I’ve posted several topics describing how immersive video games are and the culture that has developed because of that feature. A friend of mine posted an article on Facebook the other day that in my opinion will change the judgment passed on to Gamers.
Click here to view article.
The article explains how audiences have been experiencing Avatar blues after seeing Cameron’s latest masterpiece. The writer states that the movie was almost too immersive and shares several posts from Avatar forums. Many people state that after seeing the movie, life was just “gray” and nothing was worth doing anymore. Others grew depressed knowing that they will never actually be able to experience Pandora, the planet where the movie takes place. Sound a little familiar?
Its a really interesting article. At first, I felt sorry for these people and thought they should get a life – but then I realized that it had an all too familiar tune.
What do you all think? Have the tables been turned on the general public??
- The Gamers Girl
Holiday Wrap Up
Favorite gift this year:
It was a tie between snowboard lift tickets and Last Night on Earth board game INCLUDING the awesome expansion. Best zombie board game out there. They didn't make it easy for survivors to win every time and it's realistically balanced between the hero and the zombie players. It took 4 tries to beat one scenario. It was fun every time - but EXTRA awesome when we finally won at zero hour last night. I did a little dance ^_^
Favorite Gift Given:
A common hobby among my friends is collecting laser discs (a record sized DVD for you young'ns). It's fun, cheap, and we share our love for guilty pleasure movies... I can't tell you how many times I've watched Congo or Showdown in Little Tokyo. The problem is we have so many laz discs that picking a single movie is tricky. So a while ago, we created a game to cut the choosing phase down and allow a fair selection among a large group. I took that game and created an official rules and regulations document, in legal terms, and framed it. There's tons of "see article 13, clause b" and silly things like disputes being solved in De Moine, Iowa or death by burning at the stake for conspiracy. It's pretty ridiculous and funny as all hell.
New Years Resolution:
To wake up earlier so I don't have to rush to work.
To do more Yoga and be better at the Guitar.
Funniest moment:
While playing Taboo on New Years Eve, someone said vibrator out of context to the game and my drunk friend started shouting "dildo, orgasm, sex," etc.
Most watched TV series marathon:
Farscape
Day I was the most lazy during my week off:
Sunday, Dec. 27th. Sat on my ass all day!
It was a tie between snowboard lift tickets and Last Night on Earth board game INCLUDING the awesome expansion. Best zombie board game out there. They didn't make it easy for survivors to win every time and it's realistically balanced between the hero and the zombie players. It took 4 tries to beat one scenario. It was fun every time - but EXTRA awesome when we finally won at zero hour last night. I did a little dance ^_^
Favorite Gift Given:
A common hobby among my friends is collecting laser discs (a record sized DVD for you young'ns). It's fun, cheap, and we share our love for guilty pleasure movies... I can't tell you how many times I've watched Congo or Showdown in Little Tokyo. The problem is we have so many laz discs that picking a single movie is tricky. So a while ago, we created a game to cut the choosing phase down and allow a fair selection among a large group. I took that game and created an official rules and regulations document, in legal terms, and framed it. There's tons of "see article 13, clause b" and silly things like disputes being solved in De Moine, Iowa or death by burning at the stake for conspiracy. It's pretty ridiculous and funny as all hell.
New Years Resolution:
To wake up earlier so I don't have to rush to work.
To do more Yoga and be better at the Guitar.
Funniest moment:
While playing Taboo on New Years Eve, someone said vibrator out of context to the game and my drunk friend started shouting "dildo, orgasm, sex," etc.
Most watched TV series marathon:
Farscape
Day I was the most lazy during my week off:
Sunday, Dec. 27th. Sat on my ass all day!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Hi everyone!
Sorry, no big post this week. Trying to get the 4 Christmases Achievement. I'd love to hear about the loot everyone racked up though! Post your favorite holiday gift in the comments section.
Check in with you all in the NEW year!
Cheers!
- The Gamer's Girl
Sorry, no big post this week. Trying to get the 4 Christmases Achievement. I'd love to hear about the loot everyone racked up though! Post your favorite holiday gift in the comments section.
Check in with you all in the NEW year!
Cheers!
- The Gamer's Girl
I can haz engagement ring?
So, it's Friday night, I'm sitting on my couch after a long day of work, crocheting a glove and watching Farscape via netflix on my XBOX (could I be any nerdier...). It's getting close to 7pm, I have no dinner plans, and I'm waiting for my Gamer to come home so we can grab some grub.
7pm, he strolls in with a "Sorry I'm a little late" and a thank god it's Friday smile on his face. I'm just happy to see him and excited to get some food. He walks over to me and I notice a box in his front sweater pocket. Now, I know what you're thinking and no, it's not the shape of a ring box. It was approximately the same size and shape of a video game box.
"I have your birthday gift for you." Earlier in the week I had been bugging him to let me have my Super Mario Bro. Wii birthday gift early so I could play it (my birday isn't until the 19th). He taps the box, like a magician tapping his equipment to convice you it's real, and asks, "Do you wanna play?"
In my head I'm thinking, there's nothing more I'd rather do. "Can we?" I ask. And with a happy reply, he pulls out the box...but it's not a game box at all! It's some thin black box.
"That's not Mario Brothers..." I state with an inquisitive tone.
"We'll I could just take it back if you want."
"Well, no, what is it ^_^"
My guess was that it was a nice necklace or tennis bracelet that he couldn't wait to give me (we're really bad about giving gifts early). He whips out the expected velvit bag, but what was UNexpected was a brilliant, diamond ring. WTF?! My brain squealled with excitement.
He got down on one knee and proposed (after having grabbed the wrong hand). All I could say was, "Are you serious, are you lying, are you lying, are you serious?!" It was like my brain short circuted from the excitement. I was almost in disbelief! After all, we'd been together for a very long time. I was in total shock! I later found out that everyone else knew! How that got by me is beyond me. I usually know everything that's going on and I was totally blind sided. He even asked my parents! I tried to eplain my expression to a friend and all I could come up with was, "I felt my face and it was a face my face had never made before!"
After I was able to fight off the rage of happy tears, welling up behind my eye balls, I stood up and ran into the bedroom.
"Where are you going?"
"I have to update my facebook page!!"
"What? Are you serious?"
"Hell yea!"
pause...
"But, wait... me first....!"
And so, we are finally engaged ^_^ Granted, I am thrilled to have an engagement ring - I was still a little bummed I didn't get to play Super Mario Bro. Wii. He's making me wait.
-The Gamer's Girl
7pm, he strolls in with a "Sorry I'm a little late" and a thank god it's Friday smile on his face. I'm just happy to see him and excited to get some food. He walks over to me and I notice a box in his front sweater pocket. Now, I know what you're thinking and no, it's not the shape of a ring box. It was approximately the same size and shape of a video game box.
"I have your birthday gift for you." Earlier in the week I had been bugging him to let me have my Super Mario Bro. Wii birthday gift early so I could play it (my birday isn't until the 19th). He taps the box, like a magician tapping his equipment to convice you it's real, and asks, "Do you wanna play?"
In my head I'm thinking, there's nothing more I'd rather do. "Can we?" I ask. And with a happy reply, he pulls out the box...but it's not a game box at all! It's some thin black box.
"That's not Mario Brothers..." I state with an inquisitive tone.
"We'll I could just take it back if you want."
"Well, no, what is it ^_^"
My guess was that it was a nice necklace or tennis bracelet that he couldn't wait to give me (we're really bad about giving gifts early). He whips out the expected velvit bag, but what was UNexpected was a brilliant, diamond ring. WTF?! My brain squealled with excitement.
He got down on one knee and proposed (after having grabbed the wrong hand). All I could say was, "Are you serious, are you lying, are you lying, are you serious?!" It was like my brain short circuted from the excitement. I was almost in disbelief! After all, we'd been together for a very long time. I was in total shock! I later found out that everyone else knew! How that got by me is beyond me. I usually know everything that's going on and I was totally blind sided. He even asked my parents! I tried to eplain my expression to a friend and all I could come up with was, "I felt my face and it was a face my face had never made before!"
After I was able to fight off the rage of happy tears, welling up behind my eye balls, I stood up and ran into the bedroom.
"Where are you going?"
"I have to update my facebook page!!"
"What? Are you serious?"
"Hell yea!"
pause...
"But, wait... me first....!"
And so, we are finally engaged ^_^ Granted, I am thrilled to have an engagement ring - I was still a little bummed I didn't get to play Super Mario Bro. Wii. He's making me wait.
-The Gamer's Girl
The Gamer's Girl Guide to Gamer Gift Guides!
The Internet has been well on its way, compiling list upon lists, in order to sway your purchase power in any given direction this holiday season. There's a million Gamer Gift Guides already out there, but there's enough to make you feel overwhelmed. To avoid sounding redundant to the internet, I have assembled a few valuable resources to narrow down your gift giving ideas. The links will help guide you through the Gift Guide masses. In addition, I have composed a few game suggestions based on my personal reviews and opinions.
Guide Links
The BIGGY
Here is the 2009 Ultimate Gifting Ideas list, put out by Kotaku. Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and some paper – you’re going to be here for a while.
iPhone Apps.
Why stop at platform games and accessories? If your Gamer is into iPhone apps, you have some additional gifting ideas that can be solved with an iTunes card.
Game-free Gamer Gift Guide
“Hardcore gamers are a nightmare to shop for during the holidays. We’re as biased and finicky as a political columnist with OCD and we have the patience of a man on fire. Thus, any time you buy us a video game, you’ve got a 90% chance that we either aggressively dislike it or already bought it, beat it, and are currently blogging about how we’d make the sequel sooo much better. This is a law of nature, as undeniable as the fact that penguins eat lion cubs or that bumblebees built the pyramids.”
Preach on, brother, preach on! This is a great gift guide for beloved gamer gift ideas, without you having to purchase a game or gift card.
By Console Platform:
Pick a console… pick a game… simple enough?
Personal Game Suggestions:
L4D2
Obviously, I’m a huge fan of Left 4 Dead 2. It’s fun, simple in concept, offers quick game play, online play, and fun co-op. The benefits of replay on that game are tremendous. Click HERE for my more detailed review of Left 4 Dead 2.
Demon’s Souls
Um – hard ass game anyone? My Gamer recently purchased Demon's Souls and I have to say, “wholly buh-jesus!” That game is hard! Not only are a few hits enough to kill you, but also, if you die, you start at the beginning of the level. AWESOME! And it only gets better. If you die again before making it to where you last met your direful fate, you loose all the souls you collected and thus loose your progress. SWEET! Seems stressful, I know! Long gone are the days of save spots and an increased number of hearts. This feature has some people scoring over 200 hours of game play. So, if your Gamer is looking for a game that doesn’t hold your hand and offer a million ways to prevent you from dying – Demon's Souls is where it’s at!
Borderlands
Like Left 4 Dead2, Borderlands is a four-person co-op in a post apocalyptic world. The Universe is more like Fallout 3 (with a bit more humor) and it’s more story based with quests vs surviving one campaign at a time. My Gamer (not a huge Left 4 Dead fan) says, “There’s a bazillion more guns and you aren’t such a tool when you’re separated from your group.” Borderlands has also been compared to the Diablo style of game play. So, if you’re Gamer has been loosing sleep over the release of the next Diablo, Borderlands is a decent filler.
Dwarf Fortress
Hmmm… how to describe this game… Remember how tedious yet addicting Lemmings was? It’s kind of like that, but with dwarfs. The game discards 3D graphics in favor of a text user interface with incorporated economic and strategy elements.
I know it looks a bit like the Matrix to the untrained eye, but the developer states that graphic representation is not a significant focus. If the specks are too much for you, you can get the code to change the eye blistering dots into little, graphic characters.
The object of the game, in short, is to give your dwarfs busy work, and like an ant farm, you watch these little pixels zoom across your screen, doing your bidding as you fill requests from nobles and peasants, such as the King demanding you make his chamber bigger. You don’t know why they like it – but BEHOLD! There IS proof of a pause button in the upper left corner of the screen ^_^
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins has been described as being a "dark heroic fantasy" story that will be told on an epic scale with mature themes. So, YAY, boobies! The player begins his or her journey in one of the six origin stories, which serve as an introductory point for the players and present the world from their personal point of view. Your choices are Human Noble, Human/Elf Mage (dwarves having an immunity to magic), Dalish Elf, City Elf, Dwarf Commoner and Dwarf Noble. Based on the origins you have selected, the world will react accordingly. Elves, for example, are often viewed as second-class citizens. So if your Gamer has a D20 stashed somewhere, this might be a good buy.
When in doubt...
When in doubt, just ask your Gamer what he wants for the Holidays. If they say it doesn’t matter, use the resources above. If they say a particular store, personalize a gift card by adding an inexpensive gift to go along with it – like a cookie tin or poster. Offer to go with him/her to that store as part of the gift and treat them to lunch afterward. If they say they want something specific, don’t freak out about getting something to surprise ‘em. Sometimes you have to just go with what you know.
Online vs In Store Purchases
The choice to purchase online or in store is entirely up to you. If you have enough time, or at least the buying power for over night shipping, I’d say, research the item you want to buy and order it online from a trusting site. Chances are - if you can find the item you want on a dinky game site, you can probably find the same item on Amazon.com or OverStock.com, without feeding your credit card to a bunch of places.
Good Luck!
-The Gamer's Girl
Guide Links
The BIGGY
Here is the 2009 Ultimate Gifting Ideas list, put out by Kotaku. Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and some paper – you’re going to be here for a while.
iPhone Apps.
Why stop at platform games and accessories? If your Gamer is into iPhone apps, you have some additional gifting ideas that can be solved with an iTunes card.
Game-free Gamer Gift Guide
“Hardcore gamers are a nightmare to shop for during the holidays. We’re as biased and finicky as a political columnist with OCD and we have the patience of a man on fire. Thus, any time you buy us a video game, you’ve got a 90% chance that we either aggressively dislike it or already bought it, beat it, and are currently blogging about how we’d make the sequel sooo much better. This is a law of nature, as undeniable as the fact that penguins eat lion cubs or that bumblebees built the pyramids.”
Preach on, brother, preach on! This is a great gift guide for beloved gamer gift ideas, without you having to purchase a game or gift card.
By Console Platform:
Pick a console… pick a game… simple enough?
Personal Game Suggestions:
L4D2Obviously, I’m a huge fan of Left 4 Dead 2. It’s fun, simple in concept, offers quick game play, online play, and fun co-op. The benefits of replay on that game are tremendous. Click HERE for my more detailed review of Left 4 Dead 2.
Demon’s SoulsUm – hard ass game anyone? My Gamer recently purchased Demon's Souls and I have to say, “wholly buh-jesus!” That game is hard! Not only are a few hits enough to kill you, but also, if you die, you start at the beginning of the level. AWESOME! And it only gets better. If you die again before making it to where you last met your direful fate, you loose all the souls you collected and thus loose your progress. SWEET! Seems stressful, I know! Long gone are the days of save spots and an increased number of hearts. This feature has some people scoring over 200 hours of game play. So, if your Gamer is looking for a game that doesn’t hold your hand and offer a million ways to prevent you from dying – Demon's Souls is where it’s at!
BorderlandsLike Left 4 Dead2, Borderlands is a four-person co-op in a post apocalyptic world. The Universe is more like Fallout 3 (with a bit more humor) and it’s more story based with quests vs surviving one campaign at a time. My Gamer (not a huge Left 4 Dead fan) says, “There’s a bazillion more guns and you aren’t such a tool when you’re separated from your group.” Borderlands has also been compared to the Diablo style of game play. So, if you’re Gamer has been loosing sleep over the release of the next Diablo, Borderlands is a decent filler.
Dwarf Fortress
Hmmm… how to describe this game… Remember how tedious yet addicting Lemmings was? It’s kind of like that, but with dwarfs. The game discards 3D graphics in favor of a text user interface with incorporated economic and strategy elements.
I know it looks a bit like the Matrix to the untrained eye, but the developer states that graphic representation is not a significant focus. If the specks are too much for you, you can get the code to change the eye blistering dots into little, graphic characters.
The object of the game, in short, is to give your dwarfs busy work, and like an ant farm, you watch these little pixels zoom across your screen, doing your bidding as you fill requests from nobles and peasants, such as the King demanding you make his chamber bigger. You don’t know why they like it – but BEHOLD! There IS proof of a pause button in the upper left corner of the screen ^_^
Dragon Age: OriginsDragon Age: Origins has been described as being a "dark heroic fantasy" story that will be told on an epic scale with mature themes. So, YAY, boobies! The player begins his or her journey in one of the six origin stories, which serve as an introductory point for the players and present the world from their personal point of view. Your choices are Human Noble, Human/Elf Mage (dwarves having an immunity to magic), Dalish Elf, City Elf, Dwarf Commoner and Dwarf Noble. Based on the origins you have selected, the world will react accordingly. Elves, for example, are often viewed as second-class citizens. So if your Gamer has a D20 stashed somewhere, this might be a good buy.
When in doubt...
When in doubt, just ask your Gamer what he wants for the Holidays. If they say it doesn’t matter, use the resources above. If they say a particular store, personalize a gift card by adding an inexpensive gift to go along with it – like a cookie tin or poster. Offer to go with him/her to that store as part of the gift and treat them to lunch afterward. If they say they want something specific, don’t freak out about getting something to surprise ‘em. Sometimes you have to just go with what you know.
Online vs In Store Purchases
The choice to purchase online or in store is entirely up to you. If you have enough time, or at least the buying power for over night shipping, I’d say, research the item you want to buy and order it online from a trusting site. Chances are - if you can find the item you want on a dinky game site, you can probably find the same item on Amazon.com or OverStock.com, without feeding your credit card to a bunch of places.
Good Luck!
-The Gamer's Girl
Left 4 Dead 2 "Gamer Couple Achievement"
Complete three or more of the following tasks and you have acquired the Left 4 Dead 2
“Gamer Couple's Achievement!”
Communication:
Can play on Realism and efficiently describe where the Smoker has dragged you to.
“Colder….Warmer… Waaaarmer…. HOT!”
Patience:
Can plan out the finally.
“READY, but can I sing into the microphone just one more time!”
Roll Call:
Uses your name while directing a question towards you via headphones.
“You talk’n to me?”
It Takes Two:
Allows you to play your character and not treat you like another AI.
“One time, me and my friend, we was play’n L4D2… and…”
“Can you not be Ellis at the dinner table?”
Priority:
Heals and protects you first. Yea, it might be a little duchy to some of your online pals, but if they aren’t in terrible need of healing – what ev’!
“I can haz your adrenalin?”
KABOOM!:
Lets you use the big gun, even though they have to provide extra cover while you reload, one round at a time. I can’t help it… the grenade launcher is fun, as long as you have the patience and quick legs to run away from the tank:
“GRRANNNADA!” - BOOSH!
Shares:
Lets you carry the coke.
“Special delivery!”
Perks:
Gives you first pick.
“Puke, Granade, or Molotov?”
Fish Bait:
Allows you to experiment with your weapons.
“Ok – you go stand near the witch, and I’ll shoot her with the grenade launcher from up here. If it doesn’t kill her, shoot her in the head ^_^”
“WAIT – WHAT?!”
Dirty Work:
Kills your bitches… I mean witches.
“Look, I found the witch. Tag – you’re it!”
Boys and their toys:
Let’s you dick around with Mr. Mustachio and carry around the gnome.
“Hold on, I’m looking up how to do it now! The GNOME IS MINE!”
“Gamer Couple's Achievement!”
Communication:
Can play on Realism and efficiently describe where the Smoker has dragged you to.
“Colder….Warmer… Waaaarmer…. HOT!”
Patience:
Can plan out the finally.
“READY, but can I sing into the microphone just one more time!”
Roll Call:
Uses your name while directing a question towards you via headphones.
“You talk’n to me?”
It Takes Two:
Allows you to play your character and not treat you like another AI.
“One time, me and my friend, we was play’n L4D2… and…”
“Can you not be Ellis at the dinner table?”
Priority:
Heals and protects you first. Yea, it might be a little duchy to some of your online pals, but if they aren’t in terrible need of healing – what ev’!
“I can haz your adrenalin?”
KABOOM!:
Lets you use the big gun, even though they have to provide extra cover while you reload, one round at a time. I can’t help it… the grenade launcher is fun, as long as you have the patience and quick legs to run away from the tank:
“GRRANNNADA!” - BOOSH!
Shares:
Lets you carry the coke.
“Special delivery!”
Perks:
Gives you first pick.
“Puke, Granade, or Molotov?”
Fish Bait:
Allows you to experiment with your weapons.
“Ok – you go stand near the witch, and I’ll shoot her with the grenade launcher from up here. If it doesn’t kill her, shoot her in the head ^_^”
“WAIT – WHAT?!”
Dirty Work:
Kills your bitches… I mean witches.
“Look, I found the witch. Tag – you’re it!”
Boys and their toys:
Let’s you dick around with Mr. Mustachio and carry around the gnome.
“Hold on, I’m looking up how to do it now! The GNOME IS MINE!”
Penny Arcade Anyone?
If you're a fan of the hit blog/comic Penny Arcade, here's your chance to meet them in person! If you live in or near California's Bay Area, head over to the M is for Mystery book store in San Mateo during the month of January. The Gamer's Girl will certainly be there to chat with the fellas that make Penny Arcade happen!
Stay tuned - More details to follow ^_^
-The Gamer's Girl
Stay tuned - More details to follow ^_^
-The Gamer's Girl
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