RIOTgamer:Gaming Reviews, News, Culture

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Categories: SHOTS/BLURBS, Dregs of YouTube, Take Action, web, web games


03/16/09

Fresh Prince vs. KKK: Flash Game

Categories: SHOTS/BLURBS, web games Permalink
heather riot

Here's a game I found on That video game site created by Tony & Matt St Leger.

My opinion of this game is split. While I think that it's a good premise for a game, particularly since I found it while searching specifically for a game that would allow me to fight the KKK, I still can't help but feel that it simultaneously uses some tired racist tropes. Then again, maybe not, as spinning-razor-guns aren't stereotypically employed by African Americans and are more reminiscent of Bond movies.


I can't help but wonder if The Fresh Prince vs. the KKK is maintaining racist tropes while (literally figuratively) fighting racism...?
(the password is: headhunt)



03:56:27 am, by heather riot Email

02/28/09

Border Patrol Flash Game

Categories: SHOTS/BLURBS, web games Permalink
heather riot

Despite significant controversy after this games release way back when, this game is still available for play at some of the major flash gaming sites.

Screenshot of start screen:
Border Patrol Screenshot
Yes, it says "There is one simple objective to this game, Keep them out... At any cost" with a list of the "enemies": Mexican Nationalist, Drug Smuggler, and Breeder.
Now, I know I said it before about the Ethnic Cleansing game, but there truly are so many games which leave me fairly speechless. Not speechless enough not to write this, obviously. Verbally, however, I find myself only able to utter a few guttural sounds of disbelief, aside from a couple of "What the fuck"s. That racist bigots use video games as a mode of social commentary and a device to spread their hate isn't terribly surprising. It's a powerful medium which gives pleasure to the player - the ideal platform.
(warning: at least somewhat disturbing images follow)

Read more »


06:09:24 am, by heather riot Email

02/20/09

Ethnic Cleansing Video Game Review. Lovely.

heather riot

There are some games which I don't feel the need to review and provide a feminist critique for. Ethnic Cleansing (2002) by Resistance Records is, of course, one of those games. This is the kind of game which I can't say much about because there is simply too much to say.

Luckily, some jackass went ahead and reviewed the video game - in another YouTube video. And, he's such a charming guy. Personally, I'm so very glad that he has pointed out that he's "not a racist" or anything but isn't "out to change anyone's mind either". What a gallant chap.

Read more »


06:18:45 pm, by heather riot Email

02/12/09

Fight Prop 8 - Now with More Musical Action!

Categories: Take Action Permalink
heather riot


On March 5th California is scheduled to hear arguments disputing Prop 8. Whether or not you've got your Gay membership card like I do, overturning Prop 8 is the right thing to do. The thing is, it isn't just about same-sex marriage. So, for those of you who think this is a LGBTQA issue and for those of you who don't believe in the institute of marriage, the prop 8 precedent is an eerie and frightening precedent. Ever seen or read 1984? Think I'm crazy? I'm not.
The very thought that a precedent would be set to vote on the rights of others is scary at best.
Read more about it at the ACLU

From a Lambda Legal email I received:

In every corner of this country, fairness matters. Attacks on equality that ignore the rules cannot be permitted to go unanswered anywhere.

Read more »


05:34:31 pm, by heather riot Email

02/06/09

Top 10 Boobies in Video Games: Feminists proven right

heather riot

I hardly think that I should have to say anything about this, but, I think it quite succinctly proves feminists right about sexism in video games (plus they're all white boobies).

Somehow I doubt they're trying to make feminist statement, though.



11:03:31 am, by heather riot Email

02/05/09

Senate Moves Forward on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Categories: news, Take Action, SHOTS/BLURBS Permalink
heather riot

From WomenEmployed.org:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed the House on Jan. 28 and is now being debated in the Senate as S. 1. The Act is an economic recovery package that offers much-needed support for women and their families, and includes measures that promote education and training, increase job opportunities, and expand unemployment insurance coverage for working women.

Go to http://capwiz.com/we/issues/alert/?alertid=12588361&type=CO to take action and urge our senators to vote YES on this act.

It's quick, painless, and will make you feel warm and fuzzy about yourself;)

Thanks



08:25:01 pm, by heather riot Email

01/15/09

The faces of gaming: If a picture's worth a thousand words, then these are worth 10,000

Categories: ARTICLES, SHOTS/BLURBS Permalink
heather riot

There are some things which stand as pillars to why I do this. One of these pillars is presented in the GameInformer magazine as plain as can be. The following pictures, to me, seem so obvious when presented in the right context that I feel a little silly even posting this, sillier still in making any statement about it. The following is a pictorial list of GameInformer's staff, as listed by GameInformer themselves. How anyone can publish this month after month and not see the message that this sends truly blows my mind (and, indeed, has done so for months on end during my subscriptions...somehow, though, I can't stop going back for more).

Editor: Andy McNamara Reviewer Man 1: Reviewer Man 2: Matt Reviewer Man 3: Kato Reviewer Man 4: Adam Reviewer Man 5: Joe Reviewer Man 6: Miller Reviewer Man 7: Bertz Reviewer Man 8: Ben Reviewer Man 9: Bryan

Now, I'm not trying to trash GameInformer. Well, not completely anyway. But the proof is in the pictures. Regardless of the root of this - be it the game industry in general, a result of marketing which targets men (namely those who are white and hetero), or hiring practices - bias is presented as pretty as a picture. Some credit should, I suppose, be given to their web staff choices which include *gasp* a (white) woman, as well as to the (at least) one racial minority on a panel of 13. This doesn't really make me feel warm and fuzzy, though. XX(



12:44:47 am, by heather riot Email





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