JohnnyBGamer

Distant Shore

"Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore Seems I'm not alone at being alone Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home I'll send an s.o.s. to the world... I hope that someone gets my... Message in a bottle, yeah." - Sting and The Police

Press Start:

Makers of the top paid application of 2008, Koi Pond, The Blimp Pilots have again unleashed upon the world an experience that is hard to classify. Distant Shore allows users to walk along sandy beaches, collect shells, and communicate with those beyond the horizon.

Ideology/ Worldview:

Based upon the mercy of the user and his/her own viewpoint. Experience will vary from message to message.

Interaction/ Gameplay:

Tap your way along the beach. Collect 5 shells to obtain a bottle. Write a message and toss it into the sea. Replies will be received via mail turtle.

In the End:

I am intrigued. Distant Shore is a modern day experiment in communication. The app weighs its entire experience upon users across the globe. The messages that are received and sent could contain almost anything from questions to statements to random thoughts. One will never know what message lies inside the virtual bottle. I will note that The Blimp Pilots have set up a system to report offensive messages. The subjective nature of what is offensive and what is not will surely keep the developer busy policing bottles. In the end, the longevity of Distant Shore will be based upon its users and the messages that they send. A curiosity at $0.99, the price of admission is low enough to recommend engaging in this social experiment.

– DEFCON Score-

Not perfect but highly recommended

– Level of Impact –

Low: Little to no impact. Game is good for pickup and play.

Pac-Tron

Some things are just too awesome not to share! Artist Pixel Fantasy created this retro image “Because I really really want to see the new tron movie…” Follow the link to grab yourself some retro goodness.

The Creeps!

“I always feel like

Somebody’s watchin’ me…”

-Rockwell, Somebody’s Watching Me

Press Start:

As a child, bedtime always seemed to send a signal for my imagination to go into overdrive. With the lights turned off in my room, I remember the world suddenly becoming a very scary place. Normal shadows and sounds quickly became monsters preying and lurking within the darkness. Super Squawk Software’s, The Creeps, demonstrates that our imaginations did not lie. For indeed there were monsters trying to get to us; monsters even our parents could not help combat until now. The Creeps! is an imaginative tower defense app that allows players to protect an innocent child from the horrors of the night. Do you dare to combat the human imagination at its worst?

Ideology/ Worldview:

Monsters are real. No joke.

The Creeps! Gameplay Screenshot

Interaction/ Gameplay:

Boomerangs, glue, and laser turrets are but a few of the tower choices at your disposal against the creeps. Strategic placement as well as tower choice determine the outcome of the battle.

In the End:

The Creeps! (link will open iTunes) is a fantastic addition to the App Store that revels in its unique art direction and imaginative game design. Priced at $2.99, The Creeps! deserves a spot on the iDevice in your life.

– DEFCON Score- Just buy it already

– Level of Impact –

Medium: Casual play. Does not require large chunks of time.

Wolfenstein RPG Released!

Feeling the need to rid the world of a few virtual Nazis? Was that a yes? Good. Wolfenstein RPG (link will open iTunes) was released today for the iPhone/ iPod Touch for $4.99.

Surf Report – 8/10/09

Welcome to a Monday edition of the Surf Report.

.: God :

This week I have been going through a book entitled The Answer Is In the Questions by Kenton Beshore. The book discusses constructing questions to progress dialog in a Bible study setting (ie the book is about getting people to talk!). I’ll let you know what I think when I finish. A review could be in the works…

.: Life :

Sometimes a new perspective on life is what we all need.

.: Gaming :

3 Guys (Ages 25-28).

3 Games (Pokémon: Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl)

A Summer Filled with Pocket Monsters.

Join JohnnyBGamer.com as we explore what happens when guys in their 20’s engage in the world of Pokémon.

So far:

Bryan (Platinum):

Oreburgh City’s Gym Leader, Roark, proved to be more talk than action. Revolver quickly dispatched this pathetic excuse for a trainer, and I obtained my Coal Badge! Revolver is now at level 15. Hopefully I will have more time to adventure forth in Sinnoh this week. I should note that I have yet to meet up with Shooter and Scotto in-game.

Shooter McGavin (Diamond):

Shooter has enjoyed the dialogue in Pokémon.

“My Karate awesomeness will pulverize you!”

“I’m a big man! And you’re just a little kid, this should be easy!” “Ga ha ha. You’re a little kid, but you beat me!”

Scotto (Pearl):

Has entered the world of Pokémon!

That is it for this weeks Surf Report. Make sure to comment below and have a good week!