Not so super anymore

What if everyone was fast as a bullet
and super strong?
(source)

 Been thinking a lot about superheroes lately, mostly by chance, partly because my mini zombie likes to refer to herself as "Lego Batman" these days. Anyhoo, I've always found that even when I was younger and much heavier into comic books, I always preferred the tragic do-gooder or the "anti-hero" to your traditional man of might or caped crusader. I guess it felt more real to me. More genuine.

Add to this that I've been thinking about the future. About daydreams. About getting older. And just a little bit about what superpower I'd like to have.

All of this led up to a pretty fantastic conversation with a good friend, and the talk got me to wondering. What happens if you wake up one day and realize you're not so super anymore?

I know this isn't really a new concept. Several stories have been made, particularly dealing with aging or retired heroes (R.E.D. and The Incredibles). But what if your power simply became obsolete?

One day we will all be able to teleport.
I'm sure of it!

Like what my friend and I discussed. What if your power was teleportation? It may not be so impossible to imagine a future where our minis will be "beaming" from place to place just like our Star Trek compatriots. But say this technological advancement is discovered? What happens to teleportation man? He's suddenly out of a job, with a useless skill that no one cares about.

The same can be said for someone who can turn invisible. Possibly one who can bend metal with their mind. All sorts of things. Heck, don't some super heroes exist already who really possessed no powers at all? Remember Bruce Wayne? Just sheer will and loads of money.

So I write this to all of you to politely remind you: If given the chance to choose a super power one day, choose wisely. Go big! You don't want to get the chance of a lifetime only to have science catch up to you five years down the road.

Braaaaiiiiiinnn Food: What super power would you ask for?

Girls should Game!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/samantha-parent-walravens/women-in-technology-_b_1095251.html?ref=parents

Gaming for Idiots

This was the cover to last year's guide,
which probably has almost the exact same content.

While taking the little zombie to Toys R Us the other day to do some window shopping, I happily noticed a free "Gamers Guide" at the checkout counter, promising to tell me all about the hottest games this season.

What a load of lies.

This "guide" was written for idiot, newbie parents who somehow are able to remain clueless about their children's hobby. Literally, there was a section that defined terms like "boss", "AI" and "downloadable content." I can't imagine what rock there people might be living under that they don't know what a boss fight is. But apparently, there are enough of these people that an entire free guide needed to be published.

Inside parents can also learn about what systems are available (did their children not tell them?) and what ESRB ratings are and how to use them (against) your children. It talks about controllers, and - worst of all - offers no savings or coupons to speak of. Tsk tsk.

As far as the promise of going over the new games, even that wasn't true. It mentioned the new Zelda game, MW3, and the Disney Universe title, but that was it. Not once did I see Skyrim mentioned, and that's pretty big and can even be considered "kid friendly" if it's like Oblivion. (I've played it in front of my wee one.) No RPGs in sight, actually, which I find pretty surprising.

Oh well, so much for getting my hopes up. I remember a time when I was younger when Toys R Us was the place to go to browse games and see what's coming up. I already knew this moment was long past, but the Gamers Guide just showed me beyond a doubt that there's little to hope for going back to the old ways.

Braaaaiiiinnnn Food: What games do you consider to be the hot titles for the holidays?

And it still goes on...on...on

So you may have wondered why I've been so quiet. The reason is, I'm still playing the same darn game! This Oblivion game does not end, and it makes me seriously question my desire to purchase Skyrim next week. Don't get me wrong - Skyrim looks amazing and I'm very psyched to play it. But as it stands, I'm playing Oblivion for about 1-2 hours a night, for about 3-4 nights a week, and I'm still nowhere near the finish line. It's fun, it's engaging... but is it really worth it?

And I'm already reading that Skyrim players should just tell family and friends that they'll be booked for the next month. Great. I'm a slow player, does that mean I'm booked for six months?

While I'm off enjoying Oblivion, all my other lonely games are crying for my attention. Despite my promise to try to finish games now, perhaps I need to take a break from Elder Scrolls and see what Alan Wake and Drake (haha rhyme) have to offer me. Then to take up a few others. Not to mention, new Zelda later in November...

Yes, it's a tough life I lead!

Braaaiiiinnnn food: What do you do when a game just never seems to end?

Minor Confessions

Most of you may have noticed by now that I love scary suspense/survival horror games. The problem with this is that I am too much of a baby to play them by myself. I'm not even really sure what difference it makes to have someone else in the room with me, but it helps. I guess because when I jump (in real life) from being attacked (in a video game) I have people to laugh at me instead of my own head spinning into overdrive terror mode. Regardless of the reason, that's just who and how I am.

So enter into my life: Alan Wake.

First off, if you haven't played this game, you should. Great story, brililant voice acting, and just plain fun. The truth is, I wouldn't even say that the game is scary. But the best word to use when describing Alan Wake is intense.

It's hard to go into detail without spoilers. Let's just say that there's jumpy scenes. There are tons of moments where you're running for your (video game literal) life. You feel pressed for time, always, when so far there seems to be no timed sequences. And it's just plain eerie to boot.

I am going to attempt to play a bit of this game alone, and I know I won't be able to sleep too well. Not even because it is (or is not) scary, but because the game makes my adrenaline rush to the point where it's hard to calm down for nighty night.

However, I love the game and will continue to be stubborn and play through. That's just one of the things I love about games. I don't want to be in danger in real life, but bring it on with my television and a controller.

Braaaaiiiiinnnn Food: Do video games ever have a physical sort of effect on you?

Oh to Be Felicia

From FeliciaDay.com

In honor of the new DLC and online Web show for Dragon Age 2 featuring Felicia Day, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say, "I want to be Felicia!"

Of course I don't know her, but imagine the life she must lead. I mean, the woman has to play video games to keep up her persona. I think she Facebooked the other day that she finally made a level 85 priest, and that was part of her job, in a way. Her job! I'm still level 67 because I can't really afford to play WoW and, quite frankly, who has time for that sinkhole unless you know it will be cool to say you hit 85 to someone. No one cares if I max my character, but if I was Felicia, you'd care. You would care.

On top of all this, she's been in a Web show with my favorite Doogie Howser, Neil Patrick Harris and  with Nathan Fillion. She has a Dragon Age character that looks like her. She goes to cons everywhere and people want to talk to her. Plus, "The Guild."

So let's review. Paid to be cute with video games and comics. An icon for a female gamer. She gets invites to betas and reviews because people want to know what she thinks.

I think there's room for a second iconic girl gamer. Let it be me!!

And all you guys that are hating, just dream that you're Tycho or Gabe. I know I would if I was a dude.

Seriously, watch episode one of Dragon Age: Redemption and get the DLC. It's my favorite game of all time and now with Felicia power, it's gotta be good.

Goomba Roomba

This makes cleaning seem so cool. Wish I'd thought of it first.

http://vimeo.com/29073999