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The Lion’s Bys
December 2007
Restaurant Review: Brodeurs
: Amy Bork
aeb5146@psu.edu
Lions Eye Staff Writer
As smoke hangs in the air and the smell alcohol and ap-
: petizers saturate the room, lively customers gather to play a fun,
popular game. Others relax and enjoy the company of friends or
the sporting event displayed on the televisions overhead. But as the
questions are asked, the temptation to join the game is overwhelm-
ing.
Originally a pub game from Ireland, variations of Quizzo
began emerging in Philadelphia area in the early 1990s. How
many pints of blood are in the human body? What country is the
largest producer of wine? It’s an unruly competition as teams
struggle to answer tough, pop culture questions. Four rounds,
ten questions each round, with the possibility of a bonus round or
tie-breaker. Teams get fierce.
Thursday nights at Brodeur’s on State Street in Media,
teams ban together to participate in an upbeat, fast-paced competi-
tion for prizes. As drinks are poured, questions are asked and cheers
ring loud as winners of the past round are announced.
At this late night happy hour, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. every
Thursday night, the game is not the only thing to get excited about.
Discount appetizers and drinks, including piled high nachos and
wings for $5 or $3 Absolut drinks and $2 Bud Lights help to draw
in customers. Not only known for their happy hours or rousing
games of Quizzo, Brodeur’s on State Street offers casual eating
in their Garden Room, on the front deck or patio, or a fine dining
experience in the Jackson Room.
The menu’s range from drinks and appetizers to delicious
soups, hearty salads and full plated entrees. Executive chef, Dan
Brodeur brings his award winning cuisine to the lively streets of
Media, creating a menu that anyone could find pleasing.
While entrees can be pricy, Quizzo offers an excuse for
students and young adults to splurge on good food and great drinks,
while staying within budget. Brodeur’s is a exciting spot to catch
up with friends and enjoy a night out.
When the plates are empty and you find yourself staring
at the bottom of your glass, the final round of Quizzo competition
intensifies. Teams close to the lead know this is their last chance to
make a move. Locals at the bar lean over to lend answers to com-
peting teams.
As the teams forfeit their final answers to the judge, they
anticipate the scores. One team will be victorious, winning a gift
certificate to the restaurant, while others rival for second and third
and leave with the hopes of a win next week.
A vigorous game filled with
both excitement and frustration,
Quizzo draws in crowds every
Thursday at the local bar. Many
think they know pop culture, but
when the pressure is on and the
questions are coming fast, the
game becomes tougher than
imagined. For more information
visit www. brodeursonstatestreet.com
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“Let’s-Make-a-con”
By Greg Galiffa
gmg5041@psu.edu
Lion's Eye Staff Writer.
They can be seen almost anywhere. Some may call them “odd” or “bi-
zarre”. Others may say they are just expressing themselves in their own way.
Whatever the opinion, one fact is clear: the Japanese animation fan-base is a
growing genre in today’s society.
Now, to many people, this cult genre and its fan-base may seem extra-
neous. A few years ago, these people would be right, but not any more. Today
there are many conventions and events in cities around the United States that
are based solely on anime and its following. One city in particular that has re-
cently warmed up to the anime community and its happenings is Philadelphia.
Zenkaicon, Kosaikon, Tekkoshocon, Otakon, and Tadokucon are just
some of the anime conventions that take place in or around Philadelphia. The
most recent one, Tandokucon, held in November, was a huge success. For a
first year convention, the amount of guests, events and people was astonishing.
In the years to come, Tandokucon and conventions alike have to nothing to do
but grow in the city of Philadelphia. Let’s just hope the city of brotherly love
is ready for it.
Joey DiCamillo
jld457@psu.edu
Lions Eye Staff Writer
Side-scrollers have been in gaming for a very long time with games,
ranging from plumbers like Mario rescuing princesses and girls in suits like
Samus in Metroid exploring the galaxy. One series in particular became
very popular and is still using the side-scrolling formula today. That series is
Castlevania, and in particular, Symphony of the Night.
Symphony was a 2D action-adventure game released in 1997 for the
Playstation One, and was published by Konami. It started out with Richter
Belmont battling Dracula through the last moments of Rondo of Blood with
whip in hand, but the game soon switched to Alucard who takes up the quest
of entering the manifestation of Dracula’s castle, “Castlevania.” Taking place
in 1797, Alucard ventures after his long sleep to investigate the castle and
along the way meets Maria Renard who is searching for Richter.
The game plays very much like a Transylvanian Metroid, having the.
character explore a huge map battling monsters, collecting items and power-
ups, and discovering hidden rooms. Unlike previous Castlevania games,
Symphony of the Night has the protagonist Alucard wielding weapons like
swords, knives, knuckles, etc., instead of the traditional whip. Also, the abil-
ity the pick up items and throw weapons like crosses, axes, and more are still
present. In this game, Alucard can also transform into creatures like a bat, a
wolf, and even a creeping mist. Symphony also reintroduces a concept within
the Castlevania series, blending platforming with a mix of RPG. Alucard
can level up and raise attributes, collect money and buy items, and summon
familiars to aid him. The mix of RPG has remained in the series ever since
Symphony. The music of the game, sometimes considered the best in the
series, is the highest quality, blending metal, gothic, and techno.
Symphony of the Night has high critical acclaim and has a huge cult
following. If you missed the Symphony train and you still itch for some mon-
ster slaying, start now. Symphony of the Night is now available on the Xbox
Live Arcade and is featured in the PSP release of Castlevania: The Dracula
X Chronicles. There is no escape from Dracula’s lure, so step now into the
castle of evil and pray there is no return.