The Columbia Chronicle

H1Z1: Servers fail to survive launch day

January 30, 2015

Sony Online Entertainment, creators of the EverQuest and PlanetSide games, released its newest title, H1Z1, on Steam for Early Access play January 15.H1Z1 will be a free-to-play game after early acces...

‘Cake’ baked with fake sugar

January 30, 2015

When Claire Bennett, played by Jennifer Aniston, says “I don’t believe in ghosts,” it is clear she is talking about the own ghosts of her past. Though Bennett knows her ghosts are real— her own ...

‘Sleeping Dogs’ best ‘Grand Theft Auto’ since ‘Saints Row 2’

By Colin McInerney

November 24, 2014

“Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition” brings the original game into the current generation with all its downloadable content, creating a fulfilling gameplay experience with a few social issues.“Sleeping Dogs” began life as “True Crime: Hong Kong,” a sequel to “True Crime: Streets of L.A.” The game was eventually dropped and Square Enix picked up the publishing rights. The company lacked the “True Crime” license...

‘Lords of the Fallen’ only falls flat

By Colin McInerney

November 17, 2014

“Lords of the Fallen” takes the refined action-RPG style of its inspirations, the “Dark Souls” and “Demons’ Souls” games, and attempts to build on it, but completely misses the mark on all the good points of the series.The “Souls” series has been called many things by critics and fans alike: difficult, intriguing, genre-defining, and occasionally, the pinnacle of game design. It earned these titles by being i...

‘Big Hero 6’ visuals, characters surpass plot line

November 17, 2014

Since Walt Disney Studios purchased Marvel Entertainment in 2009, popular comic book characters have exploded onto the silver screen. Although the company played it relatively safe with fan favorites such...

Listen Up Alex Ross Perry: Your Prose Is Pedantic

By Brandon Howard

November 10, 2014

“Listen Up Philip,” the latest film by independent writer/director Alex Ross Perry, marks a nail in the coffin for mumblecore filmmaking. Perry’s latest offering is next in the rotation of films such as “Tiny Furniture” and “Francis Ha,” which primarily follow privileged white characters as they navigate their careers and character flaws in an urban New York City setting.Through film, stories can be conveyed w...

Jake Gyllenhaal goes all-in for psychological ‘Nightcrawler’ role

November 10, 2014

On the morning news, viewers see footage of crimes, accidents and the aftermath of some of the most painful things a person can experience. But what are the costs some people pay to get that gruesome foo...

: ‘Civilization: Beyond Earth’ a bit too close to home

By Colin McInerney

November 3, 2014

The latest iteration of the “Civilization” series comes with improved features, but paying the high price for this title may only be worth it to long-time fans.“Civilization” as a franchise began in 1991 with the original, eponymous game. Since its release, it has been subject to constant reiteration, each one elaborating on the formula in new and exciting ways. “Civilization: Beyond Earth” differentiates itsel...

Michael Keaton delivers a captivating performance in “Birdman,” along with Emma Stone and Edward Norton in director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new comedy/drama.

‘Birdman’ a soaring comeback for Michael Keaton

November 3, 2014

Everybody loves a great comeback story—stars such as Robert Downey Jr. and Betty White have done just that, disappearing from the spotlight and reemerging in roles that reenergize their careers. Now it...

Adam Roth, Sebastian Fritze and Bill Delia of Grizfolk rocked the Aragon Entertainment Center on Oct. 21.

Bastille, Grizfolk stun Aragon audience

October 27, 2014

Pop band Bastille and rock newcomer Grizfolk stole the hearts of thousands of fans at their electrifying sold-out show on Oct. 21 at the Aragon Entertainment Center, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.Grizfolk, an up-...

Spelunky, a masterstroke of gaming, two years later

By Colin McInerney

October 22, 2014

If every single person on the planet could be given a video game to play, that game should be “Spelunky.” Masterful in its design and execution, its flaws can be counted on one hand. How a game can be so good lies within its origins. “Spelunky” continues to be fresh and playable no matter how many platforms it shows up on, and PS4 is no exception. It takes what should be derivative chunks of other games and delivers...

‘Super Smash Bros. 3DS’ serves up fresh punch for familiar series

By Colin McInerney

October 16, 2014

“Super Smash Bros.” has a long and twisted history. The original game premiered in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 to universal acclaim, leading to a quick follow-up in 2001 with “Super Smash Bros. Melee” for the Nintendo GameCube. Using certain glitches and exploits that were eventually worked into professional gameplay, “Melee” opened the door for the series’s competitive scene. The “Super Smash Bros.” franchise lay...