Heroes of Spite and Magic - October 21st, 2001 - Drew Cosner
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this column are those of the participants and the moderator, and do not neccessarily reflect those of the GIA. There is coarse language and potentially offensive material afoot. Don't say we didn't warn you.
I'm so happy, other people are jealous of me. Welcome to my happy world, now get your shit and leave. | I expected a lot more letters like this one | | Playing a PC game on a console doesn't really appeal to me, because 99% of the time the interface and control scheme is optimized for PC anyway. The keyboard + mouse combo is almost infinitely flexible, and trying to condense that into a joypad (ANY joypad) just isn't going to work. The only game I can really think of in this regard is Oni, but that game sucked anyway, whether it was on the PC or PS2. You just don't get the full experience doing it, because you can't. And if I do want to play a PC game, I have a perfectly good computer right here in my room. -Cecil |
As I suspected, this letter echoes the general consensus on today's subject. For whatever historical reasons, it seems there are very few gamers who dig both PC RPGs and console RPGs. I'm not saying those people aren't out there; they're just in the minority. This division being the case, PC RPG fans tend to, you know, play PCs, whereas console RPG fans buy consoles. I'd like to say that I'm above drawing such distinctions, but alas I am not. I've never been too big a fan of the PC RPG scene. Admittedly, modern PC RPGs have been getting increasingly complex plots, which was always a former beef console RPG fans had with that "other" subgenre. However, I've much more an affinity for Japanesey metaphysical babble than Wizards 'n Sorcerers-type story lines. Of course, I realize there are a few non-medieval PC RPGs out there, like that blasted ever-present caveat Fallout, but I'm trying to make sweeping generalizations to justify my tastes, if you don't mind. I'd thank you not to point out the obvious holes in my rationalization. | Zak says | | Drew, I'd certainly be willing to give this new Wizardry a try, if not for the fact that the series has quite a prolific history. The only problem is, even though the original Wizardry inspired many of our favorite RPG creators back in the 80s, I know NOTHING else about the series. What I would love to know is this - how well does this new Wizardry reflect the series' legacy? I mean, you know how different RPG series have their own feel? If I play this new Wizardry game, will I get a good idea of what has made the series endure a couple decades, or is this some sort of bastard child in the legacy? Regards, -alpha_weltall |
To answer this question, I turned to fellow agent Zak. Zak spent hours reading up on the series to write that preview, making him the most knowledgeable on the matter. According to him, this latest Wizardry game is to be Mister Okada's "interpretation" of the series. It looks to have a similar feel, with a user-created party, an emphasis on combat, and plenty of customization, but that's as far as we know. In Zak's own words, it's kind of as if a Japanese developer decided to make an Ultima game. Should be interesting to say the least. | Getting an opionion | | Dear Drew, First and foremost, because you run an opionion section you may be getting my opinion more often than not. [Well, yeah... -Ed.] Now on to your question: I think that pc-style rpg's coming onton the console system is excellent. Despite the difficulty there may be in game play because of the absence of a mouse and key board (mainly a mouse) I think that it gives us console-favorers a chance to play some great rpg's that we never get to see. I mean, lets face it, it would not only be wonderful to be able to afford a complete and top of the line computer to play these certain rpgs on, but it would also be great to be able to play them online. But, lets face it, we don't all have this luxury, no matter how hard we wish we did. So, bringing something like diablo II or baldurs gate to the console world gives us a chance to play these great games without having to dig under our couch to buy the necessary upgrades and the game that make the experience complete. As for the online gaming tidbit, while it isn't prevalent in most systems yet, it soon will be, so lets hope that some of the bigger name rpgs from the pc make! their way to the consol world. -Joey "caddyman" Kolber |
That's certainly an open-minded way of looking at it. I commend you, Joey. Now that all of these consoles are going on-line, it couldn't hurt to have games that actually capitalize on the fact. Admittedly, I'd like to see original titles aimed at console gamers more than PC ports, but getting a high caliber franchise already designed from the ground-up for online play certainly couldn't hurt the console/on-line movement. | Thanks for clearing that up. | | Apparenntly when the player finished the ICO and replayed it, Yorda's text would be translated. But because of time delays and getting it out on time, the developers cancelled this option. Either that or they thought it would be funny to see us squirm. Bastards. -Walter the Drunken Penguin |
Yeah, that's what I heard. So uhm, next letter. | I didn't see that comment | | Drew - First off, let me say that Wizardry VI for the SNES blew. Blew pretty hard actually. Second, there is no such thing as a PC style RPG. I prefer the term "dungeon hack." Third, I REALLY want this new Wizardry title. There is NOTHING wrong with a good dungeon hack. Just ask any Gauntlet addict. And soem PC RPG's are quite good. Baldur's Gate for one. I mean, aside from the slightly Diablo reminiscent gameplay, the engine was a fairly fresh idea, and the story was intruiging. One of the main reasons I want it, though, is because of the exploration idea. Exploration can be extremely fun, as long as it isn't drawn out into mindlessness(read: Myst). Throw in some battles, some NON first person 3d dungeons( I don't care what Phantasy Star 1 and Might and Magic junkeys say...I abhor that setup) and we could have a very fun title on our hands. If only they could get the gauntlet multiplayer going, or turn it into an online game, only without pay ot play. But, I'll settle for the surprisingly good looking title we do have in our hands. I just hope it doesn't turn out like the SNES game. Not even a storyline could have saved THAT game.... Peace, -Ray Stryker, who is convincing his mom that a PS2 is JUST what the living room entertainment center really needs.... |
I'm not even going to touch that first comment of yours with a ten foot pole. All I know is that console RPG fans and PC RPG fans keep leveling the cry of "not really an RPG" at the opposing camp, and I've had enough people flooding my inbox with hate mail the past couple weeks to wish not to get anywhere near that little argument, thanks. I think really, one of the main reasons I've never personally gotten into PC RPGs is specifically because of the emphasis on fighting. I've always considered fighting standard enemies to be the fluff between momentous boss fights, exploratory segments, and story bits that keeps the game from being 10 hours long. Witness my abhorrence of random encounters. As such, a game more or less devoted to fighting just doesn't tickle my fancy. Of course, I realize all of these interjections are completely unnecessary, but I'm trying to think of some manner to be involved in this discussion enough to generate a response, so cut me some slack. Closing comments: I have no topic for you. Sorry. I guess you'll just have to think on your own for once. I'm pretty sure you can do it. We don't mind if your letter is entirely asinine and serves no good purpose other than to possibly waste space in tomorrow's column. It's okay. So just mail Brooke with whatever your little heart desires. -Drew Cosner | | | |
