Old Snake

So, Metal Gear 4 is finally upon is, an exciting prospect for anyone who calls themselves a gamer, or even a pop culture enthusiast. It seems that our hero Snake has aged dramatically in the last few years, apparently because he's a clone. Cynics might say it's because of all the cut scenes he's had to sit through over the years, and while there's no doubt that the game is going to take some serious commitment, there's no denying the power of the unique feeling that Kojima-san has entwined throughout the series.

It's not quite getting the universal unreserved acclaim that Grand Theft Auto 4 has managed (not that it's far off), although MGS has always catered to a specific taste, specifically one that doesn't mind if half the 'game' involves watching a cut scene. I've yet to start it yet, but more because I want to put aside some time to appreciate it properly, and get a little further with GTA! So, in the meantime, I thought I'd illustrate a portrait of Old Snake. The series has brought me lots of entertainment and inspiration over the years, so this was the least I could do to in order to pay tribute to Hideo Kojima in terms all he has done for raising the status of gaming as a creative form; to Yoji Shinkawa for his beautiful artwork (and more recently, Ashley Wood of course); and lest we forgot, to Snake for all the good times. I can't think of anyone I'd rather share several hours of videogame exposition with...

MTV and SpinVox: Stand By What You Say

Some more work for MTV Staying Alive for you now, namely a project called Stand By What You Say, supported by Facebook Causes and SpinVox. SpinVox's technology neatly converts voicemail messages into digital text, making it perfect for an MTV project which is all about getting young people to participate. Sexual health is the main focus of the campaign, and the client wanted an appealing, warm design that would draw the target audience in. The underlying topics may be serious, but the idea is to be have some fun and get people talking.

It was great fun creating the whole identity on this one, from logo to colours and overall style. Thanks once again to Oliver Jones who brought his css and xhtml skills to the mix, and more besides.

Cocktail Girl

Here's a detail from an illustration I've been working on recently for the guys at Bweeb. More details of this alcohol related project on the way soon. Which of course follows on nicely from the Foster's post earlier this week. Hope you like her!

Foster's 'Ride the Scuba'

Last month I had the good fortune to design an interesting site while freelancing with Play. Foster's are currently promoting their new 'in-can scuba', a widget which produces smaller bubbles for a smoother draught-like drink.

For an interesting online interpretation of this, you can go online and control an actual scuba device (which is all the way down in Plymouth) from your own keyboard and via streaming video, getting points for popping the large bubbles that are produced in the tank. You basically book a ticket/time slot, and then you get a couple of minutes to take the helm. Pretty cool, huh? I had a turn on it during development, and the responsiveness of the craft was certainly impressive. Naturally a good connection is going to help though!

To go with this unique concept, the site needed a functional, 'real-world' feel, whilst still existing as a web interface, not a literal 3d interpretation of the aquatic centre in Plymouth. I really enjoyed my time at Play on this project (an agency which M&C Saatchi owns a 50% stake in), and whilst I was effectively the lead designer, naturally the project was shaped and directed by the excellent in-house team.