MMORPG/Elder Scroll Fans!
Make sure to sign up for the ESO beta if you plan to play
Way to go, Media
Y’know, I’d love to be sitting in on a Journalism 101 class right now with this issue as the subject of debate.
I’m going to repeat myself, this example is too relevant: my professor told us that journalists are supposed to be the watchdogs of society. Their duty is to inform the masses of the matters concerning them. They’re supposed to give light to issues people in power are trying to wrongfully hide. Unbiased. Honest. Factual. Timely. Truth. Of course, this all falls under the “supposed to” header, and given the fact that we are human and prone to ending the rules and standards, this is far from the reality. But it’s nice to think about all those good intentions.
So when I read “Gay Planet” in a headline, my mind immediately starts off in one direction at 100 miles an hour. But when I read the meat of the article and fail to draw a parallel between the substance and the title, I get angry. Because it’s sensational. It’s ignorant. It’s attention-grabby in a cheap way and it reminds me that the author cares more for the success of their own article than reporting the truth, a pit than many fall into despite the best intentions.
It also shows just how little mainstream publications value games, as they don’t do the research required to understand what exactly goes into making a cinematic MMO. But that’s like yelling at an apple for not being an orange. Don’t pretend to be an orange - but if you must, at least taste like an orange. THIS ORANGE ANALOGY IS SOUND.
BioWare bit off a lot with this project, more than I ever would have advised. Fully voiced quests and cut scenes are great and all, but these… They just aren’t fantastic. No secondary or tertiary movement. There’s nothing remarkably moving or jaw-dropping about them. The acting is spot on and that’s been a great relief, but this method of story telling also limits the amount of content you can produce. They probably didn’t even fully understand the consequences of their choice in direction until they were staring down their deadlines.
So finally, they are able to deliver on one of their promises. No, it’s not what they hoped they’d be able to do, but they explain why. I always assumed Lucas was giving them hell about working homosexual content into the lore anyway. But bam, they do it. It’s limited to one planet, which will need to be purchased, but it’s happening as they work to implement it across all planets.
And then the media does this. They take an instance of a developer actually trying to make good on its word and they turn it into something entirely different. NEVERMIND that BioWare has been a long-standing proponent of homosexuality in games. Their method of implementing it isn’t universally celebrated, but it’s considerably more progressive than many other games out there.
It’s not even so much that certain publications are spinning it as homophobia. Really, it’s just the careless labeling that is so easily misconstrued. I rag on SWTOR plenty, but this is just… come on. There comes a time when you just have to show some freaking mercy. I don’t think there’s any malice in this. move Yes, I have some serious problems with the mechanics of this game. Yes, I think the choice to limit story plots to four classes per faction was not a fantastic idea. I’d rather have a silent protagonist and a much broader story opportunity than hours of cut scenes that I eventually tune out anyway. I would kill for day/night cycles and racial abilities that actually do something. I have a problem with the fact that races in this game are merely aesthetic, despite arguments I’ve heard to the contrary.
I do not, however, have a problem with BioWare trying to keep their word and delivering the content through the only means they can. They rewrote a freaking ending when their fans threw a tantrum. It’s been one year and I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet, especially when the change does come.
But sithspit, spare yourself some outrage and make up your own minds about these things Don’t just parrot the headline. And if at the end of the day, you’re still lvid about a video game, step back and do a reality check.
And if that doesn’t help, remember that when you’re dead, this game won’t matter.
Hey all
Sorry for going without updates for as long as I have
Long story short I lost my job, moved, and have had a 30 day wait put on getting paid after I moved and got a new job, so I haven’t had enough cash to buy games to review.
I got my first paycheck today though, so we are all back in business.
I’m purchasing the Omega DLC for ME3 as we speak (sorry I know it’s been out for 3 days), and I hope to have a review out by as late as tomorrow at like 3PM (EST).
After I finish the Omega DLC I’ll review allllll of the DLCs for Borderlands 2 (Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty, as well as Gaige).
While I’m posting though, I was curious about a few things.
- Are there any releases on the horizon that you all are excited about?
- Would you all like to see Sci-Fi/Gaming movie reviews (This covers anything from Prometheus, to Wreck it Ralph, to Silent Hill 3D [Which was terrible never see it]) while the movies are still new?
- Does anyone who has a Wii U want to write a review for it? I’d really like to get some guest review up at some point, and that seems like a good place to start.
Just a general question
The Mechromancer class is a DLC for Borderlands 2 promised for release on October 16th. How do you all feel about the fact that you’re going to have to pay for it (if you aren’t a season pass holder/preorder person)?
Should it have come for free when the game was released, or is it far enough after the release of BL2 that you’re okay with the DLC?
Borderlands 2 Review
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Platform: Windows PC, PS3, Xbox 360
- Release Date: September 18, 2012
- Genre: First Person Shooter/Tactical RPG
Gameplay: Borderlands 2 is the much awaited sequel to the highly addictive, and highly awesome Borderlands. Gameplay wise not too much has really changed. Still present are the 3 bazillion guns, shields, and grenades. Also present still are a large variety of interesting enemies. This time around though, you have to go into fights thinking just a little bit harder than you might have previously. In the original Borderlands the elemental weapons (Caustic, Fire, Shock, and the newly added Slag) were a nice touch, but I found that I never had to use them. This time around though, if you aren’t carrying a few elemental weapons you’re going to find that battles are a whole hell of a lot harder than they have been previously.
Talking about enemies, the AI in Borderlands 2 is VASTLY improved. New enemy types, such as Nomads, have the ability to direct their peers to do things such as flanking you. The “Rat” and “Stalker” enemies provide unique challenges, especially stalkers, as they are able to completely disappear from the battlefield at any time.
Also present in Borderlands 2 are a host of amazing returning/new NPCs. Scooter, Dr. Zed, CL4P-TP (or Claptrap), Mad Moxxie, have all returned in Vital NPC rolls, and Claptrap is just as annoying as always (he even sings dubstep if you’re lucky). The new NPCs fit perfectly in this new world: from Ellie the Belly (who is absolutely badass), to Tiny Tina (the littlest Demolition Expert), there are just so many memorable characters.
All of the original Vault Hunters (playable characters) have returned as NPCs, and occasionally battle partners. In the 5 years since the original Borderlands, all of the characters have moved on somewhat, so getting to see where they are now is interesting. Roland has become the leader of the resistance, Lilith has become a super powerful Siren and the leader of a group of bandits, etc.
This humor from the original Borderlands has been kicked into high gear. From enemies known as “Bonerfarts”, to Claptrap only referring to you as “Minion”, they’ve pulled out all the stops to make sure you’re laughing pretty much constantly.
A new feature present in the game is your “Badass Level”. Basically as you hit certain objectives (kill 100 psychos, couse 10,000 points of Caustic Damage, etc.), your “Badass Level” rises. At each badass level you are awarded with 1 Badass Token, which you can spend on small passive bonuses that are used on all of your characters system wide. 1 point will initially buy you a 1% increase in a skill (Say reload speed for example) which may not sound like a ton, but after sinking say 10 badass points into it, you’re reloading lightning fast. It is worth mentioning that each point spent on a skill gives diminishing results (so 10 points in reload speed only gets you like 6.5% increase in the skill. Nothing mindblowing still, but it does make a difference eventually). The awesome part is that there is no max badass level, and since it is account rather than character specific, you can just keep leveling indefinitely.
Also present is an improved multiplayer mode that I have yet to get my hands on. It promises an increased enemy presence, and better loot though, so I’ll get to it as soon as I find a friend who can play with me.
All in all, if you’re a FPS fan at all you’re going to absolutely adore Borderlands 2.
Sound and Graphics: Sound wise, Borderlands 2 is pretty amazing. The soundtrack is nothing short of amazing. You’ll learn quickly that every area has a distinct sound (to fit in with the unique areas). The Dam for example plays hard rock in the background constantly, and although you probably won’t hear much of it over the constant gunfire (or your hilarious talking Shotgun) when you do it’s breathtaking.
Anyone who has seen a trailer for this game, knows that it is superbly stylized. Characters and environments have a distinct look, but it is uniform, and they made sure never to break the style. The game is absolutely visually stunning though, each of the areas of the game (or levels if you will) has something about it that is unique. In the original, environments were largely brown and deserty. Not so much this time though, while you do have some very brown levels (such as The Dust) you will also find yourself fighting through luscious green wildlife preserves, and icy blue glaciers. Point here being that visually, Borderlands 2 is much more interesting than it’s predecessor.
Replayability: From the long (and interesting) main story, to the hundred-something side missions, you can expect each play-through of Borderlands 2 to rack up a good 30-40 hours. Much like the original, there is a New Game + mode, in which you get to keep all of your weapons/skills/whatever, and you can play-through a second time with harder enemies, and better loot. For sadist, there is a play-through 2.5, which promises to include a boss that the game guide promises will take 4 max leveled characters (And you can’t reach max level without beating the game at least twice).
In addition to the numerous side missions, there are all sorts of things out there for completionists. From the hidden “Cult of the Vault” search, to finding the best loot possible, you can easily expect to sink a few extra hours into each play-through.
Also present are not one, but 3 different arenas for you to fight through. Unlike Mad Moxxi’s add-on in the original, these domeu kes promise to let you keep your loot and experience, which means they are worth spending some time on before the final boss fights.
Also keep in mind that there are 4 (soon to be 5 thanks to Gaige the Mechromancer coming out next month) different playable classes, meaning that if you really want the full Borderlands-Experience, you’re going to need to beat the game multiple time with multiple characters.
Final Thoughts: As a hardcore fan of the first game, I had high hopes for Borderlands 2, and I’m super happy to say that the game has more than lived up to each and every expectation I had for it. From the creature slaughter domes, to the amazing new gun and grenades, to Maya’s vastly improved Siren abilities, this is a seriously polished, and nothing short of amazing game to play.
I’m honestly amazed at how well they did this time around. The original game had a few boring sections here or there, but there is no boring hum-drum this time around. You’ll be absolutely enticed until you’ve hit the level cap, and knowing the franchise, that cap will be upping as soon as they toss out their first story DLC.
Rating: 10/10. Honestly the best game I’ve played in a very very long time. I’d rate it an 11/10 if I didn’t think that was too cheesy. I just can’t wait for the DLCs already.
—Kegan
They are promising to release more details about XIII-3 on September 4th
I’ll try my hardest to get the info up, and keep an updated page on speculation/rumors/announced things, as soon as possible
Final Fantasy XIII-3 has officially been announced
Featuring Lightning as the sole playable character
I mean if you’re going to do XIII AGAIN, at least we got the best character.
Other details from the article:
- Unparalleled control of Lightning’s appearance
- Gothic, Medieval, Fantasy Setting
- Many Islands connected by a monorail
- Majora’s Mask like countdown. You have 13 days to save the world, before a hinted at apocalypse.
- Revealed to be the end to Lightning’s story
I’m cautiously optimistic about this. I love Lightning, so any continuation of her story makes me a happy man.
Q:you failed to mention Samus Aran in your women armor rant...
There are a lot of great characters I just outright skipped over. Samus Aran, Skeik, all of the female Jedis in all of the Star Wars Games, etc. It was between Tali’Zorah and Samus for me, and Mass Effect is one of my favorite franchises, so it is what I went with.
Go with what you know.
Page 1 of 2
Top
