Gotta Sculpt Them All - Pokemon in Paper Form

A few months ago I came across a paper artist on Tumblr named PlaidCushion, or Sarah, if you know her in person. She lives in New Zealand (I'm pretty sure!) and makes some damn awesome paper art.

From Sarah's Twitter @PlaidCushion.

My first experience with her work was through her (what I assume to be) university project called Wintergreen. I was absolutely blown away at the idea of a comic told entirely in paper sculpt format. She has great angle and perspective, I think, and I'm very much enjoying the whimsy of the story. You should definitely check it out.



From there I have watched her do a lot of Pokemon projects, one of Neil Gaiman, and even Rei from Evangelion! Most recently she finished an incredible Adventure Time piece, which I excitedly shared on the A Bit of Geek Facebook page. I was absolutely blown away by the detail! How could a human cut such tiny pieces? I think I kept the pictures open on my computer for days, because I could not stop looking at them.

   

Both images are from Sarah's Adventure Time post on Tumblr.

Now, Sarah has moved onto a different type of challenge, by way of creating a Pokemon for every day of December! And they're each about the size of a standard x-acto blade. After the challenge though, she plans on doing every. single. Pokemon. And she hopes to have Gen 1 finished by the end of January! My mind reeled when I first saw the picture she posted of the Dratini she had made. It's a damn good thing she juxtaposes them with an image of her knife, because otherwise I don't think I would believe that they were really so tiny.

   

Both images from Sarah's Tumblr account.

 

 From Sarah's Twitter @PlaidCushion.

Personally speaking, I can't wait to see her make Oddish! He is my favorite, after all. And Lapras! Oh gosh, I honestly can't wait to see them all! I'm so in awe of her dedication and talent, and I truly hope that everyone will go and check out the rest of her work. She deserves it! Oh, she also does commissions, if you were hoping to get a little something unique for yourself or a friend!



Are you looking forward to any specific Pokemon being made into paper form?



-MJ



*header image source

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Diablo: The Series (Part One)

Outside of a very small exposure to Warcraft, my first experience with the gaming company Blizzard Entertainment was watching a friend of mine play the original Diablo on his computer in a dimly-lit basement. After being enthralled with the game, even just observing, he installed Diablo Spawn on my PC. For the unaware, Spawn was a sort of ingenious demo that you could install on any number of computers. The program allowed a person to experience a two-level playthrough, either single or multiplayer, to give non-owners a taste of the game. It was a fantastic method employed by the creators, and I was hooked.

 

Multiple character types? Yes please!

I later purchased the original title when I was with my friend and his dad, who masqueraded as my parent at the register since I was not yet old enough to purchase it myself. Sporting the dreaded "Mature" rating, good ol' Diablo was one of the few games that my then-computer could handle, and boy did I play that game to hell and back. Heh. It was an experience that captivated me through story, graphics, music, and overall atmosphere. There were times in the game that were genuinely frightening to me as a young boy, but it was always rewarding to soldier on and conquer the next big beast.

 

Even the town of Tristram seemed dark and foreboding.

The story revolved around a hero (or heroes if you played with friends) trudging through the infested cathedral in the town of Tristram.  The task at hand was to cleanse it of the evil an Archbishop, by the name of Lazarus, brought forth. Each new level of the cathedral in which the game took place brought new challenges as you crawled deeper through catacombs and caves, and closer to the inevitable hell below.

 

In times like these, you would definitely want backup.

There were an insane amount of enemies, both in variety and the quantity in which you encountered them. I can't remember any other game where I would be swarmed by 20 or 30 enemies at once, forcing me to hack with my weapon, cast my spells, maintain defensive ground, and also pay attention to the levels of my health and mana to make sure I didn't fall at the hands of demons.

 

My vote for the most frustrating area would be the caves.

Every few levels, you would come across terrifying beasts who served as "bosses" for certain areas. Most notably to the game is The Butcher, a hulking demon who hefts a gigantic cleaver. The Butcher resides in a room covered wall-to-wall with the mutilated corpses of the soldiers who were led to their end by Lazarus. As a kid, the room alone was terrifying. If the sight weren't enough, as soon as you entered the room, your adversary would boom over the speakers in a deep, gravelly, evil voice: "Ah! Fresh meat!" Ol' Butch was a huge hassle for many players. He was insanely powerful and came relatively early in the game, proving to be a difficult obstacle for many to overcome. Once you finally bested him you could wield his cleaver, which, in terms of rewards, gave you a great preview of things to come. It was also a good indicator that you would encounter many different, unique weapons throughout the game, each with special bonuses, and some with hindrances.  It was unlike any other system I had ever played.

 

Obviously not an individual with any sense of interior decoration.

It wasn't until somewhat recently that I actually killed Diablo for the first time. You know how it is with games, you stop playing for awhile, come back to it, and you have no idea what you're doing. "Might as well start over," I'd say, only for the cycle to repeat. Completing the game came with me discovering the Hellfire expansion, which added a surprising amount of content, including a new playable character, special dungeons, and more items. The only thing that really improved the game (since it was so well done that it didn't need much else) was that you could have your character move at a quicker speed, which made some of the tedious walking areas less... tedious.

"Whoa! You are not gonna see shit like that at a Modest Mouse concert!" -Aziz Ansari

As a whole, the first entry in the Diablo series was done very, very right.

Share your thoughts!  What did you like or dislike about the first Diablo?  Also, keep your eyes open for the next entry in this series, "Diablo: The Series (Part Two-and-One-Half: Diab Harder)" and we'll see you then!

-Zach

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Final Fantasy 8 Diary - Entry 1

Dear Diary,



I woke up in the infirmary because Seifer cut me in the face during training. What a dick. What's his problem? See if I ever train with him again! They made me go to class anyway, though. I guess the test is important. I think one of the girls in my class has a thing for the teacher, which is fine, I mean, she just she got really, really jealous when Quistis asked me to see her later. Meanwhile, the tall guy who dresses just like me did a vulgar victory dance over it. Do you have any idea of the rampant sexual promiscuity in this school?! Maybe if they let us go out at night for something other than training, the students wouldn’t feel so pent up.



Oh, the message boards say that we’re still running out of hot dogs too quickly, too! I had to explain this sad problem to some girl that ran into me as I was leaving the classroom. I hope I didn’t hurt her since I’m so big and tall. Now I really want a hot dog, but since they were out, I spent the next hour chasing this kid around trying to win his Mini Mog card before I finally gave up and took a nap.



Write more later!



xoxo

Squall



[This is part of a series of diary entries chronicling my first play through of Final Fantasy 8. I write from the perspective of Squall, but with the twist of a person putting thoughts rambling and unedited into a diary. Join me on my journey of love, loss, and intense angst.]

*header image source

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It's Dangerous to Go Alone, Take These!

If you’re a long time reader you might recall that October of last year A Bit of Geek and Earthtastic! (a natural body care company) teamed up to bring you some fabulously designed Doctor Who lip balms. Well, we’re at it again, and this time it’s something different and very exciting!

    

Introducing: Ocarina of Time Temple Candles! That’s right, this set of five carefully crafted, wonderfully smelling candles are now available for purchase and your olfactory enjoyment. You can grab them as a complete set for $28, or individually for $6 a piece.



These were designed and inspired after the five temples in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. We have Forest, Fire, Water, Spirit, and Shadow. I realize that in the strategy guide the player is supposed to go to the Shadow temple, and then the Spirit temple, but… I never played it that way. So, in my mind, it goes Spirit and then Shadow. Hah! ALSO, there’s no need to get technical about how there are actually kind of eight temples in Ocarina of Time. The first three are dungeons, so they don't "count", and my goal was to make this paragraph as succinct as possible. That plan obviously has been ruined.



Anywho, allow me to attempt to break down the miraculous and painstakingly selected scents for you. Do you have any idea how many times I sniffed myself into light-headedness while choosing these aromas? At least five, probably more like seven. We even created new scents for you! Yes, we spent a lot of time pouring over vials of scented oil, mixing them together, and cackling wickedly as we found the perfect ratios and aromas.

  

Forest Temple - A sweet, green scent, mixed with wisps of light gold, sure to ensnare and encapsulate, transporting the sniffer into the Sacred Meadow, where the sun shines down on distant memories.

    

Fire Temple - A smooth, smoky scent, complete with a sharp and fruity side. Allow it to fill your mind with images of bubbling lava, flaming torches, and Gorons who desperately want to go home.

    

Water Temple - A light and, well, watery smell, rounded off with a cool finish. The combination transports the mind to visions of Lake Hylia, with reeds lazily waving back and forth as you don your iron boots.

    

Spirit Temple - A potent, golden and warm scent, reminiscent of ancient and sandy structures. You’re sure to hear the distinctive music of the Desert Colossus, and suddenly wonder where all of this sand came from.

    

Shadow Temple - A heady aroma, with flowery and distinctively purple tones. This scent is bold, sure to fill your home with intoxicating thoughts of adventure, danger, and possibly the horrifying Bongo Bongo.



Each candle was hand crafted by Cassidy in a smoke-free and carefully maintained work space. She puts great care and love into her work, and these fun team-up items are no exception. The labels were made by me, and it was quite the undertaking :D



Together or apart, they make for beautiful and geeky decoration pieces in your home! We tested them in our homes, and found that their scent “throw” was strong and satisfactory. Once the candle has burned out, you’re even left with an awesome storage tin. Perhaps a good place to put your extra rupees?



Be sure to check out the etsy listings if you want to grab a set for yourself. We hope you love the candles as much as we do!



-MJ

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Ten Underrated (and Adorable) "Mario Bros" Villains

When you think of a villain, the words "adorable" and "silly" aren't usually the first to pop into your head. Unless we're talking about the world of Mario, in which case, ugliness does not exist. This universe is one of the very few that make you squeal with delight at the cuteness of the bad guys. We all know Boo, the adorable fluffy (two-faced) ghost. The Koopa Troopas (a personal favorite) are too much to handle with their little sneakers and precious waddle. And of course, even the ugliest big boss is still cute; Bowser is just about as lovable as a puppy.

There are a few villains out there who are not as widely spoken of, however. I think they deserve some time to shine, and dazzle us all with their charm and preciousness.

10. Mecha-Koopa

We first see these silly wind-up Bowser clones in the last level of Super Mario World. They are literally just little robots, but will, of course, hurt Mario on contact. They are easy to incapacitate, but will only need to wind themselves back up to get a move on again. At the last battle, you will need to use Bowser's own cute little robot clones to defeat him. Isn't it ironic?

 

Don't you think?

9. Pidgit

This little guy was taking us on a magic carpet ride way before Aladdin was. Making his debut in the ever-bizarre Super Mario Bros. 2, Pidgit the bird rode in on a flying carpet and stole our hearts. Like, literally. He flies into you, and you die. So, yeah, he's kind of a jerk. But he's so fat and happy looking, and he just loves his little Persian rug!

 

Every turn a surprise!

8. Mouser

Technically, this cool bad guy made his first appearance in Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic. Which is really just the original version of  Mario Bros. 2. In Yume Kojo, Mouser works for Wart, the evil Frog King. Mouser uses explosives to destroy others' good dreams. But I think he looks like a pretty chill dude.

 

Bro, let's go blow stuff up.

7. Wiggler

These sweet, wiggly caterpillars make their first appearance in Super Mario World. They're pretty adorable with their 8 tiny shoes and that daisy sticking out of their heads. But beware: these cuties have a temper! Jump on them and they turn a frightening red, charging with a powerfully furious demeanor. Oh, Wiggler. You're so cute when you're mad!

 

The original twerker.

6. Blargg

This villain is goofy as hell. It just had to be said. But goofy as it is, Blargg is a ferocious badass, swimming around in lava by day, snarling and eating plumbers by night. They mostly reside in the Vanilla Dome of Super Mario World, but have made appearances in other physical forms (from blob-like to humanoid) in other Mario games.

 

Like I said, goofy as hell.

5. Thwomp

Making his debut in Super Mario Bros. 3, this stone cold, spike-encrusted meanie will pound you into a pancake if you cross his path. It has been suggested that they are born from volcanic activity, which would explain the volcanic temper. But there's just something so charming about that furrowed brow.

 

Okay, Thwomp. Take a chill pill.

4. Birdo

Also originating from Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic/Mario Bros. 2, Birdo is a sassy gal who spits eggs or fireballs at her enemies. Birdo has made multiple appearances in newer Mario games as well, and apparently is married or engaged to Yoshi (?). At any rate, she's super weird, and adorable to boot.

 

Yoshi liked it, so he put a ring on it.

3. Ludwig Von Koopa

That hair! That buck-toothed grin! And I just can't get over the fact that he's based on one of the best musicians of all time. Like his namesake (Ludwig Van Beethoven), he likes to compose "Koopa Symphonies".  Ludwig Von Koopa appeals to my inner child, inner gamer, and inner history buff. We can spot him first in Super Mario Brothers 3, and again in Super Mario World.

 

I don't think spikes were in style in the 1700s.

2. Blooper

With a name that is an onomatopoeia for the sound it makes, Blooper is an adorable squishy squid that floats gracefully through the waters of the Mushroom Kingdom. It is one of the original baddies from Super Mario Bros., stalking Mario through treacherous waters. It can only be defeated by fireballs, but it will leave you alone if you swim away quickly enough. Cute is taken to a whole new level in Super Mario Bros. 3, when you can spot "Blooper Nanny", a full-grown Blooper with three or four baby Bloopers!

 

Bloop!

1. The Viruses

Found groovin' to the music in Dr. Mario, these three little germs are causing an epidemic in the Mushroom Kingdom. Red causes fever, Blue causes colds, and Yellow causes mutation. All Dr. Mario has to do is line up the Megavitamins just so, and Red, Blue, and Yellow will throw adorable temper tantrums as they're sent back into hibernation. Next time you're playing Dr. Mario, pay close attention to their little dances and facial expressions. They're so cute and funny, I like to think they are what's swimming around in my bloodstream when I'm feeling under the weather.

 

I feel sick, but I also feel like dancing.

Did I forget any? Let us know what your favorites are!

-Rachel

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Tali'Zorah

When writers are creating a good support character for their stories, they're looking for strong qualities that will make that character not only stand out, but blend well with the main character. This is no different with great video game stories, where the challenge is magnified to deliver a character that is believable and yet one that you can grow attached to. Say, for example, you have a thrilling space opera where the fate of the galaxy depends on your every decision, for better or worse. You're going to want a character in your corner who has the know-how to aid you in battle and who also knows her way around a shotgun. Enter Tali'Zorah, of the Mass Effect series. Tali is the alien companion who assist the protagonist, Commander Shepard, in their effort to save the galaxy from an all-powerful race known as the Reapers from wiping out every sentient life. Tali does all this and more as she serves not only as the team's resident tech expert, but as a competent fighter who can hold her own in combat. And all this from her hermetically-sealed body suit.

"Think of it like 'Bubble Boy' in space," Source.

     Tali comes from a race known as the Quarians, who are a bipedal people known for their impressive technological knowledge but also for their weak immune system. Such a weakness is so severe that they must live in air-tight suits to prevent contact with alien bacteria or contamination. Any breach in their suits results in at best a sick day and at worst, death. Because of this, they always live in their suits and rarely if ever take them off. Despite this, the Quarian people are still regarded as one of the most technologically knowledgeable race of the galaxy. Their mastery over technology ranges from expertise in ship mechanics to competency in hacking of virtual systems. If you need to deal with a machine, the Quarians are the people you turn to handle it.

"Clearly," Source.

     Such tech mastery proves to come in handy as Tali joins Shepard's crew aboard their ship, the Normandy. However, when she first signs onto the ship, she's a timid shadow of the person she will become. She's the quiet space wallflower who feels a bit out of place but urges herself onward for the sake of the galaxy and the good of her people. Using what skills she has to help support Shepard, Tali proves to herself and the whole galaxy the great potential of the Quarian people. Inspired by the deeds of Shepard, Tali also grows in character, becoming a more confident leader in her own right. And she needs all the strength as she can muster for she has an incredibly daunting task: helping her people reclaim their homeworld from the AI race known as the Geth, which they just so happen to create. All the while helping Shepard stop the threat of the Reapers from mercilessly destroying every living thing in the galaxy.

"Mondays, am I right?" Source.

     Because of her dynamic growth throughout the series and her natural place as part of Shepard's team, Tali is the one of the best examples of a supporting character in a video game. Her great qualities make her shine independently from other characters but also mesh well into the whole of the team. This all stems from her immense depth of character, driven by her desire to help her people and save every life that she can. So, in summary: Tali'Zorah freaking rocks.

"Keelah Se'lai, bitches,” Source.

-Tom

Header Image Source.

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Top 5 Video Games: Staff Picks

Greetings, ABoGers! While the site is still currently under production and reconstruction, we thought we'd give you an article to hold you over until the Dark Days are over. So we bring you a topic close to our heart containers: video games! But not just any video games, our Top 5 Video Games of All Time!

Now as we all know, we are all individual people with individual tastes. So we bring you not just one staffer's pick, but the whole A Bit of Geek team's choices. (And trust me when I say this, picking and placing these was no easy matter. We love so many games, it was brutal to choose). So sit back and read about our Top 5 video games, in descending order from 5 to our very favorite #1. Enjoy!

Miranda's Top 5:

5. Harvest Moon: Back to Nature

This is a series that I have loved for many years, yet there are only a few iterations that I truly enjoy. While some of the latest additions have their strong points and fun aspects, Back to Nature for the PSone takes the cake for overall greatness. It is a superior balance of activities and events, suitors and friends, crops and livestock, and farm expandability. Of any other game out there, I would love a graphically updated version of this!

4. Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door

A fantastic RPG in the Mario ‘verse! I love the paper-y graphics, and the dialogue is hilarious. While the storyline is simple, the gameplay is very fun, and each location that Mario and the gang visit is greatly different from the last. I also really enjoy the badge system that was introduced in the first Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64. Thousand Year Door is a wonderful mix of RPG, comedic story, and old-fashioned loveable Mario.

3. Fallout 3

My first foray into open world gaming. I played Fallout 2 as a teen, and fell in love with the post apocalyptic setting and open-ended story. I was thrilled when the third one finally came out, and have enjoyed many happy hours traipsing about the Wasteland, helping less fortunate individuals while blatantly ignoring the search for my father. I also think that V.A.T.S is one of the most brilliant inventions in a shooter.

2. Super Mario World

A title with unending replayability. Either alone or as a shared adventure, this is one title that I can, and do, return to with great frequency. It’s easy to bond with new people over a trip down memory lane, and I will never get enough of the SNES graphics. It also has one of my favorite soundtracks in any game, and you can have a Yoshi in any non-castle level!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

An undeniable classic. I spent a solid two years playing this as a teen, and it paved the way for more serious gaming endeavors (like Final Fantasy) versus the shorter and less story-driven games I was used to. The entire Zelda series is close to my heart, and even though A Link to the Past puts up an amazing fight, I can’t deny that Ocarina of Time is my all time favorite and most beloved game.

Tom's Top 5:

5. Shadow of the Colossus

I love this game not just because it broke the mold, but of what it represents for video gaming. Instead of an RPG where I had to level, grind and get better gear, I was simply told one objective: kill these sixteen bosses. That's it. And that made me rethink RPGs, on top of having a well written story. Not to mention it's gorgeous in every detail, giving proof that video games should be considered an art form. One of the best I've played, by far.

4. Portal 2

I'll admit: I'm a sucker for Valve games. But that's only because they produce the games with the most amazing stories and the most fun. Portal 2, more than its predecessor, brought these two elements masterfully together to create a game where not only was I enjoying the gameplay and puzzles, but drawn in by the hilarious story. I wanted to see it to its end because it was fun and epic. Bravo, Valve, bravo.

3. Bioshock Infinite

The newest addition to my list, this game captivated me from the start with its original concept and beckoning mysteries. But then I became hooked by its exciting action and most importantly, its compelling story that had my jaw dropping by the end. Only few other times have I ever been so excited by a game such as this.

2. Half-Life 2

This game changed the dynamic not just for video gaming, but also the standard by which I judge video games. Everything about this game is so refined and so believable that it is just barely shy of perfection. A game with a genius blending of genres, from action, horror, drama and even humor, Half-Life 2 is a beacon to the industry.

1. Mass Effect

Easily my number one top pick. Out of the rest of the series, Mass Effect 1 was the first, bold step into this fantastic space odyssey, truly capturing the thrill of a new galaxy. With dozens of planets to explore, harrowing moral choices to make and a story that is so complete and so satisfying, I always find myself playing it over and over. Best game ever, in my opinion.

Zach's Top 5:

5. Mass Effect

While I firmly believe the first game in the series is the best, the trilogy as a whole is fantastic. The dialogue and voice acting are done perfectly and it is a great example of human creativity when it comes to what alien races might look/sound/act like. Combat (and gameplay itself) is a lot of fun, and given the number of skills at your disposal, it would take quite a long time for it to get at all boring.

4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

This game gave me the biggest "wow"s in terms of how massive the map is, the incredible amount of customization of how you play your character, and (at the time) graphics. I initially heard about the game on a Toonami review where SARA said "The map is so big it can take you literally days to get anywhere," and I was sold. It was one of the first games I bought for my original XBox. Seeing Morrowind remastered in the new graphics engines by fans is also a treat. It is one of those games I am perfectly content with even if I'm just wandering around.

3. Secret of Mana

I might hold a lot of nostalgia for this game, but I'm certainly not looking at it through rose-colored glasses when I say it is absolutely fantastic. The story is sublime, such that I can read the game's strategy guide like a book. Given the time that it was released, the game was massive and has no shortage of things to do or people to meet. I'm pretty sure I could play through it again and still find things that I hadn't before.

2. Mega Man X

The facelift of the Mega Man series could not have come in a better form. Lush graphics, streamlined gameplay, fantastic teaching mechanics, and jump'n'shoot action make this game what it is. Plus, Chill Penguin has a really nice hook.

1. Link's Awakening

It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Zelda franchise and that I believe Link's Awakening has one of the strongest story arcs in the series. It is such a beautiful story full of happiness, heartbreak, suspense, humor, and mental anguish that, as a kid, I could not fully comprehend. Going back to the game as an older individual, I could see and appreciate all of the emotions being conveyed to me from the little black and green screen in front of me. With a strong story and entertaining game mechanics, this title has no problem being a top contender.

Rachel's Top 5:

5. Mario Kart 64

I cannot tell you how many hours were spent with both my big sisters AND my mom and dad playing this awesome racing game. We got SO competitive, and had tons of fun. We had our signature characters (mine was always Bowser), and our favorite courses (mine was Rainbow Road), and we'd go at it until we had a victor.

4. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

My first real introduction to RPGs, Oblivion sucked me in immediately after my first hour of playing. The endless exploration is enough on it's own, but beyond that, you really start to develop a sense of belonging in Cyrodiil. The quests are intriguing and the payoff is usually always worth it. And not to mention the storyline: Having to shut down multiple doors to Hell, kill demons, and protect the Emperor who will later morph into a dragon to fight a big ass monster? Yes please.

3. Arkham Asylum

If you know me, you know that I absolutely love Batman. Arkham Asylum is the closest I'll ever get to BEING Batman, so yes, obviously, I love it. Not to mention the incredible appearances and/or starring roles by Joker, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy, just to name a few. The voice acting is spectacular, as well as the gameplay, plot, and graphics. I had so much fun playing this game, I will definitely play it again and again.

2. Mass Effect 2

The series as a whole will always hold a special place in my heart, but two was just my absolute favorite of the three. The storyline gets so intense, the introduction of brand-new characters makes everything that much more interesting, and having to choose where your loyalty lies (be it with the Alliance you've spent your entire life serving or the mercenary group that brought you back from the dead) is so humbling that it might change your opinions on real life. This game honestly moved me on an emotional level.

1. Super Mario Brothers 3

Ah, such fond memories of playing this gorgeous game for hours on end. This will always be a nostalgic go-to for me. Whenever I'm feeling burnt out on RPGs and just want to feel happy and fancy-free (that's a blatant lie. I get extremely angry while playing Mario. In a good way!) I start a new game up. Sometimes I'll play through to the end, sometimes it's just a few worlds here and there.

If you have a Top 5 and want to share it with us, send it to our Facebook page at Facebook.com/abitofgeek

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