Have you ever wanted to work in video games? Well that's what the guys at GameBizCo Inc. do. Literally.
Join the cast of Another Videogame Webcomic as we peek behind the curtain to see what exactly goes into bringing your favorite video games to the small screen. It may be a job in video games, but it's still a job.
E3 2009 Ponderances
Here we are on the other side of another E3 and it seemed like a good show all around, with the three major console companies putting their best foot forward and a slew of developers putting together what looks like great games. There's a lot to be excited about this year and only a few minor disappointments. Since I know you guys are dying to know what I thought of this year's E3 showings, here are my thoughts on the highs and lows of E3 2009.
Motion controllers. Since the Wii debuted in 2006 and sold like the proverbial hotcakes, I've been waiting for the other shoe to drop and have Microsoft and Sony introduce their own version of the Wiimote. And sure enough sloths beware, this year we've got Project Natal and Sony's unnamed motion controller. Project Natal is the more "experimental" of the two, lacking any controller device. From a purely technical standpoint, I think it's an interesting device but I'm entirely convinced of its gaming applications. There's a reason why we like fake plastic guitars for games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band... because without the controller, it isn't as much fun. I'm worried that Project Natal will be the same way. There's a time and a place for the tech in Project Natal and I hope that developers don't feel as if they need to include Project Natal functionality into every game. (By the way, what is up with the totally obvious statements about the technology such as "it will work with every Xbox 360" and "it works with people of all ethnicities"? Does this stuff really need to be said?)
The demo of Sony's unnamed motion controller showed considerable gaming applications, from FPS to RTS. Whereas Microsoft's Project Natal seems like a generational leap beyond what is currently available, Sony's controller seems like an evolution of the controller itself. The controller seemed like it was tight and responsive to even the the finest of movements. Only time will tell if Sony can deliver a motion controller worth owning.
But what I'm excited about more than anything else regarding these new control devices is the fact that games can now be developed across all three consoles. The prospect of being able to play what would have been a Wii only game on the PS3 or 360 is great. Not only does it mean that the PS3 and 360 are going to get Wii like games, but it also means that Wii games are going to get better as developers can pool their resources making the game instead of splitting up their resources between the Wii and everything else.
Final Fantasy XIV. Um, Sqaure Enix? Maybe you should concentrate on finishing the thirteenth installment before you announce the fourteenth? Are both of these games being developed simultaneously? If so, does that mean it's possible that we could get Final Fantasy XIV before we get Final Fantasy XIII? I kind of hope that happens, actually...
More Metal Gear. Sure Metal Gear Solid Rising for the 360 and PS3 and Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker for the PSP made me stand up and take notice but what I really want to play is Metal Gear Arcade. I love arcades. I love Metal Gear Solid. Putting the two together makes me want to book a plane ticket to Japan just to try out the game. (Since we all know that arcades are a dying industry here in the US...)
Nintendo is back to making games. After last year's casual gamer debacle, it's nice to see Nintendo learn from their mistakes and show up with games for the "core gamer". New Super Mario Bros. Wii looks like a cross between a traditional Mario sidescroller and a party game (the combination of the two reminds me of LittleBIGplanet...). But what's up with the vitality sensor? If Nintendo's mantra is immersive gaming, I can kind of see gaming applications for the vitality sensor... but it's still kind of a stretch. Hopefully, I'll be proven wrong and Nintendo will wow me with an unpredictable use of what is essentially a heart monitor.
Beatles: Rock Band. I've been a huge fan of Rock Band ever since I heard Harmonix was developing the thing after their work on Guitar Hero. But I'm a little skeptical about the game with Beatles branding all over it. Not that I have anything against the Beatles... quite the opposite. I just don't know if the gameplay is radically different where it needs its own iteration. The two and three part harmonies in the game are an interesting addition, but I have enough trouble trying to get people to sing whenever we play Rock Band 2. I can't imagine how hard it'd be to get three people to sing at the same time. It's also disheartening to hear that you won't be able to import the Beatles: Rock Band songs into Rock Band 2 or vice versa...
Resident Evil Portable. The only thing we know about this game is it's a Resident Evil game and it'll be on the PSP. But still, that's enough to get me excited for the possibilities. I totally want to see an online co-op mode, like Resident Evil 5 offers... even though I know absolutely no one else with a PSP.
So that's it for this year... we'll see at E3 2010 whether or not any of these projects live up to their potential. It could be the greatest year in gaming... or it could be a huge disappointment. I know I'm eagerly anticipating what's to come either way...
Player Two
After the resurgence of multiplayer co-op, GameBizCo Inc. hired Player Two to be the Goose to someone else's Maverick. His workload isn't quite as heavy as most of the other people working at GameBizCo Inc. and as a result, he spends a lot of time in the break room or playing computer solitaire.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
Player One
Player One is top dog at GameBizCo Inc. Nearly every game, from Pong to Mario Bros to Grand Theft Auto, requires Player One's expertise. His cocksure and sometimes inappropriate attitude is an annoyance to his coworkers but seeing as every game needs a first player, they make due.
First Appearance: Bonus Stage! Here comes Player One!
Damsel I. Distress
Whether it be a castle, a dungeon or mystical island, Damsel always needs to be saved... and she hates it. Damsel longs for the day when she's given the role of a strong female lead character who doesn't have huge breasts with hyper accurate physics.
First Appearance: LittleBIGPlanet
Final Boss
Underneath the huge brute that is Final Boss lies a timid creature who wouldn't hurt a fly. He puts on his "angry face" when throwing barrels down ramps or breathing fire but deep down he feels sorry for doing so. He's been known to throw a game or two in the player's favor.
First Appearance: World Record
John Minion
John Minion, or Min for short, is the hardest working employee at GameBizCo Inc. Playing everything from Goombas to no name thugs, Min gets beat up on a daily basis but loves every minute of it. He always wanted to work in the gaming industry and was originally hired as an intern. After years of getting coffee, his big break came when someone called in sick... and the rest is history.
First Appearance: Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Middle Manager
Middle Manager works in the Human Resources department. He runs staff meetings and interviews prospective employees. The other 90% of his time is spent playing Freecell on his computer.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
