I don't get why that's hilarious. He liked the previous games for different reasons than you. The new game moves in a direction that he doesn't like, but that other people will.
Why is that hilarious or dumb?
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Jim Sterling: Shadow Of The Tomb Raider - A Shadow Of Its Former Self (READ OP)
- Thread starter John Bender
- Start date
I don't get why that's hilarious. He liked the previous games for different reasons than you. The new game moves in a direction that he doesn't like, but that other people will.
Why is that hilarious or dumb?
I agree. It's reboot or bust. This is just not really working, and they clearly need better fucking writers.
About to start playing this, and curious to see if my concerns (and apparently Jim's) about less combat having a negative overall impact hold up. I like the new Tomb Raider games, but Combat has been part and parcel of each of them (and escalating in Rise).
Hell, even having the pre-order bonuses include 'additional' weapons feels weird if it's been disincentivized this much.
(Also, the defense force/anti-Jim crowd is pretty embarrassing - especially with this video, of all things)
Hell, even having the pre-order bonuses include 'additional' weapons feels weird if it's been disincentivized this much.
(Also, the defense force/anti-Jim crowd is pretty embarrassing - especially with this video, of all things)
Yes but the difficulty is labeled normal. If they had played easy and complained sure, but this is the game's default. Should they mention that you can adjust things? Sure. But that doesn't mean they can't critique the game's default settings for being too hand-holdy.
But that's silly, because the game provides tools for you to change that. If those tools don't provide a sweet spot, that's perfectly valid criticism. But if you haven't bothered to tweak the difficulty to match your skill set, you can't make grand general statements like "this game is too easy", the only statment you can make is "this game is too easy on the normal difficulty"
I feel like it's the best of the trilogy but can understand a bit of franchise fatigue. I disagree with most of the points - and some are downright incorrect or misleading - he made but that's ok.
On the topic of Sterling himself, I don't understand why it's out of bounds to acknowledge that the guy has built a career on shouting contrarian opinions in an inflammatory way when assessing the content he produces. His intent and his output are directly correlated.
On the topic of Sterling himself, I don't understand why it's out of bounds to acknowledge that the guy has built a career on shouting contrarian opinions in an inflammatory way when assessing the content he produces. His intent and his output are directly correlated.
That is what I said in your quote. Mention the game can be more difficult but state the default is not challenging.
Of course it is. Most people new to the game/series are going to play it on the default, or "normal", difficulty first time. Knowing that it's arguably too easy on that difficulty is extremely useful to people who are looking for a challenge.
What, so what you're saying is any reviewer giving this game an 8 or higher is just being dishonest? That's ridiculous.
Why is negativity = honesty, anyway? That's nonsense.
Don't mistake giving a negative review as something honest. That's so edgelord it hurts.
and I'm not saying Jim is wrong even.
You're right, criticizing normal difficulty is completely reasonable. You're halfway through the game or more before you realize normal is a joke, and hen what are you supposed to do? Restart the entire game? You've already played half of it without enjoying it fully. The difficulty options aren't a cop out here and are more for repeat players unless they do a good job explaining the differences and are really well optimized.
I just picked this game up and watched this impressions video. I don't see anything controversial about what he said, when I play it I will see if I agree, I hope I don't and find more excitement in the game.
Jim has experience with the entire Dynasty Warriors series and yet people here tore him apart when he spoke negatively about 9. Even going so far as to play hard mode just to shut people up.
He cant win. I still think hes completely wrong to defend Sonic 4 but hes been right on other titles.
He cant win. I still think hes completely wrong to defend Sonic 4 but hes been right on other titles.
shadow is a refinement of the previous two games in regards to gameplay. The Tombs are more frequent and more complex, the combat can be varied a little more with the addition of useable stealth attacks and weapon types. They make more sense than just firing assault rifles from cover. And it looks beautiful.
Maybe he was expecting it to change more.
But I feel it's the best one of the three so far, though I haven't finished it yet. It feels nicely balanced.
Maybe he was expecting it to change more.
But I feel it's the best one of the three so far, though I haven't finished it yet. It feels nicely balanced.
I'm not going to say these are bad games
My experience with the 1st one was that it was refreshing(for me at the time) but the MP was probably one of the worst I've played. The 2nd one had me overall feeling meh to the point I didn't want to take a risk for this new one. This is one example for me where the metascore didn't really amount much for me in providing some "80+ experience", hope that makes sense.
For those who have played this, how is compared to the first 2?
My experience with the 1st one was that it was refreshing(for me at the time) but the MP was probably one of the worst I've played. The 2nd one had me overall feeling meh to the point I didn't want to take a risk for this new one. This is one example for me where the metascore didn't really amount much for me in providing some "80+ experience", hope that makes sense.
For those who have played this, how is compared to the first 2?
That sounds a lot better than mowing down mindless enemies with input laggy controls. You're selling me on it!
Don't mind the tone of the game. I hated how Uncharted became a comedy the more it went on. Everything was Drake saying oh crap.
Seems like they went for Indiana Jones model. Shadow is shaping up to be my favorite of the three.
Seems like they went for Indiana Jones model. Shadow is shaping up to be my favorite of the three.
Yeah isn't Lara Croft known for being a mass murderer? This isn't like her at all.
Its my favorite of the 3. There's considerably less combat, more puzzles and traversing. Challenge tombs are much more monumental and longer. The tone of the game is closer to 2013 than Rise, it's definitely pretty "dark", which is the main reason why I preferred 2013 over Rise.
All the people hating on this game for not being an adrenaline fueld joyride are making me reconsider my stance of not playing it, that's part of why I loved Uncharted 4 which got hate for the same aspects.
Can anyone tell me if the story is as ridiculously bad and frustrating as the last two games? If it's actually improved in that regard, I might pick it up tomorrow.
Can anyone tell me if the story is as ridiculously bad and frustrating as the last two games? If it's actually improved in that regard, I might pick it up tomorrow.
You could get that? Really? I an not surprised at all. There was nothing to understand about their shitty ass behavior especially after he went in Depth about what he did not like about the game. They are in the same boat as any other fans that whine about mixed to bad reviews. Actually they are not in the same boat Zelda fans are much worse for hacking his site, accusing him of fanboyism after giving Horison ZD a better score and threatening his life.
The writing is definitely better than before. It's probably still not great (I am enjoying it but I didn't really have a problem with it previously either) but the improvements are clear to see.
Cannot watch it right now because I'm mobile. But in regards of the title I cannot possibly believe that.. that it's worse than Rise isn't possible. I usually like his videos, but more because they're entertaining, and not because I take them face value. Will watch it later.
I agree with you on the points above, especially the one regarding Rise. I thought it was too bland, boring & lifeless. I really had to force myself through the first few hours.
However, I'm really enjoying my time with Shadow so far. The setting itself differenciates it heavily from Rise's shortcomings imo.
I just want to add that I have no problem with the video title or overall delivery of this video, It was merely a conversation regards he majority or at least the content and delivery Jim is known for, this is a mild video by those standards.
1) Although I agree that we have far too many "linked" channels that can be drinking from the cool aid, this does not preclude an independent channel from balancing its coverage between the good and the bad. I am conscious that I also need to possibly highlight bad practices or methods at times, so should Jim also have an occasional positive video with a similar level of effort and ferocity as that, for me, allows me to see the objective view of a channel, person or institution. Seeing the bad and negative is easy and largely counter productive.
2) His character(s) are not progressive in my opinion, his points and investigation can be very good but I feel this can sully the impact of it with his delivery as his ranting can be prolonged, excessive swearing (which gets you no-where in live or business) and repetitive. I recall a video about EA Lootboxes and it was too long, laboured the point to death and almost spent some time patting himself on the back. He was a part of it for sure, but not the only one. I would prefer if he had his rant and comedy (which is largely what draws the crowds I and he understands that well) but with a serious section and counter points to back it up, critiscm IS NOT critique as they both have a very different agenda and result.
3) I have no real issue with this title or most of them to be fair, if I gave that impression it was not my intention, as you say I have seen and read far, far worse and you have to entice the entry point and is something I need to learn more on for sure.
4) Yes, I thought it was a review, if not the videos intention it comes across and I assume by the confusion in this thread is what many think of it. My main issue with this video was it did not feel detailed or had much strong argument to back up his decision aside he did not like it (which is fine). But a review or impression I would hope would allow some level of empathy with the content and the designers aims to at least reflect the pros and cons of each. For example I am not a fan of huge open world titles, I have no desire or time to spend hours wandering around a landscape talking to NPC's on mindless tasks or opening towers as I think these are a time sink and pointless padding. I can and do cover all the bonus points of a title and would this offer and can appreciate and demonstrate (well I hope so) what they offer and how they work to the viewer for the complete picture even if I do not enjoy them. I hope I cover this in my upcoming Spiderman analysis which I have tried something new.
Thank you very much for the concise and detailed discussion and your excellent points really helped me see this from another angle. In regards to the video Hi-Q videos I would love to and it was one of the reasons I started the Patreon and my website but sadly it never got close to the level needed to simply run that as an option. I am very thankful for all the supporters I have as they have helped me with subsidy on a better camera, PC spec over time. My aim is to still strive for more to the audience hence why I have partnered with Rectifygaming.
Cheers
His reviews seems perfectly fair, he's hardly shitting on the game for the sake of it, he has actual points of contention that I can understand.
In regards to what he actually says he believes that the actual exploration aspects of the game isn't good enough to justify the removal of most of the combat.
I don't know yet if I'd agree with him as i havn't played it yet (and I loved the exploration in the last two) but I would be disaapointed if there's no real changes aside from just less combat. Like make what little combat there is much harder or add a different dynamic to them and make more engaging or something. Add more properly meaningful mechanics to the exploration, that sort of thing.
Also as "ludonarrative dissonance" as the combat was in the previous two games (somethig that applies to every story in existance honestly) it was still fun.
In regards to what he actually says he believes that the actual exploration aspects of the game isn't good enough to justify the removal of most of the combat.
I don't know yet if I'd agree with him as i havn't played it yet (and I loved the exploration in the last two) but I would be disaapointed if there's no real changes aside from just less combat. Like make what little combat there is much harder or add a different dynamic to them and make more engaging or something. Add more properly meaningful mechanics to the exploration, that sort of thing.
Also as "ludonarrative dissonance" as the combat was in the previous two games (somethig that applies to every story in existance honestly) it was still fun.
When did people turn on Jim?
He's the best. He's one of the strongest watch dogs of the industry. This guy is pro consumer, pro game experience.
It never ceases to amaze me how badly people want to worship their corporate overlords and demand no one challenge them in any way.
He's the best. He's one of the strongest watch dogs of the industry. This guy is pro consumer, pro game experience.
It never ceases to amaze me how badly people want to worship their corporate overlords and demand no one challenge them in any way.
Jim is great and has been forever. The hate mob that is starting to form on ERA is alarming.
But looking at the embarrassing overreactions to NSO on here, it's obvious that no gaming community is save from the baggage that comes with any " special interest" forum.
But looking at the embarrassing overreactions to NSO on here, it's obvious that no gaming community is save from the baggage that comes with any " special interest" forum.
If you read the posts in here, the mod edit and then watched the video you'd think you were were in the wrong thread.
Jim's being pretty benign here. I've been pretty critical of some of his recent videos boiling down to saying 'shit' over and over but he didn't really do that here. The gameplay loop just didn't jive with him and he hasn't cared for the story. I think his word to describe his experience was 'fine' and people are going crazy? lmao
Unless he said something factually incorrect or was dishonest to shape his opinion, there's not much here to get upset about. If you're enjoying the game and these 7 minutes get you as upset or defensive as some of the posts in here, take a step back and reevaluate why you're getting upset instead of directing your ire at Jim. I'm sort of letdown. I wanted there to actually be something that warranted these responses.
Jim's being pretty benign here. I've been pretty critical of some of his recent videos boiling down to saying 'shit' over and over but he didn't really do that here. The gameplay loop just didn't jive with him and he hasn't cared for the story. I think his word to describe his experience was 'fine' and people are going crazy? lmao
Unless he said something factually incorrect or was dishonest to shape his opinion, there's not much here to get upset about. If you're enjoying the game and these 7 minutes get you as upset or defensive as some of the posts in here, take a step back and reevaluate why you're getting upset instead of directing your ire at Jim. I'm sort of letdown. I wanted there to actually be something that warranted these responses.
That's the thing...it sounds like they went back to the old school Tomb Raider.
It was more exploring, puzzles back then.
That's something ppl wanted with the reboot.
The way they show her face constantly in gameplay when she is gasping for breath and all that other stuff is annoying to me
It's just cheap thriller nonsense
It's just cheap thriller nonsense
He's not even saying it's bad or shit or any of his usual rigamarole. He's saying it's "meh". Average, middle-of-the-road, it's, in his own words, "fine". The only people who should be getting upset at his reaction would be those who think it's the greatest game ever made. But I'm not really hearing anyone saying that... this one doesn't seem to be getting the same GOTY clamor that other games this year have received.
I got the previous two games during sales or other sorts of bargains, and I haven't even finished them yet. I'm in no hurry to play this one, I'll pick it up on the cheap and I'll play it when I get around to it. And I'm sure it'll be fine.
I got the previous two games during sales or other sorts of bargains, and I haven't even finished them yet. I'm in no hurry to play this one, I'll pick it up on the cheap and I'll play it when I get around to it. And I'm sure it'll be fine.
i liked the last 2 tomb raiders, and more of the same sounds alright to me, but the underwater swimming is the only part that looks like a bad time. how much of it is actually in this game? Jim made it sound like its half the game or something
He didn't say its a bad game. He says its a ok game(you can actually heard that by the first minute of the video) and confirming its a fine game multiple times near the end. What he said its not a remarkable one and neither he felt interest in going back to the game.
He says the game is fine....
I completely sympathize with him if he doesn't want to play a game that's just fine though. Sometimes more of the same isn't all that exciting.
I also don't understand some of the reactions in this thread. If his "shtick was to just be negative about everything, then wouldn't he have posted a similar video for Spider-Man?
I completely sympathize with him if he doesn't want to play a game that's just fine though. Sometimes more of the same isn't all that exciting.
I also don't understand some of the reactions in this thread. If his "shtick was to just be negative about everything, then wouldn't he have posted a similar video for Spider-Man?
Tomb Raider has not kept up with Uncharted. It used to be neck and neck at one point, with the 2013 original, but Uncharted writing and plot are soooooooo much better.
That's the real issue here. I bet if i gave SOTT to my 7 year old nephew, he would think it's the best game ever. But I'm not 7 and I need my writing and my plot.
Many gamers don't give a fuck. They just want good gameplay and derive pleasure from being good at the game. I am not those gamers.
That's the real issue here. I bet if i gave SOTT to my 7 year old nephew, he would think it's the best game ever. But I'm not 7 and I need my writing and my plot.
Many gamers don't give a fuck. They just want good gameplay and derive pleasure from being good at the game. I am not those gamers.
I think critics are way too harsh with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It's a really well made AAA single player Action Adventure the likes we don't see that often anymore. The graphics are great, it plays more than fine, no bugs or other bullshit that hamper the gameplay.
And considering what kind of trash we have to deal with from EA and the likes critics should be glad that we even get games like this nowadays.
And considering what kind of trash we have to deal with from EA and the likes critics should be glad that we even get games like this nowadays.
I like Jim and totally agree with his commentary regarding AAA publishers and the videogame industry at large but when it comes to his actual opinions on specific videogames, I tend not to agree with him. Jim has some....questionable taste in games.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Shadow of the Tomeb Raider
First thing we notice is the titles. Edge-lord "cool" adjectives Rise and Shadow feel like a 12 year old named them. Good start.
Second thing we notice is the poor voice acting for Lara is still here.
Third is that the characters, writing, plot is actually declining per title despite the TR 2013 reboot already being near rock bottom.
The game might be a fun iteration of a UC clone, but the entire package it's wrapped in is just this bland, forgettable thing that really has no excuse being that way with the kind of budgets these games work with.
TR = fun game, terrible me everything else
Rise = more of the same game, even worse everything else
Shadow = some nice refinements to the game, but how can the rest continue to get worse?
Baffling series.
Shadow of the Tomeb Raider
First thing we notice is the titles. Edge-lord "cool" adjectives Rise and Shadow feel like a 12 year old named them. Good start.
Second thing we notice is the poor voice acting for Lara is still here.
Third is that the characters, writing, plot is actually declining per title despite the TR 2013 reboot already being near rock bottom.
The game might be a fun iteration of a UC clone, but the entire package it's wrapped in is just this bland, forgettable thing that really has no excuse being that way with the kind of budgets these games work with.
TR = fun game, terrible me everything else
Rise = more of the same game, even worse everything else
Shadow = some nice refinements to the game, but how can the rest continue to get worse?
Baffling series.
I'm going to play it in a next few months so my opinion may change. But from what I've heard, Shadow sounds like a sequel where new devs weren't interested in creating the best game in the series with its own unique spin, but the game which is equal to TR and Rise. A game that feels like prievious entries and can be compared to them as an extension of prieviously estabilished concepts, but never goes anywhere beyond.
I'm gonna assume he finished the game or played a great deal of it? Either way I can't judge what he said yet because I am taking my sweet time with the game, not rushing it, taking it all in and doing literally everything there is to do. So far I'm having a blast, it's making all the right moves for me.
