WiiU initial reactions

So I haven't sat down and thought this out thoroughly, just some quick word vomit.

First off, I've pretty much had it with novelty gaming. So I don't particularly care about motion sensors, or giant tablet controllers. It's a very gimmicky way to make and market games, which I guess is why it got so popular. Not that I'm condemning the existence of these novelty peripherals or games, just resenting that they've become so dominant in the gaming market. I'm completely content with my current console experience- not once have I turned on one of my devices and thought that it was outdated or tiresome, so I don't feel the need for a new generation of consoles. Not to say any of my previous feelings reflect on the WiiU specifically, but that they affect my overall judgement (or maybe I should say prejudice) towards it.

The Positives:

I'm a big fan of nostalgia, especially when it comes to classic Nintendo gaming, but there are some improvements I'm very happy to see. Improvements such as 1080p and pro controllers suggest that Nintendo is returning to its serious gamer roots. It will also be backwards compatible with Wii games (as well as peripheral compatibility), so as much money as I will be losing, I take solace knowing my current games will have some re-playability. So as much as I'm not ready for a new generation of consoles, in some ways, it does feel like Nintendo is catching up. The new Gamepad touchscreen controller looks fascinating and will be offering some fantastic, engaging features including being able to play games on the controller itself (very useful if you're sharing a tv). There will be more of our favorites, like Zelda and Mario, as well as games from third party developers such as Assassin's Creed and Arkham city.

The Negatives:

Nintendo is meant to be enjoyed with groups of friends. Smashbros anyone? So knowing only 2 gamepads per device are supported is a little disappointing, but at least there will be other controller options. Price will also be a huge factor, and Nintendo is playing coy for now. Gaming is expensive enough as is, and I haven't seen anything that's convincing me I need to be shelling out even more money, especially if the rumours of a 600$ price range are true. Initial reactions seem to make it clear that Nintendo is going to be facing an uphill battle for a while, and as it appears to me, the WiiU's strength isn't in explaining its features, or elaborate marketing. Their strength is going to be getting a controller into a players hands and letting them get the full interactive experience. At least, that's what my decision will be based on, I won't have a strong opinion until I've played it, which means I'll be apprehensive and need a little convincing along the way. The new graphics are exciting, but they are not up to par with Xbox or Playstation. And as fantastic as these third party, more serious gamer oriented games will be, there aren't many announced yet, or anything new, and that can make or break the WiiU.

Overall Thoughts:

Despite initial doubts (from myself, and others), the WiiU will probably be massively successful. I'm happy to see them appealing to the hardcore market. I have my reservations that I think can be taken care of with a demo and maybe some more game announcements. I'm not happy to have to shell out for a new console, but at least content to see that if they are doing it right.

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Scumbag Luke?

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Well done, sir.

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Keeping the streets of Arlington safe

Here's a great video of the Arlington Police department helping grant a little boys wish of becoming Batman for a day. Watch it, and try not to cry. Seriously, there mere though of this makes me cry. I'm crying while writing this. I should probably stop typing.



Also, check out the pictures here.

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To boldly go...

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Super Math

Superhero Mathematics was my major in college.


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We stopped dreaming

A film inspired by the incredible Sagan Series on youtube. This is Neil DeGrasse Tyson talking about how we, humanity as a species, have stopped dreaming of moving forward. We've stopped looking to the future. And if we stop pushing forward, can we even have a tomorrow?



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Invisible Children

Follow this link. Watch the film. It's half an hour, be prepared. It's moving and incredible. It's a simple enough idea, spread the name of a war criminal to have the public pressure those in power to stop him. So every link, every hit, every share this gets will get us one step closer to making a difference. So seriously people, do it.

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WANT

Definitely need one of these.



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Holy. Shit.

Just wow. Wow.

Walking Dead viral campain

Cool viral marketing campaign, but... THIS IS WHY THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IS GOING TO KILL US ALL. BITCH, IF YOU SEE A ZOMBIE, EITHER F*CKING RUN OF KILL THAT MOFO.

Just sayin', if I was in that theatre, things would have gone differently. And I'd be a felon.

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Enjoy the Capri Sun

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I definitely lol'ed

Yo Dawg, I heard you like Minecraft

So Minecraft is just like playing Lego on your computer, and now Lego is making a special Minecraft edition? Mind = Blown. Looks pretty sweet.

Here's the whole story. It's available this summer.

So many Lulz!

When you have one of those days where life is really getting you down, and you just feel like you cant go on, and life is a gigantic horrendous bitch... Just look at animal gifs, and suddenly life is worth living!

Case in point, this:


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Those strange, tingly feelings in your heart? Thats happiness. It feels weird at first, but just enjoy it, because you'll have to go to work tomorrow and hate the world all over again.

Way too acurate

That awkward moment when a meme applies to you... and you're proud of it. Definitely puts a harsh perspective on my life.


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In defence of Episode 1

Disclaimer: This was a spontaneous, rant type post written at 2am after a few glasses of wine. But that doesn't make it any less valid, maybe just a little less concise, and eloquently expressed.

Be forewarned, this post is saying good things about the new Star Wars trilogy, so if you aren't a fan of Episodes 1, 2 & 3, and don't have an open mind to hear about it, just stop reading now. I'm not saying everyone has to love it, but I feel like people expect it to be something other than it is. So with that said, here we go...

Here's the thing about Episode 1- it's a kids movie. Over 20 years had passed since the original, and it was time for a new generation to have their own version for it. I can defend this because I was a child at the time. The first time I ever saw Star Wars was the 20th anniversary re-release in 1997. And I loved it, it was awesome, but I didn't become obsessed until I saw Episode 1 on it's release date. My brother pre-ordered tickets for us, and that was it. My life was changed. Episode 1 was what introduced me to the extended universe, for all the possibilities that Star Wars was presenting. I read the Expanded Universe books, collected the action figures and studied visual dictionaries. The original trilogy made me want to play around with a light sabre and simulate Darth Vader's voice, but seeing the Ep. 1 made me want to find out how light sabres are made and why Vader has that voice.

Sure, they didn't have the same sort of fun, clever originality of Ep. 4, 5 & 6, but we got the opportunity to see a world so beautiful, vast and extensive that we could barely have imagined. The acting might not have felt as genuine (except for Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan, that was just fantastic) and we didn't have the same connection with the characters, but we had the opportunity to literally discover a universe. We have the best light sabre fights, chase scenes and visuals that we ever could have asked for.

And I may be condemning myself for it, but I'll say it anyways. I don't really have a problem with Jar Jar Binks. There. I said it. But before you ridicule me, let me explain why. I was 10 years old when Episode 1 came out, and while Jar Jar may not have been my favorite character (in fact, I think even I, as an impressionable youth, didn't like him that much) I know many children who loved him. At the time, I was a lunch monitor or something of that nature for a kindergarten class. As my wild and crazy self, I decided that rather than call the kids by their names, I was going to name them each after the Star Wars Characters they most reminded me of. So what did everyone clamber to be? Not to be Vader, Han, Lando or Boba Fett. They all wanted to be Darth Maul, Jar Jar or Qui-Gon. The child I eventually nicknamed Jar Jar (who was thrilled with his new identity) would love to imitate the klutzy gungan. His favourite was to re-enact the scene where Jar Jar preforms and acrobatic jump into the lake on Naboo. So while he may have been an immature and annoying character to you or I, to the 5 year old that George Lucas wanted to appeal to, he was perfect.

So for me, seeing the battles on Mustafar, traffic on Coruscant, the sleekness of a Naboo cruiser or to have Yoda actually pick up a light sabre was just awe inspiring. And I know, perhaps the same thing could have been achieved while still staying more similar to the original trilogy. But the last thing we needed was a carbon copy of 4, 5 & 6. It's a different story, being told to a different generation, with different technology and different expectations. And I believe George Lucas intended it as such. It's a freaking kids movie. So to everyone hating on Lucas for all his changes, while I don't necessarily agree with all of them, I do have to say: Lay off. I know it hurts to see him change the trilogy you love, but face it. It's not your trilogy, and it wouldn't exist in the first place without him. So if you don't like the changes, you don't have to watch them, it's as simple as that.

Basically, it's a kids movie, that's what it was meant to be, and it worked. A new generation was introduced to it and they loved it. Even if all it managed was to segway that generation into watching the original trilogy, there's nothing wrong with that. If that upsets you, just go watch the original trilogy again. No one it forcing you to re-watch the new ones.

Maybe I'm just being naive, (and I guess this sentiment is in the same vein as being angry at Lucas) when someone insults something I love, I take it personally. And the love I have towards Star Wars is unconditional. UNCONDITIONAL. So as cheesy as it might be, as altered as it might get, I don't think I'll ever bite the hand that feeds me. Well, I might nibble... or stab with a fork. But lovingly. At the end of the day, I'm going to find some part of it to appreciate, and I would suggest you do the same.

Don't be a hater!

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Apocalypse Later, Surf Now

This is a beautifully done surf video... set to the backdrop of the apocalypse. It's really well done, well visualized concept.

A quote from the youtuber keef70 who created it (via the daily what):

"The machines in the distance are oil rigs, their cylindrical legs allow them to walk/float anywhere in the ocean and [they] have sucked the Earth dry like locusts. The airships aren’t an invading force, but a massive evacuation by other humans trying in vain to escape the meteor hellstorm raining down."

Great context. Anyways, check it out.

SO STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!

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World's not gonna end people... Maybe the Mayans are just the worlds most epic trolls? Or they figured they had a few thousand years to keep working on that calendar.

The Hobbit trailer is out, and my mind is blown

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^That is how I feel like celebrating right now. The first trailer for the first hobbit movie is out, and if I do say, in my expert opinion... It's incredible.



I am unbelievably happy that Peter Jackson ended up directing this movie, and this trailer is evidence why. I definitely feel that ultimately, middle earth needs to be in his hands. No one can bring it to life like he can.

This trailer brings me back to the original FotR trailer (speaking of which, happy 10th anniversary to that movie, as of yesterday). Every time I watched it (and like most in nerd culture, obsessive doesn't even begin to describe my love of it), I got a feeling that I can only describe as engrossing. Or tingly, and deeply confusing. Mostly just engrossing. This world and these characters I had been imagining were coming to life in a way even my vivid imagination couldn't fathom. It wasn't just a trailer, and it wasn't just a movie. It was an experience, that I was a part of. And seeing the trailer for The Hobbit: An unexpected journey makes me feel the exact same way.

Needless to say, I'm counting the days- hell, the minutes until it's release. And I'll definitely be at the midnight premiere. And I'll feel incredibly nostalgic for 10 years prior, and unbelievably happy that I'm experiencing that all over again.

Until next time, Namarie

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Advice for attending a convention

I know a lot of this might go without saying, but it's easy to be overwhelmed with things to do/remember, so here's my advice for being prepared and getting the most out of it!

Disclaimer: I'm writing this with FanExpo Canada in mind, but it can be relevant for any convention.

-Do your shopping on the first and last day
The first day is best for those rare, special items that will probably sell out. If you see something you absolutely have to have, buy it immediately. It might be gone when you come back, and no one should have to face that kind of despair.

For the more common items you might be looking for, save those for the last day- infact, save a few hours at the end of sunday for snagging deals. Vendors will usually be offering discounts, sometimes you can haggle (Be classy, don't lowball). Because another feeling of despair that you should never experience is seeing that item you bought yesterday for 10$ cheaper today.

Other shopping notes: Unless you have somewhere to put them, save the big items to be bought and the end of the day, no one wants to be carrying around a giant stuffed Yoshi (the guy sitting behind you in a Q&A will definitely hate you for it). Also, and this is just my preference, try and spend a lot of time and money in the Artists Alley, I promise you won't regret it. These people make some really amazing, one-of-a-kind things that you'll hold on to for a long time.

-Bring cash
Lots and lots of cashey money. For several reasons. First of all, if you see something that you need to buy immediately, and the vendor only takes cash, in the time it takes you to run to an ATM, wait inline, get the cash and get let back into the vendor area, you might have lost your precious. Secondly, the ATM's there charge a robotic arm and a leg. Well, about 3$ but still, if you get money from their ATMs every day, that's 12$. That 12$ could have bought you something awesome. Thirdly, it will help you stick to a budget. It's so easy to over spend when you are literally surrounded by the acres of the most awesome stuff you have ever seen in your life. Spending 300$ on a life size Salacious Crumb might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you look at your wallet and realize that's all your money for an entire weekend, you might reconsider.

While on that subject, I suggest making a shopping list, come with an idea of what you want to go home with. Is there a specific comic or bust you might be looking for? Or do you just know that you want to expand your book or action figure collection? No matter how specific or vague your list is, it will still help to have one.

-Bring your own food
I've advocated it in the past, and I'll say it again, bring your own food. Even if you don't want to make whole meals to carry around, at least bring some snacks to tide you over and then go out and buy your meals at odd times. The food in the hall is poor quality, lacking variety and way overpriced. Even going outside of the convention center will still only give you fast food options. You'll save money and time if you bring your own. Try and grab some relatively healthy snacks too, you'll want to keep your energy up all day.

While your at it, bring a refillable water bottle, stay hydrated. You're going to be walking and sweating, avoid feeling sluggish or getting headaches by drinking tons of water.

-Talk to people
There is no better way to pass the time of standing in line than to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. You're all standing in line for the same thing, chances are you've got something in common to talk about. It's a great way to make friends too, because you're never going to be in a room with as many like minded people again (well, until next year at least).

-Come prepared with questions for the celebrity guests
I usually get tongue tied when meeting my idols, and I think that goes for a lot of other people as well. It's helpful to consider what you would like to ask or say to them (that also goes for considering how you want to get your picture taken, what you want them to sign, etc). Sometimes, they will also be working on new projects that you might not even realize, so it never hurts to come prepared. The celebs will probably appreciate it too. (Side note: No matter what you want to say, be respectful!)

-Decide your schedule in advance
I learned this lesson the hard way. I'm a pretty easy going person, I usually hate making plans, but when it comes to conventions, I become a bit of a planning Nazi. It's for a good reason. One year, I foolishly thought I could walk around without a plan, and realized too late that I had missed Brent Spiner's Q&A. The schedule is released in advance, go through and pick out your must-see's, and make sure you allow enough time for shopping, autographs, etc. I even go as far as to bring several highlighters and colour-code events in order or preference and urgency. Yeah, I was pretty damaged from that Brent Spiner thing.

-Have an emergency kit
An emergency kit is going to be different for everyone, so figure out what that means to you. Mine includes: Flip flops (I'm always cosplaying and that usually involves uncomfortable shoes, it's good to have a backup); needle, thread, super glue, make up, bobby pins, safety pins (again with cosplaying, wardrobe malfunctions happen, be prepared); reusable shopping bags (for all the swag and awesome purchases); some form of entertainment (a book, DS, deck of cards, whatever- just something to pass the time because you will have to wait around a lot); backup batteries/charger (my camera died last year, I literally took about 6 pictures the entire weekend); pen and paper (never know what you're going to need to remember); hand sanitizer (I don't even have to explain why); deoderant/perfume/cologne (There will be a lot of foul smelling people there, don't be one of them) and please please please don't forget your ticket, receipt and ID (just in case).

-Have fun
It's so easy to get stressed out or overwhelmed, just remember, you and everyone around you is here to have a good time. Enjoy it, take the good with the bad because there will be bad, but you'll be happy you were able to laugh it off and make the best of it.

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I just saw this vid on collegehumor, (skip to 6:55 to see the interview I'm talking about)



And I was captivated by Chuck and his petition to make button remapping standard. He (and every other gamer out there) deserves to be able to kick ass on their own terms. Sign the petition, I just did!

The website is askacapper.com and the link to the petition is on there.

I've got to say that like a lot of people watching this vid, didn't even consider that this was an issue. I have honestly never thought twice about button mapping. It wasn't even until Chuck pointed out that it used to be standard did it occur to me that I used to be able to do this all the time. Which is exactly why this petition is so relevant, it's something so simple and doable, that a lot of people might not realize it needs to be done. So one last time, go sign the petition.

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PS Need to add that I totally admire Chuck Bittner not only as a person, but particularily as a gamer. I get frustrated enough at games as it is, and I don't face a struggle like he does. That's dedication and the kind of sheer (usually frustratingly stubborn) will power that only geeks possess. Respect.