Trans Media Overview

                       

My Audio is being funky so I decided to just write about this one.

When I first began “playing” Collapsus I was kind of put of by the style of game play, only because it isn’t like a traditional video game. However, as the story line went on I became very interesting in the story line and the mechanics of the game. The reason I liked the story so much, is that it really addressed problems that we are having in this world today and raises important issues that we need to discuss as humanity. Additionally, I think that trans media part enforces the message more than a regular game would. As we see clips from real people and see them react to what happens in the game, it makes it feel like the problems could actually be unfolding right in front of you.

            Another aspect that I enjoyed was the news coverage. I think it brought the game together because it gave an overview from an international standpoint letting you know everything that is going on.

            As far as trans media in our class, I think that effect may be limited. For me, the way I approach my musical creativity probably will not change due to this class, only because I already have techniques and processes that are effective for me. I am however, interested in working outside of the music industry at some point in my career, and I think this class has given a good overview of ways to tell stories that I had not experienced before. 

Find the game @www.Collapsus.com

Game Reflection

      I think that one thing that didn't come across very well in our game presentation was the silence aspect. I think we over enforced the fact that remaining silent was an important part of the game, and this caused the audience to think the game was only based on sneaking around and had no real action. In actuality, the game is based mostly on story line and combat. We just thought that adding the aspect of keeping a low profile would make the game more interesting.
    One thing that I think we did well in our game presentation in developing a story. I think that our story was unique to video game platforms, and offered a unique set of tasks for players to participate in. For example, there are a wide range of paths that one can take to get to the final goal. Additionally, I think we did a good job of developing details such as weapons and tools. We had a vast array of optional and original weapons that would be involved in the game. Additionally, we developed original tools to make our game different than other RPG games.
   I think that GOALS are the easiest aspect to discuss with people. I believe this because everybody has goals and wants, so people can easy relate to discussions about this. In reference to a video game I think that people want the goals to be similar to those that they have. Goals in a video game may be on a much larger scale, however many of the the characters problems reflect everyday things. This brings fans into the game so they feel more connected to the characters.

     The second hero villain combo that I am critiquing is by Dan Wanio. This set of characters was one of the most interesting in class because of the sort of twisted plot that surrounded them. For me, the characters personality CONTRASTED their appearance. The Creep looks like an evil monster to me, but I like the fact that he is actually the good character. Also at first glance the Ringleader looks like a possible debonair hero, however, he is a seedy, evil man.
    I think the shading of the characters is key to their development. The shadows on both characters gives them a dark look which goes along with the story of both characters. Additionally, I think that shading is a form of symbolism as well. For the ringleader I think that the shading may symbolize that he has a secret dark side that at at first may not be apparent. This CONTRASTS the color scheme of his outfit that is very bright and vibrant. This contrast between personality and appearance can put the viewer in an uneasy MOOD because one is not sure whether to trust or shun this man.

The first character that I'm critiquing is created by Vic Sherrick and can be found at http://sagevic.blogspot.com/. This hero is actually a team of characters named Wiz and Oz, in which Wiz stumbles upon a magical magicians hat that gives him the power to summer the giant bunny, Oz. The pair go on family friendly adventures solving problems and getting into trouble.
        One of my favorite parts of this combo of characters is the color scheme. The Hues of each character are mostly yellow, red, and blue, with a little black thrown in. Additionally, most of these colors are high in SATURATION giving both characters a bright and vibrant look. I think Hue's of each character complement the other well and that the AFFINITY between each character lets us know SUBCONSCIOUSLY that they are on the same team. I especially like the placement of the black magic wand and sunglasses on Wiz and how it goes with the black belt on Oz. I think the placement of the small things on characters is what can make them more interesting and I believe that has been done well on this duo.  The Brightness of the characters let us know that they are good natured and mostly likely the heros of any situation.  

Joke Comparison

            There are many differences between these two videos even thought they both convey the plot of the same joke. Both jokes express a United Way workers attempt to gain financial aid from a wealthy local attorney. After the United worker asks for a small donation the wealthy man spits off a string of very unfortunate events that have recently occurred in his family that are keeping him from donating. After this, the United Way worker feels guilty and apologetic, only to hear that the attorney is making things up and has no desire to give money to anybody.  Even though these movies have basically the same plot, both have some aspects that CONTRAST each other.

            In the first joke, we use LINES, in order to SUBCONSCIOUSLY, direct the viewer’s attention to the clearly more powerful attorney. For example, the sequence in which the attorney exits his house, the lines from the stairway and porch all point to the door in which the rich man is framed. This causes us to be directed to him whether we like it or not. In addition to the lines pointing us to him. Most of the movie is shot so that the camera is looking down on the United Way worker and looking up at the attorney. This shows us that the attorney has the power in the situation.

            In the second joke we used RHYTHM within the frame in order create affinity between the United Way workers, and to contrast the attorney. The rhythm of the shots with the United way workers are very similar to show that they are on the same side, while the shot of the attorney ‘s office is somewhat difference to show his lack of a desire to donate money.

The Videos can be seen below the Hero picture.