Seems that life has its unique moments of reminding everyone in some form or fashion that money doesn't always equate to happiness. It helps, that's true, but never the ultimate solution. With my recent personal adventures away from ever-enjoyable video games, overall financials have been quite the rollercoaster to say the least. One glance around and some random conversations can easily summarize the public opinion… EVERYONE is having a rough time! I'm almost tempted to even joke that "rich folk" are pinching pennies… or maybe quarters is a better fit analogy for them :roll:
Either way, times are tough all-around and things could always be worse. My usual optimistic mantra.
Besides relishing in melodrama, I'm in high spirits today. Even with so much causing tension in my world, I couldn't help but take part in something that always tends to ease the madness – the act of sharing personal thoughts. I'm never sure if someone is listening or even cares, but most conversations in person ride on that same 50/50 ratio, so why not express with abandon.
On the real, I just came back from an intense group engagement at the video game store, and being someone who hails from the "poor folk" camp, reality for each person ranges so dramatically it never ceases to amaze me.
Besides reminiscing about my reserve on the new Star Ocean that's releasing on the Xbox360 tomorrow, I was in a minor spat with the store clerk and a few gamers about how most Japanese made RPG's for the 360 really suck. Sadly, I was the only one who truly felt this way. So in turn, all these anime nuts who thought I was crazy for spewing such blasphemy mobbed me.
Apparently an RPG adventure with stale production values and mundane game play is excusable as long as bright-eyed pointy chinned characters frolic about with child-like interaction. I didn't go as far as to address my fellow gamers in such a degrading manner, but I did make it clear that a majority of titles available were sub-par. It's not like my M-rated or nothing mindset is justified, but I reasoned with them that Star Ocean (which fits the cutesy anime mold all too well) could change my perception. They were pretty sure if I didn't like the recent selection of Japanese RPG's on the 360, I'd likely speak ill of this soon-to-be purchase also.
Obviously these boys don't know me well, because I game for curiosity, not expectations. If that were the case, then I would play it safe by approaching every game expecting the worse… which usually works in my favor. If the game turns out being a gem, I rejoice in complete surprise and spread the good word. If the game sucks, I can always reference my sour first hand experience and educate the unknowing masses. Once again, the 50/50 ratio works for some while others declare nay.
Feeling a bit like I was secretly being labeled as the foolish hypocrite, I tried to salvage my place in the group debate by questioning what these gamers expected from their purchases. One of them was bold enough to say right away they ONLY played RPG's. A few others offered some food for thought; story driven adventures with complementing cast, distinct visuals and favorable graphics, innovative game play mechanics, top notch music paired with crisp voice work, and an affordable price.
Concealing my shock was difficult at first, but I focused my attention on the dude who voted RPG's his preferred genre, and I couldn't help but inquire… "Does a 40+ hour sub-par adventure really validate a full price purchase?"
One of the gamers asked what I was hinting at.
Being the overly excited wacko, I started grabbing used 360 games off the shelf. With a smirk, I suggested a few: Dead Rising, Ninja Gaiden 2, Assassins Creed, Burnout Paradise, Godfather, Saints Row, The Darkness, Overlord, Lost Planet, Bioshock, even the Command & Conquer games for the 360. All really well made titles near or under 20 bucks!
I suggested these games because I feel they offer a little bit of everything and for such affordable prices, couldn't hurt anyone's curious wallet. A few of the gamers actually started reading the back cover's while others prepared for their departure. As the store cleared out, the clerk made 2 sales from my recommendations and shot a timid nod in my direction. Working in sales for a few years, this is nothing new to me, but apparently the store clerk thought it was magical. I simply assumed it as lacking gamer etiquette on both ends.
To dismiss the vast selection of used and unknown games is heart breaking, especially now with the gaming community suffering tons of lay-offs. Its not breaking news, but it blows my mind that so many gamers refuse to explore the depths of an industry they supposedly adore and cherish. Instead, some rather top shelf one experience and base every interaction around that… which in my opinion leads to Final Fantasy fanatics, FPS elitist, and overall genre stifling… its scary stuff! :?
Oh yea, I'm not sure if anyone agree's with a 12 dollar movie ticket, but I recently saw My Bloody Valentine in 3D and its 2 thumbs up for any fan of the original or horror in general. Surprisingly, the 3D was well done and actually enhanced the whole movie nicely. If you like extreme gore and don't mind goofey glasses on your face during the show, check it out fellow gamers and movie-go'ers.
