On Videogame Characters And The Poochy Effect

Thanks to GamerDad for its editorial discussing videogame characters/settings that excessively ape popular culture. The writer summarizes: "A new evil is spreading throughout the industry to stifle gameplay and original game characters, the need to set games in 'cool' or 'hip' settings that meet with mainstream approval", and points to Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil, which he says underwent a "...last minute change in the main character to make her more Gen X compatible." He continues: "For Jak II, developer Naughty Dog seems to have wanted to incorporate every possible 'hot thing' in gaming, from a goateed main character to dark themes." But he concludes by lauding some "breakout successes" in terms of original characters, including Halo's Master Chief and Viewtiful Joe.

Comments

You Know You've Been On Slashdot Too Long When...

[jantheman]

..in gaming, from a goateed main character to dark themes..

Hands up who thought this meant something else when you first read it?

Re:Halo's Master Chief?

[Anonymous Coward]

Master Chief was one dimensional and lacked personality. Duke Nukem could kick his butt anyday of the week.

Re:You Know You've Been On Slashdot Too Long When.

[Anonymous Coward]

affecting!

hey kids, remember, always recycle

[jeffehobbs]

...TO THE EXTREME!

~poochie

Master what?

[JimPooley]

I don't know about anyone else, but at a glance I always seem to read "Master Chief" as "Master Chef" - which would be a whole different game...

Re:Halo's Master Chief?

[Anonymous Coward]

So...you agree he isn't an original character, then?