The Secrets of Zero Magenta
Zero Magenta contains many names, places and references which might seem a little odd. Well there's method in the madness, and here I'll share a few of the secrets (or Easter eggs, as they're known in the gaming world).
May contain SPOILERS.
The Mysl Processor
The word "mysl" means "mind" in the Czech language. The word "Robot" was first used by the Czech playwright Karel Čapek and comes from the Czech word Robota meaning hard work or slave labour.
DdeeJackson
The English singer Dee D Jackson had a minor disco hit in 1978 with the song "Automatic Lover" which included a robotic sounding voice which kept repeating "I am your automatic lover".
Linus Berkowitz
The name "Linus" is borrowed from the inventor of Linux, Linus Torvolds.
7zark7
This one might be more widely known. 7zark7 was the friendly robot (looking a lot like R2D2) from the western edit of the Japanese anime: "Battle of the planets". He was voiced by the late Casey Kasem, who was also the voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo!
Maria
Maria (aka DdeeJackson) is named after the very famous robot in Fritz Lang's film: Metropolis.
Detective Inspector Daniel Modrý
Another reference to the Czech language. The word "Modrý" means "Blue". It alludes to the coloured bag that Daniel is delivered in. Yep, he's a MyPAL.
Mags's Serial Number: 02192006-XX21
You can't write a robot story without making some reference to Isaac Asimov. his birthday is January the 2nd, 1920.
The Story Idea
One summer's day last year we went out with some friends for lunch. Their son spent a lot of time playing with his new iWatch. It was watching him that made me think the first domestic robots would be very expensive, and have little real use. They would be status symbols first, rather than practical aids. I'm afraid that's my view of the iWatch summed up!
No comments:
Post a Comment