Adam's Got a Bug Our good friend Adam, visibly upset and shaken, dropped this off today:
There's shameless and then there's shameless; on one level, shameless was the release of the disturbingly mediocre State of Emergency as a way of capitolizing on the sucess of the brilliant Grand Theft Auto 3. On a whole new level of shameless, however, is the release of an almost direct port of that same game, now a year old, for full price! I implore my fellow XBox owners to completely ignore this latest cash-in attempt and pick up a title of some merit instead, like Panzer Dragoon Orta or even Rockstar's own upcoming Midnight Club 2. Your money would be far better spent even buying the PS2 game Ico, whether or not you've got a PS2...
Ah yes. Much like reality television, Rockstar has found something that sells and is going with it, regardless of its quality.
What's even more baffling is Capcom's stubborn pricing of the reissued Resident Evil games for the 'Cube. Alas, that's capitalism for ya.
[closed circuit to a special 'friend': Capitalism is not equal to extortion.]
Ahem.
Speaking of Capcom, the story about Ghosts n' Goblins online is freaking crazy! They are really touching me in all the naughty spots lately.
Anyway, I also got this from Cooking with John's #1 friend, Finalbahamut:
I'm telling you man, your column just keeps getting better and better. You are definitely Multi talented and a person that has faults (Don't worry, being faulted is a good thing, its shows a lack of boringism which is why I enjoy reading your column) I love how you lay it out to show, all smooth and no crap, plain and complicated and or simple. Keep up the good work.
As always, man, thanks for the kind words.
Listen everyone, I know I'm not perfect and that I'm "faulted". I don't do this shit for my ego. Honestly, I do this because I'm a lonely, lonely man looking to prey on small...
Um, nevermind.
Seriously, though. Doing this column takes about ten minutes out of my day, but it's extremely cathartic. I don't know who's reading this other than Bahamut, but by our site stats I know someone is.
When I started this out, I told you all that the point of the column, if there was one, was to simply interact with our readers more. I continue to encourage you all to write in with questions, links, or even if you'd like to submit an editorial comment of your own.
Life's Lessons Bandai sent over the ".hack Ver. 01 Login" DVD today. What that means, in non-techno-jive is the Volume One of the .hack anime. I have to say that the trailer included, along with the anime itself have both definitely piqued my interest for the game. The plot is ingenius and while early reports are indicating that the game itself could be improved, I'm hoping that the story and originality of it all will make it all worthwhile. As far as I know, it's still on track for a February release, so we'll see next month.
Speaking of next month, it's almost here. As of this writing, there is only two more days left in January. So? HEY MICROSOFT! WHERE'S THE DAMN DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR MECHASSAULT?!?!
Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I would like to get a little something else off of my chest. Humor me, as much of it may be a bit off the wall.
Life is a process of making mistakes and learning from them. Over the years, I've found myself constantly trying to get over that next big hurdle, only to find another one in the distance. When I was sixteen, I thought I had much of it figured out. It wasn't until I was about twenty-one that I realized I hadn't figured out anything at all.
I told you I don't really have a point in this, but if I did, it would be this: if you're sitting at home on your computer, thinking you've got the whole thing figured out and that you are in some strange way superior to the others who are, like you, staring blankly at their computer screens for hours on end while the world goes on outside their window, chances are you are the furthest thing from sane. Nobody has it figured out. No one is in any way more important, significant, or relevant than anyone else.
I know this is probably contrary to my usual ranting, as I tend to go off like a cynical, all-knowing higher power whose opinions are fact. The truth is, I'm just a guy with an outlet. Buy yourself a URL and rent some server space and you can be just like me and the countless others who have their own outlets.
I just get pissed because the internet can be such a cynical place, full of anonymous egos and people who are so fucking out of touch with reality that they feel the center of the universe coincidentally resides in the chair that sits in front of their computer screens, when in reality, they are just too damn scared to walk outside their doors and face the world.
Now, before you go drawing any conclusions, no someone didn't write in and piss me off. Being an avid internet user and a viewer of many other sites, I just get sickened by this sort of thing. Just think of this before you get all high and mighty and decide to infest your own little corner of the internet with your special brand of idiocy and dimensia.
I'm Hip! Well, I've received a couple of emails assuring me that I'm not so out of touch and that some people actually still listen to Pearl Jam. Although their most recent album was a little less than spectacular, I still have a soft spot for Eddie, Stone, Mike, Jeff, and their revolving cast of drummers; none greater than the almighty Jack Irons.
But I digress. I think much of my hatred for the puke-rock band Creed stems from not only Scott Stapp's complete lack of talent (heavy riff, insert cheesy, pseudo-spiritual lyrics), but his laughable, caricature of Eddie Vedder's voice. But that's an easy target that's been discussed to death.
Let's talk about Ren & Stimpy. I hadn't watched that show since high school (about ten years ago, for those who are keeping track), and popped in a video this evening. Stylish, yes, but not nearly as amusing as I remember it being. Perhaps the episode I saw was from the not-nearly-as-funny Nickelodeon days.
Ah well. I did receive a nice little gift today, however. The Star Blazers complete Series Two episodes. I'll admit that my SB knowledge is a little shallow, but I look forward to checking it out all the same. Any one out there a Star Blazers fan? Is Series Two a good spot to jump in, or should I seek out Series One? I have no idea.
Fellas, there will come a time when you realize that you are but a slave to the one you love. I've come to this realization numerous times, and have documented many of them right here in this very column. It's time to once again tuck my balls between my legs and cozy up with my beloved for yet another episode of Joe Millionaire. Good evening.
More Thoughts... I've received a couple more letters in the continuing debate over profanity and whatnot.
Tina writes: I am all for free speech, however, My suggestions (as per your request) is to add a minor disclaimer in your Terms of Use/Agreement or to include a tiny piece of code in your html from one of the many kid watch sites that warn parents that there could be some language content involved on your website.
Well, I'm not one to hide behind any First Amendment BS, so again, I take your comments to heart and will consider them in the future when writing this column. I've actually already decided to post a disclaimer at the beginning of this column. It's just up to our webmaster and I to get together and decide what we'd like to do.
Next up is our old friend Finalbahamut: Actually, though I do not curse at all, I do not mind the least bit that you do. When I read it feels more like its coming from you and not the trying to please the public, give them what they want to hear crap. I honestly love your column and your verbal approach on it. Just keep being yourself, plus it makes me feel like I am one of your buddies though I am not really. You definitely got my Seal of Approval on your column. "Mind over Matter, I don't Mind and it Don't Matter."
Ok then. Sounds good to me. Bahamut, that's actually what I intend to get across in these writings. A greater level of intimacy and personal connection with readers that otherwise may not be used to getting their thoughts heard or being able to participate in some sort of conversation in the bigger, more commercial sites. I do write this column as though I were talking to one of my "buddies" and I'm glad that's communicated to you. In fact, that letter of yours just made my day. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone who's written in. Jacob, Michael, Tina, and Finalbahamut, go ahead and send in your addresses and I'll get the T-Shirts out to you ASAP.
So, is it time to lay this discussion to rest? I think so.
As I get older, I feel like I get more and more out of touch with what is "hip" and "cool" and what-have-you. I know most of you probably don't listen to Pearl Jam and don't know them from Joe on the street, what with all the other stuff that's out there now, but they were a big part of my high school and college years. I'd love to hear from any Pearl Jam fans who may be left out there. If you've got a story or an anecdote about the band, or even want to tell me that they suck, send them in.
And, as always, feel free to write in with whatever's on your mind. I'm open.
Rejuvenated I don't know if I mentioned this before, but contributing editor Aaron Hilden has moved into the house next door to me. If you've read any of my features from the Classic Gaming Expo, Twin Galaxies Festival, or the Nintendo Cube Clubs, you'll remember Hilden as my trusty side kick and partner in crime.
Last night he stopped by and we had a video game extravaganza consisting of MechAssault, Panzer Dragoon Orta, Panzer Dragoon for the Saturn, Dungeon Explorer for the Turbografx, the original Ninja Gaiden, The Getaway, and a full run-through of Metal Slug X.
For those of you who haven't played MSX, it may behove you to run - don't walk - out to your local game store to pick us a copy for youselves. For a PSone conversion of a Neo Geo classic, MSX is an incredible ride of classic side-scrolling, ass kicking action that should not be missed by any fan of the genre. Do you enjoy Contra: Shattered Soldier but find that it's kicking the snot out of you? Metal Slug X is your game. It's got action, a great sense of humor, incredible animation, and the bosses - oh yeah! Have you ever seen a boss that instead of dropping bombs on you, he drops tanks? Great game.
On the topic of my liberal use of profanities in this column, I've received a couple good responses. Here are the best ones so far:
Jacob writes: Hey John,
Just wanted to tell you I love your feature. I read it every time it is updated. And about using "fuck" in it... I really don't mind. In fact, I like reading more casual stuff like that. I, myself, do not swear much... but I do hear it all the time, and I just like the way your writing sounds.
It almost seems... without it.... it would be "boring" and lack the edge your writing gives. No offence, but I hate your reviews. I hate all reviews. They are as boring as hell. Your writing in the feature, however, is interesting, and your swearing is a part of it. It does seem a little out of place because the rest of the site does not tend to use words like that, but then again "Cooking with John" is completely different than anything else on the site. I say you keep up what you are doing. If someone is offended, then they don't have to read it. For people like me that used to always read your week in reviews and now check your feature daily, I think that you should not change a thing. Keep up the good work.
-Jake
and on the other side of the coin, Michael writes: The english language is very big and there are many more words to get your point across rather then use that word.
When reading your column people may tend to look at your over-use of that word instead of what topic you are discussing.
THank you, From a "conservative reader"
All right, guys. Both points well taken and both give me something to think about. As promised, email me your addresses and I'll send you both GWX T-Shirts ASAP.
I'd like to go on a little bit about what Jacob said regarding reviews. To be honest, writing reviews is something that I think most gaming "journalists" struggle with. There has to be a certain amount of professionalism in review writing that I think may hinder the writer to a certain extent. It's something I know that I have a conflict with and I'm sure many of my colleagues do as well.
At GWX, we've bashed our brains together trying to come up with a new, groundbreaking method of reviewing games that will set us apart from other gaming sites and be seen as far more interesting and personal than the standard review. It's a delicate line, as like I said, the gaming industry expects a level of objectivity and professionalism in reviews.
Jacob, I'd like you to write back and let me know what you'd like to see in reviews. What would make you more interested in them and what you hate about them now. At GWX, my concern, and the concern of our staff, is that we are providing the most entertaining and engaging content for our readers while maintaining our integrity, and any comments you have would be greatly appreciated. And if you need yet another bribe, I'll throw something extra in with your T-Shirt. Deal?
