Journal of Other Forum Analysis

[Greatness Gone]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/astro-bot-announced-releasing-september-6.885618/page-14?post=123717333#post-123717333

User banned (1 week): Trolling over a series of posts, history of same behavior

People that were wondering why we were excited about Astro Bot before this reveal, can't allow themselves to accept that the game looks actually sick.

I think being excited about playable commercials of ugly product design is a sickness, yes.

Late to this post but Duckroll is and has always been such a little fucking bitch. Holy shit how do you have the exact same pissy preteen personality traits for almost two decades at this point? The only reason he wasn’t banned longer is because of the former mod protection.

[benji]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/astro-bot-announced-releasing-september-6.885618/page-14?post=123717333#post-123717333

User banned (1 week): Trolling over a series of posts, history of same behavior

People that were wondering why we were excited about Astro Bot before this reveal, can't allow themselves to accept that the game looks actually sick.

I think being excited about playable commercials of ugly product design is a sickness, yes.

Trolling? Looks more like armchair diagnosis.

[NekoFever]

The “playersexual” complaints are funny. What do you want? Because you’re going to complain if the two women (because it’s always two women) you’re shipping turn out to be straight friends, and you’ll bitch like the developers have been leading you on. They could have a cast of hundreds to make sure all bases are covered but it will be a hate crime when the one you’re fixated on isn’t the right sexuality.

So they just make it so you can romance whoever you like, which is probably the fairest and most flexible option, and no, that’s playersexual and makes your weird parasocial pretend friends’ romance meaningless.

[davepoobond]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/astro-bot-announced-releasing-september-6.885618/page-14?post=123717333#post-123717333

User banned (1 week): Trolling over a series of posts, history of same behavior

I think being excited about playable commercials of ugly product design is a sickness, yes.

Trolling? Looks more like armchair diagnosis.

Duckroll kept it too real

[Eric Cartman]

I feel like if you have the privilege of being successful in a Black art form as a white person

How the fuck do you count 'privilege' as breaking through multiple barriers of prejudice held against you, barriers that - I cite this fucking post as evidence - still exist today?
Also, how the fuck are you going to play like Eminem has been anything other than a boon to hip-hop as an industry, an art form, or as a sub-culture?

Straight fucking brain worms, man. I guess Larry Bird only gets repped because of his white privilege too.

[Eric Cartman]

MOAR PRIVILEGE

[Eric Cartman]

That Concord thread will be one to remember if the game doesn’t do well and the studio doesn’t get another shot at something else.

Cue the thoughts and prayers and rage at Sony at that point. Game is really not my kind of thing but now I’m hoping it’s a huge success just to piss the types in that thread off.

Nah, everything about it screams trend chasing design by committee.
I don't actively want people losing their jobs, but I'm also not going to celebrate mediocrity.

If it comes out and it's doing something interesting, I'll eat all the crow in the world, but if its Not-Overwatch by Not-Blizzard because it was greenlit when Overwatch by Blizzard was raking in cash and they literally had no better ideas or design concepts than that, then fuck 'em.

[Eric Cartman]

You would think trans people are like 30% of the population with how many there are on resetera and how much these people talk about this shit.  Celiac disease has a higher incidence than trans people.  I read about Celiac disease maybe twice a year.

I've actually worked with people who have coeliac disease. I've never worked with a trans person.

"Being Trans" isn't the problem with Bire Usual Suspects; being shitty posters and generally shitty people is.

Way too fucking many of them are doing the Jim Sterling life route of obnoxious misogynist incel edge lord piece of shit -> same obnoxious piece of shit but trans now, so its all good and righteous and how can they be a woman hating incel now they are one?

[Eric Cartman]

Is there any chance of adding links to the other versions of the game since Valve is actively aiding in the harassment of these devs among others?

Not Recommended

If Steam had a 'neutral' review option, this would absolutely be a time where I'd use it.
I say this, because Tales of Kenzera: Zau isn't bad - Not at all, actually - but would I recommend it to my friends (or anyone else) for it's asking price?

No, probably not, and that's for a few reasons.

But first, let's talk positives. The reasons to pick up and play this game down the line when it's on sale.
There's a lot of artistry on display here: The art direction, visuals, music, and particularly the voice acting are all top notch. In my opinion, these things are the reason to play this game - at least, they're what kept me going while I played it.
The story itself isn't something I connected with, but it's well told enough and has its high moments.
In the future when this game is around 50% off (which would put it at $15 AUD, which is about perfect), I'd say this is worth picking up to experience these things.

Okay, let's talk about the other stuff:

First of all, and this is the biggest one, both Ori games already exist.
This game copies a lot of Ori's homework, and I'm all for homage and will usually excuse derivative elements in this genre, but this game takes it a bit too far and does everything Ori does, just not as well.
It has a couple of "chase sequences", but they're poorly telegraphed, resulting in a lot of frustrating trial and error. This is particularly true for the one in Act II. It just isn't good.
Most of the abilities are exactly the same - The 'grapple hook' style ability that slingshots you is here and not as well utilized.
Later in the game you get the ability to glide, and the game introduces wind tunnels here too, just like Ori. It goes further and creates challenges/trials that combine this with narrow and spike-covered environments, just like Ori.
There's more too, stuff that when written out will just make it sound like I'm nitpicking, but seriously - I could not shake the thought while playing this that I'd probably rather be replaying one of the Ori games instead. This comparison never went away over it's entire runtime, which, speaking of...

This game is short. I clocked in at just under seven hours, and that's for a full 100% run without any guide or outside help (there isn't enough here to warrant needing them to find everything).
I want to stress here that I don't actually think this is a negative - On the contrary, I think this game would overstay its welcome if it had been twice the length or something.
But I know a lot of people look at runtime as a huge factor in whether or not they purchase something, and some people would consider this too short for the asking price. If this isn't important to you (it isn't to me), you can safely ignore this point.

Level design is repetitive and, frankly, boring. You'll see the same types of obstacles and challenges over and over. The same platforming patterns in the world over and over. The game also never really pushes the boundaries of what can be done to create challenges around the set of abilities you get as you progress, and never combines more than, say, two movement abilities at a time in any one section.

Combat needed more love. At it's core, the combat system is cool. You have two "masks" which are essentially different combat stances that you can swap between at will. The Moon Mask is all about ranged combat, including the ability to deflect incoming projectiles, and the Sun Mask is your CQC/melee combat. This is all good stuff.
Unfortunately, the enemy variety is pretty lacking, with there only being a small handful of different enemies that feel like they are spammed at you over and over. Similar to the platforming part of the game, you'll feel like you've seen everything this game has to throw at you very quickly. They also have a little too much health and felt spongy. Every time I walked into a (very obvious and clearly telegraphed) "locked in" combat arena, I would groan.

Overall, as much as it might not sound like it based on what I just wrote, I liked this. I'm glad it exists, and I'm glad I played it. But I didn't like it anywhere near as much as I was hoping, and I don't think it does enough to justify it's asking price in a world where Ori already exists, and is just a better game in pretty much every aspect.

If we get more Tales of Kenzera in the future, I'd love to see more enemy variety, more experimentation with level design, and less overt imitation of the Ori games.
These things would have helped Zau stand out and find it's own identity, instead of living in the shadow of another.

Game flopped so hard it doesn't even have troll posts lol.
Even the usual anti woke people can't be bothered to make any posts. That's rough. The game is completely irrelevant.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau Director Addresses 'Constant Targeted Harassment,' Lowers Price of Game on Switch
So how people feel about this?

To me the message seem to contradict itself and people go both way.

It's literally cause they worked with SBI

I mean his relation to SBI is pretty well known while he doesn't embrace it.

Doesn't really matter at this point. They are facing the same actions that they pushed years ago in which anyone associated with ties to a political enemy were demonized and made radioactive in the game development scene. Many people warned that that would come back and bite them and now karma has returned for its pound of flesh.

I don't understand why the devs are pushing it so hard, they're pushing the the "gamers" they started to dislike and the "casual" from their games. The "supporters" of the agenda ain't buying it anyway. After all it doesn't affect their social credits.

Sad to see a game that is "maybe" awesome die even before it was release because of what you've just explained DV. You're right and there is no coming back.

I like how he makes U-turn and still tries to sell his game by saying "this game is still for you even if you're not represented"
so when they want to self inject they cry about not being represented in every single instance (game, movie etc). that is diversity.

when they want to profit off us they tell us we don't need to be represented, it's OK to explore different culture, being different sex, color, etc.

now, when no one is interested they're making angry videos, playing race victim card. how pathetic.

if there's denuvo I don't care if your game is the masterpiece. if there's greedy pricing I'll just do nothing and will get it for free from epics store in 2 years. you will need some money so you'll sell it to epic freebie at some point. so why bother? by that time it will be free and without denuvo. and even then I'm not sure I want it.

Also the game is twice the price of similar games in an (extremely overpopulated) genre and has Denuvo.

[Snoopy]

So like...is that crossdressing line supposed to be ironic or....wtf?

So like...is this transphobic?...I can't tell if I should be all outraged or...wtf?

I mean he's literally holding up a picture of himself the times he cross dressed so it is

Eminem is pointing out the hypocrisy (and irony) of the "Slim Shady" character.

ClickyTard -

[Eric Cartman]

You know, if the characters are a different race or a different gender or you know, a different ideology or different perspective, that doesn't mean the game isn't for you. It can still be for you.

This has always bothered me too. These idiots are fine to play as elves, dwarves, dragon-men, androids, aliens, even simulate life as a goat or a slice of bread. But playing as a black person!? Holy shit, lines have been crossed right there.

[D3RANG3D]

Benji's right. Fuck game art. Imagine this masterpiece above your fire mantle during a cozy December.

I'd hang this on my wall.

[Eric Cartman]

Literally the only place I see comments along the lines of "Ugh [ethnicity_gender] protagonist? Pass." that aren't immediately dunked on or downvoted to hell are on era

[HaughtyFrank]

Even the Burka brigade is suddenly all "well actually they shouldn't have changed this outfit in Silent Hill 2" but they also throw in a "sadly the Chuds coopted this complaint."

https://www.resetera.com/threads/why-women-criticise-sexualised-character-designs-ot3-make-her-look-more-corpulent-more-stuffed-where-the-eyes-cant-escape.275780/post-123770325

Only Crossing Eden stands strong, telling everyone that the new outfit is good actually

Edit: bonus

[Boredfrom]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/silent-hill-2-gameplay-trailer-14-minutes.885849/page-6?post=123747234#post-123747234

User Banned (1 Month): Sexist Commentary

Nothing will fix those dead inside eyes.

Being fair, that is the point with that character.

[Polident]

You know, if the characters are a different race or a different gender or you know, a different ideology or different perspective, that doesn't mean the game isn't for you. It can still be for you.

This has always bothered me too. These idiots are fine to play as elves, dwarves, dragon-men, androids, aliens, even simulate life as a goat or a slice of bread. But playing as a black person!? Holy shit, lines have been crossed right there.

There’s literally no backlash, or any discourse whatsoever. Game came out a month ago to middling reviews. It’s a game from nobodies released by EA. There’s no recognition of how privileged these guys are to get that opportunity. But nobody cares. This phantom racist fan thing is built into marketing and people pick up on how fake it is.

House of Dragon recorded features about racist fans angry about black actors portraying the Velaryons, well before it ever aired. But nobody cared and people actually watched that show.

[FEUER FREI.]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/biden-calls-for-end-to-gaza-war-endorsing-israeli-cease-fire-proposal.887112/

I take offense to the thread title, it's not a war, it is a GENOCIDE

[ClothedMac]

This is a Steam safe space. Capital G-Gamers attacking it will be executed on sight.

You know, if the characters are a different race or a different gender or you know, a different ideology or different perspective, that doesn't mean the game isn't for you. It can still be for you.

This has always bothered me too. These idiots are fine to play as elves, dwarves, dragon-men, androids, aliens, even simulate life as a goat or a slice of bread. But playing as a black person!? Holy shit, lines have been crossed right there.

Lol.  How many threads are people aghast that you uncritcly play as a star wars stormtrooper or other generic rando but dont "confront" the ideology of being a "bad guy"

On era its looked down upon to play as characterr who might have be morally ambigous

[HaughtyFrank]

Is there any chance of adding links to the other versions of the game since Valve is actively aiding in the harassment of these devs among others?

Mostly I've only seen the game called out for the sweet baby inc involvement (why does a game from a black developer need sensitivity consultants?) and then people mocking that it received zero support from all the progressives. I'm not saying that the guy didn't receive harassment because I'm sure he did but overall this feels more like a push to get some extra sales? Especially when it involves announcing a price cut

I think you can call it unfair that just because sweet baby inc was involved in some unknown capacity it gets boycotted but then again, the same people were all in favor of boycotting Hogwarts legacy that had zero JK Rowling involvement

[Disco55]

It is kind of funny to see them fall for political pandering advertising for Tales of Kenzura. Like, that game had like what 300 reviews on Steam. Not many cared for it and i guess it is good but not great. But the Metroidvania space is overcrowded.

[kaleidoscopium]

lol thordinson banned in the last 11min, anyone catch why?

Noticed here, but not the post he was banned on

https://www.resetera.com/threads/biden-calls-for-end-to-gaza-war-endorsing-israeli-cease-fire-proposal.887112/?post=123786291#post-123786291

[HaughtyFrank]

lol thordinson banned in the last 11min, anyone catch why?

Noticed here, but not the post he was banned on

https://www.resetera.com/threads/biden-calls-for-end-to-gaza-war-endorsing-israeli-cease-fire-proposal.887112/?post=123786291#post-123786291

That'll be hard to find. Dude posts a shit ton and pretty much exclusively in political threads

[kaleidoscopium]

If you have an active account you can filter by specific users posts I believe

[porkbun]

https://www.resetera.com/threads/recommendations-for-good-trans-bi-and-wlw-friendly-indie-games.881586/

I've been in a real bad mood the past week, online discussion around the UK elections (especially about Trans people) have been really putting my on edge and making me just constantly frustrated and I've ended up having to block myself from reading about it for own sake, both here on the rest of the web.

Fortunately, I just finished University and have a lot more free time now which includes getting back into Warhammer 40k, watch Columbo (which yes, putting those back to back does give me the image of Columbo as an Inquisitor in the 40k universe), finally get into PreCure and figure out what that Pink Koala seal I saw for ages was and playing video games again because besides occasional SF6 and playing the Peach game in the spring, I haven't played many games the since early Feb.

As such and actual point of the thread, what are good, positive/optimistic/not-grim indie games that are trans, bi and wlw friendly, especially from a woman perspective. .

To be clear though, when I say bi friendly, I am not talking about games where the "bi representation" is where all the romance options are playersexual because it's mechanically convenient, don't have any preferences of their own and the word bisexual isn't mentioned once. I'm talking about games that actually properly acknowledge bisexuality (which includes actually saying the damn word for once) be very varied, that bisexual people who preferences like some bi women who don't find men attractive but do find NB people attractive or romantical interest differ from their sexual interests etc. That actually discuss bi erasure and the struggles bi people can feel like the struggle to feel to be include etc.

" I just finished University and have a lot more free time"

So... just not gonna bother getting a job?  Or finding a place to live?

100% this guy makes a post in a few months bitching about how student loans are evil.

[Nintex]

Is there any chance of adding links to the other versions of the game since Valve is actively aiding in the harassment of these devs among others?

What bro should've done to get more sales:
"I'm lowering the price, so more people can enjoy my game. Please give it try and let me know what you think 🙏"

"Thanks bro, I will try your game"  

Instead

"BY MY GAME YOU RACIST"

"no"  


He doesn't seem to understand that when you publish with EA, your game gets neither the needed marketing push nor the sympathy from the community. 
The "uguu we small indie and need your support" spiel just doesn't work when you publish with EA. Same thing happened with Immortals of Aveum.

Also I've not seen any of this backlash, in fact I've not seen any reporting or ads for this game at all. I didn't even know it was already out.

It seems to have launched on the same day as Eiyuden Chronicle Hundred Heroes, Sand Land and Stellar Blade. 
Stellar Blade of course was the big release that overshadowed it, Sand Land probably did better than expected as a 'tribute' to Akira Toriyama and good reviews.
Eiyuden Chronicle Hundred Heroes had some performance issues but was backed by a large Kickstarter campaign (and sadly the creator of Suikoden/Eiyuden passed away before it was released). Shortly after of course Dunkey published Animal Well so that soaked up all the attention. Nintendo gamers have now moved on to Paper Mario.

Abubakar Salim should be mad at EA for release timing and a lack of marketing effort not the gamers.

[Daffy Duck]

You would think trans people are like 30% of the population with how many there are on resetera and how much these people talk about this shit.  Celiac disease has a higher incidence than trans people.  I read about Celiac disease maybe twice a year.

I've actually worked with people who have coeliac disease. I've never worked with a trans person.

"Being Trans" isn't the problem with Bire Usual Suspects; being shitty posters and generally shitty people is.

Way too fucking many of them are doing the Jim Sterling life route of obnoxious misogynist incel edge lord piece of shit -> same obnoxious piece of shit but trans now, so its all good and righteous and how can they be a woman hating incel now they are one?

Jesus, this is it, this is the Era Trans crew…wow. Bravo.

[Daffy Duck]

So like...is that crossdressing line supposed to be ironic or....wtf?

So like...is this transphobic?...I can't tell if I should be all outraged or...wtf?

I mean he's literally holding up a picture of himself the times he cross dressed so it is

Eminem is pointing out the hypocrisy (and irony) of the "Slim Shady" character.

ClickyTard -

LMAO, as soon as I heard that line I new it would be bought up on Era…how dense can they be to not get what he’s saying, wait, I know how dense they are.

[HaughtyFrank]

Thought clicky would jump on this one

My transgender cat's Siamese
Identifies as black, but acts Chinese

[xiceman191]

Is there any chance of adding links to the other versions of the game since Valve is actively aiding in the harassment of these devs among others?

I hate how they infantilize black developers and swear they the righteous ones. Sure there are some racist ass folks that might review it but to take a few posts that are problematic and then group that with any legit criticism of the game as a harassment campaign is ridiculous.

[kaleidoscopium]

People who say Eminem is the GOAT are not hip hop fans, there's just something about him that appeals to them more than 99% of other rappers.

I mean, personally most of the Eminem fans I know were into shit like Korn and Limp Bizkit and ICP because "we can't relate to traditional hip hop" and suddenly Eminem spoke to them. Then when he fell off they left the scene. Hell one of my Eminem fan cousins asked on Facebook if Kendrick Lamar was a basketball player.

And last few Eminem threads have backed up my theory as to how hip hop, especially black fans of the genre, feel about him.

https://www.resetera.com/threads/eminem-announces-new-album-the-death-of-slim-shady-coup-de-grÂce-releasing-summer-2024.854298/page-6?post=123790350#post-123790350

More casual self hatred from a whitey