Story Quest Decoded

Want to feel stupid? You could have been reading!

When your days are filled with the tops of teenagers heads, staring down into Snapchat, something inside you dies. While I hold fond memories of hiding books under my desk during my own high school classes, these kids will barely let go of their phones long enough to say a complete sentence.

But when I get home, I realize that I am just like them. After a long day, I just want to mindlessly thumb through pictures of all my friends and family who are out traveling, having kids, etc. It doesn’t make me feel very good but it seems like the only thing to do. Play some mobile games and melt into the mind-numbing boredom of corporate advertising. Or…

Enter: The Omni Life Calculator

The Omni Life Calculator is an epic site where you can calculate a ton of different variables in your life like comparing pizza prices, a weight loss calculator, and even how long it takes to boil the perfect egg. What impressed me the most was the site’s ability to redirect the wasted time spent on social media to determine how many books you could read in a year.

I thought this feature was definitely the most intriguing. After tallying up my score, I could have read 136 books a year had I simply redirected my time wasted on social media. However, social media isn’t only a waste of time.

Not-so-social Media

The Omni Life Calculators warns of addiction to social media on their site with several helpful links. They don’t include many studies but I’ve done some of the work for you below if you need any more reasons to re-purpose your wasted time.

Social media addiction or continuous usage can lead to…

A conclusive assessment of social media would result in far more cons than pros, with many signs of social media addiction resembling the same behaviors as those who suffer from substance abuse. *sigh*

But it’s not all doom and despair with this handy calculator. The site has several useful suggestions for cutting back social media time by deleting useless apps, uninstalling frequently used social media apps and only visiting through an open browser (the Facebook app alone uses an enormous amount of storage and I have since deleted it from my phone), disabling notifications (regaining control over when you visit these sites), and calling someone instead of texting them, therefore depriving your body of that brief, addicting dopamine rush.

If you choose to follow this zen path of self-reflection through abandoning social media, I would encourage you to use that empty space to install a reading app like Kindle on your device.

Reading and Relaxing and Rest for your Brain

The prospect of reading for many people is daunting. Others may find it rejuvenating and refreshing to choose whatever you want to read whenever. While the Omni Life Calculator doesn’t explicitly encourage reading to fill in the time from social media, there are several benefits to spending your time diving into an online book or a paperback you stuff into your bag during a commute.

These benefits include…

Larger vocabularies
Better writing skills
Deeper emotional experiences
Heightened empathy
Increased intelligence in whatever subject you’re reading
Making you sound more intelligent
Increased self-esteem
Boosts your creativity
And so much more!

If you need help finding a book that you’ll like, just search for ‘books about_______________’ and fill in the subject that interests you. Can’t afford some online newer books that interest you? Check out the library. Still want to try out online reading? With Kindle, simply type in ‘free kindle classics’ and you’re bound to come across a classic work that is free now because of the copyrights.

The overall quality of your life is affected by what you spend your time doing. Scrolling through hours of social media will only make you feel worse, I promise. Try to go a few days without it and you will definitely notice a difference. Life is much too short to waste your time on something that is as damaging as social media.

This is not a sponsored post.

(Don’t) Look Back: Alien: Isolation and the Science of Fear

I used to want to be an astronaut. Going through that phase all children do, I relished the idea of floating, traveling to distant galaxies, and getting the smug pleasure from watching peoples’ faces when I told them I was an astronaut.

I think everyone grows out of this phase. It happened when I was in middle school and realized I was really bad at math. So I would never touch the stars and see aliens. Oh well. Certain games can sell you the experience with more plot and less aeronautic training.

Alien: Isolation came out in 2014 and I’ve always wondered why I didn’t play it sooner. It got a few bad reviews (who trusts these anymore anyway?) and cost too much (for me at the time) so I let it slide through my fingers. Until this past week.

The game is so much more than I could’ve imagined. Playing as Amanda Ripley, you embark on a mission to Svestapol where you hope to recover the equivalent of the “black box” from the doomed space station, the Nostromo. The Nostromo, carrying Ellen Ripley (Amanda’s mother) was the setting for the events of the original Alien movie. In this universe, that was fifteen years ago. Amanda, desperate for closure, is eager to discover what happened to her mother. On her journey within the space station Svestapol, she encounters the infamous xenomorph, rogue androids, and the wild inhabitants of a space station in decline. All of these factors contribute to a horrifying environment of consistent fear with the added threats of outer space.

Death has been my constant companion during the entirety of my game experience with Alien: Isolation. The xenomorph that has haunted our dreams is quiet and nearly impossible to detect with the equipment Amanda acquires. But the combination of death, space, and aliens is larger than simply the Alien franchise. The most frightening aspect is the actual isolation and the science behind it.

The Psychological Fear of Isolation

In 2014, The Guardian published an article discussing the effects of space travel on the human body. To the surprise of most people outside of NASA, the public was exposed to the possibility of their friendly neighborhood astronaut experiencing mind-altering hallucinations, eye flashes due to cosmic radiation, and depression due to the isolating factor of being in cramped space compartments.

Astronauts also miss home in a sensory way (the smell of grass, the sight of a sunny day, the feel of their feet on the ground). When those familiar experiences are taken away, it impacts a person’s motivation. Over extended periods of time, it can even affect the ability to make decisions.
NASA’s Human Research Program

The evidence for erratic behaviors and incidents in space is not new. When the Russians were experimenting with space travel in 1976, one particular bad smell grounded an entire Soyuz-21 Russian mission. The cosmonauts complained of a horrific smell in the space station and took the appropriate actions to assess whether a potentially fatal leak had occurred. There was no leak. And NASA concluded that there probably wasn’t a smell either. Psychological issues and anxiety plagued the cosmonauts prior to the “smell” perhaps influencing their decision to abandon ship. So what caused this incident?

Space+Brain=Potential Chaos

NASA scientists are only beginning to learn about the effects of space on the brain. One assessment is that the lack of gravity effects how the brain operates. This can become increasingly problematic when you factor in isolation social environments, anxiety of being away from others, the lack of earthly sensory details like smells and tastes, and the cohesion of a crew who may all be experiencing the symptoms listed above.

When you’re isolated, and can’t get home or talk to your family, how long can you stay positive?
NASA’s Human Research Program

Another case of human isolation studies comes from an event that occurred in the winter of 1956. When a member of an Arctic exploration team began to suffer from extreme paranoid schizophrenia, the entire expedition was placed on hold as he threatened the lives of those around him to the point that they had him confined. Being in an isolated environment like the Arctic, surrounded by mostly strangers in extreme weather conditions was likely the cause of the mental decline that resulted to a member of the team being strapped to a mattress to contain his ravings. With evacuation being impossible, sedation was the only answer. The real question is what would happen in an environment so far from earth?

Bill Paloski, Ph.D., Director of NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP), states that the stresses of space are hugely influential on the success of future space missions. How long can you stay motivated and positive in a confined space? How long can you stay civilized with a group of pre-selected strangers like those working on current space missions or those seen in the Alien movies? Because mental health is so indicative of the quality of life for nearly everyone on a mission, it’s no wonder so many studies are trying to determine how healthy we can remain while in space. These factors alone contribute a great deal of stress to Amanda’s already precarious situations.

Isolating the Brain

Overall, knowing the intimate details of mental health while in orbit was critical to comprehending the “gravity” of isolation in Alien: Isolation. Wandering through corridors for hours without seeing someone led to intense feelings of loneliness. Helpful friends are devoured soon after helping you. Most characters you know will most likely perish in front of you. The intensity of the game play, the sensation of sliding through slim compartments with no breathing room, and the hollow plot driven aspect of Amanda’s seeming-doomed search for the last remnant of her mother made for a maddening gaming experience.

If you haven’t played Alien: Isolation yet, it will be available on Nintendo Switch sometime later this year. Good luck surviving the bone-crushing, asphyxiating, hallucinogenic terrors of being trapped in deep space. Alone…unless you want to count a hungry xenomorph.

Is the Internet Going to Storm Area 51?

Airplane ticket to Nevada for September 20-23? Check. Duffel bag? Packed. Aluminum foil cone hat? Firmly secured. What am I packing for you may ask? Well apparently the internet has decided it would be a good idea to “attack” Area 51, over number the military guards present, and take some aliens home to play with them or something.

A Facebook event coordinated by a shitposting page (a page that is designed for specific online communities for the purpose of mockery or meme functioning) has proposed that the American every-man should band together to attack Area 51 and…free?…the aliens and expose the government’s secrets. At the time of this article, over 500k people support and plan on attending this event which could be the event of the year for those who sit at home making memes all day.

While it is supposedly a prank and hoax, the organizers are also proposing that if everyone runs as fast as and like Naruto that they can evade the military’s bullets. Good luck…I think?

Some people propose bringing the aliens home as pets or even marrying them if they look good enough (what about alien consent?). As a fan of Area 51 conspiracy theories, I’m interested in seeing how far this goes or if the government will get involved to quench the thirst of these avid alien hunters. Hopefully any attempts will be livestreamed for those who will be unable to attend.

I guess the real question is…what are you gonna name your alien?

Lites, Camera, ACTION! Nintendo introduces the new Switch Lite

A few days ago, Nintendo dropped a new console that is cheaper, lighter in weight than the Switch, and offers an alternative to the “dated” Nintendo 3DS. While Nintendo believes this will be a cheaper alternative to the pricey Switch, many Nintendo fans have expressed apprehension in dropping several hundreds of dollars more for the Lite when they already own a Switch. What can the Lite offer that would warrant the price tag?

Personally, the Nintendo Switch was a huge disappointment. While many claim it has revolutionized gaming with more playing options, multiplayer modes, and sleek controllers, I had a much different experience. The screen was too large, the controls too tiny, and the size seemed bulky and uneven. While younger audiences seemingly adore the Switch’s versatility, I’m sure parents will not be eager to drop an additional $199 for the smaller Switch Lite.

“Dedicated to handheld play…the system for gamers on the go”

The Lite is offering a handheld gaming experience which may, unfortunately, bring up the subject of the competition of mobile gaming. How can Nintendo compete with what many view as the ultimate mobile gaming device: the phone? Though I’m apprehensive, I’m curious to see how the reviews roll out for Nintendo’s new baby when it hits the market in September of this year.

Tech Meets MLM: A Relationship Made in Hell

So… there’s a person on Facebook. Or Instagram. Or a Snapchat. They’re typically in between jobs. Perhaps its a new mom who’s trying to work from home. Maybe it’s an unfortunate soul that you attended high school with who spends too much time online. Their posts look strikingly similar though. They say the same things while smiling into the camera: “join me, let me know if you would like to purchase, sign up for a free program, be a part of an exclusive group, LOSE WEIGHT!” I click through them without reading them anymore. Like old memes, I push them aside.

But after awhile, I realize that they’re everywhere. My inbox is jammed–overflowing!–with people trying to sell me makeup, hair products, services, homely crafts, joining a small business. What is going on?

MLM: Breakdown

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, multi-level marketing refers to the process of making money by selling through networking and word of mouth. According to the Federal Trade Commission:

” If the money you make is based on your sales to the public, it may be a legitimate multilevel marketing plan. If the money you make is based on the number of people you recruit and your sales to them, it’s probably not. It could be a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes are illegal, and the vast majority of participants lose money. “
Federal Trade Commission on Multilevel Marketing
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0065-multilevel-marketing

Basically, if a majority of the income generated from recruiting and creating a ‘downline’ or group under a seller or ‘consultant’ instead of sale of products, it may be a pyramid scheme. While a lot of the ads you encounter may not be pyramid schemes, you should always be weary when it comes to selling things for other people. Especially when the company promises to get you quick money with nothing but your cell phone or computer, utilizing the network marketing techniques of working from home.

The Basics of MLM: Need to Know

A typically cheerful person approaches you. Offer you some overpriced products. You politely decline. They offer to help you make money with you working under them on the line. Maybe you need a small sum to get started…? $99? $500? $5000?

Your gut should tell you to run. Save your money! But for others, the unique proposition looks more like an investment. So you fork out a few hundred…or thousand. Next thing you know, you’re thousands in debt, attending conferences, maybe even cruises. Your online presence has grown. Your bank account may have too. But there never seems to be enough time.

With your family, friends. They don’t understand the business. They distance themselves from you. Your selling crew becomes a surrogate family. Your starting to get into debt. Your scared to tell your significant other about the debt. Maybe the company tells you that you have to spend money to make money. Maybe it becomes too overwhelming. Everything sounded too good to be true.

Though this may not be every MLM seller, a disturbing VICE video exposed the inner workings of one reputed MLM online clothing seller LulaRoe. The company in question offers variations of leggings, dresses, and other items. But you can’t buy them just anywhere. You have to get them from a special LulaRoe consultant who paid $5000 to get that privilege.

Other companies like Younique, Herbalife, Amway, JamBerry (now closed), Scentsy, Nu Skin and numerous others use the same strategies of coordinating chains of sellers. The people at the top get richer. The people at the bottom are doing the work. It’s not a bad strategy. If you’re at the top.

A Hellish Marriage: Armies of Influencers

With the rise of social media, the MLM scheme empire has been pumped full of steroids. Live videos of women opening clams, unpacking jewelry or clothing, or simply posing with items has enflamed the industry with those at the top becoming billionaires in some cases. Those at the bottom can feel manipulated and even exploited by their higher ups. Pressures to gain more followers, consultants, or products can harm those who have invested money (sometimes life savings) and their precious time chasing down friends to sell them beauty supplements.

Why Should I Care?

Odds are that you have encountered or will encounter someone trying to tangle you into something. With the rise of social media, people in MLMs have easy access to hundreds if not thousands of online profiles and emails in order to gain followers or those who need extra cash.

College students are especially vulnerable to the siren’s song of easy money and are willing to make small investments through purchasing a beginners kit. Instagram accounts portraying filthy rich millennials pouring champagne over sports cars while vaguely mentioning a product or company can entice even the most skeptical millennial.

The disastrous Fyre festival was one such event where Instagram influencers used their images and large amounts of followers to get participants to buy tickets to a music festival that would turn out to be giant scheme. Those who attended described hellish Mad Max style survival instead of a music festival of epic proportions. The musicians that were promised never arrived. Instead of models, there were ravenous stray dogs. And the promised luxury tents were actually flimsy emergency shelters. Though it sounds like a good time to me (practice for Survivor, anyone?), those who paid $5,000 to $250,000 weren’t so pleased.

So what does an MLM have in common with the Fyre festival? Both originated through social media and heavily followed influencers. Anyone who tries to sell you something that is too good to be true should be treated with extreme caution. Don’t be like the attendees of the Fyre festival.

If someone promises that you can pay off student debt, work your own hours, become a better you, spend more time with your family, or gain more followers, be aware that these are common manipulation tactics to entice you into purchasing beginner kits or becoming a part of someone’s “downline“. MLMs and other online scams can destroy credit, relationships, and even lives. Keep an eye out for people who rarely want to talk to you unless they’re trying to get you to purchase something. Beware even of computer ads that push the stay-at-home agenda of running your own business while working for a company. No matter what you’re told, it’s NOT your business. And maybe you will avoid becoming a cog in the machine of the 9-to-5 that you sought to escape.

NOTE: Looking up MLM related content will bring up MLM ads. Look at the formats and keep in mind that they want you to click on them if you’re interested. Be aware of your online surroundings, friends!

GeekShelf: Going Primal

Since the release of Far Cry Primal in 2016, the gaming community has been intrigued by their own prehistory. What experiences did early humans have? How did they struggle? And with the global warming crisis at hand, what did the trash-free, Eden-like landscape look like?

Though I doubt my ancestors rode woolly mammoths (sigh), playing the game on Play Station 4 was exhilarating as I worked hard on strengthening my village and taking back the homeland of the Wenja from savage tribes intent on destroying–and in some cases, eating–my people.

Next year, developer Panache Games plans on releasing a prehistoric journey that goes back even further than ‘caveman’ Takkar of Far Cry Primal. Enter, the ancestor of your ancestors. In all their hairy glory!

In Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, you’ll get to play as your early ape-like ancestor as you try to survive in Neogene Africa, millions of years ago. You’ll be able to expand a clan, learn new survival skills, evolve, and try new foods that may or may not kill you! Are you excited?!

To prepare for this adventure, I like to indulge my literary tastes with some prehistoric classics* (I’m an English major so you can trust me). Understanding the volatile geography of earlier earth and its inhabitants is crucial in appreciating every detail in a game on prehistory. So behold: your literary guide to understanding the world of prehistoric splendor!

*Note: This is not a sponsored post and includes my personal favorite books on prehistory.

Daughter of Kura: A Novel by Debra Austin

Prehistoric Africa. Half a million years ago. Picture: A land of wonder and danger. Chunks of zebra slowly roasting over the evening fire. A cackling hyena out in the brush makes you shiver with fear. The sun sets and you are surrounded by billions of stars…and hundred of threats.

A young Homo erectus woman in a nonverbal society copes with death, young love, and coming-of-age in her matriarchal society where her mother is Kura or the clan leader. Snap–our young protagonist– faces her daily struggles of taking care of children or hunting, but all is not as it seems on the Serengeti. A newcomer threatens to overturn the careful balance of society and a girl becomes a woman in one of the harshest terrains on earth.

I couldn’t put this book down! The descriptions of early African society and the struggles of those who were able to survive (and perish) is incredible amidst a backdrop of fluttering hand and guttural conversations. The author consulted with recent research on anthropology and culture theory before writing Daughter of Kura. The extra miles are appreciated if you enjoy fiction with science to back it up.

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel

Considered a paleo-classic, Clan of the Cave Bear has set the bar for prehistoric fiction. Written in 1980, this story takes place during the Ice Age where a young Cro-Magnun woman who is adopted into a Neanderthal tribe. Her story intertwines the cultures of both societies and outlines the differences in appearances and communications between early humans and Neanderthals.

I got bored. I really did. Some of the descriptions of land or people or animals are lengthy and tone-deaf. But I found the story intriguing and thought the author included several plot twists and interesting cultural speculations since Neanderthals didn’t leave a lot in terms of historical records.

Far Cry Primal Collector’s Edition by Prima Games

It may be odd to consider a gaming guide as literature but the book is filled with so much more than maps or character studies. The developers extensively studied research, archaeology, and anthropology to establish a feasible society and patterns of conflict. Clothing and even the language used in the game (derived from Hittite) are carefully constructed from research and excavation sites. In my opinion, the game guide almost doubles as a textbook in how much information it provides on the actual lifestyles of prehistoric people while weaving in the fictional tale of Takkar. Plus, you know, tons of pictures.

Mammoths: Giants of the Ice Age by Adrian Lister

I love scientific picture books and have a weakness for anything National Geographic or Smithsonian related. Someone gave this book to me as a gift and I find myself flipping through it occasionally after initially reading it cover to cover. Mammoths are typically a staple creature in any prehistoric novel or game so this nonfiction guide to understanding the mysterious mammoths can lift the veil of time and show you the different species of mammoths, their unique environments, and their eventual demise after coming into contact with early humans.

Also included are the archaeological finds and discussions and disputes on the study of mammoths and the possibility of reviving the species through recently obtained genetic material. If you are interested in the species, this is a must-have for your GeekShelf. So grab a beer and a spear and…

Get Reading!

Magical Mishap: Wizards Unite Isn’t Very Exciting…

I don’t know what I expected. The barrage of ads was predicted. While trying to listen to morning commentary while driving, every video began with the twinkling Harry Potter theme (I don’t pay for YouTube Red). But for some reason, I hadn’t heard a lot about the “groundbreaking” new Harry Potter mobile game. Why?

It’s free. As I downloaded it from the App Store, I faced another ad for the game, promising magical adventure and intrigue. There’s a bit of a story…some prelude to a plot. But apparently it’s only a tease and you can click through it with ease.

Your journey begins as you are approached by Constance Pickering (who works with Hermione apparently) of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, a group that protects magic from the world of the Muggles. She explains the purpose of the mission and begs you for help returning valuables or “foundables” back to their proper home. Yep. A giant game of fight, hide-and-seek, and gathering magic plants and things that gravitate towards your vicinity.

In addition to a bland combination of traceable spells and points for matching up dots, I’ve managed to level-up multiple times without leaving my home. Is that a good thing for a mobile game that uses AR and satellite positioning for locations?

After searching for awhile, I finally found the optional pay-to-play store. Considering the legal actions in the U.K. on loot boxes, I ponder the extent of purchasable products on free mobile games.

Maybe I’m more of a console person at the end of the day, but for being blown away, Wizards Unite has led me astray.

(I’ll continue playing and perhaps update if my mind is changed)

E3 2019- Microsoft’s Press Conference Predictions

With Sony skipping E3 this year, Microsoft possesses a unique opportunity to take center stage and create an impact on many fronts. Not only does Xbox Game Studios have a bevy of announcements of their own (with 14 promised first party titles present and the looming announcement of the next generation Xbox), the company’s show stands as prime real estate for third parties hoping to create buzz with their new games. This E3 stands as Microsoft’s best opportunity to change the conversation around the future of their platform and you’d best believe they will try their best to do just that.

The Next-Gen Xbox

While it was essentially a given Microsoft would provide details on their next generation platform (having already declared its existence last E3), Sony’s detailed unveiling of the next PlayStation has assured Microsoft will reveal its own new system in a big way next week. Details are scarce at the moment, but we can make a few guesses based upon the company’s previous comments and trends.

The next Xbox will feature backwards compatibility. Given the rampant rumors that the next Xbox will continue Microsoft’s partnership with AMD for providing its CPU and GPU, it’s a safe bet that the Scarlett (the console’s code name) will feature full backwards compatibility with the current library of Xbox One games. Backwards compatibility has been a big initiative for Microsoft this generation, and it would be hard to believe that the company would allow Sony to take the mantle of “gamer friendliness” that they have worked so hard to earn with.
The next Xbox will have multiple SKUs. Microsoft does not seem keen to fully abandon brick-and-mortar retail spaces just yet, but the Scarlett will likely follow the company’s previous initiatives to create a fully digital gaming ecosystem. Microsoft’s hints toward a streaming and digital platform have not been exactly subtle. The release of the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition as well as their increasing emphasis on Xbox Game Pass and xCloud game streaming all point to a future where Microsoft’s digital storefront and streaming services stand front and center of their service model. With this in mind, we will more than likely see the reveal of a disc-based Scarlett as well as a disc less, all-digital, cheaper sister model unveiled simultaneously.
The next Xbox may release sooner than expected. Microsoft has a lot to prove in the next generation. After losing tremendous market share within the lifespans of the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One, the Xbox brand has to make some big bold moves if it wants to recover from its losses this generation. One way to make strides in the next generation would be to follow in the footsteps of the Xbox 360’s success and release substantially ahead of their competitors. Given that the next PlayStation will likely not release until late into 2020, Microsoft may try to seize the gap and push the Scarlett to market in the Spring (or, radically, holiday this year). With both Sony and Microsoft showing no aversion to selling iterative versions of their systems, Microsoft could conceptually release Scarlett early and, within two years, bring a more powerful version of the console to market against the next PlayStation. Being the sole next generation platform would give Microsoft ownership of the space and ensure they would be headlining nearly every big third-party game. This amount of buzz would be just what the company needs to begin turning the tides and ensure they remain competitive against Sony in the years to come.

Xbox Game Studios 14 Titles

Microsoft has promised an extended showcase of 14 first-party titles at this year’s conference. That’s quite a meaty promise, and there has been much speculation on what the company plans to show to fulfill this promise. SQD throws its hat in the ring with our own set of predictions.

Halo Infinite – This title from 343 Industries is practically a given. First unveiled at last year’s E3, this year’s show should provide us with our first glimpse of gameplay. How well will Halo translate into an open world and what does this imply for the structure of the game (quests, levelling, builds)? How much will Azure and xCloud factor into the experience? We’ll surely find out June 9th!

Gears 5– Another no-brainer. The Coalition will reveal the latest info on Microsoft’s flagpole series, and, by every expectation, they should present a nice, bombastic slice of gameplay to sell the shooter. Expect big set pieces, large hordes of enemies, and a look into co-op’s integration into the experience.

Sea of Thieves– Rare and Microsoft have been committed to evolving this swashbuckling title with new modes and story quests. Considering the attention the title has gotten on Twitch, expect Microsoft to invest at least one more big content push for the game. Perhaps a popular tie-in is in the works?

Crackdown 3– Almost every AAA title is developed with some form of download content in mind, so it stands to reason Microsoft has something in store for the beleaguered exclusive. While it may not have achieved critical or commercial notoriety, Microsoft could lean on a wacky single-player expansion to breathe some life into poor Crackdown.

Mojang title– If you spent 2.5 billion dollars on a company, you would probably expect to see some frequent dividends from your purchase. With the arrival of Scarlett and the xCloud service, it’s nearly a sure thing that Microsoft will leverage the company in the form of some exclusive content for their new platforms. Will it be Minecraft 2? A Minecraft spin-off? Or perhaps a new IP is in the pipes?

Ori and the Will of the Wisps– Microsoft’s Moon Studio’s latest project will surely have a presence during their conference. The question lies in what capacity will the anticipated sequel be featured. Will it be presented singularly, relegated to montage, or, perhaps, showcased as the latest project to be ported to Switch?

Forza– With Playground Games critical gem Forza Horizon 4 recently released, the weight now falls on Turn 10 Studios to push the Forza brand into the future. If we have an official Scarlett reveal, put your money on Microsoft showcasing the new tech with a very pretty Forza demonstration. The question is whether the new Forza will a be truly next generation push or one of the inevitable cross-generation titles to bridge the gap.

Battletoads– The time has come for the official return of Battletoads. No more shirts and logos; this year’s E3 will finally showcase gameplay from the anticipated revival. Hopefully Rare and Dlala Studios won’t disappoint with their “4K 2.5D” “genre mashup” (as per last year’s E3 trailer).

Fable Revival– It has long been circulating in the rumor mill that Playground Games (of Forza Horizon fame) has taken on the task of developing a new installment in Microsoft’s celebrated RPG franchise. With Lionhead Studios going the way of the dodo, few would have expected a new Fable game, let alone from a study known for its racing pedigree (albeit in an open world). Yet, Playground Games stands poised to surprise, especially if the game can coincide with Scarlett’s launch.

Phantom Dust– This one may be a longshot, but Microsoft has promised that the previously cancelled and now long-dormant Phantom Dust project will see the light of day. Microsoft has stated they were looking for the right developer to pick up the reboot. Phil Spencer spent a week in Korea and Japan this past March speaking to “developers and publishers” about their E3 showcase. Could Phil be in communication with a studio that’s picked up the franchise?

Ninja Theory project– At last year’s E3, Microsoft sent ripples through the industry when they announced a series of studio acquisitions. Of the 4 studios, one was industry darling Ninja Theory who recently released the thematically ambitious Hellbade: Senua’s Sacrifice. However, the team behind this game was quite small, equalling approximately 20 developers at any given time. With 100 employees publicly listed and only a few VR projects to their name after Hellblade, its safe to say the team has something else in development and that this project may have had a hand in Microsoft pulling the trigger on their purchase. Perhaps we’ll see what this project was and on what platforms it will fall. (Author’s Note: Since the writing of this article, it has been leaked that Ninja Theory’s PVP title Bleeding Edge will be revealed at E3)

Halo: Master Chief Collection– Though perhaps not as exciting as a game announcement, there stands a good chance that Microsoft may further update its collection of the perennial flagship franchise. With Halo Infinite marking a new chapter in the Halo saga, could the addition of Halo 5 complete the Master Chief Collection?

State of Decay DLC– Microsoft is a fan of the “shadow drop” (making content available the day of the announcement) and an expansion for the exclusive zombie-survival sim would fit the timeline. Perhaps a new map or game mode will breathe new life into the game’s community.

The Initiative reveal- Along with a slew of acquisitions, last year Microsoft also announced the creation of a brand new studio called The Initiative. Though the studio is very young, it’s quite possible that Microsoft may have a tease of what to expect from the Santa Monica game makers. Expect a CG trailer at most, though, but also bet on it being for the Scarlett.

Third-Party Showcases

It wouldn’t be an E3 show without some new looks and surprises from third-party developers. Given that major publishers are focusing more and more on their own E3 presentations, the amount of third-party content at Microsoft’s conference could vary wildly, but we would not be surprised to see the following in attendance supporting Xbox.

Cyberpunk 2077– The white-hot RPG from CD Projekt Red will show up in a big way at Microsoft’s conference. Cyberpunk has already confirmed their presence at E3, and Microsoft’s conference will serve as the biggest stage to showcase their work. Expect an extended gameplay sequence, perhaps showcasing some city traversal and more dialogue/social interaction. Will we even get a glimpse of the spectacle that would be the next-gen version?

From Software’s new project– The internet recently caught fire with the rumors that From Software’s next project is not only a new open-world title but a collaboration with famed author George R. R. Martin. However, a number of breadcrumbs may hint at the project showing up at Microsoft’s E3 conference. First, From Software unveiled new latest game Sekiro: Shadow’s Die Twice last year on Microsoft’s stage, so there is already a working relationship there. Second, Phil Spencer tweeted he was in Japan 3 months ago “getting input on future plans,” more than likely referring to Scarlett. It’s merely supposition, but Phil could have been meeting with From Software to cement plans to unveil their new next-gen project. Don’t expect exclusivity, but having this new game there will definitely make waves.

Playdead’s next game– Playdead Games has a short but stellar track record. Having worked with Microsoft to release their first acclaimed game Limbo on Xbox 360 during the Summer of Arcade, Playdead would go on to reveal their next gem Inside at Microsoft’s 2014 E3 Conference. There has been radio silence from the studio for 3 years, but it may finally be time to pull back the curtain on their next project. They have hinted that their next game will make the jump to three dimensions, and, given their close ties to Microsoft, we very well could see this new venture on stage next week.

That’s quite a lot of content, but Microsoft (more than anyone) has a lot to prove this year in Los Angeles. Will they take bold moves and stake claim on the next generation? Check back next for our predictions post-mortem as well as more reactions from E3!

Hidden Genie, Crouching Feminist: Review of Disney’s new Aladdin

I was apprehensive at the least. The last live action Disney movie I had attempted to watch was Beauty and the Beast on Netflix and five minutes in, I was nauseated. The singing, the over-blown drama, Emma Watson in a role that didn’t involve waving a wand. Ugh.

But as the reviews rolled out for Aladdin, I became curious. I loved all the songs (specifically Arabian Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggghhhts like Arabian daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyssss!!!!!!!). Will Smith? Interesting…okay I’m in. Long story short: I was not disappointed.

My Cup of Tea

I learned while taking Oriental courses for my Masters the original Aladdin story was written about a Chinese man by a Western man. The West has had a complicated relationship with ‘the Orient’. If you’d like to melt your brain, check out Edward Said’s Orientalism which details stereotypes, literature, and the layers of complications when the West analyzes Eastern cultures, religions, and social practices. Basically, western interpretations of the east (Asia, Middle East, India, etc) can vary from informed and detail-oriented to stereotypical and offensive. This movie proved itself by paying mostly accurate homage to the fictional city of Agrabah, appropriately addressing it’s Middle Eastern/Arabic roots.

There were frequent written works in Arabic, a realistic harem in the second song (with the women more likely to be learning the Koran than lounging about brushing each other’s hair in their ‘natural beauty’), and references to Islam (including the genie stating “I’ll answer your midday prayers” and separating into five entities–imitating the practice of praying five times a day for practicing Muslims). However, if the Buzzfeed princess video is to be believed, the original Aladdin would’ve taken place in pre-Islamic Arabia with no distinctive references to Islam…so…yeah.

Jasmine: Feminist Icon (?)

SPOILER WARNING: A new twist was Jasmine not only wanting the freedom she is denied as a royal, but now she seeks to gain the role of the sultan. She demands to be heard by her father and does not like the idea of being sold off like livestock. The movie addresses this classic Jasmine position on her marriage when Aladdin, in a blundering statement as Prince Ali, says that he was come to purchase her. He corrects himself by saying he is buying time with her (by positioning the time as the object instead of her) but the comparison resonates with Jasmine and the audience. She is an object of power, beauty, and mystery. But like almost every woman in a position of power throughout global history, she is still subject to the power of man, in this case, the sultan. At the end of the film, she is declared sultan and makes the first move in kissing Aladdin as the film ends.

I suppose Jasmine embodies feminism in the sense that she demands autonomy…and a kingdom. She still chooses to marry Aladdin. She attempts to marry Jafar to save her kingdom and father. I viewed her as more of a noble female character and less of a feminist warrior…until…

Not My Cup of Tea

I thought the casting was excellent. Aladdin was loveable, Jasmine was courageous, and Genie was breathtaking. The jokes were frequent but not too frequent. Smith delivered all of his lines with energy that was palpable in the audience. The scenes with the magic carpet made me feel as if I was at Disney World, soaring along with a ride that made my scalp tingle with excitement. But Jasmine’s new song about being silent and having her voice taken away sounded too similar to Elsa’s Frozen solo ‘Let It Go’ for comfort.

The sequel is definitely darker than the original.

My husband (who saw the animated one in theaters) thought that Jasmine was not oppressed enough on screen as she was in the animated version. He brought up the fact that Jafar has her literally in chains and a veil in the sequel to the animated one. He pointed out that if there was a song about freeing oneself from oppressors and demanding not to be silenced, that some of the visuals from the animated sequel Aladdin: Return of Jafar should have been used to emphasize her inner turmoil at her predestined royal role.

I’m not saying she doesn’t have any right to feel powerless. In many senses, she yearns for the types of freedom denied her. However; this song of freedom would’ve made a much larger impact on the viewer if she had been subjected to any of the cruelties she faces in Return of Jafar (becoming a slave, being silenced, in chains literally instead of metaphorically).

The Humble Pokemon Convert: A Review of Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

Like other conservative children in the southern United States, I was raised to avoid certain television shows (Fairly Odd Parents), animated characters, and novels (Harry Potter). Whether they promoted witchcraft, idolatry, or something else that conflicted with the beliefs of my parents, the series or movie was withheld from my grasp until it could be studied by my parents. Things inevitably changed as I became an adult. I was exposed to a lot of cartoons and subjects that others had experienced at a much younger age and effectively making all of them experts. One of these experiences is Pokémon .

My parents thought they were demons so I hadn’t bothered much with them, despite most of my friends in middle or high school wearing Pokémon hats and trading Pokémon cards outside during lunch. When Pokémon Go! dropped, I bought a brand new iPhone 6S, downloaded the game, and immediately set out to become a ‘trainer’. Preferably, the best. I caught enough Rattatas and battled relentlessly at gyms until I quietly gave up the game for Hearthstone. Yet this would not be my last encounter with Pokémon.

Children holding a handful of Pokemon cards. — Everyone except me…(sad violin music plays)

When I married a Pokémon expert, I was able to take a deeper look into the world of Pokémon. I didn’t discover any demons, but instead found painfully adorable creatures with incredible super powers. But the questions remained that my husband could not answer. Why do you battle these adorable creatures? Why must they fight? Is this animal abuse? Why must you trap them if they’re your friends? Thankfully, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu the movie answered a lot of these questions. With the story centering around a young man trying to discover if his detective father is still alive after a questionable death, the movie grips its viewers in a journey through Ryme City, a unique sprawling urban landscape where Pokémon and humans work together.

What I Loved:

Everything. The film noir feel, the protagonist, Ryan Reynold’s voice acting, the animation of every little strand of hair on Pikachu, and the up-beat, retro video game music dispersed throughout the the film made it an awesome experience for a blooming trainer like myself. The references throughout appealed to my husband (who’s been a fan since childhood), but the film also excellently addressed pressing questions that I’ve had since stepping into the Pokémon world in 2016. Hopefully, others like myself were quick to catch on to how things worked in this fictional world and how society treat Pokémon as a whole (I definitely got some Zootopia feels, not gonna lie). I can’t wait to see it again.

What I Hated:

Some of the acting seemed over-the-top but because this was a movie aimed towards children (PG rating) and was created to appeal to the childlike wonder of experiencing Pokémon, I was still able to enjoy the movie.

Takeaway:

Not a Pokemon fan? Not a problem! Stuff your pockets full of contraband candy and go buy your $20 movie ticket to enjoy this spectacle.