Ben's Week In Review: November 15
Mirror's EdgeFor what will forever be known as the "week of Modern Warfare 2, I was still playing Dragon Age: Origins. Yay for me. ;)
Gamer's Doghouse: EA Out, Activision In
As great as the aforementioned game is, Activision remains in the gamer's doghouse for a variety of reasons. It doesn't help when the CEO says he'd charge more for games if he had his way, and then walks away with $20.2 million in exercised stock options. It seems like every time Activision is in the news, gamers everywhere get irate for one reason or another. Lest we forget, this was the same position EA found themselves in back in 2007; Madden 2008 had those major frame rate issues on the PS3, and when EA essentially muffed the port of The Orange Box, things got even worse. Ah, but how times have changed. These days, EA is producing some fine games: I'm playing one of them (the Bioware-developed Dragon Age), and two of my favorite games this generation - Dead Space and Mirror's Edge - have also come from EA. And let's not forget about the upcoming Battlefield: Bad Company 2; EA seems confident it could be a legitimate rival to Modern Warfare 2.
In all honesty, few believed EA when they made their "dedication to innovation and quality" statement but in my eyes, they've really come through. Granted, they haven't developed all the great games that say "EA" on the box, but then again, how many of Activision's gems were developed by Activision? Now we'll just have to see if EA can keep up their momentum, and if Activision can dig themselves out of that hole...
Final Fantasy XIII in March...sheesh
First of all, I'd just like to say that our inside information really was accurate, and yes, we did provide the information several hours before it became official. But no, this source has absolutely nothing to do with the secret PS3 exclusive we've told you about, and no, we still can't talk about it yet. Now that we've cleared that up, my response to this news concerning the Western release date was bittersweet. On the one hand, I'm glad it'll be here more than three months sooner than expected but on the other...I know I'll have to try and finish it before Gran Turismo 5 hits, which may not be until April for North America but still... I'm not too concerned about God of War III, though, and that's because while it's an automatic purchase for me, it won't take anywhere near as long as those other two games. I could easily put 100 hours into both FFXIII and GT5, and GoWIII will probably only take like 15 hours (if that).
But maybe everything will fall in nicely. Maybe there will be 2-3 weeks between each huge release. The only thing that might throw a wrench into the works is Heavy Rain which is another Q1 title I desperately want. ...since when do I have to worry about too many games in freakin' Q1?
Personal gaming update
So I'm about 28 hours into Origins and although I haven't had the chance to play this weekend, I'll be back at it soon. It's just so awesome; time absolutely flies when I'm playing. But I plan on reviewing Assassin's Creed II this week so that's going to cut into my leisure time (although I most certainly want ACII), and I'm also in the process of playing Braid. You can expect a review on that late Monday, I believe. The good news is that there really isn't anything else I need before the year is out; I'll have more than enough to see me through until Bayonetta arrives on January 5. I'm still psyched for that one.
Also, I'm glad to see some quality responses to our latest interview. You guys should know that I wouldn't have risked it if I didn't have full confidence in the community's general tact and intelligence. You can't put something like that on just any gaming site, you know. For my part, the entire thing came as a huge surprise and when she first e-mailed me, I just thought, "well, gee, isn't that interesting." But then I re-read what I wrote and I realized I had been proven wrong, and she deserved the spotlight to call me on it. We spoke for quite a while, too; she's great. It's actually a little scary just how similar we gamers are in certain areas...regardless of backgrounds. ;)
11/14/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (58 posts)
Victor321
Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 9:36:12 AM
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Qwarktast1c
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 2:58:53 PM
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RIDGE RACER!!!
lol :)
anyways, i am really looking forward to both GoW3 and FF13
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Deadman
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:04:19 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:06:11 PM
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Random_Steve
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:32:28 PM
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therabbitkinge
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:34:36 PM
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tlpn99
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:35:30 PM
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Ben as a thought would it be possible for Arnold to do a week in review or even what he is playing at the moment ? As I am sure people would be interested in what he has to say too. I know he is busy like yourself, just an idea :)
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BlinkBoy
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:01:12 PM
Google it and you will see.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:16:51 PM
And don't worry, I'm not planning any vacations. You're all safe. ;)
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:36:32 PM
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:36:32 PM
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I'm definitely gonna buy God of War 3 and Heavy Rain (and possibly GT5 - I'm not big on racers usually). I've got the GOW Collection on preorder and I'm currently barreling through the challenges of Hades in Chains of Olympus! Things are GOW-erific in this house.
Last edited by Kowhoho on 11/15/2009 3:38:58 PM
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tumbletunnel
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:48:09 PM
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As for the big secret exclusive, when will it be announced ? We know what is coming at the beginning 2010 but after that.....whats Media Molecule doing, some news about the new IP from Insomniac, is Black 2 in the trustful hands of Criterion, Syphon Filter, finally trophies on MGS4 (when announcing MGS5 EXCLUSIVE), Capcom's sequel MAXIMO 3..... shall dreams come true ?
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just2skillf00l
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 3:57:43 PM
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karneli lll
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:17:13 PM
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1 up, 1 down
Naztycuts
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:28:42 PM
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I am just saying, on Ben's longest review ever from like 2 years ago people were posting about a new twisted metal game that the guys from Eat Sleep Play were most likely doing, and I havent heard anything about it in a while so that's my educated guess. Who didn't LOVE Twisted Metal on the original PS? I mean a revamped one would sell outrageously,
Last edited by Naztycuts on 11/15/2009 4:33:08 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 6:58:42 PM
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:28:02 PM
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Naztycuts
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:57:37 PM
Yea I dont see it as a system seller either I'm just kind of surprised they haven't made one already for ps3, I mean it isn't GoW huge but it would certainly do well if they got the right dev's. Ones that would evolve the series to make it as fun as the originals. Sony never has been one to abandon past top sellers.
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jerocarson
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:44:15 PM
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perfect guess..
sighs.. what does sony has for december?
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:19:06 PM
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Douchebaguette
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 9:10:12 PM
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LowKey
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:49:50 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:25:39 PM
And they're two completely separate sources, so I wanted to clear that up. :)
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frostface
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:03:56 PM
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Aftab
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:21:50 PM
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Geobaldi
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:22:34 PM
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frostface
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:54:54 PM
@Geobaldi, Thanx dude, seems to be the consensus amongst alot of people as I just noted above.
Thanx guys
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Alienange
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 9:34:24 PM
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Scarecrow
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:42:36 PM
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I recognize that they make great games
But as companies (based on their history) I detest them more than I like them.
That said, it also helps that I like none of their games
FFXIII's design still doesn't look that great to me. Story is the only thing which will save it for me.
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Oxvial
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 5:59:43 PM
Last edited by Oxvial on 11/15/2009 6:00:09 PM
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Scarecrow
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 6:08:04 PM
Another Cloud who has not emotion as a leader
As a leader you need to have some kind of grit
Lightning, SO FAR just seems like she's doing everything how she wants without care 'bout her group. I don't know, this is just how I see her AT THE MOMENT from what I've seen. But maybe it'll change when I rent the game. Yeah, rent, not sure I'm gonna like it that much, but at least I'll give it a chance.
I actually like Lightning's design/look a lot
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 6:27:01 PM
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Scarecrow
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 6:34:22 PM
He was OK, didn't find him to be that much of a deal
Maybe that's why
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:01:37 PM
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:03:42 PM
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Personal Gaming update: I am currently selling everything worth a dime on ebay so I can afford all these upcoming games :)
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www
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:30:14 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:18:01 PM
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Qubex
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 9:31:50 PM
Q!
"i am home"
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Fane1024
Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 2:52:57 AM
You hate the West Coast and yet you're a Niners fan?
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 10:16:40 AM
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www
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:34:09 PM
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Uncharted 2 is full of action, so is MW2, if you haven't played it, you need to, seriously!
And I'm just loving everything about Tekken 6 especially the graphics, the LIGHTING to be specific is top-notch, dunno why its got some average scores, probably cause of the online problem,still I take this over sfiv anyday.
Last edited by www on 11/15/2009 7:34:36 PM
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:51:44 PM
/rant
Then again I probably shouldn't talk since I don't play a lot of fighters.
Last edited by Kowhoho on 11/15/2009 7:52:01 PM
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HeXeN
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:48:47 PM
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www
Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 4:30:12 AM
Hexen, I have both SCIV and Tekken 6, and T6 has by far better graphics, am not kidding!
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LittleBigMidget
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 7:47:05 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:17:16 PM
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Kowhoho
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 8:44:33 PM
Just wait until FFXIII and GT5. I read today that FFXIII already has 600,000 preorders just in Japan (where it is only being sold on the PS3).
Last edited by Kowhoho on 11/15/2009 8:45:19 PM
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Fane1024
Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 3:05:22 AM
The top nine or so 360 games sold much better than the corresponding PS3 games, but after that the difference is much less dramatic, as Kowhoho mentioned.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 11/16/2009 3:07:22 AM
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Alienange
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 9:38:13 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 9:43:53 PM
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Alienange
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 10:03:49 PM
Looking forward to reading your ACII review.
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Douchebaguette
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 10:18:37 PM
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Leona Lewis?? Seriously?? Well, I decided to search if Nobuo Uematsu is composing the game at all...and he isn't. Very, very lame.
Great. They've killed what we know as Final Fantasy. To be really honest, they should of stopped at XII and renamed this something completely different, starting afresh with a new franchise. No doubt, there is a nice chance this game will be nearly as awesomely melancholic [or as awesome] as previous FF installments, but everything with it just feels different now. They're REALLY aiming to impress the western crowd. I don't know why.
Well, let's hope this game delivers.
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Really want to purchase AssCreed II and Dragon Age, but I have no money >=|
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I've also noticed how PS3's version of MW2 on GameRankings is slightly higher than the 360's rating percentage. I found this quite odd [considering all the claims of MW2's bugginess on PSN], until I read info about Infinity Ward disabling XBL Party Chat for MW2 online. I found this quite funny.
Either way, I'm probably going to wait 'till Christmas to pick this game up [when they don't slash the price of this game, as they probably never will].
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And holy s**t, NaughtyDog: HOW, WHY? I turned off my PS3 during the near end of one game, ONE GAME as a result of sleepyness [the game was good as finished anyway], and the next time I went on, they fined me $40,000 and leveled me down. Wow. Harsh. Absolutely lame.
I actually now dread not finishing a match.
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___________
Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 11:28:03 PM
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they turn out crap monthly for years than turn out 5 or so good games and there now the gods of video game development?
and that comment later in the interview certainly did not strike confidence in me with all the games they have cut.
if mirrors edge 2 was one of the cut ones im not going to be a happy chappy.
o wait what if it was black 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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LittleBigMidget
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Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 2:56:29 PM