This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
The Bitmob community tackles history, psychology, and consumerism in this edition of the Spotlight.
Brian Taylor considers the intersection of video games and history, beginning with the destruction of the Colossus of Rhodes in God of War. Michael Lenoch continues the theme (in a very vague sort of way) with a look at what makes a retro game retro.
Andrew Galbraith thought he had fallen out of love with the PlayStation 3, but the recent support and redesign has his heart all a-flutter for the console’s future. While Andrew considers what could be, Paul Jeremiah Hayes revisits Metal Gear Online — and finds an active, hardcore fanbase in Japan.
Tyrell Stewart examines the psychology in competitive Street Fighter matches, explaining that SF champ Daigo doesn’t just kick your virtual ass when he lays out a 75-hit combo.Finally, Toby Highfill wraps up the Spotlight with his plea for a revamped ESRB rating system that doesn’t put Grand Theft Auto 4 on the same level as Halo 3.
So That’s What Happened to the Colossus of Rhodes
By Brian Taylor
Video games tend to take liberties with history for the sake
of gameplay and ease of development. Like historians themselves, games tend to pick and choose which parts of history to keep and which to revamp. But what if God of War’s Kratos really did destroy the Colossus of Rhodes? Pondering ensues.
Trying to Understand What Makes a Game ‘Retro’
By Michael Lenoch
Michael take a look back at what he thinks defines a retro
game. Memorable characters, an immersive story, and an enthralling atmosphere
all contribute to that nostalgic feel.
His analysis covers the wave of faux-retro games as well, like the upcoming Mega
Man 10.
My PS3 Love Affair, Round Two
By Andrew Galbraith
Andrew quickly became disillusioned with the PS3 earlier in
2009 and sold his 40GB unit in order to purchase as DSi. Now the PS3 is back and slimmer, sexier, and better-supported than ever before. Will this new age of success
re-light Andrew’s fire?
Where Are My Comrades?! — My Thoughts on MGO
By Paul Jeremiah Hayes
Metal Gear Online didn’t win any awards for its sloppy and
crash-prone launch and equally frustrating update system, but Paul returned to
the game repeatedly since trying out the beta. The Western servers are fairly quiet these days, so Paul bought the Japanese version and found a hardcore group of game
rs playing with a totally different style
75-Hit Combo
By Tyrell Stewart
Fighting game competitions aren’t just about beating your opponent into the ground via skillful button pounding — it’s a psychological battle as well. . Tyrell takes a look at how long combos are a calculated
exploitation of weakness and hesitation in the knock-out world of Street
Fighter tournaments.
Rated M for Misunderstood
By Toby Highfill
One of the saddest sights I’ve seen is a mature
teenager desperately trying to explain the nature of a game to his parents, only
to have the “M” rating spat back at him with demoralizing venom. I have nothing
against the ratings system, but it is ridiculous how few people truly
understand the code, and the degrees of violence and maturity within each letter
rank. Toby laments his parents’ unwillingness to examine games on a case by case basis.