Play

[Anonymous]

So I picked a copy of the gaming/anime magazine Play the other day. This is a pretty good magazine, the first I haven't been ashamed to read on the bus since Next Gen. A tad pretentious in places, but very stylistic, and catering to real issues in gaming. Definitely check this rag out when you get the chance, This month's issue has Zelda:WW on the cover.

[junglehunter]

Is the section with Link in Soul Caliber real or was it an April Fool's joke?

[buttasuperb]

That's real.

http://www.namco.com/games/soulcalibur2.html

[Cafeman]

http://cafeman.www9.50megs.com/PlayScans.html

Here is a sample for the rest of you. I like the mag quite a bit, it is getting better with time.

[chocobokick]

the layouts are pretty and they are getting a little better at it, but they really like boobs. when in doubt, boobs! especially the anime section. "this anime is great! look at all the fan service!" barf! I know the video game industry is geared toward young males but I hate that are so crude about it. I don't like feeling like the only girl in a guy's world.

[Kid Fenris]

Perhaps Play's next cover should feature Hamtaro cavorting on a bright pink background.

Anyway, Play seems to be slowly filling the void left by Next Generation and Gamers' Republic. While they still need better copy editing, their (mostly) high-minded writing style is quite refreshing. The layouts are also great and I like their habit of only giving space to the games that deserve it. It's true that Dave Halverson likes his fan service a little too much, but Christina Alexander (yes, a woman, Chocobokick) balances him out in the anime section, at least.

The only thing that bugs me is Play's lack of import coverage, which Halverson always provided when he was heading up Gamefan and Gamers' Republic. I actually like reading about those strange Japanese games that I'll probably never play.

[Lady Jaye]

I agree with Kid Fenris about the need for better copy editing in Play. Granted, a typo or two might happen once in a while in a mag, but it happens too often in Play. It's too bad, because otherwise it is a good mag.

[Anonymous]

There was one import review in this month's ish about the Lupin game. I recognize the fact that they might only be able to review anime released in the US, but a Japanese culture section would take care of both the import games, and allow them to be a little more up to date on the anime side of things.

[Six Switch]

I think Play is great,it has the same editor that did Game Fan,another great mag that shouldn't have died.Having gaming and anime in one mag is also a good idea,but like chocobokick said,they like women.A lot.They are even thinking of nudity in coming issues. As long as the info is still good I'll be happy.