Hello, everyone!
As I'm typing this, today (Sep. 26) is possibly, finally the last day of warm weather as a cold front will be coming in tomorrow and putting a change in local temps. I for one am welcoming it. I'm hoping I don't catch a sinus attack (which usually happens when we transition from summer to fall). But mostly I love that these damn upper 80s-lower 90s days will finally die.
This past week? Not much gaming. Not much of anything except music and podcasts. My truck had to be taken into a local auto repair shop. It needed a new alternator (bad tensioner caused the belt to slip), a new radiator (engine fan somehow came loose and a blade tore a hole into the old radiator) and a new water pump. I also needed some brake repairs. So I was without my truck for 3 days and it fucking sucked. I got rides from co-workers and my boss when I could but otherwise I walked everywhere. I had to rent a room from a local motel for a couple of days (nice place, pretty cheap) and all I would do is sleep and escape the heat.
I did get my truck back Friday at noon and I was pleased. Nearly broke but pleased. Luckily my parents sent me some cash to help with costs and a little to live on until next paycheck.
And yet, somehow, I found a way to spend a little money on games. In this case, two old Pokemon games for the 3DS.
Some of you may know but last Friday Pokemon Gold and Silver were made available on the 3DS e-shop for $10 each. And I decided to take a chance on them. I've read some reviews or blog posts and the general consensus is that while the games are old, they are beloved and some consider them to be the best in the series (for having certain features). So I decided to buy them. When I start them, I'll let you know.
Two weeks ago, I turned 37. No big deal. It was a low-key affair although I did celebrate with my brother and sister-in-law (and had a pre-celebration with my parents during Labor Day weekend). I didn't buy much for myself but I did snag a used copy of Final Fantasy XV for PS4 (this is the steelbook version that contains the Kingsglaive film). When I'll get around to playing it, I don't know. But I got it, that's what matters.
I restarted my Gamefly subscription and luckily got Uncharted: The Lost Legacy for the first game. I played a bit this weekend but I had a problem with my controller (something is wrong with one of the shoulder buttons and it's causing a glitch) so I'm probably looking at buying a new controller pretty soon. It just made the action sequences a total suckfest.
Yesterday, I saw Kingsmen: The Golden Circle. If you enjoyed the first film, you'll enjoy this. I think it's about as good a sequel to the amazing first film that one could make although I'd still give the first film first place. Lots of laughs, lots of amazing action scenes with crazy camera work and at times some memorably vulgar humor (this film's spin on the anal sex joke of the first film is even better). A great ensemble cast as well although this meant that some actors didn't get as much screen time (sorry, fans of Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges). However, it does become a showcase for Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Narcos) who, as one reviewer put it, bascially channels 70s-era Burt Reynolds.
I was also taken aback by how cavalier this film is with human life. Not that I wasn't expecting a high body count but that some major characters died (or did they?). Colin Firth's re-emergence is welcome and I hope that, should there be a third sequel, a third character is revealed to have survived an early attack.
The film also has a unique attitude towards the War on Drugs. How this develops in regards to the villainness (a cheery but vicious Julianne Moore), her big plan and to the film's fictional president (Bruce Greenwood) is surprising in some ways and not in others.
All in all, I had a good time.
I hope you people have a good time this week.
My friend hadn't seen the first Kingsman, but went to the sequel Saturday I think. He said it was ok, and they were a bit heavy handed with a war on drugs plot of some sort.
I told him I figured he'd like it better (I've seen the first one) and don't remember the original being political.
I'd argue that the first film is very political. There is definitely a strong focus on class divide/warfare. The bad guy's plan (which you initially think has to do with climate change) is to basically make poor people murder each other so that the rich and powerful can hang back and not take any responsibility.
The Golden Circle's villain does have an extreme plan on how to end the War on Drugs but when you see the film, consider how the film's President reacts to her demands. Its a section of the film that surprised me and it can surprise you.
hey man happy birthday. I turned 40 this year, but that's no so bad really. I tell you though I get a lot more aches and pains than I did when I was younger though.
Yeah, I've been feeling the aches and pains already. That may be due to my health but I've also got a job that can be taxing physically. I also like to take naps more often the older that I get.
yes! Naps rule!
I hear Gold and Silver are the best Pokemon games.
Gold and Silver are two games I'll never get bored with, but I can see people having a hard time going back to them. A lot of quality of life touches went into the DS and 3DS games to perfect the formula. But it's still a damn great time.
Also, go Fire. I normally pick Grass, but the Fire starter is just miles ahead of the other two in this game.
