Tag: Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk #174: LeBron James’ One-Hour ESPN Spectacular

People are torn about LeBron James announcing his “big decision” on a one-hour special on ESPN. Some feel that it’s a brilliant move that takes advantage of modern media. Others feel that it’s a disgustingly egotistical move, despite the advertising proceeds going to charity. Should a player with seven years of NBA experience and zero championship rings be making that big a deal of himself?

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 American Idol tour failing to sell tickets, Bobbi Eden’s World Cup oral sex challenge, or Stumptown’s Guatemala Finca El Injerto, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

People are torn about LeBron James announcing his “big decision” on a one-hour television-special on ESPN. Some feel that it’s a brilliant move that takes advantage of modern media. Others feel that it’s a disgustingly egotistical move, despite the advertising proceeds going to charity. Should a player with seven years of NBA experience and zero championship rings be making that big a deal of himself?

Then there’s Kevin Durant, who gave James’ detractors another talking point by announcing his sizable contract extension with a simple Twitter post. Yeah, the situations are very different, but the contrast can’t be denied.

Personally, I think LeBron is making himself look like a knob; making a spectacle out of his employment decision seems callous when so many Americans can’t find jobs. How do you feel about ESPN’s LeBron James Free Agency Summer Spectacular? Is it sheer genius or a dick move?

Coffee Talk #173: Do You Finish Your Games?

My friend Ted pretty much plays anything he gets his hands on. Sure, he loves his “gamer” games, but he’s my only friend that has played Dora the Explorer, those crap Burger King titles for Xbox 360, and dozens of casual iPhone/iPad games. I’m positive that he’s started more games than anyone else I know.

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, Lindsey Lohan heading to the slammer, Vinnie Del Negro coaching the Clippers (or really, someone actually wanting to go there), or your final LeBron James prediction, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friend Ted pretty much plays anything he gets his hands on. Sure, he loves his “gamer” games, but he’s my only friend that has played Dora the Explorer, those crap Burger King titles for Xbox 360, and dozens of casual iPhone/iPad games. I’m positive that he’s started more games than anyone else I know.

That said, he doesn’t finish most games he plays. I would be genuinely shocked if he finished more than a dozen games in the last decade. Keep in mind that he’s worked as a videogame journalist, a game evaluator, and a designer since I’ve known him, so he’s had access to a ton of stuff (which makes his love of those Burger King games even more perplexing).

What are you gaming habits like? Do you finish most of the games you play? Or are you a chronic dabbler like Ted? Estimate your “batting average” when it comes to beating the games you buy/rent and leave it in the comments section (please).

Coffee Talk #172: Counting Down to Digital Distribution

In the last ten days I spent two hours waiting for a PSP game to download and four hours waiting for an Xbox 360 game to download. In both cases I was annoyed and agitated that it took so long to download a relatively small amount of data. Six hours for a little over six GBs?!? That’s a step above cavemen banging two rocks together to start a fire!!! But you know what? It beats the crap out of the alternative.

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 NY Knicks signing Amare Stoudemire, Team Armstrong vs. Team Landis, or the the super pretentious Paris Apple Store, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

In the last ten days I spent two hours waiting for a PSP game to download and four hours waiting for an Xbox 360 game to download. In both cases I was annoyed and agitated that it took so long to download a relatively small amount of data. Six hours for a little over six GBs?!? That’s a step above cavemen banging two rocks together to start a fire!!! But you know what? It beats the crap out of the alternative.

Waiting two hours for a PSP is much better than going to a mall, dealing with crowds, and interacting with funployees. The four hours the Xbox 360 download took is much better than waiting for a package to arrive. I’m so ready for digital distribution to be the norm. I can’t wait for console companies and crap-bag ISPs (like my friends at Time Warner Cable) to get their acts together so that digital distribution can happen now.

I know that some of you still have issues with digital distribution and that a few of you still love boxes (I don’t get it). Are you anxious for digital distribution to hit? Or is waiting okay with you?

Coffee Talk #171: M. Night Shyamalan Exposed

I am thoroughly enjoying the reviews for The Last Airbender. I love that M. Night Shyamalan is getting called out for some shoddy and expensive work. I’ve always resented him a bit (I’ll explain shortly). At best, I thought he was a one-trick pony with good directing skills and poor writing skills (which makes him Bizarro Kevin Smith). At worst, I thought he was an overrated hack. So yeah, I’m enjoying the skewering he’s getting for ruining Avatar.

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, MLB all-star snubs, the best fireworks you saw last night, or Alton Brown’s grilling secrets, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I am thoroughly enjoying the reviews for The Last Airbender. I love that M. Night Shyamalan is getting called out for some shoddy and expensive work. I’ve always resented him a bit (I’ll explain shortly). At best, I thought he was a one-trick pony with good directing skills and poor writing skills (which makes him Bizarro Kevin Smith). At worst, I thought he was an overrated hack. So yeah, I’m enjoying the skewering he’s getting for ruining Avatar.

You see, I had to like Shyamalan. One of my best friends and former roommates, Steve, is Indian-American. I championed famous Indian-American celebs on his behalf (all three of them) and he championed famous Filipino-Americans on mine (all four of them). For a while, Shyamalan was a press darling — not liking him would’ve broken this sacred covenant Steve and I had. Besides, I enjoyed Unbreakable.

The good news is that the rise of Aziz Ansari has made it okay to dislike Shyamalan. I’m pretty sure that an up-and-coming comedian that’s cool and edgy allows me to knock off a hack film writer. I’ll have to check with Steve. Anyway, let me know what you think of M. Night Shyamalan’s work. Are you fan? Do you think he’s overrated? Are you pissed that he’s butchered Avatar: The Last Airbender?

Coffee Talk #170: Your 2010 Videogame Backlog

In yesterday’s Coffee Talk, we discussed the games we loved in the first half of 2010. It really is remarkable that so many excellent games have been released already. The problem is that it’s really hard to play all the great ones. Today I want to know what awesome 2010 releases are in your gaming backlog.

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, Mel Gibson’s love of racial slurs, Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, or Steve Carell leaving The Office, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

In yesterday’s Coffee Talk, we discussed the games we loved in the first half of 2010. It really is remarkable that so many excellent games have been released already. The problem is that it’s really hard to play all the great ones. Today I want to know what awesome 2010 releases are in your gaming backlog.

My backlog is ridiculously high. I started a few of these games, but didn’t get very far. Some of them are still shrink wrapped. Here my list: BioShock 2, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mass Effect 2, God of War III, and MLB 10 The Show. Sadly, I don’t know when I’ll get to these fine titles. My weekend playlist is full and I promised a friend (and myself) that I’d get around to completing Blue Dragon this year. *sigh* Priorities.

Now it’s your turn! What 2010 game releases are in your backlog?

Coffee Talk #169: Your Favorite Game of the First Half of 2010

2010 is halfway over! Since it’s halftime, I wanted to see what your favorite game of 2010 was, thus far. It has been a very unusual year for the videogame business with so many outstanding games released in the first half of the year. Which one was your favorite?

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, Twilight: Eclipse taking over the world this week, Tony La Russa supporting the tea party, or Funny People, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

2010 is halfway over! Since it’s halftime, I wanted to see what your favorite game of 2010 was, thus far. It has been a very unusual year for the videogame business with so many outstanding games released in the first half of the year. Which one was your favorite?

As for me, not much has changed from Q1 2010. I’ve enjoyed Dragon Age: Origins Awakening, Heavy Rain, and Final Fantasy XIII the most. If I had to go with one, I’d pick Dragon Age, though I’m surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed FFXIII the more I’ve played it.

Now it’s your turn! Let’s have it ladies and gents. What has been your favorite game of 2010 so far?

Coffee Talk #168: Your Console and Electronics Updating Patterns

Yesterday I updated the software for my HTC Evo 4G and PlayStation 3. Both had updates that were released yesterday. I was actually surprised that I updated so soon. Usually I wait a few days to see if there are any bugs or annoying quirks caused by the new software. For various reasons (okay, it was cloudy…and updating firmware makes me happy), I jumped the gun and didn’t following my usual updating pattern.

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, Roger Federer’s upset at Wimbledon, red pandas, or Stumptown’s Costa Rica Brumas Del Zurqui, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Yesterday I updated the software for my HTC Evo 4G and PlayStation 3. Both had updates that were released yesterday. I was actually surprised that I updated so soon. Usually I wait a few days to see if there are any bugs or annoying quirks caused by the new software. For various reasons (okay, it was cloudy…and updating firmware makes me happy), I jumped the gun and didn’t following my usual updating pattern.

How do you handle updates for your consoles, mobile phones, etc.? Do you update straight away, like I did yesterday? Do you wait a few days to make sure everything is kosher? Perhaps you only update when it’s absolutely necessary, like when a certain game require a newer firmware version. Kindly share your console and consumer electronics updating patterns in the comments section.

Coffee Talk#167: Who’s Your Favorite Boutique Publisher?

Here’s another simple Coffee Talk topic for you: who’s your favorite small publisher? In the gaming industry, it seems like every other story is about Activision or Electronic Arts, but smaller publishers are important to the business as well. I love that Atlus bring quirky Japanese games to America. I love that Nicalis helps small games like Cave Story get attention.

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 NXT season one rookies being renamed “The Nexus”, the stupidity of penalty-kick shootouts, or class action suits against Apple, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Here’s another simple Coffee Talk topic for you: who’s your favorite small publisher? In the gaming industry, it seems like every other story is about Activision or Electronic Arts, but smaller publishers are important to the business as well. I love that Atlus bring quirky Japanese games to America. I love that Nicalis helps small games like Cave Story get attention. Small publishers give gamers access to lesser known games and developers. Publishers like Atlus and Nicalis add variety and character to a cookie-cutter business.

As for my favorite boutique publisher, I’m going to go with NIS America. I love Nippon Ichi Software games, especially Disgaea and its various spin-offs. The company brings over loads of great RPGs that are different, cute, and fun. Plus, prinnies are awesome.

Now it’s your turn! Who’s your favorite small publisher?

Coffee #166: Is PlayStation Plus a Better Value Than Xbox Live?

Sony made a bold move at E3 2010 with the announcement of PlayStation Plus. A premium addition to its PlayStation Network service, PlayStation Plus launches tomorrow, June 29. It’s available for $17.99 for three months or $49.99 for 15 months (one year + a three-month bonus). For this chunk of change you get free PSN games, the Qore video-magazine, PSN discounts, automatic update downloads, full-game trials, and more. Here’s a PlayStation Blog post with more details.

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, your pending application to be a FIFA referee, the summer of LeBron kicking off this week, or A-Rod + Cameron D, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Sony made a bold move at E3 2010 with the announcement of PlayStation Plus. A premium addition to its PlayStation Network service, PlayStation Plus launches tomorrow, June 29. It’s available for $17.99 for three months or $49.99 for 15 months (one year + a three-month bonus). For this chunk of change you get free PSN games, the Qore video-magazine, PSN discounts, automatic update downloads, full-game trials, and more. Here’s a PlayStation Blog post with more details.

On paper, PlayStation Plus looks like a better value than Xbox Live Gold. Microsoft’s excellent service gives you online play, access to certain content, and discounts on games. It”s different from PlayStation Plus in that gamers are primarily paying for online play with Xbox Live Gold. Sony’s service is more about non-essential (but valuable) content and services. That said, people love console wars and will compare the two no matter how different they are, so I might as well do it here too. Ha!

I’m excited to see how well (or not) PlayStation Plus works. For now, let’s discuss which service offers the better value, on paper. Do you favor Microsoft’s rock-solid and time-tested Xbox Live Gold? Or do you think PlayStation Plus is where it’s at? Kindly vote in the poll and elaborate in the comments section!

[poll id=”56″]

Coffee Talk #165: What Game Have You Played the Most?

Today’s Coffee Talk is super simple. I want to know what game you’ve played the most. Easy, hey?

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, all four major American mobile carriers having hot phones in July, the Chicago Bulls getting a ton of salary cap space, or holding your phone properly, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Today’s Coffee Talk is super simple. I want to know what game you’ve played the most. Easy, hey?

As for me, it’s definitely Pokemon Pearl. I spent a year writing a Pokemon column for GamesRadar. I also happen to love the series. Put those two things together and you get 600+ hours of Pokemon Pearl. It seems rather insane after typing that number out.

Now it’s your turn! What game have you played the most? Kindly give a guestimate of the hours you’ve put into it. This will be a fun getting-to-know-you exercise. I can’t wait to see your comments!