Zero Punctuation: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
- Thread starter Yahtzee Croshaw
- Start date
Mixed feelings here, on one hand, i'm a Wii hater in the extreme.
on the other, i don't think Yahtzee really needed to dedicate 4:20 to ripping apart one of its most anticipated games for doing exactly what everyone expected it to do, sure, you needed to work to get some of the good characters, but if youve bought the game as a SSB fan, then thats not going to be a problem
humor... 6/10
that said, i do look forward to playing the game, not on my monolithic PS3 of raw power of course, i managed to fool a friend into buying one of those little white infuriating, inexplicably best-selling, gimmickly satisfying things.
(if you cant spot the above section for what it is, then i consider your rebuttal a worthy burden)
on the other, i don't think Yahtzee really needed to dedicate 4:20 to ripping apart one of its most anticipated games for doing exactly what everyone expected it to do, sure, you needed to work to get some of the good characters, but if youve bought the game as a SSB fan, then thats not going to be a problem
humor... 6/10
that said, i do look forward to playing the game, not on my monolithic PS3 of raw power of course, i managed to fool a friend into buying one of those little white infuriating, inexplicably best-selling, gimmickly satisfying things.
(if you cant spot the above section for what it is, then i consider your rebuttal a worthy burden)
...Oh awesome...Yahtzee's a Mother-series fan...o.o Yeah, why the Hell wouldn't they release Mother 3 outside Japan? Do they think that just because we never got Mother 1 we're going to suddenly hate it up the ass? @_@; Or heck, why not release the Mother 1/2 combo? You can call it "Earthbound 0" If you like, you know...nobody's going to complain..and you could even call Mother 3 "EarthBound 2" and we STILL wouldn't mind because we KNOW IT EXISTS AND WE WANT IT DAMNIT! @_@;
...So yeah...<.<; Though I find it just a tad ironic that Yahtzee is complaining about a Japanese-Only release...while at the same time wondering who Marth is...Marth, the character who didn't even exist outside Japan until he was found in Melee...who then went on to star in several American releases with reasonable success. Granted, it's not a great tragedy that he doesn't recognize Marth...
I'm also a little surprised nothing came up about online play...I'm not sure if that's because Australia doesn't provide Brawl services *an entirely reasonable assumption* or just because Yahtzee never bothered to try it out...either way, it would've been interesting to see what he'd have to say about it, especially since I haven't gotten to try it out yet.
By the way, here are a few ways to tell if you're "That Guy".
1. You have a main character that you prefer to play all the time in "serious play".
2. You call that character your "main", because saying "Main Character" is just far too many syllables.
3. You regularly win tournaments of this game...especially notable for Brawl since it just came out this year.
4. You earned a trophy for playing 20 hours of brawls...without trying.
5. You also earned the one for playing 100 hours of brawls...without cheating.
6. You completed the Subspace Emissary first, so that you could find out which character would be your "Main".
7. Or you did NOT do it first, because you wanted to unlock all the characters the "classic" way.
8. Your "Main" is not based on any video game you knew and loved as a child or adolescent, but solely on their attributes as a fighter. (Not only implying that you only care about him for his attributes, but that you're paying close enough attention to form a tier level in your mind).
9. You have lost sleep trying to play this game all alone.
10. None of your friends want your friend code...and they never want to go near your Wii when they're at your house...if they even visit.
11. Slightly elongated abdomin, with a leaf pattern, symbolizes the difference between the "Casual" Brawl fan, and a "That Guy".
12. You can think of at least 12 ways to tell that you're "That Guy".
13. Though to be fair, I'm only "That Guy" with my family, who doesn't get to play it that often...amongst my college clique, I barely register as a casual fan.
14. I think I should probably get some sleep now.
15. Goodnight.
16. Zzzzzz...
Edit: Having said all that I've said, I have to remind myself to also say: I LIKE Brawl. It's not the BEST game in the cosmos ever, but it's very entertaining platforming/Fighting fun, even if you're doing it all alone. SSE, while it DID take awhile *Unless you're just really good at speed running things, which I'm NOT*, does unlock every character for you once you're done (That damn hedgehog IS a ***** to unlock...fastest thing alive my ass) and once you have unlocked it, you really only have as much skill as it took to get through the game...even less if you decided to just give up on SNK-boss Tabuu, who comes complete with teleportation, massive beam attacks, and of course, the instant-death move that you can only avoid by being really good or practically cheating. But now I'm ranting again...what I meant to say was that this game, for all its flaws, is STILL really good.
...So yeah...<.<; Though I find it just a tad ironic that Yahtzee is complaining about a Japanese-Only release...while at the same time wondering who Marth is...Marth, the character who didn't even exist outside Japan until he was found in Melee...who then went on to star in several American releases with reasonable success. Granted, it's not a great tragedy that he doesn't recognize Marth...
I'm also a little surprised nothing came up about online play...I'm not sure if that's because Australia doesn't provide Brawl services *an entirely reasonable assumption* or just because Yahtzee never bothered to try it out...either way, it would've been interesting to see what he'd have to say about it, especially since I haven't gotten to try it out yet.
By the way, here are a few ways to tell if you're "That Guy".
1. You have a main character that you prefer to play all the time in "serious play".
2. You call that character your "main", because saying "Main Character" is just far too many syllables.
3. You regularly win tournaments of this game...especially notable for Brawl since it just came out this year.
4. You earned a trophy for playing 20 hours of brawls...without trying.
5. You also earned the one for playing 100 hours of brawls...without cheating.
6. You completed the Subspace Emissary first, so that you could find out which character would be your "Main".
7. Or you did NOT do it first, because you wanted to unlock all the characters the "classic" way.
8. Your "Main" is not based on any video game you knew and loved as a child or adolescent, but solely on their attributes as a fighter. (Not only implying that you only care about him for his attributes, but that you're paying close enough attention to form a tier level in your mind).
9. You have lost sleep trying to play this game all alone.
10. None of your friends want your friend code...and they never want to go near your Wii when they're at your house...if they even visit.
11. Slightly elongated abdomin, with a leaf pattern, symbolizes the difference between the "Casual" Brawl fan, and a "That Guy".
12. You can think of at least 12 ways to tell that you're "That Guy".
13. Though to be fair, I'm only "That Guy" with my family, who doesn't get to play it that often...amongst my college clique, I barely register as a casual fan.
14. I think I should probably get some sleep now.
15. Goodnight.
16. Zzzzzz...
Edit: Having said all that I've said, I have to remind myself to also say: I LIKE Brawl. It's not the BEST game in the cosmos ever, but it's very entertaining platforming/Fighting fun, even if you're doing it all alone. SSE, while it DID take awhile *Unless you're just really good at speed running things, which I'm NOT*, does unlock every character for you once you're done (That damn hedgehog IS a ***** to unlock...fastest thing alive my ass) and once you have unlocked it, you really only have as much skill as it took to get through the game...even less if you decided to just give up on SNK-boss Tabuu, who comes complete with teleportation, massive beam attacks, and of course, the instant-death move that you can only avoid by being really good or practically cheating. But now I'm ranting again...what I meant to say was that this game, for all its flaws, is STILL really good.
All the unlock stuff actually makes me not want to buy the game. I mean, maybe the game is good, but I don't want only half a game when I paid for it all, and I know myself well enough that I have no real skill in this; even with practice.
When half a game is locked, it always pisses me off.
When half a game is locked, it always pisses me off.
Ok.. I can't agree more about over-hyping a game. It takes all the fun out of it before you can actually buy it, aspecially if it features characters you never heard of, and need to type their names in japanese on google to find it. We have GTA 4 coming up, and I can pretty much guess that's the next game on the review list... if it isn't Assasin's creed or something.
Really enjoy your work, though I doubt you read these
Really enjoy your work, though I doubt you read these
As opposed to what, the legions upon legions of game reviewers who take their payola and give everything created by a big studio a 9.5, thus perpetuating this idiotic cycle of games that are nothing more then elaborate tech demos?Garfgarog said:
No thanks sparky, I'd much rather stick with these reviews, however overly cynical they may be. See, I don?t agree because I'm some mindless zealot of Yahtzee, I agree because we need more critical voices in an industry that falls all over itself to be a part of the corporate circle jerk and praise games that are nothing more then bland eyecandy. This industry has been long headed towards stagnation and since games are my media poison of choice, I'd like to see the industry held to higher standards then most fanboys will allow for. Thus, I enjoy these very critical reviews.
I guess that makes me an "elitist". Oh well. At least I'm not a mindless fanboy.
Once again... A funny review... Although a little off-topic in parts....
What everyone should remember that this is SATIRE. Not just of the game in question, but of gaming culture in general. Not all fan-boys wear the t-shirts and cat-ears, but some obviously do and are the extreme example of "fanboyism".
Yahtzee over-emphasizes the bad points of games in order to amuse us... And if you're offended by it, you can choose to disagree by all means, but there is no real reason to slam the man for using an exaggerated representation of you to make a point. Did he refer to you exactly? No... He's just using an exaggerated character for comedic effect. If you fit that particular stereotype depicted then sorry, but that's still no reason to slam him or his supporters. Watch his other videos and I'm sure you'll find something you'll laugh at.
I mean... He's reviewed a few games that I've brought, but they didn't piss me off in the slightest... But rather I enjoyed seeing him rip them apart and exposing the little problems that i had been thinking were there too.
Sadly, I admit I'm not a fan of the SSB series... It randomness and fan-service aspects of the game put me off, but I'm willing to join in for a bit of Wii-mote flailing if the opportunity arises... In fact, my friend got the Japanese release a couple of days before release day in Japan (good having friends in the local game shop) And I've had a bit of fun with it in multiplayer, but i just couldn't play it for a long time... It got dull and repetitive fast...
Oh yes... And the point raised about being beaten by button bashers, It's true, isn't it?
How many people here have taken time to learn the system of a fighting game and then their friend has come over to play and button-bashed his way to a win on the first try? But after that, you cream them and wind up being "that guy"...
It certainly happened to me with DOA2 on the PS2...
What everyone should remember that this is SATIRE. Not just of the game in question, but of gaming culture in general. Not all fan-boys wear the t-shirts and cat-ears, but some obviously do and are the extreme example of "fanboyism".
Yahtzee over-emphasizes the bad points of games in order to amuse us... And if you're offended by it, you can choose to disagree by all means, but there is no real reason to slam the man for using an exaggerated representation of you to make a point. Did he refer to you exactly? No... He's just using an exaggerated character for comedic effect. If you fit that particular stereotype depicted then sorry, but that's still no reason to slam him or his supporters. Watch his other videos and I'm sure you'll find something you'll laugh at.
I mean... He's reviewed a few games that I've brought, but they didn't piss me off in the slightest... But rather I enjoyed seeing him rip them apart and exposing the little problems that i had been thinking were there too.
Sadly, I admit I'm not a fan of the SSB series... It randomness and fan-service aspects of the game put me off, but I'm willing to join in for a bit of Wii-mote flailing if the opportunity arises... In fact, my friend got the Japanese release a couple of days before release day in Japan (good having friends in the local game shop) And I've had a bit of fun with it in multiplayer, but i just couldn't play it for a long time... It got dull and repetitive fast...
Oh yes... And the point raised about being beaten by button bashers, It's true, isn't it?
How many people here have taken time to learn the system of a fighting game and then their friend has come over to play and button-bashed his way to a win on the first try? But after that, you cream them and wind up being "that guy"...
It certainly happened to me with DOA2 on the PS2...
I enjoyed SSBB, despite its horrible subspace emissary mode, and frustrating online play (I can never get into a match, and when I do it usually lags too much). I played the original when I was younger and never bought a gamecube so I never really played Melee (played it for a couple hours at a friend's place, but not enough to make an opinion). This one brought back some memories of the first SSB and made me feel all warm and fuzzy. The fighting is very balanced, easy to pick up, and there are many different options/modes/minigames to play around with. Yes the game is overhyped, but what isn't these days. It's fun and whoever thinks otherwise is taking it too seriously.
I agreed with all the reviews yahtzee gave so far, but this one really disappointed me. Not because he disliked it, but because he didn't really review it. It seemed more like a list of things he dislikes about the game, the company that made it, and the people who play it. In other words, pure fanboy baiting. At least in his Halo 3 review there was some review amidst the baiting.
I like it much better when it's a humorous review of the game, rather than a total bashing of the game with some humor. Unless the game is terrible, in which case I don't need a review and would rather just laugh at it. SSBB was overhyped but far from terrible. I don't think it deserved to be run into the ground as it was.
PS. I'm not a fanboy. I own a wii, xbox 360, playstation 2, and gaming PC. I don't let hype, console, nor previous games in a series effect my opinion on a game. I do, however, enjoy the occasional fanboy rant so long as it isn't too biased.
PPS. I have no freakin' clue who Marth is. I couldn't even guess his gender for the longest time.
I agreed with all the reviews yahtzee gave so far, but this one really disappointed me. Not because he disliked it, but because he didn't really review it. It seemed more like a list of things he dislikes about the game, the company that made it, and the people who play it. In other words, pure fanboy baiting. At least in his Halo 3 review there was some review amidst the baiting.
I like it much better when it's a humorous review of the game, rather than a total bashing of the game with some humor. Unless the game is terrible, in which case I don't need a review and would rather just laugh at it. SSBB was overhyped but far from terrible. I don't think it deserved to be run into the ground as it was.
PS. I'm not a fanboy. I own a wii, xbox 360, playstation 2, and gaming PC. I don't let hype, console, nor previous games in a series effect my opinion on a game. I do, however, enjoy the occasional fanboy rant so long as it isn't too biased.
PPS. I have no freakin' clue who Marth is. I couldn't even guess his gender for the longest time.
Absolutely marvelous review! Me and friend giggled muchly... especially at the ending with big heavy words fallin' onto the "miserable fanboy twat" in perfect synch with the dialogue.
Unlike for instance the epic failed MOH:Airborne review - which was little more than hatred for the US and also revealing a glaring gap in Yahtzee's otherwise sweet and vast general knowledge (flak towers Ben, flak towers... friggin' FLAK TOWERS!!!) - this review revealed several gargantuan issues which demonstrates why I will never really like fighting games because the options are to 1) mash buttons randomly and have a 25-75 chance of winning or 2) waste many several hours learning and become that guy/gal and still only get a 75-25% chance of winning while gaining the hatred of my friends; losing the "fun" aspect of the game; and gaining the frustration of occationally losing to someone randomly mashing buttons.
/S
Unlike for instance the epic failed MOH:Airborne review - which was little more than hatred for the US and also revealing a glaring gap in Yahtzee's otherwise sweet and vast general knowledge (flak towers Ben, flak towers... friggin' FLAK TOWERS!!!
) - this review revealed several gargantuan issues which demonstrates why I will never really like fighting games because the options are to 1) mash buttons randomly and have a 25-75 chance of winning or 2) waste many several hours learning and become that guy/gal and still only get a 75-25% chance of winning while gaining the hatred of my friends; losing the "fun" aspect of the game; and gaining the frustration of occationally losing to someone randomly mashing buttons./S
Does Yahtzee really have to tell us all about his hatred for the small majority of viewers who actually nag him to review games? We get it. You hate them. Most of us don't like them either. Just ignore them. Review what you want with a light attitude and you'll keep the gigantic audience you've now formed.
We don't want to hear about or be reminded at the tons of fanboys out there. We want to hear "an intelligent review with a hint of schitzophrenia."
Edit: At least I do anyway...
We don't want to hear about or be reminded at the tons of fanboys out there. We want to hear "an intelligent review with a hint of schitzophrenia."
Edit: At least I do anyway...
God damn this thread exploded, I can say whatever I want and it won't matter....
Tuning fork flapjaw space I need scissors 61!!!!
Yatzi is a sellawt and not funneh!
omg SSBB is awesum how cud joo yatzi?
hay guys why is he called yahtzee?
OMG YAHTZEE YOU ARE SO FUNNEH, YOU SOOO HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD, LIKE, SRRSLY!
btw, with the insane amount of comments on this, even though the first two users are banned, it's totally worth it, this is the one time saying "FIRST" is an accomplishment.
Tuning fork flapjaw space I need scissors 61!!!!
Yatzi is a sellawt and not funneh!
omg SSBB is awesum how cud joo yatzi?
hay guys why is he called yahtzee?
OMG YAHTZEE YOU ARE SO FUNNEH, YOU SOOO HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD, LIKE, SRRSLY!
btw, with the insane amount of comments on this, even though the first two users are banned, it's totally worth it, this is the one time saying "FIRST" is an accomplishment.
I suggest going to www.fullyramblomatic.com to see more about his hatred towards his fans and his inbox... it's not as "small" of a problem as you think.Phantomstrider8 said:
Yahtzee's pretty much right.
I mean, do you actually play Smash Bros for the coherent, logical gameplay? I think not. There's just something fantastically fun about walloping the shit out of... well, everything, while you have only a vague idea of the basic controls and moves. If a person doesn't enjoy that you can hardly argue that if only they'd loosen up the almost-random button mashing would become amusing.
I mean, do you actually play Smash Bros for the coherent, logical gameplay? I think not. There's just something fantastically fun about walloping the shit out of... well, everything, while you have only a vague idea of the basic controls and moves. If a person doesn't enjoy that you can hardly argue that if only they'd loosen up the almost-random button mashing would become amusing.