jace

Naw, that was real developer stuff...this was just "all fun and brains."

You wish! I'm planning on being buried with that key.

I think it's easy to say fuck it...or to shrug your shoulders at the idea that crappy games come out all the time, but I think there's a difference between crappy games and poorly marketed games...and poorly designed games based on previously mentioned poor marketing.

"As soon as we destroy Tak."

No, it's a short film. It's sort of grindhouse-ish/hostle-ish...like if you notice from the words of the music in the background and the off-notes...it's not a normal happy movie or a porn. Basically, (long story short) I end up "getting my eyeballs taken out".

Well, i guess it isn't lesbian porn because neither girl in the movie is a lesbian...(i'm bi, but that doesn't count) and there's no sex, or kissing, or anything. I just get tied to a chair and get my eyeballs taken out.

I think that makes it eyeball porn, right?

My favorite line is when he looks at the map after being asked where they were by Sheedy and says, "Texaco!"

I SUCK at shooters...particularly fps. But, I'm ok at third person...and I'm partial to the sniper rifles.

But, the graphics...and the storyline were what drew me into Gears.

I was actually shocked to find that the "script" was written by a woman because it's got that gut-wrenching full-metal jacket feel...but it really is too short.

When you get to chapter 4 you expect 4 more chapters that aren't there.

But, they're good.

And, it really shines in multiplayer...and the second one is adding more maps and games...so, it's only going to get better.

Plus it looks like they've made some great changes to the way unreal renders the graphics...thoes are getting better too.

It's true...and it raises the HUGE question of, "how much do you alter a sequel?" How do you teeter on the line between conservatism and innovation without falling into the oubliette of bitter fanboys?

I think the answer varies from game to game (which goes without saying) but I think that Blizzard has it harder than, say GoW 2 or...oh, um...let's just say Madden (for some giggles) who can repurpose much of the gameplay assets from their previous releases.

And, Blizzard responds nicely to the debate. I like the way they're defending their design and explaining, not only why they chose it, but how it is intended to enhance future gameplay.

I think time will tell with the overall design of the game, but it's safe to say (with a 9 year gap and Diablo 2 is currently one of the #1 PC game purchases) that Blizzard don't have anything to worry about concerning grumbles from it's fan-base.

They'll take what they can get...and they'll like it all the same.

Oh, and as an asside...I'm super jealous of your ferret! I wish they weren't illegal here in Cali.

Yea, it's been known to happen...sometimes I digress into, "fire bad, tree pretty"...but I try to keep it on the upper levels of conversation.