Worth Playing: 08/29/2014

My only criticism is that I'd much prefer an off-the-cuff kind of overview rather than reciting a script. I do like the idea of smaller, more potent chunks, though.

I assume these videos take a while to edit, and that's the main rub. It's a lot of effort on your part (which I appreciate), but as someone who is a fan of your output on Giantbomb, I'd kinda just like to see more of it, rather than less-but-higher-quality.
(That probably feels a bit strange to read, but it's a compliment, so go with it)

I seem to remember you saying a while back, that with worthplaying you were going to take more time to check the games out first, get a feel for the game and decide whether its worth covering, and then start capturing video and off-the-cuff commentary. I'd rather see you continue with that route, than bust your ass editing 6-7 minutes of video for us peons all day long.

Some good looking games there. Not sure what I think of this format. It's more organized than when you go in blind and sometimes do a terrible job of playing the game (as can happen), but it feels less personal and more like a sales pitch than if we're seeing you play it.

Good stuff!

I really love this new approach to the feature. It feels much more concise, and is in an easier-to-digest chunk. I hope to see more in the future. Very well done!

I'll definitely watch this style video again. More directed analysis about something you seem to already have some thought behind separates it from the normal "let's plays" out there, and the slightly shorter format (not that I'd be opposed to more) is good without feeling like it overstays its welcome.

I have to say that while I do really like the format (I also liked the old one, though) the one thing that's really bothering me is that this is just way too short.

If you keep going with this, please make longer videos, Patrick.

This really reminds me a lot of the Errant Signal videos in tone. I didn't like this WP, but I think that's because these were not games that suit a video in this style. They are mostly about building an atmosphere and taking the player on a trip. That is far better conveyed when we get direct reactions and thoughts from the player when he experiences events for the first time.

I was going to say the same. I wasn't a fan of the new format, Patrick. What was wrong with the old ways? I think it would be better if you'd take more time on vetting games, but other than that it was just fine.

Honestly, I didn't become a fan of Giant Bomb because of scripted experiences. They just don't feel genuine to me.

The old Worth Playing just felt like a few Quick Look Solos stapled together. This more editorial approach feels more appropriate for the smaller, stranger kinds of games that seem to show up on Worth Playing.

I liked the new scripted format, great video Patrick.

Lot of nice editing and writing in this video. Keep it up Patrick!

Not enough Burnout! I think this format will grow on me, but it will take some getting used to. Thanks!

Hrm, I do agree with those saying that this style of video doesn't exactly suit what I come to GB for (and that the thoughts expressed in it might strike me with more clarity were they presented in written form). That said, people clearly got something from this video, and if this is a way for people to get what I prefer to get from written content, in a form that they prefer digesting (video/audio over written word, that is), then I'd say it serves its purpose well.

Either way, if this is the route Patrick goes down, I hope we can maybe get a few more Quick Look Solos of some of the weird platformers/puzzle games and such that he used to play during worth playing.

Worth Playing always served, for me, as a sort of series of bite-sized quick looks of smaller games with Patrick at the helm, and I quite enjoyed those; I hope they stick around in some form, even if it's not as Worth Playing.

I dig the new format for this series. As long as I can still watch Patrick play other games. Speaking of which, did he beat 1001 spikes already?

Personally I like this format better, if you continued with this format I would watch Worth Playing every week.

@gouldgonewild: Hey guys, Patrick Kleppek here, with this weeks edition of This Videogame Life.

This was fantastic, this new format allows you to get in depth, instead of skimming the surface and probably getting frustrated with being unable to keep the more off the cuff raw moments interesting.

I like the format, just ditch the music at the end.

I liked the video a lot. The rest of the video features that are currently ongoing are not scripted, so I think there is a place for something like this. I like your articles too though -- I feel like some people who don't read your articles may not like this format, since it's a similar style and presentation.

I found this new version much easier to watch due to its edited nature. I enjoyed every second of it.

The narration was spot on and your thoughts were well organized and genuinely "deep".

Would love to see more videos like this! In my opinion, this is the best piece of content you have ever made.

This more narrated format is probably my favorite version of Worth Playing so far.

I liked it

I enjoyed the tighter, scripted WP. A This American Life for independent games is worthwhile idea to pursue. One thing that might be interesting would be asking for quick impressions from people on twitter who may have played farther into the games, and editing a little bit of that into the video.

Not a fan of this short script read format. I like the older worth playings that were more laid back and 40-60 minutes long. Just my opinion.

I wasn't ever a big fan of the old Worth Playing videos but I quite like this new format. I feel like there's less fumbling and more information.

Oracle just ticked off one of my biggest pet peeves: misusing the Greek alphabet. That spells THRLOE.

the more produced version is good but i do miss just seeing the games be played. now if you would be doing normal, longer, quick looks of these game as well as these videos then i wouldn't mind worth playing staying this way. i guess i just don't like how this version takes all the personality out of the feature. We don't get enough scoops now-a-days as is.

new format is better.

also i cant relate to car driving games because being legally blind means I can't ever drive a car. that doesn't mean I can't try a simulation to get the feel for it though, but I bet how I experience it is fundamentally different. I'm always a passenger in other people's vehicles, so sitting in the driver seat is something I only get in games.

May I suggest EuroTruck Simulator 2 Patrick for similar reasons, you can get into a state of zen in that game much like a long road trip.

Really don't like the abstract critique approach, at least not how it's done here. That kind of thing works far better in written form.

What about adding star-wipes transitions? The world needs more star-wipes!

This is really nice -- especially the Glitchikers part -- but I kinda miss the old format, too. Maybe a mixture of the two? Some of the quirkier platformers and things that don't beg for an analysis-type video like this would probably be more suited to the old format, while some of the slower, more thought provoking titles like these I think are better served by an after-the-fact video with your thoughts collected.

I like this new style Patrick, a nice change to the more improv style video that we usually get on GB.

If the goal of worth playing is to shorten the video to give a more abbreviated glimpse at the games, then this succeeds. That said, I've always enjoyed the more "rough around the edges" nature of GiantBomb videos, and this feels a bit too... professional? You did a great job with the editing and voiceover, but this almost feels akin to Jeff's radio segments, where it is meant for a different outlet than GiantBomb. Just my own thoughts, keep up the good work, Patrick!

Scripted Worth Playing? I have no opportunity to think about what's going on, on-screen, as you're reading from a script the whole time. This should be an article. How does a video compliment this idea? Your core idea is fine, but the medium of delivery isn't well suited. I prefer the previous Worth Playing format.

Honest reactions, improvisation, and even silence - showcasing the beginnings of new, unheard-of games, were my favourite things about Worth Playing/Reading each week. They were like Indie Quick Looks.

It is okay, just felt a bit to short. I wouldn't mind rarer if it meant longer video.

Glitchhikers looks super fascinating. There is something about driving on an empty stretch of road in the middle of the night that feels otherworldly.

New format is pretty cool, as well. Always up for more succinct content on the site.

glitchhikers is great

Not liking the style much. Not a fan of poetic Klepek.

I think this feature is best when you go into the game blind. But have some knowledge of the people and history behind the game.

I appreciate the work put into it, but not really feeling the new format. Seems disconnected, cold.

I really like what you're doing with the format, and in general it's been really cool to get this sort of super produced well edited content on the site.

The content of this video, though, is just, man, it's not for me. I regularly found myself giggling derisively or rolling my eyes - it's all a bit too wanky for my tastes. That said, keep doing your thing.

I enjoyed this new format.

Im not feeling super awesome on the format change. It feels to austere, part of the fun for me from these was the off the cuff comments here it feels too much like a review. Then again, I don't know about others but, for me the title was "Worth Playing?" it was Patrick showing you something quirky or something dumb and it was more or less up to you to decide to play it or not. Don't get the wrong idea here this was good but it seemed bland, it lacked emotion, which is why I personally go to Giant Bomb the quick looks and the like to me bring emotion to the games they show. Anyone can write or speak why a game is good or where it fails but to see an almost honest reaction to it is different. That brought a life to these games, which in and of itself is not a huge area that gets alot of attention so being scripted just makes it dull. your gonna either cut out the parts that dont fit what your talking about or your gonna talk about its short comings and show us a few glitches. a good example is in glitch hikers you talked about how the game isnt so much about the driving part and how driving was connected to you and your experiences which was nice. but in the old format you could have still said those things and then you would have made some sort of comment on the fact that your being asked why whales beach themselves and then when you respond you get " i wasnt asking you " thats kinda nuts! if you could come across with some sort of happy medium where it is both scripted and not scripted, great! if not still great cause you bring out awesome games to this feature also Patrick you should take a look into Phoenotopia on newgrounds. its fun and tricky but well worth a look at

I really like the new format but I like Everything that patrick does. I like the more though put into video.

I also miss something like Spelunkin. This and Binding of isaac were two of my fav contents You did

I loved the new format of the show, it explains the games better, as they are often pretty vague in terms of their gameplay and it allows for Patrick to (possibly) experience the games more throughly and then, afterwards form a more of a coherent, full opinion. It also allows the viewer to play trough the games themselves, if they are interested after watching. If possible, there also could be a video or a stream (possibly subscriber only), where you also provide the "first impressions" of the games featured (or to be featured) as you most likely still have to play through the games to be able to make these. Hope to see more!

@hassun: I'd prefer this over stitched together lets-plays of various games. Perhaps he could be doing more Unfinished/Quick Look Solos for all the other games separately.

I'm not really a fan of this new format, while your observations are more prepared I feel that the level of editing misrepresents the games. I'm not sure if the music is from the games or overlaid by you and I'm not sure if some of the transitions are from the games either.

I would recommend you record straight gameplay and dub over it later.

Or make your edits clearer, cutting between footage of the game and a talking head.

Hm I'm not sure if I like this approach. It kind of feels like watching a trailer. Like you're trying to sell me on something. I guess you are in a way because you think this is a game worth playing but still...

I liked it a lot! That could be because the two games featured were super duper cool, though; I do wonder how the format will translate over to others. Still, this feels much truer to the "Worth Playing" name, and maybe opens up room for other unscripted Patrick content? Because I continue to miss the Spelunky/BoI stuff with all my heart.