It’s good to have a constant clear reminder that DL Hughley remains unfunny.

Rhythm-based games have always seemed like a novelty, similar to “3-D!” films of today (and many decades ago for those old enough to remember). My first substantial experience was with Frequency, although I recall playing Parappa the Rapper for a few minutes back in the PS1 days. Just to be clear, I played Frequency, um, frequently and I really enjoyed the challenge of tuning my responses like a well-oiled music box. Honestly, there’s shit I pulled off in that game that I would never be able to do now or ever again, even though I was only pressing no more than three buttons in a specific sequence. 

Frequency wasn’t a very well-known game (probably because it largely used techno songs from relatively obscure artists) but it was successful enough that Harmonix was able to release Amplitude, which was a flashier game with a much more recognizable roster of artists (i.e., No Doubt, Weezer, Garbage, David Bowie). My enjoyment of Amplitude was measurably less perhaps because it was the exact same game with new clothes. After that, I lost all interest in the rhythm genre. I tried the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games but they seemed completely soulless, which is the wrong feeling when you’re playing along to The Beatles. I’m just glad I don’t have any stupid, plastic guitars laying in my basement. The only title that caught my fancy since then was the Korg DS-10 (for DS, obviously), which wasn’t even a rhythm game but a super-lite synthesizer app. 

I’m thinking about what I said yesterday regarding “cinematic” narrative in games and my attitude towards rhythm games seems to come from the same place: both require me to “play” in a highly specific manner that completely undermines the meaning of play. I’d rather have fun on my own terms rather than be a mechanism for the game to scroll along it’s tracks. I think rhythm games represent the fundamental mechanics that define a great deal of popular games today. Similar to what I said yesterday, if I want to play music, I’ll pick up my guitar or bass (or my Korg DS-10!).

I found it weird that nobody seems to be bothered by the general visual of the game, which is fairly well suited to induce sickness. I am neither epileptic nor have any visual issues, but going along these hyperchromatic tunnels at zippedee speed even on the videos fatigues my peepers at record rate, the same way certain Guitar Hero levels do.

Also, I just couldn’t wait until Friday:

http://i.imgbox.com/acbL0IsH.png

Call it pandering to Comment Cat, I care not. The disgusting food reference needs to be as fresh as humanly possible.

I’ll be honest, I’m willing to forgive a LOT when a game offers some sort of unique experience. I’ll overlook deficincies in gameplay if the game itself is somewhat unique, or gives me a different way to play or think about playing. Like Killer7, for instance. Strictly from a gameplay perspective, it’s pretty weak– not challenging, not original, not all that engaging, etc. But from a storytelling perspective, and especially a visual perspective, it was unlike anything I had ever played before. And that’s what dominates my memories of the game, and what makes me recommend it others, instead of the rail shooting core. But I would completely understand why someone who wanted a meatier or better designed core mechanic would not share my opinions.