Moonraker

Greetings, Moonraker is the third book in Ian Fleming’s famous series about the British spy, James Bond. I have read as well as reviewed the two previous books on this blog and came to the conclusion that I didn’t enjoy Casino Royale or Live and Let die as much as I hoped I would. I stated that if Moonraker failed to grab my attention I would be giving up on the series. Unfortunately it followed in the same footsteps as the other two for the reasons that it just isn’t a joyful experience or that interesting to read. In my opinion its age is starting to show and there are other more immersive novels to delve into.

The plot is reasonably straight forward and takes place shortly after the end of the Second World War.  With the world in chaos due to the advancement of nuclear weapons in the hands of various countries and the return of the USSR as a rival, Britain needs to defend itself. Entrepreneur Hugo Drax constructs the Moonraker with the help of ex-Nazi scientists, a missile intended to ensure the safety of the British people in the event of an attack. 007 is sent to investigate the project and its leader after the suspicious murder of the current chief of security by a German worker.  As Bond digs into the case further, he realizes that there is more to it than the initial impressions the press gives, indicating that Hugo is not as innocent as he seems.

It is a short book, not even 200 pages long, but it is rather dull. Understandably due to the time it was written in, the Germans and soviets are not portrayed in a very positive light which makes it similar to the racist and sexist undertones in Live and Let die. Overall, the characters are pretty flat and the plot is slow to move to anywhere remotely interesting. So I would suggest that you avoid the series as a whole as speaking for myself, I haven’t enjoyed a single 007 novel by Ian Fleming/ If you want to get your Bond fix I would suggest playing the video games, reading other 007 novels by different authors such as Sebastian Faulks or the films which seem to have raised their standards.

Plot=6/10

Characters=7/10

Wording=6/10

Overall=6/10

Quote of the day

Look at that, Mrs. Hudson. Quiet. Calm. Peaceful. Isn't it hateful?

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock

Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse

Greetings, Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is the third game created by Telltale centred upon the Freelance Police. Like the previous titles in the series, there is an overarching storyline that comes together through the various episodes. This third season consist of only five episodes, one shorter than the original game but the same number as the second. Most characters return for an important role in a puzzle or are at least mentioned in passing. A few new individuals are introduced with varying levels of importance. As a result the game develops existing characters and explains the origins of the one of the main enemies in the second game, the vampire Jurgen.

The story is more absurd than the last two, which is quite an achievement. At the very beginning, Max discovers a discarded toy on the street near the office belonging to him and Sam. Once he touches it, it is revealed that he has latent paranormal powers that are activated by interacting with the toy. Once he comes into contact with it, Max sees a vision of the future in which earth is invaded by an intergalactic warlord named Skun-ka'pe, who happens to be a gorilla like creature.

In his vision, Max is warned by a voice that the device he used came from a mystical container known as the Devil’s toy box as well as suggesting there are other tools scattered around earth. Shortly after, Skun-ka'pe arrives in search for the toys in the hopes of ruling the universe by using them. It is up to Sam and Max to stop the gorilla and find the toys of power before anyone else does.

Many locations that were in the previous games such as the Office and Bosco’s general store were removed in exchange for other areas and it gives the player a larger map to explore than the previous games. I really enjoyed this season as it was up to the same high standard as the other titles in terms of humour, plot and the general experience.

The ending itself was contradictory to the light hearted and whimsical theme as it was quite serious but it also provides a lot of possible plot threads and characters to explore in future games. There are also two endings to choose from but it really shouldn’t have an impact on a possible fourth season. However, I’m not sure if there will be a next game, at least to be released soon, as Telltale is focusing on the second Walking Dead. Overall I really enjoyed playing it and hope there are other Sam and Max tales to be told.

Plot=8/10

Characters=9/10

Graphics=7/10

Overall=9/10

Quote of the day

There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?

Yuri Orlov

Lord of War