Online Shoppers Blog - Become's Pocket Change

Designers Zowie Broach and Brian Kirkby are the duo behind Boudicca, the fashion label that is anything but just another clothing line. The eponymous label derived from an ancient British queen who led a formidable uprising against the Roman Empire, creates a women’s line that takes inspiration not from media and celebrity hype, but art, film, and conversations between friends.

With collections described more as a documentary or story rather than mere garments to cover the body, the pieces are reminiscent of the rigidity of Victorian form intermixed with architectural silhouettes that defy conformity to fashion norms. The exquisite tailoring and attention to detail, with each carefully sewn pleat and dart, complements the minimal color palette of black, white, and the occasional silver.

Accordion pleating, binding corsets, exaggerated juliette sleeves, and asymmetric shapes are some defining features of the line. Focusing on concept over profit, Boudicca has quickly gained the respect and credibility of fashion’s top names and built a devoted following of fans who appreciate and consider clothing as an art form.

Jill

Posted by Jill at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So this weekend I was finally able to go see the movie Superbad, which stares Jonah Hill (Accepted & Knocked Up), Michael Cear (Arrested Development), and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. After seeing previews a couple of weeks ago, I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of this movie. I knew the actors in this movie had a reputation for being comedic geniuses, but other than that I hadn’t the slightest idea of a possible storyline.

Let me tell you though, this movie was freaking awesome. The comedic performances from all three main characters, as well as the supporting roles, were amazing. From start to finish, I found myself cracking up at all the wise-crack humor and bizarre situations these high school characters encounter. I also found my new comic hero, McLovin (played by Mintz-Plasse).

The movie starts off with three high school friends on a quest to score a hot chick before they graduate in two weeks. The only problem with their plan is that they aren’t the most socially accepted kids at school. Their best opportunity arises when they are invited to one of the popular girl’s parties, on the condition that they provide everyone with alcohol. Fogell, aka McLovin, comes to the rescue by obtaining a fake ID. From then on, the events and situations they go through will stay with them as they go their own ways to college.

This cast of characters really has something going for them. I personally see them as the next close knit group of actors to continue doing films together, such as what Hollywood has declared, the “frat pack”, which includes actors, Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Steve Carell, and Luke & Owen Wilson. There view on comedy is new and unique, and I expect a lot more great things out of this group. So don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the best comedy’s of the year!

Brent

Posted by Brent at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Gaming can be an expensive habit. It often takes very large chunks of our wallet just to stay in the game. However, if you focus your efforts you can get the bare essentials without needlessly spending your money on useless things. These are the 5 things that every gamer should own.

1) Gamefly Account: How often have you seen a really cool game featured in an ad, or on some review site but didn't know if it was for you. In days of yore we'd have to trek down to Blockbuster and see if the game wasn't rented out by the 40 other people with the same idea. If we were lucky enough to get the game we'd have to return it in 3 days. With Gamefly you can nearly always get the game you want, and you can keep it until you've crushed every last alien zombie ninja in the thing. If you don't have a gamefly account then you're probably spending far too much money on games you don't really need.

2) Gametap Account: Gametap is one of the most underrated things in gaming at the moment. Every week they keep surprising me with the quality games they are putting on the site. Gametap can connect you to all the great classics that you remember as a kid, as well as hit you with originals that quite often knock you off you feet. These guys have exclusive rights to the new American McGee game. If that doesn't make you bust out your credit card then nothing will.

3) Bioshock: I snuck this in here. Honestly, this is probably one of the greatest games to come out this year. If you have a computer that is good enough to run this (which you should, see 5), then you need to pick this up. Amazing visuals coupled with a fantastic storyline and an amazing atmosphere makes this game something that every gamer should have played through at least once.

4) Next Gen Console: Are you seriously still playing on an original Xbox or Playstation 2? If you haven't picked up the next gen console then you really have just allowed the rest of the world to leave you in the dust. I don't care if it's a Wii, PS3, or 360. You are way past your prime in gaming if you're still using a last gen system. So go upgrade.

5)Quality custom built computer: This is an investment, but a real gamer needs to make this investment to keep up. One this is absolutely certain, Dell does not make good gaming machines. If you want to get the most out of your money, you need get a computer that was built for you. Digital Storm Online is a new company that can offer great products at a low cost. If you have the money, a Voodoo PC or Falcon Northwest machine can give you everything you're looking for a more. If you're using a Dell XPS or something by HP then you are really not getting the most of your games.

Kris

Posted by Kris at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

America's game is filled with illustrious history, and on August 7, 2007, baseball's most sacred record was broken when Barry Bonds hit home run number 756 to break Hank Aaron's 33 year old mark. As Barry Bonds continues to hit home runs and continues to add to his all time home run record, it got me thinking about where he stands is baseball's history books.

Now, anyone who knows me understands that I hate Barry Bonds. It might be because I grew up a Dodger fan my whole life, or the fact that all his records are tainted because of illegal activity, or the plain and simple fact that he's a jerk, but whatever the case is, I have no interest in any of his accomplishments. Now let me clarify some things for all the Giant fans out there. I have repeatedly heard the argument that Barry has never openly admitting to using steroids, so therefore, no one knows for sure whether
he cheated or not. This argument is B.S. He has testified saying that he took these substances, "the cream and the clear", but without knowing it. So therefore the previous argument is irrelevant. Whether he meant to take anabolic steroids or not doesn't matter, the fact remains that he DID use them, and therefore his records should be subject to scrutiny.

However, I respect the game of baseball, and because of that, I can't ignore what he's done to the game. Bonds still has to go out and play the game like everyone else, so in that sense I give him credit for his accomplishments, but I truly believe he wouldn't be the player he is today or break multiple historic baseball records without the use of steroids. He used an illegal performing enhancing substance (in other words, cheating) to change the game of baseball. Because of this, it's hard to compare him to the legends such as The Babe or Hammerin' Hank.

Ok, well enough with that rant...

I have created a list of what I believe to be the top 10 baseball players of all time. Please take into consideration that I didn't include any Negro league players or any international players who were not in MLB. So sorry for all of you who might have been expecting such names as Oscar Charleston, Satchel Paige, an Josh Gibson. I've included highlighted stats for each player, but let me remind you stats are only numbers, and baseball is heavy influenced by intangibles.

Here is it...

1. Babe Ruth: The Babe

hits: 2,873 runs: 2,174 home runs: 714 RBI: 2,213 AVG: .342
94 career wins as a pitcher

2. Ted Williams: Teddy Ballgame

hits: 2,654 runs: 1,798 home runs: 521 RBI: 1,839 AVG: .344
Last player to hit over .400 for an entire season (.406 - 1941)

3. Hank Aaron: Hammerin' Hank

hits: 3,771 runs: 2,174 home runs: 755 RBI: 2,297 AVG: .305
Broke Babe Ruth's Home Run record (715)

4. Willie Mays: Say Hey

hits: 3,283 runs: 2,062 home runs: 660 RBI: 1,903 AVG: .302
Most historic over the shoulder catch (1954 World Series)

5. Barry Bonds:

hits: 2,922 runs: 2,219 home runs: 760 RBI: 1,989 AVG: .298
All time home run leader

6. Stan Musial: Stan the Man

hits: 3,630 runs: 1,949 home runs: 475 RBI: 1,951 AVG: .331
24-Time all star

7. Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse

hits: 2,721 runs: 1,888 home runs: 493 RBI: 1,995 AVG: .340
2,130 consecutive games played

8. Joe DiMaggio: The Yankee Clipper

hits: 2,214 runs: 1,390 home runs: 361 RBI: 1,537 AVG: .325
56 game hitting streak

9. Jimmie Foxx: Beast

hits: 2,646 runs: 1,751 home runs: 534 RBI: 1,922 AVG: .325
Back to Back MVP's ('32 and '33)

10. Nolan Ryan: The Ryan Express

wins: 324 ERA: 3.19 CG: 222 SHO: 61 strike outs: 5,714
7 no-hitters

So there it is. Comment, read, review, critique...whatever you want to do with it. Post your own list and see who makes your top 10!

Brent

Posted by Brent at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

At this point I'm sure we're all very aware that "video games is the devil," but what many don't realize (or actively choose not to acknowledge) is that there are some very educational, entertaining, and enriching games on the market that can actually do wonders to grab kid's attentions while teaching them valuable lessons. If you think it's about time you stopped judging games based on the mass media image, and started looking a bit deeper then enjoy this list of the top 5 games for kids:

5) Pokemon Pearl and Diamond - I know what you may be thinking. Pokemon is a mindless pastime of children these days, and has no educational value. You would say that because you have not watched your own children play with this game. You may see it these kids spending tons of money trying to "catch them all," but what you don't realize is the amount of social education that these kids are gaining from this game. Pokemon, at it's core, is a game of sharing, trading, and growing. A player is tasked with putting time and effort into the game in order to improve his or her collection. However, the player cannot become "the best" alone. He or she must seek out others to trade and share (and sometime battle) their Pokemons and power-ups to fully realize their potential. Through this game your kid's just learned how to: Work as a team, share, build a social network, and work hard and cooperatively to attain a goal. Still think this is just a pointless pastime?

4) Wii Sports (Comes with the Wii Console) - Ever wished your kids would stop sitting on the couch all day watching cartoons and would get our with their friends and do something active? While it is no substitute for having your kids play little league, Wii sports gets kids active in something that they enjoy doing already. It is easy to take a game like this and compare it to the value or organized sports, and it is a tactic often used to invalidate the value of such a game. The game isn't a replacement for outdoor activity, but a replacement for watching TV or playing a less mobile type of video game. Place the game in the correct context and it's easy to see how valuable it could be.

3) Mario Party 8 - Video games tend to summon up the impression of lonely gamers in their parents basement spending hours trying to gain the next level. Many see letting their kid's play video games as sending them down the path of social failure. Instead of removing the games, consider trying to change the way that he or she plays. Invite a few friends over and put in a game like Mario Party. Party game like this can be very fun, and quite active for kids. The minigames, many of which require quite a bit of cooperation and coordination, will keep them busy for hours. This isn't your standards "sit in fount of the tv and play" game either. These games require kids to get out of their seats and preform quick motions that can build up quite an exercise. Again, if presented in the correct way this game can be a enriching experience for a child, and is not just a "brain rotting video game."

2) Brain Age 1 or 2 - This one is for a bit older kids (it was designed for adults), but can be very useful for those just starting high school. High school is the age of standardized tests. Once a child enters that time in their lives they are asked the fill in the dots once every 25 seconds. Having to train for these tests can often be a very painful experience. However, Brain Age and it's sequel are designed to help the brain think better and faster. It trains those same skills that kids need when taking important standardized tests. It's no replacement for a good SAT training program, but over time it could really improve those test scores.

1) World of Warcraft - I know, "but World of Warcraft players are all overweight 30 year olds who still live with their grandmothers and eat Cheetos and drink Mountain Dew all day long." Stereotyping aside, this is another game for the older kids. High school is about the time when kids begin to build their social skills. We all have memories of either being or beating up on the "nerdy, "geeky, "lame," kids that didn't really fit in. Often this is because those kids didn't have the social skills to "fit in" with the greater crowd. Well, if this fits your child then you may want to consider them getting involved in an MMO community (monitored of course). When done correctly, kid's can learn organizational and social skills that they could never have learned just being tossed into the jungle that is freshmen year. Now, this will require quite a bit more work from you, the parent, than any other game on this list. These games must be monitored both for the people they are coming in contact with (people from all walks of life play this game; most friendly, some not). Parents should set up the proper time limits using the tools provided by the game to ensure that all studies are done and the game doesn't take away from any other aspect of the kid's life. If properly done, World of Warcraft (or any other popular MMO) has the potential to teach your kids the skills to not only do well in high school, but excel throughout their lives.
Kris

Posted by Kris at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Getting in a full-pledged week off for vacation can be difficult at times, especially when you’ve exhausted all your PTO on emergencies like the opening day of H&M or the launch of the iPhone. Thankfully there are sites like 71Miles, which provide short, local getaways for those who do not feel like venturing out too far, or are vacation-days deprived.

71Miles is a network of travel sites that focuses solely on regional travel. Covering Northern California and the Washington D.C. Metro area (for now), 71Miles features top hotel deals (from Kayak.com), interactive maps, restaurant reviews, slide shows, and even events calendars. Combining a blog style format featuring various traveling topics from family getaways to exploring the wine country or coastal beaches, and up-to-date information on the best deals, 71Miles is a great solution for the need-a-vacation blues.

Jill

Posted by Jill at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kanye West’s critically acclaimed album, Graduation, his third studio album, which features such chart topping singles as Stronger, Can’t Tell Me Nothing, and Good Life, had a scheduled release date of September 18. 2007. However, Kanye has decided to push his release date up one week to September 11; the same date 50 Cent’s new album, Curtis, is supposed to release. The new release date has led to lot of controversy between the two rapper and their labels (Def Jam and Interscope).

Feuds between rappers are nothing new. Everyday it seems as if some rapper has new beef with someone else in the industry. I really feel rappers do this just so that they’ll have something to rap about in their upcoming album. I mean, it is pretty difficult to express any interest in anything except money, bling, and women (sarcasm for anyone who couldn’t tell). But anyways, as you can probably tell, I’m not a huge fan of all the political controversies within the rap industry and the mind numbing artist who rap about the same things with different hooks. However I do have to admit that I’m am pretty excited for the feedback about both albums released on the same day.

To take things even farther, 50 Cent has now said that if Kanye West’s Graduation outsells his Curtis album, that he will stop releasing solo albums.

“Let's raise the stakes. If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I'll no longer write music. I'll write music and work with my other artists, but I won't put out any more solo albums.”

I don’t know about anyone else, but don’t you think rap music would be better without 50 Cent? I mean he is one of the most recognizable figures in the industry, but does his music really warrant his fame? All his songs sound the same and he never has any content or substance; face it, he just can’t compete with Kanye West as a lyricist.

So, September 11 you can make your own decision and be the judge about who is the better artist, and you never know, you might be purchasing the last 50 Cent solo album ever!

Brent

Posted by Brent at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

You know, this really has gotten quite a bit out of hand. There was once a time, back in the day when playing a MMO was for the elite: the segment of society who had evolved beyond the need for grooming and social gatherings. However, times have certainly changed. Now World of Warcraft has 9 million “devoted” subscribers who have sold their soul to Blizzard Entertainment for their shiny “purplz.” Many had thought that after 3 years the World (of Warcraft) would finally be coming to an end. That people would emerge from the dark to once again blink in the warm sunlight. Well, put those thoughts aside as Blizzard announced the newest expansion: The Wrath of the Lich King.

Ok, so lets start with the big stuff. What does a new expansion mean? Well, I will defer to Blizzard Community Manager Drysc for this:

"Sometimes when a video game developer loves a game very much they go into a dark office, and after many months an expansion comes out! While the expansion can be a lot of work for the video game developer to take care of, the expansion allows everyone who loved the original game to continue playing it. They want to continue playing it because it opens up an area for them to progress, to continue a story line, improve their character, fight new monsters, get bigger weapons, and in general continue playing the game they enjoy by having more of it available."

Basically, we’re talking about some add on content for those that already play the game. For those that do play the game, we’re talking about Northrend. Back before World of Warcraft there was a little game called Warcraft III. Sure this may seem like the lore of old now but before the MMO, Warcraft was a real time strategy game. In that game we follow Prince Arthas Menethil from being the favored paladin of Lorderon (nerd speak translation: he was a good guy), to being the feared death knight in service to the lich king (translation: bad guy). In the process he traveled up to Northrend to grab a sword called Frostmorne which ended up possessing his soul, binding him to the will of the lich king, and leading him to kill his father and take over the throne to the eventual destruction of the entire kingdom. You know that old story. Well, eventually he fused souls with the Lich King and now commands the entire undead army across all of Azeroth. Well, now it’s time for the heroes of Azeroth (that’s you) to go up the Northrend and take care of this little problem once and for all.

But what does this mean for us who play the game? Well…

Level cap raised to 80 (yippy!)

New Profession: Inscription (permanently enhance you spells and abilities with powerful pieces of paper)

Tons of new game space with the addition of the continent of Northrend

New PVP dynamics with siege weapons and destroyable buildings

New character customization options. You can now change your dance and your hairstyles.

New Dungeons

And a bunch… bunch…bunch… more.

Oh, yeah… and the somewhat important thing. We will be seeing the induction of a brand new class into the game. The first ever hero class: The Deathknight. It’s like a paladin, only evil. The Deathknight will inscribe runes on its weapon to use in combat (in lieu of a resource system like mana/rage/energy). The Deathknight will start at a high level (sources say in the 50-60 range) and will be unlocked through a very difficult quest obtainable to your main character at level 80.

Things are looking up for the World of Warcraft, and if you haven’t yet joined the ever growing community of people who call Azeroth a second home you should really check it out (the original game is still as accessible and fun as ever for new players). If you do play WoW, then get ready for new challenges and new adventures.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer: and enjoy.

Kris

Posted by Kris at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It’s not very often that I encounter a designer whose collection I would wear in its entirety, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across Australian fashion label Obus.

Designer and creative director Kylie Zerbst debuted her first collection in Winter 2000. Seven years later, Obus is on its fourteenth collection entitled Asphalt Dreaming. This Autumn/Winter 2007 womenswear collection focuses on sharp tailoring, quality knits, underrated neutrals like asphalt, plums, olive green, rust, teal, and other wonderfully muted colors.

Despite the line being entirely manufactured locally in Melbourne, Obus gives a very classic European feel with its tailored wool trousers, crisp cotton dresses, and delicate knits. Add to that Obus’s signature style of layering numerous pieces, giving the line a very Japanese streetstyle meets German army functionality and structure.

Obus is available for purchase in various locations in Australia, Japan, and the United States. Check the website for details.

Jill

Posted by Jill at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey everyone,
I didn't really want to write the carnival this week, so I brought my friends the Oompa Loompas in to sing a song for all the entries. Enjoy.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee doo,
I've got a perfect puzzle for you,
Oompa loompa doompadee dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me.
What do you get when you don't pay your card?
a few years in prison doing can be really hard
What do you get when you read the happy rock?
News that could make a dead man gawk.
Pay your cards just once a year.
Oompa loompa dompadee astinate
This would help those who like to procrastinate
You will live lazy and carefree too
Like the oompa loompa doompadee do,
Doompadee Do.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee doo,
I've got another riddle for you,
Oompa loompa doompadee dye
Listen to me or you get no more pie.
What do you do when your kids want new toys?
Those things are expensive, especially boy's,
No credit needed has interesting thoughts
Get them some junk like old used pots
They won't know the difference.
Oompa loompa dompadee dids
No need to go bankrupt entertaining your kids
They can live as frugally as you,
like the Oompa Loompa doompadee do,
Doompadee Do.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee do,
I think at the point you get what we do,
Oompa loompa doompadee bunny
Listen to use and we'll save you some money.
What to you get buying counterfeit stuff?
A whole lot of nothing, but if that's not enough
If you'd have read The Digerati Life
You could have saved yourself some strife,
They can tell you whats a fake
Oompa loompa dompadee tuff
Listen to them before buying that sutff
You could have all namebrand bling too
Like the Oompa loompa doompadee do
Doompadee Do.
---
Ooompa loompa doompadee doo,
This is something that we already knew
Oompa loompa doompadee net
but you probably have a ton of debt.
What's the best way to pay off your credit card
Saving your money, it's really not hard
That's what they say at My Debt Relief Plan
Don't use your AC use a fan
It'll also save on energy
Oompa loompa doompadee buck
When you're in debt it really does suck
You could owe no debt and it's true
Like the Oompa Loompa doompadee do.
Doompadee Do.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee doo
Maybe it's time that you tried something new,
Oompa loompa doompadee dee
you're paying far to much for TV
What do you get with your premium plan?
400 channels of Cooking with Dan
You could cut about 80 and pick up Netflix
Satellite TV Guru knows
You should see what else they say.
Oompa loompa doompadee pie
The prices for cable are just way too high
You could be watching Ghostbusters 2
like the Oompa loompa doompadee do
Doompadee Do.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee do
This one is comming from somebody who
Oompa loompa doompadee rife
Helps us get by in our everyday life
What do you get when your skin is all dry
It can get really painfull, it's time that you buy
Something to make your skin happy and fresh
Something like this Dream Cream from lush
That is what Suzanne says.
Oompa loompa doompadee ream
Maybe you should think about buying this cream
You could have soft, happy skin too
Like the Oompa Loompa doompadee do.
Doompadee Do.
---
Oompa loompa doompadee do
We have one last diddy for you,
Oompa loompa doompadee dee
Soon you won't have to listen to me
How do save a boatload of cash?
Spending less money on useless new trash
Millionaire Mommy has some interesting tips,
for making your family really rich,
money money mo-o-o-ney
Oompa loompa doompadee dee
this is good bye from to you from me
I hope you had fun reading this too
Like the Oompa loompa doompadee do,
Doompadee do.

Posted by Kris at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I was awaken this morning by a soft blue glow coming from the little white box across my room this morning. As far as wake up calls go, that could be one of the best. That glow means that my friends over at Nintendo have graced us all with a shiny new update for our Wiis.

The update didn't add any new channels as I would have hoped (mii popularity channel anyone?), but it did add some nice bug fixes and features that are worth the update.

The guys over at Wii Fanboy have compiled a nice list of the changes:

Channels:

* Digital Clock added to the Wii Menu right under the channel bar
* Forecast Channel now displays the current condition directly in the Wii Menu in the Forecast Channel box
* News Channel can now show 2 scrolling headlines at a time in the Wii Menu, 3 when you click on the button
* Message Board now has the "Today's Accomplishments" message as a white message which allows it to stand out from other messages
* Address Book entries can now be shifted around using A+B but only to empty spaces.
* Calendar in Message Board no longer shows "Today's Accomplishment"
* Scrolling messages in the Message Board now uses a different sound

Wii Shop Channel

* New Welcome screen detailing 4 Recommended Titles and the points they cost. The title bar can be clicked on to bring up a list of 20 recommended games.
* Titles You've Downloaded was moved to the main shop menu
* New ways to browse
* Popular Titles
* Newest Additions remains the same
* Search for a title which can use partial names
* Search by Category
* Search by Publisher
* Search by Genre
* System shows the different systems and how many titles have been released under each

So... thanks for that big N.

Kris

Posted by Kris at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

This weekend was a glorious affair. For 4 days, San Diego California hosted what can really only be described as the "Nerd Superbowl." Comic-con international is a once a year tribute to all things comic book, video game, table top game, movie, and popular art. The weekend was very long, and sleep was a luxury for the weak, but from the lines and crowd I arise with news of this wonderful gathering.

First, I have somewhat of a complaint to the organizers of this event. It has grown far too large for its venue, and the organizers don't seem to realize it. This year was the biggest Comic-Con yet, and the lines and crowds proved it. You are really only given 2 choices when it comes to what you are going to do on a given day. You can attend every panel leading up to the one you want to actually see in order to actually get in, or you could spend the day doing the 30 other things that you'd like to do. Every good even conflicts with each other, and they don't seem to realize which panels would be popular and which would not. This became stunningly clear when the line for the Heroes panel drew the attention of the Fire Marshal and was dispersed because it had grown too large. As the weekend continued on and more people showed up the problem became even worse. When celebrities would come to do signings at the booths, the event staff would filter large groups of people into very small hallways making traffic on the floor come to a very cramped standstill. It just all seemed very unorganized and something needs to change.

With that aside lets talk about the good things that came from the convention.

The Floor:
Panels are usually the main source of juicy information at any convention, but I am a much bigger fan of walking the floor. The floor of a convention like comic-con is a wonderland of expensive displays designed to make you want to whip out your wallet. It is shopping paradise. Since gaming is my passion, and the MMO is the genre of choice my obvious first move was to head to the Warhammer Online booth.

I have been critical of Warhammer online in the past. I used to think that its choppy animations and sketchy combat systems would be its downfall. After getting some hands on time with the game this weekend I realized how terrible incorrect I was. The game is fun, it plays quite smoothly, and the characters are as unique as any MMO I've ever played. Flying around on a living disk (that bites) as a Chaos Magus is an experience that really needs to be had to fully understand. I really can't wait to get my hands on this game in beta, or at release.

Next stop was the Playstation booth. There was nothing stunning about the booth, but it was a great chance to get some hands on time with a few upcoming Playstation 3 and PSP games. The Playstation 3 is a fascinating animal. Every game I played at that booth was stunning and beautiful. Lair, Heavenly Sword, Ratchet and Clank, Folklore, and Eye of Judgment all played as epic as they looked. It just happens that none of these games are actually out.

Staying with the Sony theme, we took a quick look at the Sony Online Entertainment booth. By quick look I mean that we walked into the booth, laughed and quickly walked out. Hey, that pirate MMO is coming along great guys, good work.

A few other things to mention about gaming in general. Tabula Rasa looks amazing, the Game Tap people are very friendly, Conan (the console game) looks terrible, and the Cartoon Network MMO looks like it will be great fun for the little ones.

On to the world of movies and TV. This year seems to be the year of Neil Gaiman. Beowulf and Stardust look like they have the potential to me incredible. He doesn't seem to be stopping there, and is actively pursuing making even more movies. It also seems to be the year of Stargate and Star Trek. This year we will see two Stargate movies (with Richard Dean Andersen so they won't suck), a complete series DVD release, and a new Stargate spin off. For Star Trek we're getting a new movie about the early lives of Spock and Kirk. Of course the real star of the show was the Iron Man movie, which really does look like it'll blow the skin right off your face.

There is so much more that happened at that convention, but as I said seeing everything is nearly impossible. I tried to get as much out of the convention for you all as I could, but the large crowd had other plans.

Posted by Kris at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)