Thursday, June 18, 2009

Jumping into the Stargate

Last night I sat down and watched the pilot movie for Stargate SG-1 "Children of the Gods"
Let me give you some background. I love the Stargate movie. I saw it when it first came out and thought it was great. I have seen bits or SG-1 over the years but never really sat down to devote much time to it. Nonetheless I have been interested in it, so I figured I should spend some time and catch up.

I picked up the first seson and began watching last night.

This show was originally produced for showtime, so I think it orobably feels a bit different than what showed up on Sci-fi, what with nudity and such. This movie picks up a year after the original stargate movie. The main actors have changed but I din't notice so much (of course that could have been because I am actually more used to seeing the new actors than the original) but it is clear that it is the same story and the same universe. The technology looks the same and it seems to be a good starting place for a series. There are one or two supporting actors that were actualy from the original movie so it was a nice touch.

I am looking forward to dive into the resto of this 1st season of this show, but at the same time a bit intimidated. SG-1 ran for 10 seasons and is about to start its second spin off series, So I think it is going to be a daunting task to catch up, but I think it will be enjoyable.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Wii Virtual Console and Video Game Nostalgia

For me fandom encompasses many things, but most often things that make me nostalgic. Last week I got a Wii for my birthday, and other than bowling a few times I have yet to do much with it. . . That is until I finally broke down and bought a virtual console game.
Simply browsing what the Wii has to offer in the line of virtual console game takes me back. I can see different stages of my young life. NES, SNES, Genesis, and all the systems I never had like Turbo Graphics 16, they are all there. I remember saving my money for moths for a new NES game as a kid and when you got it. It was a great feeling to open that package and look at the manuals and put the cartridge in the system. The Package is gone, but you can still play the game with the virtual console. I picked up Mario 3 for a few reasons. 1) Its the game My wife requested (and I liked it too) 2) I could play it using the wiimote, and still sit on the couch.

What amazes me is that I remember all of the little secrets of the game. You know. . . Fly above the ceiling, get the flute, crack the rock, get the flute. I even remembered that one level needed you to use the P wing for a secret. I can't believe I remember this stuff.

All that said I recommend the Virtual console. It is a good way to relive the old games from your childhood on a new system, and often at the price of renting a game. It was also nice not being tied by a wire to the system.

The Wii also offers new games that can be bought in an on demand fashion. These games range in genre from RPG to puzzle to action etc. . . many of these games are smaller games but very good, some of them are new takes on old games like Adventure Island and Bubble Bobble I haven't played these yet, but I am confident that most of them will be very good.

If your not sure about a Wii because of the game choices take a look at what it has to offer on the virtual console or wii ware, and you may realise that it IS worth the price of admission.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

R.I.P Outpost Gallifrey

Yesterday, Outpost Gallifrey announced it was closing the News and forums sections of their website. The Outpost has been a major influence on Doctor Who fandom over the last several years. It has united a fanbase that is spread all around the world. It has united people with common interests. For me it was my first exposure to other people who knew and loved doctor who.
It taught me about being a fan. I know that probably sounds a bit ridiculous, but it is true. I learned that there were other people like me. Other people whon knew far more than I did, and that I was a part of their community. I could interact with the "major" fans and even the authors of (at the time) the Doctor who books that were being published. . . even Steven Moffat, who is now the producer of the show. It created comunity.

Now, let me say that I respect the decision of Shaun Lyon, the founder of the site, of steping back. I have to say I have to question why he doesn't just hand it off, I supose there is a true (and rightfully so) sense of ownership and that it would be hard to see some one else running things, but the Outpost is a HUGE community.

Shaun maintains that other communities will rise up, I agree. My concern is in the word "Communities." This is Plural, meaning multiple. Fandom will split. Its hard enough to maintain fandom as it is (which is alrady split) but now taking a huge group of fans and saying "ok go find somewhere else to comune, you can's stay here anymore" and then not helping them find a place.

I am sure communities will grow out of this. Really good communities, but I think there will be several really good communities and the comradery that has been had in the Outpost, will be lost. I am comfidant that something GREAT will come out of this, but at the same time I am sad because of the nastalgia that the Outpost has for me. I have had a great time, and will remember that time fondly.