About two week ago, Heavy Rain landed in my mailbox. Since that time I've had this feeling in my gut that been urging me to run to the rooftops and tell people about this game. While I've reviewed games before this one is different, something that needs to be experienced by everybody.
To understand what makes Heavy Rain so special, I'll give you an example. In the smash hit GTA IV you play Niko Belic, an eastern European immigrant, as you try to find his "special someone". Every mission in the game has a scripted outcome, and clear terms of success and failure.
While GTA is one of the best gaming experience in the industry, the way it draws you into it's story is with it's over-the-top action and Rockstar's way of crafting zany characters for you to love and hate. It's linear, I could get the game's story in a number of other mediums and it seems somewhat out of place in a sandbox game like GTA IV, despite it's flawless execution.
What Heavy Rain achieves is something that only table-top RPGs(such as the infamous Dungeons & Dragons) have reached for, it's a different kind of storytelling. One that's far more realistic to what makes life so interesting. The ability to choose, and live with your consequences, and that's what Quantic Dream has offered us here only without the scars of cos-play, or having to work with math formulas to calculate damage or hit %s that kept it's intriguing method of storytelling to the hardest of the hardcore nerds.
This is a single setting and cast of characters that your thrust into, and while it's not perfect, the choices you make and the things you find success with or fail at, won't cause the game to end, because like life the world moves forward with or without that character or bit of information.
This is the core of what makes the game something special but it's far from all of it. While the game's story on it's own is cliche and the twist it hands you at it's very end feels cheap and frankly makes no sense depending on how you've played the game.
However the way the game plays with your emotions like a violinist takes it's few strings and crafts music. For example early in the game when Ethan Mars loses his son in the park the cops will ask him a series of questions. One of them being "Mr. Mars what was your son wearing" and while it makes no difference what you select during this sequence, The way I felt after I realized I played with him for 40 minutes and can't remember what the color of the coat and pants he was wearing was pure terror. For that briefest of moments this 21yr old man who can barely spell responsibility none the less raise a child, knew what it meant to be a father.
Heavy Rain is chock full of these moments that tug at your heart stings and urge you to make an impulse decision when a more clear headed one is most likely available if your quick witted enough. Another example of this is a scene called Nathaniel. In it your in a standoff as Norman Jayden, with a mentally unstable man. You can talk him down rather easily, but after he'll make a quick movement and the game will quickly flash the R1 button indicator to blow the man away, with seemingly no other options in my first play-through I reacted quickly and shot the man thinking it was a weapon. However what he was reaching for was merely a cross.
The weight of killing the man was unlike any action I've ever taken in my video gaming life, and the trophy I claim for it called "Blunder" was aptly named in my opinion. Even though the police handbook backs my decision, and my partner tells me I did the right thing, it didn't make that moment sit any better, and it hurt worse because I knew I couldn't take it back.
Few games have ever really grabbed me this completely, and no other story driven game has had me come back and play it 3 more times.(and many more I'm sure) Fewer games have made me talk with people who have played it to rehash stories, about how it made them feel, and the different things that happened to them. So play this game, don't hang yourself up on it's shortcomings.(although your free to lampoon the hell out of them lovingly)
If you feel it's a game, or not, I'd prefer you came in with the opinion that is something different because it'll make the game more enjoyable if you come in without the standard Pavlovian video gaming skills. Most of them won't help you here, and nothing you'll do in this game will come out perfect so reloading it would just be cheating yourself.
If you feel you need to be perfect then this game will annoy you, because it toys with you, and challenges you physiologically, your meant to fail certain things and it makes you feel incredibly badass the rare cases you pull them off.
I could go on and on, but to continue to talk about this game would risk spoiling it greatly. I've covered everything I needed to say anyway. Play this game, support Quantic Dream.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Review
Make no mistake Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a fun title, and the best shooter of 09 but it's a worse game then its predecessor across the board, and ultimately its underwhelming campaign, and short, no frills style doesn't justify a 60 dollar price tag.
---
When you pop Call of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 into your console you expect big things from it, with the press it's gotten, and the full on retreat from other developers from the holiday season this game was christened the AAA title of this year before it ever hit selves.
Perhaps the press was sucked up in the projected sales figures, or saw the fine tuning of the multiplayer experience as revolutionary, either way the gaming industry should expect better. And this title is a slap in the face for gamers looking for value for their dollar.
Campaign
For as long as the 5-11 hours the single player campaign lasts it delivers a high tempo, fast paced action storyline with a ton of backstabbing, cut throat politics, and a clear message.( history is written by the victors)
The action is pulse pounding, the controversy high, and the continuous feeling that your always overwhelmed is the franchises hallmark.
However, that's the problem, strip away all of the polish and it's a 5 hour single sitting game, that is a rent at best. It's strengths actually hurt it. Your not going to hit a choke-point and rage quit, like in many of the series earlier iterations. Your going to sit down play it and finish it all in one sitting, if you have the time.
It needed another 5 hours of game.
Spec Ops, and Multiplayer
Where it tries to give it to you is in it's Spec Ops, and mulitplayer game modes.
Spec Ops is just an excuse for more achievements, it's recycled scenarios with the difficulty nob turned up to 11, fun for the hardcore, pointless to me really.
Multiplayer suffers from boring map design, and shoddy balance issues. To sum up the balance issues grab a care package, and sprint right at a guy from the end of a hallway, never stood a chance did he?
It's this sort of issue that makes assault rifles about as valuable as used wallpaper, in the game you have two choices, snipe on the larger levels, or sprint and knife in the more claustrophobic. That's it, the knife is the best weapon in the game, and that's just ridiculous.
It undermines it's incredibly deep leveling system. Reducing it to merely pretty bars filling up with no meaning at all.
Rent this game, if your not beholden to its multiplayer experience. Just because it's a good FPS in a down gaming year doesn't make it that great. Halo 3's two years old now, and it's still a far better experience even with it's overwhelming story that ultimately leaves much to be desired.
Infinity Ward continues it's stellar shooter formula, and great action gaming motif, but a lack of ambition ultimately leaves me no choice, If you want a good CoD:MW experience stick to the original. 5/10
---
When you pop Call of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 into your console you expect big things from it, with the press it's gotten, and the full on retreat from other developers from the holiday season this game was christened the AAA title of this year before it ever hit selves.
Perhaps the press was sucked up in the projected sales figures, or saw the fine tuning of the multiplayer experience as revolutionary, either way the gaming industry should expect better. And this title is a slap in the face for gamers looking for value for their dollar.
Campaign
For as long as the 5-11 hours the single player campaign lasts it delivers a high tempo, fast paced action storyline with a ton of backstabbing, cut throat politics, and a clear message.( history is written by the victors)
The action is pulse pounding, the controversy high, and the continuous feeling that your always overwhelmed is the franchises hallmark.
However, that's the problem, strip away all of the polish and it's a 5 hour single sitting game, that is a rent at best. It's strengths actually hurt it. Your not going to hit a choke-point and rage quit, like in many of the series earlier iterations. Your going to sit down play it and finish it all in one sitting, if you have the time.
It needed another 5 hours of game.
Spec Ops, and Multiplayer
Where it tries to give it to you is in it's Spec Ops, and mulitplayer game modes.
Spec Ops is just an excuse for more achievements, it's recycled scenarios with the difficulty nob turned up to 11, fun for the hardcore, pointless to me really.
Multiplayer suffers from boring map design, and shoddy balance issues. To sum up the balance issues grab a care package, and sprint right at a guy from the end of a hallway, never stood a chance did he?
It's this sort of issue that makes assault rifles about as valuable as used wallpaper, in the game you have two choices, snipe on the larger levels, or sprint and knife in the more claustrophobic. That's it, the knife is the best weapon in the game, and that's just ridiculous.
It undermines it's incredibly deep leveling system. Reducing it to merely pretty bars filling up with no meaning at all.
Rent this game, if your not beholden to its multiplayer experience. Just because it's a good FPS in a down gaming year doesn't make it that great. Halo 3's two years old now, and it's still a far better experience even with it's overwhelming story that ultimately leaves much to be desired.
Infinity Ward continues it's stellar shooter formula, and great action gaming motif, but a lack of ambition ultimately leaves me no choice, If you want a good CoD:MW experience stick to the original. 5/10
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Fiction Break: The Destroyer
This was an a piece I wrote for a night-school assignment. I ended up dropping it, but it's one of the pieces of fiction I've written I'm most proud of. The assignment was "Write something based on the sentence; I walk down the street, I turn the corner and..."
Yeah I know, shitty topic but I made this out of it. Enjoy.
Haste is the bane of my personal being, but today I make an exception. As I turn the corner the glare of the mid-day sun obscures the sign, Quk-E-Mart it reads under optimal conditions.
As I cross the street an ache in my back intensifies, the walk back should be most pleasurable I'm sure. The door opens the ring of the bell above the door betrays my intentions. A slimy, shifty looking male glares at me from behind the counter, as he turns to do so his name tag reveals itself, Yorick. No wonder the kid hates everybody. I stare at the newsstand, the newspaper is 6 years old, the most current magazine is a Sports Illustrated featuring Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf... furthermore all the food, even the Twinkies, fail the stale test.
My Inquisitive mind races at full bore, the reason she called it “the package” became clear to me now. The real question was why me? Why here? Maybe she hoped I wouldn't pay attention to the specifics maybe she was counting on me ignoring the obvious signs? Maybe she wanted me to discover it for myself? Maybe shes learned of my past.
The doorbell rings again this time its not welcome company. “Sir, we've received a call about a potential drug...” that's all it takes for Yorick. He looks at me from where I'm hiding. I can see the look in his eyes, I've had the very same look in mine before. Without hesitation Yorick grabs the pump-action shotgun from under the counter and with blinding speed puts 2 slugs in chest of the police officer. Apparently the officer failed to believe the reports or budget cuts by bureaucrats have taken yet another life. Like a fireworks show that has risen to its crescendo, the life of this portly officer was now drawing to its awe-inspiring, sad conclusion... The sickly, red matter which has spent the overwhelming part of its time in his chest cavity, was now... well, not.
Yorick runs for the door, vaulting the counter and stepping in the liquid that now struggles to claim the floor. He peers out, he's never killed before and would likely never kill again.
As he makes his move, I make mine, I slip through the back Ilse and slide behind the counter. Yorick is at the door now and draws his final deep breath before three slugs find their mark. One reorganizes his face claiming his left eye and most of his bottom jaw. The others land in his stomach lightly rippling his abdomen. As he hits the floor, the soft thud, brings back memories of the way my heart thumped against my chest the second I reached home one night.. it was the first time I had cheated on a women... the eject button on the security cam recorder doesn't respond. I examine the tray... nothing there, just as I hoped. I crawl into the back.
I had only a minute, maybe less, before the dead officers partner called it in. They'd shoot first with an officer dead. They'd also tear the place apart so I'd have to hide in a place that I can fit, but would be unlikely to hide anything in. The drop ceilings would have to work, I just hoped it would support my weight.
Two hours later, the narc squad poured in, ripping at the walls. The dogs found the stash quickly, through a hole in one of the tiles I see it a white substance pure as finely processed salt. The detective knows what it is... Columbia's finest export.
4 hrs later a medical technician informs the group, now just outside the door judging by the clarity of their voices, informs him that the suspect is dead... Alas poor Yorick, I hardly knew ye.
26 hrs later...
Waiting is always the hardest part, so a famous singer once bellowed, but it wasn't as bad factoring in the fear, and the time I needed to process the whole situation. The questions streamed in my head? Was it just a coincidence? No I doubt it. Someone called it in, Yorick was depressed, jumpy, scared... he probably lived alone, no one to betray him, me on the other hand... A man is not without his flaws and one of mine was believing in the infallibility of the female persuasion... Well she asked me to travel across town to get the package she “needed”. I of course didn't ask questions I just did. Coke would net me a dime on good behavior even without my priors, but she couldn't know about those, could she?
Maybe she found out? Unlikely, she would have just left, I had to have done something. It's always me Ive learned... We hadn't even been together long, I hadn't felt that pull in my stomach, the one that always tells me I'm ready to move on. No perhaps it wasn't her after all, maybe a past acquaintance used her? Yes, surely.
The door closed this time I knew it was the last time. I tried to pull the tile up I had used to climb in. it crumbles in my hand. I feared my weight wouldn't hold as I try to climb out many more tiles break as I shift. Christening the floor in flecks and chunks I manage to get down but tomorrow surely my presence will be discovered, but at least I bought myself some time....
Outside the apartment, 2:35AM
I had maybe 10hrs before the police would find my print or a fleck of skin or a stray hair that would betray me... my past would again claim my future. The stairs were welcoming, I'll miss them. The cobblestone was high class compared to the cement of most other places. The handle was oak, hand carved so I'm told.
A young Arab woman is buzzed in, I seize the opportunity. Grabbing the door just before it closes. The elevator ride gave me the chance to decide on my approach. Not much to consider if I try to be to sneaking I'll be to easily remembered, best to just walk in like I own the place.
The door is unlocked. I turn it as quietly as I can, and enter. A light is on in the back room. She's home, the mail is on the table, as always. I examine it, Ms. Samantha McClain is the name listed on her phone bill, she was a productions assistant, or so I think. Well into her mid to late 30s but doesn't look a day over 29, I usually prefer younger women, they're always the most unaware of my activities on the side... its easier on everyone that way, but there was something different about this girl, maybe it was the money, that's what I told myself anyway.
I move towards the light, its low not the perfect illumination of usual light it was soft and golden. It makes everything it touches more glorious somehow. The sounds coming from the beddroom were all to familiar however, and dampen my sense of wonder. I open the door it swings open with a slight moan. The two bodies behind are blissfully unaware however.
As I watch her being tossed into the air a few inches continually, exposed, my heart implodes into itself. A man no more than twenty is doing the deed. He pants audibly, obviously overwhelmed by the moment he's forgone all sense of pace. Something only gained with experience. A women of her quality deserves far better.
None of that matters now, of course, all I can feel is a noose tightening.
I walk back away from the door. More confused now then ever, her purse lay on the coach next to her evening gown, brilliantly crimson. It sparkles and shines even with so little light. It's one she's worn with me before. I clean her handbag out. Every dollar, every penny. I'll need it if I'm to make it across the border. A bus ticket paid in cash should get me across state lines, then ill make it the rest of the way on foot. It'll be tougher to track that way...
A slight figure in a tan trench coat walks out the door he slicks his blond hair back with her comb, its graying slightly. As he adjusts his undershirt he walks away, leaving the purse open wide. It's contents exposed... he thinks its perfect. She can remember him the same way he'll always remember her...
Yeah I know, shitty topic but I made this out of it. Enjoy.
Haste is the bane of my personal being, but today I make an exception. As I turn the corner the glare of the mid-day sun obscures the sign, Quk-E-Mart it reads under optimal conditions.
As I cross the street an ache in my back intensifies, the walk back should be most pleasurable I'm sure. The door opens the ring of the bell above the door betrays my intentions. A slimy, shifty looking male glares at me from behind the counter, as he turns to do so his name tag reveals itself, Yorick. No wonder the kid hates everybody. I stare at the newsstand, the newspaper is 6 years old, the most current magazine is a Sports Illustrated featuring Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf... furthermore all the food, even the Twinkies, fail the stale test.
My Inquisitive mind races at full bore, the reason she called it “the package” became clear to me now. The real question was why me? Why here? Maybe she hoped I wouldn't pay attention to the specifics maybe she was counting on me ignoring the obvious signs? Maybe she wanted me to discover it for myself? Maybe shes learned of my past.
The doorbell rings again this time its not welcome company. “Sir, we've received a call about a potential drug...” that's all it takes for Yorick. He looks at me from where I'm hiding. I can see the look in his eyes, I've had the very same look in mine before. Without hesitation Yorick grabs the pump-action shotgun from under the counter and with blinding speed puts 2 slugs in chest of the police officer. Apparently the officer failed to believe the reports or budget cuts by bureaucrats have taken yet another life. Like a fireworks show that has risen to its crescendo, the life of this portly officer was now drawing to its awe-inspiring, sad conclusion... The sickly, red matter which has spent the overwhelming part of its time in his chest cavity, was now... well, not.
Yorick runs for the door, vaulting the counter and stepping in the liquid that now struggles to claim the floor. He peers out, he's never killed before and would likely never kill again.
As he makes his move, I make mine, I slip through the back Ilse and slide behind the counter. Yorick is at the door now and draws his final deep breath before three slugs find their mark. One reorganizes his face claiming his left eye and most of his bottom jaw. The others land in his stomach lightly rippling his abdomen. As he hits the floor, the soft thud, brings back memories of the way my heart thumped against my chest the second I reached home one night.. it was the first time I had cheated on a women... the eject button on the security cam recorder doesn't respond. I examine the tray... nothing there, just as I hoped. I crawl into the back.
I had only a minute, maybe less, before the dead officers partner called it in. They'd shoot first with an officer dead. They'd also tear the place apart so I'd have to hide in a place that I can fit, but would be unlikely to hide anything in. The drop ceilings would have to work, I just hoped it would support my weight.
Two hours later, the narc squad poured in, ripping at the walls. The dogs found the stash quickly, through a hole in one of the tiles I see it a white substance pure as finely processed salt. The detective knows what it is... Columbia's finest export.
4 hrs later a medical technician informs the group, now just outside the door judging by the clarity of their voices, informs him that the suspect is dead... Alas poor Yorick, I hardly knew ye.
26 hrs later...
Waiting is always the hardest part, so a famous singer once bellowed, but it wasn't as bad factoring in the fear, and the time I needed to process the whole situation. The questions streamed in my head? Was it just a coincidence? No I doubt it. Someone called it in, Yorick was depressed, jumpy, scared... he probably lived alone, no one to betray him, me on the other hand... A man is not without his flaws and one of mine was believing in the infallibility of the female persuasion... Well she asked me to travel across town to get the package she “needed”. I of course didn't ask questions I just did. Coke would net me a dime on good behavior even without my priors, but she couldn't know about those, could she?
Maybe she found out? Unlikely, she would have just left, I had to have done something. It's always me Ive learned... We hadn't even been together long, I hadn't felt that pull in my stomach, the one that always tells me I'm ready to move on. No perhaps it wasn't her after all, maybe a past acquaintance used her? Yes, surely.
The door closed this time I knew it was the last time. I tried to pull the tile up I had used to climb in. it crumbles in my hand. I feared my weight wouldn't hold as I try to climb out many more tiles break as I shift. Christening the floor in flecks and chunks I manage to get down but tomorrow surely my presence will be discovered, but at least I bought myself some time....
Outside the apartment, 2:35AM
I had maybe 10hrs before the police would find my print or a fleck of skin or a stray hair that would betray me... my past would again claim my future. The stairs were welcoming, I'll miss them. The cobblestone was high class compared to the cement of most other places. The handle was oak, hand carved so I'm told.
A young Arab woman is buzzed in, I seize the opportunity. Grabbing the door just before it closes. The elevator ride gave me the chance to decide on my approach. Not much to consider if I try to be to sneaking I'll be to easily remembered, best to just walk in like I own the place.
The door is unlocked. I turn it as quietly as I can, and enter. A light is on in the back room. She's home, the mail is on the table, as always. I examine it, Ms. Samantha McClain is the name listed on her phone bill, she was a productions assistant, or so I think. Well into her mid to late 30s but doesn't look a day over 29, I usually prefer younger women, they're always the most unaware of my activities on the side... its easier on everyone that way, but there was something different about this girl, maybe it was the money, that's what I told myself anyway.
I move towards the light, its low not the perfect illumination of usual light it was soft and golden. It makes everything it touches more glorious somehow. The sounds coming from the beddroom were all to familiar however, and dampen my sense of wonder. I open the door it swings open with a slight moan. The two bodies behind are blissfully unaware however.
As I watch her being tossed into the air a few inches continually, exposed, my heart implodes into itself. A man no more than twenty is doing the deed. He pants audibly, obviously overwhelmed by the moment he's forgone all sense of pace. Something only gained with experience. A women of her quality deserves far better.
None of that matters now, of course, all I can feel is a noose tightening.
I walk back away from the door. More confused now then ever, her purse lay on the coach next to her evening gown, brilliantly crimson. It sparkles and shines even with so little light. It's one she's worn with me before. I clean her handbag out. Every dollar, every penny. I'll need it if I'm to make it across the border. A bus ticket paid in cash should get me across state lines, then ill make it the rest of the way on foot. It'll be tougher to track that way...
A slight figure in a tan trench coat walks out the door he slicks his blond hair back with her comb, its graying slightly. As he adjusts his undershirt he walks away, leaving the purse open wide. It's contents exposed... he thinks its perfect. She can remember him the same way he'll always remember her...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Truth About The 2009 Elections
The numbers have been crunched and for both parties the truth hurts. I'll start with the Republican's because I'm a Democrat, and it makes me happier to give them bad news.
For the Republican Party they picked up two fairly big Governor seats in Virginia, and New Jersey. Jon Corzine was a media favorite because of his charisma, but the simple fact was he wasn't serving his constituency the way he was MSNBC. Going into the day his approval rating was 39%, and we'd known for a while that seat was lost.
I wish moderate Chris Christie luck in straightening out that state's fiscal situation, and meeting all of the challenges he's going to face. The win shows that politics of the state out way the politics of the nation, at least locally, and the high property taxes, and corruption scandals have really made this win possible.
In Virginia, Creigh Deeds "Democrat" spent his time running away from President Obama's policy choices, bashing progressives, and generally made a fool of himself. Stunningly the states newly minted "Obama Democrats" stayed home and he was soundly defeated. I hope this is a lesson to any candidate, insult your base in a runoff and watch them stay home.
The big win of the day for the Republicans was the fact that the hot button progressive rally banner now has a record of 0-31 as my home state of Maine voted narrowly to overturn a law signed and passed by Governor Baldacci that would have made marriage for gay and lesbian's legal, and have the same benefits as traditional couples. My stance on the issue is complex and deserves my undivided attention to properly justify it. Which I'm sure I'll do at some point, in the future.
While this has been used as the rally cry for the rebirth of the republican party, with Michael Steele about to bust out a New Kidz On The Block rap he memorized to show the youngsters his flyness. The data seem to bare none of this out.
A party that has won a general election the year before, and has majority leadership of one side of congress at least, has NEVER, and I repeat NEVER won an important seat in a runoff the following year.
Why? Because when you have it all, its hard to moderate, and educate yourself to get to a polling place to vote on something of lesser importance. Add in the trendy hipster votes(ie 18-29 year olds) general lack of reliability and you'll see this is, although concerning, nothing to hang your hat on for 2010, or 2012.
With this sudden rebirth being peddled to the masses. Right Wing Radio took one square in the balls in NY-23's race as Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman was struck down, by last choice candidate of the Democratic Party Bill Owens in a district that hasn't gone left since the Civil War, with an assist from the 5% of voters that posthumously voted for Scozzafava. In opposition of Malkin's claims that she's a “lefty” in disguise.
As if learning nothing from the fact, that a district that is 75% Republican couldn't elect your "Conservative” candidate, they'll try again, this time the shamed candidate will be former 2008 Vice Presidential consideration Carly Fiorina. As she'll attempt to unseat Barbara Boxer. Somehow I don't see that going very well, how about you?
Dick Armey says this is the tip of the spear for the cleansing of the Republican Party. I for one hope it is, I like the idea of 70 Democratic Senate seats. In the short term however I'll enjoy the fact that a districts final holder will be a democrats as the 2010 Census is sure to contract that district.
The overriding theme across the night is perhaps the most disconcerting. The Youth Vote, our vote, didn't show up when the lights weren't large and the stakes weren't high.
We're the Mountain Dew generation, and unfortunately that means that midterm races will most likely always be stacked against the Democratic party, and even in the bi-yearly ellections we'll only vote if transcendent names have D's next to their names. This is unfortunate because we likely won't be talking about young voters, in the terms of who we'll vote for. But rather IF we'll vote at all.
For the Republican Party they picked up two fairly big Governor seats in Virginia, and New Jersey. Jon Corzine was a media favorite because of his charisma, but the simple fact was he wasn't serving his constituency the way he was MSNBC. Going into the day his approval rating was 39%, and we'd known for a while that seat was lost.
I wish moderate Chris Christie luck in straightening out that state's fiscal situation, and meeting all of the challenges he's going to face. The win shows that politics of the state out way the politics of the nation, at least locally, and the high property taxes, and corruption scandals have really made this win possible.
In Virginia, Creigh Deeds "Democrat" spent his time running away from President Obama's policy choices, bashing progressives, and generally made a fool of himself. Stunningly the states newly minted "Obama Democrats" stayed home and he was soundly defeated. I hope this is a lesson to any candidate, insult your base in a runoff and watch them stay home.
The big win of the day for the Republicans was the fact that the hot button progressive rally banner now has a record of 0-31 as my home state of Maine voted narrowly to overturn a law signed and passed by Governor Baldacci that would have made marriage for gay and lesbian's legal, and have the same benefits as traditional couples. My stance on the issue is complex and deserves my undivided attention to properly justify it. Which I'm sure I'll do at some point, in the future.
While this has been used as the rally cry for the rebirth of the republican party, with Michael Steele about to bust out a New Kidz On The Block rap he memorized to show the youngsters his flyness. The data seem to bare none of this out.
A party that has won a general election the year before, and has majority leadership of one side of congress at least, has NEVER, and I repeat NEVER won an important seat in a runoff the following year.
Why? Because when you have it all, its hard to moderate, and educate yourself to get to a polling place to vote on something of lesser importance. Add in the trendy hipster votes(ie 18-29 year olds) general lack of reliability and you'll see this is, although concerning, nothing to hang your hat on for 2010, or 2012.
With this sudden rebirth being peddled to the masses. Right Wing Radio took one square in the balls in NY-23's race as Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman was struck down, by last choice candidate of the Democratic Party Bill Owens in a district that hasn't gone left since the Civil War, with an assist from the 5% of voters that posthumously voted for Scozzafava. In opposition of Malkin's claims that she's a “lefty” in disguise.
As if learning nothing from the fact, that a district that is 75% Republican couldn't elect your "Conservative” candidate, they'll try again, this time the shamed candidate will be former 2008 Vice Presidential consideration Carly Fiorina. As she'll attempt to unseat Barbara Boxer. Somehow I don't see that going very well, how about you?
Dick Armey says this is the tip of the spear for the cleansing of the Republican Party. I for one hope it is, I like the idea of 70 Democratic Senate seats. In the short term however I'll enjoy the fact that a districts final holder will be a democrats as the 2010 Census is sure to contract that district.
The overriding theme across the night is perhaps the most disconcerting. The Youth Vote, our vote, didn't show up when the lights weren't large and the stakes weren't high.
We're the Mountain Dew generation, and unfortunately that means that midterm races will most likely always be stacked against the Democratic party, and even in the bi-yearly ellections we'll only vote if transcendent names have D's next to their names. This is unfortunate because we likely won't be talking about young voters, in the terms of who we'll vote for. But rather IF we'll vote at all.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Batman Arkham Asylum review.
If you can name all of the faces in that photo you should have beaten this already.
Back when I first heard about this game in Game Informer I had some major doubts.
For starters the company that produced this game, Eidos Interactive, had managed to ruin it's credibility in the gaming industry by running the Tomb Raider franchise directly into the ground with one of the worst games of it's generation, Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness. Something to this day, the franchise has struggled to overcome.
Secondly, most of the insiders were very tepid in it's previews.
You see most of the time, you can tell if a game has potential by the way reviewers write their previews. They'll sometimes tell you things like "it needs work" or this build is " in an early stage" when the game is only months from shipping, or you can see by the tone this isn't something that's going to blow you away.
Because of this people who do their due diligence know almost all the AAA titles for the year by when there shooting for release, and what the previews are saying. If the previews are glowing, and the release date is anywhere between now, and December 24th, you can circle your calenders and starting bleeding out your ears to try and earn the cash.
And finally superhero games have a long historical relationship with suck.
However every once in a while we get a game that comes out of nowhere, and surprises us all.
That ladies, and gentlemen is what we have here. I'm not sure how it happened, but a game that was released in August has a real shot at Game of the Year. It really does kick that much ass.
Before I get too far ahead of myself lets backup a bit.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is available on the XBOX360, and PS3. It's a stealth action platformer/stealth action/ light puzzle title in which you play as the aforementioned Dark Knight voiced by the incredibly underrated Kevin Conroy from the animated series. As you chauffeur who else, but the Clown Prince of Crime, voiced by the great Mark Hamil also reprising his role from the animated series, back to the poky.
Expectantly Joker's got more than his wrist up his sleeve and he hatches a devious plan to take over Arkham Asylum, and finally takedown The Batman once and for all. At least that what he's telling you.
Right from the moment you start the game you know your in for a real treat. Mark Hamil must have been locked in that recording booth for months, because the seer amount of dialog, and differing filler lines will make you go numb if you stop and think about it.
Thankfully with top billing, he puts in a masterclass performance that should win him every voice acting award given out for this year. Proving once and for all he's the best Joker of all time. From his spot on devilish laugh, to his cold and calculating kill scenes, and clinical stabs in the back, this Joker isn't the PG-13 one from the Animated Series, folks.
He'll stab his own allies in the back, lead you into violent traps, and try to kill you in the most hilarious ways he can think of. And he shows it in the introduction, as he crushes one guard's windpipe, and renders the other two unconscious as he makes his escape.
This is where you'll learn another fact, Harley Quinn(voiced by Arleen Sorkin, the women that really made the character) has a new uber-skimpy outfit that really accent's her... form. While this is pointed out in one the many magnificent cut-scenes, the reason why Poison Ivy doesn't wear pants isn't. This a game while not an M-title, it certainly isn't something the super young need to bare witness to.
For Poison Ivy; pants are optional. I can relate.
When Joker makes his escape the plot begins, and so to do the spoilers, and this is a must play so I won't go any further. I will however give you a riddle Edward E. Nigma would be proud of.
What character, who's a very bad man, could both live in a place named after him, and be scorn accidentally even if you'd never heard of him? The answer to that will net you a key piece of the plot.
Speaking of the Riddler, I guess it's time to get into the actual gameplay. While extremely plot heavy, the games combat system is a mix between the old, new Prince of Persia(Sands of Time) and the original Assassin's Creed games.
For those that don't have any idea what i just said, the combat is more about making quick decisions than it is about mastering complex combos. With simply the A, B, Y, X buttons you'll be able to bring about copious amounts of pain. For every clean strike or counter you land in a row your gain a multiplier on experience points that can be used to unlock the rest of batman's utility belt.
It's very simple and intuitive, as Batman flies through the air bringing the hurt, it really made me think of old school kung fu movies. And you can tell the onious was put on it to get it like that. It's easy, but its great eye candy, and the variation in takedown moves, and throws, as well as strikes all depends on complex math going on under the hood. You'll rarely see the same combo twice which is stunning and is magnificent.
However that doesn't mean Batman's strict no guns rule extends to the enemy. No sir. When the enemy is packing heat the game changes. You'll have to stalk your pray, from above with conveniently placed gargoyles, or from bellow; with equally convenient grates, these set pieces are what really suck you in as Batman. When you have detective mode on and your looking at your enemies heart rate sky rocket as you make an inverted takedown and leave one of there buddies screaming for help. It's really priceless.
The glide kick is another of your best weapons in the game.
Besides the combat there are a number of detective set pieces that cover up the fact your backtracking to extend the games length, and easter eggs for fans in the form of riddles, and trophy challenges from the one and only Ed Nigma, even the Joker helps out by leaving you some chattering teeth for you to destroy. The spirit of Amadeus Arkum also gets into the act, providing possibly one of the best single acts of sleuthing in video game history, that doesn't force you to consult a walkthrough.
Some of these riddles, and challenges will be real brain benders that will test your scavenging skills and others will be odes to the comic book fans.
For example in the medical facility you'll be asked to find a fire-starter, and you'll find a newspaper article about Firefly, unlocking a character bio with the first issue of the villains appearance in case you didn't know and would like to read up.
This is really what the game does so well. It's a hard edged Batman tale that finally lives up to the billing of its characters potential, while playing more like a love letter to the caped crusader. While small bits can be picked at, like the weak final battle with Joker, or the tedious Killer Croc boss battle. Everything else more than makes up for it, and none of these small nags ever nags you enough to ruin the experience.
This game will grab you and never let go.
When the end comes it feels all too soon, and you'll want to play it again on hard just to keep the memory of what you've just experienced alive. For anyone who wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Tweedledee or Tweedledum, this game may not be the score that I'm about to give it, but overall this is a masterpiece of Batman. And I hope they make another game like they tease at the end.
Graphics 9.5 out of 10
Sound 9.9 out of 10
Gameplay 9.5 out of 10
Replay 9 out of 10
Tilt 10 out of 10
Overall 9.7 out of 10. Masterpiece.
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