Diogo Ribeiro

Logic is DEAD to Volourn.

Horrible game. Run away. NOW.

Failure is only as difficult as a developer wants it to be. In the same way, a 'completely different set of events' only carries a negative interpretation to a developer when he has to do double the work to provide for alternate consequences and a divergent path to a quest's outcome. Unless we're discussing main storyline branches, simple success or failure checks and outcome for sidequests are pretty trivial to implement, especially when one factors in the designer's experience and the knowledge of the engine tools to implement them. Even if we're talking of major changes to a game's storyline based on PC choices, what are the odds that a developer can't do a logical set of outcomes that, while not pandering to every possible gamer's expectations, manages to give a good idea of consequence? Besides, failure can mean several things. In Throne of Bhaal there was a quest to help Marlowe defeat a Lich who had his daughter's soul. When you learn Marlowe gave his daughter's soul in exchange for 20 years of fortune you have the chance to either help Marlowe or help the Lich, and if you defeat the Lich you also have the chance to either give the soul back or take it for yourself. 'Failing' to give the soul back just means a different kind of reward and a self-contained consequence that only impacts the PC and the ancillary characters from the quest. Taking this example do you really need to create a consequence to a major plot point that affects everything in a gameworld? Not really, but that is what developers usually want you to believe. There should be repercussions for failing or succeeding a major quest but no one is asking them to change the world, though they most certainly react that way. All you really need are a set of consequences that give an idea of your action or choice.

Bethesda's in the right track with Oblivion.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance arrived today. Christ, I don't have time for all of this.

Let's just call it a morbid, voyeuristic fascination of looking at both naysayers and apologists going medieval on each other.

It's not hard to understand, really, though it may be hard to empathize with. The ones that do get excited probably either enjoy Bethesda's takes on CRPGs or find elements in their games that they would like to see applied to Fallout's framework. It's the same reason why some were excited at the prospect of Troika or Obsidian getting their hands on the license, and the same reason others didn't find that as appealing. I know I don't particularly care for Bethesda's game design post-Daggerfall so I can't really say I'm looking forward to Fallout 3 though I can guess why others would be. My interest in the game at this point is only based on the voyeuristic pleasure of watching some circles eat themselves.

God of War Resident Evil 4 Anachronox Eternal Darkness Wizardry 8 Viewtiful Joe Wind Waker Psychonauts Chronicles of Riddick Thief: Deadly Shadows Oh my.

I wouldn't buy Carbon just because it's the new one. I've been checking some things, and it seems most of Carbon's new gameplay tweaks aren't that good when compared to Most Wanted.

Discuss.

I agree with Hell Kitty and mkreku. Excuse me while I try to find a portal out of Bizarro world In any case I can't say much since it's still in development and the movie isn't depicting the game as is. There's no telling how much in it is a bad choice for design (ie, the mech standing still and taking shots) and how much is just to give a taste of what may come.

You sure about that? I will. It's not out in Portuguistan yet, though. Oh, and - Resident Evil 4 in the house, b!tches!

Funny thing, today I had the chance to try out a Wii for the first time, along with a Twilight Princess demo. The demo was rigged to play two scenarios, a sort of training area and fishing. After selecting the manly option, I was tossed the newfangled thingy controller type. Whoa. It was kind of hard at first managing the two separate bits, but I managed somewhat. Making a swiping motion will have Link drawing his sword, while quick motions to the sides will make him slash forth in a combo style similar to Ocarina of Time. On the other hand, a frantic left and right wiggle will trigger his spin attack. The pointer portion, by the way, has a nice wrist holder so you can grab it without worring about it falling. I trudged on and was ocasionally interrupted by what seemed to be an Imp playing the part of Navi, that of the inquisitive and action-breaking reminder for those with short attention span. The lock on system and sword swipes were tested on a nearby scarecrow, with the bow being used against another one on a high place. There were some box lifting and throwing, swimming and minor combat. The combat was standard fare although to be honest I took one or two hits while trying to adapt to the pointer. It's all just a matter of getting used to since the blows were direct results of a different button placement than that of a standard gamepad. Unfortunately I couldn't try much else since I was in a hurry but it felt the same old familiar Zelda, with only the controlling device getting a bit used to. I can't say the sword fighting felt satisfactory, though: I tried swinging the damn thing quickly to see if Link would do the same but he was slow to respond, up to a point where he just stood there because he didn't register my motion. I suspect that I should move my hand in a preset speed so he can register them but if that is the case then it felt too slow. I may buy Twilight Princess for the Gamecube instead.

I've registered very few games. The Sims 2 and Beyond Good and Evil were two of them, and I can't remember many others beyond that. When I don't register games it's because either a) sometimes there isn't a way to register the games (old games, for instance), or b) sometimes it just so happens Nintendo doesn't like Portugal and won't let me register my Gamecube, Cube titles, Gameboy Advance and GBA titles at all because they'll only accept other countries.

Uh, hadn't thought of that seriously. Most of the time I just rant about games on forums. Actual reviews I usually dump them over at Mobygames... Only exception was Legacy of Kain: Defiance because metadigital wanted to know about the game so I posted the review here first, and later submitted it to the site. Don't think people care much of anything about what I write, games-related or otherwise, but if I have the chance I'll drop by some reviews here.

Juicy info there, thanks. Seems strangely appealing, even as a way to show everyone how lousy I am at singing. I wish the money I spent on this had come easy, but I'm working hard on a part time so this month and next month's salary are going to be spent on gaming. All else will pay my university since I'm mostly the only one financing myself at the moment. In a similarly and eerie fashion that was what I did as well. Except I realized that both the Cube and the PS2 has good titles and choosing one over the other would considerably lessen my enjoyment.

I want my Rez!

And stocked up on goodies. I actually went there to get a Nintendo DS instead but it was pretty short on good games. And by pretty short, I mean absolutely lacking. Best game they had there was New Super Mario Bros. All else was subpar, licensed drivel aimed for eight year olds. PS: Eu sei que sou fraco. Especialmente porque prometi a mim mesmo ficar-me pela Gamecube e depois, deu nisto. N

Akira Grave of the Fireflies Memories Howl's Moving Castle

Yes. I've noticed the PC doesn't really have that many of those, and only a few are good. Ordered and salivating for it Own it, currently replaying. FAJITAS! I never liked Tomb Raider and after this review, I think I may well avoid the entire series. Warning: contains profanity. In queue

I've heard nothing but praise from the game, and I'm pretty excited to find out just how much of it is deserved. This Wikipedia article really seems to ring true:

Twilight Princess is still going to take a while (December 8, to be precise). I'll get it when it comes out, or very soon afterwards.