Box Break: 2023-2024 Panini Contenders NBA Hobby Box

See which NBA player jersey card I pull.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Retail Hanger Box

I pulled an autograph from this box.

 

Book Report: 'A Farewell to Arms'

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been on a Hemingway kick lately, and delving into his earlier work has fueled my fire for the author. The semi-autobiographical work details his World War I service and is seeped in cynicism and wry observations.

His storytelling is efficient and clear, abounding with truth and impactful minimalism. The story arc is penetrating and mildly uplifting, pulsing with a growing sense of fatalism that gnaws away at its bones. This is beautiful, elegant storytelling fueled by penetrating introspection.

"A Farewell to Arms" provides a steady stream of intimate observations and delicious slices of life. It may be a humanist examination of the chaos and doom brought on by war, but it seems like more of a peek inside of Hemingway's diary, before he was a capital-A Author, back when he was just a guy trying to find his way in life, bubbling with hopes and dreams, struggling to survive to see another dawn.

View all my reviews

 

Game Review: 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' PS5

 

It's taken a few extra months, but PS5 players can now enjoy the greatest Indiana Jones story since the 1980s.

Originally released as a timed exclusive on the Xbox Series X/S in December, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" brings its swashbuckling ways to Sony's console. I was swept away by the initial release on GamePass, and relished the chance to don the fedora and bullwhip once again.

MachineGames does a spectacular job of replicating the look and feel of Harrison Ford's iconic performance, even without the use of AI. Credit Troy Baker for a phenomenal voiceover performance, as well as the dev team for replicating the look, feel and movement of the iconic character. The final product has earned Ford's appreciation, and ensures the character can survive well into the future.

The story is set in between the events of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Last Crusade," and crammed with knowing, loving references to the lore of the era. The globe-hopping adventures take you through Thailand, Egypt, China and the Vatican.

The game's excellent mix of hand-to-hand combat, stealth and light puzzle sequences blended with invigorating cut scenes that you wouldn't want to skip, recalls the thrill ride highs of the "Uncharted" games, which in turn were heavily inspired by "Indiana Jones."

An excellent tapestry of characters, action set pieces and twist-filled story arcs keep the narrative lively and exciting, leaning heavily into the pulpy trappings of classic Indy. The game looks great on the PS5, and the game is integrated well into the DualSense controller's unique capabilities.

Whether you play on the Xbox or PS5, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a ludicrous amount of fun, and a must-play for Indy fans. Its release on the PS5 completes the circle, allowing gamers of all stripes to join in the mayhem.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball High Number Hobby Box

 See which relic I pull.

Book Report: '101 Tough Conversations to Have With Employees'

 

101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges by Paul Falcone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is sort of a dry manual, but offers a chilling insight into a cutthroat, emotion-free mindset of management that tends to permeate the professional world. The sheer cold, calculated cruelty that emerges from the thinking of Falcone's insight is as discomforting as it is illuminating.

His Machiavellian advice coaxes managers to trick employees into incriminating and devaluing themselves, helping to tip the balance in the corporation's favor when it comes to potential lawsuits or NLRB grievances.

Many of the lessons here are examples of ingenious ways to protect yourself as a manger while undermining the livelihoods and senses of respect of those who serve under you. Occasionally, though, there are reckless recommendations that coax you to subtly threaten and instill a sense of paranoia in those who rank above you. Such tactics, I would guess, would come at the risk of your own head.

Although Falcone's advice is often tough to stomach and sometimes as labored as a textbook, it's still recommending reading for anyone who finds themselves in hot water at work. You could learn something valuable that could give you another shot at saving your job or throw off a sinister plan to trick you into taking the fall for something that isn't your fault.

View all my reviews

Device Review: Google 9 Pro XL on T-Mobile Network

 

In the constant struggle for smartphone supremacy with Samsung and Apple, Google has thrown considerable heft behind its Pixel line, innovating in the fields of foldables and AI. But its engineering team clearly holds its flagship device as its primary point of pride, and you can clearly see all the love and devotion that went into the creation of the Google 9 Pro XL.

The 6.8-inch screen, which boasts 1344 x 2992 pixels in a 20:9 aspect ratio, offers shimmering visuals, and boasts an astute brightness adaptability that shines bright when needed most help conserve battery with dimmer visuals when you don't need it.

The slick, sturdy design makes it easy to use such a large phone with one hand when needed, without putting much strain on your wrist or fingers. The phone is light and thin yet incredibly strong, responding ably to my unforgiving daily routine, which involves taking care of a device-drop-prone toddler.

Fueled by Gemini connectivity, the phone's suite of AI capabilities is as impressive as it is useful. The generative image creator and writing aids considerably amp up your content creation capabilities. Circle-to-search functionality is incredibly useful, saving you time and tedium by giving you crucial facts and specifications. In a sense, the phone makes you smarter, faster and quicker to respond. 

Fused with T-Mobile's speedy, beefy, industry-leading 5G network, the device handled streaming, gaming, downloads, uploads and a gauntlet of multitasking without missing a beat.

While the phone won't necessarily make you look better, its camera suite will make your images a lot prettier and more effective. Cutting out untold hours of editing, filtering, cropping and color correction, the AI-enhanced camera suite is a powerhouse. Add Me functionality sneakily plops you into any group shot you missed, the updated panorama mode helps you capture sprawling vistas with the elegance of a NatGeo photographer, and the ultrawide and telephoto settings help you nail incredibly detailed shots from distance.

If you're into hiking, world travel or trekking to other parts unknown, you should consider subscribing the T-Mobile Starlink service, which lets you stay connected to the world via satellite texts no matter where you find yourself.

On top of all of the Google 9 Pro XL's capabilities, it's got a beast of a battery within, often managing to go more than a day and a half of heavy use without begging for a recharge. 

A capable ride or die, the Google 9 Pro XL is an absolute beast that manages to tackle all your needs with comfort and ease. The device impressed me from every angle, and I feel like I'm only scratching the surface of what it can offer on the AI front. This is a phone that feels like my new best friend.

T-Mobile provided device for review. For a look at T-Mobile's Spring deals, click here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Hobby Box #3

 See which relic I pull.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Box #2

 See which relic I pull from this box.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Inception Football Hobby Box

 See which two autographs and relic I pull.

Device Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on T-Mobile Network

Staring at the screen of a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is like getting lost in the eyes of a crush. The dazzling, 6.9-inch, 1440 x 3120 Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 120Hz display pops with scintillating color displays, a breakneck refresh rate and brightness that shimmers even in full sun exposure.

The display has been called by many outlets as the best screen on the market, and it's tough to argue with those accolades. And it's just the beginning of the device's marvels. The Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite processor tears through just about any multitasking difficulties you can hurl at it. Whether gaming, watching videos, taking notes with the S Pen or recording and editing audio-visual content, the S25 Ultra hums with vibrancy on T-Mobile's superb 5G network.

The AI assistant, accessible via the Galaxy Now button on the home screen, is dazzling on the surface, but when put into use can have some rough edges. Now Brief gives you a daily rundown of news stories geared toward your interests, location and tendencies, ideally giving you a one-stop focal point to start your day. The integration with Gemini streamlines your search, shopping and navigation needs, and enhancements to photo and video editing, not taking and writing are refined and seamless. You may find the AI a little off-kilter and overbearing at times, but the way you continue to use it shapes the way it adapts to your needs.

AI makes your photography talents seem stronger than they really are, and the camera suite gives a hefty boost to your capabilities as well. The 200MP main camera, bolstered with 3X optical zoom, helps you capture the action from distance, perhaps making it seem as though your seats to a concert or sporting event were a lot closer than they actually were. The 12MP selfie cam is also impressive, letting you nail up-close visuals, whether you're making influencer videos or face chatting for business or social connections.

If you're riding with T-Mobile, you can subscribe the T-Mobile Starlink service, which allows you to be accessible anywhere by connecting with a satellite connection to text. The invaluable service could come in incredibly handy if you find yourself in remote locations.

While the $1,300 MSRP can ignite sticker shock, the price is largely justified by the Galxy S25 Ultra's bewildering capabilities. In my time with the phone, I've found myself more productive and effective. This is a phone for the mover and shaker, providing capable, AI-fueled assistance to those who have big ambitions in ever-dwindling time frames. If you can't make a dent in your to-do list, it certainly won't be the S25 Ultra's fault.

T-Mobile provided device for review. For a look at T-Mobile's Spring deals, click here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Hobby Box

 Check out the relic I pulled from this box.

Early Game Review: 'Koira'

 

A lyrical sense of innocence and altruism courses through "Koira," an endearing and fascinating indie-style game from developer Don't Nod. The game is set for release today, and is a delightful experience for all who happen upon its twisting path.

You play as an outsider who stumbles into a dark, mystery-laden forest. Early on, you happen upon a puppy caught in a trap, and forge a tight bond while mirroring one another's musical expressions. The dog becomes your companion as you solve a series of whimsical puzzles, unlock new areas and wander your way through parts unknown.

An excellent selection for younger players, as well as for parents to play through with children, "Koira" touches on themes of loyalty, trust and honor. Relying on sounds, insinuation, rhythm and critical thinking, "Koira" eschews the spoken word in favor of subtle cues.

The game wears its "The Legend of Zelda" influence on its rolled-up sleeve. Progress bottlenecks often, but solutions that allow you to advance are always fair and in plain sight. Comprehensive walkthroughs will undoubtedly surface, but you'll enrich your experience by ignoring them and using your own deduction skills to wind your way through.

"Koira" isn't as flashy or bold as some of Don't Nod's other efforts, which include "Jusant" and "Life is Strange," but it's far from a throwaway. The talented dev team channeled its considerable insight and sentiment into every pixel of "Koira," and that love and commitment shines through every moment. "Koira" has a way of sticking with you in between sessions, letting you ruminate over what you've seen and done and anticipate what's next. The game is a delightful recurring daydream that you long to come return to again and again.

Publisher provided review code.

Arizona Theatre Company Review: 'Bob & Jean: A Love Story'

Before the common mode of long-distance written communication shifted from handwritten letters and telegrams to texts and email, words were ironclad documents of fleeting experiences rather than throwaways in between emojis. The intimacy of penmanship flourishes and inserted photographs forged a theater of the mind that helped hearts take flight, as well as shatter them.

"Bob & Jean: A Love Story" is true story about a man's attempt to piece together his parents' cross-global romance through the letters they left behind. Bob (Jake Bentley Young), a Navy sailor deployed to Europe during World War II, and Jean (Mary Mattison), a USO performer and aspiring actress, forge an indelible connection via pen and paper as both face their solitary struggles. They dream, they fantasize, they bicker, they pull back and they embrace.

Although the leads always share the same stage, they are most always half a world apart. Both Young and Mattison excel at expressing their yearnings, fears, loneliness and, especially, their deepening connection.

The narrator is their son, played by Scott Wentworth, who makes wry comments about the hokeyness, stubbornness and cluelessness both characters often demonstrate. He often adds in colorful anecdotes that foreshadow future character traits both will exhibit as parents. Wentworth's warmth and charm is key to bringing the audience into the story.

The latest effort from Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan is a deeply personal voyage that becomes a fascinating journey of introspection. Bolstered by an elegant stage enhanced with subtle flourishes of projection, the three actors cast a transcendent spell over the audience. It's in the second act that "Bob & Jean" truly comes into its own, with a pair of scintillating monologues and a tear-jerking epilogue.

I found myself as enraptured as I was when I was less than half my current age, savoring Schenkkan's ruminations in "The Kentucky Cycle," the only play that has ever made me cry. I had to fight back tears at the end of "Bob & Jean." I sort of wish I'd let them flow.

"Bob & Jean: A Love Story" plays through April 12 at the Temple of Music and Art. Buy tickets here.

Box Break: 2023 Topps Baseball Series 2 Monster Box

 See which 1985 and foil cards I pull.

Game Review: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition'

Slowly but steadily, Nintendo has managed to revamp nearly every major first-party Wii U gem for the vastly more popular Switch. It may have taken until the end of the console's life cycle, but the publisher has now revitalized the beloved JRPG "Xenoblade Chronicles X" as the "Definitive Edition."

The 2015 Wii U classic, known for sprawling landscapes roamed by gorgeously detailed monolithic enemies, blossoms to new life on the Switch. Those who keep the old console around just to plunge into the realm of Mira can now give the Wii U its deserved Viking funeral. A few hours with "Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition" and you'll find it as tough to go back to the original as it would be an old toothbrush.

Developer MonolithSoft rebuilt the stunningly immersive saga from the ground up. In addition to HD visuals, buffed-up animations, smoothed-out battle mechanics and seamless loading, the dev team took an imaginative and holistic approach to removing the old game's irritants that disrupted the flow of play.

While the 2015 product was astounding, MonolithSoft took care to listen to fan suggestions to integrate a slew of subtle improvements that make the Definitive Edition play more like something akin to a new release than a last-decade relic. Inactive party members now rack up EXP in line with that accumulated by active party members, negating the need to distribute playtime equally among your benchwarmers. A new hot menu allows you to swap out party members at any time, rather than having to track your pals down in order to make substitutions.

While the narrative of "Xenoblade Chronicles X" may lack the depth of many other games in the series, the cinematic majesty of the landscape, bolstered by its myriad traversal options, more than makes up for the thin story. Every moment is fueled with a sense of forward momentum and steady, gnawing urgency, but the tone also allows you to make yourself comfortable with the thought of taking a step back and evaluating your methods.

Customization is king here. You can adjust your avatar's gender, attributes, class and abilities. Tinkering with various Arts and passive abilities helps you formulate ideal loadouts for various objectives.

Just as in the Wii U version, there is a multiplayer aspect that adds some spice to the package, letting you recruit allies for Squad Missions or take on frenemies in antagonistic Nemesis Missions. While many insular JRPG fanatics will ignore these features, their presence enriches the experience by allowing you to share in the glory, and sometimes agony, with familiar players and anonymous passers by alike.  

I was floored by the gloriously painstaking restoration of an underappreciated classic that "Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition" turned out to be. Like a Renaissance painting reconstructed with an artistic vision that matched the precision of the original mastery, this new edition adds even more heft and majesty to one of the greatest RPGs in all of gaming. Even if you wore the old game out a decade ago, it's high time to make your introduction with the version of the game that surpasses its legendary progenitor.

Publisher provided review code.

Book Report: 'Three Stories and Ten Poems'

 

Three Stories and Ten Poems by Ernest Hemingway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ernest Hemingway's first published book is a mixed bag, with plenty of impressive moments that show the promise he would one day fulfill, bogged down with inconsistency and self-indulgent scene painting that goes nowhere.

I found the poems to be largely throwaways, and two of the three stories to be worthwhile. "Up in Michigan" is a heartbreaking tale of misplaced romantic yearning that leads to crass abuse and "My Old Man" is a stirring rumination of a child's experiences in the highs and lows brought on by his father's rise and fall in the corrupt horse racing industry. The other one, "Out of Season," falls victim to Hemingway's worst qualities as a writer, and is a dense bore.

The book is so short that it's worth reading for any Hemingway fan. If you can do without the author's low points, it's skippable.

View all my reviews

Early Game Review: 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'

 

After a 15-month break, "Assassin's Creed" is back in action in glorious form with the release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows," a vibrant and rich return to form for the franchise, which makes its way to east Asia for the first time. Due out Friday, the game is a powerful saga that thrives as a riveting adventure, fascinating historical reenactment and meaningful push forward for the franchise's ongoing saga.

Set in the late 16th century Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan, during which frayed factions are beginning to unify into a single entity, the game exists in an iconic time frame, in which samurai roam the land attempting to scrape by under the heels of bickering warlords. Gilded castles, clashing cultures and historical turning points abound, as an old way of life begins to fade into the background as firearms and Western culture begin their incursion on the old ways.

The story spins the saga of two outsider underdog heroes, Naoe and Yasuke, both who are intertwined with Oda Nobunaga. A female, Naoe is a lithe, elegant merchant of death, while Yasuke, is a tank-like force who has traversed from across the world and strives make a name and life for himself under Nobunaga's tutelage.

The usual conceit from the franchise is back. Once again, you play as a near-future person who relives and alters an ancestor's memoires through a VR-infused version of time travel. The combat is an excellent melding of swordplay, subterfuge and strategic projectile deployment. The best "Assassin's Creed" games introduce a steady diet of verticality to the tactical repertoire, and "Shadows" manages to do so in a way that should please those who found "Mirage" to be a humdrum effort. 

Style abounds in "Shadows," which will please those who found themselves fascinated by Hulu's "Shogun" or Sony's "Ghost of Tsushima." Steeped in well-researched sociopolitical tapestry, the game comes to life as a vivid recreation of its time and place. 

"Assassin's Creed" games have always flowered to life as educational tools, zipping you around the globe and timeline with the fervor of a Jules Verne fever dream, and "Shadows" is a similarly grandiose dollop of historical fiction. A timeless score by the English duo The Flight helps set the mood for each fascinating scene. Skip scenes may be skippable, but it's not the least bit tempting to zip through the gorgeously cinematic storytelling.

I adored my time with "Assassin's Creed Shadows," and am excited to talk to friends and colleagues about the similarities and differences of ways we experienced the voyages of Naoe and Yasuke. One of the key facets of the franchise's magic is the way its iterative style results in radically varied experiences that reflect the player's mindset, insecurities and drives. 

A stunning and hauntingly masterful return to top form for "Assassin's Creed," "Shadows" casts a long and looming silhouette over its chosen time and place. The dev team at Ubisoft Quebec should take pride in its luminous accomplishment.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2025 Sage Hit Football Low Series

 See which three autographs I pull.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 Jumbo Hobby Box #3

 Check out the autograph and relics I pulled.

Game Review: 'Split Fiction'

Games can so often be isolating experiences, but the dynamic and thrilling "It Takes Two" injects the magic back in co-op play.

Developer Hazelight Studios, fresh off its triumphant, Game of the Year awards-raking 2021 release of "It Takes Two," continues its mastery of co-op gaming with this triumphant follow-up, which capitalizes on all the promise of its predecessor while delivering a far more mature, challenging and satisfying narrative.

The genre-hopping enterprise puts you in the role of one of two storytellers, with your online or local partner playing the other. You work together to unfold the tale, which takes you from one chills-inducing setting to another. Solo play is nonexistent, forcing hermetic gamers out of their comfort zones to infuse human connection with their quest. You'll find yourself making new friends, making playdates with current buddies, and possibly restarting dormant connections with old friends with spur-of-the-moment invitations. 

Don't let this requirement be a dealbreaker for you. Hazelight does everything in its power to make the game accessible to all. In what is both a clever marketing ploy and an altruistic outreach effort, the game's early stages are accessible to anyone via a game share feature. This masterstroke reminds me of the early days of 3DS online play.

Operating with the vivacity of an amusement park thrill ride, "It Takes Two" takes you on a series of unexpected, refreshingly intuitive adventures that make you want to keep coming back for more. Even more impressively, it helps you forge personal connections that guide you to improve on one another's ideas, settle conflicts and channel your brainpower and dexterity toward a common goal.

"It Takes Two" proves once again that Hazelight is one of the most intriguing, intelligent and creative voices in gaming. Every moment of the game feels fresh, wild and bold, and the moments you'll share with the gamers you play with will no doubt be as priceless as mine. This is the game to beat for 2025 Game of the Year honors.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Allen & Ginter Value Box #2

See which minis I pull.

 

Early Game Review: 'WWE 2K25'

Each year, 2K Games sets the tone for the pro wrestling year with a new entry in its annual series. The dev team at Visual Concepts has to balance itself atop the turnbuckle by paying tribute to up-and-coming superstars and their developing fanbases while honoring the towering past of the organization.

Due out Friday, "WWE 2K25" manages the trick nicely, looking to create as much of an impact as cover performer Roman Reigns did when he first entered the ring in 2012.

Out of the gate, the narrative establishes itself as a reverent observer of the franchise's past and the way it continues to influence the present. By wrapping itself along the famed Bloodline, which stretches back to the tag team dubbed The Samoans in the late 1980s, carried on through the ensuing decade with the debut of Dwayne Johnson as the Rock, and thrives today in the form of Reigns. 

The game sets you on a path that echoes that of the Big Dog himself, attempting to dominate both in the ring and at the watercooler with its Rule Beyond the Ring tagline. MyRISE lets you roll into the game's story mode, playing a part in a wild, twist-filled narrative worthy of a pay-per-view special.

Taking a cue from the NBA 2K franchise, there's a hub world dubbed The Island that lets you guide your created wrestler through various challenges and attractions, grinding for XP while trying to avoid the temptation of pay-to-win mechanics. 

Other prime additions include new brawl environments and match types, intergender competition, a Bloodline Rules Match, Underground Match and barricade driving. Add to that some subtle visual upgrades and gameplay enhancements, and you get a package that's hard to resist, even for players still enthralled with "WWE 2K24."

In my first match out of the gate, I chose the 1997 version of the Rock to square off against Andre the Giant. Severely outmatched and easily tossed out of the ring, I formulated a desperate strategy to dance around outside the squared circle until the referee had almost reached his disqualification 10-count. Then I slipped back under the ropes, planted a kick on Andre's face when he tried to follow suit, and claimed the cheap victory, reveling in the booing crowd and announcers' complaints that the result didn't feel justified. This sort of iterative WWE action is electrifying and has me coming back for more.

While I yearned for a more robust cast of past stars, this game's roster, which includes the likes of ody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Jacob Fatu, Rob Van Dam, Lita, LA Knight, Chyna, Batista, Nia Jax and Becky Lynch, provides plenty of potential for intriguing matchups and cross-generational drama. DLC promises brawlers such as the Motor City Machine Guns, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Jordynne Grace, plus WWE Legends including Mark Henry, the New Age Outlaws, Jesse Ventura, New Jack, Junk Yard Dog, and Tito Santana. 

As it nearly all of its predecessors have done, "WWE 2K25" has reignited my fascination with the pastime, making me feel excited to play out permutations of prototypical WWE wildness on my own screen. This is a game worthy of its cover star.

Publisher provided review code.

Book Report: 'Everything is Fucked: A Book About Hope'

 

A Journal: EVERYTHING IS FUCKED: A BOOK ABOUT HOPE by Mark Manson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mark Manson is a sneaky philosopher, wedging in classical, Freudian and Buddhist themes with his rough-hewn, locker room-style comedy diatribes. Delivered in the audiobook via a deadpan style that sometimes undercuts the urgency of his message, the often rambling, occasionally poignant set of observations on the misery wrought by materialism manages to carve a sharp impression.

The subtitle is misleading. The book is only about hope in that it is out to destroy it. In Manson's thinking, hope is an ever-dangling carrot that is the root of depression, violence, rage and misery. Only through the rejection of fleeting highs, he reasons, can you strive to a higher purpose. The pleasure, as he sees it, is in the pain.

There is much to relish and appreciate in Manson's book, and there is also plenty of unkempt, half-baked solipsism that might have been cultivated into a more consistent theme with better editing. But Manson pulls off a parlor trick by dreaming up a fantastic title, beginning and ending, leaving the reader feeling fulfilled. These may be empty calories, but they sure are tasty.

View all my reviews

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball Jumbo Hobby Box #2

 See what autographs and relics I pull.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball Fanatics Exclusive Value Box

The first value box of the new season yields guarded optimism.

Early Game Review: 'Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars'

Two of the most influential role-playing games in the past 30 years are taking a victory lap in the form of a buffed-up anthology, thanks to Konami's "Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars." Due out March 6, the game is set to take JRPG fans on a nostalgic trek. Those who own the PS4 versions of the game will get the PS5 upgrade automatically.

Originally released in 1998 and 2006, the games are back in a form that resembles the look and feel of the primary releases. 

In the first game, you lead a Liberation Army against a brutal tyrant, shifting the 108 stars of Destiny in order to reshape history. In the sequel, you guide a pair of friends, members of the Unicorn Youth Bregade, who face down the Highland Kingdom in a long-running border dispute that continues to smolder.

Clever dialogue, intriguing combat, addictive leveling and an engaging story pules both games. Both work as master classes in character development and storytelling that works on several levels.

Upgrades abound, with all background illustrations uipgraded to HD, new effects that enhance the pixel art animation and revamped environmental sound effects. Quality-of-life improvements abound, including autosave, battle fast forward and a conversation log.

Both of these "Suikoden" games deserve to be revisited, and are far more palatable to modern sensitivities in this form than were the original releases. If you've waited to dip your toe into classic Suikoden, now is the time to take the plunge.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball Hobby Box

 There is an "average" of one autograph or relic card per box... See how the numbers broke for me.

Game Review: 'Lost Records: Bloom Tape 1'

 

Developer Dont Nod, the maestros behind the likes of "Life is Strange," "Jusant" ad "Tell Me Why," heads back to its adventure game roots with "Lost Records," a two-part episodic release that drips with 1990s nostalgia. 

The first part, "Bloom" was released Feb. 18, and the follow-up, "Rage," is due out April 15.

You play as a woman who agrees to reunite with friends from the 1990s to make good on a pact. The events of that area are interspersed with modern-day goings-on in a time-skipping narrative that manages to build up suspense for thunderous payoffs. 

The game has a thrillingly jarring way of shifting between the feeling of a slow burn and a tense thriller.

The Don't Nod proves to be well-schooled in 1990s minutiae, with touches that, as a teen of the era, brought a smile to my face.

Rich dialogue, fascinating storytelling twists and an immersive narrative are the game's strengths, helping it make up for a methodical pace and uninspired visual look.

Overall, "Bloom" is a promising and fascinating start to the "Lost Records" duology, setting the stage for what looks to be a rewarding payoff when "Rage" releases in April. An under-the-radar the release that hasn't yet earned the adulation of Don't Nod's flashier efforts, these "Lost Records" are well worth the search.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'A Complete Unknown'

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

Director James Mangold's Bob Dylan biopic, which hauled in eight Oscar nominations, catalogs the early-career highs and lows of the legendary folk singer. Timothy Chalamet thrives in the lead role, vaulting to the top of the Best Actor Oscar odds with a tremendous performance, echoing the legendary singer's mannerisms, instrumentals and vocals. Edward Norton earns a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nod as mentor Pete Seeger, and Elle Fanning is strong as Dylan's girlfriend at the time, a composite character named Sylvie Russo. Monica Barbaro slays as Joan Baez and Boyd Holbrook leaves a stark impression as Johnny Cash.

The film focuses on Dylan's emergence as a popular artist, as well as the personal foibles that made him a difficult romantic and professional partner. At the root of his persona is an iconoclastic determination that makes him leery of exploiting his popularity as an artist for financial gain at the expense of his integrity. A fascinating look into Dylan's life, the film succeeds on its chosen level and earns its Best Picture nomination.

Studio sent review screener.

Game Review: 'Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered'

 

"Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered" marks the end of one Lara Croft era and the transition to the next one. Like some old social media posts, the anthology delivers equal shares of laughs and winces, showing flashes of what made the games popular at the turn of the 21st century, as well as why the franchise has moved on.

The effort from Aspyr and Crystal Dynamics delivers three solid Lara Croft games for below $30. The titles include "Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation," "Tomb Raider: Chronicles" and "Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness." Each of the remastered titles gets a fresh coat of paint, with better graphics, control options that make Lara fare easier to maneuver, trophies and achievements and a photo mode. In a wink and nod to gamedom's past, the old cheat codes still work.

This set of remastered "Tomb Raider" games follows last year's remaster of the original trilogy, which I found tough to play. The second trilogy is far more user-friendly, and while still stiff and awkward in the manner of many 3D games from the era, has much more going for it than the original releases.

Loads of improvements over the originals are present, including the ability to skip cutscenes, an onscreen ammo counter, Flyby Camera Maker and the ability to toggle back and forth between modern controls and the original interface. Bosses now have health bars, new animations abound and you Lara can now shift her view 180 degrees with the tap of a button.

Some of the gameplay is still stiff, and the awkward, era-specific characterization of Lara can be a little unnerving. 

Still, there is plenty to appreciate, especially in the pacing and sense of adventure that would inspire the "Uncharted" games and set the foundation for the fuller-featured "Tomb Raider" entries of recent years. The dual-wielding, shorts-wearing feminist icon had to start somewhere, and replaying this trilogy is the best way to re-experience her awkward adolesence.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Hobby Box 3

Was hoping to go three for three in autograph pulls.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Jumbo Hobby Box

See what I pulled from the massively expensive box.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Hobby Box

 Breaking my first hobby box!

Early Game Review: 'PGA Tour 2K25'

Big swings are the theme in "PGA Tour 2K25," a thoroughly impressive golf sim that manages to capitalize on much of the momentum the series has gained in the last entry, from two years back. The game is due out Feb. 28.

Following suit of the wildly successful NBA 2K franchise, the dev team emphasizes customizability. MyCAREER and MyPLAYER modes have you simulate the odds and ends of golf life both on the course and off. You can, say, get texts from your agent, who helps you shape your public persona. Talk a big game and match it on the green and your popularity will soar. On the other hand, you could see opportunities pass you by if you fail to make your mark on either pop culture or the leaderboard.

The game sets you up to succeed from the outset. A helpful tutorial, narrated by a supportive Bubba Watson, gets you cooking from the tee box. You can choose from a variety of swing methods, and as a three-click guy, I was pleased to see my favored mode given high prioritization and seasoning. The hypnotic concentric circles involved with the mode make it far more fascinating and relatable than recent updates to kicking game in this year's football sims.

The roster of pro golfers is impressive, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick and Will Zalatoris headlining the squad. While it's nowhere near as stacked a group as the "Tiger Woods" EA games boasted in their heyday, it's a strong enough roundup to make you feel like you're watching the Golf Channel on a between-majors tourney on a Sunday morning.

The 26 official courses included boast some bucket list gems, such as Oakmont Country Club and Royal Portrush Golf Club, with many more planned as DLC.

The commentary and presentation echo trends in golf broadcasts, and pull relevant material into the chatter. I usually switch the volume off in golf games, but I appreciated the sights and sounds that the dev team painstakingly captured, adding to the sense of realism.

While it will take months to see how online modes and community backing support "PGA Tour 2K25," the opening swing nails the green on the par-3. It would be hard to imagine a better start for the latest entry in the franchise that has quickly risen to the forefront of the golf sim realm. I'm looking forward to making the game part of my weekly driving, chipping and putting routine.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'Mufasa: The Lion King,' 'Nosferatu'

MUFASA: THE LION KING

Barry Jenkins directs this CGI-fest, which both precedes and follows the story of "The Lion King" to mixed but largely successful effect. The voice cast includes the likes of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and John Kani reprise their roles from the remake; new cast members include Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone and Mads Mikkelsen. Lin-Manuel Miranda also chips in some music, helping the visual dynamo take on a majestic tone. 

While the film won't come close to replacing the original film, or even its remake, in hearts of film lovers, it thrives as a strong companion piece.

NOSFERATU (2024)

Writer/director Robert Eggers reimagines the seminal 1922 horror film with a chilling and captivating take on the material, which was based on the Bram Stoker novel. Exquisite cinematography blends with minimalist performances and psychosexual dynamics to craft an exquisite exploration of themes of mortality, obsession and love. 

Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard and Willem Dafoe make up the dynamite cast. While not overtly scary, the film drives home its themes via insinuation, leaving a haunting aftertaste that begs for the film to be rewatched.

Bonus features include an extended cut of the film, the featurette “Nosferatu: A Modern Masterpiece” and in-depth segments on the film’s look, character design and acting.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Some Like it Hot'

 

A timeless classic updated with surgical precision to suit modern themes, the touring musical production of "Some Like it Hot" seems built to draw laughs and poke at countercultural taboos for several more decades.

Based on the 1959 Billy Wilder film and the 2022 Broadway musical it inspired, the show is a tap dance fan's delight, bursting at the seams with expertly choreographed numbers, hummable songs and over-the-top comedic performances. 

Subtly dazzling stagecraft, including twinkling stars in the night sky and revolving doors employed for a show-stopping climax tops off a delightful production that oozes sweetness and a sense of shared social progress.

Powered by lead performances from Matt Loehr, as Joe/Josephine, and Tavis Kordell, as Jerry/Daphne, the show tells the story of con artist musicians who witness a gangland murder, then escape retribution by masquerading as women and joining an all-female jazz band.

Chemistry between the leading men is a necessity, and Loehr and Kordell capture an easy sense of friendship with aplomb. Other standouts include Tarra Conner Jones, who impresses as band leader Sweet Sue, and Leandra Ellis-Gaston, who belts out stunning tunes as the lead singer, Sugar.

While many hokey themes and gags from the original film manage to survive, the book benefits from decidedly 21st century touches, including a bold penchant for recasting the homophobic and anti-trans themes from the earlier work in supportive and understanding ways.

"Some Like it Hot" bubbles with fun from curtain to curtain, managing to overcome some filler songs and a severely dated premise in order to revitalize it as something that finds truth to the human condition and social consciousness as its evolved since the mid 1950s. 

This modern take on "Some Like it Hot" manages to exhibit a winning sense of cool.

"Some Like it Hot" plays through Feb. 23 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball Value Box

False alarm of an Aaron Judge autograph.

 

Box Break: 2024 Bowman Baseball Value Box

See what I pull from a 2024 Bowman box. 

Box Break: 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball Value Box

Check out my finds when I dig into some 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball.

 

Book Report: 'Greenlights'

 

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I prefer audiobooks to eye reading, and I usually acknowledge it as a matter of personal preference. In the instance of "Greenlights," though, it's absolutely crucial that you listen to the audiobook to get the most out of it.

Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, in his distinctive cowboy philosopher rhythms and intonations, you feel as though he's sitting at a bar with you, spinning yarns off the cuff as he recounts his wild past and doles out hard-earned advice.

It's refreshing to hear from an author who is so sure of his station in life, his approach and his priorities. He advocates taking risks, acting on gut instincts, taking the harder road for the sake of its difficulty and tossing aside comfort in favor of invigorating challenge.

It's hard to believe everything he says he has done is true, but also impossible not to be captivated by the truth that lurks behind his possible exaggerations. It's more fun to take McConaughey at his word and just hang on for the ride.

"Greenlights" is a glorious effort, and feels like undiluted truth from a bright and driven man's heart. I would listen to this again five or six times and cherish every moment.

View all my reviews

Box Break: 2024 Topps Allen and Ginter Value Box

Digging through the nostalgia for a few gems.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Garbage Pail Kids: Kids at Play Value Box

 Watch me dig through the trash.

Game Review: 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II'

In an ideal world, a sequel to an uneven original will maximize what worked with the first game while doing away with or minimizing what held the first entry back. "Kingdom Come: Deliverance II" is a textbook example of how to do just that.

Superior to its predecessor in nearly every way, the effort from Deep Silver manages to fulfill the promise of the first game, which intended to replicate the harsh realities of medieval life. While the game did manage to capture the minutiae, it fumbled away the narrative momentum.

The new RPG, by comparison, seizes the reigns from the outset and hurls you headlong into a fascinating tale at breakneck speed, introducing fascinating characters, intriguing scenarios and enticing story and side quests.

Brutal melee combat, exquisite writing and set pieces that pull nascent threads together for exhilarating crescendos make the game seem truly epic. The stunning visuals are a considerable upgrade over the sometimes-muddy original, and the ambient sound and score grant the proceedings a cinematic flair.

The best RPGs make it easy to lose yourself in their worlds, and that's something "Kingdom Come: Deliverance II" captures from the outset. Fifteenth-century Europe truly comes alive in this grandiose tale made up of minute moments. The game works as something of a time machine to transport you into a different realm and era, giving you shivers all the while.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'Juror #2,' 'Wicked'

JUROR #2

At age 94, Clint Eastwood keeps grinding away behind the camera, proving that he is still up to the task of cranking out taut courtroom dramas. Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland make up the strong cast in the film, which focuses on Hoult's titular character, who finds himself in a moral quandary that could sway justice in a murder case. 

While slow at times, the film manages to pack the typical Eastwood punch with some heavy-hitting suspense and drama.

WICKED

Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, the film adaptation of the famed novel and Broadway musical is, for my money, the best adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" revisionist  prequel material yet. Clockwork-like choreography, dazzling visuals and inspired singing, dancing and acting performances make the film a thoroughly entertaining crowd-pleaser worth watching again and again. Director Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians"_ gets the most out of his powerhouse cast, which includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage and Michelle Yeoh.

Loaded with extras, the film includes 10 deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, a sing along version and two commentary tracks, one involving filmmakers and the other featuring Erivo and Grande.

Phil on Film: 'I'm Still Here'

A passion project with political implications that span far past its borders and setting, the Best Picture Oscar-nominated "I'm Not Here" spins a quiet tale of oppression that spawns desperation.

Based on the Marcelo Rubens Pavia memoir, Director Walter Salles tells the true story of Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), a political dissident who was allegedly captured and murdered by the authoritarian Brazilian government in 1970. 

In powerhouse turns, Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro play Eunice Pavia, Rubens' wife, who is left scrambling to hold her family together while searching for answers.

Told with urgency and pragmatism, Salles' film revels in small slice-of-life moments that establish the flavor of what it was like to live in Brazil amid such turmoil. Salles' ear and eye for establishing tone flourish, helping lift many scenes to more than the sum of their parts.

The film is gorgeously shot and emotionally moving, but also somewhat draining and labored. Some sharper edits might have solidified the message and tightened the meandering narrative.

"I'm Not Here" is well worth seeing not only for Oscars completionists, but those who appreciate full-figured historical tone pieces. The film hits closer than ever to home, given the current political climate. "I'm Not Here" hits with brute force, just as intended.

Book Report: 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck'

 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mark Manson's self-help book has one of the greatest beginnings and endings I have ever encountered. He starts off with a brilliant essay on a counterintuitive method to attain success in life. While the bulk of his book can't fully support the initial thesis, falling back on the type of disingenuous, run-of-the-mill recommendations that he rails against, the initial message holds largely true.

Manson is an excellent teller of jokes and stories, and he crams plenty of gems into his prose. The most resounding point he comes to is that neither he, nor anyone else, truly knows what they are talking about, and those who bear those facts in mind will waste less time than others. Those are words to live by, and I will forever benefit from the advice. I'll also read every word of advice this man has to deliver.

The profound, somewhat frightening, ending describes a near encounter with death at the Cape of Good Hope. This is a truly terrifying passage, and told with vivacity and luster. I had chills.

View all my reviews

Hot on Home Video: 'Here,' 'Moana 2'

HERE

The writer, director and stars of "Forrest Gump" reunite for an inevitably less-satisfying yet oddly alluring drama. In something akin to a movie version of Walt Disney World's Carousel of Progress, director Robert Zemeckis tells a story that bounces along various generations. Tom Hanks and Robin Wright lead the cast as a married couple who struggle to weather the tragedy and heartbreak that life deals out.

Based on the Richard McGuire novel, the film leans hard into heavy-handed melodrama, often teetering over the edge into what feels like emotional manipulation. The generative AI that de-ages Hanks and Wright is at the same time amazing and off-putting, venturing deep into Uncanny Valley. "Here" is generally harmless, if uninspiring. For die-hard fans of "Forrest Gump," though, it's a must-see.

MOANA 2

Jumping back into the seas sailed in the 2016 film, the sequel manages to hit some of the same high points, but falls victim to the law of diminishing returns. 

The most glaring liability is the lack of Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose musical contributions to the first film yielded a nonstop succession of bangers. In the hands of less inspired and experienced composers, the musical numbers feel forced, mawkish and awkward. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson manage to conjure similar chemistry to what they generated in the original movie, and the film is enough of a crowd-pleaser to merit entry into the rotation of lullaby or calm-down movies for families with small children. Those looking for the magic of the original, though, should stick with the 2016 film and hope for the best with the upcoming live-action remake.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Game Review: 'Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles' Remaster

The current "Star Wars" galaxy is far, far away from what existed back in 2000 when "Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles"  light saber-sawed its way into homes a year after the divisive "The Phantom Menace" blew up the box office.

The remastered version, released by the dev and publishing team at Aspyr, acts as something of a time machine to the era before the sequels and scattershot Disney TV series sullied the franchise's good name. 

A raucous, action-heavy shoot-and-'splode-em up, the game's story carries only a tenuous tie with with film in order to maximize creative and dramatic licenses with as much death and destruction as possible.

Improvements are myriad. The game plays faster and looser than it originally did, and offers more than 10 new playable characters, couch-co-up, improved graphics and uncountable quality-of-life adjustments to ease clunky interfaces that were all the rage at the dawn of the George W. Bush regime.

The untainted innocence on display is disarming. If love for the prequel-era franchise still flickers in your heart, you'll find plenty to adore here. Outrageous action, simplistic, yet oddly effective, writing and an emphasis of a bizarre, incongruous story are the headliners here/

This remastered version of "Jedi Power Battles" put a smile on my face, and it allowed me to show my kids a taste of what "Star Wars" games were like before they were born without having to dig up and dust off an old PlayStation or Dreamcast. The game is as warm and comfortable as the sands of Tatoine.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' (PC)

Undoubtedly one of the best games of 2024, as well as one of the most impactful games in the sprawling "Final Fantasy" series, "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a towering achievement that has had PC-exclusive gamers salivating for months. 

Rather than rush out a quick and dirty port to please the masses, with the cover that they could patch up any issues after launch, Square Enix took its time to make "Rebirth" feel, look and play like a work of art conceived and developed from the ground up for the PC platform.

Returning to the game after a lengthy break, this PC edition feels like just that. I refuse to call this a port. There are so many fine-tuned improvements, in nearly every conceivable area, that it feels something akin to a remastered Ultra HD Blur-ray director's cut to a classic film previously only available on standard Blu-ray.

Abounding with minigames and sidequests, "Rebirth" is a sensational continuation of the storyline of "Final Fantasy VII Remake" and "Final Fantasy VII Intergrade." Even though it's part of a multi-game tribute/remake of a classic, "Rebirth" still feels likes its own animal. From the opening titles, you feel thrust into a cinematic realm. 

"Rebirth" is also shamelessly goofy and a ton of fun. An absurd, off-kilter sense of humor abounds, helping ground the escapades whenever the tone gets too lofty. But the game also delivers decisive impact, both emotionally and viscerally. There are multiple battles that make you shake your head and utter "Did I just do that?" and then crave to re-experience. Even in it slower moments, "Rebirth" revels in its effortless grandiosity, gently moving along larger story moments with incremental revelations.

I adore "Rebirth," probably even more on PC than I originally did on the PS5, just because the distance in between my time with each version of the game drove home the reality that experiences like this in gamedom, or any media, are all too rare. "Rebirth" is reborn on PC, with a new lease on life and a new chance to capture, break and heal gamers' hearts worldwide.

Publisher provided review code.

Book Report: 'The Many Lives of Mama Love'

 

The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love Hardin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't expect much from this memoir, but was bowled over by how wonderful and inspiring the storytelling was. Lara Love Hardin's tale of riches-to-jail-to-more-massive-riches is a modern-day fable.

Told in a self-deprecating incisively self-critical style, Hardin has you aghast at what at her spiral of self-destruction, in which she was as she flushed away her life of upper middle-class privilege in the name of drug addiction and imprisonment.

Her struggles with the contradictions of parole and rehabilitation are just as devastating, and her rise to fame and fortune as she scrapped together a literary agent career, which she parlayed into even greater success as a writer, is the fascinating payoff.

This is a wonderful book, exquisitely written and delivered with an understated dramatic flair that had me captivated. I hope there are more lives of Mama Love for Hardin to live and write about in the coming decades.

View all my reviews

Hot on Home Video: 'Venom: The Last Dance'

Tom Hardy shores up his dual-role trilogy in this splashy, if thin, finale, which brings the invigorating saga to a largely satisfying conclusion. Director Kelly Marcel deploys ample CGI for action scenes, and the film manages to thrive when it slows things down and revels in quite moments of incisive humor. Although not for all tastes, fans of the first two films will find plenty to savor here.

Extras include deleted and extended scenes, outtakes and bloopers, a featurette on Hardy's performances, character splotlights and a Tom Morello x Grandson music video. There's also a fitting tribute doc to the venom legacy and an interview with Mr. Chen.

Studio provided screener for review.