Platform Nation #2

Another batch of articles I wrote for Platform Nation.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete (Blu-ray)
Prototype Review
Game with Fame - Derek Mears
Dragon Age: Origins Preview
Bioshock 2: A Tease
Silent Hill: A History

I'm Back! (again)

After getting paid yesterday, my first order of business was to go pick up a new LIVE subscription. Success! 13 months of LIVE for me. ::happy dance::

Also, for anyone who listens to the OXM podcast, I got a little recognition on yesterday's episode (number 159). I won the Name That Xbox Sound Effect contest, so Ryan and Dan obviously mentioned me. What I found funny was the amount of detail they went into in regards to Bemidji; they actually took the time to do a bit of research. Everyone still assumes Minnesotans are backwoods hicks who sound like they do in Fargo, but oh well, what can ya do. Anyways, it was nothing too spectacular, but being up in the boondocks (hence the in-good-fun jabs from OXM), it's nice to know that the outside world exists and, in turn, knows we exist as well.

Check out OXM.

Palette-Swap Ninja = Good Music

http://paletteswapninja.com/

Courtesy of Dan Amrich and Jude Kelley, Palette-Swap Ninja creates parodies of popular songs, changing the lyrics so that they relate to the gaming community. Really, the songs are quite genius. Check out their site, listen to their songs, spread the word.

Xbox LIVE

So my LIVE subscription ran out. Damn my being broke! Well, not broke, just a college student who can't get around the fact that there are priorities. Damn my sensibilities! Anyways, one of these nice fine days I'll drop a 50 on the 13 month subscription card and then I'll be sittin' pretty for quite awhile. Until then, I play with myself... Wait. That came out wrong. Alright, no it didn't.

Seriously, I'll be picking up that card soon. That's right, I'm only days away from pwning n00bs (and zombies) once more.

Anywho, my gamertag is as follows: dolenraug

Got that? Good. Feel free to send me an invite. Gaming is always, and by always I mean sometimes, more fun with others.

Rated R? No problem. Rated Mature? No chance.

March 27, 2009

Why oh why do video games continually get the shaft? A debate as old as time (or at least as old as video games with more depth than a wheel of cheese eating dots), why are video games held to different standards than, say, movies? If a movie is rated R, it has a list of details explaining that rating. If a game is rated Mature, it also has a list explaining that rating. Yet a Mature rated game is judged more harshly than an R rated film.

Why? Because games are, quote unquote, "for children"? Look at today's gaming community and you'll see the demographic is across the board. But, apparently, that's besides the point. It's a game and it's interactive and, whether it's meant for adults or not, children can still get a hold of them and play them.

Yeah, 'cause kids have such a hard time seeing R rated films without an adult.

I'll admit that there are a lot of games that are rated "Mature" but are quite the opposite, but that's not what the rating is saying. It's telling the consumer, whether the person making the purchase is a kid, an adult, or a parent, that the game is for a mature audience. That means that it is recommended for people who can handle the type of situations placed in the game. Much the same way as an R rated film is telling the audience that there are mature situations in the film and only mature people should view it. So seriously, what's the deal?

Grand Theft Auto lets you murder and steal and blah blah blah. It's rated Mature, the consumer is made aware of the graphic nature of the content, and yet it still gets ripped apart by the media. Mass Effect has a sex scene, a tastefully done sex scene between two consenting adults, and it's the talk of the nation. Why? How many movies have murder in them? You can see a PG-13 movie and have people getting murdered (granted, the result is pretty shitty when it comes to entertainment standards, but I digress)! Jeez, freakin' Titanic had Kate Winslet's chesticles out there for a PG-13 audience to ogle.

So I ask again: If a video game is given a Mature rating, why should it be judged any differently than an R rated movie? The ESRB applies the rating and what in the game is responsible for that rating. We, as consumers, should be aware of this. If you're not, well, it's you're own fault. Read the labels. They're there for a reason.

Breaking it down

A follow-up to the last post.

March 26, 2009

Breaking it down as simply as possible:

Resident Evil 1, 2, 3, CV = Alien = horror
Resident Evil 4, 5 = Aliens = action

I'm a big fan of both movies, but I think Alien is superior. I'm always a horror guy, and Ridley Scott made an excellent horror movie with Alien. That film was a prime example of survival horror in movie terms.

On the other hand, Jim Cameron took Ridley's film and the ideas he put forth and took it to a new level. There are still horror elements in Aliens, but now, instead of being weaponless against one tough baddy, the heroes are armed to the teeth but the enemy has upped the ante.

Even in structure, the two are similar. In the original REs, you're exploring a confined area, similar to the Nostromo. In RE 4 or 5 you're movie from area to area within a region, similar to the marines moving around the colony on LV-426.

Regarding Resident Evil

March 17, 2009

I'm a Resident Evil fanboy. To most of you, this isn't a shock. I've been playing Resident Evil for more than a decade. I've purchased an entire system--the Gamecube--based only on the fact the Resident Evil was going to be "exclusive" to that system. Recently, I reserved my copy Resident Evil 5--not the generic $60 version but the $90 Collector's Edition. Friday afternoon, I walked into Gamestop and picked up that copy of Resident Evil 5. Sunday, I completed the story. And I ENJOYED it.

Don't get me wrong, it had its share of problems, my biggest one being how the ending played out, but it was still a great game. I'm already playing through it again, going after achievements and trying to unlock all the little things. And yet, I'm finding myself slightly unsatisfied.

For all of the new game's greatness, it leaves my wanting. Not wanting more. I guess I'd have to say it has me wanting LESS. Well, maybe not less, but something else. Something OLD. I love Resident Evil 4, I love Resident Evil 5, but I miss Resident Evil. I miss the horror. I miss tight confines, zombies, Umbrella, fixed cameras and limited ammo. A lot of people have said it--"Resident Evil isn't survival horror anymore; it's action."--and I've agreed. But RE4 and RE5 are great, regardless. And I don't fault them. They needed something fresh and they found a working concoction. Kudos to Capcom.

Still, over time, I realized that, although they're great, they're missing a lot of the things I loved about the series in the beginning. As much as back-tracking pissed me off in RE 1-whatever, I'd welcome it back with open arms; RE 5 was pretty much a linear game. Those fixed cameras may be archaic now, but they were fantastic for creating tension, never allowing you to see what may or may not be up ahead. The new games still contain a story, and the story is still damn good, but it almost takes a back seat to the in your face action elements. I liked the old days of one or two slow moving zombies in a hallway, lots of eerie sound effects (and silence), and taking the time to really appreciate the game's design and story.

Maybe it's just me, but after years of playing Resident Evil 1 and 2, I would hold fond memories of the environments in which those games take place. I can picture that mansion's layout like it's my own house. I know the nooks and crannies of the Raccoon Police Department like they're the ones signing my checks. But these new games? Yeah, the villages are cool. Sure, the castle in 4 is huge, or the compounds, or whatever. But they're linear. You move THROUGH them instead of lingering IN them. I can see them in my head, but I don't feel anything about them.

I know, to most of you reading this, I sound like an obsessive fanboy/borderline nutcase. Maybe so. But these games have entertained me for years. Actually, scratch that. These aren't just games. This is a world, nay, a universe. I've played the games, I've seen the movies, I've read the books, I've researched the background. Like Tolkien's Middle-Earth, I've invested so much of myself in the world Capcom created, its like a second (or third, after Middle-Earth) home to me.

I dunno. I'm rambling. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the new places Resident Evil has gone are fantastic. Yeah. The new games are. I'll play 'em, again and again. But still, to me, I enjoy 'em more as games, as an addendum to the universe instead of the as the universe itself. Does that make sense? Does any of it make sense? Maybe you just have to be in my mindset, be as passionate about this as I am. Maybe I'm just wrong. I dunno. Food for thought.

Regardless, if Capcom keeps making 'em, I'll keep playing 'em.

P.S. You know, I know what I need. Do to Resident Evil 2 what was done to the original Resident Evil. Spruce it up. I don't care if it's 3 or 4 or 5 hours. I don't care if there's no Mercenaries mini-games. I want a good, creepy story and a small, personal environment. Capcom, give me the RPD the way you gave me the Arklay Mansion the second time around.

For the 1-Up Crew

January 20, 2009

Although this will be meaningless to a majority of those on my friends list, there may be a few of you who know of what I speak.

Recently (though not too recently because I was slow in writing this), 1-Up was bought out by UGO. After all was said and done, a massive amount of the 1-Up staff was let go. With these changes, fans of 1-Up were all dealt a devastating blow. But that's besides the point. The main thing I'm writing about is the fact that many ambitious, talented, deserving individuals are now without jobs. So, as a fan, I just want to offer my support to those who have fallen on hard times.

What's more, those who are left at 1-Up, those who had to watch their friends and co-workers leave the office for the last time, don't blame yourselves. You, just like those who have now moved on to other things, are hard workers, and it wasn't your fault that these events came to pass.

To everyone from 1-Up, past and present, I wish you the best of luck and I will be keeping an eye out for all of your future projects.


Past podcasts from 1-Up are still available for download through iTunes (and, I'm sure, through other means as well). Some of the crew have shown up on a new podcast, Rebel FM. Check it out for updates on what those individuals are up to, as well as their thoughts on everything that transpired.

Silent Hill: Homecoming -- My Review

October 4, 2008

I see those wheels a-turnin' as you sit there at your computer. "What is Mike writing about now? Is this a message about the very real, very serious issue that is global warming? Maybe it's his opinion concerning the upcoming election." To this I say "nay". It is something far more important: I beat Silent Hill: Homecoming!

The aptly titled--for it really was something of a homecoming--new game in the cult series hit the shelves on Wednesday and, as you can probably guess, a good chunk of my spare time has devoted to it. Now, seeing as I've got a bit more free time on my hands due to my recent victory, I've decided to fill in the gaps left over from my previous entry. No, seriously, this one's gonna be a doosie!

First, a bit of background on Silent Hill for those of you not in the know--The first game was released back in 1999 on the original PlayStation. Although it was a bit lacking in the graphics and voice-over department, it was a solid game. Focusing less on action and more on story and atmosphere, Silent Hill has been called the scariest game/series ever created. Sadly, the survival horror genre was all about Resident Evil (also a damn fine series) and Silent Hill was, for the most part, overlooked. Still, it had its following and those who did discover it usually became die-hards (guilty).

In 2001, Silent Hill 2 was released for the PlayStation 2. With improved graphics, a new (for the most part) host of monsters, and an as-yet-unsurpassed plot, it is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series.

Silent Hill 3 came out in 2003 and, instead of being a stand-alone sequel like Silent Hill 2, is something of a continuation of the story started in the original game.

Fans of the franchise received their first serious blow with the release of Silent Hill 4 in 2004. It wasn't that it was a bad game so much as it didn't really follow the rhythm set by the previous 3. Developed as a completely original game, the higher-ups didn't think it would sell on its own merits. This caused them to revamp the game, changing some of the details and attaching the name of Silent Hill.

Developed for the PSP (2007) before being ported over to the PS2 (2008), Silent Hill: Origins is a prequel to the original title. Because of its PSP roots, Origins is considered something of an inferior game. Still, as a part of the Silent Hill series, it isn't something to be passed up.

Although many have had their doubts, fans anxiously awaited the next installment in the series. Now, under a new, American developer, Silent Hill: Homecoming has finally hit the shelves. Does it hold up to the high standards set by the first 3 games or did the new developers drop the ball? More on that later.

Beyond the games, Silent Hill has invaded both the graphic novel and the movie industries. IDW has published a series of graphic novels based in the Silent Hill universe and, in 2006, French director Christophe Gans (Brotherhood of the Wolf) stepped behind the camera to bring Silent Hill to the silver screen; a sequel is in talks.


Now that we have a history of Silent Hill the games, I want to delve into Silent Hill the town. Located in either New England or California, depending on who you ask, Silent Hill is a town shrouded in mystery (and a perpetual blanket of fog). Bordering Toluca Lake, the town exists in different realities or dimensions. There is the normal, abandoned version; there's a fog encased version that comes equipped with its very own creepy-crawlies; and there's a Hellworld/Otherworld version, also equipped with creepy-crawlies and sporting a nice rusted-out industrial makeover. The town shifts from foggy to Otherworld as the evil takes hold; the transformation is preceded by a ultra-creepy air-raid siren.

The monsters in the Silent Hill series are unlike anything you've seen before. They are, for the most part, beyond my ability to [succinctly] describe. Suffice it to say that they truly are the stuff of nightmares. Grotesque and twisted things, they are abominations, mocking all that is natural. The creatures' movements are twitchy and stunted, like an exaggeration of the claymation in an old Ray Harryhausen film. This jerkiness creates thrusting, gyrating forms that are intentionally sexual in nature, adding to the disturbing qualities.

Since the story relates heavily to the human condition, it deals with issues like sex, death, love, sin, sacrifice, and redemption. There is a depravity to some of the characters while others are the poster children of innocence. This implementation of very real human emotions into a Hellish environment is deeply unsettling. In fact, so many of the characters encountered throughout Silent Hill are there to be judged and punished. This inevitably leads one to think that, perhaps, this town really is a manifestation of Hell on earth.

The sound design, headed by the amazing Akira Yamaoka, is some of the best I've ever experienced in a game. Because the game is either foggy, dark, or both, so much of the tension is derived from hearing something you can't see. With an array of disturbing sound effects and some of the most enchanting, forlorn, and ominous melodies I've ever (and I stress ever) heard, Akira strives to create a hodgepodge of emotions and, thus, immerse the player completely in the world that is Silent Hill.


Alright! Now that I've got everyone caught up on the phenomenon that is Silent Hill, let us jump right into the newest game: Homecoming.

The story follows Alex Shepherd, a recently discharged American soldier. After a series of disturbing nightmares concerning his little brother (and a dilapidated town), Alex returns to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen to make sure everything is alright. There he finds quite the opposite; his mother is in a near-catatonic state, people, including his brother, are missing, and monsters now roam the streets. Homecoming chronicles Alex's search for his missing brother and the cause behind the horror affecting Shepherd's Glen, ultimately leading him into the neighboring community of Silent Hill.

Famous for having twisting, winding plot-lines, the Silent Hill series takes a bit of a detour with Homecoming. Although it is still intricate, the story is ultimately more easily understood.

Since Homecoming is the first Silent Hill to be released on next-gen systems (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), the graphics have went through a drastic makeover. The fog is thicker, more encapsulating; the monsters are more detailed, more demonic; the lighting and shadow effects add depth and realism to the world. Everything the fans have ever loved about the look of Silent Hill has been improved upon this time around. Even the 2006 movie makes an impact in the new game, influencing things like the creature designs and the Otherworld transition scenes.

Akira returns, once again, to develop the sounds of Silent Hill. As always, the depth of his musical talent is showcased beautifully here. The music takes a more subtle approach and yet is still amazingly effective; even when nothing is happening, the music creates unease. The monsters gurgle, groan, grunt, and moan, each type having its own unique sounds. Whether on carpet, wood, or steel, even something as simple as footsteps show variety.

The gameplay has also been revamped this time around. Up until now, the series' protagonists were inexperienced in combat, fumbling their way through the environments. Alex, on the other hand, has had military training; he knows how to fight. With the implementation of a 3D camera and a dodge command, Alex is more mobile then past heroes/heroines. The one main downfall of the new controls is the lack of a 180 degree turn command. Although a nice feature to have, players can still, nevertheless, make due.

Still, despite Alex's knowledge of combat, the monsters in this game are no pushovers. Double Helix (the development team) ratcheted up the enemy A.I., creating more intelligent, more aggressive adversaries. They surround, they overwhelm, they kick some Alex Shepherd ass (from time to time).

The monsters range from the ever-present faceless nurses to the dog-like Ferals (sans skin), from Lurkers (human-worm hybrids with scythe-like hands) to Smog (poison-belching demons) to Schism (hammerheaded creatures) and beyond, the monsters of Homecoming are a sight to see. Add in the return of a cult-favorite as well as four news bosses that are among some of the best in the series and this game becomes a major contender for best creature design. Ever.

Overall, the experience can only be described as "intense". There were more than a few instances that got my heart pounding. At 3 o'clock in the morning, sitting alone in my living room with only the television for illumination, I was scooted up to the edge of my couch, captivated--and horrified--by the images before me. Yes, Silent Hill: Homecoming has its flaws, but they are so minor when viewed in comparison to the game as a whole as to be rendered almost inconsequential.

If you're a fan of Silent Hill, survival horror, or just horror in general, I strongly, strongly recommend picking up this game. At least give it a rent. This is one title that really should be experienced. Double Helix has proven themselves more than capable of handling the beloved series of Silent Hill. Double Helix, on to the next game!

As a game: 8.5/10
As a Silent Hill game: 7/10

Three System Enter, Three System Leave?

August 28, 2008

Sony PlayStation3, Microsoft XBOX360, Nintendo Wii

First and foremost, I wanna throw up a disclaimer. This is just my opinion and it's based on the amount of information I have stored in the ol' noggin (some of which may be incorrect/outdated/both).

I was recently asked what console I'd recommend if someone were looking into picking one up. To quote Alanis Morissette, "isn't it ironc?" See, I was just thinking about the unholy war between the three titans of gaming--Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo--and, long story short, I figured now would be the best time to choose sides. Let it begin.

As already stated, the struggle for glory lies between Sony's PlayStation 3, Microsoft's XBOX360, and Nintendo's Wii. Of course, I feel everyone should go the Nintendo route, just so they can say "sorry, I can't hang out tonight; I'm going home to play with my Wii!" Alright, I'm kidding. But seriously, I have a blast saying shit like that in public. *cough* Getting back on track...

Let's start off with functionality.
I can't say a whole helluva lot about the PS3 because, honestly, I haven't really played one. I have heard, however, that their interface is similar to the 360's but, instead of working on it being functional (i.e. user friendly), they made it more flashy. Just something to think about. On the other hand, if you've played a PS or PS2, then the controls shouldn't be too drastically different.

The XBOX360 is still, in my mind, at the top of their game when it comes to functionality. The dashboard is easy to navigate and that takes precedent over the glitz and glam. Controls aren't dissimilar to the original XBOX. That--and the fact that they're fairly easy to use--makes the 360's a great choice for returning gamers and new gamers alike.

The Wii is pretty user friendly. A newcomer to the gaming world can pick up a Wii remote (and nunchuk) and, within a half hour or so, be ready to throw down with the best of us. Sadly, there's a catch (more on this later, though). The Wii's user interface is pretty interesting/entertaining, seeing as you can design your Mii to look you like your you...er, just "you." No kidding. Mine's actually kind of creepy in how similar it is.

My verdict: XBOX 360

So now we know how user friendly they are, but what about the fun-factor?
The PS3 is marketed towards a range of age-groups but it definitely leans more towards the adult community. PS3 games are rated T or M a lot more often than on the Wii but they're basically on par with the 360.

Like the PS3, the 360 is a more adult-oriented system. Games are, more-often-than-not, of a mature nature. I will throw favor to the 360 in the fact that their multiplayer setup is acres better than the PS3's (again, as far as I know).

The Wii is the, for lack of a better term, ugly-duckling of the group. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad system, I'm just saying that it's marketed completely differently. First, the new innovative controls make for an entertaining time (for those watching as well as playing). If you're not into waving your arms all willy-nilly then you still have the option of going "old school" and hooking in a regular controller. My problem with the Wii is that it is more of a "party system." I can't sit down and play the Wii as a hardcore gamer; instead, I play the Wii when I have a group of people around--it's something fun for everyone to do.

My verdict: A tie between the 360 and the Wii (depending on your style/tastes)

What's that? Your social skills are suffering? You play with others (no sick reference intended)? Multiplayer it is.
The PS3 has online capabilities, most notably the multiplayer. Plug into an internet connection, purchase your online pass, throw a game in, and have a blast. Oh, sorry. Yeah, you need to pay to play online.

Sadly, the 360 is the same; no freebies here. I can add that you can get 3 months of XBOX Live for about $20 (not sure on the PS3).

I haven't used any of the online capabilities of my Wii yet but I'm sure it's something similar. Use the inter-web to be sure.

My verdict: A three-way tie

Other online capabilities, comin' atcha!
Again, I'm not real sure when it comes to the PS3 but I would assume they would have a lot of the same download features as the other systems. I'm 97% sure I remember hearing you can download older (or new but more simplistic) games and save 'em on your harddrive.

With the 360, I know you can download those things. Plus, you're able to rent movies as well as download demos and customization tools (skins, icons, etc.), and chat with your friends.

Wii, well, pretty much the same as above. Games, social-networking, etc.

My verdict: I'm pretty sure the PS3 is right up there so I'd say a 3 way tie again with the the 360's tounge (or disc tray) pushing it an extra inch or two over the finish line.

My, my, miscellaneous.
There is one big thing that I think the PS3 did right: they included a Blu-ray player in their system. That means, right out of the box, you're getting a gaming machine and a Blu-ray player (which go for about $300 alone). What I'm trying to say is that you're basically spending $300 for a big, beautiful Blu-ray (gotta love alliteration) player and getting a bonus next-gen gaming machine for an additional $100.

The 360 slipped up here, however. Microsoft's system had a built in DVD player and offered the option to buy an additional HD-DVD player (now extinct) to sit along side. That means you spend your cash and then spend even more cash to get HD quality movies that then end up going bye-bye. Sorry Microsoft, you stepped in it here.

The Wii is...meh. Not much else besides their big selling point: "you control the game by movement!"

My verdict: PS3 wins it

I know what you want to know. "How much is this gonna cost me?"
The PS3 is the bank breaker of the 3. They've come down quite a bit in price but they're still sitting at around the $400 mark. On top of that, games are $60. Add in extra controllers, high def movies, and your internet and you're looking at a $500-600 setup.

The 360 comes in second place (any way you look at it) with a price tag somewhere between $300 and $450 (depending on the gizmos and gadgets you want right out of the box. Adding in games ($60 as well) and controllers and internet, you're looking at anywhere from $400-600.

The Wii is the cheapest initial purchase at only $250 dollars. You're getting a more hands-on type of gaming and yet the graphics aren't as good as the competition, the games are more kiddie-oriented, and the overall usage is built more for groups than individuality. That means you have to buy extra controllers (not to mention nunchuks are sold separately from those). On the upside, games are $50 instead of $60. Your Wii should be up and running with only $350-400 dollars missing from your account (or food budget).

My verdict: you get the most bang for your buck buying a 360.

OVERALL: If you're looking to get a next-gen gaming system, you really need to do the research. I gave you a lot of the basics but there's really so much more. Certain games are only released on certain systems. If you want Halo, buy a 360. If you want God of War 3, buy a PS3. If you want Mario, the Wii is for you. Do HD movies hit your happy-switch? Probably gonna want a PS3. Are you a social whore? XBOX Live will pimp you out like no other. Do you want a bit more exercise in your life? Swing for the fence in Wii Sports (just be careful not to hit anyone in the face--or balls). It's really a toss-up. I have a 360 and a Wii and, truth be told, I'd still like to get a PS3 (if only for the few games I can't get on the other systems and the Blu-ray). If you want my opinion, my vote is for the 360. My last verdict said it all: you get the most bang for your buck with the 360 (if only it had the Blu-ray).

Still, once more I must stress, look into these things yourself. Remember, this is mostly the info I have in my memory. Don't take me at my word, I may have misquoted some of the information so it's best if you double-check my info and judge for yourself. Find out what kind of games you want and then find out what system you can find those games on. Look at all your options. Go into Gamestop and talk to the sales people. Visit Gamespot and research games; read reviews.

Podcast, anyone?

Alrighty, here's the deal. If anyone is looking for a new podcast to listen to, I recommend Geekson. To quote the website: "Geekson is a weekly show created by geeks, for geeks, covering topics that geeks like to talk about. Movies, Sci-fi, Video Games, Comics, TV, Internet, Board Games, RPGs.... it's all here at Geekson.com."

The website has an archive of all past episodes (or you can download 'em via iTunes). The foursome (Aaron, Matt, Don & Peter) cover everything from the newest movies; the greatest television shows; comics; novels; board, role-playing, and video games. There's a geek-oriented news segment as well as coverage of major geek events (E3 and Comicon). There's even a number of guests that drop in from time to time.

A plus: you don't have to be a geek to listen. The discussions--borderline bickering--created by the Geekson crew are interesting and quite often hilarious.

There really is something for everyone. So, if you're sitting at your computer and have an hour or two to burn, give Geekson a try. You may not find everything discussed agreeable, but chances are you'll be entertained a [vast] majority of the time.

Geekson

I'm Back!

Ok, so being back doesn't really say much if I was never truly here to begin with. Still, you get my meaning. Even though they weren't posted on here, I have written a few random ramblings in other places (i.e. Facebook). I'm going to transfer the bulk of what I've written there over to here.

Disclaimer: this blog isn't going to be about any one thing. I'm a fairly random guy so expect a fairly random blog. It will center around reviews of movies I've seen (though not EVERY movie I've seen), but there will also be my thoughts on games and book and anything else I feel worthy of the time it takes me to post something. Quite often, I just like to vent; you'll probably be seeing that now and again.

My Two Cents: The King of Kong

Here's my quick review for the new DVD release of The King of Kong: A Fistfull of Quarters. I know most people probably aren't into documentaries (unless you're a Michael Moore fanboy) and I'm sure even fewer people are into documentaries about video games. If this sounds like you, mosey on.

This is, in my opinion, the best documentary I've ever seen (and let me tell you, I've seen about 5 in my time), probably because I'm a gamer. Yeah, that'd probably explain it. Anyways, this film covers the war between gamers Billy Mitchell (who held the high score in Donkey Kong since 1982) and newcomer Steve Wiebe (science teacher, family man, i.e. Mr. All-American) for the Donkey Kong world record. I know, I know, it sounds kind of boring, and I don't blame you. Like I said earlier, it's a documentary about a video game. Well, not quite.

It actually stops being about the game itself and begins to focus on the human aspect of it all. There's humor in the situations, but there's also sadness. Although I started watching this flick by myself -- which I dropped 20 bucks on without previously seeing -- Tara finished it with me, which was a surprise. She actually got pissed off at Billy because of how much of a douche bag he is through it all. All-in-all, this was a very interesting flick. Most wouldn't want to watch it again and again so I'd tell most of you to rent it. If not for me, do it for Mario. You might not want to admit it but you all know who he is and, more likely than not, a majority of you love him. C'mon, go back to where it all began, see what our little Italian plumber was doing before he was rescuing Princess Peach from castles. Perhaps rescuing Pauline from a giant gorilla who resides at the top of a construction site?

Bottom line, it's interesting just to see how serious gaming can get and how it can change people. Rent, damn you, rent!