Gaming Pop Quiz: Fall 2011 Edition

Somehow, these new editions of Pop Quiz keep sneaking up on us. It feels like it wasn’t so long ago that we were talking about the dog days of gaming summer, looking forward to the Fall like seagulls swarming around a family having a potato chip fight. I don’t really know what the deal is with that analogy, but I think it sort of works.

Anyway, it’s officially Fall now, and the releases are rolling in. We’ve had Gears of War 3, Dark Souls, the Battlefield 3 Beta and soon Arkham City, Skyrim, Uncharted 3 and then some. It’s an exciting time to be a gamer, and one that I’m sure will produce a number of thought provoking responses from you all, our lovely Sushi-ans. This pop quiz is full of questions about the games we’ve already seen, candy and peril. Tread carefully.

As always with our getting-to-know-you type games, feel free to answer with as much or as little as you like. Answer to the best of your ability. Go!

1. If a game you’re anticipating has a lackluster beta, do you tend to give it the benefit of the doubt? Or will you move on and cancel your plans to buy it?

2. To what extent do your friends influence your gaming decisions? Do you buy games on the same platforms as them or do you wait to hear their recommendations?

3. If a major spoiler was released for a game you wanted to play, would that affect your purchase? If you’ve heard the spoiler I’m referring to with this question, please refrain from posting it!

4. Are there any games that have surprised you in the last month or so? This could be a good surprise or a bad surprise.

5. If a trilogy/series is wrapping up for good, do you prefer all questions to be answered, or are you happy with a bit of mystery?

6. Where do you like for a game to reside in terms of difficulty? Do you want it to be punishing, easy, etc? Does it change depending on the type of game?

7. Soapbox: What gaming issue has been on your mind most recently?

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I write about samurai girls and space marines. Writer for Smooth Few Films. Rooster Teeth Freelancer. Author of Red vs. Blue, The Ultimate Fan Guide, out NOW!

12 thoughts on “Gaming Pop Quiz: Fall 2011 Edition”

  1. 1. If a game you’re anticipating has a lackluster beta, do you tend to give it the benefit of the doubt? Or will you move on and cancel your plans to buy it?

    –It really depends on the game. If the beta is just multiplayer, I won’t lose all hope for the game, since I mainly play for the singleplayer. If it’s a singleplayer beta (rare) and it’s lackluster, I might still give it the benefit of the doubt.

    2. To what extent do your friends influence your gaming decisions? Do you buy games on the same platforms as them or do you wait to hear their recommendations?

    –One of my friends actually influenced me to buy a PS3 over a 360. I think it was a wise choice. The exclusives are really good. Other than that, I make my own purchase choices.

    3. If a major spoiler was released for a game you wanted to play, would that affect your purchase? If you’ve heard the spoiler I’m referring to with this question, please refrain from posting it!

    –I actually had Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode 2 spoiled when I was watching a comedy video. I still bought those games and loved them, though. Alternatively, I bought KOTOR last Christmas, and X-Play spoiled that game for me, so I kind of don’t feel like playing the game anymore.

    4. Are there any games that have surprised you in the last month or so? This could be a good surprise or a bad surprise.

    –Iji really surprised me. It’s a freeware indie shooter that I wasn’t really expecting to like. One night I started playing it and finished the whole campaign in a few hours. It’s incredibly good.

    Another would have to be Mother 3, which I just picked up. I was expecting it to be good, as I have played EarthBound, but man, Mother 3 blew me away. Probably in the running for best game of all-time.

    5. If a trilogy/series is wrapping up for good, do you prefer all questions to be answered, or are you happy with a bit of mystery?

    –I think I like a bit of mystery when a series wraps up for good. It opens the door to future timelines later on down the road.

    6. Where do you like for a game to reside in terms of difficulty? Do you want it to be punishing, easy, etc? Does it change depending on the type of game?

    –If I’m playing a game for the story, I want it to be kind of easy, but I want the option to play it later on a harder setting. If I’m playing a game for the gameplay, I like a good challenge. I liked Oblivion so much because of the difficulty slider.

    7. Soapbox: What gaming issue has been on your mind most recently?

    –I think finding the right game for me is an issue I’m struggling with. I want the kind of game I can play anywhere, for as long or as little as I want. I want a great story and gameplay that doesn’t grow tiring. I want to laugh and I want to cry during the game. I haven’t really found something like that yet, so I thought, “Why not make it?” So I’m in the planning stages for a game like this. I probably won’t even finish it, but it gives me a good idea of what I like in a game.

  2. Guess I should answer my own questions, eh?

    1. Most of the time I’ll give the game the benefit of the doubt, but that’s a sliding scale, I think. The BF3 beta just convinced me not to buy the game on day one, although I’ll probably end up getting it eventually.

    2. Friends definitely dictate which platform I’m going to get a game on. As it turns out, pretty much all my friends own 360s so that’s the easiest choice there. Although for certain games I think I would defer to the PC because it’s probably the ideal scenario for a few titles.

    3. While I’d rather not know spoilers, knowing them won’t affect my enjoyment of something one way or another. For the game in question (Arkham City), it’s an interesting discussion – if the marketing team makes this information available, is it fair game?

    4. I think the BF3 Beta, because I wasn’t expecting to be so let down for it. In addition, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations has all of a sudden gotten me more excited. Not really sure why.

    5. I’m totally fine with a bit of mystery, although I think certain things should definitely be answered. Life doesn’t always tie off in a nice neat little bow, and I think it demystifies stories when you try to take care of every little loose end.

    6. I’m the same as you Trog, I want a game where I’m interesting in the story to be a tad easier with the option to go back for more of a challenge. And if it’s a game that relies purely on gameplay, I want to be challenged a bit.

    7. The issue that’s really been on my mind is just the volume of similar games that we see these days. As much as it’s cliche to talk about FPS fatigue, I really do think I’m starting to feel it. An FPS really has to wow me these days to get excited about it… so many of them feel the same and don’t do anything noteworthy or different.

  3. Woot! Another Pop Quiz!

    1) I understand that Betas are part of the process of making a game, so I never hold the beta against the developer. Once the game comes out, I judge that alone. In Battlefield 3’s case, I just hope they can work out the kinks within the short days remaining.

    2) For some games, I wait for friend recommendations, and sometimes, like with Battlefield 3, some of my friends and I buy the game together so we can play as a squad. We’ve done that for games like Halo Reach and Black Ops before, too. For the most part, however, my gaming purchases are up to me.

    3) I’ve watched and enjoyed spoiled movies before (ie: Sixth Sense). It’s the same for video games; in fact, since I can enjoy the gameplay even if the story is spoiled, I’ll still play a spoiled game more so.

    4) I’m surprised the BF3 Beta had so many glitches still, but unlike Eddy I don’t think it was such a letdown. And um, I know this is August, but Deus Ex Human Revolution is still just so darn good! I was pleasantly surprised with its quality, despite the couple of flaws.

    5) A subtle hint of mystery leaves the universe open for additions to the universe, and if the universe is big enough, like Mass Effect, I encourage the developer, or other developers, to expand on the original trilogy. For the trilogy itself, however, answer the critical plot threads. If Mass Effect 3 doesn’t answer what the Reapers want or at least hint that we could find out, that’s leaving the ending too unfinished.

    6) I prefer games to be easy at first, then challenging, and then hard at the very end. I’m not a Demon Souls kinda guy, but I don’t want to be led down a corridor. A game should introduce its features early on, then give the player challenges that force the player to have enough skill to accomplish them.

    7) I’m still blown away by how ingenious Deus Ex 1 and 3 are. They seamlessly blend FPS, Cover, RPG, and Adventure mechanics to deliver a challenging and open-ended experience in an immersive, enrapturing world with a provocative and well-designed story. /salespitch
    Honestly though, DX scratches every gaming itch I have and massages away the pain. It’s beautiful.

  4. 1. I have to say I haven’t really taken part in any betas. I usually play single-player games, so it’s never really been something I think about doing. However, if I’m excited for a game, it’s hard to steer me away.

    2. Almost none, since, again, I play a lot of single-player. While I got Dark Souls on PS3 in hopes of playing every once in a while with my brother and his friend, I think I probably would have gone the PS3 route anyway, even if they went Xbox 360.

    3. I’d be mad, I guess, but it wouldn’t affect my purchasing decision. The worst example of this is FF7, in which (SPOILER!!) Aeris’s death was spoiled for me by a movie theater preview of all things. Wasn’t happy about it, but still loved the game, including the Forgotten City…I can still here that music.

    4. Xenoblade Chronicles. When I first heard about it, I thought, “Yawn, another tired JRPG.” Then it got exceptional reviews. I hacked my Wii and ordered it from a British gaming store. It’s anything but “tired”. As far as I’m concerned, it’s proof that JRPGs should have gone the FFXII route, rather than revert back to separate screen battles.

    5. Well, I think having all the answers would be a little unrealistic, but wrap up the major plot points and don’t leave something huge hanging in the air. I mean, if the last shot of Mass Effect 3 is a Reaper assembling itself in the ruins of the Pentagon, that’s a little ridiculous.

    6. Difficulty done right (Dark Souls) can make a game much more replayable. Easy done right (Prince of Persia) can give you a thrill since the story moves forward quickly. I guess what I’m saying is, whatever you do, do it right.

    7. I’ll second Eddy to start. Talking about FPS fatigue is cliche because there’s too many FPS’s. I’m crossing my fingers that all the major gaming rags don’t jump on BF3 or CoD as GoTY. Beyond that, though, I’ve recently really started to pay attention to level design. I don’t know why, but it’s been something that I’ve begun to pay attention to, when I used to take it for granted. An obvious reason for this is Dark Souls, whose level design is leaps and bounds beyond what I’ve ever seen. Even before that, though, there was Witcher 2, Arkham Asylum, and even as far back as Ico. I could be wrong, but excellent level design may be the most important thing in order to make a game good (not the only thing, though!) I mean, if you want to keep exploring, why won’t you?

  5. 1.
    Never played a beta. But I usually give things the benefit of the doubt, at least untill the reviews start coming in.

    2.
    I’ll certainly listen to friends who recommend a game, do a bit of my own research and then make up my mind.

    3.
    Not really (see question 7)

    4.
    Woo, dp bought Xenoblade!! Did I tell not tell you it was amazing? Its been my biggest surprise of recent times too. Originally I was only buying it because I liked what the Operation Rainfall guys were doing and wanted to throw my support behind them. In the end I got a fantastic game out of the bargain too.

    5.
    Everything answered.

    6. Most games I play for the single player story, so I like them to be on the easy side. I don’t like getting roadblocked just because I can’t get through one particular section, and missing out on the rest of the story.

    7.
    Trying to stay away from all news regarding Mass Effect 3. Its been hard particularly with the stories now appearing about the multiplayer/co-op. But I want to go into this completely blind. I want to know nothing. So aside from the trailer from the VGA’s last year I’ve watched/read nothing. Except for the headlines as I quickly scroll past them.

  6. 1. Benefit of the doubt.

    2. If my friends recommend games, then I usually check them out. I typically ignore if my friends bash games though.

    3. Bioshock’s twist was completely ruined to me before I played it and I still enjoyed the story immensely. Spoilers won’t affect how I buy my games.

    4. I was surprised that the only way I could have fun in Deus Ex: Human Revolution was to play stealth, and I’m not even a stealth player.

    5. Really depends on execution. If there’s a tiny bit of mystery left open it can be really fun, but if it just feels like a bunch of loose ends left open as laziness on behalf of the developer then I would prefer if they just answered everything and dropped it.

    6. I like games from extremely difficult to ridiculously easy as long as it’s fun to play.

    7. I looked at the last 5 games that I purchased and realized that they were each an FPS with really similar mechanics, art styles, gameplay, content… it’s getting pretty bad. I haven’t played anything new for a while now that’s felt truly spectacular to me like many games used to. I mostly find myself discovering older games and playing those because I get a more enjoyable experience out of it in the long run.

  7. [quote comment=”17868″]4.
    Woo, dp bought Xenoblade!! Did I tell not tell you it was amazing? Its been my biggest surprise of recent times too. Originally I was only buying it because I liked what the Operation Rainfall guys were doing and wanted to throw my support behind them. In the end I got a fantastic game out of the bargain too.
    [/quote]

    Yes I did, and I’m pretty happy about it. The characters are really well-rounded so far, on top of a lot of other great things, although I’ve only just left Colony 9. The only problem is it didn’t come until the Saturday before Dark Souls came out, and, well, that takes precendence.

  8. 1. BF3’s beta is one of the few I have tested. I think it was a TERRIBLE beta. It had so many issues, it could have been alpha. But honestly, I give it the botd. Ill pick it up, even if it has issues.

    2. Both honestly. Whatever platform my friends are getting games on I tend to do the same (for multiplayer only) On games that are single player, nah, I get it on whatever platform I want.

    3. Only one I ever heard about was for MW3, which I totally ignored. I dont want to spoil a game!! If I was told it on accident. Id get the game, but it would ruin it for me.

    4. Uuuuuuuh, no. Havent had the time to play any with grad school. BF3s beta was surprisingly crappy, if that counts.

    5. In game, either. I like knowing though, so maybe if the Devs give some hints after series end, its cool. I think the game/series will depend on how open things can be at the end. I prefer knowing or having a good idea.

    6. Depends on the type of game. FPS, I want the single player to be realistic. Now this doesnt mean brutal, like some of MW3 was, but not stupid easy either. For games like Oblivion, I want it to be….moderate. I like difficulty sliders and options in terms of being able to change. I tend to hit on the harder side though.

    7. How game stores are starting to really get on my nervs. I really dont like gamestop anymore after they have been caught opening games then selling them as new. Im also tired of things like pre-order exclusive promotions and sellouts. Also wtf is up with uncharted 3 and subway. Lame Jake…Lame.

  9. 1. If a game you’re anticipating has a lackluster beta, do you tend to give it the benefit of the doubt? Or will you move on and cancel your plans to buy it?

    Resistance 3’s kinda put me off it.

    2. To what extent do your friends influence your gaming decisions? Do you buy games on the same platforms as them or do you wait to hear their recommendations?

    Quite a lot but only with regards to multiplayer. As far as single player games go, I am my own man.

    3. If a major spoiler was released for a game you wanted to play, would that affect your purchase? If you’ve heard the spoiler I’m referring to with this question, please refrain from posting it!

    I’ve no idea what you’re referring to. In short, no. I play games for the experience. Some spoilers may dampen my enjoyment of the story but never enough to make me hesitate when purchasing it.

    4. Are there any games that have surprised you in the last month or so? This could be a good surprise or a bad surprise.

    Deus Ex. It’s as good as I had hoped.

    5. If a trilogy/series is wrapping up for good, do you prefer all questions to be answered, or are you happy with a bit of mystery?

    Wrapped up neatly. I hate it when I don’t have closure! Grrrr!

    6. Where do you like for a game to reside in terms of difficulty? Do you want it to be punishing, easy, etc? Does it change depending on the type of game?

    Challenging but fair. DE:HR is a good example. The game is tough but the mechanics are solid enough that you can never really blame the game (bar the boss fights).

    7. Soapbox: What gaming issue has been on your mind most recently?

    Well I’ve been playing a LOT of TF2 with my friends here a Uni so the issue of longevity is on my mind. This game is still going strong with an absurdly passionate community supporting it. If games had less sequels and more TLC post launch, companies could retain fans, prevent fatigue of a long-running series (especially with annual titles) AND get the fans’ monneyz if they market the a) micro-transactions a la TF2, or b) they release map packs over a longer period of time. Hell even a well balanced version of both could help.

  10. 1. Benefit of the doubt. But I will be more review conscious with that game going forward.

    2. Hardly at all. I am the one who gives them the suggestions.

    3. It wouldn’t, but I would be very very pissed.

    4. I was surprised that Rage didn’t do nearly as good as expected.

    5. Depends on which questions are going unanswered, but most of the time I would be pretty okay with it.

    6. In all my games I want them to be challenging, but I don’t want my controller to put dents in my wall.

    7. My Xbox Live accoun has been hacked for 3 weeks now, and I’m pissed. Blizzard restored my WoW account in 48 hours (on a weekend no less), so the fact that Microsoft is still giving me a 25 day window and they have not sent me one status update is infuriating. I’ll probably miss the BF3 launch, but if I miss Skyrim, I’m marching on Seattle guns blazing.

  11. 1. Benefit of the doubt, Betas are hit or miss for me.

    2. Depends on the friends. I can trust the GS staff to make good recommendations.

    3. Not at all. I play for gameplay, not story.

    4. Surprised by the Battlefield 3 beta reaction.

    5. I prefer all questions to be answered, but as long as the main ends are tied, I am happy.

    6. I prefer more difficult than not, although some FPS I prefer on the easier side.

    7. Used game sales and their affect on the industry.

  12. 1. I give it the benefit of the doubt, especially if I’ve already pre-ordered.

    2. Considering who my friends are, I’d say a fair amount.

    3. I don’t read gaming sites that much anymore, so I’d say no, but it’s a really shitty marketing decision to release spoilers to hype up a game (a lot of trailers have late game stuff too these days).

    4. Spider-Man: Edge of Time was a big pile of shit. Forza 4 also surprised me by actually making me want it.

    5. I’d like all the questions to be answered…GEARS 3.

    6. I usually play on Hardened, Hardcore, Heroic or whatever, so that’s what I like for most games. Stealth and RTS games I prefer a little easier so I feel like a bad-ass.

    7. Battlelog. Seriously, what the hell is this thing?

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