Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons: Possibly One Of The Best Indie Games I've Ever Played--With A Wicked Twist!

http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Tale-Sons-Online-Game/dp/B00FQPQGSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401313930&sr=8-1&keywords=brothers+a+tale+of+two+sons
I've only recently ventured into the indie gaming scene through my Steam account (yes, I have one of those, I know), which has some sweet deals on games now and then. And then I discovered this game. People seemed to be enjoying it, and the price was very decent, so I gave it a whirl. Holy dead giant feet, was I surprised how good it is! And in ways you probably wouldn't expect. I sure didn't. So have a seat in your comfy chair holding your favorite cup of grog and I'll tell you A Tale of Two Sons.

The story centers around two sons whose widower father has become sick with a mysterious disease. They have to find a rare flower that can heal him. A pretty straight forward herald, I say. The journey begins!

Later I found out that Brothers used the Unreal Engine 3, which added to the impressive graphics. Seriously, amazing. Every scene is like fantasy landscape eye-candy. In some ways, it's how I've imagined the worlds in my writings. I can't look away.


Three aspects of this game stood out for me. First, no dialogue. None. Or rather, it's inaudible. Like the way Sims talk to each other. Relying on body language more really made this game break the language barrier.

Second, the game play. You have to control both characters at the same time. That's the gaming equivalent of patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. It does take some getting used to.

By far, the story is what makes this game work. Helping trolls, passing through the aftermath of a giant's war, and escaping an evil spider woman are part of a surprisingly touching story about siblings and overcoming your fears. In case you're not into gaming, I'll tell you the shockingly wicked twist.

*Major Spoiler Ahead*

The older brother dies. What! Not only that, but you, playing the younger brother, can't proceed to the game's conclusion until you drag the older brother's corpse to a shallow grave and bury him, handful by handful. Try keeping a dry eye for those two minutes.

*End Of Major Spoiler*

I've got to hand it to Starbreeze Studios and Swedish director Josef Fares for what they accomplished here, even though you can play the whole things straight in three hours. My only complaint were the bugs that made the characters stuck, but that's a small thing. I have no other complaints. This game is a for-real innovation in dual-single player action, and the music and story will haunt you like the brothers' dead mother. Highly recommended.

Cosmic Crullers

Who's up for controlling two game characters at once? What kind of indie games have you played? What's your saddest game moment?

I'm David, and who has two thumbs and "defeated" this game?

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

How To Train Your Dragon 2: This Sequel Is Not Afraid to Grow Up or Glide Along The Edge Of The Dark Side!


"You have the heart of a chief and the soul of a dragon." - Valka 

When it comes to sequels, there's often a certain level of trepidation; it will either expand on the world that the first film introduced, or it will bank on audience nostalgia by playing it safe and taking no risks. Many a dull sequel the latter has made, but not this time around. Believe the hype. After four years, Dreamworks has unleashed How To Train Your Dragon 2, a daring, proper sequel that's not afraid to let its characters grow up or glide along the edges of dark story- telling. Bring tissues, people.

Hiccup has grown into a young man, more interested in exploring the lands beyond Berk and finding new dragons than learning the ways of becoming a chief. All that changes when dragon trappers plan to create a dragon army for the notorious Drago Bloodfist. En route to "talk sense" into Drago, Hiccup is taken by a mysterious rider whose dragon training skills surpass his own - and she is his long lost mother. Only together, with the help of Toothless and friends, can they fight against the inevitable storm.

Now I know what you're thinking (or I like to think I can read your minds, so humor me for a second), how could they slip that Hiccup's mother is alive? I mean, we find out about this in the trailer. Talk about a spoiler, right? Well, sure. If you want to see it that way. I had a feeling the revelation of Hiccup's mother wasn't the real surprise. In fact, two other major things happen that are more shocking or unexpected. And I'm not going to tell you what that is, either.

Everything I enjoyed from the first adventure was present here, with the added pleasure of seeing this viking world expend. The characters have matured (to an extent) and their gadgetry is exceptional (I SO want a retractable fire sword now), but they still make mistakes and have flawed qualities that get in the way at times. Which makes the story real and the characters believable. Even relatable, I'd say. John Powell's score is top notch and the film itself is eye-candy Valhalla.

Expect a few genuine bully laughs every now and again, too.

If the film suffers from anything, it's the villain. He's new, and there's no back story to speak of. The argument against Hiccup's going to "talk sense" into Drago is because he kills for no reason. A little more on the Drago department would've made him a formidable bad guy.

Overall, take notes on this one. While it doesn't live up to the first, by a scale, this sequel is still a great example of how to pull one off. Its ending makes me very curious of what lies in store for Toothless and Hiccup in their next high-flying adventure. While it's true that some sequels have too many explosions, or bad acting, and others pull old gags from the first outing, this worthy sequel has ... Dragons!

Cosmic Crullers

Have you had a gander at HTTYD2 yet? How hard did Ruffnut make you laugh? Who's your favorite dragon character of all time?

I'm David, and "you know that doesn't wash out ..."


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Attack On Titan: The Hottest New Anime From Japan Is The Very Definition of Epic and It's Available Now!


It's been a while since I posted an anime on here, partially because I haven't seen one that I fell head over heals for in a long time (I'm picky, remember?). I think this post will more than make up for it.

http://www.amazon.com/Attack-Titan-Part-Blu-ray-Combo/dp/B00FXB8RRO/ref=tmm_mfc_title_0/181-5083310-1490048After a hundred years of peace within the walls, a monstrous giant has felled the gate, allowing titans to enter and feast on humans.

It was Eren's dream to see the world beyond the walls, but when he is witness to a titan devouring his mother, he vows to kill every titan. Penned in a cage of their own making, it's a matter of time before the human race becomes extinct. Only one dormant secret can save them, if Eren can find it.


I stumbled on this while browsing Netflix and was hooked in the first minute (normally it takes me a whole episode, but the concept was so high and I had to know what those belt devices were that allowed soldiers to maneuver around like Spider-Man). Later I learned that Attack on Titan was all the rage in Japan last year. Some say it's A Game of Thrones meets The Walking Dead (which makes sense to me, because no one is safe and people get eaten left and right).

After "devouring" the first season, I can say this is one of those shows that grabs from the very beginning and continues to surprise. Just when you think you've figured out a piece of the giant puzzle, something new enters the scene and changes the paradigm. I haven't seen an anime with such a large host of well-developed supporting characters and plenty of jaw-dropping mindscrew moments since Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, presently my favorite anime series.

But it's not just about giants eating people and people fighting back. There's a wealth of themes here, inviting the viewer to watch the tough questions and their sense of morality in a cutthroat world. And how the power of fear can bring out the worst, and the best, in us.

As content goes, I wouldn't say this show is for the faint of heart. It's TV-14, if that helps. Much of the violence is gritty, yet implied, with a few squeamish moments. The language is tame and there's really no sexual content to speak of (unless giant, naked, genital-less giants fit that bill--world building explains all that). The story propels itself with a breakneck speed, so it doesn't have time for distractions like that (or fan service ... thank you very much!). I can't wait for the second season. Hopefully the show will maintain its epic momentum.

I highly recommend Attack on Titan for your viewing enjoyment.

Cosmic Crullers:

Are you a fan of Japanese animation? What's your favorite? Doesn't the idea of giants trying to eat you sound absolutely terrifying?

I'm David, and "just like that, everything changed ..."

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

IWSG: A Fish Returning To Water: On Exercise and How Strategy Games Can Make Us Better Writers


Need A Little Support?Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer's Support Group gives bloggers a monthly chance to express their concerns, worries, and insecurities without fear of reprisal. It's a seriously big group now, and with well over 300 participants, it shows no signs of slowing down! I'd like to thank Alex for keeping this group going for so long, as it has proved wonderful in the supporting of fellow authors and the revealing of needed and sound advice.

*     *     *

For the first time in five years, I dove into an outdoor lap swimming lane. I grew up on the west coast, and I was lucky enough to have a pool in the backyard. Needless to say I spent many summer hours in that little oasis (and a few unintentional seconds in the winter when I accidentally fell in while cleaning it). This made me part fish.

I'm not sure what drove me inland (to a desert, no less), and while I have since found the love of my universe, scored a good job, (in the process of) raising a family, and entered the writing community here, I've missed the one method of exercise that actually works for me.

Pools are limited here. And pricey. Most are indoors. Lap swimming times are inconvenient and often too crowded to get a really deep endurance workout. I let these factors deter me, and I wasted away. Bad sleeping habits ensued. I gained more weight than I'd like. It's possible that depression was creeping into my life. That's when I decided, enough is enough. I can't compromise my health here.

Then a friend of mine told me about a study (which I'd link if I knew where to find it, so we'll be hypothetical from this point on), that "writing science fiction and fantasy uses the same areas of the brain that's required for us to play chess and other strategy-type games."

What in the what now? That kinda makes sense, doesn't it? I've always enjoyed strategy games. No one likes to play Risk because I always win (except that one time--I'll defeat you someday, niece!). Then I thought, why don't I put this brain of mine to good use?

To make a long story short, I invested in an (outdoor) pool pass, I rearranged my work schedule so I could swim in the afternoons (no one uses the lap lanes then), and three days in, I'm already feeling a difference. My steps are lighter. I'm breathing is deeper. I crave vegetable matter. My sleep is improving. And so is my writing.

The answer to our quandaries can't always be found externally. I think it's something already built into us. Since not every size fits all, it takes time to find (or re-find) what ultimately works for us. I am a writer of science fiction and fantasy, but that's no excuse to ignore my reality. I don't get to restart my days or hit the reset button.

We're smart. Why not have a strategy in life? Why not make use of the mistakes we make and learn from them? These questions have pulled me from several slumps lately. Answering them has led me to a joy long suppressed. But my answer may not be for you. Put on the thinking cap, my friends. We're smart. Our answers are out there.

Until next time, stay awesome. And play hard.

Also, do me a solid and check out Mark Noce's short story, Meet Me At The Waterfront, which was published here. It's a good one!

Do you think chess and strategy games can make us better writers? What type of exercise works for you? Are you part fish like me?

I'm David, and are you ready for the Edge of Tomorrow?