PixlBit

Wait, why does Zap want me fired?

When did we get a new staff member?

Oh, that's not what it means. That's almost exactly what she said to me earlier, though.

Just make sure you don't upload any questionable images. Those could get you banned.

You sound exactly like Kathrine.

Cue Simpsons pic:

"Will somebody please think of the children!?"

Ricky Bobby would be totally confused. Good question.

The difference between "3DS launch" and "first half of 2011" has me a little wary about when this game might actually be released.

Aside from that, this is a bold move from EA. To begin with, in their press release, they didn't attach a year to the title. This isn't Madden NFL Football 11. It's not Madden NFL Football 12. It's Madden NFL Football. Where they plan to take it from there? It's difficult to tell, but I would imagine we'd see a Madden NFL Football 12 if this title sells well enough.

Beyond that, though, even riskier is the idea that this game won't be released during football season. The Super Bowl will be over. It's much later than one would expect a football title. Why? I think EA is trying to engage the market. I would imagine this title launching in this window is a method where EA is saying "We're committed to releasing our sports titles on the 3DS." Either that, or they already had Madden NFL 2011 prepared for the 3DS, and just decided to postpone release until 2011 after Nintendo decided they couldn't supply enough 3DSs for a 2010 launch.

I suppose I should note that when I wrote what's above, I couldn't hear what was being said... No headphones, public place. I just watched.

Sometimes I think to myself, "I sure wish I knew patent and trademark law!"

Then I think, "Wait, no, no I don't."

This makes me sad. I think.

There are two sides to this game I consistently see. One side is dark and dull, with little appealing in it for anyone, it just looks like a generic disaster that takes familiar things and makes them unfamiliar and void of character.

Then I see things like the inside of the Haunted Mansion, with portraits that stretch, just like they do on the ride, and I believe there's potential. To me, it looks like a constant back-and-forth. I really don't think Spector captured the vision he set out with, but I suppose I haven't seen enough of the title in person to know.

With Disneyland and Disney World, as well as other Disney theme parks, a major part of the experience is the scenery. For instance, the various shops in Disney World on Main Street, USA are very diverse in appearance, and most are very memorable. There's place with the appearance of a classic movie theater on the right side of the road. On the left, nearer the end, approaching Cinderella's Castle, is a baseball-themed restaurant, based, I believe, on Casey at the Bat, but regardless, it has the classic baseball pinstripe feel. Parallel is an ice cream parlor and bakery that literally smells like cookies to attract customers. Back nearer the entrance of the park is City Hall, where guests can go to gather information and receive assistance. Everything has a certain familiar appearance, and in this sense, can be used as landmarks.

When I look at Epic Mickey, and yes, I know things are twisted, dark, and manipulated on purpose, I see generic game-world interpretations of things. The Epic Mickey Main Street USA is full of buildings that resemble those in the real world... but they're all generic. The Haunted Mansion, itself, didn't seem very distinguishable. The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse looked like a video game platformer treehouse, rather than a tangled, confused Disney idea of a treehouse. That's where I think a great deal of my hesitance comes from.

Regardless, I definitely need to play the game before I make up my mind on what to think of it. Thinks could easily be different from how they appeared to me.