Five young, beautiful and strong women who are not afraid of dragons, soldiers and monsters, who can handle weapons and find the time to found a sisterhood, fight together in one movie for freedom and justice. A movie with a clear, dark visual feel, where sexy gets mixed with tough, with popular music during cool action scenes.
It sounds fantastic, too good to be true even. And that’s exactly what it is. Even with all the good intentions in the world, director Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300) fails to make this movie in one of the best flicks of the year. Sucker Punch is best described as a failure really.
The story
Babydoll (Emily Browning) is dropped off at the mental institute. To escape the hard, cold reality she creates a fantasy world where her new friends play an important role. Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)is the careful motherly type, and the older sister of the reckless Rocket (Jena Malone), who also brings along Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens) and Amber (Jamie Chung). Together they fight for freedom, against unimaginable foes and barriers raised by Blue (Oscar Isaac) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm)
Remarkable vision?
That Sucker Punch would be a fantasy action flick, aimed to please, fun and men was clear from the moment you watched the trailer. It also became very clear that Snyder had a clear vision about colour use, camera point of view and the soundtrack.
Visuals and audio are a positive point in the movie. The way rock songs are used to reinforce the actions scenes is absolutely brilliant and special effects are pretty good.
Snyder can’t hide that he has been inspired by video games, and while watching the movie you sometimes had the impression that you’re in one. And that is the reason why Snyder gets away with the incredibility and absurdness of this movie.
Total abscence of vision
There is no escape from the painful lack of coherence and logic in this movie. The storyline looks like it’s stitched together by a blind man with his feet and even the good action scenes lose credibility. Sometimes things get handed to you with no further reference (the dance scene), while the events follow each other in a fast pace in other scenes. Dialogue is almost absent, and even if something is said it’s just full of clichés.
The female warriors barely have any clothers on and fight in high heels and hotpants. This to a degree that even anti-feminists start asking themselves questions. Babydoll looks in the camera as if constipated while her blonde hair waves softly in the wind with extra focus on her lips. And I’m not even exaggerating …
Conclusion
Even if you don’t expect a lot of Sucker Punch you’ll still exit the cinema with the feeling that you just wasted your time and money. Snyder did have to edit a lot of scenes, what might explain the shoddy end product. The public shouldn’t really take this into account as it’s his job to deliver a coherent and logical whole, and he did not succeed in his job.
This might be a good movie if you’re looking for a fancy looking, no-brain flick to watch on those dull sunday afternoons. Or maybe if you really really enjoy the eye-candy …. other than, it’s just not worth it.
Let me know what you thought of Sucker Punch in the comment section below!
Yes, Fox frikkin’ News has done it again. This time they targetted Duke Nukem Forever, a game that isn’t even released yet. Duke Nukem Forever has become the target of a Fox News article calling it ‘sexist’ and ‘over the line’. Obviously, the game was bound to come under fire someday. Let’s be honest here for a second, the article is absolutely correct in saying that Duke Nukem Forever is over-the-top in male chauvinism, sexism, and “immature” humor. I mean, you get to kick giant alien pig men in the nuts, shout obscenities at everything that moves and pass your time in strip clubs. But maybe, just maybe Fox News should’ve played the game before released an article like this.
You may remember Fox News criticizing Bulletstorm, another one of those over the top games where you get extra points for executing various ways to kill enemies. Everyone in its right mind knows that games like this aren’t to be taken seriously, you’d have to be a complete tool if you do. But Fox News can’t stop whining about violence and sexism. Now back to the most recent article.
The article uses Duke Nukem Forever’s ESRB rating and news on its multiplayer modes to inform readers about the game’s “awfully sexist world.” The authors write that it “takes sexism to a new level,” they pepper in a quote from a videogame writer that Forever is “meant to objectify women” without any context, and they say that developer Gearbox “may have crossed the line this time.” The article also brings in an expert from the Women’s Media Center that says Duke Nukem Forever “is even more offensive” than 1996’s Duke Nukem 3D and that the game’s “depictions of women are extremely harmful, especially to young women.” First of all, fun became illegal since yesterday? Secondly, has she even played the game herself? Shooting the women spawns massive pigs with huge guns that are eager to kill you because you murdered the strippers. Thirdly, there’s a reason why this game is rated M for Mature …. so parents won’t buy this for 8 year olds. And it doesn’t even show any real 18+ stuff, the worst that it gets is implied fellatio and the odd booby or several.
Perhaps if they had actually played Duke Nukem, or any game for that matter, they’d have realized its a parody of classic sigar-smoking, testosteron filled hunk of muscle with a bad mouth to boot, though to an extreme a degree as you can get. Duke Nukem Forever isn’t going to win any awards for moving society forward, but a silly game about killing aliens and boobs isn’t going to move us backwards either. Most it can do is provide a couple of hours of real, uncut and uncensored fun.
I for one am sick of people who hate fun to comment on things they have never even experienced or even came into contact with. It’s really easy to blame everything on video games without giving it any thought. In reality, games are an exhaust valve for aggression and frustration. And as I said above, it’s just raw fun without any repercussions because I really don’t think anyone will take this serious. So stop being so butthurt, get off our backs and go back to knitting socks.
Duke Nukem Forever was recently delayed to mid-June for release on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. I suggest you all buy this, just to bump sales figures and spite Fox News. Look at that, I’m all outa gum (+1 internets if you get that)
/Niels
PS: Fox news, blow it out your ass – Oh wait, you’re already doing that!
Hey there guys and welcome to the first new content post on the new host. I hope you like it and that it offers more functionality and shinies.
But let’s get started with the main event. Today I’ll be reviewing Crysis 2, an fps that brings a new breeze into the shooter genre. The game is developed by Crytek and released Electronic Arts on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
People have tipped this game off as a ‘Halo killer’, and even developer Crytek would be very disappointed if this game was rated below 90. Personally, I think the term Halo Killer is an exaggeration considering Halo 3 sold more than 11 million copies. Nonetheless, this game left a very good impression on me. Crysis 2 really refreshes the whole genre and the tactical touch to it makes it all the more interesting to me.
For people who missed the whole fuss about this game: Crysis 2 trades the exotic locations of the first game for the urban wilderness that is Manhattan. The city has been ravaged by aggressive aliens who look more like a Terminator than the organic floating creatures from the first installment. All around you, skyscrapers have collapsed or are missing big chunks. You, a soldier named Alcatraz, have been tasked to deal with this invasion as the constant bickering between the military leaders have lead nowhere. A classic story if you ask me. You’re our only hope Obi-Wa- …. uh Alcatraz.
Fortunately, you have been armed with a Nano suit 2.0 which gives you a really nice arsenal of abilities such as invisibility, some kind of shield generator and the ability to jump long distances. Unfortunately for you, the Nano suit has a limited supply of power which you often need for your visor in underground levels. Running and jumping cost a relatively low amount of energy, but your cloaking really eats up your meter.
One other feature in the game is the collection of Nano points, which are used to upgrade your Nano suit, your weapons (deadlier bullets, silencer, ..) and other really fun extras.
However, this doesn’t allow you to run into a group of enemies and start emptying clips on them. This is where the tactical touch comes in. Trust me when I say you will need to run, hide and flank your way around the map in order to survive. Enemies are fast and smart and will use the same tactics you do in order to stop you from reaching your goal.
Another nice feature in the game is the vertical gameplay, where jumping from skyscraper to skyscraper (or what’s left of them) offers you a ‘Mirror’s Edge’ type of experience. Using your super jump you’ll be able to reach higher ground and use a sniper rifle to pick off aliens from a distance. Running and jumping around has never been more fun and graceful. Not to mention it offers a unique kind of gameplay and the illusion of choosing your own path through the levels. Some players may prefer to use the high ground, while others will use a more direct approach or a stealthier one.
And speaking of the level design, it’s just sublime. Levels have been designed to fit a certain combat situation. Because of this, you move from situation to situation in a linear way but you have a lot of ways to defeat the enemy. For example, you’ll be slapping aliens around the ears with your gun using the cloaking device only to switch to armor attachment to start spraying bullets all over the room.
Graphically, the game is really really great … if you have a monster pc at least. Xbox 360 and PS3 have a slightly lower graphic quality but still very high end. And don’t worry, the game still looks beautiful on a normal pc.
Let’s take a closer look at the multiplayer next. Crytek’s multiplayer has always lacked allure. At face value Crysis 2 shamelessly borrows elements of the two most popular online shooters, Call of Duty and Halo, but once you dig into the experience you begin to respect its subtle differences. For instance, instead of giving you game-changing bonuses for killstreaks, you need to collect the dog tags from your fallen victims to access radar, airstrikes, or a gunship. This forces campers out of their comfort zones or keeps their influence in check if they prefer to stay and snipe. If it works, it’ll be really sweet (Fu campers).
As with the campaign, the Nano suit is the great differentiator. Crytek UK balanced the suit’s abilities well and created a smart system of persistent enhancements that players earn by using the suit’s power, armor, and stealth abilities during battle. There are enough upgrades to give players the flexibility to build a unique suit tailored to enhance their strengths or shore up their weaknesses.
With 12 maps ripped from the campaign, 50 rankings, medals, and customizable kits, Crysis 2 makes a strong case for becoming a destination multiplayer mode. The one major criticism I can levy is that Crytek locks the more creative game modes. You won’t have all the modes unlocked until level 39, which seems needlessly buried in a game that doesn’t have a large community behind it that is guaranteed to keep playing for the 15-plus hours necessary to access all the options.
If you’re tired of fighting corridor-based wars against an endless flow of brainless meatbags, Crysis 2 is worth a look. The unique sandbox approach to gunfights and game-changing Nano suit lend the title a flavor of its own, and Crytek smartly leverages these strengths in both the single- and multiplayer modes. Enjoy the trailer below.
Hey there guys and welcome to another video post. This time I’m sharing my top 15 best video game cinematics ever! Mind you, the same game gets featured a couple of times, but their cinematics are so incredibly awesome I’m sure you’ll forgive me. Note that most of these will be cinematic openings rather than cutscenes. So let’s kick it off with number 15 shall we?
# 15 – World of Warcraft Opening Cinematic
Blizzard is still the undisputed champion of cinematics in my book. You’ll see more by Blizzard in this post, don’t worry. This one is the opening cinematic to World of Warcraft, released back in 2004. Note the extremely beatiful graphics and music in the cinematic. One can’t help but expect an awesome game after seeing this.
# 14 – Jak III Opening Cinematic
Chose this one for two simple reasons. One being the comical note provided by Daxter and Pecker. And two is the ‘story’ if I can call it that. Jak III starting with his exile to the Wastelands after saving everyone’s ass. Not something I was expecting at least!
# 13 – Gears of War 2 Opening Cinematic
Can’t really say why I like this. Must be the unspeakable badassery of a Gears of War game. I really like the ‘Saving private ryan’-point of view, ie the massive clusterfuck that a war is. Like the narrating as well. An honorable 13th place for Gears of War 2.
# 12 – Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War Cinematic
What can I say? I really like massive battles in beautiful CGI. Kinda dig the cartoon-y look as well.
# 11 – Final Fantasy VIII Intro
Final Fantasy games are known for their beautiful cinematics, but personally I think this one stands out. Released in 1999 this cinematic looked pretty sweet for its time. Not to mention the music to make it perfect.
# 10 – God of War 3 Opening Cutscene
Ah, entering the top 10! This doesn’t really need any explanation, does it? Greek mythology, huge fights, Kratos pumped full of testosteron, beautiful CGI AND dramatic music. ‘Nuff said I think.
# 9 – Star Wars: The Old Republic: Jedi vs Sith
Bioware once again proves it knows how to make an RPG, and how to make awesome cinematics. The Old Republic has everything any Star Wars fan can wish for. Awesome Star Wars music, epic lightsaber battles and the list keeps going on.
# 8 – Killzone Opening Cinematic
Killzone, one of the best games ever in my eyes started with this amazing looking cinematic that still gives me shivers when I see it. The speech, the invasion … it’s all so amazingly good looking. A very honorable 8th place.
# 7 – Halo 2: Giving Back The Bomb Cutscene
Master Chief chucking the Covenant’s bomb back at them paired with awesome music and a small comical note from Cortana is enough to earn a spot in my top 10! ‘To give the covenant back their bomb’ indeed.
# 6 – Warcraft III: Hellscream’s end
The cinematic ending to another one of Blizzard’s top notch games. A story of bravery, honor and a royal ass-kicking. # 6 on the list, enjoy.
# 5 – Halo 3 Commercial
This isn’t so much of an in-game cinematic but certainly worth a spot in my top 5. Just because it got me so hyped about Halo 3. It doesn’t get much better than seeing the Chief jumping right into battle.
# 4 – Warcraft III: Arthas’ Betrayal
Chose this one because it’s so touching. We get the first glimpse of the future Lich King in this cinematic where he murders his own father and unleashes darkness upon the world.
# 3 – Dragon Age: Origins (Sacred Ashes)
Entering the top 3 we get a cinematic from Dragon Age: origins. I chose this one primarily for the eye candy that it offers. Absolutely breathtaking CGI in this one.
# 2 – DC Universe Online Opening Cinematic
This one is really awesome, not only because of the amazing graphics, but also because it shows a somewhat darker side of the DC Universe. Oh, and a really pissed off Superman always works.
# 1 – World of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King Cinematic
Ah finally, number 1! And yes, it’s another WoW cinematic (haters gonna hate). Can’t argue that it’s not great though, aside from the graphics I really like the sound effects and the narrative voice. Gives me chills every time.
And that concludes my top 15 video game cinematics. Do you agree with my list? What would you have done differently? Let me know in the comment section below!
Hey there guys, today I’ll offer you an in-depth look into the new Nintendo handheld called the Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo 3DS
As I said, the Nintendo 3DS is Nintendos next generation handheld console, which obviously means that there a truckload of new features that you can enjoy when you buy the 3DS. Continue reading “Through The Looking Glass – Nintendo 3DS”
Hey there guys and welcome to another ‘Throughout The Ages’. This week we’ll have a look at the company Nintendo. We’ll discuss the history of Nintendo in a nutshell, talk about their major achievements and future plans. Alright, let’s kick it off with a bit of a history lesson. Continue reading “Throughout The Ages – Nintendo”
Hey there guys. You might’ve noticed a distinct lack of content this weekend, which is because of my thesis. I have a traineeship and a thesis that is due soon so I don’t have a lot of time on my hands just now.
Hey there guys and welcome to ‘Game music I will always remember’. The second part to the previous article ‘Theme tunes I will always remember’, sort of at least. i’m sure that everyone will have very different opinions on what game music is best. So keep in mind that this is just my list, not yours.
So, let’s kick it off then shall we? Halo Theme Song
This one is from the Halo trilogy and it plays during those really epic fighting scenes when you’re kicking Covenant or Flood butt. I really loved the music in Halo, because of the mix between the sort of ‘classic’ beginning and the end and the faster paced bit in the middle.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time – Zelda’s Lullaby
This one is from the very best Zelda game ever made namely, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. In my opinion, this is one of the best and hardest game I ever played. The variety of music in a zelda game is noteworthy, and this one (Zelda’s Lullaby) is probably the most known.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time – Saria’s Song
And here’s another one from Ocarina Of Time. This one played on the way to the Forest Temple, or in the Forest Temple? I can’t remember anymore, it’s been years since I last played the game. Anyway, I like this one because it sounds so happy and cheerful. Not to mention it really sticks in your head …
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Main Theme
I chose this one for my list because I think it really enchances the game experience, and makes you feel so epic and really helps me to immerse myself more into the game.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Theme
Chose this one for pretty much the same reason as the above. I think the Morrowind one is still a class above though. Decide for yourself.
Deus Ex Main Theme
Again, one of the most solid soundtracks a game as ever had imo. Not only that, but it also reminds me a bit of the 90s X-men cartoon 😀
World Of Warcraft theme song
This is just the main theme song of WoW. The game has such a buttload of music it’s impossible to choose one really good one. So enjoy!
Kameo – Thorn’s Pass music
A little music from the Xbox 360 game Kameo. I really loved this game personally and enjoyed the various themes throughout the game. I chose this music clip as my favourite from this game as I think it has a sort of heroic, but at the same time menacing undertone.
Jak II and III – Haven City theme
I chose this one from Jak and Daxter, one of my favourite game series of all time. This theme plays when you’re in Haven City and manages to capture the sad atmosphere and feel of the city.
Final Fantasy Preludes
Chose this because it’s so very typical for a Final Fantasy game. When you hear something like this you know you’re in for a treat!
Duke Nukem 3D
Do I really have to explain the awesomeness of this? It’s frikkin’ Duke Nukem man! Brb, all out of gum.
The Legend of Zelde – Main Theme
Man, I just can’t stop chugging Zelda music at you guys now can I? You know why? huh, do you?! Well, it’s because it’s such great and delicious music throughout the whole game franchise.
Pokémon Red and Blue
And to end this post, one of the tunes from my youth. Man, this takes me back all the way to when Pokémon Red and Blue, I played that game for hours on end and I can probably remember just about all the music in it /geek.
Well, that concludes this rather lenghty list of game music I’ll always remember. I’m sure your list is very different from mine, and I would love to hear what’s on yours! So please, leave a comment below!
Also, a fellow blogger made his own list in response to mine, you can find it here.
Hey there guys and welcome to another one of my articles. Today I’m going to talk about MMORPGs and why they are so popular. MMORPG stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. Quite a mouthful isn’t it? MMOs as I will call them from now on are online video games where players compete, work together and socialize with each other. There can be thousands upon thousands of people online at the same time.
There is no escape from the painful lack of coherence and logic in this movie. The storyline looks like it’s stitched together by a blind man with his feet and even the good action scenes lose credibility. Sometimes things get handed to you with no further reference (the dance scene), while the events follow each other in a fast pace in other scenes. Dialogue is almost absent, and even if something is said it’s just full of clichés.
With 12 maps ripped from the campaign, 50 rankings, medals, and customizable kits, Crysis 2 makes a strong case for becoming a destination multiplayer mode. The one major criticism I can levy is that Crytek locks the more creative game modes. You won’t have all the modes unlocked until level 39, which seems needlessly buried in a game that doesn’t have a large community behind it that is guaranteed to keep playing for the 15-plus hours necessary to access all the options.
The Grumbler 
