There was a really good article on the Guardian website this past week which summarizes my ‘disconnect’ from the sprawling worlds of most current ‘blockbuster’ video games. Part of the reason I’ve embraced the Gameboy Advance and the Nintendo DS are because the (relative) technical limitations of the platforms seem to keep the games truer to the genre-style play I grew up with. The author uses ‘Yoshi: Touch & Go’ for the DS as an example, and that just happens to be the last game I bought. It’s sort of a ‘throwback’ in that you start a new game, play until you get a game over, and the primary goal is a high score. I’m going to use the same pull-quote I’ve seen used elsewhere, because it sums up my hopes for the direction of the DS so well.

     “For gamers, it is difficult to grasp: many people enjoy playing, experiencing these new types of games that don’t fit into the mold of what we typically consider a game. How can a game not be divided into levels, or have boss battles, or upgrades or unlockable content? Playing just for the sake of enjoying playing? ABSURD!”

     The full article is here. I found it via 4ColorRebellion, which has become my one-stop DS information site.

     I recently received the following message regarding the “Robin Williams’ joke thievery” bit I put together last year.

     “I am sixteen years old and have grown up watching Robin Williams. I look up to him. These “comments” on your site offend me. Unless these people have documented proof or any type of proof that Robin Williams is a “joke thief” I think you should try quoting people who do (if you can). I do not mean to offend you but, it is my opinion that you should also post comments of those who stand by Robin Williams. These other “hater” comments are nothing more than stories and unless you have proof Lies. I think these people should concentrate on themselves, and what they have done wrong – not a wonderful comedian who has brought joy and happiness to so many.”