The Oasis: Beauty of the Unexpected

So i've been playing some Fallout 3.

(Sub Quest Spoiler)

A solid game, not doubt about it. I was exploring the northern rim, trying to find me some of the final achievement quests I had yet to finish. Passing a rocky mesa I happen to turn my head from the interstate wreckage I was heading toward. I see a small mountain path shaded by the stone cliffs, my meta-game sub conscious clicked, Clearly a programmer had a reason for random paths so finely hidden. I deviate and follow.

Winding up the path i hit a small green shrub and some glowing mushrooms. In just about any game this would have been unremarkable. Indeed, I almost ignored the sign until another part of my subconscious ( I give credit where credit is due) did a double take.

GREEN!?!?

In a world of brow dirt and gray buildings? A gritty, dark color scheme that has been etched into my eyes now dazzles me with the color green? This in incredible. Indeed it was. I had discovered the Oasis of Fallout 3.


http://s3-llnw-screenshots.wegame.com/9165303733667126/9165303733667126_l.jpg

This lush grove is akin to a druid's sacred prayer ground. Indeed, it is arguably a small nod to the vast landscape that Bethesda creates in Cyrodiil. I then met Harold, the ghoul/man with an intimate deciduous friend. The quest was a complete show stopper, because in a world of nukes, super mutants, and Liberty Prime, I now stood in a tranquil forest. Fallout 3 was indeed the act of stripping away all that was normal until it became ingrained into your head that empty cans and bottles littering derelict houses were commonplace. That all trees could be redefined as charred sticks. That rocks and cracked asphalt were the customary terrain.

Once the status quo is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Bethesda provides one measly location on the outskirts of the game world. Carefully hidden to the point that shear luck is the only key to discovery. But upon discovery, reality of what is normal rushes back and you realize the twisted fairy tale that has been a drain (but an enjoyable one) on your spare time. Bethesda made a capital of aberrations to give you one moment of revelation, one instance of realizing how beautiful the natural world truly is. Because of this stupefying experience to rekindle a lost reality, The Oasis quest in Fallout 3 is the best mini-quest in all of gaming history.

For more info: http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Oasis

The Return, and Summer Begins

So i have an exam on monday, then it's summer. Luckily, it's physics, which fits the theme of the blog. There is not much of an excuse for not posting for 7 months but at least I'm back

I'm working on Douglas Adams, currently book two, the Restaurant at the end of the Universe. I am a fan of Sirius Cybernetics Corporation and all of their ineffective robots. And Roosta (and his towel) may be my favorite minor character.

In the video game world, I've started Doom 3 but I'll need a full night to truly delve into such a classic sci-fi horror game.

I also finally beat the Starcraft 1 Terran Campaign. Probably 4 years to late but at least I did it.
It is the ultimate ending, rebel leader turns corrupt emperor and the comrades you grow to trust are now outlaws. It's cliche but I enjoy it thoroughly, that is what science fiction is all about. The same story, told in different ways, with different universes to observe and learn.

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Hallows Eve

A fine night of goblins and ghouls. I watched a hilarious movie version of Lovecraft's: Herbert West, ReAnimator. Very funny but disgusting.

Too long

Image by commorancy via Flickr

Dang, i haven't posted in a while. Well thats over now. I been reading and playing SF as well as
getting through school.
Halo ODST: A fine game and an honorable part of the series. Its music, setting, and scenery are by far the most intriguing. Especially New Mombasa at night, amazing. I particularly liked the use of the upgraded weapons. The smg finally has a reason to be used and the scoped pistol is a godsend for halo vets. Basically, it was Bungie's artistic view of their Halo universe. There were clear connections to post apocalyptic city atmosphere a la Left 4 Dead and Bioshock. Sadly, the obvious attempt ruins the originality of the Halo universe and only fails to add any variable to the "rampant, abandoned, automatic city of the future" formula. Regardless, the game has its moments of shear awesome action, specifically the various "Defend this position" scenarios.

Next, as a retro consideration, i recently replayed some of Pikmin, Nintendo's original rts. What a perfect blend of sci fi this little treasure is. It has the urgency (only 30 days of life support), personality (the stranded captain Olimar misses his family) and world building (the entire alternate reality of Earth and its Pikmin based ecosystem) Awesome game, awesome world. An SF video game at its finest.

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Clockwork Orange

Image by Roscoe Van Damme via Flickr

Yes, i saw this diabolical movie. Though i do not completely understand the title the implications of free will and a dark, seedy British future hit home. I was particularly impressed with the film's close connection to Beethoven's music. It was well made and particularly creepy/humorous at times. The concept of the milk bar was the best part of the sci-fi world. In addition, I enjoyed variety of characters and interesting narrative dialect. It was a solid movie worthy of any gathering.

New Club

I started school last week but i will still try
to keep the N C updated.
I started a book club: MB Literati
first book, Neuromancer by William Gibson

Lovecraft Respect

Image via Wikipedia

I was away for the extended weekend on a camping trip/canoe voyage in Errol, New Hampshire. Quite a grand time, i bonded with my friends and saw some amazing stuff. The centerpiece of the trip was canoeing down to Lake Umbagog, spending the night at a remote campsite, then packing up and head down river.

The point being that all the natural, eerie wilderness brings back distinct memories from the short stories of H.P. Lovecraft. Specifically, Whisperer in the Darkness which takes place in a remote cabin in NH. To actually be in a similar area, especially the lake in the morning, with fog rising in ethereal strands, makes that story much more compelling.