5 to satisfy my fantasy geek
Things that get me excited in 2011.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ5p18wIQEI]
I delved into George R.R. Martin’s highly-acclaimed novel, A Game of Thrones, in anticipation of this series coming in April from HBO. What I found was a deeply engrossing, traditional fantasy series with modern sensibilities and complex characters. As I flipped through the pages, I experienced intrigue, deception, and surprises in every chapter. HBO has great content to make another top rate series, all under the watchful eye of the author himself. This, then True Blood, means it’s time to ring up the cable company.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzqS1GxdJYQ]
Elder Scrolls: Skyrim releasing on 11/11/11, looks like somewhere I want to go. I admit, I have never gotten into the Elder Scroll games, but fell hard for Bethesda’s Fallout 3. I think I’m ready to get lost in this world, especially after seeing this pure awesome trailer. It’s good they are giving Christopher Lee work too!
The Hobbit finally starts filming in NZ this March. The troubled story to get this film started, has made great fodder at onering.net, the place I followed the production of the LOTR trilogy. The craftmenship and development of these movies is as amazing as the final result. Weta Digital hits the perfect balance of monster makeup, miniature building and expert weapon craftsmanship with digital effects that has soul. This two movie production, has hit all the right notes so far. With Guillermo DelToro leaving after countless delays, Peter Jackson has stepped in again as director; Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis are reprising as Gandalf and Gollum; with Martin Freeman playing Bilbo Baggins. I will be checking the site often this year for secret set shots and gossip of the production. The start of epic fantasy, The Hobbit is my favorite Tolkien book. My hope is Jackson follows it’s lighter tone and downplays the power of the ring (rolls eyes) that was pounded over your head in the previous films. This series, has me more geeked out then Star Wars ever did. For real!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlTD0lyBPBs]
Dragon Age 2 releases today, from my new favorite game developer Bioware. I slogged through the console clunky Dragon Age: Origins thanks to the strong story and humorous dialogue between the characters. The sequel promises more immediate gameplay and a dialogue system closer to their gem, Mass Effect. Looks like they are addressing my complaints. Bring it on.
So the Castle Ravenloft board game released last year had me interested, because it brought the complicated rule set of D&D to a easier-to-consume experience. The sequel takes the idea further. I want to try this! Trouble is, I cant find a soul who would play it with me. Wrings eyes. 
