The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/85284
Arts & Josiah Vasey A&E Editor The first Borderlands game was very much loved by the gaming community. It was praised for its humor, fast paced action, and variety of loot. But, can it's sequel, Borderlands 2, live up to its predecessor? Actually, no. It blows the first one out of the water by being everything a sequel should be. Borderlands 2 keeps all good things of the first game and improves upon them, while adding even more. It keeps the style and charm of the first game, while still feeling unique. For those that don't know, the Borderlands games are all loot, action, and loot. The better part of the loot is guns. The first Borderlands had a whopping 17,500,000 guns, each with their own statistics and abilities. The variety was nearly endless and the s e q u e l Entertainment adds even more. The guns all have their own unique feel. Some are boxy and dull, others are sleek and shiny. There are even in-game brands for weapons, and each brand has its own perks. Tediore brand guns, for example, are cheap and disposable. Each time you reload, you throw the weapon, which explodes like a grenade. A whole new gun is then created in your hands. And that isn't even the end of it. I once saw a shotgun that chased its enemies, s h o o t i n g them several times before Page 3 September 28, 2012 'Borderlands 2' bigger and better exploding. Or a shotgun that fires a swarm of homing missiles. But guns aren't the only loot in Borderlands 2. There are shields that reflect bullets, grenades that create fiery singularities, and mods that provide bonuses to your character. Character customization has also improved over the first game. Each character has their own special ability. The commando can deploy a turret to aid him in combat, while the Siren can suspend her enemies in the air for a short period of time. Each class also has perks to choose than do a variety of things, from providing damage bonuses to hurling fireballs. Finally, the plot for this game is times. This game is also filled with references to all kinds of things. For example, I was sent on a mission to kill a group of 4 teenage mutant ninjas living in the sewers that I lured out with pizza. But where Borderlands 2 really stands out is in multiplayer. Running around, shooting giant monsters in the face with your friends is some of the most fun I've ever had. Borderlands 2 is among the m u c h better than t h e 'Samsung Galaxy 3' one of the top competitors in the smart phone world Shelby Keeler Topics Editor Standing in the left corner, the ction 'Samsung Galaxy 3' stands 5.4 inches tall and 2.8 inches wide, it stares down its competitor the newly released iPhone 5. The Samsung Galaxy packs a punch that contains: color clarity, premium pricing, easy navigation, and a screen to kill for. Both devices stand 'home button' to 'home button'. Which will prevail and be the almighty victor? That's for you to find out… The 'Samsung Galaxy 3' " isn't just a tiny upgrade from its ancestor the 'Samsung Galaxy 2'. It's more than just a few tweeks from the geeks; it's a technological prodigy. Samsung phones have home button, and of course as stated earlier, the screen. The external buttons include the power button and the volume keys. As the SG3 starts to be unveiled you will stumble upon the incredibly large 'widgets' across the multiple home screens that are pre- loaded which can be seen as chunky and unattractive. With a few swipes you can delete and create your personal Galaxy. The simple functions such Its "app-titude" could use some help because, frankly, when I'm "Instagraming" my lunch, I would rather not have the app quit because it can't handle a quick picture. The physical 'home button' It's more than just a few tweaks from the geeks;w it's a technological prodigy. " been known for not having the most quality screens, but the SG3's serves as a purpose: to be indestructible. The 'SG3' screen is smooth and glossy and unlike its mother's screen, it is not the shatter-like Gorilla Glass. The screen for the 'SG3' is called 'Gorilla Glass 2', and for those who don't care about titles, it basically translates to: shiny, sensitive, and unshatterable. Gorilla Glass (1) had a tendency to shatter at unusually low heights for some unknown mystery that Samsung had yet to solve. Yet, 'The Samsung Galaxy 3' might be their solution. When seeing the SG3, three things will capture your attention: the 1.9 mega pixel front camera, the oddly shaped as: calling, texting, camera, and the internet are all there for the not so tech-savvy users. Although, as I played with the phone, I noticed the keyboard was not my cup of technology. The keyboard is bulky and is in no way appealing for texting or emailing important memos. As I used my resources, I went to the Android Market, aka the 'Play Store', to download a keyboard application. After downloading my now personal keyboard, I downloaded other apps that I use daily such as: Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and Instagram – you name it. The download is fast yet as the more you use a particular application the phone itself will quit "unexpectedly". stands for three purposes: ending tasks through 'task manager', 'S Voice', and of course going to the first home page. Pressing the button for a period of 2 seconds, the S3 gives you the ability to end ongoing functions and underlying functions within it. As you press the button twice, 'S Voice' will appear. This particular application is similar to iPhone's 'Siri'. Yet, until a 'Samsung Galaxy 4' comes out, the iPhone will have Samsung beat on voice recognition. As a whole the 'Samsung Galaxy S3' is one of the top competitors in the smart-phone world. It's laughably light and has a price that an everyday consumer can actually afford. Samsung 3 vs. iPhone 5? They stand toe to toe, but in some cases the Samsung Galaxy S3 outshines (literally) the iPhone 5. Yet in other cases the iPhone 5 out programs the newest Galaxy. last, which was weak and disappointing. The characters are fleshed out very well and easy to relate to. The dialogue is some of the best I have ever heard in a video game, and it made me laugh out loud s e v e r a l best games I've ever played. It is funny, fast paced and rewarding. It has all the things anyone could ever want from a game.It is a must buy for anyone who enjoys having so much fun that you puke. BEST GAME EVER!!! 'Saigon Cafe' affordable food, friendly staff, great environment Natalie Almond Ad-Director "The Saigon Café", located on Walnut Street across from One Stop, exceeded my expectations. Although they just opened about a month ago, they show great promise. They have yummy and affordable food, friendly staff, and a nice environment. At the moment, they have a small, but tasty menu. They serve Vietnamese style food. The café offers sandwiches, hot dogs, homemade baked goods, and spring rolls. As for drinks, they sell flavored Red Bulls, fountain drinks, and coffee. I ordered a grilled pork sandwich and a brown butter chocolate chip cookie. My meal was delicious. The sandwich was a little different since it's Vietnamese style, but I really enjoyed the change. It had pork, jalapeños, carrots, cilantro, and other various vegetables. It was on bread baked in house and was, overall, really good. I also tried some of the cookie, plus some of a cream cheese frosted pumpkin scone that a friend bought; both were amazing. Both were the perfect combination of sweet and chewy. The best Natalie Almond/Bluffer part about the "Saigon café' is the pricing. For a full sized s a n d w i c h and cookie it was only four dollars and fifty cents! When compared to Subway or Tai's Deli, that's much cheaper. The quality of the sandwich, I would say, is just as good, if not better than their competitors. The scone was a dollar fifty, and they also have muffins for two dollars. This is fantastic news for high school students considering the fact that it's within walking distance. On top of that, since it's new and not many people know about it, you can get your food quickly. It may not stay that way for long, but for now if you go there for lunch, you won't have to worry about trying to beat the crowds. Right now, I'd say that the only thing that the "Saigon Café' is lacking in, is variety. However, according to the owner, they are going to add many new items to their menu soon. So, if you're looking to break out of your typical lunch routine, I would definitely recommend trying out the "Saigon Cafe." Great environment and affordable food, what more could you ask for? A phone above all others! Fact of the Issue The harmonica is the world's best selling music instrument. Connor Ross