How Occupy Ruined V for Vendetta

Initially Anonymous had the right idea cloaking themselves behind the Guy Fawkes mask. He’s a powerful portrait of an underdog. But as a symbol for the [pretty much dead] American-Political Revolution– it just isn’t right. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t presume that Occupy [or the Tea Party despite their lack of Fawkes] lacked passion or patriotism. I’m expressly of the opinion that before any group dons this particular mask they should appreciate and understand who Guy Fawkes actually was.

Protests set to resume [on both sides of partisanship] mid 2015

I take political revolution very seriously. I shouldn’t have to state that, but some people think it’s a joke. I’d give my life if I believed it could promise a better future for the rest of the world. Occupy had some great ideas! To give you an example, when we look at this planet from space we don’t see boarders. (At least I don’t)That was a message which resounded throughout the Occupy movement. It was indeed a movement I could get behind [and OH BOY I did]. A wide spread discussion about peace and making change happen through brotherhood was taking place! It was about refusing a system which cared nothing about our conditions as happy humans. Very hippy, and although I am not a hippy, I like anything that says we should be mirthful and treat living things with respect. But Fawkes, was a terrorist. His motives were very Robin Hood and he was the anti-hero a lot of us comic book nerds cherish. Nevertheless, he wasn’t a fucking hippy. Fawkes was a seasoned war veteran of the Spanish army. He was wrought into something devious during the 80 Years War. He planned on murdering King James (ring a bell Christians?) so that his daughter (a Catholic)  could succeed him! There was nothing neither bloodless or amicable in his persona. The personification of “V” in film and book alike understood that– Occupy Wall Street, not so much.

Guy Fawkes was part of a Catholic regime. King James was threatening the acceptance and power of Catholicism. In the 1605 King James I ordered all Catholic Priests to leave England. So Fawkes and a band of fellow Catholic Crusaders gathered explosive barrels of gun powder and snuck them underneath a segment of Parliament where the King would be at midnight that evening [November the 5th].  Fawkes was the explosives expert, Fawkes was caught, Fawkes was tortured at the Tower of London- and ratted out other members of his conspiracy clan, Fawkes was hung… IN JANUARY. The 5th of November is actually a celebration of the Kings survival— as ordered by King James himself!

Remember Remember…

Guy Fawke’s Confession Signature

His idea– which could not be executed along with his body, sparked something artistic. But, if you hadn’t of read the comics or watched the movie would you still want to get behind that idea? Occupy and Anonymous were gathering behind the dramatized “V”, of course, but who is “V”?– V for Vendetta is my favorite movie.– I watched it maybe 600,000,000 times last year. My boyfriend is seriously so sick of that movie and whenever I put on a film when he’s not looking– it’s the one I pick. The Wachowski Siblings did a marvelous job– no matter what Alan Moore says. On the other hand, if they’d left the ideals of the characters more ambiguous as most of the gripes from purists groan, then it wouldn’t have been so easily placed in the narrative of civil unrest befitting 2012 America.

Original Creator

The comic did a great job of explaining the difference between anarchy  and chaos. In the video I linked [previous paragraph] Moore states, “It’s not the 99% that cause chaos, it is the 1% who are in charge… we need an administration, we don’t need people to boss us about,”– and those ideas are ideas we’re just not ready to accept as a nation. V for Vendetta, the comic, is very British. Guy Fawkes is a British symbol, and fascism was a real threat to many even still alive when it was published. Moore also brought you the humanity behind government party officials– showing you bad guys you actually care about– and showing you what power does to any man no matter his profession… be it television fame or dictatorship.

The Wachowski’s!

V for Vendetta  the movie, was powerful and definitely more Americanized. The motives of all involved were clearer. But that still didn’t change the fact that “V” [Hugo Weaving] basically gave Evey [Natalie Portman] Stockholm Syndrome so she would be a pawn in his plot, and in cold blood assassinated various people for the sake of [duh] vengeance… In the real world that’d be totally unforgivable under almost any circumstances [at least the giving a random girl Stockholm Syndrome part would be!]

So once again, I turn to Occupy Wall Street, and ask, what were you thinking? You aren’t badass anti-hero hackers looking to balance the world by fighting evil with evil. You were chillin’ in Bryant Park rolling cigarettes and waiting patiently and peacefully for the men in charge to hear you out— and then they said ‘no’ and it was over! I want to concede that “an idea cannot die” was the core ideal– but I can’t! I’d also add that surely a more fitting model for the cause would have been… I don’t know, Gandhi, maybe?

Portrait of Our Guy! 

I support Occupy- but if it wants to be “V” it’s missing something explosive, even if not literally. But I beg of you, don’t get the movement and the figure intertwined! Occupy’s publicity and the media [be it the news or comics] have turned Fawkes into a brand and not a symbol. Why else would I be enjoying my Pizza in Soho, ONE YEAR LATER, only to be asked by some strung out club kid ” Could you tell the owner I’m your friend; so I can use the bathroom without buying a slice?” And oh yeah, if I could just hold his mask for a moment– he added. So now, for me and for many, even the movie and books feel diluted because of those who cling to the mask without adhering to its historic precedent. The movement and the man simply have nothing to do with each other!

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Idris Elba Could be Bond, & That’s Okay!

 

Is that you, Mr. Bond?

Idris Elba is a quality actor, and I’m a little disturbed at how much hate people have reserved for the Golden Globe winner when him and Bond get mentioned in the same sentence. Sometimes it’s about him being black (actually, most of the time it’s about him being black) but occasionally you see someone trying to mask their own preferences and biases with bullshit excuses. Let’s gather the facts, he’s brawny, handsome, talented, can play a bad ass, and is from the UK. I don’t see much of a reason to get pissed off about this notion. James Bond actors always catch a little slack in the start, but Idris hasn’t even been given the official okay. In fact, Daniel Craig still has a contract for 2 more movies! Yet I see heated discussions on the topic all the time. (Granted I frequent no-holds-barreds forums). But I’m finally sick of it and have sat on the topic for a bit of time.  Here are a few of the reasons why they nay-sayers and especially the color haters, are  probably a little slow, in my humble opinion.

1. James Bond was white in the books:

Well, Bond was described in From Russia with Love, in case you’re like me and wondered which book. And as per Wikipedia, (the most reliable source on the web) you’d be wrong,” Bond’s physical description has generally been consistent: slim build; a three-inch long, thin vertical scar on his right cheek; blue-grey eyes; a “cruel” mouth; short, black hair, a comma of which falls on his forehead. Physically he is described as 183 centimetres (6 feet) in height and 76 kilograms (167 lb) in weight.”– no mention of skin color but one could argue that it’s implied with the light eyes. I’ve seen descriptions of Bond with a more muscular build rather than slim, and a clear definition of blue eyes… but who cares. I mean we’ve had a brown eyed Bond, and frankly I don’t think a blue eyed black man would fare too awfully– let’s not pretend like we don’t have colored contacts in 2013! If we can look past the little details that weren’t quite there for the past actors I think we can give Idris some contacts and call it canon! And news flash, Daniel Craig is blond. U mad?

Oh shit… well, he doesn’t have a cruel mouth so…

fuck off! 

2. I think he’d be better as “M”… or anyone else:

I love this argument because I don’t remember people being THIS pissed off when “M” was made a woman for the past [almost] 10 years! I didn’t see Judi Dench damping the box office sales. It’s also a way to not attack Idris as a quality actor because there are no legitimate reasons to not cast him. Personally I thought Anne Hathaway was a  terrible choice for Cat Woman… but I got over it quickly. Bond is a name that sells no matter what– much like Star Wars. How many of you bitched and still bitch about the terrible prequels, however went to see Episode 1 opening night in 3D? Exactly, shut the fuck up. The gender and color of an actor should not be a major factor when you consider certain movie roles. Idris has said himself that he didn’t come to the USA to play black roles- just roles. And that’s exactly what he’s doing. James Bond is a fictional character, it’s not like you cast Will Smith to play the Queen of England, it’s fiction not documentary. Remember when I mentioned Daniel Craigs hair, well he could have dyed it. But he didn’t and I’m glad he didn’t. Both Skyfall and Casino Royale did exceptionally well despite his hair, I know I enjoyed them both.

We should be considering talent the paramount feature here, right?

Well, yeah…

3. They should make a new character– based off of James Bond:

Great idea! This one is my favorite because it’s the easiest to dissect. This suggests that someone should make an almost identical franchise only with black people! I’m sure that hasn’t been done before— has it Tyler Perry? No? Well, let’s have you and Spike duke it out for a minute then! — Anyone who would suggest this isn’t even trying to not sound racist. Yeah, I said it, racist. What the fuck is wrong with people that they are so turned off by the color of an actor that they’d suggest they make an entire new franchise for him instead! How is that even fucking logical?! No, really, who says that out loud? If you at some point thought this was a good argument against casting a black Bond… stop, because it’s not. It’s so insulting to insist that some unchangeable physical qualities of an actor should not allow him or her to be in an already successful franchise. And then in the same note suggest that said actor could do very well in a different, unassociated, but similar one. Being black isn’t like being obese, it’s not due to faulty glands or bad habits. Do you see what I mean? Being a purist Bond fan is one thing, but this type of argument is blatant ignorance. Please, spare us all your stupidity! You’re probably the same kind of person who would protest affirmative action because you think college didn’t give you financial aid for being the wrong color. Yeah, that’s fucking wrong too but it’s the same exact fucking problem.

4. I’m Just Against Liberal Socialist Hollywood Standards:

This suggests that Hollywood casts actors of different races solely because it’s politically correct. And unfortunately as long as we have scumbags who see life as black and  vs white, perhaps there will always be some truth to it. But take a moment to read a quote by Idris from 2011 and then tell me for certain that Idris doesn’t deserve a shot at the role because he’s dark skinned. When Linda Wertheimer of Morning Edition asked Idris if he’d consider trying out for the role of James Bond he proclaimed, “I’d not only get in the cab [to meet with producers] but I’d take the taxi driver out of the car, hostage…jump out while it was moving, jump onto a pedal bike that was just past the door as I got on it, and then get onto a plane—on the wing—land on top of Sony Studios, slide through the air conditioning, and land in the office,”– Sorry, but he at least deserves a casting call for his resume and enthusiasm. And not just him, but LOTS of actors could be good Bond characters and even Bond himself. We let color get in the way of our considerations and that’s why something as horrible as racism still exists in all shades and cultures. It’s a fucking virus and it needs to be stopped! Not regulated, it needs to be consciously stopped and taught through compassionate and sane individuals who breed. That’s not me being a liberal, that’s me being empathetic.

Black, Brown, Yellow, or Normal!!!

5. He’s Too Old… or He Will Be:

You know, this is the only argument I’ve seen that I can agree with. Why? Because Daniel Craig (as I mentioned before) is in contract for 2 more movies. By the time they decide on a director, a book to shoot, various other red tape yadda yadda yadda… it will probably be too late for Idris. So yeah, CC: me on this argument and I’ll cosign.  But even still, he’s not that old. With the right director and cast he’d still be convincing even after all those years. Then it’s just a matter of contract. I’m not going to go too into this because it’s self explanatory and this article is long enough.

Take it with you that I’m not saying Idris is the end all and be all to the Bond Legacy. I hope that we still have yet to see the best of the best when it comes to our cherished spy. Just don’t be so quick to spew ridiculous slander over such a non-talent-factor. Fans of  the comic petitioned and roared over  Elba being cast in Thor. And he played the part of the Heimdall the Gatekeeper seamlessly! Actually, if it weren’t for my interest in James Bond I never would have even known that anyone gave a fuck that he wasn’t white for that role! I didn’t realize people still gave a shit about this and perhaps that’s what prompted me to care in the first place. In NYC the color of the act isn’t why you give your money or go out and support the talent. I mean I know people have preferences with dating and mating… not that I’m promoting that either, but do you really care about the color of Heimdall? It’s not affecting your life! That’s so fucking shallow it’s unforgivable.

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Who Else is Excited About the PSU?

I’d buy it. *Raises Eyebrow*

So… I have to admit that the Playstation 4 looks fantastic! Sony says, “[the] PlayStation 4 is centered on all of you –the gamers.” I ask, “What took you so long Sony, and why do I feel like you’ve told me this before?” I can remember vividly the 2005 unveiling of the PS3, and its promise to challenge the ‘status quo’. And although they’ve made some efforts I don’t grant their efforts valiant. So after the backhanded slap you gave us with the Vita, why should we trust you this time? (Is it because this time Kaz Hirai wasn’t the speaker?– sneaky Kaz!) Seriously, this seems like an expensive high-res Wii U… but I’m willing to look into it more.

I’m gonna quit trollin’ for a minute and say with sincerity that this looks like an amazing system. I just don’t want to pay $650.00 (and that’s being really fucking conservative) for it. Why did I jump so low with that number… I don’t know but it’s my instinct. I’ll bet you $600.00 that this system is going to cost no less than $599.98. (Anyone stupid enough to take me up on that bet?– because I could use the money to pay for one of my own  at launch if you are!) Maybe I’d be more accepting of this price if they’d added backwards compatibility. What do you think, fair?

Seriously though, Playstation tried to pull out all the stops with this system! They truly called out some of the greatest modern minds in gaming. Sony promises these goliaths pooled together to make this system ‘revolutionary’, I hope that they can pull it off.” Guerilla Games (Killzone: Shadow Fall), Sucker Punch (inFamous Second Son), Evolution Studios (Driveclub), and Japan Studio (Knack), as well as titles from our partners such as Activision/Bungie (Destiny), Blizzard Entertainment (Diablo III), Capcom (Deep Down), and Ubisoft (Watch_Dogs) “, all confirmed as per Playstaion.Blog as first party games for the system already! Is your mouth watering? Because my sure as hell is!

The time is upon us!

The talk of utilizing the independent gaming developers are what really excite me. I know that when you find a diamond in the rough so-to-speak it’s really something special. Sony seems to understand that as they have some offbeat games thats popularity may have surprised everybody. Look at Flower! It’s a great example of that quirky xy axis being the fulcrum in a game so popular some may call it viral. I know that for me it’s sort of a guilty pleasure how much fun it is. Simplicity sometimes really makes a game, and occasionally you just want to relax with something stimulating, challenging, and plain peaceful. That’s a big appeal to Tetris for me, for instance, its gotten me through some challenging work days. And perhaps I’m on a different planet, but when a company promises revolutionary I’m anticipating something at least as uncommon as Flower! Not that it’s going to be another Facebook machine linked up to my social life and ready to publish my every move and trophy to my wall. That’s kind of creepy Sony and I really hope it’s a completely optional feature! (Also, they cited on their blog that you will be able to play game demos of new titles on the PSN… how is that a new concept?)

Now that it’s out in the open, my desires are that after companies can move past trying to push the boundaries of technology and start focusing on challenging and enjoyable games. —Maybe even push back against the first person shooters just a little harder. — Don’t get me wrong, I love shooting zombies as much as the next girl, but I got tired of it-got back into it- and now I’m really getting tired of it again. Please, let’s not forget the need for a  system capable of running every game to its full capacity! We all know that the PS3 had stellar graphics but they kind of jammed a lot in there and made it difficult for players to enjoy games such as Skyrim to their full potential. Actually, there are claims that a few people couldn’t play it at all. Some say that the issues with that game in particular weren’t Sony’s fault, but then again there were claims that the red ring of death wasn’t running rampant back just a few years (2007-2009ish I’d guestimate from my own memory alone)… so you be the judge. My suggestion is to not buy games by  Bethesda on the PS3, but that’s just my well-meaning advice.

Speaking of advice…

I always try and save the best for last, and the best features I’ve seen so far for this console are tied. One is the elimination of loading saved files! (ANGELS ARE SINGING RIGHT NOW!) Granted it seems to me that it’s an actual mode (suspend mode)…  that’s still cool be able to leave in the middle of a save point and return the next day able to pick up right where you left off with the touch of the power button. I also love their approach to making the Vita a companion piece to the system and the ability to play certain games on both systems with only one purchase. This is reminicent of the Wii-U (console + handheld system), but still this is HUGE for my family. Just so you know! Because my boyfriend is a console gamer and I’m a handheld nut and the fight always rages on over who is going to get the game in the format they prefer. THIS feature may very well be the answer to making my house the perfect home because lets face it… Nintendo isn’t exactly the best system for the Mature market… yet!

It may very well also be just the thing those of us who take long commutes to work or school or wherever have been looking for when you have game at home that you just don’t want to put down! Since the tagline for the Vita blatantly told you it was console gaming on the go, this feature is so important for them to move consoles in both the major PS4 and Vita handheld markets complementarily.  With promises for a loaded library and E3 still on the horizon I’m so excited for the coming months– and especially the  holidays– to see how this really unfolds… And don’t forget we still haven’t seen the actual console! Maybe they’re saving that for Japan too, just like all their courtesy. (I had to do it… sorry)

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SOPA Didn’t Pass– SO WHAT? Say the USA!

I think we who frequent the internet can recall the controversial SOPA Act that didn’t pass back in 2012. I for one was relieved knowing that Google hasn’t yet quite ruled the world. We sacrifice a lot willingly on the internet, just take Facebook for example. But what I read today baffled me. Major internet companies are implementing ‘policy’ of a 6 strike system to internet pirates! They threaten to slow down your internet for a period of time, and even force you to pay a $35.00 fee after the 6th strike! FUCK OFF! I’m not going to even touch how this could effect places that offer free WiFi such as college campuses, because as my readers I anticipate you can do that math yourself.

AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and Cable Vision all claim it is to discourage ‘casual piracy‘ but let’s be frank– these companies are tired of losing business (i.e. people like me who only pay for internet instead of overpriced commercials) because we’re too savvy. I have Internet, basic television, I have AdBlock Plus, I have Netflix… and when all of those don’t have what I want I have “piracy”. Because I’m not going to pay $250.00 a month for the fluke chance that there is something not legally available and commercial free for me on the internet within a timely manner. Even UFC is available through Xbox Live! I mean seriously, I pirate maybe 5 times a year at best.

They’ll find a way around this. These crusaders for the rest of us.

You may be saying, you only pirate 5 times a year, how come you’re so pissed off? I’m rip-roaring mad because this is just another example of our American Justice System of Checks and Balances FAILING due to monopolizing companies bought out by “special interest groups”! I pay for my music, I pay for my movies, but sometimes I care about a History Channel special that isn’t available without a hefty instillation and monthly fee. Yeah, you can argue that if I don’t want to pay the cost then I should just do without. Well, I do want to pay the cost, it’s just too damn high! Maybe these cable stations should take the hint that times are achangin’ and evolve just like newspapers have!

I’ll forego these major companies and move to third party third rate services if this actually effects people I know, or myself. Perhaps since the Justice System has undoubtedly failed, the free market will prevail. Internet piracy isn’t just about free movies and music. I don’t think 2 Chains is hurting. Don’t forget that ‘pirating’ also makes available knowledge and educating materials to countries and impoverished people who don’t have the same opportunities we have in the USA. And without the crusaders here providing them with the resources we take for granted and most of us don’t even use, these learning thirsty people in the third world would never have a chance to know. Knowing is powerful, and it shouldn’t ever have a price tag. Sometimes things aren’t so black and white, I know I’d steal from a rich man to feed a poor child if I couldn’t afford it. I feel even more strongly about feeding their minds. 

Yo PS4, I’m really happy for you , I’m going to let you finish but before I do…the PS VITA?!

A not-so-surprising announcement was made yesterday about the PS4 release. We all know that E3 is the coming months and I don’t think there was a doubt that Sony would allow Nintendo to show them up for another year after the WiiU dropped. There was, however adversely, a surprising announcement for today! The declaration that Japan will be seeing a price drop in the Vita, but we here in the states will NOT. Or so says Sony Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida.

Why you gotta break my heart Shuhei Yoshida?

Hopefully this pissing me off doesn’t surprise you. I’ve posted about this before. I was in high spirits that phase two of the Vita was due, and in turn (assuming there were no truly significant improvements) that the Vita’s price tag would better reflect its worth. I’m not saying that Sony produces complete shit. I like Sony a lot I just can’t stress enough that I have no faith in them anymore. I also can’t stress enough, I really believe they have little to no regard for their American patrons.

It seems as though the Vita will pick up in Japan and continue to fail in the west. I’m a HUGE handheld gamer, but this shit’s got to end with Sony. I stated before how I waited for the 3rd gen PSP, because Sony always needs a practice run… or two. They’ve got to be kidding me if they think I (and I’m sure many of you) can’t wait it out for a more worthy priced first generation Vita. I was hoping they’d make some improvements too it and launch a second gen version at the least for E3. But the prospects look dim after that announcement. I feel like the Western Market is the redheaded stepchild when it comes to customer appreciation and Sony products.

Wake-up and smell the rip-off!

Despite my silence so far, I’m actually a big Nintendo “fangirl”. And when stood side-by-side, as far as treating your customers better goes, Nintendo WRECKS both Sony and Microsoft. When the 3DS failed, Nintendo not only fixed the price, but allowed 200 credited downloads to the people who bought the 3DS when it was super expensive! When the Vita fails, Sony turns up its nose and dies a dignified death. There was once a time when I would have defended any Playstation product with my life, and I just can’t anymore. They aren’t innovative anymore, and they aren’t showing any sort of leniency when it comes to a starving market. I’ll still buy their products… but probably not till they’re trying to rip the rest of you off with another generation of hyper-inflated merchandise.

Before you attack me that the Vita is much more expensive in Japan than it is here (using current exchange rate values) know that I know that. I’m not a fucking moron, now let me clarify why that’s irrelevant to me. I ask you when was the last time Sony offered America truly exclusive content? In other words when was the last time Sony created games exclusively for the West? There are so many titles that never see the light of day here in the US! And because systems are designed so they cannot play out-of-region software I have a right to pay less money for the version with the least amount of content. I’m not being offered the advanced package so therefore I will not pay the same price as those who are. If I cared to, I’d buy a system from Asia at that price, and therefore eliminate that problem. With the age of the internet upon us it’s more than possible. But I want a regular American system, at an acceptable price!

I’ll make a post about the PS4 soon, after I’ve cooled off. I’m legitimately raging right now at the blatant idiocy of a company I once adored.

PS Vita and Why I Just Can’t Love Her Yet…

She’s such a tease!

Since I feel  like being on a video game ramble and roll, I’ll continue today somewhat where I left off yesterday. Maybe it’s the girly girl in me or perhaps it’s my disdain for the boring… but I adore colored consoles. I find skins lame and I don’t understand why there aren’t more options for a PSP or a Vita like there are for Nintendo… or like their own assorted color controllers for that matter! I’m not 5 years old, but I was almost ready to sell my soul and my red 3DS the second the Midnight purple model dropped (Droooools). I almost repeated my color lust for the icy sleek white PS Vita & Assassins Creed Liberation bundle in December.

I didn’t, hence the almost, but I’m scared I may end up regretting it now because they’ve taken the gorgeous white model out of production. Ultimately knowing that E3 is around the corner and with it, most likely, a newer Vita. I’m anticipating, naturally a slimmer Vita, with less kinks and more reliable WiFi. But will it be available in white?! And that brings me to another vital feature that’s much more pressing than color. The WiFi’s reliability is essential because, let’s face it…wouldn’t it really piss you the fuck off if while downloading Ripto’s Revenge anticipating extreme nostalgia only to be met with a flunky connection and a download failure?

I waited years to purchase a PSP only because I knew (rightfully proven) that it wasn’t going to be perfect until at least the 3rd try. The first model had the world’s shittiest batteries and it felt really clunky to hold. Not to mention how heavy and awkward it was to hold, but undoubtedly a step in the right direction. By the time the 1,000 rolled into a store near me I’d almost lost hope completely because it still wasn’t right. Then finally, the charm, the mythical 3,000! The PSP 3,000 continues to blow my mind on a regular basis. I was just playing Tomb Raider the 10th Anniversary edition not even 45 minutes ago and legitimately re-falling in love! I didn’t feel that way when I test drove it on the original PSP. Actually, those controls caused me almost as much torment as the original. (Speaking of which,  am I the only one who felt that original Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft was… ungainly? )

Consider why I’m hesitant to take this plunge and tell me if I’m over thinking it or just plain wrong. I buy games for Sony systems for two reasons other than unrequited love:

1. I anticipate beautiful scenery, sound, and graphics.

2. I anticipate smooth game play.

Based on critical reviews of lagging during multiple enemies in Liberation, and issues with the screen not being up to par, we can safely say  it’s fallen a little short.. just like the original PSP. I have faith that Sony will fix this in the next Vita, and perfect it by the 3rd, much like the PSP.  The Vita is an expensive system that needs a lot of improvement, so warrant a cost of nearly $300.00? When rumors began to circulate that like Nintendo, Sony would be dropping the price, Sony denied a price drop claiming (roughly) ‘ patrons prefer quality to affordable pricing‘, similar to the response to a floundering PS3 in 2007. Unfortunately, Sony can count on me holding out. Perhaps just for hoping that something flashy to push me over the edge like a solo sold Vita in white.

I loved Playstation, it was my first system as a child and I really want to remain a loyal patron.  I have no faith in them making my experience fluid and reliable be it their crappy wireless controllers, their unfaithful customer service when their 3DTV’s fail, or the fact that they consistently need a few practice runs to perfect their expensive handhelds. I don’t know why they insist on being this way, Sony makes it so hard to love them anymore!

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My Dreams for the Future of Xbox, come E3 ’13

Since this is going to be my first public post I’m not keen on getting into heavy opinions or radical ideas. Believe me when I say that I have them and I’ll get to them later. I’m a master of rubbing people the wrong way and I’ve come to terms with that.  Tonight I’m feeling like starting off with a rant about Microsoft. Before you get all hot-under -the-collar, remember that I warned you that I am a master at rubbing people the wrong way. Late last year (about  two months ago) I read an article stating that Microsoft may be killing off their entertainment division if sales don’t improve with Windows 8 and the Windows phone. Their entertainment division includes Xbox and their Windows phones but is not limited to that. Now, let me explain to you why this is a bad thing for me  and what pisses me off the most about this. I am one of the apparently few patrons of this division as I even own and cherish a now very valuable Zune HD, Xbox (I still play it), Xbox 360.  Not to mention that I renew my Gold membership every year, despite the fact that most of the games are playable on the PSN for free. See, I’m a huge fan of the products which are a result of the entertainment section of Microsoft. I also, however, have developed a severe distaste for the heart of the company, their computers! Unfortunately it seems, just like everybody else feels the same way considering that majority of Windows users just upgraded from XP to 7 in 2012, and won’t pay a dime to upgrade their expensive Office package (I’m guilty of using Open Office, I admit it!).

seriously wtf is this shit on my desktop?!

I understand why so few want to use Windows Vista, Windows 7, and now especially Windows 8. I’ve  never hated Vista with a passion but the interface of 8 is fucking stupid for my brand new HP Envy, for lack of a better word. My laptop is a gift which my boyfriend thoughtfully bought me for Christmas and I love it… except for the small hiccup that is its entire interface. Since the demise of my cheap Acer I had been using his Mac and not using my PC games. The major issue I’ve found by using 8 ineffectively for about 2 months now are as follows: It changes screens for no freaking reason, it holds apps on the side when I only need them on my fucking desktop screen! I DON’T HAVE A FUCKING TOUCH SCREEN MICROSOFT, GIVE ME THE OPTION TO NOT OPERATE AS IF I DO PEACEFULLY AND EFFECTIVELY, PLEASE! It still, after years of just about everybody fighting Microsoft on this, it beats me over the fucking head with Norton notifications warning me to delete my AVG Free. Despite what everyone tells me… it’s not that much faster than my older computers which ran XP and Vista. I’m tempted to downgrade but I’m afraid that it will continue to reflect badly on my dear company that still makes a fantastic gaming system. I not only love Xbox for Gears, Hal0, and Live. Actually, I hope that they launch a handheld so I can take my gaming on the go legally!  I’m the kind of person that will gladly pay for a quality product even if a free version is available. I buy music, movies, and games; granted that they are worth my money. I’d love to not have Halo on my jail-broken PSP henceforth allocating the royalties to Bungie and Micrsoft respectively. However, it’s just not possible because it’s just not an option.

Imagine CoD on-the-go which isn’t total crap! Imagine Halo! GoW!

Yeah, you read that right! I would love an Xbox handheld, and frankly I think it would do better than the Windows phone… or the Vita while we’re at it. Don’t get all flustered, this is just a random internet blog and I’m just one person with an opinion, but I hold firm in my pledge that I’d buy the system at launch just to give them numbers. I did that for the Zune too and well, we know how that turned out. I’ve been holding out for a good Microsoft handheld for the better half of a decade at least and as time presses on my hope seems to dim. I have an unhealthy attachment to handheld consoles and an even unhealthier distaste for Apple in general. Not because I’m a rebel who hates hipsters or because I have some chip on my shoulder for Chinese sweat shops either. I just think that it’s not enough usefulness and enjoyment for what they charge. I find competitive products that do just as much to meet my expectations and needs, for much less money. They are robbing us blind and blatantly repackaging products for astronomical prices. E.g. the iPad Mini… seriously what the hell is the point of that? I get it, it’s smaller than an iPad and bigger than a iTouch… but what else? I’m not exactly sure why they are so marginally more successful than Microsoft, and I don’t care. Throw your money away on Apple and I’ll keep throwing mine at Microsoft.

I just wish that Microsoft would take the focus away from Office and Windows interfaces and put it where the money clearly is… Entertainment. The Xbox is not dead, and hopefully E3 this year will lead to innovating the world of video games and general entertainment with more  than another clunky console pushing the limits of graphics and MMOs. I want a curve ball to be thrown, I want a handheld. If not now, 2014 will do. Don’t let Sony scare you Mr. Gates, I doubt that I’m the only one who wants this! Can you imagine being able to live the feeling of chainsawing Locust scum while riding the bus or in the backseat of any vehicle you choose? Can you imagine the syncability of the Zune and all of its social possibilities that weren’t realized!?  The movers and shakers of the video game world have been working on online-on-the-go play for some time now. Wireless is just about everywhere and the time for realization is approaching on the horizon! I can’t wait for the rest of you to be on board with me on the sheer awesomeness that is portable gaming! I don’t know how you feel, but I prefer to shotgun zombies in the sunlight on a park bench to the confines of my own room any spring day. I prefer heroism and challenging  platform levels to listening to the same songs I’ve heard before any day of the week. Perhaps I’m a little too early for this boat. Perhaps, I’m just a silly dreamer who doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Whatever the facts are it is needless to say that I would like to see this conversation continue. SO START TALKING, START TYPING!

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