Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Lost Highway (1997)
David Lynch’s Lost Highway is another foray into the director’s surrealist work such as Eraserhead or Mulholland Drive. I found it somewhat similar to the latter, which I thought was fascinating. While these films are seemingly random, vague, metaphorical and symbolic, Lynch prefers people to find their own conclusions about them. However, one thing I’ve come to believe is that Lynch may be indirect, but he is deliberate. This intent comes across strongest in emotional impact.
I found that in both Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway, the representation of altered mind-states allows the raw emotions of the character to carry through to the viewer. Metaphorical imagery is used throughout the film, which results in a direct emotional reaction from the viewer. So although Lost Highway is almost like two separate plots intertwined into one, and I’m not entirely sure what actually occurs in this film, it conveys the disarray and confusion of (who I believe is) the main character, Fred Madison.
In the beginning of the film, the viewer flies quickly down a long dark highway that out stretches before them. Obviously the title shows its also about being lost and the unknown; from the beginning the audience is thrown into the tumult of disarray. As I understand it, the main character commits a terrible crime, his mind can’t cope with it and creates some things in order to deal. The movie deals mostly with the reasoning and the repercussions of this crime. The intriguing fatale aura that surrounds his wife, played by Patricia Arquette, is indicative of how he felt about her-whether those feelings were truly warranted or not. The audience does not have a clear view into what actually happened; all we get is his scrambling, hindsight perception. This consists of suspicion, danger and death as Madison deals with what’s real.
It is often unsettling and confusing, although one may not always know why. One thing the audience may understand, and understand well, is that at least one person is in a terrible torturing fractured mess. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I think this movie requires at least two viewings for an encompassing view. It's also not for everyone.
Crocodile Bites Performer's Arm
Unfortunately, this performer didn't realize that "Chompers" (if that is his real name) was just letting the man annoyingly tap his nose and place his delicious appendage into Chomper's open mouth. The stoic patience of Chompers in contrast to the furious execution of his barrel-roll attack evokes cold Klingon-style vengeance as well as cartoon comedic timing with great effect!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
BBC - Man Hibernates, Survives Cold
http://www.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6197339.stm
Things like this show the unknown possibilities that reside within our own bodies.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Gamespot - FPS Genre Fatigue
Interesting piece by Gamespot UK. I agree with a lot of the suggestions. The thing that`s become annoying to me about Call of Duty style campaigns is that they are generally just glorified shooting galleries. As they mentioned, games with dynamic AI that are actually reacting to your strategies are much more entertaining to me.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Lost In Translation (2003)
I must admit I kinda liked Sofia Coppola’s movie Marie Antoinette and the Virgin Suicides wasn’t bad. In Marie Antoinette, I generally liked the idea of showing how the dynamics of their everyday life was not unlike that of present day, and her relating of our social context to that figure in a pivotal point in history. Also, I recently saw Killa Bee Bill Murray in Broken Flowers, which was completed after this. I was curious to watch this movie. I do believe it has unique and enduring qualities and moments, but I wasn’t completely dazzled with the whole thing.
Bob Harris and Charlotte, are at different points in their lives, are married (and are in love with their spouses, I believe) but share a true chemistry. I am unsure, and I think it is meant to be ambiguous as to how they feel about each other. Is it a friendship or an affair, or something else? Are they in love or is it just that they are right together, or are they just unhappy with the lives that they lead with those they love? I believe these are the interesting questions; however much of this film is just watching them chill, pretty much. The acting is great, and much of the value comes from this subtly. At the same time, this can be somewhat uneventful and Charlotte’s exploratory adventures didn’t always help.
While some of her expeditions were interesting, I feel like Coppola’s emphasizing Japanese difference (like Charlotte’s awe at Japanese people playing video games we find typical in Pacific Mall) was somewhat over the top. I felt instead of presenting it and letting it speak for itself, she presents the society and culture with a pretentious mysticism, and this is what made up much of the film.Perhaps the real accomplishing feat is by Bill Murray, who does deliver a full-bodied experience. I think at the time that this film debuted, this was not expected from him, so the impact was that much more jarring and moving.
I was unaware Scarlett Johansson was the co-star, but I was pleasantly surprised. She was almost too beautiful for the role, but that’s probably one of the better a problems someone could have. Her acting is also great; she has dimensionality. Charlotte has charm, but she also has flaws that make her unlikeable. I should mention the same with Bob Harris. Perhaps part of my problem with this movie, was that they’re so good at replicating the everyday that it just became too mundane for me.
Although it might be difficult for some (including me) it might be hard to get through some of it, but I don’t think you can have a legit opinion unless you see it to the end. Overall, I found it was not-bad. It’s worth seeing.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Tribe Called Quest ft. Faith Evans - Stressed Out
Interestingly enough, Phife replaces Consequence on this version. Cons has his verse on the album cut:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
ENTER THE ICY DEPTHS...
FROM TWITTER:
"RAEKWON
Salute to the newest member of #iceh2oCanada, @Gangeezy_Camo! #Scarborough"
Congratulations to GANGIS KHAN AKA CAMOFLAGUE
"RAEKWON
Salute to the newest member of #iceh2oCanada, @Gangeezy_Camo! #Scarborough"
Congratulations to GANGIS KHAN AKA CAMOFLAGUE
Blood Work (2002)
Blood Work, starring and directed by Clint Eastwood, is a mystery thriller that follows an aging FBI agent, Terry McCaleb, who has suffered a heart attack. He received a heart transplant from a woman who was murdered and when he was contacted by her sister, decided to find his donor’s killer. The film is carried through with McCaleb’s undaunting determination-he’s still recovering from the heart transplant and I thought this premise itself was interesting.
This retired agent, fueled with righteous dedication, battles his own deteriorating body. McCaleb is weakening, except his young, healthy heart and his meticulous mind, which remains as sharp as ever.
While McCaleb was usually thoughtful and contemptlative, there were other times when he seemed like a wiser, aged, more reserved Dirty Harry Callahan. Perhaps that’s just Clint’s action face. Either way there are a some dirty action scenes, especially given the character’s condition. Altogether, this is worth-while mystery thriller.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2
I recently completed the single player campaign to Tom Clancy`s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2, developed by Ubisoft Montreal, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I played it for Xbox 360 and I think its controls are superb, it has probably one of the best setups for an FPS. I personally enjoy tactical shooters, and R6V2 fulfilled this niche while adding an interesting story.
Now one thing that`s cool, due to how the whole narrative between Vegas 1 and 2 interrelates, is that both games deal with the same time period. So no, 2 isn`t just another attack on Las Vegas following the first, but just the same attack from a different point of view. At least that`s how I understand it. So each game is a layer on the overall story.
The story itself disassociates itself from the first game bringing in new characters and a new team, which I thought was a good idea. It made it different and it was realistic that there would be more story to tell through other members of Rainbow during this event. The protagonist Bishop, while having an established story, has qualities that are character controlled; when coupled with his (or her) past as an instructor, this adds an interesting personalising dynamic.
Not only does this sequel allow the player to customize their appearance, but armour and weapon load-out that effect the character’s attributes. There’s an interesting single player merit system that allows for unlocks. It is somewhat similar to how the COD online model works, but it is integrated well into the single player character customization.
Vegas as a locale works well. It`s interesting because while New York and Los Angeles have games based in and off them, Vegas is somewhat distinctive in gaming (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Fallout: New Vegas). Perhaps it is because it is naturally playful and offers a unique atmosphere that immediately changes the dynamics of any IP. Anyways, I thought I`d be weary of LV by the second title, but it was still fun. Ubisoft Montreal was able to keep it fresh and varied.
The game gives the player tight control, which allows him or her to maneuver during very tenuous situations. I think the cover system fits well and is effective. I also liked how the developers added sprint. Unfortunately I found out about the ability to control teammates with voice after I beat campaign, so I’ll have to try that out the next time I play it through. When I do eventually get Xbox Live up and running, I look forward to playing this online. Due to the tight, intuitive controls and interface, I think it would allow for an immersive, realistic online experience and that’s what I’m looking for. Altogether Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is one of my favourite first person shooters so far on Xbox 360.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Shivers (1975)
Shivers, directed by David Cronenberg, is a horror film which could be considered a zombie movie. I enjoyed it, despite its creepiness and it stands as a true example of Canadian film, zombie movies and Cronenberg’s work. The zombies in this are almost like rage zombies from 28 Days Later and Los Ganados from Resident Evil 4, except it turns them into rapists instead of cannibals. They don’t necessarily need to have sex to transfer the parasite, but they are driven to sex. This makes it more disturbing than the usual flesh-eating zombies in some ways, and in other ways, less disturbing. There is less gore and violence but still more than the average movie. Also, the horror comes through in the violent sexual advances as well as Cronenberg’s trademark bio-grossness.
Although far from empty, the island secluded apartment building evokes a similar isolating atmosphere as the house in the Night of the Living Dead, which proceeded this film or the Overlook Hotel that would follow it in The Shining. This isolation is interesting because it's a large group of people living closely in a self-sustained society, a point that is touted in the beginning of the film. This is the set up for the impending infection.
The film holds an odd, but unique, view on the line between sex and violence. It also presents the repulsive idea of parasitic venereal invaders. The biological implications are a Cronenberg trademark I like. It keeps things imaginative and exploratory. According to Wikipedia this was his first feature film and its a brave first outing. I think the contrast of sex to violence is interesting because these victims are a lot less physically dangerous than the typical zombie, it isn’t totally life threatening. While their assaults are often violent and murderous, not all advances are rejected and its not like a zombie who’s first intention is to bite and kill.
The Night of the Living Dead was released in 1968, so if this film was classified as falling within the zombie genre, it's fairly early. This allowed the film to follow certain trends from the genre, but diverge from the not-yet established dogma. I think if it was made later it’d be more trapped within the repeated establishments by any other successful zombie film that proceeded it. I found it to be a unique, fascinating and early take on zombie films, and while its not for everyone, I would recommend it.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tomb Raider Trailer
I've been playing Tomb Raider Legend from the HD Collection and am enjoying it, so I'm lookin forward to this. The premise reminds me of Farcry, but I could see it fitting Tomb Raider games and the development of Lara Croft's character.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Star - DiManno: NATO had a good plan and Canadian commander stuck to it
Commander Bouchard here would fully murk cats at Command and Conquer. GG.
The Star DiManno: NATO had a good plan and Canadian commander stuck to it
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Phoenix Jones - "Breaks Up Fight"
Phoenix Jones Stops Assault from Ryan McNamee on Vimeo.
LOL
Come on man...what is this bullshit? You're gonna break up a brawl of drunk east european clubbers, then call the cops? Is that really why you donned the bulletproof vest? While I don't know what to say about the whole deal...if he's gonna do it he should at least do it right!
"Go home!"
He should have just left them in the first place, he just exacerbated the problem. I think I'd find his career choice more admirable if he was out solving mysteries and shit. Why don't you go and take one of those names from the missing person's list and see if you can help them out. Attempt to find evidence in order to bring down Rupert Murdoch. Maybe find out who killed biggie.
"They got rocks!"
I mean really, do you expect to spray up peoples' eyes (especially women dolled for the club) and not expect them to get angry? Just running in and spraying random drunks with pepper--what'd Phoenix expect those girls to do, kiss you on the cheek? That would explain his mask. And of course he pepper sprayed, mocked, and embarrassed these Russian dudes' girlfriends so naturally they gotta say or do something as their machismo rating gets a large bonus.
So it continues.
Then of course Phoenix follows them and tells them he's calling the police, until naturally, they get annoyed. Just making everything worst.
It is hilarious how they call the police and then they just get clowned..., even while this videographer is on the phone with dispatch.
"We're about to arrest the whole bunch of ya..."
HAHA
"Go away go away go away!"
Good for them. Good for them all.
Styles P - Alone in the Streets
For the longest time I thought Jada was so much better than Styles P. I think Styles P is more abstract. They're both dope!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Grand Theft Auto V Trailer
Awesome. It looks like it will be the greater Los Santos (LA) rather than San Andreas (San Fierro, Las Venturas). I personally don't mind, I just want a corresponding L.A. experience to the N.Y. one. I'm sure it'll be that and more. I see people want customizable options like San Andreas, and I don't think that would be a bad thing. I'd personally like to see real estate (from SA and Vice City) come back. To me, the protagonist sounds a lot like Ray Liotta which isn't bad. I'd probably be a bit disappointed if it was Ray Liotta as someone other than Tommy Vercetti. But if it is Tommy Vercetti (granted, I don't really even know if it is Ray Liotta) that would be pretty cool.
I should say his monologue reminded me somewhat of Breaking Bad, only based on the similar innocent motivations of legally wanting to provide the best lives for their families, but finding themselves forced to into shadiness. It is also interesting that it seems the protagonist will have a family near-by.
The protagonist is attracted by the Hollywood glitz as many people seem to be. He says he wants to retire from "that". So I guess it could be assumed he wants to retire from crime to be with his family, a la A History of Violence. Other things: For sale sign going up on a house (real estate), puttin the top up on a droptop. Someone being kicked out of a club (reminds me of Ballad of Gay Tony's club shit), a ghetto bird chasin a brother, and the trailer ends with a plane... Looks intriguing so far.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
All The World's A Stage: Xbox 360
An interesting aspect of the present times is the quickening advancement of computing. While microchips and networking have brought many advantages to societies that can afford to implement them, often the largest outward demand and symbol of success is the entertainment of a society. Entertainment media brings with it valued enjoyment, distraction, and relief, a required component of any society. At the same time, entertainment that may be described as art and/or literature is a reflection of that society. In the last two centuries, technological advancement has not only developed new ways to communicate, but with it new ways to express artistic vision, like film and recorded music. However, with advanced computing, video games have also emerged as a new medium that allows for an encompassing and unique expression of ideas and commentary.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 is an important part of this media. The device itself, while the result of synergistic efforts of engineering, design, marketing, and many other cutting edged talents, is really a key piece of a sort of stage, cinema or canvas. The other pieces being a television set and any entertainment center. While it does also support other media like film, photography and music, its primary media are video games which are designed and manufactured for its use. It is a standardized platform for others to present their ideas. In order to fully demonstrate the impact of the video game console’s ability, the study of supported video games would be necessary. Three games, Ea Digital Illusions CE’s Battlefield: Bad Company (2008), Rockstar North’s Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) and Number None’s Braid (2008) were selected for analysis. Each of these games explores different aspects of the medium. By assessing these games and how they are enabled by the technological design of the Xbox 360, an analysis of the evident ideas, values and how their interconnectivity through the Xbox Live service and other media venues allows them to reach wider society. The Xbox 360 is a device that allows for comprehensive video gaming experiences that allows the medium to fuel and support gaming in the greater global society.
The Xbox 360 Pro model is equipped with a 20 GB hard drive, a DVD Drive, Compact Disc reader, an Ethernet port, three USB ports and comes with an Xbox 360 wireless controller that has a built-in vibration feature. It supports Dolby Digital surround sound and it was the first video game console suited to display in high definition.(Xbox Pro Manual) This is just an overview of this model’s capabilities, but it is evident that while these components were installed with video games as the primary focus, there was an intent to make the 360 the entertainment hub of the household. Music can just be played from CD’s or even portable music players, but it can also be stored on the hard-drive to be played back, later or during a game. There are now multiple ways that films can be watched using a 360. It can play DVDs, but it can also stream video from a connected personal computer through an Ethernet cable. When connected to Xbox Live, movies can be rented through services like Netflix, the film being sent directly to the device. The console can also be used to display photographs, streamed from a personal computer or from a memory device. All this makes the 360 a convenient family entertainment device. These components combined, plus the other specially designed circuitry and processors, however, create a stage that is full of potential for game designers.
While many games are not made specifically of the 360, they were designed in a way that would accommodate and often capitalize on the 360’s capabilities. Like film, video games are available in different formats, including the traditional DVDs and downloading them from the Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA), an online market. When the video game is activated, the device’s technologies are instructed to pull the audience-protagonist into the designer’s vision.
Quite often that vision is part of a multimillion dollar franchise like Battlefield: Bad Company. Battlefield 1942 was a First Person Shooter (FPS) set during World War II which allowed players to compete in famous battles. Players were not only equipped with weapons from the past, but vehicles as well. This included everything from jeeps to aircraft carriers and many of the tanks, fighter planes and shipboard emplacements in between; this resulted in large scale multifaceted battles. After successive editions spanning newer wars in Viet Nam and the near-future, Bad Company was designed as a console focused title. Unique attributes that were added were a single player narrative, destructible structures, improved sound design and it would also include online multi-player through Xbox Live.
Bad Company would be EA DICE’s first Battlefield title to have an effective story. From the suave swinging theme at the title screen, the tone seems different than the average FPS war game. As one begins the Single Player mode, the audience is met with a story about an expendable military unit of four in a war set in the a not-too distant future. The story, rather than the typical mission based narrative, has an amusing and sarcastic undertone and takes cues from films like the Dirty Dozen (1967) and Three Kings (1999). Supporting the narrative, the created game world reflects this tone while still keeping the combat somewhat gritty. The game displays a tight contrast that holds critical commentary on the world when the game was released. While the settings were satirized and exaggerated, the combat, online and in single player, were kept dangerously entertaining with the realistic destruction of structures. This allowed nearly entire virtual towns to be demolished brick-by-brick and resulted in battles (and battlefields) that were closer to resembling the real wartime ruins seen on TV news broadcasts. The innovative sound design helped to further immerse the player with more realistic interior firearm discharges, the simulated deafness from a nearby explosion, or the distant shouts of Russian soldiers. All this is designed to be heard through surround sound. As it was for previous Battlefield titles, multi-player games would be a fundamental part of Bad Company and the Xbox Live system would facilitate the matchmaking between players. Large detailed townships or lush lands would be the setting for players from all over North America, competing on opposite teams. Here there is no narrative other than the experiences of each player and the momentum of the game. However, like most games that have a single player and multi-player components, themes are carried from one to the other.
Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony is an add-on or companion part to Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), a highly successful and critically acclaimed title. It was originally released exclusively for 360 through XBLA and required GTA IV to be played, but it was later packaged with the Lost and Damned in a physical format. GTA IV’s highly detailed, complex satirical microcosm of New York City, called Liberty City, is the setting for this episode as well. The story corresponds and interweaves with that of GTA IV and the previous add-on, the Lost and Damned. The series, filled with third person action, shooting and driving, is notorious as a violent, controversial crime game. An interesting aspect of the series has been that the extreme violence has always been within the context of wide freedom in a highly simulated environment. The game world is a highly detailed, but spontaneous background resulting in one of the more realistic settings of any game. The real life boroughs of Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the state of New Jersey are mimicked by Bohan, Dukes, Broker, Algonquin and Alderney. Not only do the streets and buildings bring detail with subtle piles of trash or abandoned cars, but so the people of the specific neighborhoods. They differ widely, yet they look situated with their neighborhoods. The city is also filled with a wide variety of activities that encompass many of the different game mechanics. Everything from air hockey to illegal street racing are an integrated part of the game experience. There are a huge variety of mock versions of real vehicles for the player to take at will and travel around the city. This includes not only cars and trucks, but aircraft and boats as well. On top of this, a player can hail, or steal, a cab and use a subway system that connects most of the city. While in most vehicles, or while at the protagonist’s home, Liberty City’s soundtrack is represented by the radio. With a diverse line up of respected real life DJ’s, artists and comedians, the radio provides an edgy, dark, comedic, satirical and entertaining backdrop to the game. The story weaves though points located in the city and carries forward with the completion of objectives that usually take place across the large city map. The Ballad of Gay Tony focuses on the shady side of the high class Liberty City night life, which encompasses the functioning of night clubs. As with many other 360 titles, this game features online multi-player. This is interesting because of the freedom and scope allowed in the city as well as the different forms of play that include shooting matches and car races. Along with GTA IV and The Lost and Damned, this title helps to illustrate an encompassing crime drama located in a large immersive environment.
Standing in stark contrast is Braid, a succinct, whimsical platformer created by independent designer, Jonathan Blow. First released on Xbox 360, its relatively small storage size would allow it to debut on the XBLA. It retailed at significantly cheaper price than the typical large budget DVD format 360 game.(Gibson, Ellie. "Braid price cut to 800 Microsoft Points".) Although it was fashioned in the form of a traditional 2D environment, the signature graphics design was eye catching and was supported by an instrumental tapestry. Time is a major theme in the narrative as well as the game play. Braid’s relatively simple presentation grows more complex as the player is able to manipulate the way time effects the environment. Unlike Bad Company 2 and Ballad for Gay Tony, Blow developed Braid on a low budget. XBLA facilitated its success by providing a cheap and effective way for it to be distributed to potential customers. This model provides a low-risk opportunity, thus allowing for experimentation and expression.
In both large and small games, game mechanics and effects often help to not only bring the virtual environment to life but also indicate ideas and values about these fictional societies, and in turn real societies. Even in an aggressive game like Bad Company, the characters in the narrative express a lack of enthusiasm for their assigned mission. It is an interesting dynamic coupled with the devastating power that can be unleashed by the player and computer controlled Non-Player Characters (NPC). The player takes the role of Preston Marlowe who is sent to Bad Company which consists of three other devalued soldiers. They are given the most dangerous, dirtiest missions. Not long into the story, the squad decides to eschew their responsibilities to their command and pursue gold bullion held by the enemy. This goes hand-in-hand with the tone and it also brings an interesting view of the United States military around the world. Even during battle, the NPCs spew funny quips with each other, bringing a realistic camaraderie to the intensity. The exaggerated ability of a four man team to completely obliterate overwhelming opposing forces, including their towns and countryside, underscores American military dominance; yet the reasoning behind the war lies in purposeful ambiguity and cliche. This emphasizes the disconnect between the military command and the grunts who face the most risk. The military’s disregard for Bad Company justifies their greed; another justification is the ideal of the American Dream, represented by the various plans of the soldiers as they look forward to stealing the gold. This also carries across to the multi-player aspect because as a player achieves objectives (usually capturing gold) and gains experience, he or she is rewarded with greater ability and a wider range of weapons. While there is a lot of light hearted amusement, the combat does retain a certain realistic immersion. This, as mentioned before, is strengthened by the graphics and sound. While compared to many other war-set FPSs, the combat game play is not entirely realistic, the experiences allowed through the destructible environments were a new realistic feature to the genre (Wilson, Mark. "Battlefield: Bad Company Impressions.") The real dangers that face troops in Afghanistan and Iraq became just a bit clearer.
Grand Theft Auto, set in a large satirical city is filled with game mechanics that reflect certain ideas about American society. This episode is about Luis Lopez, a former street hustler from Algonquin who was mentored by a gay club owner named Tony Prince. They are business partners in two clubs, however they are also partly owned by the mob which forces Lopez to use the skills he learned in his violent past. One game mechanic that is central to the game is the protagonist's use of his cell phone. It connects the user to the fictional relationships throughout the city and it also serves as a menu to enter Xbox Live and the multi-player aspect. It is somewhat customizable, allowing the player to impress themselves into the game world. Like real cell phones it is capable of taking pictures, which can be used for things such as identifying people through police computers. Even minute details like the distortion of the car radio when Luis is receiving a call was included to add to its realism. It's most important use, however is the connection to the other characters. It facilitates the story when other characters call, but is useful for playing the side entertainment as well. Your relationships with friends often need to be nurtured, rewarding the player with benefits. An example would be Armando's ability to provide arms for Luis. Another would be the ability to dial 911, which can bring a response of a police cruiser, a ambulance or a firetruck. These can help the player, but they can also be crudely taken advantage of. Throughout the game, Luis is feels conflicted by his widely differing loyalties to Armando and Tony. They represent two different worlds: Armando is from the poor, gritty street life and Tony is from the gaudy, superficial high life. Despite these vastly different worlds, they’re both accessible through Luis’ cell phone. Relationships are nurtured by calling a friend up and spending time with them which consists taking them to enjoyable places around the city. The social aspects of the game, while limited, does help the player to relate to the friend characters and become situated in the simulated environment. While the main story arc, including some of Luis’ friends like Tony, are scripted and follow a mission structure, the everyday interactions between Luis and his friends Armando and Hermanique are under the player’s control. With the freedom allotted in this game, this means that much of the game, accompanied by NPCs or not, follows a narrative specific to the player. The player makes choices like whether to refill their health with a quick hot dog vendor, or to invest the time with the NPC friends and eat with them. Of course, being Grand Theft Auto, there are many possibilities for entertainment while accomplishing this and it is really up to the player how mundane “everyday chores” are. Therefore the cell phone is a central organizational tool in this world created with little restriction. But at the same time the use of the cell phone in the game is not very different than it is used in a real world context. The cell phone as a game mechanic is a central part of the game, and it serves to question whether the cell phone holds such a position within the lives of people today. Is our world and the interactions within beginning to be organized and structured by our phone interfaces? Perhaps cell phones are becoming a screen that allows people to look at their own public entirety with a glance, the information contained within becoming less and less separable from our identities. Grand Theft Auto serves as a successful and detailed separation from society so that possibly one can evaluate it from a different point of view.
Braid’s commentary on relationships and time is a lot more obvious. This may be due to its independent development, but it is hard to argue the game does not represent artistic expression. It is explained that the protagonist Tim, heartbroken from a faltered relationship with a princess, sets out on a quest to rescue her from a monster. The game’s levels reflect Tim’s feelings about the past as he tries to rectify it. His introspective views are translated as game mechanics, graphic design and the enchanting soundtrack. Each World is centered around a game mechanic and preceded by a text reflection which connects this mechanic to his thoughts. World 2, which is actually the first level, begins with Tim’s regrets about his relationship with the princess and her inability to forgive him. In connection with the first game mechanic, the ability to reverse time, Tim wishes that when his past mistakes were forgiven, they were forgotten like they never happened. The puzzles in this world require the player to think in this fashion. It is an interesting connection, in a way the player has to try to fit Tim’s frame of mind to be successful throughout the game. The main goal of each world is to collect puzzle pieces that recreate an images from the past. This is analogous to a man scrambling through broken memories trying to figure out where it went wrong. The player may feel something similar to this when trying to complete the levels and assemble the puzzle. It is an indirect, metaphorical way to express that emotional information. In World 6, Tim reflects on how others responded to his ring, possibly being a signifier of his love for the princess like a wedding ring. He felt as if others were cautions or wary of its presence. In the level itself, Tim is able to place the ring in a stationary position. This effect is particularly impressive because time moves slower as it gets closer to the ring, representing how Tim feels people react around it. Away from the ring, the time and anything in that space moves at normal speed. This is an entertaining mechanic and makes the puzzles unique. Overall this game is short and sweet, but it leaves an expressive impact that holds true meaning and reflections about Blow’s past relationships.
While these games may vary, and may be designed for different audiences, they all use the Xbox 360 to relay certain messages and ideas. However, like any other medium or art form, their effects do not end there. On the contrary, the video game format on the Xbox 360 allows for the creation and promotion of societies situated around gaming and greater establishment of the medium in society. Through Xbox Live, subscribed customers are able to compete with each other in The Ballad and Bad Company. The Achievements and Gamerscore system awards players with award and points for accomplishment specific to the game. Furthermore, the success of these titles have had wider influence on society, sometimes stirring controversy.
At the beginning of 2010, Xbox Live had 20 million suscribers, 10 million of which were non gamers.(Grant, Christopher. “Xbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide.”) It allows for voice chat and the Xbox 360 Pro had come with a mic. While each game can differ substantially, Xbox Live allows players to communicate regardless of what they are doing on their 360, as long as it is on. It also assists in match making, linking players of similar skill when possible. For Bad Company and The Ballad, this creates an environment of ease, facilitating quick action.
Bad Company includes a Single Player mode, but multi-player has always been the focus of the Battlefield series. Players are able to face each other, gaining merit and virtual reward for their actions. While rank does not hold much command power except for seniority, it establishes who is experienced or skilled and who is not. Competitors are spurred to improve because with advancing rank comes a greater range of tools and weaponry, allowing the player to choose a combination that matches their playing style. The Battlefield series has always been based in team play and while not everyone is a team player, extra points are given to those who do. A common result of matches is that those who work better together will win. In this context, video games can be likened to sport as personal contribution, pride and skill are put to the test. As mentioned before, destructible environments was a new factor for the genre, so it added some variety to the game. Like many multi-player games, success in this game could mean merit in wider society, although this is probably more likely in social groups where gaming or this specific game are a shared activity.
The Ballad of Gay Tony, however is a more widely known title. While not known for its multi-player as this feature has been absent for several iterations, the game provides a unique, enjoyable experience. The game’s signature freedom allows for chaotic street battles including the weapons from the single player game. Depending on the mode, players are also free to hijack any vehicle they desire allowing for unrestricted battle in the city. There is also the option to participate in races. The player is able to customize their character, choosing to represent themselves (or not) in the virtual space. The Ballad, which was designed with more focus on single player aspects would also have limited merit outside of gaming circles.
There is another way the players of these games may gain greater merit. For all Live members, including those who do not pay, the Achievement and Gamerscore system awards players for performing specific tasks in a game. Game designers place these goals in order to add another level of competitive complexity in games. Achievements can be gained in single player or multi-player. Some are awarded just for progressing through the game while others are difficult and require skill, and possibly, practice to get. With every achievement also comes the points that create the Gamerscore. With the introduction of Live onto the new mobile Windows operating system and its integration with social networking, it seems evident that Microsoft intends for these awards to have an even greater part in society.(Miller, Paul. "Xbox Live for Windows Phone 7: your Xbox isn't in your phone yet, but we're getting there".) Perhaps the choices and accomplishments in video games will be tied closer to one’s identity. This may result in greater social standing, or on the other hand, maybe judgements or discrimination of decisions made in video games, especially in games like Grand Theft Auto.
Grand Theft Auto, despite its brilliant satire, holds notoriety as a symbol of extreme violence and sex in video games.(Chruscinski, Dan. "A Decade Of Controversy: A 'Grand Theft Auto' Retrospective") Although the series does contain some of this content in a satirical context, it has always been designed and designated for an adult audience, signified by its Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of M for Mature. On the other hand, Grand Theft Auto is also known for its widespread critical acclaim, and success. GTA IV is one of the highest selling video games of all time.(Terdiman, Daniel. "Can any game break the 'GTA IV' sales records?") The series has arguably become an impactful part of popular culture, even the subject of a skit from another cultural icon in Chapelle’s Show. The radio is loaded with shows hosted by legendary DJs from various genres including DJ Premier, Iggy Pop, Max Calavera, David Rodigan, Statik Selektah and a sanctioned Bob Marley station. Also included are a wide range of legendary artists, some of who contributed exclusive music to the game. Altogether, the cultural impact of the title is large. While GTA IV was not exclusive to the 360, The Ballad was exclusive for several months. For many, the experience with this title is also an experience with their 360.
Braid was also exclusive to 360. Hailed as an example of the 360 and XBLA’s support of independent gaming, the title may have had great influence on the gaming community. Recent successes like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (2010) and Super Meat Boy (2010) have continued on this path. It is possible that XBLA now represents an alternative way to develop and sell video games. This provides opportunities for independent and major developers to experiment, make cheap, yet effective titles and even expand existing franchises in other ways. Without the cost and risk of pressing physical DVDs, fresh designers could be able to distribute their work anywhere as long as they meet the standards of the market. XBLA also releases revamped video game classics like X-Men (2010) and Super Street Fighter II HD Remix (2008) which is important because many older gaming consoles are discontinued or in disrepair. Without efforts like this, it would be difficult to maintain an active video game library that comprised of classics from the past. Therefore, the Xbox 360 may be a stage for the creations of game designers, but it is also a multimedia initiative that supports and promotes video game designers, players and culture.
On its own, the Xbox 360 is a powerful device. It assists people to bring their imagined worlds to life and allows others to interact with it. It consolidates many different media and technologies together to awaken true feelings, even if the situation is not true. It dispenses more information than just stats and accomplishments, but complex ideas like Bad Company’s subtle protests of war, The Ballad’s reflection of communication technology and relationships or Braid’s ruminations on time and relationships. Concepts like this may require the player to reflect on themselves and how they feel towards their own actions. The 360 is more than just the device, though. It is one part, along with Live and XBLA, of Microsoft’s movement to expand the social value of gaming so that it may continue to become the main entertainment medium and art form of the century.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 is an important part of this media. The device itself, while the result of synergistic efforts of engineering, design, marketing, and many other cutting edged talents, is really a key piece of a sort of stage, cinema or canvas. The other pieces being a television set and any entertainment center. While it does also support other media like film, photography and music, its primary media are video games which are designed and manufactured for its use. It is a standardized platform for others to present their ideas. In order to fully demonstrate the impact of the video game console’s ability, the study of supported video games would be necessary. Three games, Ea Digital Illusions CE’s Battlefield: Bad Company (2008), Rockstar North’s Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) and Number None’s Braid (2008) were selected for analysis. Each of these games explores different aspects of the medium. By assessing these games and how they are enabled by the technological design of the Xbox 360, an analysis of the evident ideas, values and how their interconnectivity through the Xbox Live service and other media venues allows them to reach wider society. The Xbox 360 is a device that allows for comprehensive video gaming experiences that allows the medium to fuel and support gaming in the greater global society.
The Xbox 360 Pro model is equipped with a 20 GB hard drive, a DVD Drive, Compact Disc reader, an Ethernet port, three USB ports and comes with an Xbox 360 wireless controller that has a built-in vibration feature. It supports Dolby Digital surround sound and it was the first video game console suited to display in high definition.(Xbox Pro Manual) This is just an overview of this model’s capabilities, but it is evident that while these components were installed with video games as the primary focus, there was an intent to make the 360 the entertainment hub of the household. Music can just be played from CD’s or even portable music players, but it can also be stored on the hard-drive to be played back, later or during a game. There are now multiple ways that films can be watched using a 360. It can play DVDs, but it can also stream video from a connected personal computer through an Ethernet cable. When connected to Xbox Live, movies can be rented through services like Netflix, the film being sent directly to the device. The console can also be used to display photographs, streamed from a personal computer or from a memory device. All this makes the 360 a convenient family entertainment device. These components combined, plus the other specially designed circuitry and processors, however, create a stage that is full of potential for game designers.
While many games are not made specifically of the 360, they were designed in a way that would accommodate and often capitalize on the 360’s capabilities. Like film, video games are available in different formats, including the traditional DVDs and downloading them from the Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA), an online market. When the video game is activated, the device’s technologies are instructed to pull the audience-protagonist into the designer’s vision.
Quite often that vision is part of a multimillion dollar franchise like Battlefield: Bad Company. Battlefield 1942 was a First Person Shooter (FPS) set during World War II which allowed players to compete in famous battles. Players were not only equipped with weapons from the past, but vehicles as well. This included everything from jeeps to aircraft carriers and many of the tanks, fighter planes and shipboard emplacements in between; this resulted in large scale multifaceted battles. After successive editions spanning newer wars in Viet Nam and the near-future, Bad Company was designed as a console focused title. Unique attributes that were added were a single player narrative, destructible structures, improved sound design and it would also include online multi-player through Xbox Live.
Bad Company would be EA DICE’s first Battlefield title to have an effective story. From the suave swinging theme at the title screen, the tone seems different than the average FPS war game. As one begins the Single Player mode, the audience is met with a story about an expendable military unit of four in a war set in the a not-too distant future. The story, rather than the typical mission based narrative, has an amusing and sarcastic undertone and takes cues from films like the Dirty Dozen (1967) and Three Kings (1999). Supporting the narrative, the created game world reflects this tone while still keeping the combat somewhat gritty. The game displays a tight contrast that holds critical commentary on the world when the game was released. While the settings were satirized and exaggerated, the combat, online and in single player, were kept dangerously entertaining with the realistic destruction of structures. This allowed nearly entire virtual towns to be demolished brick-by-brick and resulted in battles (and battlefields) that were closer to resembling the real wartime ruins seen on TV news broadcasts. The innovative sound design helped to further immerse the player with more realistic interior firearm discharges, the simulated deafness from a nearby explosion, or the distant shouts of Russian soldiers. All this is designed to be heard through surround sound. As it was for previous Battlefield titles, multi-player games would be a fundamental part of Bad Company and the Xbox Live system would facilitate the matchmaking between players. Large detailed townships or lush lands would be the setting for players from all over North America, competing on opposite teams. Here there is no narrative other than the experiences of each player and the momentum of the game. However, like most games that have a single player and multi-player components, themes are carried from one to the other.
Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony is an add-on or companion part to Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), a highly successful and critically acclaimed title. It was originally released exclusively for 360 through XBLA and required GTA IV to be played, but it was later packaged with the Lost and Damned in a physical format. GTA IV’s highly detailed, complex satirical microcosm of New York City, called Liberty City, is the setting for this episode as well. The story corresponds and interweaves with that of GTA IV and the previous add-on, the Lost and Damned. The series, filled with third person action, shooting and driving, is notorious as a violent, controversial crime game. An interesting aspect of the series has been that the extreme violence has always been within the context of wide freedom in a highly simulated environment. The game world is a highly detailed, but spontaneous background resulting in one of the more realistic settings of any game. The real life boroughs of Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the state of New Jersey are mimicked by Bohan, Dukes, Broker, Algonquin and Alderney. Not only do the streets and buildings bring detail with subtle piles of trash or abandoned cars, but so the people of the specific neighborhoods. They differ widely, yet they look situated with their neighborhoods. The city is also filled with a wide variety of activities that encompass many of the different game mechanics. Everything from air hockey to illegal street racing are an integrated part of the game experience. There are a huge variety of mock versions of real vehicles for the player to take at will and travel around the city. This includes not only cars and trucks, but aircraft and boats as well. On top of this, a player can hail, or steal, a cab and use a subway system that connects most of the city. While in most vehicles, or while at the protagonist’s home, Liberty City’s soundtrack is represented by the radio. With a diverse line up of respected real life DJ’s, artists and comedians, the radio provides an edgy, dark, comedic, satirical and entertaining backdrop to the game. The story weaves though points located in the city and carries forward with the completion of objectives that usually take place across the large city map. The Ballad of Gay Tony focuses on the shady side of the high class Liberty City night life, which encompasses the functioning of night clubs. As with many other 360 titles, this game features online multi-player. This is interesting because of the freedom and scope allowed in the city as well as the different forms of play that include shooting matches and car races. Along with GTA IV and The Lost and Damned, this title helps to illustrate an encompassing crime drama located in a large immersive environment.
Standing in stark contrast is Braid, a succinct, whimsical platformer created by independent designer, Jonathan Blow. First released on Xbox 360, its relatively small storage size would allow it to debut on the XBLA. It retailed at significantly cheaper price than the typical large budget DVD format 360 game.(Gibson, Ellie. "Braid price cut to 800 Microsoft Points".) Although it was fashioned in the form of a traditional 2D environment, the signature graphics design was eye catching and was supported by an instrumental tapestry. Time is a major theme in the narrative as well as the game play. Braid’s relatively simple presentation grows more complex as the player is able to manipulate the way time effects the environment. Unlike Bad Company 2 and Ballad for Gay Tony, Blow developed Braid on a low budget. XBLA facilitated its success by providing a cheap and effective way for it to be distributed to potential customers. This model provides a low-risk opportunity, thus allowing for experimentation and expression.
In both large and small games, game mechanics and effects often help to not only bring the virtual environment to life but also indicate ideas and values about these fictional societies, and in turn real societies. Even in an aggressive game like Bad Company, the characters in the narrative express a lack of enthusiasm for their assigned mission. It is an interesting dynamic coupled with the devastating power that can be unleashed by the player and computer controlled Non-Player Characters (NPC). The player takes the role of Preston Marlowe who is sent to Bad Company which consists of three other devalued soldiers. They are given the most dangerous, dirtiest missions. Not long into the story, the squad decides to eschew their responsibilities to their command and pursue gold bullion held by the enemy. This goes hand-in-hand with the tone and it also brings an interesting view of the United States military around the world. Even during battle, the NPCs spew funny quips with each other, bringing a realistic camaraderie to the intensity. The exaggerated ability of a four man team to completely obliterate overwhelming opposing forces, including their towns and countryside, underscores American military dominance; yet the reasoning behind the war lies in purposeful ambiguity and cliche. This emphasizes the disconnect between the military command and the grunts who face the most risk. The military’s disregard for Bad Company justifies their greed; another justification is the ideal of the American Dream, represented by the various plans of the soldiers as they look forward to stealing the gold. This also carries across to the multi-player aspect because as a player achieves objectives (usually capturing gold) and gains experience, he or she is rewarded with greater ability and a wider range of weapons. While there is a lot of light hearted amusement, the combat does retain a certain realistic immersion. This, as mentioned before, is strengthened by the graphics and sound. While compared to many other war-set FPSs, the combat game play is not entirely realistic, the experiences allowed through the destructible environments were a new realistic feature to the genre (Wilson, Mark. "Battlefield: Bad Company Impressions.") The real dangers that face troops in Afghanistan and Iraq became just a bit clearer.
Grand Theft Auto, set in a large satirical city is filled with game mechanics that reflect certain ideas about American society. This episode is about Luis Lopez, a former street hustler from Algonquin who was mentored by a gay club owner named Tony Prince. They are business partners in two clubs, however they are also partly owned by the mob which forces Lopez to use the skills he learned in his violent past. One game mechanic that is central to the game is the protagonist's use of his cell phone. It connects the user to the fictional relationships throughout the city and it also serves as a menu to enter Xbox Live and the multi-player aspect. It is somewhat customizable, allowing the player to impress themselves into the game world. Like real cell phones it is capable of taking pictures, which can be used for things such as identifying people through police computers. Even minute details like the distortion of the car radio when Luis is receiving a call was included to add to its realism. It's most important use, however is the connection to the other characters. It facilitates the story when other characters call, but is useful for playing the side entertainment as well. Your relationships with friends often need to be nurtured, rewarding the player with benefits. An example would be Armando's ability to provide arms for Luis. Another would be the ability to dial 911, which can bring a response of a police cruiser, a ambulance or a firetruck. These can help the player, but they can also be crudely taken advantage of. Throughout the game, Luis is feels conflicted by his widely differing loyalties to Armando and Tony. They represent two different worlds: Armando is from the poor, gritty street life and Tony is from the gaudy, superficial high life. Despite these vastly different worlds, they’re both accessible through Luis’ cell phone. Relationships are nurtured by calling a friend up and spending time with them which consists taking them to enjoyable places around the city. The social aspects of the game, while limited, does help the player to relate to the friend characters and become situated in the simulated environment. While the main story arc, including some of Luis’ friends like Tony, are scripted and follow a mission structure, the everyday interactions between Luis and his friends Armando and Hermanique are under the player’s control. With the freedom allotted in this game, this means that much of the game, accompanied by NPCs or not, follows a narrative specific to the player. The player makes choices like whether to refill their health with a quick hot dog vendor, or to invest the time with the NPC friends and eat with them. Of course, being Grand Theft Auto, there are many possibilities for entertainment while accomplishing this and it is really up to the player how mundane “everyday chores” are. Therefore the cell phone is a central organizational tool in this world created with little restriction. But at the same time the use of the cell phone in the game is not very different than it is used in a real world context. The cell phone as a game mechanic is a central part of the game, and it serves to question whether the cell phone holds such a position within the lives of people today. Is our world and the interactions within beginning to be organized and structured by our phone interfaces? Perhaps cell phones are becoming a screen that allows people to look at their own public entirety with a glance, the information contained within becoming less and less separable from our identities. Grand Theft Auto serves as a successful and detailed separation from society so that possibly one can evaluate it from a different point of view.
Braid’s commentary on relationships and time is a lot more obvious. This may be due to its independent development, but it is hard to argue the game does not represent artistic expression. It is explained that the protagonist Tim, heartbroken from a faltered relationship with a princess, sets out on a quest to rescue her from a monster. The game’s levels reflect Tim’s feelings about the past as he tries to rectify it. His introspective views are translated as game mechanics, graphic design and the enchanting soundtrack. Each World is centered around a game mechanic and preceded by a text reflection which connects this mechanic to his thoughts. World 2, which is actually the first level, begins with Tim’s regrets about his relationship with the princess and her inability to forgive him. In connection with the first game mechanic, the ability to reverse time, Tim wishes that when his past mistakes were forgiven, they were forgotten like they never happened. The puzzles in this world require the player to think in this fashion. It is an interesting connection, in a way the player has to try to fit Tim’s frame of mind to be successful throughout the game. The main goal of each world is to collect puzzle pieces that recreate an images from the past. This is analogous to a man scrambling through broken memories trying to figure out where it went wrong. The player may feel something similar to this when trying to complete the levels and assemble the puzzle. It is an indirect, metaphorical way to express that emotional information. In World 6, Tim reflects on how others responded to his ring, possibly being a signifier of his love for the princess like a wedding ring. He felt as if others were cautions or wary of its presence. In the level itself, Tim is able to place the ring in a stationary position. This effect is particularly impressive because time moves slower as it gets closer to the ring, representing how Tim feels people react around it. Away from the ring, the time and anything in that space moves at normal speed. This is an entertaining mechanic and makes the puzzles unique. Overall this game is short and sweet, but it leaves an expressive impact that holds true meaning and reflections about Blow’s past relationships.
While these games may vary, and may be designed for different audiences, they all use the Xbox 360 to relay certain messages and ideas. However, like any other medium or art form, their effects do not end there. On the contrary, the video game format on the Xbox 360 allows for the creation and promotion of societies situated around gaming and greater establishment of the medium in society. Through Xbox Live, subscribed customers are able to compete with each other in The Ballad and Bad Company. The Achievements and Gamerscore system awards players with award and points for accomplishment specific to the game. Furthermore, the success of these titles have had wider influence on society, sometimes stirring controversy.
At the beginning of 2010, Xbox Live had 20 million suscribers, 10 million of which were non gamers.(Grant, Christopher. “Xbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide.”) It allows for voice chat and the Xbox 360 Pro had come with a mic. While each game can differ substantially, Xbox Live allows players to communicate regardless of what they are doing on their 360, as long as it is on. It also assists in match making, linking players of similar skill when possible. For Bad Company and The Ballad, this creates an environment of ease, facilitating quick action.
Bad Company includes a Single Player mode, but multi-player has always been the focus of the Battlefield series. Players are able to face each other, gaining merit and virtual reward for their actions. While rank does not hold much command power except for seniority, it establishes who is experienced or skilled and who is not. Competitors are spurred to improve because with advancing rank comes a greater range of tools and weaponry, allowing the player to choose a combination that matches their playing style. The Battlefield series has always been based in team play and while not everyone is a team player, extra points are given to those who do. A common result of matches is that those who work better together will win. In this context, video games can be likened to sport as personal contribution, pride and skill are put to the test. As mentioned before, destructible environments was a new factor for the genre, so it added some variety to the game. Like many multi-player games, success in this game could mean merit in wider society, although this is probably more likely in social groups where gaming or this specific game are a shared activity.
The Ballad of Gay Tony, however is a more widely known title. While not known for its multi-player as this feature has been absent for several iterations, the game provides a unique, enjoyable experience. The game’s signature freedom allows for chaotic street battles including the weapons from the single player game. Depending on the mode, players are also free to hijack any vehicle they desire allowing for unrestricted battle in the city. There is also the option to participate in races. The player is able to customize their character, choosing to represent themselves (or not) in the virtual space. The Ballad, which was designed with more focus on single player aspects would also have limited merit outside of gaming circles.
There is another way the players of these games may gain greater merit. For all Live members, including those who do not pay, the Achievement and Gamerscore system awards players for performing specific tasks in a game. Game designers place these goals in order to add another level of competitive complexity in games. Achievements can be gained in single player or multi-player. Some are awarded just for progressing through the game while others are difficult and require skill, and possibly, practice to get. With every achievement also comes the points that create the Gamerscore. With the introduction of Live onto the new mobile Windows operating system and its integration with social networking, it seems evident that Microsoft intends for these awards to have an even greater part in society.(Miller, Paul. "Xbox Live for Windows Phone 7: your Xbox isn't in your phone yet, but we're getting there".) Perhaps the choices and accomplishments in video games will be tied closer to one’s identity. This may result in greater social standing, or on the other hand, maybe judgements or discrimination of decisions made in video games, especially in games like Grand Theft Auto.
Grand Theft Auto, despite its brilliant satire, holds notoriety as a symbol of extreme violence and sex in video games.(Chruscinski, Dan. "A Decade Of Controversy: A 'Grand Theft Auto' Retrospective") Although the series does contain some of this content in a satirical context, it has always been designed and designated for an adult audience, signified by its Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of M for Mature. On the other hand, Grand Theft Auto is also known for its widespread critical acclaim, and success. GTA IV is one of the highest selling video games of all time.(Terdiman, Daniel. "Can any game break the 'GTA IV' sales records?") The series has arguably become an impactful part of popular culture, even the subject of a skit from another cultural icon in Chapelle’s Show. The radio is loaded with shows hosted by legendary DJs from various genres including DJ Premier, Iggy Pop, Max Calavera, David Rodigan, Statik Selektah and a sanctioned Bob Marley station. Also included are a wide range of legendary artists, some of who contributed exclusive music to the game. Altogether, the cultural impact of the title is large. While GTA IV was not exclusive to the 360, The Ballad was exclusive for several months. For many, the experience with this title is also an experience with their 360.
Braid was also exclusive to 360. Hailed as an example of the 360 and XBLA’s support of independent gaming, the title may have had great influence on the gaming community. Recent successes like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (2010) and Super Meat Boy (2010) have continued on this path. It is possible that XBLA now represents an alternative way to develop and sell video games. This provides opportunities for independent and major developers to experiment, make cheap, yet effective titles and even expand existing franchises in other ways. Without the cost and risk of pressing physical DVDs, fresh designers could be able to distribute their work anywhere as long as they meet the standards of the market. XBLA also releases revamped video game classics like X-Men (2010) and Super Street Fighter II HD Remix (2008) which is important because many older gaming consoles are discontinued or in disrepair. Without efforts like this, it would be difficult to maintain an active video game library that comprised of classics from the past. Therefore, the Xbox 360 may be a stage for the creations of game designers, but it is also a multimedia initiative that supports and promotes video game designers, players and culture.
On its own, the Xbox 360 is a powerful device. It assists people to bring their imagined worlds to life and allows others to interact with it. It consolidates many different media and technologies together to awaken true feelings, even if the situation is not true. It dispenses more information than just stats and accomplishments, but complex ideas like Bad Company’s subtle protests of war, The Ballad’s reflection of communication technology and relationships or Braid’s ruminations on time and relationships. Concepts like this may require the player to reflect on themselves and how they feel towards their own actions. The 360 is more than just the device, though. It is one part, along with Live and XBLA, of Microsoft’s movement to expand the social value of gaming so that it may continue to become the main entertainment medium and art form of the century.
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The General - President, Your People Are Dying
Tunisia arrests bloggers and rapper - Africa - Al Jazeera English
Tunisia arrests bloggers and rapper - Africa - Al Jazeera English
GRITtv: Tunisia: "President, Your People are... by grittv
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