When DC Killed Superman (Kind Of)
When I was a kid, DC Comics ran "The Death of Superman", in which Superman died.
Now, even as a kid I knew that DC wouldn't throw away Superman. He's too valuable to them. So, what were they going to do? I remember my dad bought the follow up comics, and I read them all. I love the arcs with the Cyborg Superman and Steel. It was really cool.
But it occurred to me that DC was defaulting to what they know best: shock titles.
They killed Superman, broke Batman's back, and would later kill Batman as well. They only want sales from killing their star characters, not from quality comics. Even as a kid I knew when a comic was stupid and when one was cool. It drives me crazy that they think they could default to something like death when they fail at writing compelling storylines.
Writers of comics, games, and TV shows, heed my warning: people know quality entertainment. By treating them as dollars instead of readers, you do them a disservice.
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Here's a video I did on the new Agent Carter miniseries.
If that doesn't interest you, try this video called "Video Game Censorship in the 21st Century?"
Now, even as a kid I knew that DC wouldn't throw away Superman. He's too valuable to them. So, what were they going to do? I remember my dad bought the follow up comics, and I read them all. I love the arcs with the Cyborg Superman and Steel. It was really cool.
But it occurred to me that DC was defaulting to what they know best: shock titles.
They killed Superman, broke Batman's back, and would later kill Batman as well. They only want sales from killing their star characters, not from quality comics. Even as a kid I knew when a comic was stupid and when one was cool. It drives me crazy that they think they could default to something like death when they fail at writing compelling storylines.
Writers of comics, games, and TV shows, heed my warning: people know quality entertainment. By treating them as dollars instead of readers, you do them a disservice.
_____________________________________
Here's a video I did on the new Agent Carter miniseries.
If that doesn't interest you, try this video called "Video Game Censorship in the 21st Century?"
I Don't Like Cowboy Bebop
I have never liked Cowboy Bebop. Does that invalidate my anime opinion?
I shouldn't think so. Allow me to explain: I don't like any of the characters, and find the entire thing to be more boring than interesting.
I've had my share of anime fans (of which I am one) say that Cowboy Bebop is the new gospel, but it's just not interesting to me! I don't know what it is.
I watched the show. I did. I just don't like it.
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Want to see my review of Naruto's first episode? Check it out here.
I shouldn't think so. Allow me to explain: I don't like any of the characters, and find the entire thing to be more boring than interesting.
I've had my share of anime fans (of which I am one) say that Cowboy Bebop is the new gospel, but it's just not interesting to me! I don't know what it is.
I watched the show. I did. I just don't like it.
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Want to see my review of Naruto's first episode? Check it out here.
Nintendo is Planning Ahead
The 3DS was the first handheld 3d gaming device that didn't use 3d glasses. Nintendo essentially took the technology from demonstrations they saw from years ago with the Wii. I have no proof of that, but it's very convenient.
So, they have been innovating in gaming the whole time, while sitting back and letting the other consoles start to dominate the "hard core" market.
Nintendo is planning ahead.
They know the market for games is divided among "hardcore" and "casual", and with more casual gamers gravitating onto the Wii U, they can dominate that particular market. The problem is that they were slow to get rolling.
I think part of the problem was in the name "Wii U". It sounded like it was just an updated Wii, so no one saw the reason to buy it. They should have had a new system name, but mentioned the backwards compatibility as a selling point.
So, at this juncture, Nintendo knows they can't win if they only focus on the casual gamers. That's been their strategy, but with Wii U slow to start, they need more "hardcore" games. Bayonetta 2 was a step in the right direction, and Super Smash Bros. has an enthusiast scene unto its own, so they are making a shift.
I think it's telling that Miyamoto already said they're working not he new console. This means they know the Wii U needs to be abandoned as soon as possible in favor of something "new" and "unique".
Don't get me wrong. I love the Wii U. It's the most modern console I have, and I love playing it. My problem is that they completely flubbed the marketing for it.
If you're interested, I have a video called "Nintendo's diversity problem", which is to say their lack of female representation. I know it's a hot button issue right now, and i don't want to take a side, but Nintendo is really lacking.
Also, I have a video called "I am a Gamer" where I show you how proud I am to be a gamer, and why.
So, they have been innovating in gaming the whole time, while sitting back and letting the other consoles start to dominate the "hard core" market.
Nintendo is planning ahead.
They know the market for games is divided among "hardcore" and "casual", and with more casual gamers gravitating onto the Wii U, they can dominate that particular market. The problem is that they were slow to get rolling.I think part of the problem was in the name "Wii U". It sounded like it was just an updated Wii, so no one saw the reason to buy it. They should have had a new system name, but mentioned the backwards compatibility as a selling point.
So, at this juncture, Nintendo knows they can't win if they only focus on the casual gamers. That's been their strategy, but with Wii U slow to start, they need more "hardcore" games. Bayonetta 2 was a step in the right direction, and Super Smash Bros. has an enthusiast scene unto its own, so they are making a shift.
I think it's telling that Miyamoto already said they're working not he new console. This means they know the Wii U needs to be abandoned as soon as possible in favor of something "new" and "unique".
Don't get me wrong. I love the Wii U. It's the most modern console I have, and I love playing it. My problem is that they completely flubbed the marketing for it.
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If you're interested, I have a video called "Nintendo's diversity problem", which is to say their lack of female representation. I know it's a hot button issue right now, and i don't want to take a side, but Nintendo is really lacking.
Also, I have a video called "I am a Gamer" where I show you how proud I am to be a gamer, and why.
Captain Janeway Gets No Respect
In my opinion, one of the best captains in Star Trek is Captain Janeway.
However, many fans seem to fall back to either Picard or Kirk as the "best captain", and while I admit that each has their strongpoint and they each bring something unique to the table, I have to tell you that I prefer Janeway over both.
It's not that I think Voyager was a superior series to TNG or TOS. In fact, I suspect it's little to do with that. I would argue that Janeway faced greater troubles, greater stresses, and more perilous situations than Kirk and Picard combined.
"BUT WAIT!" I hear the TNG fanboy exclaim. "Picard was assimilated by the Borg. He had that to overcome. Janeway never had to deal with that!"
You're right... she had to fight MORE.
The Delta quadrant was where the Borg come from. It's their home (probably).
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However, many fans seem to fall back to either Picard or Kirk as the "best captain", and while I admit that each has their strongpoint and they each bring something unique to the table, I have to tell you that I prefer Janeway over both.
It's not that I think Voyager was a superior series to TNG or TOS. In fact, I suspect it's little to do with that. I would argue that Janeway faced greater troubles, greater stresses, and more perilous situations than Kirk and Picard combined.
You're right... she had to fight MORE.
The Delta quadrant was where the Borg come from. It's their home (probably).
 |
| "Boo hoo, it's so terrible fighting that one Borg cube in the Alpha Quadrant." - Picard fanboys |
Yes, it's that bad.
So, in summary, I believe Janeway deserves more respect than the fans give her. Sure, Voyager fans give her plenty, but general Trek fans give her as much respect as Sisko. Oh? You want me to prove Janeway deserves more respect than Sisko?
...
Are you kidding me?
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If you liked this post, I have a YouTube channel where I talk about games, movies, anime, TV shows, and more. Check it out!
Stop Hyping Roguelikes!
What the title says. Jeez, people, give it a rest!
I get it. I do. You like the replayability and challenge that a roguelike offers. However, you think because there aren't many that flooding the market with crappily made clones of one another will somehow make it better?
Look, roguelikes (or in this case, "roguelike-likes"... yes, they are calling it that) have a place. I like procedurally generated dungeons and such, but I dislike that every game with randomization calls itself roguelike these days. Stop abusing the term!
But...
The roguelike philosophy is one that values replayability and unique experiences. If every game is roguelike, doesn't that defeat the purpose?
So with that in mind, let's play innovative or original games that either incorporate randomness or use a totally different design philosophy. There's no reason games can't be as diverse as the planet they're made on.
Like this post? Check out my video called "What is a game?" You might enjoy it.
Or check out my argument with Super Pawsitive, called "Are Video Games Art or Business?" Also, check out Super Pawsitive. He makes some great stuff!
OR, even more, check out this video I did called "Level Design in Early Video Games".
I get it. I do. You like the replayability and challenge that a roguelike offers. However, you think because there aren't many that flooding the market with crappily made clones of one another will somehow make it better?
Look, roguelikes (or in this case, "roguelike-likes"... yes, they are calling it that) have a place. I like procedurally generated dungeons and such, but I dislike that every game with randomization calls itself roguelike these days. Stop abusing the term!
But...
The roguelike philosophy is one that values replayability and unique experiences. If every game is roguelike, doesn't that defeat the purpose?
So with that in mind, let's play innovative or original games that either incorporate randomness or use a totally different design philosophy. There's no reason games can't be as diverse as the planet they're made on.
_____________________________
Like this post? Check out my video called "What is a game?" You might enjoy it.
Or check out my argument with Super Pawsitive, called "Are Video Games Art or Business?" Also, check out Super Pawsitive. He makes some great stuff!
OR, even more, check out this video I did called "Level Design in Early Video Games".
Inspector Gadget Sucks and Here's Why
Here's the thing, I don't hate this show...
I just think he sucks. Yeah, yeah, nostalgia, "90's kids", blah blah blah...
Look, every episode of this show is the same thing: The moron gets contacted with a mission, he blows up the chief, he goes on the mission and Penny knows what's up. Penny and Brain foil Dr. Claw's plan and Gadget gets celebrated as a hero. But here's the kicker...
He's a hero who doesn't actually do anything.
What's the point of his Gadget abilities if he does nothing with them? What's the point in his blowing up the chief constantly if he never even saves the day?
There is no reason Gadget should continue to solve any crisis.
Give Penny cybernetic implants and let her become the actually good Inspector Gadget!
*sigh*
I hate that guy.
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Hey if you like this rant, I have a YouTube channel you could check out, where I talk about games, movies, anime, and everything else I like.
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