Review: X-Men: Schism #4
Finally, the confrontation between Cyclops and Wolverine comes to the breaking point. Or is that the slashing/eye-blasting point? Not only is the rift between them clearly laid out and understandable, but the two heroes actually do come to blows at the climax of this issue. And it’s an awesome fight. X-Men: Schism #4 is an exciting and tense issue, one that thankfully is not bogged down by the ridiculousness of the Hellfire Club Kids. It’s just Cyclops and Wolverine laying it all on the line.
X-Men: Schism #4
And I am completely on Cyclops’ side.
Wolverine comes off like a fool! I understand his reasoning, and I suppose it fits with the character, but in the context of everything we know about the X-Men and in the context of what we’re reading here, Wolverine is a blind, stubborn fool. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like we’re made to root for Wolverine anymore. Both sides are pretty clear and neither one comes off as completely favored over the other. The reader can choose for themselves who is right, and also see that both Cyclops and Wolverine are being more than a little selfish. That’s a plus and definitely helps to better define the titular Schism of the X-Men.
Spoilers after the jump.
Gears of War 3: First Impressions
I knew jumping into a new Gears of War game would be fun, but I didn’t realize it would be this much fun! Gears of War 3 is exciting, fast-paced and deliciously frantic. But the skills garnered from previous Gears games means I’m good enough to keep up with the frenzy! Armed with my chainsaw lancer and shotgun, I’ve been tearing it up on the Versus Multiplayer. I definitely haven’t been winning all the matches, but I’m more than holding my own in these no-holds-barred matches of blood and testosterone. I’ve only been playing for half an afternoon, but the joy and excitement of tearing it up in Gears of War 3 is just so energizing!
I mentioned the chainsaws, right?
And the big, burly space marines? Ladies...
Anyway, this isn’t a full review. That will come in a few weeks once I’ve beaten the campaign. I just wanted to tell everyone my first impressions of the game so far. I was only able to play for a few hours Tuesday night, but they were beautiful hours. I’m already Level 10. I’ve dropped and chopped over 100 bodies. And at one point I was playing as a giant spider/crayfish killing people with my massive mandibles! The game is chock-full of different game modes. The weapons have been tweaked. The Retro Lancer charge is sweet!
If Gears of War 2 was any indication, I’ll be immersed in this game for hours/days/months to come.
This Spinal Tap cliche is a classic, but if the Gears 3 beta earlier this year was a 10 (and it was!), then the developers turned the dial up to 11 for the actual Gears 3 game!
I suppose it’s hard to describe the energy I’m feeling just from playing the game. It’s one of my favorite games to play with my friends, and one of the few games where I actually have a real team I play with, so just booting up the game and knowing what fun awaits is a blast. But actually getting into the game and being right in the thick of the chaos is exhilarating! This energy and excitement is why I game! As I’ve written before, Gears of War is an action-oriented game that has real weight to it. You move, shoot, dodge and run as if you really are a hefty Space Marine wearing massive Space Armor. In space! And most of the time you’re playing against real people out there in video game land. So they’re smart, and victory over them is doubly rewarding. The Versus Multiplayer is a true test of skill and ability, so to see me rake up the points and be at the top at the end of the match is a treat. I’m good, and I know I’m good.
Gears of War 3 is already living up to the hype and excitement. And I haven’t even started playing the 4-player campaign yet!
Awesome Batman Video
Collegehumor.com kicks some more ass with this hilarious Batman vs. Joker interrogation scene from The Dark Knight. Or should I say, Batman vs. Wiggles, the drunk and disorderly birthday clown.
My 6 Favorite Disney Songs
What’s not to love about Disney songs? They’re an entire genre of music all on their own. There’s a reason why Disney became the powerhouse it is, because they make really good movies, at least when it comes to cartoons. Who doesn’t love the marathon awesomeness that was Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas and the Hunchback of Notre Dame in the early to mid-90s? And then Pixar, wow. Is there any greater movie-maker than Pixar these days?
For a fun list idea, I decided to show you all My 6 Favorite Disney Songs. This is Music Week, after all.
Play Mickey, play
Back in Middle School choir, all we sang were Disney songs. The popular ones too. I remember learning the songs to The Lion King specifically. I’m sure we learned some others. Then we’d all stand up on those green metal risers and sing for our parents on show night. It was fun at that age to learn the lyrics to the movie.
Feel free to sing along.
Mutant Healing or Adamantium Claws?
Hilarious web video by Greg and Lou. They get to have a mutant power, and they both want to be Wolverine…but they can only afford one of his powers. Decisions, decisions…
