![]() ![]() However harsh a verdict, whatever problems he cited with it, if their next game genuinely fixed its problems, he would be among the first to say so. Yet, if a developer failed or released a problematic game, he would not let that colour future releases. This was especially evident with his constant self-depreciation of puzzle games. While he might have held extremely opinionated views on subjects, he would never seek to allow his view to dominate it, and often encouraged discussion. This harsh but fair approach constantly outlined and made it clear where he stood, and rather than seeking to be the sole voice of criticism in other's lives, he wished to be one of many. Totalbiscuit did not discriminate, and in doing so he offered a far fairer and often more reliable opinion than some of his contemporaries. For one, while he fully praised the artistic direction and story of Bioshock Infinite, he never allowed it to distract him from what he saw as a weak combat system. This often allowed him to have a far clearer perspective of a video game than others, and never allowing one element to blind him to another part's problems. If he felt that it was inherently flawed and yet still displayed a few signs of promise, that would be made abundantly clear. If he felt a game succeeded in one area and yet failed in others, he would not mince his words. Most importantly, he could do so without compromising his standards. If it succeeded, he would cite its exact accomplishments, the benefit of its ideas and just how it had managed to remain head and shoulders above its competition. If it failed, he would cite its failings and offer detailed reasoning as to where he felt it went wrong. It did not matter if a release was an indie title, a freebie or a major AAA release with a titanic budget behind it. It's an aspect of gaming, an essential detail, which he continually strived to focus on and improve with every video, shining a spotlight on it for others to think of.Īt the same time, there was never a moment where he did not pull his punches for a game's budget or status. The likes of Dust: An Elysian Tale granting colour blind options is one which always stood out in my mind, along with the depth of Metro: Last Light's configuration options. Up to half of the video could delve deep into this, and he would always make the point of praising those who went the extra mile with their work. Part of this was down to how he delved deep into facets all too often ignored by the gaming press, such as a game's optimisation, options menus, and player customisation options. One which, while he only offered first impressions, was often far more detailed than many official reviews. The WTF Is.? series reflected this exactly, offering a quick and neat examination of a game's mechanics and direction for others to absorb. ![]() Save for the odd video where he discussed stories, thoughts or the history of video games, typically his format was quick and to the point. One thing about Totalbiscuit's format was that he rarely wasted time. So, as a form of tribute, I wish to discuss what I felt were his greatest qualities. He was an inspiration and his impact on my own work cannot be denied. While I might have submitted a more professional obituary to Starburst Magazine, so that others might have known of his accomplishments, I still feel the need to say more on a personal level. Specifically a statement about how others should not earn their money on the backs of dead individuals. This goes for me as well and, in truth, a video of his partially influenced my aversion to commenting on deaths. Speak to many a Youtube fanatic, or even those with successful channels, and he was both a powerful figure and a major inspiration. Speak to a person on the street, someone in public or just a general gamer and they would not know who John Bain was. Yet, John "Totalbiscuit" Bain is someone who is both renowned an unknown at once. Even the last one, paying tribute to Terry Pratchett, spent more time discussing his successful style of writing over the man himself. The few times I have written obituaries on here, it was to help promote those who I felt deserved greater acknowledgment in this modern generation. Using another's death to promote this blog, even as a sign of respect, is something which seems at odds with my writing. Aside from the sense of obvious loss, all too often it seems selfish.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |