Beyond: Two Souls - The Experience

If you're expecting Beyond to be like Heavy Rain, you're not getting it. If you're expecting a more traditional story/adventure driven game like The Walking Dead. Nope, you're not getting that either. I think we all can agree, we weren't expecting anything remote like an Uncharted or Killzone either.

Beyond: Two Souls feels more like Flower or Journey, except with a billion dollar budget. It's an experience, one very much worth taking.

Review scores have bounced from displeasure to pure joy. I don't know if there is a middle ground here. If anything, it has gamers and non-gamers, talking. They want to take the adventure and see what all the fuss is about. Plus, it dosen't hurt that Ellen Page is featured on the box art, advertising and promotion. She should be. It's her adventure and experience you're asked to partake on.

Much like Sandra Bullock in Gravity, Ellen Page delivers an amazing performance, featuring a narrative completely focused on her. She is awesome from youth to teenage years to adulthood, she is mesmerizing. Another Canadian actor joins the production, William Dafoe brings his seasoned acting chops with excellent results. I wasn't sure how much he would be in here, but I'm happy to say a lot and that's a good thing. Anything that William Dafoe is in, is guaranteed awesome.

Game creator David Cage, brings a seasoned director's vision with a narrative jumping from different points in Jodie's (Ellen Page) life. I found it a unique way to unfold the mystery of the young woman and her ghostly companion named Aiden. There is big action, oh yes. Action set pieces that you would expect on the cinematic big screen. However, it's those quiet, personal moments from playing with friends in a snow ball fight to her first kiss that pluck your heart strings and bring a fully realized character to life.

Yeah, it's worth checking out. I can't guarantee that you'll love it or hate it. However, I won't lie to you, it's one hell of a sweet ride.

Gravity Is A Triumph of Filmmaking

Have no fear. I won't spoil anything for you in this straight to the point post.

All I will mention about this film, is that it's the most successful mix of science fiction and genuine human storytelling. The awesome thrill a minute rollercoaster ride of space is only heightened by a very human story of fear, love, laughter and loss.

Sandra Bullock has to get her second Oscar for this performance. She is just as beautiful as the captured images of our heavenly blue planet.

You deserve a treat. So go treat yourself to Gravity.

Grand Theft Auto V Chit Chat

Well, this is more like it.

For all it's innovations, HD splendor, excellent writting and characters, GTA IV didn't feel complete. Plagued with pacing problems from gameplay to the narrative, it felt at times, like a drag. It's direct, awesome sequels The Lost and The Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony where implemented much more smoothly. I loved playing The Ballad, it was a blast to play and was the only title in that series I completed. Now GTA V is out and it's a hell of a lot better.

GTA V is about polish. Driving, fighting and shooting mechanics has been perfected. It feels so good. Oh yeah, there are planes to fly and real estate to purchase and stock markets to invest in and golf courses to conquer. Oh my!

Featuring 3 direct narrative protagonists, you switch between them in real time advancing the game and plot. It's done so fast, so smoothly. I'm far from completing the narrative. However, I don't want to end it. Its oh so good. I love these characters. I love this plot. I love this world.

Heck, I haven't even tried the online mode which I here, is just as compelling.