I purchased the game at release with little intention of online play. I only spent about twenty minutes in the lobby, but never played with anyone online. I really dug the challenging boss fights without the extra help. I assumed multi-player in MH3 would be like Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast, but with more grinding. The bosses were a breeze in PSO with just two players, and that's not what I wanted with MH3. I would have loved to see Capcom try a single player mode with online components as in Demon Souls or Dark Souls, where notes and duel challenges are posted. Even though I never used the multi-player option, kudos to Capcom for not charging a monthly fee for a current-gen MMO. Definitely a purchase point.
I probably would have felt indifferent to these stories before I was a father. Now that I have a daughter, I look critically at most pop culture items that portray woman in any role. It wasn't something that I gave much thought as I grew up playing video games, but I do remember thinking that princess peach was a weaker character than the Mario Bros. or Toad in SMB 2. This feeling had no basis on her abilities in the game, and I doubt I would have felt differently if it was another female character. I would choose Chris over Jill in the original Resident Evil (I had no preconception of Jill Valentine like I did with Princess Peach) because my image of heroines was that they would have an immediate disadvantage compared to male characters, thus making the game more challenging or, how I likely saw it in my tweens, unfair.
I was very excited to read about the Mario/Pauline switch because I am excited to interact with my daughter using video games. I never had to ask why I wasn't represented fairly in a game. Now it seems like I would be doing my daughter a disservice if I did not explain to her intentional designs such as why most of the female characters have excessively jiggly breasts.
@Peppy_Hare Thanks for posting Tevis' essay. He really captured a lot of what I've felt since Wind Waker. His opinion is definitely coming from someone who remembers when games were challenging. I remember playing Zelda 2 on the NES when it was released and having my ass handed to me multiple times. I recently purchased it for the GBA, and after still getting trounced by death mountain, I realized my 6 or 7 year-old self must have had quite a bit of patience (and imagination).
The hand-holding in the polygon (3D) Zeldas is really disappointing. It's as if Nintendo or Aonuma doesn't expect much from the player, thus a "locked door" is placed in areas to keep you from getting hurt or failing. That was not the idea behind Miyamoto's Zelda. In the first Zelda, you could get through the most of the overworld and some of dungeons in any order you pleased. Heck, it was even possible to get to Gannon without using a sword. You would die, a lot, but it was not frustrating in the same way a Mega Man game was. You felt like progression was just a matter of time and strategy, not careful button presses (as in Mega Man) or finding the right NPC to talk to (as in recent Zeldas). The reliance on a linear story and weapons as plot-items and keys has been way overdone in recent Zeldas, even in a Link to the Past. Tevis' essay goes into this much more, and I suggest any Zelda fan reads it.
What I prefer about Dark Souls is it's a return to that age of real freedom to die and imagine, but I understand that it is not for everyone. You don't get a map (draw it yourself). You don't get a story (do what you please and kill NPCs). And you don't get directions (use trial and error or notes left on the ground by other players). It's almost like a life lesson wrapped in a very rewarding game. It's also the adventure RPG I've wanted from Zelda since Ocarina. Maybe this is the realism that I thought would be in Twilight Princess. Instead we got more of the same, which was definitely a good game and may have advanced the series as far as storytelling and character development, but it was not as rewarding and heartfelt as the first two Zeldas.
A new Zelda game does not need to be "new" like they claimed with Skyward Sword. As long as it sticks to the design elements of the first two (yes, the NES Zelda 1 and 2), then it will be worth it. You don't need a fairy giving you hints at every tough spot. The first two Zeldas had mystery, (some) non-linearity, and difficulty, which are lacking from the predictable and puzzle-heavy efforts since Ocarina. All the other things like online support and graphics can be secondary. If you want a more recent standard to compare to, then look at Demon Souls/Dark Souls. Those games are on the far end of the challenge spectrum, but I feel that they at least respect the person playing enough to let them explore instead of beating them over the head with objectives and chores. I really don't want to play another Zelda game that feels like I'm the Town's errand boy, and where each new dungeon is like the last, but where you use a different tool to solve puzzles and defeat the boss. It was fun in a Link to the Past, but why do it again, and again, but with awkward camera angles and controls. Okay, rant over.
@Sean_Aaron You're right that a boycott without a given reason or complaint would probably have the opposite effect. We saw this with the initial and recent 3DS sales where a lackluster opening didn't remove the product from the market, Nintendo just sold it at an even bigger loss. That wasn't really a boycott or related to Foxconn, but it also didn't change the labor practices. I like the idea of voicing your opinion to Nintendo or whomever stands against your ethical beliefs (abe simpson quote should go here). Contrary to some of the posts, I don't think the average consumer wants their products made from workers suffering in deplorable conditions. I do think a boycott of the product and a letter campaign to both Nintendo and the Government entities charged with regulating so-called free trade among nations would make a considerable push in the right direction, whereas either alone may not. Having said that, I don't think a Nintendo boycott is coming. Not until they charge for DLC in most of their first-party games.
@gundam00 I agree with you that Foxconn probably made autonomous decisions regarding their employment practices. That doesn't mean that Nintendo didn't know about it until recently. Plus their response isn't exactly reassuring, but, like you pointed out, it's not surprising either. I also agree that consumers aren't responsible for the factory work conditions, and thus the product pricing, in a direct manner. Some would argue that US working conditions are below the standards of many European nations. Would we blame consumers in the UK for conditions in, I don't know, a US firearms factory? (does the US still export anything electronic? what about fighter jets?) There may be an electronics company testing focus groups and running consumer polls asking similar questions to the two asked in this talking point. Still, pricing is set to maximize profits, even if selling hardware initially at a loss to satisfy consumers and later to see profits in software sales; corporations are obligated by shareholders to turn a profit. This means cutting corners in quality of the product (not Nintendo's bag), money to CEOs (good luck), and/or employee working conditions/wages. Unfortunately, I don't think this model would change if we paid double or triple the price of a product, unless we made it clear that it's not okay to do this to workers, anywhere. And since business will sometimes continue as normal regardless of consumer opinion (remember EA was voted the worst company by gamers: http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/04/04/ea-responds-to-worst-company-award-by-mentioning-past-winners/ ), we might need international regulation of these labor practices; unless the Chinese workers want it themselves, which is the real question if you believe in democracy.
Organized labor fought a lot of battles to obtain and keep current US and UK working conditions, and yeah, Chinese workers need to push for their labor rights to the best of their ability, hopefully through strikes and contracts and not immolation and roof jumping. That's their fight that we can support or not.
@gundam00 Good point! But who will hold these 1% to task? We still have consumer power with our purchases. Massive corporations like Apple, Nintendo, and Sony are very interested in what the consumers want, which may go against past business practices. We saw this with organic foods, the hybrid and full electric cars, and the general green-washing of brands.
Unfortunately, cynical people in marketing firms can make false adverts and product claims, such as "green", "natural", and "eco-friendly" goods that carry no official government certification. This usually happens when we treat these large, very profit-driven companies like benevolent organizations. I admit it's hard for me not to want to feel this way towards Nintendo. I've been an adamant fan since the NES, only purchasing the big N's consoles and hand-helds. It takes issues like this to realize that even Nintendo will operate by the same set of morals as the rest of the corporate world. I still admire Nintendo for their passion for quality over quantity, but not so much lately. I can't say I'm excited for the Wii U; maybe that's because of nostalgia from great indie-developed titles like Cave Story.
You might want to watch this TED talk from Leslie Chang on her report of actual Chinese workers and their response to questions like "Why do you work at these factories?" I don't think this is an excuse to exploit people in developing nations, and it definitely isn't everyone's opinion in China (see news on recent Foxconn strikes). Still, it's humbling to hear that some of these workers aren't aspiring for "the American dream" and iphones; they just want life experience and education opportunities. Either way, it's probably a good idea to get the opinions of the oppressed before making opinions for them.
Comments 56
Re: The Monster Hunter Tri Servers Will be Shutdown Today
I purchased the game at release with little intention of online play. I only spent about twenty minutes in the lobby, but never played with anyone online. I really dug the challenging boss fights without the extra help. I assumed multi-player in MH3 would be like Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast, but with more grinding. The bosses were a breeze in PSO with just two players, and that's not what I wanted with MH3. I would have loved to see Capcom try a single player mode with online components as in Demon Souls or Dark Souls, where notes and duel challenges are posted. Even though I never used the multi-player option, kudos to Capcom for not charging a monthly fee for a current-gen MMO. Definitely a purchase point.
Re: Legend Of Zelda Hacked To Make Zelda The Hero
I probably would have felt indifferent to these stories before I was a father. Now that I have a daughter, I look critically at most pop culture items that portray woman in any role. It wasn't something that I gave much thought as I grew up playing video games, but I do remember thinking that princess peach was a weaker character than the Mario Bros. or Toad in SMB 2. This feeling had no basis on her abilities in the game, and I doubt I would have felt differently if it was another female character. I would choose Chris over Jill in the original Resident Evil (I had no preconception of Jill Valentine like I did with Princess Peach) because my image of heroines was that they would have an immediate disadvantage compared to male characters, thus making the game more challenging or, how I likely saw it in my tweens, unfair.
I was very excited to read about the Mario/Pauline switch because I am excited to interact with my daughter using video games. I never had to ask why I wasn't represented fairly in a game. Now it seems like I would be doing my daughter a disservice if I did not explain to her intentional designs such as why most of the female characters have excessively jiggly breasts.
Here is a similar story that you may have read: http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/9/3623358/father-hacks-the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-for-his-young
Re: Aonuma: Wii U Zelda Is All About "Rethinking Series Conventions"
@Peppy_Hare Thanks for posting Tevis' essay. He really captured a lot of what I've felt since Wind Waker. His opinion is definitely coming from someone who remembers when games were challenging. I remember playing Zelda 2 on the NES when it was released and having my ass handed to me multiple times. I recently purchased it for the GBA, and after still getting trounced by death mountain, I realized my 6 or 7 year-old self must have had quite a bit of patience (and imagination).
The hand-holding in the polygon (3D) Zeldas is really disappointing. It's as if Nintendo or Aonuma doesn't expect much from the player, thus a "locked door" is placed in areas to keep you from getting hurt or failing. That was not the idea behind Miyamoto's Zelda. In the first Zelda, you could get through the most of the overworld and some of dungeons in any order you pleased. Heck, it was even possible to get to Gannon without using a sword. You would die, a lot, but it was not frustrating in the same way a Mega Man game was. You felt like progression was just a matter of time and strategy, not careful button presses (as in Mega Man) or finding the right NPC to talk to (as in recent Zeldas). The reliance on a linear story and weapons as plot-items and keys has been way overdone in recent Zeldas, even in a Link to the Past. Tevis' essay goes into this much more, and I suggest any Zelda fan reads it.
What I prefer about Dark Souls is it's a return to that age of real freedom to die and imagine, but I understand that it is not for everyone. You don't get a map (draw it yourself). You don't get a story (do what you please and kill NPCs). And you don't get directions (use trial and error or notes left on the ground by other players). It's almost like a life lesson wrapped in a very rewarding game. It's also the adventure RPG I've wanted from Zelda since Ocarina. Maybe this is the realism that I thought would be in Twilight Princess. Instead we got more of the same, which was definitely a good game and may have advanced the series as far as storytelling and character development, but it was not as rewarding and heartfelt as the first two Zeldas.
I guess linear games have their place, but I doubt Miyamoto intended for a linear Zelda given the distinction between it and Super Mario. http://www.denofgeek.us/games/zelda/21231/the-inspiration-behind-the-legend-of-zelda
Re: Aonuma: Wii U Zelda Is All About "Rethinking Series Conventions"
A new Zelda game does not need to be "new" like they claimed with Skyward Sword. As long as it sticks to the design elements of the first two (yes, the NES Zelda 1 and 2), then it will be worth it. You don't need a fairy giving you hints at every tough spot. The first two Zeldas had mystery, (some) non-linearity, and difficulty, which are lacking from the predictable and puzzle-heavy efforts since Ocarina. All the other things like online support and graphics can be secondary.
If you want a more recent standard to compare to, then look at Demon Souls/Dark Souls. Those games are on the far end of the challenge spectrum, but I feel that they at least respect the person playing enough to let them explore instead of beating them over the head with objectives and chores.
I really don't want to play another Zelda game that feels like I'm the Town's errand boy, and where each new dungeon is like the last, but where you use a different tool to solve puzzles and defeat the boss. It was fun in a Link to the Past, but why do it again, and again, but with awkward camera angles and controls.
Okay, rant over.
Re: Talking Point: Affordable Consoles Come at a Cost
@Sean_Aaron You're right that a boycott without a given reason or complaint would probably have the opposite effect. We saw this with the initial and recent 3DS sales where a lackluster opening didn't remove the product from the market, Nintendo just sold it at an even bigger loss. That wasn't really a boycott or related to Foxconn, but it also didn't change the labor practices. I like the idea of voicing your opinion to Nintendo or whomever stands against your ethical beliefs (abe simpson quote should go here). Contrary to some of the posts, I don't think the average consumer wants their products made from workers suffering in deplorable conditions. I do think a boycott of the product and a letter campaign to both Nintendo and the Government entities charged with regulating so-called free trade among nations would make a considerable push in the right direction, whereas either alone may not. Having said that, I don't think a Nintendo boycott is coming. Not until they charge for DLC in most of their first-party games.
@gundam00 I agree with you that Foxconn probably made autonomous decisions regarding their employment practices. That doesn't mean that Nintendo didn't know about it until recently. Plus their response isn't exactly reassuring, but, like you pointed out, it's not surprising either. I also agree that consumers aren't responsible for the factory work conditions, and thus the product pricing, in a direct manner. Some would argue that US working conditions are below the standards of many European nations. Would we blame consumers in the UK for conditions in, I don't know, a US firearms factory? (does the US still export anything electronic? what about fighter jets?) There may be an electronics company testing focus groups and running consumer polls asking similar questions to the two asked in this talking point. Still, pricing is set to maximize profits, even if selling hardware initially at a loss to satisfy consumers and later to see profits in software sales; corporations are obligated by shareholders to turn a profit. This means cutting corners in quality of the product (not Nintendo's bag), money to CEOs (good luck), and/or employee working conditions/wages. Unfortunately, I don't think this model would change if we paid double or triple the price of a product, unless we made it clear that it's not okay to do this to workers, anywhere. And since business will sometimes continue as normal regardless of consumer opinion (remember EA was voted the worst company by gamers: http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/04/04/ea-responds-to-worst-company-award-by-mentioning-past-winners/ ), we might need international regulation of these labor practices; unless the Chinese workers want it themselves, which is the real question if you believe in democracy.
Organized labor fought a lot of battles to obtain and keep current US and UK working conditions, and yeah, Chinese workers need to push for their labor rights to the best of their ability, hopefully through strikes and contracts and not immolation and roof jumping. That's their fight that we can support or not.
Re: Talking Point: Affordable Consoles Come at a Cost
@gundam00 Good point! But who will hold these 1% to task? We still have consumer power with our purchases. Massive corporations like Apple, Nintendo, and Sony are very interested in what the consumers want, which may go against past business practices. We saw this with organic foods, the hybrid and full electric cars, and the general green-washing of brands.
Unfortunately, cynical people in marketing firms can make false adverts and product claims, such as "green", "natural", and "eco-friendly" goods that carry no official government certification. This usually happens when we treat these large, very profit-driven companies like benevolent organizations. I admit it's hard for me not to want to feel this way towards Nintendo. I've been an adamant fan since the NES, only purchasing the big N's consoles and hand-helds. It takes issues like this to realize that even Nintendo will operate by the same set of morals as the rest of the corporate world. I still admire Nintendo for their passion for quality over quantity, but not so much lately. I can't say I'm excited for the Wii U; maybe that's because of nostalgia from great indie-developed titles like Cave Story.
You might want to watch this TED talk from Leslie Chang on her report of actual Chinese workers and their response to questions like "Why do you work at these factories?" I don't think this is an excuse to exploit people in developing nations, and it definitely isn't everyone's opinion in China (see news on recent Foxconn strikes). Still, it's humbling to hear that some of these workers aren't aspiring for "the American dream" and iphones; they just want life experience and education opportunities. Either way, it's probably a good idea to get the opinions of the oppressed before making opinions for them.
http://www.ted.com/talks/leslie_t_chang_the_voices_of_china_s_workers.html