The Spoon

GameSpoon - The Art of Writing, Making War with Words

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:32:00 +0000

The Art of Writing, Making War with Words

How many times have you left a movie theater or watched a season finale of a television series and have actually felt upset, saddened? Have you ever allowed a book to engulf yourself, completely removing you from reality, grounding you in your mind – beyond your control? This is the power of a writer.

A good writer has the ability to manipulate your emotions with language. The art of writing has a foundation that spans centuries with influences from nearly all cultures. It’s a skill that people are not born with, but develop as we grow. The ability to transfer sounds (spoken language) into visual shapes (written language) is something we take for granted; it is a powerful tool.

As Stan Lee says, “with great power comes great responsibility” and when it comes to video games, we often find this power misused. Ask yourself, “how often have you felt an emotional attachment to a storyline in a video game?” There has yet to be a game with a storyline so well written that it could change the direction of the entire industry.

There are two schools of thought here. The first deals with the fact that gaming is simply a form of entertainment, similar to a card game or board game, but on a much more visual level. In this school of thought, there is hardly room for a dramatic, captivating storyline – and why should there be drama?

The second school of thought is the relatively new idea of “video games as art.” This approach puts gaming on a level that rivals movies, books, plays and music; it allows games to be another outlet, or medium, for storytelling. Opening the doors into the elite industry of storytelling requires video game developers to employ quality, experienced writers.

Video games have a unique approach to drama that no other mediums can emulate. This approach is found through the ability of the audience to break down the wall of “passive” entertainment, to emerge into a world of “active” entertainment. No other medium is capable of allowing the intended audience to make decisions that change the actual story! This creates a brand new world for writers to explore, taking some of that power away, in exchange for opportunities regarding choices.

Quantic Dream studio’s upcoming title “Heavy Rain” (PS3) is a game that capitalizes on this emerging path for unique narrative forms. The game intends to challenge the audience’s emotional response and morality. As Director David Cage said, “the real message is about how far you're willing to go to save someone you love” (http://tinyurl.com/ojqm2f).

Quantic Dream is just one studio that is pushing the boundaries of video game art forms. As more studios continue to explore this territory, we may soon find the industry split into various genres, well beyond the typical FPS, action/adventure, RPG variations; new genres will emerge, those that may rival the film industry for our visual story experiences.

[via My Article on Game Informer]

Street Fighter 4 - Justin Wong vs Arturo Sanchez

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Justin Wong, playing as Abel, is pitted against Arturo Sanchez, playing as Seth, in the final round of the World Cyber Games Fighter Club tournament - 4/26/2009.

Nice work Justin! Note the MadCatz SF4 TE stick he used...sick!

TuneSpoon - Robben Ford Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Good video clip by a great player!

RandomSpoon - awesome commercials

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

PS3

PS3

Spike TV

ESPN

GameSpoon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Here is some COD:MW2 multiplayer footage...there have been some "updates" to the multiplayer experience, that I think will change the series for the better! This just looks awesome.

GameSpoon: Magic: The Gathering XBLA

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers was recently released on Xbox Live Arcade to provides us with a great opportunity to play this iconic card game.

Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game that was released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. MTG is a highly addictive game that involves two (or more) players who assume the role of a spell-casting "planeswalker" in a battle of strategy, skill and luck of the draw.

It was around 1994, the time MTG Revised was released, when my friends and I began to explore the card game. A good friend of mine introduced a few of us to MTG and taught us how to play. It took a while for me to grasp the concept of the game, but it didn't take long for my friend to take advantage of my lack-of-knowledge in order to swindle me out of some good cards. "Sure, I'll trade you this one card for 5 of yours!" I thought he was the sucker...I miss my "Force of Nature."

Don't worry folks, I got my revenge. After I picked up the game, I started investing all the money I had at that time into buying cards and building decks. The game consumed my life with an obsession that could not be tamed. I poured over catalogs of MTG cards and looked for ways to build the most effective deck that I could possibly imagine. A different friend of mine and I would spend hours playing against each other, trading cards, strategically building decks and traveling to our local hobby store to challenge others. It all paid off, when we both challenged our card-swindling buddy. Match after match, he failed to stand a chance. He loved his green and blue decks - one which was a stasis deck that backfired on him horribly against our hand and land destruction decks; sometimes revenge is sweet.

Anyway, time passed on and I started to drift away from MTG. The obsession fell into a deep slumber, occasionally awaking, but only for short times. Then Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers on Xbox Live Arcade stepped into my life.

Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers is a great experience. It captures the feeling of playing with the real, physical thing. As you play through the campaign, you unlock cards and decks to further expand upon your arsenal. The game play is smooth and smart - when you encounter one of the many complex situations that arise during play (i.e. what rule happens first and when does this take affect), you'll find the results to be satisfying; expected resolutions.

I've spent many hours playing the Campaign mode - both single player and co-op. I look forward to experiencing the Xbox Live matches too, but I'm saving that until I find the deck that is right for me.

My only complaint is the deck customization. I wish there was a DLC or inherit feature that allowed you to build a deck from the ground up; to be able to specify the number of cards you want, the type of cards you want and how many of each you want in your deck - total deck building freedom. Currently, preconstructed decks are the only type available to you. You do unlock cards to add to your decks, but the customization is restricted to just those bonus cards (meaning, you can only add/remove those unlocked cards). This is the one complaint I have on the game, but it is not something that would cause me to stop playing; I love this game.

Check out Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers on Xbox Live Arcade; for only 800 MS points the game could be yours! If you are new to MTG, there is a learning curve for mastering combos and strategies, but it is easy to pickup the basics! I highly recommend getting this game, try the demo or just buy the whole thing. If you like MTG, you can't go wrong.

TubeSpoon: The Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Maybe it is a guy thing, maybe it actually transcends gender, but whatever it is, Band of Brothers has it. That miniseries changed my life with the story of the brotherhood of the US soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, 506/2 PIR, easy company.

I think I speak for many, when I say that this series is one of the, if not, the best miniseries that has ever been made. As much as I love it and as much as I wish there was more to watch, there is only the series...until 2010!

The Pacific is not a sequel to Band of Brothers, but rather it is the next story being told of the second World War. This time the story will follow the US involvement in the Pacific theater, focusing on the US Marines (1st Marine Division).

I am looking forward to this series very much. I am not expecting it to be the next Band of Brothers, it will be different, but I do expect it to trigger the same type of feelings and in depth understanding of the life of a Marine during the pacific theater.

Our grandfathers, great grandfathers for some, were part of a special generation; one of the bravest generations in the history of the US. Many people may be tired of movies, tv and games that are set during WWII, but their story should be told.

Look for The Pacific on HBO in March of 2010.

GameSpoon: The Next Xbox Rumors

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Gizmodo posted about a rumor they heard regarding the next xbox. They learned that the next xbox will not only have Natal built-in, but it will also support a fully immersible 3D environment.

Gizmodo's post referred to a Team Xbox article, which stated, "in addition to built-in Natal tech, a key feature of the next Xbox would be full HD stereoscopic 3D visuals similar to 3D movie theatres" (Team Xbox). Also, according to Gizmodo, "TeamXbox claims that the 720 won't be launched until 3D television solutions go more mainstream" (Gizmodo).

Let's recap some information here -

Project Natal, which will be available for the Xbox 360, is clearly a future that Microsoft will be exploring and improving upon

Microsoft employee Johnny Chung Lee, who is working on Project Natal, has already created an interactive 3D environment with a WiiMote

At E3, Microsoft announced a 10 year lifespan for the Xbox 360

So what does this all mean? First, we can assume that the Project Natal's release on the Xbox 360 will basically be a massive "beta-testing" ground for the future of that type of technology. I use "beta-testing" loosely, it will be a fully-functioning add on to the 360, but the future of the Xbox console clearly has this technology in mind. So why not test it out on the current system, get the bugs out, see what developers can do and use the time to explore more ideas around the technology?

Next, we come to Johnny Chung Lee. Seeing how he has already created an interactive 3D environment (using a WiiMote), sure sounds like it is on par with this "fully immersible 3D environment" that the 360's successor is rumored to have. Watch this video:

Last, it brings us to the 10 year plan for the Xbox 360. Now, this does not mean that we have to wait for the full 10 years before the next system comes out, but it does buy Microsoft some valuable time. Time that they may not need, but time that the public will need to adapt to "3D television solutions."

I once had the pleasure of hearing Jawed Karim, a co-founder of YouTube, speak about the success of YouTube; the success of that website directly correlated with the publics' adaption to high-speed internet - thus being able to stream video. YouTube would not have been successful if the site launched before 2005. He stressed the importance of timing and technology, basically when the masses are ready for the new technology. This reasoning sounds like justification for Microsoft's patience.

Regardless of whether these rumors are true or not, these next few years will be exciting times. The way we've known console gaming is going to change forever, but these changes will be good. They will bring us forward and offer new experiences that will change the way we game and the way we interact with our games. Perhaps this will further break down the wall between gaming and film, joining forces to breed a new way of telling stories.

GameSpoon - Just Cause 2

noreply@blogger.com (DSNyDE) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:21:00 +0000

GameSpoon - Super Mario Galaxy 3 @ E3

noreply@blogger.com (DSNyDE) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:21:00 +0000

GameSpoon: Jason Sudekis at E3

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:52:00 +0000

"Can I race as Jimmy Fallon?"

GameSpoon: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:50:00 +0000

Castlevania + Patrick Stewart = EPIC! This game looks badass! It will be released on the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 in 2010...be prepared. This time, Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear) takes a hold of this series, you can expect only the best.

GameSpoon: New Super Mario Bros. Wii footage

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:46:00 +0000

The New Super Mario Bros. Wii game could, in fact, be one of my favorite titles for the Nintendo Wii. I look forward to the multi-player experience in the game; up to four people playing at once! That will be fun.

This is the type of game that the Wii needs to capitalize on; 2D side-scrollers. I'm completely biased though. I grew up with the original NES and all I ever knew Nintendo to be, was a 2D side-scrolling platformer (with various exceptions such as the original Zelda). Anyway, this game looks great!

GameSpoon: Halo: Reach teaser

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Halo: Reach - fall of 2010! "From the beginning, you know the end," what could this mean? What type of game will this be? Bottom line...will it rock? I have high expectations for this next Bungie release, I hope I'm not disappointed.

Fall of 2010 might be a ways out there, but thankfully we get Halo 3: ODST this fall! Make sure you still have your copy of Halo 3 laying around!

Halo 3: ODST

GameSpoon: Assassin's Creed 2 official trailer

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:17:00 +0000

This looks extremely promising! I loved Assassin's Creed and I am really looking forward to this game. Look for Assassin's Creed 2 this November. Also, pick up the first game, if you haven't played it yet.

GameSpoon: Metal Gear Solid: Rising teaser

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Coming to the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and the PC - Metal Gear Solid: Rising. This game will be based on Raiden, rather than Solid Snake (Raiden first appeared as the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty).

GameSpoon: Doomsday Arcade catch-up

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Sorry folks, fell behind here a bit, but here is the pure awesomeness of Doomsday Arcade:

Doomsday Arcade episode 8:

Doomsday Arcade episode 9:

Doomsday Arcade episode 10:

GameSpoon: COD: Modern Warfare 2

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Straight from GameTrailers.com's E3 coverage, gameplay footage of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's campaign mode.

RandomSpoon/FlickSpoon - Die Hard Deathmap.

noreply@blogger.com (DSNyDE) — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:47:00 +0000

An accurate telling of where and how everyone died in Nakatomi Plaza that fateful christmas.

GameSpoon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Gameplay Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Wow...Speechless?

Okay people, let's re-cap. The next Infinity Ward Call Of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, looks like it is picking up where we left off in COD 4; for those of us who played the campaign mode in the game. Unless I'm mistaken, is this the first COD game to continue a storyline?

For those of you who missed the boat on COD4: Modern Warfare, who then decided to pass on COD5: World at War (which you shouldn't have done, that game is fantastic!). Well your time has come. COD6: MW2 looks like it could be the greatest COD to date. It is your time, it is not to late to jump onto the COD bandwagon!

TubeSpoon - Upfronts Preview of ABC's Remake Of 'V'.

noreply@blogger.com (DSNyDE) — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Fans of the early 80's sci-fi series will certainly be looking forward to ABC's upcoming remake. 'V' tells the story of a technologically advanced race of aliens that come to earth in peace...or so we're lead to believe. As the majority of Earth has accepted this new race as their saviors, a resistance is silently being formed. Their symbol is a spray painted red V...V For Victory.

Some familiar faces can be seen in this update, including Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliette from Lost), Scott Wolf (Party Of Five), and Morena Baccarin (Firefly).

This could be another hit for ABC and--along with the upcoming Flash Forward--could fill the void when Lost ends next year.

FlickSpoon - Star Trek

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:26:00 +0000

Damn, I LOVE JJ Abrams' Star Trek...I also really got a kick out of this SNL clip.

Live long and prosper!

TubeSpoon - CHUCK SAVED! Picked Up For A 3rd Season...but there's a catch.

noreply@blogger.com (DSNyDE) — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Alright, the good news is that The Hollywood Reporter is, well, reporting that Chuck has been renewed and that NBC/Uni will announce on Tuesday. All good, right? That's what we at The Spoon and fans around the world wanted.

But this is NBC we're dealing with; there's always a catch.

The Reporter is also reporting that the Josh Schwartz comedy will suffer a MASSIVE budget cut. That means less visual effects, action sequences, and/or (heaven forbid) dropping cast members. I think we all know where they are going with this.

Buy More crew? See ya.

Ellie and Awesome? Later.

It has been a rocky road for Chuck, but at least it is getting the 3rd Season that it sorely needs. Especially after that Season 2 finale...

GameSpoon - BioShock 2

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:26:00 +0000

IGN posted a video of BioShock 2 gameplay! Well, not much to say really. It's pretty self-explanatory.

We all are looking forward to this title!

GameSpoon - Red Dead Redemption

noreply@blogger.com (SpoonRock) — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Red Dead Redemption, the new upcoming game from Rockstar Games. This title looks sweet! I only hope it delivers.

Having never played the predecessor to Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Revolver (a game that received average scores; released in 2004), I honestly can't tell you what I expect from the game play. I love the prospect of an old west setting, it's a great setting for an action/adventure game based on outlaws.

Red Dead Redemption places you in the shoes of Clint Eastwood-style, former outlaw named John Martson. You are tasked with bringing law to the open world of the old frontier of the west; you can surely expect a few gunfights along the way.

The game will launch in the Fall of this year (2009) and will be available for both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. This gives you plenty of time to clean out your spitoon, polish your Colt Peacemaker and saddle your ride... ye haw!

Enjoy!