Singularity Reminder (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

The brainchild of Raven-Software and Activision is almost here. Singularity releases this summer in June.

There was a lot of hype about the innovative FPS a while back but then disappeared. To my knowledge there haven't been any official statements for the delayed release date. Although if I were Raven-Software I may have wanted to have a second look at the contracts after the whole Infinity Ward fiasco.

Development directed a lot of focus on an elaborate story for the game. Raven's Brian Raffel is a mega 1950's Sci-Fi fan and applied what he loved about those stories to the game's plot. It all starts back in the 1950's when the U.S.S.R and the U.S.A were looking for anything to tip the scales during the Cold War. Uncovered was a time altering technology by manipulating the powerful E99 compound. The Soviets were able to create powerful machines that produced enormous amounts energy and had supernatural like powers on an isolated island. But the technology was deemed far too destructive and was wrapped up and classified by both the U.S and Russia. Due to the fact that during the experiments, there was a devastating explosion that had bizarre and tragic consequences.

Perhaps the most bizarre is that the island suffers from time waves that bring the island back to the 1950's and then forward again. Nate Renko is an American recon pilot ordered to fly over the uncharted island. As he flies over he is shot down by an unknown source. Renko is now stranded on this island which has strange and deadly inhabitants. Not only are there there Russians hunting you, there are also strange, insect like creatures that seem to be out for blood, not to mention old Soviet ghosts who are trapped reliving the day of the accident. Renko discovers an amazing time altering device that he uses to navigate his way around this insane island. And it will only get crazier once a time wave strolls through booting Renko back to the Cold War.

The time altering device is small enough for Nate to fasten it to his left hand. But don't let the size fool you, this is thing has some crazy abilities.

1. Age- You can hurl your enemies forward in time turning them into nothing but bones. Age also works on the environment around you. For example if you want to block the path of your enemies you might age a perfectly good bridge so they can't cross.

2. Revert- opposite of Age, so using our bridge as an example you can restore a rusted, broken bridge to brand spanking new. Now the effect this has on humans is rather interesting, and no you will not be killing babies. Instead you will revert your human enemies to "placental reverts" that live a short, intolerable existence.

3. Stasis- This ability pulls an object out of time itself freezing it's personal timeline.

4. Impulse- Violently pushes objects away from you.

So obviously if you combine Stasis and Impulse together you have "the force." But hey that's a fun power to have.

Now, a time altering device is awesome, but I'm a shooter, and luckily there's guns. Most likely you'll be wielding SMG's, Pistols, and Shotguns. I have no arguments there, all of those are good killin' weapons.

Now let's hope Raven and Activision can pull off this complex mixture of story and play.

BlazBlue Continuum Shift (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

2-D fighting fans rejoice, Aksys Games has the wheel of fate turning once again with BlazBlue: Continuum Shift. BlazBlue happens to be a Sugar Gamers favorite, and our ladies can seriously dominate. Bright colors, several characters resembling some of your favorite anime stars, it’s all there plus a few extras this round.

The biggest and most talked about addition is the new characters, three new characters to be exact. Starting with an elusive performer by the name of Hazama has stepped onto the scene.

?-12 is a big ball of surprise and mystery and then there’s the new lady knight Tsubaki, no doubt she’ll be a cos play favorite sporting her beautiful armor. In all honesty I was expecting a few more characters but there is always the unknown of the unlockables and of course secret achievements.

Continuum Shift also comes with a vast list of new moves, and not just for the new characters. There was also the implementation of the Tutorial and Beginner Modes. This will enable noobs to throw down super mega combos in no time. The challenge mode offers player specific missions and combos. Legion Mode is the one I am most interested in. You can take over the map by defeating and recruiting enemies, I’m excited to see if they can pull this off and if fans will enjoy it. Online play will also available with match making and party chat, as well as the ability to observe matches.

The game will be available for Xbox 360 and PS3 this summer.

C2E2 Special! Iron Man 2 The Game

Iron Man 2 is on it's way and to compliment the movie will be the video game, courtesy of Sega.

The game will not feature the storyline of the movie. The story line was written exclusively for the game. It takes place in the universe that the movie has created and they even managed to snag a few famous voices such as Sam Jackson and Don Cheadle. RDJ was not available to lend his voice but they did manage to get a decent replacement.

Hot features for the game include the the ability to play as Stark or War Machine. You're battling mainly mechanical foes which you can shoot or beat to death. The melee actions are very similar to Master Chief beating the crap out of tanks in Halo, plenty of fun. And of course there is the flight feature.

The game is available on the big three consoles, as well as handhelds such as the DS and PSP. And for any of those wondering, there is nothing too incredibly fun or special about controlling your flight on the Wii.

Okay, so I got all the facts in there right? So, Sega was displaying the game at C2E2 on the Wii and the Xbox, I got a chance to fool around with both. Wanna know what I think? Are you sure? Don't read beyond this point if you're not interested in my ranting...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME SEGA?! REALLY?! The gameplay graphics alone are an insult, especially on the Xbox. Tony Stark would never let a lackluster thing like this be released with his name on it. Look, I get it, movie video games are a quick cash cow, I can't blame you for loving money but I personally can't give you a thumbs up on this one. Sorry to rant like that but I just don't see a whole lot of TLC in the development of this game, I think it was rushed which is a shame because it really did have potential.

C2E2 Special! Marvel X-Men Updates!

Marvel put on a great X-Men panel at C2E2 this year. The panel included notorious artist Camo, Peter David, plus two ravishing and very talented ladies Marjorie Liu and Jeanine Schaefer.

So where to begin with all the juicy news. I'd like to start with X-23, Marjorie Liu will be writing a new book for X-23 who will be striking out on her own and will no longer just be weapon. From the sounds of it she will be attempting to find a little identity and of course run into a few obstacles along the way and there will be some NYX appearances for those who are curious. I'm personally excited to see her become something more than just a hot bod with some claws.

Okay next up is our old friend Wolverine who is going to hell while something else inhabits his body on the other side. Well, it sounds better than Frankencastle, yes I'm still a little miffed about that one. Although the interaction with his father may be interesting enough for me to take a quick look but also because I know for a fact the art will be show stopping with a top secret artist in the mix.

Also on the docket for Wolverine is X-Force which has taken over and plans on completely restaffing, hooray! However, the X-Men are not entirely thrilled with X-Forces presence and so let the games begin as they are targeted by Mutant Response. But I have a feeling X-Force won't care too much as they have to deal with something way worse than an X-Men hissy fit. APOCALYPSE! That's right! X-force will be working hard to take him down, I wonder if perhaps X-Men will take a chill pill and help out.

Next up, X-Factor, the Mutant detective agency who will take on any job, and that includes villains as long as they can throw down the cash. The panel clued us in by telling us a notorious "femme fatal" lady villain will hire them for a search and recovery mission. Now, be weary of a last page shocker in #207, as a matter of fact Peter David strongly recommended reserving a copy with your local retailer now.

And now I'm gonna go over a few quick news blurbs:

1. Good news if you're lovin' X-Men Legacy prepare for more

2. Bad news if you loved Dark X-Men, there is no reunion in sight.

3. There is more Ice Man to come

Okay, Second Coming was practically the buttress of the entire panel, almost every other question was answered with "Read Second Coming." So I'm gonna do another list.

1. Second Coming will set the stage for a new direction for the X-Men. A direction that promises to integrate the X-Men more fluidly into the Marvel Universe, this makes me happy.

2. Layla Miller returns from her holiday with Dr. Doom. Obviously a lot of the team members are suspicious of her and do not welcome her with open arms. However, she really doesn't give a shit. As Peter David put it "So? I'm Layla Miller and I know things." And there may be more making out with Jamie if you play your cards right.

3. For those of you who desperately miss Night Crawler, he will be back in action and actually has a heavy handed role in Second Coming.

4. Bitch alert! Scarlet Witch is back!

5. Not everyone will make it out alive.

Basically it all comes down to Hope, you'll find out how she fits into this whole crazy thing.

I would like to end this article by saying to Mr. Steve Wacker that I'm glad you love our city and and don't hate the Cubs 'cuz they're beautiful.

Ultimate Gear Heads: Interview with Drew Seldin of Triforce (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Drew Seldin, Vice President of Triforce. His company makes drop gorgeous, accurate replicas of Gears of War characters and weapons. Feast your eyes upon these...

Good lookin' right? Here's the chat I had with Drew.

Bonks: How old is Triforce? Could you describe it's conception?

Drew: TRIFORCE WAS OFFICALLY LAUNCHED IN APRIL 2008. A COUPLE OF REALLY HUGE GEARS FANS GOT TOGETHER AND STARTED TO MAKE PRODUCTS WE AS FANS WOULD WANT TO HAVE.

Bonks: Has anyone ever told you there are better things you could do with

your time or talent?

Drew: HA! I HAVE NO TALENT BUT I CAN RECOGNIZE IT IN OTHERS AND THE INCREDIBLE TALENTS OF OUR ART TEAM ARE NOT HARD TO SEE. WHEN YOU COMBINE THE SKILLED HANDS OF OUR ART DIRECTOR AND LEAD SCULPTOR EXTROIDNAIRE ERICK SOSA WITH OUR PAINTERS PAUL KOMODA AND JORDU SCHELL THE END RESULT IS A PIECE THAT IS REALLY BROUGHT TO LIFE! ONE THING WE REALLY STRIVE TO ACHIEVE IS TO ACCURATLEY CREATE THAT WHICH HAS ONLY EVER BEEN SEEN IN A VIDEOGAME ON YOUR TELEVISION SCREEN!

Bonks: How do you decide what you want to replicate?

Drew: WE LOOK AT THE GEARS UNIVERSE AND DECIDE WHAT WE AS HARDCORE FANS WANT FOR OURSELVES AND GO FROM THERE. THERE ARE SO MANY CHARACTERS AND WEAPONS WE LOVE SOMETIMES WE FEEL CHOOSING WHO OR WHAT TO CREATE NEXT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE JOB!

Bonks: Are you a gamer? What do you like to play?

Drew: I AM A GAMER AND OBVIOULSY LOVE GEARS OF WAR! I THOUGHT THAT THE RECENTLY RELEASED BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM WAS HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES I HAVE EVER PLAYED. POWERED BY THE UNREAL ENGINE OF COURSE, SORRY HAD TO PLUG EPIC AND GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DESERVED! I REALLY LOVED THE LOOK OF ARKHAM, THE CONTROLS, AND THE STORY. IT IS THE DEFINITIVE BATMAN GAME! AT THE MOMENT I AM WORKING HARD AT SLAYING ALL OF THE GODS OF OLYMPUS IN GOD OF WAR 3!

Bonks: Any other geeky vices such as comic books or anime?

Drew: I AM A HUGE SUPERHERO FAN...SUPERMAN IS MY FAVORITE! I DON'T READ COMICS BUT LOVE SMALLVILLE! I ALSO GREW UP ON STAR WARS AND COULD SIT AND WATCH THOSE MOVIES AT ANYTIME.

Bonks: What do you think makes your products worth the investment?

Drew: BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER. IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING AND WANT IT THEN IT BECOMES WORTH IT TO YOU. MY MOM ALWAYS USED TO SAY TO ME, "BEFORE YOU BUY SOMETHING ASK YOURSELF IF YOU REALLY HAVE TO HAVE IT. IF THE ANSWER IS YES, THEN IT IS WORTH IT." ALL THE HARDWORK AND PAINSTACKING DETAILS THAT WE POUR INTO EACH PIECE MAKES THEM AS ACCURATE AS CAN BE AND I HOPE THAT REALLY SHINES THROUGH IN THE FINAL PRODUCT! PERFECTION IS IN THE DETAILS AND I MUST SAY WE LOVE US SOME DETAILS!

Bonks: Any shout outs or events coming up you wanna plug? Now would be

the time :)

Drew: WE JUST RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO EPIC GAMES! THEY SHOWED OUR PRODUCTS LOTS OF LOVE AND IT HAS GOTTEN EVERYONE IN THE TEAM PUMPED UP TO WORK ON NEW AND EXCITING PRODUCTS! THEY ARE AN AWESOME GROUP OF PEOPLE AND ARE SUPER SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE WITH OUR PRODUCTS. OUR MARCUS FENIX PIECE IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT SOME POINT IN MID-MAY OR EARLY JUNE SO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE FATHER OF ALL BAD ASSERY!

AS A TREAT FOR YOUR LOYAL READERS WE WANT TO EXTEND AN OFFER TO THEM WITH THIS 30% DISCOUNT CODE Sugar Drone OFF OF OUR LOCUST DRONE DESIGN MAQUETTE AVAILABLE AT WWW.PROJECTTRIFORCE.COM. THIS CODE IS GOOD THROUGH APRIL 30. THE DRONES ARE READY TO SHIP AND THE LANCER IS EXPECTED TO SHIP IN JUNE.

Thank you Drew Seldin for letting me pick your brain and a double thank you for the generous discount. We heart you and we heart Triforce.

Geek Chic Lifestyle Exclusive: Stephanie Sack of Vive La Femme (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

Vive La Femme is a deliciously kitch Bucktown boutique specializing in what I like to call curvalicious women, aka sizes 12-24. Stephanie Sack is the owner with a great sense of style and personality. She has been so kind to let me bug with her with questions. I'll tell you right now, she is a prime example of how to live the geek chic lifestyle so pay attention. Here are some of the adorable and flirty looks courtesy of Vive La Femme:

Bonks: Can you describe for me how Vive La Femme came to be?

Stephanie: "Vive la femme's concept came to me in totality when I was 18. I was very frustrated as I was shopping for clothes to take to college and wanted the ease of a store with plus sizes but the glamourous experience of a chic boutique. Even at that age, I could not understand why that was such a radical combination and decided right then and there that one day I would do it myself. Over the next few years I worked at boutiques for smaller gals and learned how to work with customers, create a sense of fun and frivolity, and some general aspects to running a boutique. Ten years later, I was jobless and sick of working for other people, so I decided to take a chance and go fot it! Entreprenerialsm is in my blood -- my mother and both grandfathers worked for themselves so I had great examples and lots of encouragement. I knew the shop had to be in swanky neighborhood, so I lucked into a small space in Bucktown and that was that!"

Bonks: What is your personal, favorite part about Vive La Femme?

Stephanie: "My absolute favorite part of vive la femme is the fact that we positively affect so many women! I have met literally thousands of gorgeous, sexy, kickass women and I am proud to say my staff is the most gorgeous, most sexy, and most kickass of them all! We empower women of size to actualize into the movement, embrace where they are and who they are RIGHT NOW, and to honor themselves through curve-friendly and confident adornment. We have dressed women for interviews, vacations, weddings, and dates; we have become part of their lives as they live in the world. The next best part is the CLOTHES! We have fabulous clothes and I get first crack at them all!"

Bonks: What is your history with Chicago?

Stephanie: "Chicago is my hometown and playground! I grew up in Lakeview, was educated in Old Town and Evanston, lived in Andersonville, Wicker Park, and Humboldlt Park, opened a business in Bucktown, got engaged in Logan Square, was married at the Chicago Cultural center, and currently reside in Lincoln Square. My folks are on the Gold Coast and my sister is in the West Loop. A few years ago I decided to become more engaged and active in my city, and have since explored the many cutural opportunities at which Chicago excels, including cinema, cuisine, art, music, performance, nightlife, and commerce. I LOVE Chicago and am a diehard Chicagoan!"

Bonks: Do you have goals for Vive La Femme yet to be achieved?

Stephanie: I would love for vive la femme to expand into a range of products and options for stylish women of size! I am currently working on a new concept that will be an excellent counterpart to vive la femme, and can see the vive la femme lifestyle translating to a number of other opportunities. Nothing makes me happier than working with plus-size women, so it's something I plan to do for a long time!

Bonks: So, can I get some nerd credentials?

Stephanie: "NERD CREDENTIALS! LOL!!! I love it! Hmmmm....as a child I wanted to be kidnapped by UFOs so I wrote "Take Me" on a sheet of paper and taped it to the top if my head...I rang handbells in junior high and high school which was a ticket to total teenage geekdom...was and still am a rabid Twin Peaks fan......major theatre nerd as a teenager....diehard X-Phile...I once went to buy a new pair of glasses and told the salesgal to "show me the nerdiest pair of black frames you have"...went to opening night of Interview with the Vampire...was a practicing Gothgirl for fifteen years and exclusively wore all-black, black hair, combat boots, the whole bit...I know all sorts of weird trivia about Elvis...I went to Burning Man a few years ago...how's that for you?

See what I mean?! How can you not love this woman?! You guys should check out what this lady has in stock at Vive La Femme. Check it out at www.vivelafemme.com or stop for a visit at 2048 N Damen. Again big thanks to Stephanie Sack, our newest honorary Sugar Gamer.