Cheap Date: July 11th SDCC Edition
Welcome to anotherCheap Date, where I would usually help you decide were to spend $30 of your hard-earned cash on nerdy entertainment for you to enjoy. It is also a Comic-Con edition, so instead of our regular routine I will point out some of the exclusives that I am excited for and will probably drool over as they go for a 200% mark-up on eBay.
This week, we will go way beyond the thirty dollars…
Cheap Date: July 4th
Happy 4th of July to all of you and welcome to this independence filled version of Cheap Date. For anyone new, in the Cheap Date article I will recommend what you should get for your nerdy entertainment. Best of all, my recommendations will all add up to be under $30.
Hit the jump to find all those goodies.
Cheap Date: June 27th
This week was definitely a little easier when I was paring down the choices, let’s just say that this week it will decidedly one category will dominate your entertainment schedule. This is Cheap Date, where I will recommend nerdy entertainment for your week all under thirty dollars. Have fun.
Games – $25
You may remember my review of the first episode of Walking Dead from Telltale Games back in April. Well, the second episode is dropping this week; yesterday on XBL then Friday for PSN and Steam. The first episode was a work of art that may have been better than the show and close to the greatness of the comic book series. The great thing about this game is that it is only $5 to play each episode. If you did not like the first episode then you do not have to pay for the rest of the game. But if you are like me and pre-ordered the entire season, then you already spent the money and this game is coming to you for free this week. Your decisions, big and small, follow you to help shape the story. Not to mention that there are zombies!
The next two recommendations for games are DLC and require you to have the game, but playing these games is a must so you should already have these games.
First off, the Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim has dropped (again early on XBL then on other systems). This expansion to one of the best games of the year or even this console generation brings some new yet familiar features. As some may know after the completion ofSkyrim, the coders began work on personal projects involving the game. Each of these projects where things that were not in the game at release, but many are being added with this expansion. First off the Dawnguard part of the DLC allows you to become a Vampire Lord or join the Dawnguard to fight the vampires. You also gain crossbows, new skills and perks, and you can even ride an undead horse! There is a lot more to this download that you can find you by playing.
The other DLC is the extended cut for Mass Effect 3. This DLC is completely free for everyone. There is not much added, but it changes the ended that many fans were not originally happy with. You can replay the game to find an ending that may be better suited to your tastes, or it may wreak your experience completely. Either way it is more Mass Effect to play. I have personally enjoyed all the Mass Effect 3 DLC because it has all been free to this date, mostly due to its multiplayer nature.
That will be it for this week in our little Cheap Date. I may have only focused on video games this week, but it will definitely keep you busy. This week you will explore more of Skyrim with your Dunmer or one of the lesser races, help Lee Everett protect Clementine from zombies, and find out what “really” happens to Commander Shepard.
Cheap Date: June 20th
Welcome back to another Cheap Date! If this is your first time to this weekly article, I recommend some nerdy media for you to spend your money on. Great thing about my recommendations is that everything added together will be under $30. A lot for your week worth’s of entertainment.
Games – $15
Quantum Conundrum is a new PC game coming this week from Airtight Games, most notable Kim Swift who previously worked on the original Portal. You definitely get the aloofness of Portal in this game, but instead of portals you now have to deal with different dimensions. Each dimensions have different physics and you have to puzzle out how to unlock the room. Again, this all sounds very familiar if you have played a certain Valve game. Honestly, it looks like they are hammering that fact but I would easily drop $15 for another game just as good as Portal.
Comics – $12
If you are not reading the Saga series by the fantastic team of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, then you are missing out one of the most interesting series to come out and it is early enough to catch up on everything. In Saga #4, we visit the planet Sextillion. This is where I would hypothetically drop the mic and walk off stage, at least for this part.
Another one from Image Comics is Walking Dead #99. The wildly popular zombie series is coming to a milestone with issue #100 already titles Lucille, but before that we need to find out what else happens after a gruesome death from the last issue. My honest assessment is that they might finally “clear out” this cast and start anew with #100, but we still need to wait and see.
Coming from Marvel Comics, Greg Rucka is continuing to reinvigorate Frank Castle in Punisher #12. This issue comes after the fallout of, the Daredevil/Spider-Man/Punisher crossover, The Omega Effect. Now Frank is hunting a former ally. How far will he really go?
While John Constantine may be trouncing around in the regular DC Universe, the more mature version continues his Vertigo series in Hellblazer #292. This one-shot advertises some great tropes as Constantine and his wife watch a werewolf movie only to have memories of sexual urges stirred. Not many books can combine horror and the paranormal like the Hellblazer books can.
TV – FREE!
A brand new season of Futurama begins with an hour-long premiere tonight. One of the most clever and fun shows on air, continues entertaining fans with their second chance at life. Seriously, watch Futurama and support good television.
Cheap Date: June 13th
After a two break since I was on vacation and then a day late since I was having some jet lag issues, we finally get back to Cheap Date. And what a week to come back! We have a full boat today, I really had to pick and choose to cut it down to $30 but hopefully you will enjoy everything I recommend.
Movies – $10
Indie Game: The Movie was just released to the wild for everyone who may have missed the tour of screenings. Once a Kickstarter project, Indie Game: The Movie covers all those jewels of games being developed by people who may not have the backing of a major publisher, especially the phenomenal games Super Meat Boy and Fez. This is a great film for anyone who enjoys video games, but it is also a fantastic documentary on its own. You can get the movie on their website or if you are so inclined you can grab it on iTunes or even Steam.
Books – $9
Darth Vader and Son has actually been out since April, but it has been sold out in most places until this week. Darth Vader and Son is the hilarious look at how Vader would handle actually being the father of Luke. I’m not always a fan of single page punchline comics, but this one is done well and has the benefit of having Darth Vader in it. Let it be known, that I am actually cheating a bit here as the book retails for $15 but you can grab it from Amazon for $9.
Comics – $10
This week was tough when it came to comics. There were quite a few books that I wanted to pick up this week but had to opt into choosing only three because of everything else out this week.
Vertigo puts out this week a book with one of the best writers and one of my favorite artists in American Vampire Lord of Nightmares #1. This miniseries continues Scott Snyder’s wonderful work with his American Vampire books but now accompanied with the art of Dustin Nguyen. We have not seen Nguyen’s dark side since he was working on Detective Comics.
The next two books come from DC Comics and are also two Batman books. In Batman #10, we get a revelation as Batman fights the Court of Owls in the issue right before the conclusion of the story line. Then in Batman and Robin #10, Tomasi and Gleason continue their wonderful run on this new dynamic duo. In this issue we get a reunion of sorts as a mysterious person has called a meeting of all the Robins, past and present.
That will be all for this week, folks. I hope to see you next week on our nerdy Cheap Date.
Cheap Date: May 23rd
This is Cheap Date, where I will tell you my opinion on how to spend under $30 for your week’s geek entertainment.
Another light week, but I was able to salvage it and find you some entertainment. Hopefully you can enjoy this week just the same.
Games – $15
ArmA II: Combined Operations is on sale from Amazon for $15 until the 28th. It contains Arma II as well as the expansion Operation Arrowhead. While the game itself is mediocre, there had been a mod that is going around that everyone is talking about called Day Z. What is Day Z? Down to its bare bones, it is a zombie shooter. While that is simple enough, the game is so much more than that. Everything in the game is as realistic as possible (granted there is a zombie apocalypse). You need food, you can bleed out and you can not trust anyone for shit. Other players sometimes play the role of bandits, as players can kill each other. Instead of venturing into a zombie infested town, you can scavenge resources from other players. Like other great zombie fiction, the zombies are just dressing. How people interact with each other is the best part of the game. I am beyond fascinated in playing this game.
Be warned though that this is a PC game and it is very intensive, some hardware may not be up to the challenge. If you past that hurdle, the game is a challenge itself as average life time for players runs about four hours.
Comics – $11
For comics, this week I have three books to recommend.
The first one isBatman Incorporated #1from DC Comics. it is written by Grant Morrison with art by Chris Burnham. This will be the first time Batman, Inc. will be showcased in the new DC 52. While I have not always been a fan of Morrison’s writing, I cannot deny that his run before the DC relaunch was one of the better books out there. Plus, it is fun learning about all the different “Batmen” from around the world.
Dan Slott’s run onAmazing Spider-Mancontinues in issued #686 from Marvel Comics. The “Ends of the Earth” story line is rising to a climax soon, so you should hop on board now. All you need to know is the Earth is in peril and only Spider-Man can save the day. Not to mention Slott has promised some seismic changes to the Spider-Man universe by issue #700.
Finally, there’s Cobra #13 from IDW. Seriously, if you are even remotely a fan of G.I. Joe as a kid then you should read the three series that IDW puts out and Cobra is by far the best one of the group. The next chapter of the G.I. Joe story line starts here as the Joes are being backed into a corner. Now we get to see who will get their hands truly dirty.
That will do it for this week’s Cheap Date and hopefully you enjoyed yourself.
Cheap Date: May 16th
Every Wednesday, I help you decide how to best spend $30 or less on entertainment for our very nerdy Cheap Date.
You have two choices that you can follow this week. The first choice is to go over the usual $30 budget and grab Diablo III for twice that amount. Most people are choosing Diablo III this week. It is a game that many people have waited over a decade for. Then there is the second choice which will consist of just comics and a game, but you do get more bang for your buck.
Let us assume that you do not have sixty dollars and want to stay within the thirty dollar budget.
Comics – $10
This week, we have three comics that are looking to thrill you recklessly.
Locke & Key Clockworks #6 from IDW by Joe Hill with art by Gabriel Rodriguez continues to impress. This issue ends the fifth Locke & Keymini-series. We finally learn what ultimately happened to the “Keepers of the Keys” when they face off against a former friend. Stephen King should be proud of his son’s fantasy-horror series that keeps this reader wanting more.
Wonder Woman #9from DC Comics shows us Diana’s continued journey into the realm of Hades. When Brian Azzarello said he was turning the rebootedWonder Womanseries into a horror story most of the audiences were confused. But going into the ninth issue, this series keeps getting better and scarier. Also Cliff Chiang’s art has a lot to do with the book’s success.
Hardcore #1 from Image Comics combines the ideas of Image greats Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri. This new series has an interesting science fiction take on assassins. Imagine if assassins could jack in and take over the body of anyone to complete their assignment. Now imagine if one of those assassins is using those methods to take on all the other assassins. Very interesting cyber-punk feel to the story that I am very interested in reading.
Video Games – $20 or 1600 MSP
The XBLA version of Minecraft was released last week. Within a day, it had already broken sales records and continues to do so a week later. Yes; there are cheaper ways to play this game but there is one thing that sets this version apart, Xbox Live. Xbox Live and its friends lists make the game so much easier to work with other people. When you boot the game up, it shows who is playing and allows you to hop right in to that person’s game. That is the reason many people pay the $60 a year for Live and will pay $20 for this game. No other service now does friends lists as well as Xbox Live.
Minecraft also eats away at time. You have to mine and collect materials to build whatever your mind can imagine, all of which takes time. Last night it took me two hours to clear an area and collect the materials to build an infinity pool that will serve my future castle. I do not even want to imagine how much time it will take to build my future castle without help. Oh well, in the meantime I can hop into other people’s games and leave my mark.
Even if you are unsure about playing Minecraft, you can always download the trial version.
Cheap Date: May 9th
Cheap Date brings you the best purchasing options. Every Wednesday, we will give you a list of the best items coming out this week to spend your money on. To top it off, all for under $30.
Let’s get to it.
Comics – $13
Two of Marvel’s best comics are out this week in Uncanny X-Force #25 and Wolverine and the X-Men #10. Uncanny X-Force starts a new arc as Rick Remender cements his station as one of the best comic writers in the business. And in Wolverine and the X-Men, it features a Avengers vs. X-Men tie-in but this series is still one of the freshest takes on the merry band of mutants.
The Walking Dead #97 from Image Comics comes to shelves as it closes in on issue #100. Now Rick and company have to have a band of ruthless oppressors in order take control of the newly found supply lines.Walking Deadbecomes the best when it is human versus human with zombies as the backdrop.
Scott Snyder shows why he is one of the best in Batman #9 as the “Night of the Owls” storyline continues. Batman must defend Wayne Manor from an army of assassins after he nearly died defeated just one. Plus he is looking bad-ass in his new armored suit.
Games – Free-$7
Alright, this is a weird one. Valve has just released the “Perpetual Testing Initiative” DLC for Portal 2. With this DLC, you can create your own Portal puzzles to share with friends and challenge the community. I can not wait to see what comes out of this from the community. The DLC is free for the PC. But if you do not own Portal 2 yet (FOR SHAME!), the game is on sale on Steam for only $7 until tomorrow afternoon. Either way; get the game, play the game and create some new puzzles to share.
And that is is for this week. It is a light week, since no real game or movie releases that I care for. If you did not need to buy Portal 2, then you are under $20 which is awesome. See you next week for another installment of Cheap Date.
Cheap Date: May 2nd
It is another Wednesday and another time to treat yourself to a Cheap Date.
Remember that I was recommend releases for this week that will cost you under $30. Thirty dollars for a week’s entertainment sounds like a good deal to me. Shall we begin?
Movies – $10
Let us cut to the chase. I am watching the Avengers tomorrow night at midnight and more than likely if you are reading this then you are wanting to watch this movie this weekend as well. Marvel Studios major project that they have worked on since 2008 with the release of Iron Man. They have brought back almost all major actors (replacing one soon to be raging Hulk) from each of their lead-up movies.
Joss Whedon has shown he can make some excellent TV series, but this will be the first time he has this big of an audience. But early reviews from around the world (the US for some odd reason is one of the last ones to receive this film) are absolutely glowing. I do not want to read to much into those, but if it is done as well as the other pre-Avengers movies then it should be a fun ride.
*BONUS*
If you are going to see Avengers this weekend, there is a chance to grab some extra swag. RealD is releasing special edition glasses for $5 each pair at theaters (I will probably go with the Hulk version). But remember; that means you have to upgrade your ticket to a 3D movie to use them then buy the glasses. So that will be $20 to watch the Avengers and it will also cut into my other recommendations. Your choice, of course.
Comics – $8
It is a light week in comics, but there are two comics that you can not miss. Plus they are both #1 issues!
Earth 2 #1 from DC Comics comes out this week. Every since the DC new 52, I have been anxious to see what has happened to the JSA. Apparently they are on Earth 2, an alternate reality where the Golden Age of Comics characters can grow old and change. Despite the cover, I am more interested in finding out what happened to Alan Scott and Jay Garrick.
Fury MAX #1from Marvel Comics brings us another helping of writer Garth Ennis and artist Goran Parlov. Where have you heard those names before? They both worked on thePunisher MAX series that recently ended. Now they have a mature look at Marvel’s top spy. Let the fun begin. Hell, Garth Ennis is the reason to read any of the Marvel MAX series.
Games – $5
You can grab Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead game on XBLA for five bucks or 400 imaginary money. This is a great deal if you are not sold on the game, which if you read my review you should be sold. If you were to buy it from Telltale’s webiste, they would charge you the $25 for all five episodes even though the last four are not out yet. This is a great point and click adventure game that I am sure will impress.
Hell, even if you are not sold (or dirt poor since watching Avengers in 3D and buying the special edition glasses); you can download the trial game before buying.
Cheap Date: April 25th
Being a nerd gets to be expensive. Comics are $3-4 usually, going to the movies are moving past the ten-dollar mark and of course video games are costing you a whooping sixty dollars plus tax. In this weekly article, I will show you what to buy on this nerdy Cheap Date.
Wednesdays are great days to make these purchasing decisions. Comic books are released today. Most physical media (video games, DVDs or CDs) have come out the day before. And in a couple of days the new movies are opening in theaters.
Now let us see what we can get this week, which I am aiming for under $30.
Comics – $9
I know it is always hard to cut down on your stack, but this is the biggest money-eater. God forbid if they actually had good weekly comics, all the time. Anyway, there are only three books you need to buy this week.
Daredevil #11 from Marvel is the conclusion to the “Omega Effect” crossover. The interaction between Daredevil, Punisher, Spider-Man and “Punishette” is beyond priceless. Spider-Man’s mouth moves all on its own.
American Vampire #26 and the New Deadwardians #2 from Vertigo. Snyder is an excellent writer and I have decided to pick up all his books up on principle, this includes American Vampire. I have yet to go wrong with Snyder (why do I feel like I just jinxed something?). Yes New Deadwardians is a another vampire book, but also another zombie book. The dichotomy of the comic set in a Victorian period had been an interesting read. It is an eight-issue run, so should be worth the time.
Movies – $10
To be honest, there are two movies you could catch this weekend. I will start with the one I pick, The Pirates! Band of Misfits. I have always been a fan of Aardman Animations and Wallace and Gromit. This movie should be a fun show for kids, big and small. Plus I am a sucker for traditional animation.
Then there is Five-Year Engagement with Jason Segel and Emily Blunt. It is hyped as part of the Bridesmaids styling. I must admit that I caught Bridesmaids much later, out of theater and really did not like it. But I like the cast and they have not let me down yet. Can not hurt that they have my latest “Hollywood girlfriend,” Alison Brie, in the movie.
Games – at least $2
The Indie Gala just went on sale and the latest Humble Bundle is still active. To those new, these indie bundles are pay-what-you-want for a couple of indie games available on the PC and sometimes Mac. You can decided where the money goes to developers, organizers or it can all go to charity! But here is the kicker, if you pay above the average then you get some extra games. Either way, you get a few games for a lot less than they retail. I really recommend playing Machinarium. It is a fun, puzzle/adventure game with a great art style.
For under thirty bucks you get three great comics, to watch a new movie in theaters and a whole bunch of games for the PC. Check it out and let me know if this was worth the money for you.
Call Yourself A Nerd 