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Real life tragedy cutting into blog time but here I am!


On 03/06/2013 at 03:45 PM by BrokenH

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I’m sure some of you have been playing “Where’s Ben?”. It’s kind of like the unpopular bastard version of “Where’s Waldo?”. Regardless, a lot has been going on so I’ll do my best to summarize.

March 4th I took my cat to the vet one last time. His temperature was 10 degrees below normal and the vet was surprised he was even alive. Alex and I chose to put him to sleep simply so he would not suffer anymore. I broke down and cried at the veterinarian clinic and this has been followed by periods of numbness, shock, and utter disbelief.

As for gaming? Yeah well, I think Jesse’s angry article about the demise of the Dead Space franchise sums up how I feel too. I’m tired of companies striving to sell 5 million copies with their “one size fits all” mentality. Many franchises are special because they start off with something unique about them. Though throwing in things like co-op, micro transactions, and weapon customization seems “hip and modern” it can also detract from other things such as atmosphere, immersion, and the feeling of isolation.  I’m not saying DS3 is a bad game. Hell, I haven’t played it yet. However, I did pick up RE6 and though I enjoy that game for what it is (I don’t think it’s as terrible as the critics lead us to believe) I can see where it stumbled. (Capcom tried to make RE 6 so it would appeal to everyone yet as a result they simply made many long time fans angry. Not only that but they fell short of their goal to sell 7 million copies. Why do you think we’re getting a copy of RE: Revelations so soon? So they can use that game to make up for their losses of course!)

The problem is game publishers see this as a numbers game. They’re not gamers who are passionate about playing games nor are they developers who are passionate about making games. They’re just suits trying to find a magical formula which can manifest “instant win” into their profit margins each time they release a new title. Where has that gotten them? They’re losing money fast. So much in fact they’re having to close down studios and cancel franchises. Yup, karma has finally come to bite them hard on their green-back adorned asses! It’s just too bad that as a result creative people who truly loved contributing to game creation are being laid off on account their higher ups are money munching narcissistic retards.

By now we’re not impressed by shock and awe. We’re used to great graphics and we’re starting to catch on that it takes more than impressive visuals to make a good game. This revelation is making many big dawgs in the gaming industry quake in their collective britches. They know they’re going to have to come up with a new strategy fast.

So what have I been playing in the meantime minus all the corporate intrigue? Cave-Story + on Steam and Super House Of Dead Ninjas on Adult-Swim! In a way indulging in these games gives me the same smug satisfaction as giving a big finger to EA and Capcom but besides that, they’re so much fun to play! Can you believe Cave-Story was made by one guy? (Even the music) That’s mind blowing! Both these games can be “free” depending on where you look for them. I actually bought Cave-Story + on Steam but I’m playing the free version of Super house of dead ninjas.


 

Comments

TheMart22

03/06/2013 at 03:59 PM

I'm really sorry to hear about your kitty. My wife and I are actually going through the exact same thing with a sick cat at the moment. Losing a member of the family is tough. Hang in there man!

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 04:05 PM

Trying my best! That's why I am blogging. Just letting my friends know I'm alive though I'm kind of going through heavy stuff right now. Thanks for dropping in! You have my condolences for going through a similar ordeal.

Aboboisdaman

03/06/2013 at 04:15 PM

Sorry to hear about your cat Ben. At least he's not suffering anymore.

It's amazing that you should mention Cave Story + AND Super House of Dead Ninjas since I bought both of them recently lol. They are awesome games. Cave Story + was like $3. It kind of reminds me of a modern version of the first Metroid, but with a plot, and leveling up.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 04:47 PM

Cave story will probably be my next Terraria. It doesn't look like much at first but I'll be damned if it doesn't have a lot of heart and quality. (Moreso than a lot of AAA titles this gen) I like House Of Dead Ninjas because it's more fast paced like the 1st three Ninja Gaiden games on the nes. It also reminds me a lot of the original castlevanias.

mothman

03/06/2013 at 04:27 PM

You know that I was where you are in August Ben so I can say I know how you feel.

As soon as I saw the title my heart sank. l knew that it would be about Pentacle.

Hang in there Ben, it does get better.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 04:49 PM

A lot of us seem to be going through pet woes. Talk about a harsh year,Pete. I know life goes on but right now it aches on multiple levels. Thanks for the words of kindness though. It means everything!

Homelessrook

03/06/2013 at 04:45 PM

Sorry about your loss Ben. Pets are loved ones to.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 04:50 PM

Yup, as we talked about before, they're family,Larry! Still, I have thousands of fond memories. I'm at least blessed in that regard.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

03/06/2013 at 04:53 PM

Hey I'm so sorry about your cat, Ben. It's so hard to lose someone you love, and making that choice to put them to sleep is heartbreaking, because you just hope they will get better. 

I was thinking about you today because I saw RPGMAKER VX Ace on sale again, and I almost downloaded it, thinking I could go back to game making.  But I have enough projects!  I really respect that you are making your game though!  

As far as the industry goes, I get angry too, but I have hope, mostly because of indie developers, and the idea that games will get easier and easier to make as time goes on.  I think this will be the case, but it will take a little time. 

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 05:27 PM

$34.00 is a good bargain for rpgmaker vx ace but I can totally understand wanting to get previous projects finished first before starting a new one, Matt! Don't worry, I'm sure Steam will have another deal at some point.

As for the game industry I'm a bit indie right now. The games which have impressed me most from this generation have been titles like Cavestory, House Of Dead Ninjas, and Terraria.

Surfcaster

03/06/2013 at 05:03 PM

My condolences on your cat. I know I'd be heart-broken if I was in your situation.

Cave Story + on Steam, is that definitive version of the game? I want to play it, but I'm trying to figure out which edition to get. There are so many!

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 05:23 PM

I don't know if CaveStory + is definitive but it does have a nice plethora of features. (And it has slightly improved graphics & sound over the original. But if you want to be 100% retro there's the option to play the original in all its' glory!) I recently unlocked Curly Brace by finding her panties. (That's as weird as it sounds!) If you like Metroid styled exploration mixed with running & gunning as well as a decent plot I highly suggest picking up Cavestory + off Steam!

Serraxor

03/06/2013 at 05:25 PM

I'm sorry to hear about youtr cat, l friend. It's a rotten pet year so far for me too. 

I played Cave Story 3D and I was throughly impressed. I'm probably going to try to get a better ending though. 

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 05:29 PM

Cavestory is great! It reminds me a lot of Metroid and even Megaman to some extent. As for our departed pets at least they're in a better place and not suffering. That's what I try to remind myself. Besides, we'll always have the memories,aye?

Serraxor

03/06/2013 at 05:31 PM

Always. Dat Rainbow Bridge and all Smile But it keep making my wife cry, haha.... 

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 05:39 PM

I'm mostly "fine" but now and again a stray memory of Pentacle hits my tear ducts like a stealth assassin!

Super Step Contributing Writer

03/06/2013 at 06:11 PM

I'm not looking forward to when this inevitably happens to Clinger; I've already had to leave the room a couple times when it's been brought up.

Anyway, sorry for your loss, Ben.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 06:14 PM

I'm sorry Clinger is going through such a hard time, Joe. I can empathize 100%. Watching Pentacle lose weight & weaken was heartbreaking. My friend Alex and I made sure we were with him until the end at the vet clinic.

On a brighter note, love that Windwaker Link avy. Keep it classy!

Super Step Contributing Writer

03/06/2013 at 09:16 PM

Thanks! What's your avatar from, I've actually been wondering. Looks good.

Justin Matkowski Staff Alumnus

03/06/2013 at 06:44 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, bud. If it is any consolation, an overwhelming amount of animals live brutal lives, and if you can give an animal a good life filled with love, comfort, and happiness than you did an amazing thing my friend, and you gave them a best life possible - that memory will never go away, and will be a constant source of happiness in life.

As for the whole "paint by numbers" corporate blue print of gaming, I agree 1,000%. Putting all of your budget into graphics is coming to bite 'Big Gaming' in the ass, and unless publishers come to the realization that a game needs to do more than chase hollywood blockbusters' tail, they have a major reckoning coming. The people in power at these publishers should be people who live and breathe gaming and its culture, and have a fundamental understanding and a deep passion for the medium, not a poor man's Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock.

Cave Story looks and sounds absolutely awesome, and I can't wait to play it!

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 07:43 PM

Cavestory + is totally worth the price of admission. You can tell every little detail was created by someone who loves games & who grew up with many of the same inspirations of the medium we ourselves did.

 This generation of mainstream gaming has been kinda "meh" for me personally. Publishers need to stop trying to appeal to the broadest demographic imaginable. They should know by now this approach is failing them based on the numbers data. Time for them to reevaluate their strategies!

Cary Woodham

03/06/2013 at 07:35 PM

Hi Ben! I was thinking about you lately and was wondering if I needed to email you.  Hope things work out.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 07:37 PM

Thanks Cary! Yeah, there was a reason I was inactive. Losing Pentacle definitely took the wind out of my sails somewhat. Thanks for stopping by though. I just added you!

Ranger1

03/06/2013 at 07:45 PM

Like I told you earlier, I'm sorry to hear about Pentacle. I went through that two years ago myself. You did the right thing, not that it makes you feel any better right now.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 07:56 PM

It's better Pentacle isn't suffering Tami but I still wonder what could've been if we caught onto it earlier or did something differently. It's the "what ifs" that haunt us late at night!

Thanks for your kindness though and I'm sorry I had to break the bad news to you over on facebook.

stratu23

03/06/2013 at 08:24 PM

Hey Ben sorry to hear about your cat. I know how shitty it is because me and the missus had two of our three cats go in the space of the last twelve months. I guess the only consolation is the end of suffering. ... And escapism through games helps relieve the pain!

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 10:32 PM

Losing two cats in a relatively short period of time must have hit you twice as hard. You and your wife have my warmest regards. But you're right, gaming offers much needed escapism and wounds do heal gradually!

Cyberxion

03/06/2013 at 08:50 PM

My condolences. You haz them.

I'm glad to know that you're doing okay, Ben. I was worried about you.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 11:00 PM

Thanks man! Good to see you made the exodus to pixlbit. I commented on your blog earlier on 1up today!

Cyberxion

03/07/2013 at 08:41 PM

That's why I'm here, sir. :)

Temperance

03/06/2013 at 09:04 PM

Ben, I'm very sorry to hear about Pentacle's passing.  You have no idea how much I was hoping that he was going to pull through.

BrokenH

03/06/2013 at 11:01 PM

I was hoping too,Jeff. However, the more rational part of me braced itself for the worst. It still feels kind of surreal and out of place. I'm so used to Pentacle being at my feet or lounged out atop my computer desk.

smartcelt

03/07/2013 at 12:46 AM

Sorry about your cat. My wife and I are cat people. We love ours. And we've had to have a cat put to sleep that was mauled by a pit bull. I know how tough that can be on you. People who don't have cats do not realize how much they become part of your family. It's just like losing a family member to some people,very understandable. 

Your comments about the game companies efforts to find a magic game formula made me think of something. I compare this stuff to what McDonalds did with TV ads. Remember how they had ads targeting African Americans where it was referred to as "Mickey D's!"? Then they slowly started sneaking white kids into the commercials? Then came the hip hop music and dancing. Ad execs have tired of having to come up with multiple ads. So they want to make folks think"Hey,everyone is doing this hip hop stuff now!"  All under the guise of not being racists. And if you dislike the brainwashing then you become the racist. Pretty brilliant when you think about it!

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 01:41 AM

That must have been quite the tragedy. I never had to tend to a cat mauled by a dog before. I imagine it isn't pretty, especially when the fatally wounded feline is your own. You have my sympathy, honestly and truly!

 As for "McDonalds ads", that's a good comparison! Akin to fast food, I think game publishers are trying to find "the flava" that appeals to everyone. Of course by doing this all their products come off as bland & uninspired. Sure, a Big mac is okay every once in awhile but it's not in the same league as a good steak, New-york foot-long hot-dog,authentic Mexican chalupas, Chicago pizza, or well prepared Chinese food. No one wants to have a friggin Big mac for every meal!

Halochief90

03/07/2013 at 01:03 AM

I'm sorry for your loss. I'll never forget the sadness and shock of losing my dog. I wish you the best in recovering from this.

You're absolutely right that gamers have realized that games have to bring more than just graphics to the table. I wonder how this will effect the next generation? I can imagine big sellers like Call of Duty and Battlefield will continue to be on 360 and PS3. How many people will be willing to take the dive on the platform just for better graphics - and with most of your friends still playing on the older system?

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 01:47 AM

What's kind of sad is certain franchises get worse as they get higher polygon counts. I've heard gamers talk about how maps were better in older variations of COD and Battlefield. Something about the way the earlier maps were laid out encouraged more diverse strategies and more thorough exploration. While I can't vouch for that (I've never touched a COD or Battlefield) I did notice the difference between RE 4's environmental locales and those of RE 6. RE 4 had a sort of "open world" aesthetic during certain portions of the adventure and was big on atmosphere. By comparison, RE 6 constantly rushes you forward in a linear fashion so you rarely get to appreciate the eye-candy around you. 

angelfaceband42

03/07/2013 at 02:51 AM

I'm so sorry about the loss of your cat.  For the longest time I never understood why people got so upset over "animals".  Now, I have a cat of my own.  She's 10 years old now and I can't imagine life without her.  So I get it now.  AND we recently got a Great Dane.   She is absolutely awesome and has a great personality but I found out because they are bred so big that means they have short life spans.  8-10 years.  Anyway my condolenses.

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 10:50 PM

You do sort of have to become a pet owner before you can fathom the grief generated by a deceased pet. I wish the best for your Great Dane and your cat. May they both live long and prosper!

FAF101

03/07/2013 at 09:10 AM

Sorry to hear about your loss =( 

About the games you are playing I need to eventually start Cave Story myself on steam! and I want that ninja game. Is it good??

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 10:40 PM

Super House Of Dead Ninjas is great, Ash! It's sort of like a love child between castlevania and ninja gaiden. The game is difficult but not in an unfair impossible kind of way. The cursed tower you descend is also changed up slightly each time you start a new game! You can play it free on Adult Swim and the best version can be bought off steam for cheap!

Machocruz

03/07/2013 at 12:25 PM

I still feel guilt over putting my dog to sleep, 17 years later. But he was in such bad shape, and according to the vets, with no chance of recovey.   It kills me when I think about the light going out of his eyes as the chemicals take effect, and when I think that he didn't know these were his last moments or didn't understand why.  Who the hell are we to decide when it's time for others to die?  I feel like a thief in the night.

Anyway, video games used to be a programmer's medium. Now it's an executive's medium. In fact, when it comes to most projects these days you'll hear from everyone else working on it but the programmer(s).  I like visual art, but the artists are not more important than the programmer, but I just saw a promo video where the art director , story writer and project leads were interviewed and not the programmer. Nor the project lead (unless they're the programmer too), director, cutscene makers, level designers, 3D modelers, composer, etc.  Video games are closer to engineering than they are to creative art.  Game mechanics are an engineering problem more than creativity. When it's not tackled as an engineering problem, you get the kind of games we get in the AAA sphere these days: focus on everyting else besides the actual play.  Focus on "story" and cutscenes and "immershun" and revenue streams.  Sorry, but Cave Story is a better GAME than 95% of AAA "games" made today.

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 10:45 PM

When it comes to games artists are less important than programmers. However, I do think it's a merit for a programmer to also have some visual arts talent. There have been certain games I loved that much more for the art style. (Odin Sphere and Cave story are two of them!)

What I love about Cave Story in particular is it does have a great plot yet said plot doesn't over shadow the superb gameplay and fun exploration. It's the perfect blend that I do not see much anymore.

Jamie Alston Staff Writer

03/07/2013 at 10:26 PM

Hey Ben, I'm very sorry to hear about your cat.  My wife's family have had several dogs throughout their life and I think one of them died of cancer many years ago.  We currently have an English Mastiff, but he's getting older and is showing signs of slowing down.  Needless to say, we aren't thrilled at the tought of having to put him down one day.

You also reminded me to get Cave Story on the Wii (or 3DS?).  Thanks for the reminder.  Take care buddy.

BrokenH

03/07/2013 at 10:38 PM

I've had dogs die too but it was when I was younger. A beagle I grew to love more than life itself was hit by a car. I lost my bigger dog Clyde to some anti-freeze that had been left out by one of the neighbors. (He felt really bad about the mistake so I didn't bother to twist the nail in the wound so to speak)

It's always hard,Jamie. At least in my case it has never gotten easier. But hey, feeling grief is what defines us as human. There's no shame in it.

On a brighter note, Cave Story is totally worth it! Check it out!

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