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Friday, August 24th, 2002 - Screenshot Surplus
Does anyone actually view a hundred screenshots of any one game? How about 200? 300? According to various videogame sites, there are people who'll peruse an entire index of screens, even if that means looking at 300+ stills. I'd like to know why. Who needs to see 300 screenshots of a game? After, say, 30, you'd think anyone would have a good idea of the game's graphical prowess. And, to me, there's no other reason to look at screenshots. Come to think of it, screenshots grow more and more obsolete as time passes. With the aural aspects of games advancing everyday, graphics become less important. In turn, screenshots only tell half the story, in technical terms anyway. Screenshots can't show twisting plots and complex characters. And if you think they can, you're one those people mentioned above. Leave some of the game for when you actually play it; it's more fun that way. -Smorange
Saturday, August 25th, 2002 - The Madness, she comes!
So, Square has a new game on the way, but no one knows what the heck it's gonna be, eh? They'll be announcing the title next week, but I'm almost 100% sure it won't be the brand new game I crave, but another sequal.
Now, don't get me wrong, I hold no grudges against sequels. I like sequels and there's quite a few sequel-worthy games in Square's arsenal (Vagrant Story, anyone?). But, there comes a time when we must ask "When will the Maddness stop?". It seems like 3 or 4 out of every 5 new games is a sequel to something. Or a remake. Or a port.
Please, Square, stop the Madness. Give me something new to play.
Sunday, August 26th, 2002 - Serenity painted death
Does that title have anything to do with anything? Naw, I just thought it sounded cool...
Ever notice how one of the more common complaints about games, at least in the last few years, is that they're "too short"? Even out of context, that's a silly criticism. If a game is complete, isn't it the right length? Unless there are some serious bits missing (Soul Reaver, anyone?), a game is complete when the story, no matter how loosely crafted, is complete. There's no need to artifically drag it out beyond that
Even with the context of the gaming world such a complaint makes no friggin' sense. Most modern games stretch for at least 10 or 15 hours. Ever play the old 8/16-bit games? Few of those games (RPG's being just about the only exception) even touched 10 hours of gameplay. So if anything, games are getting longer.
Monday, August 27th, 2002 - Soaking in the Sun
Today marks the Gamecube's most important release. While some may argue other games such as Super Smash Bros. Melee or Eternal Darkness equal or surpass its quality, there's no denying Mario's immense appeal. Virtually anyone even passingly acquanted with gaming knows Nintendo's mascot delivers unmitigated fun.
Early impressions of Sunshine look good, my own included. And that's hugely important (the former, that is). Nintendo needs a high profile (sorry ED) game with universal appeal (sorry SSBM) if it wants to sell Gamecubes.
Nintendo has always sung the "quality over quantity" mantra. With the X-Box (and even the PS2) suffering a serious drought of quality games, Nintendo's strategy might prove superior. Remember, Sony doesn't have Square all to itself this time. Although, Microsoft and Sony have one big weapon Nintendo's been slow to develop. More tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 28th, 2002 - All those eggs, one basket
In a recent survey, consumers outlined their 'most-wanted' console. X-Box came out on top. But what'll happen later this year when Nintendo starts releasing Metroid, Star Fox, and later, Zelda? With Mario Sunshine already out, the X-Box could have trouble keeping pace. Public opinion may start to change.
Still, Microsoft's got online gaming right around the corner. Whether that'll be enough to compete with Nintendo's fantastic franchises remains to be seen. In terms of game sales, I bet Nintendo wins. And I bet Nintendo makes more money this holiday season (on consoles/games).
Then there's Sony. With huge sales, there's no doubting the PS2's market share. But how many good games are coming to PS2 this fall? Sony won't dominate sales if there aren't many good games to sell, regardless of their installed base. Then again, Sony's got its own online arsenal. And that's what it'll come down to: how successful is online gaming going to be?
When it comes down to it, console sales are irrelevant. Companies make money on games (with certain exceptions). The next few months' sales charts will be very interesting. I think Nintendo will walk away the big winner.
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We needed an archive and now we have one. Here you can check out any older entries from our "Daily Commentary" section.
You can find the month you want on the main archive page and then browse specific dates from there. Each page contains 5 days of DC-ey goodness (DC = Daily Commentary, but don't tell anyone).
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