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Comparison shows significant edits to Gerstmann's Kane & Lynch review
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Comparison_shows_significant_edits_to_Gerstmann_s_Kane_Lynch_review'; The editor's note at the bottom of Jeff Gerstmann's controversial review of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men notes that "this review has been updated to include differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions and a clarification on the game's multiplayer mode." While this is true, a comparison between the original and edited versions of the review shows that the edits went significantly further than that.An archived version of the review found in a Google cache of an EBGames page shows that, while the review's overall determination remained the same, significant changes were made to its tone and focus. Nowhere is this more apparent than the very first paragraph, which was changed whole cloth to remove references calling the game "ugly" and the artificial intelligence "clunky." While the new introduction still says the game "squanders much of its potential and just doesn't come together as well as it probably should have," the new version is unquestionably less harsh than the original.Some edits to the text seem shoehorned in to point out potential positives for the game. Consider a post-edit addition that specifically notes the game "does a good job of moving the action around, and you'll see a variety of different environments ..." and another that suggests, "if you've been waiting patiently for a game to really dive into the whole 'crew-based heist tale' concept, you might be able to look past some of the story flaws."Then again, there are other additions that specifically point out negatives, such as one that says the multiplayer mode "doesn't translate into a great or long-lasting experience," and another that calls the disappointing multiplayer a "bummer." But there are further edits that circumstantially seem designed specifically to placate Eidos, such as one clause that points out "how well this same sort of stuff worked in the developer's previous squad-based game, Freedom Fighters," and another that asks readers to consider "the somewhat unique nature of its story."While the edits are interesting in and of themselves, it should be noted that they are not proof of any wrongdoing on either CNET or Eidos' parts. Many questions remain, such as whether or not Gerstmann himself was involved with the edits, whether Eidos specifically requested any of the edits, and whether or not CNET executives intervened in the editing process. Neither Gerstmann, nor CNET or Eidos representatives were immediately available to respond to requests for comment on this matter, but we will let you know if and when they do (A CNET spokesperson made an oblique reference to the edits in a previous public comment).A full accounting of the differences between the original review and the edited version appears after the break. Read it over and decide for yourself whether the changes were justified and suitably covered by the editor's note that appears at the end.
Three Hitman hits chopped up and stuffed in a box
Agent 47 is about to get all bundled up and enter the frigid climate of retail to make even more of a killing as his last three adventures get bundled into one compilation called Hitman Trilogy. The game will include Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts and Hitman: Blood Money. and will retail on PS2 and PC for the worthwhile price of $29.99, now if they'll allow the Blood Money control scheme to be used in the other two titles, that would be sweet. The game ships June 20 (today).A bonus disc comes in the box which has a "preview" of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, IO Interactive's latest title which features a mercenary and his lovable psychotic associate. IO Interactive is a company that really doesn't get the attention it deserves. The Hitman series has been a sleeper hit for the company and they were also the developers behind the excellent Freedom Fighters. As much as we like Agent 47, and wish all the best for Kane and Lynch, another chance at Freedom Fighters would be a nice surprise.
