Post by: zakkiel on May 09, 2007, 12:57:26 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on May 09, 2007, 01:08:36 PM
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 09, 2007, 01:14:20 PM
Post by: IceCold on May 09, 2007, 02:08:11 PM
Post by: MarioAllStar on May 09, 2007, 04:16:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Wasn't he playing WiiSports with Miyamoto at E3?
Yes.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 10, 2007, 07:55:03 AM
Post by: decoyman on May 10, 2007, 08:12:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: MarioAllStarQuote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Wasn't he playing WiiSports with Miyamoto at E3?
Yes.
Spielberg is too cool for wrist straps! (And, are those wired Wii remotes? Why don't they just reinforce that cord, then set up some displays in stores with it???)
Back on topic, I'm curious to see what comes of this. If Spielberg is given full control (as I'm sure he would demand), we could be in for something cool.
Post by: Ceric on May 10, 2007, 09:04:51 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on May 10, 2007, 10:04:53 AM
Post by: Maverick on May 10, 2007, 01:14:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Brandogg
He's bringing ET for the 2600 to the Virtual Console =(.
Aww I was hoping we could at least make it five posts before someone made an ET joke.
Post by: zakkiel on May 12, 2007, 03:22:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Didn't Spielberg help make The Dig? That game turned out to be pretty good so there's some hope. But then that was a LucasArts SCUMM game and this is EA. Still my main beef with EA is that their designs are usually bland and uncreative as their mainstream focused business practices prevent them from doing anything interesting. They make well designed games that are dull as dirt. But Spielberg doesn't make dull stuff. His films often have huge mainstream appeal but they are rarely dull. He would probably not want "his game" to be so generic.
Supposedly, it's entirely original, like nothing we've seen before.
Not sure what that means. Setting? Premise? Story? Gameplay?
Post by: Stimutacs Addict on May 13, 2007, 11:46:59 AM
Post by: Kairon on May 13, 2007, 05:29:54 PM
Edit: Old Habits Die Hard
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 13, 2007, 07:53:09 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 14, 2007, 02:40:44 AM
AI is a brilliant movie for the first half. In fact the "first ending" The Stanley Kubrick ending was brilliant. Emotional, powerful and easily made it one of the greatest Sci-Fi stories about artificial life ever created.
Then Speilberg had to go screw it up with his style of happy endings. He couldn't end the movie as a tragedy so he decides to completely jump shark, move the picture even further into the future, just to revive our character, and give him a happy ending. STUPID, HORRIBLE...and completely ruined the themes and message of the movie.
Anyone who has seen AI knows exactly where the movie should have ended, without me even having to describe the scene.
Post by: Kairon on May 14, 2007, 08:17:10 PM
Edit: AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!
Post by: ShyGuy on May 14, 2007, 08:41:36 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 15, 2007, 03:18:00 AM
The whole point of the movie was to answer the question could we create a machine that could love, and would humanity accept that machine as a true life form or would it always be a machine, a man made creation.
The answer in the movie was truthful and dark...that mankind would always look at machines as just tools or toys for their pleasure...they could never have the true emotion of love towards them...but they doomed that Android to love in a loveless society.
And in the end, his hope and faith (which is essential to love) leds him on a hopeless quest to find the love that doesn't exist for him.
Spielberg took that ending. That deeply sharp, painful, and beautiful ending. And throws in this crazy happy ending that makes little since, just so we can feel so relief for the protagonist.
It flat out ruined the film. And I stand that there are two endings to the film. The Stanley Kubrick ending, and the Spielberg ending. One is great...and one really ruins the entire point of the movie.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 15, 2007, 05:35:00 AM
Post by: Kairon on May 15, 2007, 06:00:58 AM
edit: blargh
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 15, 2007, 06:07:44 AM
And in all honesty, Speilberg probably created a movie that Kubrick could have never achieved. And it is one of the finest true Science Fiction movies America has produced.
Post by: Ian Sane on May 15, 2007, 12:08:55 PM
For me it should have ended at the box office with me buying a ticket to a different movie.
But then it was in the previews that I first saw any footage from Fellowship of the Ring so that could be worth the money right there.Speilburg's films having sucky ending has been a trend for a while now. A.I., Minority Report, Catch Me If You Can and Munich all reached this point where I thought the film had ended and thought to myself "that was pretty good" and then the film just kept going for like half an hour. Every one of those films had me looking at my watch thinking "when is this thing over?" which I would consider a big no-no for films. The audience shouldn't be impatiently waiting for a film to end. I though Minority Report and Catch Me If You Can were good enough overall that even with drawn out conclusions they're still good but the endings ruined the other two for me.
"And in all honesty, Speilberg probably created a movie that Kubrick could have never achieved. And it is one of the finest true Science Fiction movies America has produced."
What about Planet of the Apes? That's got a dark sci-fi ending that's just perfect. "YOU BASTARDS! YOU BLEW IT UP! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!"
Post by: Kairon on May 15, 2007, 12:58:26 PM
Its... it's people like you that keep me from getting a satisfying denoument!!!
P.S. By generalizing your views, you'd probably hate Earthbound... and RPGs in general?
Post by: Smash_Brother on May 15, 2007, 01:26:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane For me it should have ended at the box office with me buying a ticket to a different movie.
You get points for that.
All you have to do now is pick up a Wii and you can be one of the cool kids.
Post by: Adrock on May 15, 2007, 01:31:51 PM
Don't believe the hype, Ian.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 15, 2007, 03:03:36 PM
I don't think all Spielberg films are bad or all his endings bad. Though, he does like to tie almost every movie up with a nice neat bow...and a pretty happy ending.
Post by: Kairon on May 15, 2007, 04:29:38 PM
Post by: Maverick on May 17, 2007, 12:06:47 PM
And like Ian, I would have ended Minority Report about half an hour earlier, but I still thought it was a good movie.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 18, 2007, 02:42:46 AM
What I do think was pretty bad was Spielberg deciding to keep the son alive after his brave decision and sacrifice to fight the Aliens in the battle.
Spielberg I don't care about happy endings. When you build up an emotional moment and ask the audience to shed a tear for a character sacrificing themselves for the better good...KEEP THEM DEAD!!!
I was on a rollarcoaster of emotions from that movie, and basically just awe struck by what Spielberg accomplished, but then when I saw the son still alive I snapped out of it and just felt it was corny and unbelievable...I walked out slightly disappointed and robbed even though the movie blew me away.
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2007, 05:56:32 AM
Post by: Maverick on May 20, 2007, 11:17:24 AM
Was War Of The Worlds the last Cruise movie before the great "Tom Cruise Backlash"? I can't remember exactly when everyone told me to start hating him.
Post by: Ceric on May 20, 2007, 01:32:10 PM
Post by: vudu on May 21, 2007, 09:04:13 AM
QuoteCollateral was probably the last movie before Tom Cruise went completely crazy. War of the Worlds and Mission Impossible III both came out after the couch-jumping.
Originally posted by: Maverick
Was War Of The Worlds the last Cruise movie before the great "Tom Cruise Backlash"? I can't remember exactly when everyone told me to start hating him.
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on May 21, 2007, 10:05:28 AM
Post by: Maverick on May 22, 2007, 12:33:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: vuduQuoteCollateral was probably the last movie before Tom Cruise went completely crazy. War of the Worlds and Mission Impossible III both came out after the couch-jumping.
Originally posted by: Maverick
Was War Of The Worlds the last Cruise movie before the great "Tom Cruise Backlash"? I can't remember exactly when everyone told me to start hating him.
Ah, thanks. All I remember is "Cruise is a crazy couch jumper! He's a Scientologist! He locks Katie Holmes to the water cooler at night!". No matter how crazy he is, I still enjoy his movies (most of them). Mission Impossible III was my favorite MI, and I think deserved a lot more praise than it seemed to get. It had it's fair share of problems, for sure, but I thought it was pretty good overall.
Post by: Requiem on May 22, 2007, 01:03:56 PM
I did enjoy Collateral however, but that's about it. Well Top Gun I suppose.......
Post by: Maverick on May 22, 2007, 01:08:49 PM
Post by: Kairon on May 22, 2007, 01:49:15 PM
Post by: Requiem on May 22, 2007, 02:01:07 PM
Post by: Kairon on May 22, 2007, 02:15:22 PM
Post by: wandering on May 24, 2007, 05:58:21 PM
Quote
AI is a brilliant movie for the first half. In fact the "first ending" The Stanley Kubrick ending was brilliant. Emotional, powerful and easily made it one of the greatest Sci-Fi stories about artificial life ever created.
The first ending cannot be called "The Stanley Kubrick" ending. Jumping ahead thousands years, to a time when humanity had been replaced by (or perhaps, evolved into) robots - that's what Kubrick wanted. (See: this article)
...That's not to say I liked A.I.'s ending. I thought it was sappy. But, I think, in the right hands, a similar ending could have been beautiful, and powerful, and on par with the ending to 2001.
Post by: Kairon on May 24, 2007, 06:13:46 PM
Quote
Ms. Maitland hated this, and was furious with Kubrick for insisting on it. ''It must have been a very strong visual thing for him,'' she says, ''because he wasn't usually stupid about story. He hired me because I knew about fairy stories, but would not listen when I told him, 'You can have a failed quest, but you can't have an achieved quest and no reward.' ''
I personally have no problem whatsoever with the ending. I actually like the sappy tragedy of the boy-robot achieving his quest the only way he knew how to: with pure, unspoiled, eery, unnatural, and almost super-human love.
To me it was always a story of "Can this robot really love?" Ultimately, that's all the robot can understand. A tragedy, and a strange victory.
Post by: ShyGuy on February 06, 2008, 08:16:15 AM
Boom Blox screens are out http://flickr.com/photos/25792657@N00/sets/72157603864257919/
It looks a little deeper than originally thought.
Here's the first trailer
http://www.gamedaily.com/games/boom-blox/15/game-videos/boom-blox-exclusive-trailer/6907/7426/
Post by: Stogi on February 06, 2008, 08:27:10 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on February 08, 2008, 02:49:00 AM
Post by: Kairon on February 08, 2008, 04:27:14 AM
Try checking the front page? Articles like screens and stuff like that aren't posted in talkback because they are simply big 'ol links to the screens section of our site!
Post by: ShyGuy on February 08, 2008, 06:49:21 AM
Post by: Kairon on February 08, 2008, 07:16:45 AM
Post by: LuigiHann on February 08, 2008, 07:19:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: KashogiStogi
Looks pretty neat. I'm honestly a sucker for puzzle games; especially those that involving EXPLOSIONs!
Have you tried Blast Miner?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on February 08, 2008, 08:15:24 AM
No one does it like they can.
Post by: Ceric on February 08, 2008, 08:26:27 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on February 08, 2008, 08:37:00 AM
Post by: Kairon on February 08, 2008, 09:44:04 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on February 08, 2008, 10:16:52 AM
Post by: bustin98 on February 22, 2008, 10:37:22 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on February 23, 2008, 12:00:52 AM
Post by: Mario on February 23, 2008, 02:51:16 AM
Post by: BeautifulShy on April 10, 2008, 05:28:08 PM
Post by: oohhboy on April 15, 2008, 10:58:03 AM
Everything about it screams not from EA. There isn't any urban culture, no licenses or name dropping save Spielbergs involvement. Nothing about it is EXTREME MUUAHAHA.
It is an actual game. Damnnn...
Post by: Kairon on April 15, 2008, 04:16:30 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 01, 2008, 07:35:24 PM
Post by: Kairon on May 01, 2008, 09:51:43 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 01, 2008, 09:55:15 PM
I'll get this game eventually, but I can't justify buying it at launch. I'm seriously cutting back on my game purchases. Like... oh who am I kidding I wanted to watch a couple movies in theatres this month! T_T
You are a nazi.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 05, 2008, 02:06:21 PM
Post by: Armak88 on May 05, 2008, 02:23:03 PM
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 06, 2008, 03:25:29 PM
Post by: DAaaMan64 on May 06, 2008, 03:44:02 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 06, 2008, 04:02:35 PM
son of a bitch I don't want to buy any more video games right now.
I know how you feel ::Looks at Okami, GTAIV, Lost, Mario Kart Wii, Smash Brothers and cries::
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 06, 2008, 04:04:48 PM
son of a bitch I don't want to buy any more video games right now.
I know how you feel ::Looks at Okami, GTAIV, Lost, Mario Kart Wii, Smash Brothers and cries::
Just rent Target Terror and you will swear that you will not touch another video game ever, there problem solved!
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 06, 2008, 04:39:04 PM
Quote
Sure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd
Post by: NWR_pap64 on May 06, 2008, 05:08:26 PM
Why does 1up have to put crap like this in their reviews:QuoteSure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd
Wow...Do we need anymore proof that 1up is against the Wii? Boom Blox has been getting RAVE impressions and hailed it as an unique WORTHY of being on the Wii. Not to mention that its a Steven Spielberg game. How many legendary film directors get to make games?
Not to mention that EGM, part of 1up, refused to review "Endless Ocean" for the sole fact that it was a non-game, especially when EO is a sequel to a game on the PS2, which they reviewed and praised.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 06, 2008, 06:05:03 PM
Why does 1up have to put crap like this in their reviews:QuoteSure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd
Wow...Do we need anymore proof that 1up is against the Wii? Boom Blox has been getting RAVE impressions and hailed it as an unique WORTHY of being on the Wii. Not to mention that its a Steven Spielberg game. How many legendary film directors get to make games?
Not to mention that EGM, part of 1up, refused to review "Endless Ocean" for the sole fact that it was a non-game, especially when EO is a sequel to a game on the PS2, which they reviewed and praised.
It is so odd though for this review because they gave it an A+, yet demean it in places as casual game built for casual gamers, and how casual gamers will love the multiplayer. It is kind of a back handed compliment in places.
Post by: Nick DiMola on May 06, 2008, 07:46:31 PM
Why does 1up have to put crap like this in their reviews:QuoteSure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd
Wow...Do we need anymore proof that 1up is against the Wii? Boom Blox has been getting RAVE impressions and hailed it as an unique WORTHY of being on the Wii. Not to mention that its a Steven Spielberg game. How many legendary film directors get to make games?
Not to mention that EGM, part of 1up, refused to review "Endless Ocean" for the sole fact that it was a non-game, especially when EO is a sequel to a game on the PS2, which they reviewed and praised.
It is so odd though for this review because they gave it an A+, yet demean it in places as casual game built for casual gamers, and how casual gamers will love the multiplayer. It is kind of a back handed compliment in places.
1up loves to do that in their reviews of Nintendo games.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 06, 2008, 08:26:47 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on May 06, 2008, 09:23:54 PM
Post by: Kairon on May 06, 2008, 09:51:03 PM
I'll get this game eventually, but I can't justify buying it at launch. I'm seriously cutting back on my game purchases. Like... oh who am I kidding I wanted to watch a couple movies in theatres this month! T_T
You are a nazi.
I wasn't able to pre-order it, but I do now have it slated for a purchase later on in the month by eliminating another possible purchase. GP, I did all this to please you. j/k
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 06, 2008, 11:15:36 PM
Post by: Kairon on May 06, 2008, 11:41:29 PM
Let's not forget also the potential for games like Boom Blox that appeal to a wide audience to sell consistently over a long period of time. These are games that exhibit long-term sales based on constant rediscovery by additional pockets of lapsed gamers, walk-ins, and expanded audience gamers, and aided greatly by word of mouth.
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 07, 2008, 12:49:15 AM
I don't understand the comments of Wii Ware title.
They have over 400 stages, customize levels to your liking...create your own levels.
Multi-player modes, how is this game not worth it?
Post by: Kairon on May 07, 2008, 12:56:46 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 07, 2008, 01:22:52 AM
but I think the real truth is. Real Gamers don't play Nintendo games period.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 07, 2008, 04:38:31 AM
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 07, 2008, 04:42:11 AM
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 07, 2008, 10:32:20 AM
What's the go with online functionality? Can you receive maps from friends and/or a central download service?
Friends via WiiConnect24 meaning people who are in your Wii Console's address book so you should stock up your friends Wii console friend codes.
Post by: Gamejunkie on May 07, 2008, 05:12:57 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 07, 2008, 05:44:25 PM
This will probably be my last full price game for the summer...and probably until my Birthday. I will probably spend another 20 on WiiWare games though.
Post by: vudu on May 08, 2008, 03:20:19 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 08, 2008, 03:53:57 PM
Reviews for this game are all over the place. 1UP gave it an A+ (100%) and GameSpot gave it a 7.0 (70%).
Gamespots review was ridiculous. I mean, complaining about story? The game being on the same level as Sonic Tennis (same reviewer). Yeah I wouldn't put too much legitimacy in it. The is great and super addicting.
Post by: Kairon on May 08, 2008, 04:02:26 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 08, 2008, 04:04:20 PM
More proof of traditional reviewers being CLUELESS as to how to approach Wii games, for better or for worse.
Tetris had an amazing story, that had to be what they were comparing it to. I mean how can you get any better than grouping people of all colors to fight for a common cause (points) and punishing those who decide to not group together with those who are different. Amazing!
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 08, 2008, 04:10:06 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 08, 2008, 11:20:04 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 08, 2008, 11:51:14 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 08, 2008, 11:56:53 PM
My favorites are the Jenga games, Vanishing Puzzles which gives you limited balls and you are going for points, the Chemical Blox puzzles are great too.
This game isn't about graphics or story it is about the core concept and game play. They have nailed the core concept perfectly, and really spent the time to come up with the variations to the formula to keep it interesting. the game play mechanics are mostly there too. Some things I would have liked them to work but, but overall the game is fantastic...and it does feel like a Nintendo quality game and coming from EA that is shocking.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 09, 2008, 12:00:45 AM
Quote
Story and characters are embarrassingly bad
Gamespot hit it right on the head, I was extremely disappointed to not see a story that rivaled Bust a Move or Tetris. EA should be ashamed.
Post by: Kairon on May 09, 2008, 07:03:39 PM
More proof of traditional reviewers being CLUELESS as to how to approach Wii games, for better or for worse.
Tetris had an amazing story, that had to be what they were comparing it to. I mean how can you get any better than grouping people of all colors to fight for a common cause (points) and punishing those who decide to not group together with those who are different. Amazing!
Suddenly, Tetris being invented in Soviet Russia makes perfect sense.
Post by: Ceric on May 10, 2008, 08:51:50 PM
So far overall a good game.
Post by: Mario on May 12, 2008, 09:37:05 AM
Post by: Deep-Six on May 12, 2008, 03:41:32 PM
I like the game but the disc reading is completely ridiculous. The game makes so much external noise, and it can't be good for the Wii. Simply unacceptable.
I don't think its the game, I think you need to get your Wii checked. My Wii broke after it starded making loud noise as it read the disk.
Post by: Mario on May 12, 2008, 08:09:26 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 12, 2008, 08:24:37 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 12, 2008, 08:38:20 PM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on May 13, 2008, 03:59:49 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 13, 2008, 04:13:08 PM
I would limit the game to about an 8 rating, now...but still recommend it to everyone, it deserves to be bought...I can't wait for the sequel.
Post by: Morari on May 15, 2008, 01:43:39 PM
I've also had quite a bit of skittish behavior from the Wii remotes when starting a turn or such. The cursor will just flail around wildly or the nunchuck's analog stick won't work at first. Odd.
And that damn "Chemical Golf" level remains as the only non-gold level I have. I hate that level.
Post by: decoyman on May 18, 2008, 04:47:33 PM
Granted, the game's apparently just brilliant, so I'll still probably get it, even at full price. I'm all for supporting a solid 3rd party effort.
What exactly did Spielberg do in this game, anyways? Apparently it's not story...
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2008, 05:14:29 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 18, 2008, 05:43:46 PM
What IS IT that makes gamers think that puzzle games are somehow worth less money than other games? I mean... odds are that puzzle games are the only genre to rival RPGs in terms of total playtime.
Good point. Boom Blox is not a shallow game and it is obvious alot of development time went into it. The game is fully featured with more modes than most traditional games have.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 18, 2008, 06:40:22 PM
What exactly did Spielberg do in this game, anyways? Apparently it's not story...
Spielberg developed the game concept, mechanics and the characters in the game. I think Spielberg did an excellent job to lead the EA team to make a superb game.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 18, 2008, 06:42:19 PM
Post by: decoyman on May 18, 2008, 07:29:59 PM
What IS IT that makes gamers think that puzzle games are somehow worth less money than other games? I mean... odds are that puzzle games are the only genre to rival RPGs in terms of total playtime.
Good point. Boom Blox is not a shallow game and it is obvious alot of development time went into it. The game is fully featured with more modes than most traditional games have.
I'm thinking of development time. Do you think Boom Blox took as long in development as Spielberg's two other games he's working on? HINT: there's a reason this one was released first, and we barely know anything about the other two games. Yet, they will only cost the same amount as all other games on the PS360, which is slightly more expensive than Boom Blox, just because of the pricing standards which have been set.
To take the analogy further, do you think Boom Blox spent as much time in development as Mario Galaxy or Brawl? Those both retailed for $50, the same as Boom Blox. GP and Kairon, do you think as much development time went into Boom Blox as Galaxy or Brawl? I sure don't.
If I'm designing a logo, I don't charge based on how much use the client is going to get out of the logo. I charge based on how long it takes me to concept and design. The same should hold true for games.
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2008, 07:48:59 PM
If I'm designing a logo, I don't charge based on how much use the client is going to get out of the logo. I charge based on how long it takes me to concept and design. The same should hold true for games.
But you're selling an ongoing collaborative design service whereas games are sold as 100% complete (hopefully) pre-packaged commodities. As such, their prices reflect end user utility and... well, I guess market demand.
Post by: decoyman on May 18, 2008, 08:00:22 PM
If I'm designing a logo, I don't charge based on how much use the client is going to get out of the logo. I charge based on how long it takes me to concept and design. The same should hold true for games.
But you're selling an ongoing collaborative design service whereas games are sold as 100% complete (hopefully) pre-packaged commodities. As such, their prices reflect end user utility and... well, I guess market demand.
Nope. Once I'm finished with the logo, I prepare all the files they'll ever need for production, burn a CD and send it off to the client with the invoice for number of hours worked. They take it and run with it, and I never have to deal with it again.
What do you think they'd do if I said, "I spent 15 hours on this logo. However, I'm going to charge you a different way this time. See, I've estimated the number of times this logo will be viewed over its lifetime, and the price is now, (some much higher number)." What do you think they'd say? They'd freak out. Should a mechanic, after replacing your engine, say, "Ok, you're gonna get 100,000 more miles out of this baby now, that'll be..." ? No, he'll say, "For X hours of labor, and the cost of parts, this is what you'll pay."
NOW... if we're going off of Market Demand, ok. I'll accept that, if the copies go flying off the shelf at $50, they were right to charge that much, and I can't argue with them. But I wonder what the elasticity of a price of a game is... Would they have earned more if they'd charged $40 and sold a bunch more? I have no clue.
For me, though, the point is pretty much moot. As I said, I'll still probably be picking this one up, full-price. Meh. I just wished it was cheaper because I'm po' this month.
Edit: Nearly forgot my last point... Are we paying extra to get a Nike logo on a t-shirt?
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2008, 08:13:31 PM
Post by: decoyman on May 18, 2008, 08:52:56 PM
I believe this title has been in development ever since shortly after that E3 2006 photo of Miyamoto and Spielberg playing Wii Sports. The EA-Spielberg partnership was actually announced before then, in October 2005. Given a development cycle probably 2 years long, does that make the $50 price easier to swallow?
It depends on how big the team was. Maybe.
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2008, 08:59:15 PM
Post by: decoyman on May 18, 2008, 09:08:58 PM
Edit: Nearly forgot my last point... Are we paying extra to get a Nike logo on a t-shirt?
Post by: Kairon on May 18, 2008, 09:49:41 PM
I mean, you DO pay more for better service and quality. If you were known as the top guy in your field, you'd be able to command higher rates for your work. This qualifies for developers and logo designers alike.
And, whether we like it or not, In the real world Air Jordan's DO cost extra.
Post by: Mario on May 18, 2008, 10:15:05 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 18, 2008, 11:16:05 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 18, 2008, 11:56:00 PM
Just because it doesn't have HD graphics, a story, or kick ass sound does not make the game bad.
The graphics are stylized and do the job it needs. The game controls well enough, but not perfect...and the game is full of options.
Jenga like puzzles, Point collection Puzzles, Targeted Destruction puzzles and Adventure/Story mode puzzles. Not to mention create a puzzle mode, and a pretty fun multi player game experience. Nobody ever thought the game was perfect, but it is fun and worth buying.
In fact, yesterday I had a group of friends over, two were novice gamers or non gamers, we focused on Mario Kart, and Boom Blox, and Boom Blox was the game that was the sure fire hit. Everyone had a blast, and everyone figured out how to play it. The game is simple, but it has great depth and design.
Honestly, it is worth the price.
Post by: Kairon on May 19, 2008, 12:14:07 AM
In fact, yesterday I had a group of friends over, two were novice gamers or non gamers, we focused on Mario Kart, and Boom Blox, and Boom Blox was the game that was the sure fire hit. Everyone had a blast, and everyone figured out how to play it. The game is simple, but it has great depth and design.
Honestly, it is worth the price.
Sounds great. Can't wait for mine to arrive!
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 19, 2008, 08:15:54 AM
If I'm designing a logo, I don't charge based on how much use the client is going to get out of the logo. I charge based on how long it takes me to concept and design. The same should hold true for games.
I don't know the state of the law in America but in Australia the designer of a logo retains ownership of the logo. Obviously in most cases the client will purchase the right to use that logo in addition to the work done. Hence why our largest telecommunication provider Telstra paid half a million for the rights to use the logo howsoever they wish.
Post by: Gamejunkie on May 19, 2008, 11:05:26 AM
Are we still arguing about the value of this game? When Tetris came out did you buy it for $40.00 or whatever price it was at the time? When Planet Puzzle League came out for the DS did you spend the full $30.00 for the game?
Just because it doesn't have HD graphics, a story, or kick ass sound does not make the game bad.
The graphics are stylized and do the job it needs. The game controls well enough, but not perfect...and the game is full of options.
Jenga like puzzles, Point collection Puzzles, Targeted Destruction puzzles and Adventure/Story mode puzzles. Not to mention create a puzzle mode, and a pretty fun multi player game experience. Nobody ever thought the game was perfect, but it is fun and worth buying.
Honestly, it is worth the price.
My sentiments exactly.
Post by: decoyman on May 19, 2008, 11:55:09 AM
If I'm designing a logo, I don't charge based on how much use the client is going to get out of the logo. I charge based on how long it takes me to concept and design. The same should hold true for games.
I don't know the state of the law in America but in Australia the designer of a logo retains ownership of the logo. Obviously in most cases the client will purchase the right to use that logo in addition to the work done. Hence why our largest telecommunication provider Telstra paid half a million for the rights to use the logo howsoever they wish.
It's a case-by-case basis for rights/ownership over creative materials. Unless you're working for a huge corporation, that sort of thing (charging crazy amounts for ownership) won't generally go over. And I'm definitely not a Telstra or the person-equivalent when it comes to ability to spend crazy amounts for the things I buy.
But really, I think this whole debate stemmed from my one little comment:
Quote
... was really hoping that it wouldn't be priced at $50, and it is. Was thinking that $40 for a puzzle game would be the sweet spot.
That's it, really. One little line of text that didn't even preclude my intention to buy the game, even at that price. I just wish it weren't full-price, that's all. Maybe after I play it, and find I've put 100 hours into it, I'll say, "Yeah, it was totally worth it."
Till then, we can agree to disagree on the two schools of game pricing theory - projected "perceived end-value" by the consumer or development time costs.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 19, 2008, 12:41:56 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 19, 2008, 01:46:59 PM
I loved the Zelda puzzle created in Boom Blox that was posted on Youtube. Destroying Ganon to reveal Link with the Tri-Force was awesome.
Post by: blackfootsteps on May 19, 2008, 08:19:39 PM
I was toying around with the create mode a bit and WOW talk about possibilities if you take the time to create something. It is too bad that EA doesn't have a database for user created content.
A Blast Works type system or even a Smash Bros type service with a download every day would be fantastic.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 19, 2008, 08:59:17 PM
I was toying around with the create mode a bit and WOW talk about possibilities if you take the time to create something. It is too bad that EA doesn't have a database for user created content.
A Blast Works type system or even a Smash Bros type service with a download every day would be fantastic.
Yep. It is really too bad because their sample levels really peak my interest in what can be created with this. You can do everything from the competitive perspective or do a "Mouse Trap" esque setup just to watch. This mode alone could give the game more depth than about any other creation mode in a Wii game (Besides maybe Blast Works).
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 24, 2008, 11:22:00 AM
Post by: Mario on May 25, 2008, 02:14:16 AM
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on May 25, 2008, 11:08:23 AM
Post by: Mario on May 27, 2008, 10:33:50 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 27, 2008, 10:42:18 PM
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc48/BillAurion/Assorted/grimace.jpg)
With a similar close-up!
Post by: animecyberrat on June 01, 2008, 02:39:52 AM
So yeah it is true older people are buying the Wii, oh and they apparently don't like Spielberg.
Post by: Kairon on June 01, 2008, 02:42:09 AM
So I was in Shop-Ko the other day and there was this older dude, maybe in his 60's or older even, and his wife, equally old. They were shopping for Wii games, for themselves BTW, and they came across a game that had Darts and some other crap in it. I was looking for Mario Kart and trying to see what other games they had and they kept talking about the mini game collection they were looking at. The man wanted the game but the woman said they already had a game with pool in it and didn't need another game of the same nature. So he looked around and saw I was looking at Boom Blox and took one glance at it and said "Yuck if that guy is behind it I don't want anything to do with it."
So yeah it is true older people are buying the Wii, oh and they apparently don't like Spielberg.
Darn. A missed sale. DARN.
Post by: animecyberrat on June 01, 2008, 02:43:46 AM
Post by: Kairon on June 01, 2008, 02:54:36 AM
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc48/BillAurion/Assorted/grimace.jpg)
Looks like my brother...
Post by: Mario on June 01, 2008, 10:11:49 AM
Anyone who still doesn't own this perfect game needs to re-evaluate why they even own a gaming system in the first place.
Post by: SixthAngel on June 02, 2008, 08:09:49 AM
Shouldn't companies take a cue from Nintendo and start advertising at ALL AGES, especially when a game like this can obviously appeal to all ages and all skill levels. This has the Nintendo whole family idea written all over it. Companies need to get with the new wave of the Wii and realize family isn't a code word for little kids anymore, it means the whole family can and will actually play it.
Post by: blackfootsteps on June 02, 2008, 08:24:24 AM
Post by: ReverendNoahWhateley on June 02, 2008, 04:48:51 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 02, 2008, 04:58:34 PM
Post by: mantidor on June 02, 2008, 08:12:03 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 02, 2008, 08:20:03 PM
Is Boom Blox hard to find, or is it just me? I've scoured three Gamestops, and it has yet to turn up. Think I'd have more luck at Wal-Mart?
I haven't noticed because I haven't been looking for it, but if VGChartz is to be believed the game is selling similar to what Carnival Games did, in that it doesn't sell a HUGE amount but 40k or so each week. Carnival Games was also pretty tough to find in the beginning too.
Post by: DAaaMan64 on June 03, 2008, 05:49:43 AM
Post by: Morari on June 04, 2008, 05:51:59 PM
Reading onf the Malstrom articles he mentions that EA specifically marketed this game at 8-12 year olds. I forget which one. http://malstrom.50webs.com/
Those are some hardcore twelve year olds. Some of those levels in Boom Blox had me pulling hair trying to get the Gold Medal!
Post by: Mario on June 04, 2008, 10:15:53 PM
Post by: ReverendNoahWhateley on June 18, 2008, 06:44:52 PM
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 18, 2008, 11:00:42 PM
Post by: DAaaMan64 on June 19, 2008, 05:03:26 AM
Post by: Mario on June 19, 2008, 10:58:41 AM
Post by: SixthAngel on June 19, 2008, 12:26:30 PM
Post by: Kairon on June 19, 2008, 03:59:34 PM
Post by: Morari on June 19, 2008, 11:25:09 PM
Nintendo has stated that they are trying to change the bussiness so that the first week sales aren't the only times games sell. We have seen it with plenty of other games, this one might do it too.
Is that why we still don't have any Players Choice titles on the Wii?!
Post by: Kairon on June 19, 2008, 11:30:52 PM
Nintendo has stated that they are trying to change the bussiness so that the first week sales aren't the only times games sell. We have seen it with plenty of other games, this one might do it too.
Is that why we still don't have any Players Choice titles on the Wii?!
Pretty much. Iwata has stated that he believes that games dropping in price is a bad thing and undermines consumer confidence in their purchases. This was back around the time when Brain Age came out. He believes that games should launch at a justifiable price and stay there. This does imply that price drops should not be common practice, but it also implies that publishers should use more of the price scale: games that launch at $40, 30, or even $20.
Post by: Morari on June 21, 2008, 01:04:37 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 21, 2008, 02:15:25 AM
Do you need a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE?
Post by: Kairon on June 21, 2008, 05:26:44 PM
You mean you need to hype yourself enough to the point you disregard a game's flaws?
Do you need a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE?
$50 is a HUGE investment. The only time you can drop that sort of money is when you're some crazy college student living high off student loans and with no regard for your future.
Post by: decoyman on June 22, 2008, 04:54:26 PM
The low sales may just be due to people like me who weren't sure about the concept and never bothered to try it.
OR THE LOW SALES MAY BE BECAUSE THEY OVER-PRICED THE GAME COMPARED WITH PEOPLES' EXPECTATIONS.
Just sayin'. (yes, I went there :P )
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on July 29, 2008, 09:16:10 PM
Post by: BeautifulShy on July 29, 2008, 09:32:05 PM
Post by: DAaaMan64 on July 29, 2008, 10:05:34 PM
According to EA Boom Blox sold 450k ever since it launched looks like this is a slow selling sleeper hit and has hit EA's expectations. And months ago the Boom Blox team were hiring more people for another Wii game hopefully they produce an awesome game!
I'm glad to hear this. Could you produce a source FoC?
Post by: Mario on July 29, 2008, 10:08:42 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 29, 2008, 10:14:33 PM
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on July 29, 2008, 10:30:38 PM
Post by: Urkel on July 30, 2008, 03:47:18 AM
I like how all the hardcore game journalists were quick to harp on the sales of Boom Blox and how it "proved" that 3rd party games don't sell on Wii and that Wii owners are all a bunch of ignorant soccer moms and old people that don't know what a good game is.
Evergreen title.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on July 30, 2008, 01:21:33 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on July 30, 2008, 01:35:13 PM
I would have gotten Speilberg to create a commercial. A 1:00 ad that simply explains his motivation for the game...and show game play examples of people of all ages playing the game together.
Then I would have placed the commercials in front of day time television, cartoons, G4, and other cable channels.
The game was marketed as a children's game...which it is much more than that.
Stupid EA, is what failed this game...nothing more.
Post by: DAaaMan64 on July 30, 2008, 01:38:05 PM
Just saying/asking.
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on July 30, 2008, 02:20:08 PM
Post by: DAaaMan64 on July 30, 2008, 02:22:46 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 30, 2008, 02:40:17 PM
Carnal Games
Post by: Spak-Spang on July 30, 2008, 02:50:03 PM
Boom Blox, is a game that marketed well would have sold well...but it is also a game that would have a slow pickup rate initially.
I don't think Boom Blox would have or could have sold any better on the other systems. I think, the game just needed BETTER Advertising, and a slightly lower price point.
Post by: EasyCure on July 30, 2008, 03:03:01 PM
Depends on the game any game on any platform can bomb with or without a "proper marketing campaign" just look at Game Party from Midway or Carnival games both games got **** reviews, barely any marketing and yet they sold like hot cakes.
ugh... i was talking to a girl from work and Wii happened to come up in the conversation and she got all giddy and screamed "OMG I LOVE CARNIVAL GAMES"
it took me a second because A. i was sorta shocked she knew what the hell a Wii Was and B. once i realized what Carnival Games was i felt sad inside.
ugh
Post by: decoyman on July 30, 2008, 04:20:19 PM
I picked up the game last week. It's really fun, and the multiplayer is good, too!
That said, I still think it would've sold much better even at just $40. And for all you guys saying "But it's worth $50!" you have to remember, it's not about what it's worth, it's about the perception of what it's worth. Now, you can sway these perceptions with good marketing, but as we could probably all agree, that didn't happen so much with this game.
My other point: a game's financial success depends on the elasticity of the demand curve too, you know. You may charge less money for something, but if you sell way more if it, you can make more money. They'd have had my money back at release if they'd released a little cheaper. And besides THAT, since it's a multiplayer game, every person you sell it to is a potential advocate for it, meaning I'd have had two more months to be showing the game off to friends/family with Wiis, who may very well have gotten hooked and gone and bought their own copies too! I mean... yeah.
Just sayin'. It's a great, solid, fun game. Still not convinced it shouldn't have been priced and marketed more intelligently though. Its sales are good, but could have been even better and growing faster.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on July 30, 2008, 04:34:18 PM
"not enough brown" is what the world is saying.
Post by: vudu on July 30, 2008, 05:53:54 PM
That said, I still think it would've sold much better even at just $40. And for all you guys saying "But it's worth $50!" you have to remember, it's not about what it's worth, it's about the perception of what it's worth. Now, you can sway these perceptions with good marketing, but as we could probably all agree, that didn't happen so much with this game.
Keep in mind that this is a third party game. EA's not opposed to dropping the price of the older games (like Nintendo is). It's to their interest to sell to all the people who will pay $50 for the game and then drop the price to $30 or $40 once those sales slow down. Now the perception is a full price game that got great reviews is selling for cheap OMG buy buy buy.
Post by: Mario on July 30, 2008, 11:01:52 PM
Quote
I don't think Boom Blox would have or could have sold any better on the other systems.The game isn't possible on any other system
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 06, 2008, 11:40:10 PM
I played through most of the training levels and into the adventure mode, but the game didn't really click with me. It feels like a proof of concept, like this should be a part of a bigger game, like a combat system which involves this throwing mechanism but also has some other means of combat.
Not a bad game by any stretch, but just doesn't hold my interest.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 06, 2008, 11:43:27 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 07, 2008, 01:53:27 AM
It was in the explore that I got bored: playing virtual jenga just isn't my idea of a good time.
Post by: Mario on August 07, 2008, 03:31:04 AM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 07, 2008, 04:05:42 AM
Does this game become amazing after the first few chapters of adventure mode?
I played through most of the training levels and into the adventure mode, but the game didn't really click with me. It feels like a proof of concept, like this should be a part of a bigger game, like a combat system which involves this throwing mechanism but also has some other means of combat.
Not a bad game by any stretch, but just doesn't hold my interest.
Have you tried multiplayer? I heard from a lot of people that the single player mode is a bore compared to the multiplayer mode, and that's where the game supposedly shines.
This is according to what I read around the net, though. Frankly, this still doesn't grab my attention, so I don't know.
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 07, 2008, 12:14:04 PM
Ever since I moved out with my GF, I haven't sat down with the guys to a gaming session in quite some time (and they're playing Okami with out me, not that I blame them, though).
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 07, 2008, 12:17:58 PM
Post by: Morari on August 07, 2008, 12:42:17 PM
Ironically, I'm not in any position to have any bouts of multiplayer gaming these days. :(
Ever since I moved out with my GF, I haven't sat down with the guys to a gaming session in quite some time (and they're playing Okami with out me, not that I blame them, though).
Maybe you should play with your girlfriend then. Make gaming into a hobby between loved ones and leave the sausage fests in the past. ;)
I really wish Boom Blox would have had the option for some randomly generated levels. Multiplayer gets fairly boring when everything hinges on whomever goes first and thus gets to take a swing at the weak spot in each tower.
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 07, 2008, 12:43:13 PM
Get a PS3 and an Xbox360 with a stellar library of titles, for just 3 easy payments of 5 months of rent/mortgage.
My GF has both: the 360 is 90% a DVD player and has only recently been used because of SC4 (which is neat, but nothing I feel the need to write home about).
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on August 07, 2008, 12:56:30 PM
