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Thoughts from a (girl) Gamer
Tara Voelker's thoughts. A lot about video games, a little about life
The Silent HD Collection VO
Posted by on February 2, 2012
If you’re a fan of Silent Hill at all, you’ve probably heard about what’s going down with Silent Hill and the VO on the title. If you haven’t, here is the quick version:
Konami announced they were re-recording all of the VO for both Silent Hill 2 and 3 for the HD collection. Some hardcore fans got pissed. There was drama. Konami looked at some legal and technical stuff and announced they could put the original in for 2. So now, Silent Hill 3 only comes with re-recorded VO and new voice actors, and Silent Hill 2 has the options for the new VO or the original. Some fans are still pissed and rejecting the new VO.
If you know me (or really, read my blog at all), you’re going to know that I am a super hard core fan of Silent Hill. So, I found myself pondering… should I play the game with the new VO, or the old VO?
I have decided that yes, I am going to use the new VO. And here is the break down of that choice.
The main reason: If a Broadway play is being performed, no one refuses to go because it doesn’t have the original cast. Theater patrons look forward to seeing the new take on characters. I feel like the new voice acting is something very similar. I want to see the new actors take on the characters. Will it be better? I don’t know, but won’t ever know if I don’t try it out. I can’t have a preference if I have only experienced one.
The second reason: The people they brought in to play Mary/Maria and James are heavy hitters in the voice acting world.
So, who’s playing new Maria?
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. Why does that name sound familiar? Well, it’s because for one, she is pretty much the *voice* of Silent Hill. She does the female vocals on the soundtracks for *every* Silent Hill to date. In addition, she has been involved in tons of other awesome things such as CowBoy BeBop, Princess Mononoke, Tekken, Ghost in a Shell, .hack, and Shadows of the Damned. And that’s just for starters.
How do I feel about this? I’m really excited. Mary has proven time and time again that she is good at being a voice actor, and has always been a very important part of the Silent Hill franchise. She seems like she would hands down have been my first pick for Maria.
So, who’s playing the new James?
Troy Baker. Again, this guy is in everything. I’ve already worked on 2 games in which he plays the main character- Red Faction: Guerrilla and Bioshock Infinite. Additionally, he’s all up in other cool things- like Full Metal Alchemist and Shin Chan. Not to mention he is in practically every video game ever. From WOW to Saints Row 3, he’s got it covered. Not to mention, I actually got to meet him in person one day at work, so that was cool.
How do I feel about this? I’m looking forward to it. I’m not all “OMG, TROY!” but I’m looking forward to his take on it. I haven’t seen him take on a character who really experiences pain on the same level James does in Silent Hill 2, so I’m interested in seeing how Troy tackles it.
The Final Reason: It’s looking pretty good. If you watch this clip below, you can see some side by side comparisons. Now, warning, the guy who made this video clearly hates the new VO… so skip to 15 seconds in and don’t watch the end.
Now, watching this, I’m not sure I prefer McGlynn’s Mary. I’m not saying it’s bad, but her voice just seems too… strong. The original voice acting seems more innocent as well. But that same thing that makes me unsure of her Mary, makes me LOVE her Maria. Her revision of Maria just oozes seduction. I think it’s great, and I’m looking forward to it.
This video doesn’t show as much of James as I would like. I really don’t have an opinion on Troy’s part yet. I didn’t see enough. I can’t tell from that clip if he can really show the pain and fear James is going through. But, I’m looking forward to finding out.
And anyway, what kind of Silent Hill Fan would I be if I couldn’t boast about playing it will all VO versions, or having some crazy deep opinions on how did it better and why?
The World in Low Res Night Vision, Part 2
Posted by on February 1, 2012
So I did some more adventuring with my low res night vision googles. This time most of the pictures were taken in the radio room, and getting their involved a lot of climbing up ladders through tiny holes.
The other pictures were taken in the “butter room.” It was originally a walk in cooler for fruits and veggies, but was later repurposed to hold dead bodies when they ran out of room else where on the ship. It’s creepers.
If you can see my original set of night vision pics here.
Pictures are also shown individually below if you hate slide shows.
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What’s with the new domain name?
Posted by on January 31, 2012
When I originally set out to make my own blog, thoughtsfromagirlgamer.com wasn’t my first pick. To be honest, I came about the domain after about 50 attempts to pick one. I realized that throwing “girl” in with “gamer” opened up a lot of new options. And I was a girl and a gamer…. So, I picked thoughtsfromagirlgamer.com.
And it worked. The website was about my thoughts, and really focused on how I felt about it as a gamer, who was also a girl. But, now, I don’t want to say I’ve grown or something… but I want to say that I’m not OMGIMAGIRL. And there are several key topics in which I don’t agree with other girl gamers, and especially some girl game devs…And I have never been one to seek others out in the girl gaming community or anything like that. So I feel like girl was a superfluous word there.
So, with that in mind, when WordPress told me thoughtsfromagamer.com was open, I went for it. Not only because I felt like I didn’t need to include the word girl anymore, but because it just felt right. Thoughtsfromagamer.com was one of the original domains I went for and couldn’t get.
I don’t know. It’s a good change, and I’m glad about it. Anyway, hopefully the new url will get me more traffic. Maybe I should actually write more…
In the depths of a gmail inbox, Palm Tree Head
Posted by on December 14, 2011
Hello all,
I recently found this while cleaning out my gmail inbox. It’s a piece I did in Maya while I was going to college. I simply call it PalmTreeHead. I really liked it, so I thought I would share.
XOX
Tara
The World in Low Res Night Vision
Posted by on December 12, 2011
After joining RTS Paranormal and giving ghosts tours on the USS Salem, I bought myself a toy. What was the toy you ask?
A pair of low res, picture and video taking, night vision goggles. Since buying them, I’ve decided to start a picture journal of the experience. Here are the first batch of pictures- enjoy! And yes, these pictures were taken in complete darkness! Pictures down below individually in case you hate slide shows.
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Oh, hey blog. Sup?
Posted by on December 12, 2011
So, it’s the same story that happens all the time. I go, make some blog posts… promise I will be back soon… then disappear for a couple months.
But really, if you’re actually subscribed to my blog, you’re not really surprised.
So, I plan on making a couple short catch up posts on various topics, starting with this one.
Alright, so last I left everyone I had decided to move across the country to start my new job as Senior QA at Irrational Games. So, how is that going? Well, awesomely. I love my job. I love working on Bioshock Infinite. The studio is awesome, and we just released this awesome trailer (click the link and it will go full screen. The player isn’t WordPress friendly)-
Additionally, my desk is next to the audio room, and every once in a while I can hear what they are working on, and the emails I’m typing suddenly seem much more epic.
Also, we have our holiday part this Saturday, and I am super pumped about it. Oh! And my desk is decorated with Christmas lights, too.
I’ve also dyed my hair pink. It wasn’t really on purpose. I sort of messed up and just covered it with pink dye… And it was a hit. So, I’ve kept it.
I also like Boston, and since moving here I’ve done lot’s of cool things, included getting stranded of the attic of King’s Chapel with the lights out.
Oh, and I joined a paranormal research group on the USS Salem, but that’s a different story.
And yes, the marriage is going well, too. 
Oh! And yes, I’m madly in love with Skyward Sword and would play it all the time if my husband didn’t insist I do things like “shower” and “work.”
A short update and announcement.
Posted by on October 10, 2011
So, this is rather short.
I’ve been busy with my new job at Irrational Games (which is awesome), adjusting to my new home, celebrating my birthday, and then doing some game accessibility work. There will be a more proper update later, as well as Hello Kitty car updates coming.
But for now, I just wanted to make this announcement.
As the IGDA GA SIG Chair, I got to do some awesome work with Film Victoria, and helped them incorportate game accessibility into their guidelines for funding.
Here’s the announcement, spread the word!
[Edited]
This is just a nice email I got from Brad over at Film Victoria I wanted to share!
Hey All,
I just wanted to thank Tara and everybody else who contributed to the IGDA GA SIG content (top 10, etc) that we’re making reference to.
We’ve had a brilliant response so far, developers completely understand and are more than happy to include accessibility measures in games of all sizes.
Very pleased to be able to say we have IGDA backing the initiative! Can’t wait to let you know how the first round of investments go…
Cheers,
Brad
Brad Giblin
Digital Media Manager
Film Victoria
I’m broadcasting my move to Boston.
Posted by on August 18, 2011
So, I’m broadcasting my move to Boston. Well, part of it anyway. It’s a fun experiment. We’ll see how it goes.
http://www.justin.tv/widgets/live_embed_player.swf?channel=ladieaupairWatch live video from Ladie Au Pair on www.justin.tv
Irrational Games, Here I Come.
Posted by on August 15, 2011
So a couple week ago, there was nothing more I wanted to do than post this picture on Facebook or Twitter.
It’s the first you see when you walk into Irrational. It’s life sized and awesome.
But I couldn’t. My trip to Boston was a secret, and only a handful of close friends and family even knew I was out of town.
I had applied to the Irrational Job on a whim. “Oh, how bad ass would it be to work there?” I thought. I quickly updated my resume and put together a short cover letter and sent it off. I mentioned it to my husband, and then just sort of left it drift out of my mind. “It’s Irrational,” I thought. “They could have who ever they wanted.”
You then, of course, could imagine my surprise when I got an email requesting a phone interview. I agree and it was scheduled. And to be honest, I didn’t think I had done very well after it was over. At some point I couldn’t remember what perforce was called. I was blanking on things I knew and got super anxious. The group interviewing me was on speaker phone and I kept having to ask them to repeat themselves because they were sort of muffed and hard to hear. I felt like I must have seemed bland and barely qualified.
You then, of course, could image my super surprise when I got a call asking for an onsite interview.
I was still in awe. And honestly, I panicked a little. I started trying to talk myself out of the job, kept saying to my husband I didn’t even know if I would take it offered. In fact, I barely told anyone I applied. Most people had no idea. And I didn’t want to have to talk about the interview if it didn’t go well. I was so scared I wasn’t going to get the job I started acting like I didn’t even want it.
And then the onsite came. I flew out the day before, and barely slept. I don’t know if it was because it’s the first night I’d been away from my husband since before moving in with him or because I had an onsite with one of my fav AAA studios. Either way, I was super tired.
Then I arrived at the studio. It was so hard not to be a fan boy. I mean, flash back to last Halloween. I’m a huge fan. I got to see their awards and posters and that awesome statue. I was in the studio that made Bioshock.
In the end, I think I ended up being so tired once I got there and stopped trying to act like a fan boy that there really wasn’t a way for me to stay nervous in my interviews. I was just too tired. I was so barely awake, that I didn’t have a filter between my brain and mouth anymore. In part of my interview, I think I was chastising them for their lack of accessibility features. (Flash back to some of my first AbleGamer Reviews for Bioshock 1 and 2.) But to be honest, that whole day was such a blur I can barely remember. Probably not the normal thing that happens when they are looking for Senior QA.
After I finally left Boston (on a flight that was delayed by like 4 hours) I really had no idea what was going to happen. I wasn’t really sure how I had done, but I felt that everyone at least liked me. But getting liked isn’t enough to get a job.
So, I just waited. Then, just over a week later, I got the offer. Then 2 days after that, I officially took it.
So here I am. I’m finishing up my project here at Firebrand (we’re literally approaching our last milestone) then moving up the coast with the hubby and starting a Irrational on September 6th.
This will be a great adventure.
The Things People Search – August 2011
Posted by on August 11, 2011
So, one of the things that I can do on the admin side of this blog is see the things that people have entered into search engines that have brought my blog up or that people have clicked to get here.
And honestly, some are hysterical. Some are weird as fuck. So, I have compiled a list of the most amusing things I have seen searched this month. and if people continue searching odd things, I might make this like a monthly posting. We’ll see.
So for this month:
- “i am afraid of the zombie apocalypse”
- “how to tell video game girls are real”
- “hoochie teen”
- “why you don’t you like wedding slideshow”
- “online sexy game”
- “i have a zelda tattoo but i havent played all the games”
- “hello kitty tattoos”
- “banned for dancing in playstation home”
- “more scared of zombie apocalypse than death”
- ” “raychul moore” cleavage”"
- “is dantes inferno the game for christians”
I honestly don’t know which is my favorite. I think it might be #6. They’re clearly worried people are going to think they’re a poser. Lol
Needs More Chainsaw Bayonet
Posted by on August 8, 2011
Facebook for my family. Below is a picture of my brother, a Marine, with his gun. Click on the image for a larger view.
Hello Kitty Car – Update 3 + Video Tour
Posted by on August 5, 2011
So, I recently took a video tour of my car. Here it is for your amusement.
My Wedding Slide Show
Posted by on July 20, 2011
So, here is a slide show from my wedding, with music from the ceremony (Halo 3, Zelda, Jurassic Park) and a transcript of the service below.
Ceremony by Matt Fear.
First off I would like to start off with a little something I have always wanted to do…
“Mawwage. Mawwage is what bwings us togethew today. Mawwage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam.”
Ok…thanks for letting me get that out of my system. I can now mark that off my bucket list.
But in all seriousness I would like to welcome everyone to this amazing event. The marriage of Mr. Max Voelker and Ms. Tara Tefertiller.
I have to admit…it was a pretty cool feeling to be asked to actually marry two people…especially when it is one of my dearest friends and the woman that he has decided to spend the rest of his life with. It is also kind of stressful…I mean…what do you say at time like this? So for inspiration I turned to renowned mathematician and chaos theorist, Ian Malcom
For those of you that don’t know who Ian Malcom is, he was one of the first people to step foot in a little place called Jurassic Park. He said…
“If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us it’s that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, expands to new territory, and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously”
I know that Dr. Malcom is referring to the creation of the DNA engineered dinosaurs that inhabited the a fore mentioned amusement park…but his words actually do hold a special meaning for a day like today. Simply replace the word “life” with the word “love” and it goes something like this…
“If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us it’s that love will not be contained. Love breaks free, expands to new territory, and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously”
How true is that? Love will not be contained. Love breaks free…crashes through barriers…
Love is so powerful, it inspires people to write, sing, paint, fight, and it is such a beautiful thing to see two wonderful people stand in the presence of their friends and family and declare their love for each other and their desire to grow old together. I hope that each and everyone of us appreciate the significance of this day.
Carl Sagan once said “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” Standing here in the Orlando Science Museum it is easy to see that in the cosmic scale of things we are small, but it is good to know that even though you may be a tiny part of the universe…you are a tiny part that has found another tiny part and have decided that being tiny together makes everything ok.
I was recently made aware of a slam poet by the name of Anis Mojgani in his poem “Shake the Dust” he offers some amazing words of wisdom…and I would like to share them with Max and Tara.
“So grab this world by its clothespins and shake it out again and again
and jump on top and take it for a spin and when you hop off shake it again for this is yours.
Make my words worth it, make this not just another poem that I write, not just another poem like just another night that sits heavy above us all.
Walk into it, breathe it in, let is crash through the halls of your arms at the millions of years of millions of poets coursing like blood pumping and pushing making you live, shaking the dust.
So when the world knocks at your front door, clutch the knob and open on up, running forward into its widespread greeting arms with your hands before you, fingertips trembling though they may be.”
You two are starting a whole new life with each other and I commend you both for that. You are, in fact, already doing what Anis has said to do…you are grabbing life by the clothespins…and you should do that every day of your marriage. Do not let a day go by that you are not thankful to wake up next to someone you love. Do not let a day go by that you don’t look at one another and say “I love you”…
Because lets face it…you never know when another giant meteor is going to crash into the earth and cause another Ice Age.
Then we exchanged our vows.
Wedding Pictures
Posted by on July 20, 2011
Hi Everyone!
I just got the format for my wedding album back and I wanted to share it with everyone. I love it so much! You can check it out here:
I do plan on making a video with a ton more pictures and the music from the wedding as well, but who knows when I will actually get around to doing it.
