Ben's Week In Review: July 12
Shadow of the ColossusIf this is summer, you coulda fooled me. It was down to almost 50 degrees last night...WTF?
The Last Guardian will be SO magical
You know, I've never been a graphics whore. I've never really cared if there was a slight clipping problem during such-and-such stage in my favorite games. However, as the industry advances, we all have to admit that the visual presentation is crucial, and it's required to draw us into a virtual world. I have every confidence that Team ICO will succeed in this endeavor in regards to The Last Guardian; this past week's story about how they value aesthetic appeal proves their dedication to immersion. It's not just about dazzling pictures; it's about bypassing any technical limitations by providing the player with such an engaging world that he or she won't notice those limitations. This is a group of developers that really know what they're doing, and I refer you all to previous productions like Shadow of the Colossus. Granted, the environment was a little bland but as the game centered entirely on the Colossi, the team put most all their effort into designing those unbelievable mammoths. And to this day, what do we remember? Just how awesome they looked, and we almost forget the bland and lifeless landscape.
Based on what we've seen of The Last Guardian thus far, I have no doubt that it'll once again grab my interest right from the start. It also won't let go until I'm done, and it will likely stick with me for quite some time; that's the mark of a fantastic gaming experience. And it doesn't rely entirely on the cleanest or most technologically advanced graphics...no, it simply relies on a world that we become a part of.
The 360 exclusive that's coming to the PS3 is...
Yeah, sorry, I have no idea. ;) I just wanted to clarify that whatever it is, it isn't the secret PS3 exclusive we at PSXE know about, and no, we can't talk about it yet. I can tell you it isn't an IP and it's still a ways off, but that's about as far as I go; I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Anyway, I was thinking that the 360 exclusive coming our way might be Left 4 Dead, as Valve has recently told everyone they'd like to hire some "PS3 guys" so they can work with Sony's machine. We've also heard countless rumors of the critically acclaimed shooter coming to the PS3, although none of the evidence has panned out. Perhaps it'll arrive with all new content and special features, thereby enticing PS3 owners to pick up a year-old title in the midst of other promising games. If it isn't L4D, I'd like to think it might be Lost Odyssey for all you RPG fans out there; it's still one of my favorite games of the generation and well worth your time. However, it's too old now and probably not worthy of a port (oh, what I wouldn't give for a sequel, though). Everyone wants to say Mass Effect, but while the sequel might show up, the original probably won't.
I really want Splinter Cell: Conviction to come to the PS3, but Ubisoft has already explained why that won't happen, and the rumor seems to specify a title that's already in existence. If it's "popular," it has to be out already, right? Unless they're referring to a franchise and not one particular title...
Personal gaming update
I'm definitely in a bit of a dry spell, but I've been so busy lately I haven't really noticed. This tends to happen during the summer: a lot more things seem to go on during the warmer months of the year, and a week seldom goes by where I don't have something to do or somewhere to go. They're not always things I want to do, but hey, that's life. I'll be ready to play Resident Evil 5 when I get it and no, I haven't gotten the chance to start Final Fantasy X (an idea I toyed with last weekend). I just keep destroying the competition in Top Spin 3 if I get an hour to sit down and play, and in between, I work and you know...do other things. I'd like to get out and play tennis myself, if the weather would ever cooperate long enough.
I don't have much else to add, besides the fact that my formerly mentioned sensitive romantic situation has kinda evened out...it's not as frightening anymore. It's just unique. I only find it surprising that it has gone so well thus far, which can only lead to the inevitable revealing at some point...and friends and family may be a touch surprised when that happens. The reception oughta be interesting.
...huh, I just re-read that. No, I'm not gay. LOL
7/11/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (60 posts)
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:39:48 PM
And it's not an IP, which means it's part of a series. In other words, it's a name you've heard of.
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N a S a H
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 1:14:51 AM
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Fane1024
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 2:13:43 AM
IP = intellectual property, for those who don't know.
p.s. Buckeye may have been being sarcastic, but his point is valid.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 7/12/2009 2:16:46 AM
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Random_Steve
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 5:46:04 AM
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Buckeyestar
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 3:44:51 PM
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G-WiZ199
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:12:04 PM
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King James
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:22:00 PM
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I never played ICO and I just recently play SotC earlier this year. MAN...did I miss out! That game is SSSSOOOOOO engaging. I haven't seen anything like that since Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I can't wait for The Last Guardian. This time, I won't sleep on Team ICO.
As I said b4, I'm hoping for Mass Effect but I think its one of those successful XBLA titles like Braid. Although I must admit...Halo ODST has peaked my interest. An open-world Halo shooter, multiple story lines, a mystery?...I love Halo with an ACTUAL story; which is why I loved the 1st one. If Sony got something like that, I'd be happy with that :)
1 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:37:54 PM
Hell no, you can keep that sh**. LOL
7 up, 1 down
Midris7
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:01:16 AM
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King James
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:31:43 AM
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Swim_Irr
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:54:34 AM
ha.
i think it was at 101 this time last night...
funny thing is i was rolling with my windows down in the car on my way home. i thought it was great. =D it's better than the regular 115-120 range i get here during the day.
did i mention i lifeguard at a community pool all day? ha.
Last edited by Swim_Irr on 7/12/2009 1:01:14 AM
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fluffer nutter
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:39:18 PM
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Scarecrow
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:41:47 PM
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Why do people not acknowledge ICO? wtf?
Anyway, not really interested in any of 360's exclusives, not even that jrpg, doesn't look like one I'd like. Though I'd definitely rent it and see if I'm right/wrong
And yes the Northeast has been in a weird spell lately. It almost feels like we're living in England...
PS: Great to hear everything's going good with Amy. I imagine that's who you ended up with :)
1 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 1:01:13 AM
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Karosso
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:44:17 AM
I hate to sound repetitive and always post a reply when I see a post of you getting pissed that ICO is being ignored but, I can't take either.
ICO is just as good if not better than SotC... There I said it!
The puzzles, the fighting the huge castle as one whole environment without any loading time from beginning to end. The puzzles to this day, remains the best I have ever seem in any game.
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 8:42:12 PM
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NightHawk17
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:54:55 PM
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rowdy
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:07:48 AM
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In a way it gave the character more depth because it showed how dedicated he was to save the girl.
I guess it's all opinion and interpretation though. When I played it I thought it was a choice not a limitation but either way it didn't hurt the experience.
Just my two cents worth...
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___________
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:33:20 AM
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what genre is it?
is it a FPS?
if so im going to guess syphon filter 5.
its to early for any exclusives from last year so doubt it would be any of those.
the 2 exclsuives that hit in 2007 uncharted and R&C are comming this year.
if its not a FPS 50 bucks says its david jaffes game if not twisted metal something similar.
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Karosso
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:37:25 AM
Syphon filter keeps popping in my head every time this whole talk about the secret exclusive comes back, I think we might be right on the money there.
They have not release a SF game for the PS3 yet and it only makes sense.
I really hope its not LD4 :-(
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SerichA
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 12:52:08 AM
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Banky A
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 3:08:27 AM
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Ben are you sure? You seem pretty happy and carefree to me.
I think you might be hoBosexual.
^_^
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www
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 5:20:12 AM
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I believe its L4D coming to the PS3.
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Wazomba
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 5:32:42 AM
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Starchild
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 5:43:57 AM
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Hows it going everyone. Names Alan.
Ico is very greatly underappreciated. I cant deciede which one I like more as both that and SotC are great.
As for the exclusive game, I havent heard alot of people mention this but they should:
Star Ocean 4
I can see Star Ocean or Left4Dead coming.
It would be cool if they packaged Left4Dead parts I and II together. That would be a day one purchase from me.
Anyways, hope to post more here.
6 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 2:44:45 PM
Say it loud and said proud dammit! ICO was a beautiful masterpiece. A great experience all around
In fact there are things 'bout ICO I like more than SOTC, though both are great in their own ways.
4 up, 0 down
Alienange
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 7:22:17 AM
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As for a 360 exclusive coming to PS3, well I'm a little confused for sure. Lost Odyssey? Isn't that a Microsoft studios game? GeoW, Halo and Mass Effect are all sequels. They're bringing a sequel to the PS3? Why? Would Valve have the balls to throw L4D at the PS3 when L4D2 is coming out? I just don't see it.
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Mornelithe
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:14:51 AM
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Omega932000
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:59:10 AM
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3 up, 1 down
Danny007
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 10:39:33 AM
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2 up, 2 down
Oxvial
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 11:39:42 AM
5 up, 1 down
kevinater321
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 11:37:28 PM
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tlpn99
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 1:03:29 PM
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*Sigh* so many games so little time lol :)
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Neurotoxiny
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 3:14:54 PM
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Milonakis
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 4:02:02 PM
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CONTRABAND
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 10:33:39 PM
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Deleted User
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 4:45:08 PM
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Scarecrow
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 4:58:42 PM
He's not the kind of gamer who goes from point A to B, finishes the game and moves on.
Instead he explores towns, landscapes/environments, mini-games, side-quests, and anything/everything the game has to offer
I can sincerely relate to that. jrpgs are an experience which one wants to enjoy. It's not like action/adventure games where is all 'bout a linear event for the most part.
Anyway, a good rpg-er takes around 50+ hours to complete the game.
Ah, I remember FFXII (244 hours) <3
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Deleted User
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 7:06:34 PM
He said, "I can't really waste a huge chunk of time on long RPGs."
Yet he's always talking about how he's about to pick up an RPG that he has already passed like 10 times.
Doesn't make sense.
Ben, please explain.
I dunno if you've read the comments myself and Aaron posted, but that 360 post was uncalled for and a blatant attempt at getting replies.
1 up, 4 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 8:36:21 PM
If you want to read everything into every editorial I write, and want to assume there's some ridiculous ulterior motive to it, that's your business. DON'T make it mine. Understood?
And no, I don't have time. I don't know if you've noticed, but I may start replaying an RPG but I never finish. Didn't finish FFVIII. Didn't finish FFT. Probably won't finish FFX if I try. I've always done this; it's a failing of mine. Now, if you're quite finished dissecting what I do in a self-righteous attempt to be the "bigger man" and stand up for all the unbiased out there, I'd suggest not commenting unless it's a direct response to the article. "OMG, you did this because...!" doesn't count, either.
You've been a thorn in PSXE's side for quite a while, you know that? I let you stick around because I fell for your "I'm just here to be a gamer and not be biased" crap. And yet, all you DO is take the first opportunity to point out anything you deem "biased." Right. Take a gander at yourself, CHIEF.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 7/12/2009 8:40:01 PM
6 up, 1 down
Scarecrow
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:23:04 PM
In between my 244 hours of FFXII I had to take some monthly breaks...
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Alienange
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:56:14 PM
I'm still on the fence over that one.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:59:02 PM
But of course, because I don't care about the 360 or any games to play, and all I want to do is drum up comments, that can't be true.
'rolling eyes'
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Jed
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 8:30:55 PM
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Ya that's the truth, it was 107 degrees yesterday. ONE HOUNDRED AND SEVEN!!!!
The streets were melting. Literally.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 8:41:38 PM
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Scarecrow
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:21:08 PM
Sadly not everyone knows ICO. And some of those who do don't know if it's as good or almost as good as SotC...
So mentioning it right along SotC acknowledges how awesome it truly is. But not sadly not as popular as the later release/sequel(SotC)
Though it's really me being picky as a reader. Just wish more people would understand that it's not only SotC, there's also ICO
Last edited by Scarecrow on 7/12/2009 9:22:02 PM
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Alienange
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 10:02:56 PM
"Uh... I'd like to say something about FF13. Now you see, it was made by SquareEnix and they're the ones who made FF, FF2, FF3, FF4, FF5, FF6, FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10, FF10 part 2 FF11, FF12..."
You just don't need to do it. Oh, and I used real numbers so GameStop could understand too.
Last edited by Alienange on 7/12/2009 10:03:39 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 10:06:37 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 12:54:46 AM
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"Don't act like you're this almighty God that can banish me from the site, and tell me I should feel lucky that you've allowed me to stay here. I have a life, that's not gonna take away any sleep."
My response? Great. Get some sleep.
1 up, 1 down
Highlander
Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 10:14:10 AM
1 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, July 13, 2009 @ 3:24:00 PM
1 up, 1 down
LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 12:03:44 AM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 12:24:46 AM
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LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 12:42:03 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 @ 2:44:14 PM
I almost wish our articles wouldn't ever show up there.
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Buckeyestar
Reply
Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 11:10:26 PM