Ben's Week In Review: November 22
Heavenly SwordIt was a nice fall day today, so I got the car detailed, got some brunch, shot some hoops, and oh yeah, played a bunch more of Assassin's Creed II. ...that has nothing to do with the weather, but I wanted to toss that in. ;)
Ninja Theory finally said it
We PS3 fans love our exclusives. If I was going to rank the best games of the generation thus far, four of the top five would be exclusive to Sony's console, and the top three would be Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Killzone 2. And next year, I'm relatively certain that both Gran Turismo 5 and God of War III will knock Gears of War 2 out of the top five and then it'll be all PS3 exclusives. It won't include Heavenly Sword but that remains one of my favorite games; it was such a tremendous accomplishment just in terms of technical achievement. The acting was some of the best I've ever seen, and syncing the words with the lips...? Nigh on perfect, and it usually isn't in games. But as Ninja Theory said, there's a lot of pressure involved in producing an exclusive title. Especially back in 2007, when the designer must've been really pressed to make the most out of the PS3.
That's the thing with exclusives. Not only do you have to make it amazing so you make a good profit - you're eliminating many millions of potential sales by ignoring the other platforms - but if it flops, the repercussions likely reach beyond what we might expect. I can't imagine being in one of those studios going, "damn, we better do this right or we're in trouble." You know?
I'm a little concerned about the Kane & Lynch sequel
First of all, the original was barely average and while I do have confidence that the sequel should be better...I'm not so sure. After seeing the two viral promo videos for Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, only one question came into my head: "Are we looking at another video game that might rely only on shock value in order to generate decent sales?" Thing is, when it's about growth and pushing the envelope in the areas of technicals and artistry, that makes perfect sense for an advancing industry. But those videos really only make me wince and then I wonder, "wait, why is this interesting? Why do I even want to be watching this?" It's not that I don't applaud the originality - that security cam footage idea works for a game like this - but it wasn't the presentation that caused the first title to trip and stumble. It was the gameplay. If Eidos didn't address that, than those uncomfortable cut-scenes may be the only reason slightly intrigued consumers might spring for the purchase.
Please don't let this happen, Square-Enix or Eidos or whoever you are now. Sequels can really be very impressive and far superior to the original game, and if they can execute such a significant quality leap, I'm all for it. But don't just give us a cinematic experience chock full of questionable content and just assume that'll be enough to carry it through. Thankfully, we don't see a lot of this in the industry but you never know...
Personal gaming update
I knew there was no chance I'd be able to finish Dragon Age: Origins before I had to review Assassin's Creed II, and I also knew after about an hour of the latter that I'd have to finish it before going back to Dragon Age. However, I swear that I will, 'cuz I've finally found an RPG I really love and I still have to wait another four months for Final Fantasy XIII. ACII is so damn awesome that it's tough to put it down; I love how you really have to understand how everything works in order for you to be fully effective. Guards don't always act the same way; that's the point of your Notoriety meter. If it's low, you can just walk on by 'em without any issue. I totally forgot this when trying to take down an assassination target; I was saying to myself, "how the hell am I supposed to do this with all these guards around?" It took a while for me to realize that it didn't matter because my Notoriety was almost non-existent. I just don't like how Throwing Knives are apparently always seen so you can't really do it totally incognito, and I think that's kinda wrong.
But other than that, the game rules in every sense of the word. I get to build up my own villa with funds, like you would do with property in other games. I get to have armor and weapon upgrades and stuff. It's just bad-ass. I think the only game I missed this year that I really need to play is Resident Evil 5, so that goes on the Christmas list. Until then...it's all about ACII and Origins. :)
11/21/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (Beta)
therabbitkinge
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:21:42 PM
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I really understand the issues Devs have with making exclusives but really hadn't taken it to heart until now, it must really hurt for Devs to stay loyal to a console.
A friend of mine says he doesn't like DA:Origins and is giving me her copy so im gonna get to try that and hopefully it'll be as kick*ss as Ben says and as Arnolds review stated.
Funny how when the weathers nice games seem a tad more attractive to me. ^_^
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oldmike
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:29:55 PM
the game dose not even look like them
but if you like RPGs its a good game
1 up, 1 down
Bugzbunny109
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 6:25:31 PM
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frylock25
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 12:56:14 AM
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Fane1024
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 6:06:36 PM
You may need to turn the power switch off and then on before you try this maneuver.
I managed to rescue Uncharted 2. Good luck.
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therabbitkinge
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:22:41 PM
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frylock25
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:25:17 PM
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im having a lot of problems with my tv and i think soon i will have to get a new one. i dont like this one enough to pay to fix it. maybe ill give it to a friend and tell him to fix it so he can play ps3 in hi def.
Last edited by frylock25 on 11/21/2009 11:36:28 PM
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frylock25
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:47:39 AM
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Qubex
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:33:45 AM
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 11/22/2009 4:34:02 AM
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___________
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:51:18 AM
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Fatcat3788
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:25:48 PM
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Ultimate_Balla
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:28:17 PM
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Scarecrow
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 11:30:32 PM
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2 up, 1 down
Scarecrow
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 12:17:46 AM
Seriously though, Sony has a lot of talented devs. They could use the guys who did GOW for psp.
MediaMolecule could do it...easily!
But yeah, let's just pray someone picks it up
I can't believe Kai will be lost and forgotten...what an awesome character
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Snaaaake
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:14:04 AM
Obviously SCE Studios Santa Monica is the most suitable out of all studio in the world.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/22/2009 3:14:15 AM
2 up, 0 down
___________
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 1:39:16 AM
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as for the guards it depends which city your in, once you get the cape in a particular city (Florence i think) they are more tolerant to your actions.
only thing i wish they added is a 2 person lock on mode.
you have 2 assassin blades now, but can only lock on and assassinate 1.
whats the point of having 2 blades when 99.99% of the time you can only use one?
best part being this gives me some serious vertigo, the church in Florence HOLY SH*T!
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Akuma07
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:36:51 AM
You just have to be in reach of both targets.
Locking-on doesn't make a difference.
You can Assassinate 2 targets at once from the air too, thats cool to watch.
I LOVVVVVVE walking into those rooms with 2 chests in them, the ones with 2 guards at the door, you just walk rite up to them BAM and keep walking haha. love this game so much.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:37:51 PM
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___________
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 6:55:11 AM
sometimes there in rooms like the codex pages with 2 guards at the entrance.
i like fighting the guards though good practice and some of the counter attacks make me piss myself laughing.
i wish you could lock onto targets from further away, because in some of the later missions you have to kill the guards before they call you out.
by the time i highlight them and kill them they have already alerted the other guards and i die.
you can only use the gun or throwing knifes if your close, so evidently the guards can see you.
whats the point of that?
if your already that close you might as well use your sword or toss them of the roof.
1 thing i hope they change for AC3 that and give is a god dam long range weapon.
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Akuma07
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 6:59:29 AM
I just got the poison...and all i can say is.... god damn i love this game!! =D
nothing better then watch a person go crazy in the middle of a crowd, floggin people left right and center.
oh oh oh oh oh oh AND the smoke bombs...
i soooooooooooo feel like a ninja turtle. dont ask why.
Last edited by Akuma07 on 11/23/2009 7:01:04 AM
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Akuma07
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 7:02:24 AM
the first assassins tomb, i wanted to drop down and kill 2 guards. but it wouldnt let me lock on, so i kept dropping down in between ALL of the guards and get busted.
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iGraves1
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 2:12:18 AM
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As for Heavenly Sword I would love see a sequel, It was the first exclusive game that made me love my PS3. Its one of those great unappreciated games that had an amazing emotional story and graphics that still hold up in todays standards.
Last edited by iGraves1 on 11/22/2009 2:13:15 AM
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Qubex
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:34:39 AM
Q!
"i am home"
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Naztycuts
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 2:13:29 AM
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Censors want to draw a line somewhere will this give them a place?
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www
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:56:14 AM
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PS3 EXCLUSIVES :
1. Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves
2. Metal Gear Solid 4
3. Uncharted : Drakes Fortune
4. Killzone 2
5. Infamous
MULTIPLATS
1. Modern Warfare 2
2. Fifa 10
3. Resident Evil 5
4. Tekken 6
5. Call of Duty 4 : Modern Warfare
Yea Ben, you REALLY NEED to play RE5!
1 up, 1 down
Snaaaake
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:04:20 AM
And I'm happy to say that I should be getting my PS3 somewhere this week!!!!
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frylock25
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:37:28 AM
MGS4, LBP, Uncharted 1 and 2, Fallout 3, Brutal Legend, Infamous, Burnout Paradise, R2
i have not played ACII yet or the new Ratchet and Clank though i do own it. i want ACII.
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www
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:08:08 AM
Snaaaaaake, you mean all this time commenting on PSXE, you didn't have a PS3?
Last edited by www on 11/22/2009 7:11:30 AM
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Snaaaake
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:44:06 AM
And it's about time I get a PS3 to call my own.
2 up, 0 down
aaronisbla
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 9:17:37 AM
6 up, 1 down
kevinater321
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 10:17:04 AM
1. Uncharted 2
2. R&CF:ACIT
3. Little big planet
4. Killzone 2
5. Infamous
6. Uncharted 1
7. mgs4
My top 5 multiplats
1. Yeah this list is much harder.
2. But i am looking forward to that game where you have the grapple hook and its like a sandbox game and stuff. I don't remeber what its called...wait yes i do, just cause 2. That game looks sooo sweet.
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www
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 2:07:43 PM
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bigrailer19
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:40:22 PM
RE5 to me was great! I was one of those people that bashed the tank controls after i played the demo. In fact i hated the controls so much. But if you play with a friend who is atleast as skilled as you at the game, rather than some random person online or the computer A.I. The controls are not that bad because your'e always backing eachother up! As long as your partner does what he/she is supposed to you are more than covered, and have plenty of time to run then shoot. You definately are on the defensive role though, which is frustrating at times.
all in all i loved RE5 and i actually regret not buying it. What a surprise it was!
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aaronisbla
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:25:34 PM
One of my main complaints of RE4 was the scare factor wasn't there as much as the first 3 games. But it had a decent story to me and the action was pretty fun at its time.
Then RE5 comes out. I was excited about it at first. Till i find out the game has multiplayer for it. It TOTALLY ruins anything remotely scary about the game. Although its just my opinion, if anything scared you in this game, you may wanna stop while you are ahead.
Lets not even mention the horrible story that comes along with game. Gotta wonder what were they thinking on some of the parts of the game. The co op also felled like it was thrown in at the just to appeal to the masses more since its all the rage lately. I love online games but not all games need it.
This game got some decent reviews IMO simply cuz it was the next Resident Evil game. It didn't have to reinvent the wheel but it felt like an half assed action game with no identity. All action ( mediocre at best ) with no fear inducing parts made for a bad game
Dead Space did it all MUCH better, from the controls down to the fear factor
all IMHO of course, not to be taken as fact, from a former huge fan of the RE series. Also.... THAT ending sucked ass. Rental at best, too bad i didnt know that till after i bought it.
Last edited by aaronisbla on 11/22/2009 4:26:56 PM
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Geobaldi
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:52:59 PM
Last edited by Geobaldi on 11/22/2009 4:53:43 PM
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www
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:41:53 PM
Yea those first 3 REs were great, but the camera angles were awkward, then came RE4 with the shoulder view and nailed it, still remains one of the best games on the PS2 and Gamecube. Capcom didn't want to fix what's not broken with RE5, they polished it up a bit and everybody is whining, even with the tank controls is still an easy game, how about if it was made a run-and-gun type, then it'll way too easy. I coulda bet a milli bucks if Capcom changed the gameplay, another group of people would be whining, this a situation were I'm in the group that said "If it aint broke don't fix it" and we won, so sorry Capcom disappointed you, maybe they'll listen to your group next time.
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aaronisbla
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 6:36:18 PM
I can't wait to see how that engine is put to use for lost planet 2. Hopefully they polish it up some more for its release, but i was impressed with lost planet 2 demo.
I think with the tank controls complaint, most people who didnt mind it would accuse others like myself of wanted it to be more run and gun. Thats not the case though. Not to point out Dead Space again, but they implemented walking while aiming pretty well AND it retained its fear factor. Why couldn't this be the case with RE5?
I can only speak for myself on this issue, but Capcom seems like they were going for an all out action game but couldn't nail the controls so they kept it mostly the same.
But my main gripe with the game as i have said before was the storyline. I did enjoy playing it with friends but it just felt like they took a large s**t on the storyline. True, it wasnt a epic novel but damn
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Cavan
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 6:52:32 PM
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www
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:44:21 PM
Cavan m8, maybe you need to get Tekken 6 too, its cool.
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Turbey
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:41:53 AM
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And Dragon Age:Origins...must say, I`ve missed a good RPG like that. But, the graphics is kinda old, really old.
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Alienange
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 8:28:35 AM
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2 up, 2 down
Gow49ers
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 8:50:22 AM
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2 up, 0 down
tes37
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 9:23:13 AM
2 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:42:44 PM
but for the price it is now its definately worth playing!
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 7:39:08 PM
2 up, 0 down
Miggy
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 11:48:08 AM
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0 up, 1 down
LowKey
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 2:37:26 PM
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bigrailer19
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 3:43:55 PM
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/22/2009 3:44:06 PM
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LowKey
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:08:34 PM
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Random_Steve
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 2:50:33 PM
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1 up, 2 down
jerocarson
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 4:50:53 PM
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yes yes Nice week Ben, i was carried away by the trailer..
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Starchild
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 5:54:01 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Father33
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 6:05:39 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Father33
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 6:09:18 PM
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2 up, 1 down
LittleBigMidget
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 9:29:02 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 10:18:55 PM
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___________
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 6:59:36 AM
WTF?
how can he sue them when he is
1 breaking the law
2 breaking M$s TAC
when you sing up for XBLA you agree to their terms and conditions, you break them they can ban you simple of that.
and whats he going to say in court?
they banned me for modding my console?
than the judge would ask did you?
he would say yes, than he would go to jail for modding his console.
how can you take a company to court as a defence to a crime you committed?
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BikerSaint
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 4:17:15 AM
Just curious, so do you have a link to that guy's story???
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King James
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 3:35:09 AM
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Beamboom
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 3:46:01 AM
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1 up, 0 down
ADAM WEST
Monday, November 23, 2009 @ 7:25:06 AM
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Beamboom
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 2:12:25 AM
1 up, 0 down
mike rlz
Reply
Saturday, November 21, 2009 @ 10:56:07 PM