What Is Techno Again?

Pull-O-Rama: December ’09

Only one more weekend left in December, which means the holidays are almost here! And so is a new edition of Pull-O-Rama over at Impulse Creations. Up on deck are reviews of Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows #2, Batman #694, The Sword #20, and the upcoming Tracker #2 from Top Cow (in stores December 23). Enjoy!

“Joe Hill will keep us on the edge of our seats until the grand finish—and it’s one chilling page-turner.” - Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows #2

“Despite how the cards fall, Dick is learning what it truly means to be Batman.” - Batman #694

“Once again, the Luna Brothers deliver a solid experience through formidable characters and just the right amount of humor.” – The Sword #20

“Tracker falls between the realm of the typical and the redefined, but it’s perhaps the combination of the two that makes the comic surprisingly engrossing.” – Tracker #2

Tags: Batman #694, Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows #2, The Sword #20, Tracker #2
Posted in Comics/Manga, Impulse Creations, Reviews, Writing | No Comments »

Bat-Reviews: Batman #693

Judging a book by its cover isn’t fair practice, but in some cases the exteriors say it all. With Batman #693, the cover art rivals the actual story for the biggest waste of time. That picture of Batman pasted on a disarrayed pile of cards boasting villainous faces? Take that idea and shuffle it, and then say hello to Tony Daniel’s “Life After Death Part 2: Charades.” (And stay tuned this weekend for my review of Batman #694 over at Impulse Creations.)

The previous issue shot off in a fresh direction. After the Harvey Dent fiasco of issue #691, Daniel’s new arc was a pleasant change as it spilled over with brainwashed False Faces, Black Mask and a jumble of fellow evil-doers like Fright and Doctor Death, the revival of the Falcone crime family … and even a, erm, Catwoman copycat. The alliteration might be a tad overwhelming, but the whole package was a decent read with steady footing.

Unfortunately, like all comics eventually do, that bright future crumbled with November’s #693.

So what do you need to know about the issue? Let me break it down into manageable chunks. Damian enjoys mutilating spaced-out False Faces. Dick Grayson loathes socialites. Fright pines over Black Mask, and it’s schemes ahoy for somebody with a dual-personality who relishes a good chess metaphor. Insert filler, filler, and more filler. A bomb goes off and Riddler cracks for no apparent reason, and Batman investigates dock-side homicides and the copycat (emphasis on the feline part). The bulk of the writing resembles soap opera fodder, and nothing worthwhile or terribly interesting happens.

But what could drag down a saucy kiss between Huntress and Dick Grayson? The book is sloppy. Not only does the art feel lazy at times (Doctor Singh is apparently blind, because he can’t see Tommy Elliot two feet in front of him), but after a few pages the story and action become confined to tight little boxes and posed stances. I mean, just check out that wink on “Bruce” aka Elliot. I’m pretty sure the woman in the background shares my chagrin.

One redeeming factor, though, can be attributed to the terse conversion between Elliot and Jeremiah Arkham. Elliot’s overbearing interest in the mechanics of the new asylum might be linked to Dick’s concern about Elliot’s real goal as Wayne’s doppelganger.

Recommendation: On this episode of The Bitter and the Brave, Helen locks lips with the dashing Dick Grayson and things heat up as Oracle gets the first-hand scoop. Plus, Dick looks like “Bruce” and Nigma looks like Elliot … you know, the real one.

Curious how the Bat-books stack up here on the blog? Look here.

Tags: Bat-Reviews, Batman #693, DC, Tony Daniel
Posted in Comics/Manga, Reviews | No Comments »

Demos: Bayonetta & Dante’s Inferno

There’s a slew of exciting games waiting for us in 2010, and Bayonetta and Dante’s Inferno are two of them. Demos are up for grabs, but which action hack n’ slash will combo its way to victory? Either way, the competition is just beautiful.

Bayonetta

It’s nearly time to Open the Eyes of the World. Sega and Platinum Games are dusting off the organ music, castles, and demons who phase through the ground only to shatter into a million pieces. This time around, they’re glamoring up the bloodshed. The early January slated Bayonetta mirrors Castlevania—or more precisely, Devil May Cry, if the inclusion of DMC and Viewtifiul Joe creator Hideki Kamiya is any indication—in almost every fundamental way. And before you start whipping out your quadruple set of guns, keep in mind that a revamp of a decomposing mold can be a good thing. From the music to the gameplay style of “hey, here’s a special relic, let me tell you its history” and swapping fancy weapons to your heart’s content, Bayonetta is reminiscent of the ye ol’ Castlevania (or the newer DMC) series.

Of course, there’s more than meets the eye, though the developers make sure the visuals hold a heavy presence. The demo gives us an introduction to the game’s story, which is as cheesy as those naughty secretary glasses and that pinned-up schoolmaster hair. If that isn’t enough innuendo, Bayonetta lathers on the sex appeal with a demo innocently titled, “First Climax.” Our little Miss Bayonetta apparently carries the shame of impure blood, but that doesn’t stop her (or her mysterious overseer) from acting on destiny.

Bayonetta can’t keep its guns in its holsters, if you catch my drift. The demo offers gamers a rich slice of the pie, from a tutorial mode to various speed-driven monster fights and even a witch throw-down that invites the player to walk, jump, and kick ass on the walls and ceiling. To start, there are two attack modes and a few powerful (and therefore short-lived) weapons to steal from defeated foes. The gold rings they surrender with their demise refuels Bayonetta’s health in the heat of battle. Stringing combos together by using the two main attack buttons (triangle and circle on the PS3) or opening fire on a circle of enemies will do the trick, allowing you to execute a heavier offensive like “Torture” or the scandalous “Climax”—in which a monster appears through a portal and devours the big baddie at hand. Cue the blood by the sparkling gallons. The demo offers three fight sequences to test the waters: a swarm of archangels, their colossus friend with a jeweled weak spot, and a wall-climbing, bridge-breaking menace.

The game’s unique and kinky cinematic sequences along with its slow-motion “Witch Time” mechanics, dance club soundtrack, and special moves achievable at the height of the player’s combo powers all prove wonderfully addicting and rewarding. Fighting off waves of enemies doesn’t feel dry or repetitive by any means—probably contributed to the game’s smooth pace and the ease of linking together attacks. Chances are that come January 9, the developing team will have a red-hot winner on their hands.

Dante’s Inferno

There’s only one way a developer could tell the gaming masses to go to hell and scrape by without repercussions. Electronic Arts and Visceral Games aren’t far behind with their epic reproduction of the 14th-century Dante’s Inferno, which is set for an early February release. While the stylish Bayonetta embraces a Castlevania-type lineage, Dante’s Inferno clearly hails from a God of War inspired origin. The demo isn’t afraid to show gamers the riveting proportions of its cut-scenes, which creatively blend next-gen graphics with 2D animation akin to Zack Snyder’s Tales of the Black Freighter. Not a bad move, especially with the limited comic series being published by Wildstorm now.

Oddly enough, the demo takes awhile to heat up and unleash its potential in terms of gameplay. The initial sequence pushes you into the midst of a horde, forcing you to repeat combinations you can only guess at until a burning ship wrecks into the cliff platform and allows you to progress. Even the fight with Death could have been more satisfying if you weren’t plunged so blindly into his skeletal arms. The battles are grueling at first, but when the second half of the demo begins, the hellfire carves out the game’s infamous name. Prepare to head onwards and down into hell.

A generous introduction to Dante’s ensuing plight to redeem himself and save his beloved Beatrice courses through the remainder of the demo. For the most part, the game produces standard God of War fare … only set in, you know, hell. Combo chains are essential to success in the depths of damnation, as are counters that allow for hefty damage to your surrounding opponents. Attack combinations, magic (mana) or special relics, and even purchasable upgrades are soon at your disposal, and the gears grind harder to create a more fluid experience. The demo also introduces the opportunity to punish or save condemned souls. You’ll even steer a fire-breathing beast in the final moments.

The gameplay might not be terribly different from what comes to mind regarding the mythical God of War—not to mention the lewd appeal of topless women—but Dante’s Inferno promises a dark and detail-rich adventure. I did encounter one glitch, which nicks the zero-problem score accompanying Bayonetta: When fighting the aforementioned monster at the end, I found myself stuck in a groove near the wall. The bug will most likely be worked out by the game’s release on February 9, however.

Did you enjoy the angels and demons-flavored demos? Which struck your fancy more?

Tags: Bayonetta, Dante's Inferno, Demos, Electronic Arts, Platinum Games, Sega, Visceral Games
Posted in Video Games | No Comments »

RadInk: Phoenix: The Fall and Rise of Videogames

Need one last gift for the holidays? Or maybe you just want to splurge on a little something for yourself? Put your wallet away, because over at RadNerd we’re giving away a copy of Phoenix: The Fall and Rise of Videogames (3rd Edition)—currently but temporarily available in print until the fourth edition hits shelves. It’s a pretty sweet giveaway, endorsed by author Leonard Herman himself. Entering is easy, so head over, take a gander at the contest rules, and leave your witty comment by 12 midnight (PST) this Friday, December 18.

It would be great if you’d spread the word … just make sure your comment is better than your friends’, right?

Most books and comics never make it out of their papery, multi-colored form or burst out of their speech bubbles, and that’s okay—we nerds like ’em just the way they are. Here at RadNerd, we don’t always need fancy pants movie adaptations endorsed by big budget Hollywood mouths or plastered with Nicholas Cage’s face. A little less Nick is good for everyone. We love movies and TV just as much as the next joe, but sometimes going back to to the roots of what we adore just sounds better. You know … all those crazy words and stuff. Letters are like atoms for the literately-inclined.

In a world of high scores and coin-operated frenzy, there’s more than one way to save the history of video games. Our own records of Italian plumbers and barrel-throwing apes began with our first console or handheld, and for writer Leonard Herman, his passion for the pixelated was kindled by a local bowling alley’s Pong machine and an Atari VCS that he took home six years later in 1978. With a trove of cartridges and magazine articles under his belt, Herman can definitely bring the power of video games to the players—one year at a time.

Tags: Leonard Herman, Phoenix: The Fall and Rise of Videogames
Posted in Books, RadNerd, Reviews, Video Games, Writing | No Comments »

Arkham Wants You!

Batman: Arkham Asylum brought a sort of peerless glamor to 2009: a cutting-edge marriage of video games and comic books that together fostered a near masterpiece of a game. But Rocksteady and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment aren’t sitting on their hands, basking in the white light of their DC brainchild. A sequel to the Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy-starred title is not only in the works, but a eye-popping teaser trailer has landed on the internet, as well.

Joker might be masterminding another violent scheme, but he doesn’t look quite on top of his game health-wise. With that nasty cough and almost emaciated look, something’s definitely up … right?

So am I reading too far into the Joker’s demeanor, or is something exciting brewing? Gotham plague? Laughing fish invasion? Biological criminal underground gang war?The teaser clearly bypassed the gates of the asylum, taking the dangerous and insane to the surrounding vicinity instead. What do you think is going on with the crumbling Bat logo at the end? Don’t forget to check out the new website, ArkhamHasMoved.com—featuring a mysteriously faceless campaign man …  Will the Joker only get to terrorize half the city’s streets?

Tags: Batman: Arkham Asylum 2, Rocksteady Studios, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment
Posted in Comics/Manga, Video Games | 2 Comments »

Marvel Meltdown: December ’09

The Marvel reviews are rolling out for next Wednesday over at Impulse Creations, and The Marvelous Land of Oz #2, What If? Daredevil Vs. Elektra, and Nomad: Girl without a World #4 are all on the platter this weekend. You can head over to the forums to read the full reviews, but here are some brief teasers first:

“… The Marvelous Land of Oz falls bewitched to the lighthearted graces of Shanower’s pen. Scottie Young’s art comes brimming with charm and wonder …” - The Marvelous Land of Oz #2

“What If? Daredevil Vs. Elektra packs enough sais and ninjas to keep readers entertained … The issue might hold itself together by the threads of a red bandanna, but it still manages to support its weight with an imaginative read.” - What If? Daredevil Vs. Elektra

“Sean McKeever crafts a young age story that’s not afraid of the good and bad that accompanies life; it avoids the mundane trap that would otherwise send it plummeting into forgettable territory.” - Nomad: Girl without a World #4

Tags: Marvel Meltdown, Nomad: Girl without a World #4, The Marvelous Land of Oz #2, What If? Daredevil Vs. Elektra
Posted in Comics/Manga, Impulse Creations, Reviews, Writing | No Comments »

Last Minute Holiday Buy Guide

We all know them. Every time the holidays roll around, we have to face them: Friends and family who couldn’t make a candy cane work with their aura. They’re the ones on our lists we save for last, because when it comes to a fitting gift, we’re left clueless.

Over at RadNerd I’ve compiled a holiday guide that’ll satisfy a variety of tastes—from music to video games, comics to manga, gadgets to cooking, fashion to nostalgia, and movies to books and everywhere in between. You’re bound to find a gift for even the pickiest recipient.

Head over to the website to check it out—and don’t forget to pass it along if you see something you fancy, too. The holidays aren’t here quite yet!

Tags: Gadgets, Guides, Holidays, Retro
Posted in Books, Comics/Manga, Movies/TV, RadNerd, Video Games, Writing | No Comments »

PSP Review: PaRappa the Rapper

I still remember the first time I ever played PaRappa the Rapper. No, it wasn’t a bright, sunny day. The birds weren’t singing some cliche tune, and everything wasn’t as right as rain. The shining debut went down in my musty basement, with the sun peeking through the window just enough to highlight the immeasurable dust entering my lungs and coating them with a grimy layer. I had just received a console I could finally call my own, and there I was, fiddling with the demo disc while I took a break from my beloved Crash Bandicoot 2. I was a kid, and back then my family didn’t have money shooting out of our ears in puffs of green joy, so a lot of times I ended up replaying old games just for kicks or pouring countless hours into nailing that 100% score.

So amongst the stingy offerings of the glitchy Croc and frustrating Intelligent Cube, I happened upon a rapping dog and his odorous teacher, Chop Chop Master Onion. The point was … well, actually, I had no idea what the point was, but I did understand the concept. Master Onion would rap catchy lyrics, and it was PaRappa’s job to follow suit with even more U rappin’ style. Despite such a simple task, what made the game a worthy pursuit was the unstated knack for rhythm the player had to bring to the chopping board. The fun beat, eccentric characters, and frivolous lyrics kept me coming back for more, but the demo only allowed me a taste of the wonders PaRappa held in store.

It’s just strange to think it took me ten years of humming the anthropomorphic Onion-led tune before I ever revisited what had in my absence become a rhythm classic that not only mixed whimsical lyrics, but 2D and 3D environments, as well.

In 2006, PaRappa the Rapper hit the PlayStation Portable in honor of the game’s tenth anniversary. While the elements of the original remain the same (for better or worse), the newer version packs an ad-hoc mode, letting up to four players jam to all six songs and the downloadable remixes of the compilation.

Bearing a farcical story that challenges PaRappa to champion the heart of his crush, Sunny Funny, the game awards the player with the guidance of instructors like Mooselini, Prince Fleaswallow, Cheap Cheap the Cooking Chicken, and MC King Kong Mushi. Each personage helps PaRappa move another step closer to impressing Sunny Funny—whether that means taking driving lessons from a rapping moose or grooving to a slow beat alongside a mellow frog.

PaRappa doesn’t arrive on the scene without a few flaws here and there. Though charming, the plot demands a lot of lenience—not only with its silly quality, but with its dominating presence of cut-scenes. The game is short and sweet, and the meter lacks a rock-hard formula. Either way, it’s hard not to fall in love with the unconventional and just plain weird PaRappa the Rapper, and fifteen dollars redeems a lot in gaming pleasure.

Tags: Nana-OnSha, PaRappa the Rapper, PSP, Sony Computer Entertainment
Posted in Reviews, Video Games | 1 Comment »