game help (explanations everywhere - in a very positive sense and an unintrusive way) you feel at home (instead of lost) from the first second of playing to the end (haven't been there yet).

If you like dungeon crawlers, try Torchlight - available on Steam for Mac and PC!

Game: Dirt 2 - what a game!

2010-05-24T09:50:00.001+02:00

I'm not one for racing games, I'm not a car driver either.
But some weeks ago, I felt the urge to play a racing game again.

So I had a look in the Steam store only to find Dirt 2 selling together with four other racing games for only 16 bucks (some weekend special offer it was).
Long story short, I've been playing this game ever since now.

The visuals are stunning, the steering even with a keyboard is excellent and the fun factor is great.

If you're into racing (well, rally at least), this game is a must buy for you!

Movie: Despereaux

2010-02-14T13:16:00.003+01:00

Some days ago, I watched Despereaux, an animated movie released some time last year I think.

Well, graphically and technically this movie is nice, the music is great, but the story lacks…well…everything. There are too many plots (kind of) evolving at once that, in the beginning, seemingliy do not have anything to do with each other…

Well, overall, as I said, the story is bad, the storytelling even worse, but the visuals and the soundtrack are from nice to great. (That's probably why the movie was not shown in theaters in my country.)

And there it is… :)

2010-01-24T21:24:00.002+01:00

…finally, I'm looking at the impressing and beautiful 27" screen of my brand new i7-iMac.

And what a monster that machine is: a screen that requires you to turn your head to see from side to side and a quad-core CPU that runs as if it had eight cores - just amazing.

Well, my old "tiny" 19" monitor sitting beside the new iMac appears kind of small now… ;)

Again I have to say: Apple rulez!

Saw VI

2010-01-06T01:51:00.002+01:00

Just watched Saw VI with my brother - first impression: good continuation of the series and would be a good end - if it is the end… ;)

Overall, it's incredible how, again, the story is very much intertwined with the previous movies. If you liked Saw I through V, you'll like Saw VI.

Happy new year!

2010-01-01T02:49:00.002+01:00

Well, guess what's the first thing I'm going to do this year! Right, after having experienced Avatar in a standard movie theater I'm going to enjoy it tonight on the very first day of 2010 in 3D in digitally enhanced quality (in some modern movie theater).

That's one good way to start the year, now isn't it? ;)

Avatar

2009-12-25T23:04:00.002+01:00

Wow! Amazingly beautiful! Incredible!

Just got home from the movie theater after enjoying over two hours of Avatar, James Cameron's new masterpiece - and a masterpiece it is, well at least visually.

The Na'vi's homeworld is stunningly beautiful and the special effects are exceptional from the first second of the movie to the end.

Storywise, well, it's the well known American story: bad people (Humans) come and try to take over the world (land) of the native people (Na'vi). Sounds familiar? Yes, it does - I'm thinking of Indians, you too?

Nonetheless, this movie is quite an experience to watch and visually so awesomely enjoyable that I can only say this: Go see this movie, now!

Unfortunately, at the moment, it seems impossible to pre-order the DVD…yet… ;)

Taken

2009-12-06T16:02:00.001+01:00

Watched Taken (Liam Neeson) last night.
It's a good action movie. Violence usually comes in short but extensive bursts - each time remarkably without any hesitation - it's very well coreographed, too.

If you like action, TV violence and if you're interesred in the serious topic of kidnapping and human trafficing (there no cool short liners in this movie) this is a movie for you.

2012

2009-12-05T11:30:00.002+01:00

I watched 2012 yesterday with a friend and we had so much fun!

This movie totally rocks! The amount of destruction Roland Emmerich has produced with this one is incredible! There are numerous very cool action sequences with superb special effects. If you're into that kind of stuff go and see the movie!

Bottom line: A must see!

Got my new iPhone 3Gs 16GB!

2009-11-27T00:24:00.003+01:00

The day is finally here: well, two days ago on wednesday, I bought my new iPhone 3Gs 16GB (black, of course).

After nearly two years with my beloved first generation iPhone (8GB) that I got through unofficial channels, I finally decided to switch to the real thing, the shiny new and faster iPhone with a mobile plan by T-Mobile (the Apple associated carrier in my country).

And, of course, I couldn't be happier. The iPhone 3Gs is a great improvement compared to my old iPhone (that I sold already by the way) in speed and features. The new camera with the video feature is a VERY nice addition and thanks to T-Mobile I now have nearly total coverage.

All in all, I deem this one to be a very good move and will surely be happy with this new iPhone for the next two years…

Next on the list: the 27" i7 iMac! :)

The day the earth stood still (2008)

2009-11-17T22:47:00.004+01:00

Well, this movie has quite an exciting and thrilling start but once the cat is out of the bag it's just weak - and so is the ending. For only once, I want to see a movie like that (end of the world and all) that actually shows the end of the world, that actually makes humanity pay. I mean, let's face it, a few destroyed American cities that's awful, yes, but a catastrophe of universal dimensions? Well, no, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia were still fine…so…

Overall, the movie is somewhat interesting if you are into science fiction and the visual effects have their moments, but you could do without it. ;)

Pixar's "Up"

2009-11-17T22:36:00.003+01:00

I watched Pixar's latest animated feature with some friends and had a lot of fun.

Apparently, Pixar has some nostalgic tendencies (like with "Cars") that I enjoy very much but that others might not like (or understand), especially younger folks. There were some small kids in the movie theater that had trouble understanding the beginning of the movie.

The animation and effects were superb (as expected from a Pixar movie). The kinetics seem to have improved quite a bit or at least have changed somewhat from previous projects - for the better.

Overall it's a nice and mostly funny movie (though the talking dogs were a bit much), but Pixar had produced greater pictures in the past. Most probably, in comparison it will not be able to shine besides Toy Story 3…

Google Chrome Frame: The Death of Internet Explorer?

2009-09-23T18:18:00.003+02:00

D'ya know about Google Chrome Frame?

If not, read this: http://code.google.com/chrome/chromeframe/

and watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjW0Bchdj-w

This is one of Googles most brilliant ideas yet - in regards to the competition with Microsoft.

Way to go, Google! ;)

Inglorious Basterds

2009-08-29T13:46:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, I went to the movies and watched Tarrantino's new masterpiece - and indeed, THAT it is!

Never ever have I enjoyed the performance of an actor portraing the antagonist this much, nonetheless a German one. Christoph Waltz is incredibly amazing - this has to get him an Oscar!

The movie all in all is masterfully filmed and cut. Slow talking scenes are occationally broken by sudden and immediate (and intentionally short) violence - often extreme at that.

You wouldn't believe it but although the overall theme of the movie is World War II and by that anything else but funny, Tarrantino manages to include quite a bit well placed slapstick comedy.

If you have some knowledge of English, French and German and love really good movies, watch this one! If you can't speak any of these languages and can't read fast, this movie is not for you - it's VERY subtitle rich due to all actors speaking their native tongue (mostly).

Hannibal

2009-08-23T18:58:00.004+02:00

Well, I did it, I watched all four movies from "Silence of the Lambs" to "Hannibal rising".

Of course, "Silence of the Lambs" is THE classic, brilliantly played - what can I say.

"Hannibal", which like its sequels was unknown to me, proved to be the best of it all. Why? Sir Anthony Hopkins! Amazing performance! One can only admire his Hannibal Lecter (Dr. Fell in the movie). The pureness of his intellect, his total absence of remorse and pity - brilliant!

"Red Dragon" too much resembled "Silence of the Lambs". While it was enjoyable watching something predating the Oscar winner, the new villain was just too likeable, lacking evilness.

"Hannibal rising" had some great acting by the young star and surely has earned his place in its genre. But in comparison to the other three movies, Anthony Hopkins is missing.

Overall, in my opinion, the first two movies are the best of the quadrology.

Delgo - the poor sucker... ;)

2009-08-22T14:38:00.002+02:00

Just watched Delgo - which by the way isn't easy to get a hold of where I live - had to get it via BitTorrent.

The movie is, well, okay.

The visuals are amazing; the scenery, the animals and the people are imaginative and beautiful though the animation itself feels off a bit at times.

The story is quite dark for an animated feature probably targeted at a young audience. I'd rather recommend this one for young adults that are interested in fantasy worlds and love CGI.

The voice cast is great - many well known and popular names and good voice acting indeed.

All in all, it's a nice movie that's good enough to find its way into my DVD collection once there's a European PAL version DVD available. Apparently, as the movie flopped in theatres (boxoffice quite a bit under a million whereas summing up to 40 millions in production costs) it's currently only available in the U.S. as a simple NTSC DVD...what a shame...really!

Jerome Bixby's "The Man from Earth"

2009-08-22T14:25:00.002+02:00

Watched this unusual movie yesterday, not really knowing what to expect.

Well, this one is a gem!

Okay, the picture quality of this DVD edition was terrible (it was like watching a VHS tape!) and there's no action in this movie - it could have been made into a theatre play easily - but nonetheless, it's a great movie, well, if you can let yourself be amazed by it's intentions.

Watching this movie made me buy the book by Jerome Bixby. That's a first! ;)

According to the web, this story's been Bixby's last big success.

All in all, it's a must-have for every sci-fi enthusiast - sci-fi without action and special effects just through the magic of words. Incredible!

Also, on a side note, quite an interesting cast: Tony Todd, John Billingsley and Richard Riehle - all three once portraying popular characters on Star Trek shows (Tony Todd as Worf's brother Kurn (among many other roles), John Billingsley as part of Enterprise's main cast as Dr. Phlox and Richard Riehle as the Irish holodeck character Seamus Driscol on Voyager's Fair Haven).

Ice Age 3 - Dawn of the Dinosaurs

2009-07-29T12:56:00.002+02:00

I watched Ice Age 3 some days ago.

Very nice, very funny, easy to watch and enjoyable movie (pre-ordered the DVD the same night).

Prior to its cinema release, I watched the previous two "incarnations" with some friends to be up to speed story-wise - which proved to be unnecessary as the story does not refer to any previous encounters (at least, not that I have noticed). Well, one should have some acquaintance of the characters of Ice Age 2, but that's all.

Overall, a very funny continuation! Question is: will there be an Ice Age 4? ;)

Tablet from Apple?

2009-07-25T11:03:00.003+02:00

All over the web I find articles stating there's going to be an Apple Tablet in the first quarter of 2010. Well, I say: YES! I MUST HAVE ONE!

A Tablet from Apple with Mac OS X and iPhone-style MultiTouch would be AMAZING!

It's a must-have! :)

Sibelius 6 - Update

2009-06-26T18:01:00.002+02:00

First, I'll get the Sibelius 6 upgrade for free (Thank you Sibelius Software!), 'cause I've purchase the version 5 upgrade just 2 days short of the free upgrade period. Fortunately, I found this info in the Sibelius 6 upgrade FAQ on www.sibelius.com 'cause when I ordered my upgrade on the phone they told me there was no way for me to obtain one for free.

Second, having played around with Sibelius 6 Demo I've began to really like the new stuff (magnetic layout and such). Also, I already found myself in a situation where I could have really used this new "versions" feature!

Can't wait till I hold my copy of Sibelius 6 in my hands.

Sibelius 6

2009-06-20T10:50:00.002+02:00

I've been a Sibelius fan from the very start (having purchased the education version of Sibelius 1.4 many years ago). Being a composer and arranger I've been using this application on a daily basis ever since.

Now, there's Sibelius 6 available and yet again Sibelius Software manages to introduce new amazing features and even more helps musicians with their compositional creativity.

Reading the „What Finale users say about Sibelius” section on www.sibelius.com I came to a realization: the difference between Finale and Sibelius is just like the difference between Windows and Mac OS - just like clumsiness and elegance - time consuming manual driven learning curve and intuitive ease of use - no wonder I prefer Sibelius.

Sims III Review (Update)

2009-06-20T10:49:00.002+02:00

Well, I haven't played Sims III since my last blog entry - that says it all, doesn't it - go figure!

Sims III: It finally arrived

2009-06-07T20:59:00.003+02:00

Well, my first impression being spoiled by the leaked "pre-release" of the retail game, I was eager to give the real thing a try - hoping for the best.

First and foremost: no crashes whatsoever with the retail version (apparently, as I had hoped, those annoying CTDs (crash to desktop) I experienced with the leaked version occured due to a corrupted data file - what a relief!).

Second: Anything else, most unfortunately, still stands.

The Sims are ugly as hell, so is most of the in-game furniture. Sims still "collide" an awful lot, leaving them just standing there for seconds before moving on, etc.

Also, many tiny little things from the Sims II are missing like animations nobody actually cared about until realizing they're now missing: getting in a car, getting the toothbrush from the medical cabinet, getting a pan from the counter cabinet...stuff like that...all gone.

Well, I've been able to create two not-so-ugly Sims and've been playing them since I got the game (though I was away for the weekend and couldn't go on "testing").

After all, for me as someone who LOVES the Sims II and has been playing that game from the beginning through ALL the expansions and stuff packs, Sims III leaves many things to be desired. There's missing content (BIG issue there!), missing (cute) animations and overall not-so-pleasing graphics even with all option sliders at max.

If one's new to the Sims, get the game, see if it's fun - but wait till the price drops a bit.

If you're a Sims II fanatic, stay away from it and wait for the Sims IV, 'cause the Sims III is definitively NOT worth its money.

At the moment, I'm thinking about selling my game on ebay if I can't get my self to really like it within the next three weeks...

Sims III: first impression(s) [Update 1]

2009-05-30T09:42:00.006+02:00

Okay, I got this pirated Razor1911 copy of the Sims III.

[EDIT: As has come to my attention, the Razor1911 copy of the Sims III appears NOT to be the actual final version of the game, lacking major content and being very buggy. That said, please consider the following opinions to be premature - the final review/comparison will commence as soon as I hold my legitimate copy in my very own hands.]

Unfortunately, only the Windows version has been cracked so I couldn't test the Mac version, which apparently runs on an SDL-based Cider/Wine by the way.

[EDIT: The Mac version can be cracked, too: simply open the package contents of the installed game, look for TS3.exe and replace it with the cracked EXE; look for a terminal application called "cider" inside the package contents, double click on it and there you go.]

First, after the lengthy installation, I was amazed how fast the game is loaded (compared to its predecessor). Second, it runs quite well on my 2007 edition 24" iMac.

[EDIT: Loading times under Mac OS X are not so great - quite a difference between Windows and Mac OS X version there.]

Now, the pros and cons...

Cons first:

- boy those Sims are ugly - this is by far the main caveat - for me it was impossible to create a descent looking female Sim

- the voices are awful though the customization options are funny (choose from three kinds of yucky voices and adjust the pitch to your liking)

- though the animations are somewhat more detailed they are ugly, too (e.g. the Sims walk kind of unnaturally, it just looks awkward)

- also, there's much "reposistioning" involved: many times a Sim has to change his standing (just a bit) to start a new animation (e.g. conversations) - something far less obvious in Sims II

- also, they look strange when the just stand around

- it takes "minutes" for them to resolve path crossings (when Sims get in their way) - the resolve them mostly by just standing there looking silly - to the player it's not obvious that they will continue to walk and do their business afterwards - it's kinda creepy actually

- furniture - though more detailed - looks "blocky" and ugly

- overall one gets the impression the graphics engine requires many redraws of everything (I don't know how to describe that), everything is "flickering" a lot - well, at least more than I would want it to

- the interface effects are destracting and - for a Sims II enthusiast - a hindrance as they slow things like customizing furniture down - it's so console like

- also, the games runs itchy and "laggy" when zooming or moving the camera around without really giving a reason, while the camera is still it runs more or less smoothly

Now the pros:

- loading times are very much acceptable

- the new customization tool for furniture, clothes and wall/floor painting is exceptionally great (it reminds me terribly of Spore) - I love this; if we could have that for the Sims II...

- the new game play is somewhat intriguing and offers a new kind of immersion into the life of a Sim (or a family)

- the concept of openess to a city is nice (though my pirated copy has stability problems due to a damaged ISO when viewing the entire city - crashes to the desktop are quite common, unfortunately - I hope this issue is resolved when I get my paid-for copy next week)

Overall, I'm happy I won't actually pay 60 bucks for my game due to coupons 'cause at the first glance, I'm not so sure I'm *not* gonna stick with Sims II for the time being...

Bottom line: The Sims III, well, it needs adjustments (from EAxis).

Prison Break: the 2 extra episodes

2009-05-30T09:35:00.003+02:00

=== Spoiler Alert ===

Well, apparently the two straight-to-DVD episodes of Prison Break aired on Sky 1, so I had the opportunity to actually see them.

Those two were quite good though it's getting more and more impressiv how Michael manages to forge an escape plan from any prison in mere hours...remember the first season when it took him months of preparation and a full body tatoo to break out of Foxriver? Well, it had come to days in Sona, days for the break in to get Scylla and now just some hours to get Sarah out of prison.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed watching those two episodes. They adequately filled the gap between the main characters' exhonoration and Michaels death.

Just about another week...

2009-05-27T00:25:00.003+02:00

...and I will have Sims 3 in my hands! :)

Right now, I'm having fun playing Oblivion (most of the time) and Sims 2 (sometimes) during my work free days.

I can't wait for Sims 3 - though all those new Sims look kind a "round" (fat) in all the promotional videos and screenshots. Well, let's see how the game looks on my screen on June 4th! :)

24: Not the final season?

2009-05-21T03:06:00.003+02:00

Well, the 7th season of 24 was strange, unreal, unrealistic actually, illogical at times and overall it felt like it's the final season of the series. But the creators couldn't let it go, no, they obviously had to put some "believable" twist at the end - I hated the end of the last episode - but that's me.

I hope, 24 is over, 'cause I don't want to watch it any longer but due to some weirdness within me would have to if it would be continued. (Stupid me!)

Frankly, all this terrorism stuff that 24 thrives on is kind of over, at least it's not as present in our minds (at least not in mine) as it used to be after 9-11 for example. So it get's old, uninteresting, boring...

Prison Break: The End

2009-05-20T10:42:00.003+02:00

When Prison Break's first season aired, it was a blast - undoubtably the best series of the year. Well, the second season and even the third one had its moments, but none was such intriguing like the first one. Then there was a (in my opinion totally unnecessary) fourth season - and there it went down the drain: the series got worse with every episode: dialogues were stupid, logic was lacking - you name it...

Now, it's come to an end (finally) and I have to admit, though I first had trouble understanding the creators' decision to end the show like they did regarding the main character, I now think I get it and overall the final episode wasn't that bad. The final scene was done quite nicely and even triggered some emotional reaction.

Nonetheless, Prison Break is over. The first season I enjoyed most - what a show! - the second and third ones were "watchable", and, well, let's not talk about the fourth one... ;)

Lost: The Incident - Season 5 Finale

2009-05-15T10:57:00.003+02:00

Just one word: incredible!

I thought season four's finale was amazing, too - but this one tops'em all.

Actually, through the last few episodes, I had the distinct impression the show's going to end with season five, but as always, there are now more questions than answers and again, I can't wait for the next season to start.

This show just keeps getting better and better.

Paper Notebook - a must see!

2009-05-14T02:00:00.002+02:00

Geekologie posted this amazing YouTube video portraying the "usage of a paper notebook" made by Dutch artist Evelien Lohbeck.

It's an absolute must see: Paper Notebook on YouTube

Microsoft's new anti-iPod-ad

2009-05-12T22:03:00.004+02:00

This is a response to that: Microsoft Ad on YouTube

Well, first of all, if you listen to music on a subscription basis, well, then by all means jump on it. I don't know whether Microsoft's offer is expensive compared to the (subscription) competition and actually, I don't care (see below).

Second of all, you can easily fill your iPod with about 50 bucks worth of movies, no need to buy 30,000 songs. And what about freebies? There IS music and movies in the iTunes store that can be "purchased" for free.

Also, I for one would never use any music subscription service 'cause that's not the way I listen to music. I like to have my collection of some special songs and (mostly) classical pieces that were sold on CD long before MP3 was invented. But that's me - I don't listen to radio, too - not ever.

And what about Apps? The iTunes app-store is a great thing and my iPhone is filled with apps and yes - Microsoft obviously can't even imagine that - they take up space on the device.

But hell, if you like Microsoft's products then use them - I turned my back on them about two years ago (after sixteen years of good and bad times with DOS and Windows) and never regretted it!

Kung Fu Panda - not bad

2009-05-10T03:34:00.003+02:00

Just watched Kung Fu Panda and have to admit that the movie's quite good.

The title made me not want to see this one, but the guys at DreamWorks did a great job combining funny dialogues, really cool action and technically stunning 3D animation into one feature length experience.

It's definitively going to be part of my DVD collection.

Is the Science-Fiction genre dying?

2009-05-02T22:22:00.002+02:00

Are there any new (good) Sci-Fi tv shows running or upcoming?

With the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation way back then followed by Deep Space Nine and Voyager - and well, Enterprise - the cancelations of Farscape and Futurama, the finales of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and this year's "demise" of Battlestar Galactica, there's nothing left - as far as I know.

Well, okay, there's Eureka, and Lost, and Heroes - which are kind of Sci-Fi...but really, where's the good space exploration stuff?

German the American way

2009-05-02T21:57:00.002+02:00

It's always funny to hear American actors speak German phrases in tv shows.

Some are doing quite well actually, but most of them just don't get the proper pronounciation.

Well, apparently, proper German is quite difficult to speak if you're not a native speaker - also, the writers should try to understand that in German there's a difference if you say "Get in the car!" to one person („Steig ins Auto!”) or to more than one person („Steigt ins Auto!”).

Nonetheless, as a "German native" I'd really prefer to (just once in a while) see Germans referenced in American tv shows without making them the bad guys, without making them bavarian accordion playing nazis! Just for once! Please!

You must realize, WWII was last millennium - most of us don't even have relatives who can tell us about it any more - and in only one single "state" in Germany people wear "Lederhosen" and play German folk music on the accordion! All the others don't!

Lost - it's getting better and better

2009-05-01T01:05:00.003+02:00

I have to admit, when this whole time travel idea was first introduced in Lost I was quite sceptic - this was a little bit too far fetched for this kind of TV series I thought. But now, it's getting better and better, and even more twisted with each episode. I love it! :)

Sims III is coming

2009-04-30T22:59:00.001+02:00

...to the PC and the Mac at the same time.

THAT's what makes a Mac user's heart jump with joy! :)

Let's hope this incarnation of the Sims saga runs equally smooth on both operating systems (like Spore and unlike its predecessor).

Tinkerbell - okay

2009-02-10T10:20:00.004+01:00

Watched Tinkerbell today - is it me or is this Tinkerbell girl way too sexy for some kids movie?

Well, the story is more or less lame but has it's moments. Overall, the 3D animation is quite good but compared to Pixar productions the scenery lacks detail.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed watching it.