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cyberpunkonline · 8 months

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More Cyberpunk Gaming Gems: Unearthed Treasures from 1985-2005

Welcome, fellow cyberpunks and digital nomads of the future past! In a world where neon lights flicker, mega-corporations reign supreme, and hackers lurk in the shadows, we often find solace in the virtual realms of gaming. But wait, have you ever felt like you've explored every nook and cranny of the cyberpunk gaming landscape? Fear not, for we're about to dive deep into the retro archives and uncover some hidden cyber-treasures that have been overshadowed by their more renowned siblings.

Cyberpunk gaming has always been a beloved subculture, but many of its gems seem to have slipped through the cracks of time. Today, we're embarking on a nostalgic journey through five cyberpunk classics from 1985 to 2005. Buckle up, because we're about to revisit the past in style!

1. B.A.T. (Bureau of Astral Troubleshooters) - 1989: A Galactic Adventure

Prepare to embark on an interstellar journey that takes you beyond the realms of our planet. B.A.T. offers a captivating blend of point-and-click adventure and science fiction, making it a true cyberpunk hidden gem. As a futuristic detective, your mission is to investigate mysterious happenings across the galaxy.

The game immerses you in a universe teeming with colorful characters, complex puzzles, and intricate plotlines. What sets B.A.T. apart is its commitment to world-building; it offers players a chance to explore distant planets, each with its own unique culture and challenges.

But beware, in this universe, nothing is as it seems. The choices you make have far-reaching consequences, and the line between right and wrong is blurred. B.A.T. is a cerebral journey that will test your investigative skills, moral compass, and problem-solving prowess. It may not have garnered the attention it deserved, but for true cyberpunk aficionados, this is a must-play classic that will transport you to the outer edges of the cosmos.

2. Beneath a Steel Sky - 1994: A Tale of Rebellion and Redemption

Imagine a world where skyscrapers loom over a dystopian cityscape, and a resistance movement fights against the tyranny of a malevolent AI. This is the grim backdrop of "Beneath a Steel Sky," a point-and-click adventure that deftly blends cyberpunk aesthetics with a gripping narrative.

In this game, you play as Robert Foster, a man torn from his idyllic life in the wastelands and thrust into the heart of a totalitarian metropolis. The game excels in its world-building, creating a hauntingly beautiful urban sprawl rife with secrets and subterfuge.

What sets "Beneath a Steel Sky" apart is its intricate storyline and memorable characters. The witty dialogue and thought-provoking themes of identity and rebellion make it a standout in the genre. As you unravel the mysteries of this dark and complex world, you'll find yourself drawn into a narrative that's as immersive as it is unforgettable.

3. HardWAR - 1998: Survive in a Post-Apocalyptic Playground

Step into a post-apocalyptic playground like no other in "HardWAR." This underrated gem presents a gritty, atmospheric world where civilization has crumbled, and scavengers roam the decaying remnants of a once-thriving city.

As a scavenger, your goal is survival, and survival in this unforgiving wasteland means scavenging for resources, upgrading your vehicle, and engaging in intense vehicular combat. "HardWAR" offers a unique blend of open-world exploration, resource management, and vehicular warfare.

The game's dystopian setting is brought to life through its striking visuals and moody soundtrack, creating an immersive experience that truly transports you to a world on the brink of collapse. While it may not have received the recognition of some of its contemporaries, "HardWAR" is a must-play for fans of gritty, post-apocalyptic cyberpunk adventures.

4. Freelancer - 2003: Soar Through the Stars

"Freelancer" might not fit the traditional cyberpunk mold, but it offers an expansive and enthralling universe that's worthy of exploration. Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars, you play as Edison Trent, a freelancer navigating the intricacies of a dynamic and ever-changing galaxy.

The game's open-world design is a standout feature, allowing you to choose your path as you trade goods, engage in epic space battles, and uncover the secrets of the universe. The rich lore and vibrant world of "Freelancer" create an experience that's both immersive and endlessly replayable.

But remember, these are just a few of the cyberpunk gaming gems that have been tucked away in the annals of gaming history. There are countless other titles waiting to be discovered. Do you have any personal favorites from the cyberpunk gaming scene of the past? Share your gems with us, and who knows, they might be featured in our next cybernetic escapade!

So, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts, keep your cyberdecks at the ready, and your sense of wonder intact. The world of cyberpunk gaming is vast, and there's always something new to uncover. Until next time, stay plugged in and keep those retro vibes alive!

- Raz

#gaming #games #cyberpunk #retrogaming #retro

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sheacouleecametoslay · 1 year

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All Stars 5 (2020)

And I continue to be disillusioned by the All-Stars series! The main issue with AS3 and AS4 was the twists and the controversial finales, but the casting was solid enough to elevate their rankings. AS5 doesn't have those issues. Instead, the cast just doesn't feel like an All-Stars cast, no disrespect. I was pretty meh on Cracker and Mayhem during Season 10, and somewhat neutral on Blair as well. Meanwhile, India only had one memorable on Season 3, and it wasn't even her moment. Mariah was also an unexpected pick, but she's underrated. Still, she was an early out again. I was hyped to see Ongina back after all these years, but she bombed every challenge. Derrick could've been the villain again but she was out first. Which just left Shea, Jujubee and Alexis to root for. IDC about Cracker's track record, she was beyond annoying. The season felt uneventful too? AS5 was lacking in iconic, memorable moments. Alexis got into drama with multiple queens, Derrick and India had a fight, and Jujubee talked about her cats. That's about it really. The premiere and the Snatch Game are the best episodes; the rest were forgettable. The final 4 was so boring after Alexis was gone. And Untucked was pure filler. Mayhem/Juju/Blair talking about their addictions was a nice moment though. But yeah, AS5 saw the return of Untucked to All-Stars, which seems unnecessary because the deliberation scenes in the main episodes ARE Untucked. AS5 just didn't feel like a high-stakes competition either? There was literally two quitters. No shock eliminations. A predictable winner. And the final 3 was predictable too, since they were only 3 to win a challenge aside from India. The lack of a returnee competition also contributed to the uneventful feeling. Although having said that, there was no reason to bring Ongina, Mayhem or India back into the game, so maybe it was for the best. So AS5 introduced the All-Stars new format, because of how poorly the Naomi voting Manila incident was received. From now on, everybody casts a vote, and there will be one challenge “winner” each week. Said challenge winner will face a mystery Lip Sync Assassin. If the top All-Star wins the lip sync, they individually decide who goes home. If the LSA wins the lip sync, the group vote reigns supreme. But aside from Yvie, the LSAs weren't really trying this season. The lip syncs wouldn't have changed any of the outcomes either. And aside from Alexis and Mayhem voting Shea that one time, the votes were cast fairly this season. Side note: some of the LSAs must've been for storyline reasons, like Morgan during Mayhem's elimination, and Vanjie when Alexis almost got out. The other major twist introduced this season was that, starting from the final 6, if you're not the challenge winner, you're up for elimination. Which is both ridiculous and unfair. Episode 7 also ended with a twist, where Ru got a phone call, which segued into the eliminated queens hiding behind a glory hole in the finale. As for the challenges, they were mostly lackluster. I'd say the girl groups were the best one. The Snatch Game top 3 made me laugh so much; but the bottom 3 and that awkward almost kiss between Ru and JBC... yeah. And what annoys me about the Talent Show judging is that they reward self-referential jokes, callbacks, and catchphrases. I want to see unique talents. Moreover, nobody was funny in “SheMZ”. The hotel challenge was boring - it was a failed attempt to recreate the clubs challenge from AS4. The Ball was okay, but I've never really liked those voiceovers. The stand-up routines could've been stronger. And the “Clap Back” Ru-mix was missing something too. They didn't even show the queens working on their verses... I heard this season was supposed to have a New School vs Old School theme, since the cast is evenly divided that way. But we never saw that rivalry. I kinda wish we had. Instead, we had Derrick vs India (which I enjoyed but it only lasted one episode), the Cracker vs Blair/Mayhem stuff (which was whatever), and the Alexis drama. Her and Shea having to work together was funny. And India's accusation against Alexis became a huge ordeal. It even spilled into the next episode, after India was gone. It cost Alexis a potential finale spot. And we didn't know which side to believe until the finale. I'm glad the eliminated queens returned to give that closure.

Queens Ranking: 10. Miz Cracker Cracker had THE most forced confessionals: the constant screaming (ugh), the props, the heavy breathing, the mind blown effect, the twerking, the unnecessary body movements, the corny lines, the “I hate her” about Shea. Cracker was trying WAY too hard. She even screamed in the Werk Room during the sewing challenge. It's like she wanted to avoid her Season 10 perfectionism so bad. Plus she was so concerned about avoiding a negative perception with the girls. But, like Mayhem said, it didn't come off sincere. And that negative perception persisted anyways. Blair/Mayhem didn't like working with her. She felt misunderstood. One episode, Cracker announced she was up all night because she wanted to write Ongina's name in whiteout, as if this was some hardship for her. And she proceeded to lecture Ongina about believing in herself. Like WTF? All she did was made Ongina feel bad. Then she guiltily changed her tune upon seeing Ongina give up. While next episode, Cracker said her intentions were good, it just came out wrong; while Alexis called her out for apologizing too late and calling it a mistake. Then, after Cracker listed off the queens she respected, Alexis asked why she was omitted, and Cracker rephrased what she meant. Next, Cracker accused Blair of plotting to get her out because of Alexis's comment. And lastly, she sounded like an asshole when she sabotaged everyone in the stand-up order. Cracker was so unenjoyable to watch this season. In the competition: I kept Cracker's Ball win - she had the best construction, and the second best country cousin character. But not the other two. In “SheMZ”, she had the pill bottle, the Photoshop and the slapping jokes. While in the stand-up routine, she started slow saving the best jokes for the end (“humility and love”). But Cracker's comedy was too stiff and calculated for me. Otherwise, she went for self-referential comedy in the Talent Show. She did sexual innuendos for her “I'm In Love” verse, featuring tight choreo. She had the phone bit in the hotel challenge. She showed her identity in “Clap Back”, but sang too fast. And of course, she gave the driest and most unfunny Lady Gaga impression in Snatch Game, and mistakenly responded to Alexis's prompt. Two of Cracker's lip syncs were forgettable as well, and “Make Me Feel” didn't match the vibe of the song. She had the head poke thing in “Where Have You Been” I guess. Her best runways were the 3-in-1 cocoon and the plague doctor pre-reveal. 9. India Ferrah We're stretching the term All-Star here. India probably had the most to prove, but she pulled a Roxxxy Andrews without the fun Rudemption arc. Her confessionals were bland. She snapped in that episode 3 deliberation. And while she did bring the drama, she came off too smug; like her energy turned me off. First she corrected Derrick (I was fired! Your partner did an act mocking me! My insult wasn't directed at her!) Then she informed Shea of Alexis and Mayhem's “campaign” and stuck to that story despite Alexis's denial. But the truth finally came out at the finale, where Mayhem backed Alexis up, and India admitted the “campaign” happened after the votes were cast. So basically she misrepresented the situation. India's timing was too convenient and no one backed her up on it. She told Shea when she was about to be booted. All it did was ruin her friend's chances. Otherwise, India copied someone's entrance look again (shady production). She wanted her celeb crush to be her fiance lol. She made Alexis the choreo leader when Alexis didn't understand why. She talked about her shoplifting past. And she apologized to Derrick in the finale. In the competition: India gave it her all in the Talent Show with the choreo and she made a funny reference to the Mimi incident. No one was ever beating Yvie in that lip sync though. All of India's subsequent bottoms were deserved. Her “I'm In Love” lyrics were basic and that “I felt very attacked” scream was unpleasant. She barely talked in the hotel challenge, except for an awkward golden shower joke. Then in “SheMZ”, she licked a donut and peed broken glass... yeah. While in Snatch Game, she gave one creepy impression of Jeffree Star. Also, her 3-in-1 look was just one look. I didn't like her camo runway either. 8. Mayhem Miller Mayhem “The Drama” Miller lacked fierceness and boldness for me. Sure, she kept giving facial reactions in confessional, and her confessionals weren't bland (“but somebody HMM wants it her way”). She was in generally good spirits too (“I'm still here bitch *screams*”). And her impersonation of Ongina was funny. But she was so passive about leaving. She refused to campaign against India and ultimately voted herself. Only for India to throw her under the bus next episode. Mayhem was so loyal to India for what? Otherwise, Mayhem wanted to rectify playing it too safe on Season 10. She gleefully accepted an alliance with India. She was floored and took it personally that her friend Juju voted her. She got annoyed at Cracker during a team challenge. She didn't believe Cracker's reasoning on the Ongina thing. She voted Shea because she thought that was the plan... lol? And she had an emotional Untucked moment about her drinking, and later talked about her arrests. In the competition: Mayhem had a rough start. She went soft in the Reading, then mumbled during her Talent Show song. It was my least favourite performance of the night. But after that, her “I'm In Love” verse was about Mr Rogers, which was funny. She was also in the top for the hotel challenge. And I didn't think Mayhem was that bad in “SheMZ”? She paused at one point and I didn't understand the whole licking thing, but I thought she gave more effort than others. Still, Mayhem's runways were basic this season. Her 3-in-1 look lacked variety. Weird, since she was one of the top fashion queens of Season 10. 7. Blair St. Clair Falls into the bland/neutral feelings tier. Blair showed she had Nerve towards the end, but she lacked Charisma for me. I also kept forgetting she was on the show. Her confessionals were sometimes whiny (“I promise America I'm not a young bitchy girl I'm fun”; that groan before Snatch Game). Or kinda forced (“Mr cameraman show me my mark; hold my hand and guide me gently”; that cough at Cracker's running order). Or she said confusing things like “what if we're going to voting polls?” Alexis also called her entrance cocky. In Blair's intro, she promised that “I've finally gone through puberty... well almost” and that she's a “strong independent bitch” now. Later on, Blair pitched to the final 4 that wins shouldn't matter (lol). She also talked about her DUI. She mimicked the choreo during the finale, as if she was still competing lol. And she had some tensions with Cracker, calling her difficult and questioning their friendship. Blair tried to smooth things over with Cracker during the plotting accusations though. But she was later upset when Cracker considered her bottom 2. In the competition: Blair was the most forgettable in the Talent Show, but she impressed the next 2 weeks. She had some cannibalism wordplay in her Hannibal Lecter “I'm In Love” verse, and her choreo stole the spotlight. Then she was a solid actress in the hotel advert, even if her room wasn't my fave. Blair struggled after that though. Her “SheMZ” character was annoyingly whiny. She seemed awkward as Ellen DeGeneres in Snatch Game (“Squawk to keep warm” HUH?). Also, her country cousin jokes weren't that clever, and her second look was just some fabric draped over her. Then she kept flipping her notebook during the stand-up routine. Blair was one of the top runway queens this season though – her magenta skin, her 3-in-1, her camo butterflies, and her gender-bending prom queen. 6. Ongina Finally Ongina returned!... and it was a disappointment. She completely psyched herself out after the Reading challenge, worrying if she could still compete in the modern era. The nerves got the best of her. And I think Cracker's unwarranted “lecture” got to her too (“and 3rd there's no 3rd because just STFU already!”) Then Ongina broke down during the episode 2 deliberation, saying she deserved to go home. She even voted for herself. Still, Ongina was having fun in the premiere. She kept giggling at herself. She joked with Derrick: “are you talented enough to do it”. And she was nosy about the India/ Derrick drama lol. In the competition: I didn't understand the point of Ongina's Talent Show act... it was just some basic dancing and reveals to a RuPaul medley. She had an amazing entrance look though, and I liked her feathery runway. But Ongina's “reads” in the Reading mini-challenge weren't reads or jokes. And her “I'm In Love” verse was lacking, but she was sick while recording it. 5. Derrick Barry Derrick leaving first was a misstep by production. The India drama was the best part of the premiere! Derrick went all-in on India during the Reading challenge. Then she gossiped with Ongina and Juju about it. Then she fought with India (India was fired! She called my partner “a pig in a wig”!) Then during deliberation, she acted fake nice to India to stay. Derrick was also delusional, telling the girls “I could've slayed it as Britney and won”, while crying in confessional about how hard it is to not be seen as Britney. Derrick came back wanting to prove she can do more than Britney, but that entrance was Britney. Still, Derrick was funny in her one episode (“maybe she's all good with giving fake hugs”; “you were also quick to finish on your season”; “I think you being here is going to make you feel more validated”). While at the finale, she “relicked” in the drama. In the competition: Derrick's multitude of Talent Show impressions were cringe. The idea was better than the execution. Her finale dress wasn't Britney though! 4. Alexis Mateo Alexis's inclusion benefitted the season. She came back as a confident veteran aiming to win (“it's Alexis world and the rest is f**king parking”). And she was brutally honest. She told Derrick “I thought you were doing Britney the entire time”. She criticized Cracker over the Ongina thing. She continued to poke at Cracker with “so you don't respect me?” and "it's easier for you to just talk there". Shea thought Alexis was unnecessarily butting in, but Cracker was being shady listing off the queens she respected. I'm also not sure if Alexis meant to imply that Mayhem/Blair were plotting against Cracker. Anyways, Alexis's main drama came from voting Shea. Her reasoning was to save her friends, but India claimed otherwise. Alexis gave a logical counterpoint to that, saying a campaign can't be 2 people, and the edit never showed her campaigning. Because of these events, Alexis felt betrayed by India, and gave a frosty voting confessional: “you're a liar and this is why Derrick don't like you”. I mean, this stunt ruined Alexis's game, and with the new twist, her only path was to win challenges. It didn't matter who was right, the doubt was in people's minds. Otherwise, Alexis had fun moments like: wanting Daddy Yankee to grab her like a microphone; “this bitch is into eating people? And she's that skinny?”; not knowing what camo is; blurting out “gosh I need to have sex” to break the tension. That said, it did feel like Alexis was giving others a hard time for things. In the competition: Alexis did well, but not enough to win. She came off as a professional entertainer in the Talent Show, but I'm over these dance numbers. Her Daddy Yankee verse in “I'm In Love” was great, but she barely moved. She was fine in “SheMZ, but talked over Shea. She was hilarious in Snatch Game, especially when she roasted Cracker and India. It's probably my fave Alexis performance ever. But she kept repeating “you didn't see that one coming”. Her kiddy pool Ball look was ridiculous, but her character wasn't the best and the look was basic. She also played off that spray can mishap well in the hotel challenge. My fave Alexis runways were the camo and prom queen ones. Least fave was the circus 3-in-1. 3. Mariah Paris Balenciaga Mariah, with her many surnames, provides an underrated presence: “I wish I could've done this [vote] to a jackass”; “is she doing the Finding Dory whale call?”; “I coulda went out there in lizard skin, girl who is pu**y pink?”; “I know y'all spent the coin but I spent the mint bitch”; “my tear ducts have turned into raisins”. I also laughed when she ruined the other team's paint job. And when she took her fanny pack and left. And when was displeased at Mayhem quitting for India (“girl you just met this hoe”). Her TV persona came off natural. She was pretty honest with her opinions. And she told Cracker that she enjoyed working with her, when some other girls were getting on Cracker's case. I don't like Cracker, but that was a nice moment. In the competition: Mariah should've won the Talent Show – she voiced an important message and communicated it in an artistic way. But I guess dancing to your catchphrases is what the judges prefer. She also "went there" in the Reading challenge with the rose petals. Unfortunately, Mariah couldn't stay at that level. She looked “out of it” during her “I'm In Love” performance. Then in the hotel challenge, she made jokes about rattan furniture and girthy meats that didn't land. She also talked over Cracker at one point. Her 3-in-1 look wasn't my fave either. She looked pretty in the skin runway though. 2. Shea Couleé We all knew Shea was winning All-Stars from the second she agreed to it. It's Chad and Alaska all over again, who I don't agree were “robbed” on their seasons, but Shea lost to a new twist. Speaking of, her main storyline on AS5 was about how the rose petals affected her. Even though Juju was my fave, Shea outdid her in the finale, so I'm fine with it. Sure, Shea was hoping to cruise straight to the crown, and she acted like Alexis had such AUDICITY to vote her instead of India. She also took Cracker's side during the Cracker/Alexis confrontation (“bitch who was talking to you?”). But I get why Shea felt bitter and uneasy towards Alexis. Alexis based her vote on friendships. What if she kept doing that? And India was just playing into Shea's paranoia that was already there. I loved when Shea threw Alexis's remark back at her though: “So you didn't think that I worked hard?”. Otherwise, Shea had chances to play it strategically this season (like keeping Ongina or booting Alexis), but kept it fair. She was charming (“I know you've all missed me but it's okay”; “but were you surprised? Haha”). She helped the other queens during the sewing challenge. She had emotional moment with Ru about her dad and sister's passing. And she didn't take India's tea at face value, she had a group chat. In the competition: Shea had her ups and downs. She brought some pole dancing to the Talent Show. She ate with her “I'm In Love” verse. She was hilarious as Flavor Flav in Snatch Game (“roses are red, buses is yellow”). And her stand-up routine was consistent. But Shea was flat in the hotel challenge (“picture it”). And her “bitchy” character in “SheMZ” was whatever. Her wedding dress in the Ball was rough-looking too, but her country character had that “She Already Done Had Her Chips” joke. In the finale, Shea's “Clap Back” verse wasn't her best, but her choreo slayed. And she definitely won the “Make Me Feel” lip sync with her robot thing. Between that and her dance moves in “Neutron Dance”, Shea redeemed herself in the lip syncs. “Open Your Heart” was forgettable though. As for her runways, the skin one was a wow moment. I also liked her camo watering can. The colourful 3-in-1 was a lot though; as was the rose petal prom queen. 1. Jujubee “Gimme the crown RuPaul can I have the crown please?”; “I am the pu**y staircase”; “RuPaul what the f**k?; “If I put $20,000 in an IRA Roth, do you know how much money that is? $20,000 in an IRA Roth”; “John Stamos ahh ohh Greek yogourt”; “second language my ass”; “I could vote for Shea to leave ooh is this strategy bitch”; “what's going through my mind right now is ohh I miss my cats, they don't judge me, they do, but they have to live with me”; “it's like a Juju sandwich with two pieces of white bread... I'm aroused”; “WTF is backyard eleganza? I don't have a backyard”; “how do you unregister to vote?”; “her eyes... where do I buy eyes like that?”; “hey Ru it's Juju are you there? are you still gonna make us vote?”; “surprise! you gotta take a pink pill and a shot in the butt”; “I would wear it to the supermarket and shop for canned beans”. Juju's confessionals served stoner thoughts energy and I was living for it. I mean, she'd ramble about her cats while choosing a lipstick. She showed her cat pics in confessional at one point. She darted her eyes back and forth during the Cracker/Blair conflict and called it hot. She started a pillow fight at the final 3. She wanted an Alaskan themed hotel. And she fussed over not getting an India note. But on a serious note, Juju's sobriety story was a nice moment. And she came off perceptive. In the competition: Maybe it's just me, but Juju should've pulled a Ben/Manila. She was my fave in the Reading challenge. Her Talent Show singing was passionate. Her “I'm In Love” verse was smooth. She 1000% won the hotel challenge – the grandma mentions, the live mosquitoes, the "exotic" fruit. Her and Cracker were the only good ones in “SheMZ” (the Laganja pic!) She was hilarious as Eartha Kitt in Snatch Game (“sensually walk to the thermostat”; “... pick my cuz I love you”; “I am convincing you”). She had my favourite country cousin character (“Amberrrr”) but the watermelon outfit cost her the win. I didn't think her stand-up was that bad either; it was just the shoulders joke that didn't land. Her “Clap Back” verse felt generic and lacked bite though. And her “Juice” lip sync was disappointing for someone who survived 5 lip syncs previously. My fave Juju runways were the skin one, the prom queen, the freak, and her finale outfit. Favourite entrance look: Ongina Challenge ranking: 1. “I'm In Love” Girl Groups 2. Snatch Game Of Love 3. Talent Show 4. Backyard Ball 5. Stand-up routine 6. “Clap Back” (Ru-mix) (Shea > Cracker > Jujubee) 7. Hotel design (nearly fell asleep) 8. “SheMZ” (Improv) Lip Sync ranking: 1. India Ferrah vs Yvie Oddly ("Livin La Vida Loca") (Yvie is insane) 2. Miz Cracker vs Morgan McMichaels ("Where Have You Been") 3. Shea Couleé vs Alyssa Edwards ("Neutron Dance") (Shea was solid/Alyssa could've done more) 4. Top 3 Lip Sync ("Make Me Feel") 5. Miz Cracker vs Roxxxy Andrews ("One Last Time") (Roxxxy's reveal is the only memorable part and it didn't even match the lyrics) 6. Shea Couleé vs Vanessa Vanjie Mateo ("Open Your Heart") (Shea underwhelming/Vanjie shaking too much /cool camera work though) 7. Jujubee vs Monét X Change ("Juice") 8. Miz Cracker vs Kennedy Davenport ("Fancy") Those last 3 are all pretty boring. While the first 3 are the only ones where everyone involved was trying... Season ranking so far: 9 > 5 > 6 > 11 > AS2 > 4 > 10 > 2 > 7 > AS3 > AS4 > 3 > 8 > 12 > 1 > AS5 > AS1

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amphtaminedreams · 4 years

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Farewell to Spooky Season, AHS Style: Lookbook no.12

Hi to anyone reading,

Happy belated Halloween!

I capitalise it because if I'm gonna recognise any day as sacred, it’s the spookiest one of the year! Halloween 2020 obviously hasn’t been as exciting as usual, parties and club nights being banned has meant there’s been far less opportunities to dress up, but I still managed to get out for the night before they announced the upcoming second lockdown and do a couple of spooky movie nights (and carve a pumpkin!)!

I originally intended for this lookbook to be last minute halloween costume inspo but I was lazy and didn’t manage to get it out on time-a lot of these looks minus the makeup and maybe an accessory or two could work on any day or night out so I thought I’d go ahead and post it now anyway. Celebrating the fashion moments of American Horror Story is something I’ve wanted to do for a while; it’s probably not the first show you’d think of for sartorial inspiration but Mr. Ryan Murphy has fucking fantastic taste in stylists and the first five seasons of AHS in particular, which I’ll be focussing on in this post, have given us SO many amazing looks. The man may be guilty of many things-subjecting us to the character of Will Schuester, trying to turn Richard Ramirez into a thirst trap, embarrassing everyone who raved about how good Scream Queens was when he wrote season 2-but costume related laziness is not one of them. We see more consistency in a Ryan Murphy character’s wardrobe than we do in their story arcs and I respect that because honestly, as much as I love joining in when it comes to ripping into his ability to cohesively bring an AHS season to a close when it airs, I’d probably be the same; if you put Lady Gaga in front of me and told me to write her lines I’d probably end up getting overly invested in what her character was going to be wearing in the scene too.

So! Enough Ryan Murphy bashing from me! I’ll get on with it! Starting with 3 season 1 inspired looks:

Murder House: Elizabeth Short, Tate Langdon and Violet Harmon

-striped jumper from caitlinlark on Depop, kick flare jeans from ellagray-

When it comes to reflecting on season 1 of American Horror Story, all I can say do is thank the internet overlords that Tumblr has moved on from the romanticising school shooters and wearing normal people scare me tops phase to instead collectively taking the piss out of the “GO AWAY, TATE!”, “YOU’RE ALL THAT I WANTTT! YOU’RE ALL THAT I HAVEEE!” exchange.

In terms of fashion *moments*, whilst season 1 doesn’t stand out as much as the seasons that come after, Violet and Tate’s wardrobes did give birth to a bit of a 90s grunge renaissance with their oversized knits and faded jeans and layering of textures. It did also give us good costumes in the form of Alexandra Breckenridge’s Moira O’Hara and Mena Suvari’s portrayal of the Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short; unfortunately, I didn’t have a slutty maid costume lying around so I did the best I could at giving the outfit Elizabeth wears when she makes that fateful visit to the Murder House a modern, more party appropriate update.

In terms of season rankings, Murder House isn’t my favourite. It starts off really great but lulls a bit towards the end and I could never get behind Violet and Tate as a couple because you know, one of them is a school shooter who sexually assaults the other’s mum, and that’s a hurdle that I think most couples might struggle to get over irl. That being said, it was the season that started it all and showcased some of the most innovative writing and directing on TV, and it opened up a spot for horror on primetime television which as far as I know was kind of unheard of before then. Back when I first watched it, I had no idea what to expect not only because I’d never seen horror in a serial format but also because it seemed to be able to get away with the kind of storylines you’d expect network executives to fire people over. It introduced us to Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters and Denis O’Hare who would go on to make the show what it is today and more importantly, through Jessica’s glorious portrayal of Constance Langdon, provide us with an endlessly versatile meme format for this trying time.

Asylum: ‘60s Lana Winters, ‘70s Lana Winters, and Sister Mary Eunice McKee

-afghan coat from louisemarcella on Depop, red AA skater dress from julietramage, pink gingham co-ord from zshamim-

I think we can all agree: Asylum would’ve been a perfect series of television if it wasn’t for the completely unnecessary alien storyline. Like, I get that they fit in with the whole good vs. evil theme as a kind of non-biblical alternative to the idea of a higher, all-powerful being but there was already so much going on that it just wasn’t needed. Aside from that, I think the general consensus amongst watchers of the show is that Asylum has the best writing of any season and I think I’d tend to agree. It’s not my favourite because it’s too depressing to rewatch but if we’re talking the first time round, this is the series that had me hooked. Lana Winters?

Iconic.

Sister Mary Eunice? Iconic. The Name Game? Iconic. Remember when you couldn’t go a day on Facebook without seeing that one photo of Naomi Grossman as Pepper used as the go to “what I really look like” photo in one of those “expectation vs. reality” style posts on your newsfeed? Those were simpler times.

Because this season was mostly situated within the hospital, we didn’t get that many proper outfits but when we did, they were stunning; if I had to state my absolute favourite AHS character of the entire show I’d probably go with Lana Winters and the part her wardrobe played in her characterisation would 100% play a part in that. The late 60s/early 70s was such a wonderful period for fashion and through her character we get to see both of those explored a little. Of course there’s also *that* Sister Mary Eunice scene with the red slip dress and suspenders too which yes, could be a perfect halloween costume, but I also strongly believe should be a perfectly acceptable outfit for any day of the year.

Coven: Misty Day, Madison Montgomery, and Zoe Benson

-chiffon dress from rags_to_riches on Depop, pinstripe corset from hanpiercey, and tennis skirt from mollie_morton-

I hate to be a basic bitch but I have to say it: Coven is my favourite season of American Horror Story. Once you get over the complete waste of Evan Peters’ acting capabilities that resulted from the *choice* to have him play Kyle, the unnecessary rehash of the Evan/Taissa pairing from season 1 in what I can only assume was an attempt to capitalise on the popularity of the questionable Tate/Violet relationship, and the subsequent sacrifice of any interesting character arc we could’ve foreseen for Zoe Benson beyond her obsessing over a resurrected, non-verbal frat boy, it’s a perfect season. A supreme (heh) balance of horror, humour, and character drama, as well as the stunning aesthetics and forever quotable dialogue, make it my go-to season if I’m ever considering a rewatch. And if you disagree, let me jog your memory with the most mainstream (not to get all “normal people scare me” and suggest AHS is not a mainstream show, I literally just mean in the sense that even those who have never watched the show will have seen this) reaction GIF set any FX show has even spawned:

Buzzfeed employees had a field day, Emma Roberts enthusiasts (I mean me) finally saw her cemented as the pop culture icon Scream Queens has since showed us she deserves to be (because not enough people have seen Unfabulous, Nancy Drew or Scream 4) and the gays everywhere rejoiced at the year’s worth of meme fodder they’d been provided with. It was Madison Montgomery’s world and we were truly just living in it.

And the fashion! I mean, Stevie Nicks meets 21st century teenage witches! Come on!

Freakshow: Dandy Mott, Maggie Esmerelda and Elsa Mars

-olive green satin skirt from morganogle on Depop, headscarf from tonijordan, platform sandals from elliefewt, PVC skirt from bethpin_, corset top from sadieflinter, beret from house_of_erotique, flame detail platform boots from mad_rags_vintage-

When people talk about the declining quality of AHS, they usually point to Freakshow as the beginning of the end, but I have to completely disagree. I wasn’t a fan the first time round but on rewatch it’s probably the most emotional season of them all; no, there aren’t as many “horrifying” moments as in other seasons and Elsa is probably Jessica’s worst performance (which is still an incredible one by anybody else’s standards), however it makes up for it with the most sympathetic bunch of characters yet, and on the flip side, also one of the most amusingly depraved with Finn Wittrock’s Dandy Mott. Fans usually argue that the season went downhill once *SPOILER* Twisty the Clown was killed off but for me, he really primarily served as the catalyst for the far more interesting devolution of Dandy, who, imo, is the show’s strongest villain to date, rivalled only by Bloody Face. Then there was the episode Orphans too which made me cry buckets, the sole AHS episode to do so.

We got a lot of great fashion content in this season too: the theatrical opulence of Elsa Mars’ wardrobe, “Maggie”’s nomadic fortune teller costumes, and all those twee suits we saw Finn Wittrock in. Highly underrated if you ask me. It seems an odd choice for me to use Elsa’s Dominatrix look as an inspiration for one of my looks here when we have that Life on Mars performance outfit and all the extravagant robes Jessica got to waltz around in for reference buuuut I didn’t really have anything to do the vibrancy of either of those justice so I went with the black leather option which is much more me. Am I saying I moonlight as a dominatrix? Maybe. Lol, no. I wish. It’s not for lack of trying. WHERE ARE ALL THE GENUINE TWITTER PAYPIGS AT!? Your girl wants to insult creepy men and get some new clothes out of it xoxo

Hotel: Hypodermic Sally, Liz Taylor, and The Countess

-silk white bralet from xlibby_maix on Depop-

Hotel is another season that I liked a lottttt more upon rewatch, once I knew I was okay to tune out the (completely predictable and utterly nonsensical) Ten Commandments Killer storyline that so much of the season initially seems to hinge on. I love Chloë Sevigny but the fact that her and Wes Bentley’s wooden John and Alex Lowe are positioned as the protagonists at the expense of the far more interesting Liz Taylor, James March and Hypodermic Sally really does a disservice to what is an otherwise great season upon initial viewing.

The visuals this season are magnificent and I think if I had to pick one character’s wardrobe to steal from the entire cast of AHS characters, it would be The Countess (a toss up between her and Misty Day tbh, so I kinda just settle for low-key channelling both). No fucking idea where I'd wear any of her clothes to but I’d make it work. Liz Taylor and Hypodermic Sally have some amazing looks too-there’s just honestly so much to choose from; that being said, this post wouldn’t be complete without a specific ode to the vampire goddess Elizabeth Bathory, who is everything I want to be in life minus the murderous qualities:

Everything. EVER-Y-THING. LOOK AT HER!

Lady Gaga is really a fucking goddess isn’t she. And people were claiming before they’d even seen it that she couldn’t act? A patriarchal society doesn’t like women that can do it all. Just saying.

Anyways!

That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed the post if you did read til the end! Sorry I couldn’t get this out before Halloween, I was typing and Picmonkey-ing madly from 2 in the afternoon on the 31st but I taking fucking forever to get ready and had to abandon all hope of getting it out on the day by 4PM. I’ve got so much content planned and it sucks because a couple of them are lookbooks which now feel completely redundant given we’re heading into a second lockdown, but maybe I should just do it anyway? The grunge inspired moodboard I just did seemed to get a good reception too so I’ve got some more of them planned.

As always, hope everyone is keeping well, and feel free to inbox me with any suggestions, queries or even just to say hi if you need someone to talk to! I check here quite a lot so I should see it. Lots of love to everyone in this time!

Lauren x

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echoeternally · 4 years

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Mario Thread Opinions

I saw something making rounds on Twitter featuring Mario characters, so, I wanted to respond to that, but without flooding the timeline.

So, I’ll put them here instead! ...And I’ll try to keep thoughts short...

... ... ...

Original Tweeted Characters

Mario: He’s such a cheerful and happy protagonist! I don’t get why people ever have strong dislikes for him. He’s full of energy and normally kindness. Maybe they think that’s bland, but I’ve been following Mario’s journeys since I was very young, so he’ll always be a great protagonist for me.

Toadette: She’s so energetic and sweet! She’s come such a long way since her debut from Mario Kart: Double Dash, and currently, Toadette seems to be a regular mainstay for the franchise. You’re doing amazing, sweetie! Keep going!

Dry Bones: One of the cutest zombies and/or reanimated dead characters that I can think of. While a tricky enemy to handle, I still enjoy seeing them. Plus, they’re welcome additions to spin-off games like almost always!

Shy Guy: The beeeeest! Shy Guy is the cutest little enemy, and I love how they get included into various roles as either friend or foe. I think I’m always happy to see Shy Guy around in some way!

Pink Gold Peach: Peach deserves a cool power-up form! While I wish she had it outside of spin-off titles, I think it’s a cute concept regardless. (Though, I get the disappointment when she shows up.) People mention “rose gold” as a title instead, and I think I agree with that, but also, alliteration.

Peachette: (deep, heavy sigh) You could have been so fun conceptually...the potential for future uses that could be dramatic with bait-and-switches for Peach. But...marred by Internet memes...also, not a fan that Toadette gets replaced on-screen by Peach in the first place, so, yeah.

King Boo: This dude has so many change-ups in how he appears. I kind of love him as both a Mario enemy and a Luigi’s Mansion main boss. He makes a good adversary for Luigi, so, I hope he sticks around to spook the cast! Love his laugh too, lol.

Daisy: She deserves so much love and attention, and I don’t understand why the developers at Nintendo have kept her locked behind spin-off titles for so long. I feel like that could change going forward, so I’m hoping that she becomes even more awesome and help save the day in future adventures!

Peach: Arguably the most iconic damsel in modern media, though I wish we could let her evolve past that. Peach is strong in her own right, so let’s see her headline a franchise and save the day herself! She doesn’t get opportunity to do that enough. She can be more than just Mario’s plot device. Anyway, she’s great, and I wish she would get more respect from Nintendo. She could make the Disney princesses shudder if given the chance.

Yoshi: Quite possibly the cutest steed known to pop culture! He’s so sweet and precious, like, I feel as though no one can help but love Yoshi. Anytime he pops in and the moment immediately improves!

Luigi: As a younger sibling myself, I totally can relate to Luigi easily. He’s the best deuteragonist that Mario could ask for! His fans can sometimes be a little much, but I can understand the enthusiasm! Luigi’s a good boy. Nintendo should dunk on him less though; he’s proven well enough.

Hammer Bro: Bah, an enemy that always keeps me wary! Probably one of the biggest common enemies that is practically guaranteed to be at least a light challenge. As they appear in more spin-off games, I like their energy and excitement more. They’re fun dudes!

The Koopalings: No clue how they were kept dormant for so many years, because they provide so much flavor to the series! Then again, it’s painful to see any of them separated from one another, and including seven characters can be a challenge. Overall, I love them, and they make great opponents and even additions to rosters! Best generals, I think.

Kamek: I know that the name isn’t supposed to be significant, but he ended up being so. And I really wish we would get a version of Kamek that stands out from the other Magikoopa! His role seems too important to be neglected as often as it can be. Definitely the coolest standalone enemy on Bowser’s minion roster, and I hope they keep helping this one stand out more in the future!

Waluigi: He’s pretty funny, and he can sucker a few laughs out of me time and again. I think that he’s underrated by the Mario franchise itself, and that he should appear more often or join Wario for his franchise. His loudest fans are definitely a bit too rambunctious. Still, he’s been around for 20 years, and I do agree that he probably deserves better.

Rosalina: Definitely a cool character that I really hope we keep in rotation. She should be used for more than just spin-off shenanigans without question, so I hope that we see her more as time goes on. (She almost joined Odyssey in a cool appearance!) Anyway, I love her motherly and calm yet elegant nature, and the lore that she gave to Super Mario Galaxy as well. Luma princess!

Bowser: As Mario is one of my favorite protagonists, Bowser would be one of my favorite antagonists! Though, I do wish he’d get a break. He’s a fun character without always being evil. We should give other villains a chance to go crazy and let Bowser do something else, either helping Mario or just living life without being the big bad. He’s sometimes more interesting being just a dad above all else!

Piranha Plant: Plant gang rise up! Not going to lie, one of the most iconic Mario enemies to appear, and yet, I feel like they’ve been slept on until their recent inclusions in games as playable characters, most especially in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Great surprise trap enemies too. Overall, love these chompy dudes! ...Except when they chomp me, that is, ha!

Metal Mario: Probably one of Mario’s coolest power-up forms! He’s appeared in several spin-offs as a playable character, starting with Mario Golf for the N64, if I’m not mistaken. While I prefer him as a power-up, he’s a fun concept to see turn up every so often.

Whomp King: An iconic opponent in Super Mario 64, and one that I’m surprised to see turn up every so often! Yet, I’m also surprised that we don’t see him more often as well. It’s odd, but then again, Whomps can be underutilized. I like him though!

Wario: Greedy guy supreme! Wario is perhaps the grossest Mario character, but also one of the funniest. He’s usually a welcome addition to the rosters that he joins, so, I like to see him around too. His laugh is hilarious and definitely one of the more recognizable out there!

Dry Bowser: Bowser’s reanimated corpse! Originally a cool concept and perhaps even a surprising one! Since I like Dry Bones, I tend to like this dude, even when he’s not exactly Bowser himself sometimes, since that happens. Either way, cool and creepy, so totally a unique flavor!

Pom Pom: Honestly, not an addition that I ever expected, but totally welcomed alongside Boom Boom’s return to the franchise. I love her shuriken attacks and ninja theme, because I’m a sucker for that. And more female creature features are always welcome to roster! Not every lady needs to be a princess, after all.

King Bob-omb: I love him! He’s arguably my favorite boss from Super Mario 64, and I’m so happy that he’s been popping up more frequently. He’s finally playable for the first time in Mario Kart: Tour, so I hope he appears as such in future titles! His mustache deserves greatness!

Toad: I have literally always had a huge soft-spot for the Mushroom Kingdom citizens. Also, I feel like Toad should be recognized as an individual as much as Yoshi is! He’s cheerful, helpful, sweet, and usually so helpful! Plus, I totally crush it when I use him in Mario Kart, lol. One of my favorites as well, and I consider him as part of the core cast!

Bob-omb: Who knew living explosives could be so...cute? I can’t deny that I delight in seeing them, even though they usually terrorize me whenever they’re around. Totally love to see them included, as they’re great inclusions.

Boo: Spooky time! I love seeing Boo, they’re fun. Also, horrifying to face off against, since they’re not usually the easiest to defeat. They’re cute though, and I love to listen to their cackles and trills! Also wonderful inclusions, both in the main Super Mario games and hilariously so in Luigi’s Mansion. (I love their titles and names in those games!)

Bowser Jr.: While his existence should raise questions, mostly concerning how, I tend to hand wave that as easily as Nintendo does. I love that Bowser has a bratty kid, it’s so entertaining to me! And it’s precious, because I really enjoy seeing Bowser having a soft spot for his son. Junior himself is enjoyable to see too, because he’s a pint-sized enemy with lots of personality!

Pauline: That’s my girl! That’s my girl right there, whoo! I’m so deliriously happy that she’s returned in the greatest form, from nameless damsel to major city mayor! And now she’s regularly included for Mario franchise casts by the fans and the developers. She deserves it, and I hope we continue to see Pauline appear all the time in the future! Get it, One-Up Girl!

Baby Daisy: A cute baby bean, and a logical companion for Baby Peach! Not usually a character that I favor, but I don’t mind her. The scariest kiddo on the racetrack, that I’ve learned.

Petey Piranha: It makes sense that the Piranha Plants have a boss leader, since Bowser is that for the Koopas, and then we have such for Bob-ombs, Whomps, Boos, and the others. Anyway, the sludge stuff is gross, but I do love to see Petey! He’s actually sort of cute with his little utters of “yay!” in spin-offs. Plus, he’s usually a fun flavor of boss to battle!

Lakitu: Honestly, I forget that these dudes are supposed to be bad guys; they’re usually so friendly and helpful! And I think I prefer them that way overall. But, they do make challenging opponents when they’re not helpers, so that is fun to see from time to time. Totally a great mainstay to the roster either way!

Baby Rosalina: Like, I do get the idea of her, but at the same time, she’s more or less a walking contradiction, more than Bowser Jr. or the other babies by far. She is cute though, and I guess we’re not meant to think about it.

Koopa Troopa: Basically Bowser’s equivalent to Toad, and I don’t think that’s a comparison that’s addressed often enough. Like, they’d be great to make Bowser’s forces more sympathetic. Anyway, I like them as enemies, though I tend to see them as helpers fairly often too, since that’s how they’ve appeared over the years. Totally a great mainstay!

Boomerang Bro: As if their hammer throwing cousins weren’t bad enough, we get these dudes to battle from time to time. They’re tricky but cool variations on classic opponents. And I think I enjoy seeing them when we have big cast herds for the spin-off Mario titles.

Bullet Bill: Fear. These guys just come flying out of cannons and my instinct just shifts into fight-or-flight. I love them appearing, but I’m always wary of the challenges they normally present. Also, similar to Bob-omb with the whole, “who knew living artillery could be cute?” Because I know it’s Mario, but geez.

Baby Luigi: The baby bro! He’s a fun alternate option for Baby Mario to rescue, and cute to see included from time to time in spin-off titles. Though, I think his best appearance was Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.

Banzai Bill: The developers went, “Hey, know what’s scary than a big bullet chasing you down? How about a MEGA DEATH BULLET that destroys everything in its wake? Let’s even give it a creepy slasher-grinning face!” And nobody really questioned that. Utterly horrifying to battle (or just run from), but cool conceptually, so I like the enemy inclusion.

Buzzy Beetle: They’re such lowkey baddies that I actually love. Like, there’s even a sinister hint to them with the glowing red eyes and everything! Totally underrated as opponents, and I enjoy their appearances whenever they’re around.

Baby Mario: The leader of the bunch, and you know him...wait a minute. Anyway, he’s a fun character concept, and I like the idea of exploring characters at different points of their lives! It’s cute to see Mario was thrown into heroics since basically birth, and Baby Mario’s usually entertaining to see around, even though we should really question the lacking moral/ethic decisions of letting babies drive go-karts and playing sports.

Goomba: The number one low-level grunt of all-time! At least, I think so. They’re such fun enemies to see included almost all of the time. It’s fun how they’re normally super easy to fight, but can be surprising challenges in various appearances too. Simple conceptually, yet really diverse in use! Overall, one of the best baddies out there!

Thwomp: Floating death trap extraordinaire! These dudes are utterly terrifying to be anywhere near, most especially under. I tend to remember them for the blocky blue forms used during the N64 era, but I think that’s the less iconic form. Still, they’re great trap enemies for sure, with a great slamming grunt to boot!

Captain Toad: While I’m not entirely sure if he’s meant to be separate from the Toad we know, I treat him that way. Plus, it’s fun to have a light-hearted version of Wario’s treasure hunter role used, and one that actually provides aid to Mario on his adventures! Plus, a hero in his own right. A great character indeed!

Wiggler: Instead of chanting “don’t be suspicious,” it’s “don’t wake the wormy” for me. This crazy caterpillar is full of anxiety inducing moments for sure, but on the cuter side too. Also, shout-out to the Flutter form! Anyway, they make a fun enemy, and it’s fun when they go from passive to aggressive!

Cheep Chomp: I really can’t deny that I’m surprised that this was included for an opinion list. Anyway, bigger and scarier fish enemies are always a good fright to include, so, why not? I like the purple version too.

Baby Peach: The original baby princess, which is weird to mention, given that I never expected more than one to appear or matter. Anyway, she’s a cute companion for Baby Mario and has her own baby princess posse, so...yeah.

Boom Boom: These dudes were always such cool enemies in Super Mario Bros. 3, so I’m really glad they came back into newer games! I love seeing them appear more in spin-offs lately too, they’re entertaining options to shuffle in with the cast now and again. Fun to face off against too; normally easy, but can be tougher too!

Cheep Cheep: Fishy! It’s weird how they can be so cute, and yet they’re so dangerous, since one bite cuts you down to size. But yeah, I like them as basic aquatic enemies!

Blooper: These troublesome dudes...they can chase you, tentacle smack you, and ink you in the face! That last one never used to be a problem in kart racing, but they totally improved over the years. Good enemy. But, also? A really, really cute spin-off character! I kind of love seeing them appear in other titles as playable characters. Especially in Mario Tennis Aces. Their voices are so cute!

Whomp: Really weird to see them included so far from their king. But anyway! Cool enemies, totally underrated compared to their Thwomp cousins, and I like to see them turn up now and again. They make fun guards, most commonly utilized in the Mario Party series. They’re fun enemies and deserve more love!

Additional Characters That I Like Too

Birdo: The disrespect at people never including my girl...shameful! Anyway, I love Birdo a lot. She’s pretty cute and should totally be included way more often than she is. And she pairs so nicely with Yoshi, that’s so perfect! Plus, she’s probably the earliest trans character that I was ever introduced to, and/or consciously aware of. Anyway, I love her, so there.

Toadsworth: Why does he get so neglected over the years? I thought he was a great inclusion for Peach’s staff, and yet, he’s diminishing so frequently over the years for some reason. Anyway, he was a very entertaining character, made a great equivalent to Kamek, and I wish he’d be used more frequently.

Donkey Kong: Not going to lie, I tend to not include him in Mario cast calls a lot too, since he just feels comparatively detached to other characters. That’s so weird for someone that basically helped kick off Nintendo’s main franchise. Anyway, I love him a lot, even if I don’t show it much. He’s a cool kong, and doesn’t need to be the king to prove it!

Chain Chomp: The bark and chain rattle of sheer terror. I love these guys though! They’re so cute! And dangerous. But cute! Whether being used as a baby’s weapon of mass destruction in racing, or as another avid tennis player, Chain Chomps are just delightful to have around.

Wart: Yeah, not really expected to be included. But, I like Wart from Super Mario Bros. 2, and he’s basically my new character to campaign for since Pauline made it back from the yester-years already. Wart has great potential to be an alternative to Bowser, or even just a fun character to include, so, I hope that we see him come back to the Mario franchise in the future some day!

Nabbit: This pesky thief actually stands out well enough to me, probably because he’s included as a playable pick in the New Super Mario Bros. games from time to time. Anyway, an oddball of sorts, but pretty cute to see pop up from time to time! Maybe he’ll be kept in rotation for future spin-offs...we’ll see!

Monty Mole: Perhaps a more forgettable enemy, but I think they’re entertaining and rather unique ground enemies! Also, I enjoy their Rocky Wrench cousins. But yeah, I felt these dudes deserved a special mention too!

Diddy Kong: Although I typically don’t consider Diddy a Mario character, he’s appeared so often enough that he should be. I like him as Donkey Kong’s go-to partner, and he’s fairly cute too!

Tatanga: Look, if Wart doesn’t work out, then I’m rallying behind Super Mario Land’s Tatanga. Plus, if we get more Daisy, we might as well get an enemy to go along with, or rather against, her. Who better than this little dude? ...Though, I kind of like the bulky version from the comics more. Then again, it’s less expected for a tiny guy to be a main bad guy, so, he’d work either way. Another fun alternate for Bowser, so he can have a break, and Mario gets more enemies!

Fire Bro: I saw the Boomerang Bro and was kind of expecting this dude to show up too. Normally easier to handle than their weapon tossing cousins, at least for me, but they’re challenging enough too. Another fun variation inclusion for big roster herds.

Spike: You know, I recall the Paper Mario version known as Clubba best. But anyway, I like these dudes, and I’m enjoying seeing them appear more often in newer spin-off titles. They’re cute! And they provide strong diversity for Bowser’s usual forces.

Luma: How did we not see these little fellows in the main set? They’re so adorable, I love seeing them all the time now! Definitely one of the coolest races to come from the Mario games, totally fitting for the franchise, and I love seeing them appear basically whenever they do. They’re so cute!

Rex: The retro Super Mario World enemy that’s rather squishy and most commonly forgotten. I think they work nicely as an evil equivalent to Yoshi, at least in appearance. It’s honestly strange that they’re so underrated and underutilized by the franchise; they’re pretty cool!

Ninji: Little ninja-like minions from Super Mario Bros. 2 that appear sparingly across the Mario series. Another enemy that I feel is super underrated and totally has potential for inclusion in spin-off games or just as a more frequent opponent like Rexes should be.

Koopa Paratroopa: Kind of included with Koopa Troopa above, but I like to see Paratroopa distinguished, since they normally tend to be, even among flying enemies. Plus, they’re common inclusions to the Mario spin-off titles, so it’s weird to pass over them. Anyway, I like these winged menaces too!

Professor E. Gadd: Speaking of underused characters and E. Gadd should totally pop up there. I like that he’s a Luigi’s Mansion mainstay, but I miss the days where he was slowly branching out in other titles, perhaps most notably in the Mario & Luigi series, but he’s also the reason that Mario had FLUDD in Super Mario Sunshine! I wonder why he’s not included more frequently; even if not playable, he makes sense just being used in some capacity.

Spiny: Lakitu’s little monsters that rain terror from the skies and onto the ground! Perhaps one of tougher baddies to battle with, but I like to see them, since they’re pretty iconic. Even without being Lakitu’s minions, they’re still plenty tough for Mario to battle against. Plus, they’re kind of cute? We should see a blue variation some day though, so that way we all know who to hammer on for all of those Mario Kart horror stories...

Cappy: Since this is being posted on the 3rd anniversary for Super Mario Odyssey, I’ll give him an additional inclusion. After all, Cappy is probably one of Mario’s best companions for a 3-D Mario title to ever be included, easily surpassing FLUDD and Baby Luma / Co-Star Luma. I hope he’s not left to be forgotten as the years go by, because he had plenty of personality and flavor that really made the adventure even more entertaining, and a great concept to engage with the game play, so, here’s to Cappy!

... ... ...

Phew. Anyway, these are just some thoughts on Mario franchise characters! There sure are a lot of them, huh? Probably too many to count if we really dig through the series, that’s for sure!

That’s all from me though, at least for this. Thank you for reading!

#super mario bros #super mario #characters #opinions #twitter

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firebirdtransam68 · 5 years

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What I Want To See More On Tumblr

Tumblr is a sharing/social networking blog site that has a variety of content. However, there is content that also needs more recognition, and I see little to none of that content; probably because it is underrated and not very many users talk about or mention it. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to add more content, and I still have more information that must be voiced, but it would be nice if others take action and start expanding the site with extra and unlimited content (whether it be pictures, videos, audio, photographs, artwork, fan media, quotes, chats, weblinks, entertainment and media reviews, recaps of different works, memes, tutorials, self-help, GIFs, messages, etc.) as well.

Here are the following content that needs more recognition (it is a long list, so please pace yourselves):

General:

- Skills and techniques with Microsoft PowerPoint (this may include picture making with the shape tool)

- Fictional landscapes created by users

- Synthwave, Vaporwave, and Retrowave (and other retro forms like these)

- OC and fan character bases and illustrations

- Microsoft Windows (1.0, 3.1, 95, NT, 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, etc.)

* Desktop images (tiled pictures included)

* Screensavers

* Logos

* Screenshots

* Tutorials

* Video clips

- Extraterrestrial content

* Planets

* Star systems

* Phenomenon (including black holes, quasars, pulsars, supernovae, etc.)

* Plants/flora

* Animals/fauna

* Fungi

* Single-celled organisms

* Landscapes

* Skies

* Terrains

* Montane areas

* Oceans

* Habitats

* Climate phenomenon (rain, snow, wind, sandstorms, thunderstorms, blizzards, sleet, hail, auroras, etc.)

* Moons and natural satellites

* Technologies

* Rocks and minerals

* Intelligent life

* Alien languages

* Science fiction

* Fantasy

* Geography

* Field guides

- Alien/space dragons

- Fictional rocks, minerals, and gemstones

- Real-life landscapes

- Firearms

- Psalms

- Vintage material

- Web-developing/web-designing ideas and blueprints

- Mesozoic Era (including dinosaurs, mammals, early birds, and flora)

- Hybrid/crossbreed animals

- Werebeasts

- Alien skunks

- Alien birds

* Owls

* Peafowl

* Hawks

* Falcons

* Birds of paradise

* Parrots and macaws

* Sparrows

* Corvids

* Shrikes

* Archaeopteryx (dinosaurs are included)

* Crossbreeds

- Kitsunes (including alien kitsunes)

- Alien wolves

- Alien hedgehogs

- Exotic birds

- G1 MLP (we have enough G4/FIM already)

- Retro

- Fighter jets

- Cars from 1967-1988

- Quotes and scenes from movies, TV shows, videogames/computer games, anime, books, comics, music videos, radio, podcasts, direct-to-video movies and series, plays, scripts, and websites

- Any LGBTQ+ content that encourages diversity of thought, creativity, and staying true to yourself regardless of sexual orientation

Original Stories:

- Science fantasy

- Alien fantastical creatures

* Dragons

* Unicorns

* Pegasi (flying horses)

* Hippocampus

* Cerberus

* Roc (giant eagle)

* Griffons

* Hippogriff

* Kitsune

* Minotaurs

* Ent

* Basilisk

* Gorgon

* Harpy

* Merfolk

* Fauns

* Orcs, ogres, goblins, and ghouls

- Action/thrillers

- Influences from sci-fi authors and writers (including Robert Heinlein)

- Female villains and complex characters

- Influences from Atlantis

- Mpreg and fempreg (hermaphrodites, transgender, reverse reproduction, magic, alternate dimension, etc.)

- Allegories (Christian, Jewish, Hindi, Buddhist, Sikh, Taoist, Shinto, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Sumerian, Mayan, Muslim, Scientologist, Judeo-Christian, Norse, Jainist, Gothic, any other ideology you can think of)

- Alternate dimensions

- Historical fiction

- Time travel

- Giant robots

- Original anime and manga styles

- Dystopian futures/dimensions

- Conflicts regarding the LGBTQ+ community (gay conservatives, march vs. morality, discrimination based on political party, heroes and villains regardless of sexual orientation, asexuality, intersex couples, coexisting with the majority, etc.)

- Space operas

- Travel and vacationing

- Crossovers (even with official media)

- Even memoirs

Statements and opinions:

- 1980's

- 1990′s

- Anti-identity politics

- Individuality

- Anti-misandry, anti-misogyny, and double standards

- Knight Rider (1980's)

- Sonic X (Japanese, English, or both)

- Transformers Micron Legend

- Transformers Superlink

- Transformers Galaxy Force

- Transformers Unicron Trilogy (sub vs. dub, pro or anti, characters, pairings, etc.)

- Voltron: Defender Of The Universe

- Bumblebee (2018)

- Mpreg and fempreg (pro or anti)

- "Hate is a strong word"

- "Original is better"

- Synthwave

- Bayformers (pro or anti)

- Sub vs. dub

- Anti-trolling

- Equal opportunity vs. equal outcomes

- "I'm gay and conservative; I make my own choice on who to vote, and to tell me otherwise makes you more homophobic than the ones you claim to be"

- Pro-individuality

- Variations of certain pairings (like Sonadow and Megascream)

- Anti-Shradow

- Anti-Sondash

- Sonic x Transformers crossover

- "Fandom abuse kills interest" or similar statements

- "You can be a patriot of your country and support another country at the same time"

- "'Not My President!' Then move to some other country where he is not your president"

- "This Blog Is A No Threat Zone"

- Supporting underrated characters

- Supporting underrated pairings

- Supporting rarer material that is not mainstream

- Seiyuu and other foreign voice acting

- "Fanboys and fangirls are both annoying" or similar statements

- "Hate a work? That's your problem" or similar statements

- “Not all Christians are hateful towards gays; not all gays are hateful towards Christians”

- Current news unreported by mainstream media

Sonic The Hedgehog:

- Sonic X (styles and retroactive design is welcome)

* Bilingual Sonic

* Fake screenshots

* Sonic and Shadow

* Maria Robotnik

* Adventure 1 and 2

* Original vs. 4Kids

* Metarex

* Molly

* Scourge The Hedgehog

* Black Arms

* AOSTH characters (including Catty Carlisle, Breezie, and Katella The Huntress)

* Sonic Forces characters (including Infinite The Jackal)

* Fan characters

* Transformers in Sonic X style

- Shadow The Hedgehog (2005)

* Firearms

* Vehicles

* Lyrics to theme songs

* Karma meter

* Japanese version

* Screenshots

- Fan character Eggman badniks

- Chaos Emeralds (more colors besides the SEVEN)

- Seiyuu and English-speaking voice actor comparisons

- Sonic OVA

* Sara (Sera)

* Old Man Owl

* Planet Freedom

* Sonic vs. Metal Sonic

* Sonic X characters in OVA style

* Shadow The Hedgehog

- Green Hill Zone in many variations

- Other zones such as Spring Yard Zone and Lava Reef Zone

- Babylon Rogues

* Jet The Hawk

* Wave The Swallow

* Storm The Albatross

* Sonic X style

- Silver as a Sonadow fan child

- Archie vs. Fleetway vs. IDW

- Controversy memes

- Shadow mpreg (usually in regards to Sonadow or even Mephadow (though I don't ship the latter))

- Fan character creators

- Katella The Huntress

- Female villains and badniks

- Classic style of characters

- Planet Mobius

- Shadow, Silver, and Scourge as werehogs

- Cosmo The Seedrian

Transformers:

- The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

- Super Robot Lifeform Transformers Legends Of The Microns (Transformers: Micron Legend)

- Transformers: Superlink

- Transformers: Galaxy Force

- Transformers G1 Japanese canon

* Transformers Scramble City (1986)

* Transformers Headmasters (1987-1988)

* Transformers Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989)

* Transformers Victory (1989)

* Transformers Zone (1990)

- Armada characters with Micron Legend names

- Energon characters with Superlink names

- Cybertron characters with Galaxy Force names

- Armada Demolishor

- Armada Thrust

- Armada Tidal Wave

- Armada Hot Shot (in new coloration)

- Energon Prime Force

- Energon Wing Saber

- Energon Mirage

- Energon Shockblast (should be Shockwave, because he pays homage to G1 Shockwave)

- Cybertron Soundwave

- Cybertron Thunderblast

- Cybertron Landmine

- Cybertron Thundercracker

- Ironhide

* G1

* Micron Legend/Armada (the only incarnation of Ironhide that is a Decepticon)

* Prime

* Bumblebee (2018)

- Springer

* G1

* Superlink/Energon (although he pays homage to his G1 counterpart, he is not a Triple Changer)

* Live-action versions

- Chromia

* G1

* Galaxy Force/Cybertron (the only incarnation of Chromia that is a Decepticon)

- Laserbeak (G1)

- Armada characters in G1 style

- Armada characters in Bumblebee (2018) style, and vice versa

- G1 show fake screenshots

- Armada fake screenshots

- Stunticons and Menosaur

- Aerialbots and Superion

- Omega Supreme

* G1

* Superlink/Galaxy Force

- Controversy memes

- Fan character creators

- Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes

- Alice (ROTF)

- Charlie Watson

- Shatter and Dropkick

- Tina Lark (2018 Bumblebee film)

- Female Decepticons and villains

- Blackout (Transformers 2007 film)

- Barricade (Transformers 2007 film)

- G1 meets Armada

- Blitzwing (G1)

- Predaking (G1)

- Seiyuu and English-speaking voice actor comparisons (especially the Unicron Trilogy)

- More combiner robots

- Crossovers or stand-alone fan media with humongous Mecha piloted by humans

- Talaria (G1 episode: The God Gambit)

- Transformers with Pontiac Firebird Trans Am alt-modes

Mecha Anime:

- Beast King Golion

- Armoured Fleet Dairugger XV

- Lightspeed Electroid Albegas

- Gatchaman

- Raideen

* Yusha Raideen (Raideen The Brave)

* Chouja Raideen (Raideen The Superior)

- Galaxy Express 999

- Space Battleship Yamato

- Star Musketeer Bismarck (Saber Rider And The Star Sheriffs)

- Zoids

- Mighty Orbots

- GaoGaiGar

- Macross/Mospeda

- Space Runaway Ideon

- Queen Millenia (does it count as a Mecha anime?)

- Ergo Proxy (Autoreivs may count as mecha, since they are robots)

- Starship Troopers (OAV)

- Crossovers (including with Transformers)

- Original Mecha artwork as well as stories

Spore:

- Creatures

* Paleozoic Era creatures

* Mesozoic Era creatures

* Cenozoic Era creatures

* Megafauna

* Passenger pigeon

* Echidna

* Skunk

* Peafowl

* Kitsune

* Owl

* Falcon

* Sonic The Hedgehog characters

* Star Trek style characters

* Animal crossbreeds

* Creepy And Cute parts pack

* Underwater creatures

* SporeMaster (extra parts for creatures including extra wings, movable tails, whiskers, and tentacles)

- Flora

* Pine tree

* Plants with black trunks and green or blue leaves

* Berry bush

* Palm tree-like plants

* Cherry blossom

* Eyeball plants

* Succulent plants

* Groundcover

* Fluffy plants

* Water plants

* Fungi

- Planets, moons, and stars

- Cells and microbes

- Early creatures

- Land, Air, and Water vehicles

- UFO's that look like fighter jets

- Realistic-looking wildlife and planets

- Asteroids and meteors

- Robots and Mecha

- Comets

- Galaxies

- Fonts

- Humanoid creatures

- Planetary landscapes

- Screenshots

Ships And Pairings:

- Sonic The Hedgehog

* Sonadow (Sonic seme x Shadow uke)

* Sonourge/Scouronic (Scourge seme x Sonic uke)

* Manamy (Manic x Amy)

* Salamy (Sally Acorn x Amy Rose)

* Wavouge (Wave x Rouge)

* Chriselen (Chris Thorndyke x Helen)

* Metandroid (Metal Sonic x Shadow Android)

* Jetave (Jet x Wave)

* Infiniles/Mephinite (Infinite x Mephiles)

* Geoffershey (Geoffrey x Hershey)

* Scourgiona (Scourge x Fiona)

* Juladette (Jules x Bernadette)

* Soneezie (Sonic x Breezie)

* Eggella (Eggman x Katella)

* Robotara/Eggera (Dr. Robotnik x Sara)

* Knuxikal (Knuckles x Tikal)

- Transformers

* Ironromia (Ironhide x Chromia)

* Infernalert (Inferno x Red Alert)

* Ironratch (Ironhide x Ratchet)

* Optilita-1 (Optimus Prime x Elita-1)

* Hotarcee (Hot Rod x Arcee)

* Springarcee (Springer x Arcee)

* Shocksound (Shockwave x Soundwave)

* Optihide (Optimus Prime x Ironhide)

* Bumblecliff (Bumblebee x Cliffjumper)

* Megabird (Megatron x Nightbird)

* Blitztrain (Blitzwing x Astrotrain)

* Wreckancy (Wreck-Gar x Nancy)

* Cyclonourge (Cyclonus x Scourge)

* Hotolishor (Hot Shot x Demolishor); Ironrod/Hothide (Hot Rod x Ironhide)

* Starclonus (Starscream x Cyclonus); Starsand/Sandscream (Starscream x Sandstorm)

* Starshot (Starscream x Hot Shot); Starrod (Starscream x Hot Rod)

* Hotjack (Hot Shot x Wheeljack); Hotpage (Hot Rod x Rampage)

* Democlonus (Cyclonus x Demolishor); Sandhide (Sandstorm x Ironhide)

* Radexis (Rad x Alexis); Radexa (Rad x Alexa)

* Siderust (Sideways x Thrust); Doublerust (Doubleface x Thrust)

* Blurshot (Blurr x Hot Shot); Silverrod (Silverbolt x Hot Rod)

* Demolihide/Ironmolishor (Demolishor x Ironhide); Ironbuster/Roadhide (Ironhide x Roadbuster)

* Ironwing (Ironhide x Wing Saber); Roadsaber (Roadbuster x Wing Saber)

* Winglock (Wing Dagger x Padlock)

* Galvarage (Galvatron x Mirage); Galvafleet (Galvatron x Shockfleet)

* Tidaldagger/Saberage (Tidal Wave/Mirage x Wing Dagger/Wing Saber); Shockwing (Shockwave/Shockfleet x Wing Dagger/Wing Saber)

* Starwave/Starrage (Starscream x Tidal Wave/Mirage); Starshock (Starscream x Shockwave/Shockfleet)

* Demolisaber (Demolishor x Wing Saber); Ironwing (Ironhide x Wing Saber)

* Bulkclonus (Bulkhead x Cyclonus); Springstorm (Springer x Sandstorm)

* Starblast (Starscream x Thunderblast); Starromia (Starscream x Chromia)

* Charemo/Memarlie (Charlie x Memo)

* Shattopkick (Shatter x Dropkick)

* Wheelarcee (Wheeljack x Arcee)

- Whoever you think need more recognition; there is too many to count.

Crossovers:

- Sonic The Hedgehog x Transformers

* Sonic games x G1

* AOSTH x G1

* SatAM x G1

* Sonic OVA x Headmasters

* Underground x RID (Car Robots)

* Sonic X x G1

* Sonic X x Armada (Micron Legend)

* Sonic X x Energon (Superlink)

* Sonic X x Cybertron (Galaxy Force)

* Sonic games x Unicron Trilogy

* Archie Comics x IDW

* Fleetway x Shattered Glass

* Sonic games x Shattered Glass

* Archie Comics x Animated

* Sonic Boom x Prime

* Sonic Boom x War For Cybertron/Fall Of Cybertron

* Sonic Mania x Bumblebee (2018)

* Sonic Forces x Cyberverse

* Sonic Forces x Bumblebee (2018)

* Team Sonic Racing x RID (2015)

* IDW crossover

* Sonic live-action (2019- ) x Bayformers (2007-2017)

- Transformers x Voltron

* G1 x Voltron: Defender Of The Universe

* Armada x Voltron Force

* Unicron Trilogy x Voltron (1984-1986)

* Headmasters x Voltron (1984-1986)

* Victory x Voltron (1984-1986)

* Cyberverse x Voltron: Legendary Defender

- Alien (1979-2017) x Avatar (2009 film)

- 24 x Transformers (2007)

- Top Gun (1986) x Stealth (2005)

- The Final Countdown (1980) x Top Gun (1986)

- Transformers G1 x Armada

- Transformers G1 x Energon

- Transformers G1 x Bumblebee (2018)

- Transformers IDW x Dreamwave

- Transformers Armada x War For Cybertron

- Sonic OVA x Sonic X

- AOSTH x Sonic X

- AOSTH x SatAM

- AOSTH x Underground

- SatAM x Underground

- SatAM x Sonic X

- Underground x Sonic X

- Sonic Universe crossovers

- Transformers Universe crossovers

Aliens And Extraterrestrial Life:

- Plants

- Fungi

- Bacteria

- Mammals

- Birds

- Reptiles

- Dinosaur-like animals

- Amphibians

- Fish

- Insects

- Arrachnids

- Worms

- Mollusks

- Crustaceans

- Autotrophs (plant animals)

- Humanoids

- Xenomorphs

- Algae

- Hybrids and crossbreeds

- Technology

1980's:

- Advertisements

- Fonts

- Chrome

- Movie posters

- Art

- Stock footage

- Computer graphics (early CGI)

- Music and soundtracks

- Cars

- Aircraft

- MTV

- Merchandises

- J-Pop and J-Rock

- 78 RPM and LP vinyl records

- Walkman

- Hairstyles

- Musical instruments (such as synthesizers and drum machines)

Patterns And Textures:

- Memphis-style

- Terrain

- Ocean and sea

- Flowers

- Space

- Faceted

- Planet texture maps

- Sand

- Snow

- Dirt

- Ice

- Sonic patterns

- Transformers patterns

- Geometric

- Grid

- Feathers

Media Reviews:

- Transformers Unicron Trilogy (both Japanese and English)

- Plane and fighter jet films

- 1980's TV shows

- Bumblebee (2018)

- Sonic X (original Japanese version with English subtitles is preferable)

- Voltron: Defender Of The Universe

- G1 MLP TV specials, movie, and series

- Any anime and manga review

- Software and hardware

- Regarding fan media

- Memes in general

- TV Tropes

- Wikipedia

- Conservapedia and RationalWiki (not just negative reviews for Conservapedia, and not just positive reviews for RationalWiki, either; balance them out, see if they have any good points; what are they both right or wrong on?)

- DeviantArt

- Tumblr (the website you are in)

Movies:

- Top Gun (1986)

- The Final Countdown (1980)

- Avatar (2009)

- Alien vs. Predator media (1979-2017)

- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

- 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)

- Terminator (1984-2019)

- Stealth (2005)

- Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'hoole (2010)

- Cobra (1986)

- Judge Dredd (1995)

- Total Recall (1990)

- Demolition Man (1993)

- Any Garfield TV specials (1982-1991)

- The Land Before Time films (1988-2016)

- Animal Farm (any film or TV show)

- Dragonheart (1996)

- Dirty Dancing (1987)

- Strictly Ballroom (1992)

- Die Hard films (1988-2013)

- Iron Eagle (1986-1994)

- Young Guns (1988-1990)

- The Lost Boys (1987)

- Flatliners (1990, 2017)

- Any direct-to-video film

TV Shows:

- 24 (2001-2010, 2014)

- La Femme Nikita (1997-2001)

- The X Files (1993-2002)

- The Dukes Of Hazard (1979-1985)

- Mr. Ed (1961-1966)

- Any Lucille Ball show

- Stranger Things (2016- )

- The 100 (2014- )

- Knight Rider franchise (1982-2000)

- G.I Joe (1985-1987)

- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

- Xena: Warrior Princess

- Star Trek franchise

- Star Blazers (1979-1984)

- Voltron (1984-1986)

- Buck Rogers In The 25th Century (1979-1981)

- Battle Of The Planets (1978-1985)

Videogames And Computer Games:

- Halo (1999-2014)

- Sins Of A Solar Empire (2008)

- E.V.O.: Search For Eden (1992)

- Darkspore (2011)

- Unreal (1998-2014)

- Half-Life (1998-2003)

- Age Of Empires (1997- )

- SimCity (2013- )

- Crazy Taxi (1999-2007)

- Nier series (2010-2017)

- Flow (2006)

- Diablo (1996-2017)

- Flicky (1984)

- Ecco The Dolphin (1992)

- Classic Pac-man games (1980-1984)

- Let’s-plays for videogames lesser known in mainstream

- Any fan game

Books And Novels:

- Dragonriders Of Pern

- The Space Trilogy (1938-1945)

- Dune series

- Red Mars Trilogy (Kim Stanley Robinson)

- The Dark Tower (1977)

- The Maze Runner series

- The Chronicles Of Narnia

- Any book and short story by Robert Heinlein

- Bright Lights, Big City

- Space Odyssey (Arthur C. Clarke)

- Guardians Of Ga'hoole

- Watership Down

- The Plague Dogs

- The Rescuers series (Margery Sharp)

- A Brother's Price (Wen Spencer)

- Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

- Any book by Isaac Asimov

Comics:

- Any webcomic you consider underrated

- Older Garfield comic strips before 2006

- Hyperbole And A Half

- Your own comics

Music And Soundtrack:

- Rush

- Kenny Loggins

- Karen Guys

- Laura Brannigan

- Pat Benetar

- Bon Jovi

- A-Ha

- Rick Astley

- Anime songs

- Off Course

- Brian Eno and Roxy Music

- Collective Soul

- Owl City

- Dead Can Dance

- Cheap Trick

- The Cars

- Cyndi Lauper

- Heart

- Hailee Steinfeld

Fandom:

- Any Sonic shipping fandom

- Transformers Armada (Micron Legend)

- Transformers Energon (Superlink)

- Transformers Cybertron (Galaxy Force)

- AI (artificial intelligence and computers)

- Female villain fandoms

- Seiyuu

- Fighter jets and military helicopters

- Classic cars

- Mecha anime

- Any religious fandom (not that I am religious myself)

(Please note that I may also do some of these, myself, but I encourage others to do so, as well; there are plenty of users who are more skilled and knowledgeable than I am.)

When it comes to content, I leave overrated stuff alone, and yearn to increase underrated stuff, even content that may be overrated in many areas, but underrated in others. I also encourage differing opinions of such content; people can like a certain content that others hate, and vice versa; I have no problem with that; just as long as no one harasses, bullies, trolls, denigrates, or threatens others who do not think the same way they do.

I also encourage alternative sites for content, as well as many more websites solely for entertainment purposes.

For everyone else in Tumblr, as well as many others in other websites, be creative, bring up new ideas and opinions, teach people something interesting, make what you like, encourage other people to do the same, and be cordial and respectful to one another. I wish you the best of luck.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

#more content #more underrated content #even overrated content has something underrated #even underrated content has something overrated #content in tumblr #needs more recognition #diversity of thought #we can't have like-minded opinions all the time not even in tumblr #yes even what you call fake news is free speech #hate speech or whatever you like to call it is also free speech #fandoms are welcome in tumblr #fandoms welcome #fandom #statements #all political statements are welcome #be cordial to one another #be respectful to one another #be cordial and respectful #any other content you find underrated?#what may be overrated may also be underrated #what may be underrated may also be overrated #underrated #we need more sites like tumblr that are more inclusive and that has a variety of content #alternative sites to tumblr #if I want more websites with more content then I am against net neutrality #more competition in the internet means more opportunities to search for content you like #do not restrict because of different political opinions #disagreements are welcome #agreeing is fine as long as you don't agree all the time #more opportunities

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ryanmeft · 6 years

Text

The Greatest Showman Movie Review

The Greatest Showman is a piece of complete fantasy, an almost total fabrication that gets two things exactly right: P.T. Barnum existed, and he created modern entertainment. The rest is smoke and mirrors, obscuring behind a modern narrative sheen what it doesn’t outright invent. Barnum would be proud. What matters isn’t that it’s accurate. What matters is it is a total blast with a genuinely moving message, the kind of thing that no longer entirely works in Disney films because they’ve driven it into the ground. Somehow, song-and-dance numbers about being yourself get a breath of fresh life injected when they’re sung by conjoined twins and bearded ladies.

The film, helmed by a first-time feature director name of Michael Gracey, takes the complex and sometimes dark and terrible stories of P.T. Barnum’s life and distills them into an archetype: the struggling visionary desperate to provide for his family. Hugh Jackman, that perennial audience favorite, dons the bright red jacket and top hat, but not at first. When the film begins, he’s nothing: a servant boy whose lady love’s father (an easily loathable Fredric Lehne) sneers at him when he later comes to take her away, announcing she’ll be back as soon as she tires of his lack of wealth.

She doesn’t and isn’t. Soon she’s grown and played by Michelle Williams, and they are dancing and singing with their two daughters on the soot-stained rooftops of mid-19th century New York. This is one of my favorite time periods in all of film or any other medium, suffused as it is with a Dickensian vibe of downtrodden-ness, a ripe canvas on which to paint any number of rags-to-riches stories. You might notice that Williams, as Charity, isn’t saddled with the easy cliche of most wife characters in these yarns. She neither constantly nags the perpetually struggling Barnum with reminders of their money woes, nor does she make dramatic speeches when his success and his head begin to swell. When one of the daughters asks for ballet shoes, their response could draw tears even in 2017 from anyone who ever had to spend an hour in the store trying to decide whether they could afford the tiniest luxury. (I was reminded of the personal recollection of someone I know, which I won’t share here). Barnum, who has been let go from a (fictional) job in shipping, is able to provide as a present instead a quickly invented gadget that puts on a light show.

Quickly inventing things, of course, became Barnum’s stock in trade. It isn’t an exaggeration to say he invented modern entertainment as we know it. What is a movie, after all, if not pure and total…humbug? And the even more modern video game has learned how to ensnare a person’s emotions with computer code in such a way that they will keep returning and paying for new hats. Barnum sought out the total outcasts of society, the ones who would have before been doomed to poverty, prejudice and early death, and made them stars. He brought in exotic animals and displayed them for the audiences of the cold New England coasts for the first time. He brought the idle whims of the aristocracy to the people.

He also made his performers to go on stage in cages, and can without a doubt be called a profiteering exploiter. The film portrays him as a philanthropist and early champion of what we would now consider rights for the differently-abled. His performers are his friends, and the ensemble cast includes dazzling performances by Sam Humphrey as the famous General Tom Thumb, Keala Settle as bearded lady Lettie Lutz, and Zendaya as black trapeze artist Annie Wheeler, whose race alone kept her off any earlier stages. The only time it is intimated that Barnum forgot they were human is during a period when he hires famous, respected singer Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson) to tour the world and bring him the respect he craves from titans and queens (there is a wonderful exchange between Tom Thumb and none other than the Queen of England herself).

In reality, the man whose second-most-famous line was “There’s a sucker born every minute” was very, very in it for a buck, and while it can be fairly said that his performers lived much worse lives before he found them, that was hardly his intent. He didn’t use the term “freaks” affectionately.

What “The Greatest Showman” does is what “Moulin Rouge!” and the supremely underrated “Marie Antoinette” did: it helps to shine a light on a mostly forgotten period of history by modernizing it, and it mostly does this through music. The film opens with “The Greatest Show”, as rousing an intro as any musical has ever managed. Every song is good, but the standouts comprise the center section of the film. “This Is Me”, nominated for a Golden Globe and a safe bet for Oscar, features the under-valued Keala Settle leading Barnum’s army of “freaks” in a rousing celebration of being yourself. This theme has gotten tired but is given new life with the performance of an ensemble cast and a stellar visual production by an army of technical maestros far too extensive to list in a review. Rebecca Ferguson lends a perfect physical presence to Loren Allred’s vocal performance of “Never Enough”, a solo act that gives musical voice to Barnum’s escalating needs for adulation. My favorite number, visually and musically, is that of Zac Efron and Zendaya’s interracial love song, “Rewrite the Stars”, which explodes off the screen without the benefit of tons of props or multiple flashy costumes, and ought to puncture the stoicism of all but the most stubborn tough guys.

We can debate whether Barnum’s legacy was for good or ill; the film doesn’t even claim the often-laughable “Based on a True Story” appellation, so for me it’s not really important. I loved La la Land, and contend it only took so much flack when people thought it would out-Oscar Moonlight, and I loved The Greatest Showman for the same reason: it made me want to celebrate how awesome life is at the same time it got me weepy at how hard it can get. I don’t need accuracy. After all, I have a broom closet full of history books for that.

Verdict: Highly Recommended

#hugh jackman #zendaya #zac efron #keala settle #loren allred #rebecca ferguson #moulin rouge #marie antoinette #the greatest showman #musicals #movies #michelle williams #circus #p.t. barnum #animals

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hoochy-coo · 4 years

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Give us your take on reputation vs 1989.

MUSIC

1989: The singles were amazing with tons of radio appeal (with the exception of ‘Shake it Off’ and ‘Bad Blood’) but still remained memorable with witty lyricism. However, the album as a whole is very ‘meh’ to me - a couple of the b-sides are top-notch with serious replay value (I Know Places, Clean, Wonderland, New Romantic), and others are either juvenile or forgettable fillers (This Love, How You Get The Girls, All You Had To Do Was Stay, I Wish You Would). The highs are very high and the lows may as well be scrubbed from her discog lol

Reputation: Poor single choices with the exception of ‘End Game’ because while it may have not even be close to the best song on the album, it’s a goldmine of commercial success with both Future and Ed Sheeran as features. THE experimental album of her discog so far and the b-sides deserve more love. An interesting listen for a fan that’s been around from the beginning because it marks a point of musical evolvement (that we later saw regress with ‘ME!). Even if you don’t enjoy the music, you can find aspects of it to be intrigued by, such as torch-inspired vocals on ‘Don’t Blame Me’ or the full EDM explosion on ‘I Did Something Bad.’

Verdict: 1989 wins for singles and highlights but Reputation wins as an album.

VISUALS

1989: I don’t think anyone can deny the superiority that is the visuals of this era. The music video ‘Blank Space’ was glamorous but nevertheless, a satirical take on stereotypical aspects of modern music videos for female pop artists. Taylor was glammed up like a movie star but a screaming, crying mess which really captures the core message of the song. ‘Bad Blood’ was an epic concept in theory and executed well imo, however the actual song was written as a diss to another woman so the feminism marketing/message became pointless. ‘Style’ was a flop of a music video and a massive waste of the song since it’s such an underrated bop. ‘Wildest Dream’ was basically a mini Hollywood movie. ‘Out of the Woods’ didn’t even warrant a music video but she’s extra so she gave it to us anyway. Overall, we were flooded with content and they were all quality.

Reputation: Let me start this off by saying that I detest LWYMMD as a song but visually, it was um...amazing. She also kept with the theme of ‘humbling’ herself that we saw with ‘Blank Space’ by poking fun at her own image with all the snake symbolism and adding a line-up of Taylor from each eras to the end of the music video, while also attacking Kim K with that ‘receipts’ jab. Petty? Yes. Entertaining? 100%. ‘...Ready For It?’ was a cringe-fest (we had Taylor trying to act tough for 3-4 mins) and I like to pretend it never happened. ‘Delicate’ was ok but nothing special - the dancing was quirky but that’s about it. The music video for ‘End Game,’ just like the actual song, is overlooked by the fandom. It’s a fun music video of her partying with her friends, she’s drinking and dancing seductively with the girls without doing too much (ala LWYMMD). She actually looked comfortable doing the choreo in the video, which proved to me that she could have pulled off a sleek, alluring era but shot herself in the foot by starting it off with a very aggressive brand of sexy.

Verdict: 1989 wins, obviously.

STYLE

1989: We get it, this is her 80s era but did we have to suffer through that much embellishments, sparkles, metallic skirts and glittery cropped bomber jackets? Everything looked cheap, like she sent her stylists to a local craft store and asked them to superglue gemstones onto clothes she got from Target. Also, the tour costumes have no correlation to the style she presented in any of the music videos from that era?! Justice to that matching-plaid set she wore on tour though!

Reputation: Throw the rainbow Atlantic City-inspired halter dress out and we had an era full of excellent styling. Taylor gave us strong shoulders, sleek silhouette, and a bunch of different texture to keep the outfits interesting despite most of it being black. The tailoring was impeccable, all the pieces looked like they fit her to perfection and it was sexy but in the most tasteful way. I despised her hair during this era but the fashion was so great that I overlook it. Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this but can we get Taylor in more Balmain?

Verdict: Reputation wins. The bejeweled rompers from the 1989 tour need to be set on fire.

PROMO

1989: Taylor was insufferable during this era, and whenever we had enough and tried to look the other way, she was there too. She didn’t give us a chance to have a break from her and constantly bombarded us with her cats, her pap runs, her faux girl squad, and the constant reminder that ‘GUYS, THIS SONG IS ABOUT HARRY STYLES.’ I don’t think we had one day without at least two headlines about Taylor, whether it’s about which new friend she just initiated into her squad or which colour she painted her nails. It was so extra, so contrived, and at the time, I thought it was never going to end lmao. With that being said, this era showed us just exactly how far Taylor was willing to go for that Grammy. This era also cemented her as one of the biggest pop stars to have emerged from our generation and grant her a pass for eternal relevancy in pop culture. And then everything fell apart when the gp got a bad case of Taylor fatigue lol. Either way, we’re probably not going to get another pop era that big or impactful for a very long time so we should appreciate the gradeur of it all.

Reputation: This was supposed to be her triumphant comeback. She’s back to drag KimYe and “own” her snake image. She revolved a whole era around vengeance but she gave such mix messages - half the time she was still pointing the fingers at her enemies and the other half was spent making excuses. It didn’t come off as an authentic era of her evolving or letting things go. Literally, nothing went to plan. LWYMMD flopped (by her standards, especially as a follow up to 1989 anyway) and album sales were a disappointment to her and her team. Did Taylor even promote this era much? She went on a few late-night shows, performed at iHeartRadio and some award events but that’s all I remember. I’ve said this gazillion times before and I’ll say it again, the biggest issue with the promo is that she picked the wrong singles to send to radio. It’s her sexy era, she had about 4-5 mature track on the album and decided to not promote any of them. It didn’t make sense. However, I’ll give credit where credit is due - the rollout for LWYMMD was very smart (wiping her IG clean and posting that 10 secs clip of a snake slithering around) and it got the internet very hyped so kudos for the single. If only the song was quality...

Verdict: 1989 reigns supreme over every era. This isn’t even up for discussion

In conclusion, 1989 is the better era and inarguably, the more memorable one but I prefer Reputation music-wise. 1989, as an album, has little replay value to me. Whether it’s because her music was everywhere the year the album dropped so I’ve had enough of it for a lifetime or because I can’t stand ‘Welcome to New York,’ I’m not sure. In a twisted, these two eras share one thing in common: inauthenticity (although in a completely different way). Reputation was like one big warped apology tour where Taylor was “sorry but not sorry.” It was her chance to tell her side of the story after the public ‘cancelled’ her but her petty need to have the last word on all the beef and drama made this era a hard sell. 1989, of course, was inauthentic in a sense that Taylor basically bent herself out of shape to find her most marketable self.

#taylor swift #ask #answer #music

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britesparc · 4 years

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Weekend Top Ten #438

Top Ten Underrated Amiga Games

I had another list all planned and written up for this weekend, but then I saw on Twitter that it was the Amiga’s 35th birthday this week and everything went out the window. That’s the sort of milestone I need to recognise.

I’ve written tangentially about the Amiga before. It was my first computer, my first gaming platform; a lot of the games I played on it back then were transformative experiences. Playing The Secret of Monkey Island, for example, is really what made me fall in love with gaming. Reading magazines like The One Amiga and Amiga Power made me feel part of a community. My knowledge base, my skills, my interest in various things were increased exponentially. Also I wrote tons on the Wordworth word processor and made fun little animations on Deluxe Paint.

Anyway, the Amiga itself was a huge success for a while, and arguably the last great shout for British home computing (it didn’t really take off the same way in America) before the industry moved to PC as a focus. It was interesting being an Amiga user in the 90s, when the wider industry was gripped by the more salacious and headline-grabbing Console Wars between Nintendo and Sega. Some of the games people played thirty-plus years ago are still lionised and discussed to this day; there were undoubted classics there, highlights of the 16-bit age. Games like Lemmings, Sensible Soccer, Alien Breed, Theme Park, The Settlers, the aforementioned Monkey Island games (before the limitations of the Amiga lead to LucasArts favouring the PC…). I’ve even written about my favourites!

But because the Amiga hasn’t loomed quite as large in the cultural memory as, say, the SNES or Mega Drive, there are lots of games that I remember spending significant time on that nobody ever talks about. Games where, if anyone ever brings them up in conversation, I immediately want to stand up and shout “YES I UNDERSTAND”. The Amiga, whilst a huge success, is also dwarfed by the success and pop cultural impact of other platforms, and so what once were curios, mid-tier delights, or often genuine pieces of master are now faded from memory; at best, cult classics. And so we come, at long and circuitous last, to my list.

It’s ten games from the Amiga that I really, really loved, but that nobody ever talks about; that don’t really get their due. I’ve tried my best to focus on games that feel like Amiga games; there are other games I really enjoyed that were available on other systems and arguably are more well-known on those systems. As usual I’ve probably veered widely from even this arbitrary rule. I just make this up as I go, basically.

Super Skidmarks (Acid Software, 1995): an ingenious and gorgeous top-down racer with stand-out pre-rendered vehicles and the great gimmick of your cars leaving skidmarks on the track that appeared to erode the road. Really fun, state-of-the-art, and virtually forgotten. Even had a version of Pong on its loading screen.

Jaguar XJ220 (Core Design, 1992): two racers at the top of the list?! Whilst everyone loudly talks about the Lotus series, for my money Jaguar was at least as good in terms of courses and handling, had better graphics, and a simply phenomenal track designer. Still one of my favourite racers.

Parasol Stars (Ocean Software/Taito, 1991): part of a very famous games series, yes, but sort of the forgotten son. Not as elegant or pretty as Rainbow Islands, but still a delightful and compelling puzzle-screen hook as you collect elements to clear rooms. Tremendous two-player co-op mode that my mum and brother used to get supremely frustrated over.

Heimdall (The 8th Day, 1991): a colourful and action-packed isometric RPG that offered novices like me a relatively simple way into the genre. Just a little bit easier to get to grips with than all that D&D malarkey, and its Norse setting was compelling. Probably most famous for its hair-chopping mini-game.

Curse of Enchantia (Core Design, 1992): a forgotten and rather maligned adventure game that attempted to replace the witty and wordy dialogue of LucasArts’ favourites with a pictures and animation. Far simpler and more arcadey, but I really enjoyed it, and there’s even a saucy bit that us little boys got all excited over.

The Blues Brothers (Titus Interactive, 1991): I loved and enjoyed the film when probably a little too young, so this well-designed platform game ticked all the boxes. The music is faithfully recreated, it has far more strategic bent than most twitchy platformers, and can be played in co-op if you’re forgiving.

Premiere (The 8th Day, 1992): wow, Core/8th Day crops up a lot here… a simply gorgeous platformer with an intriguing “two worlds” hook (flitting between movie sets and the soundstages behind them). Most famous at the time for its phenomenal intro, with digitised speech and everything.

Elfmania (Terramarque, 1994): after everyone had calmed down about Street Fighter (and its, er, disappointing Amiga version), this beautiful brawler emerged. Luscious stages, full of animation and scrolling, and a more strategic, money-gathering hook, made this an instant classic, but its release in the Amiga’s twilight meant its status is overlooked.

Gobliiins (Coktel Vision, 1991): a rather lambasted puzzle/adventure series that I enjoyed at least. Cool and funny graphics showed us a trio of idiot goblins getting into scrapes in a variety of puzzle/adventure stages. I also found it way too hilarious that each subsequent title lost an “i” along with a protagonist (Goblins 3 featured only one goblin, y’see).

Lemmings 2: The Tribes (DMA Design, 1993): yeah, okay, this isn’t exactly unknown. But whilst people rightfully lionise the first game – it did arguably create a genre and you could argue its success paved the way for the GTA series, if you wanted to get all Butterfly Effect about it – the sequel improved in every respect. The Tribes aspect offered multiple avenues to play the game, a wider variety of skills and levels, the graphics and the music were better, and it had a really fun “practice” mode. Absolutely one of my favourite games of all time, and I really wish it was easily playable on modern PCs.

Right, there we go. More-or-less undersung gems. Happy 35th, Amiga! You’re really surprisingly not much younger than me!

#top ten #amiga #35thbirthday #amiga 35 #games #gaming #retro #16-bit

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dweemeister · 6 years

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NOTE: The following contains full spoilers and the beginning (not the end) of a moral discourse that could not have been in my review to The Force Awakens.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Walt Disney Pictures is about to win the 2017 box office by releasing only nine films (in order): Beauty and the Beast (March), Born in China (April), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (April), the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean (May), Cars 3 (June), Jagga Jasoos (July; a Bollywood film), Thor: Ragnarok (October), Coco (October), and now Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This will be a record low – unimaginable in previous decades where a major studio might release a few movies per month or one per week. As Disney moves to make fewer films every year – this is code for only producing larger-budget franchise blockbusters or live-action remakes of their animated classics and sacrificing Hollywood’s traditional bread-and-butter of low- and mid-budget movies – Star Wars may be the last cinematic experience that might be described as communal. In a fractured media landscape, individual tastes are being catered to, but there is less that unites society. Movies catering to major movie franchise fans and “arthouse/indie” cinephiles (permit me this generalization) are less likely to play in the same theaters, and neither groups are likely to give the movies that the other group likes a smidge of attention. Star Wars, by sheer popularity and its callbacks to classic Hollywood, bridges this divide.

The Last Jedi is the eighth episode in the saga, immediately following the events of The Force Awakens (2015). Rey (Daisy Ridley), along with Chwebacca (Joonas Suotamo; the retired Peter Mayhew served as consultant) and R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee), is on a lush island on Ahch-To (bless you!) hoping to be trained in the ways of the Force by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the First Order’s (a splinter of planetary systems from the dissolved Galactic Empire) decapitation of the New Republic’s government in the last film, the Resistance (distinct from the New Republic’s military; think of the Resistance as a Republic-sponsored insurgency/liberation paramilitary operating in First Order territory... thanks J.J. Abrams) is attempting to evacuate from the First Order fleet. General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher in her last screen role; none of her scenes were altered/rewritten in post-production) is in command, and underneath her are Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern) and more familiar faces like Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). We are also introduced to a Resistance maintenance worker, Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran). Within the First Order, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is concocting a fiendish scheme as Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) wants Kylo to use Rey to kill Luke.

Other characters that appear are: droid BB-8 (puppeteers Dave Chapman and Brian Herring), protocol droid C-3PO (Anthony Daniels, who is now the only actor to have appeared in all Star Wars films with Kenny Baker’s passing), First Order General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), a codebreaker named DJ (Benicio del Toro), Resistance ally Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o), and the First Order’s Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie).

The Last Jedi sometimes recalls the worst impulses of The Force Awakens, which was weakened by too closely adhering to the plot outline of A New Hope (1977). We see uncomfortably close parallels yet again in The Last Jedi: the visual similarities between the Battle of Hoth (The Empire Strikes Back’s opening) with the film’s climax on Crait, thematic callbacks to Return of the Jedi (1983) when Rey is dragged into Snoke’s throne room (dark side students betraying masters; the use of red here made me think I was watching a Vincente Minnelli musical for a moment), and small portions of Rey’s training with Luke (such as another trippy cave filled with dark side vibes; otherwise, the Rey-Luke scenes were fine). But The Last Jedi is more committed than its predecessor to developing its epic themes and attempting to critique/reconfigure Star Wars’ ethos of light and dark, good and evil. Both are honorable pursuits and depicted sufficiently, but terrible editing and a disorganized screenplay from director-writer Rian Johnson (2012′s Looper) takes too much focus away from The Last Jedi’s achievements.

Star Wars’ Manichaeism – outside the underrated Revenge of the Sith (2005) – has never been truly challenged within the cinematic saga. The best writing noting the nuances of morality has appeared in other Star Wars media: the Knights of the Old Republic video game series and, to a lesser extent, Dave Filoni’s animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. For a series whose roots come from two closely-related genres regarded for their moral complexities – samurai movies and American Westerns – this is mystifying.

But for The Last Jedi, there is an attempt to challenge, or at least an expansion of, this duality. It is in Luke that we see this reckoning with what he has unleashed. Years ago while still rebuilding the Jedi Order, the now-reclusive Skywalker detected that the young Kylo Ren – then in training under Luke – had been corrupted by Snoke. Luke contemplated killing his student, his nephew. A tragic misunderstanding ensued, resulting in Kylo Ren’s destruction of the Luke’s Jedi temple and the deaths of numerous Jedi apprentices. Regret has consumed Luke – here, regret is not an emotion associated with the dark side, but it prevents the personal balance and peace that Jedi seek. Luke believes himself culpable in the deaths of his students and that inner turmoil has disconnected him from the galaxy-at-large, severing his ties to others who care and would remind Luke that he can still learn and grow from his failure. Mark Hamill’s criticisms aside (legitimate as they are and as much as I agree with him), this is the most eloquently-written characterization in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Take the third line of the Jedi Code: “There is no passion, there is serenity.” Combined with the first line of the Code (“There is no emotion, there is peace,” – which I interpret not as emotional emptiness, but emotional balance), it is Luke’s unchecked repentance that shackles him, rather than achieving the serenity Jedi seek. Eventually, a veteran of the Clone Wars reminds Luke of these lessons as John Williams’ score recalls that veteran’s motif. As the Clone Wars raged, this veteran expressed concern that his fellow Jedi – through their participation in combat – were losing sight of peace, serenity. That Jedi is Yoda (Frank Oz; the Yoda puppet, reappearing here, is the best actor in the franchise), appearing as a Force ghost to Luke in a moment of catharsis for the latter. “The greatest teacher, failure is,” he intones. Luke’s regret over his failures – even years after the fact – can still be channeled and processed in constructive ways. He takes his old master’s words to heart. By the film’s end, he finds his peace and purpose in nonviolent sacrifice, amid a binary sunset.

As far as we know, the Skywalkers’ role in the Star Wars saga has concluded. It is now in the hands of the younger protagonists, especially Rey. Rey’s parentage has been the topic of cinematic speculation since The Force Awakens debuted. With Kylo Ren intimating that her parents were wasteful nobodies who died in anonymity – he may have been lying, but let’s assuming he wasn’t for now – Rey’s worst nightmare has come true. Not only will she ever reunite with her family, but, worst of all, they abandoned her. Of our next generation of protagonists, Rey remains the most compelling of them all (Daisy Ridley is also the strongest actress among the younger cohort); her strength of character forged in loneliness and hardship. But does The Last Jedi squander a chance to explain and depict the content and any vagaries in her moral character? With Snoke manipulating the Force to connect Rey and Kylo Ren, it is suggested that the latter may still be redeemed from the dark side of the Force. What about Rey? As we see in Luke who probably had only a little more Jedi training than Rey did – considering how The Last Jedi is structured, Luke’s training with Yoda feels like forever compared to Rey’s few days spent with Luke – there are vile strands to his personality. If fewer such elements reside in Rey’s mind and heart, why is that the case? It is through understanding one’s suffering and its sources that allows for goodness. All this should have been addressed in The Last Jedi rather than in the untitled ninth episode or not at all while there is still time to consider Rey’s character for all her resilience and fear (an emotion associated with the dark side of the Force).

Alas, it looks like The Last Jedi has opened up ethical and moral gaps that will have to be filled by other Star Wars media. This probably means terminal employment for the likes of Star Wars novel writers, Dave Filoni, and Electronic Arts – that sound you heard were the screams of distressed gamers and Bob Iger laughing while thinking about all the money he will make.

For all of The Last Jedi’s willingness to tinker with its central philosophical formulae, Rian Johnson, while writing the screenplays, seems almost intent to present things in the clumsiest, least appealing ways possible. Johnson’s screenplay has an A-plot (Rey with Luke, with a little Kylo Ren), a B-plot (Resistance shenanigans with Leia, Poe, and Holdo – for brevity’s sake, I will refrain from writing about the B-plot, but I fear that Poe is about to be appointed military leader of the female-powered Resistance, despite making wrong decision after wrong decision), and a C-plot (Finn and Rose; Boyega and Tran’s performances are fine, but deserved better writing). It is the C-plot, with Rose and Finn’s exploits on Canto Bight – a casino city for the galaxy’s ultrarich - that emphasizes that heroism is not exclusive to those wielding power or part of a given lineage. Rose, arguably the moral center of the film’s starkest political messages, is an unlikely hero who has much to say and much to do against the military-industrial complex that enslaves (whether officially or unofficially), spurring perpetual warfare. Yet considering the setpieces and the confusing nonsense surrounding the codebreaker they are seeking, that message is forgotten due to screenwriting shenanigans.

Expressly political filmmaking is difficult to achieve, and The Last Jedi founders completely here (this is not even mentioning the relationship, if any, between the Resistance and the New Republic). It is one thing to make a movie where I agree with its politics. It is another to present politics I agree with so slovenly – the Canto Bight scenes are the worst so far in the sequel trilogy, despite featuring the most detailed worldbuilding yet.

On the technical fronts, Star Wars has embraced modern thriller techniques, as seen in Steve Yedlin’s cinematography and Bob Ducsay’s editing (Ducsay’s editing brilliance in the action is offset by his inability to balance and help move the storylines – there is an excellent 90-minute movie in the film’s sometimes-plodding 152 minutes). But for a film of contested dualities, no one’s work on The Last Jedi is as respectful as those thematic angles as composer John Williams. Now at eighty-five years old, it might be easy to criticize Williams’ score as unoriginal, too dependent on the motivic structure that has defined his cinematic composing career. Yes, The Last Jedi has fewer new musical ideas than the previous film. But there are more than enough motivic variations here to rise to the caliber of what is expected in a Star Wars score.

If you have never read a movie review on this blog before, you should know that sometimes I will dive deep into a film’s score. You have been warned.

Williams sets the pace of his scoring early, with the enormous orchestrations in “Main Title and Escape”. An outstanding opening action sequence contains densely layered woodwinds and brass and thrilling string runs (even the shortest string runs will thrill the heart; for example, listen closely to the strings at 4:10-4:11; in a theater, for me, at least, that is more exciting and appealing than a pounding drum line from, say, a Hans Zimmer imitator). The last piece of action, “The Battle of Crait” is as propulsive as any John Williams action composition can be. Dualities will appear and reappear throughout:

“The Supremacy” features Kylo Ren’s blaring horns (1:41) dueling with the Resistance’s militaristic violins (0:49) before both are silenced with Leia’s theme (2:04) in a moment of terror followed by shocking (if a little distracting) uplift. Say what you will about this scene, but when Leia’s theme crescendos to heights it never has before, it works.

In “Ahch-To Island”, “The Jedi Steps” idea from The Force Awakens (0:00) – reflecting Rey’s journey to learn more about the Force – is countered with two ideas reflecting Luke’s seclusion on Ahch-To (2:55 and 3:33... a “Last Jedi” motif?). Rey’s theme will also conflict with the latter as the movie progresses.

“The Cave” mixes dissonance akin to The Empire Strikes Back’s cave scene before giving way to the most sonorous statement of Rey’s theme (usually consonant) heard yet.

Elsewhere, “Canto Bight” (the best new composition, managing to reference “Aquarela do Brasil” at 0:59... apparently, Williams inserted his title song to 1973′s The Long Goodbye somewhere in the Canto Bight scene – why not add some John Williams meta?) is as much fun as you will ever have with Latin jazz-inspired steel drums in a movie.

“Fun with Finn and Rose” introduces Rose’s theme – a stately woodwind motif that, though underdeveloped for now (although it is given action flourishes in “The Fathiers”) – which will probably be expanded in the last film as we learn more about her. Similarly, Kylo Ren’s theme was underdeveloped in The Force Awakens, as we knew little about his own complexities. In the moments after Luke’s passing, in “Peace and Purpose”, no longer is Kylo Ren’s theme standing by itself, with just a harsh brass line and nothing underlying it. At 1:08, it has become a march, resembling in texture to Anakin Skywalker’s march on the Jedi temple in Revenge of the Sith, and noting that it is not only Luke has found his purpose in the film’s closing minutes. The “Finale” begins with a Harry Potter-reminiscent celesta (imagine a music box if it resembled an upright piano) as we see a young boy Force pulling a broom towards him. Maybe it is a motif to be developed for another time, another character, another trilogy. But after the end credits, sit back, and enjoy the culmination of all John Williams offered to audiences here. So few composers can shift audience emotions with a simple transition like he can. Do not take it for granted, because we are listening to what is likely one of the last works in a remarkable career. May John Williams score the ninth episode.

The Last Jedi concludes without the heroes of the original trilogy going into the ninth episode. Fandom turmoil regarding the totality of The Last Jedi persists for a week-old film and, I suspect, will continue for at least another two years. But this eighth episode, under Rian Johnson’s direction, makes an earnest attempt to deconstruct and reimagine moreso than J.J. Abrams – the persona non grata to many Trekkies, and who will direct the concluding episode of the sequel trilogy – has demonstrated he is capable of. Johnson’s final product is imperfect. However, this is a good film displaying its reverence for the cinematic and the franchise’s past, but making clear its dissensions and departures.

The torch-passing is complete; past idols are gone. In a few years, we will see if Star Wars can plunge further into the unknown in ways not seen since creator George Lucas was last involved in the series. Even in failure, the Skywalker saga held the attention of audiences worldwide – a triumph of creativity for thousands of people whose names scroll past in a darkened theater long after almost the entire audience has left (or, if on unscrupulous television networks, unreadable in a tiny box to begin the next movie or to insert advertising).

I end with a thought that began my write-up to The Force Awakens. It is time for those most responsible for bringing Star Wars back to theaters to become artists first, fans second. I am pessimistic they can for various reasons. I hope to be proven wrong.

My rating: 7/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found here.

Also in this series: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

#Star Wars #The Last Jedi #Rian Johnson #Mark Hamill #Daisy Ridley #Carrie Fisher #Adam Driver #John Boyega #Oscar Isaac #Andy Serkis #Lupita Nyong'o #Domhnall Gleeson #Anthony Daniels #Gwendoline Christie #Kelly Marie Tran #Laura Dern #Benicio del Toro #John Williams #My Movie Odyssey

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airadam · 5 years

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Episode 115 : Our Streets

"Watch the roads before crossing."

- Tyler

Beating the deadline, coming in a few hours before the New Year, giving you time to play this on the way out - or if you're staying in! This month's mix has some of my favourite tracks of 2018, as well as some choice selections from deeper in the crates. Enjoy the listen, and spread the word!

Twitter : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

The Mouse Outfit : Late Night Doors

One of Manchester's finest crews blessed us with the acclaimed "Jagged Tooth Crook" album this year and they continue to bring the quality every time out. New collaborator Berry Blacc takes his place on the mic alongside old hands Dubbul O and Ellis Meade for some quality low-tempo flavour, with the beat being an absolute gem. The drums, bass, and piano are all played without flash and to absolutely perfect combined effect - the mark of musicians who know exactly what they're doing!

Maes & Fybre : This One

Pure Manchester again, with these two dub producers almost outlawing everything that isn't bass on this one! One of the many (seriously, many) great tracks on the "From Manchester With Love" compilation.

Curren$y : Drone Footage

I pretty much planned this segment in reverse, and this was the last tune to fall into place. 70-ish BPM is a tricky speed for Hip-Hop, unless it's got trap-type production like this - which ironically was so slow I had to boost it up a bit! Not much to say about this succinct track - a bite-sized portion of Curren$y's signature lifestyle rap over an 808-heavy beat. Pick it up on this year's "Parking Lot Music" EP.

Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed as Magic & Bird : Kidz

I think I found this album on a random Spotify search and was drawn in by the "Magic & Bird" theme - as it turns out, it gave me a great tune for my gym playlist! Andy Mineo isn't someone I've heard before but he's a Christian Hip-Hop artist (well, that would explain the sudden prayer right before the last hook!) out of NYC who's been recording for the last five years or so. Apparently the lyrical theme for this one came from the producer Beam, who, when Mineo complained on hearing the beat that he wanted to get away from the trap sound, told him "just do one for the kids!" Mineo and Wordsplayed ride the beat ably and prove him dead right :)

Z-Ro : Like A Rocket

With the recent release of the "Sadism" album, and last year's "Codeine", it looks like the retirement is off! I'm always here for Ro's half-sung, half-rapped delivery style, and it fits perfectly over Risko Funk's 80s ballad-sampled track. The original flavour isn't overwhelmed by the drums or extra bass, but there are lots of nice touches along the way - heavy filters sweeping in, extreme pitch shifting on the drums towards the end, and a general tendency to make you want to replay the tune :) I don't know if the track title is taken from K-Rino's quote from a Houston Chronicle article a couple of years back, but if so then it's a great connection! Oh yes - didn't realise I bought the clean version of this until I put it in the mix :)

Zero 7 ft. Hidden : Mono

After a long hiatus, Zero 7 are back and I'm always interested to hear what they're bringing. This single starts off with pure spacey vibes before the solid drum line comes in, followed by the vocals of Hidden - soulful, and also restrained.

Kaytranada : Nevalie

A very old one from the man out of Montreal, first posted on his Soundcloud about six years ago. Took a while to find a good track to follow the Zero 7, but EQing this one down to just the snare and trappy hi-hats initially opened up a really good opportunity for a mix!

Children of Zeus x Black Milk : Won't End Well

Manchester and Detroit combination! When this was released at the start of December I thought it was a one-off single, only to be completely surprised on Xmas Eve with the release of "The Winter Tape", an essential and completely free album! This track featured appropriately bleak and sparse production from Black Milk while Konny and Tyler describe the lack of happy endings in the street game - as your parents certainly did if they're anything like mine. 2018 has absolutely been the year of Zeus and they're carrying big momentum into 2019.

1982 ft. Lil' Fame and Haile Supreme : It's On You

The union of Termanology and Statik Selektah has finally returned for their second full LP "Still 1982" - and not before time. The hi-hat-less drums and occasional chimes in this beat made it mix smoothly with "Won't End Well" and got it the nod over another cut that we'll definitely play here in the future. Haile Supreme is new to me but the soul he puts into the hook certainly grabs your attention, and M.O.P's Lil' Fame steals the show on the rhyme side, though Termanology is absolutely solid as always.

Marco Polo ft. Invincible : Drunken Sleuth

It's always good to hear Invincible, who is always one to come with high-quality bars. In the guise of an overlooked drunk, she takes on corruption, homelessness, and the lack of democracy in her home city of Detroit on this ambitious and well-executed track. This is one where it's well worth reading her own annotated lyrics to get more background on the specifics. Beat-wise, Marco Polo is one of the finest in recent years and his work here and on the rest of the "PA2 : The Director's Cut" album is a great example of modern production that is inspired by a classic sensibility.

Cormega ft. Chantelle Nandi : More

The Queensbridge veteran brings a positive, uplifting message on this selection from the 2014 "Mega Philosophy" album, with the vocalist Chantelle Nandi making her debut appearance. As the album title suggests, the 30-minute collection is centred around this kind of theme, so it's definitely worth taking a short while to hear the whole thing!

Doo Wop : Castle To Castle (Instrumental)

I was torn in planning over whether to play the vocal version or just this beat, but the direction the mix went in meant that we'll save the Raekwon bars for another episode. This is the A-side to a vinyl that features the Rahzel-voiced "Ten Tape Commandments" on the flip, with both of course produced by one of the undisputed legends of the mixtape game.

Pusha T : Numbers On The Boards

Stomping, aggressive tune from Pusha's first solo album "My Name Is My Name" with Don Cannon, Kanye, and 88 Keys all combining to provide the production. No matter how good the beat though, you come to Pusha T for lyrical ability and he brings it as per usual - double-meanings aplenty as he dresses down any and all challengers. Michael Kors also catches a stray on the second verse!

The Step Brothers : Step Masters

I hadn't played this album for a while and am not sure how the illness of this cut slid managed to be forgotten by me for so long! Evidence and Alchemist are both underrated on the mic, and Alchemist must get the biggest "WTF?" laugh for "flippin'... like things that flip" :) The energy in this track is much more than you'd think possible given that it's only about 91 BPM, which is a credit to the production from these two heavyweights. Oh yes - do have a genuine laugh at the video!

Alchemist & Prodigy : We Got This

I was sure that one of the samples from the previous track had been used by Alchemist before, and I was right! This version is from the "Chemistry Files" mixtape, but for the full version you'll need to find the bootleg 12" single that includes it.

Camp Lo : Love Is Love

Just the right tech-sounding track to fit this space in the mix! This wasn't even my favourite track on 2017's "The Get Down Brothers" but it's a great example of how Sonny and Geechi aren't afraid to jump on different kinds of beats and lace them with their trademark slang waterfall.

K-Murdock : New Religion

A friend of the show who is an endlessly creative beatsmith, and his "Soundscapes Vol.2" is a mix of video game-inspired beats and instrumentals from his work with MCs. I had this one playing in the house and found a good home for it here :)

9th Wonder ft. Skyzoo and Ness : Let It Bang

Closing with pure slick-talking battle rap here from the "The Dream Merchant 2" compilation, all produced by 9th Wonder, then only about five years into his career. The drums and bass definitely have the classic flavour of early 9th, as well as the great chop/re-purposing of a nice soul sample. It's all east on the mic, with Brooklyn's Skyzoo and Ness from Philadelphia (you may know him from Da Band) trading bars and telling us to play this until you break the tape - which I suppose gives away the age of the track...

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!

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cover2covermom · 7 years

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Happy Sunday bookworms!

Did everyone have a good weekend? Mine was low key, as my kids are now on spring break. I think I look forward to school breaks just as much as my kids because it means I am not chauffeuring my two humans around all day to and from school and extracurricular activities.

Anyways! My wrap-up this week is a pretty long one, but filled with lots of good stuff (at least I think so). I talk about some upcoming projects on Cover2CoverMom and pose a few questions to my fellow book bloggers. So pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee/tea/wine (I won’t judge if you go with the wine) and let’s see what I had going on this past week, shall we?

*Weekly Wrap-Up is a weekly post where I feature what posts were published on the blog for the past week, any bookish/blog happenings, what I recently finished reading, what I am currently reading, what I will be reading next, noteworthy posts around the bookish blogosphere, and any interesting bookish articles I came across.

This week on the blog:

Tuesday 3/28

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I’ve Met & A Few I’d Like to Meet

Wednesday 3/29

Kids’ Corner: Diverse Children’s Picture Books in Review (March 2017)

Friday 3/30

March 2017 Wrap-Up + Book Haul

Bookish/Blog happenings:

» I have been working on a little project and I need some help from you all ! What I need from you all is book blogger recs for bloggers who read & review predominantly within a certain genre.

For example, bloggers who read & review mostly…

• Young Adult • Middle Grade/Children’s Books • Diverse Books • Graphic Novels • Historical Fiction • Fantasy/Science Fiction • Contemporary • Thriller/Suspense • Romance • Horror

You get the idea. Keep in mind I said bloggers who read & review predominantly within these categories/genres. They do not need to review 100% within these categories/genres, but a good majority. So a blogger like myself would not fit into any of these categories because I read & review all types of books.

*Does this make any sense? Or have I lost everyone?

If you know of a book blogger who fits into any of these (or a different category/genre not listed) please leave them in the comments down below! Thanks in advance.

*I would also like to mention they won’t have to do anything, this is going to be more like a feature project :)

» I have been wanting to redesign my blog and graphics for a while now, but it is a hot mess. Basically I have no idea what I am doing. What I am struggling with the most is the graphics department. How did you all do your headers/logos and graphics? Is there some free graphics site that I do not know about?! Do you draw/design them yourselves?! Did you pay someone to do it? I wish I had the money to pay someone to do all this for me, but I can’t justify spending money on my blog when we are a one income family while I am at home with the kids. Any advice, suggestions, or direction in this would be much appreciated.

» I realized this weekend that I really need to step up my bookstagram game. I posted a picture that got over 140 likes, which hadn’t happened to me before. I know this is probably not a big deal to those of you who are used to getting hundreds (or thousands) of likes every time you post a picture, but I had never gotten over 70 likes before on a picture before. So what I want to know is, how do you juggle being active on bookstagram if you also have a book blog?

» This week I will be marathon reading to get ready for the Ohioana Book Festival that is taking place in Columbus Ohio on Saturday, April 8th. I may be a little MIA this week around the blogosphere, but fear not, I’ll be back.

What have I been reading?

*Book titles link to Goodreads

Recently finished reading:

» The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell

Summary of feelings: No one is more shocked then me that I actually really enjoyed this book. If you have followed me for a while, you know that thriller novels are not my go-to books, but I kept throwing them into the mix. Girls in the Garden is one of those books where you learn about “the incident” first, then go back in time leading up to the incident. I thought the author did a great job of holding my attention the entire time. I really liked how Jewell introduced all kinds of characters/scenarios to thrown the reader off the trail. The conclusion wasn’t exactly a huge shocker, BUT it was definitely more involved and complicated then I was anticipating. Typically I don’t like when the author leaves things unresolved, but Jewell does leave a few things up in the air. I think it worked here.

*Full review to come

» The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker

Summary of feelings: I am going to venture to say that The Animators is going to be the biggest surprise of 2017 for me. This book is so much more than I was anticipating. I was anticipating a light hearted contemporary novel with friendship being a central theme. While friendship is a major theme, The Animators is NOT a light hearted read. It is very gritty and raw… definitely more of a darker novel.

I also thought this book was young adult, and it turns out that this book is very much an adult book. I think it was because the cover gave off a YA vibe to me? Anyways, The Animators has a lot of adult content that is not suitable for a young audience.

*Part of my SOKY Book Fest TBR

» Loving Vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case by Patricia Hruby Powell (Illustrated by Shadra Strickland)

Summary of feelings: Loving Vs. Virginia is the Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races. In this book, we learn about Richard & Mildred Loving, the couple behind this infamous case. Told in verse, Loving Vs. Virginia is very much the love story of Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred, a biracial woman. I was anticipating a little more historical content, but overall, this was a very well done YA book. I must admit, I have never really read a book about interracial marriage before. The challenges that the Lovings faced was heartbreaking to read about.

I listened to the audiobook version, but I am waiting for a copy from my library to see the illustrations.

*I am definitely interested in reading a book that goes a little deeper into the history of interracial marriage, as well as challenges that interracial couples face in today’s society. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.

Currently reading:

» Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

» The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett

*SOKY Book Fest TBR

On deck:

» The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

» Fates and Traitors: A Novel of John Wilkes Booth by Jennifer Chiaverini

*Part of my Ohioana Book Fest TBR

Around the bookish blogosphere:

» Cait @PaperFury talks about how to come up with discussion posts for your book blog → How To Think Up Discussion Post Ideas For Your Book Blog

» Ashleigh @A Frolic Through Fiction shares her favorite underrated characters →Favourite underrated characters | Some characters just aren’t appreciated enough

» Marie @Drizzle & Hurricane Books talks about the trend of series and novellas →The series and novellas trend

» Fadwa @WordWonders asks if relating to characters is a must to enjoy a book →Relating to Characters: Is it necessary to Enjoy a Book?

» Kirsty @Kirsty and the Cat Read discusses audiobooks →Discussion: What Makes A Good Audio-Book

» Drew @The Tattooed Book Geek talks about some of the downsides to book blogging →Jaded by Blogging

» Stephanie @TeacherofYA hosts her first giveaway →TeacherofYA’s Very First GIVEAWAY! (::cheers::)

*U.S Only*

» Megan @bookslayer Reads talks about book review layout →Reading & Writing Reviews // Does the layout of a review determine whether or not you’ll read it?

» Amy @NovelGossip is hosting a giveaway →Giveaway: The Breakdown by B. A. Paris #giveaway

Interesting bookish articles:

» Quiz: Which Character Are You Based On Your Astrological Sign?

*I’m an Aries, and got Elizabeth Bennett from P&P. Very fitting.

» 20 Best Books To Pick Up This April

» The World’s Highest Paid Authors

*I was actually shocked at #2… especially being paid more than J.K. Rowling?!? Was also surprised who was at the bottom of this list… Happy to see so many female authors (6 out of 14)

» Twice the fun: 9 Books featuring twins

*One of my favorite books, East of Eden, is on this list :)

» Series About the Brontë Sisters Coming Soon

*Um, yes please!

» The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds

*I’ve only read 5 of these books?!?! I just added 45 books to the ole TBR

» 5 Children’s Stories That Really Freaked Us Out

*I read Coraline this past October… It definitely gave me an unsettled feeling.

» Quiz: Who’s Your Author BFF

*J.K. Rowling and I would make the bestest of friends :)

» 9 Imaginative Fairy-Tale Retellings

» 12 Images All Bookworms Can Relate To

*Yup

Whoa. That was ridiculously long. If you have reached this point, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.

What are you currently reading?

What will you read next?

Have a wonderful week, and happy reading

See what I #AmReading & what's on the #TBR for this week in my #WrapUp. #BookBlogger #Bookworm Happy Sunday bookworms! Did everyone have a good weekend? Mine was low key, as my kids are now on spring break.

#Am Reading #Bibliophile #book blog #book blogger #Book Chat #Book Dragon #Book Nerd #Book Talk #Book Worm #Bookish #Books #Bookworm #Reading #TBR #Wrap Up

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firebirdtransam68 · 5 years

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Which Work Am I A Bigger Fan Of? I Cannot Choose!

I have two works that I really like, and they are Transformers and Sonic The Hedgehog. Both enhanced my creativity, and I grew up with Transformers (the live-action films, anyway; but I got into G1 when I got into the 1980′s); they have extraterrestrials that are allies or enemies with humans (and they have anti-heroes as well (I’m looking at you, Armada Starscream and Shadow The Hedgehog)); and they have English and Japanese versions of their own media (the original Unicron Trilogy and Sonic X are all anime series in which the Japanese versions with English subtitles are better than the English dubs). I have been fans of both works for a couple years (I saw Transformers first, and then Sonic The Hedgehog).

However, I am debating whether I like one more than the other; I believe I am, but I am going to differentiate between these two works to see for myself. Here it goes; I am going to start with Transformers, first.

The first Transformers work I saw was the first live-action film directed by Michael Bay. It looked very realistic, and the graphics were nice. I saw two more live-action films, and they were okay, but the third film went downhill, especially since they killed off some of my favorite characters from there (especially Ironhide; I really liked that black truck, and Sentinel killed him). I don’t remember when I saw the 1986 film, but it is one of these factors that got me into the 1980′s (among The Transformers, in which that animated film was based on). I started to prefer G1 over Bayformers since their styles looked fantastic, and it is also how I got a little into Mecha anime (Golion/Dairugger/Voltron got me even more into Japanese anime).

I then looked to see if there are any other Mecha shows I would watch, and I remembered fans talking about Transformers Armada, and I searched via Anime News Network; when I saw that Ironhide was in there, as well as Starscream, I got the urge to watch it. I saw all 52 episodes of the show (called Micron Legend) with English subtitles, and I was hooked into it. Micron Legend became even more of my favorite Transformers work than even G1 because of many G1 callbacks, certain soundtracks that sounded 1980′s, and many complex characters from both sides. I then saw another show, in which it is called Energon (actually, it was Superlink), and I got as much hooked as I did with the other show, despite some flaws such as not giving certain characters enough screen time. I was upset when the characters from Micron Legend got killed off (especially Ironhide/Demolishor), but was amazed at some new characters, especially those that were based off of their G1 counterparts, such as Inferno, Lazerwave (homage to G1 Shockwave), Wheeljack, Springer, and Omega Supreme. I saw Galaxy Force (original version of Cybertron) once, and lost interest, despite some interesting characters such as Soundwave and Chromia (Thunderblast). Similarly, Headmasters made me lose interest, since some of the characters were really bland, and they were lacking some character development in some of the Transformers (and even humans).

Since the first Bayformers film was the one I liked a lot, I didn’t want to watch anymore live-action films until 2018, in which the Bumblebee film debuted. I was skeptical at first, until I got the chance to saw it; it was fantastic; the film was set in 1987, and it had many themes and styles of the 1980′s, and it stayed true to the G1 continuity (besides Micron Legend, Superlink, and Galaxy Force). And the villains were phenomenal, especially Shatter (ROTF Alice didn’t give me enough excitement for a believably evil Decepticon who is female (or at least feminine), she was too bland, in my opinion). And don’t forget the music, especially when Stan Bush’s song appeared in one scene where Bumblebee was encouraging his human friend, Charlie Watson, to dive off a cliff (which is safe, and has water).

Now let’s go with Sonic The Hedgehog. I have noticed some people playing the games, and I never got the hold of it until I noticed that there was an anime show based on the games (especially the Adventure series), and I decided to give it a watch. The anime was Sonic X, and it was in Japanese with English subtitles. I was blown away because of Sonic’s tendency to break the fourth wall and throw in English here and there, the graphics which looked similar to Micron Legend in many angles, one original character with his many racing supercars (Sam Speed), contains Mecha (usually by Dr. Eggman), the soundtrack, and, of course, Shadow The Hedgehog (the first time I understood that character was in this show). Also, the anime had many callbacks from the previous games (1991-2003; 2003 was when Sonic X was first broadcasted); and the Metarex saga gave me a feel from the part where Unicron debuted in Micron Legend.

One of my cousins have many different Sonic games, since he is a huge fan of them. He had spin-off games as well; one of them was Shadow’s own game. The first time I took interest was when I heard some fans talk about him using guns; at first, I thought it was a joke, until I saw for myself. Many die-hard Sonic fans don’t like the 2005 game, but I certainly liked it, especially after I saw Sonic X; it was dark and edgy, yes, but it also gave the main character more depth and characterization, he can use firearms if he chooses to, and drives vehicles such as motorcycles and cars; I even have the option to play it in English or Japanese (of course with English subtitles for both).

I also did some reviews for three Sonic TV shows during the 1990′s. Adventures Of Sonic The Hedgehog came to mind, especially this one episode, Zoobotnik, in which it featured a villainess, Katella The Huntress, who is the most underrated Sonic character of all time. I found her costume appealing (including the circlet she wears on her forehead), and I found it amusing to see her with Dr. Robotnik/Eggman (I believe this is the only time I will ship Eggman with anyone else; besides Sera/Sara from the OVA, of course). The English shows were not as appealing, but at least I got some insight after watching a few episodes.

I think I like both works because they are related in many ways, even though the Transformers originated in the 1980′s, and Sonic The Hedgehog originated in the 1990′s, among many other differences. I really like extraterrestrial characters, but I also like Mecha robots (especially sentient robots). Maybe I like Transformers even more than Sonic The Hedgehog.

Another thing these two have in common is their voice actors, who appeared in both works; seiyuu are more prominent. Here is a list of English voice actors first, and then I will go with the Japanese voices:

English

- Charlie Adler (Silverbolt in The Transformers (1984-1987), and Starscream in the live-action films (2007-2011); Snively in Sonic SatAM)

- Jim Cummings (Afterburner, Rippersnapper, and a Sharkticon in The Transformers (1984-1987); Dr. Robotnik in Sonic SatAM)

- Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave, Skywarp, Rumble, Frenzy, Trailbreaker, Wheelie, many other Decepticons in G1 (Megatron is the most well-known in other works); SWATbots in Sonic SatAM)

- Rob Paulson (Haywire, Air Raid, and Slingshot in The Transformers (1984-1987); Antoine Depardieu in Sonic SatAM)

- Cree Summer (Blackarachnia in Transformers: Animated; Dulcy The Dragon in Sonic SatAM)

- Michael Bell (Swoop, Sideswipe, Bombshell, Brainstorm, First Aid, and Scrapper in The Transformers (1984-1987); Naugus in Sonic SatAM)

- Kath Soucie (Professor Princess, and Trisha in Transformers: Animated; Sally Acorn, and NICOLE in Sonic SatAM)

- Jason Marsden (Cade Burns in Transformers: Rescue Bots; Dirk in Sonic SatAM)

- Gary Chalk (Optimus Prime in Beast Wars and Armada; Grounder in AOSTH, Dr. Robotnik in Sonic Underground)

- Ian James Corlett (Cheetor, Maximal/Sentinel, and Sea Clamp in Beast Wars; Coconuts in AOSTH)

- Scott McNeil (Dinobot, Rattrap, Silverbolt, Dinobot II, Waspinator in Beast Wars, Jetfire and Omega Supreme in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy (2002-2006); MacHopper in AOSTH)

- French Tickner (Bulkhead in Transformers: Energon; Dr. Warpnik, Big Griz, and Professor Von Schlemmer in AOSTH)

- Venus Terzo (Blackarachnia in Beast Wars; Breezie in AOSTH)

- Samuel Vincent (Sideswipe in Transformers: Armada; Sonic’s singing voice in Sonic Underground)

- Kathleen Barr (Botanica in Beast Wars; Momma Robotnik, Katella The Huntress, additional voices in AOSTH)

- Brad Swaile (Kicker Jones in Transformers: Energon; additional voices in AOSTH)

- Matt Hill (Carlos Lopez and Ironhide in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy; Max in Sonic Underground)

- Brian Drummond (Jetstorm in Beast Machines, Blurr in Transformers: Armada, Shockblast in Transformers: Energon, Jetfire in Transformers: Cybertron; Knuckles The Echidna in Sonic Underground)

- Terry Klassen (High Wire, Sixshot, Skyblast, Brimstone, Tim Hanson, and Mr. Stanton in the Transformers Unicron Trilogy (2002-2006); Doctor Brandon Quark, additional voices in AOSTH)

- Maurice LeMarche (Six-Gun in The Transformers (1984-1987); Uncle Chuck, Sleet, Oracle Of Delphius, additional voices in Sonic Underground)

- Tabitha St. Germain (Alexis Thi Dang in Transformers: Armada; Sally Acorn in Sonic Christmas Blast (1996) from AOSTH)

- Cathy Weseluck (Boy at carnival in Transformers: Armada; additional voices in AOSTH and Sonic Underground)

- Lacey Chabert (Dani Burns in Transformers: Rescue Bots; Princess Elise III in Sonic The Hedgehog (2006))

- Roger Craig Smith (Jetstorm, Slipstream, Airazor, Blastwave, and Mayor Mayhem in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Sonic The Hedgehog in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom)

- Kirk Thornton (Dr. Onishi in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002), and Shadelock in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Shadow The Hedgehog and Orbot in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom))

- Travis Willingham (Sideswipe in War For Cybertron, Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spot, and Motormaster and Menasor in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Knuckles The Echidna in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom, Storm The Albatross in Sonic Free Riders (2010), and Zavok in Sonic Lost World (2011))

- Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Jenny in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002); Miles “Tails” Prower, Zooey, Chumley, and Belinda in Sonic Boom, and Charmy Bee in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Michael Yurchak (Zorillor in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Jet The Hawk in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Keith Silverstein (Rumble and Frenzy in War For Cybertron, and Blast Off in Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spark; Vector The Crocodile in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Troy Baker (Jetfire in War For Cybertron, and Kickback in Fall Of Cybertron and Rise Of The Dark Spark; Espio The Chameleon in the Sonic games (2010-present))

- Wally Wingert (Mirage and Side Burn in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001-2002); Cubot in the Sonic games (2010-present) and Sonic Boom))

- Sam Riegel (Starscream in War For Cybertron, Fall Of Cybertron, and Rise Of The Dark Spark, and Snarl in Fall Of Cybertron; Zor in Sonic Lost World)

- Liam O’Brien (Underbite and Kickback in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017), and Air Raid and Cyclonus in War For Cybertron; Zazz in Sonic Lost World, and Infinite The Jackal in Sonic Forces)

Japanese

- Kappei Yamaguchi (Rattrap in Beast Wars and Transformers: Animated; Sonic The Hedgehog in AOSTH and SatAM)

- Masashi Ebara (Skywarp, Spike Witwicky, Brawl, Ratchet, Teletraan-I, Steeljaw, Long Haul, Smokescreen, Blitzwing, and many others in G1; Erazor Djinn in Sonic And The Secret Rings)

- Ken Yamaguchi (Blurr in G1, Arblus, Rumble, Slag and Sharkticons in The Transformers: The Movie (1986), Blitzwing, Broadside, Dirge, Silverbolt, Golder, Hot Spot, Cloudracker, Lazerbeak, Ratbat, Superion, Rewind and Slugslinger in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Hydra and Darkwings in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989); Decoe and Nelson Thorndyke in Sonic X)

- Akimitsu Takase (Blowpipe, Fastlane, Hot Rod, Freeway, and Monzo in The Transformers (Rebirth); the President’s aide in Sonic The Hedgehog (OVA))

- Ken Narita (Caliburst, Cerebros, Stylor, Cloudracker, Triggerhappy, and Sureshot in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988); Black Narcissus in Sonic X)

- Banjou Ginga (Ultra Magnus in Transformers: Scramble City (1986) and Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Scorponok/Mega Zarak in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Black Zarak in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), one of the Primes in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009); GUN Commander in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Masaharu Sato (Alpha Trion, First Aid, Bee Drone, Grotusque, Hook, Grimlock, Scourge, Kaen, Punch/Counterpunch, Skydive, Sureshot and Tantrum in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Gilmer and Leftfoot in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), Perceptor, Frank, and Mayor Burns in Transformers: Victory (1989); Dr. Eggman in SegaSonic The Hedgehog (1993))

- Hochu Otsuka (Ultra Magnus, Crosshairs, Wingspan, Big Serow, Freeway, Ratbat and Abel in Transformers: Headmasters (1987-1988), Ranger in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989), and Guyhawk in Transformers: Victory (1989); Red Pine in Sonic X)

- Takeshi Kusao (Clouder in Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (1988-1989); Sonic The Hedgehog in Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car (1991), SegaSonic Cosmo Fighter Galaxy Patrol (1993), and SegaSonic The Hedgehog(1993))

- Hinako Yoshino (Pipo in Transformers: Victory (1989); Ray The Flying Squirrel in SegaSonic The Hedgehog(1993))

- Chafurin (Cicadacon in Beast Wars, General Bryce in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Octopunch in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Old Man Owl in Sonic The Hedgehog (OVA), Zomom in Sonic Lost World)

- Wataru Takagi (Cheetor in Beast Wars, Glenn Whitmann in Transformers (2007), Jetstorm and Safeguard in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Jazz in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Cubot in the Sonic series (2010-present))

- Nobutoshi Canna (Nightscream and Oracle in Beast Machines, Inferno, Lazerwave and Sixshot in Transformers: Superlink, Swindle in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Knuckles The Echidna in the Sonic series (1998-present) and Sonic X)

- Mitsuo Iwata (Silverbolt in Beast Wars, Roadbuster in Transformers: Superlink, Wreck-Gar in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Hardshell in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Blurr in Transformers: Cyberverse (2018-present); Orbot in the Sonic series (2008-present))

- Toru Okawa (Optimus Prime/Convoy and Scourge in Transformers: Micron Legend, Ratchet and Porter C. Powell in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Simacore in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Pachacamac in Sonic Adventure (1998))

- Koji Yusa (Ironhide and Thrust in Transformers: Micron Legend, Ironhide/Irontread and Wing Dagger/Wing Saber in Transformers: Superlink, Prowl in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Shadow The Hedgehog)

- Daisuke Kishio (Kicker Jones in Transformers: Superlink, Bumblebee in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Quillfire in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Jet The Hawk in the Sonic games (2005-present))

- Kenta Miyake (Landmine and Omega Supreme in Transformers: Superlink, Bulkhead, Alpha Trion and Blackout in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Shockwave in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013), Razorpaw in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Vector The Crocodile in the Sonic games (2003-present) and Sonic X)

- Katsuyuki Konishi (Optimus Prime/Grand Convoy and Overdrive in Transformers: Superlink, Angry Archer and Spike Witwicky in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009); Lucas in Sonic X)

- Joji Nakata (Megatron in Transformers: Galaxy Force; E-102 Gamma in Sonic Adventure, Zavok in the Sonic games (2013-present), Dark Oak in Sonic X)

- Kotaro Nakamura (Megatron in the Transformers live-action films (2007-2011); Dr. Eggman in the Sonic games (2015-present))

- Kenji Nomura (Jetfire in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009), Hardcore Eddie in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011), William Fowler in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Storm The Albatross in the Sonic games (2005-present))

- Takashi Nagasako (Issac Sumdac, Snarl and Brawn in Transformers: Animated (2007-2009), Bulkhead in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Big The Cat in the Sonic games (2004-present))

- Sanae Kobayashi (Carly Spencer in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011); Chris Thorndyke in Sonic X)

- Yuki Tai (Wheeljack and Makeshift in Transformers: Prime (2010-2013); Zor in Sonic Lost World, Leon in Sonic X)

- Yutaka Aoyama (Dutch in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011), Nightstrike in Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2014-2017); Zazz in Sonic Lost World)

- Ryuzaburo Otomo (Galvatron in Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014); Black Doom in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Yutaka Nakano (Harold Attinger in Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014); the President in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005))

- Aoi Yuki (Windblade in Transformers: Cyberverse, and Shatter in Bumblebee (2018); Sticks The Jungle Badger in Sonic Boom, and the female Avatar in Sonic Forces)

Like I said, Sonic and Transformers have a lot in common, but they are unique in their own ways. Maybe I like Transformers the most because it was from the 1980′s (which, by the way, is my favorite decade). I wasn’t too much of a 1990′s fan, but I did like Sonic, which originated in the 1990′s. So, I suppose Transformers is the winner, and Sonic The Hedgehog is in second place.

Well, that is all I will be saying for now. I will be posting more soon, but I have other things to do, as well. Stay tuned for more posts.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

#transformers #sonic the hedgehog #the transformers #sonic #transformer #mobian #1980's #1990's #sonic and transformers have certain voice actors in common #1980's vs. 1990's #english voices are harder to find than Japanese voices... I wonder why...#any other voice actors I missed please list them in your reblogs if you can #first time I recognized some seiyuu was in any transformers media (especially micron legend)#thanks to transformers I got into seiyuu #maybe I just like transformers better

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britesparc · 5 years

Text

Weekend Top Ten #357

Top Ten Things 2018

Well, that was quite a year wasn’t it? Everything smelt of Trump and looked all Brexity. Urgh.

But good things happened too! Good things at the pictures and on the telly-box! Some good stuff to play and some good stuff to read! And over Christmas I drank a lot of Guinness. Good times.

So as is customary, here I go chronicling my favourite Things from the year that was. As usual, there’s a metric ton of stuff I didn’t see. I could write Top Tens of movies I missed or shows I skipped. A Quiet Place, Annihilation, Crazy Rich Asians, Possum, Hereditary, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Lost in Space, Killing Eve, season two of GLOW, Black Mirror, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, pretty much every big game apart from Red Dead Redemption 2 and Sea of Thieves, back when it was in beta. I’d include Tetris Effect and Spider-Man in this list, except for the fact that I don’t have a PSVR or for that matter a non-virtually-real PS4. So yeah. I feel like I’ve missed a couple of things.

But who cares? I’ve got two kids who are usually fantastic when they’re not not going to bed. I did a bunch of writing. I did some good work, with new and old clients. In short, apart from all that Trump and Brexit shit, it was actually a really good year, even if nobody bought me a PS4 just to play Spider-Man.

Beyond Infinity: no question, the biggest deal of my cinematic year – my pop-cultural year, in fact – was Avengers: Infinity War. I love the Marvel movies, I follow them like a combination of comic book and soap opera (so, really, just like a comic book – or comicbook, as the late great Stan Lee would rather we say). The build-up was immense, the hype was over-the-top, and my expectations were simultaneously sky-high and deliberately watered-down because I knew they could not be matched. It exceeded everything. I can’t get over how good it was. Endgame cannot possibly compete, cannot live up to the quality of this opening salvo, and yet… and yet…

The end of the road!: oh my god, Transformers. Transformers is over. Transformers is done. I’ve written about this a bit. IDW’s Transformers was my jam, my favourite comic run of all time, and – in the More Than Meets the Eye/Lost Light diptych – my single favourite comic book. Or books. Two titles, I guess. Anyway, it’s over, and I’m sad, but I loved the ending, and I just loved it existing in the first place.

Into the Titans-Verse: any other year I’d be able to say “well the two greatest superhero movies this year were both animated”, but, y’know, Infinity. Anyway, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies was tremendous, Deadpool for kids, with the year’s second-greatest Stan Lee cameo (sob). And then at the end of the year we had Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the greatest Spider-Man movie of all time. Gorgeous to look at, a beautiful distillation of what it means to be a superhero, and a rollicking yarn to boot. Together, these two animated movies managed to interpret and realise elements of superhero stories that had never really been seen on screen before, and in a better fashion than most live-action films. Also we got to see a close-up of Shia LeBeouf’s leg snapping.

Reinstalling classic games: two of my favourite games from years gone by were Lemmings and Theme Hospital. The latter of these has had a brilliant spiritual re-awakening in the form of Two Point Hospital, probably my favourite new game of the year (I’d also like to check out Theme Park sorta-do-over-a-bit Parkitect). But just before the end of the year, a mobile-friendly remake of Lemmings dropped on mobile: a great update of a classic. It’s not perfect, and it suffers from the usual free-to-play puzzle game pitfalls, but, man, Lemmings. God I love Lemmings.

The Doctor is back in: I’m very happy that Doctor Who is back. I love Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I have, over the course of the series, grown very fond of the new companions. And I am overjoyed at the show’s reception, with some of the highest Who ratings for years. But the only thing that’s stopping me putting this higher is the fact that I was, frankly, a bit disappointed in the show itself. Some of the writing left a bit to be desired, and although there were terrific episodes – “Rosa”, “Demons of the Punjab”, and “The Witchfinders” in particular – there were too many flubs, weak endings, and moments of dodgy dialogue for it to truly soar. But! It improved as the series went on, the New Year’s Day episode was mostly great fun, and I have every confidence Chris Chibnall’s second series in charge will be even better.

The triumphant return of Vic & Bob: fun fact: my brother and I were going to see Vic and Bob live until Bob went and got his heart fixed. The selfish bugger. But after missing out there, and also the cancellation in recent years of both the recurring Shooting Stars and the very underrated House of Fools, it’s great to see my favourite double act return in spectacular fashion. Just as silly, random, and hilarious as I remember from my youth. Welcome back, you daft buggers.

The honour of Greyskull: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is probably my favourite new show of the year. Funny, exciting, action-packed, with a very contemporary feminist edge, it’s everything a growing girl needs. And her dad, too.

Growing old gracefully: going all serious for a bit, They Shall Not Grow Old was a sombre highlight. Not only was it a fascinating, thought-provoking documentary, showcasing in unique fashion the lives and thoughts of men who served on the Front in the First World War, but the restoration process used to colourise and stabilise the images is nothing short of revolutionary. A tremendous achievement in more ways than one.

Donald’s America: oh God, no, not that Donald. Rather Donald Glover, who’s had a great year: practically stealing Solo out from under the nose of our new Solo, like some kind of nefarious Sabacc shark; and then his phenomenal This is America. Incredibly powerful lyrics, sure, but the depth of the video, with its resonant imagery, is profound and heartbreaking. Altogether, it’s a supreme piece of filmmaking.

Red Dead Returns: I don’t have loads of free time for games nowadays; I’ve mostly been playing games a couple of years old, like Batman: Arkham Knight and Mass Effect: Andromeda, as well as my usual fix of LEGO games and Peggle 2. But I did get Red Dead Redemption 2 for Christmas, and I must say I am – so far – impressed. I never quite managed to finish the first game (well, second game, you know what I mean) but the quality of the visuals and the acting and the world is second-to-none. The snow effects are incredible. It’s the first game I’ve played where a character’s clothes feel separate from their body. I’m not far enough into it yet to know if really the game holds up, but in terms of a rich world which draws you in and makes you feel that you’re there, you’re that character, it’s a stunning achievement. Even if a load of people didn’t get paid.

Tune in next week and I’ll decide what looks good next year! Well, this year. You know.

#top ten #2018 #marvel #transformers #xbox #doctor who #she-ra #vic & bob #this is america #review of the year

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