PixlBit

This annoys me because it's essentially this is DRM.  I like Steam, but anything that REQUIRES me to have it on while playing the game, which is what this is, irks me. 

I can certainly see that since more people own the DS that it's an attractive platform, but I would think that Pokemon is a system seller.  Perhaps I'm just wrong in my assessment of the series.

Just why isn't this going to be on the Nintendo 3DS?  Seems rather backwards.

Hey Mike, thanks for the love regarding the Zelda piece I wrote at 1up a while ago.  It was a tough piece to write and I was happy that it was well received by that community and continues to be appreciated.  It is an honor to know that it was taken to heart by you and I am humbled that you would consider the work art in any fashion.

As for my personal definition of art, that is a much more complex question than it may imply.  I answered this as best I could in the related podcast, though even that answer isn't as clear as I would like it to be.  

Art to me is something that transports the recipiant without any interaction necessary.  So while I can appreciate the art within a videogame, my interaction with it prevents me from saying that my playing with the game is art.  

I think this is the part that most people get stuck on.  Because it takes art to make video games (concept art, story boards, plot, dialogue, music, costumes, graphics, FMV, etc....) that it must be that games are art.  I challenge that, because I believe that I can appreciate the art that went into creating the game, but that as a whole the game isn't art.  It takes art to create the game, but in the end it's a game.

Sports teams have artistic logos, the buildings they play in are architectual wonders, they have fight songs, etc...but playing football is not art (to most).  Neither is baseball, hockey, soccer, etc..., yet these all have artistic elements to help create the greater whole.

I'm going to leave it at that, since I could write another editorial on that subject, but I think you get the idea ;)

I'm surprised you haven't Mike.  It's a great series that has been around for a long time now and it will play right into your Halo sensibilities.  If you have the means, get in on this Beta. 

This kind of thing really helps to give me perspective.  Viewing the quakes and tsunami from this side of the Pacific was a very clinical experience.  You see pictures of the devestation and it's easy to feel some kind of empathy, but it's hard to really understand the upheaval such an event causes on a social, economic and personal level.  A short period of time goes by and we forget it even happened.  

And the least likely to make it over here.  It's not on anyone's radar and I'd be genuinely surprised if we got it. 

I suppose since each of these games already has a "GOTY" edition with all the DLC they figure that those that want it will get it.  Still, not a bad deal since the DLC isn't necessary to enjoy either of these games.

You're exactly right.  The game is strong where it counts, but for $60 just having a good multiplayer mode isn't enough.  I have been a big fan of this series since the beginning, but it isn't converting anyone with this long awaited rendition.

I'm really sad that this isn't hitting the PSN or PC until a month later.  Timed exclusives are not cool.