Dead Space 3 - Unfinished Review

I have been pressed for time for awhile now and haven't had time to sit down and write up a proper review. So this is a work-in-progress that I don't have time to flesh out just yet, and probably wont ever get around to finishing, unfortunately. But I decided it was still worth putting up my thoughts on Dead Space 3 as well as an an insight into my process. What you will see below is my version of notes; when I am reviewing something I typically write random things down like evocative words, descriptive sentences, anything that comes to mind while in the review process. I generally leave the sentences scattered throughout the write-up and pick and chooses from my collection of thoughts. Oftentimes they are reworded to fit a different flow or even torn apart to get to the germ of the idea and sometimes they are completely discarded as they are minor problems that are addressed or are simply unusable ramblings. So enjoy and feel free to question my process. *I never completed the game so my final thoughts are TBA.

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Hokey writing

Combat against enemies with guns is new for Dead Space but it quickly justifies itself by varying up the challenge between the hoards of necromorphs.

Dead Space 3 continues with the series tradition of well-tuned combat that is immensely fun and satisfyingly challenging without being aggravating. (seems a bit easier though)

The game looks fantastic at times, the zero-g exploratory sequences are a real standout.

Predictable, contrived, forced-sequel

Carver is hilariously blunt

Dead Space 3 displays a soap-opera level of storytelling that is baffling and eye-roll inducing, but above all else completely unwarranted and disturbingly coy, as if to let the player know its a joke, but then why even attempt such a ridiculously cheesy story.

Weapon customization is a ton of fun but oddly under-explained, encourages experimentation which complements the great combat which is largely unchanged from the previous game.

Infuriatingly, character motivations and feelings change at the drop of a hat. All in service of a painfully written, melodrama soaked narrative that has no place in a Dead Space game.

Uncharted-lite, over the top but lacking ingenuity

The lack of inventive and memorable set-pieces that its predecessor had in spades is sorely missed. In its place are overlong combat sequence that while engaging feel like padding.

The game also seems eager to stretch for time, oftentimes sending you through the same areas multiple times to retrieve separate items that could have just as easily been rounded up in one trip.

Optional Missions as the game calls them are sometimes interesting divergences that flesh out minor events that occurred before Issac and his team turned up. These vignettes are oftentimes more eerie and well told than the main story line and a welcome addition if not entirely unnecessary.

Dead Space 3 maintains the series supremely high quality standard but overall falls short with a handful of poor design choices.

There were moments of pure unfettered joy to be had while playing Dead Space 3 but they were all times where I was blissfully unaware of the ongoing story, but I promise that those joyous moments of narrative brevity were magical.

Dead Space 3 doesn't do much for the franchise as a whole, but its a superbly well made game that is, at times, one hell of a fun time.

3 or 4 out of 5, can go either way (fuck this story is terrible)

Tomb Raider Review

Tomb Raider attempts to reinvent Lara Croft and tell an origin story that justifies how she became the badass archaeologist from the classic games. Unfortunately Crystal Dynamics gets sidetracked making an action thrill ride which apes from far more successful games and more often than not betrays its initial ambitions of telling a more grounded story. Lara and her journey is the most compelling aspect of the game and watching her go from apologetically killing an animal for food so she wont starve to in the final act of the game actively edging on her enemies is the most satisfying aspect of the entire game. Tomb Raider fails in some respect in appropriately charting Lara journey from naive skeptic to heroine through inconsistent writing and convenient storytelling but it maintains a break-neck pace that anyone will have trouble putting down.

Tomb Raider take place on the island of Yamatai which as legend explains was ruled by the shaman queen Himiko the "Sun Queen". Lara and her cohorts find themselves stranded on this island after a horrible storm, and they quickly realize that they are not alone on this island and the legends of the queen's undead feudal army may be true. The game opens up fairly large areas to explore regularly but is overall quite linear, there is never any other route other than the one the game specifically lays out for you. But some "Metroidvania" type elements of hidden secrets that you need to return to with better equipment makes scouring the island quite fun. The lack of actual tombs is unforgivable given the title of the game with what amounts to a total of 6 roughly 3 minute long tombs that test all the mental capability of a rodent in their simplicity. But what the game lacks in the traditional exploratory aspects it makes up for with one of the most well tuned combat experiences in recent memory.

The game doles out skills, weapon, and traversal upgrades in such a way that maintains a balance between a vulnerable and incapable Lara and one who is fed up with her predicament and is dishing out payback in brutal fashion. There is an odd discontent between the gruesome levels of violence and abuse that Lara is subjected to as well as dishes out that doesn't align with the story and character arch that is supposed to be unfolding. The game takes a much more action focused route which makes more a fun roughly 10 hour experience but never amounts to anything memorable. The games most impressive moments are long  enjoyably challenging segments of traversal that show off the impeccable graphics and its a shame the game never delves deeper into the puzzle solving adventure the series was known for. Tomb Raider is a supremely well made game and at times its pitch of a watching a survivor being born in the midst of this island comes to fruition but it too often indulges in action game cliches that flys in the face of its more intimate character developments.

  (4 out of 5)

Mass Effect 3 DLC: Citadel Review

Here we are, at the end of an era as they say, as Citadel marks the absolute last piece of dlc for the Mass Effect Trilogy. It's been six years since the release of the first game and while its truly sad to see this dlc signal the end of an era, BioWare could not have gone out on a higher note. Citadel stands as the true end-cap to the series, not the cobbled together extended cut that fan outcry forced out of BioWare. This dlc was truly crafted with fans in mind. All along the way BioWare winks and nods to the series's past going so far as to reference memes from popular fan-fiction and internet communities. The add-on is supremely well written with one-liners and pop-culture reference being thrown out in a fury of delightful reverence. This was the send off the Mass Effect universe deserved and it was an absolute delight to go on this victory lap disguised as dlc even when it gets cheesier than it can handle. But as much as I feel like gushing about this last hurrah let me state with absolute clarity, this dlc will only have the impact as I've described it if you are a die-hard fan. If you love this universe and the characters that inhabit it as much as I do this piece of content will leave a massive smile plastered across your face for the duration of its endearingly wacky run-time.

I should probably describe the dlc as that is typically the approach a "review" would take. Without going into too much detail as the many surprises in store for prospective players is a large chunk of your overall enjoyment, Citadel involves a conspiracy that aims to usurp the now legendary Commander Shepard and end his life. But while the structured missions allow for an excuse to return to this universe and revel in the 6 years of history and fan adoration its the small things that make this dlc the single greatest thing to come out of BioWare in a very long time. Suffice to say everyone involved in the development of this add-on is talking directly to fans with a story-line so cheesy there isn't a cracker in the galaxy that could support it. It's all in good fun though, and its a blast to revisit this world in a more jovial fashion. Everyone comes back for this final farewell, unless they have been killed previously (narratively or as a result of shitty player decisions) and they all get the treatment they so richly deserve. If one of your favorite parts of Mass Effect 3 was the sniper competition on the Citadel with Garrus than you will absolutely adore this dlc. The real meat of this content is in the social interactions you can have with all your current and past squad mates. I will simply state that just when the story raps up the party is only just beginning. The dlc has a lot more to offer than is initially made clear, but a little exploration reveals more social interactions than the entirety of the trilogy. All of which culminates in a surprisingly poignant ending that had me on the verge of tears as I realized this was truly the last time I would see all these characters I have grown to love over the past six years. 

Fans = (6 out of 5) 

Literally Everyone Else = (2 out of 5)

Saga Vol.1 Review

Now this is a first, huh, a comic book review. Now now, don't go running for the hills. I may have never done a comic book review on this blog before but I would like to think I'm well versed in the medium. For reference on my expertise I can tell you I know Superman's other weakness besides kryptonite is magic, I know the name of every Robin (yes, there have been more than one), and I can recite the Green Lantern oath. I would type it but that wouldn't really validate anything as you would just think I looked it up and pasted it here. You'll just have to trust that I'm a non-discriminating all encompassing nerd and I'm obnoxiously proud of that fact. But anyways, I'm sitting here on a Sunday after having just spent roughly 4-5 hours studying for a Law and Ethics class and since this blog is only partially a diary I figured I should review something and this is the only thing I've recently enjoyed and would like to tell more people about. This review will cover the paperback collection of issues 1-6.

Saga is the latest glimpse into the genius mind of Brian K. Vaughan who previously gave us Ex Machina and Y: The Last Man two of the most revered comic book series in the industry. The two series earned him 13 Eisner Awards and a Hugo Award the highest honor of works within the science fiction and fantasy  realm. An award shared by The Watchmen considered by many to be the single greatest and most important graphic novel ever conceived. So when Vaughan got started on his latest creation my interest was peeked especially since he expressed an interest in telling a story that spanned a greater length of time on a massive scale. I picked up the first issue and was blown away, the sincere emotion and subtle humor Vaughn is known for is on full display emphasized by the indescribable insanity that is the design of the world and its inhabitants. Fiona Staples demands a lot of the praise as well as her art is jarring and demands inspection it also very humanly expresses subtle emotional nuances, an important feat in a book littered with so much insanity.

Saga tells the story of the newlyweds Alana and Marko as well as their recently born daughter Hazel as they traverse the galaxy dodging mercenaries and side-stepping an all out war between the inhabitants of the planet Landfall and its moon Wreath. There is a lot of back story and while at first it may appear overwhelming it is doled out slowly enough with emphasis remaining on the new parents making it easy to follow. The story is sometimes cleverly narrated by Hazel as recalling the story in the far off future. The series is supremely well written with sharp naturalistic dialogue and a deep history and lore that further fills out the world as each issue delves a little deeper into this odd universe. Staples art is also something to behold, especially given how strange some of the things she has to draw are from a ruthless aristocrat who happens to have a television for a head to a femme fatale spider assassin. Saga is still early in its life and only time will tell if the inventiveness and engaging familial drama keeps up but as of the first volume (issues 1-6) it's looking like another modern classic from Vaughn. I highly recommend Saga for those interested in a comic that's comfortable in left field and doesn't mind reveling in some of the weirder idiosyncratic elements Vaughn so often brings.

(5 out of 5)

Community S4E1 "History 101" Review

Community has finally returned after an extended hiatus due in part to NBC's complete lack of control and astounding ineptitude in running a television network. As well as the seemingly left field announcement of showrunner Dan Harmon's departure after disagreements with Sony and NBC executives. Fans remained nervous about the shows future under a new writing staff and pair of showrunners leaving the season four premier with a lot to live up to. Unfortunately it seems the show we knew and loved is gone. Cynically replaced with a less alienating tone and sharp wit instead focusing on broader humor with more obvious and in turn lazy cultural references. I'm sorry to say it but it seems Community is officially dead, making NBC's half-assed attempt of fooling loyal fans that the current heartless carcass they are trodding out is even remotely the same show we had last year more aggravating and insulting.

Don't let the picture fool you, Community has lost its wit.

The experience of watching the season premier is nearly indescribable. It was at once, depressing, infuriating and maddening, ok so it seems I could describe it fairly well. Anways. I will try to reserve some semblance of reservation as to the shows eventual quality after a few more episodes, but suffice to say if this premier is any indication this is going to be a slow agonizing death of a once great show. But to shine a bit of light on what was missing and why I'm already breaking out the tissue for the death of another great show let me simply state that in the entirety of this episode I smiled once. This entire episode gave me less of a response than a single look Abed would give to Troy in any episode last season. The Hunger Games reference is so half baked and desperate in its attempt to prove the shows relevance its depressing. Community was great because it didn't make any bones about who it was for, anyone who didn't "get it" could go watch Two and a half Men. The show was filled with jokes that took a second to sink in, and only went for sight gags when they were in service of a more thoughtful and oftentimes hilarious character moment. This new botched incarnation of Community flattens its characters into stereotypical roles. Annie in particular has seemingly digressed immensely from her previous development.

This doesn't appear in the episode but it distract me from the sadness

One of the plots in this episode has Abed regressing into his happy place which is a television fantasy version of the real world. The concept is neat in theory but the shows mocking of television cliches are unironically used throughout the episode, relegating all snarky commentary moot. You can't insult typical television tropes and then follow through with them yourself, it makes the show appear like it doesn't even understand whats funny about the thing they are making fun of. Ugh, it's infuriating. *exhale* Look I'm willing to give the show a chance, its very possible this season could have some great episodes down the pipeline, but as of right now I am openly sobbing at the demise of one of the very best comedy shows on television. #sixseasonsandamovie(?)

(1 out of 5)

Future of Marvel at the Movies ... and Television

I don't usually write about news or even blog in the traditional sense but there has been a lot of news coming in from Marvel and the future of their projects that have me incredibly excited and I figured I would break down what is happening. The officially known, the speculation and a bit of a guide through some of the more comic book-y portions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel struck gold when it planned to begin merging its vast universe of characters beginning with Iron Man and culminating with The Avengers. Now to replicate that success for many years to come is going to be difficult but thankfully Marvel has so far made logical and daring choices in the ways in which they will expand their universe further in what they are calling Phase Two, or everything after The Avengers leading once again to a conclusion in the massively popular team-up movies sequel. *will update regularly*

Phase Two

Iron Man 3 (May 3rd, 2013) The first film since The Avengers will almost unprecedentedly forgo almost every thread to the larger universe that has been built up to this point. Marvel has been adamant about their disappointment with Iron Man 2 and are attempting to scale down and focus on a more singular dramatic story in Iron Man 3. Though Rhodes, Stark's friend has received an upgrade in the form of the Iron Patriot armor and even classic Iron Man villain The Mandarin is finally making an appearance the larger Marvel universe will be absent but don't think the film will be any less action packed. The film will be handed off for the first time from director Favreau to Shane Black a wonderful fit in my opinion, given that the last time Black and Downey worked together they crafted the indelible Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Iron Man 3 will end up being an adjustment for audiences since the Marvel they have gotten used to will be taking a break, no Shield organization no other super-powered characters and we will see  how audiences will react to a more toned down experience. This is also the last film Robert Downey Jr. is contracted for, which could mean his last appearance unless he and Marvel can strike up a new deal.

Thor: The Dark World (November 8th, 2013) Thor 2 sees the further exploration of the 6 realms we have yet to discover in the Marvel Universe. With a release date not far off it's a wonder we don't know more about the plot of Thor 2. We do know Jane will have an expanded role as to answer for the  rushed romantic elements of the original and that Loki will be relegated to the sidelines as he has been the main villain in two Marvel movies thus far and its high time to give someone else a shot. We also know the film will explore the war between Asgard and the Dark Elves led by Malekith the Accursed and the ensuing fallout between the two realms. Thor 2 will along with Iron Man 3 forgo any connection to the large universe, focusing on the Asgardians and a handful of humans caught in the middle. The film is being directed by Alan Taylor who directed a handful of episodes of Game of Thrones, tonally perfect but Marvel's obsession with keeping the production cheap is going to cost them one day.

S.H.I.E.L.D. (Fall 2013, ABC) The most exciting, simply for its existence on television and its creator Joss Whedon returning to said medium is Shield an incredibly ambitious tv show which if successful could serve as yet another avenue to fill out the Marvel universe. The show will follow fan favorite Phil Coulson and a small team of Shield agents as they deal with a world increasingly filled with supernatural and extraterrestrial beings. How they intended to resurrect Coulson is but one of several fascinating questions this show will hopefully satisfyingly answer. Taking place after The Avengers, Shield will have the potential the flesh out the world on a smaller scale and give the universe which up to this point has mainly focused on those with immense power a more relatable and believable side. With Joss Whedon at the helm the show is already off to a resounding start, only time will if the showrunners will take advantage of the universe they are in and give some lesser known characters a chance to shine. Shield is filled with potential and its added bonus of having a series of supremely successful blockbuster franchises as its connective tissue should give it legs should the show take-off and become its own thing. Expect cameos from the lesser characters from the movies like Maria Hill and possibly Nick Fury but no others.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 2014) Captain America 2 has one of the biggest challenge as the first film was a period piece and had people divided as to the success of establishing this star spangled hero. Captain America 2 takes place in modern times and will be the first film since The Avengers to relay heavily on the organization Shield, Black Widow and Hawkeye will return as supporting characters tasked with helping Cap fight his recently revived and corrupted WWII comrade  Bucky Barnes, now going by the name Winter Soldier. The Falcon will also be introduced which will be the first truly outlandish hero yet seen in a Marvel film, as a man in a bright red and white costume with the ability to fly and command birds telepathically Marvel may start tripping over some of its more ridiculous characters. I hope to see more of Steve Rogers adapting to the modern era, less comedically but delving into a reality where everyone he knew is now gone and having to cope with a world which has drastically changed since WWII. The film has had some script issues and the directing-duo's most accomplished work are a handful of episodes of NBC's Community, which leaves some cause for concern but it's also too early to tell.

Guardians of the Galaxy (August 2014) And this is where it starts to get really weird. Marvel intends to make a film about a group of extraordinary beings that serve as a police force for the galaxy. Members include Star-Lord the leader and a half human, half alien man. Draxx the Destroyer a roided out green man who was mind controlled by Thanos as his ultimate fighter. Gamora a female assassin, who also happens to be green and Thanos right-hand woman, before he betrayed her. Then the rest of the team gets really weird. Next on the team is Groot a 25 ft tall humanoid tree who can speak, don't ask. And finally the real star of the show Rocket Raccoon, yes you read that correctly, a raccoon, from space, who can speak, and flies with the help of two rockets strapped to his back, who also has a massive gun. Clearly GotG will be Marvel's biggest gamble yet, will audiences respond to this rag-tag team of astonishingly whacky ne'er do wells I hesitate to even fathom this films success or lack thereof.  Director James Gunn (Slither, Super) is a great choice and word is the script is the best produced yet so it really comes down to how audiences will react to this insane cast of characters. The film also has the hard job of setting up the villain from the mid-credits of The Avengers who will pose a larger problem in The Avengers 2, Thanos. I'm supremely excited and hopeful that Marvel pulls off what will most likely be a film that requires tons of green screen and a decent voice cast for the anthropomorphic characters.
* Andy Rutt over on Collider put together an easy to digest breakdown on GotG that is a great read for anyone who wants more specific information. http://collider.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-character-guide/*


Avengers 2 (May 2015) Little to nothing is known about this film so lets make it quick. Joss Whedon returns to write and direct after his success with the original. Whedon promises to make the film smaller in scale and dwell on the inter-personal drama more and also take it into a darker direction, expect a major character death, Iron Man or Thor would be my guess. They could use this opportunity to switch out Downey, whose contract expires with Iron Man 3. His death could give the film more weight as well as set up a newcomer to take the suit in the next film. Thanos will be the main villain as hinted at in the credits of the first film, and after being developed in Guardians of the Galaxy can be set lose on the superhero team in this film.

Phase Three

Ant-Man (Fall 2015) Another oddity in the pantheon of Marvel films is Ant-Man, the further out we get the less we know about each Marvel film, so this will also be a short one. Edgar Wright is writing and directing this long gestating film. Announced alongside Iron Man 2 unknown issues have delayed this film but some test footage shown at Comic-Con has renewed excitement and hopefully will propel this film into production sooner rather than later. Many will disregard a film about a guy who can shrink down (or increase his height) while also wearing a helmet which allows him to control ants. But Edgar Wright has made some of the most stylish, genre-bending movies out there and if anyone can crack the code that makes Ant-Man an interesting and exciting superhero its Wright. 

Doctor Strange (2016 Beyond) Nothing is known about this film other than the fact that Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige has confirmed the doctor turned sorcerer will be apart of Marvel's Phase Three.

Rumor and Speculation

Planet Hulk There has been some rumblings since the Hulk stole the show in The Avengers that Marvel would return to make a Hulk solo film relatively soon. This rumor comes in the form of the precise story that solo film will tell. Supposedly in an upcoming film, possibly Avengers 2, the Hulk will be banished from Earth after a destructive streak that ends the lives of hundreds of civilians. Leaving a Hulk solo film to cover the events of the massively popular Hulk series Planet Hulk, wherein the Hulk lands on a planet and is enslaved by its inhabitants to fight in gladiatorial combat. Eventually winning over the planets citizens and liberating them from the oppressive regime and being crowned the ruler. But after a destructive event that leaves all of the Hulks new friends and subjects dead, the Hulk vows revenge on those he believes responsible, the heroes on earth who banished him. Leading to his ultimate return in The Avengers 3 as one of or the main antagonist.

Avengers 3 Leading off of the rumors that the solo Hulk film would cover the Planet Hulk storyline, the subsequent rumor states the Avengers 3 who see the return of the now vengeance seeking Hulk covering the World War Hulk storyline from the comics. In the comic arc, Hulk fights literally every single characters in the Marvel Universe and wins, the entire X-Men, The Avengers, you name it the Hulk crushes them. It would be interesting but I can't see Marvel making the Hulk the antagonist after his development in The Avengers, even if its a justified

House of Cards Series Review

Netflix hits it out of the park with its first meaningful foray into original programming. As the first highly anticipated and heavily promoted series produced by Netflix, House of Cards has a lot to live up to. Thankfully Executive producer David Fincher (The Social Network) and star Kevin Spacey have crafted one the most engrossing political dramas since the West Wing. House of Cards marks a fascinating direction in the distribution of programming. Advertised as a 13 episode season, Netflix's instinct to release every episode on the same day allowing someone to theoretically watch the entirety of the show at once with no wait time is bold though not unprecedented. The way people consume television has changed drastically in the past 10 years or so as streaming services and DVR have allowed people to catch up at their own pace without having to worry about airtime or dates. Netflix has always been one step ahead of the curve getting into DVD by mail simply to sustain their venture into online streaming, so it wouldn't be a reach to think the notion of releasing what is generally a several months worth of television in a single day is the next step in television consumption.

But what really matters here is the quality of the show and House of Cards does not disappoint. Telling the story of Frank Underwood the House Majority Whip who is denied his promised seat as Secretary of State after the election. In turn Underwood sets in motion a plan to not only regain control of his seat but to brilliantly usurp the power structure within the White House. Kevin Spacey is brilliant as Underwood and gives an engrossing sadistically charming performance making his success and failures immensely engaging. The supporting cast also elevates the show with individual stories spiraling out from Underwood's revenge plot that eventually envelops a Pennsylvania congressman a young ambitious journalist and a power hungry cold-hearted wife. The cute fourth wall breaking moments are incredibly charming and Spacey sells it in a show that typically wouldn't call for it. The show never loses focus and maintains the same high caliber of performances and constant power struggle throughout its entire season even going so far as to making simple legislation interesting. House of Cards has to be commended for making a plot filled with characters you want to see through, from Underwood's manipulation of those around him, to a journalist willing to cross ethically boundaries to rise to the top. A feat made even more addictive by having the entire season available to you from the start.

The buzz around the shows first season has been incredibly high, and while a lot of the media attention can be attributed to it being a huge new venture for Netflix, House of Cards stands as one of the best political dramas regardless of its delivery mechanism. Hopefully House of Cards nets Netflix more subscribers and shows how much people want great new original content, we are living in a new age of television, it would be fantastic to have yet another avenue for fantastic original content. House of Cards is a wonderfully produced engrossing political drama filled with fantastic performances that may very well be a stepping stone in the possible future of television programming, its a must see for all the above reason and completely justifies a Netflix subscription.

(5 out of 5)