4X Games

I just wanted to make this blog to shoutout one of my favourite genres of all time, the Four X genre.

For those of you who don't know, 4X stands for Explore, Expand, Exploit and Exterminate. Basically, macro-level turn based empire building games. I suppose the most popular of this genre would be the Civilization franchise - and for a good reason, they're amazing.

4X games are great. Infinite replay, always with new empires/races to choose, new maps, new ways to win. The games are a good length, you can play in the background while you do something else or devote your full attention. They're just really enjoyable, really versatile games.

Personally, I've always had a soft spot for 4X games with a sci-fi twist. Master of Orion (2, too be specific) is probably my perfect example of this. The game is very dated now, and sadly, Master of Orion 3 was a disaster, but with MOO2 you just feel like an all powerful overseer, with the information and understanding of an entire galactic empire. I find it really satisfying.

Follow up re: Portal 2

No new comic just yet.

Just want to say, I've done the developer commentary and I seriously reccommend it. It's really very very interesting.

Also, somebody asked about multiplayer, so I'd say yes, the multiplayer is awesome. Totally amazing puzzles that seem totally fresh because of the co-op mechanic (4 portals at once?!), and it's got more great lines of dialogue. :D

SERIOUSLY. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

Game of the year, every year.

I loved the first, the sequel exceeded my expectations. I could not be more pleased with Valve right now.

I'm debating whether or not to walk through the game with the developer commentary on. On the one hand, I want more Portal, and that's the only content left I haven't already done. On the other hand, I'm worried that a sort of "behind the scenes" thing might ruin the magic. Your thoughts?

SCHOOOOOOOOL'S OUT

WOOOOOO. Anyone in the mood for a little Alice Cooper? Anyone done school? Almost done? Join me in my celebrations!

Horror movies

Any of you out there in the blogosphere horror movie fans? I've never been much of one, myself. I think it's because the bulk of horror movies seem to be nothing but gore or cheap jump-outs. That's not artistic, or impressive. Anyone can startle somebody by being really quiet and then really loud. Also, anyone can make somebody uncomfortable by showing gore and torture.

I've seen one or two horror movies that didn't do either of those things, and I thought they were amazing. Consistently spooky... haunting. Scare the crap out of you without being cheap and easy. Unfortunately, these seem to be the vast minority of horror movies these days. What do you guys think?