Mott back on EDGE

[Crispin]

GameCentral (or Game-something, I can never remember what) is much, much better than Digitiser ever was. Yes, they can be jaded. But so am I (incredibly so at the moment, I don't even want to buy VJ or F-Zero).

They got the balance of humour and fact just right. Only one time did they mess up when they reviewed a non-existent game for an April Fool. And they learnt their lesson.

Digi never got the balance right. Most of the time it was impossible to guess what was real and what was a joke story in the final months of Digi's life (hey I read it early in the morning, not the best time for deciding what seems plausible or not). Yes it was funny, but it had little to do with gaming.

Admittedly, they can be a little slow now and then with their previews. But since they have no capacity for images, they can't preview something until they have some decent content on the thing. If Mr. Mott is behind it, I say:

"Well done Mr. Mott"

Can't wait for you to kick EDGE out of it's painfully long downward slide. GameCentral may be jaded, but they are rarely negative in the manner that EDGE are (you know in their writing. Take the Ninja Gaiden preview in a previous issue.) And their reviews are generally informative (better than GamesTM even) and much more focused (IMO) on the game rather than some nebulous "style" that the game possesses. After all, they ain't art, they're ?40 products that you use for fun. Not some life-enhancing experience.

I have one reservation. On a letters page GameCentral recently professed their love or admiration or respect for EA. This has me worried. EDGE have already shown themselves to be fans of EA. There is currently a movement in the "serious" gaming circles that EA have suddenly got their act together and are producing decent games.

Not that this is a necessarily bad movement or wrong or whatever, but EA have yet to convince me. It is natural not to want to read a magazine that covers products you have no interest in. I have no interest in EA. And certainly not in-depth features. Still, at least that issue wasn't as bad as the Minter one. At least EA tend to have some hope of releasing a game within a reasonable time.

Interesting to note that EDGE weren't impressed with quite a few of the EA products they covered either. Seems slightly odd.

I just hope EDGE doesn't waste any more of it's time under Mr. Mott talking about EA products. I'd buy other mags if I wanted this. I'm sure TW2003 lovers will disagree. And they are more than welcome to.

I have a sneaking suspicion that, like my love of Phantom Crash and SMS, I am in the minority...

[Sketcz]

After all, they ain't art, they're ?40 products that you use for fun. Not some life-enhancing experience.

En guarde! You sir have made a dishonorable comment regarding the industry, and for that I challenge you to a duel!

Kidding crispin, though I do regard games as art, in the same way many a DVD film, could be regarded as art.
Products artistic by nature, can cost money, and be for fun.

On several occasions, I have played games that match and sometimes even surpass the emotions evoked by some of the best books and films.
Admiteddly, there are not that many, but gaming can cuase deep shifts in thoughts and emotions, on so many various levels, be it adrenalised anger and focus during a shmup, or the sadness at hearing tales of brave self-sacrifice.

</rant>

[Crispin]

After all, they ain't art, they're ?40 products that you use for fun. Not some life-enhancing experience.

Kidding crispin, though I do regard games as art, in the same way many a DVD film, could be regarded as art.
Products artistic by nature, can cost money, and be for fun.

On several occasions, I have played games that match and sometimes even surpass the emotions evoked by some of the best books and films.

Ah, but it doesn't happen often. I can think of about at most, ten, fifteen games that have made me feel a connection with the game. I think when it happens more regularly, then I'll consider it as an art-form. Those games are works of art, no doubt. But the medium as a whole has yet to be considered by me as an art.

To be fair, I don't consider pop music as an art. Too hit and miss at the moment. Most of it just fails to make any impression, as do most generic platformers.

Let's see, games that have caused some amazing emotion in me:

Ocarina of Time (too many to mention, still a landmark title)
Majora's Mask (the melancholy in the final hours)
Halo (dammit, they're all dead! I couldn't save them)
Ikaruga (euphoria, amazing)
Co-op Probotector on the NES (I believe it is called Contra in the US? The feeling of working together as a team, avenging your fallen comrade, sacrificing yourself for your teammate etc,)
DOAXBV (such a happy summer game)
Pokemon (that moment, when the unexpected happens, be it when a **** pokemon turns good, or you begin to uncover a mysterious stone that seems to have no significance whatsoever. The thrill of discovery)
Metroid Prime (as much as I detest the game, I'll give it that it is a work of art. Caused me to jump several times. Shows that a work of art doesn't necessarily mean the gameplay is good)
Phantom Crash (the journey from rookie to pro, biding your time, waiting to teach certain players a lesson or two)
KOTOR (the anguish when playing a light side scoundrel is very pronounced. The temptation to fall to the dark side is amazing - more pronounced than with the soldier class!)
Goldeneye (the fear, the nervousness, the disbelief when you see the opponent crumple to the ground, surprise at having reacted so quickly)

Some other games too, but they stick out.

Nice to notice quite a few of those are recent. Things are improving.

[Retronana]

I welcome the come back of T.Mott, his last issue at EDGE was a very moving read.

My gripes with EDGE are:

Too many 5 page features based on press days at development studios that stink of PR spin, with the staff writer adding the classic "as long as developer X keeps on track they could have a winner on there hands" to the last line of the article

Review for the said game when finished being chucked near the back of the review section to save face.

Massive articles on very inovative games in development (mostly Jap) and then never bothering to review the title when it comes out

GamesTM are doing a great job, keep up the good work and watch what was happens Bath direction with interest !

Is a sleeping giant about to re-awake or just continue to slumber ?

Retronana

[1st Post]

[Shevek]

Mr. Mott, will you continue EDGE's policy of subjugating its readership or can we expect something a little more mellowed from you and your team?