Author Archives: VValdes

Mythologizing the Gamer Grrl

Posted on April 20, 2012 by VValdes

by Valerie Valdes You’ve seen a video like it, or a comic, or read a story. Some poor dude is being berated by his girlfriend or wife for spending too much time playing one of those gosh darn video games. … Continue reading →

Posted in Criticism , Features | Tagged Farmville , , , , , , , , , , , , Zynga | 4 Comments

One-Hand Wonders

Posted on April 12, 2012 by VValdes

By Valerie Valdes I was never what you’d call a casual gamer. But when you have a kid, your amount of free time shrinks to a number best expressed using a negative exponent. For some moms, though, there is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Criticism | Tagged | 3 Comments

Epic Conventions in Mass Effect

Posted on March 20, 2012 by VValdes

By Valerie Valdes This article contains minor Mass Effect series spoilers. Wise muse, Calliope, lover of War, Sing to me of your soldier, Shepard called, Who some say came from earth, and some from space, And some a far-flung colony … Continue reading →

Posted in Criticism , Features , Mass Effect | Tagged | Leave a comment

Moral Relativism in Heavy Rain: Pre and Post-Partum

Posted on March 13, 2012 by VValdes

Or, How Having a Baby Made Me a Murderer By Valerie Valdes WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Heavy Rain. I consider myself an ethical person . I drive the speed limit. I don’t pirate music. I experience mild outrage … Continue reading →

Posted in Columns , Criticism , Features | Tagged | 7 Comments