May 2002

May 25, 2002

E3 Feedback!

4:37 AM EST

Just talked to our very tired Angel Spineman who's gotten back from the greatest show on Earth: E3. Of course, he is on the job and on the Net. While he gets some much deserved and needed shuteye, I'll give you the first impressions that are still freshly burned onto our CEO's retinas.

The show is a pixel whirlwind and Spiney tells us that this time was no exception. There were many excellent games on display and it must have been hard to divide up one's attention appropriately. Angel Spineman's main mission was to stick with Age of Mythology and Rise of Nations. It was really worth it as both turned out to be the biggest eye-openers showcased. As always, our HeavenGames people were dealt with in a warm and professional manner. Thanks guys!

The might and magic of the mythology element of AoM, often seen as a potential down side of the game, really shines as infantry is scooped up and sent hurtling around the map by units that beg to differ with the opinion that they are mere myth. Indeed, they steal the show without dominating it. Together with the latest tweaks to gameplay, fans of the Age series of games have little to worry about and much to look forward to.

According to his earliest report, Spineman was equally enthused by Rise of Nations. He points out once again that both these games are top-notch, tending to outclass most other games at E3. Don't let that discourage you about all the other titles because the gaming market is so much more competitive and demanding these days. I'm sure that at least 80% of the games are at the least very much worth the wait.

Very soon you will see the reports from all our Angels attending E3 (Spineman, Thunder and Draco (Dutch Uncle Al hoping he didn't miss anyone there). Boy, is this page going to get busy really soon! Thank you guys for going out there and getting the goodies for us!

Also worth mentioning for HeavenGames' sake is that a LOT of people recognized the site, our very own CEO and, of course, the grand people that make it the best RTS/CityBuilding portal in the world: you and the site crews!

May 16, 2002

HeavenGames

Episode II is the best of the five!

7:17 PM EST

I've just come back from seeing Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and I should be tucked in bed so I can present my students with a fresh teacher tomorrow...er, later today.

Probably can't get to sleep anyway after seeing all the effects in action.

Lucas has learned a great deal about what impoverished and what enriched Episode I. He has presented us with an intergalactic smorgasbord of cosmic conflict in stony space, in metropolitan mayhem and, it must be said, the soft, vibrant chambers of the heart. The dark and light sides of the force are deftly intertwined in this two and a half hour saga to reveal to us a tragic hero that is falling as he rises. The Star Wars epic has been put on the map of grand stories worthy of telling. It will be with a heavy heart that I shall witness the depth of Anakin Skywalker's ultimate plunge in the final episode.

Now, the special effects. Lucas has surpassed himself there again. I found myself living in the star scraper housing the senator, lounging with the love couple and kicking six along with Yoda (I kid you not on both counts). The droids certainly do their part by providing comic relief and a dash of heroism as well.

Just in case you are wondering: drop what you are doing, see the film and convince your teacher that you can now write that paper on good and evil and fallen heroes. May you enjoy it at least as much as I did.

May 15, 2002

HeavenGames

Episode II Everywhere Tomorrow!

3:49 PM EST

Just in case you have been too busy sharpening your Jedi sword lately, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones will be showing in theatres all around the world tomorrow! Well, I actually know it will be opening in North America and Europe simultaneously--if it's not opening in your part of the world, I feel for you big time. Try to be patient, it will come to you soon.

Finally, we here in Europe will get to see it at the same time as in the New World! I'm so happy I could flood Darth Vader's Helmet with my tears of joy! May the Force once again be with us!

May 7, 2002

HeavenGames

Holland Grieves

2:51 PM EST

Today I have to inform you of a sad event that took place 24 hours ago in The Netherlands. The right-wing Pim Fortuyn, going from 0 seats in parliament to at least 25 in surveys and shaking up the staid politics of the country, has been assassinated. As my students know, I was against many of the man's policies but I always warned that the man should be seen as separate from the politics and I always rested assured that his ideas would be battled in the political arena. This is, after all, the country of windmills, tulips, tolerance, technology and successful economic models.

Due to one man, purportedly an anti-bio-industry extremist, the country has been robbed of the chance to democratically express itself, both for and against Pim. I, and many others with me, will miss him as a politically engaging opponent. I shall always remain grateful to this former university professor for shaking up the snobbish and complacent status quo of Dutch politics.