An Indefinate Hiatus

The title says it all really.

This blog was designed to be an experiment in whether or not machinima is completely worthy of independent review. I personally believe it is; however, recent work commitments, both in personal creative projects and in academic endeavours have severely set me back in my reviews. Rather than attempt a rushed catchup and then struggle to keep my head with all the other diversions (including preliminary writing of my own machinima series) for a few more months I have decided to cease reviews forthwith. In time, perhaps I will be able to resume blogging, but for now I have nothing but gratitude for the 200-odd people who viewed this blog, read reviews and passed them on. I am sorry that my other passions caused me to flag in my own output, my very best wishes to you all. Please watch this space in the coming months, perhaps publication will resume or something will come to my attention that warrants discussion. Whatever the case, goodbye, for now.

The Machinima Review

"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely

Two Best Friends Play: Shadows of The Damned [Shadows of The Damned]

Heads will roll... literally...
Rating: ****

Creator: TheSw1tcher (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSw1tcher)
Distributed by: Machinima.com (http://www.machinima.com/)

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBth9D7Oib0

Once more the comically mismatched pair find themselves baffled, amused and rather disturbed as they descend into the riotously violent and irreverently funny world of Shadows of The Damned. Though the duo don't quite see it that way: "Touch the baby face!"(trust me it makes sense in context) and "The only thing worse than goats is lobsters..." are two of the standout moments. There are some nicely matched and juvenile disputes between the two and the footage is nicely balanced between WTF-ery and the quieter moments.



The Machinima Review

"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely

Street Fighter Too - In Real Life [Live Action]

C-c-c-can't really complain!
Rating: ***

Creator: SneakyZebra (http://www.youtube.com/SneakyZebra)
Distributed by: Machinima.com (www.machinima.com)

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSaytpmIDsk

An interesting and well-executed tribute to a legendary fighter, this short piece from the two-man team at SneakyZebra has charm, good sound design and pleasingly retro production values. The superimposed combatants and the repetitive background paying homage to Guile's stage in SFII add to the film's ambience of nostalgia. The prospect of a Mario sequel is certainly a promising one.

The Machinima Review
"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely

Mortal Kombat Fire & Ice: Cards [Live Action]

[Insert witty Mortal Kombat pun here]
Rating: NO STARS

Creator: Mortal Komedy Films (http://www.youtube.com/mortalkomedyfilms)
Distributed by: Machinima.com (http://www.machinima.com/)

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJyA7R9Vpo0

Once more this inexplicably prolific series about the wacky Purgatory adventures of Scorpion and Sub-Zero returns to clog Machinima.com's already flagging and lacklustre output. Another bland and soulless piece which feels like someone has been rifling through College Humour's reject pile, the jokes are painfully obvious and the delivery is so wooden with no hint of personality that it's like watching a Go Animate! short. Continues to disappoint.

The Machinima Review
"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely

Spartan III's Vs Creeper [Halo Reach / Minecraft]

"Do The Creep ha..."
Rating: *

Creator: Project Rooster (http://www.youtube.com/user/projectrooster)
Distributed by: Machinima.com (www.machinima.com)

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjGahTjJLpc

Oh dear... A very disappointing entry into the ever popular 'mashup' genre this piece aims to be short and funny. Well at least it's short. The acting is laboured, the comedy is stale and the punchline is seriously lacking. Amateurish and pointless.

The Machinima Review
"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely

Gamer Poop: L.A. Noire [L.A. Noire]

Link and the Faces of Impeccable Mo-Cap...
Rating: *****

Creator: Mans1ay3r (http://www.youtube.com/mans1ay3r)
Distributed by: Machinima.com (www.machinima.com)

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM-bfn8vZ_w

No spoilers, no quotes, no bullshit. WATCH THIS VIDEO. It will probably be the funniest three-odd minutes of your day. Perfection and absurdity in equal measure.

The Machinima Review
"If the critics were always right, we should be in deep trouble" - Robert Morely