GOOD GAME as seen on ABC

[Australian Ninja]

Yes, it's a new thread for ABC's GOOD GAME seeing as the old thread is gone, and the current one is specifically about the new host etc.

So please share your comments etc on the show, and if you just hate the show, then by all means start up your own "we hate GG" thread.

Please think before you post!:)

[Readman]

What's it about?

[adam_91vn]

No need for a new thread.

[texta]

Shit show, that Rei character is even more condescending on the GG forums than in her attempts at journalism. Yuck.

[Dukotoja]

I'm starting to hate these forums almost as much as watchers hates himself/life

[TAT]

I had boner but it went away the second i came into this thread

[Jay]

I'm starting to hate these forums almost as much as watchers hates himself/life

Good, positive contribution there. Cheers. Apparently you can go to UYAC if it really burns your arse to post here.

[texta]

How much does Watchers really hate himself though? Perhaps what Dukotoja is really saying is that he loves these forums.

[Jay]

Ah, yes, I didn't think of that. :) Sorry Dukotoja.

As for Good Game, I'm prepared to give it a couple of weeks to find its feet, then will probably return to my habit of not watching it.

[TAT]

As for Good Game, I'm prepared to give it a couple of weeks to find its feet, then will probably return to my habit of not watching it.
So... you'll only watch it if they change a host every 4 weeks?

[Jay]

:) Depends how hot he/she is.

Seriously though I always intend to watch and 80% of the time I'm either out or I forget. I know I could probably watch it online but that requires a bit of effort and I'm not sure I care enough.

[Zan]

I'll watch when I have internode and free iview.

[Australian Ninja]

:) Depends how hot he/she is.

Seriously though I always intend to watch and 80% of the time I'm either out or I forget. I know I could probably watch it online but that requires a bit of effort and I'm not sure I care enough.

The show can be downloaded or streamed via their website. It's just one click.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/video/

In my area the reception is no good for ABC, so I only get to watch it online.

[Spudzilla]

I had boner but it went away the second i came

hur hur hur

[grimace06]

Shit show.

This.

[Azzaman]

I don't understand the GG hate, I like the show and I find it funny. If you don't like the show don't post in the GG thread it's pretty simple.

[texta]

I think if you don't like the show don't watch it would make more sense.

[Azzaman]

I think if you don't like the show don't watch it would make more sense.

well that too, but it's pretty baffling that people have jumped in here just to dump s**t on the show

[Watchers]

well that too, but it's pretty baffling that people have jumped in here just to dump s**t on the show

Gotta do something til bingo...

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

They should let David and Margret host it

[RunningMild]

They should let David and Margret host it

Switch from reviewers who's scores are too high to ones who's scores are too low? :p

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Do they still rate things out of rubber chickens? That kind of makes the show embarrassing to watch.

[CoolzInferno]

Does anyone else think that Hex has a mild resemblance to Justine from Masterchef?

[RunningMild]

So please share your comments etc on the show, and if you just hate the show, then by all means start up your own "we hate GG" thread.

Why? This is the GG thread, not the 'we love GG' thread. It should allow positive and negative opinions of the show.

Please think before you post!:)

Sif that'll ever happen. :p

Do they still rate things out of rubber chickens? That kind of makes the show embarrassing to watch.

They sure do!

I don't mind the rubber chickens, but what I do find embarrassing is when Bajo says a game has no redeeming features whatsoever, and then gives it 3 rubber chickens. :rolleyes:

[missym]

Please help us save Junglist:

www.savejunglist.com

board@your.abc.net.au

[dinopoke]

They should let David and Margret host it

This.

[Jay]

Marg and Dave were awesome last night, getting up in each other's faces over the new Richard Kelly film The Box.

[enrique]

They should let David and Margret host it

Oh yes! Just the thought of them arguing over a game rather then a movie makes me smile.

[Antwandemarco]

Oh yes! Just the thought of them arguing over a game rather then a movie makes me smile.


Margaret: David, i loved the martyrdom perk i thought it added such a great element of danger.

David: No, no i thought it was cheap game design and thoroughly unrealistic. 2 and a 1/2 stars.

[grimace06]

May I just say that I do find some segments on Good Game interesting but I'm always put off by the tacky, childish theme of the show.

I also feel that in alot of reviews the presenters try a bit too hard to mark a game down to look "credible" (even though it may not be the presenters opinions but the in-house reviewers).

[McChimp]

Please help us save Junglist:

www.savejunglist.com

board@your.abc.net.au

Please, for the sake of all that's holy/ unholy, let it go.

[RunningMild]

Oh yes! Just the thought of them arguing over a game rather then a movie makes me smile.

Margaret: I thought it needed a subplot!

David: It's ****ing Space Invaders!


Margaret does support the cause to get a R rating though, so she'd probably get more respect than Hex. :p

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Woah hang on! Hex is opposed to the R rating?

[Jay]

Margaret: I thought it needed a subplot!

David: It's ****ing Space Invaders!


Margaret does support the cause to get a R rating though, so she'd probably get more respect than Hex. :p

You've got the two characters mixed up there. David would definitely be calling for a subplot, and he would never drop the F-bomb. Margaret wouldn't care so much about the lack of a subplot, and she looks like she'd swear like a trooper. :)

[Lazlow]

David would be such an Ubisoft fag.

[Stevorooni]

Woah there's a shitstorm brewing on the GG forums, one meaty bit including:


I feel now as if I'm being professionally attacked, so here's a truth bomb. In the meeting where I was told I would be replaced, the reason given was they wanted a girl on the show. "Mass appeal" was a direct quote from that meeting. After a half-hour of explaining how they'll lose their hardcore following, they responded that yes, they knew this, but expected to make up the numbers with a new following. "A show can grow beyond its hardcore base", is another direct quote.

The decision was forced by ABC management, for a mass appeal direction, and will naturally be dumbed down for the loss of experience. Case in point: Monday night's show. Both Forza 3 and Kingdom Hearts clearly written by people with no idea about those franchises. Hell, no one on the team even thought to correct the presenters on how to pronounce "Forza" correctly? Expect a lot more of that...


I hate this whole hardcore/casual splitting of gamers. I play games, I enjoy games. Sometimes they're deep and require effort, sometimes they're just simple idiotic fun. I don't want or need a label.


EDIT

Thread link for context (http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&t=151&a=0&ps=20&dm=1&m=289368&pd=1&p=1)

[Saxby]

Just watched the show then and I actually thought HEX did a great job. She's really talented. Junglist really was the heart and soul of GG though. It's too bad...

[TAT]

Woah hang on! Hex is opposed to the R rating?
Bitch can GTFO if that's the case

[ThePhotoshop]

Had a good laugh at the Missing Junglist posters around UTS today.

[RunningMild]

Woah hang on! Hex is opposed to the R rating?

WTF? Not that I'm aware of. I'm just saying Margaret would get instant respect/street cred because she thinks the R rating should be introduced, whereas Hex... well apparently, Hex isn't a 'real' gamer because she's a young, attractive female, so she ain't gettin' no respect atm. :p

You've got the two characters mixed up there. David would definitely be calling for a subplot, and he would never drop the F-bomb. Margaret wouldn't care so much about the lack of a subplot, and she looks like she'd swear like a trooper. :)

Are you serious? Margaret said there should have been a subplot in Madagascar (Madagascar FFS!), and David has more tolerance for mainstream/linear/action films than her. Also, neither of them would drop the F bomb on air.

Trust me, I've seen the show hundreds of times. :p

[StorminNorman]

Not to sound like a backseat moderator or anything, but can we have this thread either locked or merged with the existing Good Game thread?

There's really no reason for there to be two threads on the same topic.

[Lazlow]

TBH all Jung-sacking related material should go in the other thread.

This thread is clearly about episode discussion

[RunningMild]

Not to sound like a backseat moderator or anything, but can we have this thread either locked or merged with the existing Good Game thread?

There's really no reason for there to be two threads on the same topic.

Shut up you backseat moderator! :p

Also, what Laz said.

[RunningMild]

I believe I was promised Bajo wearing a horse's head?

[Lazlow]

After someone on the forums pointed out the correlation between the horse head, The Godfather, and Junglist's sudden absence... they probably decided against it. :p

[Spudzilla]

HE LIED TO US ALL AGAIN!caps filter is for morons

[Lazlow]

They actually dissed Borderlands?

****ing hacks

Having watched it they didn't diss it as such, they had some valid complaints (ones Darren Wells has been expressing on twitter as well) regarding dodgy vehicle controls and a fair bit of grinding against repetitive enemies (skags).

She did say that for some it might be Boredomlands, which could be the case for those looking for quick progression.

Overall though the general consensus was that at its core it was still a great game, with some well implemented co-op.

[texta]

It was pretty shit. I'm probably going to stop watching.

[RunningMild]

Hex and Bajo agree on too many things. They're basically repeating each other. Hex and Jung would have been awesome.

[Lazlow]

Man last nights episode was dull. I dont care about people who write books, Just talk about the damn games already.

I actually didn't mind it. But that's because I feel that, much like magazines, a gaming show would benefit from more features and less reviews. The internet provides you with a plethora of varying opinions on a game within minutes of its release (and well before).

It doesn't help that GG's review segments are wooden choreographed conversations, something that was prevalent with Junglist's tenure but now made worse by Hex and Bajo's general agreeance on everything.

Hex and Bajo were definitely more relaxed and candid in the Matthew Reilly segment, and Rei's 400 Rule feature was definitely the highlight of last week's ep. So I wouldn't be too bothered if they ditched the reviews altogether.

[TAT]

a fair bit of grinding against repetitive enemies (skags).
This is the problem with the 'review in a day' tactic, really, because the second area in the game is Skag ****ing Gully...

[Dukotoja]

agree with TAT but this 'review in one day' policy also means that all the footage from the game they are reviewing is from really early on, hard to show us anything cool in games such as GTA when you can only play for 4 hours.

[RunningMild]

I'm sick of this show doing 'previews' and 'first impressions'.

Guys, you only have half an hour to present stuff, so you may as well present reviews. First impressions are pointless, as they basically mean you're doing two reviews for one game. For example, that Borderlands preview was bullshit, it was longer than any of the actual reviews in that episode and contained information that could have easily been included into the review. In fact, the review contained no new information that wasn't already in the preview. It just felt like a colossal waste of time.

Now tonight they're doing a first impressions piece for Dragon Age: Origins. Really? The game is out already! If you didn't get it in time, why not just review it properly next week? I don't want to see two identical reviews for the same game two weeks in a row.

If they spend a significant amount of time on the Dragon Age first impression (like in the 5-10 minute range) then next week's 'review' should simply be final thoughts, a score, and a disclaimer saying 'go to this URL if you missed the first impressions piece', with a total running time of less than two minutes.

There is simply no need to waste ten minutes per episode, for two episodes in a row, on the same damn game, and I'm sick of seeing reviews being cancelled or delayed as a result. It's terrible time management and an inability to prioritise properly IMO.

[/rant]

[ThePhotoshop]

I suspect it's part of the "WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS GAME NOW NOW NOW" mentality of the majority of the show's viewers.

[Joel]

I'm sick of this show doing 'previews' and 'first impressions'.

Guys, you only have half an hour to present stuff, so you may as well present reviews. First impressions are pointless, as they basically mean you're doing two reviews for one game. For example, that Borderlands preview was bullshit, it was longer than any of the actual reviews in that episode and contained information that could have easily been included into the review. In fact, the review contained no new information that wasn't already in the preview. It just felt like a colossal waste of time.

Now tonight they're doing a first impressions piece for Dragon Age: Origins. Really? The game is out already! If you didn't get it in time, why not just review it properly next week? I don't want to see two identical reviews for the same game two weeks in a row.

If they spend a significant amount of time on the Dragon Age first impression (like in the 5-10 minute range) then next week's 'review' should simply be final thoughts, a score, and a disclaimer saying 'go to this URL if you missed the first impressions piece', with a total running time of less than two minutes.

There is simply no need to waste ten minutes per episode, for two episodes in a row, on the same damn game, and I'm sick of seeing reviews being cancelled or delayed as a result. It's terrible time management and an inability to prioritise properly IMO.

[/rant]

truuuuue

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

I'm sick of this show doing 'previews' and 'first impressions'.

Guys, you only have half an hour to present stuff, so you may as well present reviews. First impressions are pointless, as they basically mean you're doing two reviews for one game. For example, that Borderlands preview was bullshit, it was longer than any of the actual reviews in that episode and contained information that could have easily been included into the review. In fact, the review contained no new information that wasn't already in the preview. It just felt like a colossal waste of time.

Now tonight they're doing a first impressions piece for Dragon Age: Origins. Really? The game is out already! If you didn't get it in time, why not just review it properly next week? I don't want to see two identical reviews for the same game two weeks in a row.

If they spend a significant amount of time on the Dragon Age first impression (like in the 5-10 minute range) then next week's 'review' should simply be final thoughts, a score, and a disclaimer saying 'go to this URL if you missed the first impressions piece', with a total running time of less than two minutes.

There is simply no need to waste ten minutes per episode, for two episodes in a row, on the same damn game, and I'm sick of seeing reviews being cancelled or delayed as a result. It's terrible time management and an inability to prioritise properly IMO.

[/rant]

Maybe you should watch better video game shows, like CO-OP.

[AranchineD]

I suspect it's part of the "WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS GAME NOW NOW NOW" mentality of the majority of the show's viewers.

Mainstream appeal, anyone? >_>

[RunningMild]

I suspect it's part of the "WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS GAME NOW NOW NOW" mentality of the majority of the show's viewers.

Yeah probably, but anyone who wants to know about a game NOW NOW NOW should be looking it up on the Internet. TV shows =/= Internet. The two mediums have different strengths and weaknesses and as such should be treated differently.

[ThePhotoshop]

Mainstream viewers don't give a shit - if you haven't reviewed Modern Warfare 2 the second it comes out then you're old hat.

I totally agree with you; just playing devil's advocate

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

They need more prizes and competitions. Probably some sort of Am*zing head to head segment each week.
I want to win a date with Hex

[AranchineD]

I want to win a date with Hex

Super8 - "So, I've been playing Uncharted 2 a lot, and absolutely loving it, what did you think of the game?"

Hex - "What's an Uncharted 2?"

Super8 - "NOOOOOOOOO"


http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1396/225pxthescarydoor.jpg

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

I'd spit on her face then walk out

[Watchers]

I'd spit on her face then walk out

So just a typical date, then?

[freeradical]

Spit wouldnt come out of my mouth though.

[RunningMild]

They need more prizes and competitions. Probably some sort of Am*zing head to head segment each week.

Seriously? If that's what you want to see, watch Ultimate Gamer. :p

I just don't think it would be a good idea. The format of news, reviews, features, and nothing else was working perfectly, and they should stick to it. Some conventional comps here and there might be good though...

On that note, the 'ask Good Game' segment is pretty crap. It's okay when they have real questions that haven't been answered elsewhere like 'why isn't Rock Band 2 being released', but when they do stupid questions like 'I'm a non-gamer who has to buy something for my kids' or 'In this Halo 3 mod, is there a way to get the skull without using the wizard key', it's just a waste of time IMO.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

So just a typical date, then?
Not till I prank call her mum later that night

[grimace06]

What I don't understand is Good Game is already a kids show - yet they're getting a second show for ages 15 and under?

[Lazlow]

The kids show will focus more on G/PG family friendly games. You wont get reviews featuring adult themes and dismemberment.

It also may not feature more weighty features like the 400 Rules one from a few weeks back.

[grimace06]

Ahh I see - how pointless.

Show me an 11-15 year old who is only interested in G/PG games?

[Blue]

Ahh I see - how pointless.

Show me an 11-15 year old who is only interested in G/PG games?aubergine.

[RunningMild]

"What if playing videogames made you sick to your stomach?"

I'm starting to think that I may have VSS. I've felt sick to my stomach while playing most of the Wii games sent to me by TNB. :p

Also, Killer Instinct's version of the fatality was the less catchy 'No Mercy'? Where the hell did they pull that from? They were called 'Danger Moves'!

[texta]

I didn't see the last episode but apparently Hex and Bajo disagreed over something in their DJ Hero review except...

I wrote the script, and yes, I wrote the disagreement.

http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&t=84&a=0&ps=20&dm=1&m=300452&pd=1&p=1

[fishfishmonkeyhat]

I don't know why the hosts would even have to play any games.

[ThePhotoshop]

It's fine for the "feature" segments but it's kind of like if Margaret and David were reading a script written by someone else...

[Stevorooni]

Might as well replace them with sock puppets

Scandal! Original Sock Puppet host replaced by sexy stocking

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Will watch

[grimace06]

Might as well replace them with sock puppets

Scandal! Original Sock Puppet host replaced by sexy stocking

By the looks of them, they're halfway there.

[RunningMild]

I didn't see the last episode but apparently Hex and Bajo disagreed over something in their DJ Hero review except...



http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&t=84&a=0&ps=20&dm=1&m=300452&pd=1&p=1

Yeah, they disagreed over the setlist, with Bajo saying it was really good and Hex saying she didn't like it at all. That sucks that it was all pre-written by someone else... does that mean she might like the setlist but was forced to say otherwise?

And yes, I was thinking 'they disagree! Finally we're getting somewhere!' but obviously that wasn't the case... :(

[Cerebral]

I didn't see the last episode but apparently Hex and Bajo disagreed over something in their DJ Hero review except...



http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/Message.aspx?b=59&t=84&a=0&ps=20&dm=1&m=300452&pd=1&p=1

I just read in another post that Jung said t
Stopped reading there. Dude needs to give it the **** up.

Edit: On the news there is little pretense, it is accepted that the people we see "reporting" are just mouthpieces for other people behind the scenes that no one gets to know about.

It is known, but because this is accepted and common people kind of forget this is so, and trust the reporters and believe that the information being fed to them is "news".

I thought that GG was different... ("for gamers by gamers...") and they were real gamers with real opinions having a real conversation. That was why it was one of the only shows i ever watched on TV.

Now i find out they were only ever reading scripts...?!
Lying to me?! Messing with my head?! Laughing at me behind my back?!
Even Jung?! EVEN JUNG?!

I WANT to like the show again but whoever is pulling the strings is making it VERY hard for me to do so.

Is lying so normal on tv that everyone involved in the show goes along with the creation of secrets and lies?!
Lies over honesty, denial of choice and freedom over transparency and congruence, scripted lines over independence of thought, appearance over substance, ACTORS OVER GAMERS?!
I don't even know where to begin with this post. I just want to friggen kill myself.

[RunningMild]

They seemed a bit more natural tonight. Hopefully the show keeps getting better from now on.

[Mr.Mew]

I quite enjoyed tonights ep too, although the Modern Warfare 2 review intro was a little crap. Everything else was a decent watch ... and I laughed at one point. Can't remember what at though.

On the topic of scripted nonsense, it isn't just GG that is scripted. Talk shows like The Glass House, Good News Week, etc. are all scripted. It's unavoidable, and as much as Baj and Hex are reading scripts they more than likely don't want to as much as we don't want them to.

[texta]

I think the problem isn't that it's so much that it's scripted it's that the scripting is so obvious.

The New Super Mario Brothers review was embarrassing and I stopped watching after that. I think it's disingenuous to have a go at Nintendo for not developing the Mario series on the basis that New Super Mario is a lot like the Super Mario games on the SNES. I think SM64 might have an opinion on that.

[Readman]

As a general comment, the 'Super Mario' series has had some of the most innovative games ever made, and I just can't take anyone seriously who says otherwise, or pretends that it's just Nintendo cranking the same thing out over and over again. So they've got the same plot? So what, it's not Planescape, the plot isn't the point.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Nintendo suck so bad, 20 year later they make the same game.

[Readman]

My god, you mean Nintendo are making fun games that people want to play!?!

HERESY!!!

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Nintendo need to let Hideo Kojima write a plot for them

[AranchineD]

"Princess Peach kidnaps Bowser, who is actually phsyically and figuratively a metaphor for the inner turmoil in Mario's heart after he was forced to sacrifice his brother Luigi to a all powerful AI that Bowser created two years ago and now inhabits Princess Peach's castle, filling Peach's head with lies and causing her to fly with Mario to the moon. "

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Needs more clones

[AranchineD]

****, man, you just spoiled Mario Brothers 2: Sons Of Tanooki.

[Second]

As a general comment, the 'Super Mario' series has had some of the most innovative games ever made, and I just can't take anyone seriously who says otherwise, or pretends that it's just Nintendo cranking the same thing out over and over again. So they've got the same plot? So what, it's not Planescape, the plot isn't the point.

Endure. In enduring, grow strong.

[Jay]

Nintendo need to let Hideo Kojima write a plot for them

Please god no.

[Vindik8or]

Nintendo need to let Hideo Kojima write a plot for them

What, so their collapse into the shit abyss can be complete?

[TAT]

So am I right in saying that more people are seeing Nintendo for the shit hacks that they are?

Good.

[Vindik8or]

Well, to their credit, they're not Sony.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Nintendo are aright, though it is becoming more and more obvious that they will never again bother making a game for the crowd who likes to play games. The next Zelda will be interesting.

[Readman]

Yes, damn Nintendo for trying to expand the gaming market! Damn them to hell!

:rolleyes:

[Vindik8or]

The problem with the casual crowd is that they are fickle. The next fad - the very next fad - and they will jump ship from Nintendo. This will leave them in the position of having no immense casual market, and a disillusioned, disheartened hardcore market that they will have trouble winning over after their perceived 'slight' of the last few years of Nintendo products.

[Readman]

Then the worst that happens is that they go back to the situation they were in during the N64/Gamecube days - when they were a smaller, niche competitor.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Yes, damn Nintendo for trying to expand the gaming market! Damn them to hell!

:rolleyes:

Hey screw you pal, I said Nintendo are alright!

[Readman]

My target is the sense of superiority of the self-described 'hardcore gamer'.

[AranchineD]

Yes, damn Nintendo for trying to expand the gaming market! Damn them to hell!

:rolleyes:

Kinda going along with Vin, Nintendo aren't trying to expand the gaming market; they're trying to market one-off (quite a lot crappy, gimmicky) purchases to families and old people with no intention or desire to keep them in the market, buying games with any sort of regularity, and just no desire to generally expand the category of what we would call 'gamers'.

[Jay]

I actually think some of the problem lies with the definition of 'gamer'. If we want the medium to be taken seriously as a mainstream medium we need to accept the fact that different 'types' of gamers have legitimacy within the marketplace. We don't deride people who only go to the movies 5 times a year to see Hollywood blockbusters as 'casual' in the way we seem to be dismissive of 'casual' gamers. Or do we?

[AranchineD]

I know I do. >_>

That's something that happens in every medium though. People who watch The Wire deriding those who watch Two & A Half Men. Those who enjoy No Country For Old Men insulting those who love Michael Bay and Transformers 2. Even with books, you have your elites poking fun at those who enjoy Stephen King or Matthew Reilly.

Sure, it's a problem that perhaps shouldn't come up, but it does everywhere, so I wouldn't put it down as a major obstacle getting in the way of 'gaming' being taken seriously and such.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

We don't deride people who only go to the movies 5 times a year to see Hollywood blockbusters as 'casual' in the way we seem to be dismissive of 'casual' gamers. Or do we?
I do.

[Jay]

Yeah, I probably do too. ****ing Matthew Reilly.

[texta]

The problem with the casual crowd is that they are fickle. The next fad - the very next fad - and they will jump ship from Nintendo. This will leave them in the position of having no immense casual market, and a disillusioned, disheartened hardcore market that they will have trouble winning over after their perceived 'slight' of the last few years of Nintendo products.

I don't think that is necessarily the case. I think the "fad market" is such that whatever the next video game "fad" is, Nintendo will be able to participate in it. Furthermore, Nintendo's current success means that people developing "fads" are probably going to seriously consider the Wii as the platform of choice.

I would argue that because video game purchases are non compulsory, "real gamers" shouldn't be concerned if there are "fad" video games that they personally aren't interested in, but instead should be supportive of the fact that the "fads" are a positive influence on the gaming economy allowing developers the opportunity to create "non-fad" games that might not exist in a smaller industry.

[Lex]

As a general comment, the 'Super Mario' series has had some of the most innovative games ever made, and I just can't take anyone seriously who says otherwise, or pretends that it's just Nintendo cranking the same thing out over and over again. So they've got the same plot? So what, it's not Planescape, the plot isn't the point.

What exactly have Mario games innovated recently?

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

You can play games with your grandma, something that gamers everywhere have wanted for years. I remember when I was 13, telling my grandma to watch me play FFVIII, she was thoroughly confused and needless to say, not impressed.

[Readman]

What exactly have Mario games innovated recently?

Galaxy is the most innovative platformer since Mario 64. M64 was the first one to really show what 3D console platformers could be capable of. I don't know if you were around back then, but it was revelatory when it came out.

Galaxy took the 3D aspect to its logical conclusion by adding differing centres of gravity as a gameplay variable. You genuinely had a fully 3D and 360degree world to explore.

Kinda going along with Vin, Nintendo aren't trying to expand the gaming market; they're trying to market one-off (quite a lot crappy, gimmicky) purchases to families and old people with no intention or desire to keep them in the market, buying games with any sort of regularity, and just no desire to generally expand the category of what we would call 'gamers'.

I'm not really interested in the 'gamer' category, though. It's self-described and a bit arrogant. The fact that somebody enjoys different games to you doesn't make them any less of a gamer.

It just seems a lot like what people were saying about the PSX when it came out in the 1990s. Sony marketed their console to a completely different audience than was being serviced by the other consoles. And guess what? It genuinely grew the market for interactive entertainment. Nintendo is doing the same thing now, with a different audience.

[AranchineD]

I'm not really interested in the 'gamer' category, though. It's self-described and a bit arrogant. The fact that somebody enjoys different games to you doesn't make them any less of a gamer.

It just seems a lot like what people were saying about the PSX when it came out in the 1990s. Sony marketed their console to a completely different audience than was being serviced by the other consoles. And guess what? It genuinely grew the market for interactive entertainment. Nintendo is doing the same thing now, with a different audience.

Missed my point entirely, I was using 'gamer' here like you would describe someone as a 'bike rider' if they regularly ride a bike or 'skateboarder' if they regularly ride a skateboard; 'gamer' as a label for someone who with some sort of regularity or consistency plays games, nothing to do with the actual game being played.

Which goes to your example about the PSX, because that was a console that, yes, was marketed to a completely different audience but had a number of 'casual' games and series that not only got this audience into gaming but quite possibly got them to explore a number of other categories of game that they wouldn't have even thought of playing before. Sony's console appealed to everyone with probably every genre under the sun being represented on it, and good games in all of those genres being present. Hell, even 'casual platformers' like Crash Bandicoot or Spyro The Dragon appealed to not only this new audience but a number of others as well.

The PSX was never about getting people to buy the console and one 'utility' program, use it once and never touch it again, it was to get the new audience right into gaming. And the most bewildering thing is that this makes better business sense anyway.

[Readman]

Aran, the picture you are painting of the videogame playing demographics is not accurate and hasn't been for awhile now.

I mean, no offence, but it shows how out of touch 'gamers' are with the currents in their industry that Nintendo is being criticised for adopting a strategy which has so far yielded the three highest selling console games of all time. And arguing that this doesn't constitute a serious expansion of the market. I mean, good grief, what would constitute a serious expansion in that case.

[Vindik8or]

I don't think that is necessarily the case. I think the "fad market" is such that whatever the next video game "fad" is, Nintendo will be able to participate in it. Furthermore, Nintendo's current success means that people developing "fads" are probably going to seriously consider the Wii as the platform of choice.

I would argue that because video game purchases are non compulsory, "real gamers" shouldn't be concerned if there are "fad" video games that they personally aren't interested in, but instead should be supportive of the fact that the "fads" are a positive influence on the gaming economy allowing developers the opportunity to create "non-fad" games that might not exist in a smaller industry.

That would be the best case scenario, also if they used the fad status as a kind of lead-in for introducing new-comers to more sophisticated gaming. But really, Nintendo haven't been doing that - the first party title that cater to the more skilled and demanding customers of Nintendo have been sorely lacking over the past few years, especially on the Wii. It doesn't personally bother me, there are a few titles I've quite enjoyed and I don't regret my purchase of a Wii at all, but I just get the feeling that Nintendo may have painted themselves into a corner.

[Readman]

Or it could just be that most people aren't interested in more 'sophisticated' gaming.

[Lazlow]

Sometimes you just want to be Din Viesel

[RunningMild]

Nintendo are aright, though it is becoming more and more obvious that they will never again bother making a game for the crowd who likes to play games. The next Zelda will be interesting.

Super Mario Galaxy 2?

Metroid: Other M?

[AranchineD]

Aran, the picture you are painting of the videogame playing demographics is not accurate and hasn't been for awhile now.

I mean, no offence, but it shows how out of touch 'gamers' are with the currents in their industry that Nintendo is being criticised for adopting a strategy which has so far yielded the three highest selling console games of all time. And arguing that this doesn't constitute a serious expansion of the market. I mean, good grief, what would constitute a serious expansion in that case.

Yet this is just proving my side of the argument. "Buy a Wii console + a few pieces of software all at the same time and never touch your console again, we don't give a shit!"

Those three games may be selling well but it's a hollow 'victory' for the industry overall given how many other quality games on the console appear to be given the boot.

In the short term it might prove successful, and you'd be hard pressed to find any difference between this strategy and those used by other companies and consoles (e.g. PSX). Take a more long term perspective and things look a little worse (I mean, Nintendo just recently reported downward profits for the last quarter). I'm criticising Nintendo because they seem be taking the "We only need big numbers NOW" approach.

Super Mario Galaxy 2?

Metroid: Other M?


Metroid: Other M makes me sad to be a Metroid fan.

[punkgorilla]

This thread is starting to turn into a great example of why gaming forummers shouldn't pretend to be analysts.

[Second]

Heh. Anal.

[RunningMild]

Metroid: Other M makes me sad to be a Metroid fan.

But a co-development with Team Ninja is not going to cater to 'casual' gamers, is it? ;)

[BB2K]

No, but it's going to be shit.

[AranchineD]

This thread is starting to turn into a great example of why gaming forummers shouldn't pretend to be analysts.

Duly noted. If I ever head in that direction, I want you to stop me, okay?

But a co-development with Team Ninja is not going to cater to 'casual' gamers, is it? ;)

Perhaps, but it's not appealing to the 'Metroid crowd' either (at least the ones that are almost fanboyish about how Metroid should be about "being alone and exploring and blah blah blah"). When the game comes out we'll see how the fighting system is, but I suspect, unless it is a really deep or complex system, it won't drag too many people away from the Bayonettas and such.

A curious idea for a game it is, then.

[Readman]

This thread is starting to turn into a great example of why gaming forummers shouldn't pretend to be analysts.

This thread is starting to turn into a great example of why I should punch you in the face.

[BB2K]

Yo punkgorilla you want some ice for that burn?

[RunningMild]

When the game comes out we'll see how the fighting system is, but I suspect, unless it is a really deep or complex system, it won't drag too many people away from the Bayonettas and such.

A curious idea for a game it is, then.

Hopefully, Other M can be as different from Bayonetta as Ninja Gaiden Black was from Devil May Cry. :p

Also, I hope that 'Metroid crowd' that's bitching about the game aren't the same people who were complaining that there were no games on the Wii aimed at hardcore/mature gamers. :rolleyes:

Just to keep this thread on topic- did anyone else like that subtle Captain Planet reference on the latest ep? After recent revelations, I can't help but wonder if Hex actually knew what she was referencing with that comment, or if Gog just threw it in to make her sound cool...

Also, was anyone else bothered with the way she pronounced Galaga? I've never heard anyone say it like that tbqh.

[punkgorilla]

Duly noted. If I ever head in that direction, I want you to stop me, okay?
Or just think about what you're saying before clicking the submit button. Maybe then all of your points won't be riddled with flaws.

This thread is starting to turn into a great example of why I should punch you in the face.

Settle down deary, it wasn't directed at you. You don't seem to be following the 'analyst despite know **** all about the games industry or business in general' approach. Your comments seem to be focusing more on games and the shit surrounding them. I actually quite like this sentiment:

My target is the sense of superiority of the self-described 'hardcore gamer'.

[AranchineD]

Also, was anyone else bothered with the way she pronounced Galaga? I've never heard anyone say it like that tbqh.

Did she say it like Gal-agger (like 'dagger') or Gal-aga (like 'saga')?

Or just think about what you're saying before clicking the submit button. Maybe then all of your points won't be riddled with flaws.

My argument is flawless.

[RunningMild]

Did she say it like Gal-agger (like 'dagger') or Gal-aga (like 'saga')?

The second one. it sounded like 'Gularga', but I've only ever heard it pronounced as 'Gal-agga'.

[Jay]

She said it correctly then. It rhymes with saga. As far as I am aware.

[Vindik8or]

Or it could just be that most people aren't interested in more 'sophisticated' gaming.

I don't disagree, what I'm saying is that courting such a fickle market is dangerous, especially the way Nintendo have gone about it with little regard for their stalwarts. That is all!

[RunningMild]

She said it correctly then. It rhymes with saga. As far as I am aware.

Really? Well if that's the case then I MUST DRINK FROM THE NOOB CUP! :p

I don't disagree, what I'm saying is that courting such a fickle market is dangerous, especially the way Nintendo have gone about it with little regard for their stalwarts. That is all!

Speaking of stalwarts, when the hell are we getting a Star Fox game for the Wii? Or Kid Icarus? Hell they should pass a law saying that any character/arena that features in SSBB has to have their own franchise game (that goes double for Donkey and Diddy Kong!).

[enrique]

Really? Well if that's the case then I MUST DRINK FROM THE NOOB CUP! :p


I wouldnt put my lips to that cup, seeing as though Hex has been drinking from that nonstop for the last month. :p

[AranchineD]

She said it correctly then. It rhymes with saga. As far as I am aware.

Well I do remember PCPP had this argument in the magazine YEARS ago, as to whether it's a 'galactic saga', Gal-agga, or a 'galactic saga', Gal-aga.

The argument is just stupid though, especially since Space Invaders is better. >_>

[Lex]

The argument is just stupid though, especially since Space Invaders is better. >_>

False.

[Jay]

But is it Space InvAders or Space InvARders?

[AranchineD]

Spruce Inverters

[Jay]

Now it sounds like WiiWare game. Something WhyMe would buy and try and convince us was good. :)

[AranchineD]

"The REAL Virtual Lumberjack Simulator!"

"Wow, moving this Wii controller back and forth over and over to get some wood is one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had!"

[RunningMild]

I wouldnt put my lips to that cup, seeing as though Hex has been drinking from that nonstop for the last month. :p

Is that a bad thing though? ;)

Also, I just realised that they didn't show that feature on the Call of Duty series. I was really looking forward to that, mainly because I hadn't followed the series closely and wanted to see just how it reached the status of world's biggest franchise. Really disappointing that it got cut (and again, if they didn't do a double review for Dragon Age...).

[Zace]

i don't disagree, what i'm saying is that courting such a fickle market is dangerous, especially the way nintendo have gone about it with little regard for their stalwarts. That is all!

****** you and your nintendo hate.

[Zace]

Well, to their credit, they're not Sony.

so you don't like games?

[Vindik8or]

so you don't like games?

Not unless I'm playing them with your mum. While having sex. With your mum.

[RunningMild]

so you don't like games?

I think what he's saying is he doesn't like companies that show nothing but contempt for their customers. ;)

[Lazlow]

Just flipped over to the repeat on ABC1 now... what the hell did they review MW2 on?!?

He began by bitching about the poor online performance, but the footage they showed from the Single Player campaign was horribly jittery as well. If they recorded it themselves they either have a dud reviewing computer or the recording method needs tweaking :/

[REQUIEM]

Just flipped over to the repeat on ABC1 now... what the hell did they review MW2 on?!?

He began by bitching about the poor online performance, but the footage they showed from the Single Player campaign was horribly jittery as well. If they recorded it themselves they either have a dud reviewing computer or the recording method needs tweaking :/

Hasnt that been a trait of Good Game. I rekon they didnt even have a dam HD tv till early this year.

[texta]

I've stopped watching and caring about the show but I would like to share one last hilarious anecdote from the GG forums.

People got a bit stuck into Rei because her little segments feel more like they belong on BTN than a show that is apparently for adults and her response was to list her "qualifications" which included Pixel Hunt and the fact that she was studying journalism at Uni. I think the fact that she's a journalism undergrad explains everything you need to know about the quality of her journalism skills.

[AranchineD]

Pixel Hunt is awesome **** you keffa

[REQUIEM]

Wheres that South African?

[BB2K]

Did anyone want to bone Hex (more than usual) tonight? I know I sure did.

[RunningMild]

I've stopped watching and caring about the show but I would like to share one last hilarious anecdote from the GG forums.

People got a bit stuck into Rei because her little segments feel more like they belong on BTN than a show that is apparently for adults and her response was to list her "qualifications" which included Pixel Hunt and the fact that she was studying journalism at Uni. I think the fact that she's a journalism undergrad explains everything you need to know about the quality of her journalism skills.

She's also written for PCPP, Hyper, a bunch of other respected mags, and interned for the Australian Associated Press (IIRC). What does that say?

[JubeiSaotome]

She's not Hex.

[TAT]

Did anyone want to bone Hex (more than usual) tonight? I know I sure did.
Don't ever mention Hex and sex in the same sentence EVER AGAIN without providing pics.

pics = pep, you know

[AranchineD]

nopics=nep

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Would do Hex and Rei at the same time while Bajo fingers his butthole in the corner

[AranchineD]

Bajo could finger my butthole and I'd still be up for that deal.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

and Jung is crying in the corner

[Allick]

Bajo could finger my butthole and I'd still be up for that deal.

Well I caught the wrong end of this discussion

[Watchers]

Bajo could finger my butthole and I'd still be up for that deal.

I'm sure both those ladies would be thrilled to know this.

[RunningMild]

Thoughts on tonight's ep:

- The news stories are getting too damn long and rambly. They were better when they were short, sharp and to the point. Too bad there's no-one on the GG team who went to Uni and learned how to structure a news article.................... ;)

- lol @ the choice of song to open the Singstar review. Sounds like they were singing to Jung. :p

- Bajo gave Singstar: Take That a 4/10 'because the game works'. Wow, 4/10 if it works? No wonder all his scores are so high! :facepalm:

- Backwards compatible: Games where you play the bad guy. I'm just going to come out and say it- I don't give a shit! You know what I would love to see in Backwards Compatible? A feature on the Call of Duty franchise! It's not like they announced it three weeks ago or anything! :rolleyes:

- The whole ep felt way more manufactured than any I've ever seen, just when I thought they were settling in and finding their feet. Also, 'Calamari Cruisers'? Who forgot to write 'Mon' on the teleprompter? :rolleyes:

[castr8or]

She's also written for PCPP, Hyper, a bunch of other respected mags, and interned for the Australian Associated Press (IIRC). What does that say?

australian mags have a tolerance for mediocrity? i know they did back when i still bought hyper/pcpp/n64gamer

[texta]

australian mags have a tolerance for mediocrity? i know they did back when i still bought hyper/pcpp/n64gamerYeah that's pretty much what I was thinking.

[Readman]

She's also written for PCPP, Hyper, a bunch of other respected mags, and interned for the Australian Associated Press (IIRC). What does that say?

She can't get a real job?

[AranchineD]

I'm sure both those ladies would be thrilled to know this.

So, what do you think? Doing anything for you?


*both women throw up simultaneously*

[REQUIEM]

- Bajo gave Singstar: Take That a 4/10 'because the game works'. Wow, 4/10 if it works? No wonder all his scores are so high! :facepalm:


Yeah a 4 for just loading seems generous so it does that mean that games get another 4 if he plays it aswell since he just seems to give everything 8.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Go easy on the girl she's only 21.

[Stevorooni]

her response was to list her "qualifications" which included Pixel Hunt

You say that like it's a bad thing :(

[Jay]

I know it's at the top of my CV. Actually these days it just about would be...

[Vindik8or]

So, what do you think? Doing anything for you?


*both women throw up simultaneously*

Ooo, you girls are into that, huh? Just a minute, I'll get you a cup.

[texta]

You say that like it's a bad thing :(I put that in more because I thought it was interesting than anything else. That she thinks it's evidence of how great a journalist she is is obviously good for your publication.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

What's a guy got to do to get published in Pixel Hunt these days?

[Lazlow]

Go easy on the girl she's only 21.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2867/hatersgonnahate.gif

[RunningMild]

Yeah a 4 for just loading seems generous so it does that mean that games get another 4 if he plays it aswell since he just seems to give everything 8.

Yeah, 4 if it works, 4 if he played it, and an extra 1 or 2 if he actually likes it. :p

Funny how GI Joe on the Wii only got a 3, though I think the review mentioned that it didn't save/load properly or something. :D

[Australian Ninja]

I did not enjoy the last couple of GG episodes, but it was mainly that the games didn't interest me. It's a bitch that Junglist left right when the show had gotten into a good rhythm, one that is lost with the addition of any new host.

Had a good laugh at the OCD Hero segment

[Cake]

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2867/hatersgonnahate.gif

This.

[freeradical]

In Junglist related news, he's got a gig with PCPP magazine. http://www.pcpowerplay.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=121049

[RunningMild]

Christmas ep wasn't too bad, but I thought the GG awards were an absolute farce.

Best Graphics- Batman: AA didn't even get nominated. If Uncharted 2 is first, Batman must be second. The sheer detail in that game (not even considering the art direction and style) is simply incredible.

Best Sound- Again, I thought Batman (and Brutal Legend for that matter) would need to be a nomination, but that's just my opinion.

Big Claim, Lame Game- Rubbish. They rigged the nominees so Gran Turismo would lose, and when ODST got the unanimous vote, they overruled it and chose Gran Turismo anyway! Did Bajo's parents get murdered by a realistic driving simulator? Jesus...

Best Moment- I personally agree that Batman should win, but A. I haven't played Uncharted 2 yet, and B. I still think overruling the votes is pretty pathetic.

Also, Rei sounded a lot more natural reviewing then when she does a feature. Would have been nice to see her do more reviews...


Also, 'Good Game wishes Jung all the best in his future endeavours'? You have GOT to be kidding me...

http://www.steroid.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/vince-mcmahon.jpg

[jawsy]

Big Claim, Lame Game- Rubbish. They rigged the nominees so Gran Turismo would lose, and when ODST got the unanimous vote, they overruled it and chose Gran Turismo anyway! Did Bajo's parents get murdered by a realistic driving simulator? Jesus...

Err, that means it wasn't unanimous.

[RunningMild]

Err, that means it wasn't unanimous.

Their exact words were "ODST won the voting by a clear margin, but we've overturned that and chosen Gran Turismo instead".

So why even bother collecting votes? It's pretty pathetic that one man's opinion can overrule hundreds (?) of votes.

[Lex]

Also, Rei sounded a lot more natural reviewing then when she does a feature. Would have been nice to see her do more reviews...

that was natural?

it sounded exactly like she was reading from a script, and not even very well.

[Vindik8or]

Best Graphics- Batman: AA didn't even get nominated. If Uncharted 2 is first, Batman must be second. The sheer detail in that game (not even considering the art direction and style) is simply incredible.

Really, a game using the Unreal 3 engine should get best graphics? We're talking an engine that's almost 3 years old now!

[Lex]

can not tell if joking.

[MacGuyver]

I was actually playing Gran Turismo on the PSP when they gave it the Big Claim, Lame Game award. Booooo! :p

[castr8or]

Really, a game using the Unreal 3 engine should get best graphics? We're talking an engine that's almost 3 years old now!

Batman: AA with Physx is beautiful

[REQUIEM]

that was natural?

it sounded exactly like she was reading from a script, and not even very well.

yeah IMO her review was too 'put on' and trying just 'too hard'. Giving two review scores is just copping out without giving an opinion.

[RunningMild]

Giving two review scores is just copping out without giving an opinion.

She spent about two straight minutes 'giving an opinion' and explaining the scores in detail!

[Cake]

yeah IMO her review was too 'put on' and trying just 'too hard'. Giving two review scores is just copping out without giving an opinion.

How did I not give an opinion? I said if you look at it as a stand-alone game, then it's good enough to warrant an 8, but seeing that it has long been debated as to whether a sequel should be judged as a sequel or as a game in its own right, I decided to award it a score as a sequel as well because that matters to some people. Even Hyper's writers often give games two scores (see Dan Staines' review of Wii Fit Plus) because it's significant and relevant.

In my opinion, it was relevant. As for my review being too "put on", it's pretty consistent with how I write. *shrug*

[Lex]

How does the way you write effect your delivery? It's not like it was a tough script to read, you're just a bad presenter. The whole thing just seemed like a bad sketch HURP SHE NEVER GETS TO REVIEW AND NOW SHES GIVING A REALLY LONG WINDED REVIEW. HOW UNEXPECTED LOL

[Cake]

I wasn't referring to my delivery, I was referring to the contents of the review, which is consistent with what I would normally write. In any case, always appreciate the constructive feedback. Thanks.

[BB2K]

Even Hyper's writers often give games two scores (see Dan Staines' review of Wii Fit Plus) because it's significant and relevant.

So something happening one time means that it happens often now?

[Cake]

So something happening one time means that it happens often now?

That was the most recent example I could think of, but it has happened other times.

[Lazlow]

FFS, Famitsu are based on a four score system. Other publications have had second opinions. So judging a game based on two different perspectives is not exactly a foreign concept.

[grimace06]

EGM also used to do three person reviews.

[BB2K]

I don't think anyone's said anything regarding more than one person reviewing, just UKG complaining about a second opinion.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Wouldn't get too worked up over the things UKG says.

[RunningMild]

So something happening one time means that it happens often now?

What about all those reviews that say 'add x to the score if...'? It happens extremely often nowadays.

[JubeiSaotome]

I think scores are an old and unneeded aspect of games reviews. Especially, since a game's playability really changes from person to person. What about all those sonic games that scored 2/10, but have rabid fans?

[AranchineD]

Isn't this all just REVIEW SCORES RAH RAH RAH with a comb underneath its nose to try and disguise it as something else?

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

I think scores are an old and unneeded aspect of games reviews. Especially, since a game's playability really changes from person to person. What about all those sonic games that scored 2/10, but have rabid fans?

I tend to disagree, that's a little like saying movies shouldn't be given a numbered score either just because some b-boy watches 'You Got Served' everyday and thinks it is the greatest.

[Vindik8or]

Batman: AA with Physx is beautiful

I've played it. The regular graphics were... unobtrusive. I can see the award going to it for the abstract stylings of the Detective Vision (ie. the Always On Awesome Vision), but there wasn't anything outstanding otherwise. And I'm pretty sure PhysX just deals with what things do, not how they look?

[AranchineD]

Hey, You Got Served is an uplifting and extremely meaningful story about life in the ghetto and just to what lengths a person can and will go to prove themselves, not just to themselves but to the world itself, and its comments about humanity in general that even the most downtrodden man can reach great heights will be remembered for years to come.

[castr8or]

I've played it. The regular graphics were... unobtrusive. I can see the award going to it for the abstract stylings of the Detective Vision (ie. the Always On Awesome Vision), but there wasn't anything outstanding otherwise. And I'm pretty sure PhysX just deals with what things do, not how they look?

you get extra eye candy

steam/fog effects that react to bodies
objects and clutter with physical properties that react to the player (eg papers on the ground getting kicked around and folding or garbage etc)
damage to the environment such as broken tiles etc

its pretty :)

I'm running it completely maxed out + physx + 8x FSAA or whatever, trust me when i say its a great looking game :P

[RunningMild]

I've played it. The regular graphics were... unobtrusive. I can see the award going to it for the abstract stylings of the Detective Vision (ie. the Always On Awesome Vision), but there wasn't anything outstanding otherwise.

Really? I thought the detail in the graphics was absolutely incredible and set new standards for console games (though PC games have probably been at that level for quite a while now). The in-game graphics were even better than the pre-rendered cutscenes in most other games!

[Lex]

I wasn't referring to my delivery

oh. right. nevermind then, I assumed that's what UKG was getting at with terms like 'forced' and 'trying too hard'.

I've played it. The regular graphics were... unobtrusive. I can see the award going to it for the abstract stylings of the Detective Vision (ie. the Always On Awesome Vision), but there wasn't anything outstanding otherwise.

...and what would you say is a game with better graphics? specifically, better character models.

[jawsy]

Their exact words were "ODST won the voting by a clear margin, but we've overturned that and chosen Gran Turismo instead".

So why even bother collecting votes? It's pretty pathetic that one man's opinion can overrule hundreds (?) of votes.

That's not unanimous, you dingleberry.

[texta]

EGM also used to do three person reviews.
I think there's a pretty big difference between multiple people reviewing a game and one person reviewing the game multiple times.



Anyway, as far as the Batman thing goes, I suggest that Mr_M actually play Uncharted 2 before he gets too worked up about it beating Batman.

[AranchineD]

Actually everyone is wrong, Brutal Legend is the best looking game this year.

[texta]

I think you'll find it was Plants vs Zombies!

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

Uncharted 2 makes Batman look like a ps2 game.

[dinopoke]

...it has long been debated as to whether a sequel should be judged as a sequel or as a game in its own right...

You judge a sequel as a sequel. Because it is a sequel.

>____>

[Lazlow]

dinopoke has spoken!

[Vindik8or]

...and what would you say is a game with better graphics? specifically, better character models.
I've just realised that I haven't actually played any new release games from this year other than Batman. That said, an award shouldn't go in the absence of competition. I dunno, for the sake of argument, I'll say that A Boy And His Blob has better graphics. Much more consistent and appealing art style and direction. Burning out your 295GX and using all of the DirectX 15.9 shaders doesn't mean they're 'good'.

[castr8or]

I've just realised that I haven't actually played any new release games from this year other than Batman. That said, an award shouldn't go in the absence of competition. I dunno, for the sake of argument, I'll say that A Boy And His Blob has better graphics. Much more consistent and appealing art style and direction. Burning out your 295GX and using all of the DirectX 15.9 shaders doesn't mean they're 'good'.

it depends on what we are defining good graphics to be

I think Batman AA encompasses good graphics on both a technical AND artistic level

A Boy and His Blob has great artwork, but its not exactly ground breaking tehcnically.

[Lex]

I've just realised that I haven't actually played any new release games from this year other than Batman. That said, an award shouldn't go in the absence of competition. I dunno, for the sake of argument, I'll say that A Boy And His Blob has better graphics. Much more consistent and appealing art style and direction. Burning out your 295GX and using all of the DirectX 15.9 shaders doesn't mean they're 'good'.

Well ok, my interpretation was "more technically advanced" - maybe you're thinking of a games style? But a games "style" and "graphics" are 2 pretty different things, a game can have amazing graphics and very little style, and vice versa. That said, batman sure a shit wasn't lacking in either, so I'm not really sure what you're getting at.

But WTF do you mean by the abscense of competition? There have been some amazing looking games this year.

[Vindik8or]

Well as far as tehnically advanced goes, see my first post on the matter. They make clever use of a couple of effective uhh... effects, but nothing groundbreaking. The art direction is consistent which is a good deal more than can be said for most games, but it seems committee designed, like they've gone, "can we have the comic book style and also photo realsim?" All in all they don't get in the way of enjoying the game, but it's nothing special. The animation was spectacular though, and the detective vision interesting. As for absence of competition - that was specific to myself, since I haven't played any new release this year.

[castr8or]

Well as far as tehnically advanced goes, see my first post on the matter. They make clever use of a couple of effective uhh... effects, but nothing groundbreaking. The art direction is consistent which is a good deal more than can be said for most games, but it seems committee designed, like they've gone, "can we have the comic book style and also photo realsim?" All in all they don't get in the way of enjoying the game, but it's nothing special. The animation was spectacular though, and the detective vision interesting. As for absence of competition - that was specific to myself, since I haven't played any new release this year.


maybe the problem is that games haven't really progressed much in the last couple of years...

Crysis is still a benchmark game (for example)

[Serenity]

While channel surfing early this morning (woo, insomnia) I saw an early ep of Good Game. Like, maybe 2007 old. Pretty cool. I never really actually took the time to watch an ep, it was always on while I was waiting for Rage to come on but I never really paid attention. I dismissed it as kiddy.

[texta]

I've just realised that I haven't actually played any new release games from this year other than Batman. That said, an award shouldn't go in the absence of competition.

Presumably though, having not played any other new release games this year, you're not really in a position to comment on the competition or absence there of.

[enrique]

While channel surfing early this morning (woo, insomnia) I saw an early ep of Good Game. Like, maybe 2007 old. Pretty cool. I never really actually took the time to watch an ep, it was always on while I was waiting for Rage to come on but I never really paid attention. I dismissed it as kiddy.

I watched that ep this morning too, I'm rather enjoying those earlier episodes more so then the last few with Hex onboard, it just aint the same without Junglist. Havent seen the xmas ep yet though.

[Vindik8or]

Presumably though, having not played any other new release games this year, you're not really in a position to comment on the competition or absence there of.

My argument is that I don't think that in and of itself it is worth any graphics award, and that it is better than other titles out there doesn't necessarilly make it worthy as the only criterion. That it has won the award leads me to think that it has won due to an absence of competition for the award rather than any particular mastery of graphics, that's without me having seen much of any other games or the nominees.

[JubeiSaotome]

Watching the Rei bit on Good Game now. Band Hero was never meant to be a sequel of the main series, it's just like Lego Rock band is; a side game for a different target audience. :P

It's pretty obvious.

[Lex]

Well as far as tehnically advanced goes, see my first post on the matter. They make clever use of a couple of effective uhh... effects, but nothing groundbreaking.

but what are you comparing that to?

Also, disagree with your style comments, I don't think they even attempted realism, just a gritty, detailed comic style.

[Serenity]

I watched that ep this morning too, I'm rather enjoying those earlier episodes more so then the last few with Hex onboard, it just aint the same without Junglist. Havent seen the xmas ep yet though.

I haven't really seen a Hex episode, so I can't pass judgement on her yet but even in the episode I saw the rapport between Junglist and Bajo was very good.

[texta]

My argument is that I don't think that in and of itself it is worth any graphics award, and that it is better than other titles out there doesn't necessarilly make it worthy as the only criterion. That it has won the award leads me to think that it has won due to an absence of competition for the award rather than any particular mastery of graphics, that's without me having seen much of any other games or the nominees.Are you talking about Batman AA or Uncharted 2, because Uncharted 2 won.

I tend to believe that the award "Best Graphics of 2009" should be awarded to the game with the best graphics in 2009. But I also think that you can't use logic to describe Good Game's decisions.

[RunningMild]

That's not unanimous, you dingleberry.

Okay, I used the wrong word but my point still stands.

Anyway, as far as the Batman thing goes, I suggest that Mr_M actually play Uncharted 2 before he gets too worked up about it beating Batman.

I never got worked up about Batman getting beaten by Uncharted 2 in anything. In terms of graphics, my complaint was that Batman didn't even get nominated.

You judge a sequel as a sequel. Because it is a sequel.

>____>

IMO, you judge a sequel as a standalone game, because not everyone has played the prequel and assumed knowledge is for losers.

That said, seeing BH get a 4/10 made me smile. At the moment, the only thing I hate more than a review full of assumed knowledge is a new GH game. :p

[JubeiSaotome]

That said, seeing BH get a 4/10 made me smile. At the moment, the only thing I hate more than a review full of assumed knowledge is a new GH game. :p

If you can look beyond the glossy presentation of Band Hero, it's as good as Guitar Hero 5. It makes up for a few less songs with it's kareoke mode and the fact that they went to the trouble to actually match the target audience. Just because a game's track list doesn't match your musical taste, does not mean it's a bad game.

[RunningMild]

Just because a game's track list doesn't match your musical taste, does not mean it's a bad game.

My issue isn't with the tracklist, I'm just sick of band games as a whole. The fact that 2009 saw 8 new Guitar Hero games being released didn't help at all. I enjoyed Rock Band Unplugged and DJ Hero because they were fresh and unique, but I can't even look at a GH game anymore, much less buy one.

I also don't like the fact that by releasing tons of full-priced games instead of DLC, Activision are demanding we pay more money for less content. It's pretty low, even for them.

[Shorty]

If you can look beyond the glossy presentation of Band Hero, it's as good as Guitar Hero 5. It makes up for a few less songs with it's kareoke mode and the fact that they went to the trouble to actually match the target audience. Just because a game's track list doesn't match your musical taste, does not mean it's a bad game.

That hasn't stopped people from already badmouthing Green Day: Rock Band.

[grimace06]

That hasn't stopped people from already badmouthing Green Day: Rock Band.

It's because it's their follow to the Beatles.

[AranchineD]

Stand-alone music games are better than DLC for the record.

[Stevorooni]

I quite like Band Hero. Still unlocking all the songs but the tracklist is kind of fun

[JubeiSaotome]

I also don't like the fact that by releasing tons of full-priced games instead of DLC, Activision are demanding we pay more money for less content. It's pretty low, even for them.

It actually works out a lot cheaper to buy Band Hero/Smash Hits/World Tour and import them to GH5, than to buy dlc packs.

[REQUIEM]

That hasn't stopped people from already badmouthing Green Day: Rock Band.

I believe that any " BAND " only RB or GH game should cost no more than one of their cds $30 max. I prefer the compilation efforts when it comes to music games.

[JubeiSaotome]

Well, you're paying for the tracks you'd get on 2 or more greatest hits CDs, plus having the ability to play them. I think the price is justified. Then again, all games should be the price of a CD.

[AranchineD]

Maybe they should just hurry up, copy Vib Ribbon's idea and just let you put whatever music CD you have into the console and the game converts it all to notes for you! :D


Ah, living in a fantasy, that's where I'm happiest.

[dinopoke]

Yeah, some competitor should probably make something like Dance Factory.

[Flaps]

everyone knows the best music game was music 2000

music 2000, electroplankton or Korg DS

[Lex]

Sorry, those aren't games.

[Flaps]

define game

[AranchineD]

music tools

TRUTH

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

everyone knows the best music game was music 2000

music 2000, electroplankton or Korg DS

I still pop Music 2000 in every once in a while, playing it on ps3 fixes the ol memory card problem.

[RunningMild]

It actually works out a lot cheaper to buy Band Hero/Smash Hits/World Tour and import them to GH5, than to buy dlc packs.

That plan would still require me to buy GH5, which would surely be more expensive than just downloading cross-compatible DLC (and only downloading the songs I want, instead of being forced to buy the whole damn thing) to World Tour.

Also, what if I wanted the songs from GH Metallica, or GH Van Halen, or any of the others? There's no option to import them, so you can't just return the game to EB after importing the songs. ;)

[Flaps]

music tools

TRUTH

f ya

I'm going to play music 2000 right now

[JubeiSaotome]

That plan would still require me to buy GH5, which would surely be more expensive than just downloading cross-compatible DLC (and only downloading the songs I want, instead of being forced to buy the whole damn thing) to World Tour.

Also, what if I wanted the songs from GH Metallica, or GH Van Halen, or any of the others? There's no option to import them, so you can't just return the game to EB after importing the songs. ;)

Name one single band-only game that hasn't been an RB ACDC style DLC pack that has given you the option to import. None of them.

[RunningMild]

Name one single band-only game that hasn't been an RB ACDC style DLC pack that has given you the option to import. None of them.

Uh, that's what I said? :confused:

[REQUIEM]

f ya

I'm going to play music 2000 right now

PS1 classic. I bought that and used it for a week and got frustrated and fk knows what happened to my copy come to think about it.

[Flaps]

best game I own on the PS1

besides maybe driver... survival mode was amazing

[RunningMild]

Did anyone else realise this was on tonight?

My brother facepalmed most of the way through the Mass Effect 2 review. Apparently Baj was saying some stupid crap that wasn't even true (like saying they should have included laser guns when they actually did), so business as usual I suppose. Also, funny how Hex seemed to like Bayonetta more than Baj. :p

The Army of Two bit had me in stitches, and was probably the best ever example of a game's morality system only giving you 'Jesus' or 'Hitler' options.

The R18 bit was alright, even if it featured Atkinson arguing some bullshit that science has already disproven in several studies. Business as usual for him as well. :rolleyes:

Spawn Point is on ABC3 at about 7:25pm this Saturday. It will be interesting to see if their definition of kid's games is 'good games that are rated G or PG' or 'pure shovelware'.

[Filthy Old Drunk]

Apparently Baj was saying some stupid crap that wasn't even true

What he was saying is true though. He was basically complaining that the game didn't have enough RPG elements - specifically in regards to equipment.

[Stevorooni]

The bit that made me lol was when Atkinson said he felt he was more at risk from gamers than from the outlaw motorcycle gangs.

[igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!]

The Army of Two bit had me in stitches, and was probably the best ever example of a game's morality system only giving you 'Jesus' or 'Hitler' options.


As opposed to the full moral spectrum on offer in Mass Effect 2?

[AranchineD]

What he was saying is true though. He was basically complaining that the game didn't have enough RPG elements - specifically in regards to equipment.

Pretty sure talking about equipment systems as 'RPG elements' in the first place is just wrong in itself.