Steven Spielberg: Pop Culture's Declining and Fallen God

Steven Spielberg: that name could not be any more familiar to film goers both casual and hardcore. Regarded as one of the greats of the film industry, Spielberg was responsible for many great movies of our time. Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Saving Private Ryan, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List. If there was a movie he was involved with, it would be considered a classic.

Nowadays, however, he's something of a past-his-prime entity. His first movie outing in years is Ready Player One, a movie based off of a book that rides on the success of one pop culture reference too many and now has faced backlash due to the whole GamerGate debacle. Even with critical success, it's not going to be a movie that's going to light up the charts. It'll be remembered for a month tops before it gets crushed by Avengers: Infinity War and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Even before taking his latest theater offering into account, Spielberg has devolved into the equivalent of the typical stubborn old timer lamenting on the days of old and how everything in the 21st century is the work of the devil. He whines about how Netflix movies should not be considered eligible for the Oscars, how television is a threat to film goers, and the same old 'media corrupts youth' routine with attacking computer games.

First off, Martin Scorsese is working on a movie for Netflix right now. By that logic, a Netflix film directed by someone as legendary as him is not worthy of awards of any kind. What if other famous directors get into Netflix? Are their films not considered eligible for awards, either? To me, films made for Netflix should be deserving of Oscars. Nay, they ARE deserving of Oscars if they're worthwhile.

Also, when he said that television was a threat to film goers I facepalmed and started doing thorough research on his works. Here's some history that Spielberg hopes you forget about. Steven Spielberg has been involved with multiple television shows, ranging from all ages fare like Animaniacs, Freakazoid, Pinky and the Brain, and Tiny Toon Adventures, to dramatic yet condensed war movie fare like Band of Brothers and Five Came Back, and science fiction works such as Invasion America
and Falling Skies.

He was also the producer for Under the Dome, a CBS show based off of the Stephen King novel of the same title. Spielberg even founded Amblin Television, which more or less was the production company for many of the shows that I mention. So to say that television threatens film goers while being behind both television shows and starting a studio ranges on hypocrisy that most politicians wish they had.

Here's a hint, Spielberg: how about your films as of late have not been relevant since the nineties, and that going to the movies nowadays has the fun factor of a kidney stone while being twice as painful? Most of your movies after that time were either average at best or downright forgettable. Ready Player One may have a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but that means nothing when it doesn't rake in the cash. Not to mention the stress of getting to a theater in the first place, the high cost of tickets and food, and putting up with a volatile audience. Oh, and god help you if you need to hit the restroom. You miss an important scene? Nope, too bad, no pause or rewinds for you.

Lastly, his statement on computer games also assumes people forgot about his prior legacy in the interactive media realm. He was one of the founders of Dreamworks Interactive, which paved the way for the Medal of Honor franchise. The studio also brought in titles like Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair, BoomBots, T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger, and Skullmonkeys.

Dreamworks Interactive later became Electronic Arts Los Angeles, continuing the Medal of Honor Legacy as well as producing Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. They then became Danger Close Games with the reboot of Medal of Honor and finally named DICE Los Angeles with the Battlefield series.

In addition, Steven Spielberg was one of three writers (the other two being Orson Scott Card and Brian Moriarty) for the LucasArts point and click sci-fi adventure game The Dig. The Dig was originally going to be an episode of Amazing Stories, which is another television product courtesy of Spielberg, followed by a movie before becoming a game. Again, this idea was from Spielberg himself. It became a game because it was too expensive to make into a movie or TV episode. When the game was released, it became a best selling classic; it was not without delays and troubles.

In a way, it saddens me to write this blog post and what Spielberg has become. It's basically the film director's version of the Detroit Red Wings, Gwyn from Dark Souls, or the Roman Empire's legacy. In the case of Spielberg, he was a great director in his hey-day and produced great works even in the nineties. Unfortunately, starting in the 2000s his work started to decline in quality. By the time of the new tens, he has all but become irrelevant in the age of video streaming, Disney the media juggernaut, and an increase in television programming equaling or surpassing the cinema experience. Unfortunately, Spielberg sees the likes of television and Netflix as a threat rather than an opportunity. His need to cling to the past will eventually ruin him in the long run. He's obsessed with trying to protect the traditions of the past while still thinking that he will stay on top. He's wrong in this regard.

This reminds us of an awful truth: we ALL have an expiration date. No matter how great or talented we all are, we are not forever. Though our legacies will be remembered, we are all but parts to be replaced in the great machine. Spielberg and a few other directors are, unfortunately, a harsh reminder of the unwillingness to adapt quickly. Society and Technology goes on, and unless you adapt to current trends, you will die. What happens if you DON'T adapt? You become Steven Spielberg.

This is also a reminder to stay on top of these famous and/or powerful people in case they slip up. Spielberg has become afraid of the legacies he's created, and how he feels they've turned against him. This is a mistake that, unfortunately, he is not aware of. Sooner or later, he'll be gone for good, and without a legacy to continue on. Spielberg, do yourself a favor: evolve, or prepare to die.

Websites referenced:
https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/26/17148350/ready-player-one-book-backlash-controversy-gamergate-explained
http://deadline.com/2018/03/steven-spielberg-netflix-oscars-tv-clear-and-present-danger-to-filmgoers-1202353123/
http://www.indiewire.com/2018/03/martin-scorsese-the-irishman-netflix-theatrical-story-of-film-1201944963/
https://lifehacker.com/what-would-make-you-actually-go-to-the-movies-1821605002
http://variety.com/2017/film/features/movie-business-changing-consumer-demand-studios-exhibitors-1202016699/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DICE_Los_Angeles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dig

Ingress and Pokemon Go: Virtual Realities that are Reality

Video games have been a big part of culture since the 1970's and 1980's. The medium has been making an impact on society in more ways than one. That said, video games have been largely confined to a single room. Even with portable gaming through dedicated handhelds and smartphones, nine times out of ten the games take place indoors.

Two companies are planning to change that. Nintendo and Niantic Labs have been developing apps; Pokemon Go for the former, and Ingress for the latter. Pokemon Go has players catching and training the titular creatures while encouraging them to go outside instead of confining themselves into a room to play. Ingress is a competitive social game where dozens of players get together either as the Enlightened or the Resistance. Think geocaching combined with gaming and you get the idea. While Pokemon Go is going to be released somewhere in 2016, Ingress is available on iTunes and Google Play now.

The greatness of these two games are that they require people to go outside to get their gaming done. Not even Candy Crush or Words With Friends can do that. In the process, there's a possibility that players can make new friends in their outdoor ventures. That would mark a compromise between playing video games and going outside.

Of course, there's the possibility of meeting those random strangers that may have bad intentions. There are, after all, adult players in addition to children playing these games. Also, people have been protective of their data because of events unfolding around the world. They fear their data may be sold to other companies or even government agencies. No comment has been made at this time, but it does raise some questions about safety and privacy.

Overall, even with the controversy I applaud companies making an effort to make games that enable people to leave their homes and see the world. It would encourage players to see actual living beings, rather than some username on an online service. Even better, it would stop the racial slurs being spouted by kids playing Call of Duty and make them realize who they're actually talking to. That's definitely a positive that can be thought of in the age of mobile gaming.

Read more about Ingress and Pokemon Go on slate here: http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/09/ingress_a_video_game_that_inspires_people_to_go_outside.html
Download Ingress on Android here: Ingress - Android Apps on Google Play
Download Ingress on iTunes here: Ingress on the App Store

Suggested recording hardware, and a surprise.

Hey there, boys and girls. I wanted to write today something special that I found out about on the web. Before I do, I would like to suggest some new video game recording hardware that I got for Christmas.

AVERMEDIA Game Capture HD - Amazon.com

This nifty recording device utilizes component cables to record footage from the video game console of your choice. It can record in up to 1080i, the maximum high definition recording quality available. The best part is that you don't need a computer - just a flash drive or external USB hard drive will do the trick. Just follow the instructions provided with the product and you're all set. However, a powerful computer is recommended if you want to play back HD recordings.

Also, the ultimate nerd battle is about to begin tonight. The Goku vs. Superman DEATH BATTLE episode will be airing on screwattack.com, so expect coverage of that when it arrives.

2013 is upon us

Well, this is pretty much the last post that I write for the year 2012. It was quite a thrill ride for me, let me tell you. A lot has been happening that changed my life forever in this year alone, and I am amazed at the progress I've made. Of course, I can't have a new years post without a resolution of sorts. So, without further ado, my new years resolutions:

-Work on my novel, except sticking to my 'finish one chapter by Saturday' rule (I've been slow with it and it's time I got back to work on it)
-Do at least one blog post a week (I haven't been on here lately, mostly because of outer issues)
-Get my novel published
-Focus on losing weight some
-Maybe open a YouTube account (I have lots of videos I want to show off)
-Do some more artwork, especially character art for my novel

So there, that's my resolutions in a nutshell. Have a happy new year, everyone!

Racing games are good for health

Gran Turismo 5 Helps Rehabilitate Spinal Injury Patient

Brilliant. Just brilliant. Fighting games and Japanese Role Playing Games, eat dirt for your inability to cure patients of their diseases and pains.

Seriously, this is a fine example of video games being good for health, especially with those that have physical or mental illnesses and other body/mind related problems. Next thing you know video games might cure cancer.

"We can't be beholden to the fans" -Capcom

http://www.gamespot.com/news/capcom-resident-evil-cant-please-everyone-6397591

Criminal. Just criminal.

So, after years of support from your loyal audience buying your products, you go and say you can't be beholden to your own audience. The same audience that's been buying your damn work since the first game. I officially hate you, Capcom, for openly turning your back on your own fans. Now you see why people hate you now.

I'm never buying a game from Capcom from this point on, no matter what game it is. It's too bad; some voice actors are involved with Capcom games, but then again they're nothing more than mere doormats to the creators of the games they voice and play. Oh well.

The Downfall of the Blue Bomber, or, Capcom forgot how to treat their fans

Yes, I'm writing at a late time, but it's important to the point that I simply have to write about it. I'm writing about it because it relates to my story some.

I was browsing the web and did a random Google search for Mega Man, mostly because I watched a video on the garbage Mega Man DOS game that wasn't made by Capcom. I also remembered on GameFAQs that Capcom was going to announce something for Mega Man's 25th Anniversary. What I found was a new game, but it wasn't the game fans like me had in mind. In fact, it wasn't really a game at all.

This new "game", called Mega Man Xover (pronounced cross over) is a "social role-playing game" for the iOS, aka the iPhone and the iPad. On paper, it's not really much, even though it's a crossover featuring every Mega Man franchise in history. The deal breaker, however, is the auto-play feature. This is a franchise known for it's platforming, and there's an auto-play feature. What the hell? What. The. Hell. That destroys the point of Mega Man as a whole.

I'd just like to say that this is the 25th Anniversary of their iconic franchise, and this is how they treat Mega Man fans? Not that any of their other franchises are faring better, what with their disc-locked content.

Capcom better buckle up, because they won't last long with abandoning their mascot and forcing people to buy content already on their disc

Obscure Video Games - Starblade: Operation Blue Planet

New to this blog is Obscure Video Games, a series that I personally created to show off games that are either rare or never even saw the light of day. Because a lot of influences in my novel include video games from Japan, this would be a fitting addition to my blog. For my very first episode, I would share Starblade: Operation Blue Planet, the sequel to Namco's Starblade. This is unique in that it would have been used in their cancelled O.R.B.S. (Over Reality Booster System) arcade cabinet, which would have immersed players inside the machine and give a spherical view. A shame it got cancelled, looked like fun. I just wished that Namco would broaden their development horizons and make more unique games like these. Angry Joe was right: better games have been canned and never released.
Oh, if you want to learn about O.R.B.S., go here: NAMCO MEDIUM SIZED ATTRACTIONS HARDWARE - O.R.B.S.