So I went ahead and downloaded the XIII demo because I had been looking forward to seeing how the game played. When it was first announced I was excited about the prospect of such a game because I’m a fan of cell-shading, and I think it could be used wonderfully to create a comic-book style atmosphere.
After having played through the demo, I find myself asking “who the hell made this thing!?” Now keeping in mind that I really wanted to like this game, I found nothing more than a cookie cutter first-person shooter with a lot of neat eyecandy.
Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I got caught up in the hype and was expecting a Splinter Cell, or a Halo. Or maybe it’s my fault that I just want some fucking gameplay with my visual dessert. I dunno.
I’m not going to go into a review here, because I haven’t experienced the full game. I do however want to express my disapointment in finding that yet another company has tried to rely on gimmick (albeit a damned cool one… the game does have some great effects) rather than on solid foundation.
Play the demo for yourself… let me know what you think.
Also, for those of you that missed it and may actually care, I posted my full report on my trip to Otakon 2003. It’s long and detailed (as my con reports will usually be), but some people also find it entertaining.
And also for those of you that missed it yesterday, I’ve started designing a line of Ctrl+Alt+Del console skins. These skins (for those of you unfamiliar with the concept) are adhesive vinyl, which apply to the outside of your console and make it look pretty damned pimp. And they’re removeable too, so you can change it without a lot of hassle.
I’ve started with a skin for the Gameboy Advance SP because I just bought one and I love it to death. More will debut soon. I’ll let you know as they become available for purchase.
I’m in the process of arranging the rest of my convention schedule for the remainder of the year. It looks like most of them will be around the eastern seaboard area, in the vicinity of Virginia (VA has a lot of god damned conventions). I’ll post more details as I get them, for anyone looking to come see me and buy some cool swag.
If there’s a convention near you that you want me to attend, start writing letters to the staff of the convention. Tell them to invite me. Get your friends to write letters too. I’ll go anywhere, as long as the trip is paid for.