Video Game Review: Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)

Caution: Zombies may explode, 4.5 stars Garett McCollough | Sports Editor Unlike the fans of “Halo 4” and “Assassin’s Creed 3,” who usually go home and play the campaign first, “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” players want to get into that multiplayer action as fast as possible. I was no different and as soon as two game updates were complete, I immediately selected play online and was ready to have my mind blown. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The three classes “Call of Duty” starts every player off with were terrible, and all of the gadgets had new names, leaving me confused as to what their uses were. I was basically stuck in the corner figuring out…

Film Review: 007: Skyfall (2012)

Craig finds his inner bond at ‘Skyfall,’ 5/5 stars Carl J. Bachus | Collegio Reporter Aside from Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes, Ian Fleming’s secret agent James Bond is probably one of the most famous men in modern fiction. There have been many imitators, but none has come close to matching the classic spy thriller that Bond delivers. The film adaptations are no exception. The newest Bond film, “Skyfall,” finds 007, presumed dead, returning to MI6 to combat a cyber-terrorist with deep ties to the British secret service. Daniel Craig returns as James Bond who, after effectively being terminated by the MI6, is brought back into the fold when undercover spies in terrorist organizations are…

Pitt prepares for Black Friday + Holiday Gadget Guide

Students brace for shopping season Jay Benedict | Editor-in-Chief Every year, millions of people awake from their tryptophan comas and venture into the cold dark night in search of the best deals of the year. This is the nature of “Black Friday.” Stores all over the U.S. open as early as midnight the day after Thanksgiving to let shoppers get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping, and it’s when mobs of eager consumers hit stores to get their hands on the biggest discounts they’ll find. “I bought two Invicta watches that cost about $700 each for under $200,” said Scott Whitlock, junior in marketing. Deals like this are the norm on “Black Friday” and it…

Diwali Festival: Indian students shine light on culture

Olivia Hansen | Collegio Reporter Vibrant colors, delicious food and lively music filled the atmosphere in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom at the Diwali Festival of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 10. Diwali is hosted by the PSU Indian Student Association. Traditionally, the festival is a highly anticipated celebration marked by families performing various traditional activities in their homes. “This is a festival that brings people together like family,” said Feni Amin, junior in biology. Amin, among others, modeled traditional Indian garb and danced during the program’s Bollywood medley. The Festival of Lights, in India, is traditionally celebrated to rejoice the return of Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman and Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali is…

Film Review: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

‘Ralph’ not a wreck: Great gamer movie provides laughs for all ages, 5/5 stars Todd Miller | Collegio Writer As someone who enjoys video games and gaming culture, I understood “Wreck-It Ralph” had the potential to be entertaining or depressingly disappointing. I can say that “Wreck-It Ralph” exceeded my expectations, and built itself on such strong storytelling, visual and entertaining foundation, that even Ralph could not tear it down. Ralph (John C. Reilly) is the villain in the arcade platforming game “Fix-It Felix Jr.” Although his game has been plugged-in for 30 years, Ralph has been losing his steam as the game’s bad guy, becoming jealous of the game’s protagonist, “Fix-It” Felix Jr. (Jack McBrayer)….

Video Game Review: Assassin’s Creed III (2012)

Killing time, 3.5 stars Nevin P. Jones | Collegio Writer As I popped in the disc for “Assassin’s Creed 3” and began my customary install process, I was rife with anticipation. I was about to embark on a journey through the American Revolution, reliving key moments of America’s independence through the memories of a deadly assassin. I had a hard time picturing a game concept that could be more enticing. However, when I had finished my 20-plus hour playthrough of the single-player campaign, all I felt was confusion about what I had just experienced. It was bold and sometimes glorious, but more often it was frustrating and boring. The story opens with Desmond Miles and…