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The Big Picture: Inflated steel suit gets you up close and personal with fireworks
Making things -- it's pretty awesome whatever you're creating. But, some things really encapsulate the maker spirit -- and this is one of them. It's an "inflatable" (or rather, inflated) steel suit, designed so you can enjoy the next fireworks display up close. Real close. Like the inside, kinda close. Its creator, Colin Furze, welded together sheets of steel, and hydroformed them into shape in sections. He originally tried doing the suit in one go, but the joints apparently tore at his "man bits." As you can imagine, mobility is a bit of an issue, but you'll see in the video -- there's a knack to it that Furze soon picked up. Anyway, the making of the suit is one thing, but you probably want to know what it's like to use it among £500's worth (about $830) of fireworks? Luckily enough there's a video of exactly that (from inside and outside perspectives), and it's just a click away. [Burley images]
Disillusionment with MMOs
Because I never studied nor considered studying psychology, you may doubt my words, but I will still tell you that many people go through a phase in life in which things become less shiny for them. What, there really is no Santa Claus? Those awesome space battles on TV are just tiny plastic miniatures hanging from fishing-line? World of Warcraft didn't invent Naga? Sooner or later the curtain will be pulled back on something you found new or fascinating in your life. Losing that sense of excitement from something you thought was different or new can leave a gaping hole of disillusionment. The short history of MMOs is not immune to providing plenty of room for players to become disillusioned. Like television, movies, and books, MMOs don't use 100% new content that developers invented out of thin air. I've been on many MMO forums and have seen players at different stages of disillusionment seemingly frothing at the mouth about being sick of elves in fantasy MMOs, and accusing one MMO of stealing a name or even a similar-sounding name from an MMO they would defend as "more original." The fact is that most concepts and ideas have already been done, and it can just be hard to deal with. Who doesn't get a little disillusioned when he grows up and finds out his dad or mom really isn't the smartest or strongest person in the world? If I haven't disappointed you enough then follow along as I spoil even more of your favorite MMOs -- but hopefully I can also show you that disillusionment isn't the end.
RIZ-ZOAWD website is stunning
Anagram-lovers unite for the latest revelation in the RIZ-ZOAWD saga. The Japanese website is now live, and it's achingly beautiful. Note to all artists and designers -- you deserve a raise.After several gorgeous images inviting viewers to the main menu, the four classic Wizard of Oz characters are displayed together. Each one is a fabulous re-imagining of the original designs, with the Tin Man getting some extra shine. The only currently active link directs you to a synopsis of the story -- in Japanese. Well, most people should have the general idea, but there's sure to be countless new ideas in this RPG re-telling. Even with English details still in limbo, you can start appreciating the artwork right here -- right now![Via GoNintendo]
RIZ-ZOAWD confuses all, until they figure it out
Media Vision (best known for the RPG series Wild Arms) are hard at work creating a new RPG for the DS, at this stage titled RIZ-ZOAWD. Yeah, what? It's a perfectly cromulent title.The awesome name is expected to be changed in localization (assuming North America doesn't miss out), but for now you can check out the Famitsu scan showing off a few gameplay screens. A friendly-looking scarecrow can be seen, along wth a girl wearing a blue dress and red slippers ... hmmm, this sounds strangely familiar. If you have strange recollections from The Wizard of Oz, you're not alone. The more Hawking-like readers will also notice that RIZ-ZOAWD is an anagram for WIZARD-OZ.RIZ-ZOAWD will be controlled entirely with the stylus using a track ball (that is, moving a ball to move a character). The game will be released come winter in Japan, but all that cold weather can't be good for Dorothy's complexion.
