Everyone has their own favorite entertainment products, and there are countless top five or top ten lists to find everywhere online. Sounds like a great idea- but I’m not satisfied with silly lists that leave any room open for debate. No, I want something monumental- something that chisels the point in concrete, and records it for all time as a fact of existence!

Therefore I present to you… First We Dream’s Ultimate Entertainment List!

Let’s start next page!

The only choice in town for professional football gaming, Madden ‘10, hit shelves recently.  I spent three seasons in franchise mode in order to get a feel for the changes (for better or worse) of this year’s iteration.  What’s the verdict? Is Madden still stuck in it’s recent malaise of same-old each year?

I’m happy to say EA Sports has scored a 1st down with this effort.  It’s no touchdown, for sure, just as NCAA ‘10 isn’t in the end.  Both games are the best football around, but they share common design flaws that hold them back from greatness.  But I’ve already addressed NCAA ‘10- what’s the scoop on Madden ‘10 this year?

Pass Protection

It’s amazing, but EA finally managed to provide a real pass pocket.  First, no longer is the player required to perform the QB dropback, which often resulted in bad plays becaue the player would do a seventeen-step dropback on what should have been a one step quick-route.  Now, when you snap the ball, the QB will drop back to the correct position before you begin controlling him- and this works beautifully.

The second aspect of the new pocket is the fact that you will no longer have unoccupied O-linemen stand there staring into the distance while you’re sacked from the side.  They will actively pick up pass rushes and side blitzes, based on their stats, of course.  A rumble feature is also built into the controller, so that hypothetically, if the controller rumbles, you can look down and use the right analog stick to perform a QB dodge- the problem is this feature doesn’t work because the rumble comes far, far too late for you to lock your eyes on the QB area and determine where the rush is coming from.  Unless you spend your time staring at nothing but the QB, you’re going to not take advantage of this feature very often without simply making a wild guess.  Still, at least EA tried to add it in.

Rushing

Rushing is still, sadly, broken.  The default slider settings result in you running all over the defense for the most part, while you will hold every team to negative rushing yards- barring a handful of teams that have the best backs in football- who are treated like Batman in their ability to dodge every single player on the field while rushing their way to 300 yard games against you.  Tinkering with the sliders is futile, because you still end up with either too many rushing yards, or too few.  EA needs to work on balancing the rushing game somehow- a running back should average around 100 yards a game, but not every game.  As they say, 6 backs per year break 1,000 yards rushing-  figure out a way to achieve this balance. The end goal is statistical accuracy as close to the real NFL as possible.

Polish

The game makes great strides this year in the details- and details are what make or break a great game.  This year’s version adds all sorts of little touches that help make you feel like you’re really watching/participating in an “on-TV” football broadcast.  The new “Pro-Tak” technology allows for 9-man gang tackles- which is not only a graphical boon, but a gameplay feature- running backs can power their way through a few tacklers if strong enough for extra yards, or even to break a 70-yard-rush, so it’s important to keep piling on with the rest of the gang to bring the carrier down and stop extra yardage.  This is an excellent and very realistic addition to the series.

Unfortunately, many areas requiring polish are still dusty.  The AI still calls time outs at exactly 1:00 (or 1:01), breaking all semblance of realism, and when a game is all wrapped up and the game clock is winding down to end the game, you are still required to line up while the commentators ramble on about how important it is the defense stops you.  EA needs to change this to players wandering around the field shaking hands, while the commentary reflects the game-over-even-though-the-clock-isn’t spirit.

Speaking of commentary- major fumble here.  Chris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond take over the duties, and Chris is as snarky and unlistenable as ever.  Still, his arrogant preaching is a welcome relief from Mr. Hammond- who does his best to try to put you to sleep.  Even on exciting plays, he hardly has the “oomph” to whisper “touchdown!”  It’s not so much phoned in, as just completely out of the spirit of what’s going on on the field.  I can’t tell you how much I miss Madden’s fun and goofy “pow’s” and “bangs”, combined with an Al Michaels play-by-play.  EA strongly needs to re-evaluate their broadcast team and find a way to inject life into it.

Overall, while some of the yearly design flaws and bugs persist, this year is a major step forward, and removes the franchise from its long standing 3rd-and-long malaise to make a first down.  There’s a ways to go before EA scores a touchdown and removes any discussion of “NFL 2K5″ as the “best ever”- but this is an encouraging gain of yardage.  EA needs to not punt next year- fix the remaining flaws, and tackle the area that needs the most work next:  The scouting and draft- which could be vastly improved and made far more informative and fun than they currently stand.

In the meantime, you’ll definitely stick with this year’s version and play through many seasons in franchise mode (offline or even in the new online franchise mode)- and get a lot more value than you have in recent years.

Dream Analysis: The best version of the yearly monopoly to date, due to a greatly increased production quality, fully functioning pass pocket (no more 6 interceptions per game- are you paying attention, NCAA ‘11?) and greatly improved player statistical categories.
Dream Value: Worth full retail cost.  People have complained Madden has been stagnant- reward them for making progress by purchasing at full price.
Dream Length: You’ll play this until you trade it in for Madden ‘11- roughly one year, but with the new “burn time” feature that runs time off the play clock if you choose a play quickly, you will actually make it through ten or fifteen seasons instead of two or three in previous years (Franchise mode.)
Nightmares: EA still hasn’t dealt with the plethora of yearly quirks and bugs.  Rushing is still a mess- you’ll run all over the computer’s AI until you balance the sliders at which point you will be unable to run at all, and the AI will either run for -2 yards per game or if you tweak sliders, 250 per game.   Other quirks, such as the AI calling time out with exactly 1:00 (or 1:01) or the fact that the announcers are cheering on first downs when you’re kneeling the ball for the win (let alone having to run a last play when the game is wrapped up.)  Nothing new- but none of it fixed after so many years.  These all detract from the game.  These issues remain problems with BOTH Madden and NCAA football, and it’s long past due to spend some polish time fixing these game detractors.  Also, much work remains to be done with making the scouting and draft process better, and more FUN- make it feel like you’re in the draft war room, give better information about the players.  A new addition to “potential” is confusing-  is a high potential player expected to go in the 7th round better than a low potential player in the 1st round? No idea- it’s not clear.  Also, as always, some player ratings are laughable.  Drew Stanton an overall 47, when he should be no less than a 70? It makes you wonder at the formula they use for some players other than a random dice roll.

Batman is, hands down, the most popular superhero ever created.

Certainly there are rabid Superman fans, Wolverine supporters, and so on… But when it comes to the sheer kick-ass vision of the ideal hero, Batman is the foremost in the majority of people’s minds.

Why is this? Because Batman is not so far-fetched from being a reality.  He has no super powers, he’s not invincible… He’s nothing more than a normal man trained and educated to fight against enemies that often are more powerful than Batman- yet you always know that in the end, Batman is going to come out on top. Not simply because he’s the hero, but because he’s always able to out-think any situation and overcome any foe he faces.  This is why he beat Superman (in their famous comics duel, using Kryptonite-laced gloves) because Batman is a thinking-man’s (or woman’s) hero that we can all directly relate to, unlike an invincible alien in Superman or modified mutant like Wolverine.

So if Batman is capable of coming out on top over overwhelming odds- can he overcome his greatest challenge ever?

His greatest challenge- Joker? No, no.  His greatest challenge would be to appear in a comic-book based game that isn’t horrible.  To date, the only comic hero game that has been a great success, high quality, and very fun to play was the recent “Wolverine: X-Men Origins” game, which truly did Wolverine justice and provided a definite “keeper” game.  Surely Batman provides easier source material to outshine Wolverine?

The answer is a most definitive “yes”.

Rocksteady Studios has finally done Batman proud by providing him a game that is worthy of the Batman brand. There are countless reasons why this game works on so many levels.

Combat

Let’s start with the brightest light that shines through in this game: The combat.  After all, games of this nature are going to come down to how fun the combat is- does it become repetitive? Do you groan when another 10 generic goons come around the corner? Are you just hoping that you’re at the next boss fight, already?  Never once, in this game, do you wince when it comes time to fight.  On the contrary- you will absolutely drool over how much fun you’re having.  This is one of the sleekest, smoothest, best controlled fighting systems ever made for a game of this type.

There are no awkward targeting quirks.  No health bars (for enemies), no overly-complex button controls.  No, the majority of the fighting comes down to using the “X” button for your attacks and the “Y” button to counter attacks.  Sounds too simple? Wait until you experience the feeling when you have swooped down from a ceiling hiding spot, landing a gliding kick against one of the foes, then seamlessly begin a stream of kicks, punches, blocks, throws and flips- without ever fumbling over the controls for the right button.  By keeping things easy to manage, Rocksteady made the combat so very fun- because a novice can manage to fight and feel like Batman… but a hardcore gamer can truly become as imposing a martial arts expert as Batman is- taking down dozens of goons without a blow landing upon him.

And that just discusses the actual free-for-all fighting.  What shines even more is when you go into “predator mode” (not an actual gameplay change, just a concept) where you hide in various places within a room that has five or so guards- and proceed to pick them off one by one using stealth attacks and Batman’s typical bag of gadgets.  Pick off the first goon? The others will rush to his fallen (unconcious) body and begin to panic.  Using your “detective” vision mode, you can not only see skeleton-outlines of where all the goons are in a room, but what weapons they are carrying, and their heart-rate.  Bring enough fear to the goons as you stealthily take out their companions (with Joker humorously taunting his own men over the Asylum’s P.A. system)- and they’ll begin to freak out, firing randomly into corners and generally soiling their pants.

The game simply shines during these moments- you can’t get enough of preying on these helpless goons.  But make no mistake- they are not morons, and unlike other generic bad guys in hero games, if you screw up and they get their sights on you, you will pay the price with a side full of bullets.  This is what the appeal of Batman is: You can’t just walk up to three armed goons and “win”- guns WILL take you down.  Therefore you have to figure out the best way to outsmart them.  Perhaps it’s using your tools to whip up to a point behind them, and drop down for silent takedowns, or perhaps you set a trap in front of them with explosive gel, and let them catch a glimpse of you- to come charging into the spot you wish them to be with your finger on the detonator.

Make no mistakes- out of all the combat games out there- Batman has one of the best combat systems ever built to this point.  It creates a level of replayability that might not otherwise exist.

“It is in games that many men discover their paradise.”
~Robert Lynd

Consider all of the potential activities each individual can engage in for entertainment. Imagine the millions of different types of fun, each fitting into different categories, aligning themselves with the unique personalities of each individual. Now ask yourself, if someone was talking about your friend’s personal choice of hobby and said, “Joe? Oh, he’ll grow out of that hobby.” What is the first activity you think of in which Joe might be participating, that his age or maturity should cause him to cease enjoying at some arbitrary point?

Gaming- particularly computer gaming- is the only mainstream hobby where people (even some gamers themselves) feel others should arbitrarily stop doing due to age. Even in today’s technologically advanced society, there’s still the misconception that games are for kids, and when one “matures”, they will “grow out” of gaming and move on to more “appropriate” hobbies.

Need proof of these stereotypes?

Examine the following news blog concerning console sales: Gaming Sales Fall 31% (TECHDiGEST) – notice the dig implying gamers have no “social life” (the original article mentioned the “stench” of gamer’s rooms- TECHDiGEST modified the article after I linked to it).
Or another: Mom’s Basement for the Win (AbleGamers) – The title and end line say it all.

Where does this flawed mindset stem from?

In large part, it’s a relic of the stereotypes of the past. While most people in touch with modern trends are aware of the diversity of gamers (we come in all shapes, ages and sizes), there is a large portion of the population still relying on 20-year-old stereotypes of gamers being nerdy, male, socially inept booksmart types living in mom’s basement, dreaming of their first chance to touch a real woman someday!

Are all gamers socially inept virgins incapable of adult thought and activity? Of course not. As with all stereotypes, they are terribly flawed generalizations that are false more often than true.

Gaming is an intellectual and creative hobby that stimulates the brain, sharpens reaction times, improves vocabulary and reading skills and can be (based on the game type) highly social in nature. But that is the exact opposite of the stereotypes! After all, Joe is going to “grow out” of gaming, right? How come no one goes around asking those in their 60’s when they’re going to “grow out” of watching television? After all, it’s a hobby that was born and came into its own as that generation grew into adulthood! Should they not have moved on to more age-appropriate activities? Should they not “grow out” of watching television and go outdoors and do something “better” with their time? Obviously, that is a silly notion, just as it is when applied to gamers and gaming.

Anti-gamers will have you believe gaming is a mindless, thoughtless activity that causes anti-social behavior and once you’re out of your teens, you should be “grown up” enough to move on to “better” things.

I ask anti-gamers: define “better”. Is gardening “better”? Customizing cars? Riding a bike?

Yes, someone will surely say… if you’re riding a bike, you’re getting exercise, you’re outdoors, it’s healthier for you!

Who has determined these things are “better”? No one has the authority to judge what activities are better than others. Who says being outdoors is “better” than being indoors? You can provide just as many studies indicating you’re healthier staying indoors as you can outdoors. This is simply an artifact of old-fashioned thinking, as those who had no indoor activities are now parents and grandparents. When they were kids, they had to go outdoors. So of course, to these types, it seems unhealthy that people spend so much free time indoors in front of the TV or computer screen playing games.

No one hobby is capable of being labeled “better” than any other hobby. Each person chooses a hobby based on what fits them best- customizing cars might be “manly” to some… but to others, it is a colossal waste of money and energy. Judging another person’s hobby to be better or worse for them is an improper activity.

The bad news for the anti-gamer crowd- the folks constantly seeking to purge, penalize or otherwise ruin the gaming industry- is that the average age of gamers continues to rise each year, dramatically. Currently, the average age is around 37. Notice that is not a teenage year? And if the average is 37- that means people are gaming well into their 70’s! This trend is only going to continue. Those who have grown up as gamers, such as myself, will continue to game until we die. And with the introduction of more powerful gaming consoles, as well as casual-gamer friendly systems like the Wii, more and more people will jump into gaming, only to be hooked for life. The average gamer age is likely to be 40 or 45 within a scant few years.

Eventually the stereotypes will fade away, and no one in their right mind would insinuate that someone will “grow out” of gaming, just as they wouldn’t think of presuming they know of another hobby to be “superior” to gaming. Gaming will not be considered any different than jogging, going sailing, reading books, mixed martial arts, or watching television. In fact, the truth that gaming is an active- rather than passive- activity, will become common knowledge.

For now, though, gamers are stuck with the burden of putting up with outdated and inaccurate stereotypes. Those who continue to perpetuate the fallacies of these stereotypes, keep in mind- the gamers you’re maligning aren’t kids. We’re everyone you know- younger and older, male and female… and we’re tired of your smug judgment. You enjoy your hobbies- we enjoy ours. Keep your opinions on our choice of entertainment to yourself, because…

We’re proud to be known as gamers.

Yesterday’s post introduced the first teaser trailer for James Cameron’s upcoming December 18th movie “Avatar”.  Let’s recap some things concerning “Avatar”. Industry experts have stated that “Avatar” is going to do for 3D film making what “The Wizard of Oz” did for color television.  Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg visited Cameron to be introduced to the technology, and both said it is “the future of how movies will be made in Hollywood for the next 10-15 years”.  For 15 years this movies has been stewing, forming, waiting… until it finally gets to see the light of day this year now that our technology is fully capable of handling photo realistic computer simulation.

Yesterday, after the masses witnessed the teaser, Twitter burst forth with judgment on the movie:  “Sucks.”  “Meh.” “Blue people? Stupid.” “Gonna cost way too much and suck.”  On the must-see daily all-things-geek G4 television show “Attack of the Show”, they conducted a poll. “Does the teaser trailer make you want to see the movie?”  60 percent said no.  A guest film expert who’s followed the movie for 15 years was interviewed by Kevin Pereira.  Kevin asked him if the release of 15 minutes of 3D footage in Imax theaters today would give people a better indication of the movie.  His guest’s response? “Well, there was no “wow” factor in the teaser trailer- I don’t see how they can have a “wow” factor in 15 minutes of footage.”  Kevin also indicated that he was confused by what the story was about (mimicking the majority of those online who said they didn’t “get” it.)

I’m simply stunned by these notions, and that our (younger) society is so quick to negatively judge every single thing that comes down the pipe.  Frankly, you don’t even have to show anything- just the mere mention of an idea will result in the same response-  “I hear they’re making World of Warcraft into a movie.” The inevitable and immediate response? “That’ll suck.”

I simply can’t wrap my mind around what happened to the generations younger than me to create this hatred of all of our creative output as a society.  Especially when in the end, these same people who are so quick to judge will be the ones who will in fact go see the movie and then spend just as much effort proclaiming it to be the best ever. (For some, of course.)  Why exactly is everyone 35 and under brain-tuned to blurt out “that sucks” so automatically?

Conversely, why am I, at 37, always excited to hear of a new concept coming down the pipe?  World of Warcraft movie? Cool! Bring it on!  Avatar? The trailer looked awesome, and it wasn’t even in the revolutionary 3D it was designed to be seen in!  I mean, my instinct has never once been to even think “that will suck”.  And in 99.9 percent of cases, when I see the final product, it… Does. Not. Suck.

Indiana Jones IV? Didn’t suck.  Episodes 1-3 of Star Wars? Didn’t suck.  Transformers (any)? Didn’t suck.  Pirates of the Caribbean (any)? Didn’t suck.  These movies are fine, enjoyable, quality (predominately summer) popcorn flicks.  Is Indy IV the best in the series? No, of course not.  Does it “suck”? No- unless you are jaded.

Where does this jadedness come from?

I can’t put my finger on the point of pollution, exactly, though I do know the internet is involved in this mystery.  Why do I say this?  Because when leaving the theater upon the release of Star Wars Episode 1, I heard not ONE negative comment.  Conversely, I heard raves, and glowing praise, and the men’s bathroom was full of people quoting parts and talking about scenes- even laughing (favorably) about Jar-Jar Binks scenes.  Then guess what happened? Two days passed, and “THEY” on the internet began the “it sucks” campaign.  Suddenly the exact same people who had been so in love with the movie were now on board with the mass popular thought- “It sucks.” “Jar-Jar is “*gay”!” (*disgusting slang, never mine.) The invisible people behind the internet tubes had proclaimed it to suck- and these invisible people are the much younger generations- the teens to some degree-but mainly the twenty-somethings.

You see, the twenty-somethings are babies of technology.  They’ve always had amazing technology, movies, games and the like available to them their whole “adult” lives. Their idea of nostalgia were the systems that were still major steps forward in technology back in the day.  They never experienced the dawn of the technological entertainment industry.  So they are spoiled, by nature.  There is a disdain for CGI in films, because to them it’s just “fake computer people” getting in the way.

To my generation (while I technically lie in the Gen X category, I don’t fit their attitudes or mindset- I instead belong to what Prince refers to as “The New Power Generation”), those “fake computer people” are so welcome.  You see, when you compare what was possible in the 70’s and 80’s to what is comparable now, there is simply no argument that modern movies completely obliterate older ones in terms of quality.  There is something to be said for balance- for instance, I fully agree that in Indy IV, Lucas should have gone without the CGI ants and instead stuck with what made Indy so beloved- the gritty realism-  real bugs would have been not only a better choice but a tie in to “Temple of Doom”’s icky corridors of bugs.

That said, is it the fault of Spielburg and Lucas that the population is not informed enough to understand the end of the movie?  That it had nothing to do with “spaceships”?  I mean, they spelled out it was about inter dimensional beings.  This tells me that the younger generations have no knowledge concerning our current state of awareness concerning theoretical physics and the fact there are numerous dimensions, all of which likely hold life.  Space aliens? No- only to the uniformed.  Yet that’s how the jaded generations railed against the film.  Even the brilliant fridge scene- which was classic Indy- was slammed as “unrealistic”.   Hello?  When has Indy been realistic?  The scene was humorous from start to end, as well as suspenseful. But no, it’s now a running joke akin to “jump the shark”-  “nuked the fridge”.  I simply don’t follow this train of thought- or from my viewpoint, lack of thought.

If you’re an online gamer, particularly if you’ve spent hours on World of Warcraft, you know the online gaming scene- you understand the inside jokes about the genre, the guild politics… this game truly becomes a second life for many.  Of course, stereotypes abound and every female you run into is of course assumed to be a 40 year old fat guy in his mom’s basement (sorry, I only play male characters- it’s not me!)

However, online love happens- often- but a running joke is the trend of many male players instantly hitting on any female character they encounter in game.  Still- what’s a greater fantasy for so many male gamers than to date that perfect female- another gamer?

No one has a better understanding of the stereotypes and humor that lies not-so-hidden behind the surface of massively multiplayer gaming than Felicia Day, as she has proven with her award winning web series, “The Guild”.  If you have yet to watch these mini-episodes, you’re missing out on quality comedy and gaming humor with a specifically brilliant touch on how the obsession over these games impacts the lives of the players in the “real world”.  The videos are available online on iTunes (purchase and show your support!) and also on the Xbox Live videos area-  please, if you’ve missed them, go watch those first then return to this post to see the music video (you’ll get a much, much greater appreciation.)

The Guild – YouTube Channel (Subcribe- you won’t be disappointed!)

For those familiar with The Guild, you will adore their new music video directed by none other than Jed Whedon- that’s right, Joss Whedon’s brother.

So make sure you’re up to date on The Guild, then enjoy The Guild cast in their epic music video- I think I see another award on the horizon.

I only have two issues: Felicia obviously needs to read my blog on a more accurate name for “MMOs”- The lyrics should have figured a way to use “MMGS” (well, if she wants to be even more trendsetting. )

And the second issue?  Forget her Avatar-  how the heck can I date Felicia herself?!

EA Sports is the reigning behemoth of console sports gaming, and a legion of gamers are split into two sides regarding their appreciation of their sporting franchises.  One side loves the EA consistency and continuity, and the vocal minority hates them with a passion.  If you’re part of this vocal minority that breaks into a cold sweat of rage at the mere mention of the letters “EA”, there’s truly no point in reading a review of any of their products, is there? You’ve made your mind up!  Hopefully you’re one of the larger majority that picks up the newest version each year and appreciates the sometimes subtle, sometimes drastic changes that have been introduced for the new model.

The newest version of NCAA Football ‘10 offers no surprises- the modes that we’ve come to expect are here, slightly modified, slightly polished, minorly adjusted.  As always, there are a few billion ways to play this game.  Everything from an instant right-this-second match, to the traditional franchise mode, to a be-the-player mode… even a mode full of amusing mini-games such as tug-of-war (not literally tug of war, but a version of one-play-at-a-time alternating football, constantly battling for field position until someone scores a touchdown.)  This year’s version even allows an often-requested feature- online franchises, complete with full draft modes and trading, etc.  Needless to say, there’s a lot of football to be had in this football game.

Road to Glory

One of the more brilliant moves EA made this year is modifying their “be-the-player” mode.  Now called “The Road to Glory”, EA hit the jackpot with the idea of having the deliciously beautiful Erin Andrews, sideline reporter extraordinaire, host a faux ESPN-type “behind the scenes” television show covering your rise into the NCAA and highlighting your progress over the course of your career.  Assisted via phone calls for additional input on your performance from analyst Kirk Herbstreit, you do get the sensation that you’re watching a real TV show- perhaps not a full fledged one, but a segment nontheless.  Of course, as with all things involving narration and voice recording, after a few re-runs, you’ll begin hearing the same old commentary said the season prior.

Still, latching onto Erin and including her in the game in full motion video is a brilliant move- this is a woman who has delayed a whole team from getting onto the sporting surface on time because they were all staring at her outside the locker room.  Her presence adds a little extra “oomph” to the mode.

So far as the gameplay of the mode goes- it really plays the same from prior years and efforts.  Some camera issues rise up- especially when it suddenly spins, disorienting you.  Also, while it is great to allow you to be any position, there’s really not much that’s going to happen if you choose to be a DT, for instance… if you really want to see your name in lights in this mode, you’re going to have to be a QB, HB, WR or perhaps if you’re really good, a DB.  Still, the option remains- all you guards out there, have at it!

Franchise Mode

Obviously most people play to play franchise mode.  This is the relatively indefinite mode where you pick your favorite school and play season after season as the coach (and players).  You’re in charge of recruiting, setting the play style of your team, and even playing the darn games (you’ll show those kids- this is how you run the ball!)  The mode offers nothing horribly new this year, though it does feel well balanced- to a point.  There are some highly questionable rankings of teams upon starting (for instance, Michigan is listed as a more prestigious school, and with better talent, than Michigan State this year- which NCAA fans know has changed. A little old-school bias still remains- the “great” teams from a few years ago get the benefit of the doubt, and the teams that have risen up recently haven’t received enough credit.) In the end, the most fun to be had in this mode is not necessarily the games themselves, but the recruitment process.

Recruiting works like previous entries, where you “call” players and sweet talk them using different areas of interest they may hold.  Some players value the education your college can provide, others only have minds for being a pro- and so you research the players and cater to their interests, hoping your school isn’t ranked a C in their “most” influential category.  Ultimately it comes down to spending the most time wooing that player over other teams, while not pissing the player off by talking to them too much. The system is easy to follow and very addictive-  knowing you desperately need that 5 star guard, fighting for him all season long, only to find out that another team swooped in and stole him out from you at the end of the season is as heartbreaking in the game as it is in real life- but landing the big players gives you as much pleasure, and it does make a difference on the field.  The first 5 star player I landed was a safety who managed three interceptions, two for return touchdowns.  This means it really does matter if you’re landing a 5 star player vs. a 2 star- but it’s not to say that you can never win against a superior team.  Sound football strategy will still prevail, at least on those special in-game Saturdays you might have.

If you’re a gamer, you’ve heard and used this phrase countless times. Even when it first became widespread in its usage, jokes flew with its lack of brevity. You know the name… “MMORPG”: “Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game”.

That name has to be changed.

Why? Certainly some will agree it’s a pain to say, but you can just call it an “MMO” instead, right? Unfortunately, that doesn’t reach the crux of the matter… it’s inaccurate. My first question to you is: Name one massively multiplayer game that is not online.

I’ll wait while you rack your brain. Football isn’t massively multiplayer. Golf isn’t. Baseball? No. A marathon isn’t a game. There is no game which exists offline that has thousands upon thousands of simultaneous players!

We’ve just started, and we’ve already found that part of the title isn’t necessary!

• First change to the genre name: The O’s gotta go.

So, we’ve whittled “MMO” down to “MM”. What about the “MM” portion of the title? What defines “Massively Multiplayer”? Thousands upon thousands of players all within the same game universe able to freely interact in game at the same time.

Some games that are often considered massively multiplayer fall short due to design and gameplay considerations. Let’s examine Guild Wars. Great game! Fun times. A solid title to own for most gamers. Guild. Wars. Is. Not. Massively. Multiplayer.

What? Everyone says it’s an MMO! That is nothing more than a case of people being stubborn when presented with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The actual developers of Guild Wars have themselves proclaimed it not to be an “MMORPG”, but instead call it a “CORPG”: “Competitive Online Role Playing Game”. I refer to it as an “OCG”- “Online Computer Game”, like Diablo 2, for instance.

Still, when you are discussing a game with the proper design to allow simultaneous mass-gaming, “Massively Multiplayer”, or “MM” works well enough to describe the genre.