200°

Blind Hype is A Major Issue in the Games Industry, and It Starts With the Press

OnlySP: A major issue I’ve seen over the past few years with the gaming industry is blind hype. What do you mean by blind hype, you ask? Well, read on and I’ll explain.

LOL_WUT3183d ago

Even Watchdogs had a better variety in missions than MGSV I still can't believe I paid full price for this. What a huge letdown story wise. ;)

Grap3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

Can't believe i was tricked to buy this game. the content is not worth 60$. F*ing hate these KOJIMA-fanboys in the press who worship him like sheep.

Gatsu3183d ago

Lol, how much content does a game need to justify a 60$ price?

ShinMaster3183d ago

It's still worth full price.
So many more gameplay options than a lot of games out right now.
Gameplay is better than ever.

I think some people are getting hung up on the negatives that they neglect all the good things the game does.

Mariusmssj3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

I am really impressed with the gameplay so far, 40 hours in and still have lots of fun BUT it is a very repetitive game. Side ops are almost all the same :(
Main missions are more varied but not as much as I was expecting from it.
Overall I am really enjoying the game but am slightingly disappointed with variety of missions and story.

Dynasty20213183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

And we're equally annoyed at your blabberings about Uncharted (Tomb Raider) and Halo.

If you cant appreciate the works of arguably universally acclaimed Kojima, then discussing it with you is a complete waste of time.

I bet you think Spielberg and Scott make rubbish movies.

And if you're annoyed at games being repetitive, limited and uninspired with no inginuity and too much hand-holding, you only have yourself and your rubbish console to blame.

If consoles were better, we'd have bigger, better games that looked better, ran better and had more mechanics, giving developers more freedom to make, I dunno, SOMETHING NEW, because the hardware can handle it.

Instead we have these dated 2009 dusty hardware boxes.

nix3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

I got this gave just to support Kojima. I haven't crossed even the hospital scene. I don't think I'll ever finish this. I didn't get Assassin Creed series because of the monotonous missions. I don't think I'll bother to finish the game.

That said, i enjoyed MGSIV but this game I'm just not feeling it. Hell, i haven't even bothered to play the MGS preview game that i got it free on PS+.

As for the overhyped games, yes journalists do give games higher scores. I'd like to bring out GTAIV. I think that game was boring. I got to 30% and have up. After that I've stopped taken those reviews seriously.

Nowadays if the game looks interesting and feels promising, i just buy it in spite of what the review scores are. Eg. Driveclub. The Order. I think gamers themselves are the best judge of what games are going to rip you or make you enjoy.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3183d ago
-Ikon-3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

Blind hype? are they not aware of the past 4 MGS games and its scores and love from fans?? rofl.. MGS V has the best gameplay by far this gen.. GAmeplay > everything else..

Blind hype is games like watchdogs with zero proven record, not the most consistently high scoring IP EVER

it really all depends what your looking for in a game.. I'll take sublime 60fps gameplay and rock solid mechanics over most AAA trash anyday

zidane13413183d ago

You guys are funny. I spent over a 100 hours and I'm only 50 percent. Watch dogs does not have near the content. And online isn't even out. And if people actually paid attention, the story is very indepth, like always. But no, it's cool to act entitled, or naive. Yes there could have been some more mission types, but seriously, people are so spoiled these days.I still haven't seen close to everything this game has.

Bigpappy3183d ago

The fact is Journalist get nothing from gamers and prefer to put themselves in a position to get that big interview or that free copy, maybe even a little green... if you know what I mean /speculation.

I personally stopped playing attention to reviews as a deciding factor in my purchase long ago. I look at as much gameplay and description of gameplay as much as I can, then hope for a demo. Usually a good demo gets me to buy.

I find that I don't buy a lot of high profiled games that are hyped. I usually am sure to buy games like Elder Scrolls because I know the developer and they remain the same team, for the most part, over the years. Mass Effect was there also, but without the leadership of the Doctors, I am a bit cautious.

WitWolfy3183d ago

Even huge Youtube names like AngryJoe sold out and said this game rocks... But slammed Watch Dogs back in the day for being too repetitive...

I agree with the article a 100%!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3183d ago
ThatEnglishDude3183d ago

Hype isn't the issue here. It's simply an unfinished mess with absolutely piss poor mission structure with a mostly absent story devoid of humor or personality.

Wingsfan243183d ago

MGS V is just an example in this particular editorial. There's plenty of other games where this issue comes into play as well.

zidane13413183d ago

The story is more indepth then most metal gears. The tapes alone are hours and hours. If you choose to ignore most of it, that's on the player. Not the game.

WitWolfy3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

Please tell me your joking... The only reason Peace walker had tapes was because it was a PSP game.. Adding in the tapes in TPP is just plain unforgivable then on top of that padding it too death with repetitive missions!

Sure if it was one of two collectables where you hear them interogating Paz or Chico it would've been fine.. But to bombard more than 79 tapes down our throats and say "there, thats the story!" is lazy and frustratingly forced!!

-Foxtrot3183d ago

I think journalists are to blame aswell, they are the ones who should be doing their research and telling us whether or not a game has a problem or not, if it's worth our hard earned money.

They get so many exclusive walkthroughs with it, interviews with the developers, first footage, behind the scene hands on and even the first people to play the game at special gaming events like E3

So with all that in mind you also have the fact that when the game comes out and they are reviewing it they will be able to pin point any flaws the game in question has, based on their experience they had in the past or when they are playing it in the present.

However they don't tell us most of the time, especially when it's a well respect franchise or depending what developer/publisher are involved.

If we take MGSV as an example then developers should have noted it's repetitive side ops, main missions which were glorified side op missions, Big Boss being devolved as a character, the waste of talents Sutherland was apparently being brought in for, the fact the story goes nowhere (a big focus for the series) and the missing/cut content. So why was that not talked about hardly, why did they still give it 9/10 or 10/10 saying it's better or on par with past MGS titles when it's obviously taken a step back in "MOST" areas.

Are they scared? Do they not want to risk loosing connections? Or what about free shit they get like press kits and other goodies?

This is why we should start to expect better from journalists. I mean they don't have a problem nit picking new IPs to death if they can so they can do it if they want to, so why not all titles regardless what they are or who is involved.

Crimzon3183d ago

I don't think that journalists are the problem. Just look at N4G comment sections for any article, preview or review that criticizes a game, and god help them if they dare to criticize a game that's exclusive to a particular console. No, the big issue here is the toxic and immature audience of fanboy gamers who scream like children any time something is criticized. Just look at all the backlash GameSpot has received for doing more level-headed and honest reviews for example, or any other reviewer that dares to give any game less than a 9/10.

It's clear that these reviewers aren't scared of upsetting publishers of developers at all, they just don't want to deal with all the whiny retards that have meltdowns when their precious games turn out to be bad. That's why the industry is the way it is today, it's because gamers are dumb. They cry when games get bad reviews, they blindly preorder like idiots and just can't help themselves when it comes to scummy DLC practices.

This isn't a criticism at you by the way, Foxtrot, because you tend to be a level-headed guy (I feel your pain with Uncharted criticisms, for example) but most people aren't, especially on this site. Journalists try their best to help inform consumers, but fanboys will be fanboys. Just think for a moment what would have happened to any reviewer who gave MGSV the score that it deserved.

ApocalypseShadow3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

I'm not going to disagree with some of the things that you have said but to exalt GameSpot as a leading review site for games is wrong.and to blame gamers for criticizing is wrong too.

I don't really care for reviews.I've played games long enough to know if I'll like a game based off of experience and a known developer.not on hype.

But I seem to remember GameSpot reviewing Ratchet and Clank for having "too much variety." how do you praise a game but give it a negative score for having too much? when gamers nowadays expect to have enough gameplay to purchase a game. and that game was made for children as well as adults.hense the "variety"

http://n4g.com/news/77513/g...

And back then,Sony exclusives were scrutinized heavily in the English media.so fanboys were journalists too.and they needed to be called out.

iceman063183d ago

I understand and actually acknowledge your point...to an extent. However, you point out that gamers do this. (DLC, pre-orders, etc.) But, they do it with the knowledge that is provided...(i.e., the previews, press trailers, articles, and hands-on's) by the media. Seriously, this community is not completely representative of the mass of people that buy and play games. There are a quite vocal minority that WILL do what you said. There is also the rest that really do see reviews as the be all and end all. They TRUST retailers like GameStop because they are supposed to be the experts. They don't take it upon themselves, much like many consumers, to do the research because it's not that serious to them.

Generally speaking, the media seem to just be parroting the PR speak of the given publishers and developers. It's rare these days that one that works for a major site will actually be brutally honest. Often, in fact, you will see the blatant hyperbole for the sake of hits. But either way, journalists DO seem to have fear of retribution of developers. Speak to some (especially those that are just getting started) and you will see how easy it is to get blackballed before you even get started.

Regardless of the overreaction of the public or fear of retribution, this IS their job. To find and report the truth to the best of their abilities. It's up to the media to provide the valuable information that we need. It's up to US to use that information in a way that directs and informs our decisions.

It will take both the media and the core consumers to effect any changes. (add to that the devs and publishers that are tired of the current state of the industry)

donwel3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

I think the problem with the press is the way they defend broken or unfinished games after release by attacking gamers (the favourite obviously being "entitled").
You only need to look at kotaku (and I think polygon were guilty of it as well) after the release of the most recent sim city, diablo 3 and I believe mass effect 3 during the shitstorm about it's lackluster ending.
There are more obviously, though those 3 are the ones that spring to mind. Kind of makes it glaringly obvious that these sites are getting fat cheques from publishers to blindly defend these games tooth and nail.

ShinMaster3183d ago

Because even with cut content (1 mission) it's still better than many other games out there.
Missions are not that repetitive. You have more freedom and options than you think. You're just choosing to play them the same.
The gameplay surpasses all previous Metal Gear games. And with gameplay being a key element of games, it gets high marks.

kevnb3183d ago (Edited 3183d ago )

Companies aren't going to stop doing the best they can selling their games to us. How could people not be excited for a new metal gear solid game? The game is actually really good despite the story not being as strong as the other games in the series, what is the point of this article?

DarXyde3183d ago

As a game, I really enjoy The Phantom Pain. The story is behind Snake Eater, but what were people expecting? The game was made to be approachable with shorter cutscenes. Something had to give.

I still can't agree with everyone suggesting it is repetitive. There are plenty of ways to approach these missions and I simply can't see what others do. In the end, it really doesn't matter. I love the game and will continue to do so. :0)

llxKonanxll3183d ago

I think it's "repetitive" when chapter 2 consists of chapter 1 missions that are more difficult.. and basically you utilize the same locations repetitively. I'm only on Ep 8 of the 'campaign' but i've done around 9 side ops because i want to improve M.B.

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210°

Metal Gear Solid 5, Nearly After A Decade, Is Still A Timeless Classic

The Metal Gear series, led by Kojima, pioneered the stealth genre, creating a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay.

SimpleSlave12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

No. But MGS5: Ground Zeroes might actually be one of the greatest Game Demo ever, if not the best.

xHeavYx12d ago

I know a lot of people didn't, but I actually liked that story twist at the end. The game was fun and all, but I wouldn't call it a timeless classic.

Cacabunga12d ago

Metal Gear legend stopped with number 4.
MGS5 needed a year or 2 more of development to be maybe among the classics.. it was clearly rushed, especially at the end. The story teaches us absolutely nothing new.

just_looken12d ago

A demo is free that was a $40 cry for help as later we would know konami did not want to fun hideo and his team anymore that is why we got the unfinished phantom pain.

-Foxtrot12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

Meh

Great stealth gameplay but the game was just average.

Bland open world that felt lifeless, the story felt shoehorned in, unfinished story etc. The whole thing was just average to me compared to the other main titled games.

I would have rather preferred it if they kept Ground Zeroes for the main game as the opening and the rest of the game turns into a Metal Gear 1 & 2 remake to bring things full circle.

just_looken12d ago

If you dig around they had old behind trhe scenes of phantom pain vids and books wrote around the time.

Before funding was puled the main idea was to keep peace walker coop it was in the games early builds and that end game were your building your base that was suppose to be metal gear one.

You as the fake big boss was going to make your own metal gear one map aka your base (outer heaven) then me as sold snake use the mode that is in the game invade/defeat the base even fight your current version of metal gear that was in the game but not finished.

So your idea was on the table bit got canned.

CrimsonWing6912d ago (Edited 12d ago )

Like hell it is. That was the first time I became aware of being sold an unfinished game and was blown away about blind fanboys saying it was some perfect game.

Yea, the first few chapters were great until they do that thing halfway and make you replay all the missions again. Then little things like capturing animals but only seeing a JPEG unlike 3 where everything was modeled out. Areas were massive, desolate, and boring to look at.

Game was a massive let down for me and the potential was so high for it. Honestly, this was one of the most disappointing games I ever played. What’s worse is it starts off brilliant. You literally play through until you get to the point where you could tell they just stopped developing and then quickly used glue and construction paper to “finish” it and then sold it. Quite frankly, that’s insulting to consumers and fans.

Inverno12d ago

People have selective memory. This game had huge drama attached to it, what Konami did to Kojima and this game was horrible. Now they praise Konami cause they revived Silent Hill, even though SH looks half arsed too.

CrimsonWing6912d ago

I dunno if they’re getting much praise after the Silent Hill 2 debacle. Makes me scared sh*tless for the MGS 3 Remake…

Michiel198911d ago

I don't wanna defend konami, but Kojima had 7 years to make the game, it's not that weird for a publisher to expect a game to be finished in that amount of time.

Also no one is praising konami from what I've seen, they're just excited that a Silent Hill game is releasing

CrimsonWing6911d ago (Edited 11d ago )

@Michiel1989

You’re absolutely correct. Look, the dude is a visionary and has brought us some incredible games, but he constantly would go over budget and could never stick to a deadline. I don’t know if people remember the MGS 4 trailers but it became a joke when you’d see a release date and then they crossed it out in the next trailer to give another.

What a lot of people don’t know is there’s a certain amount of money given for development and marketing. When you go over the budget and add additional marketing over the deadline it isn’t cheap. MGS GZ and V were laughable to me for the amount of time he had to develop them and he spent even more time on the engine that wasn’t anything revolutionary to me. I mean, GZ was nothing more than a demo and they released that art like $40 I think, probably to further help fund V. He then spent money for Kiefer Sutherland who did nothing for the character, which I think Kojima just wanted because he’s a fan.

Konami just had enough and said this is the deadline and you’re done after this. It’s business, but fans took it personal. I mean look at this Overdose game he’s been doing.,, like when is that ever coming out?

Michiel198911d ago

I kind of forgot about overdose but yeah exactly my thoughts. He has made some of the best games out there and definitely deserves time to create his new masterpiece, but it's not a bottomless well.

This is pure speculation but I imagine he got around 4 years to make the game excluding pre-production. If after those 4 years the game is nowhere near being done, the relationship will be strained between them one way or another.

about the konami being praised thing, if let's say blizzard announces world of warcraft 2 today I'll be excited as hell for the game, but that doesn't mean my opinion of blizzard changes only a tiny bit cause they're still trash.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 11d ago
Yui_Suzumiya11d ago

Yeah, it was the only MGS I didn't play and this is coming from someone who got back into gaming after skipping a generation due to MGS4 back in 2008. It just seems to be the complete opposite of the MGS I always knew and loved (1-4).

JEECE12d ago

Yes and no. In many ways in was a great game; there's a very strong argument that it has the best gameplay of any MGS game, and that it is one of the more interesting open world "playgrounds" we have gotten, in terms of how the world operates. But as an MGS narrative, it is pretty far down the list, for many reasons.

Storm2312d ago

I don't think there is any argument. The gameplay was incredible. But yeah...disappointed in the rest. Could have been incredible but...well...we all know what happened...

JEECE10d ago

I don't think there is much of one either but apparently some people found the world very boring compared to the more linear structures of other entries so I didn't make a definitive statement in order to acknowledge the outliers.

DarXyde11d ago

The thing about Metal Gear Solid is that the narrative is what determines which is your favorite because the gameplay had ALWAYS improved with every mainline entry. It's amazing.

If it was gameplay, we'd all say The Phantom Pain, but the story is what truly sets them apart.

For me, that's Snake Eater, which is also my favorite game of all time.

JEECE10d ago

That's my favorite too, particularly if we are talking about the subsistence version with camera control.

Fishy Fingers12d ago

For me, best gameplay, worst, everything else.

Storm2312d ago

Yeah...gameplay was so damn good.

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80°

15 Video Games With Realistic Injury Mechanics

Whether it's showcasing damage realistically or simulating fractures and conditions, these games are worth checking out.

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100°

The Metal Gear series has sold 60.2 million copies

The Metal Gear series has sold 60.2 million copies, as of September 2023.

Read Full Story >>
metalgearinformer.com
Nyxus228d ago

Now we'll have to see how much the Master Collection will add to those numbers.

Number1TailzFan228d ago

Too bad it was a lazy release. They could've updated the visuals and everything. Missed opportunity.

Stanjara228d ago

...and yet, they couldn't give more respect and effort into the collection.
What a terrible company.

Minute Man 721228d ago (Edited 228d ago )

Are they counting every game?

Edit: they did

Nyxus228d ago

Yes, these are total lifetime sales of the entire series.

ApocalypseShadow228d ago

.... mostly with the help of PlayStation.

Michiel1989228d ago

Get that Sony tramp stamp while you're at it. No one asked