Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it’s for “hardcore” gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games?
It’s sorta like DS’s first year, no? Everyone — publishers, developers, and gamers — are trying to figure out how it works; and what works. So then, aren’t we a little concerned? Fearful that Wii is just a gimmick. The gems will come, but might we also be faced with a lotta “meh.” SSX has been a reliable franchise, but Blur has so far scored the lowest average of any of the series’ console iterations — it’s hard not to see a message in that.
Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it’s for “hardcore” gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games?
It’s sorta like DS’s first year, no? Everyone — publishers, developers, and gamers — are trying to figure out how it works; and what works. So then, aren’t we a little concerned? Fearful that Wii is just a gimmick. The gems will come, but might we also be faced with a lotta “meh.” SSX has been a reliable franchise, but Blur has so far scored the lowest average of any of the series’ console iterations — it’s hard not to see a message in that.
Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it’s for “hardcore” gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games?
It’s sorta like DS’s first year, no? Everyone — publishers, developers, and gamers — are trying to figure out how it works; and what works. So then, aren’t we a little concerned? Fearful that Wii is just a gimmick. The gems will come, but might we also be faced with a lotta “meh.” SSX has been a reliable franchise, but Blur has so far scored the lowest average of any of the series’ console iterations — it’s hard not to see a message in that.
EA’s been selling Skate without gameplay footage (pre-rendered or not). With a series of ‘confessional shorts’ — featuring lesser-known, and therefore skaters’ skaters like PJ Ladd, Chris Cole, Jason Dill, Jerry Hsu, and Dennis Busenitz — EA is a building a thinly veiled promise. Skate will be pure; skateboarding without the “X,” Gatorade, and lot of corporate sponsors. EA wants us to believe it’s building art, not its next perennial sports franchise. This is smart advertising. But is it genuine?
EA’s been selling Skate without gameplay footage (pre-rendered or not). With a series of ‘confessional shorts’ — featuring lesser-known, and therefore skaters’ skaters like PJ Ladd, Chris Cole, Jason Dill, Jerry Hsu, and Dennis Busenitz — EA is a building a thinly veiled promise. Skate will be pure; skateboarding without the “X,” Gatorade, and lot of corporate sponsors. EA wants us to believe it’s building art, not its next perennial sports franchise. This is smart advertising. But is it genuine?
EA’s been selling Skate without gameplay footage (pre-rendered or not). With a series of ‘confessional shorts’ — featuring lesser-known, and therefore skaters’ skaters like PJ Ladd, Chris Cole, Jason Dill, Jerry Hsu, and Dennis Busenitz — EA is a building a thinly veiled promise. Skate will be pure; skateboarding without the “X,” Gatorade, and lot of corporate sponsors. EA wants us to believe it’s building art, not its next perennial sports franchise. This is smart advertising. But is it genuine?
Apparently baseball players’ involvement with video games goes further than Guitar Hero related injuries. An Orange County Register story reveals that games like Sony’s MLB ‘07 The Show have “virtually become required playing in every clubhouse and on the PSPs players use to pass travel time.”
The little factoid is unattributed, but probably came from Mets third baseman and The Show cover star David Wright, who goes on to explain the game’s usefulness as a tool for checking out the competition. “Pitchers throw the curves and sliders they’re known for and hitters chase what they chase in the game. It’s like scouting,” Wright said. Does anyone else miss the days when sports games were more about accessible fun and less about being virtually indistinguishable from their real life counterparts?
Apparently baseball players’ involvement with video games goes further than Guitar Hero related injuries. An Orange County Register story reveals that games like Sony’s MLB ‘07 The Show have “virtually become required playing in every clubhouse and on the PSPs players use to pass travel time.”
The little factoid is unattributed, but probably came from Mets third baseman and The Show cover star David Wright, who goes on to explain the game’s usefulness as a tool for checking out the competition. “Pitchers throw the curves and sliders they’re known for and hitters chase what they chase in the game. It’s like scouting,” Wright said. Does anyone else miss the days when sports games were more about accessible fun and less about being virtually indistinguishable from their real life counterparts?
Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it’s for “hardcore” gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games?
Apparently baseball players’ involvement with video games goes further than 