tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post4708875825742216219..comments2024-03-28T13:24:46.023-07:00Comments on The GAME OVERTHINKER: EPISODE 70: "Fall of Duty"MovieBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00226832228090053258noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-83082851937197124572012-05-31T12:48:53.964-07:002012-05-31T12:48:53.964-07:00I'm not sure if this has been already stated i...I'm not sure if this has been already stated in here, but i'ts going to be interesting to see how the new Tom Clancy Rainbow six game due out in early 2013 will be recieved. Since it puts you against fellow countrymen as opposed to the generic islamic-russian-N Korean enemies that have been the goto enemies of this genre.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-60365472203923096702012-05-30T10:53:49.037-07:002012-05-30T10:53:49.037-07:00Ehhhh, I don't like your dismissing of the San...Ehhhh, I don't like your dismissing of the Sandinistas.<br /><br />They were a popular, democratic (and socialist) movement that overthrew the American-backed, hard-right, supercapitalist, corrupt Somoza dictatorship.<br /><br />The Contras were generally FOR that stuff, and were profoundly antidemocratic and elitist.<br /><br />Also, that democracy in Nicaragua Ollie was bitching about in that Fox News clip? It was the Sandinistas that began it and, considering their electoral hegemony within Nicaragua today, maintain it stridently.<br /><br />America, in the 70s, really exercised that Monroe Doctrine and decided to financially support a whole damn bunch of far right dictators. That's how Hugo Chavez can essentially say "death to the Yankee imperialists" and get a whole bunch of cheers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-75246520584696593632012-05-27T05:01:38.638-07:002012-05-27T05:01:38.638-07:00Also, though I love the breakdown of the stupid &q...Also, though I love the breakdown of the stupid "left vs right war movie" theory, I don't think you give games enough credit. Yes, they are less grown up than movies, but games certainly don't just paint a black and white world of good and bad. Comically villainous Russian stereotypes aside, COD puts you through all kinds of morally dubious situations; a CIA agent guns down civilians in an airport terror attack or a soldier slowly dies alone in a nuclear holocaust. Throughout the games, the "heroes" do totally deplorable things for the "greater good", and the finaly message isn't "it's always worth it!" it's "maybe it isn't". <br /><br />These games are far more mature than Contra or Metal Slug (other retro war games that aren't part of your nostalgia trip), presenting grey areas, or instrospective moments where you can reflect on your actions. FPSs still have a long way to go, but you'd be wrong if you thought new COD went straight for the John Wayne philosophy. Heck, if you compare COD1 to COD:BLOPS (And I mean actually play them), you'll see how much the industry has changed its portrayal of war, all within a decade.maninahathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11831274516104531283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-50306984937335205702012-05-27T04:02:54.039-07:002012-05-27T04:02:54.039-07:00I get the impression North was picked, not because...I get the impression North was picked, not because of his scandalous history, but because the guy is a best selling author and a familiar face on one of the most popular networks in the world - you know, the exact sort of person you'd want selling your books. The fact that he has such a wide audience suggests that there are a lot of people who don't know/care/dislike his previous history. That is what COD are banking on, and it will probably work in their favour, despite attracting criticism. <br /><br />The sad fact is that the public have a short memory, and are apathetic enough to remember a guy's novels more than his war crimes. But that isn't COD's fault and COD isn't encouraging that mentality, it is simply exploiting it as any sensible business would.maninahathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11831274516104531283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-74676806252926709762012-05-25T12:42:41.648-07:002012-05-25T12:42:41.648-07:00@Aiddon -
Thanks for the link. It's amazing...@Aiddon - <br /><br />Thanks for the link. It's amazing to read the defenders in the comments though (some of which used the same "defense" I did).<br /><br />Again, I'm not a fan of either the COD series or Ollie North personally. And I agree that there are plenty of other figures that are less controversial - and less criminal - to have chosen from.<br /><br />Covert operations, though, are criminal acts in a foreign nation MOST of the time, so it would be hard to find. That being said - the main point of it is NOT to get caught, and to do so in a way that preserves relationships - good and bad. THAT would be an interesting "Black ops" game to me.<br /><br /><br />An interesting counter to the Iran-Contra scandal is covered int he film "Charlie Wilson's War" and an upcoming film called "Argo" - both about real life, recently declassified covert operations. They make a strong point about doing their work in such a way that they don't get burn bridges and especially cause a war.<br /><br />Also, listen to the International Spy Museum podcast. CIA, NSA, and others who are interviewed there have done very interesting things - and have strong ethical codes. Most of them are against sensationalist Hollywood things like torture (which exist, but most of the CIA I've heard on the show really hate its use and disregard a lot of the information from them) and Commando teams.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09714266421105137865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-50919933622464390172012-05-25T11:17:45.535-07:002012-05-25T11:17:45.535-07:00Activision comments on North
http://www.escapistm...Activision comments on North<br /><br />http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117461-Activision-Defends-Oliver-North-in-Black-Ops-2<br /><br />I still call bullshit though. There's a lot more special ops people you could have provide consultation without resorting to a loony bin like this ass.ScrewAttackSamushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00062574888317631429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-50545950717072961662012-05-23T22:15:55.642-07:002012-05-23T22:15:55.642-07:00Thanks for this great post. very informative indee...Thanks for this great post. very informative indeed. this post helped me in some ways. i just want to say thank you for this informative post.jeffreyhttp://www.online-gambling.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-3623326109423610042012-05-22T08:00:16.809-07:002012-05-22T08:00:16.809-07:00Well, if we really were all professional criminals...Well, if we really were all professional criminals we'd have them outnumbered, am I right?<br /><br />... Oh dear, I don't mean to panic anyone, but it looks like the sexist warmongers have us slightly outnumbered... But I think you know what to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-84901388828819642952012-05-21T18:10:37.619-07:002012-05-21T18:10:37.619-07:00As evident in the lack of news this generated, mos...As evident in the lack of news this generated, most gamers likely do not know who Oliver North is beyond "present day war talk show host", which is not a position to be taken terribly seriously. And that's probably all Activision was looking for.<br /><br />I think the commercial's dumb, and the future-paranoia angle is old and shameful (contrary to popular belief, fear of technology is not new). I think selling weapons is sick, but I also know that both ends of the political spectrum do it. I don't believe that everyone who plays a military game is a sexist warmonger any more than I believe everyone who plays Grand Theft Auto is a professional criminal.<br /><br />For as despicable as selling weapons is, how does it compare to shooting and bombing the people yourself? There is no morally correct way to wage war. War is a moral compromise in the face of desperation. It's a disturbing eventuality that all "influential" nations must unfortunately prepare themselves for; because while it takes two to tango, it only takes one to massacre.<br /><br />The "mature" way to handle a threat of violence in our normal lives is to report the aggressor to a higher body, which will forcefully apprehend the aggressor if necessary and deal with them according to established procedures beyond either party's realm of authority or power. That option does not exist in conflicts between independent nations. The moment some asshole decides that the only way they can make their point is to start killing, you have little choice but to speak their language or roll over. It's not honorable, it's not conscionable, and it's not something at all worth celebrating. But it's the way the wretched world is, and sheltering ourselves from it is the reason we pay taxes.Hypershellhttp://hypershell.deviantart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-56344870031090955812012-05-20T14:30:04.813-07:002012-05-20T14:30:04.813-07:00surprised you haven't mentioned the rumored Me...surprised you haven't mentioned the rumored Metroid x Star Fox crossover:<br /><br />http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=177532<br /><br />I personally think it's bogus. Retro going back to Metroid sounds a bit too fanwanky plus it doesn't sound like enough of a crossover to truly work.ScrewAttackSamushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00062574888317631429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-81054804775184494402012-05-18T02:00:14.775-07:002012-05-18T02:00:14.775-07:00@Jannie:
"What does that MEAN."
There ...@Jannie:<br /><br />"What does that MEAN."<br /><br />There can't be a precise definition of creation or innovation because if there was adhering to that definition would be neither creative nor innovative. You're basically asking a more specific form of "what is makes art good?", applied only to videogames.Zenonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-55969077611072565562012-05-18T01:54:27.447-07:002012-05-18T01:54:27.447-07:00@Deadpool:
"See, ultimately, movies are a st...@Deadpool:<br /><br />"See, ultimately, movies are a story telling medium."<br /><br />Not to us fans of pure cinema.Zenonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-66520973334691218302012-05-17T17:27:03.727-07:002012-05-17T17:27:03.727-07:00also this:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/v...also this:<br /><br />http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117304-EA-and-Activision-Settle-Infinity-Ward-Dispute<br /><br />So, the EA-Activision thing is settled, but it looks like the Zampella/Ward-Acti thing is still going on. The whole idea of Kotick demanding someone to illegally find dirt on Zampella and Ward is something straight out of the Rupert Murdoch scandal going on right now. Or something out of a crappy comedy.ScrewAttackSamushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00062574888317631429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-36177246817858204312012-05-17T16:45:40.241-07:002012-05-17T16:45:40.241-07:00I like how Bob still thinks he can be taken seriou...I like how Bob still thinks he can be taken seriously when he's still forcing in these storyline things that literally no one wants. You'd think he'd be devoting more episode time to defending Nintendo's business fuck ups as of late, and instead he's trying to start a video game version of the OJ controversy. I mean be honest, we all expect the former more so then the latter, right? I mean I expect the latter too, but not more then I'd expect him to suck Nintendo cock for the quinbillionth time. Is it possible the fetish for shitting on everything not Nintendo is starting to over ride the fetish FOR Nintendo?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-48397886817426131292012-05-17T08:59:33.238-07:002012-05-17T08:59:33.238-07:00Anon:
"Brainwashed....? Really...? By your l...Anon:<br /><br />"Brainwashed....? Really...? By your logic...EVERYTHING that we see on TV is brainwashing us! That Big Mac you were craving after work, its the evil fastfood industry calling you into its cult. Picking Tide over Bizz? Probably brainwashing."<br /><br />Um...yes? Yes it is?<br /><br />That's what aggressive campaigning is, in essence, some are just better than others. If McDonnald's wasn't trying to push their food on little kids why have a cartoon clown as their mascot? <br /><br />(or a mascot AT ALL for that matter? they make burgers why in God's name would they need or want a mascot if not to market towards children? What other possible use could it be? And mind this isn't something quasi-ironic or meta to appeal to hipsters like The King...)<br /><br />In fact studies have shown that simple repetition of a phrase can effectively "mesmerize" people into buying products. They've been doing that since the 1950s. Some of the earliest commercials were little more than HEAD ON--APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE HEAD! HEAD ON-APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE HEAD! only in black and white and somehow even MORE aggressive.<br /><br />Were you not aware of this? I'm not saying that, in any way, to sound like a smart ass or be insulting Anon I'm seriously asking if you never noticed it before? Though I can imagine that if someone isn't aware of how aggressive ad campaigns can be they may not consider them odd, but I still figured people would notice them nonetheless.Janniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07704476259803360210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-52641430851394388262012-05-17T08:50:08.578-07:002012-05-17T08:50:08.578-07:00Hey, Aiddon, I repeat assuming you missed it: you ...Hey, Aiddon, I repeat assuming you missed it: you said the story in MW2 is "insultingly stupid" so can you actually articulate in what way? What is a major plot hole, for example?Janniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07704476259803360210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-52247230743930231492012-05-16T20:08:49.830-07:002012-05-16T20:08:49.830-07:00speaking of Acti's crazy business habits, here...speaking of Acti's crazy business habits, here's the latest new from the EA-Acti legal debacle:<br /><br />http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/#comments<br /><br />It's official, Kotick is FUCKING CRAZYScrewAttackSamushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00062574888317631429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-88301875898416598492012-05-16T14:56:33.566-07:002012-05-16T14:56:33.566-07:00It is funny that the "mature" viewpoint ...It is funny that the "mature" viewpoint is also your viewpoint.Navarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00942974408294734808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-36316964075253918362012-05-16T14:21:34.167-07:002012-05-16T14:21:34.167-07:00Y'know, I think this speaks much less to what ...Y'know, I think this speaks much less to what entertainment Rush's "Dittoheads" have been moving to since Hollywood's run by "Godless Liberals" and more that the right-wing fake culture war trying to stem the tide of modernity brought on by the insecurity angry white shoulda-been-alpha males has been so overinflated that it's hard to imagine it all not coming to a head soon.Dustin Crumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02153874450329071105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-88345385125611669872012-05-16T12:25:31.667-07:002012-05-16T12:25:31.667-07:00I'm starting to think Activision secretly has ...I'm starting to think Activision secretly has a sense of humor, and is just trolling the audience who they know isn't going to buy the game in the first place, to be honest. In which case, props to them.<br /><br />These comments are food for thought, well, most of them are, anyway, but I have one nitpick from one of the comments above.<br /><br />Call of Duty may not be innovative that the developers don't want to incorporate a gimmick like a walljump code, or replacing their texture pallets with single color images, but the game is not creatively devoid. Even with Activion breathing down their neck, constantly threatening to cut their budget if they don't cut some features and add some as well to appeal to a wider audience, the game isn't creatively devoid. <br /><br />The maps are actually well thought out in the older Modern Warfare games, and, fuck, dude, just no, I won't pretend to be mature here. They're developers. I don't care how little you like the game, or the studio for the matter, they're not the bad guys. The point I'm trying to make, is even with Activision as their publisher, the developers do an excellent job creatively on Call of Duty, you just don't notice it because it's subtle. That's coming from someone who would rather play a 12 hour Tetris marathon versus a 10 minute MW3 marathon. <br /><br />Also, there is plenty of vitriol outside of CoD. Trust me. I just got out of a game of LoL where, I have allchat disabled, but my friend was reading it off. It makes Xbox Live look like a mature environment. Now if you want a mature community, play BF3 for the PC.Twinmillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09186787243023205024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-56992196443444819122012-05-16T01:11:32.120-07:002012-05-16T01:11:32.120-07:00I had initially been hesitant to wade into the dis...I had initially been hesitant to wade into the discussion here, especially since I am not a regular viewer of the show; however, reading the comments has prompted me to add my opinion into the mix.<br /><br />I do think the choice of Oliver North as a spokesperson for Black Ops 2 was a poor choice. I don't, however, think it was a malicious choice. I say that to mean, I don't think he was chosen specifically for controversy's sake. I think he is representative of a "black ops" aspect to military action which, combined with his media presence, makes him an ideal candidate to appear in an ad campaign for a game like Black Ops 2. I would imagine his history regarding the Iran-Contra Affair was brought up during a meeting at some point, but it would be good to remember that 18-30 year old males is really the target demographic Activision is aiming for. That means, at the high end, most of their target demo were children when the Iran-Contra Affair took place. I would imagine Activision felt the likely ignorance of their target demo was worth a few lost sales from older gamers and (attentive/politically active) parents buying games for their children.<br /><br />Regarding the maturity of games versus movies, I have to disagree with you, Bob. I don't think there is such a great difference between the "maturity" of the gaming industry and the movie industry. I think there is a fallacy between even attempting to compare the two. This may sound odd, but movies are always constrained by the necessity of a coherent narrative. Games do not have to present a fully-realized narrative. The interactivity of gameplay means a deep, thoughtful narrative is not a requirement for a good game. An excellent story can make a good game into a great game, but excellent story alone does not make a good game. The CoD games make a good example. I would argue that (most of) the Call of Duty games are good games. They could have been great with more attention to presenting a fleshed out single-player campaign involving complex characters and motives. The fundamentals of the gameplay make them good games. I would equate the campaign of the modern CoD games to the plot of the movie <i>300</i>. It's entertaining as hell so long as you don't think that's what actually happens.Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-85429967603862267162012-05-15T21:10:25.983-07:002012-05-15T21:10:25.983-07:00I'm glad someone else mentioned Metal Gear. Th...I'm glad someone else mentioned Metal Gear. The Overthinker once made a point of the series having an actual grasp that war isn't a pleasant endeavor (We'll see if that survives Lightning Bolt Action, brr). <br /><br />How much does capitalism have to do with this? There's a market for dumb, some one's gonna sell it to them. I mean: there are plenty of fiscally minded, small government, pro-rights people scratching heads over how the religious repression folks married the republicans just as much as the Overthinker is scratching his head on worst person shooters. Perhaps the problem is that humanity really does have this as a portion of it and that portion has resources to allot. How does one ensure people volunteer to take their stupidity elsewhere when stupidity leads to irrationality?Foolish Foolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01287942013964439688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-3866710583910973652012-05-15T20:28:40.193-07:002012-05-15T20:28:40.193-07:00Jesus would everyone just shut the fuck up about h...Jesus would everyone just shut the fuck up about how "COD is doing this that or whatever to the industry"?! I have had enough of all of it!<br /><br />COD is a game. It might appeal to you, it might not. Me? It doesn't appeal to me at all...and that's okay, because I know others find worth in it. They have fun with it like any other game. It doesn't make them gamers or non-gamers or what the fuck ever. <br /><br />Why do we have to bicker and thrust our chests out screaming; "my form of gaming is more correct than yours!!!" Yeah I am talking to you Jannie. I, once again, do NOT have a problem with COD at all. I am happy you find joy in it. <br /><br />I am NOT happy with how you insist that there is something inherently wrong with any people who like games that are bright or colorful. Brainwashed....? Really...? By your logic...EVERYTHING that we see on TV is brainwashing us! That Big Mac you were craving after work, its the evil fastfood industry calling you into its cult. Picking Tide over Bizz? Probably brainwashing. <br /><br />My point? We are all gamers who have different tastes. If you grew up with a nintendo, you more than likely like Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. If you had a Sega system, you are probably a Sonic fan. If you grew up with a PC playing Ultima you are probably picking up your copy of Diablo III right now. If you played Doom you probibly like....wait for it....Call of Duty. Its not so confusing, it doesn't have to be more than it is. There is NOTHING wrong with anyone who goes down ANY of these paths. <br /><br />Anyone who still wants to argue that one person's gaming is wrong over theirs, needs to get the fuck over themselves. Enjoy the games you like...and for the love of God....don't call someone; "NOT A GAMOR!!!!11one" because they don't agree with you.<br /><br />By the way, that last part was for all of you....yes including Bob.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-75495168991279779922012-05-15T17:32:37.370-07:002012-05-15T17:32:37.370-07:00Also I'd still like to know what "new and...Also I'd still like to know what "new and innovative ideas" means here because I've yet to see anyone actually articulate that either.<br /><br />And "make it like it was" is neither new nor innovative, nor is pointing towards some indie game and saying "do that more" because then it's not new and innovative, now is it?Janniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07704476259803360210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031707140462457270.post-63832177915450068892012-05-15T17:30:51.354-07:002012-05-15T17:30:51.354-07:00Ok Aiddon, I'll bite:
WHAT parts of the story...Ok Aiddon, I'll bite:<br /><br />WHAT parts of the story are insultingly stupid. Like, describe the flaws in the story. And keep in mind that if it has a logical answer it's not, by definition, stupid. I hear that all the time from you but you refuse to articulate a damn thing so feel free to make this your soapbox on my dime. WHAT is stupid in the story and how can it never be explained by simple logic or other parts of the story?Janniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07704476259803360210noreply@blogger.com