Todd Howard at D.I.C.E. 09'.

It seems like Todd "The Hype Machine" Howard gave a 25 minute presentation at D.I.C.E, and I'd like to share some thoughts on some of his more colorful comments.

"The first two Fallout games sold poorly."

Oh really Todd, that's funny since when is 500k apiece considered a failure? I'm sorry to break it to you Toddy but the first two Fallouts did not fail. They actually sold very well for the time they where released back in 97'.

"Culture of Quality"

For priding themselves is quality, it certainly is lacking at Bethesda. If they have such a "culture of quality", then why are Oblivion and Fallout 3 such bug filled and glitch ridden messes? I've played both the PS3 version and the 360 version, and both version are full of bugs and glitches, even after several patches. It's not like the glitches are minor, several of them are annoying such as enemies falling threw the floor and dead enemies getting stuck in the floor, the wall, and several times spazzing out and going all rubbery and shooting up in the air and those are just a handful and humorous glitches. I could write a essay on the sheer amount of bugs and glitches in both Oblivion and Fallout 3, and to think several reviewers and gamers have the gall to say they aren't that major.

"Great games are played, not made."

Todd is partially correct on this. Indeed great games are played and enjoyed by millions the world over, however they are also made. Todd also goes on about how worthless design documents are and how they are a waste of time. Really, design documents are a waste of time? Honestly why say such a thing? Design documents are a good way to see what direction the game is going in, although this would explain why Fallout 3 is such a mess of random parts of FO1, FO2, and FoT all rolled into a mess random fan service.

"We went back and played the old games."

Sure you did Bethesda, sure you did. Just like all the hardcore FO3 fans claims that they played the old ones right? You know the same FO3 fans that call you a fan boy and tell you to stop complaining if you dare criticize FO3. This also reminds me of the making of DVD/Bluray that game with that limited edition, which basically had Todd talking about about how they love the old games as it played on a loop in the back ground. Given the amount of plot holes in FO3, I doubt this comment, but hey maybe he did and just hand picked what was cool about the older titles such as violence, swearing, and the retro 50's future....oh wait.

"We wanted to make looking at stats entertaining with pipboy."

Sadly, they didn't. Humor is not something Bethesda does well at all and I don't see that improving anytime in the near future. The game is littered with unfunniness from start to finish.

"The old games where violent as well."

Yes they certainly where, however it wasn't the main selling point either. In FO3, Bethesda added V.A.T.S, a system that everyone calls tactical and useful, but in the real world it's a god mod that lets you see the same damn death animation(s) over and over again. Why? well to quote Todd "Violence done right is fucking hilarious". To be fair, it can be...however FO3 fails at having funny violence.

"I was backstage, giving out more awards to LBP - cause they don't have enough."

Awww. Poor Todd, what's the matter? Upset that Little Big Planet won awards it deserved? I have a feeling Todd was simply joking around, however he did seemed a bit pissed that FO3 wasn't winning for innovation. If Bethesda expected to win awards for innovation, the I would have to ask the question, what about Fo3 was innovative? It certainly wasn't V.A.T.S, and it sure as hell wasn't the overall game design. Face it Bethesda, FO3 was in no way innovative. It was a cookie cutter McRPG that Bethesda does best.

Peace out bitches.