Sequel on top of sequel, remakes and re-imaginings plentiful, the original, shining IP covered by a thick layer of bad mechanics, tired stories and unlikable characters.
A prime and obvious culprit would be Sonic. The first few games were incredible fun but then somehow SEGA got derailed into thinking we wanted to connect with the characters and Sonic needed more "friends". Sure, down the long line of sequels and remakes that Sonic has it managed to pull-off one or two great games but, what if it would've just stopped at a high point instead of the low bar it keeps tripping on every time now? Would we have demanded more of our lovable blue rodent or just admired it as a long lasting classic?
What I ask is, when is it time to let a franchise die?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Prologue Of DeWitt
Prologue
"The marvelous flying city of Columbia! Come get your head in the clouds!" the male announcer's voice echoed in my small dimly light room. The recording ended and the reel flapped aimlessly in it's place. An old commercial of a city forgotten by man. Lost in the endless blue void above our heads. A small lamp sat on the table where I was. Sitting on the old wooden chair that creaked with every breath I took. I reached over and turned off the humming recorder under the lamp. The desk was littered with paper clippings and reel recordings of the lost city. I sat there hands in my gray hair grasping at the few strands that still remained. I looked emptily at the big news paper cut-out of a smiling family flying high above a crowd of bewildered onlookers in a bell tower. This was progression. Our push forward towards the age of machines. This city was the epitome of all those grand strides forward. Most merely saw it as an attraction. A place to take their kids to on a dull Saturday evening. A sideshow. Not to me. To me this city was more precious than Atlantis. I had to find it again. I had to find her.
A few nights ago I received a call from a stranger...."I know what you're looking for." said the gravely disembodied voice in the receiver. "I know where it is." he continued "But you have to be willing' to do something' for us." I clutched the phone tightly, rage and anxiety condensing in my veins "Who is this?! Tell me what you know!" I shouted into the phone my hands trembling, knuckles white. The voice chuckles "DeWitt, it looks like the guys over at the agency weren't easy on yeh huh?" the voice chuckled again. "Anyways agent, I'll tell you where Columbia has floated off to. One condition though, find Elizabeth." I sat there in silence. My rage subsiding as the voice finally decided to stop playing his games. Who was this man? Elizabeth? How did he know my name? My gut clenched as I bought the receive up to my lips. "I'll find her.." I murmured but the voice heard as another chuckle escaped its throat "Excellent. Three nights from now. The Hudson river docks. Four A.M. Do not disappoint me agent." the phone laid there, dead in my hands.
I sat at my desk thinking about what may await me. These photographs and stories, could they be considered fairy tales now? Columbia has been hovering, lost from the eyes of man for years. Would there even be people there? This Elizabeth woman must be trapped up there in that floating prison. Glancing down at the pile of papers I wondered if people would really just abandon all of this. The television buzzed loudly and crackled then snapped off. I had my back to it so I didn't notice. I looked down at my watch, "ten to three" I said, running my hands over my hair once more. I got up and started pushing papers together in a pile, stuffing them into an old brown folder. I slid the folder to the side and got up, walking over to a small cabinet next to my small empty bed. Pulling one of the bigger drawers open I shuffled my hand into it and pulled out a small hand gun. "At least they let me keep this" I said smirking slightly. Holstering it on my belt and stuffing some extra bullets into my pocket, I shut the cabinet drawer. I reached over to my black fedora on the twisted coat-rack and put it on, sliding on my old blue coat after. My hand resting on the handle of the door I glanced around one last time, feeling deep in my chest that I wouldn't make it back. I snuffed out the lamp on my table, open the door and walked out into the creeping shadow of night.
The air was cold as I shut the door behind me. I could feel it constricting my lungs and my throat like a python. I pulled my coat close and began walking towards my car. The street lamps above humming dimly, like ghosts watching me silently in their ethereal states. Reaching into my coat pocket, I hugged the car keys tightly as I walked down the few broken steps leading to my apartment. I reached my car, unlocking it and sliding into the driver's seat. Slamming the car door shut, I let out a deep breath which instantly covered my front window in a white sheet of fog. Mumbling incoherently, I reached up and rubbed the window leaving a small patch of window uncovered. Starting my car it roared into life and I drove off towards downtown. The streets were mostly empty except for the few men coming out of work or the occasional bar letting out. Reaching my destination, I pull up close to the dock and stop under a streetlight. The dark water splashing against the cold dead wood.
Without even opening the windows the smell of fish and salt air filled my lungs. I put my wrist up to the light and check the time. “3:50” I murmured, looking out towards the old abandoned dock. I shut off my car engine and turn off the lights. The dock was a long walkway out into the river. There was a building adjacent to it which I imagined was the fishing depot. I glance back out towards the dock and see a rather large and circular object resting on the edge of the walkway. I squint hard trying to make out what that thing was when a shadow steps in front of my car. Then another. One of the shadows taps on the hood of my car, “Agent are you coming'?” I heard him say. Plucking the keys from the ignition I exit the car and slam the door behind me. “Who are you gentlemen and how do you know who I am?” I said quickly looking at their shadow hidden faces. One of them chuckles. The same damn chuckle from the phone. I can feel myself getting hot. “Relax agent, If we wanted to hurt you we would've already.” he says. He takes a step into the light revealing his face. Round clean shaven face with greasy black hair. His blue eyes glowed eerily under the lamps hue. He was short and round, his black attire making him look like a walking bowling ball. The other gentleman stepped forward as well. He was much taller and also dressed in black with a long narrow face, drooping eyes and a thin mustache that sat above his lip like a dead snake. The short one cleared his throat and looked back up to me “Enough with the small talk agent. I've already arranged your transportation to Columbia.” he said in a low serious tone. He turned and started walking towards the pier “This way agent.” he said over his shoulder. His companion was already trudging behind him silently. I started walking behind him slowly, a few feet between me and his tall companion. My mind was racing as we made our way towards the large orb I was eying earlier. He stopped in front of it and turned towards it. “Lights!” he said and a bulb exploded with bright yellow light illuminating the pier.
I gazed at the object before me without words to summarize my astonishment. It was a giant brown balloon with a rigid iron basket attached to the bottom. The platform looked like two oval bathtubs fused together. The front housed a few pedals, handles and a forked shaped steering wheel. The balloon itself was bigger than I thought, each side had two small wings attached to it. Under the wings where small propellers that sat like two silent witnesses to this majestic craft's grandeur. The balloon and platform where connected by crisscrossing wires as thick as hoses. It was tethered to the dock by chains instead of ropes. I examined the peculiar craft as the short man chuckled again “Ain't it something?” he walked over and put his hand on the side of the balloon “A variant of the balloons keeping Columbia floating. Just as strong though.” I didn't even notice that a third person had joined the two other men. A small rather twitchy looking older man stood at the control panel adjusting nobs. He was wearing a brown jacket and a brown pilot hat. “Ahh there you are old man!” the short man boomed as he patted him on the back. The old man shook every time the short man dropped his fat stubby hand on his back. “Y-yes sir.” the old man choked out after the short man finally stopped. “This is Mr. DeWitt old man. He's the one you'll be taking up to the city this fine morning.” said the short man his eyes trained on mines. The old man looked at me bewildered and stuck out his hand “A p-pleasure to meet you Mr. DeWitt.” he said in a nervous voice. His face was aged and wrinkled. A big white mustache covering his mouth. I shook his hand firmly “Likewise sir.” I said. “Alright so who is this Elizabeth woman and why do I need to take her with me?” I looked sternly at the short man. He didn't chuckle this time. “Agent, the less you know the easier your life will be. We had a deal. I get you up to Columbia, you bring down Elizabeth. The rest is not important.” he stared at me unblinking. I pressed on however “You have the means to get up there, why not rescue her yourself?” my heart was beating against my throat “If not you why not send Igor over here” I said pointing at the tall man “Or him” I said pointing at the old man as he winced. The short man chuckled loudly “ Oh DeWitt you are a riot my friend. I thought you wanted to go up to Columbia. Is the thought of actually having the means to get up there given you cold feet?” I took a deep breath as he continued, “If that's the case you can turn around, walk back to your car and drive back home and spend the rest of your days knowing you had the oyster in your hand and didn't take the pearl.” he said his eyes still glued on mine. Looking away I stared off into the distance. After a few minutes of silent thought I turned back to the short man. “Alright. Let's go.” “Excellent!” he said chuckling louder than ever.
Dawn was fast approaching. The narrow red sunbeams peaking from beyond the horizon. The tall man worked, detaching the thick rusted chains from the craft as it bobbed with every weight it lost. I stood there watching the old man talk with the short man over the craft console which was covered with a white map outlining proper coordinates and gauging speed conditions. I spent the time contemplating what was awaiting for me up there. Would I encounter any forces now that I knew about this Elizabeth woman? What kind of hostilities might they have to foreigners? Would they even let us land? These thoughts circled my head keeping me in a daze. I didn't even notice as the short man approached me “Everything is ready for your ascendent agent.” he said turning sideways. All the chains where off the craft and it was hovering about a foot off the ground. The old man was already inside pulling down goggles over his eyes and adjusting knobs again. The short man walked towards the craft and I followed slowly and cautiously as if it where a vicious dog. “Not afraid of heights are we agent?” the short man said stopping next to the craft. “It'll be a bit before you reach Columbia but I'm sure you two can find something to talk about!” he chuckled. How I wish I could strangle the laughter right out of him. The old man leaned over the side “C-come now please Mr. DeWitt, our wind conditions are favorable.” he said pushing the side door open so I could climb in. I hoisted myself up to the craft and stumbled slightly not being accustomed to being off the ground. The craft was actually pretty spacious on the inside. There where two looped straps on either side with buckles on the end. I examined them as the old man turned “I s-suggest you attach those to yourself Mr. DeWitt, they'll keep you from accidentally falling out.” he said in an almost amused voice. Not giving it second thought I busily buckled them around my waist as tight as I could handle. “R-right then here we go.” the old man said pushing o the forked steering wheel. The craft lurched forward and started to gain altitude slowly. My hands gripped the sides tightly, “Remember agent, find her!” I heard the short man yell from below me. I learned over and saw him, the tall man was already walking down the dock back to shore. We were already a few dozen feet off the dock. “Wait..what does she look like?!” I yelled down at him. I heard him chuckle “Don't worry agent! You'll know who she is as soon as you see her!” he yelled back cupping a hand over his mouth. “Good luck!” he finally said. I barely heard him, we were already about a hundred feet off the ground. The dock becoming smaller and smaller. I was on my way. Soon, I would be in Columbia. The sun peaked over the horizon, like an eye slowly opening in the morning.
…...After the agent was far enough, I walked back down towards the parking lot. First though, I turned and walked to the phone behind the fish factory. Picking up the receiver I recited a few numbers on the dial pad and waited. “Yes?” said a voice on the other end. “He's on his way.” I said in a low tone. “Perfect. I'll make sure he has a happy landing here.” said the voice on the other end. I hung up and fixed my black coat. I started walking back to were we were parked, chuckling along the way.......
The wind whistled past my ears as we climbed higher into the sky. By now the sun was already visible. We raced it up to the sky. I stood there in silence taking in the blue sky and white clouds. Griping the sides tighter I peaked slowly over the side. We were high over New York, the countryside covered in a colorful palette of greens and browns. The old man pulled a lever with a loud click and we started to slow down, drifting westward. He turned to me letting out a deep breath and smiling under his mustache. “I love the feeling of being up here.” he sounded calmer. “It's like being up on Mount Olympus, looking down at the mortals as they go about their daily toil.” he looked over the side as he said this. “Are you alright Mr. DeWitt?” he asked. I nodded slightly still gripping the sides tightly. He laughed “Afraid of heights eh? Don't worry sir, I built this craft myself and spared nothing to chance.” he reached up and patted the balloon “This balloon can take several gunshots and not falter.” The confidence in his voice seemed to ease me a bit as I loosened my grip, nail marks already indenting the side of the leather covered platform. “So you have to do this often?” I finally said. The old man's attention seemed to have drifted off as he was now looking out into the blue sky with a serene look on his face. My question seemed to have shook him out of it as he blinked a few times and turned to me again “Oh yes I've been to Columbia quite a few times actually. Every few days out of the year it drifts close enough to my home where I can just float up and see it. I've never actually landed on it though, I'm pretty sure I would encounter some hostility.” “Hostility?” I ask, “So there are people living there?”
“Yes that's right. A whole community actually.” he said. “Every time I've flown past it there's always people out enjoying the day, going about their business and so on. They look happy.” I think about what he's telling me and a dozen more questions arise. “They use the wind to pollinate their plants.” He says as if he's lost in his own thoughts. He was turned sideways looking out towards the clouds again. His elbows on the side of the platform. “They have a section of the city that they have fly close enough to the ground so that their vegetation can be cross pollinated and bloom during the spring season. Another section collects ice for water when they pass by the poles and another for waste disposal when they're out at sea. It's a beautiful creation Columbia.” he finishes in an almost dream like voice. I stand there, my mind clouded with a million thoughts, “Have you seen any artillery? Any type of defense system?” I suddenly say. The old man turns his head to me “I've never had any violent encounters so I ca-” a loud buzzing goes off. The control panel is suddenly light by a bright red light. The old man moves quickly back to the control panel “What the...this can't be right....” he says in a perplexed tone. I look out beyond him and see what looks like a black bird headed straight for us. “It's a cannonball!” he suddenly says looking up at it. He was right. It flew down faster and faster at us. The old man hits a lever and another loud click causes the craft to lurch forward. He pulls a cord and with a loud rev, both fans under the wigs burst into life with a loud cough of an engine. He grips the forked steering wheel tightly and pulls it with all his might to the right. I hold on tighter to the sides as the craft turns sharply to the right. The cannonball missed us by a few feet, I could heard the rush of wind as it flew by. “This is impossible! I've never encountered resistance from Columbia before!” shouted the old man as he climbed the vessel higher towards where the cannon was fired from. We were moving fast, still slightly tilted to the right. A loud boom echoed through the air and another cannonball sailed in our direction through a sea of clouds. “Hang on Mr. DeWitt!” shouted the old man as he weaved to the left. The cannonball grazed one of the tethers keeping the balloon apart and snapped it. It whipped furiously in the wind as we climbed higher and higher. We flew through the blanket of clouds and there it was, a sight like no other. The Atlantis of the sky, Columbia.
The towering buildings, the turning windmills, the banners and posters covered in patriotic fodder. I was in complete awe, dumbstruck by this gorgeous sight. Another loud boom shook me from the view as another cannonball flew towards us. The old man gave another might swerve to the left and the cannonball missed completely. “we need to get you on the ground!” the old man yelled as he frantically pulled at the forked steering wheel. He pulled on a lever on the floor of the craft and we started to descend . We flew over a few low buildings as yet another cannonball blasted in our direction. “Come on!” the old man yelled as he pulled to the left the cannonball missing us and hitting a nearby building. Brick and glass crumbled and fell off the building. We clipped a nearby sign and fishtailed. I held with all the strength I could muster as the old man regained control. I knew what I had to do. I reached down with one hand undoing the straps that held me to the craft letting them fall to the floor, the buckle clanging loudly. “What are you doing Mr. DeWitt?!” the old man shouted as he swerved through buildings and clothes lines. “You need to get out of here! I'll be fine!” I yelled as I took off my jacket and held each sleeve in hand. I looked over the edge and saw it. Where I needed to land. “Thanks for the ride old man!” I yelled and I jumped over the side of the craft. “DeWitt!!” the old man yelled but it was too late. I fell fast towards the ground of Columbia my coat flapping in the wind above me. “Come on...” I said as I fell the ground was coming up fast. With a tug I stopped falling and hung from the hand a a huge white statue with an American flag in its hand. I was still a few feet from the ground when I heard a clack as the hand gave way and broke off. I landed on my side the large stone hand falling a few feet from my head. I groaned and sat up watching the American flag the statue held fly off into the sky. I scanned the skies looking for a sign of the old man. Nothing. The cannons had not stopped firing though. I managed to see one and it was shooting downwards. I looked around knowing that I couldn't stay here for long without drawing attention to myself. I got to my feet and threw my jacket over the side of Columbia. I checked my belt for the gun and it was gone. It must have fell when I jumped. “Dammit all..” I said as I started walking over the large archway next to the statue. The sun was shinning brightly through it. Like the gates to heaven. It was engraved with the words “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.” I laughed to myself and walked through the arch. I made it. I was finally in Columbia.
"The marvelous flying city of Columbia! Come get your head in the clouds!" the male announcer's voice echoed in my small dimly light room. The recording ended and the reel flapped aimlessly in it's place. An old commercial of a city forgotten by man. Lost in the endless blue void above our heads. A small lamp sat on the table where I was. Sitting on the old wooden chair that creaked with every breath I took. I reached over and turned off the humming recorder under the lamp. The desk was littered with paper clippings and reel recordings of the lost city. I sat there hands in my gray hair grasping at the few strands that still remained. I looked emptily at the big news paper cut-out of a smiling family flying high above a crowd of bewildered onlookers in a bell tower. This was progression. Our push forward towards the age of machines. This city was the epitome of all those grand strides forward. Most merely saw it as an attraction. A place to take their kids to on a dull Saturday evening. A sideshow. Not to me. To me this city was more precious than Atlantis. I had to find it again. I had to find her.
A few nights ago I received a call from a stranger...."I know what you're looking for." said the gravely disembodied voice in the receiver. "I know where it is." he continued "But you have to be willing' to do something' for us." I clutched the phone tightly, rage and anxiety condensing in my veins "Who is this?! Tell me what you know!" I shouted into the phone my hands trembling, knuckles white. The voice chuckles "DeWitt, it looks like the guys over at the agency weren't easy on yeh huh?" the voice chuckled again. "Anyways agent, I'll tell you where Columbia has floated off to. One condition though, find Elizabeth." I sat there in silence. My rage subsiding as the voice finally decided to stop playing his games. Who was this man? Elizabeth? How did he know my name? My gut clenched as I bought the receive up to my lips. "I'll find her.." I murmured but the voice heard as another chuckle escaped its throat "Excellent. Three nights from now. The Hudson river docks. Four A.M. Do not disappoint me agent." the phone laid there, dead in my hands.
I sat at my desk thinking about what may await me. These photographs and stories, could they be considered fairy tales now? Columbia has been hovering, lost from the eyes of man for years. Would there even be people there? This Elizabeth woman must be trapped up there in that floating prison. Glancing down at the pile of papers I wondered if people would really just abandon all of this. The television buzzed loudly and crackled then snapped off. I had my back to it so I didn't notice. I looked down at my watch, "ten to three" I said, running my hands over my hair once more. I got up and started pushing papers together in a pile, stuffing them into an old brown folder. I slid the folder to the side and got up, walking over to a small cabinet next to my small empty bed. Pulling one of the bigger drawers open I shuffled my hand into it and pulled out a small hand gun. "At least they let me keep this" I said smirking slightly. Holstering it on my belt and stuffing some extra bullets into my pocket, I shut the cabinet drawer. I reached over to my black fedora on the twisted coat-rack and put it on, sliding on my old blue coat after. My hand resting on the handle of the door I glanced around one last time, feeling deep in my chest that I wouldn't make it back. I snuffed out the lamp on my table, open the door and walked out into the creeping shadow of night.
The air was cold as I shut the door behind me. I could feel it constricting my lungs and my throat like a python. I pulled my coat close and began walking towards my car. The street lamps above humming dimly, like ghosts watching me silently in their ethereal states. Reaching into my coat pocket, I hugged the car keys tightly as I walked down the few broken steps leading to my apartment. I reached my car, unlocking it and sliding into the driver's seat. Slamming the car door shut, I let out a deep breath which instantly covered my front window in a white sheet of fog. Mumbling incoherently, I reached up and rubbed the window leaving a small patch of window uncovered. Starting my car it roared into life and I drove off towards downtown. The streets were mostly empty except for the few men coming out of work or the occasional bar letting out. Reaching my destination, I pull up close to the dock and stop under a streetlight. The dark water splashing against the cold dead wood.
Without even opening the windows the smell of fish and salt air filled my lungs. I put my wrist up to the light and check the time. “3:50” I murmured, looking out towards the old abandoned dock. I shut off my car engine and turn off the lights. The dock was a long walkway out into the river. There was a building adjacent to it which I imagined was the fishing depot. I glance back out towards the dock and see a rather large and circular object resting on the edge of the walkway. I squint hard trying to make out what that thing was when a shadow steps in front of my car. Then another. One of the shadows taps on the hood of my car, “Agent are you coming'?” I heard him say. Plucking the keys from the ignition I exit the car and slam the door behind me. “Who are you gentlemen and how do you know who I am?” I said quickly looking at their shadow hidden faces. One of them chuckles. The same damn chuckle from the phone. I can feel myself getting hot. “Relax agent, If we wanted to hurt you we would've already.” he says. He takes a step into the light revealing his face. Round clean shaven face with greasy black hair. His blue eyes glowed eerily under the lamps hue. He was short and round, his black attire making him look like a walking bowling ball. The other gentleman stepped forward as well. He was much taller and also dressed in black with a long narrow face, drooping eyes and a thin mustache that sat above his lip like a dead snake. The short one cleared his throat and looked back up to me “Enough with the small talk agent. I've already arranged your transportation to Columbia.” he said in a low serious tone. He turned and started walking towards the pier “This way agent.” he said over his shoulder. His companion was already trudging behind him silently. I started walking behind him slowly, a few feet between me and his tall companion. My mind was racing as we made our way towards the large orb I was eying earlier. He stopped in front of it and turned towards it. “Lights!” he said and a bulb exploded with bright yellow light illuminating the pier.
I gazed at the object before me without words to summarize my astonishment. It was a giant brown balloon with a rigid iron basket attached to the bottom. The platform looked like two oval bathtubs fused together. The front housed a few pedals, handles and a forked shaped steering wheel. The balloon itself was bigger than I thought, each side had two small wings attached to it. Under the wings where small propellers that sat like two silent witnesses to this majestic craft's grandeur. The balloon and platform where connected by crisscrossing wires as thick as hoses. It was tethered to the dock by chains instead of ropes. I examined the peculiar craft as the short man chuckled again “Ain't it something?” he walked over and put his hand on the side of the balloon “A variant of the balloons keeping Columbia floating. Just as strong though.” I didn't even notice that a third person had joined the two other men. A small rather twitchy looking older man stood at the control panel adjusting nobs. He was wearing a brown jacket and a brown pilot hat. “Ahh there you are old man!” the short man boomed as he patted him on the back. The old man shook every time the short man dropped his fat stubby hand on his back. “Y-yes sir.” the old man choked out after the short man finally stopped. “This is Mr. DeWitt old man. He's the one you'll be taking up to the city this fine morning.” said the short man his eyes trained on mines. The old man looked at me bewildered and stuck out his hand “A p-pleasure to meet you Mr. DeWitt.” he said in a nervous voice. His face was aged and wrinkled. A big white mustache covering his mouth. I shook his hand firmly “Likewise sir.” I said. “Alright so who is this Elizabeth woman and why do I need to take her with me?” I looked sternly at the short man. He didn't chuckle this time. “Agent, the less you know the easier your life will be. We had a deal. I get you up to Columbia, you bring down Elizabeth. The rest is not important.” he stared at me unblinking. I pressed on however “You have the means to get up there, why not rescue her yourself?” my heart was beating against my throat “If not you why not send Igor over here” I said pointing at the tall man “Or him” I said pointing at the old man as he winced. The short man chuckled loudly “ Oh DeWitt you are a riot my friend. I thought you wanted to go up to Columbia. Is the thought of actually having the means to get up there given you cold feet?” I took a deep breath as he continued, “If that's the case you can turn around, walk back to your car and drive back home and spend the rest of your days knowing you had the oyster in your hand and didn't take the pearl.” he said his eyes still glued on mine. Looking away I stared off into the distance. After a few minutes of silent thought I turned back to the short man. “Alright. Let's go.” “Excellent!” he said chuckling louder than ever.
Dawn was fast approaching. The narrow red sunbeams peaking from beyond the horizon. The tall man worked, detaching the thick rusted chains from the craft as it bobbed with every weight it lost. I stood there watching the old man talk with the short man over the craft console which was covered with a white map outlining proper coordinates and gauging speed conditions. I spent the time contemplating what was awaiting for me up there. Would I encounter any forces now that I knew about this Elizabeth woman? What kind of hostilities might they have to foreigners? Would they even let us land? These thoughts circled my head keeping me in a daze. I didn't even notice as the short man approached me “Everything is ready for your ascendent agent.” he said turning sideways. All the chains where off the craft and it was hovering about a foot off the ground. The old man was already inside pulling down goggles over his eyes and adjusting knobs again. The short man walked towards the craft and I followed slowly and cautiously as if it where a vicious dog. “Not afraid of heights are we agent?” the short man said stopping next to the craft. “It'll be a bit before you reach Columbia but I'm sure you two can find something to talk about!” he chuckled. How I wish I could strangle the laughter right out of him. The old man leaned over the side “C-come now please Mr. DeWitt, our wind conditions are favorable.” he said pushing the side door open so I could climb in. I hoisted myself up to the craft and stumbled slightly not being accustomed to being off the ground. The craft was actually pretty spacious on the inside. There where two looped straps on either side with buckles on the end. I examined them as the old man turned “I s-suggest you attach those to yourself Mr. DeWitt, they'll keep you from accidentally falling out.” he said in an almost amused voice. Not giving it second thought I busily buckled them around my waist as tight as I could handle. “R-right then here we go.” the old man said pushing o the forked steering wheel. The craft lurched forward and started to gain altitude slowly. My hands gripped the sides tightly, “Remember agent, find her!” I heard the short man yell from below me. I learned over and saw him, the tall man was already walking down the dock back to shore. We were already a few dozen feet off the dock. “Wait..what does she look like?!” I yelled down at him. I heard him chuckle “Don't worry agent! You'll know who she is as soon as you see her!” he yelled back cupping a hand over his mouth. “Good luck!” he finally said. I barely heard him, we were already about a hundred feet off the ground. The dock becoming smaller and smaller. I was on my way. Soon, I would be in Columbia. The sun peaked over the horizon, like an eye slowly opening in the morning.
…...After the agent was far enough, I walked back down towards the parking lot. First though, I turned and walked to the phone behind the fish factory. Picking up the receiver I recited a few numbers on the dial pad and waited. “Yes?” said a voice on the other end. “He's on his way.” I said in a low tone. “Perfect. I'll make sure he has a happy landing here.” said the voice on the other end. I hung up and fixed my black coat. I started walking back to were we were parked, chuckling along the way.......
The wind whistled past my ears as we climbed higher into the sky. By now the sun was already visible. We raced it up to the sky. I stood there in silence taking in the blue sky and white clouds. Griping the sides tighter I peaked slowly over the side. We were high over New York, the countryside covered in a colorful palette of greens and browns. The old man pulled a lever with a loud click and we started to slow down, drifting westward. He turned to me letting out a deep breath and smiling under his mustache. “I love the feeling of being up here.” he sounded calmer. “It's like being up on Mount Olympus, looking down at the mortals as they go about their daily toil.” he looked over the side as he said this. “Are you alright Mr. DeWitt?” he asked. I nodded slightly still gripping the sides tightly. He laughed “Afraid of heights eh? Don't worry sir, I built this craft myself and spared nothing to chance.” he reached up and patted the balloon “This balloon can take several gunshots and not falter.” The confidence in his voice seemed to ease me a bit as I loosened my grip, nail marks already indenting the side of the leather covered platform. “So you have to do this often?” I finally said. The old man's attention seemed to have drifted off as he was now looking out into the blue sky with a serene look on his face. My question seemed to have shook him out of it as he blinked a few times and turned to me again “Oh yes I've been to Columbia quite a few times actually. Every few days out of the year it drifts close enough to my home where I can just float up and see it. I've never actually landed on it though, I'm pretty sure I would encounter some hostility.” “Hostility?” I ask, “So there are people living there?”
“Yes that's right. A whole community actually.” he said. “Every time I've flown past it there's always people out enjoying the day, going about their business and so on. They look happy.” I think about what he's telling me and a dozen more questions arise. “They use the wind to pollinate their plants.” He says as if he's lost in his own thoughts. He was turned sideways looking out towards the clouds again. His elbows on the side of the platform. “They have a section of the city that they have fly close enough to the ground so that their vegetation can be cross pollinated and bloom during the spring season. Another section collects ice for water when they pass by the poles and another for waste disposal when they're out at sea. It's a beautiful creation Columbia.” he finishes in an almost dream like voice. I stand there, my mind clouded with a million thoughts, “Have you seen any artillery? Any type of defense system?” I suddenly say. The old man turns his head to me “I've never had any violent encounters so I ca-” a loud buzzing goes off. The control panel is suddenly light by a bright red light. The old man moves quickly back to the control panel “What the...this can't be right....” he says in a perplexed tone. I look out beyond him and see what looks like a black bird headed straight for us. “It's a cannonball!” he suddenly says looking up at it. He was right. It flew down faster and faster at us. The old man hits a lever and another loud click causes the craft to lurch forward. He pulls a cord and with a loud rev, both fans under the wigs burst into life with a loud cough of an engine. He grips the forked steering wheel tightly and pulls it with all his might to the right. I hold on tighter to the sides as the craft turns sharply to the right. The cannonball missed us by a few feet, I could heard the rush of wind as it flew by. “This is impossible! I've never encountered resistance from Columbia before!” shouted the old man as he climbed the vessel higher towards where the cannon was fired from. We were moving fast, still slightly tilted to the right. A loud boom echoed through the air and another cannonball sailed in our direction through a sea of clouds. “Hang on Mr. DeWitt!” shouted the old man as he weaved to the left. The cannonball grazed one of the tethers keeping the balloon apart and snapped it. It whipped furiously in the wind as we climbed higher and higher. We flew through the blanket of clouds and there it was, a sight like no other. The Atlantis of the sky, Columbia.
The towering buildings, the turning windmills, the banners and posters covered in patriotic fodder. I was in complete awe, dumbstruck by this gorgeous sight. Another loud boom shook me from the view as another cannonball flew towards us. The old man gave another might swerve to the left and the cannonball missed completely. “we need to get you on the ground!” the old man yelled as he frantically pulled at the forked steering wheel. He pulled on a lever on the floor of the craft and we started to descend . We flew over a few low buildings as yet another cannonball blasted in our direction. “Come on!” the old man yelled as he pulled to the left the cannonball missing us and hitting a nearby building. Brick and glass crumbled and fell off the building. We clipped a nearby sign and fishtailed. I held with all the strength I could muster as the old man regained control. I knew what I had to do. I reached down with one hand undoing the straps that held me to the craft letting them fall to the floor, the buckle clanging loudly. “What are you doing Mr. DeWitt?!” the old man shouted as he swerved through buildings and clothes lines. “You need to get out of here! I'll be fine!” I yelled as I took off my jacket and held each sleeve in hand. I looked over the edge and saw it. Where I needed to land. “Thanks for the ride old man!” I yelled and I jumped over the side of the craft. “DeWitt!!” the old man yelled but it was too late. I fell fast towards the ground of Columbia my coat flapping in the wind above me. “Come on...” I said as I fell the ground was coming up fast. With a tug I stopped falling and hung from the hand a a huge white statue with an American flag in its hand. I was still a few feet from the ground when I heard a clack as the hand gave way and broke off. I landed on my side the large stone hand falling a few feet from my head. I groaned and sat up watching the American flag the statue held fly off into the sky. I scanned the skies looking for a sign of the old man. Nothing. The cannons had not stopped firing though. I managed to see one and it was shooting downwards. I looked around knowing that I couldn't stay here for long without drawing attention to myself. I got to my feet and threw my jacket over the side of Columbia. I checked my belt for the gun and it was gone. It must have fell when I jumped. “Dammit all..” I said as I started walking over the large archway next to the statue. The sun was shinning brightly through it. Like the gates to heaven. It was engraved with the words “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.” I laughed to myself and walked through the arch. I made it. I was finally in Columbia.
Monday, January 24, 2011
QTE (Quick Time Events)
The last thing I need while playing a game is a sudden reflex test.
So you're playing a game, enjoying a nice adventure, killing hellion monsters, when you suddenly trigger a cutscene. You're like "sweet I can take a break" and you put down your remote. Suddenly, you see a button flashes on your screen and then a death screen. You sit there thinking "what the hell just happened" so you hit retry and sure enough another button appears and you press it, then another, and another. You are trapped by a dreaded QTE(Quick Time Event).
I think QTE's are the most flow breaking things added to any game and serve no purpose but to torture anyone with a slow reaction time. The cutscene ones are the most annoying because you never see them coming and your controller is more than likely not in your hand.
Developers say its to keep the person in the action but I don't think it works when you're watching a tense, story climax cutscene and suddenly the X button pops up on your screen and pulsates "PRESS/MASH X TO PREVENT BEING CHOKED TO DEATH!!1" . It really kills the tension when you have to do it. Its like jumping up into a play and stealing the main characters part and starting reciting their lines horribly.
Of course there are the combat QTE's which are not so bad when its one or two buttons but when it extends to three or more it becomes a horrible twitchfest where you don't know whats going to happen and you're glancing back and forth from the prompt section to your remote making sure you press the right thing, making you oblivious to the actions your character is taking.
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