Good article here. I appreciate the direct language and the nice ending. I, too, noticed the same thing about the FFIX strategy guide. Yes, the internet is a great way to get information about games (especially the wiki's for games like Monster Hunter, and pretty much any MMO). However, I still LOVE to be able to buy a new game, play it for awhile--and have to run to the bathroom with my brand new strategy guide. I just love reading about the pride a guide-writer took into covering every aspect of the game. Especially with strategy guides for games like Oblivion and Fallout 3--those books are amazing reads that are great to have on the bookshelf.
Keep up the good, honest writing. i look forward to reading more.
I was pretty disappointed when playing the demo for God of War 3 for the scene of beheading Helios. The other games in the series didn't seem to take themselves too seriously, but because of the technology increase we now get to see the bulging eyes and stretched skin of Helios' neck. Joy.
In all honesty, I must agree that the Western art style seems to be more focused on the darker aspects of life, and all the gore that entails. When you consider the depth of gore in American action, fighting, and even RPGs like Dragon Age--you have to wonder why there's more depth of emotion in Japanese strategies, RPGs, and action games like Zelda."
I feel encouraged after reading your ideas, that it's okay to be a D-Pad fighting gamer. Thank you for that."
For consideration: the nostalgic value of an older PC game is priceless, I agree. However, the drive to play "retro" console games is for different reasons. Most older console systems (specifically 2600 or NES) defined an entire culture. Most people who are up-in-arms about going retro are doing it as a way of reliving their roots or exploring the beginnings of a generation that is unfolding in front of our eyes. Super Mario Bros. definetely has a more pick-up-and-go playability than the great Fallout or even Deus Ex. Some of us (and I am really only speaking of myself) missed out on the PC titles because they were above my head... I was literally too young to even fathom the capabilities of nonlinear gameplay.
Yes I regret it and no it wasn't my fault, but I am trying to explore some of these older titles and accept them into my realm of appreciation. Thanks for the article, it was quite thought-provoking!"