Mailbag From Oct 3, 2006 |
Mailbag 10.03.06
Mailbag 10.03.06
You ask, we answer, occasionally ridicule.
The Bard's Tale - Brian Fargo
From Christine:
I realize, I could not thank Brian Fargo and the rest of His group for making games like "Bard's Tale" and "Dark Allience", but maybe, you could tell Him, a 55 year old woman has been playing His games for several years, and, I never, ever, tire of them. "The Bard's Tale" keeps me laughing, and I am not well so I really appreciate His sense of humor, too,like a rat zipping at a Zillion MPH, and killing 'the bad guys' before the bard can even get there; I thank them.
I hope that someone would just let them know, Thank you so much, Christine
Well Christine, it's posted here so it may very well get read. Then again, we're sure Brian Fargo is a somewhat intelligent being; he likely doesn't check IGN at all. Crap I think I just insulted the readers, my coworkers, and myself simultaneously. Eh, it's been a long day.
-Charles, IGN PC
Shadowrun
From Damien Lim:
I think it's important that it is make clear that FASA Studio owns the IP for Shadowrun in terms of video games and the like but the Fanpro LLC owns the Shadowrun IP in every other way.
So I think it's a bit misleading to say why are the fans pissed when the people who own the IP are not when the fans you refer to are fans of the pen&paper; RPG developed since and not FASA Studios who have not contributed to the Shadowrun universe since FASA Corporation closed in 2001.
However, given the situation on Shadowrun's IP ownership, fans of the P&P; RPG should let it be since FASA Studios have every right to make that game. However FASA Studios should note the generally negative response to the FPS game by P&P; fans, especially if they were trying to leverage on the Shadowrun brand name to sell the product. Perhaps they were better off just calling it something else entirely and leaving it completely unrelated to Shadowrun.
Damien, we feel your rage. Or at least we read about it, since we keep getting "venting-type" emails from Genesis era and pen and paper Shadowrun fans.
In our previous response, we weren't trying to assign blame or absolve developer FASA Studio. Quite frankly, I can't understand how people can point fingers at all at this point. The game isn't even out yet. If it's a crap product, then fingers can be pointed all over the place. But how is an IP ruined, as so many seem to think has already happened, if it's being used for a game that's fun to play?
Why can't an IP evolve through different genres? It's not like Shadowrun is going to totally blink out of existence after its X360/PC FPS release. Who says an RPG is totally out of the question in the future?
-Charles, IGN PC
Dear Charles
From Harry:
Post more angry emails directed at people who hate the games IGN makes please. Thanks in advance. Ttyl
Just a second, searching inbox...
-Charles, IGN PC
Halo Wars on PC
From Mathew Hape:
Please make this game on pc cause ill buy it
He doesn't hate it, but it's close enough. You're welcome, Harry.
-Charles, IGN PC
KOTOR 3
From Zarre:
well i still dont get it are they making a kotor 3 everyones telling me theyve seen it but they are known to be lyers if they are making a kotor 3 than its proboply on the xbox 360 but will they make another on the regular xbox if so please respond cause i need to know
Nothing official has been said. Lucasarts would likely be the spot any news would come out of, but they've been mum. The only indication of it being in the works were a round of firings at Obsidian a while back, but total silence since then. Don't get your hopes up.
-Charles, IGN PC
World of Warcraft and Blizzard
From Vahn Blackfeather:
Hey IGN,
I was just wondering how many of you over there play WoW and what the general consensus of the game is over there. I know it's hugely popular in the world but as a game there are many flaws in it. How does it compare to other MMO's? What do you guys think of the expansion -- does it solve any problems? Any comments are appreciated.
Holy crap, Vahn. You have the greatest name ever. We're going to assume it's not a real one to preserve our exalted sense of self-admiration. I mean honestly, can anyone compete with a phonetically irresistible handle like Dan Adams? We think not.
As for the general consensus on WoW, We like it. I hover between being really into it and getting sick of the grind. Dan just recently started a character, and I'm not sure about Steve Butts, but I know he plays other MMOs.
In terms of how it compares, it's certainly more user friendly than most. It also has a much better reward system than other games, giving you discernable goodies for completing quests and the like.
I think MMOs are doomed to fall victim to the perpetual grind at some point. While the Burning Crusade expansion, with it's myriad skill upgrades, level cap bump, added races, zones, enemies, instances, and jewelcrafting profession, definitely drops in more content for players, it doesn't change the actual gameplay (as far as we can tell, the game isn't out yet). Sure it drops the raid cap to 20 for most of the new level stuff, but you still have to spend an inordinate amount of time in front of your computer to get anything significant accomplished (meaning grabbing epics). Still, for fans who can't get enough of item chasing, there are plenty of incentives to keep playing.
One thing I like about WoW that transcends the grind is its PvP system, which really is fun. I unfortunately get my ass kicked most of the time (I'm currently playing a warrior, almost to 40), but it's more entertaining that killing raptors for 5 hours. Plus you get nice item rewards for PvP, making some of the large scale raiding (time consuming, not always guaranteed to get what you're after) unnecessary.
Still, as far as MMOs go, WoW is one of the best. I know a few of the Gamespy guys are totally addicted. For a far less democratic response, you might want to check on the South Park premiere tomorrow. I'm sure they'll have lots of nice things to say. Or not.
-Charles, IGN PC
DS Games
From Heavymac:
IGN.
I'd just like to commend you on your comprehensive DS coverage, which is alot more complete than alot of other game news sites and forums that I'vr visited. I do have a question though. Why sometimes do you have games you've previewed but you have no screenshots? Is it because the company doesn't want you to take any or you just forget?
Well Heavy, if we may call you that, you seem to have written in to the wrong mailbag. Congrats. Your concern is universally applicable across all IGN channels, however, so it's worth a response.
Sometimes when we're sent preview builds, we're not allowed to take screens or video. Ideally the publishers would supply us with some to go up alongside an article, but sometimes that falls through, which is why there isn't any media for some titles. We'd love to be able to put up as much media as possible for each game, but we're limited to what publishers allow.
-Charles, IGN PC
About Portal preview
From David
I just wanted to comment about the article. It makes no mention of the PS3 version and implies that it's only comming out on Xbox 360 and pc.
I have noticed MOST of the editors leaning toward one "side" of the "console wars", I think feel is very unprofessional.
And please stop trying to create hype or stop trying to post screen-shots that you aren't allowed to........ as I hate the 404 crap....... It's very childish (allthough I assume it's targeted to the thoughtless masses/or few).
Thankyou for you time
You're upset, we get it. Unfortunately I don't know which article you're referring to, so in the future just know it's always helpful to link to your source. Source of anger in this case. If you're referring to the "shizzle" article well, um, no comment.
We don't post screens when we're not supposed to, though mistakes are occasionally made. As for editors leaning to certain side of the console wars, of course everyone's going to have an opinion. There isn't a human being on this planet that doesn't have an opinion about something. Naturally the editors here, myself included, are going to have particular views on the subjects we deal with everyday. I have no problem with people having opinions on the way things are going in the industry. If those opinions start to influence review scores, then it's a problem. There are plenty of news items on IGN, and there's also plenty of editorial, and there's room for both.
I'd be interested in knowing precisely what you're talking about. When you say most of the editors have a particular leaning, to what are we leaning towards? Are you talking about the PS3 being too expensive? The Wii launching too late? The Xbox 360 being too fragile? Still no news on Barbie Horse Adventures Next-Gen?
-Charles, IGN PC
Freedom Fighters 2???
From David:
After finishing Freedom Fighters a couple years ago, I found that I really enjoyed that game. Problem is, I can't find any news on the upcomming sequel. Please, let me know if IO will be working on another one.
Thanks,
Unfortunately, nothing official. Like Knights of the Old Republic 3, nothing we've heard of is happening right now, despite plenty of fan demand.
-Charles, IGN PC
The Bard's Tale - Brian Fargo
From Christine:
I realize, I could not thank Brian Fargo and the rest of His group for making games like "Bard's Tale" and "Dark Allience", but maybe, you could tell Him, a 55 year old woman has been playing His games for several years, and, I never, ever, tire of them. "The Bard's Tale" keeps me laughing, and I am not well so I really appreciate His sense of humor, too,like a rat zipping at a Zillion MPH, and killing 'the bad guys' before the bard can even get there; I thank them.
I hope that someone would just let them know, Thank you so much, Christine
Well Christine, it's posted here so it may very well get read. Then again, we're sure Brian Fargo is a somewhat intelligent being; he likely doesn't check IGN at all. Crap I think I just insulted the readers, my coworkers, and myself simultaneously. Eh, it's been a long day.
-Charles, IGN PC
Shadowrun
From Damien Lim:
I think it's important that it is make clear that FASA Studio owns the IP for Shadowrun in terms of video games and the like but the Fanpro LLC owns the Shadowrun IP in every other way.
So I think it's a bit misleading to say why are the fans pissed when the people who own the IP are not when the fans you refer to are fans of the pen&paper; RPG developed since and not FASA Studios who have not contributed to the Shadowrun universe since FASA Corporation closed in 2001.
However, given the situation on Shadowrun's IP ownership, fans of the P&P; RPG should let it be since FASA Studios have every right to make that game. However FASA Studios should note the generally negative response to the FPS game by P&P; fans, especially if they were trying to leverage on the Shadowrun brand name to sell the product. Perhaps they were better off just calling it something else entirely and leaving it completely unrelated to Shadowrun.
Damien, we feel your rage. Or at least we read about it, since we keep getting "venting-type" emails from Genesis era and pen and paper Shadowrun fans.
In our previous response, we weren't trying to assign blame or absolve developer FASA Studio. Quite frankly, I can't understand how people can point fingers at all at this point. The game isn't even out yet. If it's a crap product, then fingers can be pointed all over the place. But how is an IP ruined, as so many seem to think has already happened, if it's being used for a game that's fun to play?
Why can't an IP evolve through different genres? It's not like Shadowrun is going to totally blink out of existence after its X360/PC FPS release. Who says an RPG is totally out of the question in the future?
-Charles, IGN PC
Dear Charles
From Harry:
Post more angry emails directed at people who hate the games IGN makes please. Thanks in advance. Ttyl
Just a second, searching inbox...
-Charles, IGN PC
Halo Wars on PC
From Mathew Hape:
Please make this game on pc cause ill buy it
He doesn't hate it, but it's close enough. You're welcome, Harry.
-Charles, IGN PC
KOTOR 3
From Zarre:
well i still dont get it are they making a kotor 3 everyones telling me theyve seen it but they are known to be lyers if they are making a kotor 3 than its proboply on the xbox 360 but will they make another on the regular xbox if so please respond cause i need to know
Nothing official has been said. Lucasarts would likely be the spot any news would come out of, but they've been mum. The only indication of it being in the works were a round of firings at Obsidian a while back, but total silence since then. Don't get your hopes up.
-Charles, IGN PC
World of Warcraft and Blizzard
From Vahn Blackfeather:
Hey IGN,
I was just wondering how many of you over there play WoW and what the general consensus of the game is over there. I know it's hugely popular in the world but as a game there are many flaws in it. How does it compare to other MMO's? What do you guys think of the expansion -- does it solve any problems? Any comments are appreciated.
Holy crap, Vahn. You have the greatest name ever. We're going to assume it's not a real one to preserve our exalted sense of self-admiration. I mean honestly, can anyone compete with a phonetically irresistible handle like Dan Adams? We think not.
As for the general consensus on WoW, We like it. I hover between being really into it and getting sick of the grind. Dan just recently started a character, and I'm not sure about Steve Butts, but I know he plays other MMOs.
In terms of how it compares, it's certainly more user friendly than most. It also has a much better reward system than other games, giving you discernable goodies for completing quests and the like.
I think MMOs are doomed to fall victim to the perpetual grind at some point. While the Burning Crusade expansion, with it's myriad skill upgrades, level cap bump, added races, zones, enemies, instances, and jewelcrafting profession, definitely drops in more content for players, it doesn't change the actual gameplay (as far as we can tell, the game isn't out yet). Sure it drops the raid cap to 20 for most of the new level stuff, but you still have to spend an inordinate amount of time in front of your computer to get anything significant accomplished (meaning grabbing epics). Still, for fans who can't get enough of item chasing, there are plenty of incentives to keep playing.
One thing I like about WoW that transcends the grind is its PvP system, which really is fun. I unfortunately get my ass kicked most of the time (I'm currently playing a warrior, almost to 40), but it's more entertaining that killing raptors for 5 hours. Plus you get nice item rewards for PvP, making some of the large scale raiding (time consuming, not always guaranteed to get what you're after) unnecessary.
Still, as far as MMOs go, WoW is one of the best. I know a few of the Gamespy guys are totally addicted. For a far less democratic response, you might want to check on the South Park premiere tomorrow. I'm sure they'll have lots of nice things to say. Or not.
-Charles, IGN PC
DS Games
From Heavymac:
IGN.
I'd just like to commend you on your comprehensive DS coverage, which is alot more complete than alot of other game news sites and forums that I'vr visited. I do have a question though. Why sometimes do you have games you've previewed but you have no screenshots? Is it because the company doesn't want you to take any or you just forget?
Well Heavy, if we may call you that, you seem to have written in to the wrong mailbag. Congrats. Your concern is universally applicable across all IGN channels, however, so it's worth a response.
Sometimes when we're sent preview builds, we're not allowed to take screens or video. Ideally the publishers would supply us with some to go up alongside an article, but sometimes that falls through, which is why there isn't any media for some titles. We'd love to be able to put up as much media as possible for each game, but we're limited to what publishers allow.
-Charles, IGN PC
About Portal preview
From David
I just wanted to comment about the article. It makes no mention of the PS3 version and implies that it's only comming out on Xbox 360 and pc.
I have noticed MOST of the editors leaning toward one "side" of the "console wars", I think feel is very unprofessional.
And please stop trying to create hype or stop trying to post screen-shots that you aren't allowed to........ as I hate the 404 crap....... It's very childish (allthough I assume it's targeted to the thoughtless masses/or few).
Thankyou for you time
You're upset, we get it. Unfortunately I don't know which article you're referring to, so in the future just know it's always helpful to link to your source. Source of anger in this case. If you're referring to the "shizzle" article well, um, no comment.
We don't post screens when we're not supposed to, though mistakes are occasionally made. As for editors leaning to certain side of the console wars, of course everyone's going to have an opinion. There isn't a human being on this planet that doesn't have an opinion about something. Naturally the editors here, myself included, are going to have particular views on the subjects we deal with everyday. I have no problem with people having opinions on the way things are going in the industry. If those opinions start to influence review scores, then it's a problem. There are plenty of news items on IGN, and there's also plenty of editorial, and there's room for both.
I'd be interested in knowing precisely what you're talking about. When you say most of the editors have a particular leaning, to what are we leaning towards? Are you talking about the PS3 being too expensive? The Wii launching too late? The Xbox 360 being too fragile? Still no news on Barbie Horse Adventures Next-Gen?
-Charles, IGN PC
Freedom Fighters 2???
From David:
After finishing Freedom Fighters a couple years ago, I found that I really enjoyed that game. Problem is, I can't find any news on the upcomming sequel. Please, let me know if IO will be working on another one.
Thanks,
Unfortunately, nothing official. Like Knights of the Old Republic 3, nothing we've heard of is happening right now, despite plenty of fan demand.
-Charles, IGN PC
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