Over at PopMatters, the capstone of a nine-part series by L.B. Jeffries; this edition’s topic is the problems with game criticism today. Reviews and critical pieces are generally worlds apart — and critical reviews should be providing feedback for the makers of games in a way that a standard review can’t:
It gives developers feedback, real insights into their game, so they can go back and improve their work. There simply isn’t a way for people to properly explain criticism in the current culture of “I’m not having fun” reviews. Nor is there a way to reward innovation or successful elements of games beyond gushing “I’m having fun” praise. It’s one thing to say you like a game, but figuring out a way to go beyond that gives developers a better understanding of their audiences reaction.
In any case, it’s an interesting essay that ties in with a lot of other criticism of the gaming press at large; the other eight parts are also a good read, if you’re not scared off by the “Zarathustran Analytics” in the title.
Zarathustran Analytics in Video Games, Part 9: Flaws in Criticism Today [PopMatters via The Brainy Gamer]
Limber up your fast-twitch weapon-switch reflexes. Valve’s dropped word that the next update for Team Fortress 2 — centering on the Pyro class — will include a new weapon called the Axtinguisher, among other things.
The Axtinguisher does half damage as a regular axe, unless the target is on fire. Then it’s an automatic critical hit. So my friend Sander, who plays Pyro relentlessly, will now add “swing ax if anyone gets close” to his “backpedal and barbecue” combat strategy.
Valve didn’t say when the new stuff hits, only that it’s “almost completely wrapped”. This latest build incorporates feedback from the April update to the Medic class. That one delivered three new unlockable weapons. However, in addition to the Axtinguisher, Valve says there will be “significant changes to the Pyro class for everyone”, regardless of unlocked items, but didn’t specify. So stay tuned.
As this is the weekend, let’s open up with some classic Saturday-morning fare: Professional wrestling. Think that emblem on rassler Cody Rhodes’ boot above is just a coincidence? Nope. Rhodes not only pays tribute to the Triforce in every bout, not only lives his professional life by its creed, he also replays The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past every year on his Super Nintendo. So when he stamps Power, Courage and Wisdom into your face, sumbitch comes by it honestly.
GoNintendo was dubious at first that Rhodes deliberately put the Triforce on his boots. But the grappler makes it pretty damn clear in the latest issue of WWE Magazine:
