All posts by Noob of All Trades

Shawn Lucas is the self identified "Noob of All Trades". He is married and the father of three boys, two of whom help with their own podcast every couple of months. Raised on Atari, Nintendo, and Sega, he enjoys all games and will play all of them to the best of his ability, which is often average at best. Currently, he is most interested in Magic, Heroclix, and other games that he can play with Chris and his sons.
Digital Playground

Steam is a Gift 2024

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Introduction

Recent events inspired me to open my laptop again. One, Aiden bought a PS5 for Christmas. Yesterday, Quinn booted up Minecraft. Once he finished, Aiden showed off his realm. So, I decided to load up Minecraft on the laptop and see if I could join his realm. I ran into some technical difficulties that I hope to troubleshoot today and try again. In spite of all that, I also loaded up Steam. I went looking for Skyrim. You may remember that I once spent 80 hours in a week playing Skyrim. That caused me to evaluate my life and prioritize going outside. Regardless, that’s one of the reasons that Steam is a Gift 2024.

A Revolution in Gaming Distribution

I know some disagree (including our very own Blonde here at 2 Generations Gaming), and I see their point, that digital downloads represent a positive development in gaming. For better or worse, though, Steam led the charge into digital downloads as the standard. No installation media or load times. Simply download the client and purchase and install the games.

Not my downloads.

Then, load a game and play to your heart’s content. The client also allows for cloud based saves and automatic updates. Most often, the game updates in the background or during off peak hours to ensure that you never miss any play time due to an unexpected update. One complaint is that sometimes you wonder where and why the update happened. Street Fighter games that are 30 years old suddenly receive an update? WTF?

The Power of a Growing Library

Since I bought the laptop that runs Steam almost a decade ago, I check there first when a game releases. We rarely purchase new consoles (other than the PS5 this year) when they release. But, having access to Steam and the games there makes the risk of FOMO almost nil. Truly, Steam is a gift 2024.

The real charm of Steam, though, is the access to the independent titles that keep me entertained for hours on end. Whether part of a Humble Bundle or random encounter, I always give these titles a try. More often that not, they deliver. Plus, you feel good about supporting an individual or small group of programmers. They are needed for a healthy and thriving community.

Community and Connection

Speaking of that community, Steam offers many ways to connect with your fellow gamer. Each game has a page where you share screenshots and stories. You build a friends list where they share their games and exploits with you and you with them.

Aside from the story, what brings me back to gaming is the community. Back when I first started my adult video game career, I found World of Warcraft. I still stay in touch with some of the people that I met on that game. I never met a single one of them in real life, but I consider them all friends and even family in some cases.

I experienced nothing like that from Steam so far. However, in supporting the independent programmers, I received some correspondence to try a new game or review a movie or television show they produced. I know that I’m not unique in that. But, it still feels good to be included.

Steam Sales, Mods, and the Workshop

One of my friends first alerted me to the famous Steam sales that happen several times a year. I rarely take advantage of them as much as I do the Humble Bundles. Nevertheless, I peruse them and drool at the prices for games that I want to buy. They figured out a way to keep your attention focused on them and that’s half the battle.

They also accomplish that with the Workshop. Even without the resources to program your own game, you still have an impact on that game through the development of mods. Mods have been a part of my gaming experience since DOOM. Then, in the time of The Sims, I got obsessed. I downloaded every furniture set and add on that I found useful.

While I haven’t used many mods inside of Steam, I appreciate what people created. Hell, some of them have even created essentially new games using the technology.

I really want to play this one.

The Verdict

I think I made the case for Steam is a gift 2024. From the top games to indy favorites. A growing community of like minded gamers (sound familiar?) and regular sales. Plus, that community gives you more through mods they developed.

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Ultimate Marvel December 2024

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Introduction

When I saw the announcement of the new Ultimate Marvel line, I cringed. I remember the first time when they completely lost the thread. A couple of times, they removed my comments from social media reminding them about the cannibalistic Hulk and incestuous Maximoff twins. Then, a few months ago, for some reason, I picked up a couple of the Ultimate titles. I heard good things about the books. If I’m being honest, though, I didn’t enjoy the stories all that much. However, from the looks of it, I put Ultimates and Ultimate Spider-Man on my DCBS list. So, I set aside this Ultimate Marvel December 2024 article to try to see if i can find something to like about the books.

The Ultimates 6

Writer: Deniz Camp, Artist: Juan Frigeri

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: This issue sees the Ultimates team up to try to take down the Hulk. They figure a little prison rules will hopefully help them defeat the Maker. As you might expect, things go very wrong for them. Very, very wrong indeed.

I actually liked this issue. Either they improved the quality of the story or I’m feeling more generous today. Obviously, both can be true. I guess I’ll find out next month which it more true. I will say that I like this version of Ultimate Hulk better than the sociopath that they wrote last time. He reminds me of Smart Hulk and that’s always a fun version of the character. My verdict: Good.

Ultimate Spider-Man 11

Writer: Johnathon Hickman, Guest Artist: David Messina

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Pete reaches out to Norman to try to smooth things over, it looks like. Not sure what happened, but there’s some tension there. He then receives quite the ass kicking from Mr. Negative and his henchmen. That brings him back home while Mr. Negative debriefs Kingpin. Black Cat gets introduced and Peter ends the issue talking things out with Uncle Ben.

Wow. Quite a bit happens in this issue. But, it doesn’t feel too busy or overworked. Hickman spends just enough time on each story to give you some information while leaving you wanting more. I definitely liked this issue and now I can’t wait to (a) read next month’s issue and (b) pick up the back issues. My verdict: Great.

The Verdict

Much better than the issues I read earlier in both series. I don’t think I’ll pick up the other Ultimate titles right now. Okay, I lied. I added both Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate X-Men to the pull list for next month. Ultimate Marvel December 2024 sold me on the line for now.

Digital Playground

2024 Look Back on PC/Console

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Introduction

Of the three main gaming genres, I paid the least attention to this one in 2024. Aiden, again, stole the XBox to put in his room so that he could play Minecraft again. He also commandeered my laptop for the same purpose. So, I mostly used that laptop to update my USFL Distant Replay page. The other laptops, I installed various Linux distributions and used them in my coding exercises. Our 2024 look back on PC/Console might seem lacking.

And, so, the majority of my console experience this year came as a result of my new Nintendo Switch and Retroid Pocket emulator. Both technically mobile devices. Nevertheless, I plan to bring you an actual article later in the week. So, I want to set the scene with this one. Join me on the eve of Christmas for opportunities missed.

Train Sim World

The other day, during an impromptu family movie night, we watched The Polar Express. This brought up two things. One, I think the boys want to go to the train show at the Big E this year. Second, it reminded me of this game. After returning from Germany, I became obsessed with this game and the Euro Truck Simulator. I even considered trying to put together a weekly train/truck Tuesday stream. I mean, there’s still time, but I need to load up the games again and figure out the best routes to run for optimal scenery and fun.

Console of Christmas Past

Earlier in the year, they suckered me into ordering an Atari 7800+. I say that, but I willingly placed the order and eagerly anticipated the arrival. Upon that arrival, I immediately plugged it in and played the included game. My wife saw and asked, “Is that for Liam?” I hadn’t considered that, but now it sits under the tree as a present for the boys from 1982. Naturally, I’m including myself as one of the boys.

Minecraft

Every year, during Christmas break, I pick up Minecraft again to see what new things they introduced to the game. Sometimes, I also play it during other breaks and summer. A few years ago, I loaded the game full of mods and went nuts. Last year, I built out a massive farm in front of my dwelling. Stay tuned to see what happens this year.

The Verdict

Our 2024 look back at PC/console reads more like a wish list. That’s okay, though, because that’s what the holidays and end of the year are all about. So, in that spirit, Happy Christmas to you and yours. Can’t believe I’ve been talking to myself on the internet for over 10 years. Here’s to at least 10 more.

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The Incredible Hulk 800

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Introduction

You know we like a nice round number around here. From Detective Comics and Action Comics 1000 to Spawn 300, all of those issues received special treatment from the 2 Generations Gaming crew. I thought I might miss The Incredible Hulk 800 because of a lapse in ordering from DCBS, but that fear was unfounded.

Instead, the book arrived with this month’s comics. Along with a couple of unexpected Ultimate marvel books, that gives me four different Marvel articles this month. Crazy how that all works out. But, a good problem to have.

The Incredible Hulk 800 Synopsis and Thoughts

Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Artist: Nic Klein

With Hulk incapacitated, Charlie faces off against the Eldest. Convinced of its superiority and that Hulk is sufficiently out, the Eldest taunts Charlie. As often happens in these showdowns, the Eldest overplays its hand. Charlie assumes the form of Lycanna and takes out the other skinwalkers. This gives Hulk the distraction necessary to break free. The Eldest will not take this lying down and now Banner will have to deal with the aftermath.

A cool, but slightly anticlimactic showdown between Hulk and the Eldest. I know it’s not done, but it all just happened so fast. Granted, PKJ spent the better part of the last few issues building up to this, so I forgive him for the quick conclusion to this particular part of the arc. Also, he telegraphed Charlie’s transformation some, but I applaud the effort. Nice touch. Besides, the conclusion provided just enough of a cliffhanger to keep me wanting more next time around. My verdict: Great.

The Other Stories

Greg Pak gives us a classic team up story with Cho and Hulk that leads to Banner again trying to convince Cho that he’s a monster through and through. Cho refuses to believe it. He vows to Hulk and Banner that they’ll never truly be alone. You all know that I love Greg Pak and his take on both Hulk and Cho. While typical of his stories, I think he wrote it to introduce new readers to Cho’s character and he succeeded in getting the main point across. My verdict: Good.

Then comes a She-Hulk story written by Torunn Gronbekk. I know what you all think I’m going to say here. A She-Hulk story without Rainbow Rowell? Why even bother? And, yes, I admit that was my first reaction. However, even though I never enjoyed Gronbekk’s Venom, I love her Catwoman and liked this version of She-Hulk very much. A supernatural story complete with slightly creepy little girl that retains all the fun that Rowell wrote into the title. My verdict: Good.

Finally, Benjamin Percy delivers a Red Hulk story. It gives us all of the anger and violence of the character as Ross infiltrates a terrorist cell and executes the leader. This gains the attention of Doom, who wishes to form an alliance with Ross. This all sets up for Planet Doom or whatever they plan for 2025. Of all the Hulks, I like Red the least. You probably surmised that from my synopsis. In any case, I liked this story fine. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict

The Incredible Hulk 800 delivers on what we expect from milestone issues lately. A compelling continuation of the current story. Plus, a few mini stories of varying quality. I liked all of the ones in this issue.

Images taken from Marvel.

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DC Comics December 2024

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Introduction

I wrote last time that I received half a dozen Action Comics for some reason. Thankfully, Mark Waid wrote a great story for those books because I dedicated an entire article to them. Now I need to cover the rest of DC Comics December 2024. I think my plan to get the page back on track can be called successful. This marks the 11th article this month and I plan to write about 5 more. Plus, I finally posted episode 2 of Dragons of Eternity. Sorry, just had to take a short victory lap there.

Batman 154 (Legacy 919)

Writer: Chip Zdarsky, Artist: Carmin di Giandimenico

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: A good old fashioned hard boiled detective story. Bats and Gordon investigate a murder. This ends with explosive results. Has the uncorruptable Gordon become corrupted? Or, is it part of the greater plan of Commander Star to take down both Bats and Bruce?

A fine issue for what it is. But, this feels more like a Detective Comics story than one for the main title. I also got annoyed at the ending. I think Zdarsky just threw that in for the sake of controversy. Then again, he’s the professional comic book writer. Maybe he’ll make a believer out of me. My verdict: Decent.

Writer: Torunn Gronbekk, Artist: Fabiana Mascolo

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Cats finds herself on the wrong side of a bounty. She uses her skills as an international woman of mystery to go undercover and try to find the person responsible. I mean, at this point, there’s a laundry list of name. As a result, unfortunately, she doesn’t come close to an answer this time.

About to sound like a broken record here. Feels like with every new writer on Cats, I have the same reaction. This person isn’t as good as previous person. Oh wait, this person does understand the character and is delivering a compelling story. This person is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs. I’m in between the second and third step with Gronbekk right now. My verdict: Good.

Detective Comics 1091

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Michael Janin

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Bats got offered a youth serum that will give him the strength and vigor of a much younger man. He struggles with the decision, even asking Supes for his opinion. Meanwhile, he “negotiates” a peace between Penguin and one of the villain’s young victims. Later, the boy becomes the target of Asema. How does it all connect?

I think that the two Batman comics switched bodies, a la Freaky Friday. While I said that the main title feels like Detective, this story feels like it belongs in the main title. Very weird. But, I like this story much better so far compared to the main title. A lot happening, but I’m convinced Taylor will tie it all together nicely. My verdict: Good

Superman 19 and 20 (Legacy 862 and 863)

Writer: Joshua Williamson, Artist: Dan Mora.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Guess who’s back? Back again. Doomsday’s back. Tell a friend. Or, your wife. In the aftermath of the Absolute Power story, Lois has powers herself. She and Supes team up to confront Doomsday. They must also deal with the Time Trapper. Crazy start to a story line!

Joshua Williamson became one of my favorite writers during his Flash run. Now, he’s writing Supes and it is probably my favorite DC Comic right now. Wonder Woman (more on that in a bit) is a close second or just barely nudges this one. He again proves his worth with this opener. Can’t wait to see where this one goes. My verdict: Great.

Wonder Woman 15 (Legacy 815)

Writer: Tom King, Artist: Daniel Sampere

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw the death of Steve and the birth of Diana’s child. This one sees her begin to amass an army to deal with the threat of the Sovereign. She gathers the others from the “Wonder Corps” and starts to pull together a plan. This one promises to be good.

I said last month that Tom King hit his stride with Wonder Woman finally. I wouldn’t put him on the same plane as some of my favorites, but he’s figuring out the character and writing compelling stories. This introduction has me very excited for what’s to come. My verdict: Good, almost great.

My Verdict

DC Comics December 2024 brings fun books and mostly good stories. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Absolute Power story. But, the stories coming out of that all interest me. I want to see where they take these characters in the immediate future. Good stuff right now.

Note: Flash 15 not reviewed.

Images taken from DC.com

On the Tabletop

Tabletop is a Gift 2024

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Introduction

If you read my last article on tabletop gaming, you know that I chose Warhammer as my tabletop is a gift 2024 winner. While I played less over the last few years, my history with tabletop gaming goes back to my high school years. Some friends and I played Dungeons and Dragons weekly. Then, in college, I discovered Magic the Gathering.

I collected MtG up until earlier this year. Then, the tenuous playgroup we put together fell apart. I became more interested in other mobile games. That cut into my phone gaming usage. So, Warhammer wins mostly by default this year. If you’ve followed the page for any time, though, you know that doesn’t mean that the game isn’t deserving.

It took me some time to come around to Warhammer. I tried the other version, Hordes. But, it never quite kept me entertained for long enough. It might have been the time in my life. But, Warhammer now fills that space in my life.

Why Continue to Play Tabletop?

Part of the reason I continue to play tabletop is it gives me a way to spend time with my family. They all enjoy the traditional games like Scrabble and Monopoly. But, through me, they learned about new games. So far, we like Catan and Ticket to Ride the best.

But, I always look out for new games for us to play. I downloaded a holiday themed D&D adventure for us to try playing again. We tried a few years ago. But, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I didn’t set the right mood. So, I want to try again.

Tabletop gaming allows us to put aside our phones and computers for about two hours at a time and have fun as a family. And, D&D lets me share one other part of my history with them.

Why Warhammer Wins

I wrote earlier that Warhammer wins by default. While true, that sounds like it isn’t deserving. I promise you that Warhammer comes by this victory honestly. I spent at least one hour every week assembling, painting, and sometimes running through the tutorials. I haven’t spent this much time with a single game since a couple years ago when I wrote the two adventures for Quinn for D&D.

On the battlefield

Image 1 of 6

Hell, Warhammer did what D&D never accomplished. Both Chris and Christine asked to play the game at some point over the year. All of the boys showed some interest in the models as I worked to bring them to life. Also, a student asked the other day about Warhammer, so we talked some about the game together. The community will find you if you give it a chance.

The other thing that keeps me engaged with Warhammer is the rules. I’m not a huge rules nerd, but I do appreciate a game that has a massive rule set, but also condenses that rules set to make it easy to learn. The subscription that I subscribed to gives you one part of the game to play through at a time. This allows you to learn the game at your own pace. For all of these reasons, Warhammer wins this year.

What Makes Warhammer a Gift?

In addition to the reasons already mentioned, Warhammer is literally a gift every month. I receive a box (lately a bag) of models and guides. Sometimes they send paints and brushes. Twice, I received a larger scale model as a surprise inclusion. Receiving and opening these is one of the things that I look forward to every month.

Then, in addition to constructing the models, I need to organize and file the guides away. Part of those guides is lore that I haven’t even mentioned in any of my articles. You know me. I love a good story. World of Warcraft. Portal 2. The Final Fantasy series. Dungeons and Dragons. Most of my joy comes from the story within the game. While I haven’t read all of it, from what I see, the Warhammer story is a good one.

The Verdict

I think I made my case for Warhammer as our tabletop is a gift 2024 winner. It checks many of the boxes for me as a fun and interesting game. I keeps me occupied. It builds community. Speaking of that community. If you have any stories of your own from this year about Warhammer, reach out here or on any of our socials. I’d love to discuss them. Join us next week for our final gift of the year.

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Action Comics December 2024

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Introduction

Inexplicably, of the 13 DC Comics I received this month, over half of them were Action Comics December 2024. In my continued effort to keep the page alive, I therefore split the books into two piles, one for the Action and one for the rest. The nice thing about that is that we are currently in the middle of an epic story in Action. So far, it spans eight issues. From the looks of it, it continues for at least another three issues. So, let’s dig into the fun.

Action Comics 1072 – 1077

Note: I couldn’t find the covers for 1072 or 1073 on the DC.com web page. Apolgies.

Writer: Mark Waid, Artists: Michael Shefler and Clayton Henry

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Supes works and fights to discover the secrets of the Phantom Zone. So far, this journey showed him the deadly connection between one of his allies and the Phantom King. He explores that more. Then, the Zone makes him relive some of his history by taking him to Krypton near the time of his birth. Meanwhile, the other heroes try to keep things together. In the last issue of Action Comics December 2024, the two stories collide when the Phantom King starts to assault Earth.

So far, I enjoy this story. I mean, it wouldn’t be a 2 Generations Gaming review if I didn’t mention how growing up, Superman wasn’t one of my favorite characters. But, over time, they sold me on him more and more. Most recently, I like what they’re doing with Action Comics. The gave creators a little more control with what they tell. Mark Waid took that control and ratcheted it up to 11 (issues, so far). Every so often, they try to sell a story as the preeminent Superman story. I think, this time, they finally delivered. My verdict: Great.

The Verdict

I suppose I could have given more detail in the synopsis since it only covers one title this time. However, I want to you experience it as spoiler free as possible. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age. Merry Christmas. Enjoy the story.

On the Tabletop

2024 Look Back on Tabletop

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Introduction

Similar to my mobile experience this year, the 2024 look back on tabletop reflects a shifting of priorities. Because I no longer ran the Dungeons and Dragons club at my school and my plans to run a semi regular group with my family are still in the planning stage, I backed off D&D some this year. Chris, Jason, and I became less communicative over the year and my desire to play Magic the Gathering went with them. As a result, I became more involved in Warhammer this year.

Therefore, I came up with the idea to structure this article according to how likely I am to return to the hobby in the future. No spoilers, but the list goes from least likely to most likely. Then again, if you spend any time here, you know that things change daily and by this time next week, I might be knee deep in something completely unplanned.

Magic the Gathering

I already talked about the in person play group falling off. Unfortunate, but not unexpected. We’re all busy adults. We have other priorities. And, it truly was fun for the couple of times we played. Who knows? Maybe things end up working out again. I hope

Because, the other part of this is that I stopped playing Arena, too. It started as a gradual decline. But, I haven’t logged in at all in over two weeks. And, truly, I don’t miss it at all. So, unless the group gets together or I find inspiration to go to one of the stores, I don’t see myself playing the game anytime soon.

I could try to get one of the boys into playing the game to keep the tradition alive. I guess we’ll see how things go. Also, if any of them show interest over the next couple of months.

Dungeons and Dragons

The reason this comes in second is that I recently purchased an adventure. A couple of days ago, I visited DM Guild. I wanted to find an adventure with a Christmas theme. I looked for a few and landed on one that spoke to me. Many probably would have gone with Krampus. I looked at one but then I found the one I actually wanted.

It’s called “Not a Creature Was Stirring”. It revolves around a story that more closely resembles “The Grinch”. I think we can have a lot of fun with the adventure. I just need to get myself into the story telling mode. Right now, I’m trying to get out of the school mode. I will update you all with the progress during the holiday break.

Warhammer

Once I finally took the plunge into the miniatures that I received through my subscription, I got hooked. Every week, I build and paint one of the kits. I currently have several pieces for both of the armies. As a student replied, I don’t have a full army. But, I have enough pieces to play through the tutorials and scenarios that they set up.

One of the reasons that I think this one might get more play is that I got a request twice to play. Once, Christine felt sorry for me when I played through solo. Then, when Chris came to visit, we talked about playing. Never got around either time, but that encourages me the most.

The Verdict

While our 2024 look back on tabletop might strike you as melancholy. And, I admit, there’s some of that. But, mostly, I understand that the only constant in life is change. Things change and we adapt. Maybe with the free time, I can find other games to fill the time.

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Spawniverse December 2024

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Introduction

Still a bit behind schedule. At least I’m updating from the current month again finally. And, realistically, only about two days behind schedule. I wanted to post the Gaming is a Gift article on Thursday and Spawniverse December 2024 on Friday. Not bad considering how busy the weekend was.

I still haven’t found the proper motivation to record the next episode of Noob’s Book Club. But, similar to the page, once I do, I’ll get back on the new schedule that I put together for myself. If nothing else happens, today should be the day that I record. Be on the lookout for that. Then, all that needs to be scheduled is social media channels. Those are always my weakest, so don’t hold your breath there.

Gunslinger 37

Writer: Uncle Todd, Artist: Carlo Barberi

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Monolith threatens and questions someone looking for Gunslinger. Finally, his interrogee gives up the information and promises to take him there. Meanwhile Wynn, in custody, answers some questions of his own. There’s another flashback to Javi’s sister. During a prisoner transfer, Monolith destroys the bus and a few prisoners looking for Javier. When he finds him, he disappears. Now, both the US government and Javier’s father have hit squads out looking for him.

Overall, not much happens in this issue. I mean, at the end Monolith and Gunslinger get together. But, there’s not a ton of action like there’s been in the last few issues. I suppose I should be grateful that Uncle Todd gave us a breather this time. It just feels like a bit of a let down is all. Plus, this looks like a set up for moving chess pieces over the next few issues in anticipation of a big showdown. So, I’ll reserve ultimate judgement until then. My verdict: Decent.

King Spawn 39

Writer: Uncle Todd, Artist: Yildiray Cinar.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: While Spawn watches over Sam and Twitch as they investigate a crime in the alley, he gets attacked. They fight and the attacker gets the upper hand. They throw Spawn in the back of the van to take him to their leader. When one pulls back the mask, it reveals the face of his partner. Spawn, having switched places with the man, attacks and nullifies the threat. He then escapes from the back of the van, ready to confront Bludd and his minions wherever they strike.

This one had plenty of fighting and action. Spawn finally worked his way through the ranks and infiltrated Bludd’s troops to attack them from within. He’s still not at the top, but he’s getting closer with every issue. I like this version of Spawn because it reminds me of the very beginning of the book when he fought in the shadows to try to find the answers to his death and rebirth. My verdict; Good.

The Scorched 35

Writer: Layman with Uncle Todd on additional script, Artist: Steven Segovia

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Marc deals with the fallout of getting separated from Medieval Spawn. Redeemer and Overtkill help him with some prejudice. Meanwhile, Jessica fights her way out of the Wynn’s clutches. She makes it back to headquarters. The issue closes with The Viscerator revealing itself and its mission to take out Medieval before he can reunite with Marc.

Ever since Layman took over the writing duties, I like this one the best again. Sure, Uncle Todd’s on additional script and you can see his influence. But, Layman’s humor shines through. He also gave all of the characters in the book a purpose, something that was missing early on when I started reading. Even though a team book, it focused very heavily on Jessica. Not so anymore. My verdict: Great.

Spawn 358 and 359

Writer: Rory McConville with Uncle Todd on additional script, Artist: Brett Booth

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Spawn and Lyra fight together to get closer to Bludd for the final showdown. It’s shown that Bludd may be allowing them to live, for now, as he uses them to eliminate his enemies. Then, when they finish, he will kill them. Meanwhile, they get news that things cannot remain the way they are. They might need to return to the curse to prevent the decay that’s happening. Lyra refuses, but Spawn thinks there might be another way.

Uncle Todd gave up total control of this one and I think it’s for the better. I’ve always loved his art and his writing has some appeal. But, too often, he suffers from the same malady as Kirkman. He needs people to tell him no. Pull back from things. Let them breathe. And, now that he’s done that, his books are the ones that I look forward to the most. This one, in particular, since the big 350 has been a lot of fun. My verdict: Good.

The Verdict (Spawniverse December 2024)

Overall, Spawniverse December 2024 does not disappoint. I enjoyed every book this month and look forward to where they take us next. Uncle Todd absolutely made the right decision in giving up control of some of the books to allow other voices to build his story and world. Because, right now, those are my favorite of the books.

Images taken from the mothership.

Digital Playground

Mobile Gaming is a Gift 2024

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Introduction

From my last article, you know that I bought myself two gifts this year, a Nintendo Switch and a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Truly, mobile gaming is a gift 2024. Both brought me much joy. I always held a soft spot for mobile gaming ever since my parents bought us Game Boys for Christmas one year. I never owned a Game Gear, but I bought myself a Game Boy Color.

Then, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance. I bought several consoles over the years, including the SP NES version shown in the picture below. That thing got me through 3 years of working overnights in a halfway house for errant teens. Before that, I learned how to solder to put a backlight in my original GBA. And, much of the reason that I played it so much is that I owned a ROM card that allowed me to try many different games on the system. Plus, the games were almost always good.

In keeping with that tradition, the Retroid Pocket became my chosen mobile gaming experience this year. It replaced my daily phone habit of playing Hearthstone and Magic the Gathering. As I discovered new uses for the console, I became more excited about the possibilities.

What is this Thing?

Version 1.0.0

What are those possibilities? Yes, I just practiced the worst type of journalism with a question for a title and a question for the opening of this section. But, I promise that I come by this honestly. Maybe you had those questions? If not, I would have. I’m a naturally curious person.

So, the Retroid pocket family of handhelds, the version 4 pro shown above, are a line of Android powered gaming devices. This provides you with the full suite of Android apps in addition to the various emulators that people developed for the system. Without going into too much detail, I found out that it gives me the ability to relive games up to the “sixth” generation of consoles.

While it looks like any other number of mobile gaming devices (most notably the Switch), that’s part of it’s charm. I’ve seen other mobile PCs that might be more powerful, but they also don’t look very portable or have the best battery life. That was the biggest draw for me when researching the possibilities.

It’s Actually Mobile

I took the Retroid Pocket on our Cape “camping” vacation. We used to tent. Recently, though, we’ve reserved a yurt for these trips, so we have access to a roof, running water, and electricity. So, at the lower end of “glamping”. One of the main reasons that mobile gaming is a gift 2024 in the form of the console is that I can fit it in my back pocket. Also, as Liam said the other day, the battery life on this thing is great.

When I opened the box and started working with the device, I only expected it to be able to allow me to relive my childhood. Play some old Atari and Game Boy advance games wherever I wanted. True enough, initially. However, as I worked more with the system, I found it to be much more powerful that expected. I showed Liam the new additions to the library, and he’s played the thing almost exclusively for the last week or so. I might have to buy another one.

As others succumbed to the iCult, I continued to stubbornly cling to my roots as an Android faithful. What can I say? I know they only give the illusion of control (unless you root, and who has the time for that?) but that illusion proves quite powerful. Because one of the reasons that I stick with Android is the customization offered. The Retroid Pocket is no different. In addition to the normal customizing, the addition of the controllers offer even more ability to make the device your own.

My Experience with the Retroid Pocket

Even with the large amount of customization, the system more or less comes out of the box ready to play. They include a powerful front end that finds and installs emulator cores for you for nearly any system you can imagine. Then, you just need to rip and upload some roms from your games and you’re good to go. Some of the newer and homebrew games include a rom with the cartridge purchase, making that easier.

As mentioned, the Pocket gave me the ability to relive memories from my childhood to early adulthood. I was talking with my brothers in the wake of my mother’s death and we talked about the year we received an NES for Christmas. That led to a discussion of games that I had forgotten and the ability to go back to play those games. I also told a story a few months ago about how my cousins had an NES and Legend of Zelda. That, in a lot of ways, inspired me to ask our parents for one.

Owning the system helped me to advance the web page, too. One of my most viewed recent videos of modern Atari games came from directly recorded gameplay on the console. I’ve used clips and screenshots from the games on our Instagram page. It is quite possibly the perfect mobile gaming console on the market today.

Why Mobile is Still Important in 2024

Gamers have always wanted access to their games on the go. I, especially, love to bring my games with me. From the old magnetic board games we played in the car to my first Game Boy and then the Game Boy Advance, I always brought games with me wherever I go. I first learned about “mobile PCs” when Steam announced the Steam Deck. I preordered one, but then couldn’t justify the expense.

Especially when I learned that the battery life is abysmal and I repaired my old gaming laptop, I had no reason for another, even smaller PC that I’d have to keep plugged in more or less. Fool me once and all that. Well, while reading about other mobile PCs, I learned about the Retroid Pocket. I did some more reading and realized that’s exactly what I want from a mobile gaming console right now. I also bought a Switch for a similar reason.

So, in the sea of smart phones, mobile PCs, and hybrid consoles, I chose the my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for my mobile gaming is a gift 2024. It gives me (and my son Liam and probably Quinn when he discovers it) exactly what I need from a mobile gaming experience.

The Verdict

I highly recommend you purchase one of these consoles. I have yet to find a reason to regret my own purchase. If you want something portable that lets you experience the glory days of retro gaming, there is no other choice, as far as I’m concerned. Let us know what you think in the comments or on social media.