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EPL Blogs > Games and Gaming
Games and Gaming 
Enthusiastic gamers discuss all things gaming
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is released
Nov 12, 2009 Posted by: meaton
On Tuesday, November 10th, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was released to resounding success, with sales of an estimated 7 million copies on its first day! Along with massive sales comes massive controversy.
The Call of Duty series is reknowned for its gritty realism as players take the first-person role of a soldier as he fights through international hotspots. One particular mission in the new title is called 'No Russian'. In it, the character goes undercover in a terrorist organization and unwittingly finds himself in the middle of an airport massacre.
Is it exploitation of the worst kind, or is it a brave step forward in the storytelling power of a new form of media? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
You can click on the second link below to watch 'No Russian' in its entirety.
Before doing so, please read the following:
1. Be warned. It is EXTREMELY disturbing and violent.
2. If you are going to watch it, I would recommend watching the whole thing, as it may provide context.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1044456p1.html
http://www.destructoid.com/modern-warfare-2-s-controversial-airport-terrorist-attack-154687.phtml
Comments (0)
Tiger Woods on wii
Jan 05, 2009 Posted by: pschoenberg
Borrowed the Tiger Woods golf game for the wii.
Was not impressed. It was kind of clunky and awkward. Did not follow normal conventions of wii games. Graphics for so-so.
Gave it a couple of trys and returned it. Really glad I did have to pay $50 to find out it kind of sucked.
Any Tiger defenders out there?
Comments (3)
The Library Now Has Video Games!!!
Dec 27, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hi there. Well, it's been about a hundred years since my last post, so here's a short one to let you know what you may have already heard: The Edmonton Public Library now has video games in its collection. We have started to circulate games from the Wii, XBox 360, and Playstation 3. The only limit so far is that the library is getting games with the ESRB rating of T for Teen, and younger. Anyway, hope you enjoy your gaming life!!
Comments (5)
Video Games Are the New Movies...Unfortunately...
Oct 22, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Well, it's official. I have finally become 'that guy'. I'm the guy who bemoans the current state of (insert phenomenon here) and goes on about how great it was back in (insert period in which said phenomenon was in a newer yet unrefined state, which coincidentally is also when I was a child).
I've managed to hold it off for a while; for example when people talk about how bad TV is, I tell them, 'Get cable. There are more great shows on TV now than ever.' Seriously, have you seen Battlestar Galactica? When people cried and moaned about how lousy the new Star Wars movies were, I reminded people that by rewatching the original films (aka the 'holy trilogy') they may be shocked to see that they are (and always have been) poorly written, awkwardly acted, and about as deep as...well...the new trilogy.
So, this mini-rant is my way of wading into the 'Are video games art?' debate. The basic conflict goes like this:
"Video games are not art because while they may achieve a level of photorealism and depth of story, they are essentially pixels carrying out tasks much like pieces on a chess board."
Vs.
"Video games are art because art is the expression of a creative mind, and they have reached a level of sophistication in terms of storytelling which rivals that of most movies/books/TV programs."
I happen to believe that video games are in fact art (I know, you're shocked). As this decade draws to a close, there have been games that have truly elevated the medium and revolutionized our relationship with them. They have also become largely derivative and pandering for the sake of milking every penny out of you. In short, video games have become just like movies, for better or worse.
Take a look at the movie listings, and you will find a lot of filler. Sequels, remakes of older movies, adaptations of comic books and video games, and lowbrow comedies which are ripping off a previous lowbrow comedy which was actually pretty good makes up the vast majority of what's in the multiplex at any given time. Gaming has fallen into a similar trap. It seems like you can't swing a stick without hitting a double digits sequel (I'm looking at you, Final Fantasy 13), a sports game which is updated yearly but is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor, and an action game where you play as a rugged soldier who is just trying way too hard to come across as 'hardcore'.
Naturally, it's not all doom and gloom. Each year provides gamers with at least a couple of outstanding games that challenge, or at least expand on, what was previously thought possible. It's the same with movies. I guess the problem is that developers are under so much pressure to appease the bottom line that it's much more financially viable to copy a proven hit than to tilt at windmills.
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Can't Wii All Just Get Along?
Sep 10, 2008 Posted by: meaton
"Peh...Casuals."
Check out any video game message boards and you will quickly find a variation of the above quote. The advent of the seventh generation of console gaming (i.e. PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) has brought with it a fundamental schism. Fans now find themselves in a situation where they must identify themselves within their own subculture, as either a 'hardcore' or 'casual' gamer. This split has occurred mostly due to the vast differences between the current consoles that are on the market, and for the types of games that they specialize in.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 are behemoths with gigantic processing capacity. Their games tend to be darker, more adult-oriented, and more realistic. Games for these systems also generally have complicated control schemes and require a large time investment. So, we're talking about games like Halo, Call of Duty 4, Final Fantasy, EA Sports games, etc.
While the above systems are in many ways like identical twins with different haircuts, Nintendo went in a totally different direction. Instead of trying to 'outpower' Sony or Microsoft, they decided to attract not only fans of their homegrown product (i.e. Mario, Legend of Zelda, Metroid) but people who either don't play games or haven't for a long time. Enter the Wii, a system with a fraction of the other systems' processing power but one with a clever gimmick: A motion sensitive control scheme. The main launch game was Wii Sports. In it, you use the remote just as you would with, say, a real tennis racket, or baseball bat. It's cute and goofy, but it's also extremely intuitive and easy for anyone to just pick up and play. Shortly after the Wii's release, people who would have never even turned on a video game were hooked on Wii Sports. The reaction of a lot of hardcore gamers was much like when a band you like suddenly gets really famous and you need to point out that you were there from the start. There is basically a prevalent sense of disdain for casual gamers because 'they don't really understand what makes a great game' or 'the games they like are kiddie games'.
Personally, I think it's great that video gaming has evolved to the point where people who wouldn't have even considered playing are now doing so. I mean, you could play Wii Sports with your grandmother. How cool is that? While I enjoy playing some of the darker, more complex games out there, the bottom line to me is this: Fun is fun. If fun to you is fighting off an alien invasion, that's cool. But if another person's idea of fun is hearing the 'thock' sound of a well hit tennis ball, or throwing a strike in a silly, cartoonlike bowling alley, I say more power to you. I'm all for new, innovative games with complex stories and multifaceted characters, but it's important to remember that Super Mario Brothers isn't the biggest selling game of all time because of its intricate story or its real-time physics engine.
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Best Baddies (Part 2)
Aug 07, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hello once again. Here's part 2 as promised:
5. Dracula - Castlevania (NES) Castlevania is a game that is legendary for its difficulty, and its final boss does not disappoint. You make your way through his castle, fighting off his minions (including Death, who takes his orders from the dark prince...that really says something), until the final showdown. You avoid his fire attacks until you beat him. What happens then? Well, he turns into a giant demon that promptly jumps all over the place and turns you into hamburger. Dracula reappears in many other Castlevania games and is brutal in all of them.
4. Meta Ridley - Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii) Remember that scene in Lord of the Rings when Gandalf was fighting the Balrog while falling down the mine shaft? Remember how totally awesome that was? Substitute Gandalf for a woman in space armour, and the Balrog for...well, Ridley actually kind of looks like that thing anyway...but yeah, this boss fight rules the world.
3. GlaDOS - P0rtal (PC) I could talk all day about why this diabolical computer is a great villain, but instead I'll provide some of her best lines:
"Did you know you can donate one or all of your vital organs to the Aperture Science self esteem fund for girls? It's true!"
"Remember that time we tried to kill you by putting you in fire and you were like NO WAY? That was great."
"That was my morality core that they installed when I flooded the building with poisonous gas, to keep me from flooding the building with poisonous gas."
And my personal favorite:
"We have introduced a penalty for touching the floor. Doing so will result in a negative affect on your score. Followed by death. Good Luck!"
2. Dr. Salvador - Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube) This is the only villain on the list that isn't a boss. Without question, this is the scariest enemy in a video game that I've ever encountered. Just think about that for a second. There are bigger, tougher, and meaner villains out there to be sure. The thing about this dude that (literally!) makes me break into a cold sweat is his singlemindedness. He comes at you with his chainsaw (fast), can take a criminal amount of punishment, and if you let him get too close...put it this way; just don't let it happen. In the history of video games, there is no sound as unsettling as the distant noise of a chainsaw in RE 4.
1. Liquid Snake - Metal Gear Solid (Playstation) Brilliant, tough as nails, and absolutely insane. The twin brother of special forces soldier Solid Snake is like the Energizer Bunny...he just keeps on going. I mean, first he comes after you in a helicopter, and you shoot him out of the sky. Then you find out he's been disguising himself as someone who you thought was helping you up to that point. So you make it to the end of the game and he attacks you with Metal Gear (a giant bipedal tank that can launch nukes) and you blow it up with him inside it. Next, you have to fight him barefisted atop the smouldering wreckage of MG and send him falling to the ground below. Finally, as you are escaping in a jeep, he follows you all the way outside until he FINALLY dies as the result of a synthetic virus. Oh, and by the way, he shows up again in the next game still alive because his arm was attached to another character and his consciousness takes over that guy's body...yes, yes, I realize how ridiculous this sounds. Liquid makes the list because of his cool factor and varied battles, but he tops it on sheer perseverance. So, there you go! Let me know what you think. Also, if there's a list you'd like me to do, let me know. Seeya!
Mike
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Best Baddies Ever in a Video Game (Part 1)
Aug 06, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Well, hey there everyone! It's been a while since I had a real post, so this one's a doozy. They say that a movie is only as good as its villain, and this is absolutely true with video games. For me, the mark of a great villain is one who brings out that sense of pure gaming exhilaration when you finally get to go toe-to-toe. So, to quote myself when I'm faced with the names below: "Oooooooohhhh boy. Here we go!"
P.S. There may well be spoilers here, so consider yourself warned:
10. Spider Mastermind - Doom (PC) Who would have thought that a giant mechanical spider with a brain for its body could be so scary? (shudder)
9. Kefka - Final Fantasy III (SNES) I really struggled with which Final Fantasy villain to put on here. Sephiroth from VII is the popular choice, and I liked Seymour from X, but Kefka wins out for 3 big reasons. First, he has no backstory which explains why he went bad; he's just rotten to the core. Second, it is pretty much standard in a Final Fantasy game that the villain threatens/tries to destroy the world. To date, Kefka's the only one that actually went through with it. Yeah, he wipes out a large chunk of the world and forces you to basically start over before you can fight him. Finally, the final battle with him is just epic...and HARD.
8. The Colossus of Rhodes - God of War 2 (PS2) Speaking of epic, consider this. You're playing as an ancient Greek warrior and you need to make your way to the top of a tower, fighting enemies, while the Colossus (which is the size of a skyscraper) is trying to smash you. Once at the top you need to make your way onto this boss until you reach the head, where you must slash away at various key areas until eventually the Colossus collapses. Sounds like a great final boss, eh? Well, THAT'S HOW THE GAME STARTS! Just thinking about it makes me shake my head in awe!
7. Ursula - Kingdom Hearts (PS2) Here's a game with lots of cool bosses. Kingdom Hearts was the product of a mind meld between Squaresoft (developer of Final Fantasy) and Disney. Basically, you travel to the Disney 'worlds' in order to beat the game. Ursula is the boss of Atlantica-from The Little Mermaid. This battle is just something else. You've got her eel buddies swimming around trying to zap you, she's shooting magic spells, and sometimes her tentacles spin like blades. This battle is super tense, and the music for it is unforgettable to boot.
6. Bowser - Super Mario Series (Nintendo) Mario is the most popular video game character of all time...how can I not have his nemesis on the list? Admittedly, he should be higher up but he has one big thing going against him: He's kind of useless. Think about it, most of the battles between them involve Mario dodging his attacks while Bowser falls into lava, a black hole, etc. Having said that, I love Bowser. He's just hilarious and is my second favorite Mario character of all time (Toad is still #1), and taking him down is always a trip.
So, you know the drill. I will have part 2 with my top 5 villains. Feel free to comment/critique my choices thus far. Also, I'd like to know which enemies make your list. Have a great one!
Mike
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Another successful Gamers Night...
Aug 06, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey everybody. Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Just wanted to pass on the message that we had a Teen Gamers Night last night, and it was a hit. Lots of fun was had by all; the whole event was a cavalcade of sounds such as the laughing of kids, the squeal of a rock guitar, and the distinctive 'thock' sound of a tennis ball.
So, for those of you (yes, both of you) waiting for a new list, rest assured that I will have a new one up by the end of the week. See y'all later.
Mike
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Video Game Genres: The FPS part 2
Jul 10, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey hey. So, here's part 2 of the First-Person Shooters history run-through. Hope you enjoy!
Goldeneye (1997) - Prior to this game, it was commonly thought that FPS games could never cut it on the consoles. This game changed all that. Goldeneye looked good, played well, and was a ton of fun. I can't begin to count how many hours my friends and I spent on multiplayer.
Half-Life (1998) - In a word, revolutionary. This game regularly finds itself high up on lists of the greatest games ever. In it, you play as a scientist who's having a really bad first day on the job. You need to deal with violent aliens popping up through interdimensional portals, marine clean-up crews that look at you as a big loose end, and a mysterious man in a suit who keeps appearing in the strangest places.
Counter-Strike (1999) - This game started as a mod of the "Half-Life" engine and has since become one of the biggest online games around. Even now, almost a decade after its initial release, Counter-Strike has millions playing at any given time.
Deus Ex (2000) - While this game scored very high with critics, it wasn't the commercial success that other games on this list were. Deep storyline, multiple paths (i.e. stealth, full on assault, hacker), highly customizable attributes, and a detailed '20 minutes into the future' setting. Granted, it is a little twitchy on a PC, but the story more than makes up for it.
Metroid Prime (2002) - The months leading up to Metroid Prime's release was a classic example of "Don't believe the hype", but not for the usual reasons. When Nintendo announced that they were handing the beloved Metroid series over to an American developer, and that they were making it a First-Person game, people freaked! Everybody thought this game was going to be lousy, and what happened? Well, it only sold millions and is still one of the highest rated games ever.
Medal of Honour: Frontline (2002) - Admittedly, this game is nothing special: just another WW2 game of which there are literally dozens. The only thing about this one however is its opening level: Omaha Beach on D-Day. Experiencing the landing and assault of Normandy through the eyes of a soldier is absolutely jaw-dropping, and this game is worth checking out just for that.
Halo 2 (2004) - The 300 ton gorilla of video games. This game, more than any other, kicked open the door for online console destruction.
P0rtal (2007) - Now, you probably think I'm some bloodthirsty dude because I've written about all these games which involve shooting things in various different ways. So, to clear the palate I thought I'd end with a game where nobody dies (except you, if you're not careful) and not a single bullet is fired (by you anyway). Simply put, you play as a young woman who, as a test subject, must use a special device called a portal gun to make her way out of a series of elaborate rooms. Along the way, you are 'helped' by GLaDOS, a computerized voice which watches/tests/terrorizes you. Not only is this game innovative, but it has some of the most absolutely hilarious dialogue you will ever hear.
Mike
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...I mean video games...
Jul 08, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Did I say board games? No, we'll have the systems set up. So, come on in for some DDR, Guitar Hero, and Mario Kart tonight at 7. See ya there!!
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Teen Gamers Night tomorrow!
Jul 07, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey there. If there are any teens out there, come over to Woodcroft for Teen Games Night tomorrow at 7:00 pm. This month it's board games. We've got a variety of fun games, as well as table hockey. See you there!!
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Does Mario belong in the library?
Jul 03, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Video games are fast on their way to gaining mainstream acceptance as art. In terms of storytelling, it has become ever more common for games to reach levels of sophistication on par with most movies and books. So, do you think public libraries should start including video games in their collections? Some library systems (such as those in the UK) have begun to have games for borrowing.
What do you think?
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Video Game Genres: The FPS (First-Person Shooter) Part 1
Jun 27, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Okay, so I tried...I really tried to do this great flowchart which shows the evolution of the First-Person Shooter in family tree form. Doesn't that sound cool? Anyway, I spent about 2 hours on it and came up with a bunch of bubble boxes, but then they were all out of chronological order, and then I couldn't save it....
(sigh)
So, it didn't really work out. Anyway, I'm going to focus on some of the major games in the FPS genre. These are games that brought something new and exciting to the table. But first; just what is an FPS? Well, it's a kind of game in which the main perspective is through the eyes of the character. Usually, the gameplay involves shooting enemies with a variety of weapons and solving puzzles to progress to a new area. In general terms, the rule with FPS games is 'If it moves, it's a threat'.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992) - While this isn't the first FPS, strictly speaking, it is the one that launched a thousand copycats. In it, you play as a (now de rigeur) nameless grizzled soldier taking on the Nazis in a secret castle. The developers, Id Studios, used this game as a starting point to revolutionizing the industry. Wolfenstein was a hit, but nothing like:
Doom (1993)- If you've never played Doom, you didn't grow up in the '90s. Basically, this is the same game as its predecessor, only now you're a space marine who's trying to save the Earth after a portal to a demon world is opened. Fast paced, tough as heck, and actually pretty scary (especially the mecha-spider thing). Quake (1996)- In a lot of ways, this FPS (also by Id) is pretty much a remake of Doom with better graphics. 3 things set this one apart however:
1. It was the first game to have a celebrity soundtrack. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails did the music for Quake, which at the time was a risky and revolutionary move on his part. The game designers pay respect to Reznor by having the 'NIN' logo on the nailgun ammo.
2. Online multiplayer! Do you like to play Halo 3 online? Well, this game practically invented it.
3. Players were encouraged to create their own levels and scenarios for online play. Allowing players to modify the source code gave Quake an unprecedented replay value.
By 1996, every game developer and his cousin was making an FPS and the market soon became flooded with titles. Most of them were lousy, but there were some shining gems. Next time I'll talk about some titles that not only carried on the fun of these early classics, but also brought innovative new possibilities to the genre.
Mike
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_shooter
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The Games that Shaped My Life
Jun 19, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Greetings. As some of you may know, EPL hosts teen gamer nights at various branches. In the spirit of that, I thought it would be interesting to open a discussion on video games. What better way to start than with a top 10 list.
You may or may not agree with my choices, and that's cool. My criteria was that the following games had, and still have, a profound effect on my life. So, here they are in no particular order:
1. Super Mario Brothers 3 (NES) -I lost the summer of 1991 to this game. Mario is the most popular game character in the world by a country mile, and this is his greatest adventure. 8 worlds full of monsters, challenging levels, ingenious secrets, and some of the most memorable music ever in a video game.
2. Metal Gear Solid (Playstation) -Film critic Roger Ebert has gone on record numerous times as saying that video games are not art. He has obviously never played this game. It has stellar voice acting, a plot that's better than most movies, and gameplay that not only tests your skill, but your sanity as well.
3. Super Metroid (SNES) -Full disclosure: Part of me wanted to put all the Metroid games on this list because it's my favorite series of all time. This game has something for everyone: jumping puzzles, exploration, huge bosses, and you get to play as the coolest female video game character of all time: Samus Arun.
4. Final Fantasy VI (SNES) -Admittedly, I'm starting to feel a little 'meh' about Japanese RPGs lately. Mostly because I'm a married guy in my mid 30s who just doesn't have time to spend 80 hours on a game anymore. This one though, set the tone for the Final Fantasy series...who am I kidding, I'll be lined up to get FF13 next year.
5. Shinobi (Arcade) -An arcade classic! This side scroller has Joe the ninja rescuing kids from bad ninjas through 5 main areas. The first arcade game I could finish with one quarter.
6. Half-Life (PC) -Ooooh, I love First Person Shooters and this game is the reason why. You play as Dr. Gordon Freeman, a physicist who finds himself smack dab in the middle of an alien invasion. The scary thing: as great as this game is, Half-Life 2 is even better. Why, you ask? Two words: Gravity Gun!
7. Mortal Kombat (Arcade) -Here's everyone's reaction the first time they saw this game in the arcade: "Did he just....rip that guy's head off?" Classic.
8. Perfect Dark (N64) -Goldeneye was a classic in every sense, but Perfect Dark makes this list because it took everything from the 007 game and made it better. Better graphics, sound, multiplayer, weapons. I'd actually put this one down as an underrated gem.
9. Ikaruga (Gamecube) -Remember 2D shoot-em-ups in the arcades? Well, this takes the classic Space Invaders style and gives it a new twist. In this game, you control a ship that must destroy all comers. The twist is that the ships fire bullets that are either blue or red, and you can change your polarity on the fly to absorb one while avoiding the other. Really hard and really addictive.
10. Grand Theft Auto III (Playstation 2) -A controversial choice to be sure. Forget about the violence, the language, the questionable morality. This is a landmark game for perfecting the 'sandbox' format. There was no feeling quite like learning that you could tackle the game however you wanted, and it was ok. I remember showing this to my friends and every single one of them's first word was the same: 'Wow!'
Thanks for checking this out. Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought. Hopefully we can start some discussions. Enjoy!!
Mike
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Enthusiastic gamers discuss all things gaming
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is released
Nov 12, 2009 Posted by: meaton
On Tuesday, November 10th, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was released to resounding success, with sales of an estimated 7 million copies on its first day! Along with massive sales comes massive controversy.
The Call of Duty series is reknowned for its gritty realism as players take the first-person role of a soldier as he fights through international hotspots. One particular mission in the new title is called 'No Russian'. In it, the character goes undercover in a terrorist organization and unwittingly finds himself in the middle of an airport massacre.
Is it exploitation of the worst kind, or is it a brave step forward in the storytelling power of a new form of media? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
You can click on the second link below to watch 'No Russian' in its entirety.
Before doing so, please read the following:
1. Be warned. It is EXTREMELY disturbing and violent.
2. If you are going to watch it, I would recommend watching the whole thing, as it may provide context.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1044456p1.html
http://www.destructoid.com/modern-warfare-2-s-controversial-airport-terrorist-attack-154687.phtml
Comments (0)
Tiger Woods on wii
Jan 05, 2009 Posted by: pschoenberg
Borrowed the Tiger Woods golf game for the wii.
Was not impressed. It was kind of clunky and awkward. Did not follow normal conventions of wii games. Graphics for so-so.
Gave it a couple of trys and returned it. Really glad I did have to pay $50 to find out it kind of sucked.
Any Tiger defenders out there?
Comments (3)
The Library Now Has Video Games!!!
Dec 27, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hi there. Well, it's been about a hundred years since my last post, so here's a short one to let you know what you may have already heard: The Edmonton Public Library now has video games in its collection. We have started to circulate games from the Wii, XBox 360, and Playstation 3. The only limit so far is that the library is getting games with the ESRB rating of T for Teen, and younger. Anyway, hope you enjoy your gaming life!!
Comments (5)
Video Games Are the New Movies...Unfortunately...
Oct 22, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Well, it's official. I have finally become 'that guy'. I'm the guy who bemoans the current state of (insert phenomenon here) and goes on about how great it was back in (insert period in which said phenomenon was in a newer yet unrefined state, which coincidentally is also when I was a child).
I've managed to hold it off for a while; for example when people talk about how bad TV is, I tell them, 'Get cable. There are more great shows on TV now than ever.' Seriously, have you seen Battlestar Galactica? When people cried and moaned about how lousy the new Star Wars movies were, I reminded people that by rewatching the original films (aka the 'holy trilogy') they may be shocked to see that they are (and always have been) poorly written, awkwardly acted, and about as deep as...well...the new trilogy.
So, this mini-rant is my way of wading into the 'Are video games art?' debate. The basic conflict goes like this:
"Video games are not art because while they may achieve a level of photorealism and depth of story, they are essentially pixels carrying out tasks much like pieces on a chess board."
Vs.
"Video games are art because art is the expression of a creative mind, and they have reached a level of sophistication in terms of storytelling which rivals that of most movies/books/TV programs."
I happen to believe that video games are in fact art (I know, you're shocked). As this decade draws to a close, there have been games that have truly elevated the medium and revolutionized our relationship with them. They have also become largely derivative and pandering for the sake of milking every penny out of you. In short, video games have become just like movies, for better or worse.
Take a look at the movie listings, and you will find a lot of filler. Sequels, remakes of older movies, adaptations of comic books and video games, and lowbrow comedies which are ripping off a previous lowbrow comedy which was actually pretty good makes up the vast majority of what's in the multiplex at any given time. Gaming has fallen into a similar trap. It seems like you can't swing a stick without hitting a double digits sequel (I'm looking at you, Final Fantasy 13), a sports game which is updated yearly but is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor, and an action game where you play as a rugged soldier who is just trying way too hard to come across as 'hardcore'.
Naturally, it's not all doom and gloom. Each year provides gamers with at least a couple of outstanding games that challenge, or at least expand on, what was previously thought possible. It's the same with movies. I guess the problem is that developers are under so much pressure to appease the bottom line that it's much more financially viable to copy a proven hit than to tilt at windmills.
Comments (0)
Can't Wii All Just Get Along?
Sep 10, 2008 Posted by: meaton
"Peh...Casuals."
Check out any video game message boards and you will quickly find a variation of the above quote. The advent of the seventh generation of console gaming (i.e. PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) has brought with it a fundamental schism. Fans now find themselves in a situation where they must identify themselves within their own subculture, as either a 'hardcore' or 'casual' gamer. This split has occurred mostly due to the vast differences between the current consoles that are on the market, and for the types of games that they specialize in.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 are behemoths with gigantic processing capacity. Their games tend to be darker, more adult-oriented, and more realistic. Games for these systems also generally have complicated control schemes and require a large time investment. So, we're talking about games like Halo, Call of Duty 4, Final Fantasy, EA Sports games, etc.
While the above systems are in many ways like identical twins with different haircuts, Nintendo went in a totally different direction. Instead of trying to 'outpower' Sony or Microsoft, they decided to attract not only fans of their homegrown product (i.e. Mario, Legend of Zelda, Metroid) but people who either don't play games or haven't for a long time. Enter the Wii, a system with a fraction of the other systems' processing power but one with a clever gimmick: A motion sensitive control scheme. The main launch game was Wii Sports. In it, you use the remote just as you would with, say, a real tennis racket, or baseball bat. It's cute and goofy, but it's also extremely intuitive and easy for anyone to just pick up and play. Shortly after the Wii's release, people who would have never even turned on a video game were hooked on Wii Sports. The reaction of a lot of hardcore gamers was much like when a band you like suddenly gets really famous and you need to point out that you were there from the start. There is basically a prevalent sense of disdain for casual gamers because 'they don't really understand what makes a great game' or 'the games they like are kiddie games'.
Personally, I think it's great that video gaming has evolved to the point where people who wouldn't have even considered playing are now doing so. I mean, you could play Wii Sports with your grandmother. How cool is that? While I enjoy playing some of the darker, more complex games out there, the bottom line to me is this: Fun is fun. If fun to you is fighting off an alien invasion, that's cool. But if another person's idea of fun is hearing the 'thock' sound of a well hit tennis ball, or throwing a strike in a silly, cartoonlike bowling alley, I say more power to you. I'm all for new, innovative games with complex stories and multifaceted characters, but it's important to remember that Super Mario Brothers isn't the biggest selling game of all time because of its intricate story or its real-time physics engine.
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Best Baddies (Part 2)
Aug 07, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hello once again. Here's part 2 as promised:
5. Dracula - Castlevania (NES) Castlevania is a game that is legendary for its difficulty, and its final boss does not disappoint. You make your way through his castle, fighting off his minions (including Death, who takes his orders from the dark prince...that really says something), until the final showdown. You avoid his fire attacks until you beat him. What happens then? Well, he turns into a giant demon that promptly jumps all over the place and turns you into hamburger. Dracula reappears in many other Castlevania games and is brutal in all of them.
4. Meta Ridley - Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii) Remember that scene in Lord of the Rings when Gandalf was fighting the Balrog while falling down the mine shaft? Remember how totally awesome that was? Substitute Gandalf for a woman in space armour, and the Balrog for...well, Ridley actually kind of looks like that thing anyway...but yeah, this boss fight rules the world.
3. GlaDOS - P0rtal (PC) I could talk all day about why this diabolical computer is a great villain, but instead I'll provide some of her best lines:
"Did you know you can donate one or all of your vital organs to the Aperture Science self esteem fund for girls? It's true!"
"Remember that time we tried to kill you by putting you in fire and you were like NO WAY? That was great."
"That was my morality core that they installed when I flooded the building with poisonous gas, to keep me from flooding the building with poisonous gas."
And my personal favorite:
"We have introduced a penalty for touching the floor. Doing so will result in a negative affect on your score. Followed by death. Good Luck!"
2. Dr. Salvador - Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube) This is the only villain on the list that isn't a boss. Without question, this is the scariest enemy in a video game that I've ever encountered. Just think about that for a second. There are bigger, tougher, and meaner villains out there to be sure. The thing about this dude that (literally!) makes me break into a cold sweat is his singlemindedness. He comes at you with his chainsaw (fast), can take a criminal amount of punishment, and if you let him get too close...put it this way; just don't let it happen. In the history of video games, there is no sound as unsettling as the distant noise of a chainsaw in RE 4.
1. Liquid Snake - Metal Gear Solid (Playstation) Brilliant, tough as nails, and absolutely insane. The twin brother of special forces soldier Solid Snake is like the Energizer Bunny...he just keeps on going. I mean, first he comes after you in a helicopter, and you shoot him out of the sky. Then you find out he's been disguising himself as someone who you thought was helping you up to that point. So you make it to the end of the game and he attacks you with Metal Gear (a giant bipedal tank that can launch nukes) and you blow it up with him inside it. Next, you have to fight him barefisted atop the smouldering wreckage of MG and send him falling to the ground below. Finally, as you are escaping in a jeep, he follows you all the way outside until he FINALLY dies as the result of a synthetic virus. Oh, and by the way, he shows up again in the next game still alive because his arm was attached to another character and his consciousness takes over that guy's body...yes, yes, I realize how ridiculous this sounds. Liquid makes the list because of his cool factor and varied battles, but he tops it on sheer perseverance. So, there you go! Let me know what you think. Also, if there's a list you'd like me to do, let me know. Seeya!
Mike
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Best Baddies Ever in a Video Game (Part 1)
Aug 06, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Well, hey there everyone! It's been a while since I had a real post, so this one's a doozy. They say that a movie is only as good as its villain, and this is absolutely true with video games. For me, the mark of a great villain is one who brings out that sense of pure gaming exhilaration when you finally get to go toe-to-toe. So, to quote myself when I'm faced with the names below: "Oooooooohhhh boy. Here we go!"
P.S. There may well be spoilers here, so consider yourself warned:
10. Spider Mastermind - Doom (PC) Who would have thought that a giant mechanical spider with a brain for its body could be so scary? (shudder)
9. Kefka - Final Fantasy III (SNES) I really struggled with which Final Fantasy villain to put on here. Sephiroth from VII is the popular choice, and I liked Seymour from X, but Kefka wins out for 3 big reasons. First, he has no backstory which explains why he went bad; he's just rotten to the core. Second, it is pretty much standard in a Final Fantasy game that the villain threatens/tries to destroy the world. To date, Kefka's the only one that actually went through with it. Yeah, he wipes out a large chunk of the world and forces you to basically start over before you can fight him. Finally, the final battle with him is just epic...and HARD.
8. The Colossus of Rhodes - God of War 2 (PS2) Speaking of epic, consider this. You're playing as an ancient Greek warrior and you need to make your way to the top of a tower, fighting enemies, while the Colossus (which is the size of a skyscraper) is trying to smash you. Once at the top you need to make your way onto this boss until you reach the head, where you must slash away at various key areas until eventually the Colossus collapses. Sounds like a great final boss, eh? Well, THAT'S HOW THE GAME STARTS! Just thinking about it makes me shake my head in awe!
7. Ursula - Kingdom Hearts (PS2) Here's a game with lots of cool bosses. Kingdom Hearts was the product of a mind meld between Squaresoft (developer of Final Fantasy) and Disney. Basically, you travel to the Disney 'worlds' in order to beat the game. Ursula is the boss of Atlantica-from The Little Mermaid. This battle is just something else. You've got her eel buddies swimming around trying to zap you, she's shooting magic spells, and sometimes her tentacles spin like blades. This battle is super tense, and the music for it is unforgettable to boot.
6. Bowser - Super Mario Series (Nintendo) Mario is the most popular video game character of all time...how can I not have his nemesis on the list? Admittedly, he should be higher up but he has one big thing going against him: He's kind of useless. Think about it, most of the battles between them involve Mario dodging his attacks while Bowser falls into lava, a black hole, etc. Having said that, I love Bowser. He's just hilarious and is my second favorite Mario character of all time (Toad is still #1), and taking him down is always a trip.
So, you know the drill. I will have part 2 with my top 5 villains. Feel free to comment/critique my choices thus far. Also, I'd like to know which enemies make your list. Have a great one!
Mike
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Another successful Gamers Night...
Aug 06, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey everybody. Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Just wanted to pass on the message that we had a Teen Gamers Night last night, and it was a hit. Lots of fun was had by all; the whole event was a cavalcade of sounds such as the laughing of kids, the squeal of a rock guitar, and the distinctive 'thock' sound of a tennis ball.
So, for those of you (yes, both of you) waiting for a new list, rest assured that I will have a new one up by the end of the week. See y'all later.
Mike
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Video Game Genres: The FPS part 2
Jul 10, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey hey. So, here's part 2 of the First-Person Shooters history run-through. Hope you enjoy!
Goldeneye (1997) - Prior to this game, it was commonly thought that FPS games could never cut it on the consoles. This game changed all that. Goldeneye looked good, played well, and was a ton of fun. I can't begin to count how many hours my friends and I spent on multiplayer.
Half-Life (1998) - In a word, revolutionary. This game regularly finds itself high up on lists of the greatest games ever. In it, you play as a scientist who's having a really bad first day on the job. You need to deal with violent aliens popping up through interdimensional portals, marine clean-up crews that look at you as a big loose end, and a mysterious man in a suit who keeps appearing in the strangest places.
Counter-Strike (1999) - This game started as a mod of the "Half-Life" engine and has since become one of the biggest online games around. Even now, almost a decade after its initial release, Counter-Strike has millions playing at any given time.
Deus Ex (2000) - While this game scored very high with critics, it wasn't the commercial success that other games on this list were. Deep storyline, multiple paths (i.e. stealth, full on assault, hacker), highly customizable attributes, and a detailed '20 minutes into the future' setting. Granted, it is a little twitchy on a PC, but the story more than makes up for it.
Metroid Prime (2002) - The months leading up to Metroid Prime's release was a classic example of "Don't believe the hype", but not for the usual reasons. When Nintendo announced that they were handing the beloved Metroid series over to an American developer, and that they were making it a First-Person game, people freaked! Everybody thought this game was going to be lousy, and what happened? Well, it only sold millions and is still one of the highest rated games ever.
Medal of Honour: Frontline (2002) - Admittedly, this game is nothing special: just another WW2 game of which there are literally dozens. The only thing about this one however is its opening level: Omaha Beach on D-Day. Experiencing the landing and assault of Normandy through the eyes of a soldier is absolutely jaw-dropping, and this game is worth checking out just for that.
Halo 2 (2004) - The 300 ton gorilla of video games. This game, more than any other, kicked open the door for online console destruction.
P0rtal (2007) - Now, you probably think I'm some bloodthirsty dude because I've written about all these games which involve shooting things in various different ways. So, to clear the palate I thought I'd end with a game where nobody dies (except you, if you're not careful) and not a single bullet is fired (by you anyway). Simply put, you play as a young woman who, as a test subject, must use a special device called a portal gun to make her way out of a series of elaborate rooms. Along the way, you are 'helped' by GLaDOS, a computerized voice which watches/tests/terrorizes you. Not only is this game innovative, but it has some of the most absolutely hilarious dialogue you will ever hear.
Mike
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...I mean video games...
Jul 08, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Did I say board games? No, we'll have the systems set up. So, come on in for some DDR, Guitar Hero, and Mario Kart tonight at 7. See ya there!!
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Teen Gamers Night tomorrow!
Jul 07, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Hey there. If there are any teens out there, come over to Woodcroft for Teen Games Night tomorrow at 7:00 pm. This month it's board games. We've got a variety of fun games, as well as table hockey. See you there!!
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Does Mario belong in the library?
Jul 03, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Video games are fast on their way to gaining mainstream acceptance as art. In terms of storytelling, it has become ever more common for games to reach levels of sophistication on par with most movies and books. So, do you think public libraries should start including video games in their collections? Some library systems (such as those in the UK) have begun to have games for borrowing.
What do you think?
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Video Game Genres: The FPS (First-Person Shooter) Part 1
Jun 27, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Okay, so I tried...I really tried to do this great flowchart which shows the evolution of the First-Person Shooter in family tree form. Doesn't that sound cool? Anyway, I spent about 2 hours on it and came up with a bunch of bubble boxes, but then they were all out of chronological order, and then I couldn't save it....
(sigh)
So, it didn't really work out. Anyway, I'm going to focus on some of the major games in the FPS genre. These are games that brought something new and exciting to the table. But first; just what is an FPS? Well, it's a kind of game in which the main perspective is through the eyes of the character. Usually, the gameplay involves shooting enemies with a variety of weapons and solving puzzles to progress to a new area. In general terms, the rule with FPS games is 'If it moves, it's a threat'.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992) - While this isn't the first FPS, strictly speaking, it is the one that launched a thousand copycats. In it, you play as a (now de rigeur) nameless grizzled soldier taking on the Nazis in a secret castle. The developers, Id Studios, used this game as a starting point to revolutionizing the industry. Wolfenstein was a hit, but nothing like:
Doom (1993)- If you've never played Doom, you didn't grow up in the '90s. Basically, this is the same game as its predecessor, only now you're a space marine who's trying to save the Earth after a portal to a demon world is opened. Fast paced, tough as heck, and actually pretty scary (especially the mecha-spider thing). Quake (1996)- In a lot of ways, this FPS (also by Id) is pretty much a remake of Doom with better graphics. 3 things set this one apart however:
1. It was the first game to have a celebrity soundtrack. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails did the music for Quake, which at the time was a risky and revolutionary move on his part. The game designers pay respect to Reznor by having the 'NIN' logo on the nailgun ammo.
2. Online multiplayer! Do you like to play Halo 3 online? Well, this game practically invented it.
3. Players were encouraged to create their own levels and scenarios for online play. Allowing players to modify the source code gave Quake an unprecedented replay value.
By 1996, every game developer and his cousin was making an FPS and the market soon became flooded with titles. Most of them were lousy, but there were some shining gems. Next time I'll talk about some titles that not only carried on the fun of these early classics, but also brought innovative new possibilities to the genre.
Mike
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_shooter
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The Games that Shaped My Life
Jun 19, 2008 Posted by: meaton
Greetings. As some of you may know, EPL hosts teen gamer nights at various branches. In the spirit of that, I thought it would be interesting to open a discussion on video games. What better way to start than with a top 10 list.
You may or may not agree with my choices, and that's cool. My criteria was that the following games had, and still have, a profound effect on my life. So, here they are in no particular order:
1. Super Mario Brothers 3 (NES) -I lost the summer of 1991 to this game. Mario is the most popular game character in the world by a country mile, and this is his greatest adventure. 8 worlds full of monsters, challenging levels, ingenious secrets, and some of the most memorable music ever in a video game.
2. Metal Gear Solid (Playstation) -Film critic Roger Ebert has gone on record numerous times as saying that video games are not art. He has obviously never played this game. It has stellar voice acting, a plot that's better than most movies, and gameplay that not only tests your skill, but your sanity as well.
3. Super Metroid (SNES) -Full disclosure: Part of me wanted to put all the Metroid games on this list because it's my favorite series of all time. This game has something for everyone: jumping puzzles, exploration, huge bosses, and you get to play as the coolest female video game character of all time: Samus Arun.
4. Final Fantasy VI (SNES) -Admittedly, I'm starting to feel a little 'meh' about Japanese RPGs lately. Mostly because I'm a married guy in my mid 30s who just doesn't have time to spend 80 hours on a game anymore. This one though, set the tone for the Final Fantasy series...who am I kidding, I'll be lined up to get FF13 next year.
5. Shinobi (Arcade) -An arcade classic! This side scroller has Joe the ninja rescuing kids from bad ninjas through 5 main areas. The first arcade game I could finish with one quarter.
6. Half-Life (PC) -Ooooh, I love First Person Shooters and this game is the reason why. You play as Dr. Gordon Freeman, a physicist who finds himself smack dab in the middle of an alien invasion. The scary thing: as great as this game is, Half-Life 2 is even better. Why, you ask? Two words: Gravity Gun!
7. Mortal Kombat (Arcade) -Here's everyone's reaction the first time they saw this game in the arcade: "Did he just....rip that guy's head off?" Classic.
8. Perfect Dark (N64) -Goldeneye was a classic in every sense, but Perfect Dark makes this list because it took everything from the 007 game and made it better. Better graphics, sound, multiplayer, weapons. I'd actually put this one down as an underrated gem.
9. Ikaruga (Gamecube) -Remember 2D shoot-em-ups in the arcades? Well, this takes the classic Space Invaders style and gives it a new twist. In this game, you control a ship that must destroy all comers. The twist is that the ships fire bullets that are either blue or red, and you can change your polarity on the fly to absorb one while avoiding the other. Really hard and really addictive.
10. Grand Theft Auto III (Playstation 2) -A controversial choice to be sure. Forget about the violence, the language, the questionable morality. This is a landmark game for perfecting the 'sandbox' format. There was no feeling quite like learning that you could tackle the game however you wanted, and it was ok. I remember showing this to my friends and every single one of them's first word was the same: 'Wow!'
Thanks for checking this out. Please leave a comment to let me know what you thought. Hopefully we can start some discussions. Enjoy!!
Mike
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