TOGNick Blog

The Offensive Nature of Gaming Culture

2013-03-12T21:16:00Z

Being blunt about issues is something that I pride myself on, to an extent, but when I began reading about the God Of War: Ascension "Bros Before Hos" trophyversy (see I'm clever). I instantly dug into the story to see exactly what the hub bub was for. What I read from Polygon was that the trophyversy starts after players viciously attack one of the Furies, the primary atagonists, in the latest game. Once you complete the little scene, which I'm including right here right now you achieve the "misogynistic" trophy.

MINOR SPOILERS (I haven't played the game but I don't think this ruins much)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

So what we have here is another vicious fatality at the hands of Kratos, which thankfully he gets saved by Orkos who was bonded by the furies. In the scene Orkos chooses Kratos instead of the women who he was bound to, hence the title of the achievement. Is it "misogynistic" that really depends on your take on the scene, which to me I'd say it fits. What I find particularly hilarious in all of this recent feminism rise in gaming culture, is two fold:

1) It would seem that only gamers and those within the gaming community should be allowed to comment on any controversial content in gaming.

2) Why the sudden rise, when games that are considered classic are given a free pass?

First and foremost it is somewhat unbearable for me to say, but we the gaming community are not the only people who can have an opinion on our hobby. There are many people in this world. When posed with outside groups commenting on the nature and content of games, it is highly unlikely that you will hear a gamer say "hey let's listen to them they don't really understand our culture but let's talk to them about it."

Rather as PETA and some politicians have found, and received nasty letters from some of us, we don't want any kind of outsider poking their nose in our business. This is the gaming community, and quite frankly if you don't like it well "nah nah nah boo boo stick your head in doo doo." Or you have something like this scene from the 1934 film Freaks.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

While we tell everyone "hey look this is our thing just butt out," we then say "hey guys look how mature we are, we're self supporting, and we can handle our own issues." Unless of course you dissent with the majority of the community, and of course if there's a "moral" high ground to be at stake than hopefully most think you're right. I'm not bitter, my morality really isn't cloudy, I wouldn't call a woman a ho or anything like that. Perhaps with a few friends I'd say something along those lines, but outside of that I'd never say anything like this.

It's inappropriate to name a Trophy this phrase, but it isn't immoral or somehow misogynistic given the meaning of the phrase in common culture. Especially given the circumstances behind the scene and trophy, hence where we then divulge into whether content or title should be held accountable or as offensive.

While Duke Nukem Forever certainly wasn't received all that pleasantly when it released, many a gamer had a fine time flashing wads of cash at pixelated strippers to see what the Duke had to say. It was pretty offensive, but the original Duke was kind of like your 10 year old son, he had a rough life, you were busy working 2 jobs, didn't really pay him any mind, let him run free, and one day he discovered girls and wanted a peek at the lady bits. Normal 10 year old stuff. Of course then GTA came out and the third entry sky rocketed the series into popularity, and we could run over 3D models of prostitutes in our cars after they provided a few health upgrades, usually in the back of an alley, but that's just business.

We also had Dead or Alive and wow were the physics amazing, again it was cool until it got to be too too much, I mean geez boobs don't bounce like that nor are they that big, let's make women more realistic guys. I mean seriously this is a male dominated industry. Kim Swift didn't just make Portal a guy had to hold her hand, and than that evil Valve corporation took all her hard earned money.

Morgan Webb, Kimberly Wallace, Annette Gonzalez, Alexa Ray Corriea, and Kat Bailey were all held back from journalist jobs because of those horrible pig men. I mean this industry is just filled with sexism, nothing but a big ole sausage party when I think about all the male journalists around. Never mind all those male developers and male gamers, just pushing those females down and down further and further. Gosh it must be difficult to get your voice heard as a female gamer.

We get it women like to play games just as much as guys do, I support it in fact. I've been known to throw out a few alerts to Infinity Ward and Treyarch because guys in lobbies where a girl joins up act like drunken frat guys. I respect women I do, I respect all races, creed, gender, orientation, nationality, etc etc. But what I don't tolerate is that somehow the industry has turned into this giant sexist pig fest.

In essence it is a boy's club, was that way for sometime, still in essence being a girl gamer has quite a few stigmas attached to it, which is honestly awesome that I still see reactions from my fellow men when a girl announces she played through Gears of War or God of War without the aid of her boyfriend. So sure ladies stick up for yourself, but if you're going to sit there and say that the title is offensive why not point out all the other things that are offensive towards women about that game.

Thankfully some people seem reasonable about this. A title shouldn't affect the way we look at a Trophy or game. If that was the case where was this big out roar over The Ballad of Gay Tony why did it have to be "gay" why couldn't he be "Homosexual" Tony. If we're going to comment on titles well I mean Brutal Legend isn't all that "brutal" and Jack Black is a pretty big jerk to women in that as well. But at least it isn't in the title, just don't rub your face in it, and it's alright. In the end that is all this stupid trophyversy is about, a stupid title to a trophy that has no bearing on anything other than the fact that after you defeat one of the main antagonists in the game, and are saved by a bro bound to one of those women, and get a Trophy that was titled after a fairly common saying amongst guy friends.

For The Ones That Got Away...

2013-02-08T03:06:00Z

It's Valentine's Day next week, the retail stores are reminding us to spend time with our special someone, and as such I'm reminiscing on the ones that got away. You know what I mean, that special time you spent with people, but for whatever reason you just never had the nerve or patience to finish what you started. Of course since this is a video game outlet, I'm going to dig deep into my closet full of skeletons and pull out the games that I spent so much precious time with, but for whatever reason never had the wear with all to pop the big question.

Final Fantasy IX

When FF IX released in 2000, I was a somewhat bitter gamer at the time, a senior in high school, and trying to clean the taste of Final Fantasy VIII from my mouth (yes that title is in my opinion the absolutely worst in the series.) But like the die hard JRPG fan I was, and am becoming again, I picked up my copy on day one, sat down put it in my PS1, opened up the strategy guide, and disappointment happened. First thing the strategy guide was immensely insensitive to those without online access. My family at the time didn't have any kind of direct internet access, AOL was still the way for us at the time, and unfortunately going to the computer and waiting to log on was just too much time from the game.

The next piece of disappointment was that the leveling system, at the time didn't make any sense. For some reason this was how I justified my decision, even though subsequent attempts to play the game I found it to be relatively easy to get along with. The leveling system was standard in character progression, gather XP gain a level. However, skills were tied to the equipment a character had equipped at the time, and to unlock permanently you need to build up Skill Points. For whatever reason this didn't make sense, mostly because I was impatient, I tried to race my friends through the game, I lost, the quest of Zidane never finished.

The final piece of this puzzle, also came with the heavy release cycle of the year. Chrono Cross (an absolutely underrated game) released that summer, Grandia 2 and Skies of Arcadia. I also failed to mention Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, oh and a new console the Playstation 2 was destined to land in my hands that winter as well. Among all the games and the new console, Final Fantasy IX was lost among the crowd. Subsequent attempts at playing have all landed in similar disappointment. I once got about 15 hours into the game and almost to the end of the first quest, but like all relationships sometimes it's best to let past be the past.

Star Ocean: The Second Story

This isn't a tale like Final Fantasy IX, not this love story ends on a much harsher note. Star Ocean: The Second Story, was an extremely challenging RPG at the time. I'm not sure how I heard about it, probably from my cousin, he still talks about it to this day, but I found myself a copy and dove right into one of the more engrossing games I have ever played. Like many Enix games and other off-beat JRPG's the battle system was a surprising turn from the turn based formula I was used to. The party and your main character, of which you choose one or the other to begin the game with, battle enemies on an open field in a more action focused game play.

More action oriented combat took away the ability to adjust to an encounter that turns south quickly, but it did add more excitement to the overall battling system. In my first run with the game, I hadn't mastered grinding in a RPG, or learned some of the finer subtler strategies to the genre (not buying equipment, always buying restorative items, and grinding before new dungeons) and I really wasn't ready for the complexity of the ability system. Each character has several skills and abilities that they can use outside of battle for various effects. Most of this was for crafting purposes, and acquiring the necessary components was simple enough, but the game had a preposterous level of failure rate for simple actions. Frustration set in, I quit and started the next project.

About 6 or 7 years ago I found a copy of the game with my original PS1 tucked away in storage at my dad's house and I pulled the game out to begin again. Unfortunately destiny had wound its way against me, and my PS1 didn't agree with the game, the PS2 was broken at the time, and I was poor. Me and the girlfriend at the time moved out of our apartment, and somehow among the confusion Star Ocean: The Second Story was lost. Perpetually disappointing and abusive, since this second time around I had made it to the second disc, was comfortable in my ability to work with the systems in the game, and she ran off on me. No note, no good bye, just questions of what could have been. I tried searching for this one that got away, but the online market for old JRPGs requires paying collectors prices on some of these titles. Unfortunately Star Ocean: The Second Story never made its way onto PSN and as such the price to regain my lost one is way too high for my means right now.

Xenogears

The one that literally I quit on because I wasn't good enough for them. This gem from Square on the PS1 was an instant hit in my opinion. Giant Mechs, a cool anime look, a great story, and an epic scale from beginning to end. Unfortunately the end is where I got before I realized that I was horribly ill prepared for the final boss. See I was, and still am not a very smart saver, by that I mean in games I'll save over one game slot over and over. Perhaps it was because space on memory cards was precious, and perhaps I was just lazy, but I went into this final boss literally incapable of scratching him.

Of course when reading the strategy guide I found that the necessary Gears parts I needed were at this shop outside of the dungeon, and of course I reached the point of no return. Xenogears isn't one that got away, but it is the girl I jilted at altar. I apologize to her, she's still sitting in my drawer of games, all fresh and sealed from a new copy I bought off Amazon. I promise her when I'm ready I'll come back, but I can still see the hurt on her face when she sees me.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Another embarrassing entry in my list of games that got away. I began Metal Gear Solid 3 about a 2 months before I got my PS3, so roughly two years ago. This was after buying a slim PS2 off my assistant manager at work, and having not finished the title before I got my PS3, I decided to trade all of that system in to get more money for PS3 games. Unfortunately Snake's prequel adventure was never finished. I know I can fix this problem now, but for whatever reason I just can't bring up the courage. Just another game that I let slip through in the pursuit of the new hotness, and just another game that I'm sure will find its way back.

Summoner

THQ is now defunct, and Summoner was an early PS2 title that garnered mixed reaction, however I found myself enjoying the game to an extent. Enough that I pushed through a lot of the game. I can't really recall what happened at the time, but I distinctly remember hitting a rough patch of gameplay, and perhaps Dynasty Warriors 2 at the time of stopping. It's a shame I did as well, this game offered some great gameplay mechanics, and the quest system was something that I hadn't really seen before in RPGs up to that point.

Unfortunately like so many games that were started, this one just slipped through the cracks. I had placed it back into the system after that one failed attempt, and the age of the game and mechanics shown readily through. While one that got away, it was also one that I was far too glad to say goodby to the next time we crossed paths.

Persona 3

Another RPG, a theme that runs through my gaming career, and another game that I bought too close to also getting a PS3, and thus trading in the old for the new. There was nothing inherently wrong with the game, I loved it actually, but it came too late in my system lifespan. Luckily I have recently downloaded the title again on my PS3, and have begun to correct this mistake, well I did until I picked up Ni No Kuni. Sigh another one that had a brief glimmer to make it a second go, but got left out for the younger model.

Fallout 3

The wastelands of DC, and subsequently the inhabitants within have seen my shadowy form twice emerge from the Vault. The first time through I became distracted, and the lack of direction was daunting, so I put the quest to find dear old dad on hold. When I loaded up that save a second time, I found the VATS system overtly confusing, and I had no idea what I was doing. So I scrubbed my record from the world, and set out to rewrite my mistakes from the first emergence. The second time I freed myself from the Vault I was making excellent progress, until I hit a DLC quest.

Yes the quest where you purposely put yourself into prison, yeah that ruined this playthrough. I was happy, I had great weapons, an awesome stash of ammo, megaton's fate was hanging on my head on whether or not to let it stay not a crater, and I hit a slow paced DLC with no real exit until I had finished that quest line there. I was devastated with boredom, and another game came along, and another after that. It's been a year again, I know the date that I emerge from the vault approaches soon, I just hope that when it does I don't find myself being distracted yet again.

Red Dead Redemption

For whatever reason this modern classic just never suck its teeth in me, I would let it grab me, then it would let itself go. I can't say what it is, I love the characters, the setting, and overall theme of the game, but each time I dig in I get pulled out of the game just as fast. I have never made it to Mexico, never seen a mountain lion, never killed a bear, and just generally never got past too much more than the first 10 hours.

I know in my heart of hearts that someday I'll saddle up again, it's the longest owned game in my PS3 library for a reason, but I believe knowing the shocking finale may be a reason as to why I have sat on this one for so long. Either way it's another beauty that got away. It's also another game that I thoroughly enjoyed but for whatever reason some other game came between the two of us, sadly it's just another number on this shameful list.

These games I've mentioned, except possibly Summoner, are all incredible games, they were good to me for the most part, yet I let them slip by. Regrets, depression, loneliness, and a mixture of joy are what surround some single people on Valentine's Day, while my girlfriend and I will probably be spending that day in quietly, I can't help but think about those lonely nights, and wonder if any of the ones that got away can forgive me.

The 4th Floor: The Phoenix Saga Episode 1: Phoenix Rising

2013-01-20T02:39:00Z

Well you thought you could keep us away, you prayed and prayed and prayed that this day wouldn't happen. But officially today The 4th Floor has returned, in its original form, with Liz and myself recording side by side the way it was always supposed to be. We have a semi content light episode this week, and by that I mean we go over our Best of 2012, and we talk about the Bull Manure in the news lately as well.

We couldn't decide on a Charity of The Month, so sadly that normal show feature is missing. However in two weeks when we should return we will hopefully have one for you. Today also marks a monumental occasion. We here at The 4th Floor are officially the oldest currently running user created podcast on GIO! We are sad to see our friends at Robot in The Corner move onto other greater things, and wish them the best.

Music this week:

Square Dance-Eminem

Ray Lewis Remix

Rize of The Fenix-Tenacious D

Show Links:

Podomatic

iTunes

Facebook

As always listener discretion is advised. Language content is extremely strong!

The Gaming Parent: Where I Am What And What's To Come

2012-12-29T04:39:00Z

Here it is part two in this little series of blogs that I plan to do from now until the internet is no longer available. At first I thought this would become just a gaming blog, that's all I had intended, and again this in one way deals with games, but it's also a bit more personal than even I had imagined getting into this early on in conceptualizing this series. Roughly one week again I turned 29, born in 1983 I actually see extreme significance in the fact that on my 30th birthday there will be in fact a child there that relies heavily on me for support, food, love, clothing, a home, and daily care. This thought scares the living bejeebus out of me.

I look back on my accomplishments in life, and I can't help but wonder how any of them have any significant impact on my ability to be a father. I say father, because being a dad is something else entirely as I've learned while reading "things to do now that you're...a dad" a marvelous book by David Baird. In one essence my passionate video game hobby has been beneficial in my goals. It's sparked creativity in me, sometimes made me think, and this past year helped guide me to sobriety.

I've battled many more demons with video games, whether it was bullying in high school and just escaping an abusive household in my own way, or bonding with my best friend in childhood through Tony Hawk, video games have always played an important role in my life. As I stand here though I can't help but question whether it was worth it. I'm not going to get down on video games though, because they have helped me.

I've accomplished more in this year because of gaming then I could have in any other time of my life, despite "hating all of it" I still find myself drawn to them like a moth seeking light on a summer night. I've learned the tenacious drive it takes to keep pushing through slogging adversity thanks to Dark Souls. I've learned that life is truly a Journey. I've watched a man shake off the past in Max Payne 3, I fought for the innocence of my brother in Darksiders 2. I experienced events through the eyes of the enemy in Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, I watched wishes turn to nightmares in Twisted Metal, I've survived with limited resources in I Am Alive, and I saved a galaxy from extinction in the Mass Effect series. I've also fought terrorism in Black Ops 2, learned what brotherhood truly means in the eyes of soldiers in Medal Of Honor, fought aliens in XCOM, rediscovered my love of pinball in Marvel Pinball, and shared in the joy of numerous other titles along the way.

These were all accomplishments in games, but each one highlights an important aspect of self discovery, which is that if I can pay money to do these in a game, why can't I do what these things in real life? Maybe I won't fight terrorism, or aliens, but why can't I learn the lessons that Max Payne did in his latest outing? Why can't I survive with limited resources, when I am so willing to do so in video game form? If I'm so willing to put up with these in the idea of "having fun" why shouldn't I be able to do these very things in my own life? I already do in many cases, so why not learn from them? Now how do I apply this to being a father?

Well the first aspect and the most common theme in every instance of any game I play, is that my practice has made me capable of doing these things in games. I won't lie I haven't been doing too much planning for Ewen Gregory Schneider. I suppose in ways it's because time seems to be going slow until I realize that April 24th is only 4 months away at this point. As I move forward to what is to come, I see something similar to the first time I ever picked up a controller at the age of 5. A lot of wonder and joy, and a bunch of confusion, frustration, and late night mastery sessions. Life, parenting, gaming, and everything isn't about being perfect the first time. It's about picking up those broken pieces and putting them back together better and stronger. Practice makes perfect, and now it's time to look forward to long nights, long days, little time for gaming, and more time with Ewen. He's the reason I must continue now, and some day in a few years I'll be playing Santa and under that tree is hopefully a new console, where he can begin his Journey into gaming and saving the lives of others, where hopefully he'll learn similar life lessons.

The Gaming Parent: The Bundle Of Good News

2012-12-20T17:56:00Z

I should introduce this blog series before I begin, and it's something that I plan to keep doing for quite some time, I might post an entry here or over on The Game Effect where I write, but seeing as how this is a mostly personal blog, which does revolve around gaming, I figured why not start it here. In September, I was given quite a shocking bit of news, my girlfriend, Crystina, is pregnant. We of course did some discussions, yes I mentioned termination, no we didn't fight about it, but I wanted to lay all the options on the table. I'm fairly analytical in that sense, and even if I knew it wasn't the choice we were going to make I felt it needed to be discussed. Around October we found out that the baby was indeed coming, there seemed to be no complications of any sort, and I was in fact going to become a father.

After telling our families, we slowly told friends and other relatives, and the now we are in the process of planning a place to live, etc. etc. etc. However in all these discussions I had never considered my gaming hobby, and how it fit into this picture. I am a fairly impulsive shopper when it comes to video games. In the past I have walked into a GameStop simply because I was bored and picked up a new game or two. In September I had roughly six preorders on my list of games, 5 of them have been purchased now, with South Park: The Stick Of Truth remaining to be seen. Since September I have had not a single impulse buy, and this what this particular blog focuses on.

Children are expensive, I don't make a terribly large amount of money, in fact you could say I'm nearly dirt poor, but I've always managed to slide by and get rent paid, have food to eat, cover my bills, and have just enough for an impulse buy once or twice a month. Now as I'm sitting here crunching numbers, I've noticed my backlog dwindling. Honestly I don't see a problem with this aspect in anyway, it's kind of nice to finally play some of these impulse buys and finish them up. I've also been fortunate that most of my impulse buys are in the 20-30 hour range for gameplay, meaning I'm hardly suffering for lack of games, and I'm hardly burning through them as fast as possible.

However with the stockpile dwindling, I find that constant urge to balance a hobby with needs, never a joyful experience. As someone who is attempting through merely writing alone to push into an industry that is increasingly more and more self aware, and ever more on the verge of doors permanently closing, I find myself realizing dreams are something I can no more afford. Not because I wouldn't ever be able to get myself hired by a super site, but because I can no longer afford to keep up with an industry that is constantly pushing out new games. Again a bit depressing to think about, as I write this, but also something that means I can focus elsewhere. In a recent interview with "chip-hop" artist MegaRan I did for The Game Effect, we discussed this concept of a retro revival.

This idea intrigued me slightly at the time, I mean honestly I'm a difficult person to convince to take steps backwards. I'm fairly American in that idea of I want what's new and I want it now, instant self gratification is how most retail survives, since it preys on that need for us to feel connected to others. But now I look at this movement, and at the online distribution space, and realize there are tons of games I haven't played that I've wanted to from the old days. The problem being that these consoles are becoming collectors items and buying a working SNES can be quite expensive if bought from a trusted source. So how do I, The Gaming Parent, cope with the pressures of remaining current for a journalistic position, and how do I maintain the needs of my now growing family?

Well for one I have to be smart about preorders, one of those 6 preorders was Resident Evil 6, rather than on release day rush off to the store to pick up my copy, I waited on reviews. Once I read the reviews, which most of the ones I trusted were negative, I went and put that money towards XCOM. I then traded in several finished games and with the leftovers from that preordered Dishonored. I had heard good things, extremely good things, so on Day 1 rather than cancel my reservation I picked it up. It wasn't my cup of tea, it was good and I liked some of the concepts but the world never grabbed my attention as it did others. So I had a dud, but I knew a recent dud was worth money for trading in games, so I turned it around and picked up Black OPS II for free with the trade in on that plus the money I had already paid towards that title.

Some will balk at that but this is where I have to address my formula for what I consider a worthy purchase. It's a simple dollar per hour formula. I take the length of the game not just a single playthrough but all playthroughs combined, sometimes this can be more than one, and divide by the price I paid. For example FF XII I spent 105 hours playing, at the time I bought it I paid 12 bucks for it, thus the DPH (Dollars per hour) came out to roughly 12 cents. To me this investment seems sound. Not necessarily a good game but the investment was solid. Black OPS II I spent 60 dollars, have played with the campaign and multiplayer combined a total of 78 hours so far. Again DPH is less than a buck, so kudos to sound investments.

It's an arbitrary system, but when facing down the needs of a family, and the wants of a gamer, sacrifices have to be made. I would love to flop down 60 dollars day one for Dead Space 3, or even The Last Of Us, but without any knowledge on how long I expect to play, it may not be a sound DPH for my needs. Being a parent in waiting is all about balance right now, anticipating the needs, and throwing out the wants. It's far from glamorous, but as long as my DPH is solid in my purchases, then at least I know I invested in something that provided me with the right amount of money invested to deem a fair purchase.

The 4th Floor Episode None: Now Hiring

2012-11-25T02:31:00Z

Hello GIO friends and family, it is I TOGNick. We here at The 4th Floor are painfully aware that there has been absolutely no content in months, and when there is it's been fairly bad...but have no fear I am here to announce that we are in fact hiring. To put it completely honestly Liz and I can't get our schedules to fit well together, and to be blunt I'm growing tired of waiting for that to happen on her time. So we are hiring for a Co-host. Now you to can become part of the internet sensation known as podcasting. It's easy enough to apply, but let me run down a list of job responsibilities of co-host.

A) Be on the show when scheduled, I will try to coordinate with you on a weekly basis on when I'm available and if you say you will be available then it is your responsibility to do so. Yes that sounds strict, but I'm trying to grow a media empire here.

B) Provide a unique and funny look into news covering video games, movies, politics, sports, religion, books, comics, etc etc etc. We are not solely focused on video games on The 4th Floor and we expect to continue this tradition.

C) Provide topics of discussion. Yes I want your input me being a one man in charge is not what the show is about it's about input both from listeners and from you the co-host.

D) Be willing to do local interviews on your own within your community. Obviously this is the internet and you probably don't live in Maryland. When I say local interviews I mean local businesses, in the past here on The 4th Floor we have interviewed MC Lars, but also Randy at Collector's Corner, which is an Eisner Spirit Award finalist, and we believe that a strong commitment to local community helps build a listener base that is local, and will move outward from there.

I can't offer any pay, however what I can offer is that the only expense to you is the cost of the microphone and internet needed to record the show. If you are interested in joining up, then by all means send me a conversation in my inbox here on GIO or my personal email nschneider1983@gmail.com. I won't put a deadline on this, until I start receiving applications. Application is merely a description of what your interests are and any areas of expertise you might have access to. Thanks again GIO and stay groovy.

A Ghost and TOGNick Review: Modern Warfare 3

2012-11-19T21:41:00Z

While browsing my Twitter app on my phone last week, I began discussing the Call of Duty series with a few of my followers. Among them Ghost here on GIO offered me an option to both discuss this series, and perform a bit of a community blog. What follows is our transcript on our review of Modern Warfare 3.

Ghost- Gameplay - I like the Call of Duty series. All the games are incredibly fun, and the main stories are almost always well constructed. One particular CoD game however, was unlike any other I had ever played before. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which was released in November of 2011, is this game. Though it's gameplay is much like it's predecessors, it was a fantastic experience nonetheless. In the single-player mode, you're play as first person. However, in the multiplayer mode, you can either play as first-person or third-person.

TOGNick-

Gameplay - The Call of Duty series has always been known for smooth and quick to play gameplay. In Modern Warfare 3 this history continues, while increasing the intensity of the firefights presented. The first person perspective heightens the tension as you feel yourself become part of the battle, and taking the fight online proves why Call of Duty is one of the best resources for a good online match.

Plot- Modern Warfare 3 wraps up the story of the Modern Warfare series as players finally take down Makarov to prevent the world from destroying itself through World War 3. Several moments highlight the plot, and while controversy is limited to killing animals in a church, the moments within are still quite poignant. While the story is told rather quickly, it does make for one of the most exciting thrill rides in video games.

Ghost-

Plot - Modern Warfare 3 takes place after the events of the second game in the MW series, Modern Warfare 2. The Russian Federation has declared war against the United States. You must stop Makarov to, as TOGNick said before, prevent the destruction of the world. You take control of various characters such as Sergeant Derek "Frost" Westbrook, a Delta Force Commando, and Yuri, an ex-Spetsnaz soldier.

Multiplayer - The multiplayer mode in MW3 is much like it's predecessors, though new things are included; Kill Confirmed and Team Defender are new game modes added to the multiplayer mode of MW3. Modern Warfare 3 also features a new co-op mode called Special Ops. Though it is much like the zombie mode seen in Black Ops and World at War, Special Ops is a ton of fun to play. Mission Mode makes an appearance in this game once again. It is much like the Spec Ops mode seen in Modern Warfare 2, only with new maps and weapons.

TOGNick-

Multiplayer - Multiplayer is truthfully the reason to sign up for any Call of Duty title. While the campaign does offer some incredible set piece moments, the competition online can't be beat. Many companies have tried to create a unique feel for their multiplayer offerings, however Infinity Ward knows how to make it work, which matters more than any features. As Ghost said Spec Ops and Mission Mode does add more cooperative offerings for those who wish to join up with buddies, but overall Modern Warfare 3 was made for multiplayer.

Public Reception- Upon release Modern Warfare 3 broke records, yet again, and while these numbers are impressive on paper, it hides an underlying layer of contempt amongst some members of the "core" audience. This is primarily due to the idea that a yearly release schedule is hindering the market by making it weak, however what many fail to realize is that due to two development teams working on successive titles, the actual difference in the series is really two years. Although an argument can then be made that the Call of Duty name is being slapped haphazardly onto the product, but in the end the public perception of a yearly release doesn't line up with the actual development of each successive entry. Overall though that is a matter of opinion, and one that will ultimately change with the series as it evolves, or continue to syphon gamers away to more diverse offerings.

Ghost-

Public Reception - Modern Warfare 3 received generally positive reviews upon it's release in 2011. It got a 9 out of 10 score from Game Informer and a 9.3 out of 10 from Official Xbox Magazine. It also broke records once again; day-one shipments were the largest for any game in the series. Though most of the reviews were positive, the Wii version of the game received a very low review score because of the graphics and more.

Areas in Need Of Improvement - Though I enjoyed the game very much, and think that it's one of the best in the series, it did have some flaws. Many of the characters in various of the missions glitched (They disappeared) and there were times that missions did not proceed to the next one. That is why I would like to say that I wish less glitches would be encountered in the game.

TOGNick-

Areas in Need of Improvement- The community behind the mic is notoriously foul mouthed and belittling. It's great to see so many people enjoying the game, but it's also disheartening to hear the language being spewed from your speakers. Outside of this a larger more robust campaign would help ease concerns that the campaign is merely a platform to show that online connectivity isn't required. More choices, or even a larger scale to the world involved would go a long way in this area.

There you have it, overall Ghost and I agreed on the core issues, as well as in our general liking for the series. Feel we got it wrong? Blame us in the comments, agree give us a big ole 10-4 in the comments, either way thanks for reading!

I Need Your Help So Please Help Me Help The Children! (An Extralife.org TeamGIO Plea)

2012-10-08T22:33:00Z

Well in almost exactly a month we here at GIO will be participating in the Extra Life charity event, and much like last year it goes to a great cause in The Children's Miracle Network. I will be participating as I did last year where I received an awesome prize in Kenneth The Big Daddy, favorite mascot of The 4th Floor, and while I was far from the highest donor, I did manage to raise a hundred dollars for the charity.

This year I need your help, not because I want to win an award for highest donations, I hereby forfeit any such claim to that prize, for the following reason. I work for one of America's most profitable home improvement hardware stores, The Home Depot, as an added benefit for working with in this retail leader, I am given the ability to have my donations matched for select charities. After inquiring with my store manager at store #2505 in Dundalk, MD I was told that I just needed to apply for the donation matching and everything would be fine.

After investigating the process for this match I found two things, as two things were of my primary concern. First and foremost, only my donations will be matched by The Home Depot, and only in limit of around 3,000 dollars. Not to shabby. I was however disappointed that the entire team would not be matched, seeing as how we have already reached that goal, but I was happy to see that I had been given the option for a matching donation.

Thus Team GIO, friends, and family members who read this on Facebook, I need your help. I need your help because by helping and pledging your support of only 1 dollar and some change for me to play video games for 24 hours you can have that donation matched by The Home Depot, I don't know of any other person on the Team that is able to do this, but speak to your employers and find out, or better yet simply ask your friends and family to help the children, help the team, and more importantly help raise another 3000 dollars for The Children's Miracle Network this October.

Thank You All And Good Night

Nick Schneider

My Donation Page (this here is the link to my profile, please help out!)

Getting The Gameplay In My Story

2012-10-04T03:22:00Z

Defining what a "good" game is, and what qualifies as the best of the year is always a touching subject, in so much that my definition of "good" versus another person's opinion is bound to be vastly different. In generations past, probably more so in the early 3D era than anywhere else, we had issues with gameplay. Developers had to figure out how to make console controls operate in a full 3D space, and to their credit at the time it was successful, however revisiting those games can sometimes be ugly. In today's gaming landscape we have established, fairly effectively, the language for controlling and handling a game in a 3D world. Generally the left stick moves your avatar, and the right stick positions the camera.

While games have become easier to handle, there are still some nuisances that arise from time to time but there are hardly any complaints on the way games handle anymore, the act of storytelling still feels a bit stagnant from the view point that gameplay and plot are still extremely separated. I'm a jaded gamer, perhaps I'm suffering from generation fatigue maybe even console fatigue, but to me game developers can still improve vastly on how to handle a plot. The stories told are still rife with intrigue and are expertly crafted, perhaps even more mature but maturity is subjective, but they hardly elevate beyond being a reason to play a game.

To eliminate confusion let me point you towards an idea, the idea of immersion. In this aspect developers and writers attempt for us to enter the world and lose focus on the fact that we are playing a game. Easily accomplished through eliminating HUD displays, as well as making sure that it feels less like a game-easily accomplished through our new found enjoyment of understanding game controls. However the stumbling block occurs when on screen prompts begin, and the player realizes that they are still playing a game. Which again is not the problem, because we are always truly aware of playing a game, but when we lose all sense of experience the problems amount.

I propose instead, and something that I know is entirely possible, to marry gameplay to storytelling. Since we are aware that we are playing a game through the simple act of being a participant in the action on screen, then marrying those two seemingly separate elements creates experiences that only Hollywood can muster, and not just on a blockbuster action level. Watch the following segment from Max Payne 3, and be aware this game is rated M for Mature so sensitive readers should turn away. (also beware this segment happens late in the game but doesn't necessarily spoil anything, you can also simply watch from the 2:30 mark until 6:30 to miss out on any story spoilers)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Basically what R* has accomplished in this instance is creating an experience, where yes I see I'm playing a game, but Max's personality complements the gameplay, and vice versa. The bullet time feature blends in seamlessly during battles, and the final stand mode, while not new, is an excellent way for players to stay in the fight. It blends with the mythology that Max is an unstoppable killing machine, and the music and action blend together in a way that, yes I'm playing a game, but I'm playing the story. I might get a knock for this, but the gameplay in Mass Effect doesn't feel like it fits the story, sure Commander Shepherd is a soldier and as such they will have to fight enemies, but the actual combat doesn't fit the feel of the story.

The story is one of insane desperation, and against a foe that is attempting to destroy life as we know it, and despite this combat feels toned down in its scale. Encounters all feel the same, and while some gameplay varieties help keep the game feeling fresh from story point to story point, the only true impact in story telling the player has is in the dialog. While choice and consequence of choice, and not to mention the ability to carry that over the course of three games and countless DLC, the act of choosing is still very much a separate part from the story. The story actually pauses while you are planning on your choice, you have infinite amount of time to make a dialog choice. The act of immersion is thus lost, Telltale has made strides in this department with The Walking Dead, and truly the gameplay in that game feels fantastic as a storytelling device.

Another more subtle and less intrusive means of storytelling also comes out in Journey, the gameplay itself is simplistic. Some would say to a fault, however it's incredibly complex on an emotional level. You could play through the whole game and not once attempt any communication with your companion, and in essence turn them into just another object on the screen. This notion that you never actually have to communicate with your partner, and that as long as you're connected to the internet you will encounter one or two, is incredibly interesting on a storytelling perspective.

As humans we are inclined to reach out to those around us, especially when participating in like minded activities. Attempting to be a silent partner is made even more difficult when another person also reaches out to you. While you might not always get a response in return, I'd fathom to say that there are many people who would not want talk to another human being. This is how the simple gameplay mechanic of your chirps in Journey become not only a gameplay mechanic, but it they also intertwine within the context of the story being told as well.

The future of gaming isn't to give us an experience that rivals movies, because true immersion would require us to forget we are playing a game, and at the same time it does. Rather the future of gaming is to give us experiences similar to Max Payne 3 and Journey, the idea is to marry the act of playing a game with a story. The story of a game should define the game mechanics, we shouldn't have game mechanics that simply add to the story.

Warning Coming In For A Landing

2012-09-29T02:04:00Z

Well it's been almost two weeks since my self apparent breakdown about the industry, yeah I'm talking about hating all of it, and I let the dust settle and emerged to discover that reputation had dwindled. Perhaps I didn't play nice enough, perhaps I was a bit harsh in calling out GI staff and bloggers for supporting things that I find dubious in the industry. Perhaps I opened some eyes, and perhaps I closed some doors, but in the end would I take it all back?

Could I take back a blog that garnered me more views and comments whether negative or not in such a short amount of time, and could I easily just erase the past. I suppose yes I could the past is easily erased, especially on the internet. Simply delete the post, and unless some GI staff member decided to resurrect the blog it would be gone for ever. Unless someone happened to print it out and distribute it to their friends, then yes I could easily just delete this blog, and be done with it. Heck I've started and deleted 4 blogs this past week, all because they lead me nowhere.

Now you can say what you'll say, and you can do what you'll do, but I can not not say what I'm about to, and it's harsh but I'm going to say it. I've been struggling emotionally yes, and perhaps my warped and twisted mind right now is kicking into gear with this, but I think it's time Gameinformer ended the Featured Blogger feature. I admit based on what I just posted, that this seems cruel and unusual. However I noticed something, at around 10:40 AM I began a blog, approximately 40 minutes prior Craigaleg had a blog out. It had already garnered around 80 views at 10 AM in 40 minutes 2 views a minute not bad right. The blog below him only had around 67 views, both of different content, both probably of equal quality maybe, that's opinion. But the other blog had been up since around 8 AM, which means in almost a quarter of the time, the first blog had reached decent numbers.

Now why does the featured blogger feature need to disappear? Well for one it eliminates regular users from visiting the blogging page, I mean the guys on the top will always be on the top they benefit from quality writing. Even Saint's numbers haven't greatly increased on decreased since the Featured Blogger section has been up, so it's not really a benefit to those users in that regard. However it hampers natural scrolling to other areas of the site, the blogging pages themselves are usually filled with the same names, and not only that the same commentators. Rarely do I see a person comment on a blog that is a new name to me. Sometimes it happens but for the most part most users in the blogging section are all familiar faces.

The problem is then why do we need a featured blogger section? Well for one the forums aren't that great or active, odd being a website with forums, so this naturally highlights community for GI in ways that doesn't make the site look bad. The second most obvious answer is really none at all. If the same people are attracting the same views and comments over and over again, and the views are not changing for those before or after the Featured Blogger section, why are we sitting certain users on a pedestal.

Blog Herding is a fantastic feature, and it highlights the community I'd say in a much more positive way than anything else does, including the Featured Blogger section. I commend Saint for what he has done with that feature it is now back in full swing in a way that made me excited for when Annette ran the feature. Let's eliminate the featured blogger feature GI, let's let users stand on the merit of what they say, and not for who they are. Let's let Blog Herding be enough recognition, as well as the newsletter. Let's go back to the old days of blogging, if we're going to be such a tight knit community on this side of things let's retreat back to our area and let the site flourish elsewhere, because as long as GI puts an emphasis on the blogs the forums and other community areas will continue to dwindle.

Now that I've gotten my feelings out of the way, let me talk about the landing. It's been awhile since I've updated you guys on personal issues. First and foremost, It's been almost 3 weeks since my last cigarette, as of this writing I think the only manufactured item entering my body is my normal meds and whatever the hell they put in our food. Second, and before running to say something on Facebook (Carson, Dean, Chris, Braden, or any of you) I soon will be a father. Soon as in 8-9 months my first biological child will be here. I haven't told my family, and it's odd that I'm telling you all here, but truthfully GI has always been my home for the past 3 years. So yes stress has gotten to me, plus adjusting to cigarettes plus the news of my incoming bundle of joy. So forgive me GIO for I have sinned against thee. And I may not have said the best things to say, or rather the best way to put it, but I said what I said, and I believe it even if the wording was all wrong.

Good Night GIO You're A Wacky Bunch

Nick "TOGNick" Schneider

TOGNick Answers Ten Questions

2012-09-26T14:31:00Z

I admit I was intrigued by these 10 Questions blogs, and today I figured I'm bored, and so why not answer some of them.

Question 1: What is your favorite username/gamertag that's not your own?

This is a hard question to answer, I see quite a few username/gamertags in my days, but I think the one that has always stood out has been my cousin's TaintedDoughnut. I don't know why it has stood out but it's been nearly 12 years since I remember seeing that username and it still strikes me as simply the best.

Question 2: Whats the most overrated book and/or film in your opinion?

Oh boy overrated book and or film in my opinion, I could incite several firestorms with this question as there are about 30 to 100 possibilities for me to choose from. I'd have to say the one movie that I've completely hated on since the beginning of my watching it was The Matrix. Yes Keanu Reeves and brothers never excited me with the first entry in the lauded series. That didn't stop me from seeing the rest of the series, but golly gee darn was that first movie incredibly predictable and contrived. Say what you will about the convoluted plots and general disappointment with the sequels, but they at least added depth to the characters in ways that expanded upon the lore, rather than relying on the cheap shot of Neo as the One...get it Neo One, oh boy yeah the writing was so bad in that first one...

Question 3: Whats the best idea in a game that you think was poorly executed?

The best idea in a game that was poorly executed is another tough question, because once again there have been a ton of examples, and picking out the best one is incredibly tough. I'm going to go a bit recent on this one, and have to say the Prestige system in Black OPS. The problem with this is that Prestige is a great idea, and removing my unlocked equipment to be unlocked later down the line is perfectly fine as well, expected so not unfair. However in Black OPS rather than simply unlock things at certain levels, you also have to pay virtual cash for those items that you earn through leveling. Complete challenges earn cash and XP not a terrible system, except for some reason the cash is only used to unlock gear and equipment, and that you lose all that cash when you enter prestige mode.

While prestige mode has always been questionable at the least as a means of keeping players moving forward within the multiplayer modes, especially since you could theoretically never prestige and have every unlock for all the weapons, thus eliminating any reason to prestige ever again, but I like the bragging rights and challenge of starting over. Except Black OPS in which you could literally level up and not unlock any equipment as you didn't have enough money to buy it, and since you lost all that money you're just feeling sad waiting for your cash to come in. A small complaint but an idea that was poorly executed when other entries did it so much better.

Question 4: Do you get the GI magazines in the mail? If so, who is on the cover of your first issue?

I no longer get GI in the mail, as a subscriber for almost 13 years, (truthfully I can't remember how long it's been at least 11) also I can't remember who was on my first cover, makes me kind of sad actually, I have a huge stack of them in storage though. I've probably lost as many as I've had, but sigh, at least I know this was the first issue I ever received in the mail.

So I guess obviously Solid Snake graced my first cover. I can't believe it's been 11 years of GI as my primary source of gaming information...man I feel old now I'm going to go cry in the corner...

Question 5: If you were to date anyone on the GI website, who would it be?

Dan Ryckert...I mean no one I have a girlfriend she is awesome, awesome I say, oh man I hope she doesn't read this...

Question 6: Oh snap! Someone challenged Donkey Kong to a fistfight! Who is it, and which combatant would emerge victorious?

Hmm Little Mac has been itching for a fight since Abobo ripped his head off, so I think it would be him, as for who would emerge victorious, well Little Mac had his head ripped off and is still looking for a fist fight...I think we know who's all heart here.

Question 7: Where do you purchase the majority of your video games?

Well recently it's been PSN, but in the past it was always Gamestop. I still buy most hard copies from that retail chain, so I guess it's a good mix.

Question 8: Turn on your television. What's currently on?

ESPN, it's football season and with the referee situation as it is this year, the best drama on TV right now is reality sports television. Yes at this point you might as well call the NFL reality TV.

Question 9: Do you have any phobias? If so, what are they?

I'm schizophrenic you're asking me to name my fears, who are you why are you following me, and have you met my friend Robert...

Question 10: What's your one favorite thing ever?

Me! I'm The Best...seriously I am don't deny me this moment!

PSST! I've Got A Secret

2012-09-21T03:40:00Z

Dear GIO,

It is with the utmost regret that I write this letter, for today is a day that I must come clean. In fact on this glorious day of September 20 the year of our lord two thousand and twelve, I have decided to share with you a dark and demented secret. A part of my past that for all intent and purposes should be pushed to the side and never mentioned in public for fear of retribution at the hands of those I have harmed.

You see in the year nineteen hundred and ninety two, at the respectable age of nine years I stumbled upon a secret to success in video games. My brain had wrangled itself up around this preposterous notion that if somehow I could make a game better, and easier to play for myself that I would in fact be able to stand victorious over the bodies of my fallen enemies. Oh yes brothers and sisters, oh yes, I believe in exploiting game rules to my advantage!

With this weight off my mind, and my conscious free from this sin, let me explain my thinking before you dare condemn me. These video game programmers are a mighty fine sort, they are intelligent and above all creative, not unlike the Indian in the ways that they can bend their material and natural resources to their ways. But they much like the other categories of men below us southern gentlemen, have their limits, and it's only because God has deemed it, as His will will be done.

They write out these lines of codes to transform electronic signals into interactive moving pictures on your television set within a parameter of rules that everything must follow. These laws of the land, once written, are often left unchanged after they bring their product to market, because to fix these products is no simple matter. One cannot simply rewrite the rules and coding of electronic signals on millions upon millions of discs, and thus certain rules and combinations of rules become "exploitable."

I dare not say that I cheat, for I don't make use of malfunctions in the game matrices, but I do enjoy laying out my video game manual and studying the finer aspects of each masterpiece. Should I go with the extra benefits of stealth based assassination, or is my manner of combat more suited for the brute force found in many of those fine young gentlemen found in sport. Once I have ascertained my desired style of play, I am free to explore how each detail builds upon itself, and shall a power become greater in the hands of lesser men, then I may have to pluck the idea like a feather from a chicken.

Exploiting the masses and rules of the world around me, allow me to soar unhinged and bring this thralling experience to an epic climax, and at the end of it all I stand the better. I don't, as the lesser more brutish men would say, "cheat" I merely find the means in which game programmer allow me to enhance the benefit of certain rules. These men of lower stature fear my ability to combine rules, and can not fathom a means to do so, therefore their only course of action is to protest in the street. Well until they can achieve a greater understanding of the American dream and the talent at which I display my intellect over them, I will simply say let them eat cake.

Yours and Forever,

Sir Nicholas Ian Schneider

The 4th Floor Season 2 Episode 9 The Solocast

2012-09-13T00:21:00Z

Well GIOer's I'm back and just me this time, and it's because I love myself so much that I've decided to share this week's episode of my little show with you all fine folks here. What you will not get is a heaping of praise for people, but what you will get is some answers and further thoughts on my two blogs over the past weekend. I think my comments were taken greatly out of context, and perhaps listening to the first half of the show will help explain where some of my disillusionment comes from.

As was the case last year, and the case this year, I am participating in Extra Life. That link will take you to my fundraising page. As an added incentive to donating to me for October 20th The Home Depot will match any contributions I make in this event to Children's Miracle Network. So please help me out, and in doing so see that donation matched equally by my employer.

The second half of the show is a bit of fun that I have at the expense of the music industry, and I take shots at several popular songs from past and present. I also discuss the first week of the NFL.

Music this week is a bunch so I'll keep it to the intro break and end:

Like a Virgin from Madonna

Video Games from Lana Del Rey

Gangnam Style from PSY

Thanks for listening and here are the links to find the show:

Podomatic

iTunes

Facebook

Double Dragon NEON Review

Addressing The Disagreements (In Hipster Tone)

2012-09-10T00:18:00Z

So here we go last night I wrote a fantastic blog, I know it was great because most of you said so yourself, although you all mostly disagreed. This was honestly totally expected, I never once expected the few positive comments I got, not because I think you're all incapable of understanding my view, but because it's natural to want to defend something we love. I love gaming, hell I'll go so far as to say I'm one of the most original gamers that exist. I come from a time before internet help, a time when playing multiplayer meant having your friends over, and your achievements were measured based on solely what you said you did, rather than rely on validation. This was mostly because we trusted people then, and gaming was truly an underground experience.

Today gaming is not so underground, hell today I saw a Mists of Pandaria commercial during Sunday football. Hell Spike TV has a whole awards show dedicated to video games, which I won't argue that farce of a program, but you get the point video games are no longer relegated to the basements of your mom's house. In my case it's the third floor of my mom's house, but you get the idea. So obviously and naturally a post on what I would consider a website dedicated to maintaining a positive outlook on video games and sharing that excitement with like minded individuals would naturally elicit disagreement among member's on this site.

It's natural, it's what we're conditioned to do, I used to have to defend the medium constantly growing up through middle school and high school. Some may remember the Post-Columbine outcry against video games, or even the Mortal Kombat controversy, but few probably lived through it like I did. I had was that anti-social person who would be a likely culprit for shooting up a school, so I had some defending to do, and I didn't have the extended benefit of the web to do so. So yeah I care about gaming, in fact that's why I wrote what I wrote, because I can't believe to fathom that the direction we've headed in this generation is good for the industry.

Tonight's Points of Discussion:

Great Games Of The Generation
Innovation Defined
Originality
Intellectual Storytelling

First and foremost there are plenty of great games this generation, however for every good and great game their exists one disturbingly disgusting trend in the industry: an over emphasis on online multiplayer. Once again EA has openly admitted that they will not greenlight a game without multiplayer potential. In part you could theorize that after KOA: Reckoning failed with an Online Pass on Single Player, that this gives them an easy excuse to block the online without fear of reprise. But truthfully this is all about the Online Pass, DLC, and Microtransactions. Most of these are all free "found income" IE. money that they don't have to spend anything to make, however why this trend is disturbing is that it worked.

Add further the 130 ton gorilla in the room of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and you begin to see what is being created. Unfortunately Activision/Blizzard have no problem with the Call of Duty franchise and no real reason to drive the gameplay forward, the reason being that it continues to sell millions of copies. Is it a bad game? I'd say no, but is it a game changer? Yes, and that is why Call of Duty is slowly becoming the death of the industry. Every publisher knows the stakes are higher now, every developer knows you have to create "cinematic" experiences in order to garner the appeal of the masses. In order to do this you have to spend money, even if you shouldn't spend money, even if an idea that adds innovation in gameplay has to be shelved for fear that sales will not be recognized well enough.

It's mildly ironic, and also not really given the Gameinformer.com URL of this website, that movies can be called out for remakes, and endless sequels, but you can't do the same for video games. It's also funny that if a movie does well than a movie similar is a ripoff, but in video games you don't rip off movies only other games. "It's been done in movies before" "Who cares I've never played in a massive galaxy like this before" Well except in KOTOR, but never before that, well except Xenosaga. OK so yeah we've been in outrageously massive galaxies with fully fleshed out stories for the inhabitants, but it's nothing like Mass Effect we love Mass Effect.

See I get it originality in stories doesn't exist, I'd literally have to go back about two thousand years to a book written about the origin of man for an original story, but originality can be gameplay, in fact that is the aspect of video games we're dealing with, them being games that have a video component. So innovation and originality in Gameplay would be entirely necessary, and I feel like if anything this generation has been a step up and three steps back. On one hand we have fantastically open worlds and environments, but they all had predecessors in the PS2/Xbox era, and the capabilities of these new consoles are astounding to completely fill out those worlds.

However on the downside, we've failed to do anything really substantial other than finally flesh out scripts and stories to fit these worlds, sure a good thing but one that could have been done in the previous generation. However intellectually these stories are stale, I can understand that yes, some issues are deep and complex, but the stories almost usually surround, "shoot shoot shoot, talk to these dudes, shoot shoot shoot, blow up blow up blow up, kill kill kill, make a decision, make a decision, have a relationship with an alien, shoot shoot shoot, mine mine mine, suicide mission, survive suicide mission, and wait a couple years for the sequel."

As for the step backs, online passes, and online multiplayer have become everything that I feared they would become. They became selling points, and the experiences on consoles never evolved past a few cooperative experiences that were enjoyable. Instead it's let's add some deathmatch and call it a fully fleshed out mode. Oh don't forget about achievements let's add those to online modes as well, have to make sure they play that. Problem is deathmatch and co-op were all things done before, in fact yeah I'd say the reason this generation is the worst in history is because it's the greatest disapointment in terms of potential.

HD Graphics have been great and the world's have become things previously impossible, but developers and publishers sat on their laurels and just let things slide, because gamers and journalists let them. Yes that's right JOURNALISTS and GAMERS let them slide on pumping out the same drivel as before but without new shiny catchwords. "Gamerscore" and "Online Multiplayer" became the buzzwords, but what gamers and journalists forgot about was that innovation in gameplay is what defines a generation. I can't tell you one thing outside of the online sphere, which was done to an extent on the Dreamcast that this console generation has added that is new and popular at the same time.

I could name a decent amount of gameplay and story telling innovations that have become popular, "player choice" being one, but for the most part gameplay is exactly what we got on the PS2 and Xbox but with new coats of paint. I once said this before I owned a current generation console, and I'll say it again. The Difference between the PS3/Xbox 360 era are two 3's a 6 and a 0. That's all we got gameplay wise, and that's all we can expect because Journalists have failed us, and gamers have failed themselves by constantly supporting games that they openly lament before purchase.

If I had to name one journalist or even a few journalist I believe are keeping the industry honest, and keeping the pressure on us, journalists, and the developers/publishers I'd have to say the first name that comes to mind is Jim Sterling. He was one of the first to cover SOPA, one of the only to lament on Online Passes and call them out for what they truly are, and he's one of the only journalists who actually calls BS. But he does this to a fault, and admittedly the staff on all sites care, I'm not saying one is better than the other, but when I think of games journalists there are few that I would truly admit to paying attention when they write an editorial. Andy Macnamara, Jim Sterling, and Phil Kollar are the only three, because I truly believe they love the industry, more than they love keeping those they write about happy.

Be offended if you want, but if we don't call out companies on feeding us piles of BS when we should, then we shouldn't complain to them about it later. Remember how mad we got at EA for Multiplayer in Mass Effect 3, now remember how mad you are that they won't greenlight games without multiplayer, now remember if you bought Mass Effect 3. If you answered yes to all of those questions, congratulations you openly spoke up, but still supported the decision financially. Remember when PSN was shut down? Remember why it was shutdown? I'll explain why, it was shut down because Sony decided that they weren't going to allow users to upgrade and mod their systems. A move that was meant to counter piracy, and probably wisely so, but you know what happened some angry hackers took it out on them and forced them into a shutdown.

It wasn't someone trying to steal information, it was gamers who were pissed about the rights of owners of consoles and games that wanted to show that the control doesn't lie in the corporate world. You know what is great about this, is that Xbox Live has been hacked as well, but Microsoft just never shut it down, but please tell me it's that Sony's security measures weren't strong enough. You know who else got hacked recently: Iranian Nuclear Computers, The CIA, Apple, and I'm sure the list continues. But because for the first time in half a generation we gamers were forced to deal with the fact that we couldn't play online for a time, we went up in arms.

Let me repeat WE COULDN"T PLAY ONLINE FOR A TIME, WE WENT UP IN ARMS. Yes a service that should have absolutely no effect on our enjoyment of a game we got upset about, we sent out a very clear message which was "We want to be connected 24/7 and if you don't provide us with that we will be incredibly pissed at you." That's a perfectly good message to send I might add, because it's the exact reason EA, Sony, Microsoft, Activision, etc. etc. etc. have slowly killed couch multiplayer, because you have to buy multiple copies to play online. Oh and now you have to give them money directly if you want to play online if you don't buy new as well, so give them all your money or else never play with friends ever again.

See gamers it's not that I "hate gaming" it's that I HATE THIS GENERATION of gaming it's become as ridiculous as an MTV VMA list with the GOTY nominations. I recall a conversation on The Game Effect last year during GOTY conversations where we literally gave it to SKYRIM because we were nervous our readers wouldn't agree. I wonder how many other offices had this conversation as well?

I Hate All Of It

2012-09-09T01:59:00Z

Overly dramatic headline, but it's something that I've been meaning to say for quite some time, in fact it's something that I think every person who is a gamer and visits internet forums need to take into account. Over the past couple of weeks, the news articles around the web have been a storm of fanboyism, primarily thanks to Bethesda's inability to get Skyrim to work on the PS3, which according to 360 fanboys is all Sony's fault that one company can't get their flagship series to work on a 7 year old console, which is an argument that to me is baffling to comprehend but that is apparently the case.

To Sony fanboys this is a swipe at our pride, and a crime against humanity and we must rally to defend Sony and burn Bethesda to the ground, luckily for Bethesda most people who care about the PS3 are not affiliated with 4chan or Anonymous so they are safe. Then of course there's Nintendo all the way over there in the corner picking daisies and enjoying the family friendly sunshine of an unneeded graphics card. PC players are already satisfied with Skyrim because they fixed the game for Bethesda, and to them us console bottom feeders really need to get with the times.

Here are my thoughts in a few sentences on Bethesda and the Playstation 3. Bethesda has known for some time that their ability to program for the system has not been the best, and they have passed that responsibility on to other teams accordingly. At this point, Bethesda rather than attempting to goad more players into purchasing on the system, should just hang up the hat and say "sorry we're incapable of doing this." Because humility at the end of the day is what keeps customers happy, admitting you can't do something is better than simply saying, "yeah we got you" and then failing to follow through.

With that out of the way, if you noticed the first two paragraphs, they are kind of negative towards the whole spectrum of gaming, and there's a good reason for that: I hate this generation of gaming! I'll repeat those words so you can comprehend exactly what I'm saying and immediately be completely angry, before reading the rest This Generation for Consoles and Gaming Has Been The Worst One In History.

Now before you fire up the torches and storm my castle, give me a few paragraphs to explain, and as a guideline I'll lay out the following items as a means to provide quick reference for those who already won't finish:

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Has Killed Gaming
Games Are Intellectually Stale
Achievements/Trophies Provide Inconsequential Rewards
The Last Truly Notable New IP Was A Downloadable Title

Let's start off with the first point, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare was the biggest release in gaming history, even people who would moan and bellyache about the series today were in some way excited for its release. The whole industry was electric with previews, demos, countdowns and everything leading up to this shooters release, and then everything else turned grey. It seems that if you are to be a major FPS release this generation you are either one of two things Bioshock or military shooter. We've gotten a few here and there outside of this spectrum, but the actual intellectual comprehension of storytelling has been lost.

The last time a game made me truly think, and not just feel something, was Journey. Sure Mass Effect dealt with race, politics, genocide, love, and relationships in times of desperation, but I learned and thought absolutely very little about these things during the playthrough, because they are stereotyped to the point where the meaning behind them was obvious. Oh humanity is such a nasty civilization because of all these wars we fought amongst ourselves, and aliens don't like us because of it, blah blah blah. It's stale, it's poignant but it's stale. Journey however required true personal reflection on my part to comprehend how I felt and thought about the game, it didn't require me to sit through dialog choices and hear about how messed up everything we've been doing has been, because the point never had to be so clearly outlined. The theme, the message, the mood, the dialog even is all told without a single line of speaking.

The story on how we repeat the things we have done over again was done in two hours, Mass Effect took 3 discs nearly 30 hours each to tell us history will end up repeating itself. Yes that's right it takes you 3 games to finally learn that the Reapers have been doing this over and over again, but luckily like Neo in the Matrix Shepherd can choose to sacrifice themselves to change the pattern. Sounds awfully *** predictable when it's put so bluntly, and that's because it is. Outside of a few select titles video games have been relegated to stories that I can watch on the big screen, only difference is that I don't have to pay 60 dollars to watch them.

I recently completed Darksiders II, and it was pretty much the biggest disappointment this generation. I embarked on a path that I've done several thousand times, I traveled to the land of the living, the land of the dead, post apocalyptic earth, hell, and even a place where people make things, and it was all extremely ho hum. The story was utterly garbage, Death felt like some dude bro professional wrestler who's only reason to keep going was to save his brother, but in actuality his purpose was to make a decision, which was supposedly difficult to make but in the cutscene where it's made there's no hesitation whatsoever. Which is kind of how most games have felt this generation to me.

Gameplay wise it's been great, same graphically, games look amazing, I can make choices that can be remembered from game to game, which is kind of cool, but storywise I'm bored, and I'm no longer going to accept it. I'm no longer going to accept cheap rate movie thrills when I can get better more compelling stories out of Hollywood. Game developers have completely rested on the fact that the name on the box now means more than the content on the disc, and this is entirely unacceptable in my eyes. Not only this but like Pavlov's dogs they've conditioned us to hold on to these games to ensure they get everything they can from us.

Achievements/trophies are great, well according toseemingly most Achievements are fantastic, trophies are just kind of there. I've yet to comprehend the necessity for achievements, or for that matter why they would influence a buying decision. Yes they have in cases kept people from buying games on the PS3, so they could have the achievements over the trophies. Let's repeat that ACHIEVEMENTS have become a purchasing decision, not only that but somewhere down the line we decided as console owners to pay for online access of our games. Something that PC players do fairly regularly, if they're playing an MMO, well actually 360 owners are the only ones who openly admit to enjoy paying for a service that everyone else gets pretty much for free. Well outside of your ISP costs, PC players, Nintendo Wii owners, and PS3 owners all get the internet for free, and supposedly they all get inferior service.

Quick experiment for all you reading this on a computer, I want you to try open up a voice chat on skype or some other means with a friend while reading this blog...I'll wait...did you succeed? If you did congratulations, Gameinformer.com, an internet service, doesn't charge you to "party chat" with your friends. Ok experiment number 2, if you will play a game on your computer and try to talk to another friend playing a game on the computer, possibly even a different game...I'll wait...did you succeed? Hooray your computer supports party chat, and it costs you nothing. Now Sony users can't party chat, but you know honestly how hard is it to pick up a phone and call someone, of course Sony users also never get free games to download or anything either, unless they pay 50 bucks a year for a premium subscription to access free content. But yes, the 60 dollars to do what you could have done anyway without paying for it was truly worth it.

I have never seen a time or instance much like the one we live in now where consumers are so openly willing to fork over their money for things you used to get automatically. Oh buy the game new or else you'll never have any of this content, unless you give us ten dollars. What's worse about how stupid you think I sound is that YOU ACCEPT THIS! Yes anyone defending the Online Pass because it "saves the games industry" somehow supports the idea that back in 1996 game companies failed miserably, and that the Online Pass somehow saved them. Here's a hint, more game companies are closing their doors now then they were when the online pass didn't exist, but sure go ahead and blame it on those terribly nasty used games buyers and retailers because they are the vile scum of the planet. Ignore the fact that every developer right now is chasing outlandish sales numbers set in stone by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and that to compete they feel they must spend millions upon millions of dollars in an effort to make the best game ever, ignoring the fact that many critics and gamers still place games that were made with fractions of the cost of their game as those on their Top 10 List.

Yes it's the consumers fault, if we had just latched on and gone willingly down the rabbit hole of grey military shooters, and accepted the crumbs of storytelling that they were willing to spread throughout the land and cater it to us as fine dining, then we wouldn't need this Online Pass, but it's now a necessity. We can blame whatever we want on the failing of the games industry, a bad economy, used games, consumer reluctance, but the truth is the failing of the industry is the fact that they gave up on innovation for profit. EA now openly admits that if it doesn't have mulitplayer it isn't worth the investment, Activision Blizzard wallow in the fact that their last new IP released years ago but can still make tons of money on cash cows. Square Enix throws money at everything they can but can't grasp a western foothold, Ubisoft is slowly turning into Activision with their reliance on one or two IPs. Ken Levine tries to make games that people will talk about, and they will until release, and on release day numbers will be above average to good, but some other sacred cow franchise will awaken at the same time, and gamers will fork over tons of money for yet another sequel and complain about it later.

The only saving grace from this generation has been the online market, the games on these services have been above average mostly, and have done everything you'd expect from a new generation. They have innovated, they have defined, and they have set the standard in storytelling. However they cost little in comparison to make, and make even less so in a world where Video Games are a business and no longer a hobby, the online market continues to be that cute little space to visit from time to time to experiment with something new. The industry isn't going to die, it's dead creatively and it's been that way for some time. I care too much about it to not point out this fact, but sadly I hate this generation more than any other generation in gaming, and I will never forgive it for what it's done to my hobby.