Structure
The Meta of Writing
Writing about the process of writing is difficult these days because of two main technological advances: word processing software and AI. Editing on Word is much easier than the “old-fashioned” way of writing by hand and making editing suggestions in the margins as Shakespeare and Coleridge did. Most spellings are autocorrected, making that bit of proofreading almost obsolete. I edit as I write, revisiting my piece days later with fresh eyes. Using AI in original work is completely unethical. To approach this prompt, I had to write on paper. I chose the first part of the next challenge. I examine one sentence at a time.
By Barb Dukeman11 months ago in Critique
How HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us set a new gold standard for video game storytelling
Few video games have left as profound an impact as The Last of Us. When HBO announced a live-action adaptation, expectations were sky-high. Could the series capture the emotional weight, intense storytelling, and immersive worldbuilding of the game? The result was a critically acclaimed success that managed to both honor and expand upon its source material. This article explores how The Last of Us translated from game to screen, analyzing its faithfulness, emotional depth, worldbuilding, supporting characters, and cultural impact.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Fallout: A Masterful Adaptation or Just Another Post-Apocalyptic Show?
The long-anticipated Fallout TV series, released on April 10, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video, has arrived with high expectations from both die-hard fans of the video game franchise and newcomers intrigued by its apocalyptic setting. Developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creative minds behind Westworld, the series promised to bring the rich lore, dark humor, and moral complexities of Bethesda’s beloved RPG to life. But does it truly capture the spirit of Fallout, or is it just another entry in the ever-growing catalog of post-apocalyptic dramas?
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Backroom Cat Nap
THE 1ST DRAFT Warehouse Backroom Cat Nap “This is the stockroom warehouse where we keep our surplus. The most common items are stored up front. The whole place is basically a twisting tunnel of eclectic furniture. Most of the floor displays are directly for sale, but we keep extra stock in here. It’s primarily mattresses.”
By Amos Glade11 months ago in Critique
A Deeper Gaze at "Her Gaze". Honorable Mention in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
I have written a lot of pieces I believe are challenging. It's always my goal as a writer to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and in turn, hopefully to push my readers there too. For this challenge, Vocal has asked us to pick an excerpt from a piece that we consider both imperfect and brimming with potential.
By Paul Stewart11 months ago in Critique
Arcane: How Riot’s Animated Masterpiece Redefined Video Game Adaptations
Video game adaptations have long struggled to capture the depth and complexity of their source material. Arcane, the critically acclaimed animated series from Riot Games and Fortiche Productions, not only overcame this challenge but redefined what a video game adaptation can achieve.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
The Legend of Vox Machina: From Critical Role to Animated Glory
The rise of The Legend of Vox Machina from a tabletop RPG campaign to a full-fledged animated series is a testament to the power of dedicated fandom and high-quality storytelling. As an adaptation of Critical Role, the show brings the beloved characters of the original campaign to life with stunning animation, strong performances, and a narrative that blends humor, action, and emotional depth. But how well does it translate the essence of the original game, and what impact has it had on both the animation and RPG landscapes?
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Ready Player One: From Page to Screen – A Tale of Nostalgia and Adaptation
Few stories embody the essence of pop culture nostalgia as effectively as Ready Player One. Ernest Cline’s novel, published in 2011, became an instant hit among gamers and geeks, offering a treasure trove of 1980s references wrapped in a fast-paced virtual adventure. The 2018 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, promised to bring this digital odyssey to life on the big screen. However, as with many adaptations, significant changes were made—some enhancing the story, others altering its core themes. This review will explore the key differences between the novel and the film, evaluating how each medium delivers its vision.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Why Some Adaptations of Books Fail (And a Few That Get It Right)
Translating a beloved book into a successful movie is no easy feat. Fans expect to see their favorite characters and storylines faithfully recreated, while filmmakers must balance runtime constraints, cinematic storytelling, and studio demands. Some adaptations become instant classics, while others fail spectacularly, alienating audiences and disappointing readers. But what separates a great adaptation from a disaster? Let’s break down where things go wrong—and highlight a few adaptations that actually got it right.
By Bounty Hunter 12 months ago in Critique
The Failure of RPG Adaptations in Cinema: Why Hollywood Doesn’t Understand Role-Playing Games
For decades, Hollywood has attempted to adapt role-playing games (RPGs) into movies, often with disastrous results. Whether it’s the infamous Dungeons & Dragons (2000) or other lesser-known attempts, RPG films frequently fail to capture the essence of the games they are based on. But why does this happen? Why do movies inspired by RPGs rarely succeed critically or commercially? This article explores the key reasons behind this ongoing failure and examines what Hollywood could learn to improve future adaptations.
By Bounty Hunter 12 months ago in Critique
