Farming Games

So there's a computer game that simulates farming called Farming Simulator 2011. Which looks like a worthy successor to Sim Farm in that you run a farm. From the game play that I've seen though it doesn't look like you get pick what you grow, and driving around is all you do. You can't even own a shot gun to point at unwanted solicitors and be like, "Get off my lawn."


I would love for there to be an updated version of this game. 3D or not though it would be great if they incorporate modern ideas such as dealing with invasive species, plant diseases, using Genetically Modified Crops, pollination, and even prairie restoration. The point wouldn't be to say one is better or worse but rather let the player get informed and take a side. Maybe even play it out to it's ultimate goal, even if it is a deluded fantasy.

Highly favoring GM crops might lead society to a world where everything is naturally trimmed to perfection. Lawns naturally stop growing after they reach 4 inches tall, trees look proper to an ascetic and naturally grow into topiary shapes, Oh and corn cures cancer now.

Highly favoring conservation might lead to a society where permaculture farms are in everyone's back yards, or "environmental corridors" as our city architects now design housing developments around. The seed bank is over flowing with heirloom varieties. And the people are richer in a different way.

And of course there's all the fun stuff in between. Getting Hemp legalized and having it used as clothing, and printing money or whatever. Importing exotic species or unlocking native ones that are currently not on the market.

Star Craft II

This post might seem like white noise to some of my regular audience. I figured I'd post it anyhow to see what happens. Basically there's nothing to do over the winter besides plan next year's gardens, and research assorted topics. In between this though I take little breaks finding various ways to relax.

One such way is to play computer games such as "Star Craft II: Wings of Liberty." It's a popular game, and actually won best Real Time Strategy of 2010 from a lot of reviewers. It was even a contender for Game of the Year but didn't quite make it. (I couldn't tell you who won.) One of the reasons it's so popular is the multiplayer aspect. And it's one of the main games used in "Professional Gaming," yes people and teams are actually sponsored by companies to play this game and compete in torments. What's more bizarre is there's actually a slow growing second industry inspired by this one called Online Gaming Commentator. Here is an example.  





These games are not for everyone. If you're not as proficient with a computer this isn't a game for you. If you can handle this kind of game though you'll find it to be one of the more engaging and balanced out there.

For those looking for something a little deeper the single player campaign has you covered. The story revolves around the Terran race (humans) and probably with good reason. They're they most accessible to their target audience. They're the perfect race to show off some amazing story telling that I don't think I can describe well enough so I'll let the game's official release trailer do that for me.




The score is excellent and worthy of any Hollywood summer block buster. Supposedly they went to three different composers, one for each race. What's unclear is if all three were used for this one game. Star Craft II has two expansion packs coming that will feature stories revolving around the other two races, Zerg and Protoss. The Protoss scare the bejesus out of me and the Zerg don't communicate with a series of grunts.

What could they possibly do for the Zerg? Not to spoil anything but at the end they lose their only speaking character. In Star Craft one they were voiced by gelatinous blobs that formed the hive mind as well as the Overmind, who was a floating eye ball being held up by some vanes. The only thing I can think of that could mix up the action is allow these beings to possess various Zerg units to incorporate some action into the dialog scenes.

The Protoss should be easier for them to do. Their units don't have mouths but we've herd them speak before. They're more ethereal beings. They're all about the crystals and religion. Star Craft II is actually a blessing to this race because in Star Craft I their base sort of looked like they bought it at Toys R Us. The graphic overhaul has updated this look.