L4D Interview - Doug Lombardi Quotes Miyamoto

[Bodhesatva]

Grampy said:
No, can't say I have played it and doubt that you have either since it's not released yet. The difference is that I never will play it and you probably will. Listen, I noticed the fine nuances which is why I acknowledged the effort and talent that obviously went into it; but at the end of the day you're still just blasting zombies with a shotgun. Not matter how refined and sophisticated the execution, it's a stale old overworked idea.

Just the opinion of a veteran gamer who long ago has blown away a zillion zombies in 4 or 5 different generations of mindless games. I would have not mentioned it because I really don't give a rat's patootie how you get your yah yahs but Sqrl said "Bah, nobody has anything to say about this? Don't be bums, comment people!" So I did.

I understand your frustration, but that simply isn't what this game is about. Frankly, I'm not sure Valve has ever tried to be cutting edge or innovative with their graphical fidelity. It isn't their calling card. 

Look at portal as another example, an extremely heralded game and my personal GotY last year. The graphics were servicable, but nothing special; most likely downgradable to the Wii, even, and not an especially vibrant or unique aesthetic. 

 

But that wasn't that game's calling card. The game was amazing because of the game mechanic, teleportals. The game was visually unoriginal, but very innovative and polished with gameplay. And the same thing applies here: the idea of a game that's really co-operative. Not four guys who just happen to be on the same team, but four people who must work together, who have to stay together or they will die, is what makes this game appealing to me. 

I don't care about zombies, at all. In fact, I don't like them either. But that's not supposed to be the pull of this game; I think everyone here will agree, even the most ardent fans, that blowing up zombies isn't original, nor are the visuals in the game spectacular (servicable, but not spectacular). What makes this game is the gameplay. 

 

So excitement for this game entirely depends on your personal preference. If you're more concerened with great graphics and story, then this game won't be you. If you're more focused on polished, creative gameplay, then it will be.