‘Bioshock’ sets bar high

Nevin Jones | writer Creating a sequel to one of the highest rated first person shooters of all time would be a daunting task for most studios, but Irrational Games is not most studios. They have once again created something phenomenal. “Bioshock Infinite” is a game that, like the fictional setting of Columbia, raises itself above the rest in order to achieve newfound greatness. You are Booker DeWitt, a former member of the Pinkerton Detective Agency with a haunted past. After partaking in horrible events at The Battle of Wounded Knee, he picks up a life of drinking and gambling to wash away the guilt of his past. Now indebted to the worst kind of…

Are you a ‘DEAD’-Head?

Carl J. Bachus | culture editor possible situation? That’s the question posed every week by AMC’s critically acclaimed drama series, “The Walking Dead.” Based on the ongoing comic book, written by series producer Robert Kirkman, “Dead” follows the trials and tribulations of a group, led by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), of survivors after a worldwide zombie outbreak. The series is most popular for viewers ages 18-45 all over the country, according to the Nielsen ratings, and Pittsburg State is no exception. “I really like the graphic novels,” said Aaron Heidebrecht, junior in psychology. “Even though they don’t follow them completely, it’s interesting to see how it all turns out.” Students in Willard Hall, Heidebrecht’s residence…

The Return of Lara Croft

More story, less cleavage Nevin Jones | writer Bid farewell to Lara Croft’s comically large boobs of old. In this reboot, there is no place for them. Get ready for a cinematic adventure with a strong narrative focus. “Tomb Raider” focuses on Lara’s beginnings as a timid adventurer, progressing to a hardened survivor, and it is one hell of a ride. “Tomb Raider” begins with Lara and her crew searching for an ancient civilization off the coast of Japan. During their search, a mysterious storm appears and decimates their ship. The crew finds itself stranded on an island with bizarre weather and violent cultists. Everything on this island brings danger, and Lara must harden her…

3-D ‘Oz’ good, not ‘Great’

Logan Qualls | writer Travelers to the magical Land of Oz can expect stunning landscapes, enjoyable if static characters, and a convoluted story with more twists and turns than the yellow brick road. Despite spectacular visuals, “Oz the Great and Powerful” leaves too many wires exposed. Much like the 1939 MGM film, “The Wizard of Oz,” the journey begins in Kansas. Oscar “Oz” Diggs is a small-time magician and con man in a traveling circus. Following a particularly rough performance, Oz is pegged a fake and a cheat. Dissatisfied with his life, Oz desperately wishes for greatness. Thoughts of grandeur are quickly forgotten as a massive tornado rapidly approaches the carnival grounds. Oz makes his…

Harlem Shake

PSU joins 2013′s first internet phenomenon Carl J. Bachus | culture editor Since when do songs make it to the top of the Billboard charts without even playing on the radio? When a funny video featuring the song gets 36 million views on YouTube, that’s when. A single video created by five teenagers in Australia spawned the first massive Internet phenomenon of 2013 and Pittsburg State’s joining in on the fun. Jacob Anselmi was involved in the production of PSU’s “Shake” video that went live on Valentine’s Day. “Honestly, after watching it, I kind of sat back and said, ‘What the hell was that?’” said Anselmi, videographer for university marketing and communication. “I thought that…

‘The perfect final goodbye to Mass Effect’

Nevin Jones | writer Strap on your N7 armor and prepare for some fun, because “Mass Effect 3: Citadel” is a blast. BioWare has finally delivered a worthy add-on to its epic conclusion, which brims with action and endless laughs. “Citadel” is a final love note that all fans of the “Mass Effect” series will enjoy. This downloadable content (DLC) features fan-service to the highest degree, and I do not mean that as a negative. People have spent six long years with this series while growing attached to the characters along the way. It seems only fitting that BioWare’s last DLC with this group of characters brings them together for one final hurrah. At the…

Shakespeare makes Pitt stop

Carl J. Bachus PSU’s Campus Activities Center (CAC) is gearing up for a night of mistaken identity and unrequited love with The American Shakespeare Center’s (ASC) performance of “Twelfth Night” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. Directed by John Basil, the program is part of the Performing Arts and Lecture Series (PALS). Shakespeare’s “Night” tells the story of Viola, a shipwrecked socialite who poses as a man and falls in love with her employer. All the while, the employer is courting another woman who has fallen in love with Viola’s male alter ego. “Is this William Shakespeare’s real take on love? Or does he believe that love is foolery?” Basil asks in his director’s notes….

Gorilla gamers anticipate ‘Bioshock’ among other hot titles

Nevin Jones | reporter The spring gaming season is on the horizon and with it comes a batch of new releases that should excite all gamers worth their achievement points. Throughout the rest of the semester, there are several noticeable contenders that gamers should keep their eyes on. With big releases coming so soon, some PSU students sounded off on what they look for in a good game. “I’m very interested in games as a storytelling device,” said Jeff Linville, senior in international business. “A video game should always tell a good story. Almost like a book, but better.” Similar feelings were shared by junior in psychology Chandra Morris, who said, “I look for a…