[This week, our partnership with game criticism site Critical Distance brings us picks from Eric Swain on topics including why Diablo III is less addictive than Diablo II, hard boiling video games, and more.]
Step right up, step right up! Solid Selling Swain here to show you the deal of a lifetime! You are not going to find any wares better than what you see here. I have testimonials a mile long that you'll find none better. For it is This Week In Video Game Criticism.
But before I get to show you the new goods, I have heard the complaints and I am here to tell you about the recall from the manufacturer. Kill Screen has issued an apology for the lack of forethought that went into the previous week's piece by Michael Thomsen on the Hitman trailer.
And for those still a little wary, let's get all the bad news out of the way up front: Chris Hornbostle of the Quarter to Three has published a full explanation of 'What happened to 38 Studios.' Good? Good.
Ah, no no. You want something more substantial, something more meaningful, something more political? You are in luck, madam! Thanks to a shipping error, I have an abundance of just such a thing from Medium Difficulty. I have a Kyle Carpenter unpacking of the polemics of Tentacle Bento and examining all of the unsaid assumptions of such a thing. Also, a certain Megan Townsend bit on where Harvest Moon goes wrong with female representation. But far more bombastic is this Adam Maresca piece on the violence on display at E3. You might call it a trip into the heart of darkness. He certainly does.
No, wait come back. I have more. So if that doesn't interest you. Something fresh perhaps. The Ontological Geek has a new site and they have christened their new abode with two new spectacular works just this very week. Bill Coberly on the probably (read definitely) deserved nostalgia of Baldur's Gate the first and Hannah DuVoix's dive into the player's relation with the various PCs in games.
And let us not forget the ever faithful, ever constant producer that is PopMatters. For you consumers your weekly haul included G. Christopher Williams talking about 'Alan Wake's Women' from the newest installment of that franchise and Nick Dinicola closely examining the superior writing of Max Payne 3, by looking at what is largely missing from the dialogue.
Meanwhile, Julian "rabbit" Murdoch wrote for Gamers with Jobs about his experience with the ultra fun game of Johann Sebastian Joust. Finally, a great use for those Move controllers.
And let us not forget the every popular criticism of criticism. The Leveling Criticism of Craig Bamford is about a certain Gamespot interview on the new upcoming Medal of Honor game. The developer wanted it both ways, it's art and just a game. Mr. Bamford calls this out.
But of course I save the showstopper for last. The most easily digestible. Extra Credits is back on their A game by looking at the concept of Hard Boiled in video games and it often goes so wrong.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your time and patience. I know something from my wares must have caught each and every one of your eyes. I accept all links, payable to our email or by our twitter. The lovely Kris or Ben will take your orders and…What's that officer? Yes. Yes, of course I have a peddler's license. I am a legitimate businessman. No I don't have it on me, I'm in the middle of a shtick. No I will not come with you, I have business…g-g-get your hands off of me. Run for it guys, the jig is up!
