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HTML5 prettifies fan-made Tron trailer... in real time! (video)
What can HTML5 do for you? Quite a lot, as it happens. A chap by the name of Franz Enzenhofer has put together a real-time effects mixer for a fan-made Tron trailer, which combines HTML5 with a dash of JavaScript and a sprinkling of CSS to demonstrate the awesome potency of open web standards. You can recolor, reposition, rotate, stretch, or skew the video, all while it plays. We've got the unaltered trailer, made earlier this year as a sort of homage to the 1982 picture, for you after the break, but you'll want to hit the source link to start post-processing it with the finest browser-based video editor yet.
Jaffe loves fan-made Twisted Metal movie, wants one on PSN
When Twisted Metal co-creator David Jaffe tweeted back in June about his interest in a "low-budget slasher movie" starring TM character Sweet Tooth, Blue Goggles Films took the idea and ran with it. The studio recently cut its first trailer for Twisted Metal: Home Sweet Home, and we checked in with both Jaffe and Blue Goggles to gauge the reception. "Fucking fantastic -- and yes, please quote me on that," was Jaffe's initial response. "Just great and totally the kind of thing I want to see happen with the character." Blue Goggles, of course, had no idea what kind of response to expect upon the trailer's release. "We've lived in a bubble for the past month while we were making it and, while we thought the project was going to be cool, we didn't know if other people would," director Ben Moody told us. He confirmed the genesis of the idea, saying, "The whole concept for the trailer was directly inspired by Jaffe's quote/tweet about wanting a Sweet Tooth slasher movie for the PSN." As for the project's future, both Jaffe and Blue Goggles would like to see Sony pick up the would-be feature (the film is currently planned as a free release since Blue Googles does not have the rights to commercially distribute it.). "This is what needs to happen: a straight-to-PSN Sweet Tooth slasher flick! Will it happen? I dunno -- but man I hope so!" Jaffe urged. "Either way, this fan film is really, really cool. What a neat thing to see. Whoever made it -- thank you! Great job that captures the low budget slasher flicks of the '80s that I hold so near and dear to my heart. Now let's just hope Sony jumps on board and we can get a whole feature out of it!" Moody is equally enthusiastic, saying, "Since we've seen such a great response in just one day, we plan to get in touch with Jaffe and Sony to see if they are interested in making a full-on slasher movie starring Sweet Tooth for the PSN." As of publishing, Sony had yet to respond to our request for comment.
Fan-made Twisted Metal trailer makes a slasher out of Sweet Tooth
Back in June, Twisted Metal designer David Jaffe shared the idea of a movie based partially on his game's automotive carnage, but focused on one of its most iconic characters, Sweet Tooth (real name: Needles Kane). "I want us to make an honest to goodness, low-budget slasher movie and sell it on PSN exclusive," he told his Twitter followers and fans. While it's unknown whether the concept has gotten the green light since then, a handful of fans have created a free trailer based on Jaffe's initial pitch. "Twisted Metal: Home Sweet Home" sees the psychotic clown offing obligatory, oblivious young people one by one and driving his decidedly unsavory ice cream truck. If the violence makes you feel uncomfortable, just remind yourself that Sweet Tooth's victims are probably those people who think it's still cute and quirky to tell everyone how scared they are of clowns. They deserve it.
Fan-made Duke Nukem 3D remake green-lighted by Gearbox
Project lead Frederik "Fresch" Schreiber has received a non-commercial license to proceed with Duke Nukem: Next-Gen, his Unreal Engine 3-powered Duke Nukem 3D remake. Fresch secured the license in just under three weeks after his first announcement -- a credit to rights holder Gearbox's openness to share the franchise with the community -- and has aleady assembled a team of nine other contributors (though he is still "hiring" for a number of positions). Fresch, who abandoned similar "next-gen" remakes of Daikatana (too unpopular) and SIN (shut down by MumboJumbo), has plans to release a public multiplayer demo of Duke Nukem: Next-Gen "sooner than you think." Of course, the full version will be released "when it's done" -- and he notes that "Duke Nukem: Next-Gen" is, wisely, just a codename. Check out the freeware project's first test video after the break.
Fan-made Half-Life 2 movie trailer leaves us wanting more
While not the first fan-made trailer for the Half-Life 2 movie which never-will-be, animator Marco Spitoni's stab at cinemafying the beloved shooter might be the best one to date. Watch the all-CG trailer posted after the jump, and join us in furiously wishing for a full feature film in this style.
Sony Ericsson concept phone is as clever as it is unreal
Looking for some innovation to go with your porridge this morning? How about this fan-made flip phone concept that pivots vertically and horizontally? You can use it as a standard old clamshell, with the lower of the two displays acting as your number pad, or you can rotate it down to pair the screens into one snazzy widescreen panel. That's all there really is to it, but it seems like such an ingenious idea to us -- maintaining the slimline dimensions that some think are crucial to phones, while offering the generous screen size that we all want. Hit the source link to see more of this "Sony Ericsson" FH concept.
Demo available for unofficial Star Trek adventure game
Fan project Star Trek Adventures: Year One has the unusual distinction of being doubly retro. Not only does it meticulously recreate the nearly 45-year-old Star Trek series, it's also got an uncanny resemblance to an early '90s adventure game (think Quest for Glory or, indeed, Interplay's Star Trek 25th Anniversary). The act of playing forces one to simultaneously pine for two bygone eras, the effect of which is not unlike watching Fruit Brute playing with a Teddy Ruxpin. If you're unsure whether or not you can handle that level of nostalgia, there's a demo for the game on the project's official homepage. [Via Big Download; Fidgit]
A video retrospective of City of Heroes
We're still not done celebrating six straight years of City of Heroes, and likely won't be entirely done until July. Even that's largely because we'll have something else to celebrate... but we're getting ahead of ourselves. While we here at Massively took our own look back through the changes in the game over the years, the Samuraiko Productions team has put together something well worth spotlighting: a visual walk through the changes, additions, and updates the game has had over the years. The six-minute walk through history starts out at the very first build, complete with now-archaic UI elements and some questionable fashion choices, and heads straight on through to the upcoming Going Rogue and Issue 19. While there are occasional anachronisms, the video itself gleefully plays with those slight discrepancies, focusing instead on the broadening and expansion of the game. There are also little in-jokes and cameos here and there throughout the film. Whether you're an old fan, a new player, or just want to see a tour through history, take a look past the cut for this excellent trip down memory lane for City of Heroes. [Thanks to Samuraiko for the tip!]
Fan-made Pre ad gets the point, why can't Palm? (video)
We've already talked (at length) about Palm's failure to properly present its wares to the public. Using promotional campaigns that have fluctuated between gimmicky and creepy, the company has never allowed its superlative WebOS its time to shine. As if to illustrate our point to perfection, a loyal Pre user has put together his own, extremely professional, advert for the device, which manages to achieve -- in a mere 30 seconds -- what Palm has been struggling with for nearly a year. It shows off the handsome device, the effortless multitasking, the variety of apps, integrated services and video capabilities, and, most importantly, emphasizes the sheer beauty and ease of use of WebOS. See the video after the break. [Thanks, Chris F]
Flickr Find: Fan-made imaginary covers for Steve Jobs' biography
Personally, my favorite is Connecting The Dots. It uses a photograph by Diana Walker called STEVE JOBS AT HOME IN 1982. Steve Jobs said of the photo: "This was a very typical time. I was single. All you needed was a cup of tea, a light, and your stereo, you know, and that's what I had." I love the layout of the title and the fact that flypigs took the title from Steve Jobs' 2005 Commencement address at Stanford University. What's your favorite? Vote in the poll! %Poll-41968%
Assassin's Creed fan-made film 'Initiation' available today [update]
Update: We've added the full video after the break. Enjoy! When the folks at The Duo Group aren't busy making short films, animations, or advertisements for various entertainment companies, they make ... short films and animations just for the fun of it. Case in point, the recent Assassin's Creed fan film "Initiation," which provides a prologue piece on Altair joining the assassin's guild. Though the whole 10-minute shebang is set to be released sometime today, we can only provide the teaser still above and a preview after the break for the time being. We did, however, watch the entirety of "Initiation" this morning, and can assure you it'll be worth your time when it does finally arrive later today. [Thanks, Graham C.]
Fan-made Railway Rifle from Fallout 3 hits eBay
YouTube user ProfessorGigaton has a pair of videos showing off his latest diabolical creation: a life-size model of Fallout 3's Railway Rifle. If you're inclined to take on the project yourself, one of the videos features a full tutorial to help you create your very own non-working replica. Lazy, like us? The supposed professor -- we're waiting on his school transcripts -- is also selling the model featured in the videos on eBay. The starting bid is $45, and it's sure to look great with your Fallout 3-inspired cosplay ... and will definitely come in handy in the post-apocalyptic world of 2012. Source -- YouTube Tutorial Source -- eBay Listing
Fan-created documentary about BlizzCon: An event for fans
Reader Encifer sent us a link to this excellent fan-directed documentary short about BlizzCon. Just a few days ago, I kind of panned the LA Times for treating BlizzCon as such an alien thing, but this video kind of takes a different look at the same event -- instead of coming at it from an outsider perspective and treating it as if it's something 20,000 crazy people do over a weekend, it's much more about how exciting it is to be a part of an event this big. I don't know, maybe the difference is just something I see, but this fan documentary, I think, does a really great job of showing just why BlizzCon is so great, while the LA Times piece, in my view, kind of dismissed its subjects even as it was portraying them.At any rate, Chris Nguyen did a terrific job on this -- he says that he created the short film to prepare for a few doc film classes he's going to be taking, as well as challenge his doc-making skills, and it seems like he did just that. He interviewed two of his former guildies, as well as the winner of this year's costume contest, as you can see in the video. And he says the whole thing was shot over the two days at BlizzCon and then took about eight more days to edit. Definitely a fun little film to watch, and if you've never been to BlizzCon before, it'll give you a nice look at just what it's like to show up in a hall with thousands of people who play the same games that you do every day.
Kirby's Dreamland 'movie' trailer is the stuff of nightmares
The Kirby we know and love is "one tough cream puff," but in this short from the mind of one MB McClain, he's a serial killer who ingests his victims in order to absorb their souls. His lovable antagonist from the games, King Dedede? He's a grizzled detective who vows to capture Kirby ... dead or alive. Yep, folks, it's another day of disturbing gaming videos here at the 'stiq.In fact, if you have any little ones, we suggest you shoo them away before watching the trailer (more of a short film, really) after the break, lest they grow up to make the kind of video you're about to fuel six months' worth of nightmares with. While we're not sure McClain's Kirby could ever carry an entire film, he could make a good second-rung slasher absorber in the next Freddy vs. Jason.[Thanks, BPM!]
LGJ: Fan sequel? Still not legal.
Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games: Lots of news has been popping up lately about fan-made sequels to some of the most beloved games of bygone days, Chrono Trigger and Star Fox being just two of the more notable examples. As most of you have likely noticed, these games follow a pretty predictable pattern: a bunch of fans put in a ton of work on a sequel to their favorite game, those fans tell other fans until that project ends up getting noticed by the blog-o-sphere, and then the lawyers of the original game maker eventually squash the project to an often loud outcry from the fan community. It's the 21st century re-telling of the fan fiction legal drama, and when it comes to copyright law, the story really hasn't changed.This all relates back to those rights that make up copyright, which we've discussed on a number of occasions in this very column. In fact, the primary right is the control over derivative works, the very same right that is often cited in the machinima realm. In short, the holder of a copyright has the right to control works based on the work protected by copyright, such as sequels and prequels. That would seemingly address all fan sequels, correct? If the issue were that cut and dry, I likely wouldn't be taking the time to write a column on it.
Gorgeous Mirror's Edge inspired photo set leaps into view
Savage Land Pictures have revealed a gorgeous photo set inspired by the 2008 Electronic Arts action title, Mirror's Edge. The shoot, which Savage Land Pictures notes took months to plan, includes sixteen images of a model dressed as Faith traversing rooftops and interacting with armor-clad enemies. The set isn't completely realistic however, as "Faith" is shown holding a pistol and the image doesn't completely break... like the game did when she picked up a weapon. Just kidding, kinda.[Via SlicedLime Twitter]
Fan-made Cuddle me Yoggy
Greyseer of Lorecrafted posted this cute little version (that site there is slow, but don't worry, we've mirrored all the pictures for you to browse through below, so don't take bandwidth from there if you don't have to) of the Old God of Death the other day, and he's just about as adorable as an ancient, malevolent deity can get. For some reason, Blizzard's new big bad has captured the fascination of their fans, and Greyseer has chosen a cloth-based representation of the fearsome creature.He says he only had the patience to make about five maw/eyes, and the fabric he used for Yoggy's belly has hearts on it, but we think that just adds to the charm. His little flipper/tentacle hands are great, too, and Greyseer calls the plush a "prototype," so maybe more are on the way. We're constantly amazed at what you players can do with some fabric and thread -- keep these plushy bad guys coming!%Gallery-63313%
Aperture approved! Check out this amazing fan-made Portal gun
Flickr user emilyskeith has uploaded a set of images that show off an amazing fan-made Portal Gun (or Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device) that her boyfriend made to go along with an Aperture Science test subject cosplay outfit she is developing. Featuring blue and orange LEDs, the classic three prong design and even a splash of blood to showoff a nasty turret bullet graze, this is one of the coolest things we've ever seen. And now we feel like playing Portal again! Thanks, Emily ... we're trying to work here!
Show and Tell: Mega Fandom
Here's a show-and-tell-ish confession for you: I love the Mega Man sprite. I think he's just about the cutest thing ever, which meant he was a clear choice for a Show and Tell session. This foray was made easier by the fact that I'm clearly not alone in this opinion -- there's Mega Man stuff everywhere. If it can be pieced together out of blocks, there's a retro Mega Man version of it, and this week, we're celebrating some of the great fan-made creations we've seen. Take the guided tour right here, or simply jump into the gallery below to enjoy Mega Man.%Gallery-40672% Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.
Master Chief takes on Mario
Each week our sister site Joystiq showcases a free PC game available to those who posses both too much free time and the internets. This week's entry is Mario vs. Spartan: The Game. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Sure, the game isn't considered top tier in the world of free flash games but it features two things our readers may be used to; Halo and hating on other platforms / characters from other platforms. Can you, as Master Chief, finally dispatch the nuisance that is Super Mario? We suppose it's time to find out if you can finish this fight. Believe. [Via Joystiq]
