I don't begrudge that. Some genres just don't push everyone's buttons. But I think one of the problems (among many) with videogame criticism and reviews-- from both "pros" and enthusiastic bloggers, is a lack of hard, objective analysis.
Ties into what I was saying earlier about Sean Elliot and Jeff Green. They really tried to bring a serious critique of games beyond - 'this is cool/not cool' reviews. Gameplay can't be described by "feel" any longer. We need to drill down to the hows and whys.
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QUOTE (Damo Suzuki @ Sep 18 2008, 05:47 AM) 
Of course, GFW Radio was extremely funny and silly too. That is what made it such a great show though. The humor balanced with the serious discussion.
One of the callers on the final show said something similar to this. "Come for the farts, stay for the commentary."
I fully support the development of real game criticism.
QUOTE (Spiz @ Sep 17 2008, 09:08 PM)
I don't know if you guys listen to podcasts at all, but GFW Radio is ending. Jeff Green left last week and this week Shawn Elliott will announce he's leaving. It's a sad fucking day. Best gaming/non-gaming related podcast evar.
I won't claim to have known those guys well at all, but I worked with both of them at E3 this year and from that and what I've gathered otherwise, both seemed like really solid dudes. I know the editors they're leaving behind are pretty heartbroken right now.
EDIT: Wow, my first SOMB post in over three weeks. That's wild.
i just got pissed off he complains about the story in a fighting game, street fighter is like my favorite game ever but idk if i even know all the characters names who gives a shit
i don't want to hear about what someone thinks about a fighting game if they don't get them even if it is presented in a humorous context. I find a difficult liking a critic who dismisses entire genres, something even i don't do.
also there were about a million problems with SCIV and he managed to not even name one of them, bewildering.
i don't want to hear about what someone thinks about a fighting game if they don't get them even if it is presented in a humorous context. I find a difficult liking a critic who dismisses entire genres, something even i don't do.
also there were about a million problems with SCIV and he managed to not even name one of them, bewildering.
The reason the fighting genre in particular loses steam with most people is they don't have the patience to ever get good at them, or have never had any real thrilling competition and therefore never had any reason to continue playing.
i spent hours upon hours playing street fighter II turbo w/ my brother and kept getting better and better to the point where i continued to hone my skill and look up strategies, combos, etc, if you do not have any interest in improving yourself in the game then you will lose interest quickly, and since there arent that many people who are usually adept at fighters to play against, it is very easy to lose interest.
This is why fighters like Soul Calibur are generally less involved and deep as Third Strike or Super Turbo, Soul Calibur was Namco's conscious attempt to create a palatable, fun fighter for the masses to enjoy.
i spent hours upon hours playing street fighter II turbo w/ my brother and kept getting better and better to the point where i continued to hone my skill and look up strategies, combos, etc, if you do not have any interest in improving yourself in the game then you will lose interest quickly, and since there arent that many people who are usually adept at fighters to play against, it is very easy to lose interest.
This is why fighters like Soul Calibur are generally less involved and deep as Third Strike or Super Turbo, Soul Calibur was Namco's conscious attempt to create a palatable, fun fighter for the masses to enjoy.
it does sort of sadden me that my pet genre of fighters is largely unpopular w/ pretty much everyone i know, the "party" aspect of smash brother is such a blessing because i can actually play it w/ normal ppl b/c of the multiplayer aspectm but after awhile, people wise up and realize i've just tricked them into playing against me.
Sausage's posts are pretty accurate.
The barrier to entry of a hard fighter (SF, GG, KoF) is so high that a good portion of the time players are frustrated rather than entertained. By the time something like Third Strike or Alpha show up-- with multiple variants of characters based on an inherent understanding of previous game versions. The combat system had become so complex one could not actually play competitively without having mastered a decade's worth of the most technical fighters ever made.
The barrier to entry of a hard fighter (SF, GG, KoF) is so high that a good portion of the time players are frustrated rather than entertained. By the time something like Third Strike or Alpha show up-- with multiple variants of characters based on an inherent understanding of previous game versions. The combat system had become so complex one could not actually play competitively without having mastered a decade's worth of the most technical fighters ever made.
you really should look into sending in your xbox for repairs before street fighter IV or KoF XII comes out
Oh yeah, I forgot all about that.
What do I need to do again?
What do I need to do again?
1-800-4my-xbox
call that, tell them your system has red ringed and follow the instructions
you will have a new one in about 2-3 weeks
call that, tell them your system has red ringed and follow the instructions
you will have a new one in about 2-3 weeks
Back to finishing Mass Effect and hoping I don't get bored. This game is seriously underwhelming in every way.
QUOTE (Ogawa @ Sep 22 2008, 10:43 AM)
Back to finishing Mass Effect and hoping I don't get bored. This game is seriously underwhelming in every way.
I gave it 2.5 hours and decided to sell it, along with COD4, to justify the RB1 bundle last Spring. Cannot say I have regretted that decision .000000001 of a second.
Will be getting Castle Crashers just as soon as I have a little money.
words fail to describe how i feel right now. Bolting the door, shutting off all contact w/ people, this shit is getting played.
Fucking Castle Crashers is just suburb. Blasting though it right now.
Sausage, not that you wouldn't anyway, but make sure to give a through first impressions review whenever you come down off your cloud.
Sausage, not that you wouldn't anyway, but make sure to give a through first impressions review whenever you come down off your cloud.
Finished Mass Effect about two seconds ago and now I can delete it. Christ. I've never played a game seemingly so impressed with its own mediocrity (well, maybe Oblivion). This is the new high-water mark for cRPGs? Really? Please, kill me now.
Picked up Colonization last night and played around with it for a little while. Very cool. Looks like Civ IV (but better), yet feels like the old game. And it's gorgeous. Zooming in on the water lapping up on the shores, even my wife was impressed with the graphics.
After very little playing, the game seems much harder than the original. I'm already on record as being an idiot when it comes to Civ, and I'm sure Col will get easier as I learn some of the tricks, but I think this will be a nice challenge. I love some of the little things that make this version so much better than the original (aside from graphics) - the use of culture borders keeps other countries from annoyingly hanging out around your cities, which was even worse in the original because 2 opposing countries' units couldn't occupy the same tile; and once you've visited an indian settlement, it show you on the main screen what specialist they can produce. I remember having to write myself notes detailing who was good at what so when I needed them, I'd be able to find them.
After very little playing, the game seems much harder than the original. I'm already on record as being an idiot when it comes to Civ, and I'm sure Col will get easier as I learn some of the tricks, but I think this will be a nice challenge. I love some of the little things that make this version so much better than the original (aside from graphics) - the use of culture borders keeps other countries from annoyingly hanging out around your cities, which was even worse in the original because 2 opposing countries' units couldn't occupy the same tile; and once you've visited an indian settlement, it show you on the main screen what specialist they can produce. I remember having to write myself notes detailing who was good at what so when I needed them, I'd be able to find them.
QUOTE (Salah al-din @ Sep 23 2008, 07:29 PM)
Fucking Castle Crashers is just suburb. Blasting though it right now.
Yeah, C.C. is pretty great. Played it a few weeks ago with Andyroo and that thing was loads of fun. Quite cool how a sidescrolling buton masher is still loads of fun these days.
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 23 2008, 06:47 PM)
words fail to describe how i feel right now. Bolting the door, shutting off all contact w/ people, this shit is getting played.
this game sucks ass more than any other game i have played
QUOTE (ParticleHustler @ Sep 24 2008, 10:22 AM)
Picked up Colonization last night and played around with it for a little while.
I've been playing this, too. Really enjoying it so far, but I fear I'm about to get my ass kicked by the English.
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 24 2008, 08:31 PM)
this game sucks ass more than any other game i have played
haha. That bad, eh? Too bad. Bioware showed such promise with Baldur's Gate II. But between this, Mass Effect, and Jade Empire, I fear the dream is over. Maybe Dragon Age will be decent, but I'm not holding my breath.
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 24 2008, 07:31 PM)
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 23 2008, 06:47 PM)
words fail to describe how i feel right now. Bolting the door, shutting off all contact w/ people, this shit is getting played.
this game sucks ass more than any other game i have played
Well, it is a Sonic game...
But really? More than any other game? C'mon.
I WANNA PLAY CASTLE CRASHERS ONLINE PATCH THAT JOINT BEHEMOTH
all sonic games before this were at least a 9/10 to me.
What about the Sonic game on 360? I've never played but I heard it was the worst thing ever. I saw the beastialty cut scenes though.
9/10
9/10 on Sonic is like a -5/10
I haven't had more fun playing a 360 game besides Rock Band 1 & 2 than Sonic 360.
The game is completely broken and therein lies it's greatest strength.
The game is completely broken and therein lies it's greatest strength.
Wow, I don't know if even Dave would defend Sonic the Hedgehog (360)
He wouldn't, it's distressing.
i don't even think he wants to pick up the next sonic game and it's a total day one purchase for me.
i don't even think he wants to pick up the next sonic game and it's a total day one purchase for me.
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 25 2008, 10:26 PM)
He wouldn't, it's distressing.
i don't even think he wants to pick up the next sonic game and it's a total day one purchase for me.
i don't even think he wants to pick up the next sonic game and it's a total day one purchase for me.
Dave has lost the faith man. im glad that you are staying strong
"as well as his struggles with his new beast form generated by the corrupted Emeralds, Sonic the Werehog."
Sonic fans must be about the biggest masochists in the world.
Sega, of course, is the largest organized group of sadists out there.
Sonic fans must be about the biggest masochists in the world.
Sega, of course, is the largest organized group of sadists out there.
QUOTE (Salah al-din @ Sep 25 2008, 11:16 PM)
"as well as his struggles with his new beast form generated by the corrupted Emeralds, Sonic the Werehog."
Sonic fans must be about the biggest masochists in the world.
Sega, of course, is the largest organized group of sadists out there.
Sonic fans must be about the biggest masochists in the world.
Sega, of course, is the largest organized group of sadists out there.
what is that quote from? is that for real?
Sonic Unleashed is my most anticipated game of the year.
Why are they so afraid to make a sonic game that's a straight up platformer? Run around really fast, collect some rings, jump over some shit....is it really that hard to make a good sonic game? I hope the Sonic team takes the right lesson from all the retro titles lately....mega man 9, bionic commando....classic game play can still sell just fine.
is Mario Galaxy worth droppin the 35 bucks on? just picked up a Wi and i'm dyin for some Mario time.
QUOTE (SkinnyHips @ Sep 27 2008, 08:39 AM)
is Mario Galaxy worth droppin the 35 bucks on? just picked up a Wi and i'm dyin for some Mario time.
QUOTE ('Sausage' 'May 13 @ 2008,')
The sheer amazingness of that game cannot be possibly overstated. Though I still prefer the side-scrolling Mario's because they're a bit more accessible to just pick-up and play. Mario Galaxy is on a completely different level than them. It's almost difficult to rank it against the other Mario's because to me 3D and 2D platforming are such vastly different genres. I think perhaps the reason I like Galaxy so much more than it's predecessor on the N64 is that it much more closely resembles the linear gameplay of 2D but still leaving you with complete control over Mario in this vast, beautiful universe. Linearity and Mario just go hand-in-hand. When you're appreciating a product put together by the greatest minds in gaming of all time, doesn't it seem logical for them to guide you?
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 27 2008, 11:11 AM)
QUOTE (SkinnyHips @ Sep 27 2008, 08:39 AM)
is Mario Galaxy worth droppin the 35 bucks on? just picked up a Wi and i'm dyin for some Mario time.
QUOTE ('Sausage' dare='May 13 @ 2008,')
The sheer amazingness of that game cannot be possibly overstated. Though I still prefer the side-scrolling Mario's because they're a bit more accessible to just pick-up and play. Mario Galaxy is on a completely different level than them. It's almost difficult to rank it against the other Mario's because to me 3D and 2D platforming are such vastly different genres. I think perhaps the reason I like Galaxy so much more than it's predecessor on the N64 is that it much more closely resembles the linear gameplay of 2D but still leaving you with complete control over Mario in this vast, beautiful universe. Linearity and Mario just go hand-in-hand. When you're appreciating a product put together by the greatest minds in gaming of all time, doesn't it seem logical for them to guide you?
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
Amazing.
NHL 09 is gods gift to hockey games. I haven't had this much fun with a hockey game since NHL 94 back on the genesis. The whole "Be a Pro" mode is surprisingly awesome/addictive.
I've become hopelessly addicted to Peggle in the last week.
QUOTE (Andyroo @ Sep 30 2008, 04:37 PM)
I've become hopelessly addicted to Peggle in the last week.
Great game. I've gotten my entire family addicted to it. You playing just regular Peggle? Or Peggle Nights?
QUOTE (Ogawa @ Sep 30 2008, 04:40 PM)
QUOTE (Andyroo @ Sep 30 2008, 04:37 PM)
I've become hopelessly addicted to Peggle in the last week.
Great game. I've gotten my entire family addicted to it. You playing just regular Peggle? Or Peggle Nights?
Is peggle nights vastly superior to peggle deluxe or is it just more of the same? (not that more of the same is a bad thing in this case)
QUOTE (petras @ Sep 30 2008, 06:24 PM)
QUOTE (Ogawa @ Sep 30 2008, 04:40 PM)
QUOTE (Andyroo @ Sep 30 2008, 04:37 PM)
I've become hopelessly addicted to Peggle in the last week.
Great game. I've gotten my entire family addicted to it. You playing just regular Peggle? Or Peggle Nights?
Is peggle nights vastly superior to peggle deluxe or is it just more of the same? (not that more of the same is a bad thing in this case)
Just more of the same. There's one new character, but there's nothing different about the gameplay.
QUOTE (SkinnyHips @ Sep 27 2008, 09:39 AM)
is Mario Galaxy worth droppin the 35 bucks on? just picked up a Wi and i'm dyin for some Mario time.
i know there's already a fantastic quote above to support this game...but hoooly shit is it awesome.
Try playing it stoned. Ridiculous.
Has anyone played the new Star Wars game, Force Unleashed?
I'm thinking it's at least worth a rental but am looking for opinions.
I'm thinking it's at least worth a rental but am looking for opinions.
QUOTE (Ogawa @ Sep 30 2008, 03:40 PM)
QUOTE (Andyroo @ Sep 30 2008, 04:37 PM)
I've become hopelessly addicted to Peggle in the last week.
Great game. I've gotten my entire family addicted to it. You playing just regular Peggle? Or Peggle Nights?
Finished both already, playing the iPod one too.
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170265&p=1
Got the assignment after I'd already beaten Nights, so that was a quick'un.
WTF is with this game? if we wanted to read a book, WED BUY A FUCKING BOOK NOT A VIDEO GAME
QUOTE (Sausage @ Sep 27 2008, 11:11 AM)
QUOTE (SkinnyHips @ Sep 27 2008, 08:39 AM)
is Mario Galaxy worth droppin the 35 bucks on? just picked up a Wi and i'm dyin for some Mario time.
QUOTE ('Sausage' 'May 13 @ 2008,')
The sheer amazingness of that game cannot be possibly overstated. Though I still prefer the side-scrolling Mario's because they're a bit more accessible to just pick-up and play. Mario Galaxy is on a completely different level than them. It's almost difficult to rank it against the other Mario's because to me 3D and 2D platforming are such vastly different genres. I think perhaps the reason I like Galaxy so much more than it's predecessor on the N64 is that it much more closely resembles the linear gameplay of 2D but still leaving you with complete control over Mario in this vast, beautiful universe. Linearity and Mario just go hand-in-hand. When you're appreciating a product put together by the greatest minds in gaming of all time, doesn't it seem logical for them to guide you?
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
The wonder and splendor of the visuals, the intricacies and perfect design of the platforming segments, I don't think there's ever been a game where I wanted to just sit back and absorb the absolute genius that was coming from my tv screen; the major dilemma being that when I was playing there was absolutely time to do so because the controller never left my hands. Even when I went and tried to sleep, I couldn't do it. I felt like an eleven year old all over again. Tossing and turning with only thoughts of fire flowers, coins, and princesses dancing around in my head. The difference of course this time I was old enough to get out of bed and go back to the Wii and play some more. There weren't any bedtimes or parents to stop me from playing all night, I was free to indulge myself as much as I wanted. I took in every part of Galaxy in just two days, and in those two days not only was my belief in God reaffirmed, I could swear I was looking right at Him.
It sounds like everything I dreamed it would/should be. I'm getting the Wii next paycheck.
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