Zero Punctuation

[TheKeck]

This almost feels like a slap in the face, creating a ZP thread RIGHT after a certain someone does me the GREAT honor of creating a general gaming forum, but it has to be done. I won't bother with keeping the master list this time around. Here is the link to Zero Punctuation reviews:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation

[fitbabits]

This almost feels like a slap in the face, creating a ZP thread RIGHT after a certain someone does me the GREAT honor of creating a general gaming forum, but it has to be done. I won't bother with keeping the master list this time around. Here is the link to Zero Punctuation reviews:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation

I've banned people for less... :p

[TheKeck]

And here is the link to the latest video: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/231-Mercenaries-2

I quite enjoyed it. I can SO relate to the whole concept of saving things obsessive compulsively. If I acquire a weapon that has infinite ammo, you can almost bet that I'll be using it 90% of the time. :o

[TheKeck]

I've banned people for less... :p
You are a giant among us, oh great one. ;)

[iHap]

The Mercs2 review really hit the spot on how annoying combat can be.

[fitbabits]

Before I forget...

ZP = Yesterday's News - The Funneh!

:)

There, balance is restored.

[Sandman]

I've never seen a ZP review....

[J Arcane]

That one kinda bummed me out. I've been looking forward to Mercs2 forever, and it sounds as if the polish isn't quite up to the previous game's standard, which is unfortunate because the previous game was far from perfect, especially in the difficulty curve department.

Still, if I get to blow the fuck out of stuff, I'll probably still have some fun with it.

[Mastergeo7]

The stupid AI that Yahtzee describes could create a thread of pure awesomeness :P

[Commissar Rob]

That one kinda bummed me out. I've been looking forward to Mercs2 forever, and it sounds as if the polish isn't quite up to the previous game's standard, which is unfortunate because the previous game was far from perfect, especially in the difficulty curve department.

Still, if I get to blow the fuck out of stuff, I'll probably still have some fun with it.Bah, just wait and pick it up used. You'll be less likely to worry about the warts and more likely to enjoy the gratuitous violence.

[LordDon]

Keck, you suck, I wanted to create the thread and annoy Fits.

[Purple Santa]

This thread is the continuation of unpacking the boxes after a move...now onto the "he's great / no he's an asshole" discussion going...

I meant Yahtzeee...not anyone else :p

[LordDon]

He's great!

[fitbabits]

He's great!
Actually, he's an asshole.

[iHap]

Actually, he's an asshole.
I disagree.

[LarsenNET]

I've never seen a ZP review....

You should check some out. A few are hilarious.

[fitbabits]

I disagree.
your a gay asshole.

[iHap]

your a gay asshole.
I heard things about you...Like Disgustipated was at your house last night. There were noises apparently.

[maharahaj]

I laughed out loud a lot during the second half of this newest entry; something I haven't done to a ZP vid in a while.

[Spigot]

Thanks, The Keck. I was hoping someone would start this so I can keep up to date on it... and watch Fits go berserk all over again.

[Troggles]

I still haven't really found ZP to be all that funny. And this is coming from someone who agrees with him most of the time.

[fitbabits]

I heard things about you...Like Disgustipated was at your house last night. There were noises apparently.

The noises? Let me paint a picture...

One amorous pig. Riley.

...time lapse photography...

One amorous Riley. Pig.

[NoName]

The noises? Let me paint a picture...

One amorous pig. Riley.

...time lapse photography...

One amorous Riley. Pig.

Ahhh. Home is where the Fitty is.

[Xerxes]

Dude, if the game is broken as he describes, it must be funny as hell. The hostage walks off the building?! LMAO

[TheKeck]

Thanks, The Keck. I was hoping someone would start this so I can keep up to date on it... and watch Fits go berserk all over again.
It is my pleasure. ;)

[Deadend]

Huh, the ZP review of Mercs 2 basically said the same things as regular reviews.

[chameleo]

this is one of the best reviews in a while. i love the stupid AI details....

beauty.

[Spigot]

Airstrikes!

[NoName]

Remember kids, it's only terrorism if the people in the building are white!

I love the ending remarks...

[iHap]

Remember kids, it's only terrorism if the people in the building are white!

I love the ending remarks...
UUEShii3h50

[Dark Prince]

Huh, the ZP review of Mercs 2 basically said the same things as regular reviews.

But much funnier. ;)

This one was pretty good. Loved the hostage bit and of course the little remarks at the end just topped it all off. Here's to wondering what he could be reviewing next.

[n3rdXcore]

Every time I finish an RPG, or any other game that allows you to hoard inventory items, I end up maxing just about every one shot item out. Seriously, who knows if the "final" boss is going to transform into an even more "final" boss! It's nice to know I'm not the only crazy one in the world.

[Spigot]

Every time I finish an RPG, or any other game that allows you to hoard inventory items, I end up maxing just about every one shot item out. Seriously, who knows if the "final" boss is going to transform into an even more "final" boss! It's nice to know I'm not the only crazy one in the world.Yeah. I'm the same way. I often go through many a JRPG or even action game hoarding my uber items just in case I run into Unstoppable Boss X later on.

[NoName]

I just sort of assumed everyone horded all their items and ammo. You mean everyone doesn't play games the same as me? :)

[GigaFuzz]

I thought this one was pretty funny, after a couple of weeks of not-as-funny ones. It also reminded me that I need to go play my flatmate's copy. After renting BF: Bad Company, I could do with a little more blowing shit up.

[kropotkin]

ZP reviews and indeed Mr Yatzee himself garners somewhat of a 'marmite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmite)' reaction amongst the gaming community. I'm on the 'think he's rather amusing' side of the fence. Some here I have noticed loathe and detest the man for being relentlessly jaded and abusive. Each to their own I suppose.

[Xerxes]

I just sort of assumed everyone horded all their items and ammo. You mean everyone doesn't play games the same as me? :)

Same... I'd rather make weapon and clothing changes or go grinding before exhausting my one use items. I normally beat games without using them all together.

[J3DI]

I'm really curious as to why he stopped playing real music in the intro and started playing that terrible guitar riff?

[Wedge]

I'm really curious as to why he stopped playing real music in the intro and started playing that terrible guitar riff?

Copyright issues I assume. He started making money off it and could no longer claim "fair use" or whatever.

[Spigot]

Copyright issues I assume. He started making money off it and could no longer claim "fair use" or whatever.Yeah. There's something in the post-script of the first show to use the crappy riff that explains it, but it basically boils down to the fact that he'd have to start paying royalties.

[fitbabits]

ZP reviews and indeed Mr Yatzee himself garners somewhat of a 'marmite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmite)' reaction amongst the gaming community. I'm on the 'think he's rather amusing' side of the fence. Some here I have noticed loathe and detest the man for being relentlessly jaded and abusive. Each to their own I suppose.

Never, EVER compare ZP/Yahtzee to Marmite. If the former had once ounce of the uniqueness and awesomeness of the latter, then I may be able to stomach it/him.

[KingGorilla]

I rather liked the image of Mercenaries 2 with a Kleenex box in hand, wanking to air strikes.

[Food Nipple]

This week: Star Wars The Force Unleashed... (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/251-Star-Wars-The-Force-Unleashed) on Wii

[Norse]

"...that it's essentially like playing any other console, but with all the buttons reassigned every couple of second."

Exactly how I feel about the Wii :) Overall a good episode.

[Wolvie]

Wow that was a surprise, well not the ragging on the Wii part. The surprise was the fact that he sounded like he probably would have liked the PS3 or 360 versions. I kinda figured the game was automatically doomed just for being on the Wii.

[NoName]

That episode was hilarious! It's been a few weeks since a really good ZP.

[TheKeck]

Windmill Aerobics sounds AWESOME!

[Spigot]

The sad thing is that from all accounts, the Wii version is the best of the lot.

Poor ZP.

[Norse]

The sad thing is that from all accounts, the Wii version is the best of the lot.

Poor ZP.

The things I liked best about the game (360) was the audio, graphics and physics. I really don't see how that could be better on the Wii.

[Spigot]

The things I liked best about the game (360) was the audio, graphics and physics. I really don't see how that could be better on the Wii.I'd basically heard it was a much better game in the gameplay department.

Of course, you're one of those wierdos who actually liked the gameplay on the 360 :)

[JRR006]

I would never buy a concurrent multi-platform release on the Wii.

Why do I suddenly feel convinced that the Wii's controls are the ultimate, ultimately empty gimmick? *heartbreak*

[Norse]

I'd basically heard it was a much better game in the gameplay department.

Of course, you're one of those wierdos who actually liked the gameplay on the 360 :)

IT IS A GOOD GAME!!! Damn, when are you going to understand? :)

[Spigot]

Why do I suddenly feel convinced that the Wii's controls are the ultimate, ultimately empty gimmick? *heartbreak*
It's because so few devs take the time to really use them well. They just throw in some waggle and off they go.

More Zack & Wiki's need to be made that really show off what it can do.

[Spigot]

IT IS A GOOD GAME!!! Damn, when are you going to understand? :)When it stops sucking :)

Maybe if they made a mode where your uber-force powers were actually useful and weren't negated by any run-of-the-mill stormtrooper that crossed your path.

[Norse]

When it stops sucking :)

Maybe if they made a mode where your uber-force powers were actually useful and weren't negated by any run-of-the-mill stormtrooper that crossed your path.

Blue Dragon is AWESOME!!!

I just had to

[Spigot]

Blue Dragon is AWESOME!!!
The Force Unleashed is this year's Blue Dragon... only even I will admit that TFU was a lot better.

I just wanted a chance to really feel like an uber-powered badass for most of the game and it didn't deliver on that promise outside of a few, far too short blips. It's a shame, as the story and cutscenes were great.

[Norse]

The Force Unleashed is this year's Blue Dragon... only even I will admit that TFU was a lot better.

I just wanted a chance to really feel like an uber-powered badass for most of the game and it didn't deliver on that promise outside of a few, far too short blips. It's a shame, as the story and cutscenes were great.

Did you try the game on easy? I felt pretty bad ass.

[Spigot]

Did you try the game on easy? I felt pretty bad ass.No. And a game shouldn't have you have to dial down the difficulty to zero in order to get the feeling that the game promised out of the box. Playing the game at the Normal setting should be the optimal way to play the game.

I also didn't bother playing a second playthrough of the game for the same reason. Sure, I might have felt like Vader by that point, but I shouldn't have to play through a game once in order to have the experience that the game promised me out of the box.

Notice a pattern here?

[Norse]

No. And a game shouldn't have you have to dial down the difficulty to zero in order to get the feeling that the game promised out of the box. Playing the game at the Normal setting should be the optimal way to play the game.

I also didn't bother playing a second playthrough of the game for the same reason. Sure, I might have felt like Vader by that point, but I shouldn't have to play through a game once in order to have the experience that the game promised me out of the box.

Notice a pattern here?

Which pattern? That you're wrong time and time again? :)

[Vandabo]

Oh, why did he have to go and review the Wii version. He entirely misses the main problems with the game that everybody else played. It's like reviewing a version of a movie that was dubbed into another language and shown on TV, and then complaining about the voice acting and the commercial breaks.

The game had enough legitimate, design based problems to complain about in a hilarious way, but instead we get bashing of the lack of graphical quality (not an issue on 360/PS3) and silly Wiimote controls.

This was still entertaining, but I really wanted to see him hit this one out of the park.

[crazyD]

More Zack & Wiki's need to be made that really show off what it can do.

Off topic, but I thought Zack & Wiki was overrated. As an adventure game, it is really shitty. Constant, random deaths (although the death animations were nice) that force you to redo large chunks of the levels over and over. The game would have been a lot of fun if they just didn't allow you to die. What does it add to the game? Frustration and annoyance.

Why can't other adventure game designers learn the lesson Lucasarts learned 18 years ago? Dieing in adventure games is not fun!

[Spigot]

I never had a problem with the deaths in Z&W. It was more of a puzzle game draped in an adventure game costume than a pure adventure game anyway and most of the levels weren't incredibly huge.

That said, there definately are some levels that have you tearing your hair out in frustration, but in a good way... unlike TFU, which was the bad kind of frustration.

Vandabo: I agree. I wanted to see him tear it apart for the reasons it is so disappointing, not because the controls are wonky on the Wii.

[Cupelix]

I never had a problem with the deaths in Z&W. It was more of a puzzle game draped in an adventure game costume than a pure adventure game anyway and most of the levels weren't incredibly huge.I stopped playing Z&W after the third level because of the deaths. You HAVE to explore in the game to figure out how to solve the level. But exploring causes you to die in random, unexpected ways. To progress, you need to find out what happens when you pull that lever. But you pull it before you need to, and boom, here comes the boulder.

Fuck you, game.

That's like playing the ancient Sierra adventures where one misstep would kill you. At least there you could identify the potentially dangerous decisions and save beforehand, and end up only losing 30 seconds, instead of 5 minutes over and over and over.

Not to derail the ZP thread, too much...

[JayK47]

Another high quality review. Ripping on the Wii and a lacking Star Wars game. It was a double feature.

[TheKeck]

I never had a problem with the deaths in Z&W. It was more of a puzzle game draped in an adventure game costume than a pure adventure game anyway and most of the levels weren't incredibly huge.
Man, really? I mean, don't get me wrong here, you're talking to someone who LOVED Zack and Wiki, but the death thing was MADDENING at times.

[Spigot]

Man, really? I mean, don't get me wrong here, you're talking to someone who LOVED Zack and Wiki, but the death thing was MADDENING at times.Really!

I don't know. It just never really bugged me. There'd be the occasional time where it might have irked me to die after finally doing 13 different things in a level, but then I'd know what not to do the next time. It must have been one of those instances where the rest of the game more than made up for the momentary frustration I was feeling at dying.

[TheKeck]

Really!

I don't know. It just never really bugged me. There'd be the occasional time where it might have irked me to die after finally doing 13 different things in a level, but then I'd know what not to do the next time. It must have been one of those instances where the rest of the game more than made up for the momentary frustration I was feeling at dying.
But you didn't have any of those levels where you died over and over and over again?

Off the top of my head, the one with the baby dragon, the one with all the robots you have to control, and the one with the floating bell shaped casket thingys drove me NUTS.

[Spigot]

But you didn't have any of those levels where you died over and over and over again?

Off the top of my head, the one with the baby dragon, the one with all the robots you have to control, and the one with the floating bell shaped casket thingys drove me NUTS.The one that stands out for me was the first one in the Ice level where the sweeper/cleaner robot (or whatever it was) would zoom around the level periodically and kill you if you weren't up on a platform. I did die many, many times but it just drove me to strive not to make the same mistakes!

Until I started reading some of the threads here, I didn't realize people were getting so upset with the deaths. I guess it's the fact that it was MY failings that were getting me killed, not the game's. I rip games apart for multiple cheap deaths when it's the fault of crappy coding, but in Z&W's case, it was because I either didn't plan out my actions properly or because in some places, you pretty much had to die a few times to suss out what the danger zones were.

[quidmonkey]

Another high quality review. Ripping on the Wii and a lacking Star Wars game. It was a double feature.

Cheap, easy shots, but a crowd pleaser nonetheless.

[TheKeck]

The one that stands out for me was the first one in the Ice level where the sweeper/cleaner robot (or whatever it was) would zoom around the level periodically and kill you if you weren't up on a platform. I did die many, many times but it just drove me to strive not to make the same mistakes!

Until I started reading some of the threads here, I didn't realize people were getting so upset with the deaths. I guess it's the fact that it was MY failings that were getting me killed, not the game's. I rip games apart for multiple cheap deaths when it's the fault of crappy coding, but in Z&W's case, it was because I either didn't plan out my actions properly or because in some places, you pretty much had to die a few times to suss out what the danger zones were.
Yeah, I remember the sweeper one. We actually died a lot on that one but it was because my wife was controlling things. (Shhh, don't tell her I said that.) And I will grant that there were some levels where deaths felt deserved, but I felt there were more where they didn't. And the whole having to "suss out the danger zones" is exactly what people are complaining about. Oh well, I still liked the game.

[Spigot]

Now if it was a canned death animation no matter how you died, I probably would have tired of the constant deaths. But the sheer variety of ways to die had me chuckling despite being mad that I'd died for the 14th time on a level and that is fine with me. I never reached controller-snapping levels of frustration and I think it was because I was too busy laughing as Zack got fried/zapped/drowned for the 300th time.

[TheKeck]

So, did you play much of the post ending game, Spigot? My wife and I solved a handful of the riddles to get the secret treasures, but not too many.

[Spigot]

Oh, I haven't actually finished Z&W :) I got to the fire realm before getting distracted by other games. I'll have to keep working on it...

[KingGorilla]

Cheap, easy shots, but a crowd pleaser nonetheless.

I saw more than one review and heard on several podcasts that the Wii version was the best of the bunch. Extra moves and levels, as I recall.

[Spigot]

I saw more than one review and heard on several podcasts that the Wii version was the best of the bunch. Extra moves and levels, as I recall.
Exactly. Not from a visual/audio standpoint, but from the actual gameplay it seems to be the better buy.

I wish he'd reviewed the 360 version to complain about the actual gameplay issues instead of whining about the controls and the way it looked. Oh well.

[Variable Gear]

Off topic, but I thought Zack & Wiki was overrated. As an adventure game, it is really shitty.
But it's not an adventure game...It's really a puzzle game... :confused:

[KingGorilla]

Exactly. Not from a visual/audio standpoint, but from the actual gameplay it seems to be the better buy.

I wish he'd reviewed the 360 version to complain about the actual gameplay issues instead of whining about the controls and the way it looked. Oh well.
Or could it be that Lucas Arts just put out a mediocre game with their IP slapped onto it? There were places speaking of this game as if it were to deliver us from Pharoah and bring us to the promised land.

[Spigot]

Or could it be that Lucas Arts just put out a mediocre game with their IP slapped onto it? There were places speaking of this game as if it were to deliver us from Pharoah and bring us to the promised land.
The thing is, Force Unleashed had such potential and despite my frustration with it, you could see the glimmers of what could have been an absolutely mindblowing experience tucked away amidst all of the poor design choices. Plus the story was top notch Original Trilogy fare, so that helped at least give me a reason to play through to the end.

But it wasn't a typical crappy Lucasarts game (oh, how I wish their name wasn't synonomous with 'meh' these days)... It was a game that could have been great and the fact that you almost saw the game hitting that level but failing made it all the more disappointing.

And Variable's right. Zack & Wiki is a puzzle game with adventure game trappings, not the other way around.

[crazyD]

Fine, it's a crappy puzzle game.

[Spectre-7]

Dear sirs,

What exactly is the difference between a puzzle game with adventure game trappings, and an adventure game with puzzle game trappings? How might I, an amateur game watcher, tell these two species apart in the wild? Is one more dangerous than the other? If I'm bitten by one or the other, should I seek medical attention?

Thank you in advance for your prompt reply.

[crazyD]

I guess adventure games are more story / dialog driven, while puzzle games are all about the puzzles. Zack and Wiki is definitely the latter, something that turns me off as well.

[KingGorilla]

I think it just got mislabled. Zak and Wiki suffers from Psychonauts syndrome. The general hack writers and idiot PR try to find a nice category to describe the title to the drooling, babbling masses that they call the "audience."

I am with Scott Sharkey on this one, "genre distinctions are retarded." But when someone mentions an adventure title it conjures up ideas of story, and dialog as key gameplay components. Zak and Wiki got tossed into this with its point and click interface, which was not fair.

[crazyD]

I think it just got mislabled. Zak and Wiki suffers from Psychonauts syndrome. The general hack writers and idiot PR try to find a nice category to describe the title to the drooling, babbling masses that they call the "audience."

I am with Scott Sharkey on this one, "genre distinctions are retarded." But when someone mentions an adventure title it conjures up ideas of story, and dialog as key gameplay components. Zak and Wiki got tossed into this with its point and click interface, which was not fair.

I can live with the lack of the story, but the gameplay is stupidly frustrating.

[KingGorilla]

I can live with the lack of the story, but the gameplay is stupidly frustrating.

It is the imprecise Wii Mote more than anything. Would you play Zak and Wiki with your mouse?

[crazyD]

It is the imprecise Wii Mote more than anything. Would you play Zak and Wiki with your mouse?

No, and I didn't really have a problem using the remote. My biggest problem was just with the myriad ways you could die without any sort of warning. Like, in that ice sweeping stage, at the very beginning is a button that is out of reach, and a stick. If you use the stick to push the button, you die. Shit like that is everywhere, and it is bad design. Worse then that, it is designers being dicks. Playing Zak and Wiki is like playing a King's Quest game without the ability to save before you try something.

[TheKeck]

Oh, I haven't actually finished Z&W :) I got to the fire realm before getting distracted by other games. I'll have to keep working on it...
So you don't even know what you're talking about!!!!!! :p

You're the Z&W apologist and I liked it more than you did! ;)

[Spigot]

So you don't even know what you're talking about!!!!!! :p

You're the Z&W apologist and I liked it more than you did! ;)Shh! Don't let my secret get out!

[Wasson_]

This week: Star Wars The Force Unleashed... (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/251-Star-Wars-The-Force-Unleashed) on Wii

Hilarious. Funniest one in a while. :D

[Purple Santa]

Shh! Don't let my secret get out!

You have so many...you expect us to keep them all?;)

I'm catching up on ZP...just watched Spore...I must be easily entertained but the "noooooooo" in the review I found funny...but like I said..easily entertained...

[TheKeck]

Shh! Don't let my secret get out!
Sigh.......... fine.

:p

[Variable Gear]

Shh! Don't let my secret get out!
That you're trying to trying to out-post me in the ZP thread like you did back on EvAv...

Yeah, I'm not gonna let that secret get out.

[TheKeck]

That you're trying to trying to out-post me in the ZP thread like you did back on EvAv...

Yeah, I'm not gonna let that secret get out.
Of course I was top dog in that regard. ;)

[NoName]

Oh gosh, this week has dragged on way to long. I saw this thread had new posts and thought "oh, it's Wednesday, I missed the new ZP at work". Yea, it's so not Wednesday.

[Dark Prince]

Oh gosh, this week has dragged on way to long. I saw this thread had new posts and thought "oh, it's Wednesday, I missed the new ZP at work". Yea, it's so not Wednesday.

^ This gets me every time. What's worse though is that I actually know what day it is and it still gets me.

Thank god the day is so close....

[LordDon]

S.T.A.L.A.K.E.R. Clear Sky
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/271-S-T-A-L-K-E-R-Clear-Sky

[Norse]

"...and whistled for a baboon"

LOL

[TheKeck]

Ha ha ha ha. I really liked that one. A lot.

Haven't played Clear Sky yet, but the whole world changing after quickloading always gave me the creeps in es, tee, ay, el, kay, ee, ar.

[LordDon]

Oh snap, did you catch the end credits? He's talking to you Fits.

[NoName]

Haha, two good episodes in a row. The most exciting part of Wednesdays at work...

[JRR006]

That was great. First one in a few weeks to make me laugh out loud.

[KingGorilla]

Sounds about right for STALKER. The big draw is that most companies just don't make games like that anymore.

[Hotcod]

It's a shame really, i've not found the game that hard or that buggy at all and it's honestly fantastic and should get a bit more credit... still he at lest gave it some and it was funny as hell so can't complain

[Lint of Death]

That was a hilarious episode, even if I haven't played the game. Not only was it nice to see the crashing-episode gags, but I was completely not expecting it. Like a perfect reenactment!
If you want to read another really funny ess tee ay ell kay ee arr Clear Sky, check it: http://www.1fort.com/blog/review-stalker-clear-sky/

[JayK47]

Oh man, that was awesome. I like the game well enough, perhaps even more than the original. But you can't help but laugh at some of the bugs. I loved how he described his reload scenario when the guide ran off. Ha. I have had some weird bugs as well. I would describe them, but they include spoilers.

[Vandabo]

Fantastic episode. My favorite of the last couple months or so. I love the mastery of the quicksave button.

[Young Al Capone]

That was a great episode, though I still haven't played clear skies. The reloading and guide parts were particularly funny, as was the crash gag.

[Ghostbear]

Funniest one in some time. Say what you will, I always find ZP at least interesting.

[Dark Prince]

Entertaining review. Yahtzee is always good for a quick laugh during the afternoon in-between a busy schedule.

Not a bad review this time around. Silent Hill should be interesting next week from him considering its his favorite series apparently...

[Variable Gear]

This was a funny one. I loved the bit about refrigerators.

[Xerxes]

This was a funny one. I loved the bit about refrigerators.

Yeah. That one was pretty great.

[Variable Gear]

Yeah. That one was pretty great.
Yeah. That one was pretty great.
I'm seeing double!

[KingGorilla]

It is how het always gets those high post counts.

[Wasson_]

Pretty funny and I'm kinda surprised he did a review of it. er/ featured it. Too bad he seemingly didn't touch on any of the weapon / armor upgrading...that's your ticket to weapon accuracy. His review suggested to me that he didn't understand performance degradation as weapon / armor condition deteriorates...it's kind of a big deal in the game.

it is true though, the enemies do have better accuracy than they probably should given the average condition of their weapons.

[Variable Gear]

It is how het always gets those high post counts.
Well, now that we've solved the mystery of Xerxes, what about you? Where does your post count spring from?

[Spigot]

Well, now that we've solved the mystery of Xerxes, what about you? Where does your post count spring from?Bile and hatred.

[Hyperglide]

Wonder what he'll come out with this week? Saints Row 2, Age of Booty, Dead space??

[Lekon]

Wonder what he'll come out with this week? Saints Row 2, Age of Booty, Dead space??

Silent Hill 5. He loves the SH series and the end of his last one said "I imported Silent Hill 5, so Nyaaaaah!"

[Xerxes]

Well, now that we've solved the mystery of Xerxes, what about you? Where does your post count spring from?

Hot damn. Really where does his count come from. He must post in every thread on the board.

[TheKeck]

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/284-Silent-Hill-Homecoming

No ads here, it's all real content. I didn't think the after bit was all that funny, though.

OK, so, like, there is that shirt ad right at the end that lasts a couple seconds, but you know what I mean.

[J Arcane]

"I lost one of the three symbols I need to unlock my front door this morning and I'm just a little bit narky."

[NoName]

"Look at me, I'm a fan and I did nothing but whine through this entire thing."

Also, the post credits scene was amusing.

[Wasson_]

man, for awhile I thought he had been slacking off. But these last three have been excellent.

[Purple Santa]

I haven't played the new Silent Hill yet but he nailed the whole difference of horror between east and west. The Resident Evil comparison was dead on. As was the very funny analogy he used....

[Variable Gear]

"I lost one of the three symbols I need to unlock my front door and I'm a little narky."

Fucking brilliant. This is the best ZP I've seen, and I've never played Silent Hill. :)

[n3rdXcore]

Saints Row 2
Hah, this week's episode is pretty great too. The bit at 1:22 is just perfect. While I have yet to play Saints Row 2, it seems like everything he said is completely right.

[TheKeck]

Whoops, forgot to post this, this morning.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/312-Saints-Row-2

[Vandabo]

I agree nearly completely with it, except that I found many of the side missions (the ones you have to do to earn respect to play the story missions) to be some of the most fun. Also, if you do the right side missions, you unlock amazingly useful abilities, like infinite sprint and unlimited ammo for various weapons.

I had a lot more raw fun with SR2 than GTA4, but for some reason I'm not compelled to go through and get 100% on it like I did with GTA4. Odd.

[JayK47]

Another classic.

[NoName]

Yahtzee has been on a role lately, that was great. And while I haven't been a big fan of GTA type games, I suddenly want to play Saints Row 2. Oh well, maybe one day, to many games right now.

[Purple Santa]

I haven't played much of SR2 yet. But what little I have I can tell Y nailed it. Just pure sandbox fun. That's it. I love the explanation if you give gamers...that described me almost verbatim when I play these games. Yes, give me guns, cars etc so I can run over grandma and cause havoc...except i'm not running around naked shaking my willy at everyone. I save that for when I can buy Spore :D.

[Savok]

God dammit I was happy to pass up Saint's Row two, seeing how much the original annoyed me.

But a GTA4 that's actually fun? Holy fuck.

[alienmastermind]

I'm not one of these people who categorize 'fun' into two sections: 'fun' and 'pain'. Life has gradiations beyond all that noise. There's all kinds of fun. I don't have the same fun with SR2 that I have with GTA4. They're both fun to me, just in vastly different ways. And SR2 is fun in a way that most games aren't. It's stupid fun...mindless, do whatever you want fun. But the story is like a lead duck with herpes.

GTA4's story is good, compelling even, if you don't have ADHD, or psychoses brought on by latch-key-kid syndrome. And yeah, fun. And I like the story.

But neither game is fun in the same way as say, Super Mario Galaxy or WiiFit (Called 'Wii-Doggy! You Sure Are Fat, Fatty Fat-Fat!' in my house).

I like most of his stuff, and while his opinion on Prince of Persia leaves me a little cold. He's right...SR2 is fun. And I made a Cockney Joker. That's something you don't see everyday. ;)

[Dukefrukem]

I'm still waiting for the Dead Space one.

[Dukefrukem]

Finally!. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/333-Dead-Space) And he pretty much says everything I've been saying about the game is a complete rip off.

[Norse]

Agreeing with a lunatic doesn't exactly help you :p

[Dukefrukem]

Agreeing with a lunatic doesn't exactly help you :p

Great minds think alike. :)

[Lint of Death]

The Gunmetal Grey reference sold me. I presume it was a WH40k reference :D

[NoName]

Haha, awesome. While I agree with most of what he said, I'm still loving the game. I think the game has a great atmosphere, and by great I mean scary and creepy.

[Variable Gear]

Pretty funny. I loved the part with the brick family. :)

[Purple Santa]

Agreeing with a lunatic doesn't exactly help you :p

But Yahtzee is entertaining while being a lunatic...

[Spigot]

People keep stating the obvious and saying that Dead Space is a ripoff of about 14 different properties... like this is a bad thing!

I can handle games and movies that blatantly rip things off if it's done as well as Dead Space did it.

[JayK47]

I like the game well enough. I can only really take about 2 to 3 hours of it at a time though. It does feel generic in many ways. The only thing really new is the armor and how the menus, health, ammo, and videos are integrated with it. Besides that it feels a LOT like RE4 in space.

[Spigot]

I like the game well enough. I can only really take about 2 to 3 hours of it at a time though. It does feel generic in many ways. The only thing really new is the armor and how the menus, health, ammo, and videos are integrated with it. Besides that it feels a LOT like RE4 in space.
I will agree about playing it in chunks. If you do about a chapter or chapter and a half a day, it is a lot of fun without wearing out its welcome. The one day where I tried to power through the last few levels was the first time I got overwhelmed with the pile of Necromorphs and had to stop... it didn't help that I had a sealed copy of Fallout 3 begging me to open it up...

[Xerxes]

Pretty funny. I loved the part with the brick family. :)

That and "it's repetitive." :D

[Wasson_]

Finally!. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/333-Dead-Space) And he pretty much says everything I've been saying about the game is a complete rip off.

HURRR...you and Yahtzee so clever to pointing things out that everyone else who's ever seen Aliens, Event Horizon, or The Thing did from day one!

still, yet another quality vid though. :)

As long as it's RE4 in space I'll be happy when I get along to playing it, because RE4 was the greatest console game of last generation and remains one of my personal favorites.

[Savok]

Yahtzee certainly got one thing wrong, they weren't married...

[KingGorilla]

So at what point does the intra-aural voice person turn evil?

[Dukefrukem]

HURRR...you and Yahtzee so clever to pointing things out that everyone else who's ever seen Aliens, Event Horizon, or The Thing did from day one!

still, yet another quality vid though. :)



Just sayin'... this video proves that Dead Space isn't the "scariest video game of all time" like people are claiming it is. If anything, it's a step below Doom 3.

[Hotcod]

Just sayin'... this video proves that Dead Space isn't the "scariest video game of all time" like people are claiming it is. If anything, it's a step below Doom 3.

yes, one persons subjective view point disproves other peoples! YAY!

Look, dead space isn't that scary, it makes you jump and such but it's always been much more an action game for me with some horror elements... yet it still beats the crap out of doom 3 in almost every possible way i can think of. It's a shame that he felt the thing was so flat when i thought it was of the most compelling looking and feeling game for a long time... yes it's not original in any sense of the word but for the most part it dose what it dose well. While he is right about the lack of empathy you feel for you guy the game and the story work inspite of it and if anything the very physicality of it all really dose draw most people in to the roll sympathy or not.

[Tayaya]

Dead Space isn't scary so much as it is a really atmospheric, well-produced, haunted-house (er.... ship) game. There are somee times it got a good jump or two out of me, but most of the time it was more of a tension than a fear, keeping the guard up and getting a little uncomfortable during the 1 or 2 times I was desperately low on ammo.

Wasn't scary, but it was a damn good ride.

[quidmonkey]

People keep stating the obvious and saying that Dead Space is a ripoff of about 14 different properties... like this is a bad thing!

I can handle games and movies that blatantly rip things off if it's done as well as Dead Space did it.

Dead Space has that most important, ineffable element: fun. Those who champion originality as the only thing that matters need to be dragged out in the street and shot.

[Mortis]

The main problem I have with Dead Space was mentioned in his video, I don't give a shit about the main character or anyone else in the game. There is no character development and it makes the things that are happening less effective on an emotional level. Even a fairly quick opening video of Isaac and his girl interacting in the past before the initial ship sequence would have helped a lot. (that or flashbacks of them together as the game unfolds, something)

[crazyD]

Dead Space made me completely change the way I normally play these types of games, making me play in a new way. My normal strategy is to find a corner to put my back against, and aim for the head / body. Having to focus on limbs, and having enemies pop in through the walls forced me to play in a new way, which is part of what I loved about this game. Sure, it is very similar to other properties, but it makes me play in a way I never have before.

[Xydarc]

Regardless of how I feel about Dead Space, that was another ZP classic.:D

[menage]

Meh, I think he took the easy route with this one. I mean, come-on, the title alone prepares you for what it is. Everything about being cliche was already so clear to everyone it was like preaching to the choir.

[Mr. Murphy]

Meh, I think he took the easy route with this one. I mean, come-on, the title alone prepares you for what it is. Everything about being cliche was already so clear to everyone it was like preaching to the choir.

Go back to bed, you're cranky this morning!

Hangovers suck.

I think he did what he does when he's at his best - pointed out every true flaw in a great game in a humorous way. I enjoy his comedy the same way I enjoy a good celebrity roast. It's funnier if you like the thing being made fun of.

[menage]

Go back to bed, you're cranky this morning!

Hangovers suck.

I think he did what he does when he's at his best - pointed out every true flaw in a great game in a humorous way. I enjoy his comedy the same way I enjoy a good celebrity roast. It's funnier if you like the thing being made fun of.

Lol, yeah your right, great way to vent feeling rotten the internet is though, instead of puking:P

[Virtual Machine]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?

[Mike Kelehan]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?

Nope. If that were the case, one would think he hates video games and is in the wrong profession.

[Xerxes]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?

Guilty. In the broad since of things I see a review as a influence on my purchase. He influences me to buy games and confirms reason I wouldn't buy games. He just does it more colorfully and with numbers like NINE POINT FOUR!

[Savok]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?
I do.

He's almost everything I want from a reviewer. Cynical, bitter and obnoxious. If I still want to play a game after he reviews it, I know I'm onto a winner. None of this gushing bullshit you get from most gaming media now days, people who don't dare grade anything below 7 lest they be cut off by the publisher.

Now if he just got all of his facts right, he'd be perfect.

[tacitus]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?
Yes - as with any review that I read I take it with a grain of salt. It gives me hints on things that might annoy me sufficiently not to enjoy the game; but I do know he is a major curmedgon and its primary for entertainment value. At least with him he makes his biases/likes/dislikes totally clear.

[NoName]

I do.

He's almost everything I want from a reviewer. Cynical, bitter and obnoxious. If I still want to play a game after he reviews it, I know I'm onto a winner. None of this gushing bullshit you get from most gaming media now days, people who don't dare grade anything below 7 lest they be cut off by the publisher.

Now if he just got all of his facts right, he'd be perfect.

I agree with Savok. I respect Yahtzee's reviews with caveats. For example, he doesn't like multiplayer games much, so they will always review lower than single player games.

Still, you can get a much more honest review from ZP than a regular review source :). I agree with most of his critiques in games. I don't think I'd use ZP as my only review source, he can skimp on the list of things games do right sometimes. That's why it's always best to read multiple reviews to get a good idea if a game will fit your interests.

[J Arcane]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?
I find his willingness to criticize any game and his seeming immunity to the industry hype machine to be absolutely invaluable, and by and large his tastes go right along with mine as often as not.

I find people's desperation to somehow discredit him to be frankly a little sad, but not surprising given how reviews are handled by the rest of the game media and it's fanbase.

[Press Ninja]

I find his willingness to criticize any game and his seeming immunity to the industry hype machine to be absolutely invaluable, and by and large his tastes go right along with mine as often as not.

I find people's desperation to somehow discredit him to be frankly a little sad, but not surprising given how reviews are handled by the rest of the game media and it's fanbase.

I agree, he's very much the 'shock jock' of reviews. I find most of his reviews very genuine and good, but sometimes I feel he's carrying his angry schtick too far, and just beating on a game to keep up appearances.

[Urizen]

This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?

Are there really any credible sources for reviews in the industry? Eurogamer probably comes closest.

ZP is what it is not because it searches for the best method to review and rate, but because it searches for the most ways in which to subvert mainstream reviews, whether they appear in GamePro or at CoG. And let's be honest, there's not much difference between the latter two.

ZP is the work of a court jester in every sense.

[NoName]

My understanding of time is fail. I was wondering why the new ZP link hasn't been posted in here yet, then I realized it's still only Tuesday. This is the second time this has happened...

[Dukefrukem]

I find his willingness to criticize any game and his seeming immunity to the industry hype machine to be absolutely invaluable, and by and large his tastes go right along with mine as often as not.

I find people's desperation to somehow discredit him to be frankly a little sad, but not surprising given how reviews are handled by the rest of the game media and it's fanbase.

You can also tell when he really likes a game and when he's trying hard to hate it.

[KingGorilla]

Originally Posted by Virtual Machine
This may be an old argument -and if so i apologize for beating dead horses, but does anyone actually consider Zero Punctuation a credible source for "reviews"?
If by review, you mean buying advice, then I do not use any source other than my own tastes, information given in previews and directly from developers/publishers(being on a media mailing list can help).
If as a discussion of the relative merits and demerits of a given game, then ZP is among the best. Prior to their leaving, it was between ZP and Sean/Shawn at GFW for those honors. Intelligent discussion and dissemination of a game absent some BS calculation at the end, is rare to find.

[TheKeck]

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/346-Fable-2

[Urizen]

Surprisingly, that one made some sense to me. But no game will stand up to some of the criticisms leveled against Fable here.

[Xydarc]

Another funny ZP review.

[MachEnergy]

While I agree with his statement of "you can....but why?", I still have a lot of fun with the game. So much so that I avoid the main quest just to prolong my time with it. In any case, I watch ZP for entertainment, and entertained I was.

[Spigot]

He just didn't seem to have his dander up as much as usual this time. Good take on the game, even if I don't agree with it one bit, but his vitriol levels were significantly lower than usual.

[menage]

I thought this was funny as hell. He's right about everything, and still I love it.

[Wolvie]

Hmmm, like the Halo 3 review, I couldn't disagree more. A good review though, but not as funny as he usually is.

[NoName]

I thought it was an amusing episode, though a bit less laughing out loud funny than normal.

I really need to get around to playing Fable 2...

[crazyD]

I dunno, I was really laughing at the "Why can't I marry my dog?" bit.

[Virtual Machine]

I always found the guy hilarious, but i question the credibility of his rants as actual objective critique. His schtick is to get his hate on. Granted, he does decisively point out a games flaws, and he does so with gusto, but there's a little bit of embellishment there for certain.

I generally tend to avoid all reviews but my own, shame i haven't written one in almost 2 years.

[Wasson_]

the review is hilarous and spot on with everything my friend had previous told me about the games numerous short comings. Good stuff all around.

[bean]

I respect Yahtzee's insights and criticisms, but I don't think he is really reviewing games. . . he is a humorous, cynical critic. He hates almost everything, and he doesn't even talk about truly bad games.

[Variable Gear]

I agreed with certain things, and I disagreed about certain things, but Yahtzee really hit the nail on the head by calling Fable 2, "an update of the original Fable, warts and all." Many of the failures of the original game, such as the horrible expression system, are in full force in part two. I disagree with Yahtzee, or, more accurately, the controversial side of Yahzee's that comes out during ZP and certain episodes of the Australian Gamer Podcast, in that I think the combat in Fable 2 is excellent. The relationship system and the game's economy are, alternatively, nailed by Yahtzee for being underwhelming elements that, along with the (necessary) golden trail, greatly dilute the experience.

[KingGorilla]

I always found the guy hilarious, but i question the credibility of his rants as actual objective critique.

No such thing as objective critique, that is what we call an oxymoron.

[Spigot]

The golden trail isn't technically necessary. The problem is that there isn't a decent map in the game so you almost have to turn the tail on in order to have a clue as to where to go next.

Oh well.

[KingGorilla]

The golden trail isn't technically necessary. The problem is that there isn't a decent map in the game so you almost have to turn the tail on in order to have a clue as to where to go next.
Oh well.
I swear that a month or two ago I mentioned how a trail or arrow like this always covers up a larger game or pathing flaw. Bioshock had no flashlight, Perfect Dark's levels were designed by monkeys, World of Warcraft needs Quest Helper because the quest dialog is shit for finding where you go so many times. Guild Wars conceded the former.

[Wolvie]

I agreed with certain things, and I disagreed about certain things, but Yahtzee really hit the nail on the head by calling Fable 2, "an update of the original Fable, warts and all."

It really is. I love the game, but can't but help feeling that the expression system has had almost no changes made outside of the ability t hold an expression to get a better reaction, and even that is weak. The whole expression system is shallow and comes off like something from the Sims.

That said I still enjoy the game, even though it's more or less the game that Fable 1 should have been.

[menage]

The Fallout 3 review is up. And he quite liked it:P

Some great quotes in there.

[MachEnergy]

The Fallout 3 review is up. And he quite liked it:P

Some great quotes in there.

Really? I found it rather lackluster. He spent more time talking about Oblivion than going into the many things that make Fallout 3 Fallout 3. I wouldn't mind him avoiding the topic so much if the jokes were really good. My coworker and I both chuckled while watching it, but it wasn't all that entertaining. For a AAA game, this was a C+ effort.

[menage]

Really? I found it rather lackluster. He spent more time talking about Oblivion than going into the many things that make Fallout 3 Fallout 3. I wouldn't mind him avoiding the topic so much if the jokes were really good. My coworker and I both chuckled while watching it, but it wasn't all that entertaining. For a AAA game, this was a C+ effort.

Really.

:P

I enjoyed it, it's good to know he likes more stuff than only HL2.

[Variable Gear]

I wish that I could target my enemy's groin in VATS.

[NoName]

It was a bit on the dull side, though I don't think he talked about Oblivion that much. He probably gets bored making videos for games he likes :).

[Norse]

That was brilliant. The description of 'Captain Dynamite' was awesome :)

[LordDon]

It's the bits like his reference to Objectivism while pasting Ayn Rand's face on the stick figures that always get me.

[Xydarc]

Brilliant! Especially the beginning.:D

[Vandabo]

The part about Oblivion and Fallout 3 characters all living in the same part of the Uncanny Valley was brilliant.

[Mr. Murphy]

I respect Yahtzee's insights and criticisms, but I don't think he is really reviewing games. . . he is a humorous, cynical critic. He hates almost everything, and he doesn't even talk about truly bad games.

Calling Yahtzee a critic or reviewer is like calling Jon Stewart a news anchor.

[Urizen]

Calling Yahtzee a critic or reviewer is like calling Jon Stewart a news anchor.

I'll say KingGorilla is way off the mark in identifying an oxymoron because there's a subtle difference between objectivity and neutrality.

I'll say you're slightly off the mark because 'reviewer' is meaningless term. Anyone is or can be a reviewer. I give Dead Space a 7. There, I'm a reviewer by most standards. I'll agree with you where criticism is concerned.

[ClannerDelta]

Calling Yahtzee a critic or reviewer is like calling Jon Stewart a news anchor.

Damn right, it's a fucking insult. Both are far more useful than their "serious" counterparts.

I'm not looking for a Review that tells me things I'll "like". I want someone to nit pick all the things I hate. So I can figure out if I'll be able to tolerate the games imperfections or not.

It's like going on a blind date and having your friend tell you she's an 8, when in reality she has festering herpes and irritable bowel syndrome.

[Xydarc]

Do you think Yahtzee liked Fallout 3 so much because it's more of a FPS than a "true" RPG?

[JRR006]

I do consider Yahtzee to be a reviewer. He is perhaps more freeform than reviewers that appear in print, but I don't read those anyway. Conversely, he's a slightly more formal extension of the "word of mouth" machine that I rely on to inform most of my judgments. He brings up real issues with mechanics, story, etc, and I think that's valuable information when I'm deciding between, for example, Fable II and Dead Space.

[Mr. Murphy]

I do consider Yahtzee to be a reviewer. He is perhaps more freeform than reviewers that appear in print, but I don't read those anyway. Conversely, he's a slightly more formal extension of the "word of mouth" machine that I rely on to inform most of my judgments. He brings up real issues with mechanics, story, etc, and I think that's valuable information when I'm deciding between, for example, Fable II and Dead Space.

He's a comedian who talks about games. I stand by my statement.

[ClannerDelta]

He's a comedian who talks about games. I stand by my statement.

I suppose my only question would be... So?

In this thread and the last one it was brought up time and time again that certain people don't believe he's a reviewer. I just want to know why it even matters.

[JRR006]

He's a comedian who talks about games. I stand by my statement.

I guess we have differing definitions of "reviewer". I've never seen a job description for the position (I mean that I haven't looked, not that they don't exist), but there are no "reviewing credentials" that one earns to become a reviewer, as opposed to an electrician, or a plumber, or a doctor of theology or whatever. I don't have a set of specific standards in mind, but you seem to. Fair enough. To me, it seems like we're arguing over whether someone falls into an at best fuzzy and at worst completely undefined category.

[Mr. Murphy]

I guess we have differing definitions of "reviewer". I've never seen a job description for the position (I mean that I haven't looked, not that they don't exist), but there are no "reviewing credentials" that one earns to become a reviewer, as opposed to an electrician, or a plumber, or a doctor of theology or whatever. I don't have a set of specific standards in mind, but you seem to. Fair enough. To me, it seems like we're arguing over whether someone falls into an at best fuzzy and at worst completely undefined category.

I guess we do. To me a reviewer gives you information. A comedian is more interested in being funny. The point of Yahtzee's movies is to be funny, which is why I love them. To bring it back to the Jon Stewart comparison, it's like when people claim he's a biased news source, when he isn't a news source, he's a comedian who uses the news as his primary subject matter. Yahtzee is a comedian who uses video games as his primary subject matter, which naturally involves a certain knowledge of the game in question. I don't see how under any definiton you could call his videos a review, but we'll agree to disagree.

I suppose my only question would be... So?

In this thread and the last one it was brought up time and time again that certain people don't believe he's a reviewer. I just want to know why it even matters.

It doesn't matter unless you don't like him because you expect him to be a reviewer, which some people do. Personally, I love him more because he isn't a reviewer. I was just responding to the people who say he's a biased critic or a bad reviewer. He's not a journalist and he has no obligation to be objective. He's not trying to tell you about the game in question. He's trying to make you laugh, that's all.

[ClannerDelta]

It doesn't matter unless you don't like him because you expect him to be a reviewer, which some people do. Personally, I love him more because he isn't a reviewer. I was just responding to the people who say he's a biased critic or a bad reviewer. He's not a journalist and he has no obligation to be objective. He's not trying to tell you about the game in question. He's trying to make you laugh, that's all.
Thanks for the clarification.

In that case, I'll just ignore the idea that someone is naive enough to believe in objective reviewing.

[nnanji]

So, can anyone from England, or Australia as appropriate, explain what the obsession with Branston Pickles is all about?

Although, the scene at the end where the pickles fly him to the moon makes me just want to assume that they are dipped in LSD brine.

[KingGorilla]

It doesn't matter unless you don't like him because you expect him to be a reviewer, which some people do. Personally, I love him more because he isn't a reviewer. I was just responding to the people who say he's a biased critic or a bad reviewer. He's not a journalist and he has no obligation to be objective. He's not trying to tell you about the game in question. He's trying to make you laugh, that's all.
He making an articulate criticism of a game. If that is not a review, I don't know what is.

[Vyzov]

So, can anyone from England, or Australia as appropriate, explain what the obsession with Branston Pickles is all about?

Although, the scene at the end where the pickles fly him to the moon makes me just want to assume that they are dipped in LSD brine.

It is a super delicious pickled relish made from various vegetables. It's got lots of spices and stuff in it as well. Goes great with cheese. Usually part of a Ploughman's Lunch. (Think of like a disassembled sandwich. Bread, big chunk of cheese, relish, sometimes an onion or pickle instead)

[nnanji]

It is a super delicious pickled relish made from various vegetables. It's got lots of spices and stuff in it as well. Goes great with cheese. Usually part of a Ploughman's Lunch. (Think of like a disassembled sandwich. Bread, big chunk of cheese, relish, sometimes an onion or pickle instead)

Sounds pretty good. Bet it would be better in space though :D

[bean]

It is a super delicious pickled relish made from various vegetables. It's got lots of spices and stuff in it as well. Goes great with cheese. Usually part of a Ploughman's Lunch. (Think of like a disassembled sandwich. Bread, big chunk of cheese, relish, sometimes an onion or pickle instead)

I'd like to try it but I had a friend from Australia visit last summer and she went on and on about this vegamite she brought with her from Australia. . . I tried it even though it looked like something that leaked out of a baby's diaper and it was utterly horrible.

[Hotcod]

I'd like to try it but I had a friend from Australia visit last summer and she went on and on about this vegamite she brought with her from Australia. . . I tried it even though it looked like something that leaked out of a baby's diaper and it was utterly horrible.

don't taint the mighty Branston by even putting it in the same context as that horrid gunk heh

In fact i think i may go buy some branston today and cheese... yummy

[Wolvie]

Good review, pretty much nailed it... except it wasn't funny! AGAIN! AAAAH!!!

The hell Yahtzee? Did ya lose your mojo?

[n3rdXcore]

Sooo off topic:

Branston: A relish that you just smear on bread and eat plain? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shitloads of relish on my hot dogs. But eating it by itself as a topping? Blegh. Maybe it's one of those things you have to try a few times before you like it. Or you have to be born in the UK.

Vegemite: Isn't this just a yeast spread or something you put on bread? And isn't that what beer is for? Minus the bread, of course.

[menage]

Good review, pretty much nailed it... except it wasn't funny! AGAIN! AAAAH!!!

The hell Yahtzee? Did ya lose your mojo?

hehe, we could do a 180, maybe you lost your sense oif humor.

I thought this one was more funny in a subtler way. calling something a bitch at volume 10 loses it magic pretty fast, I'd rather have some Captain Dynamite and Hobo humor right thee.

[Wolvie]

hehe, we could do a 180, maybe you lost your sense oif humor.

I thought this one was more funny in a subtler way. calling something a bitch at volume 10 loses it magic pretty fast, I'd rather have some Captain Dynamite and Hobo humor right thee.

... Nah, I laughed my ass off this (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/thatguywiththeglasses/nostalgia-critic/2533-mortal-kombat-annihilation) last night, so I know my sense of humor is still in check.

Also if you haven't seen the Nostalgia Critic yet, do so, he's HILARIOUS!

[LongStepMantis]

... Nah, I laughed my ass off this (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/thatguywiththeglasses/nostalgia-critic/2533-mortal-kombat-annihilation) last night, so I know my sense of humor is still in check.

Also if you haven't seen the Nostalgia Critic yet, do so, he's HILARIOUS!

I support this statement. I would also recommend watching some of the "Games You Might Don't Know (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/benzaie/gymdk)" by the always wacky Frenchman, Benzaie.

And Spoony, of course.

[Hyperglide]

Wow that video of that Annihilation guy was lame. Spoony owns this guy. I love his Phantasmagoria review he's doing.

[LongStepMantis]

Wow that video of that Annihilation guy was lame. Spoony owns this guy. I love his Phantasmagoria review he's doing.

While I won't say that Nostalgia Critic is lame, I do agree that Spoony is better. I honestly like him better than just about everyone else doing what they do.

His Phantasmagoria review is indeed hilarious. It's no secret he's a big MST3K fan and I'm constantly reminded of it in his reviews. When he's pretending to be the waiter, talking about having to add up all the receipts? That shit is classic. :D

[Wolvie]

Wow that video of that Annihilation guy was lame. Spoony owns this guy. I love his Phantasmagoria review he's doing.

I disagree completely. The Nostalgia Critic is funny as hell when compared to most ranting reviewers out there. As far as Spoony goes? At first I thought I had the wrong site, because the shit I was watching just wasn't funny.
Then I saw the Phantasmagoria thing you guys were talking about and knew I had found it. Anyways, I watched it... and I'll be honest, it just had me snoozing. And his rambling reviews of Rock Band, Far Cry 2, and Fallout 3 got ONE chuckle out of me.

Perhaps I just haven't seen the guys funny shit. Maybe I need a link to this fabled "hilarious" Spoony stuff. I hope it gets better then what I saw, because if thats as good as it gets with Spoony? Shit, from my POV, the NC owns this guy.

[Hyperglide]

I watched some more of the Nostalgia Critic as i'm usually not one to give up so easily on something and I must say my opinion of him has increased a bit. Some of his stuff is entertaining. I watched his review on Kazaam.. So next time I won't be so quick to judge. I think he does tend to carry on with bits a little to long though.

[Hyperglide]

I disagree completely. The Nostalgia Critic is funny as hell when compared to most ranting reviewers out there. As far as Spoony goes? At first I thought I had the wrong site, because the shit I was watching just wasn't funny.
Then I saw the Phantasmagoria thing you guys were talking about and knew I had found it. Anyways, I watched it... and I'll be honest, it just had me snoozing. And his rambling reviews of Rock Band, Far Cry 2, and Fallout 3 got ONE chuckle out of me.

Perhaps I just haven't seen the guys funny shit. Maybe I need a link to this fabled "hilarious" Spoony stuff. I hope it gets better then what I saw, because if thats as good as it gets with Spoony? Shit, from my POV, the NC owns this guy.

His movie reviews and his Final Fantasy VIII review is the first thing I watched of his. I'd recommend to check out his FFVIII review it's a work in progress though that I don't think he's ever gonna finish, mainly cause he HATES FFVIII as is evident. It's definetly a good place to start for Spoony newbs. His review on Yars World is great too :D .

[Wolvie]

I watched some more of the Nostalgia Critic as i'm usually not one to give up so easily on something and I must say my opinion of him has increased a bit. Some of his stuff is entertaining. I watched his review on Kazaam.. So next time I won't be so quick to judge. I think he does tend to carry on with bits a little to long though.

He has his moments where he rambles for sure. But when he's in the zone, he has my sides in stitches. I'm sure Spoony is the same way, I just haven't seen his good stuff yet I'm sure.

BTW: I will check that FFXIII review soon.

Edit: Also you should check out the "Ask that guy with the glasses" section. Those Q & A sessions where he responds to viewer questions are just gold.

[Zonkuya]

I believe Spoony's um, "appeal" is his honesty whenever he faces the cam. He'll tell you what he thinks and there's no hint of bull at all. Isn't Yahtzee a fan of Spoony? That should tell you something right there.

[ClannerDelta]

His movie reviews and his Final Fantasy VIII review is the first thing I watched of his. I'd recommend to check out his FFVIII review it's a work in progress though that I don't think he's ever gonna finish, mainly cause he HATES FFVIII as is evident. It's definetly a good place to start for Spoony newbs. His review on Yars World is great too :D .

Honestly, I had to pause and finish laughing when he says "Lady, this isn't 'nam! There are rules!" about the queen of cards. It was so fucking random but awesome. Oh, Christ does that sum up my opinion about her.

[Jon the Uncool]

I can handle Yahtzee in small doses, but generally I can't do the ranting critics at all. What I find funny about Yahtzee is his ability to keep the language fresh while not sopping for a breath. AVGN and Nostalgia Critic fall back on rapid-fire cursing that sounds like it was written by a lobotomized 10 year old who likes the sound of curse words but lacks the restraint to make them more powerful. Maybe it's just me, but if a critic is going to use negativity for humour, I prefer it a little more dry, and the rants more like Denis Leary or George Carlin than my little cousin Jarret.

[Froghourt]

I believe Spoony's um, "appeal" is his honesty whenever he faces the cam. He'll tell you what he thinks and there's no hint of bull at all. Isn't Yahtzee a fan of Spoony? That should tell you something right there.

Yes, he recommended him in an interview some time ago.

[Wolvie]

I can handle Yahtzee in small doses, but generally I can't do the ranting critics at all. What I find funny about Yahtzee is his ability to keep the language fresh while not sopping for a breath. AVGN and Nostalgia Critic fall back on rapid-fire cursing that sounds like it was written by a lobotomized 10 year old who likes the sound of curse words but lacks the restraint to make them more powerful. Maybe it's just me, but if a critic is going to use negativity for humour, I prefer it a little more dry, and the rants more like Denis Leary or George Carlin than my little cousin Jarret.

I think that's a fair thing to say about the AVGN. But the Nostalgia Critic relies more on actual comedy. He's got a goofy Jim Carry kinda thing going for him.

[J Arcane]

I cannot think of a single more overrated and overblown internet personality than the Angry Video Game Nerd. He's like an overgrown 12 year old who simultaneously discovered the swear word and the web cam, and must therefore subject everyone he can to as much of such as possible. He belongs in the refuse bin of so many other Youtube rejects.

[Vyzov]

Branston: A relish that you just smear on bread and eat plain? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shitloads of relish on my hot dogs. But eating it by itself as a topping? Blegh. Maybe it's one of those things you have to try a few times before you like it. Or you have to be born in the UK.

Vegemite: Isn't this just a yeast spread or something you put on bread? And isn't that what beer is for? Minus the bread, of course.

I've never known anyone who has Branston on it's own. Also, it's way more then ordinary relish.

"Branston Pickle is made from a variety of diced vegetables, including swede (rutabaga),carrots, onions, cauliflower and gherkins pickled in a sauce made from vinegar, tomato, apple and dates with spices such as mustard, coriander, garlic, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cayenne pepper."
Vegemite is a yeast spread. A very, VERY acquired taste. It's... alright in my books. Not great, not horrible.

[Savok]

Vegemite needs to be on piping hot buttered toast, anything else and... well it's quite potent.

[Hotcod]

i'm sorry by vegmite is the waste product from making beer. If it was any good it would still be in beer and so beacuse beer is awesome and the basics of vegmite are thrown away then that means it would counter act the awesome and as such it must be unawesome. Logical proof that vegmite is truly rubbish.

[Savok]

I hate beer, smells like rotten fruit.

[Hotcod]

I hate beer, smells like rotten fruit.

and yet you'll eat the crapy stuff they take out... funny old world isn't it :P

[Xydarc]

Good review, pretty much nailed it... except it wasn't funny! AGAIN! AAAAH!!!

The hell Yahtzee? Did ya lose your mojo?
You've lost it.:p

I was laughing so much I had to watch it twice.

[CES]

I've never known anyone who has Branston on it's own. Also, it's way more then ordinary relish.


Seriously? It's pretty awesome on toast by itself. Try it at some point and see for yourself.

[Narradisall]

Yahtzee lost my love after he ranted on and on about not having anything besides good/evil choice in games so I recommened The Witcher and he seemed to hate it.

Still love the reviews though. I find he is more funny when he really does hate a game though, and most the time he raises very valid points. Few games are perfect!

[Virtual Machine]

I think he solely exists to take the piss out of the mainstream review outlets, which is fine, and that Fallout 3 review is a sure sign that when he genuinely likes a game, he just isn't funny.

Where do i find this "spoony" guy?

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to google i go.

[Froghourt]

I think he solely exists to take the piss out of the mainstream review outlets, which is fine, and that Fallout 3 review is a sure sign that when he genuinely likes a game, he just isn't funny.

Where do i find this "spoony" guy?

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to google i go.

http://spoonyexperiment.com/ is his site, with links to all his stuff (reviews and videos)

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpoonyOne is his youtube page. I recommend his blip.tv page though because they allow for higher quality videos, but not all of his videos are there yet.

http://thespoonyone.blip.tv/

[Wackman3000]

Seems like The Keck has been lazy with posting the link in the thread, so here's the link for this weeks review: Guitar Hero World Tour:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/452-Guitar-Hero-World-Tour

[GigaFuzz]

Great, now I'm never going to be able to listen to the DE theme the same way again! It was kinda awesome though.

[Codicier]

"Put on a trenchcoat, and fight some conspiracies!"

[tombofsoldier]

"Put on a trenchcoat, and fight some conspiracies!"

Yeah, that end thing was great.

[Illuminus]

Ahaha... the end was awesome.I have no hope for DX3.. proper sequels are a thing of the past.

[Norse]

OMG, I loved this DE song. Include this in Lips or Singstar and I'll buy it :)

[Variable Gear]

Another hilarious review. Yahtzee is spot-on in assertion that the touch-pad on the World Tour guitar peripheral is a joke. You never have any idea when the fuck the slide sections are coming, and it's near impossible to fret the notes as you struggle to remember where your fingers went off to. And, despite not playing Deus Ex, I really enjoyed the sing-song outro. I'm off to buy a trenchcoat and look on wikipedia for a conspiracy to fight.

[TheKeck]

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/457-Mirrors-Edge

[Norse]

Wireless blowjob dispenser? I want one

[ClannerDelta]

Wireless blowjob dispenser? I want one

Takes half your stuff when it leaves you though. :(

[Urizen]

I hated Mirror's Edge. Hated. Hated. Hated.

I feel like Yahtzee pulled punches in the ME review and could have really reamed DICE if he wanted to.

[Hotcod]

from the sound of it ME as a game sucks but the design and the idea and the fact they where trying something new has lead to people not ripping on it as much as they may have... i'm still going to buy it on the PC but i'm a sucker