Category: Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk #208: Airplane Movie Reviews!

I caught up on several movies while flying to and around Asia. Most of them were new releases that are out of theaters but not yet available on Blu-ray/DVD. There were some surprises for me, but for the most part I was happy that I didn’t pay money to see these movies in theaters. Here’s the rundown.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Intelligentsia’s Organic Ethiopia Sidama Shilcho, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. being a racist prick, or your fantasy football team, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I caught up on several movies while flying to and around Asia. Most of them were new releases that are out of theaters but not yet available on Blu-ray/DVD. There were some surprises for me, but for the most part I was happy that I didn’t pay money to see these movies in theaters. Here’s the rundown.

The Karate Kid: I had a huge problem with this movie conceptually. The martial art used in this film is kung-fu, not karate. In my head it just confuses kids into thinking that all Asian martial arts are the same…which is just a step away from saying all Asians look the same. Still, I heard that Jaden Smith was absolutely charming in this movie and I was curious to see if superior genetics spawned a great star. In my opinion, the genes cancelled each other out. Smith is just another crappy child actor. I’m convinced that everyone that praised his performance was really kissing his parents’ asses. Most importantly, the Karate Kid remake didn’t have the awesome music that powered the first two films. Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best” is legendary.

The Cop Out: Kevin Smith gets tons of praise for his writing and loads of flack for his directing. I was surprised that a studio gave him a movie — with none of his fantastic writing — to direct. There are a handful of laughs in the film, which wasn’t a surprise because Tracy Morgan is hilarious, but for the most part it really sucked. Ironically, Smith’s did a capable job directing the film. The writing was just mediocre.

Shrek Forever After: I like the Shrek movies. They’re entertaining for children and adults. While this one is a step down from the previous films, I was entertained. It’s pretty much what I expected and wanted from Shrek. That said, I’m happy I didn’t pay $10 to see it in a theater.

The A-Team: This movie surprised me. My expectations were low and they were absolutely obliterated. It’s a fun, fast, and stupid flick with some sweet action. Liam Neeson wasn’t nearly as ridiculous as I thought he’d be and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has a nice future in action movies (if he wants it). Although Jessica Biel is completely unbelievable as a military women, she’s always nice to look at. Out of all the airplane movies I watched, this was my biggest surprise.

Iron Man 2: I love this movie (except for the 15 seconds with “Bolivia Bunn”). The dialog and action are fantastic. I watched it at least five times, with several partial viewings that were interrupted by sleep. I haven’t watched all the big movies of 2010, but out of the ones I’ve seen, this was my favorite.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on any or all of these movies. Fire away (please)!!!!

Coffee Talk #207: While You Were Out

The title of this edition of Coffee Talk should really be “While I Was Out”, but then it wouldn’t fit in with one of my favorite Mr. Majestic trade paperbacks. Majestros is cool and underrated. You should read his books. Anyway, today’s question is really simple: what was the biggest gaming news while I was away from the site?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Kaval winning NXT season two, that giant woman from NXT season three, or if you’re buying a new iPod Touch, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

The title of this edition of Coffee Talk should really be “While I Was Out”, but then it wouldn’t fit in with one of my favorite Mr. Majestic trade paperbacks. Majestros is cool and underrated. You should read his books. Anyway, today’s question is really simple: what was the biggest gaming news while I was away from the site?

I’m still in Asia catching up on the industry from afar, but I heard a lot of buzz on the new Xbox 360 controller, Epic’s iPhone game, and Steve Jobs claiming that iOS was bigger than Jesus the PSP/Nintendo DS as a gaming platform. So what happened in the last week that was super huge in your opinion?!? I really want to know…because…well, I missed you all!

Coffee Talk #206: Story More Important Than Graphics?!?

A few days ago, Rpadholic bsukenyan made some interesting statements on the importance of story over graphics in videogames. He wrote:

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the latest Apple iTV rumors, seeing a chicken get its head chopped off, or your prediction for NXT season two’s winner (go Kaval!!!), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

A few days ago, Rpadholic bsukenyan made some interesting statements on the importance of story over graphics in videogames. He wrote:

This idea of “mobile gaming is about to erupt” also supports story over graphics in the classic which is more necessary debate. Story is much more important. I think there are plenty of arguments to be made in favor of story, but for the sake of this topic mobile gaming as the platform works for right now. If graphics were the only thing that made games great then we wouldn’t be having this discussion now, mobile gaming would have already erupted because the graphics are already extremely good.

While story is more important to me as a verbal entertainer and an avid reader of nerd things (comics, R.A. Salvatore, etc.), I completely disagree it’s more important than graphics in the grand scheme of things. In fact, it made me shout out a Brian Fellow, “That’s crazy!!!” Graphics are sexy. Graphics sell consoles. Casual gamers are wowed by the hottest graphics and rarely care about the latest compelling story. The vast majority of people are into visuals, whether it’s games, movies, or members of the opposite sex.

Hopefully bsukenyan forgives me for calling him out (I swear I’m not picking on you), but it’s an interesting debate (even though I know I’m right :P). What’s your stance on videogame graphics vs. story?

Coffee Talk #205: Games You Hate Because of Their Writing

The other day we talked about games we loved because of their writing. Now it’s time to enter the bitter barn and drink some Haterade, because we’re going to talk about games we loathed because of their writing! A bad story can ruin an otherwise excellent interactive experience. In my opinion, game writing has been getting better and better. Even games that are essentially mindless exercises in action are using top-quality writers. Still, there are plenty of dark episodes of the past to discuss.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Chad Ochocinco’s expensive tweeting, whether Ochocinco should start using foursquare, or the joys of jet lag, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

The other day we talked about games we loved because of their writing. Now it’s time to enter the bitter barn and drink some Haterade, because we’re going to talk about games we loathed because of their writing! A bad story can ruin an otherwise excellent interactive experience. In my opinion, game writing has been getting better and better. Even games that are essentially mindless exercises in action are using top-quality writers. Still, there are plenty of dark episodes of the past to discuss.

As for me, I’m going to cast a vote for Superman 64. Not only was it a crap game that set a new (and horrific) standard for crap games, but the plot somehow made it okay for the Man of Steel to fly through rings like an idiot. That particular activity is just fine for dolphins, seals, and killer whales. Superman jumping through hoops?!? Preposterous, lame, mind-jarringly awful — too many negative descriptors come to mind. I feel worse just for thinking about Superman 64 and it’s stupid story.

Now it’s your turn! What games did you hate based on their writing?

Coffee Talk #204: Mobile Gaming is About to Erupt

Mobile gaming is about to get huge. Yeah, I know it’s a pretty big deal now and one of the fastest growing segments of the entire gaming industry, but it’s going to get super huge. More importantly, it’s going get super huge in a way that you care about. Why do I say this? Two reasons: Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and id Software’s id Tech 5.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the three hottest MILFs you can think of, why Christina Aguilera did/didn’t make your MILF list, or that crazy red stuff my Chinese clients made me drink last night, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Mobile gaming is about to get huge. Yeah, I know it’s a pretty big deal now and one of the fastest growing segments of the entire gaming industry, but it’s going to get super huge. More importantly, it’s going get super huge in a way that you care about. Why do I say this? Two reasons: Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and id Software’s id Tech 5.

At the end of last year, Epic was showing off Unreal Engine for iPhone. At the recent QuakeCon event, id showed off an iPhone engine that uses some of same technology as id Tech 5. In both cases the demos were extremely impressive — way better graphics than what you see in the vast majority of mobile games. Developers are already doing a much better job of making fun games that utilize a touch interface. With tools like Unreal Engine and id Tech, mobile games are going to get even better.

What do you think of the mobile gaming market? Do you think it’s set for a huge boom in 2011? Do you think Epic and id can kickstart a graphics race on the iOS and Android platforms? I know that a few of you just aren’t into mobile gaming at all. Will sharper graphics change your mind?

Coffee Talk #203: Games You Love Because of Their Writing

Here’s a Coffee Talk request from RPadholic bsukenyan. He thought it would be a great idea to discuss games we love because of their writing. That’s a fantastic idea! Obviously you’re all huge fans of the last two Smackdown vs. Raw games due to outstanding storylines that are better than what WWE comes up with, but let’s be fair and talk about other games.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Hanson brothers vs. the Jonas brothers, the last time Eric Roberts played someone that wasn’t himself, or Entourage’s cocaine/porn angles, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Here’s a Coffee Talk request from RPadholic bsukenyan. He thought it would be a great idea to discuss games we love because of their writing. That’s a fantastic idea! Obviously you’re all huge fans of the last two Smackdown vs. Raw games due to outstanding storylines that are better than what WWE comes up with, but let’s be fair and talk about other games.

Y’all know that I’m a huge BioWare mark. One of the biggest reasons for my BioWare fandom is that the company emphasizes quality writing. From storytelling to characterization, BioWare’s writers are among the best in the business. Take Shale from Dragon Age for example [possible spoilarz ahead!]. Most people would agree that she’s one of the funniest RPG characters in years. In addition to the laughs, the writers got you to care about her plight, which made the search for her past more meangingful. Hell, finding out Shale was a “she” was an excellent twist on its own! Sure, it’s not the Shawn Michaels or Mickie James storylines from Smackdown vs. Raw 2010, but this is outstanding stuff from one of the best storytellers in the business. I’m just amazed that the writers made a moody, pigeon-stomping golem that millions of gamers could enjoy and empathize with.

How about you guys and dolls? What are some games you love based on their excellent writing?

Coffee Talk #202: I Want My Wikipedia TV!!!

Most of you know my television habits — I watch WWE wrestling, HBO boxing, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and American Idol. Compared to most of my friends, I don’t watch a lot of TV. I never got into Lost or 24. While I’ve enjoyed some episodes of Dexter, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, True Blood, and [insert popular show here], I never really cared enough to follow those series regularly. I’m generally more entertained by the Internet than television, but there’s one thing that would absolutely keep me glued to the tube: Wikipedia TV.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the stupidity of beanball contests, Intel buying McAfee, or Antonio Margarito getting rejected for a California state boxing license, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Most of you know my television habits — I watch WWE wrestling, HBO boxing, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and American Idol. Compared to most of my friends, I don’t watch a lot of TV. I never got into Lost or 24. While I’ve enjoyed some episodes of Dexter, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, True Blood, and [insert popular show here], I never really cared enough to follow those series regularly. I’m generally more entertained by the Internet than television, but there’s one thing that would absolutely keep me glued to the tube: Wikipedia TV.

In my head there’s this interactive Wikipedia experience on television that’s powered by Google Android’s voice search. Results would come up illustrated by oodles of photos and videos. Each entry can be narrated by the voice of your choice (all of my Wikipedia entries would be narrated by Kevin Conroy). This would be a brilliant way to waste time and learn. Kids would get much more out of this than the Disney Channel. Hell, I want to have kids just to see them become geniuses through Wikipedia TV.

What do you think of my vision? Would you use it? Are you even interested in interactive television? Should I call Kevin Conroy’s agent and have him record my voicemail recording?

Coffee Talk #201: Foursquare is Like Xbox Achievement Points

I’ve been having a blast with foursquare for the last two months. A lot of people hate the location-based check-in service, but I don’t think they get it. Sure, it’s another way for vain people to use the Internet to share more mundane details of their mundane lives, but foursquare can be fun and useful. I love checking out where my friends eat, drink, and shop; I’m more likely to try a restaurant an IRL friend likes than a random one. The baseball lover in me marks out at all the stats available on foursquare; it’s interesting to see the patterns and statistics of your social life.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Akron hating on Cleveland, Wyclef Jean’s bid for presidency, or Justin Timberlake being a celebrity Android lover, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been having a blast with foursquare for the last two months. A lot of people hate the location-based check-in service, but I don’t think they get it. Sure, it’s another way for vain people to use the Internet to share more mundane details of their mundane lives, but foursquare can be fun and useful. I love checking out where my friends eat, drink, and shop; I’m more likely to try a restaurant an IRL friend likes than a random one. The baseball lover in me marks out at all the stats available on foursquare; it’s interesting to see the patterns and statistics of your social life.

The biggest reason I’m into foursquare is because it’s like Achievement Points on Xbox 360. I’ve told several of my friends that foursquare is like getting Achievement Points for life. You get points for checking in when you go out. You get bonus points for checking out places that are new to you. The points are absolutely useless, just like the ones earned in Xbox 360 games, but I want them! I love competing with my friend Tom each week to see who can rack up the most points by Sunday. It’s good fun.

Besides, I’m still hoping that foursquare will lead to me getting a beautiful 19-year old stalker. Anyway, let me know what you think of check-in services like foursquare. If you think it’s irritating now, just wait until Facebook and Google unveil their versions. This stuff is going to be huge!

Coffee Talk #200: Gamers Should Hate Freddie Prinze, Jr.

It’s the 200th edition of Coffee Talk! I want to thank all of you for helping me make it this far!!! If you’d like to thank me then please do me a favor and start hating Freddie Prinze, Jr. You see, I saw him over Summer Slam weekend at the lobby of the Sheraton. Freddie used to be a writer for WWE and was visiting the wrestlers. Anyway, start hating him. Like now.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the awesomeness of Bryan Danielson, the soap opera that is the NY Mets, or stupid bombs on Wilshire, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

It’s the 200th edition of Coffee Talk! I want to thank all of you for helping me make it this far!!! If you’d like to thank me then please do me a favor and start hating Freddie Prinze, Jr. You see, I saw him over Summer Slam weekend in the lobby of the Sheraton. Freddie used to be a writer for WWE and was visiting the wrestlers. Anyway, start hating him. Like now.

Freddie is young, handsome, and rich. He’s also a total nerd. He loves videogames. He loves wrestling. I hate that he turned his markdom into a job with WWE (especially when my WWE writing skills are far superior to his). I hate that he’s young, handsome, and rich. I hate that he’s married to an incredibly hot woman. And by hate, I mean I’m completely jealous of this man to the point where I almost have a crush on him.

To help me deal with this issue, please let me know if there are any celebrity gamers that you hate. If you like, I can hate them too!

Coffee Talk #199: My Summer Slam Weekend

Man that was an awesome weekend — great WWE action, fantastic friends, good food, and mingling with WWE Superstars! Here are some random highlights.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Scott Pilgrim needing your support, Dustin Johnson being the victim of a stupid golf rule, or the latest threats to net neutrality, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Man that was an awesome weekend — great WWE action, fantastic friends, good food, and mingling with WWE Superstars! Here are some random highlights.

– It’s always great to see the crew from Yuke’s Yokohama. I make lots of jokes about my tiny involvement in their game, but these cats work really hard to pump out a strong WWE game on a yearly schedule. They’re awesome.

– Melina is much prettier in person than on TV. I learned this when I met her a few years ago. I was reminded of it on Saturday. She’s also unnervingly sweet.

– The Sheraton bar was great on Saturday and Sunday. Among the people hanging out were WWE Champion Sheamus, Edge, Christian, Michael Hayes, Mark Henry, Kaval, R-Truth, Finlay, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Percy Watson, and Jack Swagger. I’m definitely forgetting a bunch of people.

– The only time I got nervous around WWE talent was when I bumped into Arn Anderson. The dude’s a legend and one of my all-time favorites. His spinebuster still rules!

– I marked out massively when Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) was announced for the Summer Slam main event. I enjoyed most of the card, but that had me out of my seat, screaming, and pumping my fist. (Keep in mind that I was in a luxury suite and not on the floor, where it would have been more appropriate.) Total mizzark moment.

– Hanging out with my boy Jose from Electric Playground is always excellent. However, two days of screaming “Ask him!!!”, “Excuse me!!!”, and “What’s up?!?” (like R-Truth’s) has completely screwed my voice for the week. And with that, I shall leave you with a song and a question: People on my site, what’s up?!?