Friday, January 14, 2005
Oh Sony, I could kiss you
I can't believe it's been 13 days since I last posted. This has to be some sort of a record. I started the year hyping the best game that will come out in the first half of this year, and then immediately dove under some rock or blanket, disappearing completely from the world. If you were desperate to hear my thoughts on gaming, I apologize. Unfortunately, I will not be posting nearly as much as I would like in the future either. How else am I going to get that Tyranny Raptor up and running if I don't work hard in school? You are in good hands, though, with Nick. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to spout his ludicrous opinions as often as you guys please.
Now, on with the real point of the post.
Though most of the readers of G-Pinons probably aren't aware of it, 24 is easily the best show on television. I am not just saying that either. To give you some perspective 24 is as far ahead of every other show on television as Super Mario Kart is ahead of every other video game. Imagine that 24 is Street Fighter and every other show on television is Dual Heroes. To even mention another show on television, any non-syndicated show, is an insult to what 24 has worked so hard to achieve. That I even feel compelled to justify the greatness of this show to people who have not seen it causes me much pain. Every G-Pinions reader should pool their money and purchase the first 3 seasons on DVD so they can see what great television is all about.
For quite some time, it has been rumored that 24 would make a transition from the medium it has dominated to my own personal favorite - video games. Elisha Cuthbert, one of the few cast members who actually made it alive through three seasons, said in an interview some time ago that she had lent her voice or body (or both hopefully) to the game based on the flawless show. Since then, there has not been one word about this game. Last year's E3 came and went without even a hint that a 24 game was actually in the works. In fact, up until an hour ago, I had actually forgotten about it.
It has come to my attention, though, that 24 is still coming out. And it's not being made by the eaters of licenses, either. I assumed that if a digital version of 24 was actually developed, EA would have been behind it since they buy just about every relevant franchise out there. They even bought the frickin' Arena Football League, which hasn't been relevant since I attended a game more than a decade ago. But somehow, through what I can only assume is love from a higher power for me, EA didn't buy the rights to butcher the best show on TV. Rather, another publisher who I am not actively boycotting shelled out the cash.
Apparently, by the end of this year, a game based on 24 could make its way to the PS2. I don't know a thing about this Cambridge based studio Sony has developing the title, so I can only hope at this point they know what they are doing. If I'm not mistaken, this same studio also made Destruction Derby PS2 and The Getaway, which were not exactly well received. I have to admit that having a British developer behind an American television series is worrisome. However, I still have faith that this will please fans of the series (meaning anyone who has actually watched the show).
Even with shining examples like Daikatana showing that long development times can lead to horrible games, I still hold the belief that games that take a long time to develop are generally better than those churned out (once again, I look at EA and their yearly sequels...). Maybe this belief comes from Rare, who takes so long and usually delivers. Either way, that this game has been in development for about two years means to me that Sony understands that this deserves a great game and is going out of their way to assure 24: The Game not only continues what the TV show started, but also offers enough gameplay and originality to be worthwhile as a stand alone gaming experience.
It's funny, I only own four PS2 games total after owning the system for almost 3 years, and I could end up buying two new PS2 games in one year. I'm just going to cross my fingers that this is a PS2 title and not a PSP title. I would hate to buy another Sony system for just one game. If you're wondering, I bought my PSX for Twisted Metal 2 and my PS2 for Hot Shots Golf 3.
Anyway, I just got people to read almost 100 words on 24, so my day is made. Of course, if Sony makes a bad 24 game, you can change the title of this post to "Oh Sony, I could release the Ebola virus in the homes of everyone that you care for."
Now, on with the real point of the post.
Though most of the readers of G-Pinons probably aren't aware of it, 24 is easily the best show on television. I am not just saying that either. To give you some perspective 24 is as far ahead of every other show on television as Super Mario Kart is ahead of every other video game. Imagine that 24 is Street Fighter and every other show on television is Dual Heroes. To even mention another show on television, any non-syndicated show, is an insult to what 24 has worked so hard to achieve. That I even feel compelled to justify the greatness of this show to people who have not seen it causes me much pain. Every G-Pinions reader should pool their money and purchase the first 3 seasons on DVD so they can see what great television is all about.
For quite some time, it has been rumored that 24 would make a transition from the medium it has dominated to my own personal favorite - video games. Elisha Cuthbert, one of the few cast members who actually made it alive through three seasons, said in an interview some time ago that she had lent her voice or body (or both hopefully) to the game based on the flawless show. Since then, there has not been one word about this game. Last year's E3 came and went without even a hint that a 24 game was actually in the works. In fact, up until an hour ago, I had actually forgotten about it.
It has come to my attention, though, that 24 is still coming out. And it's not being made by the eaters of licenses, either. I assumed that if a digital version of 24 was actually developed, EA would have been behind it since they buy just about every relevant franchise out there. They even bought the frickin' Arena Football League, which hasn't been relevant since I attended a game more than a decade ago. But somehow, through what I can only assume is love from a higher power for me, EA didn't buy the rights to butcher the best show on TV. Rather, another publisher who I am not actively boycotting shelled out the cash.
Apparently, by the end of this year, a game based on 24 could make its way to the PS2. I don't know a thing about this Cambridge based studio Sony has developing the title, so I can only hope at this point they know what they are doing. If I'm not mistaken, this same studio also made Destruction Derby PS2 and The Getaway, which were not exactly well received. I have to admit that having a British developer behind an American television series is worrisome. However, I still have faith that this will please fans of the series (meaning anyone who has actually watched the show).
Even with shining examples like Daikatana showing that long development times can lead to horrible games, I still hold the belief that games that take a long time to develop are generally better than those churned out (once again, I look at EA and their yearly sequels...). Maybe this belief comes from Rare, who takes so long and usually delivers. Either way, that this game has been in development for about two years means to me that Sony understands that this deserves a great game and is going out of their way to assure 24: The Game not only continues what the TV show started, but also offers enough gameplay and originality to be worthwhile as a stand alone gaming experience.
It's funny, I only own four PS2 games total after owning the system for almost 3 years, and I could end up buying two new PS2 games in one year. I'm just going to cross my fingers that this is a PS2 title and not a PSP title. I would hate to buy another Sony system for just one game. If you're wondering, I bought my PSX for Twisted Metal 2 and my PS2 for Hot Shots Golf 3.
Anyway, I just got people to read almost 100 words on 24, so my day is made. Of course, if Sony makes a bad 24 game, you can change the title of this post to "Oh Sony, I could release the Ebola virus in the homes of everyone that you care for."
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
What goes up...
Apparently I'm late to the party with this one, but Sony decided to pull co-op play, both online and off, from Rise of the Kasai. This, of course, if the sequel to one of my favorite PS2 games, Mark of Kri. MoK fashioned a beautiful, Disney-cartoon visual shell over hardened, grusome stealth gameplay, with an entirely unique combo combat system. While I'm sure Kasai will still be a great game (why wouldn't it be?) I'm pretty peeved about them pulling the co-op. When a sequel to a relatively simple game takes three years to come out, it's pretty understandable to expect big changes for the better. The co-op dynamic seemed to be the biggest difference/draw for the sequel, and while the computer will still control the second character, it's definitely not the same. What's up with Sony pulling online play from it's first-party games recently anyhow? Not that I give two damns about Gran Turismo 4, but a lot of people were pissed when they not only delayed it further, but announcing they were making it offline only. And while I can see reasons for pulling it from GT4, I can't see a one for Kasai. I'm sure not many people are anticipating it, the feature was obviously quite far along, and it could only make the game better/sell more copies. So what gives? Note to developers and publishers: co-op always makes games better. And it's worth your money and time.
Monday, January 10, 2005
A soldier, a plumber, a little green alien
WHAT has happened to G-Pinions in the new year? WHY have we posted so little thus far? WILL we continue to provide you with ridiculous and wonderful commentary on the videogame industry and it's resulting games? Nothing, don't know, and hell yes.
First of all, is there anyone who doesn't want a PSP right now? Wait, hold on. Watch this video, recently shown at CES. Done? Alright, now is there anyone who doesn't want a PSP right now (besides Tom)? I was excited when they announced it, but not so much since due to the lack of original games (and doubts about the price). After the relatively recent revelation that it would go for $185 in Japan (and did, at launch), things started to sound a bit better. Especially considering things always sell for less here - are we looking at a $150 price point here? Either way, below two hundred is great, and must have Nintendo shifting in their seats a bit more than usual. Since then, announcements of new games have trickled out, and after seeing footage, however brief, of some of them, I can certifiably say I greatly desire this gadget. This Norrath-style launch game Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade looks like the perfect portable game, as does Twisted Metal: Head on, which seems to be a best-of the series (complete with wireless multiplayer Paris level from TM2, drool....). Then there's Mercury, which looks like a tech demo actually worth playing (I loves me some puzzle games), and of course, my always-desired Lumines. And considering a lot of the games are remakes/ports, some of them looks like they'll still be a ton of fun to play; Tony Hawk and Untitled Basketball Game look stunning on the system, and apparently control well. I think it's safe to say that the DS is currently considered a flop amongst gamers (obviously not sales) until more good games come out, so Nintendo better have some huge stuff ready come March. I don't need any more games, nevermind a portable system (the last one I bought was a GBC), but it's going to take every ounce of my consumer will not to buy this thing.
Next on the agenda, I recently played one of the worst games ever - Medal of Honor: Rising Sun. How can a game, nevermind one from an otherwise-great series, be this downright awful in this day and age? I watched several videos of the creation process of this game before it came out, and it looked like they were busting ass to make it the best MOH on consoles yet. I know that was the point of the videos, but christ, the early animatics for the game looked more entertaining than the final product. Forget the awful graphics, forget the boring level design, forget the predictable objectives - it just feels terrible to handle your gun. So much so, that even after trying several different sensitivity levels I couldn't hit an enemy standing four feet away on my first shot. Headshots are near impossible, and still a crapshot as to whether they'll kill a guy or not. You can't see your grenades explode half the time, and they have about a six inch radius of damage. Oh, and each guy you kill has several seconds worth of death animations, making it so you waste bullets at every encounter, never knowing if they're dead until they fade away. It's one of the most wholly inaccurate games I've ever played, and dishonors the series completely. Ugh.
On to much better things - like Mario Party 6! Yay! I don't see how some people can crap on this series as much as they do; the games might not change too much year to year, but they're consistently the best non-Halo games to play with more than one other person. Six has some great new mini-games, as expected, involving, for example, monkeys carrying pies. And way less lame games based purely on luck. The night/day gimmick doesn't really affect things much (stars are different prices at night), but it's a decent extra to have around. And what of the mic? Well, you'll rarely use it unless you're specifically playing the 'mic games' mode, but it's surprisingly fun yelling "toadette!" as loud as possible or "run, run, run, run, run, run!" for three minutes. The voice recognition is way spotty, but I can't complain too much about a bonus peripheral when the game doesn't cost any more. Mario might be the whore of Babylon these days, but his games haven't become any less entertaining, yet.
Wrapping things up, for the time being - NEW PICTURES FROM 'EVERYONE LOVES KATAMARI DAMACY!' Man, that underwater level and candy house are exactly the kind of crazy shit I was hoping for. I'm hoping it's still $20, but I'll pay whatever it takes. Man, the thought of a new KD soundtrack alone has my ears salivating...
First of all, is there anyone who doesn't want a PSP right now? Wait, hold on. Watch this video, recently shown at CES. Done? Alright, now is there anyone who doesn't want a PSP right now (besides Tom)? I was excited when they announced it, but not so much since due to the lack of original games (and doubts about the price). After the relatively recent revelation that it would go for $185 in Japan (and did, at launch), things started to sound a bit better. Especially considering things always sell for less here - are we looking at a $150 price point here? Either way, below two hundred is great, and must have Nintendo shifting in their seats a bit more than usual. Since then, announcements of new games have trickled out, and after seeing footage, however brief, of some of them, I can certifiably say I greatly desire this gadget. This Norrath-style launch game Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade looks like the perfect portable game, as does Twisted Metal: Head on, which seems to be a best-of the series (complete with wireless multiplayer Paris level from TM2, drool....). Then there's Mercury, which looks like a tech demo actually worth playing (I loves me some puzzle games), and of course, my always-desired Lumines. And considering a lot of the games are remakes/ports, some of them looks like they'll still be a ton of fun to play; Tony Hawk and Untitled Basketball Game look stunning on the system, and apparently control well. I think it's safe to say that the DS is currently considered a flop amongst gamers (obviously not sales) until more good games come out, so Nintendo better have some huge stuff ready come March. I don't need any more games, nevermind a portable system (the last one I bought was a GBC), but it's going to take every ounce of my consumer will not to buy this thing.
Next on the agenda, I recently played one of the worst games ever - Medal of Honor: Rising Sun. How can a game, nevermind one from an otherwise-great series, be this downright awful in this day and age? I watched several videos of the creation process of this game before it came out, and it looked like they were busting ass to make it the best MOH on consoles yet. I know that was the point of the videos, but christ, the early animatics for the game looked more entertaining than the final product. Forget the awful graphics, forget the boring level design, forget the predictable objectives - it just feels terrible to handle your gun. So much so, that even after trying several different sensitivity levels I couldn't hit an enemy standing four feet away on my first shot. Headshots are near impossible, and still a crapshot as to whether they'll kill a guy or not. You can't see your grenades explode half the time, and they have about a six inch radius of damage. Oh, and each guy you kill has several seconds worth of death animations, making it so you waste bullets at every encounter, never knowing if they're dead until they fade away. It's one of the most wholly inaccurate games I've ever played, and dishonors the series completely. Ugh.
On to much better things - like Mario Party 6! Yay! I don't see how some people can crap on this series as much as they do; the games might not change too much year to year, but they're consistently the best non-Halo games to play with more than one other person. Six has some great new mini-games, as expected, involving, for example, monkeys carrying pies. And way less lame games based purely on luck. The night/day gimmick doesn't really affect things much (stars are different prices at night), but it's a decent extra to have around. And what of the mic? Well, you'll rarely use it unless you're specifically playing the 'mic games' mode, but it's surprisingly fun yelling "toadette!" as loud as possible or "run, run, run, run, run, run!" for three minutes. The voice recognition is way spotty, but I can't complain too much about a bonus peripheral when the game doesn't cost any more. Mario might be the whore of Babylon these days, but his games haven't become any less entertaining, yet.
Wrapping things up, for the time being - NEW PICTURES FROM 'EVERYONE LOVES KATAMARI DAMACY!' Man, that underwater level and candy house are exactly the kind of crazy shit I was hoping for. I'm hoping it's still $20, but I'll pay whatever it takes. Man, the thought of a new KD soundtrack alone has my ears salivating...
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