Scheduled Postings

Nothing big to note except for the fact that I am now planning on scheduled postings. Like a lot of online comics, I am choosing to run a Monday, Wednesday and Friday posting schedule – starting with this Monday. Topics may be a bit outdated when posted, but that’s because I will try to actually build up a queue of topics to talk about and have them scheduled for an automatic posting.  That is all.

Retro Review: Super Smash Brothers Melee

Note: A few years back when I ran a personal Web site, I also did reviews for games back then, mainly Gamecube. So, when I find myself having a dry patch with no new content, I post these to make sure that new content is being posted on my blog. I also don’t rate these games under my InvaderGamer rating system.

I didn’t review this game right off the bat because I tend to review games that I have either beaten, or have gotten to the point that I don’t feel like I’ll be playing it anymore. Fortunately, I can state that I am about two trophies off of having every single trophy in the game. With me almost having this game completely finished, I figured it was time to put up a review about this game. So, here we go.

Review: Fallout 3

I’ve been hearing how great of a game Fallout 3 was. I also heard how huge it was. I knew this when I was renting it and knew I probably wouldn’t get very far in the game but I decided to give it a whirl anyways. Besides, it’s nice to play some long games – ones that would actually merit a purchase instead of a weekend rental. I’m looking at YOU, Quantum of Solace, Mirror’s Edge and Uncharted.

The storyline is one that’s actually pretty cool … I hope it doesn’t happen in my or my son’s lifetime but it’s a world set in a post-apocalyptic world near Washington D.C. It is a pretty cool thing to see the White House and the Washington Memorial in shambles. Or seeing D.C. on the horizon and what you see is a destroyed city.

And the cover image, the man in armor, is pretty damn freaky. Infact, until I learned that those were actually good guys I had found the image quite haunting. But are graphics the only good quality that Fallout 3 has to offer? Or is it another MMRPG without the online part?

Are PCs superior to consoles?

This post is a response to an article that was on Digg, 12 reasons why PC gaming is better than consoles. If you decide not to read it, then just realize that outside of a few very small points, all the reasons they give are very pro-PC. So much that it delves into extreme fanboyism. So, instead of me reviewing what they said, I’ll just explain why they are either right or – and they are for the most part – wrong. 

Mirror’s Edge: Looks over Length

Well, Mirror’s edge was released and as I read the reviews my prediction came true. The game got great reviews about how it’s played but it’s a pretty short game. One reviewer said that you could clear the game in six hours if you wanted to.

Six hours! And how long did the game take to develop?

You know, this may be why companies constantly report profit losses. The game was announced a year and a half ago. Which means the game was in development for over a year and a half. Lots of trailers and lots of hype … and it’s all gone in six hours?

Here’s how the money is lost. People like me will not buy this game now. People like me will rent it, clear it and return it. Add a new entry to the list of games I’ve cleared and forget about it. How terribly frustrating must it be to spend $60 on a game and have it be cleared within the same day … maybe even in the same sitting. I wouldn’t be too happy.

Now, I know why it took so long to develop. The graphics are amazing and the gameplay seems to be the first of its kind. But unfortunately, not a lot of thought was put into making the game last outside of time trials. I can’t help but think that the game wasn’t meant to last, but to impress.

And it seems like that’s just how it’s going to continue to go in the gaming industry. This is the third PlayStation game I’ve cleared in a very short amount of time – the other two being Uncharted and Heavenly Sword. To defend Heavenly Sword, though, I did own the game and had a lot more play time.

So it’s one of two things. Either games are getting shorter, or I’m getting better at gaming. And I really don’t think it’s because I’m getting better. I am led to believe that the majority of the development and money probably goes to the graphics and the engine. But, graphics don’t make the game … and I think the mindset that companies have lately is that graphics do make the game. Make a beautiful game but make it short. Throw in a few levels of difficulty and send it on its way.

Well, the games may look great but I’ll be pissed if I buy a game for $60 and clear it in one sitting. Methinks it’s time to shift priorities a bit. Make games last longer even if that does mean the graphics won’t look so crisp and shiny. If a game is really good, it’ll be fun no matter how unpolished it may look.