Jiufen
Play Review by Tracy X.
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
(1949) 144 pages
Death of a Salesman truly is a play that catches your attention from the start. It has various motifs strung throughout, and it immediately utilizes them to develop the play into one that hits hard, even to young people like myself. The Death of a Salesman tells the story of Willy Lowman, an old salesman who lives in New York City and must travel every day to New England and back just to make some potential sales. His American Dream is completely crushed, and his industry and career has been taken over by industrialism and machines. His whole dream was to become rich one day and to live the American Dream, creating his own business hopefully, but in the end he worked his entire life to just be met with one thing: death. He realizes that everything he has around him that he had worked so hard for was useless. His son, Biff, is also a man who is lost. He is one that understands his ability and his calling, but in the societal standards he cannot chase it and must instead submit to a basic corporate job in order to seem successful. In the end, the Death of a Salesman is truly an American tragedy that highlights the economic failures of America in treating the working class, and also the unhappiness of those who wish to live a life that is different from what society deems to be normal in the modern age.
Game Review by Suri L.
Puella Magi- Madoka Magica: Magia Exedra (2025)
Rated T
Following the famous media franchise, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and succeeding the previous game, Magia Record, is the new role-playing game Magia Exedra. This game centers around a magical girl, the player, who is seeking out the memories of other magical girls to find her true self. In addition to the great storyline and pacing, this game also has a variety of art styles for their units. Kiokus, the in-game name for the units that can be obtained via game currency, can be leveled up and be used in battles. Additionally, the different magical girls that you encounter also have friendship levels that you can level up. Exedra is a very well made game with an easy battle mechanism and transparent/well-explained unit drop rates.
However, one of the major issues I have with this game is how hard it is to get in-game currency: the diamonds. As a new player, the chances for obtaining those diamonds are relatively easy, since there are many available game content for them to clear. But as soon as you reach end-game, the only way of obtaining those diamonds are clearing missions, event stories, and future game content to come. Even so, the battle mechanism is easy enough that a full team of high-rarity units are not a requirement. It all depends on personal preferences.
Overall, I give this game a 4/5. A good game with amazing graphics, but I cannot see myself playing it long-term.
Game Review by Roman T.
Asphalt Legends Unite (2018)
Rated E10+
Asphalt is a high-speed racing game that delivers thrilling, arcade-style action on a mobile phone setting. The game features a wide variety of cars, tracks, and events, allowing players to customize their vehicles and race through unique environments, from city streets to tropical locations. The controls are smooth and intuitive, making it easy for both casual players and racing enthusiasts to enjoy the nature of the game. The game offers an upgrading progression system, including upgrades and rewards, but also includes in-app purchases for players who want to advance while spending real money. Overall, Asphalt stands out for its exciting, action-packed races and visually impressive design, offering fun for those who love speed and competition.
