What a difference a week makes in terms of attitude. Over the past few editions, I have been down on a few titles that this week are seeing redemption: namely Penny Arcade Adventures (360) and Final Fantasy IV (DS). It's a lesson to us all: persistence sometimes pays off. There's another lesson in here as well: the opinions of game critics and other bohemians cannot be relied on.While the general population and critics agree on the top and bottom percentile of games, you'll notice huge spreads either to the positive or negative for most others. Critics love it? General perception can be 10 points lower. Critics pan it, e.g., most JRPGs? Users can be 10 points higher. "Critical" opinions contain a lot of information to help determine if a game is worth your time. Though outside of a truly flawed experience, someone that gets their games for free and powers through the experience, likely isn't the best source of information on what's enjoyable and what's not. Enthusiast press INDEED!
I generally look at games for their entertainment value vs. price, as well as whether I'm into the genre and subject matter. For me, a game is worth its price if I play it enough to nullify the money I spent. 20 hours spent on a $60 game is a whooping $3 / hour, i.e., a single ice cream cone from The Flavor King truck when he stops by my neighborhood. I think I can swing the money, but do I have 20 hours to spend on a game? Not generally, that's why I'm so interested in deals -- money is not as much the issue, but time is!
Another way to look at gaming quality is "coolness factor". Does a game offer an enjoyable experience? Does it have ideas or a style that you want to be a part of? Games can be very much like good books, art, movies and music -- all rolled into one. Investment into such things is a personal affair -- much of which appeals only to specific crowds, transcends gameplay mechanics and perhaps won't have universal appeal. Shin Megmi Tensei anyone? What about Shenmue? A hallmark of these titles is a lower rating from critics and a higher rating from actual players.
Many gaming outlets are simplifying their review scores: 1UP / EGM went to the familiar letter score made popular by high schools everywhere, Giant Bomb has a five star scale and at one point Computer Gaming World did away with the score all together (I liked this model, may they rest in peace). While I've been known to cut a review in the past, I now only give impressions. My scale is as follows:
- Highly Recommended - Every gamer should try it.
- Recommended - Everyone who likes this type of game should try it.
- Not Recommended - I thought I would like it but was wrong. Perhaps you will learn from my mistake?
- Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode 1 (360) - In the past I lauded this game's play mechanics but bemoaned its blah story and high price ($20 on Xbox Live). I've since changed my mind: I've nearly completed the game, and my son completed it and is on a second play through. The battles are a lot of fun and while the puzzles are easy, they end up being engaging. My new complaint about the game is there is really no reason that it HAD to be rated Mature. I believe its mainly for the cursing, which could easily have been cleaned up for a Teen rating with no impact to story or humor. Why do I care? I let my son play the game -- mind you, this game is no GTA, it's mainly loaded with potty humor and some cursing. With all hope the boy won't be scarred by the foul language. Recommended.
- Final Fantasy IV (DS) - Last week I was moaning about the game being too hard and I complained about its lack-luster graphics. Fortunately I pressed on and found another member of my party -- difficulty has ramped down considerably with this new guy in tow. I'm now stuck on a boss battle, but I'm confident I can beat it. FF4 is a good remake and is worth your time if you're into such things. Recommended.
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