4.27.2011

Nintendo's Wii Successor: What You Need to Know

Lets face it, folks--the Wii has been an obsolete piece of technology for quite some time now. Sure, when it was first released, the Wii was a revolution. Its motion controlled gameplay was fresh and novel, and brought in a whole new audience of casual gamers. But after the dust settled, I think we were all left a bit underwhelmed. Outside of a few stellar first-party titles, there just isnt much to play on Nintedo's little white box. And given the Wiis stunted technological capabilities (standard def graphics, no DVD/Bluray support, limited online functionality), it simply cant reach a hardcore audience and compete on the same level as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

But it seems Nintendo has taken note, and over the past week or so, rumors about their next home console have emerged. While very little has actually been confirmed, what we think we know is this: Nintendos new console is codenamed "Project Cafe," and it is rumored that the system will actually be called the Nintendo Stream. The system can allegedly output in 1080p HD, with triple-core procesaing capability well beyond that of the 360 and PS3. Nintendo will also be reverting to a more traditional control scheme, with a dual-stick controller very reminiscent of the 360's current controller, but with one major difference: the inclusion of a six inch touchscreen on the face of the controller. Imagine taking your iphone a crazy gluing it to the center of your Xbox controller and you get the idea. It is also rumored that the Stream will be backward compatible with old Wii titles, meaning your bevy of Wiimotes wont just gather dust. It has also been rumored that the Stream will retail for ~$350-$400, and is slated for an early 2012 release date--well ahead of the competitions' next generation of consoles.

But what does this all really mean? Well, from a gameplay perspective, a whole darn lot. Anyone who owns a Nintendo DS can attest to the value of a second touchscreen. Take, for example, a game like The Legend of Zelda. The main character has a large inventory of weapons and items to alternate between, and also must constantly check his map to make sure he is headed in the right direction. Normally, this would force the player to constantly flip back and forth between the game screen and the pause screen, greatly slowing down the game's pace. With the addition of a second screen, however, all of this switching can be done on the fly, as the second screen can persistently display the player's inventory and map. This also cleans up a lot of screen real estate, as cluttered user-interfaces could be replaced completely through the use of a second display. Further, this touchscreen could be used for context-sensitive buttons, or could replace otherwise complicated button presses (such as special moves in a fighting game like Street Fighter). Furthermore, it has been rumored that players will be able to stream games directly to the controller's screen, turning it into a consolidated hand-held gaming device (hence the console's name). This means your roommate can watch TV while you play on your Stream without one interfering with the other.

Let's keep in mind, however, that this is mostly rumors, as very little about the system has actually been confirmed by Nintendo. However, we do know for sure that it will be playable this year at E3, so most--if not all--of our questions should be answered at Nintendo's press conference. Either way, this is very exciting stuff for us Nintendo faithfuls who have stuck with the Big N through the past two generations, as it may lead to a recapture of a more hardcore, mature gamer audience. For more information about the Stream, check out IGN's list of rumors.

4.04.2011

Going Medieval on Everyone's Respective Asses

For whatever reason, TV and Theaters are absolutely FLOODED with medieval-based series and films. Here's a handy list of the ones to keep on your radar, especially if you--like me--are a fan of knights, castles, and the like. Check it out:

Pillars of the Earth
  • What you need to know: Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Kevin Follett, "Pillars" takes place in 12th-century England during a period known as The Anarchy. The story follows Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell), his adopted son Jack Jackson (Eddie Redmayne), and their ambitious plans to build a cathedral in the small town of Kingsbridge, overseen by the pious and determined Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen). However, a civil war challenges this project, as do the plans of the villainous Hamleigh family--thirsty to win power for their son William (David Oakes)--who team up with Waleran Bigod (Ian McShane), a morally bankrupt cleric, to stall the prosperity of Kingsbridge. 
  • Why you should watch: This brief summary does not even begin to do justice to the intricate narrative woven by the original novel and this TV adaptation. It is truly amazing how much plot and character development gets crammed into this eight-episode miniseries. It tends to be a bit cerebral, but is a harrowing tale of determination nonetheless.
  • Where to find it: The miniseries originally aired on Starz last summer. However, it is currently available in DVD and Blu-ray formats, as well as via digital rental or purchase through Amazon.


Camelot
  • What you need to know: "Camelot" is an original take on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The series follows a young Arthur (Jamie Cambell Bower) as he first learns that he is the rightful heir to the recently deceased King Uther. With the aid of Merlin (Joseph Fiennes) and his adoptive-brother Kay (Peter Mooney), Arthur seeks to reunite The Realm and avoid the grim visions of death and destruction that Merlin has foreseen. However, Arthur's cold half-sister Morgan (Eva Green) seeks the crown as well, and summons dark powers to aid in her quest to thwart Arthur's righteous plans.
  • Why you should watch: This take on the classic legend seeks to unite the classic themes and characters with a more realistic take on it all, and for the most part it works. Sure, we still have familiar set-pieces like the sword in the stone and some forms of magic and sorcery, but everything has been refocused to satisfy both fans of fantasy and historical fiction. Check EW's article on the topic for some nice comparisons, as well as the image above of this show's bad-ass version of Merlin.
  • Where to find it: "Camelot" airs of Starz on Friday nights at 10pm. The first two episodes aired this past Friday, and can be seen via Starz On Demand.


Game of Thrones
  • What you need to know: Much like "Pillars," "Game of Thrones" is based on a popular novel of the same name; the first book in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Unlike "Pillars," however, "Thrones" is complete fantasy fiction. "Thrones" follows the Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon families as they battle for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Plots and schemes turn to all-out-war, and amidst all of this turmoil, The Night's Watch fights to protect Wetseros and mankind from an ancient evil that suddenly awakens.
  • Why you should watch: Well, really, it's hard to say right now, as this show has yet to air. But if the glowing early reviews are to be trusted, "Thrones" is set to please fans and newcomers alike. The Hollywood Reporter compares the show to "The Sopranos," while Wired calls it "the show of 2011." High praise for what aims to be an adult, gory medieval fantasy epic. I am not familiar with the source material, but am extremely excited.
  • Where to find it: "Thrones" premieres April 17th on HBO, however a fifteen-minute preview of the show can be found via HBO On Demand.


Your Highness
  • What you need to know: In a stoner-comedy take on some common medieval/fantasy tropes, "Your Highness" follows the valiant and perfect Fabious (James Franco) and his daft, slacker younger brother Thadeous (Danny McBride) as they embark on an epic journey to rescue Fabious' bride-to-be (Zooey Deschanel) from an evil sorcerer. With the help of a mysterious and dangerous female warrior (Natalie Portman), they fend off dragons, knights, and other medieval threats, and Thadeous is faced with an important decision: become a hero and save the day, or remain a slacker.
  • Why you should watch: Well, not too many reviews for this film are out there yet, so it's hard to speak to its actual quality, and some of the promos make it look like it may pull some punches. But, in essence, it's "Pineapple Express" meets "The Princess Bride," with an ass-kicking, bikini-clad Natalie Portman to boot. How bad could that be, really?
  • Where to find it: "Your Highness" hits theaters this Friday.


The Borgias (Honorable Mention): Because of it's Renaissance Italy setting, Showtime's new historical drama "The Borgias" doesn't quite qualify for this "medieval" list. But it is worth considering nonetheless. The show follows the story of Rodrigo Borgia (Jeremy Irons), aka Pope Alexander VI, one of the most controversial popes in history, considered by many to be the earliest example of a mafia family, and the original inspiration for the Corleone family from "The Godfather." The show should be of particular interest to anyone who's played the video game Assassin's Creed 2 or Brotherhood, as the setting and characters are largely the same. Two episodes have aired already and, to be honest, I found them to be a bit of a snooze-fest, though I am not ready to enter my final judgment on the matter just yet. Judge for yourselves on Sunday nights on Showtime.