Sometimes it takes a person to step back and really observe a subject before true humor can be derived from it. This is an old principle and not one shy to the video games market. An example of this would be the Grand Theft Auto series, the developer of which, Rockstar North, is based in Scotland. The intrinsic wit throughout the game, most notably on the radio stations, parodies US culture, politics and multimedia. It is because of this outward view that the British based developer can see the funny side of American life. Furthermore it is also, in the author’s opinion, why Ron Gilbert has been able to so craftily weave his humor into his latest release, Deathspank, which comments not just on the genre of action-RPG’s , but on the entire games industry and its design principles.
Deathspank: A Tale of Swords and Satire
Sometimes it takes a person to step back and really observe a subject before true humor can be derived from it. This is an old principle and not one shy to the video games market. An example of this would be the Grand Theft Auto series, the developer of which, Rockstar North, is based in Scotland. The intrinsic wit throughout the game, most notably on the radio stations, parodies US culture, politics and multimedia. It is because of this outward view that the British based developer can see the funny side of American life. Furthermore it is also, in the author’s opinion, why Ron Gilbert has been able to so craftily weave his humor into his latest release, Deathspank, which comments not just on the genre of action-RPG’s , but on the entire games industry and its design principles.
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MOH: The Reboot
The term “reboot” has itself been overhauled in the past few years. Separated from its original meaning under “helpful suggestions for faulty PC’s”, it has become a buzzword for how to fix every big franchise that’s gone wayward or run out of steam. Nowadays if you’re sitting on a once popular series, whether it be television, movie or video game, that has gone stale, but hasn’t completely lost its money making potential, you get a second spin of the wheel. Back to the drawing board you go, perhaps for an origins story of some kind. Let’s see, what are the kids into these days? Even the term itself has become somewhat stale. To hear of a new project with the word reboot attached to it is just as likely to elicit a sigh as it is a gasp.
One such project is Medal of Honor. Due for release “Fall 2010” according to the official preview trailer, the once classic franchise has gone on a slight tangent. After 12 games and two expansion packs set in good ol’ WWII, EA Los Angeles have decided to put down what remains of the whipping rod, and step away from the desiccated remains of a horse that died a long time ago.
One such project is Medal of Honor. Due for release “Fall 2010” according to the official preview trailer, the once classic franchise has gone on a slight tangent. After 12 games and two expansion packs set in good ol’ WWII, EA Los Angeles have decided to put down what remains of the whipping rod, and step away from the desiccated remains of a horse that died a long time ago.
Where’s the fun in gaming?
A question to start with: why play videogames? The answer – because it’s fun. The problem is in defining ‘fun’. Fun is an entirely subjective concept, yet marketing companies can collate enough data to determine trends in the population, hence why we have theme parks, and why millions of people go to the cinema to see a particular movie – Avatar for example.
Avatar highlights an odd phenomenon in the entertainment industry. It is not the most entertaining movie you will ever watch. The acting will not win Oscars, the story is by no means revolutionary, and the cinematography and direction are mediocre at best. Even within its own genre, most people could think of a dozen movies that are superior in any number of ways. Avatar’s real edge, its gimmick, was in class leading special effects, which will probably be superseded in the next five years or so. So why has this movie become the most successful film of all time in less than three months? I think the answer lies in broad cross-market appeal (the lowest common denominator effect) – you have action for the blokes, a romantic sub-plot for the girls, geektastic special effects for your nerds, an eco-warrior moral message for your smug middle class types and a giant fibre optic Christmas tree for your council estate scum. Personally I would give this movie six out of ten, its just interesting enough for me to go and watch it. I suspect that most of the population would say the same thing for the various reasons listed above. No-one who has seen it will ever say it’s the best film they’ve ever seen, and yet everyone can point to something they enjoyed in it.
Avatar highlights an odd phenomenon in the entertainment industry. It is not the most entertaining movie you will ever watch. The acting will not win Oscars, the story is by no means revolutionary, and the cinematography and direction are mediocre at best. Even within its own genre, most people could think of a dozen movies that are superior in any number of ways. Avatar’s real edge, its gimmick, was in class leading special effects, which will probably be superseded in the next five years or so. So why has this movie become the most successful film of all time in less than three months? I think the answer lies in broad cross-market appeal (the lowest common denominator effect) – you have action for the blokes, a romantic sub-plot for the girls, geektastic special effects for your nerds, an eco-warrior moral message for your smug middle class types and a giant fibre optic Christmas tree for your council estate scum. Personally I would give this movie six out of ten, its just interesting enough for me to go and watch it. I suspect that most of the population would say the same thing for the various reasons listed above. No-one who has seen it will ever say it’s the best film they’ve ever seen, and yet everyone can point to something they enjoyed in it.
A Personal Tale: My Quest for 'The Ultimate Quest'
Ok, I’m an RPG fan, I admit it. I don’t sit in front of my computer with NHS prescription glasses and a homemade cape, although that is the common stereotype, all the same I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a certain kick out of looting dungeons once in while. Role Playing Games have an image problem, but that’s not the biggest issue they face. Their greatest demon is the inability from within the genre to produce the perfect gaming experience – or anything near it.
Game and Shame: The Pokémon Effect
When I was a lad my school was religiously focused. Now I'm not sure if it was Catholic or Protestant all I know is that Jesus was mentioned a lot. Regardless I was never persuaded by religion so, as a boy, when the prayers started and I bowed my head to 'pray' most of my time was actually spent thinking about which new monsters I should capture to add to my team in Pokémon Blue for the Gameboy (clearly the better version than all the Red version wanabees). Anyway here we are over a decade later and very little has changed.
-Hah! Bulbasaur. Only Idiots Picked Bulbasaur!
VVVVVV: The Most Exciting Experience Since Avatar!!!
I'm going to say two things right now that pretty much sum up the rest of this review. Firsty Terry Cavanagh's VVVVVV is a stunning piece of game design which takes a simple concept and executes it with a style and flair worthy of your attention. Secondly this game is so frustrating that you will literally want to tear your face off and then put it back on just so you can tear it off again.
What starts as an occasional titch or hum of disapproving quickly ascends into cursing, a throbbing vein on the temple and quite possibly a stroke. This game is hard. I mean really hard. No seriously, this game takes the Devil May Cry's of this world puts them over his knee and spanks them rotten. That is no exaggeration, I died no less than 1084 times on my first play through, 191 times on a single room entitled 'The Final Challenge'. Its brutal and brilliant and keeps you coming back for more. It is a true harken back to the days of arcades where entire wallets of coins would empty in an afternoon.
What Sonic Should Do: One Man's Plea
Nostalgia is a dangerous thing – it can drive a man crazy.
At the beginning of September, SEGA announced it has jumped on the New Super Mario Bros revival bandwagon and revealed a glorious return to 2D in HD with Sonic. Project Needlemouse is the name and details are scarce at this point. SEGA is currently running a viral marketing campaign to reveal the character’s that will be playable and by Friday we should apparently know more. Now I grew up on Sonic and hold those Genesis/Megadrive adventures on a pedestal as some of the best games in the entire history of existence so as you may imagine I’m as excited as a puppy needing to pee.
Now as an avid Sonic fan I have had to stand by and watch SEGA drive the series into the ground. Having witnessed how Mario leapt into the third dimension with absolute grace Sonic’s rather rapid decline left me scarred. The initial rocky trips to 3D, the vomit-inducing racing spin offs, the even-worse ‘next-gen’ 3D games, these were all very traumatising – sort of like watching your best friend being constantly beaten by abusive parents. But no more, here and now I’m taking a stand: Either Project Needlemouse is a stunning return to form or I wash my hands from Sonic forever.
The Only Current Image Available - Why does he have Pikachu's Tail?
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