The Sims 2, Fable
I haven't spent enough time with The Sims 2 to make any kind of honest evaluation of the game. It looks much, much nicer, there are far more options for just about everything, and it runs like a pig. I know I called The Sims a 'discouragement simulator' not long ago, but I highly respect Will Wright and I'll buy every game he makes until he stops making them.I feel the same way about Peter Molyneux. His failures would be the crowning achievement of most other designer's careers. Fable (Xbox) is very much a console RPG. That's not a bad thing, just a piece of information for level setting if you're interested in the game. The graphics are a bit of a disappointment, the sound is absolutely superb, and the world and its atmosphere are very, very engaging. It also has a very personal, intimate feel.
Will Wright and Peter Molyneux share an interesting trait, which is that they both envision games that can't really be fully realized by existing technology. I don't discredit them for it--the expansiveness of their visions just goes beyond what can currently be supported. But techonology is advancing far faster than our imaginations, and when the two reach a level plane, the games will be wondrous.
I also bought Shellshock: Nam '67. I have no idea why. It showed up on my porch today and I had one of those "I ordered THAT?" moments. I'll try to take a look at it in the next few days, but there is suddenly so much to play that it's going to be on a very short leash.
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