There is, I think, no greater faux pas in our image-obsessed society than trying too hard. Anything too obviously keen to impress, too overbearing in its affect, is intolerable whether quality or not. We want sprezzatura, elegance, and honesty, not to be hit over the head by someone very clearly trying to extract some very specific emotion.
This is what I thought about as I played some Hotel Barcelona earlier today, which possibly tells you everything you need to know right there. A collab between outre auteurs Swery and Suda51, Hotel Barcelona should be right up my alley. I love Deadly Premonition (Swery), I enjoyed Flower, Sun, and Rain (Suda)—these are two great tastes that should taste great together.
