The Sad State of Standard, Shops, and Players

The following post is one of a personal nature. None of the stores, people or places mentioned in the following contributed to the post that follows. I repeat this is my personal opinion! The post may also contain strong or inappropriate language. Viewer discretion is advised.





I remember when I was playing Standard back at the beginning of my College career. I remember all the extensive trips my playgroup made just to play in various tournaments because all the local shops could not or would not support local players. I remember making drives of an hour to and hour plus just to go 0-2 drop. Why did we make these trips you ask? The prize support and the ability to play in a format for prizes.

This past weekend, July 6th, War Torn Front had to cancel a Standard Invitational Series due to a lack of interest by the community. That is absolute bullshit in my humble opinion. War torn Front has been working to provide quality tournaments to the players that ask for it. Many players have often grumbled,complained and outright bitched about the lack of prize support at tournaments, the lack of tournaments in the area, and the lack of convenience of not having more local things. Yet, War Torn Front, Red Sky Comics, Kriers, and various other shops in the Central Valley have put their foot forward and tried to alleviate this problem. These places have consistently advertised and offered events that have amazing prize support to get players into their stores in order to play. Yet, the result is the same. Low turnouts to almost canceling events. Is it the fault of the stores for not trying harder? In my opinion, no. The real blame lies with the Standard players who talk the talk about playing the events but can not be bothered to walk the walk when it comes to events.

Before this degenerates into a hate filled argument about who is right, I will say this: Real life does trump Magic. If a serious event, like a family member passing, unexpected event occurs, or even personal responsibilities come up, they have priority. For those people who have to miss events because of this, I have no qualms. Shit happens, and you try to make the next one. My real ax to grind is those people who have no excuse not to show up to these events. i am talking about the players who whine and complain about not having events fire, yet sit on their asses at home when events like this fire. Do you know how these events are supposed to fire? By getting players to participate. You know what you are doing? being a complete retard and causing these events to fail. This seem a little too harsh to read? Well maybe it is because it does directly relate to you.

There are two common arguments I have heard when it comes to players and playing events, especially here in Manteca. The first is that it is simply too far out for them. The second is that the costs are too high. Both of these arguments are utter bullshit for the majority of the players who use them. Most dedicated players who come to play Standard events for good prizes do not mind the drive to a venue. I have seen Jason and Aaron Gulevich make treks from Milpitas to play here at War Torn Front's events despite the fact they have a store with half an hour driving distance. If anything, I give these players a lot of slack for showing up. these are the dedicated players. Instead, The shop is filled with people who live in Modesto, Tracy, and Stockton who can not be bothered to drive barely a half an hour to come to a tournament where the prize support is insane especially for a local shop. That though is what utterly disgusts me and makes me seethe hatred towards you Standard players who bitch.

In regards to the second point about costs, I wish to say the following: get over yourselves. Last weekend, a 13 year old kid scrounged up $25 to play at the War Torn Front Invitational. Yes, he does not have a job, or bills, or responsibilities to worry about. However, this does not change the fact he was willing to sell stuff from his binder and other cards all that so he could compete. Many players at War Torn Front have decks that harken in about $200-$300, yet you are telling me scraping up $25 to potentially earn $125 and a free draft of Modern masters is back breaking for you? I call utter bullshit on that remark. If nothing else, I see most players use this as an excuse to be lazy.

While I could write more about this subject, I think I am going to close up this post with a simple message to you Standard players. Your actions towards the War Torn Front Invitational, Red Sky's, Krier's, and other stores events is a clear message to them. It tell them, that you do not want them to host great events with great prize support. It tells them that you are content to bitching about tournaments with great payouts and never having them. It tells them you are content to pay $30-40 at a PTQ, scrub out at 0-2, come back to your local game store and bitch. Yet, when that same store offers prizes and tournaments that could offer more potential product and offer you a better chance of getting product, that you would rather sit on you ass and pass because it is not a PTQ or MaxPoint event. It truly is a shame that a format like Standard has the laziest, most self-entitled players in the Valley.

Your voice has been heard Standard Players. Local events from our game shops should not need to exist because you guys can not be bothered to show up. That fine. That is your personal opinion. Just remember, the next time you bitch about not having some amazing retarded prize support, or that the best Standard tournament is an hour out, that you had the opportunity to let something like that grow in your backyard.

Alone. That word is enough to make brave men become scared shitless. It makes the most hardy and difficult task seem like nothing compared to the infinite abyss of what could be. It is a void that eats away at your soul and mind until there is nothing but a husk, devoid of life and wondering about its existence. Yet, This feeling has been upon me as of late, like a cloak damp with water. No matter how much i rip it away, trying to find meaning and purpose with things, I can not help but feel so alone.

I watch as people around me find purpose with their lives. They have found careers, jobs, hobbies, loved ones, and anything else under the sun. On one hand, I can not help but feel happy for them. These people who I have i my life deserve nothing but the best. Yet, with each passing success for them,  I feel more hollow, more devoid, more alone than when I started. It is like being a torch that lights everyone's way and by the time you realize it, that torch has become a little candle.

I try to convince myself that what I am doing is for myself, but am I really? I want a degree in education and a decent job, not because it is my dream, but because i am afraid of failure. I am afraid of not living up to my parent's expectations. I am afraid of not finding a loved one and living my life alone, surrounded by a vast sea of regret and sadness. I am afraid on ending up like some bargain bin has-bin  a virtual unknown in the world, and ultimately a failure

This is not something that has come up recently. I feel it has always been there. Hiding behind that sincerity I put out to you all. It was easier for me to believe my life was worth something when I was helping and doing things for others. Yet, when the others moved on, I did not. I am truly saddened that it seems like my efforts have fallen on deaf ears and I am reduced to writing a blog to express how I truly feel. I have never felt more alone than I do now.

To those that care, I plan to go off the grid for a while. I am tired of being reminded of my regrets and pains. I will be updating the blog weekly with some status updates. You have my number if you wish to directly talk to me. Otherwise

Sayonora

Tiger and Bunny:The Review

Tiger and Bunny, released in 2011 by Sunrise, has quickly garnered a reputation as a truly unique take from Japan on a mainstream idea we, Americans, have taken for granted.

The Show is set in a fictional representation of New York City called Sternbild City, which within the past 50 years has discovered a new type of human called a NEXT. These humans possess superhuman powers, that momentarily scared the population until these Next rose up to defend the city from all sorts of evil and criminal activity. This blossomed into a reality TV show called HeroTV which showcased these Next doing Heroic deeds, "earning points", and earning the right to be called "King of Heroes". As this show began to take off many corporation "bought off" these NEXT, slapping various company logos and advertisements on their suits for the publicity.

 Amongst this backdrop, we meet Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, a veteran hero of the show and known by his alias Wild Tiger. We see Kotetsu struggle and display tendencies of a typical superhero; the people are what is important, not ratings for a TV show. As a result, Kotetsu often ends up destroying millions of dollars of public and private property earning his the nickname, the Wrecker of Justice. As HeroTV prepares for another season, Kotetsu finds his company bankrupt and is bought out by another. This second company then partners Kotetsu with an up and coming rising star, Barnaby Brooks Jr. It is from this partnership that the name of the series, Tiger and Bunny, comes together and the relationship between these two heroes sets the stage for a roller coaster adventure for Anime fans.

As the series runs through its two seasons, viewers get introduced to the ideals that Kotetsu lives by, how they clash with Barnaby's attitude about taking down the crime first, people second, and the eventually understanding these two heroes come to once they understand the past and present they came from and are currently in. In addition, Viewers get to meet the cast/heroes of HeroTV: Blue Rose, Sky High, Fire Emblem, Dragon Kid, Rock Bison, and Origami Cyclone. This cast of colorful characters help viewers get an appreciation of what it takes to be a Hero, and some of the sacrifices they had to make to get to that point.

What really sells the show is Kotetsu and Barnaby's relationship first as bumbling and begrudging partners to truly becoming Sternbild City's first Hero Duo. Seeing the jovial, joking and laid-back attitude Kotetsu has versus Barnaby's rigid, serious, and almost bitter determination to stop crime is one of the series greatest triumphs. Eventually, the viewers get to see why Kotetsu is so laid-back and heroic, and why Barnaby determination has made his so "unfeeling" to many of the people in Sternbild City.

This Anime is definitely worth watching if you have not had the chance to see it. The story telling and character development is well paced and well done. The animation makes it appear to be done American-style with some CGI graphics thrown in. This unique take on superheroes is an anime style home run.

Gaming Community and Misunderstood signals?

Friends, I bid you welcome back to New Year, New Perspectives. It has been a couple of weeks since I have graced you all with some writing prowess. Well I am back to drop some mad word prowess on you all, so lets go!

This weekend was Magic Game Day and I was lucky to attend both  Alluring Treasures and Gamer's Path's Game Days. Both store had great players and cool deck lists to look at. What struck me about the events were how jam packed Gamer's Path was vs Alluring Treasures. At first, I thought it was because that same weekend we had a PTQ and as such our competitive group went out to do their jobs and bring home a win. However, I am not entirely sure if that is the case. I have a sneaking suspicion that Alluring Treasure's community, while competitive and thriving, does lack the close knit bond of a community of gamers.

Gamer's Path seems to have a community of people who know each other, seem genuinely nice to one another, and are not about what the next big event or deck is. At Alluring, I see players huddled around tables talking about the next big deck, events to go to, or what the hot card in Standard, Modern, or Legacy is. I rarely see people hanging around the tables, playing games, just bullshitting and enjoying the company of a community, a gaming family, mind you. I feel Alluring Treasures casual community is in need of a boost of rejuvenation, otherwise the shop may just degenerate into a shark pool. A place where players come teeth first into the store for product, discuss magic items and just leave. There seems to be little sense of making the community better, outside of Magic. While the player base continues to grow, the players themselves seem sequestered to pods o players they may be acquainted with, rather than a giant community where we can discuss things, Magic and Non magic items, freely.

Perhaps, I am misunderstood about this point. Maybe I am wishing too much for this community, when there is already a decent community in place. However, my feelings still stand. Where is the gaming community at Alluring Treasures? I would love to see some more gaming outside of Magic show up in the shop. More importantly, I would love to see casual players not feel intimidated by the experienced players at the shop. We all play Magic. Who says we can not be friends, regardless of whether we are good or bad at the game?

Also Congrats to Chia Lee for Top 8ing at the PTQ this past weekend! Get there brother!

Getting Kicked into Gear: KickStarter

Hey guys, long time no posting. I have been on a sabbatical trying to teach players Sentinels of the Multiverse. Other than that and getting into the groove for school, life has been pretty uneventful. That is, until I fell in love with a new website you all should check out.

Kickstarter is a site to help fund various projects with the help of everyday people like you and me. From videos, to games, to art and technology, Kickstarter houses one of the most unique opportunities for the public to enjoy. We get to see cool concepts and ideas, decide if there worth it, and prove it by backing those projects until they reach their goal line. Kickstarter, to date, has successfully funded 35,000 creative projects and that number rises with each day.

Kickstarter's appeal to me are the perks for funding at various levels in a projects. Take a look at the following: Boss Monster. This particular project has something for everyone. If you can only contribute the baseline, you get a copy of the game. If you tend to have more income to throw away, you can even name the most bad ass dragon for all copies of Boss Monster. This level of funding lets us dictate how invested we would like to be in the project, and if successful, what cool extras we would like to get out of the project. The idea of small to big incentives for funding is pretty cool and helps a project reach its funding goal

Overall, take some time out and head on over to Kickstarter today. I am sure you will find some cool projects that you may be interested in funding.

Sentinels of the Multiverse Review

Welcome fellow gamers and friends to another blog post about New perspectives. Today I am going to talk about a new board/card game I recently have fallen in love with. This cooperative game has you taking on the role of superheros and battling all sorts of evil villains. Sounds intriguing eh? Well take a look for yourself

First off, Thanks to Crits Happen and Greater than Games for bringing this game to my attention. This game is addictive and has quite a bit of replay value for such a simple product. Each of the heroes play differently than the last and even the mix of villains and environments never make the game seem like you have played before. Unlike many other deck building games, this game is about teaming up to take down a greater evil. All the players win or lose together. As such, it encourages fun table talk and planning to truly take down the villains newest schemes or stop an environmental hazard from ruining the heroes day.

The base game introduces 10 Heroes and their decks, 4 Villains and their decks, and 4 Environments and their decks. Each expansion introduces 2 new Heroes and their decks, 4 Villains and their decks, and 2 Environments and their decks. So far, Sentinels has the core game and two expansions: Rook City and Infernal Relics. They just recently funded Shattered Timelines, their third expansion, through Kickstarter and will be released in March of this year. With a steady schedule of releases and promos, this game promises to be one of the most highly re playable games for board and card gamers. So far, i have played the game 5 times and still have not seen all the cards from all 3 current products. Each game has been difficult and satisfying when you finally knock the villain down to size.

Sentinels is a highly rewarding experience for a card game and I strongly recommend you play or pick up a copy of it. I have my copy and have been encouraging new gamers to test it out. So need more convincing? Come hit me up and I will let you see one of the funnest experiences you might be missing out on from 2012.

Regrets!

After blowing a little steam last post, I am going to get back on track with some of the requests I have had for writing. Today, I am going to touch upon a sore subject for most people, Regrets. Regret is a common emotion many of us feel when we look back at out lives and wonder if things could have been better. The what ifs?, the could I's?, and the should I's? rain down from your mind making you feel miserable about your current situation. However, learning to cope with regret can also help you grow stronger as a person, and ultimately lead you to a life where you regret far less.

Regret often starts with a weak personality. In my case, that is where regret blossomed. I grew up lacking a lot of confidence in myself. My sister was the star athlete, and I was the scholar. While she developed an outgoing personality because of her athletic endeavors, I grew an introverted personality. I felt at times like I was not worth many people's time. As a result, I often did not speak my mind for the fear of reprisal, rather than acceptance. Even in the current time, I still find myself holding back from speaking about whats on my mind. I also try to rationalize this feeling by saying that I do not want to add unnecessary burdens to others. Yet, because of that attitude i have missed out on opportunities that I should have taken.

There are several things that pop up as things I regret. First, I regret holding back on telling several girls my true feelings from the start. Had I been clear and upfront with several of these women when I began talking to them, I would not regret the time I lost to trying to win their hearts. At times, I look back and realize how hopelessly romantic and naive I was. I still realize I am, but I am taking steps to ensure I am truly happy. it is about time, I considered what i wanted rather than try and comfort wounded people in the hopes of becoming a new lover.

Second, I regret not trying to be more active with people.  When I am hanging out at the local card shop, I see multitudes of people hanging out, chatting, and just laughing about. I wonder how many of these people could be future good friends of mine, if I was not paralyzed by the fear of rejection of meeting these people. The friends I already have already comment about how easy going and simple I am to talk to. So why do I lock up in front of others? If those people already think ill of me, that it is a lost cause, but what if they do not? What if they want to know me better before passing judgment? Who know, maybe these people could lead me to a new life or new people to mingle with and become part of my life?

Finally, I regret not thinking about myself first. I passed on a job opportunity because it would interfere with being with my friends. It has been two years since that point, and most of those friends have moved on, have different schedules or we just stopped talking. Yet, here I am, jobless, with nothing to show for passing on that decision. While I should live for my friends and family, I should only do so when I am truly content with who I am at that point in my life.

Hanging onto regrets can damage or destroy a person, if left unchecked. I implore you all to go back and think long and hard about what you regret not doing. Try to find the lesson left for you from that experience, and move on. Do not let that regret swallow you up and never let you see the sunlight in life. Trust me, there is too much darkness in this world for one of us to add to it.

Next time, Some sort of game review hopefully.