Thank you for dropping the price and the size of your PlayStation 3 while finding it in your heart to also double the average amount of hard drive space. I forgive you for your haughtiness, the outrageous previous prices, and yes, even for discontinuing the backwards-compatible 60G models. I hope that we can still be friends, and maybe one day so much more.
Call me.
Love,
Captain Wren <3
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A $300 Coloring Book
I remember why I become a fan of organizations like PBS and Mana Energy on Facebook. It is to participate in the sometimes mind-exercising discussions that occasionally arise. And, not to mention, the free stuff that sometimes comes with it!
While lolly-gagging online when I should be doing my morning crunches and preparing for school, I noticed an SXSW 2010 PanelPicker idea board regarding something called the "pass-back effect." It turns out, there is a name for act of parents handing their iPhones, Blackberries, and otherwise overly expensive communication devises into the backseat for their car-seat-aged children to just play around with. I had heard of this phenomenon, but I didn't know it had reached Swine Flu status and was now an epidemic!
Even since before working at [a popular video game franchise] I had a very high repect for my technological devises and gadgets. Almost nything that runs on AC current or batteries is destined to be destroyed by little innocent hands. When parents buy the Nintendo DS or PSP or even a Leap Frog, it is a short-term investment to entertain their children for a car ride, a plane trip, or possibly a school year, max. That $200 is their own to drop, stab, kick, spill on, and lose for as long as they like, since next Christmas they'll likely get a new one.
Knowing that the lifespan of technology is comparable to the time it takes to potty train a 2-year-old, why would even the busiest of parents toss their smartphone into the backseat for their young one to manipulate their only means of reliable communication? Did they forget that their phonebook was full of important numbers and contacts that at the slightest unintentional touch could each be called--or worse, deleted? And as much as children love to toss things, you would need to replace your flimsy silicone sleeve with a Nerf cocoon for it to withstand all the shock.
I know it might seem cute that your 3-year old knows how to use an iPhone and is now asking for her own, but in reality they are still children and apt to make innocent mistakes with a pricey piece of hardware. Like I mentioned in the panel's comment, there are devices made almost exclusively for children to play with. You can buy a handheld game system for less than $100, insure it for a year, and buy a couple of $10 games that they can button-mash on the same way they would with Mommy or Daddy's $300-400 toy.
If you want to see how others think, check out the SXSW 2010 PanelPicker discussions.
While lolly-gagging online when I should be doing my morning crunches and preparing for school, I noticed an SXSW 2010 PanelPicker idea board regarding something called the "pass-back effect." It turns out, there is a name for act of parents handing their iPhones, Blackberries, and otherwise overly expensive communication devises into the backseat for their car-seat-aged children to just play around with. I had heard of this phenomenon, but I didn't know it had reached Swine Flu status and was now an epidemic!
Even since before working at [a popular video game franchise] I had a very high repect for my technological devises and gadgets. Almost nything that runs on AC current or batteries is destined to be destroyed by little innocent hands. When parents buy the Nintendo DS or PSP or even a Leap Frog, it is a short-term investment to entertain their children for a car ride, a plane trip, or possibly a school year, max. That $200 is their own to drop, stab, kick, spill on, and lose for as long as they like, since next Christmas they'll likely get a new one.
Knowing that the lifespan of technology is comparable to the time it takes to potty train a 2-year-old, why would even the busiest of parents toss their smartphone into the backseat for their young one to manipulate their only means of reliable communication? Did they forget that their phonebook was full of important numbers and contacts that at the slightest unintentional touch could each be called--or worse, deleted? And as much as children love to toss things, you would need to replace your flimsy silicone sleeve with a Nerf cocoon for it to withstand all the shock.
I know it might seem cute that your 3-year old knows how to use an iPhone and is now asking for her own, but in reality they are still children and apt to make innocent mistakes with a pricey piece of hardware. Like I mentioned in the panel's comment, there are devices made almost exclusively for children to play with. You can buy a handheld game system for less than $100, insure it for a year, and buy a couple of $10 games that they can button-mash on the same way they would with Mommy or Daddy's $300-400 toy.
If you want to see how others think, check out the SXSW 2010 PanelPicker discussions.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Not alone in the Universe
I always knew there was someone somewhere out there in cyberspace that shared my same passion for the Black women fighting to save galaxies millions of light-years away! A good friend linked me to a Live Journal blog about Star Trek's Nyota Uhura that I found delightfully interesting. So I wanted to share it with my few but dedicated BGVTA fans. This blogger is all about Star Trek and makes some very thoughtful points. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Live long and prosper! ;D
Live long and prosper! ;D
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Which Black Girl vs. the Alien Character Are You?
If an alien spaceship ever appeared floating above the atmosphere, which alien survivor would you want to take notes from? Maybe the smooth talking Dame Vaako or the swift-footed Lily share more your style when it comes to dealing with the unknown invaders? Find out by taking this quiz on Facebook. While you're at it, request me as a friend if you haven't already and maybe become a fan of BGVTA on Facebook!
Which Black Girl vs. the Alien Are You?
Thanks!
Which Black Girl vs. the Alien Are You?
Thanks!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Good Idea, Bad Idea #1
Remember the Animaniacs? You know, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot! Between their cartoons they would always have this stick figure-looking man or a mime portraying good and bad ideas. Usually the bad idea was some rendition of the good idea, only silly. Well, my ideas will hopefully give you some insight when purchasing your next electronic devices. I've been doing some researching in my "spare" time, and I think I know enough to help you all out. Some of this may be DUH, but maybe you haven't given much thought to others. So here they are, good ideas and bad ideas.
Good Idea #1: Having wireless abilities on your home or mobile computer. Although most computers, especially laptops, will come with wireless abilities standard, some desktops will offer a myriad of amazing specifications, but lack the ability to pick up surrounding wireless signals. Sure, your phone may be able to check email and go on YouTube, but as I've learned, sometimes you just need a bigger screen, a faster processor, and a full keyboard. You can pick up a wireless adapter for less than $50 from your local electronics store. It's a one time fee and an easy CD setup, allowing you to pick up any available wireless internet connection nearby.
Bad Idea #1: Paying $50+ a month for unlimited wireless connection on your mobile computer. If you're using your computer at school, there is most likely a free wireless connection available to you just for being a student. Some work offices, mall areas, and restaurants have a connection that you can pick up and use for free or with permission from the facility. In places like the airport, Starbucks, or Barnes and Noble, you will usually have to pay about $5-12 for a few hours to a days worth of internet. Spending $7 for one or two afternoons out of month is a much better allocation of your money than going unlimited for more than $50 when you probably won't be using it that much. At first glance, Clear seems to have some good prices for their wireless services; but unless you need to be online at every minute of every day, their internet packages are all look and little practicality.
So lesson for today: wireless = a great necessity. Wireless prices = much investigation. Try to weigh your reliance on the internet during your daily, weekly, and monthly activity before making contract or long-term decisions about how much you pay to get it.
Good Idea #1: Having wireless abilities on your home or mobile computer. Although most computers, especially laptops, will come with wireless abilities standard, some desktops will offer a myriad of amazing specifications, but lack the ability to pick up surrounding wireless signals. Sure, your phone may be able to check email and go on YouTube, but as I've learned, sometimes you just need a bigger screen, a faster processor, and a full keyboard. You can pick up a wireless adapter for less than $50 from your local electronics store. It's a one time fee and an easy CD setup, allowing you to pick up any available wireless internet connection nearby.
Bad Idea #1: Paying $50+ a month for unlimited wireless connection on your mobile computer. If you're using your computer at school, there is most likely a free wireless connection available to you just for being a student. Some work offices, mall areas, and restaurants have a connection that you can pick up and use for free or with permission from the facility. In places like the airport, Starbucks, or Barnes and Noble, you will usually have to pay about $5-12 for a few hours to a days worth of internet. Spending $7 for one or two afternoons out of month is a much better allocation of your money than going unlimited for more than $50 when you probably won't be using it that much. At first glance, Clear seems to have some good prices for their wireless services; but unless you need to be online at every minute of every day, their internet packages are all look and little practicality.
So lesson for today: wireless = a great necessity. Wireless prices = much investigation. Try to weigh your reliance on the internet during your daily, weekly, and monthly activity before making contract or long-term decisions about how much you pay to get it.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Signs She's Not a Real Gamer
Let's face it, girls who game are hot. We, as girls, know it. You, as drooling, testosterone-driven boys know it. And though we could probably go on and on about what makes someone a "true" or "hardcore" gamer--recreational versus underground, according to Microsoft Live--the main point is that a female with justifiable video game competencies is a rare, ultra-precious jewel. What girl wouldn't want to be the combo-breaker in a sea of trigger-happy alpha males fighting for virtual trophies and achievements? It's a rather seductive position of power that many girls front, but most fall fatally short while attempting to grace even the surface of what it takes to be called a real gamer chick. Heed these warning signs of prissy posers attempting to gain the spotlight from the true warrior women:
- She loves to rock. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the musical mayhem of Rock Band or Guitar Hero, unless it is ALL she plays. Also, if she only plays it after 4 red cups and while waiting for her bracket in beer pong, you can assume she probably doesn't even remember when she plays it. It's just a stream of colored dots, drunken karaoke, and senseless beating on a fake drum set while she screams "I love this song!" before every session. She can possibly gain some brownie points for figuring out the guitar frets on any level above Easy, but it's highly doubtful she comes in contact with any real joystick outside of a frat party house.
- She hates anatomy. One of the most obvious signs of a fake or anti-gamer is her outright disgust with virtual female body. Real women know how impossible it would be to stand--let alone jump, wrestle, dance, swing a sword, or play sports--with a pair of double-Fs on a 24-inch waist. The mere damage of a couple of unsupported, renegade breasts would be more dangerous to the wielder than the enemies! Still, girlfriends are quick to constantly remind their beaus how unrealistic and disgusting those digital heroines are. They refuse to play the game themselves or forbid their boys to play when they're around...or at all. Everyone gets a little jealous, but to harp over freaks of nature like Ivy, Hitomi, or even Laura Croft is petty and pointless. There are a lot of great games and a few good laughs out there if one is willing to see past the string bikinis and cleavage.
- Wii she like to play. Well, why not? She loses just as many calories tugging, punching, tilting, and swinging the Wiimote around the room as she would spending 2 hours and $50 a month at the gym. And with the Wii Fit, she can get that celebrity personal trainer without the celebrity pricing or Nazism. Everyone flocks to her house for bowling parties, tennis matches, Wii Music jam sessions, and 3D Mario Galaxy adventures. She's got the cutest Mii in the parade and is positive she's as better cook than Mama! She doesn't need real button skills, just a sensor bar to read her every move and maybe a Wii Wheel to make her feel like she's in the Nintendo-500! Don't burden her with a classic controller; the Nunchuck suits just fine. Hey! Those tiny GameCube disks won't work in her system; they're too small!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Real-Time +Turn-Based = NaN
Did you like that? I used a bit of JavaScript on your face!
While attempting to prove to G4 and to myself that I am a dedicated gamer who cares about E3 and the awesomeness they have to offer, I found myself watching a few highlighted clips of games that I do have interest in. The first one was Left 4 Dead 2 which I am completely and utterly losing my goodies to! For further reference, please see attached clip.
The second clip I watched was of the new Final Fantasy XIII that is supposed to "totally blow my face off." I guess I've just reached a point where graphics really don't make a big difference to me anymore. I love a beautifully done video game as much as the next person, but really I think it's the elements within a game and WHAT I am seeing that makes a bigger impact on me than how well they look.
Anyway, aside from not buying the best graphics category, the interviewer (whose job I would de-bo in a heartbeat if he ever dropped his guard!) brought up how the battle system in the game could be described as real-time turn-based.
NO! Nono! No, it can't! Realistically, that does not even exist! If you have turn-based fighting, you are always at the mercy of some timer or meter that allows you to alternate attacks with another player or enemy. Depending on the speed of each character's meter, a player might have a definite advantage or disadvantage (in the case of status ailments) over how often they can get hits in. Overall, there is still game regulation of when a player can act.
Real-time means when I hit the attack button, I attack. When I heal, I heal. Even if I run out of magic points or need to recharge a specialty meter, I can still run around like crazy and hack the crap out of an enemy until I figure out my next move. Then, I hit another button, let's say to drink a potion or change my attack style, and it automatically puts that into effect. I'll admit, a lot of button-mashing goes into a real-time system if a player is not tactful, but for some it can rely on skillful timing and thoughtful choices.
What's been irking me about the latest Final Fantasy games is the fact that they are trying to incorporate both battle systems. I don't have an issue with the turn-based battle systems; it is a trademark element of all FF games since the first. However, since FFXI, things began to change. Not only was Final Fantasy XI exclusively for the PC as an MMO, it must have given developers time to realize that free-roaming battle systems were quite popular. Instead of completely changing the gameplay for their newest FFXII project, they took their same turn-based system and added the ability to run helplessly around a map while still getting attacked, no matter where you stand. Sure, this may have been a perk to a player who wanted more realism during fight sequences, but how realistic can it be when a level-8 cactuar can still spray me with needles from 10 feet away and 5 feet to the left? It just doesn't work to combine both and still expect that "freedom." If my weapon can't move as fast as my fingers, there is no freedom, nor is their realism.
SquareEnix has produced some amazing Final Fantasy-inspired games that branched out in different battle directions. Kingdom Hearts and Crisis Core used the real-time system incredibly well. Dirge of Cerberus was the first Final Fantasy game to incorporate full third-person shooter action, while FF Tactics and FFXII: Revenant Wings have continued utilizing strategy-based gameplay. What is familiar when it comes to fighting styles is the most comfortable.
While attempting to prove to G4 and to myself that I am a dedicated gamer who cares about E3 and the awesomeness they have to offer, I found myself watching a few highlighted clips of games that I do have interest in. The first one was Left 4 Dead 2 which I am completely and utterly losing my goodies to! For further reference, please see attached clip.
The second clip I watched was of the new Final Fantasy XIII that is supposed to "totally blow my face off." I guess I've just reached a point where graphics really don't make a big difference to me anymore. I love a beautifully done video game as much as the next person, but really I think it's the elements within a game and WHAT I am seeing that makes a bigger impact on me than how well they look.
Anyway, aside from not buying the best graphics category, the interviewer (whose job I would de-bo in a heartbeat if he ever dropped his guard!) brought up how the battle system in the game could be described as real-time turn-based.
NO! Nono! No, it can't! Realistically, that does not even exist! If you have turn-based fighting, you are always at the mercy of some timer or meter that allows you to alternate attacks with another player or enemy. Depending on the speed of each character's meter, a player might have a definite advantage or disadvantage (in the case of status ailments) over how often they can get hits in. Overall, there is still game regulation of when a player can act.
Real-time means when I hit the attack button, I attack. When I heal, I heal. Even if I run out of magic points or need to recharge a specialty meter, I can still run around like crazy and hack the crap out of an enemy until I figure out my next move. Then, I hit another button, let's say to drink a potion or change my attack style, and it automatically puts that into effect. I'll admit, a lot of button-mashing goes into a real-time system if a player is not tactful, but for some it can rely on skillful timing and thoughtful choices.
What's been irking me about the latest Final Fantasy games is the fact that they are trying to incorporate both battle systems. I don't have an issue with the turn-based battle systems; it is a trademark element of all FF games since the first. However, since FFXI, things began to change. Not only was Final Fantasy XI exclusively for the PC as an MMO, it must have given developers time to realize that free-roaming battle systems were quite popular. Instead of completely changing the gameplay for their newest FFXII project, they took their same turn-based system and added the ability to run helplessly around a map while still getting attacked, no matter where you stand. Sure, this may have been a perk to a player who wanted more realism during fight sequences, but how realistic can it be when a level-8 cactuar can still spray me with needles from 10 feet away and 5 feet to the left? It just doesn't work to combine both and still expect that "freedom." If my weapon can't move as fast as my fingers, there is no freedom, nor is their realism.
SquareEnix has produced some amazing Final Fantasy-inspired games that branched out in different battle directions. Kingdom Hearts and Crisis Core used the real-time system incredibly well. Dirge of Cerberus was the first Final Fantasy game to incorporate full third-person shooter action, while FF Tactics and FFXII: Revenant Wings have continued utilizing strategy-based gameplay. What is familiar when it comes to fighting styles is the most comfortable.
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