Danny:
Jes:
| Gameplay 5/27/2006 |
If you are me, you know what the Superman Problem is. If you are me, feel free to skip this article. If you are me, you exist in a world where rules do not apply and one can feely speak with himself over a device called the "intarnet". You are prone to vanity.
Superman is the strongest man in the universe. His powers are vast, his defense is unlimited, and his fists can punch through ideas. Superman can microwave a burrito so hot that not even Superman can eat it.
This poses a problem for Man of Steel video games.
There is no video game, thus far in memory, that has managed to handle the Superman Problem well. In every Superman game so far, Superman is either massively underpowered - and thus not true to the comics - or shatters through his hoards of enemies - thus rendering the game less than fun. Most level-based action games rely on hoards of enemies rushing the player for screen after screen. After the randomly allotted amount of gloved-fingers-pointing-right, a boss can appear.
The problem is that Superman does not slow down for beanie-wearing thugs. Or super-powered robots, for that matter.
He takes out them in one deep breath in. And then out.
So, you have a problem. Either you power-down Superman, and make the lesser enemies a threat. Or you have him cleave his way through a path lined by cheese-bodied puppets. Aside from using 1950's era TV Superman, there is no way to please everyone.
That, right there, is the Superman Problem.
This, right here, is arbitrary solution ideas.
I've considered the premises of puzzle-based games with bosses or fighting games. Fighting games clearly do work, since Green Lantern is no pansy. Nor Brainiac, Apokolips, Doomsday, whoever. But fighting games do not convey the spirit of the Superman comic.
Puzzle games convey the spirit of the comic based-on Superman playing with puzzles.
What about a "Shadows of the Collosus" type game? Massive, multi-stage boss battles punctuated by cutscenes and travel time. Picture something like this.
One entire level consists of Brainiac's attack. Just a fight with him. He starts out, say, controling an armada of spaceships. Superman must deflect bullets and save civilians and buildings. You sneak in shots at the spaceships whenever you can, but must ensure the shrapnel avoids the city below. Bullet-time is necesarry, I suppose, to allow the player Superman-fast reflexes and to catch ship scraps. This conveys a space fight with Superman. Careful, pulled-punch fighting, with civlian safety in mind.
When the ships are destroyed, robots emerge. Brainiac fights front and center. The robots are, as they should be, basically just annoyances. They get in the way, deflect your shots, and push you around a bit. Perhaps a hostage situation scripted once into the fight, as a robot swoops down to grab someone.
Some pathetic Hyoo-Man.
My idea here is, perhaps, more akin to Silent Scope meets Gradius meets Spider-Man for consoles. Precision gameplay with fine-tuned brawler mechanics.
When I read Superman comics, the overarching theme I see is this: Great powers under precise control. Caution both physical and ethical. And this is from whence the difficulty stems.
Anyway, you know what I'm getting at here. X-Men Legends style play poses a problem with Superman. And we can't stand no puny Superman.
Note that I avoided referencing horses or horse-related jokes.
That's just 'cuz I can't find out how George Reeves died.
By Danny
| Comments (7) | ||
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One day early, in honor of Vegas. In honor... of you.
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Is there any Green Latern and Green Arrow video games? And, do you think that Superman could beat Battletoads? ps, when is the Prom party? this weekend correct?
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yes... the party is this weekend. Sat night.
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There IS a JLA game coming out, from Warner Bros, some time soon. Sorta in the vein of X-Men Legends, except I love it cuz it does have Green Lantern and Arrow. "Justice League Heroes" Aside from that... quick search shows... No? And none that I can think of. Can that be right?
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Long Island Icetea's are awesome.
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Long Island Icetea's rule. Sorry for the double post =)
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I... I'd love to have a better response... I just can't bring myself to disagree...
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