Table Of Content

PHONE: 232-2272 FAX: 232-1773 URL: www.stoutonia.com E-MAIL: [email protected] Vol. 102 Issue 1 ADS: [email protected] STAFF CONTENT 03 NEWS 09 ENTERTAINMENT The Menomonie Gateway Project Jim Tavaré: Not a D-Nozzle Lauryn Seering Jamie Olson September 11 Top five rock songs of summer 2011: editor-in-chief production manager Editor’s picks [email protected] [email protected] New Policies going into effect this summer Video game recommendations Urec using QR Codes Yeshuapolooza 2011: A free college block party Brittany Norgren Allie Schrader 12 SPORTS 07 OPINIONS advertising manager chief copy editor [email protected] [email protected] Finnish student becomes a Blue Devil Your college career isn’t going to be unicorns and rainbow-colored cockatiels New coach for the women’s soccer team Who’s “liked” on Facebook? Promising start for the women’s tennis team What will it take to vote in Menomonie? Chelsey Kosmatka Jessica Vaysberg ad design manager news editor Voter ID Bill passed [email protected] [email protected] 15 CALENDAR “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” Calendar of Events Jerad Maplethorpe Roseanne Meier opinion editor entertainment editor ON THE COVER maplethorpejmy.uwstout.edu [email protected] Cover by Liz Schultz The 168-foot-tall Bowman Hall clock tower was renovated over the summer. For almost five years, the bells of Bowman Clock tower have been chiming the hour while the clock’s hands remained stationary. Morgan Pfaller Hassan Javaid All hands and four faces have been replaced with new, white glass. sports editor online manager [email protected] [email protected] INFO The Stoutonia is written, edited, designed and produced by Advertising considered to be fraudulent, misleading, offensive, students of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and they are or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or its advertisers solely responsible for its editorial policy and content. may be refused. The Stoutonia is printed bi-monthly during the academic year © Copyright 2010 The Stoutonia. Written permission is except for vacations and holidays by Leader Printing, a division required to reprint any portion of The Stoutonia’s content. All Katrina Nelson Liz Schultz of Eau Claire Press Co., Eau Claire, WI 54701. correspondence should be addressed to The Stoutonia Room business manager digital imaging editor 149, 302 10th Street, Memorial Student Center, Menomonie, WI [email protected] [email protected] Advertising for publication must be submitted to The Stoutonia 54751. office Room 149, 302 10th Street, Memorial Student Center, by 5 Layout Designers p.m. by Mondays before the run date. Each student is entitled to one free copy of The Stoutonia. Each news: Nathan Eul David Tank additional copy may be purchased at the Stoutonia office. Equal opinions: Casey Cornell enterntainment: Mackenzie Owens adviser The Stoutonia reserves the right to refuse any advertisement opportunity employer. sports: Jason Pfitzer [email protected] at its discretion. Justification does not have to be given if an advertisement is refused. news 3 September 8 - September 21 www.stoutonia.com The Stoutonia Editorial Board wishes you a fun semester! Michael Grevas/Stoutonia Opening Thoughts from the Editors “I’m excited to know my way around cam- “When in fear or in doubt...go on D2L pus and not have to ask every other person and check it out.” that walks by where to go.” – Sports Editor Morgan Pfaller -News Editor Jessica Vaysberg “I now live five minutes away from cam- “The new MSC will open the year after I pus, which means I only have to wake up “The life of a fifth-year student: going graduate. Can I have s ome tuition money 15 minutes before class. For the win.” strong since 2007.” back?” –Editor-in-Chief Lauryn Seering – Entertainment Editor Roseanne Meier – Opinions Editor Jerad Maplethorpe Telling Time on Campus Tobacco Ban enters second year Lauryn Seering lem is imprinted on every student ID card and Jessica Vaysberg ture. Currently, there are no official sanctions Editor-in-Chief lunch tray? News Editor for tobacco use on campus. But this problem was more complicated. As one of almost 400 colleges and universi- For older students on campus, this fall has Funding grants are hard to come by in our shaky Beginning Sept.1, the University of Wiscon- ties in the U.S. to be completely tobacco free, brought many changes to the landscape. Not economy, but luckily the time finally came. sin-Stout entered its second year as a tobacco- UW-Stout is the only four-year public univer- only is the Memorial Student Center getting a The clock tower was successfully fixed free campus. The policy came about last fall sity located in Wisconsin that is completely complete facelift, but the library and outdoor over the summer. For students who remained when students voted against allowing smoking tobacco-free. Other schools in the UW-system track have also been renovated. on campus during the quiet break, it was quite and tobacco products on campus in two refer- have contacted Mell with inquiries on making For almost five years, the bells of Bowman a spectacle. Workers manually hammered out endums sponsored by the Stout Student Asso- their campuses tobacco free, but other than the Clock tower have been chiming the hour, while large chunks of glass, which fell and shattered ciation. The referendum first took place in April University of Wisconsin-Baraboo, no schools the clock’s hands remained stationary. on the concrete below. All four faces were re- 2009, which was the largest student election have made the change thus far. The 168-foot-tall tower is an icon of our placed with white glass, and the cogs were re- turnout ever on campus. A year later, the second The new policy may benefit the health of school and for a long time it was the brunt of worked to accurately tell the time. vote took place and passed, causing all tobacco those on campus. “Second-hand smoke is a every joke. Why wouldn’t a polytechnic univer- So, the next time you are sprinting to class, use to be banned on any property UW-Stout known carcinogen,” said Mell. “We’re remov- sity that is praised for its technology fix such the clock tower will be there to remind you that owns or controls. ing a known carcinogen from the breathing a simple problem- especially when said prob- you are running late. According to Executive Director of Commu- space of students, faculty and staff.” In addi- nications and External Relations, Doug Mell, tion, Mell said that the amount of tobacco use Chancellor Sorenson’s position on everybody on campus is decreasing and the policy is work- In remembrance of Bridgette Elizabeth Twining of Chanhassen, who attends UW-Stout, as a student or faculty ing better than expected. member, that any reasonable person and will At some point in time, he thinks that every Minn. who was unable to join us this year at UW-Stout. want to follow the policy. The policy will even- school in the UW-system is going to be tobac- tually become ingrained in the UW-Stout cul- co-free, because that is the way society is going. news 4 SepFteebmrubaerry 8 1 - -S Feepbterumabrye r1 241 wwwwww..ssttoouuttoonniiaa..ccoomm Photos from the Backyard Bash Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Rose Meiery/Stoutonia Stout Typographical Society Disc Golf Club Angela Barron, Lauren Moon, Jeff Martin, Jonny Robinson Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Tyler Eul and Eric Isaacson Deanna Schlimmer and Melissa Cross Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Andrew Schieder/Stoutonia Street Level Ministries Stout Veterans Club news 5 September 8 - September 21 www.stoutonia.com I Wish I had known then… Reese Witherspoon hit by car After you live in Menomonie for a while, you begin to realize how things in this town work. You learn what events to attend and how to make your life more convenient. So, here is a list for incoming freshman to keep in mind during their first few weeks on campus. You will learn to appreciate the Heritage Hall is actually the Home Commons when you live off-campus. Economics building. Dolphins talk like Don’t go to the Campus Card Office if humans, not just Every Monday at 10 a.m. some nice you misplace your ID card. Call 1-877- lady hands out free muffins for hun- whistleing 897-2228, which is the Higher One gry students. You will learn to change Customer Service office. You may not your walking path to intercept the have to pay for your delicious food. lost card. Firefighters gain some control over Learn to enjoy your free time when The Red Cedar Trail requires a pass fee, which is $20 annually, but if you check you’re still a lowerclassmen, because deadly Texas blaze out the other side of the trail that has your schedule will get busier. concrete roads, it’s free. The University Library has not only Sewer caps get slippery in the winter, books for rent, but also a plethora of so be careful once the snow falls. DVDs, records and video games. More high schools If the girls on the floor want to bring You do have time to join clubs; you will implement iPad a stereo into the bathroom, don’t meet some of the best people there. let them. programs You will learn to appreciate the Working on-campus is worth it if you Commons when you live off-campus. can find the right job. Menomonie residents get wheels Girl lost in well, found by ant eater turning on helping community A drink a day linked to healthy aging Jessica Vaysberg something that will be comfortable for the aver- News Editor age person to use. The parts must be compatible with the bikes they are building. As the project Two Menomonie residents, Danny LaRose continues to grow, and more people begin to Russian jet and Josh Lueth, are focused on a project to pro- ride their bikes on the already crowded side- vide working bicycles to University of Wiscon- walks on campus, they hope to get bike lanes crashes sin-Stout students for no charge. Their mission painted on the main streets. began six weeks ago. Eventually, they would like to get UW-Stout “We were sitting around one day, talking and the city of Menomonie involved in their about cycling and how weird it is that these work. They are looking for volunteers and do- other cities offer free or at least cheap bikes nations for the project. For more information to use, and yet Menomonie still doesn’t have or to get involved, visit “Free the Bicycles” something like this going,” said LaRose. They on Facebook or send an e-mail to Freethebi- Wisconsin Democrat decided to take the initiative to get something [email protected]. Postal Service said could be first openly started. They have completed two bikes so far to be on verge of gay U.S. senator and would like to put them out for others to use as soon as possible, given that there is a demand collapse for them. LaRose and Lueth believe that by building Branching and offering bikes that students can use, trav- eling around Menomonie will be easier, po- tentially boosting the downtown Menomonie economy, and helping the environment. “Have you ever stood at the crosswalk while News the bus idles at the light? It’s like bottling the smog from Los Angeles and throwing it in your face,” said LaRose. “It’s quite disgusting if you • Parking Permits are required ask me. Why not do something about it? I like for Moped users. the idea of people cycling. It’s great exercise • Mopeds may not park in the and a great stress reliever.” bicycle rakes near academic The process begins by looking for scav- buildings. However, they are enged bikes, frames and parts that are usable allowed to park in the bike Lenn Soderlund/Stoutonia in building a safe bike. When looking for the racks near residence halls. bikes and bike parts, LaRose and Lueth look for news 6 SepFteebmrubaerry 8 1 - -S Feepbterumabrye r1 241 wwwwww..ssttoouuttoonniiaa..ccoomm WELCOME BACK STUDENTS! Calender of Events STOUT ADVENTURES - 56 Sports & Fitness Center (232-5625) 9/13-17 FREE WEEK 9/14, 7 p.m. Campfire & Smores 9/15, 7 p.m. “Get to know SA” Informational Presentation 9/16, 8 p.m. Bad Cat Bike Giveaway 9/18-19 All Nighter Campout 9/24-26 Sea Kayak the Apostle Islands 9/24-26 Sailing the Apostle Islands 9/29, 7 p.m. Basic Bike Maintenance & Repair 10/1-3 Rock Climbing Lake Superior’s North Shore HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER - 53 Sports & Fitness Center (232-1378) 9/13 - 17 FREE WEEK (workouts and group fitness classes) 9/13 Fitness Extravaganza - Free in the West Gym from 7-8pm Now Registration is now open for the Blue Devil Run/Walk (5K & 10K) INTRAMURAL SPORTS - 41 Sports & Fitness Center (232-1392) 9/15-21 Block 1 Registration at room 41 SFC 9/22 Informational meetings for team captains 9/25 Softball Tournament - Alumni Field 9/26 IM Block 1 Leagues begin play For full event details, registration forms or to receive email updates visit the University Recreation website - http://urec.uwstout.edu opinions 7 September 8 - September 21 www.stoutonia.com Yo u r C o l l e g e C a r e e r I s n ’ t G o i n g t o b e U n i c o r n s a n d R a i n b o w - C o l o r e d C o c k a t i e l s (Unless You Do Too Much Acid) Jerad Maplethorpe self to new situations, but why? The answer, People go to college for a variety of rea- it turns out, has to do with sensory input. sons, but the underlying fact is that you are Opinions Editor When you start your first day on the job, you here to learn how to make money. You are experience a plethora of new sights, sounds, paying for the skills that will help you rake The truth is that college will be what you people, rules and ideas. Your mind’s natural in the dough. However, many students miss make of it. It may become the busiest four reaction to this sensory overload is anxiety. out on what may be the greatest opportunity years of your life, or the greatest six years. After being exposed to the same situation- that college presents: the opportunity to cre- You might graduate with honors, or not several times, however, your subconscious ate a business. graduate at all. Maybe you’ll drop out and mind begins to encode that once-brand-new Every business in the world began as an become the next Mark Zuckerberg. It all de- information, allowing your conscious mind idea. Before Facebook infiltrated every pends on you. to concentrate on other tasks. For example, college student’s browser, it was merely a Bill Beattie once said, “The aim of edu- you might feel uncomfortable joining an or- thought in someone’s head (a college stu- cation should be to teach us rather how to ganization for the first time, but you’ll soon dent’s head, in fact). With the nation’s un- think, than what to think – rather to improve realize it’s no big deal and you’ll be glad employment rate hanging steady around 9.1 our minds, so as to enable us to think for you did. percent, entrepreneurism may begin to grow ourselves, than to load the memory with in popularity. It’s a big word, but it means thoughts of other men.” You are constantly surrounded by peo- something very simple: identify a problem I’m not exactly sure who Bill Beattie is, ple, but five of them matter most and make money by solving it. but he is right! In order to truly make the Sounds great, but in order to truly run a most out of college, you have to be able to As a general rule, you are a compilation of successful business, you have to love what- do more than soak up facts – you have to be your five closest friends’ personalities, charac- ever it is you make money doing, which usu- able to draw connections between vari- teristics and beliefs. This, of course, can be a ally takes a long time to figure out. Fortu- ous concepts. good thing or a bad thing, depending on how nately, college is a great place to start When I first arrived at the University of your friends influence you. that process. Wisconsin-Stout, I could not understand Hanging out with the right crowd will be For now, practice identifying opportuni- why someone would switch his or her ma- important throughout your entire life, but it’s ties that have the potential to produce jor. Since then, I have switched my major possibly the most important during your col- money. The more ideas you have, the four times. Oops, didn’t see that coming. lege years. In college you are in state of tran- better chance you will have at Oh well. sition. You are figuring out who you want finding the right one for you in The main thing I have come to understand to be. Do not let that search be impeded by the future. is that you cannot force yourself to enjoy people who do not share your same values. That is a lot to soak in. something, especially when it comes to edu- Now, this is not to say you should not Look forward to Part II in cation. If you’re not thrilled to learn about a have friends who have different opinions, the next issue. certain subject, you’re sure as hell not going because you definitely should. The more to enjoy doing it for a living. Education is perspectives you are exposed to, the better. worthless if you do not see the value in what All I am saying is that your friends have you are learning, so stay flexible and do not an amazing influence over you, and you compromise your values. should be aware of how they affect your Expand your comfort zone decision-making process. It can be nerve-wracking to expose your- To be an employee or an employer? Who’s “Liked” on Facebook? Eminem: 46,600,000 Katy Perry: 34,700,000 George W. Bush: 1,600,000 Are You Looking for Part-Time Work? Menards is now Hiring Team Members Rihanna: 44,700,000 Harry Potter: 34,100,000 to work at our Distribution Center! Ron Paul: 495,000 Flexible Scheduling! Lady Gaga: 43,300,000 Obama: 23,000,000 We work with YOUR school schedules! $9.75 per hour with an additional Rick Perry: 150,000 $2.50 per hour on the weekend! Shakira: 40,000,000 Kim Kardashian: 6,300,000 Justin Bieber: 35,700,000 Mark Zuckerberg: 5,000,000 Einstein: 106,000 [email protected] opinions 8 SFeepbterumabreyr 1 8 - -F Seberputeamryb 1e4r 21 wwwwww..ssttoouuttoonniiaa.c.coomm What will it take to vote in Menomonie? Voter ID Bill passed Lauryn Seering Dane County Circuit Court. halls or off-campus housing. Many people nev- they will be unable to do either if they learn Some of the popular controversies surround- er have their drivers’ licenses updated for these about these new rules at the polls. If turned Editor-in-Chief ing the bill include the fact that valid photo IDs changes of address, since doing so costs time away on an election day, it will be impossible to Earlier this year, Wisconsin legislation must have the and money. obtain the necessary documentation. passed a bill mandating one of the strictest voter current address Purchasing new So remember students, when you’re regis- ID requirements ever, due to take effect before at which you are IDs or replacement tering you will need a letter of proof of resi- the next presidential election. Backers of the registered. You IDs in Menomonie dence (like a bill or a tuition statement). Be- bill propose that it will decrease voter fraud, are required to can be difficult. The ginning next year, the following IDs will be but opponents quip that it will make voting have resided at Menomonie Depart- accepted: a Wisconsin driver’s license, state- more difficult for certain demographics, such that address for at ment of Motor Vehi- issued ID cards, military IDs, passports, IDs as college students and out-of-state residents. least 28 days. cles is only open on issued by Wisconsin-based tribes and certain The League of Women Voters (LWV) of For college stu- Thursdays and Fri- school IDs. Wisconsin has prepared a lawsuit that will al- dents at the Uni- days. Those days are Oh, and our UW-Stout issued IDs don’t lege that this law violates a portion of the U.S. versity of Wis- often full of school count since they don’t have current addresses Constitution. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel consin-Stout, this and homework for listed. So, be careful when you register for explains that the Constitution does not have could pose a seri- busy students. the upcoming elections. Make sure to give right-to-vote provisions, but each state constitu- ous problem in voting. A good segment of our For students who don’t research what they yourself time to register and jump through tion does. LWV plans to file the suit through the student population lives in either the residence need to do to not only register, but also to vote, the loopholes. “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” Jerad Maplethorpe Spend a bit more time thinking about your mans, we tend to base our decisions off of what decisions and what is really important. Do you Opinions Editor other people do. If the majority of Americans need that instant gratification, or can you eat fast food, we easily justify eating it as well. Notice anything significant about the name wait the extra hour to get home and make This type of thinking has to stop. of this article? When Neil Armstrong stepped a decent meal? By simply changing the way you think about onto the moon for the first time, his actual quote Individualism is strong in the Ameri- what you are putting into your body, you can was, “One small step for man, one giant leap can heart and, therefore, change begins resist fast food altogether. How many fruits and for mankind.” The distinction is hard to notice, with you. You cannot wait for some- vegetables do you eat in a day? Probably not but without the “a” in there, man and mankind one else to change the world. It many, but no one else does either, so it must be mean the same thing. I can only imagine how takes “one small step for a man, okay, right? No. Your diet is extremely crucial frustrated he must have been once he realized to your physical, psychological and emotional one giant leap for mankind.” his mistake. well-being. After all, you are what you eat, so This article has nothing to do with the moon. if you put shitty food in, how do you think In fact, the issue that I would like to address is you’ll feel? a very Earthly one. Neil Armstrong’s intended Eating healthy isn’t always cheap, I’ll admit message was that through the efforts of individ- that, but doesn’t that make a statement in itself? uals, mankind’s history changed forever. This is Healthy food should be more expensive than the same message that I would like to convey crappy food, as it offers you something to you, although about a very different subject: valuable. After all, your brain tells you fast food. to stop eating once you have consumed Fast food has become, what I would con- enough nutrients, not once you have sider to be, the epicenter of American obesity consumed enough food. and has led to a decline in the “mom and pop” In the long run, it is worth spending restaurants. These enormous corporations ab- a little extra time and money to eat solutely dominate every region of the country healthily. You will not only be able to and spend millions of dollars in marketing ev- support local farmers, but your body ery year to ensure that you think of them first will be very appreciative of your de- when hunger strikes. cision to take better care of it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for capitalism. I’m a realist and understand that This article is not about ridding the world of occasionally indulging in fast food places like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King is either necessary or appeasing; just or Taco Bell. This article is intended to inform keep in mind how frequently you visit you, the individual, about how your decision to fast food joints. Do you really need those purchase fast food has an effect on your body massive portions? Do you really want a box and your local economy. of greasy fries with that? Do you really want The simple truth is that fast food is bad for to give your money to a corporation that is only you. Most people know this, so why do so many paying the front counter employee mini- people still consume it? It is because, as hu- mum wage? entertainment 9 September 8 - September 21 www.stoutonia.com Jim Tavaré | Not a D-Nozzle Rose Meier Entertainment Editor for references to movies, music, women, shark attacks and Comedian Jim Tavaré left the crowd of much more. Other University of Wisconsin-Stout students in instruments that he bursts of laughter and applause after he brings up on stage entertained them on Tuesday night, Sept. include a recorder, 6. His musical talents, satirical style and harmonica, a mockery infusion of “caught-off-guard” sexual jokes of a violin and a make this Brit an act to remember. vacuum. He also uses Hailing from England, Tavaré describes these instruments to his physical appearance as similar to a body imitate other objects that autopsies are performed on. This and even dares to oddly-tall bald man has deep, concave eye make gyrating motions sockets and a boney face. Based on his on the cello’s side. looks, this is one dude you wouldn’t want You may recognize to share a small, dark space with. Tavaré from “Harry Fortunately, his looks have earned him Potter and the Prisoner a career. Tavaré plays off of his physical of Azkaban.” He played appearance and heritage throughout his the role of Tom the routine. It seems to work for him because Innkeeper in a short of his non-traditional approach. Tavaré but memorable part of has a way of mystery that an audience the film. waits on anxiously. Tavaré set the Donated Photo/Jim Tavaré Tavaré shares the stage with his cello for semester off on a good most of his act. He relies on the instrument note, literally. Top Five Rock Songs of Summer 2011| Editor’s Picks 1 # Blink-182, “Up All Night” 2 Adelitas Way, “Sick” Trivium, “In Waves” 3 4 Korn featuring Skrillex, “Get Up!” 5 Jane’s Addiction, “Irresistible Force” Rose Meier Entertainment Editor Contrary to what popular radio believes, I think that the best song from the summer of 2011 is “Up All Night” by Blink-182. Although Britney Spears and I are on good terms, she just doesn’t make me whip my hair back and forth quite like Blink-182 does. But to be fair, she has taught me some good dance moves. After a couple of years on hiatus, Blink-182 has resumed music-making. Their sixth studio album, “Neighborhoods,” is dated from release on Sept. 27. Their first single, “Up All Night,” I believe, is worthy of being the best rock song for the summer of 2011. For those familiar with the band’s older tunes, not too much has changed in regard to their style: catchy melodies with a punk-rock attitude. “Up All Night” has an enjoyable balance of vocal melodies with strong-hitting guitar riffs. Although Blink-182 has experimented with with outer space themes in their songs before, “Up All Night” makes you feel as if you are floating around inside of an alien spaceship. Am I biased in favor toward the band? Yes. Even though I enjoy Blink-182’s music, own their documentaries, and my car’s license plate is personalized with “182,” I believe these soundwaves have established credibility for entering your eardrums. Rose Meier/Stoutonia Any disagreements? Visit this article online. All the Right Moves preforming at UW-Stout’s Backyard Bash. entertainment 10 FSeebprtueamryb e1r M- 8Fa e-y bS 6re u-p aMtreaymy 1 b14e9r 2w1wwwwww..wssttwoou.ustttooonnuiitaao..cncoioamm.com Video Game Recommendations | “Catherine” Hassan Javiad platforming/action sequences. Every night as To match the Staff Writer Vincent goes to bed, he has to climb various amazing gameplay is areas by stacking different blocks and lining the equally amazing Adult relationships, infidelity and finding them up to form a path and make it to the top. presentation for your place in society are hardly the sort of These segments are quick, intense and can be the game. Team topics you’d expect a video game to tackle. extremely difficult. Persona, famous This past summer’s video game, “Catherine,” The well-done and addictive nature of for their Persona by Japanese developer Team Persona, not only the gameplay ensures that you retry just one RPGs, makes its does just that but does it oh-so-well. “Catherine” more time (over and over again). The game debut on HD consoles may just be both the best the most unique game does get progressively more difficult as well, with “Catherine.” to come out this year. keeping the experience fresh. It adds new The game really bursts In an industry of first-person shooters, role- block types, traps and even boss fights where with its unique visual playing games (RPGs) and action games, huge monsters chase you as you attempt to style and amazing music. “Catherine” is an odd beast to describe. The ascend toward your escape. The Japanese anime art phrase “there’s nothing like it” is probably the The puzzle gameplay is difficult and style, coupled with one of the more most overused cliché to describe a game. For sometimes even frustrating, but it’s designed memorable soundtracks in video games, a game like “Catherine” though, it really is the so well that you really feel compelled to serves to really complete the experience. only way to describe it. The game is a unique finish each level and gain an awesome sense All in all, “Catherine” is a wonderful blend of Japanese visual novel games, RPGs, of accomplishment when you do. It’s also and unique game. With the Japanese game Japanese dating simulators and, quite oddly, not strange to find yourself going over to the industry stagnating and our own western platforming, puzzle and action games. There game’s multiplayer modes. Here, you can industry trickled with more of the same types really is nothing like it and that is reason enough team up with a friend and either compete or of games, “Catherine” is a huge breath of fresh to perk one’s curiosity. cooperate to climb the various towers that the air. It features an amazing story, addictive and “Catherine” is a mash-up of some of the most game throws at you after you’re done with mind-numbing gameplay, is very pretty to obscure genres in video games. Beyond the the main single-player mode. look at and has tons of replay ability with its excellent gameplay, the game has a story that The other half of the game has you play eight endings and multi-player modes. It gets will probably be the major drawing point for as Vincent during the day and leads into a wholehearted recommendation. Pick this one many gamers. “Catherine” features perhaps one the more visual, novel/dating sim aspect of up if you missed out on it over the summer. of the most mature stories in a video game to the experience. Here you control Vincent come out in recent memory. The game manages and have various dialogue choices and to tackle topics like relationships, marriage and interactions that eventually determine which infidelity without bringing any immature nudity of the game’s eight endings you get. Each or skin service that plagues even some of the choice affects your karma meter and skews best of games. a needle toward either pink or blue (chaos or While “Catherine” touches on some really order, respectively). The great thing about the sensitive subject matter, it’s the very relatable choices in the game is that they aren’t very characters, the immersive world and the joy black and white. The game will really have of playing Vincent, the main character, that you thinking and questioning yourself as you really brings the experience to an all-new level. dive deep and examine your own morals. The game has you play as Vincent Brooks, a One of the best things about the game is 28-year-old male with a standard programming how difficult and complicated these choices job who is in a long-term relationship with a girl can be. The game takes the choice element a named Katherine (yes spelled with a “K,” not step further by adding in a cell phone texting a “C”). Katherine is the nice but domineering mechanic. Vincent generally spends most girlfriend who is pressuring Vincent to settle of his evenings in a bar called the “Stray down and get hitched. As Vincent struggles to Sheep” where he drinks and passes the take the next step and get married, along comes night away with friends. During his time at another very attractive girl named Catherine, the bar before bed, Vincent ends up getting who begins hitting on him. A drunken night at text messages from either of the two girls, the bar and a meeting with Catherine leads from Catherine or Katherine. The game lets you one thing to another, and pretty soon things choose, sentence-by-sentence, how you wind up ugly as Vincent wakes up by her the reply to these texts, and these in turn affect next day. your karma meter as well. All of these As Vincent deals with the harsh reality of his elements make for one hell of an immersive recent infidelity, he begins experiencing intense experience that really turns you into the nightmares that character you’re playing. make for the A pressing concern, then, is whether all of game’s puzzle/ these different aspects mesh together properly or not. “Catherine” features some really deep and intense gameplay experiences, very different from one another, but it is the context of its narrative and story that really helps each section flow into and build of the other. The result is a very unique and highly cohesive experience that will enthrall anyone who plays it.