Umm, okay so... I played the demo. I... I think this could be the best shooter I've played in a while. I think what's so great about it is that... it's very meta as far as shooters go. The epitome of dudebro shooter. It couldn't be more dudebro. Like this game... the main character may as well be Zac from Ghost Adventures. If you haven't played the demo, get it. Play it MANY.
Longer article coming soon...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dead Space, Headphones, and a male scream.
I made fun, I picked on them, laughed at them, called them the "Dbag headphones". I considered them to be the tools of the assbag. The same person who has a 1080p tv for 3 games: Madden, Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops. You get these, and instantly you become an expert gamer. Only in FPS shooters, and you have no clue about the origins of the shooter genre. Basically, I lauded anyone who bought them, talked about them, or asked about them.
Then.... I got a pair.......Dammit all. They were amazing.
The TurtleBeach Headsets.
Lemme 'splain. I wrote a blog about video game audio, and talked about how I never used a mic anyway so why would I need a fancy headset? I've sold dozens, if not hundreds of these headsets, but me in my stubborn ways stuck to my old guns. My $300+ Sennheiser wireless headphones I got for a bargain.
Then I got a gift card to a big box store, which I, as a self-respecting gamer, refuse to support by buying games from. So I said "screw it, I'll get a pair of these headphones and see whats so awesome". I had also quickly grown tired of replacing batteries at the rate I use my phones.
So, I got the PX21s. The headset designed for the PS3, but also plays well with the 360.
......*sigh*....... they are awesome.
But.... but how can this be? A non-audio company who makes dbag headsets actually come out with an amazing gaming/ movie watching product? Well... the movie headset aspect is a happy accident. These cats created these headphones intentionally for the video games. In turn making some of what I feel are the best headphones around. Now, specifically they are a headset. But in most cases I have the chat function turned off.
I'll spare you the tech details as you've probably heard about what's so amazing about these headsets. The extra long cord, and inline audio adjustment controls are amazing. The simple USB powered and 3.5 plug settings are also divine. But blog-inspiring? Nope. Not alone.
Into my life walks Dead Space 2. Now, I'll save the deliciousness of the game for a legit run-down, as I have yet to finish it and am enjoying it immensely. I did however, feel the need to blog about the whole experience the combination of the headset, the game and myself created.
There I was fighting a thing, when I though the thing was dead, and was walking towards it to stomp it into little bits, when the thing came back to life. (In pure Dead Space fashion, I'm not giving away any spoilers, it's a common, albeit frustratingly startling thing).
I played Dead Space 1 with my old headphones, and Dead Space 2 with my new swag, and the improved bass setting maxed out. Needless to say the headphones just about shake when a deep rumble occurs. And occurred it did. The monster let out a guttural roar, and I let out an audible yelp. Due, almost entirely to the headsets exterior-noise canceling, and in-game noise improving abilities.
Now, it's rare for me to talk about how something outside of the game can greatly improve the games overall quality, but I dare say that this is how they intended Dead Space 2 to be experienced.
A headset, less than 1/3 of the price of a more stately, yet less impressive set, completely changing how I experience games. Now that's something.
Would a large home theatre set-up have accomplished the same thing? Nope.
Games like Dead Space are like tbells at 3am, documentaries on ballerinas, and robes- things to be experienced and enjoyed, alone, with the proper equipment.
I think this game's messing with my mind.... also, you should play it. Soon.
Then.... I got a pair.......Dammit all. They were amazing.
The TurtleBeach Headsets.
Lemme 'splain. I wrote a blog about video game audio, and talked about how I never used a mic anyway so why would I need a fancy headset? I've sold dozens, if not hundreds of these headsets, but me in my stubborn ways stuck to my old guns. My $300+ Sennheiser wireless headphones I got for a bargain.
Then I got a gift card to a big box store, which I, as a self-respecting gamer, refuse to support by buying games from. So I said "screw it, I'll get a pair of these headphones and see whats so awesome". I had also quickly grown tired of replacing batteries at the rate I use my phones.
So, I got the PX21s. The headset designed for the PS3, but also plays well with the 360.
......*sigh*....... they are awesome.
But.... but how can this be? A non-audio company who makes dbag headsets actually come out with an amazing gaming/ movie watching product? Well... the movie headset aspect is a happy accident. These cats created these headphones intentionally for the video games. In turn making some of what I feel are the best headphones around. Now, specifically they are a headset. But in most cases I have the chat function turned off.
I'll spare you the tech details as you've probably heard about what's so amazing about these headsets. The extra long cord, and inline audio adjustment controls are amazing. The simple USB powered and 3.5 plug settings are also divine. But blog-inspiring? Nope. Not alone.
Into my life walks Dead Space 2. Now, I'll save the deliciousness of the game for a legit run-down, as I have yet to finish it and am enjoying it immensely. I did however, feel the need to blog about the whole experience the combination of the headset, the game and myself created.
There I was fighting a thing, when I though the thing was dead, and was walking towards it to stomp it into little bits, when the thing came back to life. (In pure Dead Space fashion, I'm not giving away any spoilers, it's a common, albeit frustratingly startling thing).
I played Dead Space 1 with my old headphones, and Dead Space 2 with my new swag, and the improved bass setting maxed out. Needless to say the headphones just about shake when a deep rumble occurs. And occurred it did. The monster let out a guttural roar, and I let out an audible yelp. Due, almost entirely to the headsets exterior-noise canceling, and in-game noise improving abilities.
Now, it's rare for me to talk about how something outside of the game can greatly improve the games overall quality, but I dare say that this is how they intended Dead Space 2 to be experienced.
A headset, less than 1/3 of the price of a more stately, yet less impressive set, completely changing how I experience games. Now that's something.
Would a large home theatre set-up have accomplished the same thing? Nope.
Games like Dead Space are like tbells at 3am, documentaries on ballerinas, and robes- things to be experienced and enjoyed, alone, with the proper equipment.
I think this game's messing with my mind.... also, you should play it. Soon.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Doug's mobile phone
A non-video game blog from Doug? Let's not listen.
A cell phone blog? He better not.
Look, I have a cell phone.
Until recently I had a pretty awesome cell phone.
MINE
But recently, she has broken, and I was left with this.
SEVERE DOWNGRADE
But I'm not mad about it. Here's what I'm going to get in about 4 weeks.
This sexy gal.
or
This also sexy gal
Now don't gimme no stories about what phone I should get and why, there are now three things you don't talk about in public.
1. Politics
2. Religion
3. Cell phones
Personal blogs, sure, rock it out. In public, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT IT.
For every person who hates a cell phone company, there are others who think it's the best.
Here's my story of the facts.
I had Verizon for years, YEARS. I loved them, they loved me. It was all great. I was able to get unlimited data and messaging. It was good. I could ebay phones and they'd let me switch it on the internets no problems. Until I wanted to grow up and get a big boy plan of my own. (I know people in their 30s who still have a plan with their parents, it's just a nice way to save).
Plus I was on a money-saving kick. So I went to Verizon and... oh, that's right!! I hate going there.
Here, let me backtrack a bit. I had found out that I was paying about $120 a month to Verizon. In some countries that would be considered a sexual offense. Too much. I text the most, data the second most, and talk about 40 to 50 minutes a month, but had to pay for unlimited talk too, which was the biggest chunk, like $70 or $80 at the time.
I work part-time in a mall, in that mall there are cell phone stores. Most of the guys who work at these stores are pretty hardcore gamers. I'm a hardcore gamer. We become friends. The Sprint guys, the AT&T guys, the T-Mobile guys... but never the Verizon guys. There are 3 kiosks in the mall for Verizon. The mall is located next to a Verizon store. I digress. One of the Sprint guys and I were talking about video games, and he said "if you ever want to switch to Sprint, let me know, I can get you a deal".
So, I go to Verizon. I walk in, and my hatred begins. There's the door bouncer you have to plead to, usually playing up your problem bigger than it actually is, he puts your name on a list and you wait. I told them "my phone is getting old, I'd like to upgrade and see about getting a different contract if possible, a cheaper one". Oh my.... that wait wasn't going to be short. Finally, honestly 30 minutes later, we're seen by one of the gods of the cell phones. I tell him my deal, $120 is too much and I want a new phone. Here's basically what was said.
"Well, I'd like a new phone, and is the cheapest unlimited everything plan really $120?"
yep
"Alright, well what about a new phone?"
you're not up for an upgrade for another year, we'd have to extend your contract.
(now here is where even I stop listening. A cell phone is a damn cell phone, its a tool, a gadget a toy, it's not a car, house or boat, why in the hell do I have to sign a new 2 year contract to get a new toy? Heres money, give me that thing. Oh that thing outside of a contract costs $500? Really? A new cell phone from the manufacture costs as much as a damn iPad? I hate the words "extend, contract, agreement" in the same sentence)
"Well I'm not really digging any of those things, that'll cost me more money"
$120 is basically the cost you'd find anywhere else too, but they'll charge you new activation fees
".............*stare*......... I'm leaving".
So, I walk out. Determined to find a way to prove him wrong.
(SOAPBOX TIME)
A cell phone is not unlike an appliance. We all know that the person selling it to you is working on commission, we accept that. It's common knowledge. My problem is there was a time when people would and could say "that was the man who sold us our washer", but cell phones have become so common place that it's basically an assembly line. If you don't like how you're treated, go somewhere else, but everyone else will treat you the same, you need them, they don't need you.
We as the customers need to be treated as though we matter, as though your business depends on it. Verizon I'm well aware that you losing my business didn't hurt you at all, I'm actually not looking to hurt you in anyway whatsoever. ("I'm never shopping here again", is just a promise of future happiness to the salesperson, quit saying it) But, we live in a time of the internet, where the underground masses can be informed and maybe slowly change their ways.
I needed a small business cell phone company. I needed someone who depended on my business to survive, but also understood that my business could be taken somewhere else.
I needed a place that advertised unlimited everything for $70. Good old Sprint.
I drive over to the Sprint store just to test the waters, I was pissed about Verizon and knew that a smaller company might not have the same coverage as the larger ones, but maybe they actually gave a shit and didn't see me as literally just another cell number. (Ed. The Sprint coverage is equal to Verizon, not greater, or worse, equal. I've seen no difference, except that Sprint as 3g and 4g, haha)
So I walk into the Sprint store. No door bouncer, no line of customers demanding to be helped. It was the salesmen and me. I was sold from that point on. He knew that I was well aware of how I should be treated, and I was well aware that he needed commissions to stay afloat. There are much fewer Sprint stores than there are Verizon stores. Don't come off too desperate now Sprint store....
He introduces himself and asks what I needed help with. I plead my case with him, in short "I hate Verizon, they overcharge me, and I want a new phone, is that too much to ask?".
He explains the unlimited everything for $70. He then says "well find a phone you like". He could feel the sale, but I was fine with it. It's a dance of sorts dealing with someone who works on commission. You don't want to fall victim to their traps, and they know not to be too pushy. I told him I wanted a phone with a keyboard, but I've had Blackberrys most of my cell phone time, so something fancy would be neat. He shows me the Samsung Moment. "It's $100, with a new plan, but you get a new phone every year if you'd like".
....what?
Yep. Every year I can get a new phone, the contract just keeps on rolling and I get a new phone for the price of a new phone, $100 to $150 each year if I want, or I stick with what I got and upgrade after that first year.
This is the first of many "Reasons Sprint makes it simple and I like that".
Go on.... I'm intrigued.
He explains that I can get a new one each year, but he recommends the insurance on the phone if something does go wrong. oh.... the catch. Ahuh I knew it. "Otherwise.... the repair cost is $35".
Wait wait wait, what? The phone breaks and I have to pay $35 for repairs? That's it? With Verizon they give you a limited amount of replaced phones (3 when I was there), you break more than 3, you're stuck with what you have. He said "yeah, if it can be repaired, if not, and you have the insurance, we'll just replace it".
Well.... how much for this insurance? $7 a month..... hmm... I might never need the insurance, but it's nice to have. (That's why Flanders saw it as a form of gambling). He then asks where I worked "well I work at _____ at the mall, and I work at_____ theatre in the evenings, why?". Oh, those people get a discount. Basically saving you the amount of what the insurance would cost.
So when it's all said and done how much is all of this going to cost me? "Well, $110 for the phone, $70 for the first month, and $50 to transfer the service".
Oh hell. my old numbers a POW at Verizon.
"Well, do you want us to call them and transfer it for you?".
.........what?........
"Yep, we'll deal with them over the phone so you'll never have to step foot into there again".
(So many extra credit points for not only them doing that, but wording it like that too).
So I walk out with a new phone and a restored sense of self-worth from my cellphone company. I spent what I would have spent at Verizon in 2 months. I'm literally paying half of what I was at Verizon, and getting the same cell service and coverage. Half. For half of the cost I'd deal with a dropped call.
OH! Did I mention the phone comes with 500 a month roaming minutes? Unlimited service minutes, and 500 a month roaming. I talk about 40minutes a month. So even if the coverage sucks ass, I'd still be perfectly fine, about 11 times over.
The salesmen calls me, CALLS ME, about 5 days later to see how I'm liking the phone, and says I can swap it for something else if I'm not happy with it. Oh you, you gorgeous man you, I am happy with it, all of it.
Fast-forward to about a week ago. My Moment was dying, just short of a year. The charger port was crapping out. I take it to the Sprint store and they said "we'll have to order a new phone". Good thing I have that insurance. Otherwise I'd have to pay $35. (yes, I know that over the year $7 a month is more than $35, but shaddup and listen).
Two days later my new phone comes in.... I go to get it. Only theres a problem.... they stopped carrying the Moment. They transfer all of my things, contacts and pictures to the new phone for free. (I'm not sure if Verizon is still charging for this, but that was a dbag thing to do regardless).
But they transfer it to the Severe Downgrade. I'm concerned.
This phone sucks. It's got a smaller screen and the buttons suck. Hold it right there though.
As I was waiting to get my new phone (and playing with the Galaxy Tab, which wishes it was my iPad), a lady came in complaining that her 2 year old phone is broken, "something" broke off of it and now it doesn't work. They explained to her that she'd have to pay the $35 since she didn't have insurance. She said "well I hate this phone, I want a new one". They then explained to her that she'd have to have a new contract written up. What the lady didn't realize was that her contract expired a year ago, but they allowed her to stay on contract-less for the remaining year. find another place that would do that. She began to say how ridiculous it was, and she wanted to speak to her cell phone rep, she just didn't remember his name or where he worked. (Mine is named Teddy, he's in my contacts list, we're pals now). So ma'am, you could pay the $35 and they'd fix it, you could get a new contract thats only $70 a month, or you could go to somewhere else. She chose somewhere else..... and these are the people who are too stupid to understand a good thing.
So they hand me my crap phone and send me on my way. It uses the same charger so I shouldn't complain, but it.... it sucks.
Screw it, I'm going to see Teddy. I drive from one Sprint store (the repair store) to my store, and there sure enough is Teddy. The people at the Sprint store I go to-
Teddy
Hot Amber
Josh
Beardy
The people I dealt with at Verizon? Who the hell knows, a different person each time. I say "Teddy, you sold me a phone, a little under a year later it breaks, I get a replacement phone, but it sucks". To which Teddy says "well are you due for an upgrade? you know... the annual one?"..... Teddy I don't remember. But Teddy does. "You are due for one in March, you could get a new phone now, but it'd cost you the full $500, which I'm not gonna let you do that. We got the Evo Shift 4g, it's $150 when you're due for an upgrade, but you'd be selling the replacement phone you got, so you wouldn't even have to spend that much... here... think you can stick it out with that phone until March? March 1st you can come right back in here and we'll get you the upgrade".
Did..... did you just talk me out of a $500 sale? I was seriously considering it too. You did. You talked me out of a $500 sale because you actually care about me. You were going to turn down a commissioned sale for the sake of the customers respect. I.... you.... it.... Blown away.
So he said to hang onto severe downgrade until March, which is what I'm going to do.
A business that's willing to turn down a sale for the sake of the customer saving money in the long run... that's awesome. Maybe it's just because we're pals, maybe it's because he's a gamer, but it seems like everyone there legitimately looks out for the customer.
So, in short (too late), if you're unhappy with your cell provider, maybe it's time to switch. Verizon and AT&T aren't the only rackets in town, and the whole "other places have bad coverage" is a myth, check the maps.
If you're with Sprint and you're unhappy, maybe you're just a dbag and they don't like you.
They like me, which means I'm not a dbag.
And a cell phone company who likes people who aren't dbags is a company for me.
A cell phone blog? He better not.
Look, I have a cell phone.
Until recently I had a pretty awesome cell phone.
MINE
But recently, she has broken, and I was left with this.
SEVERE DOWNGRADE
But I'm not mad about it. Here's what I'm going to get in about 4 weeks.
This sexy gal.
or
This also sexy gal
Now don't gimme no stories about what phone I should get and why, there are now three things you don't talk about in public.
1. Politics
2. Religion
3. Cell phones
Personal blogs, sure, rock it out. In public, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT IT.
For every person who hates a cell phone company, there are others who think it's the best.
Here's my story of the facts.
I had Verizon for years, YEARS. I loved them, they loved me. It was all great. I was able to get unlimited data and messaging. It was good. I could ebay phones and they'd let me switch it on the internets no problems. Until I wanted to grow up and get a big boy plan of my own. (I know people in their 30s who still have a plan with their parents, it's just a nice way to save).
Plus I was on a money-saving kick. So I went to Verizon and... oh, that's right!! I hate going there.
Here, let me backtrack a bit. I had found out that I was paying about $120 a month to Verizon. In some countries that would be considered a sexual offense. Too much. I text the most, data the second most, and talk about 40 to 50 minutes a month, but had to pay for unlimited talk too, which was the biggest chunk, like $70 or $80 at the time.
I work part-time in a mall, in that mall there are cell phone stores. Most of the guys who work at these stores are pretty hardcore gamers. I'm a hardcore gamer. We become friends. The Sprint guys, the AT&T guys, the T-Mobile guys... but never the Verizon guys. There are 3 kiosks in the mall for Verizon. The mall is located next to a Verizon store. I digress. One of the Sprint guys and I were talking about video games, and he said "if you ever want to switch to Sprint, let me know, I can get you a deal".
So, I go to Verizon. I walk in, and my hatred begins. There's the door bouncer you have to plead to, usually playing up your problem bigger than it actually is, he puts your name on a list and you wait. I told them "my phone is getting old, I'd like to upgrade and see about getting a different contract if possible, a cheaper one". Oh my.... that wait wasn't going to be short. Finally, honestly 30 minutes later, we're seen by one of the gods of the cell phones. I tell him my deal, $120 is too much and I want a new phone. Here's basically what was said.
"Well, I'd like a new phone, and is the cheapest unlimited everything plan really $120?"
yep
"Alright, well what about a new phone?"
you're not up for an upgrade for another year, we'd have to extend your contract.
(now here is where even I stop listening. A cell phone is a damn cell phone, its a tool, a gadget a toy, it's not a car, house or boat, why in the hell do I have to sign a new 2 year contract to get a new toy? Heres money, give me that thing. Oh that thing outside of a contract costs $500? Really? A new cell phone from the manufacture costs as much as a damn iPad? I hate the words "extend, contract, agreement" in the same sentence)
"Well I'm not really digging any of those things, that'll cost me more money"
$120 is basically the cost you'd find anywhere else too, but they'll charge you new activation fees
".............*stare*......... I'm leaving".
So, I walk out. Determined to find a way to prove him wrong.
(SOAPBOX TIME)
A cell phone is not unlike an appliance. We all know that the person selling it to you is working on commission, we accept that. It's common knowledge. My problem is there was a time when people would and could say "that was the man who sold us our washer", but cell phones have become so common place that it's basically an assembly line. If you don't like how you're treated, go somewhere else, but everyone else will treat you the same, you need them, they don't need you.
We as the customers need to be treated as though we matter, as though your business depends on it. Verizon I'm well aware that you losing my business didn't hurt you at all, I'm actually not looking to hurt you in anyway whatsoever. ("I'm never shopping here again", is just a promise of future happiness to the salesperson, quit saying it) But, we live in a time of the internet, where the underground masses can be informed and maybe slowly change their ways.
I needed a small business cell phone company. I needed someone who depended on my business to survive, but also understood that my business could be taken somewhere else.
I needed a place that advertised unlimited everything for $70. Good old Sprint.
I drive over to the Sprint store just to test the waters, I was pissed about Verizon and knew that a smaller company might not have the same coverage as the larger ones, but maybe they actually gave a shit and didn't see me as literally just another cell number. (Ed. The Sprint coverage is equal to Verizon, not greater, or worse, equal. I've seen no difference, except that Sprint as 3g and 4g, haha)
So I walk into the Sprint store. No door bouncer, no line of customers demanding to be helped. It was the salesmen and me. I was sold from that point on. He knew that I was well aware of how I should be treated, and I was well aware that he needed commissions to stay afloat. There are much fewer Sprint stores than there are Verizon stores. Don't come off too desperate now Sprint store....
He introduces himself and asks what I needed help with. I plead my case with him, in short "I hate Verizon, they overcharge me, and I want a new phone, is that too much to ask?".
He explains the unlimited everything for $70. He then says "well find a phone you like". He could feel the sale, but I was fine with it. It's a dance of sorts dealing with someone who works on commission. You don't want to fall victim to their traps, and they know not to be too pushy. I told him I wanted a phone with a keyboard, but I've had Blackberrys most of my cell phone time, so something fancy would be neat. He shows me the Samsung Moment. "It's $100, with a new plan, but you get a new phone every year if you'd like".
....what?
Yep. Every year I can get a new phone, the contract just keeps on rolling and I get a new phone for the price of a new phone, $100 to $150 each year if I want, or I stick with what I got and upgrade after that first year.
This is the first of many "Reasons Sprint makes it simple and I like that".
Go on.... I'm intrigued.
He explains that I can get a new one each year, but he recommends the insurance on the phone if something does go wrong. oh.... the catch. Ahuh I knew it. "Otherwise.... the repair cost is $35".
Wait wait wait, what? The phone breaks and I have to pay $35 for repairs? That's it? With Verizon they give you a limited amount of replaced phones (3 when I was there), you break more than 3, you're stuck with what you have. He said "yeah, if it can be repaired, if not, and you have the insurance, we'll just replace it".
Well.... how much for this insurance? $7 a month..... hmm... I might never need the insurance, but it's nice to have. (That's why Flanders saw it as a form of gambling). He then asks where I worked "well I work at _____ at the mall, and I work at_____ theatre in the evenings, why?". Oh, those people get a discount. Basically saving you the amount of what the insurance would cost.
So when it's all said and done how much is all of this going to cost me? "Well, $110 for the phone, $70 for the first month, and $50 to transfer the service".
Oh hell. my old numbers a POW at Verizon.
"Well, do you want us to call them and transfer it for you?".
.........what?........
"Yep, we'll deal with them over the phone so you'll never have to step foot into there again".
(So many extra credit points for not only them doing that, but wording it like that too).
So I walk out with a new phone and a restored sense of self-worth from my cellphone company. I spent what I would have spent at Verizon in 2 months. I'm literally paying half of what I was at Verizon, and getting the same cell service and coverage. Half. For half of the cost I'd deal with a dropped call.
OH! Did I mention the phone comes with 500 a month roaming minutes? Unlimited service minutes, and 500 a month roaming. I talk about 40minutes a month. So even if the coverage sucks ass, I'd still be perfectly fine, about 11 times over.
The salesmen calls me, CALLS ME, about 5 days later to see how I'm liking the phone, and says I can swap it for something else if I'm not happy with it. Oh you, you gorgeous man you, I am happy with it, all of it.
Fast-forward to about a week ago. My Moment was dying, just short of a year. The charger port was crapping out. I take it to the Sprint store and they said "we'll have to order a new phone". Good thing I have that insurance. Otherwise I'd have to pay $35. (yes, I know that over the year $7 a month is more than $35, but shaddup and listen).
Two days later my new phone comes in.... I go to get it. Only theres a problem.... they stopped carrying the Moment. They transfer all of my things, contacts and pictures to the new phone for free. (I'm not sure if Verizon is still charging for this, but that was a dbag thing to do regardless).
But they transfer it to the Severe Downgrade. I'm concerned.
This phone sucks. It's got a smaller screen and the buttons suck. Hold it right there though.
As I was waiting to get my new phone (and playing with the Galaxy Tab, which wishes it was my iPad), a lady came in complaining that her 2 year old phone is broken, "something" broke off of it and now it doesn't work. They explained to her that she'd have to pay the $35 since she didn't have insurance. She said "well I hate this phone, I want a new one". They then explained to her that she'd have to have a new contract written up. What the lady didn't realize was that her contract expired a year ago, but they allowed her to stay on contract-less for the remaining year. find another place that would do that. She began to say how ridiculous it was, and she wanted to speak to her cell phone rep, she just didn't remember his name or where he worked. (Mine is named Teddy, he's in my contacts list, we're pals now). So ma'am, you could pay the $35 and they'd fix it, you could get a new contract thats only $70 a month, or you could go to somewhere else. She chose somewhere else..... and these are the people who are too stupid to understand a good thing.
So they hand me my crap phone and send me on my way. It uses the same charger so I shouldn't complain, but it.... it sucks.
Screw it, I'm going to see Teddy. I drive from one Sprint store (the repair store) to my store, and there sure enough is Teddy. The people at the Sprint store I go to-
Teddy
Hot Amber
Josh
Beardy
The people I dealt with at Verizon? Who the hell knows, a different person each time. I say "Teddy, you sold me a phone, a little under a year later it breaks, I get a replacement phone, but it sucks". To which Teddy says "well are you due for an upgrade? you know... the annual one?"..... Teddy I don't remember. But Teddy does. "You are due for one in March, you could get a new phone now, but it'd cost you the full $500, which I'm not gonna let you do that. We got the Evo Shift 4g, it's $150 when you're due for an upgrade, but you'd be selling the replacement phone you got, so you wouldn't even have to spend that much... here... think you can stick it out with that phone until March? March 1st you can come right back in here and we'll get you the upgrade".
Did..... did you just talk me out of a $500 sale? I was seriously considering it too. You did. You talked me out of a $500 sale because you actually care about me. You were going to turn down a commissioned sale for the sake of the customers respect. I.... you.... it.... Blown away.
So he said to hang onto severe downgrade until March, which is what I'm going to do.
A business that's willing to turn down a sale for the sake of the customer saving money in the long run... that's awesome. Maybe it's just because we're pals, maybe it's because he's a gamer, but it seems like everyone there legitimately looks out for the customer.
So, in short (too late), if you're unhappy with your cell provider, maybe it's time to switch. Verizon and AT&T aren't the only rackets in town, and the whole "other places have bad coverage" is a myth, check the maps.
If you're with Sprint and you're unhappy, maybe you're just a dbag and they don't like you.
They like me, which means I'm not a dbag.
And a cell phone company who likes people who aren't dbags is a company for me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Stan's HDTV Buyers Guide
Ah, the holidays and classes have kept me from blogging for too long. So, since I have had to pull 60+ hour shifts over the last couple months, let me help you the way I have helped many customers.
This is my help to those looking for a new TV with their holiday monies.
Name Brand vs. Non- Name Brand
Every single damn day, I see customer after semi-intelligent customer by a TV from a brand that they had never heard of UNTIL that day and until that minute. Brands like Olevia, Curtis, Dynex, Hisense, and Vizio are some stickers that come to mind. YES, That’s right; VIZIO is technically a non-name brand. On Vizio’s website, they pride themselves on being a “value” brand electronic seller. I’m sorry, but when a company goes so far as to say VALUE BRANDED ELECTRONICS, I lose all interest, and you should, too! You see, the reason for my mini-rant on off-branded TV’s is, WHY???!!!! Why spend hard-earned money on an inferior product that will likely break shortly after you buy it? I understand, people in the world are cheap, but have you ever considered what goes into making a cheap TV? How about cheap parts, lack of manufacturer support (usually 90days as opposed to a full year), and the fact that Wal-Mart and Target are the only places that sell them. Also, do yourself a favor and go to Dynex’s website and read the user reviews (plants, all of ‘em are shameless plants) just to prove that if you trust a company, shouldn’t you be able to review the product for yourself?
So, what brands should you get? Try names you have heard of (Vizio aside) like Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, and Sharp, to name a few. The names I just dropped are the top rated ones in Consumer Reports, so they can’t be all bad? As a matter of fact, before you spend hundreds of dollars getting your TV, why not just drop $5 and buy an online Consumer Report guide? Go to CNET, go to ZDNET, visit a store and look at the ones on display. Yes, they are slightly more expensive, but quality always is. Here is a pricing example:
-Dynex 46” 1080p/60Hz/ LCD HDTV, model # DX-46L150A11: $599
-Samsung 46” 1080p/60Hz/LCD HDTV, model #LN46C630: $895
-LG 47” 1080p/60Hz/LCD HDTV model# 47LD450: $750
A bit of a price jump, yes, but do me a favor and go to
www.dynex.com
www.samsung.com
www.lg.com
…and then tell me which you would buy.
LCD vs. LED vs. Plasma
I will make this part short and sweet. An LCD TV uses fluorescent bulbs to provide lighting for the TV and they are very popular. They are also mid range to low in pricing, so many people are attracted to them. A LCD TV, though somewhat good-looking is nothing more than a poor man’s LED TV nowadays. The colors on them are more washed out compared to the others and soon manufacturers will just abandon the line altogether. Technically, they are outdated.
LED TV’s are the newest type of TV tech and they produce incredibly bright pictures and a fluid picture with a vibrant picture. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive type of TV. If you got the money, you can go for it I guess, but by more expensive, I mean REALLY expensive.
-Insignia 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED HDTV model#NS-46E570A11: $899
-Sony 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED HDTV model #KDL46EX710: $999
-Samsung 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED TV model# LN46C6300: $1300
Finally, and I purposely saved the best for last, we have plasma TVs. By and large the most misunderstood of all the HDTVs, the average consumer has a large stigma against plasma TVs, mainly because since they were the first new type of HDTV out there were problems with them (burn-in, outages, dead spots) but all new tech have their foibles, especially when dealing with creating a picture out of the fourth element, a super heated gas. Plasma TVs are actually the best TV on the market; when you consider picture quality, color depth, motion blur reduction, and even price-to-screen ratio. I mean, that’s all that needs to be said on the topic. Year after year, the best TV of 20XX is declared and it’s always a plasma TV. And they aren’t even that expensive, compared to the LED option! Here’s a breakdown:
-LG 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #50PK750: $1230
(Author’s Note: This model, the 50PK750, is rated the best TV in the world currently.)
-Samsung 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #PN50C550: $900
-Panasonic 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #TCP50G25: $1230
(Author’s Note: This was last year’s, best TV model, the TCPXXG25 series that is.)
So what TV should you buy? That is solely up to you, the consumer. My only real suggestion is to ask yourself, Is saving $200 worth getting a non-name branded piece of electronic? Nope, it never is. Should you finance the TV on some special no-interest deal? Sure, if you have the financial means, and credit. Should you invest into a store warranty? Depends, ask questions, look over the literature, and if a store bought one doesn’t cover dead pixels or promise in-home service, then maybe it’s not worth it. Budget yourself, do your research, and don’t forget to buy some HDMI cables, otherwise you are wasting your time.
This is my help to those looking for a new TV with their holiday monies.
Name Brand vs. Non- Name Brand
Every single damn day, I see customer after semi-intelligent customer by a TV from a brand that they had never heard of UNTIL that day and until that minute. Brands like Olevia, Curtis, Dynex, Hisense, and Vizio are some stickers that come to mind. YES, That’s right; VIZIO is technically a non-name brand. On Vizio’s website, they pride themselves on being a “value” brand electronic seller. I’m sorry, but when a company goes so far as to say VALUE BRANDED ELECTRONICS, I lose all interest, and you should, too! You see, the reason for my mini-rant on off-branded TV’s is, WHY???!!!! Why spend hard-earned money on an inferior product that will likely break shortly after you buy it? I understand, people in the world are cheap, but have you ever considered what goes into making a cheap TV? How about cheap parts, lack of manufacturer support (usually 90days as opposed to a full year), and the fact that Wal-Mart and Target are the only places that sell them. Also, do yourself a favor and go to Dynex’s website and read the user reviews (plants, all of ‘em are shameless plants) just to prove that if you trust a company, shouldn’t you be able to review the product for yourself?
So, what brands should you get? Try names you have heard of (Vizio aside) like Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, and Sharp, to name a few. The names I just dropped are the top rated ones in Consumer Reports, so they can’t be all bad? As a matter of fact, before you spend hundreds of dollars getting your TV, why not just drop $5 and buy an online Consumer Report guide? Go to CNET, go to ZDNET, visit a store and look at the ones on display. Yes, they are slightly more expensive, but quality always is. Here is a pricing example:
-Dynex 46” 1080p/60Hz/ LCD HDTV, model # DX-46L150A11: $599
-Samsung 46” 1080p/60Hz/LCD HDTV, model #LN46C630: $895
-LG 47” 1080p/60Hz/LCD HDTV model# 47LD450: $750
A bit of a price jump, yes, but do me a favor and go to
www.dynex.com
www.samsung.com
www.lg.com
…and then tell me which you would buy.
LCD vs. LED vs. Plasma
I will make this part short and sweet. An LCD TV uses fluorescent bulbs to provide lighting for the TV and they are very popular. They are also mid range to low in pricing, so many people are attracted to them. A LCD TV, though somewhat good-looking is nothing more than a poor man’s LED TV nowadays. The colors on them are more washed out compared to the others and soon manufacturers will just abandon the line altogether. Technically, they are outdated.
LED TV’s are the newest type of TV tech and they produce incredibly bright pictures and a fluid picture with a vibrant picture. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive type of TV. If you got the money, you can go for it I guess, but by more expensive, I mean REALLY expensive.
-Insignia 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED HDTV model#NS-46E570A11: $899
-Sony 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED HDTV model #KDL46EX710: $999
-Samsung 46” 1080p/120Hz/LED TV model# LN46C6300: $1300
Finally, and I purposely saved the best for last, we have plasma TVs. By and large the most misunderstood of all the HDTVs, the average consumer has a large stigma against plasma TVs, mainly because since they were the first new type of HDTV out there were problems with them (burn-in, outages, dead spots) but all new tech have their foibles, especially when dealing with creating a picture out of the fourth element, a super heated gas. Plasma TVs are actually the best TV on the market; when you consider picture quality, color depth, motion blur reduction, and even price-to-screen ratio. I mean, that’s all that needs to be said on the topic. Year after year, the best TV of 20XX is declared and it’s always a plasma TV. And they aren’t even that expensive, compared to the LED option! Here’s a breakdown:
-LG 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #50PK750: $1230
(Author’s Note: This model, the 50PK750, is rated the best TV in the world currently.)
-Samsung 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #PN50C550: $900
-Panasonic 50” 1080p/600Hz/Plasma HDTV model #TCP50G25: $1230
(Author’s Note: This was last year’s, best TV model, the TCPXXG25 series that is.)
So what TV should you buy? That is solely up to you, the consumer. My only real suggestion is to ask yourself, Is saving $200 worth getting a non-name branded piece of electronic? Nope, it never is. Should you finance the TV on some special no-interest deal? Sure, if you have the financial means, and credit. Should you invest into a store warranty? Depends, ask questions, look over the literature, and if a store bought one doesn’t cover dead pixels or promise in-home service, then maybe it’s not worth it. Budget yourself, do your research, and don’t forget to buy some HDMI cables, otherwise you are wasting your time.
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Vegas: Like Fallout 3, but with cowboys
Fallout: New Vegas doesn't exactly fall into the "less-publicized" category of games; it was hotly anticipated before its release, then promptly criticized because of its numerous technical issues. Luckily, the majority of the aforementioned issues have been resolved by patches, rendering the game playable.
For everyone, myself included, who loved Fallout 3, New Vegas is familiar enough to be picked up easily, but still different enough to hold your attention. The rest of this review will assume that you, the reader, have played Fallout 3, and are familiar with the basics of that game. I get to do this because I'm familiar with it and I'm writing the review.
Like 3, New Vegas has the same basic controls, with the notable addition of the companion wheel, allowing you to interact with your followers with increased ease. On that note, New Vegas uses companions much more than 3 did, and their AI seems improved as well.
Fallout 3 had a lot of locations to discover in the Capital Wasteland and DC Ruins - New Vegas has even more, and without the confusing Ruins in which to become lost, and ultimately super mutant food. Since New Vegas is set out West, the landscape is largely open and desolate, but with the occasional dilapidated city or military base to pick through.
The developers obviously heard calls from fans to incorporate more FPS elements into the new game, most notably the true use of iron sights when not targeting in VATS or shooting from the hip. This is nice...sometimes. Additionally, you have mod your weapons with scopes, etc., and also use a variety of types of ammo to take on different targets. Cool, right? Well...yeah...but it's irritating to switch back and forth depending on what you're shooting at. I personally don't bother anymore.
Fancy yourself a true RPG nerd? Try hardcore mode. Think of the old Sims games where you could disable the sims' ability to do anything on their own, forcing you to direct them to do everything...hardcore mode is like that, except everything is trying to kill you.
The biggest improvement over the previous title is the reputations you earn from the many factions in New Vegas. This is the heart of tons of side quests aimed at getting people to trust your character so you can advance the story. Karma now takes a backseat to your rep with certain people, so feel free to pickpocket more townsfolk steal more stuff if you want to; just don't get caught in the act.
Overall, New Vegas is an obvious advancement over Fallout 3. This is great for those of us who happened to play 3 first...less great if New Vegas is your first Fallout game and you want to play the older ones to catch up.
For everyone, myself included, who loved Fallout 3, New Vegas is familiar enough to be picked up easily, but still different enough to hold your attention. The rest of this review will assume that you, the reader, have played Fallout 3, and are familiar with the basics of that game. I get to do this because I'm familiar with it and I'm writing the review.
Like 3, New Vegas has the same basic controls, with the notable addition of the companion wheel, allowing you to interact with your followers with increased ease. On that note, New Vegas uses companions much more than 3 did, and their AI seems improved as well.
Fallout 3 had a lot of locations to discover in the Capital Wasteland and DC Ruins - New Vegas has even more, and without the confusing Ruins in which to become lost, and ultimately super mutant food. Since New Vegas is set out West, the landscape is largely open and desolate, but with the occasional dilapidated city or military base to pick through.
The developers obviously heard calls from fans to incorporate more FPS elements into the new game, most notably the true use of iron sights when not targeting in VATS or shooting from the hip. This is nice...sometimes. Additionally, you have mod your weapons with scopes, etc., and also use a variety of types of ammo to take on different targets. Cool, right? Well...yeah...but it's irritating to switch back and forth depending on what you're shooting at. I personally don't bother anymore.
Fancy yourself a true RPG nerd? Try hardcore mode. Think of the old Sims games where you could disable the sims' ability to do anything on their own, forcing you to direct them to do everything...hardcore mode is like that, except everything is trying to kill you.
The biggest improvement over the previous title is the reputations you earn from the many factions in New Vegas. This is the heart of tons of side quests aimed at getting people to trust your character so you can advance the story. Karma now takes a backseat to your rep with certain people, so feel free to pickpocket more townsfolk steal more stuff if you want to; just don't get caught in the act.
Overall, New Vegas is an obvious advancement over Fallout 3. This is great for those of us who happened to play 3 first...less great if New Vegas is your first Fallout game and you want to play the older ones to catch up.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Iblog on my iPad
So I went and got myself an iPad.
Don't you judge, it's my body and I'll do with it what I will!
After a week or so of messing around with it, I decided to tell the world of it's glory. First and foremost, I'm currently typing this blog on said iPad. So the whole issue of typing being difficult isn't ture ta aall.
Kidding. It's actually pretty simple to type on it. Maybe it's due in part to how accustomed society has gotten to touch screens. It's able to keep up with me typing at a fairly decent pace, and doesn't seem to miss much.
So why did I get it? Well, a few reasons. I was surrounded by them for a few months this past summer, and I had a hard time fully understanding where one would fit into my life, that was until I got one.
It's... like.... it's not quite a laptop, it's smaller and more portable, but it's not going to replace my laptop either. It's not quite an iphone... but has more features and is faster. It's like a... well, since this is a gaming blog mostly, it's like a Pip-Boy. It's a portable device that helps me do... essentially any and everything. Is it necessary? Of course not. Is it a benefit? Damn straight.
My laptop stays at the desk, or table, or wherever it resides, and the iPad travels where I go.
I feel as though it'll also help with the longevity of my laptop, since it won't be getting dragged around everywhere.
The first three coolest things about the iPad (IMO).
- It has netflix.
It's easily the smallest device around that can rock Netflix.
It sits next to me and helps me hack through my instant que.
- Video podcasts.
It finally makes sense to watch them on something. They're usually about 5 minutes long, but completely pointless to watch on a laptop, and annoying to watch on an ipod.
-I didn't waste my money buying a Nook.
Ok I have a nook, and I use it to read, but if I have the iPad near, I can just continue reading the book on that. Why have a Nook? It's much much smaller than the iPad. I already have and love the Nook, but it's nice to have options. (Besides, if I lose the Nook that's not as tragic as losing the XXLIphone)
It connects my emails like my phone, only way more. It can check any of my email accounts, not unlike my phone, but with these I can check links, reply in giant emails, manage the emails better. All those things. (In my Google phones defense, to save space and time it only archives like a month of emails, otherwise you have to search for specifically.
Ok ok, is the thing necessary? Not really. Is it helpful? Very. Hell, they probably said that about cars once.
It's a nice tool that will help greatly in the future. It travels with me to theatre rehearsals, is my bosom buddy during said rehearsals, and it's allowing my laptop to stay at home with the kids more. (I have no kids, the children I speak of are my gaming systems, they get lonely).
If nothing else it's a giant texting, netflix watching, ebook reading, email checking gadget. (Just don't tell it I said that).
Oh, and of course, it's a giant iPhone.
Don't you judge, it's my body and I'll do with it what I will!
After a week or so of messing around with it, I decided to tell the world of it's glory. First and foremost, I'm currently typing this blog on said iPad. So the whole issue of typing being difficult isn't ture ta aall.
Kidding. It's actually pretty simple to type on it. Maybe it's due in part to how accustomed society has gotten to touch screens. It's able to keep up with me typing at a fairly decent pace, and doesn't seem to miss much.
So why did I get it? Well, a few reasons. I was surrounded by them for a few months this past summer, and I had a hard time fully understanding where one would fit into my life, that was until I got one.
It's... like.... it's not quite a laptop, it's smaller and more portable, but it's not going to replace my laptop either. It's not quite an iphone... but has more features and is faster. It's like a... well, since this is a gaming blog mostly, it's like a Pip-Boy. It's a portable device that helps me do... essentially any and everything. Is it necessary? Of course not. Is it a benefit? Damn straight.
My laptop stays at the desk, or table, or wherever it resides, and the iPad travels where I go.
I feel as though it'll also help with the longevity of my laptop, since it won't be getting dragged around everywhere.
The first three coolest things about the iPad (IMO).
- It has netflix.
It's easily the smallest device around that can rock Netflix.
It sits next to me and helps me hack through my instant que.
- Video podcasts.
It finally makes sense to watch them on something. They're usually about 5 minutes long, but completely pointless to watch on a laptop, and annoying to watch on an ipod.
-I didn't waste my money buying a Nook.
Ok I have a nook, and I use it to read, but if I have the iPad near, I can just continue reading the book on that. Why have a Nook? It's much much smaller than the iPad. I already have and love the Nook, but it's nice to have options. (Besides, if I lose the Nook that's not as tragic as losing the XXLIphone)
It connects my emails like my phone, only way more. It can check any of my email accounts, not unlike my phone, but with these I can check links, reply in giant emails, manage the emails better. All those things. (In my Google phones defense, to save space and time it only archives like a month of emails, otherwise you have to search for specifically.
Ok ok, is the thing necessary? Not really. Is it helpful? Very. Hell, they probably said that about cars once.
It's a nice tool that will help greatly in the future. It travels with me to theatre rehearsals, is my bosom buddy during said rehearsals, and it's allowing my laptop to stay at home with the kids more. (I have no kids, the children I speak of are my gaming systems, they get lonely).
If nothing else it's a giant texting, netflix watching, ebook reading, email checking gadget. (Just don't tell it I said that).
Oh, and of course, it's a giant iPhone.
Monday, January 3, 2011
RPG that is not defined by annoying replayability.
Hell, I don't even know if that's a word.
"Replayability". Sounds like it is. Shakespeare invented words, I'll give it a whirl.
(You'll have to excuse my hostility, I recently received a customer survey commenting that I had poor product (i.e. gaming) knowledge)
Hey dbag who took the time to comment on that about me....
Logitech's accessory that Sony claimed to be their own? "The ___toy"
In Final Fantasy Tactics what does the kid get hit with in the opening scene?
Famous Zero Wing quote "All ____ base are belong to us"
Who dies early in GTA:SA?
Hilariously you probably know none of these. However, if you're a true gamer, you'll know. Put the answers together in a sentence, and well... you'll find a hilariously clever joke.
Alright alright. Had to get that out of the way. I've been playing a lot of Alpha Protocol. I didn't play it a ton when it came out, but I go through gaming trends and fads.
I love the idea that a game is adapting to how you play, and how you interact with characters. I however hate the idea of playing through it multiple times. For those not in the know, here's what you kneed to know.
Alpha Protocol has a ton of dialogue/ conversation moments, some are huge. The dialogue choices you make can and do impact the entire game. Mass Effect had it too, although it was a bit more "good vs evil", Dragon Age had an attempt at it, although most of that game consisted of trying to nail the goth chick.
However, in Alpha Protocol, everything seems more detailed. As the conversation progresses, you can see if you are impressing or pissing off your conversation buddy. Sometimes you need to frustrate someone, and get them to attack you, sometimes you need to get them to believe you're their friend before you haul off and attack them. I think that's a neat idea.... but here's the problem.
The gameplay is the same.
Now the gameplay is great, don't get me wrong. Lots of fast shooting, good cover game, customizable weapons and gadgets. But once I play through a level, I don't want to have to fight through that same place again. (Mass Effect I'm lookin at you). Alpha Protocol seems like it's encouraging people to play through multiple times, each with a different approach to a conversation. Problem is, at the end of the day you're still fighting the same guys in the same space. Mass Effect you're just as guilty.
Did I play any of these games more than once? Nope. Of course nowadays it's difficult to find a game that you can play more than once, most of the time it's directly onto the next game.
I applaud Obsidian and Sega's attempts at making a game that you'll want to play time and time again, but ultimately the first time I play through, I'll be making some serious character choices, and sticking to them. Usually the guy ends up being a cocky sarcastic dbag. Same thing as in Mass Effect and Dragon Age, but you know what? That's what we like to see! Uncharted, GTA, MGS, hell even Kratos is a cocky jerk. So naturally when I'm playing a spy thriller I want to see a few specific things.
Guy pisses off superiors. Guy gets girl. Guy is awesome doing it.
I skipped more than a few of the "professional" conversation dialogue trees, because my guy wasn't like that. It makes me wonder what it'd be like to play through and be a straight-edge type of agent. Makes me wonder, not makes me try. Big difference.
So is an RPG a game you can play through multiple times? I dunno....
Are Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Alpha Protocol RPGs? Hmm... still... not sure.
Do I feel any desire to play through them multiple times? Not really. That's not to say that it's not worth it. I just enjoy the playthrough once, and I trust my choices that time. I'll be disappointed when I finally finish Alpha Protocol, but I won't see the need to play through it again. Mass Effect I actually felt released from the planet mining prison I was stuck in.
I guess what I'm driving at is that I like the idea of branching storylines, but I'd much rather just find out how they could play out, not sit through it.
Achievement Unlocked: A blog about a gaming convention I'm not a fan of. Mostly however, I'm also letting you all know it's ok to only play through once.
You want to impress someone about your replayability skills?
Demon's Souls, all classes, completely through. Then.... then I'll be impressed.
"Replayability". Sounds like it is. Shakespeare invented words, I'll give it a whirl.
(You'll have to excuse my hostility, I recently received a customer survey commenting that I had poor product (i.e. gaming) knowledge)
Hey dbag who took the time to comment on that about me....
Logitech's accessory that Sony claimed to be their own? "The ___toy"
In Final Fantasy Tactics what does the kid get hit with in the opening scene?
Famous Zero Wing quote "All ____ base are belong to us"
Who dies early in GTA:SA?
Hilariously you probably know none of these. However, if you're a true gamer, you'll know. Put the answers together in a sentence, and well... you'll find a hilariously clever joke.
Alright alright. Had to get that out of the way. I've been playing a lot of Alpha Protocol. I didn't play it a ton when it came out, but I go through gaming trends and fads.
I love the idea that a game is adapting to how you play, and how you interact with characters. I however hate the idea of playing through it multiple times. For those not in the know, here's what you kneed to know.
Alpha Protocol has a ton of dialogue/ conversation moments, some are huge. The dialogue choices you make can and do impact the entire game. Mass Effect had it too, although it was a bit more "good vs evil", Dragon Age had an attempt at it, although most of that game consisted of trying to nail the goth chick.
However, in Alpha Protocol, everything seems more detailed. As the conversation progresses, you can see if you are impressing or pissing off your conversation buddy. Sometimes you need to frustrate someone, and get them to attack you, sometimes you need to get them to believe you're their friend before you haul off and attack them. I think that's a neat idea.... but here's the problem.
The gameplay is the same.
Now the gameplay is great, don't get me wrong. Lots of fast shooting, good cover game, customizable weapons and gadgets. But once I play through a level, I don't want to have to fight through that same place again. (Mass Effect I'm lookin at you). Alpha Protocol seems like it's encouraging people to play through multiple times, each with a different approach to a conversation. Problem is, at the end of the day you're still fighting the same guys in the same space. Mass Effect you're just as guilty.
Did I play any of these games more than once? Nope. Of course nowadays it's difficult to find a game that you can play more than once, most of the time it's directly onto the next game.
I applaud Obsidian and Sega's attempts at making a game that you'll want to play time and time again, but ultimately the first time I play through, I'll be making some serious character choices, and sticking to them. Usually the guy ends up being a cocky sarcastic dbag. Same thing as in Mass Effect and Dragon Age, but you know what? That's what we like to see! Uncharted, GTA, MGS, hell even Kratos is a cocky jerk. So naturally when I'm playing a spy thriller I want to see a few specific things.
Guy pisses off superiors. Guy gets girl. Guy is awesome doing it.
I skipped more than a few of the "professional" conversation dialogue trees, because my guy wasn't like that. It makes me wonder what it'd be like to play through and be a straight-edge type of agent. Makes me wonder, not makes me try. Big difference.
So is an RPG a game you can play through multiple times? I dunno....
Are Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Alpha Protocol RPGs? Hmm... still... not sure.
Do I feel any desire to play through them multiple times? Not really. That's not to say that it's not worth it. I just enjoy the playthrough once, and I trust my choices that time. I'll be disappointed when I finally finish Alpha Protocol, but I won't see the need to play through it again. Mass Effect I actually felt released from the planet mining prison I was stuck in.
I guess what I'm driving at is that I like the idea of branching storylines, but I'd much rather just find out how they could play out, not sit through it.
Achievement Unlocked: A blog about a gaming convention I'm not a fan of. Mostly however, I'm also letting you all know it's ok to only play through once.
You want to impress someone about your replayability skills?
Demon's Souls, all classes, completely through. Then.... then I'll be impressed.
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