Next on DBZ: Akira Toriyama kicks my ass - April 4th, 2000
- Chris Jones
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this column are those of
the participants and the moderator, and do not necessarily reflect those of the GIA. There
is coarse language and potentially offensive material afoot. Back on that old "Time
is Money" kick, right? Not back on it, Joe, still on it. Don't say we didn't warn
you.
In sharp contrast to yesterday we actually have some news that could, no scratch that,
will, effect the gaming public. No longer content to merely run a massive media blitz in a
vain attempt to entrench the Dreamcast before the PS2 comes to these shores, Sega is now
going fully .com and will be offering FREE DREAMCASTS to anyone who signs up for their new
ISP service. Even better, the offer is retroactive, meaning those of us who already
possess the white box may be able to get a shiny new $200 check if we sign up. With this
move, Sega has metamorphosed into RED SEGA, and looks to be an extremely tough contender
in the US console market. PS2 may still have more hype, but I'm thinking that the burden
of proof now falls to Nintendo to show that they won't be a pitiful also-ran third place
finish.
But right now we've got a battle of our own to fight. On the one side, my comments
about Dragon Quest needing to prove itself, on the other, a legion of fans ready to tear
me a new one for questioning DQ's possible need to innovate. Let's get it on!
| First up: some guy |
| Heyo Chris, Well, as inclined as I am to be quiet, I felt more
inclined to actually speak out on the subject of Dragon Quest games.
In all honesty, I still think of Dragon Quest games when I think of the 'Pinnacle of
RPGs,' or what have you, and not the Final Fantasies. And, frankly, it has always run on
nostalgia. Whereas other games have constantly innovated and reinvented themselves, I
can't think of a single Dragon Quest game that hasn't been fully powered by cliche. They
are formulaic, and gosh darn it, that works.
I mean, think about it. The world of RPGs is hardly a static industry, as any single
person will attest to. Almost every new RPG--Square being particularly guilty of this--is
something of a genre-bender. True enough, this is hardly a bad thing, but there is
something to be said for a beacon of consistency, and Dragon Quest has taken it upon
itself to be just that.
Personally, I find it vastly refreshing to be able to take a break from the RPG world,
and just look back to what the essence of RPGdom is--Dragon Quest. Even now, the old NES
games make me all wistful for the way things were. I don't want to give off the impression
that I hate modern RPGs--I don't. And I certainly can't say that everybody else should, or
even could feel nostalgic about Dragon Quest games. But when I think back about how Dragon
Quest VI was my first Japanese game, Dragon Quest I was my first RPG, and the joy of
seeing Dragon Quest III reborn in a remix... all that sort of thing makes me feel indebted
to the series. I don't think that Dragon Quest has to do anything else to justify itself
to the gaming public. The series has already done more than enough for everybody, and we'd
be remiss not to forgive a few technical flaws.
-Alex |
Alex makes good sense, in that he doesn't mince words as to why he likes DQ: tradition.
The games represent the untouched core of what RPGs should be, and he's happy to see
something carry on the classic style. And I can respect this. I didn't buy Final Fantasy
Anthology because I thought FFV was all that strong a game, I bought it because it was the
missing chapter in a series I really like. If you like playing something, whether it's
Dragon Quest or Superman on the N64 (not that I'm trying to equate the two) then go ahead
and play it, no matter what pompous blowhard (myself included) tells you otherwise.
But I disagree that Dragon Quest doesn't need to justify itself at this point. Nobody
ever gets a free ride, and if you're the best in the business the pressure to produce only
increases. Yes DQ7 has some million-odd preorders, but I foresee many screams of outrage
that the game did not live up to years of hype. Star Wars: Episode 1, anyone?
| I'll do anything for polygons, baby |
| Technical faults?!?! Are you getting down on the game just because it
doesn't have the graphical power of recent FF's? Are you some kind of graphics whore? If a
game doesn't have pretty shiny graphics do ooh and ah at do you just dismiss it entirely
now? This is the kind of thing that disgusts me. DQ7 is the one of most anticipated games
in Japan but yet in America it's already being dismissed because it doesn't have shiny
enough FMV to grab their attention. Dragon Quest has never been about ground breaking
graphics. Dragon Quest has been about great stories, innovative, fun, deep and sometimes
challenging gameplay. Yuji Horii and Akira Toriyama (who was also involved w/Dragon Ball)
have always made sure of that. The Japanese have been nuts about this series and for good
reason (and not for Nostalgia reasons). From reading what I have about what is known so
far about the battle system and how you unlock other areas of the game along with knowing
how well done the other Dragon Quest games were done in the past I expect nothing less
then one of the best RPGs we have seen in a while. What peaks my interest about the game
more than anything else is this so far. They will follow the trend to use Full Motion
Video (FMV), like many other games are beginning to do. Enix has stated that they will use
FMV in a much different manner, keeping the audience a player, and not a movie watcher. We
don't know exactly how the game will do this yet but this could be another wonderful RPG
innovation from the RPG series that has been full of them. Pendy (that zany, wacky
DQ/DW freak)
Maintainer of the Dragon Quest News Network |
For the record, I am not a graphics whore, more of a graphics escort service. In my
opinion, Saga Frontier 2 and Final Fantasy Tactics are the best looking games on the
Playstation, and neither of those titles has any particular technical merit, they're just
beautifully done. I don't expect Dragon Quest 7 to have pixel perfect graphics, but I do
expect it to look halfway decent compared to what else is currently out on the market.
Nothing exists in a vacuum, no matter how prestigious it is.
As it stands, DQ7 looks to be something that would have been passable back in 1997, and
that's not just graphics, that's the whole package. Legend of Mana has already released
with a "build your own world" system, so that's not all that original anymore.
Maybe the battle system will be spectacular, but I can't see them messing with the
traditional system too much lest they tick off the conservative old school crowd. And I've
already said I think straight out menu combat is rather dull.
As for the FMV, it's possible they'll pull out something truly original; if they do
I'll make a public apology to everyone I've offended by doubting Dragon Quest. But it's my
understanding that the Playstation simply can't do much in the way of interactive FMV,
that the best that can be done is good full screen playback or maybe animated backgrounds,
like in Fear Effect or PE2. At best I see a player exploring an FMV tree, not unlike
infamous Sega CD Night Trap. And that was old before the PS even launched.
The point I really think needs addressing with DQ7 is that this series has been MIA for
five years. That's quite literally a lifetime in the console market - the
Playstation is on its death bed, and once these last few great games have been squeezed
out, it's PS2 from then on. And Dragon Quest 7 still hasn't come out. Just in case
you haven't already gotten this message: I think this is a really, really big deal. If you
love the series, great, you'll buy it and enjoy it and everything will be wonderful. But
nobody has yet presented me a convincing argument for why DQ7 will be interesting based on
actual merit, and at this point there's too many good titles out there for me to go on
anything but.
| A simple answer |
| Dragon Quest 7 will have to be released in the United States and put up
for sale at Electronics Boutique to get my attention. Simple, no? |
Very, perhaps overly. But it works for you.
| Congratulations - you've finally cracked the
Japanese Correspondent |
| Chris - In response to the FFVIII Pocketstation game question
yesterday, I:d just like to say, for one final time, that you CAN'T START THE GAME OVER -
YOU CAN ONLY RAISE YOUR GRADE BY BATTLING OTHER POCKETSTATION CHOCOBOS. This is a question
that I have gotten over, and over, and over, and over, and this time, I've finally had it.
It seems that no one actually read the disclaimer on the faq that I wrote on the topic,
meaning that I recieved hundreds upon hundreds of emails asking the same exact thing:
"How do you start the game over?" Now that I've finally escaped these questions,
I read Double Agent only to see that they have found me again, and will continue to
bombard me with this question until I finally go start raving mad. Well, unfortunately, it
is too late. Yes, as of today, the GIA's Japanese game coverage will be focusing solely on
the future of Simulation games: Pet Simulation Games. Yes, forget cool stuff like Grandia
II and Vib-Ribbon; instead, read up on upcoming games like Hamster Paradise 2 and Ferret
Story ~Dear My Ferret~ (with exclusive TGS video feed from the latter). Catch up on older
games by reading Vaults on titles such as Pet in TV Starring My Dear Dog. I have seen the
future, and the future is being able to raise hamsters on your Game Boy Pocket!
The GIA will never be the same...
jt.kauffman, who is off to watch the Ferret Story video... again. |
And I, for one, welcome our new animal overlords. I'd like to remind them that as a
trusted Internet personality, I can be helpful in rounding up others to toil in their
virtual pet worlds, cleaning their cages and refilling their food bowls. Seaman forever!
(Wait, that's not right...)
| I like mustard. *grunts* mmm-hmm |
| In response to your suggested topic, I would have to say that no one
cares about Dragon Quest 7. Its all a corporate sham. When the game finally releases,
people will buy it because all the the reviewers are secretly being paid off to sing its
outstanding qualities and praise its glorious attributes. I hope you dont become one of
those people Chris. If you get a check in the mail in a few days or weeks, just remember
your commitment to the truth and the responsability you have writting the DA
column...please, don't turn to the darkside like so many others. In all my glory,
Kandrin on ice.
P.S: Everyone loves Corn Flakes. You should buy them. They taste really, really good.
Go get some. You wont regret it. Mmmmm hmmm, I know I dont. |
Now, see, that's a convincing argument. Send me enough cash and I'll sing the praises
of The 7th Saga, or Spice World. I have no shame, I'm just upset that no one's thought to
buy me off yet. Come on, marketing people, where are you?
| And now for news analysis, we turn to Daniel
Schorr, or the next best thing |
| With PS2 out in Japan, and X-Box announced, even a huge Sega fan like me
had doubts about the future of Dreamcast. I mean, all the developers seems to be
supporting the new system, the technology doesn't compare, and Sega didn't seem to have a
plan to keep it from the "play while waiting for the good stuff" system. Then
the Sega Online strategy was announced. I don't think it is possible to even think
about how much this has changed the whole "system wars" in such a huge way. What
people have heard is pretty much the basics: Get a DC free (or get a rebate for your
purchase if you already bought it) and pay $22 for the internet. What they don't realize
is that they are a part of Sega.com's own ISP, which was made with online gaming
specifically in mind! You may say that this isn't any different from the PCs given away
for free in exchange for internet. But the PCs you receive are usually crap, and there are
no real exclusive. Under the Sega.com ISP, you are connected right to sega.com's servers,
meaning the least lag on online gaming possible! Also, you can also use it as your
computer ISP, so the price is affordable since all you have to do is switch ISPs.
This also changes the outlook for Sega TREMENDOUSLY. Before DC looked like a one-year
system. Now it has a much brighter future. In this one announcement, companies like Sony
and Microsoft now have to respond somehow to this unbeatable plan that could change the
way we think about games. Yes, online games can be played on PC, but most of the
mainstream public doesn't or simply won't (due to the pains of setting up, finding a
server, etc.) play on PC. Now Sega's offering Internet, Online gaming (with minimal lag
despite a 56K modem since the game servers are dedicated to Dreamcast exclusively and
don't have to worry about different settings), and a FREE videogame console. To the
average buyer, buying the "overpriced" PS2 would be crazy compared to this. This
plan could very well save Sega.
Go ahead and respond wiht the disadvantages. Although there are some (the main thing I
can think of is that the newer systems can push more polys, have more effects, etc.), I
believe the advantages far outweigh them. Sega, instead of slapping add-ons to
"fight" the competition with their broadband plans for later, used current
technology and innovative business practices to have a great plan for NOW (near-future,
anyway). And I can't help but to be excited.
-Clyde Hudman |
Just about everything Clyde says is in agreement with my intro. I just posted this
because well written letters that agree with me boost my ego. Moving on.
| From the dawn of time, aka 1980 |
| I kinda figured the first thing I ever wrote to DA would be some long
letter spewing out my opinion on some random subject. Guess not. I can think of two Atari
2600 games with what could be considered bosses. Gorf was a space-invaders like shooter
released for the A2600 in 1981. Arcade and Colecovision versions were also released, but I
don't know the dates. It consisted of four rounds--the first was a battle against rows of
enemies a la Space Invaders, the second was a fight with a squardron of fighters that
looked like three masks and an easychair. Third one would fight TIE Fighters spiralling
out of a black hole, and fourth was mono a mono against the Gorfian Flagship (hehe), the
boss of the game. Beating it would naturally start the game over.
Wizard of Wor was a silly romp through a maze, complete with spooky music. Your
character went through the maze blasting odd creatures. When all the creatures were
killed, an invisible version of one of the creatures would appear and attack, only to be
easily exterminated (it shows up on your radar), and the game would start again with a
different maze. However, clearing /this/ one would make this strange fiery thing with
flailing arms appear and try to leave the screen. If you kill it, the Wizard of Wor
himself appears for a showdown! That's sort of a boss. It was also released in '81.
Also, Ultima, released for computers in 1981, has a final boss.
Videogames existed quite a few years before any of these games, so I wouldn't be
surprised if someone else comes out with something older, but I racked my brain for all of
10 minutes to get these, so... =P
--Mike |
I actually remember Gorf, but for the Commodore 64 I think. I may have played it at a
friend's house. Cool game, for the time. Others have also suggested the old Atari 2600
title Adventure! as a possible contender. Note: this column now contains your daily
allowance of video game trivia.
| A man who knows where the money for his PS2 is
coming from |
| Yo Chris, I write this letter with great sadness. I'm leaving for
France tomorrow (the 5th) and won't be back for 2 and a half weeks. Please summarize each
column at the end of the day and send a copy my way. Dictating them and leaving them on my
voicemail is another great option. Also, it is my 17th birthday today. You know what that
means: I can now give blood without a note from my parents. Woo-hoo.
As for Dragon Quest 7, can I please say ugh? The game has SNES graphics and looks none
too exciting. Unless it gets some GREAT reviews, I won't go near it. While graphics don't
mean everything to me, they do keep me interested if the story/battle system is mediocre.
While I've never played a DQ game, I'm not sure if DQ7 is enough to get me started. At
this rate, I think it's just a rumor thta the Japanese started to prevent a riot. Can you
seriously see it being released soon?
Faut pas deconner!
--The Steve |
Lucky bastard. I haven't been out of the country, ever, and it's been years since I've
even seen an ocean. Working your ass off cuts both ways, kids. And now I have even more
work to do, because I'll have to edit two weeks worth of columns full of anti-The Steve
trash talk that'll go on now that you're gone. Once more: bastard.
And, the primary reason why I printed this, the answer to your last query about Dual
Shock 2 cord length is that the cord is longer and thinner than the original. The
controller is also somewhat lighter. Note: this column now exceeds your daily allowance of
video game trivia. Overindulging in video game trivia can lead to a complete loss of
social skills and important information, such as history and algebra. See your doctor for
additional details.
| The last word, for now |
| Chris, Normally I wouldn't actually care about Dragon Quest 7, as the
last Dragon Quest I played was #1. And really, gameplay and everything else I know nothing
about. There is only one reason, and one reason alone why I would get Dragon Quest 7.
Akira Toriyama.
With him doing character concept design, the game might actually be interesting depsite
technical flaws. After all, this is the man who gave us the great Magus (personal canidate
for dethroning Gilgamesh as THE MAN) and Crono, he who never speaks.
I'm a rabid Dragon Ball fan as well. So hey, I may just pick up DQ 7 to see what kind
of craziness Akira's come up with this time. Then again... I may not. After all, if it
totally sucks, I'm not gonna waste my money.
-Dark Matter
PS: What do you think of Front Mission 3? Gotten very far yet? |
I have not gotten very far in FM3 yet, but I've been so busy I just haven't had time. I
hope I can finish up quick, because Vagrant Story is out in late May, and someone changed
it from a 6 hour game to a 30-40 hour game while I wasn't looking. No, I'm serious, look
at the bottom of our preview.
Among some circles it's become almost required to make fun of Toriyama, although I
honestly don't know enough about him to care. Nothing I've seen of his has been terribly
impressive, but he does seem to be all over the place. Either way, I consider following
the work of an artist you admire a legit reason for caring about a series, so I'm not
gonna argue with you. Akira Toriyama fans are also excused for recess, the rest of you are
going to sit here until we figure out exactly Why We Should Care About Dragon Quest.
Closing Comments:
Housekeeping: some of you asked if I was a Limp Bizkit fan from the title of
yesterday's column. Quite the opposite actually, but that particular song got stuck in my
head. Fortunately, I used a toothpick to get it out, along with a piece of hamburger that
had been there for a few days.
We haven't heard the last of this DQ thing by a long shot, so keep it coming folks.
I'll be waiting.
-Chris Jones, not being eaten alive by guinea pigs either |
|
|
|
