_{[Community blogger megaStryke likes to play old games that ripped off other games for his Off Brand Games feature. -- CTZ]}

It wasn't that long ago when just about every item on store shelves came packed with some cheap promotional crapware. Every box of cereal, every magazine, every pack of Maxi pads had a CD or DVD stuffed in a flimsy plastic sleeve or an offer to obtain one in exchange for an obscene amount of UPC labels. On those discs were cheap-o edutainment shareware, PlayStation demos, or a couple of episodes of some underperforming children's show. And let's not forget all those bullshit AOL trial CDs which were only ever useful as wheels for my mousetrap car in my 9th grade engineering class.

Rarely would any of these wastes of pressed plastic entertain a child for more than five minutes. What can you offer for the rock-bottom price of free without severely cutting into any profit you'd hope to see from selling an extra box or two of Cheerios? The only things that grab kids' attention anyway are big licenses like SpongeBob SquarePants or soulless, effects-driven cinema pap, and those never come cheap.

There must have been some allure to this marketing madness. Whoever pioneered it must have scored so big that other companies couldn't wait to jump on the fadwagon.

In 1996, General Mills wanted to make sure children the world over couldn't start the day without a truckload of Chex cereal funneled down their throats. They needed some way to convince kids that Chex was rad and that it totally did not taste like cardboard. Kids love them some videogames, especially that there DOOM business. How can we combine the wholesome morals of DOOM with the nutritional value of Chex? 

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[Editor's note: We're not just a (rad) news site -- we also publish opinions/editorials from our community & employees like this one, though be aware it may not jive with the opinions of Destructoid as a whole, or how our moms raised us. Want to post your own article in response? Publish it now on our community blogs.]  

Game demos frighten me. It's not because I fear that a poor demo will sour my expectations for an anticipated title, but because I always get antsy staring at the button configuration screen that appears during the initial load-up. The idea is to become acclimated with the controls in the twenty or so seconds before you jump in. More often than not, I feel overwhelmed by whatever mess of a controller layout that developers expect me to dedicate to memory.

A couple years back, Penny Arcade whipped up the above one-panel comic, a loading screen that appears before the demo of the fictional StarFire Saga V: Laserion. It's an obvious exaggeration that nonetheless highlights a very real, very disturbing trend. It's a function overload, the result of an assumed obligation on the part of developers to use every single damn button for ever more specialized and extraneous in-game abilities all for the sake of "complexity" and "depth."

What a friggin' nightmare! It's an unnecessary hurdle for gamers who just want to jump in without having to be tutored through lengthy tutorials and reminded by mood-killing on-screen prompts. I would petition for developers to exercise more restraint, to consider a more streamlined approach to virtual interaction, but I know that as long as they are enabled they will not want to step out of their comfort zone. Well, I say it's time to make them uncomfortable, time to kill the enabler.

It's time to kill the controller. tal cost of entry has become too high?

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[Editor's note: We're not just a (rad) news site -- we also publish opinions/editorials from our community & employees like this one, though be aware it may not jive with the opinions of Destructoid as a whole, or how our moms raised us. Want to post your own article in response? Publish it now on our community blogs.] 

Gaze upon the cold steel maw of the imposing yet awe-inspiring stronghold. Note the trails of rust snaking through every fissure, every iron grate, every shattered window, as though an otherworldly ivy has ensnared the structure in its myriad tendrils. The coppery stains that litter the floors and walls as if an unseen painter allowed his brush to splatter across the canvas indiscriminately indicate that the souls of this once-bustling compound met a gruesome end.

Everything is so rich, the world so alive in its destitution. The fog is so thick that it almost seeps through your television screen. You teeter on the edge of the coach, pricking your ears at every hollow reverberation. You are so happy you sprung for that 7.1 surround system. As you ready yourself before plunging onward, you remark how you've never known true immersion until this very moment.

Horsesh*t.

As technology allows for greater visual and audio fidelity, as game developers further their pursuit of the perfect balance between narrative and gameplay, gamers grow excited at the prospect of greater levels of immersion. There is no reason to return to the old gaming haunts that can't provide an experience of the same awesome magnitude as today's hardware. The great holy grail of gaming is an immersive universe in which you cease to be a player and become a resident of the world. Immersion, immersion, immersion.

I keep hearing that word: Immersion. What does it mean? Why is it so damn important? Why does it appear, according to the rumblings on game sites, message boards, and blogs, to be a quality that is unattainable on anything other than the most high-end hardware available? Does that mean that games we consider immersive today will no longer be as immersive tomorrow? Why isn't there a clear-cut definition? 

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[Editor's note: We're not just a (rad) news site -- we also publish opinions/editorials from our community & employees like this one, though be aware it may not jive with the opinions of Destructoid as a whole, or how our moms raised us. Want to post your own article in response? Publish it now on our community blogs.] 

Battletoads is by no means an obscure game. I've played it. You've played it. Most of our buddies who grew up with an NES have played it. Despite the game's brutal and unbalanced difficulty, it is remembered as one of the most beloved titles of the eight-bit generation. That the franchise was shelved seemingly for good after a scant few years is one of the greatest injustices in gaming history.

To call it a franchise, however ... well, it technically was franchise, but whenever Battletoads is brought up in casual conversation it is almost always in reference to the original outing. I don't doubt that you guys are aware of the other entries in the series, but aside from the rare spoken knowledge of their existence what other mention is made? As tasty as the original was, I'm positive that many of you at least sampled some of the other items on the menu. So what's up?

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[Editor's note: We're not just a (rad) news site -- we also publish opinions/editorials from our community & employees like this one, though be aware it may not jive the opinions of Destructoid as a whole, or how our moms raised us. Want to post your own article in response? Publish it now on our community blogs.] 

There is a large contingent of gamers who will forever discount the viability of motion controls in traditional play because the values championed by them, like encouraging active movement, lie opposed to the long-standing values that these gamers hold dear. In this case, swinging their arms and legs is anathema since they prefer to use games as a tool for stress relief instead of physical fitness. The oft-repeated cliché goes, "I just want to go home after a long day of work/school, kick back on the couch with controller in hand, and just relax."

I do not subscribe to that notion. Not for most games, at least.

Games engage you in a way that other media cannot. They are designed to draw you into a sphere of focus, to command the direction of every sense. It is ultimately a very fragile sphere that can be shattered in an instant, and when that happen, the sudden return to reality will leave you disconcerted and more than a little frustrated. Challenge inherent in gameplay will do more to flare tensions and blood pressure than it would to relieve stress, so should you find yourself playing something especially difficult then expect the ensuing adrenaline rush to keep you awake for hours on end. Rest and relaxation, indeed.

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[Editor's note: megaStryke started a brand new C Blog series games that mimic other games. More details on the introduction post on the series. Also, his rating system is hilarious. -- CTZ]

For my inaugural foray into interactive media mimicry, I thought I'd treat you guys to something a little special. I've been meaning to discuss this particular gem for quite some time as it is a guilty pleasure of mine. It also addresses the mystery of just who that strange blue lad in my avatar and blog header is.

In the past, I've mentioned that I spent my early years in Japan where my father played baseball. As a Famicom child, it would follow that I played a game or two that never found its way to the West. Power Blazer was such a game.

And heaven help me, it looked like Mega Man. If I at the tender age of five could tell that I was playing a crass knock-off, someone out there better be ready to throw down some yellow flags on this case of foul play.  view full story + comments

The Xbox 360, the PS3, and to a lesser extent the Wii are attempts by their respective companies to introduce a central media hub into our homes. The wealth of services they provide beyond gaming, such as news tracking, movie streaming, and social networking, provides a computer-like experience without many of the hassles of PC handling. Ultimately, game consoles and PCs will merge into a single, streamlined device for the living room that can be enjoyed by the whole family, chiefly operated via a simple controller.

These efforts have only recently gained mainstream acceptance, but the vision of a global communications network through a game console is not a new one. Back in the '80s, then-president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Hiroshi Yamauchi dreamed of dominance beyond the gaming market. His ambition grew Nintendo from its roots as a playing card manufacturer into a toy company and then into a videogame giant while the company explored many smaller ventures in between, but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted Nintendo to become THE leader in the communications industry as well.  view full story + comments

[Here's megaStryke's E3 09 blog for the Regarding E3 theme. Along with this promotion, megaStryke is going to be getting some random swag we collected at E3! -- CTZ] 

[RiotMonster totally stole my thunder on this one. I'm going to soldier on anyway and try to offer a slightly different perspective.]

E3 2009 has concluded and there have been many highs and lows, but the big thing to take away is that motion controls have truly arrived and that they will be a major fixture in gaming for years to come. Whether you care or not, the announcements of Microsoft and Sony's respective motion-control devices were the most important announcements of the entire show. Nintendo has been in this game for a while, but now Microsoft and Sony have dedicated themselves to expanding their own audiences with dynamic input.

This demonstrates a few things. First, Nintendo's decision to explore an alternative means of gaming control has unequivocally impacted the direction of the other two hardware corporations. Second, such a shift in gaming could only have been possible had the major players come to an understanding that motion controllers are not throwaway tech meant only for "soccer moms" and "grandparents." Finally, the reactionary forces that drive each company into competition will guarantee that whatever current misgivings you may have over motion controls will be addressed, perhaps not as soon as you may prefer but eventually.

Take a look at how each company chose to present their tech and how their reactionary their actions appear to be after the break.

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[It's time for another Monthly Musing -- the monthly community blog theme that provides readers with a chance to get their articles and discussions printed on the frontpage. -- CTZ]     

Let's be honest. The characters of the Mario universe are not all that interesting. They have no backstory or any real motivation to speak of. Aside from Mario being a plumber (which I call into question given the myriad tasks he has performed over the years, none of which involved honest-to-God plumbing) or from Peach being a princess, what do we know about these people? They aren't characters as much as they are cardboard cutouts, yet that works in their favor for their roles as gaming avatars. You are more likely to relate to a nearly empty canvas into which you can read anything you imagine as opposed to someone far more developed yet less flexible. The Mario cast is popular because players, regardless of background, can easily identify with them.

Another benefit to being blank slates is that these characters can be inserted into any situation and easily fit right into that environment. Speaking of environment, pixelpunx recently brought up how it is the environment that exhibits the most character in any game. In addition to that, the world of Mario is like a multiverse with Mario and crew assuming different roles in each one. While pixelpunx seemed to focus on the spin-offs such as Mario Kart and Dr. Mario, I contend that we see this same inconstancy in the main series as well. Rather than expand upon the pre-existing universe, sequels in the core series re-imagine the look and feel of very familiar locales over and over again.  view full story + comments

[It's time for another Monthly Musing -- the monthly community blog theme that provides readers with a chance to get their articles and discussions printed on the frontpage. -- CTZ]  

Another musing, another Mega Man article. It's as if I hold some strange and unhealthy fixation towards the series. And because I'm so fascinated by the franchise, I ponder about certain elements that wouldn't cross the mind of any sane person. For example, while you are playing one of the games, do you ever consider what must be running through Mega Man's head as he lays waste to fellow androids? Probably not much past "there's an evil robot ... KILL IT!" But are these robots truly evil? Are they not being manipulated by a madman for his personal gain?

According to the backstory, all Robot Masters (of which Mega Man is counted among) are capable of independent decision-making. Maybe not to the degree that X and the Reploids later in the timeline are capable of (X was the first robot with absolute free will), but that's not to imply that they are lifeless machines. Each Robot Master has a unique personality, character flaws and all, that renders it almost indistinguishable from humans aside from physical appearance. As they gain worldly experience, their mind develops not that of a child. Mega Man, whose development has surpassed that of all others robots, is presented as evidence that self-aware automatons can develop a soul.
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[Editor's note: megaStryke discusses a rarely-seen Mega Man educational film for March's Expanded Universe Monthly Music topic. -- Anthony]

The Mega Man cartoon from the early '90s did not hold up well. I think we all can agree on that. That doesn't stop me from holding on to those dear memories of waking up at seven on Saturday mornings to catch the latest adventures of 'roid-abuser Mega Man and his April O'Neil jumpsuit-wearing, vacuum arm-toting sister Roll. So what if it deviated from the source material a bit? After the mighty green midget from Captain N: The Game Master, I don't think anyone was complaining.

Some years ago, I was browsing the aisles of Best Buy and spotted the series on DVD. I was planning on picking up the first season when I noticed another DVD right beside it titled Mega Man: Upon a Star, a properly proportioned Mega Man greeting me on the cover. Curious, I bought that instead, unaware of the treat in store for me.

I later discovered that prior to the Ruby-Spears production that we've come to love (hate?), a pilot was pitched featuring character designs far more faithful to their game counterparts. In 1993, a three-episode Japanese OVA based on this pilot was produced by Capcom but was never aired. It was decided that the show should be retooled into something a little edgier for American audiences, so the OVA remained MIA until its Japanese video release in 2002 and its American debut three years later. That OVA is Mega Man: Upon a Star.

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[Editor's note: megaStryke tells us the best way to play with ourselves when on a long trip for his Monthly Musing piece. -- CTZ]

Why haven't you packed your things yet? You are leaving in half an hour! Okay, it's actually more like two hours because your mom never seems to be ready on time despite her hounding on the rest of family the night before. The cooler is packed in the back seat, all the luggage minus her toiletries bag is stowed away, and the gas tank is fit to burst, but somehow we aren't going to leave at the designated time and it is everybody else's fault but her own. Somehow. Don't mention it to her. It's a death wish. The last thing you want is to spend the next eight hours cramped in the back seat as mom's silent rage rains shards of ice on everyone. So shaddup and pack your things!

But eight hours ... man, I hope you can keep yourself busy. Forget the books or the idle chatter because we both know road trips mean Game Boy marathons! Would you really want to do anything else? What else IS there? Several gut-busting rounds of 20 Questions? Screw that! The open road is handheld heaven! Just you and the spinach-green flicker of the screen for hundreds of miles! But wait, wait, wait, wait, wait ... slow down, chief! What are you doing? There are some rules you must abide by! Let me educate you. We've got plenty of time. 

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[Editor's note: megaStryke wrote up this piece on the word vision and how it's thrown around in relation to videogames. -- CTZ]

Far be it from me to impose my thoughts on how software developers should direct their projects. If I had my way, games would return to NES-era pixelated affairs. I mean, my favorite game of this past year was Mega Man 9! However, I understand that mine is not the ideal direction for the industry, that there is no reason to dump technology over some fantasy retro utopia. It’s not like I don't enjoy the current stable of software anyway. Now, I know you guys out there, the forum warriors and the blog commenters. Always up for a good debate, you will argue over the capabilities of you favorite consoles and how games could look and play better on one over the other. That's fine. My problem lies with some of the inane arguments typically paraded, one in particular which totally rubs me the wrong way.

To set the scene, imagine that you are anticipating high-profile console exclusive game when an announcement is made that it will be ported over to a competing console. Maybe it will be a direct port but perhaps it will be a down-port. Perhaps this game is a former PS3-exclusive being reworked for the Wii. In another case, you have been following the lead of a promising new game for an unannounced platform. It sounds totally sweet and awesome and the hype begins to consume you. Then the big reveal is made and it turns out to be... a DS game. At some point, the following will be dropped: "This is a disgrace! Such wasted potential! Why should the developers sacrifice their vision just to make a little extra cash?" I've read those lines far too often and so have you. I find it hard to believe that this is based in any genuine concern towards the advancement of as a "visionary" medium. Let's explore this curious term that has found its way into the gaming community lexicon, shall we?

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[Editor's note: megaStryke talks about gaming with his dad for his Monthly Musing piece. -- CTZ]

I really should count my blessings more often. Who doesn't complain about X and moan about Y from time to time? It's all small stuff, though. Compared to most people, I've had very few snags in my life. I grew up with two wonderful parents who've always done their best to ensure that I never had a need to want. I have a younger brother who looks up to me and whom I can be proud of. I've done well for myself in school and beyond, meeting people and forming lasting relationships along the way. I am who I am because of the people who carried me throughout. It's important to cherish those valuable moments with those closest to you, especially those moments that you can reflect upon years later and say, "THAT'S what my relationship with that person meant to me."

I want to talk to you about my father.

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