The Cold Chamber - MATACORPSE

Top 10 obscure controllers (part1)

Ladies and gentlemen? I begin this article with a question:
Is the duelshock 2 (ps2) really the best controller ever?
Yes! But here are some less known, weird and wonderful controllers that are, for better or worse, eyecatching and "off the wall"

The x button is the trigger! Genius

Note: the right handle is shaped like a gun handle!

Resident Evil controller (PS1)


This is a must have for all old school, tank control survival horror fans! Optimised for Resident Evil (surprise), all the buttons have been moved around for a very different experience. With the "X" button being the trigger(where "R2" should be) , the "R" buttons where the 'Triangle" should be and the right handle shaped like a gun handle, it feels like you are genuinly shooting "T... Those monsters" while having the comfort of a more traditional controller at the same time! The button mapping may seem intimidating, but its actually a very comfortable setup!

ASCII keyboard controller (Gamecube)
And you thought the WII-U controller felt weird!
This crazy thing was made for the online RPG game "Tales Of" and it definatly serves it perpus. However, there arent many online games for the gamecube that will benefit from the ASCII.
Now, joking aside, its actually quite comfortable to handle providing you place it on a flat surface like a table. As goofy as it looks, its a very collectable item and definatly enhances the few online RPG games that can use the ASCII.

EYE TOY (PS2)

You are the controller!
Long before Kinect (the all but abandoned child Xbox), there was the Eye toy (the all but perfect child of PS2). The Eye Toy senses your body movement, allowing you to interact with all the mini games the disc throws at you, While making you look like a complete pillock.

Tron edition controllers (Various)

Waw! Look at them! Just look at them!

No special features here, but the design looks amazing! And it definatly enhances the late night marathons!
Personally, I think the Xbox controller looks better with this design because The neon lights and the chunky design really gives it that cyberpunk feel.

OMG WHAT THE HELL? (PC)

I COULDNT FIND OUT THE NAME, IF ANYONE KNOWS, PLEASE COMMENT

Honestly, look at this maniacle disasterpiece! Looks like a keyboard just puked its guts out on an already weird shaped controller! But hold thy judgement and thou shall know the truth!
I know it looks intimidating (thats me being polite) but believe it or not, its comfortable! It feels heavy,sturdy and every single button is easily accessable! I am amazed that someone made such a crazy looking thing with such a crazy ammount of buttons that isnt only comfortable but also sturdy and well mapped!

Posted via Blogaway

Is MasterChief really gone?

Ok 1st of all lets get one thing straight... Spartans don't die, they're just missing in action!
Now that we've clears that up, let's continue.

The latest Halo 5 trailer was a disturbing one to say the very least as it was announced that MasterChief was no more. This mews is devestating to all of us. But put down those tissues and clean up your maskara because something doesnt smell right.




I do not believe for a second that the chief is dead. No, I am not going through denial! Has anyone seen the other trailers? Well let me tell you what I saw and what I think.
First of all, MasterChief is on the move. He is, in this scenario, a traveller.
He is clearly, desperatly looking for something or someone. He appears to have what could be either a dog tag or some sort of chip. Many people say its cortana and others believe it to be a tag of someone MIA (missing in action). Meenwhile though, a group of people are looking for him! Maybe it's some sort of race? Who gets there 1st? Who knows?









The 1st couple of trailers told us about a new suited and booted gun wielding mofo called Spartan Locke. He is known(to the Covenant atleast) for his "Spartan Hunting" skills and is looking for THE Spartan.
Clearly Chief has gone AWOL. But why? This isn't like him, is it?
Here is my theory:
MasterChief was pushed out, forcing him to become rogue!
How? I have no idea, but  think about it. He is a war hero and everybody looks up to him. When there is Masterchief, there is hope, so it only makes sense that an enemy would do this (it males everybody vunerable). So IF that is true, where is he? Has he faked his death so he could infiltrate the corrupt establishment that pushed him out? It is easier to sneak up on someone if they think you do not exist. But then what is the Spartan lock guy doing? Clearly HE knows he isn't dead.
Its hard to say. There are 2 trailer that depict 2 seperate scenarios.
One is of 'Locke finnishing off Chief and the other is of Chief getting rid of 'Locke. This either means that there are 2 possible paths(multiple endings) or a symbol that they were both manipulated to kill each other!




Take a look at one of the 1st promo posters we saw earlier this year. It depicts both Locke and Chief walking the same route in mirror image. Maybe they are both in the same situation but in different ways.




Whatever the reason, Lockes mission is to take out Masterchief and he is more than happy to ablige! The dialogue in previous trailer hints that Locke sees MasterChief as a traitor...
What ever the case, MasterChief is not dead... But man, has he got a battle infront of him! I only hope Locke and Chief team up to destroy who ever plotted this twisted stategy.
For now though, we wait.



Posted via Blogaway

Top 10 hidden gem consoles

Ladies and gentlemen, I begin this article with a question. Are there really "hidden gem" consoles out there? Or were they simply avoided?
Well believe it or not, there are a few consoles around that were amazing but for the most part, unknown.
But be warned: When I say most of them are rare, I meen the expensive kind of rare. That said, EVERYTHING on this list CAN BE BOUGHT. Thats my one rule! So, shall we?




JVC Wondermega (1992-1996)

You wanna talk innovation? How about a 23 year old video game console that allowed you to play your own music! Equiped with midi and microphone ports. This was a very early at "all you need entertainment console" that this current gen is trying to acomplish...




SSD XaviXPorT (2004-2009)
This lil device that looks like one of those slimline  dvd players you used to get in the mid naughties (because slim and silver was so scifi at the time,right?) Was in fact a motion capture console, predating the Nintendo Wii by two years. The console was more of a virtual sports centre than games console as sports games were pretty much the only thing on the menu. Naturally it was overshadowed by the Wii... But with such a catchy name like "The ssd XaviXporT" I cant for the life of me think why.




Sega MultiMega/CDX(1994-1996)
Finally a name we can trust!
This thing wasnt JUST a slimmed down version of the Sega CD. It also backed up as a walkman (portable cd players for the younger folk) powerd by just 2 lithium AA batteries! So answer me this,fanboys. Can your... XBONE do that? Theyre about as portable as my nans washing machine. Love you Microsoft




PSX (2000-2004)
Yes that abreviation actually meens something! What a beast. This badboy is a ps1, ps2, dvd player, dvd recorder and video/audio/image editor. It can even sync up to the psp for music and video(not sure about games). It was also the 1st playstation console to use the
XMB interface (similar to psp and ps3). Unfortunatly they never left japan but has never seemed to stop people buying japanese only games and consoles before. These things are rare enough, but if you manage to find one in silver, then you have just bagged your self a 2004 limited edition psx! Good luck.




SDK NEO-GEO (1994-1998)
Now many veteran hardcore gamers will argue that this is not an "obscure console". Only to then make youtube rants about how unappreciated the NEO-GEO was...Go figure. Anyway.
This console is possibly the most powerful 16-bit console going. Created to bring arcade games to your home in perfect quality, most games are about 500 mb which is crazy for 16 bit cartriges. Most of the games are arcade ports and sadly, no, there arent alot of rpgs (imagine Final Fantasy on this beast!),
The neo geo pocket is also noteworthy! A black and white 8bit portable console with allot of punch!




Apple Pippin(1994-1997)

Even apple had a shot of video gaming!
Just like the 3DO, apple decided to liscense this console out to other companies to manufacture (most notable being Bandai). Based on the tech from apple macs at the time, the Pipin was designed to bring they're computer games to the tv. Unfortunatly poor Pipin was overshadowed both comercially, critically and technically by its main competetors, the Sony Playstation and the Sega Saturn. Also what the hell was wrong with apple? Pipin? Really? You named your console after an old womans lap dog? Poor Pipin.




Nokia N-Gage (2003-2006)
Acording to wikipedia the name is a pun on the word engage! Yeah thanks for clearing that up guys, many potentially sleepless nights, avoided. Moving on. This handheld console, ugly as it may be, was one of the 1st hand held console to support 3d graphics that wouldnt want to make your head expload! Combining a mobile phone with a game console is a thing most emulator junkies take for granted but 12 years prior, this was pretty innovative and bold.




JXD S7800 (2013-Present)
Now, you might be thinking;
But why would I want an emulating android console, if I have a powerful tablet/phone?
Well 1st of all, it already comes equiped with pretty much all of the high quality emulators available and plays even the dreamcast and psp games flawlesly, it also has all the onboard console style buttons. If your gonna emulate then this thing is the closest to being perfect.
This big boy has a 7 Inch hd screen and is twice the size as the psp! It also has a micro sd port and very strong battery! A brilliant tool for game footage capturing too.






Hyperkin RetroN5 (2014-present)

Ever wanted to play all of your favorite cartriges in one console?
Well the Retron 5 is perfect! Well, almost. The box allows you to play NES/Famicom, Genesis/MegaDrive, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games from all regions! You can also input cheats and "save state", you can even tweak the visuals and it has a hdmi support for crips visuals . The Retron5 has all the benefits of both emulation and traditional gaming, in one box. There a few snags like the controler not bei g to everyones standards but that is changable as its only a standard bluetooth system.






Panasonic Q: (2003-2006)
The Nintendo Gamecube lacked something crucial, the CD/dvd player. But imagine a Gamecube capable of playing CDs, DVDs and Gamcube discs! Thats where Panasonic comes in. When Nintendo and Panasonic teamed they created possibly the most stunning, Sci-Fi looking cube. With LED display for track number etc and even LEDs for the comtroler ports combine with a chrome steal chasis, this thing looks amazing! Again, it unfortunatly was only released in Japan but my god, that will not stop me from purchasing the best looking console I have ever seen.



Posted via Blogaway

Why do game movies suck so bad?

Ladies and gentlemen, I begin this article with a question: Why the hell do video game movies suck? Sure, everyone has a guilty pleasure or two, but generally they are bad.
It's gotten to the point where as soon as we hear "Movie Adaptation", we switch off and move on.

So, what's going on? Why is it so hard for these big budget companies to make a decent movie adaptation? Well, after doing some research, I realised that there are three main reasons why.

Games are different to movies. (Omg mindblown):
Yes, it is obvious to us, but clearly not for the hollywood people. Making a game into a movie isnt just about finding people who look like the characters in the game and copying the story. You have to focus on different mechanics of the story because it was originaly written for a player to interact with. That said, you don't want to alienate people when they watch it (resident evil movies?). So a reimagening and retelling of our favorite titles would atleast be a  different experience. Same plot, same characters. Is that so hard?

2.- PLAY THE DAMN GAMES AND ENJOY THEM!:

The problem with most movie producers is that they arent gamers and haven't even played the game theyre trying to adapt! This is probably the biggest flaw they have. You cant just read a script and off you go. Again, it's not a movie, it's a game!

3.- We can't watch a movie adaptation and expect the same feeling:
Yes, to some extent, we are PARTLY to blame. See, us gamers, we have a tendancy to be... "fanboys". Rant all you want about fanboys ruining your favorite franchise, but at some point you will be that fanboy... Ofcourse there is a difference between having fanboy moments and BEING a fanboy... Much like theres a difference between being a fanboy and being a TROLL. But I digress.
We have to accept that we aren't going to get the same vibe as we would if we were to play the game. That said. Even though it won't be the SAME vibe, doesn't meen it wont be a good one.

Before we leave with a sour taste in our mouths, here are 3 of my favorite "video game movies":

Tomb Raider: Mainly because Angelina Jolie kills that roll! Honestly I cant think of a better person to play the geroine tomb raider! The concept and action sequences are impressive! Even though the story wont be for everyone, its damn entertaining!

Resident Evil: Degeneration/Dammation:
CGI movies seem to be hit and miss but oh my this is awesome. Action packed with the same amount of gore and monsters.

Silent hill: Not the second one (urgh).
This movie payed attention to detail.
Note that the director chose to make the monsters very visible as apose to the games "fear what you can bearly see". Yes, its flawed but with quality, atention to detail and with lots of silent hill law references, all open minded fans should take a look.

Do not touch alone in the dark... That is all



Posted via Blogaway

What makes a good psychological horror game?

WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS AND BAD LANGUAGE.

Now that I have succesfully narrowed down the audience, let us begin.

It will come to no surprise to you when I say that after all this time people are still (and probably always will be) pissed off at the cancelation of Silent Hills. Honestly, Konami really screwed a pooch with this one (seriously Konami? You couldn't hold out for like, this one title?). But I digress.

With this..."hickup" in mind, many skilled indie devs are jumping at the chance of making they're own silent hill styled game (it is the perfect time and excuse they need) and thats awesome! Games like Allison Road, Punity, Alchemilla etc are all getting some well deserved limelight

But this got me thinking: what makes a good psychological horror title? Because lets face it, the World needs more games like Silent Hill (especially with how neglectful Konami have been to it). Ofcourse silent hill isnt the only psycho horror out there. F.E.A.R., Alan Wake, Path(little red riding hood horror anyone?) and Forbidden Siren are just a few other great examples.

With that said, here are 5 important things to keep in mind when making your psychological horror:

1. Atmosphere: It might be cliche to talk about how important atmosphere is to horror, but it's a different kind of atmosphere to most horror. See, usually atmosphere works as a build up to something, it might be an event, a monster, a gang of zombies etc... But with psychological horror it works differently (usually). Atmosphere IS the monster and monsters ARE part of the atmosphere, the ambience and monsters work as one massive ecosystem, the music, enemies and location work as one massive character, "the enemy".
So, technically, you are inside "the enemy"

2. You are (or atleast part of) "the ememy": again, This is not always the case, but more often than not your inner demons, phobias and/or  believes will be turned against you, often making you question yourself as to weather you are the hero or villain, and so, the uneasy feeling has already started.

3. "The escalator effect":
With alot of survival horror games, there comes a point in the story where you say:
- "Right, I've beaten the boss, I think I'm about to finnish the game! Wait... Whats HE doing here? NO! Dont drink that! Do not put that in your... Argh shit! He...Hes turned into a what!? Dammit... I have to go where to beat him!? "
Sound familiar? That's because alot of survival horror games try to trick you into thinking that you can stop stressing and lower your guard only to turn the heat back up to 11! This is obviously a shock tactic inorder for the last level to get the maximum reaction out of you before the curtain call. Many psychological horror games do not use this, they prefer to use the "escalator effect". Basically that means that the tension, fear, stress and atmosphere keeps on building and building, making the player question how much more he/she can take, until the grand finale and you "face your final inner demon and stop punnishing yourself" or "that ghostly woman tracks you down and finally has her wicked, sadistic, creepy way with you" (if you've played it, you know what I'm saying)...
This brings up the everlasting and perpetual debate of "Silent Hill vs Resident Evil" (which I am sure we are all tired of by now, I mean, its been going on for like, 17 years. Ever heard of the word opinion?). We can't compare the 2 games with each other, they're tactics are too different.
See, resi' tends to use the "false ending shock tactic" Where as silent hill uses the latter tactic, "the escalator effect".
Resi ' uses gore and visually disturbing enemies, where Silent Hill uses mentally disturbing locations and berely visible villains. Its completely subjective as to which is scariest so please, try to get along kids. This is also the reason why the concept of "Silent Evil" would be too messy and both ideas would clash too much to pull off. Not impossible but it would be bery hard to pull off. Well thats my opinion anyway... Moving on before the superfan troll brigade crucifies me.

4 illusions: yes, because who doesnt enjoy a mindfuck or 2?
I'm not talking about loop wholes or lamps that look like lady parts. I'm talking about halusinations, fabrications and possibly a lamp that looks like lady parts (never seen one in a game, make it happen guys).
Joking aside, an illsusion doesn't have to be something visually distorted. It could be that your companion is actually a ghost or not even real. The evil monster chasing you could cause your whole gaming system to "crash" (ala Eternal Darkness). Illusions are the best thing to put into a game if you want the player to feel constantly on guard, disjointed from reality and boost anxiety. There are not enough games out there who use illusions in games and its a crying shame because aswell as making us feel alone, confused and scared, it also enhances the fun.

5. Choose your fate: multiple scenarios and multiple endings are great in any game (replay value is important people!). But if you want to further mess with the players emotions, having to make a crucial and game changing decision in an already disturbing, stressful and terrifying scenario may just push them over the edge. The new game "Until dawn" may not be a PSYCHOLOGICAL horror, but having to make quick descisions while being preassured definatly messes you up and more games need to do this (not JUST point and clicks, remember Dino Crisis anyone?).

Optional: The infamous unbeatable enemy:
This one is completely optional, but let me ask you something. What's scarier than an obscure, big, ugly monster in a dark gloomy room? Well, you take that monster, and you make that fucker invincible. Love it or hate it, it will scare the hell out of you when you waste all of your already scares ammo on one monster, only to find out that it was all futile!

Now, I must stress that this is only my opinion of what I feel would make a good psycho' Horror game. If you have any other ideas or comments feel free to contact me via twitter  @matacorpse.

Top 5 gaming genres we miss

After over 30 years of console gaming, it's easy to see why some gaming genres have faded into the mist that is the industry's gut. After all, with each generation that passes, it usually leaves behind a handful of subgenres. Some genres are just simply aggravatingly pathetic (dating simulation for me personally) Others are fist-in-air awesome (survival horror, RPG, hack n slash etc). But what about those genres that the industry forgot? Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, 5 gaming genres that we miss;

5.- Point And Click:
The mid 90s saw its fair share of point and click games (the "Broken Sword" series is a favorite for most PAC fans) but since then we haven't had a handful, the only 2 games that come to mind are "The Wolf Among Us" and "The Walking Dead" (both from Telltales). This is a crying shame because with today's hardware it would pretty much look like an interactive movie.

4.- Kart Racer:
This is a genre that seemed to have a very short lifespan. Mario kart and crash team racing are the two big hitters but the aren't many "hidden gems" to find anyway(if you see rascal racers then run as far as you and your family can... Then a bit more).

3.- SHMUPS:
Yes shoot em ups maybe around on Google playstore but let's face it , its been a while since you picked up a new shmup game , stick it in your console with your mates, wow at the awesome graphical carnage, throw your controller on the floor, tell everyone to get out of your house and cry in a dark room because you was so close to beating level 76. Aaah the good old days.

2.- Stealth:
Many people don't realise this but the stealth genre had more than one AAA hit(mainly due to Metal Gear Solid being in the limelight constantly). Early 2000's had more than a handful of stealth titles. Metal gear solid, Splintercell, Thief, beyond good and evil etc. With the release of MGS4 in 08, I thought it would inspire people to make amazing titles with twisting stories. Intelligent AI and extremely tense atmosphere... But I just didnt get that outsode of Hideo Kojimas best selling title... There is nothing more satisfying than sneaking up on a badguy from behind and ... Well... snap. Or simply avoiding a standing guardman and then messing with theyre head by throwing something next to  or knocking a wall... Only to hear them say - huh? I must be hearing things. Priceless.

1.- 3D Platfomer:
OK... What the blooming heck is going on!? The 3D platformer is like putty to game devs! You can do anything with it! You can keep it simple and endearing (crash bandicoot, spyro, mario64), or mix it with any genre and it would still be awesome! Yet the industry seems to have forgotten some of our favorite characters... This is why no one has mascots anymore.Its all well and good having complex fighting moves or over 50 weapons in your inventory but sometimes you just want to run from A to B, traverse through colourful and beautiful scenarios and dodge whatever weird freaky enemy comes your way... Oh yeah! And don't forget to dump at least 100 collactable... Things in each level! Is that too much to ask for? Mario won't cut it forever y'know. Besides, not even he has enough 3d platform games...

I know there are alot more genres that I didnt mention but hey, go make your own list... make blogs, videos, rants etc. It really is the only way those big suits are gonna hear us and evemtually we will grind them down!