Rant 321 16/11/12 Subject: DLC

Rant number 321

I've been computer playing games for a long time. From the pixelated magic of the Commodore 64, to the retro wonder of Amiga 500, with its (at the time) stunning graphical and audio capabilities to the modern day - I've seen games grow up from a niche entertainment to a mainstream addiction.

Most of the changes have been pretty great. The graphics have got much better, the sound is great, the controllers have evolved to fit our hands (and hopefully not the other way round,) and have changed altogether - in terms of the Wii, connect and Playstation eye.

Most of these changes have been welcome indeed - and although gaming is more expensive than the days where it was more niche - much good has come of of this in general.

The production values, voice acting, animation and graphics have really done well through the injection of money the industry has received.

It's hurt creativity badly though in some ways. The days of genius games with a secondary focus on graphics have ended. Look a worms for instance? I had the first one on the Amiga and almost wore out the disc. It's graphics sucked, but the gameplay was fabulous. Worms is onto around its 6th or 7th iteration now and little has changed except the look. I just think that proves that an original idea is timeless.

The other big problem I have with money in games is the fact that they need to keep milking you for more. Back in the day, you'd either have sequel games or at the very least an 'expansion pack.'

'Expansion packs' were package up content to add to games. Generally you got quite a bit extra - maybe 30% extra levels, some new guns - that sort of thing.

These days though, they have gone out of fashion - as it costs money to package things up in this way.

What we get these days them instead - is bloody DLC (downloadable content.)

In principal - DLC is just like an expansion pack. The thing is though - its too easy an earner for the game makers to squeeze you for money.

It'll cost 9.99 for a gun pack, then 14.99 for an extra 5 questions, then an extra 5 for a new costume. You could spend a frightening amount of money on all of this stuff.

The other really irritating thing is that they deliberately withhold content from games so that they can sell it to you later on.

I get that they need to make cash, but I hate being taken for a ride.

Rant over.

Rant 32 - 1/2/12 Subject: The negatives of Facebook

Rant number 32


I've made it a month without missing one. Not bad going ey!

So what is annoying me today?

Facebook requests.

I like Facebook. It's good to communicate with my friends, laugh at their status updates, admire their pictures etc etc.

The thing is, as with anything that seems too good to be true, it - well - isn't.

So what pisses me off:

To start with - the aforementioned status updates.

For the most part, my friends will upload funny tidbits about their days, talk about their plans etc.

This is just fine. I like to read about these things. Sometimes I will even add my own witticisms to their comments section - because I'm that kinda guy, you know?

What drives me nuts however, are those who don't understand that Facebook is not really the best place to share your problems or recite your woes

Because - lets face it - you don't really know that many people in your 'friends' list very well.

Mostly your friends list is full of acquaintances. They really don't want to know that you are feeling 'really down' or that you hate your job or any of that trash. Putting these comments up as such - is just attention seeking rubbish.

If you really are that upset, or if you have genuine problems - pick up your mobile phone and call someone who is actually your friend - or send them an e-mail or something.

Just for the record - I have blocked people for this behavior... Which I would like to call 'Fwhinging' (Facebook-Whinging.)

Another annoying thing people do on Facebook, is invite me to every event possible. I have friends all around the country on my list. With all respect, I am not going to attend a gig in Southampton because a minor acquaintance cannot be bothered to properly organise their invite list!

I am sure that you love your partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband or sundry other. That's lovely - really it is.
I know that also - you wish to shout your love from the rooftops. But you shouldn't - really.
If you wish to declare your love for your beloved digitally, send them a text message, email them or - if you really must use Facebook to do so. Press that 'send private message' button.
It makes me cringe when I see a facebook message that says 'I love you *insert generic & slightly cringeworthy pet name*' followed by an equally painful reply! Just don't do it.

Now the above will get me annoyed. Don't doubt it. But if you really want me to twitch with seething rage. Invite me to play 'Hidden Chronicles,' 'Bubble With Saga,' 'Gnometown,' 'Castleville' or any of the myriad other games on Facebook.

If you have so much spare time on your hands that you can spend all day playing on this shit - bully for you - but I really don't want to be involved.

I like games alot, but do not really consider Facebook to be the best place to enjoy them.

I consider all of this behavior to be quite quintessentially anti-social.

The hint is in the name - Social Networking - so don't be an idiot - please

Rant over.