Game Brain

Cheeseburger Apocalypse Now

2010-05-31T18:44:00.002-04:00

The Apocalypse was foretold. And now, it is upon us! Gaze upon it, if you dare!

Out with the old

2010-05-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Seeing as how I'm no longer a part-time video game columnist, I no longer have much left to sustain the blog with. Sure, I'm playing games more, but I can't stand to write exclusively about them anymore. You've noticed how low the volume and frequency of new content has been here at Game Brain. That's my fault entirely. But there's also the name: it never really grew on me. It was always just...

The Off Season

2010-05-07T15:33:00.001-04:00

Between summer classes (starting next week) and my job search in full gear, it's looking like video game business will remain in the backseat for a little while longer. I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas and need to recover a little bit. Those action figures I mentioned earlier are done; I just need to get some decent photographs of them. Other than that, I can't promise much. One

This is it

2010-04-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

This week's column is up at WesternHerald.com. Oh, did I mention that it's the last one? Yep, my two-year stint as a writer is over. Now I can focus more on bite-size content for the blog. The Herald is going to need a new columnist now; it's my hope that someone takes over the video game column. With a Western Michigan University student representing in the Herald, and me keeping the blog

Second-to-last

2010-04-15T12:44:00.000-04:00

This week's column is up at WesternHerald.com. It's the second-to-last column of the semester and my run at the Herald. Sadly, no one has stepped up to fill the void in columns next year. I would prefer video game-related writing, but I'm biased. So, I have one last column to write, and one last plea to have someone pickup the torch. To be honest, it'll be a relief to take a break from writing

News Review for You

2010-04-08T18:00:00.001-04:00

It's a grab bag of random news commentary in this week's column over at WesternHerald.com.

Some like it 'Dark'

2010-04-02T12:20:00.003-04:00

I know it's a little late, but my review/commentary of "Perfect Dark" for Xbox Live Arcade is in print and online at WesternHerald.com. I daresay that "Dark" has dethroned "Shadow Complex" as the king (or queen?) or XBLA titles. I recommend both games, but Joanna... it's been too long. And you've aged beautifully. In fact, it looks like you've had a little work done... The only time in "Perfect

Column Casting Call

2010-03-26T12:21:00.003-04:00

Hey there, visitor. Are you currently enrolled as a full-time student at Western Michigan University? If you are, I need your help. Sadly, Game Brain is approaching the end of its run under my stewardship. I will be graduating this summer, so the weekly print column will be gone next school year. There, there. Dry your tears. This is why I'm asking for your help. I need a Bronco to take up the

100th Post: This Week's Column

2010-03-25T15:17:00.002-04:00

Here's an interesting idea; throw out the old letter grade system and use XP in school grading. One prof in Indiana is trying just that in his video game design classes. This week's column explores this concept and asks some questions about its viability in education and the workplace.

It's so gamer guy!

2010-03-18T01:17:00.000-04:00

This week's column is up over at WesternHerald.com. It covers Microsoft's recent repeal of regulations against displaying sexual orientation or religion in Xbox Live gamertags. Speaking of Microsoft, I played "Perfect Dark" today instead of studying for an exam before work. Oh. My. God. It is gorgeous. It has everything from the original and then some. I can't wait to get some

From Pixels to Plastic (Preview)

2010-03-13T12:45:00.001-05:00

For the past few months now, I've been chipping away at a video game-related craft project. There are some really amazing custom action figures on display throughout the Internet; more than a few are of video game characters. I can't come close to the level of expertise of many customizers out there, but I try my best. I've picked up on a few techniques that have finally allowed me to achieve

Doctor's Orders

2010-03-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

This week's column is up at WesternHerald.com.

Sorry I'm late

2010-03-03T02:44:00.000-05:00

Forgot to post the link to last week's column. Which reminds me, I have to get next week's column under way soon. Term papers have been taking a higher priority, although I've been taking plenty of time off for gaming over Spring Break.

Choose Your Character

2010-02-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Cracked.com has an article on the characters of BioWare games. Funny but true. I frickin' hate Carth Onasi, anyway.

Law & Order: Video Games Unit

2010-02-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Ahoy, maties! This be a tale o' software piracy from the Land Down Under! That's pirate speak for "this week's column is up, it's about the piracy of "Super Mario Bros. Wii" thanks to an Australian bloke.

Spy vs. Pyro?

2010-02-16T01:08:00.002-05:00

Alien ❤ Predator

2010-02-11T15:10:00.006-05:00

Love is in the air. Whether your blood is fluorescent green or a potent acid, are hearts quicken at the thought of "Aliens vs. Predator." It's a stretch for Valentine's Day, I know, but I think you'll enjoy my column over at WesternHerald.com. "Aliens vs. Predator is set to release next week for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The demo has gotten a bad rep due to lag, but I still have high

'Manual' upload

2010-02-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Notice that video game manual getting a bit thin? Find out why in this week's column. Oh, and I need some ideas for a Valentine's Day column. It seems that my bosses want to see one again this year.

Zelda CD-I (WTF?)

2010-02-01T15:30:00.001-05:00

"I can't wait to bomb some Dodongos!" Neither can I, Link... neither can I. If by "bomb some Dodongos" you mean "drink until I forget this game footage," most certainly yes.

Microphone Check

2010-01-27T23:12:00.001-05:00

Plug in your headsets and tune in to this week's column at WesternHerald.com.

Novel Graphics

2010-01-21T01:30:00.001-05:00

This week's column is up. Video games and printing, like alcohol and night swimming, is a winning combination. UPDATE: Pictures from the print edition are now included on the webpage. I'll provide more related images (including my Left 4 Dead card) if anyone's interested.

New Year's Revolutions

2010-01-14T00:39:00.000-05:00

The first column of the new year is up. Funny thing is, the delay of "Star Wars: The Old Republic" necessitated a rewrite.

Living by the "Creed'

2010-01-07T15:41:00.017-05:00

It’s not every day that one is able to play as a playboy millionaire assassin in video games. Even rarer is the sequel that surpasses the original.“Assassin’s Creed 2” was an after-holiday present to myself, and a steal at only $40. I haven’t had an engrossing single player experience since “Batman: Arkham Asylum”, so the break from multiplayer was a refreshing change of pace.AC2 is fodder for

Power of 'The Force Unleashed'

2009-12-28T17:07:00.005-05:00

Fun fact: part of the reasoning behind my gamertag (F0RCEFL0W) was so I'd look cool playing "Star Wars" games online. Haven't had much of an occasion for that, so I'm left with a cool and mysterious name that implies either "The Force Flows", "Forceful rapping technique", or "Heavy urination/menstruation". "The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition" was a Christmas present from my brother. It

Fresh coat of paint

2009-12-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

You'll notice a few changes to the 'ol Game Brain blog. I've got a spiffy new header. Note the x-ray controller inside the skull; it's taken from a real x-ray picture of an Xbox 360 controller. Is there anything the Internet can't do? Wrecklaimer and I are working on some user-friendly layout and features. I've figured out how to insert a "Read More" link to cut down on super-long posts. Contact

Grabbin' Beers

2009-12-16T07:10:00.002-05:00

Normally, I try to keep things 'round jere clean and Web-friendly.Well, not today. You've been warned.Today, after my final exams, I'm going home. Then, I'm going to take a nap. Then, I'm going to start drinking. Then, I'm going to play some Left 4 Dead 2 'til my thumbs won't move anymore. Then I'm going to get laid.One of the above comments is false (hint: it involves coitus).I have a whole case

Last fall column

2009-12-10T16:33:00.002-05:00

Sniff. Last post of the semester.There's an interview I'll be working on over break, so I hope to deliver it in January.Snow days are perfect for playing video games. Or studying for finals and writing term papers.

Singing Gay Tony's Ballad

2009-12-04T12:12:00.004-05:00

With a brand new Xbox 360 at my disposal, I've finally gotten around to playing "GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony," the latest piece of episodic content from Rockstar. The Good New weapons! Silenced p-90, a new auto shotty ("The Lost and Damned" had one too, but whatev). Nitro boost on cars and base jumping are a real treat. The new attack helicopter doesn't count, more on that later. The

The Red Death Strikes!

2009-12-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

Here it is, the second-to-last column before holiday break. Enjoy!

Back in Black

2009-11-28T23:11:00.004-05:00

Duh. Duh-nuh-nuh. Duh-nuh-nuh. Bwah- ah, I've lost it. AC/DC did it so much better.In case you haven't guessed it from my musical onomatopoeia, I'm Back in Black, baby! Xbox 360 Elite For the Win!Little early X-mas present to myself. After I sell my refurbished Xbox 360 and cash in my NewEgg gift card, I've really only spent $50 on this beauty.She is guar-an-teed to put out. It says so right here

Moving On

2009-11-25T09:59:00.005-05:00

Days after the death of my refurbished Xbox 360, Furby, I'm collecting the life insurence policy. No tears. All business. OK, so Wrecklaimer and I are entitled to a free, refurbished Xbox 360 under the Red Ring warranty. So we're sending the carcass of Furby out as soon as possible. While we wait, we're going to buy a new one, possibly an Elite. When we get the refurb (no telling how long

All I want for X-Mas...

2009-11-21T18:33:00.002-05:00

...is a PlayStation 3, because I am so tired of Microsoft's ticking time bomb of a console.I just got the Red Rings of Death today. Two days after the warranty on my refurbished console expired.I will be placing some phone calls... and emails, and letters to Microsoft. If I can't get a new console for free (or one helluva discount on an Elite) I'm gonna "lodge" my complaint up the backside of

Fall Retrospective

2009-11-18T09:53:00.006-05:00

The last column of November is up at WesternHerald.com. It's a fall retrospective of the releases and industry news of the past two months.There are only two columns left in the year. While the column will be around in 2010, it's amazing how fast the fall went. I pains me that I can't do any big, ambitious columns until January; term projects are starting to pile up. Among them are a Web page, a

Buttons Pushed

2009-11-18T09:38:00.004-05:00

Last week, the Western Herald ran my column on "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2."So far, the Web site has had a few insightful responses from readers concerning the controversy of the game. Here are two of the comments.From Rick:"Ever since I first heard about this particular mission in MW2, the controversy, and the whole uprising surrounding it, I have felt dead inside. Upon unwrapping this game,

8-bit Zombacalypse

2009-11-17T14:10:00.001-05:00

By the way, I'm totally willing to cave to peer pressure and buy "Left 4 Dead 2" if enough of my Xbox Live friends are playing.

Heresy

2009-11-13T09:47:00.004-05:00

Apparently, the Second Coming of Christ was this past Tuesday.Oh, my bad. It was the release of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2."I do not plan on purchasing the game. It's because I don't like the game. This opinion, it seems, rates me below terrorist detainees and Nazis on the scumbag spectrum."You're the video games guy, right?" random people have asked me. "So you're waiting in line at

This week's column

2009-11-13T09:40:00.001-05:00

It's a bit misclassified on the Western Herald website right now, but this week's column is up. If you are interested in the reasoning behind my boycott of "Left 4 Dead 2", here's your explanation.

Funny but true

2009-11-10T12:24:00.001-05:00

5 Plot Devices That Make Good Video Games Suck | Cracked.com

New Game Brain deployed

2009-11-05T11:09:00.003-05:00

Psyched about "Modern Warfare 2"? Good. Then you should enjoy this week's column.If you don't read it, the terrorists win. But if we play as the terrorists, don't we want to win?Confused? Don't be. Just read the column.

Left 4 Don't

2009-11-03T22:59:00.001-05:00

Friends, I hated the demo for "Left 4 Dead 2." I hated it so much, in fact, that I am considering not purchasing a retail copy. However, I encourage you to try the Xbox 360 demo. You will be amazed by the horrible framerate, aghast at the dated graphics, floored by the tacked-on qualities that make "Left 4 Dead 2" an overpriced mod instead of a true sequel. Chances are you won't find it as

There's loot in them thar Borderlands

2009-10-30T11:52:00.004-04:00

Attention all Sirens, Soldiers, Hunters, and Berserkers!F0RCEFL0W (aka "Jasper McKnives", Hunter) is looking for a few greedy men and/or women to embark on quests for fame and fortune on the planet Pandora.Equitable shares of salvaged technology and money. Kill-stealers need not apply. All levels and classes accepted. Open to weapon trading; looking for high-powered sniper rifles, SMGs, and

Game Brainsss

2009-10-29T11:08:00.002-04:00

This week's Game Brain, now with 50% more brain-related puns!

Blunda from Down Unda!

2009-10-22T19:47:00.005-04:00

This week, I'm calling the Censorship Board of Australia out on their BS. Have look here.I should be careful about pissing off Australia, though. I'm terrible at Jarate and counter-sniping.

GB MIA

2009-10-22T08:02:00.004-04:00

OK, so Game Brain is in today's Herald, but wasn't posted online. It's probably the last thing to go in the paper, and my editor forgets to upload it. Never fear! I'll get it posted this evening when I go into work.

Brutal Legend Review

2009-10-18T17:53:00.001-04:00

Chicks dig it, dudes envy it--All Hail the Druid Plow!All in all the campaign alone, though short, would be worth the ticket price for this unique gaming experience. Every aspect of the game is impressive artistically and technically. Brutal Legend offers more than the single player though it offers an exciting multiplayer experience as well. Read the full review at The Venturian.

New features

2009-10-17T16:28:00.003-04:00

Next week's column is done! I threw in as many Australia-related puns as I could.A big thanks to those that weighed in on last week's column at the Western Herald website. I'm working on getting a better flow between the column and the Herald, so you don't have type as much. Working on a Facebook page too; I've lost interest in Twitter, so don't hold your breath on a feed.Speaking of feeds, I've

This Week's Column

2009-10-15T23:22:00.001-04:00

Game Brain: the charm of story-driven games

Think Australian

2009-10-13T11:38:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking about doing next week's column today (or at least starting it). One topic I've been wanting to cover is Australia and why they are so ban-happy over there. Their censorship rivals Europe (mainly Germany). Crikey!So, I need to do a little research about the organizations that are responsible for this red tape. If I word things right (and by right I mean harsh and funny), I'll probably

Game Brain: feeling a little cheap and used?

2009-10-08T10:23:00.001-04:00

Game Brain: feeling a little cheap and used?

A-Rab Monay

2009-10-02T11:56:00.004-04:00

As if the title "The Ballad of Gay Tony" wasn't inflammatory enough...I'd be an idiot for expecting GTA to have good taste. I'd also be an idiot for not enjoying this trailer and looking forward to the expansion. It's just too bad that there's bound to be all sorts of negativity about this "racism". But when has GTA ever been about fine, upstanding, law-abiding citizens?Mobsters, gangstas,

Game Brain 10/1/2009

2009-09-30T23:14:00.005-04:00

Gentlemen (and Ladies)! Behold!This week's Game Brain! The Herald never got around to posting last week's column, so I'll try to get it uploaded myself later this week. If not, maybe somebody will pirate it out to ya'll.Piracy is wrong, I do not condone it. I am also a hypocrite. Anyway, enjoy the column!

I've Sold Out

2009-09-27T15:32:00.003-04:00

Yes, that's right. I've sold my blog out to Google and AdSense in order to make a quick buck.However, it's for a good cause. I plan on using the proceeds to pay for a .com URL for Game Brain (gamebrainonline.com or gamebrain.com, etc). I will still be using Blogger for posting and editing, so everything except the address will remain the same.Please feel free to click the ads if you want to help

Meet the New Boss

2009-09-25T12:25:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when the Conners play "Family Fued"Something Awful has a Photoshop Phriday this week featuring video game bosses... in all the wrong places. I should post whenever SA has something video game-related, which is quite often.

Game Brainless (Again)

2009-09-24T13:41:00.002-04:00

For some reason, today's Weekend Scene has not yet been posted online. Hopefully later today? I'll get the link to my new column posted as soon as it's up.

Back in Black!

2009-09-16T23:42:00.005-04:00

A Shadow and certain dark knight seek Asylum on your video game console! The Brain is back, after a slight delay. Head over to the Western Herald to read about two interesting summer releases that occupied plenty of my time.You'd be crazy not to read this week's Game Brain. Like the Joker, only less homicidal.

Guess who got delayed the other night?

2009-09-12T21:49:00.003-04:00

Sorry kids, Game Brain was not featured in this week's Weekend Scene as planned. Rest assured, it will be appearing next Thursday (9-17) in print and online at Herald website. There are plans for revamping the site, so stay tuned for that as well.I was thinking of doing a Twitter account for Game Brain. But then, how would I tweet when I'm gaming? And who cares?

Greetings from Slacker Complex!

2009-08-28T00:12:00.002-04:00

I technically have a lot to post, but I've been too busy enjoying my new PC and "Shadow Complex". I probably should get a few posts up before school starts (Sept. 8). I'll be negotiating for my old jobs as columnist and copy editor for the Western Herald soon. That will probably take up the majority of blogging time this fall, especially with an important semester at school.Now promises, but I

That's Gamer

2009-08-13T18:38:00.002-04:00

I understand the good intentions behind this ad campaign, but they've gone and shot themselves in the foot. It's similar to telling someone, "Don't say 'gay', retard!"The term "gamer" carries a lot of negative baggage, though not quite as much as the words associated with LGBTs. Obesity, incompetence, violent behavior and crime... all stigmas that are associated with video games and those that

Fall 2009 Hots n' Nots

2009-08-02T09:47:00.008-04:00

In two weeks time, I'll be back home in Kalamazoo, enjoying a brief vacation before starting my senior year of college. I have some catching up to do video game-wise; I'm behind on two content packs for "Fallout 3" and have been itching to try "Shadow Complex" for XBLA.There's never enough time for video games in the fall, especially when so many new titles are released within a few months of one

Down the Dark Path

2009-07-25T13:38:00.002-04:00

It may seem strange that I didn't but "The Force Unleashed" last fall. After all, I'm both a gamer and a huge Star Wars fan. But this new DLC may just be the impetus for me to pick up this mediocre hack n' slash adventure.

Who Watches the Watchmen? I did and I Feel Conflicted.

2009-07-22T19:58:00.004-04:00

What do I see when I look into his face? A guy who needed more screen time. Watchmen is for comic fans what Citizen Kane is to movies and Crime and Punishment is to the novel--arguably the highest artistic expression of the genre. As such there's no doubt then that any translation into another media is bound to be a struggle at best and destine to failure at worst. Enter Zack Snyder stylish

No thanks for sharing

2009-07-12T13:14:00.003-04:00