Brad Lee

I think the problem with these guys is the language they're using. Phrases like "total crap" and "utter garbage" aren't typically used for debate or "opening dialogue," they're mostly just for trashtalking.

If they want to have a proper dialogue they should use language that isn't so inflammatory and back up some of their statements better. Simply saying that New Super Mario Bros. sucked does not do wonders for their credibility. I thought NSMB was an enjoyable platformer, but it was over too quickly and had no replay value and didn't have the same whimsical imagination as SMB3. See what I did there? I presented my opinion in an analytical way instead of just saying that compared to SMB3, NSMB sucked.

They make a good point that no matter what some people will like a game and some will not. But there IS some amount of objectivity there, otherwise we wouldn't have video game critics because what would be the point? By looking at how a game is designed, the presentation of the game, and various technical aspects (bugs? smooth frame rate? etc.), critics can fairly accurately tell an audience whether or not a game is "good."

They may not enjoy Halo's style of gameplay, but I hope they can admit that the games are well designed with incredible presentation values and virtually flawless technical aspects. I personally distaste Halo's multiplayer competition, especially after my COD4 obsession, but I do still admit that it's designed well. I'm just saying it's not my style of gameplay, because for an FPS it seems way too focused on "controlling" the power weapons of the map, and the game in general plays too slow for my tastes.

The problem with most XBLA games (and far too many retail games) is that many are not designed well, have terrible presentation, and at times shotty technical flaws.

Creating a quick ratings feature would solve this problem methinks.

Just let gamers rate the title after purchasing it, and the so-called uninformed casual gamers can look at the number and go "uhhh bad" or "ohhh good."

Same here.

I tried N+ and thought the game was difficult to control, which is extremely bad for a platformer. It just felt slippery to me.

It's the same as when that Space Giraffe guy was running his mouth. His game LOOKED fun, but was way too difficult to tell what was going on.

What Wicker Man said.

I'd much rather the game be subscription-based, where you get new cards every week or so, and you can do trades and win cards through tournaments and whatever.

It seems silly that some guy with a lot of money to blow can instantly gain the advantage over me.

Problem is, they have to get the permission to use those characters.

Kojima came to Sakurai with the idea of adding Snake, so that's why he's in there. Sonic is in because Sega and Nintendo have been BFFs since Gamecube, which seems especially true given the Mario and Sonic game that came out recently.

Mega Man is Capcom. Though personally, I'd rather see Pheonix Wright than Mega Man. All he needs is one move: "OBJECTION!" with the pointy finger of DOOM!

I second the GBA Mario Kart nomination.

Mario Kart DS was freaking awesome, but eventually all it turned into were snaking battles which, while fun, kind of ruins the game after a while.

Mario Kart Double Dash was great for the emphasis on the double-team racing. And they did some things right. Like how your buddy can bop people in the face and steal their items. That never gets old. But the game overall just seems slower (almost Kirby's Air Ride slow), and the lack of jumping just feels unright to me.

GBA Mario Kart had the best set of courses, and call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the old-school style of kart control like the classic SNES original.

I don't get all the hate on this game. I tried the demo when it came out and it seemed okayish.

My only huge gripe was the fact that you and practically every enemy you fight is tiny on screen. I have to squint, and it's not like my HDTV all that small...

Yeah that'll show 'em!

Errr... huh?

Luigi better be in Brawl, I'd be so pissed if he wasn't. He was both my favorite and best character. I loved the slippery controls, and the unbelievably queer style that made people uncomfortable to lose against him (especially his "red" costume).

Vegeta,

I was a superfan of DBZ, like hardcore to the max... UNTIL the Cell Saga, that just destroyed everything for me.

What's sad is I actually liked Trunks, but everything else about it was terrible. Ok... when Tien went nuts with his triangle attack thingie, that was pretty cool. Other than that though, it was just bad.

Eventually I gave up and couldn't watch it anymore...