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Roundtable: Games Not Worth Their PricetagPosted on Wed, Jul 06, 2005
Have you ever seen a game with a flashy cover just waiting to be bought? Or perhaps you're more familiar with watching preview videos and getting stoked for the "next big hit" on your favorite console. Remember when that game you thought was going to rock your world completely blew, instead? Well, Chris and Dac are going to take you through a list of games that completely weren't worth their initial pricetag. Just try not to make the same mistakes we made.
Chris's #5: Burnout 3
Chris: Burnout 3 is a great game, don't get me wrong. But frankly, there just isn't anything there to keep you coming back for more. After you play through some of the tracks offline, and take the game online, there just is no motivation to continue playing. Unlockables are quickly obtained, and there just isn't much of a 'hook' to the game.
Dac: Alright, sadly enough, I'll have to agree with you. Here's my Burnout 3 story: I played the hell out of the demo for PS2 before its launch. So naturally, I picked up the game as soon as it hit shelves. To be honest, that was one of the best gaming nights of my life. However, literally one day later, I stopped playing for a solid 3 months. I kept thinking to myself "why on earth did I buy this?"
Chris: It was the same exact case with me - there just was no drive to go and back and play it again. It's ridiculously fun, but it was more like you had to force yourself rather than just wanting to play.
Dac's #5: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Dac: I've been a tried and true fan of the Legend of Zelda series since "A Link to the Past" hit the GameBoy. I played Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask to death on the Nintendo 64, so you can imagine how excited I was when Wind Waker hit. It was a no brainer for me whether or not I should pick this game up at launch. When I first got the game in my hands, I was entranced by its magnificent visuals (that's right, I loved the cel-shading) and classic gameplay. However, the more I played the game, the more I felt like it was dragging. I'll give Nintendo the fact that sailing on the sea is an innovative concept for Zelda. However, I just felt it got way too redundant after playing for 10 hours.
Chris: I'm also a huge Zelda fan; I went so far as to pre-order Wind Waker to make sure I got a copy right away. Truthfully, I still haven't even finished the game. Once the initial 'wow'-factor of the cel-shaded visuals wore off, I just didn't want to play anymore. The game did really feel like it was dragging along, and the story never really captivated me.
Dac: One of the worst things about titles like this is when you need to collect a seemingly endless amount of items to complete a goal. Collecting the 8-odd pieces of the Triforce pissed me off to no end, which ultimately made me feel hostile towards the game. It's a shame, too, because it really had amazing potential.
Chris: 8? I only made it to 2, and that was at the point that I realized the game didn't have that true Zelda feel.
Chris's #4: Advance Wars 2
Chris: Truthfully, this doesn't seem like a sequel. I bought the first Advance Wars and loved it; I didn't think I could ever enjoy a handheld turn-based strategy game so much. So naturally I ran out and bought the second as soon as it was released. I booted it up and started playing, only to see the same familiar game. "Okay, maybe they just ease you into the new features as you play", I thought. Nope. This is nothing more than a rehash; if you don't own the first, it's worth it. Otherwise, don't bother.
Dac: I had a very similar situation as yours. Loved the first, so I immediately grabbed the second upon arrival. However, I must say, I think it was the perfect addition to the Advance Wars series. You can sit there and complain that there wasn't added gameplay or new features, but I say "if it ain't broke, why fix it?" Advance Wars 2 quenched my thirst for turn-based combat, and the fact that I could carry such an intense strategy game in my pocket really appealed to me. The addition of the CO's Super Powers was a nice touch, and you can't forget about the Neo Tanks. I think it was definitely worth my money, because the only other thing I was looking for in Advance Wars 1 was more story and campaign, and the sequel delivered that to me.
Chris: You're making my point for me; some new powers doesn't warrant me going out and spending money on a sequel that doesn't add much. Advance Wars 2 is like an expansion pack at full price.
Dac's #4: Halo 2
Dac: Before all you Microsoft fanboys spew blood out of your asses and place nuclear targets on my house, I'd like to start off by saying that Halo 2 is, indeed, a good game. However, it was just not worth the $55 I spent on it. First off, the single player mode was a joke. Period. It wasn't terribly fun, it wasn't terribly long, and it certainly didn't have a terribly good storyline. No, just about the only redeeming quality about Halo 2 was Xbox Live support. I'll admit I had a good time playing with my friends over Live while trying to advance my level, but after a few months, I found everything about that game to be completely repetitive. It was fun while it lasted, but just wasn't worth the money I poured into it, especially since that's the reason I subscribed to Xbox Live.
Chris: By your logic, games like Jade Empire aren't worth their pricetags because they aren't very long and the storyline may not appeal to you. I found the single player extremely entertaining; the story didn't take me exactly where I had imagined I would be going, but that's certainly not a problem. Why people suddenly HATE the idea of being on another Halo is beyond me (isn't that where people enjoyed playing the original?) There's an immense amount of strategy to be found playing Halo 2 on Xbox Live, so assuming you have the skill to play it, the multiplayer can be extremely rewarding.
Dac: First off, length was not the only factor I mentioned, so saying I judge games on as aspect alone is a falsified statement. Secondly, I felt like Halo 2 just didn't give me what I wanted in my first person shooter. Albeit the original Halo was wonderful, especially when you set up a nice LAN party, but the addition of dual wielding wasn't enough to keep me occupied, even online.
Chris: New levels, new weapons, new vehicles and more or less a completely different way to play seem like more than enough to keep you occupied. And with the new legendary mode, there's a challenge than can greatly prolong the time it takes to complete the single player campaign.
Dac: It doesn't change the fact that within the first week, Halo 2 had more Trade-Ins at video game retail stores than any other game in history. Besides, you're describing an "Advance Wars" complex to me: New stuff, same old game. In my opinion, Halo 2 was nothing more than Halo 1.5 + Live Support. It just wasn't worth my money.
Chris's #3: Doom 3
Chris: Another title I bought and never felt compelled to finish. Outside of the pretty graphics (and they are pretty), Doom 3 brings absolutely nothing new to the FPS table. It was just far too simple and linear for my liking. The multiplayer is even more boring, with no Co-Op support and nothing more than a barebones deathmatch setup.
Dac: Definitely. Before Doom 3 came out, the only thing running through my head was "Sweet Jesus! Look how amazing that looks! Plus, it's DOOM!" Of course, that's exactly what it was. Doom. It felt like the original title released so many years ago. Where was the dynamic gameplay? Where was the 21st century multiplayer? Hell, even Perfect Dark on the 64 had Co-Op! I'll admit it has some scary moments, but nothing that drove me to play through the mediocre game more than once.
Chris: Now, our readers will probably say something like "Well have you seen the Xbox version!? It has Live support and Co-Op!" Yes, but at what cost? The game doesn't run nearly as smooth, the graphics aren't nearly as nice looking, and bits and pieces of the game are even missing. Either way, there was no reason to pick the game off the shelf and bring it to the register.
Dac's #3: Yoshi's Touch and Go
Dac: I'm the proud owner of a Nintendo DS, however, after the launch of the system, there was just an extreme lack of great titles. When I heard about Yoshi's Touch and Go and how it was initially a beloved E3 tech demo, I got excited. Upon further investigation, I decided I'd grab it when it was released. Now, I'll admit I had a wonderful time playing if for the first two days, but there was just a severe lack of diversity in the game. The stages all looked the same, and nothing kept me coming back for more. Wireless multiplayer was fun for a while, but since it only supported two players, that quickly became boring as well.
Chris: You're absolutely right. There's little to no diversity in the game, and as innovative as it is, there really isn't any replay value. Each game mode isn't very unique from one another and the multiplayer isn't really noteworthy.
Dac: There's not much to say about this game, simply because there's not much to this game. Worth a rental, but not worth a purchase.
Chris's #2: Brothers in Arms
Chris: I was looking forward to playing Brothers in Arms, but I was extremely disappointed when I tried the game out. The single player is extremely linear and as hard as it tries, the storyline is not compelling in the least. Multiplayer can be fun if you know what you're doing, but even then the gameplay isn't very diverse and games always seem to play out very similarly. Battling on Live is limited to 4 players, so that doesn't help either.
Dac: With games like Call of Duty overshadowing Brothers in Arms, I felt like I still needed to give the game a chance. It wasn't terrible, but definitely linear, like you said. I think the greatest aspect of a war first person shooter is something that separates it from the rest, since there are so many out there. Brothers in Arms just felt like a carbon copy of games that were already out. It's wasn't bad, per say, however there wasn't anything there that made me say "wow!".
Chris: Exactly. It was just another entry in the genre, with nothing really going for it that warrants a purchase.
Dac's #2: Wipeout Pure
Dac: The PSP suffers from the same complex my DS does: I grabbed one right away, and there weren't many good games available. I liked what I saw with Wipeout Pure, so I grabbed it. The thing is, Wipeout Pure actually got some very good ratings. My major beef with this game was just the fact that the gameplay stunk. I'm a fan of racing games, and I'm an even bigger fan of F-Zero games; however, Pure just didn't tickle my fancy. I stopped playing it almost immediately after I bought it.
Chris: Wipeout Pure is an extremely lacking game. There are only 8 levels open to start with (with 4 more that are extremely difficult to unlock). Another title that'll find you extremely entertained the first day you buy play it, but after that you'll wonder what happened to the cash you spent on it.
Dac: Now, I'll give props to the team for releasing downloadable updates such as cars and tracks, but that almost makes me think that the only reason they did that was because they released an unfinished product. To be honest, the only reason I kept this game was to exploit the PSP Web Browser hack.
Chris's #1: Manhunt
Chris: Manhunt was very innovative when it was released; the use of shadows and sound was very clever. When you actually get into the game, though, it's a very shallow title. Repetitive use of the same weapon animations and a linear game make Manhunt not even worth a rental.
Dac: You know, I think the only thing driving this game to begin with was the fact that it was "extremely mature" rated. Though, I won't even say that it was innovative, especially when games like Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid are solid examples of what this genre really should be. The graphics were pitiful, the storyline - or lack there of - was something a 14-year-old could think of, and the presentation made me chuckle more than cringe. It was just a sorry excuse for a Rockstar game, in my opinion.
Chris: Absolutely, I definitely understand what you're saying. In comparison with the top notch titles you mentioned, Manhunt was truly disappointing.
Dac's #1: Fable
Dac: What can I even say about this game? I would have rather spent that fifty dollars on a street-corner sex change. It truly was the most disappointing game I have ever played. During the E3 before it came out, all I could think about was "Fable Fable Fable!!" However, as soon as the game launched and I had a chance to see what it really was, I nearly threw up. It was nothing like I had anticipated.
Chris: While I definitely agree with your placement of Fable, I wouldn't place its faults on missed expectations. I was upset to see that Fable wasn't a more story-driven Elder Scrolls-type adventure, but that was something I could easily get over. What I still to this day cannot get over is the fact that all Fable is nothing more than an EXTREMELY linear title with repetitive combat filled with a lot of useless customization.
Dac: And what was up with the length? I mean, this game was supposedly in developement since before the Xbox's launch. Back then, they said you'd be able to get around 300 hours out of this game. I barely got 10! In this instance, the length was a huge turnoff for me, especially since I had been waiting for this game for so long, and it still felt unfinished. Indeed, Fable was probably the worst fifty US dollars I have ever spent.
Now that you've taken a look at the termite-infested titles above, check out a couple gems that you can't be without. If you've got the system for these games, run out to your nearest retailer to pick them up. You'll be glad you did.
Games Worth Their Pricetags:
Chris's Pick: Super Monkey Ball
Chris: When the Gamecube first launched, I picked up Super Monkey Ball, not sure of what to expect. Well, turns out it was one of the most innovative and entertaining games I've ever played. The premise of guiding a ball around a course doesn't sound like it would work in a game, but Sega pulls it off. The minigames, from golf to billiards are each solid and keep you coming back for more. I still play it to this day.
Dac: Super Monkey Ball, at first glance, definitely seems like a kiddie game. And you know what? The presentation is very kiddie, indeed. However, that doesn't stop this game from being one of the greatest single and multiplayer titles on the market today. I'll be honest, I haven't met one person who doesn't like Monkey Ball that has tried it. And there's nothing better than introducing the game to a "hardcore mature" gamer who mocks its style beforehand, then ends up becoming addicted to the incredible gameplay.
Chris: The game definitely seems like a modern version of Marble Madness, but with monkeys. The stages are great, the multiplayer is even better, and it has a sequel that's worth your money. Go pick up the Monkey Ball 1 and 2 double pack at your local GameStop for $30. You won't be sorry you did.
Dac's Pick: Katamari Damacy
Dac: There's nothing I love more than when game developers try something completely new and different, and it works like a charm. Katamari Damacy is quite possibly the oddest game I've ever played, yet the fun factor is ridiculous. Your character, who happens to be the Prince of the Cosmos, continually rolls around inside of a giant "Katamari" ball in order to collect objects to create stars. Not making any sense to you? Picture a little one-centimeter-tall green dude rolling around a giant ball covered in two-sided duct tape. Your objective is to collect as much stuff (literally, just stuff) on earth as possible, so that it may be incinerated to form a new star in the night sky. Trust me on this one, it's fun.
Chris: Absolutely, it really is a strange game. Something about the aimless collection of items (stuff, as you so eloquently put it) is just really fun. I'm not sure what it is, but it's extremely addictive nonetheless.
Dac: And it's so awkward trying to write about such an off-the-wall game. Katamari Damacy isn't necessarily the longest game, and it's by far not the prettiest; however, if you're looking for an acid trip on your TV screen, you can't go wrong by paying only $20 to snag this title.
Chris's Pick: The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrwind
Chris: This game is big. Very big. I still can't get over what a huge world there is to explore in Morrowind. There are unlimited combinations for ways to design your character, and hundreds of missions to complete. With its completely non-linear gameplay, you could easily spend 100 hours playing and still not truly sink your teeth into this beauty.
Dac: When I first played Morrowind, I wasn't thoroughly impressed, I'll be honest. However, after I realized it easily threw 4 hours of my life away in one sitting, I decided I liked the game. It's one of the few role-playing games (especially on Xbox) that can immerse you into a seemingly endless world, without having to pay a monthly fee. In fact, my only complaint with the game are the severe loading times. I swear, if my character dies, I have time to make and eat a four-decker sandwich, with minutes to spare.
Chris: Technical issues are definitely apparent, but putting those aside, Morowind is an all-around solid title. With the Game of the Year edition, which adds two of the PC expansion packs, there's even more to become immersed in.
Dac's Pick: Resident Evil 4
Dac: Resident Evil 4, from the getgo, just looked like an incredible horror game. The story is wonderful, the revised RE gameplay can't be topped, and the graphics are renderred absolutely beautifully. To this day, I don't think I've seen a game with prettier explosions. While the story is kind of linear, there are still multiple side-tasks to complete, and modes to unlock. Any GameCube owner can not have a complete collection without owning this game.
Chris: I've always been a big Resident Evil fan, and it really seemed like the series was going down the can until RE4 was released. The new over the should view and ability to move like this were an FPS provide a breath of fresh air for the series. Also, the new way to choose how to play (run and gun style, or a more classic approach, for example) adds some much-welcomed replay value
Dac: With the GameCube so low in price, it's worth shelling out the money for both the system and the game if you're a fan of the series. Resident Evil 4 retains the classic look and feel and takes it's entire RE reputation up a peg.
Chris's Pick: ESPN NBA 2K5
Chris: I'm a big sports fan, so I love my sports games. However, ESPN NBA 2K5 really seems to stand out from the others. With tons of new features and an improved (yet, I admit it's still not perfect) franchise mode, there's a ton to love. An all new 24/7 mode is back where you take a character you create through competition on the streets and build him up to become a street legend. Online, there's tons of competition as well as season and tournament modes.
Dac: While I'm not so much into the sports scene, when I played NBA 2K5 I must say I was impressed. When stacked up to NBA Live 2005, there's absolutely no comparison. ESPN's game has got better gameplay, better game modes, and better multiplayer. I just hope EA doesn't buy out the rights to the NBA like they did with the NFL, because I'd love to see 2K Sports dish out more of the NBA 2K series in the future.
Chris: Absolutely, 2K Sports makes fantastic basketball games, and the competition between them and EA's Live series is a great thing. To top it off, NBA 2K5 is only $20. How can you go wrong?
Dac's Pick: Super Smash Brothers Melee
Dac: Super Smash Bros. Melee landed on the GameCube near its launch, back in 2001. I'll start off by saying that I still play this game at least three times a week, to this day. Never have I ever played a game with greater replay value. The stages are inventive, the characters are timeless, and the gameplay is better than any fighting game I've ever played.
Chris: I wouldn't go so far as to say it's the best fighting game I've ever played, but it's definitely up there. There's just something about beating the crap out of Kirby that I find enjoyable, although I can't imagine what. This game alone was nearly the entire reason I bought a GameCube in the first place, and it's still a sin to own one without this game.
Dac: In fact, Melee remains in the weekly top 10 best selling games even after all these years. There's nothing like inviting three of your friends over and duking it out at the comfort of your own home in Super Smash Bros. Going by the stats that the game tracks for you, I've already played over 10,000 matches, and I wouldn't be surprised if I played 10,000 more. Looking back on it, I would easily cough up four times as much cash as I originally paid to own this phenomenal title.
Well, we hope you've enjoyed our tiny edition of Games Not Worth Their Pricetags. Just heed our words, and steer clear of titles when they simply have a pretty cover. Make sure to always read about games before you make your final decision, and always weigh the pros and the cons. Everyone has a different opinion.
Happy Gaming!Posted By: Dacvak - 337 Reads
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