Games like Stalin vs. Martians make people wonder if self-parody is truly possible in videogames. Occasionally it's funny, but usually works only when expressed through dialogue, most often in adventure games. Sometimes it isn't parody at all; BioShock tackled its own medium in a very serious manner, exploring the conventions and contrivances of game design through its structure, pacing and narrative. What BioShock never did, however, was parody its medium with gameplay. BioShock was a strong and serious FPS/RPG the whole way through. It was fun. Stalin vs. Martians is taking a decidedly different route. It parodies its medium and its genre through gameplay as well as narrative. It never takes itself seriously, which is likely in large part why it isn't any good.
Robert Grosso writes, "Plumbers Don't Wear Ties is getting a re-release. For some reason. I don't get it either, but here is an excuse to mention six terrible games in a list."
BeefJack: "In 2009, a bizarre, often dreadful but strangely endearing strategy game called STALIN VS. MARTIANS caused a minor stir. Then it vanished from sale, almost immediately. What happened to the game, and a promised polished-up re-release? We speak to developer Alexander Shcherbakov to find out…"
The 2009 GameStooge Awards continue with the fifth part of the Awards – the worst games of 2009, as well as the best mobile games.
Best iPhone Game: Zen Bound
Best Mobile Game: Townsmen 6: Revolution
Biggest Disappointment: The Conduit
Most Dead on Arrival: Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust
Worst Digital Game: NBA Unrivaled
Worst Game: Terminator Salvation
