Archive for 'Why are you reading this?'
I Have a New Story that You’ve Read Before
March 29th, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
A couple weeks ago I took a very rare vacation to Florida and during this time I made sure not to be in a twenty foot radius of a computer or television. It was fantastic. However, I missed some current events during my leave: the death of Peter Graves, selection Sunday for the March Madness Tournament, and the release of the video game, God of War 3. I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of God of War 3 after being a fan of the previous two games so this was the only torture I had to endure. As soon as I came back to the real world, I instantly purchased the game and beat it in about a week or two. Unfortunately, after finishing the game I didn’t have that taste of bliss I was anticipating over the past couple years. Then I started thinking, I’ve been feeling a lot like this lately. A feeling of being let down after an abundance of built up anticipation. Not just with video games but with all forms of entertainment. Then it hit me. Too many stories in today’s media word are predictable, redundant, or sometimes too risky.
Many scholars have come to accept that there are only seven different plot types that every story has been told or will be told. There are several different interpretations of each category, but seven plots are a common assessment:
- [wo]man vs. nature
- [wo]man vs. man
- [wo]man vs. the environment
- [wo]man vs. machines/technology
- [wo]man vs. the supernatural
- [wo]man vs. self
- [wo]man vs. god/religion
A hero saves the day, a woman falls into tragedy, or a comedic friendship all have been told throughout history. For the most part, people know this whether they realize it or not. So when we blast our opinions on the internet or tell our peers to not see the new summer blockbuster, what do we really want? Take your pick: another book about a child who was destined to save the world or a standard action flick with over-the-top violence? Sometimes people just want to be entertained even if they know what they’re getting themselves into.
Going back to God of War 3, the series is comprised of multiple action adventure games based off of Greek mythology. When the first God of War (GOW) game arrived in 2005, reviewers and gamers were blown away with state of the art graphics, new control schemes, and above all, a captivating story that combined Greek tragedy with a modern tone. The series follows the “protagonist,” Kratos, through his trials and tribulations while seeking revenge on the Greek gods. Throughout his journeys, Kratos suffers from sins from the past, love, betrayal, and anger. This theme really brought all the small pieces together to create somewhat of an interactive movie. Jumping forward two years, GOW 2 was released and received similar reception from its predecessor. Again, GOW 2 pushed graphical interface limits and drew the players in with a solid, yet not has breathtaking story. Now in 2010, GOW 3 hit the shelves after years of high expectations for the trilogy’s conclusion. But did the game live up to the hype?
Of course it did. However, the reviews were more in favor of how the game looked and played as opposed to an overall achievement in gaming. In fact the main criticism was that the story was lackluster and didn’t have any standout revelations. Even Kratos, the character gamers loved and admired, started off in the first game as a vengeful warrior then transformed into more of a, well, asshole. After beating the game I was a little dumbfounded yet confused at the same time. Sure I enjoyed the overall experience but I felt something was wrong. This wasn’t the story I wanted. A one dimensional character that kills everything in his path was the complete opposite from where this tale began. Yes, the overall theme of the game was unique but the series started as a Greek tragedy to a predictable action flick.
When Avatar came to theatres late last year, I had a similar feeling of partial dissatisfaction. Everyone and their mom have seen Avatar. You couldn’t walk ten steps without hearing about Avatar or 3D or James Cameron. Even before the movie was released the publicity was unprecedented. People ran to the theatres and created box office records. With amazing visuals and delivering what it had promised, Avatar lived up to the expectations. But the reactions were very similar to God of War 3. The film lacked the main ingredient to combine all the acting, special effects, and cinematography into an Oscar winning picture. A story that not only has been told before but also with several different versions, Avatar followed this formula to a tee.
Mechanical plots in film weren’t the only cause of my discontented purchases. The comic book crossover “One More Day” was supposed to change the future of Spider-Man for generations to come. After the four-part miniseries concluded, one of its biggest reviews stated that the comics had beautiful art but the plot fell under a classic case of deus ex machina. In addition, several bestselling books of the decade, The Da Vinci Code, The Secret, and Twilight, have received monstrous reviews regarding story structure or unoriginality. I am sad to say I have read two out of three of these and would not recommend them.
It just seems that no one is happy. But with a book selling 80 million copies or a movie earning 2.7 billion dollars worldwide at the box office, the numbers prove that consumers still yearn to be taken away from their everyday lives. When looking back at God of War 3, Avatar, and other recent works, I definitely had fun and that was the main goal. However, no matter what special effects, graphical engine, or suburb artwork a piece of media may have, people still focus on the story as the centerpiece of imagination. Whether it has been done before or not, a plot may produce sales but also ruin its status as an influential creation.
My First Roller Derby Experience
February 28th, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
The Pivots and Blockers eagerly take their positions while crowd roars in anticipation for the official’s signal. The Jammers hold steady, thirty feet behind their fellow teammates and competitors. The first whistle is sounded and the pack skates forward hugging the inside lane. Quickly, two more whistles are blown and the Jammers sprint off, engaging the violent horde. Weaving, twisting, and shifting the Jammers glide by following their fellow Blockers while evading the Pivot from the opposing team. It’s a race around the track with no finish line and the Jammers need to pick up the pace.
If you have no idea what I’m describing then you obviously have never heard of roller derby. A contact sport that has evolved over several generations, roller derby involves roller skaters circling around a large flat track to maintain lead positions and scoring points. I was introduced to the game last week when a friend of the family happened to buy tickets for the Windy City Rollers in Chicago. He asked me if I have ever seen a roller derby match. I simply stated that not only have I never seen one but also I didn’t know anything about it. So naturally, I wanted to spark my curiosity and not pass up on the opportunity.
When I arrived at the UIC Pavilion, we were welcomed by very tall women (because they were all wearing roller skates) with tattoos and grungy clothing. With smiles on their faces, they were passing out pamphlets that read “Roller Derby 101 – Talk Derby to Me.” I warmly accepted the offer and noticed these pamphlets were a quick run through of the rules. As we proceeded into the arena, I was shocked to see where our seats were located. My friend and his father (who I was with at the time) just laughed and couldn’t believe we had floor seats for the cheap price.
We took our seats about fifteen to twenty feet away from the track and I instantly observed my surroundings. With two levels of seating, the upper decks were primarily empty while the lower sections were nearly full of loyal fans. Alternative and punk rock music boomed over the stadium’s speakers while the skaters were making warm up laps. The two announcers, with flashy bright suites and enthusiastic charismas, were pumping up the crowed by passing out t-shirts and discussing key matchups for each team. One of the most unique attributes of roller derby that quickly screamed out to me was the use of stage names for nearly every player. Aliases are used with creative allusions of violent, sexual, or pop culture references that are written in the back of each of the players’ uniforms. Some that stood out for me were Beth Amphetamine, Sassy Squash, Diana Hoss, Zombea Arthur, and Juanna Rumbel. Even the officials join in on the fun with names like Oedipus Ref and Stegoscorus.
After soaking in the environment, I looked over the rules pamphlet to get a general idea how the game is played. To be honest, I was still a little confused but had a feeling it would make much more sense once the games commenced. When the hour approached and the announcers finished leading the audience in cheers, the skaters took the stage. There were four teams and the night would consist of two games. The first matchup was between Manic Attackers vs. Double Crossers. Each team had their own type of pregame introduction where each player got announced individually then proceeded with fired up motions and crowd pleasing gestures. Finally, the starters took their places and the first match began.
The three positions in roller derby are the Pivots, Blockers, and Jammers. The main objective of the game is for the Jammers to attain lead jam status then score points after each Blocker lapped. The game continues for two minutes or until the lead Jammer feels it’s most strategic to end the round early by placing both hands on her hips. The Pivots and Blockers jobs are to assist their own team’s Jammer or by obstructing the opposing team’s Jammer. Whipping teammates around an edge, forming walls to hold players back, and tons of hip checking are the most common forms of physical contact skaters endure. As quoted from the pamphlet I received, “No fake fights, no fluff. All the action you’ll witness tonight is 100-percent athleticism.” No argument here.
Roller derby is a fast paced game in short intervals, which is very good for someone who is just learning. After every round I started to pick up on the rules a little bit more and more. At the same time it was also distracting when you’re just about to understand some strategy then a skater goes flying out of the ring. There were many lead changes with a wide variety of skaters, each with different styles and techniques. I honestly didn’t know who to root for but it didn’t matter.
My only concern is that you can only truly enjoy the sport in person. I cannot see myself glued to the TV every Saturday night for an entire season. The atmosphere is what really drew me in and that essence is lost if I’m not there in person. However, there are several mainstream sports that have the same effect and still maintain steady ratings. Since 1935, roller derby has suffered several misconceptions of being a form of sports entertainment versus a sport. Regardless what has happened in the past, the new revived “grassroots” league has really put more emphasis on athleticism and it will continue to prosper if it sticks to this formula.
After some great match ups and a good understanding of the game, I felt satisfied. I was entertained for hours and witnessed many athletes give it their all. From my understanding the players do not get paid for competing. In fact, they’re the ones to who have to pay to be on a league. Even the participants and officials volunteer on their own free will because they love and respect the game so much. The image and attitude roller derby portrays while still establishing itself as an organized sport creates a fun experience for a wide range of audiences. So make a sign, put on some eye black, and cheer for these ladies from Hades.
For more detailed rules of roller derby or interested in attending a bout, go to the Windy City Rollers main website: http://www.windycityrollers.com/
What the hell have I been doing?
February 20th, 2010 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
Life is distracting. Hours turn to days, days into weeks, weeks into months. We have all heard this before. I look back at this blog and wonder what the hell has happened over the course of 6 months. Well, I worked on the Are We Dead Yet? web comic for several issues. However, this project took a couple months hiatus do to the holidays, my 9-5 job, and trying to sync up schedules with my co-creator. It looks like the comic is starting to come back… slowly but surely. In addition, there have been several freelance requests regarding custom built websites, photography, and graphic design that took up several weekends. And of course we cannot forget the powerful influence of alcohol whether it’s at home alone or at a bar with friends. After saying this, it just seems like I’m making up excuses. Yes, some vindications are legit but comes off as weak to me. I’m currently in search for motivators which will reorient my brain, crack my knuckles, and put fire in the belly.
I found some old work of mind the other night. After viewing all the images I couldn’t help to remember my state of mind I was in while creating. I don’t know where I’m going with this so I’ll just post them:
Brian and Brian: Two old friends who I don’t see or talk to anymore.
I guess after going in circles throughout this post the bottom line is I need to make more time for myself. We cannot ignore all the obstacles that are all around us. Sometimes we need to take an hour break or a night off and do what makes you happy. My problem is I don’t know what that is yet but at least I will make the time to expand the brain rather than deteriorate it. Maybe I’m just a natural procrastinator or pretending that something is there which it isn’t. I probably won’t ever read this post again because it will eventually lead me to go on another long absence once again. Let’s end this with something positive. I have a great beard now growing for 6 weeks straight.
A Weekly Update
August 18th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
Hello All
An update of Blake’s designing, web comic, and pathetic life while you sit around your lonely apartment while your computer screen is your main source of light in a room while Family Guy is loudly playing in the room downstairs, across the hall, or the room next door.
Last week really flew by. Wizard World Chicago (or Chicago Comic Con) was a good time. I got meet Michael Hogan (Colonel Saul Tight from Battlestar Galactica – see below) and got a few comics I’ve been wanting for a while – Batman: Year One and The Killing Joke. Chapter two is on the way for Are We Dead Yet? (AWDY) and I just finished Chapter 5. I’m going to make sure I give special thanks to all the contributors (whether they know it or not) in this weeks issue (and an overall thanks for issues yet to come).
I’ll be going to Ohio this weekend for a weeding so I’ll be a little behind with AWDY and other freelance and random design projects. But I’ll be sure to be back in the game Sunday/Monday.
Not like any of you really care, but I felt like typing tonight (even though it wouldn’t pass a 5th grade English report).
My Yearly Posting on Wizard World Chicago
August 3rd, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
Well, it’s that time again. It’s time for me to be among the people who share all my interests, hobbies, and passions for an entire weekend. No, I am not talking about my imaginary friends or my stuffed animal collection; I am talking about the Midwest’s largest pop culture event, Wizard World Chicago. Starting August 6 to August 9 the doors or the Rosemont Convention center will be open for those who enjoy comic books, movies, television, wrestling, video games, role playing games, and anime. Sorry I will not be wearing a bright red cape or mask to conceal my face but I will give a good pat-on-the-back to those who do. I guess there’s a part of me who respects those who wear superhero costumes in public and walk around for 7 hours half naked (I’m talking about you Princess Leia). For one to have the confidence to embrace what they love and parade off into the aisles of geek, I tip my hat to you.
Always being a shadow under the mega popular San Diego Comic Con convention, Wizard World has hopped to different timeslots over the past couple years. Comic Con always falls in July so there have been years where WWC has jumped backward from August to June in attempts to receive more attendees. But for the most part, WWC has been in August which I believe people are more accustomed to. This is the ninth consecutive year I will be attending WWC and I honestly cannot remember any crazy change in attendance depending on what month WWC occurred. But I do know that attendance increases each year and often comes around 60,000 people over the weekend.
So what will I be doing here? A little bit of everything really. I enjoy going to panels and hearing celebrities speak, I browsing and buying comic books in addition to getting them signed by popular writers and artists, and of course having friendly dork arguments with random individuals. If you have never been to Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (yeah I said it) I would encourage you to do so. I know a couple non-comic book fans who attended this before and all said they had a great time. If you have any curiosity, here is the website to check on specials guests, schedules, and ticket information:
http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html
On a side note, one thing I do not understand is what the convention is officially titled, Comic Con Chicago or Wizard World Chicago? From what I understand it was originally Comic Con Chicago and quickly converted to Wizard World Chicago shortly after the first year. I actually heard the title Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. I have no idea but here are both logos:
Updates this week, August 3-9
August 3rd, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
For any of you who actually check my blog, I apolgoize. I go throught these phases of writing, to reading, to designing, to gaming, to photography and cannot keep a good balance of any of them. I have been on deviant art a lot lately in addition working on my web comic. We will have a dedicated page for the comic coming really soon.
Also, I will be attending Wizard World Chicago this weekend so there’s more time taken away from me! I’m posting my yearly “article” shortly after this.
A Distract-a-thon
May 17th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
I’ve been working on two web comics this week and my eyes are heavy, my back is sore, and I think I’m actually getting tired of the taste of beer and coffee… no not really. I’m gonna try to post these on slothjockey and other various websites sometime this week. Stay tuned!
Whatever happened to the Video Arcade?
May 5th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
You make it up to the third level after avoiding the oil can’s fire ball and hopping over 2 simultaneous wooden barrels. The hammer power-up is just in your reach but then that damn giant gorilla hurls a side winding barrel that ends your princess saving expedition. Even though I wasn’t even born yet when the original Donkey Kong arrived in 1981, it was still being played way beyond my forthcoming into video games. The excitement, the pressure, and the motivation to defeat a second player or obtain a high score were the days of the video arcade. Children and teenagers would go after a long day of compound fractions and sentence diagrams to just be young and take a break from educational structure. But over time the arcade diminished and currently over 100 million Americans own a video game console. Arcades are not as abundant as the mid 80s and 90s but still have an underground following and a nostalgic place in history.
I remember when I was about 5 years old, I was starting to get interested in many completely different hobbies and activities. Legos were huge, most children start playing t-ball, and comic books stirred up my imagination (even though they were difficult for me to read at that age). Then one day my dad had a surprise for me. He took me to my first arcade where hours of entertainment could last on several quarters. Like an 8-bit carnival, constant flashing lights and clashing musical themes completely engulf the dim lit room. I remember chopping on power pellets to eat those stupid 4 ghosts, slicing and dicing my way through the Footclan, and shooting my way through mushrooms to kill that idiotic centipede. When going to the arcade had so much impact because of travel, time and money, gamers better appreciated their efforts.
The standard bulky coin operated machine dates back to the early 1970’s on the campus of Stanford University. Here two students compiled multiple CPUs, graphic and sound chips/boards and created Galaxy Game. Of course this game required much time and money to put forth so Galaxy Game (Spacewar) was extremely limited across campuses around the country. But eventually engineers and computer science gurus, Nolan Bushnell and Alan Alcorn, found a simple game to play in popular hangout spots. In 1972, Pong was released which is considered by many as the beginning of the video game. This was the start of the arcade boom which included Space Invaders, Defender, and nearly a decade later Pac-Man.
The late 80s and early 90s were so groundbreaking with new ideas that gamers couldn’t get everything in with one visit. Even with classic arcades still avidly being played (Dragon’s Lair, Marble Madness, and 1942) shocking visuals and intuitive gameplay solutions were storming. Controversies and lawsuits arose for many of the violent and sexually themed games (Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, NARC) but this only caused more attention. When the fourth generation of video game home consoles brought many of these new fighting games to gamers’ home TVs, it still didn’t distract traditionalists and preferred joystick users who returned to the original hardware.
The late 90s and 2000s gave bought home consoles to the next level. Bringing 3D worlds and immaculate characters textures, arcades really started to struggle. However, as home consoles improved so did the arcade game. Showing more unique uses of the light gun, dual monitors, and even dance pad, the arcade was still showing life. Flight simulators and racing games brought gamers into more a realistic world with moving/vibrating seats and surround sound. But unfortunately the amount of business was only a fraction of the sales compared to the Playstation 2 and Wii. Arcades were closing around the country and the only locations where they could still be found where bowling alleys, laundry mats, and bars. Only a few major chains exist around America that combine a bar and restaurant environment with the arcade, Dave & Buster’s and GameWorks.
Video arcades are extremely rare around the country, but understandably so. The video game industry has boomed to where video game majors are offered in college, websites analyze and review new game arrivals, and the video game industry itself now holds more than 50,000 job positions in America. Even though home consoles are the wave of the future, video arcades still draw in audiences who realize that some genres can never be played at home. An example of this would be the special edition of House of the Dead 4 where the players are buckled in a revolving chair which spins 180 degrees towards two facing projectors. Sound interesting? Check out this random link I found on YouTube of the game in action: House of the Dead 4 Special
Even though I’m an everyday home console gamer, I hope video arcades will always exist in some form or another. The thrill of going somewhere new, playing ridiculously hard classics, and having the feeling of getting your money’s worth, is a familiarity similar to your first time at an amusement park. You tend to appreciate the efforts of the mechanical and programming thought processes while trying to get the end boss. Then you take a break from the screen and play some skee ball. It’s a dying community where adolescents and adults alike can all having something in common… fun. Yes online gameplay and the Wii have bought people together in the video game world, but going to an arcade brings more energy, competitiveness, and excitement for anyone who wants to play.
For those who are interested, I’ve listed some monumental arcade games which caused mass movements and/or controversy:
• Pong
• Death Race
• Galaga
• Defender
• Centipede
• Space Invaders
• Dig Dug
• Asteroids
• Pac-Man
• Donkey Kong
• Frogger
• Marble Madness
• Q*Bert
• 1942
• Dragon’s Lair
• Star Wars
• Spy Hunter
• After Burner
• NARC
• Rampage
• Shinobi
• Street Fighter II
• Golden Axe
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Pit Fighter
• Mortal Kombat
• Virtua Fighter
• Killer Instinct
• X-Men
• NBA Jam
• Rush (series)
• Time Crisis
• NFL Blitz
• Dance Dance Revolution
• House of the Dead 4 Special
Temporarily Blogging Out Strees
April 28th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. No Comments
Apparently I’ve been going through phases of extreme ups and downs. Over the past couple weeks I have been trying to figure out what I want to do but not taking any action. This alone turns to stress and therefore leaves me in a state of worthless depression. Tonight alone, I have signed up to 3 different blogs, all ranging from video games, current events, and pointless babbling (which this current blog is turning into). Does it make me a better person to be writing out my thoughts and opinions on a daily basis? For some it’s a way to get things off their chests, some want to be noticed as a diamond in the rough, and others is for self improvement or a stress reliever. Do we feel that we are contributing to the mass collections of web information or not caring of how much our our personal lives are just a click away? I guess some there is some self satisfaction similar to completing a term paper or cleaning up the house. A sense of accomplishment that you’re working the left side of your brain and not feeling like you’re not doing anything with your life. For some it’s a routine. Others a release. For myself, I guess it’s all of the above. I guess so much gets built up all at one that, the pen and paper doesn’t cut it in one night.
So I ask if you could send me some great blog postings you may find in your travels. We have a couple here on sloth jockey:
I want to see more of people have to say. Maybe I’ll find some inspiration. Maybe you will too.
Procrastination at its Finest
March 8th, 2009 by The Polski Samurai, under Why are you reading this?. 1 Comment
I’m starting anew. With so many distractions that force themselves into our lives it’s difficult to see the path right in front of us. These distractions, for better or worse, may come in the form of a person, entertainment, an accident, or conjured up from our own minds. Sometimes everything is all just in your head. I will keep this brief for my sake and yours. I want to start off slow and not force anything. I will do my best even if you choose not visit anymore. But I want to continue post after post until my eyes are bleeding… and then post some more.