Sunday, September 4, 2011

Mini Review: Spider-man: Shattered Dimensions

When Spider-man / Peter Parker made the choice to become a hero, it was because of his Uncle's death that lead his destiny. But its when a villain takes all of his choices away, the destiny of four other Spiders must align to change their timeline and save their worlds.

Shattered Dimensions is a mixed title, a platformer, beat-em up, and a first person adventure. (and dare I say boxing) that part comes later. As a platformer, its a traditional from point a to b design, until you wind up smack dab taking on obstacles, and a various assortment of roller coaster rides. SD is unlike any other game in the franchise, altogether it is a refreshing take on the Spider-man series (it even rivals Batman Arkham Asylum, or so I have been told).

Control setup is fluid, and is quick as a dime. Plus it doesn't have to be memorized, as you are able to gain new abilities, what you gain gives your chosen Spidey a bit more inertia than before. Therein unlockables are plenty, from choosing new attacks, to health, and spidey sense upgrades. In addition, costumes are also a neat extra. Plus the difficulty levels vary, from Easy, to Normal, and Hard.
Oh and of course this game is filled with plenty of easter eggs. If you missed picking up this title when it came out, do yourself a favor and snag a friendly copy.

Those who are waiting for the next chapter "Edge of Time" definitely need to play this game first. As it unravels a lot more than one storyline, but the consequences of the ongoing comic series currently running.
Bonus goodie #1 in issue #500, Peter experiences a "what if" dream state that he is in the pouring rain, about me arrested by police. Adoring a jacket very closely resembling the Noir Spider-man.
#2 Many of the villains are from the Sinister Six
#3 And before the Ultimate Spidey's untimely shift in gears
#4 2099 is a reflection of what could be... Edge of Time we experience things from the future's perspective because of the outcome in Peter's choice herein Shattered Dimensions.
And the current comics storylines are also being crossed with this really intense series... so who knows where things may go next.

Friday, August 5, 2011

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

After hearing about a certain film series, I checked out the trilogy. Due to homework, I never got a chance to watch them since I found them from the library. Watched the first film with my parents, oddly enough its not your typical murder mystery / hush-hush film. Wait the library?! Holy..

So onto the first film, at first you follow some journalists integrity downfall. Only to be held by a lock of 2 months to find out if there was some truth. Enter Lisbet (a gothic) firecracker who is a bit of a mystery herself. This film is very dark, entangled with more twists than most American films right now. (and lots of risque moments that will make any viewer cringe)

I understand I may be a bit behind, but this film is not easy to find. That aside, its definitely a film series worth watching. Going to view part 2 later today.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

So we are Psy-ing

So far Psychology has been ongoing, honestly I feel like I'm learning something from the class.
A bit in regards to the hefty book that covers the subject. And some insight from the instructor towards some of the subject at least most of the time. But most of the class feels a bit set aside, cruising along. Thing is I never let stuff get to me too much, but there's definitely a lot of kinetic energy. Gotta run

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Dark of the Moon

Just made it home, after seeing Transformers 3. Honestly, I must admit its a bit better than "Revenge of the Fallen". Less examination from the humans, and more from our friends the Autobots & Decepticons. History collides with the future, and a huge roller-coaster ride takes it into overdrive.

On the plus side, Sam does redeem himself for recognition. Even though by dire means, and finding a new lady (I still miss Megan though). Plus a certain leading actor plays a perfect villain, (I won't spoil, but its definitely worth seeing). Oh and a must to check this out in theaters, don't wait for the dvd. Catch it on its matinee' run =D

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Looking deeper

After beginning my psychology 101 course, I found out a few things about myself.
1) I do not connect with everyone
2) I find myself in a conversation with a select few classmates.
3) Most of them being of the opposite gender
4) I am starting to understand how Psy relates to the medical practice I'm heading towards.

Just a few keynotes I thought would be fun to share.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Re-examine a hedgehog

Just this past Monday, I started taking Psychology as a pre-requisite class towards my major being Massage Therapy. And it made me wonder, about the color grade concept. For the longest time I've wondered if Sonic the Hedgehog was intentionally made "blue". According to some studies, the color "blue" is stimulation, or free-spirit, always in motion.

Ever since I found myself interested in the medium of video games. Colors were always meant to express the development team's thoughts. What makes a hero? Or a villain? Since day one, the blue hedgehog was always non-stop, while a human (wearing a definitive red outfit, and boots) donning a menacing mustache and grin.

I may have found my subject for a final paper, although it may seem a bit off-beat going with a discussion towards a video game character's color concept. Maybe it might be worth trying, since I do have a lot to say about the topic.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Bayonetta Review

Review – Bayonetta
System(s) – PS3 / Xbox360
Produced by: Platinum Games / Hideki Kamiya
Rated – M (for mature)


Torn between two worlds: heaven & earth, angels & demons, limbo is not what it’s cracked up to be. This is where B, our heroine is placed: a world of wonder, history, and darkness. Being one of the “lost witches”, he vows to right the wrongs that have been made onto those in the past. Meanwhile facing enormous odds against those: from upon high, and below. Welcome to a tale, of magic, action, suspense, and mystery unlike any other.


Bayonetta’s tale is told through chapters “Verses”. And as your mission unfolds, you will find lost books that unveil the history of the torn worlds, including: enemies, and bosses encountered, and weaponry.
In-game money is composed of an item called “Halo’s”, the rings that are above the angels’ heads. Gather up enough, and drop by “The Gates of Hell”, and visit with the cheerful shop owner. At the “Gates of Hell”, items for health, weapons, and special moves can be purchased here. Another neat feature within B’s quest is the option of being able to compose mixtures of compounds. Items found within each chapter, can be fused to create health & magic items. Master these well, and you will find a diverse collection of goodies whenever you need them.


Each “Verse” unfolds B’s tale from start to finish, finding old friends, to meeting old enemies from days long ago. Character dialog is given a unique touch, from B’s “sassy” attitude, to Jeanne’s “angst”, and much more. Even the villains you come across have their own personality. From angels, to watchdogs, and a few beasts that dislike a pretty face wanting to make them eat dirt.


Bayonetta’s in-game soundtrack is an: exciting, diverse, energetic, and psychotic. B’s background tunes are just about everywhere, from jazz, rock, to electronica. Plus there are a few hidden Easter egg tracks that are waiting to be found. Depending on the situation surrounding both B & the player, the music will shift to a darker tone until a health item is used. Boss themes are composed of power, and strength, versus the lovely lady’s opposing attitude, which mixes well during boss fights. (Think of Jet Set Radio Future’s song playlist, which shifted during your escapades around town)


Controls within B’s adventure are simply setup, but can be changed whenever the player decides. On the plus side, the controls are timely pressed (for QTE events) which work seamlessly. Plus there is an alternative reaction, for moments such as torture attack, versus boss, and escaping obstacles. (1) Torture Attack = aka “pushing buttons” This mode is active once B has delivered enough damage towards enemies nearby, thus delivering the final blow (or crush, smash, or ripping a black hole to summon an entity). (2) Boss fight(s) – Player versus enemy, the classic finale to every stage. But in this game, some enemies make a comeback, depending on how well B delivers blows. Once a foe’s ass is kicked to bits, the finish is a lovely QTE that involves a descriptive finishing move that requires timed button presses to earn, and receive extra “halos”. (3) Obstacles are a classic platformers’ best friend, or worst enemy. In B’s case, it’s a mix of the two, consisting of monumental getaways (close to Indiana Jones). This mode happens rarely often, but once it’s active get ready to run!! (And watch out for baddies that make your getaway a headache, ignore them and keep going!)


Before we wrap us this review, I must give kudos to a friend of mine, Leigh Alexander. A writer that delivers: knowledge, wit, wisdom, and downright awesome. Leigh introduced me to the game Bayonetta, by way of her writing. Be sure to read some of her diverse works @
http://sexyvideogameland.blogspot.com/
http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/213466/bayonetta-empowering-or-exploitative/
(This review is a must read, it may open your mind on how to take a game, not so seriously)