Sunday, October 18, 2009

Coming Attractions: Xbox 360

I recently completed "Batman: Arkham Asylum" that took many days to complete, but now have found myself in the unfavorable position of not having a game waiting for my attention. I mean sure, I could go back to any of the other games I own for another go-around; but I need a new experience. I'll have to wait until Christmas time to get my video game fill, but after doing some research I realized I have quite a few games to look forward to. Let's go through them one by one and see which ones will have me attached to my couch for a while.

Tekken 6- My favorite fighting game franchise has its next installment coming out in just over a week. For me, the game has been simple: beat it with every single character to unlock the secret ones, then beat the game with them as well, and then play through it's action mode just once. Believe me, this does take some time, but never gets dull.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed- Wait, this game has been out for some time now. Plus, I already own it for the Playstation 2. But hold on, this game coming out is different. Yes, it's the Ultimate Sith Edition we're talking about here. Along with the original game you get new levels in which to test out your awesome Force powers.......and I'll get to see the best version of the original.

Assassin's Creed II-The first game showed tons of potential, and whether you thought the first was phenomenal or just average, you'll no doubt be impressed with this one. Aside from the usual tasks, you'll be able to do much more, along with new acrobatic moves, weapons, skills, and side missions. This is one of those games that could keep you busy if you insist on remembering everything (those who've played the first game know what I'm talking about).

Bioshock 2- I know this game won't be out until February of '10, but this one is worth mentioning. The first game was critically acclaimed and a smash hit, including in my eyes. The story continues, but also comes with one important addition: multi-player. Now you'll be ablt to take on others with weapons and plasmids however you see fit. Already I've seen some incredible action sequences and gameplay that will blow you away.

These games are the cream of the crop. Probable will be great hits and will definitely find their way in my collection. Until then, I've got some Playstation 2 games that can give me a run for my money. Let's see, what can the next post be about? You know what, I leave the next one as a surprise. Now all you have to do is follow these simple words: entertain yourselves now.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sunday Night "Animation Domination"

Wow, seems like ages ago that this blog was created for me........also seems like ages since I've actually put a post on here. Now that I have full Internet service back, I think a post is due. Now, my time offline and at home has given me a chance to sort of "explore" the types of entertainment I look at, and get some really good insights into it. And what's strange is that insight comes up almost instantly when I see something new. Kind of a "gift"..........not a really cool one like a super power would be, but something nifty. So, I thought I'd take advantage of this and look at the busiest TV night here at home.

For those who may actually be clueless as to what's on Fox Sunday from 8pm to 10pm, there's a series of four animated shows on; three of which are from the creative mind of one man, but championed by a long-time veteran of cartoons. "The Simpsons" leads the charge, before Seth MacFarlane takes over with "The Cleveland Show", "Family Guy", and "American Dad."

I'll start with newest member: "The Cleveland Show." Replacing the recently retired series "King of the Hill" (which I personally thought was way overdue), this spin-off of "Family Guy" character Cleveland Brown sets him up with his own family and setting. So far the show has only aired two episodes, but I can see how it fits in with the other two shows right away. There's shock value, moments of wit, and lots of far-out stories. While strong at first glance, you can see more similarities that don't help it stand apart. Same animation, same "Family Guy" cut-away gags, similar family layout..........for those who know the characters of all three shows see that right away. For me, "The Cleveland Show" has made me laugh, and serves as great filler between the other shows, but hopefully they can stay strong so that they don't end up like "Parks and Recreation" did for me on Thursday nights.

"American Dad" gets the last laughs of the evening, and has managed to be the saving grace from the failures of "Family Guy" last year. While that dynamic has changed these last couple of weeks, "American Dad" has still been able to deliver. Other than the family layout, the show has managed to strike on its own. For me personally, the setup of the characters and stories are closely related to my own likes and interests, so it speaks to me more. For example, the story from the premiere episode followed a "Rambo" theme.......and Rambo is the bomb! (Literally sometimes, he uses explosives on enemies.....you've seen the movies, you know it's true). Therefore, this show gets my vote of confidence.

"Family Guy," the most notorious of the line-up, almost became a lost cause after having only 3 episodes from last season as being worthwhile. At the start of this season, they're 2 for 2. That's a relief. The show has managed to survive the repetitive humor and recycling of old jokes, and started off with some entirely new ideas. The premiere alone had me laughing so hard that the episode probably ranks as one of if not THE best. And of course the very next episode went on to push the lines of serious topics that they just love to do. And it was still hilarious. So as far as I'm concerned, "Family Guy" has managed a comeback, and need to keep this momentum going. My wife and I watched this show during our first date, so it's been a sort of obligation for me to watch. I don't want that ruined.

Ah, at last we get to the king of kings when it comes to animated series: "The Simpsons." What can I say? The show has an established pattern that even just the casual fans know about: the minor characters can be funnier than the Simpsons family, the episdoes involving Lisa aren't really that good, and Homer is probably the best animated character of all time. And after 20 years, the show can still deliver the laughs. One-liners, visuals, and familiar-but-refreshing stories continue week-in and week-out. That's all we need for a good start to a night of couch potato-ing (a pasttime Homer Simpson probably invented......I salute you!)

Give you enough to swallow? (Get your head out of the gutter please........). There's plenty more TV stuff I could fill your brain with, but I'll save that for a later post. My next post could be about most anything. Just so you have an idea as to what I've found entertaining, my next post could be a visit to Comic Book Land (with info on the Blackest Night storyline, or even a look at Watchmen, the book AND the movie), a stop at Video Game Castle (Batman: Arkham Asylum I've been playing non-stop, or I might give some expectations for future releases), or a rousing spin around Movie Park (got some new DVDs of movies to review, and the regular look at Coming Attractions). Whoa, the Entertainment Universe is a lot bigger than you thought, hunh? Guess the next post might only cover a tiny spectrum of it. But hey, there's plenty of other spectrums you can find out there until then. Get your reading glasses, game controllers, and couch cushions ready, because it's all on you now.