Archive for the 'Video Games' Category

24
Jan
08

“Mass Effect” on FOX News

Everyone knows that I play video games when I have the chance, so my interpretation of this video may be a little biased (although I’m doubting many will see it that way).  “Mass Effect” is the latest sci-fi RPG from developer Bioware on the XBox 360, and it is in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I’ve had in quite some time. 

The game is the first in what is supposed to be a trilogy of games centered around the same storyline, and in being so, contains all the elements that an epic would have: love, war, loss, triumph, allies, enemies, relationships (yes, folks, relationships).  The piece from FOX news below concentrates on the fact that, in the game, you are allowed to chose whether or not your character can pursue a love interest.  This interest, if fostered correctly, culminates in a love scene where we see roughly 10 seconds of digital boobies. 

That sound you heard?  Oh, that was the sound of the presses stopping.  Yes, for a brief moment in a 30-hour game, we see the exposed upper body of a female character.  Let’s forget that it was not gratuitous, it served a purpose in the story, and in my opinion allowed the player to immerse themselves more into what was supposed to be a “living world.”

The game has a mature rating and to be quite honest, there are many other games out there (not including the internet and movies) that surpass it on the violence/sex/”not for children” chart.  To single this game out is really what confuses me, and apparently it confuses the reporters as well.  Why?  They didn’t play it.  They’ve never even seen it played. 

Well, how can they report on it then?  You silly goose, they went to the website!

Any kid looking for porn knows they can save the $60, turn on your computer, and go to any number of sites where the nudity is free.  Heaven forbid a story is actually told (and an extremely engrossing and well-written one, at that) and a love interest actually evolves. 

FOX, do some fact-checking next time when you choose to report on something soley for the purpose of a reporting “something”.  At least the guy at the end had it right: outside of censoring, parents have to be responsible.  If you see a big “M” on the box, little Johnny can’t play it.  And if little Johnny goes over to a friend’s house to play it, well, let’s hope he’s learned (from you) that a female chest won’t warp your mind or frenzy you into a killing spree.

12
Dec
07

Video Game Music: Search No More

Music is a huge part of our game, and I’m guessing it plays a big part at other groups’ tables as well.  The perfect soundtrack is one that plays nicely in the background without affecting or intruding too much on the actual events in the game.  A few musical scores regularly grace our sessions: 13th Warrior, Gladiator, LOTR and the ever present Midnight Syndicate medley.

Well, video game soundtracks are just as viable as of late, with many of them being played by actual orchestras.  The link below has pretty much every game soundtrack you could want, all available for download.  It’s updated regularly and I’ve found some great additions to our music library.  The Halo Series, Elder Scrolls and Diablo are only some of the cool titles available.  They also have classics such as Altered Beast and Super Mario Bros.  Expect to hear some new tunes next session!

Kingdom Hearts Video Game Soundtracks




 

November 2009
S M T W T F S
« May    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930