The Last of Us

I started playing the Last of Us during Christmas break when many people started uploading their list for top favourite games of the decade and most of them mentioned the Last of Us as their favourite.  While I had played the game a few years ago, I quit after a couple hours because I wasn’t very good at the game.  I’ve never been good at shooting or stealth games, and this game required both skills.  Yet a funny thing happened over the years; I started playing the Uncharted series (a game series from Naughty Dog the same developer of the Last of Us).  Uncharted also required shooting and stealth however after failing at the game many times, I decided to change my mentality.  Rather than shooting and running my way through a level (as I usually would do and fail), I decided to play the game more as it was meant to be played; by hiding, covering, and moving strategically.  This is how I was then able to progress in the game and was able to enjoy the game mechanics and style of play.  I then went on to play and enjoy all the other Uncharted games.

Crispers

I remember when Crispers were first introduced back in the 90’s.  The commercial would ask whether Crispers were chips or crackers, since they were baked not fried yet came in potato chip flavours (currently all dressed, dill pickle, barbecue, ranch, salt and vinegar).  I thought the commercial sucked because it didn’t entice me to want to try them out.  In fact it would be some time later that I actually first tried them; probably because they were on sale.  Since then I have been eating them because they’re so delicious (barbecue being my favourite).  I like the fact that they’re different from any other snack food, especially chips.  We’re pretty lucky in Canada to have so much variety when it comes to snacks like this, which is why I wanted to feature them.

Crispers:

https://www.snackworks.ca/en/products/crispers

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpI59aGt_Vs

The Legend of Zelda 2020 Calendar

Here’s the Legend of Zelda wall calendar for 2020.  I bought this calendar from Walmart and it was printed by Abrams Books.  I love the artwork or prints so much that I’m almost afraid to use it because I don’t want to damage any page; especially because I want to preserve them for my artwork.  My only complaint about this calendar is the small variety of Zelda games showcased; having the original NES games would have been amazing.  Either way it’s still a beautiful calendar that I love.

Abrams Books:

www.abramsbooks.com

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/ZuyLcspY7nQ

S.H. Figuarts Luigi

On February 14^th 2013 during a Nintendo Direct, Satoru Iwata declared Nintendo would be celebrating the Year of Luigi.  This was to honour the 30^th anniversary of Luigi’s first appearance in Mario Bros. the arcade game.  At the time it was a weird decision because Luigi had been ignored by most fans; always in Mario’s shadow and relegated to younger siblings who had no choice in player selection.  Yet this celebration of Luigi marked a turn in his inferiority, as Iwata started a movement of Luigi fandom where game’s starring only Luigi were released and people (myself included) starting appreciating and loving Luigi more.

Besides the games I now also collect Luigi merchandise, such as this S.H. Figuarts toy.  These figures used to be Japan only releases, but are now being imported by Bluefin Toys in North America.  Although they are expensive toys, they’re totally worth it (at least at retail price) because the quality is amazing (painted well and lot's of articulation).  I just love having Luigi displaced on my shelf; he brings a smile to my face every time I see him.  For as many wonderful things Iwata did, I’m glad he was also able to show us all how Luigi was destined to shine. 

S.H. Figuarts:

www.shfiguarts.com

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/vSPVbsLFolM