Messages

2026

Entertainment / Re: GENERAL COMIC BOOK THREAD (MANGA NOT ALLOWED)

« on: August 07, 2010, 12:26:40 PM »

I'm following Green Arrow also, just because I've always liked Green Arrow. Although I haven't been a big fan of what they've done to him recently though.  I think I'm dropping JLA though.  It just doesn't interest me much anymore.  Perhaps I'll replace it with JLI, now that they're back and Jamie Reyes is back in a comic again.....other than Teen Titans, which is terrible.

JLI has been ruling quite hard in their last few comics. Them, and Booster Gold, are just classic JLI. It's amazing to see them back after so long. ;_;

And I actually enjoyed both Green Arrow issues I've read, but I'm not buying them, or following them strictly.

2027

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 07, 2010, 12:24:07 PM »

If you didn't gather from the remainder of my post, I'm not arguing with that one.  I don't believe that's the approach that Sonic Team should be taking with the supporting cast.
You bring up an interesting point, but a bit over-simplified.  Heroes had several problems.  One, among many, is that it went the opposite way: There was virtually no difference ability-wise between the teams.  Nearly all differences that did exist were obvious substitutes for stage gimmick compatibility, with no real gameplay relevance (shooting downwards vs. belly-flopping; Amy firing tornados out of her hammer, WTF?).  It's two opposite extremes.  There is a happy middle ground, and it's something that outside of Black Knight, Sega has not hit in the last decade.

Three of the four teams are effectively your difficulty setting.   Lousy thing to do, as you inevitably have gameplay preferences clashing with aesthetic preferences.  Such options should be separate of character select.

Further, one could argue that the multi-gameplay-mold character approach was taken in Heroes, merely with the ability to switch mid-stage.  It's the same core problem as with separate level designs such as the Werehog; the Speed character is the only one that handles the way you actually want to.  The only difference is that it's segments of the stage rather than the entire stage designed around mandatory character abilities, which makes the whole thing slightly more tolerable, but still very tedious, forced, and uninteresting.  Yoshi's Island DS suffers similar issues with its baby-swapping.

And finally, the critical flaw of Heroes was in how it approached the impact the teams had on replay.  Rather than giving you a reason to WANT to replay, they made them a reason you HAVE to replay.  Two different things.  Nobody ever cleared S3&K as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles because it was mandatory to unlock an extra scenario.  They did it because the characters were worth trying out on your own terms.  They don't unlock any extra levels/stories, and they SHOULDN'T.  Again, Black Knight nailed it in that respect.  The Knights of the Round Table all had unique moves, all fit within the basic gameplay requirements, and all were selectable as a matter of preference and never as a matter of forced unlock methods.  That's how you do it.  Character choice works when the choice is up to the player, not to what stage you're in.
Done over two years ago by Sonic and the Secret Rings.  Good game, Sonic-solo game, traditional mechanics be damned, nobody cared.  Why do they need to take Sonic solo again, much less in two different titles at once? (three if Blaze is not in the "Rush 3" Colors on DS)

I'm not saying the multi-character approach is bad. I AM saying, however, that Sega shouldn't be experimenting with several different characters for the same areas in their own games. It's hard enough for them to nail a single stage's design into a single character's gameplay already. In their current state, if they tried to shove in more characters, it would be a complete mess. And that when they tried it with Heroes, they ultimately failed, even though it's considered one of the most "decent" games (which it wasn't, as it was merely average, with quite alot of problems). Let Sega do what they're doing RIGHT before they do what you like.

And Secret Rings wasn't GOOD. It was average. It also had its fair share of problems, and as it was released shortly after Sonic 06, it didn't redeem Sonic in anyone's mind. Right now, Sega have finally settled with a single gameplay for Sonic games. Let's let them keep it and make it better from game to game, and when they finally have critical appraisal and people start seeing Sonic as a good game character again,THEN you can have your playable Tails skin with slightly different physics and flying move.

2028

Gaming / Re: Metroid Discussion Thread

« on: August 07, 2010, 05:42:27 AM »

The Zero Suit, by itself, has no function.

We don't know that yet.

2029

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 07, 2010, 05:17:53 AM »

The only problem I had with Tails' stages in SA1 was that you were constantly being chased.  It wasn't a bad thing, but in a sense you couldn't explore because you were trying to outrun something.  I actually like SA1's stage design FAR more than SA2's simply because of the fact that the stages were a lot more open and different characters got to see different sides of it.  Sonic had one version of Emerald Coast involving a whale chase and a lot of other stuff, E-102 had a shortened version of Sonic's, and Big got to see a whole new segment of it altogether.  It's this same mechanic that made S3&K interesting to play (with Knuckles), as you get to see the story from multiple sides, not just in storyline, but aesthetically as well.

I actually didn't like it as much. Made certain characters, like Big, be a bit confusing to play on certain levels. And doing something like that with nowadays' Sonic Team would be abysmal, as they're the kings of making levels unsuitable for characters' gameplays. SA2 made it easier. Levels were designed exclusively for the characters, and each gameplay worked in its own way. It was better. Made each gameplay work well too, because I think we can all agree that Amy's and Big's gameplay from SA1 wasn't really very good.

Also, S&K's... story? Hahahahahahaha. Oh yes, you got to see maybe 30 seconds altogether of characters making faces and laughing to express their good-ness or evil-ness in the current situation.

My only gripe with Tails in SA1 was that the levels were too short.  Due to the nature of racing the game can't load multi-part stages the way it does with Sonic.  The fact that you're racing isn't much of a letdown since the AI is fairly laid back (unlike, say, Sonic Rivals 2, which is abysmal).
Well, it's not that it's bad, it's just not Tails.  I don't buy the good-mirror-of-Eggman thing.  I know Tails is a handy mechanic, but I don't see him as piloting robots for his adventures.  He's supposed to be more hands-on.  For Eggman, it's awesome.

Each character needed its own "rival", in a way. Tails just worked well. It's stupid to shoehorn how each person sees this or that character, since Knuckles had linear levels in the first few games, and then his stuff became hunting-based. I don't see anyone complaining about that. People just don't like to see Tails in a robot suit. I did.

Making a good Sonic game and making repeated good Sonic games are two different things.  I'd rather Tails not miss his chance.

Every single time Sonic Team has tried to shove more than one gameplay in a game this generation, they failed. Let's let them focus on Sonic alone before they do something else. Baby steps.

That, right there, is the trap that Sonic Team keeps falling into.  It's where much of the current resentment towards Sonic's supporting cast comes from.  It detracts from the focus of the title and is especially dangerous in Sonic titles, as slower characters get larger focus for the sake of easing level design.  It's not a bad idea, but it belongs in a spinoff game, not a Sonic game.  Talk Sega into a new-age Tails Adventure, then we can talk about free flight and new level designs.

I just don't agree with this idea that the road to success is a solo adventure.  It's boring.  Once upon a time, different characters could play in the same stages with abilities that were unique without completely breaking the basic style of the gameplay.  It's one of the things I liked about Black Knight.  Mario's done it to great success as well (SM64DS).  It adds a layer of personal preference to the game and enhances replay value.

This is the idea that Sonic Heroes went through. Playing through the same story with characters that are exactly the same in gameplay except for a few details. We all know how that went, right?

Problem with Sonic fans? Instead of caring about having an actual QUALITY GAME, they gripe about the most meaningless [parasitic bomb]. Like how this or that character should have relevance, or how they should do this or that with the voice actors, or with the story, or with the (shudder) "canon". I say bullshit. Until Sonic Team nails a game that's about SONIC, with SONIC gameplay, they shouldn't be working on anything else. We've had to babysit them and watch their slow baby steps into good gaming territory again for these past ten years. With each game, they either fall into the shitpit, or get slowly closer and closer to what a good game should be. If they manage to nail a decent Sonic game, I'll be very happy. And when they manage to nail a good game, with good gameplay and good mechanics, THEN they should worry about the bells and whistles. But right now, Sonic is meaningless. They should worry about making a GOOD GAME, before worrying about making a GOOD SONIC GAME.

2030

Gaming / Re: Metroid Discussion Thread

« on: August 07, 2010, 05:09:40 AM »

How do you figure that?  Just because the model exists doesn't mean we'll ever see it outside of a cutscene.  See Prime 2 and 3.

As far as flexibility goes, Other M looks to be unusually physical for a Metroid game as it is, with Samus going in for a lot of grab action.  Doesn't seem to be any issues there.

We don't know if the model will be played in the game. I'm just saying I don't like the heels, and they're not functional. And that the Zero Suit should offer some kind of functionality.

2031

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 07, 2010, 03:59:37 AM »

For me, I didn't like the deal of Tails being stuck in that thing all game.  For Eggman, it worked out great because you don't get to play as him normally, and having him play like an upgraded E-102 was genius.  Tails should be out in the field flying and whatnot.  I had the opportunity to try 2006 a couple of weeks ago, and I almost cried when I found out that Tails' only method of attack was that stupid dummy ring toss from Heroes. *facepalms*

Good point.  Once we get some truly solid Sonic gameplay, we can ask for Tails and Knuckles (and Metal Sonic!) as playables.  IMO, the last time they really had a grip on that was SA1/SADX, as the stages were wonderfully designed with exploration in mind, and no character was a drag to use.

The Tails' stages from SA1, although working, weren't THAT good. Mostly because the flying was a bit awkward to control, and it felt very loose. If we could have levels actually made for Tails, with free flight and good gameplay, it would definetly work, the same way SA1 and 2's Knuckles levels were built specially for him, and when understood, his gameplay worked like a charm for each and every level.

I'd like to have Tornado stages as well. Stages which aren't just some damn QTE, I mean. I miss the Panzer Dragoon-styled levels from SA1.

But for now, Sega is doing what's important. They're focusing on Sonic and Sonic alone, which is what everyone wants. Give us a SONIC game, and after that, bother with the extra bells and whistles.

2032

Gaming / Re: Metroid Discussion Thread

« on: August 07, 2010, 03:21:19 AM »

Probably.
They way I see it, we NEED to have another "suitless with arm cannon" mode.  Sure, the Morph Ball makes no sense that way, but who cares?
Too much Brawl logic, I think.  The Power Suit has been repeatedly stated to aid, not restrict, Samus's acrobatics.

I don't see the Zero Suit as being of any tactical use.  I've always just thought of it as an "underskin" to the Power Suit.

It's still a change from a bulky suit to a slim outfit. It may change her abilities in other ways. The suit may aid some acrobatics, but hinder others due to flexibility issues. I dunno, but since the Zero Suit's here, they gotta justify it in some way.

2033

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 07, 2010, 03:20:09 AM »

Oh, I don't know, Heroes saw worse.  I don't think it's terribly great, but it's decent enough.  Kinda reminds me of 3D Blast.

Every image of Tails is a F*@#ing cocktease.  If this game plays anywhere NEAR as good as it looks, I'll be raging that much more about his not being playable despite being featured in the damn debut trailer...

(I swear Tails has not had a remotely competent playable appearance since Adventure1)

I actually really liked Tails' gameplay in SA2. Found it kind of an upgrade upon E-102's gameplay, minus the wheels (which I missed).

Still, I seriously don't think we should be asking for ANY Tails gameplay at all until we get a proper game with Sonic. After that, MAYBE we'll see.

2034

Gaming / Re: A guy to make a game about peer- pressure on sex

« on: August 07, 2010, 03:18:58 AM »

Bingo.  Unfortunately, we live in a culture that's sex-saturated, and when you mix that with parents who want other mediums to do the parenting for them, you get stuff like this.  To me, the really backwards part about it is making it for the girls.  It would make for sense for them to teach the guys not to pressure the girls and to treat them with respect, but whatever. :/

Guys are way more hormone driven. Girls go slutty due to peer-pressure.

2035

Gaming / Re: Vanquish

« on: August 07, 2010, 03:12:42 AM »

I couldn't imagine it being any more difficult than having to implement the AI allies that the game has currently. Hell, I definitely would have preferred having it be "just me and Friender against the world", rather than having to likely do more to babysit human allies that more than likely will just get in my way.

But hey, Mikami likes to have interesting surprises in his games (RE4 and God Hand both attest to that). Maybe the dog lives on in his OWN mode!

It would be much more difficult. In current squad games, you do very little to order your teammates around. And another teammate is just another player walking about.

If you look at the dog correctly, he can be used as both cover and missile deployment. First of all, third person shooters like this are built on the tactical use of cover. Letting you place your own cover wherever you want would [tornado fang] up the game stage design severely. Second, having to control a second thingy along with your main character would be tricky, specially when doing stuff like cover fire for missiles. Do you place a marker with the second analog stick? Do you have to stand in one place while using it? Should the machine work similarly to the Mk II in MGS4?

It would be very complicated to implement something like this in a game. Maybe if they based part of the gameplay around it, it would work. But this is clearly a cool idea they had to throw around, and couldn't implement. I say save it for the sequel, and implement it PROPERLY. Make us proud.

2036

Gaming / Re: Vanquish

« on: August 07, 2010, 12:52:11 AM »

Ah yeah, i heard about that. It would've been [tornado fang]ing awesome to have a robotic dog at your side pummeling down enemies.

I believe there was even a concept art for it somewhere. Have to go search for it again.

Posted on: August 06, 2010, 02:43:32 PM

... FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Would have been quite complicated to implement and maybe not very suitable to the gameplay. Maybe in a possible sequel.

2037

Entertainment / Re: GENERAL COMIC BOOK THREAD (MANGA NOT ALLOWED)

« on: August 07, 2010, 12:11:51 AM »

Already following Brightest Day, GL, GLC, Outsiders, Flash, Star Wars: Invasion, and Deadpool, so I'll just keep on going with those.

Anywho, speaking of Brightest Day...  I wonder if Johns will ever reveal Larfleeze's motto.  Perhaps what has transpired in a recent issue will lead up to that.  Or, we may never know it because it's more fitting that Larfleeze never share it, the greedy lil Muppet.

Try reading the Annihilation event from Marvel Cosmic. You won't regret it.

And he's going to reveal it sooner or later, he said his oath was the best. Not just that, we'll soon know the question Hal wanted to ask Sinestro before Blackest Night.

2038

Off The Wall / Re: Latest Buys

« on: August 06, 2010, 11:11:46 PM »

Two point cards for XBLA and PSN. And a Classic Controller to give as a birthday present.

2039

Entertainment / Re: GENERAL COMIC BOOK THREAD (MANGA NOT ALLOWED)

« on: August 06, 2010, 10:58:40 PM »

I don't know if they'll turn into Black Lanterns again as much as they might just outright die. From what it seems like to me, all of them are hovering between life and death, except for Zoom who got to live cause he accomplished his task.  Ironically enough, the task I'm most interested in is probably Max Lord's.

Heck, aside from the main book, Flash and GL, Justice League: Generation Lost is the only Brighest Day book I'm following. Max is finally being written by his makers, so this should be really good.

2040

Forum Games / Re: "What Are You Thinking Now?"

« on: August 06, 2010, 10:56:49 PM »

Hmmmmmmm, perhaps Wipeout HD for the PS3?

Also, I need to pick up HYDROOOOO THUNDER for the XBLA when I get power back in my room!

Oh, forgot that one. Borrowed on account.

...I got pretty much all big PS3 games because of borrowed accounts. =P God bless piracy-allowing Sony.

2041

Gaming / Re: Street Fighter vs. Tekken

« on: August 06, 2010, 10:50:29 PM »

Again, I like how guys like you like to do things to put the likes of the typical SRK/Mishima Zaibatsu denizen on blast for things like this, and yet you do things like this which are basically just as bad, if not arguably worse. 

I was replying to a guy who said that not knowing Tekken was a good thing. I love both types of fighter, but I am fully aware that elitism from one side or the other is completely stupid. They're both very good types of games, for different kinds of crowds, types and moods. Yes, I do consider that simply "trying to have fun" with Street Fighter is kind of hard, seeing it's a very strict game in terms of moves, and any newcomer playing the game for some casual fun between friends isn't going to enjoy himself much. While Tekken's more of a casual fighter, you don't have to practice alot or learn any big moves to play it, it's fun and fluid, and easy to learn the basic stuff to fight. I actually do prefer stricter fighters such as Street Fighter, but I consider Tekken just as worthy of a game.

What I do HATE, are people from one side badmouthing the other game because it's too simple, or too mash-friendly. I was criticizing HIM, not the genre. My opinion towards the evolution of the genre as a whole is one thing, but I do love it, and accept it as always. But this is basically hardcore gamers criticizing casual gamers. It's [tornado fang]ing stupid, "no-fun-allowed" mentality, and I hate it.

2042

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 06, 2010, 10:43:06 PM »

It's not the lyrics that I have a problem with, cause cheesy lyrics are ALWAYS a plus for me. It's really just the singing itself, or lack of singing due to auto-tuner.

Just think it's something like Daft Punk. Incredibly different, seeing as this band is kinda more bullshit punk, but this song in itself seems quite nice.

2043

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 06, 2010, 07:27:15 PM »

I think I'm the only one who does not like that song.

Kotaku based the announcement post on how they don't like that song.

http://kotaku.com/5606449/sonic-colors-gameplay-excites-but-that-theme-song-has-to-go

2044

Forum Games / Re: "What Are You Thinking Now?"

« on: August 06, 2010, 07:26:34 PM »

Alrighty.

PSN:
- Everyday Shooter
- Megaman 9
- Fat Princess (borrowed from other account)
- Super Stardust HD
- Echochronome
- Flower
- FFVII (borrowed from other account)
- Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen
- Crash Bandicoot 3 (borrowed from other account)

XBLA:
- Bionic Commando Rearmed
- Braid
- Duke Nukem 3D
- Ikaruga
- Omega Five
- Prince of Persia Classic
- Rocket Knight
- Shadow Complex
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Sonic & Knuckles
- Streets of Rage 2
- Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 Arcade
- Triggerheart Exellica
- Undertow
- Carcassone
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Dash of Destruction
- Hexic HD
- The Secret Of Monkey Island: Special Edition
- N+

This is all the stuff I have. Dunno if it says anything about my taste or not, but meh.

2045

Gaming / Re: Metroid Discussion Thread

« on: August 06, 2010, 07:05:42 PM »

As much as that mole she didnt have before is going to.

Honestly, we dont even know if we are going to even get to PLAY as Zero suit, it most likely will be a cutscene thing... But hey. opinions. I dont mind the heels, but If I can gripe about helmets, you can gripe about Samus' heels.

Samus' helmet works, though. Prime was pretty realistic that way. But high heels are the no-no of fighting fashion. First thing in the Metroid series that sacrifices functionality for the sake of design.

...and it doesn't even look good.

2046

Gaming / Re: Sonic Colors (Wii, DS)

« on: August 06, 2010, 07:03:58 PM »

YOU HORRIBLE PERSON

GO HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME, YOU!

Seriously though, the gameplay looks tight. It seems they used all the good elements from the day stages of Unleashed.

I couldn't stand back then because of the pain, much less walk there.

Anyway, as you said, the gameplay actually looks like they're using some fluid speed increase instead of just giving Sonic a single speed and propelling him in one direction without being able to turn anywhere.

Plus the level design looks superior to Unleashed's. And the graphics are damn good.

Posted on: August 04, 2010, 05:07:46NEW TRAILER, BOXART AND DETAILS, PEOPLE



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CNcdGQCo64&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

WHY DOES IT LOOK AND SOUND SO GOOD ARRRRRRRGH

We're heading for a massive dissapointment. This is hyping me SO MUCH.

Released November 16 on the US, and 12 in Europe, BTW.

2047

Gaming / Re: EVE Online

« on: August 06, 2010, 04:12:50 PM »

I'd really like to have time to play it, as it seems really interesting. But from what I've played, it's a bit too technical for me. Space looks beautiful and the economy of the game works really well, but still... not really a game I'd invest alot of time on.

2048

Gaming / Re: Metroid Discussion Thread

« on: August 06, 2010, 04:10:58 PM »

As much as she can in a skimpy pink bikini.

Its just an added design to make her look more girly I guess. it not gonna affect gameplay in any way. unless you have to learn her walk mechanics else she twist her ankle.

The bikini was supposed to be a cool revelation at the end of the first game, and carried on in a "mission's over, lemme get into something more comfortable" tradition. I mean, if you went through all the crap she goes on a mission, when you went back home, you'd take a big shower and stay on your underwear lazing around for awhile, right?

And the skintight suit, as long as it works logically, would actually be a tactical upgrade for her in certain conditions where she has to move faster. We've only seen her use it in one mission so far, and it wasn't exactly because she had a choice. The Zero Suit allows her to move a bit faster and more freely, unlike the arsenal she always carries along with her. The material it's made of and the way it moves might even aid her to move instead of restricting her.

But high heels? That's the only design choice so far made for the sake of pure asthetic, and completely useless when looking at it from a logic standpoint. How are high heels going to help her in any way?

2049

Gaming / Re: Vanquish

« on: August 06, 2010, 03:06:40 PM »

Hmm... Gears of War-Japanese style, huh?


Gears' characters in Vanquish by the DLC... I saw it comin'.

Vanquish belongs to Sega, and made by Platinum. I'd expect stuff like Clover games references and Sega classic references, ala Bayonetta.

2050

Forum Games / Re: "What Are You Thinking Now?"

« on: August 06, 2010, 03:03:22 PM »

I really wanna get that Scott Pilgrim game, but I'm kind of afraid that it won't be launched on the same day in the US and over here. So where will it be launched first here, on XBLA or on PSN? I got no idea.

Plus, after that game I should still have money left, so why not get something else?