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Learning 101: Things I have learned about fighting Part 2

Read Learning 101: Things I have learned about fighting

I am a man learning to defend myself. Let's see what else life and trainers have taught me.

  Sparring helmets do little. And also a lot

I have taken quite a few solid shots to the noggin with a sparring helmet on. I am sure the damage is lessened but hell man. That's my freakin' head. You definitely come out rattled. Especially when folks think that head gear absorbs everything. In actuality, your head adsorbs everything. The gear just sort of caresses your head and says "It'll be ok". Kinda comforting. Kinda not.

  Professional fighters humble you greatly

Nothing is more humbling than sparring with someone who fights for a living. No matter how good you think you are, this guy or woman is way, way, way better.  After grappling a few seconds with my instructor, thinking I had certain things down and others completely set, I was thrown over and put into a rear naked choke, effortlessly. I was quickly reminded that I was dealing with a man who defeated Anderson Silva, arguably the greatest mixed martial arts fighter on earth today. This guy beat the greatest fighter on earth. Why in the double fuck did I think I was doing well. Humble pie eaten. Humble pie devoured.

  Angry = sloppy

Not that I have gotten angry, but watching other fellas take shots personally and then using that anger in the spar, however slight, makes the technique shit. If you aren't focusing on your technique, you are slowly losing. Unless you are Kratos and anger just sort of fuels you. Then by all means.

  Gym buddies are invaluable

For me, gyms are a strange place. Being an anti-social mess doesn't help either. Gym buddies help quell that little imp inside you screaming to run for the hills. They help sparring as well, they are less likely to take out the days aggression if the face underneath the head gear is familiar and not hated.

  Compression shorts are a smart buy

Go get kicked in the nuts. Then go buy compression shorts with a cup. Then come back and read this.

...

Right? I know...

  I don't like fighting

The more I do it, the less I dig it. I have no desire to punch another human in the head, guts or genitals. I would hate for it to happen to me so why would I take pleasure in doing it. Watching some poor bastard get rocked in the jaw is definitely more my speed. I suppose, you can't truly laugh at a man getting knocked on his ass until it has happened to you. So go out and get the shit kicked out of you at least once. Then you have carte blanche to laugh and snicker at anyone who takes a beating. If anyone asks just say "I am the only one who truly understand him/her".

  Original Article

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Does Final Fantasy 7 need to be remade?

It was a Friday in September in 1998 at my childhood home at 5pm that I experienced a JRPG for the first time. That JRPG was Final Fantasy VII. When I say I didn't sleep for 10+ hours while playing that game, all my FF7 fans know I am serious. That isn't even the most time people have spent on a single play-through of that game. Our own Darren E. knows what extreme dedication to that game is. Needless to say, we are huge fans of Final Fantasy VII, so when a remake was rumored all those years ago, we were naturally ecstatic. Then when the PS3 was announced and the FFVII tech demo was shown, fanboys erupted in a chorus of "YES". But since then the remake has been hearsay and conjecture. It has been contested by Square Enix and has been dangled in front of us for a very long time. It has come to the point where I don't even know if we need it.

Games under the FFVII banner have been produced. The PSP game Crisis Core is a great addition to the universe and explains a lot of back story. It also gives us a glimpse into what an updated FF7 would look like.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Via IGN[/caption]

It has been 15 years since FFVII came out and blew our minds. Could a remake recapture that magic? It remains to be seen. The reason we all look back so fondly on that game is the same reason we love amusement parks or certain shitty cartoons *cough Thundercats *. The memories we attach to those things is what makes it awesome. That is not to say that FF7 isn't awesome on its own merits. I think it still holds up today as a great gaming experience, but I am one man who loves that game. Would a young kid today, spoiled by the Gears of War's and Uncharted's of today, be able to play through the relic that is Final Fantasy VII?

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] What a beautiful relic[/caption]

Perhaps not. In that case, a remake could be used to introduce that wonderful game to a new generation. But is that necessary? I don't hear kids clamoring for a remake. Its the guys and gals who grew up with it that want it. This generation has Final Fantasy 13 and the like, they are making their memories with the current games already.

Expectations would be extremely high for such a game. Truth is, there is nothing Square could do that would satisfy everyone's FFVII love. I, personally, would not want a newer, glossier version of one of my favorite RPG's. I wouldn't mind, but I am not beating down doors for it.  I would like to leave that experience where it is. To me, the game is near perfect, in terms of fun and engagement. Updating it wouldn't really make the game any better to me. But again, it's just one guys opinion.

  Memory attached to Final Fantasy VII: The smell of Eucalyptus and the stress-less wonder of grammar school

  What memories have you attached to FFVII? Share in the comments below.

        Original Article

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Undead Labs is in a State of Decay

[audio: http://www.biglargehuge.com/podcasts/blh_gameify_ep04.mp3]

Undead Labs rolled in a few weeks ago and talked up their upcoming game Class 3 and the zombie apocalypse in general (listen to the interview above). We were told to sit tight and wait for PAX, where UL would unleash their own zombie virus on the world. Well someone spilled the vial early as the masses now get a full on trailer of Undead Labs new game. What was once Class3 is now State of Decay. Check out the trailer below.

[youtube http://youtu.be/U8yvLrjnGdU]

  Seeing human characters that are so capable is refreshing in a zombie game. Dropkicks, donuts, I saw a flashlight at some point. Needless to say BLH will be sticking close to this game and its survivors. Head on over to Undead Labs for the full rundown and stick with us for our ongoing coverage of State of Decay.

Original Article

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Great Moments in Gaming 9: Metal Gear Solid 4 - The microwave

With Metal Gear Solid 4 back in the spotlight after receiving trophy support after 4 years, I thought it would be a good time to release anotehr Great Moments in Gaming.  Solid Snake, come on down!

SPOILERS!! If you haven't yet experienced the insanity that is Metal Gear Solid 4, and have been living under a rock for the past 4 years, maybe skip this vid. Maybe.

[youtube http://youtu.be/TbrDqd7-HXY?t=6m3s]

Yea, that was intense. MGS4 has quite a few notable moments that will make fans of the series perk up and feel something. One in particular comes to mind that I won't spoil (in this post) but I felt as though this event had a bit more weight.

Solid Snake is old and dying. The man has little left in the tank and he knows it. So when the opportunity comes to do something reckless and stupid, he jumps at the chance to be a badass mother****er one more time. I don't know about you but I never tapped a button so hard in my whole got-dern life. Wore a bit of the triangle off the damn controller after that scene. I couldn't watch snake defeat Metal Gears, ninjas and a quick-draw villain who was "possessed" by the arm of his dead clone brother, to be killed by a very large kitchen appliance. No sir. Not in this life.

SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!

    Original Article

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Chael Sonnen could be the Bobby "The Brain" Heenan of MMA

[caption id="attachment_2319" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shoulder kicks. Devastating.[/caption]

Chael Sonnen got me thinking. What a difference vanity managers could make for the UFC. The reason hype is so hard to come by in the sport of MMA is that the fighters have very little reason to dislike one another. It usually comes down to "I respect the guy but I am going to go in there and try to take his head off" instead of "He fucked my wife, so I am going to take my divorce out on his face". That being said, managers could work wonders to manufacture hype for a fight. I am sure this is a ridiculous idea but it's an idea. Or maybe we should classify it as a strange stream of consciousness. I don't see you coming up with any ideas ya jerk. I'm sorry, you're not a jerk. What was I talking about?

Oh yes, Chael Sonnen has proven to the masses that the man knows how to work a mic. He single handled turned UFC 148 into a Wrestlemania-like event. It was a spectacle. It pitted Brazil vs the US for toaster's sake! That's big. Sonnen did it alone, all alone. He grabbed a mic at every chance he got and hyped the shit out of his eventual rematch with Anderson Silva. He said he hated Silva, said Brazil wasn't shit. Talked about Silva's wife, claimed he would retire if he lost, called Silva a fake champ, and on and on and more and more until July 7th came and Las Vegas erupted.

Recently, Uncle Chael has has created his own weight class and begun his buttery smooth hype locomotive all over again. Check out this tweet from Facebook

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="515"] Via MiddleEasy[/caption]

Could you imagine if Sonnen used his evil powers for the good of MMA? Hyping fights across the organization. What a glorious time that would be. I am sure Sonnen alienates a lot of fans but you still listen to him. Whether you hate him or love him you listen. Now imagine that there were multiple versions of Chael, out there managing different fighters. Engaging with other Chael like entities to hype up fights. I think my head would implode from all the excitement every month.

Side note: Could you imagine an imploded head? Everyone always mentions a head exploding, but imploding? That just seems worse. I guess you still end up headless in the end. Whatever.

I would love to see Chael Sonnen in a suit, accompanying another fighter to the cage. Perhaps engaging the crowd, maybe he has a megaphone. A purple suit? I am spit balling here people.

  Also, if you are too young to know who Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is, take a look at this

[youtube http://youtu.be/-LMiYq9DC-0]

  And that isn't even at the man's best. He had swagger, he made you listen, he made you care. Just sayin', there is a connection.

[caption id="attachment_2323" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Anyone who stood next to Macho Man had to be a great man[/caption]

Original Article

[gamechangershow]

The Internet Justice League [Click to continue reading]

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One Stop Shop: Deadlight

  DEADLIGHT: The basics

Platform: Xbox Live Arcade (Summer of Arcade 2012)

Release date: August 1, 2012

Genre: Side Scrolling Survival Horror

Part of the 2012 Summer of Arcade on Xbox Live

  A chat with Tequila Works about Deadlight

Where did the name Deadlight come from?

Deadlight’s story goes back to the character, it’s Randall’s inner journey. There are not hidden evils in the shadows, just you and your fears. Then again, think what YOU would do in this situation. With no weapons or gadgets. We  take so many things for granted! For example, the power of noise and using yourself as a life bait. When you are in a dead world, every little sound is amplified.

[youtube http://youtu.be/HZbWGtUUWlE]

  Why should players invest time in Randall Wayne's story? What is he working towards?

[caption id="attachment_2297" align="aligncenter" width="415"] Survival is much easier with an axe. Everything is easier with an axe.[/caption]

Randall is looking to survive. He is introverted and slightly paranoid, some essential qualities in this hostile environment

  Setting the game in a time before the internet and cell phones was a very smart decision. How did you settle on the time period and location for the game? Were there other places and times considered?

Nope, the 80s have a unique visual appeal, and also marks the beginning of the end of theCold War. Paranoia and fear defined most of the 80s; add chaos to remove civilization and you will get a world based in distrust and individual survival.

[youtube http://youtu.be/ykGpeaClCjY]

  What makes Deadlight different from the rest of the survival horror genre?

We wanted the player to feel vulnerable, isolated. The world itself is a character. A ruthless, beautiful one. Don’t forget that we are talking about a cinematic platformer. Atmosphere and pacing is everything in this genre.

  Roughly how long is the game?

The game is about 6 hours

  What types of mini games can players expect to enjoy?

Typical handheld games & watch-like games from the 80s. Totally rad!

  What is your approach to making an Xbox Live game as opposed to a retail release?

This is our first downloadable game –coming from retail projects-, and it’s being a pleasure. We had the freedom to create the way we feel.

  We really enjoy the atmosphere and setting of the game. Do you see Tequila Works revisiting the world of Deadlight? Perhaps with new survivors to control?

Deadlight was been conceived as a whole universe, so who knows.

[caption id="attachment_2298" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Needless to say, Randall has it tough[/caption]

  How big is the team that worked on Deadlight?

Pretty small. We started 2 people. Steadily grew up to 12 and the last 6 months we mixed our 2 teams in a huge (for us) 24 person team.

  If this were a retail release, what are some things you would have done differently? Some things you would like to do?

No, we love the XBLA format, Microsoft left us a large freedom and we have been able to largely expand our imagination and creativity.

  Is there anything on the cutting room floor that you would have liked to see make it to the final game?

Lots of things! We had flares, for example. We cut it for performance issues. When we saw that they used the same trick in The Walking Dead it was "Woah, if we had stuck to the plan, everybody would think we copied them!".

  What's next for Tequila Works after Deadlight is released on August 1st?

Nothing we can announce yet, but stay tuned, you'll soon hear from us

  Big Large Huge Plays Deadlight

August 2

Deadlight is a game that harkens back to my childhood, playing Flashback at home and being completely immersed in that side-scrolling wonderland. Granted that game controlled like complete ass, but I loved it anyway. Lucky for me, I have not run into any problems with Deadlight so far. I am actually enjoying the experience quite a bit. The art and atmosphere are all top notch and certain sequences I encountered ("Run...RUN!) have really ratcheted up the excitement. Having zombies roam in from the background is also a nice touch. I have one gripe so far, that being the dialogue. Conversations can be clunky and inorganic at times. Downright funny at other moments (not in a good way). It is a small problem for now and easily overlooked. Check back in a few days for a more in-depth look into my play-through of Deadlight.

    Thanks to Tequila Works for taking the time to answer our questions. Go grab Deadlight on Xbox Live Acarde for 1200 ms points.

Original Article

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Greatest Fantasy Rivalries: Sam Fisher vs. Agent 47

 

Let's talk about two bad ass dudes, who are both great at what they do.  Best thing yet, they both don't need much equipment to get the job done.  I'm talking about Sam Fisher and Agent 47.   Now, I know there's an argument to be made that Sam would be better matched with Solid Snake (from Metal Gear fame), but trust me, there's a reason for this one.

Original Article

[behindbobsburgers]

BREAKING BOB

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UFC 148 was the Wrestlemania of MMA in 2012

UFC 148 was a huge event. Never has there been an MMA event with the same implications and storied history as that one. We the fans were treated to what was, in essence, UFC's equivalent to Wrestlemania. A spectacular event which brought a long standing rivalry to a head and answered quite a few questions that everyone had. Could the champ be dethroned? Did the years of torment from the challenger get to him? Would everything be settled once and for all?

Original Article

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Surviving a video game drought

We all know that summer is the gaming desert of the year. Not much comes out and we are left looking towards the fall season to get our gaming fix. Lucky for us we have other options to keep us sane. Here are some ideas to overcome the summer gaming lull.

Original Article

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Double Exposure: DexCon 15

I was begged and nagged incessantly to get a ticket to go to DexCon 15, which I had little to no real interest in except for the video game sessions, which is small but popular. I bought my ticket the week before the event and packed my clothes last minute as my skeptical side came in, swearing it off as a cheap man's version of ComiCon. When we pulled up to the hotel, I became curious as I saw vans full of merchandise empty themselves into the Dealer's Room and my friend whispered, "I'm telling you, you're really going to love it here, these are good people."  I checked into the hotel pretty early so it was still empty, but you could identify pretty much any person there who was attending DexCon-- these were OLD SCHOOL geeks. I'm not talking about the people who call themselves gamers/geeks/nerds because they play Mario Kart or spend all night online playing Black Ops; think Revenge of the Nerds type geeks. I felt intimidated, and that's when I began to take DexCon seriously.

Original Article

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GAMEify Lite: Rebooting Shinobi

Shinobi was an great advancement in the ninja game franchise back in the day. I was an avid player of Shinobi 3. The side scrolling action left me feeling like a total badass ninja. Take a look at the vid below for proof of its greatness.

Original Article

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The BLH BroadCast Ep:27

Duration: 02:02:21

Friday has come and so have we...

Another episode of the BLH BroadCast is upon you folks. Today Makeda regales us with tales of board gaming and LARPing while Jordan and Adam recount EVO 2012. We also discuss The Dark Knight Rises because that is happening people. It's a week away! We talk comics at length in the second half of the cast and mention our favorite spot to get them, Forbidden Planet in New York City! Love those guys. Grab a listen, you wont be disappointed. Subscribe on iTunes and get this cast first thing Friday morning! Amazing!

Original Article

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Building a B.O.B: Part 3 - The Tools

Read Part 1: The Bag | Read Part 2: The Med-kit

The Tools

If you are on the road, escaping the impending forest people militia uprising, you are going to need some tools to survive. What tools you ask? I don't know. I don't travel often. All I can tell you is what I would bring and what I have been told is useful. Some things are common sense I suppose. Things like batteries, a flashlight, a pocket knife and a field knife should all be with you. I have no recommendation for batteries, just avoid any battery that has the word "BATTERY" emboldened across it. Splurge on a decent brand.

As for tools, I own a Leatherman Multi Tool that covers a lot of bases. It's compact and durable and it looks bad ass as shit, and that doesn't hurt at all. Leatherman carries a wide variety so choose one that you think will fit your individual needs.

[caption id="attachment_2034" align="aligncenter" width="345"] And it has a whistle. Wait, I am getting word that it doesn't.[/caption]

I picked up a regular ass flashlight with good battery life, and semi heavy for clubbing purposes (you know...like a night watchman) but heavy duty packers may want to upgrade to a combination of glo sticks and a crank light to accompany your normal flasher.

As for your field knife, something with a saw tooth can be useful for larger cutting jobs (large tree branches, wild animals, your wife/husband). Grab a strong blade that will last you a long time. I picked up the Mtech USA XTREME MX-8054 Tactical Fixed Blade Knife. It's one crazy looking blade, and I am all about visual stimulus. It's compact, lightweight, durable and black for added awesome.

[caption id="attachment_2033" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dangerous beauty[/caption]

  That does it for this installment. You got a lot of things to pick up this week so get cracking. Gravitate back for the next installment of Building a B.O.B: The Cover

Original Article

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Great Moments in Gaming #8: Zone of Enders 2 Massive Field Battle

Hideo Kojima is well known for the Metal Gear series. He also created one of the greatest mech games of the PS2 generation, Zone of the Enders 2: The Second Runner. This game was an amazing achievement from the mind of that brilliant movie buff. It was very cinematic and all kinds of fun. The replay value alone was top notch. I had a great time playing through that game, but one moment towards the end ramped this up significantly. I am talking about the Massive Field Battle.

    Zipping around that insanely huge map, working to not only destroy the enemies but also preserve the lives of ALL your companions was a chore. But it was a chore I gladly played numerous times. I finally S ranked it (as did our resident ZOE expert Adam) after the tenth play-through. Talk about a sense of accomplishment. That may have been the last time I worked so hard in a game. Now-a-days I simply turn the damn system off. With that game, that was not an option.

  Anyone else remember this great battle?

Original Article

[dennisculver]

My next gig for Moviefone has me drawing Batman throwing a beatdown on each member of the Avengers and YOU get to decide how he does it:

http://news.moviefone.com/2012/06/22/batman-vs-the-avengers-art_n_1619244.html

From Moviefone:

Some squares may be content talking about “box office revenue,” but we want to get down to the real issue at hand: How would Batman take out each member of the Avengers? He’s a deadly martial artist, loaded with insane hi-tech weaponry, and he’s a tactical genius. (Seriously, just google the words “Batman” and “prep” time,” and you’ll see that there’s no fight too impossible for him to win.)

So we want to hear from you. What would happen when he faces down a line-up of Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Nick Fury? The best, funniest, most creative responses will be illustrated by Dennis Culver, the artist extraordinaire behind “The Nicktoon Avengers” and “If Pixar Took Over Summer Movies.”

You have until Friday, June 29 at 5 p.m. EST to get your answers in. Check back closer to the release of “The Dark Knight Rises” to see the gallery.

Submit your answers in the comments here: http://news.moviefone.com/2012/06/22/batman-vs-the-avengers-art_n_1619244.html