Based on the mediocre and borderline-negative reviews circling the internet, I almost didn’t pick up Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (SW: TFU). I loved the demo, and despite having it on my day-one purchase list, I was scared the full game wouldn’t hold up to a worthy purchase at $60. While shopping at Fred Meyer with Linda one evening, I spontaneously decided to purchase it, hoping I would disagree with reviewers.

Frankly, I’m quite happy I did. The game isn’t perfect by any means, but what it does do well is deliver a very interesting story and a fun, engaging combat system that utilizes the Euphoria physics engine. And, though I’m only between a third and halfway through the game (I’m taking my sweet time trying to collect every secret item), I haven’t encountered any show-stopping bugs or frustrating glitches that might detract from my overall enjoyment level.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, albeit short, action game to tide you over until the holiday season “big dogs” come out, SW: TFU may be right up your alley. Oh, and it goes without saying - being a Star Wars nerd makes the experience that much better.

- Joshua

Filed under star wars force unleashed xbox 360 video game

When you think of introductory program languages, what do you think of? Basic? C? Certainly not C++, right? Well, according to the College of Business and Public Policy at UAA, C++ is the best language to learn for an intro. to programming course. I was always told (rightfully so, I think) it is a high level programming language and can be quite difficult to learn.

I’m not questioning the department’s decision so much as I’m curious how this class will pan out. They’ve been doing this for a long time so I’m pretty sure they know what they’re doing, but when I tell people what the curriculum covers they get a puzzled look on their face and say, “they’re really teaching that in a beginner course?” Oh well, I’m excited for the prospect of learning a new language, I’m just hoping it doesn’t chew me up and spit me back out. Time will tell, I guess.

- Joshua

Filed under programming language computer c++ school college

I’m not a very competitive guy. Sure, I enjoy kicking arse as much as the next person, but when playing games, I far prefer the company and the overall experience to whether or not I win or lose. However, when Soul Calibur IV for the Xbox 360 found it’s way into my possession, I became a totally different person.

When I first picked up the game, I stuck to single player play-modes against the computer AI. I was having fun honing my skills and learning the various nuances of all the characters, but I found myself anxious for some on-line play. Holy personality alteration, Bat-Man! Playing SC4 on-line, more so than any other game I’ve played, has turned me into a foul mouthed man who yells incessantly at the television. Fortunately, I tend to only play with my mic and headset on when I’m playing with friends, so at least complete strangers who find themselves pitted against me aren’t subjected to the nasty slew of expletives flying out of me. Linda gets a kick out of it since it goes against my nature to behave this way, and chuckles every time I start yelling.

Be warned, people, if you find yourself up against D3ad13 on XBL rocking Seong Mi-na, your ears might start burning a little. Keep in mind, though, it’s nothing personal; everyone I meet in the arena incurs my wrath.

- Joshua

Filed under soul calibur fighting video game xbox 360