Archive for: August, 2010

It’s with some hesitation that I haven’t opened this copy of Metroid: Other M sitting on my desk, the one intended for a review that already happened. It’s this part of that review, “Nintendo unfortunately felt the need to tell a story that explores those tired themes of protagonist immaturity, weapons of mass destruction, and possible government conspiracy,” that has me most concerned about how much I’ll enjoy Samus Aran’s latest adventure. And maybe it’s that the last Team Ninja game I played was the insufferable T&A sim Dead or Alive: Paradise.

Mostly though, it’s the inclusion of other people who are not Samus in this thing, leading to bland exposition, wordy introductions and silly looking space marines–part of the reason I never made it very far in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. I hear it gets better.

But there are a few other Metroid games I’m interested in playing. They’re unofficial and may never realistically see the light of day.

First, Minitroid. Look how cute it is!

That’s from homebrewer Tokinsom, creator of the chibi and canceled Metroid+H and this, Super Metroid Remake Revival X Blood Pt.2 Ch.5 The Return Of Samus Returns -The Sequel-, a Metroid with ATTITUDE.

Alright, I’m gonna go play Metroid: Other M and pray I’m wrong, that Samus killing Space Pirates and indigenous spacelife execution style will be enough (or that Zero Suit shows up early and often).

Found this in Topman while shopping at London today and was immediately struck by a shocking feeling of eye-bashing familiarity. Thanks to the brand Two Bucks for the flattering… homage, I guess.

Before you lose your enthusiasm for all things Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, we’d like to make a recommendation as to the proper way to immerse oneself in this video game kung fu rom com. Over the past week, video games and movies have been thrown at you, all with the guilt of not having read the Scott Pilgrim comic books hanging over your head. Don’t sweat it! Here’s how you should get up to speed on all things Pilgrim before your next nerdy dinner party.

First, see the movie. It’s not necessarily the best of the three works featuring Scott, Ramona, seven evil ex-boyfriends (including one girlfriend), and cast of memorable characters, but it’s damn good. You like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead? Odds are very good you’ll like the humor here too.

If you even remotely liked the film–or you’re wondering just what the hell was happening amid all that flash and pop rock (it’s got Beck and Broken Social Scene!)–read the books. There are six volumes, but you can burn through all six in a couple hours. Story-wise, they’re stronger than the movie. Scott’s more likable, as is Ramona; there’s just so much great humor and style to it–plus it’s packed with obscure and obvious video game references!

If you’re cheap, you can grab the whole series for a pittance (approximately $40 on Amazon.com), but you should probably pick ‘em up from your local comic book store instead.

Finally, play the game. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is essentially a repackaged River City Ransom, only with amaaazing sprites by Paul Robertson and brilliant music by Anamanaguchi. Sure, the co-op play is all offline (T_T) and it’s essentially a repackaged River City Ransom but it’s still a blast.

All that Scott Pilgrim will set you back, say, about $65 if you’re frugal about it. Way better than spending the equivalent on Crackdown 2 or Alpha Protocol or Madden. Promise!

San Diego Comic-Con has quickly become my favorite annual event to attend, a vast collection of nerd delights–You’ll see Data and Deanna Troi in person! Thousands upon thousands of toys, comic books and video games surround you! You’re never the biggest nerd in the room!

While most of what I did at Comic-Con 2010 was video game related and required sitting in panel after panel for games like Dead Space 2, Twisted Metal and Super Street Fighter IV, there were plenty of other diversions. Here’s a quick sampling of SDCC’s people, places and things.

I’ve always had a thing for Starro the Conqueror, the giant evil alien starfish of the DC universe. Not that big a fan of the DC universe itself, where a thing like Starro exists, but the character design (cyclops, tentacles) combined with its weirdness (giant evil alien starfish) almost made me stand in line for a plastic Starro mask. Almost.

On Thursday at the Con, Capcom had a rooftop party featuring Big Boi. Liking Big Boi less than Starro, I decided to mingle. Ran into Street Fighter IV producer and friend of Meat Bun Yoshinori Ono, Blanka and David Crislip of Capcom. Ono’s always thrilled to take a picture.

Also ran into Adrienne Curry, America’s Next Top Marvel vs. Capcom 3 player. She’s a geek. That’s a World of Warcraft t-shirt she’s wearing. That’s Barndi on the left, who was too shy to ask Adrienne for a picture. I was drunk enough to be That Guy.

Earlier in the evening, watching Geoff Keighley interview Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski. I have a lovely shot of Cliff getting his make-up done, if I ever need it.

One of the things I wish I’d played at Comic-Con was I-Mockery‘s Abobo’s Big Adventure. It’s a weird Legend of Zelda-clone that sees Abobo–you know, from Double Dragon?–wander through mazes shaped like a penis. The marquee and side art on this thing was top shelf stuff.

If I had a trillion dollars (OK a billion will suffice) I would invest in things like Sideshow Collectibles. Like ultra-detailed Guile sculptures and sexy Psylockes and that Tyrannosaurus Rex that was infested with a Venom symbiote. I’d have the most amazing room full of nerd shit that no one would ever see.

That same room would have a perfect recreation of Skeletor’s army invading Castle Grayskull.

Oh, if you ever go to Comic-Con, stop by the Mega 64 booth and spin the Wheel of Mystery. Rocco may sing karaoke at you–Alice DeeJay’s “Better Off Alone” for example–or you may share an Awkward Moment.

Not included in the Nerd Lair would be tons of Ron English vinyl toys. This and the entire Gargamel line would be prominently featured somewhere near the entryway to my home. Trolling the vinyl toy zone at Comic-Con–the cooler side of nerdy toy collection–is where I spend about 10% of my entire time during the show.