The See Saw of Some Days

So this week has its usual share of ups and downs.
Ultimately, there were more ups than downs, even if the downs were pretty intense.

The week started with a horrible fever on Sunday.  Rocky had hoped for us to catch the play "Nine" and the movie "Perks of Being a Wallflower" and my waking up to a 38.8 fever wasn't was either of us wanted.  The fever seemed like a secondary curse given Saturday night ended quite frustratingly after some guy wanted to boost his self-importance by insulting me at the bar I loved drinking at.

Not wanting to disappoint Rocky, and admittedly determined to have the plans push through given the rarity that I get to spend the whole day with him, I opted to go for the play even if I spent a large part of the time shivering and hugging myself to stay warm.  While I survived the play okay, I admittedly was at the limits of my focus during the hours before the movie.  We had prepaid for the much later movie, wanting to have enough time to go shopping and have a nice dinner.  But given my feverish state, I was barely able to even enjoy the Pho we ordered.  I felt bad seeing Rocky look so worried.  He offered to get Biogesic at a nearby Mercury Drugstore, and I pushed my remaining reserves to get back on my feet.

The movie was wonderful.  Poignant.  Painful. There were moments in the movie that made me recall some tough times and helped reinforce in my head how what I was doing was the right thing.  While admittedly the movie was something Rocky could relate with more, I found myself happy to be sharing that moment with him.  As the movie said, "We accept the love we think we deserve."  In some ways, I guess that's what remains to be seen.

The fever lasted for a few days, which brought me some moments of panic.  I had fears that I had dengue, my wisdom tooth had gotten infected, or that I had contracted some kind of STD or something.  (Yes, I was afraid of that, even if I've been careful and always used protection.)   Thankfully, my blood test results revealed it was merely a weak viral thing.  Probably one that gained strength from my lack of rest and proper nutrition the past few days.    Rocky insisted I take paracetamol.   And I shot up my intake of fluids and food.  I recovered late Friday, which was a good thing too.  I was afraid I'd waste the weekend being stuck in bed.

Adding to the stress, the PLDT connection at Paranaque was spotty for practically half of the week.  Clients were forced to route their files through other means, and sending back reports to them became a taxing procedure.  With my parents getting panicked over all this, and the Los Angeles side getting frustrated over the horrible connection issues, I was forced to worth and balance things out even while nursing myself back to health.

And that's not even counting my Indigo work, which became exhausting when certain people in the company just became rude during some meetings.  I let the matter slide, however, knowing it would be a waste of energy to make an issue over things.  I just decided to assume they were having a bad day too, and somehow decided to vent it out in my direction by mistake.

Massage plans once again had to be rescheduled.  But the reasons behind that were quite understandable.  Thankfully, game plans were not rescheduled.  I wasn't too keen, admittedly, on having to receive a guest so early in the morning.  But it wasn't a bad thing come to think of it.  It allowed me to finish work sooner, so being able to focus on the game was an option.    We had a great game this week, and I'm already anxious to write the summary of how it transpired given how it connected events between all three game lines.    A pity Rocky's lack of sleep caught up with him, which forced him to grab some zzs before the game was done.  It forced me to make a quick rewrite of some of the scenes, but hey, real life needs take precedence always.

So yeah, as challenging as the week was, I admit I am still feeling pretty keen about how it unfolded.  Baby steps towards a greater goal.  Happier days ahead.  Stay focused.   Keep the goal in mind.  Life is good.  Tomorrow, will be even grander than yesterday.

Friday Update

So today was an interesting day.

Woke up to my alarm and rushed to prep my work for the day.  Rocky texted me later to remind me of our plans to get a haircut.  En route, however, Rocky discovered that SM Cubao already had the Mini Changers Kreons he was highly anticipating.. and guess what happened next.

HHehehehe and hey, I am definitely NOT complaining about this.  This is part of why I love the guy so much.  To see him so giddy and excited to dive back into his fandom is such a wonderful thing.  I know many people find it hard to understand us geeks, but in some ways, I've learned to just accept it as a truth of life.  I mean, I don't get why some people claim to have wanderlust, or have a deep need to buy branded crap.  I guess that's their own fandom, in a manner of speaking.

Got a hair cut at last.  Rocky has a very nice trim to complement his great looks.  I asked the barber to just give me whatever he thinks will look good on me.  Was that a good idea?  Probably not.  But I'll let the results speak for themselves.

The hair on the sides of my head have regained their touch of grey, however.  I guess the dye I once had on (upon my other ex's request) had finally failed to hide the passage of time.  But I'm not complaining.  I'd like to think I'm aging pretty gracefully.  I know of some people far younger than me who can pass for my older brother.  Or dad, even.

But I will say I do feel pretty awesome at how I look.  I guess all the working out and supplement drinks are really helping shape out a better build for me.   I've always wanted to look better, admittedly, but I never thought my body type would accommodate it.  As of the late, however, I'm starting to see development in the right direction.

So yeah, pardon me if I'm enjoying cam-whoring every now and then.

Broke a heart today.  Not too proud of it, but I'd like to believe I was honest about things from the start.  Admittedly, I feel like a douche-bag, even if I never lead the guy on.  From the start, I did clarify that I was just meeting up and having fun, but even with full disclosure, I have to admit I still feel crappy for making that person regret meeting me.  Told Rocky about it and he helped remind me that I was not in the wrong.  "He chose to meet with you," which is true.  I guess I just really hate making a good guy feel like shit.  The guy does deserve to find someone really awesome.

I hope he does in time.
I really do.

Ended up watching Grey Gardens with Rocky too.

The episode of The New Normal had touches of the movie in it and Rocky discovered then that I had NO idea what Grey Gardens was about.  Having seen it now, I have to say I am... it is hard to describe how I feel about it.  Disturbed?  Amazed?  Aghast?  Empathetic?  I feel tempted to let certain people I know see it, so hopefully they sense how they seem to be on the same path... but I dunno if that would be wise.

Drew Barrymore was such a hoot in it, admittedly.  Her ever-shifting accent was hilarious.  I just couldn't laugh given how disturbed I felt about the story, since it was based on real people.

Got a game to look forward to this Sunday.  This should be episode four of Agenda, the Adventure! - Aberrant - Aeon Trinity epic storyline that I've had cooking for years in my head.  I'm anxious for this coming game because its a chance to bring the story another step forward.  As to what direction I'm taking it, I'm definitely keeping mum about that until then.


Life continues moving forward though.  While there are clearly some friends who seem insistent in thinking I need "help" of some sort, I know I'm definitely happier and more centered than I have been during the first few weeks of the break-up.  Am I deluding myself and trying to convince myself I'm happy?  Definitely not.  However, I am aware I'm not in the happy level I used to be in.  I just don't get why some people seem more determined to prove their right than to just be supportive and happy for me that I'm much better than before.   Even worse, throw unnecessary drama.  And supposedly I'm the one being reactive.   Sighs.

I guess I just have to be understanding, again.

Now this is very interesting...

I might not like the lead, but damn, this poster makes me wanna see the movie.

Gotta love the Muppets

Especially when they can make me like this.

Okay, I have to admit, this is cool.

This is very cool.

Forgetting lending

So stupid of me.
Lost track again of who borrowed our copy of Batman Arkham Asylum.

So to make sure I don't forget others:
BJ Recio currently has Demon the Fallen.
Paolo Narciso and Kristine have Kabuki Circle of Blood, Pride of Baghdad and WE3.
And Mahar Mangahas has many of my DVDs.
Gigi still has my copy of Elmer.
Adrian (I presume him and not his ex) has my Popllollies & Bellibones and Music & Magic Disney CDs.

Stupid stupid Tobie.

EDIT (8/29):
Just confirmed that:
Sam has Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires
Aldwin has Batman Arkham Asylum

Ah, gotta love social-networks.  They can help communication move faster, indeed.

The Thing is...

The trailer makes it look like a monster flick, rather than the psychological horror of the original film.
I only hope it is a case of bad trailer editing and the actual film still has the growing tension of horror and not just the cheap screams of a scream-fest movie.




This looks like a prequel though, rather than a remake. Wasn't the original movie about a team finding the remnants of an earlier team?

A beef with Mars?

The trailer shows some promise, I will give it that.
Nice to see a super strong hunk back on the screen.
Here's hoping it is ground-shaking in its own way.

The Thing Is..

I am extremely worried how bad this remake will be.
The original movie was such a classic piece of horror and monster sci-fi madness....
I have doubts this remake will be able to do justice to the original.

The Aswang Phenomenon

My good friend Jordan sent me a copy of The Aswang Phenomenon, his latest film, and I must say I am very happy to have it.  There were worries earlier today if I would have to give up a finger or two to claim it, after hearing the horror stories that my partner and other friends shared about the Philippine Post Office.  Jordan even suggested that I just leave it and let him find another way to send it to me.

But ultimately, I told myself he was kind enough to send me a copy of the film (and snail mail costs money!) so the least I could do is try to receive it properly.  After prepping some extra cash in my wallet, I decided to commute instead to the place (rather than drive, so that's one less thing to worry about) and try to claim it.

Thankfully, today seems to be one of the better days.  At least it was for me.

I arrived to find around eight people already in line at Window 37.  There were a bunch of people also in line at Window 36, which made me confused where to go first.  While the claim ticket said proceed to Window 37, the people at Window 36 were holding their claim stubs and cash payment.  Logic also suggested that Window 36 should be visited first, since Window 39 was the actual examination and claim area.

I lined up at 37, and a guy behind me (who looked just as bewildered) asked me if he should line up at 36.  I told him, I didn't know and he decided to try 36.  He got to the counter first and was told to transfer back to 37. :-)  Poor guy.  Thankfully, there was only one new person behind me so he didn't feel like he wasted his time.

Once I got to the counter, I had to show some i.d. (Driver's License) and sign that I was claiming the package.  Then it was off to 36 where I paid Php40 for the Customs Examination, and before I knew it, I was  in line at 39 to wait for my turn to claim my package.  There were two people ahead of me who were having  some issues.   One was a woman with a balikbayan box and around ten polo shirts still in nice bags.  I guess they were concerned she was going to sell them?  The other was a young lady whose name didn't match the mentioned recipient.   Both thought were concluded pretty quietly.  What I found a tad frustrating was the sight of two other people at their desks who kept trying to call for the Customs guy for some "kuwentuhan" which I felt might just delay things for everyone.  Thankfully, Manong Customs was professional enough to wave them away to wait.

So yeah, I got my package and didn't have to pay extra fees.  I guess it is different when the package doesn't look... worthwhile to leech more costs on.

Thank you again, Jordan for this! And yes, am shy and excited to see how I turned out in the DVD extras section.  The first three issues of my online comic Diliman are part of the DVD!  If you guys are interested, check out the facebook page of The Aswang Phenomenon for a chance to win yourself a copy of the really informative documentary.

A not so frail movie, after all

Just finished watching Frailty.

For a thriller the movie has got loads of disturbing moments that work, but ultimately has a plot I personally found more predictable than through-provoking.  That is not to say the movie is a bad one, however, considering my exposure to films can be quite a challenge to surprise.  The movie stars Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Matthew O'Leary and Jeremy Sumpter in a tale about a religious fanaticism, murder and the fight against "demons."  Clearly the question the movie has its viewers ask is, "Is the father, who believes he is doing God's will by killing "demons" crazy?  Or actually divinely inspired?"

The movie knows Matthew McConaughey in a role that pushes his acting range.  Here, he presents himself as a disturbed yet contained character, with just enough of a drawl to make you still wonder how much innocence can be behind his tired eyes.  Interestingly enough, the movie avoids quoting scripture for all its religious mania, and still nicely maintains a realistic feel.

The kids were exceptional in their roles, however.  I found myself finding their exchanges to sound very natural and very honest.  I do hope they find more and more roles in movies to come.

Save for an epilogue which felt ultimately too long, the epilogue however does serve to truly and finally answer the posed question - which may or may not be something the viewers would rather have had answered.

Worth watching?  For the thrills, definitely.
For the twist, not so much.  I doubt many would fail to "call it" based on my review alone.

Kurt of Glee the new BUCKY!

Could it be?  

GASP! Chris Colfer of GLEE is the new BUCKY?

Could the upcoming Captain America film be any more awesome?!?!

Just kidding folks.
Just found myself amused that the image of Bucky actually does look like him.
:-P  It would have been fun though.  Imagine him as Bucky breaking into song during the movie, "Wheeeeeen Captain America throws his mighty shield.... All those who chose to oppose his shield must yiiiiieeeeeeld!!!"

Bucky is really to be played by Gossip Girl's Sebastian Stan.
But damn, I would have loved a Chris Colfer Bucky.  He would have been awesome, stylish, and comic fans would know how huge a role he plays in the birth of Captain America himself.  Could you imagine it, Chris, being there to save the other Chris from certain doom at times, leaping to his rescue?  Grabbing him mid-air to hold him tight and protect him from the incoming hail of bullets!

Yeah, I thought so too.

Oh well, here's the song though.
Hope he someday decides to sing it on youtube!

Distributors, Stop Fraking Up Foreign Movie Posters!

Dear Movie Distributors in the Philippines,

Let me start by saying while you are doing a good job of finding great movies for us Filipinos to watch, I really wish you did not have to do the things you do.  This is not only the third time I've seen this happen, but it is the third time I have blogged about this.

STOP MESSING UP THE POSTERS OF INTERNATIONAL MOVIES UNDER THE MISTAKEN BELIEF YOU ARE MAKING THEM BETTER.

AND STOP LYING IN HOPES OF MAKING A MOVIE SOUND "BETTER".  LET IT STAND BY ITS OWN MERITS.

In my blog, I shared before how the movie poster for Silent Hill was horribly mutilated into some Resident Evil action reject.  Months down the line, both Daybreakers and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus were also given simply terrible local versions of their movie posters.  In many ways, I could see how you all thought you were making the movie look "more interesting" by inserting what you felt were "better" imagery to present the movie.  Do you really think that you are more capable than the marketing team and graphic artists who were originally commissioned by the film's production to handle things?  Do you really think making a science fiction movie like Daybreakers look more like a cheap b-movie horror thriller is a good move to push the movie further?  Or adding a gun to the lead in Silent Hill makes the horror look more like an action flick?  I do not even know what you hoped to accomplish with the Dr. Parnassus movie other than to capitalize on the stars by throwing away any semblance of aesthetic to have them all there.

Please.  A little bit of respect please to all the people who worked hard to conceptualize and develop these posters.

Now, however, you've outdone yourself in doing what you can to market a movie and insult the intelligence of the audiences.  For the upcoming Spanish movie Exorcismus (which is being released in other countries as The Possession of Emily Evans), you have some how thought it was wise and right to market this fictional movie as a REAL DOCUMENTED FOOTAGE of a possession.  Seriously?  How low are you really planning to go just to sell a movie?  Considering the IMDB listing clearly shows the cast to be playing the characters and not "themselves" should have been a clue that it wasn't a REAL possession.  Not to mention the ABSOLUTE lack of any real mention ANYWHERE ELSE that the movie is documentation of a real exorcism.  But no, you still push to insult the intelligence of the Filipino movie going public by claiming this movie is, as you put it:

Seriously?  SERIOUSLY?

And in other posters, you add some stupid internet resourced "actual Latin translation of an exorcism rite."

I am utterly disgusted and disappointed with your lack of values and character.  I am absolutely appalled at your ultimate desire to merely generate more sales.  And, let's say it WAS a real documentary, the way you are hyping things further are just as despicable as how the media covered the recent bus hostage situation, clearly heartless and greed-inspired.

Please do something about this clear case of false advertising.  Had I been more religious, I'd expect a formal apology as well to the Church for degenerating one of their sacred rituals in this manner.  But at its simplest, I expect you to pull out all these offending posters and standees, correct this obviously false claim of things being real, and be more responsible in the future in how you market movies.

Or the next thing you know, you'll have someone making a full documentary on how you are doing this kind of manipulative bullshit, and that documentary might gain more coverage than you would want your company to get.

The Possession of Emma Evans - International Trailer
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

Sincerely,

A guy who still watches movies in theaters...

... for now, at least.

Hmmm... They're searching for ME?

Was pondering on what to write about when I decided to take a peek at my blogger.com stats and see what search key words were leading people to my site.  Lo and behold, I discovered that a good number of hits were coming from people who were actually searching for my name.

And baby says...

People out there were looking for me by name.

I always find myself amused and fascinated at the thought that somewhere out there, my names does get around without me knowing.  Like that time I was with my (then) girlfriend at a bookstore in Power Plant, when a group of girls who were talking to her suddenly went all excited.   For some reason, I was at a distance when it happened and when I came up to her to ask what was up, she told me the group actually came up to her, identified her by the nickname I had been using to call her, and were excited to know they met her.  They were fans of mine, supposedly, having read my stuff and loved it.

Popular...

A similar occurrence has happened in the open gaming meets which we have monthly at Regalia.  I was prepping to run a game when some new faces came up to me and were excitedly asking for a spot in the game.  I then started to hear about how much they've heard from others of my approach to gaming, and how lucky they would be to actually be in my game.

It boggles the mind, to be honest.  I know I am kinda "out there" with my online comics, short films, writings, poems, and the like.  I know I once was asked to judge a cosplay event, host a poetry group, emcee a writing forum, and even become a speaker at some point for writing and salamangka.  But I still don't really think I'm in any way or form more popular or sought out the way others say I am.

At least you're not dead!

I dunno.  A director friend of mine said it was misplaced humility on my part.   A co-worker once told me I can do so many great things, if only I'd stop thinking I shouldn't.   For a long time I felt the things I enjoy and love to share would be found more acceptable and interesting only in places outside the shores of the Philippines.

But it happens.  Those weird moments someone I don't know goes all gaga to realize they're talking with me.  Or when I receive emails or comments from strangers who commend me for my work.  Or thank me for helping them through something they thought they were dealing with alone.

Plant Kamote!

And somehow I feel that is actually enough.  While my comics might never reach the popularity and caliber of Carlo Vergara's Zsazsa Zaturnnah which launched a highly successful musical, a movie, and reached even international audiences or of Gerry Alanguilan's Elmer which has captured a spot among French readers while his funny Hey Baby youtube antics have gained him stardom to some degree... I guess I feel glad knowing I touch lives and make people feel better about themselves and the world they live in.



To be honest, though, it would be fantastic also if I could earn more.   But that's life.
:-)

003 of 365 Things I Want To Do

003 of 365 Things I Want To Do

MY ORIGINAL ROMANTIC COMEDY FILM

I can't really give out much details on this as of now.  Especially since I am in the process of actually writing it and I have already made contact with some who will help me get this dream project actually produced.    Keen-eyed readers would probably look at the artwork above and successfully decode what this film is going to be about.

But yeah, this is a hot idea I've had for some time now and I am so dying to get it out.  So far, everyone (and I literally mean everyone) who has heard of the idea finds it exciting and fun.  I just only hope that unlike other hot ideas, this one gets made before someone else thinks of it too.

I want to give us geeks a Romantic Comedy worth loving.

My 101 on 1.1.11

It is a new year.

Rocky and I decided to spend the first day of the year just relaxing at home and enjoying the calm geeky presence we both generate for each other.  As part of our habit, we opted to have something playing on the telly while we both surfed/burned/read stuff on our respective computers.  It may sound weird or even antisocial for others, but for us, such is far from being distant.    Unbelievable as it may sound, we really do have this literal telepathic link that allows us to still have conversations that don't require full words.  And we have our quiet little exchanges that clearly reflect how much in tune we are to each other every single moment.

We decided to explore the second disc of our Wall·E and ended up watching the beautiful documentary called The Pixar Story which explored the roots of the production studio and its rise to where it is now.   The documentary showed how visionary the founders were in seeing the potential of computers in film making and the relationships they formed with Steve Jobs, George Lucas and Disney.  In short, we saw the story of a man who had the dream of creating a fully computer animated film and making that film come to life.

Around twenty years ago, I was dreaming of the exact same thing.  Tron was fresh in my mind and I was playing around with this computer program called Autodesk Animator which allowed me to try and create a short animated film of my own.  The program allowed me to draw things frame by frame and eventually animate them into a nifty little movie.  It was crude, I will admit.  But I was proud of it.  I even recall the first short I made, which was that of Chun-Li from Street Fighter doing her kicks on a dodging duck.

The Pixar Story was depressing me as it progressed.

With each success, with each new dream moving from concept to production, I found myself feeling more and more depressed about how much that could have been "my" story, so to speak.  Or how I could have at least been part of that dream.  I recall those times I was fully supported in my dreams of studying film abroad.  Of my regretful decision of giving up on that directorial offer for a documentary in India back in 1998.  Of the time I was working in ABS-CBN International and a director in a project I was working on suggested I head for Los Angeles (a suggestion I turned down).  Of the many other chances I could have moved forward and done what I wanted, but held myself back because of many other family related reasons.

A few years ago, I would have probably been a sobbing mess.  I probably would have halted the documentary and cried myself to sleep.

Today, however, I didn't.
Strangely, while I did feel some pangs of regret for the many opportunities in the past that I had, I didn't feel like I wasted my chances.  Instead, I felt like everything that happened was intended to prepare me for the right time.  For the proper moment when everything will finally fall into place.  My life with Rocky has been a constant reminder of how much things really fall into place at the right way and on the right time they were intended to happened.  I don't feel anymore that I've lost my chance to work on animated films.  I don't feel like I've given up on my dream.  I just know that there will come a time when I will create my movie.  And I know Rocky will be there at my side to support me.

There are three things that I know I am good at with absolute certainty.

The first is the ability to tell great stories.
Role-playing games has been a huge part of my life because in many ways it allows me to tell stories and craft narratives which entertain, inspire, amuse and even make people think.  Short films, commercials, comics, plays, and stories... I've written them, I've made them, and I've heard from people who enjoyed them.

The second is the sensitivity to empathize with others.
Rocky kind of summed it up last night when he remarked, "People really call you, no?"  I don't meant to sound arrogant, but people come to me for advice or at least to hear my opinion on matters.  Some times it can be something as simple as basic decisions to be made.  Other times, it is for more serious matters.  I've stopped a few suicides, helped repair a few damaged relationships, and to the very least, helped remind others that everyone deserves to be happy.  And everyone deserves to be with someone who deserves them too.  To a large degree, this sensitivity is rooted on a simple fact:  I care.  And since I care, when people talk to me, I actually listen.  I don't make it a chance to make myself sound more impressive.  I don't turn it into an opportunity to forward my own agendas.  I simply listen, and consider things from as many viewpoints as I can.

The last is the capacity to be creative.
Admittedly, I surprise myself at times when I realize just how quickly I really can come up with things:  funny things, sensual things, adventurous things, logical things... throw me a joke and I can weave a new one around it quickly.  Challenge me with a concept and I can gestate a few new ones that work the concept into various themes.   Back in advertising, I would cook up at least three concepts in a single meeting, and always at least one of them would be approved.   When I worked on game design, my co-workers would be simply amazed at how quickly I could come up with designs or challenges that nicely met the necessary objectives.  My brain is like a super computer accessing 12 dimensions worth of internet archives all at the same time.  I might have problems with names.  Or actual factoids.  But if pushed to creatively come up with something, you can bet I can something good, if not great, really quick.

And I know someday, when the time is right... when everything is meant to fall into place... I will be able to use all three of these things I know to be true about myself and create something that people will enjoy, that my friends will appreciate and that my loved ones will be proud of.

So I better keep moving forward.
Finish Diliman and get started on my next comic project.  Write the scripts for possible short films I can probably have friends help me create.  Or even perhaps start considering making myself more available for projects than I have been the last few years.  Last year,  Rocky helped me with the needed push to actually do my short film, Sweetie, which although lost in the Victoria Court challenge, was very well-received by friends and even by people I had never met.



But yes, 2011 is definitely going to be a year that can only get better than 2010.
And I am the luckiest man alive to have Rocky at my side to make it happen.

Things I Would Look Forward to in the Future

Guild Wars 2
In as much as I have been quite clearly against MMOs calling themselves role-playing games, a huge part of what makes me despise them is the fact such games are too focused on grinding, pointless repetitive quests, and barely-existent actual role-playing going on.    World of Warcraft failed to really capture my interest.  DC Universe Online disappointed me big time.  All the Korean MMOs I had played were cutesy fun at first then horribly grindingly boring real fast.    Even the upcoming World of Darkness MMO is making me worry.  All we have seen is a teaser and that's it.

Guild Wars 2, however, has clearly stated they plan to address the concerns of repetitive questing and pointless grinding.    From the updates they have been sharing, the triggered quests seem to be more important than the usual repetitive ones in MMOs.    They boldly proclaim their MMO manifesto (and gain bonus points from me for calling it MMO and not MMORPG) in this video, which shows promise for the direction the game is taking.   I'm actually tempted to try it when it comes out.



Little Big Planet 2
Little Big Planet was already a fantastic game at its initial incarnation.  With so much potential locked in what looked like a kiddy platformer, the game was a sandbox of creativity waiting to be unlocked.  The very first level I made and shared was a Dynasty Warriors inspired one which was barely challenging to play.  The later Dr. Who inspired level I made boasted numerous levels to explore, hidden secrets, a boss moment and a narrative element that was too easy and too hard in certain instances.    God knows how much I was envious too of the other downloadable content that was available.  I wanted to buy the Pirates level builder to gain access to water, the variety of costumes available for period pieces and popular fandom looks.  And I still fondly recall the best stages I tried playing.

Little Big Planet 2 sets itself up to do everything the first game has done, and push it to the next level.    Already this early, fantastic creations are already being shaped by those who have access to the beta test of the game.  The limitations of a platformer game as a look for the game are no longer in effect!  Just check out the adaptation of the game Flower!  Or their version of Pac Man!



Beyond Good and Evil is coming back!
From the Beyond Good and Evil HD version coming up, there is also news of an upcoming Beyond Good and Evil 2 game!  When I first played the original game on the Play Station 2, I recall how much I loved this game for its unique sense of humor, varied gameplay and compelling story.  Like a strange mix of Solyent Green and Legend of Zelda, the game has twists and visuals that simply give it such a unique look and feel that it really saddens me how it never hit it big due to the lack of strong marketing and support from its distributor.

I am really hoping that these two games come out and that the world sees the beauty and fun that this game has to offer.  Seriously.  God of War and Devil May Cry have nothing compared to this game.

But sadly, once you visit their official site however.

Sad.

But no, i will not give up!

More Old Games Coming Back!
Other than Beyond Good and Evil, I am overjoyed to know that ICO and Shadow of the Colossus are now going to be ported to the PlayStation 3 as well!  I already have a copy of the Prince of Persia Trilogy and the Sly Cooper compilation too!  Here's hoping even obscure but fun games like Eretzvaju and Bust a Groove (Not to be confused with the stupid dinosaur bubble game) get ported.  I doubt it, but one can hope right?

Sequels to Games We Love
There are also the great games that are about to finally release their long-awaited sequels.  Batman's Arkham City, Silent Hill 8, Dynasty Warriors 7, and best of all, America McGee's Alice: Madness Returns are about to have come back games on the horizon!

And let's hope for Kingdom Hearts 3!

The Dark Knight Rises
Sooooo psyched for the next Chris Nolan Batman movie.  With his having confirmed Tom Hardy having a role in the movie, I can't wait to see what his warped mind has in store for us next.   Lots of people are placing bets that good ole Tom will be Hugo Strange.  I personally am hoping he ends up being the new Riddler.  Probably one given a more Clock Work Orange twist.  I wouldn't mind if he goes for Clayface too, as long as he has many shirtless moments before and after turning into mud.

And more, more, more geeky moments with my Wocky.
Everything from getting more Transformers, a joy far too long denied, to indulging in movies, shows, and other little pampering things, my life with my partner continues to get better and better each and every single day.   I love being in a relationship where one can be as geekily gay as one really is.

2011, bring your wicked wabbits!
I am ready for you!