Pinball has inspired a mania. Surviving countless decades through offering players of varying levels of competency: extraordinary high scores, an intoxicating balance of skill and luck, and relatively low barriers to entry. The classic game is no stranger to elaborate themes and styles, some revamping … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 6: Austin Powers Pinball (2002)
Saving the world is fun and all, but what about those who have a bone to pick with society, who want to bring the earth to its knees for financial profit, or pure vengeance? In the year 2000, to complement the growing franchise and the … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 5: Austin Powers: Welcome to My Underground Lair! (2000)
The late 90s saw the Information Superhighway quickly pick up steam and turn into the behemoth that made so much of modern life possible. In anticipation, everybody was desperate for computerisation, even in cases where it did not make sense. In 2000, the time-travelling groovy … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 4: Austin Powers: Oh, Behave! (2000)
The pandemic has shown the necessity for party games, but challenges to our trivia muscles have always been around. Each one trying new ways to differentiate themselves from the crowd. In 1999, to capitalise on the success of the rising Austin Powers franchise, a themed … Continue reading Groove is in the heart, baby! Part 3: Austin Powers Operation: Trivia (1999)
With all the killing, gambling, and other activities, it is easy to forget that the mob is just a business. One that must worry about cash flow, employees, customer relations, amongst other headaches, even operating outside the law. Yet it still retains a slight allure … Continue reading Omerta – City of Gangsters (2013)
Chicago was a hotbed of criminal chicanery in the 30s. Murderous personalities like Al Capone, massacring thousands of competing mobsters, law enforcers, and civilians alike. Despite the bloodshed, their tales still live on with the likes of Bugsy Segal to Bugsy Malone, providing the Chicago … Continue reading Chicago 1930 (2003)
The British are known for brevity and wit, especially when it comes to popular culture. Notably, British televisional comedy is renowned across the world and is held as an example of these principles. The quintessential example is Fawlty Towers, the oft-repeated, oft-quoted comedy about the … Continue reading Fawlty Towers Comedy Pack (2000)
Doctor Who has become a surprising emblem of Britishness. A time-travelling eccentric alien, who is quick-witted and utilises his pacifistic solutions to save the day for almost 60 years. The art of regeneration allowing the character to live on, although different, meaning generations of fans … Continue reading Doctor Who: Destiny of the Doctors (1997)
The Wrestling boom of the turn of infected everywhere, from young to old. Especially on the playground where the costumed theatrics captured the imaginations of all ages. Taking the excitement to said playgrounds was a desirable proposition, one that many wrestling promotions were willing to … Continue reading ECW Hardcore Revolution GBC (2000)
There is an underlying certainty in sports, things change; players get better or retire, change teams. In professional wrestling, this is exemplified, with expanding gimmicks, or long-lasting injuries, so a yearly upgrade is to be expected. In 2000, right after the release of their debut … Continue reading ECW Anarchy Rulz (2000)
