Two Worlds: The Temptation or How do Bad Games Get Sequels?

I know this is probably old news to most folks, but I just found out that Two Worlds (one of the worst RPGs for Xbox 360) will have a sequel. Understandably, the original game could use some (a lot) of improvement, but I'm still curious as to how these things happen. I'm sure the original game did well on the bottom line considering the massive amount of hype it received, most likely suckering those of us craving any type of RPG experience on the 360, but still do the publishers not read the reviews? Do they not listen to all of the players who constantly pan this game for its shoddy voice acting, horrible controls, last-gen graphics, and just about every other aspect of the game?


While I'm all for giving the developers a second chance at improving and hopefully creating something that is top-notch what I just don't understand is how they can hope to capture the audience with a sequel when the first game failed so miserably. Why not just start over with a concept that is already labeled as crap in their mind?



Am I completely wrong about this? Does Two Worlds really have legions of adoring fans clamoring for more? Oh, did I mention that their are two downloadable expansions coming to Xbox Live for the original game?

Official Two Worlds Website

Why I Don't Play With my Wii

I have owned a Wii for a little over a year now and at the moment the layer of dust on the thing is so thick it could spawn a legion of dust bunnies. In fact, it was difficult for me to even remember the last time I (or my wife) had actually powered on the poor thing.

So, I've decided to search deep within myself and pull out the painful reasons why my Wii is now pitifully neglected.

1. Last Gen?

Unfortunately, as much as Nintendo and others may like to tote the Wii as a "next-gen" console, it certainly does not act like one. With graphics that are only slightly better than the Gamecube and a virtually non-existent online offering, playing this thing is like a flashback to 2003.

2. Quality of games

I also own an Xbox 360 and when I am faced with the choice of purchasing a new game, I find that this system always seems to have something new and exciting that peaks my interest. Apart from the first-party Nintendo games, the Wii is severely lacking in compelling, game experiences. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Shovelware

Even though the Wii has been on the shelf for less time than then Xbox 360, the shelves at my local Big Box store are overflowing with Wii titles. Unfortunately, most of them are complete and utter drivel. Don't believe me...check out some of these awesome titles: Jenga, Sonic Riders Zero Gravity

4. Online Experience

The online experience with the Wii is virtually non-existent. Sure they have a store, but if I want to play a game with someone online I have to deal with unwieldy "friend" codes. I don't think so.

Unfortunately, I see the Wii following the same trend as the Gamecue: lots of great first-party titles and very few great third-party titles. In essence, whenever I'm looking for a new and compelling game experience, I believe that my Xbox 360 can give that to me, while the Wii sits largely unused until something I'm really excited about comes along.

And now, some FAQs for all of the questions I'm sure to get from my legions of adoring fans!

1. But what about the Virtual Console, you say?

Yes, it's a good idea, but I have a NES and Genesis sitting right next to my Wii in my entertainment center. Why would I want to pay AGAIN for games that I already own and play on original hardware?

2. But, my grandmother loves it!

Well, I'm not your grandmother and I don't feel like the Wii provides a great overall experience for someone who practically breathes video games.

3. The Xbox360/PS3/PS2/etc. has bad games too!

Yes, but even the quality of the mediocre games on Xbox 360 are a better experience than those on the Wii. When Wii games are bad, they are REALLY BAD.

4. But the control scheme is so innovative and ground-breaking!

Maybe, but that doesn't mean it can make fun games. There are some games that do well with the controls, but there are loads that completely miss the point.

Eternal Sonata - Quick Review

After finishing up one of my favorite games on the Xbox 360, Mass Effect, I still had an RPG itch to scratch. So, basically at this point, I had three choices: Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and Eternal Sonata. I decided on Eternal Sonata due to its creative sounding story and its bright, cartoon-like artwork, which was sure to be a good contrast after the dark, brooding atmosphere of Mass Effect.

While Eternal Sonata does have a light-hearted nature about it, it also tells one hell of a confusing tale. Basically, the storyline takes place in the dream-world of Frederic Chopin in his final hours as he lays dying. The dream world introduces a large cast of characters who become caught between two nations on the brink of war, all the while waxing philosophic on the nature of reality and what it means to truly exist. Also, there are several historical interludes on Chopin and his life that break up the story.

Visually and sonically, everything is beautiful. The music is excellent, featuring original compositions as wells as showcasing the work of Chopin. The battle system is a lot of fun as well, featuring a more action oriented turn-based style that allows characters to move around the battlefield and attacks are based on button-mashing rather than a single button press.

Unfortunately, these positive points cannot save the game in my mind. The story was absolutely terrible in my opinion with no satisying conclusion. Cut scenes in the game could last as long as 30 minutes, with very little action or substance. Initially, I was captured by the story, but about mid-way I realized the story was going nowhere and that I did not care a single lick about any of the characters in the game. I'm certain there are underlying meanings to the story in this game, but it does not seem worth the effort to wade through the stodgy dialogue to glean what meaning may be there. Also, the game is extremely linear and short (about 20 hours), which would not have been a problem if the story had been worth the effort. A second play through is required if you want all of the achievements, though I could not imagine ever playing through this game again, no matter how fun the battle system might be.

Well, I'm gonna end this here. In short, I was not entirely impressed with Eternal Sonata, so now I think I'll turn my attention towards Lost Odyssey and report back.

Update:

After posting this, I decided it would be helpful to outline some of the items that I think could make this game better:

- Include a higher number of monster designs. For any given area you constantly fight the same 2-3 monster types over and over again.
- Develop a more cohesive storyline. This thing is all over the place and the ending was almost incomprehensible.
- Allow more than 340 achievement points to be collected in the first play through. Why attempt to lengthen the game by forcing a second play for those who would like to see as much as the game has to offer?