Tabula Rasa - gone, but Face of Mankind returns

With the doors closing in Feb of 09, what is a poor Sci-Fi player to do?

Seems someone is taking up that mantle.

Face of Mankind makes a return.

Originally released in March of 2006, the game has seen some financial difficulties. It closed doors in 2007. It tried a relaunch in June of this year, but this fell through as well.

What the issues are is unknown at this point. But, luckily the original developers have found a group to share in the games relaunch.

Nexeon Technologies has taken the mantle of the game to have servers available.

The technology does look a bit old, but has a visual likeness to Tabula Rasa. Some scenes from a video that follows looks like it may take place on Earth, and is a "real time" combat engine in First or Third person. One reading of the game even stated having apartments, and a full crafting system.



Guess we will have to see. But, it does have my favorite price tag.

Free.

Mass Effect - That "Sci-Fi" issue again

I have hit an impasse in regards to continuing in Mass Effect.
I played Viking last night and made some major progress, and Fable 2 has really hit home with me (even though a shout to Bildo as he suggested a deal for my son, and I worked it out with him, and he said he wanted to do the $40 deal. Now I have to get my own copy...ARGH).

But, I sat for a moment and stared at my Mass Effect as I debated putting it in. And instead decided on more Viking.

This always comes back to what it is about the Sci-Fi genre that really does not keep me enthralled.
And we are discussing hardcore Sci-Fi. Not weird Sci-Fi (like Bioshock which I am holding off on playing until I finish Viking).

KOTOR for example was a very good game...but I never finished it. Yet, Jade Empire I played twice. KOTOR 2 kept me for an hour, and then I was done.

In the MMO field, I could not keep up with Ryzom or EvE or SWG or even Tabula Rasa.

And when we think of the MMO genre...how many Sci-Fi games have been successful?

Maybe it is the fact it is an RPG. I LOVED Halo, Gears of War, which are also Sci-Fi. Yet, I am not inundated with techie talk...

Final Fantasy is a great series which strikes a balance between Sci and Fantasy. That I enjoy (Lost Odyssey is also awesome).

I may have to really think through the Mass Effect issue and make some decisions.

It is a really well done game, and makes you feel like a hero in that universe...but, will I feel like playing it again?

Only time will tell.

Must nOT STRAYYYYyyyy....ah, ok...TV

Alright, alright...OMG, I just had to do this.

Anyways, this year sees a plethora (mm...love that word..) of new Sci-Fi shows coming, with some major cred behind them as well.
I want to make sure to throw out a shout, about these and ask that you put your DVR's into overdrive, or watch religiously...as this is some great stuff..

Fringe
This show has gotten some flack due to its premise being very close to X-Files. Not only that, it is a JJ Abrams piece, who I think is incredible. But, JJ also has received criticism by sticking to some semi generic formulas and show mechanics (no he does not make MMO's, but would probably sell a ton if he did..).

An Evil Corporation? Check.
A new ingenue for his series? Check.
Really cool 3d TITLES (for instance it is used for the names of cities)? Check.

But, if anything is done right in ALL JJ Abrams shows is this. Weird science abounds, cool effects, and most importantly?
Characters.
You feel for his players. You feel for the Father/Son issues.
The main leads loss of her loved one, and so on.
Luckily he has decided to downsize his cast, which has been an issue for JJ.
This should narrow his focus.
This will REALLY build up these main players, instead of the huge casts of Lost and Alias where too many stories are involved.

The episode two alien stomach crawl and the results after lead to some creepy fun.
Give this one time to grow on you. You will be glad you did.

Sanctuary
Amanda Tapping from Stargate gets her own series on the Sci Fi network.
And it is a doozy.
An ageless immortal who keeps track of all the little beasties of our world...
To protect them!

Oh yeah.

A unique item is this was based on a web series (webisodes) and all backgrounds, effects, EVERYTHING was green screened. Minor props were used and thats it.
Now, whether they continue this path is unknown, as I have no more info for the new series.
It has been noted that as the series progresses, we will find that most of these "beasties" are from various literary works, or mythology.
For example the launch webisode dealt with a certain time traveler, who as we meet him in Victorian times, resembles a certain "Jack the Ripper".
This looks to be quite fun, and I anxiously await this launch.
Oct. 3...be there

Legend of the Seeker
One of my favorite picks. Based on the set of novels from Terry Goodkind Sword of Truth series. It is masterminded by the awesome Sam Raimi.
The team on the production is the same who did Xena and Hercules. YUM!
From what I have heard though the tongue has been removed from the cheek, so this will be a more serious and well produced series.
The cast is full of newer players who are a great looking cast, with special effects to dazzle.
And really, how long has it been since a "Fantasy" series has been on TV.
This is in syndication, which is hit or miss though, as syndicated series have not had much success since Herc or Xena.
Once we see Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi in an episode then geek nirvana will be reached.

Watch for this in November.

Nerd -a-vision at its finest folks...
Make sure to check these out..

Cheers