Pixelated First Draft

APPLE’S SHADY BUSINESS THE FUTURE OF THE NHL CES 2014

PIXELATED WINTER 2014

Who will win?

XBOX ONE VS. PS4

REVIEWS SHERLOCK MAD MEN ASSASSIN’S CREED IV BROOKLYN NINE-NINE ARROW ANIMATION DOMINATION

Who desrves to win the console war?

OLD ELECTRONICS

How to properly discard your tech junk

CURVIER IS BETTER?

A look into the future of phone THEdisplays ELEMENTS | -1-

CONTENT

8 WHAT’S NEXT FOR NEXT THE NEXT GEN

14 APPLE RUMOR ROUND-UP

With the next Xbox and Playstation, the gaming world is entering a new

Wondering what Apple is releasing this year? Here are some guesses

generation. Find out about the best title coming soon to each console.

on what you should expect to see.

REGULARS

4

6

12

16

18

20

Apple’s Shady Business

22

Steam Machines

Is Apple’s less than exemplary treatment of manufacturers in

Valve unveils their new third party console, bringing PC games

China a human rights abuse?

to television.

Top Five: CES 2014

25

Blizzcon

Picking the best of the best at this year’s consumer electronics

Blizzard holds its annual convention in Anaheim, announcing the

show.

company’s latest projects and releases.

The Curve in Phone Trends

26

Xbox One

Bored of flat screens? The future of displays may entail some-

Microsoft’s newest console is redefining the gaming experience,

thing a bit curvier.

for better or for worse.

Console War

34

Mad Men

In the battle for best console of the next generation, who will

A look at the final season of AMC’s hit drama about the advertis-

win?

ing world of the 1960s.

The Future of NHL Replay

36

Arrow

Will a new centralized replay system improve the NHL? The

Inside the CW’s newest show following the crime-fighting ad-

costly change may set a new standard for other sports leagues.

ventures of the masked vigilante the “Hood.”

Old Electronics

40

Sherlock

Is your house cluttered with forgotten devices? Here are a some

Following the BBC’s hit series on the mystery-solving of modern

economical and enviorment friendly ways to discard your junk.

day Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

-2- | THE ELEMENTS

28 BROOKLYN NINE - NINE REVIEW A look at Fox’s newest (and most underated) buddy-cop comedy.

30 ASSASSIN’S CREED REVIEW Arrgh!!! What it is like to be a pirate in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.

EDITORIAL

W

elcome everyone to our second issue of the 2013-

the best ways to discard your old electronics, something important

2014 school year, the Winter 2014 issue! We have

that we don’t usually think about. Finally, there is an article anticipat-

heard great things about the fall issue, and here we

ing and speculating about some of Apple’s latest rumors for future

have another comparable publication in store for you all. Here’s

releases. These are just some of the many articles in the issue, but

a little bit about the highlights comprising this issue, spanning,

of course we recommend you look at all of them to stay in the know

as always, all things related to TV, video games, and technology.

about all latest TV shows, video games, and all things technology.

As you can see from the cover, the featured topic of this issue is con-

We all think this issue is very well put together, and this could not have

sole wars, and this is the focus of our video game section. With

been done without all of the help that we have received over the past

the recent highly anticipated releases of the PlayStation 4 and the

couple of months. I would like to thank all of the writers and editors,

Xbox One, our writers have broken down exactly what you need to

and our faculty advisor, Mr Renner. I would like to also give a special

know about each console and which one is worth paying top dollar

thanks to Jason Ginsberg who, as a first time designer for Pixelated,

for. Additionally, there is an article detailing which next generation

worked tirelessly to create the layout for the magazine that you are

games you should look out for if you buy one of these new systems.

looking at now. I hope you’ll all agree in saying that he did a great job.

All of us who worked on this issue are excited about its publication

For TV, several shows are reviewed, including the latest season of

(especially with the higher quality paper it’s printed on and the two

“Sherlock,” “Arrow,” “Mad Men,” and Fox’s new hit show “Brooklyn

advertisements you’ll find in the magazine) and we hope you enjoy it!

Nine-Nine.” These articles give you an in depth look at as well as the author’s opinion of each of these shows. Look out for spoilers, though.

Until next time,

For technology, we have several articles covering a range of topics. For example, there is an article on the new trend in cell phones, the curved screen display. There is a recap of some of the most noteworthy releases from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2014), and

Charles Cotton

a similar article was written about a firsthand experience at Blizzcon

Editor-in-Chief

in Anaheim a couple of months ago. There is a cool article detailing

THE ELEMENTS | -3-

WRITTEN BY DANNY JIN

APPLE’S SHADY BUSINESS

“

RS E K R O W N N CO WES ITS FOX T YEAR

APPLE O

RTIME FROM E V O ID A P N LION IN U

THE PAS

$8.3 BIL

While Apple portrays a positive image in America, as a leading and forward thinking company, this portrayl belies unsettling and abusive practices in China, where the company’s products are manufactured.

-4- | THE ELEMENTS

A

”

t this point, it is no se-

in the last quarter of 2013. Still,

cret that Apple’s busi-

with stronger competition as of

ness practices are far

late, and with new reports of in-

from exemplary.

We have all

tensified human rights abuse in

heard about the sweatshop-like

Apple factories, there is a chance

conditions at Foxconn that have

– however slim – for change.

caused employees to contem-

Recent findings indicate that Ap-

plate suicide. Yet this knowledge

ple’s abuse of human rights has

hardly seems to affect our deci-

reached new highs. According to

sion to buy Apple products; Apple

a report by China Labor Watch

sold a record 50 million iPhones

(CLW), Apple owes its Foxconn

workers $8.3 billion in unpaid

Nevertheless, Apple is not the

overtime from the past year. Em-

only company with human rights

ployees are often forced to work

problems. Samsung and Motoro-

up to 100 overtime hours each

la have both historically violated

month; the legal limit in China is

international human rights laws,

36 hours. Additionally, Foxconn

and Nokia’s and LG’s cobalt sup-

workers must stand for over

pliers may also have unfair labor

eleven hours a day, with only a

practices. Apple’s human rights

thirty-minute lunch break to rest.

abuses are inexcusable, but it is

CLW investigators also found

definitely not the only company

that overcrowding in facility caf-

who can improve its practices.

eterias have led to workers’ only

Amidst all this, however, It

having five of these thirty min-

seems that Apple has no intent

utes to actually eat their food.

to change its business methods.

Furthermore,

suppliers

Though Apple and its suppliers

have been found to use child la-

have continuously insisted that

bor to maximize profits. Other

their labor practices are sen-

violations uncovered by the CLW

sible, investigations have con-

Apple

report include inadequate train-

tinuously

proven

otherwise.

ing, atrocious dorm conditions,

SUICIDE HAS BECOME COMMON AT FOXCONN,

over packed schedules, and a lack

AS EMPLOYEES LIVE IN POOR CONDITIONS AWAY

elected to cover up its human

of an effective means for work-

FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

rights abuses rather than to take.

ers to express concerns. Due

In the past, Apple has always

to the horrendous conditions, employees

often

contemplate

suicide. The threat of suicide has grown to such an extent that the Foxconn facility has installed a safety net to catch potential

“EMPLOYEES ARE OFTEN FORCED TO WORK UP TO 100 OVERTIME HOURS EACH MONTH”

jumpers. Apple’s treatment of its workers is undoubtedly brutal.

Suppliers can also negatively affect more than just the people who work for them; they frequently dump toxic waste into the environment, paying no heed to the harmful effects their actions have on

neighboring

communities.

According to several Chinese environmental groups, Apple’s Foxconn and UniMicron plants dump black-green water with a chemical odor into the Huangcangjing and Hanputang rivers twice a day.

As if China’s pollution problems were already not great enough, dumping polluted wastewater can only worsen the situation.

THE ELEMENTS | -5-

TOP FIVE: CES 2014

WRITTEN BY JAKE GAMBINO

During CES 2014, or the consumer electronics show, many new and exciting gadgets were announced. Of the long list of cool and innovative products, certain of them caught my eye more than others. The following is a list of my top five favorite electronics unveiled at CES 2014. Enjoy!

1 Sony Handycam FDR-AX100 At $2000, Sony’s new Handycam is the most affordable 4K camcorder on the market, and it might be the camcorder that kicks off the acceptance of 4K media on websites like Youtube and Vimeo. The FDR-AX100 may still be somewhat pricey, but it’s less than half the price of last year’s massive FDR-AX1, and a lot more… well… handy. Even better, the FDR-AX100 has the same massive sensor found in the Sony’s RX100 and RX10 cameras, the 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, which means that we can expect excellent image quality. Throw in some goodies like Wi-Fi and NFC sharing, and we definitely have a winner here, folks.

2 Oculus Rift Crystal Cove The Oculus Rift, a virtual reality gaming headset, is one of those things that just keeps getting better and better every time the new one comes out at CES. This year, Oculus’ newest prototype, the Crystal Cove, takes care of nearly all of the problems I noticed with the original. The blur and lag are almost completely sorted out, and the resolution of the displays has been greatly improved. Throw in some head tracking via a camera that tracks the movement of your head in space like Kinect and you get a much more immersive experience that is sure to be jaw-dropping.

-6- | THE ELEMENTS

3 Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector This thing is awesome. Placed very close to your wall, Sony’s new 4K projector acts more like a TV than any projector we have ever used. With razor sharp image quality, deep colors, and a relatively small footprint, I can easily see this as the future of TVs.

4 Pebble Steel Smartwatch Pebble, the maker of what was already arguably the most usable smartwatch, just upped its game with the new “Pebble Steel”, a straight upgrade from its plastic-bodied brother. The Steel comes in an aluminum body with either an aluminum or high quality leather strap. This is a great step for pebble to reach the mainstream market, and it is definitely one excellent watch.

5 Steam Machines Here at Pixelated, we like video games. Many of us have already acquired a disconcerting number of games from Steam’s various sales and have been looking for a more console-like experience for those games. Instead of making their own box a la Xbox or Playstation, valve simply made the software and controllers that they then gave to other manufactures to use. There is a console for everyone with a price range from anywhere between $500 and $6000, but they all appear to be solid performers, at least matching the Xbox One spec-wise. While many of these models still look like prototypes in many ways in their current stages, there is no longer any question regarding whether or not Valve is actually serious about the living room market. They are, and everyone else should be nervous. Read more on page 20.

THE ELEMENTS | -7-

WRITTEN BY JOHN ABREU

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NEXT GEN COMPARING THE NEW RELEASES OF EACH CONSOLE

A

fter

success-

of the best upcoming games build-

ful launch by both the

a

very

ing off from some of the best fran-

Xbox One and PS4, the

chises of the PlayStation 3. One

next generation of gaming is set

of these is Infamous: Second Son,

and is running strong. Although

a continuation of the award-win-

seemingly less popular, the Wii

ning Infamous franchise from the

U is also in the race for the best

PlayStation 3. Infamous: Second

next generation home console

Son takes place in Seattle and is

and may have something great

set seven years after the end of In-

coming in 2014. However, what’s

famous 2 where the government

next for these brand new con-

has society on a tight grip with a

soles, what titles will each release,

large emphasis on surveillance.

and how will they stack against

This game has one of the most

each other for the next year?

detailed open world designs of the upcoming titles, and the main

The PS4 is the best-selling of these

character, Delsin Rowe, has the

consoles thus far, and it has some

ability to take the powers of other

-8- | THE ELEMENTS

THE ELEMENTS | -9-

conduits (people with powers) in the game. You can look forward to zipping through Seattle when the game is scheduled to release on March 21st. Another upcoming exclusive for the PS4 is The Order: 1886 which many say could be the best PS4 game of 2014. Not much specificity exists regarding this game, but we do know that it takes place in Victorian London where an elite order of knights fight in a century old war against monsters, using technology and myths interchangeably. There is no release date for this game but those who have gotten the chance to try The Order: 1886 refer to it as “the next Naughty Dog game.”

The Xbox One, similar to the PS4, had a pretty average set of launch titles, but 2014 is set to be a great year for the console. One of the most anticipated titles of 2014 period is Titanfall which will

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim lorem ipsum space to explain image above.

launch on March 11th for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. Titanfall won over 60 awards when it was

a short teaser showing the iconic

powers. The fabric of time is con-

titles coming out later this year

announced at E3, and it is coined

Master Chief in a barren waste-

stantly being torn in ways that

that may save the console from

as the Call of Duty killer as it

land. This game has yet to receive

cause random moments of stop-

its trend of relatively low sales.

seeks to redefine the first-person

a release date but it has been con-

ping and fast forwarding. With a

One of these titles is Mario Kart

shooter genre. The game mixes

firmed that it will launch some-

very interesting story behind it

8, a sequel to the Wii’s Mario Kart

up gameplay with various “mechs”

time in 2014. Another interest-

and from the studios that brought

Wii, which brings the Mario Kart

and large scale maps where the

ing title is Quantum Break which

us some of the best story-tell-

experience that we all love with

player can easily maneuver with

comes from the same studios who

ing, Quantum Break is a title to

to full HD onto the Wii U. It fea-

jetpacks or in other innovative

created games like Max Payne

keep an eye on though a release

tures gravity-defying stages (lit-

ways. Another incredible title

and Alan Wake. The premise of

date has yet to be announced.

erally!) and blazing fast gameplay

coming to Xbox One in 2014 is

the game consists of an experi-

the unnamed Halo; very little has

ment gone wrong that ultimately

The Wii U, although not very prof-

in May 2014. One of the most an-

been revealed so far other than

gives three people time-traveling

itable, also has some incredible

ticipated titles for the Wii U since

“

which we’ll be able to experience

EQUIS S S E L E V E O T TUR N A T P U L O V M et vitemodit U et repudamet asimus

elessequis es di te umqui reh.

Um voluptatur nto ev er ss eo es il h m eu e at r, to volupt faccuamus vit audictu

-10- | THE ELEMENTS

”

“LOT ASIMUS ET VITEMODIT FACCULLAB ILIGNIM OVE LOREM IPSUM CSSI OFFICIUNT, RESSERC ITIBUSD ANDANDENT, QUI OFNET EXPED UT IDEM FUGA. ITATUR, UT QUIATUM LOREM IPSUM LARGE SPACE ”

its release has been the continu-

2014 is going to be a game chang-

ation of the critically acclaimed

ing year for these next generation

Super Smash Bros franchise, ex-

consoles with new, unbelievable

pected to be released sometime

titles being released as the year

in 2014. Very little about this

goes on. Both the PS4 and the

upcoming Smash Bros game has

Xbox One are going to have some

been announced (even its name

console-defining games such as In-

is just Super Smash Bros for Wii

famous: Second Son and Titanfall,

U at the moment) but we do know

while the Wii U hopes to make its

that it will release for both Wii U

mark on the gaming industry with

and 3DS and that it will feature

the release of games like Mario

new characters including Mega

Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros.

Man, WiiFit Trainer, the Villager from Animal Crossing, Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy, and more. Game Director Masahiro Sakurai said that the game’s pace will be somewhere “between the fast-paced and competitive style of Melee and the slower

Opta quae pre veliquatur? Qui reptate erferchil esequam, corehen dicimod itatque

and more casual style of Brawl”.

THE ELEMENTS | -11-

The

curve in Phone Trends WRITTEN BY JOHN ABREU

Are flexible screens the future of mobile displays?

F

or the past couple of years, smartphone manufacturers have been

transcend Apple’s “Retina Display”. Every new smartphone that is re-

competing for who can make the most beautiful smartphone dis-

leased aims to have the best display with cutting edge performance, but

play. This has been a very popular trend ever since Apple’s release

now a new trend is surfacing in the smartphone world: curved displays.

of the “Retina Display” for the iPhone 4; the iPhone had a display in which you could not discern pixels from a usable distance. From then on, smart-

Although curved and flexible displays are not a very new technology,

phone manufacturers have been aiming for bigger and better screens,

they have never been used or even considered for smartphones. Now,

especially with Android’s recent trend of making 1080p displays that

companies like LG and Samsung want to jumpstart this new trend of

“CURVED DISPLAYS ARE MEANT TO MAKE USING A SMART PHONE EASIER AND MORE CONVIENT” smartphone displays and set the standard. But how would you implement a curved screen into a smartphone? Well, at the moment, there are two ways in which curved displays can be used in smartphones. The first is to have the screen curve vertically meaning that the center of the phone is convex in comparison to the top or bottom. The second is having the screen curved horizontally meaning that the sides of the screen are higher than the middle. Both of these designs make the phone more ergonomic as a whole, but most reviewers and consumers seem to prefer the vertical curve. These curved displays are meant to make using a smartphone easier and more convenient; many reports say that the curve makes the display have less glare and immerse the user more.

At the moment, there are two curved display phones that one can buy.

The first is Samsung’s Galaxy Round, also the first curved display phone to be commercially available, and it curves horizontally. The second is the LG G Flex which curves vertically and is actually flexible, as implied by its name. Both companies try to use the curve as an advantage in terms of software features. For example, Samsung built off from its feature “Quick Glance,” which had been in previous Samsung devices, and allows you to see quick notification on the screen when you rock your phone while it is on a flat surface. LG on the other hand focused more on making people want to buy their phone for reasons aside from the fact that the screen isn’t flat. What LG has done is make their phone flexible, as in you can push down on it and make it flat without breaking it. Not only has LG made a “flexi-phone” but they made the backing of -12- | THE ELEMENTS

G Flex

6 inch display 720p display 177g 2GB RAM

COMPARISON THE LG G FLEX AND THE SAMSUNG GALAXY ROUND

Galaxy Round

5.7 inch display 1080p display 154g 3GB RAM

VS. the device self-healing so that minor scratches

S4 has 2 GB of RAM while the iPhone 5S

ers and the G Flex is currently only available

seemingly disappear within a couple of min-

has just 1 GB of RAM, so the Galaxy Round

internationally. However, it will be offered to

utes. LG has also included some clever soft-

is quite the zippy device. The LG G Flex, on

American carriers in the future. At the end

ware features including “knock-on” in which

the other hand, features a 6 inch, 720p dis-

of the day, it comes down to whether or not

you knock on your device while it is flat to

play that is as nice as the Galaxy Round’s but

you value having a curved/flexible display

see quick notifications. Both of these curved

is flexible. The G Flex is heavier at 177g, but

on your phone, and if you’re willing to invest

phones have some interesting features that

its internals are nearly identical; the only dif-

in these kinds of devices for that reason.

set them apart from the competition, but how

ference being that it only has 2 GB of RAM.

do they stack up in terms of specifications?

The Samsung Galaxy Round is larger than

Although the Galaxy Round is technically

its competition, weighing in at 154g (Com-

faster on paper, many will find LG’S G Flex

pared to the iPhone 5S’ 112g or the Galaxy

the more compelling option due to its much

S4’s 130g) and hosting a 5.7 inch, 1080p dis-

more innovative use of its curve and the fact

play; for these reasons it will feel different in

that it has many unique features (aside from

the hand. However, it is remarkably faster

the fact that it’s curved). At the moment, it

than many phones on the market, featuring

may be difficult for anyone in the US to get

a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 3 GB of

his or her hands on these phones since the

RAM. To put this in perspective, the Galaxy

Galaxy Round is only offered to Korean carri-

THE ELEMENTS | -13-

WRITTEN BY SPENCER LERNER

WRITTEN BY SPENCER LERNER

Are flexible displays the future of mobile displays?

APPLE RUMOR ROUND-UP

“

ltum u s s i v i t e r n o ret n norum dit? a Sigit sil hoste m a u q t a n em e

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim.

riuris. Icio Simprit, Cast

patud

I

”

t’s a new year, and that means

for everything on internet with

a lot of things, but for many

your Apple id? These are just some

people it brings up the ques-

of the rumors regarding things

tion, “what is Apple going to make

that some people think Apple

this year?” As always, there are

has a chance of doing this year,

the more outlandish rumors and

and to tell you the truth, some of

the more plausible rumors. Here

them actually seem quite possible.

are some of this years rumors,

-14- | THE ELEMENTS

starting with the those that you

Recently, tech websites across

would think will never happen; is

the Internet have become aware

there a solar powered iPhone on

of a patent filed recently by Apple

the way, will there finally be an

for solar charging on your iPhone.

Apple-television, is Apple really

The credibility of the rumor is not

going to make an “iWatch”, are iP-

that great, and most of the rumor

hone screens getting even bigger,

seems to be made by reading in

and will you soon be able to pay

between the lines on the patent.

Some do believe that the solar panels for

Next is the resilient rumor that comes back each

a hot topic across tech sites, and frankly, it

charging would be located in the screen, in

year since Steve Jobs said, “I’d like to create an

does seem to be somewhat possible. Ever

order to not alter the look of the device, and

integrated television set that is completely

since Apple released the square iPod Nano

some websites are saying that Apple is actual-

easy to use.” Every year there is a new twist to

with accessories to make into a watch, the

ly planning an early release for the new iPhone

this rumor; last year it was the addition of Siri,

rumors have been around. In the past year,

6 in May. Although a solar charging device

and this year it is the television set now being

however, Apple actually hired several techni-

does seem possible, it’s likely that the device

in ultra HD 4K. The features of the Rumored

cians from wearable tech and medical sensor

wouldn’t be entirely powered by the sun’s

Apple TV include anything a smart TV might

fields. This falls right into place with what

rays. What makes this rumor interesting is that

normally include: Netlfix, Hulu, Youtube, and

people thought an “iWatch” might encom-

this would be another way for Apple to gain

Internet browsing built in. Even though there

pass. It fits in with Apple’s current partnership

back some of their innovation that they have

are other TVs with these features, and Apple

with Nike, and supports that this item Apple

lost. Personally, although I think this could

currently makes a television device that you

is working on will be wearable. The “iWatch”

be a possibility down the road, I do not think

can plug into you TV, there is no evidence that

is thought to work with your phone to give

it should be expected to be released this year.

Apple plans to release a television this year.

you a seamless way of checking messages

For the last year the Apple “iWatch” has been

and to make other annoying tasks easily do-

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus etilignim que que poreic totam unt audamu.

THE ELEMENTS | -15-

able from your wrist. What makes the “iWatch”

ting the user of an iPhone pay for all types of

likely for 2014 is that Samsung has released its

different things with his or her fingerprint.

own version of the watch, and Apple will almost

Those were five of this year’s biggest apple ru-

definitely be compelled toward competition.

mors. As I said before, some seem extremely

The most interesting rumor on this list is that Ap-

possible, perhaps even likely, while others may

ple plans on making its iPhone screens larger…

not come for the next 5-10 years. Apple is a

again. The new iPhone 6 is thought to be coming

very secretive company, and I’m sure that its

out in the two different sizes of 4.5 inches and 5

executives hope and plan on releasing some-

inches (both bigger than the current one). Both

thing that was not on this list and that no one

of the bigger iPhones will be in metal, perhaps

has ever heard of. It’s up to Apple to make its

leaving the iPhone 5c to be discontinued or to

new products “just work”, and to make us want

become Apple’s free option. Sources like the Wall

something that we didn’t even know we needed.

Street Journal have reported that the smaller of the new iPhones is further along in development, and is being prepped for mass production during this year, while the bigger of the two is not as far, but still on track for release in the near future. Part of Apple’s choice to create bigger screens is not only because they want to compete with other phone makers, but also because big phone screens are popular in China, and Apple has had their eye on that market for a while.

The last, least unexciting, but most plausible rumor for this year is that Apple is making a mobile payment service. Wait, what does that even mean? It means that the 500,000,000 Apple ID accounts that exist (all with registered credit cards) will be able to go on participating websites, and type in the Apple ID and password in order to pay. The service would most likely be Touch ID compatible, let-

-16- | THE ELEMENTS

“OBIT ALIBUS EUM LABORUM AUT VOLUPTIOSSUM UT DEBISQUE NOBIS ET ES INUSANT IUNTIBUS IMET VENIHIT VENT.”

ADVERTISEMENT

THE ELEMENTS | -17-

WRITTEN BY HENRY HUNT

CONSOLE WAR WHOSE

ON? E B U O Y D L SIDE SHOU

S

ince 2001, Microsoft and Sony have

made a series of blunders, such as a new digital

On the other hand, the Xbox One can only

been bashing heads for dominance

rights management (DRM) policy, which stops

run games up to a resolution of 720p.

over the video game console mar-

people from selling used games, and their

ket. Each new generation of these so-called

decision to bundle the console with the very

The major problem with the PS4 system is its

“console wars” saw these two titans clash,

unpopular Kinect 2.0, a motion detecting de-

lack of a decent launch line-up. Most gamers

and, with the new wave of seventh gener-

vice – adding cost that no one was asking for.

will not be satisfied with just the next releas-

ation consoles on the horizon, our favorite

In the meantime, Sony directed the majority of

es of Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed along

rivals have once again geared up for a fight

their resources towards distinguishing itself

with Knack, a game whose sole purpose is to

– Microsoft, with the Xbox One, and Sony,

from Microsoft. This approach left consumers

show-off a particle physics display. At this

with the Play Station 4. However, whereas

wondering what the PS4 actually is and how it

point, the number of available games is so

in previous years, both Microsoft’s and So-

differs from its predecessors and competitors.

small that I would advise against buying a PS4.

ny’s products have been closely matched in

I will be eager to review this console again

terms of technology and game library, this

The PS4 from Sony is inarguably better

when more games come out for it, but, in the

time around, there are some clear differences.

than the Xbox One if considering only their

meantime, I give it a 7.9/10 rating, because

technical specs. The PS4 runs at the usu-

there just is not much that can be done on it.

In the early stages of the battle, Sony seemed

al speed of 60 frames per second (FPS), like

to be the winner almost by default. During the

the Xbox One, but the PS4 can run games

If, for some reason, it is urgent for you to buy

pre-launch of these two consoles, Microsoft

up to a resolution of 1080 pixels (1080p).

a new console, my suggestion would be Nin-

-18- | THE ELEMENTS

tendo’s Wii U. Not only are more

features, such as the touchpad

games available for the Wii U,

on its controller. For example, in

but compared to the PS4 or the

AC4, the pad was used for nav-

Xbox One, the Wii U has crea-

igating the in-game map, which

tive and interesting features. It

worked much better than the

has new features compared to its

wonky stick control from the PS3.

predecessor that are not found anywhere else, like a screen and

It is important to note that all of

touch pad on its controller. In

these gaming consoles lag far be-

addition, on top of its exclusive

hind the technology available on

releases, the Wii U will also re-

a good gaming PC. Though they

lease the same titles as the PS4

are an improvement over their

and Xbox One. I am not alone in

predecessors, they are technical-

saying that the Wii U is the best

ly somewhat archaic. The con-

console currently available.

In

soles run two to three times slow-

fact, the Wii U actually out-sold

er than a good PC. The graphic

the Xbox One this past Christmas.

cards in the consoles are already a generation behind what is avail-

On the other hand, the upcoming

able for a PC, and the consoles

releases for the PS4 look superb.

will be stuck with these already

So far, they have announced In-

outdated graphics cards for the

famous Second Son, Destiny, The Elder Scrolls Online, Thief, The Order 1886, and more – all highly anticipated.

Infamous

Second Son and The Order 1886 will be PS4 exclusives. Though the PS4’s library of games looks

“OBIT ALIBUS EUM LABORUM AUT VOLUPTIOSSUM UT DEBISQUE NOBIS ET ES INUSANT IUNTIBUS IMET VENIHIT VENT.”

entirety of their lifespans, while it is easy to upgrade the graphics card on a PC. In closing, the PS4 is innovative and is a quite improved version of the PS3, but I would vote for the Wii U or for PC gaming over it any day.

thin right now, it should be expanding soon.

I suspect that,

by the end of 2014, the PS4 will be the best of “the big three.”

In terms of my experience with the PS4 so far, I have enjoyed the improvement in the graphics over the PS3. I have also had fun playing Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag (AC4). The gameplay on the PS4 is a notably more refined experienced than on the PS3. The PS4 runs smoother than on the PS3, and the larger memory allows for more hardware-intensive and easily processed open worlds.

Developers are also taking advantage of the console’s new THE ELEMENTS | -19-

THE FUTURE OF NHL REPLAY WRITTEN BY MATTHEW HARPE

Will a new centralized replay system improve the NHL? The costly change may set a new standard for other major league sports.

E

very major league sport is plagued with

the U.S. have implemented some type of re-

Second, unlike other sports where officiators

hosts of controversial calls, penalties,

play system, but none has been as successful

have to use television broadcasts to review

suspensions, fines, etc. It has been part

as the NHL’s new centralized replay center.

the play in questions, the NHL’s camera in-

of sports for years and has changed the out-

frastructure, which they’ve installed in each

come of its fair share of pivotal games. Ever

What the NHL has done over the past few

stadium, allows them to find and review the

since the NFL introduced the first replay

years is installed a number of cameras in each

appropriate camera angle faster, supposedly

system to major league sports in 1986, each

stadium. The video feeds lead back to head-

cutting down replay time to under a minute.

league has struggled to find the right bal-

quarters in Toronto, where a crew of officials

The NHL only replays goals, so the scope of

ance. Sure, replay systems allow officiators to

can review calls from any game across the

the system is limited, but the system has yield-

overturn or uphold important calls, but they

league. The system offers numerous ben-

ed impressive results; the officials in Toronto

also eat up time, require new infrastructure,

efits. First, all the calls for all of the games

almost always return goals speedily and cor-

and can even result in inconsistent or poor

are made by the same group of officiators, so

rectly. There are still plenty of controversial

decisions.

there is little inconsistency between games.

penalties that give a team a power play at a

All four major sport leagues in

“There are still plenty of controversial penalties that give a team a power play at a crucial point in the game.”

-20- | THE ELEMENTS

NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell has been in favor of implementing a similar replay system. But such a system would be far more difficult and expensive on an football field.

crucial point in the game, goals

lems, and it seems probable that

able calls, there’s a good chance

called off because of a separate

the NFL will indeed peruse such

the system will be expanded to

penalty, and whistles blown too

an option for those reasons. The

other major league sports, and

early or late, but as for the legiti-

NHL system is limited only to goal

why not, it’s quick, effective, and

macy of a goal, the NHL has got-

reviews, so it’s not too difficult to

improving the quality of sports.

ten almost all of its calls correct.

set up a few high definition cameras tracking the puck near the

Now that the cyber-optic tech-

crease. Implementing such a sys-

nology, which allows the NHL to

tem on an NFL field would be far

stream multiple live streams back

more difficult and expensive, as

to a central location faster than a

the cameras would have to cover

satellite, is available and reliable,

the entire field for officials to re-

other leagues have started to

view calls at any spot. Like with

take interest. The NFL recently

the NHL, this would require the

sent a representative to look into

installation of a new set of cam-

the NHL’s system, and this type

eras in every stadium, since the

of replay system would certain-

league can’t use the same set as

ly be an improvement. The two

the television broadcast. Given

biggest problems with the NFL’s

the effectiveness of the system

current replay system is that it

in the NHL, though, it would ap-

takes a long time to review calls,

pear to warrant the cost. The

especially since coaches can chal-

NFL will be the true test of the

lenge, and it is often inconsistent.

centralized replay system; if the

A centralized system promises to

league can make it work on such

help lessen both of those prob-

a large field and on all challenge-

ST THE TRUE TE E B L IL W L H “THE N RALIZED OF THE CENT

EM ”

REPLAY SYST

THE ELEMENTS | -21-

OLD ELECTRONICS

WRITTEN BY ANDREW DICKERMAN

What to do with all your junk

I

’m sure that somewhere in your room, you have a box with phones,

better use for these aged electronics than simply allowing you to remi-

computers, music players, and gaming devices that, at one point in

nisce for a few minutes… right? This article will inform you of beneficial

time, were focal points of your life. Now they are cast aside because

ways to stop your old electronics from collecting dust in your closet.

you obtained their respective newer versions that work at four times

What if you aren’t interested in finding a way to re-use your old elec-

the speed of the old ones. I will admit it’s fun to look in that box some-

tronics and you just want to throw them in the trashcan? Unfortunate-

times and fiddle with the devices until your muscle memory reminds you

ly, that’s about the worst thing you can do. There have been thousands

of how long you’ve actually spent with them. Certainly there has to be a

of recorded cases of fraud, which were the result of owners’ not wiping

R S IN ET, TETU E R O P M E R “PORUM UE CONSE Q A IT V O R D E PEREP

R MA”

IDEL ET LATU

their information off of their devices before discarding them. There also have been instances of data recovered from hard-drives that were apparently had actually been wiped of data. Other problems that you face by simply throwing out your electronics are the environmental impact and state laws. Hazardous materials like acids can leak into the earth and into water supplies if dumped in a landfill. Even if electronics are disposed of by incineration, the risk of the metal particles affecting food supplies and the overall food chain of life runs high. In addition to environmental factors, new state laws can fine companies up to $2000 a day for “improper disposing of electronics.” To put this all in perspective, The NY Times says that 141 million cell phones were discarded in 2009. That is almost half the population of the United States. If it’s not a big enough incentive that there are beneficial ways to harness old electronic devices, hopefully the negative effects that throwing away old electronics can have is a big enough deterrent from doing so.

Probably the most common way people dispose of electronics is by selling them. You’ve seen it done on eBay, Amazon, and in used-electronics stores, but most people don’t get the most money they can for their old devices. At these sites, there are often many other devices in equal or better condition to the one you own, consequently making yours less desirable. The buyers of these electronics are usually not aware of the full potential of these old devices as most of them have parts that can work perfectly in modern devices. Specialty sites like -22- | THE ELEMENTS

“Um voluptatur? Unto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit more space lorem�

Gazelle or NextWorth ask you a few simple

the added cost that the specialty sites take. If

hard-drives too. There are countless uses

questions about your device and then give

you are feeling especially moral, you may not

for old electronic devices, but for them to

you a flat rate, which they give to every other

even ask for anything in return for your elec-

be most effective and beneficial, you have to

person who answers the questions in a similar

tronics. Giving away your devices to a younger

tailor them around what your lifestyle needs.

way. They are able to give you a good rate on

family member, a school, or a charity is always

Next time you buy a gaming console, phone,

these used electronics because they are able

a beneficial way to get rid of things that may

or computer take a good long look at your

to disassemble the devices and use the work-

be useful to someone other than yourself.

now obsolete device, assess the choices you

ing parts to make newer devices. To give a rel-

have, and make the one that allows the de-

ative amount for how much each device sells

Lastly, for those who are especially creative,

vice to help you one last time, and remember,

for, NextWorth is willing to buy the old Iphone

you can look for new uses for old gadgets.

throwing them out is the worst thing to do.

model (the 4) for $120. That is a significant

Old Computers can be used to store infor-

amount of money, especially for something

mation, similar to a file cabinet, can be used

that would otherwise be useless. If you are

as a DVD player, or my personal favorite,

familiar enough with these devices, you can

desktops can be hollowed out and turned

even disassemble them yourself and cut out

into an aquarium for fish (when this is done

the middleman as you look for potential buy-

with an Apple product it is called a Macquar-

ers of these used parts. This would save you

ium). Old ipods can be refigured to become

THE ELEMENTS | -23-

WRITTEN BY JOHN DOE

STEAM MACHINES

WRITTEN BY DANIEL MINDICH

UM VOLUPTATUR NTO EVELESSEQUIS ES DI TE ET REPUDAMET ASIMUS ET VITEMODIT FACCULLAB ILIGNIM LOREM QUE QUE PORE R, TO VOLUPTATE EUM HIL ES

-24- | THE ELEMENTS

L

ast year at CES 2013 (The

all different in specs, design, and

consumer

electronics

price. The price ranges from $500

show), Valve, the company

to as much as $6000 (for the cus-

that runs the online game store

tomizable one). Also you could

called Steam, unveiled that they

make your own Steam Machine

were working on creating a third

by following a tutorial on the

party console that would allow

steam website. Although the beta

one to play PC games on a tel-

for the Operating System has al-

evision screen. This was called

ready come out, you would need a

the Steam Machine. After a con-

clean 500-gigabyte hard drive to

troller prototype with two track

download it or else it will delete

pads instead of a normal joystick

everything on the hard drive it is

and buttons, a Valve prototype

installed on. One company that

of the Steam Machine, and many

will be making the Steam Machine,

rumors, Valve also released a list

Alienware said that its Steam Ma-

of the developers of the Steam

chine will be out in late 2014.

Machine. The developers are Al-

A Steam Machine is a third party

ienware, Alternate, CyberPow-

console created by many differ-

erPC, Digital Storm, Gigabyte,

ent developers, with a different

iBuyPower, Falcon Northwest,

price range than normal consoles

Materiel.net, Next, Origin PC,

out today, a fully customizable

Scan, Valve, Webhallen, and Zo-

controller, and its own version of

tac. These 14 steam machines are

Linux SteamOS. Using a Steam

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim. Tectempsi idunderume cor aces mod magnatium la provitam si berspis maximi, con consect oresequam vellique.

Machine, one will be able to play games from

play. Although Valve is encouraging peo-

troversy over weather or not the system will

Steam. It is essentially a smaller PC packed

ple to make games for Linux, the main PC

do what it is trying to, but the Steam Machine

into a console that you can play on your TV

gaming operating system, Windows, has a

will come out on top. I hope that in a year or

with a special controller that acts as a mouse

whopping 2,487 games. However, Valve has

two, more companies will start working on

and keyboard. In October, there was a beta

solved this problem by allowing in-home

Steam Machines and make cheaper Steam

testing stage where once you made your-

streaming, so as long as your normal pc is

Machines; Steam Machines that will be com-

self social on Steam, you became eligible

on and has steam running, then your steam

petitive with consoles that Sony and Micro-

to get a beta version of the Steam Machine

machine can run it. This does create a prob-

soft are working on, and Steam Machines

to try out, and hopefully spread the word.

lem for some people as they are unable to

that well exceed all others. If this happens,

play certain games on Steam, though. If you

and people working on it figure out a way

There is a lot of speculation regarding wheth-

normally have a Mac, you are able to play

that you won’t need a windows enabled

er or not the Steam Machine will be a success

more games than with just the Steam Ma-

PC to play all available games on steam,

or a flop, as well as about a few potential

chine alone, but you are unable able to play

I think that these will be a great success!

problems or misconceptions with the Steam

a lot of other games that can only be played

Machine. When I first heard of it, I wondered

on Windows. Also Gabe Newell did say that

about whether or not you would be able to

he wouldn’t have a problem with other on-

play Windows or Mac games on the Steam

line game purchasing software like Origin,

Machine. It runs Linux, and only 293 games

by EA, to be allowed on the Steam Machine.

can be played on Linux. Although this may sound like a lot, most of these games are

The upcoming Steam Machine will try to

small, less known, indie games or software,

bridge the gap between PC and Console

and very few of these are big name games

gamers by bringing PC games to the televi-

that everyone has heard of and wants to

sion screen. I believe that there will be conTHE ELEMENTS | -25-

BLIZZCON WRITTEN BY ZACH TROYANOVSKY

A personal account of Blizzard’s annual convention, showcasing the latest and greatest the company has to offer.

O

Conan O’Brien was a commentator during the arena World of Warcraft Global Finals held at Blizzcon this year.

-26- | THE ELEMENTS

nce again, Blizzard continues

famous youtuber Tobuscus when waiting

to astound devoted Blizzard

in line to test out a new three monitor

gamers who attended Blizzard’s

adapted version of World of Warcraft.

annual convention: Blizzcon. Blizzard calls

Another rare sight at this year’s Blizzcon

Blizzcon its way of giving back to its loy-

was Conan O’Brian commentating on the

al gamers, and of course, when you buy

arena World of Warcraft Global Finals.

$175 tickets, you start to question exact-

While seemingly just a simple publicity

ly where the “giving” really is. However,

stunt, it was really a smart one considering

when you see the extravagance of the con-

that all 200,00 people at blizzcon and those

vention center that blizzard has turned

watching the online coverage are now fans

into a portal leading into a world of gaming,

of the redheaded comedian. The one thing

you will see that these ticket prices barely

that everyone, even those who did not

cover the price of the convention; blizzard

attend, knows about Blizzcon are the an-

turning a profit just off the convention is

nouncements, and this year was a doozy.

truly very unlikely. The hype created by

Let’s start with the new WoW (World of

this annual celebration of everything Bliz-

Warcraft) expansion. Now for those of

zard, however, will create a resounding

you who may not know much about video

effect that will inspire gamers across the

games, you must first know that recently

globe to begin playing these games. This

WoW received an expansion known as

hype from previous years has drawn many

Mists of Pandaria, referred to by some as

gaming and non-gaming “youtubers” over

the worst thing to ever happen to WoW.

to Blizzcon to at least gain publicity by ap-

Seeing the mistake they made, the crea-

pearing in front of the Blizzard fan crowd.

tors at blizzard rushed ahead to release

I myself attended the event and ran into

their new expansion before they lost

too many players. In only one brief

droid. Hearthstone is a new game

year, they created the new expan-

that could go in so many ways that

sion: Warlords of Draenor. In this

Blizzard does not yet know which

new expansion, World of Warcraft

one to choose. Of course the big-

justifies returning to the old version

gest announcement at Blizzcon

of gameplay by using time travel as

was the release of their brand

a plot point in the new main quest

new game: Heroes of the Storm

line. This expansion, while releas-

(previewed

by

Jake

Levine).

ing some interesting new things, is mostly about getting back to the way WoW used to be and getting back to the game we all fell in love with.

Another short announcement was that Starcraft II free to play accounts would now have much more of an actual view of the game by allowing them to access the arcade. One of the main announcements was about the new game Blizzard has released its beta for: Hearthstone. A virtual card game, hearthstone is Blizzard’s first free game and will soon be Blizzard’s first mobile device game when it comes out on iPad, iPhone, and An-

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim.

THE ELEMENTS | -27-

XBOX ONE UM VOLUPTATUR NTO EVELESSEQUIS ES DI TE ET REPUDAMET ASIMUS ET VITEMODIT FACCULLAB ILIGNIM LOREM QUE QUE PORE R, TO VOLUPTATE EUM HIL ES

-28- | THE ELEMENTS

WRITTEN BY LIAM GAVIN

T

he new Xbox One was one of

the system for this purpose. The

the biggest pieces of tech to

TV integration works very well and

hit shelves during the 2013

functions with no delay, the voice

holiday season. Microsoft’s third

commands work well, and the Xbox

console had many gamers excited

gives you access to “OneGuide,”

for new features, better graphics,

an app that gives you a highly cus-

a refined Kinect, and an enhanced

tomizable custom TV guide based

in-home entertainment system, all

on your provider and your favorite

compacted into one Xbox. Microsoft

channels. You also have the abili-

moved towards an all in one gaming

ty to “snap” TV, which means that

and home entertainment system with

the Xbox puts your current app in a

the Xbox One. The target of Xbox

picture in picture frame and adds a

One seemed to be to integrate all

bar on the right side of your screen

types of functionality, not just playing

where you can watch TV. Even

games. Aside from games, the Xbox

though the picture is rather small

One has a TV app that allows you to

when you “snap” TV, it’s useful for

watch cable or satellite TV through

quickly checking the scores of your

your Xbox, provided that you pass

favorite games or watching high-

the HDMI cable from your TV provid-

lights of your favorite sports teams.

er’s box through the Xbox One. The

Other apps including “Party” (also

Xbox One includes both an HDMI in

known as the chat function) and In-

and HDMI out port on the back of

ternet Explorer can be snapped for

GOOD

BAD

The Xbox One incorporates TV, gaming, chat, and other apps like Netflix with seamless app switching and pretty good Kinect voice commands. Graphics for new games are superior to those of the Xbox 360.

The new dashboard for the system is a little confusing, and Kinect hand gestures don’t work very well.

Streaming live from your Xbox One doesn’t work very well yet either, and the launch titles are lacking.

a seamless picture-in-picture experience.

grated into all Windows Phones and com-

is easily distinguishable from the controller’s

Gaming on the Xbox One is truly next gen.

puters as well. This means that wherever

vibration. These rumble triggers have a func-

The games have much improved graphics, and

you go, your files will be available online on

tion in most games, such as in many shooters

most games take place in more realistic worlds.

SkyDrive and all you have to do to access

to create recoil when firing, and interestingly,

We still have yet to see how far game develop-

them is use your Microsoft account to sign in.

in Assassin’s Creed 4, the vibration of each

ers can go in the future with the Xbox One, but

trigger alternates to create a heartbeat when

our first taste of new games including Forza 5,

The external design of the Xbox One is honest-

you are low on health. Software-wise the de-

COD: Ghosts, Dead Rising 3, and Battlefield

ly nothing special, with half of the console be-

sign is similar to Windows 8 and the operating

4 has left a good impression so far. Right out

ing matte black, while the other half is glossy

system on most Windows Phones. It uses a tile

of the gate the Xbox One seems to have fewer

black with a touch activated power button in

design and allows you to “pin” the tiles for your

new titles than the rival PS4, which accord-

the form of a white LED Xbox logo. There is no

favorite games and apps to the home screen,

ing to Sony has also nearly doubled the Xbox

longer a disc tray where you place the game

which can be accessed at any time, even mid-

One’s sales. However, Microsoft claims that

discs; instead, the disc drive is all internal. All

game. Because of this ability to return to the

it is dominating the software side of things,

of the ports are located on the back of the con-

dashboard at any time without ending what-

claiming to be selling more games than PS4. It

sole apart from one USB port, which is locat-

ever game you are playing, the guide that was

may be a little too early in the year to make an

ed on the side of the console next to the disc

a huge part of the Xbox 360 design has been

accurate comparison between the consoles.

drive. The Kinect 2.0 is similar in design, hav-

removed. Additionally, you can choose a color

ing the same glossy black color and Xbox logo

theme that changes the color of the default

Cloud functionality is also a large part of the

shaped white LED light which also appears

tiles such as friends, settings, and party. Over-

new Xbox One experience. Originally intro-

on the controller. The controller has a matte

all, the design is pleasing and combines well

duced on the Xbox 360, cloud functionality

black color, and is very similar to the Xbox 360

with this amazing new all-in-one console. It’s

has drastically expanded to hold not only

controller, but with a few changes. The bat-

perfect for an entertainment hub in your liv-

game saves but also game video, screen-

tery pack is now integrated into the controller,

ing room for not only playing games, but also

shots, montages, and clips that you record

only the letters on the Y, B, A, and X buttons

watching TV, movies and doing much more.

on your Xbox One with the Game DVR app.

are colored, the directional pad is improved,

All of this is done through SkyDrive, one of

the sticks are smaller, and the triggers now

Microsoft’s pre-existing apps, which is inte-

have a rumble function, a small vibration that THE ELEMENTS | -29-

BROOKLYN NINE NINE

WRITTEN BY NEIL AHLAWAT

“

MUCH OF THE SHOW’S SUCCESS CAN BE ATTRIBUTED RS AND

TO THE COMBINED COMEDIC GENIUS OF CO-CREATO

R

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS MICHAEL SCHUR AND DAN GOO

F

”

ox’s new buddy-cop comedy sit-

has not been able to achieve much main-

Ray Holt, each played by Melissa Fumero,

com “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is the

stream success, with his most notable role

Joe Lo Trugilo, Stephanie Beatriz, and An-

most underrated show on TV. At

in Adam Sandler’s movie, “That’s My Boy,”

dre Braugher, respectively. Braugher, per-

least it was, until it won a Golden Globe.

a box-office flop. However, Samberg finds

haps, has the most interesting role in the

The show, in its first season, snagged two

his rhythm in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”. As

show; his character, Captain Ray Holt, is an

awards this past January at the 71st an-

critic Melia Robinson puts it, “He’s cool

uptight, openly gay police captain with an

nual Golden Globe awards. Front man

and confident while both self-effacing and

icy demeanor, baritone voice, and a dead-

and Saturday Night Live alum Andy Sam-

sensitive.” And yet, Samberg isn’t anchor-

pan sense of humor. While Braugher had

berg won his first ever Golden Globe for

ing the show entirely by himself. The big-

studied drama for the entirety of his ca-

his leading role in the show as Detective

gest strength of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is its

reer, it seems as if he has found a comedic

Jake Peralta, and the show itself beat

idiosyncratic and diverse ensemble cast.

setting in Brooklyn Nine-Nine that is quite

out the likes of “Modern Family,” “The

Terry Crews of “Everybody Hates Chris”

suitable for him. Each character of the

Big Bang Theory,” and “Girls” for the ti-

plays the squad’s leader, Sgt. Terry Jef-

show has been able to find his or her own

tle of best comedy. The awards came as

fords, and he does a masterful job in por-

unique and defined personality, and the

a surprise and so did the success of the

traying a rough and physically intimidating

show has featured crafty twists on stand-

sitcom, which is in its freshman season.

character who has a sweet inner side at

ard police procedural storylines. Much of

the same time that is sure to draw laughs.

the show’s success can be attributed to

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” follows the lives of

Chelsea Peretti, a standup comedian and

the combined comedic genius of co-cre-

a group of detectives in New York’s 99th

likely candidate to be the next Tina Fey or

ators and executive producers Michael

Precinct through their various daily of-

Amy Poehler plays the eccentric yet clever

Schur and Dan Goor. Schur is responsible

fice shenanigans and inane adventures.

office secretary Gina Linetti, who under-

for creating NBC’s critically acclaimed

The poster boy of the show, Andy Sam-

stands the personalities and politics in the

comedy “Parks and Recreation” and has

berg, stars as the immature and goofy, yet

precinct better than anyone else does. The

served as a writer for SNL and “The Office”.

well-intentioned detective, Jake Peralta.

show includes four other characters: Amy

Before working with Schur on Parks and

After leaving SNL two years ago, Samberg

Santiago, Charles Boyle, Rosa Diaz and

Rec, Goor crafted punchlines for various

-30- | THE ELEMENTS

Steven Colbert, and Conan O’ Brien for over a decade. The combination of Goor’s hard-hitting one-liners and Schur’s ‘cringy’ sense of humor is sure to be an integral feature of their new sitcom. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has had a much better pilot season than

“

The biggest strength of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is its indiosyncractic and diverse ensemble cast.

“

late night hosts like Jon Stewart,

many had imagined, and Andy Samberg has proven that he can be funny while acting in television. The show is as unabashedly unpredictable as it is witty and amusing. I look forward to seeing many more seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine in years to come.

THE ELEMENTS | -31-

ASSASAIN’S CREED IV UM VOLUPTATUR NTO EVELESSEQUIS ES DI TE ET REPUDAMET ASIMUS ET VITEMODIT FACCULLAB ILIGNIM LOREM QUE QUE PORE R, TO VOLUPTATE EUM HIL ES

-32- | THE ELEMENTS

WRITTEN BY ERIC SCHWARTZ AND FELIX FREELAND

A

s a kid, I didn’t dream of

dive right into the action as the new

being a pirate and seeking

protagonist, Edward Kenway, is on

riches and plunder on the

a ship dodging cannon fire. Having

high seas. All of these dreams and

you start out as the central charac-

more can now be fulfilled in Assas-

ter is something that the previous

sin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the erro-

game did not do. Now, we get a

neously titled sixth game in Ubisoft’s

glimpse into Kenway’s personali-

Assassin’s Creed series. I have been

ty early on. He shows a great deal

a fan of the series since the second

more charisma than Connor Dav-

installment, back when Ezio Auditore

enport, whose only two emotions, in

da Firenze was sneaking around Re-

my opinion, were neutral and angry.

naissance Italy. Since then we have

Edward seems like a much happier

been to Rome, Constantinople, and

person in general than Connor, but

the colonial United States. And now,

don’t let that fool you into thinking

we travel to the Caribbean in the

that he’s soft-hearted because he is

early 1700’s to sail through storms,

still perfectly capable of murdering

board ships, harpoon sharks and

practically everyone within a two

whales, dive into shipwrecks, and as

mile radius without skipping a beat.

always, kill unsuspecting enemies

He is more similar to Ezio than Con-

with your trademark hidden blades

nor, despite being the latter’s grand-

or

cutlasses.

father. Edward shows more emotion

The game starts off by having you

in the first ten minutes of ACIV than

even

dual-wielded

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim.

now. Until you unlock fast travel for locations, you must travel by your ship, the Jackdaw. While at sea, there are many dangers that

Connor did the majority of ACIII.

develop throughout the game.

the player must be aware of, or

Unlike his predecessors, Edward

In terms of gameplay, Black Flag

else they can do a lot of damage.

does not show a complete and

keeps the slight changes in con-

First, there are forts. These are

immediate willingness to join the

trols that Assassin’s Creed III

land-based structures that have

Assassins. In previous games,

brought in. In addition, enemies

long-range mortars in addition to

the protagonists have joined the

are once again slightly more chal-

cannons, and they will attack you

order almost immediately, and

lenging. The brutes, who are invul-

on sight. You have to take down

whether they’re born into it, seek-

nerable to counter attacks, prove

all of the defenses from your ship

ing revenge, or following the or-

a greater challenge than the oth-

before you can storm the fort and

ders of a glowing ball, they hardly

er foes. These enemies proved a

kill the captains inside to capture

ever question its motives. Edward,

worthy foe to me until I learned

it. These forts range in difficulty

however, is more self-motivated.

how to defeat them properly. In

from as few as two towers to as

For much of the game, he is con-

addition, enemies are capable of

many as nine with other such ob-

tent with seeking personal gain

interrupting a kill streak unless

stacles as enemy ships and storms

as opposed to helping the entire

you counter them. The biggest

in your way. Storms are anoth-

world as Assassins claim to be do-

change, however, is the increased

er crucial obstacle at sea. These

ing. This gives his character a little

naval gameplay. About forty per-

torrents are more than just wind

depth and a way in which he can

cent of the game is spent at sea

and rain, for with them, they bring

RATING: GRAPHICS: 9 GAMEPLAY: 9 ENJOYMENT: 10 SOUND: 9 LASTING APPEAL: 9 OVERALL: 9.5

THE ELEMENTS | -33-

huge rogue waves and waterspouts, which are

The notoriety system is very similar to the one

details and motivations of your character. The

basically sea tornadoes. These can cause dam-

in Assassin’s Creed III, except that it is entirely

present day includes a challenging but enter-

age to your ship and kill crewmembers if you

sea-based and there is only one specific group

taining hacking puzzle mini game. Without re-

aren’t careful. You can also use these to your

of ships that will be searching for you. As you

vealing anything more, this mini game reveals

advantage by losing pursuers in the storms.

increase notoriety, pirate hunters will come

some details about the fate of Desmond and

after you in increasing strength and numbers.

some Abstergo Industries secrets. It is a less

Arguably the biggest part of the naval game-

However, these ships always have the neces-

action packed but still fun part of the game.

play, though, is the ship battles. These are

sary materials for upgrades for weapons and

firefights in which you must weaken the oth-

armor, so there is an incentive to be notorious.

Assassin’s Creed IV is a game that combines

er ship until it is incapacitated. At this point,

While away from your ship, there are some

classic elements of previous installments with

you can either sink or board the ship. When

additional new side missions in addition to the

new naval elements. It combines the best of

boarding, your goal is essentially to kill a cer-

classic Assassin’s Creed style running, jump-

these two worlds seamlessly, transporting you

tain number of the enemy crew, and, depend-

ing, and stabbing. There are underwater ship-

from the high seas to crowded cities with at

ing on the type of ship, you must do another

wrecks that you can explore in order to recov-

most a loading screen to connect them. Even

task, such as destroy the gunpowder stores

er chests and obtain upgrade plans. There are

on a current (soon to be previous) gen con-

or kill the enemy captain and so on. This can

only two dangers of this side mission. The first

sole, this game looked absolutely stunning.

be challenging when you are boarding a large

is running out of air, for although Edward can

With realistic lighting changes, while moving

ship, like a man-o-war, and you have to kill 20

hold his breath for an exceptionally long time,

through different environments, believable

of the enemy crew and try destroy the gun-

he still needs to replenish via the diving bell

seas ranging from very calm to fierce torrents,

powder without killing your own crew; they

or air barrels. The second is the myriad of sea

and islands that look great from far away and

often have a terrible habit of standing far

creatures that can hurt and even kill you, such

even better up close, this game shows incredi-

too close to gunpowder barrels. You can also

as sharks, eels, and sea urchins. Additional side

ble visuals on land and at sea. This installment

take out some of their crew with the swivel

missions include the eagle vision puzzles of the

of Assassin’s Creed truly transports you to

cannons on your ship before jumping aboard

Mayan Stelae, which reward you with Mayan

another world where you can almost feel the

theirs. Once you have captured it, you have

stones. Once you obtain all of them, you un-

tension of stalking your human or animal prey,

the option to send it to your fleet to use it in

lock an outfit. There is also a hunting system,

the wind blowing through your hair at sea, and

the mini game similar to the convoy system

where you can kill land-based animals, or you

the excitement of boarding an enemy ship. I

in ACIII and the Mediterranean Defense in

can harpoon whales and sharks. The skins and

believe that this game is a step forward in the

Revelations. This can earn you cosmetic up-

bones of these animals can be used to upgrade

ingenuity of the series, and I am looking for-

grades for your ship like sails, figureheads, and

Edward. On land, Edward’s environments

ward to see what they will come up with next.

steering wheels. You can also use the captured

range from tiny islands in the middle of the

ships to repair your own if you took damage

sea to bustling cities like Havana and Kingston.

in the fight. This will also allow you to take all of the cargo on board the ship which you can

A smaller part of this game is the present day.

sell or use to upgrade the Jackdaw. The final

Since the end of the Desmond Miles story, you

option you have is to reduce your notoriety,

now play as an unnamed employee at Abster-

which has the added bonus of allowing you to

go Entertainment. Your character has no name

recruit extra crewmembers in addition to get-

or back-story since the idea is that you are the

ting the cargo in slightly reduced quantities.

protagonist. You are supposed to imagine the

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus etilignim que que poreic totam unt audamu.

-34- | THE ELEMENTS

HEROES OF THE STORM WRITTEN BY JAKE LEVINE

Um voluptatur? Unto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic totam unt audamus vit audictur, to voluptate eum qui rehent.

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic.

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic.

M

OBA. A prevalent buz-

is a project that will redefine the

zword in the gaming

image of Blizzard. Heroes of the

community.

When

Storm is by all accounts (besides

gamers think of a MOBA (or a

Blizzard’s own) a MOBA. Tying to-

multiplayer online battle are-

gether all of Blizzard’s franchises,

na game), they think of a game

characters from Diablo, Warcraft

like Defense of the Ancients, or

and Starcraft all appear in-game

League of Legends, and the com-

as playable heroes. Ever wanted

panies associated with them. In

to play as, I don’t know, an enor-

the MOBA industry, where new

mous demon out of Diablo, there’s

games come out so frequently, it

an option for that. Although the

is hard to tell the good from the

game consists of largely the same

bad in a glance. With many dif-

elements as other MOBAs, Bliz-

ferent possibilities, the MOBA is

zard has decided to refer to the

one of the most versatile genres.

game as a “hero brawler,” because

However, when you ask gamers

they feel it is something different

about the company Blizzard, 99%

with a broader playstyle. Either

of them will think of World of

way, with beta running along

Warcraft, or Diablo, or Starcraft.

smoothly, Heroes of the Storm

Very few gamers identify with the

looks geared for release in 2014,

MOBA genre when they think of

with a public beta up online.

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic.

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic.

Blizzard. In the works, however, THE ELEMENTS | -35-

MAD MEN WRITTEN BY BENJAMIN ADES

AMERICAN HISTORY STILL IS STILL THE MAIN PROTAGONIST

C

reated by Emmy and Golden Globe

al, political, and social realities of the 1960’s.

dealt with the political, social and cultural

winning executive producer Mat-

From its inception in 2007 to the latest sea-

turmoil and stark change witnessed during

thew Weiner, Mad Men recreates

son, we have seen the characters struggle

the course of the 1960’s. Issues of gender,

the world of advertising in 1960’s New York.

with their personal and career lives, all in

power systems and prejudices of the period,

The series revolves around the world of

the context of a very defined historic reality.

as well as commentaries on sexism, racism,

Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), a self-

The story and agony of the main charac-

homophobia and anti-Semitism have been es-

made advertising executive at the Sterling

ter Don Draper is also a result of historic

sential to nearly every episode in each season.

Cooper agency on Madison Avenue. The

times; Draper was a soldier who assumed

History is not just told through the characters’

show has won numerous awards, most nota-

a dead man’s identity to return home dur-

stories, it is also told visually. The attention to

bly, fifteen Emmys and four Golden Globes.

ing the Korean War. This secret has defined

historic detail and the obsession with the ac-

One of Mad Men’s greatest strengths has

his whole life and in a way, his new identity

curate depiction of the period have become

been its historical authenticity. With great de-

has helped him propel his advertising career.

trademarks of the show. So much has Mad

tail and depth, the series portrays the cultur-

Through the characters’ lives, the show has

Men come to define a historic period that we

“ossum quissimin pa nos milisci testetur apiendit lab inimusantius eicium et exceperum”

-36- | THE ELEMENTS

now find “Mad Men” furniture

tend to keep more of the back-

consumerism that the characters

and decorative arts or a line of

ground in perspective, thus cre-

themselves have helped to create.

clothing labeled “Mad Men”. The

ating a more integrated environ-

Mad Men’s appeal with viewers

show has truly become synony-

ment. In the words of one of the

and critics alike has been its great

mous with an era. Its perfection-

show’s cinematographers: “You

thematic strength and innovative

ism has prompted many of its

feel the set. You feel the smoke.

visual style. The storylines are

fans to find the occasional slips

You feel all of those elements

compelling and the writing pro-

and anachronisms in word usage,

that make you believe it’s 1962.”

found and intelligent. Characters

music or set design that other-

Also, the show’s narrative struc-

are realistically constructed and

wise would likely go unnoticed.

ture, with its flashbacks, flash-for-

not simple stereotypes of the

From the furniture and props

wards, and temporal gaps further

period. Actors are wonderfully

to the costumes, and from the

contributes to create a feeling of

cast and their acting is superb.

original music of the 1960’s ac-

uneasiness and uncertainty that

Its meticulous art direction, au-

companying the end credits to

defined the period, especially the

thentic costume and set design all

the choice of episode titles, every

many great upheavals of 1968, the

help us travel in time and witness

detail contributes to the rec-

period covered during Season 6.

how the events of a period affect-

reation of the atmosphere and

At the beginning of Season 6, it

ed a generation. The show itself

feeling of the period, whether it

is the end of 1967. Visually, the

feels like one long, successful

is the alienation of the American

environment is less formal and

advertisement. It creates a sort

postwar culture or the chang-

the palette has changed; colors

of visual nostalgia, which allows

ing attitudes toward gender and

are brighter and the décor more

us to experience the 1960’s with

race. The subtle shifts in ward-

eclectic. Styles have changed too;

all its conflict, excess, confusion,

robe, set design, and cinematog-

men are growing moustaches and

and hope. It’s the power of adver-

raphy have helped Mad Men

longer sideburns, bolder ties and

tising and television at its best,

progress through the 1960s in

fancy boots have replaced grey

and it’s truly a pleasure to watch.

an accurate and entertaining way.

suits and pumps. Historically, all

The camera work has also helped

of the stories of Season 6 reflect

to recreate the period’s mood

the turbulent year that is ahead,

and atmosphere. The show’s cin-

a year of war, assassinations and

ematographers have stayed away

social change: The Tet offensive

from steadicams and handheld

in Vietnam, the deaths of Martin

movements in favor of tripod

Luther King and Bobby Kennedy,

or dolly shots. They have also

and the police brutality during the

tried to stay within the range of

1968 Democratic Convention.

lenses used at the time: medium

All these events contribute to a

lenses, usually in the 25-75mm

disillusion with reality that is in

range. These medium lenses

sharp contrast with the world of

THE ELEMENTS | -37-

WRITTEN BY DANIEL MINDICH

ARROW

UIS

ESSEQ L E V E O T N R TU UM VOLUPTA

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic totam unt audamus vit audictur, to voluptate eum hil es eosserumqui rehent. Arum net et mincita del int facescium faccus lorem ipsum.

-38- | THE ELEMENTS

T

he CW Network’s TV

with his rescue from the island

show, Arrow, began its

by Chinese fisherman, and it con-

second season on Octo-

tinues with his life after leaving

ber 9th; it airs from 8pm to 9pm

the island as a masked vigilante,

on Wednesdays. This intense TV

known as the “Hood” to the police

program is based on the DC com-

in Starling City. The show pro-

ic book, Green Arrow. The show

vides flashbacks that explain how

is about a scandalous billionaire

Queen got stranded on the island,

named Oliver Queen, played by

and what happened during his five

Stephen Amell, who was ship-

years there. Like a modern day

wrecked for five years on an is-

Robin Hood, Queen targets the

land called Lian Yu (Chinese for

rich people, who he believes are

purgatory) in the North China

poisoning his city. The targets are

Sea. There were no other sur-

those people whose names were

vivors who made it to the island

on a list from the inside of his

with Oliver. Back in Starling City,

father’s pocket when they were

his hometown, Queen was pro-

shipwrecked; unfortunately his

nounced dead. The show starts

father didn’t make it to the island.

Oliver Queen, in his persona of

With the midseason finale over,

the “Hood” is a lot like the mod-

and the appearance of Barry Allen

ern Batman, (from the more re-

and the shocking news of Slade

cent movies) but he uses a bow

Wilson being ever present, we

and arrow and doesn’t seem to

cannot help but look forward to

feel any guilt about murder so

the second part of the season. The

long as it’s for the right reasons.

explosive two-part midseason

He also teams up with the Hunt-

finale is action packed and filled

ress, played by Jessica De Gouw,

to the brim with exciting advanc-

who might become a love inter-

es in the series and spoilers. The

est for Queen down the line. The

midseason finale even gives you

forty-five episodes are each like

peace about the end of the first

an intense superhero movie. But

season and gives the big event

the storyline involves much more

at the end of the first season

then just fighting crime. With the

some rest (with the third ghost in

second season kicking off, there

the second part of the episode).

are rumors going around that the Flash, played by Grant Gustin,

This series is perfect for anyone

will be making an appearance, in

who loves action and adventure

order to justify a spin-off show.

movies, superhero enthusiasts,

Perhaps this means that superhero-themed content works just as well on TV as it does in the movies.

Marvel has also recently launched its competition to Arrow, which is called “Agents of Shield”.

“OBIT ALIBUS EUM LABORUM AUT VOLUPTIOSSUM UT DEBISQUE NOBIS ET ES INUSANT IUNTIBUS IMET VENIHIT VENT”

or anyone who liked the Batman Movies. In the future, I hope that this show will stay as exciting as it is and hopefully have more superhero guest stars. My sole criticism about this show is if I can’t watch the whole episode in one sitting,

My favorite scene from the first

it is sometimes challenging to get

episode (because I don’t want to

back into it. This is true because

ruin it for you) is when Oliver is

the episodes are so intense that it

kidnapped. The kidnappers are so

is hard to get back into the mood

sure that they have got him until

needed in order to appreciate

suddenly Oliver just proves them

watching it. It is also hard to get

wrong in an instant, and surpris-

myself caught up with it again.

ing occurrences like these make

I watched this entire series of

the show worth watching. After

twenty episodes in just a few days

that part, there is a cool chase

over the summer. Personally, I

scene, which includes what I like

view this as an accomplishment,

to call, “The bunny hop” (a parkour

but my family, who doesn’t see the

move). This ensuing intense scene

values of marathon TV viewing,

is very exciting, and it accentu-

feels differently. That’s up to you

ates a couple of cool character

to decide and so is the quality of

traits that Oliver has, and if you

Arrow, which I truly recommend

were try to announce what tran-

you watch sometime in the future.

spires as a play-by-play sportscaster, it would be really funny.

THE ELEMENTS | -39-

FOX’S ANIMATION DOMINATION

WRITTEN BY IAN LEE

Um voluptatur? Unto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim que que poreic totam unt audamus vit audictur, to voluptate eum qui rehent.

F

ox’s Animation Domination, consist-

opener “Homerland”, “YOLO” and Google

including Zooey Deschanel, Olivia Wilde, Dan-

ing of “The Simpsons”, “Bob’s Burgers”,

glass with the classic “Simpsons”. The show

ny Glover, and others, along with its success

“American Dad”, and “Family Guy”, seems

also was once again able to bring in a huge

spoof of AMC’s “Breaking Bad”, entitled “Fak-

to be in for another big year even though it will

ensemble of guest stars such as comic book

ing Bad”. “American Dad” will attempt to con-

be continuing without “The Cleveland Show”,

legend Stan Lee, hall of fame former football

tinue its success as the little sibling to “Family

which has been cancelled. The producers and

player Joe Namath, Will Arnett, Zach Galifi-

Guy” after this season on TBS and, I personally

writers of all the respective shows seem to

anakis, Kristen Wiig and many, many more.

hope it will continue to stay on the air provid-

know how to continually reel in new audiences

So, the claim that this is another successful

ing a change of pace from Family Guy’s humor.

and keep the diehards satisfied as each show

season for the yellow people from Spring-

has clearly found a formula for success and

field is spot on, with no apparent end in site.

consistently high ratings. As usual, the first

Now onto the show most likely with the most shock factor moments. “Family Guy” has had

of the shows to air, “The Simpsons”, is having

“American Dad”, which will have its final season

some blunders with its fan base this season

what most fans would call another success-

on Fox before moving to TBS, has also had an-

as the show has turned to darker and possibly

ful season even though it may be a little more

other successful season so far as it continues

even “dirtier” humor, but the main factor that

than half way through; the writers repeatedly

to distance itself from Seth Macfarlane’s other

caused massive uproar within the fan base

incorporate and parody current fads such as

show “Family Guy”. The little brother to “Fami-

was the death of the beloved character, Bri-

“Homeland”, which is the basis for the season

ly Guy” has also had its fair share of guest stars

an the dog. Before this season began, one of

-40- | THE ELEMENTS

the show’s producers, Steve Cal-

which their respective fans should

laghan, announced that someone

be ecstatic about. It is slated for

within the Griffin Family would

either the season finale of season

be killed off and replaced, but

25 or early in season 26. Now this

when it came time for them to kill

is the one that probably will cause

off Brian, the fans were shocked.

the hysteria for the die hard fans

Luckily his replacement Vinny

of the respective shows: “Family

would only last for two episodes,

Guy” announced prior to season

as Brian was saved by Stewie in

12 that it will finally have a cross-

the Christmas episode. “Family

over with the other goliath “The

Guy” has had its moments in its

Simpsons” even after all the back

Opta quae pre veliquatur? Qui reptate erferchil esequam, corehen dicimod itatque

twelfth season but has not nto yet evelessequis and forth jokesesofdi“Family Um voluptatur te et Guy” reached it comedic gold similar to

stealing some of “The Simpsons” repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim.

some of the earlier seasons; how-

jokes. Clearly, there is a bright

ever, it is certainly worth tuning in

future for “The Simpsons” and

every week with to view its mas-

“Family Guy”. Stay tuned and tune

sive cast of guest stars and enjoy

in every Sunday at 8 PM to stay

Seth Macfarlane’s creative genius.

in the loop for Monday morning.

Um voluptatur nto evelessequis es di te et repudamet asimus et vitemodit faccullab ilignim.

As for “Family Guy”, its fans will receive the return of the beloved Cleveland Brown back to Quahog after his own show was cancelled.

Now, looking onto the future of these shows, specifically “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”, both their futures look to be very bright in the coming season. “The Simpsons” announced prior to this season that Matt Groening’s other popular cartoon, “Futurama”, which has apparently seen its final end, will come back for a crossover episode between the two shows, THE ELEMENTS | -41-

SHERLOCK

WRITTEN BY YOEL ZAID

UM VOLUPTATUR NTO EVELESSEQUIS ES DI TE ET REPUDAMET ASIMUS ET VITEMODIT FACCULLAB ILIGNIM LOREM QUE QUE PORE R, TO VOLUPTATE EUM HIL ES

-42- | THE ELEMENTS

Sherlock is a British miniseries

solving one crime per episode,

that takes Sir Arthur Conan

make each episode filled with

Doyle’s detective stories and re-

twists and turns. The writers re-

locates them in a contemporary

ally take the time to develop an

setting. Created by Steven Mof-

organic relationship between the

fat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock

two main characters. The duo

stars

Cumberbatch

of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor

(known for his recent role as Khan

Benedict

Watson seems to be one that

in Star Trek) as Sherlock Holmes

both Benedict Cumberbatch and

and Martin Freeman (known

Martin Freemen were born to

for playing Bilbo Baggins in the

play. Sherlock Holmes (a self de-

Hobbit trilogy) as Doctor John

scribed highly functioning socio-

Watson. The series, just finishing

path) and Dr. Watson (an injured

its third season is only nine epi-

war vet returning from military

sodes long, and is composed of

service in Afghanistan) cross

three episodes per season. That

paths in Dr. Watson’s search for

being said, Sherlock makes every

a new place to live. Both move

episode count. Each episode is 90

into one of the most well known

minutes long, and watching just

fictional addresses, 221-B Bak-

one episode makes you feel like

er Street, and immediately start

you just viewed a entire movie.

as consulting detectives for the

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson,

Metropolitan Police Service. The

SPOILERS!!! two characters primarily deal with Detective

the world that he thinks Holmes was a part of.

The trend of clichéd romantic comedy be-

Inspector Greg Lestrade, and they help the

He then tries to gather evidence to prove this

tween the two leads continues onto the second

entire police department solve various crimes

to Lestrade. Creator Mark Gatiss confirmed

episode where Holmes is selected to be Wat-

that the department is unable to solve on its

that the first episode was based on Doyle’s

son’s Best Man. The show as a whole deviates

own. The duo soon comes across a man who

“The Adventure of the Empty House” in which

from its somewhat perfect formula of thought-

has been helping criminals think of and get

Holmes fakes his own death. The episode starts

ful and truly unexpected twists, and chooses an

away with their crimes. It is soon revealed

with multiple scenarios that Anderson thinks

obvious twist at the end of the second episode.

to be Holmes’ arch-nemesis, Jim Moriarty.

took place on the rooftop, where the second

In my opinion, the discovery is unsatisfying and

season left off, but then jumps to a prisoner

barely a worthy mystery to be on the show,

SPOILERS

being tortured. The prisoner, who is actually

death by belt stabbing! The first two episodes

The second season ends with a scheme creat-

Holmes, has been working on bringing down

as a whole were uneventful, cheesy, and defi-

ed by Moriarty to discredit Holmes, where Mo-

Moriarty’s leftover criminal organization, but

nitely forgettable. The final episode returns

riarty commits suicide and as a result, Holmes

is needed back in London to overthrow a mas-

back to its original formula and is one of the

has to jump off a building to save his reputa-

sive terrorist threat. When Holmes returns,

best episodes of the series so far. The last epi-

tion and his friends. With Holmes seemingly

he unexpectedly dresses up as a waiter in an

sode reinstalled my faith in the show and made

dead for two years, a special mini episode was

attempt to surprise Dr. Watson with his seem-

me excited for the direction the show is head-

created in which Anderson (a member of the

ingly impossible return. Holmes unknowingly

ing for in the already announced fourth season.

New Scotland Yard forensic team who works

ends up interrupting Watson’s attempt to pro-

under Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade) is

pose to his current girlfriend, Mary Morstan,

convinced that Holmes is still alive. Anderson

and the rest of the episode has a very roman-

in attempt to prove that Holmes is still alive

tic comedy like feel, with Holmes trying to win

comes across mysterious events from around

Watson back.

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