Book: Blue Magic

I love a good Fantasy yarn. Spun correctly, the characters, no matter the crazy names and dialogue, or what they're involved with, come off the page as believable on some level.

I like to use the Beer Scale for Fantasy novels. Would I buy a beer for this character? Would I sit down and drink all night with this character? It's not scientific, but that's the gauge I use when reading the genre.

Video: Endless Space Update (PC)

Mr. Nash gives us a quick update on how things are looking in Amplitude Studios' upcoming space 4X game, Endless Space.

News: Radical Entertainment Massively Reduced in Size

First there were rumours, then full-fledged pronouncements soon after, now it has been confirmed by Activision in a statement that the Vancouver-based Radical Entertainment has all but been shuttered.

The official word from Activision states the following:

Although we made a substantial investment in the Prototype IP, it did not find a broad commercial audience. Radical is a very talented team of developers, however, we have explored various options for the studio, including a potential sale of the business, and have made a difficult conclusion through the consultation process that the only remaining option is a significant reduction in staff. As such, some employees will remain working for Radical Entertainment supporting other existing Activision Publishing projects, but the studio will cease development of its own games going forward.

While it's heartening to hear that the studio, which recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary, wasn't completely closed down, there are reports as many as 145 people lost their jobs. Even with the mass firings, the PC version of Prototype 2 will still launch July 24, 2012 according to statement on Radical's Facebook page.

Review: Lollipop Chainsaw (360)

Lollipop Chainsaw is like that summer movie no one wants to admit they actually had fun watching because it was ridiculous, you didn't know what was coming next (and didn't care), and you were watching it just because it paired well with sitting in a cool, dark room enjoying a drink and some popcorn.

That's what this game is, solid entertainment, even if you wouldn't want to admit it to your wife and/or girlfriend.

News: War of the Human Tanks Coming This Fall (PC)

In the past few years, more and more companies have gotten into the act with bringing localized versions of Japanese indie games to the West.  Rockin' Android, Carpe Fulgur, NyuMedia, and now we get to add Fruitbat Factory to the list, as they will be bringing the rather cute-looking War of the Human Tanks to the PC in the Fall.

Review: Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

As of this writing, Kid Icarus: Uprising was released months ago. Whatever else I write about it should be taken in that light; it has been the portable game I keep coming back to even at this late date. That accounts for the tardiness of this review. Once a review is complete, there's usually no reason (and no time) for me to return to a game unless the multiplayer pulls me in or there's some significant new content available for it.

That's what I've been using to excuse myself from writing the review. "I'm still playing it!" I tell myself. "I can't possibly be ready to write the review."

E3 2012: Bellator MMA Onslaught - Preview

For the last few years, the eight hundred pound gorilla for MMA fighting games has been THQ's UFC Undisputed series.  With an almost obsessive amount of detail and a lot of sweat poured into making every fighter currently or formerly in the UFC look as life-like as possible, the Undisputed series has earned a reputation for being a hardcore fighting simulation. But with THQ's financial situation, and the future of the Undisputed series in doubt for many, it's to be expected that there will be some contenders for the top spot.  One of those early contenders appears to be Bellator MMA Onslaught.