Time for another weekday Spotlight! Today we'll take a look at a variety of stories, including an epically in-depth discussion about game journalism and a report from the sticky floor of the Portland Retro Gaming Expo. Luke McKenny lays down some wisdom about The Legend of Chun-Li, and Mike Gingras thinks he might have a plan to return the hardcore gaming crowd's faith in Nintendo. And be sure to check out Steven Maxell's nostalgic look at Legend of Legaia....
Oscar Wilde, the Critic as Artist, and Video Game Journalism
By James DeRosa
Why would anyone care about Oscar Wilde, noted playwright of the 19th century, and what he had to say about criticism? Because Wilde was one of the preeminent critics of his time, and no target was safe, from people he knew to the world at large. This is a brilliant, albeit lengthy, piece validating the presence of game critique in the face of developer opposition, interwoven with Wilde's argument for criticism itself as an art form, requiring skill just as the mediums it evaluates.
I Went to the Portland Retro Gaming Expo and All I Got Was a Ton of Video Games
By David Ngo
ALL you got was a ton of video games? A haul including a copy of Jack Bros. for the Virtual Boy and Snatcher is nothing to scoff at, even in jest! More importantly, David offers us a look into the world of retro game conventions in vintage David Ngo signature style, meaning heavy on the photos. I mean we are talking a lot of pictures here.
Games That Need to Be Made/Released/Remade Part 1
By Sean Allen
Sean delivers a list of game franchises he'd like to see continued (or, in the case of Virtua Fighter vs. Tekken, started), with a big side of vitriol. Don't make him angry. Because this might happen. Actually, go ahead and make him angry.
Cinemasochism: The Legend of Chun-Li
By Luke McKinney
With its shameful lack of appropriately meaty thighs, The Legend of Chun-Li definitely did not get off to a proper start. Luke seems to be deeply wounded by the liberties taken by skinny-legged Chun-Li, and provides an amusing warning to anyone who might be considering a Street Fighter-themed visit to the local cinematorium.
My Early Gaming "Career": Legend of Legaia
By Steven Maxell
I feel Resident Evil was the game that changed my life, via sheer terror. While Legend of Legaia probably didn't change Steven's life, it definitely stuck with him. His account of this flawed-but-charming classic rekindles happy early gaming memories.
Musings of a Gamer: Can Nintendo Make You Believe Again?
By Mike Gingras
Nintendo is definitely coming out on top this generation thanks to the one-two Wii and DS punch. But some hardcore gamers feels forgotten, relegated to the back table in Nintendo's increasingly big tent. Mike offers up tips on how Nintendo can change this trend and win back the supposedly alienated gamer. Do you think Nintendo can make you believe again?