Halloween, PAX AUS, Surprise, The LYTEcast Episode 18

'Tis the season to be spooky, fa la la la boo!

Classic bait and switch.

Anyway, half of this episode's participants went to PAX AUS and we talk about it! We also discuss recent new releases such as 'The Evil Within' and 'Bayonetta 2'.

Let the haunting begin!

http://youtu.be/w9b49UwI7Ms

Favourite Current Games System

From the XBOX ONE to the NVIDIA Shield, we have quite a few current generation video game systems to choose from.
Everybody tends to have that one which sits atop the rest, so here's my question:

Which of the systems is your favourite?

On the right-side of the page, you'll see the poll. Click on your answer and then "vote".
"Other?" is for any consoles that I may have unintentionally left out of the list.

Happy gaming!

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!, Smash Bros. Wii U, Platypi, The LYTEcast Episode 17

The new Borderlands game is out and we think that it is either good or bad (listen to find out). More Smash Bros. news is at our fingertips and we are joined by a guest.

http://youtu.be/kqmM6afczhc

Shadow of Mordor, Smash Bros., Penguins, The LYTEcast Episode 16

Shadow of Mordor and Super Smash Bros. are out! We also discuss other news that's floating about whilst using strange methods to describe the quality of graphics.

http://youtu.be/GhNpucCBV4s

Destiny Special, The LYTEcast Episode 15

Destiny has arrived and two of the three have played the living Traveler out of it. (Some other news happened as well).

http://youtu.be/UK3hTb0FpI0

Destiny, New 3DS, Energetic Special, The LYTEcast Episode 14

Sluggish start this week as we build up video game momentum. It's a slow burn, kind of like 'The Sixth Sense' with Bruce Willis. Will this podcast have a Shyamalama twist? You don't know; tune in to find out.

http://youtu.be/iUPwtMngF6Q

XBONE, Sims 4, Favourite Games, The LYTEcast Episode 13

Guess who's back? Hint: it's not Slim Shady. Yes, theLYTEhouse is back for another quality podcast, bring your gaming news and other such trinkets.
News is not abundant, but we present you with what is current and break down what our top 3 favourite games are!

http://youtu.be/VcUbKo_Apgo

Twitch, Gearbox, Dentistry, The LYTEcast Episode 12

A lot of things happened with Twitch which made people happy. Did I say happy? I meant angry.
The podcast returns for another week of gaming related news, talk and buffoonery.

http://youtu.be/oCMeIr5teGg

Video Game Seating

ItsMihali here.

Now, everyone uses different tactics to enter their gaming "in the zone" state and I'm curious as to what that setup is. Whether you are sitting on the floor, reclined in an armchair or even lying on a water-bed, we all have our specific preference.

I personally enjoy sitting cross-legged on a couch so I can rest my arms on my knees. I find that it helps with my reflexes whilst staying rather comfortable.

I'm setting up a poll on the side of the page.

Tick your most preferred seating or, if yours isn't there, select "other" and write your setup in the comments of this post.
Feel free to detail your video game sitting specifications as well as your vote; perhaps you appreciate a good beanbag, but you have to have a cushion behind you. You can go into as much or little detail as you wish.

This is just for fun, so have fun with it!

Happy gaming.
*Tips his hat*

DOOM, Microsoft, Donkey Language, The LYTEcast Episode 11

Gaming news! It's that special time of the year, where people do things in the video game world and we talk about it.

Sit down and we'll tell you a tale; a tale of dumb business announcements, fun games and prodding. You'll enjoy this story quite a bit, probably.

http://youtu.be/ri2lzoyRieI

Dual Screens: my thoughts on the Wii U and 3DS

ItsMihali here.

I've been in Nintendo-land for the past couple of weeks and what a joy it's been! I do mean that I've been playing games primarily by the Japanese video game company as opposed to their game on the Wii U of the same name. 

From 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds' to 'Mario Kart 8'; child-like joy was abundant as I discovered all sorts of clever mechanics and narrative spins. 

These experiences have reminded me as to why I thoroughly enjoy (most of) Nintendo's ventures; clever, fun, imaginative and gameplay centric.

When the Wii U was announced, I was initially disinterested in the console due to how similar it seemed to its predecessor. To me, at first, it just seemed like a shallow and gimmick driven upgrade; not recognising the Wii U's aspirations to attain its own identity. 

The name, along with Nintendo's marketing campaign, did not discourage my negative assumptions. The advertisements seemed to be pushing the paper-thin and wacky elements of it, without touching for very long on the amazing capabilities; you can essentially go from playing on a console to a handheld whilst maintaining quality, awesome social network integration and you can merge your Wii with the new iteration.

What I'm trying to say, is that the system has impressed me with its capabilities and games.

Speaking of which; oh, wow. Please forgive the fact that I'm about to speak in generalities, but most good games that I play these days are visually impressive, thought provoking and intense. These factors allow my to appreciate the experience and hence, have fun with the game. Wii U games, however, have generally been enjoyable almost purely due to gameplay. Titles such as 'Rayman: Legends', 'Super Mario 3D World' and 'Pikmin 3' have incorporated creative and fluent game mechanics that have set the Wii U apart from other gaming experiences. Occasionally, there is an aspect of the game that has obviously been added to show off controller functions, but they seem to be few and far between.

The high-definition graphics are a pleasant improvement, but they don't really effect my opinion of the console. 

The last thing I want to address is the Miiverse. Mid-game, you can bring this screen up, post some general comments about the game, put up a screenshot, draw a picture or just browse through other players' contributions. Two home button presses later and you're back in the game. It's so smooth and effortless; it's fantastic! This feature leads to spontaneity and allows for anyone to easily share amusing or interesting occurrences.

Hopefully what I've said has given you insight into how fun the Wii U has been.

The 3DS, Nintendo's current generation handheld, has been my on-the-go gaming device, as of late. Since this dual-screened contraption has been around for quite a while now, I won't go into too much detail to do with its functions.

It is very convenient, having this gaming console on hand if in transit, waiting or just have some spare time. Great games (mostly), unique controls and fun social features such as street pass; I don't regret purchasing my 3DS.

'The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds', 'Pokemon Y' and 'Fire Emblem: Awakening' are my most recent purchases. The foremost, much like the Wii U, seemed to incorporate gimmicky gameplay mechanics; turns out these additions were integrated into the story and general gameplay in a way that improved the entire experience! The same can, for the most part, be said about the aforementioned Pokemon game. 

I have yet to complete Fire Emblem, so I can't speak for it's achievements just yet (from what I have played, it's been quite a bit of fun).

So yeah! I'd like to think that what I've put to paper, so to speak, has effectively summarised my thoughts and experiences with Nintendo's current consoles. I'll quickly conclude with this; Nintendo has re-peaked my interest with their current hardware and software. Their games bring something different to the table by incorporating distinctive mechanics and focusing on fun gameplay, the social network that they've developed stands out and both of their handheld aspects allow for diverse usage. 

If you've already condemned Nintendo, I implore that you give them another chance; hopefully, what I've shared with you gives you a good understanding as to why that's the case.

Well, that's enough from me.

Happy gaming!

*Tips his hat*

EA, Dinklage, Segregation, The LYTEcast Episode 10

The post E3 gaming news drought has arrived, but worry not; we bring the news, the entertainment and the innovation! Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride that is The LYTEcast.

       EA, Dinklage, Segregation, The Lytecast Episode 10     

Gaming Comic

ItsMihali here.

I was playing around in my drawing software the other day, placing stick figures within scenarios; playing with their expressions, and I conceived the idea, seemingly out of the blue, to illustrate a gaming comic. I know, I know; "that's the most unoriginal idea ever". That was my own initial reaction. My second thought, however, was that all of the comics that I had read up until this point had their own identity and distinct imagery associated with them. That's when it hit me (for better or worse); I could draw up something that is so devoid of character definition that it could be applicable to just about anyone.

I went with the stick figures, to underline the genderless, without a race, "it could be anybody" aspect to it. Then, by placing that/those character(s) in a relatable situation, I hoped to appeal to any individual who had experienced something similar. The final touch was to add a theme abiding colour in order to string it all together and to avoid a monochromic front which is usually unsightly at the best of times.

So, yeah!

I've put together a few since then and am very happy with how they've turned out. I hope to be producing them semi-regularly and they'll all be findable within the "Comic" tab of this blog.

I hope you like them.

*Tips his hat*

E3, Phil Fish, Summer Sale, The LYTEcast Episode 9

What a glorious week of controversy and disappointing trade shows!

E3, Phil Fish, Summer Sale, The Lytecast Episode 9

Watch_Dogs, Battlefield, Animal Possession, The LYTEcast Episode 8

Join us we discuss the new Watch_Dogs and Wolfenstein: The New Order video games. Luke gets mad about Battlefield, Minecraft is ditching "pay for extras" servers and we mention our first consoles. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjVUh4-2OoQ&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2&index=9

Halo, Mario, Riches, The LYTEcast Episode 7

Halo news! We also go over Mario Kart 8's success and the monetary decision making over at Bungie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DpF4fOEkHo&index=8&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2

Star Wars, Call of Duty, Wooden Effigies, The LYTEcast Episode 6

We do the talking about the future of Star Wars continuity and Smokey makes a friend; literally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDFaN3sC-y4&index=7&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2

Oculus, Goats, Sequels, The LYTEcast Episode 5

We are perhaps ferrets; you don't know!
On the subject of insanity, we talk about Facebook buying things and other old gaming news.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBzcSsl6Es4&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2&index=6

Titanfallly, WiiU, Batman the LYTEcast 4

Are you ready for some Bioshocking news?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwALpwr5d9Q&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2&index=5

Titanfall, Thief, 2013, The LYTEcast Episode 3

We discuss new games to come out in 2014, praise the many works of M. Night Shyamalan and discuss Sega's latest venture in the world of Sonic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hpfKTZVDY&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2&index=4

Piracy, Spaceships, New Games, The LYTEcast Episode 2

The console war's aftermath: what happened?

Oh and Luke gets angry about Battlefield 4, again.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCh9VsHtZOk&index=3&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2

Added snazzy components to the Blog.

ItsMihali *Tips his hat*

Yes! I played around with the blog. We went out, had some lunch, went to the movies; had a good time in general.

Seriously, though;
I hooked it up to our podcast, inserted the artwork on the side, changed the background, linked the
 YouTube channel... I think I did rather well, if I may say so myself.
 (If anyone has any questions as to how I did any of it, I'll be happy to explain).

Since I am doing this post, I may as well add-in an overall "what's going on?" segment.

We're all in our respective exam times right now which have gloriously overlapped leading to some rather precarious recording 'fall-through's. So, we're a little behind on some of our videos, but we'll get around to them after the chaos has subdued.
Our Friday show is going to be sitting on the back-burner for a while because I'm being a tad brutal towards my internet by uploading so much in such a short amount of time, so I will be taking some time off with that one (sorry if you're waiting for episode 4. You can message me if you want, about it and I'll see if I can get it out a bit sooner).

Oh! Look out for new videos from me, Lemon and Smokey. We've been running amok amidst a Wild West themed riot in 'Fistful of Frags'. It's been a tonne of fun, so be ready to check those out.

We've been a bit slow in terms of gaining subscribers, but it doesn't really bother me that much; I just really enjoy the process of producing the content.

Anyway, that's all from me for now.

Uh, bye!

Egypt Meets Atlantis

ItsMihali here. *Tips his hat*

Just thought I'd share my Aquatic Pyramid with you all:

 

Civilization V. 

Video Game Drinking

ItsMihali here.

When gaming I tend to drink all sorts in the moment to either keep my energy up so I can defeat this damn boss who keeps spamming jump attacks, comfort me when I just lost all of my gold to those evil goblins or even just to keep myself hydrated 'cause I had just spent 3 hours running around picking up inanimate objects.

I put a poll up over on the side, so; what do you drink when gaming?

If you select other, feel free to inform us as to what that is.
Also, if you have any game/drink related shenanigan stories, share them!

Well, I'll leave you to your video games and beverages.

*Tips his hat*

Favourite Video Game Design

FVGD for short. (Oh wait, that's really dumb...)

Oh hi! ItsMihali here.

I felt like writing about my favourite game type, so that's what I'm going to do!
To everyone's surprise, I thoroughly enjoy open-world creative games, for example; Minecraft, Gmod, Halo Forge, TUG, et cetera.
I take pleasure in unleashing creative juice all over game worlds and this game type gives you the most on-hand capabilities to do so.
Seeing as I tend to create experiential structures in any game that has a creation menu of sorts, it'd imply an inclination towards joy in providing fun. In Minecraft I make Adventure maps, Halo: Reach had me spend hours recreating Star Wars maps and Gmod gameplay consists of me designing scenarios, so yeah!

Another aspect of Minecraft that has me dedicating hours towards it would stem from the fact that it's an incomplete game. No! Stop throwing things! I mean that in the best way; it's like a plate of rice waiting for an application of some sort of topping. Sure, it can be played through by itself in the same way that you can eat rice by itself, but its strength truly comes forth in the form of it being a base. You can endlessly build off of it, creating a "dish" full of flavour, colour and excitement past what was initially conceived. Same goes for Gmod, but it was sort of designed to be like that, so fairly or unfairly it seems a tad less "special" in my opinion.
Minecraft as a game is something else, (this has kind of turned into "why I love Minecraft"; sorry) it has the potential to be everyone's favourite game in different forms through the incorporation of mods.
Due to how basic the design of the game is at its base level, it can be re-molded into pretty much any shape conceivable, which is where it can be fitted to anyone's interests. I mean, heck! Minecraft could be turned into a cooking simulator if that's what you were into!
FPS, puzzle, RPG, et cetera; Minecraft has been reshaped to fit all and that fascinates me.

All that aside, I enjoy the game in its purest form; as an incomplete creative fun-train.

To try to even out this post, I'll talk about some of the other games I listed earlier.
Garry's Mod is a heck of a lot of fun almost entirely due to how eccentric its physics engine is. I can recall hours of just playing around with ragdolls and thrusters.
It also has an intricate potential that Minecraft will never have, as much as it wishes it could. The blocky sandbox game excels in large breathtaking landscapes and structures, Gmod has the leg-up when it comes to semi-realistic details that lend towards an almost entirely different experience when it comes to creative gameplay.

Halo:Reach doesn't really count, I suppose; but its Forge mode may as well be considered a separate game. Substantially superior to its Halo 3 predecessor, Forge 2.0 (as it is referred to in 'Reach') steps up in size, diversity and effects. It's the most "cinematic" out the three, but the least fun. It's good for very crisp looking environments and plenty of fun can be had playing around after the map has been designed, but the construction period itself isn't quite as enjoyable as the other two mentioned.

So yeah! Those are the types of games I get the most out of in terms of enjoyment. There are others that I'm more attached to and I'll get into those in another post, but for now;

Bye! *Tips his hat*   

New Consoles, Old Franchises, Space Fascism - The LYTEcast Episode 1

As the console war rages, who will be victorious; PS4 or XboxOne?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER3lHHpGbr0&index=2&list=PLz7iidZ-SaexkpkaCZPxV8n9IxOco0Gv2

Minecraft Building Woes #1

ItsMihali again.

I have spent a fairly large portion of my time applying myself creatively to projects, some of these being in Minecraft. 

I assume that if you people are reading this you've played the game. If not, it should be fine; I don't think I'll be using any Minecraft specific lingo.

I'm sure you're familiar with beginanewphobia. If not; it's a word I just made up to describe the fear of starting something new. Every single time I go to start a new project I hesitate, procrastinate and then explode! Creatively. Which can have, as with most things; a positive or negative outcome. 

Positive: I end up with an awesome outcome which I wouldn't have been able to come up with if I had really thought about it before starting.

Negative: for the love of all that is good, kill whatever the heck that thing is!

Yeah... So that's problem number one.

ItsMihali, AWAY!

Welcome to the LYTE house!

Hello!
ItsMihali here.
I'm a first time blogger, so this is going to be interesting. Not sure if the others want to contribute to this, so for now I suppose I'm the scribe for our group.
We're all pretty avid gamers and this tends to lead to some pretty interesting gaming related scenarios. I decided that it'd be fun to have a place where we can jot down all of these... Happenings. Happenings as in occurrences; in no way related to the movie "The Happening" by M. Night Shyamalan, which is both good and bad. Good because wow, that movie was... It was a thing, and bad because I can't help but feel that if we had M. Night in a key role here at the LYTE house we'd be a heck of a lot more popular. I am in no way dissing our current subscribers; they're loyalty is admirable, but come on guys, we need some exposure on national television or something.

Since this is the introductory entry, I suppose I should go over the "origin story" of the LYTE house. In high school we all tended to play quite a few FPS games (First Person Shooter), for example; Halo, Call of Duty, Nerf: N-Strike Elite Wii, et cetera. As hardcore as we were, we clearly needed a clan tag to show how cool we were, so we coined LYTE. We still don't know what it stands for, but it's what we used to spread our skills. Newspapers, journals, blogs, social media; we were nowhere to be seen, but we felt pretty MLG, so it didn't really matter. This eventually lead to the idea of starting up a YouTube channel, which we went through with! LYTE entertainment was born! Have you seen a bird fly into a glass sliding door? We were the bird and the inside of the house was a YouTube channel that actually contained content.
We didn't end up posting anything to that channel and we all lost our enthusiasm.

The End.

Fortunately, about a year later the spark of inspiration was lit again and we went on to create the channel that you know and love: theLYTEhouse.
We were initially planning on publishing mediocre machinima videos on the channel, but due to the fact that the idea was stupid, we instead began "Let's Plays", a podcast and the rest of the content that you all most likely adore.

So yeah!

I'm going to be posting entries semi-regularly, so if you want to keep a finger on the theLYTEhouse pulse, add this blog to your reading list? I'm not quite sure how it works. I'm sure you know how to subscribe to this, so do it! You will probably not regret it.

ItsMihali, AWAY!