N'Gai Croal
|
Mar 24, 2008 12:15 AM
Patapon, developed by Pyramid and published by Sony Computer Entertainment
When you last tuned in to our monthly feature, it was only appropriate that sparks were flying fast and furious as we sparred with MTV News reporter Stephen Totilo over the racing game Burnout Paradise in Vs. Mode (also featured on his blog Multiplayer). Right now, it's too early to tell whether tensions will similarly rise as we discuss the strange, sublime Patapon, a "side-scrolling rhythm-based real-time strategy game for the PSP," as we describe it below. Why? For the simple reason that both sides very much enjoyed the game. But rest assured, we'll look for honest points of contention as this installment of the series goes on.
In today's, Round one, we raise three points for discussion: the power of indirect control; the importance of feel; and the thrill of iconic design. For Totilo's part, he addresses the topic of gamer guilt and considers the difference between games that you control and games that you orchestrate. Some excerpts:
N'Gai Croal: There's a mistaken belief that permeates much of the industry, which is that "realistic" graphics will enable videogames to break on through to truly mainstream audiences. But when we consider the success of Bejewelled, Peggle, Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Wii Sports, it's clearly not the case. As graphics technology improves, the exploration of non-photorealistic rendering techniques should go hand in hand with the quest for verisimilitude. Unfortunately, too many developers and publishers would rather focus on the latter, even on the PSP, a platform whose titles could use a complete deign rethink. Thank goodness Sony, at least, is motivated to do so, with games like Loco Roco and the forthcoming Echochrome. Just because it's roughly the power of a PS2 in a handheld doesn't mean that we should be playing PS2 games on the go.
Stephen Totilo: Let me tell you my favorite memory of playing Patapon. I was on the subway, my troops marching to the right, throwing spears and slashing swords against their enemies of war. I kept them fighting by tapping out a rhythm that I could hear in my headphones. I tapped it consistently and repeatedly enough that they became super-charged with "fever." A complex, lovely mix of drums and whistles swirled as I stamped my fingers. I kept tapping the rhythm. They kept fighting. And my subway screeched into my home station. Without breaking the rhythm of my button taps, I stood up. I took my eyes off the game and I walked onto the subway platform. I looked down on the game again, but for just a few seconds, maybe two loops of the four-note Patapon rhythm, my little troops were fighting without me seeing them. I had given them charge, swept them up with music. They acted away from me.
To read Round 1 of our exchange in its entirety, click on the link below.
More
Loading Menu