inFamous 2

I picked up a free digital copy of infamous 2 a couple of weeks ago as part of my Playstaion Plus Membership.  I have platinumed the first game, and enjoyed it enough to warrant giving the second title a shot, especially when it is free!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Infamous series on the PS3, it basically plays like reading a comic book.  Our (anti) hero, Cole McGrath, triggered an radioactive explosion in the prologue of the first game, giving hm electricity based super powers.  Cole doesn't have the ability to manufacture his own electricity, he constantly needs to drain electricity from various sources in the world around him to charge his powers.  He can then shape this electricity into various tools and weapons to help him make his way through the story.

Like Grand Theft Auto, the action is free range.  You are free to wander the city, hunting for side missions, or bonus perks, leaving the main story for long stretches.  While this means that there is alot to see and do, it can get somewhat tedious hunting high and low for the 305 blast shard pieces scattered across the giant city.

The most interesting part of this game is the idea at its core.  Cole's actions are monitered by a Karma meter, which shifts based on the choices he makes during the game.  Defuse a bomb and save the nearby civilians, your Karma swings towards good.  Take out the cops who are patrooling town, and lack the smack down on the unexpecting passersby, your Karma is headed straight towards evil.  With 3 stages of good or evil to progress through, there are plenty of unique powers, side missions, NPC interactions, and yes, even cosmetic changes to experience.  There are also 2 distinctly different endings to unlock.

Controls are intuitive, and game play is very responsive.  Only once did I find myself stuck in a mission, unable to continue because I had somehow been squashed through the ground by a massive boss character, but not killed.  I also enjoyed that the various missions were significantly different from the game play of the first title.  Kudos to the development team for adding such an array of interesting powers, all easily swappable using the left button on the d-pad.

At a guess, I would say it took me roughly 35 hours to complete the story mode twice in order to see both endings, and unlock the platinum trophy for 100% completion.

As an added perk, there is also a forum for User Generated Content, so there are untold more hours of game play waiting should you be thus inclined.

While this is certainly not my favourite series on the PS3, it was a solid offering, and I'd happily reccomend it to anyone looking for an engaging story, and decent visuals.

And if you happen to have a PSN account, feel free to add me: DeaDPaN79 and we'll swap stories on favourite DLC.

Just a little wind...

While I was successfully  procrastinating  in the office this afternoon, we lost power a couple of times.  Minor inconvenience to most of the world, but when you work in live theatre your show, and your day, tends to come to a crashing halt.  Luckily I wasn't running show, so rather than have to go into damage control mode, I just sat back and enjoyed the lull in the dark.  Luckily both outages were fairly quick and the 2 shows that were running were able to get back up and on track in a timely fashion.
These power blips were tied to some nasty weather.  Here in Grand Bend we're used to BIG Summer storms blowing in, dumping torrential buckets of rain, breaking the humidity, and then clearing up, all in a matter of 30-45 min.  We call them Grand Bender's and they are easily recognizable by the green/black skies and incredible downpours.
We've had a bit of a heatwave down here recently so I figured that we were due for a Grand Bender, and assumed that one of these summer storms was responsible for our loss of power, but after the lights came back on I went out to check the skies and they were clear and blue.  Sure it had rained a little, but nothing compared to what we're used to.
Confused, I went back to prepping for my upcoming rehearsal process.  It wasn't long before I got an update via Facebook that informed me that a friend who lives locally had been told that a tornado had gone through her family's back yard.  I couldn't find anything online from Environment Canada that confirmed her post, but was intrigued.  The back yard in question is really only about 6-8km south of the theatre.
With the work day over, Kat (Author of www.nowopentosuggestions.blogspot.com) and I decided to go see for ourselves.
The photos below tell the story better than I can.  The damage was fairly contained to a narrow 2km stretch.  All of these photos were taken within 500m of the worst of damage.  To my knowledge there were no injuries, and only minor property damage, other than the downed trees.
While I can still neither confirm or deny that it was infact a tornado, there was some serious wind involved!

The big 6-0.

Had the pleasure of attending my Father's 60th birthday party in Warwick Village this evening.
To preface this post I feel that it is important to note that I had a couple of duties to attend to to help prep for the party.
#1 - Fill the coolers - Four coolers worth of beer (5 brands, all domestic) and various vodka coolers for the ladies...although to be honest, most of the ladies wanted beer...its that kind of a crowd...this also requires 3 trips to the local corner store to purchase 21 bags of ice.
#2 - Pick up the cake, and while you're at it make a timmy's run for the immediate family who is here early to help set up.
#3 - Assist with the starting of the bonfire.  If you know me at all, you likely know that fire and I have a somewhat sordid past, so inevitably I get asked to start alot of fires at family functions...If you don't know the reason behind this...well, that's a story for another time...
#4 - Assist with the grilling of the meat.  I was happy to pass off the primary grilling responsibility to my brother in law for tonight's event.  I was happy to simply be in charge of fetching more frozen meat to the grill, and transporting the cooked meat to the starving masses.

We had a great turn out for the big day, lots of family and close friends, even a couple of people who are very new friends that Dad recently met through the golf course and invited back to partake in the festivities.  Its that kind of a town...

Other than Just the Wife, my sister and her Husband - The Original Uncle Ernie- most of the guests were of my parents generation.  It was an educational and enlightening experience to be able to sit back, cold beer in hand, and observe my folks in their native environment, with their peers.  While I may not have learned anything new, I certainly confirmed something I have known for years.  I have the best family ever.  Just say'in.  I hope I have half as much fun at my own 60th party when it arrives.  Not that I want to hurry that event along...Lets worry about 40 for now...

The Wolverine

While poking around the interweb this morning I came across this teaser poster for next Summer's sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  Hugh Jackman will once again be reprising the role of the surly, adamantium clawed super hero.
While I know not everyone was a fan of the first film, I am a firm believer that Jackman is one of the few things that Hollywood got right with X-Men movie franchise.

I assume we're going to get to see Logan tangle with the Silver Samurai this time around.  AWESOME.

Now, to sit and wait patiently for July 26th, 2013.

The night is dark and full of terrors.

Now that all 10 episodes of Season 2 of Game of Thrones have aired on HBO I feel that I can once again tackle this topic.

Season 1 of the television series hooked me in.  Friends assured me that I would love it.  They were right. 

So I read the books.  They are AMAZING.  If you haven't read them yet, drop what ever piece of trash you are reading, and pick them up. In my not-so-humble opinion they are collectively the best piece of Fantasy fiction to have been written in the last 30 years.  ADD to this an incredible HBO series that acts as a companion guide, and these novels and TV show combine to become an EXPERIENCE.

Yes, they have taken some liberties with the Television series, especially in Season 2, which I am sure pureists on the interweb will rail against, but ultimately, the strength of the writing, actors, and overall plot come together to make these novels come to life on your television screen for an hour each week, commercial free.  I have now seen each of these episodes at least twice, and I can't wait to get my hands on blu ray copies for future viewing pleasure.

A tip of my proverbial cap to a couple of the cast members in particular. Peter Dinklage, for his portrayal of Tyrion Lanaster.  He kicks ass.  Battle Axe in hand in the season finale, he makes my day.  Also, Kit Harrington for his portrayal of Jon Snow.  This has been a big season for both of these characters, and I love the way these actors have handled themselves.

Season 2 was really all about firsts - For the first time we get to see some exciting new places, Quarth (definitively pronounced Karth), Harrenhall, Pike, and Dragonstone.  We finally get to meet the deceased King's eldest younger brother Stannis, who is mentioned so often in Season 1, as Ned Starks choice for the successor.  We go beyond the wall for the first time since the pilot, to meet Castor and his daughters/wives, and get our first look at the Fist of the First men.  Not what I was expecting by the way.  Way more isolated, desolate, and visually interesting.  We also meet Margaery Tyrell, who would be Queen to Renly Barathian, for the first time.  For the record, there is a new added scene in episode 3 between Renly and Margaery that takes place in Renly's tent that I felt added a whole new dynamic to that relationship.  I also thouroughly enjoy Natalie Dormer in her portrayal...I also enjoyed her as Anne Boleyn in The Tudors, and she spends way more time naked in Game of Thrones.  Just sayin'.

The big first of course, was the introduction of the White Walkers at the end of the season 2 finale.  I know alot of people are going to be pissed that season 2 ended where it did, but it was visually very interesting.  I think it also sets up a hell of a battle for season 3 episode 1.

This post would be incomplete if I didn't at least mention the Battle of Blackwater, episode 9.  It was really well executed, and fully deserved the entire episode which it received.  I found the edits which took us from character to character within the battle both engaging and insightful.  To jump back and forth between characters enmeshed in the heat of battle (no pun intended) and characters awaiting news of the tide of battle inside the city walls provided a really engaging viewing experience.

I could go on and on, but I won't.  Read these books, and then watch this show, or vice versa.  You now have about 10 months before season 3 will air.  That should be plenty of time.  Don't procrastinate, you will be depriving yourself of an incredible experience.

My PS3 pile of shame...games that have gotten the best of me, for now.

In honour on the E3 video game convention, and all the big new releases that are being announced this week, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on my very own pile of shame - those video games that I rushed out to purchase, and in many cases now sit uncompleted and mocking me from their home stacked next to my sexy big screen gaming TV.  Yes, I have a gaming TV, and it is sexy.  It does occasionally get used to watch other things, but typically only Game of Thrones, and the odd Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game, but I digress.  These are titles that I have started, but failed to complete for whatever reason.  Most are great games, there just aren't enough hours in the day to complete them while I also attempt to max out my prestige level in MW3 while pwning douche waffles on Domination with my ACR.  For the record I am currently ranked #9838 for Dominator trophies ( I currently have 396 of these, awarded for most points captured during a match) on the world wide leader boards, down from #5129 before I started my last out of town work project 6 weeks ago.

While there are countless other PSN Network titles, and freebies that I have gotten with my PS Plus account, these are the titles that I actually laid down my hard earned scratch to acquire.  These are the titles that mock me while I have trouble getting to sleep at night.

You may find it interesting to know that on my online PSN profile, my personal info reads: PS3 addict.  It's true what they say, the first step is admitting that you have a problem.

So here it is, my PS3 pile of shame:

#1 Assasins Creed - This one has been on the pile the longest.  It is practically a launch title, and while the graphics are amazing, and the storyline is epic, I found the action really repetive, and even though I only have like 2 missions left to complete, I just can't be bothered to go back to it.  The fact that it predates PSN trophies may have a lot to do with this, since I am a total trophy whore.

#2 God of War 3 - This one makes me hang my head.  It's a great game, graphics are stunning, plot is pretty good, and the anti hero is the biggest badass in video games.  I think I have logged about 5 hours of game play, which means I have a long way to go.  This is the one that I keep telling myself I am going to tackle next, although I still have yet to do it...but Summer is coming, and that means long days spent cooped up in the dark playing video games in an effort to avoid contact with that retina burning ball of gas in the sky.

#3 Assassins Creed 2 - While the fact that I have only logged about 2 hours on this title is a source of shame, the plot and game play just haven't been interesting enough to draw me back.  The fact that this title is set in rennaisance Italy as opposed to Crusade era Islam is a bit of a let down as the weapon selection also kind of sucks.

#4 Killzone 3 - I picked this title up uber cheap at a Rogers Video fire sale, so I don't feel to bad about only logging about 30 minutes of game play.  I liked what I saw, but ultimately, its just another futuristic 3rd person shooter, and while the cover system is good, I firmly believe that the Resistance Franchise has got this genre locked down.  Having never played Killzone #1 or #2, I have zero connection to the back story.  My assumption: see the alien, kill the alien.  Pretty basic stuff. This one can wait...

#5 X Men: Destiny - I also picked this up super cheap at the fire sale, and it is a pretty solid game.  I have actually played through this game, but since it has multiple endings, I feel compelled to play through it to its ultimate completion...which means at least another 25 hours of game play.  I feel like it should be an easy game to Platinum, but I have yet to find the time...

#6 Uncharted 3 - I love this game.  It is easily the best game I own, and having said this, it hangs over my head that I have yet to Planinum it.  The fact that I dedicated 16 hours on launch day to complete it the first time, lends credence to my shame.  I have played through it 1 1/2 times, of the required 3 playthroughs, and found 92 of the 100 hidden treasures.  This is the game that mocks me the loudest when I have spare moments.  It is definitely the next on my list.

#7 Rachet and Clank: Tools of Destruction - This platformer isn't the genre I usually go for, but for a while I got sucked in.  Enough so that I only have a level or two left to complete.  But it has been about 3 years since I last put the disc into my PS3.  One day...

#8 Dark Kingdom - Another launch title.  Not the best game, but it was the first co-op rpg for the system.  Now I can honestly say that I have a reason for not completing this game.  Just the wife and I were playing through the co-op mode before Peanut was born 2 years ago, and she hasn't been available/ interested in picking up where we left off ever since.  I keep hoping that one day she will wake up with the deep seated need to finish this video game with me, but failing that this may be one that I never complete...unless I find a new co-op partner with 30 plus hours to spare.

#9 Final Fantasy 13 ( I think)  - This one makes me laugh.  I bought a used copy on a whim a few years back (like maybe 3...) and the game has never, ever been put in my system.  Haven't even seen the opening cut scenes.  I'm sure its a great game, but the 100+ hours of game play have just been super daunting.  I like the series, and I am a huge fan of rpgs, but this one is still as of yet untouched.

#10 Dragon Age 2 - Another solid RPG, that I just haven't found the time to get into.  Loved the first game, despite the fact that I haven't platinumed it yet either.  I will likely love this one...one day.

#11 Oblivion & Shivering Isles expansion - At one point I had sunk 200+ hours into this game attempting to complete every side quest, while basically ignoring the main story line.  While I haven't played it in over 2 years, I do still dream of one day rising victorious from the ashes of my save file...assuming I can even remember the control scheme...

#12 Call of Duty Black Ops - While I have logged countless hours into this games online modes, I have never completed the story mode.  

#13 Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 - Again, I have logged over 216 hours (more than 9 full days) on the online portion of this game, but I have yet to beat the offline story mode.  I'll get to it...hell it took me 3 years to beat story mode on Modern Warfare 2.

That's not so bad right?

It's important to have a hobby...

Will Smith is still keeping our planet safe!

I managed to talk Just the Wife into an early movie night this week, the deal being that the movie selection would be up to her.
Her choice:  Men in Black 3 starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agents J and K.
While I have always appreciated the campy humour associated with this series, they have never been my favourite films.  However Just the Wife loves these films, and since it was her choice, this is what we went to see. 
It has been 14 years since the original film was released, and Will Smith seems to have private access to a fountain of youth.  He looks like he hasn't aged a day.  Tommy Lee Jones looks craggy as ever, at least until Agent J jumps back in time to meet up with a younger version of Agent K - played by Josh Brolin, who has been made to look like a suave, less craggy,and therefore somewhat younger Tommy Lee Jones, to avert an intergalactic crisis.
Much of the comedy in this film comes from the scenario's Smith's Agent J finds himself in as a well dressed African American in 1969 era America after the earlier mentioned time jump.
As always there are a few laughs to be had watching the scrolling Alien bios on the monitors in the Men in Black head quarters.  Lady GaGa, Mic Jagger, and Andy Warhol, get special mention in this film, plus it is revealed that all fashion models are aliens, my new fact for the day.
The actual plot is a little weak, evil space alien escapes from lunar prison to go back in time and attempt to kill Agent K before he can be arrested in the first place, thus allowing an alien invasion to take place.  Will Smith discovers said plot and jumps back in time to foil the murder attempt.  Hilarity ensues. ISH.
What actually surprised me most about the film was the very touching introspective revelation that is exposed  towards the end of the film.  I was more than a little surprised that a film of this nature tackled such a heavy moment, and even more surprised that it did it with such poise and honesty.  It added a whole new layer of heart to this film franchise.  This is what really made the movie for me, since it was completely unexpected. 
To sum it up, the casting, and the script make this film well worth watching.  As a summer flick, it more than exceeded my expectations.