Getting Rid of "Trico" To Fully Embrace It

This certainly isn’t a new topic or anything, but I was inspired enough by the whole “Trico” video today to pound out a few keys in response to the video. To be specific, I’m curious to know how alone I am in blocking off access to knowledge for certain or all game releases. This isn’t a cheap shot at the journalistic side of the industry (not intentionally anyway). In many areas, some people are exempt from falling prey to this criticism, but this new title from Ueda has introduced another monster into the fray.

Initially, it’s the same old argument; hype-machine, standards, and insurmountable expectations. Beneath the surface of “Trico” however, a new danger is lurking and that’s people’s collective perception of what it is. Specifically, I’m referring that nebulous dead horse, the art debate. With so many gamers looking fruitlessly for legitimacy in video-games, titles like this get active burdens unfairly placed on them. As the game finally releases, the title’s inability is more than just a game failing to meet unreasonable expectations, but it morphs into some new flawed reason for why games shouldn’t be taken more seriously than they are.

Trico

So, in order to fully grasp the concept and design that developers spend years pouring their skills into, wouldn’t it be fair to responsibly handle personal perceptions with the game? It’s nigh-impossible to remove all bias and preconceptions, as that’s what composes plenty of us as people. However, gamers can take a significant chunk out of the governing factor of what they think is their own opinion (which in turn strengthens their own individual take). How is one even supposed to deal with somebody that will inhale every single preview-topic regarding “Trico”, then proceed to offer some deluded “meh-opinion”? Of course if someone can reasonably maintain enthusiasm and passion while following the game extensively, then more power to them.

Is shutting off certain instances of information a necessary evil or have I simply just been playing too much Metal Gear Solid 4?

~sLs~

Tags: Trico, Fumito Ueda

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Lance Darnell

May 20, 2009

Normally I would agree with you, but I am VERY glad that TRICO is getting such hype. I am surprised too, for ICO and SOTC were not blockbusters, and the people who really liked those games were the hardcore. I am not saying that you should have the game ruined for you, or that you should be subject to long ramblings from fans, such as myself, but I am saying that this game is being hyped due to the expectations that were met in the last game! ICO and SOTC were the types of games were you rather liked them or did not, and so obviously the only people who are excited for TRICO are those who know what to expect, and are in love with what is coming...

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Matt Armstrong

~@Lance~ I can see where you're coming from. I just think that I draw a line between the hype and the enthusiasm that gives rise to it. Despite the fact that neither ICO or SOTC were super mega hits (though SOTC getting a "Greatest Hits" label was impressive), I think both games managed to move beyond what can simply be regarded as a cult following, especially Shadow of the Colossus. I do appreciate the passion, just not what it tends to generate. ~sLs~

@ Matt - I do see where you are coming from, but would you be as upset if people were getting hyped for Psychonauts 2? As much as you think TRICO is hyped I imagine the average gamer has never heard of it, and so, it needs all the hype it can get, and people need to be reminded of why the Playstation has awesome first party titles. And you have never played too much MGS4 - one of the best games ever!!! :)

Matthew Collings

My fellow Matt you are not alone. Some things do need to be ignored to get that full on "wow..." moment. It's the same concept as when parents hide gifts from their children so they can surprise them. Sure, knowing that you're getting a gift you want makes you excited but you'll never get the [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU[/url] reaction if you know what's coming.

@Matthew - That is an great youtube video, reminded me getting my NES

Chris "Cosmo" Ross

[i]Is shutting off certain instances of information a necessary evil...?[/i] Yes, I believe it is. If you want the "purest" experience, you almost have to, otherwise you start to form opinions, biases based on how you think the game is going to play. I will try my best to avoid any previews or videos, although I'd take a gander at some more screenshots, as the video is obviously an older version of the game and I'm sure it looks much better. But then again, there I go doing exactly what you said...

Walter Wood

Armstrong! I didnt know sLs was on bitmob! Good to see you again. Having the burden of being an art game isn't something that I would call an "unfair" placement. At this point in the games development advertisers are worried about generating excitement for their game. They don't care at this point whether the game is what it promises to be, but rather that it is perceived as being God's gift to videogames. Also, please see J. Cohen's comment for my exact feelings on the matter of shutting off instances of information. Couldn't have said it better myself.