...or maybe a ZAP!
And technically it hasn't "come out" yet...
Anyway, IGN gave it a 9.2 (Outstanding) and the reviewer simply said "Infamous is amazing." Color me excited. Here's a link to the written review.
May 13, 2009
May 12, 2009
Net Roots
Join the Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time facebook group!
I think we also have a Twitter feed around here somewhere....
I think we also have a Twitter feed around here somewhere....
May 11, 2009
Narrative Density
So whenever I talk about games, RPGs in particular, I always to end up talking about what I call narrative density, or in the simplest terms, the ratio of story to gameplay. Now, it's not a strict ratio, as a ratio assumes a certain amount of mutual exclusivity, which I don't mean to imply. Storyline and gameplay can exist at the same time, in fact, I think in the best games they often do. Nevertheless, I come back to the original concept, Narrative Density.
The reason I think of this particular concept is because I am currently playing through Knights of the Old Republic 2 (which I should say I am quite enjoying), Obsidian Entertainment's first game (at least as Obsidian). Obsidian has since released Neverwinter Nights 2 and several expansions, and is now working on the action, spy RPG Alpha Protocol. Why is that important? Well, as you are probably aware Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Neverwinter Nights 2 are sequels (duh) to what where originially Bioware games (just drop the 2's and you have the original titles). Bioware games I finished, finished very close to thier original release in fact, in additon to playing all of the official expansions to the original Neverwinter Nights. So why then, have I never managed to finish KOTOR2 or NWN 2 (sorry typing those all out got tiresome quickly) despite repeated attempts?
What I think it all comes down to for me is this concept of narrative density, of how much time I spend talking vs. killing monsters and exploring dungeons. I think, as far as I am concerned, Bioware is at almost exactly the right level of density for me, whereas Obsidian misses the mark, spending far more time than I would like talking and telling me the story than allowing me to experience it for myself. On the flip side, I think modern console RPGs have gone the opposite direction. In an attempt to keep achieveing longer and longer RPG expereiences, titles like The Last Remnant and Final Fantasy XII offer up far more in the way of dungeon slogging than they do in story, so much so that occasionally I actually forgot what my overall goal was in the first place.
So what does all this mean? Well, I think it's different for each player. Some players may desire to almost read their way through the story, while others may only be interested in the action, and I think there are plenty of games that they would be satisfied with. The really difficult one to please (such as myself) sits right in the middle, desiring a certain mix of story and action, and that mix may vary from person to person. The desire is not so strong that it completely deprives us of joy if our ideal density is not present. As I said, I am greatly enjoying KOTOR2, despite feeling a bit detached in certain 20 mintue conversations, but it is still something I am aware of, and if I am aware of it, I know it's not ideal. Admittedly, I love talking to Kreia, all her dialogue is intriguing and thought-provoking, so kudos to Obsidian for creating a character that actually makes you think, but I don't think I ever felt this way about the original KOTOR, Mass Effect, or even Jade Empire, and it seems worthy of noting.
In fact, my favorite game of all time, Chrono Trigger, is remarkably short for an RPG. About 12-15 hours for one playthrough and maybe double that to achieve every ending. It seems as though an RPG of that length today would be chastised by the community at large though it is one of the highest rated games of all time according to GameRankings. And I guess that is really my point (I know, I wasn't sure I had one either). As games continue to get more and more complex, there also seems to be this push to have more and more content often at the cost of quality (at least within the RPG market, in my opinion). This trend for the most part disturbs me, and I hope that developers are eventually able to overcome it in favor or shorter much more polished expereiences. While I might personally be a bit upset at a 6 hour experience, if all six of those hours were nothing but top-shelf entertainment, it would probably still go down as one of my games of the year (look at the Gears of War series).
The truth is from the standpoint of a consumer or a developer we would all rather have a game that's too short, than too long. That's all I'm saying...
The reason I think of this particular concept is because I am currently playing through Knights of the Old Republic 2 (which I should say I am quite enjoying), Obsidian Entertainment's first game (at least as Obsidian). Obsidian has since released Neverwinter Nights 2 and several expansions, and is now working on the action, spy RPG Alpha Protocol. Why is that important? Well, as you are probably aware Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Neverwinter Nights 2 are sequels (duh) to what where originially Bioware games (just drop the 2's and you have the original titles). Bioware games I finished, finished very close to thier original release in fact, in additon to playing all of the official expansions to the original Neverwinter Nights. So why then, have I never managed to finish KOTOR2 or NWN 2 (sorry typing those all out got tiresome quickly) despite repeated attempts?
What I think it all comes down to for me is this concept of narrative density, of how much time I spend talking vs. killing monsters and exploring dungeons. I think, as far as I am concerned, Bioware is at almost exactly the right level of density for me, whereas Obsidian misses the mark, spending far more time than I would like talking and telling me the story than allowing me to experience it for myself. On the flip side, I think modern console RPGs have gone the opposite direction. In an attempt to keep achieveing longer and longer RPG expereiences, titles like The Last Remnant and Final Fantasy XII offer up far more in the way of dungeon slogging than they do in story, so much so that occasionally I actually forgot what my overall goal was in the first place.
So what does all this mean? Well, I think it's different for each player. Some players may desire to almost read their way through the story, while others may only be interested in the action, and I think there are plenty of games that they would be satisfied with. The really difficult one to please (such as myself) sits right in the middle, desiring a certain mix of story and action, and that mix may vary from person to person. The desire is not so strong that it completely deprives us of joy if our ideal density is not present. As I said, I am greatly enjoying KOTOR2, despite feeling a bit detached in certain 20 mintue conversations, but it is still something I am aware of, and if I am aware of it, I know it's not ideal. Admittedly, I love talking to Kreia, all her dialogue is intriguing and thought-provoking, so kudos to Obsidian for creating a character that actually makes you think, but I don't think I ever felt this way about the original KOTOR, Mass Effect, or even Jade Empire, and it seems worthy of noting.
In fact, my favorite game of all time, Chrono Trigger, is remarkably short for an RPG. About 12-15 hours for one playthrough and maybe double that to achieve every ending. It seems as though an RPG of that length today would be chastised by the community at large though it is one of the highest rated games of all time according to GameRankings. And I guess that is really my point (I know, I wasn't sure I had one either). As games continue to get more and more complex, there also seems to be this push to have more and more content often at the cost of quality (at least within the RPG market, in my opinion). This trend for the most part disturbs me, and I hope that developers are eventually able to overcome it in favor or shorter much more polished expereiences. While I might personally be a bit upset at a 6 hour experience, if all six of those hours were nothing but top-shelf entertainment, it would probably still go down as one of my games of the year (look at the Gears of War series).
The truth is from the standpoint of a consumer or a developer we would all rather have a game that's too short, than too long. That's all I'm saying...
May 6, 2009
Reading the Past
Man, I just read through some of my older stuff, it's interesting to relive those moments in text. Of course, that may be because my memory is so poor it feels more like reading a book than something I wrote.
I also noticed I used to write A LOT more like every day...and that was when I was working practically all the time. Maybe I'm just lazy...
I'll see about correcting that. :)
I also noticed I used to write A LOT more like every day...and that was when I was working practically all the time. Maybe I'm just lazy...
I'll see about correcting that. :)
My 90 Day Reflection
So, I haven't posted anything in a while, and even longer since it was anything of consequence (not that I don't consider my love of Chuck important). I've been thinking about it lately and I suppose I have confirmed some of my fears about trying to maintain this dear blog while actually working in the industry. The short story: it's hard.
Now I am sure there are a lot of things I could write about, like what I am currently playing (Knights of the Old Republic 2) and what I am the most excited for in the near future (Infamous), but I guess that wasn't exactly what I wanted this blog to be about. I wanted to write about the industry from an insider's view, to talk about how games are actually made, and have some written chronicle of my meteoric rise to the top (or middle as the case may be), but it's proving even harder to do than I expected.
When I was in school I could talk about pretty much everything I was doing, the challenge and excitement of it, the big moments and the let downs. It was a good chance for me to reflect on what I was doing, even if my day was just a lazy Saturday that was lazier than it maybe should have been. Still, it was just a chance to think and evaluate what I was doing. The work is still as challenging and exciting as it was in school, probably even moreso now that it's "real," but of course none of it that I can share.
What I can say is work is going well, really well. I just had my last starter review, and I don't think it could have gone much better. My manager was extremely complimentary of my work, I feel like I am making real contributions to the project, and I am fitting in great with the team. I am really happy with how things are going here, and I am really excited for all of you to tell me what you think of the game when it ships. That's really as much as I can say, and I hope that's enough.
As for what this blog is going to be, that's still up in the air. I suppose I could keep writing about video games in general. I keep thinking up articles I could write like "Why I don't really play multiplayer RTSs" or "The Top 5 places I DON'T want to go in a Star Wars game" (Number one, Nar Shadda...bleh, bo-ring), but I am never really driven to write anything. That's probably just a lazy excuse, but I am still trying to figure out what I want to do with my time, now that I have a life again, and the blog just hasn't rated very highly.
It's weird sometimes to be out of the Guildhall. Everyone there was so driven, working very hard toward a very specific goal. It was hard to be sure, grueling in fact, but also it was so focusing. Like you didn't have time or energy to worry about anything else. Now that I am "free" I find that I have a lot more time to think about what I really want my life to be about (other than the job of course). I guess it makes you think.
Anyway, I am being exceedingly reflective at the moment, but as I said, that was always kind of the point, at least for me. I hope that my random musings are at least an interesting distraction from time to time, and I'll see what else I can do :).
Now I am sure there are a lot of things I could write about, like what I am currently playing (Knights of the Old Republic 2) and what I am the most excited for in the near future (Infamous), but I guess that wasn't exactly what I wanted this blog to be about. I wanted to write about the industry from an insider's view, to talk about how games are actually made, and have some written chronicle of my meteoric rise to the top (or middle as the case may be), but it's proving even harder to do than I expected.
When I was in school I could talk about pretty much everything I was doing, the challenge and excitement of it, the big moments and the let downs. It was a good chance for me to reflect on what I was doing, even if my day was just a lazy Saturday that was lazier than it maybe should have been. Still, it was just a chance to think and evaluate what I was doing. The work is still as challenging and exciting as it was in school, probably even moreso now that it's "real," but of course none of it that I can share.
What I can say is work is going well, really well. I just had my last starter review, and I don't think it could have gone much better. My manager was extremely complimentary of my work, I feel like I am making real contributions to the project, and I am fitting in great with the team. I am really happy with how things are going here, and I am really excited for all of you to tell me what you think of the game when it ships. That's really as much as I can say, and I hope that's enough.
As for what this blog is going to be, that's still up in the air. I suppose I could keep writing about video games in general. I keep thinking up articles I could write like "Why I don't really play multiplayer RTSs" or "The Top 5 places I DON'T want to go in a Star Wars game" (Number one, Nar Shadda...bleh, bo-ring), but I am never really driven to write anything. That's probably just a lazy excuse, but I am still trying to figure out what I want to do with my time, now that I have a life again, and the blog just hasn't rated very highly.
It's weird sometimes to be out of the Guildhall. Everyone there was so driven, working very hard toward a very specific goal. It was hard to be sure, grueling in fact, but also it was so focusing. Like you didn't have time or energy to worry about anything else. Now that I am "free" I find that I have a lot more time to think about what I really want my life to be about (other than the job of course). I guess it makes you think.
Anyway, I am being exceedingly reflective at the moment, but as I said, that was always kind of the point, at least for me. I hope that my random musings are at least an interesting distraction from time to time, and I'll see what else I can do :).
April 28, 2009
I <3 Chuck
So I realize it's been a week and I haven't written anything, but I must reiterate my love for Chuck. I just watched the season finale, and it was nothing short of fantastic. It is probably one of my favorite shows of all time.
Please don't take it away NBC...
Please?
Please don't take it away NBC...
Please?
April 21, 2009
This week's Chuck
I just watched this week's Chuck and I have some very important questions:
And if you aren't watching Chuck, you should be, it's phenomenal. Easily one of my favorite shows if not the favorite since it originally aired.
Stop watching whatever the hell else is on Mondays at 8:00 and watch Chuck!
Alright, I'm done.
- Are they taking my precious Chuck away?
- Is this some clever ruse or simply trying to write in a way that they can go out gracefully if not renewed?
- Why don't more people like/watch this show?
And if you aren't watching Chuck, you should be, it's phenomenal. Easily one of my favorite shows if not the favorite since it originally aired.
Stop watching whatever the hell else is on Mondays at 8:00 and watch Chuck!
Alright, I'm done.
April 18, 2009
Pirates make me sick
http://www.pcworld.com/article/163359/hey_demigod_game_pirates_stop_killing_fun.html
I'm not sure if it's the concept in general or the specific comments from the posters below the article. While I am sure the launch of Demigod could have gone better, the sense or absurd pirate entitlement makes me want to hit something. If you take something without paying for it, it is stealing. Period. The fact that people can feel completely justified in that behavior just makes me want to puke.
BTW, as a former DOTA player I can say that Demigod is pretty good for what it's worth. I think it manages to expand on that formula in interesting ways, and offers a lot of strategic multiplayer action. Though I could do with a little more of a single-player campaign, but I guess you can't have everything.
I'm not sure if it's the concept in general or the specific comments from the posters below the article. While I am sure the launch of Demigod could have gone better, the sense or absurd pirate entitlement makes me want to hit something. If you take something without paying for it, it is stealing. Period. The fact that people can feel completely justified in that behavior just makes me want to puke.
BTW, as a former DOTA player I can say that Demigod is pretty good for what it's worth. I think it manages to expand on that formula in interesting ways, and offers a lot of strategic multiplayer action. Though I could do with a little more of a single-player campaign, but I guess you can't have everything.
April 15, 2009
Have you worked 40+ hours this week...
...because I have, not even counting Sunday. I'm not even really upset about it, just tired. Heck, there have been people there every night after I left!
Anyway, it's sleepy time. More news later, maybe after this milestone...
Anyway, it's sleepy time. More news later, maybe after this milestone...
April 12, 2009
Only 6 Posts in March, Really?
I guess that statistic shouldn't really surprise me considering how busy things have been. The sad part (as Rick would be quick to point out) is that half of those are links without any other real description. Oh well, I've been personally and professionally slammed as of late, and considering I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing with this site anyway, it seemed an easy thing to put on the back burner. The far back burner, like one in some else's kitchen...I'm still not sure exactly what I want this blog to be, but I figure as long as I keep trying to write I will, and it can serve as a record of my mental deterioration for when they finally commit me.
Anyway, I don't have a whole lot to say about games since I sadly haven't been playing that many lately. Over the last few weeks I got involved in a number of different social activities including, but not limited to, lindy class, salsa class, church group, board game night, and other ad-hoc social outings. I think I've been running at a bit more extroverted pace that I prefer and I think it has slowly worn me down. Luckily a lot of my social activities have completed or at least reduced their frequency so I can get some time to just relax on the couch with a nice game or movie instead of constantly being on the move.
Unfortunately, I think work sensed my respite, brief though it was, and managed to fill in all that free time with additional work. As such, I had to go in yesterday and today to try to play catch up for having to miss a few days this week as I had to leave town in order to attend a family funeral. It's been a whirlwind week to be sure, but I think the waves are starting die down a little bit, or at least I feel like I have a better handle on them right now. There are some significant deadlines in RCF2 over the next couple weeks so I am sure I'll be busy, but I made some good consistent progress on my goals today, and honestly I think that's all I can really ask for. Any day without significant setbacks or roadblocks is a good day in my book.
Well, I think that should do for now. I haven't had time to play much of anything lately, so I am looking forward to doing some well-deserved gaming before I need to turn in for the evening. Night all!
Anyway, I don't have a whole lot to say about games since I sadly haven't been playing that many lately. Over the last few weeks I got involved in a number of different social activities including, but not limited to, lindy class, salsa class, church group, board game night, and other ad-hoc social outings. I think I've been running at a bit more extroverted pace that I prefer and I think it has slowly worn me down. Luckily a lot of my social activities have completed or at least reduced their frequency so I can get some time to just relax on the couch with a nice game or movie instead of constantly being on the move.
Unfortunately, I think work sensed my respite, brief though it was, and managed to fill in all that free time with additional work. As such, I had to go in yesterday and today to try to play catch up for having to miss a few days this week as I had to leave town in order to attend a family funeral. It's been a whirlwind week to be sure, but I think the waves are starting die down a little bit, or at least I feel like I have a better handle on them right now. There are some significant deadlines in RCF2 over the next couple weeks so I am sure I'll be busy, but I made some good consistent progress on my goals today, and honestly I think that's all I can really ask for. Any day without significant setbacks or roadblocks is a good day in my book.
Well, I think that should do for now. I haven't had time to play much of anything lately, so I am looking forward to doing some well-deserved gaming before I need to turn in for the evening. Night all!
March 30, 2009
March 26, 2009
Check it out!
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/03/26/introducing-ratchet-clank-future-a-crack-in-time/
Not saying I'm involved or anything.
Seriously, I'm not.
Not saying I'm involved or anything.
Seriously, I'm not.
March 24, 2009
March 18, 2009
More Checking In
Still not dead, but very busy. Cruise was fun, but I got a pretty bad sunburn out of the deal. More details to follow, but now sleep...
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