NWR Interactive => TalkBack => Topic started by: NWR_Neal on August 28, 2009, 11:46:03 AM
Title: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 28, 2009, 11:46:03 AM
This thread is for the discussion of NWR's interview with Daryl Allison about Spyborgs.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Halbred on August 28, 2009, 04:52:42 PM
I'm more excited now about Spyborgs than I was at E3, though I was still enthusiastic about it there.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 28, 2009, 07:24:39 PM
I was unenthuiastic about Spyborgs after E3. Now I'm more enthusiastic.
Quick question to any person who reads this: Why do these interviews get no Talkback love at all? Is it because you have to go to the actual site to read them?
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 28, 2009, 07:26:33 PM
Cuz no one's enthusiastic about whatever this game's called.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 28, 2009, 07:44:42 PM
It's looking more & more interesting though I still wonder why they went with only 2-player co-op.
I've got to agree with that. Why have three characters if you're only going to have two-player co-op? There might be some other explanation, and in all honesty, it's a small gripe in my opinion.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: that Baby guy on August 28, 2009, 09:24:21 PM
Battletoads: One of the characters gets captured by the villain. In the sequel, a different one is captured.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 29, 2009, 07:59:32 AM
I was unenthuiastic about Spyborgs after E3. Now I'm more enthusiastic.
Quick question to any person who reads this: Why do these interviews get no Talkback love at all? Is it because you have to go to the actual site to read them?
Maybe providing a link would help. I know we want people to go to the site and read the articles, but a link would perhaps inspire more comments.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 29, 2009, 11:28:15 AM
I did that with my last interview and still no one cared.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: GK on August 29, 2009, 04:12:24 PM
Battletoads: One of the characters gets captured by the villain. In the sequel, a different one is captured.
True though in Battletoads I always saw it as a neat way to cope with the limitations of the system story-wise. So yeah, small issue. A non-issue really since I can't remember the last time I've shared a console with 3 gamers at once anyhow.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Mop it up on August 29, 2009, 04:19:45 PM
Quick question to any person who reads this: Why do these interviews get no Talkback love at all? Is it because you have to go to the actual site to read them?
I can't speak for anyone else, but a lot of what has been posted on the site recently involves games which don't interest me. In the case of interviews, I don't care so much about what goes into the process of making games.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_insanolord on August 29, 2009, 04:39:50 PM
I was unenthuiastic about Spyborgs after E3. Now I'm more enthusiastic.
Quick question to any person who reads this: Why do these interviews get no Talkback love at all? Is it because you have to go to the actual site to read them?
Part of it is having to leave the forums to see it, but, to be honest, it's mostly just that I don't really care about an interview with somebody I've never heard of about a game that I'm only somewhat interested in.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 29, 2009, 10:04:46 PM
So what games interest you guys?
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on August 29, 2009, 10:43:35 PM
I love Talkback, but you have to realize that 90% of our readers never use it, no matter how much they enjoy (or hate) a particular article. It has always been that way.
Spyborgs didn't demo well at E3, but this interview suggests there is more depth than we could see at that time. I'm still skeptical that Capcom can make a brawler that would interest me, but Spyborgs has some potential to do that.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Mop it up on August 30, 2009, 02:35:43 PM
I also don't usually comment on articles like this because I can think of nothing to add. For example, I read the Metroid Prime Retrospectives which were posted earlier this month but didn't have anything to say.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: GK on August 30, 2009, 11:54:16 PM
I was unenthuiastic about Spyborgs after E3. Now I'm more enthusiastic.
Quick question to any person who reads this: Why do these interviews get no Talkback love at all? Is it because you have to go to the actual site to read them?
Maybe providing a link would help. I know we want people to go to the site and read the articles, but a link would perhaps inspire more comments.
This. I think every article,interview, news, whatever should have a link that goes from the forums to the front page.
Also with these interviews I think if there is a dearth of info about a game such as No More Heroes 2 or Metroid Other M.That can help boosts the game interest.
I think the last few interviews you have been focusing on unknown games that might be overshadowed by bigger titles.
Maybe you could do something like with the Tales of Symphonia 2 interview and let us come up with questions. Just something to think about.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 31, 2009, 01:40:57 AM
Time to chime in my two cents on this...
First of all, don't feel bad guys if you aren't interest in an interview or article. No one is forcing you to comment on them. You can read them and comment, read them or don't comment or don't read then at all.
The reason Neal and many of us feel a tad disheartened when some of these articles get ignored is because a lot of work goes into them. We sometimes ask a developer for an interview opportunity, or they come to us. Regardless of what happens we are always glad that we get content for the site. Its a win win situation since we get an exclusive article and the company gets to showcase their titles.
While there's no obligation in reading the articles or even posting about them it does help to get some comments every once in a while and show support. And for those who don't know the game or the developer maybe this is the right opportunity to get to know the team behind the game? Who knows, you may have found a game you never even heard of and it catches your interest.
Again, no obligation but support is always appreciated :) .
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on September 01, 2009, 05:15:13 PM
I think the last few interviews you have been focusing on unknown games that might be overshadowed by bigger titles.
There is nothing wrong with building hype for smaller games, this is why smaller companies or big companies with a new title take the time to participate in an interview in order to build hype or educate our audience about their game. Bigger titles will always have their huge level of hype but not all games are equal so I think its a wonderful way to gain content for the site and allow our audience to potentially get excited about a game while at the same time giving a smaller game some publicity. Conduit wasn't ever a huge mega blockbuster game nor was Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.
Pedro is right since it takes quite a bit to setup an interview, come up with questions and then wait for the answers. I always think its delightful and fascinating to learn insights about the industry, a game, the process of making a game and other interesting facts straight from the people who are making the game or in charge of the game since you would usually never hear from it somewhere else. Take for instance in my interview the guys behind Furry Legends said that Nintendo of Europe is willing to help with feedback and other aspects before the game lands on WiiWare.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: vudu on September 01, 2009, 05:33:16 PM
Take for instance in my interview the guys behind Furry Legends said that Nintendo of Europe is willing to help with feedback and other aspects before the game lands on WiiWare.
I'm just speaking for myself here--and please don't take this the wrong way--but I'm going to share my thoughts on the matter and I hope it helps.
I don't know what Furry Legends is. I didn't read your interview because I didn't know anything about the game and therefore had zero interest in learning about it.
You need to tell me why I should care.
You may argue that it's not your job to "sell" me on the game, and that's a perfectly valid point. But if all you're trying to do is relay information to people who already have interest in the game you're cutting out a large portion of your potential readers.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 01, 2009, 06:48:25 PM
1. this thread doesn't refer back to the original article in the opening post. that's a no-no.
2. the actual article has no direct references to other resouces/game pages already set aside on the main site. i believe the information should be readily available and noticeable together. I think more attention should be given to the general game info pages since they serve as info gateways.
3. on the issue of "I don't know what Furry Legends is," the subtitles for the headlines should always be descriptive to a certain minimum degree, to help the reader identify what the product is at a glance. this descriptor is especially important since most of the front-page stories have NO graphics/game art attached to them.
From SpyBorg's NWR info page:
"We chatted with Capcom Senior Producer Daryl Allison about the past, present, and future of Spyborgs" - kinda weak, we have an idea who's working on Spyborgs, but not the kind of game it is
"An old school brawler with a new coat of paint..." - better, it's implied this is a pow-pow-smash action game
"This brawler impresses visually and is designed for co-op play..." - a co-op brawler, this sets off the right signals in the reader
"Spyborgs returns with a new look and brand new gameplay details..." - doesn't help
^ These are mostly things I look for that would help me better connect with the content of a site update.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: BeautifulShy on September 01, 2009, 07:25:12 PM
I think the last few interviews you have been focusing on unknown games that might be overshadowed by bigger titles.
There is nothing wrong with building hype for smaller games, this is why smaller companies or big companies with a new title take the time to participate in an interview in order to build hype or educate our audience about their game. Bigger titles will always have their huge level of hype but not all games are equal so I think its a wonderful way to gain content for the site and allow our audience to potentially get excited about a game while at the same time giving a smaller game some publicity. Conduit wasn't ever a huge mega blockbuster game nor was Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.
Pedro is right since it takes quite a bit to setup an interview, come up with questions and then wait for the answers. I always think its delightful and fascinating to learn insights about the industry, a game, the process of making a game and other interesting facts straight from the people who are making the game or in charge of the game since you would usually never hear from it somewhere else. Take for instance in my interview the guys behind Furry Legends said that Nintendo of Europe is willing to help with feedback and other aspects before the game lands on WiiWare.
I have no problems with you taking a look at a unknown or overlooked title. In fact I encourage it.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Smash_Brother on September 01, 2009, 08:55:41 PM
1. this thread doesn't refer back to the original article in the opening post. that's a no-no.
2. the actual article has no direct references to other resouces/game pages already set aside on the main site. i believe the information should be readily available and noticeable together. I think more attention should be given to the general game info pages since they serve as info gateways.
3. on the issue of "I don't know what Furry Legends is," the subtitles for the headlines should always be descriptive to a certain minimum degree, to help the reader identify what the product is at a glance. this descriptor is especially important since most of the front-page stories have NO graphics/game art attached to them.
From SpyBorg's NWR info page:
"We chatted with Capcom Senior Producer Daryl Allison about the past, present, and future of Spyborgs" - kinda weak, we have an idea who's working on Spyborgs, but not the kind of game it is
"An old school brawler with a new coat of paint..." - better, it's implied this is a pow-pow-smash action game
"This brawler impresses visually and is designed for co-op play..." - a co-op brawler, this sets off the right signals in the reader
"Spyborgs returns with a new look and brand new gameplay details..." - doesn't help
^ These are mostly things I look for that would help me better connect with the content of a site update.
This sounds like some pretty solid advice to me. An eye-catching sentence is a must for any article. You have only that sentence to make the reader go "Ooo! I should check this out..."
Also, I totally agree with more links to websites, media, etc. Anything and everything you can do to make it easy for the reader to see more about the game is always good.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on September 01, 2009, 09:08:04 PM
I still get the vibe that the abstract could've been "Free stuff for anyone who reads this!" and you still would not have cared.
I've tried different things, yet still all of these interviews get ignored by the forums. Considering the work that goes into them, it sucks to have little to no response about them.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 01, 2009, 09:16:13 PM
I still get the vibe that the abstract could've been "Free stuff for anyone who reads this!" and you still would not have cared.
I've tried different things, yet still all of these interviews get ignored by the forums. Considering the work that goes into them, it sucks to have little to no response about them.
You are probably right. I'll definitely read this when I get time because I'm interested in the game!
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_pap64 on September 01, 2009, 09:38:42 PM
To be completely honest, I think Pro and Vudu have a point. In my case, I write articles for myself, not for the readers or even the staff members. I realize that not everything I post will get noticed. I've sometimes posted a story that generates ten pages worth of comments, others they are ignored for days. Still, its no issue for me since that's the nature of news journalism. Not every story will grab attention.
I understand, Neal, that you went through a lot of work to get this interview posted and it sucks it hasn't gained enough attention. But note that your ego is the one talking to you, not your sense of journalism or informing people. You worked hard for it so you desire some attention, compliments and acknowledgement of your work. I've learned to accept that not everything I do will receive acknowledgement so I just move onto the next thing and focus on that.
To the readers, however, this doesn't mean that you should shove it on our faces. Don't use this as a way to sling mud or get personal. Be respectful. We will accept any criticism as long as you are respectful, and once again, the tips Pro and vudu have given us will be useful and, at least in my case, I will take into consideration that.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on September 01, 2009, 10:09:06 PM
Not to sound mean, but it's not that I want attention, it's the fact that I think that most of the interviews here have had good responses and it's a shame that they get ignored. Also, most of these interviews are about games I care about, so it's not different than someone in the forums carrying a torch for certain third party games.
I initially asked the question in this thread to see what could be done better; what the forum members want. You guys all present good points for the most part and I'll definitely keep them in mind for the future. I'll try to get Nintendo interviews (a little more difficult than some of the smaller guys) and Pro, I'll keep your comments about abstracts in mind.
Believe you me I write for myself for certain things i.e. everything about Academy of Champions, but the majority of what I write is (hopefully) for everyone. And that's the nature of news journalism. Do you think the Associated Press gives a crap about what they write about all the time? Do you think everyone here is into every review they write?
But seriously Pedro, you in so few words called me egotistical. There's been some smarmy comments on this topic (see responses to the Go Play City Sports impressions. To answer why there are impressions there, it was the sacrifice I made for playing A Boy and His Blob), but those are some bold words to say, man. And that's probably one of the worst things anyone has said to me in the forums (and remember, I did give Sonic Unleashed a 4.0 :P)
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: Smash_Brother on September 01, 2009, 10:50:07 PM
Just imagine how Daryl Allison himself would feel if his game sold poorly.
Appreciation is something that doesn't come easily, and for many, not at all. I've seen far too many solid games go completely unnoticed because they just didn't catch on for some unknown reason.
It could always be worse.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 02, 2009, 02:14:00 AM
What an interesting interview, I did not realize Bionic games was created for Spyborgs. Also I didn't notice, but are they actually still bringing it to other forms of media like a TV show? Or is the plane if it does well.
One thing that bothers me though is how much of a brawler the game is now, I almost wish they would have stuck with the more platformer centric route. Looking at Madworld I really fear there may not be a market for brawlers on Wii, at least not a big one. Not to mention the fact that the game seemed like it had far more creative potential when they originally were going the platformer route like Ratchet and Clank. At least it appears they have balanced the 3 fighters! But beyond that I fear this game will be DOA, there isn't really anything I can point to that makes it a compelling sell to gamers even if it is a very good brawler.
BTW a link to the mainpage would probably help some reads on these, in a perfect world posting the whole thing in talkback would probably get more here to read it as well, I know I would have read it sooner.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on September 02, 2009, 09:06:37 AM
I think that Capcom is investing a mild amount into this game and hope that it does well. I mean, there's this grand plan of more media with Spyborgs, but it just has this really bland feel to it. At least in the old cartoony art style, it was very unique and distinct. After reading this interview, I have higher hopes for it, but you're right GP, it's probably going to bomb.
I wish that Interviews could just get the standard article treatment and get Talkback threads automatically created, but because its under Specials and those can have multiple pages, it'd get really messy. For future interviews and such, we'll have links on the front page.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 02, 2009, 09:44:54 AM
But note that your ego is the one talking to you, not your sense of journalism or informing people.
Pedro, I can assure you this isn't the case.
Unfortunately, right now a lot of the stuff that would eliminate issues like these are not automated (adding link to Talkback thread, linking the first mention of the game to a game profile, etc.), but we'll see what we can do to alleviate this issue in the future. I have some ideas that I can implement on the back end.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 02, 2009, 12:36:06 PM
I think that Capcom is investing a mild amount into this game and hope that it does well. I mean, there's this grand plan of more media with Spyborgs, but it just has this really bland feel to it. At least in the old cartoony art style, it was very unique and distinct. After reading this interview, I have higher hopes for it, but you're right GP, it's probably going to bomb.
I wish that Interviews could just get the standard article treatment and get Talkback threads automatically created, but because its under Specials and those can have multiple pages, it'd get really messy. For future interviews and such, we'll have links on the front page.
Well it always is good to read in interviews what appears to be passion in it. I'll definitely play it.
Title: Re: Spyborgs Interview with Daryl Allison
Post by: NWR_Neal on September 02, 2009, 12:56:18 PM
Yea, I also talked to this guy a little bit at E3, and the passion he has for the game is very high. I hope it turns out to be as good as his enthusiasm makes it seem.
