Friday, May 27, 2011

Star Wars Video Games

Star Wars is one of the most successful franchises of all time, and it's no surprise that there are a large amount of video games to choose from. The problem is, how do you know which ones to play? Of course, you could play them all, but that is not really practical considering the fact that there are over 50 different titles spanning various different consoles in the last decade alone. This guide is designed to introduce you to the six best titles from the last ten years. The number six was chosen since it correlates with the six movies in the franchise.
#6: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) -- Windows, Mac OS, PS3, PS2, Xbox360, Wii
This is a very popular title because of recent marketing campaigns by LucasArts (the creators of the game, and founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas). It is a third-person action game and features the use of state-of-the-art technology. The player assumes the role of Darth Vader's apprentice and must use their Lightsaber and force techniques to defeat enemies throughout the universe.
#5: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (2001) -- Nintendo GameCube
One of the most highly praised Star Wars games and one of the best overall on the GameCube console. This is a flight action game where the player assumes control of various spacecraft to complete the missions throughout the game. The game covers the original trilogy period which consists of Episodes 4-6 so there will be many familiar locations to those who are fans of the films.
#4: Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007) -- Windows, PS3, Xbox360, Wii
This game takes a different approach and depicts the Star Wars universe using Lego created characters and locations. It contains great humor and gameplay and is one of the most entertaining Star Wars experiences you can get on any platform. The Complete Saga will take the player from Episode 1 all the way through Episode 6.
#3: Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005) -- Windows, PS2, Xbox
Battlefront II builds upon its highly successful predecessor, Star Wars Battlefront, with improved gameplay, campaigns, and graphics. Additionally, Battlefront 2 adds new features such as allowing the player to play as Jedi and to take part in space battles. This is a great single player game, but is even more fun with a friend. Whether you choose to play as the Empire or Republic, you'll have a blast.
#2: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 -- The Sith Lords (2003) - Windows, Xbox
Commonly referred to as KOTOR 2, this is one of the most in-depth Star Wars experiences you will find. With a campaign lasting 40+ hours, there is plenty for you to explore and enjoy in this wonderful game. Classified as a third person RPG (role-playing game), the player assumes the role of an exiled Jedi Knight and must complete various quests and objectives to move along with the story. The choices you make will affect the outcome of the story and whether you represent the light side of the force, or give into the dark side.
#1: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) -- Windows, Xbox, Mac OS
Set 4000 years before the events of A New Hope, this took Star Wars and RPG games into a new direction. Using the same mechanics as its sequel KOTOR 2, Knights of the Old Republic slightly edges it out for the Number 1 game based on the greater storyline and the innovation contained within. It has won many awards including Game of the Year, and acted as the foundation for the future of Star Wars games at the time. If you are to only play one Star Wars game, it is highly recommended that you choose Knights of the Old Republic.
If you enjoy these games, be sure to keep an eye out for Star Wars: The Old Republic which is scheduled for a 2011 release. From the creators of Knights of the Old Republic, this new game is a MMORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) similar to games such as World of Warcraft, but takes place in the Star Wars universe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5645271

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Heart-Breaking and Sad Japanese Dramas

When I just got into Japanese dramas, I found them highly entertaining but each series are just so long! Each episode is usually an hour each, consisting of 23 episodes per season. They are so time consuming I wanted to make sure they were good before I got into them. Well the 3 dramas I've listed below will sure to make you crying like a baby and maybe call up an Ex and tell you how much he/she means to you. Resist the urge! Instead, grab another box of tissue and continue down the list. The series all contain star-crossed lovers, gorgeous lead actresses and actors and some tragic problem that the cruel world just had to place upon them to test the strength of their love.
1. Sekai no Chshin de, Ai o Sakebu (Crying out Love, In the Center of the World)
Adapted from Kyoichi Katayama's Novel and later turned into a movie. This drama started off the careers of 2 prominent teen actors: Yamada Takayuki Ayase Haruka
Synopsis: Matsumoto Sakaturo, presently age 34, is unable to move on with his life. He wakes up with tears in his eyes, unable to shake the ghost of his past. For the last 17 years, his heart has been filled with sorrow and guilt from losing his high school love, and perhaps the love of his life - Hirose Aki. Now visiting his old home town and bombarded with the past memories of their relationship as well as being confronted by his current relationship, Sakaturo must find a way to move on from the tragic part of his life. "I thought I might be using a lifetime's happiness in a moment. I was that happy and she was that beautiful."
2. 1 Litre no Namida (1 Liter of Tears)
Adapted from Aya Kito's diary, published shortly after her death.
Synopsis: about a girl who was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Degeneration an incurable degenerative disease at 15 just as she was coming of age. She discovers love just as she finds out her time is running out, exploring to the question of what happens when you have only a little time left to experience love.
3. Kamisama mou sukoshi dake (Please God, give me more time)
A tragic love story about a girl Kano Masaki played (Fukada Kyoko) who contracted HIV after selling her body to pay for concert tickets to her idol- famous composer Ishikawa Keigo (Kaneshiro Takeshi). After the concert Masaki chased after Keigo in the rain. After seeing her drenched from head to toe, Keigo offers to let her stay the night at his apartment where they developed a unique relationship.
So there you have it, three dramas guaranteed to have your hearts beating and your eyes watering and lumps forming in your throat. I just have one request - please don't email me afterward yelling at me, asking why I was so mean as to suggest such heart breaking tales. Don't fret! I plan to give you top 3 Japanese Comedies! Guaranteed to have happy endings, so you can see the lighter side of the world!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5058161

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Star Trek the Next Generation

Star Trek the next generation Internet TV is just by the name one of the most appealing way to get audiences to the Internet. Star Trek, if not the most popular TV series ever produce, is definitely one of the most successful and its content was so innovative and groundbreaking that attracted the attention of millions of people in different ages and crossing generations. We should also keep in mind the extreme popularity of Star Trek world wide that guaranteed a long success to the series.

Today Star Trek is still extremely popular and the whole concept is a perfect fit for an internet content, as TV introduced the next generation of Star Trek to people that were used up to the moment, to watch the original series and motion pictures on the theater. In the same way, the Internet is now offering the opportunity to watch all of them together, online right in front of your eyes, at the comfort of your computer on star trek the next generation internet TV experience.

This is a simply fantastic thing and anybody can count on interacting with some of their favorite content. Of course Star Trek the next generation Internet can be also a research experience, as people, while they are watching, can actually find more and more information on Star Trek and, on top of that, if they want, they can even buy gadgets and supplies for their collections. This is the beauty of the Internet and Star Trek fits right into it.

The easiest way to watch Star Trek Next-Generation online is with the TVChannels2PC Internet TV software [http://satellitetvoninternet.com/] For a small one time investment you will have access to live sports, full episodes, movies, news, weather and much more. Why pay high monthly fees for satellite or cable?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1294344

Monday, May 2, 2011

Halloween Films - Top 10 Scary Movies of All Time

The 10 Scariest Films of All Time make for a great Halloween affair. It's not just about the screams - plenty of movies can give a cheap thrill. The 10 scariest films of all time are all about establishing a haunting, terrifying atmosphere that will linger in your dreams for years to come. Not for the weak of heart, here are our 10 scariest films of all time.
  1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - More realist than many of the movies in this list, The Silence of the Lambs delves into the crime genre with more flair than has been seen since. One of the many films on this list that was originally considered a box office failure, but it's popularity grew exponentially from its pure excellence.
  2. The Shining (1980) - If you're a horror fan, and you haven't seen The Shining, see it now. The Shining is better known for the Steven King book, but the movie tackles horror in its own uniquely terrifying way.
  3. Alien (1979) - The movie that spawned an entire franchise. Before the Alien vs Predator prequels, Alien was a landmark horror film that stunned both critics and audiences with its sci-fi undertones and terrifying horror scenes. It was a tremendous success in sales, but its popularity has died off after so many sequels.
  4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) - An all-time horror classic, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre is still embedded in popular consciousness. It's 2003 remake failed to capture the same audience, and this remains a landmark film in many ways.
  5. Paranormal Activity (2007) - Paranormal Activity is one of the most uniquely horrifying films ever released. The fact that it was produced for such a low budget (less than $200,000 USD) just makes the movie even more impressive. Quiet and brilliantly timed horror.
  6. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - One of the landmark slasher films, Nightmare on Elm Street can be hard to watch. It's scary, yes, but it's also bloody and gory. It has only gained in reputation since it was released.
  7. The Exorcist (1973) - One of the most famous horror movies ever, The Exorcist is based in paranormal activity gone very wrong. Science and modern thought pale in comparison to the paranormal in this movie, and even the exorcist is unable to control the evil.
  8. Poltergeist (1982) - This movie is so cursed, even the people who starred became effected by it. Poltergeist was a great movie that remains edgy and terrifying to this day, and the sudden deaths of many of its cast members only adds to its mystique.
  9. Friday the 13th (1980) - Another classic, the original Friday the 13th was easily the best movie out of its series, and continues to be a landmark movie in pop culture. One of the major reasons why people know better than to go out in the woods by themselves.
  10. Nosferatu (1922) - To be honest, many modern movie watchers will have a tough time being scared during this movie. But while Nosferatu wasn't the first horror movie, it set the standard for horror for an entire era of films.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4776150