‘Ops’ doesn’t answer call of duty

Originally published in the Dec. 1, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
By Parker Shannon, Staff Writer

 Photo courtesy of Activision

“Call of Duty: Black Ops” isn’t all that it was cracked up to be.

Most of the single-player campaign is spent watching in-game cut-scenes that take control completely out of the player’s hands and the rest offers wave after wave of generic foreign bad guys.

The story revolves around a large conspiracy involving Russian plans to attack America. The main playable character, Alex Mason, is at the heart of Russia’s MK-ULTRA-esque plan and spends most of his time recalling memories for his mysterious interrogators.

Get your head out of the game

Video game addiction is seen by experts as a growing trend
Originally published in the Nov. 3, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
By Parker Shannon, Coast Report Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Google

Most would consider video games a harmless hobby but for some people it grows into a life-altering addiction.

Although video game addiction is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the condition is becoming widely recognized as more people reveal that their pastime has begun to consume their lives.

Reach for ‘Halo’ Tuesday

Originally published in the Sept. 8, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
by Parker Shannon

Photo courtesy of Google

The latest installment of “Halo” will be released on Sept. 14.

Gamers the world over will be shirking responsibilities to play “Halo: Reach” when it’s released on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

The latest installment in Microsoft’s behemoth game franchise is set to be one of the year’s biggest releases. Those picking the game up at launch will get everything they’ve come to expect from a “Halo” title as well as several new features and game modes to enjoy.

E3 2010

You can just feel the creativity being unleashed

For the longest time, at least when I had G4—a channel that was formerly focused primarily on video games, I’ve always wanted to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), one of the largest industry only gaming conventions.