Sunday, March 9, 2014

Shaq Fu + A Chill Pill for Gamers: Are gamers expecting too much or expecting too little of the industry?

Shaq Fu may be returning... if it gets enough support.



Quite a few people deem the original Shaq Fu game as one of the worst titles ever made... and Shaquille is even laughed at it (while some don't think its that bad). Call me crazy but... I think that a new version (which is only similar in name for the most part) could work out well.

I hope that the floor was clean when your jaw made contact... (Hear me out though because this is the "but") beyond it being a good looking beat-em-up with comedic value though... it has to play just as good and have plenty of depth to avoid falling flat. I don't know the scale of the game, but it should be fun and affordable. Planned retail will be $29.99, which should be $19.99 in my opinion to increase the appeal even more. You can purchase it and support the Boys & Girls Club of America (in the process) for $15 through the IndieGogo campaign they have (which will be the base PC game + a mobile copy if the stretch goal is reached, $25 gets you the game and all the DLC... for life, however long "life" is via additional content).




The $25 offer makes me curious about how much DLC they'd plan to release for this and if it would be some sort of episodic DLC presentation (i'd like that; it obviously wouldn't be life but if its a wealth of additional content for an already complete game... sweet!). If the story is engaging, and the DLC is really worth the download... i'd be happy and would wish them all the success in the world (but make no mistake, it would have to be good DLC).

Shaq has a strong team (i'm assuming) that has worked on a slew of AAA titles, including Street Fighter (which the image above has some similarities as far as the health and score meters are concerned)... and Devil May Cry was mentioned in regards to gameplay also (but i'm not looking to compare more so than seeing how this holds up on its own). Others games include... Max Payne, Halo, Final Fantasy, etc. though i'm not sure which ones the team members have worked on if not most.

Even though i'm on the fence about how it will turn out, i'm going to give it a chance (because i'm just that curious about it) and in the least I will be able to contribute to a pretty cool organization i'm familiar with (I actually had the original game on Sega Game Gear)... my fingers are crossed. I'd probably get the $25 one to maximize value.

If they meet the goal, i'll review it (on PC); there are also 3DS & Wii U stretch goals. They've gained over $69K over the past 3 days, so its not a bad start at all (the goal is a whopping $450k... so I hope the team delivers). The studio is called Big Deez Productions, and based on the description at the link... its a partnership between Shaq (aka Shaq Diesel) and industry vets (which is a good combination because he loves to game). If they seriously deliver... I HOPE that they don't stop at Shaq-oriented games (no offense Shaquille) because i'd want to see the range of games we could get from the studio.

Same name... different game.




Chill pill anyone?

There are gamers of all types... from die hard (no matter what) supporters of 1st & 3rd party developers (even to a fault), to casual (here and there) gamers, to multi-platform (get it anyway we can) gamers. We come in many shapes, sizes, races, etc. and preferences will be there... but when it comes to what is expected from the gaming industry, expecting too much and too little occur a lot.

There have been a variety of games created for a number of genres... all may not appeal to one gamer, and shouldn't be expected to. At the same token, no one should be looked down upon based on what games they like... take this chill pill.

It's almost like a constant clashing of emotions online, which turn some away because they've grown tired of the drama... and don't want their problem with a game to be followed up with a barrage of insults, especially if its a valid argument (we can't argue against the fact that some gamers are mean, but some people act mean no matter what they are doing, so it's not the game). If someone expects too little, a lot may be approved of even if it isn't good. Battlefield 4's recent update (#8 to be exact)... has been causing quite a few online matches to freeze on the XB360, there have been valid complaints about it, and some die hard fans have had some nasty things to say to the people that have been providing feedback. If they've spent money on a game, they have the right to say something if what they bought isn't functioning the way it should... we've mentioned this before.

These are actually fellow supporters of the games that these die hard fans are going after (that's dumb), and they may be die hard fans too... they just want to enjoy their purchase without problems (that's fair). If the criticism is constructive... don't hit that rage button (even if you're okay with constantly resetting your system or closing out the game to start it over). Decreased sales result in developers possibly abandoning a game franchise that you praise (that's a very real... possibility), so it can't only please those that expect little. Reaching out to the company not only helps the person doing so, but others who may or may not seek solutions... and I've included the transcript from a recent situation below:


A solution through a problem

A valid complaint for something is listed below. A friend felt that it was something Microsoft is good at doing... while I can't put the blame on Microsoft, more so than the staff, even if its something I know has happened before. If I can confirm that it is the company's practice... that's one thing, but the person did the right thing asking for a supervisor and seeking a solution to their problem versus giving up and simply complaining. So if you have a problem with a Microsoft Xbox Live Gold code, this may be of help to you if you can't play certain games online.

This official transcript was provided to us with the request that we remove the person's info... so its replaced with "(Gamer)":
____________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft trnscrpt@microsoft.com
12:36 AM (12 hours ago)
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
to me
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
General Info
Chat start time
 Mar 8, 2014 10:13:10 PM EST
Chat end time
 Mar 9, 2014 12:36:08 AM EST
Duration (actual chatting time)
 02:22:57
Operator
 Carlo

Chat Transcript
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The current average wait time is 24 minutes.
Thank you for your patience.

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 Privacy Statement
You are now chatting with 'Carlo'

Carlo: Hello, thank you for contacting Xbox Customer Support. My name is Carlo. Please give me a moment to review your question.
Carlo: Am I chatting with (Gamer)?
(Gamer):
 Yes, this is (Gamer). Hi Carlo, I have my "Try Xbox Live Gold For Free" in my case with my Halo 4 game, it has the Halo 4 cover art on it too. Its a 14 day trial yet I am unable to play the game online like other games. If it came packaged with this game, it makes no sense at all that i'm unable to play this game.
Carlo: Hello, (Gamer)! We apologize for the long wait time as we would like to ensure that all of our customers receive efficient support. Now that I'm here, rest assured that I will do my best to assist you with your concern.
Carlo: Thank you and I do apologize that you are having this kind of issue. Do not worry, I will do my best for us to resolve this issue.
Carlo: Did you use a 14 day trial code on your account?
(Gamer):
 Yes, the one that was in my Halo 4 case
Carlo: I see and thank you for that information.
Carlo: Do you still have the code so I can check on my end?
(Gamer):
 Yes
Carlo: Okay, can you please provide it on this chat so I can check it on my end?
(Gamer):
 Yes
(Gamer):
 You want the code i entered?
(Gamer):
 Or the numbers at the very bottom?
Carlo: Yes, I need to have the code so I can check it.
(Gamer):
 The code i entered on xbox is: (Gamer)
Carlo: Thank you for that information and please stay on this chat while I check this one for you.
(Gamer):
 ok
Carlo: Thank you so much.
Carlo: Thank you for patiently waiting.
Carlo: Okay, here what you need to know about the 14 day trial code.
Carlo: The 14 day trial code that comes with the games was only a promotional code that you can use to be able to see a glimpse of the Xbox Live function.
Carlo: You can just access certain things but not literally be able to fully access Xbox Live.
(Gamer):
 Carlo
(Gamer):
 There isn't an expectation of accessing the full Xbox Live experience
Carlo: You still need to have a Gold subscription to be able to fully access it and you can use this code to access certain things on Halo Game.
(Gamer):
 But if you can't even use it to play the game it was packaged with, that doesn't make sense in the least.
(Gamer):
 As a matter of fact, when I spoke to a customer service agent awhile back
Carlo: You can use that code when you are already on the game to be able to access certain map or items.
(Gamer):
 I was told that the game that the code came packaged with was the code that was going to be playable with that game.
Carlo: What did the previous rep inform you about it.
(Gamer):
 It was about the code that I got with an EA game, and I was told that the game that the code came packaged with was the one that the game was going to be playable with, not other games. But the one for Halo 4 doesn't do that
(Gamer):
 Feel free to look it up in my records.
Carlo: Okay, let me explain it to you and polish some information that has been provided to you.
Carlo: The information that was given to you was correct but there's a little information missing on it.
Carlo: Yes, the game code on the package can be use to play Halo 4 game but to be able to access the game online you need to be able to have a Gold subscription to access it.
(Gamer):
 Carlo, I can use Xbox Live silver without this card. So that basically says that the card is useless on Halo 4.
(Gamer):
 I can play Halo 4 without this card, and had done so before now and realizing that I can't play online with the code that came packaged with it. That's just not fair.
Carlo: Do you mean you can access Xbox Live without a Gold subscription?
(Gamer):
 Xbox Live Silver Carlo, thats what I wrote.
Carlo: Or do you mean playing the Halo 4 game offline?
(Gamer):
 Playing Halo 4 offline without this code, is do able. I sign into Xbox live before i usually play games, and thats Xbox Live silver.
(Gamer):
 I used the code from this card to and was able to play Battlefield 4, but I can't play Halo 4, the game the code came packaged with
Carlo: I see, are you sure you can access Xbox Live on Silver because only customers that has a Xbox Live Gold can access Xbox Live and play online.
(Gamer):
 Carlo, I don't know what the problem is or if there is barrier of communication, but i will list it out to be a bit more clear:
(Gamer):
 Xbox Live Silver requires internet to sign into it, you can't play games online, you can only see your friends and purchase things for download.
(Gamer):
 Xbox Live Gold gives you access to multiple services and online gameplay. The card I have here says "TRY Xbox Live Gold for Free" and its a 14 Day trial. This trial code came in the case with my Halo 4 game, but I can't play Halo 4 with it, that's why i'm contacted customer service. I hope this helps with comprehension.
Carlo: There is no communication barrier, I know what is the main concern that you are having and that is why I am explaining to you on how the 14 day trial code works.
(Gamer):
 You asked me about my access, so I just wanted to make sure.
Carlo: Yes, what you have typed in is correct but the code just providing you an access or information on what you will expect on Xbox Live Gold.
Carlo: You cannot play Halo 4 using that code alone because you need to be connected to the Internet to do so.
(Gamer):
 I am connected to the internet, I have internet access, thats why we can chat right now.
(Gamer):
 You agreed that the codes that come with the games are the ones that we can use for those games also, but then you said its just to provide you with access OR info on what you can expect.
Carlo: Okay, since you have a Internet access, can you able to access Halo 4 online?
(Gamer):
 Internet doesn't require xbox live to use, xbox live is not an internet service provider.
(Gamer):
 I tried to use the internet I pay for to access Halo 4 using the code that came with the game.
(Gamer):
 We aren't getting anywhere though, can you transfer me to a supervisor?
Carlo: Yes, I said that but I also in
info:
 Your chat transcript will be sent to (Gamer) at the end of your chat.
Carlo: We are going anywhere let me explain it again, sorry, if you feel that I do not understand you.
Carlo: You redeem the code ton your account to be able to access Halo 4, Is that correct.
(Gamer):
 I'd rather speak with an available supervisor.
(Gamer):
 Is a supervisor available, Carlo?
(Gamer):
 Are you there?
Carlo: Yes, I am still here.
(Gamer):
 Is a supervisor available?
Carlo: Please stay on this chat.
(Gamer):
 Ok, will i be transferred over?
Carlo: Please wait on this chat while I look for an available supervisor.
(Gamer):
 Ok, Thanks.
Carlo: You are welcome.
Carlo: Before we are waiting for the supervisor, I would like to correct myself. By using the code you should be able to play the Halo 4 online.
Carlo: I mean while* we are waiting.
(Gamer):
 I will just wait until the supervisor gets on, its fine. Thanks.
Carlo: Please wait on this chat, thank you.
info:
 Your chat transcript will be sent to (Gamer) at the end of your chat.
Adrian: Hi there (Gamer). This is Adrian one of the Supervisor here on Xbox chat, how are you doing today?
(Gamer):
 I am ok, and based on Carlo's comment he confirmed that I should be able to play Halo 4 online with the code that came with my Halo 4 game. He was being a bit difficult prior to my request for a supervisor in my opinion, but I just want help with this.
Adrian: I understand, I'm sorry for the wrong information that was given to you. And you're right you should be able to play online using those free trial code specifically for Halo 4 only.
Adrian: I would gladly assist you with this concern, let's work together to sort this out, okay?
(Gamer):
 Yes, and afterword I'd like to give my feedback to you in regards to the employer you supervise.
Adrian: I would gladly hear about that, I would take full responsibility of their actions.
Adrian: Going back to your issue, may I ask if you're getting an error code while trying to play Halo 4 online?
(Gamer):
 No, its not an error code, I am simply being told that I can't play Halo 4 without Xbox Live.
(Gamer):
 I gained access to Xbox Live Gold with the code that came with the Halo 4 game.
Adrian: I see.
Adrian: Normally you should be able to play it online, you will see on your end that you are still on a free subscription because it will not show up as a regular Gold subscription.
(Gamer):
 So what can be done so that I can gain access to Halo 4?
Adrian: By the way, may I ask the gamertag that you're using to play Halo 4 online.
(Gamer):
 The gamertag that I am trying to play Halo 4 with is: (Gamer)
Adrian: Sorry for all of the questions that I'm asking. I just want to isolate the issue so I can provide a resolution to this.
Adrian: Are you using a game disc for this?
(Gamer):
 Yes, I have a retail copy. The code came inside of the package.
Adrian: Alright, thanks you for that information. I would like to try some steps.
(Gamer):
 Ok
Adrian: Alright let's try to clear the cache of the console.
Adrian: By the way, let me just browse through the conversation that you have with Carlo so I can verify the troubleshooting steps that you did.
(Gamer):
 Should I do it without signing into Xbox Live?
(Gamer):
 Ok
Adrian: Thanks.
Adrian: By the way, before that I can see that you have not tried to delete and re-download your profile on the console, is that right?
(Gamer):
 I have to do that to play the game online? That was never a requirement with past games. An update may be required to fix that issue if that's the case.
Adrian: The reason that I wanted you to do that is to sync your online account the account that is downloaded to your console.
(Gamer):
 Will I lose any data?
Adrian: In that way, we will be able to refresh your account on the console, however before we do that. You have an access on your account, right?
(Gamer):
 Yes
(Gamer):
 I have access to my account, my xbox is on, i'm awaiting your instruction.
Adrian: No data will be lost here (Gamer), just follow my instruction so that everything will be setup properly.
Adrian: Alright, let's start.
Adrian: On your console please go to Settings>System>Storage>Select your Hard drive>Then select the folder Profiles.
(Gamer):
 Sign into xbox live first?
Adrian: No need to do that.
(Gamer):
 I have cleared the cache
Adrian: Alright.
Adrian: Let's delete your profile and re-download it.
Adrian: Go to Settings, and then select System.
Adrian: Select Storage.
Adrian: Select All Devices.
Adrian: Select Gamer Profiles
(Gamer):
 i'm in profiles
Adrian: Select the gamertag that you want to delete. Then select Delete. Make sure to select " 
Delete Profile Only"
(Gamer):
 I've just deleted the profile only.
Adrian: Alright, now let's clear the cache one more.
Adrian: Then turn off the console.
(Gamer):
 Done
(Gamer):
 Profile deleted only
(Gamer):
 Cache cleared again
(Gamer):
 Console off
Adrian: Alright, make sure that the console is turned off properly. After a minute turn back on the console.
(Gamer):
 Its fully off, there are no downloads keeping it on standby, its fully off.
Adrian: Alright, let me know once you turned it back on.
(Gamer):
 Its back on.
Adrian: Alright let re-download the profile.
(Gamer):
 Ok
Adrian: Just press the "Guide button" then select Download Profile.
(Gamer):
 Its downloading.
Adrian: Cool.
(Gamer):
 Its signed in.
Adrian: Alright, now to play Halo 4 online.
(Gamer):
 Yes, just a moment.
Adrian: Alright.
(Gamer):
 Update in progress
Adrian: Alright, let me know what will happen.
(Gamer):
 I now have access.
(Gamer):
 In spartan ops
Adrian: Just to verify, where you able to go online?
(Gamer):
 Yes
Adrian: Awesome!
(Gamer):
 Should I try to play something first?
Adrian: Yes you can (Gamer).
Adrian: I'm just happy that we where able to resolve this issue.
(Gamer):
 At least with this, because the remaining issue is the one with the employer you supervise.
Adrian: Regarding that, I will assure you that he will be getting a disciplinary action regarding what happen.
(Gamer):
 That can run business away.
Adrian: Again sorry for the mis-information. Microsoft don't want you to experience this kind of service. I'm sure that he will be dealt accordingly.
Adrian: Again I personally apologize for what happen.
Adrian: Before we end, is there anything else that I can assist you with today?
(Gamer):
 Also when he mentioned my access, that was an insult that basically accused me of accessing gold through silver
Adrian: I understand where you're coming from. Microsoft will not tolerate this kind of actions.
Adrian: Right after this chat, I will talk to him regarding this issue.
(Gamer):
 He also didn't give me the accurate information UNTIL I asked for a supervisor, and even that took some time to get him to follow through with my request.
(Gamer):
 I was upset from the chat, and that shouldn't be.
Adrian: I understand.
Adrian: I really wanted to talked to him right now.
Adrian: So that we will be able to correct his wrong doings.
(Gamer):
 Yes, please go through the chat. I don't use Live often, and I was considering using it more, but I refuse.
Adrian: It's an isolated case, the problem is that he stick to what he knows and did not ask for assistance from me.
(Gamer):
 Hopefully your training will improve his customer service.
Adrian: No worries I will personally look into the transcript. Again Microsoft will not tolerate this kind of action, specially that we are dedicated to resolve customer issues.
(Gamer):
 Thanks.
Adrian: I wanted to thank you for your cooperation, I really appreciate it.
Adrian: I'm happy that we have resolved the issue.
Adrian: Now it's time for me and the agent to have a conversation.
Adrian: Anything else?
(Gamer):
 That will be all.
Adrian: Thank you for your time.
Adrian: Have a good day!
Adrian: Bye!
Adrian: If that was everything, I'd like to thank you again for contacting Xbox Customer Support. To properly end the chat session, please click on the "Close chat" button on the upper right hand corner of the chat window.  Have a wonderful rest of your day!

As far as expecting too much, games take time, so the more content in a game... the more time it will take to get it right. Developers can't rush it, especially if things aren't in place for a stable and expedited release, and gamers can't expect it to work that way. If you think about it... some gamers that don't expect enough, are in the same boat as some gamers who expect too much too soon. Both run the risk of receiving an unstable game... by studios that either know someone would buy anything they release or they want to please a person that wants their game "Now".

For those unfamiliar with Nintendo-Demand, we seek awesomeness in the form of stable games, cool peripherals, and... a healthy gaming industry. Accepting just about anything won't work, and the drama of fanboy bs, hacking, company greed, etc. are not things that boost the enjoyment for some of us... to hell with that (because the people it leaves chewed up and spit out are not always open to coming back). Being the most mean spirited gamer may seem cool... until you and others that do the same, end up running enough of your fellow gamers away to the point that developers are left with no reason to develop the games you like! Why?... (unless they just want to do it for the love of developing games) there wouldn't be much financial game, and if they don't or barely break even... that's bad news. 

Like us? Try to assist with making a positive impact, and Game on... no matter the platform!

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