TimBot9000's GameLogBlogging the experience of gameplayhttps://www.gamelog.cl/gamers/GamerPage.php?idgamer=686Katamari Damacy (PS2) - Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:34:38https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=3088Gameplay The game essentially does not punish you for doing something wrong but simple requires you to try again. This makes moving through the game feel like a much less arduous task instead of throwing out very complicated and difficult challenges that require the gamer to play through it multiple times. The characters of this game are some of the quirkiest I’ve seen in a video game. The oddly shaped heads combined with the King of the Cosmos’s personality and speeches create a really unique setting. When these aspects are combined with the light-hearted music it really gives the player a desire to complete this odd quest. Design When thinking of design in this game I think of the time when I encountered a glitch and began to fall below the game world when the King of the Cosmos plopped me back at the level’s starting point. Typically that situation would result in having to restart the PS2 but the game makers managed to incorporate that glitch to work with the game. The game mechanic of gradually picking up larger and larger objects is also one of the most interesting traits I’ve seen in a game. The katamari is required to reach a certain size before it can pick up particular items making the choice of what items to pick one that requires quick thinking and judgment.Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:34:38 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=3088&iddiary=5784Katamari Damacy (PS2) - Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:11:07https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=3088Summary Katamari Damacy’s story is a rather strange one. The intro can be a little confusing for a first time player but really helps set up the attitude of the game. The player is placed in the position of the Prince of the Cosmos. Your duty is to create “stars” by rolling up objects because your father, King of the Cosmos, destroyed all of the stars in the sky. Gameplay The controls for the game may not be immediately intuitive but do become easier to get the hang of. They do provide a high feeling of control of the katamari much in the way some Wii controls are. This aspect allows beginners to really be pulled in and enjoy the game. The gameworld atmosphere is very comical and seems to be inspired by some tripping experiences. This light-hearted and carefree attitude really causes the game to not take itself too seriously and allow the player to just enjoy it for its simple nature.Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:11:07 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=3088&iddiary=5767Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:27:59https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2818Gameplay Story progression occurs when the character accepts missions for the various NPCs within the game. These missions are typically associated with the main story, however there are a few instances of minor story arcs also within the game that can add to the overall storyline. The game also incorporates a new feature where the main character's physical traits such as body type, hairstyle, clothing, etc. can be altered in game. It provides for a more visual approach to character stats such as strength and speed. If you keep CJ fit throughout the game you’ll have far less trouble with missions where you’re on foot. Design The controls for this game are quite simple and straightforward which allows the game to be easily accessible. As the game continues the control can even become easier. CJ is capable of gaining experience with various weapons and vehicles so that when he uses them he is far more efficient. He can aim better or even handle a car smoother at higher speeds. Numerous unlockables are available throughout the game, some of which can be purchased without having to complete any difficult task. However interesting these unlockable may be none ever feel too complicated or necessary for completion of the game which really allows the player to feel more in control of CJ and his world.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:27:59 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2818&iddiary=5320Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) - Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:18:57https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2818Summary In GTA: San Andreas the player assumes the role of Carl "CJ" Johnson fresh home after his mother's death. CJ plans to reorganize his old gang, the Grove Street Families, and uncover the truth about his mother's murder. Gameplay The GTA series has come to be known for its highly interactive environments and San Andreas is no different. The free range of movement and camera angles creates a sense of realism for an unusual setting. Committing acts of debauchery has never felt so right as when controlling CJ and seeking revenge on the people who have wronged your family. Soon after starting the game I have already found myself gleefully exploring the city of Los Santos while trying to avoid being arrested or dying in the all too common car chase with the local authorities. While it might not be all too realistic it makes for a far more interesting experience to have this sort of gameplay within the game.Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:18:57 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2818&iddiary=5311Final Fantasy XII (PS2) - Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:49:55https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2215Gameplay Game only becomes more immersive with continued play. The story progression has the ability to pull the player in and hook them there until they reveal more of the story. It's also somewhat exhausting as you have to travel great distances on foot. The work is overall very rewarding as more experience with the game just leads to more enjoyable playing. The game also has a tendency to build on it self and feel continually more expansive. Design An RPG world that feels vaguely like an MMORPG world. It is an extremely large game world that seems to spring up left and right with side quests and extra missions. The battle system is one of the best I've ever seen. Characters interact with enemies in real time and within the current environment. The license board brings in an element that resembles job class and tech tree systems. Each character can be emphasized to be stronger in some areas such as magic or techniques. They can even specialize in different weapons and equipment in order to compliment their strengths. A very detailed and customizable game experience.Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:49:55 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2215&iddiary=4237Final Fantasy XII (PS2) - Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:35:50https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2215Summary Final Fantasy XII is an RPG with politically driven plot. The main objective is to overthrow the government of Archadia and reinstate the former monarchy. The game progresses as a typical RPG: as characters complete key events, solve puzzles, and defeat bosses. Gameplay This is a very immersive game. It is a very detailed and interactive world. The story is intriguing and complex. There are only six characters but they each have equally developed back stories. The game world stetting and history is also very detailed. As the story progresses you learn more about the world and the political figures in it. It really locks you in the mindset that you are actively involved in what happens in the story.Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:35:50 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=2215&iddiary=4229Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) - Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:01:25https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1879Gameplay The game is very linear with virtually no side quests. Because of this I find myself pulled more to identify the character and his objective. It creates of a feeling of unison that is often lost with just pretty graphics and big guns. I find myself wanting to be immersed in the situation that the character is in. The story unfolds in a character dependent sort of way. Each completed objective doesn't necessarily lead to new items, abilities, or even plot points, it simply brings the character closer to achieving his goal. In a way, the gameplay even reflects the character's attitude: his only achievement or goal is bringing this woman back to life. Design The design of the game seems pretty straightforward and simple which allows the player to jump right in to main character. There isn't a lot of confusing plot intermingled with difficult or complicated controls. There are just a series of basic controls that let you interact rather complexly with your in-game environment. Simple attention to detail such as the controls for the horse make it so that you control a character controlling a horse instead of controlling a horse that your character is on. The horse even acts on its own as a normal horse might. If let run straight it will turn to avoid a hill or cliff. It's these subtle characteristics that don't treat the player like an idiot and allow them to submerge themselves even deeper into the game. The details of the game environment is almost inspiring for a PS2 game. It contains very simple yet accurate backgrounds that pull the player into this world. At the same time the world is magical yet realistic.Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:01:25 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1879&iddiary=3681Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) - Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:38:31https://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1879Summary In Shadow of the Colossus the player controls a lone hero determined to restore the life of the woman he loves. The player must defeat a series of giants or colossi in order to revive her. These colossi are defeated by climbing onto them and then stabbing various vital areas all the while trying not to be thrown off. Gameplay This is easily one of the most reflective games I have ever played. It contains a purely emotional plot that does not have a definite back story and seems to pick up somewhere in the middle of a much larger story. The game doesn't explicitly state the connection between the hero and the girl but it is shown that he cares about her so much that he would risk everything for her. The controls for this game really help pull you into it. They make you feel involved for each step of the process in taking down these colossi. You're only given a sword and bow in order to take them down and the rest is left to you to figure out. You feel the actual struggle in this game.Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:38:31 CDThttps://www.gamelog.cl/logs/LogPage.php?Log_Id=1879&iddiary=3675