July 25th 2024.
There has been a lot of talk about the recent release of Marvel Rivals, yet another hero shooter game. The Thursday letters page has been buzzing with discussions about the use of AI in games, and one reader even suggested ideas for expanding the cast of characters in Metroid. If you have any thoughts on these topics, feel free to join in on the discussions by emailing us at [insert email address].
It seems that there has been a growing trend of hero shooter games flooding the market, with mixed reviews and reception. While some games, like Concord, have been well received, others, like Marvel Rivals, have not been as successful. Some believe that the issue lies not with the number of live service games, but rather with the abundance of hero shooters. The formula for these games is often simple and easily replicated, with the added temptation of paid-for cosmetics. Without any fresh ideas or unique gameplay, these games are bound to fall flat. Take Concord, for example. While it was well-made and had clever characters, it was essentially just a copy of Overwatch set in an alternate world. This lack of originality takes away from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.
Cloning popular games is nothing new, but when it's as obvious as it is in Marvel Rivals, it's difficult to fully engage with the game. It's just one of many in a sea of similar games, each with their own set of characters. However, with each new game that follows the same formula, the impact and excitement diminishes. It's a never-ending cycle that ultimately leads to a lackluster gaming experience.
Moving on to Marvel Rivals specifically, I have also played the beta and can agree with GC's review that it is a blatant copy of Overwatch. The screen is cluttered with too many elements, making it difficult to keep track of everything that's going on. While this could be a result of the game not holding my attention, it also speaks to the saturation of the market with these types of games. As a free-to-play game, it's not surprising that it was developed by a publisher known for mostly mobile games. It just has that same feel to it, and I wouldn't be surprised if the final game is filled with expensive cosmetics and battle passes that entice young players to spend money.
It's not that Marvel Rivals is a terrible game, it's just that it lacks originality and feels like a cheap imitation of Overwatch. I haven't played Concord, so I can't compare the two, but at least it seems to have its own identity as a video game. Marvel Rivals, on the other hand, feels like a tie-in game that solely relies on the popularity of its source material.
On a different note, I'm sure many of us have heard about Sarah Connor's warning of the dangers of AI. It's surprising that there aren't any laws protecting people and their jobs from being replaced by artificial intelligence. With so many rules and regulations in place for other aspects of the working world, it's concerning that companies can get away with not only copying someone's work but also laying them off and replacing them with a machine that will continue to replicate their work without any original ideas. This constant search for infinite growth may be the driving force behind it all, but it's ultimately harmful and pointless. The purpose of AI was to take on mundane tasks, not creative ones. What will happen when there are no more artists left to copy from?
Now, let's shift our focus to something more positive - video games! A reader recently asked for recommendations on which FromSoftware game is the best one to start with. While some say Elden Ring is the easiest, the sheer size and length of the game can be intimidating for a newcomer. So, excluding Elden Ring, what would be the best game for a newbie to play? Personally, I would suggest either Bloodborne or Dark Souls 3, with Elden Ring being a close second. Just keep in mind that easy on this scale is still very challenging.
In other news, there is now a demo available for Rise Of The Rōnin on the PlayStation Store. It may be a bit late, but I highly recommend giving it a try. Despite some minor flaws, the combat is fantastic, and the story is engaging and historically accurate. While it may not have been a big seller, it's still worth giving the demo a chance, especially since the full game can likely be found at a discounted price.
Lastly, let's talk about Metroid. As the only major Nintendo game with a female protagonist, it's a shame that Samus hardly ever speaks, while the male characters are often portrayed as unlikable. The upcoming release of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom got me thinking about ways to expand the characters in Metroid. Perhaps it's time for Samus to have more of a voice and for male characters to be more likable and diverse. After all, diversity and representation are important in the gaming world. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us by emailing [insert email address].
There has been a lot of talk in the gaming community about the latest hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, which seems to be just another copy of the popular game Overwatch. Many gamers are expressing frustration with the oversaturation of hero shooters, with some even calling for laws against using artificial intelligence to create these types of games. On the other hand, there are also discussions about how to expand the cast of characters in the beloved game series Metroid.
Some players are starting to notice that the problem may not be the number of live service games, but rather the abundance of hero shooters. The formula for these games is fairly simple, making it easy for developers to create similar games. And with the success of Overwatch, it's no surprise that other companies are jumping on the bandwagon. However, without any new and innovative ideas, these games are starting to feel like empty copies. One reader, Gant, shares their experience with playing the beta for Concord, a hero shooter that closely resembles Overwatch. While the game was well-made and had clever characters, it lacked originality and Gant found it hard to fully engage with it.
This is not a new issue in the gaming world, as there have been clones of popular games for decades. However, when it's as obvious as this, it takes away from the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Gant believes that with each new hero shooter that is released, the excitement and appeal will continue to decrease.
Another player, Kodak, shares their disappointment with the Marvel Rivals beta. They agree with the review that the game is simply a copy of Overwatch, and that it lacks substance and originality. Kodak also points out that the game is developed by a publisher known for mobile games, which may explain its lack of depth and reliance on in-game purchases.
Moving on to other discussions, a reader named Cranston brings up the topic of laws protecting people and their jobs from AI. They believe that it's concerning how companies can use AI to copy and replace the work of real people, without any consequences. They also question the need for such actions in the pursuit of infinite growth. As a society, we should be using AI to take on mundane tasks, not creative ones.
Shifting gears to a different game, Eaglescott reaches out to the community for suggestions on which FromSoftware game to start with. They are hesitant to commit to a game like Elden Ring, with its massive size and length. GC recommends either Bloodborne or Dark Souls 3, with Elden Ring being considered the easiest of the bunch.
In more positive news, Feverdr shares that there is now a demo for Rise Of The Rōnin available on the PlayStation Store. They highly recommend giving it a try, as the combat is fantastic and the story is engaging. While it may not have been a big seller, it's definitely worth checking out.
Lastly, one reader brings up the upcoming game Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom and wonders how the characters in Metroid can be expanded upon. They note that the protagonist, Samus, rarely speaks and all of the male characters are unlikable. This brings up the question of how to create more depth and likability for the characters in this beloved game series.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
