Dark City, Director's Cut!

If you've never seen this masterpeice of dark science fiction, you probably don't know where I'll be on July 29th: The first in line at Best Buy when this new version of the film is released!!

Often compared to the first Matrix movie, this one came out first, and arguably did it best. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a Matrix Trilogy FREAK!! But this movie is way outside the box.) With 15 minutes of additional footage, reportedly new or "updated special effects" (although I'm not sure what they feel the need to change) and a boatload of new bonus material, there is no way I won't be picking this up!

And if you've never seen it before, you owe it to yourself to at least give this a rental!

Opening The X-File Cabinet

I never quite got on board with the X-Files TV show when it was on the air. Can't quite remember why. It started in '93, so I guess I would have been starting High School. Maybe I had other things to do on Friday nights. I remember feeling lost in the ongoing continuity a bit.

For whatever reason, it didn't grab me then. But with Battlestar Galactica done for the summer (and nearly finished anyway) I'm looking for a new show to watch. I've enjoyed collecting the Highlander TV series, and may do the same again if I discover that The X-Files is more suited to my current tastes. (These days, I actually WANT a show that demands my loyalty with it's continuing plot threads.)

So a trip to the video store may be on the agenda today. However, I'd be interested in hearing from any fans of the show regarding the various seasons. Was it strong throughout? (No spoilers, please.) I'd love to get your input!

Well, that's it for me, back to mixing!

Scratchin' The Itch

I think I've finally zeroed in on my first "keeper" Xbox 360 game. Although, as reviews indicated, the heavy attention to character slows the pace of "Lost Odyssey", for a fan of classic Japanese style RPGs, the turn-based battle system and attack/spell animations are scratching just the itch in need right now.

So far, I've found the voice acting to be very well done and the characters to be interesting. As long as the pace doesn't get any slower than it is now, I should have a lot more to like than dislike about this game.

No sign of summoned monsters, which would really cap things off, but that may be a little much to ask for.

In Search Of Game

Unsure if I really wanted to play a game so similar to Neverwinter Nights, I returned "Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic" and picked up "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion".

Cool game. VERY in depth and a huge world. Not alot of characters that draw you in, though. At least not during the first three hours. And given the slower pace of the game, I knew that combo wouldn't work well for me right now. So I took that back and pickled up "Mass Effect".

Another game from BioWare (creators of Neverwinter Nights) but using a very different system. Although the game lets you pause to set up your shots and make decisions, and despite a very interesting story, cool characters and awesome graphics, this action-rpg felt heavy on the "action" during combat and light on the "rpg".

My hand-eye coordination SSSSSUCKS! So I lean toward turn-based RPGs or action-rpgs that are a little more hack-'n-slash, allowing me to build levels and compensate for my pathetic lack of skills.

So today I'm taking my lunch "to go" and returning Mass Effect so I can get "Lost Odyssey". This game hasn't gotten universally great reviews, but after some research, I'm pretty sure I can get through the brief negative points that occur in the game, and will enjoy the classic turn-based glory of this Japanese RPG.

If not, looks like I'll be nabbing back that Star Wars game and waiting for the next few 360 RPGs to come out!

They Didn't "Want" Us

I finally get something cool for free and it doesn't pan out. An employee at my comic book store gave me a pass for two to an advance screening of the comic book-based movie, "Wanted". Me and a buddy drove 30 minutes and waited for over an hour, only to be told that the theatre was filled to capacity and they wouldn't be letting anyone else in.

I'm not too bummed. The fine print on the pass said to come early and that seats aren't a sure thing. We came as early as we could and still didn't make it. Oh well. We knew it could happen.

Not a big deal, except I COULD have had a cool advance review of the movie here for you. Instead I've just wasted your time by sharing this pointless account. At least you didn't have to stand in the sun for an hour to find out that I don't have anything neat for you.

Have a good weekend!

Incredible Hulk (Spoiler Free Review)

With a new cast, new director, new studio (Marvel Studios), new origin and new focus, "The Incredible Hulk" set out to re-launch the franchise for the Green Goliath. From the very beginning it's obvious that we're meant to forget that Ang Lee's film ever screened in theatres.

Through fragmented flashbacks in the opening titles, supported by exposition later in the film, the origin of Bruce Banner's "anger issue" is revamped. While it's still possible Bruce had a bad childhood, the film doesn't spend the amount of time examining Banner's brain that the first film did, and thankfully so. The angst in this film is based much more on his relationship with Betty Ross.
Character is given just enough attention to draw you into the story, but it seems clear that after Lee's film they wanted to spend more time on action.

And the action is pretty good. Nothing mind-blowing, but more fast and intense than the first film. The down side on the action, particularly late in the film, is that it involves lots of CGI. As cool as the Hulk looks, he doesn't often look like he's real. Detailed, yes. But something about CGI still gives itself away and this movie is no exception. I actually felt there were more moments in the first movie when the Hulk looked real. Usually (as in this film) when he's not moving. My theory is that studios need to develop more realistic motion capture or animation for CGI to really fool audiences.

Comic book fans will enjoy the numerous references to the Marvel Universe. One ally and one villain from the Hulk comics make significant appearances in this film, though not yet with their super powers. Although for at least one of them, the door is clearly opened for their super-powered involvement in the next Hulk flick. Perceptive fans may also notice a reference to Dr. Reinstein's super-soldier formula (responsible for creating Captain America).

The performances turned in were very good, though no award winners here. The script didn't demand much of them either. With moments of humanity that make the film worth investing in, much of the movie is a combination of chase scenes, slugfests and mayhem in general. Definately enjoyable for comic fans and folks in the mundane world as well. Still not as good as Iron man. But lots of fun.

Although superior to the Ang Lee film, I missed one thing from Lee's version. In this film, the Hulk had one uniform size. In Lee's version (and in the comics), the angrier Hulk gets, the larger and stronger he becomes. Small point, but it still would have been cool to keep here.

In terms of philosophical truth, this character and movie tap into the thing that makes so many superheroes resonate with fans. Bruce Banner is the misunderstood guy, loved by a woman who is the only one able to see past the strange monster on the outside. At one time or another, we all see value in ourselves that we wish others would notice, instead of picking out our faults and focusing on them. Secondly, Bruce has to deal with a monster inside of him. We've all got one of those. Pretending that we're naturally good, with defaulted tendencies toward good, will only result in us hurting the ones that we love. Giving in to serving ourselves is easy. Doing what's best for others is hard.

Bruce has to acknowledge the uncontrolled monster inside of himself. He doesn't simply say, "That's just the way I am." He's determined to tackle the beast within and control or destroy it. This is a great model for all of us as we examine ourselves and recognize the natural tendency toward evil that must not remain unchecked.
At the end of the day, this is an enjoyable film that is better than the first, though not by leaps and bounds. Still, most folks should see it and Marvel comic fans should buy the DVD when released.

Quality: 8.5/10

Veracity: 7.5/10

Finally Did It!

I finally went through with it and bought an X-Box 360. For some people, this isn't a major purchase and doesn't represent a lot of money. For me, it does. The last time I bought a game system was the original playstation. My PS2 was a wedding gift. $350 plus tax is a LOT of money in my book. But after careful spending of my fun money and a good amount of help from a friend's gift card and a tax return, I took the plunge this weekend.

What finally did it? Well, the timing was simply because of Neverwinter Nights. A game I dearly love, but the modules I'd been downloading were making my mouse freeze repeatedly and I didn't have any other RPG options. I'd had the money saved and knew it was only a matter of time, so it looked like this was the time. Ironically, after doing research, re-installing and several other potential fixes, NWN seems to be running without mouse freezes only AFTER I bought 360. Oh well. I love having options and as I said, it was only a matter of time 'till I got a 360.

So why the 360 and not the Wii or PS3? Simple. They've got the most RPGs released, and the most planned for the future. Nintendo lost me after Super NES for the same reason Playstation is losing me now. I'm not cutting edge enough to need a Blu-ray player for awhile yet. I just want to play the games I like. Sure, I know about the Red Ring Of Death, but Microsoft has extended the warranty, I'm doing all I can to keep it cool and I'm not a hardcore/marathon gamer. And in the end, if it dies and I can't play games, I'll be in the same place as if I'd bought a PS3 or Wii: Unable to play a lot of good RPGs. (At least I'll have good memories.)

Of course, I haven't even tapped into the potential of this thing yet. My "Frandsen cheap gene" won't allow me to get "Oblivion" or "Mass Effect" yet, so for now I'm digging the original X-Box game, "Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic", created by the makers of Neverwinter Nights! So I've come full circle and all things considered, life is pretty good.

What D&D Should Be (For Me)

The new edition of Dungeons and Dragons came out last weekend, causing a predictable uproar among fans of previous versions. I've not been able to read the rulebooks myself, although I'm very curious.


In both positive and negative reviews, the new rules have been compared to online games like World Of Warcraft. Gameplay has become simplified in an effort to appeal to new players and help the game move faster. (There's also confirmation of a suspicious sounding "monthly subscription" service to get new content for the game online.)


To me, a faster, simpler game of D&D sounds very cool. I've been running a DC Heroes game on and off for more than 10 years. I like the Mayfair rules system because most of the time you aren't slowed down by them. I'm also not a fan of using miniatures in my RPGs, but the last two editions of D&D seem to assume or even require use of miniatures. When I attended a demo of the game at a convention last year, I asked the gamemaster if you could play the game without miniatures. He gave me a funny look and uncomfortably said something like, "No. You're really supposed to play with minatures."


I love the art in the D&D rulebooks and supplements. They recruit some great talent to produce those, and the art helps create the world you and your players hunt for treasure and adventure in. But the detailed and cumbersome rules of D&D have always been a turn-off. So for me, I'd enjoy a rules-lite, non-miniatures version of the game with all the great art and concepts we've come to expect from D&D.


But, that's for me. I know die-hards don't want to change and I can't fault them for that. I've got my areas in which I'm a "purist" as well. But what would be REASONABLE to expect is a version of the rule books that include notations of "Advanced" or "Core" rules, allowing GMs and player groups to decide together how complicated they want their rules to be. GURPS, 3rd edition has advanced rules in grey boxes off to the side, and something like that in a D&D rulebook would be nice.


Given this probably won't happen, can anyone recommend a fantasy rules system with great, full-color art and a rules system that accounts for most situations but isn't so real that you're "roll" playing instead of "role" playing?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Preparing For Shutdown...

Today was another "Descent Day", this time with my brother-in-law.

I wish I could give you the play-by-play on the awesomeness of the day, but I am turning into a zombie right now. After our full day of gaming, I ran to pick up my comics, thinking I'd have no problem being home in time to watch our son so my wife can leave for work.

Wouldn't it figure that our on-ramp to the freeway would be closed and there would also be a wreck near the exit for my destination. A quick 45 minute trip became a 90 minute stress-fest. (I do NOT like crowded traffic. Makes me... nervous.)

So after feeding and bathing my son and putting him to bed, I'm only now unwinding enough to realize how much energy I've expended in just a few short hours.

And now, I must say goodbye. My brain is beginning to harden and I'm trubble having senting formences...

The Reliance, #13 DC HEROES RPG

The Doomsday Program, Part 3


Iron Hand received an urgent call from WayneTech. One of their main labs has burst into flame! Hundreds of hours of work is being lost! Alex Noir was forced to attend to the matter and return when able.


Tommy Franklin, while working his first day at S.T.A.R. Labs, noticed a newspaper in his workstation, containing a front page story about scientists all over the world being struck with amnesia. As a result, the rumblings of a Cold War have begun between the U.S., England, China and Iran.


Back at Headquarters, Phanuel received a call from Coast City Detective Lieutenant Steinberg. He requests help in a baffling case involving scientist Jules Kepling. The respected genius has suffered a strange puncture wound, alone in his office, and has now reverted to having exclusively child-hood memories.


Noticing a letter on his desk, Phanuel learned that Kepling had just been given a state of the art desktop computer from the world famous "Omega Corporation". Suspecting a link, Phanuel asked Detective Steinberg to cross reference recipients of these computers with cases of amnesia. In the meantime, a visit to "Omega" seemed in order.


Finishing his shift, Tommy Franklin dashed outside, found an abandoned alleyway, and in a writhing flash of lightning, became the energetic "Surge"!


With efficiency that displayed their growing team-work, Phanuel swooped down from above to wisk Surge away to Omega. In minutes, the pair were being welcomed by the President of the company, William White.
Although the information had not been confirmed yet, Phanuel gambled on a bluff and told White that there had been an established link discovered between cases of amnesia and Omega's new computers. White was horrified at the idea and promised to fix the problem, halting production if necessary.


After a tour of the impressive campus (with the exception of a mysterious large inner chamber) and its almost "unearthly technology", Surge and Phanuel decided to look for the mysterious owner and sole shareholder of Omega, George Gray. It wasn't long before they realized it was a wild goose chase. Gray wanted to stay off the map, and did a great job of it. They simply didn't have the time to track him down.


The heroes went back to the Coast City Institutue of Technology to examine Kepling's computer. On the way, Detective Steinberg contacted Phanuel and confirmed a connection between amnesia cases and the computers. Both Reliance members could tell that answers were not far away. However, when Surge attempted to interface with Kepling's new computer, he was given a different answer than suspected. His sleek desktop model 1701 transformed into a deadly mechanical wasp, with a very big metal stinger.


ZOTT!!


So much for the free computer.


Tired of waiting any longer, Phanuel and Surge took the destroyed wasp and returned to Omega. Bypassing the runaround, Surge used his interface powers to open the secured area, and the Reliance looked on in horror at the massive, metallic, skull-shaped spacecraft of Brainiac. Alien guards both outside and in the craft were dispatched with ease, and although lacking the manuals, the heroes picked up a few alien weapons that they hope will come in handy.


Experimenting with various elevators, their exploration of the ship seems a little too easy, given the immense danger they know lies ahead. But any sense of leisure quickly wears off when they are attacked by a small flying security drone and two mounted laser cannons. Both heroes are pushed to their limits and are nearly taken down before destroying the defenses and moving forward. But that was only one hallway. One set of security measures. What else will they have to face? Is Superman still alive? And with only half of the team present, does the Reliance have any hope of succeeding against one of the most powerful evils in the universe?

Eberron

As I search for new reading material, I may give this book series a try. It's based on a D&D campaign setting. Never played the campaign, but then I've never played "Dragonlance" and that setting has produced a few good books. I tried some "Forgotten Realms" stuff, but R.A. Salvatore only seems interested in describing fights, much like Ed Greenwood. Internal characterization seems a rare element for those authors.

I may find the same to be true of Eberron, but at least the cover art looks neat-o, and I've got a 7-day used book return policy to protect me if it sucks. (Which reminds me, I should get this lame "Elminster" book back to them and recover my precious trade credit.)

New background... woohoo.

Well, I'm feeling a little deflated in my attempts to make this blog look cooler. Blogger has no cool official backgrounds, and the third-party layouts result in an error message from Blogger.

I did a little investigating online to see if anyone else has had this problem and lo and behold I'm not alone! Couldn't find a single solution offered, however. Meanwhile, I've contacted blogger and hope to hear from them soon. Until then, behold the wonderous new background I have chosen to replace the old one. Pretty amazing, huh?

Basically, I just wanted to get the blog back up and running with the links intact so you folks can navigate in and out of here easily to and from the other three sites I have on the "interweb". I'll keep checking back now and then at my options for "coolifying" this blog, but I'm not optimistic. If you're good with blogger, I'd love some help!