Crysis Demo

The hype around Crysis is astronomical, although that's mainly because of the graphics. They're really purdy lookin'.... if you have a computer loaned from NASA. Otherwise, the graphics will end up looking rather bland, since you'll be playing with minimum specs like myself. Hopefully not though. I'm rather surprised it works at all on my computer, Bioshock was a black abyss with some white specs on my machine. (Thank God I got the 360 version.)

Since the graphics aren't that great on minimum, you get to focus more on gameplay. If you've played a Far Cry game, you pretty much know the score here. Lots of jungle, encounters with soldiers, some vehicle driving, etc. The suit gives you some interesting abilities, I had fun throwing things with "Maximum Strength" (I'm in love with the voice that tells you what suit power you've equipped. Deliciously cheesy.) Cloak comes in very handy, a little too handy since you can use it even if you're staring right at someone and they'll fail to see you. Still, there's fun to be had.

The A.I. is.....alright. I wouldn't call it revolutionary by any stretch, but it's quite decent. The best thing I enjoyed was the destructible foliage. It's pretty much useless, but I found myself spending an inordinate amount of time shooting trees and watching them fall over. If this is the future of gaming, it's going to be a delightfully unnecessary ride.

Out of 10? Probably an 8. I'd give a 10 if I saw the graphics in full fidelity I'm sure.

In Rainbows

If you don't like this album, your ears are vestigial organs. They are broken and useless.

I can't really describe this album. I don't mean that in a Pitchfork-esque hyperbole kind of way, I just find it hard to describe music in general. In Rainbows is definitely more user-friendly and accessible. It's not like Kid A/Amnesiac, where it takes a while to actually listen to it. I love the albums, don't get me wrong, but it took a while to actually enjoy them. I could see a lot of In Rainbows songs being singles. 15 Step, Bodysnatchers especially, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, Faust Arp or Jigsaw Falling Into Place. Hell, I could see House of Cards being played on an easy listening station.

The only song I had a problem with was Videotape. At first it's fine, but when the drums come out of nowhere (especially if you've heard the song before the album) it feels very off-putting. It feels like something just isn't working here. Overtime though, I'm finding myself loving this song. The drums seem to give off this ominous feeling, like Thom is fighting off this feeling while recording this farewell message on a videotape. It's no Pyramid Song, but it's great closer for a fantastic album.

The most interesting thing about this album is the fact that most of the songs were already available before the album came out. The only songs I hadn't heard were Faust Arp, Reckoner (well, I'd heard the original rockier one) and House of Cards. The amazing thing is that the album didn't feel old. The album felt brand new, even though I'd already listened to more than half of it in some way or another.

In short, an amazing album. As sick as I am of the comparison, it does feel much like OK Computer. Just as accessible as well. I hope this ends up huge when it comes out on CD in early 08.

First post.

If you're reading this, you probably stumbled here by accident. You still have a chance to get away, I won't stop you.

I'm mainly using this blog to practice my writing anyway, so don't expect anything particularly exciting or insightful here. Just ranting, maybe some reviews or news stories.

If you're a glutton for boredom, then keep watching this blog. You'll get as much as you need.