Hi, My Name is Rick, And I Have A Problem.

Thinking back on the last episode of The Walking Dead, I realize Rick may have a problem. When we first met Rick, he took out a little girl walker. When we last saw Rick, he took out a little girl walker. After those barn doors opened during the last episode and a horde of walkers raged out of the barn, Rick just stood there, watching the massacre. Then, as soon as Sophia stepped out, he couldn't get to the front of the firing line fast enough to raise his glock and blast a giant hole right in Sophia's face. Rick my friend, why do you get so much enjoyment out of slaughtering little girl walkers? Why Rick? Why?

Of course this is just a joke and I'm sure that as soon as he saw Sophia, the little girl who caused so much chaos and who Rick had risked life and limb to find, in that one moment, he had a revelation. A revelation that everything the group had been through under his leadership was all for nothing, and he had to question everything he had been so sure about just moments prior. That Shane wasn't crazy, that in fact he was probably the most level headed person in the group who seen things for what they really were. And in that moment, by pulling the trigger, he was killing his perception of the world.

The Walking Dead returns in 4 weeks and 2 days. Bring it.

Mood: Chillin'

The Horde Movie Review

I love zombie movies, it has always been one of my most beloved genres since I was a kid. But lately, it seems like everybody and their mothers are making zombie flicks, so it's hard to know which are gonna even be worth your time to watch. Luckily, The Horde was one of the better zombie films I've seen in awhile. The events unfold kind of fast and without warning or explanation but that didn't seem to work against the film as much as I expected it to at first.

It starts off as a violent revenge flick with some really intense stuff, then, outta nowhere, quickly does a complete 180 and becomes a zombie flick. That was really my only gripe with the movie, was that it had no hint or build up as to what might've been going on, all of a sudden, it just was. But all in all, the movie was graphic, violent, and full of rampaging zombies that looked really good, fx wise. The story is good, it keeps you knowing that things could erupt at any given moment between the band of survivors and had a somewhat satisfying ending that made it worth the watch. If you like zombies. Which I do.

My Rating: 7/10

Mood: Chillin'

My 5 Favorite Games of 2011

With it's amazing and innovative face mapping technology and it's classic look, this game was worth playing even if everything else about it sucked, but it didn't. For the first time, we got to play detective and interrogate scumbags and were in complete control of how the story unfolded. Throw in some action play in the traditional Rockstar Games style and some really cool cameos and this game was a complete win.

This is one of the most visually stunning games I've ever played and yet it's nothing but black shadows against a foggy grey background. The game has no dialogue, no back story, no fighting or weapons and yet is completely effective. The story follows a young boy as he enters Limbo to find his sister, it's an old school side scroll game which main features are walking and jumping over obstacles and figuring out puzzles to progress and I had a blast with it. It's one of the most creepy, unsettling games I have ever played and even as short as it is, it still stood out among all the big titles of the year to walk and jump it's way into my top 5 of the year.

Dead Space 2

Graphic brutality, disgusting creatures, and horrifying situations. This game knew just how to grab my attention. Great controls with the over the shoulder shooting angles made the gameplay extremely smooth and the jump scares just kept on coming. I damn near had a heart attack while playing this game, even when nothing is coming at you or even around, you're completely on edge. You can travel through so many areas and not encounter a single enemy but because of the brilliant sound track, you're heart stays in your throat. There always seemed to be little noises and grunts and growls everywhere and I never knew when something was pop around the corner.

The story was intense and the game pulled no punches with the gore. From the first few minutes of the game I knew what I was in for. The game starts with you traveling through the ship that's being overrun by flesh eating creatures while you're trying to escape while wearing a straight jacket, then as soon as you're freed by another crew member, the dude slits his throat right in front of you. This is all within the first 5 minutes of the game! It grabs you by the balls in the first act and just when you think they're gonna let go, they squeeze a little tighter.

#2.

Infamous 2

Never has a game made me so emotional in all my game playing years. Twice actually. The great thing about this game (as with the first) is that from the start, you get to choose a path with the decisions you are forced to make. Hero or Villain? Are you a man of the people, or greedy sumbitch who's only out for himself? Whichever path you ultimately choose, not only effects the story and the ending, it also effects your powers. Which means 2 full playthroughs of the game means 2 different experiences. That's 2 games for the price of 1! What a steal!

The parkour is one of the most fun things about the game. Climbing up buildings, grinding on power lines, hanging from lamp posts and throwing lightning bolts. It's gameplay is a huge highlight, but that's not all it has to offer. It also has a wide variety of powers to choose from, so many so that you couldn't possibly equip them all at once because the aren't enough buttons on the controller to handle them all!

For me though, the biggest and best thing about this game, is the story. Mainly the ending(s). Both ending are completely heart wrenching, and they both were beautiful in their own right and stuck with me for a long time after. And it's one of few games where I actually watched the credits roll all the way until the end as they recapped some highlights of the game to the haunting tune of "Fade Away" by The Black Heart Procession which was the perfect song to end the game with. (chokes up) I need a minute.

#1.

Batman: Arkham City

I didn't even have to play this game, I could've just watched someone else play it and it still would've been my number 1 pick. But I did play it, and not only is it my favorite game of the year, it quickly became my favorite game of all time. Featuring more villains than you could shake a batarang at, a wide variety of cool gadgets, and a story that would make Christopher Nolan's nipples harden with excitement. Not to mention a surprise ending that would make the biggest fanboy smile ear to ear, and a shitload of kick ass DLC including a wide selection of Batsuits, and 3 extra playable characters in Robin, Catwoman, and Nightwing.

This game had everything you could hope for. Awesome graphics, a terrific score, solid gameplay, and perfect voice over work for every character. Plus an open world for just flying around and finding thugs to beat up, and some really fun challenges for when you wanted a break from the main game, and 440 Riddler challenges for those who enjoy puzzles (like myself). I could play this game all day long, and have. I have zero gripes with this game and one of the biggest travesties is the fact that a game like Skyrim, which is full of yet to be fixed bugs and glitches, can come along and steal all the thunder from this game. Game of the year? Game of the century.

Mood: Chillin'

Retreat Movie Review

This was a hell of a mind fuck of a movie. The whole time I was watching I was thinking "something else is going on here" and then I find out it's not, and then a little while later I find out it is, fast forward a few more scenes and I find out it's not again, then by the last act, I find out it was. But when all is revealed, I got the truth that I didn't see coming, and it floored me. That wasn't all, just when you think you know what's real and what's not, boom, another curveball thrown at your temple and you're blinded once again. Then the credits roll and you pick up your jaw and go about your day.

It's a movie that has all the right stuff to stick with you, but because of the pacing and very drab scenery, it's easier to right off after it's over. I enjoyed the flick, but it's one that I know I will never watch again, not because it sucked, it just isn't the kind of movie that warrants a second viewing. Cillian Murphy is one of my favorite actors and he does a decent job as the gullible, nervous man of the house Martin. Thandie Newton does well in her role too, but I think the standout of this one is the very intense Jamie Bell, who completely steals the show.

Retreat was worth the watch as it doesn't demand too much with it's 86 minute runtime, puts on a good show of going back and forth of what's really happening and what's bullshit, kicks you in the nuts with its finale and then escapes your mind until you see it on the shelf at Best Buy years later when you ask yourself "Did I see this? Yes, I remember, I did. I think.".

My Rating: 7/10

Mood: Chillin'