TV and Lust Interview with Craig Lupienski

     I had just recently contacted Craig from TV and Lust for a quick interview. For those unaware, TV and Lust is a video gaming site dished full of content! It contains written/video reviews, podcasts, current gaming news and other featured articles.  


     Q&A


Q1:When did you first start your gaming?


"I was probably about 5 or 6, and it was when we got our first NES. We had Super Mario Bros, of course, but it wasn't until we got Zelda that gaming really started for me."

Q2:Do you have any other hobbies or activities you take part in other than gaming?


"I like to think I do, there are certainly things I'm interested in other than gaming, but I work so much, and between that, and other responsibilities and hanging out with friends, gaming and TV and Lust is about all I have time for."

Q3:What inspired you to start TV and Lust (both the site and YouTube channel)?


"I started the Youtube channel just because I wanted to try out making videos. I'm the sort of person who never really becomes adept at any one thing, but instead dabbles in a little of everything. I like trying new things. The videos eventually took off, and I wanted to expand from just videos, so the site was born."

Q4:Do you have any regrets about starting TV and Lust?


"I wish I was I little more prepared for the work and response, though I wouldn't call that a regret. Besides, I'm sure a lot of people wish they knew what they were up against before they were up against it!"

Q5:Will TV and Lust be attending E3 this year?


"We applied, but were declined for unstated reasons. I would guess it would be due to hits, but we had enough hits for one pass (which Seth was going to use). We were still offered to purchase a pass, but they're expensive. E3 is a tough gig to get into, and unfortunately, the current set up creates a loop: The bigger sites easily get passes, which in turn gives them access to content. With more content, comes more hits. With more hits come passes. It's stacked against the smaller sites from the get go."

Q6:As TV and Lust expands, do you plan to add additional staff openings?


"Probably, though we've sort of plateaued right now, both in terms of audience and in content output. I have a fantastic staff, but I'm the idea guy 9 times out 10, and it becomes exhausting managing the small crew we have now. Handling more would be difficult. It would be much easier if I didn't have a day job!"

Q7:What happened to your "Game Glimpse" segments? Will they be discontinued forever? 


"Game Glimpses were a way to maximize the content for our audience, while simultaneously reducing our workload (the Glimpses were easier to produce than full video reviews). They were met with a lukewarm response, and they still took more time and effort than it was worth if many people weren't that interested in them. Glimpses were never officially discontinued behind the scenes, so they staff (and myself) may still do them, but I wouldn't count on it."

Q8:Do you have any other major plans for the future of TV and Lust?


I'm not sure. I'd love to expand our audience, but we've hit a wall recently that I'd love to knock down. I don't have any major plans to do that, but I aim to continue to produce the best content we can and hope people enjoy it!


I would like to thank Craig for taking his time to do this interview. If you want to find out more about him and his site, go here!  I recommend the TV and Lust podcast, it's fantastic! 
     

Mario Kart: Double Dash Review

As the sequel to one of the tightest racers of our time, Mario Kart: Double Dash had a lot to live up to. In order to add to the series, Nintendo had to add some new and unique game play elements; coming from Mario Kart 64, which was virtually perfect.

Nintendo based the game play around a tag team arcade racer. Everything from Mario Kart 64, but you can choose two characters at a time. This determines your racing statistics and items you acquire during courses. Jumping was taken out the game, but pulling off sharp turns was made easier. Other than jumping, Double Dash was a definite upgrade to the series.

Double Dash represents everything that I like about Nintendo. It has gorgeous, bright colors and wacky game play. As you progressed through the game you unlock more content keeping the game fresh. As for multiplayer, HUGE improvement. With the deadlier weapons and multiple item slots, giant koopa shells are coming from every direction! The track designs are much more polished then previous titles in the series. You are geared for hours upon hours of game play.

Overall, Mario Kart: Double Dash is the best in the series. It polished the retro kart racer and brought it to the modern gaming era. It had the most appealing tracks and the most enjoyable items. Absolutely incredible, the definition of a video game. This is the Nofriendo Review telling you to eat your vegetables!

Pokemon Black/White Review

Released in March, Pokemon Black/White have stormed the world, improving upon one of the greatest online games to date. Not many people are aware, but Pokemon has always had deep deep game play. Every pokemon has an "EV" number, and for every four EVs obtained, you gain one stat point depending on which EV stat that pokemon contained. For example, magikarp has one speed EV, so for every for magikarps you knock out, one stat in speed is gained. You can have up to 255 EVs per stat and can only use a total of 510 EVs. The game can be even more in depth, but the is a review, not a guide.

In game, Pokemon Black/White has the most polished game play of the all the other pokemon generations. I found myself replaying the game three times. It never once felt boring or choir like. The beginning starts slow, but gradually picks up to the typical pokemon storyline.

Many say that the new pokemon creations look very unoriginal and plain, but I beg to differ. It doesn't feel as much as the pokemon are changing, but we, are selfs are changing. There are a few divestments in the designs, but 95% of the pokemon look fantastic!

Ever since 2007, pokemon games have shined gloriously online. Imagine, 600+ pokemon, each with different stats, move pools, typing and abilities. You hold a party of six, so the online is so incredibly in depth. Unfortunately this isn't said for the random online feature for what was said previously, people just don't know about EV training, or other aspects like IV and Nature Breeding... There are many communities online to find people who actually know what they're doing, but I wish that wasn't the case.

Overall Pokemon Black/White is just an updated version of previous titles with an updated online system, making the online more in depth. I suggest pick it up for the cheap, unless you understand the competitive side to pokemon. This is the Nofriendo Review and I enjoy outdoor life!

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Review

The Wind Waker has a reputation for being so "out there" compared to previous titles in the series. It contained sailing instead of the traditional roaming around the vast landscape of Hyrule. It had girly, childish graphics, but that's why I love it so.
   
This game came out when I was the age of seven, so one word, "nostalgic." There is NOTHING wrong with the graphics. I had been surrounded by hate, but I never thought that way. If you really think about it, you were literally playing a cartoon on your television. For this review I even went back to the game and looking at it now, it holds up incredibly! The way this art style was created makes you realize that in 20-30 years, I'm 100% sure that they will still hold up.
   
Now as for the sailing, I love it. It's not what everyone was expecting, but the fact is is that it's a sailing simulator. The way that Shenmue fans loved the city simulator, I love the Great Sea. Imagine, one of the largest world maps of its time which you sail around and create your own adventures. It's quite mind-blowing.
   
Game play wise, the Wind Waker is the typical Zelda game. It feels like a polished Ocarina of Time with a new camera (mind you one of the best cameras for any video game). This is expected due to it being an unofficial sequel to one of the OoT endings.
   
At the end of the day, the Wind Waker is a fantasic game. In fact, I would say that this is the third greatest game of all time. It brought fresh elements to the Zelda series and is a must play! This is the Nofriendo Review and I approve this message.

Luigi's Mansion Review

Luigi's Mansion was a launch title for the Nintendo Gamecube. This piece of software was made to show off the systems capabilities by using incredible lighting and shadow effects. Along with its gorgeous graphics, Luigi's Mansion had a fresh and unique gameplay style.

You could say that it was the first "3D Ghostbusters video game." The main concept is to suck up ghost souls and return them to there picture frames. Each ghost has its own secret for capture as well as its own story. Along with the ghost collecting aspect, there are multiple bosses throughout Luigi's mansion, each more terrifying than the next.

Luigi's Mansion's gameplay revolves around a third person adventure game. As you see ghosts, you use your "c-stick" to aim your vacuum towards the ghost to suck it away. As you proceed through the storyline, you constantly obtain new items and power ups to keep the gameplay fresh.

As you navigate through this mansion, you will experience puzzle mechanics, an astonishing world to explore, wacky characters, creative gameplay and you'll be bombarded with nostalgic easter eggs! This game is quite short, only taking a few hours to beat, but that's not always a bad thing. I think of it like Majora's Mask, small, but dense. All and all, Luigi's Mansion was and still is a fantastic game with gameplay that still holds up today. This was the Nofriendo Review, and I'll see you next time!