PixlBit

I can see the GTA 3 variety falling by the wayside, or at least siphoned into the next evolutionary vat of its kind. And Dead Rising is a game like that, but I'm thinking of a different one that was announced or shown relatively recently. I seem to remember what looked like a fair in the background, or some sort of park, with a dark sky, and the article was talking about a zombie open-world game, which reminded me of Zombieland (but I'm not mistaking the memory with Zombieland, I don't think).

StarCraft II isn't enough for the genre, agreed. I'm interested to see what games like Age of Empires online attempt, but I'm not sure what's going to happen to the genre. Deathwatch, I agree, but it is down to a soft murmur by comparison to what it was 5 to 10 years ago. A modified RTS to fit console games may be exactly what the genre needs. Not only would it find new life on consoles, it could potentially reignite RTS trends on the PC. We'll see! I'm a fan of RTS as a genre.

Hmm, control option, perhaps, but not as a main control feature. I can't see that happening, really, but yeah, why not a control option? Or at least the ability to do so. I wouldn't ever expect to see it as a focus of the next generation, though. Unless we're talking holograms or something. Then, who knows!?

I was wondering about that character as well. I'd say the character looks mischievous, so I'd say some sort of villain-but-helper type character, perhaps?

Interesting take, Nick. You make some good points about the FPS genre sticking around. It is, in my opinion, a staple of the casual-but-hardcore-venturing gamers whose main anchor in the gaming universe prior was childhood IPs or sports games (terribly stereotypical of me, but it's a familiar sort of pattern). It's the other major pillar in appealing to the mainstream consumer. I'm wondering what they're going to do to innovate it further, though. I can see them squeezing out another wave or two of established IP sequels, but I wonder if that same audience that is driving them now may shift their collective gaze a little bit.

I hadn't thought about sandbox games before in this way. I think there are still enough themes to explore that will grab players' attention for a while longer (that zombie, open-world type game whose name escapes me, for example), but when the locales and settings start drying up, what's left? Good question.

The genre I read someone questioning recently was the RTS genre. Sure there's StarCraft II, and I know of a few other titles here and there, but this front is much less active than it used to be.

Looking great, I agree. I'm glad they showed a little more about how the more precise sword motions could be used. Even similar motions used in different ways can go a long way.

I imagine a holiday release, wouldn't you guys? Especially with Ocarina of Time 3DS coming in June. I'd be just fine with that.

Official congratulations Nick and Chessa!!!

And of course we could come do a playbit! Babysitting I'm sure is the secret forte we've never discovered. I'm sure there's going to be some augmented reality game on the 3DS that will require Pixlbit staff participation.

But I'm glad everything is going well.

Definitely do a review rewind, Nick. I've been intrigued by this game for years.

I very much enjoyed this game's demo. I'm glad you reviewed! I need to pick this one up. I've been craving a game like this for a while now.

I've got a Cosmo Black one pre-ordered, ready to go. I hear if you hold it up in a dark room, it projects a model of our solar system onto the wall. Maybe not. The red 3DS looks nice, too.

Honestly, I'd take a 3DS that was the color of your avatar's hat, Skeeter. That would be pretty amazing.

I absolutely approve. It looks great. Agreed about the multiplayer, Jason. I think it'll be out, too, Nick, given how far it seems to be in development.

I like the picture.

I actually like Jason's take as Konami making a statement. Now I'm looking forward to their future as well. Just no more Milon and his Secret Castle. Those music notes...