Questions for people who played Bastion...

Finished Bastion tonight.

First, for people who haven't played...
The short and non-spoilery review is this:

To start with the negative points, while the game is exceptional in some ways (most notably the art, narration, and overall game design), it is primitive in others, which hold it back. Most notable of these to me was the lack of that same graphical flair in many of the cutscene/exposition parts of the game. There are bits where they try to do things in-engine that should (budget allowing) have been done in another medium, like an animation, and while I can usually see what I think they're trying to do, it loses something in the translation. Another gripe is that, depending on the weapon you're using, some of the (xbox) controls can be downright nonsensical (I'm supposed to hold down X and aim with the right stick to fire??). Finally, there are some thematic elements of which I find myself a bit... dubious. More on that under the cut.

But here's the thing: Other than what I mentioned up there, this game is fantastically well done. It was something I could pick up for 30-60 mins here and there, it had tons (and tons) of ways to customize things, such that you could change your equipment around and almost feel like you were playing a whole new game, and despite its failings I found myself invested without the game ever feeling like a chore. I've never, ever bothered to play through a game on "New Game Plus" mode before (hell, I rarely even finish games), but this one I plan to. Looking forward to it, even.

Also, whether you have any intention of playing the game or not, the soundtrack is maybe my favorite album of the year so far.


Now, for people who have played...
( Some spoilery questions for people who have played it (or don't care about spoilers) under the cut )

Aaaand you know it's a good game when it has me up this far past my bedtime. To bed with me.

BOS ppl: Muppet Madness at the Brattle!

The Brattle is doing Muppet Madness again! This time they start on Friday 4/20 with a double-header of the new movie (though that's currently listed as "tentative") followed by a singalong of the original Muppet Movie.

This sounds awesome, but sadly, I'll be at Festival when this happens, so the next best thing is Sunday, 4/22 starting at 6, when they will be doing a triple feature of the first three movies. I went to the whole thing last year, so unless lots of people are into it I'll probably just do one of them. I'm defaulting to the first, where even though it's not technically a singalong, I make no commitment to not singing and/or crying during Rainbow Connection, but am willing to go with popular opinion if people want to pick one to mob after Festival.

Anyone interested?

Also, many of you may be interested in one or more of the following, also playing there:
On 4/19, a documentary about indie game developers
On 4/23, Dark Crystal / Labrynth double-header

BOS ppl: Second Annual Passover Potluck sPectactular! BRUNCH EDITION

Second annual Passover Potluck!
April 14th
from 11am to 5pm

Note: To avoid conflicting with another event, this one is going to start/end earlier than last year and will be brunch themed (though really you can bring whatever you want, so long as it's KfP)

Further details yoinked from preraphaelite:

Start thinking about exciting recipes to throw down with! (:

At our new to-be-named house on in Ball Sq (still looking for suggestions, here...). Let me know if you need the address!

Official invite:

Come one, come all of any denomination and bring your favorite Kosher for Passover foodstuffs to share! (***see fine print below). Sample a wide range of yeast-free creations, and participate in The Traditional Battle of Ancient Family Recipes!

Full make-your-own Matzah Pizza bar will be available!

Feel free to share recipe ideas or challenges in the comments!

Because Passover food is cool. Like bowties.

***THE FINE PRINT:***
Prohibited Foods, for the purpose of Kosher for Passover here: anything containing leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, or other grains. No liquids which contain ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol or vinegar (other than cider vinegar). No peas, corn, rice, beans, peanuts, or other legumes including soy, because we be doin' it Ashkenazi style, yo. Eastern Europe, represent.

Please also adhere to general kosher rules: do not include any pork or shellfish products in your dishes, and any dishes including chicken or beef should be dairy-free. If at all possible, bring an index card with your dish(es) listing ingredients for allergy and religious purposes. Thanks!