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Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated Zombicide: Black Plague in Tabletop Games
Jul 21, 2019 (Updated Jul 21, 2019)
Improved ruleset vs. the original game (3 more)
Fantasy theme
Excellent miniatures!
Improved components vs. the original game
Primarily a combat simulator (1 more)
Low complexity
Improved rules and components, plus the fantasy theme? I wish I discovered this before the original.....
My wife and I love the original Zombicide and have most of the content for the modern setting, minus Kickstarter exclusives and the guest artist characters. So when we found ourselves at the local ComicCon and there was a copy of Black Plague in the game library? We jumped all over that! Compared to the original game, they've fixed several of the rules that bugged us about the game, especially regarding shooting and resources. They've also upgraded the dashboard system to a plastic thing with pegs, which is so much better than the originals that we've seriously considered buying them on eBay and Photoshoping cards for the modern characters so that we can incorporate the upgraded dashboards. We did incorporate a lot of the rules changes into our own games. So if you want to get into Zombicide and can only pick one setting, make it this one.
Like I said, we love Zombicide. But there are a lot of people in the gaming community that feel it lacks something in the way of complexity and strategy. They're not necessarily wrong. It's primarily a tactics game: here's your mission and goal, here's the situation, go! Is it easy? Sometimes. Depends on how lucky you are. Sometimes the zombies spawn in ways and locations that play right into your hands. Sometimes the Abomination spawns right in front of you and you either die immediately or the game bogs down while you scramble to outmaneuver him or find the (scarce) resources to defeat him. It can be pretty random and frustrating at times, and there are people who avoid randomness like the plague in their gaming. But like I said, my wife and I love the system, and this is the best version of it that I've seen.
Like I said, we love Zombicide. But there are a lot of people in the gaming community that feel it lacks something in the way of complexity and strategy. They're not necessarily wrong. It's primarily a tactics game: here's your mission and goal, here's the situation, go! Is it easy? Sometimes. Depends on how lucky you are. Sometimes the zombies spawn in ways and locations that play right into your hands. Sometimes the Abomination spawns right in front of you and you either die immediately or the game bogs down while you scramble to outmaneuver him or find the (scarce) resources to defeat him. It can be pretty random and frustrating at times, and there are people who avoid randomness like the plague in their gaming. But like I said, my wife and I love the system, and this is the best version of it that I've seen.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Awaken Online: Precipice in Books
Jan 14, 2019
Fantastic follow-up LitRPG
Jason continues his playing of Awaken Online, the massive multiplayer online RPG. Now the ruler of a city of zombies, he has more concerns than simply levelling up his skills and getting new loot.
I was worried this change in fortunes might lead to a more boring, admin-focused book (much like what happened with Phil Tucker's Euphoria Online). Thankfully this is not the case, as Jason hits on a way to keep his undead population count up, but also have some fun, by venturing into some unexplored dungeons.
He does this with his real-world friends Frank and Riley, which adds a different element to the action, as he can use and rely on other people and their skills added into the mix make for a much more interesting sequence of conflicts.
We are treated to a number of large-scale battles on the way to the dungeon, and within it. The way Jason's strategy is worked out and implemented make it a truly immersive, thrilling read.
As with the first book, the start of each chapter contains an excerpt of someone else's view, either the game developers, or other players. This adds context to Jason's story and allows you to see consequences and foresee some issues.
As well as this, we see Jason in the real world, though less than in the first book. There are moments where decisions made in-game have real world consequences, either impacting friendships or leading to nastiness and bullying.
The fact that Jason decides to become "the villain" is a little hard to take, as apart from the very early stages, all of his decisions have been made out of him trying to do the right thing for himself/others and this is even more the case in this book.
Aside from a few grammer crimes, continuity errors and head-scratching game mechanics, this was a very enjoyable exciting read.
I was worried this change in fortunes might lead to a more boring, admin-focused book (much like what happened with Phil Tucker's Euphoria Online). Thankfully this is not the case, as Jason hits on a way to keep his undead population count up, but also have some fun, by venturing into some unexplored dungeons.
He does this with his real-world friends Frank and Riley, which adds a different element to the action, as he can use and rely on other people and their skills added into the mix make for a much more interesting sequence of conflicts.
We are treated to a number of large-scale battles on the way to the dungeon, and within it. The way Jason's strategy is worked out and implemented make it a truly immersive, thrilling read.
As with the first book, the start of each chapter contains an excerpt of someone else's view, either the game developers, or other players. This adds context to Jason's story and allows you to see consequences and foresee some issues.
As well as this, we see Jason in the real world, though less than in the first book. There are moments where decisions made in-game have real world consequences, either impacting friendships or leading to nastiness and bullying.
The fact that Jason decides to become "the villain" is a little hard to take, as apart from the very early stages, all of his decisions have been made out of him trying to do the right thing for himself/others and this is even more the case in this book.
Aside from a few grammer crimes, continuity errors and head-scratching game mechanics, this was a very enjoyable exciting read.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Awaken Online: Dominion in Books
Nov 29, 2019
Another excellent tale in the world of AO
This the 4th "full-length" (though the side quests aren't exactly novellas!) story in the LitRPG series starts of with Jason in his new incarnation as a "Keeper". He has a new set of tools, necromancy spells and abilities to get to grips with, and a new threat to overcome.
For once, the in-game story is split between characters, as we see Jason and Riley take on new training regimes (Jason has finally realised he can't always cower in the background letting his zombies and skeletons do all the work and he has to become better at combat himself), Frank goes on tour to secure the outlying towns of their growing empire, and the baddie Alex plots to get some revenge on Jason for publicly besting him. We also spend time in the real world as a senatorial hearing is opened to look into allegations that Awaken Online may not be safe for its users.
All of the characters develop notably in this book, none more than Jason who has to do some soul-searching, change his in-game role, and also make peace with what the game technology may be doing to his mind and body.
The story is strong, though with a smaller scale in its problem solving than before - the focus is more on Jason and Riley's personal challenges rather than larger quests. It is a little heavy on the admin at times but given how complicated games like this would be that adds to the immersive feel of the book.
The only main gripe for me is the use of the word "tendril" on almost every page, and the occasional use of "overtop" which very much jars when read.
Otherwise, another superb, gripping tome in this online fantasy world.
Next up is Frank's side-quest, hopefully before Christmas (I can't seem to keep up with Bagwell's output and am always at least 2 books behind!).
For once, the in-game story is split between characters, as we see Jason and Riley take on new training regimes (Jason has finally realised he can't always cower in the background letting his zombies and skeletons do all the work and he has to become better at combat himself), Frank goes on tour to secure the outlying towns of their growing empire, and the baddie Alex plots to get some revenge on Jason for publicly besting him. We also spend time in the real world as a senatorial hearing is opened to look into allegations that Awaken Online may not be safe for its users.
All of the characters develop notably in this book, none more than Jason who has to do some soul-searching, change his in-game role, and also make peace with what the game technology may be doing to his mind and body.
The story is strong, though with a smaller scale in its problem solving than before - the focus is more on Jason and Riley's personal challenges rather than larger quests. It is a little heavy on the admin at times but given how complicated games like this would be that adds to the immersive feel of the book.
The only main gripe for me is the use of the word "tendril" on almost every page, and the occasional use of "overtop" which very much jars when read.
Otherwise, another superb, gripping tome in this online fantasy world.
Next up is Frank's side-quest, hopefully before Christmas (I can't seem to keep up with Bagwell's output and am always at least 2 books behind!).
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Dead Don't Die (2019) in Movies
Jan 7, 2020 (Updated Jan 29, 2020)
Several Wild Animals
The Dead Don't Die is truly a bizarre experience.
Jim Jarmusch has crafted a gratuitously deadpan and self aware zombie film that tackles tired genre tropes in unique and confusing ways.
Truth be told, I was ready to hate it. I knew that it wasn't the same style of zombie-comedy as Zombieland, or Shaun of the Dead, and I expected to be bogged down in pretentiousness - I'm happy to admit that I was wrong in this case.
A lot of the complaints I've seen about TDDD is precisely that. That, and the fourth wall breaking, but those are two aspects that I actually really liked.
The humour is really subtle for the most part. The dead pan delivery of a lot of the script was quite jarring at first, but it didn't take long for it settle, and I actually ended up finding it pretty funny, just not in-your-face funny (which is a good thing).
The fourth wall stuff verges on being too-clever-for-its-own-good but it just about pulls it off, and gives an interesting alternate thought process to the general narrative.
The cast is brimming with people that I like and love - Bill Murray, Adam Driver (surely a full blown man crush by this point), Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Tilda Swinton... God damn I even love Iggy Pop. It's a great cast list for sure, and the charming and witty script gives them all a lot to do, even if some of the many characters feel under developed at times.
The zombie aspect is a bit if a back seat for me. I was certainly more invested in the aforementioned cast, than any actual zombie action, but I enjoyed the 'classic' shuffling zombies in a small town setting for what it's worth.
I'm not sure what I expected from The Dead Don't Die, but it certainly wasn't what I got, and that precisely why it stands out.
Jim Jarmusch has crafted a gratuitously deadpan and self aware zombie film that tackles tired genre tropes in unique and confusing ways.
Truth be told, I was ready to hate it. I knew that it wasn't the same style of zombie-comedy as Zombieland, or Shaun of the Dead, and I expected to be bogged down in pretentiousness - I'm happy to admit that I was wrong in this case.
A lot of the complaints I've seen about TDDD is precisely that. That, and the fourth wall breaking, but those are two aspects that I actually really liked.
The humour is really subtle for the most part. The dead pan delivery of a lot of the script was quite jarring at first, but it didn't take long for it settle, and I actually ended up finding it pretty funny, just not in-your-face funny (which is a good thing).
The fourth wall stuff verges on being too-clever-for-its-own-good but it just about pulls it off, and gives an interesting alternate thought process to the general narrative.
The cast is brimming with people that I like and love - Bill Murray, Adam Driver (surely a full blown man crush by this point), Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Tilda Swinton... God damn I even love Iggy Pop. It's a great cast list for sure, and the charming and witty script gives them all a lot to do, even if some of the many characters feel under developed at times.
The zombie aspect is a bit if a back seat for me. I was certainly more invested in the aforementioned cast, than any actual zombie action, but I enjoyed the 'classic' shuffling zombies in a small town setting for what it's worth.
I'm not sure what I expected from The Dead Don't Die, but it certainly wasn't what I got, and that precisely why it stands out.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Walking Dead - Season 2 in TV
Aug 2, 2019
An engaging second season
Contains spoilers, click to show
The second season of The Walking Dead gets a bad wrap at times. Upon many a half drunken discussion in the pub about various nerdy franchises, TWD always crops up, and people always seem to mention season 2 as a weak season. (Usually people who are yet to watch seasons 7-8...)
I am extremely fond of this season. It's fairly slow but that's really not a bad thing. It devotes a lot of time to fleshing out the ensemble cast, and concentrates a lot on internal conflicts within the group.
The series starts with one of the children, Sophia, going missing after a zombie horde shuffles towards our heroes as they hide in a freeway under cars (a classic tense TWD scene).
Sophia, understandably scared, decides to run instead of hide, and the group sets off to find her. During their search, Rick's young son Carl is accidentally shot, and the group find medical help at a nearby farm.
And said farm is where the rest of the season takes place.
We're introduced in this season to fan favourites such as Hershel (literally my favourite TWD character of all time), Maggie, and Beth, adding some great characters to an already strong cast.
The conflict between Rick and Shane comes to a head as the season progresses, resulting in some really tense scenes.
The mid point of season 2 contains one of the best scenes to ever grace TWD. As the suspect barn at the bottom on Hershels farm is opened against his will, and well, the end of the episode contains a revelation that gave me goosebumps. For a show about zombies, it's really powerful television at times.
The finale is predictable zombie chaos, but it's a lot of gory fun, and leaves you hankering for season 3, even if we lose a couple of great characters along the way.
I am extremely fond of this season. It's fairly slow but that's really not a bad thing. It devotes a lot of time to fleshing out the ensemble cast, and concentrates a lot on internal conflicts within the group.
The series starts with one of the children, Sophia, going missing after a zombie horde shuffles towards our heroes as they hide in a freeway under cars (a classic tense TWD scene).
Sophia, understandably scared, decides to run instead of hide, and the group sets off to find her. During their search, Rick's young son Carl is accidentally shot, and the group find medical help at a nearby farm.
And said farm is where the rest of the season takes place.
We're introduced in this season to fan favourites such as Hershel (literally my favourite TWD character of all time), Maggie, and Beth, adding some great characters to an already strong cast.
The conflict between Rick and Shane comes to a head as the season progresses, resulting in some really tense scenes.
The mid point of season 2 contains one of the best scenes to ever grace TWD. As the suspect barn at the bottom on Hershels farm is opened against his will, and well, the end of the episode contains a revelation that gave me goosebumps. For a show about zombies, it's really powerful television at times.
The finale is predictable zombie chaos, but it's a lot of gory fun, and leaves you hankering for season 3, even if we lose a couple of great characters along the way.
Hotel Transylvania 2
Games, Entertainment and Stickers
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Crazy Snowboard Pro
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Minecraft Construction Handbook - Updated Edition: An Official Minecraft Book from Mojang
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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Last of Us Remastered in Video Games
Jul 22, 2020
Perseverance pays off apparently
I absolutely love the Uncharted series, so when The Last of Us launched at the end of the PS3s lifecycle, I was naturally excited to play it. I didn't get very far before I gave up on it. It just failed to grab me, and I couldn't quite figure out why.
Fast forward to the Remastered release on PS4, and I had exactly the same issue. I got a little further this time (reached the abandoned hotel) but just got distracted by another game and never bothered to go back.
About a month before TLOU2 released, I decided to give it one last try, and it finally clicked into place.
Before I knew it, I was obsessed with finding as many supplies and resources as I could, checking every dark corner and locked room, as I slowly grew to care deeply for Joel and Ellie along the way.
This bleak and unforgiving world of TLOU is possibly what put me off before, but this time around I found it easy to get lost in (definitely nothing to do with the current state of the real world...probably).
The combat is a little jumpy at times, but it has that unmistakable Naughty Dog design that has since been perfected and it's easy enough to get used to. Whilst I wound up frustrated at enemy encounters early on, by the games halfway point it all felt a lot smoother and satisfyingly brutal.
The "zombies" are straightforward enough, but the design of the Clickers is something original and particularly nasty.
The narrative is the main draw for TLOU though. The characters of Joel and Ellie are so well crafted, and the back and forth between the two is extremely well written. The sense of protection that I felt for Ellie was strong, so hats off to Naughty Dog for smashing that element.
I'm glad I finally got round to seeing the appeal of TLOU. It's a well crafted adventure that deserves the praise it gets.
Fast forward to the Remastered release on PS4, and I had exactly the same issue. I got a little further this time (reached the abandoned hotel) but just got distracted by another game and never bothered to go back.
About a month before TLOU2 released, I decided to give it one last try, and it finally clicked into place.
Before I knew it, I was obsessed with finding as many supplies and resources as I could, checking every dark corner and locked room, as I slowly grew to care deeply for Joel and Ellie along the way.
This bleak and unforgiving world of TLOU is possibly what put me off before, but this time around I found it easy to get lost in (definitely nothing to do with the current state of the real world...probably).
The combat is a little jumpy at times, but it has that unmistakable Naughty Dog design that has since been perfected and it's easy enough to get used to. Whilst I wound up frustrated at enemy encounters early on, by the games halfway point it all felt a lot smoother and satisfyingly brutal.
The "zombies" are straightforward enough, but the design of the Clickers is something original and particularly nasty.
The narrative is the main draw for TLOU though. The characters of Joel and Ellie are so well crafted, and the back and forth between the two is extremely well written. The sense of protection that I felt for Ellie was strong, so hats off to Naughty Dog for smashing that element.
I'm glad I finally got round to seeing the appeal of TLOU. It's a well crafted adventure that deserves the praise it gets.
ClareR (5779 KP) rated Last One at the Party in Books
Mar 14, 2021
I started reading this after dinner one evening, so reasonably late in the day, and then carried on reading until I went to bed. I really should have left an hour of non-reading time before attempting to sleep, because every time I closed my eyes I could see corpses and people dying horrible deaths. Which is strange, because books with this kind of content don’t usually bother me. I think it was the humour that made it seem more normal, more believable. And I can’t deny that reading it whilst we’re actually living through a pandemic might have added that extra bit of “Oh my god - could this actually happen??!!”
I liked that there weren’t zombies or something reminiscent of Mad Max - I think I’ve seen loads of those kinds of books before, and whilst I’ve been known to enjoy them as well, it was nice to have something a bit different. This is a breath of fresh air. Or at least as fresh as it can be with the imagined stink of millions of decaying Britons on the streets and in their homes (I’m not even exaggerating) 🤢
I liked that the main character didn’t have the answer to everything - or in fact, to anything - but she muddles along, making mistakes and learning from them.
This book isn’t wildly exciting, in that the zombie hordes are absent, and no one is being strapped to the front of a 4X4, and I loved that about it. The main character is a ‘normal’ woman, trying her best to stay alive at the end of the world. She’s a great character, she seems so approachable, and even though she probably wouldn’t agree, someone I’d be happy to spend time with. Even though I’d probably be a rotting corpse. Nice.
I’d really recommend this book, it’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill apocalypse story!!
I liked that there weren’t zombies or something reminiscent of Mad Max - I think I’ve seen loads of those kinds of books before, and whilst I’ve been known to enjoy them as well, it was nice to have something a bit different. This is a breath of fresh air. Or at least as fresh as it can be with the imagined stink of millions of decaying Britons on the streets and in their homes (I’m not even exaggerating) 🤢
I liked that the main character didn’t have the answer to everything - or in fact, to anything - but she muddles along, making mistakes and learning from them.
This book isn’t wildly exciting, in that the zombie hordes are absent, and no one is being strapped to the front of a 4X4, and I loved that about it. The main character is a ‘normal’ woman, trying her best to stay alive at the end of the world. She’s a great character, she seems so approachable, and even though she probably wouldn’t agree, someone I’d be happy to spend time with. Even though I’d probably be a rotting corpse. Nice.
I’d really recommend this book, it’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill apocalypse story!!