Coming Soon: Mass Effect 2

If you've played games like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, or Mass Effect, than you already know that Bioware is (of course, in my opinion) one of the best game developers out there right now. Bethesda Softworks is a close second, gracing our gaming world with The Elder Scroll series (Morrowind and Oblivion) and most recently my current favorite Fallout 3.  Anyway, the game Mass Effect easily took the cake (and muffins too) for game of the year 2007. It is a beautifully designed game complete with a GREAT story, solid characters, and a fun real-time fighting style. But I think what makes a game like this really great is (drum roll....) all of the work and creativity that went into creating the mass effect universe.

One of the things that makes me a total dork is I like living in worlds that other people create. Mass Effect is a game (well, soon to be series) that takes every little detail and expands on it in the codex. The codex is basically a journal of sorts that lets the player in on the details and all the nerd-age that went into developing such a vast and complex universe. For example, if you wanted to know how your weapons work, it's in the codex. If you want to know more about an alien species, it's the codex. If you want to know about planets, systems of government, currency, weapons, technology, it's ALL in the codex.

You'd think this entry was about the codex. I'm just saying, this is a very well developed game, and if you decide to buy a copy (Currently for 360 or PC) you will NOT be disappointed. 

All this to say that Bioware has announced the release of the sequel (called Mass Effect 2....yay!) and the unique thing about this sequel is it will (this is still rumor, but a pretty confident one) take your save file from the first game and pick up where you left off in the second one. Mass Effect is one of those 'choose your own path' sort of games and the decisions you make in the first game (who lives, who dies, that sort of thing) is said to directly effect the story in the second game. Pretty neat-o huh? I think so. If you just buy the second game without playing the first, you will be brought up to speed on the events in the first game. This is really lame, and most of you should probably just buy the first game and play it and see what the hype is all about.

Here's a teaser, just to wet your pallet.

Caroline: and the Revenge of the dyslexics

Animation over the past several years has really taken off into several different styles and....ugh. I feel like I'm writing for a friggin magazine. This isn't a magazine. This is a blog damn it. 

I went to go sit in on a film class yesterday which happened to be seated in the middle of a movie theater with a movie playing. How distracting when I'm supposed to be learning something. I decided that I should just watch the movie and about halfway through the film I realized that the movie was the class. Interesting. The whole experience was far more enjoyable after I wasn't scared of being scolded by the teacher for paying attention to the movie instead of his class.

See? This is why I don't drink coffee in the morning.

The movie was Coraline and it was very beautifully animated. The style was Tim Burton-esque but was not (to the surprise of many) Tim Burton. It was, as my friend skippy simply put it 'more colorful' then most of Tim Burton's work. It was directed by Henry Selick and for this project, he used the good ol' stop motion method. I thought it was CG but I just researched it (you're right, I have the Wikipedia tab open) and it wasn't. For more info on the nerdy stuff, I suggest you visit the Wiki yourself. This is one Movie I have to say everyone should see. The plot isn't what you're there for, it's the magic and wonder and all the pretty colors. Oh, and see it in 3-D. It would make a HUGE difference in your experience. 

I've heard of them: Mates of State

You know those bands that you hear about over and over (and over and over) again but you never make it a point to check them out because you already think you kind of know what they sound like because of all the bands they're associated with? Well I have that problem too, and because of that, I miss out on some really great music. Lucky for all of you Blame it on the Media followers, you have me, the fearless LSDiesel, who makes the voyage into the realms of the unknown, the obscure, and the dangerous to let all of you back at home know what's worth checking out and what is just...crap.

I had a very long and exhausting weekend, and I thought that I would come out on the other side with nothing to show for it. Well, besides a headache and swollen lymph-nodes (don't ask) I was told by a good friend Stephanie to check out this band called Mates of State. LastFM had beaten Stephanie to the punch, but like with all music recommendations, I waited until I heard about them at least a hundred times before I actually decided to go and give them a listen. I need to be less lazy when it comes to exploring new music fronts. In fact, I should probably be less lazy with all things that require only a computer and fingers that are able to type.

I also have a new resolve to let you (the reader(s)) know what you're getting in to before you just take my word for it and run out and buy (or torrent) the music I recommend because I know that my word is at least bronze to most of you. Mates of State has a similar sound to Stars, Eisley, Rilo Kiley, and The New Pornographers so if you enjoy those bands, I think you'll enjoy this one. And please, do us all a favor and at least listen to the thirty second previews on itunes. Don't assume that you know what any band sounds like because you could be missing out on your new favorite.

Thank you Stephanie for the tip.

I like my Cabaret Dark: Amanda Palmer

Every once in a long while, there comes along an artist who sets the bar just a tad higher. Someone who takes things to the next level. In this case, I am talking about the one and only Amanda Palmer from the Dresden Dolls.

Her look, her attitude, and most of all, her music, makes her stand out from the rest of the wannabe dark-cabaret artists out there. There isn't much to be said, and she's one of those artist that you'll either love or hate. You will either think she is artsy, out there, and totally bad-ass or you'll think she's a man trying very hard to be a lesbian. Again, in the interest of not just TELLING people about music, I am going to graciously include a few videos from her CD entitled 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer?'

Also, her web-site is very well done and worth your while to check out.
Click the HYPER LINK! for direct access.

And now....some videos.

Guitar Hero


Leeds United

Thanks again goes to Sydney, for always keeping me hip and trendy.

Dragon Ball Evolution: Lookin Good in the Neighborhood

So if you've been on the internet at all within the past few months, you may have heard somewhere (maybe even from Blame it on the Media? Huh? Huh?) that there has been a Dragonball moving in the making. Up until now, there hasn't been a decent trailer, meaning that all the trailers so far made the movie appear to be just...meh. But THIS trailer makes me want to run out and see it. I'm serious. Even if the plot sucks, the movie itself still looks incredible as far as special effects go.   

Don't believe me? Well see for yourself.

How ironic I would post this considering my previous entry...

Fan of Foreign Films? Let the Right One In!

I love Vampires. In fact, I go to bed every night just wishing I'll wake up to the sun burning my flesh and then immediately running to the basement and spending my days in solitude and my nights roaming for victims. You think I'm kidding, but I have it all planned out in case it ever happens. Now all I need is someone to turn me so if any of you know of any vampires living in the area please call me. No joke. I want to be immortal and drink people's blood.

While I'm waiting for my dreams of undead goodness to come true, I usually immerse myself in as much vampire related media as possible (so that when I get turned, I'll know what to expect...duh) and was REALLY glad when I found this Movie. It's a Swedish film that translates to 'Let the Right One in' and is based off the novel of the same name. I enjoy it because it is a very original and unique take on vampires. It's not a fast-paced exciting movie, it's actually rather slow and subtle. I like foreign films because they're usually a tad more realistic than  most American movies  that just stuff a film full of as many special effects as they can and cast really bad actors (Keanu Reeves, Hayden Christiansen, and what have you) into their films. This movie is story driven, and to someone who only watches awful movies like 'The Fast and the Furious' it would be boring. This movie isn't fast or furious but it is good. Especially if you're a tasteful individual.

Yeah, I basically just said if you don't like this film, you have no taste. What of it?

 

Metronomy: The study of Metro...or something like that

I'm not generally a fan of Music Videos. Most of them are lame or an obvious attempt for shameless promotion of the band (or the record label, or even the director of the music video) and it really makes me angry sometimes. So when I DO find a good music video, I'm inclined to share it. Not that my opinion is golden, but maybe another precious metal of slightly lesser value. 

In short, this is one of the most original music videos I have seen in quite some time. It's by the band Metronomy and the song is called 'A Thing for me' and while the song isn't mind-blowing, the video is definitely  (20 years old, and I still have to use spell check to spell definitely) worth watching. If not, you get your money back. Just kidding. I'm taking your money and moving to Mexico.

Thanks to my wonderfully beautiful friend Sydney, who is always showing me something cool.

Welcome Back: The Blink 182 Reunion

Ahh, reunions are so lovely. A time for coming together and catching up on the past, a time for sharing personal growth, a time for burying the hatchet, and for the members of Blink 182, a time for bringing the ol' band back together. That's right folks. The Blink 182 hiatus is officially over. The three members of one of the world's most well-known punk rock groups has announced that they have began talking again and hanging out, but more importantly, they're back in the studio making music again!

Okay, so while they're music isn't the most complex or even sophisticated, I think the fellow Blink fans will agree that their music has had a huge influence on that whole music scene. Now, the fans are all eagerly awaiting the return album from the trio.

The official announcement was made at the 51st annual grammy awards. The band came out together on stage for the first time in four years and told the audience that they would be playing music together again and they cannot wait to start recording and touring the world just like old times. Then they handed Coldplay the grammy for the best rock album of 2008. That kind of ruined it for me. Love Coldplay, but seriously? Best Rock album of 2008? I would've picked Kings of Leon over them, but that's just my personal opinion.

Burn after Watching: Why? Just...why?

Well, you asked for it! No, actually you didn't, but I am going to tell you anyway. Although many people would argue with me till the cows come home (which they better, and soon) I thought it was an overall kind of lame film. Not gonna lie, by the end (After an onslaught of 'WTF's and 'BBQ's ) I came to the conclusion that I didn't like the film.

I did like PARTS of the movie. In fact, I like PARTS of most every movie and if it's Titanic, I like the naughty PARTS. I always enjoy watching good actors perform and this movie is full of good actors most notably Brad Pitt and George Clooney in my opinion. The movie was actually very interesting and I liked it very much up until a certain point and then from there it came spiraling downward and crashed into a nearby farmers cornfield killing his daughter and her boyfriend who were having a 'picnic' out there. Sorry Mr. Jenkins. My your heathen daughter and that Farmer brat from down the street rest in peace. 

Where were we? Oh yes, Burn After Reading. In short, it was good up until the last twenty minutes. In my opinion, how you end a story is almost as important as how you start one. But, I'm no bigot. See for yourself. It's one of those 'like it or hate it' kind of movies. 

Revenge and Stuff: Transformers 2

Oh boy do I have a treat for all of YOU. In my search for something to blog about, I came across the TV spot for the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007's Transformers. It was first aired during the super bowl sunday night and since more than half of America was watching the game that night, many of you have probably already seen it. But, for those of you who were passed out already or going to fetch another beer from the cooler at the time, I have graciously decided to upload the video right here! Isn't that sweet of me?

The Revenge of the Fallen (okay, so the name kinda sucks) will be in theaters on June 26 and will pick up where the first movie left off. It is still being directed by Michael Bay, and yes, Shia LaBeouf will returning with the lead role. I don't have a problem with that because he's a good actor. A little brat maybe, but still good for the role.

I will see you all opening night! I'll be the one in the red cardboard box costume belting out phrases like 'Autobots, Roll out!'