Simon Hua | Studio494

One of the main reason that I bought the PlayStation 3 was to play the latest Final Fantasy series. Thought it was released on both platform, but Versus is still exclusive to the PS3.  After nearly four years of waiting Final Fantasy has finally been released. Final Fantasy is know for its unique world that engage with its memorable characters. I only play of the its 13 series which each requires dozen of hours to finish. It’s one of most well known RPG to date. Huge changes has been made for Final Fantasy XIII. It was originally developed for the PlayStation 2, but after the announcement of the PlayStation 3 the developers at Square Enix took the task of making XIII the first title for the PS3.  The game itself divides into two part, the first 25hours or so can be very linear, which it’s first for a Final Fantasy game. The games does open up in the last few chapters. Stunning graphics and gorgeous cutscene make this game the most beautiful  cinematic experience I had since MGS4.

The story fellow 6 main characters as their world about to far apart. The new active battle system almost feel like an intense action game then a traditional RPG. The developer want this game to feel like The Modern Warfare of RPG, which is exactly how I feel when I am in the game. Thought I am only 20hours in to the game, I am addicted already. Hopefully this will be my first Final Fantasy  I will play to the end. Still waiting on the new on Final Fantasy Versus XIII, thought initially I was more excited towards Versus then XIII, but look like both game are equally impressive.

There’s numerous ads or tease that showing evidence that the Mac version of STEAM is coming soon. STEAM is a platform for distributing games, much like itunes for games.

From the ads, looks like all the Valve developed games will ported for the mac. Which should includes what in the “Orange Box” plus Left for Dead 2. Hopefully this will arrive soon and also hope that the game will run natively.

After nearly 11 years I have finally reconnected with some of my childhood friends. It’s true a magical moment to realized that just how much they have changed over the years. Time passes quickly and thanks to the invention of social media I finally got a chance to reconnect with them. For the past few days I keep thinking about the nostalgic memories that derives deep in my heart who is wishing to go back in time.  Hopefully I will get a chance to actually meet up with them in the near future.

In other news, My Spring Break is next week! My main concentrations are Final Fantasy XIII and finishing the movie script thats taking me forever to write. Hopefully the weather will start to get warmer that I can finally take some spring pictures.

M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender” has just hit the web. I started watching the cartoon series last week, and it’s actually pretty good for a kid’s show.

So here the Trailer. Look like a fun summer blockbuster

As we heading towards the Oscars, I wanna do a review for one of most profound movie I seen in the recent years. The movie goes by the title “The Hurt Locker” which is directed by a female director Kathryn Bigelow. Who apparently was James Cameron Ex-Wife; they are going against each other for Best Director. Thought most Bigelow’s movie isn’t big blockbuster like cameron’s, but most of her movies shows deep meaning and really takes on the society as it is. ”

The Hurt Locker is mainly follows a United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team during the Iraq War. The movie really shows the pain and suffering that the soldiers have to face everyday. During the first scene we realized that been a EOD is to realized that facing death is number one requirement. We meet SFC William James after the previous EOD died in a accident. Through his eye and personality, we can judge that he been through war and seen whats like to live on the edge. Im not gonna spolier the entire move plot, cause you just have to watch it yourself.

The cinematography of the movie really gives audience the RAW experience, that you feel like you actually there with the characters and going through their emotions and fears. I truly adore the way that  Bigelow presented the story that deeply involves the plot; Its truly master story telling. The movie really makes realized just how harsh to be fighting in a War. It’s not something that everyone can take. Please watch this movie, might be a bit graphical, but the experience will leave you breathless.

Score 4.5/5

Finally! The New Orleans Saints has won the Superbowl! The first time since the 44 years of NFL. It was a intense game, that broke many records during the game.  New Orleans must be celebrating everywhere right now, after everything they went through; especially after the impact of Hurricane Katrina. I never a football fan, but watching with a huge room of fans, its one of those life experiences.

During one of  the many commercials the one that really caught everyone’s attention was the Google Ad. It really well thought out. The summary of was basically about a guy moving to France and hope to meet the right girl. With the music and editing, its one of the best commercial I have seen in a long time.