Opinion – Adam's Blog

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023

Why I bought The Walking Dead Season 10/11 on DVD and NOT Blu-ray!

It’s true that DVDs typically have a lower resolution compared to Blu-ray or streaming options. However, the visual quality of The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD is surprisingly good. While it may not reach the same level of detail as a Blu-ray, the DVD format still offers a watchable experience that allows you to fully enjoy the thrilling narrative and captivating performances.

Believe it or not, the lower resolution of The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD can actually enhance the viewing experience. The gritty nature of the show, with its post-apocalyptic setting and intense moments, is perfectly complemented by the grainy texture and slightly lower resolution of the DVD format. This unique visual style adds an extra layer of authenticity, heightening the suspense and immersing you more deeply into the world of The Walking Dead.

It may take some getting accustomed to if you’re used to higher resolutions, but the experience is fantastic once you do.

Apart from the viewing experience itself, The Walking Dead Season 10 DVD also boasts an appealing DVD case design. The DVD case becomes a collectible item that proudly displays your love for the series. Additionally, the DVD edition comes packed with exciting bonus features. Dive into behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and exclusive content that provides a deeper understanding of the show’s production sometimes not found on Blu-rays.

The Walking Dead Season 10 on DVD is a must-have for devoted fans. Despite the lower resolution, the grainy visuals and captivating DVD case design add a unique charm to the overall package.

In a future post, I’ll share my thoughts on the season as a whole.

January 24, 2019

Done Is Better Than Perfect 2019 edition

So I was chilling at home watching YouTube before work when I came across a video response to Peter McKinnon. The video was titled is Peter McKinnon wrong?. An interesting video I thought and so I clicked it not knowing that I was stumbling into one of the best advice anyone can give me.

Jamie Windsor was making an argument or rather a clarification on McKinnon’s Done is better than perfect video making the point of working little harder may give you much better results which I totally agree with but that’s not what caught my attention. My biggest problem when producing content was always aiming toward the sky. The perfect blog post, the perfect video. And while creating great content is not the problem, the aim for perfection is what made me not release or even start many ideas that could have ended on my blog or channel.

Done is better than perfect

A simple yet powerful phrase changed my thinking from the moment I watched the video. How come I never heard or thought of this powerful concept before? I even wrote a blog post about perfection before but this phrase gives me a clear idea on what I was doing wrong and what I should be doing. Forget perfection and start creating. Progress will come with time as the video pointed out and that is correct. I started writing and filming practically from zero and while I do not claim to be at the top, my content is 10 times better than what it used to be. Getting things done is what I should be focusing on rather than how good the content really is or how people will view it.

Of course getting better and learning new things should be your goal from the start but don’t let the perfect image in your mind stop you from creating. So after hearing the phrase I immediately knew what needed to be done. I hope to live through 2019 with this more and produce more content without the pressure of perfection and what other people think. If anything, I should have seen this earlier considering that a lot of top channels produce above average continent and still be successful. Not trying to put anyone down or advocate for laziness but you all understood what I mean.

Anyway, just wanted to share this enlightenment or whatever you want to call it and hope that it will help someone out there. If one person enjoyed your content or found it helpful than you made a difference regardless of how perfect your message was.

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018

Mortal Kombat 11 announced

No new Mortal Kombat announcement is complete without someone jobbing to Scorpion. Just when I thought to myself hmm, Scorpion got owned for once in a MK trailer, he appears and kills Raiden who is like the boss of the good guys. Well played Boon, well played.

With that aside, its good that a new Mortal Kombat game is finally announced despite not showing actual gameplay in the trailer. The screenshots from Steam looks even crispier than that of the previous installment which looked amazing on all platforms. The promise of a new story mode which I liked in previous MK games especially MK vs DC as well as new and old characters returning should keep MK/Fighting fans happy including myself.

I am however is little skeptical of customization and the use of weapons like in the trailer which cheapened the fatalities in away by actively killing your opponent via these moves mid game only for the fight to continue if you know what I mean. Balanced customization is always welcomed but they should not overdo it like Soul Caliber which is a fantastic game itself.

I’m curious what new features will the game add if any as there is so much you can add to an already fantastic fighting game. More fatalities? A new type of fatality? Perhaps they should work on the online mode and vs in general as a lot of folks tend to spam single moves throughout the whole fight both online and offline which is very annoying and the reason I don’t play online.

Never the less, I’m excited for the new chapter as I was and still am a big Mortal Kombat fan starting from the first game on the Sega Genesis. I’m not sure if I will preorder the game yet as I will be in Ukraine soon but for the once that have will receive Shao Kahn as well as an invite to the beta which is nice.

As a bonus, the game requires very little horsepower while looking great on the PC which is good news for me as I will most likely end up picking both the PC and Xbox One versions. Bellow are the system requirements, have a great day.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM:
OS: Intel Core i5-750, 2.66 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 965, 3.4 GHz or AMD Ryzen™ 3 1200, 3.1 GHz
Processor: Intel Core i5-750, 2.66 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 965, 3.4 GHz or AMD Ryzen™ 3 1200, 3.1 GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 670 or NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 1050 / AMD® Radeon™ HD 7950 or AMD® Radeon™ R9 270
DirectX: Version 11

RECOMMENDED:
OS: 64-bit Windows 7 / Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i3-2100, 3.10 GHz / AMD FX-6300, 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen™ 5 1400, 3.2 GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 780 or NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 1060-6GB / AMD® Radeon™ R9 290 or RX 570
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection

March 4, 2018

The Galaxy S8 made me love big phones

I’ve been an iPhone user since the iPhone 4s. The size was good enough for me switching from Blackberry. Then came the Galaxy Note II. I hated the experience almost instantly but had to finish my contract only to get back to the iPhone 5s followed by 6s which was by far the best iPhone I used. I still regret selling it as it had been with me on both of my recent memorable trips but I traded it for the iPhone 7.

Back to the point. I got myself the Nexus 6p but also hated it for how big the phone felt comparable to my iPhone 6s. My iPhone felt just the right side until I got the Galaxy S8. I covered the phone up almost immediately as it was way too slippery for my liking slipping out of my pocket more than once.

After using the phone for 6 months I must say I got used to how big the screen was. Holding the phone felt great as it the curved screen made it feel smaller than it was. Going back to the iPhone 7 felt wired. The text size was unacceptable as well as the phone’s size in general. I would go for the plus size should I ever go back to the iPhone.

Of course, not all big phones are comfortable to hold and there are still limits on how big a usable phone is to me. The Nexus 6P shape, for example, is harder to squeeze due to its flat edges rather than the likes of the Galaxy S8 curved. The Note 8 seems impossible to use with one hand hence the reason I went to the normal size Galaxy S8. But overall I’m all for bigger phones. Bigger than the standard iPhone that is. All thanks to my S8.

The downsides of having a large phone are the inability to use it with one hand and issue of it constantly falling out of my pocket. I used a case for a better grip. Sure it made the phone little bulkier but it is a fair trade I guess. The one hand mode made it easier to navigate but nothing beats IOS double tap to minimize (one hand mode). Bottom line is, the screen looks amazing and everything displayed is pleasant to look at. If you are like me and hate big phones, get the Galaxy S8. You will love it.

January 29, 2018

CM Punk is given another chance in the UFC and it is comical

So let’s forget the fact that CM Punk aka Phillip Jack Brooks had zero professional fights in MMA when he was first signed. Let’s forget that Dana White himself stated that CM Punk should take his next fight in a regional league. And finally, let’s forget that CM Punk was referred to as CM Punk instead of Phil Brooks. Add to that his horrible performance and we have a classic case of a fighter that “doesn’t belong in the UFC”.

And yet with all that, Dana White is giving CM Punk another chance because He asked for it? I already made a video on why I think Punk should not be given another chance some time ago but let’s go through this again. The guy is pushing 40 and that’s very old considering he is just starting his MMA journey or should I say trying. I understand that the UFC is desperate for starts as almost all of their cash cows were slaughtered but they should decide on wither they want to be a legit sport or WWE 2.0.

A new fighter doesn’t get to start in the big league let alone be on the main card and CM Punk should not be treated any differently. I admit he did decent numbers his first fight but I don’t expect anyone to care this time. People were curious the first time around on how well he will do and I think we all got our answer. His spot should be given to a more deserved fighter among many who work hard throughout the year just to make it.

Put him on fight pass or whatever but don’t give him a spot of a more deserving fighter. Of course, everyone is wondering who will he face this time considering the way his last fight went. Uriah Hall perhaps? That would be entertaining for sure.

Here is a video I made awhile back on why CM Punk should not be in the UFC to begin with:

Anyway, those were my thoughts. Let me know what you think and make sure to check out my YouTube channel follow me for more upcoming content. Thank you for reading.

January 22, 2018January 23, 2018

Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou: the Greatest Heavyweight fight in years!

Miocic vs Ngannou excited me for two reasons; first, its Stipe’s third title defence and hence the chance of making history. The second reason was that he’d be fighting a monster. A monster that was hyped beyond reality as the next big thing overlooking Stipe as a champion. Now some would say its promotion and hype to get more views and tickets out of the casuals. You may be right but the way I and Stipe saw it is that the UFC almost wanted Ngannou to win.

Critics claimed that Miocic never faced a legit threat or a monster like Ngannou and that it was going to be his doom. Not only did Miocic pass with flying colors, he also got to make history as the first heavyweight to have three successful title defences. What happened was big. Possibly the biggest heavyweight event in years and that’s not something you would see every day. Stipe was fighting what looked like an unstoppable opponent with his legacy on the line.

With that in mind, I didn’t hoop on Ngannou’s hype train and predicted that Miocic would stop him. For the first minute or so, it looked like I would eat my words as Francis exploded with punches but that was not enough. For the rest of the fight, Miocic dominated the fight and even had moments like he was about to KO Ngannou but decided to play it smart and take a step back to not get caught himself. Ngannou’s punches are no joke but all he does is swing around hoping that one of the punches connect. In this fight, it didn’t work and he had no answer.

Overall, the fight was exciting and I was on my toes the whole time as anything can happen at any moment when it’s a heavyweight fight. There is a reason heavyweight champ is called the baddest man on the planet. Of course, the UFC were too bussy showing of Conor’s belts on UFC 3 cover than to properly acknowledge Stipe’s record-breaking win.

Let me know what you think and don’t forget to follow me on YouTube and other social media Adam3k3. Catch you in my next post.

December 23, 2015

Steam and Digital are hurting the gaming industry long term

Whats going on? We thought you love Steam? Relax, I still do and I have over 50+ games but that’s about to change. Conspiracy theories aside, the digital age is taking the entertainment industry by storm and there is little that can be done at this point. Getting the game to download while you’re browsing the internet hassle free is something that many got used to. Fantastic sales throughout the year, what’s not to like?

The Monopoly

Monopolies are bad, that much is agreed on. They kill the competition which in turn kill the motivation to improve and innovate. Why do you think Steam is not considered with its poor customer service? Because there is no real alternative. Sure EA Origins is catching on as well as the fantastic GOG.com, but Valve is the pioneer to PC digital games distribution and judging from how things are, they will likely stay at the top for many years to come unless something tragic happens.

Steam machines are failing and the Steam OS is a joke and yet Valve is not even concerned the slightest, why? Because they are on top and can afford to screw up. Where will people go? Basically, the people have a choice to either accept any changes Valve may see fit or move to a smaller platform with the many features that they got used to are missing.

One might argue that once the new platform gathers a large crowd, the features and games will start coming in. Not true as catching up to large competitors is not as easy as the normal consumer thinks it is, just ask Microsoft’s Xbox division.

In short: No competition, no creativity.

Killing the Creativity

I’m sorry but hard, a physical material will always be Superior to soft copy. From the amazing box designs to the smell of a new item and placing it on your shelve or in a dedicated collection corner, all of these things make physical copies what they are. Sure, all your games will be gone once your house catches a fire but having your entire house burned has a way less chance than the digital company going out of business or changing the policies (see next section).

Physical media has and always will have a special feel of ownership. No matter how flexible the digital provider may be, it will never beat the feeling or owning an item you can touch.

You are NOT in control of your own games

Valve can at any time deny you access to your own games or simply take away specific game with or without a reason. Don’t believe me? Google it. Once Valve goes down so will your games. Yes, Valve unofficially promised that in the unlikely event that they go under you will have a chance to download your games. Good luck downloading over 1 TB worth of games in the short amount of time they will give you supposedly they stay true to their word in the first place.

Playing games offline is also a problem to many as Steam offline mode is as reliable as your new politician. In short, a game can be pulled off your library with or without refund for many reasons including copyright expiration or simply the refusal to renew a yearly contract. Anything can happen and you can’t do anything about it because you own nothing. On the other hand, I’m still playing Need for Speed Road Challenge years after it discontinued without any problems. Good luck finding this gem digital legally.

. . .

There is hope, GOG.com demonstrated that it is possible for DRM free games to sell well and Witcher 3 is a fine example. Downloading digital DRM free games is a considerable alternative to owning physical copies as I can print my own covers from the likes of VHBOXART. Take a look at this beautiful fan created master peace.

Digital distribution is taking over, at least in the USA. If you are like me, support GOG.com or buy PC games from Amazon UK unless the game requires Steam to activate. Steam is not the devil and Valve is not the New World Order yet so I will continue to use it for the cheap price and what not but if I get the choice between Steam and a DRM-free physical version aka the Witcher 3, you know which one I choose.

December 16, 2015

Why I buy used games and you should too

I have been gaming since the age of five or even younger if I can recall. I been through the generations and seen first hand how the gaming industry was changing. Over the years, I have bought many used games and the number keeps getting bigger and bigger. Here are my reasons to keep buying used games:

They are cheap

Used games prices are not what they used to be, still they are cheaper than buying new ones by around 40-60% and that’s not an easy difference. Yes, I have a job and save money meaning I can afford to pay full price but why should I considering the crap developers are pushing new days which brings us to point 2.

Jokes aside, games can be costly in many countries across the globe including where I live. Used games market makes sure that everyone has the chance to enjoy this wonderful hobby. And NO, used games are Not killing the industry. Lazy development and microtransactions are!

Lazy development

Gone are the days where developers worked hard to make the best possible game they can. New days, remasters and incomplete full of bugs games are released with features locked behind microtransactions and DLCs. Milking the consumer for less and less content is becoming a habit for most developers.

Saving money and working smarter eliminating the unneeded features like real life celebrities doing the in-game voices is one. Working with better, more optimised engines is also a good alternative. Making a game for the sake of getting rich gets you nowhere, just ask the big shots.

Not worth getting new

The harshest reason of them all. simply, new games are not worth getting new. Most of them at least. Call old timer all you like but games used to be better in every aspect. The original Playstation and Saturn pushed the limit and the Dreamcast continued. New days, it’s a quick cash grab and broken mess.

The story in most games is piss poor and the gameplay is shorter than a newborn guinea pig. Let’s face it, just like music the gaming industry became all about money. Yes, good games are still being made but Call of Duty proved that releasing the same game every year is much more profitable than putting in hard work that may not pay off aka Shenmue.

. . .

Good games are still around, not in the quantity they used to be in though. One can only hope.

May 1, 2015

Is gaming a eSport?

This question brings back memories of people arguing that Extreme Sports are not real sports. Doing aggressive rollerblading I know what it feels like to start from nothing and work your way up with practice, gaining skill and getting better everyday so why is it exactly not a real sport considering I actually exercise?

After thinking for a while I came to the conclusion that any competitive activity that involves skill, training and competition can be considered a sport. Why must it be a ball game for it to be recognized and considered a sport? Now comes the important question: Can gaming be considered an eSport? Of course, here is why:

Its a skill and training thing

You work your way from nothing to the top by hard work, training and learning especially in competitive games like Counter Strike. If gaming was easy then everyone would have been a pro.

Its Competition

Playing against another human is tricky. Unlikely the predictable AI, humans can adapt and learn on the fly learning more of your gaming style and counter it with practice.

Its called eSport for a reason

eSports stands for electronic sports and that’s exactly what competitive gaming is about. You compete electronically. Who made the rule that a sport needs to involve your body physically?

People keep giving chess layers hard time cause its not a real sport but if you ask me it takes more practice and strategy than soccer, sorry but its true. Anything that involves the above mentioned points should be considered sport in my opinion. The world is constantly evolving and so should our thoughts. We need more sports and entertainment not less.

And to the idiot Colin Cowherd who apparently have a grudge with gaming; Its not our fault that your stuck in stone age era with debunked stereotypes about gaming. I for one welcome the idea that idiots like you should do us all a favorite and quit. Not liking something is one thing, being an ignorant idiot is another.

January 8, 2015

Anderson Silva doesn’t deserve a title shot

Man the UFC is losing credibility faster than the next gen’s online play. Dana white announced that should Anderson Silva deafeat Diaz he will get another title shot at the UFC middle weight championship.

I have nothing against the spider and wont try to take away his accomplishments but another title shot after defeating an outranked fighter? This soon? Man the UFC must be so desperate for views first signings CM punk, a zero experience fighter for ratings sake and now giving Silva another title shot? Man if this keeps up the UFC will lose the remaining credibility as a real sport.

Silva lost by know out the first fight and got dominated till the leg break in the rematch so whats the big idea of another title shot? At least make him earn the shot by defeating 2 to 3 ranked fighters than and only than talk about another title shot.

I do realize Silva is not anyone but making him leap frog to the championship fight is a disrespect to all the hard working fighters in that devotion. By this logic Brock Lesnar should get a tittle shot when he returns later this year. I realize that UFC is a business but would Lakers sign a celebrity into it’s NBA team for views sake?

Chris Weidman worked hard and earned his title shot, giving Silva a cheap quick rematches is a disrespect to the current champion.

Now I must admit, the upcoming fights will be interesting as Vitor Belfort’s fight will truly test the current champ and the winner of this match will face Silva should he defeat his firs opponent after his return. Some will argue that the excitement of fights is that matters to which I will reply with: Would you be excited to watch Justin Bieber fight Rob Van Dam in the octagon? Exactly.