So I recently got tagged in a thread in which users were talking about how the writers on the site don't hang out in the forums much any more. The view was shared that this is a pity, and I have to agree and accept that I've done nothing to contribute on these forums for some time. My time is almost exclusively on the 'front' of the website with articles, but these forums are a lifeblood of the site that deserve attention and recognition.
I can't really promise that I'll be working through loads of threads and getting in on the nitty gritty of conversation, as time is honestly a factor with that. What I can do, though, is have a regular thread where I pop in and answer questions and chat a bit. So this is the first.
Unlike when James did this years ago I won't be doing videos, because I'd rather have a nest of spiders in my boxers than front up a vlog! But I will pop on here daily and answer questions. In the interest of keeping things sane I'll probably close each thread at the end of a week and start fresh ones, just so it's easier to track.
So, ask me anything you want. I'll answer as many Qs as I can when I nip in, and bear in mind I'm a forum noob. Heck, I may even get in trouble for this thread being in the wrong place. Trolls will also be ignored, obviously! Plus if a question's a bit out of bounds I'll just give a no comment. In general though you're free to ask me stuff about the site, more personal stuff or whatever.
All I ask is that we be awesome to each other in this thread. A lot of the web these days is people being obnoxious, insensitive and outright nasty to each other, which is a shame. If we're all nice then, guess what? We'll have a nice time
Do you cherry pick what reviews you want to do and do you get US copies of games like Fire Emblem Fates, Yo Kai Watch etc to review so you can play them early?
Do you cherry pick what reviews you want to do and do you get US copies of games like Fire Emblem Fates, Yo Kai Watch etc to review so you can play them early?
As 'Editor' I do get to basically put my hand up for big games, as it's part of the job in some respects. I don't abuse it though (well, I don't think I do!), so I only take on reviews where I'm a good fit for it in terms of time and knowing the series. So I'm chuffed to do something like Twilight Princess HD, but don't even contemplate Pokken Tournament as I'm no expert on Pokémon or fighting games. What's best for the site is the real priority (really, it is), and if I don't review a game I don't get a free copy either. So no, as I'm in Europe I'm yet to play Fire Emblem Fates or Yo-Kai Watch, for example, and as we've already reviewed them I'll be buying them (well, I'll definitely buy Fates, anyway).
Favorite VideoGame?
Jeez, that's such a tough one. I'll name a few from different gens! Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Super Mario Galaxy (1 & 2). Metroid Prime Trilogy. Ocarina of Time (love the 3DS version, too). Those are a few off the top of my head, I'd probably give different answers on another day.
1. How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?
2. Since we know some of your favorite games, what are some of you LEAST favorite games?
There is nothing here...except for the stuff I just typed...
3DS Friend Code: 5284-1716-7555 | Nintendo Network ID: michaelmcepic
Do you think Nintendo NEEDS third party support on the NX, given that from what we know it'll be a unified console and the teams won't have to split up?
I'm in the camp that reckons it'll have both portable and home console parts, with the portable also serving as a controller for the living room box. This would allow potential dual screen stuff for backward compatibility, and allow Nintendo to keep all markets happy while having its development teams focused on one set of hardware. So the portable would do well in Japan, while the home console could serve the Western market better. Some analysts seems to think this is the case but that manufacturing concerns may see a split release, with one coming to market after the other. I'm not so sure about that, but I think there'll be different purchasing options - buy a console box with a basic controller, buy just the portable, or get them all in a bundle. It's Nintendo though, so it'll probably be nothing like this!
Since we know some of your favorite games, what are some of you LEAST favorite games?
Hm, I'll think on that. I want to add Metal Gear Solid V to my list of favourite games though. I loved playing that last year.
Do you think Nintendo NEEDS third party support on the NX, given that from what we know it'll be a unified console and the teams won't have to split up?
I think it'll help, but I'm not sure how Nintendo and third-parties like EA, Activision and Ubisoft can really make it work. (I just did an Editorial on that). BUT I think the likes of Capcom, SEGA, Square Enix and Bandai Namco will be on board, as they have been with 3DS in particular.
Are you a true super sand legend? Thomas kake?
I kid, but would ya be making any MOAR NL game tournaments in the near future?
Memes? But yeah, I need to get into gear and do some tournaments
What was your favourite editorial to make last year?
Erm, not sure, I'd have to look back! I get a personal kick, normally, out of interviews and stuff with the Nindies. So a recent one I enjoyed was the two part 'Year in Development' interview with Yacht Club Games, as those guys are amazing.
How did you get the job of editor of NL? Did you ask for it or did Ant come to you?
I joined the site as a download reviewer in January 2011 (DSiWare and WiiWare) and just got really into it. When the 3DS came out that March I did some reviews, and when James asked the team for feature ideas I found that was something I enjoyed. I started doing loads of them and by Summer that year I was features editor, which was a bit of coincidental timing and lots of articles.
From that point until mid 2013 I worked on the site largely voluntarily as I was studying and working, but I got to the point where I was doing a lot of hours but had graduated and needed a job. The timing was right for the site and they wanted someone full time, and I'd been churning out tons of articles for a couple of years. In October 2013 I went full time, and though I'd kind of done elements of the job before that point I was made editor in March 2014. As my critics would say, it's all been downhill from there!
It took a long time and thousands of articles, I guess, and in the end good timing and friendships played a big part. I get on really well with Ant, Daz and Damo and they're among my best friends, so it all came together. It was never a career masterplan, it just turned out that way.
Do you own another console from this gen like a PS4 or an Xbox One? If so what are some features you would like to have from that console on the Wii U?
RetiredPush Square Moderator and all around retro gamer.
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Topic: AMA#1 (Ask Me Anything) - Tom Whitehead - Editor and NL words man
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