The Zombie and Modern Gaming

Luke Plunkett over at Kotaku has put up a great feature article covering zombies in video games.  It’s a good read, and he makes a lot of good points and cleveer observations regarding the role that zombies play in the entertainment media.  Check it out.

Zombie!!!  Games of the Living Dead [Kotaku]

Regardless of Color, They’re All Zombies on the Inside

The New York Times has posted a video game review for Resident Evil 5, the latest entry in Capcom’s genre-founding series.  Less of a review and more of a commentary on the controversy surrounding the game’s African setting, Schiesel does an eloquent job of pointing out the simple fact that those swept up in the allegedly racist content could not seem to see:  there were white and Hispanic zombies long before there were African zombies in the series, and all of them required the same treatment.

There’s No Time to Rest Until the Last Zombie in Africa Is Toast [The New York Times]

Street Fighter IV Poll

Street Fighter IV introduces new playable characters to the world tournament scene.  Each has their own personality, fighting style, and aesthetic presence.  I want to know who strikes your fancy.

 

 

Leave comments discussing you choices.  I want the reason behind your picks.  Personally, I am most glad that Gouken was added into the roster.  Considering how significant of a character he is, his appearance is well past due.

Video Game Review: Street Fighter IV

Title: Street Fighter IV

Genre: Fighting

Rating: Teen

Platform: Xbox 360 (also available for Playstation 3 and Windows PC)

Publisher: Capcom

Developer(s): Dimps/Capcom

Website

Product Link

Prepare yourselves, fight fans! The world warriors return in the latest addition to the franchise that fathered the fighting genre as we know it.  In Street Fighter IV, Capcom trims the fat that has built up over the years and brings the series back to the roots that made Street Fighter II into such an immense hit in the first place, while adding enough new elements to give the game a fresh approach. New recruits will likely find a satisfying and memorable introduction to the series, while returning veterans will be welcomed back by nostalgic gameplay with a modern twist.  …Read More…

Movie Review: Watchmen

Over twenty years have passed since Alan Moore’s legendary comic book Watchmen first flew off the presses.  Since then, the series has come to be regarded as a milestone in the history of graphic novels.  Its effects spread across all demographics, creating as much of a stir in the comic world as it did in the literary world.   Was Director Zack Snyder able to pull off the unthinkable and create a powerful cinematic version of a worshipped series?  Or, would his film fall short and go the way of so many other comic-movie upsets (cough, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, cough)?

Finishing Strong: The Importance of a Satisfying Ending

by Michael Moreno

Storytelling plays a vital role in the world of video gaming.  A story, regardless of how feeble it may be, gives the player a purpose.  It is a driving force that validates their progression from level to level.  The story provides you with your goal–an ultimate achievement which ensures that if you reach a point of frustration, you steel yourself and press onward instead of throwing down the controller and walking away. 

Unfortunately, sometimes developers forget that the falling action of a video game’s story can be just as important to achieving a feeling of success and accomplishment as the rising action and climax.