Risky Business

By sweep November 3, 2009 6 Comments

In the age-old crusade for perfection

the best we can hope for in a game is that it's positive aspects outweigh its faults. My own personal threshold for what passes as acceptable has been known to variate. While a games review score may be of little consequence, the review itself is often extremely insightful as to the direction of my future purchasing decisions. There are some games that I just know I wouldn't enjoy. Similarly, the opinions of the people that surround me on a daily basis carry a certain weight, sometimes to the extent that I would take a risk on a title that I had otherwise dismissed.

Exhibit A:

 People keep telling me to go and buy Borderlands.  

Borderlands looks awesome.

But it doesn't look perfect. If I had money to spare, I would no doubt already own a copy, but this would be taking a risk. My lack of funds dictates which games I buy. I honestly can't afford to take a chance on a game that I don't know if I would enjoy, especially when there are games like Modern Warfare 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 on the horizon which are sure-fire crowd-pleaser's. This is a rather underwhelming course to take, a cowards way of refusing to leave the safety of the familiar. The games I will buy this Q4 will no doubt be great, but I'm unsure as to which will be actually be fresh and interesting. I take solace from knowing that my entertainment is guaranteed upon purchase. I don't think I could ever get tired of shooting zombies. But I will also slowly become Jack's complete lack of surprise when these titles turn out to be exactly what I was expecting. It's just... dull.
 

A games design can often be mistaken for fault, and indeed it's bizarre how some bad games can simply be tolerated. No doubt there are dozens of games which I have dismissed based on the argument of another, which I would have ultimately enjoyed. My own tolerance will of course vary from that of my peers, and it's a complete mystery to me as to where that tolerance will be applied. If I have one regret it's lacking in opportunity to distinguish which games are good for myself. The games I play have usually been mapped out as a long term strategy, confirmed or dismissed by reviews, and it's rare that I will spontaneously purchase a random title like Arkedo Series - 01 Jump. Taking risks can be incredibly rewarding, though few are afforded the financial luxury of being able to do so.
 
So I guess this is a rather depressing blog post where I lament my lack of availability to explore the gaming planet. I would like to stray from the beaten track, and one day I shall. But today is not that day. Sorry Borderlands. Sad face.
 
Thanks For Reading
Love Sweep

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