Six Days

Sorry blogging has been light, Sexy Videogamelanders. We've been pretty busy at Gamasutra -- and to tell the truth, I haven't had much to say, since I haven't even gotten much game time in over the past few weeks. On the to-do list is Flock (which I loved when I saw at E3 last year), Ys I & II on DS (a remake of what's probably on one of my all-time fave lists), Rhythm Heaven (which I haven't messed with nearly enough) and Major Minor's Majestic March (on which I interviewed Matsuura, but I have yet to play).

I have been playing The Path. It takes a lot of time to be thorough with it, so expect some thoughts on it soon.

What have you guys been playing? Any recommendations for me?

Following our convo last week, you've probably noticed that Konami backed off of Six Days In Fallujah. It's interesting; even in early previews, the game was drawing criticism for not treating the subject of the real-world war with enough gravity -- consensus, I suppose, is that having a few Marines consult on a project cannot authenticity make.

I don't know very many soldiers, but I've met a few, and the thing that's always struck me about them is that their attitude toward war is quite a bit different than we civilians. I worry constantly when I watch the nightly news; there are times when I've got to quit watching the news altogether because it's overwhelming when you really stop to think about all the lives at risk, parents and kids waiting at home for a Mom or Dad on the front lines.

But most soldiers I've met seem to approach their work with a certain matter-of-fact attitude; some even with enthusiasm. That's not to say that they take it lightly, but there's probably a certain spiritual fortitude required in going to war that leaves them no choice but to have what I'd describe as a positive attitude. They're not hand-wringing and speaking in hushed tones, like I am -- they're all in, they're proud when they're successful, and they enjoy supporting their friends out in the field. At least, that's been my observation; I certainly don't claim any kind of in-depth experience.

The whole Six Days snafu has made me wonder if the armed forces out there feel the same way about the game as civilians do; if they see a controversy the way we do. If you serve or have served, please write me and let me know what you think about the idea of someone making a hell-yeah traditional shooter about Fallujah, and if you think Konami did the right thing, and indicate whether it's okay to quote you.

Atomic says it's going to try to keep making the game, but I wonder who'd pick it up after all this?

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