Friday, May 17, 2019
Friday, May 3, 2019
Talking About Video Games: Pokemon Sun and Moon
Some people may have described Pokemon Sun and Moon as 'vanilla' or 'boring,' but I would have to disagree. The game doesn't take itself too seriously, has a fantastic story line, poignant characters, and a new take on the old formula.
Let's start with that last part first. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Pokemon franchise, a regular Pokemon game comprises of the player picking a starter Pokemon (water, grass, or fire) and then building up their team as they travel the land. Over the course of the game the player dukes it out with eight Gym Leaders before facing the Elite Four and clearing the game. There is usually an evil organization trying to destroy the world as we know it that the player ends up beating single handedly. Sun and Moon keep a lot of that format. It is still very much a Pokemon game. However, instead of facing off with Gym Leaders, players have to overcome various elemental themed trials, as well as defeat the island kahunas to complete their island challenge. While I still prefer the 8 gym format, this new format gives a breath of fresh air to the franchise, supports the storyline exceptionally and allows for a closer connection with the in-game characters.
Speaking of characters, they were what really drove the game for me. I think the island challenge format did a better job of showcasing the personalities of the captains and kahunas, allowing me as a player to feel like I actually knew them. With other games the gym leaders are just some enigmatic figure you face off with once and never see again. I also appreciated the way the main central characters were portrayed - especially the way the game handled rivals and reoccurring characters.
Before playing Pokemon Sun, I had just finished playing Pokemon X. The game left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Part of that was from the rivals. In Pokemon X and Y the player is given 5 different rivals. There are too many! I felt unattached to most of the rivals and thought some were unnecessary. Although the Alolan rivals still healed your Pokemon more often than not before challenging you to a battle, they were far better handled. Instead of being propped up by tropes and singular defining characteristics, the Alolan characters felt original. Also, they actually had believable character arcs in-game! I was also excited to have an anti-hero in the mix. A lot of the previous characters were too nice. Gladion reminded me of the rivals of old (ex. Silver from Gold/Silver) and was one of my favorite characters.
I will admit, I was a little skeptical of the game at first. For one thing, the game is so over the top! A lot of this comes up in the varied cast (we're looking at you Gladion), but also in the game play. I mean, the mini bosses actually glow! Initiating battles with other trainers is so much more intense, and do I even need to mention the Z-moves?
The main villains were treated differently in Sun and Moon, in comparison to the other games. Firstly, I found it interesting that the members of Team Skull weren't a random outside force that decided to barge in and terrorize the people of Alola. They were Alolan themselves - all the people who had failed the island challenge and were rejected from society. Generally, they embody the definition of incompetent, more so than other Team grunts. Grunts were never known for using their brains, but these grunts exhibited a special definition of dumb - one that is acknowledged in-game. They are almost lovable for being so stupid. I also liked how they were integrated back into society at the end of the game. Also, I half-way expected the game creators to do a throw-back to the Kanto Region and have the Mega Mart be a front for the evil organization.
On the other side of the coin is the Aether Foundation. Pokemon has taught me not to trust large corporations who promise they are doing good for the world, and the Aether Foundation definitely seemed a little fishy from the start. It was interesting to see how these two groups intertwined, especially in the end climax. With these two questionable organizations and an altered playing format, Pokemon Sun and Moon's story line was original and a change of pace to the Pokemon franchise.
Real quick, before we end officially, I'd like to talk about a couple of other things I noticed in the games that were different. One of the things I missed in the game were the puzzles that were usually found in Pokemon gyms and in caves and dungeons. I wish the 'Strength HM equivalent' was introduced earlier in the game and that there were more 'boulder puzzles.' Another interesting thing I noticed, was the altered stats of some of the moves. Some went down in power while others went up. The most noticeable being Leech Life, a move you can teach by TM. In previous generations Leech Life is a low-power bug move, probably not more that 20% power. In Sun and Moon however, they boosted it up to an 80% power move. With a more than decent base power and the ability to regain health, Leech Life is definitely a move that is now useful and feasible to use for the in game.
Let's start with that last part first. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Pokemon franchise, a regular Pokemon game comprises of the player picking a starter Pokemon (water, grass, or fire) and then building up their team as they travel the land. Over the course of the game the player dukes it out with eight Gym Leaders before facing the Elite Four and clearing the game. There is usually an evil organization trying to destroy the world as we know it that the player ends up beating single handedly. Sun and Moon keep a lot of that format. It is still very much a Pokemon game. However, instead of facing off with Gym Leaders, players have to overcome various elemental themed trials, as well as defeat the island kahunas to complete their island challenge. While I still prefer the 8 gym format, this new format gives a breath of fresh air to the franchise, supports the storyline exceptionally and allows for a closer connection with the in-game characters.
Speaking of characters, they were what really drove the game for me. I think the island challenge format did a better job of showcasing the personalities of the captains and kahunas, allowing me as a player to feel like I actually knew them. With other games the gym leaders are just some enigmatic figure you face off with once and never see again. I also appreciated the way the main central characters were portrayed - especially the way the game handled rivals and reoccurring characters.
Before playing Pokemon Sun, I had just finished playing Pokemon X. The game left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Part of that was from the rivals. In Pokemon X and Y the player is given 5 different rivals. There are too many! I felt unattached to most of the rivals and thought some were unnecessary. Although the Alolan rivals still healed your Pokemon more often than not before challenging you to a battle, they were far better handled. Instead of being propped up by tropes and singular defining characteristics, the Alolan characters felt original. Also, they actually had believable character arcs in-game! I was also excited to have an anti-hero in the mix. A lot of the previous characters were too nice. Gladion reminded me of the rivals of old (ex. Silver from Gold/Silver) and was one of my favorite characters.
I will admit, I was a little skeptical of the game at first. For one thing, the game is so over the top! A lot of this comes up in the varied cast (we're looking at you Gladion), but also in the game play. I mean, the mini bosses actually glow! Initiating battles with other trainers is so much more intense, and do I even need to mention the Z-moves?
The main villains were treated differently in Sun and Moon, in comparison to the other games. Firstly, I found it interesting that the members of Team Skull weren't a random outside force that decided to barge in and terrorize the people of Alola. They were Alolan themselves - all the people who had failed the island challenge and were rejected from society. Generally, they embody the definition of incompetent, more so than other Team grunts. Grunts were never known for using their brains, but these grunts exhibited a special definition of dumb - one that is acknowledged in-game. They are almost lovable for being so stupid. I also liked how they were integrated back into society at the end of the game. Also, I half-way expected the game creators to do a throw-back to the Kanto Region and have the Mega Mart be a front for the evil organization.
On the other side of the coin is the Aether Foundation. Pokemon has taught me not to trust large corporations who promise they are doing good for the world, and the Aether Foundation definitely seemed a little fishy from the start. It was interesting to see how these two groups intertwined, especially in the end climax. With these two questionable organizations and an altered playing format, Pokemon Sun and Moon's story line was original and a change of pace to the Pokemon franchise.
Real quick, before we end officially, I'd like to talk about a couple of other things I noticed in the games that were different. One of the things I missed in the game were the puzzles that were usually found in Pokemon gyms and in caves and dungeons. I wish the 'Strength HM equivalent' was introduced earlier in the game and that there were more 'boulder puzzles.' Another interesting thing I noticed, was the altered stats of some of the moves. Some went down in power while others went up. The most noticeable being Leech Life, a move you can teach by TM. In previous generations Leech Life is a low-power bug move, probably not more that 20% power. In Sun and Moon however, they boosted it up to an 80% power move. With a more than decent base power and the ability to regain health, Leech Life is definitely a move that is now useful and feasible to use for the in game.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Readers Rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini
Friday, April 5, 2019
TV Show Review: Carmen Sandiego
Title: Carmen Sandiego
Genre: Action, Adventure
General Setup: Carmen Sandiego is a thief who steals from other theifs. She uses her morally ambiguous actions to preserve culture and fight back against the evil organization that raised her.
Characters: Based on a learning geography game for younger audiences, Carmen Sandiego is a red-coated theif who commits capers in the far corners of the world, in all sorts of geographical locations. The show gives her a backstory, as well as a bit of a moral compass (stealing hurts people, especially when you're willing to steal lives). By the end of the show the viewer is pretty well acquainted with Carmen and her crew, as well as the villains she fights against. I do wish some more background was given to Zach and Ivy, Carmen's on the scene back-up, as well as Player, their 'man behind the screen.' But I suppose those are problems to be conquered in a 2nd season.
Plot: Within the main plot of the show are several subplots to keep things interesting. Inspector Chase Devineau is always hot on Carmen's heels, but one or two steps behind, adding another element to the main plot. Most of the episodes are fairly self-contained and episodic, with Carmen bouncing around the globe to put a stop to VILE's evil deeds. However, the episodes do continue to build on one another to the climax.
Ending: Throughout the show different threads were brought in, leading up to the climax. This gave the story a feeling of cohesion, which I appreciated. Most of the show is pretty predictable, but there was one major twist that caught me by surprise. While the show ends at a good spot for the story arc, there is still territory to explore for the future. But time will tell.
Things to Watch For: The show is pretty clean, but Carmen's actions can be a little morally ambiguous, similar to Robin Hood.
Sights and Sounds: The animation for the show is extremely well done. It is done in a geometric, cell-shaded style with a fascinating color palette. The sound track was really successful as well, setting the mood for the show and the various geographical locations. However, I wasn't terribly impressed by the echoing sing-song way they handled the catchphrase, "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" While I appreciated the title drop and reference to the games, I felt it was a little strange and out of place.
Length: 9 episodes
Where to Watch: Netflix
Genre: Action, Adventure
General Setup: Carmen Sandiego is a thief who steals from other theifs. She uses her morally ambiguous actions to preserve culture and fight back against the evil organization that raised her.
Characters: Based on a learning geography game for younger audiences, Carmen Sandiego is a red-coated theif who commits capers in the far corners of the world, in all sorts of geographical locations. The show gives her a backstory, as well as a bit of a moral compass (stealing hurts people, especially when you're willing to steal lives). By the end of the show the viewer is pretty well acquainted with Carmen and her crew, as well as the villains she fights against. I do wish some more background was given to Zach and Ivy, Carmen's on the scene back-up, as well as Player, their 'man behind the screen.' But I suppose those are problems to be conquered in a 2nd season.
Plot: Within the main plot of the show are several subplots to keep things interesting. Inspector Chase Devineau is always hot on Carmen's heels, but one or two steps behind, adding another element to the main plot. Most of the episodes are fairly self-contained and episodic, with Carmen bouncing around the globe to put a stop to VILE's evil deeds. However, the episodes do continue to build on one another to the climax.
Ending: Throughout the show different threads were brought in, leading up to the climax. This gave the story a feeling of cohesion, which I appreciated. Most of the show is pretty predictable, but there was one major twist that caught me by surprise. While the show ends at a good spot for the story arc, there is still territory to explore for the future. But time will tell.
Things to Watch For: The show is pretty clean, but Carmen's actions can be a little morally ambiguous, similar to Robin Hood.
Sights and Sounds: The animation for the show is extremely well done. It is done in a geometric, cell-shaded style with a fascinating color palette. The sound track was really successful as well, setting the mood for the show and the various geographical locations. However, I wasn't terribly impressed by the echoing sing-song way they handled the catchphrase, "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" While I appreciated the title drop and reference to the games, I felt it was a little strange and out of place.
Length: 9 episodes
Where to Watch: Netflix
Friday, March 22, 2019
Book Review: Prisoner of PSI by Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Title: Prisoner of PSI
Author: Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Genre: 80's dystopian literature
Pages: 149
General Setup: As with most of their works, PSI is written in the 1980's, set in the near future (early 2000's) and based in Denver, Colorado. The title has a dual meaning as there are actually 2 prisoners in this book. The first is Emory Morgan, a psychic who is captured by terrorists. The second is his son Tristan, who while trying to rescue his father is held captive by his own psychic capabilities.
Characters: The point of view for PSI switches occasionally. Mostly it stays with Tristan, but it also changes to the terrorist's point of view. This allows the reader can see the other side of the coin. Most of Tristan's pov is recorded in the form of a journal. In this way, the reader is able to get inside his head. He is an entertaining and fleshed-out character. Although only 17, he is mature beyond his years and quite self-aware. In addition, the authors do a good job of incorporating the other characters with all their quirks.
Plot: The epistolary nature of the method of storytelling has the chance to be confusing, but the authors have a good handle on the story and avoid this plot hole, for the most part. I paticularly enjoy the Johnsons' way of phrasing things. Their prose is unique and they are creative in coming up with inventive ways of expressing common ideas.
Ending: The end of the book is not entirely what I expected and a few strings are left untied. However, the main points have been resolved and the reader is left with a positive outlook for the character's futures.
Things to Watch Out For: Some language. Some exploration of the psychic realm and supernatural powers.
Other Media: The Johnsons have written other books, such as A Memory of Dragons and The Burning Glass. A lot of their work is set in the Denver area in Colorado, with a futuristic twist.
Author: Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Genre: 80's dystopian literature
Pages: 149
General Setup: As with most of their works, PSI is written in the 1980's, set in the near future (early 2000's) and based in Denver, Colorado. The title has a dual meaning as there are actually 2 prisoners in this book. The first is Emory Morgan, a psychic who is captured by terrorists. The second is his son Tristan, who while trying to rescue his father is held captive by his own psychic capabilities.
Characters: The point of view for PSI switches occasionally. Mostly it stays with Tristan, but it also changes to the terrorist's point of view. This allows the reader can see the other side of the coin. Most of Tristan's pov is recorded in the form of a journal. In this way, the reader is able to get inside his head. He is an entertaining and fleshed-out character. Although only 17, he is mature beyond his years and quite self-aware. In addition, the authors do a good job of incorporating the other characters with all their quirks.
Plot: The epistolary nature of the method of storytelling has the chance to be confusing, but the authors have a good handle on the story and avoid this plot hole, for the most part. I paticularly enjoy the Johnsons' way of phrasing things. Their prose is unique and they are creative in coming up with inventive ways of expressing common ideas.
Ending: The end of the book is not entirely what I expected and a few strings are left untied. However, the main points have been resolved and the reader is left with a positive outlook for the character's futures.
Things to Watch Out For: Some language. Some exploration of the psychic realm and supernatural powers.
Other Media: The Johnsons have written other books, such as A Memory of Dragons and The Burning Glass. A lot of their work is set in the Denver area in Colorado, with a futuristic twist.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Mini Manga Review: Fruits Basket Another
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Book Review: A Memory of Dragons by Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Title: A Memory of Dragons
Authors: Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Genre: 80's dystopian literature
Pages: 170
For as much emphasis put on it in the title, there are surprisingly few dragons in this book, sorry to disappoint. Instead you get a wonderfully written tale set in the present future. This book was written in the 1980's, looking into the future of the early 2000's. It is interesting to compare the world proposed in these pages with the one we have today.
General Setup: In trying to recover his lost memory Paul Killian stumbles into a world of espionage, double agents, and a stage set for war. The only problem is, he doesn't know which side he is on.
Characters: The cast of characters is sizable and varied, but not so large that it is impossible to keep track of everyone. As a main character, Paul is intriguing, with a self-deprecating sense of humor. I liked him, but at only 18 he does seem to be a bit more mature beyond his years than would warrant. This isn't a bad thing necessarily, but it is kind of strange when you think about it. I like Paul and all, but the Bucket of Bolts (Paul's bike) is the true MVP in this story!
Plot: For a spy book, things seem to move rather slowly. This isn't your standard high stake adrenaline rush, although some of that does come in the end. It takes Paul a little bit to figure out what exactly is going on. However, the slower pace allows the authors to explore some interesting sub plots, like the American Civil War and other character developments, as well as Paul rediscovering his own backstory. The prose of the book is really what won me over. The authors have a sense of expressing themselves in ways that are new and fresh, especially in their descriptions. If you have ever watched Orlan Rogers and heard some of his descriptions (For example: He had a head shaped like a vertical watermelon and the agility of a of a hammock....He was odd.) then you might have a sense of what I am talking about.
Ending: The last few chapters of Dragons are exciting and a bit more action-packed, with several plot points coming to resolution. There is a bit of confusion at the very end as to where the ending fits with the rest of the narrative (the book is written in various stages of retrospect, similar to Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley). Despite that, the end feels resolved and polished - there is even a title drop on the last page to bring things full-circle.
Other Media: The Johnsons have written other books, such as Prisoner of PSI and The Burning Glass. A lot of their work is set in the Denver area in Colorado, with a futuristic twist.
Things to Watch For: Deals with war and child abuse.
Authors: Annabel and Edgar Johnson
Genre: 80's dystopian literature
Pages: 170
For as much emphasis put on it in the title, there are surprisingly few dragons in this book, sorry to disappoint. Instead you get a wonderfully written tale set in the present future. This book was written in the 1980's, looking into the future of the early 2000's. It is interesting to compare the world proposed in these pages with the one we have today.
General Setup: In trying to recover his lost memory Paul Killian stumbles into a world of espionage, double agents, and a stage set for war. The only problem is, he doesn't know which side he is on.
Characters: The cast of characters is sizable and varied, but not so large that it is impossible to keep track of everyone. As a main character, Paul is intriguing, with a self-deprecating sense of humor. I liked him, but at only 18 he does seem to be a bit more mature beyond his years than would warrant. This isn't a bad thing necessarily, but it is kind of strange when you think about it. I like Paul and all, but the Bucket of Bolts (Paul's bike) is the true MVP in this story!
Plot: For a spy book, things seem to move rather slowly. This isn't your standard high stake adrenaline rush, although some of that does come in the end. It takes Paul a little bit to figure out what exactly is going on. However, the slower pace allows the authors to explore some interesting sub plots, like the American Civil War and other character developments, as well as Paul rediscovering his own backstory. The prose of the book is really what won me over. The authors have a sense of expressing themselves in ways that are new and fresh, especially in their descriptions. If you have ever watched Orlan Rogers and heard some of his descriptions (For example: He had a head shaped like a vertical watermelon and the agility of a of a hammock....He was odd.) then you might have a sense of what I am talking about.
Ending: The last few chapters of Dragons are exciting and a bit more action-packed, with several plot points coming to resolution. There is a bit of confusion at the very end as to where the ending fits with the rest of the narrative (the book is written in various stages of retrospect, similar to Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley). Despite that, the end feels resolved and polished - there is even a title drop on the last page to bring things full-circle.
Other Media: The Johnsons have written other books, such as Prisoner of PSI and The Burning Glass. A lot of their work is set in the Denver area in Colorado, with a futuristic twist.
Things to Watch For: Deals with war and child abuse.
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