Videos

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Asphalt Legends Unite – Official Teaser Trailer

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The Asphalt Legends Unite trailer for the upcoming Asphalt 9: Legends expansion, coming to iOS, Android, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4 (PlayStation 4), PS5 (PlayStation 5), and Nintendo Switch on July 17, 2024.

The celebrate this release, I decided to compile the Top 5 Exotic Sports car brands in the world. Did I get it right?

1. Ferrari: Synonymous with high-performance and luxury, Ferrari has a storied history in motorsport and produces some of the most sought-after exotic sports cars in the world, known for their breathtaking speed, precision handling, and iconic styling.

2. Lamborghini: Renowned for its bold and flamboyant designs, Lamborghini cars are celebrated for their aggressive styling, thunderous engines, and lightning-fast acceleration. The brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering has made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

3. Bugatti: With a focus on combining opulence with extreme performance, Bugatti produces some of the fastest and most exclusive cars on the planet. Models like the Veyron and Chiron are revered for their jaw-dropping speed, luxurious interiors, and meticulous attention to detail.

4. McLaren: Known for its Formula 1 heritage and cutting-edge technology, McLaren manufactures some of the most advanced and exhilarating sports cars on the market. From track-focused supercars to luxurious grand tourers, McLaren offers a diverse lineup that caters to enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance.

5. Pagani: Exclusivity and craftsmanship define Pagani, a boutique Italian automaker renowned for its limited-production hypercars. Each Pagani model is a work of art, meticulously handcrafted with lightweight materials and powered by potent engines, resulting in a driving experience that is as exhilarating as it is exclusive.

Metal Jesus Likes

The First Dune Game 32 Years Later: An LGR Retrospective

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The reviews must flow! And the spicy subject here is the first computer game adaptation of Dune, made by Cryo Interactive and Virgin Games in 1992. Take control of Arrakis as Paul Muad’Dib Atreides, reclaiming spice mines from the evil Harkonnens and forming a Fremen army to dominate the planet! Early 90s MS-DOS game goodness.

The appeal of the Dune series lies in its richly imagined universe, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, the series explores intricate political intrigues, religious movements, and ecological concerns. Frank Herbert, the author, created a world where power struggles between noble houses, religious factions, and a mysterious order of navigators known as the Bene Gesserit drive the narrative forward. At the heart of the series is the desert planet of Arrakis, the only source of the valuable spice melange, which grants extended life and heightened awareness. The harsh desert landscape of Arrakis and its native Fremen inhabitants add layers of depth to the story, reflecting on themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and the human condition.

Moreover, the Dune series captivates readers with its exploration of complex characters and their moral dilemmas. From the conflicted protagonist Paul Atreides, who grapples with his destiny as a messianic figure, to the manipulative schemes of the power-hungry Baron Harkonnen, each character is multi-dimensional and morally ambiguous. The series delves into questions of power, religion, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Herbert’s intricate world-building, philosophical musings, and intricate plot twists have made the Dune series a timeless classic, captivating generations of readers with its blend of epic storytelling and profound insights into the human psyche.

Featured, Q & A

What we really think about Physical vs Digital Games.

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If new games stop being printed physically and publishers go all digital, will you stop buying and playing new games, or continue to buy them even though you can’t get a physical copy?

Lazy Game Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@LGR
Classic Game Room: https://www.youtube.com/@classicgameroom
Happy Console Gamer: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyConsoleGamer
Radical Reggie: https://www.youtube.com/@The_RadicalOne
Ircha Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/@ircha
TheGebs24: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGebs24
Macho Nacho Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@MachoNachoProductions
Gaming off the Grid: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingOffTheGrid

Metal Jesus Likes

I’ve got a pile of broken C64s, let’s fix a couple!

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Who doesn’t love a good C64 repair session? These machines are both easy to fix and also can be tricky sometimes. So let’s break out the schematics and oscilloscope and fix a couple of these machines!

The Commodore 64, introduced in 1982, stands as one of the most iconic and beloved home computers of its era. Featuring an impressive array of hardware specifications for its time, the C64 boasted a MOS Technology 6510 microprocessor running at 1 MHz, 64 kilobytes of RAM, and advanced graphics and sound capabilities. Its graphical capabilities, including sprites and a wide color palette, allowed for visually impressive games and applications. Additionally, the SID (Sound Interface Device) chip provided the Commodore 64 with rich and distinct audio capabilities, enabling it to produce music and sound effects that were far ahead of its competitors.

Beyond its technical specifications, the Commodore 64 had a massive software library, ranging from games to productivity software and educational programs. Its affordability and widespread availability made it a staple in households and schools, contributing to its popularity and longevity. The C64 also served as a platform for budding programmers and hobbyists, offering accessible programming languages like BASIC and assembly, empowering users to create their own software and games. Its robust hardware and extensive software support cemented the Commodore 64’s status as a legendary computing platform, leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing.

Metal Jesus Likes

A NEW Neo Geo Console! The ORTHROS MCS-01 First Look!

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First look at the Orthros Kit available here: https://www.orthros.fr/

The Neo Geo MVS (Multi Video System) stands as a legendary arcade platform renowned for its unparalleled graphics and arcade-perfect ports of popular arcade games during the 1990s. It was developed by SNK (Shin Nihon Kikaku) and released in 1990. The Neo Geo MVS was distinct in its design, offering a modular system where arcade operators could interchange game cartridges, allowing for multiple games to be played on a single cabinet. This innovation provided significant cost savings for arcade owners and ensured a diverse range of games were available to players.

One of the standout features of the Neo Geo MVS was its powerful hardware, which boasted advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time. The system utilized custom-made hardware capable of producing colorful and detailed 2D graphics, making it a favorite among arcade enthusiasts. Additionally, the Neo Geo MVS was known for its robust and durable build quality, ensuring reliability in the often demanding arcade environment. Its library of games included many iconic titles such as “Metal Slug,” “The King of Fighters,” and “Samurai Shodown,” cementing its legacy as one of the most beloved arcade platforms of all time.

Music

Top 10 Judas Priest Songs

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In celebration of the excellent new album Invincible Shield by Judas Priest, let’s Rank the Top 10 Judas Priest Songs!

1. “Painkiller” – This speed metal anthem is often considered one of Judas Priest’s greatest achievements. With its blistering guitar solos, powerful vocals by Rob Halford, and relentless drumming, “Painkiller” showcases the band at the height of their musical prowess.

2. “Breaking the Law” – A classic heavy metal anthem, “Breaking the Law” is instantly recognizable with its catchy riff and rebellious lyrics. It’s become a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and remains one of their most popular songs.

3. “Electric Eye” – Known for its driving rhythm and futuristic lyrics, “Electric Eye” is a standout track from the album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar work make it a fan favorite.

4. “Victim of Changes” – This epic track from the album “Sad Wings of Destiny” showcases the band’s versatility and musical complexity. From its haunting intro to its powerful crescendo, “Victim of Changes” is a masterpiece of progressive metal.

5. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” – With its anthemic chorus and infectious energy, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” became one of Judas Priest’s biggest hits. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable guitar solo have made it a classic of the heavy metal genre.

6. “The Hellion / Electric Eye” – Opening with the ominous instrumental “The Hellion” before launching into the electrifying “Electric Eye,” this track sets the tone for the album “Screaming for Vengeance.” It’s a perfect example of Judas Priest’s ability to create powerful and memorable music.

7. “Living After Midnight” – A staple of radio airplay and arena sing-alongs, “Living After Midnight” is a quintessential Judas Priest anthem. Its infectious melody and catchy chorus make it impossible not to sing along to. My band would play this as our encore song during live gigs. It always brought the house down.

8. “Turbo Lover” – From the album “Turbo,” this song showcases Judas Priest’s foray into a more glam metal sound. With its synthesizers and catchy hooks, “Turbo Lover” is a departure from their classic style but remains a fan favorite.

9. “Hell Bent for Leather” – This fast-paced anthem is a perfect showcase for Judas Priest’s trademark sound. With its driving rhythm and memorable chorus, “Hell Bent for Leather” is a classic example of heavy metal at its finest.

10. “Beyond the Realms of Death” – Often hailed as one of Judas Priest’s most emotionally powerful songs, “Beyond the Realms of Death” explores themes of isolation and despair. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, it’s a standout track from the album “Stained Class.”

Buying Guides, Featured, Sony (Hidden Gems)

Sony PS2 Buying Guide + Great Games & Hidden Gems!

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Radical Reggie is back w/ a brand new Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) BUYING GUIDE for 2024: Main Consoles, HDMI video solutions, Accessories + Best Games & HIDDEN GEMS! Do you still play or collect for the mighty PS2?!

As of my last update in January 2022, the top 10 best-selling PlayStation 2 games were:

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – This open-world action-adventure game from Rockstar Games became a cultural phenomenon, offering players a vast sandbox to explore and causing a stir with its mature themes and gameplay mechanics.

2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec – Developed by Polyphony Digital, this racing simulator set a new standard for realism in console racing games, featuring a wide range of cars and tracks for players to master.

3. Gran Turismo 4 – The sequel to Gran Turismo 3, this installment further refined the series’ realistic racing experience, boasting even more cars, tracks, and improved graphics.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Another entry in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series, Vice City took players to a fictionalized version of Miami in the 1980s, featuring a captivating storyline and memorable characters.

5. Grand Theft Auto III – Often credited with popularizing the open-world genre, GTA III allowed players unprecedented freedom in a sprawling, crime-ridden city, setting the stage for the series’ future success.

6. Final Fantasy X – This critically acclaimed RPG from Square Enix combined stunning visuals, a compelling story, and strategic turn-based combat, cementing its place as one of the most beloved entries in the Final Fantasy series.

7. Tekken 5 – The fifth installment in Namco’s long-running fighting game franchise, Tekken 5 introduced new characters, improved graphics, and refined gameplay mechanics, attracting both casual and competitive players.

8. Kingdom Hearts – A collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, Kingdom Hearts blended action RPG gameplay with beloved Disney characters and worlds, creating a unique and charming experience that resonated with players of all ages.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Hideo Kojima’s cinematic stealth-action masterpiece pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games, offering complex narrative themes, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning graphics.

10. Final Fantasy XII – Another standout RPG from Square Enix, Final Fantasy XII featured a vast and immersive world, a complex political storyline, and a revamped real-time battle system that garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

Please note that sales figures may have changed, but these titles were among the best-selling games on the PlayStation 2 during its lifespan.

Metal Jesus Likes

Full Length Movies Playing on the 2600? It is Now Possible!

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I have a fun video today showing a new product that has been in development for many years. The MovieCart allows full-length videos to run on stock 2600 hardware.

Order here: https://www.tindie.com/products/lodefmode/moviecart-atari-2600/

The Atari 2600, while groundbreaking in its time, posed significant challenges for programmers due to its hardware limitations and unconventional architecture. One major obstacle was the system’s limited memory, consisting of only 128 bytes of RAM. This scarcity meant that programmers had to be incredibly efficient in their use of memory, often resorting to creative techniques such as reusing memory locations for multiple purposes or employing complex algorithms to squeeze the most out of the available resources. Additionally, the system lacked hardware support for features commonly found in modern consoles, such as sprites or tile-based graphics, forcing developers to manually manipulate the display using the system’s limited capabilities.

Another significant challenge was the Atari 2600’s lack of dedicated video memory. Unlike later consoles that featured separate memory for graphics data, the 2600 required programmers to generate the video signal in real-time, synchronizing their code with the television’s electron beam to draw each scanline and pixel. This “playfield” approach meant that developers had to carefully orchestrate their code to render graphics and update game logic within the tight constraints of the system’s vertical blank interrupt. Consequently, programming for the Atari 2600 demanded a deep understanding of both the hardware’s limitations and its idiosyncratic design, requiring developers to employ innovative programming techniques and optimizations to achieve their desired gameplay experience.

Music

Top 10 Gene Simmons of KISS songs!

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Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-lead vocalist of KISS, has collaborated on numerous songs throughout his career, both with KISS and other artists. Here are ten notable songs featuring Gene Simmons:

  1. “God of Thunder” by KISS – From the album “Destroyer” (1976). This song features Simmons on lead vocals and has become one of KISS’s signature tracks. It’s also the centerpiece of Gene’s fire breathing bass solo when played live.
  2. “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS – From the album “Dressed to Kill” (1975). Another classic KISS anthem featuring Simmons on vocals. Fun fact, it was actually the live version of the song that eventually became the popular version of the song.
  3. “Calling Dr. Love” by KISS – From the album “Rock and Roll Over” (1976). Simmons delivers a commanding vocal performance on this hard-rocking track.
  4. “War Machine” by KISS – From the album “Creatures of the Night” (1982). Simmons’s powerful vocals drive this heavy-hitting song. This song was actually co-written by Bryan Adams of Cuts Like A Knife and Summer of ’69 fame!
  5. “Deuce” by KISS – From the album “KISS” (1974). Simmons sings lead vocals on this track, which has become a staple of KISS’s live performances. “You know your man is working hard…he’s worth a… “
  6. “Christine Sixteen” by KISS – From the album “Love Gun” (1977). Simmons’s distinctive voice shines on this catchy rock tune. This song was famously sampled by Tone Lōc in his 1989 song “Funky Cold Medina”.
  7. “I Love It Loud” by KISS – From the album “Creatures of the Night” (1982). Simmons co-wrote and sings lead vocals on this anthemic track. Probably some of the heaviest drums in any KISS song..and that chorus is a highlight at any live KISS show.
  8. “Unholy” by KISS – From the album “Revenge” (1992). Simmons delivers a gritty vocal performance on this heavy metal song. The song is considered by many fans to be a return to the Demon persona by Gene Simmons in the 90s.
  9. “Domino” by KISS – From the album “Revenge” (1992). Another great track from the “Revenge” album featuring Simmons on lead vocals. This has a killer groove and a fairly naughty bridge spoken by Gene.
  10. “Goin’ Blind” from the album “Hotter than Hell” (1974) is a bit of a deep cut but has a great groove and amazing guitar solo! The Melvins did an amazing cover it as well.

These songs showcase Gene Simmons’s vocal prowess and his significant contributions to the sound and legacy of KISS.

Movies

The Game: What Happened to David Fincher’s Most Underrated Movie?

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David Fincher is a visionary director known for his meticulous attention to detail, dark storytelling, and innovative visual style. Emerging in the 1990s, Fincher quickly gained recognition for his work on films like “Se7en” and “Fight Club,” which showcased his knack for crafting gripping narratives that delve into the complexities of the human psyche. His films often explore themes of existentialism, alienation, and the darker aspects of modern society, drawing audiences into immersive worlds filled with suspense and intrigue. Fincher’s distinctive visual aesthetic, characterized by moody lighting, sleek cinematography, and meticulously composed shots, creates an atmosphere of tension and unease that is unmistakably his own.

Beyond his feature films, Fincher has also made significant contributions to television, directing and producing acclaimed series such as “House of Cards” and “Mindhunter.” His work in television demonstrates his ability to adapt his cinematic style to the episodic format while maintaining the same level of quality and intensity that defines his films. Known for his perfectionism and rigorous approach to filmmaking, Fincher is a director who consistently pushes the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.