Category: Portfolio

A Copywriting Sampler

By Cyrus Kingdom July 23, 2018

***Here’s a smattering of samples of what I can do for populer products, services, and entertainment titles. I’ll update this periodically:

Dishonored 2

This is promotional copy suitable for the description for digital download pages, such as Steam (PC), Playstation Network (PS4), and Xbox Marketplace (XBOX ONE):

The Empress of the Isles, Emily Kaldwin, knows well that destiny is a luxury, not a constraint, and one which her family cannot afford. The path was shattered when her childhood was dashed against the rocks, her mother, Jessamine, butchered right in front of her, her father, Corvo, framed by the Spymaster. Emily herself was rendered a bargaining chip, twice, until her father set things right, by any means necessary. Now, 15 years later, turmoil strikes again, as critics of the new Empress are silenced with extreme prejudice, and whispers point the blame on Emily and Corvo. On the 15^th anniversary of her mother’s death, a violent coup is organized, in part a betrayal by the duke of Serkonos, crowning a zealous witch in Emily’s place. Delilah Copperspoon, the arcane painter, claims to be the half-sister of Jessamine, cast aside long ago. Forced to flee for the sultry and exotic city of Karnaca, you, as either Emily or Corvo, shall once again splinter the roots of conspiracy, bringing Duke Luca Abele and Delilah what is coming to them, and reclaiming the throne. Will another collapse drive them to exact brutal revenge, or will they resolve to truly make things right?

The Outsider watches, once again, with great interest…

The Void calls again… Dishonored 2 puts the powers of the Void back into your hands, so you can stalk your prey with otherworldly efficiency. With both characters given full voice-overs, Corvo makes his return, with familiar, yet improved abilities, while his daughter Emily, no longer a helpless child, rips onto the scene with intriguing, unique powers of her own. The same precise handling from the fire game makes a triumphant whirlwind of a return, with even more gadgets, powers, and interactive objects! Whoever you choose, your enemies will be left questioning their own wits for years, should you allow them to survive…
A truly deep story-experience… The rich lore of the Dishonored universe grows richer with a new region to explore, and developed characters who react to your choices (including Emily and Corvo).
Stunning visuals… The Void Engine gives Arkane Studios even more muscle to flex on their already staggering attention to detail. Every environment, every character, and even the objects in Karnaca are rendered with transcendent care, making for a truly immersive experience.
Mind-bending level design… Ingenious and expansive levels will test your wits and destroy any notion of limits when it comes to game architecture. Each mission takes you to truly sublime locale; “jaw-dropping” is not an exaggeration when it comes to Dishonored 2.

Critical acclaim… Dishonored 2 has left critics floored worldwide, expanding on its award-winning predecessor’s success. As far as games go, this is a sequel which has a truly lived up to the hype!

G-Fuel

G-Fuel is an energy supplement designed specifically for gamers. It has specific nutrients (and caffeine, of course) designed to enhance focus and avoid the typical “crash”that comes with energy drinks.

Looking for a new way to step your game up? Tired of crashing only a few hours after an energy drink or coffee? Feel like the energy you get from those cans just give you nothing but jitters? G Fuel solves the problem right quick! Since 2013, Gamma Labs has come through with the perfect formula of vital amino acids, plant extracts, and enzymes to help you to reach another level of play. With their powers combined, they boost brain-power for gamers, granting max focus, reflexes, and cognition. Your game-sense will feel like it’s in hindsight, as you make all the right decisions, all at the right time. You will shave valuable milliseconds off your reaction time, allowing you to make that “VAC-worthy” flickshot, or the perfect shutdown to a push, all with no sugar, and no crash! With G Fuel, you’re ready for anything the other team throws at you, all day.

On top of caffeine and taurine, G Fuel keeps you on your toes (but not on edge!) for hours, with nutrients that help bloodflow (Vinpocetine), fight fatigue both mental and physical (Citrulline Malate), and even ease mid-clutch nerves (Bacopa extract)! Like a perfect play, G Fuel attacks distraction and confusion from every angle.
At 40 servings per tub, you’re looking at paying less than a dollar per serving. Go ahead, try and find a trustworthy alternative at that price…
Discover today what keeps thousands of streamers and competitors going as they click on heads and ace entire teams. Your friends will be screaming “REDDIT, REDDIT, REDDIT” before ya know it!

Aussie Shampoo Bottle Copy

These would be printed on the front and back of the bottle’s labeling, to entice customers perusing the aisle:

Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner

Packaging/label copy –

Aussie “Mega Moist”

Front side “MEGA MOIST *sub* Nurtures dry hair into smooth silk strands *sub* Nourrit les cheveux secs en des meches de soie.

Back side Give your hair a mud bath (minus any actual mud) with restorative ingredients such as Australian aloe, guava, Jojoba seed oil, and kangaroo paw… flower! Just try not to play with your locks too much afterward. *sub* DIRECTIONS: Squeeze a dollop on one hand, spread evenly on both palms and fingers, lather vigorously into hair, massaging the scalp. Rinse, and enjoy your lustrous mane!

FRENCH Subs – Donnez vos cheveux un bain de boue (sans la boue) avec des ingrédients restoratifs comme l’aloès australien, la goyave, l’huile de jojoba, et le fleur de patte kangorou. Mais essayez de ne jouer pas trop avec vos cheveux! *sub* MODE D’EMPLOI: Prenez une bonne dose, diffusez également sur les mains, et massez le scalp. Rincez, et vos mèches seront marveilleuses.

Aussie “Aussome Volume”

Front Side – Give your hair the pep-talk it needs to stand tall and proud! *sub* Donnez vos cheveux une parole d’encouragement de se lever grandement.

Back Side – Take your hair for a walk on the wild side by breaking the law… of gravity! Aussome Volume gives locks the gall to turn heads, as it stays majestic for up to 24 hours. *sub* DIRECTIONS: Squeeze a dollop on one hand, spread evenly on both palms and fingers, lather vigorously, massaging the scalp. Rinse, and enjoy your styling-session!

FRENCH Subs – Prenez vos cheveux en voyage de violer les lois physiques! Avec Aussome Volume, vous pouvez rendre vos mèches le courage de se lever pour 24 heures! *sub* MODE D’EMPLOI: Prenez une bonne dose, diffusez également sur les main, et passer entre les cheveux. Rincez, et vos mèches seront audacieuses.

Blog Posts Portfolio The Hermit Emerges

No, Ride-Sharing Isn’t Always an Exploitative Service

By Cyrus Kingdom July 20, 2018

It all depends on who you ride with...

It’s really no wonder at all why Uber has begun a massive ad-campaign in an attempt to clear their name. An astounding number of scandals have piled up over the years, turning the perception of Uber from the hip, frugal alternative to taxis into a shadowy, dystopian look into the future. Spying, fare-manipulation, it’s all there. It almost gives credence to the protests of the cabal of cabbies, who can no longer charge whatever they want (how sad). Luckily, there is a simple solution to this, and it’s not drunkenly shambling all the way home, across town, at 4 AM. It’s Lyft!

Upfront and Consistent Pricing

Now, I say the solution is simple, because I can’t believe I joined the party so late! What I’ve found as I’ve started using Lyft is that it’s possible run a ride-share company without signing souls away in exchange for profit. The price you see before you call for a ride stays that way. The drivers are more laid-back, so there’s less of that awkward electricity in the air. Speaking of support, if you need help with anything, Lyft’s customer service is unmatched, with friendly reps who aren’t nervously reading off a script. Unlike the bulky multiplier of a “surge”, Lyft’s “Prime Time” hours calculate with percentages, not distance, and only affect the initial cost of the ride. If your day-to-day often demands you share a ride in rush-hour, Lyft is the obvious choice. Need to make a stop on the way to your ultimate destination? Set a “waypoint” to the grocery store or to drop a friend first! Want to plan ahead? Schedule your ride for a later time, and Lyft takes care of the rest. There is an unmistakable receptiveness towards customers with Lyft. The word “uber” may have etched its place in the vernacular, but I think there’s a reason I see more and more people mention Lyft in their social media these days.

A valued customer, or just another "mark?"

When was the last time you took an Uber somewhere? Did it seem like the fare jumped up a few dollars from what you were expecting? Generally, coming out of any transportation, you’re probably too pre-occupied with being where you need to be to investigate further. Perhaps Uber’s “upfront” pricing is worth questioning. Turns out, not only has it adjusted the final price for passengers, they’ve lied about it to the driver! Worse still, it appears Uber may be adjusting your price based on how “rich” you appear to be. How old is your phone? What bank account or credit card have you entered into the app? Where are you coming from and where are you going? The little details could be affecting your fare.

Test it for yourself

Seriously, next time you’re with a friend with a “Black Card” of some sort, ask them to get a quote on a ride with Uber, while you do the same. See a difference there? You might be surprised to find a gap in your fares by almost a dollar, maybe more. That doesn’t seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly adds up, especially for Uber’s coffers. Looks like a lack of respect for the consumer, if you ask me. Another test: if you can strike up a conversation with your Uber driver, get into how they like the job. Bring up the fare discrepancies issue with them, and if they’re willing, after the ride, go ahead and compare your prices. How much higher will your fare compare to theirs? Heck, compare just between the two apps; it’s not always consistent, but I think you’ll generally find the Lyft price is cheaper.

A System Rife with Abuse

Uber’s system is just plain busted: It’s an anecdote, so take it for what you will, but I got to talking to a Lyft driver, Saeed, of his time driving for Uber, and why he left. The level of exploitation available to drivers is pretty shocking. At certain places where there’s a higher chance of a long-distance fare, such as the airport, drivers will accept a passenger’s hail, but upon seeing the distance and price, they may be inclined to immediately cancel the ride, allowing another driver to do the same, and so on. With every cancellation, the price climbs, and eventually gets high enough that a driver will accept it and actually pick the passenger up. It reminds me of the public account at certain gas-stations in my city that everyone knew; eventually, someone would hit the “jackpot” of a massive discount on their gas. In Saeed’s case, the practice of ride-shunting and unfair pricing in general were just too shameful for him to continue, so he decided to work with Lyft exclusively. Given how many more cars are available on my screen with Lyft, I get the feeling his sentiment is shared with a good number of drivers.

Yes, Uber is indeed bigger, but over the years, it’s starting to become clear how their conduct may have gotten them there. Do you want an awkward, sterile ride with a “professional” driver, or one with someone you feel you can relate to, maybe have a good chat? Would you like anxiety every time you get in the car, wondering how much the actual total will come to? Would you like a typically less expensive ride?

A Smooth Ride

I get the feeling you’d prefer a genuinely “upfront” calculation? Two ubers for a stop before getting home, or just one Lyft so you can take a quick detour, then continue on your way? You might also prefer receptive customer service when you need an adjustment, not a dry, fruitless phonecall with someone who clearly just wants to go home. If you care for the treatment of employees, you can rest assured Lyft drivers are treated with fairness, unlike Uber. Finally, maybe you’d prefer not to be spied on…

Uber's Scandals

Confused on that last one? Well, turns out Uber has been diligent the past few years, and not to improve the service for customers. We all remember the surges during emergencies, such as terrorist attacks, but it goes deeper. Turns out, they’ve been up to more than just manipulating prices. If you’re a driver, you may be driving for both services, but it seems Uber is not a fan of that practice. Just last year, the FBI opened a case-file against the company for spying on those who use both apps in order to track where “Lyfters” were, and how many there are in a given area (the program was called “Hell” of all things). “Greyball” was an initiative for Uber to skirt local regulations. Not only drivers are being affected; passengers may want to watch themselves with Uber as well. The FCC is investigating a program called “God view,” which tracks individual passenger’s movement via GPS, even when not using the app! Given how untrustworthy they have been, who knows where that data goes? All this turmoil, along with unfair prices, are what you face every time you use Uber. Maybe Lyft hasn’t been perfect, but have you heard this much ruckus from them? Even as I write this post, Uber has been slapped with another investigation, this time for gender discrimination. I didn’t know you could fit so many skeletons in one closet!

This is called “damage control.” You don’t run ads like this unless your company really messed up. Take note of how they manage to acknowledge their bad rep without actually addressing specific problems or how they’ll fix them…

The Choice is Clear

Instead of experiencing all that anxiety, you could always swerve on that tire-fire and give Lyft a try! Enjoy a comfortable and easy ride with a driver who sees you as more than a source of income. Rest assured that your fee will not fluctuate wildly from the initial estimate. Avoid yet another “killer-app” extracting your user-data for their own gain, leaving you exposed/exploited. Know that if any issue arises, there is customer support that cares. Take pride in knowing you will no longer support a company with so few scruples, all while continuing to enjoy the ride-sharing phenomenon!

A comfortable ride, no BS fees or date exploitation, great customer service, all while contributing to the life of your community! Who else but Lyft has your back?

Blog Posts Portfolio The Hermit Emerges

Climate Change in the Now: What we Face in the Next Few Decades

By Cyrus Kingdom July 20, 2018

We're all dead as door-nails, right?

In terms of global temperature, it appears we have already reached a tipping point. We’re all gonna die, then. It’s over. Might as well engage in the dystopian hedonism of a sci-fi flick, accepting that we’ll soon be eating food synthesized from grubs a la “Bladerunner: 2049.” Right?

Well, perhaps it is a tad early to be building that doomsday bunker.

In our results-focused society, it is quite easy to resign to an inevitable fate, even when that outcome is unfathomably distant. In all the time we worry about something far off, circumstances can change, and that dreaded disaster we seem to be crawling towards may be averted. For now, in terms of treating our climate, the challenge at this point seems insurmountable. “Points-of-no-return” have been passed. It would take almost herculean shifts in human civilization to avoid climatic ruin, while still maintaining the upward trend of prosperity we have enjoyed since humans first discovered agriculture. In the Information Age, we seem to have come to care greatly for our species’ future. We have all of human history and culture at our fingertips: This has markedly condensed the passing of time, and shrunk the world. A century forward feels like tomorrow, even if most of us will be long dead.

What does that mean for our fight against climate change?

Ultimately, climate change, in some capacity, has arrived, and it is far more imperative to acknowledge, manage, and eventually diminish the changing factors of our lives due to these conditions. Really, the year 2100 ought to mean almost nothing to us, regardless of whether we care to save our species or not. Instead, let us focus on the issues we face now, as they are, and those we face in the next 20-30 years:

The (increasing) Fickleness of the Weather

This aspect of climate change is certainly the most tangible, as we have already experienced rather unusual conditions across the globe. Worse still, natural disasters such as hurricanes have grown in their ferocity, swallowing entire island nations, and destroying more infrastructure than ever before.

The EPA reports US average temperatures have increased, especially in the northern reaches, including Alaska, as well as in the West. Temperature extremes (high and low) have shifted nationwide, with more highs than lows than in the past. Worse still, this trend persists after the sun sets, with increasing numbers of hot nights, and less cool-off. Prolonged high-heat periods are also seeing a dramatic uptick, and this has had profound effects on certain regions of the US, as well as the world. In 2011, parts of Oklahoma and Texas experienced a 100-day heatwave. Since climate records were taken in 1895. There had never been a “multi-month” heatwave. Droughts continue to plague the Southwest, and the National Climate Assessment (a federal gathering of climate experts) points out that as moisture is less prevalent in soil, more heat is absorbed into the ground, leading to even hotter and dryer summers. Even in areas where precipitation stays stable, the heat may be further outpacing the usual rainfall.

On the subject of rain, in more humid regions, the saying “when it rains, it pours” has become increasingly literal. The EPA reports that since the 80s, extreme, single-day rainfall has become considerably more common. If you live in an area prone to flooding, expect flash-floods to occur in greater frequency. River-flood rates have also changed: less in the Southwest, more in northern states. As for other storms, including snow, hail, and lightning, there is still not enough understanding of how (and to what extent) human activity influences them. Snow seems to have decreased in the southern half of the US, while staying mostly the same in the North. Globally, the northern hemisphere has seen an average decrease in snowfall. Tentative trends indicate more thunderstorms are on the horizon.

Extreme Weather and the Sea

The same uncertainty applies to natural disasters, thanks to changes in measurement, but the last two decades have seen hurricanes grow steadily more devastating. Cities further inland have proven vulnerable, as the world watched Houston become a wading pool. The city is surrounded by swampland, and local authorities certainly had their fair share of warnings, each year worse than the last. Honestly, we may never fully reverse climate change, but the least we can do in the meantime is ensure that real action is being taken wherever there is a danger of something like this happening. As we see in Houston, minimal expenditure and dumping the problem on the less fortunate parts of a city will not save it.

Of course, normal rainfall is not the sole factor in the severe flooding seen on the news, year by year. Rising sea-levels have ravaged coastal settlements immensely, as we saw during hurricane Katrina, and more recently in New York City in 2012. How does the sea-level keep rising? The most commonly known reason is the polar ice caps melting away, but the reality is more complicated. According to the NCA, the ocean absorbs around 90% of all the heat generated by human activity, and this causes the water itself to expand (“thermal expansion”). This is a strong example of how oversimplification of scientific claims can hold back progress. It’s safe to say most of us thought only melting ice contributed to rising sea-levels. As a politician throwing a snowball onto the floor of congress has demonstrated, misinformation is a valuable tool in the effort of those who value profits over life on Earth. Smother it where you see it.

How high will the sea rise in the near-future? Unfortunately, even projections set for the year 2100 are somewhat unsure. Since such data was initially recorded in the late 19^th century, the sea has already risen around 8 inches. By 2100, projections forecast anywhere from 1 to 4 up to feet. The best guess, then, would have to consider that the rise-rate would be exponential; The next two decades may only be a few more inches, but from there, it could rise much more quickly. NASA reports a yearly rate of 3.7 millimeters (or 0.04 inches) every year. Thankfully, real-life measurements of the sea-level are lower than that. However, overall, all projections range from 0.42 meters to 1.8 meters for total sea-rise by 2100, so there’s plenty of uncertainty there.

Food Production on the Rise (and Fall)

Our ability to feed the population is vital to our survival. The ways in which we generate and consume food could be endangered by rising temperatures, increased pollution, and more volatile weather. Drought is a serious factor, but that has been a worry for quite some time, while other factors have been ignored or misunderstood:

One common misconception is how CO2 affects plants and agriculture overall. So, if plants utilize CO2 for photosynthesis, expelling oxygen, why should the increase in carbon cause us to worry for them? Ultimately, CO2 does indeed accelerate plant-growth, but it also makes for plants which are thirstier, and hungrier for nutrients. According to the EPA, studies have shown that increased CO2 levels may cause a net decrease in production, as the plant grows beyond the environment’s capacity to sustain it. Furthermore, overall nutrition has been shown to decrease in areas with CO2 concentration: alfalfa and soybeans, vital crops for feeding livestock, have already seen decreases in protein, nitrogen, iron, and zinc content. This also applies to grass growing in pastures and fields that herded livestock feed upon. Worse still, higher temperatures promote the growth of parasitic weeds, which steal away even more nutrients, as well as insects which prey on crops, forcing the use of toxic pesticides.

The soil itself is contributing to its own deficiency, and even to climate change itself. As it gets hotter, microbes such as fungi and other microorganisms, which break down organic matter, emit more CO2 as they increase their consumption. Plants above then draw a portion of the CO2 back in, where it goes down to the roots. In reality, carbon (the solid) is actually quite beneficial plants, as it helps them to retain other nutrients. Unfortunately, this is counter-acted upon by those heat-accelerated microbes, and the two forces continue to feed into each other. According to the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois, the next hundred years could see Midwestern soil losing roughly 15% of its stored carbon, and in turn, its overall fertility.

From flora to fauna

Production from livestock will face a lot of the same problems that agriculture does. Quality and supply of feed are at risk. Drought threatens the grass of pastures, and even in those spared from excess heat, the quality of the grass is diminished. Livestock would have to eat more off the land, even if the population stays the same. 2011 saw the US lose $1 billion in livestock expenses, just due to high heat. Parasiticides are increasingly prevalent, as the animals are easy prey for insects and parasites.

As for fisheries, there are several issues plaguing the oceans ability to sustain life. From microplastics, to oil spills, to overfishing by reckless fishing fleets. Rising temperatures have lead to a migration of sea life further from the equator. Fish and other sea creatures do not run into too many obstacles in the search for colder waters, so the true issue is that native populations will be forced to contend against the intruding species. In addition, warmer waters have allowed diseases to spread further, affecting more fish and crustaceans.

So how will that affect my diet in the coming years?

Who does this hurt the most?

For those living in the developed world, the answer is pretty comforting. As of now, those who are further from the equator have less to worry about, as the likelihoods of drought and extremely high temperatures for a given crop (and their livestock beneficiaries) are certainly lower. However, the global average increase in CO2 and temperature still points to a trend in less nutritious food, both from agriculture and the livestock which feeds on those crops (which may lead to resorting to more unhealthy feed substitutes). Still, it should not be an immediate issue for those living in more developed areas.

For now, it is the poorest countries and communities nearest to the equator which have felt the worst effects. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has carried out detailed studies of farming communities and the local economies of both Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (namely India), focusing on climate change’s effects on crop yields and their income. The significant factors for these regions are uncertain weather patterns and an inability to counteract adverse conditions. When local conditions are less stable, crop yields and their revenues drop. Farming communities on the equator have certainly never had it easy, but this is compounded by many of those nations lacking the capital to avoid such losses. As the FAO points out, richer countries can avoid such losses (and actually make gains) because they have the resources to develop infrastructure. Water canals can be built, pesticide can be deployed, for a price. Those living in relative abundance can expect to stay that way, for the time-being.

This still means that many developed countries are forced to divert money towards simply keeping things as they are, and the problem will continue to grow. The upkeep may lead to higher prices down the road for basic foods. Eventually, government and corporate treatment of the symptoms will not be enough, and our ailing agri-infrastructure may reach a critical stage. It would probably be in our best interest to make some adjustments soon, including a potential rethink on how we raise crops.

Current Health Trends (not yoga)

Disease and pollution, at present, are mostly wreaking havoc on poorer nations and the lives of those in the developing world (but also those in richer areas) are under increasing danger. According to the WHO, increase in temperatures are beneficial to disease-carrying species, which spread further as more territory becomes habitable. Malaria already kills 400,000 people per year, worldwide. By 2030, the WHO speculates that number will swell by 60,000. This is less of a concern for those in the developed world, but in a few years, disease in general may become much more prevalent in places that were considered more “temperate.” The CDC warns against Lyme disease from ticks, which are dying off at lower numbers, thanks to warmer winters, and West Nile virus, commonly from mosquitoes. These threats are especially exasperated in places where natural disasters have struck, with flood waters creating stagnant pools.

Heat waves are another concern, and one that is common even in the developed world. In 2003, Europe recorded 70,000 deaths due to extreme heat. This is partially a cultural thing, as many European households to this day have no central air. The world’s elderly are still quite vulnerable, as they are less capable of dealing with the heat (Ironically, this may cause many retirees move back up north). Excessive heat can also be dangerous to those with respiratory problems, as the heat amplifies the number of allergens in the air. On a “code red” day, in which the temperature hovers around 100 degrees, and low-elevation ozone and humidity are high, can render an asthmatic struggling to breathe within seconds. (Writer’s note: I have experienced this first-hand…) With average temperatures rising, these concerns will only get worse.

Another respiratory issue is, of course, air pollution. Approximately 4.3 million deaths by household pollution alone, along with an additional 3 million from outdoor pollution. This is an issue wealthier societies ought to be mindful of too, but in places like New Dehli or Beijing, the pollution has been substantially more deadly. In Delhi, the pollution in recent years has gone off the charts, with little to no government response. Even the local population is apathetic, with many denying anything is wrong at all. This is what “progress” can look like, as the poorest simply have little to no time, nor the resources to contest the issue, while the country remains hesitant to slow down growth. Beijing, however, has been a different story in recent months. Since the end of 2017, authorities have worked doggedly to cut pollution in the city, with a great deal of success. Even then, measures taken to clean the air were at times brutal (expulsion of migrants, teardowns of neighborhoods, all-out bans on coal to heat households), and much of that pollution has simply shifted to surrounding areas.

A brief psa

Public health is likely the most immediate of climate change threats (day to day), so here are a few things those in urban and rural areas can do to stay healthy:

Make sure there is adequate ventilation in your home (check the filters!).
Check sites like gov (or search “AQI [city name]” in google) for a forecast of your local city’s pollution levels on a given day, and plan accordingly.
Contact local/state government and push for more efforts in determining local sources of pollution. Chances are there is an equitable solution for all parties to help keep the air/water clean. If they say there isn’t, be sure to investigate their campaign finance, no matter the party…
Be careful in the brushes and swamps! A field of tall grass can be lousy with ticks, especially in the Northeast of the continental US, but any forested region is risky, so it may be worth it to tuck your pants into your socks. It may look silly, but it could save you years of sitting in a wheelchair (for some “Lymies,” that’s considered a good day). High-humidity regions will only grow their mosquito population, so use repellent, bug-zappers, or whatever keeps them off to stay on the safe side.
Take extreme-heat days seriously. Braving the outdoors on days like that may seem okay at first, but heat-related illness may sneak up on you.

The little things (for) life

Certainly, for most affluent communities living further from the equator, things will stay mostly the same for a good while, but part of avoiding the future we fear so much is making gradual changes that will have a meaningful impact down the road. So long as we wait on some ultimate cure (nuclear fusion, space colonies) to save us from ruin, the world will degrade.

Here’s a cheery metaphor:

The atomic bomb ended World War 2, but it took every citizen of the Allies working diligently over years to defeat the Axis Powers. In that time, every vital resource was heavily rationed, and old pots and pans were collected to build tanks. Everyone chipped in. That ultimate scientific discovery had little to do with it. Yes, this crisis is not as immediate or tangible, but the goal is no less achievable. A balance must be struck between total despair over far-off ruin and living entirely in the present, without a care for our actions; Both of these accomplish nothing.

What Must Be Done

Not everything causing climate change can be easily affected by everyday citizens, but outside of government action, we still have the freedom to change things:

Cattle/Livestock: This may be one of the hardest sacrifices of all, especially for Americans, who consume quite a lot a of meat. Luckily, beef and other cow products, which produces the vast majority of GHG in agriculture, has already declined in demand. Nevertheless, saving the world will require an even stronger cultural shift. A primer published by Johns Hopkins gravely points out that even if, by 2050, society manages to correct all of the other major threats (transportation, industry), the likelihood of staying under the 2 degree threshold will be quite bleak. If animal rights aren’t a strong enough motivation for veganism, perhaps steadily reducing pollution is. Believe it or not, the vegan craze has yielded some more-than-decent recipes and restaurants. Yes, you can indeed satisfy your protein needs on a vegan diet. The more we all attempt to eat in this way, the better it will be for greenhouse gas levels.
Taking advantage of public transportation is a fantastic way to help the environment, but the US still has a way to go. Thankfully, this is beginning to change in many urban centers, and demand is rising From bike lanes, to subways, to bus lines, Americans are ready to travel much more efficiently. The less cars on the road (until electricity takes over), the better.
Solar technology is not what is used to be. It’s a lot better. These days, quality has skyrocketed, while prices have taken a nosedive! Investing in solar is a win/win for those living in rural and suburban communities, where power is utilized less efficiently than in cities. With prices per-panel continuing to drop (even without tax incentives!), investing in solar makes for a quicker return than ever before, with the US average payback taking only 7 years. This may seem like a long time, but even if you decide to move, the panels will add at least enough value to the property to pay for itself. If it’s not too sunny where you live, it still pays (both in dollars and to the climate) to shore up insulation, a common issue contributing to every home’s appetite for power.

We Move Forward

People will never cease to be clever. There will be no shortage of great ideas to enhance our efficiency, and better yet, we have already observed many of them function successfully. Not every single idea or adjustment will apply or resonate with each household or individual, but all of us are capable of taking more steps in the right direction, adopting what is feasible. It will take creativity, patience, and a degree of sacrifice, but we do indeed have the power to clean up our act and ensure a future for this planet, and our species.

Seriously, what is the point of all this quiet despair? It’s clear that, buried under all our day-to-day troubles, we gravely fear the pain we may be deferring to our great-grandchildren. It doesn’t help we are inundated with alarms from publications recycling and reposting articles on social media, showing a hundred scientists saying we’re screwed. Okay, well great, it’s settled. We can give up, take the easy way out, relax. Since we’re so aware of ourselves as a species and our history, is there any indication that humans, by and large, roll over and die? Look to the spires we have built, the flags planted on the moon, the evil within us we have defeated, and you have your answer.

Portfolio

A Short Summary of Bernard Stiegler’s Theory of “Short and Long Circuits” in Society

By Cyrus Kingdom July 20, 2018

*** This is an academic paper from my undergrad days. The world of critical theory is rife with pretense and esoteric writing. I am proud that I was able to sift through illegible prose in order to pinpoint and translate interesting theories on human culture into something the average student can understand.

The Acceleration of Information and Resultant Short Circuits

Bernard Stiegler has, for some time, been very interested in the course of human consciousness and its collective development. Building on the principles of Plato, Derrida, Freud, and other philosophers, he has refined a concept that investigates how human society advances itself through a collective perception and evaluation of principals and techniques that may help the world grow together. It is only recently that the “long circuits” that contributed to this growth have been neglected in favor of convenient “short circuits.” These short circuits serve as temporary solutions to current and future crises plaguing society. Such temporary solutions may be attributed to such twentieth century catastrophes such as The Great Depression, and both World Wars. The current cultural transformation we have experienced in the last thirty years is a combination of the speed of information flow, and the capitalists that took advantage of this, reducing the political process to marketing campaigns. This has created a culture of short-term gains and impulsiveness, which leaves people distrusting of everyone around them. This distrust means that people are not working collectively, and therefore are not establishing the long-circuits that helps humans to learn from each other through time. These short-circuits prevent us from questioning the value of humanity as a whole.

At the base of Stiegler’s writing is the pharmakon, which is a vital component in human development. As he states in his introduction, something as simple as a teddy bear is a pharmakon (Stiegler 2013, 1). It connects a child to their family (when they are absent), and ultimately reinforces a feeling of security, while also instilling a feeling of purpose in life. After a certain point in the child’s development, a child is supposed to move on from such tokens of fulfillment in order to become a well-adjusted individual, able to fulfill unique aspirations of their own (Stiegler 2013, 3). What in part makes a teddy bear a pharmakon is the potential for something helpful to become hurtful in certain circumstances (Stiegler 2013, 4). A child may find it difficult to let go of their favorite toy, and as a result become unable to mature. The pharmakon is only beneficial when utilized in moderation. The teddy bear is an excellent example of a “transitional object,” as it allows a child to express their emotions and imagination to something, unprompted. Interactions with family will generally be initiated by the caregiver. The bear is “someone” the child can befriend, learn to love, and even bounce ideas off of outside the hemmed-in nature of their family. However, this attachment must fade away so that child may fulfill these desires on other people. In this way, pharmakons contribute to the process of transindividuation. This is the simultaneously individual and collective effort of all of society to absorb, develop, create, and share ideas and principles. These are recalled and evaluated, and eventually honed into “long circuits.” The “adoption” of a principle is a phase within this process, wherein that principle changes and solidifies itself (“meta-stabilizes”) (Stiegler 2013, 101).

What has changed in the twentieth century is the “proletarianization” of consumers, where society is neatly regulated by manipulating and exploiting its various wants and needs. Combined with the increased rate at which information can be accessed (in order to increase efficiency), “adoption” is replaced by “adaptation,” long circuits replaced by short circuits. The workforce is no longer “spiritually” involved with the capitalism it contributes to, and is rather given large amounts of easily digestible input, and therefore cannot process what they learn well enough to critique it. In turn, the construct of capitalism, an extension of humanity and its progress, has become in many ways automated. As for the workforce, there are “no longer workers of the ‘spirit of capitalism,’ but rather employees of a capitalism that has, precisely, lost its spirit, that is, its mind (Stiegler 2013, 102).

This has far-reaching consequences. Society, in part because of technology and this automated capitalism, has become disjointed, allowing individuals to more easily come to their own conclusions, without contributing back to the collective. The lack of restriction on our consumption of information hinders the human experience: we now think at the speed of digital technology (such as the internet) and are less likely to develop long-circuit principles. Short-circuit ideas are now beginning to replace those long-circuit conventions among individuals, contributing to factional behavior consisting of smaller noetic groups. There are answers or affirmations suitable for everyone. In turn, there can be no singular idea for all of society to support, and instead people form into smaller “tribes,” reinforcing their own ideas in a sort of short/long-circuit hybrid. To “adapt” rather than to “adopt” is to create or construct (with either credible or incredible information) a conscious assertion that strives to stand up to the contradictions of other collective consensi. Thanks to technological, industrial, and consumer structures, we have the liberty to establish these enclaves which suit the needs of an increasingly eclectic society. Stiegler points out the near impossibility of humanity defining what constitutes the nature of itself and its existence. It therefore stands to reason that we are not yet “post-human,” but rather have never mastered the human stage of development (Stiegler 2013, 104). Indeed, post-humanism to Stiegler is a “short-circuit” in itself, built upon recent developments without consulting the holistic journey of humanity (Stiegler 2013, 112). We have been, according to Stiegler, unable to establish a singular definition of humanity. Perhaps there simply is not one definition of humanity. Rather, it is defined by the separate self-images of each respective person as a whole. Compared to the long-circuit, short-circuit thoughts are an adaptation to cope with the increased rate at which information disseminates. When the subjectivity of human existence meets with the proliferation of information, it presents the possibility of dissolution.

Ultimately, the ability of humans to question their own existence and their meaning to live is gravely hindered through this adaptation (Stiegler 2013, 105). Society can no longer stop to reflect on the direction it is going, and what the implications of its latest developments are. Rather, it can only adjust to what developments are currently present. This prevents people from individuating, and in turn societal transindividuation is severely altered. Stiegler even states in this new world of short circuits that the pharmakon itself has become a producer of short circuits (Stiegler 2013, 106). Without this ability to call things into question, humanity loses its ability view life as “worth living.” There can be seen no higher purpose to making the necessary contributions that allow the world’s societies to grow and develop.

Possibly the most significant pharmakon in human history is that of the proliferation of information. Access to so much knowledge (especially via the internet) is by far one of the greatest boons to society of all time. It is now possible for anyone to learn new techniques and perspectives instantly, which is an extremely empowering notion. Unfortunately, such a powerful remedy can be extremely intoxicating. The economic powers of capitalism are benefited by the mass confusion of so many voices that differ in tone and opinion, and have even worked to exacerbate the situation. Much like the teddy bears and toys of children, there must be some responsibility instilled in future generations in order to curb the glut of too much information, and allow future society to discern what is truly valuable to humanity as a whole.

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Getting Political: Letters for the Virginia League of Conservation Voters

By Cyrus Kingdom July 20, 2018

***These letters were drafted during my time volunteering for the VALCV, a political body whose sole purpose is to work with any and all office-holders to preserve the environment, regardless of party affiliation.***

The first was a form-letter to be signed and submitted to the office of Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke. It was subsequently distributed to volunteers:

Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I sincerely implore you not to allow offshore drilling to occur off the east coast, as the consequences of such a venture will be incredibly dire for both the environment and the local populace. As we have seen over the 20th and 21st centuries, the transportation of oil, on land and at sea, is easily prone to spilling and other disasters, and the surrounding areas take several years to recover. Here are just some of the risks and repercussions of this potential pipeline:

Construction and drilling will disrupt the breeding of fish, which is already severely threatened on a global scale. Compounded with overfishing, the east coast (and the world) may eventually lose one of its vital food sources.
It will contribute to an already critical level of carbon pollution. Human survival in the future will greatly depend on how we treat our atmosphere in the present.
The local tourism industries of the east coast (including Virginia) will be at risk, as the natural beauty of our beaches will diminish as industry grows.
Should a crisis arise as a result of offshore drilling, the American taxpayer and local businesses will be largely left with the financial strain to recover from any damages.

Offshore drilling will not strengthen our economy or improve the lives of your constituents. It will only threaten the stability of local communities, while the oil industry gives nothing back to them. When you consider allowing drilling in our area, please remember the Deepwater Horizon incident and the shockwaves it created for the ecosystems and communities of the Gulf Coast.

Sincerely,

Name:

Address:

Phone:

The second was a letter to the Editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In it, I respond to an editorial urging Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to curtail any possibility of oil-drilling off the coast of the state:

Editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch,

I recently read Bruce Thompson’s article on why Governor McAuliffe ought to join the coalition of state representatives and governors in opposing offshore drilling. Protecting the local interests of local businesses and the jobs they provide for the community is certainly an important aspect of the fight against Big Oil’s one-sided interests. Just as industrial endeavors have an impact on local ecosystems, the local economy can be affected as well.

When industrial companies wish to expand their affluence in new areas, they often employ the logical rhetoric that by allowing them to build facilities and deregulating their practices, the benefits will be passed on to the local populace. Job creation, cheaper goods such as gasoline, and tax revenue for the state or county are common selling points.

However, as Thompson points out, the environmental impact of industries such as oil can harm local businesses indirectly. Tourism for places like Virginia Beach is a crucial resource for income and job growth. As Americans, I feel it is very easy for us to lose sight of what brings vitality to a community in the calculus of business interests.

There is no clear-cut value one can assign to the beauty of nature or what it provides for the people living in it. I truly hope that our governor takes time to consider what he may be permitting Virginia to lose versus what it will gain from a cut of Big Oil’s operation.

Sincerely,

Cyrus Kingdom

The article and my letter on RTD, if you’re interested:

Original Article

Published Letter

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Piling it On – Summer 2018

By Cyrus Kingdom July 20, 2018

Steam only has a sale four times a year, so it’s beyond imperative I take advantage of the 2018 Summer Sale. Thing is, I already have a library that, at this point, has more than a few games I’ve only played for at most a couple hours. I call this “The Pile,” as coined by a friend of mine. It’s pretty effective because it reminds me that, were the games in my library physical copies in their cases, there would be a rather tall stack of them that I’ve completely ignored. The Pile has been chiseled at, just a bit, but I find myself going back to comfort zones, such CS:GO, XCOM (1&2), or the Total War franchise. Obviously, I just really need more games, so let’s see what I’m considering.

See? I’m responsible! I know I have some time before the sale ends, so I can really weigh my options before buy approximately 70% of what I was considering. Here are my summer jams to pile onto the… Pile…

I’ll be explaining what held me back from purchasing these games upon or (before) release and what kept me eyeballing them all this time. After the sale is over, I’ll publish an updated list of what I chose to buy in the end, and what I think about them now I’ve played them.

Nidhogg 2 - $7.49 (50% off)

So, I cheated on this one, a little, as I’ve already succumbed to the peer-pressure of my closest friends into buying it. No speculation needed here, this game is definitely worth full-price, let alone half off. I knew after playing the first one how much of a ruckus it could generate as a game, but I could never justify it before it really went on sale, so to speak. My friends and I have joked, but this game really might deserve a spot at EVO next year.

The frantic combat is what made the first one, and against my worries, the second has kept the essence of its “game-feel’ intact. The changes are entirely positive, especially the variation in weaponry. This of course can lead to moments where I exclaimed “oh, bullshit,” but overall, there’s quite a lot to learn, and plenty of room for different playstyles. For instance, I initially shunned the bow, but after learning how to use it, I can achieve timely killstreaks to advance my character through a level, using lots of movement feints to leave my opponent exposed. One of my favorite moves is to fake a jump-over, only to land back, and slide under my opponent’s attack, followed by a quick shot to the back of the head. I squeal with joy every time I nail that one; Waltzing through an entire room unscathed just feels so damn good. Really, when I gripe while playing, it’s only because my sense of competition is super-heightened. I just wanna win, man. Also, it’s kind of ridiculous how good the music is. With artists like Mux Mool and more, there’s plenty of lofi beats to keep me happy, and add to the atmosphere.

Purchase Prediciton: Already Purchased! Instant Satisfaction!

Doom - $14.99 (50% off)

I have to admit, I was probably sold on this the moment I saw it presented at E3, but I also knew it was going to be in serious backburner territory for a while. I definitely couldn’t justify a $60 price tag, as it was a franchise I never had much of an interest in. The closest I got to it was the Star Wars Doom-clone, Dark Forces. I didn’t even catch the wave of the early 2000s revival with Doom 3. That may have had to do more with my avoidance of “spooky” games as a child, but I still don’t feel like I was missing much, in retrospect.

Now, at 15 bones, I am more than excited for some mindless, frantic blood and gore. Seeing early gameplay trailers reminded me of simpler times as a child, when FPS titles lacked the “sophistication” they have now. DOOM looks like so much fun, because I don’t have to think about anything; Not the plot, nor its mechanics, nor for hidden upgrades or collect-a-thons, nor for any deeper meaning. Just classic shooter mechanics, satisfying “gun-feel”, and killin’ demons harder than Alex Jones could ever dream.

Purchase Prediction: Very Likely

Firewatch - $4.99 (75% off)

Games like this are definite write-offs for its base price. I know I’ll knock this one out in a day. My friend who recommended it me explained that even if I was thorough (which I am), I could maybe squeeze five hours or so out of it. With that, the $20 price-tag at base is pretty laughable to me. Yes, it’s kind of a ridiculous when you put it in perspective that the average movie-ticket costs about the same. That’s more than double the entertainment value, time-wise.

Still, I must admit I have trouble with games like these. A big issue for me is that I tend to fall back to games I know. I used to feel a certain restlessness only when watching movies or TV, but now, it seems that has pervaded into linear single-player games like this. I think CS:GO has sort of ruined me, with its instant action, and larger focus on technique over atmosphere. A slow-burn (pun so intended) like this might rekindle (I’m on a roll now) my love for the journey over the destination when it comes to games.

Purchase Prediction: Moderate to Likely

Rocket League - $9.99 (50% off)

Completely on the opposite end, here’s a multiplayer title with some serious allure. I have to say, just watching someone play this on Twitch is exhilarating. Even as a kid, I never shied from sports titles. I’m generally not any good at them, except for NHL. Still, not much compares to competing from the couch with a friend, strutting like a peacock in front of them when you score a goal/touchdown. Sniping top cheddar, bar-downski after a filthy coupl’a’ dangles, followed by a sick celly? That’s the life, eh?

Uh… anyhoo…

In the same vain as NHL, Rocket League is clearly loaded with potential for technique and unique playstyles, while still being fun and accessible to new players. The speed and movement look just thrilling, and I can’t imagine the ecstasy I’d likely feel the first time I score on a mid-air shot. I’ve heard less-than-promising things about the community, but it’s likely no worse than CSGO’s, and easily better than Overwatch, despite Blizzards best… “efforts” to eradicate toxicity. Overall, a cool title, to be sure, but one I might need to enlist friends in order fully enjoy it. Part of the fun for me is developing set plays with teammates who know the drill, just as in “real” sports. At ten big greens, we’ll see about this one.

Purchase Prediction: Moderate

Stardew Valley - $11.99 (20% off)

I never really thought I’d consider something like this, given that it’s, well, work, but with all the positive press it’s received, this might just suck me in, should I purchase it. Hanging out with friends in middle and high school, games like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon weren’t uncommon obsessions. This is somewhat astonishing now, given that most of my friends in those days were guys, and almost none of them would give a game like The Sims a chance (the one gal-pal I had as a kid got me into that one, for what it’s worth). It’s promising to see how things like this have progressed, and gamers, regardless of gender, have opened themselves to new experiences.

Gender-politicking aside, this is still a tough sell, though it’s made my list. Games with a serious grind-aspect must mask the work involved with engaging gameplay, in order for me to not lose interest. Heck, the “management” part of games doesn’t scare me; Empire: Total War taught me to fall in love with financing my war-machine, and this carried over to other games like XCOM (1 and 2), as I maximize resources in order to crush my enemies. Good quartermasters win battles! But I worry Stardew won’t give me the same rush. “Had a good harvest this year, nice! Now I can… buy better tools and stuff… woo?” Combine that with only a 20% discount (yes, 12 buckeroos is still very reasonable), and I feel I might just wait on this until the price drops so low that I’d buy it as quickly as a gumball.

Purchase Prediction: Unlikely

Fallout 4 - $14.99 ($29.99 for GOTY, both 50% off)

Ah jeez, this is still a sore-spot for me and Bethesda. I love Todd Howard despite everything, but Fallout 4 was just… beyond disappointing at first. Initial reactions? Excitement, felt kind of unexpected, if memory serves. The more we learned, however, the less excited I got. I noticed this pattern ever since Skyrim, where Bethesda seemed to dumb-down a good portion of what made their games RPGs. This was almost entirely in the stats department, and while I enjoyed the changes of Skyrim from Oblivion, what I saw, in Fallout 4 was an abysmal deletion of anything related to building up a character. I tried playing it once, and my fears felt completely justified: it was a first-person shooter with inventory-management and perks. The shooting felt pretty good, and had I been playing on PC, I might have enjoyed the combat a little more. Still, after that, I was pretty well turned-off.

That sentiment began to erode as friends started picking up the title. We’d be chatting on Discord, and I’d be invited to watch them play through the game. I watched one of my friends play on hardcore mode, and I was genuinely engrossed by the combat’s intensity. The player-character was just as squishy as the super-mutants he was shooting at (as squishy as super-mutants can be, anyway). Top that off with needing to eat, drink, and sleep, and there’s some deep immersion I can get behind. It may not have the RPG elements I would’ve wanted, but there’s plenty there, for the price.

Purchase Prediction: Likely

Prey - $14.99 (50% off)

This was definitely a game that flew under my radar, already out by the time I’d heard of it. I wasn’t too enthused when I first saw the trailers. Ultimately, I’m probably joining the chorus: it presents itself as a more fleshed-out Bioshock. Where Infinite worked on its gunplay, Prey seems to be more concerned with improving the environmental action and abilities.

Good price, given how recently it came out. Otherwise, I’m unsure of how much I’ll enjoy the game. Yes, I had fun the first time I went through the first Bioshock, but there’s some lastability issues for me after that. Starting a new game, the veneer of the story’s shock-value had diminished, and I was more aware of how I felt just by playing. Bioshock feels downright clunky. Sure, the point was to play creatively, using powers, weaponry, and the environment to dish out punishment. That ought to be a knockout, right? Even at normal difficulty, yes, gunplay alone couldn’t save you, and I usually appreciate that. With Bioshock, I felt I had established my basic playstyles, with a few favored combinations, and that was sufficient. That’s the fear I have for Prey: a game teeming with atmosphere, but gameplay that doesn’t naturally evolve past a few optimum strategies.

Inspecting it again for this post, I learned it was developed by Arkane, the studio that gave us Dishonored. That certainly gives me some confidence. Maybe fifteen really is a great deal, even it’s a one-off.

Purchase Probability: Moderate

Cuphead $15.99 (20% off)

This makes the list for a number of reasons. I may not be too keen on difficult 2D platformers, but there’s obviously something to Cuphead that intrigues me. The animation is simply unbelievable, with its authentically hand-drawn characters and their noodly 30s style movement. Plenty of critical and public acclaim means I don’t have to think too hard on its worth…

That would be the case, if I wouldn’t consider my own preferences, of course. I know who I am, and I know that this game will frustrate me to the point where I put it down and don’t pick it up for maybe another year or more. I’ve watched friends play, and it’s definitely fraught with brain-farts, where you know the pattern of the boss, but you still make mistakes. It’s a little debilitating when you can quantify your chances of success, mid-fight, by how much health you’ve retained before reaching a certain stage. “Took two hits before he reached his 3^rd form? Aww yer in trouble, there.” There’s just too much of that, as far as I can see, especially given its current price. For all the hard work that went into making it, Cuphead totally deserves at least $20, but with only a 20% discount at present, I know I can just hold out another year for an even better price.

Purchase Prediction: Unlikely

Furi $7.99 (60% off)

Alright, this is my least professional take on any of the games here. I’m probably going to buy this game solely because it features Carpenter Brut. I’m not the biggest fan of top-down boss-rush/bullet-hell games, I’ll be honest. However, I know with a pounding synth soundtrack, I’d be exhilarated if the game involved nothing but delivering pizza. I’m only sort of kidding, as the soundtrack of Hotline Miami put it easily into my top-5 list of all the games I’ve played. That game, to this day, fills me with a manic frenzy unparalleled in other games. I’m listening to the Furi soundtrack as I write this, and I can feel the same tingling, primal energy just from the music itself (even the slow tracks!).

Soundtrack aside, there’s plenty of other aspects of this game that I’m a sucker for. For instance, its visuals are in that “cel-shaded” territory, and I’ve loved that since Sly Cooper. Gameplay? Well, the trailers make it look easier than my friends have reported, but man, it just seems to control incredibly tight, and it could very well be a challenge I am up for. I’ve played enough slow-paced games these days; this could be just the ticket to reminding me of a time when games made my heart race.

Purchase Prediction: Very Likely

Root $0.99 (90% off)

I’ve got to admit, I met the developers of this one. The Florida boys at Skunkape were showcasing their next title, Denizen, at MAGFest in early 2018. I was impressed with the demo, but while I was sitting at one computer, my friends were playing the neighboring game, an incredibly colorful and fast-paced shooter. It was pretty distracting, to be honest.

First-person stealth being my favorite genre, I am definitely excited to give this one a shot. The neon colors are a refreshing change from the mostly grey corridors, and, much like the game mentioned above, it appears to be scored by pounding synth.

Purchase Prediction: Guaranteed

Hellblade $17.99 (40% off)

I am hastily adding this to the list, as it was recommended last-minute by a friend of mine, and so I decided to revisit the trailers. Hellblade is nothing, if it is not striking. The visuals are dark, brooding, offset by blinding beams of light, shining out of the gloom. The protagonist is incredibly expressive and compelling. I get the feeling a real-life actor did more than have their face scanned for this one.

The presentation is one thing, but the actual gameplay seems truly novel. Developed by the same group behind Heavenly Sword, I had expected a hack-n-slash. Instead, the game focuses on single-combat, fighting otherworldly opponents with the camera hovering to the side. One thing I liked about that was how cinematic it made the game seem, without going overboard and taking the actual satisfaction of fighting away from the player. The slashes and stabs are punchy, and every hit or parry carries weight. To me the one-on-one fights actually add to the game’s atmosphere. Fighting a bunch of grunts like it’s Dynasty Warriors would reduce the nordic folk-lore and biome to just another epic “viking game.”

There’s just a primal, brute-force aspect that ties it together for me. The price is fairly high, considering other titles I have to consider, and the potential I can hold off on this one. That said, I have to say, I admire a 2nd-party company breaking away by publishing their own game. In the age of authenticity, that really counts for something.

Purchase Prediction: Likely