Pokemon Sun and Moon: Hopes and expectations

In January of 2013 I wrote an article listing features and changes to the established series I’d like to see in the then recently announced Pokemon X & Y. A lot of the things I listed came true in some form or another, while others were conspicuously absent. In hindsight X and Y were still fantastic continuations of the series, taking it to the obvious and inevitable next level on the 3DS.

With the recent announcement of Pokemon Sun and Moon, what we’re all expecting to be the 7th generation of Pokemon games, I have a whole new slew of hopes and expectations for the new games, some of them build on the surprises given to us by the last games, other based on the few failings of them. Continue reading “Pokemon Sun and Moon: Hopes and expectations” →

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice: How it could have been better

I hate being the guy who has to say I told you so. Especially when it comes to something like this. Off the back of Man of Steel, I had some very distinct concerns about the coming DC shared universe, especially if it was going to feature another Zack Snyder movie. But I pushed those worries down as March drew closer and tried my very best to give Batman V Superman the chance to impress me. Sometimes, being right sucks.

I wouldn’t flat out describe the movie bad. It does have its redeeming qualities and does an awful lot to set up this new shared universe it wants to create, the problem is that it is to its own detriment. Batman v Superman is too focused on being some kind of event, or jumping off point, and it makes the whole experience far too busy to be properly enjoyed on its own.

Continue reading “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice: How it could have been better” →

My misgivings of VR and the mainstream audience

I’m still skeptical about VR. About this supposed virtual renaissance we’re about to go through. I don’t doubt that gaming media will be filled with stories about VR in the coming months, that it’s going to be a big talking point for a while. Billions of dollars of Facebook money has made it obvious that it’s an inevitability. Where my misgivings about VR are bubbling up is them finding their way into the average person’s home, becoming the staple device that the console or PC are by the end of this year or next.

Video games media is gushing left and right about the upcoming VR headsets, but it’s easy to say that when you’re getting guided tours of the future. I’m not trying to be petulant here, I’m just stating that in the position of privilege games media find themselves in, of course they’re going to see this for the exciting innovation that it is. The hard sell, and nobody is fooling themselves that this isn’t one, is getting these devices in people’s homes. Continue reading “My misgivings of VR and the mainstream audience” →