On The Download

Hello!

I've been meaning to write this for a while but I think we can all agree that updating this blog has been on the back burner for a while. Sorry about that!

But! I'm here now and here's a little blog post to tell you all about On The Download - the webcomic I've been drawing for the lovely guys over at Hookshot Inc (who came up with the funny title - I can't take the credit for that). It's a website about downloadable games! You probably know all about them! I'm a big fan of Jetpack Joyride and I've previously written about my love of Frobisher Says...

Look! Here is one of the earlier ones! It's about Draw Something! Remember that?

There are six up on the site so far - you can peep at them over here. It should update every Friday and I really hope you enjoy it. I also hope that you've had a lovely day! I went to see some Athletics for the Paralympics. It was pretty exciting and my second ever time at a sporting event! I feel so unfit. I better shovel some cake into my face to make me feel better.

Frobisher Says!

Hello hello!

A while ago, I was asked by some delightful people whether I would do some drawings for a computer game on the fancy new PS Vita. Obviously I wet myself and screamed "OMG! YES PLEASE!!!" and that's where this story begins.

The delightful people in question were HoneySlug and Mr Richard Hogg and they were working on something that would eventually become Frobisher Says. The game is a series of exciting mini games that cover everything from winking at badgers (or not winking at badgers), drying a sausage dog or smashing eggs. I've played it! It's lots of fun! Other people have played too it too! They also think it's lots of fun! Even my pal who hates everything has been saying how ace it is.



FACT: Once you're familiar with each game, try playing it in a foreign language!

I drew three different games. It was a really interesting experience because the brief was pretty loose. So, although I knew there was egg on a branch, it was up to me to decide what that egg looked like. Here is one of my early sketches!

In fact, doing sketches was a whole new world for me. It isn't something I really do normally. And also, I drew everything on different layers so everything could be animated afterwards. It turns out that this was useful training for a later project but that can wait for another blog.

I don't know whether it is available in the US or Japan...but it came with pre-ordered Vita consoles over here in England. I think it is available for downloading from the store in May. I've only written about one of the games here so that the other two will be a surprise!

I was so thrilled to be asked that I did some Frobisher Says fan art! I hope Frobisher likes it!

I don't think Frobisher ever says "spook that spectre," but if I designed a game for him then it would defo involve doing just that!

And here is a rainbow bird family! Aren't they cute! Which one if your favourite?

So yeah - mega thanks to HoneySlug and Dick for asking me to get involved. I can't tell you all how excited about the whole thing. I hope you all get excited when you play it!

Computer Games and Podcasts

Hello Hello!

I've recently got into listening to podcasts whilst I do my drawing. Yes, I know I'm about ten years behind the curve but I was used to watching television. Leave me alone. I've mostly been listening to two podcasts in particular - Off the Wall Post and Is It The Future Yet?

I decided to do a drawing for Joey, Jem and Ben - the guys behind Is It The Future Yet? Their podcast is about computer games and technology and what's coming soon. It's perfect for me since I don't have much time to play computer games but I *love* reading about them. Listening about them is even better! Maybe one day I'll upgrade from my DS (hello Pokemon!) and get an X Box or something.

Anyways. Here is a drawing about Is It The Future Yet? You will probably need to listen to the podcast to get the joke - mainly Jem's dog obsession and Ben's catchphrase ("that's ONE, Jem"). You should go and listen to it! You should subscribe to it! I give it a thumbs up. Two thumbs up!

In other news - here are some of my favourite computer games-related songs:



I have never played NMH and I have no idea how I found this song but it's brilliant. Plus, you can substitute the words "reaper, reaper,"  for pretty much anybody's name!




Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has one of the best soundtracks of anything ever. I think the way you earned each song and had to use them throughout the game meant that the player really took them to heart. Sometimes I find myself just humming the Song of Storms for no reason...




I know it's cheating to have TWO Zelda songs but...I mean...listen to it. How could this not be anyone's favourite song? And I know it's possibly controversial, but I prefer little Cel-Shaded Link to Serious-Face Link.




I'm not much of a Sonic fan (I quite like Tails and Amy though!) but for some reason, this song always makes me smile. I don't know what a Starlight Zone is but I want to go to there.




Rhythm Heaven was a game I had on the DS. It's a rhythm-based affair where you're taught how to play along with the different songs. I think Beyonce was in the advert? This is the song I remember most - possibly because it was science-themed. You know how much I love science.




Ready? FIGHT! Street Fighter 2 ignited my love of fighting games. I played it once at a friend's house and we had it on the Atari (??!) too. Chun Li was my favourite character because she was best. Spinning bird kick? Inspired! And anyone could do that move that involved tapping the kick button really fast.




Scott Pilgrim vs The World is a really hard computer game. I didn't get very far - but I did listen to a lot of the soundtrack which was made by Anamanaguchi. It's the sort of music I wish I could make. Maybe I should try again? Hmmm...




Mario Kart? Yes please! I think I've played all the versions of Mario Kart - they're always so much fun. EXCEPT FOR RAINBOW ROAD!!! I effing hate Rainbow Road - it's always stupidly hard. And getting a Star doesn't stop you from falling off the sides! Bleurgh. Still, lovely song.

I suspect I could go on for a while...but maybe you should tell me what your favourite computer game songs are?

Poto and Cabenga!!!

Hey!!!

Remember that time I did a drawing about Poto and Cabenga?

Well, the people behind it finally released an iPhone version!

Here's the trailer:


Poto and Cabenga iPhone from Slug Vids on Vimeo.

I'm going to make a computer game one day!

Angry Birds!

OMG! It's Friday! YAY! And to celebrate - here is a brand new drawing about two very popular things - Justin Bieber and Angry Birds. I'm assuming you all know what Justin Bieber is but if you're not familiar with Angry Birds then don't be sad. It's a popular app game thing on the iPhone (and maybe other platforms too?). You are in control of some birds. They are angry because some pigs have stolen their eggs. I think? And you have to destroy the pigs (and their hideout) by hurling a limited number of birds (angry ones with a variety of powers) at them.

Does that make sense?

Either way - have a great weekend.

Pacman: Om Nom Nom

Hello!

So...yeah...I had the BEST evening! I met up with an old work pal and we put the world to rights over weird pancakes and then we went for a walk. Walking and talking are two of my favourite things! It almost made up for yesterday's massive boo hoo fest. Seriously - I nearly cried about three times. It was intense.

Also - here is a drawing about Pacman. I suppose it's sort of twins with that space invaders drawing I did.

I'm still thinking about different ways to upload and different formats to draw in. It looks like I might run a test pretty soon so keep your peepers peeled!

Space Invaders!

Hello! It's a new day! Here is a drawing about those Space Invaders. How cute! I was going to turn it into a series of Computer Games...but I don't think I will. At the moment.

IN OTHER NEWS:
I've started to receive a few drawings for my Draw A Monster project. Please send one along if you can. I'd like to post them all on Friday so keep them coming! And a massive thanks to those that have sent some along. I totally owe you one.