8-bit Fatalities.

Hello and Welcome.

I just wanted to share with you an intersting art project I came accross:

 

This is a collection of paintings by flickr user TastyPaints.com.   It is a more graphic look at all those 8-bit murders you commited as a kid.   Now, feel some remorse you evil, evil person!  Oh, and while you are wallowing in your own murderous misery, check out the full gallery.

~K

P.S.  My personal Favorite is the Final Fantasy Black mage.

Unplugged Wednesday - Walking Dead

Hello and Welcome.

Well, I originally wanted to write about World War Z or the Zombie Survival Guide (both by Max Brooks), but I haven't read enough yet to give a good opinion on it (only to say that I love it, and it is a thinly veiled political commentary).  Instead, we are going to post a peice that Nate wrote on Walking Dead a while back.  Enjoy!

=================================================================

Quick, name two things that are awesome. Zombies you say? I think I heard comics from somewhere in the back. Zombies and comics actually make the perfect match. First up, because I have to make a throwaway mention to the fantastic cover art, the Marvel Zombies comics are decent. The plot is funny and the art is really good, but there is really no substance beyond that. The zombie comic I'm here to talk about is one that I've been behind for about 2 or 3 years now: The Walking Dead.

All of the best zombie stories aren't just about zombies. The zombies are just a backdrop for the artist to build a canvas to tell the story of humans and the way they respond to fear or catastrophe, and The Walking Dead is extremely good at this. Yeah, there are some really great scenes of zombies getting their heads chopped off and people getting all eaten up, but the true strength of the series is the characters.

The story revolves around Rick, who was a police officer in a small Georgia town (yay) when he was shot and fell into a coma. When Rick wakes up, the dead have risen and his hospital and town have been overrun by zombies. Rick then leaves to head to Atlanta to (hopefully) find his wife and son. What follows is a fantastically well written survival story, not just of Rick, but of the people he encounters. They are constantly facing trouble within the pages, but this rarely comes from the zombies (at least later on). The survivors are forced to learn how to create their own society in a post-apocalyptic world, and the author (Robert Kirkman) does a great job in pulling all the difficulties together. Also, seeing as this is a comic, I cannot neglect the wonderful art style. The entire series is done in beautiful black and white that perfectly matches the mood of the writing.

Since I don't have a comic shop around here, I've been getting the series as it comes out in collected trade form and I'm up through Volume 8, so that's what I'm currently talking about. The series does a great job of changing everything each few issues (I don't want to spoil everything, since I think it would be a good idea for everyone who likes zombies to go ahead and pick this up). Pretty much all I'm trying to say here is that if you like zombies, this is some of the best stuff out there (outside of the two Max Brooks books - which will be discussed at some point soon, I should think), and you should be reading it.

Unplugged Wednesday - Holiday Gift Guide.

Hello and Welcome.

In light of all the holiday gift guides other websites are putting together, we totally think we can do better.

So here is our list of the 10 essential gifts for your nerd (or yourself for that matter). Click the Pictures of the names to see the websites.

Tender Rondo

Tender Rondo is a game from the Merchants of Cool. Features from the game are:

-- Action-RPG based on an anime that's already popular in Japan and is set to debut on the Cartoon Network in 2009.

-- Highly sensitive, highly reluctant teen hero: Rondo's sensitive emotions create special powers, which come in handy when the evil Joy Kill Korporation sends shock troops into his village. Rondo's kidnapped neighbors and relatives are drained of their emotions, which power a doomsday machine set to destroy the planet. Not if Rondo can help it.

-- Rondo's attacks are based on human emotions: Fear attacks are the yellow button (Y), rage attacks are the red button (B), sadness attacks are the blue button (X), and envy attacks, which strip the enemy of loot and weapons, are the green button (A).

-- The music is by legendary composer Hiroaki Kokotake-san, who promised in his contract to create "music of devastating beauty and tremendous power."

Covenant Energy Sword.

Do you have an angry 13 year old Halo 3 Nerd(or are you one)? Why not take out your aggression on your parents with this life size replica of the Covenant Energy Sword? Make sure your reticule turns red before you attack!

Electronic Drum Kit...Shirt

Have you ever felt that all that gorillia chest beating you do could be used to better use? Well know it can, with your very own Drum Kit...Shirt. Who needs Rockband when you can do this on the go?

Dismember Me Zombie

Are you feeling that Left 4 Dead isn't honing your skills well enough? Are you looking for a practical approach to the methods in the Zombie Survival Guide? Then check out this anatomically correct zombie doll.

Natural Harvest Cook Book.

Wow, just wow. I am so appalled by this, I can't even be funny. Check out the link... if you are brave...

The Manga Bible

For the uninitiated, Manga is the Japanese word for comics. This is the best way to trick young readers (or any Otaku) into reading the bible. No... Really... Its just a comic book... Look, there are plagues, wars, and look this dude rises from the dead. CLEARLY zombie.

Also, if the old testament isn't your style, try the Manga Messiah

Manga Guide to Databases

The Bible not your thing? Tired of your computer Science Database class? Does Database theory got you down? Well no more with the Manga Guide to Databases. Great gift for that extreme Nerd in your family. (*ahem*).

World Of Warcraft Night Elf Ears

Have you always wanted to be a night elf, blood elf, Orc, or Tauren? Then you should totally check out these prosthetic elf ears. All joking aside, on the right person, these look awesome (with the full costume of course. ;) ).

Tattoo Sleeves

Want to be cool and have tattoo sleeves, without all the bleeding and pain? Tattoo sleeves are the answer. Let me tell you, these work, I use them every time I go to a biker bar, just to toughen myself up a bit.


Well, that is it (sorry, only 9 items, not 10). For fun, imagine wearing all the apparel while reading the books, playing the game, and dismembering the zombie with the sword!

Good luck!

~k

Unplugged Wednesday - Library Edition

Hello and Welcome.

Ok, so this weeks unplugged is actually the complete opposite. Its all about the Library being PLUGGED-IN.

Ok, before I even start on this.  WTF is this poster?  Oh my god, it looks like Gandalf the Purple, the love child of C-3PO and HK-47 (KOTOR),  and Generic Pink Hair Space Pirate Girl (Or maybe U-la-la's sister...).  Oh Wizards of the coast, you positively SLAY me.

The event is sponsored by the Wizards of the Coast and ILoveLibraries.Org.  It is set to contain a mix of Board and Video Games (Probably Magic the Gathering, and Magic Online...).

So, How do I feel about this?  Well, as a gamer I think it is exciting that gaming has reached such mainstream attention that Libraries are starting to pay attention.

On the other hand, as a well rounded individual I am not sure I like it.  I have always looked at my library as a quiet place I could go to study, read, or research without being distracted by my surroundings.  I can imagine someone coming into the library, seeing this event, and walking straight out of the door.

Of course, I assume this was an inevitable (and not necessarily recent) development considering the growth of the technology age and the internet.  First it was cd's, then Graphic Novels, then DVDS, and now Video Games.  Even my local library has a WEEKLY Wii Wednesday (Other branches have it on different nights, it is a rotating event) so this shouldn't be all that surprising.

There is another perspective to this as well.  This event will get people (and not just kids) into their libraries and see how libraries have adapted in the last 10 years.

For a list of participating libraries, try here.

So, get out of your mom's basement and check it out.  You might make a friend!

~K

Unplugged Wednesday: The Stand (Comic series)

The Stand is a great book. I haven't read much Stephen King outside of The Dark Tower series, but when I read The Stand earlier this year, I found that I was missing out on a lot. However, this isn't about the original book, instead this is about the new comic book adaptation that Marvel Comics has begun to release. Sadly, since I do not have a good comic shop near me, I've only had the chance to read the first issue.

On the whole, it's a good adaptation. The art is good and it's not nearly as wordy as the book can be at times, but as I read the issue, I kept getting the feeling that I was missing something. Not that the plot is hard to follow or anything, I just really felt like it was turning out to be The Stand Lite.

I really think that instead of trying to retell the exact same story as the book, it would have been a bit more interesting for them to take the world that King established in the original novel and use that as a basis for starting different stories to tell. Who knows, that could be the plan down the line, but I didn't really feel like they were going to do that since the issue was basically the first few chapters of the book setting up the same group of characters for the same plotline.

All that grumbling aside, it's still a good read. I think it will be a good way to get people to read the original novel so that they can get all the extra details. Also, I have hope that in future issues they'll add in little bits that weren't in the book (maybe add in a few side stories or something). That's my hope anyway.

By the way, since today is the 5th of November, go read V for Vendetta tonight.

Unplugged Wednesday - Fables

Hello and Welcome.



Our third entry in Fable week is actually not related to the Fable series of games.  Today we are going to talk about the Vertigo Comic: Fables.

I have always been a big fan of alternate interpretations of classic stories.  Gregory MacGuire's Wicked series, The Looking Glass Wars (Alice in Wonderland), and even Stephen King's Dark Tower series to an extent.

Fables is exactly that.  It is the story of all the people and creatures of legend living in New York city (for the Human Fables) and upstate New York on the "Farm" (for those less than human Fables).

The Fables are in NYC because they were exiled from their lands by the "Adversary" as he systematically took over their lands with his evil army.  The human fable community is run by the Deputy Mayor, Snow White and her trusty sheriff Bigby "The Big Bad Wolf" who thanks to a glamour, has a human form.  Snow White, and the whole community, deal with any number of situations over the course of the books:  Murders, Revolutions, etc.

As far as the art goes, it is very detailed and vibrant at times, but still has a somewhat dated look (though I think that is the DC/Image style).  The stories within each arch are very interesting and deal with "Real" problems in the "Mundy" (their name for normal "Mundane" humans) world.  For example,  Rose Red (Snow White's forgotten sister) slept with Prince Charming (SW's husband) and now they are divorced.

The stories are also often humorous.  One of my Favorites:
Goldilocks to Papa Bear: "Do you think I share your son's bed only because is happens to be 'Just Right'"?
Papa Bear: "No, it's because papa's l'il boo bear is hung like a --"

Anyway, I definitely recommend Fables, if you are in to the alternate version types of stories.

And if you are REALLY into Fables, you might check out the spin-offs (I haven't):  Jack of Fables (no good Jack of the BeanStalk story), and 1001 Nights of Snowfall: a prequel to Fables.

~K

Unplugged Wednesday - Video Game Halloween costumes (Ok, its really cosplay..)

Hello and Welcome.

So this week, I thought we could talk about what everyone is going to be for Halloween.  I was thinking about going as something Video Game related so I started looking for Ideas.

Then I stumbled on this:

 

Wow, that is a pretty amazing costume.  MegaMan helmet, mega buster, THAT LIGHTS UP.   This kid is so awesome.

So I thought, Hey, I could do something like this right?  Just change the scale a bit, and it would work great.  And so I found this:

So it looks like Mega Man is out.  I mean, I don't want to look like this fool.  Maybe I will just carve my Pumpkin to look like Mega Man.

Ok, my list of Ideas right now are:

• Castle Crasher Knights 
• Gordon Freeman (Half Life, I would have to grow my beard back though...)
• King of All Cosmos (Katamari).
• Cervantes (Soul Calibur, ok it's just a glorified pirate....)

Those are what I have so far.  Any other Ideas?  Votes?

Unplugged Wednesday - Lost

Hello and Welcome.

I recently started watching the show LOST.  I have heard for years that is was a great show but never watched it because, lets be honest,  how good could a dramatic version of a reality TV show (Survivor) really be?

So, I added it to my netflix queue and it sat at the bottom for months.  Finally, after hearing the now defunct GFW Radio talk about the latest episode week after week, my wife and I decided to watch it.

So far I have watched almost through the end of season 2 (this in only a few weeks)  and I am already hooked.  The show thrives on coincidences and surprises.  The web that connects people just by the end of season 2 is pretty ridiculous.

Mysteries like the "Others"  and the Black Smoke beast keep you guessing as to what will happen next.   Plus they have a Hobbit.

Charlie Pace and Merry Brandybuck

So far my favorite character is John Locke.   Aside from being slightly obsessed with the island, Locke is an intelligent, multi-faceted character who more often than not has a great grip on what is going on in any situation.

If you aren't convinced enough to take a spot in your Netflix Queue or on your DVD shelf, you can watch the first 4 Seasons on ABC's website.  Just make sure you catch up before Season 5 starts in February!

~K

Unplugged Wednesday: Y: the last Man.

Hello and welcome.

This week I am going to talk about a graphic novel series: Y: The last Man.

Published by VERTIGO (subsidary of DC) and Written by Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra, the main artist.  Y tells the story of Yorick Brown, the last man on earth and his capuchin monkey Ampersand the last male mammal, after a plague wipes the earth of all male life.  Its less of a plague and more of a "Every male falls down and dies at once" event.  From there Yorick decides he has to find his girlfriend (almost fiancee) Beth.

Anything that has a post-apocalyptic, post-epidemic premise, almost always appeals to me.  I like the idea that we as humanity may be posed with a situation that doesn't fit into the constraints of Technology, or society as we know it.  It is really only in situations like this that the strength of our humanity will be proven (or most likely disproved).

That being said, the story in Y starts out strong, with a fair amount of struggle, and moral decisions for Yorick (which he usually makes, IMHO, the wrong choice.).  Quickly add in two female (obviously) companions, Extreme Feminist groups, and hot girl on girl action (a joke, small one) and the story takes off with a boom.

However, the story progresses over 10 books, and about 3 years and begins to lose focus as well as adding unneeded complexity to the story.  I mean, don't get me wrong, complexity is great when you do it well, but Y continues to add complexity just for the sake of complexity.

Still, Y is a worthwhile read.  I don't know that I would recommend buying it, but the art is good, the story decent.  So, if you have a friend with a copy, grab it, otherwise, check your library.

~K

Unplugged Wednesday: Watchmen

Watchmen is one of those books that is good the first time you read it, but every subsequent time it seems to get better. The story takes place in the 1980s, masked vigilantes have been outlawed by the Keene Act - all except those who have decided to work for the government. In the beginning of the book, the Comedian (one of the government's heroes) is murdered. The book then follows the musings of the one illegal vigilante still on the streets - Rorschach. Rorschach becomes convinced that the Comedian's murder is part of a plot to kill off or get rid of all the masked heroes. Without going into spoiler territory, that's it in a nutshell. The problem is, no simple explanation really works for this book.

When a comic deals with issues like rape, miracles, and sanity, it begins to transcend the stereotype of the superhero comic that we all know. Alan Moore is an incredible writer in the comic medium and Watchmen is where he really let it all out. Each panel and issue is expertly choreographed to fit within the greater story so that the next time you come back and read through, you can see all the foreshadowing and bits and clues that you may have missed on previous reads.

With all that being said, Rorschach is one of the greatest protagonists ever. You may not like his style or his creepy monotone voice (as they call it in the book), but he knows what he believes and nothing is going to stop him from pursuing what he believes to be right. His character gets even more interesting when you begin to learn his backstory and the events that led him to his decision to become a vigilante. Rorschach isn't the only good character in the story though, each character is well developed and sympathetic, which makes it hard late in the story when you have to choose who you want to root for.

The best thing I can say about Watchmen is that even though you can do what I'm doing now and try to sway or interest you into reading it, the book really comes into its own when you are able to discuss it with another reader. There is few things as satisfying as having a good talk about the characters and what they represent in our world or how could things have been resolved differently in the story, etc.

Watchmen truly is a classic that deserves its place in everyone's shelf of honor. Read it, but don't put too much hope in the movie. Terry Gilliam once said that it was unfilmable, and I think I agree.... but I can be proven wrong.

Unplugged Wednesday - 4th Edition DnD

Hello and Welcome to the first Unplugged Wednesday post.

Recently (OK, 4 months ago) Wizards Of The Coast released the 4th Edition of the Dungeon & Dragons Rules. This was in the wake of the creator's, Gary Gygax, recent death.

That's right D&D. If you didn't know I was a nerd before, well I just displayed my laminated card baby.

This week, we are trying something a little different. Nate (our other editor) and I recently had an IM conversation about 4th edtion. Rather than belabor the point, and for the sake of brevity ( yeah right, I know.) I have edited the conversation below:

[EDIT: Due to the length of the chat, I have hidden our discussion by default. Click the heading below to view it.]

Click to View Chat

Kent:
Ok. So we are talking about D&D 4th edition rules.
Nate:
Righty-O
Kent:
I think our first topic should be the difference between 4th and second edition.
Nate:
Well, obviously there is the reformation of the classes and the way spells are worked
Kent:
Right, they pretty much standardized everything in fourth edition.
Before it felt like a loose set of rules, each class having almost a completely different set.
Nate:
It makes it so much easier to work with your class and know that you have some breathing room whichever one you choose
Kent:
Exactly, they did a really good job of balancing the over all game with the new rules.
And that extends to the amount of work involved for all parties. DM and Player alike.
Nate:
Oh yeah, rolling seems so much more streamlined and easier to comprehend on both sides of the board
Kent:
Right. So, I think we should switch focus a bit and talk about The character Classes in the 4th edition core rules.
Kent:
Actually, before we go any further, I would like to clarify that neither of us has played 3rd edition rules, so we are basing all this on the 15 years or so between 2nd and 4th edition.
Nate:
exactly
Kent:
Ok, the classes. We have 8 base classes.
Cleric, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Warlock, Warlord, and Wizard.
So, Nate, you normally play the healer class in, oh, EVERY game we play. What class are you playing in 4th edition?
Nate:
Due to pressure from different angles, I decided to do a Warlord this time and try out dps/tanking
what about you, Mr. I'm always an elf?
Kent:
Ha, right. Normally I go for the Ranger class. I always like the high damage classes, and the Mage class of 2nd edition, though appealing to me, didn't become even USEFUL until around 20th level. And that was only if you had good rolls.
But, thanks to 4th edition's amazing balancing, I opted for a Warlock this time.
Nate:
What about the new races. I knew as soon as I saw the Dragonborn, that's what I would be
Kent:
Yeah, I think they definitely took an interesting turn this time and put some unique races in the core rules. The races are: Dragonborn, Dwarf, Eladrin, Elves, Half-elf, Halfling, Humans, And Tieflings.
The new races, Dragonborn (Pretty self explanatory.), Eladrin (Basically elves for people who don't want to play elves), and choice, Tieflings (think hellboy...).
Nate:
Each one has some pretty good racial talents too, right?
Kent:
Right, it is funny, because this game (D&D) which created and influenced so many others, has basically changed itself to a table top version of World Of Warcraft.
Nate:
yeah, I really felt that influence when I was reading through my 4th ed PHB
Kent:
So, speaking of racial talents, I think we should talk about the new skill system or "Powers."
Rather than make only a few races useful in a fight, they implemented a "Powers" System.
Nate:
Well, there are four types of powers
Kent:
Right: Daily, Utility, Encounter, and At will.
Kent:
So, this is where I feel WizardsOfTheCoast did their best work.
Nate:
you mean, you like this better than only being able to cast a spell 3 times before resting for a day?
Kent:
Ha ha, exactly. Or less..
So, At Will powers are basically attacks that you can do every turn, that never run out. So, rather than be a wizard with one magic missile spell to use in the whole dungeon, you are actually a wizard, who can command magical energies at your whim.
The next level up from that, are encounter powers. These can be used one per encounter (battle) and replenish after fifteen minutes of rest. Slightly more powerful than At will powers.
Nate:
oh definitely, I know that as I level at-will will be useful, but when we started out the campaign, I haven't even looked at using mine yet
Kent:
The nice thing about at-will powers, is they serve as your basic attack (other than basic weapon attacks) So ,you know, that level one mage can actually do something each turn, instead of try (and fail) to attack with his crappy D2 damage dagger.
Nate:
I agree, it's definitely a good thing to have
Kent:
And it also allows you to have attacks, as a fighting class, that are a little more interesting than :: Attacks with longsword::
Ok, Next are the Daily powers. These are basically the spells of the old D&D - each one can only be used once a day, and then again after 8 hours rest.
Nate:
They are definitely the most useful of my current powers
Kent:
Of course, that's why we can only use them once a day!
Nate:
...and that's why I like them
Kent:
Ok, Next are the Utility powers. None of us have these, (available at level 2) as we are all just peons at this point.
Nate:
Since I haven't really looked at these, what is the cool down on them?
Kent:
Well, the rules are kind of vague here.
Essentially Utility powers are powers that can be used (given a specific trigger) to over come obstacles.
They can be used as often as you like, given the specific conditions of the trigger are met.
An example is the Shadow Veil Warlock power.
Nate:
tell me about it
Kent:
It gives me +5 power bonus against stealth checks, till the end of my next turn. I have to use a minor action for it, but other than that, it is unlimited.
Maybe we should talk about the action types?
Each turn in battle You can use a combination of a move action, minor action, or major action.
Certain powers use different types of actions. Shadow Veil is a minor action.
Nate:
your major action is typically the attack, right?
Kent:
Typically yes.
oh, I forgot one, Free Action.
These are basically things like, battle cries, etc. Things that require no time or effort to preform.
Nate:
right, something that can be done while completing another action
Kent:
So lets go back to classes. I can't really think of any reason why this group of classes is bad. Especially with the introduction of the Power sources.
Each class draws their "powers" from one of three sources: Arcane, Divine, Or Martial power sources.
Nate:
three so far, more are coming
Kent:
Right as they add more classes.
Nate:
These basically determine what your above mentioned utilities draw their rolls from, right?
Kent:
Right. All powers use these power sources.
These are pretty obvious. Divine for healers, Arcane for magic users, and Martial for fighting types.
Nate:
Right
Kent:
Speaking of rolls, That brings up the "Roles" that classes play.
Again another wow type convention.
Nate:Nate:
OH, you mean like tank, dps, and healer?
Kent:
Right. Defenders (tanks) Strikers (DPS), controllers(Controls animals or people), and leader.
Nate:
yes, as we mentioned above, I'm traditionally a healer class
Kent:
These are elements that help in roleplaying, and deciding what each character should do to contribute.
Nate:
yeah, so you don't waste time trying to figure out who can take damage, you just send in your tank
Kent:
yep.
Kent:
Ok, lets switch gears again.
Kent:
One of the most lauded features is the Amazing new online features they have added for 4th edition. 3d character creators, character sheets, encounter creators, 3d dungeon creators, and a live dungeon map.
... Wait, what's that you say...
Nate:
hey Kent, this just in... none of that is up
Kent:
Oh, right, but, that's OK, the new rules have only been out for... oh yeah, 4 MONTHS.
Nate:
oh, right, I thought it was going live with the rules
Kent:
That was their plan, at least, that is what they said.
I mean, these features seem great, but the fact that they have been working on 4ht edition, and pimping these tools since early 07, and still have (almost) nothing to show for it , is somewhat ridiculous.
Especially, when they expect you to pay an MMO level subscription fee for most of these tools($15.99 a month kids).
unless you think that is reasonable?
Nate:
not at all, I don't think that a subscription is the right way to do this
at least in our situation. We play once a week and paying for that really can't be justified for me
Kent:
especially, since, at most, we may get to play 5 times a month for two hours a time.
15 bucks for 10 hours of tool usage?
And that is assuming that we play EVERY week, for the FULL time. Which hasn't happened in the what, 2-3 years we have been playing together?
Nate:
I know, but enough complaining.
what are your final words on 4th edition?
Kent:
yeah, to be honest, that online stuff is just on my "nice to have" list. I think my excitement for 4th edition is pretty much summed up by the fact that I read the PHB cover to cover TWICE in one week, and BEGGED our DM to let us roll characters. This was almost an entire month before we started playing.
Kent:
And your thoughts?
Nate:
Oh, I definitely agree, although I haven't read it cover to cover, I've been thoroughly enthralled with all the new possibilities for our campaign (specifically our abilities to play online). hopefully some online stuff will work out better for us
Kent:
Indeed.

Well, that is it for this week. If you want more information, I recommend visiting the D&D site.

~K

[Edit: If you are interested in joining our campaign, shoot me an e-mail]