Genre Confusion

First of all let me state that genre is and always will be mildly confusing to me. For example, the difference between action, adventure, and action/adventure is nebulous at best in my mind. This article helped a bit, as did the textbook. But my inability to concisely define these genres without first explaining what they are not led me to this question: is there such things as games in only one genre? In these modern times, when games are pushing the envelope with every release, it's increasingly difficult to pigeonhole games into particular genres.

I don't really think that's a bad thing. Honestly, I think trying to label a game with a genre is not unlike attempting to catch water in a net. The only thing gained is mild frustration. Look at Halo for instance. This article's entire premise is that Halo is a first-person shooter, or FPS, but it goes on to say that "...in effect, Halo pleases the whole spectrum of the action game audience." Is action used here as a genre description or a simple adjective, stating the game contains moments of action? It's hard to say really. According to the Holy Grail of truth and righteousness, an "action" game is defined as a game that "requires players to use quick reflexes and timing to overcome obstacles." If that description is so broad, hundreds of games must be considered "action." Pong is an action game. Mario is too. But I thought Mario is a platformer? Or is it a "collecting" game? Hell if I know.

What's the point of all this ranting? Besides giving my fingers exercise, the previous paragraphs were intended to show how futile genre pigeonholing is. With the release of games like  Borderlands  upcoming, it's clear genres are outdated. I have no suggestions on how to refer to games like this without genres though. I admit, they're handy at generalizing a game's content, but it'd be nice if there were a way to describe a game more accurately. Is Borderlands an FPS? Or is it a role-playing game? Or a hack-and-slash with guns (which I guess would make it a shooter all over again.) Or is it an RPGRPSHAS?

HALO 3: ODST

Release Date: 09-22-09
Xbox 360

To me, the Halo franchise is tired, and it needs a nap. Halo 3: ODST is not that nap. However, when one can't have a nap, the next best thing is a gallon of coffee, and ODST is just that. And after my friend and boss Anthony bought it, I immediately convinced him to let me borrow it. "For school!" I tell him. He believed it, so thus, this review:

ODST is a breath of fresh air into the Halo franchise, a series that suffered, in my opinion, with the release of Halo Wars. Contained in the package are three main attractions: the ODST campaign, the new multiplayer mode "Firefight," and the Halo 3 multiplayer experience, all about which I will go into detail momentarily. For $60, the game offers a substantial amount of gameplay. But keep in mind, it is the Halo gameplay that has become familiar to Xbox owners since Day 1, and this may bother some people.

First of all, I need to mention that the voice acting is spectacular. The writing, though, is subpar. Allow me to explain. For any fans of the cult classic television show "Firefly," this game is almost a must-buy based on voice-acting talents alone, which feature not one, not two, but THREE "Firefly" cast members' voices, playing what is essentially reprisals of their former roles. Nathan Fillion voices Buck, the leader of the ODST, or Orbital Drop Ship Troopers, unit. The heavy weapons specialist is done by Adam Baldwin, and the pilot is voiced by Alan Tudyk. Obviously, for anyone familiar with "Firefly," the similarities are clear. As for the writing, much more could have been done. The lines are flat and cheesy but delivered with gusto, though even the wonderful cast can't always make up for the sometimes stilted dialogue.

The gameplay of the ODST campaign, however, is top-notch. Granted, this is not a new game but an extension of Halo 3, as evidenced by the title, so there aren't a lot of advancements in the graphics department, but in my opinion the gameplay is head and shoulders above its predecessors. No longer is the player in control of a superhuman alien-killing machine that can absorb damage like my girlfriend absorbs cake. ODST is experienced through the eyes of regular soldiers, who die very easily. So yes, this game can be difficult, but for anyone familiar with the tricks of the Halo trade, it will be a welcome challenge, and with the ability to play through the campaign cooperatively with friends, a lot of enjoyment can be had.

(ODST's "Firefight" mode)

"Firefight" is the only new multiplayer mode available with ODST, but it is significant. Similar to the "Zombies" mode in Call of Duty: World at War or the "Horde" mode in Gears of War 2, the player and up to 3 of his or her buddies attempt to survive wave after wave of evil alien attackers with limited resources and gradually increasing difficulty. I thought it was very fun, for a while, at least. Unfortunately instead of the challenge slowly but relentlessly rising, it comes in an ebb and flow, that, if the players can manage to survive and master the most difficult point, they'll never really be at risk of death again. The game tries to address this by including "skulls," which are essentially tokens that alter various aspects of the gameplay. For instance, certain skulls increase the rate at which the enemy throws granades, or prevents the players' shields from recharging unless he or she executes a melee attack against an enemy. None of the skulls make the game too difficult for experienced players, though, and tend to be more interesting than challenging. The one major qualm I have with "Firefight" mode is the invite-only matchmaking. The only way to play with other people online is to invite them, but if one has no friends, or at least doesn't have any with $60 to burn, one may find it frustrating to play online. Fortunately I had a few acquaintances online that owned a copy so I could experience "Firefight," but for those with a very sparse friend list, all I can say is good luck.

(If you've played Halo online, you know exactly what's going on here.)

I have serious problems, not with the Halo series itself, but the majority of people who play it online. Misogynists, racists, xeno- and homophobes, and just simply vulgar people populate the Halo 3 multiplayer servers, and often these people are under 18. One could write a novel about these brats, but as space is limited, I'll simply say that the problem is so prevalent, it detracts from my enjoyment of the game itself, which is unfortunate, because it really can be fun. And when I cracked open my (friend's) copy of ODST and saw the second disc containing the quintessential Halo 3 multiplayer experience, I had mixed feelings. Obviously there is nothing new content-wise, other than maybe the previously released map-packs which are included here, but the fact that it comes with ODST adds greater monetary value, if you can stomach your teammates.

Ultimately I feel Halo 3: ODST was worth the (my friend's) money, and which the combination of the solid campaign, "Firefight," and the always...interesting...Halo 3 multiplayer, there is enough here to keep everyone but the most stalwart Halo-haters busy for a while, at least until Modern Warfare 2 is released in November.