Buffa's argument is that Japan is stuck in a rut, so to speak. That all they can produce anymore are tired turn-based RPGs and that Western developers are leading the way. In some ways, I can see where he's coming from. But many of his comments sound like something you'd find in System Wars.
"Western developers work to not only make great playing games, but also more attractive ones that appeal to our culture." Oh, wow. Western developers make games that appeal to their own culture? How impressive. No, really. Let's all give them a round of applause... *cough* Meanwhile, Japanese developers not only make games that appeal to their own culture, but to the West as well. Let me know when Western developers can make games with worldwide appeal.
"Do we really need Animal Crossing when we have Viva Pinata?" I think a better question is, "Would we even have Viva Pinata if we never had Animal Crossing?" And the answer would be no, sir, we would not. Japan still influences developers around the globe with their innovative ideas. So while he may prefer the Western take on most genres, I hope he remembers that many of them are based on Japanese games that came before them. Japan obviously still has a significant impact on the industry.
"Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, Halo 3, NBA 2K8 and numerous others will make Mario Party 8, Armored Core 4 and other bland, uninspired games look foolish." The fact that a sports game is included in his list makes me a bit queasy, but even worse is his apparent claim that Mario Party 8 and Armored Core 4 are the best Japan has to offer. I've heard better arguments in System Wars. Japan's influence on the West may be declining, but it's only a result of a recent influx in Western developers who shamelessly pander to our "culture," and is no fault of the Japanese developers themselves. They will continue to make some of the best and most innovative games in the world.
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