Pop Journal: Tomb Raider (2013)

Tomb Raider (Game / 2013)

I played this game directly after Bioshock Infinite and had a wonderful time. After the pain and confusion of Infinite I was treated to a game that really understood that it was a video game meant to entertain. The "Open" world aspect of this game felt a lot like Far Cry 3 and Assassins Creed, in the best possible way. I do believe that this is the first Tomb Raider I have ever completed, and I loved every minute of it. There was exploring, gathering, leveling up and great puzzles. As far as rebooting the franchise it succeeds on all fronts, making the other games feel like Batman & Robin to Tomb Raiders Batman Begins. If there is a mistake with the game, it would be coming out so close to many other AAA games that will take some wind out of it's sales, literally.

TMIX 39: DOMINION 2013

Pop Journal: Bioshock Infinite

Bioshock Infinite (Game / 2013)

I've been putting off writing this journal entry, as I am still very conflicted with this game. On the one hand it is a work of genius that puts other games to shame. On the other hand it is fairly heavy handed and has an ending that I cannot wrap my head around, but more on that later.

First and foremost to this game is Elizabeth. She will go down as one of the most memorable video game characters of all time. Her AI and design is something to be studied like the Mona Lisa.

Pop Journal: Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians (Movie / 2012)

Okay, I really enjoyed this movie but take issues with some choices that may alienate other people and take away from what should be a great franchise.

It's sad when things that really set apart a film are the same things that may turn people away, and here it is simply the art direction of the film. It has such a distinct feel to it, that it doesn't really look like anything out there. Nothing about the "Guardians" are necessarily... well I can't think of anything to describe it as except for UN-Disney like. You take well known characters, namely Santa, and turn him into a buff dual sword wielding Russian. In addition the tooth fairy comes across as, well a little off putting.