tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083509480143917931.post2867723329162062571..comments2023-12-18T12:39:27.533+11:00Comments on Raptured Reality: EA: So misunderstoodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00626684107210848128noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083509480143917931.post-2092767511226451042009-02-23T09:19:00.000+11:002009-02-23T09:19:00.000+11:00^ I didn't know that about that Carbon glitch, it'...^ I didn't know that about that <I>Carbon</I> glitch, it's quite surprising. I think it's something to do with the degree of attention EA will pay to each series; I mentioned it in some capacity, but with <I>NFS</I> now being a more casual series I honestly think EA, as the publisher and therefore QA team, don't pay as much attention to it. The 'masses' won't care about the odd bug, or this general kind of mentality. Compare it to Burnout, easily the most hardcore of arcade racers and a total bitch to the casual market; they're marketing it at us and so they care what we think.<BR/><BR/>Whether this is a good thing or not is debatable, but as a hardcore gamer, I'd prefer that EA as a publisher paid more money and attention towards Criterion than Black Box.Chris Blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17524375604639435481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083509480143917931.post-72929898988881326262009-02-23T05:55:00.000+11:002009-02-23T05:55:00.000+11:00"that contrast confuses of support/lack thereof co...<I>"that contrast confuses of support/lack thereof confuses me actually, but that is something to ponder another time." </I><BR/><BR/>Should be:<BR/><BR/><I>"that contrast of support/lack thereof confuses me, but that is something to ponder another time."</I>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00626684107210848128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1083509480143917931.post-78988510811234817822009-02-23T05:49:00.000+11:002009-02-23T05:49:00.000+11:00There is so much that you discuss in this post, so...There is so much that you discuss in this post, so much that I could respond to that really, it's nuts! Very nice post and a very nice return to the blog, so welcome back. Now to respond to the things I can remember off the top of my head.<BR/><BR/>I'm with you with regards to their sports division and that was before they made the vast improvements to the latest versions; People have spoken of the yearly updates as something negative and as you point out in the post, it is understandable to 'hardcore' gamers who expect more than subtle updates, but as you also point out these very gamers never considered the context with which these games were being released. You mention the context, explain it and outline exactly what I think of the whole concept that EA have created for themselves. I never had to play a sports game to know that they were created for fans of that particular sport, which in turn immediately made me aware that the subtle updates and improvements would be appreciated by those the games were created for. Perhaps I have an 'accepting' approach to it based on the fact that I love Motorsport and the games that (may) come with it but it doesn't matter what defines my perspective, what matters is that EA were copping flak for something they shouldn't have and that is disappointing. <BR/><BR/>You mention EA Trax and again, I see myself agreeing for the most part. As someone who plays both the <I>Burnout</I> and <I>Need For Speed</I> (though not the last two) franchises, I have seen my fair share of tunes selected for EA Trax and it has been baffling. It's like they want to appeal to a broad audience but also want to keep the soundtrack suited to the game and because the two desires conflict, they hurt the overall product and produce a disappointing and dare I say it, boring soundtrack. My eclectic tastes means that I have enjoyed some of the soundtracks though, with <I>Need For Speed: Most Wanted</I>'s coming to mind. Perhaps you and I are just spoiled by the brilliant soundtracks that generally feature in Rockstar's games, though. Oh and there is nothing wrong with Killswitch Engage! :P<BR/><BR/>I really appreciate that EA released some big name games that were new IPs last year, though I fear that they didn't sell as well as they could (or should?) have because of the time period in which they were released. That holiday rush is both a blessing and a curse (for gamers and developers/publishers) and something just tells me that <I>Mirror's Edge</I> and <I>Dead Space</I> suffered a little because of it. Kudos for trying though EA and please continue. Don't let the possibility of worse than expected sales define the future steps you take; continue releasing both tried and true franchises while also attempting new things with new property. <BR/><BR/>As for <I>Burnout Paradise</I> and the flood of support the game has had, I feel that is more Criterion's doing than EA's though obviously none of it would occur without EA's permission or financial support so it's an interesting thing to consider. Especially when you compare it to say, <I>Need For Speed: Carbon</I> and the non-existent support that game had. It had a glitched Achievement (not too important but still) and they didn't even acknowledge it let alone patch it or attempt to - that contrast confuses of support/lack thereof confuses me actually, but that is something to ponder another time. <BR/><BR/>Epic comment for an epic return, again, welcome back man. More of that in the future please! ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00626684107210848128noreply@blogger.com