Swordigo - 90s throwback platformer a worthwhile, addictive app

Remember that action adventure platformer you used to play in the mid-90s? You were good enough to get through most of the game. But every now and then, the game would throw you a challenge that was unrelenting and unforgiving. That challenge would have you, and possibly your brother or your best friend, cursing repeatedly until the sweet, sweet satisfaction of finally reaching that legendary weapon or secret area.

Swordigo (Touch Foo) for the iPhone/iPad is pretty much that game. Except now, instead of waiting all day to run home and play the game, you can now take it everywhere with you! I've played Swordigo on a long ferry ride, during quiet moments while camping, in the lunchroom at work, and pretty much every time I manage to get a seat on the bus.

Vancouver Fan Expo 1/2 - Cosplay galore!

Tali [Mass Effect]

Fan Expo Vancouver sprang up from almost nowhere and quickly gained momentum as the lower mainland's must-attend nerd convention. Hundreds upon hundreds of fans flocked to the Vancouver Convention Centre to participate in the massive celebration of fan culture.

There was literally something for everyone. The convention covered pretty much every subculture of geek-dom, including comic books, sci fi, gaming, and anime/manga. This was certainly reflected in the variety of fans that showed up. And it most certainly was reflected in the amazing cosplays that were on display all weekend! (up next - a whole gallery dedicated to Star Wars cosplay!)

Check out our full Flickr gallery from the weekend [here]

Upcoming Events - March & April 2012

Divas and Gaymers and Bears, oh my! Everyone's getting out of their post-holiday schlump and suddenly there's events springing up all over the place! The personas got together to list out their picks. If you like being surrounded by the sound of belting divas, or by manly men dressed in rubber, or by hoards upon hoards of geeks, nerds, and gamers... there's something upcoming to look forward to.

Timey Wimey with Noel and Serah

The FFXII-2 protagonists

Final Fantasy XIII-2 seems to be entirely themed around the phenomenon of time travel. With the threat of the Fal'Cie now gone, players take control of Serah Farron and mysterious newcomer Noel Kreiss to unravel the mysteries of the paradox. The plot plays out like a series of vignettes from time-travel show Doctor Who. The sidequests and minigames are reminiscent of games from the PS1 era... even the graphics look like they were made about half a decade ago for the PS2. Yes, you read that right... graphics were a major fail! Was it at least better than X-2? Read on to find out.

It's PvZ, all growed up... into the Dungeon Keeper

Plants vs Zombies got me hooked on the tower defense genre. Since completing the game (the original... and the iPhone port... and the 360 port...) I've been on the look-out for its spiritual successor. And I think I've finally found it!