Welcome. Grab a chair. Discuss.

Hard question: Why or why not?



Instead of doing a simple “Hello” first post for this blog, I’d figure I would start things off with a two questions; One easy (I hope) and one somewhat hard (at least, I think so) as a follow-up.


Now, before I hand the mic to all of you, perhaps, I should introduce myself and say, “Hello”.

First off, why do I call myself, “gamecritic”? There is a cynical statement out there that goes something like, “If you can do it, do it. If you can’t, teach it. –And if you can’t teach it, criticize.”Harsh statements, huh? While I can’t care if or claim it’s an absolutely true statement across the board…. I guess, it is a true statement for me. As of this moment, I can’t make Video Games nor can I teach someone how too. Yet, I do understand (and respect) the work that goes into them and what it takes for a game to be good. So, that’s why my handle here is, “gamecritic”.

Second, why do I like Video Games? I cannot say there is a simple and singular reason of why. There are a lot of very different Video Games out there. It is more then because they are fun, although that is a very important factor that a gameplay designer should not forget. However, fun is part of the puzzle and alone is can be somewhat of a one trick pony. What if a game is fun, but does not give you a sense of accomplishment?

Some of you non-gamers or casual gamers who are reading may be scratching their heads wondering, “what else is there, really?” I will give two more reasons, real quick.

1. It is because I have watched the Video Game industry grow since the days of my first Nintendo System. It has been a long journey.

2. Atmosphere. This is the important blend of the artistic elements (story, graphics, music, sound etc), which many view as secondary (except graphics, which I feel are equal as the others). These give a game it’s own personality and ability to pull you into the game world.


Now, some of you non-gamers or casual gamers who are reading may be thinking I am a little obsessive or am trying to make games deeper than they are. Well, possibly I am, but I do find them a lot more simulating then just sitting and watching TV. Before I start to seriously digress, I will save this discussion for a later time.

Third, what is with this “spicy pork’?

Fourth, “Hello”.