Ever since I have been involved in the gaming industry and more recently since I have been reviewing games I have wondered about our current generation’s retail price point. I always thought the $60 price point was so arbitrary, why $60 and not $50 or even $40. I know games have been more expensive in the past, but I question why all games have the same base price. Most games end up getting reduced at a later date after slow sales anyways and if that is the price consumers feel the game is worth, wouldn’t it be smart to START at that price? This is why I think we should have a variable pricing structure on all games.
Retail Price Point
26 06 2009Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Call of Duty 4, fallout 3, inFAMOUS, Killzone 2, Opinion, Retail Price Point, Terminator Salvation
Categories : Opinion
Uncharted 2 Beta Impressions
9 06 2009
Due to my recent purchase of inFAMOUS, look for that review soon, I had the opportunity to participate in the Uncharted 2 closed multiplayer beta. The beta includes two modes: competitive multiplayer and co-operative multiplayer.
In competitive multiplayer there are two different game types, plunder and regular team deathmatch both of which can be played on one of two different maps. Plunder is sort of like the traditional capture the flag but with loot, your objective as a team is to find the treasure and successfully return it to your “base”. This in turn grants you a point and the first team to 5 points wins the match. Both of the maps, The Village and The Plaza are smaller type maps but highly vertical granting you the ability to scale most of the buildings to successful flank your enemies. Before the match begins you have the ability to customize your character as well as vote on which game type you want to play.
In co-operative multiplayer you play as Drake, Chloe, or Sully in a section called Nepal War Zone. You progress through the level completing different mission objectives and at times are actually forced to work together in order to proceed. Co-operative multiplayer truly captured the classic Uncharted feel and seamlessly progresses through the level. Like competitive multiplayer you gain coins based on kills and other mission objectives along with medals you achieve in order to level up your character.
Overall after playing both of the objectives and maps multiple times I was pleasantly surprised. Upon first glance you can’t help but notice the stunning graphics, which is to be expected, but the controls were simple and intuitive. The levels along with being highly vertical also appear to be well balanced with many different routes and options for tactical play. All of these things are exactly what you want in a multiplayer setting, which is refreshing. Since it’s a beta some flaws are to be expected, the small problems I had were with the hit detection and the occasional spawn camping. Although probably not a problem with the beta I also had trouble at times finding a game. Lastly my only complaint was with the game setup, after completion of a game everyone must cancel out and find another game instead of automatically transitioning into the next game. After playing the multiplayer I can honestly say that Naughty Dog has made a truly top notch multiplayer to compliment their already first rate single player. I will continue to play the beta and eagerly look forward to the full release. This beta only confirms that I will be purchasing Uncharted 2 on day one.
If you have had a chance to play the beta I would be eager to hear your impressions, do so via the comments below.
Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: Among Thieves, Beta, Multiplayer, Naughty Dog, Uncharted 2, Uncharted 2 Beta
Categories : Opinion, PS3
Why Game?
8 04 2009
I recently had a question posed to me from a non gamer that on the surface appeared easy. But after some thought I found myself asking the same question. What was it might you ask, simple, Why do you play video games?
My first reaction was effortless, hey why don’t you play games? But decided against that and after some thought said that gaming was a hobby of mine that I enjoy. After the conversation ended I felt good about my answer but still continued to ask, but why? Of all the hobbies I could have chosen why video games? It’s obviously something I enjoy or it wouldn’t be a hobby, something inside must lean me towards video games. Granted I grew up playing video games but that can’t be the only reason and if it is what about that first experience led me to continue to play to this day?
So there I sat thinking, what has led me and millions of others to embrace this “hobby”? Is it the interaction with other players of like minds? Or maybe it’s the interaction with the character that eventually leads to an emotional investment? What if it’s because our lives are so complex that we enjoy something that is solvable or where our actions have no repercussions. I know I will never be able to play professional sports no matter how much I would like to, is that why I like playing Madden or NBA 2K9? Because in these games I get to experience something I otherwise wouldn’t have. The human race as a whole loves to be in control and while playing games we have the opportunity to control or role play others lives, is that why we enjoy games? Then I thought, wait, what if it’s not even that complex. What if people enjoy video games as just another form of entertainment?
Any or all of these could be a valid reason, but since I can’t speak for the masses I will simply state why I choose to game. I enjoy the entire experience of gaming but those experiences and what I choose to do to get to that experience may differ each gaming session. For instance one time I may just want pure entertainment while another session I may want to be challenged and use strategy to achieve a goal or role-play and interact with the character and my friends. What I am trying to say is there is no one reason why I enjoy gaming. It’s the combination of all of these and the choice to choose your experience which most gamers enjoy and ultimately why I believe they also choose to game.
So … I will ask you, why do you game? I would be interested to hear your response. Please let us know in the comments below.
Like always we welcome and encourage your feedback not only on this article but all of our articles/features. If you haven’t had the chance to check them out please take this as a formal invitation to do so.
Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: Gaming, Madden, NBA 2K9, Question, Why
Categories : Opinion
Relationships & Gaming
25 02 2009
Playing video games is a hobby in which I enjoy but at times can take up a huge chunk of my time, while some have that time to waste others like myself have a wife and a family making it difficult to strike that perfect balance. How can we as gamers find that time to enjoy our hobby but also not let any of our relationships suffer because of it? Is it possible for both of these to successfully co-exist and if so, how can that be done? I by no means have all the answers but will attempt to answer those questions.
As if relationships weren’t hard enough already combine the fact that most gamers are automatically flagged as irresponsible and lazy therefore the uninformed will automatically believe this. However gaming like most hobbies is something you enjoy doing on your free time and if taken too far can obviously be harmful to not only your health but the health of your relationships. Therefore the first tip is moderation, you must be careful that the time you do spend gaming is actually “free” time, nothing will upset a spouse more that neglecting a priority in order to play games. It is sometimes difficult for me to understand how my wife could possibly enjoy scrapbooking but have come to terms that is something she enjoys spending her time doing and understand and support her hobby. Which is our next tip, be understanding, most gamers aren’t lucky enough to also have a spouse who understands our hobby or even one who games themselves. But in order for your spouse to put up with your hobby you also need to be supportive and understand their hobby, whatever that may be. Heck, you can even have hobby time where you get the time to game and she has the time to do what she enjoys. At times there is nothing I want to do more than to get some gaming in but instead that time would be better spent with my wife and family enjoying both of their company. So the last tip is to make time for others whether or not that includes your personal family or just friends. It is very rewarding and in the end may allow you more gaming time. Whether I always show it or not my wife and child both need to know that they will ALWAYS come before my hobby and nothing shows that more than deciding to spend some time with them instead of gaming.
So, how can you accomplish both being in a successful relationship, being a father and having time to game? Which I admit I am not perfect at and sometimes cross the line but it ultimately boils down to prioritizing your responsibilities, using moderation, being understanding and making time for family. If you have any tips to share or feedback regarding the article let us know below in the comments. Also feel free to check out any of our other articles or make a suggestion on what you would like us to cover; we would love to hear from you.
Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: Beyond The D-Pad, Gaming, Relationships, Tips
Categories : Opinion
