Disney Infinity Buyer's Guide

Disney Infinity can get quite expensive with all the accessories to purchase. I thought I would write a quick post about the best deals on each of the pieces to save the most money.

Starter Pack- Walmart $74.95 + 15 gift card

http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/22726440?adid=1500000000000012981640&veh=mweb:undefined

Walmart is the only store I've found that is giving any kind of discount on the starter pack.

All figures - Target: But two get third one free

http://www.target.com/c/disney-infinity-dvm-brand-shop/-/N-55l6r#?lnk=snav_rd_disney_infinity&orginalSearchTerm=Disney+infinity

This works out to be $8.66 each with is even cheaper than the three piece sets of characters. This is the best deal I've seen so far on the figures.

Power Discs - Toys R Us: Two packs for $6.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20405456

This is a really good deal since these packs run $5.99 each.

I've enjoyed my time with Disney Infinity so far. It is a really fun game for all ages. I would recommend it for any Disney fan as well as anyone who wants a game to play with their kid. I hope this buying guide helps you save some money.

Til next time.

Killzone Mercenary Beta Impressions

I had the opportunity through Playstation Plus to play the beta of Killzone: Mercenary on PS Vita and I have come away feeling it could be the first person shooter that finally shows they can work on a portable device. This has been promised for years now on PSP and with Call of Duty on Vita last year but never succeeded.

What does Killzone do differently than the previous games? First, as one would assume with Killzone, it looks absolutely gorgeous. Visuals have always been its forte. Check out what I mean in this trailer:

The controls have always been the problem and they finally feel right. The only real difference from the standard console FPS controls is that running has been moved from pressing in on the left stick to the circle button. This took me a couple matches to get used to but makes the most sense since the sticks on the Vita don't push in. There are touch controls for some actions but they aren't required and I found using them pulled my thumbs too far from the buttons and sticks.

I did have a couple of moments of lag during a couple of hours of online play but I'm sure this will be worked out through this beta.

Overall, I am now very excited to pick up Killzone when it comes out. If you are a shooter fan and what to play them on the go, there is no better time than now to pick up a Vita for the new lower price of $199 and pick up Killzone: Mercenary when it is released on September 10th. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'll see you online.

The Last of Us Review

Few video games have tried what Naughty Dog, the developer of the Uncharted series, tried to do with The Last of Us, let alone succeeded. What they accomplished was showing a real relationship develop in a natural way and telling a story through a year long journey. I felt like I knew these characters, walked in their shoes, and made painstaking decisions along side of them. The relationship between Joel and Ellie will forever stick with me and that is what makes this game special. The memories.

I will never forget the first 20 minutes of this game, where you find out why Joel acts the way he does toward Ellie. I'll never forget the first time you see and hear a clicker. That sound is terrifying and gave me chills down my spine every time I heard it.

I'll never forget the first time Ellie saves Joel and you see him appreciate and open up to her for the first time. Most of all, I'll never forget the quite moments of Joel and Ellie talking, getting to know each other, and sharing moments of their life together. It's done so naturally and organically. It never feels forced.

The other moments are spoilers that I won't write about here, like the ending, a moment at the university, a meeting with animals, and the end of the prologue; but I will say that those moments are so effective that I hope Hollywood takes notice.

The advantage video games have over passive experiences like television and movies is you are an active participant in the story. When developers build stories around this advantage it elevates gaming above the other mediums. Thank you Naughty Dog for showing the world how a video game can do what no other medium can; make the player feel a part of a journey that is unforgettable.

Top 5 things I'm most looking forward to at ComicCon 2013

As I sit in the airport, waiting for my plane to arrive, I thought I would share the top 5 things in looking forward to this week.

1) WB panel: With Man of Steel out in theaters, DC's plans are uncertain. Thought is they will unveil the roadmap for the next couple years of films. I would like to see another Green Lantern film, Wonder Woman, Man of Steel 2, then Justice League with a new Batman to follow.

2) Game of Thrones panel: This is my favorite TV show. I'm looking forward to seeing the cast and finding out where they plan on going following the red wedding.

3) Meeting my favorite comic writers/artist: Jim Lee is my favorite artist and Batman is my favorite comic so meeting Jim, Greg Capullo, and Scott Snyder will be a highlight of my trip.

4) Walking Dead Panel: Having just watched the entire series in the last month, I'm loving this show (yes, I know I'm late to the party)! Can't wait to see the new season 4 trailer.

5) Hanging with my people: One of the things I look forward to the most is meeting the people I talk with on Twitter and meeting new people in line.

I'll be posting updates here all week about the show and my experiences. I hope I can give people that couldn't make it here a little insight into "The Con".

Man of Steel Review

In a time where superhero movies have become the tent poles of the studios, Man of Steel is a movie that Warner Bros. and DC comics needs to work since the Dark Knight trilogy is over. Superman is the center of the DC universe even with the popularity of Batman. In my opinion, it delivers in ways other superhero movies haven't before and creates a great launching off point for the DC universe of characters.

The one difference Man of Steel has over all the other superhero movies is stakes. The main characters, and more importantly the antagonist General Zod, have reasons behind their motivations. Most of the villains in other superhero movies (i.e. Joker, Bane, Loki, Scarecrow, Whiplash, etc.) are motivated by creating chaos. General Zod is just trying the save his people. He wants to save his civilization and Superman has the key.

The first 20 minutes of the movie are spent on Krypton explaining why Kal-el's parents would send him to earth. Russell Crowe is fantastic and Jor-El in a tough role since he's given a lot of exposition to explain to the audience. He does a great job. However, the father that steals the show is Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent. He gives an amazing performance that had me tearing up a few times. He is the father we all want.

Speaking of performances, Henry Cavill is the perfect new Superman. He looks amazing in the suit. Even though he doesn't get a lot of lines, he emotes well and translates what he is feeling well without saying anything. He is more physical and less the romantic than previous Superman iterations. It reminds me of Daniel Craig as Bond. Craig gave Bond a physicality and Cavill does the same thing to Superman. I also enjoyed the refreshed view on Lois Lane which brings the character into current times and Amy Adams is fantastic as usual.

The last hour is nothing but awe inspiring action that will leave your jaw on the floor. Some of the best special effects I've ever seen. It was hard to tell what was really being blown up and what was CG. The end fight between General Zod and Superman is something I'll never forget.

I can't wait to see Man of Steel again. I hope they keep director Zack Synder. He created the Superman movie I always wanted and I can't wait to see where he takes Superman in the future.

GRADE: A