7 Responses for "Picture of the Day: Product Placement"

1. Todd February 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm 1

   This image is to small / low res. Can’t see.

2. Dave Zatz February 12th, 2008 at 1:02 pm 2

   Yah, I struggled with several screen grabs trying to find a decent one – I thought it’d be fun to show the entire “world” rather than just zooming in on a “Slingbox” billboard (in the upper right). Maybe when I get home, I’ll take another shot and magnify the signage and/or maybe I’ll take a photo instead of a screengrab. I did take a video of me wrecking my car under the logo, but that might not send the right message.

3. razordullwit February 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm 3

   “Contextual” product placement like this in video games never bothered me too much, as long as it wasn’t “look at me” obvious. It works great in games like this because, ironically, advertising is everywhere in real streets too. The flipside of that, however, is Splinter Cell: Chaos Theroy, and the massive Axe body spray neon sign that manages to stay glowing even in the midst of a huge NYC blackout. What I’m saying, Dave, is please make sure Sling never makes Sam Fisher have to use a Sling Player to find out what the terrorists are up to.

   That said, what do you think of Paradise? I loved the previous Burnout games, but was really turned off by the Paradise demo, because I think “open world” games are gimmick y and annoying when not done right, and I didn’t feel like it was done right. Plus, it just didn’t seem like Burnout without the classic crash mode.

4. Dave Zatz February 12th, 2008 at 2:28 pm 4

   I miss the crash mode – that was my favorite part of the game. However, either I didn’t understand the mechanics or the demo is really hobbled since the real game has been a lot of fun. (Though, I’ve only played it a few hours over the last day or so.) They do a nice job of letting me do whatever I want (”open world”) but also allowing me to trigger challenges/events (at each intersection) based on my current skill level. Also, there are embedded challenges like crashing through billboards scattered throughout Paradise. The online integration looks really unique, perhaps something special – I’ll have to try to it out in the next few days. Two more things: control is excellent and I’m digging the soundtrack.

   If anyone asks my opinion, I’ll be sure to emphasize that Sam shouldn’t be required to use Slingboxes or deodorant.

5. Kornhornio February 12th, 2008 at 5:07 pm 5

   I personally have been loving Burnout Paradise. The demo absolutely sucked, but I bought the game anyway because I loved the old ones and a friend recommended this new one. I’ve barely been able to stop playing it long enough to go to work

   The old crash mode is gone, as is local split-screen racing. These have been replaced with Showtime mode, which I prefer to the old crash mode, and a GREAT online mode.

6. Scott February 14th, 2008 at 10:54 am 6

   I liked the old crash mode a lot more. Slingbox: thank god you didn’t take the Gilette route and purchased van-style marketing. I hate crashing into those damn things.

7. Dave Zatz February 14th, 2008 at 11:40 am 7

   Yeah, those vans are EVERYWHERE! I also say a silent prayer for the dearly departed CompUSA every time I drive by one of their billboards.

   I also prefer the old crash mode to Showtime – where you just endlessly roll down the road.