Biccy's Corner-Round 2
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.30.08 at 10:05 PM CST [permalink] |
Hey all. T.T. here, once again posting on behalf of Biccy. Just wanted to note that MTV (yes, THAT MTV) is going a really great series on reviews and how they work INSIDE the gaming industry. I've included the link here for your reading pleasure. Some really worthwhile stuff in there. See you all on Monday. -T.T.
"So, since last week I've really been thinking into which track the Wii is heading. Like I said before, if you haven't got friends or don't want them in case they steal your secret recipe for ultimate thumb moving power...then I can't really see the Wii being for you.
Hey all. T.T. here, once again posting on behalf of Biccy. Just wanted to note that MTV (yes, THAT MTV) is going a really great series on reviews and how they work INSIDE the gaming industry. I've included the link here for your reading pleasure. Some really worthwhile stuff in there. See you all on Monday. -T.T.
"So, since last week I've really been thinking into which track the Wii is heading. Like I said before, if you haven't got friends or don't want them in case they steal your secret recipe for ultimate thumb moving power...then I can't really see the Wii being for you.
Read more... |
Thought Aggregator 2.0
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.28.08 at 03:46 AM CST [permalink] |
Hey all. Hope everyone that celebrated one enjoyed their holiday yesterday. Just a quick note first-due to the continued lull of news from the gaming industry (Commonly referred to as PrE3 in years past), the Button Mashers blog will shift from tri-weekly to bi-weekly for the foreseeable future. We'll return to tri-weekly when things heat up again. For now, back to our collection of random thoughts.
First off, many of you should know about Jack Thompson's recent legal 'setback' with the 27 out of 31 counts. The truth of the matter is, nothing short of out and out incarceration will ever REALLY stop Thompson. He's too stubborn and resourceful, even if he is nuttier than an pile of elephant droppings. So they'll take away his Bar License, he'll find other ways to file his claims. And the other point that I'm always reminded of is this; there were always those of us who feared removing him from his post of 'official gaming nutjob' would mean the institution of someone who was actually competent enough to get something done. "Devil you know" and all that jazz.
Hey all. Hope everyone that celebrated one enjoyed their holiday yesterday. Just a quick note first-due to the continued lull of news from the gaming industry (Commonly referred to as PrE3 in years past), the Button Mashers blog will shift from tri-weekly to bi-weekly for the foreseeable future. We'll return to tri-weekly when things heat up again. For now, back to our collection of random thoughts.
First off, many of you should know about Jack Thompson's recent legal 'setback' with the 27 out of 31 counts. The truth of the matter is, nothing short of out and out incarceration will ever REALLY stop Thompson. He's too stubborn and resourceful, even if he is nuttier than an pile of elephant droppings. So they'll take away his Bar License, he'll find other ways to file his claims. And the other point that I'm always reminded of is this; there were always those of us who feared removing him from his post of 'official gaming nutjob' would mean the institution of someone who was actually competent enough to get something done. "Devil you know" and all that jazz.
Read more... |
Switching Players
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.22.08 at 10:47 PM CST [permalink] |
Hey all. Nick (Red_Mage) is having a hell of a time with a number of different problems, computer and personal related. He says he'll be back at some point, but for now, I've asked Biccy to fill in on the Wednesday post. We had some setup troubles which is why this is late, but Bic'll be taking over Wednesday for the foreseeable future. And, without further ado, here's Biccy's post.
"Keeping in the with traditional blog theme, I'll start with the key word...
So! As T.T said previously, as of yet there isn't much to say about the rest of this years game line up. We've had the dizzying heights of GTA4 and (most of us) have had Ninty's most recent way to fill their swimming-pool-money-vault, Brawl. I really can't think of what can come next over the year that'll match these early on cash rake ins.
Hey all. Nick (Red_Mage) is having a hell of a time with a number of different problems, computer and personal related. He says he'll be back at some point, but for now, I've asked Biccy to fill in on the Wednesday post. We had some setup troubles which is why this is late, but Bic'll be taking over Wednesday for the foreseeable future. And, without further ado, here's Biccy's post.
"Keeping in the with traditional blog theme, I'll start with the key word...
So! As T.T said previously, as of yet there isn't much to say about the rest of this years game line up. We've had the dizzying heights of GTA4 and (most of us) have had Ninty's most recent way to fill their swimming-pool-money-vault, Brawl. I really can't think of what can come next over the year that'll match these early on cash rake ins.
Read more... |
The next round of games is....umm...anyone?
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.20.08 at 12:54 PM CST [permalink] |
As I mentioned in my last post, still looking for someone to help out the blog. PM TetsuoTrunks if you're interested. Not a lot of work, but I'd really appreciate someone helping out.
So, the summer is nearly upon us. And here in the US, summer means exactly one thing to gamers. NO NEW TITLES! And while it makes sense that no one is dumb enough to try and release something during the summer, it does make things aggravating. Actually, this summer seems to be a bit of an exception; we have MGS4 coming in June and Europe is getting Brawl this summer. But beyond that, for summer gaming there's....umm....well....thats the thing. I can't think of anything else. Not just for this summer though. For 2008. Are we in trouble?
As I mentioned in my last post, still looking for someone to help out the blog. PM TetsuoTrunks if you're interested. Not a lot of work, but I'd really appreciate someone helping out.
So, the summer is nearly upon us. And here in the US, summer means exactly one thing to gamers. NO NEW TITLES! And while it makes sense that no one is dumb enough to try and release something during the summer, it does make things aggravating. Actually, this summer seems to be a bit of an exception; we have MGS4 coming in June and Europe is getting Brawl this summer. But beyond that, for summer gaming there's....umm....well....thats the thing. I can't think of anything else. Not just for this summer though. For 2008. Are we in trouble?
Read more... |
Spoiler Alerts!
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.18.08 at 05:46 PM CST [permalink] |
So MGS4 comes out soon. Like, really soon. 3 weeks from Thursday to be exact. And while that doesn't seem like a relatively long time, it can be AGES. What doesn't help though is the endless barrage of media coverage of the title. We have transcripts of press conferences, commercials (international and domestic) product placement in-jokes, etc. The list just goes on.
We even have some spoilers. I don't think we have spoilers that are drastic enough to reveal the ending of the game (SNAKE IS A WOMAN, you heard it here first!), but we have things like 'hidden' weapons, 'secret' cameos, etc. Part of this is of course a balance problem facing Kojima. He has to make trailers and preview builds and movies that all showcase the things he wants people to see, without giving away too much. But its also MGS 4 and so what passed in previous games isn't enough anymore. People don't want to just see Snake press up next to a wall and watch the camera cut around the corner for them. They also don't care as much that first person aiming is available. These aren't anything new. Instead, he has to focus on some of the new moves in the game. Show off some of the ways the NPCs interact (and how that affects you). Of course, the real focus is on the character interactions. It really leads to the area of 'how much is too much' for 'spoilers'?
So MGS4 comes out soon. Like, really soon. 3 weeks from Thursday to be exact. And while that doesn't seem like a relatively long time, it can be AGES. What doesn't help though is the endless barrage of media coverage of the title. We have transcripts of press conferences, commercials (international and domestic) product placement in-jokes, etc. The list just goes on.
We even have some spoilers. I don't think we have spoilers that are drastic enough to reveal the ending of the game (SNAKE IS A WOMAN, you heard it here first!), but we have things like 'hidden' weapons, 'secret' cameos, etc. Part of this is of course a balance problem facing Kojima. He has to make trailers and preview builds and movies that all showcase the things he wants people to see, without giving away too much. But its also MGS 4 and so what passed in previous games isn't enough anymore. People don't want to just see Snake press up next to a wall and watch the camera cut around the corner for them. They also don't care as much that first person aiming is available. These aren't anything new. Instead, he has to focus on some of the new moves in the game. Show off some of the ways the NPCs interact (and how that affects you). Of course, the real focus is on the character interactions. It really leads to the area of 'how much is too much' for 'spoilers'?
Read more... |
WiiWare vs. PSN vs. XBLA
By iamaredmage on 05.15.08 at 02:44 AM CST [permalink] |
So, Nintendo's WiiWare service came out this past Monday, and now the circle is complete with all 3 consoles having downloadable games at a price.
So, after looking at Nintendo's first line of titles (and none of them are first party, which is a first), I thought to myself: Which service will be the best one to have further on down the road?
So, Nintendo's WiiWare service came out this past Monday, and now the circle is complete with all 3 consoles having downloadable games at a price.
So, after looking at Nintendo's first line of titles (and none of them are first party, which is a first), I thought to myself: Which service will be the best one to have further on down the road?
Read more... |
Beating a dead hook...umm..horse
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.13.08 at 04:59 AM CST [permalink] |
So Kotaku had a story today on a Sociologist's study of GTA IV versus the presentation of violence and sex in other media. Naturally, as games are the biggest threat to American morals since "the bump", the study conclusively shows that GTA IV is LESS sensationalistic than "...most cops, politicians, policymakers, and even academics." So there you have it folks; clear scientific proof that GTA IV....wait, what? LESS sensationalized?
I'm gonna stop right here. It doesn't really matter if GTA IV is more or less sensational than the evening news or any cop show; what matters is the media wants to make this game its enemy and every police officer, politician, 'concerned parent' and lawyer they can shove a microphone in front of is all to happy to provide an 8 second sound byte to help their case.
So Kotaku had a story today on a Sociologist's study of GTA IV versus the presentation of violence and sex in other media. Naturally, as games are the biggest threat to American morals since "the bump", the study conclusively shows that GTA IV is LESS sensationalistic than "...most cops, politicians, policymakers, and even academics." So there you have it folks; clear scientific proof that GTA IV....wait, what? LESS sensationalized?
I'm gonna stop right here. It doesn't really matter if GTA IV is more or less sensational than the evening news or any cop show; what matters is the media wants to make this game its enemy and every police officer, politician, 'concerned parent' and lawyer they can shove a microphone in front of is all to happy to provide an 8 second sound byte to help their case.
Read more... |
Metal Gear Ordinary
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.11.08 at 04:45 PM CST [permalink] |
So, I've spent a bit more time with Metal Gear Online, and I have to say at this point that its certainly not a BAD title, but it isn't anything special. Its a fun title, sure, but some of the items (in particular the magazine) feel rather unnecessary. If nothing else, its a nice little preview to what MGS4 will be like, but all in all, I'm not that impressed with it. Which got me thinking; was it supposed to be?
When I first heard about Metal Gear Solid being online, back when it was first teased for the re-release of Snake Eater, I was extremely excited by the possibilities. I never got a chance to play the online mode for that title, but I suppose if I had that it wouldn't be too different from the online modes of this one. But does it have to be? True, it is a Hideo Kojima work, but so what? Does that automatically mean that every bit of work has to be masterful and revolutionary? The end result is just the same game that others have produced, only with different visuals and weapons. Can you imagine having to live up to that standard? Every game you made HAS to be perfection or ingenious; no wonder Kojima and Miyamoto and those guys take forever to finish a title. But that's the question; do fan expectations drive games to be better or are the directors just crazy perfectionists? I'd delve into it further, but I just saw Speed Racer and my head is SWIMMING with colors, so I'm gonna go lay down. |
A law in good taste
By iamaredmage on 05.08.08 at 03:14 AM CST [permalink] |
Yo.
So, fun stuff happened last week after my last blog. I had a nice arguement with my parents that ended along the lines of "I have about 2 months to pack what's mine and get out." Fun. Of course, as with any person moving out, there may be a good period of time I will not be online at all. So, with that, I may not be on for a few weeks in the coming months due to moving/buying furniture/getting my own connection/etc. I will try to keep you guys updated, yet keep this as private and to myself as possible.
And, with that, on to my post.
Yo.
So, fun stuff happened last week after my last blog. I had a nice arguement with my parents that ended along the lines of "I have about 2 months to pack what's mine and get out." Fun. Of course, as with any person moving out, there may be a good period of time I will not be online at all. So, with that, I may not be on for a few weeks in the coming months due to moving/buying furniture/getting my own connection/etc. I will try to keep you guys updated, yet keep this as private and to myself as possible.
And, with that, on to my post.
Read more... |
The story? Who cares!
By TetsuoTrunks on 05.07.08 at 04:34 AM CST [permalink] |
Sorry about the lack up updates. Some (relatively) minor medical issues kept me from posting this weekend and then yesterday...I don't have a real excuse, but it was one of those days when our personal lives keep us from our 'professional' responsibilities. I know I let this happen more than I should, and I once again apologize for that. The following is something I've had for a while, but just haven't been able to put up for some time. Let me know what you guys think.
Sorry about the lack up updates. Some (relatively) minor medical issues kept me from posting this weekend and then yesterday...I don't have a real excuse, but it was one of those days when our personal lives keep us from our 'professional' responsibilities. I know I let this happen more than I should, and I once again apologize for that. The following is something I've had for a while, but just haven't been able to put up for some time. Let me know what you guys think.
Read more... |
Nothing else on...
By iamaredmage on 05.01.08 at 06:11 AM CST [permalink] |
Hey, everyone. How's it going?
So, I really didn't want to cover Grand Theft Auto IV for this week, but the lack of other news otherwise left me with no other choice. Don't worry, this will be short.
Hey, everyone. How's it going?
So, I really didn't want to cover Grand Theft Auto IV for this week, but the lack of other news otherwise left me with no other choice. Don't worry, this will be short.
Read more... |
