You must have heard by now the controversy surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Leaked videos showed the player engaging in taking over an airport as a terrorist and shooting innocent civilians.
Well, to expand on it, the player is an undercover CIA agent, and the player does have an option to shoot or not. That simple.
I can not say it any better than Rus McLaughlin from IGN.com in his column.
Make sure you give that a good read; now for some brief commentary.
Yes, the game does not force you to shoot civilians. It is a moral dilemma that the player must face. The developers do not force you to shoot the civilians. They are not to blame. I have a strong stance that games will not make somebody grab a gun and beat up hookers and what not.
In fact, something that Rus doesn't mention is this: we should thank Infinity Ward for this level. Why? Well, we know it is violent; the whole damn game is going to be violent. The past two CoDs are extremely violent. Almost three times in Modern Warfare does your player-controlled character kick the bucket. In World at War, Japanese soldiers are burned out of hiding in the grass as you hear them scream. Violence is a hot issue.
But to pick up on what I was saying, it is best that Modern Warfare 2 have a level like this now. Right now. In 2009. These ideas are so fresh in our mind: that videogames are violent and so is real life. There is still conflict in the Middle East. It is best that we examine the situation now to give ourselves better ideas of what is going on today, and what shouldn't happen in the future.
Why is it best that we have a level where we could kill civilians? If it happens any later down the line (who knows, 5? 10? 15 years?) then our society may be too desensitized to the violence and won't think any better of it. Violence in games could gradually become worse, and the shift may be slow to start, but the end result will be so drastically different than from what it is now.
Twenty years ago it was Mario jumping on turtles. Today it is running through a crowded airport with terrorists and an AK-47.
Let this scene cause debate. Let it fire up gamers and parents and politicians. Let this happen now so we know the difference between right and wrong before it is too late.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wii Price Cut
Wii price cut is official. Dropping down from $250 to $200, the Wii will still be packaged with a Wiimote and Wii Sports.
This is most likely, but not entirely, due to the fact that both XBox 360 and Playstation 3 have slashed prices very recently. It really was not necessary for Nintendo to cut the price, since they have literally held the top position in sales for about three years. But this only means that Nintendo will sell more consoles.
While the XBox 360 has head steady sales thanks to its game library, the PS3 has struggled because of its price and low number of exclusive games.
I have to say, though, that PS3 will definitely be on the rise this season. The impressive release of the Slim model at $299 is an attractive temptation for gamers. Not only is the PS3 an incredibly powerful gaming system, it is also a Blu-Ray player. It may be the best media player today.
It also has hot games like Uncharted 2, Infamous, and of course, MGS4.
This is most likely, but not entirely, due to the fact that both XBox 360 and Playstation 3 have slashed prices very recently. It really was not necessary for Nintendo to cut the price, since they have literally held the top position in sales for about three years. But this only means that Nintendo will sell more consoles.
While the XBox 360 has head steady sales thanks to its game library, the PS3 has struggled because of its price and low number of exclusive games.
I have to say, though, that PS3 will definitely be on the rise this season. The impressive release of the Slim model at $299 is an attractive temptation for gamers. Not only is the PS3 an incredibly powerful gaming system, it is also a Blu-Ray player. It may be the best media player today.
It also has hot games like Uncharted 2, Infamous, and of course, MGS4.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Super 16 - Bracket B - Match 2
Wow, this is an odd matchup.
Syphon Filter is unique; it's a bit of a dark horse on this overall list of favorite games. But it does have this special place in my heart. By comparison, games from the past generations blow it away. Graphically, it is awful. Control is ehhhhhh. But its story is interesting; interesting enough to make the most recent season of 24 extra bland and pretty bad.
NHL '94 and NHL 09. The two best hockey games ever made and ever played. What makes '94 special is the simple gameplay, quick games, sweet rosters, and Brian Leetch and the New York Rangers. Would I love the NHL as much as I do now had I never played NHL '94? I think it is obvious that my love for the game would hardly even stretch past the Red Wings.
I sit here and think: Which of these games do I love more? After the reasoning I gave behind NHL '94, it is hard to go the other way. Even its menu theme song is cooler.
Winner: NHL '94
Match 2
Syphon Filter
Vs.
NHL '94
Syphon Filter is unique; it's a bit of a dark horse on this overall list of favorite games. But it does have this special place in my heart. By comparison, games from the past generations blow it away. Graphically, it is awful. Control is ehhhhhh. But its story is interesting; interesting enough to make the most recent season of 24 extra bland and pretty bad.
-----
NHL '94 and NHL 09. The two best hockey games ever made and ever played. What makes '94 special is the simple gameplay, quick games, sweet rosters, and Brian Leetch and the New York Rangers. Would I love the NHL as much as I do now had I never played NHL '94? I think it is obvious that my love for the game would hardly even stretch past the Red Wings.
-----
I sit here and think: Which of these games do I love more? After the reasoning I gave behind NHL '94, it is hard to go the other way. Even its menu theme song is cooler.
Winner: NHL '94
Super 16 - Bracket B - Match 1
It's been a long time, huh? Well, I am going to super charge this one, with a very quick dual match up to cover both challenges from Bracket B. No images to dress this post up, sorry. I have no excuse for not updating this bracket. It's been over a year, I should have gotten done with it in two months.
MGS4 is storytelling at its finest. Video games used to be solely about playing them, until this franchise came along. Many gamers can argue about long cut scenes interrupting play, but the story drives this game. The graphics are top notch. Raiden is not a bitch.
This has favorite written all over it. I foresee it reaching the finals. (No promises though) I bought a PS3 because of this game. I do not regret it. PS3 is a quality and under appreciated game console. MGS4 is not under appreciated. It is respected by critics and gamers alike. It's earned perfect scores from many sites and magazines. It's earned a perfect score from me.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl is amazing. This is the best local multiplayer known to man. The extended roster boosts replayability through the roof, but then again, once you find your best fighter (or for me, my best 6) its hard to change your ways.
I will say this is my favorite local multiplayer game. Better than a local Guitar Hero band, since you do not get tired of the set list, and you don't need to be a pro to play Brawl. Button mashing is a tactic, but come on! You only need to use two button! It's brilliant!
Sadly, for Brawl, I got all reminiscent of it typing that. But I haven't been around the people I play it with in months. MOOOOONTHS. Even if it hadn't been, it would be hard to justify why this game is "better" than MGS4. Brawl doesn't have that groundbreaking, horripilating experience when you play it. And I love my games to tell me a story (which is also why I love RPGs (and I'm not knocking down Brawl's Adventure mode)).
Winner: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
-----
Match 1
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Vs.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
MGS4 is storytelling at its finest. Video games used to be solely about playing them, until this franchise came along. Many gamers can argue about long cut scenes interrupting play, but the story drives this game. The graphics are top notch. Raiden is not a bitch.
This has favorite written all over it. I foresee it reaching the finals. (No promises though) I bought a PS3 because of this game. I do not regret it. PS3 is a quality and under appreciated game console. MGS4 is not under appreciated. It is respected by critics and gamers alike. It's earned perfect scores from many sites and magazines. It's earned a perfect score from me.
-----
Super Smash Bros. Brawl is amazing. This is the best local multiplayer known to man. The extended roster boosts replayability through the roof, but then again, once you find your best fighter (or for me, my best 6) its hard to change your ways.
I will say this is my favorite local multiplayer game. Better than a local Guitar Hero band, since you do not get tired of the set list, and you don't need to be a pro to play Brawl. Button mashing is a tactic, but come on! You only need to use two button! It's brilliant!
-----
Sadly, for Brawl, I got all reminiscent of it typing that. But I haven't been around the people I play it with in months. MOOOOONTHS. Even if it hadn't been, it would be hard to justify why this game is "better" than MGS4. Brawl doesn't have that groundbreaking, horripilating experience when you play it. And I love my games to tell me a story (which is also why I love RPGs (and I'm not knocking down Brawl's Adventure mode)).
Winner: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
Friday, June 05, 2009
E3 2009 - Wrap Up
I cannot think of a better way to wrap up an incredible week than this "Hype Montage" that was put together by IGN.
I still love that track that plays during the Final Fantasy XIII trailer.
I still love that track that plays during the Final Fantasy XIII trailer.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
E3 2009 - Day 2
We've heard the big news from Nintendo already (see previous post) about Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M. Besides that, New Super Mario Bros. Wii was announced and displayed. Nothing real special about that, besides a four player mode. There was no Zelda announcement during the conference, but apparently Miyamoto spoke in a closed-door discussion with gaming journalists about the next installment.
-----
Sony's conference was also this afternoon, and what you expected to be shown pretty much was. God of War III showed off its similarly cool gameplay that the other two are known for, but it looked much better and you can tell it will be far more epic.
-----
Final Fantasy XIII was also present, with English voices in its videos. A little more dialogue was spoken toward the characters and their personalities and how they fit into the plot. Check it out.
Then a complete shocker. FFXIV was announced, as a PS3 exclusive (during the conference, they kept adding that PS3 only games are not only exclusive to the PS3, they are only possible on the PS3). The drawback? It's an online game.
-----
Hideo Kojima was also at the conference. No new announcement toward MGS:Rising, but instead presented MGS: Peace Walker for the PSP. Setting is in the 1970s, ten years after Snake Eater. Described not as a spin-off, but an extension to the story, hopefully bridging the gap and the beginnings of Outer Heaven.
-----
Did I mention Golden Sun DS?
-----
Sin and Punishment 2 Hands-On Preview!!!!
-----
I think G4 did an amazing job with their E3 coverage today. Airing live, they had the Nintendo and Sony Conferences this afternoon, with great filler coverage up until 6, when the AOTS and XPlay crew were on the floor with demos for Modern Warfare 2 and Mass Effect 2, asking the questions we wanted answered.
They also were the first to speak with Reggie Fils-Aime right after the Nintendo Conference, and he was really great and adding info on how he, as a gamer, takes his time to read the boards and listen to what we other gamers look for and what.
On the other hand, I am a little upset with IGN, who throughout the day, was running very slow online and didn't get updates up as soon as they could (should) have been. A very slow day
-----
Sony's conference was also this afternoon, and what you expected to be shown pretty much was. God of War III showed off its similarly cool gameplay that the other two are known for, but it looked much better and you can tell it will be far more epic.
-----
Final Fantasy XIII was also present, with English voices in its videos. A little more dialogue was spoken toward the characters and their personalities and how they fit into the plot. Check it out.
Then a complete shocker. FFXIV was announced, as a PS3 exclusive (during the conference, they kept adding that PS3 only games are not only exclusive to the PS3, they are only possible on the PS3). The drawback? It's an online game.
-----
Hideo Kojima was also at the conference. No new announcement toward MGS:Rising, but instead presented MGS: Peace Walker for the PSP. Setting is in the 1970s, ten years after Snake Eater. Described not as a spin-off, but an extension to the story, hopefully bridging the gap and the beginnings of Outer Heaven.
-----
Did I mention Golden Sun DS?
-----
Sin and Punishment 2 Hands-On Preview!!!!
-----
I think G4 did an amazing job with their E3 coverage today. Airing live, they had the Nintendo and Sony Conferences this afternoon, with great filler coverage up until 6, when the AOTS and XPlay crew were on the floor with demos for Modern Warfare 2 and Mass Effect 2, asking the questions we wanted answered.
They also were the first to speak with Reggie Fils-Aime right after the Nintendo Conference, and he was really great and adding info on how he, as a gamer, takes his time to read the boards and listen to what we other gamers look for and what.
On the other hand, I am a little upset with IGN, who throughout the day, was running very slow online and didn't get updates up as soon as they could (should) have been. A very slow day
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