I really respect GameTrailers for the videos that they make and the reviews they post. I guess it’s kinda cool that they have a partnership with SpikeTV that will carry over for E3 because of Viacom ownership. Even for the past few years I’ve looked forward to their Bonus Round pre-E3 coverage. This year was no exception. However, please watch Chapter 3 (Nintendo) from the following link.
My main objection will be made clear after the jump.
A blog I wrote for End of the Week on 12/31/2009 that I forgot to transfer here…
With 2009 coming to a close, we are also at the end of one of the most prominent decades in gaming. The 00’s saw the video game industry become a massive entertainment medium, even grossing more money than films and music. Before we move on to the ’10s, however, let’s see which titles that were predominantly on Nintendo consoles were the MOST INFLUENTIAL in terms of forwarding video games as we know them. This is not a measure of the best games of the decade, although it is certainly a factor, but it is a rather a look at which Nintendo games were…well, game-changing and progressive in certain areas! Synopses are quoted from Wikipedia.
10) Animal Crossing (2002)
Synopsis: “Animal Crossing is a social simulator that has been dubbed a ‘communication game’ by Nintendo. It is open-ended, and the player’s character can live a separate life with little preset plot or mandatory tasks. Players assume the role of a new resident to the town. […] There are also tasks that players can complete and goals they can achieve. The game is played in real-time-observing days, weeks, months and years using the GameCube’s internal clock.”
Game-changer: VIRTUAL WORLD
A couple years before people were engrossed in World of Warcraft or real-world simulators such as Second Life, Animal Crossing set the standard. Let’s not forget that this game was on a console and not a PC! Using the game’s internal clock, situations would arise if you spent too much time away from the game, causing a more addictive gameplay schedule. Gamers either love or hate this title, and if it’s a hate-filled relationship, it’s usually because of all the hours that Animal Crossing stole from the their lives. Real life never ends, and it seems that neither does Animal Crossing, with a sequel that came out for the DS in 2005 and for the Wii in 2008.
9) Pokemon Gold/Silver (2000)
Synopsis: “Like Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow, and other console role-playing games, Pokemon Gold and Silver are played from a top-down perspective, with players directly navigating the protagonist around the fictional universe, interacting with objects and people. As the player explores this world he or she will encounter different terrains, such as grassy fields, forests, caves, and seas; in which different Pokemon species reside. As the player randomly encounters one of these creatures, the field switches to a turn-based “battle scene”, where the Pokemon will fight.”
Game-changer: SEQUEL TO POPULAR TITLE
Although it was released in 1999 in Japan, this game was a defining title for the Game Boy Color’s library in the United States, with a release date of October 14th, 2000. As successful as its previous titles were, Gold/Silver made a vast array of changes that represented how a sequel to a hit game should be handled. Even though the basic formula of Pokemon remained in place, updates such as a player’s item inventory, a day/night system, battle balance improvement, and two worlds to explore set the bar high for future titles in the Pocket Monster franchise. Most importantly, these games solidified the Pokemon franchise’s grasp on the decade’s generation of gamers. This is most Poke-fans’ favorite set of games in the series and it’s no surprise why – with a remake due in March 2010, it will be intriguing to see how a re-invention of one of most defining sequels of the past decade will be portrayed.
8) Boom Blox (2008)
Synopsis: “Boom Blox has been described as Jenga meets Tetris Blast, Breakout, Duck Hunt, and Lego. Gameplay emphasises reflexes, dexterity, and problem-solving skills. It features a physics model that ensures the blocks collapse realistically, and also measures the velocity at which an object is thrown, recognising four distinct speeds.”
Game-changer: CASUAL AUDIENCE
The 00s will always be remembered for the growth of the casual gaming audience and the Nintendo DS and Wii are the most responsible for the industry expansion. While the DS had titles such as Nintendogs to ease new gamers into what the medium actually is, one of the most intuitive and enjoyable games that ushered this group into gaming was Steven Spielberg’s Boom Blox. When all you have to do is throw a ball at a tower of blocks strategically to gain more points, you have one of the most unique games for the console. Throw in an advancement of the late ’00s in user-generated content, and you have a solid title with Boom Blox. The appeal to the casual audience cannot be denied when it comes to simplicity and entertainment.
7) The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Synopsis: “The gameplay of Majora’s Mask expands on that of Ocarina of Time; it retains the concept of dungeon puzzles and ocarina songs, and introduces character transformations and the restriction of a three-day cycle. As in previous installments, Link can perform basic actions such as walking, running and limited jumping, and must use items to battle enemies and solve puzzles.”
Game-changer: NARRATIVE
Any Legend of Zelda fan has their choice – it’s either Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask as their favorite Nintendo 64 installment of the franchise. As classic as OoT’s story is, however, the narrative that is woven in Majora’s Mask was rather unparalleled compared to any other game for its time. The overall plot of “save the world in three days” was turned on its head by players having to relive those three days multiple times, as certain acquisitions of items allowed you to access different areas of Termina, the game’s world. What makes Majora’s Mask so remarkable, however, is the vital importance that non-player characters have in the game’s narrative. Most NPCs act differently depending on which day or time it is, forcing the player to be precise regarding where he is at one time of day. While it isn’t a title for those who don’t enjoy time-based puzzles, one must marvel at what Majora’s Mask accomplishes for a game made in 2000.
6) Mario Kart Wii (2008)
Synopsis: “Up to twelve characters can participate in a race. Players obtain items by driving through item boxes, which can be used for either defense, offense, or for powering up the engine.”
Game-changer: ONLINE GAMEPLAY
Compared to Xbox Live and the Playstation Network, Mario Kart Wii’s online simply doesn’t stack up. But for a Nintendo handheld or console, MKW gets everything right, from its ranking system to its near-lagless gameplay. Nintendo had the chance to practice this in 2005’s Mario Kart DS, which is a strong contender for an online gameplay gamechanger, but you have to rely on Nintendo’s shoddy wireless network for the DS. At least with the Wii, a stable wired connection is possible. When you compare Mario Kart Wii to the other online mulitplayer games for the Wii at the time, whether it’s Super Smash Bros Brawl or The Conduit, the popular go-kart game flies by in terms of performance.
5) Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Synopsis: “Super Mario Galaxy is set in outer space, where Mario travels from galaxy to galaxy in order to collect Power Stars, which are earned by completing quests or defeating enemies. Each galaxy contains a number of planets and other space matter for the player to explore.”
Game-changer: 3-D PHYSICS
Super Mario Galaxy is most well known for its physics system that gave each celestial object its own gravity field. This let the player walk around each object and even jump to new objects by getting pulled by the new object’s gravity field. While the title is not casual-friendly mostly because of its mind-warping set of controls and space in the games massive world, it delighted the veteran gamer. Galaxy was not difficult by any means, but it was the perfect example of how a series can be re-invented by a physics overhaul. Games allow us to challenge new perceptions of reality and when you feel that first pull of a planet’s gravitational field, you know you have something special in Super Mario Galaxy.
4) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)
Synopsis: “The game is set on a group of islands in a vast sea – a first for the series. The player controls Link, the protagonist of the Zelda series. He struggles against his nemesis, Ganondorf, for control of a sacred relic known as the Triforce. Link spends a significant portion of the game sailing, traveling between islands, and traversing through dungeons and temples to gain the power necessary to defeat Ganondorf. He also spends time trying to find his little sister.”
Game-changer: GRAPHICS VS. GAMEPLAY
Since Nintendo has not made the jump to HD graphics yet, an important debate that places the company at the center of the conflict is whether graphics or gameplay is more important to the overall video gaming experience. No title symbolized this more in the past decade for Nintendo than The Wind Waker. While Zelda veterans may have shunned the game because of its cel-shaded graphics, The Wind Waker is arguably the best Zelda game of the decade. Gamers may have had gripes with the sailing and the Triforce Quest, but the game tooka big risk with its story setting, characters, and style, which for the most part paid off greatly. The most important lesson that The Wind Waker taught Nintendo gamers in the 00s is to not judge a game solely based off of its graphics – a lesson many individuals still have yet to learn.
3) Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Synopsis: “Like its predecessor, Super Smash Bros. Melee differs from traditional fighting games in that inflicting the most damage does not guarantee victory. Instead, opposing players must force their opponents beyond the boundaries of the stage. Most attacks inflict damage and can, if enough damage is dealt, knock back the enemy. Each character’s health is measured by a meter that represents the damage received as a percentage. The higher the percentage value, the farther the player gets knocked back, and the easier they are to knock off the stage.”
Game-changer: COMPETITION
Fans of the Super Smash Bros games frequently have debates regarding whether Melee (2001) or Brawl (2008) is the better game, but in this case, it really doesn’t matter. Super Smash Bros Melee defined the quintessential party game for the decade. It fostered fierce competition between players and it is known for being very easy to pick up and play. In addition, playing as your favorite Nintendo characters has never been more fun. Melee is by far the more influential game of the decade simply because it came before Brawl. While Super Smash Bros (1999) for the Nintendo 64 started the franchise, Melee transcended the gaming world like its predecessor hadn’t before in terms of competition. Players fostered the expansive growth of a competitive Melee circuit, unlike a non-traditional fighting game had ever seen before, making it near the top of this list.
2) Metroid Prime (2002)
Synopsis: “As in previous Metroid games, Prime takes place in a large, open-ended world with different regions connected by elevators. Each region has a set of rooms separated by doors that can be opened with a shot from the correct beam. The gameplay revolves around solving puzzles to reveal secrets, platform jumping, and shooting foes with the help of a “lock-on” mechanism that allows circle strafing while staying aimed on the enemy.”
Game-changer: IMMERSION
It’s a close battle between this game and the one I chose for the number one spot on this list, but Metroid Prime lands at number two. There’s a reason some have called this game “the Citzen Kane of video games.” The immersion in this first-person adventure is spectacular, creating a fantastic suspension of disbelief. The artistry and scenery is also top-notch for a game of its time, which also expands to the steam and rain effects that appear on Samus Aran’s visor. The control was unique at first, but flowed very naturally for a solo-stick setup and lock-on system. Combine all of this with heart-racing action, clever strategy, and epic boss battles and you have one of the most defining Nintendo games of the decade.
1) Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Synopsis: “The player controls Leon S. Kennedy from a third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective during a mission to rescue the daughter of the President of the United States, Ashley Graham. The gameplay focuses on action and shootouts involving crowds of enemies in large open areas. The camera is focused behind Leon, and it zooms in for an over-the-shoulder view when aiming a weapon.”
Game-changer: DYNAMIC CUT SCENES
Resident Evil 4 maximized the graphic potential of the Gamecube, told an immersive narrative, displayed how a third-person shooter should be done, and became the gold standard for which the survival horror genre will try to live up to. While all of that is impressive for gaming, two traits are important to consider as video games move forward into a new decade. Primarily, the Resident Evil (Biohazard) games had never seen that much critical acclaim before the fourth installment. However, the re-invention that took place shows promise for franchises that exist today and those still to come that games can become major successes if enough effort is put into them. Also, as games become more cinematic, Resident Evil 4 helped push these cut-scenes to be more dynamic and interactive by having players press certain buttons during them to alter game events. While the franchise may never reach the success it once had ever again, RE4 changed video games as we know it on a Nintendo console this decade through all of these subjects.
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY ONE MORE DAY!!!!
My answer to yesterday’s question:
1) Thunderbolt – Gives a great and accurate charge into your opponent.
2) Surf – An amazing move for an HM pretty early on in the game.
3) Curse (ghost) – A deliciously evil move that works wonders on gym leaders’ top baddies.
Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver is just about here! That is, unless you will likely get screwed by online shipping and the fact that it’s released on a Sunday. Besides the nostalgia factor, why are you looking forward to Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver?
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY TWO MORE DAYS!!
My answer to yesterday’s question: Favorite – Jasmine…she has a Steelix and, let’s face it, she’s pretty damn cute too. Least favorite – Janine…with Koga moving to the Elite 4, she’s simply a lousy replacement.
Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver features more than 400 different types of attacks! If you were to name your top three favorite Pokémon attacks, what would they be?
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY THREE MORE DAYS!!
My answer to yesterday’s question: Goldenrod City. So many things to do, such a beautiful cityscape, and the greatest town music in the game.
Since Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver features Johto and Kanto, that means there are more gym leaders than your typical game! Excluding the Elite 4 and Red, who is your favorite gym leader from Pokémon Gold/Silver and WHY? Least favorite?
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS!!
My answer to yesterday’s question: Champion and Rival Battle are great and all, but Dark Cave/Slowpoke Well/Ice Path is epic…especially their HG/SS remix.
One of the best parts of the original Pokémon Gold/Silver was the ability to travel to both Johto and Kanto – a feature that naturally returns in Heart Gold/Soul Silver! What is your favorite town or landmark, Johto or Kanto, from Pokémon Gold/Silver and WHY?
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY FIVE MORE DAYS!!
My answer to yesterday’s question: NOT Altaria, but STEELIX.
Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver has an amazing soundtrack! What is your favorite song from the original Gold/Silver?
For each day until the release of Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, I will be posing a question for the community to give their feedback on.
ONLY SIX MORE DAYS!!
What is your favorite Pokémon that was initially introduced in Gold/Silver? This means #152-251 on the Pokédex.
Seeing as how today is Valentine’s Day, one can’t help but think about the topic of relationships. And seeing as how I’m writing this for a blog about video games…well, it’s only natural to consider the topic on that front.
Before we take a look at the different kinds of relationships that there are in the gaming medium, let’s first think about film. Usually, for a screenplay to be successful, characters need to go through changes. When a member of the opposite sex is involved in a character’s personal growth, it typically follows the same kind of trend. Boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl shows no interest, boy does something to get interest, the two start dating, problems occur along the way, a breaking point occurs where it seems like the relationship will never recover, and through some dramatic event, the two live happily ever after. Of course, the two sexes in this scenario can be reversed and certain storylines like to break this overall pattern, but in films, we love to see characters go through an arc that shows how much they’ve changed from the beginning of the story. And ultimately, if a relationship is involved, we want to see the two characters with so much sexual tension between them end up happily ever after. The entire romantic comedy genre is based entirely off this plotline and yet the same kind of trend carries over to other types of movies.
And still, as video games are becoming more and more cinematic and story-driven these days, we don’t see this type of fairy-tale ending between couples in this burgeoning medium as often as we should! Let’s take a look at the different kinds of relationships that are prevalent with industry-defining characters and how they buck the common romantic storytelling trend. Warning: Some spoilers and many unhealthy pairs are ahead!
Prime example: Sonic the Hedgehog and Amy Rose (Sonic Adventure 2: Battle)
While it is possible that these two have more history to them, let’s take a look one of my favorite Sonic titles where these two are involved. The first interaction we see between the two defines their interaction throughout the entire game perfectly. Amy falls head over heels for Sonic, doing whatever she can to win his affections (like freeing him from prison), while Sonic runs off without even thanking the pink hedgehog. Amy even sheds tears at thinking Sonic is dead near the end of the game, but all the blue blur can do is come back and basically say “Yeah, I’m cool.” The relationship between these two characters is heavily imbalanced, even though they are seen as a pair, as one character’s love goes completely unreciprocated throughout the entire game.
Prime examples: Mario and Peach (Super Mario Bros.), Link and Zelda (Legend of Zelda)
This could also be seen as “the hero gets none” situation. For two iconic video game characters, Mario and Link brave the biggest baddies imaginable in their world to, in the end, ultimately save the princess’ lives. And for what? A kiss on their cheek at best? Well, excuuuuuuuse me, but cartoon Link is still waiting for that kiss, princess! Another type of unreciprocated relationship, the targets in-question at least know that the protagonists exist and did…something…to help them out. However, they seem to have no comprehension as far as the danger the heroes put themselves through just for them! A kiss only goes so far when you’ve gone up against the Kings of Evil and the Koopas.
Prime example: Raiden and Rosemary (Metal Gear Solid 2)
Sometimes there is just no helping a relationship, even when one is established in a video game. It even goes so far as to think that maybe they shouldn’t have been together in the first place. As far as Raiden and Rosemary are concerned, it’s your not-so-typical story of boy with disturbed past meets girl, the two fall in love, but then girl reveals that she’s a spy, but girl promises that her love for scorned boy was real. And then girl might not even be real and might actually be a computer simulation instead. And then girl is actually real and is preggers. And somehow boy and girl stick together. But then boy goes crazy five years later and girl marries old guy who was boy’s boss and was also not real during their lover’s spat…yeah. Enough is enough! When a relationship gets to be so messed up that you can’t even make the events up, it’s time to call it quits.
Prime example: Cloud and Aerith (Final Fantasy VII)
A relationship that seems destined to occur, until tragedy strikes and separates the two forever, Cloud and Aerith are perfect examples of star-crossed lovers, just like Romeo and Juliet. Except Romeo didn’t have a dark badass named Sephiroth come in and slaughter Juliet. And Aerith didn’t self-administer poison to herself, only to awake to a dead Cloud, and…wait, what? Still, the point remains that gaming characters often have their loves killed, even if it’s before the game’s plot, and they spend the rest of the title exacting their emotionally-charged vengeance. That’s right, they are motivated by a relationship…that only exists through death.
Prime examples: Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance (Half-Life 2), Snake and Meryl (Metal Gear Solid)
It’s the plot point that drives everybody crazy. When two characters have palpable sexual tension between the two, yet saving the world becomes the first priority instead of their relationship. And after the primary objective is complete, the two nod at each other and pretty much leave it at “job well done.” In Half-Life 2, Gordon and Alyx have an unspoken connection, probably because of the protagonist’s muteness, yet at the end, Alyx’s fate is undetermined. And still, Snake and Meryl have it worse in Metal Gear Solid. Through awkward conversations, ass-staring, hypnotic desires and more, Snake is pretty much screwed because he cannot genetically reproduce. Is it just me or does Kojima like to tweak with the concept a little too much? It doesn’t help that Meryl goes and ultimately marries the wussy d-bag of the franchise. This issue seems to plague video games and frankly, it is not appreciated in the slightest.
Prime example: Mr. and Ms. PacMan (PacMan)
Sure, Mr. and Ms. PacMan are married, but does the gamer really care? Plain and simple, when a game says two characters are together, but it hardly plays a significant role, it can be awfully frustrating. Why even add that to their characters when it won’t shape the character’s arcs at all? Totally lame.
Prime example: Master Chief and Cortana (Halo)
She’s a computer projection, Chief. Get a grip, dude.
Why do you think significant video game characters are plagued with this problem? Are the game creators trying to make a statement about the players who assume control of these characters? Or do they think that the player really doesn’t care about an emotionally engaging, fascinating love story in a video game? Is that why, when they actually try (see: Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties), it abysmally fails? Leave your comments about thoughts regarding the representation of relationships between characters in video games.
Happy Single’s Awareness Day!