papers-please

‘Papers, Please’ now in beta

Video game offers odd gaming experience with a Cold War vibe

“Papers, Please” is a strange game in the absolute best sense of the word. It’s Soviet Union meets Berlin Wall, distinctly Slavic and decidedly communist. It’s tense and addictive. In the words of its creator, Lucas Pope, it’s a “dystopian document thriller.” “Papers, Please,” named for your character’s “catchphrase” of Read More…

the_gospel_josh.joshua_rivedal

One-man show is a disappointment

“The Gospel According to Josh” is no gift from God

There is no one more deserving of an “A for effort” than Josh Rivedal. He wrote and stars in an ongoing one-man show about his life in which he sings and acts as a variety of characters, and he performs without inhibition. It’s the kind of show that people really Read More…

michael_bao.randy_adam_romero

Berkeley student engineers success

Software developer and EECS student Michael Bao makes a name for himself in video games

Michael Bao’s friends call him Mikey, and on the weekends, they all play Mario games on the Wii. Bao, a second-year EECS major at Cal, is known for not being particularly good at Super Mario Bros. — but when it comes to making games, Bao’s friends turn to him for Read More…

illustrationamanda

Sex, Lies and Video Games

Sexism may be the most challenging threat to gaming industry to date

Lara Croft wears a gray tank top, khakis and combat boots. She is known for her outrageously generous bust, but since her debut in 1996’s “Tomb Raider,” her proportions have become increasingly more reasonable and her figure more conducive to exploring tombs. She’s also extremely easy to cosplay, so when Read More…

sim city

Piracy woes in ‘SimCity’

Online sign-up requirement undermines entertainment in urban-simulation game

The problem with “SimCity” is that, in order to play it, gamers must be online and connected to EA’s servers.
The problem with EA’s servers is that they cannot handle the masses of people who want to play. Read More…

The-Fun-Parts-courtesy-Macmillan

Collection of short stories translates as contrived

Sex, drugs and a guitar or two abound in “The Fun Parts,” Sam Lipsyte’s most recent collection of character-focused vignettes. Unfortunately for Lipsyte, what results is a hit-and-miss read with a few real gems and far too many forced laughs. Read More…

depression-quest

‘Depression Quest’ cripples players with despondent gameplay

“Depression Quest” isn’t a typical game. It’s not even typical for an atypical game. Unlike convention-violating indie titles like “Journey” or “The Unfinished Swan,” “Depression Quest” isn’t artistic, captivating or even enjoyable. Rather, it’s a gray, text-based and emotionally draining experience about living with depression. “Depression Quest” casts the player Read More…