Welcome to the issue of our mailbag, "X-Communication". Here, our editors answer questions and reply to letters sent by you, our readers. You're more than welcome to submit a question, comment, or rant of any kind, and it'll be put up and answered in a future issue of X - Communication.
Send all letters to mailbag@gamingworldx.com Andrés asks about DBZ on the Xbox: Hello, do you have any idea if they plan to make a Dragon Ball Z video game for the X-Box?
Adam’s Response: To my knowledge, there is none yet in development. There's the RPG out for Game Boy Advance, but most developers have learned the abysmal failure that usually comes from licensed games (see Dragonball GT: Final Bout), and have stayed away from them - and I'd advise you to do the same. Stick to the cartoons - I'm perfectly fine with them. Adam asks Adam about SOCOM clans: I have one huge question about SOCOM. I have started a SOCOM clan and we already have 16 members, www.sonsofliberty.tk , All I want to know, is the clan roster limit really going to be 10? If you can get me as much depth on that as you can I would appreciate it.
Adam’s Response: I don't know a lot about PS2 clans, since clans are usually on PC games. I know that the maximum number of players-per-game is 16, so you won't be able to fit all of your clan members on one game at once. You may be able to figure out some way to post each players performance all as one clan roster list, although I don't know that for sure.Tiffany can kick Brendon’s ass at Pinball of the Dead: That was a great review that Brendon Hivner did on Pinball of the Dead. Too bad he didn't mention that his girlfriend is whooping his ass like a girly man every time she plays it!!
Adam’s Response: Ouch. Sorry, Brendon.Lindsay Parker inquires about World Cup mascots: I have recently returned from the World Cup in Japan where I purchased 2 of the 3 official world cup "spherik" mascots. I am trying to get hold of the blue mascot to complete my collection. Please could you advise me where I can buy this. I would be grateful if you could respond.
Adam’s Response: Lucky you - to go to both Japan and the World Cup! If you're slightly deaf, I would certainly be able to understand - it was loud on TV, so I can't imagine how it was in person. In response to your question, the Fifa Official site doesn't seem to sell them, so I think your best bet would be E-Bay. Just don't pay too much for it.Heather needs some help HeadHunting… Hello, I am trying to find for my husband a cheat book for his Playstation 2 game Head Hunter... I would appreciate any information on how I can obtain this as soon as possible.
Joe’s Response: Whenever I need help with a game, my first stop is GameFAQs.com. They have guides for pretty much every game on every platform. I was not able to find an actual guide book online, but I believe I’ve seen them in stores. You might try calling up your local game store. As a last resort, you could try asking for help in our forums. Our forum members usually respond quickly to cries for help.GarY2k2 has a suggestion: Hey, I like your site... but I think it will be better if you arrange alphabetically all your sections, especially previews and reviews. I think that improves dramatically an easiest navigation. As an example you should go and explore gamespot.com and see how easy it is to find a review or whatever you are looking at... With nothing more to say… Congrats for your super site!!!
Joe’s Response: I agree wholeheartedly and will make sure our web designer sees your letter. It’s a change we’d be stupid not to make, really. Thanks!Clint Likes John’s Super Monkey Ball 2 Review: I just wanted to comment on your review for Super Monkey Ball 2. It was f**king hilirious! great review, all the detail you need, good scoring, and just funny as hell. Keep up the awesome work. =)
_Clint
John Responds: Thanks, buddy. It seems that people are amused by my many potshots at N’Sync. I’m glad our readers seem to have good taste in music. Thanks for reading.BWELL88 Appreciates Our Sanity Hi GWX, ( The only sane reviewers left )
One question,how in the world is this C- game getting such great reviews?? I played it and talked to others who played it and we all agree it's stinks. The graphics from Gamespot got an 8 and gameplay too.
BWELL88
Adam Responds: Well, reviews are subjective, really. I remember being infuriated on the review scores that a certain magazine gave one of my favorite games, and that's partially why I got into this biz. Basically, you'll want to find a reviewer who's tastes synch up with yours. I gave the Thing a higher rating than I normally would've, because the film is one of my favorites of all time, but I would agree that it's been getting a bit more hype then necessary. Well, now you know who to stick to for sane reviews...but then again, sanity is relative too...(cackles) Lightning Bug comments on John’s “Games as Art” Editorial: I have to say that video games are a form of art. The reason is because that paintings, music, and drama are forms of art. The video games are a composition of several forms of art. Each video games that I have played had music, images, scenery, and a story that is being dramatized in a sort of live action. A player plays as the viewer and main actor of a live action story. Also, what really is art?
Joe’s Response: I would tend to agree. Games are certainly art, although some games make that more obvious than others.
Shinjroo offers his opinion on BMX XXX: My first thought is that I am extremely glad that even though you think Dave Mirra is over the top, you took a step back to consider other people's thoughts before making final judgment. I applaud this. Here are my feelings:
1. The whole idea that a woman's breasts are pornagraphic, while a man's breasts are not, is a damnable lie. Every man who dresses with his shirt open is trying to elicit sexual interest in himself the same way a woman with an open blouse is. Ten million games have topless men in them, without a single complaint, while one game has topless women and everyone acts as if the sky is falling. A woman's breast is the first thing a child depends on for nourishment. To believe that nature would force children to suckle from obscenity is patently absurd. It amuses me to no end to realize that if instead of making games about topless women, Acclaim made a game about a Solid Snake -like person who slaughters people, there would be no controversy and people would accept it as good entertainment. In some people's "minds" the human body is best when filled with bullets, not healthy, alive, and sexy. This points to a severe mental problem and body disgust. Not only do they CLAIM to not want to play the game, they don't want anyone else to either.
2. Video games have long been forced to cater to a childish audience simply because of the fact that videogames are sold at stores that cater to children. Dave Mirra will force the videogame industry to seek alternative ways to sell games, thus allowing developers to make games the way they want to without people accusing them of selling adult entertainment to child stores.
Video games are a medium, just like books, movies, music, and other art.
Video games are not made by children, are not financed by children, are not marketed by children, and are not under obligation to appeal to children. When movies have a section for children, such as Disney or Pokemon, and a section for adults, such as Basic Instinct and the Godfather, no one complains. People have the intelligence to realize that movies can cater to either adults or children. People accept childishness on the one hand, and adult depictions of violence and sexuality on the other.
When Harry Potter books come out for children, no one complains, and when Stephen King books or the Kama Sutra come out for adults, no one complains. People have the intelligence to realize that books should not be limited to any demographic, or prevented from discussing adult topics such as overt sexuality, violence, death, religion, etc. Freedom is what makes books interesting.
Music ranges all the way from Barney the Dinosaur warbling "I love you" to 2 Live Crew, Nellie, etc. Music can frankly discuss violence, sexuality, etc. or be tame and "innocent."
Imagine if the movie, book, and music industry were as sensitive about the human body and sexuality as people want the videogame industry to be. Imagine no songs that can mention the breast, or human sexuality. No books that can mention or describe human sexuality. No photographs of the human body. The Taliban would approve, but no right-thinking person would.
3. Dave Mirra is the first bold step in taking videogames beyond the rpg, childish Marios, bloody first-person shooter, and Madden dominated field that it seems content to be. I have seen movies of Dave Mirra and it looks beyond awesome. The female rider you suppressed a chuckle at, provoked a completely different and positive response from me. I can't wait to play it. And I presume millions more agree with me. Dave Mirra is the 2nd step, after GTA3, in making videogames truly free to express themselves without fear.
Joe’s Response: Thanks for taking the time to write such an elaborate response; I'm always thrilled to hear what others think, even if I don't agree.
Regardless of whether or not a woman's breasts should be considered "pornographic," the fact is that they are. This is just how our society views them. That's why women aren't allowed to go topless at the beach. It doesn't make sense, perhaps, but that's how things are.
I'm not about censorship; I just don't like the idea that they're taking a successful franchise, whose intended audience is probably the 10-18 range, and throwing in a bunch of pornography. Do you know how many kids will get their hands on this game? Parents will remember purchasing the original Mirra, or the sequel, and probably not bother to really take a good look at the new one. Seriously, what parent would suspect that a BMX game could become so obscene? If Acclaim wants to create a pornographic game, why not just go and do that? Why have the BMX tie-in? It just doesn't make sense.
You are right, though. Mirra XXX is "a bold step." The problem is that it's a step in the wrong direction. Video games don't need breasts and/or blood to be entertaining. Look at Mario, Zelda, or even Final Fantasy. Should Square's next effort be a hardcore Final Fantasy? Instead of a giant sword, Cloud could wield his penis. I won't even comment about Wakka and his "balls." Does that sound like an exciting game? I hope not. GTA3 wasn't enjoyed by gamers because of the violence. The game provided an amazing level of freedom, and was generally just fun to play. It would probably prove to be just as entertaining if the protagonist was an undercover cop. With some minor tweaks to the storyline, it would be the same game.Brian gets some feedback on his NFL2k3 Review: I was just writing this letter in response to Brian Goldstein's review of NFL 2K3. I was shocked to say the least after reading this. It was apparent that Mr. Goldstein had not played this game for very long.
"...it becomes ridiculous when even Thurman Thomas of the ’91 Bills, one of the best running backs of all time, cannot get more than four yards."
I guarantee you that if he had spent a little time getting used to the game or calling the right plays he would have had much more success in running the ball. This game is supposed to simulate the real NFL. Defenders don't just give you 100 yds rushing every game; you have to earn it.
"The main fault with the passing game is that plays simply take too long to develop."
I'm sorry but that is why there are slow, normal and fast options for gameplay. (He failed to mention that after his criticism)
"There were countless times when, while holding the A button for a burst of speed, I tapped X in the hopes of putting my shoulder down or spinning, but my player took no evasive action. Instead, the player, unchallenged and with the end zone in sight, jumped face first into the dirt."
Again, the 2k series has always used that button for dive/tackle. And, how many games out there use different controls? If every time you want to spin you hit 'x' and fall on your face, stop hitting 'x' to spin. Press the correct buttons and you might have some success.
"Unfortunately, this year’s game, like the Redskins, sucks."
I have nothing to say to this, especially considering the 7.2 rating that he gave the game. I didn't think 7.2/10 qualified suckiness.
Now, Mr. Goldstein had some good points like the graphics, online play and sound but this review was obviously written out of complete ignorance. If you are going to write a poor review for a game, that is fine. Next time though, please have an intelligent staff member who actually plays the game for a decent amount of time be responsible for it next time.
Thank you for your time. -Dan Chancellor
Brian Goldstein is the total loser I always thought he was. His review of NFL 2K3 proves why he should NOT be writing reviews of sports games. He doesn't even understand the sport of football and writes a review of NFL 2K3? He says the running game in NFL 2K3 is impossible and too hard, but I routinely average over 100 yards per game on the ALL PRO level - the hardest difficulty level in the game. It is apparent that he did not play the game much if at all and his review is NOT accurate. Some of us like to be challenged when we play video games and NFL 2K3 provides that realistic challenge. Madden 2003 is not very challenging and quickly becomes repetitive and BORING!!! NFL 2K3 is not for casual football gamers who quickly want to dominate the first time playing. It is challenging and that is what makes it such a great game. The passing, running, and special teams in NFL 2K3 are so much more realistic than any other football game available including Madden 2003. Could it be that EA paid Brian Goldstein to write this awful review of NFL 2K3? His review must rank as one of the worst reviews for any sports game in the last ten years. It is simply AWFULLLLLLLLL!!!!!!! ~John Allain
Brian Responds: In the past few days I have received a good amount of mail regarding my review of NFL 2K3 for Xbox. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you what my thoughts were when writing the review and respond to some of the criticism presented. A few visitors to the site believed that my comments about the control scheme were an indication that I had not taken the time to play the game or learn the buttons. I feel the need to clarify this. It was my intention to use the example of hitting the X button by accident to show how the game would have benefited from a customizable control scheme. Unlike some believed, I played the game for more than twenty hours before writing the review. I fully understood the controls, but felt that the lack of ability to customize them was inexcusable. To me, the default controls are simply not intuitive.
Another reader complained that I was too harsh in regards to the running game. I feel this comment has some validity. While I by no means wish to change my original stance, it is true that I was, perhaps, a bit caustic. In the future, I will try to be analytical without using biting sarcasm or acidic remarks.
One letter stated that my review was “awful” because the score was different from other gaming web sites. The whole point of reading more than one review is to get different opinions from a range of angles. Am I wrong because I have a different opinion than other sites do? This review is just one person’s thoughts; everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I apologize if the review made it seem that I hate NFL 2K3. I have respect for the game, but firmly believe the other football outings on the Xbox are superior. It is for this reason that the review may have been a tad too scathing. I was just trying to convey my opinion that NFL 2K3 is inferior to both NFL Fever and Madden 2003. Keeping this in mind, I ask you, the readers, to remember that a review is an opinion. It is my personal opinion that the running game is poor and even that the game as a whole is not perfect. I truly appreciate the constructive criticism sent to me, as I think it will help make be a more accurate and thorough reviewer for the future. To all those who disagreed with my ideas, I pledge to try to make my opinions and thought processes clearer in forthcoming reviews. I hope you will continue to support myself and the rest of the folks here at Gaming World X.
Feature by Adam Matlock, Joe Mackie, John Luedtke, and Brian Goldstein
