tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10191589200538689242024-03-06T00:23:55.809-07:00Late 2 the GameI may take a while to get to the latest games, but I love them as much as anyone! Reviews of the games you might have missed and why you should give them a play.Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-67601103141239993232009-02-20T11:28:00.012-07:002009-02-20T19:00:06.778-07:00Netflix Instant Queue Review: Outsourced<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLaSeKYtfYm7zKuwzWmzVFstign49qGo1xcra84BQ1IWizgxNQx-HxAEm5TuyLKHzshRTQp4MG6tH0Rq9LjO8gMeZYHhnmAg4Ci21bYB1pl7onUiViEwELtieRCHp_opY-t1WLJjRwOnb/s1600-h/outsourced_ver2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLaSeKYtfYm7zKuwzWmzVFstign49qGo1xcra84BQ1IWizgxNQx-HxAEm5TuyLKHzshRTQp4MG6tH0Rq9LjO8gMeZYHhnmAg4Ci21bYB1pl7onUiViEwELtieRCHp_opY-t1WLJjRwOnb/s400/outsourced_ver2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304949863907181954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Outsourced/70068703?trkid=222336&lnkctr=srchrd-sr&strkid=647308949_0_0">Outsourced</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Late 2 The Game Score:</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r_xPSbDEB3K-bJWKKVkZSRCawaaAxturwCoZk1JJDSXB4S7BmkXWDKuylOaZ47GE8a3I5zgJ_p43TqTGo3i5ZkPCS955Xw-9eIJF_XL05DQV497NNDVHHpDXpI0quCdqPpASV30C8ZIv/s1600-h/L@TGscore3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 45px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r_xPSbDEB3K-bJWKKVkZSRCawaaAxturwCoZk1JJDSXB4S7BmkXWDKuylOaZ47GE8a3I5zgJ_p43TqTGo3i5ZkPCS955Xw-9eIJF_XL05DQV497NNDVHHpDXpI0quCdqPpASV30C8ZIv/s400/L@TGscore3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304952117671137618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Netflix Availability: Instant Queue and DVD</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's your typical love story. Boy's job gets outsourced, boy travels to train new outsourced staff, boy meets girl and falls in love when he least expects, and girl teaches boy about global awareness, social sensitivity, and life.<br /><br />While this romantic comedy can be formulaic and predictable at times, there's a quirky sincerity in that acting that lends the characters an endearing quality often lacking in similar fare. Since the film's title itself is enough to set off a heated debate, it's no surprise that the film is thick with social commentary. Still, unlike so many films, no heavy-handed judgments of generalized "evil" are passed down (I'm looking at you Happy Feet), and at least the film focuses more on the opportunity that outsourcing presents to developing nations instead of the unemployment it produces elsewhere. It <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>a romantic comedy after all; it can't <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span>be doom and gloom.<br /><br />Certainly not a bad movie to check out if you're looking to kill an hour and a half. And hey, while you enjoy your romantic comedy you might also pick up a few little culturally enlightening tidbits about India.<br /></div></div>Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-11930514634107332842009-02-11T21:52:00.007-07:002009-02-16T22:21:43.378-07:00Couples Gaming: Fable 2 - The Experiment Continues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqWGm5DVO0R_AWT02d_AJnYf2M72pbgodFmaT4sXlNlCbjQELOcwfkSFw92zUZ3Dae_YJ3iESqlPQ3Hc-y8l3Uz3n5y_gmfnlCjyNRpHRieruINZLLWagKu16Ne1Ocxtn8ut2aCqwvVza/s1600-h/fable2_022008_14273.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqWGm5DVO0R_AWT02d_AJnYf2M72pbgodFmaT4sXlNlCbjQELOcwfkSFw92zUZ3Dae_YJ3iESqlPQ3Hc-y8l3Uz3n5y_gmfnlCjyNRpHRieruINZLLWagKu16Ne1Ocxtn8ut2aCqwvVza/s400/fable2_022008_14273.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301946644258454466" border="0" /></a><br />So we've had our hands pretty full with the new kid lately, but tonight we found a few moments when we could finally pop in Fable 2. I played through the first 45 minutes of the game while my wife watched. Considering that the first 45 minutes of gameplay consist of simple fetch quests meant to familiarize you with the game's controls, it was probably a little less exciting for my wife to watch than I had hoped. Still, she was a good sport and we got through the games opening chapter.<br /><br />After this, I wondered if might have been more enjoyable for my wife to come in and watch the more interesting parts of the game instead of watching the whole thing. I also wonder if we will be more pressured to rush through Fable 2's main story line instead of taking some time for side quests because whoever is playing will be worried about boring the one who isn't.<br /><br />We'll keep it up and see how things go with our next session. More details to come. Stay tuned!Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-57174447978779588372009-02-10T22:03:00.003-07:002009-02-11T21:45:33.668-07:00Netflix Queue Review: Resident Evil: Degeneration<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Resident_Evil_Degeneration/70109473?trkid=188469"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PpwF9d0BRPitnJtpdGZJRyG3OkmuPJW3KfHiSum26dEk8maoDk-f54nl0yY1q9gPRznnI53pCqbTi-iBZ7gsZIrq0zZqPEGoBdW1NH3GYmlBfxF4eqeOReXn9T3tJcWLgPDNSxZVP6Dp/s400/reDG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301391347416133922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Resident_Evil_Degeneration/70109473?trkid=188469"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Resident Evil: Degeneration</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Late 2 The Game Score: 2 out of 5</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Netflix Availability: DVD and Blu-ray</span><br /></div><br />What ever happened to Claire Redfield, Leon Kennedy, and the rest of the good ol' Resident Evil gang? If you've ever posed yourself this question, or others like it, Resident Evil: Degeneration is here to quench your thirst for cryptic plots and confusing character interactions.<br /><br />Degeneration apparently takes place some time between the events of Resident Evil 4 and 5, and brings back familiar characters from the preceding games. Unlike the live action films starring Milla Jovovich, this Resident Evil movie follows the same story line as the games. It fits in with the game all the better because it is completely CG and plays out like a very long cut scene with no silly gameplay to get in the way of the story. The problem is that there just isn't much of a story.<br /><br />Most of the movie is taken up by dry dialogue meant to bring everyone that hasn't played the games up to speed, and the rest of the film (which is very little indeed) is filled with ultimately unsatisfying action sequences that seem like they were cobbled together from snippets of the many Resident Evil games' cut scenes.<br /><br />If you find yourself needing a quick primer on the Resident Evil universe, you might want to take a look at Resident Evil: Degeneration. Otherwise, you might as well just wait for Resident Evil 5 to come out. At least then you'll get to play some game between those confusing cut scenes.Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-39798725037788540432009-02-09T23:06:00.005-07:002009-02-10T21:20:23.095-07:00Micro Review: R-Type Dimensions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuMabiIKZWXHUCJ2Vt1mbWFWWv4CpI1T8_jkwd_sXDmacnBgO9OvWo2PaIlZUrYZ_nAdv8NjeLoRtqEtgiDbsFv0ByIrRh6gyToJypioPFKpORFhO4-tncn5BZi1JmUvxzBNZurGzTNPs/s1600-h/r-type-dimensions-20081009021511608_640w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuMabiIKZWXHUCJ2Vt1mbWFWWv4CpI1T8_jkwd_sXDmacnBgO9OvWo2PaIlZUrYZ_nAdv8NjeLoRtqEtgiDbsFv0ByIrRh6gyToJypioPFKpORFhO4-tncn5BZi1JmUvxzBNZurGzTNPs/s400/r-type-dimensions-20081009021511608_640w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301047959946339058" border="0" /></a><br />The sci-fi space shooter classic R-Type was recently released on the Xbox Live Arcade, adding it to the ranks of classic games that have received an HD makeover.<br /><br />This XBLA download includes both R-Type and its sequel R-Type II. The visuals for both games have received liberal amounts of HD coating, but players can switch between classic and updated graphics on the fly by the press of a button. Adding to the updated visuals, players can also move the camera to get a slightly isometric view of the 3-D version. Though this additional view mode is certainly unique, it adds little to the gameplay and makes an already difficult game even harder.<br /><br />In addition to the classic gameplay, an Infinite game mode has been added. This mode will allow those who might not be the best at dodging pixel-high projectiles to see more than the first few seconds of the first stage. It is indeed a welcome addition, and still keeps the game competitive by tracking how many lives it takes players to complete each stage.<br /><br />If you're a shooter fan, you'll most likely have fun with this title, but you may find the price a bit steep when compared to comparable games, even if both R-Type games are included.<br /><br />R-Type Dimensions is available on the <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/r/rtdimensionsxboxlivearcade/default.htm">Xbox LIVE Arcade</a> for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15 USD).Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-36695274619679111542009-02-08T20:15:00.004-07:002009-02-10T09:33:19.582-07:00Flip Through Review: World War Z by Max Brooks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/worldwarz/index2.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjQqDy4R1lxL8ZUmXuEU4H8Li1yu8cq8qEJlp9quSLP5WBHp8-Ql5pG_DbGSRENNiVSRou7XC9RDqhAmtkLBBt_OM6Z1WT8br0zWE_CjASVEH6BSYb4n1Ig2J-_MmUrNEEilM1VpEpRQ7/s400/137.x600.books.worldwarZ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300631797638289122" border="0" /></a>With all the recent hype around zombie/infected video games, I thought it was about time I did a review on one of my favorite zombie novels.<br /><br />If you're a fan of all things zombie, you'll lose yourself in this immersing narrative that chronicles the onset, the horror of, and the aftermath following a worldwide war against the living dead. But even if you aren't a zombie fan, you'll enjoy the stories of survival, humanity, and endurance. World War Z reads like the transcript of an oral history on the Zombie War, as remembered by its survivors. Each chapter presents the story of a different part of the war, through the voice of a different survivor; making it a great book to grab even if you have a few minutes to read. The book is a great read and brings a level of engagement well above what most would expect from a story about the shambling undead masses.<br /><br />You can find a preview of the book, some audio excepts of survivor interviews, and podcasts of more survivor interviews at the <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/worldwarz/index2.php">World War Z website</a>.Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-9412744536401034402009-02-06T21:06:00.000-07:002009-02-08T21:11:44.826-07:00Weekly Wrap UpSorry, nothing really substantial in media consumption to report this week; because my son was born! I've been playing a lot of "Change the Diaper" "Rock the Baby" and "Try and Get Some Shut Eye".<br /><br />Back next week with more. :)Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-44873719426537090432009-01-31T13:21:00.011-07:002009-02-16T22:22:10.846-07:00Couples Gaming: Fable 2 - Single Player for Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY5p4vQfWT4LalKupcV6Nfj6bdayxv9GYsGg7wlLk_X3vOsqSESGtubTwjorPVwgDinItdJMzg0o9VqkHkmAL0BGO6zC8r4EKB-34YOev2u7XEUid4wWJjnEfJIK9GCc6E8rMtw-TuNSp/s1600-h/fable-2-sword.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY5p4vQfWT4LalKupcV6Nfj6bdayxv9GYsGg7wlLk_X3vOsqSESGtubTwjorPVwgDinItdJMzg0o9VqkHkmAL0BGO6zC8r4EKB-34YOev2u7XEUid4wWJjnEfJIK9GCc6E8rMtw-TuNSp/s400/fable-2-sword.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297564050879352194" border="0" /></a><br />Because I am married and very close to becoming a father (it could actually be a matter of hours as I write this), my family has become a big part of my gaming atmosphere. Of course this means saving the more violent, mature titles that I play for my late night and early morning solo gaming sessions, and finding wife and kid friendly games to enjoy together. This can often be difficult because when we think about gaming with others, we tend to focus on multiplayer and cooperative games. This was the case when recently, I had the idea of doing a series of blog posts about how my wife and I (and maybe when he's old enough, our son) enjoy games together. I liked the idea but didn't want to focus solely on multiplayer games; so I decided that we would find games that interested us both and play through them together, whether they had multiplayer elements or not.<br /><br />As the first game in the Couple's Gaming series, I've chosen Fable 2. The game is mature, but not in a way that would be offensive to my wife. It also includes lots of customization and life simulation, which I think my wife will really enjoy. It's also important to note that my wife is not a gamer. While she enjoys some games (Guitar Hero, N+, Zuma, Castle Crashers), she typically isn't very interested in games outside of the casual scene. I thought Fable 2 would provide an approachable gaming experience for my wife, and a single player eperience that would entertain us both at the same time, whoever was playing or watching at the time.<br /><br />So far we've only gotten through the first 10 minutes of the game, and I was surprised when my wife told me that she was "excited to play through this game." The plan right now is to have me play through most of the game while she watches and enjoys the story. That may very well change though as things progress, and if she decides she wants a turn.<br /><br />So stay tuned to hear more about our forays into Couple's Gaming. Lots more to come from Fable 2, and other titles to follow.<br /><br />Have any suggestions on how to game together, or suggestions of titles we should play together? Leave a comment!Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-32713490762078753102009-01-30T12:09:00.014-07:002009-01-30T17:26:04.984-07:00Weekly Wrap Up<span style="font-size:100%;">Just a quick rundown of my weekly stimuli:<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Playing:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burnout Paradise</span> (Xbox 360) - I'm not a racing game fan, but this one has it's hooks in me.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Call of Duty: World at War</span> (Xbox 360) - I <a href="http://late2thegame.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-slice-of-shooter-pie-call-of-duty.html">adore</a> the multiplayer. Solo campaign is decent, as is the co-op play.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Left 4 Dead</span> - Love to play it, just need more people to play with. Random games = lots of random jerks.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Resident Evil 5 Demo</span> (Xbox 360) - <a href="http://late2thegame.blogspot.com/2009/01/micro-review-resident-evil-5-press-x-to.html">Frustrated</a> me at first, but as I played more it got me pumped for the full release.</li></ul><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Watching:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday Night Lights: Season 1</span> (Netflix Instant Queue) - <a href="http://late2thegame.blogspot.com/2009/01/netflix-instant-que-review-friday-night.html">Great show!</a> Just sad that third season starts now. Will wait for DVD release.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fringe</span> (FOX) - I fear this series is perilously close to a hop over a certain aquatic predator.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Robin Hood: Season 2</span> (BBC Series from Netflix DVD) - Writers seem afraid of real plot/character development. Fun, but often lacks captivating elements.</li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Reading:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Predictably Irrational</span> (Dan Ariely) - Good read on the irrationality of human decision making.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brisingr </span>(Christopher Paolini) - Not the most inventive fantasy novel, but a good one. Especially when you take the age of the author into consideration.</li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;">Other:</span><br /><ul><li>Wife made some amazing <a href="http://hesaysshesaysblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/brittany-says-ive-decided-that-i-need.html">sugar cookies</a>.</li><li>Still waiting for <a href="http://hesaysshesaysblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/jason-says-step-right-up-and-place-your.html">baby boy to arrive</a>.</li></ul>What have you been up to this week?Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-70333543908318302632009-01-27T22:41:00.000-07:002009-01-28T09:50:40.082-07:00Micro Review: Resident Evil 5 - Press X to Investigate...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNdHgaeSWqlRX72o2n8_i9V13DHTnBZI-GTEW6EghD4JWJYmdcodyrzsMLeQPy3WdPyTYYu9Ifz0PA1Sh3RWPaE-xWy5O2fViAg54w7ggpyudSWShoiKqxEf7-gVI1qropmBiGc8uYGcI/s1600-h/re_5_logo_5500_300dpi_resident_evil_v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNdHgaeSWqlRX72o2n8_i9V13DHTnBZI-GTEW6EghD4JWJYmdcodyrzsMLeQPy3WdPyTYYu9Ifz0PA1Sh3RWPaE-xWy5O2fViAg54w7ggpyudSWShoiKqxEf7-gVI1qropmBiGc8uYGcI/s400/re_5_logo_5500_300dpi_resident_evil_v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296216599669097810" border="0" /></a>If you're a fan of the Resident Evil series, you have no doubt heard about the recently released game demo. Due to the game's triple-A status, there's been a swirl of speculation and debate over how it will measure up to its predecessors and the competition.<br /><br />Pop culture seems to be enamored by zombies these days, and to a great degree, we have video games like Capcom's Resident Evil series to thank for making them into the <a href="http://www.neatorama.com/2008/10/24/dismember-me-plush-zombie-doll/">half-rotten dolls of media infestation</a> they are today. Gamers are no stranger to the undead masses though, and Resident Evil is now up against some stiff competition in the zombie shooter and survival horror arena. But as you play through the demo, it would be wise to judge Resident Evil 5 for what it is: a survival horror game with zombie shooting elements, lest you judge too quickly and miss out on what promises to be a great ride.<br /><br />Obviously, one of the most exciting additions that Resident Evil 5 brings to the table is cooperative play (both online and offline). Unfortunately, at this point there aren't many co-op games or players, making it near impossible to join or start a co-op game. This review will thus forgo any review of co-op play for the moment.<br /><br />The controls in RE5 are essentially the same controls we saw in Resident Evil 4, and If you're coming down from the twitchy fast paced matches of Left 4 Dead, this will no doubt be infuriating as you try and maneuver your character towards or away from incoming infected. Remember again, Resident Evil is not a "shooter" per sea; so slow down a little and notice that, in general, the infected in RE5 are nowhere near as fast as their counterparts in Left 4 Dead. In fact, they actually move at a pace that fits nicely with the Resident Evil style of character control. Plus, you wont have to worry about hunters, smokers, and boomers pouncing, grabbing, or puking on you from around every corner. Just crazed, bag-headed chainsaw wielding maniacs. Much better right?<br /><br />The Resident Evil 5 demo is available now on <a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-GB/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802434307d4/">Xbox LIVE</a> to Gold level members, and will be available on PSN next week. Check it out and see what you think.Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-39432558356879554142009-01-21T21:52:00.000-07:002009-01-21T22:39:27.464-07:00Netflix Instant Queue Review: Friday Night LightsSince Microsoft and Netflix have joined forces to bring the Netflix Instant Que to the New Xbox Experience I thought I would mix in some reviews of some of the Netflix library (both instant and DVD offerings). And here we go:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/Friday_Night_Lights_Season_1/70058462?trkid=437882"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 150px;" src="http://cdn-2.nflximg.com/us/boxshots/large/70058462.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/Friday_Night_Lights_Season_1_Wind_Sprints/70080668?trkid=437882">Friday Night Lights: Season 1</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Late 2 the Game Score: 5 out of 5</span><br /></span>Netflix<span style="font-size:130%;"> Availability: DVD and Watch Instantly<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br />When I first saw the ads on television for the NBC series Friday Night Lights, I couldn’t think of a show that would have interested me less. I thought, “High School? Football? Teenagers? Texas? Great! Everything I have absolutely no interest in at all; wrapped up into one easily avoidable hour a week.” Because of my immediate disinterest however, I unfortunately missed what turned out to be everything I wanted from a television series.<br /><br />The show centers on a small Texas town’s high school football team, and though it may seem a shallow stage, it packs a surprising variety of characters that display a vibrant spectrum of emotion. Following a few recommendations I warily started watching Friday Night Lights, and I was pleased to find out how misleading the advertisements had been for the show; choosing to focus on the rare “bedroom scenes” instead of the engaging characters.<br /><br />Though this was a welcome discovery, I still wasn’t sold on the idea of football being the common thread that tied the myriad of characters and stories together. Football is obviously a large part of the Friday Night Lights experience, but even those like me who don’t have any particular attraction to the sport will enjoy what the series has to offer. In fact, most of the series takes place off the field, tracking the players and their friends, the coach and his family as they live from game to game. And when the action is on the field, it’s emotionally charged by what has happened to the characters off of the field. Football is not the point of Friday Night Lights, but more of a catalyst for emotional development and a canvas for the collective character experience.<br /><br />If you like football, you’ll love Friday Night Lights, and if you hate football but like good drama, chances are you’ll love Friday Night Lights. Load it in your queue and “Set…set…hike!”Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019158920053868924.post-46661986158585765682009-01-13T23:18:00.000-07:002009-01-20T14:07:32.744-07:00My Slice of Shooter Pie: Call of Duty Multiplayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbZPeywSP_8sLLB46W9_h1Q2c_JNeEgnYcUQPVBST6n5qHIH2JNY2LX1Qq8Ob9AjqXW-PHKQcC6A8wJGaR5p6cfztxn4pneIx6dpGK0fgynx8P2G6Zg-WG16TlPigwcEm6W-LcPLwLbnh/s1600-h/024_orig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 568px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbZPeywSP_8sLLB46W9_h1Q2c_JNeEgnYcUQPVBST6n5qHIH2JNY2LX1Qq8Ob9AjqXW-PHKQcC6A8wJGaR5p6cfztxn4pneIx6dpGK0fgynx8P2G6Zg-WG16TlPigwcEm6W-LcPLwLbnh/s400/024_orig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291239175017499218" border="0" /></a><br />If you play many shooters, you've probably noticed that they usually fall into one of two camps: Those those that strive for a certain degree of realism, which we sometimes refer to as "tactical" shooters (G.R.A.W., Rainbow Six, SOCOM, etc.), and those populated by characters whose ability to soak up bullets is matched only by their ability to strike heroic poses in three hundred pounds of futuristic armor (Halo, Gears of War, Quake, and so many more). I love both types of shooters to bits, both in single player and multiplayer modes. And though I'm generally as inept in one type of multiplayer as I am in the other, there is one game that mixes many of the ingredients I prefer in both genres and bakes them into one tasty shooter pie.<br /><br />Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (and by association, its successor/cousin: Treyarch's Call of Duty: World at War) has been, by far, the best multiplayer shooter experience I've had. And while that statement may smack of fanboyishness, there are a few specific things about the experience I want to point out that keep me coming back for more; not matter how many hours I've already put in.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Balance is Key</span><br />I've already hinted at the balance between realism and over-the-top fun in Call of Duty, and there isn't much more to add on the subject except to say that however they did it, the boys and girls at Infinity Ward managed to build an experience with an extremely satisfying balance of skill, entertainment, progression, and risk/reward. I know that some would argue that certain game mechanics (namely the Air Strike/Chopper combo) offer a little too much reward for relatively little risk, and they wouldn't be wrong. I'm not saying the balance is perfect. I'm saying it's a satisfying balance to me, and too many others if <a href="http://www.fourzerotwo.com/2009/01/07/call-of-duty-4-stats-put-into-perspective/">recent counts of online players</a> are correct.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Perfect <a href="http://www.nazspace.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/image4.png">+10</a></span><br />I'm willing to bet that if you play Call of Duty that you heart skipped half a beat as you sawthat "+10" in the subtitle. There is something about those little yellow numbers that pop up every time you score a kill that is simply addictive. They are like these little endorphin bursts sprinkled throughout each match. It was wise for Treyarch to decided to keep them in the latest game, otherwise I may not have been as hopelessly attached to it as I am to Modern Warfare.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Achieving For the Achievementless</span><br />I'm not exactly what some might call an "achievement whore," but I do really enjoy adding to my Xbox gamerscore. This is why I am so befuddled to find myself getting so much enjoyment out of a shooter that offers zero gamerscore for online multiplayer. But what Call of Duty lacks in achievements, it more than makes up with rank progression and unlockables. Climbing the ranks and unlocking new weapons, accessories, and perks provides ample reward for online play. Honestly, I'm not sure if I ever would have played the multiplayer without achievements as a reward. That is, if it weren't for the Modern Warfare beta that got me hooked on the multiplayer long before I knew about its lack of achievements.<br /><br />All in all, like any game series, the Call of Duty series has had it's up's and down's. There are even the high and low points of each individual game. The multiplayer for the last two installments of the series, however, is a rock solid experience that I will never tire of playing.Jason Wadsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884735180931137503noreply@blogger.com0