On top of everything, that hack Robert Wintermute killed Venser… A quick note before we begin: the movie I’ve been asked to review isn’t available yet. It should be later in the day, but for now we’re going to swap the review with Tabletalk for this week. Okay? Okay. Magic… it’s time we talked. I’ve… Continue reading Tabletalk: The Variance Question
Month: April 2014
Dimensional Characters
Weeks after seeing it twice, I find myself still thinking about Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Not just because of how its events will change future Marvel movies and TV shows, but also because its writing is so rock-solid. I’ve examined it from multiple angles, like a tourist circling a free-standing work of art in… Continue reading Dimensional Characters
Flash Fiction: Nick Vegas
For the Terribleminds Flash Fiction Challenge, “Fifty Characters“. RNG results below. Hollywood. Tinseltown. It has a lot of names, and so do the people that live here. Actors have screen names. Musicians have stage names. And if that woman on the corner was actually named “Champagne” by her mom and dad back in Pleasant Corners,… Continue reading Flash Fiction: Nick Vegas
From the Vault: On The Fringes
The Friday 500 returns next week, when I’m not quite so wiped out. In the meantime, let’s talk again about character death in fiction! When I watch a good television program or film, one with a narrative that builds its characters and takes the plot in ways one might not expect, I feel the dichotomy… Continue reading From the Vault: On The Fringes
Tabletalk: Netrunner Basics
Art by Gong Studios I have been well and truly hooked by Android: Netrunner for a variety of reasons. The game is steeped in atmosphere and flavor, from the names of each player’s decks and hands to some truly stunning artwork. The second-hand market for individual cards is practically non-existent, making it a slightly more… Continue reading Tabletalk: Netrunner Basics
Game Review: Hearthstone
One of the things Blizzard Entertainment does very well is presentation. World of Warcraft‘s visual style has aged rather gracefully, StarCraft 2 has remained consistent in its high-quality art and sound assets (if not necessarily the stories it is telling), and the technical alpha for Heroes of the Storm looks and sounds impressive, from everything… Continue reading Game Review: Hearthstone
The Momentum of Spring
Unless something truly freaky happens in the very near future, spring has finally arrived on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The slight sunburn on my right side is evidence that the sun is shining out as strong as ever. So now that we’re all shaking off the effects of hibernation and getting to… Continue reading The Momentum of Spring
Flash Fiction: A Hard Bargain
My response to the Terribleminds Flash Fiction Challenge, Pick An Opening Line And Go. I closed my mouth, opened the door, and left. I got about three steps down the street before my phone buzzed. “Let’s… Let’s rethink this.” I looked up at the buildings above me. “You do all the thinking you want. I’m… Continue reading Flash Fiction: A Hard Bargain
500 Words On Bigby Wolf
When it comes to game design, I understand that it’s difficult to craft an experience that’s unique to every player. If all goes well, your game is going to be played by more people than you can imagine. When it comes to video games, you’re likely to have a protagonist and, if they’re not silent,… Continue reading 500 Words On Bigby Wolf
Not Quite A Disconnect
Since returning from Boston, things at home have been dicey, at least as far as my connection to the Internet is concerned. This has made quite a few things problematic. I’m still trying to get all of that resolved, while getting rest and trying to minimize the amount of stress I’m inflicting on myself. I’m… Continue reading Not Quite A Disconnect
