Something different

Well, this week I've been taking a break for WoW. It's not that I've fallen out with it, I guess I'm just a little impatient for Cataclysm. I told myself after the second expansion that I'd never go achievement hunting -as a matter of pride- and these past few weeks, that's all I've found myself doing. I've taken a break for a couple of days to experience the world in all it's glory - until Deathwing blows that up as well of course.

I thought I'd fill the gap with some reviews of other things that've taken my interest these past few weeks (Yes, I like other things!). Feel free to think what you like, but these are just a few of the things that have helped keep me sane, and stopped me from going on a crazy murderous rampage ...for now.

Books

As you all know, at heart I'm a terribly bitter and hateful individual -not at first glance at all, but deep deep inside, buried under mounds of pink fluffy bunnies, sunflowers and rainbows- and so I've been reading Frankie Boyle's autobiography. As you might expect from a comedian that pushes himself to the limits of human decency, it's a bit outrageous. Those of you who are likely to be offended, this isnt a book for you. If you've ever written a letter to the BBC, this isnt for you. If you have any sense of humanity, at all, this probobly isnt something you'd label as 'good reading'. In any case, I love it. Frankie's blend of clever yet insulting comedy makes for an emotional ride that gives you two options. Laugh, or crawl into a deep dark place I like to call 'Gb's happy place', a magical world where nothing bad can happen, and seas of beer are surrounded by other seas of beer. It really gives you an insight into Frankie's childhood, and allows you to relate to him better as a person. Of course, the majority of the book is about sex and drug-related experiences, so you'll probobly end up relating to him as you would to a strange uncle who likes the smell of your hands... A strange novel perhaps, but one that will leave your sides splitting with laughter, and your morals in tatters.

5 Pints *****

Games

Well, you didnt expect me to leave the gaming world entirely did you? No, If I quit one game, the apparently obsessive compulsive person I am, I have to start something new. *light switch on* *light switch off*. The two games that I've been trying out this week are Bayonetta, and Darksiders, two of the most recent games to hit the shelves, and instant chart toppers. Lets start with Darksiders. It sounds promising, all you bible nuts out there, or guys with too much free time on your hands, may be familiar with the apparent prophecy of the rapture, and the heralds known as the four horseman of the apocalypse. War, conquest, famine and death. Anyway, you play as War, a bid bad boy with an adorable red shawl, and a serious attitude problem. Anyway, we join lil' red riding hood in the middle of a war between Heaven and Hell. Long story short, our hero gets blamed, is stripped of his powers, and you spend the game getting bigger, badder, and finding the son'o'a'bitch responsible. It's enjoyable enough, with a rich full storyline, and some good boss battles, but it does have its faults. It's basically a standard platformer, hack and slash, with alot -maybe too much- puzzle solving, in a similar style to many of the original Prince of Persia games. It's also a little bit reserved in its purpose. The entirety of the game follows the same formula

1. Talk to demon. Get job
2. Fight other demons. Solve puzzles. Earn souls (currency).
3. Find new piece of equipment.
4. Use new piece of equipment.
5. Boss.
6. Buy new skills.
7. Rinse and repeat

Each level revolves around the new piece of gear that that level offers to you, meaning that you never get any time to really experience War at his full potential, you're simply grinding more and more weapons and abilities, meaning that your action bars get pretty overcrowded towards the end. Anyway, despite the vaguely repetative nature of the game, its twisting and gripping story line, and the beautifully detailed character models ensure that it's still a game to watch out for. Maybe not for the graphic-hungry next generation gamer, but for fans of games such as Jack and Daxter, Prince of Persia, and even the childhood classic Ratchet and Clank, it's a good game to play, providing you enjoy blood'n'guts.

3 pints ***

Bayonetta. I'm going to keep this short and simple.
BUY THIS GAME.
One of the greatest works of art I've ever played. yes, I said it, art. The term 'game' doesnt give this title justice. Every level has been lavished with gorgeous detail. The character models are delicious, and the combat system is eye-meltingly addictive. It has demons, It has angels. You play the bad girl with a good heart. You're hot. You know you want to...

5 pints *****

TV

A bit of nostalgia here. This week I've been watching The Big O. For the quick-fingered TV addicts reading, not so fast. Unfortunately it's not on TV anymore. Axed right at its source in Japan, it's no longer being made. You can still watch it online, if you know how to find it. But I'll leave that up to you.
The Big O is an anime style show that combines both typical futuristic elements with the style of a 1960's detective drama. The story goes that a number of years ago, everyone in the world lost their memory. Now, this isnt just any world, but an alternate world in which there exist giant robots, sophisticated technology, realistic androids, but most importantly, more giant robots. The world is a desert wasteland, with Paradigm City being the last crumbling remnant of civilization on the planet, and nobody can remember what's happened to the rest of the world.
The main character of Roger Smith, Paradigm City's top negotiator lives a double life. Suave crime solver during the day, bad-ass robot killer by night (or whenever the situation arises). His robot, and the show's namesake 'Big O' is one of the few intact giant robots left in the world, and Roger one of the few pilots. Unfortunately, there's still other robots out there, and in a city full of criminals, with potentially dangerous dormant memories, it's dangerous to let them remain. The series has a crisp, modern yet oxymoronically nostalgic feel to it that appeals to me. The script flows smoothly, with some pretty good voice acting throughout. Roger isnt necessarily a loveable character, but he has the charm and know-how that makes so many spy movies popular. He's not afraid to help a friend in need, and has the connections necessary for him to fulfill the crime-solving aspect of the story. A blast from the past nontheless, The Big O is not for lovers of mainstream anime. The colours are relatively bland, seeing as it was primarily aired in the late 90's, and the detective aspect of the story may extend a little too far for those who just want to see giant robots going at-it.
An interesting twist to an anime show, and lovers of crimebusters and cartoons alike should dust this relic off, you never know what you might find just below the surface.

4 pints ****

Other

Some of you might know that I enjoy a few tabletop games. Warhammer, and Warhammer 40k, while not for some, are both hugely entertaining to play, and provide hours of enjoyment that interactive multimedia games cant live up to. It's a pretty expensive hobby, and shouldnt be taken up unless you dont mind paying for the experience. The cost in money isnt the main requirement though, it's the time. Games Workshop's models come unassembled and unpainted, meaning that you'll have devote a good chunk of time getting them ready to use in some games. Fair enough, you can play with them unpainted, but I think it adds a satisfying amount of realism when you have a full game with painted models. The physical nature of tabletop games, and the presence of an actual person to play against gives them various selling points that may appeal to those who cant see the point in console games, or even find them a little antisocial.
Personally, I find painting to be one of the best parts of the hobby. Sure, I enjoy playing the games themselves, it's great, but just the satisfaction of having a brilliantly painted model that you yourself have dedicated hours upon hours to making perfect for the tabletop is just great. Sure it's time consuming, but I stand firm in my belief that each minute is worth it when you can sit back and appreciate the end result. Many companies these days offer painting services, where you send them your pre-assembled models, and they'll paint for an over-indulgent fee. I've painted quite a few of my friends models myself, and they've all been happy with the results. I'm happy to say it's probobly one of the few things I'm good at. I've entered (and won) a few painting competitions in the past few years, and I strongly encourage any current players to do the same. Maybe you wont win, but the criticism and feedback can only help you get better, and stand a chance at getting the gold in the next one. For painting advice or requests, drop me a comment.


Music

I'll try and keep this short so I dont embarass myself. My taste in music has it's ups and downs. I'm like marmite, you either love me or hate me. Wait...that's a bad analogy, I'm like an in-game ganker, or Margaret Thatcher. You start off impartial, then gradually learn to hate me, then burn effigys of me in your back yard while dancing to chants cursing my name. In any case, a small minority of people like my sense of music, varied as it is, so If you're reading this, I hope you're one of those people.
This week I've been listening to Fireflies, by Owl city. Owl city became a gradual hit in america. Originally starting on Myspace, they achieved critical acclaim, eventually becoming the billboard #1. They've been recieved pretty well in the Uk too, though for some reason not alot of people I talk to have heard of them. They're a pretty 'new-age' group. They're songs are heavily synthasised, with pretty outlandish lyrics. Dont think of me as a hippy tree-loving pop-rocker, I mean, I like Metallica too. Simple plan, Blink 182, some of my favourite bands I admit, but I've got a wide taste. I dont like everything from a single genre, I just like a little from every genre, and Owl city fits nicely into the small amount of space left in my brain, right between my sisters birthday, and a reminder to never eat yellow snow. Fireflies has an extremely relaxing tone, and though it's lyrics may leave you puzzled, they impact differently on everyone, so tell me what it means to you. For those of you with a dark disposition, or who simply hate the world, this probobly isnt something you'd be interested in, I'm sure there's a dark corner available somewhere on Google. But if you're in a good mood, and are willing to accept something new and vibrant into your senses, Fireflies might be a good place to start.

4 pints ****