Too Much of Nothing

by Justin Elliott

Quality over quantity is perhaps the most vital statement a software developer can make. Without quality, all we have is an over-abundance of unneeded garbage. Truth be told, we as gamers are hell-bent on purchasing newer games by the month. Usually, the only reason we buy these "rushed" pieces of skepticism is because we're trying desperately to hold ourselves over until the "big one" arrives.

I hate to point in certain directions, but one good example that comes to mind is the work of Squaresoft. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Square. In fact, Sakaguchi, Amano, Uematsu and the rest of the gang are my favorite band of game developers. And yes, they've masterminded some of the greatest games of all time (*cough.. FF.. cough*). But let's be honest now. Games such as Final Fantasy Chronicles had the potential to sweep gamers off their feet while we anxiously waited for the arrival of the "big one," Final Fantasy X. But what happened? Well, 1/2 of the package was virtually corrupted. Chrono Trigger, considered by many to be the greatest RPG of all time, was pretty much ruined in its re-packaging. Accessing the menu is a pain in the a**, random battles take forever to boot, and the FMV wasn't nearly as good as Square is capable of allowing it to be.

Sorry Square, I couldn't help myself. But enough of my finger pointing, let's be general. Would you rather wait six months for one of the best games ever made, or spend $50 on an appetizer when you know you're just throwing it away?

Fortunately, not ALL games are like that. But in most cases, they are. Often, a company is simply feeding us junk while we grit our teeth in overwhelming anticipation for their next big hit.

I'll tell ya one thing. Staying the night outside your local EB for one of the aforementioned "appatizers" is definitely a no-no. You'd have to aim a 12 gauge shotgun at my head before you can get me to pitch a tent outside of the mall so I could be the first to get my hands on the great Threads of Fate (did that rhyme?).

So gamers, heed to my advice. Before you waste your hard-earned bucks on a rushed game, take some time to read one of RPGamer's famed reviews. That's right, let them do the dirty work before you make the most costly mistake of your life. Farewell friends, and have a great life!