While surfing the internet I stumbled upon this article. Someone quoted from the article while not giving context so I went in a little angry. After reading it though I felt had found a soul mate. I whole heartedly agreed with her views on fanboyism, the position a reviewer should be in before they review a game, and bias in the game industry. It's an excellent article that suits and addresses every gamer.

You can find the article at: http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2008/03/column_the_aberrant_gamer_auto.php

Tags : Fanboyism : game industry : Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Comments

By: ApplesauceNinja

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On: 05:01 Mar 25th, 2008
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I would say that I'm immune to fanboyish traits, but I'd be lying. I have all
three consoles of this generation, and I wish them all to do well, but I do
have my overall preference, and it is the Xbox 360, just as the original Xbox
was my fave of the last gen.

My affinity for the Microsoft consoles aren't out of any brand loyalty or
character affinity, but it's simply because I've had more fun with more Xbox
titles than with any other console. So, I'm a little biased toward the Big M
consoles.

However, that said, there are certain multiconsole release titles that, when
they come out, I will be picking up for the PS3. For instance, I wouldn't
dream of picking up Star Wars The Force Unleashed for any but the most
powerful system to which it's available.

I want the AI to be as top tier as possible, and the graphics to be as sharp
as they can possibly be. And for that, I know I'll have to give Sony the
nod.

I am a fanboy, yes. I am a fanboy of whatever console offers the most
quality gaming experiences, regardless of manufacturer. So far, Microsoft
has the edge in that department, in my opinion, but that could change.

I think it's idiotic to become so enraptured by a console or game series that
you take personal offense to criticism of said product. I love Zelda, but
I don't like all Zelda titles. Honestly, I thought Twilight Princess fell a little
flat compared to WindWaker. I like Halo a good bit, but I thought 3 could
have been better in several ways.

People shouldn't let what they like define who they are. That's just sick,
imo.

By: Samuel

On: 05:27 Mar 25th, 2008
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I think you're wrong, at least in part.

Yes, we should not let our love of a particular console/band/game/whatever completely encompass our entire public image. But If we did not convey our interests along with our personality we'd be boring conversationalists and the entire human race would stop procreating.

By: Evren

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On: 05:30 Mar 25th, 2008
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I dont mind people liking certiain consoles and showing thier love.
Just dont sit in front on me screaming how ZOMG PS3 IZ BETTAR.
"Why?"
"ITZZZZ ISSSZZZ!!!!!111.///?!"

It just annoys me that people who are so biased are allowed to review a game.

By: ManicGamer

On: 07:46 Mar 26th, 2008
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this article made me think... I am no longer going to throw arbitrary #s on the reviews I do..... i can admit that it makes no sense. I will try to only include my impressions on the various aspects of a title (gameplay, graphics, story,etc.). I think its only fair for me to give the reader an educated idea of what to expect. Its the readers opinion that will ultimately matter to the reader anyhow.

...... xbox 4eva FTW!!!!!!

By: SwitchxA

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On: 05:13 Apr 1st, 2008
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I think giving in to our inner fanboy does go so far. I don't think we should be on the end of hating all else before [insert game/company/console]. I also think we shouldn't be on the end of claiming we are unbiased because in reality it isn't true. There is a middle ground most people will find acceptable. I think Chance kind of hit the nail on the head that he loves the Xbox, but isn't going to stop playing non Xbox consoles or games because of it. You have to be able to admit that what your a fanboy about is not perfect, but that that does not make it a bad choice.

Sam I think what she meant was that our fanboyism should be allowed out, but it's not suppose to be EVERYTHING you are. You can like something and really embrace it, but if it does go to far you are completely boring to everyone else. Like I said it shouldn't get to the point of forsake all others before [insert whatever].

Manic, nice to hear about someone who embraces this idea.

Shakuya, I think that middle ground of fanboyism comes into play here too. A reviewer should have perfectly good reasons why a game is good while being bias. Just because it's on a certain system should not be a reason. Because it keeps with the feel of the other games in that particular series may be one. It's about balancing those out without going overboard.

I guess I am in the minority here as a Playstation fanboy. :P

By: ManicGamer

On: 07:00 Apr 2nd, 2008
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SwitchxA;45908

I guess I am in the minority here as a Playstation fanboy. :P

actually I was just imitating annoying fanboy behavior. In all truth I started favoring my PS3 over my 360 from the moment I bought it. I rarely use my 360 in comparison now. I have really noticed a positive increase in all things ps3 and quite the opposite on the 360 front. I cant name anything my 360 is better at than my PS3 .... which saddens me a bit.

.... so you are not alone sir :-)

By: Evren

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On: 07:22 Apr 3rd, 2008
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Im thinking, Im maybe not a fangirl on the console side, more the games, for instance, Im going to be buying Silent Hill V on the PS3, just because it will FEEL better to me.
Or maybe Im just odd, who knows eh?

By: SwitchxA

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On: 05:50 Apr 3rd, 2008
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Shakuya;46001

Im thinking, Im maybe not a fangirl on the console side, more the games, for instance, Im going to be buying Silent Hill V on the PS3, just because it will FEEL better to me.
Or maybe Im just odd, who knows eh?

Your not alone. Being a fangirl or fanboy of a game series goes hand in hand with being a fan of a console. Nintendo fanboys don't just buy Wii's and DS's because they like the system. The games go along with it. I feel the same way with Final Fantasy games. I am totally going to buy XIII because I love the series and I think it will be amazing. I also think it will feel better too. So your not the only one. :P

Manic: I feel the same way. I used to be really interested in the 360, but anymore I think Microsoft is fumbling. I actually believed in GFW for a while too, but now I think it's a complete failure. This is all partial to my fanboyism and just events that have happened with the 360 (i.e. Red Ring, Live problems, game line-up). Nice to hear I am not alone in this thinking. :) Nice to see Sony also moving forward in a big way.

By: Magus

On: 04:10 May 18th, 2008
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Everyone will always be a part fanboy/girl, because you will always have a certain bias towards any kind of console. Me, I'm biased towards Nintendo. I grew up playing a SNES and the original GameBoy, and I've owned most of Nintendo's handheld systems since then (I skipped the GBASP and original DS, but I now have a DSlite). Naturally, I also own a Wii, but at the same time, I've also got an original XBox and a PS2, because there are some games not available for the Wii, that are simply great.
Nintendo has always been about availability and gravitating towards non-gamers. It's simple and it's fun.