Free to Play
Free to Play: XBOX Special
Free to Play: XBOX Special
Jumpcast
Jumpcast 68: Cokage
Jumpcast 68: Cokage

Xbox One: "Why?"

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Xbox One: "Why?"

I have a strong memory of being a young child and being forced to go along with my mom and dad to an investment pitch. They couldn’t find a babysitter, I owned a Gameboy with Adventure Island II, there was no reason not to take me. I couldn’t give you specific details regarding what that pitch was about, but I remember being fascinated by the potential of the WebTV box they showed off. On the ride home, my parents decided not to invest because they still didn’t understand the “why” part of the product, but the things that presenter promised the product could do blew my young mind. You don’t care about “why” as a kid when presented with magic. This memory came at me like an oncoming train while watching this week’s Xbox One reveal and, with nearly twenty years of hindsight since then, I find myself far less impressed by the potential of its modern incarnation.

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You're Fine By Me, Neverwinter

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Neverwinter, a free-to-play MMO from Perfect World (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) is releasing their Open Beta on April 30th. If you purchase a Founders Pack, you'll get early access, and a whole bunch of other goodies.

I had some time in Neverwinter in a closed beta weekend a few weeks back, and I really enjoyed it. The combat is quick and responsive, and the overall feel of the game is really solid. The coolest feature, though, has to be the Foundry, a feature that allows players to create their own dungeons and storylines, much like the modules in Neverwinter Nights from way-back-when.

Be sure to download the client, and start playing as soon as the game goes live!

Remembering Ebert

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Today was a bit melancholy, as acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert passed away. His critical voice was one I always aspired to, as even if I didn't always agree with what Ebert said, I fully respected his process of getting to his truth. Ebert, alongside Gene Siskel, were a duo of critics that pushed the boundaries on what entertainment criticism meant, and how it should be handled. They left a significant impact, and did so by being honest.

I beat Bioshock Infinite earlier today, and it brought me to the 'games as art' debate, something that Roger Ebert was notorious for denouncing. A part of me wonders if Ebert just 'didn't get it', but part of me thinks he did, and he might be right. That's the sign of a good critic.

You'll be missed, and for all of us younger guys trying to find our voices in this crazy blogging world, thanks for everything.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Has A GDC Trailer

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It seems GDC has been in quite the tizzy this morning as result of this Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain trailer. On a related note, I have been in quite the tizzy, as anything Metal Gear related gets my jibblies all jangly.

I have a few theories as to what's going on in the trailer, but trust me, nobody wants to read my 5,000 word thesis about nanomachines and comas and Big Boss' glorious facial hair. But, to put one theory to rest, how DOES Big Boss  have such glorious hair?

Spoilers: Nanomachines.