variety
9 september 2013
the Collegian : 6
By Helen Patterson
Insider Tips for Freshmen
Photo courtesy Infinity Ward
In anticipation of the latest platforms, a number of major titles are expected to be released in early November. Included among these is Infinity Ward’s “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” which will now offer gamers the opportunity to play as female characters—an addition that is certainly long overdue. The game is said to be released in early November, and will be compatible with all platforms.
Revamped Xbox One to appease Following a series of negative reviews from both critics and fans, Microsoft announced a number of new adjustments to the Xbox One, due out in November. Elliot Bauman Staff Writer
When students at the University of Tulsa closed their books at the end of the spring semester, Microsoft had not officially announced a competitor to Sony’s PlayStation 4, which was announced in late February. The speculation came to an end during a press conference on May 21, when Microsoft finally unveiled their next generation console. Although some early hiccups initially dampened consumer enthusiasm, the successor to the Xbox 360 was at last revealed as the Xbox One, an all-in-one, nextgeneration experience. Early reviews called the console mediocre at best. Microsoft spent the majority of the press conference showcasing the Xbox One’s ability to play live TV and perform a number of similar features, while devoting almost no time to describing the new console’s gaming abilities. Critics slammed the Xbox One by labeling the console as Microsoft’s attempt to the “control the living room,” saying that it “abandoned the core gamer fanbase.” The weeks following the announcement did not fare much better for the Xbox One. Significant backlash arose in response to some of Microsoft’s policies regarding the new console, particularly their stance on digital rights management (DRM) and an “always online” feature. Furthermore, after the press
conference, Microsoft confirmed that all new Xbox One game purchases would be directly tied and locked to an individual user’s Xbox Live account and console. This system effectively translated to: “No used games for the Xbox One.” Microsoft also announced that the Xbox One, as well as the nowmandatory Kinect 2.0, a motionsensing input device, would be “always on” and would require a constant internet connection, checked every 24 hours. Failure to maintain such a connection would essentially lock the console until an internet link was re-established. This policy was to be applied to all games and functions. Some critics suggested that Microsoft could use the “always online” policy in conjunction with the Kinect 2.0 camera and microphone to monitor users and assist in targeted advertising. Towards the middle of the summer, in response to the widespread negative feedback regarding the Xbox One, Microsoft began a series of reversals and policy changes. First to go was the DRM policy; on June 19, Microsoft announced that the Xbox One would support used games. The required internet connection was also dropped shortly after. More recently, on August 12, Microsoft stated that the Kinect 2.0 would be included as a bundle with the Xbox One, but not required for console functionality. Microsoft also confirmed compatibility with third-party headsets and backing for indie games, both of which previously had unsure futures on the new platform. Despite its rocky road following the initial announcement, this reviewer feels that the Xbox One truly will be a “next generation experience.” The new console will be a significant improvement, both graphically and feature-wise, over the current Xbox 360, which is now eight years old. Much like the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One has
been designed around PC architecture, particularly the 64-bit version of the most common CPU instruction set, x86, and will feature an eight core AMD processing unit. Furthermore, the Xbox One will make significant use of cloud computing and gaming. Gamers will now have the ability to save and store their entire media library to the cloud, although traditional storage options will still be available. In addition, the controller has been entirely revamped. Featuring 40 new improvements over the 360 controller, the Xbox One controller contains entirely redesigned joysticks, buttons and D-pad. The device will be able to detect tilt, and will employ smart, dynamic, controller vibration, designed to offer a more immersive gaming experience. Despite the many new features, the Xbox One would be severely lacking without a grand host of accompanying new games. Fortunately for the players, there are plenty of new titles to get excited for. Some of the most notable include: “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “Destiny,” “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” and a new Halo game. The Xbox One will also feature the highly anticipated “Titanfall,” which won Best of Show at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June. The Xbox One will be available in the United States on November 22. For the enthusiasts, a limited “Day One” edition is available. This special offer includes an engraved commemorative controller, special packing, an exclusive achievement and guaranteed availability on November 22. Both the standard and “Day One” edition of the Xbox One will cost $499 and will include the console, the Kinect 2.0, a controller, a stock headset and all necessary cables. The Xbox One is available for pre-order through numerous major retailers such as Target, GameStop and Amazon.
“Kick-Ass 2” full of forced excitement
Despite its potential, “KickAss 2” lacks the humor and violence that characterized the first movie, while playing on the importance of selfreflection and alienation to its teenage heroes. Helen Patterson Staff Writer
“Kick-Ass 2,” the aptly-named sequel of the 2010’s “Kick-Ass,” stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as high-school senior Dave Lizewsk, who moonlights as the superhero Kick-Ass, and Chloe Grace Moretz as Mindy Macready, who is much more comfortable as her ruthless alter-ego, Hit Girl. Christopher Mintz-Plasse plays the firstever super villain, Chris D’Amico, whose villainous identity is too impolite to be printed in The Collegian. D’Amico has sworn revenge on Kick-Ass, whom he holds responsible for the death of his father in
the franchise’s first film. “Kick-Ass 2” retains some of the action-comedy elements featured in its predecessor. There are several jokes, and many pulseracing fight songs. Though some of the fight sequences feel a little forced, there are a number of inventive, comic-book style killings and mutilations. For all the faults in the script, Moretz portrays Hit Girl’s blend of psychotic killer and vulnerable teen with a surprising amount of grace. Despite its potential, the film is uncomfortable and poorly paced, lacking the boundary-pushing elements of the first movie. This leaves the viewer unsatisfied. “Kick-Ass 2” also fails to sufficiently use some of its excellent secondary characters. Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Colonel Stars and Stripes barely qualifies as a cameo, making you wonder whose decision it was to cover Carrey, a brilliant actor, up with a mask and stick him into a one-dimensional role. “Kick-Ass” featured horrific events and grotesquely violent deaths, but the movie maintained an irreverent, childlike tone. The violence was unselfconscious, unreflective and fun. But “Kick-Ass
2,” like much of the adolescent lives of its protagonists, is painfully self-conscious. Kick-Ass spends much of his screentime feeling anguished about the amount of blood on his hands, torn between his dual roles of vigilante and and normal teenager. He and Hit Girl speak of the teenage world with the same alienation and nostalgia that adults use when speaking about their childhoods. Kick-Ass and Hit Girl navelgaze between brutal murders, comparing their current affinity for gratuitous violence and the possibility of being normal teenagers. And despite the constant assertions that violence begets more violence, that there are ways to beat bullies at their own game, that identities should be revealed and alter-egos laid to rest, the main characters become the parts they played. They ultimately lose themselves in their alter-egos. I wanted so badly to like “KickAss 2.” I longed for the giddy, irreverent and sick humor that comprised the first movie. There is so much promise in the concept, yet this made the actual product all the more disappointing.
1. The State Run Media is TU’s premier satire section, appearing weekly on the back page of The Collegian.
was fired mainly due to betting on the outcome of games. Illegal, unethical and generally not cool.
2. The Collegian has been waging open war in The State Run Media against Oral Roberts University since March. As far as we know, ORU has not retaliated. Probably because they know that we would win.
7. You may see a certain “King” John Lepine mentioned, especially in The State Run Media. Lepine was a superhuman being who graduated last year. Although he is gone, may his reign live on in print!
3. Goldie, the newly adopted golden retriever, is not TU’s mascot; she is an ambassador. Our official mascot remains Captain ‘Cane, and we are “The Golden Hurricane.”
8. I hate to break it to you, but chances are you spent Orientation Week cultivating friendships with a group of people you will awkwardly avoid eye-contact with come senior year.
4. Make friends with an upperclassman Presidential Scholar. Those nerds are loaded with Dining Dollar wealth. Hope you like pasta and waffle fries...
9. The Collegian is always looking for writers and photographers. If you are interested, come to our meetings every Monday at 5 p.m., in Oliphant 106.
5. For a few months last fall, Geoffrey Orsak was president of TU. He was booted for reasons that remain unclear. Hearsay, speculation and rumors abound.
10. Are those disgusting crickets in your room, under your feet, swarming all over the library, flying in your face? Those were here last year. And they will probably be back next year with their accompanying body parts strewn about and horrible smell of death. Welcome to TU.
6. Last year was a year for firing top officials: in addition to Orsak, TU lost its athletic director, Ross Parmley. Parmley
Soul food: Local eatery Elote buys local Located on 6th and Boston, Elote serves up Mexican favorites, Luchador wrestling matches and tequila, all while purchasing produce from local growers. Anna Bennett State-Run Editor
Wednesday. And you know what that means: it means you will find me stuffing my face with puffy tacos at Elote, just a jaunt down 6th on Boston. Now, folks, I like food. I eat a lot. I am not picky; I consider my palate to be diverse in taste, and perhaps even a tad refined. BUT the vegetarian puffy tacos at Elote are the nearest I have ever come to crying over an item of food. The puffy little tortillas are light and almost buttery, piled high with an aromatic concoction of sweet potato, black beans, onion, pico and crema fresca. The flavor array is just perfect, and unexpected to boot. It is probably not healthy how much I think about these tacos. And like I said before, Wednesdays are puffy taco night, which means they are $2 apiece (they also have chicken tacos, which are good, but I play favorites). Puffy tacos are by no means the only culinary draw to this downtown favorite. There is something for every taste, and you will find more unusual fare offered alongside Mexican favorites—done Elote style, of course. I would love Elote even if they did not serve puffy tacos (though that does not hurt). The restaurant
is really nifty-looking, and their whole vision of local pride mixed with exotic flavor is very charming, original and accessible. Plus, they are really responsible about the impact of their food and business. They buy local, they compost, they use biodegradable materials, and all that feel-good hippie jazz. It is good for the tummy and the soul. All of this means that the entrees are a bit pricey for college kids ($10–14), but oh, is it worth it. Screw that Olive Garden and Red Lobster garbage. Go local. But Elote is not only great for lunch and dinner. They hold Luchador wrestling matches on a regular basis inside the restaurant (yes, there is a tiny fighting ring). Every Friday night at 9pm, the ring turns into a stage for Luchador Karaoke; let’s just say I cannot remember the last time I had so much fun. The bar is well-known for its selection of tequila, and even has a “tequila club” for those who want to try 30 different varieties in order to get their name on the wall. I am currently obsessed with their margaritas, which I am pretty sure contain some sort of magic. And for those looking to be adventurous and thrifty, they have a rotating “beer of the month” which is $3. So ten bucks on a Wednesday buys you three tacos and a beer. Just putting that out there. Owner and chef Libby Auld has created something really amazing in the heart of downtown. There are few locations in Tulsa that are both hip and utterly unpretentious, and whose bar beverages and culinary fare give each other a run for their money. And Auld herself can often be spotted selling tacos from the Elote truck or singing karaoke on Friday nights. With any luck, Tulsa will soon get just as cool.