It's real in the field... and the competition is bringing it. Two games in, are we going to pull come out 2 - 0 or will we take our first L?
Luis is a bit annoyed about his character stats... so I will see how we can change that. Mine suck too, but substitutes might be made in the next game.
This is one of those topics that goes beyond one platform, one generation... no matter who the audience is, and that is bugs. Bugs... do just that, bug gamer's if they affect game play for the worse. It doesn't matter the size of the developer... granted smaller developers get more of a pass, especially if the game is more ambition than a small indie title. That said... no one gets a pass if a game has been released and goes un-patched, that's annoying, especially if the game is still being sold like fully functional games are.
There are fun bugs, but the ones that stand in the way of gameplay should result in the game being temporarily free until... it gets fixed. There could be a free window to play... like how games have those free weekend's on Steam. That would be motivation to fix the game asap.
As a matter of fact... it may piss a lot of developers off, but games released without a disclaimer of still being development (which there are a few on Steam)... I think all platforms should do a free window until it's patched. Some games may not be able to do that since the experience can be enjoyed in one sitting... but in that case they shouldn't be available to play or buy. It would be cool if developer could decide between not having the game available for sale or a play window, until they swat those bugs.
I'm not deliberately trying to make myself public enemy #1 with this post, but there is a silver lining.
Think of the reviews, the word of mouth, the detoured sales and your overall reputation when it comes to future games. This isn't our first dance with this topic, but I was reminded of it... when I saw a fellow gamer, Gunn3r... playing Mercenary Kings on Steam.
I inquired on whether the game had been patched since the last time I had played... which was quite awhile ago (granted many games have to be played). He did a bit of playing and testing it out, only to get back to me saying that there are still problems with the game (main when he plays in full screen).
I still have to check it out myself... but that game was released back in 2014! I mention this game for the purpose of including all games in a similar space... don't let your efforts go to waste.
On the flip side... there are situations that occur in development teams that never reach the public. Arguments between teammates, legal disputes, team mates leaving the project. So there are things that can affect the project beyond a developer merely choosing not to get it done, but there should be efforts to seek new members to fill those voids... because someone is still collecting a check as long as the game is being purchased.
A game like Mercenary Kings doesn't have to stop at the initial missions... because it's one of those multiplayer games where more can be added on to further and enhance the gamer's experience. I'd personally take and expand over the course of 4 years based on crowd funding. That would extend the life of the game and... pave the way for a new installment (if it makes sense based on new ideas and tech). Anyway... developers, think about this stuff, especially if you're just starting out and haven't considered the downside of incomplete game releases.
To all you PC gamers getting your hands on... Nex Machina, I have a tip for you. We received the game yesterday from the studio (hats off to Housemarque) and ran into a bit of a pickle. The controllers weren't working for the game... so I reached out and they got back with a quick answer (thanks Rob). If you want your controller to work instead of using a keyboard and mouse:
Go to > Options > Player 1 Controls > (press) Tab
and... it should change from keyboard and mouse to... controller (on that note, check out the info below and... game on)!
-Nex Machina started as the "Jarvis Project" a few years back
-From the team that created RESOGUN and in collaboration with Eugene Jarvis (Robotron, Smash TV)
-Intense arcade shooter that blends the best of coin-op skillful gameplay and modern cutting edge voxel tech
-Travel through a diverse alternate universe where robots have taken over and humans have an unhealthy symbiosis with their screened devices. Starting from the "Techno Forest" you make your way through ever increasing robot infestation as you attempt to save humanity.
-Particle explosions and neon lights are always better with a great soundtrack. Ari Pulkkinen (RESOGUN) returns to helm an adrenaline fueled set of tracks that blend synthwave and retro game influences.
FEATURES:
-Nex Machina features a fully-fledged arcade Campaign that can be played solo or in local co-op with a friend.
-Tons of secrets and alternate paths in each world. Upgradeable player character with access to six (6) different special weapons, that all can be lost as you perish in the torrent of endless robots.
-Deep layered gameplay that lets you juggle with saving humans and trying to stay alive.
-Complex enemy design and pulsating bullet patterns that can get you in the zone.
-Three different main difficulty setting and more to unlock as you learn the ropes. Each difficulty offering new things to learn and conquer.
-A changing challenge mode called the Arena, where you can return to locations in the game that are now totally different with faster speeds and other fresh modifications. Competing to beat your friends and the world with unique leaderboards for each challenge.
-Unlockable skins, weapon colors and more that open up as you play the different modes available.
-Nex Machina is developed and published by Housemarque, marking it the first self-published IP by the 22 year old Finnish developer.
-Lead Game Design by Harry Krueger (RESOGUN).
-Eugene Jarvis from Raw Thrills acts as a Creative Consultant.
Wait... there's more!
In honor of the launch of Housemarque’s first-ever self-published game, Nex Machina, the development team has released a short featurette from the upcoming documentary,Name of the Game. For nearly three years, a documentary crew has recorded Housemarque and Eugene Jarvis --- legendary creator of Robotron 2048 and Smash TV - on this journey, and this featurette, which primarily uses footage exclusive to this video, offers a candid look into the preparationit took to debut the game at PSX 2016. It shows the pressures of showing off a game to an audience for the first time and the drama of grappling with builds fresh out of the box. But not without Eugene Jarvis and Harry Krueger taking some time to discuss game design philosophy in the process.
This featurette is part of a full length documentary—Name Of The Game—delving into the entire development process of Nex Machina. For now, though, Housemarque just wanted to share a taster of things to come as a thank you. In their words, “we’re just some folks with the dream of making a game like the ones we used to play as kids.”
Congrats to Housemarque for its first self-published IP. - Blu
EA starting out with a different touch... a band (or at least part of one). This is a very nice fit for the new Madden game. I promise if you look back on some of the posts made here, suggestions are coming in handy... because Madden 18 appears to be delivering more depth to be worthy of a purchase. Remember the post awhile back (i'm talking a long time ago) about how its easy to skip over years of Madden, because there wasn't much newness to experience from one year to the next? Yeah that post, I think it may have included Fifa too. - Blu
EA better not do that legacy garbage with Fifa on the Switch. - Luis D. Lucha
It all depends... if it were just a Fifa game with no years attached to it and you pay a small fee for patches that update the roster, that would be worth it for some fans. This would be under the circumstances of EA not planning to do much on the Nintendo Switch. - Blu
The guy Jesse looked nervous like he didn't know what to say. The way they kept looking at the screen as if they were trying to convince viewers they were holding a conversation, looked weird. - Luis D. Lucha
I don't buy these games from year to year, but for them to deliver a story... for you to follow, actually takes you on a journey from year to year. So for the people that invest yearly, I think its a plus... but it's also a way to rope new fans into an annual buy. - Blu
It even got my attention, but I don't play Madden. - Yang
Now that's saying something. - Luis D. Lucha
Need for Speed Payback got some inspiration from... the Fast and the Furious. - RkRk
I suggested that Blu remove a game concept for driving games. Developers shouldn't get free ideas to make millions. Hell no. - Luis D. Lucha
I was in the zone, but... yeah protect your concepts. - Blu
A Way Out... is my kind of game. It reminds me of Army of... Two! - RkRk
Yeah, Army of Two: Prison Edition. - Luis D. Lucha
It looks fun, but you can't play by yourself. - Yang
Options are good, just find someone to play. - Luis D. Lucha
Yeah but if you don't have someone to play with, you can't just play with yourself if there is no CPU option. - Yang
Ha, you fell right into that one. - Luis D. Lucha
You're sick. - Yang
lol There has to be a CPU. - RkRk
Anthem could be a very solid experience if the journey is extensive and it doesn't feel repetitive. I think this is following in the footsteps of Destiny. - Luis D. Lucha
It could be, but I don't know... its a 4 player experience and may have a set adventure structure. Do you feel that it would need to be like Destiny in order to be a success? - Blu
Not really. I wonder if it was made as a response to the game. The developers would probably admit it, but not EA. - Luis D. Lucha
One thing it has going for it is the beauty, but it doesn't need to have set paths. The replay value would be lower than if it were an open world and you took on the missions the way you wanted. - Yang
That's not always true. - Luis D. Lucha
How many games with the same route do you go back and play? - Yang
I'm just saying. - Luis D. Lucha
How many? - Yang
Stay in yo lane! lol Point taken, but I go back and play through the good ones a few times. - Luis D. Lucha
How many times have you played Just Cause games? - Yang
I see where you're going. I didn't think about Just Cause. - Luis D. Lucha
Just Cause 2 and 3 are some of the most replay heavy games i've... ever played. There are rivals, but... I don't know, Just Cause games I find myself just drawn to playing for hours on end. I have JC1 but I haven't played it yet. - Blu
You have many games and haven't played them yet, get back to us when you do. - Luis D. Lucha
Dilemma. - RkRk
Lets get back on topic. Anthem is a good looking game with a name that runs a risk of being lost in the soy sauce. Yang
I thought so too. You have to search "Anthem game"... kind of like you have to do with Vanquish. - Blu
What did you think of Star Wars Battlefront II? I think it was one of the better games presented. - Yang
It just feels like a game that's taking turns with Battlefront. - Luis D. Lucha
It did feel like they were coming out... pretty steady, but this is good. More time to get the bugs worked out (I can wait for frustration-free-fun). - RkRk
Yeah... I couldn't do Battlefield year after year, it divides the community. Remember what happened with Battlefield 3? It felt like the stability was met when 4 was dropped, which was buggy... and then came Hardline. I didn't recommend Hardline to anyone because... it could've been a really good DLC for 4 while they focused on a solid installment. It was paranoia and there were plenty of gamers who appreciated it. I wasn't buying it and didn't feel right to recommend it, especially if the same situation would occur. - Blu
I almost broke an Xbox over BF4, but BF1 is good. So if they do it like that and give each game at least 2 or 3 years it will work good. Do you think Battlefront 2 will be as successful as one? - Luis D. Lucha
That's hard to call. - Yang
I think it will. Battlefront 2 has the single player (which i'm very interested in)... and the multiplayer pluses. They just have to remember that they can't pull punches and slack. Pleased fans... are excited fans... who are also supporting fans that will likely buy day one if its that near and dear.
So how did EA do this E3 2017? I think it was cool, not a wow but... it wasn't bad at all. - Blu
I'll go with what you said. It was a little more than... safe with A Way Out and Anthem. Cool is better than Okay (right?). - RkRk
I think it was okay. Safe game and a few new ones. - Luis D. Lucha
It was good, but the two Rk mentioned are the two I would want to play if I only had two options. - Yang
Welcome gamers... and those who love us (so they're willing to watch E3... or at least act like they are)! Stream E3 2017 here... just click play below and enjoy!
If you want in on some gaming action while E3 is going on, then you don't want to miss out on the E3 2017 Digital Ticket. Click here and get the hook up before its gone (and don't forget... sharing is caring)! KAKAKABOOM! - RkRk
The action starts June 10: 11am - 3pm PT
Hit play... and enjoy!
Just a heads up... there will be plenty to recap on, so stay tuned!
Think of the reviews, the word of mouth, the detoured sales and your overall reputation when it comes to future games. This isn't our first dance with this topic, but I was reminded of it... when I saw a fellow gamer, Gunn3r... playing Mercenary Kings on Steam.
EA starting out with a different touch... a band (or at least part of one). This is a very nice fit for the new Madden game. I promise if you look back on some of the posts made here, suggestions are coming in handy... because Madden 18 appears to be delivering more depth to be worthy of a purchase. Remember the post awhile back (i'm talking a long time ago) about how its easy to skip over years of Madden, because there wasn't much newness to experience from one year to the next? Yeah that post, I think it may have included Fifa too. - Blu
The guy Jesse looked nervous like he didn't know what to say. The way they kept looking at the screen as if they were trying to convince viewers they were holding a conversation, looked weird. - Luis D. Lucha
lol There has to be a CPU. - RkRk
