Zelda Heart Container Winner

Congratulations to Holly for being the winner of my Zelda Heart container. Check back soon for another giveaway!

Slime from Dragon Quest - Pattern for Bead Sprite, Needlepoint, and Cross Stitch

I just listed my Slime from Dragon Quest on my ETSY shop. Available here

Here is the pattern I used to make this - enjoy!

DIY Space Invader project - Free Space Invaders Pattern for Needlepoint

Today's DIY project will allow you to create a Space Invader framed item. The item is available here, but this item is a perfect entry point into needlepoint design.
Here is what the finished product will look like:

Materials needed: scissors, plastic canvas (size 7 Mesh), needle (tapestry size 16), black yarn, blue yarn and a mini gold frame (available at AC Moore / Michaels). See picture below.

You will also need a pattern for the Space Invader - you may want to print this. I have all my patterns printed in a binder.

Step 1: Cut your plastic canvas. Although the pattern shows 15 x 15, your plastic canvas should be cut 16 x 16. The reason the pattern shows it otherwise is because you have to compensate for the actual stitch. 

Step 2: thread your needle and begin in the second column five holes up. Always stitch going diagonal up right. See picture below:

Step 3: Continue making your design until you complete the black outline. Once the outline is finished, flip your item upside down and thread the yarn through the back.

Step 4: Pull the needle all the way through. 

Step 5: Cut any excess yarn off. 

Step 6: Begin threading the blue yarn. My advice is always start left to right.

Step 7: Complete the filling and repeat step 3 and 4 with the blue yarn.

Step 8: Disassemble the frame. Remove any clear cellophane off of the frame as your item will not fit with the cellophane.

Step 9: Place the Space Invader inside the frame and then push in the white binding that came with the frame. You should hear a click on the right and left side of the frame. This indicates that the backing locked in correctly. Congratulations - you just completed your Space Invader!

Birdo Pattern for Bead Sprite, Needlepoint and Cross Stitch

I made a Birdo some time ago and I figured I would pass on the pattern to everyone. Enjoy!

Zelda Rupee Pattern for Bead Sprite, Needlepoint and Cross Stitch

Made this Rupee from my shop. It is available here.

Here is what the finished product looks like:

Enjoy the pattern!

Clank pattern for Needlepoint, Cross Stitch and Bead Sprite

This week I made a Clank and I figured I would pass along the pattern for the item. Here is what it looks like complete:

So here is the pattern! Enjoy. Project time is roughly: 15-20 minutes. Item is available here.

Zelda Heart Container giveaway

Congratulations to A.Adams for entering my Mario Star Giveaway and being the winner. This month I wanted to make something special for my Blog that is not available for purchase on my shop. So this month I made something unique. This month: a floating Zelda heart container.

Giveaway Details - Start day: May 2nd. End Date: May 31st, 2013
How do I enter? Leave a comment in the comment field with a way to contact you, and a link your favorite item from my shop.
Additional entries: Go to my Facebook. Check my photos in May Listing and click the Zelda Heart Container and simply write <3
So what do I win? A Zelda Heart Container - it measures: 6in x 3.5in

Good Luck! Only one will win! Winner will be announced by June 1st, 2013!

Robot Unicorn Attack 2 - iOS Review

Robot Unicorn Attack is one of the original endless runners on iOS. Now, three years later, the sequel is here, and I'm happy to report that the game is as addicting as ever, if not more so.

For those unfamiliar, you play a robot unicorn who runs through an endless chasm. On the way your unicorn will need to jump and dash. To make things even more difficult, there are now giants that you must dash your way through before they shoot their laser and blow you to smithereens.

Each day a new level will be presented in front of you. While fundamentally the levels look the same, the level layout will be vastly different. Some of the levels have long straightaways, others more giants and even others have lots of small rocks to land upon. It allows some variety to a genre that often feels like your playing the same game over and over again. It's a genuine nice touch.

Graphically the game has received a very nice and appealing face lift  At first, the setting may seem jarring, but once you see your first flying whale, you'll be delighted with the new setting.

Also, there is an intricate level system which involves a variety of challenges. From collecting X amount of items in X amount of runs to earning a certain score through in several runs, the challenges add a nice variety. Once you've completed the challenge your earn a store and can potentially rank up. Each new rank adds a new set of items which include new horns, wings, and steeds. These items can really alter the game. Soon, jumping goes out the window in favor of jumping and max speed is hit earlier and earlier. Endless runners aren't known for their variety and complexity, but Robot Unicorn Attack 2 has had time to learn from all the endless runners that have come after it and improves upon all of them. Is it the best endless runner ever? Maybe!

Daily challenges, team challenges and even another level which is more difficult (an ice level) are just some of the other features.

If there are problems, it comes in the responsiveness of the game. Often times the game stutters under everything that is occurring on the screen. Once flying enters the picture, often times I would press and hold to fly only to come tumbling down and smashing into a rock. It feels inconsistent. I hope they can hammer out some of these issues, because this is the closest to iOS gaming nirvana.

Even as I type this review, all I want to do is play. The game is just fun in a box. Best of all. The price is FREE! Who can pass that up? You can pay for better music (which include Erasure's Always and Never Ending Story) which adds a bit of fantastic on the package, but it is not necessary to enjoy the game.

Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is almost a perfect package. It's fun, it's fast, and I'm going to stop typing this so I can go play. Download this - now!
Overall: A-

Ho-Oh Project Complete!

Hi everyone - just figured I would showcase my biggest project ever. I wanted to show the word in progress. Outline took around 5 hours and coloring took around 7 hours. Total: 12 hours. It measures from 12.5in x 13.5in.

Sonic 100 Point Pattern for needlepoint, cross stitch and bead sprite.

Hi everyone! Hope you're enjoying your week. In the middle of one of my biggest projects ever. Hoping to finish by Friday! In any case - Here is a free pattern just for you.

Guacamelee! Review

Guacamelee! is simply put a triumph in game design. Everyone I have talked to about this game is immediately enchanted with the world, sound design, and gameplay.

Guacamelee! is a metroidvania type game. That is, the world is completely open, but you can only explore certain areas. Once you have unlocked a new ability, you can return to these areas and complete more quests and explore even further. This may be the best Metroid/Castlevania clone ever, and it many ways it reaches and surpasses the aforementioned.

You play a Mexican man who hasn't been having too much luck. Once you're given a magic luchador mask, your adventures unfold. It is very much a save the princess adventure; however, the game mixes humor and a unique art style to make the paper thin story shine. Each of the main characters brim with personality and you will have a smile on your face for the entirety of the adventure.

Within the gameplay there exists an intricate combo system. While at your first you can only punch your way to victory, slowly but surely you can string punches with launches and throws with ease. It feels smooth and frenetic, and, thankfully, the game rests entirely on your skill. Whenever you die you can be certain it was your fault and your fault alone. The game also has a fantastic day/night (living/dead) component that is better left unspoiled. But it will definitely push your skills and reflexes to the test.

Graphically, the game shines at every moment. The bright colorful world of the living and the charming world of the undead make for a wonderful pairing. Within the world lurks dozens upon dozens of references to famous games and internet memes. From Zelda, to Mario to even Grim Fandango, Castle Crashers and even to Angry Cat, the references are funny and fun, and there is always a reference lurking somewhere.

The sound is also equally well done. The only thing that lacks are voice overs for the characters. Some things may be left better to imagination, but I for one would have enjoyed full voice overs. The absence, however, may have been to avoid any racist implications.

Over the past week some people have talked about whether the game is "appropriate." As a person of Spanish heritage, I found nothing about the game inappropriate. What I would say is that the creators took an aesthetic and had fun with it. You always get the sense that Drinkbox Studios was treating the material with care and respect. Those who are looking for something malicious are splitting hairs.

Two issues. One is that I hit a bug in the game where I got stuck in the wall. It wasn't too much of a big deal because checkpoints are plentiful, but I had to reset back to the main menu. The bigger issue relies solely in the length of the game. Most people seem to finishing their experience in and around the five hour mark. The optional side quests take very little time. I wish there were more of these quests because I really enjoyed them. There is also a nice battle royal cave that is fun and definitely tough. I enjoyed the normal play through and cannot wait to return on hard difficult in another month or so. Overall though the game is over too quick and another hour would have really gone a long way; nevertheless, Guacamelee! is simply put one of the most charming and fun games available on PSNetwork, and this is one game to remember come the end of the year.

Overall: A-

Link from Legend of Zelda Pattern for Cross Stitch, Needlepoint, and Plastic Canvas

This week I've been working on a whole new set of Zelda inspired items. So far I've recreated some popular items.

I then made some new items that will be available throughout the week. All items are available at my shop.

And just for you guys. Here is the Link pattern I created to make all the patterns. Enjoy!

Plants vs. Zombies Planter Pattern for Cross Stitch, Needlepoint, and Bead Sprite

Just a small update for the weekend. Listed my Plants vs. Zombies planter this weekend - available here.

If you wanted to make your own, here is a free pattern for you

Yoshi and Mario Pattern for Bead Sprite, Needlepoint and Cross Stitch

Happy Sunday everyone! Just a free pattern for you to enjoy. I've been on a big Mario kick as of lately so I figured why not? I've been making Can Cozy / Cup Holders and have been super happy how they came out. Enjoy this pattern!

Here are some of the Mario items I made for the week:

Home Sweet Home

Mario 3 Music Box

Luma from Mario Galaxy

I'm currently working on a Mario Shine but it is a work in progress

Plankton Pattern from Spongebob Squarepants

A quick Wednesday update. I'm currently thinking about starting a big clock project. I'll update you as I work. Just for you guys - a Plankton pattern - enjoy!

Finished product available on my shop:

Finished Plankton $3.49

Remember my Mario Star giveaway is going on until April 30th

http://retrostationstore.blogspot.com/2013/04/mario-star-giveaway.html

Mario Star Giveaway

For April, I decided I would do something exciting for all the people who have stumbled upon my blog. I will be giving away a Mario Star "I'm a Star" pre-framed item pictured below

To Enter

1) Follow my Blog

2) Leave a comment on this entry.

3) In the comment, link an item you like from my Etsy Shop

4) Leave a way for me to contact you if you win. [e-mail , ETSY name or some equivalent]

Extra Entries

Follow my Facebook and leave a comment

1 Winner will be randomly selected on April 30th, 2013! Good luck!

Buster Bunny Pattern for Cross Stitch, Needlepoint, and Bead Sprite

Happy Easter everyone. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Thanks to my loyal followers. For you - a new Buster Bunny Pattern from Tiny Tunes.

A Mario Easter Pattern

Happy Easter everyone! I made this pattern for all my blog followers - enjoy! If you make one of these could you please send me a link so I can post your created work on my blog - thanks!

Bioshock Infinite Review

Bioshock is back, and I am happy to report that this is the game everyone has been waiting for.

Bioshock Infinite differs from the original Bioshock in several ways. Rapture: the dark, murky, underwater world of Bioshock 1 and 2 is replaced with Columbia, a world that is a vibrant, colorful, air world.

Columbia is gorgeous. Every part of the world is realized. History plays a major role in the story. The story takes place in 1912, and Columbia secedes from The Union by literally lifting off. How all of this came to happen, and the alternate history of this world I wouldn't want to spoil, but know the blending of well-known history and Columbia's unique spin on these ideas is a narrative treat.

Bioshock Infinite is a political game. This is a game trying to say something. In fact, I cannot think of any game in recent memory that was trying to say something. Many games try to tell stories, but Infinite is doing much more than that, and it succeeds. The political landscape never leans in any direction, and you're more of a witness than a participator to all of this, but it really allows you sympathize with the protagonist and his companion.

The character you are, Booker, has a debt which much be paid, which lands him in the world of Columbia, and Elizabeth is your companion who helps you along your journey after you rescue her. Elizabeth is extremely helpful in your journey. She will throw you health potions, vigor, coins, and point out hidden areas or lock picks scattered on the floor. Elizabeth is a true companion, and she exudes personality. At first, Booker is stoic. He feels a bit like a silent protagonist, but once Elizabeth enters the picture, Booker comes to life and you'll enjoy their interaction.

What makes Bioshock Infinite special are little moments that make Columbia feel alive. From a quartet that floats by, to listening to a seemingly innocuous conversation, and even to an auction that is occurring, these moments add up to a bigger picture and it really allows you to feel as if Columbia is a real place. The best part is these conversations have meaning and you can spend as little or as much time watching the events unfold. The game is filled with dozens of these moments, and they'll fill you with actual emotion. Bioshock Infinite is Americana. This game is really saying something about Americans. Everyone should perk up their ears and pay attention because this isn't just an amazing game, this is an important game (at least in terms of story telling).

Graphically, you are going to be impressed with Columbia. The world is gorgeous, and I hear the PC version is outstanding. On the consoles, you'll be impressed, but you can see this old hardware chug. Screen tearing occurs from time to time, character models are nice, but could be better, but where you see the game struggle the most is textures. Oh the blurry, muddy, ugly textures - this generation is over graphically because these games have reached their limits. This doesn't make Bioshock Infinite in an ugly game; the art direction is outstanding and hides most of this. You're also usually too excited to pay attention to these little graphical qualms, but it is when you're trying to read - literally - the writing on the wall, that you'll start to notice that the textures and models are not perfect. It may be different on PC, but for console gamers - you'll see these little moments and they detract a bit. Enemy models have the graphical attention you expect. Whether it is the much talked about Songbird or another peculiar large baddie, the game feels graphically cohesive, and that is more important than a handful of ugly textures.

Gameplay wise: you have your guns, and you have your vigor (special power), and you can use them however you see fit. At the beginning of the game you may feel a bit under-powered  In fact, the first hour of gameplay took me by surprise with its difficultly level (I played it on Medium/Standard). The game seemed unrelenting, and I groaned every time I saw another battle. Eventually, you get a shield that replenishes itself and you get more viable vigors than possessing your enemies. The best part of Bioshock Infinite gameplay is you play how you want. After reading several people's different play methods it surprised me how different everyone's play style was. Many talked about using the pistol (a weapon I never picked up) mixed with possession vigor, while I tended towards the water vigor which can pull your enemies closer and then blowing them all away with the shot gun. Your powers quickly become more powerful and you're switching between different guns and vigors with ease. It is fun and action packed and I looked forward to each new group of enemies.

Dying doesn't necessarily hurt you, but the compromise feels worthy. Your enemies you killed are still dead, but you lose some money (a necessity in Columbia), the enemies you were shooting gain some health, and you start out with half health. It feels like you've been penalized, but it doesn't disrupt the game in any way nor does it feel as if the game is holding your hand.

Columbia's sound is beautiful. Everything sounds the way it should, and whoever worked on the sound mixing should be applauded. I rarely struggled to hear dialogue, even among gun shots, but the gun shots still sounded loud; furthermore, phonographs play the musing in the distance adding to the overall atmosphere. Often times, the phonograph, shooting and dialogue is occurring in tandem, and you'll never struggle to hear anything. It really seems to be an achievement in sound design.

I cannot help but gush over Infinite. In many ways, I tried to get my hopes up so I wouldn't be disappointed, but I wasn't disappointed. The game has remarkable pacing, it plays like a dream and I love Columbia. I want to visit Columbia again. If anything, the game is over just a tad bit too soon. I cannot imagine I clocked in 12 hours of gameplay. That said, nothing outstays its welcoming, and minus one peculiar "Find three of these!" mission, the pacing is near perfect. Is Bioshock Infinite the game of the decade, only time will tell - but it is certainly early contended for Game of the Year. Go - buy it, love it, and be charmed with Booker, Elizabeth, and Columbia.

Overall: A

Game of Thrones - Three Sigils and a free Minecraft Creeper Pattern

Over the last two days I have been very busy creating new patterns based on the hit show Game of Thrones. For those who don't know - in the show each house has its own sigil and motto, so I designed some patterns based around them, and then created them. All of them are available in my shop. Here are the end results:

First up: Stark

Lannister

Baratheon

I'm thrilled with the end results. For all my dedicated followers - here is a Minecraft Creeper - exclusively available for you here