Comics And Video Games

Well, comic books have been a part of life since pop culture took off decades ago. In this era of a technology driven, global society, comics have a hand in everything from action figures to blockbuster hits to Gamestop.

It shouldn't come as a surprise the comic books have been the inspiration for tons of video games. There are at least six Spiderman, ten Batman, and four X-men games. Marvel has an entire series of Marvel Alliance games on almost every platform. This doesn't even compare to the number of games inspired by manga or anime, including the popular Naruto series.

What you might not know is that certain video games have been inspiration for comic books. The first-person shooter Halo was an inspiration for a series of comic books. Another series was based off the popular Street Fighter series. While most play the fighting game, they may not know the story behind each of the characters and their relationship with one another. The comic book explores this aspect of the game. In this way, comics can become a second layer of storytelling for video games.

Also there is an entire series of what one blogger calls "meta-video game comics" or comics based on the life of gamers and the industry of gaming. For an example of this type of comic, he recommends VG Cats. WARNING: Graphic language and crude humor in this comic.

As you can see, games are not just inspired by comics but can inspire as well. I have heard good reviews of the Halo and Street Fighter comics and will probably pick one up soon.

Raving Rabbids - Wii vs. PS2

As you know, games are often available in multiple systems. Madden football games are typically played on the Xbox consoles but are available for both Wii and Playstation 2/3. Rayman Raving Rabbids is one such game. I had the opportunity to play the game on both Wii and Playstation 2. I thought I would share some general comparisons between the two systems.

The storyline was the same, of course. Rabbids have taken over the world and Rayman must play in a gladiator-style series of games to defeat the rabbids with plungers and rocking dance moves.

The big difference of course lay in the control style simply because the Wii is more physical than the Playstation 2. Originally, I played on PS2. I sat down with a remote in my lap and my hands did the work. For one minigame, you twirl a cow and release it in the air sending it across a graveyard field. This was especially challenging on the PS2 because the release had to be timed perfectly with where the cow was swinging around Rayman. The release was achieved by pressing a button and if pressed at the wrong time (quite often) it landed to the side.

On the Wii, the throw was achieved while actually circling the remote around your head (not just rotating an analog stick). The release was still a button but you can kinda push the remote forward so the throw was a little easier. The controls reflected what you were doing while on Playstation 2 it was "push this button to achieve this."

One of the big differences I noted, however, was not the controls but the graphics. At the start of each minigame, the Playstation 2 would show Rayman on the left and the control description on the right. The Wii had a specific graphic for each game though. The graphic would be a rabbid showing you how to hold the Wii remote to achieve your goal. For the cow minigame, the rabbid rotated the remote like a lasso. In a different game, you draw the outline of a food item and then the rabbid eats it. On the Wii, it showed the rabbid moving the remote to "draw" the food-even zooming into the paw slowly moving the remote. The PS2 had one graphic for all the games and the Wii had individual graphics for each game menu.

The interesting differences made for an entirely new experience. I knew the goal but it was a different way of achieving it. Owning a Xbox, PS2, and a family Wii, I know that the differences between different systems is a topic discussed both passionately and thoroughly but to try it first hand was an exciting experience.

Wii Bowling

Well, well...its a Friday afternoon and what am I up to on this cold, windy, rainy day?

Instead of going out, I stayed in and joined in a game of Wii Bowling. As an avid bowler when I was younger, I enjoy a game every now and then. I was in leagues until I was 10 years old and actually placed 5th in Texas before moving to Japan (where despite extreme interest in the sport, I was unable to continue playing).

Wii Bowling is one of five games on the Wii Sports package. The game is simply the original sport in digital form. The Wii remote sensors your normal swing and you even have to push the button at a specific time to release the ball (too late and you will lob it down the lane!).

I have to say that one of the best experiences with this game both now and at home is that everyone plays. My parents don't normally join 'the kids' for a game but for bowling--everyone grabs a remote. Another unique feature is that this game can be played with multiple people but only having one remote. I really like this feature for those on a tight budget or on the go.

For this game, though, I had the pleasure of playing with Dr. Greh and Dr. Kenel. This was Dr. Kenel's first time. Watching her play, she concentrates on every throw very hard. Her face lit up when she got her first STRIKE! It was also her first time with the Wii altogether and I was very impressed with how quickly she adapted to the new system. I find Wii is different to learning other consoles simply because of the remote. By all means, there is a skill involved in button mashing but Wii takes physical skill. Swinging the ball, Dr. Kenel had to keep the remote level as well as swing fast and straight. In this aspect, she excelled and she learned quickly how sensitive the sensors can be.

Dr. Greh is an experienced player and swings with fun movements. In particular, she acts like I imagine she would at an actually bowling alley. She moves her body after the toss to guide the ball (a habit that unfortunately does nothing for your skill but even I admit to a personal addiction to this habit).

It was interesting to see from an outside view both an experienced player and a beginner. Dr. Greh gave Dr. Kenel advise and reminisced about different skills and hints she discovered along the way. Bowling is a game I particularly love and the Wii is the best way to experience the sport outside of a bowling alley. Although, it doesn't have the same bowling alley food along with it. :-(

Oh the fun of DaSilva 210...lol