Scrubs: A Review

I guess I should say – straight off of the bat – that I am a huge fan of Scrubs, and that it easily ranks in my top two favourite television shows of all time… However, that isn’t necessarily a reflection of why this review is as it is, but it’s more about the merits of the show itself.

Scrubs is one of those shows that I happened upon, entirely by accident, like most of the shows I watch these days. I had been watching TV, a lull in scheduled programming came up, and whilst flicking through the channels I settled on Scrubs as a matter of despair and laziness to continue browsing. My initial impressions were of total indifference, finding it neither amusing or entirely logical. Oh, how that changed.

With some situational comedies, particularly those who find their origins in the 90’s, they excel in one aspect of their production – be it the actual comedy, the quality of production, the cast or any other number of things – but they often tend to fail in so many other areas. A “jack of all trades, half decent at one” situation. Scrubs is the antithesis of this. No matter what it turns its hand to, it really does exceed all expectation. From writing to acting, soundtrack to sets; I am genuinely of the belief that there is nothing Scrubs can’t do well.

I have had a long-standing belief that what makes American TV shows far better than (most) English TV, is the choice of soundtrack. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the musical choices made by some producers in the British television industry, on the whole they are made to feel low budget and obvious by comparison to the pedigree and calibre of American TV acoustics. In this respect, Scrubs is really no different, and is probably the best example of this I can think of – although Supernatural could be a close second!

Scrubs is known for its music. The featured music can quickly set the mood for a scene, hit an emotional cord within the viewer, or highlight a comedic or dramatic event. The show has a history of selecting the perfect piece of music to compliment the moment, from some great artists, some of whom are so far from the mainstream, yet so musically gifted. By not bowing to social expectation (unlike their Trans-Atlantic cousins), the Scrubs team manage to create a show that is touching, just through the soundtrack. I have watched all 168 episodes of the show, many times over, and have never once been disappointed by a particular song choice, or disparity between moment and song. Heavyweights like The Fray, David Gray and Queen are made regular use of, whilst musical minnows like Joshua Radin, Barenaked Ladies (yes, those lads who did the theme for The Big Bang Theory!) and Clay Aiken add a lovely back tone. I have got to be honest, in that my musical knowledge isn’t the most extensive, but thanks to this show I have discovered artists and bands I would have been totally unaware of. My Walkman is all the better for it!

The writers of Scrubs are truly of the highest calibre, pumping out scripts with an alarming consistency and quality. The show is – in its purest sense – a comedy, and it always honours that, with some of the freshest comedy and slapstick humour you will see from across the Pond. Sometimes, it is just good old-fashioned funny, the sort you’d be amused by as a child. Other times, the humour is rather dark, and definitely for a more mature taste. Either way, there is always something to laugh at, and each episode is full to the rafters of brilliantly crafted puns, punch lines and witticisms.

One of the saddest moments - 4 deaths in one episode.

What sets Scrubs aside from its SitCom brethren however is the versatility which I mentioned before, that not only shows in the myriad things it does well, but even pervades the way the show is written. Sure, it is a comedy at heart, but it is also a drama. It has serious moments, it has sad moments, and every other episode there is something beyond the comedy, for the viewer to connect to. Unlike Friends or TBBT, it tugs on your heartstrings, and I have found myself in tears almost as much through the sadness as I have through the laughing. Not only can it achieve a level of sadness that truly makes the heart ache, it shows a level of tenderness and emotional love that you rarely see on a show from the genre, and some of the cutest moments in all of film and TV, I have seen on this show. Go ahead, watch “My Soul on Fire Part2” and see what I mean.

John C McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox.

Continuing the theme of diversity of emotion, you can’t look at Scrubs in an analytical light without touching on the cast. Aside from JohnMcGinley – who made a cameo in one of the other great American SitComs, Frasier – I can honestly say I had never encountered any of the cast prior to my watching this show. I quickly became mystified as to why this might have been, immediately appreciating the thespian talents on display from each of our beloved characters.

The role portrayed by the actors is honest, true and believable, with their characters and the situations they find themselves, being universally accessible. In keeping with the shows writing, the cast are able to reflect the mood perfectly, capturing the humour when we are wanted to laugh, and displaying the heartbreak when we are supposed to cry. In particular Zach Braff and John McGinley’s efforts are truly outstanding, giving their all every episode in true Emmy-worthy displays.

The show also makes very good use of cameo appearances from “guest stars”, and the pedigree of these are truly out of this world for a SitCom, eclipsing even Friends (screw you Brad Pitt!). Tara Reid (Oh yes!), Heather Graham (even more, oh yes!), Michael J. Fox, Mandy Moore, Brendan Fraser, Clay Aiken, Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox (even hotter than she ever was in Friends)… Do I need to go on? Oh, okay then; Colin Farrell, Ryan Reynolds, Dick Van Dyke, George Takei and The Blue Man Group. To name but a few. The best part of all is that the show avoids the pitfall all too often fallen into, and doesn’t just parade these stars around like a prize show dog. It casts them in meaningful and well thought out roles, actively contributing to the episodes story.

The Hospital set for the show.

The show is nothing like Friends, TBBT and various British SitComs, in which they make use of one main set, and a couple of minor ones if you are lucky. It is filmed in an actual (albeit empty) hospital, meaning the sets are real and convincing in their execution, but doesn’t fear to stray outside of here, throwing in so many alternative settings that the show never feels repetitive or washed out. No expense is spared when kitting out the scene, and having spoken with a few pre-med friends of mine, the equipment is true to life and really does add a new level to the conviction of the show.

Overall, the show really is a rare gem in a market saturated with niche comedies, and will no doubt prove timeless in all of its qualities. The show can bask in a glory it really has worked hard to achieve and I can say, with all honesty, that I will never tire of watching it.

Score: 9.5/10

A little card game, a big heart...

What you are thinking now, is probably the same thing
as I was thinking the first time I saw this...

I am not really into card games. At least not in any serious way. I love the concept of Magic the Gathering, and have more cards than someone who can’t play the game should probably have… But, it probably appeals to me much more on the cool fantasy and anal-collectorship side of things, as much as it does on a riveting game side. So, last summer when I joined a new gaming club – and went with great expectations of exciting games with sweeping hordes of models on each side – and was met with my first foray into the club being introduced to a card game with goofy carton zombies on the front of the box, I can honestly say I wasn’t too enamoured.


Oh, how quickly my opinion changed… The cards, as I have previously mentioned, are a little goofy and comical. That said, upon closer inspection, it is a sense of dark comedy with cartoon zombies holding severed legs as weapons, and all manner of civilian using whatever was closest to their front door as an undead warding tool.

The game itself is a tonne of fun. There isn’t going to be any cheesy or WAAC playing, but just good old fashioned fun and competitive banter. Basically, it is the zombie apocalypse, and you play the role of a zombie. In a bizarre and often unseen twist, you are the protagonist and all humans you encounter are the enemy. You take it in turns to have your go, and there are several phases including drawing item cards, attacking other players and character advancement. The game is effectively Top Trumps on steroids, with the character advancement and customisation factor of a RPG, collecting upgrades, loot and modifications as you play.

You can kit your zombie out in whatever way you see fit, and as serious or as silly as you see fit. Want your zombie swinging a severed limb? Sure. Want it to have mousetraps for shoes? Go for it. Want to wear a colander as a helmet? Why not! The sky is the limit, and with other a dozen other card sets released by the manufactuerer, you can chop and change the decks as much as you want, and have one of the craziest games you’ve ever played.

I taking my gaming quite “seriously”, and play a lot of my systems as competitively as time and opponent allows. But, I really found myself drawn into Munchkin Zombies. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that is what makes it so great. There is no broken aspects, there is only fun. Before I knew it, four hours had passed in the blink of an eye! I cannot implore you enough to give this game a go, and at the reasonable RRP most places stock it for, you’ve really got no excuse…

The triumphs and failures of a Bat in the City

Batman: Arkham City Review

I had put off writing this review, purely because I don’t really know exactly where my final decision stands on this game. On the one hand, I think it is a triumph in bringing the colourful world of comics together with the dark, and grimness of the real world of crime. On the other, I find it fails in storyline and is oversaturated by the very mechanics that were added to uplift it.

My initial thoughts on the game, when breaking it out of its box, were of sheer awe. The graphics seemed to caress my eyes, and the character concept design was seriously great. I dived head first into the immersive surroundings of a totally new Gotham, a world apart from the Gotham I had grown up with. Within two hours, I was a good third of the way into the game – which isn’t a reflection on the ease of longevity of the game, but more of my voracity – and my enthusiasm showed no signs of letting up.

However, my enthusiasm took a huge battering from this point onwards. The acting, which starts out high-brow and large budget for a computer game, soon becomes droll and flaccid. Possibly my favourite of all of the Dark Knights enemies is Harley Quinn, and yet she is possibly the worst of all the acting in the game. Unlike her colleagues in crime, she is irritating (and not in the good way!) and one dimensional right off the bat. What is truly disappointing is how the game sets you up with such high expectations from the beginning in regards to the voice acting, that when it grows tedious (and believe me, it will!) it seems worse than even the normal standard for computer games. I can honestly say that the only voice-over I appreciate is that of Mark Hamill in the part of the Joker, but even then I cannot definitively say whether it is through merit or nostalgia.

Oh Harley, what went wrong?

As far as graphics go, the game really is pretty good. I won’t go as far as to say anywhere near the best that I have ever played, but they are certainly high end. They ooze character, from the dark and grim over-world, through to the spectacular character concept designs. The use of 3D compatibility is a little overkill, especially in that it isn't used to its full potential but it certainly is a nice touch, and I am glad more games are following the example set by Arkham City. The landscape has been lavished with great levels of detail, with bespoke surface detail, and very little repetition of building structure throughout the entire city. I would almost recommend playing this game purely for the treat it is on your eyes…

Such beautiful landscapes...

Game-play was always going to be something I struggled to commentate on with pure objectivity. My preferred genre of gaming has always been First Person Shooters, with a guilty pleasure being platforming but selectively so. Arkham City was definitely a departure from my usual gaming haunts, and was definitely out of my comfort zone. That said, it doesn't take you long to familiarise yourself with the quirks of a particular genre, especially after 16 years (or more) playing games as avidly as I have done.

I found the controls a little clunky and clumsy in the way they were designed, and the directional movement was a little too prescribed. The combat system was by no means the worst I have encountered, but it was a little mechanical in two respects: 1. You only have to fight one enemy at a time. Despite being surrounded by enemies, they tend to wait they turn. How gentlemanly of them. 2. You really don’t need to figure out the specific combos and buttons associated. You can pretty much button-bash your way out of fights.

The gadgets and gizmos our protagonist is famous for are really kind of cool, and the concept really is great. But, that is all that is great… the concept. In practice, they are a little flat, and they tend to be a little rock-paper-scissors when it comes to their use. Wanna use your grappling line for anything other than zipping upwards in a straight line? Don’t be silly. Wanna use the Batarang for anything other than stunning enemies? Like hitting switches and other useful things? Now you are being a little fantastical. I have never been a great fan of Batman; he really is the runt of the litter when it comes to superheroes, possessing no actual superpowers. What really has kept him tolerable is his awesome gadgets, and in this game they fail to keep him interesting. There is a misfire between the concept of these devices and their actual uses.

The story-line is possibly my biggest bugbear though. Putting genre, developer and graphics aside, the real reason I play a game is for the story. For the immersive universe it puts me into, and the characters and history it envelopes me in. This is why, despite my misgivings and everyone being the polar opposite on the matter, I loved Alien: Colonial Marines. Now, with Batman having a pedigree in story-telling and the wealth of the DC universe to draw from, you would naturally (and forgivably) assume that Arkham City was going to have a knockout story-line  Instead, what you are given is a weak and threadbare excuse to cram in as many of the fan favourite enemies as is possible, and the feeble attempt to justify it. It’s not entirely without merit, with the idea of a sub-city sized prison – where there is only one rule – being absolutely awesome, and a couple of the sub-plots being kinda cool too. But, generally speaking, the story is really awful.

This game isn't going to set the world alight, but it is a good entry into Batman’s venture into the computer gaming world. There are high points, which are sadly dragged back down to Earth, screaming and kicking, by a few low points. The kind of low points that aren't glaringly obvious, but slowly scratch away at your patience, until you have no temperance left. The graphics are really something, and make me even sadder about the low points of the game, because I feel as though they are somewhat wasted on a game without the game-play and story-line to back them up.

Score: 6.5/10

You are all wrong. And I have definitely had time to dwell on this. I think.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

I’ve just gotta start out by saying that I really do like this game. I mean, sure, not in the same way that I like (the original) Borderlands, GTA: San Andreas or TNMT: Turtles in Space. But, I really do like it; it easily makes my Top 10 all time favourite modern console games. It has taken a serious beating in the last two weeks, but it stormed the charts in it’s opening week, and managed to fight off Dead Space 3 for the top spot. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Okay, so straight off the bat, I should present my disclaimer: I have only played through about half of the game so far. That said, I do believe that has given me good enough grounding to comment on pretty much every aspect of the game, except perhaps for the ending…

The storyline is pretty solid, and conforms pretty closely to the standard for your classic “abandoned forbidden-xeno-experiment facility”. It has a good sense of narrative, with a rich cast of characters - despite the small pool of possible archetypes - and a background with enough substance to carry the gameplay. On the whole, it does enough to remain canonically true, whilst still establishing itself as a recognised chapter of the franchise. It can leave one too many questions unanswered at times, but it does a pretty good job of eventually getting around to answering them all.

The graphics are… okay. I mean, they are no more than I expect from a Gearbox game. Being an ardent fan of the Borderlands series, I’ve come to expect dicey aesthetics, but this has actually defined the iconic series, and defined a niche pixelated goodness. But, for the established Alien franchise, I’m not too sure the graphics quite cut it. They are serviceable, but sometimes found to be lacking, when trying to create a tangible sense of terror through grimy, dank and dark surroundings.

Probably the most hammered part of the game, is the NPC and enemy AI. All the naysayers are wrong. There is really no more to it than that. It has it’s shaky moments, but on the whole is some of the best I’ve seen - at least on the part of the Bugs. Unlike most imbecilic, insipid enemies, the xenos attack with animal instinct and cunning, swarming towards you; through the floor, across the ceiling, out of vents. They put you in an imaginably real situation, make you tense and have to really battle to survive. The most commonly criticised piece of AI is actually one of the more flavourful pieces of background writing in the genealogy of the eponymous Alien. There is this one moment, in some sewer tunnels, where you cross this certain sub-species of alien, who are pretty much oblivious to the player’s presence. Videos are plastered all over the internet, labelling this as “the worst AI ever seen in a game”. To which, I would usually agree. That is, until you consider the background. They are runts; bugs who suffer from stunted sensory impairment. As a result, their eyesight is practically non-existent. Move too quick though, and they’ll rip you a new one. Please bare the story in mind, when viewing any of those misinformed online videos…

The gameplay is pretty standard for a FPS, with Gearbox’s familiar level-up system. The weapons are beautifully canonical, and generally useful. My only wish was for a more effective melee attack.

All in all, a fantastic addition to the genre, and a superb homage to the Alien franchise. 8.5/10

I really should cut up all my cards...

Well, I made a long-awaited trip down to my Indie games store on Friday night, with the sole intention to buy some more Superglue and stock up on Green Stuff, ahead of the herculean task of assembling my newly purchased Tamurkhan on Toad Dragon (my God, the gaps on that thing are horrendous!)...

Apparently, they have this absurd policy that they aren't able to go out to the warehouse and withdraw stock, post 7pm... Despite being open until 11! So, I had to make do with what they had. Which was neither of the items had gone down there for... Having travelled the 15 miles or so from my house to the store, there wasn't a snowballs chance in Hell, that I was going to go home empty handed. I spent ten minutes perusing the stock they had on display, and made some delightful purchases.

Some great stand-ins for IG Stormtroopers

I had seen these guys all over the 'net, and really quite liked what I had seen of the mock-ups and concept models. I liked the armoured, Death Korps vibe they had, and knew they would make a great Stormtrooper alternative in my Imperial Guard army. I will do a full write-up on here, once I have had a chance to put them together but for now, suffice to say they are very nice sculpts, and look very well thought out in respect of assembly...

Nothing quite like some Steampunk US Civil War Era

I must admit a bit of ignorance on my part, concerning this game. I had, since it's inception, mistaken it for Dystopian Wars - a system I cared very little for, like all small-scale games - ergo having very little interest in it. Until, that is, I picked up a box and looked at the models.

Possibly some of the most fluffy "historic" models I have seen

I was torn by all of the factions, liking the Federated States of America and the Kingdom of Britannia. Eventually, I settled on the Federated States of America, owing to the fact that I have a tender spot for a romanticised notion of the American Civil war, and the models in the Starter set were best value for money and drop dead awesome!

An activity of morbidity

Lastly, I finally managed to pick up a copy of the new Daemons Army Book, whose absence in my collection has been plaguing me since advanced orders went up. I had heard opinions flying about all over the place, some shouting cheese, others saying fair (if somewhat laughably so!)... I was so eager to find out which side of the discussion I fell on, but loathed the £30 GW price tag. I picked this up with a lovely £6 saving, and have gave it a cursory glance, and am impressed and appalled all at once. Obviously, the nerf had to happen, and it has added a lot of flavour to the army, creating a whole raft of gaming and modelling opportunities. However, I unashamedly loved the power-gaming of the old book. I loved wiping the floor with people's armies. I didn't care whether they seemed OP'd (which they weren't), I just loved playing them. Now, they will probably see as much game time as my Night Goblin army. But, I can't say I will ever abandon them. Just through sheer nostalgia.

For now,

JJ

A Geek Manifesto

I am ashamed to admit that I have, upon occasion, been embarrassed or ashamed to "own up" to my hobbies, and have been somewhat of a closet geek at times. I have only really divulged by interest in the hobbies I have, when I have grown close and accustomed to the company of someone. That said, I have been friends with my best mate for going on nine years, and I still haven't clued him up on what exactly a hobby in "toy soldiers" really entails.

I'm not sure whether it is embarrassment  or the tedium of having to explain it several thousand times a year, but something has always left me denying the hobby or just sidestepping it in conversation. However, when I saw this picture on a blog I follow on here, I felt like I had to repost it. It really is admirable, and an inspiring view on "geekdom".

Anvil Industries: Another Chapter House Studios?

It is really quite nice, every now and again, to find a "company" who produce conversion packs and custom components for modifying and personalising your wargames miniatures. Granted, these are becoming rarer and rarer, with GW pursuing the "protection of their Intellectual Property" like a dog pursuing hot chips.

But, I did come across a real gem of a place last week, who make some of the best Space Marine customisation pieces I have ever seen. Not only are they fantastically detailed, out of this world cool, and stupidly cheap, but they are - as of yet - GW lawsuit-free... See, the mistake Anvil Industry has managed to avoid, and Chapter House really didn't, was the fact they have gone to great lengths to distance the products they produce, from GW's poster-children; Space Marines. The models are unmistakable, and the purpose of the components is obvious to all, but they have not only called them something different (Exo-Lords), but they have even gone as far as to create stand alone background material for them, in a universe that isn't that of the 41st Millenium.

I have big plans for orders from these guys in the coming months, with some of the components really catching my eye, and piquing my hobby interest.

The lower weapon is my kinda weapon.

The snub-nosed Autocannon is one of the best heavy weapons I have ever seen. Not only will it be making an appearance as "counts-as" Heavy Bolters across my Astral Claws Marine army, but will probably be sprinkled across my 18,000pt of Imperial Guard. Just gotta wait for it to be released now, and at £1.80 per unit, who can complain!?

And, then, of course there is these guys...

Black Ops anyone?

These are designed as a sort of "Special Ops" Space Marines squad, a bit like Scouts, but just so much more badass! You get 10 in the set, including options for a Sergeant, and loads of Special and Heavy weapons options. For £35, I may add two of them, as suitable alternatives to Deathwatch Marines.

Then, there are these guys. I really ain't too sure what I can use them for, but they are fantastic, and would be such a joy to paint.

A truly motley crew.

I may just grab these as a sideline project... I really like the Space Pirate Captain (top left), and may use him as the starting point for a conversion of Sir Hammerlock from the Borderlands 2 game system.

They also make some really great models that could be used as alterantives, or to boost current numbers, in a Death Korps of Krieg Imperial Guard army... 

DKK Alternatives?

I have a huge number of the Forgeworld models at home, but am seriously tempted by these guys, to add a few more squads, at an infinitely more affordable price tag.

It really is a shame there aren't more of these sorts of companies out there, offering us hobbyists the greatest possible variety when it comes to personalising our armies, and bringing the models we visualise, into reality. For now though, I am more than happy with Anvils' offerings, and I highly recommend them to any and all!

JJ

The Sons of Hashut are coming!

Jumping on the back of the latest bandwagon, I am planning on spending a sizable amount of money on a Chaos Dwarf army from Forge World in the very near future, and have put together a list of models I plan on purchasing...

- Sorceror Prophet on Bale Taurus

- Daemonsmith Sorceror

- Infernal Castellan

- 20 Infernal Guard with Fireglaives

- 15 Infernal Guard with Blunderbuses

- Magma Cannon

- Magma Cannon

- Deathshrieker Rocket

- 3 K'daai Fireborn

- K'daai Destroyer

This list roughly conforms to a 2,500 point list, of a semi-competitive nature, that will become my mainstay gaming army, and may even make it to "softcore" tournaments in the next 12 months.

All of the above, I will be buying directly from Forge World, with a set of Chaos Dwarf Daemonsmith Sorcerors, just to give me flexibility to swap out Hero choices, should I wish to go more magic heavy.

I am not too sure what to do with the Destroyer at present, but have factored into the overall army cost a Incarnate Elemental of Fire, which with a little bit of conversion will make a great K'daai Destroyer :)

I love the Bale Taurus model, but think that I could convert one of the old '97 versions for a damn sight cheaper... I will have a bit more of a think on this before I make a decision.

Whilst I am at it, and making the most of FW's free postage, I will also buy one of my all-time favourite Forgeworld models... Tamurkhan on Toad Dragon!

That said, for the same hefty £125 price tag, I could get a Warpfire Dragon, Skaven Warlord on Brood Horror and Exalted Vermin Lord. Oh, the choices... :)

JJ

Yes, I do actually paint. Sometimes.

I have always wanted to like the painting aspect of my hobby. There is nothing that makes my hobby heart flutter more, than seeing a fully and beautifully painted army on the tabletop. But, my own skills have always been hampered by impatience and lack of practice. That said, as I have grown up, and had more patience and determination to progress my talents with a paint brush, I have finally started to make considerable steps forward in slapping some paint on some plastic.

I guess, part of the problem has been self-perpetuated by my constant purchasing of new models, meaning that the pile of unpainted models has forever grown. I decided a few months ago that there was one simple solution to efficiently reducing this mountain of plasticrack; to develop a speed-painting technique.

Below is the pictorial proof and method of how I have developed one (of many) speed painting techniques, specifically for the diseased disciples of Nurgle. Now, these guys literally took 5 minutes each, from start to finish, and a further two minutes to base (obviously, that was post this picture being taken!)...

I started off by solidly undercoating the models in white. I tried doing this with a brush at first, but actually found that a can of white undercoat gave a thinner and more solid coat.

Once these had dried, I then applied a liberal wash of Reikland Fleshshade (Ogryn Flesh).

Then, I applied Biel-Tan Green (Thraka Green) wash, but only is certain areas, and only 5 or 6 patches on the whole model, giving the skin a mottled appearance. Really try not to go overboard with this, and each patch should be really quite weak. Water the Shade down if needed.

Next, I used Seraphim Sepia (Gryphonne Sepia), and just gave a medium wash to the model, focusing on the grooves and recesses, but leaving the majority of the model untouched.

Now, the sores, open wounds and entrails were the fun part. I would highly recommend buying some Tamiya Clear Red, as it is truly a God send for gore and gruesomeness. I carefully, but liberally applied this to all sores and wounds. With one coat it looks like it is a little bloody and sore, but if you apply a second, it looks wet, bloody and gruesome. The key to this stuff, is waiting until each coat is dry, as it is tacky and viscous, and can really make a mess of models if you are impatient.

Lastly, I painted the sword jet black. Try to get a thin, but solid coat, so that the sword keeps it's edges and detail, but is a consistent colour all over. Shades and highlights aren't necessary, as I then applied a gloss varnish to the sword, to give it the Obsidian finish I was looking for.

Base as appropriate...

JJ

Blood for the Blood... Queen?

I have always been a huge fan of Special Characters. It doesn't matter which Army Book they come from, there is just something about them, which appeals to me. They just perfectly encapsulate the essence of the army they represent, and this - to me, at least - is what Warhammer Fantasy is all about. Now, I know many people don't like them, and many people tend to steer clear of playing opponents who field them - often claiming they aren't balanced or intended for standard play - but to this, I say bollocks! I like fluffy games, and whilst I can field a cheesy, WAAC list, I also love the fluff and background to a game.

On that note, I have been doing my damnedest to put together a model for as many SC as I can... This is my kitbash Valkia from the Warriors of Chaos range. Unlike most of my Special Character conversions, which are started before GW release an official version, this one didn't. When I saw their attempt at Valkia, whilst I wasn't totally horrified, I felt that I could do as good (if not better) for a damn sight less money... The parts are rather obvious, and drawn from only three plastic kits; Dark Eldar Scourges, Warriors of Chaos Knights, and the Daemons of Chaos Exalted Chariot of Slaanesh...

I don't think she looks too shabby, although I am ashamed to say, she hasn't been painted yet... Oops!

Whilst on the topic of characters, here's another, this time not necessarily an "official" one. He has appeared in plenty of fluff pieces, and been mentioned for at least two Editions, but has never had rules. Which, of course I had to rectify. Then, what good were rules without a model to represent them? So, here he is, Lord Morskittar of Clan Skyryre!

What do you all think?

JJ

A little bit of everything I guess...

In a strange turn of events, and a total cock up on the part of one of the internet's more prominent independent retailers of Wargaming supplies and miniatures, an order for over £300 went missing just after Christmas. Not only did they rectify the error, and replace the order in full, they sent the below, as a way of apologising. Now, I must admit, I don't believe this is their standard procedure, but I am quite the regular to both their online store and their brick-and-mortar establishment.

Not bad for a freebie, eh?

Then, I decided to act upon a longstanding whim of mine, and take up an instrument. However, I must confess, I didn't go down the conventional guitar/piano/drum route... Oh no! That's too simple for JJ. What did I go for?

Admittedly, I have no clue whatsoever on the best way to extract something resembling pleasant acoustics out of this contraption, but it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and I like to pretend I am Sherlock Holmes. I swear, one day I will be able to play it...

Not content with all of the consumerism above, I then decided to upgrade in the tablet technology department. I am a real sucker for every new tab that comes out, but the new offerings from Google... Just too good to pass up.

They might be going for global domination, but that suits me fine. Oh, and yes, they are my grubby fingerprints you can see, all over the back.

For now, ciao,

JJ

Secrets of the Third Reich revealed! - World Exclusive... Well, not so much.

I have embarked on a new wargaming miniature adventure, and for the first time venturing away from GW games.

I have, for a fairly long time, been interested in Secrets of the Third Reich, and finally decided to buy into it. I picked up this guy, and for those of you who don't know it is an US APE Sergeant, who I have built as stock, but will paint in British colours, and will be added to my MI-13 Psy-Ops warband.

I must doth my hat to West Wind Productions, and say that the SoTR models are beautifully detailed, well cast and great value for money.

3 days later, I went back to the LGS and picked up a squad of MI-13 Paras, and a squad of British Wasp Light Mechs, which again are truly wonderful models, and some of the nicest metal casts I have ever worked with.

I have undercoated this guy, and put him on a custom base, which I have since cast up in resin (more on this later!)...



JJ

Something beautiful, this way comes...

My biggest focus for this blog was, and is, my regular forays into the world of miniature wargaming. However, as I said in my - rather wordy - introduction, there will be times when I have to swoon over some shiny, fantastical technological miracle. And today, that swooning will be accompanied by vomit-inducing pride, as I would like to introduce my pride-and-joy;

Yes, that is a Samsung 8 Series, very much top of the range, and very much one of the best purchases I have ever made...

Only a minor grievance...

Now, like so many of you, I have no small number of bones of contention with the distributor of our most beloved plasticrack. But, one in particular gets to me more than almost any other... Games Workshop's persistent and determined tendency to favour Warhammer 40k more than any other system of theirs.

Don't get me wrong, 40k has its perks, and I certainly don't dislike it - heck, I have 15,000pts of Imperial Guard to prove that - I just object to its enforced domination over the other systems GW produce; several of which should and could eclipse it, based upon their own, individual merits. Its not only infuriating to us hobbyists - the singlemost important component of the hobby - but makes for bad long-term business sense... I mean, you don't see Bethesda Softworks sitting pretty after Oblivion, now do you?

I fully understand a company capitalizing on a hot franchise, with an almost guaranteed fast-move on any new product released each month, I really do. But, it is a short term solution to financial gains, it shows little sustainability, and whilst securing a rapid flow of sales for now, it could actually prove detrimental in the long run; driving away disenchanted hobbyists, tired of the systems they like being neglected in favor of the 40th Millennium.

When I walk into my local haunt, and it happens to be rammed to the rafters with squeaking little people, each as jumped up and conceited as the next, I am always willing to bet that its due to the latest 40k release. You see, the giddy, pubescent up-starts are only interested in the guns and explosions of the far future. Their imagination hasn't got the processing power to encourage their participation in the other systems. And, without the ballistic interest; inherent in every aspect of 40k; Fantasy, LoTR, Bloodbowl and Necromunda aren't of much concern.

What angers me most about all of this however, is that GW value these teenagers more highly than devoted, loyal fans. Why? Because they are an easy sale, and quick profit without much need for pitch or persuasion. My gripe, is that 99% will be in the hobby a year or two, and then ditch it for "cooler" things. Yet, you and I spend thousands, and remain in the hobby for years, all the while our needs, wishes and desires are always seen as a second priority.

All I really ask, is that GW value all of its customer base evenly, and treat all of its systems with the same passionate gusto that they do 40k...

In the beginning, there was... Well... There just was.

I have been toying with the idea of starting up a blog for a very, very long time. I had a half-arsed attempt a few years back, on LiveJournal, but really did struggle to regiment my updates, and it just fell by the wayside. I have also had an in-house blog, over at The Ogre Stronghold, knocking on the door for 5 years now. In that time, I have managed only a handful of constructive or progressive posts, and the interest from those following it has (understandably) waned...

Well, I stumbled across a blog on here only yesterday, and I decided it was finally time to get off my backside, and finally start-up a blog. Whilst I found myself disagreeing with a few of the views on the blog, in the main I genuinely loved every update, and every topic. I found the wealth and depth of coverage to be really great, and the author to be engaging and immersing, and that is everything I wanted my blog to be. So, a quick shout out to Davey, over at The Marienburg Gazette, for being the main inspiration to have my own stab at blogging about my slice of the Geekdom.

I have identified the main reason for my previous attempts having failed, as being that I tried to focus too much on just one aspect of my "geekiness", and the focus made it difficult to sometimes find topics to post about on a regular basis. With this blog, I will keep the remit open to all of my interests, and the content will therefore be very much a "mixed bag". A few things that can be expected, but not necessarily limited to;

• Computer games of varying genres and platforms: I wouldn't say I am a pro-gamer, but I am definitely an avid gamer. I love a lot of genres, but tend to gravitate towards Action and Shooters. Some of my favourite games over the last 15 years or so, have been the Pokemon franchise, Borderlands, American McGee's Alice franchise, GTA: San Andreas and Alien: Colonial Marines (Yeah, sue me!). I own a number of consoles, with the notable exception of an Xbox 360; not something I have any intention of rectifying if I am honest.
• Tabletop Miniatures: I am an avid - bordering on obsessive - gamer, painter and collector of tabletop miniatures. I primarily have dealings with Games workshop's games, with a strong focus on the Warhammer Fantasy side of things. That said, I am branching out and dabbling in new companies and games systems, notably West Wind Productions Secrets of the Third Reich. I paint as much as my "real world" life allows, and my abilities with a paint brush really have come on leaps and bounds. I game as often as finding an opponent allows, but sadly most of my gaming comes in the form of solid TheoryHammer.
• Other "hands-on" real world games: For the last 6 months to a year, I have been toying with the concept of various board games, card games and miniature-game hybrids, but in the most half-arsed fashion. A lot of my lack of drive and motivation comes from the virtually non-existent pool of "nerds" in my local area, and these things are often a lot more fun when you have someone to share in the enthusiasm and joviality. I am very intrigued by the idea of Magic the Gathering, having well over a 1,000 cards from the last two or three expansion phases. I am also looking at X Wing, the Star Wars aerial combat game. 
• Travelling: Whilst only a moderately well-travelled person myself, I have all the aspirations and desires to travel to as many countries as is possible in the average human lifespan. I am obsessed with many foreign cultures, foods and locations, and will no doubt find myself posting pictures and write-ups of places I long to see, in my cyclical fits of wanderlust.
• Technology of all shapes and sizes: I am a self-confessed gadget freak, and am always finding myself distracted by the latest, shiny "must-haves". I have had four phones in 10 months, and am already eyeing up a fifth. I have three tablet computers, and a TV/Home Entertainment set-up that defies definition. I subscribe to a number of gadget magazines, e-zines and websites, and try to stay on top of where it's at in the world of technology. I am a bit of a Samsung fan boy, a massive proponent of the Android OS, would work for Google in a heartbeat, and long to see the downfall of the Cupertino hipster that is Apple Inc. Despite all of this, I still believe that electricity is the greatest discovery/"invention" of man, and without it, my world would truly come to a stammering halt.

Despite the above, and I am sorry for yammering on, I am sure that other things will creep in from time-to-time, but I will endeavour to keep real life stuff - jobs, family, politics and the likes - well and truly away from this blog. Indeed, it will be a "real-life free" zone.

For now,

JJ