Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Furthermore...

What Jaxx said was this:

"The censored version gets the point across without feeding the animals.

Mod me down, but it's the fact."

What part of this is...not factual, exactly?

If you watch both videos, the point was rather clear...someone was taken out. Definitively. There is no doubt about this.

So, while you may prefer the more gory version, the censored one does not leave the player/viewer with the impression that the objective was not achieved..there is no sense of "what just happened here."

Or maybe we were watching some other video...

Actually, it's the *opinion*.

As a father of two boys you should be aware that they are not the target market for this game. Suprisingly, they may not be harmed by people like me playing this game.

I don't have children, but I assure you when/if I am convinced to one day have them, I will not place the burden of forming their ethics and behavior on popular culture.

You are probably a very good parent and I'm not trying to insult you. Just as you would send them to bed if you want to watch Soprano's or Kill Bill, break out the No More Heroes at an appropriate time (or don't) and enjoy it knowing that you are old enough to not be influenced to turn into a killer yourself.

If your worried about other kids having the game and exposing them, be proactive and make other parents aware of the ESRB system that you surely are aware of yourself.

As a responsible person, I will keep this game out of the hands of children so us adults can enjoy the game. I will also mod you down, because my decision to enjoy NMH does not affect your children in any way. You want to force what's good for your kids on me, affects me.

I personally wouldn't so much as rent this game in its uncensored format. I find it disgusting. I like being around people who value a similar definition of what's decent. I believe that entertainment like this promotes a poor view of what is decent. To me, it's not artistic. It's not "style". It's gross. I'd rather my 6 year old grew up in a neighborhood where it wasn't sold, bought, played, or valued. I didn't buy it. I doubt you're surprised. I'm not surprised I'm not changing anybody's mind by saying so, either.

I find the downmodding of opinions like the one above almost as disturbing as the content. Fight opposing views about censorship with.... censorship? Is the irony lost on everyone but me?

Mod me down too if you like. But you'll be doing it to a Zack & Wiki fan.

Maybe it would not have been modded down so quickly if it wasn't stated as a fact. It can sometimes be insulting to hear someone assert opinions as facts because of how ridiculous the assertion generally is.

It's not censorship to mod someone down, especially he stated his opinion as fact. It's an expression of popularity.
To ban the sale of a game is something totally different. If you don't want your son to live in a place where this game is sold, MOVE. Move out of the country if you have to, but don't infringe on my right to play this game. Your opinion doesn't count so much that it overrides the free speech of those who would create the game, and those who would consume it.

"Moral certainty is always a sign of cultural inferiority. The more uncivilized the man, the surer he is that he knows precisely what is right and what is wrong. All human progress, even in morals, has been the work of men who have doubted the current moral values, not of men who have whooped them up and tried to enforce them. The truly civilized man is always skeptical and tolerant."
-HL Mencken
Unless you want to start paying my rent too, don't you dare decide what I can be entertained by.

That said. Your kids aren't missing much. NMH is probably one of the crappiest games on the system so far. They should be glad that you're uptight. Now they won't have to play a shoddy game that was only half made.

So when you consider that the only fun thing to do in this game is to chop guys in half and watch funny cutscenes (everything else is painful to play), there really is no reason for a European or Japanese person to buy this game.
This is one of the few cases where censorship worked out for the consumer since it will probably drive many away from the game so they can buy one that's entertaining. I still can't condone censorship, especially since they probably censored out the only entertaining parts of the game.

And Wiifanboy writers-
Aren't you afraid that by encouraging people to buy this broken piece of crap of a game, it will eventually scrape away any credibility you may have had? I can't take any of you seriously anymore with all the praise you've been laying on this junk.

It looks like the only reviewer I can count on to call overrated pieces of crap for what they are is Yahtzee with his Zero Punctuation.
Hopefully he's doing NMH today. I can't wait to see him tear it up.

b00k3... Ironically enough, I don't want to live anywhere near your spoiled brat of a kid either.

Gonzo.. you're an idiot. Yes, you've posted that you don't like NMH like 20 times already. Give it up. Your hating the game won't change anyone's opinion. It won't make it go away.

"If you're on the fence, I say you should still buy the cut version. The best part about the game is actually playing it - the art design is a close second in my opinion."

You'd think that, this being a game for a Nintendo system...a system whose fans purport to be the arbiters of All Things Gameplay Trumps All, wouldn't you?

I guess not having blood spatters all over the place totally nullifies the story, art direction and gameplay mechanics.

Who knew?

No, My wants and needs are just as valid as someone who has kids. The problem is that I'm not trying to restrict their wants and needs, and they are trying to restrict mine. Also, I have no idea where you shop, but everwhere i've gone to Video Games are sold as Electronics, not between Candyland and Hi-Ho-Cherry-O. Behind glass even.

The problem is when the parents DON'T take an interest in what their kids do. Why do you think Chris Hansen has no lack of volunteers for his To Catch a Predator shows. Because of the large number of unsupervised children that the parents take no interest in. If playing 'violent' video games is the worst of your worries as a parent, you're either a lucky parent, or blind to what your child is doing.

You don't know me, so at minimum you are reaching.

OK, so you are saying that extended exposure to violent media has NO EFECT WHATSOEVER on impressionable minds?

Is this your position? If it is, you should probably educate yourself, as this information has been widely documented and available for at least 50 years. Jackie T didn't make it up.

Do you work in the mental health field...or know someone that is a child mental health professional? No?

Hrm.

You are saying that the majority of adults that have been alive longer than yourself do NOT consider video games essentially child's playthings?

Furthermore, Jaxxx did not posit banning anything, and as per usual, like folks do on the Interwebs here, you seemed to skirt the actual issue with some notion of Games Behind Glass.

Look, while I understand your position...it is flimsy at best.

Games designed for adult exclusive use are NOT SOLD in the same way other things designed for adult exclusive are.

This is essentially the issue.

But of course, the "they wanna take my pimpsim away!!!" crowd refuses to acknowledge even this simple point, and thus, come across as crass and irresponsible.

BOTH SIDES have their points and merits. There are severe penalties for selling porn, liquor and smokes to kids.

Video Games...not so much.

See why some people have...concerns...yet? You claim to be an adult, discuss and debate the issue like one by examining the merits of both sides of the issue.

Kai. Chill. The last 3 times I bought an M rated game, I got carded, and I'm damn near 30. I get carded more often for buying a video game at Gamestop than for buying booze now. I'm not exaggerating.

I'm all for places like Gamestop being more proactive since there are a lot of kids wandering in with their parents money but not necessarily WITH their parents.

That's some ways away from the government forcing censorship of games like No More Heroes by interfering with the way the games are made.

Ah yes...

I did not imply or infer at any point that I was a proponent of *censorship* at all.

I am curious as to why you drew that particular conclusion.

"You don't know me, so at minimum you are reaching."

Ironically enough, you don't know me either. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. Are you trying to pick me up?

"OK, so you are saying that extended exposure to violent media has NO EFECT WHATSOEVER on impressionable minds?"

Not to well adjusted and properly raised 'impressionable' minds. If it did, then we would have all died out in the Bonanza inspired "Cowboys and Indian" massacre in the 60's. There are always 'bad' influences on children, regardless of the medium. The bible is FULL of violence and rape. Heck, even playing cards and dice were once considered the work of the devil. Just because it's a form of media that is finally hitting maturity does not mean it's any more dangerous than any other form of media. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING can have an effect on 'Impressionable' minds.

"Is this your position? If it is, you should probably educate yourself, as this information has been widely documented and available for at least 50 years. Jackie T didn't make it up."

No, and I don't think even Thompson opponents would ever say that there's no chance ever of anything ever affecting anyone. The debate is not about that. Anyways, CAN does not mean ALWAYS DOES. Good music CAN make me want to move around, but not ALWAYS. A sunny day CAN make me want to drive fast, roll the windows down, and turn up the radio, but not ALWAYS.

"Do you work in the mental health field...or know someone that is a child mental health professional? No?"

And you accused me of making judgments against you without knowing you?

"You are saying that the majority of adults that have been alive longer than yourself do NOT consider video games essentially child's playthings?"

Again, no. Your argument that they are sold as toys and were always found in the toy section was false, unless you live in some part of the world that video games are sold in toy sections. And unless you think Diapers are toys, the fact that video games are in 'Toy Stores' does not mean anything either. I have never witnessed full fledged gaming systems past, oh, Playstation 1, sold in 'toy' departments. Yes they might be with the games/entertainment in catalogs, but in department stores, they were (to the best of my recollection) in either electronics, or back in the C=64 / Atari days, sold in seperate sections by themselves.

"Furthermore, Jaxxx did not posit banning anything, and as per usual, like folks do on the Interwebs here, you seemed to skirt the actual issue with some notion of Games Behind Glass."

Again, the 'games behind glass' was in reference to your claim that video games are sold in toy sections. Also, my comment to Jaxxx was don't worry about what I do, because I'm not going to involve your kids. Also, what about the poster who stated that they would rather not live in an area where the game was sold or played. Someone what that type of attitude isn't going to alter their life to live that dream, but expect or worse, force, everyone to act in a manner that they would like you to.

"Look, while I understand your position...it is flimsy at best."

That's a gross misstatement. You've misjudged my position. My position is that keep your hands out of my entertainment, and I will keep my entertainment away from your kids. That's flimsy?

"Games designed for adult exclusive use are NOT SOLD in the same way other things designed for adult exclusive are."

Really? I can't go to Walmart and find R rated moves mixed in the bargain bins with movies of all types? That a child has never rented or purchased an r rated move?

"This is essentially the issue."

Now you're making sense. M rated games should be kept out of the hands of kids. Where's the argument that they shouldn't be? As a matter of fact, if you actually read what I had posted, my reassurance has ALWAYS been that you worry about what's in your house, I'll worry about what's in mine.

"But of course, the "they wanna take my pimpsim away!!!" crowd refuses to acknowledge even this simple point, and thus, come across as crass and irresponsible."

Do they? Again, your 'understanding' my point is a laugh.

"BOTH SIDES have their points and merits. There are severe penalties for selling porn, liquor and smokes to kids.

Video Games...not so much."

So, video games are now on the level of porn, booze, and smokes? That's a great analogy. Sitting on my couch engaging in an interactive medium is the same as something to help me get my rocks off in a graphic manner, something that alters my perceptions and is addicting, and something that, well, i've never understood the appeal of smoking, but someone who does enjoy a pack of cigs, you can fill in the rest here.

Now that's flimsy and crass. How about video games are more on the level of books, movies, and audio recordings. There's really not much 'severe' penalities for letting one of those forms of media fall into 'the wrong hands'.

"See why some people have...concerns...yet? You claim to be an adult, discuss and debate the issue like one by examining the merits of both sides of the issue."

Wow, It looks like I've already done that....

Now what was it you were saying about assumptions that I was making about you?

In addition, I'm not expecting you to change your mind. Just think before you start to get all high and mighty. Just because I'm not you, does not mean that I don't have a well thought out point.

Let's zero in riiiight...here:

I said...

"BOTH SIDES have their points and merits. There are severe penalties for selling porn, liquor and smokes to kids.

Video Games...not so much."

To which you cleverly retorted:

"So, video games are now on the level of porn, booze, and smokes? That's a great analogy. Sitting on my couch engaging in an interactive medium is the same as something to help me get my rocks off in a graphic manner, something that alters my perceptions and is addicting, and something that, well, i've never understood the appeal of smoking, but someone who does enjoy a pack of cigs, you can fill in the rest here.

Now that's flimsy and crass. How about video games are more on the level of books, movies, and audio recordings. There's really not much 'severe' penalities for letting one of those forms of media fall into 'the wrong hands'. "

Look.

You don't want some sanctimonious Bible-thumping prude types taking away you "mature" and "adult" video games? You, like many others, bang the drum that "kids should not have access to games intended for adults" but you really don't want to actually do anything about it but shift blame to "irresponsible parents"...

Sell a kid a girlie mag...an adult novel (books) or a fine, fine Blu-Ray disc from Vivid Entertainment (movies) or "Guys on Gals on Tape" (audiobook) and your ass is GOING TO JAAAAIIIIL.

You might was well throw in a fith of vodka and a carton of smokes with it because, hell you are going down anyway.

Us responsible adults like that. We're *fiiiine* with that, unless we are maladjusted.

So much for book, movies and audio "media" clearly meant for adults getting a free pass, huh?

Movin' on...

OK, so if someone sells a kid booze, something CLEARLY meant for adults...what do we as a society do...since we figured out that banning booze was a bad idea?

We add a level of risk to the mix that makes it *very undesirable* for most resellers to do so.

This is what you call a "win-win"...but the problem is there are a lot of "adults" that cannot seem to grasp the concept that the idea is for them to be responsible, too.

Go on. Sell a kid some beer. Watch your life/business and reputation go down the tubes.

You want to stop content censorship? Even the odds for the people that have the problem, that you refuse to engage.

Or they and their elected reps will craft a solution that doesn't consider your position AT ALL.

Do you get it yet?

Look, the ESRB..the "industry self-policing unit" has lost credibility in the eyes of folks outside of this little hobby, and quite frankly, many within it, because their negligence has put a LOT of people at risk.

You want to pound your chest that stuff not for kids should be kept away from them *then treat the content that way*...

Otherwise its just lip service.

But really, it doesn't even matter. The current trends are showing that that market segment is shrinking by like 50% per year. Its a self-solving problem because no one will want to invest $100 mil and two years time-to-market on something that at the current rate will only sell to 1% of the market by 2010 anyway.

For the record, I am NOT a "ban blood" person. You want the Itty Bitty Titty Committee in your games? Good on ya.

But don't hop on the net and tell me in one breathe that "mature stuff should be kept from kids...just, you know, don't punish anyone for NOT doing this" in one sentence then say "oh but its not REALLY for adults" in another one and not expect to be considered disingenuous.

Yes, let's ignore the gross majority of what I said, because that makes things hard.

Let's look at the legal reasons that we CAN put restrictions around pornography, and substances. Lets go for booze and smokes first. As they are physical, easily defined objects, it's easy to say these paticular items are of a specific nature, and theirfor are restricted. When it comes to Pornography, there's a real simple test to see if it is full fledge pornography. Any sort of genital contact that's not in a medical nature is going to be considered pornography. Anything else is a grey area, and has a tendancy to fall under 'free speech'. Take a quick gander at Edwin Meese to see an example of this in play.

Ok, are we all set with that? Good.

Now let's move on to regular movies, books, and music. All things that do not have 'severe' penaltites. What we run into here is the same issue that we run into with the 'light' pornography. It falls under free speech. When something like that happens, well, the's no real easy way to restrict access, as many ways that access is restricted is illegal. A store might refuse to sell a young gall a romance book, but if they do, nobody is going ot go to jail. Why? How do you determine the level of 'filth' that you are going to consider only for adults? And what kind of 'filth' is worse than others? What context are you going to allow it? Yes, the bible is a whipping post, but it's a prime example. There are things in the bible that would make your hair curl. But people teach the bible to small children every day. Things that were considered OK to read (like the racist references in Huckleberry Finn), but now they are considered bad. At one time comic books were considered to only be for kids, and while containing some of the most racist and sexist images you could imagine, the focus was on what type of violence was shown, and who it was against. Do you see what sort of problem that you are running into? I worked with someone who was convinced that Pokemon would turn kids into devil worship. Does that mean it was harmful to children? No, it was that one person's believe because that's what their church told them. According to that church, the game should be banned (an ultimate form of restricting access). According to most everyone else, it's a harmless game. Who should decide what is 'legal' or not. This is where being a responsible parent comes into play.

And how the ESRB ended up losing credibility is that they try to be all things to all people. They try to let people know what's in the game so you can make an informed decision. And people don't bother to read or pay attention to the warnings. That, and the overblown Hot Coffee incident. Which again brings up the point, with who's to say what's the bad thing. Being able to club people on the street for fun, or a semi-clothed mini-game where you simulate sex between consenting adults?

the esrb would rate the european version as rated T

As I said...its real obvious in both vids that his foe was killed. Unkindly. Gore or no gore, you get the point.

Or are you going to debate that, too?

In my opinion, the uncensored version is vastly better. In the same way that watching a TV censored version of Kill Bill with no blood is pointless, and not to the vision of the director.

What's your point Kai? That it's much nicer that he died without blood, that it's better that his severed arms did not leak a fluid?

How about this for a mind-f**k. The large amounts of blood actually drive home the reality that you are killing someone. That although there is a laughable, over the top feeling when the television screen turns red with gory colored pixels, it also drives home the point that yes, you are killing human beings. And for what? Nothing. That gee, maybe the world that Travis Touchdown is in is really screwed up. Maybe within the context of the game, it drives home the point that violence is pointless. That thoes who drive people to kill are the biggest criminals of them all.

Naa... let's everyone dissolve in a puff of un-smoke, to reduce the human side of the characters. Heck, for all you know, you could be fighting robots. From space. Ya.. let's kill the robots from space! Yippie!

How...old are you?

Seriously...and no, I'm not asking you for a date.

I'm old enough to realize that unless what takes place in my house does not affect what takes place in your house, why does anyone else care.
I'm old enough to make decisions for myself, and the people under my care, and not to expect a gov't agency to make the decisions for me.
I'm old enough to take responsibility for my actions.

Why, how old are you?