In many ways the work of a critic is easy. They risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgement.
Some thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read.
But, the bitter truth critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than the criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the weird.
The world is often unkind to new and strange ideas. The strange needs friends.
Last week I experienced something hated upon, an abnormal game made in an unconventional development time. To say that both the game and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about video games, is a gross understatement-- they have rocked me to my core.
In the past I have made no secret of my respect for Sumo Digital’s famous game: “Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing Transformed”. But I realize only now do I truly understand what Traveller's Takes meant. Not everyone can become a great developer, but a great developer can come from anywhere.
It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the mixed now cooking at SEGA who is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the weirdest game company in the world.
I will be returning to Sonic R soon, hungry for more.
short ass game lmao 😂😂😂