Boaslad

I, for one, am all for a sequel. But, only if they fix the glaring problems with the first one. LBP is a lot of fun to play. But to create anything with it takes HOURS of building, testing, re-thinking, re-testing, etc. etc... And even then, there's the "inconsistency" factor: I built it. It worked. I saved it. Tomorrow, for reasons unknown to man, machine, or deity, it won't work. 'Ding' time for round two, of building, testing,... So. Yeah. I can see where LBP could use a lot of improvement. And most of the issues are inherent to the game's core game engine (not something that can be fixed with DLC). Don't get me wrong. I love the original. I just think that there is a LOT they could do to improve it.

O.k. I am thinking it is a toss up between FF7 and FF9. FF8 isn't even in the running for me. (The game just stunk. I could go into why, but there's just no point.) With the exception of FF8 (total crap), FFX-2 (my boobs aren't big enough), and FF13 (they should have just made it a movie... oh wait... they did.) pretty much every other FF game I've played has been killer.

I have been a gamer a long time, and while I agree that load times suck, I also understand that they are often a necessary evil. This isn't some eight bit cartridge game preloaded with everything you need. Games to today require some SERIOUS computing power just to fart in your general direction.

With computer programing it's all about give and take. Do you want top of the line detailed beautiful environments, glitch free smooth game play, or super hero fast load times? You may choose 2 and only 2. Something has to give some where. There always has to be compromises made. Like it or loath it, that's just the nature of the beast.

Also try to keep in mind that the "long" load times we are talking about here are around 60 seconds (to load a track). That's one whole minute. Oh ouch... hurt me...(let's go ahead and let that soak in our special sarcasm marinade for about 13 hours...) I think I can afford to be a little patient, especially if it means I get to play a super slick looking game, with tons of player edited content, that rocks it hard and fast with no glitches.

This is weird. Cool. But weird. They are coming out with more DLC almost daily, now. And the game isn't even on the shelves yet. May 25 can't get here fast enough. If you all haven't pre-ordered yet.. SHAME ON YOU.

Lets just do the Math:
30 hours estimated completion time (minus side quests and wandering aimlessly)
subtract:
15 hours of shear tedium (a.k.a. crap)
(actually 20 in my case because for some reason I mistakenly believed leveling up would actually help...)
equals:
HALF THIS GAME SUCKS. And unfortunately it's all in the FIRST half.

I don't know about you all but for me the final word on whether a game is "good" or "bad" rests soley on the answer to the question, "Was it fun?". An entire generation played Mario Bro. until their fingers bled. Why? Because it had awesome graphics? No. Because it had cool characters? No. Because it had a deep involving story line? No. Because, in spite of it absolute absurdity, it was just freakin' fun? YES! FF13 isn't. After 15 hours of fighting the control system, being interrupted by movie after movie after movie, and basically being led around by my nose, I no longer cared when it finally opened up, and just let me PLAY. I think that Squaresoft was trying sooo hard to make the game feel cinematic, that they forgot they were making a GAME. I am reminded of the old adage, "First impressions are lasting impressions." This game now is used as a book end to help hold up the other games that actually enjoy playing.

(oh, and before you down me for giving up half way through: Yes. I finished the game. The end was nice, but it most definitely did not justify the means.)

I do tend to agree that this game is a fairly big let down. But not nearly as bad of a let down as other, more hyped up games in recent history. FF13 for example was far worse in my opinion. Since I got WKC I haven't even touched FF13. Why? Well, it's complicated. But the biggest issue is simply this. WKC is just more fun to play. I think the developers of FF13 were so focused on making their game feel cinematic that they forgot they were making a GAME. It's unwavering linear game play, frustrating control system, and CONSTANT cinematic interruptions made it tiresome and even annoying to play. While I will concede that FF13 has a WAY better story, better cast of characters, and far superior visuals, it just isn't any FUN. And despite it's many flaws, WKS IS. In the end, Having fun is what makes or breaks a game for me. If it isn't fun, it isn't a good game. Period.

WKC for me is kind of like riding a moped. It may look stupid... but it's fun.

This game just looks killer. It has everything I loved about BLP but without the hassles. In BLP it took literally HOURS to create even the simplest of levels, and I never do anything simple. From what I have seen of Modnation, a new level can be created and played in a matter of minutes. This is much more satisfying to me, as the game will allow me to create as fast as my creative juices can flow. I am very eager to see what I can do with this game. May 25th can't get here fast enough.