As I get older there often not enough a lot of time to play games. Being a game designer this is a problem sometimes. I love casual games these days (since they are very creative and easy to pick up an play) but I set myself in these projects where I try to beat “renowned” games just to see what makes them tick. That brings us to Metroid Prime.

A friend of mine’s kid gave to me. I remember it being a big deal back when it came out in 2002 with a metacritic score of 87-97. I can honestly say it’s okay to play but borderline annoying. Why? I would sum it up in 3 parts.

* Difficult encounters rely heavily on the controls inability to strafe (unless locked on) and aim up easily.  Lots of monsters and flying aliens like to assault from just above were you can aim without jumping.

* Not enough safe points. For a game thats mainly a linear corridor walk you’d think the addition of a side door with a safe spot would not be hard to make. Save points are far and few between as the game progresses and re-playing those encounters does not get fresher. Which brings me to the next thing.

* Monster Closets. I use the term loosely but as I venture in the pirates phazon mine I am feeling a bit bored that what I have to look forward is monsters popping out of the ceiling(literally) and making a beeline at my character. Then it gets tedious as they will often spawn too high for me to aim etc. etc. etc.

They made 3 games out of this thing but if I ever finish the first I doubt I’ll pick up anymore. I already put down the DS version too for the lack of pick up and play ability(save points) which is important for handheld games. I guess in the end thats why the whole series it feels so unappealing and demanding at the same time.

What do I propose would you fix problems such as this? Simple, stop focusing so much on the stuff the character can’t do as a point for defining challenge. It feels cheap and forced. Find out what it does well and do more of that. Focus more on what it can do right.

In this case the best moments have been the open field fights at ground level with various AI since it forces me to dodge and jump. That and the rock boss monster that lacks a head but makes a point to roar when he comes together out of broken pieces.

Hot dog! Summer is almost here.

Word. Sunny days’ just what I need these days.

I heard that. I get up and it’s already bright, and stays bright until late a night.

Just seemed like it would never come.

And why is that?

I say is lack of faith. Faith in the sun’s rotation. Faith in the cycle of opposing forces. Faith in just thinking things can get better.

I wouldn’t go that far. I’m a realist.

What does your realist mind tell you right now?

It’s getting really, really hot right now. I have to get out of the sun.

Happy though?

Yes, sir.

Can you tell what I’m looking at?

Nope. How about me?

Your eyes are closed as far as I can tell.

Cool.

Sometimes blending in is the only way to stand out. You know? I got plans man. Big plans and I don’t need to be drawing in unwanted attention. Things will happen when they happen and that’s all anyone should care about. Will I look super cool all the while? Perhaps, but that’s just the convenient side effect. It just happens.

Zzzzzz…

Hey! Hey! What the heck?

No dude my eyes were open, really!

…

big plans?

That was a lucky guess.

Took a while but I finally got around to updating some of those old college animations that have been kicking around. This one is called The Hunt and it is the heart warming tale of a hunter and its prey and another hunter who also shows up. Bonus you get the original black and white original.

This was all animated by hand in paper mind you. I think the light table was improvised out of something but i’ll have to ask Jonny see if he remembers.

Here’s the other one.

That’s Beethoven’s Presto Agitato in the background. They use to play the hell out of it in the old smurf cartoons.

This is it?

Yep, This is what it’s all about.

It’s quite pretty but it’s not unusually pretty.

Look closer.

Okay. I see a few places where it’s starting to fall apart.

Closer…

There is a couple of places where the bugs  pooped.

closer still…

There’s nothing else.

and…

It’s not too shabby.

Not too shabby indeed. Want to see a the rock I found?

Don’t push it dude.