StarCraft II was released today.
Millions of people around the world (mostly in South Korea) rejoiced.
I am not one of them.
I never played the first StarCraft or the expansions. RTS games were never my forte. Besides, I was always more of a console gamer anyway. The PC always seemed so cold and impersonal.
I'm not sure what all these people see in StarCraft, but maybe that's because I never gave it a chance. However, I'll counter that with the hoopla over Halo 2 and Halo 3, an example of how a decent -- if disappointing -- game can still have such a rabid following.
Sometimes, it's good to have different tastes from the mainstream. Blizzard won't be going bankrupt without my money, and I don't care to sit clicking on Zergs and Marines all day.
But cheers to all you StarCraft fans out there, I hope your experience is everything you've imagined.
Snake's in Barrel
There are a few more of these, well worth looking at, especially fans of BC2. And don't listen to that idiot baseball player. Random grenade spam is hella fun.
Doing the Cowboy Bebop
I just finished watching the anime series Cowboy Bebop. After watching an episode on Adult Swim by accident, I felt compelled to dedicate several hours of my life to it.Let's get a few things clear right away. I've spent most of my life holding my nose up in derision of anime. Not just the animation itself, but the culture and fandom that surrounds it. To me, anime fans were pariahs in the nerd kingdom. They made my Star Wars obsession look healthy by comparison.
Video Games Live-ish
If you've never had the chance to Video Games Live in concert (and shame on you if you passed up the chance), then you're in luck! PBS will be televising one of the performances on July 31. Check you local listings, etc.
I got free tickets to see VGL at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium last year. It was spectacular! I even interviewed co-founder Tommy Tallarico (he's kind of a big deal). Check out the article I wrote for the Western Herald for more.
I'm not sure if the televised version will convey any or all of the emotional impact of a live performance. I remember crying when they played themes from "Metroid." Those were the tears of a happy man! I also recall a kid dressed as Link getting tossed out by security. Apparently, they weren't too keen on his sword.
I'll have to see if I can dig up the pic I took with Darth Vader. Don't ask me why he was there. I heard the 501st likes to attend the show. I wonder if they do weddings?
Where was I? Oh, yeah. Watch for Video Games Live on PBS later this month. See, public television is good for something!
I got free tickets to see VGL at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium last year. It was spectacular! I even interviewed co-founder Tommy Tallarico (he's kind of a big deal). Check out the article I wrote for the Western Herald for more.
I'm not sure if the televised version will convey any or all of the emotional impact of a live performance. I remember crying when they played themes from "Metroid." Those were the tears of a happy man! I also recall a kid dressed as Link getting tossed out by security. Apparently, they weren't too keen on his sword.
I'll have to see if I can dig up the pic I took with Darth Vader. Don't ask me why he was there. I heard the 501st likes to attend the show. I wonder if they do weddings?
Where was I? Oh, yeah. Watch for Video Games Live on PBS later this month. See, public television is good for something!
Bioshock-ing News
I've given up on trying to protect my childhood. George Lucas raped it with the Star Wars prequels. J.J. Abrams raped it with last year's Star Trek. I could go on about the things wrong with the new "Trek," but I this isn't the time or place.
It seems that I shouldn't even savor the escapism of my adult years, either. We can all agree that video game movies are terrible. Thankfully, most of the adaptations have been limited to games I have had little attachment to. But with Hollywood's ravenous appetite, sooner or later one of my beloved franchises would be desecrated.
I just found out today that a "Bioshock" movie is in the works.
It seems that I shouldn't even savor the escapism of my adult years, either. We can all agree that video game movies are terrible. Thankfully, most of the adaptations have been limited to games I have had little attachment to. But with Hollywood's ravenous appetite, sooner or later one of my beloved franchises would be desecrated.
I just found out today that a "Bioshock" movie is in the works.
Customize This!
This took me longer than I anticipated. Actually, my series of video game character action figures was supposed to debut on Game Brain a couple of months ago. What can I say, I've been busy. And one can only sit fussing over small pieces of plastic so long before insanity takes hold.Though I've been customizing action figures for years, I've only just started getting good at it. I've learned a few new techniques that really increase the quality of my paint jobs and swap parts out. Because action figures keep going up in price, and parts from different figures are rarely compatible, customs can sit on the shelf for months before they have all the ingredients. The next big step for me is to learn sculpting: there's a special clay that cures into a plastic-like substance that takes stress a lot better than the Sculpey I've been using. But that's a whole new ballgame that'll take many more years to master.
I've really come to appreciate the amount of articulation Hasbro puts into their G. I. Joe, Star Wars, and Marvel action figure lines. Having soft goods capes and bendable items like holsters and harnesses are a big plus. It's nice to be able to buy a dull G. I. Joe figure and be able to use his accessories with Star Wars figures. Very rarely do I work on a custom using only one toyline for parts (unless it's a repaint).
So, all I need is a little more time to get my first video game custom photographed. There'll be another two customs hot on his heels, so be on the lookout. I have to get back to work now and get that second coat of paint on.
The Power of the 4th
Go ahead, stuff yourselves with fried/grilled food and watch explosions in the sky. You've earned it, America. Pimpin' democracy ain't easy, but you've been doing it for over 200 years.
But now's not the time to get complacent. Two wars, an oil spill, and a festering recession are nothing to sneeze at. Remember that future celebrations of our nation's birthday are predicated on how well you deal with current crises. If we fail, there won't be a USA to celebrate.
Don't go down like a punk, America! Your citizens are angry, obstinate, and full of energy. The trick is harnessing those qualities into building and improving the nation. Bitch all you want about how bad are government is, but remember this: you have the power to change it. Remember how we kicked the most powerful nation in the world off the continent? Remember how much we resented a government that didn't represent us and serve our interests?
Keep all that in mind as you enjoy the 4th of July, America. After you're done partying, there's a lot of work to be done. It ain't easy being Number 1. You've got to earn it.
One last thing before I step off the soapbox: a true patriot isn't some bozo wearing red, white, and blue who professes his love of America. A true patriot loves America in spite of its faults and does his damndest to change them.
But now's not the time to get complacent. Two wars, an oil spill, and a festering recession are nothing to sneeze at. Remember that future celebrations of our nation's birthday are predicated on how well you deal with current crises. If we fail, there won't be a USA to celebrate.
Don't go down like a punk, America! Your citizens are angry, obstinate, and full of energy. The trick is harnessing those qualities into building and improving the nation. Bitch all you want about how bad are government is, but remember this: you have the power to change it. Remember how we kicked the most powerful nation in the world off the continent? Remember how much we resented a government that didn't represent us and serve our interests?
Keep all that in mind as you enjoy the 4th of July, America. After you're done partying, there's a lot of work to be done. It ain't easy being Number 1. You've got to earn it.
One last thing before I step off the soapbox: a true patriot isn't some bozo wearing red, white, and blue who professes his love of America. A true patriot loves America in spite of its faults and does his damndest to change them.
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