Gamespot's Soapbox

Does anyone else noticethe fact that Gamespot's Soapbox is completely biased? I have read many blogs that deserve to be included in the Soapbox, yet the same people are constantly being included. Am I the only one to notice this?

If its writtten by a certain person, it is included no matter how good it is.

I would include examples of blogs that don't deserve to be included on the Soapbox, but I would rather not offendanyone.

Im not complaining, I just wish that whoever "reads" the editorials, please be a little more open to who you include on the Soapbox. I hope the standards are held high regardless.

Editorial-Modern Games Fail in Comparison to the Games we now call "Vintage"

Online play, realism, and absolutely superb graphics are just some of the characteristics new games have. Taking all this into consideration, I feel they fail in comparison to the well made games of the 80's and 90's.

Why is all the hype going into these games when they lack what really matters? Let's take a look.

-Realism: One of the common complaints about older games is the fact that they aren't realistic. I have to disagree with this complaint, realism is a component in games I really don't find pleasing. Who cares about the fact that they relate to life, when that's not the point of gaming. Isn't the whole idea of games to escape reality, get away from the commotion of life? Are you following me? Let me clear this up:

In a war game, do you want your character to collapse from exhaustion, leaving him on the ground for hours? Do you want a round of golf lasting 4 or more hours? I'm pretty sure you get what I'm trying to say, games aren't supposed to be realistic, their supposed to be fun. When talking about this aspect of games--simplicity instead of realism--vintage games clearly win.

-Graphics: Games today are amazing when it comes to visuals, but is that always a good thing? Most people started gaming on a relatively old console and usually, that sparked something. There's a reason for the fact that you love your older game systems. Simple 2-D graphics promote imagination, resulting in a magical experience. Vintage systems contain graphics that are digital representations, not photo realistic environments.

That's one reason I love older games, they are simple distractions, instead of huge and confusing 3-D worlds.

-Online: I do have to say, online gaming is very fun and entertaining, but there are also flaws to it. When it comes to the Xbox 360, online gaming cost a monthly fee. So when playing video games "from the day" you can escape the negatives of online play such as:

Monthly fees, lag some games include and of course, the 10-year-old's who can't refuse but saying racist and regretful words through their headsets. So really, what are the pre-online games missing out on? Their single player mode is usually much stronger than modern games, thus providing a great gaming experience.

-Durability: When bringing up the fact that older games are better than new games, I often hear people say newer systems are far more durable. But the truth is, newer systems are less durable. The 360 is having countless red ring problems, proving that newer systems are not necessarily built as well. One of the only older systems that dosen't work well on a consistent bases is the beloved NES. This is true to some extent, but the fact of the matter is, the NES is easily fixed.

I would love to drop a NES and a PS3 off my roof and see which one holds up, but I'm pretty sure I already know.

-Difficulty: I'm sure everyone agrees with me when it comes to difficulty. Older games are generally more difficult. Let me use a few examples:

Mario Brothers 3 vs. Mario Galaxy

The Legend of Zelda: a Link to the Past vs. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The list goes on...

Final Verdict: Games today don't have the same magical feel and important concepts as the ones from back in the day.

The Future of Gaming

After experimenting with some hardware from this gen, I came to pondering on the fact: what will games be like in 100 years? Will they be virtual simulators with unbelievable capabilities, mega computers with endless amounts of storage, or will the graphics be nothing short of... perfect? No one really knows, but I will take a stab in the dark:

Let's face it; a lot can happen in 100 years. The world went from covered wagons to airplanes in a rather short time, so what could be achieved in gaming? Not only can a lot happen in 100 years, but look at the great deal that has already been accomplished in gaming. I'm sure by now, your saying, "get to the topic," so here I go:

One thing that will happen at 100 years from now is people will start to realize we need to go green. I think the systems, of the time, will be much more easily powered. I might, go as far as saying, battery powered! I am talking about home consoles, so this would be a huge leap in using less power. Not only would these systems use less, they would also be a sufficient amount smaller. Picture, in your head, a PS2 slim with the capabilities of a super computer. What I really am getting at, is the environment will need help 100 years from now.

So what makers will still be leading the charge in 100 years? Of course this is just a complete and wild guess, but... Nintendo, Sega and Sony will be the 3 large game console production companies.

SEGA (remember, this 100 years from now)

We all know that Sega dropped off the game system market after the release of the Dreamcast (what a wonderful console, might I add). Sega will be struggling with some kind of recession in the economy when they make a system to try to stay a' float. They will call the system the Master System 2 (it will be a hit!). The Master System 2, a home computer at heart, will plug in to the TV. It will have over 1000 GB of internal memory, but regardless, it will be very small (about the size of the original PS2). Its games will be in the form of a SD card, similar in structure. Of this gen, the Master System 2 lacks battery pack compatibility. It is criticized in the Gamespot System Wars Forum, due to the fact that you have to plug it in. Sega continues to make Sonic games, but they aren't as popular as they were back in the 1990's.

Fun Fact: Only 5 people in the world own a Master System 1 and 2, considering the fact that they both have to work.

Sony

The year is 2110 and Sony continues to make great systems. Their latest system, alongside the Master System 2, is known as the PlayStation Evolution. People continue to buy the "PlayStation" through the continuous unoriginality of Sony's names for their consoles. Of the gen, the PlayStation Evolution is regarded as the best graphically inclined system. Its graphics are no different than that of a photograph. The games are still in the form of disks, which promotes complaints. The PlayStation Evolution gets an exclusive known as Sim Life. This game is soon regarded as one of the best games ever.

Fun Fact: Sony continued to call its consoles PlayStation followed by a number, all the way to 6. Ex. PlayStation 6

Nintendo

After the Wii, Nintendo went on a unique route. They ensured their systems would be active and fun for everyone. The system Nintendo releases in 2110, is the Nintendo U. The reason they went with a U for the title is quite simple, they wanted to integrate a feeling of you physically in the game. It is a great success, but it lacks to the 'hardcore' gamer. The games are in form of a small disk, similar to the GameCube. Some of the games on the Wii are: Mario Party 178, the Legend of Zelda: Return of Gandorf, and of course, Mario Universe 3.

Fun Fact: The Nintendo U doesn't have an actual controller, just clips that register your body movements and that is projected on screen.

RIP

Microsoft made a few consoles after the 360, but when Bill Gates Jr. makes a questionable investment, Microsoft soon goes under. The original Xbox, along with Halo: Combat Evolved, quickly go up in price, reaching 100,000 dollars.

Handhelds

Sony is the only company involved with handheld gaming 100 years from now. They release the PSEP, or PlayStation Evolution Portable. It contains graphics of the PS6. It sells amazingly well, but it's understandable because it's the only one on the market.

Handhelds are a lot different than they are now. The batteries last for 6 weeks, maybe more. Another great addition to handhelds is the fact that you buy games of the internet! You use a redeemable card, or credit/debit card and buy games right off the net!

Games

Sim Life- With the enormous power of systems in 2110, they can support a very deep game. This is arguably the biggest game to come out in the 22nd century. It amazes people all over the world and Gamespot gives it a score of 10.0!

In the game you take control of yourself (made in a pregame editor). You control him/her through everyday life. The amazing thing about this game, is you can go anywhere in the world and practically do anything. You can imagine it got an ESRB rating of M, but the game is absolutely awe inspiring. Console: PlayStation Evolution

The Legend of Zelda: Return of Gandorf: Everyone who played and loved the Legend of Zelda series got a kick out of this game. This game finally gives people the length and difficulty they were asking for. A long storyline bundled with huge boss battles reminds the world of Ocarina of Time (still adored and remembered).

Sonic: Grandpa Edition: Sonic is one of the oldest characters in video game history at this point, so they do a semi-comedic game, that features Sonic as a grandpa. It is actually more popular than people expect and is nominated for game of the year.

Gamespot

Gamespot is the most reliable and informal video game site on the net. They provide trustworthy reviews and great forums.

Gamespot is also the oldest video game website on the internet.

Thank you for reading my blog: Future of Gaming

Video Games, Health Done Right!

Now you actually have an excuse!

Scientist have been merely disregarding this topic for years, but in a research topic I found online, it is said that video games are actually good for you! We always tell ourselves that, but did you actually believe it? And what exactly are they good for?

What are they good for?

The researcher's names were Shawn Green and Daphne Bavelier. How they went about testing this was quite simple. They put forth some "gamers" and some "non-gamers", in a test. You ask what the test was. They were testing their eye sight!

The scientists found some very interesting facts. They found out that people who played video games could spot unlikely details in busy and confusing areas. This test surprised many…

Greater Detail

So how exactly did they test? One example of a test they conducted was a symbol recognizer. What they did was flash shapes back to back and tested if the people could identify the second one. Sounds complicated, but the results weren't. The gamers were far better at this task.

Expanding on the idea

What they did with the subjects is, they put them through a ten day study. Shawn and Daphne put the "non-gamers" through a ten day video game boot camp (sounds fun). They wanted to see if their visual attention would increase in the short ten day process.

The Games

You have to remember the test was done in 2003, so the games are rather old.

The games they 'let' the non-gamers play were:

· Crazy Taxi

· Medal of Honor

· Tetris

Final Results

After reading through this article, I couldn't wait to see the results.

The "non-gamers", after playing games for ten days, had improved their attention processing!

So in short and understandable terms: Video Games are good for you!

...About time.

Can someone recomend to me some easy emblems to get, I need some more. Im currently going for tag leader, but I need a few more emblems.

Right now Im playing Mario Kart Wii. Im trying to BEAT all the Expert Staff Ghosts, pretty tough.

Haven't bought any games lately because Im waiting to get Wii Sports Resort, can't wait.

One last thing, once I reach level 10, I will post a few videos (one of my room and a few speed runs).

-Jorler

The legendary story of Link and his courageous battles, in the Phantom's Hourglass.

While Link and Tetra are exploring the open sea's, they spot the haunted Ghost Ship. Tetra, showing courage, jumps on the ship to find whats it beholds. Link hears a scream and easily recognizes it as Tetra. He trys to jump on the Ghost Ship, but fails. Later, Link awakens to a very... how should I say this... outgoing fairy. Link is soon introduced to Grandpa, a very mysterious old man, he helps him along his journey. The rest of the story follows Link and his journey to save Tetra (who just happens to be Princess Zelda).

The gameplay is amazing. It runs smooth and rarely do you get frustrated by the fighting mechanics. Piloting the ship is fun and entertaining. You find yourself staring into the open sea only to spot an enemy (which you shoot down with ease). Lets just say the gameplay is outstanding.

The graphics are powered by the DS, but you sometimes think your playing Wind Waker. In my opinion, this game is the best, graphics wise, of any DS game, EVER. The water looks like water, when Link runs it looks flawless and the fighting animations are excellent.

The controls of this game worried me, I will be honest, but I was quickly amazed by how good they worked. All you really use is the stylus, mic and... well thats really it. You can consider me a fan of this control mechanic!

The story wasn't on par with games like, Ocarina of Time or Majora's Mask, but I still enjoyed it. I think that the length took away from it as well. If the storyline was a little more lengthy, I think I could of been a little more intrigued. I still consider it a Zelda game, but when it comes to the story, it was a little weak.

One of my favorite things about this game was the amazing boss battles. They were a little on the easy side, but they were amazingly thought out and executed. Well done, Nintendo, your bosses were addicting as ever!

The dungeons were definetly not the best thing about the game because they were a touch easy. They still had inovative ideas, but they were a little too easy.

Overall, this game was great! With the use of the touch screen and amazing graphics, this is a must buy for any DS owner.

SCORE: 8.5/10

Thanks for reading. :)

Well I just got done writing a huge blog all about the evolution of gaming... and well it was too long. :( You can expect how I feel.

Anyway, I just got back from camping and let me tell you, I got eaten alive by mosquitos. Im not even being dramatic, I have like 60 bites!

My dad just told me today that he is going to buy me Wii Sports Resort! Woohoo! :)

So ya... I have just been hanging out at home, pretty much bored. I've been playing Phantom Hourglass and Tiger Woods 10. On Phantom Hourglass I just got done collecting a bunch of ship parts. On Tiger Woods 10, I pretty much got frustrated and turned it off :evil:

Due to my boredom I started writing a Zelda/Mario/Sonic/bunch of other video game, story. I will post it when Im done! Hopefully sometime this week. Just a short story. Something to pass the time.

So what has everyone else been doing? What should I do? AHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Im bored!

-Jorler333

I guess its a change of plans, I'm leaving to go camping tomorow. Im both excited and somewhat bummed. I wont be able to go on Gamespot for around four days :(, but it will be fun! The only video games I will be able to play are my hanhelds and I probably wont play them that often. The good news is I just got Zelda Phantom Hourglass, which I found out is really fun. I have only gotten through two bosses, but so far its amazing. Great controls, good graphics and fun puzzles (a little easy, but I just started). Just wanted to tell all of you what I've been doing :)

I'm so excited for Wii Sports Resort!!!

I mean look at this sword fighting, whats not to love?

AT FIRST:

When I first heard about this game I didn't think it sounded all that great. But after a little researching on a faithful site (Youtube) I found myself wanting it more and more. :)

NOW:

I am counting down the days (July 26 release date) and can't wait for this title. I have been watching many videos of E3 and how they presented it and it looks amazing. Some random Nintendo reps said that the motion is 1:1, which means its perfect. :P Can't wait to see all the fun games and minigames I can play with my family or by my self.

I also saw a video on Gamespot for the skydiving which looked awesome!

Everyone:

I know I want it bad, but what about everyone else? I know there is a lot of hype, but does everyone believe it will be as good as we think?

Who else is going to buy this game right away?

In other news, I just fixed my nintendo 64 so I've been playing that a lot lately. It is super fun, makes the Wii look like an Atari 2600, jk :)

Also, Im going camping thursday through sunday of this week so i wont be on Gamespot :(

Thanks for reading!