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Jan 19th, 2007 at 06:04:38 - Katamari Damacy (PS2) |
The moment I began playing this game I realized that it really did something for me, something that no other game ever had- it made me purely simply happy. as the daughter of a game developer, I have been exposed to games of every genre and style out there, I’ve been a hard core gamer, and I’ve been a purely casual gamer in my life, and that is how I know with no doubt in my soul that katamari Damacy is unique. I’ve played this game since the day it was realized in America, but to refresh my memory I have completed the game once more (in two one hour segments). In this game log I will attempt to deconstruct the components of the game which give it such unique appeal and charm.
Part one
First and foremost the visual element of the narrative storyline is extremely stimulating. In the style of post modern Japan-pop, the visuals though not the most high tech or innovative propel the player into emotional state fitting with the game play and basic storyline. Bright colors and cute things, all portrayed with an almost cheerful irony, come across as smart and not at all intimidating. The cuteness of the character design goes a long way into making this rather simple game a joy rather than a bore.
A second element of katamari's charm is the brilliant and innovative game play. Using the analogue sticks you control a tiny protagonist and his ball endeavoring to collect items into a, at first small, then gradually great, mass of everything and anything. Level goals are established by size and time requirements. There are no enemies or antagonists, merely hindrances or obstacles. As the tutorial says "but don’t worry too much about it. You wont die or anything." to me this sums it up. Katamari offers a great, pleasurable gaming experience without the stress and worry of virtual death or destruction.
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Jan 12th, 2007 at 04:02:14 - Taiko Drum Master (Arcade) |
You can only take so much drumming before your hands get tired. The game unfortunately only has a limited amount of song choices and after a good solid two hours of game play I know the words to about half of the available songs. On a happier point additional songs can be unlocked as one clears certain stages at certain difficulty levels. Additionally there was a myriad choice of mini games optional, which I did not explore, bent as I was on getting all the damn songs I possibly could before exhaustion overtook my bad self. The graphics didn’t wear thin luckily, though that could be attributed to the fact that the only thing the players eyes can focus on while playing is the tiny markings passing on the screen indicating a drum beat required. One other down-fall of this game (which I love despite its apparently short lifespan) is that it is a noisy game- there is no playing this at 2 in the morning without waking up the housemates, and maybe the people downstairs.
Despite my critique it is a lovely casual game, obviously intended for group use and enjoyment. Personally its one of those games I'll leave on when I host my next party. Translation: it rocks even when you’re wasted.
Note: platform= PS2
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Jan 12th, 2007 at 03:47:50 - Taiko Drum Master (Arcade) |
Taiko Drum Master is a game created for the casual game player. A fun and entertaining system which works in the same vein as DDR and Guitar Hero, Taiko Drum Master employees the use of rhythm, choice song content, and cute Japan pop graphics which manage to be so cute its painful, yet at the same time feels oh-so good. The casual nature of this game makes it fun to pick up and easy to put down... only to pick up again after about 10 minutes. The level of difficulty ranges in the simple to understand categories of "easy," "normal," and "hard," further stratified through a use of star ratings (5= difficult for the category, 1= for easy for the category)I think so far the most enjoyable factor of the game is its social aspects. Easy to understand, and engage with, the game encourages group use and through the employment of pleasing and humorous graphics and upbeat song/level choices, entertains the viewers.
Note: this is in actuality a PS2 game.
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GoodMorningPancake has been with GameLog for 17 years, 10 months, and 25 days |
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