Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category

Leap Touch Interface: Become Tony Stark

Posted in Articles, tagged , , , on September 7, 2012| Leave a Comment »

As the title states, we may be closer to the awesome holographic touch interface we’re familiar from the Iron Man movies. We’ve all seen the amazing holographic interface that Stark uses on a daily basis to do anything ranging from surfing the internet to creating complex (and brand new) elements to add to the table. While we may be far from light-based ocular constructs, we are getting ever so close to the pinnacle of touch screen technology. Now if we can only figure out a way to make awesome omni-tool based devices by solidifying light and adding circuits and other fancy things. A geek can dream! The best part about the leap is that it is indeed available for pre-order if not purchase now for around 70$. While that may seem a little expensive, it’s generally up to the consumer to figure out if they ‘need’ it or not. Let me know what you all think.

Source: Leap Interface

Read Full Post »

Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zero

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , , on September 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Here comes something pretty awesome. Another game from the fine folks at Konami featuring none other than their signature shadow, Solid Snake. What we apparently have here is a continuation of the series featuring an ever aging Snake and from what I’ve been reading, an open world. What exactly does this mean for the stealth shooter? Well, I’m not exactly sure, considering that the main premise of this game has always been more or less brilliantly told yet linear stories. While I may not be a fan of MGS gone grand theft, I will hold my opinions until we get more than a 5 second introduction to gameplay. Hopefully you guys will check it out and let me know what you hope to come.

Source: Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zero

Read Full Post »

Farewell, Nintendo Power!

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , on August 31, 2012| Leave a Comment »

One of the biggest video game publications will finally come to a halt this December. Nintendo Power will stop publishing their magazines come the end of this year. So comes the end to one of my favorite gaming magazines. Nintendo Power, while not on the scope of other game magazines, still remains one of my favorite to date. Their incredibly interactive fan answer sections (at least, from what I remember when I was younger) were all full of people that were just like me. I remember really being able to connect with it, though it also helped that the magazine always kept me in the loop concerning my favorite upcoming and recently released Nintendo games, complete with early game strategy games in order to help me get that little bit of ‘oomph’ to power myself up or find whatever missing treasure I needed to finally 100% whatever I was playing  at the time. It will be missed, much more so than many of the other gaming magazines we still have today in my opinion. Farewell, friend!

Source: Nintendo Power Ceasing Publication

Read Full Post »

What Comes Next?

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »

So we’ve seen what Nintendo intends to bring to the next generation. The WiiU is comprised of a console and a tablet-like controller that allows you far more immersion into the gaming world than we’ve had originally, but that’s always been Nintendo’s survival tool. They strayed away from the normal controller based gameplay in favor of something motion based, giving the player essentially free reign to a degree on what they did in a game. Slashing the air ended up cutting down an enemy in game, and multiple other actions did other things not to mention the variety of mini games made endlessly fun (I.E. Mario Party). My question concerning that is, “what comes next?”. While we can easily look at Nintendo, who have already spoiled their next gen console for the masses and say, “That was obviously the next step in their evolution.”, is it really all that simple? Sure enough we’re all pretty bias considering we already know what they’re bringing to the party, but I can’t say that I would have said that a few months ago when speculation was still the norm. (more…)

Read Full Post »

The World Ends With You iOS Port

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , , , , on August 29, 2012| 2 Comments »

So…one of my favorite games has just been released for the iPhone. The World Ends With You is an immersing and wonderful game developed by the minds over at Square Enix. Focusing on Neku Sakuraba and a mysterious set of circumstances, you’re guided through a world of intrigue and puzzles and monsters that only SquEnix could deliver. A direct port of the popular DS game, TWEWY has finally come to the iOS in fully retrofitted glory. Considering my loss of the original DS game cartridge for TWEWY, this was naturally a step in the right direction as it didn’t require me to lug around my huge original handheld in order to play. Anyway, I hope you guys take the time to check it out and lemme know what you think, but beware that this game is ridiculously steep at 17.99$ for an app. The price may turn you off, but also keep in mind that you’re getting a FULL DS game essentially.

Source: TWEWY iOS Port

Read Full Post »

9 Reasons Why You Should Watch The Newsroom

Posted in Articles, Lists, Reviews, Television, tagged , , , , , , , on August 29, 2012| 2 Comments »

 

Coming at ya with zero spoilers

1. There really is something wrong with the mainstream media

For those of you who have not seen the show here is the one sentence Wikipedia synopsis. “It features an ensemble cast including Jeff Daniels as anchor Will McAvoy, who, together with his staff set out to put on a news show in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles and their own personal entanglements.” The premise behind this news show is that it will be one that will present only unbiased facts that facilitate relevant, honest debate with the intention of informing American voters. I interpret this as a deliberate and exhilarating smackdown on the lacking mainstream media that people patronize today. I should mention now that this is a largely political show. A politically interested viewer will get more from this show. If you are not at all interested in politics… still watch the show.

 

Jon Stewart said it best. The mainstream media, particularly Fox News and MSNBC, is utterly biased towards “sensationalism, conflict and laziness;” in addition to “relentless partisanship.” I wholeheartedly agree with Jon Stewart and that is why, in addition to its quality drama, I think The Newsroom is so refreshing. Whether you agree or not The Newsroom will make you re-evaluate your opinion on how news is presented to you. And it will do so by respinning the biggest news stories of this past year.

(more…)

Read Full Post »

Morning Link: Best Films Set in New York

Posted in Articles, tagged , , , , , on August 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »

 

New York is probably one of the most recognizable cities in America.  All throughout the past, present, and future, movies and television have all been set in the very busy streets of New York.  As a southern born and raised man like myself, I don’t necessarily get the magic of New York, but if there are literally lists that have the best movies set in new york and there are nearly 100 of them, clearly something is over my head.  Anyways, check the list out below.

Best Films Set in New York

Read Full Post »

Morning Link: George R.R. Justified Sex in Media…in a Smart Way

Posted in Articles, tagged , , , , on August 28, 2012| Leave a Comment »

There’s a lot of sex and nudity in A Song of Ice and Fire.  And that trend followed and might have even been augmented in the HBO adaptation,  Game of Thrones.  All the nudity certainly gathered attention and when  George R.R. Martin, author and executive producer of the books and television show respectively was approached about it, he had a rather cool way of replying to it.

I can describe an axe entering a human skull in great explicit detail and no one will blink twice at it. I provide a similar description, just as detailed, of a penis entering a vagina, and I get letters about it and people swearing off. To my mind this is kind of frustrating, it’s madness. Ultimately, in the history of [the] world, penises entering vaginas have given a lot of people a lot of pleasure. Axes entering skulls, well, not so much.

Found via Uproxx.  Visit their site below for the full scoop and appropriate reaction.

George R.R. Justified Sex in Media…in a Smart Way

Read Full Post »

Planetary Annihilation!

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , on August 24, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Oh wow does this look REALLY cool. While the video I’ve shown you is just a visualization and a little bit of an overview of this game, I hope that you all will take the time to at least check out their kickstarter campaign to get this show on the road. While I’m not openly advertising this company and kickstarters as a whole put me on edge, I wouldn’t mind just helping them along by linking to it down below. While I most likely won’t be getting the game and playing it for days on end like I have with previous titles, the idea alone sparked enough of an interest in me to at least support it on some level. It looks like an RTS style game in which you can control an entire solar system by building more and more. In contrast to most RTS style games where your maps consist of a single city or barren wasteland, this game will have you on edge trying to compete for multiple bodies in space for resources and control. If that in itself doesn’t interest you in the slightest then at least it’s a really cool video to watch.

Kickstarter: Planetary Annihilation

Read Full Post »

Remember Me

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , on August 22, 2012| Leave a Comment »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAjfHqbwMaM

http://youtu.be/1uL84jWdCps

Wow…just wow. This concept is something that I recall seeing a while ago, but just seeing this game makes me feel like we’re definitely expanding beyond the normal hack and slash or first person shooter games. A lot of upcoming AAA titles have definitely piqued my interest, Watch Dogs and Remember Me included. There is a gameplay preview from Gamescom that shows just why I find this game so interesting. With the ability to rearrange and change aspects of your target’s memory, this game has definitely caught my eye as something I haven’t seen before. If it isn’t new, then forgive me for being so giddy, this is just the first game I’ve seen that’s done so well with it. As I remember hearing someone say, it feels like a mix between Mirror’s Edge and Assassin’s Creed. Anyway, check out the videos I’ve linked above and enjoy!

Read Full Post »

Prequels, Sequels, and Remakes oh my!

Posted in Articles, Movies, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on August 22, 2012| 8 Comments »

The shortage of original ideas in Hollywood is not a new issue. Hollywood blockbusters have long followed standard plotlines proven to generate excitement and revenue. Don’t get me wrong, indie movies and indie theaters will always reside in the warm, enriching, nacho supreme depths of my movie heart. But that does not mean that I am satisfied with the billions of dollars in resources Hollywood is wasting on leftover broccoli casserole lathered in recycled ideas and characters. I fell in love with movies because they have capacity to snap my semi-charmed life in half. Movies take you somewhere you can never go, make you someone you will never be. They touch emotions, remind you how you want to live your life, and give you a fresh perspective. My favorite movies are the ones that stick with you long after the bright sun tries to burn them out the second you walk out of the movie theater. Enough rambling, the following are some of the movies released this year that were either prequels, sequels, or remakes. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Half Life 3 for Gamescom? Probably Not, But Hopefully!

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , on August 17, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Many gamers should rejoice! According to this article, Half Life 3, the much awaited sequel and possibly ending to the Half Life series, will be announced during Gamescom. I’m a little skeptical as to this notification, however, and will take it with a grain of salt. Multiple Valve employees have already stated via twitter that there won’t be any games shown this year, but who knows with them? I have included a secondary article that explains the debunking behind the myth, and is more than likely correct. On the off chance that it is spoiled this year ’round, I will be incredibly delighted. Though I myself am not a fan of the Half Life series, I do know the amount of fandom and size of its community. Something like this also means that Valve (or just Gabe) knows how to count to three (I joke.). Hopefully it’ll be as good as the community wants, and won’t end up like another Duke Nukem. Hopefully…

Source: HL3?

Speculation: Debunking Speculation

Read Full Post »

Phantasy Star Online 2 Gets an English Port!

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , on August 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Alright, while normally the Thursday article would be filled with gaming knowledge to be bestowed upon you in the form of reviews and other fancy articles, I decided that this week would be dedicated to Phantasy Star Online II. I’m making this very special exception in light of the fact that the original Phantasy Star Online Episodes 1 and 2 were my most played and favorite games of all time. I’ll just take the time to put up a preview from what I’ve been able to play using an English codex on the Japanese version. I will not give links just in case that stuff isn’t allowed and I break some of the rules…but rest assured the wait will be worth it. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Kuratas Gun Wielding Robot

Posted in Articles, tagged , , on August 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I’m not quite sure what to make of this, but it could be the next thing in warfare for all I know. With an interest in robotics, I just really wanted to share this article concerning the Kuratas gun-wielding robot. It definitely reminds me of something straight out of Ghost in the Shell, and piques my curiosity. Where exactly does this take us? What other uses could a gun-toting robot have besides military application? Well, the answer to the latter is probably in the video above. It’s a really cool child’s play toy, like a grown up power wheels. That truth is that I don’t really care what it could be used for because this thing is really freakin’ cool. Check it out in the link below, and let me know how you feel about our new robot overlords!

Kuratas

Read Full Post »

Morning Link: Why We Needed the Dark Knight Rises

Posted in Articles, Movies, tagged , , , , , on August 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

 

Hitfix did a really cool article before the Dark Knight Rises was released pointing out all the exciting moments that are to come from the movie.  It’s interesting to go back to that article and point out all the questions they had: What role is Joseph Gordon Levitt and Marion Collitard REALLY playing?  Why does everyone have a Tumbler? How will Anne Hathaway redefine Catwoman?  We know know all the answers to these questions and debunking and confirming some of the suspicions were fun.

Why We Needed the Dark Knight Rises

Read Full Post »

How to Maximize Viewership on Your Blog [The Gritty Way]

Posted in Articles, Maintenance, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on August 14, 2012| 1 Comment »

There’s a very specific reason I chose this image of Jennifer Lawrence, read below to find out

About a month ago, I was moaning and groaning about how upgrading this blog from Banana Feed to Banana Scoop reset our indexing and essentially sent us to ground zero.  Well I’m more than glad to inform you that we’re back on top getting a healthy 300 – 400 hits a day and growing.  In my opinion, as vain as it is, I see page hits as a measurement of success, and in my eyes, what we’re accomplishing is absolute success.  I’m sure big name blogs and entertainment sites would scoff their heads, but success is in the eye of the beholder, and I’m going to share with you how I got my ‘success’.

This article will talk about how I get the most viewership out of my blog.  Forget the cheesy page on WordPress that tells you how to get traffic or any of those other posts that talk about that, I’m talking the dirty, under the table stuff people tend to overlook.  We do real talk here.  This isn’t for bloggers who write poems, anecdotes and post quotes hoping to get noticed.  Take that shit to Tumblr.  If you legitimately want a successful blog in terms of viewers, take a look at these points.

Adjust Your Target Audience to Maximize Viewership, Talking About Your Feelings Isn’t Something Everyone Wants to Read

From my perspective, the successful blogs are the ones that entertain the most.  And if you don’t have your target audience in mind and understand the numbers that encompass that audience, then you’re going to be very disappointed.  Take the example I pointed out above regarding those who post quotes about life, write poems and colorful anecdotes about their experiences.  Don’t get me wrong, there are probably some of the greatest soulful writers hidden as a gem from some of these blogs.  But in a sea of absolute crap and garbage, who has the time to read every Philosophical Penny and Deep David out there?  And just how many people a day did you think they’d want to read about the ups and downs of someone else’s life?

(more…)

Read Full Post »

Morning Link: Crucial Movie Moments that Never Made It Into the Script

Posted in Articles, Movies, tagged , , , , , , on August 14, 2012| Leave a Comment »

 

If you find yourself scratching your head as to why a movie is acting a certain way or wondering how a certain plot hole came to exist, then this article on Cracked is the one for you.  For example, in Empire Strikes Back, how did Luke Skywalker jump so high to get out of the Carbonite freezing?  Sure Yoda trained him, but never to jump that high.  This article brings out plot holes like these that are explained in movie scripts that never made it into the movie.  While they’re plot filling and make many beloved movies more sensical, not all of them should’ve been done…You’ll have to read on to find out what I’m talking about…

Crucial Movie Moments that Never Made It Into the Script

Read Full Post »

The Colors of Evil

Posted in Articles, tagged , , , on August 10, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Stumbled upon this while browsing the internet and couldn’t help myself. This animation is definitely worth checking out, although I seem to be on an animation streak this past few weeks. Hopefully you guys enjoy the rather odd and somewhat heartwarming story of a girl and her…demon. I think we all have that one person we can relate to that just gets under our skin like the protagonist in this short, but hopefully not everyone resorts to demonic rituals and rainbows. Let me know what you guys think!

Read Full Post »

Pro Gamers versus Athletes: Blurring the Line?

Posted in Articles, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , on August 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Alright folks, this week’s major article concerns eSports and the future of gaming as a profession. In this nifty CNN article below, we talk about pro gaming with a focus in Starcraft 2. The article (and its predecessors) follow the story of both MKP and MVP from what I remember in the earlier articles, and mostly discuss addiction and how eSports shouldn’t be considered sports. From the growing eSports scene and my own personal viewpoints, I’ve decided that this is a topic worth discussing in general with the fan base here on Banana Scoop, or at least the video game fan base here on Banana Scoop. Anyway, hopefully you’ll check out my little blurb about this below and consider what I have to say. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Mass Effect Movie?!

Posted in Articles, Movies, Video Games, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Not sure how to feel about this, folks. News has it that Legendary Pictures has taken the rights to make a Mass Effect movie. While I haven’t seen anything concrete, we all know the curse about video games being turned into movies. I’m hoping they won’t just butcher everything I know and love (Tali, stay safe!). While normally I’d be somewhat more enthusiastic about the concept, I just feel that the need to create a movie based on a game that more or less plays out like a movie is overkill. We get the cinema experience in every rendered cutscene. I guess I could wait before deeming it a total flop though. We’ll have to see how it goes.

Source: Mass Effect Movie!

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »