Russian Circles- Geneva
Other Albums by this Artist: Enter, Station
Similar Artists: If These Trees Could Talk (Ohio), City of Ships, Tera Melos, Do Make Say Think, This Will Destroy You.
Monday, November 30, 2009
New Record 3
Russian Circles- Geneva
Other Albums by this Artist: Enter, Station
Similar Artists: If These Trees Could Talk (Ohio), City of Ships, Tera Melos, Do Make Say Think, This Will Destroy You.
Assassin's Creed 2
So I started my long thanksgiving break last Monday because I had no classes on Tuesday. So began the long journey into video game heaven. I picked up a copy of Assassin's Creed 2 and Modern Warfare 2 last week. to give you a peek into my personal life, yes I beat both of them in one week.
Assassin's Creed 2 is a direct sequel to the 2007 game Assassin's Creed 1 (as it now must be known.) You start the game again as unlucky bartender and all around nice guy Desmond Miles. Desmond is, as before, an unwitting pawn in the corporation Abstergo's plan to find all of the old relics of the world. Of course this is the Assassin's Creed universe so there is always a dual story.
This time around Desmond has to relive his ancestor Ezio Auditore's memories. Desmond does this in order to learn to be an Assassin in his own life because Ezio is not an assassin when the game starts. ezio is forced to become and assassin after he, an his family, are betrayed and his father and two brothers are murdered by the Templar order. The only problem I had with the story is that, besides the begining where there is a lot of expostition about Ezio taking revenge and what he plans to so next, the plot is very loosely strung together. It is very hard to follow. Also the large amount of italian names threw it off. I don't think the developer should apologize for the italian names, but I lost trak after the first few names that were spouted off. the story is good though. It is extremley well written and every character feels unique in their own right and you get to see historical characters and places in full 'Motion capture' technology.
As with the first game, there are two main parts to the game. There is the free running parkour exploration part of the game. Then there is the assassination/combat portion. The whole game has gotten a revamp in the terms of design. There are side quests now that actually branch off from the main story. There are also more ways to navigate the environment now that you pick up along the way. The combat has also had a small revamp. You now actually have a reason to fight with your fists this time around. I have to say that the disarm/counter kills were the best part of the combat. also you can fight with the hidden blade this time as well instead of just using it for assassinations. you can buy weapons and armor as well and choose the weapons that you want to use. There are also upgrades to the hidden blade that you recieve that include getting a second blade (get it? Assassin's Creed 2.) as well as using poision (my personal favortie) and also a gun. Going back to the side quests for a brief second. Yes, the assassination's are the most fun. be careful though. you'll be going about each one differently.
The biggest revamp this time around is of course the mission structure. You won't be doing the same three things for every assassination this time around. The mission structure is more story based this time around and you won't know what to expect next when it comes to the missions. you'll be taking out guards that are watching positions, you'll cause hell in the street with street brawls to clear the street, and rescue VIPs just to name a few. You also have a home base of operation that actually works for you this time and there is reason to actually go back to your villa. If you pour money into the right buildings at the right times, then you'll have more money than you'll know what to do with.
Closing Comments: So its been two years since the first Assassin's Creed and the series is better for it. Assassin's Creed 2 is better in every way from its predecessor. If you love stealth kills, jumping from high places, and running on roof tops, then get Assassin's Creed 2.
Final Verdict: Must Own
Assassin's Creed 2 is a direct sequel to the 2007 game Assassin's Creed 1 (as it now must be known.) You start the game again as unlucky bartender and all around nice guy Desmond Miles. Desmond is, as before, an unwitting pawn in the corporation Abstergo's plan to find all of the old relics of the world. Of course this is the Assassin's Creed universe so there is always a dual story.
This time around Desmond has to relive his ancestor Ezio Auditore's memories. Desmond does this in order to learn to be an Assassin in his own life because Ezio is not an assassin when the game starts. ezio is forced to become and assassin after he, an his family, are betrayed and his father and two brothers are murdered by the Templar order. The only problem I had with the story is that, besides the begining where there is a lot of expostition about Ezio taking revenge and what he plans to so next, the plot is very loosely strung together. It is very hard to follow. Also the large amount of italian names threw it off. I don't think the developer should apologize for the italian names, but I lost trak after the first few names that were spouted off. the story is good though. It is extremley well written and every character feels unique in their own right and you get to see historical characters and places in full 'Motion capture' technology.
As with the first game, there are two main parts to the game. There is the free running parkour exploration part of the game. Then there is the assassination/combat portion. The whole game has gotten a revamp in the terms of design. There are side quests now that actually branch off from the main story. There are also more ways to navigate the environment now that you pick up along the way. The combat has also had a small revamp. You now actually have a reason to fight with your fists this time around. I have to say that the disarm/counter kills were the best part of the combat. also you can fight with the hidden blade this time as well instead of just using it for assassinations. you can buy weapons and armor as well and choose the weapons that you want to use. There are also upgrades to the hidden blade that you recieve that include getting a second blade (get it? Assassin's Creed 2.) as well as using poision (my personal favortie) and also a gun. Going back to the side quests for a brief second. Yes, the assassination's are the most fun. be careful though. you'll be going about each one differently.
The biggest revamp this time around is of course the mission structure. You won't be doing the same three things for every assassination this time around. The mission structure is more story based this time around and you won't know what to expect next when it comes to the missions. you'll be taking out guards that are watching positions, you'll cause hell in the street with street brawls to clear the street, and rescue VIPs just to name a few. You also have a home base of operation that actually works for you this time and there is reason to actually go back to your villa. If you pour money into the right buildings at the right times, then you'll have more money than you'll know what to do with.
Closing Comments: So its been two years since the first Assassin's Creed and the series is better for it. Assassin's Creed 2 is better in every way from its predecessor. If you love stealth kills, jumping from high places, and running on roof tops, then get Assassin's Creed 2.
Final Verdict: Must Own
New Record 2
Baroness-Blue Album
Other Albums by this artist: Red Album
Similar Artists: Converge, Mastodon, Shrinebuilder, Torche
New Record
Pelican-What we have come to need
Other Albums by this Artist: Australasia, Fire in our Throats will beckon the thaw, City of Echoes
Similar Artists: Isis, Baroness, Russian Circles, Jesu
Looney's Tunes
Heavy Stuff:
The Great Misdirect - Between the Buried and Me
This album gets better with every listen. Each song has its own individual kind of feel to it. Starting with the pretty mellow Mirrors, then moving through all sorts of crazy goodness from Obfuscation and Disease, Injury, Madness. Then they move into the evil carnival beginning of Fossil Genera: A Feed From Cloud Mountain, a song that morphs into the progressive heaviness that Between the Buried and Me does so well. Then comes the great misdirect of The Great Misdirect: the acoustic ballad Desert of Song. This moves into the epic Swim to the Moon which really defines the album. Swim to the Moon is itself enough to make the whole album worth buying. It has all the great characteristics of an epic BTBAM creation. It's got the intricate scale work with a double-guitar approach that I find something new that I like about every time I listen to it. With the solo trade-offs, great bass backing, keyboards, intricate drumwork, and of course the epic breakdowny section, Swim to the Moon deserves the Prog-Song of the Year Award.
I think its pretty apparent, but just to be clear, overall, The Great Misdirect is another triumph from Between the Buried and Me, one of the most influential metal bands of the last 10 years.
Recommend? MOST DEFINITELY
Not So Heavy Stuff:
Phish - Joy
Phish is back in action, finally. Their new album Joy has all the makings of a great feel-good folk, blues, jam album. They definitely have not lost their touch for their style.
Recommend? YES, if you like Phish
Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next
Modest Mouse's new album is very Modest Mouse-like. After a few listens through, I'm not too impressed. Modest Mouse definitely sticks to their style with this new album, venturing not at all from their safe zone. Although a couple songs are worth listening to for some new type of Modest Mouse sound (The Whale Song, King Rat) it seems like they filled the majority of this album with fluff.
Overall: Worth listening to, not worth buying.
The Great Misdirect - Between the Buried and Me
This album gets better with every listen. Each song has its own individual kind of feel to it. Starting with the pretty mellow Mirrors, then moving through all sorts of crazy goodness from Obfuscation and Disease, Injury, Madness. Then they move into the evil carnival beginning of Fossil Genera: A Feed From Cloud Mountain, a song that morphs into the progressive heaviness that Between the Buried and Me does so well. Then comes the great misdirect of The Great Misdirect: the acoustic ballad Desert of Song. This moves into the epic Swim to the Moon which really defines the album. Swim to the Moon is itself enough to make the whole album worth buying. It has all the great characteristics of an epic BTBAM creation. It's got the intricate scale work with a double-guitar approach that I find something new that I like about every time I listen to it. With the solo trade-offs, great bass backing, keyboards, intricate drumwork, and of course the epic breakdowny section, Swim to the Moon deserves the Prog-Song of the Year Award.
I think its pretty apparent, but just to be clear, overall, The Great Misdirect is another triumph from Between the Buried and Me, one of the most influential metal bands of the last 10 years.
Recommend? MOST DEFINITELY
Not So Heavy Stuff:
Phish - Joy
Phish is back in action, finally. Their new album Joy has all the makings of a great feel-good folk, blues, jam album. They definitely have not lost their touch for their style.
Recommend? YES, if you like Phish
Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next
Modest Mouse's new album is very Modest Mouse-like. After a few listens through, I'm not too impressed. Modest Mouse definitely sticks to their style with this new album, venturing not at all from their safe zone. Although a couple songs are worth listening to for some new type of Modest Mouse sound (The Whale Song, King Rat) it seems like they filled the majority of this album with fluff.
Overall: Worth listening to, not worth buying.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dragon Age: Origins
So its come to my attention that there is a new fad that is sweeping the nation. This fad is apparently called "gaming." Now I've had the opportunity to play many new games over the past few months. The one I am diving the deepest into right now is a new game from famed developer Bioware. The game is called "Dragon age: Origins." Its a good ol' fashion fantasy RPG complete with creepy British accents and lustful milk maids. I have had the opportunity to play both console version and PC version and I can whole heartidly say, as most will, that if you want this game, and you do, you need to get this game on the PC. The control work much better and combat is much simpler on the PC than on the console. As far as story goes, its your standard Old Age, fantasy RPG. There's an evil force that wants to destroy the world and you are apart of a slightly secret order of warriors and mages that have the ability and the will to take on this evil. The plot does a great job of pulling you in at the beggining but there is a lack of exposition towards the middle. It really takes a lot of the player to stay engaged. Luckily though Bioware thought ahead and that's why the combat it is so viceral and fun. For warriors there are an array of weapons to choose from such as axes, swords, maces, bows, crowbars, puppy dogs, kittens and carrots (but seriously there are a lot of weapons). For rouges combat is much less simple. They don't stand up well in a fight so you need to plan ahead. Mages are even less effective than rouges in straight up combat. Bring a healing potion. Character progression is, of course, another thing done sublimly in Dragon Age. There are the three main calsses to choose from, all of which have 4 unlockable specializations. Each class specialization feels different from the next and each has a well fleshed out way of recieving learning each one. Some seem a little easier to attain than others, such as becoming a bard by asking a party member while Champion you have to beat an entire segment of the game, but this doesn't detract from the reward you feel from gaining each one and unleasing some truly kick ass special moves on some baddies.
Closing Comments: Bioware is known for making games that have expansive worlds, deep plot, and interesting characters and with Dragon Age: Origins the developers haven't dissappointed. They have made a totally unique fantasy world with its own history and its own problems. Dragon Age: Origins is a shinning example of what can come when a developer takes the time to make the experience for the player worth their money.
Final: MUST OWN
Closing Comments: Bioware is known for making games that have expansive worlds, deep plot, and interesting characters and with Dragon Age: Origins the developers haven't dissappointed. They have made a totally unique fantasy world with its own history and its own problems. Dragon Age: Origins is a shinning example of what can come when a developer takes the time to make the experience for the player worth their money.
Final: MUST OWN
Sunday, October 18, 2009
No Break for Cap Sports Teams
While most Capital students enjoyed a long weekend, Crusader athletic teams were busy on the court, the pitch, and the gridiron.
The Capital football team beat John Carroll University 28-20 in an OAC contest at Bernlohr Stadium Saturday. The Crusaders took the lead early, but had to fight off several comeback attemps from the Blue Streaks. Lots of highlights on the CapVision Sports page.
Capital is now 5-1 (4-1 OAC) and heads to Westerville for a big showdown with arch-rival Otterbein this Saturday. Cap is ranked #16 in the nation, while Otterbein is #13.
In Volleyball action, the Crusaders went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked Heidelberg, losing a close match in three sets (23-25, 22-25, 23-25). We also have highlights of this match on the Sports page.
Both the men's and women's soccer teams were also in action. The women blew past Marietta 4-1, while the men beat also beat Marietta 3-0. In the men's game, senior Steven McCarthy became the top offensive player in Ohio Athletic Conference men’s soccer history, notching a goal and an assist in the victory.
The Capital men's and women's cross country teams finished strong at the Wilmington Fall Invitational, with the men placing 16th and the women finishing 13th out of 25 squads. Check the Capital Athletics Department page for full results.
The Capital football team beat John Carroll University 28-20 in an OAC contest at Bernlohr Stadium Saturday. The Crusaders took the lead early, but had to fight off several comeback attemps from the Blue Streaks. Lots of highlights on the CapVision Sports page.
Capital is now 5-1 (4-1 OAC) and heads to Westerville for a big showdown with arch-rival Otterbein this Saturday. Cap is ranked #16 in the nation, while Otterbein is #13.
In Volleyball action, the Crusaders went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked Heidelberg, losing a close match in three sets (23-25, 22-25, 23-25). We also have highlights of this match on the Sports page.
Both the men's and women's soccer teams were also in action. The women blew past Marietta 4-1, while the men beat also beat Marietta 3-0. In the men's game, senior Steven McCarthy became the top offensive player in Ohio Athletic Conference men’s soccer history, notching a goal and an assist in the victory.
The Capital men's and women's cross country teams finished strong at the Wilmington Fall Invitational, with the men placing 16th and the women finishing 13th out of 25 squads. Check the Capital Athletics Department page for full results.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fall Semester Break Get here ASAP
Midterms, papers, cold weather. LAME, Things are starting to get a little crazy at this point in time during the semester, but the well-anticipated break is just around the corner. Although I'd love to drive back to Pittsburgh to see some family and friends I'll be here in Columbus catching up on school work, audio mixes, and fraternity business. It's all good though, the best advice I can give is to stay busy so that apathy and procrastination are less likely to consume you, even though chances are they probably already have. Check back for updates on what's happening in Columbus if you're unable to go home over break!
-Dan
-Dan
Monday, October 12, 2009
Looney's Tunes
Some albums I've been checking out lately:
Horse the Band: Desperate Living (new album)- nintendocore
Irepress: Sol. Eye. Sea. I. (latest album) - madness
Converge: Axe to Fall (new album) - heavyness
Grails - space jams
Jesu: Opiate Sun (new album) - sludge fun
For samples, Click on any band name to link to their MySpace.
Tell me what you think.
Horse the Band: Desperate Living (new album)- nintendocore
Irepress: Sol. Eye. Sea. I. (latest album) - madness
Converge: Axe to Fall (new album) - heavyness
Grails - space jams
Jesu: Opiate Sun (new album) - sludge fun
For samples, Click on any band name to link to their MySpace.
Tell me what you think.
Monday, October 5, 2009
If Anybody Wants To Talk NFL....
This is an invite to check out my personal blog which is essentially my musings on all-things NFL (and I guess, football in general) present and past. Just click on my profile, look under "My Blogs" and click on "TheDood's Super-Duper Blog of NFL Footballness".
NEW BRAND NEW
Brand New does it again! With their new album Daisy, Brand New delves deeper into their musical prowess. Compared to their teeny-bopper pop-punk debut Your Favorite Weapon, Daisy is weird, maybe even "heavy" to some...but more precisely: mature. Daisy seems like a fitting next step after their last release The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. Songs like "Vices" and "At the Bottom" teetering on the edge of screamo, moving into slower more melodic tunes like "You Stole" and "Bed" make Daisy a roller coaster of music that somehow keeps its catchiness (in a good way), but doesn't get wore out.
CHECK'EM OUT HERE Then post a comment and tell us what You think!
Monday, September 21, 2009
New videos on CapVision
Just added highlights from Capital's football win over Heidelberg on Saturday. Check our Sports page http://capvision.capital.edu/sports.html
There's also a new virtual tour of the Music Technology program at Capital. It's on our home page. The video was directed by Pete O'Hare, a third-year student majoring in Music Technology. It looks great. Pete did a fantastic job shooting and editing the video!
There's also a new virtual tour of the Music Technology program at Capital. It's on our home page. The video was directed by Pete O'Hare, a third-year student majoring in Music Technology. It looks great. Pete did a fantastic job shooting and editing the video!
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