FOCUS

Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 1 When Secret Snowflake Flakes... it?s immensely successful when everyone participates.? Even though the Secret Snowflake Exploring The Shortcomings of our Holiday Traditions program strives to spread cheer throughout the entire campus, there are unfortunately By: Katia Campos '22 situations

With Thanksgiving long since passed, I think it?s safe to COTD. on Page 2 say that winter is approaching. With winter comes the joyous holiday of Christmas. We at FCS have a special way to show our school spirit and love for the holiday... a little something called ?Secret Snowflake? (though many still call it "Secret Santa"). For those of you that are unaware of what Secret Snowflake is, it?s an annual tradition in which the Student Council randomly assigns each upper school student and teacher a fellow classmate or colleague to purchase a small treat for right before Christmas. In the past, the Student Council has suggested that nobody spend more that $5 on a gift.

According to Student Council Vice President McKenna Blinman ?19, the event has been arranged for many years. ?We continue this [tradition] because it is a relatively easy way to spread holiday cheer and show others in the community how much you care about them,? says McKenna. She continues, ?the joy of getting a gift from someone but not knowing who it is, [and] seeing the work they put into sharing a little happiness [is] unbeatable. Witnessing your person?s joy as they open their present from you might be even more gratifying than getting a gift.? McKenna ends her interview by saying, ?the event is really about spreading happiness and holiday cheer around our campus, and

In This Issue: Quaker ism + Spor ts? (P2) Film Review (P8) Skiing Reccomendations (P3) Video Game Review (10) Featured Ar tist (P4) New Music Review (15) New iPad: Wor th It? (P5) Spor ts Review (6) Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 2

'Secret' COTD. from Page 1 In Quaker Spor ts, Good Char acter where people end up not is the Name of the Game receiving anything from their Secret Santa, causing them to By: Miles Johnson ?19, feel let down. Focus reporters went out in search of people incident unfolded in the who hadn?t received gifts in The Quaker SPICES, midst of an intense playoff years past to see what their Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, game, both teams stopped experiences were like. Max M. Community, Equality, and what they were doing and Cohen ?19 says that he has Stewardship, are known to checked on the player. At experienced this situation guide the behavior of the end of the game, we before: ?I had spent a few days Friends? Centralites in the lost one- zero and were trying to figure out what I classroom. The school also knocked out of the Friends would get from my Secret Despite the sadness of expects that its League Playoffs. Despite Santa, and I had picked a Pierce?s ninth grade student- athletes will uphold this, our players handled pretty cool gift, candy of some experience, the story has a these values outside of the the loss with the SPICES in sort. I was thinking, ?I can?t silver lining, because in classroom, even while mind. A day after the loss, wait to see what I received.? tenth grade, he did receive a competing in athletic the head coach of the team, You know, like a letter of some gift. He reflects on how it programs. As an institution Galen Guindon ?06, said to sort, something small. I kept felt: ?It was fantastic. It was routed in Quaker values, his players, ?I received an waiting, every day. It never just so nice. I finally felt that came, and I was really Friends? Central aims to email from the MFS coach somebody actually thought disappointed. instill in student- athletes today. He wanted to thank of me, and it made a huge strong moral character on you all for the kind words difference.? and off the field, even and classy way you handled Sadly, Max wasn?t the only one though coaches of course their player getting injured. not to receive anything from a Students not receiving urge their teams to win. Yesterday wasn?t our day, Secret Santa. Pierce Hayton anything for Secret Santa can but I am always proud of ?20 received the same A beautiful example of be quite devastated. The the way you represent our treatment when he was in ?character over outcome? Student Council encourages school and program!? ninth grade: ?It was the last occurred at a recent boys? that everyone participate to week before Winter Break and avoid this situation. Let?s all soccer game. The team had I interviewed Liam I was waiting the whole week. I get into the ring and fight a four- seed versus five- seed Sullivan ?19. Liam is a was excited, it [was] my first the injustice of not receiving playoff game against four- year varsity soccer year of high school, my first a gift together. This year, let Moorestown Friends School. player and has been one of Secret Santa, and Friday us leave none of our Seven minutes into the the captains of the boys? comes and goes and I received classmates or teachers game, one of the players soccer team since his nothing.? Despite Pierce not behind, and actually have from Moorestown Friends junior year. Liam told me receiving anything that Friday, fun trying to surprise the was laid out on the ground that before he went to he didn?t give up hope. Pierce person that we?ve been injured. Everyone eventually Friends? Central, he was a says, ?I [thought] to myself, assigned to. You never know, learned that the player competitive player, but ?Maybe they just missed it, I?ll sometimes all someone broke his leg and after 20- 25 was never really concerned get something after break.? needs is a little gift to keep minutes, he was carted off with sportsmanship until Then, the first week after them going, to give them the field by an ambulance. he came here. break [came and went] and it hope for a new day. On that was a huge disappointment.? Although this unfortunate note, happy holidays! COTD. on Page 14

Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 3

Slope?s Up! Where to Ski Here in PA

by Aiden McLean '21, Guest Contributor accommodates all of our With winter here, it?s all needs and desires in a way too easy to remain indoors, that other local mountains curled up in a blanket, and don?t. For example, Bear binge- watch Netflix. While Mountain has very few the frigid weather certainly slopes from which to choose. prevents us from visiting the The price for a season pass beach or taking a dip in the at Blue Mountain ($599) is pool, it actually allows us to just ridiculous! We heard Elk has it (except for There are only three participate in an array of from some friends that vertical drops and cliffs). problems with Elk. First, outdoor activities only Camelback wasn?t For those even more it is a two- hour drive possible in the winter. Skiing necessarily the best choice. extreme skiers, there are from Philadelphia. and snowboarding are some This reduced the list down to two challenge courses to Second, there just aren?t of the most popular winter one: Elk Mountain. try. Each trail and slope is enough areas to tree ski, sports. My family has been different and offers Elk mountain reminds me so and last, the time it going skiing regularly every different challenges. much of Breckenridge, takes the lift to get you winter for the past four admittedly on a much The trails at Elk are to the top can feel like years. In December of 2015, smaller scale. This place is groomed daily and kept in an eternity. However, my dad took us to Colorado, the best spot to go for both exquisite condition. There Elk?s amazing slopes and we skied in Breckenrid- experienced daredevils and are medical and ski make up for all of these ge, one of the best ski resorts newer people just trying out support staff all over the shortcomings. Whatever in the country. After that, we skiing. There is a large place, ready to aid any level skier or developed a taste the sport bunny slope and they have mishap within minutes. snowboarder you are, and wanted more. We can?t great classes to choose from. The staff is always ready to Elk can accommodate afford to go to Breckenridge The only green slope, help. The lodge at the you. every winter, so we decided ?Tioga,? is an easy trail to bottom of the mountain Despite the long drive, it that each year we would rent perform, yet still fun for has some decent food, is still possible to have skis from a local shop and hit more experienced skiers. For candy, and hot chocolate, just a day ski, if your the slopes here in our own intermediate skiers and perfect after a long day of group has a well state. There are many snowboarders, a variety of skiing. It even comes with laid- out plan of leaving mountains to choose from in blue trails are available. All its own separate restaurant home early and leaving Pennsylvania, all with are fun to go down. Some are with better food. Elk a little bit early as different varieties of slopes, winding, some have spots Additionally, there are well. From 5-10pm, Elk courses, and skiers. In this good for jumps, and a few many restaurants just a has a few slopes article, I?ll review our have areas for tree skiing. twenty- minute drive away available for night favorite slope, Elk Mountain, For the more experienced from the lodge. For the skiing! If you are looking and explain what makes it people like myself, the black parents and adults in your for a mountain that is unique. trails are awesome. Mogoles, group, there is a bar and virtually guaranteed to One of the reasons our steep drops, extreme speeds, beer garden with beer and satisfy you, Elk family fell in love with Elk tree skiing, whatever you drinks, as a reward for a Mountain is the one. Mountain is because it love about a black diamond, hard day?s work. Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 4

Ar tist in Focus: The Creative Pur suits of Nir Netz

By Julian Duvivier '22

Twelfth grader, Nir Netz ?19, has a love for art in many interested in composing forms. He has been drawing (Ambient, since he was very young and Raggacore, Metalstep), his many talents. He possible colleges is currently enrolled in Ms. though he feels that he lacks enjoys numerous including the art schools Murphy?s Visual Arts Course. the time. animated shows such as MICA and MassArt, and His pastimes include Motor City, as well as the liberal art schools Though Nir finds enjoyment listening to music and many animated movies, Bennington and Sarah in more traditional studio art reading comics, notably Page including The Secret of Lawrence. He plans on forms, he focuses his talent by Paige and Homestuck. Nimh and Coraline, which continuing to create on sketching original Additionally he enjoys have inspired him and characters and pursue his characters. He showed me a creative writing and has a fueled his desire to goal of writing an series of these sketches and I fondness for nature, marine animate. animated series. He is was enamored by how biology, and entomology. seemingly on his way to interesting and Nir intends to continue his becoming a success in the Nir has worked in many personality- driven they all pursuits through art visual arts. different creative mediums. were. Alongside these, he let school and is currently

His most- studied medium is me look at a handful of looking at a number of drawing with pencil and action sketches he had done, paper, but it is far from his each of which took about two only. He has an affinity for minutes to draw. These are charcoal, pastels, and digital part of his dream to create art tools such as Photoshop an animated series, which and Procreate, and has would allow him to channel dabbled in many other areas of creative expression. The inspiration for his art often stems from his adoration of music. He has eclectic tastes spanning many genres and runs the Music Appreciation Club that meets every Friday from 1:15 - 1:50 in the Main building, room 20. He has tried his hand at composition, and is Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 5

Tech Focus By: Jerry Yu? 19 having a more powerful chip, Apple first introduced the its limited disk space proves to 12.9- inch iPad Pro in 2015, be a significant drawback. percent increase from its snap the Apple Pencil on followed by the 9.7-inch 56GB is hardly enough for predecessor and crushes the sides of their iPads, model in March of 2016. many movies and games, the new Samsung Galaxy and carry them with Since then, the design of the which are worthy challenges Tab S4 that sports a their devices, allowing iPad Pro line remained for the upgraded CPU and Qualcomm Snapdragon more convenience and unchanged, until Apple?s GPU, and the topic for this 845, one of, if not the most, safety as the old Pencils third- generation iPad Pro. edition?s special section, powerful non- apple mobile were quite prone to Launched in November of Gaming Focus. Read it in this chip by almost 3 times. losing. USB- C ports, on 2018, the design overhaul issue! When compared to laptops the other hand, can comes in both 12.9- inch and released in the same year, provide enough power 11-inch sizes, features an multi- core scores show no for the powerful chips all- screen display with compromise against Dell?s and can allow minimal bezels, and has no XPS 15 2- in- 1, and are significantly faster data home button. The new iPads lighter and thinner than transfer, and connection also feature Apple?s the others. to extremely TrueDepth camera system high- resolution displays. and updated FaceID What does this power technology, allowing for translate to? Full- sized All these changes result secure and rapid unlocks desktop apps on a mobile in smoother user from all angles, which was platform! Adobe promised experiences both for not possible on the recent Photoshop CC?s release on school and iPhone Xs line. iPad Pros by 2019, and entertainment. Starting The iPad Pro is marketed as Bethesda is releasing a new from $799 for 56GB a portable powerhorse, and Skyrim for iPads. (Yes, we versions, however, it is the latest benchmarks of the will talk about games this not the most economic A12X inside the 2018 models time). For the first time, we choice, as despite of back that claim up. Apple can hold a tablet in our makes many claims about hands and work on the new device: it has twice hundreds of layers in the graphics performance of Photoshop, instead of one the A10X; it has 90 percent single photo on the current faster multi- core Photoshop mobile build, performance than its allowing for more creative predecessor; and it freedom since artists can performs equally as GPU literally edit on the go. power of the Xbox One S The new iPad pro also has game console. The redesigned i/o, including Geekbench scores of the extra smart connectors, systems prove this claim is and a USB- C to replace no joke; single core scores Lightning. Now, users can show a more than 30 Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 6

Editor's Note: I extend special thanks to Julian Duvivier '22, who has gone above and beyond in his contributions to our Layout and Deisgn Team. As always, I also thank Mrs. Luzuriaga for her continued support and guidance.

Go Philly! By Max Marinelli '22 Max?s Flying Eagles Update, Week 10: Eagles vs. Cowboys (Loss: 27 - 21) The game started off as possibly the worst half of fourth quarter. They then 15, so he may be able to For the rest of the year, football in years. There proceeded to collapse and pull out a crucial we will be in a very were practically no yards of let the Cowboys score season- swinging win. similar position to the offense for the Eagles another touchdown, giving In the meantime, the one we were in at the through the first half and themselves 56 seconds and Eagles need to focus on end of last year: only three points combined no timeouts to score a fixing problems on both underdogs, going into for both teams through the touchdown. Wentz threw a sides of the ball. The nearly every game. As first quarter. In fact, 40- yard pass to Ertz, secondary is currently Jason Kelce said, heading into the last getting the Eagles all the paper thin, so those ?Hungry dogs run minute of the first half, no way to the seven yard line. who are still left need to faster, and that?s this team had scored a Yet, the time expired, and be playing their hearts team.? I think all of touchdown until a fateful the Cowboys left the game out. As for offense, I Philly is hoping for a third and 15 for the victorious, giving the don?t understand the strong playoff push to Cowboys inside their own Eagles a four- five record problem because the end the season as we go half. The Eagles had through the first nine team isn?t riddled with into the final stretch of already called two timeouts games. injuries. Therefore, they six games. to stop the clock after need to get their heads completely shutting down A playoff picture is fading back in the game and the Cowboys? first two away from the Eagles as recover some of last plays. On a third and 15, the they played an year?s drive. Eagles folded and allowed a embarrassing game the first, starting the Cowboys next week, losing 48- 7 to march down the field for a the nine- one Saints. The touchdown made possible Eagles? record stands at courtesy of the Eagles? poor four- six. To even make the defending. playoffs, they would most likely need to win all of the Going into the second half, remaining divisional the game had been a games or split with the defensive struggle at 13-3. Redskins and win against The second half ended up the Texans. At this rate, a more of the opposite with crushing loss to the Rams offenses trading is almost imminent. touchdowns. The Eagles However, it is Wentz?s went on to tie it at 20- 20 redemption game in week with little time left in the Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 7

Go Philly!

Greeting Gr itty: The New Mascot of the Philadelphia Flyer s By: Caroline Blackman '20,

Right before the start of public in his early their 2018- 19 season, the moments of existence, Philadelphia Flyers what seemed to be a total announced an exciting new flop of a marketing move addition to their quickly turned itself organization: a tough, around. After his first few retweeted a photo of there is one major issue energy- filled individual days on the job, the Gritty adding a that I can?t seem to look with an intimidating height Philadelphia community condescending caption of past, and it?s not those of 7 feet... their new couldn?t help but start to ?lol ok,? to which ridiculous eyes. It?s the mascot, Gritty! fall in love with the @GrittyNHL responded fact that although he ?Sleep with one eye open wears the Flyers jersey Within minutes of Gritty?s funny- looking monster... tonight, bird.? If there?s and helmet, Gritty doesn't reveal, the big, or creature...whatever you one thing Flyers? fans can play! What the Flyers googly- eyed, fluffy, orange want to call him! He bond with others over, really need is an exciting character gained a lot of proved to be an it?s their (good- spirited) new source on energy on attention inside and entertaining spectacle at hatred of the Penguins, the ice. Time and time beyond the sports world. the games: flying in from so Gritty?s tweet certainly again, the team finds Initially, Gritty was not the rafters, dancing crazily boosted his popularity. In itself lacking consistency received particularly well; on the big screen, kissing a matter of weeks, he had and frankly lacking many took to social media fans for the kiss cam, and gone from being a success during the to share their harsh views intimidating anybody laughing stock to being a regular season. Of the on the new mascot. #Gritty cheering for the opposing beloved figure in Philly. past six seasons, they became a trending topic on teams. I recently went to a So let?s give Gritty some have missed the playoffs Twitter, though probably game and everywhere I credit where credit is three times. If the Flyers not in the way the Flyers? looked, fans were wearing due. After all, it?s not want to stop finding marketing team had hoped Gritty shirts or hats that exactly easy to sway the themselves at their when they created the featured the mascot?s passionate and somewhat oh- so- familiar place in creature. Nightmare fuel, signature orange hairdo. stubborn minds of the middle of the league, muppet gone wrong, and Perhaps what truly earned Philadelphians. they?re going to need to an embarrassment to the the adoration of Philly fans think bigger... or smaller... fans of the Flyers are just a was the mascot?s response I think it?s safe to say that than Gritty. few examples of the nature to a mocking tweet from the addition of Gritty was of the criticisms Gritty the Pittsburgh Penguins, an overall success. He?s received. arguably the Flyers? biggest proved to be an exciting new source of energy for Though Gritty faced the rivals. The Penguin?s the organization. Still, unforgiving words of the twitter, @penguins Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 8

This Month in Film Bohemian Rhapsody: Wor thy of the Name

By Riley Roche '22, The life of Freddie Mercury is portrayed honestly and What happens when a tastefully, and the songs revered band is given a and band dynamic are just a high- budget biopic? Simply joy to watch. Overall, I put, amazing things. This would give Bryan Singer?s past month, we saw the Bohemian Rhapsody an 8/10 release of the movie, and, currently, it is my Bohemian Rhapsody, directed choice for best picture this by Bryan Singer. Bohemian Rhapsody focuses on the year. mine who is a huge Queen the dynamic the real band start of the ever- popular fan, the RT (Rotten members had with Creed II: Even Better Than band, Queen, and its band Tomatoes) score was brilliance and conveyed the Fir st One members? experiences and songs that eventually lead to released and the movie was the personalities and By Jared Miller '22 their brilliant performance hovering around the mid to emotions of these high 50s. I couldn?t believe characters perfectly. The at the 1985 Live Aid Charity The Rocky franchise is Event. it: Fox was going to screw visuals were definitely arguably one of the best up a Queen movie. After I better than expected, but After seeing the trailer for movie franchises ever. The forgot about the movie for got a little bland this movie, I was, to say the newest installment to the a while, it was released. As sometimes with some least, not looking forward franchise, Creed II, which the credits rolled, my basic camera angles. to it. I just couldn't wrap came into theaters on Nov. whole opinion changed... However, the music was my head around why 21st 21, did not disappoint. Creed this movie was fantastic! incredible and the Century Fox would choose II is about heavyweight Bohemian Rhapsody is the placement and usage of Bryan Singer of all people champion boxer Adonis first movie of the fall various Queen songs was to direct a biopic. For those Creed, son of Apollo Creed, season I can confidently very well done by Singer. who are unaware, Singer?s who is challenged by Viktor call ?good.? The one gripe I have with most famous work is with Drago, the son of Ivan this film is that Singer?s the X- Men franchise, as he There was obvious care Drago, the man who killed tendency in the X- Men directed 2000?s X- Men and and heart put into the Apollo Creed in the ring. It film franchise to make the 2014?s X- Men: Days of production of this movie. was an excellent movie with beginning of films too To start, I would like to Future Past. quick shined through in a wonderful plot. It was a acknowledge Susie Figgis Bohemian Rhapsody. The little bit predictable, as all On top of this odd choice for her work in casting. start of the band in the Rocky movies are, but there of director, the actors Every single member of the beginning of the movie is were a few moments that didn?t seem promising band delivered incredibly too fast, and I would cut definitely caught the viewer either. Aside from Rami true- to- life performances away some scenes towards off guard. Malek, most of the cast that I couldn?t see anyone the end of act two to members were relative else pulling off. The best part of this movie reduce the runtime. unknowns in the acting Specifically, Rami Malek was the performance of industry and seemed to and Gwilym Lee rocked If you have any spare time Michael B. Jordan, who deliver weak performances their performances as or are looking for played the main character, in the trailer. Finally, after Freddie Mercury and Brian something to do with Adonis Creed. all the waiting and May, respectively. These other people or even by COTD. on Page 9 excitement from a friend of two were able to portray yourself, watch this movie. Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 9

This Month In Film 'Creed II Review' COTD. so great in this movie. from Page 8 It wasn?t his fault though; he In both of those past wasn?t given much of a script movies, Michael was given a with which to work. great script, and he This movie was almost perfect, executed the roles earning an 82% on Rotten exceptionally well. Nothing Tomatoes, and an 8.1/10 on is different in Creed II. He is IMDb. The one flaw in this film given a lot to work with: a is that there are not enough bunch of dramatic scenes, a training scenes. There is only few aggressive scenes, and a one big training montage, few training scenes. which was very entertaining, Co- starring alongside but I think there should be Michael B. Jordan is more. All in all, Creed II is a Sylvester Stallone, who has fantastic movie and is a portrayed Rocky Balboa in must- see for all that are every Rocky movie to date. interested. In my opinion, he was not

Rewatch Recommendation Since it?s the holiday season, let?s take time to remember one of the best holiday movies of all time, Home Alone (1990). Home Alone is a fantastic movie about a boy who has to fight off burglars that are trying to break into his house on Christmas. Home Alone is directed by Chris Columbus, who, before Home Alone, had not directed a big film. However, since Columbus did such a wonderful job with Home Alone, his career launched a whole new chapter. Starring in this film is Joe Pesci, who is usually known for his more serious roles, but does a great job in a comedic role. It is an all- around great movie full of laughs, and you are sure to have a fun time watching it.

Like what you're reading? There is a third article to be found by visiting fcsfocus.or g/film Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 10

Gaming Focus Columnist's Opinions: G- Star 2018 and the future of MMORPGs By: Jerry Yu '19

Many would claim that developers have to roll out MMORPG is almost dead, new content, new maps, and when, in reality, it is more new classes for the players to alive than ever, and what it explore for existing games, needs is a shuffle. The instead of completely new Korean creators, for years games. the powerhouse in MMORPGs, are losing their Bethesda?s Elder Scrolls Western audience. NCSoft?s Online is beginning to see popular PC titles like Guild long- term success. In its Wars 2 is facing decline and fantasy world, Tamriel, World of Warcraft. Based on governments, wage war, and even shut- down, while players are allowed to freely the old Elder Scrolls series, write their own history. An Blade and Soul?s roam and form this game managed to take issue with the story- driven dueling- focused PvP lacks organizations, or fight for tradition to a new level. model is that developers innovation and its art style one of the three kingdoms in Maybe that?s where Bethesda have to constantly update more sexualized than went. new content, and it requires aesthetic. Long- anticipated the lore. Story- telling works more and more resources to new Korean releases like differently in these games: as Armed with similar ideas, continue, compared to Bless, meanwhile, players join one faction, they indie developers are flexing putting the continent in completely flopped in the will fight for the faction for their muscles as well, after eternal war, and sitting back West due to mediocrity and control, and their decisions game engines and powerful to do balance patches and art greed. I think that the main actually matter to not only computers are no longer overhauls. It is becoming reason why these games are their experiences, but also exclusive to the richest not gaining much force is more and more obvious what the entire game world, and companies. Star Citizen that they are designed based the players want: better millions of other players. raised over $100M and has on a similar formula. These combat systems, fairness, Meanwhile, this game offers recently opened a free trial companies focus too much skill- based gameplay, and on player looks, while the players infinite to its first working planet player choice. Developers stories and worlds are flat opportunities by opening up (they crafted each planet, should pay attention to what and linear, with no exciting the ?class? system with unlike No Man?s Sky). the players really want, and explorations awaiting the warriors, mages, and Crowfall, an Indie Game of try their best to deliver a players. healers, replacing it with Thrones - inspired MMORPG, game that fits the players? MMORPGs are very open skill trees players can meanwhile, raised over $1M desires. The market should different from AAA games customize to create and is experimenting on its no longer follow Vanilla that release every year, in heavy- armored mages, swift fantasy world featuring WOW?s patterns of questing that players pay less combat medics, or tanks endless power struggles and and grinding, but allow the attention to the graphics with bows and arrows. After territorial wars. These players more freedom in an and more to what they can the Morrowind expansion, games take the concept of open world they can truly actually accomplish in an the player base is reported to player freedom to a new conquer. ?alternate reality? over be over ten million, making level, as there are no more years of devotion, and the it a direct competitor to the storylines, and players are juggernaut in the genre, free to bond, trade, form Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 11

Gaming Focus

E3. Gamescom. G- Star 2018.

We were promised quite a few new games and gaming devices, and by now, most have been delivered. Here are a few noteworthy events in different game genres:

Fallout 76 launched.

Bethesda? Hello? IGN gave useful multiplayer you 5/10!On E3, Bethesda interactions, and all the announced the new quest- givers are wandering installation to the robots, dead, or AI vastly- popular Fallout constructs. No humans. member of the EA Columnist?s Review: franchise. Set in There is no talking, no marketing team, Assassin?s Creed Odyssey. post- apocalyptic West combat, just walking around meanwhile, tweeted that Virginia after a devastating What a AAA should be. Nice and bad stories. players ?shouldn?t buy the nuclear war, this game is job Ubisoft Quebec.Grand, Battlefield V launched. game if they don?t like it? to expected to be ?the online majestic, and most angry fans after the overly prequel where every Better than Fallout 76. importantly, fun. That is what politically correct trailer surviving human is a real Thanks, EA marketing team. you?d expect from a new featuring disabled British person...the largest, Battlefield V actually turned Assassin?s Creed installation. female frontline soldiers in most- dynamic world ever out to be a great , but It is set in the Peloponnesian the frontlines of WWII. created in the legendary incomplete, game. DICE war over 2400 years ago, a Sales were down by 63% Fallout universe.? This tried to hide not being able decades- long struggle percent compared to its game turned out to be large to be as productive as BF1, so between Athens and Sparta. wildly successful and lonely. With some 20 they announced the Tides of The player has much predecessor BF1, and EA people spread across a War service, where live freedom in experiencing the has to fire a few people and massive map comparable to content is to be pushed to social, political, and warfare put everything on sale for that of Fallout 4 (an entire players (imagine ?Seasons? both on land and sea. 50% to save the day. city), players hardly see any in Fortnite, LoL, or R6S). A Experience over 60 hours of However, unlike Fallout 76, storyline placing the it had great reviews. hero/heroine in a conflict of YouTubers like JackFrags, money, patriotism, and LevelCapGaming, and family conflict. It is beyond Angry Joe all quite positive an exciting war game- - it is a about the gameplay thoughtful recreation of innovations, while IGN ancient Greece that we can giving it an 7.5/10 score enjoy fully. Overall, an despite the fact it is exciting open- world RPG unfinished. experience, but the sound is the only drawback to the game. Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 12

Focus in Photos By: Lydia Varcoe- Wolfson '19 Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 13

Focus in Photos Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 14

'Quaker Values' COTD. from Page 2 the court. She said, ?If I they care without having an bench when they would want to have a chance at attitude if we get subbed off rather play? What we?ve Liam reflected, ?I think winning, let alone actually by our coach, or yelling at the learned from our players what helped me develop win, then I have to compete. ref after a bad call. Upholding with good values is that this understanding of the When incorporating integrity and leadership is however a player responds, it importance of sportsmanship into this idea something that every player should be in a way that sportsmanship was of competitiveness, it acts a can show while competing. upholds the testimonies we playing for Coach Galen. set of unspoken rules that I This is the culture here at hold most dear- - especially in He always reminds us abide by. Things as simple Friends? Central. Our Quaker this year of integrity. that whether we win or as picking up a member on culture is a social glue and Developing solid lose, we will do it with the opposing team after a this is what promotes a sportsmanship is a virtue class, because that is foul or handshaking at the positive community. that will prepare us for life what kind of program we end of the game are easy well beyond the field, court, are.? When you step foot How does a player react to a sportsmanship- related track, or pool, and well on the field, court, pool, bad call? How should a player things to do that do not beyond Friends? Central. and track, you are not react to being sent to the impede on my competitive, only representing game- driven mindset.? yourself, but you are Being competitive, while at representing your school the same time valuing and the values for which sportsmanship, is not it stands. Liam said that difficult for Raanee to having good character is balance. To Raanee, playing so important because with good sportsmanship is ?our actions on the field just an acknowledgment reflect our school that she is playing whether we want them to basketball and having fun or not. Keeping a good while doing it. Furthermore, reputation for our school the importance of good can help attract more sportsmanship to her kids which will let the reflects the respect she has athletic program grow for the game. and develop.? Of course, in any sport, Next, I interviewed whether Quaker or not, Raanee Smith ?19. Raanee scoring a win is a goal every is a University of player strives to achieve. Colorado commit and a While Quaker tradition four- year varsity doesn?t totally disagree with basketball player. She has competition, it urges been the captain of the players to demonstrate it in girls? basketball team a way which reflects high since her junior year. ethical standards. As an Raanee explained the example of a way this balance of staying sportsmanship can manifest competitive in order to itself, players are able to be win, as well as having competitive and show that good sportsmanship on Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 15

Music Focus: Muse?s Simulation Theory Can?t Simulate Good Music

By: Lucas Chiang '22, and Calvin Mustokoff '22, Guest Contributor

Few things can be as based around complex depressing as watching your musical parts and vocals, or favorite band start to ?theater rock,? while crumble to pieces. For the Absolution featured more English rock band Muse, no bass- heavy punk rock. one can deny that they had a Simulation Theory?s theme good run, starting with the mainly comes from Showbiz (1999) and electronic rock with as the next song, Luckily, next up is the creating tons of famous an additional 80?s sci- fi retro "Propaganda." starts off as a single "Thought songs and along the vibe, but honestly, some of stereotypical bad dubstep Contagion," a catchy and way, such as Absolution the songs sound more like a song before bursting into jamming song featuring (2003), Black Holes and 12 year- old?s first some poppy an Imagine Revelations (2006), and The GarageBand project. Timberlake- style vocals. Dragons- style chorus. Resistance (2009). However, Next up is "Break It To Me," Honestly, it is just so all good things eventually which will probably sound incredibly fun to listen The album starts off with come to an end, and that?s better live as it features a to, and it actually has "Algorithm," a rather what happened on Nov. 9, lot of unique guitar good synths that aren?t underwhelming electronic when Muse?s eighth studio techniques, such as too heavily used. The dubstep. This type of music album, Simulation Theory scratching to create an next song is "Get Up And is heard quite frequently (2018), was released. With a ambient noise solo. Fight" which received throughout the album, but very underwhelming track However, the opening more mixed reviews. right after that comes one of list and a general guitar riff sounds pretty Personally, I like it, but I the better songs in the uninspiring sound, terrible and flat. After that can see how longtime album, The Dark Side, which Simulation Theory is a comes "" Muse fans won?t was also released as a single. musical mess. previously released as a appreciate the The Dark Side definitely single, and this is where I vocaloid- style vocal returns to more traditional just ask, ?Muse, what in opening. Personally, my Muse was formed in 1994 by Muse music, which means your right minds are you favorite part of the song singer and guitarist Matt using more bass and adding guys doing?? Although is definitely the ending Bellamy, bassist Chris a guitar solo but still keeping "Something Human" takes a keyboard. The following Wolstenholme, and the electronic synths of break from the painful tune, "Blockades" is drummer Dom Howard. For Simulation Theory, and, dubstep, it instead uses a certainly the highlight of a long time, Muse was hailed frankly, that?s what most of mellow guitar that sounds the album. "Blockades," as a band known for its these songs should have straight out of a bad has it all: a catchy variety; (2012) been like. Following this country album. With over chorus, intricate featured an artsy synth rock song comes the hit single, half of the album done, musical riffs, and even vibe, while Drones (2015) was "Pressure," a fun 80?s retro two- thirds of the songs an incredible guitar solo a much heavier album with rock with an appealing heard so far are well past at the end. Honestly, I more emphasis on the guitar riff backed by a brass underwhelming. could write a whole guitar, bass, and drums. section. Here, things take a paragraph about just (2001) turn for the worse, however, and The Resistance were COTD. on back cover Issue Three - December 2018 Read Online at fcsfocus.org Page 16 is. It has musical parts the songs are just sad. Not Timberlake. I still have hope that Muse, at the very imitative of Origin of only are songs like least, will remain to keep their incredible talent, and Symmetry, a guitar part Propaganda and Something even Simulation Theory shows that Muse can become similar to Drones, and a Human just depressing to more mainstream while keeping their amazing music, verse and chorus alike to listen to, Muse just lacks the as heard in songs like Pressure or Blockades. Therefore, Absolution. Wolstenholme?s same feel that they originally for now, even if one of the most famous rock bands bass and Howard?s drums had. ?s ever is starting to fall into oblivion, I can at least know finally show up again, bass part, the same bass that that Muse will always be who they always were. specifically the drum beat played the bass of Muse?s during the verse, which is Hysteria (2003), which was OUR STAFF just so catchy and fun to considered by The Top Tens Julian Brenman ?20, Editor- In- Chief listen to. Although Pressure to be the third best bassline and are, of all time, is practically REPORTING TEAM despite how good they nonexistent and when heard Vicky Liu ?20, School News and Features sound, rather simple and is constantly drowned out by Caroline Blackman ?20, Sports repetitive, Blockades could the synths and vocals. To have come straight from conclude, Simulation Theory Katia Campos ?22, School News and Features peak Muse albums such as is just plain disappointing. Julian Duvivier ?22, Arts and Technology Black Holes and Revelations This leaves us with the real Miles Johnson '19, Sports or The Resistance. If you?re question: can Muse ever scared of listening to this return to its peak form? Yianni Krontiris ?22, Sports album because of everything Back in 2012, when The 2nd Jack Li ?20, Features I said before, at least take a Law was released, many fans listen to Blockades. were underwhelmed by the Jared Miller ?22, General lighter, artsier sounds, only Max Marinelli ?22, Sports to be satisfied again once Unfortunately, things Riley Roche ?22, Reviews and Media Drones came out, returning certainly get worse from to Muse?s heavier roots. But Jerry Yu ?19, Technology there with single "" now, any Muse fan would being rather unremarkable LAYOUT AND DESIGN TEAM take The 2nd Law over on all fronts. As it?s a Simulation Theory any day of Julian Duvivier '22, In- Print Layout Designer tradition that the last song of the week. Simulation Theory every Muse albums is one of Lucas Chiang ?22, Webmaster is unlike Muse not only the worst, the only thing Katia Campos ?22, Digital layout Associate stylistically but in terms of "The Void" does well is keep music quality. The only Peikun Shi ?22, In- Print Layout Associate that tradition. Throughout thing Muse could really do is the entire song, all I could PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM to go way back to its roots, think was, ?just add a guitar with more complex ?theater Lydia Varcoe- Wolfson ?19, Senior Photographer already.? It sounds less like a rock? and more guitar, bass, Muse song and more like the Matthew Shen ?22, Photographer and drums. But if anything, Stranger Things opening. OPERATIONS TEAM Muse is heading in the This finishes Simulation opposite direction, into a Vicky Liu ?20, Coordinator of Internal Relations Theory with 11 songs, maybe more pure pop style of four of which are as good as ADVISORY TEAM music. I still have hope that older Muse songs. The rest of Muse, at the very least, will Ms. Katie Dickerson and Mr. Thomas Soper