Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University, Author at Study Breaks

Playing With Prose: ‘House of Leaves’ Shows the Value of Experimental Literature

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The unconventional cult classic proves some stories can only be presented through the page.…

September 26, 2022

In an article about drift racing, a car drifting

Drift Racing Has a Long, Rich History

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Drifting’s evolution from a niche, underground hobby into a globally recognized motorsport brought drastic changes to the world of racing.…

September 16, 2022

in an article about translation, a picture of a book

The Unseen Challenges of Translation

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Bringing films and literature to other languages isn’t as easy as it sounds.…

September 7, 2022

in an article about copyright, a person holding money

A Guide to the Copyright Controversies of YouTube and Twitch

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The vague and inconsistent legal guidelines of these platforms have dragged their users into a nightmare of disputes.…

August 30, 2022

in an article about arcades, an illustration of a game

Will Arcades Survive the Post-Pandemic Gaming Industry?

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

After years of decline culminated in numerous closures after 2020, many question whether the industry will ever recover from its recent losses.…

August 22, 2022

the main characters of Spy × Family and Love Is War

‘Spy × Family’ and ‘Love Is War’: Rom-Coms for People Who Hate Rom-Coms

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

With their creative premises and unorthodox executions, these romantic comedies revitalize the genre for a broader audience.…

August 16, 2022

In an article on the right to repair, a person attempting to fix their phone

The Right To Repair Has Both Pros and Cons

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The legislation promises a bright future for tech owners, but many questions and controversies have held it back over the years.…

August 9, 2022

In an article about video games, people learning

Can Commercial Video Games Become Educational Tools?

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Though many parents and teachers consider the medium to be distractive and harmful, it could play an important role in shaping the future of education.…

August 1, 2022

in article about amnesia in fiction, depiction of guns and polaroids

Does Fiction Provide an Accurate Depiction of Amnesia?

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Although memory loss is treated as a common trope in fiction, few portrayals match the reality of the condition.…

July 25, 2022

How Fighting Games Recovered From the Brink of Death

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

After fading into obscurity for multiple years, the genre has made a surprise resurgence in recent times.…

July 18, 2022

In an article about healthy snacks, a banana, chocolate, cucumbers, and blueberries

Not All ‘Healthy Snacks’ Are Actually Healthy

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Though many try to ensure that their meals are nutritious, very few give this same attention to snacks — a big part of most of our diets.…

July 12, 2022

Eye strain, a common condition for college students

A Guide to Digital Eye Strain in College Courses

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Although the condition affects most college students, treating and preventing it is a surprisingly simple process.…

July 5, 2022

Final Fantasy XVI Won’t Repeat Square Enix’s Past Mistakes

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The newest entry in the long-running franchise has yet to release, but it's already overcome its developer’s greatest flaws.…

June 28, 2022

In an article about spiritual successors, a scene from 'Black Mirror'

Films and Television Need Spiritual Successors

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Sequels and remakes aren’t the only way for studios to reinvent familiar ideas.…

June 21, 2022

In an article about The Sumerian Game, a person playing the video game

The Sumerian Game Is a Forgotten Video Game Landmark

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Though few people know of its existence, this city-building, edutainment title is one of the most influential games of all time.…

June 13, 2022

The Sims glorifies the menial tasks of everyday life

The Sims Gamifies Everyday Life

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

How the open-world game turned mundane routines into one of gaming's most successful franchises.…

June 4, 2022

an illustration of a character from Berserk and creator death of Kentaro Miura

The Future of ‘Berserk’ Raises Questions About Posthumous Continuations

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The passing of Kentaro Miura raises an old issue: Does the death of an author mean the end for their unfinished stories?…

May 25, 2022

cover of Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adriano Celentano

Lyrics Without Language in ‘Prisencolinensinainciusol’

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The nonsensical lyrics of Adriano Celentano’s 1972 hit single draw attention to how we perceive different languages in music.…

May 22, 2022

E3 crossed out with "cancelled" written over it

E3 2022’s Cancellation Reveals the Expo’s Declining Relevance

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The annual expo’s recent announcement reflects its years of difficulty in surviving the modern gaming industry.…

May 12, 2022

Future technology woven together from various books by Jules Verne

The Astonishing Science in Jules Verne’s Fiction Novels

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The 19th-century sci-fi author Jules Verne somehow predicted many technological inventions that exist today.…

May 5, 2022

Girl (Lain) staring directly at audience a serious exppression on her face.

A World Connected: ‘Serial Experiments Lain’ Predicted the Internet Age

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The abstract anime mini-series painted a scarily accurate image of the modern internet and its impact on society.…

April 27, 2022

in article about dumb fun movies, a scene from Fast and Furious

‘Dumb Fun’ Action Flicks Are Worth Watching

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Critics often disregard movies that lack nuanced storytelling. Still, these films deserve recognition for their other artistic merits.…

April 20, 2022

in article about crunchyroll and funimation merger, a screenshot from JUJUTSU KAISEN 0

Does the Crunchyroll-Funimation Merger Benefit Consumers?

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The two anime streaming services recently combined into one massive catalog, but this may not be as beneficial as it seems.…

April 14, 2022

Three playable characters from different bullet-hell games

The History and Resurgence of Bullet-Hell Shooters

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

From Space Invaders to Undertale, this genre boasts a varied history of influential video games.…

April 6, 2022

White saucer filled with vegetable soup that has various fruits and veggies encircling the plate

Some Tips for Switching to a Plant-Based Diet

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The world of animal-product-free diets is extensive yet surprisingly easy (and beneficial) for those needing or desiring a dietary change.…

March 30, 2022

Four people sitting on stools while using virtual reality headsets

Digital Recreations Make It Possible To Revisit Lost History

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Advancing technology allows for more immersive learning experiences when studying past events and locations.…

March 24, 2022

Video game streamer wearing pink and white hoodie interacting with viewers live with chat bubbles on their left

The Future of Livestreaming Revolves Around Interactivity

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Livestreams offer audiences the ability to directly interact with entertainers, providing an opportunity for more creative uses of this technology.…

March 16, 2022

Lupin III running away from castle with the princess

‘The Castle of Cagliostro’ Helped Build the Foundation for Studio Ghibli

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

Hayao Miyazaki directed many anime classics, but the significance of his film debut is often overlooked.…

March 9, 2022

Screenshot from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne Still Offers a Singular Horror JRPG Experience

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

19 years after its initial release, this game remains a masterful hybrid of genres, unlike any other.…

March 2, 2022

a screenshot from the program Cells at Work

‘Cells at Work!’ and ‘Heaven’s Design Team’ Reinvent the Educational TV Genres

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

These entertaining and informative series set a new standard that similar shows should follow.…

February 21, 2022

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

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