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"Epic" RPGs: too time-consuming for casual gamers?
A recent editorial at GamersInfo suggests that RPGs featuring vast, open-ended worlds are produced with only hardcore gamers in mind. The author argues that with RPGs such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, there are no mechanics in place to attract more casual gamers, and keep them interested for short periods of time. These types of RPGs are intended to provide dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of gameplay, but because they fail to offer "accessible distractions" within the first few hours of exposure, gamers with less time on their hands may quickly abandon the adventure -- and never return.What this person is looking for are more minigames that still allow you to progress through the main game, but can be digested in periods of a half-hour or less. To illustrate, the author points out the limited utility of horses in Oblivion and wonders why developer Bethesda couldn't have mixed in gameplay elements from other genres: "Why couldn't I collect and corral other horses (Pokemon)? Why couldn't I breed different horses together in order to cultivate desirable traits (Jade Cocoon)? Why couldn't I use my horse to plow a field outside of my house so I could grow my own Alchemical resources (Harvest Moon)? Why couldn't I cross breed my horse with another creature in the game (Monster Rancher)?"The author's self-admitted rant might be just that, but it raises an interesting point. Should the value of a role-playing game be measured in number of quests, map square miles, and other "super size" features? Or, should open-ended environments present immediately accessible minigames each time you load up your last save point?See also: Single player RPGs are alive and well "RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs
More mini-games on Bliss Island
The mini-game collections keep on coming to the PSP. The newest one to be announced today is Bliss Island, a port of a fairly popular PC arcade game. You'll be play Hoshi the Zwooph who has the unique ability to shoot out bursts of air. All the challenges featured in the game will revolve around the mastery of the ability. The game will feature 80 mini-games and also feature wi-fi multiplayer. A demo of the PC version of the game is available for free by visiting Funsta.[Via IGN]
Lovely puppies are no Nintendogs
It looks like Nintendogs is about to see some competition in the cutesy puppy gaming market this fall. However, the new title, A Lovely Puppy, seems more mini-game heavy, unlike the gotta-play approach that Nintendogs takes. All the same elements are there -- feeding, training, playing -- but these puppies want to make sure you can solve puzzles, too. Also, instead of photorealism, the Lovely Puppy game utilizes a soft, pastel 2D style reminiscent of another upcoming game, Love Love Hamster. A Lovely Puppy features 18 dog types out of the box, and you can even choose the type of coat. It's nice to see a different approach rather than a direct clone. Though we have very few details right now, we think this is one title that will eventually see a worldwide release. No one can resist the power of the puppy. Check out some other screens after the jump.
Information on Brain Age
DS-X2 has some additional information on the forthcoming Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. The upcoming title aims to energize your mind through various minigames and improving your overall "brain age." "When users start a new game, they will take a series of tests and get a score that shows how old their brains are. This number is called the "Brain Age." As they use the software over a series weeks and months, their mental acuity will improve and the Brain Age will drop, indicating a younger, healthier brain. Progress is charted in graph form." Also included is a list of some of the minigames included in Brain Age. Such tasks charged to the player are memorizing words, quickly counting people in a crowd, and reading classical literature aloud as fast as possible.
Mario Party coming to DS?
Mario Party might be on it's way to the Nintendo DS. Aussie-Nintendo writes: "In a recent interview with Hudson Soft, Shuichiro Nishiya expressed that he would like to develop Mario Party for the Nintendo DS. With its microphone and its two screens, Nintendo DS would be perfect to accommodate a game like Mario Party." The producer is said to be looking into the expansion on the DS and intends to make it happen. While not official, it's a safe bet we'll be seeing the party game grace the DS handheld soon based solely on the franchise's success.
