Console Wars: Random Thoughts
“It’s got Blast Processing!” During a rare break from work, I decided to watch Console Wars, a newly released documentary chronicling the titular video game war between Nintendo and SEGA in the 90s. I had started reading the book approximately 7,312 years ago and never finished it, so I figured watching it would be easier. Once done, I felt a new appreciation for that era in vide...[Read More]
🆕PS5 Vs Xbox Series X Specs And Full Breakdown
After what seems like eons of waiting, we finally have all the information we need to talk about Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X in a proper head-to-head battle. Right? I mean, it’s not really a proper head-to-head battle. Both consoles have less expensive SKUs – namely, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S – that muddy the waters a bit. And Sony’s still being...[Read More]
What’s Grinding Uncle Willy’s Gears!
I haven’t written anything for the website recently. Part of the reason for the lapse in content is the daily grind of work and responsibility. Another part is the lack of important things to spin into a full article. I mean, yea, I still hate stupid AAA gaming shit like microtransactions and such, and I have a complete disdain for digital sales because of my incessant need to hoard physical copie...[Read More]
Never Played: Mafia III
Vietnam Meets Louisiana There are two things I thoroughly enjoy: open-world games and (almost) free games. The former is a tired genre nowadays, but my fractured brain grooves to the repetitive tasks and completionist-level collect-a-thons present in the games. The latter, I think, is self-evident. When Sony included Mafia III in its PlayStation Plus slate for this month, both boxes were checked o...[Read More]
Inside the Geek Mind: I Can’t Even Turn It Off!
Here’s a proclamation that will not surprise anyone: I’m a geek. If you’ve ever seen me on a podcast that would be in the top three things you would notice about me. My geekiness, however, extends beyond what is considered acceptable among polite company. My mind never sleeps, and it’s always looking for stupid stuff to dwell on. It’s not a gift; it’s a particularly interesting curse. Interesting ...[Read More]
Dragon Ball FighterZ Has Loot Boxes…And That’s A Good Thing?
As the resident Old-School Specialist of Digital Crack, I tend to be their unofficial curmudgeon. I like – sometimes love – the state video games are in now. But the old fart in me tends to come out and bemoan certain things. Loot boxes are one of those things. That’s not necessarily a maverick position for me to take; nearly everyone hates the blasted things. But Dragon Ball FighterZ is put...[Read More]
Retro Review: Einhänder (PS1)
Release Date: Nov 20, 1997 Developer: Square Co., Ltd. Publisher Square Co., Ltd. The shoot-‘em-up is one of my favorite video game genres. The love began with Tempest in the arcade, and it hasn’t subsided. What has subsided, however, is the genre. Nobody seems to be interested in making too many shooters outside of the indie space. Cuphead tided me over for a bit, but that’s a run-‘n-gun game. I ...[Read More]
2017: Superhero Movies and What I Want from Them – Final Grades
I know, I know. I said I wasn’t going to delve into movies and comics again. But I have a good excuse: I have to put this to bed. Back in January of 2017, I listed all the superhero-based movies coming out this year. In July of 2017, I gave a mid-year update where I graded the early entrants and commented on new happenings with the late ones. This will officially put 2017 – and this series – to be...[Read More]
Preserve Net Neutrality
I hate getting political on any topic. Ask my Digital Crack mates. I’ll talk about my sex life before I mention politics. Of course, there isn’t much to say about my sex life, so that’s simpler. But I digress. Unfortunately, politics just tried to facepalm my way of life. Just recently, the FCC voted 3-2 to repeal the net neutrality rules that were put in place in 2015. The sum effect of the repea...[Read More]
Retro Review: Super Star Wars (SNES)
Release Date: June 1, 1992 Developer: Sculptured Software, Inc., LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC Publisher: JVC Musical Industries, Inc. Once upon a time, I was in love with the Star Wars universe. It wasn’t all-encompassing; I loved Star Trek as well. But back in the day, an upcoming Star Wars movie would whip me up into a frenzy. My love wasn’t so all-encompassing that I’d go to the theater ...[Read More]
Seedi Update: Apt Name, Poorly Spelled
Back in October, I wrote about what I termed the HD Retro movement. In the article, I highlighted two systems that were seeking crowdfunding and were looking to capitalize on the current retro gaming boom. One of them, the Dreamcade Replay, was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter and has been generally treated favorably. The other, the Seedi, hasn’t fared as well. Its Indiegogo campaign is clo...[Read More]
Retro Review: Mega Man 2 (NES)
Release Date: December 24th, 1988 Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd. Publisher: Capcom Co., Ltd. When I saw the announcement that Capcom was resurrecting the Mega Man franchise for the Blue Bomber’s 30th Anniversary, you bet I was aware. As a result of the news, I scrapped the Retro Review I was working on and started this one. Simultaneously, I worked on my write-up for the Mega Man 11 announcement. I w...[Read More]