13 Matching Annotations
  1. Oct 2020
    1. Without a personal connection with this narrative, stereotypes are easy to slip into

      I completely agree with this. Most of the research done for a representation project is just with what the developers find first and foremost, on google. Unless one of the developers was friends with, or was actually a transgender individual, it would be highly difficult to create an accurate representation, which is what led to the backlash Bioware faced from the transgender community.

    2. The major problem with Hainly Abrams conceptualization lays in how her transness is simply something that is shown off to the player rather then something that is innate to the character. She exists purely to be a transgender person rather than be a character who is trans.

      Representation of a certain group is difficult to tie into any story, and the fact that this article uses a minor character to criticize how the game represented the transgender group, is unfair. The reason for this is because representation in games is to show that the creators wanted to include the group in their game, It is not always to show that group of people in a certain light, but merely to show that they were thought of during the process of development. The quote, "she exists purely to be a transgender person, rather than a character who is trans," is honestly completely accurate. Not every character in a game makes a statement, and thus, it gives the article a tint of bias from the author.

    3. Throughout this article there will be discussion of “good” and “bad” representation. Although representation, like most things, exists on a spectrum. But within that spectrum one can still meaningfully talk about generally good and generally bad representation.

      I disagree with this author's point here, because in the previous paragraph, he compared the possibilities of interpretation to a kaleidoscope, but now, the author is limiting those interpretations into two groups (good and bad). It honestly feels like the reader is just suddenly jerked in a different direction with this point, because its slightly contradictory to his previous point.

    4. it creates a kaleidoscope of possible ways that the character can be taken.

      Seeks to inform the reader that there is no right or wrong answer for how a character can be interpreted. A kaleidoscope can be viewed from many different points to show many different patterns. Because of this comparison, the author is basically stating that the possibilities are numerous in terms of interpreting the character in game.

    5. Representation is a complex issue that some contemporary video games attempt to actively grapple with in-game. This paper focuses on Bioware’s Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017). The non-player character (NPC) of Hainly Abrams is examined as an example of transgender representation in the broader marketplace of major studio gaming.

      Concise thesis. Gave one sentence of background information, the material that he's basing the paper on, and what he seeks to prove in this paper. Concise and to the point, which gives the reader a clear understanding of what this paper will be about.

  2. Sep 2020
    1. I really wanted to give this game more stars, because it could have been absolutely perfect. However, as many of the reviews have stated, Mario sunshine and 64 both are locked at 30fps and 64 has a measling 4:3 screen ratio. Rom hackers have achieved more with less profit, which is an extremely major disappointment; this means that you can find better versions of these games for 100% free on the PC. To further put my personal disgust with how Nintendo released all-stars 3D, they fixed backwards long jumping on mario 64. This is a glitch that speed runners use to run world-record speed runs, they had the nerve to patch this out of the game which leaves the game as a downgraded version of Mario 64 DS, with 50% less content. Nintendo could have done more by doing less. Leaving backwards long jumping in the game wouldn't effect normal players, all it does is generate more anti-consumer product. I don't even use backwards long jump, but the fact that they removed that and left more important problems in the game just feels like they half-assed this release. Now, I'm not saying you wont have fun playing these games, because you definitely will because they are the best in their own genre. Nintendo could have done a hell of a lot more for 80 CAD.

      Lastly, here's an example of a bad review of the game. While there are of lot of these to choose from, I chose this negative review specifically because it gave explanations for why the points of the game that were bad, are bad. It's not enough to just bash something if you didn't enjoy it, you have to have a reason, and a well thought out one at that. When you read reviews on these professional sites, they give plenty of explanations as for why they made their conclusions about whatever piece of media they're reviewing .

    1. Really disappointed with this "remaster" SM64 and Sunshine feel really outdated. Controls feel really old and clunky. Awful screen aspect ratio for SM64 only makes it worse. Inverted vertical controls in Sunshine when you try to spray water is so bad you can't get used to it. Your muscle memory won't let you. And there's no way to change it on settings. Lazy cash grab it's what this is I'm afraid.

      An example of a moderate review. While this highlights some positives of the same title, it also in the same breath, gives some negatives about the game that help give the reader a more rounded view of the game.

    1. From the outset, it's clear the amount of love that has been squeezed into making Super Mario 3D All-Stars a collection that is pretty much a must-buy. It would have been so simple for Nintendo to simply port Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy over, safe in the knowledge the hat and moustache combo can draw a sale in any situation, but it's clear from the opening FMV greeting players that no expense has been spared making this something really special. Eras of 3D titles flash across the screen, giving glimpses of what treats are packed-in, ready to be sampled. Menus are bright and filled with titbits that any information-hungry fan is going to lap up and appreciate every time they start up one of the three titles included.

      This opening is clear, concise, and to the point. It gives a brief overview of the title, while highlighting some intro features of how well it was done, and leaves a sentence at the end to continue drawing the reader into their review.

    1. The city Department of Education is supplying schools with defective thermometers, “low quality” masks, and smelly wipes, a disgusted Queens principal told The Post.

      This is completely understandable unfortunately. Due to the massive spending by the state to fight the massive outbreak of COVID-19, funds are in short supply to be given out to the school districts. Between budget cuts and lack of funding, most school districts are relying on the cheapest options rather than the safest ones.

    1. The problem is that teachers aren’t the only stakeholders in the reopening debate. Keeping schools closed hurts families that need in-person options. Plus, ­remote learning provided by public districts may turn out to be a disaster for many students already falling behind.

      As someone who didn't have anyone to take care of me during my elementary school/high school days, this is a valid concern. Some families have to work around the clock or extreme hours just to keep lights on for their homes.It's unethical to expect these families to be able to keep up with the demand for home schooling when they are hardly home to begin with.

    1. UFT leadership has completely dropped the threat of a strike, revealing to the public how little it is willing to fight for teachers and students.

      This shows how under represented the educators of our country are.

    2. Mayor Bill de Blasio’s attitude has been that teachers need to “show up and serve people,” and to stop complaining about the serious lack of safety measures taken by the city.

      Assuming the mayor's position without supporting the statement at all.