Ben's Week In Review: March 7

Normally, I would be heading into this week with a boatload of excitement and anticipation...but I admit to being extraordinarily concerned about Final Fantasy XIII.

Just gimme Vice City 2. Seriously.

With all these huge games in the first quarter of the year - bizarre timing for so many, no? - I'd almost forgotten about an impending Grand Theft Auto announcement. Now, there are very few franchises that cause me to buy every last new installment on day one, but GTA has been one of them ever since GTAIII swept me away nearly a decade ago (can you believe it has been that long?). I'm just so psyched to hear that GTAV might get its official unveiling before E3; I loved GTAIV but for admittedly different reasons than I loved past entries, and I'm sure I'll love GTAV. My favorite is still Vice City just because I'm a big '80s buff, and I'd love to see a follow-up to Tommy Vercetti and Co. Wasn't that Scarface-like setting just plain awesome? And who doesn't want that soundtrack back? LOL I'm sure Rockstar is sticking with their more realistic format for the new one, but that's a good reason to go back to Vice City, right?

Think about it. Before, it was all arcadey and silly and while I know people miss that (it's one of the major complaints about GTAIV), I'd love to see a revamped Vice City with the new authentic focus. Besides, I think there's a lot more they could do with that story; I mean, you end up as king of the hill, basically, so why not start a new story where you have to defend your turf, or something? Just a thought.

Quantic Dream can stay open now

When David Cage said he was nervous about the review scores for Heavy Rain, and he also mentioned that everyone in the studio was watching their computers anxiously for the first round of reviews to come in, it drove the point home: review scores were absolutely everything for this game, for two big reasons. Firstly, it's a new IP; it's not an established franchise so nobody is buying it on name-brand recognition. Secondly, it's a very original, ambitious project that turns the industry on its head. Instead of flashy action and over-the-top effects, it's about emotion, human sensitivity, atmosphere and storytelling. It really was a recipe for disaster; if that game had raked in 5s and 6s, it could've meant curtains for Quantic Dream. Cage admits this himself as in that interview, he said the future of his studio essentially depended on those scores. I'm just glad that most critics rewarded the team for their splendid efforts and the early estimates put sales at about a half-million for the first week. That's great.

Hopefully, that number will continue to rise and other developers will take similar risks in the future, 'cuz this one paid off. This also proves that some games require widespread reviewer praise more than others. Madden and Call of Duty, for instance, likely don't need the help, anymore. For the most part, though, reviews in this industry have proven to be more important than in almost any other entertainment industry out there. That tells me gamers are smart consumers, and is also the reason why the vast majority of the best-rated games are also the best-selling titles ever.

Personal gaming update

First of all, just an FYI: Arnold has had God of War III for a few days now, and I know he's been playing the hell out of it. The embargo ends on Monday so that's just about when the review will go up. We are both going to review FFXIII; we're probably going to do two entirely separate reviews, too. As I said before, this is the week I usually look forward to the most in any generation: the launch of the first true FF of the era. FFVII for the PS1, FFX for the PS2 and FFXIII for the PS3...and yet, I'm really, really worried for the very first time ever. It's not the scores; if the game had been turn-based, it would've gotten 3s from idiot reviewers and that wouldn't have affected me in the slightest. It's the other things I'm reading about; the lack of towns and NPC interaction, extreme linearity, and the fact that Auto-Battle seems to be encouraged over manual choices. I'm sorry, but based on all the info I have, it really does seem like a casualty of twitch-gaming.

Now, I hate to add this, but... Okay, look: Square-Enix knew they would be making this for the 360 as well. Don't think they didn't know that until after the PS3 version was done, or something. That's crap; they knew well ahead of time. And for the past few years, all S-E has ever talked about is their desire to reach a larger audience; to expand westward. It's why they opened up their new studio in LA and why, I think, we're seeing a change in focus in their games. Look at the new Front Mission: a franchise that used to be entirely turn-based strategy and Evolved is now straight-up action. There are no 360s in Japan (there really aren't) and in order to make an FF 360 owners want, S-E might've thought they had to change up the focus to embrace the more shooter/action-oriented 360 audience. Whether they'd be right about that isn't the issue. They might've believed it.

It has been on my mind for a while now. What do you think?

3/6/2010 Ben Dutka

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Comments (181 posts)

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:14:54 PM
Reply

Sorry Ben but I don't think we will see Vice City ever again. I expect an all new spinoff with the sillier elements returning in the form of cheat codes.

I am way excited for FFXIII but also way worried too, if I don't like it I will buy a one way ticket to Japan and see if I can get my blade on board cuz somebody is goin' down (and I don't just mean the hot Japanese babes) ahem...

But things are gonna get full since I'm smack dab in the meat of Heavy Rain and White Knight Chronicles and savoring both experiences. Still plan to platinum Dante's Inferno too.

I'm glad Quantic will survive and I've been thinking, this may be the end of Cage's "personal trilogy" but that first Heavy Rain trophy "Thank you for supporting Interactive Drama" shows that they may juts plan to keep up with this new genre even if it isn't with his own personal vision and instead includes a bigger think tank of people. Just a thought.

Looking forward to GOWIII and especially your FFXIII reviews, DO try not to sync them please, just go with your guts and we will judge who is more in line with us personally.

7 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:36:29 PM

You're constantly playing Dante's Inferno, I'm surprised you've yet to reach Platinum yet. You wont be disappointed with FFXIII, come on we both know this!

1 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:41:37 PM

Can't help it man, I love that game and it takes awhile to max it out, get the 666 hit combo and whatnot. I know FFXIII won't bum me out or make me go "This game sucks" or do something stupid like sell it, but I'm worried that certain aspects might disappoint. (Towns, shops) For one I am really enjoying just wandering around the towns in WKC to pick up the treasure chests. Though either I'm doing something wrong or the Blackout damaged WKC because I only have the one trophy from ages ago when I killed 100 baddies and I'm in Greede right now.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/6/2010 10:43:04 PM

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:46:07 PM

The trophies for WKC are pretty insane. Go to gamefaqs and look at the Trophy list, quite a few of them are pretty daunting. When I was at 60hrs into the game I only had 5trophies.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:31:10 AM

getting the 666 combo is really easy.
cant remember what circle its in but towards the end theres this open room where you have to turn a lever to move a platform across the room to jump onto.
its towards the end of the game.
instead of doing that just kill enemies, spam the cross and you will get the 666 trophy in no time.
i actually got up to 2565 hits than i got hit flew back too far and lost the combo :(
that plat is the easiest ive ever got, now im going for heavy rains plat, just 4 more endings and im done.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:36:25 AM

I figured out the best way to get that combo was when there is no time limit during the trial where you have to stay up in the air for 8 seconds. I turned on the combo extender, the relic that keeps cross attacks from interuption, had 3 shots of whiskey, and went at it with the cross. :)

Will be my first plat because I don't attempt trophies unless they are easy. I'm in most games for the fun, not the achievement.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/7/2010 12:39:48 AM

2 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:43:34 AM

I'm honestly kind of excited for XIII now.

I'm really anxious to play it, after some gameplay footage i seen recently, looks like i would enjoy the game, its just going to be hard to believe that its FF.

I agree with everything about twitch gamers, its so lame, i miss turn-based games terribly.

3 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:29:54 AM

yea, whichever you find easier.
i only chose that part because in the trials once you kill the easier enemies the big daddies come waltzing in so it makes it harder.
but at the other spot its mainly those grunts you can instantly grab, so i found it much easier to make sure i did not get hit.

0 up, 0 down

Qubex
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:22:06 PM
Reply

Ben, I too would like to play the next GTA... I haven't yet sampled these games, but I am looking forward to the next release to have an excuse to dive right in there. If you feel Vice City would be best, then I am with you on that one... let's just hope it plays well...

I just watched the FFXIII GameStop video review. I wanted to know if they would at least mention the differentials between the 360 and PS3.... cut a long story short... they said get the PS3 version :)

That is a great admission that not releasing it as an exclusive, and on "deserving" hardware, was the wrong strategy :) I am sure xBots will not like to hear such things but it is the truth... so let the truth be known. Other than that it does look gorgeous, but its crimped and quite linear as expected... FF freaks will have issues with that... it's like a fine wine that has somewhat spoilt...

As I have said a few times before, QD deserve to "live", without Sony and Cage taking risks where would the video games industry go. I stand by my previous statements... Cage needs the next generation of console to truly shine... Now I wait to see if sales of HR past the 1 million units sold mark, that would be significant.

Going to continue hammering away at BFC2... and see if I can really get into it... I still feel now, I should have purchased MAG... too late :(

Q!

"speak to the droid"

Last edited by Qubex on 3/6/2010 10:22:32 PM

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:46:39 PM

The truth hurts.

4 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:34:38 PM
Reply

Ben,

I agree that SE made gameplay adjustments to the usual FF formula in order to reach a larger market (you're right about the lack of 360s in their native country). But I don't think it has much to do with the 360 in terms of hardware. It has to do with the entire gaming scene this generation.

You mentioned yesterday about twitch gaming and I agree that's becoming the norm now. While you can find quite a bit of those games on the 360 I think it has more to do with the 360 catering to what people want than people simply eating what the 360 is serving.

I'm actually becoming more optimistic about FFXIII as I read more reviews on the game. I look forward to reviews from you and Arnold. I think it's great that you're both spending the time to give us readers 2 different expert opinions. Just one of the reasons I love this site, you go above and beyond for your readers.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/6/2010 10:34:53 PM

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:47:47 PM

Except of course in the case of Xboxers eating up anything named Halo.

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:52:41 PM

Every console has its money makers. Nintendo has Mario (honestly count how many games out there have Mario in the name), Sega has/had Sonic, and Sony..um..Sony used to have Crash?

Believe me, I can't stand the Halo series, and I used to be a supporter of Bungie when they were making Myth games.

2 up, 0 down

Qubex
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:25:59 PM

Still boggles the mind that Crash was "discontinued"... why did they get rid of him.

My mouse is sitting on a Crash Bandi mouse pad :)

...and that is an original, from Naughty Dog... some 10 or more years ago...

It's the best mouse pad I have ever had!

Q!

"speak to the droid"

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:33:12 PM

I definitely agree that it's more a symptom of the generation rather than the 360 hardware itself. But then again, I have to ask, "what if FFXIII had remained exclusive to the PS3?" Would we have seen the exact same result? It's hard to say, I guess.

But I always remain hopeful for my favorite RPG franchise. That's all I can say heading into the review.

4 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:33:36 PM

Q,

That's awesome you're still using your Crash mouse pad. I had to retire my StarCraft mouse pad a few years ago for a gaming pad but I still have it.

I think they went the wrong route with Crash. They made several great games than ND/Sony gave the keys to other publishers that with each new game in the series ruined it.

4 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:26:47 AM

Yes indeed LV... it's the Crash Team Racing mouse mat with the original PS1 logo on it too... It is so well manufactured that it has not faded one bit... looks as new as the first day I got it from one of the big shows in London... (the shows' name eludes me at this moment).

Incredible!

Q!

"speak to the droid"

0 up, 0 down

Gone
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:38:01 PM
Reply

GTA: Italy

6 up, 0 down

Allelujah00
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:22:37 PM

I want GTA based in London. I don't want Italy cause I'm afraid the surroundings might look to familiar to Assassin's Creed 2. Even though the time period will be extremely different I would like to see something I haven't seen before in games.

Also driving on the left side of the road would be fun. :D

0 up, 0 down

Gone
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:53:25 PM

I guess you didn't play The Getaway on PS2, because that was base in London.

0 up, 0 down

hehateme
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:39:42 PM
Reply

im renting this from gamefly.... this series has not been the same since 10 and 10x2

0 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:48:45 PM

So ONE game in a series (FFXII) spanning over 20years has resulted in you losing enough faith in a series to rent the latest game in the series?

7 up, 1 down

Irievibes
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:23:59 AM

well , ima probably eithe buy it used, or rent it with the gamepass, since there are NO sidequests i dont need 80 hours with this FF right?

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:49:18 PM

I've read that there are side quests. I've heard the world opens up and there is monster hunter galore at this point.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:43:33 PM
Reply

I only have Vice City on Xbox1, was the PS2 version better? Cuz I just loaded it up and wow it looks like poop, maybe I'm just spoiled. Hated getting my tires popped all the time anyway.

With QD staying in business how about a massive Omikron remake? That game needs lots of help :) Seriously though, once I'm down with HR I'm going to feel the need to finish Indigo because I just dig the interactive dramas now. (All 2 of them)

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/6/2010 10:46:17 PM

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:47:28 PM

I have it for PS2 and PC. The PC version still look great with graphics maxed out (gotta love steam).

ViceCity had such a great soundtrack, I'd just go cruising simply for the music and to admire the scenery.

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:48:39 PM

Guess I'm on the outs then, I didn't even like 80's music during the 80's.

2 up, 4 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:50:06 PM

To me you are, I'd kick you out my car if you made such a blasphemous statement! George Michael is still KING.

8 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:16:06 PM

King of Bathroom Stalls maybe :P

12 up, 2 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:24:11 PM

I'm with Limited on this...

How can you NOT love and adore 80s music?
I wasn't around for most of the 80s, but man nothing compares to the 80s in terms of music greatness....

6 up, 3 down

inkme101
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:13:20 AM

@LV
you got that backwards. george michael is still a QUEEN! lol

12 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:39:08 AM

HA!!

That was a good one Carlos, gotta admit you cracked a smile from me.

7 up, 0 down

Natalisrubbish
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:30:10 AM

LOL @ This whole convo! Agree George Michael is a queen. (-:

2 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:37:50 AM

The 80's had a few good moments, but I liked the 90's better.

Everybody loves to get Rick Rolld

4 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:53:44 AM

I own every CD Ricky Pooh ever released. He has an amazing voice and he's quite the charmer.

You're aware the song you're referencing and a majority of his best hits were released in the 80s.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:03:36 AM

Hence the "moments," and I was really half joking.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:29:23 AM

We all have personal tastes but I'm sorry, the only thing worse than country music, is 80's music.

Man did you see that, I just put down 2 of the most popular music selections out there.

Hey, it's not for everyone.

0 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:15:24 AM

Do you have enough space World, to keep that XbOx1 alive?

Q!

"speak to the droid"

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:04:15 PM

I make space, but it gets crowded lemme tell ya. That's where I do my bulk of emulation though so I need it up and running.

0 up, 0 down

Jed
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:38:24 PM

@KRAYGEN

Man that is exactly how I feel. There were some songs I enjoyed in Vice City, but the majority of them were just as annoying as the music from GTA3.

I guess I'm glad that I dont remember much of the music from the first five years of my life.

1 up, 0 down

556pineapple
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 10:44:22 PM
Reply

Vice City 2 as a sequel? I'm not sure about that. But I would love to see them return to Vice City and redo it like they did with Liberty City. Only this time, they should make the missions less repetitive and give you more things to do when you beat the game. Those were my only major complaints about IV.

0 up, 0 down

ceedot
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:15:51 PM
Reply

I agree, Vice City was the best GTA. San Andreas also had so much variety. I hated IV and it's gritty city and it was so boring. A conctrete jungle isn't fun. Bring back the beaches, bright colours and funky music.

2 up, 1 down

Snaaaake
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:19:25 PM
Reply

Seriously about Front Mission going from tactic to action?
I never played but I watch others play it.

0 up, 0 down

LittleBigMidget
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:21:27 PM
Reply

My PS3 just died. Why? WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????????????

7 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:24:23 PM

Why?

5 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:27:22 PM

Dust...
Or just a sign that Slim is the only way to go (sadly)

3 up, 0 down

Qubex
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:27:54 PM

I feel so so bad for you my friend... it is a shattering thing to have happen, your own personal earthquake...

Why indeed? I still have my original 60GB phatty... and so far so good... I treasure it and treat it like gold and is still working like a charm :)

Q!

"speak to the droid"

Last edited by Qubex on 3/6/2010 11:28:21 PM

2 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:06:19 AM

Have you been feeding it it's daily 360's? Because you know that it eats those things up to keep running, right? lol sorry couldn't help it XD

6 up, 1 down

SympoziumPawa
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:42:33 AM

Dargor WHY!!!

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:44:29 AM

Ohw, dude, I'm very sorry for your loss.
My 60gig phat, is still up and running, hope it won't die on me soon, especially with gowIII coming.
restatement: I hope it won't die on me ever.
since I'm very careful with my electronics, I don't think it'll break before I've finished gow.

0 up, 0 down

LittleBigMidget
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:26:46 PM
Reply

I just checked the PS forums. Alot of threads there are about PS3's going ape sh** and crapping out on people. Well theres only one thing to do.............*Breaks out teh PS2*

0 up, 0 down

geovanwitdakick
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:29:01 PM
Reply

Why-L-O-D?

0 up, 0 down

LittleBigMidget
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:34:02 PM
Reply

NVm, It is fixed, I just vaccumed the fan and it works. (80GB MGS4 model)

5 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:38:01 PM

You lucky bastard, you better have kissed it and thanked (insert something that doesn't offend Shams).

9 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:41:54 AM

nhAHAHAHAH

6 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:54:38 AM

Oh no he didn't?!!?!

5 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:30:34 AM

LittleBigMidget, please please do this once a week. I can't stress this enough people... your PS3 needs enough space around it to breath... and if you leave it on the carpet you are doomed... it needs to be high and dust free...

Take the vacuum with the soft brush nozzle and suck out everything you can from the grills. I do this religiously and have not had a day of trouble with it yet...

:: Q touches wood ::

Q!

"speak to the droid"

Last edited by Qubex on 3/7/2010 3:31:14 AM

1 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:33:46 AM

Man my ps3 gets treated like an ancient relic from some land that time forgot. No one is allowed to touch it but me, except my wife who does the dusting. (I have allergies or I'd be wiping my ps3 with the softest cloth and gentlest touch)

If a friend plays my ps3 with me, I turn the controller on and hand it to them, then turn it off myself.

I don't have the money to replace it, so keep it clean, keep it cool, and keep it sparkling.

Last edited by kraygen on 3/7/2010 4:34:22 AM

3 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:46:40 AM

phew, close call there. If I were you I'd pray to Kratos that won't happen again.

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:44:09 AM

Oh, I can tell you what to insert alright. And perhaps your lil' tag-along Jawknee 5 can help you out with that one.

Anyways, LV. I was beginning to think because of tourette's or something, you just couldn't help yourself, but I guess I was wrong (hopefully).

1 up, 3 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:34:51 PM

^
Does it rhyme with corncob and 6 feet by any chance?

2 up, 1 down

JMO_INDY
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:22:21 PM

Hey guys! Whats up, so you finally have another rag-doll? Good now I can return haha So I was thinking about changing my pic, what do you think? I know it's kind of my "Thang" lol, I value your guys' input so how about it?

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:29:10 PM

You already know how I feel on the subject.

0 up, 0 down

JMO_INDY
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:35:15 PM

Oh yes I forgot LV. alright I'll keep it, I just took a lot of cool new pics. of myself and I kinda hate this one, but hey if you want it I'll keep it man.

0 up, 0 down

SnipeySnake
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:40:24 PM

I use a swiffer duster everyday ;D

0 up, 0 down

JMO_INDY
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:55:20 PM

Sorry LV, dont hate me please!

0 up, 0 down

Danny007
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:37:16 PM
Reply

You guys are lucky you get to play games before they release. It makes me want to have your job.

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:39:56 PM

Watch what you ask for. As great as it may sound to you, just think of all the garbage that Ben and Arnold have to play through simply to give us a review. Plus I imagine playing through a game in order to get a review out is certainly not the same experience as cracking open a six pack and lounging on the couch for a night of fun gaming.

Having said all that I'm envious of their jobs as well but I'm also honest and accept that they're far better at it than I'd ever be.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/6/2010 11:40:29 PM

11 up, 0 down

Danny007
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:53:27 PM

I totally agree with you. I wouldn't know where to begin when trying to review a game. The staff at PSX make it look easy with their great reviews. I would like to write a review that people would care about about I don't think that'll ever happen. :(

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:03:11 AM

Oh come on, don't cut yourself short. The internet has shown itself to be IMO the best platform for testing your writing abilities. If you haven't yet I strongly suggest you sign up in the PSXE forum and post a review on any game. I promise if you do this I'll not only read it but comment on it and I'm sure others will as well.

6 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:12:03 AM

I won't deny the greatness of the job. It's what I always wanted to do.

However, Limited is right in regards to some of the inherent difficulties. Reviewing crap is fun sometimes, but it gets really irritating after a while. Most people here only read the high-profile reviews but we still have to try to review everything (at least on the PS3), and there's still a lot of junk out there.

Trust me; I really had to force myself to put in Jurassic: The Hunted. Then I had to force myself again to keep playing after realizing it sucked hard. Then there's the seemingly countless news stories, the previews (often of games I couldn't possibly care less about), the uploading of screens and videos, the newsletters, the features, and oh yeah, dealing with all the PR elements AND trying to maintain the community.

...and there are really only a few of us. ;) It's great. It's a dream. But it IS work. I promise.

P.S. Bear in mind that I cut my teeth with newspapers and other publishing mediums before this.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/7/2010 12:12:42 AM

9 up, 0 down

wakkaoaka
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:23:59 AM

you're like a machine Ben, so many posts per day. I remember checking psxextreme daily 5 years ago because there would always be something interesting to read about the upcoming ps3 console.

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:38:36 AM

I would do it, and possibly be good at it, but it would damage the fun I have with gaming.

3 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:52:16 AM

How does one make money from that job?

like, you run your website, so who pays you lol

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:55:38 AM

Advertisers, I know a site that shows you the net worth of any . com website...let's just say Benny boy isn't eating cabbage soup for dinner. :)

5 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:33:50 AM

The net worth of PSXeXtreme is quite high actually :) The beauty of it is, all of us experience it's value everyday of our lives

O | O
}<>{ ...hmmm, these news tit bits taste great!

Q!

"speak to the droid"

Last edited by Qubex on 3/7/2010 3:38:07 AM

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:51:21 AM

Qubex, did you just say "tit bits?" LOL

2 up, 0 down

migabyte
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:00:50 PM

Ya, but there aren't as many bad games as there used to be, it's not really economically feasible to release crap games. Also you guys don't need to review everything here, the people who come to this site mostly want to see PS3 exclusive reviews, and other big releases. If you don' review Deadly Premonition no one is going to mind

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:39:36 PM

Bear in mind I don't OWN the site, though. ;)

0 up, 0 down

Kiwi of DOOM
Saturday, March 06, 2010 @ 11:48:06 PM
Reply

I am so seriously excited for FFXIII it hurts. I have heard everyone say it's going to be like FFX as if that's a bad thing but to me that's the best compliment they could have given it besides saying it was like FFVII. If someone told me it was like FFXII i don't think i'd be too crazy excited. After all, i play FF games for the story and FFXII's story never pulled me in.

To me, if SE has a story to tell and they say the need linearity- bring on the linearity!

Last edited by Kiwi of DOOM on 3/6/2010 11:50:20 PM

2 up, 0 down

wakkaoaka
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:20:14 AM

Totally agree with you re the comparisons to FFX... I hope it's more like FFX than FFXII because FFX is my favourite game ever... but I couldnt finish FFXII because I just found it so boring.

0 up, 0 down

jerocarson
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:19:11 AM
Reply

My favorite GTA was sanandreas. GTAIV: AFRICA..
keeping hope alive..
I have never played any FF game,SO i am not MOVED!. I usually don't read any news and/or article related to it. Eight days at E32010. would be EPIC...

1 up, 1 down

Qwarktast1c
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:35:22 AM
Reply

i have to admit, i don't like the idea of this whole summons turn into vehicles thing

4 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:39:18 AM

say what? I have been reading as little as possible because some places don't know how to review without totally blowing something for me.

Been waiting for the review here, but are you serious that summons turn into vehicles?

If you are I won't be on here for a while cause I'll be in the bathroom crying like the ugly girl at the prom.

1 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:33:24 AM

@Qwarktast1c

Summons turning into vehicles??? Holy mother, Ifrit as a car... No, no, doesn't work, bad bad, go away!
If that happens, this game gets basically an automatic 0 on my part...
Well, maybe that's a little harsh... It'd at least get a 5... Maybe.

0 up, 1 down

WolfCrimson
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:46:52 AM

Gamer Girl: There is no eidolon named Ifrit.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:09:57 PM

Ifrit was always one of my favorites :)

1 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:40:06 PM

Ifrit has miss the game twice in a row just to let you know

0 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:12:04 PM

I was only using my favorite summon out of all of the FF series, whom was Ifrit. He was bomb, especially on FFX :D
And he has been missing... Sadness overwhelms me...

0 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:39:19 AM
Reply

scarface 2 + GTA vice city 2 = me in heaven.
i remember playing scarface on my ps2 till i got to the last mission and suffered that bug that causes you to loose all your respect so i could not finish the last mission.
man was i PISSED!
in fact ive never been so pissed in my entire life!

to be honest i dont think people see reviews as a purchase or not purchase medium.
i mean read all the boards most people are saying reviews are opinion not fact there fore just because person a did not like the game does not mean you wont.
to me reviews are nothing but utter BS i cant remember the last review i agreed with.
for example
GTAIV does NOT! deserve a 10.
halo 3 ODST does NOT! deserve a 9.
alien V predator does NOT! deserve a 9.
COD MW2 does NOT! deserve a 9.
and so on, and so on.
come to think of it, the only reviews i half agree with is xplay there not to bad actually.
o besides there darksiders review obviously, i dont know what game they were playing but darksiders is far from tame.

despite the way david and sony were falsely advertising heavy rain im actually really enjoying it.
its a breath of fresh air, i only wish developers had the guts to be more original think outside the box and take a risk.
originality alone should sell the game, im sick of buying games that feel like the last game ive played, thats probably why im enjoying heavy rain so much.
4 play throughs now and im still not sick of it.
now only if they worked on that crappy extremely hard to believe story, than it would really put heavy rain in a league of its own.
now i can see what games radar were chiming about.

0 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:45:32 AM

The reason why people in the forums say it's "only opinion" is because it demeans a critic's job and implies that anyone with an "opinion" can be a critic. This is what the fans say in any entertainment medium, really.

And it's always the same: they just don't want to admit that there are indeed objective elements involved, and even for the subjective ones, experts are still needed for the comparing and contrasting part. Plus, you kinda have to know how to WRITE. I've said it before and I'll say it again-

If it was all only opinion, anyone could do it and hence, everyone WOULD do it.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/7/2010 12:45:50 AM

10 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:46:19 AM

I know we've had our differences but thank you for using paragraphs.

I suggest you play the game Mafia, you'll love it. The sequel comes out this year (a long time coming). It's far better than the Godfather games.

1 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:48:22 AM

Everyone does xD

Check out gamespots user review section.... lol

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:50:09 AM

I have to say that there is a huge difference between a writer who writes an article to review a video game, or anything for that matter, and someone who played a game purely for fun and decided to talk smack about it, or hype it, on a forum.

An actual reviewer, not a wannabe, is a journalist who has to play the video game looking for certain elements.

They have to listen to the music during each variation of the game, during combat, during exploration of different area's, during setup, leveling, and whatever else is involved in the game.

The have to pay attention to lighting detail, shadows and shading. Colors, costumes, weapons, armor, hair, eyes.

They have to weigh button mashing vs learning combos, does it make a difference. Video graphics vs gameplay graphics.

There is so much to pay attention to, so much work involved in weighing out what makes a game good or bad based on fact.

A game journalist cannot simply sit down, play a game for 3 hours. Decide he does or doesn't like it and go throw a few paragraphs online spouting his personal beliefs.

True reviews are difficult, and I'm usually a joker but some reviewers work really hard to bring you honest journalistic work about these games, so show some respect.

If you claim it's just opinion then that just shows how little you know.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:37:42 AM

ha, i literally lived off mafia hence why i was so pissed at 2K the other day.
they have been making the game for how long? 5 years?
the game looks massively fantastic, in fact out of all the multiplats due this year mafia 2 is by far my most anticipated.
but my Patience can only be stretched so far.

i dont know about reviews though, yes you do need to know how to lay the article out im certainly not denying that but as they say one mans garbage is another mans pult puree.
for example, ben you love GTAIV but i hated it.
what defines a game that deserves a 10 to a game that deserves a 8?
i think AVP is the best example of this, its got a barrage of 9s and a barrage of 5s or lower.
so who is right, and who is wrong?

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:14:18 PM

I'd say look for reviews that give factual evidence to support their reasons behind why it is good, not a simple it's fun.

Example: Graphics got 8/10 because even tho it had stunning visuals and realistic characters, screen tearing and some pixelated action sequences were noticeable.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:22:27 PM

@_______________

<<ive never been so pissed in my entire life!>>

It might be easier to tell us when you haven't been pissed, and maybe the PSXE can nominate that single post for the "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" Museum.

Anyway, thanks for the above chuckle.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:41:01 PM

kraygen: Nice to know some people know what this job entails. :)

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:36:53 PM

@Ben

Nice to know their are some journalists who can't be bought out. Psx rules and ign makes me puke.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:11:11 AM
Reply

I definitely have to agree with your statement that gamers are smart consumers. It's pretty apparent just how passionate gamers are about their hobby.

Reading reviews, hunting for bargains, buying their favorites on day one and waiting out the inevitable price drops on the others. By the time a gamer is ready to buy his chosen new game, he's marching into the store with a serious purpose behind his step. Only the broke-ass gamers linger in the store.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:36:07 AM

I believe it is how we do our part for the industry, by duly rewarding hard work and great effort we ensure that better and better games will be made, same as with getting games cheap will see that a dev of a crappier game will see less or no money. It all drives things forward, except in those few cases where mediocrity just sells like crazy. (No examples needed)

4 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:02:14 AM

"Only the broke-ass gamers linger in the store."

I prefer the term selective! haha

4 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:39:28 AM

...and getting smarter Alienange... people learn quick when they see $60 dollars a pop flying out of their wallets :)

Q!

"speak to the droid"

1 up, 0 down

SvenMD
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:36:21 PM

"Only the broke-ass gamers linger in the store."

Or they're waiting for their wives to get out of Target. ;)

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:50:02 PM

You should go into Target. They sometimes have some great deals in there on games.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:41:37 PM

@Alienange,

<<<Only the broke-ass gamers linger in the store. >>>

Don't forget the mighty game hunter's that are surveying the GS Serengeti to check if any still missing on-shelf trophies...

I'm always on "Lock & Load" for any missing or endangered species, looking out for their racks.... any even if it doesn't measure out as a 6-point $$$$buck$$$$.

0 up, 0 down

totozero18
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:15:29 AM

That was XII to me, but I seriously hope that will be the only one

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:59:36 AM

I second to that!

0 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:50:11 AM
Reply

GTA could definitely do a Vice City 2 set in the 90's with an awesome soundtrack, I think the soundtrack alone would sell like crazy!
The more I hear about FF XIII the less it sounds like a Final Fantasy game, these words being used to describe it: "the lack of towns and NPC interaction, extreme linearity, and the fact that Auto-Battle seems to be encouraged over manual choices." Not to mention the departure from turn based! Little to no NPC interaction?!? You sure this is a FF game and not some experimental Action/Adventure/RPG bas**** child? The more I hear about it the less confident I am with a purchase, where as before I'd have preordered it weeks ago. RPG's have changed and I'm not so sure I like where they're heading. Don't get me wrong I like RPG's that are supposed to be 3rd person actionfests (DS,Oblivion,etc.) but I am disappointed with the current phasing out of turn based RPG's it isn't a dead genre, not by a long shot. If they remade Final Fantasy 7 in HD it would prove my point, but if they made a game that was built using all of the same attributes of FF7 (battle system, summons, magic, bosses, length, depth of story, etc.) here and now it would receive just as much acclaim as FF7 did, because the people who liked it then still like it now and graphics have come a LONG way.

3 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:34:31 AM

Absolutely. Turn based could be as popular today as it was then.

It's not as if they couldn't add on to the turn based battle system. They think they're being creative by going off and getting all action-twitch gaming in our jrpgs. Wasn't the active time battle system basically a twist on turn based? And everyone loved it. I am positive there are still many more things they could have done with turn based jrpgs without having to ditch the game mechanic altogether.

Some call it an old game mechanic, but since when is strategic depth an old gaming mechanic?

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:26:12 AM
Reply

wow, i dont know how i missed "auto battle". maybe its just because of the amount of disappointing news coming in about FF13. if theres a way to play the game where you use strategy to play, the way a final fantasy game should be played, im gonna head that way on the first playthrough and play it "normally" the second time around. I really hope this final fantasy doesnt disappoint, well disappoint me more than it is now. i want a real final fantasy game in every sense and not a watered down mess made to accomodate twitch gamers. theres already a lot of games for these twitch gamers, final fantasy should not be one of them.

4 up, 0 down

natho86
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:14:07 AM
Reply

This is VIVIs sad face for there not being turn based battles in FF13.

2 up, 0 down

kokoro
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:18:18 AM

Does he even have a face? ( I was never able to finish final fantasy 9 due to game freezing issues).

0 up, 0 down

kokoro
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:26:53 AM
Reply

Square Enix have become like the singer that prioritises fame, wealth and acclaim over the substance and quality of his/her songs. I think that there was something really humble about the now extinct squaresoft and I belive that this was manifested in their games. I have to say that the most immersive story telling experiences have (for me) come from books and final fantasy games.

2 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:53:50 AM

Dude did you just call SE, Brittany Spears? LOL

2 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:29:26 AM

@kraygen

He didn't call SE Brit any Spears, but you just summed it up for us all :)
It's Britany Bitch.... xD

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:16:19 PM

sorry I don't know enough about her to spell her name right, or care if I spell it wrong. lol

0 up, 0 down

TheRaPtuRe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:40:38 AM
Reply

sod having a sequel to vice city, we've been there before, i want sopmething NEW! Final fantasy is a game of faggy characters and god of war 3 will rape all!

0 up, 3 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:37:42 AM

They're not faggy. They're queer.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:12:25 PM

You want Kratos to rape the FF characters? Wouldn't that make him faggy?

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:18:02 PM

::sneaks up on World from behind::

"Yessssssssssssssssss"

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:19:30 PM

No offense man but I don't want you behind me ;)

2 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:45:48 AM
Reply

i'll buy FF XIII when God of War 3 comes out next week along with 2 others.
- God of war 3
- FF XIII
- MLB 10 the show
- Yakuza 3 (witch comes out at the same time as FF XIII, I can't wait for it)

"POWER TO THE PEOPLE"

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/7/2010 7:41:48 PM

0 up, 4 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:59:49 AM

If you're going to post how about you cut the wasted space, it's annoying and serves no purpose.

4 up, 0 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:16:14 AM

Lol BigDog...

Q!

"power to the people ...and then some"

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:06:17 AM
Reply

speaking about old gta's I can't remember if it was gta 1 or 2, I think 2 on the PS1, that game was the sh*z, so awesome, just running around with the over-head view thing, shooting everything and what not.

And I hope for Final Fantasy will turn out good even after all the cutbacks n stuff.

I think being a critic is much tougher than being, like a writer(articles or novels n such)
you have to look at everything all the time, I wouldn't be able to do that a long time and see fun in it, so good job to y'all reviewers at PSXE.

0 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:26:51 AM
Reply

FFXIII is really shaky ground for me. I'm in it, but I'm not. Every time I see an advertisement for it, I get a little excited... Then I look down a bit and bam. Xbox 360 symbol. And bam. Excitement crumbles.
In a way, it's kinda sad to see such little hype over an FF installment. Although understandable, still saddening. However, people will eventually try it and hopefully like it.
I haven't really had the time nor money to get all these new games... For shame. :/
Especially GoW... Gotta get on that. Can't wait for all the reviews though.
...Ugh, now I'm babbling.

1 up, 0 down

Condemnedsoul23
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:31:27 AM

The XBOX logo after the commercials is like a knife in the back and wounds like that run deep so I know the feeling. Yeah the name of the game is Final Fantasy but is the game REALLY Final Fantasy. You can package anything up and name it whatever you want but if the game isn't like anything else ebfore it, is it really the same game. RE5 could have been named Silent Hill if you see where I am going with this. I have preordered this game based off the name and so far you can tell by reviews there are a LOT of FF like things removed from the game so my question is how much can you strip away from a game and still give it the same name of the games before it?

5 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:18:00 PM

@Condemnedsoul23

You have just made an amazing point. I completely agree with you when games with the recurring titles start becoming a totally different game. SE, I suppose, is trying to do something "new" and "more appealing" to this day and age of gamers. However, what they didn't realize was that they already had it for many more generations to come. They just screwed up what they were possibly trying to prevent.
And this, class, is what ruins good titles. Any questions?

0 up, 0 down

JackC8
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:55:35 AM
Reply

I dunno, there's a lot being made of the fairly average review scores for Final Fantasy, but watching the gameplay videos, it still looks pretty darned interesting to me. Times change; when you're on the 15th installment of a franchise, it's not going to be a lot like the entries from 13 years ago. If it can be different but still be good, that's fine with me. Of course I'm not one of these people who's played every FF game since day 1 - the only one I've played in FFXII and I really like it. For me at least, my enjoyment of this game will depend on the characters, the story, and the quality of the dialog. As long as the gameplay is fun, which most reviewers say it is, I'll be perfectly happy.

My personal gaming update: Spent well over 100 hours trying to platinum Need For Speed Shift, only to find out it's impossible on the PS3 because they gave us a crappy port. You have to beat certain lap times in order to earn stars which go towards getting trophies. Normally this isn't a problem, however on some tracks, the frame rate slow down is so extreme that the race is running at about 85% speed, while the clock continues to run at 100% speed. I go to "quick race" and I can easily beat the required lap time. I go back to career mode, with the exact same car, same track, same everything, and it's a joke. Can't get to withing 15 seconds of my previous lap time. The car, which was fast and nimble in "quick race" mode, is now horribly sluggish and unresponsive, and sometimes slides off the track as if it has no traction at all. I went over to the NFS forums on EA's website and found this is a common problem. EA's response is that the game was rushed out, there were problems, and they have no intention of ever fixing them.

Super. So you think I actually enjoyed all those god-awful drift races, getting a 4 second drift around a square corner, or making a load of races into demolition derbies because it's the only way to earn the required amount of points?

Damned disappointing. Don't think I'll be buying any more games from EA (with the exception of Dead Space 2) unless I find them in the bargain bin.

0 up, 0 down

Lucifer
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:59:42 AM

@Jack
Dude, that sucks about Need for Speed. I don't blame you for being pi$$ed.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:44:34 AM

I often question why people write their own "gaming update" on Ben's week in review, but I must say I'm rather glad you wrote what you did. I've been eying Shift for some time, and now you've singlehandedly saved me some money. Thanks for that.

1 up, 0 down

Irievibes
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:30:43 AM

hey jack,

cant say i blame you, i got completely fed up with EA and their crap, back when undercover(affectionately named overstutter later on) got released, it was rushed, buggy , slughish, and a complete disapointment, and EA took the same route of not fixing or patching anything at all,

i lost all faith in EA long time ago, havent bought an EA game of the shelf in a long time now, dont plan to start, MIGHT buy Dead space 2 new just because i loved first one, but even then , might jsut buy it used later insted , EA is the M$ of software develppers...

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:14:27 PM

Us doing gaming updates are a good way to help each other out at the end of the week or just discuss a topic concerning a certain game :)

1 up, 0 down

0_o
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:41:11 AM
Reply

There's a GT5 Trailer in GOW3!

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:52:35 AM
Reply

After learning how to cancel the 30minute timer for the JustCause2 demo and spending over 4hrs playing it I'm sold. I pre ordered the game off Amazon and got $15 added to my account.

Amazon>Gamestop

2 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:28:51 AM

@LV Hey man how do you cancel the timer in the JC2 demo?

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:40:39 PM

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you, a man has to sleep!

I found the nifty trick on gamefaqs. Here is the trick:

When the timer in the game=2 sec
press the ps button (it will bring up your xmb and pause the game)

from there press it again as to go out of xmb but it brings u to just the games start menu
then press X
then press PS button
then press X

do all this really fast
and it should be bringing u in n out of the game extremely fast
the timer should be going down 1/20 of a sec at a time, so u may do this for 5 min
but it WILL WORK

This was submitted by the user James_4ort

It usually takes me a little over a minute (I must have really quick fingers)

1 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:03:09 PM

No worries, I'm just glad you saw it, I hate the fact they timed the demo at all but I guess they dont want you getting sick of it before you get the full game. JC2 caught me by surprise and moved up on my Most Wanted Games list within minutes of playing the demo.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:42:53 PM

I'll issue a hands-on for Just Cause 2 tomorrow night. I liked it but I think the control is WAY too loose.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:47:39 PM

Ben,

You find pickups and make the vehicles handle better as you progress through the game. I agree though sometimes it felt like I was running and jumping on the moon. I've gotten used to it, it's something I'm willing to look past.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:39:43 PM

Also want to point out that once you disable the 30min timer you're able to wonder around the entire world. It's pretty sweet.

0 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:47:18 AM
Reply

TOTALLY AGREE with the last paragraph! Deep down I know 360 is to BLAME for this linearity, I don't care what anybody else thinks! I checked Metacritic again and it's now 82 with 33 reviews, maaan I really wanted to see 90+ not 82. I'm getting it still.

It'll be cool to have another Vice City. Oh yeah and the soundtrack was tight, Billie Jean, Waiting For A Girl Like You, Out Of Touch, Owner of A Lonely Heart, Beat Goes On....to name a few and oh yeah Rrrrradio EspanTOSO! Lol. BUT maybe they wouldn't make it, L.A Noire would take care of our 80's need. I think San Andreas is the best in the series though.

GOW3 might have to wait a bit.

Last edited by www on 3/7/2010 8:49:34 AM

2 up, 3 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:35:52 AM

You don't know the 360 is to blame, you THINK. You're going to love FFXIII, I bet you 5 bux.

L.A Noire takes place in the 40s. I don't see it fulfilling my 80s fix.

2 up, 1 down

Irievibes
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:26:08 AM

bah in vice city i used to love the radio, the true music of a psycopath!!! *switches to opera station and begins runing over pedestrians*

2 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:44:27 AM

Of course I wouldn't know neither does any of you. Allow me to THINK. Oh yes I hope I love it.

L.A Noire in the 40s, well 80s 40s, their all OLD-SCHOOL. Red Dead is another, but it'll be cool, Vice City in HD :)

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:51:31 PM

WWW,

I am letting you think, was just correcting your statement, we're cool and sorry if I got you mad at me :(

Irievibes,

Classical music is my personal favorite when gunning down pedestrians from a moving car. Reminds me of the glory days.

1 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:01:38 PM

LV, stop that! You're making me feel bad :(

Irievibes, didn't notice the name, you must love reggae or dancehall...

Last edited by www on 3/7/2010 2:03:02 PM

0 up, 0 down

Irievibes
Monday, March 08, 2010 @ 8:59:44 AM

lets just say i like the "subculture" of reggae jeje, jokes aside , im personally more of a progressive/80s rock kind of guy actualy but i can listen to pretty much anything and appreciate it..xcept mexican music, im latin but i cant stand mexican singers for some reason...

0 up, 0 down

ChiefBigTreez
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:47:37 AM
Reply

The best GTA was San Andreas, hands down. I need a high def, 50 gig blu ray, San Andreas to explore asap.

2 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:49:26 AM

Yes, San Andreas any day!

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:19:31 PM

Just Cause2 is looking to be my favorite sandbox game ever. It's what Bionic Commando should have been. There is so much to do and its graphics are far better than GTAIV.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:48:55 AM
Reply

Time to pre-order FFXIII is running out. I really can't decide whether or not to get it. I've still got my $20 credit at WalMart from getting MW2 there and STILL don't know if it's worth spending the money on FFXIII... So strange, I've never had this dilemma with a FF before...

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:53:32 AM

Don't know why you're unsure now. If every FF before XIII was worth spending your money on I see no reason to end the cycle with this one. It's FF, come on man!

I mean let's be honest, if you bought MW2 you're up for pretty much anything out there....right?

5 up, 1 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:48:11 AM

LV, MW2 is the greatest fps of all time! It was easy buying that one compared to all this doubt and negative reviews surrounding FFXIII, it should be pretty hard for anybody making a decision, but am having mine, no doubt.

2 up, 1 down

WolfCrimson
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:54:24 AM

@LV: Don't egg him on, let him think on his own. What if it turns out he hates the new direction FFXIII took?

@Alienange: Honestly dude, go with what you think. If you think that removing towns and making the game ultra-linear ruined the game, and you think you're gonna hate it, then don't buy it. If you don't mind the changes and are looking forward to it, then go pre-order. Personally I'm stuck between the two choices, so I'm gonna wait on PSXe's review, and decide based on that.

2 up, 2 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:43:08 PM

@www

MW2 had ONE previous game to go off of unlike FFXIII which has had over a dozen...the more sure purchase isn't that difficult to surmise.

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:51:54 PM

i think game trailers said something like it removed the false sense of being less linear than other ff games did, not including FF12.

Meaning that the other FF games were linear also but it wasn't so blatant

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:04:59 PM

It's not the linearity that bothers me. It's the "only controlling one player and if he dies then you're out" that bothers me. Just the thought is driving me nuts. What's the point of having a party in your jrpg if they're the equivalent of turrets in MW2?

Of course I'm going to buy it just like everyone else. The question is, do I wait for the price drop and play it later or get it for $40 at WalMart?

Despite LV's obvious lack of fps knowledge, his argument about FFXIII is valid. Female protagonist or not.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:48:46 PM

"Despite LV's obvious lack of fps knowledge"

How dare you! :)

0 up, 0 down

tlpn99
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:08:39 AM
Reply

I cant wait for GTAV myself I loved GTAIV. As for FF13 I am with Jerocarson having never played any I cant be moved either way. I am going to get it on Tuesday I have already decided I want to try this game. Who knows I like it enough I may dig out some of the previous titles. :)

0 up, 0 down

Condemnedsoul23
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:20:31 AM
Reply

Yeah that kind of makes me feel a little uneasy. Had Final Fantasy 13 remained exclusive is it possible that the game would be compeltely different than the one coming out? If they eliminated stuff simply to make it where XBOX and PS3 versions are in sync I don't think I could ever forgive. This new battle system that I keep hearing about doesn't sound appealing at all. FF12 had a new battle system and that took a while to get used to but in the end it made since and fit with that installment nicely because this was first version you could see the enemy before engaging in battle but why change the system again for 13 when they could of simply used exact same system they had in 12 or a combination of 10 and 12? Since no FF has ever been on anything other than a Playstation I can't help but think they used the XBOX as kinda like the map for building it and then made it avilable for ps3 as well instead of the other way around and that's a very bad thing because that ensures that loyal PS owners are getting screwed.
I never really understood why so many people were upset about it being a mutiplatform but I think I am beginning to understand now. Don't cheat me out of basiclaly a religious experience which pretty much every FF game has been to me simply to appeal to other people who have an XBOX. They knew the lineup of games before they purchased the system and they made their choice. Halo isn't on PS3 nor does it belong and FF doesn't belong on anything that doesn't have the word SONY in its name. Now I think I just pissed myself off lol. Christ, Mario and Link have their place same as Samus and that's where they belong and Final Fantasy was the Mario for Playstation and I say that because there are so many different games just like Mario has but now what do we have left? GOW isn't considered because there are only 3 games and whose to say the next one isn't multiplatform. I am bummed out now seriously.

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:02:21 PM

Can you repeat that...

0 up, 0 down

Jed
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:42:34 PM

Actually, they made it for the PS3 first, and from what I have read, they had a lot of trouble getting onto the 360.

Apparently they actually had to code a new engine to work with on the xbox.

0 up, 0 down

Condemnedsoul23
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:24:56 AM
Reply

Sorry about above post. After reading it again I was really only venting. Had mixed feelings about FF every since I heard it was going mutiplat and I bottled them in for so long and now that the wait is finally almost over it just kind of hit me so I rambled. Just wanted to let it out and now I feel like those people do who work there ass off for a job and then the position you are working for gets outsourced to someone in India who hasn't been dedicated and put in all the blood, sweat, and tears you have ya know.

1 up, 0 down

Irievibes
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 11:41:36 AM
Reply

WTS paragraphs, 2 bucks a piece , PST!!!!

0 up, 0 down

KilloWertz
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 12:41:52 PM
Reply

I really didn't bother reading all of the comments, so forgive me if this has been mentioned, but a part of your comments about your concerns about FFXIII confuses me, Ben. Just two weeks ago you wrote an article basically supporting the fact that a portion of the game is linear. Why is it a concern now two weeks later?

Last edited by KilloWertz on 3/7/2010 12:42:24 PM

0 up, 3 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 1:52:57 PM

I'm upset that you wouldn't read and reply to all of my posts.

3 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 2:00:15 PM

LV you made me LOL.

1 up, 1 down

TEG3SH
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 3:06:53 PM
Reply

LV and www , stop flirting and get a room already .lol
GTA1-3 for me all the way i love the way they talked over the phone on the first 2 .awesome

1 up, 1 down

NeoHumpty
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 4:35:29 PM
Reply

I have to admit that this is the first FF to ever come out where I am waiting for some reviews before I buy it. If they would have released it everywhere in the world all at once I would have bought it day one. BUT, now that I've seen the reviews translated from several Asian countries, I have some serious doubt that I will love it as I have some from the past. I did not like XII. I played it until the end, and then never finished it. I just didn't care about any of the story or characters. And I hated the battle system. Yes, I figured the gambits out, and I thought they were convoluted and a waste of time. Sounds like more of that in this new one. Having pretty graphics is important, and they have that in this game. But I've heard the first 15+ hours are all basically a big tutorial. That should not be needed in a franchise that has enough fans to carry it through so many sequels.

I look forward to what Ben and Arnold have to say on it, but I also know that Ben liked part XII. I feel I may be waiting for XIV. It may be the game that gets me into online gaming.....I hope.

0 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 5:35:42 PM
Reply

lol i Know i forgot where have i heard it , but it is one awesome word .lol

and www I was jK about the room , u could do it in the car,allye. or a BJ in the bathroom .lol

1 up, 1 down

natho86
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 6:27:28 PM
Reply

gamespot review of FF13 8.5 and it looks better on the ps3

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:05:16 PM

I forgot where I read but it says PS3 version of it is graphically dominant over the 360 counterpart.

When I look at the video comparison I really see no difference.

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:32:46 PM
Reply

Gametrailers has their review up also. 8.6 if I remember correctly. Only thing that really took a hit was the story.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 7:45:09 PM
Reply

I did delete a few posts at the end here just because they're so obviously worthless, but...

Okay, let's just do this- I'll let the "No OT Comments" rule slide for my Week in Review. Maybe that way, you can all get it out of your systems once a week if need be. I don't mind; it's an entirely subjective, personal piece, anyway.

But bear in mind that rule still applies to all other articles, of course. And PLEASE use the forums for long discussions. We're seeing better activity there lately but it could use even more.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:55:42 PM

The last time we did that you locked my thread...

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 9:58:25 PM

That's because it downgraded into a flame war, which it was bound to do.

0 up, 0 down

LittleBigMidget
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 8:45:34 PM
Reply

I'm hungry for a firmware update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

0 up, 1 down

Snaaaake
Sunday, March 07, 2010 @ 10:04:11 PM
Reply

Edge is in for a longest month of their life because they gave FFXIII a 5/10 and that means Edge-blasting activity will be around for a while.

0 up, 0 down

Irievibes
Monday, March 08, 2010 @ 9:08:02 AM

TBH, i think good unbiased , no BS reviews, are becoming an increasingly rare currency this days...

more and more i see reviews on a lot of sites, that seem to "coincide" with release dates and such, one example is WKC, imo got so many bad reviews to make way for FF , i think thats just the way it is out there right now, and this site's reviews are the only ones i am reading in the past few months, not because of fanboyism, but rather because i see that their reviews , 90% of the time, are right on the money when it comes to the game they are reviewing ....and thats exactly what i want

bought wkc after reading this sites review on it and so far, its ex actly like they described it , so in my experience , psex reviews are as good as they get , with a good active community behind it

0 up, 0 down

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