I really don't like awards shows. They are often awkward, lengthy, and most times whomever I think should win, doesn't. (Clearly, I am that important, that MY choice should count for 75% of the vote, but I digress...[/joke])
Spike's VGAs were all of this and less. The audience seemed non-existent, though I clearly could see them there - unless they were digitized in like half the set was.
Hold up, let's visit this point before I flail forwards in my thoughts. The digitized, special effects set. It was..... distracting. I could understand what they were trying to do and I think in theory it was an amazing concept. However, like communism and trickle down economics, in reality it just doesn't work.
Don't give me special effects sets when your special effects look worse than Q-bert. It looked low budget, especially in comparison to some of the trailers they were showing through out the night.
Oh and the comedy? SO didn't work. Again, great in idea, not so much in practice. NPH is charming, interesting, and a good choice for host, but when you leave him hanging on jokes with not even a few piped in laughs to make it seem like SOMEONE in attendance got it, it was just uncomfortable to watch. If you are going to bother making graphics walls, at least get the man a laugh track.
Alright, time to stop my gripes and go to the real reason I watched the show. Upcoming games.
In this arena, the VGAs did NOT disappoint. I was literally giddy with excitement over several of the announcements and was glad that I was taping the show so I could go back and watch them again.
The most visually stunning was probably the Batman Arkham City trailer. The graphics are stunning. Even if the game mechanics from Arkham Asylum were unchanged and they just updated to these graphics I would be happy. But I know that is not the case. I know there is more to it. Much more. And I couldn't be happier.
On to the next game - Mass Effect 3. I had thought that perhaps all the hints that were flowing out of Bioware might have been for ME3, though many of my gamer friends were convinced this was a new game. I wouldn't have put it past Bioware to have started a new IP, but I think they (wisely) are really focusing on Mass Effect and Dragon Age for now, especially since Mass Effect - as we know it - is only a trilogy. Granted there has been plenty of talk of revisiting the Mass Effect universe later, but you would no longer be Commander Shepard. Again, another joyous dancing moment when I hear the man in the clock tower utter the name 'Shepard'.
And last but certainly not least: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. While the trailer was completely lackluster in the face of these other juggernauts, I dare said it is my most anticipated game of 2011 and that is saying a lot considering ME3 is also coming out for holiday 2011.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion held my rapt and undivided attention like no other game every has. I have sunk hundreds of hours into it, have earned every single achievement (this is the only game I have ever done that on), have played from beginning to end several times with several characters, and could sit down right now and play it again and see something new. It's THAT good.
They are incredibly tight lipped about this game and I understand why. Bethesda Softworks have said that once you see actual gameplay it will be a very short amount of time before the actual release, so I don't expect much in the way of previews until the summer perhaps. But in the meantime, I am salivating, ready to go back to Tamriel and start a new adventure in Skyrim!
In closing, the VGAs were wonky, uncomfortable, not very well produced, and felt empty and rushed, yet the coming attractions it ushered into my living room made all two hours worth it. And the cast of It's Always Sunny amuse me regardless, so it wasn't all bad!
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