|
Post by Discoalucard on Jun 1, 2009 20:31:05 GMT -5
Well, to be fair, Time Killers is not worth touching in the first place. There really isn't anything deeper beneath the surface. Even so, this was hands-down the worst article in the site's history. It sounds melodramatic to say it, but the vast difference in quality actually cheapens all of the other, quality pieces out there. That's a bit rough, innit? If there's any major criticism lobbed against this site (outside of the outdated design), it's that the writing can be a bit on the dry side. That's OK, I guess, since it's generally aiming for a more historical criticism, but I also don't see the point to hold strictly to those guns. There are a few other articles on the site that go outside those bounds - the Final Fantasy ones, Killer7, Tokimeki Memorial, even that stupid bitchy Dragon Quest VIII one I wrote years ago - that got/get quite a bit of criticism. And yet, from a writing standpoint, I think they're some of the best on the site. The problem with writing about games with humor is that not everyone shares the same ideals to what's funny and what isn't. Personally I think it's funny enough to be worthy of merit, although I understand it won't really gel with everyone, and that's OK too. I certainly wouldn't call it objectively bad by any means, even if it could use some brushing up. It is unique, though, which I think HG101 could use some more of, and hey! It's bringing up discussion, so that's pretty good too.
|
|
|
Post by Shellshock on Jun 1, 2009 20:42:18 GMT -5
I think all points were made, and all constructive criticism (and insults) has been acknowledged. Time to leave the guy alone.
EDIT: And those Final Fantasy pieces by Pitchfork are very entertaining, despite being surprisingly unorthodox and long.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 20:44:14 GMT -5
I see what you're saying, but some people would also think it's funny to take a dump on your couch. It's different, and certainly unexpected, but that doesn't make it quality entertainment.
It's definitely true that we all come to this site for different reasons, and we each take something different away from the available articles. By no means should they all be dry like a term paper. At the same time, there's a certain level of class that needs to be maintained, or else the whole thing will feel like the reviews over at GameFAQs.
To be fair, I'm not criticizing the article so harshly because I think I'm some big time writer who's shit doesn't stink. I'm just really surprised by how childish it all was, and even more by the stark contrast it provides with some of the more elucidating content on the site.
In conclusion, I think this guy could definitely provide something worth reading. He just needs to find his voice. It's true that a lot of the stuff around here might come across as being almost monotone, but adding Gilbert Godfried's dulcet tones for the sake of variety isn't what I'd call a wise move. This thing needed some serious editing before it was put up on the site.
Of course, it's your place, and you're the authority on what fits in with the direction you want for the site. I just don't agree on this one.
|
|
|
Post by Reiji-kun on Jun 1, 2009 21:00:47 GMT -5
Well, to be fair, Time Killers is not worth touching in the first place. There really isn't anything deeper beneath the surface. To be fair, myself, it's better than Kaneko's Blood Warriors, at least. I've gone ahead and touched Time Killers plenty of times; I guess I must be lucky not to have been inflected with a plague by it. It's fun to cheat death that way. It's not a good game, but honestly, I can like and tolerate it on the account I have played games far worse. I also have a tiny bit of a soft spot for this game, admittingly, though I don't quite know why. And oddly, I enjoy playing it.
|
|
|
Post by zzz on Jun 1, 2009 21:00:35 GMT -5
the contra part was extremely extreme, i'll admit. it's also knowingly vulgar, but that's missing the point. when i look at what modern game design involving tough dudes has become, that's basically i see. a giant masturbatory mess of men who secretly love each other, but instead choose to pursue a shallow, meaningless personal existence other than kicking ass with overcompensatingly heavy hardware. the ultimate in Brotoculture. i tried to make sure that this was clear in the third paragraph, but eh. So in short, you tried to make a joke about homo-eroticism. There's nothing inherently funny about buttsex, dude. That part was just sophomoric, man. in short, if the missing pictures are restored to their proper places, i'd really like it to have a second look taken at it. the sparseness alone is killing me. I'm seeing a buttsex joke and a picture of Roger Ebert. Regarding the former, see the above paragraph. And about the latter: Y'know what the most played out cliche in video game journalism is? Bitching about Roger Ebert. I didn't learn anything about those games from that article. All I got was an edgy ("'nuff said!") ego-trip that didn't talk about the game mechanics or anything. I don't mind a little rose-tinted nostalgia in the HG101 articles, but this was a waste of time. for the record, i'm going to be revising the articles to add a bit more discussion about the mechanics of the games. there isn't a lot to say, but i can do that for you lovely chaps. Game mechanics are for instruction manuals and FAQs. HG101 articles are supposed to be about what makes the games interesting, and we're not going to convey that if we try to write encyclopedia articles. The early HG101 articles did a very good job of this. The simple fact of the matter is mechanics are boring. And there's no excuse for boring writing. We can discuss the content of the game without explaining which button does what. In regards to Time Killers (and Bloodstorm), what makes them interesting is that they're violent, bloody, gorey, and stupid. The intro (and the writing style to a lesser extent) also successfully convey how (and in what way) they're a product of their time, which is really the only other important thing about them. If you wanna know the commands for the characters' specials or something then go look up a guide on GameFAQs. I'll also note that there have been several positive remarks about the article, so no one needs to act like this is some sort of horrible travesty that's been committed against HG101. The only thing that we all seem to agree on is that some of the humor just falls flat on its face (i.e. the off topic vulgarity and pop culture references). Finally, I'll again recommend that someone should post this around on other sites to see what people think about it. It may not be what the HG101 crowd expects, but it's possible that this could elicit a better response from the general public (or at least from people on other video game sites) and it may even attract more people to the site.
|
|
|
Post by Ike on Jun 1, 2009 21:23:32 GMT -5
There's nothing inherently funny about buttsex, dude. Since when?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 21:32:47 GMT -5
Really don't want to know how you spend your free time, Ike...
As for zzz's comments, I did mention that it was being melodramatic to say that the article is a blight upon HG101. The server isn't going to spontaneously combust just by hosting it. I just think it doesn't fit in with the rest of the stuff around here.
You're right that there were plenty of other people who dug it, though. To each their own.
|
|
|
Post by kal on Jun 1, 2009 21:53:22 GMT -5
I agree with the articles. However I do believe that they could use a smidgen more about the games themselves which the author is apparently doing. There's many things within TK and BS (particularly Bloodstorm) that are mentioned but not elaborated. They did try and separate themselves a little bit from their contemparies. Such as no mention of the elaborate secrets within the game.
Time Killers could use a photo of the end boss and maybe some screen shots of the endings. Bloodstorm could use the same (except with a photo of the gimp woman and that annoying flying sod 2nd last boss). No mention of enviromental hazards or the existence of fatalities.
Ninja Clowns is signifigant as it marks the point in the article where the author went completely insane. I'm not feeling that 3rd page at all.
|
|
|
Post by zzz on Jun 1, 2009 22:05:38 GMT -5
Honestly, as much as I dislike the Ninja Clowns section, it wouldn't bother me at all if the entire article stayed as is. I'm perfectly content with letting the guy write how he wants to write.
I'm curious what kind of response this article will get when it goes up on the main section of the site. It's without a doubt The Most Controversial HG101 Article Ever, which should probably garner some attention, if nothing else.
|
|
|
Post by Reiji-kun on Jun 1, 2009 22:23:16 GMT -5
It's without a doubt The Most Controversial HG101 Article Ever, which should probably garner some attention, if nothing else. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think it's all that 'controversial' myself. Questionable, perhaps. Calling it the former seems a little strong.
|
|
|
Post by jorpho on Jun 1, 2009 22:38:46 GMT -5
Time Killers could use a photo of the end boss and maybe some screen shots of the endings. Bloodstorm could use the same (except with a photo of the gimp woman and that annoying flying sod 2nd last boss). No mention of enviromental hazards or the existence of fatalities. Don't forget the gauntlets. There weren't a lot of 2D fighters featuring droppable weapons like that. Is no one else going to decry off-color commentary on the Rwandan genocide?
|
|
|
Post by zzz on Jun 1, 2009 22:39:59 GMT -5
When I say "controversial" I don't mean that it's "offensive".
controversial
1 : of, relating to, or arousing controversy 2 : given to controversy
controversy
a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views
So "controversial" definitely fits.
|
|
|
Post by Pitchfork on Jun 1, 2009 22:40:48 GMT -5
I agree with the articles. However I do believe that they could use a smidgen more about the games themselves which the author is apparently doing. I was disappointed in not seeing any mention of Time Killers's control scheme. Buttons labeled "head," "arms," and "legs" are a far cry from "LP," "HP," "MK," etc.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2009 22:42:17 GMT -5
He made light of Rihanna getting beat up, too. That's the trouble with "edgy" material. More often than not, it isn't funny and you just end up looking bad.
|
|
|
Post by Reiji-kun on Jun 1, 2009 22:48:12 GMT -5
When I say "controversial" I don't mean that it's "offensive". controversial
1 : of, relating to, or arousing controversy 2 : given to controversycontroversy
a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing viewsSo "controversial" definitely fits. Sounds a little snarkyish? If so, forgive me if I offended you. I'm just saying I feel 'questionable' suits it better, is all.
|
|