Max Does Stuff

Where Max…does…stuff

Author: mxhntr

  • The Stanley Parable

    Hey, my first gaming post! Excite!

    I had seen a couple of my Twitch streamer pals way back when run through this game a few years ago, and I remember being excited about the idea of the game.

    If you’re looking to not be spoiled, obviously don’t read this. I will spoil the game for you, and I will not be sorry about it.

    So when I saw this game show up in the monthly Playstation game thing, I knew it was destiny. I downloaded it and dug in.

    My initial opinions were positive, listening to the instructions of an invisible Narrator and going out of my way to do the exact opposite of what he said to do. I loved exploring the various parts of the game that I could, trying different things to see what different interjections the narrator had.

    Then I went on to explore the new content, as PS Plus had the ultra deluxe version of the game. Where instead of meandering to the boss’s office, I could instead explore an attraction the narrator had created for the next installment of the Stanley Parable. I got to view the collectible figurines, jump in an infinite (but not-so-infinite) hole, and pick up the best item in the entire game: The Reassurance Bucket.

    So all those endings I had run through initially would now be slightly different with a bucket in my clutches.

    The game is quirky, and a lot of fun, but my one complaint is probably the same as others, if I had to guess. I just want more. You can finish the game in its entirety, including all the multiple endings, within a few hours. More if you’re patiently taking your time. And once you’ve seen everything, that’s basically it.

    But I definitely recommend giving this a go if you want to be bullied by an invisible Narrator the entire time and love the idea of carrying a galvanized steel bucket everywhere.

  • Violet Street – Local Natives

    I accidentally saved that image as “Violate Street.” Not a commentary on the album, I just thought it was funny.

    I had only heard “When Am I Gonna Lose You” via Life is Strange: True Colors, so I was excited to delve into the rest of the record.

    The album opens with “Vogue”, a delightful introduction into “When Am I Gonna Lose You.” I love that I’m talking like I actually know what I’m talking about, which is an exciting change of pace for me.

    But I digress.

    “When Am I Gonna Lose You” is a song that hurts my feelings in all the right ways. I think it speaks to my own anxieties and general relationships. Like…when AM I gonna lose you? The answer is probably right now. *cue pathetic finger guns*

    “Cafe Amarillo” has a vibe. I can’t quite place my finger on that vibe, but I feel like I need a pack of Marlboros and a leather jacket to fit the vibe that I’ve picked up on.

    “Munich II” is just pianos and humming and like 48 seconds. It gives my heart the warm and fuzzies, and we like when things give my heart the warm and fuzzies, right?

    I listened to “Megaton Mile” the other day, actually, and again right now as I write this post. The bass line in it is nice and tasty. It’s got a really catchy chorus to it, and as someone who doesn’t dance, I do feel like boogie-ing just a little. Only a little, though. Don’t get crazy.

    I’m pretty confident I have never heard “Someday Now” before, but it also feels like a song I’ve heard before. The general consensus I’m gathering on this record is who hurt you.

    “Shy” has a vibe also. But it’s less Marlboros and leather and more Marlboros and waffles. You can ask what any of that means, I don’t know. I like the line “Shy under the weight of design – afraid and able.” Because hi, that’s me.

    I’m genuinely sad I have only three songs left on this record. “Garden of Elysian” slows things down a bit, and I can smell the late night coffee shop / soft music venue as I listen to it. I promise it doesn’t smell like Marlboros, but I think I’ll keep the fantasy leather jacket on. It’s cold outside and I’m warm. There’s a lot of imagery in this song that I can appreciate. “Love isn’t worship, love is change.” I need you to lower your voice, Local Natives.

    Have you read this far? I appreciate you, dear reader. We’re on to “Gulf Shores” now. Which, Gulf Shores is in Alabama, and I used to visit there as a child. Though, I don’t think Local Natives meant that Gulf Shores when they wrote this song. This would make a good road trip tune, I think. Or the background sound while browsing records at a record shop.

    I think I expected “Tap Dancer” to include tap dancers, and 25 seconds into this song I am immediately disappointed. Another close personal attack with “Everything was easier before”. How dare you, Local Natives.

    “Max, are you okay?” No.

    But I will be.

    Overall, I really enjoyed Violet Street. It scratched an itch I was looking to be scratched. The music is nice and chill, and I could see myself putting this one on just to unwind, despite the aspects of the songs that speak to the pained parts of my soul. If only to write this post, I’m glad I finally took the time to give Local Natives the ol’ college try.