The top 10 games of 2011 according to me

Okay, the moment you geeks have been waiting for--my top 10 games of 2011. Without further ado, let's do this.

10. Bastion 
To say that Bastion is the best looking 2D game I have seen all year (yes, I'm aware of Rayman) is an understatement. Gorgeous 1080p visuals and style that kept me hooked until I concluded our hero's adventure and reunited the Bastion. The soundtrack is fabulous and the narrator is laughably good. 

9. Dead Space 2
Well, it was brought up to me that my #9 was actually a 2010 release (Limbo) and that I forgot to include one of my favorite games from 2011--so here it is, Dead Space 2. This is one of those IPs that genuinely thrills and had enough story, universe, and character development to really deem itself worthy of novels and other non-gaming media. It was nice to hear Isaac's voice this time around. Turn the light off, crank up the speakers/headphones and let this one take you.

  
8. L.A. Noire
The ballsiest venture from the Rockstar folk--this is the adventure game I always wanted them to make. The game comes across like an action game, but it is literally a straight-forward adventure game with action elements thrown in to keep things moving. You're talking, analyzing, looking for clues, and ultimately wanting to go back to solve the crime fully. The game lets you get by even when you miss clues or put the wrong perp behind bars--for this reason alone, there's a lot of replay value in the universe. 

7. Gemini Rue
One of the coolest old school adventure games of yesteryear was made in 2011. I'm not joking--this is probably one of the finest adventure games to come out and it's made by a college student. From the design, dialog, and soundtrack, this is a total futuristic noir gem. My favorite downloadable game of the year, hands-down.  

6. Batman: Arkham City 
I think it's fair to say that Rocksteady pretty much made the best superhero (if you can call Batman that) game ever made. So for them to pretty much double the quality in terms of story, things to do, and generally leaving the player feeling like there's always something around the next street corner of Arkham City--it's a borderline miracle. I couldn't stop myself from finishing the story and I even found about 70% of the riddles. I have a feeling I'll be going back to this in a few months. 

5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

From the Blade Runner influenced design to the "pick your play style" gameplay to the epic synth score, I was immediately smitten with Deus Ex. I adored the original and I can safely say that this game is the modern remolding of the original. The universe is rich and although the acting isn't award-winning, it fits the sci-fi noir look of the universe nicely. I highly recommend this to any gamers out there that enjoy a smart action game with plenty of western RPG elements.  

4. Uncharted 3
Naughty Dog are the best developers on the PS3--hell, they're one of the best developers in the universe. Without spoiling anything, I will say that Uncharted 3 is the most gripping tale told in a game this year. I was hooked from beginning to end to find out what happened. Did I mention that this is one of the most visually stunning games out there? The set pieces have  to be seen to be believed. The only reason it didn't get a higher spot--there didn't seem as much of an urge to go back and replay right after I finished this one. Either way, one of the finest games I have ever played. No brainer--buy it. 

3. Skyrim

I never expected myself to fall for this game. I'm being honest here, I was not a big fan of Oblivion or the previous iterations of this series. However, Skyrim pretty much took all the junk I disliked and threw them out to make a title for anyone that enjoys western RPGs. The world has been fully realized, the stories all manage to run alongside each other without getting too confusing, and somehow I felt like I was in control and I knew the path I wanted to take the whole time. Be warned, this game is a time sink and if you don't think you can afford a 50 hour game in your life, then just step away. Having completed most of my journey in this universe, I can safely say that a lot of love and hard work went into making this one happen. 

2. Portal 2
The most smile-inducing "makes me feel like I'm way smarter than I really am" experience of 2011. I think all my friends will collectively agree that Portal 2 is one of the most genuinely smart and charming experiences to have come out this year. From the way the story is told, to the way the puzzles play out--you're literally forced to use your brain to uncover the story. The cooperative aspect of the game is also brilliant and probably the best way to get a loved one to partake in a smart game and see that gaming isn't the derivative joke that the media makes it out to be. 

1. Witcher 2
I'll sum it up like this: Witcher 2 is the RPG that Bioware wishes it could make today. Talk about the most improved sequel ever made. For a small Polish studio to turn out what can only be summed up as one of the deepest story-centric RPGs I have played in years--not expected at all. CD Project Red gets my number 1 for the year. From the dialog, acting, universe/lore, soundtrack, controls, depth, and ability to modify the story (drastically) by making different decisions--this is the game of 2011.  

The top 10 albums of 2011 according to me

Okay, this year has decided to go by at massive speed. Didn't we just celebrate the new year together? Well, it's time to share the albums that have really resounded with me in 2011. Each album is fantastic as a complete package (most, if not all tracks)--can't lead my friend astray now, could I?

Some of you probably agree and appreciate my view/taste pertaining to music. To those, I think you'll be very happy with these gems.


10. Gus Gus - Arabian Horse

This album came out of nowhere--on Michael Mayer's lovely Berlin-based Kompakt label too. Imagine dark hypnotic rhythms, meticulously structured ambiance and themes surrounded by very soulful vocals. Mixing dark music and vibrant vocals. It almost sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does--damn well in fact.  Each repeat listen results in this one deserving a spot in the top 10 for this year.  

9. Hammock - Chasing After Shadows...

I want you to play the below song. Raise the volume. Let it seep in. The full album title is actually Chasing After Shadows...Living With The Ghosts. What an appropriate title. In 2011, I ranked roughly 59 listens to this beautiful release (thanks iTunes). Whether I'm working, reading, or prepping to lay on my face--this album will always stay in my collection. Haunting melodies and tones that deftly trigger memories. Highly recommended by me. 

8. Apparat - The Devil's Walk

I will warn you, this album is not a light-hearted romp. It's a big labor of love from Sascha Ring (Apparat) and shows a big jump in maturity for his already beautiful and thoughtful sound. Take a listen/look at the below song (directed by none other than Saman Keshavarz) and believe. The whole release resonates with this rich tone. It's a timeless one. 

7. Tycho - Dive

Scott Hansen grew up in little Sacramento, but eventually ended up in San Francisco and that ultimately, at least in my opinion, really led to his sound growing leaps and bounds. A youthful and extremely uplifting sound with strong use of strings. There's something that resonates with Tycho's sound. Every track on this album is gorgeous and full of vibrant energy. Check it out.

6. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming 

Anthony Gonzales puts out his most flamboyant and boisterous album--a double-CD in fact. Not a single track on this 20+ track release disappoints. At points you will hear the instrumental qualities from his Digital Shades release and at other times, you will hear a brand new voice and sound--something that needed to happen. The man moved from France to America and I think that alone has made a big change to the sound. No brainer--get this if you haven't. 

5. Sound of Arrows - Sound of Arrows 

The part of you that loves Pet Shop Boys, Abba, and Erasure has been craving this album. One of those albums that has me singing along in the most flamboyant fashion and not giving a damn about it. The whole thing is Scandinavian magic. Partake of this please.   

4. New Look - New Look  

Aside from the fact that they put on a great live show (and that I'm mildly smitten with the singer), this album really caught me off guard. A really fun album. Catchy, simple, melodic--feels good. That's all I have to say about that. Listen!

3. Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica  

This young man is the new Boards of Canada for me in a lot of ways. Uses sounds that are initially strange and don't seem to play well with each other and then after a few listens--it becomes flawless. Like it was all planned to come together, but only after your brain is ready to consume it and make it work.

Check out this awesome presentation of the album--a sense of nerd humor helps:

2. Kuedo - Severant 

If you have ever heard of Vangelis--this will make sense. Even if you haven't, know that Vangelis composed the Blade Runner soundtrack and the sound he made during that period exemplifies some of the best electronic music ever made. This album by Kuedo is a modern-day homage to that sound. The whole release is brilliant and is a must-own for any self respecting electronic music fan. 

1. Balam Acab - Wander/Wonder 

This is it--my number one of the year. Some of you might be scratching your heads here, but trust me. No other album this year has grown on me the way this has. So quiet, so layered, so full of life. For some kid to come along and just blow my mind like this--it's rare.

I ask that you raise the volume and let this one play to the end. 

As a bonus--the amazing remix Balam Acab did for Lana Del Rey.

Thanks for making this such a lovely year my friends. Let's make 2012 an equally fantastic year.

Love,

Me

Particular about time...

You know you're becoming an old man when you find yourself enamored with wall clocks.

Well, it was about time for me to have a couple in my home. I decided to partake in two pieces from those wild and crazy Dutch clock makers, Karlsson.

Let me know what you think. 

Ruben Ireland. Round Two!

Ruben's work is definite resounding success with me. Did I mention he's an awesome guy?

One day, I'll be in his shores and will use that time to discuss our mutual taste in music as well.

For now, enjoy the next piece I'm nabbing.

Something is always left behind

I have been reprimanded by friends and loved ones for choosing two locations (ad nauseum) for my personal escapes. These locations happen to be Tokyo and New York. 

Against their better judgment, I escaped to the latter once more, and I must admit, I always feel like a part of me is whole when I'm out there. It could be an escapist mentality--where in reality, if I had settled in, it would be no different than where I currently reside. 

However, I think this might be different. I saw many good friends and I enjoyed some surprise encounters as well. Perhaps it was the fact that I experienced my first birthday outside of California in over 20 years. Or perhaps I'm simply getting older and my priorities are shifting more and more. 

A fine and introspective time for this Persian. I appreciate all my friends and loved ones (new, old, and removed) for contributing to who I am and for allowing me to contribute to their existence. Deep!

Also, for the record--I do plan to escape to a new part of the world. Never say I didn't try something new. 

Pellegrino gave me a family portrait

For the last two years I've been seeing more and more awesome stuff on SF's own Spoke Art from the talented Rich Pellegrino. I meant to partake, but life got in the way. 


I eventually resolved that folly when I saw this new gem on its limited run. I had to pick it up. I hope you enjoy--looks even better on my wall. 

Here is a taste of his other work.

Ireland does good

I stumbled upon Ruben Ireland's (you get one guess as to where he's from) awesome work recently and was completely charmed. So charmed in fact that I am dedicating a section of my living room to his work. Let's not even go into the headache of getting big packages shipped from Europe--totally worth it. 


Two very limited edition pillows for one of the couches and a lovely framed piece for the center.

Take a look: 

See me reminisce about objects, sounds, and locations

One of the most intriguing things about the human mind is its ability to associate locations, sounds, and objects with events and people. Not just a rough association—rather, a clear and almost methodical ability to remember specific details when recalling a memory.

I tried to do some research on this and after looking through dozens of asinine mind maps, I began to stop trying to place logic or order to how the brain functions in this respect.  

So instead of conducting a fruitless hunt, I decided to simply venerate this neat ability and share my impressions of it.

Personally, my mind often tends to lose focus on what I did just last week, but somehow, when a particular song plays, I can immediately recall a detailed memory of the past. How is it that the brain is able to discern that this particular song was played years ago and how can it clearly recall all of the associated details (i.e. the people, surrounding, mood, atmosphere, etc.)? Yet this same mind  cannot recall a recent conversation or what happened the week prior?

I can visit a location I have not been to in years, but the moment I see it again, the past comes flooding in again in full detail--my mind begins to reminisce about the specific time I last arrived in the location and I can recall what I did, wore, said, and felt. Some of these memories could be from over 15 years ago, but they suddenly seem like a recent memory.

Sitting at a table, I can look at an object—something as simple as a book and I can immediately remember the first time I received it, the memories I had sharing that book with someone, the discussion that may have surrounded me whilst the book was being held. This is such an odd thing.

The ability to recollect the past in this way and reminisce is probably one of the greatest gifts we have.  Also, the way that physical objects trigger memories reminds me that I can never go digital in terms of everything I own. I need those tangible objects and locations as much as I need to hear sounds and see images to trigger the memories that make me believe in how powerful our minds really are.

With that said, remembering the past is a double-edged sword in many ways. It’s a challenge since we can't control when our minds are recollecting all of this information. Based on your current situation and when you perceive these thoughts, you may be filled with delight or experience unwanted anxiety.


So yes, I don’t always like to reminisce, but I have come to embrace these moments of clarity. It’s something that I won’t take for granted.   

See (and hear) the new Launch 2011 DJ Mix

I've been itching to edit some tracks and create a mix that strays from ever exceeding the 125bpm mark. What the heck does that even mean? Essentially, I wanted to create something that finely stays outside of a mega-dance party sound, but would still motivate you to get out of your chair and shake your money maker.

Clicky and enjoy:

The CDs for this mix are being pressed as I type this, with lovely art by the talented Brady Tuazon. There will be roughly 100 of these guys to hand out at Launch.

So yes, I know I take forever to make my mixes and edits, but here it is. Download or stream it and enjoy. See you soon. 

See amazing games re-imagined as book covers

I often find myself reeling at the look and feel of most video game box art and packaging. Many of the current and previous generation's most moving game experiences are often referred to as "art"--which makes me wonder why the cover/packaging has to be so dire and throwaway in design.

So, color me giddy when I discovered A.J. Hatley, a UK artist, who has been reinventing some of the past decade's most moving gaming experiences and capturing them as book covers.

Make with the clicky and see for yourself: 

Most of A.J's work is drastically different than his cover re-interpretations, but I find it all to be rather intriguing. 

See my new prints and painting now

I have grown rather fond of the recent work by young artist Matheus Lopes Castro (quite a name I must say).

I chatted with him recently over email and told him that I wanted to edit a bit of his work for my blog's logo and how I was looking to add his work to my slowly growing collection. A super friendly guy, Matheus also pointed me to where I could pick up his work. If you talk to him and nag like I did, perhaps he would discuss parting with an original too. 

Anyway, I wanted to share the two that I am purchasing from him and encourage friends to see his whole collection. His older work may not impress me personally, but I love the new material. Keeping an eye on him. 

Circling my way out of trouble

Life's problems have a way of seeming so minuscule when listening to KoC (lovely acronym I know).

The goal is to compartmentalize and balance issues with work, social life, and general stresses. Learn to tackle them in a way that's logical and realistic. It's ultimately not that big of a deal. You can't change the world by yourself, but you can learn to deal with it a whole lot better.

Famine, civil war, the future of humanity, genocide--these are the things to truly fret over. The small stuff will pass. In the big scheme of things, it's important to stay out of trouble.

Erlend Oye's genuine openness and positive attitude and lyrics make me want to keep him in my back pocket.


I'll stay out of trouble. Thank you sir. 

See me move to no man's land

This really obscure track by Scandinavian boy Popnoname has been playing of late in my cycle. It held little value to me several years back, but slowly the lyrics went from being mindless to seeming rather perceptive. I'm not sure why, but they seem to stir something. 


Watch/listen/read and make up your own mind if it's rambling or if it makes sense. 

I listened to it a good 10 times to get the lyrics down until he just emailed them to me...ha.

"No man's land. I want to move to no man's land. Fuck the free world. Young, dynamic, and pretty high. I move to no man's land, where everyone knows themselves and nobody else. Moments that would influence no one. I close my eyes to be in no man's land. See the world through my eyes. Find what I need. Need what I find. Like me. Meet what I find. Like losing myself in a trance. In habit which can't be left behind in the picture of others. Everything being pretend the day after you were there. Poster sheets on tv. In the sun. 


The day I look in the mirror it only shows me shadows."

See me with a better camera.

Thanks to Armen's (he's not Ron Swanson) input, I have narrowed down my camera upgrade choice to this little guy. 

Based on unanimous feedback, it's a great entry into serious camera work. Do I plan to be serious about it? Absolutely not. Still, I want to look awesome as I walk around capturing random things I think hold value and meaning. 


Any thoughts from your end on this or another camera? I'm giving it a week before jumping in. 

Steal me!

Getting excited about a lot of new tracks and editing them.

I predict the new DJ mix (pretty different sound for me) will be ready in a week or two. I'm removing this mix once that's done. Hope you like. 

Sam I Jam - March 2011 DJ Mix by Sam_I_Jam

See me now?

With all the excitement and changes in life (and to avoid going in circles circles circles--thanks to a friend who taught me that you can get any address when you put the word in three times), I'm finding myself actually intrigued with the concept of having a little hub to share (and force upon) my interests with friends and loved ones. 


Let's be honest, a blog is generally done for selfish purposes. A chance to put your thoughts, opinions, and favorites in one neat package or to make profit. I'm aiming for the former. I used to dislike the concept, but at this point, it doesn't necessarily feel like that bad of a thing. 


After all, a little vanity never hurt anyone, right? Right?



Anyway, if you enjoy snobbery, music, film, inflated opinions, or are finding yourself to be generally bored--come see me now.

Oh and Follow the blog so I can harass you regularly. 


xo
sk