PHOTO BLOG: Nintendo Amiibo Update: The Legend of Zelda Edition.
Featured Ray Gabriel Featured Ray Gabriel

PHOTO BLOG: Nintendo Amiibo Update: The Legend of Zelda Edition.

My Amiibo photo postings over on Instagram have been less than shall we say…consistent over the last few years. This is partially due to a steady decrease in releases for the toy line but mostly due to going outside having become a bit of a worldwide no-no there for a while. Well thanks to a new technique I’ve recently patched together along with a couple of high profile figures recently hitting store shelves, I’m happy to share a few snaps from this week!

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CHRISTMAS 2023: CHRISTMAS EVIL (1980) “…If You’re Bad Boys & Girls, I’ll Bring You Something…Horrible.”
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CHRISTMAS 2023: CHRISTMAS EVIL (1980) “…If You’re Bad Boys & Girls, I’ll Bring You Something…Horrible.”

Now before all three of you get too excited, listen: I have absolutely no intention of writing up Holiday Horror flicks all throughout Christmastime the way I did in September and October. At least I don’t think that’s gonna happen. But who knows? Until we find out, consider this write-up a one-off because to be totally honest, scary Christmas movies are a sub-genre I’m not really all that familiar with and haven’t been compelled by in the past. Not to sound like a prude, but the idea of introducing slashers or monsters into the season has always felt a bit tacky to me. But many years back I came across a little something called Christmas Evil from 1980 and whoa boy, did it become quite the exception!

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CHRISTMAS 2023: Nintendo it’s Cold Outside, Let’s Set That MOOD.
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CHRISTMAS 2023: Nintendo it’s Cold Outside, Let’s Set That MOOD.

The whole daylight savings “turn the clock back an hour” thing this time of year really seems to be rough on all of you outgoing, extroverted, weekend warrior, morning person types, but I love it. The main issue is apparently that nighttime has taken over and there’s a tragic shortage of daylight. Well, that’s kinda my jam so it’s pretty exciting when nature finally decides to provide a nonstop blanket of cold and darkness. For me, it signals that the winter season is officially upon us and along with it a time filled with beautiful lights, nostalgic sounds, comforting smells and of course big holiday Nintendo releases.

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PODCAST: ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE (2021) “Ready The Social Media Trolls. We Will Use The Old Ways.”
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PODCAST: ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE (2021) “Ready The Social Media Trolls. We Will Use The Old Ways.”

In the aftermath of a Joss Whedon patched together interpretation of DC’s Justice League release, a long and hard fought internet nerd war ensued. Warner Brothers studio finally caved in, agreeing to give a very vocal internet fanbase what they desperately wanted: Director Zack Snyder’s completed cut of his original vision for the first big budget live action showing of the Justice League. Did it live up to the hype? Join Rob and Ray as we dive in and discuss this 4 hour Superhero monstrosity!

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This podcast originally recorded May 2021

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RETRO REVIEW: BATMAN RETURNS (SNES, 1993) The Bat. The Cat. The Penguin. The SNES Game.
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RETRO REVIEW: BATMAN RETURNS (SNES, 1993) The Bat. The Cat. The Penguin. The SNES Game.

Batman Returns is a classic 16-bit sidescrolling beat ’em up where players assume the role of the Dark Knight as he attempts to murder hundreds of criminals before the Penguin steals Christmas. This was one of those games that I wanted more than anything as kid. But since I was never given Nintendo related gifts outside of my birthday and the occasionally stellar report card, unfortunately it was one of many to slip through the cracks.

Well I’ve been an adult for a while now and obviously scored a copy at the first opportunity many years ago so here’s what I think about it!

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BLOG: NOW AND THEN (2023) The “Last” Beatles Song.
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BLOG: NOW AND THEN (2023) The “Last” Beatles Song.

For Beatles fans, there are a few stages you go through when there’s an announcement that “new” material by the band is coming. There’s of course excitement at the idea of listening to something by the Fab Four that you’ve never heard before. Then there’s the anticipation leading up to the release date as all sorts of articles and clips spring up offering details about the track. Finally there’s the actual playing of the music which at first, is less listening and more dissecting.

So now after having given this so called “last” song 3 or 4 dozen spins, is it any y’know… good?

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FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS: C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE CHUD (1989) “Just the… Ugliest Looking NERD In the World!”
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FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS: C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE CHUD (1989) “Just the… Ugliest Looking NERD In the World!”

Here’s a fun idea for you to try sometime during this Halloween weekend: Go into a bar or any place serving drinks where you can initiate a casual chat with whoever’s working. Gradually turn your conversation toward horror movies (specifically ones from the 80’s) and after a while, mention C.H.U.D. If the person you’re yapping it up with recites what those letters actually stand for (Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller), congratulations! You’ve just met someone pretty cool. However what happens next will determine whether this person is actually super cool. Say this: “Yeah C.H.U.D. is fun but come on, C.H.U.D. II is even better.” There are only two things that can happen after making such a bold statement. You’ll either have your ass instantly kicked and thrown into the back alley where it will be kicked some more or that bartender is buying your drinks for the rest of the night.

Let me know how that shakes out.

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COUNTDOWN: Ten Games to Play on Switch This Halloween #1 Luigi’s Mansion 3
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COUNTDOWN: Ten Games to Play on Switch This Halloween #1 Luigi’s Mansion 3

C’mon. It had to be Luigi’s Mansion 3 in the top spot right? Having taken over development duties with Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon for the 3DS (and also behind the great Punch-Out!! for Wii), Next Level Games proved themselves to be a studio with formidable technical skills and a real eye for art design. And here, once again their work on Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a sight to behold with stunning animation and gorgeous details oozing from every corner of the screen. It is hands down one of the most graphically gorgeous games ever released featuring these characters and is a no brainer for the Halloween season. I’m just gonna say it: This is Nintendo’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

That translates to: We’ve got ourselves a tradition.

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