geek – Page 276 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Fifteen 2019 SEA Games events in Subic Bay

March 2, 2019March 3, 2019carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority announced today that it will soon start its preparation of the facilities and other pieces of infrastructure in relation to its hosting of seventeen events of the 2019 edition of the Southeast Asian Games (30th SEA Games). The Philippines is the host country and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is undeniably playing a major role.

The 15 sports events assigned to the Freeport Zone by the SEA Games committee are canoe/kayak, TBR dragon boat, chess, muay, duathlon, triathlon, pencak silat, table tennis, aquatics-open water swim, modern pentathlon, sailing, wind surfing, sepak takraw, handball-beach and volleyball-beach. All these details were sourced from the SEA Games organizing committee.

The listed venue for duathlon and triathlon is Boardwalk, Building 229 area.

Very recently I watched the My Daily Collagen Triathlon at Subic Bay which was a nicely organized and fun event. As I’ve personally observed for many years now, Subic Bay is a great destination for sports, tourism, shopping, business and family bonding. It’s no surprise to me that duathlon (run-bike-run) and triathlon (swim-bike-run) are to be held for the SEA Games there.

Ramon Agregado, the SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator, stated that their administration expects to being project construction in the first week of March to upgrade existing facilities and turn them into world-class sports accommodations.

“The centerpiece of Subic’s infrastructure development project for the 2019 SEA Games will be the Remy Field. Its present six-lane track will be turned into a nine-lane oval complemented by three practice lanes, as well as shower rooms, dressing rooms and a new, bigger grand stand,” Agregado stated.

The administrator also said that existing venues scheduled for rehabilitation include the SBMA Tennis Court, the Subic Gymnasium and the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. While undergoing rehabilitation, they will be closed to the public temporarily.

With regards to budgeting, Agregado confirmed that a total of P170 million has been set by the national government for the Subic Bay SEA Games preparation. The SBMA however expects a higher amount to cover the required development. In recent times, the SEA Games budget was reduced by the national government from P7.5 billion to P5 billion.

As a whole, there will be 56 sports, with an estimated 8,750 athletes and team officials; 2,050 technical officials, 1,500 press and media attendees; 12,000 volunteers; targeting more than 500 million viewers; converging, cooperating for the SEA Games this year. The event is set to happen November 30 up to December 11.

For more info visit the official 2019 SEA Games website.

For triathlon and duathlon, visit the TRAP Facebook page.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article to be engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco.

Can Dark Phoenix (X-Men) Deliver The Fun In Cinemas This June?

February 28, 2019March 4, 2019carlocarrasco

The newest movie poster of Dark Phoenix (or X-Men: Dark Phoenix in some other countries) has been released and so has the second movie trailer which you can watch right here.

Previously scheduled for a November 2018 release, Dark Phoenix is all set to to fill up the movie screens – including IMAX – in cinemas around the world this June and fans of the X-Men movies developed by 20th Century Fox will finally be getting their fill of fun.

The new movie is the 2nd cinematic adaptation of the classic Dark Phoenix storyline of the X-Men comics. It has superstar Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix, James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops and Jessica Chastain as an alien shapeshifter. Given the fact that 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past erased X-Men: The Last Stand (the unfaithful Dark Phoenix adaptation) from canon, the 2019 X-Men film will be the DP cinematic story to see.

Screenshot_20190228-140304~2.png — *Space travel confirmed for the newest cinematic adaptation of Dark Phoenix. There was space travel also in the comic books of the Dark Phoenix storyline.*

Dark Phoenix is set in the year 1992 (9 years after X-Men: Apocalypse) and Charles Xavier’s team of mutants face their most formidable and powerful foe yet who happens to be one of their own…Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean gets hit by a mysterious cosmic force. As a result, she gains tremendous power but struggles to contain it. What makes things more difficult is her raging emotions.

At least from its premise, the movie has potential. I myself am an X-Men fan as well as a long-time comic book collector. The Dark Phoenix Saga is one of my favorite storylines of not just the X-Men but of all superhero comics in general. I could never forget the very powerful storytelling pulled off by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. The Dark Phoenix Saga in comics has always been very engaging to read on my part.

Within that storyline, the stakes were raised very high and each member of the team – Charles Xavier, Colossus Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler and others – each had a nice contribution to the overall development of the team as it struggled with the moral complications related to Jean Grey’s struggle with Dark Phoenix not to mention her being responsible for the countless deaths of inhabitants of planets destroyed. Also included in the saga was the Hellfire Club

Screenshot_20190228-140438~2.png — *Quicksilver moving towards a very powerful Jean Grey.*

Naturally I cannot expect Simon Kinberg and his team to pull off a 100% faithful adaptation of the literary storyline. As such he and his creative team have a story of conflict and division that looks like will challenge each X-Men member personally as their team struggles with Jean Grey.

The newest movie trailer is an improvement over the previous one and now the cinematic plot looks clearer. I just hope that the marketing team at 20th Century Fox did not reveal potential surprises from the movie.

As much as I enjoyed the X-Men movies and comics, there are a few signs of concern that can potentially make Dark Phoenix a major disappointment.

The first sign is that this movie is Simon Kinberg’s directorial debut. Checking his record on IMDB.com, he worked as a screenwriter, producer and as Second Unit Director (notably on the pathetic 2015 Fantastic Four movie). I’m not putting Kinberg down but those credentials don’t convince me he could effectively direct a solid film. As I learned in film school from my Hollywood mentor almost 15 years ago, the film debut of a Hollywood director is often the worst film as he makes more films.

Many times in Hollywood, the director’s 2nd movie turned out not only a major improvement over his/her first film but also a critical and/or commercial hit. Look at the 2009 Star Trek movie which was J.J. Abrams‘ 2nd movie as director. That was a critical hit and it grossed $385,680,446 worldwide. Remember when Iron Man 3 made $1,214,811,252 in global ticket sales in 2013? That movie was Shane Black‘s 2nd directorial effort!

I can only hope that Kinberg can prove me wrong by making a really great and fun movie despite the tremendous odds stacked against him. It is very rare that a movie directed by a first-time director would become a hit. Maybe Kinberg can pull off a Dances With Wolves with Dark Phoenix.

The next sign is that key storytelling elements from the 2006 disappointment X-Men: The Last Stand seem to be resurfacing in the new movie according to the latest trailer released today. Those elements include Charles Xavier taking special responsibility of Jean Grey when she was a little girl. Jean Grey becoming unstable with her tremendous power which affects her relationship with the X-Men. Also if you look closely at the movie poster posted below, you will notice Jean Grey wearing (on the other half) a coat that resembles what the X-Men: Last Stand Jean Grey (then played by Famke Jansen) wore.

FB_IMG_1551243291900~2.jpg — *The official movie poster from 20th Century Fox.*

Still there is potential in the movie to deliver something new as far as storytelling is concerned. Key portions of the latest trailer show Cyclops showing greater concern for Jean Grey (which reminds me of what I read in The Dark Phoenix Saga) and he even pushes Charles Xavier to answer his questions. Xavier could only say “I don’t know what to do!”

It has been reported that Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige reviewed the script of Dark Phoenix although it’s not necessarily a sure sign that the X-Men cinematic universe will end and somehow the X-Men will become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) within the movie.

Even though there are uncertainties, I intend to watch Dark Phoenix in the local cinemas this June. The uncertainties actually motivate me watch and find out the answers if there are any. Also I want to experience again the fun of watching Fassbender, McAvoy, Lawrence and Hoult reprising their roles. Sophie Turner meanwhile proved to be good as Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse and I really want to see her portray the character struggling with the Phoenix. I am confident she can do a much better job than Famke Jansen.

Now if only the clock could move faster…

Don’t be limited with hearing. Do the Word!

February 26, 2019September 18, 2019carlocarrasco

In the local society we live in, many of us mistake hearing with learning and making a difference with it. Take for example someone heard a rumor that there was gun shooting incident at a certain part of the local community but he never bothered to investigate nor verify how true it is. Worse, the hearer believes in the rumor and starts thinking he knows a lot about it and then he talks about it to his neighbors sounding like it is factual. Think about how many people he misled with what he only heard. Think about the danger of unverified allegations passing from one neighbor to another.

The truth of the matter is that hearing itself is insufficient when it comes to making a difference in life. Hearing only can be misleading if the information heard is false or just a piece of fiction or an exaggeration meant to mislead people. Hearing only gives a person the false idea that he/she learned something valuable. Hearing only is not the same becoming enlightened. Hearing only is not the same as verifying the facts.

In the spiritual life, hearing is not good enough and as believers in the Lord we have a responsibility to not only learn about the Word of God but to act with it starting with applying it in our lives. As believers, we must stop being hearers and strive to be doers. Doers of the Word specifically!

Here’s an excerpt from the Holy Bible.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

James 1: 21-25 (NKJV)

Verses 23 to 25 of James Chapter 1 refers to God’s Word, the purifier of holy living. Purity of life is not a quest for perfection as much as it is a quest for liberation from those things that may inhibit effectiveness and reduce power-filled living. The Word of God is expressed as a means of reflection – a mirror into which we are to look and see ourselves. The Bible has a corrective instruction and also an unwritten lesson. We should avoid the temptation to see (and judge) others in the Word, analyzing what they ought to do, instead of what we need to do.

Moving back to hearing and doing, it is clear that we are better off as doers than hearers. What we learn from Bible Study sessions or learning from the biblical lessons emphasized by the pastor to us during Sunday worship service, we must apply into our lives. We can also spread the good news of the Lord to the many unsaved souls out there and free those who have been trapped by religion. We must emphasize to the unsaved souls that there is more to the personal relationship with God than there is to religion.

Along the way, we should not forget to humble ourselves and do things properly. We can also stop living with the beggar mentality when praying to the Lord. We can also get rid of religion (along with its idols, rituals, so-called blessed sacraments, repetitive prayers and traditions that have little or even nothing to do with the Holy Bible) which has too long been hindering people from establishing a true and living relationship with God.

Religion is also a convenient tool used by Satan to not only prevent Christians from connecting with the Lord, but also to steal God’s Word from them. May I remind you, dear readers, that Satan is a loser for he has been defeated by the Lord countless generations ago. While religion teaches people that Satan is all-powerful and has an army to counter God, he (the enemy) is really just a lone loser who uses deception, distraction, manipulation and lies to bring down Christians and take them away from the Lord. Clearly Satan does not want any of us to read the Holy Bible, apply its lessons into our lives, worship the Lord and continue having a living relationship with Him.

To learn the lessons from the Holy Bible and applying them into our lives and acts are ways to keep Satan down.

How to do things properly? Learn again what was taught to us and grow with it. Learn from this passage from the Bible.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of us have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 5: 12-14 (NKJV)

Once we grasp what we learned and do things properly under the guidance of the Lord, we can take action to deepen our personal relationship with Him, save the unsaved souls and make a tremendous positive impact on the world. That is an achievement worth doing!

DC Comics: The Art of Jim Lee coming soon

February 25, 2019February 26, 2019carlocarrasco

If you love DC Comics as well as Jim Lee’s art, then you should watch out for the upcoming release of DC Comics: The Art of Jim Lee Vol. 1 (hardcover).

*Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman as drawn by the great Jim Lee with ink by the great Scott Williams.*

The publisher described the product as an over-sized art book showcasing Lee’s artwork from his decades-long career. Apart from DC Comics-related works, the new book will come with his early work with WildStorm Productions (WildCATs, Gen13, Deathblow, etc.)

The book will also feature HUNDREDS of covers plus behind-the-scenes art from the artist’s career.

According to DC Comics, the collection will be released on November 27, 2019 for $39.99 containing over 400 pages of content.

Imagine the collection with Lee’s drawings of Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, WildCATS, Justice League, Gen13, etc. So much fun stuff to look forward to.

I remember way back in 1991 when I was still in high school reading a copy of X-Men #1 (Volume 2) published by Marvel Comics.

I marveled at how great Jim Lee’s art was back then and I even wished to see DC Comics superheroes like Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman get drawn by him.

Guess what? Jim Lee sold his production company to join DC Comics in the late 1990s and had been with them ever since.

I was fortunate enough to see Lee from a distance during the final day of the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con. Nothing like seeing the great legend in person.

A look back at Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

February 22, 2019February 22, 2019carlocarrasco

My Resident Evil 3 article updated for your enjoyment.

Author Carlo Carrasco

Screenshot_20190115-204136~2.png

First released in late 1999 on the PlayStation console in America, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Japan title: Biohazard: Last Escape) was a notable game of the Resident Evil franchise that not only proved to be a lot of fun but also a memorable experience for fans. To this day the game is fondly remembered.

In recent times, the Resident Evil franchise made waves with gamers worldwide with Resident Evil 7 (which came with a very daring change of style and gameplay) and the Resident Evil 2 remake demo (which I played the full 30 minutes of). The RE2 demo instantly brought back my own memories of enjoying the PlayStation version of early 1998. Granted, Resident Evil 2 in 1998 was truly a great sequel and its concept was epic compared to its predecessor’s. Because that game was a major blockbuster, Capcom had to come up with worthy follow-ups.

Then…

View original post 1,906 more words

My Observations: Union Jack Tavern’s Apple Crumble

February 22, 2019carlocarrasco

Previously I discussed the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert of Union Jack Tavern on a visit. I had that dessert because they ran out of Apple Crumble. During my last visit, Apple Crumble was finally available for me to enjoy.

IMG_20190217_160719~2.jpg — *Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream on top!*

To put things in perspective, I availed of UJT’s Sunday lunch buffet many times over the past five years and often Apple Crumble is served as the dessert. Ordering it from the menu results a large serving with a choice of one large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or custard. Apple Crumble ala cart costs over P200.

How was it? With vanilla ice cream served with it, Apple Crumble really tastes very, very delicious! For me vanilla ice cream combined with the apple portions and other sweet ingredients result something very delightful to my taste bud. Also there is that nice feeling in my mouth in which the ice cream mixed with the somewhat warm apple crumble created together.

Of course, there were a few times I tried Apple Crumble with custard (somewhat warm) and it is also delightful. Slightly different but still very yummy.

IMG_20190217_160843~2.jpg — *With the ice cream reduced as well as the apple crumble, you can see what’s inside. Really yummy goodness!*

What can I say? Apple Crumble of Union Jack Tavern, whether served with ice cream or custard, is a winner for me and I highly recommend you try it! The serving is large by the way and you will get your money’s worth!

If you are visiting Alabang in Muntinlupa City, I highly recommend you visit Union Jack Tavern which is located at the lower ground floor of the Expanded Area of Festival Mall. Physically their place is located by the “river” (across Landmark Alabang) and near them is Mesa restaurant.

A Look Back At Spider-Man 2099 #1

February 19, 2019carlocarrasco

I remember decades ago when superhero comic book collecting was exciting with trends of comic creators unleashing their newest owned projects and comic book publishers publishing new comic books expanding their existing universe.

In 1992, Marvel Comics announced the launch of the 2099 universe which highlights a far, futuristic possible universe of their comic book universe laced with visual inspiration from Blade Runner and an emphasis of what the future would be like had private corporations had more control over people and society.

What kicked off interest with the 2099 imprint was the announcement of Spider-Man 2099 which is obviously a far future counterpart of the famous Peter Parker Spider-Man people knew.

Here is my look back at the comic book Spider-Man 2099 #1.

Released in late-1992 by Marvel Comics, Spider-Man 2099 #1 came with a hard cover laced with red foil and in the middle was art of the superhero chased by flying police officers. The image easily reminded me of Peter Parker Spider-Man escaping from police officers who thought he committed crime.

With its story written by the legendary Peter David and drawn by Rick Leonardi (who drew some Spider-Man comics previously), the comic book introduced readers to Miguel O’Hara who is a very talented geneticist working for Alchemax with an interest on the original Spider-Man (Peter Parker). As head of the company’s genetics project (working under Aaron Delgado who answers to R&D Vice President Tyler Stone), the Latino O’Hara planned to create new and powerful beings called “corporate raiders” (which reflects Alchemax’s planned control over them).

O’Hara intends to create a new being with abilities and specialties similar to that of the classic Spider-Man and it is clear in the story that he has vested interest with him having existing records from the past.

Spib — *The classic Spider-Man referenced in this page.*

Even with very high-tech equipment and resources, a genetic experiment using a living person went horribly wrong which brought way down O’Hara’s morale and spirit. Discouraged and filled with guilt he visits Stone’s office to express his desire to resign. Seeking to calm O’Hara down, Tyler offers him a drink and at this point of the story things really start taking twists leading to how O’Hara becomes Spider-Man of his era. You’ll just have to read the comic book.

From a visual standpoint, Rick Leonardi did a nice job bringing 2099’s society to life with those high-tech machines, floating vehicles, buildings with very futuristic designs, nice looking action, etc. On pages 2 and 3 you’ll see Spider-Man 2099’s first-ever appearance literally coming straight at you which is to say the least memorable. Oh yes, the late Al Williamson inked the art.

Storytelling was nicely paced. The chase and action scenes in the start were pretty fast and clearly Peter David took his time controlling the pace when it came down to emphasizing characters and telling the back story. He really defined Miguel O’Hara’s personality and within a few minutes any reader will realize that the protagonist is not the “typical and likable” hero some would expect.

In fact Miguel O’Hara is somewhat arrogant and even had the guts to stand up to Tyler Stone. He’s a lonely guy as well and spends a lot of time interacting and depending on Lyla, a holographic aid with artificial intelligence.

With regard to the presentation of genetics, Peter David was clearly influenced by the 1986 movie The Fly directed by David Cronenberg. Even that movie’s title was mentioned in the comic book. That being said the story shed light on the risks and possible unethical approach to scientific experiments that involved the manipulation of human genetics. Along the way it clearly dramatizes the complete power and freedom (and abuse perhaps) Alchemax enjoys with its operations and that nothing could stop them.

Overall Spider-Man 2099 #1 is worth looking for and collecting even though it is decades old. Sure it has that 1990s vibe in terms of visuals but it is indeed refreshing to read especially after reading many of today’s “modern” art in comics (especially with the recent Spider-Man 2099 comics). As far as importance is concerned, Spider-Man of 2099 is truly valued by Marvel and clearly the character truly defines the 2099 imprint. It is no surprise that Spider-Man 2099 was brought back when Marvel launched a new line of 2099 comic books back in 2015.

Even until now Spider-Man 2099 #1 is still one of the very best 2099 comic books ever released. It is a classic in its own right. I suggest visiting your local comic book store to find an existing copy of it.

Thank you for reading. If you found this article to be engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco.

Author’s Note: This article was originally published at my old Geeks and Villagers blog. What you read on this website was an updated and expanded version. In other words, this newest version you just read is the most definitive version.

A Look Back At Freex #1

February 18, 2019carlocarrasco

I want to say that I am a fan of Marvel’s X-Men. Given the long publication history as well as how many creators – most notably Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Jim Lee and Whilce Portacio – defined and redefined them through the ages, the X-Men for me is the best superhero team comic franchise from Marvel.

Back in 1993, Malibu Comics launched a new line of superhero comic books called the Ultraverse and there I was inside a comic book store along Presidents Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque one time struggling to decide which of the many Ultraverse launch titles displayed to buy with my very limited budget. As I was very fond of the superhero team dynamics of the X-Men, I bought Freex #1.

Written by Gerard Jones with art by Ben Herrera (inked by Mike Christian), Freex #1 introduces Ray/Boomboy (a guy who lived hidden from the public due to his abnormal body), Valerie/Pressure (a very bitter lady who could produce steam or plasma out of sweat), Lewis/Anything (a guy who could reshape his body), Angela/Sweetface (who has several fleshy tentacles from her body) and Michael/Plug (a digital escapee).

The comic book emphasizes the five individuals’ respective struggles with not only their abilities but also with being social outcasts. This eerily parallels Marvel’s X-Men in more ways than one. The big difference is that the Freex do not have a mature adult to guide them nor do they have a large estate to hide and live in. Clearly the Freex are in a desperate situation to survive and realize their destiny.

In terms of storytelling, the pacing is fine and for the most part character development or spotlight was noticeably invested on three of the five Freex which is understandable since the comic book had only twenty-five pages of story and art. In terms of spectacle, there presentation is nice and the action scenes nicely reflect what the characters could do.

Going back to character development, I find Boomboy’s back story to be the most interesting. Due to his rock-like appearance, his family had no choice but to hide him in the basement for an unspecified number of years. Unsurprisingly he became very lonely and he dealt with loneliness by reading a book about a certain literature classic.

Due to his high consumption related to his abnormal condition, Boomboy’s family realized that feeding him was too costly and they found a place where he could be transferred to and receive special care. Thinking that he would end up like a slave at the new place, Boomboy naturally rebels and forcefully leaves the house causing damage.

For the first time, Boomboy explores the suburban exterior while causing people nearby to panic as he looks like some monster to them. The uncertainty for him ended when Lewis meets and welcomes him.

Freex3 — *It truly is very hard to be social outcasts.*

Very notably, Boomboy claims that “Huck” (actually Anything) saved him and went on to really believe in him.

Being an X-Men fan, I noticed that Freex has some similar themes with Marvel’s superhero team in the sense that there is a group of individuals with special abilities (or abnormalities as some would call them) who are noticeably rejected by members of the local society they live in. Valerie said it correctly: So we are here, right? Living in some locked-up squat, stealing to eat with the cops all over us!

Valerie’s words captured the desperate situation of Freex. They don’t have a mature leader to look up to. They cannot go back to where they came from. They cannot reunite immediately with the people who care for them. They are already rejected by the local authorities.

Overall, I find Freex #1 as engaging as it was when I first read it way back in 1993. It has aged nicely with its fine mix of drama and spectacle composed with a more mature audience in mind. If you are a comic book collector looking for 1990s concepts or if you want something similar to the X-Men or even DC Comics’ Teen Titans, then I recommend this comic book.

It’s too bad that Marvel bought out Malibu Comics and shut them down. As of this writing, Freex and the rest of the Ultraverse characters and concepts are all in limbo and remain unused by Marvel for decades now.

Freex4 — *Freex with a stronger superhero look they adapted later in their short-lived comic book series.*

Still I can imagine the unlikely scenario that Marvel Studios (under the orders of their parent company the Walt Disney Company) would revive someday the Ultraverse properties in a limited way without cannibalizing their very own superhero properties already in use in movies. I think Freex would make an interesting animated series or as a video game or as action figures. Truly there is still good entertainment potential with Freex similar to the other Ultraverse franchises.

Crackdown 3’s Critical Reception Should Concern Gamers Who Want The Best Value For Their Money

February 18, 2019carlocarrasco

I am a gamer who owns an Xbox One console and I always want the best value possible in return for the amount of money I spend on buying new video games.

For this current console generation, Xbox One’s lineup of exclusive games has not been very engaging compared to what was offered on Xbox 360 in the previous generation. To put things in perspective, the start of the current console generation was pretty bad for Xbox One and things slowly started to improve when Phil Spencer replaced Don Mattrick as the head of Xbox.

While the improvements continued to develop, it’s too late for Xbox One to match sales success of Xbox 360 and it only made sense for Microsoft to prepare themselves focusing on the next-generation.

Ironically, something from the embarrassing build-up of Xbox One finally got released commercially and that game is Crackdown 3.

To put things in perspective, Crackdown 3 was first announced at E3 of 2014 exclusively for Xbox One. It went through a very troublesome production and it was heavily delayed before finally getting released on February 15, 2019.

Now that the game is out, you must be wondering how did the video game critics react to it. Sad to say, Crackdown 3 was not the stellar hit and I’m not really surprised.

According to the game critics…..

Crackdown 3 shows very little in the way of learning from the past or learning from the other open-world games that have graced consoles over the last nine years. Instead it feels slight, mindless, and dull. It feels like a gussied-up first-generation Xbox One game. ~ Giant Bomb

Crackdown 3 is just more Crackdown. For some players, that will be enough. But compared to what Crackdown 3 initially promised, what we ended up with seems lacking in depth and destruction. ~ EGM

Crackdown 3 makes no sense on paper. Its story is nonsense, you spend way too much time searching for hidden orbs and leveling up, and the presentation isn’t anything spectacular. And yet, the over-the-top madness and hilarious, memorable moments it brought me made it impossible to put down. ~ GamingTrend

Crackdown 3 just doesn’t meet contemporary standards as a premium $60 title, with dated visuals, thin gameplay features, and an under-delivered story. There are too many open world superhero-style games that simply do it better. ~ Windows Central

Forget Crackdown 2 ever happened, Crackdown 3 is the sequel we deserve. ~ GameSpew

As a big fan of the first part, it’s not easy for me to say that, but Crackdown 3 is at least five years late…This is all the sadder, because the mechanics in Crackdown 3 are quite solid and I especially enjoy the search for the movement Orbs. But the bottom line is the sobering result of a developmental odyssey, which will probably be the last nail for the series. ~ GamePro Germany

It certainly delivers on letting you blow things up and jump around the city. However, a dozen years after the first Crackdown offered that same experience but failed to provide you with enough interesting content surrounding that, it’s truly disappointing to see this latest iteration suffer from the very same problems. ~ GameSpot

The game isn’t the visual masterpiece one would expect from a AAA production, but it isn’t without its charm. It’s with Wrecking Zone that Sumo Digital stretches their wings thanks to the chaos of destructible environments, but the glaring lack of content and missing features makes it more of a curiosity rather than a fully fleshed out mode. ~ Hardcore Gamer

Crackdown is back with a fun game that ends up being quite repetitive. Sumo Digital has done a great job finishing this title, but we expected a more evolved concept after so many years. ~ Vandal

Crackdown 3 is a good Crackdown game, which, unfortunately, doesn’t mean much anymore. ~ Destructoid

There you have it. Some reviews and statements for your reference in case you are thinking about spending a lot of your hard-earned money on Crackdown 3.

Personally I have no intention of buying the game right now not because of the critical reception but it’s because I am still enjoying Resident Evil 2 “remake” and Tales of Vesperia on my Xbox One. Even if I get tired of those two games, there’s no guarantee I’ll buy Crackdown 3. As far as open-world games are concerned, I want a game that has very in-depth gameplay combined with sufficient cinematic storytelling, high production values and of course enduring, high level of enjoyment. Believe it or not, I still have not played Red Dead Redemption 2 and that game alone is the better choice over Crackdown 3 as far as open-world games of recent times are concerned.

2019 Tahanan Village Vehicular Stickers Now Available

February 16, 2019February 16, 2019carlocarrasco

For motorists who have interests in Tahanan Village in Parañaque City, South Metro Manila, Philippines, the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) has been processing and releasing the 2019 editions of their village vehicular stickers for residents, non-residents and commercial motorists and school bus operators.

IMG_20190214_110741~2 — *This is the THA office sign at the village clubhouse in Tahanan Village. Just enter to apply for vehicular stickers.*

The vehicular stickers cost P100 each for residents, P150 for non-residents and P700 for commercial vehicles and school buses when applied for on or before March 31, 2019. Effective April 1, 2019, the rates will be P100 for residents, P300 for non-residents and still P700 for commercial motorists and school bus operators.

To apply, one must secure an application form at the THA office located along Chrysanthemum street inside the village, fill it up, sign an submit the requirements as follows:

If vehicle is under the homeowner’s/applicants’ name: Latest Official Receipt (OR) of the vehicle and the Certificate of Registration (CR) of the vehicle.

If vehicle is not under applicant’s name: The OR and CR plus a notarized Deed of Sale.

If vehicle is under the name of the company: The OR and CR plus a Company Certification under the company letterhead stating that the applicant is the authorized user of the vehicle being applied for a village sticker.

If the vehicle has been recently acquired – no car plates yet: Delivery Receipt from the manufacturer/reseller and Sales Invoice.

For your reference, posted here are scanned images of the application form. Call the THA at 842-5955 and telefax 809-4345. Visit their Facebook page as well.

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well.

	Johnnybad82 on Retro Gaming Ads Blast – Part…
	FediBoard Travel on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	Ikkle Gemz Universe+ on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	Travel Channel on What To Watch On YouTube Right…
	Social Media Channel on What To Watch On YouTube Right…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: