ThunderPeel2001

Yep, it's not that much of a surprise that the Dizzy Kickstarter tanked! :-/

I guess I think this entire issue is completely overblown. I don't think the chosen cover is "lame" (and Tycho, it's wasn't just for frat boys -- I bet Ken Levine really regrets using them as an example). The fact the vocal minority then get to have a say in the reversible sleeve works perfectly for me: Because they can no longer complain that the game cover wasn't marketed to them -- they decided on it! Not some guy in a suit. I don't think this cover particularly highlights any serious issues regarding advertising, either. I've already gone into great detail on this issue a few pages back. If anyone disagrees with what I posted there, I'd appreciate it if you responded to my points rather than pretending they don't exist. If BioShock Infinite doesn't sell (just like System Shock 2 didn't sell before it), then it could unfairly spell the end for this series -- and possibly take down the dev studio, too. They need a hit game, and to do that need to create an awesome game, and market it to as many potentially suitable customers as possible. It's not changing your entire game based on market research, it's just trying to make as many people want to give it a try as possible. It's straightforward, transparent business. If those who don't like this cover have issues with it because they feel it puts the game's success at risk, then I totally understand, but if it's just a selfish desire to have a sleeve that appeals to them -- when they're already going to buy the game anyway -- I think it's unbelievably short-sighted. Regardless: At least the Elizabeth debate seems to have reached a resolution!

I think every grocery shop in the entire of the UK sells high quality black tea (aka "breakfast tea"). It seems completely unfathomable that you couldn't find any!

It's only a reversible sleeve. They're not changing the art of the game. I think it's a good idea myself -- everyone is happy.

Uh, what? #4 is winning.

Huh...? What type of tea were you looking for?

No! They're chocolate is absolutely terrible (although a lot of Americans can't tell). Their "go to" chocolate bar, Hershey, is absolutely revolting -- it's like someone mixed a ton of sugar with a bit of wax. America's deserts, however, are absolutely fantastic. They just seem to have a huge blind spot when it comes to decent chocolate.

I haven't seen it, Rodi, but I do know that it's based on a true story :-/

Meanwhile, I enjoyed the film. Yes, it has problems (it felt like I was watching the extended cut version -- with a few unnecessary scenes), but I still really enjoyed it. It's aimed at a younger audience than Lord of the Rings (like the book itself), so that might explain some of Ben's problems with it. Personally, I think they're going to love it, and as an adult, it didn't bother me. It was very faithful to the book, as you'd expect, while at the same time expanding on the world and making it much darker. Welcome back, Middle Earth! As for the 48fps/HFR -- It WAS hugely jarring at first, but no more than I expected it to be. (It looks very much like a TV in 100hz mode.) After about 20 minutes I had gotten used to it, and I found that it made the special effects and 3D look spectacular. I think it's well worth trying to find a screening for the experience of it, if you can. In short: Ben is wrong :-P

Interestingly, the one I initially hated the most, but then decided was the best, is winning by quite a way! I do wish they'd gone for Design #3 for the "mainstream choice". It looks better with Elizabeth in the background if you ask me.

Apparently so, but we can sure that Twig has thought about it. A lot.

I am definitely more enthusiastic about that But I've been sitting in my flat for several weeks now, and doing something free, and not in my flat, sounds (potentially) interesting!

And then where does he balance his football?

Damn, that's one pretty game.

Awesome!

To explain myself further: You appear to be saying, "I see women dressed like this in real life, so why shouldn't they dress like this in video games?", (apparently) without realising you're implying that those of us who are offended by Elizabeth's portrayal must therefore be offended by how women dress in real life. (Indeed, why else bring it up?) To put it another way: The issue of how any real-life woman chooses to dress is completely irrelevant and should never have even been brought up in the first place. Edit: I've slightly reworded the sentence you quoted to clarify what I meant.

This thread should be re-titled "Let's All Focus on Things We Don't Like" If you really believe everyone else is wrong, then maybe it should be re-titled: "It's Tough Being So Smart, or Why I Think Everyone Else is Dumber Than I Am".

So explain why you think BioShock Infinite's portrayal of women differs from the other examples that have been posted.

Woah. Man, that's a weird attitude on display. You think that because we think that women in video games are poorly represented that we think women in REAL LIFE should be forced to dress to our tastes, too?? What a woman chooses to wear is her own business! Same for men. (Interesting choice of words, btw -- "worse"?) On the other-hand, the fact that 99% of women portrayed in video games are depersonalized sexual objects for the male gaze is something that we all have a say in. (Don't you see any problems with the images on the previous page?) Here's Elizabeth in BioShock Infinite. What a surprise! She's got a huge cleavage on display. I wonder how the developers came up with that idea for a female video game character? Here's the same image in real life... Yep, that's exactly how all my work colleagues dress, too. You know what'd be nice, for once, is to have a female character in a game that a) Didn't need saving and Wasn't dressed like a teenager's wet dream. JUST ONCE! Although to be honest, I'm amazed this even needs to be explained :-/

Huh. Could be fun! What's with the image they chose to represent London, though? http://www.screen7.co.uk/adventurex/planvisit.html

Nice sweaters!

Really? I've watched people writing messages.

Soul Calibur IV is the absolute worst.

Very cool. I need to read that stuff when I'm not about to go to bed

Really? Seems fine to me now. Haven't any issues since the big update. Those are some terrifying ideas! It's probably that they're monitoring people's behaviour and a fantastic spreadsheet at the end will reveal all about how engaged people can be with games and their markets.