I suppose we might have gotten off on the wrong foot last time, around two months ago. But I still stick to my arguement that a different paintjob doesn't equal a complete rip-off unless thoroughly looked at. (At least H.A.V.E. isn't another... *cough*... WOW clone!)
But I promise that if I see absolutely nothing but negativity in the comments box, I'll quit blogging in this site.*
However, I do agree that some things shouldn't be copied. Over and over. Like a paper ad. Enter the WOW of Browser games: The Strategy genre.
Here is a little background on these games; You have a little town, city, or an entire kingdom. You manage its resources and residents, and you also have the option of building a little army and attacking another town, at the risk of coming under attack yourself.
That sounds simple enough, right?
However, the problem lies in that this formula is so simplistic and so popular, that other companies can't help but take it and make it into their own game, hoping to get in on the success. It is then that it becomes a problem.
And as of now, there are so many strategy games out there that the Browser game category of MMOs is starting to become clogged with them. You can't find a good RPG or social avatar game these days without seeing a massive cloud of wash, rinse, repeat strategy games.
But then again, I could be just deluding myself with my hatred for the influx of strategy games. Oh, I know what you're going to say; "Flonae, you're just jealous or something" or "Flonae, you haven't played any of these games, have you?" Well, I have my personal likes and dislikes thank you very much.
However, I should have some validity with my arguement; for instance, the strategy games are all the same copy-and-paste formulas; oh sure, there's a twist or two here and there, but aside from that, they're all the same; no real room for something new or different.
And I bet you're also thinking of me a hypocrite considering my last blog entry.
Look, honey *AHEM!*, I know that I am not exactly right in the head, noone is perfect, but I am trying real hard to get my point across. It's just that I can't trust everyone right now in my current state on this site; I am pretty much what you call a newbie. I am at a state where I can be a bit... sensitive to criticism, and the one comment in my last entry... it hurt me. More than a little bit. So please be gentle with me from now on... alright?**
...Where were we? Oh yes...
Considering the constant cut-and-paste goings on with the Strategy games, you can also expect some counterfeits and get-revenue-quick schemes, such as for instance games like Evony. Yes, Evony. It should of been obvious that it was a scam right from the start, if it weren't for some of you getting continually distracted by those misleading ads...
However, not all strategy games are, I guess, complete cut-and-pastes. I do recall an upcoming town-management game that had you in the middle, but I haven't heard from it in quite a while. And then there were some of those popular apps from Facebook. Even I confess to playing two of Playfish's games on there (Country Story and Resteraunt City, if they qualify).
But then again, who am I to argue? I am just a little noob who doesn't know jack, hasn't played jack, and certainly won't be worth jack.
As always.
*Though I am trying not to look egotistical... if I were, I'd be going "ZOMG YOU'D BETTAR NOT TALK SMACK TO ME!!1 WORSHIP MAH GRATENESS OR ELSE!!1"
**As much as I doubt anyone would be gentle with me...
It sounds like you need a bit of help with this interwebz thing. So here's a brief "survival guide". 1) There really isn't an internet culture, every board has its own unique flavor. 2) Because every board is unique, lying low at first (lurking for a few days or limiting yourself to responding to other people's threads) is a good way to acclimate. 3) During this time learn what you can about at least the active posters, especially what items are prone to heated debate. 4) avoid those topics until you are either established as a poster or your so calloused that it doesn't matter (it sort of goes hand in hand). 5) Always try to avoid complaining about how you've been treated in a post, it's a weakness that forum warriors and trolls are attracted to. This is a pretty good way to not get your feelings trampled when you are new to a site.
As for the whole clone thing, it's almost always valid and equally unfair at the same time. There are surprisingly few archetypes for games and the "clone" label is applied once a type reaches a persons threshold. There's a distillation process we all seem to do unconsciously to justify our dislike of a game or type of game. In truth most games do offer some amount of distinction, once we shed the need to justify why we don't like it. Whether it is a unique element in the setting/lore, graphics or whatever else, there is virtually always something different.
Sun Dec 27 2009 6:18AM ReportI like you, have my babies k?
Sun Dec 27 2009 3:19PM Reportghstwolf - I have been on the 'interwebz' for over 9 years. And I am still quite sensitive thank you very much. And as for the clone thing, yes, you have a bit of a point. Blame the die-hards for spamming the 'clone' label so much.
Coldrain - No. It's sexual harrassment. Go away.
Sun Dec 27 2009 6:41PM ReportMMORPG.com writes:
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