UFS CCG et al move to Fantasy Flight February 25, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in CCG.Tags: Games Workshop, UFS CCG
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You can check the press release here, but basically, Games Workshop has made a deal to move all of it’s non minis games to Fantasy Flight, including moving the Universal Fighting System (UFS CCG) from Sabertooth to Fantasy Flight. This means that UFS will be joining the same company as Kingdom Hearts and a Game of Thrones, as well as board games like Tannhauser.
My guess is, this will allow Games Workshop to focus on it’s core lines even further (something they seem commited to after their recent changes to their publishing side). Fantasy Flight has a good reputation for CCG’s, and UFS seems like a good fit for them as well. It will be interesting to see how they all co-exist at the ‘cons this year…this might also give GW products a little better foothold in the states? – B
Oscar, meet the Grouch February 25, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in Movies, TV, Transformers.Tags: Oscars, TransformAndRollOut
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In case you somehow missed it…the Oscars were last night. Oh, I missed them, quite intentionally, just like every year, but I knew they were going on. The press couldn’t stop reminding me about it every five seconds, about how whether or not the writer’s strike would be over by then (who cares!), about which movies would win…blah blah blah.
To me, the Oscars serve only one purpose, to juxtapose popular cinema with “art” cinema. Sure, every once in a while you get your Gladiator or Lord of the Rings that somehow manages to span the gap. But this year…the top prizes all went to movies that largely, to me anyway, look like they were made only to win Oscars! What a concept. I mean, best actress goes to a movie I’ve never even heard of, you’ve probably never heard of, no one I know has seen…but this was the best performance by a female actor? How does anyone know? If you make a movie and no one sees it, was it any good…really?
Yes, I unabashedly like my movies Transformers sized typically. This is not to say that smaller films are never my cup of tea. But honestly, if there were no Oscars, would some of these movies ever even be made? Me, I’ll stick to movies that, you know, people actually go see, and that actually make money even though they cost 200 million to make. But whatever. Label me bourgeois if you must.
With that, I’ll tell you what I think the best movie of the year was…Transformers. Why? Not just because it made a boat load of money. In a sea of last-of-the-arc trilogies, TF seemed like a breath of fresh popcorn this year. Two sequels from now, it might not have that same feel, but this year it did feel fresh compared to say, the third Pirates movie. (Which, by the way, made no sense.) So there you go. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. - B
Feeling Fluent… February 22, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in About This Blog, Conventions.Tags: Mighty Muggs, New York Toy Fair
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…and not in French or Spanish either. Just when a guy gets back into the habit of writing again…I got the flu. Well, I was sick. I describe my symptoms as being “bedridden” for the better part of the week, and consequently not eating for most of that time. However, I’ve begun to recover from my weakened condition…so here I am again.
Two big items right now…Lucasfilm (i.e. Star Wars) sued Gen Con over some financial issues stemming from Celebration IV. Gen Con turned around and filed for Chapter 11, and appears to be refocusing on the core business of running Gen Con Indy. Persons whose opinions I trust on the matter would seem to agree with Peter’s press statement that no real shenanigans happened, and this seems to be a big bookkeeping fiasco. And really, would it surprise anyone? But it did make Slash Dot, which is funny to me for some reason, but shouldn’t be surprising. I’ll tend to believe that there were only honest mistakes made, and that this will all get worked out by (gasp!) the courts of all things.
On the uptick, Toy Fair in New York has been roaring on. I don’t have a dog in the fight per se this year, at least not directly. (Next year SHOULD be a different story.) However, it’s always interesting to see what is going on across the spectrum. A lot of heat for the new Indiana Jones lines I’m noticing, and I also see that Mattel is going to start doing 3 3/4″ DC figs.
Hmm…might as well throw a plug in quick, Mighty Muggs…those quirky new chunky figs of various Star Wars characters and soon to be Marvel, were designed by one of my friends that works on Attacktix with me. The price point on these is just right too I think, about 10 bucks. They are great, fun display pieces, and/or heavy duty enough to the let the little ones play with them. Give ‘em a look the next time you are out toy shopping.
Ok, that’s it for now, going to take one last DayQuil… – B
If I were an American Gladiator… February 13, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in TV.Tags: American Gladiators, Size Matters Not
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I’m fairly certain I’m not the only person enjoying the 80’s nostalgia of the double dose of American Gladiators AND Hulk Hogan all on one show. It seems to be pretty popular, and they seem to be focusing on the competitive nature of the show more-so this time. Plus, it has just the right amount of corny, between Hulk and Wolf alone…
Here’s a few fun facts I’ve picked up so far…Toa is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s cousin, and has done some stunt double work for him in movies. Crush apparently competed in women’s mixed martial arts (MMA) previously. Also, Titan played the role of Superman/Clark Kent in a very cool fan made World’s Finest movie trailer.
Ok, so I’m guessing at least some of you know me and have met me in person at least once. Now, I would never claim to be in quite the fighting shape that the Gladiators are, but just based on the height and weight stats reported on the official site, here is a little size comparison…
Height:
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Justice – 6′ 8″
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Mayhem – 6′ 5.5″
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Wolf – 6′ 4″
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Webhead – 6′ 3″
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Militia – 6′ 3″
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Titan – 6′ 3″
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Toa – 6′ 3″
Weight:
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Justice – 290 lb
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Webhead – 270 lb
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Titan – 251 lb
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Toa – 240 lb
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Mayhem – 230 lb
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Wolf – 225 lb
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Militia – 220 lb
So there you go, I’m really at about the average height, and only one of the six is actually heavier than me…sometimes I feel like maybe I missed my calling. 
– B
Star Wars: The Clone Wars…in theaters…confirmed! February 12, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in Movies, Star Wars.Tags: Star Wars, The Clone Wars
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It was confirmed today that the new animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series will debut in theaters this fall, in fact, just in time for Gen Con (and my birthday), debuting on August 15th. Hopefully theater owners in Indy will be able to accommodate the crowd…I’m fairly certain that will be one of the biggest concentrations of Star Wars fans in the world on that particular weekend.
CAN. NOT. WAIT.
More news as it comes in…
Gearing up for Gen Con February 12, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in Conventions.Tags: Gen Con
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Even though Gen Con is half a year away, the time to get signed up is now. Pre-regging on-line is already open, and from what I’ve heard, the downtown hotel block is already sold through. Downtown rooms are still available, I reserved mine yesterday, but you likely will be on your own tracking them down.
If you are a fan of gaming, and you’ve never tried to hit a big gaming con, Gen Con would be nothing short of a fantastic experience. Indy is a great city with a great night life, just big enough to have plenty to do, but not so big that you can’t get around. And the whole city really turns into Gen Con central for that weekend once each year. Much of the action spills into the adjoining hotels…as EVERY room in the convention center gets booked up well in advance. Whatever type of games you are into, you are almost guaranteed to find something up your alley at the con. Last year video games began to share the limelight, and for those of you like me with young girls in your family, it just so happens that Bella Sara and Gen Con have something in common…Peter Adkison owns both companies. So, as you can imagine, Bella Sara had a nice presence at the con last year.
So that’s it for now…go hit the website and start signing up…I hope to see you there. – B
AVP Slot Machine Reviewed February 10, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in Reviews, Video Games.Tags: AVP, Slot Machines
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Last time I talked about the Star Wars penny slot machine I found at the Greektown Casino up in Detroit. This trip we went to the brand new MGM Grand. The MGM has been rebuilt, and is now more of a “Vegas Style” casino…they’ve added a few high end shopping kiosks and a very nice selection of restaurants and eating areas.
Anyway, after cruising the floor for a few minutes, I happened upon a single AVP 2 cent slot…just what I was looking to play. The Aliens machine has been around for a couple of years, but I’m guessing this one is rather new.
The machine was a lot of fund to play…most of the common spaces were various Predator weapons. Alien eggs were a step up from that, then the character squares of Predator, “net” Alien, and Alien Queen. In addition, there is a “triumphant” Predator scatter play and a “stalking” Alien side game activator. Finally, the AVP logo square was the WILD.
The side game is a lot of fun, and hit with some frequency. If you got 3 of the proper Alien icons in the first three reels, the side game launches. The side game has three levels, the firs level is the egg chamber. There are about seven eggs in the chamber, you choose one, and from a first person perspective a Predator arm and claw moves in and slices the egg. The number will either be just a multiplier (x2, x3), or a multiplier and an “ADVANCE”. Once you hit an advance you move to the next screen, where you choose an Alien Warrior to attack. From about seven, you choose your target, and the Predator throws one of the those ninja star type do dads they use. The result is always a number, and may also have a command to ADVANCE, or go back to the Egg Chamber. Going back to the chamber starts the sequence again. In either case, you take your multiplier and your number from the Alien, and get a total bonus. IF you advance to the third screen you face the Alien Queen above the surface…from there you pick one button to represent your attack, and can achieve either a final bonus, or continued attacks.
Anyway, to wrap it up, the game is fun. The normal gameplay is very standard, with the basics multi line play. The side game is a lot of fun, where you can kind of take your chances and more luck brings more bonuses. If you see it out, give it a shot.
LOST: “I’m here to rescue you!” February 8, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in TV.Tags: ImHereToRescueYou, LOST
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So…just when you thought we were going to focus on the Oceanic 6, we get 4 new characters instead. The Rescuers are the rest of Naomi’s team…and we find out they are all working for Abaddon. We also find out their true purpose is to find…Benjamin Linus. And guess what, Benjamin knows all about them too.
What’s interesting to me…if Benjamin has been on the island basically his whole life, why are people from the outside looking for him anyway? However, we know that he has agents in the “real world” (spying on Juliet’s sister for example), so clearly he has made his presence felt outside the island.
OK…quick hits on the four new characters…
Miles, the Ghostbuster…I think he is my favorite of the new four…he has a lot of spunk, he’s really trying to gut this out, though it’s clear he was somewhere between a huckster and a fraud before. Clearly he CAN talk to ghosts…but yet the best he can do on his own is find hidden money and what not. We see that he is also not without conscience…he struggles with the money that he took from the grandma’s house…and gives her some back. Interesting guy.
Daniel, the Physicist?…Did I catch that right? Of the group, he seems the most sympathetic…he appears unsure of their mission, and unwilling to come into confrontation. He must bring something important to the team that we haven’t seen yet.
Charlotte, the Archaeologist…notice she was packing the bullet proof vest…so they were expecting trouble. In Locke’s camp, she ends up more of a prisoner…but she seems to have a lot of knowledge about Dharma…so I’m interesting to see where that goes.
Frank, the Pilot…kind of an easy going guy…but with ties to Oceanic (was to be the pilot…knew the pilot, etc.) He appears to have his wits together quite well, and with Naomi gone, I see him as the leader of the group now.
Let’s not forget the dog.
So…next week we learn another member of the 6, and presumably begin to learn why they are after Benjamin. Miles has such a strong reaction…I can’t help but thing that he at least has a strong personal reason for wanting to find Benjamin.
One last plug…check out Nikki Stafford’s LOST columns over at Wizard Universe…she gives a great recap and is very interactive with the rest of us fans. – B
UDE to bring WoW to cmgs… February 7, 2008
Posted by webofwebhead in CMG, Previews, World of Warcraft.Tags: Minis, Warcraft, whydidn'tIthinkofthat, WoW
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ICV2 is reporting that Upper Deck, who currently puts out the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game will be releasing a collectible miniatures game based on the same property. Due later this year, the game will release in a format we are all familiar with, fixed starters, random starters, boosters, and a “giant” fig of Onyxia.
Similarly to the tcg, you will be able to play against your friends or against the game itself, much like the raid decks allow you to do in the tcg. This is also similar to playing against a figure like Galactus in HeroClix.
It is not known at this time whether or not the cmg will include “loot” in the same vein as the tcg. (Loot cards come with hidden codes that allow you to unlock exclusive content within the video game itself.) Since loot is the biggest selling point of the tcg, giving the mmorpg players a reason to collect the cards, I would be surprised if UDE didn’t use the same scheme in the minis game.
All things considered, with the tcg coexisting with Magic, I see no reason that the minis game can’t coexist with say…D&D minis. With Mage Knight long gone, a second fantasy based collectible minis game might just be what the fan base is looking for. It will be interesting to see if they can get the product out to both hobby retailers and the mass market.
UPDATE: You can view the official site HERE…there are a total of 4 figure sculpts previewed, as well as a short FAQ.
