Ben-DutkaSummer got here a little late, but it's definitely in full effect. I despise heat, but somehow, I hate humidity even more…rowing or playing tennis in that sh** is just plain hell.
Why is everyone "on the fence" concerning Bayonetta?
So when I delivered the story that Bayonetta would run at a very competent 60 frames per second on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, I figured it was a good sign, and most would respond positively. But to my surprise, it seems a great many people have little confidence in Platinum Games and designer Hideki Kamiya, even after seeing plenty of gameplay footage . I see almost nothing wrong with any of that footage and I would automatically assume action aficionados would be drooling. Many are drawing comparisons to the Devil May Cry franchise and rightfully so; Kamiya was responsible for the creation of Dante in the original DMC. To me, it has the cartoon-y, comic book style attitude of DMC and the super fast action of Ninja Gaiden . We've also heard the developers say it will be immensely challenging so to assume it'll just be a button-mashing borefest is completely insane. But I have a theory:
I have a feeling that if we saw these exact same trailers and that exact same gameplay footage, and the protagonist was a guy , the vast majority of responses would be overwhelmingly positive. There's this bizarre undercurrent amongst gamers lately that says if a leading lady is involved, the title is suddenly all about T&A. Perhaps it's subconscious, but I believe it's true. And at no point in any of the footage I've seen does it seem like the designers created Bayonetta for the sole purpose of adding titillating cut-scenes; the gameplay is straight-up frenetic craziness. She doesn't even "bounce" like the girls in Ninja Gaiden Sigma , and yet, we're assuming the game is of lesser quality because it's "about the girl." Sorry, but this is dumb . Stop thinking that.
Never knew there could be a biased developer…
It almost seems impossible. I was under the impression that all companies, video game developers included, were in business to make money . But every time I hear about Gabe Newell and Valve , I can come to no other conclusion than this: they're biased against Sony and the PlayStation. I mean, you can't keep claiming the system is "too hard" for you when every other major designer on earth has come around. And you can't say you don't "need it" when there are 24 million potential customers for your games out there. None of this makes any sense whatsoever. Valve has simply lagged behind the rest of the developing world by choice , and I can think of no other reason besides the fact that Newell and Co. have always been PC fanboys. And because the 360 is so similar to PC architecture, they deign to step down from their lofty plateaus and produce games for that console. But the PS3 is like an alien to them, so they don't bother.
It's just too stupid to talk about. Know why? Because as far as I'm concerned, it's no great loss. They make like one great game every few years or something like that, and outside of L4D and a zillion Half-Life titles, I have no idea what makes them so great in the first place. So…whatever. Just don't tell me this is the proper way to run a business.
Soooo sick of movies with political agendas
SPOILERS ahead for "District 9"
I usually do a "personal gaming update" here, but there's just nothing to say right now. Still want to play Batman: Arkham Asylum , which I'll be reviewing, but outside of that, I just go back and play a lot of fun titles I've already completed. So anyway, I saw "District 9" today; if you're not familiar, it's Peter Jackson's new sci-fi flick. I almost never go to the theater and this only reminded me why: apparently, they can't make a movie that's not either painfully insulting and stupid or loaded to the gills with the standard Hollywood, uber-liberal agenda. Want to know what the movie was about? Okay, take the aliens, turn them into any minority group, and you've got a New Yorker article about how humans always oppress other peoples for no reason, and if we'd just "look deeper" and "put ourselves in their shoes," we'll be that much more enlightened. …basically, "District 9" is a gore-fest superimposed over an after-school TV special.
You know, I don't need a lecture. I really don't. I'm all for tolerance and trying to see people for who they are rather than what they are, but I learned this in effing FIRST GRADE. We all did. We don't need it continually bashed into our brains; it's just boring me to tears . Either make something original that tells me an interesting story without the damn soapbox, or don't bother. Seriously. And outside of the extra violence for no reason whatsoever – yes, they're gonna cut into that guy while he's still awake because it's so much easier than sedating him – the movie had no redeeming purpose. I just can't understand the high reviews for this thing…I know it has been received well. It's why I went.
But I'm sorry. I'm just sick and tired of this.
No offense Ben, but in my eyes you completely misinterpreted District 9. For me, it's easily the best film I've seen in quite a long time. Here's a list of reasons why:
1. No basic formula, providing an interesting plot full of twists and turns.
2. Lack of stars which removes the whole "look at me" bulls***.
3. Terrific CGI.
4. Incredible designs.
5. Morals are ACTUALLY MODERN AND INTERESTING. Just think about it: We would actually do that kind of s*** if aliens really landed on Earth.
This movie is what sci-fi should be like. Are you really going to be critical of the whole "lack of sedation" thing? Only flaw I noticed, and really, does that drag a movie down? Fu** no, James Bond movies have been doing 10 times more obvious things for 30 years and still get away with above average reviews.
Even if the ideas behind it put you off, you really didn't find it cool? Come on man, that's just pathetic. I would use specific examples, but I don't wanna ruin all of the fun for the others.
I know I'll also get a bunch of negative s*** and thumbs down, but screw it, It's my opinion.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/16/2009 1:12:13 AM
You're entitled to your opinion but I certainly didn't misinterpret anything.
I'm sorry, but I maintain my stance. The CGI was good but has no bearing on the storytelling in my eyes. We were never told how or why the aliens were there, nor were we told why we reacted the way we did; there's absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that our human reaction to a bunch of starving creatures would be to treat them like insane, lowly animals.
I only listed the lack of sedation as one example of a useless excuse to inject more violence and gore into the movie. There was absolutely no reason for 75% of it. When a movie calls for it – and this one did at certain times – than it makes sense. But the vast majority of the grossness in the movie was only to appeal to the desensitized adolescent masses.
And nothing about it was original. Like I said, I told you what the story was about: humans encounter unknown species or peoples. Humans respond like ignorant idiots. One character learns the lesson the populace should learn. That's ALL there is and it's hardly unique. I will say the story, as many times as it has been told, was done well. Peter Jackson has always been an excellent film maker and continues to be.
I'm sorry that I didn't find anything about the movie "cool." I'm sorry you think that's pathetic. I'm sorry people actually think something like this is intelligent. I'm sorry that dialogue and writing takes a back seat to preaching with the benefit of constant, in-your-face CGI and special effects. Don't go calling people "pathetic" just because YOU like to be pandered to. If you like the movie, fine. I have no problem with that. Lots of people did.
But don't insult me because I stated the truth. And P.S. I knew the ending of this movie five minutes into it. I knew it right down to the last detail without knowing ANYTHING going in. "Twists and turns?" No. Predictable from the get-go.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/16/2009 1:11:54 AM
I'm not agreeing with Bad Noodles, he's wrong on a couple of his key points, IMO. But I also think you're way off base as well Ben.
There is a definite Apartheid metaphor going on in this movie, no way to argue against that point. But I don't think viewers were slapped in the face with that message at all. I was 100% percent aware of the "message" going into the movie and my biggest worry was that the movie would be too far shoved up its own ass (ie: what you described in the article). But I thought they handled it expertly. It's hard for any informed adult not to at least notice the metaphor but I feel like if one weren't looking for those messages then the wouldn't find it annoying at all.
I plan on responding more directly to your criticisms in the forum, I don't want to give out too many spoilers on the comment section.
EDIT: here's the thread. http://www.psxextremeforums.com/off-topic-forum/10268-spolierific-distric-9-thread-no-aliens-allowed.html
Last edited by SHADOW on 8/16/2009 4:41:24 AM
Wow that comment made me seem like an asshole lol. I'm sorry, but I just didn't (and don't) want people to pass this movie, and It just seemed unfair at the time to immediately discourage people from seeing it, because lets face it: People who read this are going to take interest in your opinion and trust you, and while not all may like this movie, it still deserves a chance as I am a huge fan of Neill Blomkamp. I'm sorry, and I won't be leaving anything insulting on this site again, especially towards you Ben (let the ass kissing begin!).
I didn't mean to insult you, but you shouldn't call me pathetic just because I didn't think the movie was cool.
And I really wouldn't worry about my opinion influencing people not to see the movie. I doubt Jackson and Co. will suffer because of me and my lil' ol comment. 😉
SHADOW: Like I said, I think he told the story very well. It was indeed handled expertly. But at no point could I sit there and say, "okay, the message ISN'T in my face right now." Oh look, the alien we're supposed to sympathize with has a son. Oh look, at the end of the movie, they dude who turned into an alien is talking about his "angel" (i.e., "lily white") wife. Oh look, there's the quintessential redneck soldier who wants to shoot anything that moves, and anyone who isn't exactly like him deserves to die.
Know what I mean?
Ya, I see where you're coming from, but I still don't believe that if you were to watch the movie without looking for those things that they'd be so obvious. It felt to me like there was a strong subtext within the movie but if you didn't care to try to constantly find it, it wouldn't be so blatant.
"there's absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that our human reaction to a bunch of starving creatures would be to treat them like insane, lowly animals."
in Africa they might. They did it to their own people for a loooooooooong time. I agree with Ben, the Hollyweird lectures about how terrible white males are or just people in general are getting old, but in District 9, i didnt feel like the movie was trying to force an agenda on us, more like it was just reminding us of the horror committed by the Apartheid government. I think Neil Blomkemp or what ever is from South Africa no? It was based on his short story after all.
Last edited by Jawknee on 8/16/2009 6:38:01 PM
SHADOW: For the record, I most certainly didn't go into that movie looking for ANYTHING politically related. Hell, I thought I'd be free from it in there, based on the previews.
I'm sorry, but it was just in my face from jump. Plain and simple.
I guess it all comes down to the way it's presented. While I had no problem with District 9, I have a huge problem with the constant in-your-face preaching from something like Twilight.
Sorry, say what now? to me District 9 looks like a rehash of Alien Nation. In other words it's a formula, it's been done, and it (Alien Nation) was better.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 8/17/2009 1:34:50 AM
Does Bayonetta have enough to bounce? Anyway, I'm not on the fence because of the female lead, that's never been a problem. I think it has to do with just how far over the top batshit crazy it may come out, and yeah how hard it is too.
Yeah she does, and her clothes are made of her hair =O and the more powerful her attacks are, the less clothes she wears until the attack is over =)
Shallow comment of the week. I think Bayonetta is just plain butt ugly and is therefore cutting down on some of that game's appeal.
Now, even on that note, I am still very much looking forward to that game. Though I doubt I will buy it when it first comes out. I do hope it is very successful though.
World kind of touched on why I'm on the fence with Bayonetta but there's another factor for me. The "look" of the game isn't as appealing for me. The shades of color and yeah, the action just looks a bit over the top and partially flamboyant. It's just an opinion and I still want to keep an open mind for when I try it out. If the game is fun, I will definitely consider that over the colors and aesthetics of the game. Fun factor always prevails.
The thing is if it was about some brawny guy with muscles and bare chest and what not no one would bat an eye, but make it about a well built lady with a tight costume and suddenly T&A accusations are thicker on the ground than pre-pubescent panties at a Justin Timberlake concert.
That's a double standard, and a fairly homo-erotic one at that. It's OK for the beef-cake to be topless and tight, but the ladies can't be bouncy and wear something tight? Sorry, say what? I don't even begin to comprehend that. However that appears, in practice, to be the situation.
Boy, sounds like you had a bad week :(, hope this upcoming one's good for you.
Also, NEVER have I thought of a female lead like that (even if said female lead in some game just screams out "F**K ME…..X-Blades lol), so I hope what you said goes out to the people who've you directed to.
I didn't read the D9 section because I want to see D9 ^.^, but when I read the last few sentences, I can see you didn't like it much, mostly due to its unoriginality.
Do you like other works from Peter Jackson (i.e. LOTR for example?) Ben (I'm afraid of calling you Mr. Dutka because you get the accidental impression from me that I think you're old)?
Last edited by Victor321 on 8/15/2009 11:19:04 PM
Wow this is a shitty day, that wasn't meant to be a reply! Sorry! I'm tired and I just had like 5 beers so I think it's best if I just stop trying to change someone's opinion or make them see D9 to begin with 🙂
Last edited by ExhumeART on 8/15/2009 11:35:44 PM
I'm 31. And I loved the LotR movies. Peter Jackson's involvement was the biggest reason I went to see District 9.
I love Peter Jackson, my fav. movie of his is the remake of King Kong, amazing movie, o and Jack Black FTW.
Last edited by JMO_INDY on 8/16/2009 1:59:03 AM
I love Petey J (that would be Peter Jackson's rapper name if he rapped) but King Kong was god awful. But Jack Black was surprisingly un-horrid in a more dramatic role.
Just curious, what didnt you like about it?
The ONLY thing i liked about Pete Jacks King Kong was Naomi Watts.
King Kong was overdone, but I still think it was done well.
And Naomi Watts is one of the most beautiful women ALIVE.
Ok, I guess I can call you Mr. Dutka then! Lol jk 😛
And thanks for answering my questions.
I was thinking about getting Bayonetta, but there's just something about the DMC gameplay I don't like. It reminds me of kung fu theatre with that cheesey aerial combat.
Last edited by tes37 on 8/15/2009 11:31:50 PM
I'm looking forward to Wet because of the real character. I've never liked these over-the-top-super-badass-constantly-one-liner-spewing protagonists, not even Dante. Bayonetta, as a game and as a character, looks over stylized to me.
I still hold hope that Platinum Games will make more games in the vein of Okami, one of the best games I've ever played.
Last edited by Kangasfwa on 8/15/2009 11:46:28 PM
Wet just looks like Tomb Raider with a new character, but maybe that's a good thing?
I didn't see any tombs in the preview.
Well it's City Raider then? lol just really seems like tomb raider just with a diff chara and diff enviroments, but i mean i guess all games do something alike
So, what about the guys in Gears of War? They were not exactly typical males, you know?
I just think something looks off about the atmosphere of Bayonetta. I'm not sure what it is, all the gameplay trailers I've seen for it seem, I dunno, un-immersive? is that a word? I doubt it, but thats all that comes to mind.
Activison and Valve should join forces and run there company's into the ground together…
Personally I have no problem with feamle leads in games. I'd even like to see a female lead in a GTA game. I mentioned that on another website a while back. Some a$$-hat came back with her being mad about her fingernail polish being smudged or something to that effect… Obviously he hadn't seen movies like 'I Spit On Your Grave' or 'The Long Kiss Goodnight'
Flasy DMC games make me cringe
I love the first DMC because it didn't try to be flashy in EVERY OPPORTUNITY IT HAD.
It just seems these newer action/adventure games care more 'bout being flashy than actually driving a deep storyline through.
This is something GOW does very well, yes it's flashy, but at the core is the whole storytelling and THAT'S what drives the game and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT<—Something I look for in games.
Flashiness doesn't do it for ME
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On the female protagonist bit. it's been a problem I'm having a hard time understanding:
-Beyond Good and Evil
-FFX-2
-Heavenly Sword
There's a WEIRD trend where if it's a female lead people tend to turn their heads
The last big female lead was Lara Croft. And even she could not survive that long either. After the ps1 era she's been falling down her throne with every game.
FF13 has a main female character
I have no problem with female protaognists, Beyond god and Evil was good. Heavenly Sword i didnt enjoy purely due to the Sixaxis use, found it very frustratin. And FFX-2, the problem is not that they are female, its that they are so immature and annoying. I was also angry how they destoryed Yuna's strong character from FFX-1.
I agree with Ultimadream on FF X-2. To me, the characters didn't seem strong or mature enough to handle the kind of power they wielded. SE didn't do a good job trying to convince me that the characters were warriors.
yea i agree, i have no problem with female characters except for FFx-2
that final fantasy doesn't exist to me
i hate it when the lead character is an immature, squealing girl, that relies on what they wear to determine their power.lol
sorry as u can tell i hate FFX-2
as for bayonetta, the over the top bouncing all over the screen thing is not appealing to me at all.
i mean DMC had my attention for a few hours in the 1st game, but after that, naa
my idea of a good action game would be the god of war series.
How many times are we going to have this argument 'bout FFX-2
It is a GRAND rpg. Whether you like it from a female's perspective is another thing.
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This BS talk 'bout maturity makes me want to slap some of you. Seriously, for male gamers if a female lead isn't the serious type they never give her any credit.
It has to be a cold/serious type like Lightning. You guys are close-minded. To not like Yuna's personality is one thing, but to say the game is bad because of it is another. The game overall is good, it presents not only the future of FFX, but it also presents the past, and more than that it fulfills what the sequel was made for.
I suggest you guys read IGN.com's review of the game, best review of the game thus far.
Again, we're gonna have this argument for the 100th time on this site -_-
***To say the game is bad because it's a more light-hearted adventure is NO argument. If the basics of storyline, character development, and gameplay are there and are strong the game is good regardless of if you like a "happy" female lead or not.***
Lol Scarecrow.
Nobody said the game sucked. Just didn't expect kindergarten language from characters that look 18 – 21 years old.
I had to thumb you up for at least wanting to slap me, it's the thought that counts.
This is my first time to say anything about disliking the silly language. The game was good and this is the impression I was left with after finishing it.
I read your posts as well as everyone else's, and I respect your opinion, so don't think that I posted to annoy you.
Last edited by tes37 on 8/16/2009 10:01:50 PM
I guess I will read the last part after I see District Nine.
i noticed at the end of the bayonetta part you used a few Nirvana songs(About a Girl & Dumb). not sure if it was on purpose or not.
Bayonetta dreams about being DMC. It won't touch it. Not because it's a woman lead (which by the way they DID include in the game for t&a), but because the sadistic difficulty coupled with what many will no doubt be referred to as a "lousy camera" will make this game near impossible to play and lead to nothing but frustration for the majority of customers.
….like DMC3? Lol
Way to make a prediction about a game you haven't even touched yet. Just because they make the lead a female doesn't mean they were included for T&A either. Also, people tend to forget that Hideki Kamiya had nothing to do with DMC after the first one. I see people make comments about this game and other DMC games and it seems like they don't realize that fact. I am looking forward to Bayonetta just as much as Ben is. Sure, the game is out there, but it still looks great.
Last edited by KilloWertz on 8/16/2009 12:44:20 PM
have u seen the previews and rolling crotch shots? Yeah she is there for T&A.
@ KilloWertz – You are looking forward to playing Bayonetta. That would be because you are expecting it to be good, no? That's as much a prediction as my saying it won't be. So leave me alone. I was giving MY opinion, not yours.
Second, if you look at the trailers and game play footage the lead character is OBVIOUSLY there for T&A. It's not because it's a woman, it's because that's the way the developers want to portray her. Which personally I think is disgraceful and detracts from what might be some awesome action.
Even Nariko, who was conceived by a female designer as a strong female character, was exploited as T&A. Why else was she half-naked in the snow? By contrast, Rau in the Mark Of Kri had a hooded coat during the snowy level.
Not that I'm complaining; it doesn't make me see her as anything but the strong character that she is.
You should have watched The Goods. It was funny.
that movie is hilarious, "These people are excited about the savings," i love that movie. "Never again!"