Nerd Rating

Tag: 2012

  • Take It Home Tuesday. November 6, 2012.

    Spidey Goes Reboot And Roddy Piper Is All Out Of Bubble Gum

    [amazon_link id=”B008QZ5PY2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Amazing Spider-Man[/amazon_link]

    (Note: Spider-Man releases on Friday, November 9th)

    Yes, The Amazing Spider-Man is another superhero origin story but don’t let that keep you from seeing it. Spider-Man 2 is still my favorite of the Spidey flicks but this is easily the second best. Andrew Garfield is better suited for this role than Tobey McGuire and I could watch Emma Stone dust a living room for 90 minutes and pay ten bucks. There are better comic movies out there but believe me, there are far, far worse.

    [amazon_link id=”B008VF0Y0M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]They Live[/amazon_link]

    John Carpenter’s cult classic finally gets a Blu-Ray release with what I am officially calling “best Blu-Ray cover of the year”. Let’s face it, you have either never seen this or you have seen it 50 times. This release has audio commentary from John Carpenter and Roddy Piper as well as a new interview with the director and star.

    [amazon_link id=”B009ESIGHI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Muppet Christmas Carol: 20th Anniversary Edition[/amazon_link]

    The best version of  A Christmas Carol ever told (followed by the Patrick Stewart version and Scrooged). So amazing to think that it has already been 20 years since this classic started spreading its Muppet brand of Christmas cheer.

    [amazon_link id=”B008Y1YJ90″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Arthur Christmas[/amazon_link]

    Santa goes high tech in this tale that shows how Santa is able to deliver all the presents to children but when things go bad its up to bumbling Arthur to save Christmas. Yeah so as you could tell I haven’t watched this because that was the most generic description ever. If you love the holidays (like me) then give it a whirl.

    [amazon_link id=”B008WAM2QK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]nWo: The Revolution[/amazon_link]

    WWE offers up the complete history of one of the most influential groups in wrestling history. The nWo helped WCW go to the top of the ratings and was instrumental in making WWE phase into the “Attitude Era” during the Monday night wars. Includes a roundtable discussion with Kevin Nash, Jim Ross, JJ Dillon and Michael Hayes as well as over 15 matches in their entirety.

     

     

  • New Game Releases. November 6, 2012.

    Halo Is Here. Anyone Going Up Against It?

    Halo 4 poster

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SYX8W” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Halo 4 (360) $59.99/$99.99[/amazon_link] 

    After the avalanche of new games last week, this week is a much different story. Can you blame anyone for not wanting to release against Halo 4? Master Chief is finally back after a five year absence and he has a brand new developer. With Bungie breaking away from Microsoft, the pressure of delivering a new Halo fell to 343 Industries and if early reviews are any account then they have delivered a complete package with a great story and the always engaging multiplayer. We will have our review up as soon as we can.

    [amazon_link id=”B009KG9AL0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Rockstar Collection-Edition 1[/amazon_link] (360, PS3) $59.99

    Rockstar has GTA 5 coming next year so what better way to remind people how great they are then by releasing “best of” collections. The first contains Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City (but no GTA 4, weird), Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire and Midnight Club: Los Angeles Complete Edition. So here’s the rundown: one great game (Red Dead), one good game (Noire), a good racer (Midnight) and a couple of good expansions for a great game (Episodes). Pretty good job Rockstar. Now can I have my GTA: Vice City HD remake?

    [amazon_link id=”B0053BCMAC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Paper Mario: Sticker Star[/amazon_link] (3DS) $39.99

    Do you like your Mario with some RPG added in? Paper Mario is here to help you out. This newest in the Paper Mario series goes back to the turned based combat like the first two games in the series. Mario will have to find various stickers during his adventure to battle enemies as well as alter the environment to access new areas. 3DS keeps spacing out its big releases and should have a big holiday due to games like Paper Mario.

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SX00Y” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Little Big Planet Karting[/amazon_link] (PS3) $59.99

    What? You say you didn’t know that Little Big Planet had a karting game coming out? It’s Sony so of course you didn’t. Open up your poppit and get racing with Sackboy (or girl) along with all the creation tools that has made LBP so popular. And yes this is a PS3 only title even though it sounds perfect for the Vita. Here’s hoping we get a handheld version down the road.

     

    Get ready for next week. Not only does a little game called Call of Duty arrive but we also get Epic Mickey 2, Sony’s Wonderbook and the Nintendo Wii U is almost upon us. We will have a special release list for Wii U to go along with our normal releases next week.

    Happy gaming!!!

     

     

     

     

  • Take It Home Tuesday. October 30, 2012.

    Hitchcock, Satan’s Child And Will Ferrell?

    [amazon_link id=”B008MPQ0G8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Rosemary’s Baby[/amazon_link]

    One of the greatest horror/thriller movies of all time makes its way to Blu-Ray just in time for Halloween. The slow build and tension is what makes this movie so special and is something that is sorely lacking with today’s “horror” films. Take the time to watch and appreciate this classic if you haven’t yet.

    [amazon_link id=”B008DCAG9M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection[/amazon_link]

    The definitive collection of one of the greatest directors of all time. 15 movies including Psycho, North by Northwest, Rear Window, The Birds and more. Each film comes with its own set of special features including alternate endings and production diaries.

    [amazon_link id=”B009CW55XY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Campaign[/amazon_link]

    Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis team up for this comedy about an incumbent congressman who runs against a less than likely candidate in North Carolina. I saw the movie in theaters and while it is not as memorable as Talladega Nights, Anchorman or The Hangover it has a few moments and is worth a rent.

    [amazon_link id=”B009GYS73S” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Chuck: The Complete Series[/amazon_link]

    I never finished watching Chuck’s run. I am only two seasons in but I will get there eventually. I give props to NBC for letting the series finish out its five season run considering the show never garnered good ratings. Sometimes network do listen to fans. If you haven’t watch Chuck you are in for as treat and could do a lot worse on TV today.

     

     

  • New Game Releases. October 30, 2012.

    Assassin’s Creed and WWE Lead The Biggest Week Of The Year (So Far).

     

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SYLRK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed 3[/amazon_link] (360, PS3) $59.99

    Besides Halo 4 this is arguably the biggest release of the year. Every bit of the game has wowed anyone that has seen it and the anticipation has been at a fever pitch for months. Finally moving out of the Ezio era and bringing the American Revolution to the forefront looks like it will really pay off for the franchise.

    [amazon_link id=”B0085L2T0A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]WWE 13[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii) $49.99-59.99

    Last year’s game saw a complete change in the control scheme and physics engine so how do you possibly keep it fresh? By celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Attitude Era with its own storyline set as well as having Attitude Era stars on the roster. Don’t like your WWE programming PG? THQ may have the answer by looking to the past.

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SWTAQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Need For Speed: Most Wanted[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, PC, Vita) $39.99-59.99

    My favorite racing series of all time is Burnout. So when it was announced that the guys at Criterion would be releasing the next Need For Speed game you can imagine my excitement. The real wonder of this release is how they managed to fit the entire game, as in every mode, into the Vita. Nice job Criterion.

    [amazon_link id=”B0088MVOUC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Lego Lord of the Rings[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii, PC, Vita, 3DS, DS) $29.99-49.99

    Lego Batman 2 was released earlier this year to good reviews as well as being the first Lego game to feature voice acting. Now Lego Lord of the Rings is here and features actual dialogue from all three movies as well as Lego’s own unique humor mixed in. Co-op play are back as with any Lego game as well as tons of hidden goodies and unlockable characters.

    [amazon_link id=”B007BJNR6C” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation[/amazon_link] (Vita) $39.99

    This Vita only adventure follows a new assassin, Aveline, as she tries to decipher a Templar plan in New Orleans during the years of the American Revolution. I still have to wonder why they would release the game on the same day as Assassin’s Creed 3. Most people won’t have the money for both and releasing apart from the main game may actually sell a few Vita’s. Sony….that is all.

    Next week is a bit lighter on the releases with everyone getting out of the way of Master Chief’s return. That’s right, it’s finally time for Halo 4.

    Happy gaming!!!!

     

     

     

     

  • Take It Home Tuesday. October 23, 2012.

    Blade Runner Turns 30, Honest Abe Competes With Strippers.

    [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHZE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter[/amazon_link]

    The best-selling book did not seem to set the theaters ablaze when it came out this summer. After the success of Wanted this has to be a complete bomb for director Timur Bekmambetov. I did not see this but it may be worth a rent to check it out. Anyone that has seen this and has an opinion let us know!

    [amazon_link id=”B00845MRKE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Collection[/amazon_link]

    One of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time has a milestone birthday this year. Ridley Scott seems to be all over the place now with Prometheus, the 30th anniversary of Blade Runner and getting ready to start on a sequel to his 1982 classic.

    [amazon_link id=”B008WCP2KG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Magic Mike[/amazon_link]

    Ok Channing Tatum fans, here is your movie. You don’t have to keep defending his “acting”. You can just pop this in and watch him strip then go read some Fifty Shades.

    [amazon_link id=”B008FTXQ8G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4[/amazon_link]

    I admit that I have only watched a few episodes of the first season so I do not know all of what is going on with the show. I do know that Darth Maul is back with a robot body or something and that a whole, whole, whole lot of stuff happened in between Episodes 2 & 3 with four seasons of this show now.

    [amazon_link id=”B008SOS7MS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection[/amazon_link]

    Alex Cross and sometimes Starfleet officer Tyler Perry goes back to the well once again and dresses in drag to get moviegoers to add on another wing to his house that he bought by DRESSING IN DRAG AND DOING THE SAME MOVIE OVER AND OVER.

     

     

  • New Game Releases. October 23, 2012.

    Yep, Another Military Shooter And Cabela’s Breaks With Tradition.

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SWZHS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Medal Of Honor: Warfighter[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, PC) $59.99

    So here is EA’s second part of their one-two punch to try (and fail) to take down Call of Duty. While Battlefield 3 got so much press last year it was almost hard to forget the game was coming out, Medal of Honor felt more like Sony was advertising for it. So nothing.

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SYDEQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Forza Horizon[/amazon_link] (360) $59.99

    The franchise that puts out titles on a regular basis and is always better than Gran Turismo (without the 7-10 year waits between games) goes open world. Forza Horizon already had great racing DNA but add in producers that used to work at racing gods Codemasters and you have a beautiful racing sim that is garnering stellar reviews.

    The Unfinished Swan (PSN) $14.99

    One of the most unique looking games to come along in a long time, The Unfinished Swan has a boy entering a painting left to him by his dead mother and comes into a white world that unveils its secrets as you throw balls of black paint. Hard to describe but gorgeous to look at.

    [amazon_link id=”B008PQU3E4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Killzone Trilogy[/amazon_link] (PS3) $39.99

    Sony continues to pump out the collections for their most famous franchises. Killzone 1 was a PS2 release and did not deliver on a lot of lofty promises but Killzone 2 more than made up for that with its stunning jump in graphics thanks to the Playstation 3 and great shooting mechanics. Killzone 3 was very good but didn’t feel as good story wise as 2. But still for $40 you are getting two good shooters and one very good one so not a bad deal.

    [amazon_link id=”B008HHTDP6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii) $39.99

    Yeah so the only reason I am posting this is that Cabela’s has a unique tradition of releasing on the same date as Halo games which would seem like suicide and yet there continue to be Cabela’s games. But it seems that tradition is over. Here are the Mega64 guys with a little bit of the history.



  • Take It Home Tuesday. October 16, 2012.

    Merry Christmas From Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor.

    [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHWM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Madagascar 3[/amazon_link]

    I have only watched the first one of this series and chuckled a few times but not enough to go back for seconds or now thirds. I’m pretty sure if you are a parent of a young child you will be getting this and will able to recite it after a week. I am sorry in advance.

    [amazon_link id=”B008NB0SBY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Santa Clause Trilogy[/amazon_link]

    Halloween is almost here which means Christmas is just around the corner which also means SAANTAAAA!! All three of Disney’s The Santa Clause movies come to Blu-Ray for the first time for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Well the first two at least.

    [amazon_link id=”B007L6VR6M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Moonrise Kingdom[/amazon_link]

    To say Wes Anderson is a unique filmmaker is an understatement. Rushmore, The Life Aquatic and The Royal Tenenbaums are some of the quirkiest movies I have ever seen. I have not seen Moonrise Kingdom yet but one can only venture to guess that it is nowhere near normal. Plus, I blame Wes Anderson for not having Ghostbusters 3. When Bill Murray keeps getting constant work in Anderson’s movies he has not need for the paycheck to make GB3 happen.

    [amazon_link id=”B008RNYMH4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]That’s My Boy[/amazon_link]

    It’s Adam Sandler ten years past funny and Andy Samberg not doing an SNL Digital Short with Justin Timberlake. Watch at your own risk.

    [amazon_link id=”B008VPF3LW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Chernobyl Diaries[/amazon_link]

    Yet another found footage movie. This one follows a group of people as they investigate the remains of the nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl and weird stuff begins to happen. Shaky camerawork and screaming follows.

    [amazon_link id=”B008B4MMSK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Alcatraz: The Complete Series[/amazon_link]

    I was about six episodes into this series last year when they announced its cancellation so I stopped watching so I would not become too attached to the story. I liked what was going on with disappearing inmates from the 60’s coming back to present day and wished it could have finished out what it had planned. You could do worse when it comes to TV.

    [amazon_link id=”B008XBCJ34″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Avatar: 3D Version[/amazon_link]

    Finally all the Avatar nuts can stop paying 300 bucks on Ebay for the few copies of Avatar in 3D floating out there. Yeah that’s been happening. Panasonic had a deal for the last few years that the only way you could receive the 3D version of the movie was to buy a 3D television and get the movie in the mail. Now it is being made to the public when no one really cares anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • New Game Releases. October 16, 2012

    007 Is Back, Doom 3 Still Looks Great and Silent Hill Does Not.

    [amazon_link id=”B008E6ZXRM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Doom 3: BFG Edition[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, PC) $39.99

    Id’s legendary shooter is back to take you to hell. Completely re-mastered in high def the BFG edition of Doom will come with the main campaign and The Resurrection of Evil add-on as well as seven new levels titled “The Lost Mission”. Fans will also get Doom 1 & 2 with full trophy and achievement support. If this is the company’s apology for Rage’s ending , then I accept.

    [amazon_link id=”B006476318″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Silent Hill: Book of Memories[/amazon_link] (PS Vita) $39.99

    The Vita’s first Silent Hill experience is a far cry away from the survival horror games of our nightmares. The game is shown from a top-down perspective like Diablo giving it a dungeon crawler feel even down to the new co-op gameplay. It may not be the Silent Hill we are used to but we Vita owners at least have a new game to play.

    [amazon_link id=”B007V9NHMQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]007 Legends[/amazon_link] (360, PS3) $59.99

    What better way to celebrate James Bond’s 50th anniversary than taking on five missions based on previous Bond films. Daniel Craig plays the role of 007 while going through levels based on Goldfinger, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, License to Kill and Die Another Day. A sixth mission will be available as free DLC based on the upcoming movie Skyfall and will be released after the movie comes out on November 9.

    [amazon_link id=”B002I0K3Z2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Dance Central 3[/amazon_link] (360) $49.99

    The “other” dance game releases this week. Harmonix keeps music games alive somehow with this Kinect only sequel. Flail like an idiot to the music of Cobra Starship, 50 Cent, New Kids on the Block and Lil Jon. Yeah.

     

    Next week is pretty slim pickings with Medal of Honor: Warfighter being the only major release. Just the calm before the storm.

    Happy gaming!!!

     

  • Take It Home Tuesday. October 9, 2012.

    Ridley Scott’s Return To Sci-Fi Is Ready For Home Viewing.

    [amazon_link id=”B0085Z8F4A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Prometheus[/amazon_link]

    Ridley Scott’s “prequel” to Alien was perhaps the most polarizing movie of the summer. It came out to mixed reviews and the more people I talk to that have seen it were not that fond of it. I am in the minority though because I thoroughly enjoyed it despite plot holes which I am fairly certain every movie has. There is no denying it is a beautiful and well shot movie and this Alien fan welcomes it into the family.

    [amazon_link id=”B003UESJLK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]E.T. Anniversary Edition[/amazon_link]

    The first movie I was ever taken to see. A timeless classic that holds a dear place in my heart. I am talking about the original theatrical version not the 2002 version which added CGI to E.T. and replaced the guns the government officials were holding with walkie talkies for a more politically correct look. But lucky for us they have included both versions in this set so at least we have a choice.

    [amazon_link id=”B005LAIHRC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Rock of Ages[/amazon_link]

    One of the biggest box office bombs of the summer. I can’t ever guess why except for maybe the bastardization of some of the greatest rock songs ever or just looking laughably bad. Your choice.

    [amazon_link id=”B008IG0E7M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]CM Punk: Best In The World[/amazon_link]

    One of the few reasons to watch WWE now is CM Punk. While all of wrestling seems to be stuck in a rut, Punk is one of the few constants that keeps me paying attention. This documentary follows Punk from his start in wrestling through his ROH days and his trek to the top of the WWE ladder. Early reviews are saying this is one of the best WWE produced videos ever made.

    [amazon_link id=”B005S9EJGO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Raven[/amazon_link]

    The movie where John Cusack is Edgar Allan Poe and he and Zeus from Immortals try to catch a serial killer who is murdering people in ways described in the author’s famous works. I figured he finds the serial killer and draws him out by holding up a boombox outside his window and plays Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”.

     

     

     

  • New Game Releases. October 9, 2012

    Stealth Steampunk And The Return Of Real Time UFO Defense.

    [amazon_link id=”B005C2D2MO” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Dishonored[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, PC) $59.99

    One of the most unique looking games of the past year that has been on our radars finally releases today. Bethesda’s first person game mixes a little Bioshock, Half-Life and Thief and places the game in a Victorian, steampunk environment and leaves the options up to players on how to seek out your revenge. The game can be played (according to the creators) with killing no one or you can go through and have a bloodbath.

    [amazon_link id=”B006WQR3GA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]XCOM: Enemy Unknown[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, PC) $59.99

    Firaxis brings back the classic strategy game to a new generation. Control the XCOM force and keep the world safe from an alien invasion. Take your squads out to meet the threat head on using a cover based real time strategy play style that requires more patience than running in blind to a firefight so some Call of Duty fans may not be able to grasp it.

    The Walking Dead Episode 4: Around Every Corner (XBLA, PSN) $4.99, 800 MS Points

    Telltale’s wonderful game based on the comic book reaches its penultimate episode. Lee and the group of survivors have finally made it to Macon but will there be the relief that they all have been searching for? My magic 8-ball says no. If you have not been playing this game and don’t want to download all the episodes separately don’t worry, they will all be released on disc in December.

    [amazon_link id=”B0050SY8UK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Fable: The Journey[/amazon_link] (360) $49.99

    Fable continues on after the departure of Peter Molyneux. This game has been pointed at as the reason Molyneux left Lionhead Studios to create yet another studio. The game will be used strictly with the Kinect to attack, cast spells and travel with your horse throughout Albion. I wish there were a lot of kind words to say about this but it seems the the Fable franchise is still in decline since Fable 2.

    [amazon_link id=”B0086V5UF0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Just Dance 4[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U) $39.99- $49.99

    Another fall is here so that means another iteration of the best selling dance game. I am sure that Sony and Microsoft enjoy these games since they give players a reason to use the Kinect and Move. The roster this year includes “music” from “artists” like Justin Beiber, Flo Rida, Maroon 5 and human punching bag Rihanna.

     

    Next week get ready to return to hell with Doom 3: BFG Edition and Daniel Craig returns to take on six classic Bond missions in 007 Legends.

    Happy gaming!!!