2013 has been an interesting mix of rubbish and excellence - often at the same time. These are my favourite things of the year within music, film and games, though some may have been released at other times. There are many reasons that could be given but this is a subjective choice and so could be very different had things had happened at a different time. But you all know that, right?
Thomas Was Alone (Original review)
This was released on Playstation plus as an included (free) game but I think I'd have bought it anyway. As part of cross-buy, the PS3 or PSV versions were accessible. I was very taken by this in a way that reminded me of my youth - though it is a short game.
Gaming is a simple feeling of control and the simplicity of control can strengthen that feeling. Platformers, 2D platformers especially, do feel as if they are from a different age and they can still captivate. The coherence of the concept is what kept me in it but what drew me in was the atmosphere. The graphics are simple, the sound is simple and the game is easy,but the easiest thing of all is the easy charm of the characters. The characters are wonderfully rounded with narration from Danny Wallace and he gives them all a sense of purpose within the world that you want to help them with. And, yes, they are "them" rather than "you".
Thomas Was Alone (Original review)
This was released on Playstation plus as an included (free) game but I think I'd have bought it anyway. As part of cross-buy, the PS3 or PSV versions were accessible. I was very taken by this in a way that reminded me of my youth - though it is a short game.
Gaming is a simple feeling of control and the simplicity of control can strengthen that feeling. Platformers, 2D platformers especially, do feel as if they are from a different age and they can still captivate. The coherence of the concept is what kept me in it but what drew me in was the atmosphere. The graphics are simple, the sound is simple and the game is easy,but the easiest thing of all is the easy charm of the characters. The characters are wonderfully rounded with narration from Danny Wallace and he gives them all a sense of purpose within the world that you want to help them with. And, yes, they are "them" rather than "you".
Helter Skelter (Original review)
Deconstruction and destruction are quite different things but I felt this had both. It won't be to everyone's taste, of that I am fairly certain. It is pretty kitsch, ridiculous and nonsensical but who doesn't like that? Beautiful, quick and melodramatic - the ideal woman. Possibly?
Ufabulum
I probably listened to the album Entertainment by Sekai No Owari the most this year (original review) but not sure it ended up being my favourite musical thing of the year (maybe my favourite interview though). One of two albums that I remember really connecting with me after hearing them live. The concert for this was at the Roundhouse but I actually had booked and then cancelled an earlier performance in 2012 due to a wedding. The wedding was great fun so I don't regret that one but I was fortunate to get a chance to go again. Squarepusher is an acquired taste, no doubt, but seemingly each time he releases something, I think "this is the most accessible thing he's done". As was the case for this.
The concert started with a little tenderising massage as the sound system flexed the bass it could produce as almost a sine wave for about 5 minutes. It was bizarre and brilliant. After that, the man on stage with lights for eyes played through the album, track for track with an amazing light show to match. It was great and there is something hugely satisfying about knowing what is going to play next as each song goes on. He then ended with a classic version of A Journey to Reedham (7AM Mix) which was unexpected. A great gig that made me think it was great album.
I probably listened to the album Entertainment by Sekai No Owari the most this year (original review) but not sure it ended up being my favourite musical thing of the year (maybe my favourite interview though). One of two albums that I remember really connecting with me after hearing them live. The concert for this was at the Roundhouse but I actually had booked and then cancelled an earlier performance in 2012 due to a wedding. The wedding was great fun so I don't regret that one but I was fortunate to get a chance to go again. Squarepusher is an acquired taste, no doubt, but seemingly each time he releases something, I think "this is the most accessible thing he's done". As was the case for this.
