Ben's Week In Review: August 2

It's my birthday today. I turn 31. And I do not want to talk about it. ;)

Which RPG should I be most excited about?

It happens every generation: as the role-playing genre is always the last genre to really get rolling in any given era, I find myself turning to other titles to satisfy my gaming desires. And I don't mind doing this; I just want to play the best of the best, and the only genres I really don't play are RTS and flight sims. Anything beyond that is fair game, and it kinda has to be early on in any generation because the RPGs are few and far between. But they're a-comin' now and I'm preparing for a shift back to RPG mode...the only question is, which RPG should I be most excited for? FFXIII tops the list 'cuz it always will but there are many other promising RPGs that will release well before the newest FF, and I'm currently leaning towards Demon's Souls. I mean, has anyone really looked at the immense praise that game has received? It's pretty amazing. But then again, I'm really liking the look and style of Resonance of Fate; while tri-Ace didn't get me with Star Ocean: The Last Hope, I'm fully confident in their development capabilities. Then you've got Dragon Age: Origins, White Knight Chronicles and Alpha Protocol so I'm rapidly becoming inundated with future possibilities.

What think you? Should I still have Demon's Souls as my most anticipated RPG (next to FFXIII)? Or is Bioware's Origins really looking good to you right about now? I have my reservations for Obsidian's Alpha Protocol, but I have a feeling I'll really like Level 5's White Knight Chronicles...ah, what to do, what to do...

Two must-haves on the PSN, peeps

The first is Shatter and the second is Fat Princess (review coming Monday). I won't reveal too much about the latter as I'm still playing it (and I can't yet jump onto the servers to have a go at multiplayer), but I can tell you it's every bit as good as I expected. Well, almost. I have a few small issues with it, but I imagine those will get overshadowed when I finally get into some online matches; this game is clearly designed to be played with a group. It was great to learn that so many people rewarded Sidhe Interactive in the first week of Shatter's availability, and for only $7.99, I urge you to pick it up if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed. Also, feel free to download the Madden NFL 10 demo that's now on the Store; you can only play 1-minute quarters (which is uber-lame), but at least you get a chance to play it. I'll be reviewing that one in a few weeks time, so I wanted to get an early look...it's okay. I can't tell much without any control description and extremely brief gameplay segments. But I'll play a little more.

Oh, and I can't wait to hear what thatgamecompany's third PSN project is. I know I'll buy it; Jenova Chen and the rest of that team has earned my respect. You know, when I first heard about the concept of downloadable titles, I said, "yeah...doesn't sound like anything I'd want to play much." Man, was I wrong.

Personal gaming update

Well, I beat Shatter - totally bad-ass game - and as I just said, I've been playing Fat Princess. I've also been working my way through FFX as some of you know, and I assume I'll get a game for my birthday (probably RE5). The only title I really want to play this month is Batman: Arkham Asylum, but that's okay; I'll need to be ready for October. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Demon's Souls, Dragon Age: Origins, etc. Then November has some huge releases as it always does, and I'll probably be too busy with reviews to ever play anything I actually want to play. Such is the way every year. But anyway, I'm kinda hoping that GT5 doesn't hit that rumored December 29 launch date because I really won't have the time to deal with it. That's like the exact day we start working on the Game of the Year Awards.

On the other hand, it's not a terrible time. It's away from the Oct/Nov rush and there shouldn't be much in January and February I desperately want; not until March and God of War III. Well, whatever. I'm tired and I've got stuff to do tomorrow, so I'll check y'all later.

8/1/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (67 posts)

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coldbore
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:12:23 PM
Reply

HAPPY BDAY BEN!
man do I want to get my hands on that GT psp lol
well it looks like the people complaining about a lack of RPGs is soon to change hopefully, I've never been a big RPG fan, but I can never complain about more games to have and play lol

4 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:15:18 PM
Reply

Definitely Demon's Soul

For me it might be Tales of Vesperia (series known for it's good storylines, Tales of Symphonia for the Gamecube/Wii is really kicking). Hoping it translates to Vesperia

Not interested in Resonance of Fate, that game just doesn't appeal to me visually. Character and environment, gothic, etc. etc. isn't really grabbing me. Looks to be more flashy than anything else. Flashy games don't do it for me.

Anyway I feel FFXIII will suck character-wise. After Lightning I don't see any of the other characters being anything special.

Oh yes, Happy Birthday Ben!

Last edited by Scarecrow on 8/1/2009 11:15:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:26:13 PM

What if resonance turns out to be awesome? You'll be eating sour grapes.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:41:53 PM

We'll see :D

1 up, 0 down

Masterofallz
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:20:11 PM
Reply

Fat Prince is worth every penny of the $15 I spent on it. It is such a high quality game.

Although, it is going to get KILLED in the reviews. The lag while playing online is not going to make many game critics happy. Its a shame to, its such a good game.

OH! And how can I forget? Happy Birthday Ben! :D

Last edited by Masterofallz on 8/1/2009 11:21:36 PM

0 up, 1 down

phantomMenace
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:28:40 AM

There have been a couple matches that I have joined where lag was an issue but the majority of the time its not a problem. Maybe try hosting a game and see if that helps any.

1 up, 0 down

Deadman
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 6:46:09 AM

Still havent been able to get online with the exception of creating a game myself.

0 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:22:06 PM
Reply

Happy B-Day Ben

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:23:46 PM
Reply

I'm most excited about WKC but as that won't be coming for awhile, what the hell I'll hafta get Demons Souls anyway. I have plenty to keep me busy until the RPGs drop so its like they say..."S'all good"

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/1/2009 11:26:43 PM

0 up, 0 down

sticklife
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:37:57 PM
Reply

Happy birthday.

2 up, 0 down

kratos17
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:38:24 PM
Reply

the rpg i want the most is demon souls then WKC comes in a close second

but the most anticipated rpg for me is ffversus13 which isnt coming out for a while

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:43:08 PM
Reply

More Tales of Vesperia love! -_-

By the way everyone on my PSN friends list was playing Fat Princess :D

That game must be fun....
Need to get it

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LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:10:10 AM

i don't mind sharing with people =) and there's nothing neccesary in return lol ^^ i'm just awsome like that, besides i use psn cards so i'm not worried bout my stuff being stolen XD and other than that my account isn't too big a deal XD you could even send evil msg's to people haha. But if you want it just tell me either in the forums via pvt msg or here and we'll talk elsewhere, or you can add my psn, it's what my name here is =)

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 1:37:35 AM

^Arigatogozaimasu!

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:02:28 AM

Alrighty ^^ check the PSX forums, I sent you a private message.

0 up, 0 down

Banky A
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:21:15 AM

Sorry if I sound greedy but would you have a problem with sharing that game with me also?

Fat Princess is one of those games that would cost too much to fit in my PSN (when I start buying stuff) basket ^_^

I have Rag Doll Kung Fu in return.
Is the Fat Princess download region free?
lol

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:50:19 AM

already got rag doll =P we got it for free awhile back, haha. umm i honestly have no idea about region locking, i mean i'm pretty sure it's not regionized? but it might be..hm...but i'm not sure, i've shared with 4 ppl but i think someone else wanted it also but not for sure, i'll have to check back, in the mean time we should probably find out if it's locked

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:59:41 AM

well for trade I have the gamestop exclusive power of infamous isnt too much but if you are interested just say it =p.

1 up, 0 down

Banky A
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 5:43:50 AM

Ah, don't worry about it then.

;)

0 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Saturday, August 01, 2009 @ 11:49:13 PM
Reply

Agreed, Fat Princess is just great, so is Shatter. But Fat Princess's Online is totally broken. I have never been in an online game OTHER than when I played with myself or friends =\ kind of a disappointment as this was one of my more anticipated psn games.

1 up, 0 down

phantomMenace
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:25:09 AM

Thats strange both myself and my brother have not had a single problem getting into online games. It might take a minute to find one but once I'm in there is no problem. Hopefully you figure it out soon cause its a lot of fun.

Last edited by phantomMenace on 8/2/2009 12:25:20 AM

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LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:36:01 AM

Well I've literally sat for about 5 minutes before giving up. It's pretty common from the looks of it from the PSU board and Titan's official website giving info about it. They're doing processing stuff with Sony right now so they can hurry and get the patch out.

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therabbitkinge
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:13:13 AM
Reply

I fall for anything that allows me to customize a character so Demon Souls is a must buy for me... then again so is every other title that doesn't involve the words " 1st person " or " sports " im buying or have its pre-order recipet sitting in a lock box muhahahaa I've hogged away enough cash from my son and wife to buy them all!!!!! Lol oh and Ben happy birthday your older then me and obviously much wiser keep on trucking and all that jazz!

1 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:21:04 AM
Reply

I'm waiting for Demon Souls as well as I'm nearly done with VC (better late than never).

Nearly done with inFamous 2 shards and 6 stunts to go. Waiting for Batman:AA to come out.

And Happy B-day Ben.

1 up, 0 down

phantomMenace
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:22:34 AM
Reply

Happy birthday. About the rpgs, I have really enjoyed Demon's souls on my first character I have about 150 hours put in and it has been the best $60 I have spent next to KZ. Im not sure about Alpha Protocol it could be good but I can't wait for Dragon Age Origins everything about it sounds really cool. I think that both are very good options so I feel bad for those who can't afford both.

Last edited by phantomMenace on 8/2/2009 12:23:16 AM

1 up, 0 down

NightHawk17
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:41:17 AM
Reply

Look forward to Demon's Souls, it'll be out first and truly a shining gem in this gen:D

Last edited by NightHawk17 on 8/2/2009 12:41:42 AM

0 up, 0 down

Sir Shak
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:48:03 AM
Reply

Birthdays are so depressing .

I wish I could access the ps store . Not being able to play Fat Princess and Wipeout is just killing me .

Anyway , "happy" birthday .

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Jed
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:50:11 AM
Reply

Happy birthday

I can't really help you out with the RPGs, I like them but don't like to read much into them. I like to start a game knowing nothing about the story and characters. I'm the same way with movies. I usually wait to see if people think it's good, if it is I'll give it a roll.

I have a question about Fat Princess. Is it one of those games that aren't any good without multiplayer? Or is it still good plating it alone?

2 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:04:32 AM

it has a short single player but yes, it's one of those games you don't want to play alone. it gets very difficult and i'm not gonna say the ai sucks, because it doesn't...but let's just say when you want to get the princess, you team doesn't really feel like it anymore. haha so yeah, real people is neccesary, but just wait until they get the online part fixed.

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 10:21:48 PM

Thank you much.

0 up, 0 down

Tha_Joker_186
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:52:20 AM
Reply

Happy B-day Ben, and I heard from many people that Demon's Souls is one of the best RPGs they've played this gen. I personally can't wait to get it either! lol

0 up, 0 down

shadowpal2
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 1:25:29 AM
Reply

Happy Birthday Ben...we can't thank you enough for your awesome articles. Really we just can't...

1 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 1:30:59 AM
Reply

theres going to be s*** loads in jan and feb.
well all of 2Ks games are due then.
the 2 games ubisoft just delayed are due then.
dark void is set for February from memory.
bayonetta is set for january 5th.
than theres MAG which i cant see coming this year.
thank god tafe does not go back till late February, otherwise i wouldn't have enough time to play those games.

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somethingrandom
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 1:45:32 AM
Reply

Well it's my birthday on Friday... Im turning 17.

1 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:52:34 AM
Reply

fat princess is awesome sooooo awesome

@ LegendaryWolfeh damn ur generous .

@ ben if u are not talking about exclusives then mass effect 2 is ur safest bet . the first one was really good and i think the 2nd will be better

happy B-day ben

0 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 4:40:22 PM

Yes, yes I am, lolz

0 up, 0 down

fatelementality
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:53:40 AM
Reply

Happy b-day Ben. Wow, 31. I'll be 28 come Jan. What are we gonna be like when we're 80? Still plan on playing games and listening to the same music u grew up with? "Ehh....now where's my dag nabbed Dr. Dre CD!!!???"

That was Nick Swardson so nobody has to call me on that

Last edited by fatelementality on 8/2/2009 3:56:00 AM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:10:55 PM

LOL I saw Swardson's stand-up a little while ago. He's pretty funny.

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:55:36 AM
Reply

I was "meh" about Demon's Souls until I sat through the dev interview in Home; they piqued my interest. I'm most excited for Fallout 3 GOTY, though, followed by Dragon Age.

Shatter's just not my type of game: not a fan of arcade games. I will be getting Fat Princess.

Why do they always gimp demos for sports games? Let us play a full freaking game, so we can learn the controls and actually come to a judgment as to how it compares to last year's game or other franchises. It's not like two teams and one venue in quick play mode is a substitute for the full game.

Sucker Punch managed to give me a full demo of inFAMOUS; why can't you, Tiburon?

Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/2/2009 4:00:05 AM

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Douchebaguette
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 4:50:38 AM
Reply

hhahah. Was my friends b-day yesterday as well. I ate her insane cake on your behalf.

=P

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Danny007
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 6:01:28 AM
Reply

Its my birthday to Ben.

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robinhood2010
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 6:16:59 AM
Reply

Happy Birthday. Feel safe in the knowledge that, although you think you are old, there will always be someone older! =)

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Snaaaake
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 8:39:45 AM
Reply

Happy birthday Ben and thanks for all your articles all this time and you're 31 eh?
So~~~~~still a virgin? JUST KIDDING!

Working your way in FFX?
Hey Ben, have you got all the celestial weapons?
It's one of the most difficult thing to do but once you done it all(yea, I did) you'll find that it's easy actually.

0 up, 0 down

JaXXX
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:17:08 AM
Reply

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!!
Wish you all the best)))

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Skatejimmy5
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:17:40 AM
Reply

Happy birthday, man! :D

0 up, 0 down

JaXXX
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:17:57 AM
Reply

Snaaaake
thats a badaaas joke)))
but a nice one

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KBsocks
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:39:13 AM
Reply

Fat Princess still has too many problems to be worth a purchase.
I've only played 3 games online but then again I'm surprised I even got to play any seeing as how it takes me 5 tries just to get into a game. The lag is there but not that bad no the thing that got to me are the glitches. In one of my game our team couldn't pick up the worker hat anymore so the enemies just breached our gates and stole our princess. Also the princess has a tendency to just randomly disappear. It tells you that your princess has been captured but the princess hasn't she just flat out disappears and this had our team confused obviously since we couldn't do anything. Hope they release a patch to fix a few things up soon.
I'm also looking forward to Demon Soul but I hear it has a rather steep difficulty curve which could be a turn off.....
I know I'll like White Knight Chronicles because I loved the Jeanne D'arc game they released for the PSP but the graphics are just meh even when it was first released in Japan it was nothing to go crazy about.

Last edited by KBsocks on 8/2/2009 9:42:15 AM

1 up, 0 down

Riku994
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:48:22 AM
Reply

Happy Birthday Ben! As for RPGs, WKC has been at the top of my list (behind FF13 and v13 of course) since before I even got my PS3 when I expected it to be a launch title. However Dragon Age and Resonance of Fate look to be amazing, and I'll probably give Demon's Souls a demo or a rental before I actually buy it.

1 up, 0 down

Gow49ers
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 10:13:39 AM
Reply

Happy B-Day Ben, hope u have a great one!

0 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 10:29:58 AM
Reply

Best wished on your Birthday Ben, and many more to come... always enjoy your reads man!

Q!

"i am home"

1 up, 0 down

Naga
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 10:49:47 AM
Reply

Happy Birthday Ben!!

You know I agree PSN is soo damn full of epic greatness I just got the WipEout Fury expansion lts beautiful

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tlpn99
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 11:02:26 AM
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Happy Birthday Ben :) Have a good one :)

0 up, 0 down

kevyd09
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 11:17:38 AM
Reply

hey ben happy birthday, dont sweat it i turned 31 in march and i still have more energy than most 40 yr olds!!!
cant help ya on the rpg because i have no interest in them what so ever!!

Last edited by kevyd09 on 8/2/2009 11:17:59 AM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 2:10:36 PM

i should hope you have more energy than older folks ;)

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tes37
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:07:20 PM

I was a recent victim of a birthday attack back in June, although I survived it, it slapped me with a big 39 on my lifeline. I don't feel any less energetic than when I was 31, I guess it's all good if you want it to be.

Happy birthday Ben!

Last edited by tes37 on 8/2/2009 3:09:04 PM

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Alienange
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 12:29:41 PM
Reply

For RPG I'd say White Knight Chronicles. For new IP I'd say Borderlands. For now, just play RE5.

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King James
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:01:19 PM
Reply

Happy B-Day Ben! May you be blessed with many more.

I'm torn between Demon's Souls and Dragon Age.

Fat Princess is really really fun...if you can get into a game. I had some problems, but its working today...so far.

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txgamer
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 3:43:17 PM
Reply

Happy B-Day Ben I'm looking for to Demon's Soul and WKC. I think those two games stand out of the crowd.

1 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 4:26:42 PM
Reply

Happy Birthday man.
Hope you get the Resident Evil 5, that's all i gotta say.

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kevinater321
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 5:53:58 PM
Reply

Happy Birthday Ben :)

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BigBoss4ever
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 6:19:17 PM
Reply

i am impatiently waiting for my deluxe edition of Demon' Souls to arrive on Oct 6. I just love the feeling of this game: deep, dark, sorrow, beautiful and immense boss, and incredible difficulty level.

Here is my order before ff13 and v13 hit:

Demon's Souls > WKC > Resonance of Fate

P.S. Happy B-Day Ben and Hail gaming

Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 8/2/2009 6:23:44 PM

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:11:51 PM
Reply

jmo_INDY: Thanks, but you don't have to alert me to that kind of thing. I'll find it and get rid of it so no worries.

2 up, 0 down

JMO_INDY
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:56:17 PM

alright Ben.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 02, 2009 @ 9:13:20 PM
Reply

Thanks all. I had fun today, so I guess it's okay if I'm 31 now.

And don't worry; I won't harp on RPGs all the time in these articles. ;)

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, August 03, 2009 @ 9:18:43 AM
Reply

I for one don't mind the harping - RPGs are here to stay! (uhm... Yeah.) And Shatter was indeed worth the bucks!

But where is the promised preview of Marvel UA2?

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darxed
Monday, August 03, 2009 @ 9:29:15 AM
Reply

Happy Birthday Ben, and I think a lot of us don't mind you talking a lot about RPGs... most playstation fans are RPGs fans anyways. I can't decide what I want most, if FFXIII, FFXIII versus or the inevitable Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 5, but since the last two are ways of, I'll stick with FFXIII, for now...

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LinTr
Monday, August 03, 2009 @ 12:22:33 PM
Reply

Happy belated.

0 up, 0 down

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