The Gamer’s Quagmire #55: Thanksgiving Gaming Week II
Everything you wanted to know about gaming, and less.
by Jamison DeLorenzo
Our previous helping in the quagmire was a decent appetizer for the main course of the Thanksgiving Week Gaming Marathon. It wasn’t a coincidence that I took a week’s paid vacation the same week the latest BioWare game, Mass Effect, was due out in stores. As I am still without a working PC after 3 weeks, something that makes PC gaming somewhat challenging, it was a good thing that this game is, for now, a 360-only title.
Apologies are probably due to all readers because, let’s face it, I write way too much about KOTOR here. It is true that we all needed a GTA break, but, like any good addict, one substance was replaced with another. BioWare has been working with a consistent formula with their story mechanics for several years now, but when you consider how it allows you to have very different gaming experiences it should cancel out any complaining.
BioWare is where I go for my top RPG enjoyment, and that week turned into a week spent close to Gaming Nirvana (we should look into coming up with our own name for that, I feel like I’m greatly offending Buddhists with this term). Before getting into any details of this game you should know that because this is under the Microsoft title, BioWare’s last, this game will inevitably be ported to the PC. It is by this point in time that if you do not pick up this game that I will flog you.
That is, if I’m not still playing this game.
One week and two playthroughs later I have a lot of good things to say, starting with character creation. We’re not at Tiger Woods PGA Tour level yet for creation (which I hold as the pinnacle for face customization), but there is enough detail to make someone that resembles you not too difficult. Once you get through that you get to pick your class, history, and military service. There are 3 main classes, one per primary skill set, and 3 hybrid classes. History and military background seem like trivial things, but BioWare is able to make these choices rather substantive. They effect not only how your party members and other NPC’s interact with you but also which side missions you will have access to.
The 3 major skill sets are battle, biotic, and tech. Battle refers to the weapons you use (pistol, shotgun, assault rifle, sniper rifle), biotics are environmental attacks (multiple enemy throws, shield manipulations, etc.) and technical skills (first aid, lock decryption, electronic device tampering, etc.). While you can get a way with pretty much any party configuration, I do have two big suggestions. Always have a Decryption expert so you don’t miss quests and a First Aid expert, or, well, let’s say you better be extremely quick in the fight sequences. Electronics plays a good role too, but your Decryption expert should have both.
The background of this game, which already has a full length book, is a 22nd Century universe where Mass Relay technology allows space travel between various star systems (approximately 16 overall, each with multiple subsystems). I’d explain the whole thing, but so much science fiction went into putting together the game that it would take hours to read through all of the information you gather throughout the game. The game would have been quite good without all of this information. Its inclusion makes the game so much more enthralling. As you can imagine, exploring everything takes a very long time.
Like most of their games, the movies in the game are impressive, the sound effects and music is fantastic, and the level design are as good as ever from BioWare. If not for the slowest elevators in the history of gaming I would not have a single complaint about the game’s environment. Other elements which have been kept in from past games are party NPC interactions and dialogue that draws you into the story (along with some lively and memorable quotes).
The battles in this game take an FPS approach, so how you pick your class and abilities is very important. Like any decently built RPG character you need to beef up your charm/intimidate skills so your dialogue options are always open, but beyond that you always need to make sure the skills you choose to focus on are well complemented by your party. I can’t say I’ve ever truly enjoyed shooters, but they can be fun and in this game it is. Anyone familiar with the Gears of War mechanics will notice almost no difference. I think it works quite well for this game as taking cover is key for surviving the battles on the two unlockable difficulty levels.
If you’re reading this carefully, I have highly approved the graphics, sound, character creation, story, dialog, background, environment, and breadth of universe. Even the Xbox achievements you unlock add some depth to the gameplay. There are, however, two flaws out in the forefront.
One problem was the voice acting. Taking into account that the NPC’s are no longer stoic during conversations, the interactions were compelling. However a number of voice actors did not provide a lot of life with their lines. Some of them were good (most notably the voices of Bastila and Carth from KOTOR, Seth Green, and Marina Sirtis), while others had me convinced they had no context for any of their lines. Luckily the protagonist’s voice, male and female, were good.
The other area of concern was the ending. You’re able to be good or evil and have a great effect on future interactions. It is even possible to kill two party members (always a welcome choice). Whether you choose to help everyone at all costs, ignore people, or kill anyone that annoys you, you affect how people interact with you as the game unfolds. What bothers me is that, despite all of that good, the ending is only truly affected by a singular choice you make during the sequence of the final boss in the game… and either way you are a hero. Nothing else matters at all! Considering all of the work put into the dialogue trees it is time BioWare decides to put in more than two endings to the game (or, in this case, 1 1/2 endings).
As a whole this game has a ton of replay value and is a must buy if you have the means to play it. As for me, I’ve already played through the game twice and two more are already scheduled.
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The $40 Pull List - December 2007
If this is your first time reading the $40 Pull List, I invite you to see how it works by checking out some of the previous month’s editions (listed below). Those will give you a good idea of how the column works, and what you can expect month after month. If you are interested in the “rules” for the Pull-List, check out the very first column, the 01/07 edition. It isn’t too complicated, though, so just dive right in if you don’t feel like reading back issues! In addition, this column contains Spoilers, so if you are waiting for the trade, read at your own risk!
01/07 - 02/07 - 03/07 - 04/07 - 05/07 - 06/07 - 07/07 - 08/07 - 09/07 - 10/07 - 11/07
After last month’s culling, the last thing we needed this month was an early book. It looks like Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2 didn’t really come out early, it just double shipped, and I missed the second issue at the end of the month. Just one more hiccup in an overall rocky month for the list, but not impossible to deal with.
It does seem like it was worth the trouble - it was an outstanding month for all the comics on the list, and nothing really had to face the axe. And with a few minis ending, and the price on a title or two dropping back down to normal levels, we are left with a little more breathing room for January. It is a real lesson on how quickly the pinch can come - one or more publishers put out a late book or two, decide to double ship, and do double-sized issues, and BAM - you are faced with a dilemma. In this case, it just goes to show that they didn’t sell any more books than they otherwise would - the budgeted reader still spends the same amount.
Jonah Hex #25, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/07/07. ON TIME
I couple months ago I complained that Jonah Hex was starting to get to formulaic, and right away we get a couple outstanding and fresh Jonah Hex stories. I’d like to think I have that sort of influence! This issue was interesting - an older Jonah Hex coming face-to-face with his son. The story was a tad predictable and a little cliché, but it was well-told, so none of that matters. A good month.
Status: SAFE
Superman #670, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 11/07/07. ON TIME
This issue was the end of the Third Kryptonian story. And I enjoyed it - though I get the feeling I didn’t always like the things that I was supposed to. Karsta didn’t really seem all that interesting to me. I do kind of like the idea that there are other Kryptonians out there, though there wasn’t anything particularly fresh about that bit of exposition.
Heck, even the destruction of the Kandor bottle wasn’t all that much of a gut-check. It should have been - but heck, wait at least one month before telling us that it is probably ok after all!
Batman and Krypto were the highlights of this issue for me. The art was probably the biggest let-down. But overall, I am still willing to stick this book out.
Status: SAFE
Nova #8, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. RELEASED: 11/14/07
So what exactly are we going to get in Nova if it isn’t going to tie into the Annihilation: Conquest ongoing? Well, this issue gave us our answer. Once again we have a solid issue, but the zombie thing really is played out. But Marvel seems to be going out of its way to avoid crossovers here, so that really has to be applauded. Decent issue, if the antagonist is a bit tired. But high marks for resisting Crossover Madness.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #1, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 11/28/07. ON TIME
Personally, I think it was really cool that Image maintained the original number on this title. Sure, it is still a mini, and #1 of 5, but that #17 was a welcome sight.
The issue itself was outstanding, though the new readers who jumped aboard Fear Agent at the Dark Horse leap might be a little confused. Thankfully the issue was almost all action, which is exactly the right way to bring the new readers up to speed.
This book is certainly not going anywhere soon. Great stuff.
Status: SAFE
Bomb Queen IV #3 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 11/28/07. ON TIME
She-Spawn, oiy. Not such a fan myself. But the Queen is dead! Say it ain’t so!
This is my first Bomb Queen mini, and while it is enjoyable, I don’t think it will be forever so. Watching Bomb Queen slap a hero around with her boobs is funny the first time, but after a while it gets a little tired - even if it is satire. Enjoyable - but something you probably need in small doses.
Definitely going to finish out this mini though, then we will see. A great book, just not something I would like taking up a permanent spot on this list.
Status: SAFE
Marvel Comics Presents #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. ON TIME
A little improvement in the Hellcat story this month, but it really still is the weakest story in MCP. The Magneto one shot was interesting - a good, solid, short comic story. Not really about the birth of the Brotherhood, as the title suggests, more the story of his meeting with a former Nazi calling himself Whisper. The lead story - the latest Vanguard installment - was once again the highlight of the issue.
As pleased as I am that Marvel is putting out an ongoing anthology, it is getting to the point where they really need to look at what they are doing. Magneto is a decent selling point, but they can do better. And half of this book is made up of 12 part stories, and one of them (Weapon Omega) is starting to get a little boring.
I know short comic stories are a lost art in comics, and maybe I am expecting too much, but would it hurt to try to limit these things?
Still enjoying the book, but I am afraid its weaknesses are going to lead it to early cancellation down the road.
Status: SAFE
World War Hulk #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 10/31/07. RELEASED 11/14/07
Yeah - this issue kind of fizzled for me. The art was absolutely horrible. There really just isn’t any other way to describe it. I know Romita gets a lot of work at Marvel because he gets his work done on time (though this issue was late? Not too bad though), something he deserves some credit for, and for some reason he has a solid fanbase. But really - wow. I can’t help imagining the improvement that a good, clean artist would bring to this event. It wouldn’t fix all of its woes, but it would go a long way.
This event started with a lot of hype and looks to be ending with a fizzle and a “Huh?” I am kind of glad to put this one behind us.
Status: MINI-SERIES ENDED
Green Arrow/Black Canary #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. ON TIME
Still entertaining, which is great. I really get a light feel when I read this book, and when considering the severity of the situation that this title’s story came from, that is surprising. But that isn’t a complaint - far from it. Comics can still be too dark and serious these days, and it is nice to see something a little more fun.
The bits with Speedy seemed a little forced, but if you ignore the gimmick behind her character, she does actually pair up well with Black Canary.
Still have those same lingering questions, but it looks like we may get the answer to some of them next month.
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest - Star-Lord #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/07/07. ON TIME
Nice way to close things out really. Little more to add than that - a great series start to finish. Looking forward to this team in the main event itself.
Status: MINI-SERIES ENDED
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07. RELEASED 11/21/07
Finally! I know the wait wasn’t really Slave Labor’s fault, but it’s been what - almost six months since the last issue? Thanks Diamond! Ah - dreaming of the days of true competition in comic distribution!
A fun issue - as per usual with Rex Libris. And the addition of the prose in the back is a nice touch, it made this issue easily the longest issue to read this month. I’ll refrain from too much comment (I don’t want to be accused of brownnosing!), but our own Andrea Speed’s contribution to this issue was top notch.
Hopefully we will be seeing #10 on the shelves a lot sooner!
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 11/07/07 ON TIME
Ah, the big reveal. Can’t say I saw Ultron coming, but he does work.
In all, this go-round with Annihilation isn’t as exciting as the first, but it really wasn’t ever expected to be. It is a sequel after all, and it is really rare that they measure up to the original though. It is still a decent read, and should make for a good event.
Overall, this issue seemed pretty slow. It looks like they are still setting up - hopefully that Ultron is in the open now, the second issue will be much more action packed. Only one way to find out!
Status: SAFE
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 11/07/07. ON TIME
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. RELEASED 11/28/07
Yikes - this was not a good month for this to happen! However, a double-ship month is a reality on many books, and sometimes you can’t see them coming. So you have to roll with it. And in a case like this, you would either hit your car floor for the extra change, or you would hold it in your box until next month. Since we are probably going to finish this series out, I decided to pick up #2, and just deduct it from December’s budget (”leaving it in the box”).
The series is decent - certainly light horror fare, and it already seems to be hitting on all of the slasher movie clichés, but that was to be expected. As a comic series itself, this would probably be pretty poor, but as a “what might have been” for a film, it is actually pretty interesting. It really helps to imagine Bruce Campbell’s voice in there, though.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
-=DECEMBER PULL LIST=-
Titles Carrying Over
Superman #671, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 12/12/07.
Jonah Hex #26, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/05/07.
Nova #9, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2 (#18), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 12/26/07.
Bomb Queen IV #4 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 12/26/07.
Marvel Comics Presents #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Green Arrow/Black Canary #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Annihilation: Conquest #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 12/05/07
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #3, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 12/26/07.
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08.
New Titles
The Twelve: Preview, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/05/07
Kind of sad that the most original idea Marvel has had in a while comes from bringing back old ideas, isn’t it? Nonetheless, this series intrigues me. This issue should serve as a taste of things to come, giving some sketches and ideas for the new series, as well as reprinting some of the old appearances of the characters involved. Should be a good way to gauge whether the mini itself will be worth it.
Ultimate Iron Man II, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07
I read the first Ultimate Iron Man, and it was outstanding. It was Card’s first foray into comics, and it was an impressive first comic outing. He definitely made Tony Stark a much more interesting character! With the movie coming out this summer, this series is also well timed. Looking forward to seeing what Card has in store for us.
TOTAL: $34.40
Budget = $40.00 - $3.22 (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2) + $1.20 (Bank) = $37.98
$37.98 (Budget) - $34.40 (December issues) - $2.67 (tax) = $.91 banked for January
A much easier month to budget, even with the extra issue last month, thanks to Star-Lord and World War Hulk ending (and Superman going back to regular price). This also left room for two new promising Marvel books - on the whole, there is very little to complain about here! The list has become a tad bit Marvel heavy, but that is something we will have to address in the new year.
Here is this month’s Pull-List to print out and bring with you to the store: Here you go! Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the file, as always. If you don’t have it, you can download the latest version for free at Adobe.com.
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Lost Toast #278 - The Cure Part 4
Brandon’s got a brand new Lost Toast up - check it out!
Those with sensitive stomachs should look at their own risk…
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December 2, 2007
Return of the Mainpage
Well, it is finally back. Sort of.
Many moons ago, I started this webpage as an archive for my Still on the Shelf column, which was posted weekly at comiXtreme.com. Over time it grew to be a lot more. A few more people started contributing, a forum was added, and though it still retained a personal touch, it was really becoming what I saw as a fun little community.
Unfortunately, my skill was not equal to the task of keeping the mainpage current, and since new content was so readily available in the forums, the old index slowly rotted away. Finally I decided to kill it off once and for all.
I felt really bad about this. So many people were making contributions to their own little corner of my webspace, and I was just not up to the task of updating the site to show off their most current work. I was decent at HTML, but without some sort of automation, the truth was that it was impossible to keep updating the page by hand and maintain easy to use archives to access old work. The time I was spending working on the site and updating pages was taking away from my own projects, and both became pretty much nonexistent.
Well, that is going to change, and this is the latest step.
I was turned onto the WordPress software by a coworker, and it turned out to be exactly what this site needed. Already it has improved things immensely - Lost Toast’s new page, complete with the Comicpress add-on, is proof of that. Soon you will see a similar page for Andrea Speed’s In Absentia, giving that page a much needed and MUCH deserved update. And over the next few weeks, this page will become a gateway to all of these, and more.
So check in here for updates about what is going on in this little corner of cyberspace, along with some random bits that will be posted here from time to time. The old SOTS archives will eventually be populated into this blog as well, as well as some of the weekly newsletters I have been writing for X-WorldComics.com, and my game reviews.
Thanks for sticking with me during the downtime - hopefully I can make it worth the wait!
-Craig
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