nsps

I'm not that good at 3-D platformers, and died quite a few times, but I didn't think Meat Circus was all that hard. Sure, I died a bunch of times during the final sequence, but it's not like I had to start from the beginning when I screwed up. It was really just about observing the environment, then using the powers that you spent the whole game learning. When I was a kid, the last level was supposed to be hard.

I didn't pay for them, and certainly wouldn't recommend anyone else do so, but I played both Golden Sun games—a satirical look at RPG clichés. The game is full of 45-minute dialogue-box cut-scenes (the first of which I sat through twice because I answered "No" to the "Do you want to save the world?" question) with faux-interactivity. (That first question is the only one in which you really have an option—all the others just result in people saying "Are you sure that's your answer? I think it sounds like a good idea. Select yes, fucker, or you'll just have to read me saying this again!") And yet I kept playing—through both games, since the story doesn't resolve at the end of the first one, much to my chagrin. I guess the puzzles were good enough to kill time and I enjoyed something about it—or maybe I just need a conclusion. Damn it.

I don't even remember this show, and I had tons of TMNT stuff.

Time for a history lesson... You're putting words in my mouth. I didn't say that he didn't have voice talent, I said that he chose not to speak in several films, mainly because he didn't think that the Tramp should have one. The Circus, City Lights and Modern Times were all made after the invention of sound—"The Great Dictator" was made in 1940, more than a decade after sound became the standard. In what short did he make fun of speaking movies? Are you referring to the end of "Modern Times?" There's a big moment that was hyped at the time in which we finally hear the Tramp's voice, but he sings in complete gibberish. It's a great vocal performance, but also keeps the tramp silent. Four years later, he did another gibberish sequence in The Great Dictator. You make a good point about quality of writing. Buster Keaton was excited about the transition to sound, since he had experience performing in Vaudeville, but he lost creative control at MGM and was inexplicably paired with Jimmy Durante. I think some game characters have suffered a similar fate that can't only be credited to the entrance of a voice, but what the developers have done with it.

Hasn't anyone played Mario Party 6?!? Nintendo already mastered voice recognition! "Four." "Sorry, please repeat your answer." "Four." "Did you say five?" "No." "Did You say three?" "No." "Sorry, please repeat your answer." "Four." "Sorry, please repeat your answer." "Fuck you." "Sorry, two is incorrect."

I'd just like to join the people wondering how the hell Sonic became the example of a great vocal transition. Sonic is supposed to get down to business and run fast, not stand around chit-chatting and spreading catch phrases. Like the transition from silent film to talkies, some characters/personas lost their charm (it was more difficult since they were stuck with the actors' voices, which didn't always match their looks. Chaplin chose to remain mostly silent in most of his films, others had the chance to show off vocal talent and more still faded into obscurity. I think that video games can get away with non-talking characters, as long as the game is fun, but I don't think most developers do. And speaking of great voices: Gotta love that cackle.

I didn't either. The statement at the end of "No" provides a specific reason not to cancel it—people might have other reasons to vote no, eh?

Woah, there! The Simpsons was funny for at least 8 to 10 seasons. And they still had the occasional great episode for several years after that. I rarely watch new episodes nowadays, though. For all I know, this latest season was a brilliant return to form—I don't know if I even saw an episode. As for the newer animated shows everyone has mentioned, "Futurama" is the only one that has truly impressed me. "South Park" occasionally has the brilliant episode, but is self-satisfied, horrifically unfunny crap most of the time. "Family Guy" has had its moments, but I've never really understood the appeal of its clumsy, obvious humor. But I'm certainly in the minority in that department.

The thing about Burton is, he's a talented visual director, but has no sense of story or script. If a very good screenwriter tackled the project and Burton didn't go overboard and mess up the tone (he's shown that he can, although not always in good movies), then the movie might be good. And I'm standing by my position that the game could be turned into a good movie, and I'll continue to even if pigs fly and this nonexistent project gets the greenlight, comes out and sucks. You've got great characters, concept and production design—that's three up on most Video game adaptations. Sure, you lose the essence of the gaming experience, but a properly talented and inspired filmmaker could add an essentially cinematic experience in its place. It won't replace the game, obviously, or be as significant an accomplishment in the world of cinema, but it has potential.

It is true. I saw it on these websites: www.idlethumbs.net www.doublefine.com Rodi, I think your odds are way off. There are many ways in which the concept and production design could be turned into a great film. (There are many ways to ruin it, though, I'll grant you that.)

Damn, you! And yes, all four of those web sites do indeed prove my smartass comment about Master Chief's literary value.

I seem to remember playing 2 recently and Tails couldn't fly...

Are the books based on the game, or vice versa? Either way, if the poll is game characters, then it doesn't matter if the character is cool in books. Master Chief would certainly be harder up to make a top-characters-in-all-books-ever list.

I liked that in Sonic three player two could just control tails and fly you around and shit.

Yeah, an animated film like Corpse Bride or Nightmare could result in just about the only film based on a Video game that I'd like to see. Live-action would be a complete disaster. Also, is there any evidence of a script being written? If so, who wrote it? The Burton quote directly refers to a script, so it must exist in order for the story to have any merit.

Ted Stevens has been a kook for as long as I can remember. And I think that it is anuses. (If not, it would be ani, not anusi, anyway.)

In all sincerity, I do think that it's better than playing as Hitler. Also, I think the bunny orgasm game should definitely get its DS release.

When I was a kid, Sonic had to trudge five miles through the snow just to get a double loop filled with rings. You kids today have it easy with your double dashes and fasty-fantastic special moves.

The game is plenty fun without the spin dash, but I admit that when I returned to the game after playing the sequels, I kept trying to do it.

10. Barely legal teens with thumbs in every orifice Wait, what are we listing again? Our favorite things online? Thanks! Nice to be here. Speaking of the Internet, has everyone read esteemed U.S. nutcase senator Ted Stevens's explanation of it? http://blog.wired.com/27BStroke6/?entry_id=1512499

And they yell, "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!"

Shouldn't they use the six-button controller for Genesis?

I suggested something similar back when the classic controller was announced. I'm guessing that it's less likely now that they're selling replicas.

Yeah, they aren't terribly bright. There are some non-American announcers on some of the games who aren't as bad.

I'm watching too. And rooting for England, just to get Spaff's goat! But yeah, in (the US of) America, no one gives a fuck about soccer, so I feel obligated to make it the only sport to which I pay attention. And did you see Terry save that T&T goal? Hot damn! Also, my friend insists that the USA team is good and ranked no. 5, but you certainly wouldn't know it from the C.R. game.