Gaming Life
Lucky Wander Boy by D.B. Weiss
At first, I didn't like this book; I found the writing trite and contrived. The characters were as two dimensional as the games mentioned in the narrative. It was only after reading through the first 60 pages that I became attached to the protagonist, Adam Pennyman, I slowly began to gain a deeper appreciation for the text. This appreciation was center on my connection to Pennyman as a gamer. I cannot truly say that I have been obsessed over a video game the way that Pennyman is over Lucky Wander Boy (although my infatuation with Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow allows me some insight into this world), but I can say that I understand the power of nostalgia that many games can conjure up. I felt that the sections discussing Pennyman's effort to cure his grandmother's cancer via playing MicroSurgeon were completely heartfelt and touching. Besides the sentimental value of this, this connection between reality and game becomes the central theme of the text. This theme is important because we are entering a period where gaming is starting to be considered seriously and academicly.
PSP:
I just got my PSP; unfortunately, I have to wait til I finish work and a few errands to get to play it. I also purchased Lumines and WipeOut Pure. In the realm of accessories, I bought a screen protector and a larger memory card (512 MB) for pics, vids, and music. I need to purchase a case soon. This device should revolutionize portable media.
Initial Reactions:
(coming soon)
Development Curve
Games, like books, should have a steady development curve. You should begin at level 1 and gradually work you way to level X upon which you can complete the game. As you read, you steadily develop an understanding of the internal dynamics of the character and plot, which chapter by chapter and word by word prepare you for the climax and closing. In narrative, the completion of the story is the reward. The same can be said of the video game. Defeating the final obstacle signifies the completion of the game. You build your avatar through playing and leveling up.
Digital Walk-about
2005 will be the year of the Handheld Console War. In one corner we have the Nintendo DS; in the other corner the Sony PSP. I believe that the victor of this event will the system with the better software. Gamers game. It doesn't matter how sleek the system is or how powerful it is, the quantity and quality of the gaming library will define its importance and marketability. Remember the PS1, a 32-bit system that dominate the gaming market over other 64-bit systems. Here is my perspective on each side.
The DS offers something new and innovative with its use of dual screens and touch capability. Nintendo can really capitalize on this and make a slew of new, creative games that can redefine, reinvigorated gaming life. This can also allow us to overlook its graphics, which are superior to the GBA but inferior to the PSP.
The PSP is geared towards a more adult audience. Hopefully all this talk concerning the age of the average gamer being 29 is true. Sony has greated a juggernaut of a machine that incorporates gaming, music, photo, and film into one package. The main obstacle will be how well all these functions perform. Sony has been notorious for its use of ATRAC proprietary software for music; hopeful this won't be the case for the PSP. Battery life might also be an issue with the PSP. Fortunately, Sony has created a removable, rechargeble battery. This battery might be replaced in the future when something with a longer charge-time comes along. The use of the memory stick is a nice touch because you can incorporate other devices (like the clie and cybershot) with the PSP.
After looking at these factors, the winner is difficult to call. Nintendo caters to the certain gamer while the PSP is attractive to another group. We'll just have to wait and see who is spending more.
Review: Robotech: Invasion
I really wanted to love this game. Of the 3 Robotech sagas, the New Generation is my favorite. As a child, I was in love with the Cyclones and Alphas. While it lacked the love triangle of the Macross Saga, it was clever (for my then 10 year old perspective) in the interactions between the characters. Upon reviewing the series on DVD, I feel that the character development is the core of the series (with the exception of the Southern Cross series but that's another story), and it is the of any real characters that hurts Robotech: Invasion.
I just didn't care about the characters (Locke and Tasha) that much. The previous Robotech game for the PS2, Robotech: Battlecry, had memorable character and dialogue that made you want to progress the narrative. This was the case with R:I. I felt there was a rift with the continuity. After watching NG, I had the sense that there were few resistance fighters, but R:I depicts a world saturated with rebels. There was also the problem with the Cyclones. They shot missiles is cycle mode but not when used as body armor. The lack of the playability of the Alphas was also problematic. I was also hoping for more cameos from NG cast. Finally, the lack of any extras really hurt this title. Now to the positive.
The Cyclone handled like a drive, and I must have admit that blasting the Invid was pure joy. The locking system was a plus. While the gameplay was repetitive, it was still fun. The shift in graphics from cell animations was refreshing, and the music definitely helped with the tone of the game (giving it an Alien Nation / V feel).
Overall, I feel that R:I is a good rental. If you're a devote fan of the series, you might want to get a copy when the price drops down to $20 (as Battlecry did).
Review: Katamari Damacy
It is rare that our occidental coasts are graced with games that stray away from our gaming sensibilities. It has happened on a few select occasions in the states, like the release of Rez and Ico. And I am happy to say that it has happened again with the release of Katamari Damacy.
Katamari Damacy may not make sense to the mainstream American gaming public. You do not run around shooting enemies or tackling other players. In Katamari Damacy, you play the role of the Prince of the Cosmos who rolls his katamari around different environments until you collect enough stuff to create stars (since your father the King has taken the liberty to destroy them all.) As you roll your katamari, things that you roll over stick to it and cause it to get bigger.
The concept is simple enough but the gameplay is not. The challenge of Katamari Damacy is to enlarge you katamari to a given size in the allocated time period. The games succends in capturing the gamer because it forces him/her stategize on how to develop the katamari. Gamers have to selectively chose a path that allows them to pick up the most items in order to grow and enter new area that were previously denied to them because of size. While rolling around randomly might work in the early levels, the gamers must pick their paths carefully in the latter levels. As the gamer progresses, the katamari gets bigger and so is able to pick up larger items. Do not underestimate the sheer joy of rolling over a plethora of objects and living things.
There is a bit of a learning curve as the gamer gets used to using both analog sticks on their controller. The availability of the levels for replay after you pass them is very helpful in this respect. I replayed the 1st level (Star 1) various times until I was comfortable with the controls.
While the graphics look a bit dated, they add to the charm and character of the game. The sounds in the game are stellar. The soundtrack along is a must have, plus certain objects and people make hilarious utterances. For example, once your at a decent size, you can roll over a school principal who yells "Detention for you! Detention!" The blocky characters in the game compose its unique aesthetics. This is one of those games where the fun factor and great soundtrack make you completely forget about the look of the game (think of how great Rez is due to minimal graphics and maximum sounds.)
In closing:
Katamari Damacy belongs in the library of any gamer who appreciates games that don't take themselves too seriously. If you liked Rez, Incredible Crisis, Ico or games with a distinctly Japanese sensibility, then you should purchase KD (plus it retails for only $20.) Happy gaming.
Monte Videojuego
the digital poet
sculps line upon line
of source code
creating a world
through the tips of his fingers
and we sit still
in the museums of our homes
in our dark rooms
and admire their simulacrum
through the tips of our fingers
Currently playing Onimusha 3 on my PS2 and Onimusha Tactics on my GBA SP.
