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24 Mar 06
It's Friday again and I didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted. It's similar to my gaming backlog. I should point out that I'm a floating gamer. I play a game for an initial window then if it hasn't completely captivated me, I tend to move on with the vague intention of completing the game 'sometime.' I have a huge backlog. If I had a year off with absolutely no other responsibilities, I might be able to finish it.
Part of the problem is filler in games. There will be parts of almost any game that feel exactly like parts you've already played. Sometimes developers are trying to avoid the dreaded 'short' curse. Sometimes they run out of creativity. Sometimes they just run out of time. To me filler is like radiation. I can only take so much before it becomes toxic to my enjoyment of the game. Also like radiation, I can't just take a break and come back for more. Once it's built up, it stays that way.
Another problem is pacing. It must be harder to get this right in games than in any other medium. After all, any freedom you give the player can throw it off. Unless the gameplay is completely compelling, narrative is usually what drives you along. Some games throw a completely different mission type, or a new chapter with a different feel, or you get a long stretch with no narrative or even hints of one. Once I feel that disconnect from the story, it's amazing how easy it is to put the game down.
Of course, the biggest problem is me. I'll get distracted by some shiny new thing. I'll have some work to do. I'll read a post somewhere about a great game that I have in the backlog and start playing it again. I'll make a trade for a game or find a great clearance deal. Next thing you know, the game I was trying to play is down at the bottom of the pile.
I really shouldn't complain though. I have fun gaming. I always have something to play that fits the mood. So what if I don't finish all my games? I have limited game time. I try to avoid making gaming feel like a chore. To be honest, a bunch of the games are in the backlog because they weren't good enough to earn more play time. Life's too short to make yourself suffer through bad games.
Jason
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23 Mar 06
Well, I was going to do a write up on the awards recently, but Blues News did a great job with it so I'll just link to that. Obviously, Blues is PC centric so they didn't spend much time on the GDC awards.
I think the GDC awards point out something important. If you look at the two big winners, Shadow of the Colossus and Guitar Heroes, you'll see they both redefined gaming in the same way. Instead of following Grand Theft Auto by throwing in everything and the kitchen sink, they focused the gameplay to create a more pure experience.
Shadow of the Colossus could be seen as just a series of boss battles. It really presents the player with a series of beautifully crafted dynamic tasks. Even if you're sitting there with written instructions on how to defeat each Colossi, it's still an amazing experience trying to bring the beast down. Even months later I can still vividly recall the thrill of some of the battles.
Guitar Hero did something similar. They realized the heart of a rhythm music game wasn't the lights or pressing the buttons. It was connecting with the music. They did it so well, that you feel like you're playing the song as you play the game. You feel the tension of fighting your way through a difficult solo and exult in the roar of the crowd when you're deep into the music and playing by instinct.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say those are unmissible games. Find a friend who has a Playstation 2. Buy a PS2. Rent one. I think a lot of people hold on to incorrect notions about what console gaming is. Don't let those stop you from experiencing some of the most amazing gaming of recent years. Of course, if you buy a PS2, then you can check out all those strategy games and strategy RPG's as well. Happy gaming.
Jason
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22 Mar 06
It looks like another Linkadoos day. Sorry, too much baby time. Until David slows down a bit, I might be throwing a bunch of links at you for a while. I'm sure that might be a refreshing change for some of you. It's not like I get overwhelmed with praise on my 'think pieces' or analysis. Mostly people like the interviews. I'll try to keep them coming. If you have a smaller developer type game you'd like to champion, let me know. I'll see if I can get an interview done. You know the big players will get all the coverage they need, but some of the smaller players need some positive word of mouth.
Speaking of positive feedback on interviews, the Sword of the Stars interview was one of the top rated around here. Since people liked it so much, I thought you'd like to know that Computer Games has a new SotS interview up with some new screenshots. It looks like they'll have a couple more covering different parts of the game in the works. I'll keep an eye out for you.
I'm probably going to grab TES IV: Oblivion for the 360 since it will be a while before I upgrade the rig. I've been keeping an eye on news regarding the 360 version. If you are playing on the console, this bit of information from Voodoo Extreme might be helpful. It involves improving performance. While you're at VE, you might want to check out the Battlefield 2142 screenies they have there.
Speaking of waiting to upgrade my rig, Microsoft announced a delay in the release of the consumer version of Windows Vista. It's now January 07. So it will probably be a year before the new rig. That bites. I'm not sure I'll get anything, but if anyone has any recommendations for cheap, new laptops, I'd love to hear them. I'm not looking for intensive gaming, but I don't want a totally crippled video system. If there's anything decent out there $1000 or less, let me know. It would be nice to be able to do some web work around the house.
I just have a couple more links for you. Gamasutra has an article up on the PhysX accelerator launch. Sony announced their answer to Xbox Live. I particularly enjoyed the analysts noting that Sony can talk a big game. That's why they get paid the big bucks. Finally, I found this interesting indie interview on Foo Gaming. Hmm, a web guy making games? Where do these crazy ideas come from?
Jason
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21 Mar 06
I think David is officially entering a new phase. I don't know what you'd call it, but I call 'make Dad tired'. He wants a reaction to everything he does. It's a problem. It takes a lot of time and energy to respond to everything. However, I know if I don't he'll start finding things that demand I take action. He's already enough of a daredevil for my tastes. Needless to say, none of this is very conducive to deep thinking gaming. At this rate, I don't know when I'll be ready to write up a GalCiv 2 review.
Speaking of GalCiv 2, I know I said we were going to have a contest. Don't worry, it will happen. I'm just not sure when. It will be soon. I just need to catch my breath.
If you've been reading gaming news this week, you might think that both CGW and Futuremark published the gory details of Starforce autopsies. Unfortunately, it turns out the Futuremark information was just a series of posts by a user on their forum. Some news websites then attached the Futuremark name to add credibility to the story. It doesn't mean the claims are untrue, but I'd like to see some professional verification now. If Starforce is forcing sudden reboots, that could be a PR nightmare for them.
It's time for the game of the week. It's El Matador (official site) from Plastic Reality Technologies. It's a third person tactical action game with stealth elements. You play a DEA agent taking on the drug cartels in South America .You'll take on lone wolf missions as well as leading large scale police raids. It sounds like they're aiming for a cross between Max Payne and Rainbow Six. Interesting. Look for El Matador later this year.
Jason
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20 Mar 06
Happy Spring to everyone. It seems my parents are stuck in the worst blizzard of the year on the first day of spring. Hopefully, the weather is good where you are.
David was very energetic today so that meant little time for Dad. I just have a couple of blurbs for you.
If you hear anything about an igame from Apple, please remember the source is the April Fool's issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly. Personally, I preferred Accordion Hero from CGM.
Man, I haven't linked to Bill's blog in forever. So here is his take on the new CGW article on Starforce. I have to say the latest version of Starforce hasn't caused me the trouble the previous version did. I hope they're moving in the right direction. It also sounds like the way Windows Vista handles drivers might present a problem for their software.
Shacknews has reported that Microsoft has released the source code and assets for Mechcommander 2. It's not the flashiest thing on the market any more, but it had a pretty good tactical engine in there. Hopefully a good indie team will be able to use it wisely.
Finally, it seems there have been some leaks from EA and Dice about a new futuristic Battlefield. It's called Battlefield 2142 and there's a leaked trailer out there. I find the fall 2006 date a little hard to believe mainly because that's not the way the EA marketing juggernaut works. I guess if the downloadable bonus packs are selling well, it might be possible, but it sure seems like it's stepping on its own toes. We'll see.
Jason
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