So after a long while of making consistent post after post on this blog, I believe it's time for me to take some time off of all this and get back to some video games. For a long while. I really enjoyed the time I spent blogging, talking about video game consoles, nature, the feelings of weather, and so on. I felt that I was able to more clearly explain my likes and dislikes outside of a few short sentences and quotes from people, and it was nice to gauge other people's viewpoints.
The benefits that come from blogging seem endless, as it's easy to put whatever you want into a heartfelt post and explain what truly makes you happy on the inside, away from outside influence of family members, friends, or anything else physical that may be bothering you. Of course there are problems you'll encounter of choosing what to write, how to write it, and if your readers will take any interest in it. Having the time to start up a blog and write about whatever you want is tough to do at times, as well, but the best way to take these challenges on is to just keep writing. Write about what interests you, what you find interesting, data that hasn't been previously reported by anybody else, or something that happened in your day! It's easy to set down and start typing out wherever your mind wanders.
I've also found that writing a blog from my own point of view on things really helps in the long run. Just recently i've made my own story involving characters from a video game, and from this blog alone, I feel that i've learned how to better structure my words, paragraphs, and keep the tone and the character's speech consistent. Keeping a blog helps with these typing skills, and how to write things like papers or research papers for things like experiments. Also, because I was able to keep a decent schedule for posting, I feel that i've learned how to get my posts written in a timely manner, and presented in an orderly fashion.
I think by posting so often and reading others' blogs, i'm able to properly gauge what others like to & want to post about, and how much attention their blogs get, regardless of content. It puts in the perspective of others who write about what they want, and what kinds of attention the creators get based on their content. It stands to prove how useful blogging is in the modern world of technology, and how it can make our voices heard over a sea of people looking for their own identity. Blogging teached me a lot about not just how to make an image for ourselves, but how to write better in general. Getting feedback from others and keeping a consistent message, writing about our favorite things, and how to structure pages and information... it's so important to keep something similar to a blog in our lives to continue to know how to write and speak to others.
As I write this final post, always remember the benefits and knowledge that comes with being able to read and write in any shape or form. It can do so much for you and your own emotions, and contributes so much to us as people, no matter what you write about. So... to anyone reading, get out there and make a blog about what you love, or your own experiences. The world is what you shape it up to be, and i'm about ready to start shaping it in my own, unique way.
Farewell for now... and never give in to your negative side.
- Lucas Vincent
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Entry #9: A Guide to Game Consoles
So there's a certain holiday coming up regarding... giving gifts and pretty nice things to family and others, and I caught myself thinking: What's one of the best electronic gifts you could give to someone? What does one console have over the other? What kinds of games are on it, and how costly is it so I know what to work with? And more than likely, i'm sure you've caught yourself doing this as well. Well, fear not! I'm going to go over four different video game consoles that you could consider as gifts for you and your kin this holiday season. These will all have their shares of upsides and downsides, and using this list, I hope to give you all some insight as to what's a good gift to buy this year. So hang up the stocking, finish off those leftovers from Thanksgiving, and start decorating that pine tree that's mysteriously sprouted up through your living room's floorboard with glass bulbs and silver fluff; here's a good comparison list of video game consoles for your friends and family this season!
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I'm starting with what I believe to be the best purchase out of the bunch; the Playstation 4 (PS4). This slanted little black box can do so much for family entertainment when it comes to satisfying everyone; it can play games, stream movies, play standard & blu-ray dvd's, in addition to video apps that stream so much more and post to online social media sites like Twitter and Youtube. It can pretty much do everything, except cook your food and clean the house. Not to mention the extensive game library, both physically and digitally, which will keep your kids and teens entertained for hours. With the coming "Playstation Experience" in December, this is easily the best pick for an electronic gift this season... provided you can afford it, that is.
I'm personally not that good with money, so I can't speak for everyone when it comes to income and such. Regarding this, however, the base price of a PS4 with one terabyte of memory is about $200, and additional controllers are $40 each. This isn't that bad, but let's say you own an "Ultra 4K" TV and want to bump up how your games look. For that, there's the PS4 Pro, which off memory plays games, but not blu-ray or standard DVD's. The PS4 Pro will run you an extra $200, costing about $400 for one console, controller, and all its' trappings. Another unfortunate detail about the PS4 is once you've set up an online account, you should make absolutely sure the username you choose is a good one, because you can't go back and change it once it's been confirmed. If you want another, you basically have to start another account, and lose all your purchases and progress in the various games you play on it, and that's terrible.
Following this up is the Xbox One, which may as well be the rival to the PS4. It has basically the same functions as the PS4, but has slightly different apps and services offered compared to the PS4. It also has things like the ability to sign users in via the controller they use to start up the console, a general focus on games, and so on. Compared to the PS4, it also bolsters some exclusive titles from teams who work with Microsoft to make these games, such as Rare Replay, ReCore, and so on. This is something more for teens to young adults, rather than kids. Now, how does it stack up against the PS4?
Well for one, it's simple and easy to change your username at any time. You can change it once for free, and continuously afterwards for a small price. It's much easier than having to recreate your account for the sake of a title. However, while it does share largely the same library as the PS4, I feel the exclusives don't do much for those who invest in it. Just about anything you can find on the Xbox One, you can find on PS4, and done much better, including the DVD Player functionality (which has to be downloaded as an app before proper use, for some baffling reason). But for ~$230 for 500 GB and a game alongside it, perhaps there's something in it that you may like. Be wary of controller prices, though. Sometimes they can range from ~$60 to ~$80, and that's... odd.
This console in particular should be able to satisfy anyone, no matter what the family drama. This is the Nintendo Switch, which just made its' debut recently. This little portable device allows you to take gaming on the go, with small controllers that can attach and detach from the console at will for various methods of gaming. Play with family members, play with friends, play with anyone around you with a Switch and others around the world! It's truly a nice little system that gives you plenty to play with, and complete with a hearty library of first and third-party titles, it's easy to see why everyone would want to get their hands on one of these. But similar to the PS4, this comes at a pretty steep cost, arguably more so than the previous systems.
Let's start with the system itself. The dock, Switch, and both "Joy-Cons" are all in one package of about $300. The left and right joy-cons are used for playing whatever you get for your Switch, but the system only comes with one left controller, and one right controller (and two wrist straps, respectively). Buying one pair of both joy-cons in store will cost you $80 up front, and individually, they're $50. So if you intend on getting a Switch, you'd better make sure the controllers don't get lost. What if you also want to plug in your Switch to the TV? Well, the bundle only comes with one, but additional docks to leave in the house for use elsewhere will cost you $90. Combined with the standard prices of the Switch's games as well, it's pretty easy to see where this is going. Getting a Switch will leave a fresh hole in your wallet, so you'd do well to make sure you have enough money to keep up with what the Switch serves you. If you can swing it, though, the Switch is a worthy investment.
But what if you don't need a home console at all, and your kids/siblings want something to keep them entertained day in and out? Well, that's what the Nintendo 3DS is for. I know it's from the same company, but the 3DS does well for portable entertainment, more so on the portable side than the Switch does. It has a growing library of games, decent third-party support, and very good first-party support. Nintendo keeps the 3DS alive with tons of games made from them and for their players, so it's a very good investment. But, if you're looking for something deeper, then... you should stick with a console.
The 3DS isn't too expensive, but while it has a strong library of games and such, it's purely for kids and teens. You won't find anything like what the PS4 or Xbox One will offer, so if you're more into the hard, serious side of gaming, then you won't get that on a 3DS. As for prices? They're probably the best ones on this list! A 3DS XL (which has added functions plus processing power) will cost $200, and they vary in different colors. A 2DS XL (which is the exact same thing minus the 3D function) is about $150, with only three different, current versions available, and the standard 2DS (which can't close at all and has the base minimum that the standard 3DS offers) costs $80. This is probably the best choice if you can't afford one of the home consoles on this list.
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And with that, there's my comparison list of video game consoles this year! I hope I was able to clear up some info about some of the systems on this list, and give some insight onto what's the best buy for this year. If you're ever confused about what to get for your siblings, your parents or anyone else, you can never go wrong with video games (if you can afford them, obviously). Happy Holidays to all, and a wonderful night of video games to everyone!
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I'm starting with what I believe to be the best purchase out of the bunch; the Playstation 4 (PS4). This slanted little black box can do so much for family entertainment when it comes to satisfying everyone; it can play games, stream movies, play standard & blu-ray dvd's, in addition to video apps that stream so much more and post to online social media sites like Twitter and Youtube. It can pretty much do everything, except cook your food and clean the house. Not to mention the extensive game library, both physically and digitally, which will keep your kids and teens entertained for hours. With the coming "Playstation Experience" in December, this is easily the best pick for an electronic gift this season... provided you can afford it, that is.
I'm personally not that good with money, so I can't speak for everyone when it comes to income and such. Regarding this, however, the base price of a PS4 with one terabyte of memory is about $200, and additional controllers are $40 each. This isn't that bad, but let's say you own an "Ultra 4K" TV and want to bump up how your games look. For that, there's the PS4 Pro, which off memory plays games, but not blu-ray or standard DVD's. The PS4 Pro will run you an extra $200, costing about $400 for one console, controller, and all its' trappings. Another unfortunate detail about the PS4 is once you've set up an online account, you should make absolutely sure the username you choose is a good one, because you can't go back and change it once it's been confirmed. If you want another, you basically have to start another account, and lose all your purchases and progress in the various games you play on it, and that's terrible.
Following this up is the Xbox One, which may as well be the rival to the PS4. It has basically the same functions as the PS4, but has slightly different apps and services offered compared to the PS4. It also has things like the ability to sign users in via the controller they use to start up the console, a general focus on games, and so on. Compared to the PS4, it also bolsters some exclusive titles from teams who work with Microsoft to make these games, such as Rare Replay, ReCore, and so on. This is something more for teens to young adults, rather than kids. Now, how does it stack up against the PS4?
Well for one, it's simple and easy to change your username at any time. You can change it once for free, and continuously afterwards for a small price. It's much easier than having to recreate your account for the sake of a title. However, while it does share largely the same library as the PS4, I feel the exclusives don't do much for those who invest in it. Just about anything you can find on the Xbox One, you can find on PS4, and done much better, including the DVD Player functionality (which has to be downloaded as an app before proper use, for some baffling reason). But for ~$230 for 500 GB and a game alongside it, perhaps there's something in it that you may like. Be wary of controller prices, though. Sometimes they can range from ~$60 to ~$80, and that's... odd.
Let's start with the system itself. The dock, Switch, and both "Joy-Cons" are all in one package of about $300. The left and right joy-cons are used for playing whatever you get for your Switch, but the system only comes with one left controller, and one right controller (and two wrist straps, respectively). Buying one pair of both joy-cons in store will cost you $80 up front, and individually, they're $50. So if you intend on getting a Switch, you'd better make sure the controllers don't get lost. What if you also want to plug in your Switch to the TV? Well, the bundle only comes with one, but additional docks to leave in the house for use elsewhere will cost you $90. Combined with the standard prices of the Switch's games as well, it's pretty easy to see where this is going. Getting a Switch will leave a fresh hole in your wallet, so you'd do well to make sure you have enough money to keep up with what the Switch serves you. If you can swing it, though, the Switch is a worthy investment.
But what if you don't need a home console at all, and your kids/siblings want something to keep them entertained day in and out? Well, that's what the Nintendo 3DS is for. I know it's from the same company, but the 3DS does well for portable entertainment, more so on the portable side than the Switch does. It has a growing library of games, decent third-party support, and very good first-party support. Nintendo keeps the 3DS alive with tons of games made from them and for their players, so it's a very good investment. But, if you're looking for something deeper, then... you should stick with a console.
The 3DS isn't too expensive, but while it has a strong library of games and such, it's purely for kids and teens. You won't find anything like what the PS4 or Xbox One will offer, so if you're more into the hard, serious side of gaming, then you won't get that on a 3DS. As for prices? They're probably the best ones on this list! A 3DS XL (which has added functions plus processing power) will cost $200, and they vary in different colors. A 2DS XL (which is the exact same thing minus the 3D function) is about $150, with only three different, current versions available, and the standard 2DS (which can't close at all and has the base minimum that the standard 3DS offers) costs $80. This is probably the best choice if you can't afford one of the home consoles on this list.
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And with that, there's my comparison list of video game consoles this year! I hope I was able to clear up some info about some of the systems on this list, and give some insight onto what's the best buy for this year. If you're ever confused about what to get for your siblings, your parents or anyone else, you can never go wrong with video games (if you can afford them, obviously). Happy Holidays to all, and a wonderful night of video games to everyone!
Entry #8: Paying More for... Less?
So for the last couple of days (as of this post), there's been something going on in the video gaming scene regarding micro-transactions. For those unaware, the name says it all for you; micro-transactions are small payments within a game or something related to it for the sake of making a few extra bucks. These can range from some kind of currency within a game, to badly-implemented paywalls that go against the game's established gameplay and rules. However... are these as bad as they really sound? Or are they truly evil schemes plotted by someone looking to squeeze more out of their own project for the sake of cash?
I'll say right up front that I, myself, really don't like these forms of payments within a game. It's one thing if the "game" itself is free, but if you have to pay money right up front before being able to get into the game and play it, that's where the line needs to be drawn. If I, personally, am expected to put even more money into a game for more functions and characters i'm not even sure if i'll enjoy in it, then I may as well have wasted money with that initial payment. With that said, there's games that do this the wrong way, and games that do this the right way.
Let's start with the wrong way, first; Mobile games. Now, these games are usually, typically free to download on your phone and play day in and day out. But what makes and/or breaks these games are their gameplay and how they use micro-transactions. Let's talk about one game shown above: Fire Emblem Heroes. This game has good gameplay, but what could break the experience for you is the "Orb" system for getting more characters in the game itself. By using orbs, you obtain varying types of individual units from set "Summoning Circles" in-game, and these units (which are all randomly varied in their weapon, means of attack, and other skills and such, by the way), are what you use to fight your enemies in game.
These orbs can be paid for, but you can also get a lot by logging in daily and doing special missions (provided your units are a high enough level to meet the difficulty requirement). However, this is where one of many problems with the game begin. I feel like the game does a good enough job rewarding those who keep playing the game as it comes and goes through their mind, but for those who've done almost everything in it and aren't able to get anymore orbs through gameplay, the game almost forces you pay for more orbs to do hero summons to get more playable characters for the game itself. And given how this system works, It can almost feel like gambling.
People put countless amounts of money into a game that they may or may not have after a while, and for what? Ultimately, completely nothing. This fact worsens when there's special events that basically force the players to spend more for a small chance of getting a character featured in the seasonal rotation, and have to wait a whole other year just to try and get it again, and in that timeframe, there's no telling what would happen to their interest in the franchise after putting money into it! It feels sketchy, and sadly, this only seems to be a growing strategy for games like this. With this said, there is a better way these are handled, and these are in two, pretty big games that everyone may or may not know.
The video games that handle micro-transactions the best, in my eyes, are Overwatch and Team Fortress 2. In these games, paying for more is purely optional, and are usually only done for cosmetic items. TF2 does allow you to purchase in-game weapons from its' in-game shop, but chances are you'll most likely come across those weapons by playing the game normally. OW only provides players with cosmetic items, and while it unfortunately has seasonal items like FEH, they can still be obtained normally if the player stays dedicated to playing the game, and they never need to spend a single cent to get what they want. If micro-transactions continue to be included in games, this is the way they need to be implemented; reward the player's time and dedication rather than their income.
Though despite this, loot boxes and in-game currency still plague video games on the mobile market, and in home console games as well. There can only be so much of it before it either gets abandoned for something else, or is classified as gambling/scamming people for money, but that's purely my own opinion. How do you all think about this system? Should micro-transactions be put into games that really need it? Do free mobile games get justified with small payments within them if the game's good enough? Or should they be outcast and outlawed, making video/mobile games cost more, but with plenty of content to justify their sales point? Give it some thought the next time you look into your phone system's app store.
I'll say right up front that I, myself, really don't like these forms of payments within a game. It's one thing if the "game" itself is free, but if you have to pay money right up front before being able to get into the game and play it, that's where the line needs to be drawn. If I, personally, am expected to put even more money into a game for more functions and characters i'm not even sure if i'll enjoy in it, then I may as well have wasted money with that initial payment. With that said, there's games that do this the wrong way, and games that do this the right way.
Let's start with the wrong way, first; Mobile games. Now, these games are usually, typically free to download on your phone and play day in and day out. But what makes and/or breaks these games are their gameplay and how they use micro-transactions. Let's talk about one game shown above: Fire Emblem Heroes. This game has good gameplay, but what could break the experience for you is the "Orb" system for getting more characters in the game itself. By using orbs, you obtain varying types of individual units from set "Summoning Circles" in-game, and these units (which are all randomly varied in their weapon, means of attack, and other skills and such, by the way), are what you use to fight your enemies in game.
These orbs can be paid for, but you can also get a lot by logging in daily and doing special missions (provided your units are a high enough level to meet the difficulty requirement). However, this is where one of many problems with the game begin. I feel like the game does a good enough job rewarding those who keep playing the game as it comes and goes through their mind, but for those who've done almost everything in it and aren't able to get anymore orbs through gameplay, the game almost forces you pay for more orbs to do hero summons to get more playable characters for the game itself. And given how this system works, It can almost feel like gambling.
People put countless amounts of money into a game that they may or may not have after a while, and for what? Ultimately, completely nothing. This fact worsens when there's special events that basically force the players to spend more for a small chance of getting a character featured in the seasonal rotation, and have to wait a whole other year just to try and get it again, and in that timeframe, there's no telling what would happen to their interest in the franchise after putting money into it! It feels sketchy, and sadly, this only seems to be a growing strategy for games like this. With this said, there is a better way these are handled, and these are in two, pretty big games that everyone may or may not know.
The video games that handle micro-transactions the best, in my eyes, are Overwatch and Team Fortress 2. In these games, paying for more is purely optional, and are usually only done for cosmetic items. TF2 does allow you to purchase in-game weapons from its' in-game shop, but chances are you'll most likely come across those weapons by playing the game normally. OW only provides players with cosmetic items, and while it unfortunately has seasonal items like FEH, they can still be obtained normally if the player stays dedicated to playing the game, and they never need to spend a single cent to get what they want. If micro-transactions continue to be included in games, this is the way they need to be implemented; reward the player's time and dedication rather than their income.
Though despite this, loot boxes and in-game currency still plague video games on the mobile market, and in home console games as well. There can only be so much of it before it either gets abandoned for something else, or is classified as gambling/scamming people for money, but that's purely my own opinion. How do you all think about this system? Should micro-transactions be put into games that really need it? Do free mobile games get justified with small payments within them if the game's good enough? Or should they be outcast and outlawed, making video/mobile games cost more, but with plenty of content to justify their sales point? Give it some thought the next time you look into your phone system's app store.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Entry # 7: Hot Takes on Expiration Labels
This entry is a bit later than my usual posting times, but after watching Fresh a while back, i've suddenly got a strange feeling for making even more food related posts for my blog. So... I think i'll do just that!
This article in particular that I found talks about expiration dates on food and what should actually be done with it past its' "expiration date". I like how the post starts; the writer starts comparing their mother and father in how they both deal with expiration dates on food, and then leads that into a hook to explain how many people throw away food after its' marked date on the packaging, and explains their evidence to back it up. I think it's interesting to know about food labels and how people go with or against them, and how it ties into the food world. It's especially interesting to consider with how many people think about the freshness of their food and where it comes from, with so many eyes being focused on how things get processed and produced. If you get naturally produced eggs, or some form of steak or hamburger or beef, will you still keep it after that expiration date to cook it? Or will you keep it around until you're absolutely sure about if it's rotted or not?
I feel this is also relevant to the overall topic of food, as making sure your food is put to use and not utterly wasted is as important as making sure what you're eating is fresh. Using every single ingredient you have is about as important as eating healthy, at least i'd think so. If local farmers are making locally-made produce, eggs, and meat, it'd be a shame & overall waste of resources to throw it away after it supposedly turns bad. People should be getting the most out of their food regardless of a false "expiration date", instead of throwing it away once the day marked on the package comes by. In addition, you'll get the most bang for your buck by buying stuff you know you'll want to eat, so it's a good idea in general to get stuff you know you'll want to eat for the times ahead of you.
If you're to take anything away from this post, it's that you shouldn't trust the expiration date on your food's packaging, and instead take cues from the food itself. Mold, staleness, bad taste/smell, rotting, all of these can easily be identified by you, the consumer, if you properly inspect your food before eating or cooking it. Expiration dates are most likely set for when places like stores have to sell the respective foods before they get taken off the shelves, so don't worry about things like the bread or milk you have spoiling the instant after the expiration date passes. Just be sure to check and make sure the food's not spoiling in any way, and it will still be fine to eat.
Well... it's about time for dinner. I suppose after looking into this article, I should go use that leftover bread from last week, provided it hasn't gone stale on me already. Lucas, signing off. Enjoy your dinner!
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Entry #6: Weather and Emotions
For this post, I wanted to express my feelings about two types of weather, and what they both make me feel. I post about this in particular because as of right now, I feel a bit down due to some personal issues, as well as some other things in general, but i'll try my best not to depress anybody with this post. Because there's not too many types of weather, i'll try and explain my reasoning for why I like/dislike these types of weather, and how they make me feel as much as possible.
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Rain (Overcast, Thunderstorms, etc,.)
I, myself, love the rain. I suppose you could guess why I do, given my blog layout and colors, but there's just something so calming about it, so nice about the falling rain. It's a means to stay in all day and get cozy, doing things as time flows by comfortably and nicely. Thunderstorms are just as good, though your mileage on those specifically really depend on where you physically are in regards to the thunder. If it's off in the distance, it sounds nice! If it strikes relatively close, however, the sound could make you jump, and leave you uneasy for the rest of the night. Rain can also be problematic during the day, as well. It can fall on anything and everything, ruin outdoor events, sports, etc,.
However, I always feel at peace when it rains, and it gives me a calm feeling that everything will be alright. Hearing it fall as I focus on work, taking some time to admire the clouds outside, and watching everything through my window as it all falls. It also gives me an excuse to pop outside and soak in the atmosphere provided by the rainfall. It's soothing, relaxing, and makes me feel that things are very safe... Which is why it pains me to know that the place I live in, Arizona, barely gets any rain at all. I used to live in a different part of the state previously, and so far, compared to where I used to live previously, I barely see any rain clouds during the day or night. It makes me upset, looking outside and knowing that I simply won't get that comfortable feeling the rain brings because of how "perfect" the weather is. And this leads me into the other type of weather...
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Sunny Days (Clear skies, no clouds, etc,.)
(My apologies if there's a proper name or something for this type of weather i'm describing, but this feels like the best name I can give it.)
Normally, i'm not opposed to days where there aren't any clouds in the sky. The weather is nice, everything feels alright, it's generally good for everyone because there's nothing coming out of the clouds to fall onto any of us. It generally means that it's a good day to go outside, do some fun activities, and get out of the house/building you're in and bask in the sunlight. And this is true, as a lot of outdoor activities would usually be ruined when rain is involved, and those activities, in addition to sports, rely on the type of weather that occurs. It always means people can go outside and do whatever they want because nothing's stopping them from getting wet. I, however, personally disagree with these "perfect weather conditions", and see them as more of a depressing reminder of where I live.
In a place that's not only sunny out constantly, but also very warm/hot because of said weather, it's a shame that there's barely any rain to speak of here, even when it's supposed to rain in the monsoon season. Summers feel bleak and depressing, because where i'd have the option to go outside and do things, i'm instead forced to stay inside and try to keep cool because the sun is making things just that hot. And when it does rain, it feels very moist in the air and the heat still persists, making the feeling ten times worse. It makes me want to leave to go somewhere else with better rainfall, and somewhere that will actually make me happy to see the sun and clear skies when there's too much rain instead. But i'm sure that day will come eventually... hopefully. It'd just be nice to not worry about heat so often.
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What types of weather do you think affects your mood? Be sure to let me know and respond with your favorite type of weather, and how it makes you feel!
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Rain (Overcast, Thunderstorms, etc,.)
I, myself, love the rain. I suppose you could guess why I do, given my blog layout and colors, but there's just something so calming about it, so nice about the falling rain. It's a means to stay in all day and get cozy, doing things as time flows by comfortably and nicely. Thunderstorms are just as good, though your mileage on those specifically really depend on where you physically are in regards to the thunder. If it's off in the distance, it sounds nice! If it strikes relatively close, however, the sound could make you jump, and leave you uneasy for the rest of the night. Rain can also be problematic during the day, as well. It can fall on anything and everything, ruin outdoor events, sports, etc,.
However, I always feel at peace when it rains, and it gives me a calm feeling that everything will be alright. Hearing it fall as I focus on work, taking some time to admire the clouds outside, and watching everything through my window as it all falls. It also gives me an excuse to pop outside and soak in the atmosphere provided by the rainfall. It's soothing, relaxing, and makes me feel that things are very safe... Which is why it pains me to know that the place I live in, Arizona, barely gets any rain at all. I used to live in a different part of the state previously, and so far, compared to where I used to live previously, I barely see any rain clouds during the day or night. It makes me upset, looking outside and knowing that I simply won't get that comfortable feeling the rain brings because of how "perfect" the weather is. And this leads me into the other type of weather...
---
Sunny Days (Clear skies, no clouds, etc,.)
(My apologies if there's a proper name or something for this type of weather i'm describing, but this feels like the best name I can give it.)
Normally, i'm not opposed to days where there aren't any clouds in the sky. The weather is nice, everything feels alright, it's generally good for everyone because there's nothing coming out of the clouds to fall onto any of us. It generally means that it's a good day to go outside, do some fun activities, and get out of the house/building you're in and bask in the sunlight. And this is true, as a lot of outdoor activities would usually be ruined when rain is involved, and those activities, in addition to sports, rely on the type of weather that occurs. It always means people can go outside and do whatever they want because nothing's stopping them from getting wet. I, however, personally disagree with these "perfect weather conditions", and see them as more of a depressing reminder of where I live.
In a place that's not only sunny out constantly, but also very warm/hot because of said weather, it's a shame that there's barely any rain to speak of here, even when it's supposed to rain in the monsoon season. Summers feel bleak and depressing, because where i'd have the option to go outside and do things, i'm instead forced to stay inside and try to keep cool because the sun is making things just that hot. And when it does rain, it feels very moist in the air and the heat still persists, making the feeling ten times worse. It makes me want to leave to go somewhere else with better rainfall, and somewhere that will actually make me happy to see the sun and clear skies when there's too much rain instead. But i'm sure that day will come eventually... hopefully. It'd just be nice to not worry about heat so often.
---
What types of weather do you think affects your mood? Be sure to let me know and respond with your favorite type of weather, and how it makes you feel!
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Entry #5: Some "Fresh" Thoughts
So for this blog post, it's going to be a bit hard to detail what I saw as the documentary I watched just recently is very hard to find. I've just watched a documentary called "Fresh", which is about how industrialized farming isn't good for humans or the environment, compared to... "traditional" farming, let's say? It's a bit hard to describe, but the documentary has a strong message about where the foods we eat come from and how, but before I go any further, let's summarize the movie as a whole.
Fresh is, as i've stated, a documentary about farming in the United States of America and how the industrialization of said farming is harming not just us, but the environment around us. Cattle being fed what's basically meat when they should be eating natural food such as grass, mass seed-planting/machine-performed crop growing, those kinds of things. The documentary goes on to state that people should be eating healthier by eating vegetables, supporting local farmers, and so on. There's really not much more to it besides a general message of supporting locally grown produce farmers, and eating healthier, perhaps even trying to inspire people to grow their own crops, if possible. The audience is definitely aimed at those looking into the food industry, or those who want to learn how to start a farm or grow their own food. But did I, someone who usually never thinks too in-depth about these things, enjoy it? ...I think so.
See, the thing about Fresh, in my mind, is that it not only pushes and makes that obvious message of buying locally is better than buying from a restaurant or something similar, but it also really doesn't want anyone to buy from a corporation of food, of any kind. It's very serious about its' message, and as a result, feels a bit dark/depressing at times. There's a scene in Fresh that has someone tell a story of how a friend/family member of theirs goes as far as comparing things like Wal-Mart, or whatever kind of industry food outlet as a "pharmacy" for humans, because the food that's sold only supplies people with the vitamins/nutrients needed to "keep them alive". And after watching the documentary, I do understand why. The industrialization of food isn't really getting better, farm animals need to be taken care of better, etc,. But going as far as calling industrialized food a sort of "pharmacy for humans" is a bit out there.
Obviously, it IS important to eat healthy. But that doesn't mean the healthy option is easily available to people all the time, 24/7. Considering the modern world today, not every individual person in the world can go into a backyard or some equivalent and just start growing plants, especially for those who work constantly. Some people just don't have the time to get home and prepare food, because they might need to do several other things that have to be done when they get home. That's why things such as regular stores and food chains exist; to give people that quick option when nothing else is available. So trying to push the message that everyone should eat naturally all the time and only buy from select produce retailers and stores seems a bit impossible when these people that may want to do this, simply don't have the time to do so.
But is that to say the film is bad or poorly made? Not at all. The documentary stays on tone, uses and shows multiple farmers who are dedicated to their work and the overall message of healthy eating, and makes its' point clear. I may be slightly against the hard "only eat natural food all the time forever" message, but what the movie points out, and shows/depicts what people can do to eat healthier, is definitely an important message, and an overall important movie that anyone that has the ability to support things like farmers' markets, locally-grown vegetables, or anything similar, should give a watch. Outside the slightly depressing themes, Fresh is absolutely important to watch, and i'd recommend it if you're looking to study agriculture or anything even remotely related to food.
...alright, all this food talk has gotten me hungry. I think i'm going to enjoy a nice steak and mashed potatoes for dinner.
Lucas, signing out!
Fresh is, as i've stated, a documentary about farming in the United States of America and how the industrialization of said farming is harming not just us, but the environment around us. Cattle being fed what's basically meat when they should be eating natural food such as grass, mass seed-planting/machine-performed crop growing, those kinds of things. The documentary goes on to state that people should be eating healthier by eating vegetables, supporting local farmers, and so on. There's really not much more to it besides a general message of supporting locally grown produce farmers, and eating healthier, perhaps even trying to inspire people to grow their own crops, if possible. The audience is definitely aimed at those looking into the food industry, or those who want to learn how to start a farm or grow their own food. But did I, someone who usually never thinks too in-depth about these things, enjoy it? ...I think so.
See, the thing about Fresh, in my mind, is that it not only pushes and makes that obvious message of buying locally is better than buying from a restaurant or something similar, but it also really doesn't want anyone to buy from a corporation of food, of any kind. It's very serious about its' message, and as a result, feels a bit dark/depressing at times. There's a scene in Fresh that has someone tell a story of how a friend/family member of theirs goes as far as comparing things like Wal-Mart, or whatever kind of industry food outlet as a "pharmacy" for humans, because the food that's sold only supplies people with the vitamins/nutrients needed to "keep them alive". And after watching the documentary, I do understand why. The industrialization of food isn't really getting better, farm animals need to be taken care of better, etc,. But going as far as calling industrialized food a sort of "pharmacy for humans" is a bit out there.
Obviously, it IS important to eat healthy. But that doesn't mean the healthy option is easily available to people all the time, 24/7. Considering the modern world today, not every individual person in the world can go into a backyard or some equivalent and just start growing plants, especially for those who work constantly. Some people just don't have the time to get home and prepare food, because they might need to do several other things that have to be done when they get home. That's why things such as regular stores and food chains exist; to give people that quick option when nothing else is available. So trying to push the message that everyone should eat naturally all the time and only buy from select produce retailers and stores seems a bit impossible when these people that may want to do this, simply don't have the time to do so.
But is that to say the film is bad or poorly made? Not at all. The documentary stays on tone, uses and shows multiple farmers who are dedicated to their work and the overall message of healthy eating, and makes its' point clear. I may be slightly against the hard "only eat natural food all the time forever" message, but what the movie points out, and shows/depicts what people can do to eat healthier, is definitely an important message, and an overall important movie that anyone that has the ability to support things like farmers' markets, locally-grown vegetables, or anything similar, should give a watch. Outside the slightly depressing themes, Fresh is absolutely important to watch, and i'd recommend it if you're looking to study agriculture or anything even remotely related to food.
...alright, all this food talk has gotten me hungry. I think i'm going to enjoy a nice steak and mashed potatoes for dinner.
Lucas, signing out!
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Entry #4: Styles in (Game)Play
So, today i'll be posting about aesthetics. But not just any aesthetics... i'm talking about aesthetics in video games. That feel or alluring factor that sends off different messages about the game itself by either its' content, graphics, or gameplay, and leaves a lasting impression on us. Now, for the sake of post length I won't go too deeply into every game I post on this list, and they'll be restricted to games I feel a personal attachment to, but I do want to use enough to give you all a good sense of what feelings these games give off, at least to me, and what their style, graphics, and visuals feel to me. I choose these games in particular because I feel they also contribute to what I consider my own, personal "aesthetic". I'll also include one song from each game I list to help convey the aesthetic of the game I list, but of course, whatever you read from my posts is entirely up to you to discuss as well. That being said, let's start!
(NOTE: Most to all images were taken from Google Images, so I apologize if some images look bigger/smaller than others.)
1. Sonic Adventure [Dreamcast (1998), Nintendo GameCube (2003), Xbox 360/PS3/PC (2010)]
This game, in my eyes, is wonderful. The colors of the levels themselves, along with how the gameplay controls, the visuals, everything about it is so great. I will say, I am biased towards Sonic Adventure because I grew up with it, so I may be singing its' praises a bit too much. But for what's put on display here, complete with how Sonic controls, and the soundtrack, I can't help but love this game to bits. You control Sonic and five other characters through different stages and scenarios in an attempt to stop Dr. Robotnik (or Dr. Eggman, if you prefer...) from taking over the world with a new, mysterious enemy named "Chaos".
For the feel the game gives off, if I had to choose a specific theme, i'd say it's water-themed. The boxart (top-left) seems to feel like water ripples emanating from the center of the image, with shades of pink-purplish highlights, alongside blue and just a touch of green. It does fit, given the look of the game and one of the main villains being an amalgamation of water, but i'll save that for those of you who may want to play the game. But the game's style and feel is very nice, and I think gives off a good feel of a fast, action-packed adventure. And of course, the blue-colored aesthetic of the skies and seas are something that sticks with me the most.
Song: Open Your Heart - Crush 40 (This is the theme song to the entire game!)
2. Kirby Air Ride (Nintendo GameCube, 2003)
Kirby Air Ride is another game I hold dear to my heart. It's a simple, though fun racing game with Kirby as the main character, and comes with some of the same systems and abilities that Kirby usually has in his main games, though when I say that I really just mean copy abilities. The game has three modes as shown in the pictures; City Trial (upper-right), Air Ride (lower-left), and Top Ride (lower-right). All these game modes come together for a very fun racer that, I personally feel, offers just a bit more in quality and a faster pace than what a standard Mario Kart game could give you.
The aesthetic of this game... is definitely hard to pin down. If I had to give it one, i'd say it's very mechanical-feeling, in a good way. The main menu feels like you're almost looking at the inside of a complex machine as it turns, operates and moves like the inside of a clock or a factory using several machines to build something. But the rest of the game and its' race tracks all have their own feel. There's a track based around lava, another around machines, space, ice, but the main, central aesthetic definitely feels more machine/tech heavy than most, though that's not at all a bad thing.
(Fun Fact: For this Kirby game in particular, all of the music that plays for City Trial's randomized events are actually taken straight from the soundtrack of the official Kirby anime in Japan, "星のカービィ", or as it's referred to in the west, "Kirby of the Stars". Example: Here's the song for the City Trial event "Item Bounce" from Kirby Air Ride, compared to the original song from the anime's soundtrack, "Dedede Bustle".)
Song: Menu - Kirby Air Ride
3. SEGA Bass Fishing [Sega Dreamcast (1997), Xbox 360/PC (2011)]
SEGA Bass Fishing is another game from my childhood I hold closely to me not only because of the feel it gives me, but also because it's surprisingly energetic for a fishing game. You play as a professional fisher in Lake Paradise (and/or Lake Crystaldew, but that's if you play the "Original" or "Practice" mode to choose a different location to fish in), setting out for the biggest bass you can catch. There's really not much to this game, but that's also because this one in particular is a home console port of the arcade game of the very same name, and that's a shame 'cuz it never quite rose to acclaimed fame.
Alliteration aside, SEGA Bass Fishing is impressive in making a relaxing and comfortable aesthetic, while at the same time getting fast and energetic solely off of its' music. The only way this game could make fishing for bass any more energized is if there were effects added to the camera when fishing for a hooked bass, and maybe switching around the camera angles when reeling in a fish. The music is calming and focused when it needs to be, entertaining and suspenseful when it should be, and overall relaxing when all's said and done, and this is another one i'd associate with myself for the overall water theme.
Song: Original Mode: Ranking Screen - SEGA Bass Fishing
4. Animal Crossing (Nintendo GameCube, 2002)
Finally on this list, Animal Crossing. A game that isn't so much about an objective, but rather, living a life outside of your regular life. A life where all you have to worry about is whether or not you want to fish, catch bugs, dig for things marked on the ground (such as fossils), or pay off Tom Nook so that you may increase the size and space of your house for better interior decoration or item collection. This game is so relaxing, you can purchase a bed in game, place it in your house, and lay down on it as you either listen to some music in your game's house, decide what you want to do next, or just soak in the atmosphere of your home you decorated with your own two hands.
The feel of this game is definitely themed after nature, right down to the very neighbors you live with in game. All of them are actual, real animals (as showcased in the top and bottom right, next to the human player) and you live alongside them in a small town, with plenty of opportunity to do anything you imagine. Alongside this, you can plant things like trees, flowers, and pick weeds and take care of the world around you, and it's all very soothing and calming, complete with appropriate music. This game radiates a calm, nature-set vibe that makes it very nice and wonderful to play, and has a wonderful aesthetic.
Song: 12 PM - Animal Crossing (Nintendo GameCube)
---
At the end of the day, a game's style, graphics, art and aesthetics all play a very important role in making the game look and feel amazing. It's one thing to have good gameplay, but if the game looks and feels unappealing, then chances are you won't want to return to it anytime soon. But with these games, I hope you can at least see why I value the graphics of a game just as much as how it plays. Sometimes, it can even play a role into the person you grow up to be later in life, shaping what you wear or the color palette you associate yourself with, and these are just a few examples of games that play well, as well as look stunning. If you have any similar thoughts or games, be sure to comment and tell me what they are! I'd love to hear what some of your own childhood video games (if any) contributed to who you are today.
- Lucas Vincent
(NOTE: Most to all images were taken from Google Images, so I apologize if some images look bigger/smaller than others.)
1. Sonic Adventure [Dreamcast (1998), Nintendo GameCube (2003), Xbox 360/PS3/PC (2010)]
This game, in my eyes, is wonderful. The colors of the levels themselves, along with how the gameplay controls, the visuals, everything about it is so great. I will say, I am biased towards Sonic Adventure because I grew up with it, so I may be singing its' praises a bit too much. But for what's put on display here, complete with how Sonic controls, and the soundtrack, I can't help but love this game to bits. You control Sonic and five other characters through different stages and scenarios in an attempt to stop Dr. Robotnik (or Dr. Eggman, if you prefer...) from taking over the world with a new, mysterious enemy named "Chaos".
For the feel the game gives off, if I had to choose a specific theme, i'd say it's water-themed. The boxart (top-left) seems to feel like water ripples emanating from the center of the image, with shades of pink-purplish highlights, alongside blue and just a touch of green. It does fit, given the look of the game and one of the main villains being an amalgamation of water, but i'll save that for those of you who may want to play the game. But the game's style and feel is very nice, and I think gives off a good feel of a fast, action-packed adventure. And of course, the blue-colored aesthetic of the skies and seas are something that sticks with me the most.
Song: Open Your Heart - Crush 40 (This is the theme song to the entire game!)
2. Kirby Air Ride (Nintendo GameCube, 2003)
Kirby Air Ride is another game I hold dear to my heart. It's a simple, though fun racing game with Kirby as the main character, and comes with some of the same systems and abilities that Kirby usually has in his main games, though when I say that I really just mean copy abilities. The game has three modes as shown in the pictures; City Trial (upper-right), Air Ride (lower-left), and Top Ride (lower-right). All these game modes come together for a very fun racer that, I personally feel, offers just a bit more in quality and a faster pace than what a standard Mario Kart game could give you.
The aesthetic of this game... is definitely hard to pin down. If I had to give it one, i'd say it's very mechanical-feeling, in a good way. The main menu feels like you're almost looking at the inside of a complex machine as it turns, operates and moves like the inside of a clock or a factory using several machines to build something. But the rest of the game and its' race tracks all have their own feel. There's a track based around lava, another around machines, space, ice, but the main, central aesthetic definitely feels more machine/tech heavy than most, though that's not at all a bad thing.
(Fun Fact: For this Kirby game in particular, all of the music that plays for City Trial's randomized events are actually taken straight from the soundtrack of the official Kirby anime in Japan, "星のカービィ", or as it's referred to in the west, "Kirby of the Stars". Example: Here's the song for the City Trial event "Item Bounce" from Kirby Air Ride, compared to the original song from the anime's soundtrack, "Dedede Bustle".)
Song: Menu - Kirby Air Ride
3. SEGA Bass Fishing [Sega Dreamcast (1997), Xbox 360/PC (2011)]
SEGA Bass Fishing is another game from my childhood I hold closely to me not only because of the feel it gives me, but also because it's surprisingly energetic for a fishing game. You play as a professional fisher in Lake Paradise (and/or Lake Crystaldew, but that's if you play the "Original" or "Practice" mode to choose a different location to fish in), setting out for the biggest bass you can catch. There's really not much to this game, but that's also because this one in particular is a home console port of the arcade game of the very same name, and that's a shame 'cuz it never quite rose to acclaimed fame.
Alliteration aside, SEGA Bass Fishing is impressive in making a relaxing and comfortable aesthetic, while at the same time getting fast and energetic solely off of its' music. The only way this game could make fishing for bass any more energized is if there were effects added to the camera when fishing for a hooked bass, and maybe switching around the camera angles when reeling in a fish. The music is calming and focused when it needs to be, entertaining and suspenseful when it should be, and overall relaxing when all's said and done, and this is another one i'd associate with myself for the overall water theme.
Song: Original Mode: Ranking Screen - SEGA Bass Fishing
4. Animal Crossing (Nintendo GameCube, 2002)
Finally on this list, Animal Crossing. A game that isn't so much about an objective, but rather, living a life outside of your regular life. A life where all you have to worry about is whether or not you want to fish, catch bugs, dig for things marked on the ground (such as fossils), or pay off Tom Nook so that you may increase the size and space of your house for better interior decoration or item collection. This game is so relaxing, you can purchase a bed in game, place it in your house, and lay down on it as you either listen to some music in your game's house, decide what you want to do next, or just soak in the atmosphere of your home you decorated with your own two hands.
The feel of this game is definitely themed after nature, right down to the very neighbors you live with in game. All of them are actual, real animals (as showcased in the top and bottom right, next to the human player) and you live alongside them in a small town, with plenty of opportunity to do anything you imagine. Alongside this, you can plant things like trees, flowers, and pick weeds and take care of the world around you, and it's all very soothing and calming, complete with appropriate music. This game radiates a calm, nature-set vibe that makes it very nice and wonderful to play, and has a wonderful aesthetic.
Song: 12 PM - Animal Crossing (Nintendo GameCube)
---
At the end of the day, a game's style, graphics, art and aesthetics all play a very important role in making the game look and feel amazing. It's one thing to have good gameplay, but if the game looks and feels unappealing, then chances are you won't want to return to it anytime soon. But with these games, I hope you can at least see why I value the graphics of a game just as much as how it plays. Sometimes, it can even play a role into the person you grow up to be later in life, shaping what you wear or the color palette you associate yourself with, and these are just a few examples of games that play well, as well as look stunning. If you have any similar thoughts or games, be sure to comment and tell me what they are! I'd love to hear what some of your own childhood video games (if any) contributed to who you are today.
- Lucas Vincent
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