Hyper 195 Feedback Thread

[Darren]

It's very red, isn't it?

Hyper 195 goes from girls with guns to guys with knives, and covers everything in between. We've got an extensive hands-on session with Bayonetta, a four-page review of Assassin's Creed 2, and, for good measure, a calendar featuring company portraits of suited executives.

This issue's our Christmas gift guide, meaning you can find the best gaming swag from all across the world, tech gear that will make even Mrs Claus drool, game ideas to welcome newcomers into the videogame scene, and DVD/Blu-rays that would be a great find under this year's tree. But for the Scrooges among you, we've also dedicated page space to ridiculing the five worst Christmas-themed games, as well as heralding in the return of Daniel's rant-filled haven, Bad Cop No Doughnut. (You asked for it, and Hyper has listened!)

Reviews are plentiful. We've got the verdict on A Boy and his Blob, DJ Hero, Forza Motorsport 3, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, LEGO Rock Band, and the best-named game in the universe, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! (What Did I Do To Deserve This?). All up, 16 games get the review treatment this issue.

Let's see, what else is there... how about a preview of Deus Ex 3? Public ridicule of Pimp My Ride? Two games that score the full 10/10? They're all here in Hyper 196! Go forth and purchase from Wednesday, November 25! (If you subscribe, you can get it even earlier. Just sayin'.)

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2818/hyp195ofc.jpg

[Sweating Bullets]

Woo! Bayonetta!!

[Mr.Mew]

That is a slick cover. Reminds me of really old issues of Hyper, for some reason.

[FX-GTZ]

Wow nice cover, reminds me of ridge racer in a strange way. Im also thinking borderlands themed, but whatever im not a fan of that game at all.

[lex3191]

can't wait

[Hemish71]

Waiting patiently for my copy to arrive

[RunningMild]

If I renewed my subscription by mail about 4 or 5 days ago (ie. the day I dropped the letter into the post box), will that be in time to get this issue? Or do I have to buy this one on my own?

EDIT: Is LEGO Rock Band an import review? I didn't realise it was out in Australia yet...

[Daniel]

Doubtful Mr M. Usually takes a fortnight or so to process the sub and send it to the distro.

[Space_Monkey]

Good to hear about the return of Bad Cop. :)

[RunningMild]

Doubtful Mr M. Usually takes a fortnight or so to process the sub and send it to the distro.

To the newsagency! :p

[Watchers]

Four opinion columns is great. Good to see Wilks' column making a return, and seeing Staines' have his own column (again) makes me pretty happy.

A question - I noticed this issue of PCPP that they will be undertaking a significant revamp for their future issues in order to stop directly competing with online sources so much (or something to that effect). Now, I think Hyper strikes a good balance atm with the features/opinions and things (as opposed to trying to break news - something at which online media will always be able to do quicker), but I'm wondering if any such shake-up will be coming the mag's way shortly?

[Super Sleuth]

So.....why no review of Modern Warfare 2?

[Daniel]

Take a wild guess.

[Super Sleuth]

Wild Rattata appeared?

No, why?

[Watchers]

Take a wild guess.

You're refusing to review it because of the lack of dedicated servers, right?

[Super Sleuth]

No need to review it as every person who has a console already has it?

[Darren]

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Activision didn't provide us with a copy of Modern Warfare 2 until its retail release. A review will appear in issue 196.

[Super Sleuth]

Really, what is the point behind that? It that a premeditated action, or did they just simply forget to send you one?

Its not like they are peddling trash...like say, Eidos with Conflict : Denied Ops.

[AranchineD]

I'm guessing because Activision don't even want to risk early reviews giving it below a 9.

[Daniel]

I'm guessing because Activision don't even want to risk early reviews giving it below a 9.

And we have a winner!

[Watchers]

And we have a winner!

Give it a zero out of spite and watch the sales drop!

<_<

... or not.

[Daniel]

Honestly I don't think it's a patch on the first, but I'm not reviewing it.

[Watchers]

I'm yet to play it because I hate CoD multiplayer and I think it's ridiculous that they can charge $90AU for it on Steam, while the US only pays like $60AU.

[Australian Ninja]

...as well as heralding in the return of Daniel's rant-filled haven, Bad Cop No Doughnut. (You asked for it, and Hyper has listened!)

Yes!

SURLYNESS +10


... how about a preview of Deus Ex 3?


Oh god oh jesus oh god oh jesus NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I was hoping DE3 had finally died, being Deus Ex was pretty much the best game ever (Staines was right on the money with that opening).

Why? Because I don't want to see no crappy sequel produced by The Others to one of my most beloved of games.

Still, the original isn't going anywhere - so if Deus Ex 3 is crap - I'll just have to stand with my fingers in my ears going "la la la la la la- it doesn't exist!!!"

[Sweating Bullets]

Where was my wedding invite Darren?! Be still my breaking heart....

[Stevorooni]

So in answer to the question posed in your Doctor Who Complete Seasons 1-4 review, it was the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee). So do I have a job now? Or can you at least give me some spare change? I could do a bizzaro version of Jickle's column called "Cream of the Crop" where I only write about the very best games available, but give them all awful reviews. "Fallout 3? That game sure sucked a lot of suck"

[RunningMild]

Mine arrived in the mail today. Looks great so far!

A couple of early impressions:

1. In 'Games for Non-Gamers', you listed Rock Band? Oh yes, because non-gamers are experts at importing unreleased games or (in the case of RB1) buying discontinued games over the net. :rolleyes:

2. The 'Good/Bad' for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon sounded like a whole review unto itself. Isn't that section meant to be a quick summary/bullet points? It seemed a bit weird to me.

[Darren]

1. In 'Games for Non-Gamers', you listed Rock Band? Oh yes, because non-gamers are experts at importing unreleased games or (in the case of RB1) buying discontinued games over the net. :rolleyes:
The piece didn't even mention Rock Band 2, Mr_M. But with Rock Band 1, I've seen copies floating around EB, plus The Beatles: Rock Band and LEGO Rock Band are widely available in Australia.

(FYI: I bought a PAL copy of Rock Band 2 from eBay. I know I'm hardly a non-gamer, but still, it wasn't rocket surgery.)

[Stiz]

Oh god oh jesus oh god oh jesus NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I was hoping DE3 had finally died, being Deus Ex was pretty much the best game ever (Staines was right on the money with that opening).

Why? Because I don't want to see no crappy sequel produced by The Others to one of my most beloved of games.
You see? This is what I was talking about!

[aubergine]

I'm happy to risk a lesser sequel than a no-sequel. IW was a good game, just not a good Deus Ex game.

[RunningMild]

But with Rock Band 1, I've seen copies floating around EB, plus The Beatles: Rock Band and LEGO Rock Band are widely available in Australia.

1. I thought RB1 had been discontinued in Australia, but maybe that's just for WA. I haven't seen a copy anywhere for a really long time, and stores are saying they aren't ordering any more in because it doesn't sell. I did find it in Mandurah though. :p

2. Re: Beatles Rock Band- not even releasing enough copies to fulfill the pre-orders surely doesn't count as 'widely available', does it? :rolleyes:

3. I wasn't even aware that LEGO Rock Band had been released until today, so I'll give you that one.

[Jickle]

1. I thought RB1 had been discontinued in Australia, but maybe that's just for WA. I haven't seen a copy anywhere for a really long time, and stores are saying they aren't ordering any more in because it doesn't sell. I did find it in Mandurah though. :p

2. Re: Beatles Rock Band- not even releasing enough copies to fulfill the pre-orders surely doesn't count as 'widely available', does it? :rolleyes:

3. I wasn't even aware that LEGO Rock Band had been released until today, so I'll give you that one.

I have to say, Rock Band/The Beatles Rock Band is very easy to get a hold of in Adelaide. I still see full band packs of The Beatles and everything. It might just be a Perth thing.

[Stevorooni]

I haven't seen Rock Band 1 on 360 anywhere without it costing close to $100

I just want the disc edition and I want to pay closer to $50

[AranchineD]

I think I saw a stack of about 20 copies of The Beatles:RB for each console at a Sydney JB. So yeah, definitely a Perth thing. :P

[aubergine]

I'd always figured Perth was a big mine in a desert ruled by machines and no people lived there.

[BB2K]

1. I thought RB1 had been discontinued in Australia, but maybe that's just for WA. I haven't seen a copy anywhere for a really long time, and stores are saying they aren't ordering any more in because it doesn't sell. I did find it in Mandurah though. :p

2. Re: Beatles Rock Band- not even releasing enough copies to fulfill the pre-orders surely doesn't count as 'widely available', does it? :rolleyes:

3. I wasn't even aware that LEGO Rock Band had been released until today, so I'll give you that one.

Is it really that hard to just admit that you were wrong?

[punkgorilla]

It might just be a Perth thing.

Possibly. I hardly see anything Rock Band, apart from Rock Band AC/DC. Of course, this could be because I don't really care too much for the series.

Why? Because I don't want to see no crappy sequel produced by The Others to one of my most beloved of games.

Yeah, it's really reminding me of the Fallout 3 situation.

[RunningMild]

I think I saw a stack of about 20 copies of The Beatles:RB for each console at a Sydney JB. So yeah, definitely a Perth thing. :P

Sources say that Australia got 6000 copies of the game, total, across all formats. Videogame store employees have said that pre-orders went unfulfilled. How is that 'just a Perth thing'? I've also seen the game in stores in Perth, but that doesn't change the fact that we got a criminally low number of the game and some people didn't get what they pre-ordered months in advance.

Also, I heard of a GAME store in Sydney that only got one band kit for PS3, and they were lucky just to get that. I heard of other stores that only received the game for one format, while other stores got another format, and so on. So I dunno...

In any case, pre-orders going unfulfilled is proof that we got an insufficient number of copies. I can't see any other way of looking at it.

Is it really that hard to just admit that you were wrong?

So you're saying that the people who didn't receive their pre-orders, or the store employees who know exactly what came into their store, are wrong. That makes perfect sense. :p

Also, re-read the post you quoted, and you may find that I actually did admit that I was wrong re: RB1 and LEGO RB.


One more thing I forgot to mention...

(FYI: I bought a PAL copy of Rock Band 2 from eBay. I know I'm hardly a non-gamer, but still, it wasn't rocket surgery.)

True, but if there were no copies on eBay at that point in time, where else would you look? I doubt any non-gamers have heard of Play-Asia or anything like that...

[Mr.Mew]

Zomg, Tracy was going to ninja that cake.

[AranchineD]

Sources say that Australia got 6000 copies of the game, total, across all formats.

At launch, perhaps.

Only going by anecdotal evidence, but every game store I've been in in Sydney has had multiple copies of the game, and one JB had five full band boxes sitting on top of one another out on the floor.

[aubergine]

I could believe that only 6000 people might have bought the full-band set for Beatles Rock Band. Or in fact that not that many would have. Given that 3-5 of them looks like "A huge stack of them" that would cover the countries department stores and most purchases would be of the software only.

Given that the beatles are a sucky old-time nobody band and that rythym kareoke games are beyond oversaturated, who but total die-hards would have bought it? No one.

[punkgorilla]

Given that the beatles are a sucky old-time nobody band and that rythym kareoke games are beyond oversaturated, who but total die-hards would have bought it? No one.

Not to mention that Guitar Hero easily dominates the market (in Australia, at least).

[RunningMild]

Not to mention that Guitar Hero easily dominates the market (in Australia, at least).

And it's not hard to figure out why- GH games always arrive on time and in massive quantities. ;)


This month's BOTB was great, especially the meme you knocked up just for the review. And justifying the PSP Go's existance? Brilliant! :p

[Jickle]

This month's BOTB was great, especially the meme you knocked up just for the review. And justifying the PSP Go's existance? Brilliant! :p

Many thanks, although sad to say I had nothing to do with that meme. :p

[RunningMild]

Many thanks, although sad to say I had nothing to do with that meme. :p

So Malky strikes again? Damn, that guy is funny. Maybe he'll get a feature column soon! :p

[Cake]

Zomg, Tracy was going to ninja that cake.

I both ninja'd AND nommed the cake! And - get this - after wedding cake, there was CHEESECAKE served. Oh god, so much cake. Om nom nom.

[RunningMild]

"Darren said he'd rescue his princess even if she was in another castle."

Sheer genius. :)

[Lazlow]

I both ninja'd AND nommed the cake! And - get this - after wedding cake, there was CHEESECAKE served. Oh god, so much cake. Om nom nom.

Never has a username been more appropriate.


Well... except for Daniel of course >_>

[RunningMild]

Or 'Hyperadmin'.

[Dynomite]

I haven't seen Rock Band 1 on 360 anywhere without it costing close to $100

I just want the disc edition and I want to pay closer to $50

EB has pre-owned copies for $35. I'm sure your local store can find one for you.

I know this is going to create a shit-storm in this thread, but I had to find out why people think this way.

In relation to the feedback on this issue about EB Games offering exclusive pre-order incentives. I don't understand how this is bad for gamers. The only issue I can think of is pride.

Now I'm a Store Manager at EB, so my opinion is biased. But pre-order incentives benefits, EB Games, the Vendor, and the customers. Yeah, I understand that that we charge full retail and won't give the incentive if you price match. But I thought the pre-order offer on Ass Creed II was good enough to combat that, same as our old offer with GH: Metallica.

A lot of customers don't actually realise that our industry is not a monopoly and we have it so much better than the US. Did you know that in the US the distributor pays retailers in rebates to charge full retail for games, and console deals are very rarely half as good as they are here.

I know a lot of people hate EB and that's fair. And I know I'm going to get flamed for this, But I just want a civilised conversation about video game retailing in Australia, and give a point of view from the other side of the fence.

If anyway wants to start a thread in another part of the forum (I wouldn't know where to put it), or PM me with their opinion, that'd be great, and I'll happy try to explain and take on any problems or questions you guys have.

Sorry about the length of this and the possible shit-storm.

[jawsy]

Sling some free stuff my way, Mr. Manager, and I'll do my best to convince everyone that you're an okay guy.

Deal?

[Stevorooni]

He can't be a real EB manager he didn't try to get us to trade anything in or sell a strategy guide or a disc scratch guarantee! :p


We have an EB thread here (http://www.hyper.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=18821) where people like to spread the love.

[AranchineD]

Simple; if gamers wants the 'full game', they have to buy/pre-order the game on release day (unless it gets released later as DLC). People who can't afford to get the games they want as soon as they are released, who want to wait til the game is a bit cheaper, get a slightly inferior product.

Perhaps I'm idealising what the situation should be a bit (perhaps A LOT) but I just don't think that's very fair on some gamers.


Also some pre-order bonuses gives multiplayer bonuses, that other people who didnt pre-order don't get access to, which is just stupid.

[Watchers]

Pre-order incentives are fine, as long as they never offer extra content. That forces you to buy from a certain store if you want the 'full game'. I'll tolerate skins/costumes/extra weapons, but when it gets to 'extra levels', that is too much.

Did you know that in the US the distributor pays retailers in rebates to charge full retail for games, and console deals are very rarely half as good as they are here.


And yet they are still half the price we have to pay for them:rolleyes:

[Jickle]

And yet they are still half the price we have to pay for them:rolleyes:

I've never quite gotten the argument that game prices should drop substancially just because of our strong economy. Game prices have remained more or less steady since the days of the SNES (maybe earlier, my first console was a SNES), whilst the production budgets on these games have gone way up. The market is more competitive now, so sub-$80 prices on big games at launch is now quite common, and in general I'd say it's easier to get cheap games now than it was 10 years ago. Not to mention that, thanks to inflation, $100 now is worth less than $100 was back then (alright, it's probably not quite that simple, but, hey).

American gamers are not paying "half" of what we pay, they pay the same amount they have always paid, as do we, and it just so happens that thanks to the current value of our dollar importing from there saves us money. Should game prices fluctuate constantly based on what they're paying in America? Should this only apply to games, or should it be applied to all products on shelves? Hell, they're paying more for games in the UK and Japan quite often, why not emulate their system exactly and whack a few extra dollars onto the price? I can't pretend to understand to be an economic expert - I got a 14/20 for Economics in Year 12 - but I really think the whole 'games are too expensive to buy locally' argument is flawed.

[SOX]

EB has pre-owned copies for $35. I'm sure your local store can find one for you.

I know this is going to create a shit-storm in this thread, but I had to find out why people think this way.

In relation to the feedback on this issue about EB Games offering exclusive pre-order incentives. I don't understand how this is bad for gamers. The only issue I can think of is pride.

Now I'm a Store Manager at EB, so my opinion is biased.

Stopped reading there.

[Stevorooni]

Happy Birthday to Darren/Daniel, but probably just Darren depending on which conspiracy theory you believe.

[Jay]

Stopped reading there.

That's funny, that's when I started to take more interest. I think it's really interesting to hear something of the inner machinations of the company. Though this probably isn't the thread for it.

On topic, buying the issue tonight. Looking forward, as always, to BotB.

[AranchineD]

On topic, buying the issue tonight. Looking forward, as always, to BotB.

On that topic, if Jickle had kept the gangster speak from the first paragraph going throughout the entire thing I would have thought he was a god. He may have also gone insane by the end of it, so that might have been a reason.

[Jickle]

On that topic, if Jickle had kept the gangster speak from the first paragraph going throughout the entire thing I would have thought he was a god. He may have also gone insane by the end of it, so that might have been a reason.

I seriously considered it, but I figured by the fourth time I said "pop it, crunk it, then lock it down with sum of dat sweet flavva flav you got going all the way correct" the joke would have gotten old.

Also every single month I consider doing the article in rhyming verse. Maybe someday.

[RunningMild]

Also every single month I consider doing the article in rhyming verse. Maybe someday.

Yahtzee beat you to it, so don't even bother unless you feel you can live up to his amazing ZP review of Wolfenstein. :p

Also, that GH: Metallica pre-order bonus shouldn't have been a pre-order bonus. 'Pre-order for a second Bass Pedal'? Those things should have been sold off the shelves to anyone who wanted them (though I realise this probably had more to do with the distributor then the seller).

[Watchers]

I've never quite gotten the argument that game prices should drop substancially just because of our strong economy. Game prices have remained more or less steady since the days of the SNES (maybe earlier, my first console was a SNES), whilst the production budgets on these games have gone way up. The market is more competitive now, so sub-$80 prices on big games at launch is now quite common, and in general I'd say it's easier to get cheap games now than it was 10 years ago. Not to mention that, thanks to inflation, $100 now is worth less than $100 was back then (alright, it's probably not quite that simple, but, hey).

American gamers are not paying "half" of what we pay, they pay the same amount they have always paid, as do we, and it just so happens that thanks to the current value of our dollar importing from there saves us money. Should game prices fluctuate constantly based on what they're paying in America? Should this only apply to games, or should it be applied to all products on shelves? Hell, they're paying more for games in the UK and Japan quite often, why not emulate their system exactly and whack a few extra dollars onto the price? I can't pretend to understand to be an economic expert - I got a 14/20 for Economics in Year 12 - but I really think the whole 'games are too expensive to buy locally' argument is flawed.

We don't all get sent games for free...

Seriously though, importing has been a consistently cheaper option (apart from during the recent financial crisis, but yeah) for ages now. When I can save $30AU minimum by importing, something is wrong. I'm not saying the market needs to reflect every change in the economy, but it seems like it's stuck on $1AU = $0.6US that it used to be ages ago.

[Jickle]

We don't all get sent games for free...

But you do, sometimes, don't you? :p

Seriously though, importing has been a consistently cheaper option (apart from during the recent financial crisis, but yeah) for ages now. When I can save $30AU minimum by importing, something is wrong. I'm not saying the market needs to reflect every change in the economy, but it seems like it's stuck on $1AU = $0.6US that it used to be ages ago.

It's probably also worth noting that if game prices were lower, it might reach a point where it's barely profitable to even send games to Australia (as it is it's barely profitable now) and we'd miss out on my releases. Maybe. I can't actually back that up with evidence. :p But why should our economy match up exactly with the US one? We're different countries!

I'm sure there are other things that are cheaper in Australia compared to the US. Again, I....I have nothing to back this up. I really only got into this semi-argument because the 'rolls eyes' emoticon annoys me. Man, that thing looks smug!

[Dynomite]

We don't all get sent games for free...
Just how many free games do you guys think we get?

Just read first half of the mag (up to reviews, stopped when I noticed a lack of Dragon Age :( ) and it is an awesome read thus far. Old Republic might make an MMORPG player of me.

Just a quickie though, could Darren possibly give me the details of the people who made that epic cake? The quality of the decorations are amazing.

I'm sure there are other things that are cheaper in Australia compared to the US.!

Health Care?

[Darren]

Just a quickie though, could Darren possibly give me the details of the people who made that epic cake? The quality of the decorations are amazing.
Sweet Art (http://www.sweetart.com.au/) in Paddington, Sydney. Happy to pimp them because their cake was a whole bunch of awesome.

[Australian Ninja]

Yeah, it's really reminding me of the Fallout 3 situation.

To be fair, I'm sure whoever is making Deus Ex 3 will do a decent job. But at best I'm confident the game will be an enjoyble action game, and probably no better than similar games. I don't see it being innovative or having the sort of impact the original Deus Ex had, or the "vision" that game had or whatever.

I can see why some old Fallout fans don't like Fallout 3 - being a different type of game and all, but I love Fallout 3 and never played the original games so had no preconceptions. I gues that is the problem when you really really really like a certain game world or IP, that you have "expectations" about what it is and could be, then you hear the words "being made by another developer" and start to freak out - as I did ages ago - and once again when reading the preview for Deus Ex 3:eek:

Sweet Art (http://www.sweetart.com.au/) in Paddington, Sydney. Happy to pimp them because their cake was a whole bunch of awesome.

Yes, but did anybody make a silly power-up noise when they ate it?

[aubergine]

I like the original Fallout games AND Fallout 3. People for whom details of aspect ratio / isometrics / precise level layouts are be all's and end all's are depraved neckbeards whose stubby fingers, for some reason, ring loudest across internet keyboards.

[Watchers]

But you do, sometimes, don't you? :p


Considering the quality of the games I get sent on the rare occasion, it's almost a curse >_>

I'm sure there are other things that are cheaper in Australia compared to the US.

Kangaroos?

[punkgorilla]

To be fair, I'm sure whoever is making Deus Ex 3 will do a decent job. But at best I'm confident the game will be an enjoyble action game, and probably no better than similar games. I don't see it being innovative or having the sort of impact the original Deus Ex had, or the "vision" that game had or whatever.

I can see why some old Fallout fans don't like Fallout 3 - being a different type of game and all, but I love Fallout 3 and never played the original games so had no preconceptions. I gues that is the problem when you really really really like a certain game world or IP, that you have "expectations" about what it is and could be, then you hear the words "being made by another developer" and start to freak out - as I did ages ago - and once again when reading the preview for Deus Ex 3


See, that's what I meant with the Fallout comparison.

Fallout 3 is an excellent game (one of my favourites released last year), but in many ways it missed the point of the first two games. Many people are worried that Deus Ex 3 will do the same.

[AranchineD]

I didn't not love Fallout 3 because it wasn't like the first two games, I wasn't a big fan simply because it wasn't a very good RPG in general, which is really all I wanted from the game.

[aubergine]

What didn't Fallout 3 grasp about the first two games? It seemed fine to me.

[Hemish71]

Was a good read, glad I got the subscription
The games for non gamers article was good, showed it to my wife, she still said no to playing games with me and the kids though :)

[AranchineD]

What didn't Fallout 3 grasp about the first two games? It seemed fine to me.


Its RPG elements were crap. The RPG elements in the first two games were some of the best in the genre.

Also I could deal with the switch to an action game from strategic TBS if the action was actually, you know, good.

That's pretty much the only points that need to be raised (well, apart from the numerous times it ****ed around with the universe set up by the first two games but we don't need to get into that)


I enjoyed it as an exploring game, wilderness hiker, pretty much, and that's all.

[Lazlow]

eh, I found Fallout 3 more enjoyable than any other RPG I've attempted (Morrowind, Oblivion, NWN, Diablo, Vampire - Redemption). Could be due to the lack of swords 'n' sorcery crap that I don't find all that appealing.

[AranchineD]

Probably because none of those are really good RPGs anyway. >_>

[Almighty Beanchild]

Probably because none of those are really good RPGs anyway. >_>

I'd agree with that. Diablo especially doesn't even close to being an RPG. Play something like Dragon Age, Mass Effect, or if you want to go older, planescape torment, baldurs gate 2, fallouts 1 and 2, and maybe something like arcanum even.

[Lazlow]

Well I didn't count Mass Effect (or KoTOR for that matter) because they had you confined to a narrative and limit your freedom to "role play". I didn't like KoTOR's combat mechanics, but Mass Effect is pretty darn awesome.

Also; weren't you guys fawning over Morrowind @ UYAC not long ago >_>

[Almighty Beanchild]

Well I didn't count Mass Effect (or KoTOR for that matter) because they had you confined to a narrative and limit your freedom to "role play". I didn't like KoTOR's combat mechanics, but Mass Effect is pretty darn awesome.

Also; weren't you guys fawning over Morrowind @ UYAC not long ago >_>

Morrowind did a lot of great things, and was really fun, but it's probably middle of the road (or maybe upper-middle, if that makes sense). The games I named are all games I consider better. Both Mass Effect and KOTOR confine you to a narrative but you'll be pretty hard pressed to find CRPGs that don't do that, at the end of the day.

In Baldurs Gate 2 you always have to fight Irenicus, Planescape you always have to find a way to die, Dragon Age you need to stop the blight, etc, etc. You might enjoy Arcanum if you want the main storyline to have a light hand on the rails. I spent hours wandering around that game without touching the main story.

[AranchineD]

Morrowind is an awesome game but I wouldn't define it as an 'RPG' as such.

[Almighty Beanchild]

Morrowind is an awesome game but I wouldn't define it as an 'RPG' as such.

I would are you sure you're not just wrong?

[AranchineD]

You level up and have stats. That's pretty much it for RPG elements.

Throw this under 'pedantic' but I don't think you play a meaningful 'role' in the game, moreso just a blank canvas to muck about in a world with.

[Lazlow]

O_o

I always felt thats what a true RPG was though. You create your own history, tread your own path, and make your own choices. The only true way to make it so that you play a meaningful role is to have it scripted into the game, or until they create a world that truly adapts and reacts to your actions.

[AranchineD]

But that's just it; you don't make any choices about your 'role' and 'character' in the game (aside from a very select few examples, which House you want to go with is probably the major one there), you just make choices about which numbers you want to raise first.

[Lazlow]

Well I've said it elsewhere, but I find stat based gameplay to be a relic of the past, and games should be about challenging the player and improving their skills rather than nobbling them because they haven't acrewed the correct number of points.

But the impact you have on the gameworld, the role you play in it, is limited to the world that has been designed. Until it adapts and reacts to your actions, you will be confined to playing a minimal part.

[Almighty Beanchild]

You level up and have stats. That's pretty much it for RPG elements.

Throw this under 'pedantic' but I don't think you play a meaningful 'role' in the game, moreso just a blank canvas to muck about in a world with.

I think you are right in saying its light in terms of the actual core of an RPG game, but there is enough to keep it in the genre. For what it lacked in true choice, it made up for by having really engaging setting and quest structure, and all sorts of stuff. I think it did a lot for the genre, obviously it led to oblivion, fallout, etc. I think it also influenced Mass Effect, to the extent that it showed that RPGs could have action oriented gameplay.

So yeah you're pedantic bro >.>

[Almighty Beanchild]

Well I've said it elsewhere, but I find stat based gameplay to be a relic of the past, and games should be about challenging the player and improving their skills rather than nobbling them because they haven't acrewed the correct number of points.

But the impact you have on the gameworld, the role you play in it, is limited to the world that has been designed. Until it adapts and reacts to your actions, you will be confined to playing a minimal part.

I would like to say that combat in morrowind does have a skill to it. I found I could beat things at much lower levels than my friends could manage, because I was better at the combat.

You don't really influence the world in Morrowind but in the story, you don't really influence the world. Your character isn't like the lead character's in something like Dragon Age or Baldurs Gate, who are people set to change the face of nations. In Morrowind, you're destined to reincarnate a god in order to kill Baloth Ur or whatever his name is. You don't unite the tribes, or any of that crap. You do quests for them and stuff but you don't influence their way of life.

I'm not saying the effect on the story is deep or anything, but it's not as shallow as you suggest.

[Lazlow]

I was just thinking it'd be awesome if it let you start your own clan and torch villages and rule the world >_>

[BB2K]

Well I've said it elsewhere, but I find stat based gameplay to be a relic of the past, and games should be about challenging the player and improving their skills rather than nobbling them because they haven't acrewed the correct number of points.

This is the truest thing I've ever read.

[AranchineD]

Actually...I don't really agree with it at all. Well, in the sense that you need stats in an RPG to represent mechanics that wouldn't translate so well to gameplay that's based on the player's skills, like conversations and such.

If you make everything based on player skill in an RPG, you end up with characters who can do everything, and do everything WELL, and I really find that ****ing boring, I like my less than perfect characters who have to make sacrifices in certain areas in order to excel in another.

Though it isn't based on player skill, Bethesda's game suffer from this; I got bored in Fallout 3 at about level 15 onwards because my character could literally do everything in the game. I suspect I would probably feel the same about an RPG that does away with stats completely and has it all depend on player skill.

That's not to say that as it stands now stat based gameplay is the best. Just for one example: game systems that force you to reach an arbitrary number before you can even attempt something are stupid. You should be able to attempt anything at any 'stat' level but have stats determine your rate of success. 'Invisible walls' in any game suck, but allow the player to attempt anything but risk some sort of penalty or consequence for something they're character isn't good at, that'd be an ideal system imo.

[Lazlow]

I find the notion you need stats to converse to be the worst RPG trait there is. This is what I mean by relic of the past.

[AranchineD]

Well, see, that's what I mean; you should be able to succeed in getting what you want through conversation no matter what, but having certain stats should make it easier to accomplish that than a character that doesn't. Plus I actually like the mechanic of having your character making a special observation or open up a unique dialogue option by having a high enough stat.


Plus if there were no stats then there'd be no 'low intelligence' playthroughs available for Fallout and Arcanum, and that would be tragic, because those were brilliant.

[Lazlow]

Well to me that breaks the illusion of role playing in a fantasy world. In an ideal system your interactions with NPCs would reflect real life; some people are very trusting, some are jaded, some need to be bought off. You're own notoriety/fame and reputation would dictate who would talk to you and to what depth (for instance, some people may not trust a goody two shoes, just as some people won't trust someone who robbed the next village over. You may be trusted by others who you share a common enemy with).

The notion you can bump up some stat in an arbitrary manner so that everyone in the world will open up to you, regardless of who they are and their motivations, seems kind of foolish to me.

[AranchineD]

Well if I wanted to play RPGs to really reflect real life I'd play The Sims. >_>


Seriously though, I understand what you're getting at, and in an ideal game I'd want it to incorporate both our ideas; that a persuasive or charismatic speaker should be able to get what they want easier, but their charms won't work on everyone depending on the elements that you listed.

And in fact, I'm pretty sure Arcanum had a system like that, where an NPC's 'initial reaction' to you is based on not only a Beauty stat, but what sort of race and alignment you were (both good/evil and magic/tech), and what deeds you had accomplished. A more hostile or badass character would respond as you expect, and you had to work harder to get them to like you (sometimes even being impossible if they hate you so much that it didn't even matter how high your Charisma and Persuasion stats were).

[aubergine]

The notion you can bump up some stat in an arbitrary manner so that everyone in the world will open up to you, regardless of who they are and their motivations, seems kind of foolish to me.

Danii Minogue had no career before her surgery.

[concrete donkey]

Probably because none of those are really good RPGs anyway. >_>

Morrowind - best game ever

[Darren]

So, about that issue of Hyper...

[Lazlow]

Newsagent at the north end of town didn't have it. Either its sold like hot cakes, they're lazy shits who haven't put it out yet, or we haven't got it yet >_>

[concrete donkey]

Newsagent at the north end of town didn't have it. Either its sold like hot cakes, they're lazy shits who haven't put it out yet, or we haven't got it yet >_>

I think us non subscribers have to wait until wednesday before we are privy to the new issue. Its not sold out, because hyper isnt that popular

[SOX]

Pretty sure I bought a copy last week, and I live in Perth. So surely everywhere else would have it too if we have it sitting there...

[Lazlow]

yeah I thought it was out last wednesday

[BB2K]

It was :P

Whoever wrote that first letter about Halo was either a fanboy, and/or a moron

[Mr.Mew]

I'd like to know what Dan Staines has against Control Alt Delete if he wishes God to forbid it. I'd dig VG Cats merch for Christmans ^.^

[Daniel]

Dan's in Germany at the moment so he might have some trouble replying, but I think his problem with Ctrl Alt Del goes something like this...

Dan: Ha ha, dull but inoffensive webcomic about gaming, thy name is Ctrl Alt Del

Ctrl Alt Del: BAM! MISCARRIAGE BITCHES! I AM SERIOUS ARTIST!

Dan: S my D

[JubeiSaotome]

That was amazing.

[Gameboffin]

Dan's in Germany at the moment

He is now my arch nemesis. First he has the gall to swoop in and write some really entertaining features and reviews and now press junkets to the land of chunky women?

[Stiz]

Dan's in Germany at the moment so he might have some trouble replying, but I think his problem with Ctrl Alt Del goes something like this...

Dan: Ha ha, dull but inoffensive webcomic about gaming, thy name is Ctrl Alt Del

Ctrl Alt Del: BAM! MISCARRIAGE BITCHES! I AM SERIOUS ARTIST!

Dan: S my D

Pretty much. Also: the art, writing, and author are all garbage.

[Australian Ninja]

That's not to say that as it stands now stat based gameplay is the best. Just for one example: game systems that force you to reach an arbitrary number before you can even attempt something are stupid. You should be able to attempt anything at any 'stat' level but have stats determine your rate of success. 'Invisible walls' in any game suck, but allow the player to attempt anything but risk some sort of penalty or consequence for something they're character isn't good at, that'd be an ideal system imo.

Crackdown did this pretty well imo. Yeah it's not an RPG, but I'm using if for this example.

Anyhow, when going after the Bosses / Gang Leader missions in Crackdown the game gives you a percentage (out of 100) of how likely you are to succeed.

You can attempt any of the boss compound missions that you can reach with your current abilities. Usually if your percentage or success rate is above 60%, you almost can't lose. I managed to beat some of the compounds with a rating of "30% chance of success".

I thought it was a good system, because if you wanted to make it really hard for youself, you could. But it you wanted to keep playing the easier missions (the other bosses that supplied weapons etc), get you stats up etc, then come back it would give you a new percentage / chance rating.

[Ryan Hayward]

Just finished reading Wilk's column. Had to laugh as my 2 last games purchases were Divinity 2 & Dragon Age. Also I can relate to playing the good guy in an rpg. Though I do it because I get sick of all the antihero types that plague just about every game. I really miss the heros from games like Freedom Force. Good ol' fashioned goodytwoshoes....

[/backslash]

Bought this month's issue, mainly because it came bundled with PCPP for extra reading goodness but also for James O'Co-Bayonetta's fine body :p

[RunningMild]

Is GOTY voting going to start next month? Same format as last year?

[Watchers]

Kinda related, but I just resubbed on the MyMagazine website, and is it just me or is there no way to log out of your account?

[AranchineD]

Don't forget.

You're here forever.

[RunningMild]

I read a bit more of the mag, and have a couple of Q's.

Firstly, Dan Staines' article said there would be an accompanying thread/poll. Where is that?

Secondly, "Of all the movies coming to the cinema around the Christmas period, the one we're looking forward to the most is 9." Is this some kind of a joke? Allow me to jog your memory, Mr Wilks:

(Avatar) is a film that is utilising new types of cameras made especially for it, special effects that are being pioneered for it and has cost somewhere between $320 and 500 million to make, exclusive of advertising. It will also probably be the last big film of the decade.

That is a decade defining film.

A decade defining film, you say? Well, if Avatar is such a significant milestone in the history of our culture, why aren't you looking forward to it? :D

[BB2K]

Oh, M and his neckbearding.

[Jay]

Can you explain to me, and probably everyone else, how saying they are looking forward to 9 the most excludes them from looking forward to anything else? Have they wasted all of their film anticipation points or something?

[RunningMild]

Can you explain to me, and probably everyone else, how saying they are looking forward to 9 the most excludes them from looking forward to anything else?

Everyone is quick to point out that Avatar is the film event of the year, if not the decade. It's been called a decade defining film before release, and will apparently change the way we look at films. People have been waiting 10+ years to see it. It appears to be the most eagerly anticipated and hyped event in the history of cinema. The editor of this very magazine (and the guy who writes the movie section last time I checked) has come out and essentially re-affirmed all those points.

And yet, when it comes time to name the most eagerly anticipated film of the Christmas period, they mention some indie (?) film that no-one had even heard of six months ago, and is getting very underwhelming reviews. Of course people are entitled to their opinions, but this is just confusing.

Also, I never said it 'excluded them from looking forward to anything else' at all, but the thing I quoted was their MOST anticipated film of the Christmas period, not just 'one of the films we're anticipating'. When you call something a 'decade defining film', that suggests a damn high level of anticipation.

Have they wasted all of their film anticipation points or something?

I know that was intended as a joke, but when you call something a 'decade defining film' before you've even seen it, then yes, that's pretty much what you've done! Unless 9 is set to be the film of the century or something...

Look, I'm not saying that Hyper's opinion is wrong or anything, I just can't figure out how you could logically be anticipating anything more than Avatar if you truly believe the hype surrounding that film. And something tells me that Daniel isn't the only person on the staff who's looking forward to it...

Oh, M and his neckbearding.

English plz? ;)

[AranchineD]

Maybe it was to, you know, highlight some lesser known films, because Avatar is pretty much saturating every form of media at the moment?

Also I think we pretty much concluded in the other thread that Avatar could be utter shit but it would still be 'decade defining', so it doesn't necessarily mean he has to be 'anticipating' the movie to judge it as decade defining.

[Jay]

You asked him why he wasn't looking forward to it. He never said he wasn't. I don't understand your issue. But then again I rarely understand your issues. :p

[Stiz]

Firstly, Dan Staines' article said there would be an accompanying thread/poll. Where is that?

Oh nuts.

[Lazlow]

Having read Wilks' column its interesting to me that I am the polar opposite; I'm the kinda guy that avoids confrontation, sugar coats things, and generally tries to make everyone happy. But in a game world, I'm a right c***.

But then again I rarely understand your issues.

The boy needs therapy

[aubergine]

Oh nuts.

You've been waiting for me to make it like the old days, but I haven't gotten around to reading the mag yet because I'm playing Dragon Age and editing footage.

[RunningMild]

You asked him why he wasn't looking forward to it. He never said he wasn't.

I also added a really huge 'safety smiley' (the biggest available, I might add) to the end of that statement. Maybe that suggests that it was intended as a light-hearted (not to mention rushed) kind of statement, not an attempt at a serious debate? :p

And yes, I know I gave a serious explanation afterwards, but only because you asked so nicely. ;)

You've been waiting for me to make it like the old days, but I haven't gotten around to reading the mag yet because I'm playing Dragon Age and editing footage.

I could make an early start, except the column was actually pretty good.

[dinopoke]

Oh nuts.

False advertising!

[Australian Ninja]

Everyone is quick to point out that Avatar is the film event of the year, if not the decade. It's been called a decade defining film before release, and will apparently change the way we look at films. People have been waiting 10+ years to see it. It appears to be the most eagerly anticipated and hyped event in the history of cinema. The editor of this very magazine (and the guy who writes the movie section last time I checked) has come out and essentially re-affirmed all those points.

And yet, when it comes time to name the most eagerly anticipated film of the Christmas period, they mention some indie (?) film that no-one had even heard of six months ago, and is getting very underwhelming reviews. Of course people are entitled to their opinions, but this is just confusing.

Also, I never said it 'excluded them from looking forward to anything else' at all, but the thing I quoted was their MOST anticipated film of the Christmas period, not just 'one of the films we're anticipating'. When you call something a 'decade defining film', that suggests a damn high level of anticipation.



I know that was intended as a joke, but when you call something a 'decade defining film' before you've even seen it, then yes, that's pretty much what you've done! Unless 9 is set to be the film of the century or something...

Look, I'm not saying that Hyper's opinion is wrong or anything, I just can't figure out how you could logically be anticipating anything more than Avatar if you truly believe the hype surrounding that film. And something tells me that Daniel isn't the only person on the staff who's looking forward to it...



English plz? ;)

Dude, take a chill pill or something.

None of that stuff really matters.

[Daniel]

OK, hopefully a final point on the matter, just to clear everything up for Mr. M.

I'm looking forward to seeing 9 on the big screen. I'm not the hugest fan of James Cameron. I like Terminator 1-2, True Lies and some of Aliens, but the rest leaves me cold. Sure I definitely want to see Avatar, but I have things that sit higher in my list of priorities, like The Road, Zombieland and my blu-ray of The Watchmen: Ultimate Edition, when the disk finally bloody arrives.

I say that Avatar will be one of the defining films of the decade because of the budget, technology and revolution in effects work, not to mention the fact that this was the decade when the technology caught up with the auteur's vision. A film does not have to be good to be defining. I would put Deep Throat, 1941 and Caligula in a list of defining films of the 70s. None of them could ever be defined as good films but they are all important in how they shaped film-making during that decade and beyond, as well as how they encapsulated the social mores of the time. Both 1941 and Caligula were released in 1979, but their repercussions were felt long before.

[aubergine]

Wait, you only like "parts" of Aliens? Only PARTS of it!?

[Daniel]

Yep. I much prefer Alien. I like the slower paced horror style sections, but the bug hunts leave me a little cold. My mum also looks very much like Sigourney Weaver, so there's a little cognitive dissonance going on as well.

[RunningMild]

Dude, take a chill pill or something.

None of that stuff really matters.

Yeah, I know. I'm still not sure why I wrote all that out- Jay asked me to explain and I just went for it. :p

But like I said, it was intended to be a light-hearted question/comment, not an attempt to make a big deal out of nothing. I was genuinely interested to hear the reasoning behind that choice. On that note, thanks for your insight Daniel...

...and screw you for only liking 'some' of Aliens. ;)

[Rambo]

Jokes in this issue were both very humourous and clever.

Assassins Creed is a "Killer App"? That's just gold.

[Watchers]

Jokes in this issue were both very humourous and clever.

Assassins Creed is a "Killer App"? That's just gold.

Pretty sure that joke was made when the first game came out.

[/backslash]

but I have things that sit higher in my list of priorities, like The Road, Zombieland and my blu-ray of The Watchmen: Ultimate Edition, when the disk finally bloody arrives.
I got my Watchmen Ultimate Edition bluray boxset today but I really wish I ordered a copy for myself now & not just my brother for xmas :( So damn tempted to rip it open

[aubergine]

I've got a copy of the Watchmen comic. I didn't mind the movie but doubt I'd watch it a second time, I'd sooner re-read it.

[Australian Ninja]

OK, hopefully a final point on the matter, just to clear everything up for Mr. M.

I'm looking forward to seeing 9 on the big screen. I'm not the hugest fan of James Cameron. I like Terminator 1-2, True Lies and some of Aliens, but the rest leaves me cold. Sure I definitely want to see Avatar, but I have things that sit higher in my list of priorities, like The Road, Zombieland and my blu-ray of The Watchmen: Ultimate Edition, when the disk finally bloody arrives.

I say that Avatar will be one of the defining films of the decade because of the budget, technology and revolution in effects work, not to mention the fact that this was the decade when the technology caught up with the auteur's vision. A film does not have to be good to be defining. I would put Deep Throat, 1941 and Caligula in a list of defining films of the 70s. None of them could ever be defined as good films but they are all important in how they shaped film-making during that decade and beyond, as well as how they encapsulated the social mores of the time. Both 1941 and Caligula were released in 1979, but their repercussions were felt long before.

True Lies!! True Lies, my most hated of films, - that's it Wilks - I'm cancelling my sub right freaking now and I'm pulling my hair out as I write this.

On a lighter note, does anyone know whether there will be a Blu-ray AND DVD version of the Watchmen ultimate hullaballoo? (for australia) - Like the american edition that has extended cut of the film + stupid motion comics + black freighter / under the hood content.

I've got a copy of the Watchmen comic. I didn't mind the movie but doubt I'd watch it a second time, I'd sooner re-read it.

Yes, we should all read Watchmen a second time, especially those who have not read it, they should read it 2 times, or 3 times, but not 4 times, becuase that would cause a rift in the space-time continuum and explode all the flux capacitors, and I'm still bidding on one on ebay.......blahblahblahetc.

***ZOMBIELAND was feaking sweet, ALLLLL_RIGGHHTTT!@! *pumps fist in air*

[Serenity]

Well, Hyper. It has been awhile, hasn't it?

I was browsing through the newsagents today and found my way into the computers and gaming section. I'd been eyeing off issue 195 for a little while but hadn't really been tempted. A nagging little voice in my head said to me, "Come on, for old time's sake..."

The last time I purchased the magazine would have been in late 2006, early 2007. As I said, it's been awhile. There's been a few changes that spring to mind, namely the simplified DVD and Blu-Ray miniature reviews (which obviously allow more material to be analysed), the "Bottom of the Barrel" piece and the very streamlined Opinions section. Great to see "Bad Cop, No Doughnut" return, it was one of my favourite columns in the past.

With the DVD reviews, I know it states it's a Christmas buying guide, yes? I like how it's laid out, short, concise, to-the-point. I'm assuming this is how it is regularly as there is no other section for audiovisual reviews. 'Tis good. I like it.

As for the "Bottom of the Barrel", I have to say I like the idea of taking a bargain game and analysing how utterly crap it is. Jickle's done a great job here with this month's offering in "Pimp My Ride", it was probably the most amusing analysis in the issue.

Speaking of amusing, it's often interesting when we get an insight into the behind-the-scenes action. This is why I was delighted to see a piece by Tracey Lien about Darren and Amanda's wedding. It gives us a bit of a fly-on-the-wall view into a special, wonderful occasion with a splash of gaming culture incorporated. A well-written piece and I realise this is probably a bit belated, but all the best!

Lastly, great to see Assassin's Creed 2 get such a great score. I've recently purchased a 360 (very slow on the uptake, I realise) after being quite disappointed with the games on offer for my Wii, so I'm always updating my shopping list. Great review, Daniel, you've certainly convinced me to look into purchasing this game.

All in all, this was a great issue. I think I'll take up reading Hyper again. Good work, everyone.

[Lazlow]

Only fault I could find was the buggered up leading on the Holy Invasion of Privacy... review (which probably cause the subhead to cut off) >_>

[Serenity]

That is one hell of a long game title.

[punkgorilla]

Only fault I could find was the buggered up leading on the Holy Invasion of Privacy... review (which probably cause the subhead to cut off) >_>

If you're talking about what I think you are, then I'm pretty sure it was a joke.

[Darren]

Well, Hyper. It has been awhile, hasn't it?

I was browsing through the newsagents today and found my way into the computers and gaming section. I'd been eyeing off issue 195 for a little while but hadn't really been tempted. A nagging little voice in my head said to me, "Come on, for old time's sake..."

The last time I purchased the magazine would have been in late 2006, early 2007. As I said, it's been awhile. There's been a few changes that spring to mind, namely the simplified DVD and Blu-Ray miniature reviews (which obviously allow more material to be analysed), the "Bottom of the Barrel" piece and the very streamlined Opinions section. Great to see "Bad Cop, No Doughnut" return, it was one of my favourite columns in the past.

With the DVD reviews, I know it states it's a Christmas buying guide, yes? I like how it's laid out, short, concise, to-the-point. I'm assuming this is how it is regularly as there is no other section for audiovisual reviews. 'Tis good. I like it.

As for the "Bottom of the Barrel", I have to say I like the idea of taking a bargain game and analysing how utterly crap it is. Jickle's done a great job here with this month's offering in "Pimp My Ride", it was probably the most amusing analysis in the issue.

Speaking of amusing, it's often interesting when we get an insight into the behind-the-scenes action. This is why I was delighted to see a piece by Tracey Lien about Darren and Amanda's wedding. It gives us a bit of a fly-on-the-wall view into a special, wonderful occasion with a splash of gaming culture incorporated. A well-written piece and I realise this is probably a bit belated, but all the best!

Lastly, great to see Assassin's Creed 2 get such a great score. I've recently purchased a 360 (very slow on the uptake, I realise) after being quite disappointed with the games on offer for my Wii, so I'm always updating my shopping list. Great review, Daniel, you've certainly convinced me to look into purchasing this game.

All in all, this was a great issue. I think I'll take up reading Hyper again. Good work, everyone.
Cheers, and thanks for the feedback! :D

If you're talking about what I think you are, then I'm pretty sure it was a joke.
It was.

[Allick]

Uhh, yeh thats right, a joke :cool:

that was a close one

[Lazlow]

If you're talking about what I think you are, then I'm pretty sure it was a joke.

Heh, that teaches me for not actually reading it :p

Leading was off though

>_>

<_<

[Jickle]

BEHIND THE SCENEZ FACT: I originally wanted my by-line for my Gay Tony review to be "James O'Connor Didn't Wanna Be A Tough Guy, Wanna Be A Dancer", but decided that it was too long.

[Lazlow]

Ha! I watched that episode just last night.

[BB2K]

BEHIND THE SCENEZ FACT: I originally wanted my by-line for my Gay Tony review to be "James O'Connor Didn't Wanna Be A Tough Guy, Wanna Be A Dancer", but decided that it was too long.

Should've gone with it, mate. Would have been awesome.

[Jickle]

Well, now it's a forum exclusive. For the VIP readers.

[Serenity]

It's nice to think you care so much about us little people. <3

[Jickle]

It's like I've always said, "give back at least 4% of what you take". It's a motto that has landed me in hot water with the tax department before, but I stand by it.

[Xanafalgue]

Yay I was quoted. Odd quote though.

[Mr.Mew]

The AC3 rumor of being set in occupied France seems a little blown out of the water after The Saboteur. All the more reason to be set in Foodal Dapan then!

[Australian Ninja]

Assassin's Creed 3 will actually be set in Redfern

[Choabac]

I heard that EB Games will soon start stocking the latest versions of Game Informer for $4.95.

Are you guys worried about this new competition?

[Serenity]

There was a letter in the issue that addressed the same question. Apparently they can't talk about it.

[Gameboffin]

Hyper's seen a few Au versions of mags come and go - GamePro, Edge. The problem with something like Game Informer (or any Official mag) is that you just don't know how much actual Australian content is in it.

Most of the time with these things, all that's changed is the editorial, some Australian-ised language and a few token reviews to differentiate it from the US or UK version. Still, the low price point is interesting.

[Choabac]

Oh, I thought it was just the US version, are they going to add Australian content?

The low price point is possible because EB Games owns GI. In the States they give away subscriptions, such as when you buy an edge card. That's why it has the largest number of subscribers of any games magazine by far.

[Mr.Mew]

I don't mind paying an extra 5 for a real gaming magazine.

[Australian Ninja]

That low price point is pretty tempting. Not that I'll be buying it, but for a casual audience you really can't beat $5.

Hearing that comment about EB owning that mag though makes me think "mass market trash"

However, I'll at least look at an issue of it, out of couriosity more than anything - perhaps it could be an ok mag for a different audience, and I'm all for that.

If it was actually a "good" magazine, then competition usually drives other mags to be better, or at least unique.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

I'm actually quite interested in this Game Informer... However skeptical we may be, it's another insight into gaming, which is hardly a bad thing. Lack of Aust content on the other hand...

Oh, and good issue. I especially liked the return of Bad Cop and Eleanor's bit on boss battles. ;)

[punkgorilla]

I'm actually quite interested in this Game Informer... However skeptical we may be, it's another insight into gaming, which is hardly a bad thing.

The thing is I can give you a list of blogs that will provide more interesting, deep, thought provoking insights into gaming than Game Informer will give you and none of those have an affiliation with a major retailer to cloud the legitimacy of their content.

[Australian Ninja]

The thing is I can give you a list of blogs that will provide more interesting, deep, thought provoking insights into gaming than Game Informer will give you and none of those have an affiliation with a major retailer to cloud the legitimacy of their content.

Fair comment, but Joe Public doesn't care about that.

[dinopoke]

The thing is I can give you a list of blogs that will provide more interesting, deep, thought provoking insights into gaming than Game Informer will give you and none of those have an affiliation with a major retailer to cloud the legitimacy of their content.

Can I see that list? :p

[Daniel]

From what I understand there will only be a dozen or so pages of local content per issue. I could be wrong, but I spoke to the editor last week and he said there was basically no budget to cover freelancers.

Will be interesting to see how it goes. We've seen a lot of import magazines fall by the wayside over the years - GamePro, Edge, Games TM, PSW, PC Games Addict (PC Gamer UK) and a few others I can't remember - but this is the first that seems to be working on a non-profit model. No matter how we do the sums there doesn't appear to be a way that the magazine can make a profit for quite some time.

Am I worried? To say no would be a lie, but I worry about every magazine in the market. Game Informer itself doesn't really worry me - I personally find the American magazine to be crap (no opinion of the localised version as yet) - but the fact that they are launching when the market is already glutted with magazines does. It strikes me as big American money coming in and attempting to bully local producers out of the market with a license of a product (Game Informer US) that relies on giving away issues to bolster their numbers rather than any actual sales. Once again I will say this isn't sour grapes. It's just observation.

[Australian Ninja]

I don't why they ever bothered with those australian versions of Edge and GamesTM, you'd walk into the store and be like "Will I buy the REAL magazine or the bastardised one, hmmmmm, I wonder..."

It just seemed pointless to have two editions of one magazine on the shelf at the same time. I noticed the same thing with that Sci-Fi Now mag, which is average at best, but at lest the UK version was a heftier tome with a higher page count

[Jay]

I don't why they ever bothered with those australian versions of Edge and GamesTM, you'd walk into the store and be like "Will I buy the REAL magazine or the bastardised one, hmmmmm, I wonder..."

It just seemed pointless to have two editions of one magazine on the shelf at the same time. I noticed the same thing with that Sci-Fi Now mag, which is average at best, but at lest the UK version was a heftier tome with a higher page count

Surely that just means more ads?

[Jickle]

Surely that just means more ads?

The UK mags actually tended to have a lot more features/reviews than the Australian equivilants. I think Games TM Australia was pretty good/hefty for a while, though.

[Australian Ninja]

Yeah, US ones (I'm thinking EGM 10 years ago) tend to be the ones with the Captain-Insano level of hefty ads. The UK mags such as games tm and retro gamer have a pretty good content to page count ratio, and the ads are mostly for relevant things that are not obtrusive and useless - unlike 90% of most mags advertisements.

Fun Fact: 72.5% of my math skills are less than accurate

[dinopoke]

Just a question, what do you guys think are better, Edge or Games TM? I've only read Games TM once and I thought it had a tonne of content but I've heard Edge has more quality. But then again, I've heard that they are awful as well.

Obviously Hyper is better in terms of quality out of both of them but sometimes I wish it had more content.

[Twisted Conspiracy]

The thing is I can give you a list of blogs that will provide more interesting, deep, thought provoking insights into gaming than Game Informer will give you and none of those have an affiliation with a major retailer to cloud the legitimacy of their content.
True enough, though there's something about printed rags that I find easier to devour... And you can cover your walls with the advertising once you've finished. :p (Providing you're under 18 or so...)

[punkgorilla]

Just a question, what do you guys think are better, Edge or Games TM? I've only read Games TM once and I thought it had a tonne of content but I've heard Edge has more quality. But then again, I've heard that they are awful as well.

My biggest problem with Edge is that it is far too pretentious. For every thoughtful, insightful piece there is another ten that try too hard to be insightful. If I remember correctly, Darren did an opinion piece a few months ago where he was talking about the tendency for game bloggers to be overly serious and provide analysis where there is no need ie looking for sexist undertones the Mario series. Well, Edge can be a little like reading 150 pages of that. It is also completely void of any real personality.

Having said that, I would still prefer to read Edge over Games TM. At least Edge still has some form of substance, even if you need to cut through the wank.

[dinopoke]

Thanks for the info, but you ignored my first question. Where is the list? :p

[Cake]

Thanks for the info, but you ignored my first question. Where is the list? :p

Here are a few that I enjoy, just off the top of my head. There's a mirrion more where they came from. :)



Specious Living, Reasoning and Criticism (http://drgamelove.blogspot.com/)

RedKingsDream (http://redkingsdream.com/)

Versus Clucluland (http://versusclucluland.blogspot.com/)

Sexy Videogameland (http://sexyvideogameland.blogspot.com/)

Insult Swordfighting (http://insultswordfighting.blogspot.com/)

Banana Pepper Martinis (http://literatigamereviews.blogspot.com/)

[Lazlow]

You fight like a dairy farmer.

[AranchineD]

How appropriate. You fight like a cow.

[punkgorilla]

Here's some more:

Magical Wasteland (www.magicalwasteland.com)
The Brainy Gamer (www.brainygamer.com)
Gamers With Jobs (www.gamerswithjobs.com)
Games Aren't Numbers (www.gamesarentnumbers.com)

Sean Malstroms (www.seanmalstrom.wordpress.com) an interesting one. I don't really know whether I should reccommend this. He talks a lot of shit, but if you can look past that (as well as some of his eccentricities), he often has the sort of analysis on the industry that is dead accurate, but often absent from major sources.


Mr_M (www.rectangulareyes.wordpress.com), BB2K (www.bb2000.wordpress.com) and Twisted Conspiracy (www.ol4er.wordpress.com) also have their own blogs which are usually pretty cool.


And for a bit of shameless self promotion here's my one. (www.signalsin.blogspot.com)


Finally, on top of all of these, most of these sites have 'blog rolls' which will point you in the direction of even more blogs.

[Lazlow]

How appropriate. You fight like a cow.

Have you stopped wearing diapers yet?

[Stevorooni]

Grabbed your poster issue today.

As I am not 14 years old I'm not allowed to hang up posters anymore but I have a lot of rooms with empty walls so I'm gonna buy some frames and make me some gamer art 'prints' to hang up!

Actually I'll have to have a good look at the bigger posters later before I make any decisions, the only one I am definitely putting up is the Arkham Asylum one in my computer room.

I'm thinking demonic looking Alma from FEAR 2 for the toilet... taking shit scared to a whole new level

[Lazlow]

You framed an Asia poster?

[Azzaman]

I just wanted to say thanks for quoting me in the mag.

That'll be $99.95 thanks.

[Australian Ninja]

My biggest problem with Edge is that it is far too pretentious. For every thoughtful, insightful piece there is another ten that try too hard to be insightful. If I remember correctly, Darren did an opinion piece a few months ago where he was talking about the tendency for game bloggers to be overly serious and provide analysis where there is no need ie looking for sexist undertones the Mario series. Well, Edge can be a little like reading 150 pages of that. It is also completely void of any real personality.

Having said that, I would still prefer to read Edge over Games TM. At least Edge still has some form of substance, even if you need to cut through the wank.

I'd buy one of each for a month or two and see which one you enjoy more.
Both are decent really, it's a matter of personal taste.

I've ended up buying the last 6 months of GamesTM seeing as after I get done reading Hyper, Retro Gamer, Empire and Film Ink - I inevitably sit around going, "What will I read now? (other than books and comic trades) I know, games TM" and now I just ask the newsagent to hold it for me rather than looking around each month at 3 different shops. Oh and I have subs to three of those magazines, because I don't have THAT much money to burn!

[aubergine]

I find EDGE good to read when there is a new generation of hardware coming up and then not so much at other times. Despite trawling the web I'd consistently read a lot of things in that magazine I'd see nowhere else.

[Ryan Hayward]

Grabbed your poster issue today.

As I am not 14 years old I'm not allowed to hang up posters anymore but I have a lot of rooms with empty walls so I'm gonna buy some frames and make me some gamer art 'prints' to hang up!

Actually I'll have to have a good look at the bigger posters later before I make any decisions, the only one I am definitely putting up is the Arkham Asylum one in my computer room.

I'm thinking demonic looking Alma from FEAR 2 for the toilet... taking shit scared to a whole new level

Or pedophilia, depending on whose using your toilet.

[Australian Ninja]

I have nothing to say. Just really don't want to read that comment again

Push on to the new page already....

[BB2K]

Looking through the issue again, that 'Christmas Games' feature was terribly set out. It's just awkward to read something like that. I'm not trying to say the writing itself was terrible, as I couldn't even be bothered reading it just because how ridiculously it was set out. Please, don't do it again >_>

[Stevorooni]

muahaha framing posters ftw

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/Stevorooni/joker.jpg

Currently on my home office wall :D

[Australian Ninja]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/Jonny9999/hyperboyfanclub.jpg



I want to go to there