Last Online: 2/25/08
Gracey
Well, I'm not really much of a gamer, but I'm a professional photographer whose branching out into photo textures that are prepared for use in 3D imaging and games imaging.
Experienced in photography, and photoshop, using Bryce, and learning trueSpace.
Experienced in photography, and photoshop, using Bryce, and learning trueSpace.
Persistence; success is just a matter of persistence.
Why am I Here?
Well, since I am terrible at games I'm not altogether sure - except maybe to learn a few things about gaming.
I play fun simple games (things like Atlantis, or Zuma, some of the old-style games); the last game console we had was Atari...after that the kids grew up and games sort of fell by the wayside.
I am a freelance professional photographer and have been working at adding a new market for my work - that of photographic textures for 3D imaging (since I learned to use Bryce) because many textures included did not render well to larger sizes.
One of the things I like to do is explore where my work is used, when I can that is. In this case, learning something about these games and how they are created; what goes into making the imagery and what the game is like when it's completed is an interesting part of the process. Hopefully, I'll learn some things here - maybe even play some new games.
What I discovered is that there are also game designers and texture artists looking for raw material textures, which is what I've been working at lately.
There are some completed ones free for the taking; a couple of early ones (maybe not so great) and some newer (better) ones. These are pre-tiled textures - tiled to 2048 X 2048, simply downsize to 512 or 256 for smaller scale or crop out the size you need.
Feedback on improvement and suggestions for new ones are always appreciated.
Pre-tiled Textures
I play fun simple games (things like Atlantis, or Zuma, some of the old-style games); the last game console we had was Atari...after that the kids grew up and games sort of fell by the wayside.
I am a freelance professional photographer and have been working at adding a new market for my work - that of photographic textures for 3D imaging (since I learned to use Bryce) because many textures included did not render well to larger sizes.
One of the things I like to do is explore where my work is used, when I can that is. In this case, learning something about these games and how they are created; what goes into making the imagery and what the game is like when it's completed is an interesting part of the process. Hopefully, I'll learn some things here - maybe even play some new games.
What I discovered is that there are also game designers and texture artists looking for raw material textures, which is what I've been working at lately.
There are some completed ones free for the taking; a couple of early ones (maybe not so great) and some newer (better) ones. These are pre-tiled textures - tiled to 2048 X 2048, simply downsize to 512 or 256 for smaller scale or crop out the size you need.
Feedback on improvement and suggestions for new ones are always appreciated.
Pre-tiled Textures
Portfolio Links
Some of my favourite games.
One of my favourites - one of the most frustrating for me. Haven't been able to get past the sixth section (4th or 5th level)...still, I keep trying, which is the nature of most of these games. Similar in some respects to Zuma and Luxor, you shoot coloured balls between others to create groups that remove the balls and sometimes drive the line backwards; special power ups to help out sometimes. My grandkids (age 9 play this one, but the 6 years olds don't seem to be able to manage it).
Started off thinking this was a cutesy little game for kids...in the end, it turns out to be eminently playable for all ages and all levels of skill. It's keeps you coming back for more. One of the things I seldom like about a game are controls that utilize the arrow keys instead of using mouse clicks, but in the case of this game it doesn't affect the ability to play. That little wizened old fella hauling up the catches can drive you a little crazy every now and then - sometimes he's so low you just want to grab the winch and yank on it. After playing the demo game with my grandkids, I anted up and bought it and I'm still having fun with it. I'll be purchasing a second copy soon for my daughter's family...not only do the kids (ages 6 to 9) love and understand how to play it, but the parents are getting a huge kick out of it themselves. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this as a fun and playable family game.
Fun and fast paced, bright colours and nifty sounds. Background graphics are "out of this world" - panets and terrains created with 3D. Easy to learn, but not so easy to win - strategy is to think ahead of the next move. Good for kids over 6, as well as adults who just want to have fun. Bejeweled was offered as a free download for mother's day - nice touch. I own the Deluxe version of Bejewelled 2 - lot nicer graphics and noise, but either one is good for a way to blast away a crabby day.
Shoot matching coloured balls between the moving lines to create groups of three or more. Moves fast after the first couple of levels - interesting; requires fast reflexes and a little thought. Like all shooter games it can get a little frustrating at higher levels...especially when you can't shoot fast enough, or when your aim is a little off.
Fun and educational - keeps your thinking skills sharp. Build words from tiles (sort of like scrabble tiles) and gain tiles with more points for the words - longer words using unusual letters gain more points, and get less of the 'fire' tiles. Fun for anyone who likes word games.
Funny beetles moving in rows - colourful and cute, but after the first couple of levels probably too difficult for younger kids. Helps with colour matching and hand-eye co-ordination.
Very similar to Zuma in play.
Just a fun little undersea game - feed the fish (preferrably not to each other) and avoid the bad guys. The bigger your fish get the more coins and jewels they drop for you to collect. Can get a little cluttered after a while, but still fun.
Simple graphics but eminently playable - makes you go back for more. Speed and dexterity required!
Cute fuzzy critters (puts you mind of the tribbles from Star Trek's original series) to match up. Large groupings gain more points, locks sometimes lock the entire row making it harder on higher levels. Fun - kids or adults can play this.
Strategy game - no timer so you can think about your moves. Gather letters to spell the word chainz and get the jackpot. Never the same, but you do have to study the board and think ahead before you make a move. Sometimes I wish i could see into the future with this one.
