|
August 2003
A
CHAT WITH THE CRITICS
 Jim "Ripclaw"
Broach
CEO
Gamer's Pulse Magazine
What's the biggest improvement you've seen in
game development over the past year?
Over the past year the beta testing and open testing
of games has continued to increase to insure stable
launches of titles hoped to be blockbusters. This type
of testing helps insure games hit the market in a
playable state and without the gamers having to be
frustrated waiting for patches and unplayable game
codes.
What still needs to be improved?
I believe developers and publishers alike should
take more time in fine tuning games prior to launching,
especially MMPOGs, as most fans and gamers want to jump
into the game when bought instead of having to download
300 and 400 MB patches on launch day. Granted, there is
always room to enhance the game, but better prepared
games through heavier beta testing prior to launch will
make worlds of difference to gamers.
What was the best "sleeper" game of the past year and
what made it stand out?
I found myself drawn into Pirates of the
Caribbean in the last couple of months, more than I
originally thought I would have been. The gameplay, and
graphics just appealed to me to play more. Not to
mention the water and ship effects and models used in
the game made the gameplay seem so lifelike.
Who, in your opinion, are consistently the best game
developers and what makes them so?
That is a hard question to answer as I look for game
enhancements, new concepts, and better gameplay in each
new game released. But, if I had to base it on the last
6 years of my game reviewing, I would give two thumbs up
to Ensemble Studios for their games. The games are
released in excellent condition, each new title offers
new diverse gameplay enhancements and/or concepts, and
they provide enough early teasers and testing of their
titles to make a gamer look forward to their next title.
If you could give game developers 3 tips that might
help their games receive more critical-acclaim, what
would they be?
1) Better coverage through hands-on articles by
credible reviewers instead of mass emailing generic
screens.
2) More exclusives to various websites to better enhance
the games coverage to multiple and diverse audiences.
3) Listen to the fans when it comes to expansions and
patches.
Next >>>
|
A Chat with the Critics Link
Index:
Richard
Aihoshi
Editor In Chief
IGN Vault Network
Wagner
James Au
Writer/Designer
Embedded Journalist
Jim "Ripclaw"
Broach
CEO
Gamer's Pulse Magazine
Eric
Butcher
Editor
punchbutton
Steven
"Westlake" Carter
Reviewer
Game
Over Online Magazine Computer Games Magazine
Victor
Godinez
Staff Writer/Game Reviewer
The Dallas Morning News
Tricia "Kazi
Wren" Harris
Freelance
Dave
"Fargo" Kosak
Director of Publishing and Community
GameSpy Industries
Phil
LaRose
PC Game Guy
St. Paul Pioneer Press/
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Chuck
Osborn
Senior Editor, Features
PC Gamer
|
