FineLerv

FineLerv

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Comments 792

Re: Talking Point: An Unplanned Flash Sale Looked Like Retail Download Genius from Nintendo

FineLerv

This industry has become a race to the bottom. I think everyone needs to take note of the the comment from Two Tribes developer @Reuf regarding Steam - "people only seem to buy games when they're heavily discounted (70+ %) and at that point as a developer you hardly make a dime."

The Video Game market is quickly becoming a case of consumers wanting AAA games at bargain-bin prices. It's an egocentric desire that can only have negative repercussions in the long term, especially considering the always increasing costs of game development.

Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year

FineLerv

That really was a great read. Nintendo also dominates my living room now (bye bye Sony). I've always had too much to play on my system. In fact, the channels on my dashboard are almost full now (something needs to be done).

And I agree with the assertion that if the "Hardcore" kiddies don't want a Wii U now then they probably never will. Pre-teens are jaded. They don't see Nintendo as being cool. The Wii U is a hardcore gamer's system. It's not a COD box. Mario 3D World is a hardcore game.

Re: Video: Just Look For The U On The Box, Nintendo's New Wii U Promotion Helpfully Suggests

FineLerv

@LetsGoRetro in answer to your implication : "Yes! I have been following the conversation in its entirety! It doesn't mean I'm satisfied with all the arguments posed, though!" Thank you very much for engaging in thoughtful discussion, though, and not allowing this to descend into typical Internet diatribe!

To clarify, by superficial I mean the literal definition, "surface level", without negative connotation. And, as such I still argue that it is not what should be the deciding factor in determining the maturity level of a game.

Depth does not mean freedom of exploration. I just came off playing more than 70 hours of Assassin's Creed 3 on Wii U, a game with almost limitless freedom - with all the substance of high school student's creative writing assignment! There isn't any complexities in the story or in the actions I can take as a player. It's shallow and I love it.

By contrast, Mario 3D World, while derivative, has incredible complexity when you assess it's gameplay. There is depth in exploring and investing in it's mechanics. Assess it on an aesthetic level and it's easily dismissed as childish. But, it often speaks to gamers on a deeper level than a more stereotypically "mature" game does.

Ultimately, what's so mature about the storyline in Gears of War, Hali or Call of Dury? Game stories are not Lolita. They deal with fantasy subjects and are B-grade at best. And that's fine. Their depth and art lie elsewhere.

Re: Video: Just Look For The U On The Box, Nintendo's New Wii U Promotion Helpfully Suggests

FineLerv

@LetsGoRetro I would say Nintendo makes games that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. They're the PIXAR of gaming.

And just as twelve year old boys think they're two cool for PIXAR movies, so too do they think they're too cool for Nintendo. Maturity, though, is about not caring about the superficial layers, and realising that substance comes from the depth found below the surface.

I usually buy all the consoles (because when you're 35 you get to do that kind of thing) They're all my toys. When I want something with no substance, I'll play GTA. When I want deep gameplay, I'll play Mario. Which, incidentally, I did with my 6 year old niece the other day. She can't get past anything more than a few levels. If that's a kids game, it fails miserably as one.