We've all established I'm an idiot. This is pure, uncontested fact. This personality is as such that it sneaks into ever facet of my life, even my favourite hobby, video gaming.
Nonetheless, here's the newest "bad game" I'm really stoked about!
Alpha Protocol
Ah, yes. I first stumbled upon a little game called Alpha Protocol in an issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine a long time ago. The games premise, along with the little details Obsidian gave us, excited me. Is it because I'm a Canadian teenager brainwashed to hate Muslim extremist arms smuggling terrorists? Maybe. Nonetheless I was excited.
As the game progressed into development and was further and further delayed, people became hesitant. Many a 360 fanboy whined about how "Obsidian was copying Mass Effect 2 OMG", and the game became a topic of hate. Graphics were criticized, the idea was criticized, and I was criticized for my excitement.
Fact is, I'm still excited. Shitty reviews or not, I'll probably make this my first real foray, other then a short stint with Borderlands, into the RPG market. It looks sweet, so sue me.
Just look at it! We play a super spy dude, who has to fight evil guys, and save the world! Sure it's been over done again and again, but the RPG elements and "choice" make this a little different. I'm hoping that our "choices" somehow actually affect the game in some way, though they probably won't.
What really grinds my gears about all this is the fact that nobody is giving the game a chance, and instantly writing it off, despite not ever playing the game. It makes me realize that gamers, as a whole, are complete idiots, (which is probably why I fit in so well), and spoiled at that.
We get to play quality games. Alot. Quality games made by quality developers that we all know and love. Bungie has it's own culture. Everyone loves Infinity Ward, God rest their souls. And yet, a new, interesting idea is presented by a developer with a not so incredible past, and it sucks. Despite the fact nobody has actually played the damn game.
And yet, it will always continue. Games that say "Call of Duty", "Halo" and "Guitar Hero" on the front will continue to thrive, despite nothing new or creative being added to the genre, while little "fun" games like Alpha Protocol will fail commercially, and probably at the review desk too.
But I bet my ass I'll enjoy it.
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*moral.
Whatever, point made.
That being said, I'm hesitantly optimistic about AP. It seems to be more of a knockoff of Mass Effect 1 than 2, which from an RPG standpoint has me excited, and they're already toying with the notion of importing game saves for a possible sequel. Also, it's nice to see a modern day setting instead of the post-apocalyptic, futuristic, or fantastic standbys.
Though to be fair, Halo, Call of Duty, and Guitar Hero have all done their part in bringing innovation into gaming. It's just after the umpteenth iteration, the formula can start to get stale. If you want some innovative games, try looking back at some of the older games. There are some PS2 and Gamecube games that were and remain brilliant. The Shadow Hearts series for PS2 and Eternal Darkness for Gamecube come to mind if you haven't played them yet.
... but this isn't really a role playing game. It's another adventure game telling the story of some guy who's a spy who kicks asses. Been there, done that.