That Extra Dimension: A Procrastination Review

Hey all,

Seeing as how I've hit the inevitable wall that comes with writing essays, I've decided to review my latest splurge: the new Nintendo 3DS. I've had about a week and a half of playing around with it, so reckon now's a good a time as any to give my view.

First, some background. For those who don't know, the Nintendo 3DS is the latest hand-held consule to be released. It came out of the 25th March (the same day as the iPad 2, for those keeping track), and costs approx. £200: I brought mine for £230 plus a game, Super Street Fighter IV, from Game.co.uk. The biggest features are a massive graphical boost as well as the ability to register 3D without the use of glasses. For those who saw my rant of 3D, I'd like to point out 3D doesn't come out the screen as much as add layers to the game, which makes for a far more enjoyable experience and is less strenuous on the eyes.

For what do you get for this huge chunk of bursary? Well, in this review I'm going to look at the console only. Street Fighter IV could have its own review, and maybe it will someday...

First up is the actual contents of the box the 3DS comes in. As well as the console, you get a charger (handy!), a charger dock (basically a platform to rest your DS on which can also charge the console at the same time. Good for angling the DS, but essentially superfluous) and a selection of manuals thick enough to serve as a make-shift weapon when the machine inevitably rises up in some impending apocalypse. There are also various AR, or Augmented Reality, Cards for use with some of the software, which I shall touch on it a bit.

The console itself has two major changes to its layout. Firstly, there's the 'circle pad'. This is essentially a joystick for the DS, something that the PSP has used for a while. It's nice to see it on the DS at last, though as a left handed person there is one problem, and that's when games inevitably require you to use both the stylus and move your characters (such as the upcoming Kid Icarus: Uprising). You can operate the touch screen using a finger from your right hand, but this leaves horrible marks across your nice shiny touch screen. Before, you often had the option of using either the D-Pad or A-B-X-Y buttons (which are organised into a D-Pad shape) depending on which hand you favoured. These is a chance that this simply won't be an option anymore, and that could be a problem.
The second change is a wider top screen, which is also the one that uses 3D. This is a nice touch, and although older DS games don't take up the entirity of the screen, this is no major problem. It is also worth pointing out here that the graphics of older DS games is, oddly, downgraded on the 3DS, though if you don't really care about graphics on these games (which wasn't always amazing) then this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

The major software on the 3DS are the AR Games. There are two of these pre-built into the 3DS. The first is Face Raiders, a fantastic game that takes a picture of a person's face then transplants it into a shooter-game involving the 3DS camera. I must have showed this to half a dozen people, and everyone seems to have hugely enjoyed it. It capitalises on the 3D in a way that does not get in the way of the enjoyment, yet still shows it off. This is a great feature.
As for the other AR Games, imaginatively entitled AR Games: Augmented Reality, these use the cards mentioned above to place various game elements in the real word. These are fun, though less impressive, as they require the cards to be placed on a flat surface and constantly kept within the camera's view. I get the feeling that these were merely a test for something bigger, and Nintendo are trying to work them into future games.

For anyone who's played the Wii, you'll be happy/annoyed to know that Miis are back! for those unfamiliar with the Miis, they're essentially little models of the person playing, often usable in games. On the 3DS, players can either make one from scratch, or take a picture of themselves and have the console do all the work. I made one from scratch, mostly because the console version of me had really tiny eyes. The Miis are then used in StreetPass...

Mini-Mii. I think it works...

Speaking of which, StreetPass is an interesting little feature that becomes active when the 3Ds is put on Sleep Mode. When two 3DSes pass each other on sleep mode, then they exchange data. Miis are sent to each console, which can then be used in either a puzzle game where you collect pieces of an image from Miis you encounter, or an RPG in which Miis fight ghosts, levelling up the most you encounter the same Mii. So far, I've met 7, and it's really fun to open your 3DS and see that you've passed someone else. StreetPass is also used in a number of the major launch titles, Super Street Fighter IV included. It will certainly by interesting to see what future games do with this feature.
StreetPass also includes a pedometer, which counts the number of steps you've taken, and rewards you with up to 10 coins per day. These are used in various ways, such as hiring heroes and buying puzzle pieces in the games mentioned above, or unlocking features in games such as Street Fighter.

So those are the majority of the features on the 3DS, but there are also things like Friend Lists, a soon-to-be-added Internet Browser (almost typed Bowser there. Too much Nintendo...), a music player if you upload songs to the 3DS' SD card, and ever a 3D camera. But now it's time for the important element - the 3D itself!

As I've said, I've shown off Face Raiders to a number of people, all of them with 3D turned on. I don't think I've met a single one who didn't enjoy it to some degree - even my housemates, who I managed to coax an 'it's impressive' out of (they've very hard to impress technology-wise). The 3DS does come with a depth slider, which allows anyone playing to adjust how much 3D is used to a comfortable level. Some people have experienced headaches, and though I've had little issue myself, I can see why people might struggle.

So, all in all, I've probably give the 3DS a solid 8/10. There are some elements that feel underused, the non-Face Raiders AR Games in particular, but elements that really stand out such as StreetPass and Face Raiders (it really is good. Anyone who wants a go and they see me, let me know. I tend to take it with me most places). The price tag, however, is pretty high, especially compared to places like the USA. It it were £30 cheaper, I'd bump up the rating to around 8.5, maybe even 9 if I felt generous.


TL;DR Section.

3 Pros.

• Good 3D.
• Some great games.
• Great fun to play.

Cons.

• Some elements seem a little tacked on.
• Can be expensive.
• Launch price a little too high.

Overall rating: 8/10.

Truth or Dare: Ubisoft and the 'We Dare' Controversy

Hey all,

Yes, it's time for another computer game rant, and today we turn our attention to a planned Ubisoft game, We Dare for the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. First, a little about the game itself:

We Dare is developed and published by Ubisoft, famous for such games as the Assassin's Creed series. The game itself is, according to the bastion of knowledge Wikipedia, "a "sexy, quirky, party game" and involves kissing, striptease and spanking." Recently, it was given the PEGI rating of 12 in the UK, meaning that its content is suitable for those aged 12 and up.
Now, I'm not here to talk about the actual content of the game, as that's something for a different time. What I am here to talk about, however, if the controversy that has arisen in the UK surrounding the game.

Before reading any further, I suggest you all check out the European marketing campaign that has sprung the whole matter. the videos only 1:27, and watching it will really make following my argument a whole lot easier. go on, I'll wait.

There, now let's talk about what happened following that commercial's debut - a small number of people got very angry about the low rating for what looks like a very sexually-charged game being sold to children aged 12. An article here (granted, from an online gaming magazine) has opinions from both sides of the argument...

"I have a 13 year old daughter and if I knew she was playing such a highly charged sexual game with boys, I would be appalled," said Laura Pearson of Birmingham. "It is encouraging under-age sex." Another parent said the game will "fuel sexual tensions" and could lead to "sexual touching or assault." 

"It's only like a modern day spin the bottle," said Sandra Betts, who has a 15-year-old son. "It's just a bit of harmless fun."



Today, it was announced that the game was not to be sold in the UK. Ubisoft folded, caved into pressure from an outside group, and, in the process, said that any game not targetted at kids along should not be allowed.

The issue with this rating system is that PEGI can only rate games based on their content, not what the player may be doing. Here, in my view, lies the problem. Ubisoft have taken a very specific marketing route, which was then drastically opposed to how PEGI viewed the game, yet Ubisoft's advertisement shows audience playing and, more importantly, the way they're playing it. PEGI graded We Dare on the content of the game - these are drastically different areas, and there likely should have been some communication between the ratings board and Ubisoft so that these two messages matched. 

Does this men, then, that the outraged parents were right?

Hell no! PEGI are professionals, and they understand gaming and what's appropriate. They clearly mark content in games, which is available both on the internet and the boxes themselves. Like in my last gaming rant, this comes down to parents not carrying out research and instead relying on what is meant to be an eye-catching one and a half minute piece of advertising.

But, at the end of the day, this is not about We Dare as an individual product; this is about We Dare as the latest in a line of computer games with 'risque' material suffering because of the media. We Dare did not receive much media attention on TV because of the problems in Libya and elsewhere filling time (and rightly too!). However, past controversies have.

The Character Models formerly known as The Taliban.
Source.

The latest Medal of Honor game allowed players to control a faction in the multiplayer mode called the 'Taliban'. Naturally, many people objected, and the developers were forced to change them to 'Opposing Forces'. this changed involved nothing but altering the name of the group, as their character designs was exactly the same. Whether the choice of the name was right in the first play is not the problem here, but rather that the publishes, Electronic Arts, backed down on the decision, despite a number of gamers (myself included) willing to fight for the right of computer games to tackle modern issues, just as films and books can.

I suppose, in comclusion, this can be summed up - surprisingly - by Peter Griffin once again (damn, that guy's good!): "Well sir, I may not agree with that you said, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." Ubisoft were clearly expecting We Dare to be rated higher than PEGI 12, hence their marketing. However, the parents really should take a look at the arguments made by the rating board before getting angry. It seems no-one is right here, and everyone looses - especially gamers, who find companies less willing to take exciting new chances.

It's a sad day for gaming.


Peace out,
Chris.

Harvey Poster

Hey all,

Noticed I hadn't blogged in a long while, so I thought I'd share the Harvey poster, drawn by Dean Ward.

Rather smashing, don't'cha think? Look out for it cropping up through the Guild soon - not long to go!

Peace out,
Chris.

A Lesson in Fabulous: Star Driver.

Hey all,

Just remember; If in doubt, be fabulous.

This much fabulous can power Mecha. Fact.
Source

Peace out,

Chris.

Harvey - The Story So Far

Hey all,

So, we're just under 2 weeks into the rehearsal process for Harvey. I'm really please with how the show's coming along so far, so I felt I'd post up a few pictures. The first picture comes from Act 1 Scene 1, and features Elwood (Alastair Clarke) and Sanderson (Martin Poile), while the second features Myrtle (Lauren Brighton) and Omar Gaffney (Shakeel Quader) in Act 2 Scene 1.

 

 

I'm really excited about the progress the cast has made so far, and can't wait for it to keep getting better and better.

Also, while I'm on a drama kick, LUDS have a shiny new blog. Find and follow it at www.liverpooldrama.blogspot.com.

Peace out,
Chris.

Kids Today: A Rant About Some Parents

Hey all,

So I woke up this morning and loaded up my laptop to check my emails. This, in itself, is not uncommon. My homepage for my internet is yahoo - as I use yahoo for my emails, I figure this makes sense. While on the homepage, I checked out the four headlines they had running at the moment, and one was concerning a woman who's son ran up a £1000 bill on his xbox. I've sen the story on the gaming site I often visit (www.escapistmagazine.com), but like to check out how non-gaming media covers stories like this. Foolishly, I clicked it.

You can read the article for yourself: http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/blog/article/22696/xbox-boy-buys-big-on-mums-card.html.

The article makes pretty standard reading: The woman put her card details onto the xbox so her son could use Xbox Live, a service that allows you to play games with your friends online. Her son, however, brought various other items for use in-game, eventually culminating in this huge bill.

I've seen plenty of  stories like this before - it's nothing new. However, it was the woman's comments that really ruffled my feathers. I quote:

“It is ridiculous to allow someone of his age to make payments without any checks being done.”

“It is impossible to monitor everything your children do. These companies should take some responsibility. They take advantage of vulnerable people.”

 This woman is, to be perfectly frank, an idiot. Granted, you can't keep your eyes on everything your children do. However, the complaints that there is no age verification is simply not true. The putting in of your card details counts as age verification, as Microsoft are assuming that, if you're old enough to have said card, then you're old enough to take responcibility. There are no age checks on amazon, because it stores your card details. This is the same thing, with the exception that one is done on a computer, one of the xbox.

Secondly, the mother should have told her son that he was to check with her before purchasing anything else. You can't watch your children all of the time, but you can talk with them about limits, or at least check up on them. To blame some scary grey box is stupidity in its highest form. To quote Peter Griffin, "Maybe parents need to take more responsibility for what shows their kids watch instead of blaming the shows themselves ... Yeah" It's the same principle with games.

Thirdly, there are other options to using your card; the main one being that you can buy codes for 1 year's xbox live subscription. They're cheaper, and, more importantly, mean that you don't have to put in card details. Granted, the woman may not have known about these, but I still feel it's a point worth making.

Lastly, and this is the most important point, the article points out that there are clear instructions for setting up parental control on the xbox. The mother should definately have looked at these. Parents seem all too willing to ignore ways in which they can monitor safety about children and technology without hovering over their shoulder. The kid was 11 for God's sake, she should have checked out ways to keep, not only her bank balance, but him, safe. I felt really upset when the article reported how he didn't want his xobx anymore. It was clearly something he enjoyed, but because no boundaries had been set/his mother hadn't looked over what he was doing, he'd been made to feel like the bad guy.

Anyway, I'm ranting. I said it would be a rant, and it turned into one. I'll finish it there.

Peace out,
Chris.

Get My White On: Why I don't dance.

This weekend, I've spent my time at LondonAnimeCon. On Sunday, there was a DDR Torunament.

This man can dance. He covered two dancemats at once.

I can't dance. I went out round 1.

Peace out.
Chris.

Just One More Try...

One of the greatest games and
biggest time saps I've come across.
Source

The rhythmic march of the new-war-drum.
The beats does flow through fingertips.
From east through north and back again,
My digit finds its place and dips.

My thumb and finger are my swords.
They take control and strike with speed.
On I cut with rending blade,
A deadly slash to make her bleed.

Yet countered are my lightning blows.
She turns the tide and fights with force.
One hit to chest and then to head,
Streams of death that stay their course.

Try to duck and try to dodge.
I can but move to try escape.
But all for nought, the final move,
Assaults that leave my jaw agape.

The screen’s gone black, the crowd does cheer.
Press A to Continue From Here.

4 Minutes Left to Go...

Hey all,

It's been a very long time since I've updated here (miss me?) and that's simply because I've had very little that I could write a blog entry about. I know I put down a few things in a part couple of entries, but I've constantly hit writers block with them. So, I've decided that, if I'm ever stuck for a topic, like I am now, then I'll play a writing game.

The idea is to use a random word generator website to get a completely obscure word, then spend 4 minutes stream-of-conscious-writing about it. The website I've opted for is http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWordPlus.aspx, and decided that today I will use a common noun. I have my stopwatch at the ready, and the word is...

Disregard.

Excellent! Let's get on with it. See you in 4 minutes!

--------------------------------------------------


So, to disregard something is to throw it away, or ignore it completely. Being a Pixar nerd, the first thing that springs to mind is Toy Story, which always has a constant feeling of the main character (yes, Woody is the main character) being disregarded by Andy. But disregarded doesn't seem to fit here. Let's read that back... "being disregarded by Andy". It's not a strong enough word to really be considered the feeling Woody feels in these situations.


Disregarding gives the sense that somebody doesn't want it any more, or throws it away on purpose. While woody's fear is that Andy doesn't want him gone on purpose, we always know this is not the case. Maybe this analogy has worn thin, I don't know....


If we're to disregard something, then surely we mean to do it. No, I don't think we do. I think it's more what, aptly, has happened to this blog. No, on second thoughts, I take it back. I didn't disregard this blog. I'd say disregard means the reverse. I'd say it means that we DO NOT mean to do it. 

--------------------------------------------------

Hmm, it seems my mind is a jumbled mess of random thoughts. I also forgot to capitalise 'Woody' in the second paragraph, but I'm reluctant to change it now. The thought process definately gets jumbled towards the end. I know, let's try a second one, just while I'm on a roll. See if that comes out any better. The word is...

Tie.

Ah! A worthy noun if e'er there were one. On we go!

--------------------------------------------------

So yes, 'tie'. Instantly, I thought of christmas. Not because you can tie presents with bows (though I'm quite proud of that link), but because of the wooden tie I got for Christmas. I think I'll have to stick a photo of that up at some point, maybe tomorrow. It is, after all, rather awesome. 

Ties also make me think of tie-fighters, from Star Wars. I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan - I've always preferred Star Trek. Actually, that's a lie. Which rhymes with tie (heh!); I didn't really watch Star Trek until I started coming to university. Instead, I did watch Star Wars. My main problem with that series though is that, for all these important planets, why all the focus on Tatooine? I know, it's important because of the Skywalker history, but what make Obi Won Kenobi think that was a good place to hide Luke? I mean, Anakin/Vader grew up there, I would have thought it's the first major place to look.


Nightmares about his dead, mother, yes, yes, but plotholes! In fact, why am I complaining... Lucas is a sellout anyway. I will not rant, I will not ran... Shoulda killed Han!

--------------------------------------------------

That was a bit more structured (except for the middle - and why do I keep using brackets? What I wouldn't give for a footnote). Should Christmas be capitalised? I think so... It's in here in both forms anyway, so no-one can claim favouritism. Thank goodness I have second drafts of my essays, else I'd be buggered re: Grammar!

Anyway, that's all for tonight. WHY do I always post these so late? Gonna tweet about it, but might freshen people's memory/alert them to the fact a new entry is up some time tomorrow. I really do need to finish off some sketch show scripts too. I seem to just layer jobs on myself...

Oh well, peace out!
Chris.

P.S. I'm not sure if the whole Luke-Vader-Tatooine thing is a plot hole. On second thoughts, I don't think it is. Apologies!

Top Ten Moments of 2010, with no narration by Jimmy Carr.

Hey all,

So yes, the New Years is almost upon us. Christmas bells are in the air, carol singers are repeating the same bloody songs over and over (or is that the shop's communal CD?) and we're starting to see the 'Top Ten _____ of 2010' lists emerge everywhere. So, as I'm a festive sort, I felt I'd get in on the action. Unfortunately, there's no way for me to cash in on this thing, so think of it as my festive gift to you.

Remember, for every person who doesn't read this, I kill one of santa's elves.

10.  Moving into my new uni house.
So yes, my new room is smaller, and the rent is a little dearer, but honestly, the new scenery, company and closer proximity to university pushes this event into the top 10 moments. Plus, saying you live in Kensington when you're at Liverpool really throws people back home.

9. First Magic: the Gathering prerelease.
I won't dwell long here. After all, I posted a blog on that. I suggest going to read it if you want to find out more. for now, onto number 8.


8. LUDS presents: The Seagull.
It was a fantastic play, but if I'm being 100% honest, it's mainly here because I got to show off my favourite waistcoat. Golden naked girls and swans are always featuring in my top 10 lists - Always.

7. Wall-E Costume Building.
Perhaps one of my favourite things I've built. If I'd done it a few years earlier, maybe I'd have gotten a higher grade in my graphics GCSE. That said, Wall-E wasn't around then, so would have been even more impressive... anyway, the thing needs some maintainance, as it's starting to look more and more like the end of the film.

6. Suit Up!
For the many times I've suited up. The stares are weird at first, but suits are just so damn comfy. All the times that make up this moment were Legen- wait for it... Dary!

5. Sticky Floor gigs.
Even though I've been in Sticky Floor since first year, every single gig is so much fun (well, except Liverpool Hope, but that's a different story). Highlights this year have been the playing the Manchester Comedy Store and the Reader gig at St. George's Hall. Here's to many more crazy and unplanned moments in the New Year!

4. LUDS presents: The Kitchen.
A great performance with such a huge cast and great moments; what's not to love? Plays will nearly always sneak into my top 10 lists (considering this is one of my first, that's very true!), and we've had two already. Told you so.

3. Toy Story 3.
I fucking love Pixar! Next.

2. Berlin.
My first trip abroad with fantastic people, and such a great city to visit: the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer-Platz, and the blissful lake by the palace I can't remember the name of are particularly wonderful memories. I can't wait to go back, as well as visit other places in Europe. Will probably go for Paris next, or maybe another German city if Jacqui will have me. Allons-Y!

And our number 1 spot is - Drumroll please... 

1. Every moment of University.
Anything I've missed out that took place at university. After all, it's the small thing that make up the big moments; the journey, not the destination. Thanks to all who made it so special, and shared it with me.

And on that Christmas message, I'll leave you to your egg nog and your mince pies.

Ho ho ho,
Chris.

Catchy Ditties.

Hey all,

So yes, I've seen 2 plays this week, and both have contained pretty awesome music taken from computer games. It's crazy, but I'm getting slightly paranoid that the world wants to break my mind with the inclusion of songs that I can't sing/hum along to even though I really want to!

Firstly, the 12 Hour Play, which took place on Wednesday 1st December. In it, we used a particularly sad song taken from the masterpiece that is Final Fantasy X: Nobuo Uematsu's 'To Zanarkand'. It is, quite simply, one of the most moving piano songs I've ever heard. If you listen to no other song this week, listen to this. Or maybe another Uematsu piece, "A Dream that will End Sometime":

As for the second song of the week, that came in the LUST Panto, Robin Hood and his Merry Men. This song came just before Robin hood was told by John about Maid Marion's capture, and showed how Robin was eager to help those around it. The song itself is "Tail's Theme" from Sonic Adventure. It's actually pretty spot-on for both Robin's and Tail's characters in the game, which is unnerving and awesome at the same time.

So which song do I want to see in plays next? Clearly, we need the ultimate end credit song; one that is both catchy and terrifying. Just listen to the lyrics... "While you're dying I will be still alive". Haunting. Also, it makes me want cake.

Which music would other people like to see in shows? For that matter, which songs have you heard in shows (both theatre shows or TV shows. Heck, even films) lately that you can't get out of your head?

Peace out,

Chris.

Alternate Dimensions: My Hatred of 3D in Cinema.

WARNING: This article contains some minor (if that) spoilers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. You have been warned...

Well, the latest film in the Harry Potter franchise, The Deathly Hallows: Part 1, is upon us. First, I'd like to say just how much I love this film. It's probably my second favourite in the series so far (number one with the bullet being Prisoner of Azkaban, which is a masterclass in reality-grounded fantasy filmmaking as far as I'm concerned, and easily enters into my top 10 films of all time list). I went to see it on opening weekend, with some mates from my degree, in FACT Liverpool. We had fantastic seats; middle seats of the middle row.

However, during one of the opening scenes, we see a meeting of the Death Eaters with Voldemort present, as well as his faithful snake Nagini. Also present is the Hogwart's Muggle Studies professor Charity Burbage, who, spoiler alert, is then killed by Nagini. In this particular scene, and in other points during the film, Nagini attacks by lunging directly at the screen. Being center and head-on to this shot, this freaked the hell out of me. It was brilliantly heart-stopping, if for a moment, and captured perfectly the snake's lightning reflexes that would return to haunt Harry and Hermione and Godric's Hollow later in the film.

Fig I.: Nagini, about to perform what I've dubbed the 'screen-throw'.

Were it not for the fact you knew exactly what was coming. No, it wasn't because people have read the books, it's because this trick has been done time and time again thanks to the arrival of 3D! Something is hurled at the screen and towards the audience, giving them the shock factor 3D seems built for. It happened here (and later in the film), and we see it all the time in trailers for gore-porn fests like My Bloody Valentine or Saw 3D. It's been done time and time again, and while it did freak a lot of people out (myself included, though that's mainly because I hate being startled), it's a cheap trick that's been done to death, based on a natural instinct that if something dangerous is coming straight towards you, you get the hell out of there.

Not only is it a cheap trick, but it breaks immersion. You're startled, and in a storyline like that of the Harry Potter series which relies on subtle clues to tie it all together, you don't want to break away from the storyline. Of course, as we know, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, was not actually released in 3D. This was, however, a last-minute change by Warner Brothers. The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is already confirmed, and we can be damn sure that snake is showing up again, only to lunge at, and this time out of, the screen. That's even more immersion breaking that I sure as hell don't want, and something I'm sure many others don't want either.

Those damn glasses don't help one bit either. As a guy who wears glasses anyway, a second pair is far from comfortable, meaning I constantly have to adjust them to get them to even stay on. Many, many people wear glasses to watch cinema screens, if not in their daily life, so they're likely even less used to it that I am. So far, the only good I've found 3D glasses come to is for holding part of my Wall-E costume on. That's not saying much, is it?

Fig II.: Pixar's Up. Unfortunately, the empty spaces in some of this film
just didn't work with 3D.

But what about the other end of the spectrum, films that come out in 3D yet hardly use it? So far, the only company I can think that does so is Pixar. Both Up and Toy Story 3 were both released in 3D, and, for all I could see, you might as well have brought a 2D ticket. The main use of 3D in these types of films seem to be in setting up distance, and there was very little problem with that before 3D arrived. I'm not saying that they should resort to the 3D 'screen-throw', but it might be nice to find a new way around it.

So, what would I suggest 3D is used for? For me, I think the best way to use the technology is in a first-person film experience. Make the viewer the main character, or shoot entirely from the angle of one character, in much the way Peep Show does. That way, you can add the depth companies like Pixar use the technology for, and justify a few 'screen-throws' everyone else seems to use it for. So far, I feel like there is no middle ground, and this is what we're lacking. If that can be overcome, then 3D might have a place for me. Until then, I'll buy 2D tickets.

And find a way to remove those god-awful glasses! Nintendo's 3DS has some glasses-free technology in it. Let's find a way to enhance that.

Notes:

• Fig.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAm0DoVxlxyCfuyXK_FohLFR4N57neNl0l-WL5cJ3WtrOulzsehXUv0VtW-H4MXCeb8jSUAkb4Cl6tvko2ls4NULIUNFwcqqds_od653ONz8PA6455BVcvTGBR3VCU_eShselRZqEC6g/s1600/untitled.JPG
• Fig II.: http://richwatch.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pixar-up-house-balloons-single1.jpg

Rise of the Group Pictures.

Hey all,

Well, it turns out my workload makes it pretty much impossible towrite a long article on the DCI situation. Instead, I shall write up a semi-thematic blog entry. Why aren't I working now then, you ask? Because my home internet dislikes VITAL.

So yes, two events have happened recently; the LUDS Ghost Tour and the First Annual Manchester Comedy Improv Tournament (TM?). Let's start with the former.

LUDS Ghost Tour 2010

The Ghost Tour cast. I always seem to be peering over shoulders.

The Ghost Tour took place on the 27th October and was, if I do say so, pretty damn effective. We sold out all 90 tickets, and scared a fair few people. I've done it every year I've been here - once as a general 'boo man' (I made up the title myself), once as a tour guide, and this year as a widower. The format this year was a little different, as we focused on a continual story throughout the tour. It seemed to work, which is good because it's quite a step away from the tradition collection of short stories.

I have, and will always, assert that my character was male - Despite what many of the other characters and the script said on the night!

First Annual Manchester Improv Tournament 2010.

The Teams from the Tournament, and our Referee.

Last Saturday, Sticky Floor took to Manchester in order to take part in an improv tournament. There were four teams in total: Us, Impropriety, ComedySportz Nutcrackers and the Comedy Express Veterans (who had reformed for one night after about 30 years - all very exciting!). It was a great show, even if we did come last. For that, we blame on a combination of going first and so getting scored low in our first game, and loosing a very controversial dance-off. There's a video of the dance off floating around Mark's facebook profile, and I strongly urge people to watch it. As you'll see, we were robbed of a win!

In the end, Comedy Express Veterans won, Impropriety came second, ComedySportz Nutcrackers (the home team) third, and us fourth. Look out for us trying to get many of those teams across to Liverpool for fun-filled nights and maybe even our own tournament.

So yes, that's about it. While I'm on an improv kick, keep your eyes peeled at www.stickyfloorimprov.co.uk. It should be up and running by today, or so the site administrator tells us.

Peace out,
Chris.

Blog On.

Hey all,

I have decided that today I will post a blog entry that isn't painfully short, or ramblings on a set topic. This is just a random update about my life. I have a few ideas for in-depth topics I want to blog about, the next (coming mid-week) will be about Wizards of the Coasts' changes to the DCI system, where now only shops can run prerelease Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and FNM, or Friday Night Magic, can only be run on a Friday instead of any day. That sounds redundant, but I shall go into it in more detail during the article. Keep your eyes peeled, people!

For now, the major change in my life has been my new laptop. A few weeks ago (for anyone who hasn't seen my numerous angry tweets on Twitter between then and now), my laptop blue-screened. I went home last weekend in order to get a new one: An 'Advent Modena M200', in shiny red. During the week, I had many a problem with it...

Firstly, the touchpad is highly sensitive, meaning that whenever I tap it while typing, the cursor's location moves, and the typing continues from this location. This was quickly rectified with a cheap mouse, and I now actually prefer a mouse over the touchpad. Crazy world, eh?

Secondly, the disc tray was jamming when I tried to eject it, and when I did manage to pry it out, it was quite clearly dragging. I took it to the Currys digital in town, and managed to get it exchanged for a new laptop. Same model, working disc tray. Another problem fixed.

However, my final problem is one that is still ongoing: I have no internet in my room. Well, tell a lie, I have internet in the morning, up until about 1 in the afternoon. However, after that, connection becomes incredibly unstable, and I often can't connect at all. I'm currently typing this from the living room, but to not have access in my room is painful. My old laptop worked fine, I should point out, so it;s this computer's WiFi Card. I plan to ring up tech support in an hour or so, and nag them to try fix it. If that fails, I'll get an internet booster off amazon, or go down to Currys in the week and see how cheap a booster they sell there.

The 'Advent Modena M200'. Do Not Buy! Moving on...

as I type this, I'm currently rekindling my love of the Barenaked Ladies. For anyone who doesn't know them, they're a Canadian Band, perhaps most famous at the moment for performing the Big Bang Theory theme tune. Their style i usually quite varied, but they tend to have a great sense of humour and fun in their work. Though it's not particularly funny, here's one of my favourite tracks: 'Old Apartment' (because Warner Bros. Records won't let me embed 'One Week'...). I'd also recommend 'Be My Yoko Ono', 'If I Had a Million Dollars', and, obviously, 'One Week'. To be honest, most of their stuff is fantastic.

I also plan to start up a photo-a-day project in a few weeks, once I'd got my internet connection established. I'd post it here, probably with a few lines explaining why I photographed it. It'll be started either on the first of the month, November 1st, or my birthday, on the 9th November. Anybody got any preferences? Then comment!

So, after the painful plee for recognition and attention in the form of comments, I'm going to finish. As I said, new blog entry coming this week, about WotC and the DCI. If you follow Magic, tune in. If you don't, tune in anyway.*

Peace out,

Chris.

* Note to Self: This is not a radio station.

English Guilt

I feel bad for not having updated my blog in a LONG time.

To make up for it, here's something cute.

That's better.

History or Legend? A Look at Disney's Mulan.

On 9th September, Alex von Tunzelmann wrote an article looking back of Disney’s Mulan, a 1998 animated film that retells the fifth century Chinese Ballad of Mulan. The article can be found here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/sep/09/mulan-disney-reel-history), and a version of the ballad here (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ballad_of_Mulan). The article did not look too kindly on the film, criticising it primarily for its historical content and portrayal of the Hun armies. However, there are several points in this article that I feel need addressing, as the writer paint the film in a far worse light than it deserves.

In the second section of the article, ‘War’, Tunzelmann reminds us that the enemies in this Disney film, the Hun, never expanded their rule into the area of China that Mulan came from, even at its largest under Attila in 434-453.  She does point out that there are possible links with Xiongnu tribe, but that the wars against China that there were engaged with happened a few centuries before the time of Mulan. While I cannot dispute this, my problem is that Tunzelmann seems to think that Disney has a huge concern with historical accuracy. The presence of the talking dragon, which Tunzelmann points out in the ‘Violence’ section of the article, shows as much, and I’m sure that the fifth century Mulan never had her general sing through her army training. On the matter of the army that invades China in the Disney movie, it’s likely that the makers of the film simply took a well-known tribe, namely the Hun, and either extended the area they tried to control for the purpose of the film, or used them as a replacement for the lesser-known Xiongnu tribe. Either way, the Hun of Disney’s Mulan do not seem to be the Hun of history. After all, if they were, chances are Attila himself would be leading them to battle.

Fig. I.: Shan Yu, the villain of the film.

The topic of the Hun carries over into the third section of the article, ‘Race’. There are two points here that stand out; firstly, there is the way the Huns are depicted in the film. Tunzelmann describes the Hun leader, Shan Yu, as having “sunken yellow eyes, vampire teeth and massive claws”. To me, this point seems very similar to these raised by the big-screen adaptation of Frank Miller’s 300, which also has an army fighting against an invading army. At the time of its release, it led to cries of racism among Middle-Eastern viewers because of the Persian’s depiction. Both are very similar, not least in their apparently racist portrayal of the invading forces. It is this, however, that is key to understanding these portrayals. Both films are told from the view of those defending their homelands against those who would take control of them. The way they would view their enemies is as monstrous forces, not quite human because of their strange  features and armour. Secondly, though pointing out that the antagonist Shan Yu is definitely fictional, Tunzelmann suggests a link between him and the Chinese warrior Xiang Yu (who fought against the Hun in the third century), or even a member of the Xiongnu tribe. The inability to place Shan Yu supports the idea that the Hun of the film are either fictional or an exaggeration of a real life tribe shows that Disney were not completely concerned with the historical accuracy of the film.

Fig. II.: Mulan, is disguise, during the 'avalanche' scene.

In the ‘Violence’ section of the article, Tunzelmann looks at the death involved in war, and how Disney’s Mulan portrays it. In particular, she points out the avalanche scene, in which Mulan destroys a large number of Hun soldiers by burying them alive. While it is killing, as Tunzelmann says, it is important to note that is it not an incredibly violent death. These soldiers are likely frozen or, at worse crushed, to death. At least five soldiers survive, however, as we see in the aftermath of the battle as they emerge alongside Shan Yu. None of them are visibly hurt, suggesting that this was quite a humane death. Even Shan Yu’s death during the climax of the film, in which he is killed by fireworks, is nowhere near as violent as many other Disney deaths, such as Scar being ripped apart by Hyenas in The Lion King, or Count Frollo being burnt alive in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. While all these things happen off-screen, they are still more brutal than a death in an actual war.

It is also worth noting that this article looks at the characterisation of Mulan herself. In the ‘Violence’ section, Tunzelmann makes a point of saying how “Disney heroines do not whip out swords and hack people to death in a frenzied bloodlust”. Later on, in the final section, she also says how “Mulan herself is a clear improvement on the standard-issue drippy princess”, and how different Mulan is to princesses such as Snow White. However, to me Mulan does work as a Disney heroine. Very few of the Disney princesses are actually ‘drippy’, especially those made after 1990. Jasmine, in Aladdin (1992), is strong willed and willing to help the hero defeat the villainous Jafar. Pocahontas, the titular character in the 1995 film, may be based on a real character, but is still a strong female character and a Disney heroine. All three of these have also been introduced to the 'Disney Princess' franchise, meaning that they all, including Mulan, now belong to the same group as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. The idea that Disney heroines do not use a sword to fight is true, especially not in war, and this is what makes Mulan so empowered. Though it is possible to view the sword as a form of masculinity, it is important to note that she defeats the Hun forces as both a man, using the avalanche mentioned above, but is only able to stop them one and for all during the final scene, where she had surrendered her disguise and fights as a woman. She also does not ‘hack people to death’, rather using her sword to defend herself until she can defeat her foes in a different manner. Mulan is certainly not a traditional Disney heroine, but rather part of a new generation that began very recently.


Notes.

• Fig. I.:  Copyright https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3ViROskoUnUFT-VI-dlmLBb2Kgz3Bx6QNcwzYo4scfwynxiNLSyy4iyqQBlTWHKEI8ySIJIEW_Ho1K5V9iZVE0GoxOQf_ojDx_MkfSBcr00DtJ-i1J-8E4jmTCgJDtYPGlqMo58Hc4Bx/s320/shan_yu.jpg.

• Fig. II.: Copyright http://splicedwire.com/98reviews/mulan.gif

The Games We Play: A Look at Gaming in Society.

In recent years, computer games has grown greatly as a medium. From their early roots in the arcades of the late seventies and eighties,  gaming has since moved into the houses of the world,  be it through consoles or personal computers, and become a multi-million dollar industry. This does not, however, make them a widely accepted form of entertainment. In series 3, episode 2 of his Screenwipe programme, journalist and presenter Charlie Brooker said that, while films and even cookery is considered acceptable and cultured mediums to discuss over the dinner table, conversation about computer games inevitably leads to those involved being “automatically branded a sad spotty nerdo-geek virgin with the cultural sensibilities of a spoon.” While Brooker writes to entertain, and this statement is obviously exaggerated for comical effect, the point still remains valid. Why is gaming treated like a black sheep when films, books and television continue to thrive as serious artistic works?

At the moment, there are a wide variety of gaming platforms that allow anyone to experience and enjoy the hobby as and when they please. Not only are there the more traditional consoles such as the Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3, or even personal computers, but there are also consoles which use far less traditional methods of interaction. The Nintendo Wii, a huge step forward in opening gaming to a wider audience, replaced the button-based controller that might have isolated people from gaming with a somewhat more interactive movement-based controller. This allowed players to enjoy more casual games, in particular those based around imagination and sports. Handheld consoles have experienced a similar divide, with the Sony PSP continuing the button-based gaming of pervious generation’s Gameboy, and Nintendo again reinventing interaction between player and game through the use of the DS’ touch screen interface. In the past few years, people have not even required high-powered, dedicated machines to play games on. With over 60 million active monthly users, Zynga’s FarmVille application for Facebook allow people to game without the need to invest a lot of money into the hobby, as they are free to Facebook users. The games itself has drawn in over 60 million monthly players, according to the application’s page. Finally, massively-multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft and EVE Online make billions of dollars every month from subscription fees and sale of in-game items, as well as sales of the game itself. With so many avenues for people to explore games through, why are they treated like such a taboo subject?

Fig. I: FarmVille, the hugely popular, free to play Facebook game.

The problem with gaming’s perception in the public eyes seems to rest partially in the hands of the media. Frequently, gamers are portrayed as angry loners, striking out at those around them. There have been a number of articles run over the years condemning gaming and gamers, and a number of links between the hobby and violent crime made. Perhaps the most well-known case in the UK was that revolving around the killing of 14 year old Stefan Pakeerah and Rockstar game Manhunt in 2004, which led to the game being banned. Recently, following the events surrounding Raoul Moat, the Daily Star ran an article that claimed, amongst other things, that Rockstar were making a game based around the event. Though the Daily Star soon admitting that this was false and apologised, saying that they had not checked the sources used or indeed questioned why such a game would be made, the journalist who wrote the article goaded adult gamers on his own website, challenging them to “a virtual reality duel”. These are not isolated to the UK, and a number of studies have attempted to link popular shooting game Counter-Strike with school shootings across the world. Alongside these links, outspoken authority figures have been highly critical of computer games; Michael Atkinson, former South Australian Attorney-General, strongly opposed violent video games during his time in office, refusing to introduce a R18+ certification on video games. He also said, during an interview, that he felt more threatened by gamers than he did by biker gangs. Another figure to take a stance against violent gaming is former lawyer Jack Thompson, who has often strove to have games such as Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto and Canis Canem Edit (otherwise known as ‘Bully’) banned, due to their violent content. Both these figures were in positions that commanded a certain level of respect, and so directly influential over media, and capable of getting their voices heard and so influencing those who hear them. It is through the media that those not overly interested in gaming receive the vast majority of their news and, if only these views are allowed to be published, then the majority of people will be exposed to biased opinion, rather than information that might shed a different light on gaming.

Fig. II: Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series, often noted for its 
controversial content.

A number of studies have also appeared, particularly in the last ten years as gaming has become more realistic, claiming games negatively affect those who play them. This research is often related to violence in games; Dr. Warm (2000) carried out research that shows violent tendencies in people who played two different games containing varying levels of violence. Meanwhile, other research continues to state otherwise; work by Barnett et al (2008) showed that those who played online game World of Warcraft are more likely to feel tired, rather than angry, after 2 hours of playing. Some research, however, takes a more middle-ground approach to the issue, with one study by Weis and Cerankosky divided a group of pre-teen boys into two groups, giving one group a console and 3 ‘all age’ games. When they returned four months later, they discovered that those without the console had a better grasp on reading and writing skills than those who had been given them. They did, in spite of this, stress that technology is not dangerous itself, but rather dangerous if overused. It is this view, in my eyes, that is best to be taken, as it is with all types of technology.

One might notice that the majority of games mentioned here carry an age rating designed to restrict access younger gamers may have to them, and in turn have them played only by older teenagers and adults; ages 15 and older, at a minimum. This rating system is often identical to that used on films, and it is illegal to sell a rated game to a person below that age, as it is with films. During a segment on the sex scenes in Bioware’s Mass Effect game, American news channel Fox News commented on how, while many young adults play computer games, their children are likely to experience games that they might not have access to otherwise while playing unsupervised. While this is true, the exact same can be said of films or television shows, and while games are a more interactive medium, a gory video game set during a zombie apocalypse is just as unsuitable for young gamers as a gory film or show on the same subject matter would be for a young watcher.

Fig. III: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a 2010 film that uses a number
of gaming elements to tell the story.

 
Nonetheless, games have become far more accepted and even incorporated into modern media, especially films and television shows, than they were a decade or so ago. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a new film based on a comic book series, uses video games as the basis for a number of jokes as well as the plot itself. Animated shows like The Simpsons and Futurama, also use a number of video game jokes based on games. There are also a number of books based on video game franchises, including Halo and Assassin’s Creed. With gaming as a growing media, it is unsurprising that elements of it appear in other areas. However, these are often aimed at the stereotypical gaming audience (namely, teenage to young adult males) and so it is difficult to have these seen by people outside this age group. The rise of ‘geek culture’ in recent years, with superhero and Sci-Fi movies becoming incredibly popular as well as comedies such as The Big Bang Theory and The IT Crowd focusing on geek social groups, means that this type of material is being seen by a far wider group of people.

So why is gaming considered such a strange thing to enjoy? Though negative studies appear to show the dangers of gaming, there are those that show otherwise. It would seem, therefore, that the major problem that the gaming industry faces in being taken seriously is breaking through the bad press generated by those who paint a negative picture of it. Recent exposure in film and television seem to be assisting this, as well as a number of games that break typical views of what the hobby involves. It may be a number of years yet, however, before games can take their place amongst the other parts of our cultural landscape.


Notes.

• Fig. I.:   Copyright http://gamerant.com/wp-content/uploads/Farmville-Screen.jpg.

• Fig. II.:  Copyright http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/screenwriter/files/2009/12/070403_cb_grandtheftautoex.jpg.

• Fig. III.: Copyright http://www.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-movie-image-32.jpg.

Productive Summers

Currently replaying through Tales of Vesperia. I blame the job market. It's a good thing that this game is awesome, and has some of the funniest lines and likable characters I've seen in any media.

Seriously, if you own an xbox or a PS3, you have no excuse not to play this game. Do it, now! I'll wait... In the meantime, let us all enjoy the opening video to it, with a cracked song to boot.

I wonder if there's a stage version. If so, I wonder if we could put it on in LUDS. If not, I wonder if I could write one, and we could put it on in LUDS. Win-win, I say!

Peace out,
Chris.

P.S. That is the way I end my LiveJournal entries, for those reading both.

P.P.S. If you are reading both, you're sadder than I am. Well played.

Magical Me.

No matter what this title might suggest, this entry is not written by Gilderoy Lockheart.

I went to a Magic: The Gathering tournament this weekend. It's a card game, and before anyone questions it, that is the sort of thing that Pokemon was. Now, let's move on.

Came 17th place, out of 20. No, that doesn't mean I suck, it means that I'm just not incredible. 5 round, best of 3 for each. Won 1 rounds, tied 1, lost 3. For anyone who plays, my deck was thus:

6 Forest.
3 Greypelt Refuge.
2 Jungle Shrine.
3 Kazandu Refuge.
4 Mountain.
4 Plains.
3 Terramorphic Expanse.
----------------------
25 land.

2 Ant Queen.
2 Mycoloth.
4 Nissa's Chosen.
4 Rip-Clan Crasher.
3 Soul Warden.
2 Qasali Ambusher.
4 Wild Nacatl.
4 Woolly Thoctar.
----------------------
25 creatures.

3 Lightning Bolt.
4 Naya Charm.
3 Oblivion Ring.
----------------------
10 spells.

2 Act of Treason.
3 Angelsong.
2 Demolish.
3 Nature's Spiral.
3 Pacifism.
2 Relic of Progenitus.
----------------------
15 sideboard.

I wonder if there's a way of formatting certain parts of a blog into columns... Ideally, that would take up less space and have the 10 spells and 15 sideboard cards in column next to the land and creature cards. What can you do, eh?

If there is, though, I will some day return here and make those columns! My blog will, as it were, suit up. Awesome...

This blog...

... It will likely be pure rambling. I hope it will someday evolve into something more eloquent and profound.

That, or a Pidgeot.