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Dr Dystopian (526 KP) rated The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition in Video Games
Jan 8, 2018 (Updated Jan 8, 2018)
Improved graphics from the original (2 more)
Runs better on the PS4 than on previous generation
Still a fantastic game even after 5 years
Worth playing if you missed out before
Ultimately this is a fantastic game and easily one of the best of the previous generation of consoles and so is 100% worth picking up if you either missed the initial release or are wanting a second round of it on this generation!
Improved graphics and a more powerful console make the game look and perform better than the original and there is still so much to do in this game it that countless hours can be lost to it. Due to its age the price for it is very reasonable with it often being found in sales which makes it a bargain purchase.
As always with Bethesda games there are the typical glitches and odd mechanics or bizarre AI behaviour despite the games age however this doesn't typically detract from an otherwise amazing game.
Improved graphics and a more powerful console make the game look and perform better than the original and there is still so much to do in this game it that countless hours can be lost to it. Due to its age the price for it is very reasonable with it often being found in sales which makes it a bargain purchase.
As always with Bethesda games there are the typical glitches and odd mechanics or bizarre AI behaviour despite the games age however this doesn't typically detract from an otherwise amazing game.
Rachel (48 KP) rated The Second Sister in Books
Jun 17, 2017
Very Interesting
I enjoyed this book hugely, after getting used to the constant dialogue to a character who isn't there!
There are some flaws that stopped me from rating it 5*. Occasionally the actions and dialogue are not natural at all, especially when it comes to a couple of peripheral characters.
Although the ending was very well written and exciting to read I was disappointed by the identity of the perpetrator. There are some hints about past actions right at the end of the book that I with had been detailed a little more - that would have been very interesting.
Altogether, though, this novel is extremely well written and the pace is just right. The characters well rounded and very sympathetic, I cared about what happened to them and always wanted to know more.
Even the bit part character's were interesting - especially the rose carver. The mixture of pity and menace was perfect.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and suspense. I am definitely going to purchase the authors first book and any future ones
There are some flaws that stopped me from rating it 5*. Occasionally the actions and dialogue are not natural at all, especially when it comes to a couple of peripheral characters.
Although the ending was very well written and exciting to read I was disappointed by the identity of the perpetrator. There are some hints about past actions right at the end of the book that I with had been detailed a little more - that would have been very interesting.
Altogether, though, this novel is extremely well written and the pace is just right. The characters well rounded and very sympathetic, I cared about what happened to them and always wanted to know more.
Even the bit part character's were interesting - especially the rose carver. The mixture of pity and menace was perfect.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and suspense. I am definitely going to purchase the authors first book and any future ones
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated Fowl Language: Welcome to Parenting in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.
Brian Gordon captures many moments where parents are their wits' end, trying desperately to remember that they still love their children. In several of the comics, he even talks about that parental feeling of thinking you know what love is, only to have it completely redefined when you have children. This book is great for parents battling between the two ends of the spectrum...
I love that he opened the book with a reminder that the reason airplane flight warning instructions start with "Put your mask on first, then on the faces of those around you who need help" because he's right...if a parents don't take the time to give themselves a little release, how can they be expected to take care of anyone else?
As I was always do, I highlighted my favorite of the comics to return to after: "Parenting is mostly just trying to explain in gentle, age-appropriate terms why being a dumbass and doing dumb shit will fuck your shit up."
Brian Gordon captures many moments where parents are their wits' end, trying desperately to remember that they still love their children. In several of the comics, he even talks about that parental feeling of thinking you know what love is, only to have it completely redefined when you have children. This book is great for parents battling between the two ends of the spectrum...
I love that he opened the book with a reminder that the reason airplane flight warning instructions start with "Put your mask on first, then on the faces of those around you who need help" because he's right...if a parents don't take the time to give themselves a little release, how can they be expected to take care of anyone else?
As I was always do, I highlighted my favorite of the comics to return to after: "Parenting is mostly just trying to explain in gentle, age-appropriate terms why being a dumbass and doing dumb shit will fuck your shit up."
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) in Movies
Aug 15, 2017
Lighthearted at times, quite sad actually, but all a ball of fluff in the end
The story of Florence Foster Jenkins is ambivalent. On the one hand, it shows how money can buy anything, and the upper class privileges that allow anyone to get away with anything. At the same time, you feel sorry for FFJ because she's extremely ill, alone, and she sings terribly, because why the hell not? From being a piano prodigy to contracting syphilis on her wedding night by her ex-husband that destroyed her ability to play let alone hear the pitch of her own voice - so in the end you feel sympathy for her. After that, you witness the brilliant performance of Meryl Streep, who is actually a good singer in reality, having to sing in the most terrible tones possible. Hugh Grant, as per usual, is a sap because that's the only role he knows how to play. Overall, a bit of lighthearted fluff.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Canary in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Canary could have been really awesome… if. Why does there always have to be an “if?”
This was a case of “High Concept, Poor Execution.” Here’s the thing about this book: I didn’t like the main character. For an honors student, she was an idiot.
You meet this drug dealer. You kinda maybe not even sure if you like him but you might like him. You accidently become his accomplice in a deal and don’t realize it until after it’s over. Then you help him get away from a cop. And you defend him and refuse to give the cop info in exchange for you being completely removed from the evidence. Why?
You aren’t sure.
Thing is, that’s a really bad reason to not snitch on a drug dealer. If her dad was being held captive, or he had something important of hers, or if they’d been together for six years, those are all good reasons. But “I just met you and I’m not sure if I like you but I’m still not going to rat you out?” not a good reason.
This was a case of “High Concept, Poor Execution.” Here’s the thing about this book: I didn’t like the main character. For an honors student, she was an idiot.
You meet this drug dealer. You kinda maybe not even sure if you like him but you might like him. You accidently become his accomplice in a deal and don’t realize it until after it’s over. Then you help him get away from a cop. And you defend him and refuse to give the cop info in exchange for you being completely removed from the evidence. Why?
You aren’t sure.
Thing is, that’s a really bad reason to not snitch on a drug dealer. If her dad was being held captive, or he had something important of hers, or if they’d been together for six years, those are all good reasons. But “I just met you and I’m not sure if I like you but I’m still not going to rat you out?” not a good reason.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Immortalists in Books
May 6, 2018
Do we have a choice or is it all dates?
Starting in 1969, four siblings visit a fortune teller who tells them the exact day that they will each die. This is about how they decide to live their lives knowing that date. Each pet of the book follows a separate sibling, starting with the one who dies the youngest. Each subsequent part takes up after the previous sibling dies.
I really liked this: I liked how the author describes their lives and decisions. I felt that it made them more human and not just another story. I like these family dramas though, and the chance to peek into someone else’s life.
This is definitely not a fantasy or science fiction book though. I did think there was a possibility that it might be when I first read the synopsis, but it’s definitely set in our world. AIDS, depression, obsession, OCD: these people have real life struggles.
It wasn’t always a comfortable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really liked this: I liked how the author describes their lives and decisions. I felt that it made them more human and not just another story. I like these family dramas though, and the chance to peek into someone else’s life.
This is definitely not a fantasy or science fiction book though. I did think there was a possibility that it might be when I first read the synopsis, but it’s definitely set in our world. AIDS, depression, obsession, OCD: these people have real life struggles.
It wasn’t always a comfortable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Akward (448 KP) rated Pandemic in Tabletop Games
May 24, 2018
Cooperative (1 more)
Thematically interesting
Pandemic is a lot of board gamers first cooperative game, and for that it has a lot of value. A lot of people have fond memories getting destroyed over and over, feeling that their first win was a big accomplishment. Unfortunately, after your first few wins, the game loses a lot of its charm. You start to recognize the patterns, and can pretty much tell within the first few terms if your group is going to win. As a result, this game is likely gathering dust in a lot of people's collections: too nostalgic to sell, but not good enough to play.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Slaughterhouse-Five in Books
Feb 9, 2018
So it goes...
Like most Vonnegut books you either love Slaughterhouse-Five or simply hate it, I can admit Vonnegut really isn't for everyone but for me his books are hilarious and leave me thinking about them more days after I finish them.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder Most Fowl in Books
Mar 9, 2018
One morning in March, Cam’s neighbor dies at his breakfast table, just hours after his chicken farm his hit by animal rights activists. Wayne was a very nice man, often offering Cam advice on her own heard of chickens. When the man’s daughter turns to Cam for help understanding what happened to him, Cam starts investigating. But can she find the killer?
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-murder-most-fowl-by-edith.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-murder-most-fowl-by-edith.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in Video Games
Dec 8, 2018 (Updated Dec 8, 2018)
An amazing addition to an already fantastic franchise!
I haven't tried the actual online gameplay yet, but I can tell you that adventure mode is fantastic. I spent 8 hours after a full workday playing adventure mode; I've unlocked maybe a dozen fighters all told, some of whom I don't even recognize. There's a new mechanic that allows me to customize each fighter as I play, which allows me to improve characteristics that I like or use more frequently. I can even train my fighters to have different statistics, which unlocks a multitude of different playstyles.
I haven't actually tried to play the online Quickplay yet, though I will probably do so sometime this weekend. It's great that they have online as an option, because that was always an issue for me--often I couldn't find anyone available at the same time as myself, so I only had CPUs or each hero's journey to complete.
I'd give this 15 out of 10 if I could... And 20 out of 10 with the more traditional controller!
I haven't actually tried to play the online Quickplay yet, though I will probably do so sometime this weekend. It's great that they have online as an option, because that was always an issue for me--often I couldn't find anyone available at the same time as myself, so I only had CPUs or each hero's journey to complete.
I'd give this 15 out of 10 if I could... And 20 out of 10 with the more traditional controller!
