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E3 2016 Awards: Part 1

E3 has come and past so there is no better time to discuss the games we are most excited for from the show. While the event itself is always a little disappointing due to expectations, there is always a few events and games that steal the show. Last year, there was Ghost Recon: Wildlands, Uncharted 4 and the Final Fantasy VII remake. What would this year bring?

Best "Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots" Notable: Tekken 7

Injustice 2 tops the list of a limited amount of games in the fighting genre at E3. Brought to you by Netherealm Studios, the DC fighter looks to be a step up from its predecessor. It looks to do away with some of the ridiculous zoning aspects the original was plagued with at launch (talking about infinite Superman lasers) in favour of something with a little more creativity and grit. The big new feature here, and a scary one, is the gear system. It will not only play with the stats/properties of characters but possibly their moves as well. Unless it is properly balanced and tinkered with, it could become an odd gimmick that makes certain customization so ridiculous that there is only one way to build. Still, Injustice 2 might be the superhero fighter that many have been yearning for.

Biggest "Oh My God!"

Notables: God of War, Spider-man

Resident EVII: Biohazard is Capcom's answer to the franchise's criticism and fatigue. It promises to bring the series back to its horror roots and possibly away from its action heavy sequels. Although the trailer was ominous, it left viewers with a sense of wonder. We were even given a playable demo that was both terrifying and spooky. It may have played a little too closely to PT but if they can maintain this sense of ambience throughout this entry, Resident Evil may be better than ever. How does it relate to Resident Evil? Who knows but it looks to be a return to form.

Best Game Where you Manage 100s of Forces on a Battlefield

Notables: Civilization 6, Halo Wars 2

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 3 aims to be one of the best real time strategy games. It effectively uses the established franchises' setting to create a campaign and competitive multiplayer that is dark and hectic, but controlled. Each move is made in the blink of an eye and could lead your army to victory or defeat. Relic Entertainment is recognized for matching Blizzard's offerings stride by stride and Dawn of War 3 looks to be no different.

And of Course, the honorary Nintendo Award. The winner is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild! There was no contest...literally.

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Best Games this Generation - PS4 - Schooling Bosses

Sony's PS4 could not be selling any better. It is number one in every market and is Sony's most profitable division. It also happens to be the most "powerful" of the current generation systems. You may have to install all your games before playing but it does not matter when it does it in a few minutes. The controller has also been improved, feeling less like a toy and carrying a little more weight. It is a shame then that Sony has not released many big hitters. It has relied on multiplatforms and advertising these multiplatforms as if they were exclusives. It has been a rough couple years in terms of support but what they have released has been pretty stellar. And if we look at the future, it looks even brighter.

5) Street Fighter V - Solid fighting mechanics saves a product with little content. The series has never looked better, using both familiar and new features to bolster the formula. It may not be the homerun we were hoping for, especially coming out of the gate, but may be something special with promised free and paid DLC. - 6.5/10

4) Mercenary Kings - A stylized shooter akin to Metal Slug and Contra. The challenge is present with some neat boss fights. Unfortunately, it relies on visiting the same old stages to lengthen its playtime. However, a robust customization system along with some great visuals keep progress a treat. - 7/10

3) Guilty Gear Xrd - An anime fighting game that is just as wacky as its name. Its fast and fluid with some truly creative characters and movesets. While it lacks in modes, the netcode for online play is the best of any fighter. - 8.5/10

2) Towerfall: Ascension - An archery arena action game about precision and timing. It brings a sense of friendly competition similar to Power Stone. The game is wild fun for people just jumping in or who have spent hours firing countless arrows. The concept is simple enough but execution is key. Do you dodge, attempt to steal an arrow or fire your limited batch? - 8.5/10

1) Bloodborne - The Souls' series spawns another brethren. Bloodborne is faster than its predecessors, removing a shield in favour of a countering firearm. The world is both dark and gothic leaving a despairing presence. It is not all gloom as the world always offers hope. The game lives up to expectations as bosses and enemies are challenging and terrifying. Good thing a few well timed whacks leave these behemoths in dust. - 8.5/10

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Best Games this Generation: Multiplatform and Wii U

The Xbox One is Microsoft's third console release. While the 360 had a firm lead in the North American market, they threw it all away with its initial reveal. It was promoted as an online only system where digital was the way forward. That may very well be the case but that time is not now (and I hope it never will be). Microsoft's servers are relatively reliable but it does go down. And when it does, that would mean the Xbox One becomes an useless brick. Even now, when the servers are offline, it is difficult to login to your gamertag unless you disconnect the console. With that being said, Microsoft have made strides to improve their console, including additional offline options. The UI is quicker than any other system and is able to multitask between apps and games with ease. The controller itself is familiar but the improved rumble motors make the feature more than just a gimmick. On the game's front, the Xbox One currently offers more exclusives than its immediate competition, the PS4. There is a notable shooter and racer released each year with updates to a developed fighter. It is noteworthy, however, that many multiplatform games perform slightly worse. The disparity is slimming with time but Microsoft's machine is slightly behind.

5) Halo 5: Guardians - It has been quite some time since we had a Halo that looked this good. The shooting mechanics are also some of the best of any shooter. Multiplayer is a blast with some great but standard modes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the campaign. While there are some great set-pieces, the narrative leaves a lot to be desired. - 7/10

4) Dead Rising 3 - A game about killing tens of thousands of zombies. What more could you ask for? The world is a little bland this time around but the series has a surprisingly engaging narrative. Of course it is mostly about killing psychos and zombies with a wide array of customizable weapons. - 8/10

3) Killer Instinct - A fighter that started a little bland but has seen some great updates. Each fighter offers something new to the table making each matchup something unique. Even though Killer Instinct is one of the easier fighters to get into, it does not lack depth.  It is about making reads and performing ultra combos! - 8.5/10

2) Ori and the Blind Forest - A metroidvania/platform adventure game that will pull at the heartstrings. While it can be challenging, nothing feels out of your reach. Once you understand and apply your skills, it moves like a dream. It also happens to be a hell of a visual treat. - 8.5/10

1) Sunset Overdrive - An open world, third-person shooter that attempts to revolutionize movement. You grind rails, run up walls and bounce off trampolines in a world that has been designed so you never have to touch the ground. All while shooting of course. While the guns could have been more creative, especially being an Insomniac Games' product, you zip through a bright and colourful world. - 8.5/10

Notable Future Releases: Quantum Break (Just released), Gears of War 4, Scalebound

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Best Games this Generation: Multiplatform and Wii U - Schooling Bosses

With the current generation consoles a few years into their cycle, it was about time we talked about the best exclusives and multiplatform games available. Whether you are looking into buying a new brick or have had one for some time, you cannot go wrong with any of them. They all offer something unique and have a relatively bright future. Into JRPGs, you probably want a PS4. A fan of shooters, the Xbox One has Gears and Halo. Love good old platforming, well Nintendo has been making them for years. Though if you just love all genres, Microsoft and Sony's offerings have most of the multiplatforms. And boy are there some gems.

5) Resident Evil: Revelations 2 - A cooperative survival horror game that makes co-op part of the experience instead of just an add-on. While the series is no longer scary and has lost its way, Revelations 2 is a step in the right direction. One player is given your firearm of choice while the other assists him/her. The supporting player can point out weak points, enemy locations and fight back with less lethal weapons. While mileage may vary, especially in single player, the future of the franchise looks bright. - 8/10

4) Rayman Legends - A beautifully realized platformer where the controls are nearly perfect. There are additional features and great level design that set the bar for any platformer. While the character is not recognizable to many, Rayman proves that Mario and Donkey Kong are no longer the kings. - 8.5/10

3) Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege - An online only competitive shooter that brings back the classic and gritty feel of early shooters. There may only be one mode (all play too similarly) but the different classes and level design make each match something new and special. It may not have the most solid mechanics but there is not a shooter that is more thrilling.  - 8.5/10

2) Divinity: Original Sin - If you are a fan of tactical turn based strategy games, there is no better time to be alive. You have great hits and series like X-COM, Fire Emblem and more. Divinity: Original Sin is undeniably one of the standouts. It is ridiculously challenging at times but there is more than just moving your units and attacking. You actually have to plan, position and use the elements to create bombs and walls if you want to stand a chance. Of course the odds are rarely in your favour but it would not be much fun if it was. - 9/10

1) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - The third entry in the open world RPG series is possibly the best. Although it meanders a little, the narrative is powerful and engaging. The combat could use some tweaks to make it more fluid but it has always been about using the appropriate concoctions and signs to fit the situation. Where the Witcher 3 truly shines, however, is with the depiction of the world and its interesting quests. They are layered and even the smallest tidbit feels essential. While side quests have always been relatively bland in open world games, the Witcher 3 finds a way to make every little thing count. - 9.5/10

Notable Future Releases: Mass Effect: Andromeda, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Nier: Automata

I have talked about the Wii U before. It is a last generation system, in terms of specs, living in a current generation world. Nintendo had a head start releasing a year before the competition but who knows what Nintendo is thinking. Though they are a billion dollar company so what do I know. Still, the Wii U was released to die. Poor marketing, an odd console name and a lack of meaningful games during its first couple years made it hard to recommend. A few years later and Nintendo has given up on the struggling console. We can expect a new console release possibly by the end of the year. With that said, the Wii U might have the best exclusives of any current generation system. Their systems may lack third party support but nobody can argue that Nintendo develops some of the finest games. It is just a little disappointing that the gamepad was not used for anything new and exciting.

5) Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze - A solid and precise co-op platformer that is tough as nails. It may be unforgiving but beautiful vistas and brilliantly designed levels make level completion all the more rewarding. - 8.5/10

4) Captain Toad: Toad Tracker - An action puzzler starring our favourite Mario character, Toad. The game does a good job of giving you just enough to solve each level without being frustrating. - 8.5/10

3) Mario Kart 8 - The arcade racer is back with interesting tracks and those annoying power-ups. It is a little disappointing that the game has not changed much, especially with the addition of hovercrafts, but it is both finely-tuned and chaotic fun. If only those computer racers on 150cc were not so brutal. - 9/10

2) Pikmin 3 - An odd real time strategy game that is equally charming and challenging. The controls still leave something to be desired but there simply is not another game like Pikmin. Some bonus solo, cooperative and competitive modes are the cherry on top. While the campaign itself could have used a co-op option, collecting resources and killing giant creatures never felt so fun. - 9/10

1) Bayonetta 2 - Brought to you by the greatest action hack n slash developer, Platinum. Bayonetta 2 sees some tweaks to its already stellar formula to make it more crisp and fluid. While the narrative is by the numbers and nothing to write home about, there are not many games that give you so much power and control over your character. The bosses could have used some more attention but it is hard to argue with Bayonetta's unique skillset. - 9/10

Notable Future Releases: Star Fox Zero, Zelda Wii

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Farewell Lionhead Studios and Fable Legends - Schooling Bosses

The great video game developer, Lionhead Studios, is possibly/most definitely closing its doors. A company founded in 1996 and acquired by Microsoft in 2006 is responsible for two fine franchises. Black and White and Fable are undeniably their legacy and it is sad that it has come to this. Peter Molyneux was one of its founders and the face of Lionhead. He promoted each of his game's like they were going to revolutionize the medium. His interviews were often a little dry but they were no doubt intriguing. He loved video games and wanted them to be more. Unfortunately, he also promised and talked about features that he had no idea were going to work. A visionary but not a realist. Despite the empty promises, Black and White and Fable were quality releases that found a way to be unique. Molyneux left to form another team and Lionhead has been reeling ever since.

While Molyneux was on board at the start, Lionhead's only release without him was Fable: The Journey. It was an on-rails Kinect shooter with lacklustre controls and poor design. Gone was what made Fable special in favour of something that felt like a gimmick. Of course Rare, another developer owned by Microsoft, was also making Kinect games. It was clear that the technology and ideas were just not there. A blemish on Lionhead's relatively positive resume but what was next?

Fable Legends was a 4 versus 1 competitive multiplayer game designed for a next generation console. It traded its familiar RPG roots for a growing multiplayer trend. As you can guess, initial reception was relatively poor. Without giving it a chance, it was deemed as something we never asked for. Early trailers and screenshots did show a bright, colourful world filled with the charm the series was known for. At least it looked the part.

With time you hope it grabs people. It did not. The premise was simple. Four people pick out of a batch of heroes with unique abilities. They follow your standard archetypes: healer, tank, assassin and mage. The selling point of Legends was the fifth player. He/She played the villain by placing traps, enemies and bosses on a map. They also casted spells to hinder the heroes and hopefully defeat them. An incredibly hard concept to balance but it could and was good ole fun. The problem, however, was staying power. How did you keep people coming back. Lionhead never quite figured that out.

Now it is hard to disagree with Microsoft's decision to cancel Fable Legends. It used a free to play model that would only survive if it was constantly updated and fair, the game's 4 versus 1 concept was hard to sell and the combat was relatively stale. Fable was never praised for its combat and, while it saw improvements in Legends, it was a little too simple. The villain was interesting but the heroes' gameplay left a lot to be desired. A few attack, defend or heal buttons with cooldowns meant the combat relied on even fewer buttons. The maps were beautiful but not all too different. They felt like small arenas where you were given some freedom. The gameplay was just not there and after 3 years in development (or more), it was a losing battle. The decision to close the studio altogether is surprising but expected.

This generation has seen a ton of companies bite the dust. It is an industry where only the strong survive in the triple A market. Fable Legends was the nail in the coffin for Lionhead Studios. Microsoft invested time and resources but it was clear that it was not going to take off. I am surprised that they were not forced to make Fable 4 as the name carried weight years ago and would have been an easier product to sell. While Fable Legends may have been great in the future, time is never on the developers' side.

[camjwoo]

Round 1! Fight! The Fighting Games of this Generation - Schooling Bosses

With enough current generation fighting video games out on the market, we can finally judge which is the victor and our ultimate saviour. Obviously just a wee bit overdramatic but fighters are all about who is number one. There is no place for second in a genre that demands your utmost attention. There simply is not another video game genre that is more fun to watch and play. While strategy and MOBAs games like League of Legends and Starcraft are no doubt exciting, fighting games are 10-99 seconds a round. There is little fluff as we try to obliterate our foe.

Super Smash Bros Wii U is an odd fighter that mashes all your favourite Nintendo characters together in a surprisingly deep system. It is not as technical as Melee or as clunky as Brawl. The Wii U version is somewhere in-between while committing to a few unique mechanics. Like previous iterations, there are some characters that are leagues above the others. It is made more disappointing when it is easy to recognize which character kits received more love. Competitively, it is not the most entertaining as characters jump all over the screen throwing out attacks but the game revolves around finding an opening. You will see a lot of whiffs to bait the other into attacking. Smash is a very different fighter. There are combos but they are created by situations and character juggles. This leads to some interesting showcases and rather crazy finishers. The Wii U package offers a large cast with a decent amount of single player and multiplayer modes. It is missing an interesting campaign but the unlockables and collectables will keep people coming back for more. Fortunately, the online has been improved and is playable. For people who do not care about the competitive scene and just want to have fun, the maps are truly the star of the show. They are unique and offer spectacular gimmicks that alter what could be a simple fighting game.

Package: B+   Competitive: C+    

Mortal Kombat X is the same old blood filled fighter with disgusting fatalities. While it is known for its gore, NetherRealm Studios has worked hard to make sure there is much more than meets the eye. Each character comes with 3 variations that can change their playstyle completely. Since last year, there have been 8 additions with some fan favourites like Triborg and guest characters like Predator. The game still looks clunky at times but the combo/juggle system is remarkably solid. The netkode (that is right) has also been improved and has rectified this iteration's awful online issues. There is a fun, although disappointing, narrative with your classic single player modes, arcade and ladder. For a little more diversity, there are also modifiers that mix up the standard formula. Combos are easy enough to learn for most characters. It is not the most technical but it is about understanding matchups. Mortal Kombat has always been about weird, dark characters who can teleport all over the screen and throw out some cheap combos and it has not changed here. There are countless 50/50s that lead to a lot of guessing but most characters have them. At times the game can be brutal but the system works.

Package: B+   Competitive: B+

Guilty Gear Xrd is the most prominent anime fighter this current generation. Many have not transitioned from the older generation yet but we can expect many in the near future. This is the first Guilty Gear sequel in quite sometime and it is nice to see one of the kings return. It is not as fast as its predecessors but, out of these bunch of fighters, is the most frantic. Combos are relatively hard to master, especially the longer chains. The great thing about Guilty Gear (and Arc System Works' other fighter, Blazblue), is that each character feels unique. They have unique properties and ways to approach a fight. Essentially, they all come with a special gimmick. There also is not another fighter that has more razzle dazzle. Countles objects and projectiles are flying all over the screen, making blinking an eye a mistake (Marvel Vs. Capcom does do this as well). The online is smooth as silk and the best of any fighter. Guilty Gear does lack in modes but does offer a 4-5 hour dialogue movie if you are interested in the world.

Package: B     Competitive: A

Killer Instinct is a stellar reboot of a nonsensical franchise. Instead of releasing a $60 retail product, they have released a free to play model where you can buy each character individually or by season. Each season comes with 8 or more characters and updates to the game mechanics. Season 1 was safe but solid. Most characters played relatively similarly with some subtle differences. Season 2 reworked the system, making it more fluid and giving more options. It also made improvements to the old cast while making each addition unique. While combos are some of the simplest in a fighting game, each character approaches the game differently. There is still interesting tech but it is about opening up your opponent. Killer Instinct comes with many of the standard modes but it is its training/dojo mode that stands out. It is an excellent way for newcomers to get into not only Killer Instinct but fighters as a whole. Add an incredibly solid online mode and it is hard to complain about Killer Instinct.

Package: B     Competitive: A-

Street Fighter V, the king of fighters, returns with a new but slower system. It is not as flashy as most on this list or even its predecessor. Gone are the 1-frame links in favour of something more lenient. It is too early to tell if Street Fighter V will have staying power but the essence is there. Footsies and mind games are abound with most characters playing somewhat differently. However, there seems to be less tech with many believing we have found what most characters can do. Although it would not be the first time people have said that about a new entry in a fighting game only to find more years later. The major gripe with Street Fighter V is its lack of modes. It will be improved in the future but with no arcade mode and a lacklustre story mode, it depends on the community. The netcode is an improvement over its predecessor but still has its issues. Still, Street Fighter V is a stellar fighter with enough depth and content on the way that it will be hard to see it disappearing in the near future.

Package: C-    Competitive: A-

As you can see, there is not really a best fighter. Different strokes for different folks. Some are faster and more technical while others rely on juggling. It is great to see the genre prospering after it looked like it was going to die a couple generations ago. There are even more fighting games on the horizon like Tekken, King of Fighters and a Pokemon fighter (Pokken). Pick one. Pick them all. Whether you grew up on Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat or another, it is time to pick up an arcade stick and fight!

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Happy 20th Birthday Pokemon - Schooling Bosses

Pokemon is 20 years old! Boy, does time fly. It was one of the first animes I watched, along with Dragonball Z and Gundam Wing. It was a simpler time where I did not know the difference between the genre and western cartoons. They were simply just cartoons. In Pokemon's case, who did not want to be the very best that no one ever was? There was an entertaining anime with a great theme song and an addicting video game where you could catch them all. It all started in 1996 (a little later here) and we chose between a RED and a BLUE version (GREEN in Japan).

Deep down, we knew BLUE was numero uno. It had a tortoise with cannons coming out of its back. The inferior version had a boring old dragon. In all seriousness, it was the first time I (and I assume others) did extensive research on a video game. Why? Well the two versions had a few different pokemon in each. That is right. Nintendo and the Pokemon Company were already finding ways to sell the game twice, or you had to find the best friends in the world. Do I choose a bug with scythes for hands or another that had a giant pincer on the top of its head? Do I want a fire-breathing fox or lion? It was a tough decision but we made it.

It did not stop there. As soon as we booted up the game, we had to pick a starter. The water type, Squirtle, grass type, Bulbasaur, or the ridiculously popular fire type, Charmander. Then we were free to roam the wilds to catch all 151 Pokemon, train our favourites and defeat the Elite Four. Before becoming the strongest Pokemon trainer, however, we travelled through many caves, oceans and cities to collect badges by defeating gym leaders. Basically, tougher opponents or boss fights. It is an idea that is enticing and can do no wrong. That was the first and only Pokemon game I bought as a child. It was fun and addicting but like many trends, they come and go. I mean the first 151 creatures were pretty unique. Hello Yu-Gi-Oh.

I finally entered the world again with Pokemon Y (and X). The thing is, it has not changed much. There are now over 700 of these creatures frolicking about but the designs of many of them are not all that creative. I am undeniably bias but I am seeing a lot of Mr. Mimes. Like Pokemon BLUE and RED, you start by picking a starter, you travel the world collecting and training and then you finally face the Elite Four. While you expect them to keep the formula, some additions could have paid dividends. Essentially, that special spark is missing.

When you think about the game's recipe, it should be an entertaining masterpiece. It checks all the boxes of a great RPG and the combat is solid enough. You create a team of six that makes up for each others weaknesses. It is a rather large open world with different environments and countless things to do. For whatever reason, however, it feels like a slog. The most glaring issue is that you can approach most battles exactly the same. You can use the same four moves of your favourites and the computer does not adapt. The multiplayer remedies the stale combat but maybe I am missing Pokemon's point. While it sounds a little shallow, a change of scenery could help. Pokemon has been around for 20 years and it is time it put on its big boy/girl pants and joined the home console market. Pokemon would look amazing in high definition and it would be difficult to find someone who disagrees. Still, 20 years is an amazing feat and there are millions of fans. Happy Birthday Pikachu and friends.

[camjwoo]

Street Fighter V and the Underdogs - Schooling Bosses

The premier fighting game is back. Street Fighter IV and all of its expansions have been popular but it was time for a new entry. It is a new generation and we need something that sets the bar once again. Street Fighter V hopes to bring some life into a genre that is becoming more crowded. It is a little slower than the previous iteration but that does not necessarily mean it will be boring. The plan is to make it fun to play for anybody while still being quite technical. It should take months before we fully understand each and every character but, for now, everything looks good. The latest iteration sees the return of some of our favourite combatants mixed with some fresh faces. It is a little disappointing that it is launching with only 16 playable characters but an aggressive DLC (somewhat free) plan will add at least 6 in the first year. Although Blanka and E. Honda are somehow missing from the picture. While it would be easy to talk about the mainstay characters in fighting games, lets talk about some of the unsung heroes. Fighting characters and their popularity are all about presence. It is a visual flair with some hint of their personality through special moves, their intros, their outros and their fighting stance.

You have probably heard "Sonic Boom" somewhere and it comes from no other than the man with a couple flags of the United States on his shoulders, Guile. He has been a Street Figher mainstay since number two and somehow found himself on the shortlist. He will be one of the first downloadable characters, however. While he is not the face of the franchise, he comes with a guarded fighting stance, a theme song that goes well with absolutely everything and some fancy hair. Add some physic bending upside down kick and a taunt where you put on shades (only in SFIV), and you have one of the finest characters in all of gaming. I mean he can create a wind projective with his arms. That may not be exactly what that is but who cares. As he says when he wins, "Go home and be a family man."

The announcer calls out "Noob Saibot" in an ominous voice. A ridiculous name for a ridiculous ninja. Named after the surnames of the creators spelled backwards, he is a ninja dressed in black from Mortal Kombat. The sneakiest of colours for a secret assassin. While he can fight you in melee combat, why would he do his own dirty work? Noob Saibot can send out shadowy clones of himself to punch, kick, throw and charge his opponent to give them a big fat hug. Then they gave him a backstory. The original Sub Zero who lost his way. A tragic past for a tragic hero.

Raphael, from Soul Calibur, is your musketeer stereotype. He spouts fancy words and dances like a butterfly. Imagine a character yelling "No Escape" as he moves left, right, up and down in the 3D arena fighter. It is almost impossible to track his movements. Like a fencer, he lunges, pokes and strikes only when you think it is safe. Too bad it did not save him from the sword the consumes your soul, Soul Edge. Poor Raphael. He journeyed into the abyss to save someone very dear to him only to become a puppet. Unfortunately, he also lost his cheeky but annoying personality in the sequels.

Anime fighters are known for being fast paced and containing ridiculously designed characters. They also follow the genre's many tropes. Guilty Gear is no different. May is a energetic young girl that carries a giant anchor as a weapon. As a pirate, she can also fire a cannon and summon adorable dolphins to destroy her foes. She probably should not be fighting demons, 8 foot muscle-heads and a woman wielding a demon summoning guitar but why not. There are countless likeable characters from anime fighters that deserve their time in the sun but we would be here for days. If you have not given them a chance, you should because you will not find more interesting fighting characters anywhere else.

And last but not least, I had to talk about the King of the Monsters series. It follows the popular Japanese film genre, Kaiju, that has giant monsters demolishing cities or engaging one another. Cyber Woo is a giant robotic King Kong that comes in the oh so fashionable colour, yellow. He also has a classic backstory. A man made machine built for military use. Plot twist! He become self aware, frees himself and saves the world.

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Characters We Love for No Reason - Schooling Bosses

There are well written characters in books, movies and video games who we instantly feel for because of their complex nature and their charismatic charm. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan transitions from a soldier to a investment broker to a CIA agent. It is his journey and the political drama that surrounds him that lead to some engaging, heart pounding scenarios. Nathan Drake, from the Uncharted series, is a star because of his quick wit, his natural aversion to the serious and his eventual realization of accepting the gritty. Well, it probably helps that he is Indiana Jones after all. There are also the John McClanes. It is their everyman portrayal and appeal that makes ridiculous "Yippee-Ki-Yays" all the more endearing. Then there are those other characters who do not have that extra layer that we enjoy for no reason whatsoever.

Resident Evil is one of Capcom's flagship franchises and is loved by many (maybe not as much today). It is recognized for its horror but it is also the characters that keep players coming back. Yes, those cookie character protagonists, antagonists and even the supporting cast. Why people like Wesker, Jill and Leon I will never understand. The thing is, I could not imagine a Resident Evil without some of the beloved cast. Part of it is just age. Resident Evil has been around since 1996. It is a classic in the gaming world. The other, and probably the most significant, is the scenarios these characters are placed in. We are put in the shoes of these characters as we try to survive their and our nightmare. We traverse haunted mansions, cities and more for hours. After all this time, how could we let the playable character be devoured? Nobody wants to be a Jill sandwich.

Gears of War has beefheads. Giant men and women in space armour with chainsaw bayonets against aliens just as big and mean. It sure sounds like many other franchises, but there is something about the starting line-up of Gears. There is a flawed protagonist, a best friend, a smart aleck and a bigger then life hero hell bent on saving the world. Similar to Resident Evil, they are a team that somehow work together. There one liners are part of their appeal but its their camaraderie. Think of those classic back-to-back scenes where nothing can get past their watch. Like 300, it is the way in which they seem to have each others back. It is why a certain character's (SPOILERS) death is met with an outcry despite being the most boring of the bunch. It was not fair.

I mean why do people like Boba Fett or Darth Maul from Star Wars. They are a couple of the most popular characters in the universe that got little screen time. They have a few lines between them and are not that significant to the narrative. Both were also characters that Lucas did not realize were popular until it was too late. I mean the way Boba Fett died was tragic. Now part of their appeal is undeniably their appearance.

That is how Street Fighter's cast has stayed relevant and memorable. Fighting games, especially beforehand, had little to no story. There was a ten second clip that gave us their back-story and a character ending. If you wanted to know more, you relied on other mediums to present their story. So to stand out from other fighting games, it was essential that you pulled all the stops on-screen. That meant that each character had to look visually unique. This included their special moves, idle animations, taunts and more. All our information and the appeal of a character was on show in 99 second matches. Essentially, it was their swagger.

It is not always the deep multilayered characters that we remember. It could be a little thing like their appearance or how long they have been around. There is just something about them that grabs us. There is not always an easy answer or reason why these rather cookie cutter characters leave a lasting impression but, of course, do we really need one?

[camjwoo]

Cartoons, Adventure Time and a Goodbye to Gravity Falls - Schooling Bosses

As you can tell from our comics, we are a big fan of cartoons. I have talked about the golden age, AKA the 90s. You woke up Saturday mornings to watch X-Men, Spiderman, Batman and more. On Sundays, you had a great FOX cartoon called the Simpsons. The best had simple narratives but a maturity to them. As we get older, we tend to forget about cartoons. They are too childish and it is time to grow up. Bring on the live action television shows. Say hello to the sitcoms. Of course, cartoons always find a way back into our life.

While I never stopped watching, I did not keep up with any of them. I would catch the odd Weekenders (the best of Disney's morning cartoons) or Simpsons, or series similar to them, and that was that. Now we have Adventure Time. It was the animated series that made me love cartoons again. It is about Jake the dog and Finn the human. The fun will never end, it's Adventure Time! The show started out relatively low key but found a way to make its starting cast mesmerizing. Finn and Jake's adventures also had them meet some great supporting characters. You wanted to know more about BMO, Marceline and more. It also seems to be the reason the show has faltered as of late. It use to be about Finn and Jake, and how these other characters fit into their lives. Now, there have been weeks or months of episodes without the duo or with them in a supporting role. Still, Finn and Jake's adventures have the right mix of humour and heart. It is about the writer's crazy ideas and situations the band can get into that make the ridiculous concepts come together. It is not the deepest show on television but finds a way to be unique and just good ole fun.

Gravity Falls, on the other hand, is one of the best cartoons on cable TV. It has a relatively simple premise. Twin brother and sister, Dipper and Mabel Pines, spend their summer in a mysterious town with their Grunkle Stan. They solve mysteries, form relationships with strangers and begin to grow up. Nothing overly unique but it is the characters and scenarios that carry the show. They feel like real people.

Dipper is a bit of a worrywart but believes he can solve any mystery and situation logically. His sister, on the other hand, is much more carefree and wants to live every moment to the fullest. They begin as inseparable twelve year olds that do not really dwell on how tough the future can be. They are kids after all. That is until the world around them kind of forces them to. They discover that there is more to their uncle than he lets on, that you cannot shy away from challenges and that you cannot plan every fathom of your life. It is difficult to make a show that touches on tougher themes while still being ridiculous and fun for both kids and adults. Some adventures are fantastical involving mythical creatures while others are more grounded as the protagonists are faced with a bully. Each episode is often made up of a few subplots that come together wonderfully by the end. There are always a few places to laugh but Dipper, Mabel and the audience come out learning something. It is a formula that made the Simpsons first 5-10 seasons so special. Gravity Falls aired its final episode a few nights ago. The show could have lasted a few more seasons but the creator, Alex Hirsch, ended the show on his terms with two. Its finale was bittersweet as you wonder how their life will turn out but that is a sign of a great show. For now, #GoodbyeGravityFalls. It was a great ride.

[camjwoo]

Valentine’s, Super Bowl 50 and Open Beta Tests - Schooling Bosses

It is Valentine's Day. A day of love and happiness where we spend a little too much on cards, flowers, chocolates, and so on. Not to mention having to book weeks or months in advance if you want a dinner reservation. Why do we not just spread the sentiment over the whole year? Well, there is a lot of money for businesses on this single day. The movie industry makes a few romantic comedies to mark the occasion. This year's big Valentine's hit has to be Deadpool. While somewhat a joke, its release date is intentional. While there are not any Valentine's themed video games I can think of, would it not be cool to play Cupid and shoot ice cream lasses and laddies together to make the perfect ice cream flavour? I thought so.

So what did we learn from the Super Bowl? Defence wins games, Peyton Manning underperformed but got a sweet ending and Carolina's quarterback, Cam Newton, is back to his old ways. With that said, you can expect to see Carolina on the big stage in the not too distant future. As a Canadian, the commercials were lacklustre but there did not seem to be a killer one this year. The half time show seemed relatively disappointing as well but may have been an experience you had to witness firsthand. All in all, it was a pretty boring game. There were few first downs, amazing throws or spectacular catches. It was a close game for the most part but the highlight of the night may have been when the camera focused on the Manning family. Eli's, Peyton's brother, reaction to how the game progressed was a little comical. He must have been thinking, "damn, he has as many rings as I do now." Of course, I am kidding. Maybe.

Video Games have had alphas and betas for years. It is the testing period for developers and QA teams. It has become a much more public thing most recently as a pre-order incentive and as a way to gain interest. Essentially, it is used to advertise and maintain momentum. There is always a disclaimer mentioning that it is not a final product but more often than not, it is pretty close. Tom Clancy's The Division, Homefront: The Revolution, Street Fighter V and Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 are just a few of the more recent beta offerings. Some are a couple months before release while others are mere weeks. If they are months in advance, it will probably have some impact on the game. Weeks, probably not. It takes time to make changes.

So why release what are really demos? It looks good. Whether they are actually used and beneficial are up for debate but it paints developer's in a prettier picture. They are doing us a "favour." You could argue that they would lose some potential buyers but the gains are undeniably worth it. For example, if even half of the people that participated in Battlefront's beta bought the game, that is nine million buyers. Less is probably a better estimate but there are many who will not participate that will buy the product. All in all, it is good for the consumer. We get to see how a product evolves over time and have a better understanding of what we are getting into.

A shout out to a player named Waz in League of Legends who we failed completely, and have a great Valentine's Day and Sunday.

[camjwoo]

Sports, the Entertainment Industry and Predictions - Schooling Bosses

I have played and watched sports all my life. I love the match-ups, the upsets and the oh so exciting plays (and the occasional misplay). Of course you want your home or favourite team to win but, when they are not present, you hope for a good game. The best matches are when you can feel the tension in the air. The score is separated by a single play or goal, and everybody is holding their breath. Yes, like films and commercials, everything slows down. It may not be that epic but who cares.

Sports are deeply integrated into our culture and, in turn, the entertainment industry. A few movies and video games are released each and every year. Sport films are often historical and used as an inspirational piece. You have your hits like Miracle, Moneyball and the Blindside. There are also comedies such as Space Jam, Bend it like Beckham and the Mighty Ducks. They cost very little to make but the return is usually quite rewarding, especially when they mention inspired by a true story somewhere in the headline.

Annual sport video game franchises has been a thing since the 90s. You have at least one triple A game for the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, and FIFA every single year. Personally, I have a love and hate relationship with these games. They rarely change because of their annual cycle but can still be fun, especially in short doses. When they truly innovate, and add features and modes, it can revitalize the long running series. The NHL franchise has always been one of my favourites but it was when it introduced stick handling with the right thumbstick that it completely changed the game. The feature revolutionized shooting and made it somewhat similar to actually handling a puck. Of course it was a little too simple, but it may be as close to the actual experience as we get. The fun in these video games is mimicking our beloved sports and imagining our teams winning after all.

Now the Super Bowl occurs in a few hours. Some would argue that it is the biggest sport event of the year. Whether you agree or not, it brings a hell of a lot of attention with the outcome being a best of one, the expensive commercials and the fireworks of the halftime show. Carolina is the favourite because of their age and outstanding offence. Despite many naysayers, they have proven that they are the team to beat. The only factor that could stop them is Denver's amazing defence. They never allowed Tom Brady to become comfortable and were able to stop a relatively decent offence. The wildcard is undoubtedly Peyton Manning. He has not had a great year and is infamously recognized for his lacklustre playoff performances.

EA's simulation has Carolina winning. Numbers alone suggest there is little reason for a different outcome. However, it is one game where anything can happen. That is just one of the things that makes watching them so damn entertaining.

[camjwoo]

The Last of Us, Uncharted, Avengers and the Honeymoon Period - Schooling Bosses

Ahh, the honeymoon period. Birds chirp in the background, the sun shines over the canvas and an unicorn neighs in the distance. It is a time without worry where everything seems a little better. Unfortunately that magical occasion does not last forever. Reality kicks in and we discover roses have prickly thorns, eating a whole cheesecake was not our brightest idea and Han shot first.

Life is not nearly that terrible but we go through instances of cloud nine with everything we do. When you first play a good video game, read a fascinating book or watch an entertaining film, it can be an exhilarating ride. It often feels like something innovative that elevates the medium. Remember the first time you played Halo, the Last of Us or the Legend of Zelda? How about watching Star Wars, Iron Man or Toy Story? It was a special moment. A moment we often remember with rose tinted glasses. The question though, when you think about it, did those great video games and movies belong there?

A few years later, how much do you remember of them? What caught your eye? The Last of Us was a game I loved from start to finish. I went in with reasonable expectations and was completely blown away. The narrative was one of the best in the medium, the music pulled at your heartstrings and the stealth/action gameplay was flawed but rightfully so. It instantly became one of my favourite games of all time.

Almost three years later, I still love it. With that said, I have begun to see where the game faltered. When most people talk about the game, it is not the gameplay. The stealth and shooting sequences are fine but it does little to separate itself from the genre. While the slower, clunky feel is appropriate, other games undeniably present better scenarios with better sequences. There were points where I rushed through just to see what happened next. While there is nothing wrong with that, it was not always the gameplay that kept me going. The game is still relatively young so we will see in a few years, but I still believe the Last of Us hits all the right notes and elevates the medium.

Then I look at another popular Naughty Dog IP. Uncharted was initially under my radar but the characters and set-pieces made it one of my favourite franchises. You take away the beautiful vistas and the charming protagonist, and what do you have? A shooter that, at times, is not even a good one. It sounds a little similar to my gripes with the Last of Us. The difference is how it all comes together. The Last of Us is a complete package that has every mechanic and story element fitting together quite perfectly. There are not too many things that feel out of place, and each checkpoint hits the right chord with enough impact. Uncharted, on the other hand, leaves the player with very little. You will remember the characters with their sharp one liners but you would be hard pressed to remember what else happened. Uncharted is a very good video game but it is quite mindless.

The first Avengers movie was an amazing feat. Bringing characters like Iron Man, Captain America and Thor together in a relatively well thought out film should not have been possible. It all came together quite perfectly with the right amount of heart and action. However, when you think about it, was the film that spectacular? The beginning is rather slow and tedious and it is only the latter half that brings the superhero charm. The film is still an achievement but additional viewings and its sequel, Age of Ultron, demonstrate that the magic has worn off. The novelty of superhero films has begun to dissipate. It is not a bad thing, however, as Marvel (Disney) and DC (Warner Bros.) are now forced to make better films if they want the men and women in spandex to last on the big screen for another ten to twenty years.

With everything said, sometimes all we need is that initial view, read or playthrough. It may not have had a lasting impression but what is wrong with that?

[camjwoo]

Most Anticipated Games of 2016 - Schooling Bosses

We are a few weeks into 2016 and it is time to start talking about 2016’s games of the year. What? You have not caught up with last year’s treasures? Your backlog can wait. We are moving on to bigger and better things, my friend. It does not matter the genre, these anticipated games make 2016 look like the greatest line-up in Xbox…I mean gaming history.

First off, I am going to talk about some notable snubs. No Man’s Sky and the Witness are huge independent games that are garnering a ton of attention. The former in particular I do not understand. I acknowledge that there are millions (possibly more) of possibilities to what world you are given. That is undoubtedly amazing but what exactly am I doing?  There are apparently space battles, exploration and more but what makes me want to play it. The Witness is a puzzle game coming from the brilliant mind that brought us Braid. While the world looks beautiful, I am not sure what the draw is. Early previews show little but that is probably by design. As of posting, the game has released to stellar reviews. It is often described as being a puzzle within a puzzle and I cannot wait to get into it.

As for the triple As, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Dark Souls 3 and Tom Clancy’s The Division are the games I am not so sure about. The PS4 exclusive Horizon has a neat premise. You are using what seem to be primitive weapons against robotic dinosaurs in a lush landscape. The game looks gorgeous but it is its mission design that will determine if everything comes together. Even if there are robotic dinosaurs. Deus Ex looks to be more of the same from Adam Jensen’s scifi stealth shooter. The problem with its predecessor was that its narrative was by the numbers and the gameplay was missing that special spark. A big question is how it will up the ante for the genre. Dark Souls 3 combines the slower moveset of the Souls series with Bloodborne’s fast paced action. Sounds like a beautiful baby. The issue is that there has been a few too many games in the series recently. Dark Souls 2, Bloodborne and the current release, Dark Souls 3, make it an annual franchise. The Division is a RPG shooter with many unknowns. Early previews demonstrated a tactical multiplayer open world that showed an interesting multiplayer component, the dark zone. The dark zone has people working together or against each other to attain the best gear. The fun part comes when one has to extract the equipment. It draws the attention of everyone in the game. You can work together and all escape with the gear you have, or you can be a jerk. You can kill one another to take their acquired gear for yourself. It makes extracting gear an incredibly tense situation where you do not know who you can trust. There is more to the game, including a more standard narrative, but it will live or die based on its multiplayer feature.

With that said, a few of these will be huge standouts but we need to see a little more. These others have shown enough gameplay to make us truly excited. That means heavy hitters like Mass Effect: Andromeda, Dishonored 2and The Legend of Zelda will not make an appearance. Let us see if they even release this year.

10) Unravel is a charming platformer puzzler about a character made of yarn. Named Yarny, the creature unravels from its ball of yarn to solve a photorealistic environment by using its yarn to create platforms, swings and more. The indie has gained a bit of its attention because of the game’s director, Martin Sahlin. When he first announced the game at EA’s E3 2015 press conference, he was equally excited and shy to present his product. The game itself looks fantastic but Sahlin and his team’s presentation sold Unravel.

9) Nier: Automata is an action hack n slash developed by Platinum. It is true that we have only seen one gameplay trailer. However, not only is it already looking quite polished but the combat seems to be as fluid as the developer’s previous titles. They always manage to make each of their games feel unique. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance could have rest on Bayonetta’s laurels but they managed to make parrying an integral part of the mayhem. Platinum is the king of action games and there is little reason to believe that they will not do this title justice.

8) Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a sequel to the turn based RPG of the same name and happened to be a Kickstarter success. For those unfamiliar with the genre, it is similar to popular franchises like Wasteland, Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics. What separates this game from the rest is the importance of using the elements. You could separate yourself from your foes by creating a wall of fire or a poison field, but that could all be washed away with a little rain. That is only the tip of the iceberg as you can create an explosive environment by combining oil and fire. You could just run in and swing your sword but you will find that the enemies are a little resilient. The original had a steep learning curve where each enemy could lead to your demise and the sequel looks to further develop the RPG.

7) Cuphead is a run and gun indie drawn in the style of a 1930s cartoon. Think early Disney with Steamboat Willie. The visuals sell the game while following the genre’s chaotic gameplay. Countless bullets, enemies and environmental obstacles bombard the screen to create some truly hectic scenarios. Now combine the 1930s visual flare and you have a beautiful looking run and gun. The game also looks to have a rather cheeky sense of humour. If you are missing games like Contra and Metal Slug, Cuphead may just have you covered.

6) Gears of War 4 is being developed by a new studio with the intention of bringing the game back to its roots. While the action segments were fun, it was the original’s quiet and horror elements that made it stand out from all the run of the mill shooters. We still know very little about Gears 4 other than that it stars a new cast. We will have to wait till the end of the year to discover what happened after the locust war but all signs point to a franchise worth returning to.

5) Quantum Break is a television show and video game experiment brought to you by the creators of Max Payne and Alan Wake. We can expect an interesting narrative with strong character performances but the gameplay is a giant question mark. It looks to be a traditional 3rd person shooter with some time manipulation element. Whether they are able to introduce some great scenarios using the feature is yet to be seen but if they can find a way, Quantum Break could be the Xbox exclusive killer the system has been waiting for.

4) Star Fox Zero is a Wii U entry into the franchise developed by Platinum and Nintendo. I would not blame you if you felt worried for this iteration. It is heavily dependent on the console’s controller, the graphics look rather bland and there does not seem to be a competitive multiplayer component. It seems to lack a few of the elements that made Star Fox one of my favourite games. With that said, new and different does not mean worse. The on-rails portions look familiar and the more open vehicle segments seem intriguing. With Miyamoto playing such a huge part, the game should be nothing but stellar.

3) Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is a reboot to the free running game developed by DICE. The original suffered from some odd design and mechanics that slowed down the pace of what should have been a fluid experience. New hardware, along with a realized scope, seems to have paid dividends. There is weight to every step the protagonist takes while she is able to keep her momentum. The reboot looks to be what DICE intended with the first and could be the birth of an intuitive first person platformer.

2) Street Fighter V is the return of the long running fighting game franchise. It has been some time since a fully realized sequel but it has never looked better. It looks just as competitive, utilizing the lessons learned from its predecessors. While it has a relatively lacklustre starting cast, free (kind of) DLC looks to fix this issue. Add a fully realized story mode and reliable online, and you have a sure winner. It may be a little easier to input combos but that has never been what fighters have been about. The essence of the genre is in how you adapt and read your opponent in 1 on 1 combat.

1) Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End has seen rewrites, a couple new directors and delays well into its development cycle. It is said to be entirely different from what was initially envisioned. Under the people responsible for the Last of Us, a darker, more mature tale is underway. Is this the end of Nathan Drake? We will find out late April along with what has happened to some of the most likeable characters in the industry. Hopefully, the gameplay also sees some improvements and unique features as the third felt a little too similar to the second.

[camjwoo]

The Brilliance of Couch Co-op - Schooling Bosses

Sit down and relax as I bring you into a world without internet. Judgement day! I kid but there was a time where we sat on a couch, turned on the television and played splitscreen/couch co-op video games. I have undoubtedly talked about it before but who would ever want it to die. If a developer mentions some form of co-op or competitive splitscreen, boy golly do they have my attention. Now does that mean all couch coop games are worth your time? Unfortunately no, but it can make even the so so ones something more.

Monster Madness is a shoot em up/beat em up dungeon crawler filled with zombies, monsters and neat boss fights. One of the neat features was the ability to craft homemade weapons with everything you collect. This led to basic weapons like a nail gun to more powerful inventions like a radioactive flashlight. It is undeniably mindless but somehow finds a way to be unique. It also happens to be glitchy, looks absolutely terrible and contains unfair encounters. Why am I talking about a game with a Metacritic score of 55? It is because it was damn fun with one to three people sitting next to you. Monster Madness is a mess but couch coop makes the glitches and accidental deaths more forgivable. You and your pal are willing to endure a little more which allows you to progress a little further. In time you start to see the game's brilliance. Maybe brilliance is a little too strong of a word but you begin to see where the game was intended to go. Now Monster Madness is undeniably a guilty pleasure but does this game sound like another classic?

I am talking about the iconic dungeon crawler known as Gauntlet Legends. When you think about the 1985 classic or the 1998 reboot, it was a mindless dungeon crawler with a couple buttons used to defeat thousands upon thousands of goblins and ghoulies. There is little reason it stood out as one of the gems of its time. However, whether playing it at an arcade or at home, it was your sidekicks that made each BFG and axe throw a little more exciting. Coop made it an entirely different experience. It was about building friendly rivalries as you tried to pickup the most gold while working together to defeat the mighty chimera. The thing that separated Gauntlet Legends (especially the reboot) from all the others, was charm. It was the unique characters and environments, the amount of content and the amazing narrator commenting that the yellow wizard needed food badly that made Gauntlet Legends a powerful package.

GoldenEye 007 was the shooter that started off the crazy FPS trend. It was one of the first places we could get 4 people together to blast the living hell out of each other. It was also balanced unless one of your comrades chose that little cheater Oddjob. Halo took it a step further then upped the anti with Halo 2. In the sci-fi sequel you could play the campaign with a buddy, battle amongst each other in 4 player splitscreen or take the four of you online against other people. There were options and it all worked brilliantly. The later iterations of Call of Duty and Gears of Wars continued the trend but these local multiplayer options continue to disappear in the industry. I do not expect splitscreen when an interesting shooter is announced as it is a dying feature. However, when it is used as a selling point, it is a little disappointing when it is not fully developed.

Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 1 and 2, and Star Wars: Battlefront (DICE iteration) have local splitscreen but it is very limited. A couch coop component is fine against bots but Halo has made me too spoiled. These shooters, especially since they are multiplayer only, scream online splitscreen.

At the end of the day, local coop makes a product a little shinier. It may not be anymore polished but where else are you going to be able to put your oh so good friend in a neck hold while he/she is distracted. A board game you say. What is that?

[camjwoo]

Indies Vs the Big Guns - Schooling Bosses

Both video games and movies contain independent projects and big blockbusters. While they are two very different mediums, they share a similar outlook. The companies that have all the money in the world release $100 to 200 million projects in the hope of tripling (or more) the investment. As we can see, Star Wars Episode VII is a bona fide success. They are quite formulaic but that is the point. They are meant to grab hold of the masses. Video games are the same. Giants like Electronic Arts and Activision release expensive projects that are considered safe. You cannot invest an hundred million and risk it on something new. That is where the indies come in.

Independent projects are often seen as the saviours of their respective mediums. They also carry a certain stigma and are considered avant-garde. Some see them as cheap offerings but that could not be further from the truth. It may be where many directors, actors and companies get started, but this is the playground where they get to test the waters. And in this day and age, they cost a handful. Do all of these projects work out? Absolutely not. Most are not even necessarily mediocre but there is almost always some brilliance to be taken away. Quentin Tarantino and James Cameron had to come from somewhere. Look at their first projects and you cannot help but be amazed. Whether they were indie or not, that is up for debate but they were special.

There are also mid-tier films and games that are often financed by bigger studios but with a smaller budget. Ex Machina and Locke are just a couple of recent great films with a modest budget. This also seems to be the place where recognized actors like to test their range and show their performance prowess. These type of projects play with the traditional formula while introducing twists and turns that are obscene. They might even leave a bad taste in your mouth. It is not all rainbows and butterflies but it is difficult to deny that the best ones leave a lasting mark.

That does not mean blockbusters do not have a place in our world. Look at films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Inception, Gladiator, and Lord of the Rings. They may be expensive but some of the tone could not be captured without all that glamour. Could you argue that they are formulaic? Sure but the best blockbusters still find ways to excite and introduce themes you will not see coming. Except the Transformers' movie franchise. It is killing my childhood.

�.

[camjwoo]

Hello and Happy New Year - Schooling Bosses

Insert obligatory Adele joke here. Anyways, we have emerged out of our hiatus, AKA we watched Star Wars, to continue your regularly scheduled programming. We will continue with a News update every Monday and every other Thursday, and a new Comic strip every other Monday. There may be an additional comic strip every month (have not figured out the details) where we focus a little more on our flossy world. Though that will be for another day.

So Star Wars. The most hyped film of all time. Possibly an exaggeration but you could not walk a couple blocks without being reminded that a galaxy far, far away was quickly approaching. I personally stayed away from my computer so I could avoid all spoilers. Going in without knowing a thing is great. That is part of the reason the trailers were spectacular. They were edited in a way that invoked a good amount of nostalgia without spoiling what would transpire in the new trilogy. While I am not the biggest fan of Star Wars, I went in excited. Possibly a little too excited. So what is my verdict you may ask. It was okay.

While there was nothing particularly wrong with the movie, it felt quite routine. The film checked off all the boxes but did not take that extra step forward. Is it a solid enough addition? Sure. This is very much a Star Wars movie and this entry is one of the better ones. It is just as flashy and cheesy while giving us rather likeable and identifiable characters. The narrative is rather silly but it is Star Wars for goodness sake. Definitely watch it in theatres but it could have been so much more. Abrams and Disney took few risks and it takes the wind of the film's sails. Though, Episode VII is the start of another trilogy so there is still time for something to spark the franchise. Although this entry certainly ends on a frustrating cliffhanger, it will leave you wanting more. But enough about Star Wars.

It is time to catch up on some of the great (or not) games we did not talk about last year. Ergo, where to spend all that extra moolah your grandparents gave you or the backlog.

Rise of the Tomb Raider, the Lara Croft sequel's reboot, is often compared to the Uncharted series and rightly so. While the Tomb Raider franchise undeniably had some influence on Nathan Drake's adventures, the action heavy Tomb Raider reboot focuses on many of the elements that have made Naughty Dog's Indiana Jones a success. Rise of the Tomb Raider is a better game than its predecessor. The puzzles (what the original series is recognized for) are not overly complicated but are given more attention and intertwined with some of the game's beautiful landmarks. The combat has also seen improvements, making each skirmish more fluid and creative. It still pales in comparison to Sony's flagship exclusive but it is on its way to taking the best out of Uncharted and creating its own niche. 7.5/10

Assassin's Creed: Syndicate may be the best entry in the series to date. Not only does it look quite stunning but assassinating targets never felt so good. It helps that the protagonists are likable but still suffers from the franchise's dreary and convoluted narrative. Traversing the land (or rooftops) requires some of your attention without being a chore. The addition of a grappling hook does make travelling more enjoyable but makes some stealth and combat sequences rather trivial. With that said, some of the scenarios are the best the series has ever had on display and it is the first time in some time that Assassin's Creed has felt fresh. 8/10

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege is the long awaited return of the stellar FPS franchise. It may be multiplayer only but it does not disappoint. Two teams of five are given one life to either secure an objective or eliminate the opposing team. It all sounds rather simple but the options to approach each situation due to the brilliantly designed maps and unique classes with different gadgets make each scenario a little different. Rainbow Six has always been about teamwork and it has not changed here. It is required that you plan your approach and keep in constant communication with your teammates to succeed. There is no fps like Rainbow Six out there and if you are looking for a little more depth to your shooter, there is no better place to go. 9/10

That is it for the first post this year. Have a (late) Happy New Year!