I’m not sure how I’m getting work done with this game at home. If you like fighting games, this is a must have. VF4 utilizes real martial art styles and moves (with an exception here or there) to create one of the most accurate fighting simulators out there. Shaolin, Vale Tudo, Drunken Fist, Mantis Hand… it’s all in there (watch out Aaron, I’ve got some new moves to try on you…). Currently it’s available for the PS2 (sorry Heather), but it should be coming to the X-Box as well. Check out the website which has some amazingly accurate information about the history and characteristics martial arts styles in the game!
The Sandman
I’ve blogged about must read comics before and the value of comics as literature. If you’re still unconvinced, look no further than Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman. This series (collected in ten volumes) is a fascinating exercise in creating a new mythology while extending existing ones from across the world. Judeo/Christian, Norse, Greek, African, Asian, it’s all here; linked and interwoven with Gaiman’s own creations. At the same time the stories also intersect historical figures: Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Marco Polo and even Joshua Norton, Emperor of the United States to name a few. The books are an exploration of humanity and the supernatural. Plus they are just plain good. I’m not sure why it has taken me so long to get around to reading them, but I’m so happy that I finally got around to it.
if you’re in Rochester I’d be happy to lend these out…. If you’re outside of Rochester, take the plunge and buy one or check local libraries (some progressive ones do carry the series)!
