My Views on Gaming Pt. 2
My Views on Gaming Pt. 2.
Basically, what this amounts to is a somewhat comprehensive overview of my general feelings in regards to specific topics or issues within gaming. You'll agree with some and likely disagree with others, and comments to both ends are encouraged.
Keep in mind, this is all my (likely misinformed) opinion, and so I reserve the right to be completely off base at any given moment, and make no claims to factual accuracies ;)
Now that you know what this is all about, let's begin.
GOTY expansions
Great for those who have not purchased the game. Especially when they come packaged in with the DLC that invariably had been released for the game.
Bad for owners that already purchased everything, but that's the price you pay for having to get something right away. You agree to purchase something at a set price, and what they do with their product a year later is their business. It sucks, I know, but it's not illegal, and it's a good way to bring in new customers. Many industries do this. Bring in as many people as you can at the highest price you can get away with, then slowly reduce it and offer new models and such to bring in the rest.
Graphic Comparison
I'm not really sure what this is supposed to imply. Do I have an issue with gamers making comparisons? Or reviewers? Either way, I don't at all see how this is an issue. I think it's silly when people compare graphics between say Wii games and PS3 games, or PC and console games, but they retain the right to do so, just as I retain the right to ignore them our point out the folly of their ways. At the end of the day, it's inconsequential, so I don't bother with it.
Hardcore vs casual gamers
I have an existing blog that already deals with this issue, and my thoughts ont his subject will make this already lsomewhat engthy blog too long. Here's an excerpt to sum up my thoughts on the matter:
So, hardcore vs. casual gamers........
As far as I see it, there is no such division. They are merely labels placed upon people by some who feel the need to differentiate themselves and assign some sort of......rating to their skill and devotion to video games. It's stupid. They're freaking video games. GAMES. Do you hear people talking about casual vs. hardcore swimmers? bowlers? card players? stamp collectors? It's a hobby. Some enjoy it and do it more/better than others.
Now, if you INSIST that there must be these labels......
Please clheck out http://magx01.blogspot.com/2010/04/hardcore-vs-casual-gamers.html to read the rest ;)
ooohh, cliffhanger!
(sneaky I know, but if Dexter can get away with it at the end of like every friggin episode (from what I hear) than I'm okay doing it this once.
Magazines
Basically obsolete, but somehow still holding on. I'm not sure why, with the abundance of free information online, but somehow, they're still kicking. Perhaps people like to read them in the bathroom. Nothing like a little Joanna Dark when your pants are down, eh boys? ;)
Seriously though, I don't get it. Do they offer anything novel, or worthwhile? I don't think so, but clearly many do.
Micro transitions
Ah, microtransactions. Great in a way, as they allow you to control what you purchase, which enables you to play the game for as little money as you want. Great for the companies as well, as the model seems to work exceptionally well (look at Farmville). Unless of course, we're not talking about those free games that bring in revenue through microtransactions. If we're talking about small DLC like the crap EA and Namco (among others) have been releasing on top of a fully priced game, then frankly, they can go fuck themselves.
I know you don't have to purchase any of it (and I don't) but they are taking what used to be unlockables in games and trying to sell them to you. Kudos to Platinum Games for filling Bayonetta with all the content and unlockables they wanted, included in the price.
Mods
From wiki: Mod or modification is a term generally applied to PC games, especially first-person shooters, RPGs and real-time strategy games. Mods are made by the general public or a developer, and can be entirely new games in themselves, but mods are not standalone software and require the user to have the original release in order to run. They can include new items, weapons, characters, enemies, models, textures, levels, story lines, music, and game modes. They also usually take place in unique locations. They can be single-player or multiplayer. Mods that add new content to the underlying game are often called partial conversions, while mods that create an entirely new game are called total conversions and mods that fix bugs are called unofficial patches.
Mods are a fantastic addition to a game. They extend replay value, offer new experiences, and in some cases, entirely new games (Counterstrike being the most prominent example). Mods are something that have long been used to differentiate PC and console games, as they have traditionally been exclusive to the PC, and although this is still mostly true, the PS3 does enable some modding capabilities with some games, one such game being Unreal Tournament III. Still though, the PC is definitely mod central, and consoles still mostly remain closed systems. I'm not sure if this is for security reasons, or perhaps monetary ones, as the console makers cannot charge for user created content. Perhaps some of you will have insight into this manner. I'm not much of a PC gamer, so I know very little about mods.
Music
Not much to say here. Music is great, as long as it fits the game and serves to enhance rather than detract from the games' atmosphere. If it's a case of the latter rather than the former, well, that's what hard drive streaming and custom soundtracks are for :P
Online services
In terms of the consoles, it's no secret that xbox Live reigns supreme, but it is also the only service that costs gamers money to use, so it's a bit of a trade off. The PSN has certainly made major strides since its' inception, and may one day provide a service equal to that of Live....the question is, will it remain free?
As for the Wii.....it's pretty archaic, and friend codes were just a terrible idea.
Online/ offline multiplayer
I much prefer offline multiplayer, as being in the same room with the people you are playing with his unmatched by the online experience, in my opinion. I love being able to interact with the people I am playing with in person, and if someone is cheating, it's easier to make them suffer the consequences ;) It's also easier to work as a team.
When it is time to venture online, much fun is had, but due to the anonymity afforded gamers in this situation, the experience can be downright bad at times, if you end up with the wrong people. And teamwork with strangers is....difficult, to say the least.
Pick up and play games (iphone, popcaps)
Not my preferred gaming choice, but definitely provide quick, easy access to simple fun when the need arises. I'm partial to Bejeweled and Peggle, myself. Many gamers see these as the ''downfall'' of the industry, but I see it as an infusion of cash, and more gamers enjoying more games. As long as these games don't become the norm, I'm all for it.
The End
Alright, that's it for part two of this series. By the end of this, all of the following topics (and perhaps a few of my own additions) will have been covered:
Achievements/trophies
Censorship (ESRB)/ Video game violence and sex
Console wars
Demos
Downloadable games
DLC/ expansion packs
Gamestop
GOTY expansions
Graphic Comparison
Hardcore vs casual gamer
Magazines
Micro transitions
Mods
Music
Online services
Online/ offline multiplayer
Pick up and play games (iphone, popcaps)
Piracy
Prices
Remakes
Review Scores
Rumors
Video game movies
Voice acting
Women in Gaming