Phil Villarreal's Blog, page 13

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Clue: A New Comedy'

Based on the iconic 1985 film, adapted from the ubiquitous board game, "Clue: A New Comedy" bubbles with ample sight gags, witty dialogue and an overpowering sense of whimsy.

A powerhouse cast makes the most of its considerable talent with palpable chemistry and admirable teamwork. The performers set up and execute gags with impeccable timing. 

Saucy Elisabeth Yancey swipes scenes, along with her duster, as French maid Yvette, John Tracy Egan sneers as pompous Col. Mustard, Tari Kelly oozes haughty distance as Mrs. White, Joanna Glushak emits exuberant  fizz as Mrs. Peacock, Jonathan Spivey squawks as loudmouth Professor Plum and John Shartzer stumbles with ample physical comedy as Mr. Green.The affable Jeff Skowron, as Wadsworth the butler, presides as part ringmaster, part gameshow host. 

Based on the updated 2020 book and 2022 staging at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, the setting is the United States in the 1950s Red Scare, with the rampant McCarthyism-era paranoia making creepy echoes of xenophobic waves sweeping the country in our time.

Other than a few snide quips, though, the dialogue is largely apolitical. This is good-natured fun for fans of all stripes and backgrounds. The communal laughter feels especially therapeutic in the wake of divisive electoral rhetoric.

The plot is razor-thin and all the more enjoyable because of it. The characters are called together by a mysterious puppetmaster working behind the scenes to set the stage for a prototypical whodunnit. Each character puts on a front that shelters dark secrets that come to light in an abrupt manner, giving each protagonist a damning murder motive. The interplay of self-interested, wily vanities clashing and burning in a delicate and often hilarious bonfire.

"Clue" may not have much meat on the bone, but at a svelte 75-minute, intermission-free runtime, it makes for a giddy and enjoyable bite-size night of theatrical bliss. If you allow yourself to miss it, you haven't got a clue.

"Clue: A New Comedy" plays through Nov. 17 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Book Report: ‘The Warburgs’ by Ron Chernow

Of Ron Chernow’s epic histories, this one doesn’t quite match the level of intrigue and narrative flow of the others. 

Playing out more like a procession of snippets rather than an overarching, Shakespearean tale on the level of Grant, Hamilton, Washington and The House of Morgan, The Warburgs is a scattered, if always fascinating, tale of a sprawling family tree largely populated by powerful and influential bankers. He focuses mainly on the men while mostly giving the women only passing mentions.

The book is at its best when tacking the Warburgs’ recurring conflicts with aspects of their German and Jewish heritage that were wrought by the devastation of both World Wars, the Holocaust and establishment of Israel. 

A more focused take on three or four Warburg prime movers might have better served Chernobyl purpose. Even though this is the author’s weakest effort, I still cherished every moment with this book.

Game Review: 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure'

Bolstered by the elegant story that built the series, "Life is Strange: Double Exposure" spins a densely intricate web in the form of a dark, emotionally-charged mystery set against a coming-of-age tale of a woman in quarterlife crisis.

The 2015 release of "Life is Strange" reset the standard for adventure games, adding considerable depth and nuance to the visuals, exploration and puzzles. After a steady flow of follow-ups, including a prequel, sequel and "The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit" spinoff, "Double Exposure" is the next course in the meal.

The lead character remains Max Caulfield, a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University, a fictional locale in Vermont. After swearing off a time-rewinding power she wielded in earlier installments, Max is determined to live a life of normalcy. 

After tragedy ensues, though, she's forced to dive back even deeper into her maddening ability in order to set things right. The result is something of a split timeline, in which Max's actions in one timeline can affect something in the other one, with problems multiplying and mutating the more she meddles with the developments and investigates the mystery behind it all.

Developer Deck Nine has an ear for quiet moments of reflection, and infuses each scene with self-paced momentum that allows you to revel in the minutiae or power through toward the end goal. This is a game in which I'd strongly advice avoiding walkthroughs, because aimless stumbling often unearths some of the game's most rewarding moments.

I appreciated the game's deliberate, smooth pace, which made the turbulent moments are the more jarring and impactful. This chapter in the "Life of Strange" saga firmly establishes the franchise as one of the powerhouses in its genre. While earlier entries in the series were treated more like indie curiosities, "Double Exposure" has gotten a well-deserved blockbuster rollout, complete with a social media blitz, movie theater and TV trailers and harsh scrutiny from many game critics. 

Count me among those exceedingly pleased by this sequel. More mature and measured than past entries, this is by far my favorite "Life is Strange" entry yet. It will be fascinating to see where the franchise goes next.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare (PC)'

Back in 2010, John Martson set himself off on a quest of vengeance to track down and murder the remaining members of his gang in order to secure the safety of his family. The saga wrought in "Red Dead Redemption" captivated a generation of gamers and brought the Old West to life in a way that had never previously been attempted. The game would be surpassed by a wide margin in 2018, with "Red Dead Redemption 2," but the original still holds a place in the hearts of many.

After victory laps on ensuing console generation releases and even the Nintendo Switch, "Red Dead Redemption" and its zombie-flavored expansion. "Undead Nightmare" finally trot their way to the vast frontier of PC gaming. It's a welcome, if surprising addition.

The $50 price tag for a 14-year-old game may seem extravagant, but the reality is that there is a sizable market for this game. Anyone who has wanted to play this game in some form has played it, but it's never before been available on PC. The ability to re-experience one of Rockstar Games' towering masterpieces on the gaming rig in which you've invested so much time and cash -- in my case, it's a SteamDeck -- is too tempting to pass up.

The rerelease comes with a laundry list of enhancements, including native 4K resolution on both ultrawide and super ultrawide monitors, compatibility with NVIDIA DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0 upscaling technologies, adjustable draw distances and shadow quality and keyboard and mouse functionality.

The gist is that this is the best-ever the game has looked and sounded, finally available on the ever-most powerful displays and drivers in gaming.

I was captivated as I lost myself in Marston's lonely struggle. I appreciated the game's writing, as well as tiny touches that add layers to the background and help set a sense of place. For a 2010 game, this was not only way ahead of its time, but in some senses, ahead of the current time.

"Red Dead Redemption" remains one of the most significant achievements in gaming this century, and stands firm as one of the greatest stories I have ever experienced in any form of media. Whether or not you've played the game before, if you own a gaming PC or SteamDeck, it's high time to don your 10-gallon hat and slip into Marston's stirrups once again.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'Dragon Age: The Veilguard'

It's been a decade since "Dragon Age" fans last got a taste of the sweeping fantasy adventure, and the long-awaited follow-up to "Inquisition" now comes roaring out of the gates in the form of "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," a majestic, sweeping journey that embodies the term "epic" in every imaginable sense. Stunningly detailed, richly designed and exquisitely written, the game stands alone as the must-play RPG of the 2025 holiday season.

Due out Friday, BioWare's latest magnum opus took me out of my comfort zone and swallowed me into its intricate world. In my two-plus pre-launch weeks with the game, I felt a similar sense of awe and adrenaline as I did when I first was swept up into the majesty of "Final Fantasy," "The Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones."

Previous "Dragon Age" games were winning examples of the technological capabilities of RPGs of their time, but "The Veilguard" ups the stakes considerably, making previous games in the series seem like archaic relics in the way that "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" did to the top-down games in the series.

Adaptable and user-focused from the outset, BioWare set out to ensure the experience emphasized player ownership. Your first moments with the game start with a detailed character creator, with choices that will affect your outlook, opportunities and drive. You can respec throughout your journey, letting you reset your character and correct any previous choices you've made. The replayability level here is absurd. Any playthrough could wind up with materially different experiences than any other five.

To give away the gist of the story would be a disservice to players wanting to experience it fresh, so I will veer away from details. What I will say is that the writing matches the scale of a TV miniseries or film trilogy, taking time to set up character development and developing plotlines that end up paying off in satisfying, and often shocking, crescendos.

The real-time combat is absorbing, the visuals are enchanting and the game abounds with side quests that never feel like filler. Every move you make feels like worthy endeavors that color your character's growth, struggles and overall drive.

The 2024 gaming year has been kind to RPG devotees, starting with "Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth" in February, "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" in June. Those games feel like appetizers for this main course, with "The Veilguard" managing to steal the thunder of those asymmetrical contenders with confidence and decisive thunder.

The veil will soon be lifted, and it's time for RPG fans of all stripes to rejoice. Here is your new obsession that will fuel your imagination well into the new year.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Call of Duty Black Ops 6'

Although the days of midnight releases and the accompanying ravenous fandom over the yearly "Call of Duty" release have passed, the game's release is still the most massive tentpole of the gaming year. The advent of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" is the last near-universal gaming touchstone. My favorite quarterback, for one, is all-in on this year's game. 

That's why it's so gratifying that the game manages to thrive on nearly every level imaginable. The campaign, which has been little more than a throwaway for the past few years, is back with a vengeance, and stands as a wild escapade well worth the price of admission in and of itself. The other pillars, Zombies and multiplayer, are refined to razor-sharp versions of previous iterations, providing a veritable playground for the cat-and-mouse game provided by the preeminent FPS of our day.

When you're locked into an annual release cycle with the biggest shooter franchise on the planet, it's tough to generate a product that manages to surprise and please stalwart fans while also catering to new audiences. There is plenty here for four-star generals and plebes alike to relish.

The joint effort between developers Treyarch and Raven Software, which has been working on the game since 2020. The extra time in the incubator paid off in spades, resulting in a robust package that gives gamers loads of material to savor. With the expected parade of seasonal content and joint efforts with other pop culture phenomena in the offing, there is little doubt that "Black Ops 6" will stay relevant as the months fly by. 

From the opening moments of the campaign, you're thrust into an intense firefight that has you scurrying for survival. Ensuing moments include emotional resonance, clever intertwined narratives touched up with historical fiction, and twists that knock you sideways. Zombies is equally entertaining, with the horror level ratcheted up considerably from the efforts of the last few years. No one does the undead like "Call of Duty."

The mix of multiplayer modes, of course, is where most players will spend the majority of their time. With 16 new maps in the offing at launch and the ability to Prestige through all levels 10 times, there is plenty to savor.

The advent of cross-play and cross-progression across Xbox X/S, PS5 and PC, as well as availability on GamePass, massively increases and democratizes the player base, making it easy to find a game at any time with an eclectic mix of players from around the world. The community monitoring has also upped its game considerably, smoothing out the ranks so matches run more professionally and respectfully.

"Black Ops 6" plastered a wide smile on my face throughout my initial weekend with the game. Far more than a perfunctory continuation of an entrenched franchise, the latest game feels like something of a fresh redeployment. It's time to start appreciating and adoring "Call of Duty" once again.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Kong: Survivor Instinct'

A 2.5D side-scroller that takes cues from "Mark of the Ninja" and "Deadlight," "Kong: Survivor Instinct" has you scurry around crumbling cityscapes as King Kong lurks in the background and pops up in occasional cut scenes.

Since its star is used sparingly and most of the focus is on your protagonist, those who are here strictly for the big guy will undoubtedly be disappointed. There is some charm, though, to the gameplay. Light puzzles, platforming and combat challenges abound.

You will search rubble for screwdrivers or keys that let you through locked entryways, dispatch armed guards by incapacitating them with hand-to-hand combat or shoving them off ledges, and scrounge up a variety of MacGuffins that tie in to the complex story of bioresearch related to King Kong and assorted corporate plots. 

The setup may have worked better as its own, unlicensed theme, or as a side mode to a larger King Kong epic. It's too much of a "gotcha!" that you don't get to actively play as or against the famous beast, and all your maneuverings seem inconsequential in his wake, like the meaningless human characters in a Kong or Godzilla flick.

"Kong: Survivor Instinct" turns out to be more of an endurance test than a joyous indulgence. 'Twas ennui, rather than beauty, killed the beast in this case.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review "A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead'

A stealth-heavy survivor horror saga that challenges you to use your wits to scrape by against daunting challenges, "A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead" wears its challenging nature proudly. 

Set alongside the timeline of "A Quiet Place: Day One," the game puts you at a distinct, often frustrating, disadvantage against your surroundings and enemies. You are often left stumbling in the dark, scratching around for the item it will take you to move on, or the path to avoid your tormenters to see the next cut scene. 

Working with publisher Saber Interactive, developer Stormind Games leans into the grit and determination embodied by the film franchise's characters. Nothing comes easy in the game, but sometimes the difficulty comes mainly in simply in navigating the muddy level design and irritating enemy tendencies.

As with many games adapted from film franchises, there's a bit lost in translation. The stakes are lower, because there are only tenuous relationships to the franchise at large. The game's story suffers the usual fits of inconsequence that comic book prequels often find themselves.

There are some interesting touches, such as a feature that lets creatures in the game detect ambient noise actually happening around you as you play. This helps get you in the mode of prioritizing quietness as a prerequisite for survival. Of course, this can also add to the sense of frustration, if someone around you or outside your home makes a noise that messes with your progress.

You play as Alex, an asthmatic college student thrust into the apocalyptic chaos brought on by the predatorial incursion detailed exhaustively in the films. The goal is to find something of a safe haven for your family as you navigate through decaying ruins of civilization.

The devs take enough cues from inspirations, such as "Resident Evil," "Silent Hill" and "The Last of Us," to keep things engaging. You get a sense that this is more of an imitation of an imitation than a grand vision of its own. 

"A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead" seems like it's stuck staring at the rear view mirror rather than forging ahead on its own path.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'Just Dance 25'

Like a burst of crips fall air, "Just Dance 25" comes along just as last year's game was starting to seem a little stale. A vivacious party game, breezily fun solo experience and gently encouraging workout regime, the game manages to get you off the couch, makes you comfortable with acting silly and gets you grooving to some wacky choreography set to an eclectic spread of music.

Due out Tuesday, "Just Dance 25" incrementally pushes the series forward in meaningful directions. With an array of game modes geared to keep you coming back for more each day.

After pairing your phone to the game, your device acts as a rather forgiving motion tracker to assist with your scoring. You may be able to get away with minimal movements in order to fool the tracking system and rack up scores, but you'll get the most out of it if you clear out some floor space and bust all moves with full gusto.

A partnership with Ariana Grande includes themed maps that let you follow along a journey themed to her hits and accompanying lyrics. Five exclusive songs from the artist are included, joining 35 new tracks. On top of all that, the "Just Dance+" subscription service grants access to the vast majority of previously released songs on the platform. A free trial of the service comes with the game.

Akin to the Ariana Grande partnership, there is also a collab present with "SpongeBob SquarePants," partly because it's the series' 25th anniversary, but mostly because... "why not?

New songs included with the game include the likes of Doja Cat's "Paint the Town Red," Billie Eilish's "LUNCH" and Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso." The wild mix of the familiar and avant garde keeps thing invigorating. With a planned spread of seasonal content in the offing, the dev team is sure to keep gamers on their toes.

That mentality enthuses the anything-goes thinking that provides the game's beating heart. Wackiness abounds, with vivid colors, dazzling visuals and bouncy background music encouraging you to plunge into the silliness. "Just Dance 25" is a glimmering smile in video game form.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Silent Hill 2' (2024)

A game that has been elevated to legendary status since its 2001 release, "Silent Hill 2" thrived on tone, pregnant pauses and a steady deluge of psychological torture. The task of remaking the game for current consoles is a formidable challenge, but it's one that Bloober Team proves ready to tackle with fervor. The new "Silent Hill 2" feels like a full-fledged reinvention of an all but dormant classic.

Diabolically creepy from the outset, the game casts you as a forlorn traveler, haunted by devastating loss, who desperately seeks out answers in the seemingly abandoned town of Silent Hill. 

To give away any more of the story would be a disservice to the sprawling, surprisingly incisive narrative, but know that your journey is a haunting, often jarring voyage into a dark night of the soul that grows increasingly bleak and horrific. A twist-filled exploration of interwoven mysteries, you have limited resources and physical abilities at your disposal to take on daunting, sometimes inescapable forces geared to make you seethe with dread.

Yup, "Silent Hill 2" is one for masochists.

That said, the march into darkness is never a slog. The sense of satisfaction in confronting not only your own fears, but a seemingly insurmountable challenge, only to develop your skills and tactical approach up to a level that hoists you to success, is hard to match. That's due to the consistent level of challenge at play, as well as the thread-pulling writing that keep you hooked enough to soldier on to the next save point.

Yup, I said "save point." The remake sticks with the old-school bugaboo that eschews the hand-holding auto-saves modern gaming has gotten us all used to. Clearly a strategic choice by Bloober Team, the presence of save points ratchets up the stakes considerably when there are no simple checkpoints to fall back on. Thus, failure costs you considerable time and often causes commensurate anguish. But that sense of failure only fuels your drive to succeed and makes it that much more satisfying to overcome the darkness both within and without.

True, many of the hokey archetypes from the original are still around. Some ham-fisted moments tend to sap away the elegance of some otherwise fascinating tale spinning, but there is also an old-school charm to the game's archaic ways. They sure don't make 'em like this anymore. To experience true horror, try booting up the original "Silent Hill 2" after experiencing Bloober Team's infinitely smoother, better-looking and sounding remake. You will wonder how you ever got by in the olden days.

"Silent Hill 2" brought a sadistic smile to my face more than once, as I was made to look like an idiot by skillful design elements and slyly effective jump scares. This is a gorgeous, ominously frustrating and ultimately indispensable adventure. Its genius is that it knows thoroughly that, when it comes to horror, less is more and insinuation is twice as sharp as explicitness. 

Yup, 23 years have passes, and like the protagonist, you have still yet to escape the dingy town of Silent Hill.

Publisher provided review code.

Today, KONAMI announced that SILENT HILL 2, the anticipated remake of the 2001 psychological horror, has released on PlayStation®5 and PC via STEAM®. Developed by Bloober Team, composer Akira Yamaoka and concept artist Masahiro Ito, the unsettling town shrouded in the brooding fog is now available with enhanced visuals, sounds and gameplay from the original.

 

The remake also expands the areas players can explore, introduces an over-the-shoulder view, revamped combat capabilities and thrilling new cut-scenes to give new and returning players different ways to experience the game.

 

Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. (KONAMI) today announced SILENT HILL 2. Developed by Bloober Team, composer Akira Yamaoka and concept artist Masahiro Ito, the unsettling town shrouded in the brooding fog is now available with enhanced visuals, sounds and gameplay from the original.

 

SILENT HILL 2 | Launch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JHD_vb4jxE

 

 

Experience the guilt, grief and existential horror of James Sunderland as he explores the town of Silent Hill – the special place he and his late wife Mary used to visit –a symbolic backdrop now shrouded in fog. The remake expands the areas players can explore, introduces an over-the-shoulder view, revamps the combat system, and adds new cut-scenes to give new and returning players different ways to experience the game. What awaits in the shrouded alleyways and corridors of Silent Hill?