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Initial Reactions – Disney Universe

May 282011

A couple of days ago, Disney announced a new game that’s currently in production and slated for release this coming fall. The game is called Disney Universe, and the best way it has been described, so far, is that it brings its players a combination of Traveler’s Tales‘s LEGO branded games and Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet. One look at the teaser trailer will be more than enough to understand the comparison to LittleBigPlanet. Basically you play as this little blue, sackboy-esque character that you can dress as a number of different Disney characters. I think the number announced was 40 different Disney characters, though I would imagine there’s a big possibility for more through DLC.

The comparison to the LEGO games is more just taking Disney’s word on what they plan to deliver. No gameplay videos are out as of the writing of this post. So, what the game actually delivers is still pure speculation. Right now, the comparison to the LEGO games can’t be taken as anything more than a good marketing strategy.

Nevertheless, Disney has my interest peeked, even if it is with the biggest of grains of salt. I do have to keep in mind that it wasn’t all that long ago that I had extremely high hopes for a game known as Epic Mickey. Those hopes were based on nothing more than a similar press release and some early concept art. Those hopes didn’t pan out. So, I have to restrain myself from being all-in at this point with Disney Universe. But, I’m pushing at my stack of chips. I just need a little bit more to make the move.

The other big reason I hope Disney Universe lives up to the potential I see in the teaser trailer is that my daughter is slowly creeping up on the age where she’ll start to grasp the concepts required to play video games. She already has her own pink Xbox 360 controller, and she’s pretty good at mimicking me when I’m playing a game. So, I expect to be able to sit down and enjoy some quality father/daughter co-op time in the not-so-distant future. I already plan to introduce her to the previously mentioned LEGO games; that’s a certainty. But, after seeing the teaser trailer, four or five times, my mind is filled with idealized scenarios of what our gaming time together can be in Disney Universe. Her, running around dressed up as Mater, which is her current Disney obsession. Me, running around as Stitch, or Buzz, or even Tink — you know, just to get a laugh of course. It seems like it would be a blast.

Please give me a chance to fulfill these moments, Disney. That’s what you’re about, right? “Magical Moments.” It’s time to start seeing some video games out of you that deliver the magical moments your theme parks thrive on. Let Disney Universe be the start.

Dr. Praise and Mr. Butthurt

Video Games No Responses »

May 212011

So, the Gears 3 beta wrapped up last weekend. I’ll save my opinions of the third installment until I experience the actual product, but I had a great couple of weeks. My excitement for the conclusion to the trilogy is through the roof. I can’t wait for September.

What I will say is that Epic deserves a lot of praise for putting on a great beta. They should be commended by all and their execution of the beta should be thoroughly copied. A beta is about collecting usage data; addressing edge condition, adjusting game setting to actual users, that kind of stuff. It’s not about the players, it’s about the developers and getting them what they need to release the most polished product possible.

What Epic seemed to realize was that in order to get the statically significant data their developers rely on; they needed to make the beta beneficial to the players — even more than just getting to see an early glimpse of the product. This is where Epic succeeded where many don’t. They crafted a situation where the time spent on the beta was rewarded. Gamers love their exclusive content, swag that others won’t have access to going forward. Epic obviously knows this and took full advantage of it, dangling the swag carrot and keeping players engaged for a shitload of matches. Nice work, Epic.

On the other side of the coin, Epic has proved itself to be an expert at exploiting its players loyalty to pad its pockets with pre-sale figures as well. They know players perceive betas as an exclusive party for only the most loyal fans to gain a sneak peak at what’s in the pipeline. Of course that translates to instituting a cover charge for that opportunity.

At the onset, players had two choices; either help bump sales of another Epic product, or let GameStop get hold of your money several months before the actual release of the game. Neither sits well with me. I don’t like my fanatic nature for something being taken advantage of in this way. Look at my save files on my Xbox, or the achievements I’ve earned. Look at the hundreds of hours I spent playing the Gears of War series, or the hundreds of dollars that I’ve sent Epic’s way. Don’t push some other game on me that I really don’t have that much interest in. Don’t force me to give money to GameStop — a company I don’t prefer to shop with in the first place — four months before I’ll actually receive the product. Just reward me for loving this series and spending a ton of time playing it.

Anyways, we’ve got four months until the actual release now. I would say that I can’t wait, but I’ve got a nice pile of new games to keep me busy.

I Can Go Twice As High… Take a Look

Video Games 1 Response »

Apr 272011

With the current slate of games I’m playing only resulting in lukewarm reactions, I’ve been trying to figure out what would make an interesting post within BattlePlay’s scope. This resulted in five solid minutes of staring off into the void that is my home office. There were several, “hmmm…”s uttered and even more head shaking. Soon, in the midst of a blank gaze, my focus lingered over to my book shelf. And there, glistening like a Gears of War 2 collectible item, was the answer to my problems.

The Ultimate History of Video Games. It’s the best book I’ve read on the history of the game industry.

And that’s not just because it’s the only book I’ve read on the history of the game industry. Nope. It takes you well beyond the geometry, textures, and cute little 2D sprites you love, and shows you all the blood, sweat and cocaine powering the industry that has brought us interactive entertainment for more than three decades.

Atari. I know you were wondering how cocaine comes into play. Based on the book, Atari was basically fueled by it in the early 80’s. But who wasn’t, am I right? Am I? I was born in ‘82, so I’m not really sure.

Anyways, It’s a great read that really feels like it’s bringing you the truth, with only the slightest hint of dramatization to keep things interesting. Pick up a copy for yourself. Or don’t. Who am I to tell you how to spend the money grandma sent you for Easter.

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