What in hell? - Mixed media

* "Can video games be called art" is a self-answering question. If the modern era taught us anything, it's that any medium can contain something artistic. The more interesting and revealing question is, "how well does the medium of video games lend itself to artistic expression?" The answer to that is, "not very, but there's a lot of room for exception."

* A video game has to be fun in a way that a painting does not. It has to work as craftsmanship first, or nobody will play it to see the artistic bits. My first reaction on seeing Picasso "live" was sickened revulsion, but also complete fascination. Picasso the painting is remarkable; Picasso the game would have me throwing down the controller and running away.

* Spore is generally lauded as a game that encourages or rewards artistic expression, but that's not really accurate. The best-looking creations are either equally or less functional, in-game, than something cobbled together or utilitarian. Even the art of creature design, which is the most lasting feature of the game, is more about craftsmanship than artistry. A really well-made Critter might be impressive, and maybe even beautiful, but it isn't moving in the same way that "Water Lillies" is. (of course, this is where the Colossus nod came in).

* The "God of War" series, while mostly an action flick, leaves a lasting impression because it's also a detailed character study of the angriest guy ever.

* "Okami" gets mentioned as an Art Game, but it isn't. The art direction is wonderful, and the technical achievement of making rendered polygons look like Japanese brushwork is very impressive, but the actual gameplay and atmosphere do not function as art; they just mimic it. It's a chameleon!

* Epic RPGs like Final Fantasy are not exercises in art, but they are compelling storytelling. If you're going to talk about Games As Art, you need to specify what kind of art you're comparing them to!

* The first modern Prince of Persia game tells a simple story in a very compelling, charming way. The sequel's storytelling is harsh and uncharismatic, but manages to tell a much more interesting story.

* The home-field advantage of video games is that they are more inherently immersive than other media. You still need something good to get immersed in, though.

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Might have been the last poem I wrote (the date on the link is merely when I put it online):

Time's Winged Charriot

Get up for work
Coffee to perk
Do the shopping
Scoop the dog's dropping

Empty the trash
Cut the grass
Feed the fishes
Do the dishes

Clean the clothes
Clip my toes
Pay the bills
Take my pills

So many things to say
No time in a day
Give a kiss to my love
Repeat all the above

Put pen to paper?
no, maybe later.


http://www.phoenix-vision.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128:times-winged-charriot&catid=44:poems&Itemid=67

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man, i had a great idea for my game while I was walking around today. I wrote a quick outline of it but goddamn it, I could *SEE* the scene in my mind with perfect clarity. It would have been an awesome hour of gaming.

Now I have to try to recreate it.

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