Max Weekend

Posted 7:00 AM by Gerald So

Thanks to a sale at GOG.com, I spent the second half of the holiday weekend playing the 1990 spy computer game SID MEIER'S COVERT ACTION. I recall finishing the game years ago, but I had to relearn three of the four mini-games.

If you're too young to remember the game, a recap: You play Bondian CIA freelancer Maximillian/Maxine Remington, foiling plots by arresting or turning co-conspirators and retrieving key items (blueprints, alarm bypasses, etc.). Your ability to arrest and turn depends on gathering evidence by wiretapping, decoding messages, infiltrating hideouts, and/or trailing suspects by car.

Sid Meier criticized the mini-games in retrospect as being too disparate and distracting from each other. I originally finished just by breaking into hideouts, photoing evidence and snatching suspects in the process, not caring whether I turned them (for double points) or if masterminds went into hiding. Still the mini-games' variety is fun. Breaking cases the way I did as a teen got me promoted to top agent, but the best winning condition is to arrest all twenty-six masterminds. I like that the rival organizations are real: KGB, Mossad, Revolutionary Guards, Colombian Cartel, etc. Only working for the President hasn't aged well, in my opinion.

"Here's a commendation from the President."

Keep it.

Amazon MGM taps Villeneuve to direct Bond

Posted 5:00 AM by Gerald So

Wednesday this week Amazon announced the choice of Denis Villeneuve to direct the first James Bond movie since it took creative control from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Villeneuve is one of the most respected and bankable directors today, and his hire continues Amazon's show of commitment to Bond. While I was hoping for a lighter touch, the tone of Villeneuve's previous films (SICARIO, BLADE RUNNER 2049, DUNE, for example) seems in line with Daniel Craig's run, and may make a seamless transition, dispelling the air of uncertainty.

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Life after Death

Posted 12:30 PM by Gerald So

Last Sunday I heard a homily by one of our parish deacons. He began with how short this life is, how our souls are much more important than our bodies. From there, he pondered what we lose when a loved one dies. He had trouble summing that up. Many may feel a loss too great to fathom after all.

I've now lived through my parents' deaths, yet I don't feel I've lost them. Their bodies gave out on them, but in so yielding, freed their spirits. I believe their souls have attained their reward. I no longer worry for their health. I also believe they've become part of me. In that sense, we're closer than we could've been in life. Everything they tried to teach me, I still pursue.

The right lesson from life is to make the most of every moment, so when a loved one's time is up, you all don't feel you've missed the chance to do anything more.