SPC Mailbag - 2009's First Opening

Welcome to this January 2009 edition of the SPC Mailbag. It's been a month or so since we've viewed some reader questions, so why not open the bag right up for 2009? This installment's questions regarding my definition of what a hardcore gamer is, the lack of new reviews on the site, and finally Christmas presents. Without further ado, let me start answering!

"Casual" and "hardcore" are terms thrown a lot by people since Wii became popular. What do you believe makes a "hardcore gamer" "hardcore"?

It's a touchy subject on message boards. Some people believe hardcore games are the HD ones-- stuff like Gears of War, Halo, and such. Unfortunately, it's these types of games I associate with the same crowd who watches Manswers on Spike TV. To me, a hardcore gamer is very simple-- it's someone whose biggest hobby is most likely gaming. It could be someone who plays a lot (even Tetris, for instance, as it doesn't have to be multiple games or consoles), perhaps frequently scours the net chatting up with other enthusiasts and researching new information.

The mindset of some that one console or genre is more hardcore than another is elitist which is odd considering they're being elitist in an industry that is still looked down upon. Fortunately, the "anti-hardcore" console, the Wii, seems to be opening up some of those "games are for children" people's minds.

There's a lack of new reviews since November. Have you stopped doing them?

I have to be honest that I've incredibly lazy about writing reviews. I just don't have the same desire I had than when I started. It's just draining after 100+ reviews. We'll have to see how things go. Nonetheless, if reviews aren't as prevalent, I'll just ramp up other article production to make up the slack. Again, we'll see. I do have several games ready to be reviewed, so game-wise I'm covered. Drive-wise? That's another story.

What did you get for Christmas?

Hope you and yours had a terrific Christmas or whichever holiday you and your loved ones traditionally celebrate. I'll just be general about it. I received new games for PS3, Wii, and DS, new preppy clothes from American Eagle, a leather jacket, a PS3 bluetooth headset, and various gift cards ranging from Best Buy to McDonald's.

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The SPC Mailbag will be opening back up in February. If you have any questions you'd like addressed whether site-related, game-related, or whatever weird, perverse thoughts run through your mind, hit me up with an e-mail at superphillip32@hotmail.com

Perhaps your question will be answered (or made fun of).