For instance, I cut back on "Great Gaymathon" and "Somewhat Gay" reviews in 2013--in part because they've never been my favorite thing to write and in part because they've never seemed very popular with readers. Would any of you like to see more of them in 2014, or are you OK with me publishing them only occasionally?
I also haven't published many "Manual Stimulation" posts in the last few months--would any of you like to see them show up with a bit more regularity this year?
Or maybe you'd like me to start an entirely new "column" or two (similar to the ones above) in 2014? I have no idea what said column(s) would focus on, but I'm sure you folks can come up with a few suggestions if you put your minds to it. Regardless, feel free to share any thoughts you may have in the comments section below.
I loved reading your reviews and the Great Gaymathon posts. They were my favorite pieces.
ReplyDeleteReally?!? That's interesting to me, Justin, as they never seem to get many hits/pageviews and they get very few comments. Maybe you're one of the few who actually enjoy them?
ReplyDeleteRegardless, before I came up with this post I was already planning to write more reviews in 2014 than I did in 2013, so hopefully you'll be happy with that output this year--even if no one else is ;)
Probably won't be any surprise to you that I want more retro/import stuff and less Animal Crossing. But you know you're one of my favorite bloggers, so I'll be here no matter what you post.
ReplyDeleteHa! Well, you should be happy to hear my interest in New Leaf finally is waning, Steve :)
ReplyDeleteRegardless, though, I'll *always* write about retro/import stuff on this blog. You should never worry about that.
Speaking of which, I have a ton of both retro games and import games that will be covered here in the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for those posts.
Anyway, thanks for the input--I appreciate it!
I don't know if it will help, but some of my favorite posts of yours most recently were:
ReplyDelete"I was all set to ignore the Bravely Default Collectors Edition Until.."
"Dear Nintendo: Bring the hot pink 3DS XL to the US and I promise I'll buy it to replace my OG 3DS",
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours"
"A few Photos (and thoughts on) my gold Pokemon Center 3DS LL".
I'm not quite sure why those were my favorites out of all your blog posts, so I'm afraid I'm not very helpful. Sorry!
Thanks, Girly Gamer! Actually, your comment's very helpful, so thanks for sharing it. In a way, I think it tells me to keep writing and publishing posts that relate to and focus on my personal obsessions/interests--which is what I've always tried to do, of course, but it's still nice to have it reinforced :)
ReplyDeleteI don't post a lot here, but I do lurk from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI greatly enjoy seeing the posts where you talk about recent purchases, as you often find oddities and interesting import games that, if you couldn't tell, would definitely pique my own interest. ;]
I also like your "Manual Stimulation" section, and not just because the name makes my inner twelve-year old chuckle. As the kind of person who loves to flip through an old manual or two, it's awesome seeing some of your favorites, and which parts are your favorite. Though, I'd imagine that scanning all those images, then resizing, etc, is a pain in the ass. So while I'd definitely like to see more of 'em, please don't burn yourself out either.
I notice you have a pretty hefty number of games you're "now playing" along the side, and while you might not be playing some of them as regularly as you'd like, perhaps the occasional progress report would not only keep your readers engaged + informed in what you're currently up to in game X, but could potentially help you keep track of your own progress as well. I can't be the only one who came back to a game after a week or so of not touching it, only to forget what it was I was doing. So perhaps a weekly, or even bi-weekly, or even a when-the-hell-ever sort of progress report on your currently played games might be something worth considering... Like a less in-depth version of your Animal Crossing progress posts. I'd imagine that going into that sort of depth for everything you're playing would burn you out pretty quickly, though as I don't really know you terribly well, there's every chance I'm wrong. =P
At any rate, it may be worth mulling over to add as a regular-ish feature to the site, in addition to the current content.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, ImportGamer--I *really* appreciate them!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear that you (and hopefully some other folks) enjoy post about recent purchases. Although I love writing those posts and taking photos for them, I often worry if people think I'm "bragging" when I publish them. That's obviously not what I'm trying to do, but I still worry about it from time to time.
Anyway, rest assured that I'll be publishing a number of such posts in 2014.
The same goes for my "Manual Stimulation" column. Although those posts do take a bit of work, it's not so much that it bothers me. The main reason I haven't written one in a while is that it's been a while since I came across a manual that really impressed me. Thankfully, I recently picked up a bunch of import/retro games with great manuals, so expect some new "Manual Stimulation" posts soon.
As thankful as I am for the rest of your comments here, I have to say I'm most thankful for your final comments--which suggested I start writing a regular or at least semi-regular column that serves to update readers on how I'm progressing through various games. I love that idea for all sorts of reasons--one of which is that I think it would spur me to keep up on the games that I've started and also spur me to play more games, period.
The only question now is: what will I call it? As soon as I come up with something cute or saucy or witty, though, I'll introduce the column, no question :)
I'm glad I was able to provide an idea that you might be able to use.
ReplyDeleteAs for a name, your avatar always reminds me of one thing in particular, which in itself is based off a manga (which I assume was your intention), but as a diehard Mega Man fanboy, this song in particular sprang to mind when I first saw it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBkwyaA2ScU
That was all a very long setup for me to suggest you title these posts... "Yaranaika!" (which means "wanna do it?")
Alternatively, if you want something saucier than that, perhaps "The Weekly Circle Jerk" or something, implying that you're all (meaning you and the readers) playing with each other? I'm awful at making names, so perhaps I should shut up while I'm ahead. =[
Oh, yes, I knew the history behind my avatar before I decided to use it here and on Twitter, ImportGamer. I liked that Takakazu Abe kinda/sorta looks like me and also that the manga he stars in is dark/dirty/smutty (which to some folks probably seems counter to my generally positive tone here as well as the bright, bubbly pink aesthetic/appearance of the blog).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, again, I love your ideas! My first thought was to go with something like "Let's Do It"--so, each weekly (or more likely bi-weekly) update might be written something like this: Let's Do It: Week of Jan. 6, 2014." Or it could be written like this: "Let's Do It: Bravely Default (Jan. 6, 2014)."
I also really like "The Weekly Circle Jerk."
I'm going to give it some thought this weekend and then I'll likely let you and others know what I've decided sometime next week.
Thanks again!
I know you're going for a theme, but I'd like to see less about the color schemes of game box artwork and more about the games *inside* the boxes. I enjoyed reading your observations on Crush Roller and would like to see more insight into other overlooked titles.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with how prompt and cordial you've been with responses, even to the more cynical comments posted on your journal. There's a lot of hostility and conflict in this hobby, and it's refreshing to find someone who refuses to add to that tidal wave of negativity. I... am not capable of that kind of restraint, but it's encouraging to know someone who is.
Hello again GameroomBlitz! I completely understand where you're coming from, and I agree with you--I really need to get back to writing more about the games inside all of these beautiful boxes in 2014. That said, I personally think there's value in talking about packaging and manuals and such as well. So many of today's gamers are completely unaware of how great some of this old box art is/was. Hell, a ton of today's gamers don't even know some of these games exist!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have to admit that a good number of these recent posts were prompted by end-of-the-year busy-ness and stress. My original plan was to pre-publish a bunch of great blog posts so I could enjoy the two-week vacation I took around Christmas, but in the end I wasn't able to do that and I had to write them while supposedly vacationing. Hence I took the easy way out and wrote posts about blog posts instead.
All that said, I do personally find a lot of interest in box art and I like "educating" readers about the subject, so I wouldn't expect me to quit writing about them anytime soon.
I will, though, do my best to also write more posts about the games insides those boxes this year, as I almost always have played them pretty extensively and it would be nice to further educate people about such games.
(Thanks, by the way, for letting me know you liked my commentary on Crush Roller. I never know if people like hearing about such niche games and systems, so it's nice to hear that at least one person likes it.)
Thanks, too, for the kind comments about my promptness and positivity. I really appreciate them, and I honestly try my best to not be as negative and cynical as so many online gamers can be these days--which isn't always easy, as I'm a surprisingly cynical person in "real life" (just ask my husband).
Good. Originally I came here because you were a haven of positivity in a world that can be cruel to gamers. But now I come back because I actually care about you and this blog and love hearing whatever it is you have to say.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Justin! You just made my day :) BTW, I'm so glad I've gotten to know you--even if just virtually--through this blog. Who said the Internet is a soulless place?
ReplyDeleteMore posts about Famicom stuff!!! :)
ReplyDeleteActually, the manual stimulation ones are good, as are the ones which focus on box art (I notice you already have one of those up this year). The ones you write about odd stuff you`ve come across (or want) are also great.
Anyway, hope you have a great 2014!
Well, it is nice to see someone discuss box art without cracking wise about how stupid Mega Man looked on the cover of the first game. That got old even before Capcom got in on the joke.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to cover box art in the future, I'd like to hear what you've got to say about the branding used on games for different systems... you know, the slightly embellished sprite art on early NES games, the white grid on Master System games, and the photo-realistic, 70's-licious artwork on Warner era 2600 games. Explain what worked for you, what didn't, and how that artwork helped define the gaming experience for each console. I can tell you personally that I loved the understated black grid of early Genesis games, and was heartbroken when Sega switched to the red band on the side during its annoying "Welcome to the Next Level" phase. (Don't even get me started on the switch from plastic cases to cardboard boxes! Augh!)
Also, if you're going to talk about manuals, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the recent trend toward removing them from games entirely, if you haven't already touched upon it. Evidently Vita games don't even include physical manuals, which is really unfortunate.
(I guess there's more depth to these topics than I realized!)
By the way, at the risk of shameless self-promotion, you might want to check out a few of the articles I'd written over at my own, too often neglected blog. I was especially happy with the three parter about early Genesis licensees.
http://kiblitzing.blogspot.com
Ha! Why does your suggestion not surprise me, Sean? ;)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I haven't bought any new Famicom games in a while, sadly enough. I have been on the lookout for a select few, though. Haven't bought them yet due to either not being able to find complete copies or not being willing to pay the asking price for the ones I do come across.
Anyway, rest assured I'll pick up at least a few new Famicom games in 2014. And even if I don't, I can always write up some reviews or Manual Stimulation posts about the pile I already own!
Thanks for your other thoughts, too, by the way. I'm def. planning more Manual Stimulation posts for 2014 (more than I published in 2013, I should think) as well as box art posts and posts about recent pick-ups, etc.
Oh, and you have a great 2014, too!
I like your idea about discussing the branding of various system's game box art, GameroomBlitz. I may actually do that in the not-so-distant future--although it's likely more of a one-off thing than something I'd discuss in every post about box art. (Or I could write up a post about the branding on NES game box art, one on Sega Master System box art, Genesis box art, etc.)
ReplyDeleteAs for manuals, I've definitely already written about the sad trend of getting rid of manuals. In fact, that's what prompted me to start the Manual Stimulation series/columns--I wanted to show people that manuals used to be really cool, and they still could be cool if companies put a bit of effort into them.
Other than that, thanks for offering up a link to your blog. I'll definitely check it out in a minute, and I hope others here do the same!
I wouldn't say I'm an avid follower, but I do check out what you've written from time to time and comment when I feel the need.
ReplyDeleteI'd say keep doin what you doin :)
So when you finishing Xenoblade? :p
Thanks, Igor :) As for your second question: who knows? I'm honestly not too motivated to go back to it (Xenoblade), despite liking a number of its elements during my first playthrough. I'm going to blame the gameplay--specifically the battle "engine"--as real-time battles in RPGs really aren't my thing, strangely enough. Anyway, we'll see...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I've mentioned that I'm not a fan of real time combat and prefer turn based in RPGs. I was apprehensive when I started Xenoblade, but I found the combat system quite fun! It's almost ATB-like as actions have cool downs before you can use them again. I'd say give it a good go and get through it ;) You're missing out on a great story!
ReplyDeleteWe'll see, Igor. I did like the story, and a lot of the locales, etc., but something about the game still didn't quite grab me during my first playthrough. The good news is that I'm not planning to sell the game or anything, so I'm guessing I'll go back to it at some point or other.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to this one!
ReplyDeleteSo my thought is probably on the extreme end of things, but my favorite thing about your blog (besides box art posts ;) is how interactive it is (you've done such a good job at cultivating a pleasant atmosphere), and you've got so many sharp readers, I feel like it would be really cool to expand that into an actual forum to encourage more discussion between readers. (It does happen in the comments sometimes, of course). That would also open it up as more of a hub for readers to go off-topic (you know I like doing that) which could lead back to more stuff for you to post about as well. It's definitely outside the scope of "blog" and managing a forum can be a big pain in the butt, but it's still my two cents and I'm throwing it in just the same. :)
Don't know if you saw today's post or not, but I've implemented one of your ideas!
ReplyDeleteIn the end, I went with "Shall We Do It?" rather than "Yaranaika?" as I think too many people would be confused by the latter, and using both would be too cumbersome.
Anyway, thanks again for pushing me in this direction!
Hey there, Michael, and thanks for the idea! I love it, actually, but I'm not even sure how I'd do such a thing. I mean, could I do that through Blogger, or at least connect it to this blog? Also, like you said, it definitely would be more work--and I'm not sure I really have the time for that. Still, I'll do some research and give it a good amount of thought regardless!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the idea! Executing it of course is something else. :)
ReplyDeleteIt might take some trickery, but I think blogs and forums can be integrated together. I've got a couple examples.. At http://www.filibustercartoons.com/ it's a blog, but it also has a link to a comments section in the forum (separate from the blog's comments) which even displays how many gave been given. At my favorite cranky Sega haunt, http://www.theghz.com/ posts created on a specific sub-forum appear on the front "blog" page, including a link back to the forum that shows comments from users.
Less complexly, you could just have a forum that's separate, just "attached" via a link on the sidebar. :)
Thanks for the examples, Michael! And you're right, I could just link whatever forum I come up with to this blog via an actual link in the sidebar. Still, let me think about this a bit. Like I said, I like the idea in theory, but I don't know if I have time for it right now...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I didn't think this would be something you'd just jump into. Just puttin' the bug in your ear. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, it would be especially impossible for me to implement something like it now, as I'm *swamped* with real-life work :|
ReplyDelete