All posts by Kenneth Medford

Glitches, Glitches Everywhere: How the Industry Deals With Buggy Games

To err is human. I’m not one of those unreasonable forum ranters who nitpicks every tiny issue in every game. When players in Madden walk through the goal post or when the background of the Skyrim landscape seems to be developing in front of my eyes, I let it rock. I’d like to believe I’m fairly aware of the time, technical skill and dedication necessary to create the wondrous worlds that I love.

dragon age meme
Source: http://forum.bioware.com

However, be it because of unrealistic yearly deadlines or a general lack of attention to detail, there are certain things that are unacceptable at this stage in gaming. Actually, let’s say there’s a frequency of things that are unacceptable at this day and age. Now, it is no secret I am a Bioware fan. From Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 to the Mass Effect Trilogy to the recently completed Dragon Age Trilogy, I’m with it all. My issue here is the same bugs and defects that were issues on the original Xbox still plague gamers today. At least back then, you could blame skips and freezes on scratches. I was completely fine with accepting that I couldn’t get to disk 2 on Final Fantasy VIII because I didn’t take care of my game and it froze on the last cut scene (SN: I just borrowed my friend’s disc one. To this day, I think I still have it smh).

Now, even a digital copy of a game isn’t safe from random error crashes, music mysteriously cutting out, characters disappearing and reappearing for no rhyme or reason, I mean the list is almost endless. The killer is, Bioware doesn’t make bad games. Actually, it’s created genre defining work. For the level of its work and for the formula it uses, at the very least, it has to cut down on the frequency of ALL of these issues and at best, eliminate them completely. I mean, I couldn’t even respec my character without the game freezing, but they’re pumping out multiplayer DLC. Priorities people, priorities.
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So, what they mean to ever so kindly tell me is, it’s more important to put new content into a damaged (because it’s not quite broken) game instead of fixing what they had to know was wrong before they even released it? With the advent of patching console games, I don’t see how issues like this persist more than a couple months, if that. You know there’s an issue, your forums are overflowing with your fanbase, your CUSTOMERS, asking for you to fix it and instead of pushing back superficial content and correcting your mistake, you plow forward with the gameplan as if nothing is wrong. It’s pretty disheartening to see honestly. Yes, I’m fully aware DLC is planned in advanced and there’s all kinds of self imposed deadlines to get the most out of the market and blah blah blah, but I don’t know anyone who would buy a product for any price and seek additions before making sure the core functions work.

Unfortunately, it will probably never change. If they can put out a subpar product, with little to no real competition, and we buy it anyway, why would they bother putting in the extra time to fix decade-old glitches? There’s an entire economics lesson on how to get it to change, but we all know we’d rather just yell voicelessly in forums.

 

Dear Digital Extremes, Thank You

There are a lot of things people gripe about in gaming: day-one DLC, micro-transactions, digital verifications, etc. It is always easier to find someone shouting from the mountaintop about everything that’s wrong as opposed to anything that’s right. Well, after a long and arduous climb, I kindly asked that guy to sit down for a bit and let me shout a little positivity from his precious mountaintop.

Digital Extremes, the company that brought us Warframe, has and continues to provide the console world with a perfect example of how well free-to-play gaming can work. Though, many complain about “free-to-play” and “pay-to-win” games, Warframe finds the perfect balance. Any warframe, weapon, sentinel or kubrow can be assembled, found or purchased all in game. There is a fair amount of grinding required for particular items, but if you really want it, you’ll never have to worry about seeing another player with an amazing weapon that you don’t have access to. In a stroke of genius, the only things you actually HAVE to pay for are cosmetic. Purchasing new paint colors, ceremonial armor, weapon patterns and the like, which have nothing to do with battle capabilities, require players to purchase platinum with actual money. You would be surprised how difficult it can be to resist the urge to pimp your ninja. I’ve spent well over $100 over time and I’m probably in the low end of purchasing.

As far as DLC goes, everything is free. Well, i suppose to be more accurate, the updates are all free.  It is to be noted that these updates are always game changing. With no cost, Digital Extremes has added new warframes, new weapons, new mission types, updated maps, new events and a slew of visual and audio upgrades. Other free-to-play titles such as DC Universe Online and Blacklight Retribution can and do nickel and dime you for all their additional content. Warframe is up to version 15.5 (PS4 and Xbox One) and 15.8.1 (PC) and they’re consistently giving their community reason after reason to never put the controller down.

One of these products is diva herbal deeprootsmag.org levitra prices. Same interferon have been shown to be effective for that particular activity, but they are not a levitra online australia http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/05/24/cristina-braga-samba-jazz-love/the-one-who-sings-sends-his-sorrows-away-2/ permanent solution. Some males do not show interest for levitra on line sale lovemaking after hectic day schedule. After talking with your partner you should consult a doctor for starting an appropriate treatment. cialis generic pharmacy Finally, the work that Digital Extremes puts into working with their community is beyond impressive. Its DevStream gives gamers a chance to see the inner workings of their favorite title, new insights into how to use available weapons and warframes and show glimpses into the future of the franchise. The website also has tools for fans to create channels and fansites. It’s even possible to be featured on the site to generate more traffic.

I stand and salute Digital Extremes for its work with a free title. It has managed to build a game that expands from PC to the console world and stands as a prime example of how free-to-play can not only work, but can flourish. Thank you Digital Extremes. May you inspire others to not drop the ball in the future.

PS: Have you guys see the Archwing missions they added!?! Someone get these guys a license to make Gundam Wing games. Can’t you just see the same gameplay working for the Wing Zero!?!? OK, I’m done now. Enjoy your day.

NANANANANANANANA BATMAN . . . DAY!

Today marks the 75th anniversary of one of the greatest fictional heroes ever created: Batman. In honor of this day in history, the digital music service Rdio has teamed up with American record label, WaterTower Music to put together a playlist of epic proportions. The Batman Ultimate Playlist features songs from every song-baring media form of the Dark Knight. Ranging from Adam West’s classic television show to the recent Arkham-based video games, listeners will be taken on a trip through the history of the Caped Crusader via music.

Honestly, it’s pretty difficult to have a playlist featuring Prince not be awesome, but I have to say, it was even better than I thought. Classics like “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal and even orchestral pieces like Danny Elfman’s Batman theme from the original 1989 film (yes 89…I know…it hurt me too) took me on a trip through time that had me nodding my head, singing along, and smiling the entire time.

If you get a chance, I definitely suggest you check it out. This is definitely a solid collection of music from quite a few different genres so there’s a little something for everyone. Above all, bask in the grand memories of a franchise of greatness.

Track List:

  1. Vicki Waiting – Prince – Batman
  2. Scandalous – Prince – Batman
  3. Batdance – Prince – Batman
  4. A Batman Overture – Elliot Goldenthal – Batman & Robin (Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture)
  5. Batman – Theme from the 1989 Tim Burton Motion Picture (feat. Dominik Hauser & the City of Prague String Musicians) – Danny Elfman – 64:49
  6. Molossus – James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer – Batman Begins: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  7. The Final Confrontation Part I (Part I) – Danny Elfman – Batman Returns (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  8. Face To Face – Siouxsie And The Banshees – Batman Returns (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  9. The Batusi – Neal Hefti & his Orchestra and Chorus – Batman Theme & Other Bat Songs
  10. Batman Theme (1966 TV Series) – Neal Hefti, Arr. Chuck Cirino – Batman Theme (1966 TV Series)
  11. Enter the Asylum – Nick Arundel – Batman: Arkham Asylum (Original Video Game Score)
  12. Arkham City Main Theme – Nick Arundel & Ron Fish – Batman: Arkham City – Original Video Game Score
  13. Arkham Origins Main Titles – Christopher Drake – Batman: Arkham Origins – Original Video Game Score
  14. Main Title – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm OMPST – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm O.M.P.S.T.
  15. Batman: The Brave and the Bold Theme (2008) – Andy Sturmer – The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection
  16. Enter the Asylum – Nick Arundel – Batman: Arkham Asylum (Original Video Game Score)
  17. Arkham City Main Theme – Nick Arundel & Ron Fish – Batman: Arkham City – Original Video Game Score
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  19. Arkham Origins Main Titles – Christopher Drake – Batman: Arkham Origins – Original Video Game Score
  20. Main Title – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm OMPST – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm O.M.P.S.T.
  21. Batman: The Brave and the Bold Theme (2008) – Andy Sturmer – The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection
  22. Drives Us Bats – Tom Kenny, Dee Bradly Baker, James Arnold Taylor, Neil Patrick Harris, John Di Maggio, Kevin Michael Richardson – Batman: The Brave & The Bold (Mayhem of the Music Meister!)
  23. A Death In The Family – Christopher Drake – Batman: Under The Red Hood – Soundtrack to the Animated Original Movie
  24. Main Titles – Christopher Drake – Batman: Under The Red Hood – Soundtrack to the Animated Original Movie
  25. Crash – Static-X – Beneath…Between…Beyond…
  26. Kiss From A Rose – Seal – Best 1991 – 2004
  27. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me – U2 – The Best Of 1990-2000
  28. Batman Theme – Link Wray – Good Rockin’ Tonight
  29. Why So Serious? – Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard – The Dark Knight – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  30. Rise – Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight Rises: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  31. Why Do We Fall? – Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight Rises: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  32. Batman (Live) – The Brian Setzer Orchestra – Don’t Mess With A Big Band (Live)
  33. Batman – Jan & Dean – Jan & Dean Meet Batman
  34. Batman – Mark Mothersbaugh – The Lego® Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  35. Untitled Self Portrait – Will Arnett – The Lego® Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  36. Batman And Robin (Feat. Lady Of Rage, RBX) – Snoop Dogg – Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$
  37. Batman – The Who – A Quick One (Remastered)
  38. Gotham City (Remix (Clean Edit)) – R. Kelly – The R. In R&B Collection: Volume 1
  39. Son of Batman – Frederik Wiedmann – Son of Batman: Music from the DC Universe Animated Movie
  40. The Dark Knight Returns – Christopher Drake – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  41. The End Is The Beginning Is The End – The Smashing Pumpkins – Rarities & B-Sides
  42. Batman: The Electrical Brain (1943) – Lee Zahler – The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection
  43. The Adventures of Batman (1967) – John Gart – The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection
  44. Batman Beyond (1999) (Main Title) – Kristopher Carter – The Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary Collection

Welcome Back Reading Rainbow

Courtesy of Reading Rainbow Kickstarter page
Courtesy of Reading Rainbow Kickstarter page

Ladies and gentlemen, this is why Kickstarter exists. Within 24 hours of beginning the campaign for $1 million, LaVar Burton’s Reading Rainbow hit its mark guaranteeing a wider range of edutainment for a new generation. Over 36,000 backers donated over $1.6 million, and the donations have not stopped.
This is because studies have shown that HRT does not, in fact, significantly reduce the cialis pfizer achat degree of interstitial fibrosis, reducing the infiltration of macrophages, disturbing the interaction between tumor stem and other tumor-related macrophages. Unresolved relationship problems can be one of the major causes of lower libido (as due to their incapability, men cheap women viagra lose interest in sex, which results in low sexual drives), low self-esteem, stress, depression and poor self-esteem. Stop smoking and taking alcohol: Tobacco and cigarettes badly affect the process of blood circulation. viagra ordination Poor diet followed by piling up of weak cialis prescriptions load and causing stress and anxiety are common issues. Unbeknownst to me, Reading Rainbow had been relaunched in 2012 as a tablet based app with interactive children’s books and video field trips. With the new funding, however, Burton will be able to expand the reach of the rainbow to more platforms, increase the number of available books exponentially, and film more field trips.

I have to say, as a fan of the show when I was a kid, I am ecstatic. Just knowing a part of my childhood, along with other programs like ABC mouse, will help to make future generations better does my heart good. Of course, it only helps if people use it, so make sure you spread the word. We need nieces, nephews, sons, daughters, little cousins and everything in between to utilize this. Otherwise, all they have is, well, reality TV and Worldstar.

New Pokemon Titles Announced, So What

Now, I am not typically in the habit of so quickly and easily dropping things that I have enjoyed since childhood, but I feel that my love for Pokemon has finally faded.

I played them all religiously. I even made an earnest effort to catch them all, as the tagline so demands of us all. Now comes the announcement of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and I immediately felt . . . nothing. “Here comes another remake,” I said to myself even though the teaser trailer clearly says “explore a dramatic new world.” I expect a region we have seen before, Pokemon we have seen before and the slightest of tweaks to the gameplay mechanics. I don’t completely hold it against them because, hey “if it ain’t broke . . .” as they say, but I feel like there can be more done with the franchise.

It has been far too long since Nintendo consoles have seen a solid Pokemon title and the Wii U could definitely use the boost. There is a level of depth that the developer, Game Freak, seems to be avoiding for the sake of keeping the game accessible, but I believe gamers are ready for it.

Just in time for Christmas, Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will hit stores worldwide November of this year. It remains to be seen if this will be a legit Pokemon experience or just a revenue generator for future titles. Stay tuned.
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